ECARD raises alarm over Oando pipeline leak in Bayelsa
An underwater hydrocarbon leak from an Oando pipeline in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has continued for months, according to environmental group Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD).
ECARD said the leak, which was first detected on June 25, remained active as of September 24, contaminating the surrounding aquatic environment.
*The reported leak site at Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
An underwater hydrocarbon leak from an Oando pipeline in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has continued for months, according to environmental group Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD).
ECARD said the leak, which was first detected on June 25, remained active as of September 24, contaminating the surrounding aquatic environment.
In a field report signed by its environmentalist, Alagoa Morris, the group said the incident involved Oando’s six-inch Azuzuama-1 flowline.
ECARD said a Joint Investigation Visit report attributed the leak to equipment failure and identified an estimated 11mm tear on the submerged pipeline.
According to the group, divers who inspected the pipeline confirmed a rupture at the three o’clock position.
However, ECARD alleged that the JIV report incorrectly recorded August 29 as the date of the incident.
The group said geotagged photographs and videos showed bubbling at the leak site on June 25, when the incident was first detected.
ECARD also alleged that the damaged pipeline had remained unrepaired despite repeated follow-ups in July, August and September.
It quoted the Azuzuama Community Development Committee chairman, Perediseghebofa Angasei, as confirming on September 24 that the ruptured section had not been repaired and that bubbling was still visible.
The group said videos received from the community on August 20 also showed a hydrocarbon slick spreading across parts of the waterside.
ECARD called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment to compel Oando to stop the leak and address its environmental impact.
It also urged regulators to strengthen monitoring of oil spill sites and ensure that incident dates and other details in Joint Investigation Visit reports accurately reflect field evidence.
ECARD said accurate records were essential for determining the duration and extent of environmental damage.
The group further urged oil-producing communities to ensure that technically qualified representatives participate in Joint Investigation Visits.
Photo caption:
The reported leak site at Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State.
