What is dolomite sand, and how it will affect Manila Bay?

The dumping of the artificial white sand along Manila Baywalk has caused The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources to be backfired. It was defended by the government by saying that
the project will “signify cleanliness. Following reports reveals that the Cebu province did not
greenlight the extraction, but it was the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau that did.

The Oceans Philippines, an environmental group warned the government authorities that early on tat
they could be destroying the natural ecosystem of Manila Baywalk. Concluding that the sand does not
naturally occur from the area and can cause major damage on the bay as well as the source of the
dolomite. Marine scientist Diovanne de Jesus concluded that the dolomite could cause hazards to the
marine life. The Lehigh Hanson Inc., also had the same finding - allowing the sand into water can
increase total suspended particlulate (TSP) be harmful to aquatic life.

On the other note, The DENR claims the artificial white sand (Dolomite) will not disrupt the bay’s
ecosystem. Benny Antiporda, DENR’s Undersecretary have a word said in a PhilStar.com report
“Kami sa DENR pinag-aralan natin 'yan. In the first place 'yung mga ginamit d'yan, especially
'yung sand, 'yung dolomite boulders na 'yan it contains calcium carbonate and if you will look sa
corals, calcium carbonate din. So it will not disrupt the coastal ecosystem."

Greenpeace campaigner and Oceans researcher Sonny Batungbacal stated the dolomite sand
projects environmental impact by highlighting ithe importance of conducting and disclosing it to
the public, required under the environmental laws. The project of DENR was slammed by various
groups, saying it was aesthetic target over the existing environmental concerns that the Manila
Bay already tackles. Some raised concerns due to the fact that the project was prioritized amidst
the coronavirus pandemic.

Yan Genterola Page 1