Mandaue ordinance prevents drainage systems from choking

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City council has approved a proposed ordinance which prohibits gasoline stations, repair shops, carwash outlets, and other establishments in the city to disposed of used oil into drainage systems.

For these establishments to avoid penalties they are required to provide for a convenient storage container in their premises to store their used oil, grease, and other used liquids in such a manner that it will not leak into the floor or drain into the canal or storm drains.

Stored liquids should also be disposed of by dumping these into a private facility owned by the establishment conveniently structured away from populated areas and the same dump area is duly approved by an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from DENR.

Those found to have violated the ordinance will be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and a revocation of license and business permit for the third offense, and an additional fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of not more than six months or both as may be determined by the court. (FREEMAN)