"Bihon" factory uses coconut shells as fuel

CEBU, Philippines - The owner of the noodle factory in barangay Cansojong, Talisay City has clarified that the dark smoke that comes out from its smokestack is not generated by burning tires and other hazardous materials but by burning coconut shells as fuel for an old boiler.

Alfred Ngosiok, owner of Ngosiok Enterprises that runs the “bihonan” factory in Cansojong, said coconut shells, if burned, always produce dark smoke.

He, however, said that the smoke is not hazardous to the environment and to human health.

“We sell our old tires, we make better money by selling them than by using them as fuel,” said Ngosiok, while showing to The FREEMAN the factory’s old boiler machine where mounds of coconut shells are stockpiled.

But Ngosiok said the use of such fuel to fire its boiler was only tentative.

“I admit there was dark smoke in that old boiler, but it was only for a few days last month. You see, we are now using our new boiler, which does not only minimize smoke, it also contains most of the dust,” said Ngosiok, while telling The FREEMAN that a new facility sprinkles water on the boiler thereby preventing dust to escape from it.

Instead of coconut shells, this new boiler now uses coal, which also explains while some of their men go out after work with dirty uniform and boots, he said.

Ngosiok said once they have perfected the use of their new boiler, they will junk the new one.

Earlier, neighbors of “Bihonan” had complained over dark and foul smoke coming from the factory. They feared that it had caused them illness, hence, they asked for the city government to intervene.

Meanwhile, Ngosiok negated reports that they release their wastewater during rainy days, hence, causing flood in the area. He said they have their own wastewater facility and the treated water that comes from it will go straight to their drainage.

“If they experience flood, we also experience the same. During Typhoon Ondoy, we were even flooded up to the waist,” said Carlos Ngosiok, the company’s chief of operations.

Carlos said Cansojong is easily flooded because its own creek is now covered with houses.  (FREEMAN)