He also said there is a possibility of a methane gas explosion. “Methane gas is 21 times deadlier than carbon gases in worsening global warming so it should not be released carelessly into the air. Unfortunately, this is what iSWIMS is practicing,” Lucenario said.

He said the Rodriguez dumpsite “does not have the proper landfill biogas collection and monitoring systems that could prevent an explosion underneath the mountain of garbage. Clearly the operator of the landfill is violating safety standards and environmental laws.”

Tony Balute, president of the Coalition for Garbage Free San Mateo, expressed his fear that the same fate could happen to the dumpsite in San Mateo because it would be ran by a sister company of iSWIMS, the Rodriguez operator.

“Even if the DENR has already conducted their investigation, we are afraid that it was merely a cover up,” Bautista said. “We recommend for iSWIMS’s immediate suspension in their landfill operation because they should be held accountable.”

Bautista said that the DENR should also be held accountable for their negligence and failure to monitor the facilities of the landfill.

Since the flow of water has been blocked by the debris of soil and garbage, Abon pointed out that the artificial dam generated by the impounded water could pose great danger to the communities living downstream. She said if another heavy rain pours, it can cause flashfloods.

“It is also important to immediately investigate the amount of contamination to the water system and inform the community residing near the river of the health hazards,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of Kalikasan-PNE.

“The DENR should take the investigation seriously and stop the operation of the Rizal Provincial Landfill to prevent further damage and graver tragedies,” Bautista added. (Bulatlat.com)

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