CEDC lauds court decision on use of coal ash dump

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Energy Development Corporation lauded the decision of the Environmental Court in Mandaue City in allowing the power firm to continue using its existing Coal Ash Landfill Project in Landahan, Toledo City.

In a press statement, CEDC’s environmental team said that it continues to strictly monitor on a regular basis the landfill project’s compliance to the Environmental Compliance Certificate granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to San-Vic Agro Builders, the contractor of the Landahan project.

 While the DENR has exempted the company from the requirements for permit to transport and dispose of coal ash, CEDC required its contractor to secure an ECC for its landfill project, their statement read.

The power firm also guaranteed proper management of coal ash disposal, in case there will be instances that its coal ash will not be collected by its contracted cement companies.

    It can be recalled that DENR-7 asked the court to dismiss the case filed against them by an environment group that sought environmental protection with prayer for temporary environmental protection order and a writ of continuing mandamus.

The DENR-7 represented by Regional Director Leonardo Sibaluca and Environmental Management Bureau chief Alan Arranguez through their lawyers stated that petitioners are unable to pinpoint the law that imposes legal duty on the court to grant what the petitioners want.

The petitioners are the Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc., Central Visayas Farmer’s Development Center, Central Visayas Fisherfolks Development Center and concerned residents of Toledo City and Naga City.

The petitioners filed the case in relation to the alleged indiscriminate dumping of coal ash of coal-fired power plants operators, the Kepco-SPC in Naga City and the Toledo Power Plant and CEDC, who were also impleaded in the case. (FREEMAN)