Afloramiento de Hidrocarburos en el Sector Valparaíso del Cantón Salinas, Provincia de Santa Elena – Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of this paper, is to make a qualitative assessment about the extent, causes and effects of the environmental impact related to the presence of hydrocarbons in the area of Valparaiso - Punta Carnero, in the canton of Salinas, Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador. A double scale analysis of the territory was conducted, provincial and cantonal scale, using primary and secondary information, which allowed the construction of a cause-effect matrix. In the next phase, a schematic environmental management proposal was introduced, in order to stop, mitigate and eventually reverse the impact in this area. The outcome of a research conducted, exposed a consistent hydrocarbon contamination, being 6 mg/l (TPH) total petroleum hydrocarbon, the highest concentration discovered. .Additionally it was discovered that the outcrop of hydrocarbons are related to geological faults and impact of artisanal salt producers in the area.