Probe on lead pollution launched by environment groups

Environment advocates SEEDS PH and Pure Earth Philippines are looking into the alleged lead pollution among recyclers of used lead acid batteries (ULAB).

In a statement, SEEDS PH and Pure Earth Philippines said they are conducting a new round of lead-pollution contamination tests in San Simon and other areas of the country where recyclers of ULAB and lead smelters are operating without necessary permits.

The groups cited the report made by Dr. Jesus Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippines Industries (FPI), which alleged that ULAB recyclers and smelters have been operating illegally in several areas in the country, including Valenzuela, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao.

It was also alleged that chemicals are being dumped into the river near the Global Aseana Business Park in San Simon.

The groups said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), on September 2, has initiated its crackdown against lead smelters upon orders from Malacañang. 

The DENR has also instructed its regional offices to conduct surveillance and monitoring of illegal smelters.

 “While we commend the prompt response from the DENR, we believe that continuous and proactive engagement with them, and other stakeholders is necessary to ensure that ULABs are well regulated," SEEDS PH said.

"This is an opportunity to initiate a nationwide campaign to work with communities and organizations in crafting a national policy on the treatment and recycling of radioactive wastes, and the creation of occupational safety and health standards for ULAB recycling facilities that will protect both workers and its surrounding communities,” it added.

The SEEDS PH group invited Pure Earth to a “coordinated site visit to all of the reported smelting facilities in order to determine their status and to assess, if any, the radioactive wastes present.”

Dr. Monet Concepcion Maguyon-Detras, who heads Pure Earth’s campaign in the Philippines, has accepted the invitation of SEEDS PH for a joint undertaking.

According to its website, Pure Earth has been identifying and tackling toxic pollutants in the Philippines since 2008 through assessments of contaminated sites; pilot remediations, multi-stakeholder coordination, education, and industrial process reviews. 

To date, over 150 toxic sites have been assessed, and more than 25% were lead-contaminated. In addition to these assessments, Pure Earth has worked on the ground in priority areas, such as areas where ULAB recycling is prevalent — developing plans and implementing cleanup projects.

“It is our position that we must take aggressive action towards the promotion of the proper recycling and treatment of ULABs,” according to SEEDS PH executive director Dhel Pulanco.

“There are existing state-of-the-art technologies that can recycle them into new car batteries that can reduce costs for consumers and vehicle owners. It can also protect the environment because the regulation of these smelters can prevent radioactive wastes from polluting our surroundings and causing health problems in our communities,” said Pulanco. —VAL, GMA Integrated News