Valenzuela gov't orders immediate closure of facility due to oil leak
By Hannah Nicol
The Valenzuela City government has ordered the immediate closure of a private facility on Thursday, July 24, following an oil spill that emitted a strong odor and posed health and environmental risks to nearby communities.
According to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the foul smell originated from a creek between Barangay Lingunan and Barangay Veinte Reales.
The leak was traced to a nearby facility that was allegedly operating without the necessary permits and discharging untreated waste into the waterways.
An executive order issued by Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian mandated the facility’s temporary closure.
The local government said the establishment violated multiple environmental and sanitation laws.
The City Health Office has also distributed face masks and medicine to affected residents.
The city government said that the operation of the facility will remain suspended until the company addresses the violations and cleans up the spill.