TNPCB Investigates Oil in Chennai Flood Waters, Traces Leak to CPCL

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has launched an investigation into the presence of a thick film of oil in floodwaters in the Ennore and Eranavur areas of Chennai. TNPCB officials suggest that when water was pumped out of the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), the oil mixed with rainwater flowing through the stormwater drain.

Two teams of TNPCB officials have inspected the area, identifying two major possible sources of oil and several minor sources. Companies with the capacity for remedial work have been instructed to contain the oil spread using oil booms and super suckers. The Chennai Petroleum Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, denied reports of a pipeline leak and attributed the situation to unprecedented flooding.