Modesto Montoya, Environment Minister, questioned Repsol’s attitude in mixing oil-contaminated sand and clean sand Wednesday to try to show that the level of contamination (due to the oil spillage in the Ventanilla sea last January) has already fallen.
“Unfortunately we have discovered that Repsol is using very dubious methods, and we would even suggest unethical ones. “We are shocked that they are mixing clean sand, oil-contaminated and sand in an attempt to indicate that the contamination has decreased,” he stated to Radio Nacional.
The official stated that Repsol had been ordered by the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement to stop using this technique and prove that it is internationally acceptable.
He said, “It does seem not appropriate to us that Repsol is causing an insult to Peru, being a business that relies upon so many international resources.”
Montoya stated that he is awaiting the report from the corresponding agency to determine if a fine will be imposed for the oil leakage and the damage.
The minister said that although the damage to the ocean floor is irreparable and terrible, it could take 10 years for the whole marine fauna to recover.
Talara to make environment-friendly fuel
The Talara Refinery will be producing low-polluting high octane gasoline. It is considered economical and friendly fuel. It would be considered the seventh most advanced gasoline refinery in the world according to international standards.
He also stated that the Ministry is working within the framework for environmental protection to promote renewable energies. This means windmills are being installed in the desert near Talara’s refinery, taking advantage the strong winds.
