The collapse of a wall at the 20-hectare lagoon of a Gokongwei-owned distillery in Bais City, Negros Oriental, due to earthquake-induced cracks exacerbated by heavy rains, has caused wastewater to spill into 400 hectares of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS), an Environment Management Bureau (EMB) official said on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The EMB Negros Island Region (NIR) issued a notice of violation with interim cease and desist order on Monday against the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Bais Distillery after 15-meters of its lagoon wall containing spent wash collapsed on Sunday, Vicente Losbañes, EMB-NIR acting director, said.
But even before the order was issued URC already voluntarily shut down the distillery on Monday, he said.
The spent wash spill from the distillery that was discovered at 7 a.m. Sunday has discolored coastal waters in Bais and Manjuyod affecting resorts and causing fish kill in shallow waters, Losbañes said.
The distillery produces alcohol from molasses, Losbanes said.
Molasses is organic and not toxic, but excessive amounts on the surface of the water lowers oxygen levels endangering marine life, he said.
Tañon Strait serves as a feeding, breeding, and nesting ground for marine mammals. It is also known to a diversity of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.
The distillery will only be allowed to resume operations when the lagoon wall has been repaired and waste water is contained, Losbañes said.
He said the Office of the President on Tuesday asked them to submit a report on the incident.
BAIS ORDER
Bais City Mayor Luigi Marcel Goñi also issued an order on Tuesday directing the URC distillery to stop operations immediately to prevent further damage to eco-marine life within the Tañon Strait.
The order will be lifted when URC is able to come up with “a more concrete, reliable, and long term solution to this problem that has been recurring for several years,” he said.
TOURISM AFFECTED
Goñi also issued an order suspending all trips to the sand bar, dolphin watching, and swimming activities in Bais City waters to ensure the safety of the public as well as boat crews and operators.
“In an environmental crisis like this, we urge the community to rally as one in order to ensure the safety and the welfare of our constituents and the tourists. Let us remain vigilant and cooperative to all orders and directives coming from the government,” he said.
MANJUYOD SANDBAR
Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya has temporarily suspended visits to the Manjuyod White Sandbar after the collapse of the lagoon wall that caused water discoloration in the coastal area.
The mayor, in an executive order issued on Monday, said the lagoon wall collapse released wastewater effluent into nearby waterways, causing discoloration of coastal waters and the marine environment of Manjuyod, including the vicinity of the White Sandbar.
Andaya said contamination poses potential health and environmental hazards, necessitating immediate preventive action to ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and stakeholders.
The municipal government of Manjuyod deemed it necessary to halt tourism activities at the sandbar until competent authorities can properly assess the situation, he said.
Tourism operations at the Manjuyod White Sandbar will resume only upon clearance and recommendation from the concerned regulatory and environmental agencies, confirming the area is safe and free from contamination, the mayor said.
URC REPLY
URC Bais Distillery, in a statement Tuesday, said multi-sectoral efforts led by the firm, local government and environmental officials are under way to contain the spillage of wastewater from a breach in their lagoon wall “due to earthquake-induced cracks, exacerbated by unexpected continuous heavy rains the past few days”.
While the company has been vigilant and diligent about the integrity of its lagoon, the unusually heavy and relentless rains and the series of earthquakes led to this unfortunate incident, it said.
“We are closely collaborating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for immediate containment, proper cleanup and full compliance with environmental standards. We are likewise coordinating closely with LGUs to provide any assistance that affected individuals and communities may need at this time,” the firm said.
URC said it is committed to building climate resilient and robust lagoon walls taking into full account the changing environment and the need to keep our surrounding communities safe.*