NIGERIA: Villagers from the Koluama community in Bayelsa state, say there has been extensive environmental damage after a fire broke out on a drilling rig in Chevron's Funiwa oil facility

Record ID: 216947

  • Title: NIGERIA: Villagers from the Koluama community in Bayelsa state, say there has been extensive environmental damage after a fire broke out on a drilling rig in Chevron's Funiwa oil facility
  • Date: 20th January 2012
  • Summary: BAYELSA, NIGERIA (JANUARY 18, 2012) (REUTERS) THICK FLAMES AND FIRE ON THE HIGH SEA OF FUNWA FIELD DEAD FISH FLOATING IN POLLUTED WATER DEAD FISH SLICK OF OIL IN WATER (SOUNDBITE) (English) MORRIS ALAGOA, ENVIRONMENT RIGHT ACTION SPEAKER SAYING: "The material coming out from the well, the gas and other carbon related gases is very dangerous to the environment. The aq
  • Embargoed: 4th February 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes
  • Reuters ID: LVA5H1CKSS57EYSLTBX67VX4VRJ7
  • Story Text: Environmentalists and residents of Bayelsa state, Nigeria have raised concerns about pollution after a fire which broke out on a drilling rig in Chevron's Funiwa oil facility on Monday (January 16).
    They say the waters from which they fish are now polluted with crude oil and are calling on the government and Chevron to clean up the spill and avoid any further damage to the environment.
    "The material coming out from the well, the gas and other carbon related gases is very dangerous to the environment. The aquatic life, we have seen several fishes dead and this is going to have implications, serious implications on the livelihoods of the people because right now, the slick has travelled several miles and it may affect several communities along the coastline," said Morris Alagoa, Environment Right Action speaker.
    Chevron Corp said it was continuing its plans and preparations to drill a relief well and investigate the fire, saying early indications show that equipment failure may be the cause.
    Koluama fishing communities say the effects of the fire can be felt in the water and in the air and say they fear for their health.
    "Presently the air we are breathing is not safe. Even if we are not doctors, we know, we are not breathing natural air anywhere. So we are in a very big danger, our health is jeopardised and we do not know what will happen to us the next minute," said Koluama area chief, Christian Munghanbofa, speaking to journalists at his home.
    "The federal government should liaise with Chevron-Texaco to send immediately enough relief materials to Koluama clan," said community leader and fisherman Preye Fabbi.
    Oil spills are common in Nigeria and are often caused by oil thieves and saboteurs who tap into the hundreds of kilometers of unguarded pipelines that vein through the vast waterways, creeks and swamplands of the Niger Delta.
    A U.N. report last year criticized Shell and the Nigerian government for contributing to 50 years of pollution in a region of the Niger Delta which it says needs the world's largest ever oil clean-up, costing an initial 1 billion US dollars and taking up to 30 years.
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