Untreated effluents polluting city’s waters

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has warned commercial firms in Metro Manila to "strictly adhere" to environmental laws to avoid penalties or closure.

The warning was aired following a report of LLDA pollution and control division (PCD) that while these firms have sewage treatment plants (STP) as required by law they are either defective or non-functional.

Untreated effluents expelled from toilets and kitchens of these establishments bear harmful bacteria and other toxic substances that pollute and poison the waters of Laguna Lake and the Pasig River.

Some firms discharge untreated wastewater to city sewers using bypass lines. Other violations include non-submission of water samples by some firms such as Metropoint to the LLDA laboratories for testing.

Metropoint in a letter to LLDA requested for an extension of the upgrading of its STP after leaks were found in its settling tank wall. Biomass growth in its media was slower than expected. This may be attributed to the large amount of grease according to Metropoint officer.

However, LLDA general manager Calixto R. Cataquiz denied the request and hereby instructed Metropoint to remove all the bypass pipelines that were installed in the STP.

The LLDA also warned establishments to hire the services only of reputable STP contractors to avoid penalties and help the LLDA in its campaign to protect the environment and the health of the people.

Establishments such as malls, condominiums, hotels, motels, restaurants and factories found violating LLDA’s existing anti-pollution laws will be meted with corresponding penalties such as fines and closure depending on the gravity of the offense.

LLDA intensified its inspection drive in anticipation of the influx of a huge volume of shoppers in the onset of the long holiday season that will eventually increase the wasterwater discharge of business establishments, particularly shopping malls.