The operator of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) issued a statement saying that the facility suspended oil transshipment due to a planned shutdown on April 10 following media reports concerning environmental problems in the area, QazMonitor reports citing the operator’s press service.
On April 10-12, reports were circulating in the local media outlets and social media of Novorossiysk, the adjacent Russian port, regarding the presence of unpleasant odors in the city. The residents have been raising environmental concerns, specifically regarding the fumes associated with oil, petroleum products, gas, and mercaptans.
In response to this issue, the CPC claims the facility has been undergoing a planned shutdown since April 10.
“From April 10 to the present, the CPC Marine Terminal does not transship oil through the SPM and does not accept crude oil into the Tank Farm due to a planned shutdown. Accordingly, CPC facilities cannot be a source of volatile organic compounds that cause unpleasant odors,” reads the statement.