Environmental Sanitation Clearance

Editor's Note: The Department of Health requires that all individuals, companies, and local governments engaged in septage management services obtain an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC).  This includes those that perform collection and hauling, as well as the treatment of septage.  This post outlines the procedures for applying for an ESC.  Contact your local City Health Office for more information.  


Introduction

The Clean Water Act of 2004 requires water utilities to provide sewerage or septage management services. In the absence of a water utility, the LGU must provide these services, either on their own or through a service contract. In some instances, private entities may provide these services in the absence of the LGU, or in parallel with an LGU or a water utility.

Any individual, firm or operator, government or private who will be engaged in the collection/desludging, handling, transport, treatment and disposal of sludge and septage is required to secure an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC).

The specific requirements for ESC compliance can be found in the RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE COLLECTION, HANDLING, TRANSPORT, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF DOMESTIC SLUDGE AND SEPTAGE, a DOH publication, June 2008.

 Application Process.   In applying for the ESC, a project description (PD) shall be submitted to the host City/Municipal Health Office for initial evaluation. This will be forwarded to the concerned CHD for final validation. The PD shall discuss information on the operational process, environmental sanitation, and if applicable, site information i.e. the topography, geological conditions, and hydrology.   Attached to the project description is a sworn statement of accountability by the proponent / preparer / consultant. 

Stationary Service Providers.  It is mandatory that septage and domestic sludge shall be processed and treated prior to disposal. The facilities to accomplish this are classified as stationary facilities. In processing and treating domestic sludge and septage, the operator shall apply the best applicable and cost-effective techniques as approved by the Department of Health.  The application must fully describe the treatment process and method of disposal of biosolids or residuals.  Stationary facilities are required to employ a Pollution Control Officer.

Mobile Service Providers.  The septage and domestic sludge collection and transport shall be performed in a safe and sanitary manner.  ESC applications for mobile services require information about the service vehicles and the desludging operations plan.  Information about the type and manufacturer of the vehicle, as well as the vehicle storage yard where the trucks are kept and serviced shall be furnished,  Additionally, the service area, number of homes and business to be desludged, and the hours of operation of desludging activities shall be provided.

Project Description Requirements for Stationary Service Providers Seeking Environmental Sanitation Clearance

1.  Basic Project Information
2.  Site Information
3.  Project Rationale / Objective
4.  Project Type & Area Covered
5.  Operational Processes
6.  Plans and Specifications
7.  Project Component
8.  Description of Existing Environment
   a.  Topography
   b.  Hydrology
   c.  Geological condition
9.  Environmental Sanitation Measures
10.  Brief Discussion on Environmental and Health Impacts
11.  Brief Discussion on Mitigating/Control Measures
12.  Occupational and Health Safety Measures
13.  Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Project Description Requirements for Mobile Service Providers Seeking Environmental Sanitation Clearance

1.  Proponent information and contact details
2.  Scope of activities
3.  Area covered
4.  Method of collection
5.  Type of vehicles and equipment
6.  Occupational and Health Safety measures
7.  Manpower capability
8.  Mitigating/Control Measures
9.  Maintenance Schedule
10.  Operational costs
11.  Disposal site Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) number issued by DENR

ESC Application Form

Application Form No. ___

Date:

The Mayor:  _______________________

Attention:      City/Municipal Health Officer  ____________________________

Dear Sir/Madam:

I have the honor to apply for issuance of Environmental Sanitation Clearance with pertinent information to support my application.

Approved Business Name:__________________________________________________________
Owner/Manager: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Description of Business: ___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hereby certify that the statements made in this application and the attachments hereof are given/submitted under pain of PERJURY/FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS against the affiant if warranted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  I have hereunto set my hand this ______day of __________ in _____.

_______________________
Affiant/Applicant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, in __________, this ____ day of __________,
Community Tax Certificate No. ____________issued at ____________on ________

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL the same date and place above stated.




_________________
Notary Public


Attachment:  Project Description