MCWD readies safety plan for septage treatment operations
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is finalizing its Sanitation Safety Plan (SSP) in compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health standards for the operation of septage treatment plants (SpTPs).
From the transport of septic waste to its processing and disposal, health experts are now ensuring that risks to the environment and human health are being closely watched and all stakeholders are protected in the sanitation system.
WHO representatives in the Philippines visited MCWD recently for a coaching and mentoring session for the crafting of the SSP, which is a tool to help SpTP operators reduce any health impact and maximize the benefits of healthier communities and safe environment.
MCWD, together with its private partner Envirokonsult Equipment and Services Inc. (EKI), is operating an STP in San Miguel, Cordova, Cebu. It started providing services in August 2016.
The first of its kind in the Visayas, the fully-mechanized SpTP will process, treat and properly dispose of collected septage from Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City, which are part of MCWD’s service area.
MCWD, which will receive a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for its septage management program (SMP), will build three more SpTPs to serve its customers in the cities of Talisay, Cebu, Mandaue and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan and Compostela.
WHO in the Philippines’ representatives led by Environmental Health technical officer Bonifacio Magtibay with his team Engr. Jerome Lim and Engr. Patricia Ann Go were joined by Department of Health Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s San- itary Engr. Sonabel Anarna and guided MCWD and EKI representatives in finalizing the SSP.
MCWD’s SMP officer-in-charge Rebecca Husayan said although 90 percent of the SpTP operations are handled by EKI, MCWD will be at the forefront of ensuring all safety and health standards are being followed in compliance with Philippine laws and regulations.