THE SAN RAFAEL DE LAYA OIL SPILL: A CASE OF CLEANUP AND REMEDIATION IN VENEZUELA

Abstract

ABSTRACT In November 1994, a 16-inch pipeline rupture resulted in a spill of about 10,000 barrels of crude oil extending on 4 hectares of agricultural land, including part of a freshwater lagoon. The spill was contained 2 kilometers away from the accident by a dike constructed across the lagoon during the first response operation. Oil cleanup activities included a bioremediation process (land farming) where harrowing, water irrigation, and fertilization of contaminated soil were applied Physical removal qfthe oil with sorbents, booms, and pads, aswell as a drum skimmer, were used to dean up and restore the lagoon. Laboratory tests reported mat total crude oübiodegrodation rates were stabilized within 2 months, with a mean total hydrocarbons degradation of 80%.