48325-001: 150 mw burgos wind farm project...initial environmental examination the initial...

Initial Environmental Examination

The initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “Terms of Use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Project Number: 48325-001 July 2015

PHI: 150 MW Burgos Wind Farm Project Transmission Line and Jetty

Section 13 – Socio-Economic Assessment Section 14 – Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Section 15 – Risk Assessment Section 16 – Environmental and Social Management Plan (Part 6 of 14)

Prepared by EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation and the Asian Development Bank.

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/12098 | i

Table of contents

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Project Description ......................................................................................................................... 1

3. Assessment Methodology .............................................................................................................. 1

4. Land Use Assessment ................................................................................................................... 1

5. Noise and Vibration Assessment ................................................................................................... 1

6. Biodiversity and Conservation ....................................................................................................... 1

7. Marine Ecology and Seawater Quality ........................................................................................... 1

8. Water and Drainage Assessment .................................................................................................. 1

9. Soil and Groundwater Contamination Assessment ....................................................................... 1

10. Air Quality Assessment .................................................................................................................. 1

11. Heritage and Cultural Assessment ................................................................................................ 1

12. Traffic, Access and Safety Assessment ......................................................................................... 1

13. Socio-Economic Assessment .................................................................................................. 13-1

13.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.2 Assessment Methodology .............................................................................................. 13-1

13.3 Stakeholder Engagement .............................................................................................. 13-1

13.4 Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................ 13-6

13.5 Performance of EBWPC during Construction Phase .................................................. 13-18

13.6 Operation Phase Assessment ..................................................................................... 13-21

13.7 Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 13-28

13.8 References ................................................................................................................... 13-29

Table index

Table 13-1 Stakeholder engagement activities conducted by EBWPC ........................................... 13-2

Table 13-2 Major Issues and Concerns raised during the Stakeholder Engagement

Activities ......................................................................................................................... 13-2

Table 13-3 Host barangays .............................................................................................................. 13-6

Table 13-4 Population of Burgos...................................................................................................... 13-7

Table 13-5 Population and Land Area of Pasuquin ......................................................................... 13-9

Table 13-6 Population and Land Area in Bacarra .......................................................................... 13-11

Table 13-7 Population and Land Area of Laoag City ..................................................................... 13-13

Table 13-8 Number of lots affected by the transmission towers .................................................... 13-15

Table 13-9 Actual land use of areas where the transmission towers were built ............................ 13-15

Table 13-10 Percentage of affected land area of the 189 landowners ............................................ 13-16

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/12098 | ii

Table 13-11 Percentage of affected land of the 49 landowners ...................................................... 13-16

Table 13-12 Lots affected by the Transmission Line Project ........................................................... 13-18

Table 13-13 Nature of land rights ..................................................................................................... 13-18

Table 13-14 Safety performance of EBWPC during Construction Phase........................................ 13-19

Table 13-15 Origin of EBWPC Employees during the Construction of the Transmission Line

and Jetty Projects ........................................................................................................ 13-20

Table 13-16 Classification of EBWPC Employees during the Construction of Transmission

Line and Jetty Projects................................................................................................. 13-20

Table 13-17 Height clearance permit secured for the Transmission Towers .................................. 13-22

Table 13-18 Typical US Magnetic Field Levels associated with Transmission Lines ...................... 13-26

Table 13-19 List of Towers Built near Structures ............................................................................. 13-26

Table 13-20 Key impacts and proposed mitigation/enhancement measures .................................. 13-28

Figure index

Figure 13-1 Location of Laoag International Airport relative to the Transmission Line ................... 13-24

Figure 13-2 Electromagnetic Spectrum ........................................................................................... 13-25

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/12098 | 13-1

13. Socio-Economic Assessment

13.1 Introduction

The social, economic and health impacts of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects during the

operation and maintenance phase are discussed in this section. Performance of the projects

during the construction phase is also discussed in this section.

13.2 Assessment Methodology

Methodology used to assess the socio-economic impact of the Transmission Line and Jetty

Projects includes review of secondary information gathered from the different government

agencies, as well as client-provided data.

13.2.1 Desktop Study

An initial assessment of the following documents was subjected to desktop analysis:

� Ecological Profile of Laoag City

� Municipal Health Profile of Burgos

� Municipal Ecological Profile of Burgos

� Municipal Ecological Profile of Pasuquin

� Municipal Profile of Bacarra

� Census of Population and Housing

� Minutes of meeting of stakeholder engagement activities undertaken by EBWPC in 2010

� Report on household survey conducted by EBWPC in September 2014

� Performance report of EBWPC during the construction of transmission line and jetty

projects

13.2.2 Household survey

A household survey was undertaken by EBWPC in February 2015 to determine the socio-

economic condition of the 49 lot owners whose land affected by the Transmission Tower project

is about 10 to 60 percent of their total land area.

13.2.3 Ident ificat ion and Evaluat ion of Impacts and Opt ions for Mit igat ion

Based on the existing baseline socio-economic condition within the identified project affected

areas and review of client-supplied information, potential positive and negative impacts as well

as issues and concerns arising from the operation and maintenance of the project were

identified. Options on preventive and mitigation measures were also formulated to control the

negative effects of the project while enhancement measures were enumerated to improve the

positive impacts.

13.3 Stakeholder Engagement

In 2010, EBWPC conducted various stakeholder engagement activities to inform the host

communities about the transmission line project. Issues and concerns of the community were

also discussed during the consultation activities.

Provided in Table 13-1 are the stakeholder consultation activities conducted by EBWPC while

the summary of issues and concerns raised is presented in Table 13-2. Majority of the


concerns raised by the community were related to the benefits that will be provided by the

project, health and safety issues, as well as timeframe of project implementation. The issues

and concerns raised during the consultation activities were discussed and addressed in

succeeding sections.

Table 13-1 Stakeholder engagement act ivit ies conducted by EBWPC

Date Venue Title Participants

20 July 2010

Bacarra Municipal Hall

Courtesy Visit to Bacarra Municipal Officials on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

Municipal Mayor of Bacarra

21 July 2010

Burgos Central Elementary School

Consultation with Barangay Officials of Burgos, Ilocos Norte on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

Burgos Municipal LGU and Barangays Ablan, Bayog, Bobon and Paayas

22 July 2010

Pasuquin Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall

Consultation with Barangay Officials of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

29 Barangay Officials from the impact barangays of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte

25 July 2010

Barit Elementary School

Consultation Meeting with residents of Barangay Barit on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

90 Residents of Barangay Barit, Laoag City

25 July 2010

Vira Elementary School

Consultation Meeting with residents of Barangay Vira on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

70 Residents of Barangay Vira, Laoag City

21 July 2010

Laoag City Hall Presentation before the Laoag City Council on the 42 km 115 kV Transmission Line Project

Laoag City Council

16 January 2012

Ilocos Norte Provincial Hall

Consultation with the members of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Council regarding the entire project (e.g. wind farm, substation, transmission line, and jetty)

Ilocos Norte Provincial Council

Table 13-2 Major Issues and Concerns raised during the Stakeholder

Engagement Act ivit ies

Issues and concerns Raised by Stakeholder/Sector

EBWPC Response

Will Bacarra benefit from the project?

Bacarra Municipal Mayor

Energy projects are mandated by law to extend financial benefits to host communities. There is a royalty tax prescribed by the Renewable Energy Law and the Local Government Code, which mandates power producers to allocate 1% of the gross income from the power facility; 40% of which will be given to host LGUs, which will be shared based on the scheme provided in the law.

Preferential employment will be provided to residents where the facilities are to be located

The cost of electricity in Ilocos Norte is still high despite the presence of windmills. Is there a way to reduce the price?


Right now, electric power that comes from clean energy sources is expensive. But the cost can be reduced through the so-called Feed-in-Tariff (FIT). This mechanism allows renewable energy (RE) power facilities to



EBWPC Response

get viable revenue from operating the RE plants for a certain number of years. The price of power from the RE plant will be diffused as all consumers connected to the grid will share this cost. If we can get a good FiT rate from ERC, we can charge a cheaper price for the electricity that will come from Burgos Wind Power Plan (BWPP).

How about the royalty payment to local government by virtue of local autonomy?


As a non-host LGU of the power plant, your royalty and ER 1-94 benefit will come from the share of the Province of Ilocos Norte. You can petition the provincial government for your equitable share.

We’ve been hearing about the project for almost 10 years. We hope that it will materialize because we want our municipality to develop.

Burgos Vice Mayor We apologise for the delay of the project. If we pursued the project earlier, the price of electricity would be too high. At least today we have the Renewable Energy or RE Law to be able to provide cheaper and cleaner source of energy.

Implementation of the project will depend on the result of negotiation with the ERC regarding Feed-in-Tariff (FIT). This negotiation is important since to determine the price of the electricity that comes from the wind farm.

If the negotiation went well, we hope to receive Notice to Proceed this September 2010 so we could start project construction.

What will be the basis of compensation for the landowners?

Barangay Chairman of Bobon and Ablan, Burgos

Land compensation or lease agreement will be based on fair market value.

What benefit can we get from the transmission line project?

Barangay Chairman of Paayas, Burgos

We will make sure that contractors will prioritize local workers.

The municipality and its impact barangays will benefit from the royalty tax prescribed by the Renewable Energy Law and the Local Government Code, which mandates power producers to allocate 1% of the gross income from the power facility; 40% of which will be given to host LGUs, which will be shared based on the scheme provided in the law.

What will EBWPC do to the properties that will be affected by the transmission line route?

Barangay Chairman of San Isidro, Pasuquin

EBWPC can either rent or purchase the land that will be traversed by the transmission line. The compensation will be based on the fair market value of land in Pasuquin.

Expropriation can also be implemented, if necessary.

In any case, just compensation of properties will be provided by EBWPC.

What will EBWPC do to the affected trees and/or plants?


Crop compensation will be provided to the owners of the trees/plants/crops that will be affected by the project.



EBWPC Response

Have you talked to the landowners?

Barangay Chairman of Sulbec, Pasuquin

Yes, negotiation with the landowners is being undertaken by EBWPC Land Negotiation/Right-of-Way Team

What about safety measures? Are transmission lines/towers safe?

Barangay Chairman of Sulongan, Pasuquin

Yes, transmission towers are safe. EBWPC will undergo all the necessary steps and follow safety requirements to make sure that our transmission towers are safe. One of the measures that will be implemented is to erect the towers away from the residential areas.

How can we benefit from the proposed project?


EBWPC can provide employment to local workers during construction phase. It is EBWPC’s mandate to prioritize locals in employment opportunities. This will eventually provide benefit to the barangay thru ‘multiplier effect’.

There is a royalty tax prescribed by the Renewable Energy Law and the Local Government Code, which mandates power producers to allocate 1% of the gross income from the power facility; 40% of which will be given to host LGUs, which will be shared based on the scheme provided in the law

Are you going to compensate our land if it will be traversed by the project?

Barangay Resident of Barit, Laoag City

Yes. This is mandated in the Philippine Constitution, Bill of Rights Article 3. EBWPC’s Land Negotiation Team are currently negotiating with the land owners regarding this issue

Is there a possibility to reduce price of electricity?


This is possible through the ‘feed-in-tariff’ program.

What will you do to the houses that will be affected by the transmission line?


As much as possible, transmission line will not traverse residential areas to minimize impact. But if this is not possible, just compensation will be provided.

Is it possible for EBWPC to provide 50% discount on electric bill to the residents of Barangay Barit?

Barangay Chairman of Barit, Laoag City

No. EBWPC cannot do anything on the price of electricity because the government sets the price of electricity.

When will you start the project?

Barangay Resident, Barit, Laoag City

We will start the project as soon as we get the FiT rate.

If the transmission tower is located near houses what will happen in case there is accident?

Barangay Chairman of Vira, Laoag City

EBWPC will make sure that accident (i.e. tower collapse) will not happen; we will comply with national and international standard in terms of transmission tower integrity.

We are concerned on high voltage and lighting, how will EBWPC address this issue?

Barangay Resident of Vira, Laoag City

“Lightning arrestor” devices are commonly installed in transmission towers/lines to prevent such events.

What benefit can we expect from the project in terms of employment?


We will advise contractor to prioritize hiring of workers from the host barangay during construction phase.

When will ‘feed-in-tariff’ be approved?

Barangay Secretary of Vira, Laoag City

According to ERC, it will be issued this August 2010.



EBWPC Response

Is there competition with North Wind? If there is, can the competition reduce the electricity rate?

Barangay Secretary of Vira, Laoag City

There will be no competition; our project will only produce additional capacity to the grid.

The transmission tower will cross structures or plants; what will EBWPC do with these?


We will provide just compensation to the damaged crops or structures that will be affected by the project.

What is the distance of transmission tower easement/right-of-way?


We will observe 30 m easement.

If this will be pushed thru, what benefits will the constituents get?

Laoag City Council Member

Indirect benefit is that Ilocos Norte will become the wind farm capital of the Philippines; local tourism will be enhanced given Laoag’s strategic position as entry and exit point.

May we know how the 1% of the gross receipts is computed?


Yes, we will provide the figures.

Other companies have applied for the same permit. May we know if there will be a separate transmission line for every company that will establish wind farm? Are you going to have your own?


We are going to have our own; there can be an arrangement where other companies may use the TL by paying rent. We will conduct consultation exercises in Barangays Barit and Vira.

I have a relative who has not yet received rental/payment of land; how will you address this issue?


We have Land Negotiation Team who are in-charge of the negotiations with the land owners.

Will this project be beneficial to the people of Laoag City? They said that it will reduce cost of electricity; can we get assurance from you?


Feed-in-Tariff will be provided through the Renewable Energy law. The construction of the transmission line is necessary to connect the wind project to the national grid.

What kind of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) was secured for the project?


We conducted the usual environmental impact assessment (EIA) study and social acceptability processes, which were reviewed by a technical review committee of the DENR. As part of the process, an ECC was secured for the Wind Farm Project several years ago; recently, it was also declared by the DENR that the TL and Jetty projects are not covered by the Philippine EIS System hence Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC will be issued).

I heard that this 1% of gross proceeds will be shared by the province, city and barangay?


The distribution is 20-45-35; the share of the LGUs outside of the host municipality will come from the province’s share.

May I know the result of consultation with Barangays Vira and Barit? I suggest you should also conduct a general assembly for the barangays

Association of Barangay Council (ABC) President of Laoag City

There were two consultations conducted—the first is on social acceptability; this time, the purpose is to request for endorsement.



EBWPC Response

so that the sentiments of the barangay residents will also be covered.

Did you also consult the young people of Barit?


The social acceptance was conducted in compliance with the ECC, but the purpose of the presentation now is for endorsement.

Can you provide us copies of the consultation activities as well as information/references for the project to make sure that the project is safe and the residents can benefit from it?


We will submit to you the project description as well as benefits.

13.4 Exist ing Condit ions

The 115 kV Transmission Line traversed 29 barangays in three municipalities and one city of

the Province of Ilocos Norte. Listed in Table 13-3 are the host barangays and municipalities

that are affected by the proposed Transmission Line. On the other hand, the Jetty Project is

located in Barangay Ablan, Municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

The socio-economic assessment of the project impact areas are discussed in the succeeding

sections.

Table 13-3 Host barangays

Region Province City/Municipality Barangay Barangay

Region 1 – Ilocos Region

Ilocos Norte Burgos Nagsurot

Poblacion

Saoit

Ablan

Bayog

Bobon

Paayas

Pasuquin Caruan

Carusipan

Davila

Dilavo

Estancia

Nagsanga

Ngabangab

Poblacion 2

Salpad

Batuli (San Isidro)

Sulbec

Sulongan

Susugaen

Tabungao

Bacarra Cabaruan

Cabusligan

Corocor

Pasngal

Pungto

Sangil

Laoag City Barit Vira

13.4.1 Descript ion of Socio-Economic Condit ion in the Municipality of

Burgos

Burgos is a 4th class municipality with a total land area of 12,928 hectares (ha) and a total

population of 9,431 with 2,500 households (Burgos Municipal Profile, 2010). The municipality,

which is about 48 km from Laoag City, is located at the northwestern part of Ilocos Norte.


Population

Seven of the 11 barangays in Burgos are considered as host barangays (Table 13-4) with an

aggregate population of 6,849. Among the seven host barangays, Poblacion has the highest

number of population followed by Bobon and Ablan.

Based on the Ecological Profile of the Municipality (2010), Burgos has a young age structure

with 36.76 percent of its population with ages less than 15 years old and 21.23 percent are

between the ages 16–25. More than a third of the population (36.67%) belongs to working

group (26–65 years old) while the remaining 5.34 percent are senior citizens (65 and above).

There is no data on age distribution in the host barangays.

Table 13-4 Populat ion of Burgos

Barangay Population Barangay Population

Poblacion* 1,464 Nagsurot* 817

Ablan* 1,272 Paayas* 669

Agaga 570 Pagali 710

Bayog* 685 Saoit* 611

Bobon* 1,331 Tanap 595

Buduan 707 Total 9,431

Note: * host barangays Source: Municipal Ecological Profile of Burgos, 2010

Health and Sanitation

Based on the Ecological Profile (2010), Burgos has one Municipal Health Center and

11 Barangay Health Stations (BHS). The Municipal Health Center is manned by a DOH

representative, one doctor, one nurse, one dentist, four midwives, one sanitary inspector and

one medical technologist. On the other hand, the BHS is managed by 73 Barangay Health

Workers (BHW) and 24 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).

In 2012, there were 45 mortality cases in the municipality where cancer (all types) and

pneumonia are the leading causes of death. This is followed by cardio-pulmonary arrest and

chronic hypertensive vascular disease. On the other hand, the leading cause of morbidity is

respiratory tract infection (2,407 or 62.85%), followed by tonsillitis (260 or 6.79%) and musculo-

skeletal syndrome (231 or 6.03%) (Municipal Health Office 2012).

Education

The municipality has 10 public elementary schools, one private preparatory school and a public

secondary school located in Poblacion. The teacher to pupil/student ratio and classroom to

pupil/student ratio in the municipality are within the national standard provided by the

Department of Education (DepEd), which is 1:40 and 1:45, respectively.

Peace and Order

The Philippine National Police (PNP), which is composed of 21 personnel, administers the

peace and order situation in Burgos. The police-population ratio in the municipality is 1:449,

which is higher than the standard ratio set by the agency. Police presence is concentrated in

the town center while barangay tanod are dispersed in the rural barangays. Barangay tanods

are responsible for maintaining peace and order at the barangay level.


Economy

Agriculture and fisheries dominate the local economy of Burgos followed by trading, services

and transportation sector. The rice mills, furniture shops, bakeries and construction sectors

have the smallest contribution to the economy. The fishery subsector is also an important

economic activity in the municipality due to several fishing grounds from inland to near shore

and offshore.

Employment

Burgos has a total labor force of 5,460 or 57.9 percent of its population. Majority of the labor

force in the municipality are engaged in agriculture and fisheries, followed by employment in

government and private institutions, while the least number of workers are engaged in business.

Domestic Water Supply

About 85.9 percent of the households in the municipality have access to improved or safe water

supply; 59.5 percent of which have Level 1 type of water source, 3.24 percent utilises Level II,

while the remaining 37.24 percent has Level III water source.

Electric Power Supply

The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) provides the electricity requirements of the

municipality. Based on the Ecological Profile (2010), all the 11 barangays of Burgos are already

served by INEC.

Irrigation System

The irrigation system in the municipality includes the Communal Irrigation System (CIS) and

288 individually installed shallow tube wells with water pump. The CIS supplies an aggregate

service area of 1,556 ha of croplands in all the barangays of the municipality. The most

widespread use of shallow tube wells can be found in Barangays Nagsurot, Poblacion, tanap

and Buduan.


Pasuquin

Pasuquin is a fourth class municipality in the Province of Ilocos Norte with a total land area of

18,940 ha. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Burgos, on the east by the

Cordillera Mountains, on the west by the West Philippine Sea and on the south by the

Municipality of Bacarra.

Population

Based on the data provided by the Philippine Statistics Office (2010) the Municipality of

Pasuquin has a total population of 27,952 (Table 13-5), which gives a population density of 1.47

or 14 persons per 10 ha.

The four urban barangays, namely Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3 and Poblacion 4 has

an aggregate population of 5,453 or 19.82 percent of the total population of the municipality.

On the other hand, about 80 percent or 22,499 of the population in the municipality are found in

rural areas.


Table 13-5 Populat ion and Land Area of Pasuquin

Barangay Population Land area (ha)


Batuli (San Isidro)* 391 258.90 Poblacion 2* 1904 269.63

Binsang 841 18,544.35 Poblacion 3 1016 24.50

Nalvo 534 130.47 Poblacion 4 1411 82.00

Caruan* 1,214 281.21 Pragata 509 143.41

Carusikis 790 762.50 Puyupuyan 831 284.32

Carusipan* 461 540.53 Sulongan* 450 393.55

Dadaeman 314 138.59 Salpad* 599 175.71

Darupidip 348 116.62 San Juan 1,442 152.80

Davila* 3,875 162.68 Sta Catalina 933 1,270.19

Dilanis 415 1,107.85 Sta Matilde 429 934.45

Dilavo* 601 338.12 Sapat 32 490.46

Estancia* 938 1,887.17 Sulbec* 775 5,86.78

Naglicuan 1390 139.82 Surong 303 389.41

Nagsanga* 1140 354.88 Susugaen* 1,296 329.29

Ngabangab* 746 126.19 Tabungao* 177 197.07

Pangil 403 84.54 Tadao 322 250.50

Poblacion 1 1122 19.51 Total 27,952 18,940

Note: * host barangays Source: Philippine Statistics Office, 2010


Health care delivery in the municipality is adequate due to the presence of various public and

private health facilities and services. Public facilities in the municipality include one Rural

Health Unit (RHU) located in the town center and five Barangay Health Stations (BHS) situated

in catchment barangays namely Susugaen, Sta Matilde, Sta Catalina, Davila and Poblacion.

The RHU is manned by a doctor, nurse, dentist, two midwives, a population program worker, a

nutrition officer, one medical technologist and two sanitary inspectors while the BHS are

handled by 176 BHW, 46 Barangay Service Point Officer and 66 BNS.

There are also 10 private health clinics in the municipality, five of which are medical clinics,

three are dental clinics, one physical therapy clinic and one laboratory clinic.

Education

Based on the Municipal Profile (2010), Pasuquin has 63 schools, 60 are public and three are

private. Of the 63 schools, 34 are Day Care Centers, 26 are public elementary schools and

three are private institutions.

The Day Care Centers and elementary schools are distributed in the different barangays while

the secondary schools are located in the Poblacion barangays. Eight of the 14 host barangays

have elementary schools, namely San Isidro, Caruan, Davila, Dilavo, Nagsanga, Sulbec and

Tabungao.


Peace and Order

Peace and order in the municipality is maintained by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which

is composed of 18 personnel. The police-population ratio in 2009 is 1:1550 persons; this ratio is

below the standard ratio of 1:1000. The main police station is located in Barangay Poblacion 1

while a sub-station was established in Barangay Davila.

Paredes Air Station, a military base with about 28 personnel, is also present in the municipality.

The base helps control insurgency in the municipality.

Economy

Agriculture and fisheries dominates the local economy of Pasuquin. This is followed by

manufacturing, mining and quarrying of various minerals such as salt, feldspar, silica and

pebbles. The sector which has the smallest contribution to the local economy includes small-to-

medium sized rice mills, furniture shops, bakeries, salt-making and salt-refinery industries, nipa

palm industries and hollow-blocks making.

Employment

In 2009, the employment rate in the municipality is 93.46 percent, which means that only about

6.54 percent of the labor force is unemployed. Agriculture sector has the highest employment

(73.46%), followed by employment in government and private service (19.80%), fishing (4.35%)

and mining (1.30%).


The electricity requirement of the municipality is provided on a 24-hour basis by the INEC.

Based on the latest report of INEC, all the 33 barangays in the municipality have electric supply.


The water requirements of the four urban barangays and six rural barangays are being provided

by the Ilocos Norte Water District (INWAD) under the Local Water Facilities Administration

(LWFA).

On the other hand, the five seaside barangays, 10 upland barangays, one military base and four

Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) barangays obtain their water requirements from 21 springs,

which were developed on a Level II status. The rest of the barangays tap underground water

through shallow and deep wells.

Irrigation System

The main source of irrigation in the municipality is the Bacarra River. The main irrigation facility

is the Zanjera Cadaclan Pasayacan CIS, which serves seven barangays in the municipality or

about 350,000 ha of rice lands. Based on the Municipal Profile (2010), the beneficiaries of the

CIS are about 1,750 farmers.


Bacarra

Bacarra is a third class municipality with a total land area or 6,550.57 ha. It is about 495 km

from Metro Manila and 15 km from Laoag City. The municipality is bounded on the north by

Pasuquin, on the east by Vintar; on the south by Laoag City; and on the west by the West

Philippine Sea.


Population

The Municipality of Bacarra has a total population of 31,757 in 2012 (Table 13-6). Barangay

Libtong has the largest population while Barangay San Gabriel has the lowest population.

Considering the land area of the municipality, Burgos has a population density of 4.85 or about

48 persons per 10 ha.

Six of the 43 barangays in the municipality are traversed by the transmission line thus

considered as host barangays. This includes Pungto, Cabusligan, Pasngal, Corocor, Cabaruan

and Sangil.

Table 13-6 Populat ion and Land Area in Bacarra



Sta. Rita 1,103 52.06 Bani 951 180.73

San Andres I 733 12.18 Paninaan 402 441.38

San Andres II 820 12.86 Macupit 637 195.31

San Simon I 628 20.23 Tubburan 826 325.60

San Simon II 385 4.42 Teppang 709 179.60

San Pedro I 380 5.02 Duripes 992 187.03

San Pedro II 404 11.18 Pungto* 553 146.40

San Agustin I 477 9.09 Cabusligan* 1,040 134.34

San Agustin II 271 7.37 Pasngal* 687 146.71

San Vicente 623 9.48 Cadaratan 1,160 162.82

Sta Filomena I 307 7.95 Calioet-Libong 756 192.93

Sta Filomena II 327 9.03 Corocor* 744 143.85

San Gabriel I 255 5.74 Cabulalaan 751 80.80

San Gabriel II 427 6.96 Cabaruan* 1,442 480.20

San Roque I 498 12.48 Pipias 986 45.76

San Roque II 393 7.54 Natba 503 110.76

Sto Cristo I 438 17.45 Ganagan 735 291.22

Sto Cristo II 460 5.13 Casilian 903 231.37

Nambaran 968 650.28 Sangil* 987 257.84

Tambidao 765 334.19 Pasiocan 1,164 238.31

Pulangi 1,080 436.96 Buyon 1,527 391.13

Libtong 1,552 348.88 Total 31,757 6550.57

Note: * host barangays Source: Municipal Planning and Development Office of Bacarra, 2012


Health services in the municipality are provided through the Rural Health Unit (RHU) and five

BHS, which are distributed in catchment barangays. The RHU has service vehicles and two

ambulances to provide faster medical services in the municipality.

Based on the data provided by the RHU, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is the leading

cause of morbidity with a total of 2,523 cases followed by nasopharingitis (2,297).

Education

There are about 29 schools in the municipality, 23 of which are public elementary schools, two

are private elementary schools, three are secondary schools, and one tertiary school. The

teacher-to-pupil ratios in the elementary and secondary levels are 1:20 and 1:35, which

complies with the DepEd national standard.


Peace and Order

The Philippine National Police in Bacarra is composed of 19 personnel and one non-uniformed

personnel. This gives a police-to-population ratio of 1:671 which is below the national standard

set by PNP, which is 1:1000.

PNP facilities in the municipality includes jail room, administrative room, communication room,

two patrol jeepneys, one motorcycle with sidecar, and a motorcycle.

Economy

Majority of the labor force in the municipality derives their income from various agricultural

activities, which dominates the local economy of Bacarra. Manufacturing is the secondary

sector in the municipality; this includes small/backyard type, family or cooperative-based

industrial activities, such as metallurgy, hollow blocks making, candy and ice cream production,

wood working, garment craft, meat processing and food preservation, goldsmith and ice making.

Commerce and services is the tertiary source of income in the municipality. Commercial entities

in Burgos include groceries, sari-sari stores, pharmacies and merchandisers of agricultural

inputs.

Employment

Of the population of Bacarra, about 70.54 percent or 22,401 are part of labor force; about 58.93

percent or 13,202 of which are employed while 41.30 percent or 9,251 are unemployed.


INEC provides the electric requirement in the entire municipality. Based on the Municipal Profile

(2012), 100 percent of the municipality is already provided with electricity and about 98.69

percent of the households are served by the cooperative.


Based on the Municipal Profile, the INWAD is serving about 3,708 concessioners in the

municipality. This includes Barangays Cadaratan, Cabusligan, Pungto, Cabulalaan, Buyon,

Pipias, Corocor, Pasiocan, Cabaruan and the 18 Poblacion Barangays. Of the six host

barangays, two are not served by the INWAD. This includes Pasngal and Sangil, where

households obtain water from various sources such as deep well, open dug well and springs.

Irrigation System

About 43 Zanjera Associations serving about 3,000 hectares of agricultural land and

maintaining 32 irrigation canals source water from Bacarra River.

13.4.4 Descript ion of Socio-Economic Condit ion in Laoag City

Laoag City, the capital of the Province of Ilocos Norte, is approximately 488 km from Metro

Manila and 217 km from San Fernando City, the regional capital of Ilocos Region. It is situated

at the west central part of Ilocos Norte bounded on the east by the Municipality of San Nicolas;

in the southwest by the Municipality of Paoay; on the northeast by the Municipality of Vintar; on

the northwest by the Municipality of Bacarra; and on the west by the West Philippine Sea.

Population

Laoag City has a total land area of 12,747.32 ha with a population of 104,904 in 2010 which

gives a population density of 8.22 or eight persons per ha (Table 13-7). The host barangays

traversed by the transmission line are Barit and Vira, with population of 2,117 and 1,226 and

population density of 6.59 and 4.84, respectively.


Based on the Ecological Profile of Laoag City, females outnumber male with a sex ratio of

100:94 or 100 females for every 94 males. The city has relatively young population where

around 31 percent belong to age group 0–14 years old, 63 percent are 15–64 years old and

only six percent are 65 years old and above.

Table 13-7 Populat ion and Land Area of Laoag City



Apaya 892 245.90 Nstra. Sra. De Natividad (B)

961 11.50

Araniw 810 93.24 Nstra, Sra. De Soledad

1,478 24.85

Bacsil North 905 355.19 Nstra. Sra. De Visitacion

1,193 19.25

Bacsil South 1,251 545.28 Nstra. Sra. Del Rosario

1,191 15.28

Balacad 1,387 447.25 Pila 1,761 285.45

Balatong 2,638 476.23 Raraburan 1,512 70.48

Barit* 2,117 320.79 Rioeng 1,459 296.80

Bengcag 1,817 217.40 Salet-Bulangon 2,329 451.52

Buttong 2,734 165.21 San Agustin 1,451 10.96

Caaoacan 1,329 49.65 San Andres 1,170 8.03

Cabungaan North 1,719 164.10 San Bernabe (Bernardo)

1,656 100.65

Cabungaan South 1,226 118.72 San Francisco 671 15.98

Calayab 1,889 423.14 San Guillermo 1,143 10.34

Camangaan 920 146.90 San Isidro 1,603 27.06

Casili 862 100.68 San Jacinto 1,040 14.80

Cataban 729 171.37 San Jose 993 11.49

Cavit 1,051 70.96 San Lorenzo 4,391 107.03

Darayday 741 133.05 San Marcelino 1,067 21.29

Dibua South 756 222.82 San Mateo 629 50.40

Dibua North 1,011 166.96 San Matias 2,295 100.31

Gabu Norte East 1,177 10.81 San Miguel 939 24.15

Gabu Norte West 773 101.82 San Pedro 1,261 32.78

Gabu Sur 1,692 110.95 San Pedro 1,716 28.29

La Paz East 1,521 6.12 San Quirino 834 774.96

La Paz West 1,031 117.51 San Vicente 1,025 8.97

La Paz East 1,321 31.53 Santa Angela 783 8.08

La Paz Proper 1,030 39.67 Santa Balbina 1,322 14.46

La Paz Proper 841 10.71 Santa Cayetana 1,094 10.61

Lagui-Sail 2,199 614.67 Santa Joaquina 2,367 74.07

Lataag 848 194.16 Santa Marcela 1,101 23.82

Madiladig 1,489 375.41 Santa Maria 1,260 191.77

Mangato East 917 110.39 Santa Rosa 775 137.57

Mangato West 1,091 101.40 Santo Tomas (A) 1,389 5.58

Nangalisan East 1,509 65.15 Santo Tomas (B) 1,326 103.45

Nangalisan West 706 33.56 Suyo 761 33.07

Nalbo 2,224 100.94 Talingaan 1,485 633.53

Navotas North 808 82.39 Tangid 991 133.18

Navotas South 936 180.35 Vira* 1,226 253.00




Nstra. Sra. De Consolacion

979 8.279 Zamboanga 1,259 161.59

Nstra. Sra. De Natividad (A)

1,085 8.40 TOTAL 104,904 12,747.35

Note: * host barangays Source: Laoag City Ecological Profile; Philippine Statistics Office


The health care services in Laoag City is considered adequate due to the presence of several

public and private health facilities and services, which include the Level II-100 bed capacity

Laoag City General Hospital that offers medical, pediatrics, laboratory, x-ray, ultrasound,

dialysis and minor surgery. Another public hospital is the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial

Hospital (GEAMH) while there are 10 private clinics and hospitals.

The City Health Office employ a total of 419 medical personnel and staff, which can be

considered adequate based on the national standard set by the Department of Health (DOH).

The leading cause of morbidity are diseases of the heart (74) followed by diarrhea (63) while

coronary artery disease (99) and pneumonia (83) are the leading cause of mortality.

Education

Laoag City is the educational center of Ilocos Norte with 33 public elementary schools,

11 private elementary schools, 22 private and 10 public pre-schools, eight private high schools,

five public high schools, three public and five private college and universities. Non-formal

education (NFE) such as literary controlling scheme, poverty alleviation through development

adopt-a-school, barangay operation for livelihood development, community learning approach,

and computer education, are also offered by the Laoag City Schools Division.

The teacher-student and classroom-student ratio for public and private elementary schools are

within the standard provided by the Department of Education (DepEd). However, there is lack

of educational facilities in public high schools with a ratio of 1:90 classroom-student ratio.

Peace and Order

Peace and order in the city is carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in coordination

with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Bureau of Fire Protection. The Police

Station in the city is manned by 70 personnel while the DPS has 16 well trained public safety

members, 15 paramedics, and 30 traffic aides. The police-population ratio is 1:1502, which is

below the national standard.

Economy

Agriculture, fishery, livestock and forestry dominate the local economy of Laoag City. This is

followed by the secondary sector composed of mining and quarrying, manufacturing,

construction and energy generation/distribution while the tertiary sector consists of service

activities such as trade and commerce, real estate, finance, personal and community services,

and transportation and communication.

Employment

Based on the Ecological Profile of the city, the employment rate of Laoag City is 94.23 percent

while labor participation rate is 53.42 percent. Majority (94%) of the labor force are involved in

tertiary sector while the remaining six percent are engaged in agriculture and manufacturing.



Based on the latest data, all the barangays of Laoag City and 100 percent of the households in

the city are served by the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).


The Ilocos Norte Water District (INWAD) supplies domestic water to about 154,516 consumers

in the city. INWAD is under the supervision of the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Irrigation System

The Laoag-Vintar River Irrigation System (Laoag-Vintar RIS) maintained and operated by the

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Provincial Irrigation Office service an approximate area

of about 2,860 ha of agricultural lands within Laoag City and the Municipalities of Vintar,

Bacarra and Sarrat. The Laoag-Vintar RIS also serves as flood control facility.

13.4.5 Profile of Landow ners

The transmission line project affects about 1,912 lots in 29 barangays. Of the 1,912 lots, the

148 transmission towers were built in 189 lots while the remaining 1723 lots were considered as

sailover lots. As presented in Table 13-8, 182 of the 189 lots are privately owned, three are

public lands and covered by the Forest Land Use Agreement (FLAg), two are owned by

educational institutions (i.e. Davila National High School and Ilocos Norte Agricultural School)

and two lots are under the jurisdiction of the National Power Corporation (NPC).

The actual land use of the 189 lots affected by the transmission tower is presented in Table

13-9. Majority (72.49%) are used for agricultural purposes where the land is cultivated for rice,

onion and garlic. This is followed by forest areas (8.99%). The significance of impact in terms

of transmission tower footprint against the total land area possessed by each lot owner is

presented in Table 13-10. The impact of transmission tower footprint to majority (140) of the lot

owners is less than 10 percent of the total land area they possess while the remaining 49 are

landowners whose affected land ranges from 10 to 60 percent (Table 13-10).

Table 13-8 Number of lots affected by the transmission tow ers

Registered owner Number %

Private land 182 96.30

Public land covered by FLAg 3 1.59

Educational Institution (DNHS, INAC) 2 1.06

National Power Corporation (NPC) 2 1.06

Total 189 100.00

Table 13-9 Actual land use of areas w here the transmission tow ers w ere

built

Actual land use Number %

Agriculture/ Agricultural / Cultivated (use for planting rice, garlic, onion)

137 72.49

Agricultural/ Mountain / Stony 2 1.06

Firewood/ firewood trees/flat/orchard 9 5.29

FLAg 3 1.59

Forest 17 8.99

NGCP 2 1.06


Actual land use Number %

Pasture land 4 2.12

Riverbank 1 0.53

Stony / forest / firewood trees 12 6.35

Uncultivated land 1 0.53

Total 189 100.00

Table 13-10 Percentage of a ffected land area of the 189 landow ners

Significance of impact Number %lots

0–9 percent 140 74.07

10–49 percent 48 25.40

50–60 percent 1 0.53

Total 189 100.00

Profile of 49 landowners

An impact analysis on landowners was undertaken by EBWPC based on transmission tower

footprint. As a result, a household survey was undertaken in February 2015 to determine the

socio-economic condition of the 49 lot owners (Table 13-11). Of the 49 identified lot owners

with 10 to 60 percent land affected by the transmission towers, 43 or 87 percent participated in

the survey. Most of the respondents came from Bacarra (49%) and Pasuquin (44%). There

were only three respondents from Laoag City and one from Burgos. Only 11 or 26 percent of

those surveyed were the lot owners themselves. In the absence of the lot owners, their

immediate families (e.g. spouse, parents, siblings, and children), who comprised 15 or 34% of

the respondents, participated in the survey. Other relatives (e.g. uncle/auntie, cousin, in-laws)

who were present during the conduct of the survey were also interviewed (14%).

Table 13-11 Percentage of affected land of the 49 landow ners

Affected Area No. of Lot Owners

%

10-15 percent 23 46.94

16-20 percent 14 28.57

21-25 percent 5 10.20

29-37 percent 5 10.20

44 percent 1 2.04

60 percent 1 2.04

Total 49 100.00

Profile of Lot Owners

Respondents were mostly male (58%) and belong to the age-group 51–75 years old (62%).

Eleven or 26 percent are middle-aged (31–50 years old). Four were elderly (76 years old up).

Majority (63%) are heads of their respective families.

Roman Catholic is the dominant religious affiliation (67%) of the respondents while the rest

belong to different religious groups, e.g. Iglesia ni Cristo (4.6%), Aglipayan (16%), Born Again

Christian (4%), and Pentecost (7%). Most of the respondents have are college graduates (38%)

while 11 percent have reached college level. The rest are high school graduates (12%) and


elementary graduates (7%). About seven percent reached high school level and 14 percent

reached elementary school level.

About 90 percent own their houses which most (84%) of them inherited. Most (72%) of the

houses have one floor with 2 rooms at least (40%), have concrete floors (49%), concrete walls

(78%) and galvanized iron roofs (97%). Appliances commonly found in each house are electric

fan (90%), television (86%), radio (83%), mobile phones (81%), refrigerator (79%), and washing

machine (46%). More than half (58%) own motorcycles while 28 percent own a car.

Socio-Economic

Farming is the main occupation of the 47 percent of the respondents, followed by housekeeping

(14%). Others are employed (8%), or have their own business (8%) while others are working as

teachers (5%), or work as technician/electrician (4.5%). Some are already retired and/or

pensioners (10%). However, only 23% of them disclosed their monthly income ranging from

PHP5,000 (9%), PHP10,000 (2%), PHP20,000 (2%) and more than PHP20,000 (9%).

Respondents are characterized as small land-owners whose farm size is less than 2500 m2 and

93 percent of them claimed that EBWPC’s lease covered almost their entire farm. Rotational

farming is practiced by the respondents where palay is the main crop planted (65%), followed by

corn (39%), garlic (34%) and onion (2%).

Rehabilitation of tower lots was the main concern of 30 percent of the respondents after the

towers were constructed while 25 percent stated that they did not encounter any problem after

the construction of towers. One respondent (2%) claimed to have experienced low production

and another two percent wanted additional payment. However, most of them (34%) chose not

to answer if they encountered any problem after the completion of tower construction.

Many respondents did not see any pressing community problems but some thought that

unemployment, peace and order, environmental degradation, risk from natural disasters, waste

management and low production/income are critical issues. Many of the respondents, however,

viewed these issues as not significant.

Disaster Preparedness

Disasters experienced by most respondents in the past are typhoon (36%) and flash flood

(21%) which fortunately did not cause major damage to their households. About 73 percent of

the families interviewed believe that they are at risk of typhoon (26%), fire (25%) and

earthquake (25%).

Benefits from the Wind Project

Of the 43 respondents, only seven (16%) thought that the Burgos Wind Project/Transmission

Line Project will benefit them by providing a source of electricity or some employment or

livelihood. On the other hand, 37 (86%) of the respondents believe that the project will not bring

any significant benefit. About 81 percent of them, however, did not elaborate their response.

Some (8%) claimed that they want additional payment and that tower lots have to be restored

(5%). One claimed that he did not receive any compensation as a tenant while another believes

that the close distance between the transmission line and houses could pose a problem in the

future.


13.5 Performance of EBWPC during Construct ion Phase

Displacement of Settlers

The total number of lots traversed by the transmission line is 1912, three of which are public

lands and the remaining 1909 are privately-owned (Table 13-12). The nature of land rights of

the 1909 privately-owned lots is presented in Table 13-13.

Table 13-12 Lots affected by the Transmission Line Project

Type of land Lots Hectares

Public land 3 22.37

Private land 1909 98.56

Total 1912 120.93

Source: Social Safeguard Compliance Audit Report, EBWPC 2014

Table 13-13 Nature of land rights

Nature of land rights Lots Hectares

Forest Land Use Agreement (FLAg) 3 22.37

Contract Easement of Right of Way (CERW) 1014 43.88

Expropriation 562 37.49

Authorizations received from landowners 333 17.19

Total 1912 120.93

Source: Social Safeguard Compliance Audit Report, EBWPC 2014

Displacement of livelihood (i.e. agricultural crops and trees) is the major impact of the

transmission line construction. To mitigate this impact, EBWPC provided crop compensation to

the landowners using the fair market value. Compensation provided during the construction

phase include disturbance of land used as temporary access area, dumping area, or location of

transmission tower and other disturbances such as stringing works. Aside from provision of

disturbance fee or rental for damaged or lost trees or crops, EBWPC, through its contractor,

were also responsible in rebuilding of dike, restoration and rehabilitation activities.

For lands wherein permanent structures were built (e.g. transmission towers and jetty) as well

as sailover areas and right-of-way corridors, lands were legally acquired through Contract of

Easement of Right of Way signed by the owner and EBWPC.

Compensation of land and development activities (e.g. crops, trees, structures) to the

landowners whose affected land is less than 10 percent of the total land area were already paid.

For the 49 landowners whose affected land is more than 10 percent of their total property, on

the other hand, a Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) will be developed by EBWPC to address

the impact on their agricultural activities.

Occupational Health and Safety

Safety performance of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects during construction phase is

summarised in Table 13-14. Safety initiatives implemented by EBWPC during construction to

prevent any incident and/or accident include the following:

� EHS Communication. This includes regular toolbox meeting, project progress meeting,

safety walkthrough, safety induction, safety stand downs, and others.

� EHS Awareness and Promotion. This includes installation of safety signs and posters as

well as updates on safety activities and notifications in EHS Notice Board


� Emergency Management

� Contractor Safety Management

� Risk Management

� Transport Safety

� Environmental Management

Table 13-14 Safety performance of EBWPC during Construct ion Phase

Incidents Transmission Line Project Jetty Project

Safety induction 397 no available data

Safety passport training 455 no available data

Lost time incident (LTI) 3 no available data

Safety man hours without LTI 760,760 no available data

Near miss 1 no available data

Property damage 1 no available data

Pilferage 1 no available data

Generation of Local Benefits from the Project

During the construction phase, various projects were implemented by EBWPC based on the

Social Development Plan (SDP) that was formulated in partnership with the host communities.

The SDP focused on five key areas including livelihood, health and sanitation, education,

environment, and culture. Enumerated below and detailed in Section 16 (ESMM) are the

projects implemented by EBWPC to provide benefits to the local residents of the impact areas.

In terms of health and sanitation, the following activities were implemented:

� Installation of toilet and hand-washing facilities

� Conduct of medical and dental mission

� Feeding program

Livelihood and educational programs implemented include the following:

� Manpower skills development

� Livelihood skills training

� Employment generation for local youth

� Capability-building for local government unit

Along the environment and culture, the following programs were undertaken:

� Tree planting activities

� Coastal clean-up

� Renovation of cultural and religious facilities

� Support of Municipal Fiesta

Generation of Employment from the Project

As presented in Table 13-15 and Table 13-16, majority of the workers hired by EBWPC and its

contractors during the construction of Transmission Line and Jetty Projects are from the

municipalities of Ilocos Norte, specifically in the project impact areas. Local contractors and

suppliers from the Province of Ilocos Norte were also prioritised by EBWPC. Most of the

workers and contractors from other provinces have the necessary technical capabilities and


experiences to build the transmission tower and jetty according to national and international

standards.

Employment of local workers provided direct benefit to individuals and households. Moreover,

income generated by the local employees is used to purchase goods and services from the

province, which enhanced the economy of Ilocos Norte. EBWPC and its contractors complied

with the mandate of DOLE National Wages and Productivity Commission as well as mandated

benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth and 13th month pay. In addition, staff house, service vehicle

as well as daily allowances were provided to staff that were from other provinces.

Table 13-15 Origin of EBWPC Employees during the Construct ion of the

Transmission Line and Jetty Projects

City/Municipality Number of employees Percentage

EBWPC staff

City of Laoag 4 7.84

Municipality of Bacarra 2 3.92

Municipality of Banna 1 1.96

Municipality of Burgos 39 76.5

Municipality of Pagudpud 1 1.96

Municipality of Paoay 1 1.96

Municipality of Pasuquin 3 5.88

Total 51 100

Jetty subcontractors

Municipality of Burgos 10 83.33

Municipality of Pagudpud 1 8.33

Metro Manila 1 8.33

Total 12 100

Table 13-16 Classificat ion of EBWPC Employees during the Construct ion of

Transmission Line and Jetty Projects

Classification Number of employees

Percentage

EBWPC staff

Regular 2 3.922

Project-based/Project hire 22 43.14

Contractual subcontractors (i.e. drivers, security guards) 27 52.94

Total 51 100.00

Transmission line subcontractors (First Balfour and its subcontractors)

Regular 15 7.98

Project-based/Project hire 173 92.02

Total 188 100.00

Jetty subcontractors

Contractual 1 8.33

Project-based/project hire 11 91.67

Total 12 100.00


13.6 Operat ion Phase Assessment

This section summarises the key issues and concerns including the beneficial effects of the

operation and maintenance of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects. In particular, it

describes the potential changes to, or impacts on, the socio-economic and public health

condition of the people in the project impact areas.

Displacement and disturbance of properties

During the operation and maintenance of the Transmission Line, displacement and disturbance

of properties is insignificant since landowners are allowed to develop the farmlands along the

sail over lands as observed during the site visit. Allowed activities along the sail over area and

transmission line right-of-way include planting of crops up to a maximum height of two meters

and pasture grazing. However, construction of infrastructure is prohibited as well as transfer of

proprietary rights.

EBWPC will also continue on paying the lease or rent of the affected land based on the

conditions stipulated in the lease agreement/contract.

Cultural Resources

The potential impacts of the continuing operation and maintenance activities could include

damage to cultural resources, such as the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Palpalokada

Landscape, during vegetation management and other maintenance activities because of

passage of maintenance vehicles along the same access roads leading to these cultural

landscapes. The impact however is minimal and can be mitigated through the implementation

of Traffic Management Plan. Coordination with the local Tourism Council will also be

undertaken during the maintenance activities to prevent adverse impacts on cultural resources.

Occupational and Community Health and Safety

Safety risks identified during the operation and maintenance of the Transmission Line include

electric shock and fire. Electrocution could happen to maintenance workers during repair and

maintenance activities as well as to general public in case of accident. To minimise this impact,

EBWPC and its contractors will implement the Transmission Line Maintenance Manual which

explains safety precautions and maintenance protocols for the operation of transmission line.

The Transmission Line Maintenance Manual includes the following:

� Use of permanent or temporary signs or barriers during operation and maintenance

activities

� Conduct of information education and communication (IEC) activities or coordination with

the local government units (LGU) prior to the conduct of maintenance activities to prevent

public contact with potentially dangerous equipment

Fire risks could occur due to connection of transmission line to vegetation or overloading of

transmission lines. To prevent these risks, EBWPC, through its contractors regularly conduct

vegetation clearing to remove plants along the transmission line right-of-way zone. Further,

implementation of safety precautions in design and operation of the system was undertaken to

avoid overloading of transmission line. Regular monitoring and maintenance are also

undertaken to prevent occurrence of such risks.

Aircraft Navigation Safety

Transmission tower, if located proximate to airport or known flight paths, has the potential to

impact aircraft safety directly through collision or indirectly through radar interference. The

Laoag International Airport is located about 8 km from the nearest towers in Laoag City (Figure

13-1). To prevent aircraft collision impacts, EBWPC conducted consultation with the Civil


Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and secured height clearance permit prior to the

installation of the transmission towers. Presented in Table 13-17 is the list of height clearance

permits secured for the Burgos Transmission Line while copies of said permit are shown in

Appendix T.

Additional measures that can be implemented to ensure aircraft navigation safety is the

installation of aerial marker balls or aircraft warning markers, lights or other attention grabbing

devices (Plate 13-1) on the conductors to improve their visibility.

Table 13-17 Height clearance permit secured for the Transmission Tow ers

No. Date Original tower No. As-built tower No.

Barangay Municipality

I-1028-10 18-Oct-10 TWR A– TWR C BL016– BL018 Saoit Burgos

I-1027-10 18-Oct-10 SP-001–SP015 BL001–BL015 Saoit Burgos

I-1056-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 122–TWR 126 BL141–BL143 Barit Laoag City

I-1055-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 118– TWR 121 BL137–BL138 Vira Laoag City

I-1054-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 110– TWR 117 BL129–BL136 Sangil Bacarra

I-1053-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 105– TWR 109 BL124–BL128 Cabaruan Bacarra

I-1052-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 101– TWR 104 BL120–BL123 Corocor Bacarra

I-1051-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 099– TWR 100 BL118–BL119 Pasngal Bacarra

I-1050-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 097– TWR 098 BL116–BL117 Cabusligan Bacarra

I-1049-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 095– TWR 096 BL114–BL115 Pungto Bacarra

I-1048-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 092– TWR 094 BL111–BL113 Carusipan Bacarra

I-1047-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 089–TWR 091 BL108–BL110 Nangab Pasuquin

I-1046-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 083– TWR 088 BL102–BL107 Batuli (San Isidro)

Pasuquin

I-1045-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 078– TWR 082 BL097–BL101 Pob 2 Pasuquin

I-1044-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 076 to TWR 077

BL095–BL096 Sulbec Pasuquin

I-1043-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 072– TWR 075 BL091–BL 094 Nagsanga Pasuquin

I-1042-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 069– TWR 071 BL088–BL090 Salpad Pasuquin

I-1041-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 066–TWR 068 BL085–BL087 Susugaen Pasuquin

I-1040-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 063–TWR 065 BL082–BL084 Estancia Pasuquin

I-1042-13 18-Oct-10 TWR 059– TWR 062 BL078–BL081 Sulongan Pasuquin

I-1038-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 055– TWR 058 BL074–BL077 Caruan Pasuquin

I-1037-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 050– TWR 054 BL069–BL073 Caruan Pasuquin

I-1042-16 18-Oct-10 TWR 038– TWR 049 BL057–BL068 Dilavo Pasuquin

I-1035-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 031– TWR 037 BL049–BL056 Davila Pasuquin

I-1034-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 025– TWR 030 BL043–BL048 Nagabungan Pasuquin

I-1033-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 020– TWR 024 BL038–BL042 Paayos Burgos

I-1032-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 010– TWR 019 BL028–BL037 Bayog Burgos

I-1031-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 009 BL027 Barat Burgos

I-1030-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 002– TWR 008 BL020–BL026 Der-ap Burgos

I-1029-10 18-Oct-10 TWR 001 BL019 Saoit Burgos

I-0368-11 8-Jul-11 TWR 128 BL148 Barit Laoag City

I-0364-11 8-Jul-11 TWR 124A BL144 Barit Laoag City





Plate 13-1 Aerial marker ball

Source: (Tranmsission & Distribution, 2013)

!A

Padsan R

iver

Bacarra River

Bura

an

Riv

er

W e s t P h i l i p p i n e

S e a

Bacarra

Bangui

Burgos

Laoag

City

Pagudpud

Pasuquin

Piddig

SanNicolas Sarrat

Vintar

LaoagInternationalAirport

Jetty

235,000

235,000

240,000

240,000

245,000

245,000

250,000

250,000

255,000

255,000

260,000

260,000

265,000

265,000

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

G:\71\12098\GIS\Maps\MXD\BurgosTL&Jetty\Rev 0\7112098_Fig13-1_LaoagAirport_rev0.mxd

LEGEND

0 52.5

Kilometers

Map Projection: Transverse MercatorHorizontal Datum: WGS 1984

Grid: WGS 1984 UTM Zone 51No

© 2016. Whilst every care has been taken to prepare this map, GHD, EDC and NAMRIA make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and cannot accept liability and responsibility of any kind

(whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred by any party as a result of the map being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason.

EDC Burgos Wind Prower

ESIA for the Transmission Line and Jetty Project

Figure 13-1

Job Number

Revision 0

71-12098

19 Jan 2016

Location of Laoag International Airport relative to the Transmission Line

Date

Data source: EDC - Transmission Towers and Line (2014). NAMRIA - Municipality, Road, River. Created by:jcmatic

11/F Alphaland Southgate Tower, 2258 Chino Roces Avenue corner EDSA, Makati City 1232 Philippines T 63 2 479 5600 F 63 2 479 5601 E [email protected] W www.ghd.com

Paper Size A3

Æ̀ Airport

!A Jetty

!( Transmission Tower

Transmission Line

Waterway

Municipality


Electric and Magnetic Fields

One of the major concerns on transmission line projects is the generation of electric and

magnetic field (EMF). Electric and magnetic fields intensity is proportional with the line voltage

and electric current.

Electric fields, which are produced wherever there is electricity, are associated with any device

or wire that is connected to a source of electricity; while magnetic fields are created when there

is an electric current (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin). Electric fields, on one hand,

are easily shielded by common objects such as trees, fences and walls; and scientific studies

have found no association between exposure to electric fields and human disease (Public

Service Commission of Wisconsin). Magnetic fields, on the other hand, can pass through most

non-metallic materials and are more difficult to shield; however, magnetic fields become weaker

rapidly with distance from the source.

Magnetic fields generated by electric/transmission lines are in extremely-low-frequency (ELF)

range of the electromagnetic spectrum (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin). Figure

13-2 illustrates the spectrum of signals from different sources (e.g. radio transmission, television

transmission, gamma rays, cosmic rays, etc).

Figure 13-2 Electromagnet ic Spectrum


Presented in Table 13-18, are typical magnetic fields generated by different types of electric

lines in the United States. Typical ambient magnetic field levels are most often around 1 mG to

3 mG outside the easement (RoW corridor).

Based on today’s researches on electric and magnetic field, there are some guidelines for the

public exposure limitation but no standards limiting exposure. Also, these guidelines are

periodically reviewed and updated. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for EMF Exposure on general public exposure is 2,000 mG

(Table 4 of ICNIRP Guidelines (1 Hz-100 kHz)).

Table 13-18 Typical US Magnet ic Field Levels associated w ith

Transmission Lines

Overhead TL voltages

Usage Typical Magnetic Field Measurement (mG)

Maximum in ROW

Approximate distance from the centreline

50 ft/ 15.24 m

100 ft/ 30.48 m

200 ft/ 60.96 m

300 ft/ 91.44 m

115 kV Average 30 7 2 0.4 0.2

Peak 63 14 4 0.9 0.4

230 kV Average 58 20 7 1.8 0.8

Peak 118 40 15 3.6 1.6

500 kV Average 87 29 13 3.2 1.4

Peak 183 62 27 6.7 3.0

Source: (World Health Organization (WHO), 2007) as cited in (Public Service Commission of Wisconsin)

For the Burgos Transmission Line Project, most towers were built more than 70 m away from

residential area or structures. The above table can be used for comparing expected magnetic

field levels on the Burgos Transmission Line Project. Listed in Table 13-19 and shown in

Appendix U are the transmission towers which were built near structures (approximately 70 m

and below).

Based on Table 13-19, there are seven towers built near structures; these are BL 133, and

BL143 to BL148. The structure near BL133 was compensated and demolished. On the other

hand, compensation or disturbance fee was given to the owner of structure located near the

other six towers. It is also worthy to note that towers BL143 to BL148 are steel poles and were

built within strict horizontal clearance requirements (i.e. in terms of wiring).

Table 13-19 List of Tow ers Built near Structures

Tower No. Barangay Municipality Distance to nearest structure (m)

BL022 Saoit Burgos 70

BL034 Bayog Burgos 55

BL079 Sulongan Pasuquin 65

BL093 Nagsanga Pasuquin 70

BL095 Sulbec Pasuquin 65

BL098 Libeng/ Poblacion Pasuquin 70

BL107 Batuli Pasuquin 37

BL110 Ngabngab Pasuquin 60

BL118 Pasngal Bacarra 30

BL120 Pasngal Bacarra 30

BL130 Sangil Bacarra 50


Tower No. Barangay Municipality Distance to nearest structure (m)

BL133 Sangil Bacarra 15

BL138 Vira Laoag City 60

BL143 to BL148 Barit Laoag City less than 10 m

In general, magnetic fields are measured at user distance from appliance and refer to (National

Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), 2002) for the measurement found in most

homes.

The studies have found weak association, or no association, between exposure to EMF and the

incidence of some cancers. On one hand, scientists cannot prove that magnetic fields have no

effect and can be safe. On the other hand, science has not been able to prove that magnetic

fields do have an effect. There is a general consensus within the scientific community that

exposure to EMF is not responsible for human disease. The Public Service Commission of

Wisconsin listed result of studies undertaken by various institutions on EMF:

� There is no documented cancer linked to EMF exposure1

� There is a little evidence that magnetic fields cause childhood leukemia, and there is

inadequate evidence that magnetic fields cause other cancers in children 2

� Studies of adults magnetic field exposure from power lines show little evidence of an

association with leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer3

� Whole animal exposure studies have not shown evidence that long-term exposure to

EMF causes cancer, and no link has been found to leukemia, brain cancer and breast

cancer4

� For power line magnetic fields below 500 mG, no plausible mechanisms have been

identified by which biological effects can be caused in living systems5

To address the concern of the community regarding electro-magnetic field, EBWPC will conduct

continuous IEC activities explaining scientific studies about EMF.

Socio-economic benefits

Job opportunities during the operation and maintenance of the Transmission Line can provide

direct impact to the host communities. To enhance this benefit, EBPWC will prioritize local

workers in job opportunities and comply with the requirements of the national government in

terms of salary and benefits provided to workers.

The number of required personnel during operation and maintenance is significantly reduced

during the construction phase, which consequently reduces the direct socio-economic impacts

related to jobs. However, the operation and maintenance phase will provide a good opportunity

for technicians, electrician, engineers, and other skilled laborers for a long-term employment.

Further, taxes and revenue paid to the local government will continue. This will enhance the

basic services and infrastructure in the community that will directly benefit the residents.

1 Michael P. Halpin, P.E., Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Transmission Lines–

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF), presentation <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/siting/files/application/ppsa/turkey_pt/emf_presentation.pdf>, website accessed April, 10, 2013. 2 National Cancer Institute Factsheet, <http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields>, accessed April, 10,

2013. 3 Ibid

4 Medical College of Wisconsin, 2006.

5 Robert K. Adair, Constraints on Biological Effects of Weak Extremely-Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, Phys Rev A.

January 1991, Vol. 43, Issue 2, pp. 1039-1048


EBWPC will also implement Social Development Plan as part of its Corporate Social

Responsibility to further enhance the benefits to the host communities.

13.7 Conclusions

The adverse impacts of the transmission line and jetty during the operation and maintenance

phase on the socio-economic condition of the project impact areas are minimal and insignificant

(Table 13-20). Management measures, discussed in the Environmental and Social

Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMP) in Section 16, are now being implemented to prevent

the occurrence of adverse impacts. This includes the following:

� Traffic Management Plan

� Transmission Maintenance Manual

� Social Development Plan

� Information Education and Communication Campaigns

� Occupational Health and Safety Manual

Table 13-20 Key impacts and proposed mit igat ion/enhancement measures

Key impacts Phases Potential significance

Options for prevention/ mitigation or enhancement

Construction Operation TL Jetty

Displacement and disturbance of properties (permanent or temporary loss of productive land)

✁ ✁ High None Compensation of affected crops and land

Restoration and rehabilitation of disturbed areas (e.g. temporary access roads)

Preparation of Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) for the 49 households

Occupational and community health and safety

✁ ✁ Low Low Implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan, Transmission Line Management Manual

Routine vegetation clearing

Regular monitoring and maintenance

Aircraft safety navigation

✁ Low None Consultation with CAAP during design phase

Secured height clearance permit

Installation of aerial marker balls or aircraft warning markers, light or other attention grabbing devices


Key impacts Phases Potential significance

Options for prevention/ mitigation or enhancement

Construction Operation TL Jetty

Electric and magnetic fields

� High None Most transmission towers were built more than 70 m away

Structures built within the 30 m ROW were compensated and demolished

Compliance with horizontal clearance requirements

Use of steel poles

IEC activities on EMF

Creation of local employment opportunities

� � High High Employment of local workers

Compliance with local labour laws

Wider economic (taxes and revenue) and employment benefits (indirect employment)

� � High High Implementation of Social Development Plan (SDP)

13.8 References

✁ City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). City Ecological Profile. Laoag City:

Local Government Unit.

✁ Micheal P Halpil, P. (n.d.). Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Transmission

Lines - Electric and Magnetic Fields. Retrieved January 14, 2015, from

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/siting/files/application/ppsa/turkey_pt/emf_presentation.pdf

✁ Municipal Health Office. (2012). Municipal Health Profile. Municipality of Burgos: Local

Government Unit.

✁ Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO). (2010). Municipal Ecological

Profile. Municipality of Burgos: Local Government Unit.

✁ Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) of Pasuquin and Department of

Interior and Local Government (2010). Municipal Ecological Profile. Municipality of

Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte: Local Government Unit

✁ Municipal Planning and Development Office. (2012). Municipal Profile. Municipality of

Bacarra: Local Government Unit.

✁ National Cancer Institure Factsheet. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2015, from

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields

✁ National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). (2002, June). EMF:

Electrical and Magnetic Fields Associated withthe Use of Electric Power. Retrieved

January 14, 2015, from http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/

✁ Philippine Statistics Office. (2010, May 1). 2010 Census of Population and Housing.

Retrieved

January 7, 2015, from http://census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressreleas

e/Ilocos.pdf


� Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2015, from

Electric & Magnetic Fields: http://psc.wi.gov/thelibrary/publications/electric/Electric12.pdf

� Transmission and Distribution. (2013). Power Line Markers. Retrieved January 14, 2015

from http://tdworld.com/products/power-line-markers


Table of contents

14. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ............................................................................. 14-1

14.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 14-1

14.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................. 14-1

14.3 Existing Values .............................................................................................................. 14-7

14.4 Impact Assessment ...................................................................................................... 14-30

14.5 Mitigation ...................................................................................................................... 14-47

14.6 Conclusions and Summary of Findings ....................................................................... 14-48

Table index

Table 14-1 Landscape Sensitivity .................................................................................................... 14-3

Table 14-2 Landscape capacity to accommodate change .............................................................. 14-3

Table 14-3 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts / Visual Modification ................................................. 14-5

Table 14-4 Assessment of receptor sensitivity ................................................................................ 14-5

Table 14-5 Duration of impacts ........................................................................................................ 14-6

Table 14-6 Quality of the impact ...................................................................................................... 14-6

Table 14-7 Significance of Impact .................................................................................................... 14-7

Table 14-8 LCU1 – Forested Landscape ....................................................................................... 14-10

Table 14-9 LCU2 – Agricultural/Rural Landscape ......................................................................... 14-13

Table 14-10 LCU3 – Built-up Landscape ......................................................................................... 14-15

Table 14-11 VL1 – Kapurpurawan 4x4 Trail .................................................................................... 14-17

Table 14-12 VL2 – Barangay Ablan House Cluster ......................................................................... 14-18


Table 14-13 VL3 – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse ................................................................................ 14-19

Table 14-14 VL4 – Bayog Elementary School ................................................................................. 14-20

Table 14-15 VL5 – Barangay Davila Salt Vendor Kiosks ................................................................ 14-21

Table 14-16 VL6 – Pasuquin Beach ................................................................................................ 14-22

Table 14-17 VL7 – Barangay Dilavo Field ....................................................................................... 14-23

Table 14-18 VL8 – Barangay Estancia Field ................................................................................... 14-24

Table 14-19 VL9 – Barangay Salpad Field ...................................................................................... 14-25

Table 14-20 VL10 – Barangay Poblacion 2 Field ............................................................................ 14-26

Table 14-21 VL11 – Barangay Carusipan Field ............................................................................... 14-26

Table 14-22 VL12 – Barangay Corocor Field .................................................................................. 14-27

Table 14-23 VL13 – Bacarra River................................................................................................... 14-28

Table 14-24 VL14 – Barangay Salet-Bulangon ............................................................................... 14-29

Table 14-25 VL15 - Jetty .................................................................................................................. 14-30

Table 14-26 LCU1 Impact Assessment ........................................................................................... 14-31



Table 14-29 VL1 Impact Assessment .............................................................................................. 14-33









Table 14-38 VL10 Impact Assessment ............................................................................................ 14-42






Table 14-44 Summary of Impacts .................................................................................................... 14-48

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/12098 | iii

Figure index

Figure 14-1 Locations of Landscape Character Units (LCU) ............................................................ 14-8

Figure 14-2 Representative Viewing Locations ............................................................................... 14-16


14. Landscape and V isual Impact

Assessment

14.1 Introduction

This section of the ESIA covers the assessment of the landscape and visual impacts/effects of

the constructed transmission line traversing the towns of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra, and Laoag

City as well as the jetty in Barangay Ablan.

For the purpose of this report, the term ‘Landscape’ refers to landscape character, landscape

context, views and prospects, historical landscape and anthropogenic landscapes.

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a combination of two separate but closely

related aspects. The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd

Edition

(GLVIA3) describes:

� Landscape Impacts as the effects of the changes in and/or partial or complete loss of

elements, features or aesthetic or perceptual aspects that contribute to the character and

quality of the landscape as well as the addition of new elements or features that will

influence the character and quality of the landscape and alter perceptions; and

� Visual Impacts as the effects of change and development on the views available to

people and their visual amenity.

The central purpose of the LVIA is to identify significant adverse impacts upon landscape and

visual amenity and to propose measures to mitigate or ameliorate such impacts.

The structure of this section is outlined as follows:

� Methodology – process adopted to assess landscape and visual effects and the

limitations and assumptions of this method

� Existing Values – description and evaluation of the baseline landscape and visual

amenity within the visual catchment as well as identification of representative

viewpoints/sensitive receptors

� Impact assessment – assessment of the significance of effects upon landscape and

visual amenity, including:

– GIS viewshed analysis / Zone of Theoretical Visibility

– Description of landscape and visual impacts for each viewpoint and cumulative

impacts

� Mitigation – proposed measures to reduce, remedy or offset negative visual impacts

brought about by the project

� Conclusions and summary of findings

14.2 Methodology

14.2.1 Basis for the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

The methodology for the LVIA has been set out to respond to particular project requirements

and constraints including the scale and nature of the project.

This assessment draws on the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third

Edition, published by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment (2013) which is regarded as the international standard for LVIA.


14.2.2 Establishment of the Baseline Landscape Characterisat ion

It is proposed that systematic, accurate and comprehensive descriptions of the following

conditions will be included in the assessment. The methodology for the identification of the

existing environment, surrounding landscape character and the identification of the viewing

locations is detailed below.

Defining the Visual Catchment

An indicative visual catchment within which the project may be seen has been defined based on

a worst case scenario based on the investigation corridor. This has been determined through a

desktop study examining aerial photographs and topographic maps where landform and land

cover (screening) were considered in tandem. Also taken into consideration was the potential

maximum visibility for this type of development. For LVIA, the visual catchment becomes the

study area.

This preliminary visual catchment is then used to identify sensitive receptors with views of the

project.

Site Survey

A site survey was undertaken by a Landscape Architect to verify the desktop study findings,

allow characterisation of the landscape, identify sensitive receptors and observe how receptors

might view the landscape. The site visit was conducted in November 2014 during conditions of

good visibility.

During the site survey, the Landscape Architect traversed the study area and viewed the

investigation corridor from publicly accessible viewpoints. At each location a photographic

record of landscape features, key views and receptors was obtained along with coordinates,

bearings, field notes and sketches.

Description of Existing Conditions

The description of existing landscape and visual environment establishes a baseline against

which the project is assessed. The principal document and data sources used have been set

out in the bibliography, referenced within relevant sections of the text.

Defining the Landscape Character Areas

Landscape character considers common landscape types (defined by typical features and

characteristics) and highlights any principal landscape features. A description of the landscape

character differentiates between subjective assessments and objective description and is

provided from both within the study area, and from the wider landscape.

The factors that have been considered in categorising the landscape character areas include

landform, vegetation and intensity and character of land. The categorising was informed through

a review of the information assembled in the desk study and the site survey described in

Section 14.3.1.

Selection of Receptor Viewpoints

Representative publicly accessible viewpoints have been identified in a range of locations and

are identified in section 14.3.2. These have been recorded and photographed. Photographs of

viewpoints within section 14.3.2 represent a range of typical views from that locality to the

project. Viewpoints are selected in order to:

� Represent views of particular landscape and /or visual features of importance.


� Represent views from key visual receptors that spend extended amounts of time and

other locations from which fixed or transient views would be possible, but where the time

of stay is shorter. These include residents, road and recreational receptors.

14.2.3 Assessment of Landscape Impacts

Landscape is defined as features (such as vegetation, built elements, topography, etc.) either

within the project boundary or on land adjacent. The features of the landscape are considered

as an integral part of the landscape and visual context that contribute to the overall character of

the environment.

Assessment of changes to the landscape includes identification of:

� The nature of the change, (that is the degree of contrast, or integration) of, any new

features with existing features;

� Context and quality of the views including the extent to which the project would be visible

in the wider landscape (with consideration of the presence of intervening vegetation or

features);

� The scale or degree of change (i.e. obvious / imperceptible with respect to loss or

addition of features); and

� The nature of the impact (adverse or beneficial).

The significance of the landscape character unit is described in Table 14-1. For the purposes of

this assessment, the definition of impacts relate to the relative capacity of the landscape to

accommodate changes to the physical landscape of the type and scale proposed that would

occur as a direct result of the project. These are defined in Table 14-2.

Table 14-1 Landscape Sensit ivity

Landscape Sensitivity Definition

High Landscapes of international designation that are highly valued, particularly near or distinctive and susceptible to small change

Medium Landscape of regional designation that are valued more locally and tolerant of moderate levels of change

Low Landscapes of local designation that are more commonplace and potentially tolerant of noticeable change or are undergoing substantial development, such that their character is one of change.

Table 14-2 Landscape capacity to accommodate change

Landscape capacity Definition

Low capacity The landscape has high sensitivity to the type of development proposed which could have a detrimental effect on the landscape character or value. Mitigation measure unlikely to reduce the impacts of the change.

Medium capacity The landscape has medium sensitivity to the type of development proposed. Any change caused by the proposed development would be unlikely to have a significant adverse effect on the landscape character or value that could not be mitigated against.


Landscape capacity Definition

High capacity The landscape would have low sensitivity to this type of development and few constraints imposed by landscape elements. Development of this type is very unlikely to have an adverse effect on the landscape character. Mitigation measures would be effective in neutralising adverse effects and / or may improve the landscape character.

14.2.4 Assessment of Visual Impacts

People are mobile and therefore could potentially experience views of the project from many

different locations. In order to undertake an assessment of visual impacts, a series of key

viewing locations have been selected to represent the points from which the project is to be

viewed by the greatest number of visual receptors and from where the most sensitive visual

receptors are to perceive the project.

Project impacts can be evaluated on the basis of a combination of two factors that inform the

level significance of impact:

� Visual modification, and

� Visual sensitivity.

Both are defined in sections Table 14-3 and Table 14-4 respectively, and their use in identifying

severity of the impacts outlined.

Visual Modification

Visual impacts arise from changes in available views of the landscape that occur as a result of

the project. Visual impact is determined through the subjective assessment of sensitivity of the

visual receptors and the magnitude (scale) of the change in view. Sensitivity is dependent upon

receptors’ location; the importance of their view; their activity; expectations; available view; and

the extent of screening of this view.

Factors that have been considered in assessing the response to changes in the visual amenity

include:

� Interest in the visual environment and their distance/angle of view to the source of the

impact

� The extent of screening/filtering of the view

� Magnitude of change in the view (i.e. loss/addition of features that change the view’s

composition)

� Quality of the impact as detailed in Table 14-6

� Integration of changes within the existing view (form, mass, height, colour and texture)

� Duration of the effect as detailed in Table 14-5

� Effectiveness of the proposed mitigation


Table 14-3 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts / V isual Modificat ion

Impact Definition

Large A substantial / obvious change to the landscape due to total loss of, or change to, elements, features or characteristics of the landscape. Would cause a landscape to be permanently changed and its quality diminished.

Moderate Discernible changes in the landscape due to partial loss of, or change to the elements, features or characteristics of the landscape. May be partly mitigated. The change would be out of scale with the landscape, and at odds with the local pattern and landform and would leave an adverse impact on the landscape.

Small Minor loss or alteration to one or more key landscape elements, features, or characteristics, or the introduction of elements that may be visible but may not be uncharacteristic within the existing landscape.

Negligible Almost imperceptible or no change in the view as there is little or no loss of / or change to the elements, features or characteristics of the landscape.

Visual Sensitivity

Visual sensitivity refers to visual receptors and their sensitivity to their visual environment.

Visual sensitivity is defined as the perception of viewers.

For the purposes of this assessment, key visual receptors users of public recreation areas and

all have differing sensitivities to their visual environment. Generally, sensitivity is derived from a

combination of factors including:

� Receptors’ interest in the visual environment (i.e. high, medium or low interest in their

everyday visual environment, and the duration of the effect);

� Receptors’ duration and viewing opportunity (i.e. prolonged, regular viewing

opportunities);

� Number of viewers and their distance / angle of view from the source of the effect, extent

of screening / filtering of the view, where relevant.

For the purposes of this assessment, the terminology set out in Table 14-4 has been used to

describe visual sensitivity.

Table 14-4 Assessment of receptor sensit ivity

Sensitivity Definition

High Occupiers of residential properties with long viewing periods, within close proximity to the proposed development.

Communities that place value upon the landscape and enjoyment of views of their setting.

Receptors that have special interest in the landscape character of the area (e.g. photographers, tourists)

Medium Outdoor workers who have a key focus on their work that may also have intermittent views of the project area.

Viewers at schools, or similar, when outdoor play and recreation areas are located within close proximity but viewing periods are limited.

Occupiers of residential properties with long viewing periods, at a distance from or screened from the project area.

Low Road users in motor vehicles, or on transport routes that are passing through or adjacent to the study area and therefore have short term views.

Viewers indoor at their place of work, schools or similar.


Sensitivity Definition

Negligible Viewers from locations where there is screening by vegetation or structures where only occasional screened views are available and viewing times are short.

Road users in motor vehicles, or on transport routes that are passing through/adjacent to the study area and have partially screened views and short viewing times.

14.2.5 Durat ion of Impact

The duration of impact has been defined for the purposes of this assessment as outlined in

Table 14-5.

Table 14-5 Durat ion of impacts

Duration Definition

Temporary Impacts lasting one year or less

Short Term Impacts lasting one to seven years

Medium Term Impacts lasting seven to fifteen years

Long Term Impacts lasting fifteen to sixty years

Permanent Impacts lasting over sixty years

14.2.6 Impact Type

The definition for ‘quality of impact’ as used in this assessment has been outlined in Table 14-6.

Table 14-6 Quality of the impact

Quality Definition

Neutral A neutral impact would neither enhance nor detract from the landscape character or viewpoint.

Positive A positive impact would improve or enhance the landscape character or viewpoint.

Negative A negative impact would reduce or have an adverse effect on the existing landscape character or viewpoint.

14.2.7 Significance of Impact

Only impacts of major or high significance in the context of this assessment have been

considered. These impacts would require further refinement through mitigation or detailed

design.

The definition used to identify significance of impacts for this assessment has been outlined in

Table 14-7.


Table 14-7 Significance of Impact

Magnitude of Landscape Impact / Visual Modification

Large Moderate Small Negligible S

ensitiv

ity

High Major Significance

High Significance

Moderate Significance

Minor Significance

Medium High Significance

Moderate Significance

Minor Significance

Not Significant

Low Moderate Significance

Minor Significance

Not Significant Not Significant

Negligible Minor Significance

Not Significant Not Significant Not Significant

14.2.8 Mit igat ion

As the project is already in its operational phase, mitigation measures are limited to reduction

and offsetting of the impacts.

Strategies are described below:

� Reduction – reduction of adverse effects. The significance of adverse impacts is

lessened. Seeks to limit exposure of the sensitive visual receptor. Reduce the visibility of

the project (e.g. by installing barriers between the location(s) of likely receptors and the

source of impact.

� Remedy/Offsetting – Remedy serves to improve adverse conditions by carrying out

further works which seek to restore the environment (e.g. increased planting of

trees/shrubs to offset unavoidable loss of vegetation)

If it is not possible to mitigate an impact, this is described as a residual impact.

14.3 Exist ing Values

The transmission line traverses 29 barangays in the municipalities of Burgos, Pasuquin,

Bacarra, and the City of Laoag, all in the province of Ilocos Norte. These areas are generally

considered rural except Laoag City being reasonably urbanized.

This section gives an overview of the landscape character in the vicinity of the project area as

well as identifies the representative viewing locations/sensitive receptors of impacts.

14.3.1 Landscape Character Units (LCUs)

The study area is divided into landscape character units sharing common landscape features

and visual characteristics. Categorization by LCUs allows for general statements to be made

about landscapes and their sensitivity. However, it should be acknowledged that landscapes

within the study area relatively vary in terms of landforms, land use, vegetation, significant

features and views.

The LCUs recognized in this assessment are:

� LCU1 – Forested Mountains

� LCU2 – Agricultural Lowland

� LCU3 – Built-up Areas

!A

W e s t

P h i l i p p i n e

S e a

Bacarra

BanguiBurgos

Laoag

City

Pasuquin

Piddig

Sarrat

Vintar

Ro

ad

Jetty BanguiWind Fam

230,000

230,000

235,000

235,000

240,000

240,000

245,000

245,000

250,000

250,000

255,000

255,000

260,000

260,000

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

G:\71\12098\GIS\Maps\MXD\BurgosTL&Jetty\Rev 0\7112098_Fig14-1_LVIA.mxd

LEGEND

0 52.5

Kilometers



© 2016. Whilst every care has been taken to prepare this map, GHD, EDC and NAMRIA make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and cannot accept liability and responsibility of any kind




Figure 14-1

Job Number

Revision 0

71-12098

19 Jan 2016

Land Character Units (LCUs)

Date

Data source: EDC - Transmission Towers and Line (2014). NAMRIA - Municipality, Road, River. Created by:jcmatic


Paper Size A3

!A Jetty Project

Bangui Wind Farm


Transmission Line

Highway

Road

Barangay

Municipality

Landscape Character Units

LCU1 - Forested landscape

LCU2 - Agricultural/Rural landscape

LCU3 - Built-up landscape


LCU1 – Forested Landscape

This LCU, shown in Plate 14-1 and Plate 14-2, generally covers the northern part of the study

area. As shown in Table 14-8, the transmission line traverses this LCU from the town of Burgos

to Pasuquin and some parts of Bacarra. Table 14-8 describes the landscape character in this

LCU.

Plate 14-1 Typical long distance view in Forested Landscape

Plate 14-2 Typical view of Forested Landscape


Table 14-8 LCU1 – Forested Landscape


Landscape/Visual Element

Description

Location These areas comprise the Barangays of Saoit, Poblacion, Ablan Sarat, Bayog, and Paayas in the town of Burgos as well as Barangays Davila and Dilavo in Pasuquin, Barangay Sangil in Bacarra and Barangay no. 59-B Dibua North and 55-C Vira in Laoag City.

Towers BL-1 to 36, BL-44 to 68 and BL-136 to 140 are located within this LCU.

Landform and significant landscape features

The topography consists of:

Gently sloping hills in the northern and southern section of the LCU (elevation ranging from 20 to 80 m)

Steeply sloping hills in Barangay Bayog, Davila, and Dilavo (elevation reaching up to 200 m)

Gentle undulating low plains with gently to steeply sloping hills to the west of the LCU in Barangay Paayas

A number of cellular sites/towers appear in the landscape.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as the Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure. Standing 17 m high, approximately 160 masl, this is the most prominent tower in the vicinity. It is also a frequently visited tourist attraction and is considered a significant feature in this LCU.

This LCU has borrowed views of the Cordillera Central, the highest and largest mountain range in the Philippines.

Vegetation Dense cover of open forest, broad-leaved tree species and woody shrubs with patches of rough grasslands on flatland areas

Water West Philippine Sea

Buraan River in Barangay Ablan

Several ephemeral creeks with riparian zones

Land use Open forest

Sparse rural-residential properties along national road

The Pan-Philippine or Maharlika Highway is the arterial road running the length of this LCU.

LCU2 – Agricultural/Rural Landscape

The Agricultural/Rural Landscape LCU, shown in Plate 14-3, Plate 14-4, Plate 14-5 and Plate

14-6, encompasses the other half of the study area. Table 14-9 describes the landscape

character in this LCU.


Plate 14-3 Typical short distance view in Agricultural/Rural Landscape

Plate 14-4 Typical distance view in Agricultural/Rural Landscape


Plate 14-5 Typical long distance view in Agricultural/Rural Landscape

Plate 14-6 Typical long distance view in Agricultural/Rural Landscape


Table 14-9 LCU2 – Agricultural/Rural Landscape



Description

Location The areas defined as Agricultural/Rural Landscape are located in the Barangay Bobon in the town of Burgos, Barangays Caruan, Sulongan, Estancia, Susugaen, Salpad, Nagsanga, Nalvo, Sulbec, Pragata, San Juan, Poblacion 1 to 4, Puyupuan, Batuli, Naglicuan, Ngabangab, Binsang and Carusipan in Pasuquin. Also included are the Barangays of Cadaratan, Pungto, Cabusligan, Pasngal, Cabulalaan, Corocor, Cabaruan, Sangil, and Pasiocan in the town of Bacarra.

Towers BL-37 to 43, BL-69 to 135 and BL-141 to 148 are located within this LCU.


The topography is generally low and flat paddy fields. These fields are commonly observed on both sides of the road. Crops such as rice, garlic and onions are planted alternately throughout the year.

A number of power poles dotting the highway and occasional cellular sites/towers appear in the landscape.

Bacarra river and its floodplain lie at the center of this LCU. During dry season, a vast section of Bacarra River is dry, permitting low secondary growth trees and shrubs to grow with the river bed.

Medium and long distance views are framed with forested hills and mountains (LCU1).

Vegetation 90% monochromatic cover of arable land

Rough grasslands in Bacarra floodplain

Water West Philippine Sea

Bacarra River


Land use Agricultural land/Farmland/Grassland

Sparse rural-residential properties along national road


LCU3 – Built-up Landscape

This LCU, shown in Plate 14-7 and Plate 14-8, is apportioned to more established residential

communities. One is within the study area while the other two are partly contained by the 2-

kilometer buffer. Table 14-10 describes the landscape character in this LCU.


Plate 14-7 Typical short distance view in Built -up Landscape

Plate 14-8 Typical medium distance view in Built -up Landscape


Table 14-10 LCU3 – Built -up Landscape



Description

Location These areas consist of the Barangays Poblacion 1 to 4 in the town of Pasuquin, southwest of the study area. Bacarra municipal proper is to the east and Laoag City to the south. Both are outside the study area.


The topography is generally flat lowland surrounded by LCU2.

Typically, only short and medium distance views are available due to the dense housing characteristic of this LCU.

Vegetation Significant overlay of trees and woody shrubs reaching up to 5 m high.

Water Bacarra River on the southern edge of Bacarra municipal proper

Padsan River on the southern edge of Laoag City


Land use Rural-residential properties


Barangay roads are also present in this LCU.

14.3.2 Sensit ive Receptors

The transmission line being 42 km in length offers a substantial number of locations from which

it may be viewed. At the same time, people are mobile and therefore could potentially

experience different views. Thus, in order to undertake an assessment of visual impacts,

representative viewing locations were selected where the volume of sensitivity of visual

receptors was relatively high.

Likely viewers or receptors include local residents, farmers, tourists visiting towns of Burgos,

Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City, and locals and tourists travelling from Laoag City to Burgos.

Figure 14-2 shows the representative viewing locations (VLs). They are outlined below:

� Viewing Location 1 (VL1) – Kapurpurawan 4x4 Trail

� Viewing Location 2 (VL2) – Barangay Ablan House Cluster

� Viewing Location 3 (VL3) – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

� Viewing Location 4 (VL4) – Bayog Elementary School

� Viewing Location 5 (VL5) – Barangay Davila Field

� Viewing Location 6 (VL6) – Pasuquin Sexy Beach

� Viewing Location 7 (VL7) – Barangay Dilavo Field

� Viewing Location 8 (VL8) – Barangay Estancia Field

� Viewing Location 9 (VL9) – Barangay Salpad Field

� Viewing Location 10 (VL10) – Barangay Poblacion 2 Field

� Viewing Location 11 (VL11) – Barangay Carusipan Field

� Viewing Location 12 (VL12) – Barangay Corocor Field

� Viewing Location 13 (VL13) – Bacarra River

� Viewing Location 14 (VL14) – Barangay Salet-Bulangon

� Viewing Location 15 (VL15) – Jetty

!A

W e s t

P h i l i p p i n e

S e a

Bacarra

Bangui

Burgos

Carasi

Dumalneg

Laoag

City

Pagudpud

Pasuquin

Piddig

Sarrat

Vintar

Road

Jetty BanguiWind Fam

235,000

235,000

240,000

240,000

245,000

245,000

250,000

250,000

255,000

255,000

260,000

260,000

265,000

265,000

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

15

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

20

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

25

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

30

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

35

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

40

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

45

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

2,0

50

,00

0

G:\71\12098\GIS\Maps\MXD\7112098_EBWPC_TransmissionLine_revA_v2.mxd

LEGEND

0 52.5

Kilometers



© 2016. Whilst every care has been taken to prepare this map, GHD and NAMRIA make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and cannot accept liability and responsibility of any kind




Figure 1�✁✂

Job Number

Revision 0

71-12098

19 Jan 2016

Location of 42 km 115 kV TransmissionLine Route and Jetty Projects

Date

Data source: NAMRIA - Municipality, Road, River. Created by:jcmatic


Paper Size A3

!A Sampling Site

Burgos Wind Farm


Transmission Line

Highway

Road

Barangay

Municipality


Viewing Location 1: Kapurpurawan 4x4 Trail

View northeast from Kapurpurawan Trail View southwest from Kapurpurawan Trail

Table 14-11 VL1 – Kapurpuraw an 4x4 Trail


Description

Location Viewing location is along Kapurpurawan Trail in between Tower BL-16 and 17.


Mixed of rolling terrain and gently sloping hills with ridges to the east. It is dissected by the 2-lane concrete access road.

Vegetation Dense cover of woody shrubs reaching up to 5 m high. Roadside foliage is wild non-ornamental grasses common to rural areas.

Water West Philippine Sea located approximately 2 km to the north while Buraan River is 4 km to the south Obscure water channels are present in this area.

Land use and Infrastructure

The Kapurpurawan 4x4 Trail, running 3.52 km in length, serves as the access road of locals and tourists visiting the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. It is perpendicular to Manila North Road. Entry to Kapurpurawan Trail is Tourism Board-controlled by way of an admission fee. The viewing location is just outside the wind farm site.

Visual context Views range from short to medium in distance due to the presence of dense vegetation cover in some views. Main view is the rolling terrain to the north. Views to the south are restricted on most part of the road. Views are experienced mainly by tourists travelling to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

Viewing Location 2: Barangay Ablan House Cluster

View south from Ablan House Cluster


Table 14-12 VL2 – Barangay Ablan House Cluster


Description

Location The cluster of houses is located approximately 1 km south of the Buraan Bridge. The viewing location is roughly 500 m from the street entrance on Pan-Philippine or Maharlika Highway.


Flat topography with prominent hills to the south at an approximate height of 110 masl; residential cluster sited at an approximate height of 8 masl Cellular sites/towers are visible on the ridges.

Vegetation Thickets of secondary growth trees and locally grown dragon fruit in the foreground and middle ground Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background

Water West Philippine Sea and Buraan River located approximately 1 km to the north. Obscure water channels are present in this area.


Cluster of 10-15 houses Classified as residential with agricultural land surrounding the house cluster.

Visual context Views range from short to medium distance and are lightly filtered/screened by backyard vegetation. Views are experienced mainly by residents of possibly 2-3 houses in a cluster of 10-15.


Viewing Location 3: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

View east from Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

View southwest of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Table 14-13 VL3 – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse


Description

Location Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located approximately 40 km north of Laoag City and 1 km from the access road entrance on Manila North Road. The viewing location is on the pavilion deck of the lighthouse.


Steep ridges to the east with elevation reaching up to 130 masl. The viewing location is at an approximate height of 118 masl. Cellular sites/towers are visible on the ridges.

Vegetation Dense cover of open forest, broad-leaved tree species and woody shrubs

Water West Philippine Sea to the west Obscure water channels are present in this area.


Tourism-related activities Lighthouse is still operational.

Visual context Open view to the southeast of the verdant hills and towering structures Main view is the West Philippine Sea to the west. Views are experienced largely by tourists taking scenic photos of nature and of themselves.


Viewing Location 4: Bayog Elementary School

View east from Bayog Elementary School

Table 14-14 VL4 – Bayog Elementary School


Description

Location Bayog Elementary School is situated along the Manila North Road, roughly 1.6 km southwest of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The viewing location is located on a field behind the school.


Low, terraced topography in the foreground; steep ridges to the east with elevation reaching up to 130 masl. The viewing location is at an approximate height of 23 masl. Cellular sites/towers are visible on the ridges.

Vegetation Cleared open pasture/grazing land in the foreground Thickets of secondary growth trees in the middle ground Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background



Agriculture-related activities with majority of the land cleared for grazing

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of hills and open pasture with a few dwellings around the perimeter. Some residential properties within the vicinity may experience similar views. Views are experienced mainly by residents, school occupants, farmers and road users.


Viewing Location 5: Barangay Davila Field

View northeast from field adjacent salt vendors

View east from field adjacent salt vendors

Table 14-15 VL5 – Barangay Davila Salt Vendor Kiosks


Description

Location The field along Manila North Road in Barangay Davila is approximately 15 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The viewing location is adjacent a salt vendor kiosk.


Flat topography surrounding salt vendor kiosk/stalls; sloping hills to the northeast. The viewing location is at an approximate height of 32 masl. Cellular sites/towers are very visible in the foreground.

Vegetation Arable land in the foreground Thickets of secondary growth trees in the middle ground Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background

Water West Philippine Sea to the west


Agricultural land/Farmland Cellular site/tower in the immediate view

Visual context Views range from short to medium distance. Views are composed of hills, fields with low-growing vegetation and cleared land for pasture/grazing. Small dwellings within the vicinity may experience similar views. Views are experienced by salt vendors and customers, residents, farmers and road users.


Viewing Location 6: Pasuquin Sexy Beach

View east from Pasuquin Beach

View east from Pasuquin Beach

Table 14-16 VL6 – Pasuquin Beach


Description

Location The beach, located in Barangay Dilavo, is approximately 10.6 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The viewing location is roughly 150 m west from Manila North Road entrance.


Flat terrain with steep ridges to the east with elevation reaching up to 300 masl. The viewing location is at an approximate height of 10 masl. Cordillera Central is located in views to the distant east. Rocky coral beach to the west

Vegetation Cleared levelled land with scattered clumps of secondary growth trees Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background

Water West Philippine Sea to the west Ephemeral creek to the southeast


Farmland/Grassland Power poles along national highway

Visual context Views range from short to long distance. Views are composed of cleared sandy land and hills with varying density of vegetation cover. View of the sea especially during sunset causes Pasuquin beaches to be a significant local destination. Views are experienced primarily by road users.


Viewing Location 7: Barangay Dilavo Field

View north from Barangay Dilavo field

Table 14-17 VL7 – Barangay Dilavo Field


Description

Location The field is approximately 10 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The viewing location is located in the middle of the field, about 250 m from Manila North Road.


Flat terrain within the vicinity rising to high points in the east reaching up to 250 masl. The viewing location has an approximate height of 16 masl. Cordillera Central is located in views to the distant east.

Vegetation Cleared open pasture/grazing land in the foreground Thickets of secondary growth trees in the middle ground Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background



Farmland/Grassland

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of fields of open pasture backdropped by the verdant hills. Views are experienced primarily by road users and farmers.


Viewing Location 8: Barangay Estancia Field

View northeast from Barangay Estancia field

Table 14-18 VL8 – Barangay Estancia Field


Description

Location The field is approximately 6 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The viewing location is located in the middle of the field, about 200 m from Manila North Road.


Flat paddy fields within the vicinity rising to high points in the east reaching up to 400 masl. The viewing location has an approximate height of 8 masl. Cordillera Central is located in views to the distant east.

Vegetation Arable land in the foreground Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background



Agricultural land/Farmland/Grassland Sparse rural-residential properties along east perimeter

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of vast paddy fields with open view of the vegetation-covered hills. Some residential properties within the vicinity, particularly to the east, may experience similar views. Views are experienced primarily by farmers.


Viewing Location 9: Barangay Salpad Field

View east from Barangay Salpad internal road

Table 14-19 VL9 – Barangay Salpad Field


Description

Location The viewing location is at an internal road in Barangay Salpad, approximately 2.5 km north of Pasuquin municipal proper.


Flat paddy fields within the vicinity rising to high points in the east reaching up to 300 masl. The viewing location has an approximate height of 22 masl.

Cordillera Central is located in views to the distant east.

Vegetation Arable land with sparse roadside shrubs

Dense cover of broad-leaved tree species in the background



Agricultural land/Farmland/Grassland

Sparse rural-residential properties along east perimeter

Gravel road dissecting the paddy fields

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of vast paddy fields with open view of the vegetation-covered hills.

Views are experienced primarily by farmers and road users.

Viewing Location 10: Barangay Poblacion 2 Field

View northeast from Barangay Poblacion 2 internal road


Table 14-20 VL10 – Barangay Poblacion 2 Field


Description

Location The viewing location is at the northeastern edge of Poblacion 2, along the internal road, approximately 600 m east of Pasuquin municipal proper. It is situated about 200 m from the last house of the residential area.


Flat paddy fields rising gently to the east reaching up to 40 masl. The viewing location is about 18 masl.


Thickets of secondary growth trees in the middle ground

Water Ephemeral creek with riparian zones


Residential


Gravel road dissecting the paddy fields

Visual context Views range from short to medium distance.

Views from the residences are screened/filtered by dense vegetation.

Views are experienced primarily by farmers.

Viewing Location 11: Barangay Carusipan Field

View west from Barangay Carusipan internal road

Table 14-21 VL11 – Barangay Carusipan Field


Description

Location Barangay Carusipan is approximately 4 km south of Pasuquin municipal proper.

The viewing location is along the internal road adjoining a residential property about 900 m east of the Manila North Road.


Flat to the west with undulating topography on the eastern side. The viewing location is located approximately at 13 masl.

Vegetation Arable land with an edge of secondary growth trees in the horizon

Water -


Residential


Concrete road dissecting the paddy fields



Description

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of agricultural land and associated activities/infrastructure.

Views are experienced largely by farmers and residents of around 4-5 houses in a cluster of 15-20.

Viewing Location 12: Barangay Corocor Field

View southwest from Corocor internal road View northwest from Barangay Corocor

internal road

Table 14-22 VL12 – Barangay Corocor Field


Description

Location Barangay Corocor is roughly 1.6 km west of Bacarra municipal proper.

The viewing location is along the internal road adjoining a residential property about 600 m east of the Manila North Road.


Flat paddy fields rising gently to the south reaching up to 60masl. The viewing location has an approximate height of 16 masl.

Vegetation Arable land with clumps of mixed tall shrubs and herbaceous plants

Water Ephemeral creek with riparian zones


Residential


Concrete road dissecting the paddy fields

Visual context Views range from short to long distance.

Views are composed of agricultural land and associated activities/infrastructure.

View of the nearest tower (BL-121) is about 40 m from the viewing location.

Views are experienced by farmers and residents of around 2-3 houses in a cluster of 30-40.


Viewing Location 13: Bacarra River

View north from Bacarra River

View south from Bacarra River

Table 14-23 VL13 – Bacarra River


Description

Location Bacarra River spans across at least 9 barangays in Bacarra municipality. It is located in the southern portion of the town and stretches from east to west terminating at the West Philippine Sea.

The viewing location is situated in the river floodplain in Barangay Sangil in the immediate northeast of tower BL-109. Location is not readily accessible by vehicles but is representative of potential views from residents along the river.


Predominantly flat floodplain gradually rising up to the east reaching up to 100 masl. The viewing location is at an approximate height of 21 masl.

Vegetation Rough grassland with scattered clumps of mid-height woody shrubs and trees

Water Bacarra River


Water body

Embankment to the north periphery of the floodplain

Visual context Views range from medium to long distance and are a mixture of grassland and gravel-covered plain.

Similar views may be experienced by residents of at least 4-5 houses located along the river.

Residential properties within the 500-800 m radius will experience screened/filtered views due to vegetation surrounding the properties.


Viewing Location 14: Barangay Salet-Bulangon

View northwest from Barangay Salet-Bulangon

Table 14-24 VL14 – Barangay Salet -Bulangon


Description

Location Barangay Salet-Bulangon is located in the northeastern part of Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte.

The viewing location is along the Manila North Road approximately 1.4 km north of Laoag City proper.


Flat topography with gently sloping hills to the east and west reaching up to 90 masl. The viewing location has an approximate height of 22 masl.


Water -


Agricultural land/Farmland

Manila North Road to the west of the barangay

Power poles along national highway

Visual context Views range from short to medium distance. Views are primarily composed of see-through vegetation along the highway, arable land in the middle ground and dense foliage in the background.

Views are experienced mainly by road users.

Viewing Location 15: Jetty

View west from jetty View east from jetty


Table 14-25 VL15 - Jet ty


Description

Location The jetty is located approximately 600 m northwest of the Buraan bridge.

The viewing location is along the access road approximately 200 m west of the jetty.


Flat rocky coral

The viewing location is approximately 15 masl.

Vegetation Abundant growth of mangrove on the littoral zone with masses of bantigue (famously called as “bonsai”) in the upper region of the splash zone.



Access road

Visual context Views range from short to medium distance.

Views of the jetty along the Manila North road entrance is filtered/screened by roadside vegetation.

Views are primarily experienced by fishermen, workers and staff using the jetty.

14.4 Impact Assessment

14.4.1 Introduct ion

The landscape and visual impacts of the operation of the transmission line and jetty are

considered within the context of the sensitivity of the surrounding visual environment and the

potential for viewing of the areas that have had changes to their visual outlook. The assessment

of the impacts for this project focuses only on the visibility of the project during the operation

phase.

The key visible components that affect the landscape and visual amenity throughout the

operation phase are the transmission towers. Maintenance access roads also present impacts

predominantly in areas where the towers are situated on top of the hills.

Impacts on selected viewing locations identified in Figure 15-2 and subsequently described on

Section 14.3.2 have been assessed for the operational phase in the following sections. These

locations are taken to represent landscape and visual issues within the study area.

This assessment should be read as a representation of the various effects that are visible at

different publicly accessible locations and not a summary of every landscape and visual impact

associated with the operation of the transmission line and jetty.

14.4.2 Landscape Impact Assessment

Table 14-26 to Table 14-28 identifies the sensitivity of each of the LCUs described above, the

magnitude of impacts on each receptor, and the subsequent significance of impacts on these

landscape receptors. The definitions of the different ratings for magnitude of impact and

significance of impacts are detailed in Table 14-3 and Table 14-7 respectively.


Table 14-26 LCU1 Impact Assessment

LCU LCU1 – Forested Landscape

Location and views These areas comprise the Barangays of Saoit, Poblacion, Ablan

Sarat, Bayog, and Paayas in the town of Burgos as well as Barangays

Davila and Dilavo in Pasuquin, Barangay Sangil in Bacarra and

Barangay no. 59-B Dibua North and 55-C Vira in Laoag City.

Visible Elements Transmission towers

Steel Poles

Discussion The landscape elements in these areas are highly valued and are

highly sensitive to change.

The addition of towers in these areas creates a significant disruption

in the landscape character as these towers are considerably massive.

In some locations, towers are located very close to the road while

others are highly visible on the ridges. Also, there are areas where

construction-based cuts and access road to the towers are still evident

in the landscape.

Most of the areas where these towers are located have pre-existing

cellular sites/towers and power poles that are now considered part of

the landscape. Their presence has rendered the landscape receptive

to other elements.

Landscape Sensitivity As these areas are regarded locally, the overall value of this LCU is

considered to be high and has a low capacity to accommodate

change.

Magnitude of Impact It is assessed that the magnitude of impact is small in approximately

80% of this LCU. Moderate impact on the remaining 20%.

Significance of Impact Using the matrix (Table 14-7), the impacts are assessed to be ranging

from moderate to high significance.


LCU LCU2 – Agricultural/Rural Landscape

Location and views The areas defined as Agricultural/Rural Landscape are located in the

Barangay of Bobon in the town of Burgos, Barangays Caruan,

Sulongan, Estancia, Susugaen, Salpad, Nagsanga, Nalvo, Sulbec,

Pragata, San Juan, Poblacion 1 to 4, Puyupuan, Batuli, Naglicuan,

Ngabangab, Binsang and Carusipan in Pasuquin. Also included are

the Barangays of Cadaratan, Pungto, Cabusligan, Pasngal,

Cabulalaan, Corocor, Cabaruan, Sangil, and Pasiocan in the town of

Bacarra.



Discussion The landscape elements, particularly the continuity, form and scale of

the vegetation within the area provide important value to the local

character and its sense of place.

The introduction of towers in these areas creates a small

imperceptible disruption in the landscape character. Towers are

predominantly located to the west of the study area where they are set

against the hills rendering them unnoticeable.

Landscape Sensitivity The overall value of this LCU is considered to be medium and has a

low capacity to accommodate change.

Magnitude of Impact It is assessed that the magnitude of impact is moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts are of moderate significance.


LCU LCU2 – Built-up Landscape

Location and views These areas consist of the Barangays Poblacion 1 to 4 in the town of

Pasuquin, southern west of the study area. Bacarra municipal proper

is to the east and Laoag City to the south. Both are outside the study

area.


Steel poles

Discussion The landscape elements in this LCU are primarily of urban quality. As

such, they are subjected to change.

Towers within these areas are hardly recognizable due to the

presence of cellular sites/towers, power poles and other utility

structures that are now considered part of the landscape. Their

presence has rendered the landscape receptive to other elements.

Landscape Sensitivity It therefore has low value and a medium to high capacity to

accommodate change.

Magnitude of Impact It is assessed that the magnitude of impact is moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts are of minor significance.

14.4.3 Visual Impact Assessment

Assessment of visual impacts of the project on the identified representative viewing locations

described in section 14.3.2 has been assessed for operational phases of the project. The

impacts are addressed in the following sections. The definitions of the different ratings for

magnitude of impact and significance of impacts are detailed in Table 14-3 and Table 14-7

respectively.


Table 14-29 VL1 Impact Assessment

Viewing Location 1 Kapurpurawan 4X4

Trail

LCU LCU1 – Forested

Landscape

Grid Reference E 120° 38’ 13.48”

N 18° 31’ 32.8”

Direction of view Northeast

Southwest

Towers visible 4 nos. towers Distance to nearest tower

< 200 m

Location and views Located along Kapurpurawan Trail in between Tower BL-16 and 17

Views range from short to medium distance. The main view for this VL

is of the rolling terrain to the north.


Steel Poles

Discussion This is the only road available to visitors of the Kapurpurawan Rock

formation, tourists and road users are the sensitive receptors.

The transmission towers are assessed to have a negative impact as

they reduce the existing landscape character. Impacts are assessed

to be long term but would be reduced over time as these elements

become part of the view.

Receptor Sensitivity &

Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are assessed to have low sensitivity due to short

term views but the magnitude of visual modification is deemed to be

large.

Significance of Impact Using the matrix (Table 14-7), the impacts are assessed to be of

moderate significance.



Viewing Location 2 Barangay Ablan

House Cluster

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 31’ 23.8”

Direction of view South

Towers visible 4 nos. towers Distance to nearest

tower

< 200 m

Location and views Located approximately 1 km south of the Buraan Bridge, 500 m from

the street entrance on Manila North Road.

Views range from short to medium distance and are lightly

filtered/screened by backyard vegetation.


Discussion From this location, some of the towers seem to disappear within the

landscape due to its varying topographical relief and the intervening

vegetation in the foreground.


Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Receptors are residents or occupants of this house cluster in this

barangay. The cluster has about 15 houses. Three of which are

considered to be the primary receptors as they are the ones closest to

the towers. Sensitivity of receptors is high as they have long viewing

periods.

Impact upon the visual amenity of sensitive receptors is moderate

during the operational phase.

Significance of Impact Impacts are of high significance.



Viewing Location 3 Cape Bojeador

Lighthouse


Landscape


N 18° 30’ 43.524”

Direction of view East


tower

< 400 m

Location and views Located approximately 40 km north of Laoag City and 1 km from the

access road entrance on Manila North Road. Viewing location is on

the pavilion deck of the lighthouse.

Open view to the southeast of the verdant hills and towering

structures. The main view is the West Philippine Sea to the west.


Discussion Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is frequently visited by tourists and locals

as this is a famous destination in the region. From this location, the

towers are highly visible as they are situated on the ridges.

Construction-based cuts and access road to the towers are still

evident in the landscape.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Tourists are the primary receptors and are assessed to have high

sensitivity as they use this VL for photograph opportunities. The

magnitude of visual impact is moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts are of high significance.



Viewing Location 4 Bayog Elementary

School


Landscape

Grid Reference E 120° 35’ 31.056

N 18° 30’ 32.9034”



tower

< 500 m

Location and views Located along the Manila North Road, roughly 1.6 km southwest of

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. The viewing location is located in a field

behind the school.

Views range from medium to long distance. Views are composed of

hills and open pasture with a few dwellings around the perimeter.


Cellular site/towers (by others)

Discussion From this viewing location, the towers are faintly noticeable albeit they

are situated on the ridges.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are residents, school occupants, farmers and road

users. All are assessed to have medium visual sensitivity as their

views are mildly affected and the period limited. The magnitude of

visual impact is moderate.




Viewing Location 5 Barangay Davila Salt

Vendor Kiosks


Landscape


N 18° 24’ 26.6754”


East


tower

< 300 m

Location and views The field along Manila North Road in Barangay Davila is

approximately 15 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The

viewing location is adjacent a salt vendor kiosk.

Views range from short to medium distance. Views are composed of

hills, fields with low-growing vegetation and cleared land for

pasture/grazing.


Discussion The towers are highly visible from this viewing location. Construction-

based cuts and tower footings are also evident in the landscape.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are salt vendors and customers, residents,

farmers and road users. Their viewing periods are short-termed as

they are more focussed on their work (salt vendors and farmers) or on

the purpose of their stop-over (customers). Sensitivity is assessed to

be medium. Magnitude of visual modification is moderate.




Viewing Location 6 Pasuquin Sexy

Beach


Landscape


N 18° 24’ 56.556”



tower

< 600 m

Location and views The beach, located in Barangay Dilavo, is approximately 10.6 km

northwest of Pasuquin municipal proper. The viewing location is

roughly 150 m west from Manila North Road entrance.

Views range from short to long distance. Views are composed of

cleared sandy land and hills with varying density of vegetation cover.


Discussion The visual amenity from this viewing location is mildly affected due to

the presence of intervening vegetation in the foreground and middle

ground. At the same time, the utilities in the foreground stretching

from north to south of this viewing location renders an obstructed view

of the towers.

The transmission towers are assessed to have a neutral quality of

impact as they blend with the existing landscape character.


Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Tourists who frequent the beach, fishermen and road users are the

sensitive receptors. However, all have varying sensitivities. Tourists

who have longer viewing period are assessed to have high sensitivity.

Fishermen and road users, on the other hand, have medium and low

sensitivity.

The magnitude of visual impact is small.

Significance of Impact Impacts range from moderate significance to no significance.



Viewing Location 7 Barangay Dilavo

Field

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 24’ 43.8834”

Direction of view North


tower

< 300 m

Location and views The field is approximately 10 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal

proper. The viewing location is located in the middle of the field,

approximately 250 m from Manila North Road.


fields of open pasture backdropped by the verdant hills.


Discussion The towers in this viewing location are highly visible as most of them

are situated on rising elevations and there is no intervening vegetation

to buffer the view. Construction-based cuts are also evident in the

landscape.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are farmers and road users. Farmers’ views are

intermittent as they are more focussed on their work while road users

who are just passing through have short term views. Sensitivity is

assessed to be medium to low. Magnitude of visual modification is

moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts are from moderate significance to minor significance.



Viewing Location 8 Barangay Estancia

Field

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 22’ 45.6594”



tower

< 300 m

Location and views The field is approximately 6 km northwest of Pasuquin municipal

proper. The viewing location is located in the middle of the field,

approximately 200 m from Manila North Road.


vast paddy fields with open view of the vegetation-covered hills.


Discussion The visual amenity from this viewing location is fairly altered by the

towers. The openness of the views is now constrained.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are farmers and residents. Both are assessed to

have medium sensitivity. Magnitude of visual impact is moderate.




Viewing Location 9 Barangay Salpad

Field

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 21’ 19.4034”



tower

< 100 m

Location and views The viewing location is at an internal road in Barangay Salpad,

approximately 2.5 km north of Pasuquin municipal proper.


vast paddy fields with open view of the vegetation-covered hills.


Discussion From this viewing location, the towers are highly perceptible as they

are located in the middle of the fields.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are farmers and road users. Farmers’ views are

intermittent as they are more focussed on their work while road users

who are just passing through have short term views. Sensitivity is

assessed to be medium to low. Magnitude of visual modification is

moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts range from moderate significance to minor significance.



Viewing Location 10 Barangay Poblacion

2 Field

LCU LCU3 – Built-up

Landscape


N 18° 19’ 59.268”



tower

< 200 m

Location and views The viewing location is at the northeastern edge of Poblacion 2, along

the internal road, approximately 600 m east of Pasuquin municipal

proper. It is situated about 200 m from the last house of the residential

area.

Views range from short to medium distance.


Discussion The visual amenity from this viewing location is affected as towers are

highly visible.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are farmers and road users. Both are assessed to

have medium and low sensitivity.

However, since this is located within LCU3, it is important to note that

residents are also considered as sensitive receptors. Albeit their

proximity to the project only a few occupiers of residential properties

are affected. They are assessed to have medium sensitivity as their

views are screened by backyard vegetation. The magnitude of visual

impact is moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts range from moderate significance to minor significance.



Viewing Location 11 Barangay Carusipan

Field

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape

Grid Reference E 120° 36' 30.276"

N 18° 18' 0.4314"

Direction of view West


tower

< 400 m

Location and views Barangay Carusipan is approximately 4 km south of Pasuquin

municipal proper. The viewing location is along the internal road

adjoining a residential property about 900 m east of the Manila North

Road.


agricultural land and associated activities/infrastructure.


Discussion The towers in this viewing location are highly visible as they are

located in the middle of the fields.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are residents of around 4-5 houses in a cluster of

15-20. Farmers and road users are also considered sensitive

receptors. All have varying sensitivities. Residents who have longer

viewing period are assessed to have high sensitivity. Farmers and

road users, on the other hand, have medium and low sensitivity. The

magnitude of visual impact is moderate.

Significance of Impact Impacts range from high significance to minor significance.



Viewing Location 12 Barangay Corocor

Field

LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 16' 23.8434"

Direction of view Northwest

Southwest


tower

< 100 m

Location and views Barangay Corocor is roughly 1.6 km west of Bacarra municipal proper.

The viewing location is along the internal road adjoining a residential

property about 600 m east of the Manila North Road.

Views range from short to long distance. Views are composed of

agricultural land and associated activities/infrastructure.


Discussion One of the towers from this viewing location is extremely close to the

houses. The visual amenity is substantially affected. Tower footings

are also highly visible.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are residents of around 2-3 houses in a cluster of

30-40. Farmers and road users are also considered sensitive

receptors. All have varying sensitivities. Residents who have longer

viewing period are assessed to have high sensitivity. Farmers and

road users, on the other hand, have medium and low sensitivity. The

magnitude of visual impact is large.

Significance of Impact Impacts range from major significance to moderate significance.



Viewing Location 13 Bacarra River LCU LCU2 –

Agricultural/Rural

Landscape


N 18° 15' 0.1434"

Direction of view North

South


tower

< 400 m

Location and views Bacarra River is located in the southern portion of the town and

stretches from east to west terminating at the West Philippine Sea.

The viewing location is situated in the river floodplain in Barangay

Sangil in the immediate northeast of tower BL-109.

Views range from medium to long distance and are a mixture of

grassland and gravel-covered plain.


Discussion The alignment of the towers on a flat terrain renders the visual

amenity of the receptors to be disrupted.






Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Though this viewing location is not readily accessible, the receptors

whose visual amenity is considered are the residents along the river.

They are assessed to have medium sensitivity. They have long

viewing periods but views are generally filtered by vegetation.

Magnitude of visual modification is moderate.




Viewing Location 14 Barangay Salet-

Bulangon

LCU LCU3 – Built-up

Landscape


N 18° 12' 51.4434"

Direction of view Northwest


tower

< 100 m

Location and views Barangay Salet-Bulangon is located in the northeastern part of Laoag

City, the capital city of Ilocos Norte. The viewing location is along the

Manila North Road approximately 1.4 km north of Laoag City proper.

Views range from short to medium distance. Views are primarily

composed of see-through vegetation along the highway, arable land in

the middle ground and dense foliage in the background.


Discussion The towers seen from this viewing location is nearly imperceptible due

to the presence of intervening vegetation in the foreground and middle

ground. At the same time, the utilities in the foreground stretching

from north to south of this viewing location renders an obstructed view

of the towers.

The transmission towers are assessed to have a neutral quality of

impact as they blend with the existing landscape character.


Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are primarily the road users. They are assessed to

have low sensitivity due to the length of their viewing period.

Though this viewing location is located within LCU3 where residents

and city workers are the key receptors, their sensitivity is considered

low as their view of the towers are very limited. Magnitude of visual

impact is small.

Significance of Impact Impacts are not significant.



Viewing Location 14 Jetty LCU LCU1 – Forested

Landscape

Grid Reference E 120° 36’ 46.1"

N 18° 31' 59.7"


West

Location and views The jetty is located approximately 600 m northwest of the Buraan

bridge. The viewing location is along the access road approximately

200 m west of the jetty.

Views range from short to medium distance. Views of the jetty along

the Manila North road entrance is filtered/screened by roadside

vegetation.

Visible Elements Jetty

Discussion The visual amenity to the jetty area is constrained by roadside

vegetation. At the same time, its distance from readily accessible land

viewpoints does not allow for considerable views.

The jetty is assessed to have a negative impact as it reduces the

existing landscape character. Impacts are assessed to be long term

but would be reduced over time as these elements become part of the

view.


Magnitude of Visual

Modification

Sensitive receptors are primarily fishermen, workers and staff. They

are assessed to have medium sensitivity. Their viewing periods are

short-termed as they are more focussed on their work. Magnitude of

visual impact is moderate.


14.5 Mit igat ion

The aim of this section is to identify mitigation measures that will reduce and/or manage

adverse impacts of the operational phase of the project on the landscape character and visual

amenity.

Due to the nature of transmission lines being highly visible, these elements are not easily

screened. Their function dictates that they are located on exposed sites. In this case, it helps

that the towers are located in varying topographical relief and thereby rendering some impacts

to be screened from view.

Operation phase mitigation measures are:

� Revegetation of quarried/excavated areas to reduce significant contrast in the visual

landscape

� Screening of tower footings by planting endemic species in the area

� Coordination with the local government of the concerned barangay and municipality and

provision of assistance in planting and maintenance of trees and other vegetation

screening along the Manila North Road


14.6 Conclusions and Summary of Findings

The assessment in this report is based on the maximum impacts of the constructed and now

operational transmission line and jetty.

Key views of the project occur within the 1 km buffer (refer to Figure 14-2). The visual impacts

are described in Section 14.4.3 with corresponding images on Section 14.3.2. These have been

assessed and range from not significant to high significance. There are open views of the

project from numerous stretches of the road. Generally, due to the low nature of the road and

with its intervening planting verge as well as the varying topographical relief, views are filtered in

some locations.

Viewing location 1 (VL1) indicates that the areas within its vicinity experience the maximum

change in views as a result of the towers’ proximity to the road, low nature of intervening

vegetation and sloping hills where the towers are situated.

Viewing locations, where the towers are visible on the ridges and where there is no foreground

vegetation, renders the receptors’ visual amenity to have been affected but significance of

impact is generally moderate.

On viewing locations where towers are located on fields, due to flat topography, the visual

impact ranges from moderate to large.

The project has a reduced impact on viewing locations where the vicinity is a populated area.

This is primarily because of the intervening vegetation.

Due to the region’s favorable location for wind farm projects where the construction of

transmission line is necessary for the conveyance of the power generated by the wind turbines,

the presence of these power –associated elements are not in absolute conflict with the

landscape character.

Landscape is classified into three character units. The impacts of the transmission line and jetty

on the landscape are described in Section 14.4.2. These have been assessed and range from

minor to high significance.

The number of overhead power lines and their strong vertical form dominates the landscape

when viewed from a close distance. However, existing cellular sites/towers and other utility-

related elements render the landscape receptive to other elements.

Table 14-44 Summary of Impacts

LCU Magnitude of Impact Sensitivity Significance of Impact


Small to moderate High Moderate to High


Moderate Medium Moderate


Moderate Low Minor

VL1: Kapurpurawan 4x4 Trail

Large Low Moderate

VL2: Barangay Ablan House Cluster

Moderate High High

VL3: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Moderate High High

VL4: Bayog Elementary School



LCU Magnitude of Impact Sensitivity Significance of Impact

VL5: Barangay Davila Field


VL6: Pasuquin Beach Small High to Low Moderate to not significant

VL7: Barangay Dilavo Field

Moderate Medium to Low Moderate to minor

VL8: Barangay Estancia Field


VL9: Barangay Salpad Field


VL10: Barangay Poblacion 2 Field


VL11: Barangay Carusipan Field

Moderate High to Low High to minor

VL12: Barangay Corocor Field

Large High to Low Major to moderate

VL13: Bacarra River Moderate Medium Moderate

VL14: Barangay Salet-Bulangon

Small Low Not significant

VL15: Jetty Moderate Medium Moderate

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/01010/00 | i

Table of contents

1. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1-0

2. Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 2-0

3. Assessment Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-0

4. Land Use Assessment ............................................................................................................... 4-0

5. Noise and Vibration Assessment ............................................................................................... 5-0

6. Biodiversity and Conservation ................................................................................................... 6-0

7. Marine Ecology and Seawater Quality ....................................................................................... 7-0

8. Water and Drainage Assessment .............................................................................................. 8-0

9. Soil and Groundwater Contamination Assessment ................................................................... 9-0

10. Air Quality Assessment ............................................................................................................ 10-0

11. Heritage and Cultural Assessment .......................................................................................... 11-0

12. Traffic, Access and Safety Assessment ................................................................................... 12-0


14. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ............................................................................. 14-0

15. Risk Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 15-1

15.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 15-1

15.2 Assessment Methodology .............................................................................................. 15-1

15.3 Risk Assessment Workshop .......................................................................................... 15-7

15.4 Result of the Risk Assessment ...................................................................................... 15-9

15.5 Risk Ranking ................................................................................................................ 15-15

15.6 Management of Risks .................................................................................................. 15-17

Table index

Table 15-1 Estimation of likelihood .................................................................................................. 15-3

Table 15-2 Consequence descriptors .............................................................................................. 15-4

Table 15-3 Risk assessment matrix ................................................................................................. 15-6

Table 15-4 Risk assessment workshop participants ........................................................................ 15-8

Table 15-5 Document review ........................................................................................................... 15-8

Table 15-6 List of issues and risks identified during the operation and maintenance of

Transmission Line and Jetty Projects ............................................................................ 15-9

Table 15-7 Extreme and high risks identified during the operation of Transmission Line

Project .......................................................................................................................... 15-10

Table 15-8 Risks identified during the operation and maintenance of the Burgos

Transmission Line Project ........................................................................................... 15-11

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/01010/00 | ii

Table 15-9 High risks identified during the operation of Jetty Project............................................ 15-13

Table 15-10 Risks identified during the operation and maintenance of the Burgos Jetty

Project .......................................................................................................................... 15-14

Table 15-11 Risk ranking ................................................................................................................. 15-15

Figure index

Figure 15-1 Risk assessment process .............................................................................................. 15-2

GHD | Report for EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation - EDC Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, 71/01010/00 | 15-1

15. Risk Assessment

15.1 Introduction

This section presents the risk assessment conducted for the Burgos Transmission Line and

Jetty Projects. Risk assessment was undertaken with the objective of identifying any adverse

impact associated with the operation and maintenance activities of the Transmission Line and

Jetty Projects. Risk management measures or mitigating measures were also identified to

reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Risk assessment is a process of identifying risk events (hazard/threat, fault/failure/cause and

impacts/consequences); evaluating likelihood (probability and exposure) and consequences of

positive or negative environmental effect that may occur as a result of exposure to the hazards

or threat.

Consistent with the definition of AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009, risk in this document is defined as

“the effect of uncertainty on objectives”. AS/NZS ISO 31000 also provides the following

additional notes to assist in understanding “risk”:

� Risk can be characterised as reference to potential events and consequences, or a

combination of these, and

� Risk is often expressed as a combination of the consequence of an event and the

associated likelihood of occurrence.

15.2 Assessment Methodology

The risk assessment workshop for the Burgos Transmission Line and Jetty Projects was

conducted on 9 January 2015 at GHD office in Makati. The workshop aims to understand the

inherent and potential risk associated with the operation and maintenance of the Transmission

Line and Jetty Projects. The process used during the workshop was consistent with the general

risk management process outlined in the standard AS/NZS 3100:2009 Risk Management

Principles and Guidelines. The following were steps were undertaken during the workshop:

� Identify the risks associated with project related activities during the operation and

maintenance phase of the project.

� Identify the individual and collective risks on the receiving environment associated with

the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects based on recognised standards and review of

related documents from the Client and other secondary sources, in parallel with the

knowledge of GHD staff involved in the operation and maintenance of project facilities

� Provide consistent approach and risk rating system across the various technical study

areas to enable a comparative assessment of risk across all study areas

� Identify residual risks rankings for the specific activities assessed based on existing

mitigation measures in design or standard operation

� Identify risks requiring additional mitigation measures to reduce their residual risk rating to

levels that are acceptable (i.e. tolerable and as low as reasonably practicable – ALARP)

The workshop resulted in the identification of several risks including several “extreme risks”,

such risks require significant resources to ensure that the level or residual risk is reduced to an

acceptable level at all times.


15.2.1 Risk Management Process

The Australian and New Zealand AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and

Guidelines was used as basis in assessing the environmental/ecological risks associated with

the operation and maintenance of the Burgos Transmission Line and Jetty Projects. The risk

assessment flow process prescribed by AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 and presented in Figure 15-1

was adopted during the risk assessment workshop.

Figure 15-1 Risk assessment process

Source: AS/NXS ISO 31000:2009

15.2.2 Risk Context

Risk assessment undertaken for the Project address the activities associated with the operation

and maintenance of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects. A detailed description of the

project components are provided in Section 2 (Project Description).

15.2.3 Risk Ident ificat ion

Risk identification is a systematic process of identification of potential sources of risks, areas of

impacts, events and their causes and potential consequences. During the workshop, operation

and maintenance activities were listed and discussions were held between workshop

participants about design, historical events and potential incidents that may occur. The Risk

Assessment Team’s knowledge of these types of incidents was central to the determination of

likelihood.

Once potential risk activity (hazard/threat) is identified, an assessment is undertaken to

determine what aspects of that activity could result in an impact to the following:

� Health and safety

� Environment (land, water, air and biodiversity)

� People (socio-economic, public health and worker’s safety)


� Legal

� Reputation

� Visual impact

15.2.4 Risk Analysis

Identified risks are then assessed to their probability of occurrence (likelihood) and the potential

severity of effects (consequence). These quantities can be either simple to measure or have to

be assumed. For risks that have to be analysed based on assumed information, best educated

guesses are applied in the assessment process.

Likelihood (Probability)

Likelihood is a way of expressing knowledge or belief that an event or incident will occur or has

occurred. Table 15-1 was used to estimate the frequency of potential events occurring.

Gross Likelihood

Gross likelihood is the rating of the maximum probability of an event or incident occurring in the

absence of controls in place. This should be an estimate of the frequency the activity takes

place and the inherent failure probability. This assessment is subjective in nature (to an extent).

Where there are no known controls, gross likelihood was applied in assessing base risk levels.

Table 15-1 Est imat ion of likelihood

Level Descriptor Description Measure (example) Probability

5 Almost certain

The event will occur in most circumstances

Once per week >90%

4 Likely The event would occur in recurrent intervals

Once per month 51–90%

3 Possible The event occur on an irregular basis

Once per year 21–50%

2 Rare The event would be an uncommon occurrence and would occur in remote circumstances

Once per 5-10 years

10–20%

1 Unlikely The event may occur in exceptional circumstances. The event is not likely to occur in this location.

Once within 10 years

<10%

Consequence

Consequence is something that is logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.

Hence it is the relationship of a result to its cause or a logical conclusion. The risk assessment

team was tasked to determine the potential consequence (and severity) of the identified risk.

Consequence descriptors, categorised from minor to catastrophic using the definitions in Table

15-2 were used in identifying the consequence of risk for the Burgos Transmission Line and

Jetty Projects.


Table 15-2 Consequence descriptors

Category A B C D E

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic

Health and Safety

Low level short-term inconvenience or symptoms. No measurable physical effects. No medical treatment.

Reversible disability/impairment and/or medical treatment injuries requiring hospitalisation.

Moderate irreversible disability or impairment (<30%) to one or more persons.

Single fatality and/or severe irreversible disability or impairment (>30%) to one or more persons.

Short or long term health effects leading to multiple fatalities, or significant irreversible human health effects to >50 persons.

Environmental Effects

No lasting effect. Low-level impacts on biological or physical environment. Limited damage to minimal area of low significance.

Minor effects on biological or physical environment. Minor short-medium term damage to small area of limited significance.

Moderate effects on biological or physical environment (air, water) but not affecting ecosystem function. Moderate short-medium term widespread impacts (e.g. Significant land disturbance).

Serious environmental effects with some impairment of ecosystem function. Relatively widespread medium-long term impacts to the community.

Very serious environmental effects with impairment of ecosystem function. Long term, widespread effects on significant environment (e.g. unique habitat, river systems and community land).

Social and cultural heritage

Low-level social or cultural impacts. Low-level repairable damage to commonplace structures.

Minor medium-term social impacts on local population. Minor damage to structures/items of some significance. Minor infringement of cultural heritage. Mostly repairable.

Ongoing social issues. Permanent damage to structures/items of cultural significance, or infringement of cultural heritage/sacred locations.

Ongoing serious social issues. Significant damage to structures/items of cultural significance, or significant infringement and disregard of cultural heritage.

Very serious widespread social impacts. Irreparable damage to highly valued structures/ items/ locations of cultural significance. Highly offensive infringements of cultural heritage.

Legal Low-level legal issue. On the spot fine. Technical non-compliance. Prosecution unlikely.

Minor legal issues, non-compliances and breaches of regulation. Minor prosecution or litigation possible.

Serious breach of regulation with investigation or report to authority with prosecution and/or moderate fine possible.

Major breach of regulation with potential major fine and/or investigation and prosecution by authority. Major litigation.

Investigation by authority with significant prosecution and fines. Very serious litigation, including class actions.


Category A B C D E

Reputation Public concern restricted to local complaints (Barangay Level). Ongoing scrutiny / attention from regulator.

Minor, adverse local public or media attention and complaints (Municipal Level). Significant hardship from regulator. Reputation is adversely affected with a small number of site-focused people.

Attention from media and/or heightened concern by local community (REGIONAL level). Criticism by NGOs. Significant difficulties in gaining approvals. Environmental credentials moderately affected.

Significant adverse national media / public/ NGO attention. Project approval seriously threatened. Environment / management credentials are significantly tarnished.

Serious public or media outcry (international coverage). Damaging NGO campaign. Licence to operate threatened. Reputation severely tarnished. Share price may be affected.

Tourism No effect on tourism activities.

Increase in tourism activities by 10%




Visual Impact No effect on existing visual amenity.

The proposed structures constitute only a minor component in the wider view, which might be missed by the casual observer or receptor. Awareness of the proposed structures will not have a marked effect on the overall quality of the view.

The proposed structures form a visible and recognizable new element within the overall scene and may readily be noticed by the observer or receptor

The proposed structures become the dominant feature of the scene to which other elements become subordinate. They significantly affect and change the overall quality of the landscape

The proposed structures become a dominant feature of the scene to which other elements become subordinate. They permanently affect and change the overall quality of the landscape


15.2.5 Risk Evaluat ion

Risk evaluation is undertaken by comparing the estimated levels against the pre-established

criteria. The overall level of risk was determined by combining the likelihood of a risk event and

the consequence. The assigned level of risk takes into account the safeguards or controls that

will be implemented, identified as “mitigation measures” for adverse effects or “enhancement

measures” for positive effects.

Risk Index Matrix

The impact of the risk event is assessed on a scale of A to E, where A and E represent the

minimum and maximum possible impact of an occurrence of risk.

The likelihood or probability of occurrence is likewise assessed on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1

represents a low probability of the risk event actually occurring while 5 represents a 100 percent

probability of occurrence. The overall risk assessment is then Low, Medium, High and

Critical/Extreme.

Table 15-3 Risk assessment matrix

Risk Assessment Matrix

Consequence

Minor Medium Serious Major Catastrophic

A B C D E

Lik

elih

ood

Almost Certain High (H) High (H) Extreme (E) Extreme (E) Extreme (E)

Likely Moderate (M) High (H) High (H) Extreme (E) Extreme (E)

Occasional Low (L) Moderate (M) High (H) Extreme (E) Extreme (E)

Rare Low (L) Low (L) Moderate (M) High (H) Extreme (E)

Unlikely Low (L) Low (L) Moderate (M) High (H) High (H)

Net or Residual Risk

Residual risk is the remaining risk once the controls (mitigation measures) have been put in

place. Additional mitigating or enhancement measures were identified to reduce the level of the

residual risks to an “acceptable” or tolerable level. The acceptability or residual risk considered

the opinion of technical experts as well as standards, industry practice, availability of mitigation

measures and cost-benefit analysis.

Risk Categories

The following risk categories were assessed during the workshop.

� Health and Safety

� Environmental

� Social and cultural heritage

� Legal

� Reputation

� Visual


Risk Assessment Worksheets

The Risk Assessment Work Sheets used during the workshop are presented in Table 15-8 and

Table 15-9. The Work Sheets also included what further controls or corrective actions could be

used to ensure mitigation of the original risk is maintained. It also included the assessment of

residual risk.

Control Consideration for the Workshop

For the purpose of the Risk assessment process, the processes and activities in the “base risk

level” were assessed in the “absence” of controls. This was done to determine whether the

existing or planned controls are deemed appropriate to reduce the inherent risk to acceptable

levels.

15.2.6 Risk Treatment

Risk treatment was undertaken by identifying specific cost-effective strategies and action plans.

If the risk level is unacceptable after identifying strategies and action plans, further control and

mitigation measures were identified and then reassessed the residual risk to ensure that the risk

level is acceptable.

Consideration is given to a range of potential mitigation measures that can be implemented and

these are recorded in the risk assessment worksheet along with the resulting treated risk rating.

During the workshop, the study team assessed whether the treated risk can be further mitigated

and that residual risk are acceptable or will require further treatment or mitigation. Proposed

mitigation measures for specific aspects of the Project are described in each of the study

components, specifically in Section 16.

15.2.7 Monitor and Review

It is important that the result of the risk assessment remain relevant or up to date by continuous

monitoring and review. Factors and assumptions used during the workshop may be subject to

change as the Project progresses. As such, new risks will be identified and will be coupled with

new mitigation, if existing mitigation measures are no longer responsive to address the risks.

Updating the risk register (worksheet) may change risk rankings, either positively or negatively.

As new additional information comes along, the risk register was reviewed and revised as

necessary during the development of the ESIA, when additional information became available

through specialist technical reports.

EBWPC is also committed to update the result of the risk assessment and monitor the

effectiveness of mitigation measures. This updating and monitoring will be undertaken through a

combination of continuous monitoring and internal and external audits. The environmental and

social management plan is detailed in Section 16 of this report and will serve as reference for

the frequency and type of monitoring to be undertaken throughout all phases of the Project.

15.3 Risk Assessment Workshop

The result of the risk assessment workshop is presented in the table below. The assessment for

the Burgos Transmission Line and Jetty Projects focused on the operation and maintenance

phases.

15.3.1 Workshop Part icipants

The Project team composed of subject matter experts participated in the workshop (Table 15-4).


Table 15-4 Risk assessment w orkshop part icipants

Name Company Position and Specialisation

Mylene Palaypayon-Ana GHD Civil/Environmental Engineer and EIA Specialist

Joel De Jesus GHD Geologist

Pia Madid GHD Senior Environmental Scientist and Terrestrial Flora Specialist

Mitzi Pollisco GHD Principal Scientist and Terrestrial Flora Specialist

Jennifer Patol-Calpo GHD Environmental Scientist and People Specialist

Niko Severino GHD Environmental Scientist and Air & Noise Specialist

Katrina De Guzman GHD Environmental Scientist and Marine Specialist

Mike Edrial GHD Environmental Scientist and Terrestrial Fauna Specialist

Katrina Clemente GHD Landscape Architect and Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment Specialist

Pierre-Jean Pochon GHD Electrical Engineer and Risk Assessment Reviewer

15.3.2 Document Review

Site visits have been conducted prior to the Workshop. Table 15-5 shows the documents

reviewed prior to and during the site visit. These documents formed the basis for workshop

chronology of assessment and supporting documents for decision verification.

Table 15-5 Document review

Document Document Type

Project Description (PD) Report for the 115 kV Burgos-Laoag Transmission Line and Substation Project

Legislative Requirement

Comprehensive Development Management Plan (CDMP) Internal EBWPC Study/ Documentation

Resource Assessment and Biophysical Characterisation of the Reef Area in the Proposed Jetty Area in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Internal EBWPC Study/ Documentation

Geotechnical Investigation Report Internal EBWPC Study/ Documentation

Project Risk Register Internal EBWPC Study/ Documentation

Study on the Movements of Migratory Birds in Ilocos Norte and the Possible Impact of Windmills and Transmission Line on the Flyways of Migratory Birds

Supporting evidence

Tree Inventory Data Supporting evidence

Site Photographs Supporting evidence

Maps of Project Location Supporting evidence


15.4 Result of the Risk Assessment

There are 13 risk events or risk situations identified that may potentially occur during the

operation and maintenance of the Burgos Transmission Line while at least four events were

determined for the Jetty Project (Table 15-6). The identified risks were categorised as threats to

the health and safety of the community and workers, or threat to the environment, public

complaints and possible regulatory or legal disputes which can affect the reputation of EBWPC.

The base risk levels were assessed in terms of their likelihood and the consequence levels

using no controls. Mitigation measures were then recommended to address the specific risk

events or situation to reduce the base risk level. Then again, risks were assessed based on the

present of the mitigation measures to determine if residual risks occur. When residual risks are

still assessed as moderate, high or extreme, additional mitigation measures were

recommended.

Table 15-6 List of issues and risks ident ified during the operat ion and

maintenance of Transmission Line and Jetty Projects

Project ID No. Issues/Risks

Transmission Line

1 Change in visual amenity

2 Loss of biodiversity (fauna)

3 Loss of biodiversity (flora)

4 Reduced air quality

5 Increase in noise levels induces by wind (hissing sound)

6 Increase in noise levels induced by rain (crackling sound)

7 Site issue of workers while doing live work

8 Safety issues of workers while doing non-live work on transmission tower

9 Safety issues of workers and equipment

10 Extreme weather condition (more than 270 kph wind speed)

11 Ground movement

12 Foundation damage from flooding or increase scouring effect

13 Site vegetation/bush fire

Jetty 1 Reduced water quality


3 Safety issues of workers

4 Extreme weather condition (e.g. storm surge)

15.4.1 Potent ial risks during the operat ion and maintenance of the

Transmission Line

Activities during the operation phase of the transmission line primarily consist of regular

monitoring and routine maintenance, inspection and repair of transmission towers and lines, and

maintenance of vegetation heights.

Risk assessment matrix

During the operation and maintenance phase of the transmission line, the risks identified as

high and extreme are associated with the adverse impact on the health and safety of the

community that has the potential to create legal and reputational risk to EBWPC (Table 15-7).

These include safety issues during maintenance activities that may lead to electric shock,


electrocution or cut lines at the insulator points. Extreme weather event and ground movement,

leading to tower collapse, were also identified to produce extreme and high risk.

Table 15-7 Extreme and high risks ident ified during the operat ion of

Transmission Line Project

ID No.

Environmental aspect

Hazard Risk category

Risk rating (pre-control)

Risk rating (post control)

1 Landscape Change in visual amenity

Visual 5 B H 4 A M

3 Biodiversity and conservation

Loss of biodiversity (flora)

Environment 5 B H 5 A H

7a People Safety issue of workers while doing live work

Health and safety

3 E E 1 B L

7b People Safety issue of workers while doing live work

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

7c People Safety issue of workers while doing live work

Reputation 3 D E 1 C M

8a People Safety issue of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower

Health and safety

3 E E 1 C M

8b People Safety issue of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

8c People Safety issue of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower


9a People Safety issue of workers and equipment

Health and safety

2 E E 1 E H

9c People Safety issue of workers and equipment

Reputation 2 D H 1 D H

10a People Extreme weather condition (more than 270 kph wind speed)

Health and safety

2 E E 1 E H

11a People Ground movement Health and safety

2 E E 1 E H

11c People Ground movement Reputation 2 D H 1 D H

13a People Site vegetation/bush fire

Health and safety

2 E E 1 B M

Risk assessment worksheet

Presented in Table 15-8 are risks identified during the operation and maintenance phase of the

Burgos Transmission Line Project. Risk levels, control measures and additional mitigation and

enhancement measures were provided.


Table 15-8 Risks ident ified during the operat ion and maintenance of the Burgos Transmission Line Project

Identified risk event Base risk levels Residual risk levels

ID Hazard/ Threat Fault / Failure / Cause

Risk event / Impacts / Consequences

Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment

Social & Cultural Heritage

Legal Reputation

Visual Impact

Options for mitigation/ enhancement measures

Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment


Legal Reputation

Visual Impact

Additional Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

1 Change in visual amenity

Operation of Transmission Line

Permanent disruption in visual amenity

5 B H Introduction of green buffers (plants) Revegetation of disturbed area

Maintenance of buffer zone

Conduct of IEC to influence perspective of the viewing public/receptors

4 A M

2 Loss of biodiversity (fauna)


Species mortality due to collision (e.g. bird-wire collision)

2 B L Installation of deflectors or diverters (BL023 to BL025 along Buraan River)

Regular monitoring by ROW coordinators

1 B L

3 Loss of biodiversity (flora)


Permanent restriction for vegetation growth (i.e. 2 m maximum height)

5 B H Implementation of offsets

Introduction of green buffers

Maintenance of vegetation along the Transmission Line twice a year depending on vegetation growth

5 A H Maintenance of buffer zone and offset areas


Use of access roads for care and maintenance of TL

Dust generation and vehicle emission

3 A L A L Observe speed limit

Vehicle registration and emission compliance

Regular maintenance of vehicles

2 A L A L

5 Increase in noise levels induced by wind (hissing)


Nuisance to tourists 1 A L A L Installation of vibration dampers (for more than 150 m distance between towers) to reduce vibration thereby eliminating the wind-induced noise

1 A L A L

6 Increase in noise levels induced by rain (crackling sound)


Nuisance and disturbance to nearby community (structure in Barangay Corocor, Bacarra and household near Tower 107 Brgy. Ngabangab, Pasuquin)

1 A L IEC activities

Disturbance compensation, if necessary

1 A L

7 Safety issue of workers while doing live work

Operation and maintenance of Transmission Line

Electric shock and electrocution

3 E E C H D E Built-in measures to prevent electrocution/electric shock are installed

Strict implementation of HSE Plan

Provision of line protection device/equipment which will trip the line and turn-off the power as soon as it touches anything grounded.

1 B L C M C M

8 Safety issue of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower


Electric shock and electrocution

3 E E C H D E Access restriction (anti-climbing feature) and installation of safety signage

Regular IEC activities

Strict implementation of HSE Plan

Proper grounding system

More frequent and regular maintenance activities

1 C M C M C M



ID Hazard/ Threat Fault / Failure / Cause


Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment


Legal Reputation

Visual Impact

Options for mitigation/ enhancement measures

Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment


Legal Reputation

Visual Impact


Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

9 Safety issue of workers and equipment


Risk of falling objects when there are cut lines at the insulator points

2 E E C M D H Installation and maintenance of vibration dampers (for more than 150 m distance between towers) to reduce possibility of cut lines due to excess vibrations

Conduct of IEC activities for both workers and general public

1 E H C M D H Sustained implementation of IEC activities for both workers and the general public

10 Extreme weather condition (more than 270 kph wind speed)


Risk of falling objects when tower and/or wire collapse

2 E E C M Compliance to Philippine Electrical Code/NGCP standard

Regular monitoring and maintenance

1 E H C M Extreme events should be addressed in the Emergency Response and Management Plan (ERMP) of the project

Coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Ilocos Norte

11 Ground movement


Risk of falling objects when tower and/or wire collapse

2 E E C M D H Checking of tower stability after seismic event Regular care and maintenance of slope around tower foundation

Regular monitoring and maintenance of tower

1 E H C M D H Extreme events should be addressed in the Emergency Response and Management Plan (ERMP) of the project

Coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Ilocos Norte

12 Foundation damage from flooding or increase scouring effect


Safety impact on nearby communities

2 B L B L Regular check of tower foundation

Compliance to structural design standard

1 B L B L

13 Site vegetation/ bush fire

Operation of the Transmission Line

Lighting strike on overhead wire or tower structure during operation

2 E E C M Use of lightning arrestor/rod

Regular maintenance of buffer zone and offset areas

1 B L B L


15.4.2 Potent ial risks during the operat ion and maintenance of the Burgos

Jetty

Risk assessment matrix

High risks identified during the operation of the Burgos Jetty project are associated with the

potential adverse impact on health and safety of the workers that may stir public concern and

eventually lead to legal or reputational risk (Table 15-9). Health and safety issues of workers

may occur during unloading activities that may cause legal or reputational risks.

Table 15-9 High risks ident ified during the operat ion of Jet ty Project

ID No.

Environmental aspect

Hazard Risk category

Risk rating (pre-control)


1 Water quality Reduced water quality

Reputation 2 D H 1 C M

3a People Safety issue on workers

Health and safety

3 C H 1 C M

3b People Safety issue on workers

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

3c People Safety issue on workers

Reputation 3 C H 1 C M

Risk assessment worksheet

Presented in Table 15-10 are risks identified during the operation and maintenance phase of the

Burgos Jetty Project. Risk levels, control measures and additional mitigation and enhancement

measures were provided.


Table 15-10 Risks ident ified during the operat ion and maintenance of the Burgos Jetty Project


ID Hazard/Threat Fault / Failure / Cause


Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment


Legal Reputation

Visual Impact

Options for Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

Lik

elih

ood

Health & Safety

Environment


Legal Reputation

Visual Impact


Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

Consequence

Ris

k

1 Reduced water quality

Operation of Jetty

Oil spill/leak from vessels

Loss of marine biodiversity

2 B L C M D H

Implementation of HSE protocol Oil spill emergency plan

Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of HSE protocol

1 B L C M C M


Operation of Jetty

Dust generation and vehicle emission

3 B M

Observe speed limit

Vehicle registration and emission compliance

Regular maintenance of vehicles

1 B L

3 Safety issue (workers)

Operation of Jetty

Accidents during unloading

3 C H C H C H Strict implementation of HSE Protocol

1 C M C M C M

4 Extreme weather condition (e.g storm surge)

Operation of Jetty

Siltation and impacts on coastal and marine ecology 1 B L

Routine inspection of structural integrity

1 B L


15.5 Risk Ranking

Identified risks according to level (i.e. “Extreme” to “Low”) are presented in Table 15-11. It also

shows the Residual Risk Ranking for each identified risk to demonstrate that the Base Risks

were adequately reduced to manageable and acceptable levels.

Table 15-11 Risk ranking

ID No. Environmental aspect

Hazard Risk category Risk rating (pre-control)


Transmission Line

9a People Safety issue or workers and equipment

Health and safety

2 E E 1 E H

10a People Extreme weather condition (more than 270 kph wind speed)

Health and safety

2 E E 1 E H

13a People Site vegetation/bush fire

Health and safety

2 E E 1 B M

7c People Safety issues of workers while doing live work


8a People Safety issues of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower

Health and safety

3 E E 1 C M

8c People Safety issues of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower


11a People Ground movement Health and safety

2 E E 1 B M

7a People Safety issues of workers while doing live work

Health and safety

3 E E 1 B L

9c People Safety issue of workers and equipment

Reputation 2 D H 1 D H

11c People Ground movement Reputation 2 D H 1 D H


Loss of biodiversity (flora)

Environment 5 B H 5 A H

1 Landscape Change in visual amenity

Visual 5 B H 4 A M

7b People Safety issue of workers while doing live work

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

8b People Safety issue of worker while doing non-live work on transmission tower

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

9b People Safety issue of workers and equipment

Legal 2 C M 1 C M

10b People Extreme weather Legal 2 C M 1 C M


ID No. Environmental aspect

Hazard Risk category Risk rating (pre-control)


condition (more than 270 kph wind speed)

11b People Ground movement Legal 2 C M 1 C M

13b Biodiversity and conservation

Site vegetation/bush fire

Environment 2 C M 1 B L


Loss of biodiversity (fauna)

Environment 2 B L 1 B L

12a People Foundation damage from flooding or increase scouring effect

Health and safety

2 B L 1 B L

12b People Foundation damage from flooding or increase scouring effect

Legal 2 B L 1 B L

4a Air quality Reduced air quality Health and Safety

3 A L 2 A L

4b Air quality Reduced air quality Environment 3 A L 2 A L

5a Noise Increased in noise levels induced by wind (hissing sound)

Social and cultural heritage

1 A L 1 A L

5b Noise Increased in noise levels induced by rain (crackling sound)

Health and safety

1 A L 1 A L

Jetty

1c Water quality Reduced water quality

Reputation 2 D H 1 C M

3a People Safety issues during unloading activities

Health and safety

3 C H 1 C M

3b People Safety issues during unloading activities

Legal 3 C H 1 C M

3c People Safety issues during unloading activities

Reputation 3 C H 1 C M

2 Air quality Reduced air quality Environment 3 B M 1 B L

1b Water quality Reduced water quality

Legal 2 C M 1 C L

1a Water quality Reduced water quality

Environment 2 B L 1 B L

4 Marine biodiversity

Extreme weather condition leading to siltation and impacts on coastal and marine ecology

Environment 1 B L 1 A L


15.6 Management of Risks

Mitigation measures were recommended to address risks, specifically on risks assessed as

“extreme” and “high”. The risks were then assessed based on the presence of control or

mitigation measures.

As shown in Table 15-11, all the eight “extreme” risks were reduced to “high” after the

identification of specific control measures. Risk events after the application of controls are

referred to as residual impacts where the risk rating remains high. Thus, additional mitigating

measures were identified to further reduce the risks.

Base risk events ranked as “extreme” include occupational health and safety issues during the

operation and maintenance activities of the transmission towers. The potential exposure of

workers to unsafe working conditions (i.e. working at heights, working near electricity) remain

“high” even after the application of control because of the severity of consequence should the

risk occur (e.g. electric shock, electrocution, falling object). Adverse effects of extreme weather

condition or ground movement to the public were also identified to cause “extreme” risk event.

Likewise, the risk level remains “high” even after the application of control measures.

Management measures identified to control residual risks include the following:

� Strict implementation of HSE Policies

� Regular maintenance of grounding system

� Maintenance of vibration dampers

� Regular monitoring and maintenance of transmission towers

� Continued implementation of IEC activities for both workers and the general public


Table of contents

1. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1-0

2. Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 2-0

3. Assessment Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-0

4. Land Use Assessment ............................................................................................................... 4-0

5. Noise and Vibration Assessment ............................................................................................... 5-0

6. Biodiversity and Conservation ................................................................................................... 6-0

7. Marine Ecology and Seawater Quality ....................................................................................... 7-0

8. Water and Drainage Assessment .............................................................................................. 8-0

9. Soil and Groundwater Contamination Assessment ................................................................... 9-0

10. Air Quality Assessment ............................................................................................................ 10-0

11. Heritage and Cultural Assessment .......................................................................................... 11-0

12. Traffic, Access and Safety Assessment ................................................................................... 12-0


14. Landscape and Visual Assessment ......................................................................................... 14-0

15. Risk Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 15-0

16. Environmental and Social Management Plan .......................................................................... 16-1

16.1 Management Plan .......................................................................................................... 16-1

16.2 Monitoring Plan .............................................................................................................. 16-1

16.3 Energy and Resource Efficiency Plan ......................................................................... 16-11

16.4 Abandonment Plan ...................................................................................................... 16-11

16.5 Emergency Response Plan ......................................................................................... 16-12

16.6 Waste Management Plan ............................................................................................ 16-15

16.7 Social Development Plan and Performance Report .................................................... 16-17

16.8 Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation, and Disclosure Plan .................................... 16-31

16.9 Land Leasing Process ................................................................................................. 16-31

16.10 Grievance Mechanism ................................................................................................. 16-36

16.11 Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Guidelines ....................................... 16-39

16.12 Human Rights, Community, Health and Safety, and Security Plan ............................. 16-40

16.13 Transport and Access/Traffic Management Plan ........................................................ 16-41

Table index

Table 16-1 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix during Operation and

Maintenance Phase ....................................................................................................... 16-2

Table 16-2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Matrix during the Operation and

Maintenance Phase ....................................................................................................... 16-7


Table 16-3 Members of Compliance Monitoring Team .................................................................... 16-9

Table 16-4 Toilet and hand washing facilities provided to different MDG beneficiary schools

in Ilocos Norte .............................................................................................................. 16-19

Table 16-5 Manpower Skills Development Activities conducted by EBWPC ................................ 16-25

Table 16-6 Livelihood Training carried out by EBWPC ................................................................. 16-27

Table 16-7 IEC Framework Plan .................................................................................................... 16-31

Table 16-8 Sample grievances during pre-construction and construction phase .......................... 16-37

Figure index

Figure 16-1 Compliance Monitoring Team Organization Chart ...................................................... 16-10

Figure 16-2 Emergency Response Team ....................................................................................... 16-12

Figure 16-3 ROW Acquisition Process for No Identified Landowner and Identified

Landowner ................................................................................................................... 16-33

Figure 16-4 ROW Acquisition Process for Easement Contracts ..................................................... 16-34

Figure 16-5 Compensation for structures ........................................................................................ 16-36

Figure 16-6 Burgos Jetty Traffic Management Plan........................................................................ 16-42


16. Environmental and Social

Management Plan

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Monitoring Plan are formulated to

identify the mitigating measures that will be implemented where environmental and social risks

and impacts are identified, particularly during operation phase of the project. In addition, the

management and monitoring plans developed by EBWPC during construction phase of the

project is discussed. Monitoring the efficiency and status of mitigating measures implemented

during construction phase are also included based on relevant environmental indicators.

A compliance monitoring team is identified in the ESMMoP, including their roles and

responsibilities for management and monitoring the environmental and social performance of

the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects for the duration of project operation.

16.1 Management Plan

Management plans were formulated and implemented during the construction of the

Transmission Line and Jetty Projects. These include:

� Traffic Management Plan (Appendix S)

� Emergency Response Plan (Appendix V)

� Waste Management Plan (Appendix W)

� Environment Health and Safety (EHS) Plan (Appendix X)

� Environmental Management Plan (Appendix Y)

� Security Plan (Appendix Z)

On the other hand, the management plans being implemented during the operation and

maintenance activities of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects are presented in Table 16-1 .

Options for mitigation or enhancement to address the identified impacts were enumerated.

Further, responsible entity, source of cost and financial arrangement were identified.

16.2 Monitoring Plan

The monitoring plan for the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects is formulated and designed to

monitor compliance of EBWPC to environmental standards and ensure effective implementation

of mitigation measures that it has committed to undertake. The monitoring program may be

revised during the project life cycle depending on the extent of activities involved in each of the

project phases.

The environmental and social monitoring plan for the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects is

presented in Table 16-2. The key environmental aspects, the parameters monitored

corresponding to the potential impacts identified, sampling frequency, number of stations

monitored and responsible entity are described in the table.


Table 16-1 Environmental and Social Management Plan Matrix during Operat ion and Maintenance Phase

Potential environmental impact Options for prevention/ and enhancement Responsible entity

Cost Guarantee/ Financial arrangements

Land Use

Partial loss of land used for crop production (Conflict in land use)

� Lease agreement between EBWPC and landowner

� Compensation of disturbance fees for temporary disturbance

EBWPC Part of project operation cost


Encroachment in ECA (Ablan-Bayog Marine Sanctuary)

� Participation in the coastal resource management activities of the municipality (e.g. coastal clean-up)


� Social Development Program (Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and/or Environmental Enhancement Fund under ER 1-94)

Noise and Vibration

Increase in ambient noise levels � No significant impact on community � Workers should be provided with PPEs

(e.g. ear plug)


� Compliance with DAO 2003-30 � Compliance with DOLE

Occupational Health and Safety Standards

Crackling or humming sound when transmission line gets older

� Regular inspection of transmission lines � Installation of corona rings and/or

application of surface treatments




Increase ambient noise (sizzles, crackles or hissing sounds) during period of high humidity that result in partial discharge of electrical energy called “corona”

� Impact is localised and minimal EBWPC Part of project operation cost



Vibration of transmission cables during windy conditions

� Installation of vibration dampers to control vibration of overhead conductors




Biodiversity and Conservation

Ecosystem Services

Reduction in biodiversity services � On-site rehabilitation measures Implementation of biodiversity offset

EBWPC Part of project

� Compliance to tree cutting permit and other forest laws




� Monitoring of earth-balled species � Conduct of maintenance activities

operation cost

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

Loss of species habitat and/or habitat fragmentation

� Ensure that there is minimum clearing of vegetation during maintenance activities

� Re-vegetation of disturbed areas using indigenous species in selected areas

� Retaining and enhancing unaffected vegetation and habitat/ecosystem



Hindrance to wildlife access � Limit activities to designated area and ROW pathway

� Establish and maintain corridor or buffer zones within the ROW



Collision and electrocution � Marking of static wires with aviation spheres and installation of flight diverters during downtime period in Site 2 only where transmission line passes through Buraan River


� Compliance to standards on operation and maintenance of transmission line

Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of importance species

� Conduct of IEC to maintenance workers not to engage in activities that exploit the natural resources such as hunting and collection of forest products

� Orientation of workers on wildlife conservation (e.g. not feeding wild animals

� Monitoring of bird collisions or electrocutions along the transmission line

� Put additional wire-marking reflectors if bird collision is evident


� Compliance to RA 9147 � Compliance to standards on

operation and maintenance of transmission line

Increase access to critical areas � Rehabilitation of opened areas immediately after construction

� Provision of duty/patrol/roving security officers

� Implementation of commitments on the Special Tree Cutting Permit


� Compliance to standards on operation and maintenance of transmission line

� Compliance to Special Tree Cutting Permit




Marine Ecology & Seawater Quality

Impact of jetty operation on plankton, soft-bottom and fish communities

� Impact is localised and minimal EBWPC

Burgos LGU

SDP � Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LGU Burgos

Changes in water quality, hydrodynamics and sediment regime

� Impact is localised and minimal

Water and Drainage

Depletion of water resources/ water competition

� No significant impact

Foundation or tower collapse � Regular monitoring and maintenance of tower foundation

� Slope stabilisation � Erosion control

EBWPC

Burgos LGU

Part of project operation cost

� Compliance with the permit provided by the DPWH

Soil and Groundwater Contamination

Accidental release of chemicals (hydrocarbons) onto the surface soil, which may leach into the groundwater

� Regular maintenance of vehicles to ensure that containment is free from defects and likelihood of accidental leaks/spills is reduced

� Implementation of emergency response plan in case of accidental leaks and spills

EBWPC

Contractors


� Compliance with RA 6969

Accidental release of fuel stored in boats/ship that would dock at the jetty into the sea

� Ensure the availability of spill equipment for any accidental spill (e.g. spill booms)

� Ensure that their fuel storage and engines are safe

� Comply with company-prescribed maintenance schedules

EBWPC

Contractors


� Compliance with RA 6969 � Compliance with RA 9295

Air Quality

Vehicle emission, dust generation and re-suspension during maintenance of transmission lines and operation of jetty (delivery of materials/equipment)

� Proper maintenance of inspection and delivery vehicles

� Observe speed limits if driving along dirt roads

� Implementation of Logistics and Travel Plan

EBWPC

Contractors


� Compliance with DAO 2003-30 � Compliance with RA 8749

Heritage and Cultural Resources

Visual impact on local recreation area � Immediate revegetation of quarried and EBWPC Part of � Compliance with DAO 2003-30




excavated areas were undertaken after construction

� Screening of tower footings or foundation by planting vegetation (i.e. below 2 m)

� Addition of roadside vegetation and maintenance of roadside vegetation to limit view of transmission towers from the cultural resources (i.e. permanent road leading to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation)

Contractors project operation cost

� Compliance with tree cutting permit

� Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LGUs of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City

Loss of local recreational use � No significant impact

Loss of local religious use � No significant impact

Traffic, Access and Safety

Traffic congestion during operation and maintenance activities (i.e. replacement of tower parts) that may potentially lead to vehicular and/or pedestrian accident

� Coordination with the municipal and barangay LGUs, DPWH and NGCP to inform about the repair and maintenance activities of transmission towers

� Dissemination of information on repair and maintenance to the relevant local media to help inform the public

� Establishment of a temporary traffic control and protective set-up to ensure that destructions and other hindrances are reduced

� Installation of traffic signals (traffic lights, advance warnings signs, pavement markings)

� Implementation of Traffic Management Plan

EBWPC Contractors LGU



Traffic congestion during jetty operation (i.e. material delivery) which may potentially lead to vehicular and/or pedestrian accident

� For oversized materials, contractors should schedule material delivery during lean hours or days

� Permitting and/or compliance on rules particularly on occupational health and safety for the overload/over dimensional goods

EBWPC

Contractors

LGU






� Implementation of Traffic Management Plan

Socio-Economic and Public Health

Displacement and disturbance of properties in areas where transmission towers and jetty were established


✁ Compensation of affected crops and land ✁ Restoration and rehabilitation of disturbed

areas (e.g. temporary access roads) � Preparation of Livelihood Restoration

Plan (LRP) for the 49 households



Impacts on workers’ and community health and safety

� Implementation of the Transmission Maintenance Manual and HSE Policy

� Use of permanent and temporary signs or barriers

� Conduct of IEC activities � Coordinate with LGUs

EBWPC

Contractors


� Compliance with DOLE Occupational Health and Safety Standards

Electric and magnetic field � Conduct of IEC about EMF studies to address concern of the community

� Compliance to horizontal clearance requirements


Aircraft safety navigation � Coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)

� Installation of aerial marker balls or aircraft warning markers, lights or other attention grabbing devices


� Compliance with Height Clearance Permit provided by CAAP

Creation of local employment opportunities

� Prioritize local workers in employment opportunities

� Compliance with local labour laws

EBWPC

Contractors


� Compliance with RA 7160

Wider economic (taxes and revenues) and employment benefits (indirect employment)

� Coordination with LGUs in the implementation of Social Development Plan (SDP)


� Compliance with RA 7160 � Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA) with LGUs of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City




Landscape and Visual Impact �

Impact of transmission towers on the landscape character and visual amenity

� Revegetation of quarried/excavated areas to reduce

� Screening of tower footings by planting endemic species in the area

� Coordination with the LGUs and provision of assistance in planting and maintenance of trees and other vegetation screening along the Manila North Road

EBWPC and its contractors


� Compliance with DAO 2003-30

Notes: DAO 2003-30 – IRR for the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System RA 8749 – Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 RA 4136 – Land Transportation and Traffic Code RA 7160 – Local Government Code of the Philippines RA 9147 – Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act RA 9295 – Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004

Table 16-2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Matrix during the Operat ion and Maintenance Phase

Key environmental aspects per project phase

Potential impact per environmental sector

Parameter to be monitored

Sampling and measurement plan Lead person

Method Frequency Location

Land – terrestrial flora

Transmission Line – Pruning/removal of vegetation along the ROW

Number and identification of affected trees and its conservation status

Transect Annually Location of critically endangered species (Burgos and Pasuquin)

EBWPC Forester

Established offset area (as a condition in the IFC PS 6)

Monitoring of tree growth indicator parameters

Semi-annual for the first three years

Annually thereafter

Identified offset areas

EBWPC Forester in coordination with DENR

Jetty Area – Potential spread of invasive species (Cassytha filiformis)

Presence of invasive species (Cassytha filiformis)

Visual Jetty area EBWPC Forester to report this issue to the LGU and DENR for their proper


Key environmental aspects per project phase

Potential impact per environmental sector

Parameter to be monitored

Sampling and measurement plan Lead person

Method Frequency Location

that can eradicate mangrove and agricultural species

action or includion in their Coastal Resource Management Planning

Land – terrestrial fauna

Collision and electrocution

Incidence of bird mortality due to collision and electrocution

Visual count

Purposive search

Documentation upon encounter by ROW coordinator

Along the Transmission Line ROW

Project PCO or Environmental Officer

ROW Coordinators

EBWPC encourages community to report incidences

Collision and electrocution

Monitoring of incidents involving endangered species i.e. wild ducks (as a condition in the IFC PS 6)

Visual count Semi-annual (2nd

and 4

th quarter of

the year)

Towers BL023 to BL025 along Buraan River

Project PCO or Environmental Officer

People – economic Partial loss of land used for crop production within the ROW

Compensation for opportunity loss based on lease agreement

- Annual Municipalities of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City

EBWPC Land Negotiation Team and Grievance Redress Mechanism Team

Reduced yield of crops

Harvest Survey

Displacement of grazing areas

Size of available grazing areas

Inspection EBWPC CSR Team


16.2.1 Organizat ional capacity and competency

Structure and Responsibility

A compliance monitoring team is formed to ensure implementation of the environment and

social management and monitoring plan for EBWPC projects including the Transmission Line

and Jetty. The team has four key members on site, which include the Site Manager, the

Pollution Control Officer (PCO), the Environment Officer, and the Community Relations Officer.

The members all report to the Business Unit Head. Table 16-3 describes the responsibilities of

each member.

Table 16-3 Members of Compliance Monitoring Team

Position Responsibilities

Site Manager Monitor and update the over-all performance of the project

Pollution Control Officer Implement environment management-related programs

Monitor the project’s operation on environment management-related compliance and facilitate necessary actions

Environment Officer Implement forestry and ecosystem conservation-related programs.

Monitor project’s compliance to Forest Management Bureau-related permits and its overall impact to the environment, and implement necessary actions

Community Relations Officer

Implement CSR-related activities and monitor community concerns and feedback on the project and its necessary actions

At EDC, the parent company of EBWPC, various departments were formed to support site-

based employees. These departments, including the Environmental Management Department

(EMD), Watershed Management Department (WMD), Corporate and Social Responsibility

Department (CSRD) and Public Relations Department (PRD), ensure that best practices are

implemented across all sites.

The EMD and WMD guide the PCO and the Environment Officer on ensuring that all

environment-related regulatory standards are complied with. Concerns on air, water, noise, and

waste on-site will be consulted with the EMD. On the other hand, concerns of the Environment

Officer such as on flora, fauna, and reforestation efforts will be discussed with the WMD. The

Community Relations Officer will seek advice from the CSRD on how to better serve the local

communities. The PRD on the other hand will be tapped on crafting the communication plan to

implement the various programs. Figure 16-1 shows the organization chart of the compliance

monitoring team.


Figure 16-1 Compliance Monitoring Team Organizat ion Chart

Source: Social Safeguards Compliance Audit Report for Burgos Wind Project, EBWPC September 2014

Training, awareness and competence

Appropriate types and levels of training are provided to EBWPC personnel, especially those

who are involved in the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan

(ESMP). The trainings are commensurate to the nature of work of each personnel and to the

environmental and social risks associated with the project. A training program will be developed

describing the activities and processes that will be conducted throughout the life of the Project.

It includes the following:

Training needs assessment

Appropriate training requirements will be identified to ensure that EBWPC employees are able

to perform their work in compliance with its environmental and social policies and applicable

regulations. Training needs assessment will be undertaken to ensure proper implementation of

the ESMP.

The Human Resource Officer, with the assistance of the department heads, shall periodically

update training needs for all personnel, especially those involved in the implementation of

ESMP. Training needs assessment will include identification of minimum training requirements

as well as evaluation of anticipated responsibilities to fulfil the commitments stated in the plan.

Orientation Program

The orientation program, which is provided to new hires, is designed to orient and integrate the

new employee into his/her new job, work unit and the EBWPC in general. The orientation

program is designed in such a way to emphasize the ESMP which include the health safety and

environmental procedures, emergency response and management, waste management, site

security, vehicle safety, human resource policy, workplace behaviour, labour grievance

mechanism, and external stakeholder engagement.


A separate orientation program is also implemented for site visitors prior to entry to the Project

Site. This include adherence to environmental health and safety program of the company.

EBWPC also requires its contractors to comply with the policies and programs concerning the

implementation of ESMP

16.3 Energy and Resource Effic iency Plan

This section outlines the energy resource and efficiency plan of the Burgos Wind Farm

Transmission Line and Jetty Project. Resource efficiency must comply with the IFC

Performance Standard 3 of which objectives are:

� To avoid or minimise adverse impacts on human health or minimising pollution from

project activities;

� To promote a more sustainable use of resources, including energy and water;

� To reduce project-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The Transmission Line Project is routed from across forests, farm lands and private lands. The

components of the line such as towers and its foundations have been designed to meet the site

conditions. To minimise the impact on the environment, the spacing between towers is

sometimes increased to 350 m.

The Transmission Line Project operation activities involve the visual inspection and cleaning of

the insulators. Sometimes the conductor is being repaired and after strong typhoon the tower

may need repair too. Operation and maintenance activities create localised pollution. This

pollution is minimised and it depends on the operation schemes.

The Transmission Line Project does consume very little energy for operation. In fact, the

Transmission Line Project energy consumption is the amount of losses along the conductor

across the entire length of the line. The energy consumption was evaluated when choosing the

conductor size. The large size of the conductor chosen, CONDOR, minimises the energy

consumption compared to a smaller conductor.

The Transmission Line project is exporting power from a renewable energy source. Therefore,

it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. To fabricate

the steel towers, there will be little consumption of greenhouse emissions.

16.4 Abandonment Plan

In the event that a decision is reached to abandon the Burgos Wind Project, the Transmission

Line connecting the Burgos Wind Project to Laoag Substation and Jetty Project will also be

abandoned. The following steps will be taken into consideration during abandonment:

� All excess materials and supplies shall be transported out of the project site. Cradle-to-

grave management of these items should be undertaken in full compliance with the

Philippine regulation on solid waste, toxic substances and hazardous waste.

� Transmission towers, steel poles, aluminum conductors, insulators, and other materials

shall be removed from the site and taken off-site of be turned-over to the LGU, depending

on the agreement or conditions of LGU and national agency concerned.

� Trash materials and other residual solid wastes will be collected, transported, and

disposed to DENR-accredited disposal facilities.

� Recyclable materials shall be collected and donated to the community materials recovery

facility (MRF).

� Waste oil and other hazardous waste shall be transported out of the project for off-site

disposal in accordance with government regulations.


� Depending on the agreement with the land owners for rented areas and the DENR for

areas in public lands, rehabilitation or restoration measures will be conducted for the

areas occupied by the transmission towers and jetty.

� Abandonment Plan shall be submitted to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

(NGCP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the transmission towers and jetty

projects, respectively. Abandonment Plan will also be submitted to the DENR and

relevant government agencies including the local government units for review prior to

implementation.

� An official abandonment report will be submitted to the DENR-EMB Region 1, NGCP and

PPA.

16.5 Emergency Response Plan

EBWPC is committed to providing a safe and healthful working environment for all its

employees, contractors and various stakeholders while protecting and preserving its assets. To

achieve this objective, EBWPC, through its contractor, developed and implemented an

Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for emergency situations during the operation and

maintenance of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects (Appendix V). The ERP aims to

minimise the impacts of potential hazardous situations that may occur throughout project

operation. An Emergency Response Team (ERT) was also established to organize and

manage emergency response operations (Figure 16-2).

Figure 16-2 Emergency Response Team

Note: PDRRMC – Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; MDRRMC – Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; BDRRMC – Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

Emergency response procedures will be implemented for the following potential events or

similar events:

� Downed transmission lines or equipment failure

� Fire or explosion

� Sudden loss of power

� Natural disasters (e.g. typhoon, storm surge, tsunami, earthquake)


� Personal injury or medical emergency

Provided in the subsequent sections are the rules and safety measures to be implemented

during the operations of the transmission line and jetty projects.

Tower Collapse

Although transmission tower collapses are rare, there are reported instances of collapse due to

various circumstances. The reasons for collapse vary depending on conditions and type of

tower, but may include cyclonic winds and poor or improper maintenance. The transmission

towers were designed to withstand 270 kph, which is the standard set by the National Grid

Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Fire or Explosion

Although the possibility is rare, transmission tower can catch fire. The combination of dense

smoke and hot gases generated by a large fire directly under or near a high voltage

transmission line can create a conductive path that increases the potential for a ‘flashover’1 .

Electrical Safety

The following will be undertaken to maintain electrical safety in transmission lines:

� Only authorized electrical workers may install, commission, inspect, test, maintain, modify

or repair "Fixed" electrical installations.

� Live parts of apparatus and wiring shall be effectively guarded to protect all workers or

objects from coming into contact.

� All personnel using electrical equipment shall first be instructed how to use it safely,

including the dos and don’ts.

� All small tools and temporary electrical equipment will be regularly checked for fitness of

use. Particular attention should be paid to any built in safety functions such as trip

switches.

� Work permit system including “lock out tag out” measures shall be applied to all critical

electrical works.

� Additional safety documentation shall be developed over the course of the construction

period to cover specific electrical hazards as they are identified.

Safety Concerns due to Unauthorized Access

The potential for vandalism or trespassing can cause safety concerns along the transmission

line and jetty projects. Measures intended to reduce personal injury and public hazards include

locked access, warning signs, and postings of 24-hour emergency numbers. Security guards

will be stationed at fixed posts and foot patrols will be provided for all work areas.

Personal Injuries

Minor Injuries

In the event that a minor medical incident during operation and maintenance occurs (e.g. small

cuts, abrasions, etc.), the personnel should:

� Perform first aid, as necessary.

1 Fire and High Voltage Transmission Line Safety. Powerlink Queensland Information Sheet.

https://www.powerlink.com.au/Safety/Documents/Fire_and_High_Voltage_Transmission_Line_Safety.aspx. Retrieved on 01 December 2014


� Implement the accident/injury reporting procedure.

Major Injuries

In the event that a major medical emergency occurs, including the need for hospitalisation or

emergency services, personnel should:

� Contact the designated site supervisor.

� Consul the local emergency phone number list and request assistance immediately.

� Perform the first aid/CPR, as needed. Note that this should be done only be a qualified

first-aider.

� Stabilise the injured; decontaminate, and extricate only if the environment of the injured/ill

person is dangerous or unsafe and if the rescuers are appropriately protected from

potential hazards that might be encountered during the rescue.

� When site emergency services personnel arrive, communicate all first aid activities that

have occurred.

� Transfer responsibility to the care of the injured/ill to the local emergency care providers.

� Implement the accident/injury reporting procedure.

Emergency Communication and Protocol

EBWPC will establish appropriate lines of emergency communications to handle emergencies

on site outlining such item as direct access to emergency services at the site. This includes the

following:

� Establishment of site Emergency Response Team that will be able to handle fire, medical,

environmental spills, bomb threats and other emergencies. Drills will be conducted

regularly.

� Provision of site clinic manned by registered project nurse and trained first aiders.

� Coordination with local hospital and signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to

provide emergency medical services when required.

� Coordination with other governmental agencies such as the police, coastguard, LGU and

other government agencies as may be necessary.

� All workers working on, or visiting the site will be made aware of the procedure during the

safety induction.

� Communication lines will be established with the workers and emergency contact

services will be provided to the workers and posted on strategic location in the work site.

Project Evacuation

It is not expected that evacuation procedures will be implemented. Nevertheless, in the event of

adverse weather conditions, damage to facilities from fire or other catastrophic event, or other

unforeseen conditions, personnel will be evacuated from the project area. EBWPC coordinated

with the Disaster Risk Management and Monitoring Council (DRMMC) in the Municipalities of

Burgos, Bacarra, and Pasuquin and the City of Laoag. An evacuation plan and the standard

procedures was also developed by EBWPC for the transmission line and jetty projects.


16.6 Waste Management Plan

Operation and maintenance of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects will not produce

significant quantities of wastes for disposal. The wastes that will be produced are incidental to

the operations and are related to maintenance activities (e.g. used oil from vehicles/equipment,

and replaced wires and other transmission tower parts).

Spills from used oil and other potentially hazardous materials can be prevented from causing

adverse environmental impact by adhering to good management practices.

The applicable management measures to minimise waste generation and prevent spills are

detailed in the sections below.

16.6.1 Waste Minimizat ion

In waste management hierarchy, source reduction is the most effective means of minimizing

waste generation. Source reduction means being able to use materials that would generate

less or no waste at all. EBWPC is committed to reduce its waste generation and promote reuse

and recycling of wastes. During operation, hazardous products will be substituted by less

hazardous products where equivalent performance can be assured. In addition, procurement

procedures will recognise the need to minimise waste packaging in the purchase of supplies.

EBWPC will comply with the requirements stated in RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous

and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990) and its implementing rules and regulations in the

handling, storage and disposal of hazardous products. Recyclable products will be given

preference than non-recyclable products.

Standard work methods will be implemented, as applicable, to minimise wastes by:

� Using the complete contents of containers

� Using materials to the fullest extent possible

� Using the oldest supplies first to avoid expiry

� Ordering supplies in bulk containers, where practical

� Using non-hazardous substitutes

� Safely reusing containers and packaging materials

� Keeping incompatible wastes separated to avoid cross contamination

� Avoiding spoilage by adequately storing supplies

16.6.2 Waste Disposal

Wastes will be generated in small quantities consistent with routine maintenance. These

wastes will be initially stored in a designated area and later removed from the site premises for

proper disposal. EBWPC will coordinate with the LGU of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag

for proper disposal of nonhazardous wastes, while a DENR-accredited hazardous waste hauler

will be commissioned by EBWBC for proper disposal of hazardous wastes from the project site.

Hazardous waste management is discussed in more detail in the next section.

16.6.3 Hazardous Materials and Spill Prevent ion

A variety of potentially hazardous materials were used or stored during construction and

maintenance activities for the proposed wind farm project. Potentially hazardous materials

routinely used include petroleum fuel and oils for the vehicle and equipment. The major

concern regarding the use of these substances is their uncontrolled release to the environment


through accidental spillage, and subsequent adverse effects on terrestrial and aquatic habitat

and species, soil, groundwater quality, and human health and safety.

Proper storage and materials handling are important to prevent adverse effects to the

environment from accidental spillage, and to prevent unsafe conditions. Diligent operational

procedures will be implemented as part of the Company’s standard operating procedures to

avoid accidental losses. Likewise, good management procedures to prevent accidental spills

will be observed in the wind farm project.

The following protection measures are intended to minimise the potential for any spills on soil,

vegetation, surface water, and groundwater.

Storage and disposal of Petroleum Fuel, Oil, and Lubricant (POL)

� Diesel fuel and gasoline were stored on site in limited quantities and were stored within a

bunded compound with sufficient capacity to contain any spillages. Fuel drums were

stored upright on a deck with drip trays for the collection of spilled substances.

� Fuel drums were provided with sealable covers to prevent spillages. The drums were

closed at all times, except when undertaking refuelling.

� Fire extinguishers and spill kits were located near POL storage areas

� POL storage areas were identified by signs, and “No Smoking” signs were displayed at all

POL storage sites and refuelling areas. Smoking is not permitted within 50 m of any POL

storage area.

� Waste POLs were stored in covered steel drums/containers. The containers were

provided with drip trays for the collection of spilled substances. Waste solvents were

stored separately.

� All used oil and petroleum products were removed from the premises upon accumulation

of a sufficient volume and disposed of in an acceptable manner in accordance with

government regulations and requirements.

� Greasy or oil rags or materials subject to spontaneous combustion were deposited, and

kept in an appropriate receptacle. This material was removed from the work site on a

regular basis and disposed of in accordance with government regulations and

requirements.

Equipment fuelling

� Only equipment that are not easily transported were refuelled on site. Service vehicles

were refuelled at a commercial fuelling station.

� Where possible, vehicle maintenance was performed offsite, at a nearby commercial

fuelling station, in order to minimise the amount of lubricants and oils stored on site.

� When refuelling equipment, operators implemented the following:

– Use designated fuelling locations.

– Use drip trays.

– Use leak free containers and reinforced rip and puncture proof hoses and nozzles.

– Be in attendance for the duration of the procedure.

– ✁eal all storage container outlets, except the outlet currently in use.

– Fuelling and servicing of equipment shall be done at least 100 m from a water body.


16.7 Social Development Plan and Performance Report

A social development plan (SDP) was developed by EBWPC in compliance to its commitment to

support community development as embodied in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Program. SDP was developed to organise programs, management strategies and social

measures to address social issues associated with the projects. The SDP was prepared in

partnership with the host communities and focuses on five key areas, which include livelihood,

health and sanitation, education, environment, and culture.

On the first quarter of 2013, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on EBWPC CSR Program

for the Province of Ilocos Norte was signed by representatives from EBWPC and the Provincial

Government. CSR projects identified in the MOA include health and sanitation, manpower

development and livelihood, which will be implemented for the next three years.

16.7.1 Social Development Plan

EBWPC CSR Program aims to contribute in improving the socio-economic condition of host

communities through interventions in education, health, livelihood, and environment. In line with

its objective of providing quality education and gainful employment for the youth, EBWPC will

implement a dual-strategy on education. One is to upgrade school facilities particularly health

and sanitation facilities, having been identified as lacking or needing of improvement in most

public schools; and second, to provide manpower training to local youths to enhance their

opportunity to gain employment.

Livelihood support shall be undertaken in the form of skills training to build the youth and

women’s capacities to engage in entrepreneurial activities, thereby increase their income. The

three project components are all provided in the MOA between EBWPC and the Provincial

Government of locos Norte that specifies the CSR projects to be implemented by EBWPC over

the next three years starting 2013.

Meanwhile, the “BINHI: Tree for the Future Project”, among EBWPC’s newest environment-

related undertaking, will be introduced to students, teachers, local officials and other community

members to create awareness on the need to “rescue and secure” the country’s endangered

and premium tree species. Planting and growing of these special tree species will be done in

school grounds and public parks in the Municipality of Burgos, with the hope of establishing

“mother trees” that would later on produce seeds that will be used in future forestation activities.

This will also be an avenue to engage the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR0 and relevant agencies.

Installation of Sanitation Facilities in Public Schools

As provided in the MOA with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and with the

Laoag City Government that was signed during the first quarter of 2013, EBWPC will install

Toilet and Hand-washing Facilities in select public schools in host municipal LGUs namely

Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Laoag City. Schools found in areas with high poverty incidence

will be given priority in identifying school-beneficiaries. Most of these schools have multi-grade

classes and are found in interior or relatively remote communities. In the next three years,

EBWPC will install 35 toilet and hand-washing stations in its host-LGUs.


For its health program, EBWPC aims to improve access to water supply and sanitation services.

EBWPC will conduct studies to assess water resources and water demand in selected

communities. These studies will also identify appropriate water supply and sanitation

technologies that can be implemented in the communities.


Adopt-A-School for K-12 Program

Starting mid-2015, EBWPC will explore programs that will contribute in upgrading the learning

systems of public secondary schools in order to keep up with the challenges of the K-12

program. Initially, it has identified two public secondary schools needing of support in terms of

learning modules development, tools and equipment and teacher’s training.

Livelihood Skills Training

Livelihood skills trainings will be conducted to build the capacities of the local communities to

undertake service-oriented or income-generating activities independent of the project. A total of

750 participants are targeted to undergo livelihood skills training in a period of three years. The

program as agreed between EBWPC and PGIN and the Laoag City Government will be

implemented over a three-year period.

EBWPC shall identify target communities and assess/determine their needs. The course or

topic of training to be provided shall depend on the needs identified per target community. This

activity shall be coordinated with government agencies or offices such as the Department of

Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office

(C/MSWDO) to assist in identifying and designing training courses and inviting local trainers

from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technical Education and Skills

Development Authority (TESDA).

Environment

As part of the “Binhi Tree for the Future” project with the objective objective of planting future

mother trees of endangered premium species in host school grounds and parks, a tree planting

activity shall be conducted at selected school grounds in the Municipality of Burgos.

In each school, a simple ceremony with teachers, students and LGU shall be held to include an

introduction of EBWPC and its “Binhi Program”, followed by the tree planting activity proper.

Students shall be informed that the project not only ends in tree planting, but focuses on their

role to nurture the seedlings until these become mother trees for future seed

sourcing/harvesting, and further proliferation to help secure the vanishing species.

Socio-Cultural

EBWPC will continue to support community events that will enhance or maintain good

relationship with them and/or promote socio-cultural values. Under this program, EBWPC

provides support to activities designed to improve delivery of services by the local government

units and to annual social events by the host-communities.

16.7.2 SDP Performance Report


Toilet and hand washing facilities

Installation of toilet and hand-washing facilities will be provided to indigent public schools that

were classified as Millennium Development Goal (MDG) schools. As provided in the MOA, 55

and 12 schools in the Province of Ilocos Norte and Laoag City, respectively, will benefit for the

next three years.

EBWPC coordinated with the Provincial MDC Council to identify recipients of the project and in

17 April 2013, Certificates of Entitlement were distributed to 12 recipients of sanitation facilities

in Laoag City (Plate 16-1). In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) Provincial

Office and Laoag City Division, an ocular inspection was conducted to determine the specific

type of facilities needed by the schools.


Plate 16-1 Distribut ion of Cert ificate of Ent it lement to the 12 recipient-

schools in Laoag City

Source: EBWPC

As of June 2014, toilets and hand-washing facilities were constructed in 12 public elementary

schools in Laoag City. As shown in Table 16-4, seven schools were installed with two-seater

detached toilet facilities with hand-washing stations, two schools were installed with one-seater

attached toilet and detached hand-washing stations, and two schools requested repair of their

existing two-seater detached toilets. Meanwhile, Vira Elementary School requested for a

replacement of its water pump as lack of it renders its newly-installed 10-faucet hand-washing

station and existing toilet facilities unutilised.

Table 16-4 Toilet and hand w ashing facilit ies provided to different MDG

beneficiary schools in I locos Norte

School Location Sanitation facility Sanitation facilities

Buttong Elementary School

Barangay Buttong, Laoag City

Two-seater detached toilet with hand-washing

Darayday Elementary School

Barangay Darayday, Laoag City




Gabu Elementary School

Barangay Gabu Norte, Laoag City


Caaoacan Elementary School

Barangay Caaoacan, Laoag City


Eulalio F. Siazon Memorial Elementary School

Barangay La Paz Proper, Laoag City


San Mateo Elementary School

Barangay San Mateo, Laoag City


Don Galicano Rafales Elementary School

Barangay 59-A Dibua South, Laoag City

Two-seater detached with hand washing

Suyo Elementary School

Barangay 30-A Suyo, Laoag City

One-seater attached toilet and detached hand washing

Picture not available

Cabeza Elementary School

Barangay Cabungaan, Laoag City

One-seater attached toilet and detached hand washing




Salet Elementary School

Barangay 55-B Salet, Laoag City

Repair of two-seater toilet and detached hand washing

Lagui Sail Elementary School

Barangay 54-A Lagui, Laoag City

Repair of two-seater toilet and detached hand washing


Vira Elementary School

Barangay 55-C Vira, Laoag City

Electric water pump Picture not available

Source: EBWPC

Medical and Dental Mission

In celebration of Burgos Town Fiesta, EBWPC spearheaded the Medical and Dental Mission on

February 2014. Services provided during the Medical and Dental Mission were minor surgeries

such as cyst removal and circumcision. Likewise, medicines amounting to PHP 95,965 were

distributed for free to the patients. Medical personnel involved in the activity include six dentists,

two doctors, five surgeons, three dental aides and 14 nurse assistants.

A total of 428 patients availed of free medical consultations and medicines while 71 patients

availed dental services. For minor surgery, 20 boys underwent circumcision while 12 adults

underwent cyst removal operation.


Plate 16-2 Medical and dental mission in the Municipality of Burgos

Feeding Program

In celebration of Nutrition Month, EBWPC facilitated feeding program of nine severely-wasted

high school students in Burgos Agro-Industrial School (BAIS) (Plate 16-3). The feeding

program aimed to provide healthy snacks as food supplement for the underweight or

malnourished students.

Plate 16-3 Recipients of the Feeding Program in BAIS


Manpower Skills Development

Carpentry and Masonry

In 2013, EBWPC launched manpower skills training on carpentry, masonry, and shielded metal

arc welding (SMAW) to upgrade the skills of the local youth and enhance their opportunity for

employment. The first manpower skills training was attended by 50 participants for the

Carpentry and Masonry National Certification (NC) II (Plate 16-4), 16 of which came from

Barangay Davila, Pasuquin, and the rest were from the different host-barangays in the

Municipality of Burgos. The training lasted for 26 days from 24 June to 30 July 2013.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Marcos Agro-Industrial School

(TESDA-MAIS) was tapped as the training provider while Burgos Agro-Industrial School (BAIS)

for the manpower skills training. As an output of the training, a two-seater toilet was constructed

at the training’s venue (Plate 16-5). Aside from toilet construction, the trainees were assigned

to different working stations for better and effective learning process.

As of November 2013, 24 graduates of the training were employed as laborers to First Balfour,

EBWPCs contractor for the construction and installation of Transmission Line and Jetty

Projects.

Plate 16-4 Graduates of the Carpentry and Masonry NC I I

Source: EBWPC


Plate 16-5 Part icipants of skills t raining during construct ion of 2-seater

toilet

Source: EBWPC

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

In September 2013, SMAW NC II was conducted at the TESDA–Bangui Institute of Technology

(BIT) with 25 participants from the Municipalities of Burgos and Pasuquin (Plate 16-6). In

November 2013, at least five graduates from this training were working for First Balfour.

EBWPC continuously monitors its graduates employed in its sub-contractors.

The second batch of SMAW NC II Training was conducted in June 2014 with 25 participants

from Laoag City (Plate 16-7). Participants were identified with the help of the City Social

Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Plate 16-6 Part icipants of SMAW NC I I Training – Batch 1

Source: EBWPC

Plate 16-7 Part icipants of SMAW NC I I Training – Batch 2

Source: EBWPC


Electrical Installation and Maintenance

In November 2013, the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II training was

conducted at the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trade (INCAT) in Laoag City, which was

joined by 40 participants from the Municipalities of Burgos, Pasuquin, and Bacarra and the City

of Laoag. The training was completed in March 2014.

Plate 16-8 Part icipants of Electrical Installat ion and Maintenance

Source: EBWPC

As of June 2014, the total of 140 local residents who have been trained on various manpower

skills by TESDA with the support of EBWPC (Table 16-5).

Table 16-5 Manpow er Skills Development Act ivit ies conducted by EBWPC

Training Number of participants Total

Burgos Pasuquin Bacarra/laoag

Carpentry NC II 15 10 0 25

Masonry NC II 19 6 0 25

SMAW NC II 16 9 0 25

EIM NC II 17 18 5 40

SMAW NC II 0 0 25 25

Total 67 43 30 140

Source: EBWPC

Livelihood Support Program

Livelihood Skills Training

Livelihood skills training program was conducted for the residents of host communities in the

Municipalities of Burgos, Pasuquin, Bacarra and the City of Laoag as provided in the signed

MOA.

As part of EBWPCs livelihood support program, it supported 80 barangays of Laoag City by

providing training materials to technology demonstration sessions provided by the City Social

Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), which ran from April to May 2013. The

demonstration sessions included candy-making, basket/handicraft-making, soap-making, t-shirt

designing and candle-making (Plate 16-9).

Two communities requested for one-day livelihood training programs. This included

Longganisa-Making training and Dragon Cactus Soap-Making held on 13 July and 14 August,

respectively, both in 2013. The Longganisa-Making was attended by 25 participants in

Barangay 51-A Nangalisan while Dragon Cactus Soap-Making was attended by 19 participants.


TESDA provided the resource persons while EBWPC provided the training materials and

assessment fees of the participants.

Plate 16-9 Part icipants of Livelihood Skills Training

Source: EBWPC

EBWPC spearheaded the conduct of training on Basic Silk-Screen Printing (Plate 16-10) in the

Municipalities of Burgos and Pasuquin, on April 2–4 and May 20–22, respectively, with 30

participants in each municipality. Participants were chosen from indigent households. At the

end of the training, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office assisted in accessing

start-up kit amounting to PHP 10,000.00 to selected groups of participants.


Plate 16-10 Training on Basic Silk-Screen Print ing in the Municipalit ies of

Burgos and Pasuquin

Source: EBWPC

Other livelihood trainings carried out by EBWPC with the assistance from the City Social

Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) are presented in Table 16-6. CSWDO mobilised

the support of TESDA by providing the resource persons while EBWPC provided training

materials and assessment fees.

Table 16-6 Livelihood Training carried out by EBWPC

Date Venue Training Number of participants

Photo

May to June 2014

Barangay Madiladig, Laoag City

30-day Training on Motorcycle/Small-Engine Repair

13

May to June 2014

Barangay Madiladig, Laoag City

30-day Training on Dressmaking

13

9–13 June 2014

Barangay Vira, Laoag City

5-day Training on Manicure/Pedicure with NC II

28

Employment Generation for Local Youths

In April 2013, EBWPC sponsored a Job Fair (Plate 16-11) in partnership with the Department of

Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Provincial and City Public Employment and Services


Office (P/CESO). About 29 employers/agencies participated the event, 25 of which are local

agencies while four are overseas employers. Of the 626 registered applicants, 55 were hired on

the spot.

Plate 16-11 Part icipants during Job Fair

Source: EBWPC

Capability-Building

EBWPC partnered with the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) to implement Capability-

Building Program (Plate 16-12) for the officials and personnel of the Burgos LGU. Capability-

Building Seminar is being conducted by EBWPC in line with its objective of providing

appropriate intervention to strengthen the municipality to be able to cope with the development

opportunities. Further, the seminar aims to contribute to the improvement of systems and

processes in the LGU for a more effective delivery of development programs to the community.

Plate 16-12 Capability-Building Program in Burgos, I locos Norte

Source: EBWPC

Environment

In July 2013, EBWPC through its BINHI Project spearheaded a tree planting activity in

partnership with the Municipal Government of Burgos and the Burgos Agro-Industrial School

(BAIS), where the activity was held. The BINHI Project is at the core of EDC’s environment

sustainability thrust which involves planting of endangered species of plants in educational

institutions. For this activity, about 10 of the 40 tree species planted at the grounds of BAIS are

endangered species. The activity was participated by teachers and students of BAIS.

In celebration of the Environment Month in June 2014, EBWPC joined the Kapurpurawan Eco-

Fun Walk organized by the Barangay Poblacion Council in the Municipality of Burgos. The

activity was highlighted by a coastal clean-up drive along the Kapurpurawan Beach in Burgos

(Plate 16-13).


Plate 16-13 Clean-up Drive along Kapurpuraw an Beach

Source: EBWPC

External Assistance

In 2013, EBWPC supported the renovation of the St. John Sahagun Parish Church in the

Municipality of Burgos by providing the flooring construction requirements (Plate 16-14).

Towards the end of 2013, EBWPC supported gift-giving activities for indigent communities in the

Municipality of Burgos. A total of 100 gift packs were donated to the Burgos LGU and Barangay

Poblacion.

Plate 16-14 St . John Sahagun before renovat ion

Source: EBWPC


Plate 16-15 St . John Sahagun after renovat ion

Source: EBWPC

In 2014, EBWPC continued to support social events in the Municipality of Burgos, both at the

barangay and municipal level. During the fiesta celebration in Barangays Bobon, Pagali, Saoit,

Ablan and Paayas, EBWPC extended financial assistance. Likewise, EBWPC, together with its

contractors for the Burgos Wind Project, sponsored several events in the celebration of the ‘First

Pul-oy Festival of Burgos 27 February 2014. Events sponsored included Duathlon Sport Event,

Kite-flying competition, Concert and Fashion Show, and Medical Mission (Plate 16-16).

Plate 16-16 First Pul-oy Fest ival

Source: EBWPC

During the Provincial Fiesta in May 2014, EBWPC sponsored the La Milagrosa Procesion and

Sagala as well as the Music and Arts Festival. It also supported the Earth Day Celebration in 22

April 2014 by participating in the Fun Walk organized by the Provincial Environment and Natural

Resources Office (PENRO).

In March 2014, EBWPC sponsored the Annual Council Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the

Philippines (BSP) Ilocos Norte-Laoag City Council. In April 2014, financial assistance was also

extended to 18 employees of Laoag City and Bangui Municipality Regional Trial Court (RTC) for

their participation to different conventions. Likewise, EBWPC provided sponsorship of the

Congress and Seminar-Workshop by the Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangguniang,

Inc. (PLEASES) Ilocos Norte Chapter held on 5–8 March 2014.


16.8 Stakeholder Engagement, Consultat ion, and Disclosure Plan

An information, education and communication (IEC) campaign framework plan was formulated

with the following objectives:

� To gain public acceptance of the Burgos Wind Project, including the Transmission Line

and Jetty Projects

� To provide the public with balanced information and assist them in understanding the

solutions or measures related to the impacts of the project

� To gather feedback from the communities on their issues related to the project and their

ideas of alternatives or preferred solution to the problem

Presented in Table 16-7 is the IEC framework plan, which will be implemented during the

operation and maintenance phase of the projects.

Table 16-7 IEC Framew ork Plan

Target Sector Content/Topics Strategy/Method

Lot owners in TL areas

� Project description & status

� Land acquisition process

� Actual impacts & measures

� Grievance mechanism

� CSR projects

� Use of multi-media

� Group/ Cluster meetings

� Posters, flyers, and newsletters

Community residents

� Project description & status


� Grievance mechanism

� Use of multi-media

� Group/ Cluster meetings

� Posters, flyers, and newsletters

LGU Officials � Project description & status


� Reinstatement/ rehabilitation plan

� Grievance Mechanism

� CSR projects

� Council session/ meetings

� Consultations

� Newsletter

16.9 Land Leasing Process

The land leasing process conducted by EBWPC for the Transmission Line and Jetty Project are

detailed in this section.

Research and Mapping

Initially, the master list of lots and profile of landowners were prepared based on the map, tax

map control roll, tax declaration, technical description and cadastral maps gathered from the

Municipal Assessor’s Office, Registry of Deeds and the Bureau of Lands. Lot areas to be used

as lateral access and working area needed in the construction were planned and initial

inventory of affected trees and structures were conducted.

Development of Pricing Mix

Pricing mix was developed based on the data obtained from commercial banks, municipal

assessor values, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) zonal values, fair market values, and, if

available, from realtors. EBWPC Land Negotiation Team decided on using the BIR zonal

values as initial offer to the landowners. All payments made for the easement or lease contracts

for the rights-of-way (ROW) were paid covering a period of 25 years.


Land Acquisition Strategy

For the transmission line and jetty projects, securing easement rights over affected private lands

was preferred over acquiring title because of the following reasons:

� Higher cost of purchasing the lots compared to leasing the property

� Less socially acceptable in the community perspective because of massive acquisition

� Limitations on the ownership of agricultural land in terms of total land holdings

For lands wherein permanent structures were constructed (e.g. transmission towers and jetty),

lands were legally acquired through the expropriation powers of the Department of Energy

(DOE). Expropriation for mere possession (and not ownership) addresses the following

concerns:

� Defective easement contracts

� Time factor regarding Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conversion

In 2010, the initial strategy was to offer easement contracts before proceeding with exploration.

However, securing land owners’ land ownership documents to allow EBWPC to enter into

easement contract and converting the agricultural lands took significant time. The strategy

changed in early 2011 as construction needed to immediately start. Expropriation automatically

converted agricultural land to industrial area, which shortened the needed lead time.

For the transmission line sail over lands, negotiations towards entering into easement contracts

continued to be offered to all land owners. All cases of expropriated sail over lands were due to

defective documentation. There are no cases of expropriation due to unreasonable counter

offer of landowners.

Negotiation Process

Four types of negotiation process were undertaken for the transmission line and jetty projects.

These processes are discussed below.

No Identified Landowner

In cases where lots do not have registered landowners, an expropriation case was filed by the

Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) against “John Doe”

(Figure 16-3). To allow owners who have legal interest to assert to be heard; the RTC issued

an Order of Publication requiring the publication of notices of the expropriation case. Based on

the order, the expropriation case indicating the description of the lot subject to expropriation was

published in a newspaper of general circulation.

If no claimant appears to prove his ownership over the subject lot within 30 days, the OSG filed

a motion for issuance of writ of possession (WOP). The payment for the claimant, in a form if

check in the name of “John Doe”, was also submitted to the RTC. OSG later submits a case for

resolution and a request for an issuance of order of expropriation (OE). A process of this nature

was done until the finality of judgment is issued to close the expropriation case and allow the

registration of the expropriation with the Registry of Deeds.

For those cases wherein a claim was made, land documentation of the claimant was reviewed.

Once confirmed valid, the expropriation case were amended and the check previously issued

are revised for payment to the legal claimant. The expropriation case proceeded unless the

claimant agrees to enter into a lease contract.


Identified Landowner

The Land Negotiation Team initiated negotiations over lots with identified landowners by serving

letters from the EBWPC (Figure 16-4). The letter explained the project and stating its interest to

lease the lots for the project. In cases where the land owner were not able to provide

documents proving ownership of the affected lot, a second letter from the DOE was served

informing the land owner that an expropriation case may be instituted if the land documents

were not made available.

The challenge is this phase is that all legal landowners should acknowledge the letters. If the

person indicated in the land title is deceased, all legal heirs should be identified and notified.

For the transmission line and jetty projects, EBWPC has committed to helping the landowners

correspond to all of their relatives. Even after WOPs has been issued, EBWPC continue to help

landowners process their land documentation.

Easement Contracts

For lots with sufficient documentation, an initial offer based on BIR zonal value was offered to

the landowners. Some of the landowners issued a counter offer to EBWPC if they were not

amenable to the first offer. A negotiation was done until both parties agree (Figure 16-5).

In the event that renegotiation has extended beyond reasonable period, the protocol is to file for

expropriation. However, no case of this nature has occurred for the transmission line and jetty

land acquisition process.

EBWPC compensated the landowner based on the agreed amount and have the land owner

sign the Contract of Easement of Right of Way (CERW). The CERWs were then registered with

the Registry of Deeds.

Figure 16-3 ROW Acquisit ion Process for No Ident ified Landow ner and

Ident ified Landow ner

Source: EBWPC


Figure 16-4 ROW Acquisit ion Process for Easement Contracts

Source: EBWPC

Expropriation to Lease

The OSG filed an expropriation case at the RTC. During the hearing, the payment, which was

based on BIR zonal value, was made available. After the order for the issuance of WOP has

been granted by the RTC, EBWPC facilitated the payment to the landowner where they sign an

acceptance letter to acknowledge receipt of compensation.

The signed acceptance letters were submitted to the court and were issued as basis for the

request for the issuance of an OE. A copy of the OE was served by the Sheriff of the Court to

the landowner and secured an acknowledgement of receipt thereof. If 60 days has passed and

no acknowledgement has been received, a hearing for the Judgment of Expropriation

proceeded. A process of the same nature as the OE was done before the hearing for the

Finality of Judgment is conducted.

Once the Finality of Judgment is issued, the Land Negotiation Team can already register this at

the Registry of Deeds.

Special Cases

Special cases of land negotiation were conducted by EBWPC for the following land areas:

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd)

Three lots were secured through MOA with the DepEd. Two of the said lots are currently being

occupied by the Davila National High School (DNHS), while the remaining lot is within the

jurisdiction of the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC).

In both cases, EBWPC has secured the consent of the Parent-Teachers’ Association prior to

securing the MOA. Since DepEd is a government agency, the said lots cannot be subjected to


expropriation. Thus, EBWPC entered into agreements with the DepEd to be granted right-of-

way.

Co-Location Agreement with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)

Two lots, which are currently occupied by the NGCP, were secured through an agreement.

NGCP is a concessionaire of the transmission network–a government entity statutorily

responsible for managing and operating the transmission network in the Philippines pursuant to

Section 21 of the Electric Power Industry and Reform Act (EPIRA).

Authorization Letters

In the interest of starting construction, a number of landowners were requested to sign an

authorization letter granting EBWPC right-of-way. Land negotiation process is still ongoing for

some landowners because of the following reasons:

� Expropriation case is still pending in the court

� Landowner previously requested that land be subjected to a CERW instead of

expropriation. The landowner has committed to providing the necessary land

documentation.

� The landowners has just recently provided the required documents and payments are still

being processed.

Compensation for Trees, Crops and Structures

Separate payments were made to landowners for the trees, crops and structures that may be

affected (Figure 16-5). EBWPC intervenes in settling payments for affected trees and structures

along the transmission line towers and jetty. However, it is the obligation of the contractors to

settle those affected by lateral access or temporary access roads leading to the transmission

towers.

Only trees that were completely felled were compensated. Compensation was also made for

loss crops during construction. In addition, landowners are compensated for structural

damages that need to be renovated and structures that cannot be expanded.

Pricing of trees were based on DENR regulations while price of structures were based on tax

declaration and assessment provided by the contractor. As for loss crops and disturbance,

values were based on the prevailing market rates and volume of produce that would have been

harvested by the land owner. Moreover, the contractors restore damages to existing road and

public structures that were damaged during construction.


Figure 16-5 Compensat ion for structures

Source: EBWPC

16.10 Grievance Mechanism

The grievance mechanism, which will be implemented by EBWPC is presented in this section.

This process will be used during the operation and maintenance of the transmission line and

jetty projects. Grievances received during the pre-construction and construction phases are

also presented in this section.

Grievances received during Pre-Construction and Construction Phase

In the absence of a formal grievance redress mechanism, issues or grievances raised by

community in the past were addressed or resolved as these come. Prior to 2010, issues or

complaints by stakeholders including the community residents and local officials were raised to

EBWPC’s Officer-in-Charge (OIC). Since 2010, the Land Negotiation Team has been handling

all issues pertaining to land acquisition. Issues or grievances were mainly on the land

acquisition price and the acquisition process.

Prior to the start of construction in 2013 and up to present, several issues or complaints were

received by the EBWPC, albeit undocumented, as presented in Table 16-8.


Table 16-8 Sample grievances during pre-construct ion and construct ion

phase

Complainant Nature of complaint/grievance How it was resolved

Lot owners Reasonable land acquisition prices Negotiation by the Land Team

Lot owners Cut trees not properly turned-over to the lot owners

Watershed Management Division (WMD) made sure that cut trees were turned-over to the lot owners by coordinating with the contractor

Community residents

Noise caused by drilling and excavation works at night-time

This complaint was not raised by the people directly to EBWPC

Dust caused by the construction activities

Frequent watering of ground surface to control dust

Disposal of wastewater by the contractor at the construction site affecting the drainage of nearby houses

The contractor constructed drainage as demanded by the residents

Potential flooding caused by siltation in the drainage canal

Contractor re-excavated the drainage canal and removed the soil and other aggregates from the drainage water to avoid flooding, as demanded by the residents

Grievance Redress Mechanism

EBWPC views that effective grievance mechanism is an important part of its corporate social

responsibility to respect human rights. This is embodied in one of the core values of EBWPC

which highlights that each person should be treated with respect regardless of individual

differences. As EBWPC commits to building community relations where trust is an integral

component, it designed a grievance mechanism that aims to offer communities an effective

avenue for expressing concerns, achieve fair solutions, and promote a mutually constructive

relationship as the local people and the company find effective solutions together.

Receive and Register a Complaint

In receiving and registering complaint or grievance, EBWPC will provide multiple channels

where people can express or communicate their concerns. The following staff shall be

designated to receive and register complaints:

� Community Partner/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Team

� Forester/Watershed Management Department (WMD) Team

� Land Team

� Security Officer

� Safety Officer

� Right-of-Way (ROW) Patrol

Complainant/s can forward their complaints or grievances to EBWPC in the form of a letter or by

filling-out the prescribed company grievance registration form. They can also call or email any

of the designated staff directly. Those designated to accept complaints, whether written or oral,

shall record them on the grievance log form which is forwarded to the Community Partner, who

will act as the Grievance Officer for further action. Once a complaint is received by the

Grievance Officer, it should be recorded in the complaints log or data system.


When a complaint or grievance is received directly by any of the designated staff, he/she shall

discuss the complainants’ situation personally to gain first-hand understanding of the situation,

and explore possible approaches for resolution. It is important during this first step to be

sensitive to the way in which the complainant experiences the issue; as such an understanding

may be important to achieving a successful outcome in a quick and timely manner.

Acknowledge

Upon registration, complainants will receive a timely acknowledgement that their case is

registered. Acknowledgement shall be communicated in an open and proper manner, such as a

letter, telephone call or a copy of the grievance form. The acknowledgement will include

information about the next steps in the process, time frame in which a response can be

expected to be in place and contact details of the grievance officer or complaint coordinator,

who is responsible in handling the case. This may be done at the time the grievance is received

or subsequently after.

Assess the Grievance

Once logged, the grievance team will conduct a rapid assessment to verify the nature of the

grievance. During the assessment, the team gathers information about the complaint and key

issues and concerns and helps determine whether and how the complaint will be resolved. To

gather information about the complaint, the following will be done:

� Identify parties involved

� Clarify issues and concerns raised by the complaint

� Gather views of the stakeholders, including those of the company (the person or

company unit associated with the problem shall be informed that a complaint has been

filed and the grievance team will collect information about the complaint from their

perspective)

� Determine initial options that parties have considered and explore various approaches for

settlement

� The team shall classify the complaint in terms of its seriousness or severity (high,

medium, or low) according to specific criteria. The level of severity will determine who

needs to be informed, who will manage the case (complaint coordinator) and whether the

senior management has to be advised. The complaint coordinator shall be responsible

for overseeing a particular grievance.

Grievances classified as low may be handled by the designated field personnel whereas

grievances ranked as high may have to be handled by the senior management. Issues that are

of low severity from the point of view of the complainant and the company will be resolved

immediately through a fast track process. In principle, EBWPC has bias towards resolving

grievances on-the-spot, if such can be resolved informally and rapidly. Whether the resolution

process is fast-track or requires a period of time, the EBWPC will employ a strategy that

engages the complainant in the assessment and in determining resolution or settlement options.

Formulate a Response

Once the assessment is complete, EBWPC will provide a response or feedback to the

complainant. The company response may suggest an approach on how to settle the issues, or

it may also offer a preliminary settlement or proposal. The response may be presented or

discussed to the complainant through a meeting with the complaint coordinator, manager or

personnel of the relevant company unit, and the complainant. The site manager may participate

in feedback, depending upon the seriousness of the complaint. If a direct meeting is not

possible, a neutral third party may be considered to serve as facilitator.


The complainant may accept the proposition, offer an alternative for further discussion, or reject

it or consider another dispute resolution process. If the case is complex and a resolution time

frame cannot be met, EBWPC shall provide an interim response—an oral or written

communication—that informs the person of the delay, explains the reasons, and offers a revised

date for next steps.

Consider recourse or appeal

If the complaints are not resolved on the initial attempts, the grievance mechanism incorporates

an appeals provision. This covers exceptional cases and will be required infrequently. Several

recourse options are described below:

� Elevate the issue to a review committee composed of senior managers to consider

whether additional reasonable actions are adequate

� Elevate the issue to a review committee consisting of company and community

representatives or other stakeholders to consider whether additional reasonable actions

are appropriate

� Propose the use of an independent mediator agreed upon by both the company and the

complainant to facilitate further dialogue

� Involve a trusted, independent external party to assess the grievance and propose an

impartial resolution

� Establish a standing appeals committee jointly with the community. The committee should

consist of individuals who enjoy credibility with affected communities and are viewed as

impartial by both sides

Should the appeals process fail to lead to a mutually acceptable resolution, the complainant

should remain free to pursue other avenues of remedy. The final agreement will be specific,

time bound and agreed upon by both parties. If not self-executing, it will include a monitoring

plan. If the complaint is found to be unsubstantiated, the grievance officer will explain the

reasons and may indicate other possible avenues of remedy.

Follow up and close out

Once a resolution has been agreed or a decision is made to close out, the final stage is to

implement the resolution, monitor outcomes and close out the grievance. Monitoring will

address problems that arise during implementation. In some cases, adjustments may be

necessary to ensure that root causes of complaints are rectified and outcomes are consistent

with the spirit of the original agreement.

Closing out the grievance occurs after the implementation of an agreed resolution has been

verified. Parties may be requested to provide feedback about their level of satisfaction with the

grievance handling process and the outcome.

Even when an agreement is not reached, it is important to close the case, document the results,

and request the parties’ evaluation of the process and its outcome.

Throughout the process, EBWPC will adopt a system that will effectively track and monitor

grievances in line with its commitment to promote timely and fair resolution of grievances. By

doing so, the concerned parties (complainant and relevant company personnel) are constantly

informed about the status of the case and the progress being made toward resolution.

16.11 Occupat ional Health, Safety and Environmental Guidelines

Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Guidelines was prepared by EBWPC for the Burgos

Wind Project, which include the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects. The guidelines define the


practical steps that can be used by Contractors to identify and control significant risks to health,

safety and environment on EBWPC sites.

The plan includes coordination and information dissemination activities between EBWPC and its

contractors and the workers in general. Procedures in controlling risks and complying with the

terms and conditions of permit to work are also detailed in the plan. The detailed HSE

Guidelines for the Burgos Wind Project is presented in Appendix X.

Moreover, First Balfour, the main contractor of EBWPC during the operation and maintenance

of the Transmission Line and Jetty Projects, prepared a Transmission Maintenance Manual

(Appendix AA). The manual aims to serve as the guidelines for implementing works for

transmission lines, serve as a ready training/work reference for transmission linemen, and serve

as a planning guide for maintenance-related activities. The manual is issued to cover the

general administration and technical applications for the maintenance of the 115kV

Transmission Lines, its steel towers and steel poles of varying voltage levels and number of

circuits. Specifically, the manual contains guidelines from which the detailed step-by-step

procedures can be developed based on the actual situation. Moreover, the Transmission

Maintenance Manual provides Environmental Protection Procedures as well as Occupational

Health and Safety Procedures.

16.12 Human Rights, Community, Health and Safety, and Security

Plan

EBWPC is committed to the observance of human rights, and recognises, respects, and

protects human and workplace rights. The Human Rights, Community Health and Safety Plan of

EBWPC is in compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Philippine

Human Rights laws such as to the Presidential Decree 442 (Labor Code of the Philippines),

Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), RA 9231 (Anti

Child Labor Law), RA 7876 (Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines), RA 7277 (Magna

Carta for Disabled Persons) and other relevant rules and regulations.

All EBWPC personnel and its contractors and consultants shall adhere to the general principles

and policy to accept, recognise, respect and uphold the human rights of the people, domestic or

foreign.

Equality

EBWPC shall uphold the idea of equality for all, regardless of gender, race or belief in

economic, political, religion and social aspect. This includes non-discrimination in employment

and provision of training of women and persons with disability as long as they are qualified for

the position. Further, EBWPC will not tolerate abusive use of power resulting to various

anomalies and suppression of workers’ and community’s rights.

Freedom

EBWPC shall observe freedom from all forms of discrimination and harassment, inside and

outside the workplace. This means that company’s executive officers will listen to the voice of

everyone in the company, contractors, sub-consultants, host communities, and other

stakeholders with due respect and appreciation of their ideologies and beliefs.

Community Responsibility

EBWPC, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is committed to promote social and

environmental prosperity through the implementation of projects and programs in partnership

with the stakeholders. Different projects and programs being implemented to provide benefits to

the community are detailed in Section 15.6. This include projects and programs of EBWPC that


are benefitting the vulnerable members of the community such as women, children and youth,

senior citizens, persons with disabilities and resource users.

Assistance to victims of natural calamities and disasters in the host communities shall also be

undertaken. Moreover, EBWPC will help in the protection and conservation of the Ilocano

culture.

Training and Monitoring

EBWPC will ensure the implementation and performance of its human rights policy by providing

training and seminar to its staff, especially those who are engaged in community and

stakeholder consultation. Monitoring and evaluation of human rights situations in the project

areas will also be undertaken. This will be conducted in parallel to the grievance redress

mechanism of EBWPC.

16.13 Transport and Access/Traffic Management Plan

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) was prepared and implemented by EBWPC’s contractors for

the construction of the transmission towers and jetty projects to ensure safe, efficient and

unhampered road access of both road users and pedestrians through and around the areas that

were affected by the project (Appendix P)

The TMP applied to access roads leading to and from all project activity areas; roads utilised for

personnel; materials and equipment operation and transport; and access roads for construction.

The following guidelines were implemented during the construction phase and are being

implemented during the operation and maintenance phase.

� Protection to the public

� Worker safety

� Temporary traffic control

� Maintenance of warning signs

Traffic management implemented for the Jetty Project is shown in Figure 16-6.


Figure 16-6 Burgos Jetty Traffic Management Plan

Source: First Balfour

Appendices

Appendices

Appendix A – Certificate of Non-Overlap (CNO)

Appendix B – Construction of Burgos Jetty: Method Statement

Appendix C – Permits: Burgos Jetty Project

Appendix D – Permits: Burgos Transmission Line Project

Appendix E – Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC): Burgos Transmission Line

Appendix F – Certificate of Non-Coverage: Burgos Jetty

Appendix G – Certificate of Calibration

Appendix H – Results of Noise Level Measurements

Appendix I – Tables for Terrestrial Flora

Appendix J – Tables for Terrestrial Fauna

Appendix K – DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2005-005

Appendic L – DENR Administrative Order No. 2007-01

Appendix M – IUCN Red List Categories

Appendix N – Estimates of coral cover and other benthic lifeforms in reef sites in the vicinity of Burgos Jetty

Appendix O – Abundance and biomass of fish families on the reefs fronting the Burgos Jetty

Appendix P – List of associated fish species in the reefs fronting the Burgos Jetty

Appendix Q – Meteorological and Operating Data

Appendix R – Analytical Data

Appendix S – Traffic Management Plan

Appendix T – Height Clearance Permit

Appendix U – Transmission Towers built near Structures

Appendix V – Emergency Response Plan

Appendix W – Waste Management Plan

Appendix X – Environmental Health and Safety Plan for Burgos Project

Appendix Y – Environmental Management Plan

Appendix Z – Security Plan

Appendix AA – Transmission Line Maintenance Manual