Orange-colored, muddy floodwater was observed in parts of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, during heavy rainfall, prompting calls for a technical assessment of the condition.
The unusual water color was noticed in Barangays Causwagan and Maputi.
Banaybanay Mayor Lemuel Ian Larcia has asked the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI to conduct an ocular inspection of mining operations in the municipality to determine whether the activities may be linked to sedimentation in local rivers.
Larcia pointed to the operations of ARC Nickel Resources Inc. in Barangay Pintatagan and Zetusa in Barangay Mahayag for assessment.
The mayor clarified that the observation does not establish that the mining companies caused the orange-colored water.
He said a technical assessment is needed to determine whether the condition resulted from natural runoff or from mining operations.
The local government is now awaiting the results of the MGB investigation and its recommendations.
The assessment is intended to determine the possible source of the sedimentation observed in the affected waterways.
The local government said the investigation is important to help protect the environment and ensure the safety of communities in the lower portion of the municipality.
No conclusion has been made on the cause of the orange-colored floodwater pending the technical assessment by the MGB.
The requested inspection is expected to provide the technical findings needed to determine whether the unusual water condition was caused by natural runoff or may be associated with nearby mining activities.
