4.1.

1 Ground Acceleration

Ground acceleration caused by earthquakes may result to considerable

damages and destruction to properties and infrastructures with possible loss
of lives to the inhabitants of the affected areas. Factors that influence the
intensity of ground shaking include the magnitude of the earthquake,
distance of the site in relation to the earthquake generator (epicenter or fault
zone), characteristics of the underlying rocks, and the soundness of the
infrastructures. The proposed projects nearness to the main Philippine Fault
(Gabaldon Segment), makes the area susceptible to ground shaking. Ground
motion estimates made by Phivolcs and USGS at a 10% probability of
occurrence in 50 years reveals 0.30g, 0.40g, and 0.75g for rock, medium
soil and soft soil, respectively (Figures 14, 15, and 16).

The projects proposed weir site, which is underlain mainly by slightly to

moderately weathered metamorphosed sandstone, mudsone, shale and
siltstone, falls under the 0.20g as shown in the delineated Acceleration Map
for Rock. The proposed plant on the other hand being underlain by a
moderately dense soil with intermixed rock fragments and falls on the
medium soil condition (0.38g). The surge tank being located in the sloping
ground falls under 0.65g for soft soil category.

Using the deterministic method of Tanaka and Fukushima with the

following attenuation relation:

Log10A=0.41M-log10 (R + 0.032 x 100.41M) - 0.0034R = 1.30

Where: A= mean of the peak acceleration from two horizontal components

at each site (cm/sec2)
R= shortest distance between site and fault rupture (km)
M= surface-wave magnitude

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Figure 14 - Peak Ground Acceleration in the Philippines for Soft Soil Cover

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Figure 15 - Peak Horizontal Acceleration in the Philippines for Medium Soil Cover

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Figure 16 - Maps Showing Peak Horizontal Acceleration in the Philippines for Bedrock.

Considering an earthquake magnitude of 7.5 and distance of the proposed

weir site of 3.2km from the Philippine Fault (Gabaldon Segment), the
following peak ground acceleration (PGA) values of 0.343g, 0.498g and
0.795g for bedrock, medium soil and soft soil condition, respectively, were
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 computed. The area studied which is underlain by slightly to moderately
weathered metamorphosed sandstone and siltstone, falls under rock
condition. The eastern side however, being hosted by highly fractured,
weathered metamorphosed sandstone and siltstone falls under the soft soil
condition.

The proposed plant site, on the other hand, being located about 0.41km from
the Gabaldon Fault, has a computed peak ground acceleration of 0.376g,
0.546g and 0.872g for bedrock, medium soil and soft soil condition,
respectively. The site being underlain by dense soil material associated with
rock fragments overlying metamorphic bedrock falls under the medium soil
condition.

4.2 Ground Rupture

As per PHILVOCS certification, this hazard is considered not much of a concern

in the project area as the nearest active fault, the Gabaldon Segment of the main
Philippine Fault, is about 3.2 and 0.410 kilometer away, respectively, from the
proposed weir and power plant sites (see attached Phivolcs Certification).

4.3 Flood Hazard

Floods usually occur during or after heavy rainfall and prolonged periods of
monsoon rains wherein the river channels are saturated with water resulting to
river swelling and overflowing of the river banks into the floodplains. The low-
lying areas with poor drainage system are susceptible to flood hazard.

The project sites proposed Power Plant, considering its location which is about
10 to 15 meters above the riverbed of Dupinga River, is considered not
susceptible to flooding. It falls outside the flood prone areas delineated by the
Mines and Geosciences Bureau , Region 3 (Figure 17).

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Figure 17 Landslide and Flood Susceptibility Map of the Ligaya Quadrangle-Nueva Ecija
and Aurora Province

4.4 Mass Wasting/Scouring

Mass movement involves the bulk transfer of earth masses under the influence of
gravity. Common down slope hazards includes landslide, slumping and increased
erosion, which commonly occur along steep slopes, escarpments, steep terrain
underlain by highly weathered, fractured and loose materials. This is usually
triggered by heavy precipitation and prolonged rains during monsoon seasons,
ground shaking and, in some cases, slope excavation.

Based from the Landslide Susceptibility Mapping of Ligaya and Gabaldon

Quadrangle conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Region 3, the
projects proposed weir, headrace/conveyance pipes, surge tank, and the power
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 plant sites are generally classified as High Landslide Susceptible (Figure 18)
considering its topography, characteristics of underlying rock formation, thickness

FAULT Coveyance Pipe

Rockslide

Photograph 16. Shown is a rock slide which is caused by the fault mapped
about 600 meters southwest of the first junction.

of soil cover and presence of geological structures. In addition, it is likely that

block falls and toppling failures have been experienced in the vicinity as well, as
evidenced by the screes and other colluvial and blocks deposited at the riverbanks.

During rainy season, strong water current could result to scouring of the abutment
of the proposed weir site. Construction of riprap/retaining wall must be done to
protect the abutment against this hazard.

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 ROCKSLIDE

Photograph 17. Shown is a rock slide said to be triggered by the July 1990
earthquake on a highly fractured rock on a barren slope
on the east bank of Dupinga River.
f

Conveyance Pipe

Photograph 18. Shown are hanging rocks above the proposed conveyance
pipe layout marked in yellow dotline. The big boulders of
metamorphosed rock at the river bed are a result of rock
toppling and/ or block falls.

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 4.5 Siltation

The project sites headwaters range from +5 kilometers to +10 kilometers from the
mouth of the Dupinga River. As observed, the project site is underlain by
metamorphosed sandstone, siltstone and shale, which have minimal soil cover
indicative of slow weathering process. Siltation that would come from eroded
rocks is considered minimal.

4.6 Engineering Properties and Classifications

A preliminary assessment of the engineering characteristic of the study area

particularly on the proposed weir site, conveyance, surge tank and power plant was
undertaken. Three zones were defined based on its engineering and geological
properties and its response to weathering and erosion. The first zone (Zone 1)
represent the metamorphic rocks which are generally fresh, slightly weathered,
with tight fracturing, and with rock strength of >200 Mpa (Photographs 1, 2, 3,
and 7). Zone 2, generally consists of loose, highly fractured, faulted and
weathered rock. Rock strength is placed at 5 12.50 Mpa (Photographs 5, 6 and 8
16, 17, and 18).

Zone 3, consists of soil material associated with gravel and cobble size
metamorphosed siltstone and shale. Observed at the proposed surge tank location,
this zone reveals the presence of slump an evidence of slope failure. (Photographs
9, 10, 11, and 12).

5.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the geological and geohazard assessment of the Dupinga Mini-
hydro Electric Power Project at Sitio Dupinga, Barangays Malinao and Ligaya,
Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, the following are the summaries and conclusions drawn;

1. The proposed Dupinga Mini-hydro Electric Power Project (3.80MW) aims to

produce a sustainable renewable energy that will augment power supply of the
various municipalities of the province of Nueva Ecija. The power plant, located
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 at Sitio Dupinga, in between the Barangays of Malinao and Ligaya, is
underlain by medium dense soil with gravel to cobble size materials overlying
metamorphic bedrock. The proposed power plant location is about 10 to 15
meters above the Dupinga riverbed.

2. The proposed Surge Tank, located at slope face (slope angle of 55 - 60 using
Brunton compass) is underlain by loose to medium dense silty sand material
with gravel to cobble size metamorphosed rock fragments. A slump is noted,
an evidence of localized slope failure. Also, a landslide/rockslide material is
noted at the foot slope that came from the upper section of the proposed surge
tank.

3. The Dupinga Weir located at the intersection of geographical coordinates 15

19 50.686N Latitude and 120 19 50.074E Longitude some four (4)
kilometers upstream from the mouth of Dupinga River, is underlain by
metamorphosed sediments classified as chlorite schist, part of the Lubingan
Formation.

4. The east side abutment of the proposed weir consists mainly of highly
fractured, moderately weathered metamorphosed sediments (chlorite schist)
with rock strength placed at 5 12.50 Mpa. Fracturing generally trends N50
W to N60W, dipping 70 to 80 SW (dips noted to be the same as the slope
angle). Secondary fractures usually trends N20W to N30W dipping 70 to 80
SE (perpendicular to slope face). Rock falls and screes were noted at the foot
of the slope, evidence of slope failure.

5. The proposed west side abutment, on the other hand, is hosted by fresh
metamorphosed sediments with rock strength placed at >200MPa. Fracturing
trends northwest but is dipping towards the slope face making it more stable.

6. The project lies near the active earthquake generator particularly the Philippine
Fault Zone (PFZ) - Gabaldon Segment. Earthquakes resulting from fault
movements are unavoidable and unpredictable phenomena the project site
could experience. The sites proposed power plant and weir is about 0.410 km

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 and 3.20 km, respectively, from the Gabaldon Segment of the PFZ (refer to
attached Phivolcs Certification).

7. The computed ground acceleration of the proposed weir site using the Tanaka
and Fukushima formula reveals peak ground acceleration (PGA) value of
0.343g, 0.498g and 0.795g for bedrock, medium soil and soft soil conditions,
respectively.

8. The computed ground acceleration of the proposed plant site, on the other
hand, reveals peak ground acceleration (PGA) values of 0.376g, 0.546g and
0.872g for bedrock, medium soil and soft soil conditions, respectively.

9. Ground rupture hazard is deemed to be not much of a concern in the project

area as the nearest active fault, the Gabaldon Segment of the PFZ, is about 3.2
and 0.410 kilometer away, respectively, from the proposed weir and power
plant sites.

10. The projects proposed Mini-hydro Electric Power Plant site is 10-15 meters
higher than the riverbed of Dupinga River and is considered not prone to
flooding. It falls outside the delineated flood susceptibility map of the Mines
and Geosciences Bureau, Region 3.

11. The projects weir, headrace/conveyance pipes, and surge tank are generally
susceptible to landslide considering its topography, thickness of soil cover and
characteristics of the underlying rock formation and the presence of geological
structures. It falls under the delineated High Landslide Susceptibility Map of
Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 3.

Based on the results of engineering and geohazard assessment, the Dupinga Mini-
hydro Electric Power Project is suitable for the intended development. However, the
following mitigating measures are recommended;

1. The proposed Dupinga Mini-hydro Electric Power Plant site is underlain by

dense soil with associated gravel, cobble to boulder-size fragments overlying
metamorphic bedrock. It is located at a level ground at the foot of a ridge with

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 slope angle of about 50 - 60 which is considered moderately unstable.
Retaining wall must be constructed to protect the plant from the possibility of
rock fall and landslide occurrences during earthquake and heavy rainfall.

2. The proposed surge tank to be located on a slope face (slope angle of about 55
degrees average) is underlain by soft to medium dense soil material with gravel
and cobble- size metamorphic rock fragments; some localized slumping were
noted, evidence of slope failure. Proper design and engineering must be
undertaken during construction to mitigate slide occurrence that could damage
the structure. During excavation of the surge tank location, the walls must be
properly protected with riprap structures.

3. The Dupinga Weir must be properly designed and engineered before

construction. The east side abutment where a highly fractured and weathered
rock is noted must be anchored on fresher rock to ensure stability of the
structure. The west side abutment hosted by generally fresh metamorphic rock
with tight fracturing is considered stable. The abutment must be properly
anchored on this fresh rock.

4. Appropriate embankment should be constructed at the weir area to mitigate the

scouring effect of running water that may damage the structure.

5. The weir must be periodically de-silted to maintain its water capacity. Silt
material must be properly stockpiled in a designated stockyard.

6. The conveyance pipe which will traverse a steep slope of fresh to moderately
fractured rock must be properly designed. During excavation, walls must be
properly stabilized, protected by riprap and or retaining walls. Hanging rocks
must be barred down to avoid damage caused by rock falls to the conveyance
pipes.

7. The proponents project engineer or safety engineer must likewise undertake

constant and thorough monitoring of the weirs and conveyance pipes site for
any sign of weakness (fractures, faults and threats from hanging rocks) for
immediate remediation.
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6.0 WARRANTY AND CLOSURE

This report was prepared using geological procedures in conducting the geological
assessment and geo-hazards investigation. Its scope is limited to the project and
location described here-in and represents our understanding of the surface and sub-
surface conditions of the site at the time of the assessment. The contents of this report
are valid as of the date of the preparation, however, should there be appreciable
changes in the site as a result of man-made or natural activities, Oremet Corporation
should be immediately notified so that supplemental recommendations can be
provided. Consequently this report should not be relied upon after an elapsed period of
three years without the review of Oremet technical personnel for verification and
validity. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, either expressed or implied.

Prepared by:
For: Oremet Corporation

Clarito (Larry) S. Cadawan- Director

Tomas D. Malihan President/Director

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