The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) today issued a temporary suspension order against SOLCHEM Philippines, Inc. (SPI) for the hazardous wastes illegally dumped in a private lot in Dasmarinas, Cavite.
EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna said the temporary suspension of SOLCHEM’s Transporter and Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) Registration Certificates was recommended by EMB-Region 4A Director Allan Leuterio following a technical conference held Tuesday with officials of SOLCHEM.
“The temporary suspension of SOLCHEM’s TSD permits would mean that the firm is not allowed to transport and treat hazardous wastes until such time that the disposition that came up during the technical conference conducted yesterday between the EMB and SOLCHEM has been complied with,” Cuna said.
Cuna also said that the company will be penalized for violating Republic Act No. 6969, also known as the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act. He said, however, the amount of the fine shall still have to be determined.
In his report to Cuna, Leuterio, presided the technical conference, said that SOLCHEM’s president and general manager Edwin D. Afzelius admitted that his company contracted a person he identified only as “Boyong” to temporarily transport and store their partially treated hazardous wastes. However, Afzelius said his company made no effort to inquire whether “Boyong” has a physical storage facility, its location and whether the facility is accredited by the DENR.
A total of 63 drums containing hazardous wastes were found illegally dumped last week in Barangays Langkaan I in Dasmarinas Cavite. On investigation, truck driver Ramon Olager said the hazardous wastes originated from SOLCHEM Philippines, a treatment facility located in Las Pinas City. PAO, DENR
