Napocor completes Semirara oil spill clean-up

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) has secured a provisional certificate of completion from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the clean-up of the oil spill in the 114-hectare affected area in the island of Semirara.

The PCG acknowledged Napocor’s effort to complete and finish cleaning the affected areas which include sandy and rocky beaches as well as mangroves.

The clean-up was conducted by Napocor together with PCG-accredited private company specializing in oil-spill clean-up, the First Response Marine Services Inc. (FRMSI).

Napocor said the final certification will be issued by PCG after further bio-remediation has been conducted to further minimize the environmental and socio-economic impact resulting from the oil spill, as well as reduce the recovery time of the affected ecosystem.

In accordance with the Philippine National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, Napocor and FRMSI implemented a scientifically-driven and ecosystem-based response using high level of expertise with technically-proficient personnel and consultants.

A manual clean-up was initially done followed by the spraying of dispersants, enhancing the natural break-up of oil into smaller particles.

Consequently, tests conducted by a team of consultants composed of marine biologists from the University of the Philippines in cooperation with the PCG’s Marine Environmental Research and Development Center (MERDC) showed significant improvement in the area after the clean-up effort.

Reports indicate a major reduction of oil contamination in the area which is now within the allowable environmental limit. The eco-system has-significantly improved and is on its way to full recovery with marine life slowly flourishing.

The final phase of Napocor’s clean-up through FRMSI is underway with bio-remediation efforts currently being conducted to further rehabilitate the area.

Meanwhile, livelihood assistance for the affected residents as well as claims for damage compensation are now entering the final phase of processing. Likewise, with the clean-up substantially finished, the rehabilitation of the affected mangrove areas, under the direction and guidance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will now commence.

On Dec. 18, 2005, Napocor’s Power Barge 106 ran aground off the coast of Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique, after encountering strong winds and waves due to inclement weather.

More than 210,000 liters of Bunker C fuel oil were spilled due to the accident. The strong sea currents subsequently brought the spilled oil to Kaybelo Cove, affecting some 113 hectares of shoreline, sandy and rocky beach, and mangroves.