Senate to probe Subic 'toxic waste' dumping

From Rappler (Nov 9): Senate to probe Subic 'toxic waste' dumping

Senators are seeking an investigation into reports that a US Navy contractor dumped hazardous waste on Subic Bay last month.  Sen Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Friday, November 9, filed a resolution to conduct an inquiry into reports that Glenn Defense Marines Asia, a Malaysian company which services American ships in the Philippines, dumped liquid waste collected from joint military exercises in October. The resolution cited media reports that said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials found 189,500 liters of domestic waste and 760 liters of bilge water in the company's tanker, MT Glenn Guardian, during an inspection on October 15. When officials returned to take samples the next day, the cargo had been dumped into the sea without the necessary permits, according to the same reports. The captain of the ship, Edilberto Acedilla, reportedly told the officials that the water in the tanks had been treated, but a test conducted by SBMA officials showed that the toxicity of the liquid waste that was left in the ship exceeded levels set by international marine pollution conventions.  Sen Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, concurred with Santiago's resolution, warning that the alleged incident could spell an environmental disaster. “If it's proven that Glenn Defense Marine Asia had indeed dumped hazardous wastes on Subic Bay, they should immediately be made to dispose of the wastes properly as mandated by our environmental laws and international ecological standards and pay for all damages,” he said....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/15819-senate-to-probe-subic-toxic-waster-dumping