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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1) – Overlaying sand with crushed dolomite rocks along a part of Manila Bay will not help solve the environmental problems and problems plaguing the area, according to the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of the Philippines.
In a statement Wednesday, UP MSI warned that the use of controversial dolomite sand, a project in line with the bay’s rehabilitation program, may present potential health risks and threats to the marine environment.
The institute explained that the dolomite sand grains are expected to erode, given the conditions in the coastal parts of Metro Manila during stormy seasons. He said that even with the presence of a breakwater or a man-made structure built to protect against waves, high seas and huge waves caused by weather disturbances can still penetrate the baywalk.
“Sea level rise in our tropical seas produces the highest rates in the world, about three to four times higher than the global average of 3.3 mm / year,” said UP MSI.
“Beach nutrition projects are not one-size-fits-all deals, especially for coasts in constant erosion … Therefore, continually replacing sand will be costly and will not contribute to improving water quality in the Bay,” added the institute, and noted that erosion threatens and poor water quality are the two main problems currently facing Manila Bay.
Aside from environmental impact, UP MSI said finer dolomite particles can be “problematic” as prolonged inhalation of dust is considered to cause chronic health effects in the public. These risks include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and coughing.
The Health Department previously said that dolomite dumped along the stretch on Roxas Boulevard cannot cause adverse health effects as the product is not small enough to inhale.
A recently released report by the Department of the Environment also showed that the dolomite sand in Manila Bay is not classified as hazardous, as the tests performed on its samples did not exceed the limits set out in the Revised Procedures and Standards for Hazardous Waste Management agency.
‘No shortcuts’
As environmental advocates strongly oppose the ₱ 389 million beautification project, the government assured that the program was thoroughly reviewed prior to implementation.
RELATED: Funding for Manila Bay’s ‘White Sand’ Cannot Be Realigned for COVID-19 Response – Roque
The UP MSI emphasized that there should be no “shortcuts” in the Manila Bay rehabilitation program, adding that the aesthetic initiative is, at best, a “beautification effort that is costly and temporary.”
“Cleaning the Manila Bay will be a long and arduous task. It must be a concerted effort by all those who live in its watersheds and those who use the bay, ”he said. “These are achieved with government interventions, changes in social and community behavior, and implemented legislation and policy guidelines.”
The Manila Bay “White Beach” project is currently in its second phase of development.
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