Shell Petroleum Development Company has confirmed an oil leak incident from one of its underwater line within its oil fields in Bayelsa State.
The company in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Joseph Obari, confirmed this development saying the facility has been closed.
Obari said, “A spill was detected from an underwater flow line riser at the Seibou 2 Wellhead in the night of January 23, 2015. The well was closed-in about 15 hours later, once it was safe to do so, and the impacted area boomed off to prevent further spread of the spill.
“A joint investigation visit has been conducted, but it only determined the quantity of oil spilled and mapped the area of impact to the environment. A follow up JIV is being planned to lift the line from underwater and determine the cause of leak.”
Communities affected by the spill include Keme-Ebiama, Apoi, Kokologbene, Gbaruan, Ukubie and Lobia as residents have reportedly complaining that the oil leakage has negatively affected their drinking water and fishing activities of the people.