Alngon-River H

Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF CAPIZ
CAPIZ PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE
Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol, Roxas City
Email: info@gogreencapiz.com Telefax: (036) 522-2587
Environmental Investigation Report
I. Introduction
On April 12, 2020 a local radio show (Radyo Bandera-Roxas City) through its facebook page,
exclusively reported the concerns of many residents in Barangay Aranguel, Pres. Roxas
regarding the abrupt blackening and excretion of foul odor of the Alngon River. The said news
report mentioned the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO)
calling for its attention and asking for an action on the said problem/matter.
Upon knowledge of the news, Acting CaPENRO Atty. Emilyn Arboleda-Depon immediately
contacted the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of President
Roxas, Mr. Hansel Bereber to confirm the statements of the report in the area. After confirming,
the Acting CaPENRO then replied/commented on the said facebook post and reassured the
people that a team was being formed and a set date for the on-site assessment has been
planned straight away.
On April 15, 2020, three days after the news report was released, the CaPENRO team
travelled early in the morning to President Roxas, Capiz and coordinated with the Local
Government Unit through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by
MENRO Hansel Bereber. The team now joined by the MENRO of Pres. Roxas proceeded to
Barangay Aranguel, the area with most affected residents. Upon the arrival of the investigation
team, it was evident in the faces of the residents and obvious in the air that the Alngon River
reeked a nauseating odor this being so caused a great inconvenience to whomever came near
to it.
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Soon after, the team was joined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
– Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 (DENR-EMB R6) headed by Mr. Marlon Bonite of
the office. Subsequently, the Barangay Captain of Aranguel, Hon. Richard Baltar and other
officials arranged a boat ride along the Alngon River for the investigation team for the purpose
of gathering data specifically the water sample in identified points of the river and a closer
documentation of the water quality and area of the river. The investigating teammade sure to
gather as much information on the Alngon River in order to formulate a rigorous course of
action on the matter.
The joint investigation team consisted of CaPENRO personnel lead by Atty. Emilyn
Arboleda-Depon, Ms. Florie May Castro of OPA-Capiz, Pres. Roxas MENRO Mr. Hansel Bereber;
barangay Officials of Aranguel led by Hon. Richard Baltar and personnel from DENR-EMB Region
6 led by Mr. Marlon Bonite.
II. Background Information
Brief history:
Algon River is a stream in Capiz, situated nearby to
Culilang, northeast of Calilan River. The estimate terrain
elevation above sea level is 8 meters. It is classified as
type C according to the DENR-EMB list of Water bodies in
Region 6. The other name for Alngon River is Alugon River.
It was classified in 1975.
Name: Alngon River

Location: Brgy. Aranguel, Brgy. Ibaca and Brgy. Poblacion, President
Roxas, Capiz
Type: Stream
Latitude: 11.4501° or 11°27’0.4” north

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Longitude: 122.9427° or 122°56’33.7” east
Elevation: 8 meters (26 feet)
In the area (localities): Culilang – n/a

Aranguel – ½ Km southwest
Dulangan – 1 ½ km northwest
Sangcal – 2 km northwest
Notable places: Capiz Sugar Central, Aranguel Bridge
III. Methodology
Representatives of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA-Capiz) collected

Surface water samples using sterile plastic bottles from three sites along Alngon river - (1)
downstream fishpond at 11.457297 N, 122.938781 E;(2) under the Aranguel bridge at
11.433618 N, 122.930519 E; and (3) near the dam at 11.427017 N, 122.932561 E. Water
samples were analyzed at Capiz Agri-Aqua Laboratory for water quality parameters specifically,
pH, salinity, total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite content. The pH was measured using pHep® pH
meter. Salinity was analyzed using Atago hand-held refractometer. Both the Total Ammonia
Nitrogen and Nitrite content were analyzed using API® testing kit.
The DENR – EMB Region VI also collected water samples from the different parts of
Alngon river; Downstream, Midstream 2, Midstream 1, and Upstream. Water samples were
consequently analysed at DENR – EMB R6 Laboratory The parameters include 5-Day biological
oxygen demand (BOD5), Total suspended solids, Color and Phosphate content. Samples of the
wastewater of Capiz Sugar Central Inc. were also collected by DENR – EMB Region VI for the
analysis of effluent parameters specifically, 5-Day biological oxygen demand (BOD 5), Total
suspended solids, and Color.

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Photos were taken during the on-site investigation to document the observations and
ocular assessments. To further explore further the phenomenon, an phenomenological
interview was conducted. A phenomenological interview will generate the most crucial data
about the “lived experience” of the people residing near the Aranguel River. In this investigation it
played an important role in gathering relevant and meaningful data. By practice It is a distinctive feature
of social research that the ‘objects’ studied are in fact ‘subjects’, in the sense that they have
consciousness and agency. Moreover, unlike physical objects or animals, they produce accounts of
themselves and their worlds.^ (Hammersley and Atkinson 2007, 97) .
were also interviewed for their testimonies regarding the details on the occurrence of the
situation and its impact on their living and livelihood conditions. As a method, face to face
recorded interviews were conducted, interview notes were taken and the conversations followed
an “open-ended” questioning type from a semi-structured interview schedule and guide.
IV. Assessment Information
A. Results
Site/Area: Alngon River Sample(s): Water

Address: Pres. Roxas, Capiz Date Analyzed: 15-Apr-2020
Table 1. Results for Water Quality Parameters

Total Ammonia
Ambient Sampling Site Coordinates pH Salinity Nitrite
Nitrogen
Downstream Fishpond 11.457297 N 7.32 24 ppt 0.25 ppm 0 ppm
122.938781 E
Under the Bridge 11.433618 N 7.06 2 ppt 0 ppm 0 ppm
122.930519 E
Dam 11.427017 N 7.04 0 ppt 0 ppm 0 ppm

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122.932561 E
Table 2. Recommended Water Quality Parameters (SEAFDEC Reference)

DO > 5 ppm
pH 7.5 to 8.5
Salinity 18 – 24 ppt
Temperature 28 - 32° C
Ammonia as NH3-N < 0.05 ppm
Un-ionized ammonia < 0.1 ppm
Ambient Sampling Date: April 13, 2020

Source: DENR – EMB Investigation Report, Results Analysis
Sampling Station Reference Value (DAO

Parameter Value Unit Remarks
2016-08 Class C)
Effluent 1 BOD5 76 mg/L 50 FAILED
Wastewater from Total Suspended Solids 51 mg/L 100 PASSED
Concrete Culvert Color 20 TCU 150 PASSED
BOD5 83 mg/L 50 FAILED
Effluent 2
Total Suspended Solids 16 mg/L 100 PASSED
Wastewater from Pipe
Color 20 TCU 150 PASSED

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Influent BOD5 122 mg/L 50 FAILED
Wastewater from Total Suspended Solids 23 mg/L 100 PASSED
Spray pond and Open
Channel
Sampling Station Parameter Value Unit Reference Value Remarks
Waterbody: (DAO 2016-08
Alngon River Class C)
Downstream BOD5 72 mg/L 7 FAILED
Phosphates 0.670 mg/L 0.5 FAILED
Midstream 2 BOD5 117 mg/L 7 FAILED
Phosphates 0.367 mg/L 0.5 PASSED
Midstream 1 BOD5 116 mg/L 7 FAILED
Upstream BOD5 75 mg/L 7 FAILED
Table 3. Results for Water Analysis of the Wastewater from Central Sugar Central Inc.
Table 4. Results for Water Analysis of Alngon River
B. Discussion
River Discoloration and Fouling

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It was observed that during the on-site visit and field sampling by the CaPENRO Team
on April 15, 2020, a significantly long stretch of the Alngon River has turned blackish in color.
The blackening of the river was captured by drone photography. [Insert photo]
The phenomena of blackening and odorization of urban rivers are widely found in
developing countries (Liang et. al., 2018). Organic pollutants from untreated waste streams, or
non-point sources such as agricultural and urban runoffs are believed to be the major cause
(McCoy et. al. 2015). An interview with some residents in Brgy. Aranguel accounted that aside
from the visible discoloration of the river water, there was also presence of a foul smell, notably
during early morning and evening. It was also observed that CSCI directly discharges its
wastewater through the concrete culvert and a pipe. The leakage of the untreated wastewater
into the river could lead to various possible reactions. oOne is the production of Hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) which is commonly a product of the co-digestion of a sugar milling by-product with
other industrial wastes (Janke et. al., 2015). Decomposition of sulfur-containing organics such
as H2S produces sulfide (S2−), a compound responsible for blackening; while β-ionone and
geosmin cause stink (Song et. al., 2017). Inhalation of this chemical compound could cause
serious health problems.
River pollution is mostly manifested by a visible change in color, usually to black, often
accompanied by strong unpleasant odors. This phenomenon has been periodically observed in
the Alngon River based on historical accounts of residents in the area. River discoloration and
fouling coincide with the operations of the Capiz Sugar Central Inc. in Pres. Roxas, beginning
from the month of June (milling process) and peaks during summer (March-May) when tidal
flushing is limited.

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Physico-Chemical Parameters
The water samples taken from Alngon River during April 15, 2020 sampling showed
results that were within the optimum parameters recommended by the South East Asian
Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) for aquaculture use. There was presence of
ammonia (NH3+), but it did not exceed the SEAFDEC reference value. However, fish mortalities
have been observed along downstream fishponds during the sampling.
Ammonia is highly poisonous to fish and the toxicity is associated with the concentration
of un-ionized ammonia (NH3+) which is dependent on the water pH value. It is a buy product of
decomposition with lethal effects on fish that include elevated levels of pH and ammonia in the
blood which can damage the gills, red blood cells, affect osmoregulation, reduce oxygen-
carrying capacity of the blood and increase the oxygen demand of tissues (Lawson, 1995).

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Although the water analysis yielded results that were within reference values, the single
one-time measurement of water quality parameters provided only a snapshot in time when the
sample was measured (specifically, April 15, 2020 only). It might have been that fish mortalities
occurred several days prior to CaPENRO sampling, and that variations in the concentration of
ammonia in downstream fishpond, affected by the movement of water in and out of Alngon
River (process of tidal flushing), already took place.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5)
The wastewater samples collected from the Capiz Sugar Central Inc. and analyzed by
the DENR EMB Laboratory 6 failed the reference value for BOD 5 set forth by DAO 2016-08.
Also, the water samples taken from four (4) sampling points along Alngon River did not pass the
BOD5 criterion for Class C waters.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) is an analysis widely used to evaluate organic
pollutants in water systems as well as the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (Lee et. al.,
2016). It is a test that measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in
decomposing organic matter in a body of water.
Biological Oxygen Demand directly affects the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) in
rivers and streams (https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms52.html). The higher the
BOD, the more rapidly oxygen is depleted in the stream. This means less oxygen is available to
higher forms of aquatic life. The effects: aquatic organisms become stressed, suffocate, and die.
River systems are the primary means for disposal of waste, especially the effluents, from
industries that are near them (Sangodoyin, 1991). High levels of pollutants in the river systems
cause increase in biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total

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dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), toxic metals such as Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb
and fecal coliform, and hence make such water unsuitable for drinking, irrigation and aquatic life
(Emongor, 2005 and Phiri et. al., 2005). According to Qureshi et al (2015) the estimated wastes
form sugar milling industries include sulphur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, lead, fly-ash and dust,
plant and workforce sewage, process wastes which comprised of bagasse, molasses, filter mud
and grease oil. Typical BOD5 values of untreated domestic wastewater varies from 110-350 ppm
(Metcalf and Eddy, Inc., 2003) while industrial wastewaters reaches a maximum of 6,900 ppm
(Davis, 2010).
The high BOD results in Capiz Sugar Central Inc. wastewater and Alngon River samples
could be associated with increased microbial activity that quickly deoxygenated the river water,
resulting to hypoxic conditions. The presence of dead zones in the Alngon River confirms this.
Although pollution from the nearby industry is introduced at a certain wastewater
discharge point, the impacts extended to downstream ecosystems as wastewater pollutants
were transported through the river network. The hypoxic conditions that developed,
consequently changed the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Alngon River
resulting to blackening (physical), fouling (chemical) and death of aquatic life (biological).
Similarly, the Imbang and Malisbog rivers in Negros Occidental were also reported to
have significantly higher BOD values during the milling season of the nearby sugar milling
factory. The Jalaur river of Passi City was also reported to have increased total coliform count
during milling season. Hence, sugar milling factories during their operations appears to affect
the condition of rivers near their facilities.

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C. Photo Documentation

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D. Interview/Testimonies of Residents
The interviews were transcribed and analyzed in a traditional line by line coding.
Simple themes were generated to categorize the data from the interviews. Here are
some of the excerpts ( translated) in direct quotations from the interviews.
“The river started to turn black and foul smelling on Saturday, April 11, 2020”, it
would smell strongly foul on mornings at around 6 am and again at 6-7 pm.”
--Mr. Rodulfo Bacinillo, boat operator, sand and gravel
collector.

PROVINCE OF CAPIZ
“This river used to be crystal clear, we swim there and some of my neighbors washed
their clothes in it. Now, I am worried of our health because we started to feel sick, I
have been experiencing bad appetite and diarrhea since the river started to emit the
bad odor.”
--Engr. Gerald Gaston, whose residence is situated along the river.
“I started to notice the river turned black almost two weeks already. Actually, before
the typhoon (Ursula) many of us here were affected and didn’t have sufficient water
supply, we would get water directly from the river, sometimes I would even do my
laundry here.”
--Vivian Ballon, whose residence is right beside the
river.
“Yes, the Alngon River was very clean before we do not know why it turned severely
black all of a sudden, maybe because of the lagoon, maybe it had a leak.”
--Kevi Barrogo, resident near Capiz Sugar Central.
E. Secondary Data
Total Household along Alngon River

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Brgy. Aranguel 57
Brgy. Ibaca 2
Brgy. Poblacion 4
Total= 63 household
Total poultry/piggery along Alngon River
Brgy. Aranguel 0
Brgy. Ibaca 0
Brgy. Poblacion 1 (owned by

Vivian Ballon)
Total= 1
Total land area of Brgy. Aranguel 295.0787 hectares

Aranguel fishpond area 169.277 hectares
Swampy area 6.4358 hectares
V. Conclusion

PROVINCE OF CAPIZ
Sugar industries generate toxic wastewater and without proper treatment and
storage could lead to extensive soil and water pollution. Based on the information
and data obtained during the site investigation conducted in Alngon River on April 15,
2020, the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO)
concludes that Alngon River is contaminated by huge quantity of organic wastes.
The blackening and the foul odor could be due to the presence of hydrogen sulphide
arising from the build-up of organic wastes that could have leaked from CSCI
wastewater. The presence of ammonia could be linked to agricultural activities near
the river or discharge of nitrogen-containing compounds in the river. Presence of
phosphates in the downstream part of the river could have come from effluents of
households. Continuous increase in the concentration of these chemicals in the river
would harm aquatic life as well as the affected residents.
It was duly noted that during the team’s boat ride along the river, oil and grease
were seen floating in the water surface and along the soil beside the river. It is
probable that this observation could be associated to the excess oil used by CSCI for
lubrication. It was also very evident during the team’s visit in the areas near Capiz
Sugar Central that oil/grease were present right at the bottom of the dam (greasy
marks were also found in the cement). According to a brief interview with one of the
locals, the man also stressed that when going into the water they get a whiff of
motor oil (asayte) smell.
Based on the interview data this incident was not an isolated case. This is a
recurring case over the years. As serval informants have revealed that every summer
(coinciding within the operational period of the factory), this phenomenon happens.
Therefore it is safe to assume the CSCI may have contributed to the ill condition of
Alngon River greatly affecting the residents. With this the CaPENRO urges a call to
action and an immediate environmental intervention.

PROVINCE OF CAPIZ
VI. Recommendations
1. Determine the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater generated by

the CSCI.
2. Require the CSCI to develop a mechanism to minimize the wastage of water by
establishing wastewater treatment methods that are appropriate to the type of
wastewater generated and the condition of the surroundings.
3. Ensure that the quality of treated water is compliant of the standard effluent
parameters and must be maintained regularly.
4. The discharge of untreated effluent to the environment is strictly prohibited to
prevent severe water and soil pollution.
VII. References
Francis-Floyd, R. and Watson, C. (2006), Ammonia. University of Florida. Retrieved

August 6, 2020 from https://thefishsite.com/articles/ammonia
Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: Principles in practice. Oxon: Routledge
Kushwaha, J.P. (2013). A review on sugar industry wastewater: sources, treatment

technologies, and reuse, Desalination and Water Treatment, DOI:
10.1080/19443994.2013.838526 Retreived August 4, 2020 from
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2013.838526
Janke, L. et al (2015). Biogas Production from Sugarcane Waste: Assessment on

Kinetic Challenges for Process Designing, Inernational Journal of Molecular
Sciences, DOI: 10.3390/ijms1609206855. Retreived August 4, 2020 from
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms1609206855

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Sultana, S. et al (2017). Assessment on Water Quality of Waste Water in Sugar
Industry and Its Impact on Environment. Scientific Research Open Access Vol. 4
No. 3. Retrieved August 5, 2020 from https://m.scirp.org/papers/74619
Qureshi, A.L. et al (2015). Impact of Releasing Wastewater of Sugar Industries into

Drainage System of LBOD, Sindh, Pakistan. International Journal of
Environmental Science of Development, Vol. 6, No. 5. Retrieved August 9, 2020
from www.ijesd.org/vol6/622-0026.pdf
Effluent Treatment Plant in Sugar Factory, Liquid Waste Management in Sugar

Industry. Sugar Process Industry Technologies Retrieved August 10, 2020 from
https://www.sugarprocesstech.com/etp-plant/
Metcalf and Eddy, Inc. 2003. Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse, 4 th
Edition. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-07-112250-4
Davis, M. 2010. Water and Wastewater Engineering: Design Principles and Practice.
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-07-171385-6
This report was prepared by :
Atty abeb
Myme
Mymy
harold

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Republic of the Philippines

Environmental Investigation Report

“Go Green Capiz”

II. Background Information

Name: Alngon River

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In the area (localities): Culilang – n/a

Notable places: Capiz Sugar Central, Aranguel Bridge

Representatives of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA-Capiz) collected

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IV. Assessment Information

Site/Area: Alngon River Sample(s): Water

Table 1. Results for Water Quality Parameters

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Table 2. Recommended Water Quality Parameters (SEAFDEC Reference)

Ambient Sampling Date: April 13, 2020

Sampling Station Reference Value (DAO

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Table 4. Results for Water Analysis of Alngon River

River Discoloration and Fouling

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serious health problems.

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have been observed along downstream fishponds during the sampling.

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River (process of tidal flushing), already took place.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5)

BOD5 criterion for Class C waters.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) is an analysis widely used to evaluate organic

2016). It is a test that measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in

decomposing organic matter in a body of water.

rivers and streams (https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms52.html). The higher the

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Although pollution from the nearby industry is introduced at a certain wastewater

discharge point, the impacts extended to downstream ecosystems as wastewater pollutants

the condition of rivers near their facilities.

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Total Household along Alngon River

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Total poultry/piggery along Alngon River

Brgy. Poblacion 1 (owned by

Total land area of Brgy. Aranguel 295.0787 hectares

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1. Determine the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater generated by

Francis-Floyd, R. and Watson, C. (2006), Ammonia. University of Florida. Retrieved

Kushwaha, J.P. (2013). A review on sugar industry wastewater: sources, treatment

Janke, L. et al (2015). Biogas Production from Sugarcane Waste: Assessment on

“Go Green Capiz”

Qureshi, A.L. et al (2015). Impact of Releasing Wastewater of Sugar Industries into

Effluent Treatment Plant in Sugar Factory, Liquid Waste Management in Sugar

This report was prepared by :

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