Brazilian police investigate nature of naphtha leak in Paranagua

A leak of naphtha, a petroleum derivative, at the Terin terminal of the Port of Paranaguá, located on the coast of Paraná, has been controlled after a week after its identification. The Brazilian Federal Police (PF) is investigating the case to determine whether the leak was criminal or the product of negligence. The first signs of the leak were identified on the 7th of this month, and on the 15th, the fire department located eight new rupture points in the five-centimeter-diameter pipeline. The points were sealed using clamps.

In a statement, Terin emphasized that it has been cooperating with the investigations by providing “all technical information necessary to make the investigation as comprehensive as possible” but stressed that accidents of this nature are common.

On the 18th, Terin reported that no more products are being transported through the pipelines near the incident. “An operation was carried out on the pipelines, under the coordination of the fire department, with the participation of several other civil institutions. A corrective procedure known as pigging, used to drain the product out of the pipes, began on the 15th and was completed on the 17th,” informed the company. Nevertheless, preventive measures continue on-site.

To investigate the causes and consequences of the leak, the PF launched the “Águas Carijó” operation last week. The investigation “aims to clarify the causes of the environmental disaster whose consequences have not yet been fully assessed.” A search and seizure warrant was executed on the ship responsible for transporting and pumping the leaked fuel. This led to the apprehension of documents containing information that should help reconstruct and understand the incident.

According to the Paraná Fire Department, measurements have been taken, and there are still locations with high explosivity levels. Therefore, the corporation is in Paranaguá with a fire-fighting truck, a hydrochemical car, a command post, and a Civil Defense truck to create a naphtha decontamination corridor.

As a preventive measure, fishing in the area should be avoided, according to the Water and Land Institute (IAT) guidance. This orientation should be followed within a three-kilometer radius of the Public Pier of Flammables of the Administration of the Ports of Paranaguá and Antonina (Appa).

Laboratory analyses will identify whether the water has been contaminated, as naphtha is carcinogenic. As a petroleum-derived compound, naphtha serves as a raw material for petrochemical industries, used to produce substances such as ethene, benzene, propane, toluene, and xylenes.

Portos do Paraná port authority reported that ship operations at the Public Pier of Liquid Bulk continue to operate normally and without any problems. Furthermore, road access to terminals operating in the “emergency-affected areas” are also functioning normally.

Source: Gazeta do Povo

To read the original source, check: https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/parana/pf-investiga-vazamento-nafta-porto-paranagua/

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