CHAPTER 10

Introduction to Environmental Engineering

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process used to analyze, evaluate, and manage potential environmental and social effects of proposed actions or projects, both in the short and long term. EIA integrates environmental considerations into development initiatives to minimize environmental impacts, ensuring that projects are environmentally sound (Asian Development Bank, 2003). The implementation of an effective EIA can inform project design and implementation by suggesting measures to prevent, mitigate, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts, thereby promoting sustainable development while protecting ecological integrity.

Environmental Protection Policies in the Philippines

In the Philippines, policies to protect the environment have been institutionalized through the establishment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The country’s EIS System is recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the world, addressing not only the regulation of industrial pollution but also encompassing a broader range of environmental protection measures and the rights of local communities. The EIA process in the country focuses on individual projects and is mandated by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1151, known as the Philippine Environmental Policy. This decree, issued in 1977, requires all national government agencies and private corporations to prepare an EIS for projects that significantly affect environmental quality, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency in environmental governance.

The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

The Philippine EIS System was formally established in 1978 under PD No. 1586, which identifies environmentally critical projects (ECPs) and projects located in environmentally critical areas (ECAs) as requiring an EIS submission. Section 4 of PD 1586 mandates that no individual or corporation may undertake such projects without securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). This system is designed to ensure that environmental considerations are prioritized in project development, contributing to better environmental stewardship and sustainability in the country.

Stages in the Environmental Impact Assessment Process

The EIA process consists of the following key stages:

  1. Screening: This initial stage determines whether a project requires coverage under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS), what specific documentation is necessary, and identifies the relevant authorities involved in the processing of these documents.

  2. Scoping: This stage identifies the significant issues or impacts associated with the project and defines the baseline information required for adequate evaluation. The scope of the EIA is based on the project type and the sensitivity of environmental resources involved, ensuring a focused approach to environmental assessment.

  3. EIA Study and Report Preparation: This involves the creation of a comprehensive project description, identification of potential environmental impacts, and formulation of a thorough management and monitoring plan to address these impacts effectively.

  4. EIA Report Review and Evaluation: In this stage, a screening for compliance is conducted, followed by a substantive review by environmental experts to assess the EIA documents submitted for completeness and adequacy in addressing environmental concerns.

  5. Decision Making: This stage involves evaluating EIA recommendations, leading to the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), which determines whether a project can proceed based on its potential environmental impact.

  6. Monitoring, Validation, and Evaluation: This ongoing process ensures that project impacts are effectively monitored and mitigated according to the commitments laid out in the ECC. Regular assessments help to identify any unforeseen impacts and allow for necessary adjustments to management strategies.

Types of Projects in the EIS System

Projects are classified into four categories based on their potential environmental impact:

  • Category A: Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) that pose significant negative environmental impacts, often requiring more stringent regulatory oversight.

  • Category B: Projects that are not classified as ECPs but may still pose environmental risks due to their location in ECAs.

  • Category C: Projects specifically aimed at enhancing environmental quality or addressing existing ecological issues, promoting rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

  • Category D: Projects that are unlikely to cause adverse environmental impacts, generally characterized by their low-risk profiles in terms of ecological disturbance.

Environmental Critical Projects Under PD 1586

Presidential Proclamation (PP) 2146 was issued to declare certain projects and areas as environmentally critical, categorizing ECPs into three main areas:

  • Heavy Industries: Activities such as non-ferrous metal industries and petroleum processing, which may result in extensive pollution and resource depletion.

  • Resource Extractive Industries: Significant operations like major mining activities that can lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and socio-economic issues for local communities.

  • Infrastructure Projects: Large-scale projects such as dams and highways that can disrupt ecosystems and local wildlife habitats. Additionally, certain areas have been identified as critical, including national parks, wildlife preserves, and regions supporting endangered species, reinforcing the need for customized environmental assessments in these sensitive zones.