#MINDANAO
A recent article pointed out the possibility that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) may issue a two-tiered Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for certain types of renewable energy projects (https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/22/offshore-wind-developers-required-to-secure-two-tiered-ec-cs).
This week I would like to feature the background of the oft-discussed Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC.
The Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC is a clearance document that binds the proponent or applicant to fulfill specific conditions to address the impacts of their proposed project on the environment. Presidential Decree 1586 issued in 1978 establishes this as a requirement for projects, which cover infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, energy, and many others. Section 2 of this law establishes the Environmental Impact Assessment System (EIA) of the country, serving as the main requirement or document to be submitted to the government to apply for the ECC. What makes ECC unique is that, unlike other permits for which an application form is submitted, it is based on the EIA which is a technically prepared assessment.
The EIA is a management planning tool in the form of a document or study that does three things. The first is to lay out the proposed activities or process of a particular project. This includes various phases from preconstruction and construction to the operational phases. This also includes what may happen if and when the project ceases to operate whether it is the end of its corporate life or will need to immediately cease operations for any reason.
The second is to analyze how the activities to be undertaken by the project affect the surrounding environment and community. It utilizes scientifically sanctioned approaches and methodologies to measure baseline environmental conditions and analyze possible impacts.
The third is to determine what appropriate measures need to be taken to control or manage the impact on the environment and community. It also proposes measures to lessen negative impacts and broaden the positive benefits.
An example of an EIA is when a proposed mall is planned, the EIA helps understand that the unavoidable wastewater emanating from the mall’s establishments and lavatories may find its way into the nearby creeks and streams, possibly causing pollution to these water bodies. The mitigating measure to address this impact will include installing a wastewater treatment system to ensure that the effluents pass government standards indicated in the Clean Water Act. A positive effect is the creation of economic opportunities for the local population.
The EIA is a globally accepted and practiced methodology for determining and addressing environmental impacts. Often, they are required by banks as a prerequisite for approval of loan financing. In many countries like the Philippines, this is also a legal requirement for projects, where the document is used as a basis for regulatory approval.
I will discuss more on this next week. Should you have any questions on the matter drop me a message at facebook.com/johntriapage
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agrifood Office
I would like to congratulate the Canadian government for launching the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-food Office headed by Ambassador Deidrah Kelly. The launch was graced by no less than Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Ambassador David Hartman. I believe this will provide opportunities for Canadian and Filipino agribusinesses. Mindanao, the base of our agri-exports to the world, will be a good place for these investments and partnerships to take root.