Firm faces probe on hazardous waste

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officer-in-charge Joemari Gerochi directed yesterday the DENR-National Capital Region (NCR) to investigate Chevalier Enviro Services, Inc. (CESI) for alleged illegal disposal of hazardous hospital wastes.

In a press statement, Gerochi said that CESI has been the subject of numerous calls from residents of Bormaheco Compound in Parañaque as well as other business and commercial establishments.

The complaint was filed by Jesus Silo, resident of Bormabeco Compound, against CESI, located at Cervantes street in Bormaheco Compound in Marcelo Green Village, Parañaque. CESI could not be reached for comment.

Gerochi ordered the DENR-NCR to look into allegations that CESI has been illegally disposing of hospital wastes such as syringes, diapers, syringe packaging used in blood letting, dextrose, used adult diapers, used sanitary napkins, bandages and PVC tubing mixed with other industrial and municipal wastes, even electronic equipment.

Gerochi also ordered the team to submit a report to him within 72 hours.

According to Gerochi, reports showed that CESI’s clientele include the Jesus Delgado Hospital, De Los Santos Medical Center, Capitol Medical, FEU Hospital, Las Piñas District Hospital, and the Rizal Medical Center, among others.

The DENR-NCR has also been tasked to investigate if CESI has violated provisions of Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, RA 9003 (Ecological Waste Manage Act of 2000). President Decree 986 (Pollution Control Law), and PD 1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System).

Under RA 6969, hazardous wastes also refer to by-products, side-products, process residues, spent reaction media, contaminated plant or equipment or other substances from manufacturing operations, and as consumer discards of manufactured products.

In compliance with Gerochi’s order, DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Corazon Davis sent yesterday an inspection team from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the NCR to investigate CESI and validate the complaints, as well as determine if CESI has an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC).

According to Davis, If CESI has an ECC," we would look if (the company) has violated the conditions of its ECC. If it has, we will impose the appropriate sanctions."

Davis added that, "if CESI is found to have violated RA 6969, it‘s officials may be punished by imprisonment of 12 years and one day to 20 years, in addition to exemplary damages of at least P500,000, imposed on the managing partner, president, or chief executive."

Under PD 586, violations of an ECC’s conditions merit a fine of P50,000 for every violation.