Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development and environmental protection in the Philippines. This guide aims to provide an overview of the EIA process in the country, including its definition, legal framework, key stages, requirements, samples, FAQs and other key information.
Additionally, it will offer insights on preparing for environmental compliance audits to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
What is an EIA?
An EIA is a process that identifies, predicts, and evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or activity. It is a tool for decision-makers to identify potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, to evaluate alternative approaches, and to design and incorporate appropriate prevention, mitigation, management and monitoring measures.
Legal Framework
The primary legal basis for EIA in the Philippines is the Environmental Impact Assessment System, as stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 1586 (PD 1586) and its implementing rules and regulations. Other relevant laws include the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System Act of 1991, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and various sector-specific laws.
For the full list of laws related to the conduct of EIA, you may refer to the official list of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Who needs to conduct an EIA?
EIA applies to a broad range of projects, including infrastructure developments, industrial facilities, mining operations, and land-use changes.
In the Philippines, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) as well as private corporations, firms and entities, are required to conduct an EIA for any project or activity that may significantly affect the quality of the environment.
The scope and scale of projects determine the level of EIA required, categorized as either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a simplified Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), a sample of which may be found here.
What are the different types or categories of EIA?
Category A projects are those considered to have a high degree of environmental impact and therefore requires a comprehensive EIA.
Category B are moderate degree projects that require an abbreviated EIA.
Category C are given to low degree projects that do not require an EIA.
Who will conduct the actual assessment?
The project proponent is responsible for conducting an EIA. The proponent must hire an EIA consultant to prepare the EIA report. The EIA report must be submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for review and approval.
Key Stages of the EIA Process
Screening
The first step is to determine whether the project or activity is subject to an EIA. This is done by screening the project or activity against the list of projects or activities that are required to undergo an EIA.
Project Scoping & Baseline Data Collection
Gather relevant data on the project site, including environmental, social, and economic parameters. Then, identify the project’s potential impacts, stakeholders, and the scope of the EIA study.
Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
If the project or activity is determined to be subject to an EIA, the next step is to conduct an IEE. The IEE is a preliminary assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the project or activity.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
If the IEE identifies potential environmental impacts, the next step is to prepare an EIS. The EIS is a more detailed assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the project or activity.
Document the findings and recommendations in a comprehensive EIS report.
Recommend measures to mitigate identified adverse impacts, such as pollution control technologies or environmental management plans.
Review and Public Consultation
The EIS must be made available for public consultation. This allows the public to provide input on the potential environmental impacts of the project or activity.
Decision-Making
The EIS is then submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for review and decision. The EMB will decide whether to grant an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the project or activity.
Monitoring and Enforcement
Regular monitoring of project implementation and compliance with recommended mitigation measures.
What is an environmental compliance audit?
An environmental compliance audit is a systematic examination of a project or activity to determine whether it is complying with environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental compliance audits are conducted by the EMB or by a qualified environmental auditor, such as the licensed engineers and subject matter experts of GreenDev Solutions.
What should you prepare for an environmental compliance audit?
- Review your environmental management system: Make sure that your environmental management system is up-to-date and that it is in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Collect documentation: Gather all of the documentation that you will need to demonstrate compliance with environmental laws and regulations. This documentation may include permits, licenses, environmental impact assessment reports, and training records.
- Identify potential areas of non-compliance: Conduct a self-audit to identify any potential areas of non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Develop a corrective action plan: If you identify any potential areas of non-compliance, develop a corrective action plan to address those areas.
- Train your staff: Make sure that your staff is aware of environmental laws and regulations and that they know how to comply with those laws and regulations.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your company is prepared for an environmental compliance audit.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
Environmental Impact Assessments and environmental compliance audits are integral components of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Philippines. By following the prescribed EIA process and adequately preparing for compliance audits, individuals and organizations can contribute to safeguarding the environment and ensuring long-term sustainability.