THE Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Tuesday, May 22, issued a directive to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) to monitor quarry operations at night.
Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag said the department offices, Cenro, and the City Treasurer's Office (CTO) admitted last Tuesday that they were aware of the quarry operations at night and were willing to do something about the issue.
The concern on the night time quarry operations was raised during the hearing for the amendment of the local zoning ordinance for the allowable use of land for five quarry operators.
Al-ag said that it was suggested that the executive department take action on this matter by adding more personnel to collect at night for tax from quarry operators who work during night time.
Al-ag added that the Cenro also already committed that they will apprehend those who are operating at night.
Moreover, Al-ag said that the council junked the application of some quarry operators who have asked for permit as they were not able to satisfy the requirements needed for additional allowable use.
"These applicants can still re-apply if ever they have rectified issues raised by councilors," said Al-ag.
The quarry operators are allowed to apply allowable use of land for zoning areas which quarry can be allowed. A maximum extraction of ten thousand cubic meters per year is only allowed in one permit. If the quarry operators will extend, they need to re-apply for another before the council.
Al-ag said more than 100 quarry operators are now allowed to operate within the city particularly in Callawa, Calinan, Marilog, and Tigatto areas.
Al-ag said the council is now eyeing to amend the 2013 Zoning Ordinance to simplify it, and make sure that it can easily complied by applicants.
"It has been a long overdue suggestion to update the Zoning Ordinance..., we saw that the procedure is too long, so we need to review and simplify the process of getting permits," he said.