3 junkshops shut down

Thursday, February 2, 2012

ANGELES CITY -- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) here has closed three junkshops for allegedly violating environment laws, among which is the open burning of biodegradable wastes.

A “Notice for Closure” was served by the City Government to De Guzman Junkshop, Asuncion Junkshop, and Alib Trading & Junkshop.

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The Cenro issued notices of violation and ordered the junk shop owners to cease and desist from operating until appropriate clearances and permit to operate have been secured.

Ederlinda Valencia, operations officer of Cenro, said the three scrap recovery shops violated provisions stated under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) and the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749).

She added that one of the junk shops is not authorized to operate, according to the Angeles City Establishments Concerns, Compliance and Regulatory Office (ACESCCORE).

The De Guzman Junkshop, owned by a certain Roberto de Guzman, has been operating with no business permit for several years.

The said junk shop has also been found as the source of the foul smell near the Angeles City Public Market.

Cenro head Carlito Ganzon said barangay residents in the area thought that the foul odor comes from the city Material Recovery Facility, but Cenro personnel discovered that the shop burns biodegradable waste coming from fast food chains.

Environment officers found out that open burning was also being made in the Asuncion Junkshop.

Thick smoke and haze from the burning of plastic scraps and special wastes (fluorescent bulbs) were also reported by barangay residents.

Open burning of waste is in violation of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749).

Cenro explained that fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which is harmful to humans when inhaled.

Meanwhile, the Alib Trading and Junkshop, located near the Angeles City National High School, has been operating using a plastic scrap shredding machine, which causes disturbance and noise pollution to students and teachers.

The Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD), Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), and barangay officials assisted during the closure of the junk shops.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently challenged the city’s village officials to practice segregation and achieve zero waste in their respective barangays.

Pamintuan expressed his desire to eliminate waste residuals in the city during a forum dubbed as “Response to Climate Change: A Waste Segregation Conference.”

The mayor said he is determined to solve the city’s environmental concerns and waste problem and achieve a “Green Angeles.”

Pamintuan recently forged a memorandum of understanding with Green Philippines Island of Sustainability program (GPIOS) for the environmental management in the city.