Tulfo flags wastewater discharge

MANILA, Philippines — Illegal wastewater discharge and improper septic waste disposal across the country must be investigated, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Filing Senate Resolution 541, Tulfo underscored the need to strengthen the enforcement of the Clean Water Act.

“Recent reports have raised concerns on the nationwide management of septage waste, including the proper collection, treatment, transport and disposal of septic waste by local government units, water districts and private operators,” he said.

Metro Manila produces about 2,000 cubic meters of spent solvents, 22,000 tons of heavy metals, infectious waste, biological sludge, lubricants and intractable waste and 25 million cubic meters of acid/alkaline liquid waste improperly disposed of every year, Tulfo noted.

Only five percent of the population is connected to sewerage networks and treatment facilities, Tulfo said.

Last month, the Laguna Lake Development Authority conducted a probe following reports of a fish kill, foul odor and possible environmental violations due to unauthorized wastewater discharge linked to a water infrastructure project in Laguna de Bay.

At a steel plant in Magalang, Pampanga, authorities found radioactive materials and radioactive-contaminated production equipment, resulting in the facility’s immediate shutdown.