environmental audit

INTRODUCTION

The environmental issue has become a world –wide apprehension in the last decades

being the focus of discussions in a variety of forums both at national and international levels.

Because environmental problems are rooted in economic and social policies, they occur at all

levels from local to global, including the universities, specifically Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng

Maynila. The school is responsible for dealing with these problems and working towards

solutions.

Accordingly the university has tried to address this over the years by creating policies,

and programs in conformity with the environmental legislation, laws and regulations and,

expenditures. Although it is not the Chemical engineering (ChE) department’s function to

question policy it is however, as concern citizens, the department’s responsibility to investigate

the effect of policy and the management measures that lead to policy decisions. In this way the

ChE department can help the institution do a better job vis-à-vis proper waste management.

Consequently, the fourth year chemical engineering students has embarked on carrying

out environmental audits. The audits will be carried out on any of the environmental issues

facing the university (including solid waste management and waste water). As a pilot

environmental audit, a decision was made to audit waste management with particular

emphasis on Medical, Solid and Chemical waste generated by colleges using the laboratory

facilities. Three colleges (College of Medicine, College of Science and College of Physical

Therapy) were audited, while the Physical Development and Special Projects Office (PDSPO)

was solicited. Waste that is not managed properly affects not only human health but the other

aspects of the environment like water, air and biological diversity.

The purpose of this management report/environmental audit report was therefore to

make known the findings of the audit regarding the handling, storage and, disposal of waste.

The report was not intended to be exhaustive. In line with audits of this nature, the intention

was to provide the reader with a general understanding of the current situation with regard to

medical, chemical and solid wastes and in particular, the adequacy of the management

measures with regard to the risks and applicable legislation, regulations and procedures

associated therewith.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Environmental issues and concerns are given very low priority in political governance,

especially in the local and lowermost levels where it matters most.

This is caused by the lack of awareness of the importance of environmental resources as

the foundation for any economic development (e.g., water, soil, etc.)

There is also lack of awareness on the part of the government leadership on the

numerous laws dealing with environmental protection. Almost all laws are passed by Congress

without an adequate information and communications program.

Thus there is no political will on the part of the governmental leadership to comply and

enforce basic environmental and sustainable development laws.

Sometimes, even with knowledge of the importance of environmental concerns and of

the relevant laws, neglect, patronage, and corruption come in the way of compliance and

enforcement.

The situation above prevails in many countries, especially in “less-consuming countries”

(a.k.a. so-called developing countries)

The idea of an environmental compliance audit was born out of frustration by a

lawyer/author who has written an 850 page book on Philippine Environmental Law and realized

that not even one per cent of the some 130 laws are being implemented.

This novel idea seeks to ensure that:

Environmental concerns are brought to the attention of the local and national political

leaders concerned

They are addressed with sufficient seriousness and determination

Public officers tasked to implement, comply and enforce the Law are held accountable

for their inability or unwillingness to comply with the relevant environmental laws.

Republic Act 9003 known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000 along with

other city ordinances regarding solid waste management (e.g. segregation, recycling and

reusing) are among the prevailing laws and regulations in compliance with the Philippine

Environmental Law.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The environmental condition of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has always been

the concern of each and every person involved in the university; from the administration down

to the maintenance personnel. A university cannot function well with an unhealthy

environment for it causes much problem to all the people in the university. Because of this,

environmental audits should always be done to ensure the quality of the environment that the

university has.

Every college in the university contributes to a great number of wastes generated per

day, whether it is solid or liquid waste. But the ways on how the wastes are disposed were not

really specified by the different colleges. Laboratories of different colleges, specifically College

of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Science, and College of Physical Therapy generates

not just ordinary wastes such as cadavers, chemicals, dissected animals, etc. As a result, there is

much concern on how the colleges dispose such wastes and the conditions of the environment

within the vicinity of PLM.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Every educational institution is working its way in uplifting the quality of teaching; this is

done by securing that students are given attention needed under their respective colleges. By

requiring the professors and instructors the desired units of masters is another. These are just

some observed rules in order to augment the knowledge and expertise in the field. Eventually

students are equipped with the skills and become well-versed in their fields under every degree

program offered by an educational institution. Lessons, books, modules and the like do

contribute to the students, but are short to be used as gauge and basis of learning. The quality

of the environment is one indicator if the students are offered with the atmosphere conducive

for studying.

The environment within the vicinity/premises of the school can never be set aside.

Learning comes when understanding establish its place in the mind and imbibed for application.

The quality of environment matters to everyone especially when concentration is needed.

Further, the health of the concerned people in the campus should precede the excellence that

every educational institution is after with. Conversely, clean and convenient surroundings yield

excellence among students.

A clean workplace is desirable and result to good outcome. Laboratory works such as in

Chemistry (chemical analysis), Biology and Medicine (dissection of cadaver and specimen)

among others. Laboratory workplace should be secured contaminants-free and pollutants-free

to get the wanted results. The emissions coming from the cars parked that might mix with the

air inhaled by the students are also to be determined.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila embodied in itself the word excellence, is sought

after with an environmental check/audit.

OBJECTIVES

This research study tackling an environmental check/audit is anchored with the

following objectives.

To carry out an environmental check/audit per college and related offices, if the

standard of cleanliness is achieved and well-implemented in their area of responsibility.

To know their waste disposal procedures especially colleges with laboratory operations.

To assess the concern colleges’ part /contribution in the maintenance of PLM

vicinity/premises as student-friendly.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This research includes only the environmental check, waste disposal management and

maintenance of PLM vicinity as student-friendly and conducive for learning. An environmental

audit is done per college and assess if the criteria is met.

This research study is limited with the tests as determinant for the presence of trace

elements in excess in the water system of the college with laboratory subjects. Further, the

determination of the quality of odor, condition of air, and the presence of pollutant in excess

are excluded.

Centred on the quality of PLM environment through the environmental audit, criteria

written therewith is being followed. Other materials and sources (primary and secondary) that

the researchers think are of less importance in conducting the study are deemed unnecessary.

METHODOLOGY

OCCULAR INSPECTION AND INTERVIEWS

For the purposes of environmental auditing of the university, evaluation of laboratories

as well as waste discarding spot of different Colleges was conducted. To intensify the

environmental assessment modified multi-step stratified data gathering procedure method was

used in the conduct of information gathering. Included in such procedures were ocular

inspections of the site, which also includes medical, solid and chemicals wastes disposing site, in

addition to checking of the proper compartment of chemicals used by students in some of their

subjects requiring laboratory plus interview with Engr.Rolando Marasigan, head of PDSPO and

the laboratory personnel.

Interviews were done using questions that were formulated by the researchers. These

Questions addressing to the respective deans and laboratory personnel are embark upon the

evaluation of the laboratory and disposal site located to the area where they were primarily be

connected with.

a. OCULAR INSPECTION

The researchers visited the Laboratories and disposing sites for the purpose of

assessing the safety and order of the place based on the researchers’ perspective.

Cleanliness and hygiene was also subjected to appraisal but limited to some areas

where students are non-permissible. Part of the inspection is to check the proper

placing of materials which include in laboratory room, laboratory equipment and the

proper compartment of chemicals.

The place for setting out the non-working school property, dented Equipment,

municipal waste, and used chemicals were also considered. The distance where these

materials discarded was also pleasing into consideration as well as the manner they are

being dumped. The presence of warning signs that promotes safety, welfare and order

of the laboratory were also scrutinized.

b. FIELD INTERVIEWS

Authorized personnel were interviewed to provide information regarding the

proper waste disposal in the entire university, as well as the laboratory maintenance.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

INTERVIEW:

As the principal method in gathering information, interview with the head of PDSPO was

conducted, since it is the office responsible for all the waste disposal management in the

university. In line with this, Engr. Marasigan gave reliable information on how our university

handles the proper waste management. According to him, our university follows the Clean Air

Act. First is the process of Waste Segregation, wherein the biodegradable and non-

biodegradable materials are separated in different containers, black for biodegradable and

green for non-biodegradable. The purpose of it is to separate and obtain the recyclable

materials that can be sold like plastics and plastic bottles, the janitors are the ones making the

solution to lessen the number of wastes in our university. At the back of the gym, there is a

Waste Storage house constructed, wherein the garbage are placed there, every 4 in the

morning the Manila City Hall dump trucks collect the wastes.

“Regarding the cleanliness of the campus, we have 50 janitors and janitress, 25 people

at a time, working inside the university trying to maintain the cleanliness of the whole campus.”

As of now, our university is not violating any law regarding waste disposal and our campus is

doing fine.

One of the researchers asked, if the PSDPO is cooperating with the College of Science

regarding their laboratory waste disposal, he said that the chemicals disposed are non toxic,

because it is somehow diluted so it’s already safe to discharge directly to the drainage. So, he

believed that we’re not using toxic compounds and chemicals like for example the formalin,

which is not harmful waste since it is already diluted upon disposal.

On the other hand, the disposal of cadavers is also discussed. According to him, there

are proper or systematic ways to dispose cadavers; they are not disposed that easy, a cadaver

cannot be disposed without the knowledge of the Manila City Hall. There is a process for

disposing cadavers, for it reflects our respect to the dead bodies. The university is not throwing

the dead body in a garbage can, it is buried. There is a cadaver house at the back of the gym,

where the bodies are well preserved and when the cadaver is burned with formalin, and can no

longer be studied by the Medicine students then that is the time when the cadaver can be

disposed or buried after undergoing an appropriate process.

Environmental Law is also applicable in PLM, since we are a part of this country; the

Environmental Policy applies to all of the covered places and municipalities of the Philippines.

The chemicals used in the laboratory of the campus actually contributes to the air

pollution, since the pollution emitted by the chemicals once it is opened is diluted with air, it is

somehow reduced and partially disappear, thus not affecting the whole campus. For non air

conditioning rooms, there are several ventilation or open windows so that air can circulate

through the area. In addition, the university has ventilating fans, wherein the chemicals emitted

are mixed with air, so there is a reduction of whatever toxic substances present in the air.

“Dilution is the key to pollution.” This is the primary idea why the management need to

employ ventilation in the area affected by the gasified chemicals. A minimal concentration of

these toxic chemicals may be declared as safe.

Also, we placed flowering plant all throughout the university to neutralize the pollution

for we all know that these plants absorbs carbon dioxide which is a pollutant in the

atmosphere.

“Discipline must be observed by the people of this university to maintain its cleanliness.

It has to start from the simple and proper solid waste disposal up to the proper drainage of the

use chemicals by the students during their laboratory practice.”

Laboratory Inspection

Ocular inspection was done to scrutinize

College of Medicine

Laboratory facilities in particular microscopes, chairs

and tables are in great conditions and are properly arranged

Lavatories are preserved although there are some

stains caused maybe by chemicals etc.

The do’s and do not’s are posted on the walls

Displayed projects are contained in a safe

glass cabinet for safety purposes

They strictly follow proper waste disposal, segregating

biodegradable from nonbiodegradable wastes

Wastes are properly contained in waste bags and these waste

bags are properly arranged in waste storage house

Structural materials are placed in the

warehouse in organized manner

Used flourescent lights dumped at the rear part of Gusaling Bagatsing

College of Science

Laboratory facilities in particular chairs

and tables are in poor conditions

Lavatories are full of stains due to improper waste disposal

Laboratory equipment are in bad conditions

Uneccessary things are everywhere

Unclean drums and containers are everywhere

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Based on the interviews with the Deans of College of Medicine, College of Science, and College

of Physical Therapy; and from the investigations of the laboratories in each college, it is pretty obvious

that there are some positive and negatives outcomes for the conducted research entitled

“Environmental Audit 2009 of Colleges of Medicine, Science, and Physical Therapy in Pamantasan ng

Lungsod ng Maynila” .

For the positive outcomes, it is seen that proper signage on waste disposal are

posted not only in the laboratories but also in the vicinity of the campus. The signage

indicated what type of garbage or wastes are to be disposed in the respective

containers.

Segregations are implemented for solid waste disposal. This is evident through the use

of different containers for biodegradable and non-biodegradable as well as plastic

wastes.

Environmental Laws are implemented around the campus. Like for example, smoking is

not allowed while inside the campus.

The Waste Storage house served as a collector and storage of the solid wastes before

the Manila City hall dump trucks pick the garbage of the campus, so that it will not be

seen and scattered around the campus.

Like other conducted research, there are some possible negative outcomes or facts that are

revealed as the study went through.

No other waste water treatment is used. It is evident in the improper disposal of used

chemicals from the laboratory works of the students.

Some hazardous wastes, like fluorescent lamps at the back of Gusaling Bagatsing, are

not properly disposed. These can result to accident or clogging of water pathway.

Dilution is used in laboratory chemicals to lower the concentration before disposing it

directly from the laboratories which can also result to clogging.

Some students are not following the implemented Laws and Regulations on proper

disposal around the campus.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Environmental Awareness

In order to create environmental awareness amongst staffs of the College of Medicine,

College of Science and College of Physical Therapy it is recommended that the university

administration through Physical Development and Special Projects Office should play a leading

role in emphasising the importance of observing environmentally sound practices and in

particular in management of medical, chemical and solid wastes. Through its routine waste

disposal management, it should incorporate environmental issues so as to increase

environmental awareness. PDSPO should encourage all colleges, especially those with

laboratory facilities, in the university to access and adhere to the environmental regulations in

place, since it is charged with the responsibility of monitoring the proper waste disposal in the

entire university.

Risk Evaluation

In order to mitigate the risks associated with medical, chemical and solid wastes, it is

important that management should always try to identify and assess the nature of the risks

involved and then try to devise ways and means of managing those risks. Currently there have

not been any attempts to identify the risks posed by medical waste a fact which contributes to

it being not given the attention it deserves.

Policies and Strategies

As already pointed out, a draft National Hospital Policy is available. It is important that

the environmental sections of the policy are drafted which will address issues to do with

medical waste management. The individual hospitals can then base on this national policy to

make their own policies to be followed by staff in the respective hospitals.

Internal Waste Management Systems

It is important that management of the individual hospitals set up strict internal waste

management systems with clear duties and responsibilities to all concerned. This way, it will

always be possible to identify which individual has failed to perform his or her assigned

responsibilities.

Increased Monitoring

Increasing monitoring by the ministry staff, NEMA staff and the district environmental

officers can also help in guiding management of individual hospitals in areas they are found to

be lacking. The interaction between the monitoring staff and hospital staff will also increase

environmental awareness and possibly lead to adherence to environmental laws and

regulations, thus contributing to conservation of our environment.