NS 1

Group 1

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere.

"Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems. The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-based. The State also recognizes the principle that "polluters must pay". Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore be the concern of all.

Philippine doctors threaten to sue transport secretary over air

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has threatened to file a PHP1 billion (USD 23.34 million) class-action suit against Manuel Roxas II, the Transportation and Communications Secretary, if measures to reduce air pollution in Metro Manila are not taken.

 "The provisions of Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 confirms our individual right to breathe clean air. It also provides the legal basis for the filing of a citizens suit against those who violates the clean air law," PMA Manila Governor Dr Leo Olarte told Rappler.com.

 Under the Act government officials who neglect their duties in implementing its provisions may be held liable in a citizen's suit filed by any person, agency or establishment that is affected by severe air pollution in Metro Manila. The law also stipulates that the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is "solely tasked to regulate and enforce the same clean air law on motor vehicles."

 The PMA maintains that Roxas failed to do his job in enforcing regulations that would "safeguard" the quality of air in Metro Manila.

Violator: Caterpillar Inc. to Pay $2.55 Million to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations
WASHINGTON The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a settlement with Caterpillar Inc. to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations for shipping more than 590,000 highway and non-road diesel engines without the correct emissions controls. Caterpillar also allegedly failed to comply with emission control reporting and enginelabeling requirements. Caterpillar will pay a $2.55 million penalty, continue a recall of noncompliant engines and reduce excess emissions. Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit excess nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter and other air pollutants that impact peoples health, potentially causing respiratory illnesses and aggravating asthma.

 Caterpillar also allegedly failed to comply with emission control reporting and enginelabeling requirements. Caterpillar will pay a $2.55 million penalty, continue a recall of noncompliant engines and reduce excess emissions. Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit excess nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter and other air pollutants that impact peoples health, potentially causing respiratory illnesses and aggravating asthma.

WATER POLLUTION

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater). Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.

REPUBLIC ACT 9275

PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) aims to protect the countrys water bodies from pollution from landbased sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/h ousehold activities). It provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to pre vent and minimize pollution through a multisectoral and participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

Manila Water, Maynilad, MWSS penalized for failure to set up wastewater treatment facilities
MWSS and the 2 private water concessionaires in Manila (Philippines) were penalized by Philippine environmental agencies (e.g., Department of Environment and Natural Resources) for non-compliance with the Philippines' Clean Water Act and failure to set up wastewater treatment facilities. IFC is both equity investor (9.2%) & financier (> $100M loans) of Manila Water.

MWSS, Manila Water, Maynilad fined P 29.4 million by DENR (Nov 5, 2009)
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has slapped the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its two water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, with a total P29.4-million fine for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9275, or the Clean Water Act. Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the fines were imposed for their failure to install and maintain wastewater-treatment facilities (WTFs) within five years after the Clean Water Act took effect on May 2004 as required by law.

Firm fined for polluting lake, river tributaries (Feb 4, 2010)

Manila Water Company Inc. on Wednesday said it is being fined for alleged failure to meet regulations on wastewater management. Jhoel P. Raquedan, legal and corporate governance head, made a disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. and the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The Company received a Notice of Violation from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) dated 7 January 2010 imposing a penalty of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00)per day of discharging pollutive wastewater to be computed from 18 November 2009, the date of initial inspection until full cessation (of the prohibited release), he said, adding that legal documents and courses of action were being prepared.

THE END