Victorias forms Bantay Molasses Spill task force
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Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez has organized Task Force Bantay Molasses Spill to study, monitor, and recommend corrective measures, in connection with the spillage of molasses from a tank of the Victorias Milling Company (VMC) into the Malihaw River.
The spillage is being blamed for the foul odor that has affected thousands of residents.
The task force has been tasked to conduct regular assessments to keep the public informed about the neutralization of PH levels of the VMC waste water treatment pond, as well as protect the environment and the health and safety of the public. (https://tinyurl.com/2s4895m6)
It will also closely monitor VMC’s commitment to Victoria’s city government on water and air pollution caused by the recent molasses spillage incident.
Benitez also said the city government, in tandem with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its Environment Management Bureau, will also study the possible legal complaints to be filed against VMC as a result of the incident.
During its inquiry on Wednesday, the Sangguniang Panlungsod said it was found that three metric tons, which is equivalent to 1.8 million liters of molasses, spilled into the Malihaw River, as admitted by VMC representatives.
The wastewater treatment process was hampered when spilled molasses was diverted into VMC ponds to prevent it from flowing into the river, resulting in the foul odor, the city mayor said.
The foul odor from VMC wastewater facilities that are now filled with spilled molasses affected 11 barangays in Victorias City, the majority of which are located in the poblacion.
