DENR chief padlocks 2 factories in Valenzuela

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor yesterday led the enforcement of a cease and desist order against two food manufacturing firms in Valenzuela City for violating environmental laws.

Together with officials of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Defensor padlocked Suncrest Foods Inc. and Pinnacle Foods Inc. for their alleged failure to comply with the provisions of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749), and the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2001 (RA 9275).

Specifically, Suncrest Foods Inc., a cupcake manufacturer located on Hulo street, Bignay, failed to submit its pollution control and monitoring reports for years 2004 and 2005 to the DENR; had no discharge permit; and had no permit to operate its air pollution source installations such as generator sets.

On the other hand, Pinnacle Foods Inc., a biscuit factory also located on Hulo street had no discharge permit and had no permit to operate its air pollution source installations.

Both factories likewise failed to comply with the effluent standards set by the DENR during a sampling conducted last June 3.

The DENR had issued notices of violation, but the two business establishments were apparently unable to put in place corrective measures to address them.

The operation of two other firms — Contract Packaging Corp. of the Philippines, located along MacArthur Highway in Dalandanan; and A.O. Knitting Mfg. Co. Inc., a textile dyeing services firm located in Marulas — would likewise be suspended due to similar violation of the environmental laws.

Defensor said the businesses have contributed to the contamination of the Meycauayan River, which the DENR chief has described as "heavily polluted."

The DENR said there are 390 industries in Valenzuela City. A total of 239 contribute to air pollution, 20 to water pollution, and 131 to both air and water pollution.

Some 108 industries in the city contribute to the contamination of the Meycauayan River while 43 industries pollute the Tullahan River.

Apart from the closure order, the companies face a fine of P10,000 to P200,000 per day of operation, starting June 3.

"The penalty will stay until the companies bring down their wastewater quality within DENR-set standards," Defensor said.