The Group Chief Executive Officer, Aiteo, Mr. Benedict Peters, has revealed how the firm responded and controlled the hydrocarbon well head leak in its Santa Barbara, Southwest field, in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Aiteo is an Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), and operator of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNPC)/Aiteo Joint Venture of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29.
According to Peters, the well, which has been non-producing since acquisition in 2015, had remained securely isolated since then. He explained that upon noticing the leak, the company notified all regulatory agencies and, thereafter, mobilised containment resources to limit its impact on the environment.
Peters said though spills of that nature was not uncommon to the oil and gas industry, however, their resolution required expert skill and equipment that were not routinely or readily available. He added that the typical process was to first kill the well and stop the leak and then focus on the clean up.
Source: nation
