The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office Specialized in Environmental Matters of Sullana opened this Sunday, December 22, 2024, a preliminary investigation against the company Petroperú for the alleged commission of the crime of environmental pollution, after the oil spill on Las Capullanas beach, Lobitos district, Talara (Piura).
Through its social networks, the Public Ministry reported that it was evident “the presence of an oily substance and impregnated sediments both in the sea and on the shore.” “In addition to birds and marine fauna seriously affected by water pollution”it reads.
He specified that during the verification visit, Petroperú informed the prosecutor’s office of the activation of a contingency plan as a first response to this accident that has affected the area.
The Prosecutor Silvia del Carmen Neyra Herrera verified, along with other authorities, the contamination of Las Capullanas beach, Lobitos district, Talara, area where the hydrocarbon spill impacted.
Environmental disaster
An environmental disaster of hitherto incalculable dimensions was caused by the oil spill that occurred on Saturday, December 21 in the area of Lobitos, in the province of Talara, apparently as a result of the loading and unloading activities of crude oil on the marine coast. towards the Talara Refinery.
The crude oil spill spread along Las Capullanas beach until it reached other beaches in the area. destroying marine species and affecting the tourist circuit of beaches where tourist tours are carried out daily. The amount of oil spilled and the area of expansion of the crude oil towards the Lobiteño beaches that have been severely contaminated are still unknown. The population of the Lobitos district has shown its total mortification and demands that the competent authorities carry out the investigations.
“This is a tragedy, look how the newborn turtles, the birds, the barnacles have died, this spill is affecting our tourist activity,” said citizen Jaime Llontop. According to witnesses, the spill occurred yesterday morning, when it perished, it would be the responsibility of one of the companies that carry out activities at sea, both in production and transportation.
In this regard, Mayor Lobitos, Ricardo Bancayán, has indicated that he will proceed to file a criminal complaint in which he will request the respective compensation for all affected artisanal fishermen.
