Bacolod City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Western Visayas has ordered a sugar mill in Negros Occidental to stop discharging molasses into its perimeter canal following a recent spill that affected the Binalbagan River, reported Inquirer.net.
The interim cease and desist order was issued to the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company (Biscom) on April 23, just four days after a major spill from the mill’s Pond 2A/2B led to contamination of the river. Investigators found that the pond, which can hold up to 6,000 tons of molasses, had contained about 4,980 tons before the spill—leaving only 2,400 tons after the incident.
“An interim CDO may be immediately issued when there is clear evidence that pollution poses a direct threat to life, public health, or the environment,” said EMB Regional Director Ramar Mel Pascua.
The EMB conducted an investigation at the mill located in Barangay San Vicente, Binalbagan town, and found that molasses had entered storm drains despite efforts to contain the spill. Biscom had tried to divert the overflow into its ash canal system and placed sandbags along the perimeter canal, but these measures were not enough to stop further leakage.
At the time of the inspection, the mill was still operating and producing molasses, which were stored in its existing ponds. Due to limited space, a temporary holding pond was also constructed, though its storage capacity has not been confirmed by authorities.
Samples taken from the Binalbagan River and the mill’s perimeter canal showed signs of contamination. Investigators observed brownish water and foam in the river, indicating an increase in organic matter and a drop in oxygen levels. “This decrease in dissolved oxygen can cause fish kills and harm other aquatic life,” Pascua explained.
He warned that the ongoing discharge from the facility, combined with continued operations and an unverified storage system, presents a serious threat to the river and surrounding areas. “Immediate action is necessary to prevent more environmental damage,” he said.
The local disaster risk reduction office noted some improvement, reporting on April 24 that discoloration in the river had started to lessen.
Meanwhile, the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment expressed deep concern, saying the spill has affected four barangays. “We call on Biscom to urgently clean up the pollution they have caused, which has reportedly led to fish kills and disrupted water distribution to nearby farms. This has a direct impact on the livelihoods of small farmers and fisherfolk,” the group said.
They also urged the government to enforce stricter environmental regulations and improve monitoring to prevent future incidents.
