ANTI-SMOKE BELCHING PROGRAM

RATIONALE

The present air pollution concentration levels in the Freeport are well-within standards. However, rapid industrial development in the area threatens its clean environment. Mobile sources, i.e. motor vehicles, are the main generators of smoke emissions in the Freeport, accounting for almost 61% of the total air pollution concentration levels. Vehicular traffic density in the Freeport is expected to grow with industrial development. Records show that in 2007 there were 7,089 MVRO-registered (Motor Vehicle Registration Office) vehicles plying the Freeport’s road. In 2006, there were 7,912 compared to 7,032 vehicles in 2005. These figures do not include visitors’ vehicles and those vehicles in transit to Olongapo, Zambales, Bataan and other areas. It is important that the emission levels within the Freeport are kept within the emission standards to protect the health of the people and the environment.

II. Goal

To maintain the Subic Bay Freeport free from air pollution.

III. Objectives
Through awareness campaign and education, institution building and enforcement, Ecology Center will endeavor to:
1. sustain government initiatives to implement the provisions of R.A. 8749, otherwise known as the Clean Air Act of 1999.
2. control smoke-belching motor vehicles in the Freeport.
3. promote stakeholders’ participation in prevention, control and abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles.

IV. Strategies

For effective pollution management and control, the following strategies and activities will be implemented:
A. Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
An effective and well-coordinated information, education and communication (IEC) program will be developed for stakeholders in the Freeport. The campaign will inculcate environmental awareness and culture of voluntary compliance with environmental regulations among motorists. Through an effective IEC, stakeholders will appreciate why and how environmental regulations should be complied with.


A continuing public information campaign will be conducted by the Ecology Center and concerned SBMA departments. This will include the following:

a) Promotion of the proper maintenance and operation of vehicles by their owners and/or operators, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer;
b) Promotion of the pristine environment of the Freeport.
Different communication methods will be used in educating and raising environmental awareness among various groups in the Freeport. These may be in electronic or printed form such as billboards, newsletters, powerpoint presentations, videos, fact sheets, briefing kits, flyers, and leaflets. Eco-report, the official publication of SBMA on environment will be distributed quarterly to all sectors in the Freeport.
B. Random Vehicle Emission Testing
Random vehicle emission testing will be undertaken by the Ecology Center (EC) together with the Transportation and Maintenance Department (TMD) and the Law Enforcement Department (LED) representatives. Together, they will be called the Anti-Smoke Belching Team (ASB Team) and will be composed of 6 members (2 from EC, 2 from TMD, and 2 from LED). The random roadside inspection (RRI) will be undertaken on motor vehicles with visible emission. The ASB Team will use a portable emission test equipment for this purpose. The inspection is applicable to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, both SBMA and non-SBMA. Listed below are locations of the monitoring stations which will be randomly selected for on-the spot roadside emission testing of vehicles. These are general locations; specific areas will vary to mislead escaping smoke belchers.

  1. Tipo Expressway
  2. Maritan Highway
  3. Cubi Housing
  4. Binictican Housing
  5. Argonaut Highway
  6. Rizal Highway
  7. Corregidor Highway
  8. Kalayaan Housing
C) Mandatory Vehicle Emission Testing
Mandatory vehicle emission testing shall be conducted on all vehicles utilized by SBFZ locators and service contractors. They shall submit their vehicle to the Ecology Center for emission test prior to recommendation for approval of their Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption. A valid emission test result from certified test centers may be submitted for emission test exemption. SBMA vehicles are not exempted from the mandatory vehicle emission testing.

D) Institutional Capacity Building
The implementation of the Anti-Smoke Belching Program and the conduct of effective IEC in the Freeport will be dependent on the capability of SBMA through the EC, TMD, and the LED to undertake the aforementioned activities. Building up capabilities of these departments on resource conservation, environmental education, communication, and specialized technical skills means the provision of sufficient manpower, material and financial resources to the Ecology Center and LED.

These could be achieved through:
  1. Establishment of a distinct Anti-Smoke Belching Team in the Freeport;
  2. Provision of training to EC, TMD, and LED personnel on the above-mentioned areas; and
  3. Allocation of sufficient financial support for the program by the SBMA management.

V. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Ecology Center:
  1. Adopt emission standards set by the DENR;
  2. Provide equipment and technical manpower;
  3. Establish a cooperative effort with concerned agencies to effectively implement the program;
  4. Require locators and service contractors to secure clearance from the EC for their vehicles to comply with emission regulations and the provisions of the Clean Air Act; and
  5. Disseminate information and conduct educational awareness campaigns on the effects of air pollution from motor vehicles on health and the environment, with particular emphasis to the concerns on climate change
B. Law Enforcement Department:
  1. Assist the Ecology Center in randomly checking motor vehicles for smoke belching;
  2. Disseminate information and conduct educational awareness campaigns on the effects of air pollution from motor vehicles on health and the environment, with particular emphasis to the concerns on climate change;
  3. Apprehend motorists in heavy smoke-belching vehicles; and
  4. Provide manpower to assist in the Program.
C. Transportation Department:
  1. Conduct regular maintenance on all SBMA vehicles
  2. Test and repair SBMA vehicles which failed to meet emission standards;
  3. Provide manpower to assist in the Program.