DILG to LGUs: Do not issue permits to businesses without septic systems

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday directed local government units (LGUs) to stop issuing business permits to establishments without septic systems that conform with existing environmental policies.

“Let us learn from the lessons of Manila Bay which became a ‘gigantic septic tank’ and Boracay which was described as ‘a virtual cesspool.’ Local governments should already put their foot down by not issuing business permits to non-compliant establishments,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

According to Año, no new business permits should be issued to business owners unless they obtain necessary clearances such as discharge permits and environmental sanitation certificates required by the Department of Health, Laguna Lake Development Authority, and other concerned agencies.

The DILG secretary also cited DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-62 that says all LGUs should ensure that all residential, private, and public establishments in their areas must have proper sewage treatment and septage management system.

He said all septic tanks should also be accessible and that no wastewater should be discharged into waterways without proper treatment.

Business owners with inaccessible or non-compliant septic tanks may have it remodeled, restructured, or connected to existing sewer lines or water utilities. They may also construct communal or shared septic tank, according to the DILG.

Meanwhile, food establishments discharging wastes are encouraged to have an installed oil and grease trap, the DILG added. /ee