Illegal pipeline tap pollutes river in Oaxaca

A gasoline spill, caused by an illegal pipeline tap, polluted the creek and river of Paso Guayabo, killing several fish, confirmed the head of Civil Protection of the Isthmus, Tore Knape Macías. The spill occurred on Monday, July 25.

On early Tuesday, more than 40 people were evacuated from their homes due to the strong smell of gasoline. Three women were treated at a hospital in Matías Romero for intoxication.

Later the same day, the municipal coordinator of Civil Protection, Lázaro Zarate Estudillo, alerted the authorities of the spill of gasoline in Paso Guayabo.

The alert is aimed to prevent the use of polluted water from the creek and river. “We are waiting for Pemex staff to recover the spilled gasoline,” he said.

Several dead fish were found in the river due to the pollution. Mexico's oil company Pemex said that its staff is traveling to the affected areas.

Paso Guayabo has a population of about 137 inhabitants and is located in the municipality of Matías Romero, Oaxaca. Pemex pipelines pass under Paso Guayabo carrying gas and oil from Veracruz to Oaxaca.