Concerns raised over use of incinerator

DUMAGUETE CITY – Burn Not Dumaguete, a leading advocate for public health and environmental protection, said it strongly opposed the operation of a pyrolysis-gasification incinerator here.

It cited recent studies conducted worldwide have highlighted the detrimental impact of this technology on public health and its failure to align with a sustainable circular economy. 

It said pyrolysis-gasification incinerators, despite being promoted as a waste management solution, have been found to emit dioxins, furans, and other hazardous chemicals, even with the implementation of expensive air pollution control devices. These emissions pose significant risks to the environment and public health, generate large amounts of greenhouse gases, and undermine source reduction, contradicting the goals of a sustainable circular economy.

During the Kapihan forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency recently, representatives from the Provincial and City Environment and Natural Resources Offices, and Region 7 Environmental Management Bureau attempted to present the pyrolysis technology in a positive light. However, it is essential to critically analyze the claims made during the event:

1.   Misrepresentation of Circular Economy: The resource speakers claimed that pyrolysis-gasification technology contributes to a circular economy and offers a solution to plastic pollution. However, according to the European Union’s taxonomy, waste-to-energy technologies cannot be considered part of a circular economy model and funding them are not viewed as “sustainable finance” due to their environmental risks and lack of sustainability.

 

2.   Lack of Testing and Accountability: It came to light that no tests measuring dioxin levels, toxicity, or other relevant parameters have been conducted since the operation of the pyrolysis machine in 2021. This lack of monitoring raises serious concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of the technology.

 

3.   Safety of Byproducts: The city government plans to sell ash byproducts mixed with cement to create hollow blocks for the market. However, no tests have been carried out to ensure the safety of these byproducts once they are used and exposed to the public. Such negligence puts the health and well-being of individuals and communities at risk.

 

4.   Faulty Air Pollution Control Device: A leader of one of the city barangay's waste enforcers provided video evidence of black smoke emitting from the pyrolysis machine. This visible emission suggests a potential malfunction or the inadequacy of the air pollution control device. The presence of such emissions is unacceptable, and immediate action must be taken to rectify the situation. 

Burn Not Dumaguete said it is alarming that the city government has not conducted comprehensive tests or implemented precautionary measures to safeguard public health and the environment. It is imperative that the city reevaluates its use of pyrolysis-gasification technology and explores safer, sustainable alternatives for waste management such as Zero Waste management systems, it said. 

It urge the authorities in Dumaguete City to prioritize the health and well-being of its residents and communities by: 1. Suspending the operation of the pyrolysis-gasification incinerator pending further investigation and comprehensive testing. 

2.   Conducting rigorous tests with independent observers to assess the environmental impact, dioxin levels, and toxicity associated with the machine's operation and its surrounding areas. 3.   Ensuring the safety of byproducts before selling them to the market by conducting thorough testing and certification. 

4.   Strictly implementing and enforcing City Ordinance 231 (Styrofoam Ban and Plastic Regulation Ordinance) as well as the passage of an ordinance to ban the use of single use plastics such as stirrers, straws, cutleries, gloves for eating, and others. 

“Burn Not Dumaguete remains committed to working with local authorities, environmental organizations, and communities to promote sustainable waste management practices that prioritize public health, environmental protection, and the principles of a circular economy,” it said. (Cebu Examiner)