The
water quality analysis at the city Drainage Outfall taken by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shows that waste water discharges is
within tolerable standards.
However,
the laboratory findings apparently left out a very critical component in establishing
water quality, which is the level of coliforms. Likewise, the seawater fronting
the City Port has not been classified by DENR thus "most lab test would yield
a tolerance level." | |  CANDA |
The
progress report of the DENR water sampling taken before and after the Tagbilaran
drainage outfall was opened was relayed to Gov. Erico Aumentado last Saturday
but copies of which was only released yesterday.
The
findings showed that of five parameters set by the DENR water quality standards,
registers that the water sample taken at the exit of the drainage outfall is within
tolerable levels.
Similar
results were obtained of water samples taken about 10-meters from the drainage
outlet.
The
DENR took its first water samples on September 22, 2008 a day after heavy rains
and the drainage outfall was still close and the second samples were taken last
November 7 a day after the water exit was opened.
Despite
the laboratory findings, Provincial environment and natural resources officer
(PENRO) Nestor Canda recommended that the Tagbilaran sea waters be classified
in accordance with DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 34 Series of 1990.
| | | "There
is an urgency to be stringent in wastewater (effluent) discharges, and to impose
higher water quality standard," Canda states in his report submitted to the
governor.
Under
DAO 34-1990, the water quality criteria in testing for contributing pollutants
lists some 16 parameters. The DENR laboratory test obtained included only five
- which is determining the pH level (range), temperature (maximum rise in degree
Celsius), dissolved oxygen (mg/liter), biochemical oxygen demand (mg/liter) and
total suspended solids (mg/liter). | NO
CLASSIFICATION
OF PIER SEAWATER
Tagbilaran
bay could face deterioration if wastewater discharges is unhampered coming from
drainage outlets along the city's shorelines, said Environmental Legal Assistance
Council (Elac) head Atty. Raul Barbarona yesterday.
Barbarona
said the illegal connections coming from houses and commercial establishments
must be plugged to minimize pollutants released into the seawaters.
He
said accumulated wastes coming from the city drains would eventually pose serious
danger to public health and safety.
Obtaining
a copy of the DENR laboratory findings, Barbarona cautioned that the DENR must
be able to get regular monitoring of the water quality at the outfall.
He
expressed concern over the lack of fund support for the DENR local office to shoulder
costs of regular laboratory tests.
The
provincial government, ordered by Gov. Aumentado, has commissioned a separate
water quality analysis now being tested at the University of San Carlos in Cebu
City. The
water analysis reportedly costs about P30,000.
The
classification of Philippine waters was made to determine water usage and to maintain
its safety and satisfactory condition.
Since
the Tagbilaran seawaters remain un-classified under DAO-34-1990, it automatically
falls under Class SD which is the generic category of coastal and marine and industrial
water class.
Barbarona
explained that water classifications are arranged in the order of the degree of
protection required, with Class AA and SA having generally the most stringent
water quality and Class D and SD waters having the least stringent water quality
standards.
According
to Barbarona, the DENR previously proposed to classify the Maribojoc Bay area
(which included the Tagbilaran coastal waters) under Class SB which is the classification
for coastal waters regularly used by the public for bathing, swimming, diving,
and for uses of fisheries' spawning areas.
However,
this proposal was blocked by a non-government organization pushing for a much
higher classification under Class SA.
Barbarona
said the Macotapada cluster (composed of the towns of Maribojoc, Cortes, Tagbilaran
City, Panglao and Dauis) can hold consultations for the purpose of classifying
the Maribojoc Bay including Tagbilaran waters.
CPG
DECLOGGING
Clearing
of siltation along the main drainage lines of CPG Avenue is currently being undertaken
by the DPWH.
Rep.
Edgar Chatto provided P4 million for the clearing operations and the opening of
the drainage main lines along the CPG stretch.
Engr.
Necitas Caberte said they are flushing out the heavily silted drains even as the
outfall at Graham Avenue has been opened.
She
said the clogged drainage may still overflow during a heavy downpour.
Residents
of CPG North Avenue have been relieved that they no longer have to worry of flooding
during heavy rains.
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