A CEASE and desist order was issued by the local government unit of La Trinidad, Benguet against a waste hauler catering to different food chains in Baguio City and the province.
“You are hereby directed to immediately cease and desist from operating/continuing with your activities upon receipt of this order. Prior to the continuation of your operations, you must secure the necessary environmental and sanitation permits and or licenses from concerned agencies,” read the order signed by Mayor Romeo Salda on February 12.
On February 6, the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (menro) affirmed that the proprietor of the area did not apply and was not issued a permit for hauling and storage of waste within their compound.
Prior to the inspection, a social media post went viral seeking the help of authorities to put an end to the irresponsible throwing of garbage at Km.12 Tili, Shilan.
In the inspection report, Menro Officer Arthur Pedro, it was found the area is a privately-owned lot and has already been involved in other environmental violation in January 2018.
“Along the private road of the family is a pile of recyclable waste. However, mounds of mixed waste placed inside ‘sando’ and garbage bags were deposited in one specific location supposedly for final sorting,” stated in the report.
A representative from the company presented a permit issued by the local government of Tublay with business as “trading of recyclable materials” which is valid until December 31, 2018.
However, Menro observed the area is also a staging area or transfer station of residual waste. The team also observed an on-going burning of residual wastes during the inspection.
The proprietor, whose name was withheld, said they are contracted garbage hauler and that all wastes are brought to the compound for final sorting before it is transported to Capaz, Tarlac.
The Menro cited and recommended for violation of municipal ordinance no. 53-98 known as the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Ordinance for illegal burning, illegal and improper waste storage system, and be penalized with P2,500.
The hauler also violated Municipal Ordinance no. 37-207 known as the transfer facility ordinance of the municipality with a penalty of P2,500.
Salda added a technical conference is set with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to discuss matters regarding the illegal burning and improper waste storage system.