CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit of Catarman will start construction of a septage treatment plant in Sitio, Banihit, Brgy. Cal-igang after its groundbreaking ceremony on January 25.

Ms. Luz D. Doroga, municipal environment and natural resources officer, said the septage treatment plant will protect public health and environment from the disturbance and effects of fecal material as well as ensure separation of solid and liquid matter, proper treatment and safe disposal of waste.

According to Doroga, the construction of a lagoon type septage treatment plant to include 2 units desludging trucks will cost P25 million. Engineering works is expected to finish within 270 days.

The construction will include operational septage treatment facility with reinforced concrete receiving tank (7m x 7m x 3m), anaerobic pond (10m x 10m x 3m), primary facultative pond (10m x 10m x 1.5m), secondary facultative pond, primary maturation pond (5m x 20m x 1.5m), secondary facultative pond, filtration pond (gravel, sand & coal), disinfection pond, drying pond, wetland, fish pond, landscaping, and two units of desludging truck, she said.

The construction of the facility will help reduce pollution, expedite the provision of sewerage and sanitation services in the area.

In a related development, LGU Catarman has already constructed its sanitary landfill with an area of 38,094 square meters with a capacity of 50,000 tons.

It is expected to be used for 15 years which is located at Sitio Banihit, Brgy. Caligang, Catarman. (LDL/TBC/PIA Northern Samar)