Ecopetrol is accused of polluting multiple sites, affecting vital ecosystems and water sources. A whistleblower has revealed that the company failed to report a significant portion of its pollution incidents. Reports from local fishermen highlight the detrimental impact of these spills on wildlife and community livelihoods, amidst ongoing threats to environmental advocates.
Ecopetrol, Colombia’s leading oil company, faces serious allegations of polluting numerous sites, including vital water sources and biodiverse wetlands. A whistleblower has revealed over 800 incidents of pollution from 1989 to 2018, with about 20% of these not reported by the company. Figures suggest that Ecopetrol had several oil spills during this period and claims compliance with Colombian law on sustainability.
The main refinery, located in Barrancabermeja along the Magdalena River, poses a risk to wildlife and local fishing communities. The area, rich in biodiversity, is home to endangered species. Reports from locals indicate that oil pollution is harming the river’s ecosystem, with fishermen detecting crude oil odors from their catch. Observations of contaminated waterways reinforce concerns of ongoing environmental harm.
Andrés Olarte, the whistleblower and former adviser to Ecopetrol’s CEO, discovered significant environmental issues within the company and provided data concerning unresolved pollution incidents. Olarte noted that management disregarded his inquiries into the pollution data. After leaving the company in 2019, he disclosed information to the Environmental Investigation Agency and the BBC.
Ecopetrol’s leadership, especially its previous CEO Felipe Bayón, denies any cover-up of pollution data and attributes many oil spills to acts of sabotage. While the company asserts it has made strides in resolving pollution issues, it still reports numerous spills, particularly around Barrancabermeja. The connection between these spills and environmental degradation has raised alarms among scientific circles.
Threats against environmental defenders have escalated in Colombia. Both Mr. Olarte and local fisherwoman Yuly Velásquez reported receiving death threats after challenging Ecopetrol’s practices. Despite denials of any wrongdoing from the company’s leadership, there are concerns regarding the involvement of private security in community violence and intimidation.
The environmental advocacy and self-defense actions of local leaders are vital, as they face immense risks, including potential violence from armed groups intertwined with the private security sector. Ecopetrol claims it follows due diligence processes and maintains that it does not associate with illegal groups, although links between paramilitary forces and private security services have been noted.
Olarte is pursuing formal complaints against Ecopetrol regarding its environmental practices but has not seen any substantial response. He emphasizes the need to protect the environment and local communities from the adverse effects of the oil industry, asserting its detrimental impact on biodiversity and community well-being. Velásquez shares this sentiment, stressing the desperate need for food security against environmental degradation.
The allegations against Ecopetrol highlight significant environmental issues in Colombia, with a whistleblower revealing extensive pollution records and ongoing oil spills threatening local ecosystems. Despite the company’s assertions of sustainability compliance, evidence suggests a troubling history of unreported pollution incidents and intense scrutiny regarding its relationship with private security firms. The risks faced by environmental defenders underscore a critical need for accountability in the oil industry as well as the urgent protection of Colombia’s diverse natural habitats.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
