Establishments reminded not to dump used oil, grease in drainages told to police own ranks, follow rules or have their licenses suspended
As per order of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) officer-in-charge Engr. Marivic Empizo met with owners and staff of establishments selling grilled chicken and ‘lechon manok’ in an area at Burnham Park (across the Bayanihan building) who are allegedly dumping their used oil or grease in drainages at night.
The meeting, joined by AZCKO barangay captain Jefferson Cheng, was conducted in the afternoon of Feb. 28 or just a few hours after the Mayor gave the order during the management committee meeting of local officials at City Hall.
The Mayor said he has received reports from concerned residents about the alleged throwing of used oil/grease in drainages by workers of the food establishments at night time taking advantage of the cover of darkness.
“I will not hesitate to have all the establishments in that area closed if they continue to dump their used oil or grease irresponsibly even if it is during the city’s Panagbenga celebration. They have already been given repeated warnings,” the Mayor stressed.
During the meeting with the establishment owners and staff, Empizo sternly warned that they would immediately be given notices of violation with recommendations to have their business permits suspended if they are caught doing the dumping on-the-spot or have ample evidence that they have been doing so.
She said her office and barangay officials led by Cheng will meet them again on Friday, March 3, to re-orient them on the various rules and regulations including the city’s policies against the irresponsible dumping of used oil or grease.
Empizo said that AZCKO barangay officials led by Cheng, together with the owners and staff of the establishments involved, will conduct a clean-up activity in their area on Saturday, March 4.
She recommended that the barangay or establishment owners put CCTV cameras in the area so that those dumping used oil and grease in drainages especially at night will be caught red handed.
Signages stating that throwing of used oil, grease and other waste materials in drainages or canals is not allowed should also be put in strategic places, Empizo said.
“They were also encouraged to police their own ranks and report immediately to CEPMO if they witness anybody dumping in drainages or canals any time of the day. Barangay officials and security in the area should continuously remind establishment owners and staff to follow the law since if one of them violates, then all of them are affected,” Empizo stressed.
She disclosed that her office has earlier warned local food establishments against dumping grease and used oil in canals and waterways or face penalties for violating Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990.
“The presence of grease deposits in drainage pipes is one of the determined causes of clogging of water passageways that lead to flooding of streets,” Empizo said. – Gaby B. Keith
