CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – An ordinance is now being finalized to institutionalize new rules on waste disposal in the province, after the EcoProtect Management Corp. (EPMC) landfill in Barangay Mancatian, Porac was found to have allegedly committed environmental violations.
Governor Delta Pineda, during a recent dialogue with waste operators in the province, said the Provincial Capitol is going to implement stricter regulations to control waste hauling activities.
This, after he conducted an inspection at the landfill site following a series of complaints from residents against Eco Protect. It will be recalled that Pineda had earlier issued an order for the temporary suspension of hauling passes granted to truckers and haulers from the province of Bulacan who were transporting waste to Eco Protect, after it was discovered that they lacked the necessary permits.
Gov Pineda said waste disposal in the province is an urgent matter and should be given the utmost priority.
All trucks entering Pampanga must now have permanent markings indicating whether they are transporting sand, gravel, or garbage. Haulers carrying waste must also ensure that no hazardous materials are included in their loads.
To further monitor hauler operations, Governor Delta proposed the installation of GPS devices in trucks to prevent illegal dumping.
Only truckers hauling sand and gravel who attended the meeting will be allowed conditional entry into Pampanga. Those who did not attend will remain suspended until further discussions.
Meanwhile, KALAM head Engr. Buddy Dungca has called out to truckers to dump waste only in designated waste disposal areas.
Dungca said several of them were discovered to have dumped waste near the Planet Gas Station in Bacolor town.
“Pakiusap po sa lahat nang mga truckers na nagbaback load nang basura at pagkatapos ay kukuha na nang buhangin sa Porac, marami po kayung nadadamay at napeperwisyo na naghahanap buhay,” Dungca said. “Tigilan nyo napo ang masaming gawain na yan dahil hindi po namin kayo titigilan hangang may makulong sa inyo.”
In line with this, the governor confirmed that the provincial government will file charges against violators of environmental and transport regulations.
Public Safety Concerns
Pinoy Aksyon Inc., an environmental group, has also called for the immediate suspension of operations at Eco Protect Management Corporation landfill.
They expressed fear of serious structural risks and public health hazards that may result in an imminent environmental disaster with the onset of the rainy season, as the facility sits on top of very unstable lahar.
The landfill, they said, is highly susceptible to erosion and collapse, especially during typhoons or earthquakes.
It also has no functional Materials Recovery Facility, no air filtration infrastructure, no dust barriers. More concerns were raised including foul odors, dust, and the potential spread of airborne pollutants such as microplastics and pathogens. There is also lack of accessible groundwater monitoring data, emergency response protocols, or community engagement mechanisms from the landfill’s operator.
