The Observatory of Political Ecology (OEP) released its annual report on Tuesday (6), stating that Venezuela experienced 86 oil spills in 2022, averaging seven monthly incidents across seven states.
These spills, compiled from social media and local press reports, transpired in the states of Zulia (31), Falcón (29), Anzoátegui (14), Monagas (5), Carabobo (3), Delta Amacuro, and Portuguesa (2 each).
According to the OEP, these spills severely impact marine and terrestrial ecosystems. However, the Venezuelan regime has not officially released data regarding the quantity of spilled barrels, the extent of the affected areas, or the countermeasures implemented to mitigate the environmental damage post-incident.
The OEP also underscored the direct implications of these spills on local communities. Fishermen are particularly affected as oil contamination damages their equipment and compels them to venture further into the sea.
Additionally, agricultural producers and peasant communities face losses in crops and livestock due to spills.
The report further disclosed that in 2022, alongside the consistent oil spills, there were fires and explosions at multiple facilities of PDVSA, the state-owned oil company.
The OEP documented a total of ten such incidents nationwide, explaining that fires often ensue after an oil spill.
Additionally, the observatory reported other industrial accidents in 2022, such as in the state of Bolívar, involving the dispersion of calcined alumina (aluminum oxide), a substance known to cause bodily harm and lung damage.
The report concludes by identifying a pattern of negligence in socio-environmental management by PDVSA, indicating that the industry’s emergencies and the resulting harm to local populations have been overlooked.
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