I am fortunate to work for almost 10 years in the environment sector, particularly in solid waste management, wastewater and water treatment both in business and academe.This is the reason why I have a better understanding of the sector which brings more challenges to my profession as a civil engineer, environmental/urban planner.
Working with both the public and private institutions in the Philippines provided me a very strong exposure to recognise the importance of government policy, rules and regulations in terms of protecting our environment. Dealing with these organisations allows me to comprehend the full impact of these laws and how the business sector in particular responds to be enviromentally-friendly entity - ensuring that whatever discharge or waste produced from their business activities are treated properly prior to disposal.
With the pressing issues in proper disposal of municipal waste, including hospital wastes and industrial wastes (toxic and hazardous), the Philippine government decided to pass Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999 which creates more challenging responsibilities for the businesses and industries. Why? because the Act does not allow burning or incineration of all wastes!
Passing this Act brings the Philippines' status as the first nation to ban incineration and put the country into scrutiny worldwide. Due to lobbying from various groups, the ban was lifted by the Supreme Court's ruling passed in 2002 - allowing the utilisation of 'thermal technologies' to be used with certain provision in terms of air quality standards.
Why incineration needs to be banned considering that it reduces a large volume of wastes before it will be finally disposed to landfill or dumpsites? Environmentalist groups claimed that the burning produces toxic substances like dioxins which are harmful to human beings. But other pro-groups claimed that even ordinary burning in farms and backyards produce this substance over the years, so why we have to be bothered about it.
Frankly, incineration is the easiest and cheaper method to reduce our domestic and industrial wastes before they reach the landfill site. It is only harmful if the incinerators are not properly maintained and do not have the proper monitoring system to check the fumes coming from their stacks meet the air quality standards.
If this technology finally banned in the future, then what will be the alternative solution in treating our wastes? Any suggestion? And then why? Are they effective?
