EMB: Naga plant mishandled stockpiling of coal

THE Environment Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) said it noted violations by the Korean Electric Power Corp.-Salcon (Kepco-SPC) plant in the stockpiling of its coal stocks in Naga City.

The agency said the coal dust pollution experienced by residents in barangay Colon was a result of “poor management in the unloading of coal deliveries” to the 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant.

“The problem is not on their facilities, it is on the manpower, how the management is doing the operation,” said Engr. William Cuñado, an EMB-7 division chief.

Cuñado’s division monitors compliance of companies of the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued to them.

He said their storage facility exceeded its capacity to house coal.

“It is irresponsibility on the management’s part knowing that they are causing disturbances to the people,” Cuñado said.

The EMB official said they are still finalizing their investigation based on site inspection of their team last Tuesday.

To reduce pollution that caused discomfort and may expose the public to environment and health risks, Naga City Mayor Val Chiong already issued a cease and desist order to Kepco-SPC to stop transporting and unloading of coal.

The order was made effective immediately last Tuesday and will only be lifted if the plant management submits an extensive action plan with a written commitment to implement these solutions.

Last Tuesday, Kepco’s management admitted in a press statement, that excess stockpile of coal blown by strong winds resulted to the spread of thick black specks to houses near the coal yard.

Chiong said the cease and desist order will only be lifted “once the city government finds the action plan satisfactory to protect the environment and health of its constituents.” Correspondent Joy Cherry Quito