Saturday, September 09, 2006
Use of indigenous materials for spill boom urged
INDIGENOUS materials are the best materials to be used for the spill boom in Guimaras considering that it is abundant in the area and is very environment-friendly, according to Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amado of the Bio Safety sub-committee.
The sub-committee held a meeting Thursday at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office hosted by Regional Director Zenia Teruel being the co-chairperson of the sub-committee.
The Bio Safety Sub committee is in charge of formulating systems and procedures in evaluating products and technologies for remediation, in accordance with the established protocol for use in oil spill clean-up.
During the meeting, the issue on the use of hair and feather to be used in the clean-up was discussed. It was not discouraged by the Sub committee but instead it was explained that the use of indigenous materials like rice hulls, sawdust, coconut husks, and rice stalks are abundant in the area and easy to establish and dispose of. He also stressed the need to use environment-friendly materials so that it could not create another problem to be solved later on.
“At the moment, when we are racing against time, whatever materials available in the area must be used for remediation so that we could be sure that what we are doing is not another hazard to our environment. Although the use of hair and feathers had been recommended by experts, we can be assured that there will be no negative repercussions in the future if we use indigenous materials”, says RED Amador.
“While we are doing remedial measures and using remedial technologies, we must remember that we are not only removing oil spills but we are also protecting and saving the environment. After this, we will be rehabilitating this fragile environment and we do not want another problem during the rehabilitation period” Amador added.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, this should be our policy if we really want a bio-safety clean-up activity. (Press release)
(September 9, 2006 issue)
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