An oil spill in Ecuador’s Amazon, caused by a pipeline rupture, has contaminated rivers and a wildlife refuge, affecting over 500,000 residents. Authorities have declared an environmental emergency, and cleanup efforts are underway, highlighting a broader issue of frequent oil spills in the region.
A significant oil spill occurred in the Ecuadorian Amazon in the Esmeraldas province, impacting over 500,000 residents and contaminating rivers and wildlife refuges. The incident began on March 13 when a rupture in a 500-kilometer pipeline operated by Petroecuador released crude oil, which flowed downstream through the Esmeraldas River for over 80 kilometers.
Marine biologist Eduardo Rebolledo Monsalve reported witnessing a geyser of oil for seven hours, contributing to the spill that left the southern shore of the Esmeraldas River heavily saturated. He added that the tributaries, Viche and Caple rivers, have become anoxic, which means they have lost all oxygen. Monsalve predicts that aquatic life will suffer temporarily, with long-term damage lasting up to three years in smaller rivers, depending on environmental factors.
Local authorities declared an environmental emergency on March 14, with Esmeraldas mayor Vicko Villacis calling the spill a disaster causing unprecedented ecological damage. Petroecuador is still assessing the volume of oil spilled from the pipeline, which transports crude oil from the Lago Agrio oil field to a refinery in Esmeraldas.
At the Esmeraldas River Estuary Mangrove Wildlife Refuge, the spill coated mangrove channels and affected local flora and fauna. Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment has requested assistance from non-profit organizations and volunteers for cleanup efforts and resource recovery.
This protected area, which spans 242 hectares, is vital for multiple species, including mangroves, fish, birds, and mammals like the South American coati and blue crab. The ministry has mandated Petroecuador to initiate immediate cleanup and established emergency conservation funds to monitor damage and protect the area. This spill is part of a troubling trend in Ecuador, which recorded over 1,496 oil spills between 2005 and 2022, with 93% occurring in the Amazon.
The recent oil spill in Ecuador’s Amazon has severe environmental ramifications, affecting both human and wildlife populations. Local authorities declare an emergency as efforts to assess damage and initiate cleanup are underway. The impacts are particularly acute in the Esmeraldas River and the surrounding mangrove refuge. Historical data indicates that this incident is not isolated, underscoring ongoing concerns about oil spills in the region.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
