Shell Confirms Multiple Spills In Bayelsa Oil Fields

SAN FRANCISCO, August 19, (THEWILL) – The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has confirmed multiple spills from its pipeline network in Ikarama oil fields in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The SPDC Spokesman, Mr. Joseph Obari, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that seven spill incidents were reported on Aug. 12.

NAN gathered that the oil firm had deployed a helicopter for aerial surveillance and investigation of the incident.

Residents of Ikarama Community attributed the incident to termination of pipeline surveillance contract by SPDC, which compelled the surveillance guards to withdraw their services.

Obari, however, said that the cause of the spill was yet to be determined.

“Seven spills were reported on the 14inch Okordia-Rumuekpe pipeline in Ikarama on Aug. 12.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Joint Venture is finalising plans for the conduct of a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the sites.

“JIV is a statutory process of operation, involving SPDC, regulatory agencies, state ministry of environment, police and community representatives, to ascertaining the cause, volume and impact of a spill.

“JIV is yet to be conducted to determine the cause of the spills,'' Obari said.