FSC denies dumping toxic waste into Ba River after Rarawai Mill fire

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has strongly denied allegations by National Farmers Union General Secretary, Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, that toxic, unprocessed cane juice was dumped into the Ba River following last month’s fire at the Rarawai Mill.

In a statement, FSC said its internal investigations and laboratory tests found no evidence of contamination linked to the mill.

“On Thursday, 2nd October 2025, FSC personnel observed a small number of dead fish along the riverbank opposite the factory, where some individuals were seen collecting them,” FSC said.

“FSC immediately initiated internal laboratory testing of river water samples. The test results confirmed that all parameters were well within acceptable environmental limits, showing no abnormalities or evidence of contamination attributable to the mill.”

The corporation said that after the 17th September fire, all materials in the process house were safely contained in storage tanks. When temporary power was restored two days later, some stored material naturally began to deteriorate due to the extended downtime.

“To manage this safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, a portion of the processed juice material was transferred to the Lautoka Mill for further processing,” the statement said. “The remaining material at the front end of the process was gradually directed to the effluent treatment ponds, in full compliance with government statutory requirements and standard mill procedures, where it underwent thorough treatment and secure containment.”

FSC added that the remaining massecuite — a mixture of sugar crystals and syrup — was successfully processed into sugar products.

“Although this recovered sugar was not suitable for export, it has been safely stored for reprocessing once normal operations resume,” the company said. “Likewise, all processed syrup was transferred to Lautoka Mill storage facilities for safe handling.”

The company confirmed minor frothing in some holding vessels, which caused limited overflow onto the process floor.

“This was promptly contained and diverted to pollution ponds for proper treatment. FSC emphatically rejects that there was any consequential overflow into the river,” it said.

Under normal operations, FSC explained that all liquid effluent from the factory is treated through a system of three aerated ponds designed for biological breakdown before being safely stored. Solid waste such as mill mud and ash, it said, are handled separately by licensed contractors and can be reused by farmers as organic fertilizer.

“The Fiji Sugar Corporation remains firmly committed to upholding the highest environmental and operational standards,” the statement said. “Our internal monitoring systems are designed to protect the well-being of surrounding communities, river ecosystems, and the broader environment.”

FSC reassured the public that “no toxic or untreated material has been discharged into the Ba River” and said it will continue monitoring water quality and sharing results with government agencies to ensure “ongoing environmental safety and public confidence.”