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DENR
backs Albur sanitary landfill proj
By:
KIT BAGAIPO
 | | ENVIRONMENT
WATCH. CENRO Nestor Canda and PENRO Eusalem Quiwag (center) talk on environmental
laws amid criticisms on non-implementation of the 20-meter salvage zone especially
in Panglao. They are flanked by Peter Dejaresco and Loy Palapos, president and
past president, respectively, of the Bohol Tri-Media Association, during "Alarma"
at Café Olegario in Loay town last Thursday. Right photo shows host Ex-Mayor
Ondoy Clarin of Café Olegario. Foto DANNY REYES |
With
the looming closure of the Tagbilaran City open garbage dumpsite, the new provincial
chief environmental officer is pushing for the construction of the Cluster Sanitary
Landfill in Albur town.
Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Nestor Canda said operating
a sanitary landfill in Albur is still the most appropriate measure on the garbage
problem.
The
city open dumpsite in barangay Dampas gets over 100 tons of solid waste daily
from the city's 15 barangays. The towns of Dauis and Panglao are also disposing
their garbage in said dumpsite.
Operating
an open dump is already prohibited under the Ecological Solid Waste Management
Law. |
| |
Residents in barangay
Dampas expressed their desire to close down the waste disposal area due to health
hazards and its location near groundwater sources.
Dampas
barangay Chairman Fredison Ingles has pointed out that his barangay has the most
school drop outs, attracted unwanted scavengers and aired health concerns as raised
by his constituents.
The
concept of a cluster sanitary landfill is mandated by the ESWM law in order for
cash strapped local government units to pool in resources and operate a common
sanitary landfill. | The
law likewise set penalties on any local government units found with violations
against it.
However,
a closure of the city dumpsite would also cause garbage disposal problems for
Panglao island.
Canda
told the Chronicle that he could understand the opposition on the landfill by
Albur residents.
He
cited the "not in my backyard" mentality, which has also been a point
by the oppositors of the landfill.
"But
as long as people religiously segregate garbage and only residual wastes are brought
for disposal, garbage should only amount to about 10 to 15 percent of the total
volume of waste generated daily," Canda said citing a DENR study.
The
PENRO said that the sanitary landfill operators must remain vigilant and strictly
implement proper policies and monitor its compliance.
"Given
the proper transport practices with all safety measures on, the proper technology,
we do not have anything to worry," Canda assured.
As
to the question of seepage into groundwater sources, Canda explained that the
clay dry lining as the landfill design would be more than enough to put environmental
issues at rest.
Canda
used the analogy of the clay jar to illustrate his point on making sure that garbage
seepage is contained. | 
