Gas ExplosionThe Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Peter Idabor, on Thursday insisted that Chevron must pay an administrative fine of $3 billion to the federal government for the environmental disaster that accompanied the gas explosion in some communities in Bayelsa State.
Idabor stated this before the House Committee on Environment, recalling the loss of hunting and fishing grounds, particularly in Koluama, a nearby settlement, and other neighbouring communities.
“The gas that erupted from the subsurface sustained the fire that raged for days. The Agency has investigated the incident; the fire was caused by equipment failure. Chevron is to take responsibility for the millions of cubic feet of gas blown into the air,” he said.
He explained that due to the nature of the gaseous substance, it was very difficult to assess the level of damage, as the terrain was in constant flux.
“Our perspective is that the environment is in a state of flux and impacted on the people, and they had to travel far to catch fish.
“The $3 billion administrative fine will go to the federal government; and the federal government will determine how to distribute it to rehabilitate the affected communities. We’re tired of oil companies polluting our environment.”
But chairman of the committee, Hon. UcheEkwunife said that the committee would take its time to deliberate on the $3 billion fine proposed by NOSDRA, and communicate its decision to Chevron at a later date.
