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Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) started the second phase of the socialization process for its Odisea 3D seismic exploration project, holding meetings and environmental workshops in three villages in Casanare. Its seismic exploration in the area has come under fire and been blamed in local press for causing damage to the environment, in particular to rivers.

Colombian senator Alexander López has called for a public forum this week to analyze seismic exploration conducted by oil companies near water sources, which he alleges are causing grave damage to the environment in Casanare, Meta and Arauca.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has announced the continuation of a responsible water use campaign as well as dates in September to clean water bodies and sources in 9 Colombian cities.

A feature article in national newspaper accuses Ecopetrol of contributing to environmental contamination in Meta while the central government continues to approve projects in regions without fully understanding their consequences.

Members of municipal authorities questioned plans to extend the Carmentea Pipeline near the city of Yopal and accused oil operators in the region of not respecting rural communities and the environment.

Five Casanare mayors spoke out against seismic testing Ecopetrol has planned for its Odisea 3D project in Casanare, alleging the testing is performed without adequate control and affects water sources and the environment in general.

We picked up a story a few weeks ago that dead chigüiros had been found in an open tank at a Casanare installation belonging to Parex. A chigüiro is a rodent about the size of a dog or a small pig, indigenous to Colombia’s Llanos. We spoke to Parex to get their side of the story.

Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) responded to the doubts of President Juan Manuel Santos on environmental licensing and the management of the Autonomous Regional Corporation (CAR) in an accountability session and published a summary of its message on its webpage.

The Bicentennial Pipeline (OBC) will alter the route of the second phase of the project in search of better security conditions, as well as considering geographical, environmental and logical issues.

Colombian senator Martiza Martínez introduced a legislative bill that would establish a law requiring that seismic exploration for oil reserves first receive an environmental license to move forward.