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(CNN Spanish) - Oil stains that appeared on the northeast coast of Brazil in September already affect more than 150 locations, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Ibama, reported.
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Brazilian Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo said Thursday that investigations into the origin of crude oil continue but he insists that, according to preliminary studies, the type of oil that affects these areas would not originate in Brazil.
On Wednesday, Brazil's Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the oil spill that affects the provinces of northeastern Brazil "probably comes from Venezuela."
Petroleos de Venezuela rejected through a statement the statements made by the minister condemning the claims he classified as "unfounded", since they affirm that there is no evidence of oil spill in the Venezuelan oil fields.
According to Ibama, the investigation of the origin of the oil is in charge of the Brazilian Navy while the Federal Police is conducting a criminal investigation.
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The cleanliness of the beaches is being coordinated by Ibama. The institute says it has received the collaboration of Petrobras workers as well as residents of the affected localities.
The 150 affected towns cover 68 municipalities in nine states on the northeast coast of Brazil. In addition, different species of birds and sea turtles have been affected by the spill.
Petroleum