Outside Manila, Philippines, smoke rises from the vast trash heap called Smokey Mountain as long-buried organic material decomposes and self-combusts. But gradually, the smoke is dwindling and the size of the heap diminishing as the Smokey Mountain Reclamation Project continues. Through this project, R-II Builders, Inc.--a long-term client of US-AEP/Philippines--is working with the Filipino government to convert the dump into a commercial complex, including modern apartments for the urban poor, an industrial park, and a port. By leveling parts of Smokey Mountain and covering other areas with sod and protective material to prevent the escape of harmful gases, apartments have been built on and around the mountain, and construction of the port is well underway. U.S. technologies have been used in many aspects of the project, as recommended by U.S. environmental consulting firm Malcolm Pirnie.

US-AEP Technology Representatives in the Philippines office have assisted R-II Builders with the reclamation project in several ways. For example, Tech Reps have introduced options for appropriate technologies and involved R-II personnel in US-AEP Overseas Program Fund (OPF) activities administered by the National Association of State Development Agencies (NASDA). The OPF made it possible for a Filipino delegation to attend the Environmental Industry Associations' 1997 Waste Expo conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and visit various U.S. waste management facilities. Over the past several years, US-AEP has provided additional services, such as consulting with R-II leaders as they formed the company's environmental management division and encouraging the firm to become a member of the Air & Waste Management Association's Philippine section.

Since its beginnings in 1945, the Filipino dump called Smokey Mountain has been "home" to a settlement of thousands of people--up to 25,000--who scavenge the trash for their livelihood. Over time, it grew to cover a 62-acre area, 50 yards high, and became a symbol of economic and social depression in the Philippines. This is changing, however, through the Smokey Mountain Reclamation Project.

Recent activities demonstrate US-AEP's commitment to encourage the adoption of environmental management standards (EMS) by Asian industry. For example, the ongoing partnership of US-AEP and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) facilitated an early February meeting between CalEPA representatives and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT). Participants discussed EMS that could be incorporated into the IEAT system, in which current environmental performance varies depending on a particular estate's investment and interest. CalEPA presented information on management of water and air resources, implications for health, and principles that could be used to form a core code of conduct for industrial estate management. IEAT representatives expressed interest in CalEPA's recommendations; look for outcomes in future issues of UPDATE.

Also, on January 10, US-AEP Tech Rep Arup Mitra held a seminar in Calcutta focusing on "Environmental Management in the Iron and Steel Industry." The seminar was attended by a large number of companies in the sector, including Steel Authority of India Ltd., Essar Steel, and M.N. Dastur & Co., as well as the West Bengal Pollution Control Board and a large number of smaller steel producers, foundries, and environmental consultants. Mitra gave the keynote address, which provided an overview of US-AEP and program components. In addition, Kevin Bricknell, Director of US-AEP's activities in India, presented a paper on environmental management concepts. A major attraction of the seminar was a two-hour video conference with a panel of experts including Julie Haines, Managing Director of US-AEP's Clean Technology and Environmental Management (CTEM) program, and Bruce Steiner, Vice President of the American Iron and Steel Institute. Support in identifying speakers for the panel was provided by the Institute of International Education, a US-AEP partner.

Officially endorsed and co-sponsored by US-AEP/Philippines, the second Toxic and Hazardous Waste Congress was held February 4-5 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. The office was actively involved in all aspects of the event: Tech Rep Alma Madrazo gave the opening address and chaired the first day of the congress, while other US-AEP/Philippines personnel promoted the conference, identified speakers, and staffed the US-AEP information booth. Fifteen experts from across Asia presented papers on methods and technologies in toxic and hazardous waste management, and keynote speaker Marlito Cardenas, Director of the Philippines' Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), discussed the government's toxic and hazardous waste policy and programs. The event was attended by more than 200 individuals from industry, academia, and government agencies.

As reported in previous editions of UPDATE, US-AEP/Malaysia has been active in facilitating analysis of the haze crisis in Southeast Asia. Last year, the office hosted representatives from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as personnel from the United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. Currently, Tech Rep Vivian How is coordinating with these agencies to obtain test results and present the findings to Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.