An ice plant in Lian, Batangas will be facing a series of charges following an incident of ammonia leak on Wednesday morning.
The Environmental Bureau Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) in Batangas found out that there was neglect on the part of Pantoja Ice Plant.
The ammonia was also washed out into the river that resulted into a minor fish kill and affected vegetation.
The DENR discovered that the plant had no waste water treatment facility. It also had no discharge permit.
“May violation po sila sa Clean Water Act. Kaya lang ang magdedesisyon kung ano ang penalty nila, sa region po (They have violations of the Clean Water Act. However, it will be up to the region to decide on the penalty),” Luisa Garcia of DENR-EMB explained.
Residents disclosed that it is not the first time the smell of ammonia came out of the plant. But the odor has now become stronger. No injuries were reported from the incident but some people experienced dizziness. – Report from Allan Francisco
