Concrete plant shut down over DENR policy breach

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered a construction firm to stop the operation of its concrete plant in Benguet for violating environmental laws.

Through the Environment Management Bureau (EMB), the DENR issued a cease and desist order against the Phesco Inc. owner of the concrete or batching plant in Barangay Bayabas, Sablan town – for spilling concrete into the drainage system.

The order, issued on Nov. 11 and signed by EMB-Cordillera regional director Ma. Victoria Abrera, said an inspection conducted by personnel of the EMB on Oct. 18 showed the plant defied an earlier order of the municipal government to stop operation.

Abrera said the inspection also showed the company did not provide adequate silt traps to prevent the spillage.

“The concrete spillage flowed along the road and to the drainage system. This constitutes a violation of Section 7(a) of Republic Act 975 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004,” the order said.

The EMB directed the company to clean up and submit proof of compliance. It also warned to elevate the case before the Pollution Adjudication Board should the violation continue.

Phesco Inc. is the contractor of the P286-million Sablan circumferential road.