Sorik Marapi Again Experiences Gas Leakage That Makes Residents Suffocated And Vomiting, Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Conducts Investigation

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power (SMGP), which is the developer of the Sorik Marapi geothermal field in Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra, has again reported a gas leak. The report was received by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (DG EBTKE).

The report explained, on September 27, 2022, at around 18.00 WIB, several residents from Sibangor Julu Village and Sibangor Tonga Village complained of smelling a pungent smell coming from Wellpad T, resulting in some residents experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath and vomiting.

"The report we received, when the residents' complaint reports were received, the activity at Wellpad T was the bleeding activity of the T-11 well to neutralize gas in the well which was part of the series of flow testing processes for the T-11 well. The bleeding process started at 15.30 WIB until at 17.30 WIB and it is planned to continue the next day, sometime after PT SMGP received a report of complaints from residents," explained Director of Geothermal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Harris in an official statement, Thursday, September 29.

He added that the geothermal well flow test activity has risks, one of which is the release of H2S gas in the process which has been anticipated with a series of strict procedures, among others, by neutralizing H2S gas before the geothermal well fluid is flowed.

"In the preparation stage, the well flow test activity has previously been coordinated and received approval from the Mandailing Natal Regency Government, the Police, and the surrounding community," he added.

While at the implementation stage, these activities are also under joint supervision by the Directorate General of EBTKE, Regional Government, Police, and representatives of the surrounding community.

Harris said the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources immediately responded to the report by assigning a team from the Directorate General of EBTKE to conduct an investigation.

"Currently the team is at the location and is coordinating with the local government of Mandailing Natal Regency, the police, and PT SMGP for further handling and investigation," said Harris.

One of the ways to deal with the impact is to focus on residents who complain about their health. It was reported that 79 residents were treated at local hospitals and 18 of them have returned home. The situation of installation and equipment at the Sorik Marapi PLTP is currently in normal condition. The series of flow testing activities for the T-11 well have been stopped and the well is in a closed and safe condition.

"The Directorate General of EBTKE, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources expects support from all parties so that the current conducive situation can be maintained," said Haris.