Perenco Oil Pollution Audit CD Finds Negative Impacts on Soil and Air Quality

• The Congolese Ministry of Hydrocarbons has been investigating Perenco's environmental practices in western Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The audit identified negative impacts on soil and air quality linked to oil operations, corroborating Human Rights Watch's findings.
• Perenco may face potential liability under Congolese environmental law, as the final report will detail environmental remediation costs and proposed measures.

The audit's preliminary findings corroborate Human Rights Watch's conclusions on Perenco's environmental practices in western Congo.

The Congolese Ministry of Hydrocarbons has been investigating Perenco's environmental practices in western Democratic Republic of Congo, following allegations of pollution and health risks for local communities. The audit, commissioned in December 2024, identified negative impacts on soil and air quality linked to oil operations. Routine gas flaring and the open burning of oil waste near residential areas have degraded air quality, while oil spills from wells and pipelines have polluted surrounding soils and riverbeds. Human Rights Watch released a report in July documenting these issues, which corroborate the audit's preliminary findings. The ministry official emphasized that all aspects of pollution will be addressed in the final report.

The Congolese government has been under pressure to address environmental concerns related to oil operations in western Congo. Perenco, a French-British oil and gas company, operates in the region and has faced allegations of violating Congolese environmental law. The audit's findings suggest that the company engaged in practices such as open burning of oil waste, which is prohibited under local regulations. The final report will recommend infrastructure upgrades, estimate environmental remediation costs, and propose measures to repair environmental damage.

The expected release of the full audit report by late September will shed light on Perenco's environmental remediation costs and proposed measures to repair damage. The report may also clarify potential liability for Perenco under Congolese environmental law. Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the release, as it could set a precedent for oil companies operating in Africa. Transparency is crucial in addressing environmental concerns and ensuring accountability for companies with significant operations in the region.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the expected release of the full audit report by late September, which will detail Perenco's environmental remediation costs and proposed measures to repair damage. The report may also shed light on potential liability for Perenco under Congolese environmental law.

Source: Original reporting via Human Rights Watch