Environmentalists unite vs new San Mateo landfill

Bikers, local residents and environmentalists are coming together against the planned new landfill in San Mateo, Rizal and urged lawmakers to put a stop on the project, which they insist could be detrimental to the environment and people’s health. 

Various cycling clubs are set to stage on Jan. 17 a “Ride for a Cause” to promote public awareness about the project, which environmentalists claim to have been discreetly planned by its proponents; and its probable adverse consequences on people and the environment since it is said to be constructed within a portion of a watershed reservation and protected forest area in San Mateo.

Opponents likewise plan to seek help from Congress to put the project to a halt.

“The fact that it lacked prior consultation with the affected communities before the project began reveals much dubiousness on the legality, much more the acceptability and the real motives surrounding the project,” said Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE).

According to the group, the project site was identified as part of a watershed reservation that such facility in the area, once operational, will produce large amounts of leachate that will seep through the ground, thereby polluting the soil, groundwater, and nearby rivers.

Also, the group said, the 200-hectare area to be covered by the new dumpsite is part of a 473-hectare area designated as Protected Forest Area by the Land Use Plan of San Mateo.

“This will jeopardize not only the health of immediate communities, but also the health of millions of residents of Metro Manila who get their water supply from the watershed,” Bautista said.