By Lydia C. Pendon
ILOILO CITY,Mar. 31 (PNA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has formulated a comprehensive work plan for the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River system and its creek tributaries such as the Dungon and Calajunan creeks.
The work plan will serve as the basis for improvement of the water quality of the river and its tributaries in terms of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and coliform concentrations.
In his report to the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council (IBRDC) meeting on Monday, March 31, Raul Lorilla of the provincial environment and natural resources office said the department is implementing Oplan SWIM or the Sustainable Work plan for Iloilo River Management.
The Iloilo River is approximately 12 kilometers from the mouth in Parola area up to its upper reach in Brgy. Sooc, Arevalo in Iloilo City. Pollution sources are domestic wastes, oil slicks from ocean going vessels, public markets and commercial establishments along the river.
The three year average water quality showed that the river has dissolved oxygen of 4.008, biochemical oxygen demand of 4.47, total coliform of 48,849.43 MPN/100 ml and fecal coliform of 27,32.77. Calajunan Creek has total coliform of 767,881.43 and fecal coliform of 393,461.48 while Dungon Creek has total coliform of 2,877,617.46 and fecal coliform of 1,363,293.68.
Lorilla reported that short term plans good for one to six months include the installation of garbage booms, acquisition of trash collection boats and vacuum trucks with a memorandum of agreement between the local government unit, EMB, DOH and private treatment facilities.
Medium term plans good for one to 12 months include the improvement of leachate collection pond, construction of wetlands, wet ponds, artificial wetlands and waste water treatment facilities. While the long term plan good for more than one year includes the management of septage and sewerage and the construction of drainage interceptors. (PNA)