Ennore Oil Spill Investigation Reveals Leakage at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has reported that water samples collected near Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) indicate that the oil spill in Ennore in December 2023 originated from the company’s premises. The analysis revealed that oil and grease samples collected from storm-water ponds within the CPCL unit premises exceeded the standard limit, ranging from 46 mg/L to 96 mg/L, against the permitted 10 mg/L. CPCL has consistently denied responsibility for the leak, urging TNPCB to investigate other units in Manali.

The TNPCB, in response, assured that it is examining other industries in the area. The report also notes that, according to the Indian Coast Guard, around 24,000 liters of oil spilled into the water. Despite clean-up efforts, no traces of oil were observed in waterbodies on January 4, with apparent discoloration attributed to “sewage discharge.” The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is conducting an assessment to gauge the environmental impact and formulate a restoration plan for Ennore Creek, proposing a budget of ₹1.04 crore for the project.