Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 13: Following reports of oil spillage by MRPL and subsequent allegation that it had contaminated a nearby water body, the company issued a clarification stating that though spillage had taken place, it was of a small quantity and not 'massive' as reported.
File Photo
In its statement, MRPL said that oil spillage into storm water drain from the refinery was due to mechanical failure, and rubbished the villagers’ claims of massive leakage from the units.
In a response sent through e-mail, Lakshmi Kumaran, deputy general manager (corporate communications) said that as she was away from Mangalore, the clarification came late. "Had there been a massive leak, the loss would have been tremendous," she said.
The company also clarified that it was not pre-meditated or done deliberately or caused by negligence, and it does not mean MRPL has no concern for nature or people.
Refinery director Vijay G Joshi assured there is no cause for worry and everything is under control.
"There was oil spillage into storm water drain going out of the refinery due to a mechanical failure of a level transmitter (LT) in the oily water sewer. This has resulted in leakage of little quantity of oil into storm water drain. Immediate corrective measures were taken and oil from storm water drain was removed by deploying gully sucker. KSPCB officials who visited the site, collected sample of storm water from the now cleaned area of storm water drain. The leakage is completely arrested," he said.