Mercury contamination threatens Chico River

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Traces of mercury have been found in Chico River, one of the biggest river systems in the Cordilleras, threatening the health and livelihood of residents.

Reports have blamed the mercury contamination on illegal small-scale mining operations in Kalinga’s upland areas that indiscriminately dump wastes into the river. 

The Chico River, a major source of irrigation for farmlands in Kalinga and parts of Isabela and Cagayan, runs through Bontoc, the capital town of Mt. Province, down to Kalinga’s Lubuagan–Tabuk–Pinukpuk area and the Tuao River in Cagayan before exiting into the sea in Aparri town. 

Tests conducted by experts showed that traces of mercury in Chico River have become noticeable, attributed to an increase in small-scale mining along the river and its tributaries. 

Farmers downstream, especially in Tabuk City, fear that if illegal mining remains unabated, mercury, a toxic chemical, would eventually affect the productivity of agricultural lands in Kalinga and in the nearby Isabela town of Quezon.

The farmers also fear that the presence of mercury in the river could kill aquatic animals and spell an end to white water rafting, which has drawn tourists to local communities.

Illegal miners use mercury to extract gold from ore. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. Too much exposure to it, experts said, can cause tremors, impaired cognitive skills, chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and other lung and intestinal diseases. 

Acute exposure to mercury vapor has been shown to result in profound effects to the central nervous system, including psychotic reactions characterized by delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendency.   

Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac said the Chico River has become a favorite destination of water sports enthusiasts, with the Chico River Challenge Group formed to promote white water rafting there. 

Realizing the environmental, cultural and economic significance of the river, Baac said community leaders and residents have revived an advocacy to protect it amid the reported mercury contamination. 

The Chico River became the focal point of pro-environment protest actions during the Marcos regime when Kalinga residents led by the late Macliing Dulag fiercely opposed plans for the construction of a high dam in the area.

Dulag was assassinated on April 24, 1980, which was later on commemorated as Cordillera Day in recognition of his sacrificing his life to protect one of the Cordillera’s natural gems.