Community of Chapis impedes repair and remediation work at km 221 of the North Branch Pipeline

The community of Chapis continues to impede the repair and remediation works at Km 221.5 of the North Branch Pipeline (ORN), where a spill of crude was identified on November 7 while inspection and patrol work was carried out on that section of the Northern Peruvian Pipeline (ONP).

The leaders of the community have set a condition for PETROPERU to stop the oil leak, to be paid a compensation of 10 million soles, a daily wage of S/ 200.00, payment to their leaders, the hiring of a company chosen by them for the works, among other points; without taking into account the serious damage that this attitude can generate in the health of children, women and the population in general as well as the serious environmental risk.

It should be noted that in this section of the ORN the pipeline is located approximately one meter underground. Therefore, it is required to dig and hoist the pipe to determine the cause of the breakdown, and immediately place the temporary clamp to stop the leakage of oil and secure the pipeline.

Despite the various attempts at dialogue, approximately 300 villagers prevent the repair work. In light of these facts, PETROPERÚ filed a complaint for extortion with the authorities of the National Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office in order to be able to carry out the repairs of the case and the cleaning and remediation tasks.

Both the Public Ministry and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM) have formally invoked the leaders and community of Chapis in general to reject the measure of force and allow PETROPERU to place the clamp, after which a dialogue could be initiated open.

PETROPERU is calling on the community to allow the pipeline to be repaired immediately to protect the life and health of the populations adjacent to the ORN.