ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF DEVEWPMENT

PROJECfS IN THE PHILIPP!NES - SOME EXPERIENCES

Q.L. Kintanar
Deputy Director-General
NatioTUIJ Science and Technology Authority
Bicutan. Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

ABSTRACT
Environmental Impact Assessment of de..elopment projects as a distinct
scientitic endea\Or is a fairly recer:t development. The Environmental Code of the
Philippines which requires Environmental Impact Statements for development
projects was decreed (P.D. JISt-Philippine Environmental Policy) in 1977 .
In thi.~ paper, I shall review the rationale, methodology, format, and
problems of Environmental Impact Assessment work using my own experience
with three EIA/EIS;namely:
I) Biro! River Basin Development Projects
2) Barangay Water Supply Project
3) Southern Negros Geothermal Project
as iUusuative cases.

Introduction

The requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for " every
action project or undertaking which significantly affects the quality of the environ-
ment" was decreed in the Philippines in 1977 (P.D. J 15 I -The Philippine Environ-
mental Policy).
This followed developments in the United States of America which passed
a law -- the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) - in 1970, which
required EIS to be prepared for "major Federal actions significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment."
Before these environmental laws were passed, it was common practice to
suhject major projects to ana lyses and evaluations which were confined to the
assessment of their technological or technical feasibility and their econo mic vi-
ability. The new requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessme nt (EIA)
made compulsory the consideration of long-term environmental effects together
with short -term cost-benefit analysis in the overall planning and decision-making
of development projects (Fig. I). ldcaUy, this EIA should be done early in the
project planning process so that it can be a factor in the selection of the best
available alternative to achieve a given desirable objective (Fig. 2). Additionally,

37
38 Transactions National Academy of Science

Usual Project J::nvfronmental Decisicnon

Feasibility Study lmpQCt Assessment Project

I. Technical feasibility NO GO GO GO
GO

2. Economic Viability
NO
a. Return on Investment GO GO GO
GO
b. Cost· Benefit Analysis

3. Environmental
NO
Effects and Impacts GO GO GO
Cost of Prevention/ GO
Mitigation

GO
NO NO NO GO
Final Decillion GO GO GO

Fig. 1. Development Project Planning - Study, Analylis and Do:.:isinn.

Program Project Environmt>ntal Project Monito ·

Planning Feasibt~ ty Assessment lrnplt:men· ring
tat ion
1.:1
~ I
I
I

Fig. 2 . En vi ro mn~nt a l Impact Assessment as an lnt~gral Componl.'nt of the Planning & 0 l'cision
Makin!! Process
 Kintanar, ElS of Development Projects 39

the EIA identifies measures to mitigate probable adverse environmental effects

and suggests parameters to be monitored to serve as an early warning system.

Rationale for EIA/EIS

The rationale for requiring an EIA/EIS for development projects is to ensure

that besides meeting a desired development objective, these projects:
I) avoid drastic and/or long term harmful effects on man and nature
2) promote an optimal balance of the various developmental concerns
such as - population growth, economic development and protection
of the environment
3) consider the carrying capacity of ecosystems
4) encourage and support " design with nature" rather than "design with-
out nature", and
5) prolong the availability and use of resources rather than lead to ex·
haustion or extinction.

Projects and Actions Requiring EIA/EIS

Both Philippine and U.S. Laws, do not clearly define the scope of "major
Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment"
(Sect. 102, NEPA, 1970) or "every action project or undertaking which signi·
ficantly affects the quality of the environment" (Sect. P.D. 115 1-1977) which
require mandatory EIA/EIS. To help clarify the scope of this provision, the Na-
tional Environmental Protection Council (NEPC) listed 11 criteria in its EIA Hand·
book (Fig. 3).
These are general criteria requiring tlle project proponent to prepare and
submit an EIS if any one or a combination of the listed criteria exist. However,
exemptions from this EIA/EIS requirement are possjbJe for certain projects, for
reasons of national security or international commitment as determined by the
President or the NEPC Executive Director.

Methodologies in EIA

The methodologies for EIA are still evolving. No single method is adequate
and applicable to all types of action, project or undertaking.
40 Transactions National Academy of Science

Five main classes of methodologies have been applied by EIA practitioners

since 1970. These methodologies for identifying and predicting envirorunental
impacts are:
I. Checklist Method which lists typical impacts to be checked, if present.
The listed impacts differ depending on the category of development projects
(Fig. 4).

Fig. 3. Critt:ria which can he Utilizt:d as a Basi:; for R~quiring the Preparation of Environ·
mental impact Statement

L Changes in land use patterns;

2. Changes in energy supply/demand ;
3. Increased development in 11oodplains;
4. Discharge of substantial toxic materials or chemicals;
S. Significant changes in ambient air/water qualitY;
6. Destruction of important natural, ecologically significant, historical or cultural resource(s);
?. Destruction of fL~/wildlife habitats, especially, pertaining to threatened rare and/or
endangered species;
8. Substantial displacement of people/community structure;
9. Significant changes in surface/griundwater quantity;
10. Potential threat(s) to health, safety or property; and,
11. Exceeding the natural, physical, biological or spatial carrying capability of an vea (e.g.
community, ecosystem. municipality or city).

Fig. 4 . Environmental Impacts Associated with Sit~ Preparation Activities.

Site Preparation Potential

Activities Em·ironmental Impacts

1. Demolition/ Removal I. displa"-em.,nt of people

1. 1 derelict buildings 2. generation of noise
1.2 remnant pavement 3. soil erosion
1.3 remnant footings 4. disturbance of natural drainage
1.4 abandoned utilitie s 5. interference with w at ~r table
1.5 diseased tr~e s 6. wate r pollution
1.6 hazardous/overgrown 7. air pollution (dust, exhaust,
hntsh, weeds or vin~ s fumes, smoke)
l. 7 rocks and boulders 8. damage/destruction of wild lift'
habitat
9. Joss ofsccnicquality.ope n
space., historic sites. recreation
spai."~, parks
I 0. loss oi aesthetic value d uc to
site preparation activities
 Kintanar, EIS of Development Projects 41

2. Matrix Method which allows the correlation of specific project act ivities
wi th the corresponding environmental effects i.n a two-way table (Fig. 5).
3. Networking Method which expands the concept of a matrix by presenting
a more complicat~:d network of cause-condition-effect , including cumulative and
indirect effects (Fig. 6 ).
4 . The Composite Map Technique which is an application of the usual land
use and landscape architect ure tec hnic to EIA. Trus allows the spatial superimposi-
tion of various feat ures and properties. or data on the same map (Fig. 7).
5. Ad hoc Procedures which usually means the assembly of specialists t o
identify impacts in their own areas of expe rtise.

NATURl AND CHARACTFRI STK' or TlH PROPOSI·.O DtV~ LOPMENT

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f'r~tr·r~ lnr thC' Si1jn~ ,,f ln du)try rPva. Uruted NlliOn' l1n·unnmrnt t'rug13rnnw. 1980) p. SO

l·il,!. 5. Jn t<"Tal'tio n Ll'OI)Old Matrix.

 MAJOR
CONSEQUENCts
DREDGING

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0
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G
3
'<
....,
0

ADAPTED FROM SORENSFN, I.C. A FRAMEWORK FOR IDENTil' l( ATION .l CONTROL OF RESOURCE
DEGRAilATION t\ CONFLICT 11\. THE MULTIJ'U USE OF THE COASTAL ZONF, IN ENVIRONMENTAL IWPACT
ASSESSMt:NT, BY LARRY W. CANTER (NEW YORK; Me GRAW·Hli.LBOOK COMPANY, 197') P. 197.

Fig. 6. Network Analysis Dredging Operations.

 Kintanar, EIS of Development Projects 43

COMPOSITE MAP
(ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSTRArnl~S1) ~~IJ]i~~!!!i~~~
SOILS MAP
11

SLOPE MAP

LEGEND; ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS

--HIGH

~MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLlGmLE

Fig. 7. Example for Composite Mapping.

From 1970 to 1974, there were 3,400 final EIS submitted to NEPA in the
U.S.A. The majority of the projects were roads, watershed, flood control, energy-
related projects, airports, navigation, parks and wildlife refuge, pesticide, herbicides
and timber management. In the Philippines, there were 37 EIS covering projects
such as heavy industries, resource extractive industries, infrastructure projects.

Conceptual Framework of EIA

Conceptually, EIA is simply the identification, prediction and evaluation of

the environmental impacts of alternative courses of actions or projects to achieve
44 Transactions National Academy of Science

a desired objective. The environmental impacts of a sel!!ctcd project may be repre-

sented as the difference between the future environmental conditions with the
project and thqse without the project (Fig. 8). The best course of action or alter-
native, environmentally speaking, would be the one with the least adverse environ-
mental effects. Another way of looking at it would be to project the condition of
the environment without the action and with the action (Fig. 9). The difference
between the two curves would represent the environmental impact of the action
or project_

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAl

ENVIRONMENTAl PROJECT CONDITIONS WITH PROJECT
SEITING AND CONDITIONS+ Less
NO PROJECT FUTUREENnnRONMENTAL
CONDITIONS WITHOUT PROJECT

6, =ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENCE
.. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF
PROJECT

Fig. !1. Conceptual Framework of Environmental impact Assessment.

CONCEPTUAl SCHEMATIC
OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

CONDITION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

'WilltOUT ACTION'

~
~
'~~ CONDITION OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
""'1111\.-Y'
'WITH ACTION'

----------
"'"'
Fig. 9. Conceptual Schematic of Environmental Cllanges.
 Kintanat, EIS of Development Projects 45

One of the major problems in the evaluation of environmental impacts of

alternative courses of action or projects achieving the same desired developmental
objective is the non-comparativeness of the impacts of these different alternatives.
One approach to this problem is the use of an aggregate index of overall impact
through some form of a weighted factor method where nwnerical weights for
importance of factors and scores for each factor are made by experts. Two
methodologies using the approach are : I) the Bate lie Environmental Evaluation
system and 2) the Georgia or Odwn Optimwn Pathway Matrix. These two methods
attempt to arrive at a common basis for comparison of the environmental impacts
of different alternative actions or projects, thus making direct comparison of
aggregate index of environmental impacts possible.

Typical Format of EIS

The outline of a typical EIS is shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10. Environmental Impact Statement Outline.

I. Name and Address of Project Proponent

2. Type of Project
3. Overview/Summary
4. The Project Setting
4.1 Declaration and Objectives
4.2 The Need
4.3 Alternatives
4.4 Associated Projects
5. The Proposal
5.1 General Layout
5.2 Pre-Construction Details
5.3 Construction Details
5.4 Operation and Maintenance
5.5 Contingency Plans
5.6 Abandonment
6. A Brief Hbtory of Past Environmental Conditions and a
Description of the Existing Environment and Resource Use
6.1 CUrnate
6.2 Terrain
6.3 Hydrology
6.4 Oceanography
6.5 Atmosphere
6.6 Vegetation
6. 7 Fiah and Wildlife
6.8 Land and Resource Use
6.9 Socio-economic Aspect!
7. Future Environmental Cooditions Without the Project
46 Transactions National Academy of Science

8. Prediction and Assessment of Impacts

8.1 Physical and/or Chemical Effects
8.1.1 Surface Water
8.1.2 Ground Water
8.1.2.1 Atmosphere
8.1.2.1.1 Air Characteristic
8.1.2. 2 Wind
8.1.2.3 lnversion
8.2 Eoological Effects
8.2. 1. Terrestrial Species
8.2.1. 1 Vegetation
8.2.1.2 Wildlife
8.2.2 Aquatic Species and Habitats
8. 3 Aesthetic Effects
8.3.1 Land
8.3.2 Atmosphere
8.3.3 Water
8.3.4 Flora and Fauna
8.3.5 Man-made Objects
8.3.6 Composition
8.4 Socio-economic F. ffects
8.4.1 Demography
8.4.2 Manpower
8.4.3 Transportation
8.4.4 Housing and Community Infrastructure
8.4.5 .Education, Health and Social Services
8.4.6 Lifestyle
9. Contingency Plans
10. Environmental Briefmgs and Monitoring
11. Mitigating Measures
12. Residual/ Unavoidable Impacts
13. Information Deficiencies
14. Appendices
15. Consultation and Conunents Including Public Recommendations*

•For Final Environmenta11mpact Statement Only.

EIA Process and EIS

To give you an idea, let me describe the process (Figs. II & 12) and proce-
dural flow of the Philippine EIS system {Fig. 13).

IUustrative Cases

For examples, I shall draw from my own personal experience and present the
summary of project description and environmental impacts from ElS that I had a
 Kintanu, EIS of Development Projects 47

direct hand in making. The number of pages and volumes of these Environmental
Assessment Reports are shown in the References at the end of this paper.

Vag. 11. Environmental Impact Assessment Process.

BASELINE STUDIES COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

BY ~ DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL___, FROM RELEVANT AGENCIES
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM IMPACT STATEMENT AND INTERESTED GROUPS

DECISION ON FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL +---

t
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENT (if ne«ssary)

EJA of the Barangay Water Project

A. Project Description
The purpose of the project is to establish and to ensure the maintenance
of viable water supply systems for small rural communities of 5,000 people or Jess
in 25 provinces selected from among the 28 provinces participating in the Pro·
vincial Development Assistance Project (PDAP) in the Philippines. Between I 00
and 200 individual water system subprojects, costing from P20,000 ($2, 700) to
P500,000 ($68,000) each, will be established in the three years from 1978 to 1980.
There will be 15 participating provinces in 1978, 20 in 1979, and the full projected
number of 25 provinces in 1980.
The four major components of this project are:
I. training and organization activities which consist of training personnel
at the national, provincial, municipal and barangay levels for planning,
management and technical work related to the project. Besides orga·
nizing trained personnel at the various levels of government, there will
also be organization of local water associations at the community or
barangay level to ensure the continued viability of the local water
supply systems.
2. design activities which require that all subprojects take into special
consideration ecology, health, safety, minimal construction and opera·
tion costs, community involvement, and present and future demands
for domestic water.
To illustrate the lower and upper limits of the size of the water supply
systems to be built, two hypothetical examples with their corre-
sponding likely components are given below:
Example I. Small system to serve as few as 300 people:
natural spring development or
deep weU (more than 45 feet deep) plus
 ~
IDI::NTIF!CA"!ION OF EV AlUATIO:< Of ENV IRONMENTAL IMPACTS

I'II.OJECT AS~-.. Ill

r
l:"NIT ..T 2.8 l
1ALTI::RNATIVES ,........__
IMPACTS
~ MEASURES

...I
P1 I T2 I 3 I-n cH I MEDIUM j ww I
r T 3l--
2
...&..

! EN V11\0NMENT AI. IMPACT

DOCt:MENT (EIP)
.......
I PROJECT DE<":ISION l

I PROJECT coMPO:-.cNTs l DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

I I
I I ] r I I
SITE PREPARATION CONS'fRUCTION OPERATIONS ~ATURAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC CULTURAL
ENVJRO?\ME~'T ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONME!•IT
CLEARING PLACEMENT ('OSSUMPTION OF
I.AND U Vi:.LIIIOOD llFESTY Lf.S
OF STRUCTVRES RESOURCES
GRliBBJNG
INSTAlLATION DISCHARGE OF AIR INC'OME TRADITION
GRADING OF liTILITIT:S LJQUID WASTI'S
WATER POPULATlO!\ ARCHFOLOGJCAL
LAYOiiT OF MAINTENANCE Rf.SOl.lRCFS
DEM.OUTION ('I RCU LA TIO N Of MACH1XES
SYSTEM & STRUCfCRES VEGHATION PUBLIC'
SFRVJ('f. HISTORICA L
LANDSCAPING DISPOSAL OF RESOURCES
& FENCING SOLJD WASTE

Fig. 12. Envi.ronmcntal Impact Assessment Flo wchart .

 KiJHanar, EIS of Development Projects 49

N"n'(· r..:!II.~!i '!:..S " It i\~H·

&:II:SCRlrT!O~ Ur TH.t.
P . P . C 1"Aol t'L ftf.~ 0 . FUC'tn l'0Nflo!f-l'ol3
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SAWI- ro l'lfi'C

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P!SAL U S I. Df:TEIUollt.H
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/Uj\"'UISt' F~YIRO!r!.ld' t.'tlA
U.WAl"l'S

!!JJIP('AD ~ P-I'. I H . ..t

HJ~ PMI)Jt:CI AS PLAJto"Nf.D WILL
8UN(: .-U 1VQ:\.; Lo.r.-.IM(»olllltl"'l ..\L
IMJ'M"""I'.

JrrO t"<' B.L<O)(U£SD! nne

~-------- ~ ------- NON-v>Sl)AN('f OF !::(;t ;

U:GtKIJ.
P.P PI.OJlC'T PJI.Of(Uf~ J,..A. LLADAGt-KV
1'&5 UiVIIIIONWF.N'T AL OOA(T $'r.&TDIDfT FJS..J.t: Fu a~rw roww.rrTEt:
Pf) )'kOI[(T DDCaro::JN lol(~ NATIONAL ENVJilONW&TAJ.
OX t:SYIROMNDI T ALCOWI'U~ ('U;TJFIC A'U rxoncTX>N r;0\1K('ft.

Fig. 13. Procedural Aow of the EIS System.

50 Transactions National Academy of Science

1 2.5-5.0 HP submersible or centrifugal pump

l 5,300 gallon elevated storage tank
600 feet or 3 and 4 inch pipeline
I 0 metered public faucets
Example 2. Large system to serve about 5,000 people:
deep well (more than 45 feet deep)
1 7.5-20.0 HP submersible or centrifugal pump
I 20,000 gallon elevated storage tank
3,000 feet of 3 and 4 inch pipe valves and meters for
houses and 20 public faucets.
3. construction activities which include (a) preparation of a water source
which would involve drilling a well in most cases, (b) construction of a
concrete storage tank, (c) building a pump house and installing an
electric pump and (d) installing transmission and distribution pipes,
valves and public faucets; and
4. operation and maintenance activities which include (a) start-up, initial
clean-up and disinfection, (b) continuing supply of potable water to
paying members of the Water Association and (c) maintenance and
repairs of the system as needed.

B. Summary of Environmentallmpacts
1. There will be the usual minor environmental impacts assodated with
small-scale construction activities. These impacts include erosion of
soiJ loosened during trenching, dust pollution, exposure of area resi-
dents to open trenches and traffic congestion.
2. Since the usual water source is a deep well, there is some chance of
exposing ground water to outside contamination and the remote
possibility of releasing toxic chemicals from a contaminated source.
3. In the case of a deep well source , there is the possibility of noticeably
lowering the water table, saline intrusion and ground subsidence.
4. There wouJd be a minor redistribution of surface water in the case of
a natural spring source and a major redistribution of surface water in
the case of a stream or river source. In the latter case, there would be
some adverse effect on the aquatic ecosystem.
5. In the case of a stream or river source, there would be the need for
chemical treatment of the water.
6. Water in the distribution lines might be contanlinated with leaks in the
absence of proper design and construction .
7. Given that most subprojects will result in an increase in per capit a
water use by a factor of four , there will be an increase in sullage or
excess water from domestic usc.
8. An elevated storage tank, depending upon its location and protect ive
 Kintanar, EIS of Development Projects 51

measures, might be a hazard to small children who would be tempted

to play on it.
C. Alternatives
I. No project.
2. Delay of Project.
3. Other Projects With the Same Effect.
4. Sources Other Than Deep Well.
5. Limited Distribution System.
6. Other Energy Sources.

D. Conclusions and Recommendations

I. General
a. This environmental assessment leads to the conclusion that the
relatively insignificant adverse effects of the Barangay Water
Project cannot offset the great health and socio-economic bene-
fits that would accrue to the small rural communities that would
be served by the project.
b. The EA team recommends that the feasibility study for each
project explicitly consider the capacity of the waste water dis-
posal system. If the system appears inadequate, then a simple
disposal system should be designed and incorporated into the
subproject.
c. The EA team recommends that the Barangay Water Project
staff assist provincial development staffs in designating more
subprojects in rural communities with incomes below the national
average. The few subprojects reviewed by the EA team were
located in relatively well-off communities. Communities with
incomes lower than the national average, even though less fman·
cially attractive, would be more in keeping with the AID stated
objective of assisting the rural poor.
d. The EA team recoJIUllends that the Barangay Water Project staff
assist and support provincial development staffs in designing less
sophisticated water supply systems. These systems would consist
primarily of a deep well/electric pump and only one or a few
public standpipes. These simple systems, which are encouraged
by the Misamis Oriental Rural Electric Service Cooperative
among others, could reduce system cost per household by as
much as 75 percent. Such a reduction in system cost would mean
that financial resources would be available to serve many more
communities.
e. The EA team xecommends that the Project be implemented
without delay.
52 Transactions National Academy of Science

2. Unique to Lolomboy, Bocauc, Bulacan

a. The EA team recommends that the residents of Lolomboy be

regularly made aware that proper disposal of liquid and solid
wastes is necessary to maintain the improvements in human
health achieved by an improved and expanded source of water
supply.
b. The EA team recommends that the subproject in Lolomboy
provide a larger tank capacity adequate to meet t.he demands
of current residents in the service area, as well as the projected
population in the near future. The present design calls for a
storage tank of 20,000 gallons. A more appropriate size tank
would be 38,000.

3. Unique to Ariston Weste-Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan

a. The EA team recommends that the residents of Ariston Weste-

Bancog be maue aware on a regular basis that proper disposal of
liquid and solid waste is necessary to maintain the improvement
in human health achieved by an improved and expanded source
of water supply.
b. The EA [Cam recommends that the Ariston Weste-Bantog sutr
project include building a fence around the water storage tank
in order to keep the school children off it.

EJA of !he Bicol River Basin Development Projects

A. Project Description
The Bkol River Basin Development Projects is one of the USAID-financed
activities in the Philippines, the primary aim of which is to raise the standard of
living of the Basin people to the national average at the end of the century and
maffitain its growth rate after the year 2000. It involves an integrated development
approach toward infrastructure development such as irrigation and drainage,
sal.inity control, flood control, roads, agricultural practices, fish culture and domes-
tic water supply projects on a basin-wide scale covering some 3 t 2,000 hectares. The
program has three major thrusts namely: agricultural development strategy, indus·
trial development strategy and social services strategy.

B. Summary of Environmental Effects

I. Effects on the Natural Environment :
Soils: Soil erosion is anticipated to occur during construction and upon
project operation and development. Unstable embankments on the
llicol River would be subjected to erosion when irrigation water from
impoundments are released during the dry season.
 Kintanar, EIS of Development Projects 53

Water Quality: Water quality would tend to deteriorate near impound-

ments due to concentration and accumulation of nutrients from agri-
cultural run-off. Also, as a result of increased fertilizer and pesticide
use, nutrient accwnulation in water may decrease the present levels
of dissolved oxygen. Despite the tidal barriers, salinity intrusion may
also occur on the Bicol River and may also percolate to groundwater
sources due to overpumping of water for irrigation and/or domestic
use.
Vegetation: Significant impacts on vegetation involve the loss of
mangrove swamps near San Miguel Bay. Some 300 kilometers of
secondary vegetation arc also expected to be committed for the con-
struction of new roads.
Te"estrial L1[e: Loss of mangrove habitat connotes the loss of ter-
restrial fauna, notably the Rufus hornbill. Rodents are expected to
increase in number in agricultural fields near irrigation levees.
Aquatic Life: Deterioration of water quality from nutrient accwnu-
lation usually results in fish kills. Bicol River would experience a reduc-
tion in fish diversity. Brackishwater species, especially the migratory
ones, would be eliminated by the tidal barriers. Salinity control, how-
ever, would permit the pen culture of freshwater species. Marshlands
and wetlands which are potential fl.sh habitat would be irreversibly
corrunitted for agricultural use, hence, limiting fish areas.
2. Effects on the Socio-Economic Environment:
Land Use: More areas would be devoted to agricultural production as a
result of irrigation and reclamation of swamplands. Human settlements
are expected to increase as a result of development; thus, increases in
urban lands are likely to occur.
Income: The Basin per capita income is expected to improve signi-
ficantly with improved and intensified agril~ultural activities. Income
would be equally distributed enabling the public sector to widen
investments in other business endeavors. This would tend to improve
the people's life-styles and standard of living.
Employment: The projects envisioned for the Basin would expand
employment opportunities for the residents. The working class is
expected to grow and improve steadily as a result of development.
Health: The health of the Basin populace is to be protected and safe.
guarded by the integrated health and nutrition program. Disease vectors
are only expected to increase in see-page areas along irrigation canals.
The domestic water supply project would assure improved sanitation
and hygiene.
Population/demography: With the onset of progress, immigration wiH
result in anticipated changes in demography. The influx of settlers
would create greater competition and demands for more resources.
 ltaDIIC1iona National Academy of Scieace

C. AJtematives
No Project: The "no project" alternative would avoid all the ad...ene effects
at the expense of the Basin progress. Non-implementation of the de...elop-
ment projects would entail a future of poverty, unemployment and social
unrest among the residents.
Deltzy Project: The delay of the propo!!ed projects would allow the further
deterioration of the current socio-economic condition in the area. It would
also mean an increase in the final cost of the project due to increased prices
of construction materials which would ultimately result in the delay of
potential benefits.
Different Projects to Achieve Same Goal: Unless alternative projects can be
identified feasible and would achieve the same goal with lesser adverse effects
and more beneficial effects, no further alternative can be considered.

D. Conclusions and Recorrunendations

Findings of the study indicate that the maximum potential benefits may not
be fully derived due to the adverse environmental consequences of the proposed
projects. The following recommendations are suggested:

I) Environmental monitoring of project activities is necessary to maintain

and/or improve the ecological and socio-economic condition. It should
involve the participation of inter-agencies, especially the Regional
Offices in Bicol.
2) The BRBDP as lead agency should launch an infonn~!!~~ ~diiipaign
about cumulativef~<!v~Cr~e ~f!e~~~ of pesticides and proper disposal of
solid and 1iquid wastes.
3) Mitigation measures for adverse environmental effects have been iden-
tified and should form the basis of an immediate action plan.
4) Vegetation/wildlife inventory and censusing should be done com-
prehensively in order to ~ertain the existing ecological balance needed
to formulate an effective environmental resource management and
conservation.
5) Specific plans for remedial! measures should be carried out and inte-
grated into de'Velopment plans of the projt:et.
6) Project construction phase should, as much as possible, limit destruc·
tion of aquatic and wildlife habitat.
7) Multi-sectoral efforts of the BRB program should include environ-
mental awareness and emphasize the balance between development
and environment.
8) The proposed projects should be implemented without delay upon
assurance that environmental protectiOn •will be accomplished and
realized as part of the over-all project sdtsne.
 Kintanar, EIS of Development Projects 55

The Southern Negros Geothennal Project

Palinpinon I. Sununary of EIA

A. Overview of Project
The Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP) is an electric power-
generation project utilizing geothermal energy from wells drilled in the Puhagan
(112.5 MWe) and Nasuji..Sogongon (110 MWe) geothermal fields of Palinpinon,
Negros Oriental.
The 3 x 37.5 MWe power plant in Puhagan is targeted for start-up in 1983.
Another 2 x 55 MWepowerplant in Nasuji-Songongon is targeted for 1985, project·
ing a total of 222.5 MWe in 5 years. This projected addition to the existing bulk
electric power supply of Negros Island is expected to meet its electric power needs
for the next 5-10 years with any spare capacity intended for the neighboring Cebu
Island, should there be a need to export power.
A comparison of bulk electric power development alternatives for Negros
(Table S-1) shows that the SNGP is the most attractive alternative in consonance
with regional development goals to accelerate industrialization of Negros Oriental
and the rest of Region VII.

B. Significant Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

This environmental impact assessment of SNGP has identified and evaluated
some neg~tiv~ environmental impacts associated with the various project phases.
Corresponding preventive, mitigating and or monitoring measwes are recommended
(Table S-2).

In the evaluation of negative impacts, those associated with Phase IV-Well

Testing, and Phase III-Deep Drilling were rated fust and second, respectively, in
relative importance. For the duration of these two phases, geothermal effluents
containing toxic gases, ions, salts and heat are released freely into the environment.
Moreover, civil earthworks in connection with road construction and drill pad
preparations could result in devegetation and soil erosion with far more serious
environmental consequences. Therefore, certain chemical and physical environ-
mental standards would probably be exceeded during these phases.
During the electrical generation phase, geothermal waste water and vapor
condensate will be reinjected back into the reservoir. This process would minimize
the adverse envirorunental effects of geothermal effluents, as observed in the Mak-
Ban Geothermal Project. However, the power plant and related facilities such as
collecting and transmission pipelines, cooling towers and electric cwrent trans·
mission and distribution lines will become permanent features of the landscape.
Environmental impacts during the Reconnaissance and Detailed Exploration
phases are least significant and are limited to unavoidable localized clearings, soil
removal and compaction, dewgetation and alteration in land use at the site. Iden-
tification of positive and negative impacts and corresponding management measures
Table S-1. Summary or comparison of bulk electric power development alternative for Negros

A ltematives Cost Benefits J:.'nvirmJmental!mpact Remarks

l.SNGP Approximately ?1.6B o The provision of
for 222.5 M.We installed
capacity by 1985
Please see Table S-2 Most attractive alter-
abundant, relatively and S-3 native in consonance
cheap electric power with regional deve-lop-
to the area will: ment goals.
- spur economic
activity
accelerate indus-
trialization
-· genetate more
employment
- improve quality
0 r life thru arti·
fkial light, do-
mestic water sup-
ply and other
conveniences
and amenities
dependent on
electric power
o Equivalent lin-
ported oil sav-
ings of at least
2.02 million bar-
rels a year worth
S78.5 Million or
1."'613.3 Million
will be realized.
(Velasco, 1980)
Table S-1 Continued

Alter1111tives Cost Benefits Environmentallmpact Re1111lrks

2. No Power Project None None None Status quo

3. Delay of Project Cost .,.,ill escalate at the Same as SNGP alterna- Same as SNGP alter- :-o;o compelling reason
estimated rate of tive, but the onset will native but onset is corre- to delay project
inflatioll of 10% an- be correspondingly spondingly delayed.
nually delayed.

4.Upgrudlng of exi5t· Dependent on how Significant savings from Some i.mprovemet~t over This alone is insuffi·
lng power generat- much upgrading is improved and more cffi· present situation due to cient for planned
ing facilities required cient power generation more e ffieient opera· development and
and delivery tions but negative im· would result in the
pact from pollution will continued depen-
increase if power out- dence on imported fuel
put is increased oil

5_ Additional oil-fired An equivalent installed Same as SNGP except Greater oil pollution L~:ss attractive because
power plant capacity to the SNGP that it will mean more than a geothermal of additional intporta-
(222.5 :\{We) will cost importation and depen- projecl tion of fuel rcq uiring
approximately I"81JM dentt! on foreign sour- foreign exchange outlay
(using General Santos ces of oil. equivalent to about
Power Plant cost Sl9.4M annually
estimates). This is
equivalent to 2.02
Million barrels of oil/
year valued at S 78.5
Million or 1"6133
Million (Velasco,
1980)
6. Coal-fired plants Approximately Pl.4 B Same as SNGP: would Even greater pollution Cannot be realized
for 222.5 MWe installed decrease dependence of than oil-tires plant and immediately and com-
capacity (using the Negros on fuel oil greater overall environ- pletely since mined coal
Table S-1 Continued
A /tenlllttves Cott Bene]lls Environmental Impact Remarks

Calaca, Batangas coal- mental impact than in the country is still

rued power plant estl· SNGI" considering the in short supply. Also,
mates) entire fuel cycle of the coal-fued plant
ntining, transporting would compete with
and utiliz a,~rion of coal other coal-fired plants
as fuel. and Industrial plants
converting from oil-to·
coal for both local and
imported coal supply
(Bomasang, 1980)
7. Hydro-electric Po- Approximately P' 1.38 Same as SNGP. would Would submefl',e a lazge No suitable river system
wer Plant for 222.5 MWe installed lower the demand for illea of land and water for large hydro-electric
capacity (using the fuel oU which would otherwise power except perhaps
Magat Hydro Plant cost be available for other the llog-Hilabangan
estimated) uses. River basin in Neg~os
Occidental which has a
drainage area of 1945
kJn2
8. Nuclear Power Plant The 620 MW Nuclear Would provide suffi· Needs special radio- Not enough demand for
Power Plant in Bagac,
Bataan otiginally esti-
cicnt electric power
with its concommitant
active waste disposal
system and manage-
electric power in the
area anticipated in the
f-
n

mated to cost S1.1 B socio-economic effects me.Jt ; with adverse en- next 1S years to war- "'
or !"8.58 B wW now but would still depend vironmental impact con- rant nuclear power
cost $1.8 8 or P 14 B on imported uranium siderin.g the total fuel development.
because of the delay for fuel cycle from mining, pro-
and additional safety cesmtg, transporting
features (lbana, 1980) utilizatio n to radio-
active waste disposal
Table s-2. Negative environmental impacts and environmental management measures associated with the various phases of SNGP

Relativ~/mportllnu
Proj«t PhtUe N~gtztiv~ Environmmtlll lmptztts of lmPilets: Environment« MtzNJgement
1 =Grutett S = Lutt Mu~Uret

I. ReconEUdsance Umlted localized devegetation 5 None required

from trail and line clearing

II. Detailed Exploration Civil earthworks devegetation 4 o Consideration of environ·

Soil erosion mental inputs In selection of
Land alteration exploration sites. road routes
Nobe civil works spoil dump sites,
Aesthetic lmpacU from pre- location of sumps
sence of construction equip- o Coordination of Drilling
ment and facilities Group whh Enviro~n~
Short·term river contamina- Staff regarding downhole of
tion with mud and drilling kerosene, diesel chromium
chemicals from !hallow ex· and other toxic compounds
ploratory drilling activities for driDing
Socio-economic impacts arls· o Construction of sump ponds
ing from influx of strangers with oiJ traps for containment
and above impacts of drilling waste
o Discriminated fencing and sta·
bilization of sump perimeter
o Stabilization/Reforestation of
unstable slopes or probable
landslide areas
o Regular monitoring of enViron·
mental (i.e. quality of river
systems and other water bodies
Table S-2 Continued

Re!atiJ•e lmportaii CC
Project Phose Negative Em•ironmemallmpacts of Impacts: Em•iro nmenta/ Measures
1 = Greatest 5 =Least

likely to be affected by
drilling al.'tivities) and socio-
economic para.rnetcr s
o Implementation of a well-
directed information program

III. Deep Drilling Same nature of impa~.;ts as in 2 o Same as in Phase II except

Phase 11 but of greater magnitude that environmental monitoring
anr.llonger duration should be more comprehensive,
more de tailed and should
consider long-term consequen ·
ccs of civil work and drilling
activi tics/progrlilll
 Kinta.nar, EIS of Development Projects 61

was also done for each module or environmental component considered for this
EJS (Table S-3).
If the probable long·term socio-economic benefits of SNGP are balanced
againsts its limited negative environmental impacts (Table S4), the benefits will
far outweigh the risk of environmental degradation. There are also adequate man·
agement measures available to keep adverse environmental impacts to within
acceptable levels. Moreover, monitoring activities are being w1dertaken to serve
as an early warning device of impending environmental problems.

Concluding Remarks
The ElS partakes of a fuU disclosure document which provides information
on both the positive and negative en virorunental effects of a proposed action or
project. The ultimate aim is to include this analysis in the initial stages of the
planning of any project which significantly affects t he quality of the environment,
so that the final decision on whether to go ahead with the project will depend not
only on conventional tcclmical feasibility and economic viability st udi es but also
on the long term and secondary and tertiary impacts on the physicO·Chemical,
biological, cultural and socio·economic environment.
In the Philippines, some of the problems related to the proper implemcn·
ration of an EIA/EIS system are:
1) lack of appropriate S & T specialists to tmdertake baselirlc studies and
monitor the environmental parameters
2) la ck of equipment and instruments to make the baseline and monitor-
ing measurements
3) lack of fmanciaJ resources to undertake a thorough environmental
impact assessment
4) lack of experienced EIA/EJS Experts to prepare docwnents
5) undue interference in the EIS system by way of exemption frcm
coverage
6) non-compliance of project proponents and relevant agencies to the law
and NEPC rules and regulations on EIA/EIS.
To show the breadth ofEIA/ElS, a partial list of Regulatory Agencies respon-
sible for some aspect of environmental protection is shown in Fig. 14.

References
Canter. L. 1977. Environmentallrnpact Assessment. 3 31 pp. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.
Inter-Agency Committee for Ecological Studies. 1978. Environmental Assessment of the
Darangay Water Project 60 pp.
Inter-Agency Committee for Ecological Studies. 1978. Environmental Assessment of the Bicol
River Basin Development Projects. Vol. 1-132 pp. & Il-233pp.
National Environmental Protection Cotmcil. 1981. Philippine Enviromnental Law - Comments
& Materials 530 pp.
PNOC Environmental Staff. 1981. The Southern Negros Geothermal Project - Palinpinon 1 -
An Environmental Impact Statement. Vol. f-405 pp. , Vol. 11-263 pp.
National Environmental Protection Cotmcil 1983. Environmental Impact Assessment Hand-
book. 242 pp.
Table s-3. GNGP impacts and management measures a.uociated with the various EIS modules

lmpocts Mallllgement Measures

I. LAND

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL Soil erosion o landscaping, planting of grass and

Soil contamination by toxic chemicals sluubs
(i.e. As, B, Li, Cl) o regulation of discharging wells and
amount of discharge
o construction of adobe·lined settling
ponds and channels
ground subsidence o reinjection
SOIL increased seismicity and possible earth- o monitoring areas for evidence of ground
quakes subsidence and considering this factor
in deciding locations of SNGP facilities
o monitor seismicity as an early warning
deYice

TERRESTRIAL BIOLOGY habitat destruction resulting from non-
selective removal of vegetation during civil
works vegetation changes could result in
migration of species from the project area:
appearance of new species; possible eli-
mination of less adaptable animal species
FLORA vegetation removal resulting In
a) resource extraction
b) successional vegetation of cleared areas
c) successional change of community com·
position towards undesirable ftod species
d) change in land use due to change in
conununity composition
o continuous inventory of animal com·
position population to monitor any
changes In the community
prohibitions of incliscriminate wildlife
bunting
o declare the geothermal reservation as a
wildlife preservation area
o control of the destruction of exist·
ing plant cover
a) checker-board clearing pattern use
when preparing weU sites
b) splfin8 of vegetation along streams
to filter run-offs
c) avoid disturbance of areas with
Table S-3 Continued
lmpttct
e) change in climate
f) loss of biotic regulation of important
environmental processes and rela-
tionships
- evapotranspiration and water storage
with associated floods;
- disruption in flow of mineral cycling
increase in soU erosion
- potential land slides due to loss of
binding vegetation
euthropication of water bodies
receiving the erodod particles and
leached nutrients
- aesthetic effects {loss of scenic
vistas and unique habitats
o trampling of vegetation resulting in its
temporary stunted growth of leaves
o clogging of stomata due to generated
dust . reduction of light penetration
due to increased reflection surfaces and
opaqueness of dust particles
o decrease in soil compaction leading to
soil aeration which in turn leads to a
decrease in aerobic microflora popula·
tion and growth of plants in the vici-
nity of weUs due to reduction in re~r
piration
o introduction of new microsites for plant
invasioo due to exposure of slopes
Mantzgement MetUUI'el
unfavorable slope, texture, and
water content
d) control of illegal logging
o re-vegetation of cleared sites after
project activity
a) planting of indigenous tree species
b) planting of economically important
tree species
o Adoption of protective practices such as
contour cultivation and minimum tillage
on cultivated areas
o afforestation of roadsides, residential
areas, and the periphery of agricultural
areas
o a special study on the local meteorolo-
gical profile so that permanent facilities
may be locwed to augment dispersion
of geothermal air pollutants
o sufficient collection ponds as a con-
tingency against reinjection failure
c monitoring of geothermally induced
changes:
a) the use of biological indicaton
b) meteorologic changes
c) hydrologic changes
Table S-3 Continued

Impact Mant~gement Measures

o introduction of toxic and saUne effluents o formulation and implementation of a

and H2S emissions with subsequent watershed management program
contamination of flora remlting in
reduction of vegetation growth and
death of flora
o reduction of plant transpiration, lower-
ing of mineral and water uptake due to
additional load of water vapor
o reduction of growth or death of some
flora, enhanced growth of blue-green
algae due to atmospheric thermal
stress
o introduction of new habitat for resis-
tant algal populations (temporary pools)
brought about by steam discharge
o reduction of growth or death of vege·
tation due to drilling mud contami-
nation in immediate vicinity of well
IL TiiE WATER
A. HYDROLOGY AND OCEAN- o increased river discharge o reinjection
OGRAPHY o contamination of surface and ground- o monitoring river and groundwater
water

B. WATER QUALITY o contamination of groundwater, river and o drilling waste management

sea water and sediments by toxic com-
ponents of geothelT!lal effluents and
drilling fluids
o siltation, increased turbidity
a) construction of sump p onds large
enough to contain the fluids and
long enough to hold the fluids to
allow sufficient sedimentation of
mud components and evaporation
Table S-3 Continued
C. AQUATIC BIOLOGY (FRESH·
WATER AND MARINE BIOLOGY)
Impact
o decrease in light penetration and con- o biannual monitoring of river benthic
sequently in photosynthetic activity of
phytoplankton and benthic flora due to
increased turbidity
o smothering/suffocation or death of ben-
thos and nektonic species (i.e. fishes )
MatUZgement Met~sures
of toxic hy drocarbon fra ction of
diesel
b) use of rice straw, dr y bagasse or other
improvised oil separators or slcimmers
in sump ponds
c) chemical analysis of the drilling fluid
and regular monitoring of ground-
water, river and sea water for con·
centration of toxic components;
compliance t o water quality stan·
datds
o geothennal wastewater management
a) reinjection
b) construction of settling po nds and
channels
c) regulation of discharge rate and
number of discharging weUs
d) regular monitoring of geothennal
discharges for toxic ions along the
river and measurement of river
discharges; compliance to water
quality standard
fauna as an index of pollution
o biannual chemical analysis of biological
S.Jmplcs (i.e. shells, crabs, shrimps,
fishes ) for concentrations of toxic
ions (Hg, As, Cd, Cr, etc.)
Table S-3 Continued

lm{Xlct Maflllgement Mearures

due to siltation and high amount of o Maintenance of toxic ion concentratiom

suspended solids in river and sea water and sedlment
o diSIUption of feeding reproduction and within NPCC standards
other physiological processes due to high o selection of pollution indicato.r species
amounts of suspended solids and change through uptake/tolerance studies
in chemical characteristic! of water o regular monitoring of drilling and
o decrease/ loss of established benthic com- geothermal discharges, toxic components
munities which may be succeeded by along the river and sea (i.e. before
the establishment of new ones (towards irrigation diversion)
undesirable ones such as worms) brought o Measurement of sedimentation rates in
about by a change in the substratum river and sea
and/or water quality o cooling of geothermal effiuents in the
o temporary increase in plankton popula- sump pond to a temperature u close to
tion resuhing ftom increa~ nutrient the ambient as possible before discharg-
load leached from land ing to the environment reinjection of
o eutrophication of river water due to geothermal fluids
excessive Ultation and high load of
leached nutrient
o uptake/bioaccumulation of some toxic
ions as Hg, As, Cd, Cr leading to dit-
ruption of physiological processes, mor-
phological modifications or even death
and endangering man If contaminated
species are used as food
o tainting of organisms due to oil uptake,
smothering/suffocation due to oil
coating; other sublethal and letl\al toxic
effects resulting in disruption of phy-
siological or behavioral activities or
death
Table S-3 Continued

lmpoct

o thennal stress on river organisms either

resulting in enhanced growth and repro-
duction of some species or decreased
physiological activities/death of other
species par1icularly the bonthos

UI.TIIE AIR o oxidation of emitted H2S to H2S04
A. METEOROLOGY could bring about occasional acid
uins, thus u endaD,ering terrestrial
and aquatic life and various facWties
of the site
o emission of C02 to atmosphere may
gradually adversely affect the micro-
climate
B. AIR QUALITY o the~mal streu from release of hot
steam from the well into the atmo..
pbere which could eventually result in
death of te~restrial life, particularly
plants in immediate vicinity of wells
o exposure to H2S emimons which could
cause undesiJable effects on humans
ranging from irritation of respiratory
tract (1 ppm) to death (1000 ppm)
o exposwe to other potentially harmful
emissions such as mercury and arsenic
compounds, radioactive elements, rock
dust and silica·laden spray, endan&erin&
humans and lower fonn s of life
o consideration of dominant wind direc·
tion in selection of lites
o monitoring of rain water qualit y for
Indications of pollution
o updatins of meteorological data
o regular rnonitorinJ of pteOUS emissions
particulady n 2s levels around the wells
and wind direction
o compliance with air quality standards
o provision of good ventilation in build·
inp
o burning of H 2 S gas to form S04 which is
then scJUbbed with cooling tower water
o reinjection of steam
o homontal weU discharge in a controlled
direction
Table S-3 Continued

Impact Management Measures

<> exposure to 1\igh C02 concentrations

C. NOISE excessive noise whic\t could cause wildlife c incorporating physical separation and
migration and adversely affect laborers by should barriers in plant designs to limit
causing temporary partial hearing losses occupational exposure of plant workers
and more serious physiological and psy· to excessive noise
cholog!cal effects o monitoring of noise levels in vicinity of
project site
o consulting land use map in planning
compatibility of noise with land uti-
lization
o use of silencers/ mufflers in wells, provi-
sions of ear plugs or muffs to workers
IV.TIIE PEOPLE .,more job opportunities/increasoo em- Implementation of a well directed infor-
SOCIO-FCONOMIC ployment from a) project site hiring mation program (i.e. to assuage counteract
during development phase, and b) Duma- fear of people against fire hazards, crop
guete-Sibulan area due to availability damage and influx of strangers - the 3
of relatively cheap geothermal electric categories in perception and attitude survey
power which elicited negative responses)
o rural electrification which could a) en-
courage latge scale e xpansion of estab-
lislunent of primary-based industries
such as cottage and handicraft indus-
tries b) provided electric lights and
refrigeration services which could have
secondary effects in agricultural-fisheries
production
o acceleration of p opulation trend ;
increase in population density
o raise in income level in Southern Negros
region: earnings from industrial em-
Table S.3 Continued

Impacts Management Measures

ployment will be a significant addi·

tion to rural income which are quite
low (1976 SUlVey) because of relatively
low productivity of mono-culture agri·
cultural operations in maize and coco-
nut farms
o increase in hotel and recreational facili·
o ties/ booster tourism in region improve·
ment/provision of infrastructure facili-
ties such as roads, ports and airports,
waterworks system
o indire<.'tly help in improvement of
health conditions of Southern Negros
over the next 1·15 years, with the
provision of clean and safe domestic
water supply thru pumps powered
by cheap electricity
<.: increase in social services
o improvement of peace and order situa·
tion thTU expected increase in employ-
ment and incomes
o general ·unprovement of living/worlting
conditions
Table S-4. Positive and negative impacts of the Southern Negros Geothermal Project

Pro/xzbUity
Impacts of Occurrence Remarks

POSITIVE IMPACTS
Minimum benefits by term
Increased economic activl·
tics
lncrca~~ed income
Accelerated lndustrializa·
tion
Increased employment
Increased foreign exchange
savings equivalent to oil
fuel displaced
Highly probable Provision by the government of
other requisites for increasing
economic activity 3Uch as appro-
priate incentives, infrastructures
and other supporting services to
encour38e lndusttiallzation along
desired lines.
On balance, the socio-economic
benefits far outweigh the risk of
envi.ronmentaJ degradation, hu·
man toxicity and possible coo-
nomic losses should the project
fall.

Social benefits/Over-all im· Highly probable Provisions by the government

provement quality of life in of a companion development
terms of. project for the provision of
Safe domestic water supply domestic water supply.
and environmental sanitation
by provision of electric power
for water pumps
electricity dependent amenities
and convenience such as ractios,
TV, refrigerators and 24-S
lighting
Table S-4 Continued
Impact~
NEGATIVE IMPACTS
Air pollution from toxic gases
such as hydrogen sulfide and
mercury
Soil and water pollution from
oil and toxic ions such as
arsenic, chromium , boron,
lithium and chloride from
drilling/geothermal effluent
waste water
Noise
Probability
of Occurrence Ma1111gement Musures
Highly probable o Regular monitoring of air Despite the greater number or
quality to ensure that ambient nqatJve than positive impacts
conoentrations aie kept enumerated here, the balance stiD
below threshold value limits favors the beneflta and advantages
and environmental standards over the costs and disadvantages.
o Ensuring sufficiency of
physical separation/distance
between points of zelease of
toxic gases and the people
working In the geothermal
facility or in neighboring
human settlements
Highly probable o Controlled discharge and tem-
porary collection of waste-
water .in settling ponds with
oil traps
o Adoption of a rei.njection
strategy of wastewater disposal
o Regular monitoring of sedi-
ment and water quality to
ensure that toxic components
of waste water are within
environmental standards
Highly probable o Provision of silencers and other
noise reducing infrastructures
o Regular monitoring of noise
levels to ensure that these are
within environmental stan-
dards
Table S-4 Continued
Probability
Impacts of Occurrence Management Meosures
Aesthetic Impect Highly probable Choice of proper architectural
design and avoidance of visually
prominent locations for siting of
geothennal facilities
Ground subsidence over the reser· Low to moderate ·:) Adoption of a reinjection
voir strategy to reduce net outflow
of mass, thereby reducing risk
of subsidence
o Construction of buildings and
other heavy structures on solid
ground foundation
Increased seismicity and/or Low to moderate Monitoring eeisrnicity as an
earthquake early warning system.
R emarks
Besides the power plant and
cooling towers. kilometers of
collecting and transmission pipe-
lines arc nccc~~ary concomittants
of a geothermal power project
in addition to the usual power [
plant, electric distribution and irl
()
transmission lino::s common to r:t.
all power projects. However from
experience in Tiwi and Mak·Ban,
.
0
=
these arc aesthetically acceptable
to the local people.
 Kintanar, EIS of Develo pment Projects 73

Fig. 14. Partial Listing of Regulatory Agencies Responsible for Environmental Protection.

Agency R egulatory Aspect{s) Legal Basis

DFD Land Classification/ Regulation

of Forest Lands & Products,
including timber, plants and P. D. No. 706, as amended
animals, sawmills, veneer/ plywood
mills and wood processing planh ;
and, grazing lands

BFAR Fishing Privileges; Licensing of small

Fishing Vessels ; and, Fishpond P.D. 704
development

BMGS Mining Rights P.D. Nos. 463, as amended

&: P.D. 1654

BL Classification/Regulation of Act No. 218, CA

Public Lands (Non-Forest) Act No. 141 , as
amended

NPCC AJI/W ater Quality P.D. 984, as

Noise Pollution amended & P.D. 96

NEPC EIS System P.D. 1586

HSRC Land Use Compatibility P.D. 1396

LLDA Project/Program clearance relative to

Pollution & Eoological Balance in R.A. No. 4850 &
Laguna de Bay Watershed Area P.D. 813

MPWH National Building Code P.D. 1096

MTC Public Land & Water Transportation

Certification P.D Nos. 1057 &: 1587

BPI Pests&: Diseases P. D. !587

BAI Import/Export of Animals P.D. 1587

FPA Pesticides & Fertilizers P.D. 1144

NM Export of National Cultural Treasures; P. D. 1587

Aichaeologlcai/H!storlcal Excavation P.D. 200

MOH Sanitation/Inspection & Regulation of P.O. 858

Food and Drugs

PTA Tourism Development/Operation P.D. 189, as amended

74 Transactions National Academy of Science

Fig. 14 Continued

Rqultllory AlfNCl(l)

PCG Control/Regulation of Pu.enger R.A. 5173, P.D.

Merchant cl Laqe Fishing Ves.,els; Nos. 600,601 cl 602
and Marine Pollution
PAF.X: Import/Export of Atomic:: EneJBY
Facilities; Radioactive Matedah cl P.D. 1206
Instruments