Mandaue establishments asked to have own sewage systems

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council on Wednesday approved on first reading a proposal which mandates all establishments within the city to have their own sewage and septage system.

This proposed "Sewage Treatment and Septage Management System of Mandaue City Ordinance,” authored by Councilor Ernie Manatad, chairman on Council Committee on Environmental Protection, is seen “to prevent and control water pollution to promote health and ensure a balanced ecology.”

Covered by this new measure are all residential structures, commercial and industrial establishments, government structures and institutional facilities like schools, hospitals and churches.

Under this law, all these structures must have “hygienic septic tanks”, while the commercial and industrial buildings and bigger government and institutional facilities, with at least 212 occupants, are also required to have an operational waste water treatment system.

“No waste water shall be discharged to waterways without any proper treatment,” the proposed ordinance read.

For sewered areas, this proposal provides that except for residential structures “no wastewater shall be allowed to be discharged on sewers or sewer pipelines” before this is treated in a pre-treatment facility.

For restaurants and food businesses, organic and inorganic wastes, there should be a grease trap in the kitchen to block the oil from getting into the drainage system.

Once this ordinance is approved, the existing buildings within the city will have one year to comply with these requirements, while businesses shall be required to secure discharge permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other concerned agencies before being given a mayor’s permit.

For new buildings, they must have these systems in place to be granted occupancy or any other permits by the City Hall.  (FREEMAN)