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Residents in communities hosting coal power plants are in for a double whammy experience. Scientific findings indicate that burning coal produces carbon dioxide which is the biggest source of greenhouse gas responsible for the climate crisis we now experience. In addition, coal production and the burning process from extraction to disposal stages, pollute our ecosystems and impairs public health and safety.
Cebu hosts two coal power plants. Yet, it is quite alarming that the dangers posed to the public and our land, air and water from the combustion wastes of the power plants are not well known. The issue is unfortunately not given importance, especially in the mindset of the political leaders, at a heavy cost to the public and our environment.
Coal combustion wastes are solid and liquid wastes left over from the burning of coal to produce electricity. These wastes are highly toxic, with ?highly concentrated levels of metals like arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium that can damage the nervous systems and other organs, especially for children...these contaminants will eventually migrate and contaminate at the nearby groundwater. As an example, the excess cancer risks for children drinking ground water contaminated with arsenic from power plant wastes were found to be as high as one in a hundred ? ( From ?Laid to Waste?)
Yesterday, the team of students, toxicologist, engineers, lawyers, and civil society organization (CSO) stalwarts led by the Visayas Climate Action Network, accompanied by media practitioners, bravely embarked on a journey of a thousand kilometers. Their mission? To collect samples, for laboratory analysis, from the hazardous coal combustion wastes (CCW), also known as coal ash, from the coal-ash filled-landscape in the various barangays in Naga. CCW are now covered with a thin layer of fresh anapog or limestone. Some areas are still exposed, as in the reclamation area near the new City (or Municipal?) Hall and along the Pangdan River.
The anapog cover, however, does not solve the problem of contamination and leeching and the negative repercussions on the people?s health and the ecosystem. The dump sites are not lined. A former EMB Director even allowed dumping in privately owned lots, without consultation with the residents.
There is no clear cut policy as yet from the DENR on the disposal of CCW, although the former EMB Director Luego issued an order to stop its indiscriminate dumping.
The Sanggunian of the province of Cebu have not acceded to the request of citizens, twice made in writing, to conduct on-site investigation in the affected communities. The citizens hoped that when the local lawmakers see the site and observe the condition of the residents, an ordinance in the exercise of police power will be made. With the present crop of leaders? glaring indifference to the people?s plight, the possibility is remote that the crafting of an ordinance to regulate the disposal of coal ash will come into existence before June 2010.
Faced with such daunting obstacle, it is not advisable to wait for the politicians? ?change of heart? to happen. The team members agreed to take the path towards a sustainable future into their hands.
The citizens were armed with nothing but a protective mask, their bare skin exposed to the scorching heat of the sun and the contaminants lurking in the coal ash and in the air. Forever thankful that it rained Saturday night, else they would also had to contend with the dust, they were buoyed by the desire and determination to know the toxicity level of the hazardous metals from the coal ash in Naga, and to act accordingly.
Strong believers in the transparent and participatory process, the members did what the government agencies are known not to do ? they invited representatives from the offices of the Governor, Vice Governor, Naga Mayor, regional offices of the DENR, DILG, DOH, and the Commission on Human Rights and Salcon-KEPCO to observe the proceedings, from beginning to end. Unfortunately, maybe because the activity fell on a Sunday, only a representative from Mayor Chiong?s office showed up to witness the activity in the first two sites.
The results will reveal the real state of the environment in Naga from toxic coal ash dumping. Twelve samples were obtained from four different sites. The process that was undertaken can stand scrutiny from all sectors. To maintain the integrity in the chain of custody, safety measures were adopted in each step of the well-documented and open proceedings. It was an enriching and mind-opening experience for the participants.
It is very sad to know that Cebu, as a cosmopolitan area that prides itself as the center of trade, industry and education, and host to industries that contribute to pollution, has no facility to test the toxicity and presence of hazardous metals in coal ash. We have to send samples to Metro Manila for testing. Local government units are not assuming responsibility for a duty to ensure that public health and safety are not compromised.
Which LGU has bought an equipment to monitor the state of our air, land and water? There is not a single one in Cebu.
The sad reality is, as it is now, we can no longer rely on government agencies, including local government units, with the exception of a handful of exceptional ones, to serve and protect us and our planet.
By taking action and not depending on government to make the long-awaited move to protect the welfare of the constituents and our life-support system, grass-roots undertaking like the one held last weekend in Naga will spur more concerted actions from stakeholders to exercise the right to be involved in the political, economic and social decision-making process, such as adopting, implementing and closely monitoring programs and policies in government.
We believe that the change lies with us. The future is in our hands. We agree wholeheartedly with Margaret Meade in never doubting that ?a small group of thoughtful and committed people can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has!".
