Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday ordered Victorias Milling Co. to cease and desist from operating until it addresses its air and water pollution violations.

VMC was also directed to shoulder the cost of the rehabilitation of the Malihao River in Victorias City, such as dredging, flushing of the accumulated wastes and aeration of the river system. VMC president Abelardo Bugay yesterday said the sugar mill in Victorias City was in the process of addressing the problems to ensure that the mill will be ready for the milling season expected to start in the first week of September.

The order of Reyes was served by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Livino Duran on VMC yesterday.

The DENR order said it was in response to a complaint of Canetown Subdivision residents regarding fly ash fall-out allegedly emanating from the smoke stacks of the company.

It also acted on complaints of odor and water pollution in Malihao River.

The significant sources that contributed to the pollution load of the river system were discharges from VMC that caused pungent odor in the river, the order said.

In his order, Reyes directed VMC to cease and desist from operating its machines or equipment generating pollution until the firm prevents or abates pollution within allowable DENR standards.

No temporary lifting order will be issued unless VMC complies with the requirements of the board, especially "the institution of physical improvements for its water treatment facilities as well as its fugitive particulate emissions," he said.

Bugay said the El Niño aggravated the minimal flow of water at Malihao River and the make-up water from Malogo River was affected by quarrying and the order for VMC to remove a four-foot sandbar.

The removal of the sandbar at Malogo that made water flow into Malihao caused the water in the river to be stagnant and emit foul ordor, he said.

To address this VMC extended three suction pipes to hasten the flow of water into Malihao, Bugay said.

On top of this VMC is committed to putting up a cooling tower to address the water pollution, he said.

It is also committed to put wet gas scrubbers in its six chimneys to prevent air pollution, he said.

However, he said VMC needs financing for pollution preventive measures from the Securities and Exchange Commission since it is under rehabilitation.

Each wet gas scrubber costs P30 million, Bugay said

The SEC has already approved the purchase of one scrubber and the P64 million for a cooling tower, he said.

Bugay said they are currently conducting repairs at the mill and he is confident that they will be able to undertake measures that will convince the DENR to lift their CDO before the milling season starts.*CPG

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