A significant environmental incident has unfolded along the Suriname River near Accaribo, where an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 liters of used lubricating oil leaked into both river waters and surrounding soil. The National Environmental Authority (NMA) confirmed the contamination event, revealing that the storage tank responsible had a total capacity of 100,000 liters.
According to official statements, the majority of the oil—approximately 100,000 liters—was successfully contained within the tank’s secondary containment system following prompt notification from the business operator. The precise volume of escaped contaminants remains under investigation through ongoing measurement procedures. Visible pollution has been documented near shoreline areas adjacent to a recreational facility operated by the responsible enterprise.
Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, with the NMA deploying specialized remediation firm United Recycling and Rental NV to conduct cleanup operations. NMA personnel remain on-site supervising all containment and rehabilitation efforts, while the business operator continues to implement damage mitigation measures under direct agency guidance.
The incident highlights Suriname’s environmental regulatory framework, particularly Article 9 of the Environmental Framework Law which establishes mandatory environmental duty of care. This legislation requires all citizens and businesses to exercise environmental caution, refrain from harmful activities, and immediately report any ecological incidents to authorities. The NMA acknowledged the operator’s compliance with these obligations through timely reporting and cooperative engagement with containment efforts.