Review of oil leaks in China's Bohai Bay

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More than two months have passed since the oil leak began in north China's Bohai Bay. The situation has not improved as ten more leaks have been found.

It took ConocoPhillips a month to admit the leak. The oil seepage first occurred in the Penglai 19-3 oil field, Platform B, in Bohai Bay on June 4th. But ConocoPhillips China, the operator, didn't report it until July 1st.

On July 5th, China's State Oceanic Administration said oil had also leaked from Platform C. ConocoPhillips China responded the next day saying the oil spill had been contained and the clean-up operation was nearly finished.

On July 14th ConocoPhillips admitted that about 1,500 barrels of oil had leaked into the sea water. While on August 12th, the company said that number had increased by more than 3,200 barrels.

Dried oil particles were identified along the coasts of the provinces of Hebei and Liaoning on July 19th. The maritime authority confirmed they were from the Penglai 19-3 oil field. But ConocoPhillips said it had not seen any evidence of demonstrated harm to marine life and environment caused by the oil leak.

The North China Sea branch of the State Oceanic Administration says it will file lawsuits against the companies responsible for the leak.

On August 19th, ConocoPhillips China extended an apology for its conduct and an investigative task force, headed by the State Oceanic Administration, was set up. on August 20th, ConocoPhillips China admitted that nine new oil spills had been found in its Penglai 19-3 oilfield. One day later, another spill was reported.

Editor:Zhang Dan |Source: CNTV.CN


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