Official representatives of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) Reg. 6 headed by Engr. Paul Wellen Orosio where in San Carlos City, yesterday, February 24, to check on the alleged environmental violations of San Carlos Bioenergy, Inc (SCBI).
The team together with the City Environment Management Office (CEMO) checked the holding ponds, creeks, coastline, Tañon Strait including the wastewater coming from the bioethanol plant. They also took water sample for analysis.
According to Orosio initial investigation shows that liquid wastes stored at the plant’s holding ponds were almost overflowing that SCBI has barricaded the walls with sandbags and tires to prevent it from collapsing into the roadside of Route 7 national highway.
An impact assessment will be made based on their field inspection and the results of the analysis of samples taken from various bodies of water. The environmental bureau is also probing the extent of the reported discoloration, he added.
A summary of the report will be submitted to the regional office for adjudication, he said.
Orosio said the San Carlos City local government unit through City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo requested to have the situation investigated by the DENR and to confirm reports if indeed effluent from the bioethanol plant already reached Tañon Strait.
Mayor Gustilo earlier said that he will not allow SCBI to resume operation until they settle environmental issues. “I have a moral obligation towards the people of San Carlos, to protect their welfare and also the environment”, Gustilo stressed.
Based on the city’s record, SCBI was already penalized by the DENR for the violations they referred to the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) including recurring water discolorations, foul smell, and other environmental issues.
