Statement 26-2017

Given the information that is circulating in different media and social networks, mainly promoted by Mr. Ismael Perez Petsa, a worker of the Health Network of Loreto, about the recent oil leak in Loreto, we report the following:

1. The oil leak, which occurred on November 7 at the height of Km 221.5 of the North Branch Pipeline, was immediately attended by PETROPERU activating the Contingency Plan, however, we confirm that the community of Chapis using force measures, paralyzed the work and it has been preventing up to date the repair of the pipeline and subsequent remediation, a fact that unfortunately puts the health of the communities and the environment at risk.
2. The leaders of the community have put as a condition to stop the oil leak, compensation of 10 million soles, as well as payments to their leaders, among other points.
3. We reaffirm that PETROPERU, since it identified the leak, has remained open to dialogue at all times and has made various attempts to reach agreements with the community of Chapis, including a multisectoral commission which entered the area, but was prevented by about 300 residents to comply with the objective of repairing the pipeline to protect the health of people and the environment.
4. These facts have been verified by the corresponding authorities, with evidences of the case existing, the same ones that are being propagated by the social networks of PETROPERU.
5. With regard to what has been said about the possibility of new spills, it should be noted that most of the oil leaks produced in the North Peruvian Pipeline (ONP) have been caused intentionally, and these facts have been verified and reported to the corresponding authorities in due time.
6. Finally, we reiterate our invocation to the community of Chapis not to privilege the interests of third parties over the health of their families and care of their environment and allow as soon as possible the repair of the pipeline.