Septage management implemented in Clark

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/11/26/septage-management-implemented-clark-443721
• Thursday, November 26, 2015

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has required locators and residents here to install their respective septage management system.

CDC issued a memorandum circular that requires establishments and housing facilities here with existing septic tanks to maintain pre-treatment facilities through the services of accredited Septage Haulers of the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The state-owned corporation also requires locators and residences to connect their sewage (wastewaters) and septic tanks to the sewerage facility of Clark Water Corporation (CWC).

Locators, which are not covered by the CWC services, are allowed to operate and maintain their own septic tanks.

CDC’s recent memorandum states that the septage hauler must have its own Septage Treatment Facility to fully treat wastewater prior to disposal and must have valid permits and clearances from DENR and DOH such as Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Discharge Permit, Hazardous Waste Registration Certificate from the DENR and Environmental Sanitation Permit.

The Septage Hauler is also required to secure Special Exit Pass from the Environmental Permits Department of CDC for every transport of waste from Clark.

Septage refers to thickened and partially treated sewage that is removed from a septic tank.

The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9275) is aimed to protect all water bodies from land based pollution sources.

To avoid spillage and contamination of the environment, septic tanks must be regularly cleared every three to five years.