WILLEMSTAD – A hazardous industrial chemical has been found in the soil of the protected nature area near Libu, Boka Sami, according to soil tests independently commissioned by environmental activist Ryan de Jongh. The findings, published by Caribisch Netwerk, reveal that while no oil was detected, the laboratory identified the presence of tributyl phosphate (TBP)—a synthetic solvent commonly used in metal extraction and plastics production.
The analysis, conducted by ADC Laboratory, suggests possible soil contamination. TBP is classified by the European Chemicals Agency as harmful if ingested, irritating to the skin, and dangerous to aquatic environments. It degrades very slowly and can remain in the soil for years. De Jongh warns that the chemical could seep into groundwater through rainfall, raising concerns about long-term environmental and public health risks. Curaçao relies partly on groundwater for agriculture and ecosystem support.
“It may not be oil, but it’s definitely something that doesn’t belong here,” said De Jongh.
Protected Ecosystem at Risk
The affected area forms part of an internationally protected ecosystem under the RAMSAR Convention, recognized for its bird nesting grounds and mangrove growth. De Jongh previously raised alarms in January after spotting oily residues in the region. Although Curaçao’s Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) reported no visible signs of oil during a site inspection, it did agree to conduct soil sampling. Those official results have not yet been released.
In the meantime, De Jongh made his own test results public, describing them not as an accusation, but as a “wake-up call” for greater environmental awareness.
Link to Refinery Infrastructure?
While no petroleum was found, De Jongh suspects a connection to Curaçao’s former refinery operations, pointing out that the island lacks other heavy industries. Pipelines from the Schottegat refinery area to the Bullenbaai oil terminal pass through Boka Sami. These lines were once operated by Refineria di Kòrsou (RDK) and are now under the control of 2Bays, the entity that replaced it.
De Jongh claims the contamination is not recent, stating that RDK had known about the issue since the 1970s, but that past remediation efforts were never completed.
Company Responds
2Bays director Patrick Newton responded that their environmental experts found no evidence of oil products and believe the detected chemicals are not linked to the company’s historical activities. He added that the pipelines through the area have been inactive since the Shell era and currently contain only water with anti-corrosive agents.
Newton also stated that De Jongh’s lab results support the conclusion that TBP was not from recent or ongoing 2Bays operations and noted that, to his knowledge, no recent cleanup activities have taken place in the area.
Both GMN and 2Bays say they are awaiting the official soil test results commissioned by the government. Minister Javier Silvania (MFK party), responsible for Health, Environment and Nature, has not yet responded to media inquiries.
Photo credit: Kim Hendriksen
