DENR: Brgy. Felisa not suitable for dumpsite
BACOLOD CITY -- Supervising Geologist Mae Y. Magarzo, Officer-in-Charge of Geo-Science Division, Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released last Friday their findings and recommendations on the Geo-Environmental Assessment of the existing controlled dumpsite of the Bacolod City Government located at Purok Acacia, Brgy. Felisa.
This findings was read during the technical conference conducted by the DENR Regional Office 6 led by Regional Director Bienvenido L. Lipayon together with City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Max Sillo. Said conference was also attended by Bacolod City Water District General Manager Atty. Juliana Carbon, Bacolod Anti-Baha Alliance representatives Allan Gensoli and Jean Trebol along with the Barangay Officials of Brgy. Felisa.
Based on the findings and recommendations, the area mentioned is not suitable for development into dumpsite per assessment on the geological parameters considered.
Magarzo emphasized that in order for the site to be considered suitable, the minimum distance of proposed sanitary landfill from any perennial stream, lake or river is 50 meters. Hence, the Cabura Creek situated in Brgy Felisa is located about 8-10 meters east of the dumpsite.
Geo-Sciences Bureau also assessed the soil type underlying the area consisting of Grayish brown silly sand. This soil type is highly permeable thus could cause the leachate to easily percolate downward resulting to the contamination of groundwater.
The findings also said that the possibility of flood problem is also considered because the existing dumpsite is drained at the eastern flank by the Cabura Creek. Cabura Creek is about 8-10 m east of the dumpsite. Cabura Creek generally flows in a northeast-southwest direction that drains into Sum-ag River, Sum-ag River finally drains its loads towards Guimaras Strait.
Magarzo further said that there is a possibility (subject for validation) of contamination in the area due to the soil type as well as the distance from the perennial water surface. But this matter, she said, is already referred to their hydro-geo science experts in Metro Manila and they are now awaiting this official reports. Magarzo said that they could not conclusively issued findings of contamination unless there is sufficient proof.