FG stops operations at Santa Barbara oilfields

To address recent spillage at Santa Barbara in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Federal Government has directed AITEO Eastern Exploration and Production Company Limited (AEEPCo) to halt operations in the area.

A statement by Saghir Mohammed of the Federal Ministry of Environment explained that the halt had become necessary until proper investigation is carried out and adequate measures put in place to ensure safety of life and property in the area.

Recall that the spill occurred in November within the proximity of Opu Nembe community at Well 1, located at the Southern Field of Santa Barbara.

“Upon receipt of the report of the incident, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), including NOSDRA, was set up to address it due to the hydrocarbon fumes that saturated the atmosphere in the area.”

According to the statement, efforts to put out the inferno in the well have proven difficult due to inaccessibility. But in an effort to safeguard the environment and livelihood, NOSDRA has moved to the site to monitor and give progress report on measures being taken to address spill.

Government further directed AEEPCo to engage relevant stakeholders in the spilled oil recovery process, which 3000 barrels of emulsified crude oil have been recovered and held in a recovery barge.