Authorities verify intentional cut that generated oil spill in Cuninico

In the verification procedure carried out last Saturday, October 15, the Specialized Prosecutor for Environmental Matters (FEMA) of Nauta-Loreto confirmed that the oil spill that spread through the Cuninico River and reached the Marañón River was the result of a intentional cutting performed by third parties.

In the inspection and verification tasks carried out at kilometer 42+092 of Section I of the North Peruvian Pipeline (ONP), in the district of Urarinas, province and region of Loreto, representatives of the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining also participated – Osinergmin and the Port Authority and Coast Guard Directorate – DICAPI Iquitos.

As recorded in the Osinergmin Field Inspection Act, the authorities of the aforementioned entities confirmed the existence of a 19-centimeter cut through the pipe, with a five-millimeter opening, through which the leak occurred. oil that caused the environmental contingency. Likewise, they recorded that this and five other additional cuts that, unlike the first, did not manage to perforate the pipe, have been made with a mechanical element maneuvered by unidentified persons.

Prior to the official diligence, the pipe was raised above the water level of the flotation channel with the help of wooden structures called porticos, since it was 40 centimeters submerged. Subsequently, and in the presence of the authorities, the metal staple that was placed on September 16 to contain the leak of crude oil was removed.

As previously reported, the National Police and Petroperú initially identified that the spill was caused by an intentional cut by third parties, however, after the hoisting of the pipeline carried out last weekend by FEMA, Osinergmin and DICAPI, it was confirmed Officially this new attack on the ONP, National Critical Asset owned by the State.

As recalled, Petroperú acted immediately by sealing the spill point with the placement of a metal staple the same day it became aware of the event and began hydrocarbon containment and recovery work and initial cleanup.

It should be noted that, from December 2021 to date, the ONP has suffered 11 attacks with more than 50 intentional cuts, all of these have been confirmed and are being investigated by the National Police of Peru and the Public Ministry.