Ecopetrol Under Scrutiny for Environmental Pollution Issues in Colombia

Ecopetrol faces serious allegations of extensive pollution affecting Colombia’s water sources and biodiversity. Evidence from a whistleblower reveals over 800 unreported incidents of oil contamination from 1989 to 2018, with ongoing spills affecting local communities. Local fishermen report significant environmental degradation, exacerbated by threats to those challenging the company. Ecopetrol denies wrongdoing, asserting compliance with regulations while questions about its operational practices and environmental responsibilities persist.

Ecopetrol, the Colombian energy giant, has been implicated in extensive pollution across numerous sites, including critical water sources and biodiverse wetlands. Investigative findings have uncovered over 800 records detailing these incidents from 1989 to 2018, revealing a significant failure by the company to report many of these pollution events. Reports also indicate that Ecopetrol has continued to operate with hundreds of oil spills annually post-2018, stirring considerable concern among local communities.

The main facility of Ecopetrol is situated in Barrancabermeja, alongside the Magdalena River, which serves millions and is home to critically endangered species such as river turtles and manatees. Community fishermen have expressed alarm over the effects of oil pollution on local wildlife, providing testimonies of fish exhibiting the smell of crude oil and waters showing visible signs of contamination.

A whistleblower, Andrés Olarte, who worked at Ecopetrol, has articulated his concerns regarding the company’s deceptive environmental practices. After joining in 2017, he quickly recognized significant discrepancies concerning pollution management and later disclosed a database containing 839 “unresolved environmental impacts” on behalf of Ecopetrol, many of which had not been addressed for over ten years. Olarte has faced threats following his disclosures but emphasizes the critical need to hold Ecopetrol accountable.

Ecopetrol’s management has consistently denied allegations of hiding pollution data and asserts that it maintains compliance with environmental regulations and frameworks. Felipe Bayón, CEO from 2017 to 2023, rejected accusations of an intentional cover-up and attributed many oil spills to sabotage by illegal armed groups, despite evidence suggesting widespread pollution issues.

Concerns also arise from the company’s reliance on private security contracts, which often involve former paramilitary members. Experts have noted the potential risks this poses to environmental activists and community leaders, intertwining the security industry with threats against those opposing or challenging Ecopetrol’s operations. The government’s protection for threatened local figures, such as Yuly Velásquez, highlights the grave risks faced by environmental defenders in Colombia.

Despite the dangers and threats confronted by individuals like Olarte and Velásquez, they continue to advocate for environmental justice in light of ongoing pollution from Ecopetrol. The importance of clean energy production for many Colombian families remains a point of contention, with calls for responsible environmental stewardship alongside the economic interests driven by the oil industry.

In summary, the revelations regarding Ecopetrol’s pollution practices raise critical questions about the accountability of major energy companies in Colombia. With significant evidence of both past neglect and ongoing environmental harm, the testimonies of whistleblowers and local community leaders underscore the urgent need for transparency and responsible environmental management. As Colombia grapples with the challenges of the oil industry and its implications for biodiversity and community well-being, the voices of those affected must be prioritized to ensure a sustainable future.

Original Source: www.bbc.com