During the past two months ConocoPhillips has given no firm timeline for when the cleanup will be completed. And now the Chinese government and the public are demanding an apology for the company's ineffective clean-up efforts.
Reports about the oil leak first appeared online in mid-June. But ConocoPhillips did not answer the media's request for comment.
On July 5th, the State Oceanic Administration confirmed an oil leak from Platform B and C of the Penglai 19-3 oil rig, affecting an area of 158 square kilometers.
In response, ConocoPhillips held a press conference in Beijing to address the incident. They claimed the leak had been contained and there would no further problems.
After easing the public's fears, on July 13, the State Oceanic Administration announced further leaks were still possible.
Shortly after, the company invited reporters out to the rig.
But, reporters were only allowed to see one platform and had to leave quickly. The company wouldn't offer any further comment except for promising there would be no further leaks.
Then, at the end of July, another leak was found on platform B and C by authorities.
The State Oceanic Administration appears fed up and has urged ConocoPhillips to complete the cleanup before August 31. |