Thursday, April 03, 2008 PJ asks DENR to check dumping of coal ash
REP. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district) expressed concern over a power plant’s alleged dumping of coal ash in Barangay Tubod, Toledo City.
Garcia asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to check whether an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was issued to Global Business Power Corp.
This developed after the lawmaker claimed that he received a report that the hauler failed to secure from the DENR environmental clearances, including an ECC.
The barangay council of Tubod also passed a resolution last March 19 requesting Mayor Arlene Zambo to check the affected area.
In separate interview, however, Zambo said that the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR issued environmental clearances to Global Business Power Corp., stating that the coal ash is “not hazardous” to health.
So, there is no need for the issuance of an ECC, as long as the coal ash being dumped into the area does not endanger the residents, Zambo said.
The mayor also said that she met with the representatives of Global Business Power Corp., city officials and barangay residents last Tuesday.
Concerns
Zambo admitted that residents complained of the ill effects of the coal ash dumping and the possible destruction of the barangay road, but she said that all concerns were already addressed.
The mayor defended the power firm, saying it is just rushing to clear the site of its second plant.
The president of the Global Business Power Corp. visited her office and committed to repair the damaged barangay road, she said.
Zambo added that the power plant’s officials will also conduct a weekly medical checkup on the residents, and will also extend financial assistance to the affected residents.
Meeting
The mayor said she will meet the residents today and explain the plant’s activities in the barangay.
City health officials and power plant representatives will also attend.
But barangay officials said that the “unregulated” passage of heavy equipment in the hauling of ash coal is damaging the barangay road.
They added that the access road can only accommodate smaller and lighter vehicles.
The barangay officials added that the trucks also destroyed their water pipelines, drainage system and are endangering the health and safety of the residents, pedestrians and commuters.
The hauling of coal ash is also affecting the livelihood of tricycle drivers because they could hardly use the road.
Garcia also received reports of respiratory problems experienced by the residents.
He said the environmental agency vowed to look into the concerns he raised. He is also calling for the shutdown of the plant until it complies with the necessary environmental permits and clearances.
However, he said that he is not against the operation of the power plant but is only urging them to “make things right.” (GMD)
