Environmental Disaster on the Yenisey River - 30 Tons of Diesel Fuel Leak into the Waterway
In the Kazachinsky Region of Krasnoyarsk, a State of Emergency is Declared due to a Diesel Spill on the Yenisei River
A diesel spill happened on the Yenisei River in the Kazachinsky District of Krasnoyarsk after a buoy suffered a hull breach and ran aground on the Kazachinsky Rapids. Preliminary data suggests approximately 30 tons of diesel fuel leaked into the river.
The accident occurred on a challenging section of the river, the Kazachinsky Rapids, around 6 PM on June 8. The tug OT-2439, operated by Ob-Irtysh River Steamship Company, was traveling downstream with two empty barges when it collided with the rocky bottom.
At the time of the incident, there were 14 crew members on board. Some were evacuated to shore, while the rest continued working to address the aftermath of the spill.
The hull breach caused the diesel fuel leak.
Here's video footage of the evacuation and installation of containment barriers:
The diesel slick has already reached the settlements of Piskunovka and Momotovo, located on the banks of the Yenisei, according to local authorities - about 20 km downstream. The situation is under control by local authorities, EMERCOM, and other supervisory bodies.
From 10 PM on June 8, a State of Emergency was declared in the Kazachinsky District. The head of the district, Yuriy Ozerovsky, appealed to the citizens to maintain calm and obtain information only from official sources - the district administration, EMERCOM, and the prosecutor's office.
"There is no immediate danger to the district's residents. However, there is a risk to local flora and fauna, which experts will need to address," Ozerovsky said.
For monitoring the situation, the heads of the administrations of six rural soviets (Piatkovsky, Galansky, Momotovsky, Mokrushinsky, Kazachinsky, and Zakharovsky) were instructed to track the appearance of oil slicks and observe the condition of fish, animals, and birds on the river. All information should be immediately sent to the Central Operations Headquarters.
Specialists from EMERCOM have set up containment barriers around the damaged vessel to prevent further spread of diesel. The inspection of the water area is being conducted with the help of drones. Navigation on the river is continuing, but authorities are urging residents to limit their time spent on the Yenisei.
Ozerovsky emphasized that the Kazachinsky Rapids are a dangerous section for navigation, so "such incidents are expected."
"There are techniques for cleaning up spills, and the response mechanisms have been worked out, including the work of specialists. Everyone is busy with their jobs, so please don't create unnecessary panic," Ozerovsky said.
The administration of the Kazachinsky District is appealing to residents of affected settlements to report any effects of the diesel spill.
If you have spotted oil slicks, fish kills, or the death of animals or birds, call the single duty dispatch service of the Kazachinsky District
The Department of Rospotrebnadzor for Krasnoyarsk Krai has strengthened the monitoring of the quality of drinking water supplied to the residents of Lesosibirsk. In addition, samples of water will be selected and analyzed by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology."
Employees of the Ministry of Ecology of Krasnoyarsk Krai have arrived at the scene.
Here's video footage of the area:
In addition to the regular measures taken in such situations, investigations are being conducted by the Investigative Committee of Krasnoyarsk Oblast on two counts: violation of rules for handling hazardous substances and violation of rules for the safety of movement and operation of internal water transport.
A investigative group has been dispatched to the site to determine all the circumstances and causes of the incident. The results will determine further action.
Diesel Spills in Russian Rivers: A Standard Response
Immediate Response
- Notification: Local authorities and environmental agencies are notified by the company or witnesses.
- Containment: Booms and absorbent materials are deployed to prevent the spread of diesel.
- Recovery: Skimmers and pumps remove spilled fuel from the water surface.
- Wildlife Protection: Efforts are made to protect local fauna and habitats.
Cleanup and Remediation
- Shoreline Cleaning: Manual recovery of contaminated soil and vegetation.
- Waste Disposal: Contaminated materials are collected and disposed of safely.
- Monitoring: Water and soil are regularly monitored for residual contaminants.
Investigations
- Cause Analysis: Authorities investigate the source of the spill.
- Accountability: Companies responsible may face fines or operational restrictions.
If a new incident has occurred but has not been widely reported in international media, local Russian news outlets, or government press releases (like those from the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Environmental Management, “Rosprirodnadzor”) would be the best sources for updates.
The Norilsk Diesel Spill (2020)
- Cause: Diesel storage tank collapse at a power plant.
- Response: Over 200,000 tons of contaminated water and soil removed.
- Penalties: Company (Norilsk Nickel) fined nearly $2 billion.
- Lessons: Increased regulatory oversight and stricter safety requirements.
- In light of the ongoing emergency in the Kazachinsky District of Krasnoyarsk, the housing market and real-estate industry in the affected areas might experience fluctuations, as potential buyers and investors consider the potential environmental risks.
- The diesel spill in the Kazachinsky Region could impact the local environmental-science industry, as experts will be needed to assess the damage to the flora and fauna, and to devise strategies for recovery and remediation.
- The financial sector, including banks and insurance companies, may also be affected, as they may need to provide loans or financial assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by the diesel spill.
- The energy industry, particularly oil companies, may find themselves under scrutiny, as the incident raises questions about the safety measures in place to prevent similar accidents, particularly in challenging environments such as river rapids.
- As the Kazachinsky District grapples with the aftermath of the diesel spill, the science and technology industry could play a crucial role in addressing the environmental issues, through advancements in clean-up technologies and innovations to prevent future incidents.
