REPSOL oil spill off Central Peru in January 2022: A modeling case study

This study simulates the spillage of 1460 metric tons of oil that occurred in January 2022 off La Pampilla Refinery, in central Peru. The oil slick was predominantly displaced northward along the coastline, driven by prevailing currents and winds in the region. The weathering analysis revealed that the removal of oil was mainly due to evaporation (28%) and beaching processes (70%) within 96 h after the initial release. The coastal areas spanning from Ventanilla to Punta Chancay experienced significant impacts from the oil spill, representing 96% of the total affected coastal extent. Specifically, Ventanilla and Santa Rosa Beaches and the National Reserve System of Islands were heavily impacted during the first 24 h, while the surroundings of Anc & PRIME;on Bay, Aucallama and Pasamayo beaches were affected after two days. This modeling case study provides valuable insights into the fate and transport of the Repsol oil spill.

Automated summary

This study simulates the spillage of 1460 metric tons of oil off La Pampilla Refinery in central Peru, which resulted in a northward displacement of the oil slick along the coastline. The analysis revealed that evaporation and beaching processes were the main factors responsible for the removal of oil within 96 hours after the spill. The coastal areas from Ventanilla to Punta Chancay experienced significant impacts, with Ventanilla and Santa Rosa Beaches and the National Reserve System of Islands being heavily impacted in the first 24 hours.