- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is targeting Nov. 14 to complete the repair of the breached lagoon wall at its ethanol facility.
In a statement, URC Bais Distillery said that aside from repairing the dike, damaged by recent earthquakes and torrential rains, it is also focused on assisting families affected by the release of organic, molasses-based wastewater following the accidental break in the wall of a rented lagoon.
LURC-SURE Distillery in Bais City
Some 5,000 fisherfolk families have been affected by the pollution in Bais Bay, including those operating fish pens, fish cages, and seaweed farms, as well as others who rely on the sea for their livelihood.
The distillery’s management reported that recent seawater quality monitoring, conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (DENR-TSPS), and Silliman University, showed improvements in dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and water color in the affected areas. Marine life has also been observed returning to previously discolored zones.
URC emphasized that the recent typhoon did not compromise the integrity of the main dike or worsen seawater contamination from the collapsed lagoon, although it did delay repair efforts. The company added that the additional structure being built is designed to withstand unusually strong and persistent rains, tidal action, and seismic activity.
On Oct. 26, part of the ethanol facility’s containment lagoon gave way, spilling a large volume of molasses-rich wastewater into the ocean near Bais City and Manjuyod. URC attributed the breach to recent earthquakes and continuous heavy rainfall.
The incident led to seawater discoloration, fish kills, and the displacement of around 5,000 businesses and families.
URC has provided an initial cash assistance of P5,000 to each affected family.
The company reaffirmed its full cooperation with authorities and expressed readiness to take full accountability for the incident. It also pledged to continue working with DENR and other experts to explore all options for rehabilitating the marine environment.
An investigation led by the DENR is currently underway to assess the extent of the spill and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Our assistance and support for the affected families and communities remain steadfast until the situation returns to normal,” URC said. | GB with PNA reports
