For PCB contamination Tanapag shoreline under tight watch

Possible exploration of Tanapag Bay in search of capacitors and PCB oil are being studied but present situation consider it farfetched, officials involved in the investigation and excavation project in the Tanapag Village disclosed yesterday.

Instead, representatives from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, US Army Corps of Engineer and the Division of Environmental Quality discussed the proposed project plan of Environmental Chemical Corporation which will include the shoreline of Tanapag Bay.

ACOE on-site representative Franklin A. Ono said the ECC project plan will carefully study the soil and water along the shoreline of Tanapag Bay and not the possible underwater contamination.

The project plan and the cost estimate of the project are currently being studied by ECC since it will entail a rigorous procedure of sifting soil and underground water to determine the presence of polychlorinated biphenyl.

Mr. Ono said that although there has been concerns on possible underwater contamination, the group is not yet ready to embark on that kind of exploration.

In fact, reports reaching DEQ claimed sighting of a capacitor off Tanapag waters but initial underwater search yielded negative results.

“We don’t know where did it (capacitor) go, probably water current has dragged it away, but we might as well continue what we are doing on the grounds, than launch an underwater search on an early stage,” the ACOE on-site representative explained.

Mr. Ono said DEQ officials have been raising the possibility of underwater investigation amid concerns that PCB contamination might have spread faster through the water.

In addition, Mr. Ono said the team is also awaiting the completion of the Engineer Evaluation and Cost Analysis report of the ECC on treatment of PCB contaminated soil and the possible shipment of tons of soil to the mainland.

Based on initial estimate, the federal government will spend roughly $24 million for the shipment of hundreds of tons of PCB-laced soil.

“It will be costlier if we’re going to send it to the mainland, EPA and ECC has made a similar activity and they treated the PCB-laced soil and dispose of it when the procedure was over,” said Mr. Ono.

Presently, EPA and ACOE are through with the first round of excavation in most parts of Tanapag Village and back filling has started months ago. Certain areas will be subjected to a second round of excavation. (EGA)