Nov 1, 2000 - 11:24 PM

Fractured Pipeline Spills 980 Barrels of Crude Oil in Southeastern Mexico The Associated Press

LAS CHOAPAS, Mexico (AP) - A fractured pipeline in southeastern Mexico leaked 980 barrels of oil into two rivers that feed into a system of lagoons, the state oil company Pemex said Wednesday. The spill was controlled after contaminating a 6-mile stretch of water in the state of Veracruz, Pemex said.

"It was a very complicated, large spill, but it is under control and its effects will be minimal," said Carlos Hernandez, manager of the company's environmental protection department.

Pemex said it will take about two weeks to clean up the oil that leaked from the 12-inch-wide pipeline, which it said was apparently fractured as a result of flooding in the area.

Fishermen said they are worried. "If there is barely work now, with this we're not going to be able to fish at all," said Fulgencio Aguilar, a fisherman in Las Choapas.

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-- Carl Jenkins (somewherepress@aol.com), November 02, 2000