The NAM Apologizes for the Toxic Farmsum Leak

The Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) apologizes for the leak that occurred earlier this month in Groningse Farmsum, in which 30,000 liters of toxic natural gas condensate was dumped into the sewers. A criminal investigation was opened against the NAM because of the leak that went unnoticed for days. The prosecutor assumes that NAM acted in violation of environmental regulations.

"In the case of Farmsum, we clearly did not respect our own standards and those of the environment," according to NAM director Johan Atema in a statement. "The natural gas condensate does not belong to the surface water and if that happens, it should not take a few days before we discover this.I want to express again our regrets on behalf of the NAM for this incident and to apologize to local residents for the nuisance. "

See also: NAM Criminal Investigation after Poison Leaks at Farmsum

It is extremely exceptional that the director of the MNA s personally apologize for an incident. The only other time was for earthquake troubles in Groningen. Atema claims that the NAM "never, even in the case of this leak, deliberately reported or withheld any information, any suggestion in this regard is unfair". In addition, Atema said: "I can not imagine that external investigations will show the opposite."

Measures

Since the incident, the tank fleet of the MNA has been subject to increased oversight by the State Mine Supervision (SSM ). The regulator has asked NAM to minimize "the size of the landfill and repair any damage to the environment". The Non-Aligned Movement now claims to have taken steps to prevent further leaks. In addition, the company, which is also facing serious fires due to problems related to gas extraction in Groningen, has put in place "a very thorough and thorough investigation". After a thorough cleaning, the sewer can be put back into service quickly, says the NAM.

At the beginning of October, natural gas condensate was leaking from a reservoir in the NAM industrial area at Farmsum. He then found himself in the sewer and so spilled into a drainage channel in the smaller Delfzijl. Natural gas condensate is a toxic mixture of hydrocarbons resulting from the extraction of natural gas and including the hazardous substance benzene. After the escape, activists blocked the site of the Non-Aligned Movement and demanded an opening. This blockade is still in progress. The Non-Aligned Movement has not yet asked the police to lift the blockade.