La Union town flags river rehab ordinance amid black sand mining concerns

The town council of Aringay in La Union province has asked the provincial government to defer action on a proposed provincial ordinance for "River Restoration and Waterway Rehabilitation," citing concerns that the measure could pave the way for black sand and magnetite extraction under the guise of river restoration.

In Resolution No. 2026-152, adopted on July 13, the Aringay town council urged the provincial government to undertake further deliberations before the provincial ordinance is approved, even as it clarified that it supports "legitimate, science-based" river restoration and flood mitigation projects.

"...(T)here is a need to respectfully request the Provincial Government of La Union and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to allow affected municipalities, including Aringay, sufficient time to study the proposed provincial measure, submit comments, raise questions, and ensure that local safeguards are expressly incorporated before any final action is taken," the resolution read in part.

The resolution pointed out that the proposed provincial ordinance covers river restoration, desilting, sediment extraction, commercial utilization of dredged materials, and possible mineral processing involving "magnetite, black sand, or other mineral-bearing materials."

"Aringay is pursuing the development and protection of its coastal and ecotourism potential, including the protection of its fishery resources, beach quality, coastal stability, mangroves, lagoon, marine habitats, tourism areas, and the welfare of its coastal communities," the resolution said.

According to Aringay officials, dredging activities could directly affect the municipality's river mouths, shoreline, coastal barangays, municipal waters, fishery areas, tourism sites, agricultural lands, and environmentally sensitive areas.

The municipal council also raised concerns that river restoration, dredging, or desilting projects could "be used or perceived as a means for commercial extraction, quarrying, magnetite extraction, black sand extraction, mineral processing, or other profit-oriented extraction activities" that may harm the environment and local communities.

GMA News Online has reached out the the provincial officials of La Union for comment and will update this story once a response is received.

The resolution cited historical reports of magnetite mining conducted along the coasts of La Union and Ilocos Sur from 1964 to 1976, saying the operations have been associated in public reports with coastal degradation, erosion, flooding, and adverse impacts on coastal communities.

Aringay's municipal council said concerns have also been raised by residents, fisherfolk, coastal communities, landowners, and other stakeholders over the possible environmental, livelihood, tourism, property, and public safety impacts of dredging, sediment extraction, and related activities.

The resolution urged the provincial government of La Union and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to postpone further action on the ordinance until the municipality's questions are answered in writing and project-specific consultations and technical reviews are conducted for activities that may affect Aringay.

Among the clarifications sought by the municipality are whether dredged materials would be sold, processed, exported, or commercially utilized, and whether mineral testing would be required if magnetite or black sand is found.

The local government also wants to know if the proposed river desilting zones would affect Aringay, and whether the ordinance would explicitly prohibit the use of river rehabilitation projects as a cover for unauthorized mining operations.

The municipal council also asked that the ordinance require project-specific consultations with affected local governments and communities, disclosure of extraction plans and hauling routes, public access to permits and monitoring reports, and safeguards to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

Despite its objections, the Sangguniang Bayan emphasized that the resolution "shall not be construed as opposition to genuine river restoration, flood mitigation, or ecological rehabilitation," but is instead a request for deferment, transparency, consultation, and stronger environmental safeguards before any projects affecting Aringay proceed.— MCG, GMA News