Glenn Defense Marine Philippines exec denies dumping charge

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Glenn Defense Marine Philippines exec denies dumping charge

Glenn Defense Marine Philippines Monday denied reports it has haphazardly dumped waste materials, collected from visiting US Navy ships, off Subic Bay in Zambales. Its chairman, retired Admiral Mateo Mayuga, stressed Monday they have complied with local and international laws regarding proper disposal of waste. “I would like to believe that all this started from one inaccurate report that took on a life of its own. This is why I also appeal to media to please be fair and accurate and please honor only sources that are willing to be quoted,” Mayuga, also chief executive officer, stressed. The former Philippine Navy commander made this statement after newspaper reports claimed his company dumped hazardous and toxic waste off Subic Bay waters last Oct. 15. Mayuga said they only release water that had been treated and deemed suitable for release to the ocean, adding the domestic wastes from the toilets and kitchens of US Navy vessels are already pre-treated before they are handed to them. “Pre-treating means the resulting fluid is strained and rendered inert or harmless and ready to be released at sea. Once released at sea at the prescribed distance, the fluid is naturally digested by the marine ecosystem,” he pointed out, “The resulting fluid is actually cleaner than most of the usual untreated sewage water coming (out of) our homes,” he added. Mayuga said it is a practice that their clients do the testing before giving it to them for disposal. He explained they also adhered to the procedures prescribed by the Maritime Pollution Protocol of which the Philippines is among the signatory countries on the standard distance for releasing such waste -- 12 miles from the shorelines. Asked if they had the necessary permission from government authorities such as the Philippine Coast Guard to release the waste water, Mayuga said they had. “We usually would inform the PCG and we have been at Subic for a long time that’s why I am very sure that the vessel informed the Coast Guard that we are disposing 12 miles from the coastline,” he said. Mayuga said the report about the alleged toxic waste dumping might have been part of a smear campaign by their business rivals. He refused to provide other details.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=470630