Jess Lim Arranza, president of the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc., is calling for an ocular inspection of two illegal lead smelting operations on the river that traverses San Simon, Pampanga.
At a meeting with members of the Capampangan in Media Inc. or CAMI, Arranza played a videoconference he had with Barangay Chairman Raul Mangay, whose constituents had been complaining about the discharge of toxic materials into the river. As a result, the barangay chieftain said fish kills are a commonly occur down river. A foul smell also emanates from the warehouses he believed to have been hiding the operation.
The warehouses are part of an industrial park that operates under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
Arranza, who is also an environmentalist, said he had brought the matter to the attention of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in August last year. However, residents continue to suffer from air and water pollution despite the President’s order to investigate and, if merited, shut down the erring companies.
He said recycling of used lead acid batteries is big business. Companies extract the lead from discarded car and truck batteries and turn them into bullion for sale to manufacturers here and abroad.
Arranza also said recycling is a laudable operation, but the necessary safeguards must be put in place first, especially when it involves handling of toxic materials like lead.
“Lead is dangerous,” Arranza pointed out. “Traces of the substance, if ingested, say, from contaminated fish or inhaled from polluted air, could affect the physical and mental development of children.”
He added that the chemicals used to extract and purify lead also poses danger to people if released into the environment without treatment. They could leach into underground water table, contaminate canals and rivers, and pollute the air.
Car and truck batteries also contain acids, which are equally dangerous.
That is why companies involved in this kind of business must first secure an environmental certificate from DENR first, in addition to a permit from the local government. From all indications, the companies do not have both, or they won’t pose a danger to the community.
“Unfortunately, the problem is not confined to San Simon,” Arranza said. “Illegal recycling firms are all over the country.”
Apart from the affect on the environment, these polluters threaten the government’s recycling program. Legitimate companies will be forced to shut down. They just can’t compete with firms that do not bother to invest in safe recycling technology. (R.E.)