By Chito A. Chavez The Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) of Quezon City will issue Cease and Desist Orders (CDOs) against 73 erring large scale junk shops that have violated the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Quezon City Environmental Code. EPWMD chief Frederika Rentoy said her office will start issuing the CDOs on the third week of February. “Ginagawa nilang mini dumpsite ang kanilang mga junk shops. They are not supposed to store their garbage there. Kailangan mula sa pinaghahakutan nila ng basura, dapat i diretso nila sa designated landfill. Right now ang Quezon City ay nagtatapon ng basurasa Rodriguez, Rizal (They are using their junk shops as mini dumpsites. They should not store their garbage there. They are compelled to bring their waste directly to the designated landfill. Right now Quezon City is bringing their waste at Rodriguez, Rizal),” Rentoy said. According to her, the junk shops violated the QC Environment Code provisions on illegal storage of garbage, unsanitary dirty junkshop, illegal discharge of untreated waste water, no septic tank or Sewage Treatment Plant, and foul odor from businesses. The establishments also failed to secure with the required certificates and permits, such as the Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC). Julius Avenido of the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) vowed to take appropriate actions against the erring junkshop owners warning them of the possible cancellation of their permits. “Aside from ensuring that the correct business taxes are settled, the BPLO is also one in the city government’s efforts to protect the environment. We will immediately coordinate with the EPWMD so that sanctions will be imposed against non-compliant junk shop owners,’’ Avenido said. Quezon City has an estimated 650 to 750 junk shops all over the city. The 73 erring junk shops can still resume operations provided they comply with the environmental laws and required permits. The city government will continue to enforce the national laws and City Ordinances for the protection and welfare of its citizens.