Puddles of foul-smelling water believed to have overflown or have been released from a septic tank near the Blood Compact site in Tagbilaran City were traced to their source which authorities have pinpointed to be a hotel in the vicinity.
Tagbilaran City administrator Edi Borja confirmed on Thursday that the water which emits foul odor beside the renowned tourist spot flowed from the nearby Ocean Suites hotel.
According to Borja, the hotel’s operators were notified that the business will face sanctions including a possible shutdown of operations if they fail to stop the flow of water to areas surrounding the hotel.
”Amo na ng gipa-adtuan unya nakig-coordinate na ta sa buhatan sa DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources],” Borja said.
The city government also called for hastened compliance due to the nearing completion of “phase 1” of the nearby Bohol Friendship Park which will be the city’s newest tourist draw.
“Ila gyud ng sulbaron as soon as possible…Amo silang gihatagan og deadline kay karong March 16, maoy blessing ug inauguration sa atong Tagbilaran Friendship Park,” Borja said.
However, Borja clarified that the hotel’s management has been cooperating with the city government as they vowed to address the issue.
Borja said that Ocean Suites claimed to have a waste water treatment facility but authorities have yet to verify if it is being utilized.
It was also clarified that even if the water has been flushed through a sewerage treatment unit, the hotel is still prohibited from releasing it just anywhere.
According to Borja, a city ordinance which mandates establishments including hotels and resorts to have their own waste water treatment facility remains in place and enforced by authorities.
“Naa ta’y ordinance sa syudad passed mga two years ago requiring atong mga establishments to put their water treatment facility, so standard nana siya,” he added. (AD)