Pajapan, Veracruz — Environmental authorities are moving forward with their investigation into the oil slicks that continue to contaminate Mexico’s beaches. Mexican authorities have been in search of the source of the leak since March.
At least 16 beaches in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz have been affected. Fishermen in the Gulf have also reported oil at sea that has splashed onto their vessels.
On Friday, the Mexican government said they are coordinating actions to address the presence of hydrocarbons on beaches in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Unified Command Center in Veracruz, along with authorities from Tabasco and Veracruz, is conducting hydrocarbon containment operations. Analysis of currents and winds continues to strengthen containment efforts for the oil slicks detected along the coasts of Veracruz and Tabasco.
In a statement, the Federal Attorney General’s Office for Environmental Protection reported that the Mexican government is maintaining inter-institutional coordination efforts to address the presence of hydrocarbons detected on beaches in Veracruz and Tabasco.
These efforts are being carried out through the Unified Command Center in Veracruz, with the participation of the Mexican Navy (Semar), Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Civil Protection, the Agency for Safety, Energy and the Environment (ASEA), the Federal Attorney General’s Office for Environmental Protection of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), the State Attorney General’s Office for Environmental Protection, the Port and Fishing Community, and in coordination with the authorities of Tabasco and Veracruz.
Due to weather conditions and variations in ocean currents, oil slicks have been detected on beaches in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in the areas of Alvarado and Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, as well as along the coast of Tabasco.
In the case of Dos Bocas, the spill’s spread is evolving differently than initially predicted for this scenario.
Following the initial reports received in early March, ASEA technical staff conducted verification tours of port facilities and coastal areas. During these inspections, no leaks were detected at terminals or nearshore infrastructure, however, hydrocarbons with varying degrees of weathering were identified along some stretches of beach.
To strengthen monitoring and containment efforts, reconnaissance flights have been conducted using aircraft and surface maritime patrols, along with the use of drones, satellite mapping, and studies of ocean currents in the ports of Alvarado and Coatzacoalcos, and along the Tabasco coast.
These actions allow for the assessment of the potential spread of the contaminant and the establishment of containment and mitigation measures.
Even though the recent incidents involving hydrocarbons have not been linked to Pemex operations, the company immediately initiated containment and cleanup efforts at sea by deploying its vessel Oil Rec, installing booms, and carrying out recovery operations that helped control the spread of the oil slick.
Additionally, Pemex, in coordination with Semarnat, Semar, Profepa, and Conanp, implemented beach cleanup brigades with the support of fishermen, local authorities, and communities in the region.
In the municipality of Alvarado, Veracruz, the Navy Plan was activated and, in coordination with government authorities, brigades were established for beach cleaning, the installation of containment barriers and assistance to the fishing community.
In addition, Profepa is conducting complementary inspection visits to those carried out by ASEA with the aim of strengthening investigations and determining responsibilities in accordance with current environmental legislation.
The source of the contaminant is still being evaluated. According to the oceanographic models currently being analyzed, the hydrocarbon appears to be flowing from the sea toward the coast.
Personnel from Semarnat, Semar, Profepa, Pemex and ASEA remain deployed in the affected areas of Veracruz and Tabasco and will conduct further monitoring visits to follow up on the actions taken to assist the affected fishermen.
Once the source of the pollutant has been identified, the authorities will proceed in accordance with applicable legislation to sanction the responsible company and ensure the repair of the environmental damage.
The Government of Mexico reaffirms its commitment to maintain permanent monitoring and to implement all necessary actions to contain this event and protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities, particularly fishermen and women.
