A spill of non-commercial fuel residue occurred on Thursday morning in one of the tanks at the old José Martí thermoelectric plant, located in the province of Matanzas.
According to the official newspaper Girón on its Facebook profile, the facility, out of service since 2015, still retains structures that contain remnants of petroleum-derived materials.
The incident occurred specifically in one of the tanks still present in the area, the note emphasized.
In another article, the newspaper Girón specified that it was an oil and fuel oil spill contained in two tanks of approximately 500 cubic meters, which were used by the former thermoelectric plant.
Although actions had been taken to transfer that fuel, it still remained at the site. The residue is contained in the safety basin, and authorities along with Fire Command 2 are on the scene, implementing measures to prevent damage.
According to a post by journalist José Miguel Solís, the spill was contained by the sump, a safety excavation surrounding the tank to prevent fuel from spreading outside.
Solís indicated that specialized forces, along with personnel from CTE Antonio Guiteras, the current owner of the site, and technicians from CITMA, are working on the mitigation and evacuation process of the spilled fuel.
"The spill dates back to 2015," explained the journalist, who described the incident as a "minor scare. Just that."
The spill recorded at the former José Martí thermoelectric plant in Matanzas is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a series of events that highlight the environmental vulnerability in industrial and port areas of western Cuba.
In July, a new leak caused an oil spill in the Bay of Matanzas, attributed to deficiencies in the pipeline systems from the supertanker base.
Months before, a spill of a toxic substance in the bay of Cárdenas was reported, the effects of which were still under investigation by environmental and maritime authorities.
The event raised concerns among residents about potential damage to the marine ecosystem and public health, highlighting the consequences of poorly maintained industrial infrastructure and inadequate environmental oversight.
In that same month, there was also a derailment of a train carrying fuel, an incident that was quickly linked to potential environmental hazards due to the cargo involved.
Although the authorities ruled out sabotage, the incident reaffirmed the deficiencies in industrial safety measures and the transport of hazardous materials in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spill at the José Martí Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas
What happened at the old José Martí thermoelectric plant in Matanzas?
An oil and fuel oil spill occurred in one of the tanks of the former José Martí thermoelectric plant. The facility, inactive since 2015, still contains structures with remnants of petroleum-derived materials. The spill was contained by the safety basin, and authorities are taking measures to prevent damage.
What is the extent of the spill at the Matanzas thermoelectric plant?
The spill comes from two tanks of approximately 500 cubic meters each. Although the waste is contained within the safety basin, specialists are working on the mitigation and removal of the spilled fuel.
What measures are being taken to control the spill at the thermoelectric plant?
The authorities, along with Command 2 of the Fire Department, are taking measures to prevent damage, while specialized forces and technicians from CITMA are working on the mitigation and evacuation of the spilled fuel.
How does this incident affect the energy crisis in Cuba?
The spill does not directly affect energy generation, as the José Martí thermoelectric plant has been inactive since 2015. However, it reflects the precariousness of Cuba's energy infrastructure, which is facing a crisis with blackouts and a lack of maintenance in its active plants.
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