The JE Hydro Plant and Bio-Energy Corporation, located along the Lusaran River in Cebu City, has been found to have violated environmental regulations by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
DENR-EMB found the company to have built an unauthorized lagoon and rock embankment across the Lusaran River outside the approved Site Development Plan (SDP) in the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). This hydro plant is in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL).
Response from Local Authorities
EMB’s Engr. Mary Ann Bueno stated that the company has failed to comply with the conditions specified in the ECC, particularly in items 9 and 34. The violation includes the unauthorized construction of an additional lagoon with a capacity of up to 200,000 cubic meters of water. As a consequence of this violation, there has been a significant disruption in the downstream flow of the Lusaran River, leading to severe water supply issues in the barangays of Asturias and Balamban municipalities.
Efforts to Address the Issue
During a meeting at the Capitol on May 23, MCWD officials headed by general manager Edgar Donoso and JE Hydro Plant and Bio-Energy Corporation officials reported these violations to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. In response, Gov. Garcia declared a state of calamity and emphasized the importance of resolving the issue to ensure a continuous and sustainable water supply to the affected areas.
As a result, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has asked DENR-EMB to thoroughly inspect the hydro plant, the Provincial Engineering Water District, and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to address the concerns immediately. The company expanded the project area without undertaking another Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or securing an amended ECC.
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts
The governor stressed the importance of resolving the issue. It is crucial that all stakeholders, including the company, the government, and the communities, unite to find solutions that adhere to environmental regulations and serve the best interests of the communities that depend on the Lusaran River for their water needs.
Immediate action must be taken to rectify the situation and prevent further environmental and social impacts. The company has been urged to take responsibility and implement measures to restore the river’s natural flow and address the water supply issues in the affected areas. The desilting of the Lusaran River in Cebu City has already commenced to enhance water flow and supply for the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD).
Source: DENR calls out hydro plant in Cebu City for violations