Previous Story
PCB CONTAMINATION AT LOWER BASE Stay away from cemetery – Teno
|
Posted on Oct 29 1999
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday ruled out deployment of police and public safety personnel to the Lower Base Cemetery, which he ordered off-limits to residents due to possible contamination from the cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemical found present in the area.
Instead he appealed to residents not to venture into the cemetery even during the observance of All Soul’s Day next week for their own safety.
Tenorio on Wednesday ordered the temporary closure of the area as he expressed concern on the presence of PCBs through toxic waste left way back in the ’60s.
“We put out the notice because we want to make sure that the life and health of our people are protected,” the governor told reporters yesterday.
The closure was prompted by the delay in the arrival of contractors of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who will install temporary measures ahead of a long-term solution to the problem in order to safeguard public health.
“I want to assure that the administration and the (Division of Environmental Quality) are working so hard in trying to rectify the PCB contamination,” said Tenorio.
Asked if he would send police patrol to forcibly bar people from visiting the cemetery, the chief executive said he is optimistic residents know the danger of the contamination.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Tenorio said, noting that a recent public hearing in Tanapag has shown that people are aware of the health hazards associated with such contamination.
“If we put the off-limits sign, I’m sure they know the reason behind it because we want to protect their health,” he explained. “Even one day of prevention is better than nothing.”
Despite the governor’s order, some residents still flock to the area in preparation for the annual Catholic observance on Nov. 1, which is a day reserved to visit loved ones in the cemetery.
“I’d like to appeal to the public that because of this possible contamination, their health is in danger,” Tenorio said.
