Ecopetrol faces serious allegations concerning extensive pollution, with over 800 contaminated sites identified between 1989 and 2018. Whistleblower Andrés Olarte has revealed that many of these records were not reported to authorities. Local communities express concerns over the pollution’s impact on wildlife and human health, amid conflicting statements from the company regarding compliance and environmental practices.
Ecopetrol, Colombia’s energy company, has faced allegations of extensive pollution across various sites, affecting water sources and biodiverse wetlands. Data leaked by former employee Andrés Olarte revealed over 800 contamination records dating from 1989 to 2018, indicating the company failed to disclose a significant portion of these incidents. Additionally, figures obtained highlight continuous oil spills since that time, with numerous reports coming in from Colombia’s environmental regulator post-2020.
The company maintains compliance with Colombian laws and sustainability protocols. Its primary refinery, situated in Barrancabermeja along the Magdalena River, has raised concerns among local fishermen regarding its impact on river wildlife. The ecological significance of the river, home to endangered species such as manatees and jaguars, has amplified the worry about pollution effects on the local biodiversity.
Local communities report visible signs of oil contamination in their fishing areas, with fishermen, such as Yuly Velásquez, asserting that pollution affects their daily lives. Ecopetrol, while disputing these claims, asserts they have effective pollution control measures and wastewater treatment systems in place. Despite the company’s denials, local accounts and the data from Olarte suggest persistent environmental neglect.
Olarte’s revelations denote a history of environmental damage among over 839 identified unresolved pollution sites. He asserts that some of these have remained contaminated for over a decade, and alleges attempts to obscure these issues from authorities, evidenced by database records marked as known only to Ecopetrol. Ecopetrol, however, claims that the majority of these sites have been remediated.
While former CEO Felipe Bayón refutes accusations of information withholding and suggests the oil pollution is often the result of sabotage, the company has continued to face scrutiny and record oil spills yearly. Meanwhile, environmental defenders in the region, including Velásquez, have reported threats and intimidation for opposing the company, highlighting the dire risks activists face in Colombia.
Despite these challenges, Olarte and Velásquez remain committed to advocating for their community and environment. They emphasize the need for accountability from Ecopetrol, pressing for transparency and environmental stewardship amidst the ongoing threats. The situation underscores serious issues regarding corporate responsibility, environmental justice, and the protection of human rights in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
In conclusion, the allegations against Ecopetrol reveal a significant environmental crisis linked to the oil giant’s activities in Colombia. Despite claims of compliance with local laws and operational standards, recent data suggests ongoing pollution issues and threats to biodiversity. The brave disclosures by whistleblower Andrés Olarte and the persistent efforts of community leaders like Yuly Velásquez underline the urgent need for corporate accountability in environmental protection and the safety of those advocating for ecological justice.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
