THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Bureau-Central Visayas (EMB-7) has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against a private sanitary landfill in Barangay Polog, Consolacion town for allegedly violating environmental laws. EMB-7, in a statement, said Asian Energy Systems Corp. was found to have violated the provisions of Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System and Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. Based on the findings of the inspection conducted by bureau’s personnel on April 23 and May 5, the firm failed to implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that resulted to a landslide in the area last May 4. The facility has also exceeded the wastewater effluent standards for chemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and total coliform parameters. “With this, they have failed to comply with the Condition 5 of their ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate) and the regulations of Philippine Clean Water Act,” EMB said. Aside from the CDO, the management of the landfill will also be fined with P100,000. EMB-7 said Asian Energy Systems, as part of its commitment in solving the problem, is required to submit a rehabilitation plan in the landslide area. The landfill is also required to immediately stop discharging wastewater and seal all leakages. EMB-7 said it will reinspect the facility to determine compliance. “Asian Energy Systems Corp. is required to observe the CDO or else, they will be fined with P50,000 in everyday of illegal operation,” the statement read. — The Freeman

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