BAGUIO CITY – The management of the Baguio Medical Center was slapped an administrative fine of P150,000 by the Cordillera Environment Management Bureau (EMB-CAR) for alleged violation of the existing environmental system laws, rules and regulations by reportedly indiscriminately dumping its toxic waste in three sites in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet recently.
In a 4-page order signed by EMB-CAR regional director Reynaldo S. Digamo, the EMB-CAR ruled that the Pollution Control Officer accreditation of Engr. Bernard B. Balatian shall be revoked.
BMC management was also sternly warned by the EMB-CAR that repetition of any acts constituting violations of Philippine environmental laws, rules and regulations or the conditions of the issued Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) per permits issued by the agency shall be dealt with more severely.
Based on the order, the fines that were imposed on the hospital management shall be paid to the EMB-CAR within 15 days upon receipt of the decision and that failure of the management to settle the fine within the prescribed period shall compel the agency to take appropriate actions.
The order stated that BMC reportedly violated Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations in view of the findings of the EMB-CAR personnel on the alleged illegal dumping of toxic hospital waste in some areas in Tuba.
As regard the failure to secure toxic substance disposal (TSD) facility permit while performing the functions of a TSD facility, the order pointed out that BCMC’s jurisdiction is without basis for the TSD facility permit since at issue is the corresponding permit that would have been secured by and issued to the hospital by the agency and not that of Servo-Treat Philippines, Inc. which is BMC’s transporter and theater.
Anent the failure to comply with the guidelines for safe burial within hospital premises, the EMB-CAR stipulated that BMC’s argument remains as allegation for it failed to show proof of compliance with ECC conditions and on the contrary, BMC manifested during the technical conference that its safe on site burial was operated starting on or about 2000’s, hence, non-compliance with the guidelines pertaining to the 1-2 years period of safe on-site burial utilization is a clear violation of the ECC.
Concerning the failure to secure an amendment of ECC for the expansion of the parking area, the order asserted BMC’s claim is untenable considering that it has the sole obligation to comply with its ECC terms and conditions by virtue of accountability statement it executed through its representative. The claim that BMC, by executing an agreement with its private contractors Calam-ang and Arozna, Jr. effectively transferred the obligation to the latter to apply for a new environmental impact study or ECC amendment before undertaking the parking expansion project is contrary to the ECC.
“Taking into account the intensity and extent of the adverse environmental impacts brought about by the dumping incidents which are appreciated and considered as aggravating circumstances in the said case, the EMB concluded that the imposable administrative fine for each of the aforesaid violations shall be imposed to the maximum.
Earlier, the Tuba Municipal Police Station and the St. Paul’s Parish in Taloy Sur gave account of the incidents of alleged dumping or depositing excavated earth materials mixed with health care or hospital waste at Poblacion and Bayacsan, Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet which were washed into Nabjeng river at Tabaan Norte until Tapuakan river in Pugo, La Union.
Subsequently, EMB-CAR technical personnel conducted an investigation on the alleged dumping incidents and recommended that a notice of violation be issued against BMC for committing acts in violation of PD 1586 and its implementing rules and regulations for non-compliance with its ECC.
By HENT