June 24, 2006

The Laguna Lake Development Authority is putting up an intensified campaign to ensure swift resolution of pollution cases filed against 10 Metro Manila-based slaughterhouses.

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

But even before Ynares signs 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 agency.

During the dialog, Ynares asked the slaughterhouse operators to comply with the lake agency 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 three-point alternative include segregation of waste, reduction of water used in their operation and education of butchers on the proper operation and work attitude.

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