Lease operator on oil in floodwater: Report those who dumped oil in pit

Jasmin Oil and Gas Ltd has called on Erin residents to share any information on the oily materials illegally dumped into a pit in the community.

The call came on Tuesday, two days after oil was spotted in floodwater.

A release from the company said after heavy rain and flash flooding across Trinidad on Sunday, Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd got a report of the oil in the floodwater.

Heritage informed its partner, local operator Jasmin Oil and Gas Ltd.

Investigations found the extreme recent rainfall caused an old drill pit to overflow. The pit had not been used since 2015.

"Jasmin Oil and Gas makes routine checks of disused pits, and at the last inspection, approximately eight weeks ago, there was no evidence of oil in the pit," the release said.

Since the last inspection, the security fencing around the pit has been tampered with and oily material reportedly illegally dumped into the pit.

"These have now mixed with what would have otherwise been a straightforward discharge of rainwater during heavy rains," the release said.

Statements from concerned residents of the area have corroborated this suspected illegal dumping.

Reports have been made to the police and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

The release said Jasmin Oil and Gas Ltd and its parent company, Challenger Energy, immediately responded when they got the report from Heritage.

Staff members and experienced environmental and cleaning contractors visited the area. Specialised equipment was used to contain impurities in the floodwater and prevent any further runoff into the environment. It was also used to clean affected homes.

The company said it also gave out emergency relief supplies to affected residents.

"The situation is being closely monitored, but at this stage, it appears the prompt response has effectively contained the situation," the release said.

"Clean-up activities are already well advanced and will remain ongoing over the next few days until flooding subsides. There is no further evidence of contamination, with emphasis on the residential households and land that have been affected."

The release said the company remains steadfast in its commitment to being a good corporate citizen and a key contributor to stakeholders in the community.