The use of septic tanks is being discouraged in Dumaguete City under a proposed ordinance establishing a Septage Management System in relation to the new Clean Water Act as provided for under Republic Act No. 9275, and the ordinance will apply to all buildings and structures whether public or private, residential, proposed, planned or existing.

However, properties or businesses that have on-site wastewater treatment facility approved by the environment and natural resources office will be exempted.

Features of the proposed city ordinance were discussed by the Local Initiative for Lowcost Wastewater Treatment technical working group during a review of the waste water management plan of the city Wednesday.

Septage from commercial or other non-residential facility is acceptable only if the septic tank receives wastewater typical of a household.

Appropriate pre-treatment plants will be required for wastewater that constains substances of a commercial nature such as oil or fuel residues, metals or high volume of fats and grease.

Studies showed that most septic tanks of residences and businesses in Dumaguete are not properly designed, threatening the groundwater of the city, its biodiversity and the quality of life of Dumagueteños.*JG

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