ECOPETROL: Explosion Hits Oil Pipeline In Norte De Santander

(RTTNews) - Colombia's state-owned oil company Ecopetrol has activated its contingency plan for the Caño Limón-Coveñas pipeline after a new attack in the Norte de Santander department (state), in the country's eastern region. The attack caused the rupture of the pipeline and oil spill in the La Cristalina, La Tiradera and Catatumbo rivers.

The company indicated that after the attack, the regional disaster management boards were informed. "Company's technicians are verifying at least four other damages to the pipeline in Norte de Santander and Arauca, presumably caused by attacks or illicit valves to steal crude from the transportation system," the oil company said in a statement.

Ecopetrol once again criticized these actions, claiming it that put at risk the integrity of the people, the development and welfare of the communities, and the normal operation of the oil activities.