A GOVERNMENT agency closed and sealed the deep well facility of Robinsons Galleria following its decision to deny Robinsons Land Corp.’s motion for reconsideration.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said in a statement issued yesterday that it sealed the deep well facility of RLC’s Robinson’s Galleria mall on July 25. This, after the attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) denied Robinson Land Corp.’s motion for reconsideration on July 18.

Citing Resolution 001-0904 as basis for its action, NRWB said “Under the provisions of [the order) which became effective in 2004, the NWRB has the authority to revoke or suspend water permits or reduce the authorized volume of extraction of existing deep wells in areas adequately served by the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS), regardless of whether it is located in critical areas after due notice and hearing,” said NWRB executive director Vicente S. Paragas.

He also cited the provisions of Presidential Decree 1067, also known as the “Water Code of the Philippines.”

In its motion, RLC said its deep well facility used to serve only as backup water source for the establishment, especially during the summer months, and that it had remain unutilized since 1989.

Paragas said the sealing of Robinsons Galleria marks the start of the NWRB’s intensified efforts to eradicate the illegal extraction of groundwater by large establishments within critical areas like Quezon City.

In line with this, he appealed for continuous assistance from local government units in protecting the environment and the nation’s water resources.