Bulacan bans induction furnace in steel production

The local government of Sta. Maria, Bulacan has prohibited the use of environmental hazard induction furnaces in the production of steel in the area. 

Signed by Mayor Bartolome Ramos, Ordinance No. 704 mandates the modernization of steel plants and metal smelting activities in the municipality to protect the environment and ensure the health and welfare of the community. 

According to Ramos, this initiative is a testament to the local government's commitment to protect the environment and his constituents against the hazards brought by highly polluting activities. 

''While we want investors to come in, we also need to make sure that their operations are not harmful to the environment and the health of our constituents,” Ramos said in a press release issued Thursday. 

Section 13 of the said ordinance prohibited the use of induction furnaces and gave steel plants six months to shift to a ''more advanced and eco-friendly technology'' when it comes to their metal smelting and production.

“Binibigay ng palugit na anim na buwan ang mga kasalukuyang planta ng bakal upang isagawa ang rehabilitasyon at pagpapabuti ng kanilang pollution device control (An extension of six months is given to the existing steel plants to carry out the rehabilitation and improvement of their pollution control devices),” the ordinance read.

The ordinance was approved to reduce, if not totally eliminate, air pollution in Sta. Maria, brought about by the operation of steel plants and other industries in the municipality.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News