OREANDA-NEWS. The combat with effects of the incident, when petroleum products were released into the environment in Birzai District on the night from 15th to 16 May 2009, is fast track and successful, reported the press-centre of Mazeikiu Nafta.

The pollutants were released to the environment as a result of the attempted illegal tap to AB Mazeikiu Nafta’ product pipeline in the Apascia River, near Totoriai village, 8 kilometers from Birzai.

AB Mazeikiu Nafta emergency response teams quickly contained the spill at its location, stopped the diesel flow from the pipeline, repaired the damaged pipe and immediately started spill combat activities. About 20 specialists of AB Mazeikiu Nafta, supported by Firefighters/Rescuers of Birzai and Panevezys Districts as well as the staff of UAB Ekovalis, are involved in these activities.

As Arunas Pranckevicius, Director of Pipelines and Marine Terminals, said: “We deployed seven containment and absorbent booms on the Apascia River. They did not allow the pollutants to flow to the village. The diesel spill is recovered with a special absorbent materials, special pumps and vacuum trucks.”

According to Gediminas Markauskas, Head of the Accident Prevention and Management Division of the State Environment Protection Inspectorate, the combat of the spill effects is fast and efficient.