CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines — Environment authorities padlocked on Thursday, October 5,an alcohol plant in Apalit town, citing it for the unlawful disposal of industrial waste in the Pampanga River that has led to fish kills.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arthur Punzalan and Apaliot Mayor Peter Nucum accompanied Rey Cruz of the Environment Management Bureau, who served the Notice of Violation against Far East Alcohol Corporation.
The notice, which effectively suspends FEACO’s operations, was issued after the firm was found to have dumped molasses into the waterway, leading to fish kills in the coastal towns of Masantol and Macabebe.
The officials also conducted a surprise inspection of FEACO’s waste disposal facility to determine if the plant is capable of treating its waste.
“We have demanded the management to adopt latest technology in waste treatment to prevent further pollution of the Pampanga River,” Punzalan said.
The PENRO and EMB rejected FEACO’s appeal, citing loss of revenue, to lift the suspension.
“We are not anti-investors but we are pro-life and pro-environment. We cannot compromise the security of our environment and the security of our people,” Punzalan stressed.
