9.

0 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination is to provide an assessment of

the environmental concerns that need to be taken into account with regard to the
project location, design, construction and operation of the Barangay Didipio Water
Supply Improvement Project (hereinafter referred to as the “the Project”). This report
also intends to assist the Project Proponent (OGPI) in identifying all pertinent
environmental and social issues and concerns that require utmost attention. In
addition, this report likewise enumerates the required documentation, permitting and
clearance requirements to secure the project Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) prior to
initiating project implementation.

9.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

For the description of the environment, only important features are herewith
described.

9.1.1 Physical Resources

The project may cover the following physical / water resource of

barangay Didipio:

SITES RAW WATER

WATER SOURCES COORDINATES CLASSIFICATION
Brgy Nueva Invencion River N11° 05.880' E122° 53.508' -
Brgy Vista Alegre River N11° 06.000' E122° 52.742' -
Brgy Rizal River N11° 04.825' E122° 51.443' -
Brgy San Lucas River N11° 02.993' E122° 50.931' -
Nagpana Falls N11° 06.571' E122° 49.421' -
Table 1: List of Proposed water resources for Barotac Viejo

As shown on table above, the raw water quality of the existing water
sources of the municipality of Barotac Viejo had not determined and

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 classified. Nonetheless, the study team was able to get the water
quality of the proposed water sources for the municipality.

Figurebelow shows the proposeddevelopment schemes showing the

proposed raw water extraction points locationsand the distribution
system which also indicate future areas for expansion of service
coverage.

Figure 1Proposed Development Scheme for Barotac Viejo

The details of the future expansion program are discussed in Section 7

of the main Proposal.As shown in figure above the physical
development schemewill encroach the center and peripheral parts of
the municipality and some remote and hinterland areas. The siting of
the project within these areas will have implications in the permitting
requirements from the Municipal Government.

It should be noted that the proposed Project is not at all in conflict with
the purposes of the Project with that of the policies of the government
in restricting project’s and human’ activities in areas that are populated
and restricted use area like the potential water sources. This is
especially true when the Project Proponent is capable of offering
feasible and comprehensive environmental programs that will further
enhance and protect the may be affected areas and restricted use

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 zone. As mentioned earlier, the Project can be considered as an
example of a perfect sustainable development Project where natural
resources are used for the benefit of the public while the environment
are at the same time conserved, protected and enhanced.

9.1.2 Ecological Resources

Project area is generally flat land with 9,307 hectares or 50% of the
total land area classified as having 0-3% slope. Some portions of the
project area are covered by sprawling hills and high mountains – Mount
Opao and MountDaragang. Blessed with vast marine and agricultural
resources, farming and fishing activities has been the main sources of
income of the people.

Hence, the project implementation will require the securing of

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

9.1.3 Socio-Economic Features

 Presence of settlement center

Based on ocular inspection of the Project area especially in the

proposed raw water sources, there was no settlement centersfound.

 Presence of Indigenous People (IPs)

The presence of vulnerable group such as the presence of Indigenous

People (IP) may have bearing in the project implementation. In
securing the ECC from DENR, consultation from the concerned Group
from the local government for securing favorable endorsement from
barangay councils are necessary in order to implement the Project.

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 In this case, Indigenous People (IPs) found in Sitio Nagpana, Brgy.
Lipata where Nagpana Falls water sourceswas located, the project
proponent will imply to secure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC)
from the concerned IP group or concerned local government offices in
order to implement the project.

 Presence of economic activities:

The quality of raw water of the proposed surface water source (San
Lucas River and Nagpana Falls) and ground water sources of Barotac
Viejocan be affected by surrounding activities such as farming,
quarrying, etc. if they are existing. But based on the ocular inspection
of surroundings of proposed water sources, there have been no
quarrying activities at all. However, one of the potential tourist attraction
proposed for improvement is the Nagpana Falls.

9.2 SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS ANDMITIGATION MEASURES

9.2.1 Environmental Problems due to Project Location

 Land Required for Diversion Weir, Raw Water Treatment

Plant, Infiltration Gallery, Reservoir and Water Transmission
Lines

To implement the proposed Project scheme, land is required for the

construction of the Project’s components or facilities.

The proposed Project schememay be implemented free from both

illegal settlement and possible disturbance of properties. The land
property to be affected by the Project is mostly public land wherein
local government permit is necessary to secure the land required for
the project.

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 In summary, no significant social impact as to relocation/resettlement
and land/right-of-way acquisition issues are to be expected.

 Encroachment into Ecologically Sensitive Areas

The proposed Project schemewill not encroach into areas that belong
to core zone and restricted use zone which may have been declared
under the DENR restricted zones. Hence, there will be no
encroachment into ecologically sensitive areas during Project
implementation.

Other project components such as water treatment plant, reservoir and

transmissions lines shall be constructed within the controlled use zone
and outside of the core zone and restricted use zone.

 Presence of Protected Flora and Fauna

The surroundings of the proposed raw water intake pointsare not host
for endemic flora and fauna. However, the Project can be considered
as environmental enhancement Project since the affected watershed
will be literally conserved, protected and enhanced.

Hence, Project impact on protected flora and fauna is positive.

 Impediment to Movement of People

The construction of vital Project components such as the raw water

suction baywill not limit the movement of people in affected areas.
However, the construction of water transmission lines will affect the
movement of people especially during construction stage through
temporary road and traffic disturbance. Traffic management and
advisory shall be coordinated with local traffic officials and Project-

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 affected people. Signages and notices shall be posted in strategic
areas to serve as public advisory especially in areas where traffic and
road disturbance are to be experienced.

 Impediment to Historical Cultural Monuments, Buildings &

Values

There will be no impediment of any historical cultural monuments,

buildings and values during project implementation.

 Disruption of Hydrology and River Ecology

The extraction of San Lucas river water for potable water supply project
may exert impact on the river ecology downstream of the intake
area.However, the Project Proponent will imperatively ensure that
enough river water or flow will be retained to protect the downstream
river ecology system of affected river.

During construction of transmission and distribution lines, there will be

river crossings. During pipe laying in river crossings (which could
impact river water quality in terms of increased turbidity and levels of
suspended solids and temporarily disrupt natural water flows), slopes
will initially be stabilized (benching) prior to trenching or excavation and
finally landscaped to stabilize any potentially critical field conditions to
avoid debris slides of riverbank materials and minimize surface runoff.
Construction time for river crossings may be undertaken during dry
season where stream flow is at its lowest.

 Conflicts in Water Supply Rights and Water Use

The Project will secure the required NWRB Water Rights Permit to
ensure that none of the existing water users will be adversely affected
by the proposed project.

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 To regulate the sources from indiscriminate extraction or activities, the
Project Proponent together with Local Governmentshall implement a
comprehensive environmental management plan to protect the water
sources from pollution/ degradation.

In this case, the water sources will likewise be regulated fromother

activities such as upstream quarrying or as sink of untreated domestic
wastewater and agricultural runoff to ensure the long-term
sustainability of the Project.

 Regional Flooding/Drainage Hazards

The Project once implemented is said to be an environmental

enhancement project that will protect, conserve and enhance the
surrounding watershed areas – a perfect model of sustainable
development Project. In this case, a comprehensive environmental
management plan will be put in place. Without proper environmental
management, the Project could be impaired especially in the absence
of soil and water erosion control measures that may bring about
siltation, affecting not only the main intake points but also resulting to
higher raw water treatment cost. It is recommended that the concept of
“environment continuum principle” be implemented as a component of
the Project. Under this principle, the watershed should be perceived as
a continuum with three (3) "environments" namely, mountain
environment, lowland environment, and water environment (river
system and sea). It is believed that whatever is done in one part of the
continuum, affects the other parts. Thus, environment management in
the Project areas would be well planned in a manner integrated with
issues and concerns regarding the protection and rehabilitation of other
mountain and lowland ecosystems.

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 9.2.2 Environmental Problems Relating to Design

 Suitability of Natural Water Quantity for Water Supply

As discussed in the section on water resources assessment, raw water

from the proposed extraction points along the San Lucas river and
Nagpana Falls are of good quantity and most of good quality as well,
that based on the conducted water sampling on water sources all of
which passed the parameters (See Annexes***) for Philippine National
Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

In this case, the application of Water Treatment Plant (WTP) for San
Lucas Riverand Nagpana Falls when implemented shouldmeet the
desired water quality according to the Philippine National Standard for
Drinking Water (PNSDW) as well as the short- and long-term water
demand of the municipality of Barotac Viejo..

 Sources of Pollution

There proposed water source at Nagpana Falls, having been identified

as a potential tourist attraction in the Municipality, may be a potential
source of pollution.

 Land Use Conflicts

There are no portions of the project affected area are used for
settlement. However, proposed water source Nagpana Falls, having
been identified as a potential tourist attraction in the Municipality,will be
use for vital economic activities according to the municipality’s
Comprehensive Land use Plan (CLUP).
 Impact on River Users

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 The use of San LucasRiver through the proposed extraction point will
be no adverse impact foreseen on thedownstream users.

9.2.3 Environmental Problems during Construction Stage

 Erosion and Sedimentation

Rehabilitation of spring boxes, reservoir, distribution, transmission

lines, and excavation of river water source extraction bay, etc., coupled
with vegetation clearing and intense precipitation in the Project area
during rainy season and could result to erosion and sedimentation in
the Project area. The magnitude of the plume of suspended sediments
would depend on the degree of disturbance, type of substrate, and
water velocity at the time of construction.

For river water source sedimentation is a potentially threatening

process that could significantly impact diversity and density of riverine
biotic communities. It makes rivers shallower and creates barriers to
fish movement. It also smothers benthic organisms and decreases
riverine productivity to a certain extent. Sediments carried downstream
at moderate to high velocity also result in scouring which affects fauna
density. Erosion control measures are therefore imperative to avert
negative impacts of the Project during construction.

Sedimentation and erosion impacts are considered negative but have

short duration. These impacts are predicted to prevail only for the
duration of the construction period. The impact in terms of added
sediment load to nearby river systems is insignificant. This assessment
is based on the total size of the project-affected area.

As a rule, particles or sediments created during construction activities

shall be contained within the system. Excess excavated materials shall
be used as base fill for roads or for housing use. It is but normal that

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 sediments will enter the system during the first operation. Turbidity
would be very high due to high total suspended solids thus, creating a
moderate impact to aquatic life. This would be avoided by incorporating
best management and construction practices. Further, major
excavation works shall be done during the less rainy months to keep
soil loss at a minimal.

Spoil from construction of the transmission and distribution lines is also

identified as source of erosion/siltation problem. Proper management
of spoils should be observed. Spoils or excavated materials should not
be stockpiled on the areas near the drainage lines within the city proper
of even in the riverbank nor dumped in the directly to streams/ river.
Excavated materials that cannot be hauled immediately shall be
covered and/or surrounded by a bund to prevent erosion.

The final measure is to ensure that the contractor:

- Observes and applies good construction practices specified

within the Contract Documents;

- Schedules major excavation work especially in the town proper /

river crossings system during the low flow season; and,

- Implements a Site Soil Protection and Rehabilitation Program

included within the Contract Documents as part of the
Contractor’s responsibility.

 Air Quality and Atmosphere

The magnitude of potential air pollutants to be generated by Project

construction is minimal considering the project size and type of
construction activities. Dust generation is expected during the
construction phase, which is normally a consequence of various civil
and ground works especially when the weather is dry. NOx and SOx

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 may be emitted from heavy equipment used in construction activities.
These air pollutants are only temporary and can be easily dispersed
through the open breeze of the Project area, thus, the impact to air
quality and atmosphere is minimal.

 Aesthetic Effect

During construction, the only activity that will affect the visual character
of the Project area is the installation of temporary scaffoldings,
presence of heavy equipment and working personnel as well as
construction debris. However, this will only persist during the
construction phase. Therefore, the impact is expected to be minimal.

When construction is completed, the Contractor must be directed to

clean up the construction site by removing all equipment and
temporary buildingsand carry out site remediation work. This will also
need to be included as a requirement under the Contract Documents.

 Other Construction Hazards

Serious inputs to the water system are chemical and petroleum

products from machineries used in trenching and excavation during
construction. Oil products and by-products during construction shall be
stored away from water sources. Spillage shall be avoided and
washings shall be disposed off properly using acceptable industry
standards. For river water source chemicals arising from spills of fuel
and oil fluids would negatively affect biotic communities of the river
from the construction site up to several meters downstream. Upon
completion of the Project, the contractor shall be required to clean up
the construction site. Equipment, buildings and other structures
erected shall be demolished and remediation work for possible
contamination effect shall be instituted.

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 The provision of safe and potable water for drinking, washing and
sanitation purposes is a must for workers and the contractor. However,
the safety and healthiness of the working environment shall be kept at
high standard. Solid wastes and other forms of wastes shall be
properly disposed of. Portalets as substitute to permanent septic tanks
shall be provided at work sites to avoid human wastes entering aquatic
ecosystems.

The site of gravel crushing concrete batching plants (if any) and
screening area shall be at least 500 meters away from the campsite
and the construction area to protect workers from dust and noise.
Washings and other products coming from the plant shall be
intercepted in ponds and treatment shall be done before release.
Protective dust cover shall be provided to workers to prevent them from
inhaling dust emission and cement particles during construction.

The following items will need to be addressed within the Contract

Documents, Vis:

- During construction, several types of wastes will be generated.

Some of these will be broken down and assimilated without
problem into the environment while others will be resistant to
breakdown and some may also be toxic. It is this last group that
will be carefully evaluated and proper disposal methods
determined.

- Fuel and oil storage areas should be located well away from any
watercourses and be provided with interceptor traps so that
accidental spills do not contaminate water sources and aquatic
environment for the river source. All waste oil should be stored
and disposed of according to acceptable oil industry standards.
Washing down water also needs to be directed into this system
and held in retention areas for treatment. Refueling should,

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 wherever possible, be carried out at the fuel storage area and
never in the watercourse. Plastic containers that have been
used for chemicals must be destroyed so that these would not
be accidentally used as household water containers.

- Camp and construction areas will need to be provided with

septic sanitation facilities (i.e. portalets) that are prevented from
draining to any watercourse. No untreated human waste or
washings should be allowed to enter any watercourse, as this
will affect downstream water quality, aquatic environments and
human health.

9.2.4 Problems Relating to Operation

 Sedimentation/Siltation Concerns on the Water Source

Sedimentation and siltation concerns on the water source/river system

and in the raw water extraction bayitself can be addressed by
implementing anenvironment management program that will re-
introduce river bank greenings in exposed or eroded areas in the river
bank. The Project Proponent and DENRshould regulate non-
compatible activities in the river bank area such as illegal settling and
the like.

 Changes in Hydrology

In reality, the proposed Project will improve the hydrological conditions

in the river and ultimately in the service areas. The Project will not
cause flooding but may instead prevent flash-flooding. All of the
expected positive changes in the hydrological condition are possible
due to the anticipated impact of the implementation of the proposed
environmental management plan in the Project area. Hence, the
perceived impact on hydrology is very positive.

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 9.2.5 Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts and
Mitigation Measures

Table below shows the summary matrix of environmental impacts for

the proposed development plan of water supply improvement scheme
in the municipality of Barotac Viejo.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECOMMENDED

SOCIAL IMPACTS DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Environmental Problems due to Project Location
1. Land Required for Dam, Raw Water Treatment Plant, Infiltration -
Gallery, Reservoir and Water Transmission Lines
2. Encroachment into Forests or Ecologically Sensitive Areas -
3. Presence of Protected Flora and Fauna -
4. Impediment to Movement of People ∆
5. Impediment to Historical Cultural Monuments, Buildings & n.a
Values
6. Disruption of Hydrology and River Ecology -
7. Conflicts in Water Supply Rights and Water Use n.a
8. Regional Flooding/Drainage Hazards +∆
Environmental Problems Relating to Design
1. Suitability of Natural Water Quantity for Water Supply +
2. Quality of Water for Domestic (Potable) Water Supply +
3. Sources of Pollution -
4. Land Use Conflicts -
Environmental Problems During Construction Stage
1. Erosion and Sedimentation ∆
2. Air Quality and Atmosphere ∆
3. Aesthetic Effect ∆
4. Other Construction Hazards -
Problems Relating to Operation
1. Sedimentation/Siltation Concerns on the Water Source -
2. Changes in Hydrology -
Legend:
n.a. = not applicable;
∆ = insignificant;
 = significant;
+ = positive;
− = negative
Table 2: Summary of Environmental Impacts of proposed Development Plan for Barotac Viejo

9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLANS

The Environmental Monitoring Plan is a proactive plan that will serve as a blue print
in overseeing implementation of mitigation measures as well as in
minimizing/preventing the occurrence of identified adverse impacts of the Project.

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Monitoring works will be undertaken by a Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) to be
created for the Project. Fund for monitoring works and activities should be provided
by the Project. The recommended composition of the MMT is as follows:

 EMB-DENR – as MMT Chairman

 Members:
- Project Proponent
- DENR (PENRO/CENRO)
- DOH
- Concerned LGUs (provincial, municipal and barangays), and
- Other concerned stakeholders at the barangay level

During monitoring, results of the monitoring initiative will be used by the Project
Proponent in gauging their compliance and level of performance on matters
stipulated in this environmental study.

9.3.1 Reporting and Databasing

Proposed impact monitoring and reporting plans are intended for the
continued observation and evaluation of mitigated impacts during
construction and operation phases.

Periodic environmental monitoring reports shall be prepared by the

Project Proponent with concurrence from all the members of the MMT.
In the monitoring report, the Project Proponent should spell out all
identified problems encountered during monitoring, including proposed
solutions, and submit these reports as part of annual progress reports
to the municipal Government of Barotac Viejo for information and
record purposes. Monitoring should continue within the lifespan of the
Project.

The MMT and the Project Proponent, in particular, are expected to

develop a database for both natural and socio-economic characteristics

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 of Project components crucial to project management and evaluation
purposes. Baseline and monitoring data compiled through time is
essential as decision support mechanisms. In the long run, information
generated from monitoring and all decisions arising from monitoring
works are likewise expected to benefit the Project Proponent, local
government units and concerned line agencies in the Project area.

Monitoring should continue during the construction and operation

phase or at least within a period prescribed by the local environmental
regulatory agency.Environmental concerns, which should be
monitored, among others, are:

- Monitoring of the waterways for activities that may impair water

quality especially agricultural and drainage systems in upper stretch
of theriver source. This can be jointly done by the Project
Proponent, MMT, other concerned local government units and
regional DENR offices;

- Monitoring of water quality of the water sourcesat extraction point to

determine its possible deterioration; and,

- Monitoring of other sources of pollution to identify proper mitigation

measures to arrest/address such pollution sources to preserve the
integrity of the water source of the Project.

9.3.2 Monitoring Activities during Construction Phase

As part of the monitoring program during construction, the MMT should

conduct regular monitoring of stockpiles of construction/ excavation
materials and spoils. Inspection should be done every two (2) weeks or
more frequently (e.g. daily) if excavation is ongoing. The monitoring
team should note the location of the stockpile, and the length of time
the stockpile will be hauled or backfilled. If longer than a month during

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 rainy season, the contractor should erect bunds (using sand bags, e.g.
soil /sand in used cement bags) around the stockpile.

9.3.3 Monitoring Activities during Operation Phase

Environmental concerns that will be monitored are:

- Water quality of the ground water sources and after storage water
tanks, also;

- Water quality of surface water source (San Lucas River and

Nagpana Falls) and after water treatment plant,

- Water ways (upper and lower reach of the river), for activities that
might impair river water quality, particularly those activities in the
upper reach.

9.4 OVERALL CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

CRITERIA

9.4.1 Losses in Precious/Irreplaceable Natural Resources

The Project is oriented towards the use of the ground and surface
water resources as source of potable water supply for municipality of
Barotac Viejo. Ultimately, the aim is to increase the service level of the
LGU Waterworks including BAWASA and othersand live with its
mandate of providing safe water supply to all the people of Barotac
Viejo.

In this case, there are no unwarranted losses of precious natural

resources in this Project but instead, resources are use positively and
wisely and sources are protected and enhanced.

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 9.4.2 Relation between Scarce Resources and Short-Term Gains

The proposed environmental management (enhancement) program for

the concerned points along the river source stretchis a positive
conservation step. Definitely, the Project will not make unwarranted
accelerated use of scarce resources in favor of short-term economic
gains.

9.4.3 Effects on the National Energy/Foreign Exchange Situation

The Project will not require large energy inputs as to power and fuel. If
possible, local suppliers and resources will be involved in the Project.

During operation, transmission and distribution line repair and

maintenance would be labor-intensive and would not require use of
much heavy machinery (bulldozers, loaders and cranes). As much as
possible, local contractors and suppliers would be hired for this Project
so that the foreign exchange cost for importing services and equipment
would not be very high. Consequently, no adverse effects are
expected.

9.5 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STUDIES

9.5.1 Legal Requirements

For this Project, there are around three (3) important local permit,
certificate and clearance that are required to be secured by the Project
Proponent prior to project implementation. These are the NWRB Water
Rights Permit andECC from EMB-DENR. It should be noted that said
permit, clearance and certificate should be secured prior to project
implementation.

 Water Permit

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 Water Permit is a document being issued by the National Water
Resource Board (NWRB) which represents the absolute “Right” of the
Project Proponent to extract water from the identified raw water
sources at the needed quantity within the capacity of the subject water
sources.

 Securing of ECC from EMB-DENR

At the minimum, the EMB-DENR may require the Project Proponent to

submit an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the proposed
project. The document will be used to secure the project ECC from
EMB-Region VI.

Upon securing of the ECC, the proponents shall furnish LIWAD with
copies of the ECC issued for the project including other local
concerned agencies or entities.

9.5.2 Institutional Requirements

 Designation of the Environmental Officer

As part of the requirements of the local environmental regulatory body

(DENR), the Project Proponent shall be required to appoint/designate
an Environmental Officer (EO) to be assigned specifically for this
Project. The role of the EO is to ensure implementation of its pollution-
control related plans and programs. The EO will be responsible in
formulating detailed strategy and plan of action that will respond to the
requirements of environmental management and monitoring plans
including future needs relevant to protection of the environment. The
EO position also handles the overall management and planning of
activities that will respond to environment-related issues and concerns

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 that may arise during the construction and operation stages of the
proposed project.

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