The Peruvian government has declared an environmental emergency on the northern coast following a significant oil spill near the Talara refinery. The spill, detected at a maritime terminal in the Lobitos district, occurred during pre-shipment maneuvers by the Polyaigos vessel, operated by state-owned Petroperu.
According to Peru’s environmental agency OEFA, the spill affected approximately 10,000 square meters of surface water. While Petroperu claims it swiftly acted to contain the spill, OEFA is assessing the effectiveness of the response and will decide on further administrative actions.
Next Steps Ordered by OEFA
• Identify Affected Areas: Petroperu must map the impacted zones comprehensively.
• Complete Cleanup: The company has 15 calendar days to fully clean the affected area.
Petroperu reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and promised ongoing communication with communities, local authorities, and stakeholders to address the incident responsibly.
The spill raises concerns about marine biodiversity in the region and the potential disruption of livelihoods for local fishing communities. The environmental emergency underscores the need for stringent safety protocols during oil operations in ecologically sensitive zones.
