The organized extraction of fuel spilled last Thursday at the tank bund of the dormant José Martí Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas is progressing without further incidents, according to Román Pérez Castañeda, the technical director of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant. So far, more than half of the crude oil contained in the bund has been successfully removed, highlighted the state-run news portal Cubadebate.
Authorities are now assessing the fuel's properties for potential use at the Antonio Guiteras plant, which is also located in Matanzas. The suction process might continue for an additional two to three days due to the high viscosity of the crude, necessitating the addition of water to ease handling, thereby increasing the volume to be processed.
Workers from the Empresa de Perforación y Reparación Capital de Pozos de Petróleo y Gas (Empercap) are involved in the operation, supported by the Fire Department, Cupet, the construction sector, and Navegación Caribe. The latter is tasked with preventing potential environmental damage in Matanzas Bay. Prior to extraction, precautions were taken to minimize fire risks, and once the suction process is completed, residues will remain on the bund walls, requiring ongoing safety protocols, as stated by Pérez Castañeda.
The José Martí thermoelectric plant has been inactive since 2015, marking nearly a decade of neglect. Although officially attributed to technical deficiencies, the facility has been unused without a clear maintenance or decommissioning plan. This institutional neglect left the tanks filled with unused fuel, leading to the current spill due to ongoing deterioration.
The incident has raised concerns about the high risk of fire and environmental harm in this vulnerable industrial area, prompting the mobilization of CUPET units, firefighters, and technicians from the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant. Shortly after, it was reported that the leaked crude from one of the abandoned tanks had been extracted. However, the incident revealed more than just an environmental emergency; it exposed a series of accumulated neglect over the years.
The fuel had been stored without purpose or technical oversight for over a decade, in a corroded and obsolete metal infrastructure situated in a highly flammable industrial environment.
FAQs on the José Martí Thermoelectric Plant Fuel Extraction
What is the current status of the fuel extraction at the José Martí Thermoelectric Plant?
The extraction process is progressing smoothly and more than half of the spilled crude has been removed without any additional incidents.
Why is the suction process taking longer than expected?
The high viscosity of the crude oil requires the addition of water to facilitate handling, which increases the volume to be processed, thus extending the timeline.
What measures are being taken to prevent environmental damage in Matanzas Bay?
Navegación Caribe is collaborating to prevent potential environmental impacts, and ongoing safety protocols are being applied to manage any residual risks.