RECENTLY released results of a probe launched by Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong last year show that some 370 structures, households and establishments were caught dumping waste into Baguio’s waterways during the previous year.
Violations found include households and establishments with leaking or overflowing septic tanks, establishments dumping grease and used oil into city waterways and storm drains, and illegal piggeries that continue to operate despite the city’s 2020 blanket ban on all hog-raising in the city.
The probe was prompted by reports received by the City Mayor’s Office of restaurants and eateries disposing of their grease and used oil in the city’s storm drains, causing clogging as deposits of fat block up the waterways and lead to flooding.
The establishments were found in violation of Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990.
According to Assistant City Environment and Parks Management Officer Marivic Empizo, establishments tagged in the probe have been issued notices of violations and put under monitoring.
Establishments are required by law to comply with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources pollution control requirements for hazardous waste disposal. Said waste must be collected and treated by the DENR’s accredited contractor subject to permits to be issued by DENR Environment Management Bureau pursuant to RA 6969.
