The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has assured the public that a coordinated response is underway following the collapse of a containment lagoon at Universal Robina Corp.’s (URC) Bais Distillery in Negros Oriental, which released molasses wastewater into Bais Bay within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape.
In a statement Wednesday, DENR said field personnel have been deployed to conduct site inspections, water quality monitoring, and coastal ecosystem assessments in coordination with local governments, URC, and affected communities. The incident occurred on October 26, when the dike of Lagoon 6 collapsed, spilling up to 90 percent of its spent wash contentand causing visible water discoloration in North Bais Bay. Preliminary assessments indicate around 382.3 hectares of coastal and marine areas may be affected.
To ensure accountability, the DENR issued an interim cease and desist order and a second notice of violation to URC on October 27 for illegal wastewater discharge and maintaining a facility without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). These actions complement the Stop Operations Order from the Bais City government and the Stop Tourism Activities order issued by Manjuyod LGU for the Manjuyod Sandbar.
The DENR is working with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), PAMB, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local governments to contain the spill, assess damage, and protect marine habitats. Water samples collected on October 27 are under laboratory analysis, with results expected within a week.
The agency also directed URC to repair the damaged lagoon, submit an environmental rehabilitation plan, and compensate affected residents. A technical team of experts has been convened to study the impact on fisheries, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine wildlife in Tañon Strait.
URC has halted plant operations as cleanup and rehabilitation efforts continue.
