PB seeks probe into river contamination

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is eyeing an investigation into the alleged contamination of the Pangdan River in Naga by coal ash which, residents of Barangay Pangdan believed, came from the Korean Power Corporation and Salcon power plant.

After listening to environmental lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, whom the PB invited to shed light on the coal ash issue, Board Member Victor Maambong moved to refer to the PB committee on health the complaint of at least 43 Barangay Pangdan residents.

Maambong also wanted PB committee on health chairman Peter John Calderon to request the Department of Health to investigate the matter.

Cabrido, in his presentation, said there were residents in Naga who complained that their water source have been contaminated by coal ash.

According to Cabrido, although the KEPCO-SPC power plant has yet to start its operation, there is already “historical wastes” from Salcon, which were allegedly excavated by KEPCO for the foundation of its new plant.

The “historical wastes,” Cabrido said, were the ones dumped by KEPCO on the Balili property. In spite of the action of the PB, Cabrido said they are not satisfied.

“We cannot be satisfied the only thing that can satisfy us is for the Capitol to withdraw,” Cabrido said.

Cabrido said the Capitol should act as a regulatory body instead of doing business with KEPCO for the dumping of its coal ash.

He said the Capitol should have studied the exact characteristics of the coal ash and made a feasibility study first before entering an agreement with KEPCO.

Cabrido said the province does not know yet whether the coal ash to be dumped on its property is hazardous.

According to Cabrido, the province should make its own rules to regulate the dumping of the coal ash but it could not do so if it is doing business with Kepco, which the province could be accountable for conflict of interest.

It appears, however, that Cabrido, who earlier claimed that coal ash is hazardous, is no longer sure if it is indeed hazardous.

 KEPCO corporate secretary Guillermo Dabbay Jr. has assured that the modern coal-fired power plant being built in Naga is designed to meet Philippine and international environmental standards.

Dabbay added the circulating fluidized bed combustion technology that they are using would remove sulfur oxides and reduce nitrogen oxide emission. – Fred P. Languido/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)