• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod local government has acted on a complaint regarding foul odors emanating from the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa, an official said June 16.
Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) Officer-in-Charge Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice said the International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists Inc. (ISWIMS), which operates the facility, remains compliant with standard requirements for sanitary landfill operations.
Dignadice explained that the odor issues resurfaced due to recent continuous rainfall prior to the date of the complaint.
Felisa punong barangay Francisco Hilado sent the formal complaint letter June 8.
The Sangguniang Barangay raised concerns over a persistent foul odor coming from the landfill and waste collection trucks passing by, which residents said was affecting their health and comfort.
Dignadice assured the residents and the public that ISWIMS has already implemented immediate mitigation measures to resolve the community’s concerns.
Among the interventions are the daily application of deodorizers, and soil covering over the active landfill areas, she said.
The facility also has an operational wash bay area, she added.
This setup ensures that all incoming and outgoing waste collection trucks are thoroughly washed and sanitized before leaving the premises.
“We have staff on-site monitoring the area, so everything they apply for has a receipt and is well-documented. That is why we are not worried, because they are in compliance,” Dignadice said.
She also confirmed that the City Health Office (CHO) has conducted an independent health and environmental assessment at the landfill. | TMD
