Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) has intensified its comprehensive environmental remediation and cleanup activities in Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area, following the containment of the recent oil spill at the Well 14 facility.
Sources close to the company confirmed that it has deployed enhanced technical strategies and scaled up community engagement to address the environmental impact caused by the reservoir gas buildup and subsequent crude escape. In addition to its ongoing cleanup operations, Heritage Energy is working in close alignment with state authorities, regulatory bodies, and host communities to roll out robust medical outreaches, provide relief, and ensure long-term environmental restoration of the affected farmlands and water bodies
Reports from Joint Investigation Visits (JIV) also showed active participation of statutory government regulatory agencies, the oil company alongside community representatives. Spill response teams worked urgently to contain the impacted footprint and recover spilled crude to forestall environmental risks.
The company, it was further gathered, has deployed fire trucks, secured the immediate vicinity of Well 14, and evacuated residents closest to the bubbling crude.
Reports also confirmed that the company has provided initial palliatives to the affected host communities, which local leadership estimates to be worth over ₦10 million in the first instance, with the distribution of food stuff and other palliatives to the affected areas on-going.
Confirming the reports, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, during his visit to the area, noted that the company had undertaken preliminary engagements with the host communities before commencing containment and cleanup operations, expressing satisfaction in the cleanup exercise. He said that HEOSL has initiated its containment and recovery exercises, with cleanup operations ongoing.
He cautioned residents against interpreting the time taken to address some of their complaints as lack of commitment, insisting that due process and established procedures must be followed.
“Delay is not denial. There are procedures and processes, and that is the reason for any delay. I am here with the Commissioners for Oil and Gas, Environment and Youth Development, Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, to see things for ourselves, meet with the host community and engage with the company,” he said.
The grassroots interventions associated with Heritage Energy including the distribution of relief materials, engagement of volunteer community leaders and efforts to repair electricity infrastructure, highlight the importance of practical interventions in addressing the challenges facing riverine communities.
The operator has committed to continuing structured dialogue with the Uzere traditional council regarding broader environmental remediation and eventual compensation once the spill is entirely contained.
As part of its commitment to environmental transparency and greenhouse gas reduction targets, the company is said to be actively addressing air quality impacts. Its Technical teams are conducting ongoing assessments of methane and other hydrocarbon emissions at the incident site. Emission data is being integrated into the broader environmental remediation plan to ensure compliance with national air quality standards.
Experts say that Heritage Energy prioritizes the safety of its host communities and the preservation of the local environment. As at present, specialized foreign technical experts are still on ground to execute advanced well-control procedures and to ensure safe prevention of further leaks.
