Nelson Morales

URC says repairing quake-damaged wastewater facility that contaminated Negros waters

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Universal Robina Corp confirmed on Monday that it is repairing its wastewater containment facility in Bais City, Negros Oriental and that it has been issued a cease and desist order over the contamination of Bais Bay.In a disclosure to the stock exchange, URC said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued an interim cease and desist order and a second notice of violation on October 27 for illegal wastewater discharge, and maintaining a structure without prior clearance from the Protected Area Management Board.URC said a section of the lagoon of Bais Distillery collapsed due to earthquake-induced cracks, which were made worse by continuous heavy rains. The collapse caused molasses wastewater to be released into Bais Bay within the Tañon Strait Protected Landscape and caused a massive fishkill in the area.The DENR has warned that the contamination poses risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and local livelihoods. Several hectares of cultured bangus were affected, with water surrounding the fish ponds becoming brackish, according to a local agriculture official. Tourism activities in the area, particularly the manjuyod white sandbar, have also been halted.URC said 127 personnel and 20 Coast Guard members are currently repairing the collapsed section of the containment lagoon of Bais Distillery.&quot;The work is now 60 percent complete and is projected to be finished by November 4, 2025. The new dike will be reinforced and strengthened with rubber tires and boulders,&quot; URC said.URC said it has temporarily ceased operations of its Bais Distillery as it prioritizes supporting the community.&quot;The company has been providing for the needs of the families affected by the spill and will continue to do so until the situation goes back to normal,&quot; the company said.Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria earlier said 4,500 families have been affected by the spill, including 3,000 fisherfolk from 13 barangays.URC said it is also coordinating with the DENR and other stakeholder agencies to deploy experts who will help contain the spilled wastewater within a limited area and guide the Company, local and other relevant authorities on how best to foster marine re-growth and recovery.

Universal Robina Corp said 127 personnel and 20 Coast Guard members are currently repairing the collapsed section of the containment lagoon of Bais Distillery.

Universal Robina Corp said 127 personnel and 20 Coast Guard members are currently repairing the collapsed section of the containment lagoon of Bais Distillery.