Environment agency issues discharge permit to 5 firms

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) regional office has issued discharge permits to five firms directly discharging to the Iloilo River and tributaries found to be within effluent standards.

EMB Regional Director Jonathan Bulos recently reported to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, in connection with the latter’s request, to know the present status of multinational corporations directly discharging their waste water to the Iloilo River.

Bulos said the five firms are currently operating and all are complying with Republic Act 9275 or the Clean Water Act by having their own waste water treatment facility and do not harm the river or its tributaries.

These industries have duly applied for their discharge permits and were issued by EMB after they were inspected and found to have sufficient capability to treat their waste water prior to discharge into the river.

The establishments are Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc. with a discharge point at Calajunan Creek; Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. at the Jaro River; Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. Lapuz installation at the Iloilo River; Petron Corporation Iloilo Depot at the Iloilo River; and Day’s Hotel at the Iloilo River.

There are more than 50 commercial establishments and residential houses along the riverbanks of the Iloilo River including hospitals schools, restaurants and hotels. (Lydia C. Pendon)