The municipal government of Binalbagan in Negros Occidental outlined continuing plans yesterday to address the molasses spill from the mill of the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Co. (Biscom) that affected at least four barangays along the contaminated river.
“As of now, our main focus is the cleaning and the rehabilitation of waters,” Mayor Alejandro Mirasol said in a statement.
He added that afterward, the local government unit (LGU) would hold another meeting with the representatives of Biscom, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its Environmental Management Bureau, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The incident, which occurred on April 19, affected the villages of Canmoros, Progreso, Marina, and San Juan.
While the incident is under control, the sugar mill management will still be held liable for the molasses spill, Mirasol said, adding that the LGU is taking the “matter seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and the environment.”
In a separate statement, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the action plan aims to ensure “damage control and minimize risks related to the molasses spill.”
“Operation for clearing of foam-like substance already started. We expect to collect and dispose of foam-like substance within the operational period today. For containment, a barrier will be installed to minimize the spread along the Binalbagan River,” it said.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has also granted the request of the LGU for the release of water from the Pangiplan River Irrigation System to help dilute the molasses.
“We want to inform the public, especially the farmers, that the opening of the irrigation dam is intended to minimize risk and for damage control in the Binalbagan River,” the MDRRMO said, adding that the distribution of water to farmlands starts on May 1.
It said the LGU is also coordinating with the irrigation association and the NIA for the release of water from the Marikudo Dam, wherein water would pass through the Guintubhan River going to the Binalbagan River.
According to the MDRRMO, the LGU will provide assistance to identified displaced workers and affected households alongside the provision of masks and medicines.
“There is continuous monitoring of molasses spill extent through geo-tracking and updating of status reports and coordination with other national agencies,” it added.
Meanwhile, Biscom Inc. apologized for the incident and promised to work double-time to address the issue.
“We extend our sincere apologies to all who have been affected and will continue to work with urgency and diligence until the clean-up is complete. Biscom is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of this incident and ensuring full remediation of the affected areas,” the firm said in a statement yesterday afternoon.
The sugar mill management said that after an internal assessment, its technical team identified the probable cause as a Maillard reaction.
It explained that it is “a chemical process involving heat, amino acids and reducing sugars in the molasses, which led to increased pressure and subsequent overflowing of molasses from our storage tanks.”
“We will continue to work transparently with all stakeholders and provide updates as our clean-up efforts progress. We remain transparent in our actions and accountable to the communities we serve,” Biscom said. (PNA)