Mysterious oil-like substance oozing from ground at Parika house

The discovery of a mysterious substance oozing from the ground at the home of a Parika, East Bank Essequibo family, has led the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other agencies to launch an investigation.

GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison last night told Stabroek News that they are yet to determine what the substance is but from tests conducted, it does not appear to be consistent with petroliferous material, that is, material containing or producing petroleum.

He explained that the Parika family discovered the substance, which bore a resemblance to crude oil, oozing from the earth and reported it to them.

“They reported it and our people, amongst others, had gone and take a look at it, so the investigation is still ongoing and the determination on whether it is crude oil, from where we are sitting, it does not appear to be,” Dennison said.

He said that a formal report of the findings are expected to be presented to him during the course of the new week and they will then make a determination on the way forward.

The family made the discovery of the substance after recognising that some tiles from the floor were cracked and a sticky substance bearing a resemblance to mud and water was found.

Dennison said that it is yet to be determined what is causing the substance to ooze from the earth and where it is coming from.

He added that further tests need to be done to determine whether the substance is hazardous or not.

Stabroek News understands that the Environmental Protection Agency has also launched its own investigation.