The debate in Colombia on oil production has centered mainly on the seismic impact on water sources, tankers in the road, spills and labor practices, but for the first time the controversy around Hydraulic Fracturing, or Fracking, in the United States has landed in the headlines of a major business newspaper.
Equion invited local journalists to conference on the effects of seismic exploration in Yopal led by one of its geologists that sought to dispel rumors that the tests are affecting the local water supply. A public referendum has been scheduled in the nearby Tauramena municipality which addresses this issue and asks residents to approve or reject nearby oil production in general.
Pacific Rubiales Energy (TSX:PRE) says that it has received the environmental license from the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) for exploration and production activities in the CPE-6 and Guama E&P blocks, following several extended delays.
Inhabitants near municipalities of Castilla La Nueva, Acacías and Castilla say that Ecopetrol’s (NYSE:EC) crude processing station Chichimene continues to contaminate their water supply while the NOC says its addressing the situation.
The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) released a report on the policy strategy and development of economic and environmental issues along the Magdalena River.
A perfect storm of terrorist attacks on oil infrastructure in Caquetá, Putumayo and Meta along with extended mining and agricultural strikes have contributed to a 43% increase in emergencies stemming from crude leaks in January to September 2013, compared to all of 2012.
The director of the Casanare environmental management agency Corporinoquia inspected the steps taken at a petroleum toxic waste plant to fix handling issues in the municipality of Pore and though it found advances, it will decide based on lab examinations whether or not to lift the preventative measure placed on the facility.
The recent green light to hold a popular vote in the municipality of Tauramena, Casanare, is making waves in the community and the local paper published an opinion piece calling for oil companies and contractors to demonstrate good practices in environmental matters, or face the consequences of community or legal action.
Small diameter pipeline operator Raven held a socialization session with municipal leaders in Paz de Ariporo to detail the advances in the environmental permitting process of the Llanos Express Pipeline (OXL) and discuss points of interest with the community.
The Casanare Administrative Tribunal has approved a formal request from the mayor of Tauramena to hold a constitutional popular vote, essentially a public referendum, in which the community can support or reject the development of oil productions in the municipality.
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