The Hidden Scars of Aruba: Lago Oil’s Pitch Dump in Grapefield

For decades, Aruba has been a paradise known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. However, beneath its natural beauty lies an environmental scar left by one of the island’s most significant industrial operations—the Lago Oil and Transport Company. During World War II, the refinery, once one of the largest in the world, dumped massive amounts of pitch coke in the Grapefield area, a practice that left a lasting impact on Aruba’s environment.

A Wartime Necessity or Environmental Neglect?

During World War II, demand for fuel skyrocketed, and Lago Oil ramped up production to meet Allied military needs. This increased production led to large amounts of residual tar waste, also known as pitch coke, a byproduct of refining crude oil. With no immediate solution for disposal, Lago began storing this toxic material in open pits along the island’s southern coastline, particularly in Grapefield.

At the time, this may have been seen as a necessary measure, but the long-term environmental consequences were never fully considered. Historical records indicate that by April-May 1944, Lago had created an artificial lake of pitch at the far end of its concession area, holding an estimated one million tons of waste material. While some of this pitch was later repurposed into briquettes for fuel, large amounts remained exposed to Aruba’s harsh climate.

The Lasting Environmental Impact

The Grapefield area, once a natural limestone landscape, became a dumping ground for industrial waste. Over time, the tar pits hardened, forming an eerie, blackened surface where vegetation struggled to grow. The long-term effects on soil quality and local wildlife remain unclear, as no significant environmental assessments were conducted at the time.

The dumping of pitch coke also posed potential threats to Aruba’s coastal ecosystems. Heavy rains could wash contaminants into nearby waters, affecting marine life and fishing grounds. Without modern containment measures, Lago’s waste disposal methods likely contributed to soil and groundwater pollution, issues that still concern environmentalists today.

A Forgotten Past That Still Haunts Aruba

Unlike other industrial nations that have launched massive environmental clean-up efforts, Aruba has yet to fully address the impact of Lago’s waste disposal practices. While the refinery itself closed in 1985, its legacy lives on through abandoned industrial sites, buried pollutants, and lingering environmental damage.

Many locals and environmental groups call for greater transparency and accountability regarding Lago’s industrial waste. Should the government conduct soil and water testing in Grapefield? Should multinational oil companies be held responsible for past damage? These are questions Aruba must answer if it wants to move toward true environmental justice.

Lessons for the Future

The story of Lago’s pitch dumping is a stark reminder of how unchecked industrial practices can leave permanent marks on a landscape. Aruba must ensure that history does not repeat itself, especially as discussions continue around future energy projects. Stronger environmental regulations, corporate accountability, and community awareness will be essential in preventing similar disasters.

The scars of Lago’s past remain, hidden beneath the surface of Aruba’s natural beauty. It is up to the island’s people and leaders to decide how to heal them.

Sources:

1. Archive.org – Artificial Lake of Pitch on the beach at extreme end of the concession (1944) (Link)
2. Wikipedia – Lago Oil and Transport Company history and operations (Link)
3. ReVista (Harvard University) – Behind the Corporate Veil: The Impact of Lago Oil on Aruba (Link)
4. Aruba Papers (Facebook) – Historical discussion on Lago’s environmental impact (Link)