Submitted by Vox Bikol on
Legazpi City (30 April) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bikol has ordered the cessation of operation of the Artemis Salt Corporation in Tabaco City for failure to secure Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other permits.
"Dai magpapadagos an operasyon kan Artemis Salt Corp. sagkod dai sinda nagkaka-igwa nin ECC (There'll be no operation of Artemis Salt Corp. until they've secured an ECC)", EMB V regional director Gilbert Gonzales underscored in an interview.
Gonzales emphasized that alongside the ECC application the salt plant is required to implement mitigating measures to ensure the public health and further assuage fears of a possible seepage to the ground water.
Earlier, the bureau conducted a technical conference to address the complaint against Artemis Salt Corp. wherein the management of the facility committed to stop their operation and secure business and health permits from the local government of Tabaco City and apply for an ECC.
Gonzales also assured the bureau's continuous monitoring and evaluation of the issue to protect public health and the nearby environs.
The complaint against the company arose from protests from local residents of Barangay Cormidal due to alleged toxicity run off, seepage to ground water, corrosion, noise pollution and adverse health effects. (EMB V/PIA)