EMB calls establishments to treat hazardous waste
THE ENVIRONMENT Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Cordillera reminded business establishments to look for accredited treatment methods for toxin and chemicals to prevent the spread of hazardous waste.
EMB chief for toxic, chemical and hazardous waste management Marie Rodas said based on the revised procedure for hazardous waste management, all hazardous waste must be treated by an accredited treater or TSD facility, which means all hazardous waste are not allowed to be placed and stored underground, burned but must be hauled by an accredited treater by the EMB.
The revised procedures purpose to conduct the safest and most environment friendly way to conduct healthcare and environmental pro- grams to alleviate the problem of toxic waste and lead poisoning.
"In Baguio City, hospitals for example are used to placing their health care waste in concrete vaults, but with the revised procedure, the hospitals now would have to pay for an accredited hauler or face the necessary penalties," Rodas explained.
EMB noted 60 percent of the big establishments in Baguio City and La Trinidad particularly all hospitals have availed of the accredited treaters of waste materials, while 50 percent of the establishments in the Cordillera have registered with the
EMB.
Even diagnostic and kidney dialysis centers have undergone the use of accredited transporters found at the emb.gov.ph web page assigned by the DENR.
Rodas pointed out in the case of crematoriums which emit fumes, depending on the technology which would be acceptable and does not harm the environment, crematoriums would be allowed to operate provided it abides by the TSD standard facility.
She added hazardous waste such as house waste and small enterprises have a variety of how their waste materials are to be treated provided they register their barangay MRF's with the EMB, while small enterprises have to register and comply with rules and regulations provided by the EMB.