5.-Baseline-Methodology

A baseline study is the collection of the most basic background information concerning biophysical, social, and economic aspects of a project area.
It serves as an initial collection of data, forming a benchmark for future comparisons.
The project area is defined as the location where environmental impacts are experienced during different phases of a project.

The study provides descriptions of the status and trends of environmental factors, enabling evaluation of predicted changes (e.g., water pollutant concentration).
It allows for the monitoring of actual changes post-project initiation.

Baseline Data measures conditions before project commencement.
This information should be known prior to project start and is measured in percent accuracy, duration, time, frequency, and intervals.
Example Metrics:
- Air Quality Measurements:
  - Rainy Season: June - November
  - Summer Season: February - March
  - Wind Patterns: North wind (Nov-Apr) at 2 m/s, South wind (May-Oct) at 1.33 m/s; Average speed: 2 m/s
  - Annual Rainfall: 1,759.1 mm
  - Temperature Range: 32.6°C (Highest), 23.4°C (Lowest)
  - Relative Humidity: Dry bulb - 27.5°C, Wet bulb - 24.5°C. Highest humidity: July (83%), Lowest: April (77%).

Population Dynamics in Monkayo:
- 50% of the population consists of migrants
- 32% have indigenous cultural lineage (e.g., Mandaya, Manobo, Mangguangan, and Dibabawon).
- Over 25% to 40% of Brgy. Upper Ulip affiliated with indigenous groups holding CADTs.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for 27% of illnesses in Monkayo over a three-year period.

Detailed reports provide insight into trends of environmental factors.
Supports program preparation and encourages public participation, aiding in issue identification and trust-building among stakeholders.
Useful for screening changes for program operation and impact evaluation.

Understanding risks, costs, and benefits justifies environmental policies within society.
Proper baseline data can prevent delays in Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) preparation, leading to effective decision-making.
Decision-makers become more aware of impacts, mitigations, and monitoring needed when baseline data is provided.

Primary Sources: Field and lab data collected and analyzed directly.
Secondary Sources: Published records and documents such as project documents, village profiles, maps, photos, and internet resources.

General Methods:
- Literature reviews, map interpretation, and checklist methodologies (scaling, questionnaires).
Resource-Based Methods: Use of scientific instruments and techniques.

Aim to establish the environmental state before observing potential impacts.
Utilize historical data and monitoring records, including maps, satellite imagery, expert knowledge, and field investigations.

Employ remote sensing and GIS technologies for data collection.
Spatial Data: Defines geographical locations via points, lines, polygons, or pixels; includes information on shape, size, and orientation.
Sources include hard copy maps, aerial photos, and remotely sensed imagery.

Non-Spatial Data: Describes characteristics of geographic features, represented in table formats.
Sources include GIS data from libraries, national and international mapping agencies, time series multispectral satellite images, and EIA databases in various formats.

Soil Quality: Laboratory analysis.
Water Quality: Laboratory analysis.
Noise/Air Quality: Field collection.
Meteorology: PAG-ASA data.
Topographic Maps: National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).
Census Data: Philippine Statistics Authority.

Main parameters measured include water quality, meteorology, and ambient air quality among others.

Ambient Air Quality: PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2; measured quarterly.
Ground Water: pH, TSS, TDS, DO, BOD; monitored quarterly.
Surface Water: Monitored similarly to ground water.
Noise Levels: Taken hourly and assessed quarterly.
Soil Quality: Measured quarterly for organic matter, N, acidity, heavy metals.

Evaluating geology, hydrology, soil types, groundwater conditions, pollution factors, topography, and watershed conditions.

Assessing terrestrial systems, flora and fauna, aquatic ecosystems, and environmentally sensitive wetlands.

Examining regional development needs, demographics, potential economic activities, and infrastructure facilities.

Identifying archaeological sites, historical, spiritual sites, and areas of cultural importance.

Completing baseline studies in EIA can be time-consuming.
There are criticisms regarding increased costs and delays attributed to EIA, advocating for a focus on potentially affected aspects using a scoping checklist for efficiency.

Insufficient baseline data leads to constraints for both developing and developed nations regarding significant ecosystems' structure and functionality.
An EIA report that includes baseline data mitigates these issues.