Petroperú reiterates the need to strengthen perimeter security at the Conchán Refinery

Petroperú asked the District Municipality of Villa El Salvador to lift the order to halt maintenance work on the perimeter fence of the Conchán Refinery, in order to safeguard the safety of the residents of the settlements adjacent to this important industrial plant, located in the Lurín district, south of Lima.

After overcoming the sanitary restrictions that were maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented permanent comprehensive maintenance work, at the beginning of May of this year, Petroperú restarted the work, but these were paralyzed by the municipality of Villa El Salvador, whose decision was challenged by Petroperú, within the legal terms and with the corresponding support.

In this sense, Petroperú reiterates the need to continue as soon as possible with the reinforcement works of the aforementioned perimeter fence, of 1,200 linear meters, in compliance with the corresponding legal regulations that also indicate that it is impossible to modify its current location.

As is known, some leaders and neighbors of the Settlements from the Metropolitan Park Zone of Villa El Salvador demand the relocation of the perimeter fence of the refinery and the construction of a road to the Panamericana Sur, unaware that giving in to it would create a serious risk to their lives since fuel storage tanks are located in that area.

In accordance with current regulations, energy production facilities such as the Conchán Refinery must have, for safety reasons, a mandatory reserve area of 70 meters, in order to keep the population, passers-by, customers and the company, free from any damage, danger or risk. This does not imply the expropriation of land as some leaders and residents have been reporting.

Since 1961, the Conchán Refinery has operated within the legal framework and following strict safety protocols, regulated by supervisory bodies and strictly complying with the regulations indicated by its status as a National Critical Asset (ACN).

There are technical reports from the Risk Management Dpt. of the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima and the National Intelligence Directorate of the National Police of Peru that declare the Settlement’s request unfeasible and that they have a specific impact due to the dangers of living near an industrial facility such as the Conchán Refinery.

Likewise, the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining - Osinergmin maintains that the construction of the aforementioned access road is unfeasible and the Peruvian Army has declared the area highly vulnerable, which requires immediate maintenance of the perimeter fence of this plant. industrial.

Petroperú urges the authorities and the population to continue maintaining dialogue and working together for the safety and well-being of all.