Brazil file charges against Chevron executives for new oil leak

SAO PAULO - Brazilian prosecutors Saturday she said file criminal complaint against 17 executives of Chevron Corp. and drilling contractor Transocean Ltd. for a new oil leak near the city are the offshore well, where late last year spilled at least 110,000 gallon (approximately 416.000).

Affected George buck, Chief Operating Officer for Chevron include Brazilian League, federal prosecutors spokesman Marcelo del Negri said by telephone.

He said prosecutors charges including "Environmental crime" in a Federal Court would continue next week file, but he no information.

As buck he didn't know how many of the executives worked for California-based Chevron and how many for Transocean, the drilling contractor for the well where the leak occurred last year.

Prosecutors also said the Court to prohibit the 17 from leaving the country, he.

A spokeswoman for Chevron in Brazil said that the company had no comment because it had not the decision. You asked to be identified in accordance with the internal rules.

On Thursday, Chevron confirmed that it a "small new oil seep" and that it worked, to collect the crude oil.

The size of the new leaks is known as ANP explain Brazil's national petroleum unknown, agency, said that the leak was found, because an oil spill at sea appeared.

A spokesperson for ANP said the new leak is "not out of the well;" It is sealed. It seems on the seabed in the vicinity of wells, of fissures come "where the leak occurred last year." She spoke on condition of anonymity, say that she were not authorized to discuss the matter.

Chevron has ANP for the access for all production activities simply asked, says, that he would like to perform a "comprehensive technical study" better understand the Lakes, where it is drilling.

IBAMA, Brazil's environmental protection agency said in a statement on its website, up to 20 March, "detailed" Chevron information on measures to reduce the environmental impact has written the new leaks.

The new leak is another challenge for plans, ensure the offshore oil extract, that Brazil has seen in recent years. It is estimated that at least 50 billion barrels of oil off Brazil's coast, the greatest discoveries in America over three decades lie.

Oil began leaking cracks on the ocean floor at the site of a Chevron assessment good last November 7, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) off the northeastern coast of Rio de Janeiro State. About two weeks later, said ANP, the leak under control.

However, experts warned that there was a high risk of oil seepage continue.

Chevron was then said that the spill occurred because it underestimated the pressure in an underwater reservoir.

He said that crude oil caused to rush to a bore and finally escape into the surrounding sea floor. The oil leaked by at least seven narrow cracks on the ocean floor, at 160 feet (50 meters) of the head good.

Work on the field of Frade in the Campos Basin the leaks occurred under Chevron "largest investments," according to the website of the company.

The field produces close to 62,000 barrels of oil per day.