June 23, 2006

The Laguna Development Authority (LLDA) is putting up an intensified campaign to ensure swift resolution of pollution cases filed against 10 slaughterhouses in Metro Manila.

LLDA general manager Casimiro A. Ynares III, MD, also hinted the possibility of issuing closure orders on these facilities, unless remedial measures are observed.

But even before Ynares would sign the closure order for the 10 Metro Manila-based slaughterhouses, the lake agency chief has convened facility operators, not just from Metro manila, but also from areas covered by the territorial jurisdiction of the LLDA.

During the dialogue, Ynares asked the slaughterhouse operators to comply with the LLDA environmental requirements, which include the establishment of an efficient wastewater treatment facility.

But while the operators of the slaughterhouses claimed that revenue generated from their business seemed inadequate for them to be able to put up an efficient wastewater facility, a three-point alternative proposal from the slaughterhouse operators themselves, would be reviewed by the lake agency.

The proposed threepoint alternative proposal include segregation of waste, reduction of water used in their operation and education of butchers on the proper operation and education of butchers on the proper operation and work attitude.

But even during the time of the review of these alternative proposals, the LLDA has no choice but to allow the continued operation of these slaughterhouses.

However, the LLDA chief maintained that they would sustain monitoring operations of these facilities and make sure that remedial measures are put in place and ensure significant reduction of their pollution.

Aside from the 10 Metro Manila-based slaughterhouses, the LLDA has also filed pollution cases to 24 other facilities operating in the provinces of Laguna, Cavite and Rizal.

Cases filed against them range from the violation of pollution control code and operating without LLDA clearance and discharge permits.

Some of these facilities, it was also learned, have already accumulated fines to as much as P1.5 million.

All the 34 slaughterhouse operators who attended the dialogue have expressed support to the LLDA’S environmental program, specifically in its effort to make significant cut in the volume of pollution being dumped into Laguna de Bay and its 29 tributaries.

A study conducted by LLDA experts revealed that aside from industries, slaughterhouses largely contribute to the deterioration of the water quality of Asia’s second largest freshwater basin and its tributaries.