Surigao ports conduct air and noise tests
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao, a recipient of the 2023 Green Port Award System (GPAS), marked the National Clean Air Month by conducting an Ambient Air Quality and Noise Level Test at two of its busiest port in Surigao City – the Port of Surigao and the Lipata Ferry Terminal.
This initiative was administered by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the peak operational hours on November 27, 2023.
The testing, aligned with the DENR-EMB's "Circular Actions for Climate Hope,” involved the collection of samples. These samples will undergo laboratory testing for Total Suspended Particulates and Particulate Matter 10 (PM10).
During the previous ambient air quality tests on April 18, 2023, PMO Surigao demonstrated adherence to environmental standards. In the operational areas of the Port of Surigao, one hour total suspended particulates (TSP) measured 15 micrograms per cubic meter (Β΅g/NCM) at Gate 5 and 16.1 Β΅g/NCM at Gate 1.
Both figures were notably below the DENR's permissible limit of 300 Β΅g/NCM. Additionally, ambient noise levels at the port were found to be well within the acceptable range.
In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1109, series of 1997, which designated November as "Clean Air Month through National Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Consciousness," and Republic Act No. 8749, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the month-long observance aims to raise awareness and encourage positive actions from the motoring public to contribute to improved air and noise quality. (PPA-PMO-Surigao/PIA- Surigao del Norte)