DENR EIS requirements start with the understanding of the primary goal of sustainable development in the country. That goal is in finding a balance between economic growth and the preservation of natural resources. Any commercial production would require the processing of the available natural resources be it land, water, forest, fish resources, minerals, and many others.
While the country’s environment naturally provides resources to the economy, the processes involved in harnessing these resources could also manifest into hazardous emissions and waste if not managed properly. In this context, curbing such negative impacts through various environmental policies is highly recommended. Keeping this strong but delicate relationship between the economy and the environment in balance is the role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
One of these measures by DENR, therefore, is manifested through the Environmental Impact Statement, a document that upholds the equity among the country’s economic and environmental interests.
What Is An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a prerequisite document required by DENR for applicants securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). The EIS must contain a comprehensive study of all possible environmental implications relating to an intended project. It must also include an Environmental Management Plan or Program proposing strategies on how to minimize or if possible negate any environmental risk as well as for the proponent to disclose financial capabilities in implementing these plans.
Is there a law that supports the EIS?
The EIS is covered by the Environmental Impact Statement System in the Philippines, likewise mandated under Presidential Decree 1586 which was approved and signed into law on June 11, 1978. The main objective of this law is to maintain the equilibrium between environmental and socio-economic development with the increasing demand for natural resources and development concerning sustainability by enforcing protective environmental measures.
Does your project need an EIS?
As a general rule, projects considered to be environmentally critical or located in an environmentally critical area shall be required to secure an EIS. The presence of this document justifies the immediate purpose of the project.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lists specific criteria in determining the project approval covered by the EIS System. These are as follows:
A. Project Characteristics
- Size
- Cumulative nature of impacts relative to other projects
- Utilization of natural resources
- Waste generation and environment-related nuisance
- Environment-related risks and accidents
B. Project Location
- Project vulnerability is brought about by its ecological, endangered, or protected status
- Conformity to existing land use as per approved zoning or national laws
- Regenerative capacity, quality, relative abundance, and impact absorptive capacity of the area and its natural resources
C. Nature of Possible Impacts
- Geographic extent and number of the affected population
- Complexity and magnitude
- Duration, frequency, probability, and reversibility
The aforementioned criteria were developed further to include four project categories based on the overall severity of the environmental impact. However, only Category A and B projects are required to submit an EIS alongside the ECC.
Category A and B projects are described by the EMB to be the following:
Category A – Environmentally Critical Projects that potentially trigger immediate environmental impact
Category B – Projects not classified as environmentally critical, but are located in Environmentally Critical Areas which can possibly enable negative environmental risks.
What Information Should Entail With DENR EIS Requirements?
In short, the EIS should contain a project’s predicted impact on the environment and its immediate surroundings, along with proper mitigation measures to either prevent or minimize its effects. It also must highlight monitoring strategies for various environmental parameters such as air, soil, and water, as well as development programs for its existing community.
The Environmental Impact Statement may be expected to contain at least the following information:
a. Executive Summary
b. Project Description
c. Matrix of the Scoping Agreement citing critical concerns
d. Baseline Environmental Conditions of the affected sectors and resources
e. Impact Assessment centered on cumulative environmental impact in relation to construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning
f. Environmental Risk Assessment, if necessary
g. Environmental Management Program or Plan
h. Supporting Documents which may include the following:
- Certificate of Zoning Viability and Land Use Plan
- Proof of Consultation with Stakeholders
i. Proposals for Environmental Monitoring and Guarantee Funds such as justification of amount, if needed
j. Accountability Statement of EIA consultants and the project applicant
k. Other necessary documents that may be needed upon scoping
A comprehensive EIS containing these necessary contents would definitely help ease the release of the Environmental Compliance Certificate by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
How About Non-environmentally Critical Projects?
For projects not considered to be environmentally critical or located in environmentally-critical areas, applicants are required to submit a Project Description Report instead that indicates basic information about the project’s environmental measures.
In Review Of DENR EIS Requirements
Given the central role the natural environment performs in economic activity and growth, maintaining the country’s natural assets is vital in sustaining long-term growth. Equally, economic growth contributes to productivity growth and managing environmental assets. Environmental policies such as the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System are designed to continuously strive for maintaining this synergetic balance.
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