CEBU, Philippines - Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong yesterday issued a cease and desist order for loading and unloading of coal against the Korean Electric Power Corp.-Salcon Power Corp. (Kepco-SPC) coal-fired power plant in Barangay Colon after measures to contain coal dust pollution allegedly failed.
“Amid persistent reports of dust pollution emanating from Kepco’s coal yard, you are hereby directed to cease and desist from transporting and unloading of coal effective immediately,” the order read.
The order was sent to Kepco-SPC president Choi Bong Joo.
Chiong said the cease and desist order will be lifted only upon submission of an extensive action plan, both immediate and long-term solutions. The mayor wanted a written commitment from Kepco-SPC to strictly implement the measure.
According to Chiong, the lifting of the order will only come once the city government finds the action plan satisfactory in the interest of the environment and health of its constituents.
Some residents in Barangay Poblacion complained about fine black dust, obviously coming from the coal yard of the plant, covering their nose.
KSPC officials admitted that the dust came from raw coal that was delivered to the KSPC power plant blown out by a strong wind when the coal was unloaded from a barge docked within the KSPC wharf.
KSPC general manager for community relations and environment Victorio Naval assured that the necessary measures have already been adopted.
“Health and environment have always been our top priorities as we strive to provide continuous supply of reliable and affordable electricity,” Naval said.
He explained that the KSPC coal yard has an unusually high inventory of coal these days because of slow consumption comparing to the planned schedule due to the emergency shutdown of one of its two (2) 100MW power plant units.
Apparently, because of the high stockpile, coal dust particles were blown by strong winds to a group of some 10 houses at the Barangay North Poblacion side, which are located very close to the coal yard.
KSPC environmental personnel has likewise been conducting close monitoring of the affected community since yesterday and has received positive feedback from residents that no more coal dust was observed.
Naval said they are also monitoring the coal yard operator’s strict observance and implementation of standard operating procedures during the unloading of coal to ensure that the unfortunate incident will not happen again. They are also in continuous discussions and coordination with the residents to address concerns relating to this incident.
The KSPC was also issued CDO by Chiong and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for the same complaint.
The orders were later lifted after the company agreed to implement the mitigation measures.
Following the recent incident, the governor said she will call the company and ask for explanation.
“Rest assured nga kanunay sad ta kaayo gyud nga nag-monitor niini ug we have insisted on the strictest possible measures to ensure that the residents dili gyud matagaan niining maong kahasol,” Garcia said.
Garcia is hoping that the so-called environmentalists will not make noise out of it because Cebu also needs the power plant.
“I think it is all about doing the right thing and the right thing is to continue protect the environment while at the same time to continue protect this development that we are now seeing,” she said.
It is a matter of balancing at the same time the sustainable development, she said.
“Rest assured I will always first and foremost stand up for the interest of Cebu and the Cebuanos,” Garcia added.—(FREEMAN)