Lahar deposits from Kanlaon volcano to be cleared

BACOLOD CITY – About 23 haulers have expressed interest in removing 67,530 cubic meters of lahar deposits clogging Ibid Creek in Barangay Biak-na-Bato, La Castellana town, Negros Occidental, the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) said.

PEMO chief Julie Bedrio said clearing operations for the volcanic debris will be underway shortly after the provincial government received an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

READ: 23 haulers seek to clear Kanlaon lahar-clogged creek

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The permit allows the disposal of lahar deposits that accumulated in the creek following recent eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano.

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An ECC was required because Ibid Creek is situated within the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area, Bedrio said.

To prevent over-extraction, the provincial government will install an ECC billboard and ground markers delineating the exact boundaries approved for clearing.

On Thursday, the provincial government convened a group of 23 haulers for an orientation in relation to their interests to provide hauling services for the cleared debris.

The haulers were required to submit formal letters of intent specifying the number of trucks they will deploy and the volume of debris they plan to haul.

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Bedrio said operations will begin as soon as possible once hauling schedules are finalized, with a target of about 30 truckloads per day.

Hauler-buyers will be charged fixed fees for the volcanic debris in accordance with an existing ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. /jpv