The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA says it has received reports of careless disposal of base oil and drilling mud in Iriebe and Igbo Etche communities in Rivers state carried out by unidentified individuals.
In a statement, the Director General of NOSDRA, EMEKA WOKE warned that the activity poses serious risks to the environment, public health and safety as well as violates the agency’s oil spill and Oily waste management regulations.
EMEKA WOKE in the statement said the agency has initiated preliminary site assessments and environmental sampling in collaboration with the Rivers state ministry of environment and other relevant stakeholders.
He announced plans for a full-scale investigation with a vow to sanction groups and individuals found complicit.
The NOSDRA boss, EMEKA WOKE maintained that the management and disposal of oily waste including drilling muds must comply strictly with approved waste handling, treatment, transport and disposal standards.
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He asked contractors, operators and service providers to be guided by their legal obligations under national regulations and adopt the best environmental practices at all times.
NOSDRA further tasked community members, industry workers and the public to remain vigilant and report incidents of illegal waste disposal, pipeline vandalism or oil spills immediately.