Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc yesterday disclosed that it received a complaint from five households at Okpe and Sapele in Delta State, indicating the presence of hydrocarbons in their shallow water wells.
The company’s General Manager in charge of External Affairs and Communications, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku said in a statement that an emergency response was immediately activated and an investigation team comprising the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and Delta State Ministry of Environment conducted a joint investigation visit, alongside the Seplat emergency response team.
The statement added that Seplat has prioritised the safety of the residents of the affected area by providing potable water and secured the water wells from access.
“We will continue to support the investigation and provide palliative support to the households in line with the company’s firm commitment to its robust Health, Safety and Environment culture in all areas of its operations.
“Seplat has carried out checks of other water boreholes in the same vicinity and have drilled additional test boreholes. None of them has any signs of hydrocarbon in the water. No oil leaks or seepage has been traced back to the Seplat operated facilities.
“We wish to thank the affected households for their co-operation and peaceful approach and to reassure them and the communities that we are expediently investigating the root cause of the incident”.