Mayor issues closure order vs metal company
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday issued a closure order against Goodwill Metal Corporation in Brgy. Ticud, La Paz in response to the complaint of residents on the irritating gas emissions coming from the said establishment.
Atty. Giovanni Miraflores of the City Legal Office confirmed that there is already a closure order but he is not aware as to when it will be served.
The closure order came after a team from the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) led by Engr. Ruel Guillergan made an ocular inspection of the site. The ocular inspection was in response to the complaint of residents on the irritating gas emission coming from the LPG tanks subject for valve works by Goodwill.
Goodwill’s operation officer Leonardo Pastrana failed to present the necessary permits which govern their operation when asked by Guillergan’s group during the inspection. The permits include the locational clearance and business permits.
Goodwill’s business is to “requalify” LPG tanks on whether it is still safe to circulate in the market. The company conducts test for the reliability and safety of cylinders. Since last year, the residents have been complaining of the gaseous odor coming from the Goodwill compound, said Pastrana.
Pastrana said he has no idea about the document being asked since their in-charge has yet to arrive. The personnel whom Pastrana failed to name allegedly keeps the necessary permits. The company has already secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their business.
In an interview, Pastrana confirmed they have conducted valve works in one batch of LPG tanks owned by Petronas last year. They also performed devalving operation last January 2009. The operation is still on the dry run to test the facility. His statement affirmed the complaint of the residents of the gaseous odor.
The smell coming from the site emanated from the LPG’s residue. With the complaint, the company will implement “modification” of the operation. The smell coming from site emanated from the LPG’s residue, defended Pastrana.
During the inspection, Guillergan said the locational clearance and the business permit is a requisite for Goodwill’s operation. The site of the business must also conform to the city’s zoning and development plan. Guillergan confirmed the gaseous odor and paint’s smell coming from the site. They have seen several LPG tanks from different companies being cleaned and painted.
Guillergan did not categorically say whether there is a violation on the part of Goodwill as he has to submit his findings first to CPDO head Jose Roni Peñalosa. However, late yesterday the mayor already signed a closure order for Goodwill.
Aside from the CPDO, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Health Office have also taken steps in addressing the problem of the affected residents.