DENR issues violation notice to AC Energy
By Lenie Lectura – July 30, 2020
from Business Mirror
AC Energy Philippines Inc. (ACEPH) has received from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6 a notice of violation in relation to the oil spill incident in Iloilo City.
The notice was issued to Power Barge (PB) 102 owned by ACEPH. The company earlier reported that an explosion damaged PB102 which carried about 40,000 liters of bunker fuel. This led to an oil spill last July 3.
The power firm received the notice on Tuesday.
The DENR-EMB has forwarded the case to the Pollution Adjudication Board for determination of the imposable fines.
“The DENR-EMB Region 6 issued the Notice to the Company for possible violation of Section 27[a] of DENR Administrative Order 2005-10, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 [Republic Act 9275], in connection with the oil spill involving PB 102 which occurred on July 3,” ACEPH said.
Fines range from P10,000 to P200,000 per day from the time of the incident until full recovery of the discharged fuel for alleged violation of RA 9275; and P50,000 to P1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years, or both, for alleged violation of Section 4 of Presidential Decree 979.
ACEPH, for its part, said that it is now actively working with the local government units (LGUs) to address the livelihood of those affected, spearhead community programs, and rehabilitate the marine and coastal ecosystems, including the fisheries and mangrove, as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, all 308 families are back home safely last July 18, with the evacuees having passed the reintegration parameters to ensure the safe return to their homes.
The parameters were developed and executed by a multistakeholder task force composed of the various barangays in Iloilo City, the Iloilo City government and its various offices, the Philippine Coast Guard, ACEPH and its consultant, AECOM Philippines, and clean-up contractor, Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc.
Also, collaboration and cooperation continue at the ongoing coastal clean-up operations.
The ACEPH team, along with AECOM Philippines, presented their action plans and spill assessment update.
“The outpouring of support from industry players, government agencies, other private sectors and volunteers has been truly inspiring. And while much work still needs to be done, ACEPH underpins its unwavering commitment to fulfill all responsibilities, and do everything in its power to fully address the environmental consequences of the accident,” it said.
“ACEPH will ensure that lessons learned here will be used as it emerges a stronger and safer energy platform, continuing to aid in the country’s energy security.”
