Cement firm moves coal stockpile after spill

DAGUPAN CITY—Cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines Inc. has moved its temporary coal stockpile to enclosed storage areas and put up three additional siltation ponds to prevent a repeat of a coal spill that polluted the shores of Bacnotan town in La Union province.

Coal at the original stockpile was washed down by heavy rains, causing “water coming from the mountain to create a gap in the benched wall” and divert coal from the siltation pond toward the shoreline, according to a Holcim statement issued on Aug. 1.

Holcim’s cement plant is at the foot of its quarry site in the coastal village of Quirino facing the West Philippine Sea.

Don Carreon, a member of Holcim’s communications team, said the firm cleaned the siltation pond, canal and shoreline “with the tiny coal particles scattered at the shoreline significantly reduced.”

3rd party lab

A marine impact assessment was being done by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and a third party laboratory accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which had been conducting “regular and periodic water tests of the affected area,” Holcim said.

“Once the results of the assessment are released, Holcim will comply with actions determined by the DENR-EMB,” it said.

At least 40 tons of coal, which fuel the cement factory’s kiln, were carried to the shore, said Crisanto Palabay, Isalbar Ti Pintas Ti La Union (Save the Beauty of La Union) coalition chair.

“Coal is dangerous and should not be allowed in La Union, or any other place,” Palabay said in a statement.

Break free

The coal spill took place while environmental activists staged their “Break Free from Coal” parade and festival in San Juan town and San Fernando City, both in La Union, on July 13 and 14.

The events aimed to call attention to the threat of a 670-megawatt coal-fired power plant being built in Luna town, 20 kilometers north of Bacnotan.