Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter XVII of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856)

May 27, 2021

REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CHAPTER XVII — "SEWAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL, EXCRETA DISPOSAL AND DRAINAGE" OF THE CODE ON SANITATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (P.D. 856)

To carry out the provisions of Chapter XVII — "Sewage Collection and Disposal, Excreta Disposal and Drainage," these rules and rules are hereby formulated for implementation and strict compliance of all concerned.

SECTION 1. Scope of Application.—

This Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) shall apply to all individuals, households, firms, establishments, industries, institutions, facilities, utilities, public and private operators, owners/administrators, and other entities engaged in the sewage, wastewater, and excreta collection and disposal system. This also applies to those engaged in desludging, collection, handling and transport, treatment, reuse, and disposal of fecal sludge from cesspools, communal septic tanks, Imhoff tanks, sewage treatment plants/facilities, and septage from household septic tanks. Further, the scope of this IRR applies to all local government units for the provision and maintenance of drainage system.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms.—

As used in this RIRR, the following terms shall mean:

2.1 Biodegradability Index — the ratio of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) to determine the capability of the sewage to be degraded biologically.

2.2 Biosolids/Treated Sludge — the dewatered, primarily nutrient-rich organic material generated as a by-product of biological wastewater treatment processes that can be recycled (such as for use as a soil amendment).

2.3 Combined Sewer — a system designed to collect both sewage and stormwater runoff in a single-pipe system to convey to a sewage or wastewater treatment plant.

2.4 Desludger — also known as excavator or service provider engaged in the collection or removal of accumulated septage or fecal sludge from a septic tank and other sewage treatment facility for treatment and reuse or disposal.

2.5 Desludging — the process of removing the accumulated sludge or septage from a septic tank and other sewage treatment facility by pumping out or vacuuming and transporting it to a treatment facility.

2.6 Drainage — a system that deals with surface runoff resulting from rain and conveying it to water bodies.

2.7 Dry Weather Flow — the flow of wastewater in a combined sewer system during dry weather. No storm water is included.

2.8 Engineer — a Sanitary Engineer.

2.9 Environmental Sanitation Clearance — the clearance issued by the Secretary of Health or the duly authorized representative allowing the collection, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal of sewage, fecal sludge, or septage.

2.10 Fecal Sludge — the slurry that contains both solid and liquid wastes that accumulates in an onsite sanitation system. It is a raw or partially digested slurry that results from the collection, storage, or treatment of a combination of excreta and blackwater with or without greywater.

2.11 Greywater — the wastewater from the kitchen, bath and/or laundry.

2.12 Interceptor — a component of a combined sewer network that helps to control the flow coming from the sanitary sewer and/or from stormwater runoff directing it to the wastewater treatment plant.

2.13 Land Application — the spreading, spraying, injection, or incorporation of sewage, sludge, septage, (including material derived from sewage sludge, e.g.,compost and pelletized biosolids) into or below the surface of the land to obtain the soil-enhancing quality of the material.

2.14 Local Health Authority — an official or employee responsible for the application of a prescribed health measure in a local political subdivision. The Local Health Authority at the provincial level is the Governor; the Mayor, for the city or municipality, as the case may be.

2.15 Mobile Sanitary Facilities — refer to air, land, and sea vessels with toilet facilities, such as portalets and chemical toilets.

2.16 Offsite Sanitation — a system of sanitation that is contained outside the lot occupied by the dwelling and its immediate surroundings through sewer line or mobile transport.

2.17 Onsite Sanitation — a system of sanitation that is contained within the lot boundaries occupied by a dwelling. It also includes communal facilities which are self-contained within the site in contrast to sewerage and dry latrines where excreta is removed from the site.

2.18 Pre-Treatment — any component or combination of components that provides treatment of wastewater prior to conveyance to a primary treatment; often, this treatment is designed to meet primary, secondary, tertiary, and/or disinfection treatment standards.

2.19 Primary Treatment — the physical treatment processes involving removal of particles, typically by settling and flotation with or without the use of coagulants (e.g.,a grease interceptor or a septic tank provides primary treatment).

2.20 Safe Distance — an acceptable distance that should be maintained between the sources of water supply and potential sources of contamination.

2.21 Sanitary Engineer — a person in government or private office duly registered with the Board of Examiners for Sanitary Engineers (R.A. 1364).

2.22 Service Providers — those engaged in desludging, collection, handling and transport, treatment, reuse, and disposal of fecal sludge/septage/sewage from containment and treatment facilities.

2.23 Sanitation — the provision of services and facilities for hygiene promotion, prevention of all environmental hazards from human contact, and improvement and control of the environment and factors therein for the protection of health and welfare of the public. For this RIRR, sanitation means management of human excreta, sewage and wastewater, septage and sludge from households, commercial, and other similar establishments from generation to disposal in order to protect human health.

2.24 Sanitation Inspector — a government official or personnel employed by the national, provincial, city or municipal government, who enforces sanitary rules, laws, and regulations and implements environmental sanitation activities under the supervision of the provincial/city/municipal health officer/sanitary engineer.

2.25 Secondary Treatment — the biological and chemical treatment processes designed to further remove organic matter.

2.26 Septage — the liquid, solid, and semisolid material that results from wastewater pre-treatment in a septic tank, which must be pumped, hauled, treated, and disposed of properly.

2.27 Septic Tank — a watertight rectangular receptacle designed and constructed to receive and partially treat raw wastewater. The tank separates and retains settleable and floatable solids suspended in the raw wastewater. Settleable solids settle to the bottom to form a sludge layer.

2.28 Sewage — a wastewater generated from residential/domestic, commercial, industrial, and institutional sources, including special establishments and health care facilities. It is a combination of greywater, blackwater and/or used liquid wastes containing substances generated from any sources that make the water unfit for intended or beneficial uses; used interchangeably with wastewater.

2.29 Tertiary Treatment — also known as purification process which is used to further reduce or remove contaminants to conform to national standards.

SECTION 3. Onsite Sanitation.—

Where a public sewerage system is not available, sewage/wastewater from residences and other establishments shall be discharged into a septic tank or sewage treatment system to be constructed in accordance with the provisions under this Section.

3.1 HOUSE/BUILDING SEWER

Sewage from households and other establishments shall be conveyed through the house/building sewer into the containment facility, i.e.,septic tank, sedimentation tank for primary treatment, or to any point of discharge. The following criteria shall be considered in the installation of the house/building sewer:

3.1.1 The size of any house sewer shall be determined on the basis of the total number of fixture units and/or water consumption and volume of wastewater per household drainedby such sewer. Minimum size shall not be less than 100 mm. (4 in.) in diameter.

3.1.2 Any pipe materials approved by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

3.13 Installation of house or building sewer shall be in accordance with the procedures stated in Annex A (House/Building Sewer Installation).

3.2 SANITARY PRIVIES

Sanitary privy is a structure for the reception, disposition, and storage of excreta or fecal sludge or sewage from households and other establishments. It shall consist of super, mid, and substructure facilities and shall conform to the following minimum requirements:

3.2.1 For non-water carriage or a toilet facility that requires no amount of water necessary to wash the waste into receiving space (i.e.,Ventilated Improved Pit or VIP latrine)

a. It shall be located within a safe distance from any source of water supply and should not be located in any area with high groundwater table as certified by the local health office.

b. It shall consist of an earthen pit, a floor covering the pit, and a toilet bowl. It shall be so constructed in order that fecal matter and urine will be deposited into the earthen pit which shall be completely flyproof. The earthen pit described here pertains to compact soil in order to prevent possible cave-in or erosion. Otherwise, shoring or a necessary similar structure is required.

c. The pit shall be at least one-meter square with a minimum depth of 1.5 meters from the ground surface.

d. The floor should cover the pit tightly to prevent the entry of flies. It shall be constructed with concrete or other impervious material.

e. The superstructure shall be constructed to provide comfort and privacy for the users of the privy.

3.2.2 For water carriage or a toilet facility that requires water to wash or flush the waste into the receiving space, i.e.,pour-flush toilet, water-sealed toilet, and flush-type toilet

a. The water-sealed bowl shall be installed on the floor to form a water-tight and insect-proof joint.

b. The substructure in the form of a septic tank or any approved sewage containment and treatment system from the existing guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH) shall be constructed to contain sewage or blackwater.

c. No toilet facility shall be constructed without the appropriate sewage containment, such as septic tank or any sewage treatment system, approved by the DOH.

3.2.3 For other types of toilet facilities from air, land, and sea vessels used for special events or emergencies and other purposes (e.g.,chemical toilet, portalet, or container toilet).

a. For temporary facilities used for special events or emergencies, an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC) that is valid for not more than six (6) months or for the duration of the event shall be required.

b. For toilet facilities from air, land, and sea vessels, excreta shall be managed in accordance with Section 4 (Offsite Sanitation of this RIRR).

c. In difficult areas (i.e.,coastal, etc.) where containment facilities similar to portalet or chemical toilet are used, this will be allowed provided that the following conditions are satisfactory complied with:

i. Containment facilities are installed within the service area of the service provider or treatment facility.

ii. Excreta and waste are collected, treated, and disposed of in accordance with this RIRR.

3.3 SEPTIC TANK

Septic tank is a sewage containment and treatment structure constructed or installed in individual households/single dwellings, a cluster of households, or any establishments specified in Section 1 of this RIRR and shall be constructed in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

3.3.1 It shall be generally rectangular in shape and must have a minimum of two compartments. The first compartment shall have a capacity of two-thirds of the total volume of the tank.

3.3.2 It shall be watertight and built of concrete, whether precast or poured in place. Concrete blocks may be used provided that water proofing is applied, such as plastering, as stipulated in the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP).

3.3.3 It shall not be constructed under any building and shall be within safe distance from any source of water supply identified or determined by a Registered Sanitary Engineer of the Local Health Office.

3.3.4 Roof drains, foundation drains, area drains, or cistern overflows must not enter the septic tank or any part of the sewage treatment system.

3.3.5 Other requirements for the installation/construction of the septic tank, such as septic tank capacity, inlet and outlet, tank proportions, inspection manholes, construction methodology and plans, locations, operation, and maintenance are stipulated in the DOH AO No. 2019-0047 (National Standard on the Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Septic Tanks) and its Operating Procedures.

3.3.6 The size and volume of the septic tank can be designed based on the volume of sewage generated and can be modified to increase the treatment efficiency. The following are types of septic tanks:

a. Individual/Single Dwelling Septic Tank.This facility can accommodate a maximum of 10 persons or 1.89 m³ of sewage per day.

b. Communal Septic Tank.This is a central sewage disposal system which can accommodate a minimum of 11 persons and a maximum of 100 persons or 18.92 m³ of sewage per day. This is technically preferable for reasons of site limitations, facilitating construction, maintenance, or future connection to public sewers or sewerage system.

c. Modified Septic Tank.This is an alternative onsite sanitation technology whose parts, materials, and components are modified by adding or adjusting features to increase the sewage treatment efficiency.

The design of other sewage containment structures in terms of size, shape, or materials shall be in accordance with Section 3.4 (Emerging Sewage Treatment Technology).

3.4 EMERGING SEWAGE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY

The emerging sewage treatment technologies are those facilities whose design parameters, operating data, treatment efficiency performance, and experience are not well established. Therefore, the expected performance of any new onsite sewage treatment/disposal system shall be based upon experience at similar full-scale installations or thoroughly documented prototype testing with the particular wastewater. Critical parameters for these units are dependent upon the manufacturers' designs, materials, configuration, control systems, and associated appurtenances.

Proposals on the emerging sewage treatment technologies shall be reviewed and approved by the DOH. Performance data from similar treatment technologies may be utilized in the case of new systems. However, a thorough investigation that is adequately documented shall be provided to the reviewing authority to establish the reliability and applicability of such data. The review, assessment, and evaluation procedures are described in Section 10.4 (Sanitation Technology Verification Clearance).

SECTION 4. Offsite Sanitation.—

4.1 SEWAGE, SEPTAGE, AND FECAL SLUDGE

The proper management of sewage, septage, and fecal sludge is vital to public health and the environment. Sewage, septage, and fecal sludge must be collected and transported to sewage and/or septage treatment facilities before these can be discharged to water bodies or land, or reused.

4.1.1  SEWAGE/WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

a. Sewage/Sewerage Lines. These refer to a network of sewer pipelines designed to convey sewage and wastewater to a treatment facility. It shall be watertight and free of cracks and faulty seals to avoid large amount of infiltration and inflows.

i. All houses, buildings, and other establishments within 100-meter radius shall be connected to the sewer in areas where the sewerage system is available.

ii. For other establishments that generate wastewater as described in Section 6 (Special Establishments),provision of pre-treatment system in accordance with Section 6.3 (Pre-Treatment and Treatment) shall apply.

iii. Outfalls discharging effluent from a treatment plant shall be carried to the channel of the stream where the outlet is discharged. This shall be done in a manner that will not affect the quality of the water body or will conform to the classification of the receiving water body. In cases of deep sea water disposal, the dispersion model may be used in determining the influence of movement or transport of pollutant.

iv. Sewerage lines must be leakfree and shall be maintained in a sanitary and serviceable condition.

b. Sewage Treatment. Sewage treatment generally involves the following stages of treatment — preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment. The treatment process can involve physical, chemical, or biological processes or a combination of these processes depending on the required effluent standards. A generalized layout of a sewage treatment plant is shown in Figure 1 (Typical Sewage Treatment Plant Flowchart).

It shall be designed and constructed according, but not limited, to the following requirements:

i. The location of the sewage treatment shall be consistent with the Approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the local government unit (LGU).

ii. The facility shall not be constructed within known active faults and shall be evaluated for the presence of geologic hazards, foundation stability, and hydrogeologic character.

iii. The sewage treatment facility shall be located at a distance of at least 100 meters away from the nearest downwind community and shall be equipped with odor control measures/devices.

iv. The design, plan, and construction shall be approved and supervised by a Registered Sanitary Engineer.

v. The facility must have an in-house water (effluent) quality monitoring system based on the established treatment plant operational parameters.

vi. Laboratory facilities for control tests and other examinations for the operation of facility must be provided.

4.1.2  SEPTAGE AND FECAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT

Septage and fecal sludge management is integral to safe sanitation practices and must be done to protect public health and the environment. Collection and treatment of the accumulated septage, fecal sludge, or excreta shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the DOH.

a. Collection and Transport. Septage, fecal sludge, and excreta collected from any mobile or stationary toilet and sewage treatment facilities shall be collected and transported in a manner that will prevent public nuisance. An emergency response plan must be provided during the collection and transport. The following conditions shall be strictly observed:

i. The collection vehicle used for the transport of septage, fecal sludge, and excreta should be enclosed with leak-proof body and lock to secure the septage and sludge and should withstand an impact with another vehicle, especially under urban motoring conditions.

ii. In case of accidental spillage, the sewage, sludge, or scum shall be promptly removed or otherwise abated to prevent public nuisance and health hazard.

iii. All vehicles used to transport the material shall be maintained in a clean exterior condition at all times. No defective or leaking equipment shall be used in cleaning operations.

iv. All vehicles or equipment shall be kept in a clean condition when not in use. Water used for rinsing such vehicles or equipment shall be considered sewage and shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner approved by the Local Health Authority.

v. Raw sludge (untreated sludge) can be transported by land to a stationary treatment facility. In case of inter-island transport, a pre-treatment and proper containment of sludge is required.

vi. Collection vehicles should be in good running condition in accordance with the safety standards on roadworthiness of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

vii. The vehicle should be properly marked with the following information:

1. Company name and contact number

2. Logo

3. Body number

4. Markings or signages indicating its content

viii. During the operation, the desludger should carry a manifest form, an ESC, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA),and other related documents.

ix. The transfer of septage and sludge from the original vehicle to another collection vehicle during transport is prohibited. However, when such transfer is unavoidable, transfer techniques, such as loading and unloading, shall be included in the operational process and must be submitted to the DOH-Center for Health and Development (CHD) to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

b. Septage and Fecal Sludge Transfer Station. Transfer stations or underground holding tanks act as intermediate dumping points for fecal sludge when it cannot be easily transported to a treatment facility. A vacuum truck is required to empty transfer stations when these are full. Transfer stations shall be designed and constructed, but not limited to the following requirements:

i. Transfer stations should consist of a parking place for vacuum trucks or sludge carts, a connection point for discharge hoses, and a storage tank.

ii. The dumping point should be built low enough to minimize spills when laborers manually empty their sludge carts.

iii. Transfer stations should include a vent, a trash screen to remove large debris (garbage),and a washing facility for vehicles.

iv. The holding tank must be well-constructed to prevent leaching and/or surface water infiltration.

v. For variations, such as a sewer discharge station (SDS),which is similar to a transfer station but is directly connected to a conventional gravity sewer main, sludge may be emptied and released into the sewer main, either directly or at timed intervals (e.g.,by pumping),to optimize the performance of the sewer and the wastewater treatment plant and to reduce peak loads.

vi. Transfer stations shall be equipped with recording systems to track operation-specific information, such as quantity, input type, and origin, to enable the service provider to plan and adapt to differing loads more accurately.

c. Manifest System. The transport of septage and fecal sludge shall be accompanied by a manifest. A manifest shall contain information such as point of origin, date and time of collection, type of sludge, volume, destination, etc. as indicated in Form 6 (Sludge and Septage Manifest Form).This manifest shall be accomplished in four (4) copies by the desludger and submitted to the following:

i. Household or special and health care establishment

ii. Excavator/Transporter/Desludger

iii. Disposal/Treatment Facility Operator

iv. Local Chief Executive or the duly authorized representative and/or Investment Promotion Areas (e.g.,Special Economic Zone, Philippine Economic Zone Authority or PEZA, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA, Bases Conversion and Development Authority or BCDA, etc.)

d. Septage and Fecal Sludge Processing and Treatment. It is mandatory that septage and fecal sludge shall be processed and treated prior to disposal. In processing and treating domestic sludge and septage, the service provider shall apply the best applicable and cost-effective techniques as approved by the DOH, but not limited to the following:

i. Thickening.This is the physical process of increasing the solids concentration of the sludge to reduce its water content and volume to facilitate the subsequent sludge treatment stages.

ii. Stabilization.This refers to the process of treating septage or sludge through digestion of the biodegradable fraction of the organic matter present to decrease the risk of putrefaction, as well as reduce the concentration of pathogens.

iii. Conditioning.This is the process of adding chemicals, such as coagulants and polyelectrolytes, to increase sludge dewatering capability and improve the capture of solids in the sludge dewatering system.

iv. Disinfection.This is the process of deactivating or destructing pathogenic microorganisms in sludge.

v. Dewatering.This is the removal of water and further reduction of its volume through natural or mechanical processes.

vi. Thermal Treatment.This waste treatment technology uses heat to either remove the water from the sludge (e.g.,heat drying) or reduce the sludge volume by both evaporation of water and destruction of organic matter (e.g.,incineration, pyrolysis, or gasification).

4.2 SANITATION REQUIREMENTS AT TREATMENT AND/OR DISPOSAL SITE

The owner/operator shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of basic sanitation facilities within the treatment and/or disposal site.

4.2.1 Minimum sanitation requirements shall apply to the following facilities:

a. Hand washing facility (1)

b. Water closet (1)

c. Bathroom (1)

d. Drinking fountain (1)

e. Utility sink (1)

f. Ventilation and lighting

g. Flooring and walls shall be made of impervious materials.

h. All appurtenant plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

i. There shall be provision for soap, mirror, and any approved hand-drying material.

j. There shall be adequate and separate change rooms for both male and female users with individual lockers for clothes and personal belongings. The change room shall have a space requirement of at least 1.9 m²/user.

4.2.2 Water supply facilities shall be in accordance with the IRR and Supplemental IRR of Chapter II "Water Supply" of the Code on the Sanitation of the Philippines (PD 856) as to quantity and quality.

4.2.3 There shall be good practice for Solid Waste Management and this shall conform to the provisions of Chapter XVIII "Refuse Disposal" and Republic Act 9003 known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001 and its IRR.

4.2.4 The owner/operator shall establish an approved vermin abatement program to control the infestation of insects and rodents. It shall be in accordance with the IRR of Chapter XVI "Vermin Control" of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (PD 856).

4.2.5 The owner/operator shall provide and institute measures to control odor and other nuisance that may be objectionable and offensive to personnel and the community in accordance with the IRR of Chapter XIX "Nuisances and Offensive Trades and Occupations" of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (PD 856).

4.3 ABANDONMENT

4.3.1 Every abandoned building or house sewer or part thereof shall be plugged or capped within 1.5 meters of the property line.

4.3.2 Every cesspool, septic tank, seepage pit, or any sewage disposal system which has been abandoned or has been discontinued otherwise from further use or to which no waste or soil pipe from a plumbing fixture is connected, shall have the sewage removed therefrom and be completely filled with earth, gravel, concrete, or other approved material.

4.3.3 Every top cover of the cesspool, septic tank, seepage pit, or any sewage disposal system shall be removed before filling and the filling shall not extend above the top of the vertical portions of the sidewalls or above the level of any outlet pipe until inspection has been called. After an inspection by the Local Health Office, the cesspool, septic tank, or seepage pit shall be filled to the level of the top of the ground.

4.3.4 It is unlawful for a person owning or controlling any cesspool, septic tank, seepage pit, or any sewage disposal system on his/her premises, or in that portion of any public street, alley, or other public property abutting such premises to refuse or neglect to comply with the provisions of this Section or upon receipt of notice from the local health authority.

4.3.5 Where disposal facilities are abandoned consequent to connecting any premises with the public sewer, the person making the connection shall conduct remediation measures prior to filling all abandoned facilities within 30 days from the time of connecting to the public sewer.

4.3.6 The proponent must strictly follow the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) requirement on abandonment or submit an abandonment plan to be approved and monitored by the LGU.

SECTION 5. Drainage.—

It shall be the responsibility of every LGU to provide and maintain in a sanitary state and in good repair, a satisfactory system of drainage in all inhabited areas where the treated wastewater from buildings and premises could be emptied without causing nuisance to the community and jeopardizing public health.

5.1 MUNICIPAL/CITY DRAINAGE

5.1.1 Every LGU, upon the effectivity/approval of this RIRR, shall conduct an inventory of all onsite treatment and drainage system facilities.

5.1.2 Every LGU must regularly update the status of connection or interconnection of all establishments and facilities per barangay/locality within their jurisdiction.

5.1.3 All buildings, including special and health care establishments, discharging to the existing drainage system shall conform to pre-treatment effluent standard set by the accepting wastewater treatment facility.

5.1.4 Every LGU shall develop their Approved City/Municipal Drainage Master Plan.

5.2 COMBINED SEWER/DRAINAGE AND SEPARATE SEWER

5.2.1 Storm Drainage

a. No person shall dump or discharge any non-stormwater or pollutant into the municipal stormwater drainage system.

b. Construction, use, maintenance, or continuance of any connection to the municipal storm water drainage system from indoor drains, toilets or which allows discharge of wastewater shall not be allowed.

c. Adequate provisions shall be made to drain rainwater from low areas in buildings and their premises.

d. Obstruction or interference with the normal flow of stormwater into or out of the municipal drain system, unless approved by the City/Municipal Engineer, shall not be allowed.

e. The drainage pipe installation and sewerage system of any premises and/or connection with any public disposal system shall conform to the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

f. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to guard against fouling, deposits of solids, or clogging and shall be with adequate cleanouts in order that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

5.2.2 Sanitary Sewer

a. All liquid wastes, including greywater, must be discharged to the sanitary sewer system.

b. Rainwater/runoff shall not be discharged or allowed to enter the sanitary sewer system.

5.2.3 Combined Sewer

a. Combined sewer shall only be allowed in highly urbanized areas where the carrying capacity of the receiving body of water is still attainable. Under wet weather conditions, the bypass or overflow is allowed when large amount of stormwater would enter the system.

b. Dry weather flow/interceptor shall be installed before the outfalls.

SECTION 6. Special Establishments.—

Establishments, such as market and abattoirs, slaughter houses, dairies, poultries, piggeries, and other facilities generating wastewater, as enumerated in the Department of Agriculture (DA) AO No. 08, series of 1999,including industrial, laundry, mining, hospitals, clinics, funeral parlors, laboratories, schools, hotels, resorts, apartments, condominiums, subdivisions, malls, food and other similar establishments, as identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) AO 2016-08,that require discharge permit shall obtain an ESC and other necessary permits and clearances in accordance with this RIRR.

In areas where sewerage system is not available, all special establishments shall install an onsite treatment facility and the effluent quality must conform to the standards set by the DENR.

6.1 CRITERIA

As defined in these Orders, special establishments are waste generators that produce wastewater which possesses a biodegradability index of values ranging from 0.1 to 1. The wastewater is classified based on the establishment's generated wastewater such as domestic wastewater, commercial wastewater, and industrial wastewater.

6.1.1 Domestic Wastewater. Wastewater generated as a result of the ordinary daily use of domestic premises which can be derived from, but not limited to, dwellings, business buildings, institutions, and the like.

6.1.2 Commercial Wastewater. Wastewater generated from commercial establishments that is similar in composition to domestic wastewater, but which may have one or more of its constituents exceed typical domestic ranges. This can be derived from, but not limited to, restaurants, shopping malls, markets, resorts, beauty salons, and other similar establishments.

6.1.3 Industrial Wastewater. Wastewater generated from any industrial process resulting from industry, manufacture, trade, automotive repair, vehicle wash, business or medical, activity, or any other similar operations that may contain toxic or hazardous constituents.

6.2 CATEGORIES OF WASTE BASED ON BIODEGRADABILITY

The determination of whether liquid waste can be treated by biological process or not is crucial in choosing the appropriate treatment design for an establishment or facility. In this regard, the ratio of BOD5 to COD or Biodegradable Index can be used to determine its biodegradable capacity.

6.2.1 BOD/COD ≥ 0.6 — This means that the wastewater is fairly biodegradable and can be effectively treated biologically.

6.2.2 0.3 < BOD/COD < 0.6 — Seeding is necessary to treat it biologically as the process is slow and so is the acclimation of the microorganisms that will help in the degradation process.

6.2.3 BOD/COD ≤ 0.3 — Wastewater cannot be treated biologically. This is due to the fact that the wastewater generated from these establishments inhibits the activity of microorganisms due to toxicity.

6.3 PRE-TREATMENT AND TREATMENT

Establishments are required to provide pre-treatment and treatment systems in order to reduce the pollution loading of wastewater as defined in this Order and to comply with the effluent and biosolids standards of the DENR and DOH.

6.3.1 Special establishments that engage in food preparation or any activity in which grease is a by-product of production shall provide or install a suitable grease trap/interceptor conforming to the National Plumbing Code of the Philippines.

6.3.2 Special establishments in areas where sewerage system is available shall employ pre-treatment to lower the wastewater strength before discharging to the treatment facility using the wastewater acceptance criteria.

SECTION 7. Health Care Establishments.—

Hazardous health care wastes such as pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals, hormone disruptors, anti-microbial resistant residue, and other infectious materials shall be treated prior to release into the environment. The following conditions shall be strictly observed:

7.1 Chemical wastes, especially photochemical, aldehydes (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde), colorants, and pharmaceuticals, shall be collected and treated in accordance with the provisions of the DENR-DOH Joint Administrative Order 2005-02.

7.2 A grease trap shall be installed to remove grease, oil, and other floating materials from the kitchen wastewater. Collected grease must be removed every 2-4 weeks and must be properly stored and disposed of according to the provisions of Republic Act 9003.

7.3 Blood, collected body fluids, and rinsing liquids from the operating room, clinical laboratory, and the intensive care unit (ICU) shall be treated prior to discharge to the sewer system in reference to the DOH Health Care Waste Management Manual.

7.4 Wastewater from the dental department should be pre-treated by installing amalgam separator or any equivalent pre-treatment devices at the patient treatment chairs.

7.5 Health care facilities may connect to the municipal wastewater treatment provided that pre-treatment has been done for hazardous liquid waste and its characteristics are acceptable to the receiving treatment facility.

7.6 Health care facilities that are not connected to any municipal treatment plant shall operate their own wastewater treatment plants.

7.7 Biosolids or treated sludge generated from an onsite treatment of health care facility sewage that contains high helminths and fecal coliforms shall be treated and shall conform to DOH standards prior to disposal.

7.8 Patients given high doses of radioactive isotope for therapy should use toilet (and septic tank/vault) facilities separate from those used by "non-radioactive" patients.

7.9 Radioactive patients should be instructed to use the same toilet bowl at all times and to flush it at least 3 times after use. Disposal shall be referred to the guidelines of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

7.10 A Health Safety and Management Plan (HSMP) shall be prepared as a guide for risk management for all types of wastes in health care facilities.

SECTION 8. Reuse and Disposal.—

8.1 ONSITE SANITATION

8.1.1  Every new household or other establishment to be constructed shall be provided with a plan and specifications for excreta or sewage disposal system approved by the Local Health Office prior to construction. The city or municipal Building Official shall refer all applications for Sanitary/Plumbing Permit to the Local Health Office for the review of Sanitary Plans and checking of sanitary facilities. The reuse or disposal of excreta, sewage, and septage in an onsite system should conform to the following minimum requirements:

a. The dried fecal sludge or humus of a fully utilized ventilated pit latrine shall be reused or disposed in accordance with the existing national guidelines on safe use and application.

b. The effluent of septic tanks and other onsite sewage disposal system shall be discharged into a subsurface soil or absorption field, where applicable, or shall be treated further with some type of a purification device/process.

c. The treated effluent may be discharged into a sewer/drainage leading to a stream or body of water if it conforms to the effluent quality standards prescribed by the DENR in DAO 2016-08.

d. The design, construction, and location of leaching tile fields and leaching beds are set forth in Annex B (Leaching Tile System).

e. Oils, greases, industrial/commercial liquid wastes, toxic chemicals, and wastewater shall not be discharged to a (leaching field) subsurface sewage disposal system.

f. For onsite sanitation facility that requires septage treatment and disposal, refer to Section 4 (Offsite Sanitation).

g. Other alternative sewage disposal system that utilizes a method of treatment other than a subsurface sewage disposal system (e.g.,sand filtration, chlorination, disinfection, effluent filter, etc.) or those classified as areas of distinct concern must be approved by the DOH.

8.2 OFFSITE SANITATION

The effluent from sewage/septage treatment plant may be discharged into a stream or body of water or reuse provided that it conforms to effluent quality standards prescribed by the DENR. For treated sludge or biosolids, the quality must conform to the standard set by the national government, such as the DA, DOH, DENR, and other agencies.

The specific reuse or application of effluent and biosolids shall be subject to the guidelines to be developed for agricultural and aquaculture purposes, public parks and landscaping, golf courses, domestic (household) landscaping, sanitary landfill cover, firefighting, and sanitation products, such as bricks, which human beings come in close contact with.

8.2.1  TREATED SEWAGE

a. Disinfection of the effluent shall be provided as applicable based on national standards. The design shall consider meeting both the bacterial standards and the disinfectant residual limit in the effluent.

b. Dechlorination process shall apply to the use or disposal of effluent that underwent chlorine disinfection to reduce the toxicity due to chlorine residuals.

c. The proper disposal of treated sewage shall conform to the provisions of this RIRR.

d. The DOH, in coordination with other government agencies, shall develop guidelines on the disposal and use of treated sewage.

e. All effluent discharge must comply with the DENR General Effluent Standard (GES).

8.2.2  TREATED/PROCESSED DOMESTIC SEPTAGE AND FECAL SLUDGE

The treated/processed domestic sludge shall be reused and disposed of through the following options:

a. Landfilling.This process involves co-disposal of domestic sludge with solid waste in a sanitary landfill. For evaluation criteria for sanitary landfill as disposal site for domestic sludge, refer to Annex C.

b. Land Application.This is the process of spreading sludge on or just below the soil subsurface. The sludge may be applied to agricultural land or forest land to facilitate nutrient transport and increase water retention.

i. The application of processed sludge as fertilizer, soil enhancer, and conditioner shall be in accordance with the standards and guidelines set by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the DA.

ii. The application and disposal of treated sludge or biosolids that are not within the scope of the DA should conform to the minimum requirements set by the DOH (i.e.,landscaping, backfilling, soil covering materials, etc.).

iii. The treated sludge can be used as fuel for heat and energy recovery.

c. Other methods for reuse and disposal accepted by the DOH.

SECTION 9. Occupational Health and Safety Plans/Programs.—

9.1 The service provider/operators shall have an Occupational Safety and Health Plan/Program for their personnel in consonance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act of 2017 (RA 11058) and in accordance with the integrated Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-DOH Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

9.2 The operators shall include in their manual of operations the proper and safe operation and maintenance of treatment and disposal facilities for sewage, septage, and domestic sludge.

9.3 The plant operators shall observe and require their personnel to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times during the operation.

9.4 The personnel involved in the operation shall undergo the appropriate training regarding sewage, sludge and septage collection, handling, treatment, disposal, and maintenance of facilities and equipment, including emergency response. The training service provider shall secure approval from the Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB) of the DOH.

9.5 The operator and personnel shall secure a health certificate from the City/Municipal Health Office (CHO/MHO).

SECTION 10. Permits and Clearances.—

This section presents the different environmental and sanitation permits and clearances that project proponents must secure prior to construction of sanitation facilities. Regulatory approvals from the DOH and the local health offices shall be obtained for these permits and clearances.

10.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION CLEARANCE (ESC) FOR SEWAGE, SEPTAGE, AND FECAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT

10.1.1 The ESC is a prerequisite to the issuance of the Sanitary Permit. It shall remain valid unless suspended or revoked by the CHD for violation of any provisions of this RIRR. The following shall secure an ESC:

a. Any individual, firm, or service provider/operator in government or private office, who will be engaged or is currently engaged in the collection/desludging, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal of sewage, sludge, and septage is required to secure an ESC (Form 1) prior to operation from the Secretary of Health or the Director of the concerned Center for Health Development (CHD) as the duly authorized representative

b. Special and health care establishments

c. Operators or firms engaged in the operation of disposal site for treated sludge or biosolids

d. Operators or firms providing sanitation services as described in Section 3.2.3

10.1.2 The minimum requirements for an ESC application are as follows:

a. Project Description (PD).This document discusses and provides information on the operational processes, environmental sanitation, site information, (i.e.,the topography, geological conditions, and hydrology),health and safety management plan, and other relevant requirements as prescribed in Annexes D (Outline Template of PD for Stationary Service Providers) and E (Outline Template of PD for Mobile Service Providers).Attached to the project description is a sworn statement of accountability by the service provider/proponent.

b. Plans and Designs.Any person, government or private entity, firm and/or agency, corporation, institution or local government unit which intends to construct a public sewerage system or sewage treatment plant shall be required to submit plans, designs, and the necessary data and specifications. In case there is an existing one, the as-built plan and specifications shall be submitted. The designs shall be reviewed and approved by a Registered Sanitary Engineer of a local health office. All projects, including those of the government, shall be signed and sealed by a Registered Sanitary Engineer.

c. Health and Safety Management Plan.This shall be submitted to ensure that health, sanitation, and safety concerns are integrated in the implementation of project activities and processes (Annex F).

d. Engineer's Report.This report shall be submitted for project proposals that do not need ESCs (Annex G).This is only applicable for onsite treatment facilities with treatment capacity of less than 60 cubic meters. In this regard, a Non-ESC Coverage shall be secured (Form 2).

e. Any individual or firm engaged solely in the collection or desludging operation shall also secure an ESC with the following attached documents:

i. Memorandum of Agreement between the stationary (sewage/septage treatment and disposal facility) and desludger (mobile) service provider

ii. An authenticated copy of the ESC issued to the sewage/septage treatment and disposal facility

iii. Map of the Service Coverage Area

10.1.3 The following procedures shall be observed in applying for an ESC:

a. The notarized ESC application (Form 5) with the Project Description and relevant attachments shall be filed in the City/Municipal Health Office that has jurisdiction over the operational service area. The application, together with the findings and recommendation of the City/Municipal Health Office, shall then be forwarded to the CHD for the issuance of the ESC upon compliance with the requirements.

b. ESC applications shall be submitted to the Provincial Health Office if the service coverage area is more than two LGUs. If the coverage area is confined within a single LGU, ESC applications shall be submitted to the City/Municipal Health Office. For the National Capital Region (NCR),applications shall be submitted directly to the DOH NCR.

c. In cases where the service coverage area for collection and desludging, treatment and disposal involves two or more regions, the service provider shall secure an ESC from the concerned CHDs.

10.2 SANITARY/PLUMBING PERMIT

10.2.1 The city or municipal Building Official shall refer all applications for Sanitary/Plumbing Permit to the Local Health Office for checking of sanitary facilities prior to the issuance of the building permit. The construction and installation of sanitation facilities shall be in accordance with the standard design and specifications and shall be signed by the Registered Sanitary Engineer before the issuance of the Occupancy Permit.

10.2.2 The owner/operator or the authorized representative agent shall file an application for a Sanitary/Plumbing Permit to the Local Health Office for construction, installation, alteration or extension of an individual excreta and sewage disposal, a sewage treatment, subsurface absorption system, or other treatment device prior to start of work.

10.3 OPERATIONAL PERMIT

10.3.1 No person shall discharge or permit or cause to discharge the effluent from an individual sewage disposal system or other putrescible or offensive wastes from his/her premises unless an application for an operational permit has been approved by the Local Health Office.

10.3.2 Only a person or dwelling owner who complies with the requirements of this RIRR shall be issued an operational permit.

10.3.3 The Local Health Office, at any reasonable time, may inspect the sewage disposal system, sample the effluent, or take any other step which the office deems necessary to ensure compliance with this RIRR. The local health authority may utilize inspection reports submitted by the local health officer, sanitary engineer, sanitation inspector, or other qualified national or local government personnel to determine operational compliance.

10.4 SANITATION TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION CLEARANCE

10.4.1 New emerging sewage and septage treatment technology shall secure approval from the DOH and shall be subjected to the following assessment and evaluation procedures:

a. Desk Review.In this process, the sanitation technology can be evaluated during conceptual or prototype stages. This will identify the fundamental flaws in the process design before the expensive laboratory and field assessments are undertaken.

b. Functionality Assessment.This will require process performance, laboratory tests, and analysis to assess the ability of the sanitation technology to perform the intended purpose.

c. Site Performance Assessment.This will assess the manner in which the sanitation technology performs in the field. Following the desk review and functionality assessment, this assessment evaluates whether the performance of the technology is aligned with the process description and claims made.

d. Context Evaluation.This considers a range of criteria to evaluate the applicability of the sanitation technology in a specific context. This will consider the physical environment, the institutional structure, and supporting infrastructure.

10.4.2 The DOH, in coordination with other national government agencies, shall develop guidelines and protocol on sanitation technology verification and evaluation of new emerging sewage treatment technology.

10.4.3 The mechanism on the sanitation technology verification shall be issued through a manual of operations.

10.5 CLEARANCE TO CONSTRUCT/INSTALL SEWAGE/SEPTAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH AREAS OF DISTINCT CONCERN

A disposal system with areas of distinct concern shall be investigated to prevent and control the spread of contamination that may pose public health problems. Clearance shall be secured prior to construction or installation on the following ground conditions:

10.5.1 A minimum soil percolation rate faster than one inch per minute or slower than one inch in 30 minutes

10.5.2 Groundwater level less than 4.5 meter below ground surface

10.5.3 Ledge rock/bedrock less than 2 meter below ground surface

10.5.4 Soils with slopes exceeding 25 percent

10.5.5 Located within the drawdown area of an existing public water supply well/source with a withdrawal rate in excess of 1 m³ per minute.

SECTION 11. Roles and Responsibilities.—

11.1 DOH Central Office — Disease Prevention and Control Bureau-Environmental and Occupational Health

11.1.1 Update and/or formulate guidelines and design standards on the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage, including guidelines for the building design, construction, use, and maintenance of sewage/wastewater and sludge/septage treatment systems in accordance with the Code on a regular basis.

11.1.2 Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations in the form of Administrative Orders or Memorandum Circulars to implement the provisions of the Code and ensure compliance with policies, plans, standards and guidelines. Issue office guidelines or Memorandum Circulars to guide the CUD, Local Health Office and Provincial/City/Municipal Sanitary Engineer in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

11.1.3 Evaluate, review, approve and/or take final action on amendments to existing RIRR as well as on the incorporation of other provisions, which are not yet explicitly made supplementary to the Code and its IRR.

11.2 Center for Health Development (CHD)

11.2.1 Validate applications for and issue ESCs.

11.2.2 Review and approve the HSMPs.

11.2.3 In cases when discrepancies are found in the operation of the establishment after due process, revoke or suspend the ESC of the service provider/operator upon the recommendation of the Provincial/City/Municipal Health Office.

11.2.4 Monitor and evaluate compliance of service providers to the ESC and HSMP.

11.2.5 Provide technical assistance to and facilitate training of service provider/operators, personnel, and LGUs.

11.3 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)

11.3.1 Review and endorse ESC applications to CHD.

11.3.2 Monitor compliance of service providers to the ESCs and HSMPs within the IPAs' administrative jurisdiction and submit reports to CHD.

11.3.3 Formulate and legislate ordinances related to sewage, sludge, and septage collection, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal.

11.3.4 Appoint a Sanitary Engineer, separate and distinct from the Provincial/City Engineering Office.

11.3.5 Secure their own ESCs from the CHD in the event that IPAs will provide/operate their own treatment facilities.

11.4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

11.4.1 Local Health Authority

a. Develop a sewerage and drainage master plan.

b. Formulate ordinances on the mandatory connection to sewerage system. In areas without a sewerage system, all households and establishments are required to install/construct their individual sewage containment facility.

c. Development Local Sustainable Sanitation Plan which includes sewage and septage management program.

d. Provide necessary supplies, materials, equipment, and other logistics support to the City/Municipal Health Office in the conduct of monitoring, evaluation, and inspection of establishments covered by this RIRR.

e. Direct the local health officer in the enforcement of this RIRR.

f. Create a plantilla position for Sanitary Engineer for provincial, city and municipal health office.

g. Orient barangay captains or duly authorized representatives on the use of the Manifest Form and the provisions of this RIRR.

11.4.2 Provincial Health Office (PHO)

a. Review, evaluate, and endorse ESC applications to CHD.

b. Monitor compliance of service providers to ESC conditions (i.e.,EMP, EMoP, and HSMP) within the PHO's administrative jurisdiction, and submit quarterly reports to CHD.

c. Formulate and legislate ordinances related to sewage, sludge and septage collection, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the program.

d. Appoint a Sanitary Engineer for the PHO.

e. Prioritize activities in support of the overall sanitation program through the provision of appropriate budget.

f. Assist in the implementation of policies and programs involving health services for this RIRR.

g. Provide necessary supplies, equipment, and other logistics support to the City/Municipal Health Office in the conduct of monitoring, evaluation, and inspection of establishments covered by this RIRR.

11.4.3 City/Municipal Health Office (C/MHO)

a. Appoint a Sanitary Engineer for the C/MHO.

b. Adopt and implement national rules and regulations and provincial ordinances related to sewage, sludge and septage collection, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal.

c. Receive and review notarized ESC applications, conduct site inspection, and recommend appropriate actions.

d. Implement the provisions of this RIRR through quarterly inspection or as the need arises.

e. Issue Health Certificates, Sanitary Permits, and other relevant permits.

f. Provide necessary supplies, equipment, and other logistics support to the C/MHO in the conduct of monitoring, evaluation, and inspection of establishments covered by this RIRR.

g. Implement the posting of the Sanitation Standard Rating Sticker for public guidance.

h. In cases when discrepancies are found in the operation of the establishment after due process, revoke the Sanitary Permit of the service provider/operator upon the recommendation of the C/MHO.

i. Take the lead and spearhead committees and inter-agencies relative to sanitation and public health.

j. Prioritize activities in support of the overall sanitation program through provision of appropriate budget.

k. Enforce the provisions of this RIRR.

11.4.4 Provincial/City/Municipal Sanitary Engineer

a. Evaluate detailed engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and engineering reports and documents for sanitation facilities as to compliance to technical requirements under the Building Code and Sanitation Code.

b. Lead the enforcement of the provisions of this RIRR as well as of the operating procedures issued therefore, including inspection and coordination.

c. When any work is found to be contrary to the provisions of this RIRR, recommend the discontinuance of the habitation or use of the facility and prescribe the terms and conditions of work resumption.

d. The Provincial Sanitary Engineer reviews the completeness of documents of applicants, endorses approved documents to CHD, and returns documents to applicants when disapproved.

11.5 MOBILE/STATIONARY SERVICE PROVIDER/OPERATOR

11.5.1 Secure an ESC prior to operation.

11.5.2 Develop and seek approval of the HSMP.

11.5.3 Comply strictly with operational policies and regulations.

11.5.4 Be knowledgeable/trained on desludging, collection and transport, and treatment of septage or sludge and clean-up activities during spillage.

11.5.5 Issue a certificate of desludging upon the request of clients.

11.5.6 Submit to DOH Regional Offices a list of households, establishments, or facilities that have undergone desludging on a quarterly basis.

11.5.7 Ensure compliance with the effluent standard and report monitoring results to DENR as part of Self-Monitoring Report (SMR).Copy furnish the Local Health Office or the IPA, as the case may be, on the environmental compliance and monitoring report (i.e.,CMR).

11.5.8 Maintain the sanitary state and preserve a clean and healthy environment in the establishment or facility as provided for in this RIRR.

11.5.9 Assist health authorities in the conduct of inspection.

11.5.10 Employ a full-time in-house Pollution Control Officer (PCO) duly accredited by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR (DENR A.O. #02, s. 2014) and/or Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

11.5.11 The PCO shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Supervise the sewage and sludge treatment and disposal facility and submit quarterly reports to the EMB Regional Office/LLDA, copy furnish the host LGU and its local health office on the operations of the facility.

b. Perform other responsibilities and functions stipulated in the DAO No. 2014-02 known as Revised Guidelines for Pollution Control Officer Accreditation (existing duties and responsibilities of Pollution Control officer) as mandated by the DENR.

11.5.12 Comply with the provisions of this RIRR.

11.6 OTHER REGULATORY AGENCIES

11.6.1 Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)

a. Implement the accreditation of the PCO as per DENR A.O. #02, s. 2014.

b. Ensure that all establishments and facilities as described in this RIRR have secured ESCs prior to issuance of the ECC and Discharge Permit.

c. Monitor the environmental compliance of the establishments and facilities within the scope of this RIRR.

d. Notify the DOH of non-compliance or notice of violation issued to all establishments and facilities covered by this RIRR.

11.6.2 Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

a. Promulgate provisions of this RIRR through Memorandum Circulars to LGUs.

b. Conduct compliance monitoring of LGUs on this RIRR.

c. Establish a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives, and DILG to ensure effective and efficient delivery of sanitation services to the public.

11.6.3 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

a. Provide guidance to the City and Municipal Building Officials in the performance of their duties and responsibilities pertinent to the Building Codes of the Philippines, issuance of permits, and the provisions of this RIRR.

b. Issue and promulgate additional rules and regulations related to building construction and infrastructure and facilities development in the form of Memorandum Circulars or guidelines to implement and ensure compliance with the provisions of this RIRR.

c. Promote septage or combined sewerage-septage management systems through the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program.

d. Coordinate with water service providers and LGUs in the preparation of a compliance plan.

11.6.4 Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)

a. Issue a Memorandum Circular for concessionaires on the adoption of this RIRR.

b. Conduct audit and compliance monitoring of its concessionaires.

c. Submit an Audit Report to the DOH on a semi-annual basis on the compliance of the concessionaires.

11.6.5 Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)

a. Issue a Memorandum Circular to promulgate the provisions of this IRR.

b. Direct the local water districts and Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association (RWSA) to develop and implement sewage and septage management in accordance with this policy.

c. Extend technical assistance to local water districts and RWSAS on the development and implementation of sewage and septage management.

d. Monitor and evaluate the implementation and performance of water districts and RWSAs on sewage and septage management.

e. Submit performance and compliance report of water districts and RWSAs to the DOH on a semi-annual basis.

11.6.6 Department of Agriculture (DA)

 Lead the development of standards and guidelines for the safe use of treated wastewater, sludge/biosolids for agriculture and aquaculture application in coordination with DOH and other government agencies.

SECTION 12. Inspection and Evaluation.—

It shall be the duty of the city and municipal health officer to cause the inspection, monitoring and evaluation of every onsite and offsite sewage, wastewater, septage treatment, and disposal facility at least once every three (3) months and to cause additional inspection, re-inspection, and evaluation as deemed necessary for the enforcement of the provisions of this RIRR.

The Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector shall be equipped with portable environmental quality testing equipment to validate environmental reports.

12.1 REPORT OF INSPECTION

12.1.1 The Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector who conducted the inspection shall complete the sanitary inspection report, and whenever form issued indicates non-compliance to any item, the inspector shall notify the holder of the sanitary permit of the corrections to be made and indicate a reasonable compliance period.

a. The recommended corrective measures shall be made specific to facilitate understanding of the owner or manager of the establishment.

b. Reasonable compliance period or grace period shall be inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

12.1.2 The Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector who conducted the inspection shall likewise prepare a sanitary order (EHS Form No. 107) for approval by the city or municipal health officer or chief of the sanitation division/section/unit, as the case may be.

12.1.3 Within 48 hours of the inspection or evaluation, the original copy of the inspection report (Form 7-EHS, Form No. 103-B) and the sanitary order shall be furnished to and acknowledged by the holder of the sanitary permit or the owner/service provider/operator of the establishment/facility. The inspection report shall be personally delivered or shall be sent through electronic mail or postal service registered with return card.

12.2 SANITATION INSPECTION FEE

The fees payable for every inspection shall be of such amount as prescribed by the local ordinance.

12.3 MISSION ORDER

12.3.1 The city or municipal health officer or the chief of the sanitation division/section/unit of the Local Health Office, as the case may be, shall issue a Mission Order (Form 11-EHS, Form No. 112) for every sanitation inspection that will be conducted by the Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector.

12.3.2 The mission order must contain the date, mission order number and series, the name of the inspector and the I.D. number, the business name and addresses, categories of establishments or facilities, and the scheduled date of inspection. This must be shown to the owner/service provider/operator of the establishment before any inspection is conducted. The immediate supervisor of the inspector shall monitor the enforcement of the mission order.

12.3.3 Sanitary inspection conducted without mission order is prohibited.

a. Provided, that in cases of extreme urgency or exigency of service, or where the sanitation issue is apparent and readily perceptible, and where public health or safety is in danger, a Mission Order may be dispensed with.

b. Provided further, that all the reportorial requirements after the inspection shall be complied with by the inspector.

12.3.4 The owner/service provider/operator of the establishment or facility shall report to the local health officer or chief of sanitation division/section/unit any unauthorized inspection that was executed.

12.4 RE-INSPECTION

12.4.1 If upon re-inspection of the establishment/facility after the deadline, the Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector finds that correction has not been effected, this shall be reported to the local health officer who shall recommend to the local health authority the revocation of the sanitary permit.

12.4.2 A copy of the inspection form and any notice served shall in all cases be filed and kept by the Local Health Office and be available for inspection by authorized officials.

12.5 SERVICE OF NOTICE

12.5.1 Whenever an inspection and evaluation form indicates non-complying items, the local health officer shall serve to the holder of the permit or the owner/service provider/operator a sanitary order requiring him/her, within the time (grace period) stated in the order, to take remedial action as may be specified therein.

12.5.2 In case of non-compliance with the terms of the first sanitary order, the health officer may cause the issuance of a second notice to the holder of the permit or the owner/service provider/operator.

a. If the owner of the establishment needs additional time to comply with the first sanitary order, he or she shall request the local health officer in writing, prior to the expiration of the said sanitary order, for an extension of the grace period. The local health officer, upon the recommendation of the Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector who conducted the inspection, will act on such request.

b. The city or municipal health officer shall call the holder of the sanitary permit to show cause, at a time and place stated in the notice, why the permit issued to the establishment/facility shall not be revoked (Form 12-Notice of Hearing-EHS, Form No. 118).

12.6 REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT

12.6.1 After prior notices and hearing as provided above, the local health officer, if certain that the terms of the two notices have not been complied with or that failure to comply therewith is not excusable, shall recommend to the local health authority the revocation of the said permit.

12.6.2 After the second sanitary order on an extended grace period, a re-inspection was conducted and still the owner/service provider/operator fails with such order as reported by the Sanitary Engineer and/or Sanitation Inspector, the local health officer shall recommend the revocation of the sanitary permit without delay and shall inform other related agencies of the city or municipality of such revocation.

12.6.3 The local health officer shall recommend to the local health authority the lifting of suspension of permit whenever the owner/service provider/operator of the establishment/facility complies with notices.

12.6.4 The owner/service provider/operator of the establishment/facility may file a motion for reconsideration to the local health authority if he/she is not satisfied with the action of the local health officer.

12.6.5 The local health authority may file court proceedings against any establishment continuously operating after the revocation of its permit.

SECTION 13. Penal Provision.—

13.1 Unless otherwise provided in any Chapter or Section in this Code, any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit, or neglect to comply with any of rules and regulations promulgated under this Code shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not exceeding one thousand pesos (P1,000) or both, upon the discretion of the court.

13.2 Any person who shall interfere, hinder, or oppose any officer, agent, or member of the DOH or of the bureaus and offices under it in the performance of his/her duty as such under this Code, or shall tear down, mutilate, deface or alter any placard or notice affixed to the premises in the enforcement of the Code shall be guilty of misdemeanor and punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine not exceeding one thousand pesos (P1,000) or both, depending on the discretion of the court.

SECTION 14. Separability Clause.—

In the event that any rule, section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or words of this RIRR is declared invalid for any reason, the other provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 15. Repealing Clause.—

If any clause, sentence or provision of this Order shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.

SECTION 16. Effectivity.—

This RIRR shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon filing three (3) certified copies to the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Approved on this ______ day of ____________ two thousand twenty one.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health

ANNEX A

House/Building Sewer Installation

1. The house/building sewer shall be laid in good alignment and at a uniform slope of not less than 1:50 (2%) toward the point of disposal; provided that, where it is impracticable, due to the depth of the street sewer or to the structural features or to the arrangement of any building or structure, to obtain a slope of 1:50 (2%),any such pipe or piping with 100 mm diameter or larger may have a slope of not less than 1:100 (1%).

2. Whenever the house sewer is located within 25 meters of a well or spring or any drinking water source, the house sewer shall meet the ten (10) foot head of water test for fifteen minutes. When water is not available or when there is a danger of freezing, the air or smoke test may be used.

3. House or building sewer piping shall be laid on a firm bed throughout its entire length, and any such piping laid in ground shall be laid on a bed of approved materials and shall be adequately supported.

4. House sewer of other drainage piping or part thereof, which is made of materials other than those approved for use under or within a building, shall not be installed under or within 0.60 m. (2 ft.) of any building, or structure or parts thereof, nor less than 0.30 m. (1 ft.) below the surface of the ground. The provisions of this paragraph include structures such as porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, roof patios, carports, covered walls, covered driveways, and similar structures or appurtenances.

5. Non-metallic house sewer piping shall not be run or laid in the same trench with water service pipes or any underground water pipes unless both of the following requirements are met:

a. The bottom of the water piping at all points shall be at least 30 cm. (1 ft.) above the top of the sewer pipeline.

b. The water piping shall rest on a solid shelf at one side of the common trench.

ANNEX B

Leaching Tile System

1. DESIGN

a. A leaching tile system utilizing trenches 0.45 m.-0.90 m. wide is considered to be a leaching tile field.

b. A leaching tile system utilizing trenches more than 0.90 meter (36 inches) wide is considered to be a leaching bed.

c. Leaching tile fields and leaching beds, based on percolation tests, shall have a minimum absorption area equivalent to that required for a small dwelling unit having sewage flow of 50 gal/cap/day. Only the trench bottom area is to be calculated as the absorption area.

d. Absorption area requirements for residences shall conform to the following:

 

Average time required for water to fall 2.54 cm. (1") is indicated by percolation test	Suitability of leaching soil	Square meters of trench bottom of leach bed base required
1 minute or less	good	6.5 (70 ft.2)
5 minutes	good	11.61 (125 ft.2)
10 minutes	good	15.33 (165 ft.2)
15 minutes	fair	17.65 (190 ft.2)
30 minutes	fair	23.22 (250 ft.2)
45 minutes	poor	27.87 (300 ft.2)
60 minutes	poor	30.66 (330 ft.2)

 

e. Leaching tile field or leaching bed or leaching well or chamber shall not be installed in any of the following:

i. In swampy area or where ponding or flooding is likely to occur.

ii. Where the percolation rate exceeds 60 mins. per 2.5 cm. (1 in.) of water fall

iii. Where the depth to normal ground water or rock strata is less than 1.2 m (4 ft.) below the bottom of the device.

2. CONSTRUCTION

a. Drain lines shall be constructed of materials not subject to excessive deterioration and shall be laid with open joints, except that perforated clay tile, perforated bituminous fiber pipe, or other approved materials may be used, provided that sufficient openings are available for distribution of the effluent into the trench areas. (Total area of perforations shall be at least 150% of the cross-sectional area of the pipe.)

b. The drain lines shall have a minimum diameter of 100mm. (4 in.) and shall have a relative level grade, but in no instance shall have a fall greater than 1 cm. in 60 minutes.

c. In leaching tile fields the minimum distance between centerline of trenches shall be at least 1.80 m. (6 ft.).

d. In leaching beds, lines for distributing effluent shall be spaced 0.90 m. (3 ft.) from side to side of trench walls.

e. Final grading shall be completed prior to installing a leaching field or leaching bed.

f. The leaching tile field or leaching bed shall have a minimum depth of 30.0 cm. (12 in.) of clean gravel, stone or slag fill, extending at least 5.0 cm. (2 in.) above and 15 cm. (6 in.) below the drain lines. The filter material shall be 2 cm. to 6.5 cm. (0.80 to 2.5 in.) in size.

g. The absorption trenches shall have a minimum depth of 45 cm. (18 in.) but not more than 75 cm. (30 in.)

h. Before placing filter material and drain lines in a prepared excavation, all smeared or compacted surfaces shall be removed from trenches by raking to a depth of 2.5 cm. and the loose material is removed. Clean stone, gravel, slag or similar filter material varying in size from 2.0 cm. to 6.5 cm. shall be placed in the trench to the depth and grade required by this section. Drain pipe shall be placed on filter material in an approved manner. The drain lines shall then be covered with pervious material to the minimum depth of 5 cm. as required by this section, and this covered with untreated building paper, straw or similar porous material to prevent closure of voids with earth backfill.

i. Where two or more drain lines are installed, an approved distribution box of sufficient size to receive lateral lines shall be constructed at the head of each disposal field. The inverts of all outlets shall be level and the invert of the inlet shall be at least 2.5 cm. above the outlets. Suitable baffles shall be provided to insure equal flow. Distribution boxes shall be built on a level concrete slab installed in natural or compacted soil.

j. All laterals from an approved distribution box to the disposal field where the grade exceeds 1:2000 (0.0005%) shall be bell and spigot vitrified clay or other approved pipe with water tight joints. Multiple disposal field laterals, whenever practicable, shall be of uniform length.

k. Connections between a septic tank and a distribution box, or between a distribution box and drainfield, shall be laid with approved watertight joints on natural ground or compacted fill.

l. Heavy equipment shall not be used over the tile field or bed alter the tile and gravel are in place.

m. Disposal fields shall be constructed as follows:

 

Minimum number of drain lines per field	1
Maximum length of each line	30.0 m
Minimum bottom width of trench	0.45 m
Minimum spacing side wall to side wall	0.90 m
plus 0.6 m. for the additional	0.3 m of depth
Minimum depth of earth cover over lines	0.30 m
Maximum grade of lines	0.5%
Minimum grade of lines	0.25%
Minimum filter material over drain line	5.0 cm.

 

3. LOCATION

The leaching tile field or leaching bed shall be located not less than twenty-five (25) meters (80 ft.) from any well, spring, cistern, or other source of drinking water supply; not less than 3 m. (10 ft.) from an occupied building; and not-less than 1.5 m. (5 ft.) from any lot line.

ANNEX C

Evaluation Criteria for Sanitary Landfill as Disposal Site for Domestic Sludge

1. ENVIRONMENTAL

a. The base of landfill should be above high groundwater table and there should be no contact with groundwater.

b. A certification from the NWRB on the depth of the water table must be secured.

c. Sole-source aquifer and areas of groundwater recharge must be avoided.

d. It should be located in such a way that will minimize fugitive emissions and odor impacts unless otherwise provide approved buffer.

e. Wetlands and habitat areas, which are important to propagation of rare and endangered species, should be avoided.

f. Avoid populated areas of conflicting land use such as parks and scenic areas in site selection.

g. Avoid areas of unique archaeological, historical and paleontological interests to preserve cultural resources.

h. Social acceptability of the project must be given consideration within affected communities.

2. ENGINEERING

a. The physical site should be large enough to accommodate waste for the operational life of the facility.

b. Location of the area should be as close as possible to the production facility to reduce handling and transport cost. But it must be located in such a way that will not contaminate the water source.

c. The access road should be all weather, have adequate width and load capacity, with minimum traffic congestion.

d. Earth moving should be minimized; instead natural earth movements should be taken advantage of. Natural depression and valleys where water contamination is likely to occur must be avoided.

e. Avoid areas with earthquakes, slides, and faults, underlying mines, sinkholes and solution cavities.

f. The landfill should have natural clay liner or clay available for liner, and final cover material be made available.

g. Other requirement shall refer to guidelines of NSWMC.

ANNEX D

Outline Template of Project Description for Stationary Service Providers

1. Basic Project Information

2. Site Information

3. Project Rationale/Objective

4. Project Type and Area Covered

5. Operational Processes

6. Plans and Specifications

7. Project Component

8. Description of Existing Environment

a. Topography

b. Hydrology

c. Geological condition

9. Environmental Sanitation Measures

10. Brief Discussion on Environmental and Health Impacts

11. Brief Discussion on Mitigating/Control Measures

12. Health and Safety Management Plan

13. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

14. Site Suitability/Compatibility

15. Secure Barangay/Municipal Resolution

ANNEX E

Outline Template of Project Description for Mobile Service Providers

1. Service Provider/Proponent Information and Contact Details

2. Scope of Activities

3. Areas Covered (Map delineating the service area)

4. Method of Collection

5. Type of Vehicles and Equipment

6. Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP)

7. Manpower Capability

8. Mitigating/Control Measures

9. Maintenance Schedule

10. Operational Cost

11. Disposal Site and Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) No.

ANNEX F

Health and Safety Management Plan

The Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP) shall be prepared as part of the Project Description and Engineer's Report. This document is required to ensure that health, sanitation, and safety concerns are integrated in the implementation of project activities and processes. The HSMP will include the following components:

1. Listing of health and safety hazards present in the work site as well as those with potential impact to the health of the community

2. Name of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee/Officers

3. Statement of proposed strategies to prevent and control health and safety hazards identified, including recovery and emergency health and safety measures in case of accidents and injuries

 Preventive and control strategies may include the following:

a. Workplace health and safety policy

b. Engineering controls

c. Administrative controls

d. Use of personal protective equipment

e. Workplace medical emergency plans

f. Community emergency response plans

4. Proposal for the proper management, evaluation, monitoring, and audit of the HSMP

ANNEX G

Engineer's Report

SEPTAGE/SEWAGE/WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

I. Introduction

This section presents the name, address, and other information about the company/plant, such as nature of business, processes involved in the operation of the plant, raw materials used, and product description (types, volume, etc.),including the estimated volume of wastewater generated from its operation.

II. Project Objectives:

This section describes the objectives of establishing septage/sewage/wastewater treatment facility.

III. The Septage/Sewage/Wastewater Treatment Process/es

This section discusses the treatment processes of the facility using a flowchart. The functional component is presented showing its efficiency as well as the reduction of organic pollutions.

IV. Final Treated Water Quality

This section presents the comparison of the established data against the general effluent standard (DENR DAO 2016-08)

V. Health and Safety Management Plan

VI. Annexes

Plans, photos, treatment process flow diagram, PCO accreditation, ECC, etc.

FORM 1

Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC)

FORM 2

Non-ESC (NESC) Coverage

FORM 3

Sanitation Technology Verification Clearance

FORM 4

Application for Clearance to Construct/Install Sewage/Septage Disposal System with Areas of Distinct Concern

FORM 5

Application Form for Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC)/Non-ESC Coverage

FORM 6

Manifest Form for Fecal Sludge and Septage

FORM 7

EHS Form 103-B (ST)

FORM 8

Inspection Form Special Features

FORM 9

EHS Form 107-Sanitary Order

FORM 10

EHS Form 108-Compliance to Sanitary Order Issued

FORM 11

EHS Form 112-Mission Order

FORM 12

EHS Form 118-Notice of Hearing

Figure 1: Typical Sewage Treatment Plant Flowchart

Figure 2: Flowchart for Securing an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC)/Non-ESC Coverage

Figure 3: Flowchart for Securing a Sanitation Technology Verification Clearance

Figure 4: Manifest System Flowchart

Figure 5: Flowchart for the Issuance of ESC/NESC

Table 1: Quantities of Sewage Flow

 

Type of Establishment	Gal./	Liter/
Small dwellings and cottages	50	189.5
Large dwellings with numerous fixtures	75-100	284.25-379
Multiple family residence	50	189.5
Rooming houses	40	151.6
Boarding houses	50	189.5
Hotels and motels	50	189.5
Restaurants (toilet and kitchen wastes per meal per person)	7-10	26.53-37.9
Restaurants (kitchen wastes per meal served)	2 1/2-3	9.475-11.37
Kitchen wastes at hotels, camps, boarding houses, etc.,serving 3 meals/day	7-10	26.53-37.9
Tourist camps or trailer parks	35-50	132.65-189.5
Resort camps (night and day) with limited plumbing	50	189.5
Luxury camps	75-100	284.25-379
Work or construction camps (semi-permanent)	50	189.5
Day school without cafeterias, gymnasium or showers*	8	30.32
Day school with cafeterias but no gyms or showers* (Quantity estimated from no. of meals served or 80% of enrolment)	12	45.48
Day school with cafeterias but no gyms and showers (Quantity estimated firm maximum no. expected to use gyms and showers in one day)	20	75.8
Boarding schools	75-100	284.25-379
Day workers at schools and offices	15	56.85
Hospitals* (Gallons per bed)	150-250	568.5-947.5
Public institutions other than hospitals	75-125	284.25-473.75
Factories (Gal./person/shift, exclusive of industrial wastes)	15-35	56.85-132.65
Public picnic parks (toilet wastes only)	5	18.95
Picnic parks, with bathhouse, showers and flush toilets	10	37.9
Swimming pools and bathing places*	10	37.9
Luxury residences and estates	100-150	379-568.5
Country clubs per resident members*	25-50	94.75-189.5
Country clubs per member present*	25-50	94.75-189.5

* Subsurface drain fields not recommended for secondary treatment

 

Department of Health

June 9, 2021

DEPARTMENT CIRCULARNo. 2021-0240

 

 

Attached for your information and guidance is a copy of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Chapter XVII — "Sewage Collection and Disposal, Excreta Disposal and Drainage" of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856),signed last May 27, 2021.

Dissemination of the information to all concerned is requested.

By Authority of the Secretary of Health:

(SGD.) MARIA ROSARIO S. VERGEIRE, MD, MPH, CESO IVOIC Undersecretary of Health