LLDA shuts down waste water facilities of 2 establishments

MANILA, Philippines - The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has ordered the shutdown of the waste water facilities of a McDonalds branch in Pasig City and the King Sue Ham and Sausage Co. Inc. in Caloocan City after they were found to be discharging pollutants.

Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, who is also LLDA general manager, led the operations against the two establishments yesterday.

“McDonalds located at J. Vargas corner Frontera Verde Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City, is ordered to cease and desist from continuously discharging pollutive wastewater without conforming to the effluent standards set by law and from operating its facilities, equipment, machineries and similar implements causing the discharge of pollutive wastewater that eventually drains to the Laguna de Bay, unless otherwise so ordered by this authority,” the LLDA order said.

McDonald’s Philippines for its part, assured the public that the company remains committed to ensuring that all its outlets comply with all government regulations.

“We are in the process of  updating and installing waste water systems in accordance to the stipulations under the Clean Water Act. During this process, we would like to assure all our customers that the water used in the preparation and sanitation of all our food products are safe and clean, “ McDonalds said in statement.

“We fully support the DENR and the LLDA in their protection and preservation efforts,” it added.

The two firms were ordered to pay P1,000 per day of operation from April 25, 2011.

The LLDA said the companies failed to comply with the directive since July 25, 2011.

King Sue, located at No. 402 Tandang Sora street corner 1st Avenue in West Grace Park, Caloocan City, was also found to be discharging pollutants.

The LLDA directed the company to adopt measures to correct its water pollution, undertake necessary actions to divert or centralize all its wastewater in its water treatment facility for proper treatment, and to completely and permanently close the by-pass and drainage in the dishwashing area.