Coal plant accused of contaminating Tañon Strait

Environmental advocates and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza have raised concerns over the operations of a 340-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Toledo City, Cebu, accusing it of contaminating the Tãñon Strait.

Water samples taken near Therma Visayas Incorporated's (TVI) facility showed boron levels four times higher than normal and sulfate levels exceeding baseline by 1.4 times on February 11.

CEED climate and energy program head Krishna Ariola called on the DENR to declare Tãñon Strait a 'non-attainment area' under the Philippine Clean Water Act, highlighting potential health risks for humans and marine life.

Nicasio Blanco of Limpyong Hangin Alang sa Tanan (LAHAT) said pollution from TVI was affecting both the environment and livelihoods near the plant, potentially impacting around 43,000 fisherfolk in Cebu and Negros.

CEED and STSN are opposing TVI's plan to expand its capacity by 150 MW and have called for a halt on permitting additional coal expansion until these findings are verified.