In brief
Former employee Andrés Olarte exposes extensive environmental damage by Ecopetrol, citing over 800 pollution incidents and raising concerns about wildlife and local communities.
In a shocking exposé, a whistleblower has revealed that Ecopetrol, Colombia's leading oil company, has been responsible for extensive pollution across hundreds of sites in the country. Former employee Andrés Olarte has leaked data indicating over 800 records of pollution incidents dating from 1989 to 2018, with significant amounts of oil contaminating water sources and biodiverse wetlands. The leaked information alleges that Ecopetrol has underreported about 20% of these incidents and that since 2020, hundreds of oil spills have continued to plague the area, particularly near Barrancabermeja, where the company's main refinery is located along the Magdalena River.Within this region, local fishermen, such as Yuly Velásquez from Fedepesan, have claimed that the oil pollution is affecting wildlife, including endangered species like river turtles and manatees. During a BBC visit, iridescent oil films were observed on the river's surface, raising alarms about its impact on local biodiversity. Ecopetrol, which is predominantly state-owned, has maintained its stance of adhering to Colombian environmental laws, citing improved practices in pollution management and cleanup operations.Andrés Olarte's troubling journey began when he joined the company as an advisor in 2017. Identifying glaring discrepancies in pollution data, Olarte expressed his concerns to management but was met with resistance. Leaving the company in 2019, he subsequently disclosed sensitive data to environmental NGOs, revealing the company’s inadequate responses to pollution incidents and alleged efforts to conceal information from authorities.Olarte's findings have sparked heated debates, as previous CEO Felipe Bayón firmly rejected accusations of deception about pollution practices, attributing many oil spills to sabotage by illegal armed groups. Despite these claims, the ongoing reports of pollution incidents, including the deaths of various animals this year, indicate a continued crisis for both the local ecosystem and communities dependent on the river.With Colombia being labeled the deadliest country for environmental advocates, threats have emerged against both Olarte and Velásquez for their outspoken stance against Ecopetrol. The complex interplay between private security companies and the environmental crisis remains a point of contention, raising further concerns about the protection of community leaders.As Ecopetrol continues to play a vital role in Colombia’s economy, the challenge arises of balancing energy production with environmental and community protections. Both Velásquez and Olarte emphasize the urgent need for accountability and sustainable practices, asserting that local livelihoods and ecosystems are at stake.
