A BP-owned oil company is among 17 international corporations facing demands to pay £385m for ecological damage across a region in Patagonia six times the size of England.
The Argentine government claims Pan American Energy, in which BP has 60 per cent control, has increased deforestation by building roads and facilities for 10,000 rigs in the 900,000 sq km area. The wastage is allegedly spreading disease through water contamination.
Ombudsman Eduardo Mondino, who has taken the oil companies to court, says: 'Many of these companies are well aware of the environmental rules they must comply with, but in Argentina it is cheaper for them to pay the fines.'
It is now up to the Supreme Court of Justice to decide on what amount, if any, these companies should pay. It will be months before a decision.
Mario Calafell, a spokesman for Pan American Energy, said: 'We do not have any responsibility for environmental damages... In fact, we have certificates that ensure our excellence in environment management.'
Other companies involved in the allegation are Spanish Repsol, Brazilian Petrobras and the American oil companies Total and Exxon.
Via: The Guardian
by Javier Espinoza
by Javier Espinoza
