By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
A new batch of establishments found dumping untreated wastewater into the Manila Bay has been ordered closed by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Tuesday.
It has issued cease and desist orders (CDOs) against Max’s Restaurant-United Nations Orosa Branch in Manila; HengFeng Kitchenette in Pasay City; and Jollibee Foods Corporation-Macapagal Biopolis Branch in Pasay City.
The establishments were found discharging pollutive water into Manila Bay and have no proper wastewater facility.
“Based on the saturation and inspection activities in the Manila Bay area, as well as the results of laboratory analysis of the wastewater samples taken, the establishments were found not be conforming with the effluent standards for Class SB waters,” the LLDA order said
Class SB water quality refers to waters that is safe for recreational activities such as swimming.
It is also suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and as spawning areas for milkfish and other similar species.
LLDA is expected to serve additional two CDOs, three ex-parte orders, and 12 notices of violation (NOVs) against erring establishments in Manila and Pasay cities.
Improper wastewater disposal is a violation under Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and could be a ground for closure of the establishment and its wastewater facilities.
Earlier, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu said the DENR will go for an across the board crackdown on erring establishments as part of the massive effort to rehabilitate the heavily polluted Manila Bay.
He pointed out that no establishment that is polluting Manila Bay will be spared from the crackdown.
Cimatu warned that more establishments may face possible closure for polluting Manila Bay.