The area at the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape polluted by the Universal Robina Corp. Bais Distillery wastewater spill has increased to about 3,000 hectares, the Environment Management Bureau – Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) head said on Thursday, Oct. 30.
Vicente Losbañes, EMB-NIR acting director, said that a boat survey of the strait’s discolored waters determined the increase in the affected area.
The death of fish and other marine life has occurred mostly close to the shorelines of Bais City and Manjuyod, he said.
The livelihoods of residents in 17 barangays in Bais and Manjuyod have been affected.
A wall of the 20-hectare waste water lagoon of the Gokongwei-owned ethanol distillery collapsed due to earthquake-induced cracks exacerbated by heavy rains on Sunday, triggering the massive spill.
The Negros Oriental provincial government convened an emergency hearing led by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to address the crisis.
Glynda Descuatan, vice chair of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council, expressed deep concern over the environmental and economic damage, noting its particular effect on tourism, with numerous dolphin-watching and White Sandbar tours cancelled.
Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria continues to closely monitor the situation, ensuring the provincial government provides full support in rehabilitation efforts and assistance to affected families, a post on the Negros Oriental Facebook page said.
His administration committed to ensuring accountability and swift action from all involved parties to restore both community welfare and environmental integrity, it said.*