We Must STOP THE COAL FIRED POWER project in Subic Bay.
Here is some powerful information on the negative effects of the Coal Fired Power plant in Masinloc. Excerpts: The Hazardous Masinloc Coal-Fired Power Plant (NGO Forum).
Coal is the dirtiest, most carbon intensive of all fossil fuels, emitting 29 percent more carbon per unit of energy than oil and 80 percent more than gas. It is one of the leading contributors to climate change, the single biggest environmental threat facing the planet today. Furthermore, a study conducted by the European Commission in 2003 on different types of power generation bared that coal-fired power plants registered the highest external cost. External costs arise when project impacts such as damages to human health are not fully accounted or compensated for by a power plant like Masinloc.
Ash samples taken from Philippine coal-fired power plants such as Masinloc all revealed the presence of mercury—a deadly neurotoxin, arsenic—a known carcinogen, as well as the hazardous substances lead and chromium.5 Host populations/communities, like those in Masinloc, have been exposed to such health risks. This report runs counter to the Bank’s pronouncements that the environmental impacts of MTPP are well within the limits set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Likewise, bleaching of coral reefs surrounding the coal plant in Masinloc has been reported.
Social
When the NPC developed and implemented a resettlement program in collaboration with the Municipality of Masinloc, the Bank did not have an involuntary resettlement policy yet. This has resulted to several issues that the OEM recommended for immediate resolution. These were: (1) lack of drinkable water at the resettlement sites; (2) lack of job opportunities and reduces incomes for some of the displaced households; (3) delayed transfer of titles to affected families; and (4) disputes over compensation of amounts.
A 1999 Balik Kalikasan Online6 reported that the displaced Masinloc farmers benefited much from farming rice and mangoes before, enough to put their children through college. A provincial board member of Zambales was quoted as saying that the fruit yield dropped by 1/3 since the plant began operations. Many also grew a sustainable living from fishing. At present, their fish catch have become few and the bangus (milkfish) have disappeared. One fisherfolk said their catch has dwindled from 50 percent to only 10 percent. Meantime, a Barangay Bani officer said MTPP failed to provide jobs, at the same time damaged Oyon Bay. They no longer have income from seaweeds which have been gradually killed by the hot water coming from the coal-fired plant.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
In Europe and the US public health issues stemming from Coal fired power plants are huge - but they are measured as financial costs to the community - either in health care or loss of income. In the Philippines the financial costs may appear to be much lower - mostly because there is no significant public health expenditure and people don't have money to spend on getting proper treatment. The health costs of coal fired power in the Philippines will be measured by deaths and the diminished lives of those that survive, but with permanent ill-health.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the significant areas omitted from the EIS. THe EIS is limited to solely the immediate location - an area of barely a square kilometer. No thought or consideration is made of the Greater Subic area (affect on the population and the visual environment), the region (air quality), the country (loss of wilderness and unspoiled habitat) or the earth (carbon emissions). If these are taken into account as surely they must, then the picture cannot be painted as prettily as the proponents would have us believe.
After reading the article by Robert Gonzaga in the Inquier.net which says.. " build a coal fired power plant in Sitio Naglatore in Subic Town which is inside Subic Bay Freeport". Is this accurate? Last time I looked Subic Town was not inside the Freeport.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the board not to allow a coal fired plant to be built. On so many levels it is wrong. Why not invest alittle more and build a solar plant? That would be truly "world class."
I am just wondering how come we have not heard about this proposed project in any TV network news reports and discussions, knowing that if ever this will push through it will be a big threat to the environment and the surrounding communities as well. In my view, the national government is not making a big fuss about it or they simply just don't care at all. Could this be a done deal already? I hope not... Let's just be vigilant and extra watchful and never allow those rich people/politicians to succeed in their dirty plans for an environmental disaster.
ReplyDelete