ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operators of the NNPC /Aiteo Joint Venture on Oil Mining Licence (OML 29) has reported an oil spill from a non-producing well head in its Santa Barbara South field in Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Aiteo’s spokesman, Indiana Matthew, said in a statement on Wednesday that the magnitude of the incident was of an extremely high order, alleging that it could have been caused by crude oil thieves and sabotage.
Matthew said neither the cause of the spill nor the quantity of leaked hydrocarbon could be determined at the time of the discovery.
He, however, said containment booms were deployed and recovery commenced immediately around the well head when the incident occurred.
Matthew said: “As an incident of this nature occurs, the necessary oil spill notification report has been promptly communicated to National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and National Petroleum Investment Services(NAPIMS) as is required by law.
“Ultimately, a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to the spill site was held by all relevant stakeholders, communities inclusive.
“The JIV at the time was inconclusive owing to difficulties with access due to high pressure of hydrocarbons from the well head. Also, immediate efforts to control the leak were aborted due to the high pressure emanating from the well head.
“Consequently, Aiteo has mobilised a full intervention team with well control specialists and equipment both locally and internationally to arrest the leak.”
The spokesman said the JIV team commended Aiteo for its prompt emergency response and handling of the incident.
Matthew said further investigations on the cause of the leak were being undertaken and would be progressed after the well had been shut in.
He said preliminary indications suggested that crude oil theft leaks and sabotage could not be ruled out.