Nineveh: Nineveh Environment Director Rana al-Tai announced the detection of an oil and bitumen spill during a field survey conducted by a specialized technical team in the Nimrud district to investigate the presence of oil pollution and its effects in the area.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Tai stated that a team from the Chemicals and Climate Change divisions conducted a field survey of a site adjacent to one of the main valleys near the villages of al-Abbas and al-Najaf. The results of this survey revealed the presence of leaking oil and bitumen pools in the area, which has raised environmental concerns.

During the survey, the team recorded the deaths of a number of wild animals and birds, prompting an urgent call for measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts of the spill. Al-Tai highlighted the need for immediate action to address the situation and prevent further harm to the ecosystem.

The directorate has reached out to relevant authorities to address the source of the spill, aiming to control it and stop the continued spread of petroleum products in the vicinity. Al-Tai emphasized the importance of containing the oil slicks before they travel through the valleys towards the Tigris River, as this could pose significant risks to water quality and the surrounding environment.

Specialized teams are actively monitoring the situation on the ground, assessing the extent of the environmental impact, and implementing necessary technical measures. Al-Tai called for a swift response to treat the pollution source and protect the area’s biodiversity, underscoring the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring at the site.