San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo said today, February, 26, that he was informed by San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. (SCBI) officials that they will comply with his order to halt operations and take measures to address their wastewater pollution problem.
The mayor allowed the firm to operate on February 24 and 25 to finish processing their cane stock, and to halt operations today.
The mayor said he received a letter from SCBI that they will comply with his order and may be able to resume operations on March 8.
SCBI produces 42 million liters of bioethanol per annum and 8 megawatts of electricity from sugarcane, the San Carlos City Environment Management Office said.
Gustilo said SCBI committed several environmental violations, including a series of incidents of water discoloration along the coastal waters of So. Maloloy-on, Brgy. Punao, due to its wastewater discharges.
The wastewater ponds of the SCBI are full and must be drained to prevent them from overflowing, he said.*