DENR lifts cease to operate order vs. Monterrazas

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

(Photo grabbed from Monterrazas de Cebu/facebook)

MANILA – The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 7 (Central Visayas) on Saturday confirmed it has lifted the cessation of operations order (CDO) against the Monterrazas development in Cebu.

EMB-7 Regional Director John Edward Ang said the order was lifted on the basis of “documented remedial works, compliance milestones and settlement of penalties” by the project proponent, The Mont Property Group, Inc.

The group, Ang said, has constructed and enhanced 23 detention ponds with a combined capacity of approximately 52,468 cubic meters.

The ponds are engineered to contain and regulate surface runoff, attenuate peak flows, and help mitigate potential flooding impacts on downstream communities.

On-site inspections, the EMB said, also verified pond excavation, embankment stabilization, inlet and outlet control structures, sediment traps, and site stabilization measures such as vegetative cover and erosion-control blankets.

“While the structural measures represent a meaningful step toward reducing flood risk, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure long-term effectiveness,” Ang said.

The group, on the other hand, was instructed to submit as-built drawings, operation and maintenance plans, and hydrologic monitoring data, and to conduct regular maintenance schedules for sediment removal, vegetation management, and structural inspections.

“EMB Region 7 recognizes the importance of timely remedial action to protect communities and the environment,” Ang said as quoted in a news release.

“The detention ponds and associated measures represent a meaningful step toward mitigating flood risk, but continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure long-term effectiveness.”

EMB-7 said it would continue monitoring the detention ponds’ performance during rainfall events and review hydrologic data submitted by the proponent.

Should monitoring reveal deficiencies or insufficient capacity under extreme conditions, the bureau said it would require additional mitigation measures and set timelines for corrective action.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources last year launched a full investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu development amid mounting environmental concerns and reports of flooding and soil movement in the area.