EMB recommends fine for cargo vessel

CEBU, Philippines- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - 7 wants the owner of a cargo vessel fined at least P10,000 and not more than P200,000 per day for spilling wastes directly into sea from the boat.

The recommendation came after EMB found out that the vessel does not have a sewage tank and all its wastes from the toilet and kitchen was discharged directly to the sea, a violation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

The vessel docked at the port in Sta. Fe town in Bantayan Island from Iloilo after it was hired by a feeds manufacturing company to deliver corn grits as raw materials from Iloilo to Bantayan.

The discovery of the cargo vessel came on the heels of an investigation into the complaint of Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana of alleged discharges of human waste from vessels that do not have septic tank, particularly Island Shipping vessels.

The EMB investigation report has raised suspicion by the management of Island Shipping as to the motive of Esgana in singling them out.

The report stated that vessels of Island Shipping that have been inspected are equipped with sewage tanks with a capacity of 691 liters, 4,900 liters and 11,000 liters.  

The team also found some residents living near the shore do not have comfort rooms.

The EMB-7 has set a Technical Conference tomorrow afternoon  to tackle the proposed installation of land-based centralized wastewater treatment facility that can cater wastes from shipping vessels and other issues involved to address the problem. (FREEMAN)