The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille community in Rivers State, but preliminary “deductions and field observations indicate that the gas bubbling may be associated with a subsurface phenomenon that could be linked to a variety of triggers.”
In a statement signed by its chief executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, on Thursday, the agency said it was worried about the unfortunate incident, assuring residents that efforts are being made to address the issue.
The commission acknowledged the concerns the “unsavoury development has raised in relation to public safety, the environment, and the health of the populace,” stressing that, “The overall well-being of our communities and the protection of the environment remain paramount to the commission, as they are to government.”
It stated that, “Upon notification of the incident, the commission activated a coordinated technical investigation process in line with established regulatory protocols to assess the nature and extent of the gas seepage, identify source(s) and potential cause(s), and propose immediate and long-term mitigation measures.”
“The investigative study is being conducted in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, fact- based outcomes for long-term sustainability,” it added.
“Detailed geotechnical and geological analyses are ongoing to determine the contributing factor(s) and possible remedies for prompt implementation,” the statement further said.
“The commission assures the Bille community of its resolve to ensure that necessary actions required to address the situation are taken in line with applicable regulations, industry standards and global best practices.
“Once again, the commission commiserates with the Bille community as we work assiduously with all stakeholders to unravel the incident, and enjoins members of the community to maintain the commendable level of responsibility whilst adhering to all safety measures and public health advisories issued by the relevant authorities,” the statement disclosed.