Federal and state authorities, along with Pemex, are conducting containment and cleanup operations for a hydrocarbon spill in Río Seco, Paraíso, Tabasco, near the Olmeca refinery. Fishermen report a strong petroleum smell in their catches and have buried affected fish. Semades filed a complaint with ASEA over the incident.
Following a fire on Tuesday at the perimeter wall of the Olmeca refinery in Dos Bocas, Paraíso municipality, Tabasco, hydrocarbons were detected in Río Seco. The Federal Government maintains an interinstitutional operation involving the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), Semarnat, Pemex, and Profepa for supervision, containment, and environmental impact assessment. Pemex installed containment barriers in Río Seco at the height of Ranchería Limón, confining the hydrocarbons and preventing their spread to Laguna Mecoacán. Approximately 240 kilograms of crude-impregnated residues were collected from the dock, surrounding areas, and connected bodies of water. Oleophilic cords are used for sweeping and recovery of the contaminant. The situation is under control and poses no risk to the population, according to Pemex, which will maintain permanent cleaning and monitoring. Fishing cooperatives and restaurants reported a strong petroleum smell in products from nearby waters, resorting to burying fish; images circulated of a dark oily stain in the river. The Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development of Tabasco (Semades) filed a formal complaint with the Agency of Safety, Energy and Environment (ASEA). Subsecretary Gary Arjona Rodríguez confirmed: “Se estaría realizando la denuncia correspondiente a la ASEA, que es la autoridad que tiene la potestad de emprender investigaciones por la vía administrativa”. No fish mortality has been detected so far. Despite the issues, Governor Javier May Rodríguez announced sales points in Villahermosa for mojarra and oyster from the “Pescando Vida” program. Operations will continue until total remediation.
