Eni resumes operations at Val d’Agri Oil Centre in Italy

Multinational oil and gas company Eni has resumed operations from Viggiano's Val d'Agri Oil Centre (COVA) in Italy after receiving approval from the Regional Council of the Basilicata Region.

According to the company, the resumption of operations follows the relevant authorities examining the functionality of the plant and the existence of requisite safety parameters.

In April, the oil centre was shut down after receiving orders from the local administration over reports of alleged leaks from storage tanks at the site.

There was a precedent last year when the oil company suspended operations at the plant in the wake of orders over improper disposal of waste, following which it conducted independent investigations over the health of the site.

Soon after, Eni restarted the plant in August last year after securing approvals from the Italian Public Prosecutor of Potenza and the National Mining Office for Hydrocarbons and Earth Resources of the Ministry of Economic Development.

Prior to this, the company completed certain plant upgrading in June last year to take corrective measures in relation to the alleged environmental crimes issued by the public prosecutor.

Following the latest move to resume operations, the company noted that limited and controlled flaring events may occur while rebooting and restarting the system.

However, it stated that procedures will be undertaken, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.

The oil centre is located in the Val d’Agri concession, in which Eni has 60.77% interest.

It is used to treat production from the Monte Alpi, Monte Enoc and Cerro Falcone fields.

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Image: In April, operations at the oil centre were suspended following reports of alleged leaks from storage tanks. Photo: courtesy of Eni.