DENR issues violation notice vs Catanduanes lab

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a notice of violation to a diagnostics laboratory in Virac, Catanduanes in connection with the illegal disposal of its hazardous wastes.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau-Bicol office issued the notice, saying the establishment violated the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act as well as the Clean Water Act.

“The laboratory was ordered to explain why it should not be penalized. It was given until Feb. 9 to submit its explanation,” DENR Undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs Jonas Leones said.

Aside from fines, Leones said the owners of the laboratory face administrative and criminal charges.

Eight children tested positive for COVID-19 after playing near the area where the laboratory dumps its hazardous wastes, according to earlier reports.

The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office said it found violations in the laboratory’s waste dumping practices.