DENR warns vs unauthorized use of oil dispersants

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday warned against the unauthorized use of oil dispersants, chemicals, bio-remediation and other similar technology or products in cleaning up mangrove plantations in Guimaras and Iloilo.

DENR Regional Executive Director Julian Amador sent this warning to the public as they identified six mangrove plantations in the two provinces affected by the oil spill that need immediate cleanup.

According to Amador, around 60 hectares of mangroves in Punta Araguy, Tamsik, Dungkaan, and Nadulao in Guimaras; and Ajuy and Concepcion in Iloilo would be cleared of floating oil-coated debris starting Nov. 20.

The cleanup in certain areas of Guimaras and Iloilo were halted after DENR personnel discovered that incorrect procedures and materials were used and would likely destroy rather than save the mangroves.

The six mangrove areas in the two provinces that need immediate cleanup were assessed and identified by the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Services (ERDS) in coordination with local government units.

The assessment covered three municipalities in Guimaras, and 24 observation sites composed of coastal barangays with mangrove plantations in Guimaras and Iloilo.

"The DENR team went to the six sites last week to identify the resources and strategy needed for the cleanup," Amador said.

The cleanup would focus on eliminating floating oil debris and debris that block changes of tidal water.

Amador recommended three strategies for the cleanup operation: bioremediation for sites located in coves or inlets, pilot testing on oil dispersant in one area, and manual cleanup for the rest of the areas.

Although the mangrove cleanup operation’s detailed and specific procedures are yet to be finalized by the government within this week, Amador noted that Task Force SOS would create teams of foresters to supervise the cleanup of the mangroves.

He also said that local residents who wish to participate in the cleanup would be trained first on the proper handling of mangroves before the actual work to protect the mangroves from harm.

"Unless approved by Task Force SOS through the sub-committee on Bio-Safety, there would be no use of oil dispersants, similar chemicals and products, and bio-remediation and cleanup technology," Amador stressed.

He has earlier lamented over the wrong procedure used during the initial cleanup of mangroves affected by the oil spill off Guimaras island on Aug. 11.

He said some people involved in the cleanup efforts at the time were using detergents and scrubbing agents to clear off oil debris from the mangrove, while others cut affected portions of the mangrove, which all contribute to its deterioration.

Meanwhile, Task Force SOS, a multi-agency team led by the DENR, has recommended the return of residents affected by the fateful oil spill to their homes, as levels of dangerous chemicals in certain areas in Guimaras have gone down.