ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT REMAINS AS BATAAN OIL SPILL NOW UNDER CONTROL

THE oil spill in Bataan caused by sunken MT Terra Nova is now under control but the threats on the environment remain, a researcher on Wednesday said.

MSU-Iligan professor and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) lead researcher on oil spill Hernando Bacosa told a public briefing that the oil spill is under control but still there are threats.

“Threats to environment remain as long as the oil is not siphoned off,” Bacosa said.

MT Terra Nova carried 1.5 million liters of industrial oil. Less than 100,000 liters have leaked, the lead researcher said.

He added that the capsized tanker reached 30-meters deep and divers could see and seal this.

Bacosa said among the threats include the industrial oil’s effect on phytoplankton that shrimps and fishes eat.

Another threat, he said, is when the oil reaches the shores, creating a foul smell that could affect breathing and the lungs.

The environment expert said the public should take precautions against getting in contact and smelling the oil as it could cause dizziness.

Bacosa added that the oil spill is not only a threat to the environment but also to the economy as it will affect the livelihood of the fishermen.