The massive oil spill in Chennai, southern India, which originated from the land and spread to the adjacent waters covering an estimated area of 20 square kilometers in the sea, has been traced to the headquarters of the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation which manages Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), according to a government committee.
Government Committee Assembly for Oil Spill Crisis Management
This revelation came after a meeting held by the Oil Spill Crisis Management Group in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (SOS-CMG) in Chennai, with participation from all key stakeholders. According to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, inadequate stormwater management was observed at the CPCL headquarters.
Impact of the Spill on Local Communities and Environment
The oil spill has negatively impacted the residents of neighboring fishing villages, with oil-covered boats and damage to personal property reported. In this regard, the local government has instructed CPCL to employ the necessary efforts and machinery to complete the cleanup task as soon as possible. The Oil Spill Crisis Management Group will continue to monitor the progress of this work daily until its completion, according to the Tamil Nadu government.
Directions from the Pollution Control Board
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board issued directives to CPCL under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974. The board also requested the company to assess the oil spill in the adjacent waters, take preventive measures, ensure the integrity of all tanks and pipelines to prevent leaks, conduct a leak detection and repair study with the assistance of experts, and ensure that such an incident does not occur in the future.
Response from CPCL
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), which supplies fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, aviation fuel, and diesel to Tamil Nadu, denied any pipeline leaks at the Manali refinery in north Chennai. The company added in a social media post that other industries in Manali were also adversely affected by Cyclone Michaung.
The company also added that it deployed absorbent booms and pumps to drain the oil to remove traces of oil from the canal, and medical camps were organized in the affected area of Ernavur, where people reported symptoms such as coughing, cold, and fever.
Warnings from the Pollution Control Board
The state pollution control board warned the government company that its operations could be suspended if found discharging oil containing water or contaminated water, contrary to legally mandated standards for industries. The company was also informed that it is liable for environmental damage compensations and damages to affected families. The northern Chennai area, where this oil spill occurred, is a hub for petrochemical industries and is also an environmentally sensitive zone.
Reducing Marine Pollution
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the marine oil spill has been minimized to a small extent, after they conducted several helicopter sorties over the past few days to spray oil spill dispersants (OSD), a special chemical that breaks down the oil and ensures its degradation, thus reducing harm to marine life and the environment.
Source: Sidharth MP
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