Authorities in Angeles City, Pampanga are investigating a noodle manufacturing facility accused of dumping wastewater into a creak nearby.
The alleged violation was discovered in Barangay Sto. Domingo after complaints of foul odor coming from a creek in the area arose.
According to the Angeles City Sanitation Division, the business was registered only as an office operation but was found during inspection to be running a food manufacturing facility that produces noodles.
Dr. Jessie Paul Culang, chief of the Angeles City Sanitation Division, said the inspection was done after a church voiced out its complaint.
“We started with a complaint dun sa malapit na church na foul smelling ‘yung creek malapit kasi approximately sa church mabaho talaga. Nasama siya sa documentary ng Abacan river tapos we found out through a case study ng mga basura along Cutcut. Pinuntahan namin, nag-ocular, pagdating namin mabaho talaga ‘yung creek tapos may narinig kami na parang factory roon. We went there and law and behold ‘yun na ‘yung nakita namin, wala sila riprap wala silang waste risk facility diretso lahat ng biodegradable materials doon sa creek,” Culang said.
Authorities said wastewater from the facility was flowing directly into the creek. Inspectors also noted poor sanitation practices and the lack of required health and sanitation clearances.
Culang said the company’s representative admitted that the facility does not have a water treatment system and also lacks a sanitation permit for food manufacturing.
“Those are really foul smelling kahit onting-onti na lang kasi is made up of flour and water so kapag na-spoil iyan, mga daga, ipis lahat… unlimited buffet mangyayari,” he added.
The inspection was part of the city government’s ongoing checks on businesses to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
The local government continues to investigate the case and reminded business owners to follow environmental and sanitation regulations to prevent pollution in waterways.
The owner of the facility is yet to release a statement as of press time.
