The complaint against coal ash dumping allegedly done by the Toledo Power Company has been referred to the Pollution Control Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
It was the Environmental Management Bureau-7 that decided to pass on the complaint to the PCD, citing the investigation report submitted by Engr. Amancio Dongcoy, regional solid waste management coordinator of EMB-7.
A copy of the report, furnished to the media by DENR regional executive director Leonardo Sibbaluca, showed that the complaint is about pollution and, as such, within the jurisdiction of the PCD, the EMB said. The report had merely recommended for the filing of complaint and information to PCD.
The report by Dongcoy stated also that the investigation started when Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the third district of Cebu called him about the complaint of residents at barangay Tubod, Toledo City, against the disposal of coal ash from the Toledo Power Company.
The congressman wanted to know whether environmental clearances were issued for the disposal of the coal ash.
Dongcoy’s report mentioned that Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo and Tubod barangay captain Ponciano Rosapa, in an interview, said that the hauling of ashes from the power firm has been contracted to last until April 15. The main dump is in barangay Landahan, about 4 kilometers from Tubod.
Last March 31, the date of Dongcoy’s investigation, the disposal at Landahan was stopped because of the alleged intervention of barangay officials of Tubod.
The main reason of the stoppage, Dongcoy said, was the gust of ash particles during the hauling of the ash by about 30 trucks. Residents were alarmed of the harmful effects of the chemicals from coal ash particles that fill the air and the surroundings.
Moreover, ashes from the power company were observed to have filled up a low-lying vacant lot, which was once a rice field, near the residence of Rosapa.
Zambo was earlier reported to have mentioned that the EMB-7 issued a certification that the coal ash was not harmful and that the power company has been conducting periodic medical consultations with residents.
Toledo Power environmental manager Suzette Labuca, when asked about the matter, told The Freeman she will refer this first to top management as she was not authorized to speak on behalf of the company. — Ferliza C. Contratista/RAE