C4.  ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

Water supply systems are considered to be environmentally critical because they are likely to have adverse impact on the environment at some point during construction and/or operation.

An EIS is required for projects that are environmentally critical. An EIS is a comprehensive study which involves extensive investigation of the potential environmental impacts of a given project. The impacts of the project at the various stages of implementation from construction to operation to decommissioning are determined. Measures to mitigate any adverse impacts are recommended. The beneficial effects, if any, should also be discussed and explained. An environmental scoping session can be conducted as part of the public consultation process.

The Technical Revenue Committee of the EMB reviews the EIS and sets the project conditions. Within 90 days, the EMB is expected to issue the ECC. The proponent, upon receipt of the ECC, proceeds to finalize project design, incorporating the conditions set forth under the ECC.

After receipt of ECC, the project proponent prepares its final engineering design, submits it to DENR or LLDA and applies for ATC. Implementation of the project can then begin. Depending on project location, either the DENR or the LLDA issues the ATC and eventually, the PTO. Upon completion of the facility, an inspector from DENR or LLDA verifies to see to it that all environmental mitigation measures are in place. DENR or LLDA issues a PPTO which must be renewed annually. The process is prescribed in Table 3-26.

Table 3-24 : Process for Securing Environmental Clearance