• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A public scoping for the P59,258,438 Sanitary Landfill (SLF) Expansion Project of the Bacolod City government in Barangay Felisa is set tomorrow, Sept. 17, at the barangay covered court, the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau said.
Public scoping is an early stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, with the project proponent giving an overview of the proposal, gather issues and concerns of stakeholders, and other relevant information for the scope of work and terms of reference in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement, the Bureau said.
The planned expansion, which includes the addition of Cell No. 4 and supplementary facilities, will increase the landfill’s capacity by an additional 257,216 square meters, from the original 60,039 sq. m., or a total of 323,792 sq. m.
The additional area is part of the 25-hectare properties purchased by the city government last year at P128 million, which funds coming from the LGU’s P4.4 billion loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines.
“These properties, acquired by the local government of Bacolod through a Deed of Absolute Sale from private landowners, have been reclassified from agricultural to various land use classifications,” the project description states. “This reclassification is intended to accommodate the necessary additional facilities for Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Technology Hub, of which the landfill is a part.”
IPM Construction and Development Corp., which won the contract for the establishment of SLF Cell No. 4, intends to start construction and land development activities from May through Oct. 2024.
The city shall pay IPM P59.25 million, inclusive of value-added tax and other miscellaneous fees, licenses, and taxes imposed by local and national governments, for the construction of SLF Cell No. 4, the contract, ratified by the Sangguniang Panlungsod early this year, states.
The contract for the additional SLF section, or cell, shall include the construction of a leachate pond, leachate treatment pond, leachate reinjection pumping station, perimeter gravel road, V-shaped open riprap canal, and generator room, among others.
“The comprehensive financial allocation of P59.25 million encompasses various expenditures essential for the successful establishment and operationalization of the landfill cell, including but not limited to site preparation, construction of infrastructure, procurement of specialized equipment, implementation of environmental safeguards, and regulatory compliance measures,” the project description stressed. “This financial commitment underscores the significance of adhering to stringent standards and protocols governing landfill development and management, ensuring the realization of a robust and sustainable waste management infrastructure tailored to meet the evolving needs of Bacolod.”
The SLF in Brgy. Felisa has maximum capacity of 900 metric tons a day, hence the proposed expansion with focus on recycling and other waste management initiatives.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez, in his State of the City Address July 3, said that last year, Bacolod generated 214,000 tons of garbage. “In 10 years, we expect this to reach 252,000 tons. (That’s why) we are improving collection, and promoting recycling.”
He said the proposed Bacolod Integrated Recycling Hub will include an eco-park. “Gina-design ta sya to be an eco-park that Bacolod can be proud of. It will be a place for tourists and educational trips.”
Benitez called on residents to recycle their wastes. “Let us not just throw our garbage in the landfill, let us recycle them.” | CGC
