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ENGLISH

VERSION

iii

Contents PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................... 2

Project Components ...................................................................................................................... 2

Project Size .................................................................................................................................... 3

Process/Technology ...................................................................................................................... 3

Material Source .............................................................................................................................. 4

PROPOSED LOCATION.................................................................................................. 5

Project Alternatives ..................................................................................................................... 7

Site Selection.............................................................................................................................. 7

Technology Selection ................................................................................................................. 7

Resources ................................................................................................................................... 7

PROJECT PROPONENT ................................................................................................. 7

PROJECTED TIMEFRAME ............................................................................................. 8

SUMMARY OF MAJOR IMPACTS .................................................................................. 9

PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................................ 22

PROJECT PROPONENT’S STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND CAPABILITY ....... 23

Statement of Commitment of the Proponent ............................................................................... 23

Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) ......................................................................................... 23

EMF and EGF Commitments ....................................................................................................... 24

FURTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 24

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) 19.7MW ILAGUEN 3A HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Energy plays an important role in development as the demand of electricity is

continuously increasing due to the rapid increase in population, expanding commercial

activities, and setting up of industries. This is observed not only in the metropolis but also

in the countryside particularly in Region 2, where development is accelerating in an

unprecedented pace. It is projected that there will be a need for additional power-generating

facilities for the coming years, not only in the province of Isabela but in the whole region as

well. The generating facility in the Luzon grid in Isabela depends upon the supply of

electricity in other nearby provinces, thus there are usually power shortage and brownouts.

The country has abundant resources, wherein the government, through the

cooperation of some private sector, is continually exerting effort in harnessing indigenous

energy resources. Its primary goal is to sustainably utilize renewable energy by developing

energy capacities that are environment-friendly and are using cleaner fuels. These include

the wind power plants, geothermal power plants, and hydropower plants. The development

of the country’s hydropower resources is essential in meeting the energy demand over the

succeeding years. The development of hydropower is in response to the Department of

Energy’s (DOE) and National Renewable Energy Board’s (NREB) National Renewable

Energy Program (NREP) that envisions to triple the 2010 installed renewable energy

capacity by 2030. With the vast potential of the region for the hydropower, the DOE will

continue to promote hydropower development and encourage both local and foreign

investors in this endeavor.

Therefore, considering the current provisions of the Philippine laws, policies, rules,

and regulations, the Proponent sought to secure all clearances and permits as part of its

commitment in environmental protection, thus, this application.


2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project Name : 19.7MW Ilaguen 3A Hydro-Electric Power Plant

Project Type : Run-off-the-River Hydropower Facility (with tunnel)

Project Location : Barangay San Miguel, Municipality of Echague,

Province of Isabela

Project Area : 54.56 Hectares

Project Capacity : 19.7 MW

Project Components

The main project components are listed in Table 1. The weir and the powerhouse

are located from both ends of the project area which is accessible by the 6.48 km internal

road.

Table 1. Main Project Characteristics

Weir Elevation 349 masl

2,748 m2 Height 25 m

Dam

Crest elevation 357.2 m 2,748 m2 Weir

29 ha

Inundated

area

Crest length 136 m

Maximum dam height 25.2 m

Length of spillway section 100 m

Forms of dissipation Flip trajectory bucket

Powerhouse

Elevation 256 masl 225 m2

Suction height -3.5 m

Water Inlet Referral traffic 35 m³/s 397 m2

Floor elevation 340 m

Headrace Tunnel

Overall length 2,700 m 13,500 m2

Tunnel internal diameter

5.0 m

Substation Type 6.9kV – 69 kV; 70 km to tapping pt.

100 m2

Turbines Type 2x Francis turbines 100 m2

Rated discharge 17.5 m³/s


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Project Size

The table below show the project size in terms of volume of water that can be

impounded, dam capacity, measurement or inundated area, and the total project area.

Table 2. Project size

Total volume of water to be impounded 3 million cubic meter

Capacity and type of dam structure

Roller compacted concrete gravity dam

with water storage level of 349 masl at

the dam crest

Total area to be inundated 29 hectares

Total project area 54.56 hectares

Process/Technology

The project is characterized by a 25-m high dam that shall impound water at an

elevation of 349 masl and drops it off with a 102 masl net head to the powerhouse which

holds two Francis turbines that can deliver an estimated power of 19.7 MW.

Project Salient Features

Catchment area above weir site : 405 km²

Design discharge : 17.5 m³/s

Reservoir capacity : 3,000,000 m³

Reservoir maximum control water level : 349 m

Safety check flood (1:10,000 AEP) inc. climate : 4,010 m³/s

change allowance

Design flood at PH (1:500 AEP) : 269 mAD

Installed capacity : 19.7 MW

Mean annual energy (at take-off point) : 111 GWh

Plant factor : 49.2%


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In this project, the most significant alternatives considered include the choice of

location of the reservoir, the most attractive dam height, and plant operation rule.

The design flow was set at 20% of the Scenario 1 flow exceedance. The project is

assumed to operate as a run‐of‐river plant with no significant storage capacity. A second

model was set up to estimate the cost of key components of dam construction (i.e.

excavation and concrete placement) as a function of the dam height. This was linked to the

energy spreadsheet to estimate the resultant generation and revenue at different dam

heights.

The following financial parameters were assumed: Value of energy: 5.9 PHP / kWh;

Discount rate: 10%; and Project lifetime: 20 years from operation. The results of this

analysis indicated that the optimum dam height was around 25 m, with a Net Project Value

(NPV) of 46 m USD and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 19.7%. It is therefore proposed to

select a 25 m high dam as the base case option for the Ilaguen 3A project.

Material Source

Construction materials to be included are gabions, boulders, cement, aggregates,

masonry, steel bars, galvanized iron, etc. Construction equipment to be used by the

proponent or its contractors will utilize are backhoe, hand rill machine, plate compactor,

dump truck, payloader, water pump, generator set, chainsaw, and bulldozer. All materials

for the concrete construction will come from the Ilaguen river and construction equipment

will be taken from the nearest supplier in the area.

The primary sites considered for the quarry are the same as the sites identified for

the burrow materials. The stockpile area is just above the quarry site covering an area of

3,173 m2. Near the stockpile is the temporary siltation pond with the capacity of 3,146 m3.

This siltation pond will act as sediment trap that will capture suspended particles (fine sand

to coarse silt) with a depth of 1 meter.


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PROPOSED LOCATION

The Ilaguen 3A Hydro-electric Power Project is located at Barangay San Miguel,

Echague, Isabela. It covers a total area of 54.56 hectares. The project is a combination of

a run-off-river and weir type hydropower plant with capacity of 19.7 MW and can produce

111,000,000 kWh of power annually. Geographical locations of the project features are

listed in Table 3.

The river that will be utilized for this project is the Pinacanauan de Ilaguen which

lies along the mountainous terrains of the Isabela Province. Geographic location will be

constructed at Ilaguen river located at Barangay San Miguel, Echague in Isabela with

geographical coordinates of 16o 34’ 5.53” N Latitude and 122o 1’ 45.01” E Longitude.

Moreover, structures covered by the project including the tunnel, dam, powerhouse,

auxiliary building, and access roads is situated on Error! Reference source not found..

Table 3. Geographical Location of Project Facilities

Project Facilities Coordinates

Powerhouse 16° 35' 36.48" to 16° 35' 41.55" North Latitude

122° 2' 9.24" to 122° 2' 23.14" East Longitude

Tunnel 16° 34' 6.35" to 16° 35' 37.57" North Latitude

122° 1' 50.51" to 122° 2' 18.05" East longitude

Weir 16° 33' 54.73" to 16° 34' 10.28" North Latitude


Internal Road 16° 34' 9.30" to 16° 35' 40.60" North Latitude



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Figure 1. Project Location Map


7

Project Alternatives

Site Selection

Alternative in terms of siting is the change of power house location and significant

reduction of tunnel length, thus reducing the project footprint and environmental impact.

The reduction of the tunnel is associated with the sediment accumulation in which it will

lessen the number of particles to be transported by the river from upstream to the

downstream communities. In addition, the negative effects of sedimentation and reduction

of water depth will also be minimized.

Technology Selection

In terms of alternative technology, the proponent has considered changes in dam

size and tunnel length. Larger dam and shorter tunnel was considered. The larger dam

design entails larger power generation potential but with significantly higher cost of

construction and maintenance.

Resources

There is no other power provider in Echague except for Isabela II Electric

Cooperative, Inc. and the only source of water is underground/dug wells and the water from

Ilaguen river. Alternative source for the raw materials like sand will be outsourced from the

neighboring municipalities in case quarrying near the area is not possible.

PROJECT PROPONENT

The Project Proponent is the Rio Norte Hydropower Corporation (RNHC) with the

main office address in 9th Floor 45 San Miguel Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas

Center, Pasig City 2242 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.


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PROJECTED TIMEFRAME

The projected timeframe of the project implementation is shown in the table below.

Table 4. Projected timeframe of the project implementation

Project Activities 2017- 1st Q of 2021

2nd to 4th Q of 2021

2022 2023 2024

Pre-construction

Construction

Construction of

Temporary facilities

Weir: Excavation for

structure; Gravel

Bedding; Top Slab;

Fish Pass construction;

Riprapping Works; and

Sluice Gate

Penstock: Excavation;

Back Fill with

Compaction; Slope

Protection; Saddle and

Anchor Blocks;

Formworks; Sand

Bedding; and

Trifurcation, Fittings,

and Accessories

Powerhouse:

Excavation for

Structure;

Embankment, Grading

& Compaction; and

Slope Protection

Operation


9

SUMMARY OF MAJOR IMPACTS

Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan were evaluated using

the primary and secondary impact areas. The areas where all project facilities are proposed

to be constructed are the direct impact spanning about 500 m buffer to accommodate the

potential impacts to the environment. The primary impact area is marked within 500 m from

the project site while the secondary impact area is within 501-1,000 m away from the project

site.

Along with this, potential impacts and environmental components which will be

affected were comprehensively evaluated per project phases - the construction, operation,

and abandonment. Also, options for prevention and mitigation enhancement were

determined along with the responsible entity and its cost.

It was determined that most of the negative impacts will be expected during

construction phase. These negative impacts include the pollution of water, air, and land

due to the generation of solid and domestic wastes, increase in dust generation due to

clearing, earthwork, and other civil works. Moreover, a part of flora and faunal biodiversity

will be affected due to the construction works including clearing of trees and destruction of

existing habitats. In the phase of abandonment, this will increase the amount of soil erosion

in the lower stream of Ilaguen River, thus affecting the low-lying communities of the

watershed. Furthermore, positive impacts are expected during the operation phase.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) 19.7MW ILAGUEN 3A HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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Table 5. Summary of Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan

Project Phase / Environmental Aspect (Project Activity Which Will Likely Impact the

Environmental Component)

Environmental Component Likely to be

Affected

Potential Impact Options for Prevention or

Mitigation or Enhancement Responsible

Entity Cost

Guarantee / Financial

Arrangements

I. PRE-CONSTRCUTION PHASE

Preparation acquisition

of permits and

clearances.

Property compensation

negotiations

The People Host communities’

fears on the

environmental and

social impacts of the

project due to lack of

information and

knowledge on the

proposed project.

Relocation/

resettlement of

affected settlers.

Conduct of IEC campaign

among the people inside and

outside the project area.

The people will be informed

about the social and

environmental issues of the

project and the benefits they

will derive once the project will

commence.

Appropriate compensation and

remuneration on the assessed

property.

Proponent Included

in the

project

cost

Project

Management

Plan

II. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Earthwork activities

and movements of

heavy equipment

including road

construction

The land Change in surface

landform

Provision of green areas, tree

planting, putting place of drainage

and sewerage system and other

activities.

Proponent Included

in the

project

cost

Tree Planting

Plan, ECC

conditions


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

Soil erosion and siltation Adequate drainage system to

accommodate peak runoff that

could contaminate the nearby water

bodies.

Proponent/

Constructor

Included

in the

project

cost

Drainage Plan

Contamination of soil

from fuel/oil spills

Proper maintenance and

regular inspection of vehicle

and construction equipment.

Conducting refueling and

maintenance in designated

areas.

Maintenance of supply of spill

control materials (absorbent

materials, absorbent brooms,

etc.) in location where

construction equipment is

maintained and used.

Proper training of workers for

spill prevention and

containment.


12




Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

Minimizing construction

activities during wet weather.

Soil/land contamination

due to improper waste

disposal.

Provide solid waste disposal

area.

Implement waste segregation.

Practice good housekeeping.

Constructor/

Worker

Included

in the

Project

Cost

Contract. RA

9003

Flora and Fauna:

Loss of vegetation cover

due to:

Distribution of native

fauna species.

Destruction of

terrestrial habitats.

Loss of plant

associations and

their associated

fauna.

Revegetation and

enhancement of buffer zone.

Areas identified as special

habitat of flora and fauna will be

reported to DENR.

Proponent/

Contractor

Included

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Development


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

The Water Water Quality:

The effect on water

quality due to storm

water runoff.

Maintain 40 meters river

easement from water bodies for

all construction activities that

might increase stormwater

runoff or cause erosion or

sedimentation.

Avoid construction work during

wet and rainy conditions.

Install drainages, canals and

sediment ponds around the

construction area during rainy

days.

Proponent/

Contractor

Included

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Management

Plan

The effect on water

quality due to

contamination of water

bodies.

Proper maintenance and

regular inspection of vehicle

construction equipment.

Conduct refueling and

maintenance in designated

areas.

Maintenance of supply of spill

control materials (absorbent

Equipment

Operator

Included

in the

Project

Cost

ECC

Conditions,

R.A. 6969


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

material, absorbent brooms,

etc.) in location where

construction equipment is

maintained and used.

Proper training of workers for

spill prevention and

containment.

Minimizing construction

activities during wet weather.

Provide suitable equipment,

facilities and precautions to

eliminate discharge of any

contaminations to the

environment.

The effect on water

quality due to sewage

generation

Provide temporary toilet

facilities (“portalets”) among

workers.

Proper sanitation and provision

of sewerage treatment facility

Proponent Included

in

Project

Cost

R.A. 9275


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

within the site during

construction.

Strictly require the contractor

and its workers to observe

proper waste disposal and

proper sanitation.

Earthwork activities

and movement of

heavy equipment

including road

construction.

Air Greenhouse Gases:

GHG and particulate

emissions will be

generated from heavy

equipment and light duty

vehicle exhausts, and

energy utilization during

construction.

Covering haulage truck to

control dust emissions before

traveling on public roads.

Spray water on access roads.

Staging land clearing and

heavy construction activities to

reduce opportunity if

simultaneous operation of large

dust-generating equipment.

Enforce speed limits to reduce

airborne fugitive dust from the

vehicular traffic.

Revegetate disturbed areas as

soon as possible after

Contractor Included

in the

Project

Cost

R.A. 8749


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

disturbance and maintenance

of the vegetation to ensure

growth.

Remove soil and mud from tires

of trucks and equipment before

leaving the area.

Maintain heavy equipment and

light duty vehicles in good

working condition in order to

maximize equipment fuel

efficiency.

Consider fuel efficiency of

equipment and hauling trucks

during construction.

Exhaust fumes from the mobile

equipment engines will be

managed through the use of

low sulfur fuel when possible.

Greening program mitigation.

Contractor Included

in the

Project

Cost

Clean Air act


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

Noise:

Increase noise levels

such as noise from

vehicle engines,

construction and

excavation works, mobile

equipment, power

generation and

construction activities.

Provide silencers and mufflers

to minimize noise.

Construction activities should

be done during daytime.

Proper maintenance of the

equipment and vehicles in

order to keep them in good

working condition.

Special instruction to drivers

and heavy equipment operators

to use their engines properly,

avoid excessive pumping on

the fuel and use of horn.

Planting trees that could serve

as sound buffers.

Contractor

and Operator

Included

in the

Project

Cost

Noise

Standards,

ECC

Conditions

People Socio-

economic

Loss of livelihood Encourage the residence to

chart the course of an

alternative livelihood program.

Proponent Include

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Development

Plan


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

Generation of

employment and influx of

migrants.

Prioritize hiring qualified

workers within the barangay

and municipality.

Conduct training to upgrade the

skills of local residents in order

to be qualified in the project.

Proponent Included

in the

Project

Cost

Labor Code

Increase business

opportunities.

Pay taxes to local government. Proponent Tax

rates

applies

Revenue Code

Safety risks:

Occupational health

hazards to workers

Workers must wear Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE).

A Safety Engineer to oversee

health hazards over the

personnel all throughout the

mining operations. A medical

practitioner shall be hired for

emergency situations.

First aid kit must be made

available at all time at the

project site.

Proponent Included

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Management

and Safety

Plan


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

Install warning signs along

accident prone areas.

Health Risks:

Occurrence of sickness

and diseases among

workers.

Provide free clinic and medical

mission to the local community.

III. OPERATION PHASE

People Foul odor, health

problem and water

pollution.

Maintain sanitation and

implement waste management.

A specific site away from any

source of water will be

designated for waste dumping.

Organic waste will be buried in

pits while the inorganic wastes

will be collected and taken out

of the site of possible recycling

or disposal to Municipal

dumpsite.

Proponent Included

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Management

Plan


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Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

The Water

Air

Increase in pollution

concentration

downstream (during

flushing)

Released water

containing low

dissolved oxygen.

Fish mortality from

turbine passage

Sonic impact: noise

levels may increase.

Conduct flushing activity during

heavy rains to dilute silt

pollution.

Mixing with water downstream

would increase dissolved

oxygen.

Provide fish barriers in the

penstock.

Provide turbine housing with

noise suppressors.

Proponent Include

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Management

IV. ABANDONMENT PHASE

The Land Modification of

topography in the project

area.

Removal and

dismantling of

Rehabilitate the area.

All infrastructures that can be used

will be awarded with conformity of

both parties.

Proponent Included

in the

Project

Cost

Project

Management


21




Affected



Entity Cost


Arrangements

unnecessary

infrastructure.

The People Temporary economic

dislocation due to project

closure.

Alternative Livelihood Proponent Included

in the

Project

Cost

Social

Development

22

PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

This project is an important electricity generation project. Thus, the engagement of

stakeholders from the local and national level is needed to inform and support the project

implementation. The identified stakeholders were categorized into two groups, primary and

secondary. The primary stakeholders are the main groups to be affected and the main

collaborators. The secondary stakeholders are the groups who might have an interest in

the project or might benefit from it. The table below shows the categorized stakeholders.

Table 6. Project Stakeholders

Primary Stakeholders Secondary Stakeholders

Local communities around the proposed project site and its sub-villages

Universities and educational institutes

Vulnerable groups such as women, children, elders, etc.

Industry and business

Residents NGOs and civil society

Concerned People’s Organization Contractors

Concerned NGOs Press and Media

Department of Energy

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

National Renewable Energy Board

LGUs (municipal and barangay levels) of San Miguel, Echague, Isabela and neighboring barangays

Environmental Management Bureau

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PROJECT PROPONENT’S STATEMENT OF

COMMITMENT AND CAPABILITY

Statement of Commitment of the Proponent

The Proponent is committed to implement necessary measures to prevent adverse

negative impacts during pre-construction, construction, operations, and abandonment

phase of the 19.7 MW Ilaguen River Hydro Electric Power Plant project. The succeeding

sections shows the capability of the Proponent to implement monitoring and mitigation

activities.

Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP)

The monitoring program is aimed at achieving the following: 1) monitor the project’s

compliance with the conditions set in the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC); 2)

monitor the compliance with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and applicable

laws, rules, and regulations; 3) monitor specific parameters identified; and 4) provide a

basis for effective planning and management of environmental measures through the

monitoring of actual project impacts vis-à-vis the predicted impacts in the EIS.

A Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) will be created primarily to look into the

compliance of the Proponent with the ECC to be issued by Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR). This team shall be composed of representatives of concerned

government agencies, LGUs exercising jurisdiction over the project area, tribal council, the

academe, accredited NGOs, and RIO NORTE HYDROPOWER CORPORATION. It will be

created by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be entered into by the major

stakeholders along with the Environmental Monitoring Fund (EMF) to finance the operation

of the MMT. The committee will meet regularly, initially to plan out its work schedule and

establish linkages with existing concerned government agencies, LGUs, tribal council,

academe, and Non-governmental organization (NGO)/people's organization (PO) groups.

The proponent shall establish, operate, and maintain an Environmental

Management Office (EMO) for the Ilaguen river (site 3) Hydropower Project at the RIO

NORTE HYDROPOWER CORPORATION Watershed and Management Office as part of

its regular office. The EMO shall:

24

a) Coordinate all activities of the Contractors, LGUs, and other agencies and local

organizations related to complying with the provisions of the ECC of the project;

b) Initiate and coordinate the implementation of the EMP in coordination with the

concerned stakeholders, DENR Regional Office, and within the project

management structure;

c) Serve as liaison between the Proponent and DENR Regional Office, as well as

with the host communities, LGUs and tribal leaders, in all environment and social

development matters related to the construction and operation of the project; and

d) Spearhead the implementation of the Information, Education and Communications

Program, Social Development Program, and Environmental Monitoring Program.

EMF and EGF Commitments

The guarantees to ensure the implementation of the EMP, include among others, the

following:

• RIONORTE’s commitment to address all relevant environmental impact and mitigation

measures as embodied in the EMP

• Incorporation of the environmental mitigation/enhancement measures in the contracts

of construction Contractors

• Signed MOA on the establishment of the MMT, EMF, and Environmental Guarantee

Fund (EGF)

FURTHER INFORMATION

A copy of the Environmental Impact Statement is available on Environmental Impact

Assessment and Management Division of the Environmental Management Bureau (EIMD-

EMB) website and EMB Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

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