Last March 2, 2018, Ecopetrol S.A.’s Lizama oil well 158 spilled more than 1,000 barrels of crude oil into the La Lizama and Caño Muerto creek. Consequently, hydrocarbons contaminated the Sogamoso river, resulting in ecological impacts and serious damage to natural resources. Due to this terrible event, more than 3,600 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles died. Also, 11,000 fish died within the protected area of the Yariguies DRMI.
According to WWF, Regional Integrated Management Districts (DRMIs) are defined as:
“areas where landscapes and ecosystems maintain their composition and function although their structure has been modified. Their associated natural and cultural values are made available to the human population for sustainable use, preservation, restoration, knowledge and enjoyment.”
Therefore, this ecological debacle structurally affected fishermen and farmers of the Sogamoso river. As a result of the event, the fish catch plummeted. Likewise, the few fish caught, once cooked, smelled and tasted like oil. Therefore, contamination significantly impacted people’s lives and minimum living wages.
La Lizama oil well 158, the worst environmental accident in the history of Colombia.
Given the above, the San Silvestre Green Corporation filed a criminal complaint against Ecopetrol. On the one hand, the complaint contemplates the crime of environmental contamination by hydrocarbon discharge. On the other hand, the damage to natural resources was denounced, aggravated by the fact that it is a protected area. Another equally important fact is that material evidence was concealed and destroyed. Ecopetrol agreed to an opportunity principle to compensate the victims and restore the environment. Click here to view the record of the complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Office.
In the sanctioning process, the National Authority for Environmental Licenses (Autoridad Nacional de Licencias Ambientales –ANLA in Spanish–) imposed a fine of COP 5,155 million to the state-owned oil company for environmental damages. The San Silvestre Green Corporation has been working on relevant environmental complaints. This is why we invite the community to get involved in our actions. If you hear about any action that harms the environment, you can contact us through our service lines.
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Learn more about our management!
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Corporación Autónoma de Santander (CAS) announces special team in Barrancabermeja - Ecopetrol liable for grave damage to natural resources in la lizama oil well 158.Last March 2, 2018, Ecopetrol S.A.’s Lizama oil well 158 spilled more than 1,000 barrels of crude oil into the La Lizama and Caño Muerto creek. Consequently, hydrocarbons contaminated the Sogamoso river, resulting in ecological impacts and serious… Read more: Ecopetrol liable for grave damage to natural resources in la lizama oil well 158.
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