NFA to request water sampling analysis on drainage canals
The National Food Authority (NFA) will request for water sampling and analysis on drainage canals in areas utilized as dumping site for the thousands of imported rice stocks damaged by Typhoon Frank.
In the NFA's action plan signed by Provincial Manager Hedy Jardeleza, the agency will tap the help of the Department of Health (DoH) for the water sampling and analysis in order to make sure underground water is not contaminated.
The plan to conduct water sampling and analysis would be initiated after the agency is done with its clearing, disposal and burying of the damaged rice stocks coming from its Jaro Triplex and Kabsaka warehouses.
The damaged rice stocks were either buried inside the NFA compound or sold to organic fertilizer manufacturers. In the agency's time table, they are expected to end the disposal of damaged rice stocks by August 15, 2008.
Some of the damaged rice stocks are likewise segregated and subjected for laboratory analysis whether it is still fit for animal feeds. The laboratory analysis was conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry in Quezon City.
Other than the water sampling and analysis, the NFA will disinfect with chlorine the water flowing in drainage canals. Both the residents surrounding the warehouse and employees of the NFA complained of the bad odor coming from the damaged rice stocks. The agency used chemical odor buster to lessen the foul odor. The government lost millions of pesos because of the damaged rice stocks.