By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — While air quality around the fire-hit Navotas sanitary landfill has improved, government inspectors found troubling water pollution levels near the facility, prompting environmental violations against the landfill operator.
Juan Miguel Cuna said monitoring showed that smoke pollution in parts of Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan has gradually dropped to “Fair” and “Good” levels following the massive landfill fire last month.
But despite cleaner air, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources discovered elevated contamination levels in nearby waters surrounding the landfill site.
According to Cuna, the DENR issued a notice of violation against Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. for alleged breaches of the Clean Water Act and other environmental regulations.
“The sampling results were not good,” Cuna said during an inspection of the Navotas landfill.
Authorities said water testing revealed high levels of total suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), indicators commonly linked to polluted and oxygen-deprived water systems that may threaten aquatic life.
The DENR also accused the landfill operator of several violations tied to its Environmental Compliance Certificate, including failure to submit a Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan, inadequate pollution control systems, insufficient gas vent installations, and non-compliance with landfill covering requirements.
Cuna acknowledged that poor water quality could affect marine ecosystems surrounding Navotas and nearby fishing areas.
The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau is now coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assess possible damage to marine resources and fisheries.
Government lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor General are likewise reviewing evidence and witness statements to determine possible legal action over the landfill incident.
The Navotas landfill caught fire on April 10, sending thick smoke across several areas in Metro Manila, including Navotas, Caloocan, Meycauayan, and Obando, and causing elevated PM2.5 pollution levels for weeks.
Amid the controversy, the DENR said inspections of sanitary landfills and even inactive dumpsites nationwide are now underway to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
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