Third oil leak confirmed at SPRC Rayong pipeline
AUTHORITIES HAVE been informed by Star Petroleum Refining (SPRC) that another leak in its underwater oil pipeline has been found and temporarily sealed during its investigation regarding the previous oil spills.
SPRC sent a letter notifying the Rayong Marine Department about the incident last Tuesday (Feb 15), saying that a leak was found in a pipeline near the location that caused the major oil spill last month.
The company, majority owned by US multinational energy corporation Chevron, stated that it has taken emergency measures to stop the leak but has also requested assistance from authorities while they fortify the pipelines to prevent future oil spills.
It is the third time in less than a month that the same pipeline has experienced problems, leaking gallons of oil into the Gulf of Thailand. The first incident caused a massive oil slick off the coast of Map Ta Phut area on Jan 25.
Another oil leak was then reported on Feb 10 due to operations to investigate the first leak.
Meanwhile, Deputy Rayong Governor Anant Nakniyom stated that authorities are still patrolling the beaches to prevent any oil slick from reaching the area.
Deputy Governor Anant confirmed that business owners can submit their compensation complaints at the provincial office, urging anyone affected by the oil spill to make a legal complaint.
He added that officials will make sure SPRC compensates the victims as soon as possible.