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Food, beverage conglomerate boosts relief as Bais marine life rebounds after molasses spill

Philippines | National

Food, beverage conglomerate boosts relief as Bais marine life rebounds after molasses spill

By Trixee Rosel

At A Glance

URC ramps up relief for families affected by the molasses spill in Bais, Negros Oriental.
Seawater quality improves with dissolved oxygen, pH, and water color returning to normal.
Marine life is returning in previously discolored areas.
Dike repairs, reinforced with rubber tires and boulders, are 60% complete and expected by Nov. 14.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) on Tuesday, Nov. 5, intensified relief efforts for families affected by the accidental release of molasses-based wastewater in Bais, Negros Oriental, while accelerating repairs to a damaged dike.

Seawater quality monitoring conducted with the Coast Guard, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (DENR–TSPS), and Silliman University shows improvements in dissolved oxygen, pH, and water color in previously affected areas.

Marine life has been observed returning in locations that were discolored following the spill, signaling early signs of recovery.

The spill occurred when the wall of a rented lagoon gave way, and URC is repairing the main dike damaged by recent earthquakes and heavy rains to prevent future breaches.

The company said it is coordinating with DENR and other expert agencies to deploy specialists who can contain the wastewater within a limited area and guide local authorities on restoring marine ecosystems.

URC confirmed that a recent typhoon did not compromise the dike or worsen seawater conditions, although repair work was delayed and is now 60 percent complete.

Full dike repairs, reinforced with rubber tires and boulders to withstand unusually strong rains, tide action, and seismic activity, are expected to be finished by Nov. 14.

Related Tags

URC Bais Negros Oriental molasses spill dike repair

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