Colombian farmers have filed a lawsuit against British Petroleum (BP) in London for allegedly failing to observe proper environmental safety procedures during the construction of an oil pipeline in Colombia, English newspaper The Guardian reported Tuesday.
Lawyers acting on behalf of 73 Colombian farmers claim that BP failed to take proper measures to control soil erosion during the construction of the 450-mile Ocensa pipeline. BP’s alleged lack of environmental precautions have caused damaged to soil and groundwater, causing crops to fail, livestock to perish, contaminating water supplies and making fish ponds unsustainable.
In May 2010 BP announced it will invest more than $300 million in Colombia in 2010 and 2011 as it continues to expand its gas and oil production in the country.