RESIDENTS of three barangays in Toledo City, Cebu complained Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, about the stench coming from the leaking conveyor of a coal plant in Barangay Bato.
Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales ordered Thursday the city’s environment and health offices to investigate the reported stench coming from the coal plant of Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power.
Also, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and representatives of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) Cebu Chapter will inspect the site
next week.
The affected residents protested Thursday in front of the office of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Teody Navea, convenor of PMCJ Cebu Chapter and one of the protesters, said the stench was first observed on Sept. 24, 2019 after an explosion was heard inside the plant.
The stench affected the barangays of Bato, Poblacion and Awihao.
Christine Dolino, one of the 60 residents who complained about the stench coming from the plant, said many of them felt lightheaded and nauseous from the foul odor.
The TVI coal plant can generate 340 megawatts of power.
PMCJ has asked the DENR to investigate the alleged pollution caused by the power plant.
“Coal is deadly as it carries with it toxic and hazardous chemicals like mercury, cadmium, Pb which are dangerous to health and environment,” said Ian Rivera, national coordinator of PMCJ Cebu Chapter.
PMCJ representatives in a talk with EMB Regional Director William Cuñado, on Thursday, agreed to visit the site next week to address the issue.
TVI, on the other hand, said they have talked to affected residents and discussed with them ways to resolve the issues.
“TVI is committed to ensuring the welfare of our host community and value all of our stakeholders’ feedback. An open dialogue process already has been in place on the ground and we believe that all issues and complaints are best resolved there. We will definitely look into this complaint and communicate our findings and the steps we will take to address the complaints of our neighbors, partners and stakeholders,” said Ronaldo Ramos, TVI vice president.
TVI last conducted its regular dialogue with the community on Sept. 30 to explain the upcoming activities related to the plant repairs and coal deliveries.
The Toldeo City Health Office received a complaint Thursday afternoon from an unnamed resident of Toldeo City about stench coming from the power plant.
City Health inspectors visited the plant but reportedly found no stench being emitted by the power plant.
Glenette Nabalitan, public information officer of Toledo City, said the Toledo City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Health Office were directed to investigate the matter.
Nabalitan said the city will give aid to the affected residents. HBL / RSR