DENR ready to let SMCPC move stockpile out of Bataan plant

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is willing to give San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp. a permit to move out its stockpile ash residue allegedly released from its coal-fired power plant in Bataan.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said she will immediately approve a transport permit for the stockpiles to be moved out of the area so as not to cause further damage to the host community in Limay where the Petron Bataan Refinery is located.

"The problem is they do not have the permit to move it out and DENR is in the position to give the permit and I will give it so that we get the ash out," Lopez said in a press conference Wednesday.

The stockpiles, which are said to be lime powder and not ash, are being used in the company’s cement manufacturing plants.

"They have to submit a formal request now and we will give it to them as soon as possible," Environment Undersecretary Arturo Valdez said.

Valdez added that the company would have to propose where they plan to put the stockpiles once permit is granted.

The company has also been given until Friday to respond to the show-cause order issued.

"We have to follow due process. We’ve given them until Friday, we have to evaluate and confirm that," Valdez said.

In a Notice of Alleged Violation issued to San Miguel, the Environmental Management Bureau wanted the power firm to explain why the environment compliance certificate for its Limay facility should not be revoked or cancelled due to the ash spill.

"Notice is hereby served in connection with the dumping of bottom ash at (SMCPC’s) facility in Limay, Bataan. This allegedly caused unmitigated spread of ash which affected the health conditions of the residents in the host community," the notice read.

EMB, a line bureau of the DENR, is responsible for the implementation of various environmental laws, rules and regulations, including Presidential Decree No. 1586 or the law establishing the Environmental Impact Assessment System that requires an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) to ensure that a development project will not cause adverse environmental impacts.

The EMB said it was inclined to issue a new order against PBR "considering the most recent reports and information on the alleged skin diseases caused by the dumping of bottom ash at (SMCCPC’s) facility."

Lopez is also set to talk with the Department of Health to address the issue.

Residents and non-government organizations said health records of the host community showed that there was a spike in respiratory infections and diseases when the company began operations of the coal plant in 2013.

"If their operation is really the reason why the health of the people is deteriorating then we should put a stop to it," Lopez said.

SMCPC and Petron Corp. are both subsidiaries of San Miguel Corp., one of the country’s most diversified and biggest conglomerates.

Petron Corp. operates the Petron Bataan Refinery, which is the largest integrated crude oil refinery and petrochemicals complex in the country.