More comments from pipeline disaster victims

The following is a letter by Volney Ricafort, who speaks for victims of the unfortunate leak in the Batangas-Manila hydrocarbon pipeline that happened in June last year. Please hear him out:

“It has been an uphill battle for West Tower and Brgy. Bangkal residents to bring their plight to the attention of the government agencies, who are supposed to be the guardians of our environment. Unfortunately, we come up against deaf ears. We also have come face to face with the reality and consequences of going up against the Lopez Empire, one with control over media.

“A case in point is the article by Tina Santos for which we issued a rejoinder. The Philippine Daily Inquirer actually printed two versions of Ms. Santos article for its September 30, 2011 issue.

“Version no. 1 (datelined 5:50 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011) had as its headline: “West Tower residents accuse FPIC of dumping wastewater into city sewage system.” This version enumerated the petroleum components that test results found in the wastewater discharged into the city sewers and into Estero Tripa de Galina by FPIC’s contractor, CH2MHill, Waste Solutions and Management Services Inc (WSMSI), and Bensan Industries Inc.

“Version no. 2 (datelined 12:33 a.m., Friday, Sept. 30, 2011) had as its headline: “West Tower residents criticize FPIC, DENR.” Note the tamer headline of Version no. 2. Furthermore, Version no. 2 replaces the list of petroleum components with FPIC’s “de cajon” press release of effluents passing “... the standards of DENR and the Clean Water Act. There is regular monitoring and testing of the effluents and these are regularly reported to the DENR-EMB.”

“This is a lie. Tests by a DENR-accredited laboratory of wastewater, discharged by FPIC’s contractors, showed high levels of hydrocarbons. While crowing about a less than 0.1 percent hydrocarbon content, FPIC has no test results to back up their claim. Incidentally, West Tower commissioned the same laboratory FPIC also uses.

“Version no. 2 also welcomed “... media and concerned groups ... to inspect their operations at West Tower.”

“Again, this is a lie. This morning – 15 days after West Tower had furnished Sheen test results showing the presence of high levels of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) – DENR-EMB finally sent a DENR-accredited laboratory to collect discharge samples. However, this team was unable to do so, as CH2MHill shut off its equipment to prevent the collection of samples.

“How can DENR monitor wastewater discharge, when FPIC’s contractor, CH2MHill, even defies DENR?

“Incidentally, an internet check of CH2MHill shows its record of violations in the USA.

 “The reason given for the existence of two versions is that FPIC had not yet given its comment when Version no. 1 rolled off the press; when FPIC finally commented, its side had to be printed ... and Version no. 1 had to be cut to give way to FPIC. Really?! But, how come the headline was changed as well? How come the damning information of the presence of TPH was removed?

“Collusion or calculated incompetence?

“West Tower and barangay residents cannot help but wonder if there is collusion between FPIC and DENR-EMB, particularly OIC director Robert Sheen. Sheen issued Special Wastewater Discharge Permits to FPIC, who in turn contracted CH2MHill, WSMSI, and Bensan to do the discharge. In other words, FPIC “sub-contracted” the permit issued by Sheen. No complaint from Sheen.

“Curiously, Sheen required tests for only two parameters – suspended solids and oil & grease – of samples, citing DAO 35, which actually contains six test parameters. Furthermore, the parameters required by Sheen pertain to the test for industrial wastewater, where the components are unknown. In this case it has been known since July 12, 2010 that the pollutant was petroleum. Yet, for some reason, Sheen did not require a test to ascertain the presence of toxic petroleum components (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenes, etc).

“No wonder Sheen claims test samples pass DENR standards – Sheen was not testing for petroleum components!

“Is Sheen and other DENR personnel, including Secretary Ramon Paje and Director Juan Miguel Cuna – both of whom have been furnished all communications with Sheen – not equally criminally liable for the continued and deliberate discharge of toxic hydrocarbons into the environment?

“Again, on behalf of the residents of West Tower and Brgy. Bangkal, I thank you for bringing out our story.”

24/7 water quality analysis

From Rico Alegre, a suggestion:

“I read your column … about the FPIC waste water continuous dumping of water contaminated with hydrocarbon in the estero.

“… walang mangyari dyan sa kakaangal ng mga residente kung wala silang hard evidence na talagang nag dump ng waste water ang contactor ng FPIC direct sa estero.

“See attached online hydrocarbon analyzer that will analyze 24/7 sa water quality diyan sa estero. Ewan ko lang kung paano ipaliwanag ng taga FPIC pag nakita nila ang recording ng analyzer kung gaano karami ang hydrocarbon na dina-dump nila sa estero. Besides, ang Makati Government should have the said analyzer to check how substantial was the soil contamination by oil brought about by this oil leak in the pipeline.

“If you want, help me to connect to the right person para malagyan ng online water quality monitoring yang estero na pinagtatapunan ng waste water galing West Tower.

Vigan City hosts PCCL regional championship

The Champions League (PCCL) regional championship phase starts with the North-Central Luzon region competitions on Nov. 7-8, 2011 at the University of Northern Philippines Gym, Vigan City.

Dr. Gilbert Arce, president of University of Northern Philippines (UNP), graciously accepted the hosting of the regional games as part of the school’s progressive sports development program. Assisting Dr. Arce in managing the event is Ranilo Palma, UNP sports director.

Coach Joe Lipa Jr., PCCL executive director, announced that the winner of the North/Central Luzon regional championship will earn a trip to Manila to participate in the Sweet 16 Finals that will start on Nov. 19, 2011 at the FilOil Flying V Arena, San Juan City.

Visit www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net for more details about 2011 National Collegiate Championship.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.