LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A new proposal on the regulation of solid waste transfer facilities was proposed by Councilor Nestor T. Fongwan Jr. to create a more stringent set of requirements in operating solid waste transfer facilities within the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet.
According to Fongwan, the lack of municipal regulation and environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for solid waste transfer facilities is a risk to the health of the residents of La Trinidad.
Furthermore, he stated that “this poses a bad precedent; the operation of solid waste transfer facility should be subjected to more stringent requirements. It should be required an ECC because they are dealing with waste coming from residential and business establishments that pose a great danger to the health of residents of La Trinidad. In his explanatory note, a loosely regulated solid waste transfer facility currently operating in Sito Lamtang, Pugis, La Trinidad is made as an example.
The facility currently operates without any strict regulation or permits such as an Environmental Compliance Certificate from Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Furthermore, he stated that the La Trinidad municipal government should not downplay the facts and ignore its responsibilities but should take action to protect the health of its residents. He also cites that according to DENR EMB, their scope does not cover such facilities and that the municipal has the responsibility over it.
The proposal is set to have its next hearing on a later date to further develop its content.
By: Jesus Essa L. Calacala III