Ministry investigates alleged hazardous substances being released into the Sabeto River

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is investigating a formal complaint regarding hazardous substances being released into the Sabeto River affecting marine species, and residents within proximity to the Sabeto River are discouraged to use the river until further notice from the Ministry.

A video sent to fijivillage News shows dead fish and eels in the Sabeto River.

The Ministry of Environment confirms they received communication from Lion One Limited, confirming that water had been discharged from their containment ponds.

They say preliminary information from the company indicates the presence of slightly elevated copper levels in the released water.

The Ministry says the company further stated that the potential environmental impact is confined within the Special Mining Lease (SML) boundary and has not extended further downstream.

After fijivillage News raised the question over the weekend regarding the incident, the Ministry confirmed that a message was conveyed by a concerned citizen who had come across the Turaga ni Koro’s post on social media.

In response, the Ministry mobilized a team of officers to investigate the matter.

The Ministry says in such cases, several parameters of water testing are required; however, this could not be done on Sunday due to the closure of the registered testing facilities. The team made contact with Water Authority of Fiji and members of the affected community using details provided in the complaint to attend to the issue early this morning.

The Ministry is currently conducting a comprehensive testing to identify the precise point source of contamination.

They assure the public that all efforts are being made to ensure environmental safety and community well-being.

Further information will be shared as soon as test results are finalized and verified.

Members of the public are advised that Lion One Limited holds a valid EIA with specific site conditions, including the need for wastewater from mining operations to be diverted to settling ponds for pre-treatment.

The Ministry says part of the EIA specific conditions is Lion One Ltd having the responsibility to ensure that the discharge of treated effluent from the facility operation complies with the National Liquid Waste Standards stipulated under Schedule 3 of the Environmental Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) Regulations 2007.

Stay with us for developments.