Environment groups urge authorities to check Laguna sanitary landfill

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of a subdivision near a sanitary landfill in San Pedro, Laguna are urging the government to look into the operations of the dump which is now reportedly threatening public safety with the emission of strong foul odor and seepage of waste materials into a nearby creek.

The residents have sought the help the environmental group Bangon Kalikasan Movement to drum-up attention to the situation of the landfill located at Barangay San Antonio.

The San Pedro sanitary landfill also reportedly accepts garbage from Muntinlupa City and Parañaque City.

According to the Bangon Kalikasan Movement, they have recieved information from the affected residents from surrounding subdivisions, particularly the South Peak Subdivision of the strong foul odor from the dump.

Environmental group said, trucks loaded with garbage pass through the South Peak Subdivision on their way to the landfill.

The environmental group is also alarmed that residents’ health will be placed in even greater peril especially during the rainy season when seepage of contaminants from the landfill might enter the water system through the creek.

“The landfill should not have been there in the first place as it is near residential areas. Landfills should only be for residual and biodegradable wastes but the San Pedro landfill also receives non-residual wastes and even hazardous materials,” said Joey Papa of the Bangon Kalikasan Movement.

According to Papa, environmental groups have long questioned the operation of the sanitary landfill that is being operated by the San Pedro local government.