Question 1

What is a Pollution Control Officer (PCO)?

Accepted Answer

Under DAO 2014-02, a PCO is a technical person competent in pollution control and environmental management who performs these duties for a particular establishment and is officially accredited by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Office.

Question 2

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Pollution Control Officer?

Accepted Answer

Section 10 of DAO 2014-02 requires the accredited PCO to: ensure, together with the Managing Head, compliance with PD 1586, RA 6969, RA 8749, RA 9003, RA 9275 and their implementing rules; identify significant environmental aspects and impacts and recommend mitigating measures for the Environmental Management Plan and Contingency Plan; attend to permitting and registration requirements; ensure proper operation and maintenance of pollution control and monitoring facilities; ensure hazardous wastes disposed offsite are covered by a Permit to Transport, manifest, and Certificate of Treatment; monitor ECC compliance and report it in the Compliance Monitoring Report; monitor emissions, effluents, and chemical use and report them in the quarterly Self-Monitoring Report; report breakdowns, chemical or hazardous waste releases, and exceedances to the EMB Regional Office within 24 hours; represent the establishment in technical conferences and hearings and serve as liaison to the EMB; coordinate with local government units; lead environmental awareness activities; and participate in multipartite monitoring teams where applicable. The PCO and the Managing Head are jointly and severally liable for violations committed by the establishment.

Question 3

What is a Managing Head?

Accepted Answer

Under DAO 2014-02, the Managing Head is the highest executive officer of the establishment, such as the President, General Manager, Plant Manager, Managing Director, Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer, or Local Chief Executive. The Managing Head appoints the PCO, applies for the PCO's accreditation, and is jointly and severally liable with the PCO for environmental violations of the establishment.

Question 4

Who is required to undergo Pollution Control Officer training?

Accepted Answer

Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2014-02, the Revised Guidelines for Pollution Control Officer Accreditation, establishments that discharge solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes, or whose activities are potential sources of pollution, must appoint a PCO and seek accreditation from the EMB Regional Office. Completing the required PCO training is part of that accreditation.

Question 5

Why does the Managing Head need an 8-hour training?

Accepted Answer

PCO accreditation under DAO 2014-02 involves both the PCO and the Managing Head, the highest executive officer of the establishment. The PCO accreditation application requires the Managing Head's certificate of training for eight hours, which our 8-Hour Managing Head Training provides.

Question 6

Is Simmons Consult recognized by the DENR?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simmons Consult International Inc. holds DENR-EMB Certificate of Recognition No. 2025-23-R as a training organization for Pollution Control Officers.