EMB cites Catbalogan gov’t for dumping market waste in bay

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) affirmed a notice of violation it issued in June against the city government of Catbalogan in Samar province for allegedly dumping dirty water and solid waste into the Maqueda Bay.

In its Sept. 13 decision, the EMB in Eastern Visayas region said the city government violated Republic Act No. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) water quality guidelines and general effluent standards after discharging “untreated effluent” and dumping “sewage sludge or solid waste” into the bay.

“After a careful evaluation of the investigation report, the office records, and such all other records relevant to the case, this office finds respondent liable for both of the violations on the ground of respondent’s implied admission during the technical conference and there being substantial evidence to support the conclusion that a prima facie case exists against respondent,” the EMB said in a decision signed by Letecia Maceda, the agency’s Eastern Visayas director.

Direct to sea

The wastewater and sludge came from the public market on San Roque Street. The market, which hosts 300 vendors, is a temporary facility since the original site, located in Barangay 13, is under construction.

The issue stemmed from a May 27 complaint filed by lawyer Plaridel Oscar Bohol, a Catbalogan resident.

On June 3, an EMB investigation team found that waste water coming from the different stalls went into the drainage system and drained directly to the sea.

No treatment facility

“The public market has no proper, adequate drainage and sewerage system installed to ensure cleanliness and sanitation,” the EMB said.

Edgardo Guya, city environment and natural resources officer, however, questioned the EMB findings.

Guya, in a telephone interview, said city officials were surprised by the EMB decision since the city had put in place measures to prevent the pollution of Maqueda Bay.

Reconsideration

For one, he said, the city had installed “holding tanks” where wastewater coming from vendors’ stalls were being deposited. He said the wastewater was being treated using bio-enzymes so these could be reused.

He said Mayor Dexter Uy had ordered a clearing operation and cleanup in the market area.

Guya said city officials would ask the EMB to reconsider its findings before its adjudication board imposed penalties against the local government.