Environmentalists, power firms explore conditions on coal ash dumping
SunStar.com.ph
January 11, 2012

 CEBU CITY – The case filed against power companies over the allegedly illegal and indiscriminate dumping of coal ash may be settled amicably, instead of going through a court trial.

Kepco-Salcon Power Corp. (KSPC) and Salcon Power Corp. (SPC), owners and operators of two coal-fired power plants in Naga City, asked for “terms and conditions that are reasonable and just.”

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On the other hand, environment conservationists proposed conditions like the construction of coal ash dumps away from water bodies and the submission of reports on disposal of coal ash.

The conditions were enumerated in the pre-trial brief of the three parties, filed at the sala of Judge Marilyn Lagura-Yap on Monday. The Mandaue City Regional Trial Court Branch 28 has been designated as an environment court.

Lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, in his pre-trial brief, said petitioners for the issuance of an environmental protection order—which is supposed to stop the illegal and indiscriminate dumping of coal ash—are willing to enter into an amicable settlement with the case’s respondents.

“Provided the following conditions are met: A binding provision for the construction of private respondents’ respective coal ash facility, which should be away from flood plain areas, water bodies, mangrove and foreshore areas, geo-hazard areas and other areas prohibited by environmental laws, principles and administrative rules,” he said.

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