CASE STUDY #1: AN ISLAND FIRESTORM

The case is all about the development of a beautiful island discovered way back 1970. In an approximately 26 years; development took place leading it to be a tourist spot. However, as time went by, problems were also noticed, such as (1) improper solid and liquid waste disposal, (2) ground water contamination, (3) the sea became unsafe and (4) presence of coliform bacteria.

Coliform are broad class of bacteria found in the environment, including feces of man and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of coliform bacteria may indicate a possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms.

These issues brought by the development were alarming to the local officials because the waters of the island are not safe anymore. It can also cause an economic downturn to the locals knowing that it is already an international tourist destination.

The cover-up of the local official about lifting up the ban for swimming was not a good move. Yes, as long as the level of fecal coliform bacteria is slow, swimming is relatively safe. However, coliform bacteria can multiply rapidly, especially when the temperature is warm, thus increasing the level of coliform. Once the coliform increases to a point where water is considered contaminated, swimming should be banned.

The officials also had some lapses on this environmental disaster because (1) 201 of 207 resorts do not have environmental clearance, (2) 21 of 23 imposed conditions on sanitation, garbage and water disposal were violated, and (3) monitoring of the coliform count on the water samples was not in time or late.

If I were the official concerned after knowing the findings of the chemist is a cause for action; to wit:

(1) Every resort shall apply or have an environmental clearance before operating. This is necessary to ensure that the ecology of the area is not disturbed. Each resort should have a proper detail of their projects like the usage of water and energy at the resort; their impact on the water and air, transportation, solid waste and its mitigation steps and most especially the health and well-being of the workers. If a certain resort continues to operate without the clearance, they will be sanctioned.

 (2) Proper information dissemination about health and sanitation and proper waste disposal will be realized to educate the locals. The presence of coliform bacteria will not necessarily make you ill but since these organisms are present, other disease-causing organism may be present, which causes the illness. This risk dictates that water must be boiled to kill the organisms before drinking or one option is to also obtain bottled water from a safe source which is separated from sources of contamination on a temporary basis. Bathing should pose no risk, although reasonable care should be taken to insure that children do not swallow water by sucking on washcloths or sponges.

These precautions should be taken if the water smells or tastes unusual. If test results confirm that there is still a problem, locals should continue with precautions until subsequent test results show absence of bacterial contamination. Banning tourist from swimming will also be implemented to avoid further complications.

(3) Have the officials, volunteers and the locals inspect the surrounding areas for sources of pollution such as garbage, animal pens, barns and agricultural areas (including home garden). The beach and other publicly used recreational areas should be tested at least once a week. Additional testing may be warranted after floods or periods of heavy rain when swimming areas are more vulnerable to runoff contamination. Locals with pond or swimming hole should test for water quality periodically throughout the summer months. Drinking water taken from well or springs should be tested for coliform once a year.

Yes, these actions can take a while and can cause a delay especially with the economy of the community but to take a strong consideration of the health and wellness of the people, these actions should be properly taken care of. Tourism versus health; health should always come first. If everything continues to be normal, then we can lift the ban and we can take this beautiful island back to where it is supposed to be, an international tourist spot.

Our environment is a place where we live as well as plants and animals live and keeping it clean and neat is our main responsibility. By implementing on it, we can reduce pollution, get fresh air, live peacefully and can continue our livelihood without posing any problems in the future.