Total Shuts Obite Gas Plant, Wells Following Leaks

Source: thewillnigeria.com
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SAN FRANCISCO, April 15, (THEWILL) - Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG), the operator OML 58, a joint venture on behalf of the NNPC/Total joint venture in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State Saturday said it has shut down the Obite gas plant and wells following a leakage observed around the facility.


“On April 3rd, Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) was alerted about some water and gas resurgence points, observed in an uninhabited area close to its onshore Obite gas production facilities, on the OML 58 license…


“This event is the likely consequence of a technical incident that occurred during drilling operations on the same site, on March 20th. There have been no injuries. Production from the Obite gas plant has been stopped and wells shut down. Since the beginning, a special task force has been in place with the support of well-control experts in order to implement technical solutions to resolve the situation,” the company said in a release emailed to THEWILL.


TEPNG said it is working in close collaboration with representatives of the Egi community who reside in the vicinity of the facilities and also with the Nigerian authorities.


“All necessary means to ensure the protection of nearby communities and personnel and to limit the impact on the environment have been immediately mobilized. Strict monitoring of the environment is ongoing and a safety perimeter has been established. Domestic water analysis and air quality controls are being processed on a daily basis and have not revealed any presence of hydrocarbons or toxic elements.


“Since March 20th, federal and local authorities have been informed of the evolution of the situation. TEPNG reiterates its regrets regarding the trouble the situation has caused and will continue to communicate with stakeholders, including meetings and forums with the communities and regular briefing to the authorities. TEPNG thanks the neighboring communities for their cooperation and understanding of the situation.”


The company said it is priority remains the safety and well- well-being of the people and environment as it seeks to implement technical solutions to the problem.