Establishment with leaking septic tanks issued Nov

An accommodation establishment at Leonila Hill was issued a notice of violation for discharging wastewater from its septic tanks onto the road.

The violation was confirmed during the inspection conducted last Nov. 16, 2023 by the joint team from the City Environment and Parks Management Office, the Public Order and Safety Division of the City Mayor’s Office, the Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office and the barangay.

The CEPMO did a dye test and was able to trace where the effluent was coming from.

With the issuance of an NOV, several recommendations were made for the establishment owner to remedy the infractions.

His compliance will be monitored by the team.

Early this year, Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered a surveillance of households and establishments discharging excrement and septic tank waste materials into the river and other waterways.

Those caught were issued NOVs and were investigated for violation of environmental laws.

The Baguio City Police Office under P Col. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. was tasked to investigate, monitor and apprehend violators.

CEPMO Head Atty. Rhenan Diwas said these acts are in violation of the city’s Environment Code, Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act, Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Water Act and Republic Act 9904 or the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Associations.  Dumping of grease and used oil in the city’s storm drains meanwhile constitutes violation of Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990. – Aileen P. Refuerzo