Zambales coal plant’s land reclamation suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has suspended the expansion activities of the operator of the Masinloc coal-fired power plant in Zambales.  

Alpha Water Realty Services Corp. (AWRSC) conducted unauthorized land reclamation and seawall construction within the Masinloc Oyon Bay Marine Reserve, verification survey and site assessment conducted by the DENR showed.

”We will review their compliance with our requirements while the suspension order is in place. We will not allow violators to continue their operations without... consequences,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The DENR ordered AWRSC to submit documents and permits relative to the reclamation and seawall construction as well as rehabilitate the damaged portion of the marine reserve.

Cimatu said non-compliance with their conditions would result in the termination of the Special Use Agreement for Protected Area and filing of charges.

He said the DENR would also refer the violations to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The BFAR had earlier ordered the creation of a team to investigate land reclamation activities and seawall construction in the area, which reportedly resulted in aquatic pollution.

Environment group Oyon Bay Protector claimed coral reefs were destroyed.  – Louise Maureen Simeon