The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) insisted during the house budget hearing for the agency that there is no cause for concern on the dumping of dolomite in Manila Bay.
A study of the department showed that the inhaled dust generated during the processing of the mineral can affect an individual’s health. However, the size of dolomite sand in Manila Bay is a hundred percent bigger than dust.
“What is hazardous is the fine silica quads in some dolomite in the form of dust, not the calcium or magnesium,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu justified.
Some groups including the Mines Safety Association, Occupational Safety and Health Association, International Agency for Research on Cancer do not also consider dolomite as carcinogenic.
Report from the DENR shows that Php 389 million was allocated for the Manila Bay rehabilitation which also covers desilting. Around Php 28 million was earmarked for the dolomite project.
The spreading of artificial white sand will cover a portion near the US Embassy and Yacht Club. The DENR clarified that geo intervention will be utilized to protect the beach and prevent the sand from being washed away.
The DENR also responded to the plan of some environmental groups and advocates to file a petition for the issuance of Writ of Kalikasan before the Supreme Court if the dumping pushes through.
“Kahit po ipahinto man ng Supreme Court kung talagang ‘yun po ang kagustuhan na makita ng Supreme Court na mapatigil ang comprehensive rehabilitation po ng Manila Bay ay mag tutuloy-tuloy parin (It will push through even if the Supreme Court orders the suspension of the comprehensive rehabilitation of Manila Bay),” DENR USec. Jonas Leones stated.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Rep. Pidi Bargaza expressed full support to the project and is “fully convinced that there is no valid objection in so far as this project is concerned.”
Meanwhile, Cimatu said he is ready to face the Senate in case the latter seeks explanation on the controversial project. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
