FOLLOWING the completion of its own engineered sanitary landfill, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company in Mankayan, Benguet is pushing to strengthen compliance to environmental laws.
"We have also strengthened our segregation at source, reduction of wastes and biodegrable wastes are composed in the different areas of the company particularly on bunk houses. We are very proud to be the first mining industry to do it and they said that it could not be done and we've done it," said LCMC's mine protection and enhancement manager Rolando Reyes.
The sanitary landfill operates in 2,800 square meter lot, four meters deep with a 1.75 cubic meters of residual wastes that can be accumulated everyday.
According to Reyes, the P4 million facility can last four to five years and the first in the whole Philippine mining industry to utilize its own engineered sanitary landfill.
The implementation of “no segregation, no collection” policy was seen to lessen the volume of wastes generated at source following fines and penalties imposed to violators.
Littering, throwing, dumping of waste along roads, sidewalks, pathways, backyards, drainage systems and public areas imposed a written apology on first offense, for second offense includes a community work, third offense includes two day community service or a fine of P284 , and the last offense comprise a fine of P560 or three day community service.
"This year, we are between 90 to 100 percent of our implementation," Reyes said.
Last year, it was observed waste segregation were not practiced by the residents and other concerned individuals which led to the creation of the policy. Host communities Barangay Paco and Sapid, establishments and concessionaries were advised to practice segregation, composting and recycling.
Reyes assured that the water coming out from this sanitary landfill passes the standards set by Department of Environment and Natural Resources.