Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo T. Reyes has ordered the frequent monitoring of water quality and fish contamination in the Albay Gulf to alleviate fears linking the operations of Lafayette Mining, Inc. to the fish kill incidents in the waters of Sorsogon.

Reyes flew to Sorsogon after his recent trip to Lafayette in Rapu-Rapu Island to check on its operations.

According to Reyes, the directive forms part of the agreements reached during a dialogue between the DENR, Bishop Arturo Bastes and local officials of Sorsogon to address the fish scare in the province.

Reyes said that a monitoring team will be formed together with technical experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Health to conduct regular monitoring of fish and water samples along the Albay Gulf.

It can be recalled that the DENR through its Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) slapped a Php10.4 million fine to Lafayette for the two incidents of cyanide leaks that resulted in fish kills. (DENR Public Affairs Office)

February 23 , 2006