Uzbekistan has calculated environmental damage exceeding UZS 8.5bn ($670,000) after an oil-contaminated liquid spill entered a river in the Surkhandarya Region.
The incident occurred in Boysun District, where a special commission found that about 1.2 tons of oil-mixed liquid flowed into the Xongaronsoy river following heavy rainfall on April 23.
According to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, the spill originated from a well operated by the joint venture Surkhan Gas Chemical Operating Company.
During the incident, oil-contaminated liquid surfaced from the well. To prevent it from reaching natural water bodies, the company deployed equipment from Eriell Oilfield Services Middle East DMCC and constructed 11 containment trenches.
However, heavy rainfall caused the liquid to overflow, leading to contamination of the nearby river.
The compensation amount was calculated based on a government resolution dated April 12, 2021, which defines procedures for assessing environmental damage.
Authorities reported that the situation has now been stabilized, and the affected water has been cleaned.
The State Environmental Control Inspectorate continues to investigate the case. Once the review is completed, all materials will be submitted to law enforcement agencies for legal evaluation.
