The Tagbilaran City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has launched an investigation to identify the establishment which owns a drainage pipe that pumps water out to Tagbilaran City waters allegedly causing the death of a number of fish in the area.
According to CENRO officer-in-charge Caesar Pelaez, they were alarmed after seeing photos of multiple dead fish right in front of the pipe located beside K of C drive and across the Ramiro Hospital exit.
The images were posted online by the Tagbilaran City Coast Guard on its Facebook page.
However, CENRO personnel, during their inspection, were no longer able to see the dead fish which they were supposed to take as samples for their analysis and to determine the cause of death.
The water pumped out from the drain was dark in color and slightly emitted foul odor in the vicinity, said Pelaez.
The recent discovery has prompted the CENRO to coordinate with the City Engineering Office (CEO) to locate the source of the pipe.
Based on initial information gathered by the CENRO from the CEO, there are no drainage pipes that lead to the waters off K of C Drive.
If the drainage connection is proven to be illegal it would be possible for the owner to be slapped with penalties, Pelaez said.
According to Pelaez, they will be investigating large businesses surrounding the area including the Ramiro Community Hospital to determine if the purportedly contaminated water came from their establishments.
The CENRO officials have also already taken water samples from the area to determine its quality and to verify if this is dangerous to fish and other living organisms. (A. Doydora)