Iraq’s Environmental Crisis: The Threat of Crude Oil Contamination

Iraq faces a significant environmental disaster, with crude oil leaks contaminating land and water sources, threatening agriculture, public health, and the livelihoods of millions. Old pipelines and a lack of government action exacerbate the issue, leading to local and widespread health concerns. Experts call for comprehensive strategies to address the issue effectively before it escalates further.

Iraq is currently facing a significant environmental crisis as crude oil leaks into the land and rivers, posing threats to agriculture, livelihoods, and public health. This once bountiful resource has transformed into a silent danger, causing widespread poisoning of the environment and endangering the health of the Iraqi populace. Fields that thrived previously, now lie barren due to contamination, and rivers that once sustained communities face pollution, jeopardizing the resources crucial for survival.

In the area near Al-Muslaha, located in the Makhoul Mountains of the Baiji district, residents have reported persistent oil leaks affecting their surroundings. Mahmoud Al-Qaisi, a retired Baiji refinery employee, pointed out that these oil wells, untouched for over 50 years, hold potential for both economic gain and eco-tourism, yet lack any government intervention. Consequently, oil patches sporadically disrupt the Tigris River, exacerbating environmental degradation.

Former Kirkuk Environment Department Director Ali Khorsheed noted that many leaks stem from outdated oil pipelines, which were severely damaged during conflicts with ISIS. These pipelines have suffered sabotage, punctures, and illegal extraction, further contributing to the environmental disaster. After ISIS’s takeover in 2014, oil infrastructure was severely compromised, with significant oil spills occurring due to their activities.

Following the liberation of the region in 2017, initial measures such as burying storage tanks were taken, according to Amer Al-Mihiri of the Oil Fields Authority. However, recent rains have caused the oil residues to resurface, posing renewed threats to the environment and local water sources.

The unregulated leak of oil, once regarded as a national asset, has greatly harmed public health and local economies. Residents, such as Ali Al-Ubaidi from Al-Muslaha, have reported death among livestock and wildlife, alongside contaminations affecting the Tigris, the vital water supply for communities. The agricultural sector has also suffered, as evidenced by farmer Saadoun Abdullah’s claims of extensive farmland destruction caused by oil flow from nearby oil fields.

The absence of a cohesive response strategy to the ongoing crisis has compounded the environmental damage. Security and infrastructure weaknesses persist, and the lack of investments in vital areas has hampered recovery. Environmental experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach, including pipeline updates, smart leak detection systems, and environmental rehabilitation initiatives to mitigate pollution.

Khorsheed criticized government responses as often reactive and short-term, stating that the government tends to rely on temporary solutions, such as cleaning oil spills without addressing the fundamental issues like pipeline deteriorations. He pointed out that despite efforts to monitor pollution, actionable recommendations have frequently been ignored, leading to recurring crises.

Currently, oil leaks continue to be a pressing issue in Iraq. Their localized impact may initially appear contained, but pollution in rivers like the Tigris could have widespread repercussions, affecting health and food security for millions of citizens. Without urgent government intervention and the implementation of sustainable solutions, the environmental catastrophe is poised to worsen, prompting calls from residents and specialists for significant reforms.

The environmental crisis in Iraq, characterized by oil leaks into land and rivers, poses severe threats to agriculture, public health, and livelihoods. Residents, experts, and officials highlight the dire need for a comprehensive approach to manage this ongoing issue. This includes upgrading infrastructure, securing oil fields, and implementing strategic monitoring systems to protect Iraq’s precious natural resources and ensure the health and safety of its population. Without effective government action, the current environmental disaster is likely to escalate further, necessitating urgent and lasting solutions.

Original Source: shafaq.com