Solon dismayed by DENR’s inaction on coal ash dumping

 Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia is disappointed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ inaction on the alleged illegal dumping of coal ash by a power plant in at least three barangays in Toledo City.

Garcia said he was not satisfied with the actions taken by the DENR on the complaints of residents in barangays Tubod, Landahan and Dumlog about the continued dumping of the wastes from the Toledo Power Plant.

Garcia said he was expecting the DENR to issue a cease and desist order against the dumping of coal ash since the power plant has no environmental compliance certificate on waste disposal.

Although the firm has ECC to operate, the congressman said the waste disposal requires another ECC, calling again on the DENR to take the necessary actions to prevent any untoward incidents.

Garcia said coal ash contains toxic elements like mercury and arsenic that are harmful to humans. According to Garcia, he already took samples of coal ash dumped in some barangays in Toledo City and have them examined in a private laboratory because of the failure of the concerned agencies to take action.

The lawmaker pointed out the alleged tolerance of the Toledo City government to the activity despite several complaints from residents.

He said under the Local Government Code, it is the mayor’s mandate to protect the general welfare of the people.

He criticized Mayor Arlene Zambo for allegedly showing concern on the environment by allocating P20 million for the clean and green program but tolerated the illegal operation of the power plant. – Fred P. Languido/LPM