SM Group acting on wastewater issue in Manila Bay

The SM Group on Monday said it had addressed the reported dumping of wastewater into Manila Bay by one of its establishments, which prompted the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to issue a cease-and-desist order on one of the group’s buildings.

In a statement, the group said the findings from the joint inspection with the LLDA on Jan. 16 was an “isolated case” that involved one of the tenants in The Esplanade (San Miguel by the Bay) in Pasay City.

“The matter was immediately corrected and we are now compliant,” SM Group said. “We will immediately meet with the LLDA and discuss the corrective measures already implemented.”

The LLDA, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, closed the water sources and wastewater discharging facilities of The Esplanade, after authorities discovered that wastewater had bypassed the building’s sewerage treatment plant and was dumped untreated into the nearby bay.

Authorities issued the order on Sunday during the kickoff of “Battle for Manila Bay,” the government’s massive rehabilitation program for the heavily polluted body of water.

Other than SM’s The Esplanade, similar orders were given to Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant and Aristocrat Restaurant’s flagship branch on Roxas Boulevard, both in Manila.

Their water sources have been cut off to prevent them from further dumping untreated wastewater into the bay, according to LLDA General Manager Jaime Medina.

Authorities also issued notices of violation to four other establishments under the SM Group.

The group said it would comply with the five-day grace period for it to respond, noting the “corrective actions” it had undertaken. —Jhesset O. Enano