WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES IN LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

The study was conducted to determine the wastewater management practices employed by six (6) identified heavy industries in Leyte for Calendar Year 2003 - 2007. Using descriptive method of research, particularly the case study approach, it utilized questionnaire, interview, inspection and document analysis to gather data from 12 pollution control officers or technicians from the industries and two (2) technical personnel from the Environmental Management Bureau of Leyte, Philippines. The Industries produced huge amounts of wastewater, but maintained tolerable levels of wastewater characteristics and water quality after treatment. The quantity of effluent discharges can be tolerable to the environment if their physical and chemical characteristics are within the allowable limits. The tolerability of wastewater effluent characteristics or qualities depends on the suitability of the available treatment technology and facilities. The sustainability of the industrial manufacturing operations depends on the capability of the utilized wastewater treatment facilities and technology to reduce or eliminate hazardous manufacturing by-products. The dynamic leadership of the Pollution Control Officers and full support from the Administration of the Industries could greatly advance the capabilities of their existing wastewater treatment technologies and could prevent the occurrence of wastewater management problems. The quantity of effluent discharges did not measure the wastewater characteristics and qualities. Tolerability of wastewater effluent characteristics and qualities depended on the suitability of selected treatment plant and facilities. Sustainability of the industrial manufacturing operations depended on the capability of the utilized treatment plant type and technology in reducing or eliminating hazardous manufacturing by-products. Dynamic leadership could greatly improve the capabilities of the Industries’ Pollution Control Offices. &nbsp