Indigenous Oil & Gas Company, Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited has said the oil spill from its wellhead in the Niger Delta region was caused by vandalization of its facilities in the affected area.
Eroton stated this in a statement released on Friday by its spokesperson, Mercy Max-Ebibai in response to an oil spill incident that occured on June 15, 2022 from Cawthorne Channel Well 15 Wellhead (CAWC015L/S) in one of its areas of operation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCAWC015L/S is a dual string well which started production in May 1977.
“The incident is attributed to sabotage from unknown persons, as the short string has been shut-in since 1988 due to High Gas Oil Ratio (HGOR), while the long string watered out and quit in 1991,” said Max-Ebibai in a statement.
The spokesperson explained that during Joint Investigative Visits (JIV) conducted by the company, it was found that the entire valves on the Christmas Tree, wellhead accessories (such as the control valves, tree caps, etc.) were removed.
She added, that “The vandals also removed the Well platform and gangway making it more complicated to intervene on the flowing well.
The spokesperson further stated that “The removal of the platform means our technicians have nothing to stand on in attempting to control the unplanned flow as the well is standing at about 30feet above sea level.
“On inspection by our team of Engineers and Service Contractors (marred by poor visibility from crude flow and height), it was observed that the crude oil leak is most likely from three (3) points: the Well Christmas Tree Cap, Swab and Wing Valves, which were carted away by the vandals.”
The Spokesperson also indicated that Eroton has adhered to all regulatory obligations adding that the relevant authorities such as National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and other JV partners, the Ministry of Environment and the principal representatives of the respective Community Development Boards (CDB)were duly notified within the allowed window.
Max-Ebibai stated that despite challenges like tidal change, oil spill containment activities had continued in earnest.
The spokesperson also disclosed that the company is proactively reprioritizing its security architecture to ensure additional measures in the monitoring of these vulnerable sites, to minimize potential vandalism and spill incidents such as this in the future.
She also empathized with the affected host communities, and indicated that a another Joint Investigative Visit will be held immediately after the containment exercise to estimate the environmental impact of the spill.
“In line with Erotons tradition of fostering the subsisting good relationship with their host communities, the company will find a middle ground to alleviate the impact of this unfortunate spill,” she added.
The statement also indicated that a clean-up exercise following the planned JIV will also be concluded in the shortest possible time with all safety precautions and observance from all stakeholders.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
