Petron denies using chemical dispersant in oil spill clean up
Petron Philippines Inc. denied reports that they used chemical dispersants along the shoreline of Nueva Valencia to clean it of oil slick.
Petron's Health and Safety Manager Carlos Tan said they are not using chemical dispersants on the shoreline but only on the open sea to contain the oil slick in the affected areas. The use of chemical dispersant is governed by a national regulation.
Tan's clarification was in relation to the recent police operation made by the members of the Nueva Valencia municipal police station in one of the company's warehouses. Police seized high pressure water tanks and several other containers believed to have contained chemical dispersants.
The confiscated equipment was brought to the municipal police station. While, the liquid placed in the containers will be subjected to a laboratory examination to check on whether it is a chemical dispersant or a plain washing agent.
It was learned that the police operation was authorized by Nueva Valencia Mayor Diosdado Gonzaga. The local official doubted on what cleaning agent Petron is using since it started its clean-up operation.
Petron is allegedly using chemical dispersants in cleaning the mangroves and other affected areas particularly during nighttime.
Gonzaga also claimed Petron's action is not authorized by the Philippine Coast Guard, specifically in using dispersants during its clean up operations in the several barangays in Nueva Valencia.
The confiscation of Petron's equipment in Nueva Valencia used in the clean-up operation was the first incident to be recorded in the island since the oil spill affected large number of residents, marine life and livelihood of the barangay folks.
Tan said they "never used dispersant on the shore." No chemical dispersant was used to clean the shoreline since the company begun it's clean up operation after the oil leaked from the M/T Solar 1.
During the clean-up operation, members of the Philippine Coast Guard are assisting the clean-up workers and it is impossible that we are using chemical dispersant in cleaning the shorelines, said Tan.
He added that the confiscation was made without the presence of the company's workforce. The equipment was kept in the house of the barangay official. "There are some people who do not welcome our presence in the area but still we never complained," said Tan.
Tan also reiterated that the clean-up workers are directed to return to their barracks before dark. No worker is working during nighttime. "Before dark, they should be already in their barracks," said Tan.
With the confiscation of their equipment, Petron's work has slowed down since the high pressured water tanks are essential equipment during their clean up operation, said Tan.