Barge carrying oily debris from Guimaras sinks off Misamis Sea
Iloilo City (22 November) -- The barge contracted to ship out the contaminated debris from the MT Solar I Oil Spill in the province of Guimaras sank while on its way to Holcim Philippines' Lugait plant in Misamis Oriental.
In its press report, Petron said barge Ras sank about five kilometers northeast of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental at 11:10 p.m. last November 20 due to rough seas. Prior to its sinking, the barge was being towed by Tugboat Vega to Lugait, Misamis Oriental.
Based on the status report of the Task Force Solar 1 Oil Spill (SOS) dated November 15, 2006, Barge Ras was loaded with 59,649 sacks of oily debris.
Petron said the composition of the debris was mostly sand and rocks contained in sacks and the oil in the debris is very minimal.
"It has been weathering for three months and is highly unlikely to pose a danger to communities and shorelines or marine life," added Petron.
Carlos Tan, Petron's Health, Safety and Environment Manager, said that they are taking charge of the response to this incident. "We are already monitoring the area and have mobilized the Waterborne Industry Spill Equipment (W.I.S.E) to deal with any contingency. A tugboat is patrolling around the sink area and so far, no oily sheen or debris has been seen on the surface", Tan added.
Petron said it has chosen cement producer Holcim Philippines to process the oily debris from Guimaras because they have the waste management technology that ensures zero harmful emissions as well as its operations are supported by its compliance to all environmental requirements by the government. (PIA) [top]
