Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), operator of Oil Mining Lease 30 (OML 30), has intensified environmental remediation and relief efforts in Uzere Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following the containment of a recent oil spill at its Well 14 facility.
The company is reportedly deploying additional technical measures and strengthening engagement with host communities to address the environmental impact of reservoir gas build-up and the subsequent escape of crude oil.
Sources close to the company said cleanup operations were ongoing, alongside engagements with state authorities, regulatory agencies and community representatives to support medical outreach, provide relief materials and facilitate the long-term restoration of affected farmlands and water bodies.
Reports from Joint Investigation Visits (JIV) indicated that government regulatory agencies, the company and community representatives participated in assessing the incident.
Spill response teams reportedly moved to contain the affected area and recover spilled crude to minimise further environmental damage.
The company was also said to have deployed fire trucks, secured the immediate vicinity of Well 14 and evacuated residents living closest to the bubbling crude.
In addition to the containment and cleanup operations, Heritage Energy has reportedly provided initial relief materials to affected communities. Local leaders estimated the value of the first round of assistance at more than ₦10 million, with the distribution of food items and other palliatives still ongoing.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who visited the affected area, said the company had engaged with host communities before beginning containment and cleanup activities.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the ongoing response, noting that Heritage Energy had commenced containment and crude recovery operations.
He urged residents not to interpret delays in addressing some of their complaints as a lack of commitment, explaining that established procedures had to be followed.
“Delay is not denial. There are procedures and processes, and that is the reason for any delay. I am here with the Commissioners for Oil and Gas, Environment and Youth Development, Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, to see things for ourselves, meet with the host community and engage with the company,” Oborevwori said.
The company’s reported grassroots interventions include the distribution of relief materials, engagement with community leaders and efforts to repair electricity infrastructure in the affected areas.
Heritage Energy has also reportedly committed to maintaining discussions with the Uzere traditional council on broader environmental remediation and possible compensation after the spill has been fully contained.
As part of its environmental monitoring efforts, the company is said to be assessing air quality and measuring methane and other hydrocarbon emissions around the incident site.
According to the reports, technical teams are incorporating the emission data into the wider remediation plan to support compliance with national air quality standards and the company’s environmental commitments.
Specialised foreign technical experts are also reportedly on site to carry out advanced well-control procedures and help prevent further leakage.
The ongoing response is expected to address immediate safety concerns while supporting the longer-term recovery of the affected environment and the livelihoods of residents in Uzere Kingdom.
