Leak of crude oil that reached the Cuninico River was caused by cutting the North Peruvian Pipeline

Police authorities and Petroperú have been able to verify that the leak of crude oil that spread through the Cuninico River and reached the Marañón River was the result of an intentional cut of 21 centimeters (cm) to the pipe, which was made at kilometer 42 + 092 of Section I of the North Peruvian Pipeline (ONP) Urarinas district, Loreto province and region. The cut has been sealed with a metal band to contain the hydrocarbon.

The event was reported yesterday morning, Friday, and Petroperú immediately activated the Contingency Plan, moving crews of personnel and equipment to carry out first response actions, placing containment barriers to prevent the oil from spreading further.

The personnel from the crews, in charge of sealing the pipe, arrived at the leak point, accompanied by members of the National Police, as well as by the Apu of the Urarinas community and the lieutenant governor of the Cuninico community, who together they were able to verify the act committed against the ONP.

In the area, the affected pipe is located in the containment channel under water, at a depth of 40 cm, and the verification and sealing work was carried out there. All these actions were recorded in the Police Act.

The regulatory bodies have been informed of the finding made and the corresponding complaints will be made against those who are responsible for this unfortunate fact that not only affects the environment, the safety, health and quality of life of the neighboring population, but also affects the development and promotion of the hydrocarbon industry in the country.

It should be noted that the pumping through Section I of the ONP has been paralyzed since February of this year, due to the attention that has been given to the successive cuts produced in recent months, this event being the tenth attack of the year. However, despite not operating, there is crude oil contained in the pipeline.

Food and water delivery

In order to serve the population of the communities neighboring this environmental contingency in a supportive and preventive manner, the company will proceed, temporarily, with the delivery of food and water, for which it will coordinate with the community authorities.

In line with its Social Management policy, Petroperú prioritizes dialogue with the communities to fulfill the tasks that it is responsible for executing in a timely manner in these contingencies, for which reason it urges that no forceful measures be taken against company personnel or stoppages. that may affect the health and well-being of neighboring populations.