Greenpeace Mexico presented two popular complaints for the hydrocarbon spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in early February. The organization demands that environmental damage and the concealment of information by Pemex be investigated.
The first complaint was before the National Agency for Industrial Safety and Environmental Protection of the Hydrocarbon Sector (ASEA). There, the possible impacts on coastal communities were reported, from health to the loss of ecosystems.
The second, due to administrative responsibility, was presented to the Pemex Responsibilities Unit. Requests that acts and omissions related to the management of the spill and the lack of transparency be investigated.
Spill covered more than a thousand kilometers of coastline
The environmental impact was documented since March 1, when chapopote arrived on the coasts between Pajapan, Veracruz, and Paraíso, Tabasco. In the following weeks, the hydrocarbon stains spread to Veracruz and Tamaulipas, affecting mangroves and reefs.
Civil organizations and residents reported pollution on more than 1,100 kilometers of coastline. Pemex publicly acknowledged that public servants hid information about the spill while communities suffered the consequences.
Pemex admitted failures and delays
Among the facts recognized by the company are: loss of mechanical integrity of an unreported pipeline, concealment of data on recovered oily water and an eight-day delay in closing the main valve after the leak was detected in February.
Greenpeace also requests that Pemex, ASEA, Semarnat, Profepa and other authorities provide all information related to the spill between February and April. It requests that administrative responsibilities be determined, sanctions imposed and measures issued to repair environmental damage and prevent its recurrence.
