Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Ecopetrol’s Environmental Record Under Scrutiny Amid Pollution Allegations
Recent investigations reveal that Ecopetrol, Colombia’s leading energy company, has been implicated in the pollution of hundreds of sites across the country, including vital water sources and biodiverse wetlands. A thorough review conducted by BBC World Service has unearthed data indicating that more than 800 such cases occurred from 1989 to 2018, with the company allegedly neglecting to report a significant portion of these incidents.
New evidence also suggests that Ecopetrol has continued its history of oil spills, with reports confirming hundreds occurring annually since 2020. Despite these findings, the company stands by its commitment to adhere to environmental regulations and claims to uphold exemplary practices in sustainability.
The Barrancabermeja refinery, situated 260 kilometers north of Bogotá, represents an industrial complex along the Magdalena River—a crucial waterway for millions. The refinery is surrounded by a large expanse of processing plants and storage facilities, raising concerns among local fishing communities about the impact of oil pollution on wildlife and their livelihoods.
Local fisherwoman Yuly Velásquez, president of a federation of fishing organizations, has voiced her concerns over the effects of oil contamination on the area’s rich biodiversity, which includes endangered species such as river turtles and manatees. Upon visiting the area, BBC reporters witnessed families fishing in water contaminated by oil pipelines, with one fisherman noting that freshly caught fish had a noticeable smell of crude oil when cooked.
In discussions with Velásquez, she presented evidence of pollution—showing clumps of vegetation coated in dark sludge identified as waste from Ecopetrol’s refinery. Despite claims from the company regarding their wastewater treatment and spill response measures, she and other locals contend that the environmental degradation is undeniable.
Andrés Olarte, a former Ecopetrol advisor, emerged as a whistleblower, revealing internal documents that highlight the extent of unresolved environmental damage linked to the company. He alleges that Ecopetrol has concealed numerous contamination cases from Colombian authorities. Olarte quit his position in 2019 after challenging a culture of misinformation regarding pollution data, leading to his sharing of extensive documentation with organizations such as the Environmental Investigation Agency and the BBC.
Ecopetrol’s leadership, including former CEO Felipe Bayón, has vehemently denied any policy of withholding environmental information. Bayón attributed many oil spills to sabotage, while admitting that although Colombia faces significant challenges with armed conflict impacting oil infrastructure, only a small fraction of spills could be attributed to these incidents.
Despite these assurances, ongoing data collected from environmental regulators suggests that pollution incidents continue unabated, conflicting with Ecopetrol’s claims of having resolved the majority of previously identified environmental issues.
Reports from local fishing communities indicate a tragic toll on wildlife, with numerous dead manatees, caimans, and turtles discovered within the affected wetlands. Velásquez described the situation as a “massacre” of local fauna, despite uncertainty about the primary causes, which could include various environmental factors like climate change and industrial pollution.
Both Olarte and Velásquez have faced threats for their activism against Ecopetrol, highlighting the dangers encountered by environmental defenders in Colombia. The country has been noted as particularly hazardous for individuals advocating for environmental justice, with numerous activists reported killed each year. They emphasize the intertwined challenges of defending their community’s environmental health while navigating the complexities of Colombia’s ongoing conflicts.
In spite of the risks, Velásquez remains determined to continue her advocacy, stating the dire necessity for transparency and action in addressing environmental pollution. She articulated the stark choice facing community members: if they do not fight against pollution, they jeopardize their livelihoods; yet, speaking out can lead to violent repercussions.
As Ecopetrol continues to be a pivotal player in Colombia’s energy landscape, the conversations around environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility become increasingly critical. Balancing economic needs with the vital importance of preserving Colombia’s rich biodiversity remains an ongoing challenge for stakeholders at all levels.
Source
www.bbc.com