The heavy siltation of the Mapagda River, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental has resulted in the eventual discoloration of downstream Pintatagan and Maputi portions and the coastal water on January 14.
The DENR on January 17 issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO), Notice of Violation (NOV) and a show cause to Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corporation/Arc Nickel Resources, Inc. (ANRI) located in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, the company allegedly involved in the recent siltation incident in Banaybanay in said province.
MinDA in a statement Wednesday lauded the immediate call for halt of operations by the Provincial Government and the subsequent release of Cease and Desist Order by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XI to a mining company whose siltation pond overflowed to the Mapagba River.
According to Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta, the chairperson of MinDA, this particular incident of siltation and spill from a mining operation indicates early signs of environmental degradation and could severely affect the river systems and coastal areas if left unchecked.
“While the minerals industry continues to be cited as among the country’s economic drivers, some industry practices need thorough review and operations require close monitoring to prevent pollution and contamination, distortion of ecological balance and damage to water systems,” she said.
Acosta, who just assumed her post as MinDA chair emphasizes that economic development and environmental protection should go hand in hand, saying sustainable growth is the way to go.
Based on DENR findings, the potential source of siltation and discoloration along said rivers was attributed to the active mining activity of the said company based on the initial investigation and assessment of DENR-XI’s Composite Team from DENR-XI Regional Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-XI), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-XI) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Lupon that was conducted on January 15.
It was found out in the investigation that the heavy and continuous rain last January 13-14 pushed overburden materials that contributed to the overflowing of the silt pond, draining towards the said river.
DENR 11 Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco said the company was ordered to immediately address the issue and the implementation of which shall be subject to strict monitoring.
“Our legal team is also evaluating further action with regards to any of the violations and we will assure a strict implementation of the environmental laws. Penalties and fines are also being considered,” RED Evasco added.
DENR 11 together with the concerned LGUs of Banaybanay shall have regular monitoring of the area or as often as necessary until this incident is addressed.
“Further evaluation is being conducted as to the extent of environmental impact but rest assured that we, in DENR XI, together with EMB, MGB, PENROS and CENROS have made appropriate actions to address the matter in coordination with other government agencies and LGUs,” RED Evasco said.
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