Rules on New Effluent Standards in Laguna Bay

Implements specific provisions of the DAO, notably the adoption of the new General Effluent Standards (GES).
Effluent discharges must meet standards to maintain Class C water quality in Laguna de Bay Region and Class SB for Manila Bay.
Industries only monitor effluent parameters significant to them, submitting results to LLDA in Self-Monitoring Reports (SMRs).
Wastewater reuse for agriculture requires valid certification from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Effluent monitoring follows the DENR-EMB Effluent Quality Monitoring Manual.

Point sources categorized by Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC, 2009).
Significant parameters determined per industry type listed in Table 8 of the DAO.
LLDA may identify additional parameters based on inspections.
Combined domestic and process wastewater treatment must cover parameters applicable to both.

Establishments with influent BOD ≥3,000 mg/L must submit extensive monitoring data for validation.
Verified strong wastewater discharges must comply with specific effluent standards at all times.
Manila Bay discharges incorporate stricter BOD limits due to environmental classification.
Non-BOD parameters must comply with standards outlined in Table 9.

Requests for modification must be scientifically valid and consistent with RA 9275.
Must submit monitoring data (minimum ten monthly or twelve in six months) as evidence.
LLDA reviews, validates claims, and consults DENR for final action.

If unlisted parameters are found significant, LLDA mandates compliance and notifies establishment.
Establishments can appeal decisions within 15 days.
Parameters absent in wastewater may be excluded upon meeting conditions, including sustained low detection levels and no changes in processes.
Continued notification to LLDA needed upon technological or raw material changes.

Establishments may request up to five years grace period with a Compliance Action Plan (CAP).
Grounds for grace include stricter standards or new significant parameters.
CAP must detail establishment info, justification, wastewater characterization, treatment facilities, planned upgrades, timeline, and costs.
CAP submissions due at least three months before discharge permit expiration.
During grace, DAO 1990-35 standards apply, with moratorium on penalties except for violations under DAO 1990-35.
Progress reports required annually; failure to report may lead to revocation.
Extensions possible but total grace period not beyond five years.

Violations result in fines ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 200,000 per day, increasing 10% every two years for inflation.
Additional penalties under LLDA Board Resolution No. 404, s. 2012 apply.
Existing fines do not preclude new fees imposed by the LLDA Board.

Cases involving parameters no longer significant are recommended for dismissal.
Cut-off date for daily penalty and User Fee is the date this IRR takes effect.
Cases with ongoing CAP compliance under DAO 1990-35 remain active until compliance.

Review of these rules scheduled after two years or as needed.
Effective 15 days after publication, website posting, and receipt acknowledgment by ONAR.