Environmental groups urge DENR to stop SMC's coal-fired power plant

A coal-fired power plant in Limay, Bataan must stop operating because of rampant environmental pollution that has affected crops and the health of people in the area, according to environmental groups.

Sanlakas and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) are urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to stop the power plant from discharging more ash into the environment.

The Limay Coal-Fired Power Plant is owned and operated by SMC Consolidated Power Corp. (SMCCPC), a subsidiary of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

"Nananawagan po kami sa DENR na itigil ang operasyon ng planta na ito," Ian Rivera, national coordinator of the PMCJ, said in a press conference in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Reports have it that ash generated by the power plant is causing unprecedented environmental pollution, particularly in Barangay Lamao.

The DENR has issued an earlier cease and desist order, but its coverage was limited to the coal ash pond of the Petron Corp. refinery. Petron is also majority owned by San Miguel.

Both SMCCPC and Petron were served notices of alleged violation demanding an explanation for the ash spill.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMC said that both SMCCPC and Petron have complied with the directives contained in the notices as mandated by the DENR-EMB and have provided measures for proper handling of the ash resulting from its operations.

"Even if they suspend the operations of the pond, the coal-fired power plant will continue to generate more ashes that cause the health conditions of the people and the land to deteriorate," Rivera said, claiming that the Limay facility produces coal combustion waste at the rate of 250 tons a day.

"Thus, suspending Petron's coal ash dumping, while the power plant continues to operate, will not stop the production of ash," he added.

As 1:20 p.m., San Miguel shares were trading at P98.15 apiece, up 3.15 percent or P3.00 from P95.15 on Monday.

Shares of Petron were up P0.120 or 1.23 percent or per share at P9.90  P9.78. — VS/BAP, GMA News