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Draft Bugallon EIS 020923 (D) 4EMB

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3 BARRACUDA ENERGY

DRAFT Environmental
CORP.
Impact Statement

Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project


Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte
Municipality of Bugallon
Province of Pangasinan
Region I

HFP Consulting, Inc. February 2023


DRAFT Environmental Impact Statement

Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project


Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte
Municipality of Bugallon
Province of Pangasinan
Region I

3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

9/F Filinvest One Building Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang- Zapote Road Cor. Northgate Avenue Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
City
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROJECT FACT SHEET

Name of project BUGALLON SOLAR POWER PROJECT


Project location Barangay Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Municipality Province of
Salumague Norte of Bugallon Pangasinan

Project capacity 650.1 MWp (530.4 Mwac)


Project status Proposed
Type of project Solar Power Plant
Project category* Category B:Non-ECP (3.2.7 Renewable energy such as ocean, solar, wind, tidal,
power except waste-to-energy and biogas projects)
Project cost 31.9 billion pesos
Construction period 5 years
Economic lifespan 25 – 30 years.
Manpower Construction: 38 employees
Operation: 45 employees
(excluding laborers)
Project components Major components
Solar PV panels
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
HV Transformer
Buildings and other structures
PROPONENT DETAILS
Name 3 Barracuda Energy Corp.
Authorized representative Mr. Westin Raymond A. Contreras
Address and contact details 21F Tower, 6789 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila / (02) 8683 4444
Authorized Representative
for ECC application:
*Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the Philippine EIS System (EMB Memorandum
Circular 005 July 2014)

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

BACKGROUND

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Bugallon Solar Power Project (“Project”) is a solar energy plant with a capacity of 650.1 MWP (530.4 MWac)
being proposed by the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. (“Proponent”). The proponent is a subsidiary of Vena Energy,
Southeast Asia’s largest independent renewable energy power producer. Vena Energy is represented in several
offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region – Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan,
Thailand, and the Philippines.

General location and project area – The project will cover portions of Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and
Salomague Norte in the municipality of Bugallon, province of Pangasinan. The project has an area of 544.23
hectares.

Accessibility of the site - The site is around 167 linear kilometers northwest of the National Capital Region
(NCR), 22 km southwest of Dagupan City and 35km southeast of Alaminos in Pangasinan, and 64 km northwest
of Tarlac City. The Project area can be accessed by land transportation from the Barangay Cayanga Road, Sagor
St., Barangay Baybay Road, that all connects to the Tarlac-Pangasinan Road (Romulo Highway).

Impact areas – The Direct Impact Area (DIA) is the 544.23-hectare area of the project with the barangays of
Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte.

The Indirect Impact Area (IIA) are the areas within five kilometers (5km) from the center of the project.

Salient environmental features – The project area is composed of mostly agricultural, brush, pasture, and idle
land. Agricultural areas within the project site are planted with rice, corn, and mango.

Idle areas at the project area are mix of brushlands with patches of small trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses. A
few hectares of land are planted with some eucalyptus trees while bamboos cover the steep ridges of the
riparian strips.

There are two surface streams at the boundary of the project site: The Dumuloc river in the north and Sobol
Creek in the south which drains to Angono River for about 3.2 km eastern boundary of the project.

Project components – The solar power plant project comprises a multitude of solar photovoltaic panel modules,
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), High Voltage (HV) Transformer, Pollution Control System, Automation
and Instrumentation and Civil Structures

Support facilities - Camp sites or temporary facilities which include offices, storage facilities, bunk houses,
fabrication yards, and other construction facilities, will be constructed during the duration of the construction
phase.

Ancillary structures are one-storey high building made of steel portacabins and/or reinforced concrete under
steel sheet roofing. Those buildings are currently to be utilized as Control Room, Admin Office, and Switchgear
Room. Also housed here are the telecommunications, safety devices/emergency facilities, accommodation, and
similar facilities.

Introduced technology - The solar power plant is basically conversion of solar energy into electricity. The
process starts on the ground mounted photovoltaic systems that capture energy from the sun. This comprises
a multitude of solar panel modules, mounted on support structures and interconnected to deliver a power
output. Particles of solar energy, known as photons, strike the surface of a photovoltaic cell between two

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

semiconductors. These semiconductors exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect, which causes
them to absorb the photons and release electrons. The electrons are captured in the form of a DC electric
current. Each solar panel modules' power output is collected into a string combiner box (SCB) to transmit the
combined DC power output for conversion.

Indicative construction timetable - the construction of the Project will take 12 months

Major construction activities – the major construction activities are excavation for drainage system installation,
installation of concrete channel and swale, installation of solar power plant structures, construction of
substation for prefabricated switch house building enclosure, construction of operations building and solar
farm perimeter and construction of transmission towers to interconnection point.

Operation phase – The project is expected to operate for at least 25 years and will be maintained by an
experienced O&M team who will conduct site clearing, module clearing and regular periodic maintenance of
MV and HV equipment

Manpower – The manpower during construction and operation phase is 38 and 45 employees respectively

Indicative project investment cost – The project will cost approximately 31.9 billion pesos

PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

EIA SUMMARY
The results of the impact assessment and management are summarized in this section. It highlights the major
impacts and the residual effects after applying the recommended mitigating measures. The reader is referred
to Section 2 for the detailed discussion of the impact assessment.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Summary of key impacts, mitigation options, and residual effects (Land Component)
Sub-component Key impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Land use Change/Inconsistency in land use NPI PS, LT PS, LT PS Apply for land use conversion from agricultural to industrial
with concerned government agencies and LGU offices.
Encroachment in Environmentally NPI NPI NPI NPI Ensure that project components will not encroach on NGP
Critical Areas (ECA) planting areas and other tenured lands.
Possible tenurial/ land issue NPI PI, ST PI, LT PI, ST Confirm presence of CARP-covered areas within the project
site and determine if these areas can be converted to
industrial use.
Impairment of visual aesthetics NPI PS, ST PS, LT PS, ST • Designate specific spoils disposal area to avoid having multiple
construction stockpiles.
• Create greenery in exposed areas
• Reuse spoils/debris and muck as much as possible to decrease
the volume of spoils that need to be stockpiled
• Regular removal from site and proper disposal of spoils and other
construction wastes
▪ Revegetation of exposed areas using indigenous species
Devaluation of land value as a result NPI PS, ST NPI PS, ST ▪ Implement proper solid waste management practices
of improper solid waste management ▪ Use silt and erosion traps and sedimentation ponds in active
construction areas
▪ Use bund walls for stockpiles of construction materials
▪ Coordinate with nearest waste disposal facility
▪ Develop a Solid Waste Management Plan for work sites and
construction camps
▪ Provide waste disposal facilities in construction areas during
construction phase and work areas during operation phase
▪ Appoint a licensed waste contractor for the hauling and
disposal of hazardous wastes from the project site
Geology - Change in surface landform NPI PI, ST PI, LT PI, ST All disturbed slopes should be managed properly to avoid
- Change in sub-surface/ the occurrence of mass movement hazards.
underground geomorphology
- Inducement of subsidence,
liquefaction, landslides,
mud/debris flow

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Sub-component Key impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Effects of geo- and hydrological NPI NPI NPI NPI ▪ Ensure that geotechnical and other subsurface studies are
hazards conducted prior to project development.
Pedology Soil erosion NPI PI, ST NPI NPI ▪ Plant grass and other suitable vegetation for soil erosion
control
▪ Use erosion blankets made of mulch and other biodegradable
materials
▪ Create diversion channels such as open ditches, drains, pipes or
gutters to drain excess surface runoff
▪ Store topsoil separately for future use in landscaping activities
Change in soil quality/fertility NPI PI, ST NPI PI, ST ▪ Avoid oil spills and leaks through frequent maintenance of
equipment and machinery that can be sources of oil spills and
leaks
▪ Identify a secure storage area for used oils, oily rags
▪ Install impervious lining in equipment and vehicle maintenance
areas to avoid oil spills and leaks in nearby areas
▪ Dispose hazardous wastes such as used oils and oily rags
through accredited hazardous waste transporters and treaters
Terrestrial Threat to existence of important ▪
Biology indigenous species
Threat to abundance, frequency, and
distribution of important species
NOTES: P = preconstruction; C= construction, O = occupancy; A = abandonment or closure; NPI – no perceived impact, A – adverse, B – Beneficial, PI –Potentially insignificant, PS – Potentially significant, LT – Long Term, ST – Short Term

v|P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Summary of key impacts, mitigation options, and residual effects (Water Component)
Sub-component Key Impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Hydrology/ Inducement of flooding ▪
Hydrogeology Reduction/depletion of groundwater ▪
Water Quality Degradation of groundwater quality ▪
Degradation of surface water quality ▪

Freshwater ecology - Threat to existence and/or loss species of ▪


important local and habitat
- Threat to abundance, frequency, and
distribution of freshwater species
NOTES: P = preconstruction; C= construction, O = occupancy; A = abandonment or closure; NPI – no perceived impact, A – adverse, B – Beneficial, PI –Potentially insignificant, PS – Potentially significant, LT – Long Term, ST – Short Term

vi | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Summary of key impacts, mitigation options, and residual effects (Air Component)
Sub-component Key Impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Meteorology Change in the local micro-climate
Contribution in terms of

greenhouse gas emissions
Air quality & Noise Degradation of air quality ▪
Noise pollution ▪
NOTES: P = preconstruction; C= construction, O = occupancy; A = abandonment or closure; NPI – no perceived impact, A – adverse, B – Beneficial, PI –Potentially insignificant, PS – Potentially significant, LT – Long Term, ST – Short Term

vii | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Summary of key impacts, mitigation options, and residual effects (People Component)
Key potential impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Displacement of settlers, properties, ▪ Development and Implementation of Relocation and Resettlement Displacement, loss of properties
conflict with land ownership A A NPI A Action Plan and livelihood.
Establishment of Grievance Redress Mechanism
In-migration Project site will be fenced and guarded with security Population increase
PS PS PS PS
personnel in key entry points.
Impacts on IPs/Cultures/Lifestyle ▪ Implementation of guidelines on worker’s behavior ▪ Potential conflicts and
Worker’s orientation to strengthen value formation among local misunderstandings
PS PS PS PS communities. Potential change in economic focus
(e.g., agriculture to service
oriented)
Threat to public health and safety ▪ Development and implementation of Occupational Health and Safety ▪ Potential spread of communicable
Management Plan including HIV/STD and COVID-19 Awareness and disease.
Prevention Plans Higher demand for health and
▪ Project site will be fenced and guarded with security personnel in protective services.
PS PS PS PS key entry points.
▪ Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns and
materials will be established and conducted regarding community
health and safety.
▪ Establishment of Grievance Redress Mechanism
Local benefits from the project ▪ Priority hiring of qualified bonafide residents. ▪ Increase LGU income
▪ Provision of equal employment opportunities in accordance with Increase in employment opportunities
Labor Codes of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10911 known as the
B B B PI Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and RA 7277 known as
the Magna Carta for Disabled Person.
▪ Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibilities through the
Social Development Plan
Threat to delivery of basic services and ▪ Generators should be available to avoid project ▪ Increase in basic services and
resource competition construction/operational delays in times of power outages. government services requirements due
▪ Water supply will be supplied by an external water provider. to population increase (e.g. housing,
PI PS PS PI ▪ As much as practicable, usage of new technologies which do not water demand, etc.)
require water to clean photovoltaic panels are recommended.
▪ Designating Pollution Control Officer to implement waste
management.
viii | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Executive Summary

Key potential impact P C O A Options for prevention, mitigation, and enhancement Residual impact
Implementation of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management in
accordance with RA9003 and RA6969
Traffic contribution along impact roads ▪ Road development within the project site and to create access for
PS PS PS PS Improvement of road conditions.
heavy machineries
NOTES: P = preconstruction; C= construction, O = occupancy; A = abandonment or closure; NPI – no perceived impact, A – adverse, B – Beneficial, PI –Potentially insignificant, PS – Potentially significant, LT – Long Term, ST – Short Term

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................1
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 General location and project area ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1.3 Impact areas .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1.3 Accessibility of the site ............................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.4 Significant environmental features of the site ........................................................................................... 7
1.2 PROJECT RATIONALE ....................................................................................................................................... 11
1.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................................. 11
1.3.1 Selection criteria ...................................................................................................................................... 11
1.3.1.1 Siting .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.3.1.2 Technology selection.......................................................................................................................................... 11
1.3.1.3 Resources ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.3.1.4 Rationale for the chosen option ......................................................................................................................... 13
1.3.2 The “No Project” option ........................................................................................................................... 13
1.3.3 Hazard contextualization ......................................................................................................................... 14
1.4 PROJECT COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................. 17
1.4.1 General layout of the Project ................................................................................................................... 17
1.4.2 Major components ................................................................................................................................... 17
1.4.3 Support facilities ...................................................................................................................................... 19
1.4.4 Pollution control ...................................................................................................................................... 19
1.5 PROCESS/ TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................. 21
1.5.1 Technology description ............................................................................................................................ 21
1.5.2 Process flow ............................................................................................................................................. 25
1.5.3 Waste management systems ................................................................................................................... 26
1.6 PROJECT SIZE ................................................................................................................................................... 27
1.7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN, DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT PHASES AND TIMEFRAMES ............................................... 27
1.7.1 Pre-construction phase ............................................................................................................................ 27
1.7.2 Construction phase .................................................................................................................................. 27
1.7.3 Operation phase....................................................................................................................................... 28
1.7.4 Abandonment phase ................................................................................................................................ 29
1.8 MANPOWER .................................................................................................................................................... 29
1.9 INDICATIVE PROJECT INVESTMENT COST ........................................................................................................ 30
CHAPTER 2. ANALYSIS OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ..................................................................................32
2.1 THE LAND COMPONENT .................................................................................................................................. 32
2.1.1 Land use and classification ...................................................................................................................... 32
2.1.1.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
2.1.1.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 32
2.1.1.2.1 Compatibility with existing land use ........................................................................................................ 32
2.1.1.2.2 Compatibility with classification as an ECA .............................................................................................. 39
2.1.1.2.3 Land tenure issues.................................................................................................................................... 42
2.1.1.2.4 Impairment of visual aesthetics ............................................................................................................... 49
2.1.1.2.5 Devaluation of land value due to improper solid waste management .................................................... 49
2.1.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 50
2.1.2 Geology and geomorphology ................................................................................................................... 51
2.1.2.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 51
2.1.2.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 51
2.1.2.2.1 Change in surface geomorphology and slope .......................................................................................... 51
2.1.2.2.2 Change in sub-surface geology and underground conditions .................................................................. 56
2.1.2.2.3 Inducement of subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, mud/debris flow .................................................... 56
2.1.2.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 62
2.1.3 Pedology................................................................................................................................................... 63
2.1.3.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 63
2.1.3.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 64
2.1.3.2.1 Soil erosion and loss of topsoil ................................................................................................................. 64

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

2.1.3.2.2 Change in soil quality or fertility .............................................................................................................. 65


2.1.3.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 68
2.1.4 Terrestrial ecology.................................................................................................................................... 68
2.1.4.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 68
2.1.4.1.1 Survey locations ....................................................................................................................................... 68
2.1.4.1.2 Flora survey .............................................................................................................................................. 70
2.1.4.1.3 Wildlife survey ......................................................................................................................................... 70
2.1.4.1.4 Data analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 70
2.1.4.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 72
2.1.4.2.1 Vegetation removal and loss of habitat ................................................................................................... 72
2.1.4.2.2 Threat to existence of important local species ........................................................................................ 73
2.1.4.2.3 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of important species ................................................. 80
2.1.4.2.4 Hindrance to wildlife access ..................................................................................................................... 89
2.1.4.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 89
2.2 THE WATER COMPONENT ............................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.1 Hydrology/hydrogeology ......................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.1.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.1.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 91
2.2.1.2.1 Change in drainage morphology and inducement of flooding ................................................................. 91
2.2.1.2.2 Change in stream depth ........................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.1.2.3 Depletion of water resources and water use competition ....................................................................... 91
2.2.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.2 Oceanography .......................................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.3 Water quality ........................................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.3.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.3.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 91
2.2.3.2.1 Degradation of groundwater quality ........................................................................................................ 91
2.2.3.2.2 Degradation of surface water quality ....................................................................................................... 91
2.2.3.3 Proposed mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.4 Freshwater ecology .................................................................................................................................. 91
2.2.4.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
2.2.4.1.2 Periphyta ...................................................................................................................................................... 93
2.2.4.1.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrates (Macrobenthos) .............................................................................................. 93
2.2.4.1.4 Physico-chemical Measurements ............................................................................................................. 94
2.2.4.2 Assessment of key impacts ................................................................................................................................ 94
2.2.4.2.1 Threat to existence of important, abundance, frequency and distribution of important species ........... 94
2.2.4.2.2 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of species ................................................................. 106
2.2.4.3 Mitigating measures ........................................................................................................................................ 111
2.2.4.4.1 Threat to existence and/or loss species of important local and habitat ................................................ 111
2.2.4.4.2 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of species ................................................................. 111
2.3 THE AIR COMPONENT ................................................................................................................................... 112
2.3.1 Meteorology/climatology ...................................................................................................................... 112
2.3.1.1 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................... 112
2.3.1.1.1 Existing conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 112
2.3.1.1.2 Impact assessment ..................................................................................................................................... 113
2.3.1.2 Assessment of key impacts .............................................................................................................................. 119
2.3.1.2.1 Change in the local microclimate ........................................................................................................... 119
2.3.1.2.2 Contribution in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ................................................................... 125
2.3.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures ......................................................................................................................... 126
2.3.2 Air quality and noise .............................................................................................................................. 127
2.3.2.1 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................... 127
2.3.2.1.1 Air quality ............................................................................................................................................... 127
2.3.2.1.1 Noise ...................................................................................................................................................... 128
2.3.2.2 Assessment of key impacts .............................................................................................................................. 130
2.3.2.2.1 Degradation of air quality ...................................................................................................................... 130
2.3.2.2.2 Noise pollution ....................................................................................................................................... 130
2.3.2.3 Proposed mitigating measures ......................................................................................................................... 134
2.3.2.3.1 Degradation of air quality ...................................................................................................................... 134
2.3.2.3.2 Noise pollution ....................................................................................................................................... 136

xi | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

2.4 THE PEOPLE COMPONENT............................................................................................................................. 137


2.4.1 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................... 137
2.4.1.1 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign and Public Scoping .......................................... 137
2.4.1.2 Focus Group Discussion and Key-Informant Interviews ................................................................................... 138
2.4.1.3 Household Perception Survey .......................................................................................................................... 138
2.4.1.4 Collection of Secondary Data ........................................................................................................................... 139
2.4.1.5 Socio-economic Baseline Information .............................................................................................................. 139
2.4.2 Existing conditions ................................................................................................................................. 139
2.4.2.1 Demography ..................................................................................................................................................... 139
2.4.2.1.1 Population density and growth .................................................................................................................. 139
2.4.1.1.2 Gender and Age Profile .......................................................................................................................... 141
2.4.2.2 Health status and medical facilities .................................................................................................................. 142
2.4.2.2.1 Health Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 142
2.4.2.2.2 Morbidity and Mortality ............................................................................................................................. 142
2.4.2.2.3 COVID-19 ................................................................................................................................................ 143
2.4.2.3 Cultural/Lifestyle change ................................................................................................................................. 143
2.4.2.4 Physical and Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................................... 143
2.4.2.5 Education ......................................................................................................................................................... 143
2.4.2.5.2 Educational Attainment ......................................................................................................................... 144
2.4.2.5.3 Educational Facilities ............................................................................................................................. 145
2.4.2.6 Housing and occupied dwelling units ............................................................................................................... 145
2.4.2.7 Informal settlers ............................................................................................................................................... 145
2.4.2.8 Sports and recreation ....................................................................................................................................... 145
2.4.2.9 Protective services ........................................................................................................................................... 146
2.4.2.9.1 Crime and security................................................................................................................................. 146
2.4.2.9.2 Fire protection and prevention .............................................................................................................. 146
2.4.2.10 Basic services and resources ............................................................................................................................ 147
2.4.2.10.1 Water Supply ............................................................................................................................................ 147
2.4.2.10.2 Power Supply ............................................................................................................................................ 147
2.4.2.10.3 Communications ....................................................................................................................................... 147
2.4.2.11 Road network and transportation ..................................................................................................................... 148
2.4.2.12 Socioeconomics................................................................................................................................................ 148
2.4.2.12.1 Main Sources of Livelihood and Income ................................................................................................... 148
2.4.2.12.2 Employment Profile .................................................................................................................................. 148
2.4.2.12.3 Poverty Incidence ..................................................................................................................................... 148
2.4.2.12.4 Business establishments ........................................................................................................................... 148
2.4.2.12.5 Banking and financial Institutions ............................................................................................................. 148
2.4.2.12.6 Food Security ............................................................................................................................................ 150
2.4.2.13 Environmental Health and Sanitation Profile .............................................................................................. 150
2.4.3 Results of the Household Perception Survey .......................................................................................... 151
2.4.3.1 Demography ..................................................................................................................................................... 151
2.4.3.2 Housing Information ........................................................................................................................................ 154
2.4.3.3 Environmental Changes ................................................................................................................................... 157
2.4.3.4 Project Awareness............................................................................................................................................ 158
2.4.3.5 Aspirations of the Respondents towards the Project .......................................................................................... 161
2.4.3.6 Attitude towards the project ............................................................................................................................... 162
2.4.4 Assessment of key impacts and mitigating measures ........................................................................... 163
2.4.4.1 Displacement of settlers .................................................................................................................................. 163
2.4.4.2 In-migration ..................................................................................................................................................... 163
2.4.4.3 Cultural/Lifestyle change and impact to cultural resources ............................................................................. 163
2.4.4.4 Threat to delivery of basic services and resource competition ........................................................................ 163
2.4.4.5 Threat to public health and safety ................................................................................................................... 164
2.4.4.6 Generation of local benefits from the Project ................................................................................................. 164
2.4.4.7 Traffic congestion ............................................................................................................................................. 165
CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................... 167
CHAPTER 4. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT & EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES ............ 177
4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................ 177
4.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES ........................................................................................ 179
CHAPTER 5. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND IEC FRAMEWORK ...................................................................... 181

xii | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

5.1 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SDP) FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................ 181


5.2 INFORMATION, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION (IEC) FRAMEWORK........................................................... 182
CHAPTER 6. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING .............................................................................. 184
6.1 SELF-MONITORING PLAN (SMP) .................................................................................................................... 184
6.2 MULTI-SECTORAL MONITORING FRAMEWORK (MMF) ................................................................................. 188
6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL GUARANTEE AND MONITORING FUND COMMITMENT .................................................. 188
6.4 PEMAPS QUESTIONNAIRE ............................................................................................................................. 188
CHAPTER 7. ABANDONMENT / DECOMMISSIONING / REHABILITATION POLICY ................................................ 194
CHAPTER 8. INSTITUTIONAL PLAN FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................ 196
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................................ 199
ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 202
ATTACHMENT 1. SEC CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF 3BEC........................................................................................ 203
ATTACHMENT 2. LOT CONSOLIDATION PLAN ................................................................................................................... 204
ATTACHMENT 3. INITIAL NATURAL HAZARDS ASSESSMENT REPORT (GEORISK.PH) ................................................................... 208

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

List of Tables
Table 1-1. Coordinates of the Project boundary points................................................................................ 1
Table 1-2. Regional access to the Project site............................................................................................... 7
Table 1-3. Criteria description of the selected option ................................................................................ 11
Table 1-4. Solar data summary ................................................................................................................... 12
Table 1-5. Hazard contextualization of the Project .................................................................................... 15
Table 1-6. Estimated footprints of major Project components .................................................................. 17
Table 1-7. Major components of the Project .............................................................................................. 17
Table 1-8. Support facilities of Project during operation phase .............................................................. 19
Table 1-9. Pollution control strategies for the Project ............................................................................... 19
Table 1-10. Standard Test Conditions of the Project PV module ............................................................... 21
Table 1-11. Specfiications of the PV module .............................................................................................. 21
Table 1-12. Specifications of the inverter ................................................................................................... 22
Table 1-13. Specifications of the fixed-tilt mounting structure .................................................................. 22
Table 1-14. Specifications of the MV transformer ...................................................................................... 23
Table 1-15. Specifications of the BESS major components ........................................................................ 23
Table 1-16. Specifications of the PCS .......................................................................................................... 24
Table 2-1. Land area distribution and number of barangays in Pangasinan .............................................. 32
Table 2-2. Land areas of barangays in Bugallon.......................................................................................... 35
Table 2-3. Existing land uses in Bugallon .................................................................................................... 35
Table 2-4. List of protected areas located in Region I ................................................................................ 39
Table 2-5. ECA classification evaluation of Project area ............................................................................. 41
Table 2-6. List of mining tenements in Pangasinan .................................................................................... 44
Table 2-7. Forestry management areas in Bugallon as of 2018.................................................................. 45
Table 2-8. Description of rock formations in Pangasinan ........................................................................... 53
Table 2-9. Intensity scales in relation to acceleration, ground shaking, and potential damage ................ 60
Table 2-10. Soil parameters and analytic method ...................................................................................... 63
Table 2-11. Description of soils in Bugallon ................................................................................................ 64
Table 2-12. Existing soil fertility at the Project area ................................................................................... 67
Table 2-13. Existing soil micronutrients at the Project area ....................................................................... 67
Table 2-14. Existing soil contamination at the Project area ....................................................................... 67
Table 2-15. Description of stations for vegetation sampling ...................................................................... 68
Table 2-16. Description of transect locations for fauna sampling .............................................................. 69
Table 2-17. Relative values for plant species diversity ............................................................................... 71
Table 2-18. Endemic species recorded at the Project site .......................................................................... 73
Table 2-19. Threatened plants recorded at the Project site ....................................................................... 73
Table 2-20. Flora species recorded at the Project site ............................................................................... 75
Table 2-21. Faunal species recorded at the Project site ............................................................................. 77
Table 2-22. Recorded invertebrates in forest and open areas of the Project site ..................................... 78
Table 2-23. Importance Values of recorded tree species at the Project site ............................................. 80
Table 2-24. Diversity indices and species richness at each quadrat ........................................................... 81
Table 2-25. Species data and biodiversity values of each sampling quadrat ............................................. 82
Table 2-26. Recorded bird species at the Project site ................................................................................ 84
Table 2-27. Species listed during the fauna community interviews ........................................................... 87
Table 2-28. Description of the freshwater ecology stations ....................................................................... 91
Table 2-22. Physical and chemical properties of water at Bugallon streams system* ............................... 95
Table 2-0-23. Benthic macroinvertebrate taxa gathered in Bugallon Streams .......................................... 97
Table 2-0-24. Periphyta obtained in the sampling area.............................................................................. 99

xiv | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

Table 2-0-25. List of Freshwater Fishes reported from Philippines found within the proposed Lasso Solar
Power Project............................................................................................................................................ 102
Table 2-0-26. Summary of Species during the Freshwater Ecology Assessment Interview with the
Community................................................................................................................................................ 106
Table 2-0-27. Computed macroinvertebrate indices for assessing water quality. ................................... 108
Table 2-0-28. Standardized relative abundance data for wet and dry season ......................................... 109
Table 2-0-29. Beta diversity analyses of macroinvertebrates assemblages ............................................. 110
Table 2-29. Typical full energy chain GHG emission factors ..................................................................... 113
Table 2-30. Climate normal records at the PAGASA Dagupan station (1991–2020) ................................ 115
Table 2-31. Climate extreme records at the PAGASA Dagupan station (as of 2021) ............................... 116
Table 2-32. Temperature projections for Pangasinan - Moderate emission scenario (RCP4.5) .............. 121
Table 2-33. Temperature projections for Pangasinan - High emission scenario (RCP8.5) ....................... 121
Table 2-34. Rainfall projections for Pangasinan - Moderate emission scenario (RCP4.5) ........................ 122
Table 2-35. Rainfall projections for Pangasinan - High emission scenario (RCP8.5)................................. 122
Table 2-36. Vegetation matrix for carbon sequestration ......................................................................... 126
Table 2-37. AQ sampling stations at the Project area .............................................................................. 127
Table 2-38. National ambient air quality guideline values ....................................................................... 127
Table 2-39. Noise descriptors for describing the existing sonic profile at the Project area ..................... 128
Table 2-40. Environmental quality standards for noise in general areas ................................................. 129
Table 2-41. Maximum noise levels allowed during construction ............................................................. 129
Table 2-42. Results of AQ sampling at the Project area ........................................................................... 130
Table 2-43. Predicted sound levels of construction activities .................................................................. 131
Table 2-44. Predicted sound levels from construction activities at 30m ................................................. 131
Table 2-45. Existing noise descriptors and impacts at the Project area ................................................... 132
Table 2-46. Best available fugitive dust control measures ....................................................................... 135
Table 2-47. Best available fugitive dust control measures during high wind conditions ......................... 135
Table 2-48. Common TSP suppression measures ..................................................................................... 136
Table 3-1. Activities during the pre-construction phase........................................................................... 168
Table 3-2. Impact Management Plan during the Construction Phase ...................................................... 169
Table 3-3. Impact Management Plan during Operation Phase................................................................. 173
Table 4-1. Level 1 and 2 threshold inventory table .................................................................................. 178
Table 4-2. Definition of hazardous substance categories ......................................................................... 178
Table 5-1. Preliminary SDP Framework of the Project ............................................................................. 181
Table 5-2. Proposed Information, Education and Communication Plan .................................................. 182
Table 6-1. Proposed Self-Monitoring Plan during the Construction phase .............................................. 185
Table 6-2. Proposed Self-Monitoring Plan during the Operation phase .................................................. 186

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. National and regional location of the Project............................................................................. 3


Figure 1-2. Barangay jurisdiction map of the Project site............................................................................. 4
Figure 1-3. Provincial, municipal, and barangay location map of the Project .............................................. 5
Figure 1-4. Initial impact areas of the Project............................................................................................... 6
Figure 1-5. Vicinity map of the Project site................................................................................................... 8
Figure 1-6. Significant environmental features at the Project site and its vicinities .................................... 9
Figure 1-7. NAMRIA map showing the Project area ................................................................................... 10
Figure 1-8. SolarGIS Solar Resource Map.................................................................................................... 13
Figure 1-9. Indicative Site Development Plan ............................................................................................. 18

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

Figure 1-10. Schematic of a battery energy storage system (BESS) ........................................................... 24


Figure 1-11. Monitoring system schematic overview ................................................................................. 25
Figure 1-12. Typical power generation process of a solar PV facility ......................................................... 26
Figure 1-13. Indicative Project implementation schedule .......................................................................... 28
Figure 1-14. Organizational structure of 3BEC............................................................................................ 30
Figure 2-1. Land use map of Pangasinan Province .......................................................................................... 34
Figure 2-2. Existing land use and land classication maps of Pangasinan .................................................... 36
Figure 2-3. Satellite image of the Project site ............................................................................................. 38
Figure 2-4. Location of mining areas in Pangasinan Province .................................................................... 43
Figure 2-5. Location of NGP areas in Bugallon (2011-2020) ....................................................................... 48
Figure 2-6. Visual impact of solar power facilities on flat and rolling terrain ............................................ 49
Figure 2-7. Topographic and elevation map of Pangasinan showing the Project area .............................. 51
Figure 2-8. Slope map of Pangasinan .......................................................................................................... 52
Figure 2-9. Generalized tectonic map of Northern Luzon .......................................................................... 53
Figure 2-10. Geologic map of Pangasinan................................................................................................... 54
Figure 2-11. Topographic map of Bugallon showing the Project area........................................................ 55
Figure 2-12. Seismicity map of the Philippines from 1907 to 2012 ............................................................ 57
Figure 2-13. Distance of the Project site to the nearest active fault .......................................................... 58
Figure 2-14. PGA contour map for soft soil showing the Project site ......................................................... 59
Figure 2-15. PGA contour map for medium soil showing the Project site ................................................. 59
Figure 2-16. PGA contour map for rock showing the Project site .............................................................. 59
Figure 2-17. Landslide and flood hazard map of Bugallon.......................................................................... 61
Figure 2-18. Location map of active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines .......................... 62
Figure 2-19. Soil sampling stations map ..................................................................................................... 63
Figure 2-20. Soil map of Pangasinan ........................................................................................................... 64
Figure 2-21. Relative locations of quadrats for vegetation sampling ......................................................... 69
Figure 2-22. Transect map for fauna sampling ........................................................................................... 70
Figure 2-23. Frequency and rank of recorded flora species at the Project site .......................................... 77
Figure 2-24. Density indices per quadrat .................................................................................................... 82
Figure 2-25. Biodiversity values for each quadrat ...................................................................................... 83
Figure 2-26. Theoretical predator-prey interaction for recorded birds at the Project site ........................ 86
Figure 2-27. Freshwater ecology sampling stations map ........................................................................... 93
Figure 28. General geomorphological values of sampled sites in Cayanga-Salomague, Bugallon ............. 95
Figure 2-29. Averages of measured water chemical parameters in Lasso Solar Power Project streams ... 96
Figure 2-30. Representative images of benthic macroinvertebrate........................................................... 97
Figure 2-31. Most common periphyton genera obtained in the Project area............................................ 99
Figure 2-32. Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates by Functional Feeding Groups ........................ 107
Figure 2-33. Computed per-site HFBI of sampled freshwater sites .......................................................... 109
Figure 2-34. PAGASA station near the Project site ................................................................................... 112
Figure 2-35. Climate map of the Philippines showing the Project site ..................................................... 114
Figure 2-36. Normal wind profile at the PAGASA Dagupan station (1991-2020) ..................................... 117
Figure 2-37. Typhoon risk and cyclone frequency map showing the Project site .................................... 118
Figure 2-38. Rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and cloud cover at the Project site ..................... 120
Figure 2-39. Schematic of potential effects of solar panels on precipitation distribution ....................... 123
Figure 2-40. Projected seasonal temperature and rainfall projections at the Project site ...................... 124
Figure 2-41. Comparison of Project GHG emissions and other power generation technologies ............. 125
Figure 2-42. Potential GHG displaced by the Project................................................................................ 126
Figure 2-43. AQ sampling stations map .................................................................................................... 128
Figure 2-44. Diurnal trend of sound levels at the sampling stations ........................................................ 133

xvi | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table of Contents

Figure 2-45. Settlements Map .................................................................................................................. 147


Figure 8-1. Indicative structure of the Environmental Unit ...................................................................... 197

List of Plates

Plate 2-1. Observed land uses in various parts of the Project site ............................................................. 37
Plate 2-2. Observed rocks on the northern boundary of the Project site .................................................. 55
Plate 2-3. Cross-section of Bolinao and Alaminos soil series ...................................................................... 65
Plate 2-4. Photographs of representative flora species recorded at the Project site ................................ 74
Plate 2-5. Photographs of reptiles observed at the Project site ................................................................. 78
Plate 2-6. Photographs of forest and grassland invertebrates at the Project site ..................................... 79
Plate 2-7. Birds observed at the Project site............................................................................................... 85
Plate 2-8. Photodocumentation of interviews on fauna ............................................................................ 88

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Units

xvii | P a g e
xviii | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

CHAPTER 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bugallon Solar Power Project (“Project”) is a solar energy plant with a capacity of 650.1 MWp (530.4 Mwac)
being proposed by the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. (“Proponent”). The proponent is a subsidiary of Vena Energy,
Southeast Asia’s largest independent renewable energy power producer. Vena Energy is represented in several
offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region – Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan,
Thailand, and the Philippines.

1.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA


1.1.1 General location and project area

The Project will cover portions of Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte in the municipality
of Bugallon, province of Pangasinan. The general location of the Project site and the provincial, municipal, and
barangay jurisdictions are shown in Figure 1-1, Figure 1-2, and Figure 1-3. The Project will have an area of
544.23 hectares defined by coordinates shown in Table 1-1. The Lot Consolidation Plan of the Project area is
shown in Attachment 2.

The Project will have an initial total of 1,182,000 panels to be laid out in the Project area. The number may
change and the coverage of the panels (per barangay, area) will be determined after completion of the
geotechnical and hydrology study.

1|P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Table 1-1. Coordinates of the Project boundary points


# Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude
1 120° 11' 18.51" E 15° 54' 33.48" N 57 120° 12' 19.66" E 15° 54' 39.29" N 113 120° 12' 39.08" E 15° 54' 45.55" N 169 120° 12' 16.41" E 15° 54' 17.06" N
2 120° 11' 20.30" E 15° 54' 34.03" N 58 120° 12' 24.37" E 15° 54' 40.43" N 114 120° 12' 39.02" E 15° 54' 47.28" N 170 120° 12' 11.09" E 15° 54' 16.11" N
3 120° 11' 27.21" E 15° 54' 36.13" N 59 120° 12' 24.36" E 15° 54' 40.45" N 115 120° 12' 38.84" E 15° 54' 49.53" N 171 120° 12' 16.00" E 15° 54' 09.75" N
4 120° 11' 29.14" E 15° 54' 37.77" N 60 120° 12' 27.17" E 15° 54' 40.90" N 116 120° 12' 44.65" E 15° 54' 50.58" N 172 120° 12' 21.05" E 15° 54' 03.69" N
5 120° 11' 34.02" E 15° 54' 40.20" N 61 120° 12' 30.98" E 15° 54' 42.51" N 117 120° 12' 45.75" E 15° 54' 47.05" N 173 120° 12' 21.44" E 15° 54' 03.44" N
6 120° 11' 35.61" E 15° 54' 42.50" N 62 120° 12' 30.90" E 15° 54' 42.86" N 118 120° 12' 47.00" E 15° 54' 40.16" N 174 120° 12' 24.80" E 15° 54' 06.72" N
7 120° 11' 35.87" E 15° 54' 42.98" N 63 120° 12' 28.50" E 15° 54' 53.71" N 119 120° 12' 46.96" E 15° 54' 36.17" N 175 120° 12' 24.44" E 15° 54' 07.23" N
8 120° 11' 38.73" E 15° 54' 47.14" N 64 120° 12' 28.64" E 15° 54' 54.62" N 120 120° 12' 40.32" E 15° 54' 35.00" N 176 120° 12' 29.29" E 15° 54' 07.50" N
9 120° 11' 39.04" E 15° 54' 47.83" N 65 120° 12' 28.88" E 15° 54' 55.16" N 121 120° 12' 39.82" E 15° 54' 37.20" N 177 120° 12' 30.89" E 15° 54' 08.27" N
10 120° 11' 39.42" E 15° 54' 46.06" N 66 120° 12' 30.51" E 15° 54' 54.64" N 122 120° 12' 34.81" E 15° 54' 35.85" N 178 120° 12' 31.81" E 15° 54' 03.07" N
11 120° 11' 45.87" E 15° 54' 48.65" N 67 120° 12' 32.20" E 15° 54' 43.52" N 123 120° 12' 36.67" E 15° 54' 28.95" N 179 120° 12' 35.01" E 15° 53' 59.81" N
12 120° 11' 51.75" E 15° 54' 51.36" N 68 120° 12' 32.82" E 15° 54' 43.29" N 124 120° 12' 30.43" E 15° 54' 26.47" N 180 120° 12' 37.72" E 15° 53' 55.66" N
13 120° 11' 54.62" E 15° 54' 54.06" N 69 120° 12' 34.72" E 15° 54' 44.86" N 125 120° 12' 30.62" E 15° 54' 17.46" N 181 120° 12' 38.12" E 15° 53' 54.29" N
14 120° 11' 55.76" E 15° 54' 54.21" N 70 120° 12' 32.29" E 15° 54' 55.29" N 126 120° 12' 38.54" E 15° 54' 23.67" N 182 120° 12' 27.24" E 15° 53' 49.92" N
15 120° 11' 57.48" E 15° 54' 55.11" N 71 120° 12' 32.59" E 15° 54' 55.82" N 127 120° 12' 40.93" E 15° 54' 24.92" N 183 120° 12' 20.59" E 15° 53' 45.05" N
16 120° 11' 58.35" E 15° 54' 55.19" N 72 120° 12' 36.66" E 15° 54' 56.65" N 128 120° 12' 54.08" E 15° 54' 28.08" N 184 120° 12' 16.76" E 15° 53' 40.08" N
17 120° 12' 01.27" E 15° 54' 56.64" N 73 120° 12' 37.44" E 15° 54' 57.08" N 129 120° 12' 53.48" E 15° 54' 28.76" N 185 120° 12' 14.54" E 15° 53' 39.23" N
18 120° 12' 01.24" E 15° 54' 56.83" N 74 120° 12' 37.53" E 15° 54' 57.26" N 130 120° 13' 00.14" E 15° 54' 39.23" N 186 120° 12' 08.72" E 15° 53' 36.09" N
19 120° 11' 59.13" E 15° 54' 55.89" N 75 120° 12' 38.71" E 15° 54' 58.09" N 131 120° 13' 05.29" E 15° 54' 32.13" N 187 120° 12' 08.71" E 15° 53' 36.10" N
20 120° 11' 58.21" E 15° 54' 55.82" N 76 120° 12' 39.44" E 15° 54' 58.88" N 132 120° 13' 08.79" E 15° 54' 36.63" N 188 120° 12' 06.42" E 15° 53' 33.73" N
21 120° 11' 54.51" E 15° 54' 54.25" N 77 120° 12' 39.42" E 15° 54' 59.15" N 133 120° 13' 03.53" E 15° 54' 44.26" N 189 120° 12' 04.03" E 15° 53' 31.25" N
22 120° 11' 52.89" E 15° 54' 56.25" N 78 120° 12' 39.96" E 15° 54' 59.43" N 134 120° 13' 10.64" E 15° 54' 45.82" N 190 120° 12' 00.49" E 15° 53' 25.55" N
23 120° 11' 56.33" E 15° 54' 56.82" N 79 120° 12' 40.32" E 15° 55' 00.05" N 135 120° 13' 12.34" E 15° 54' 42.95" N 191 120° 11' 58.21" E 15° 53' 21.89" N
24 120° 12' 04.27" E 15° 55' 00.73" N 80 120° 12' 41.64" E 15° 55' 01.09" N 136 120° 13' 15.72" E 15° 54' 44.53" N 192 120° 11' 56.25" E 15° 53' 19.12" N
25 120° 12' 06.33" E 15° 55' 04.02" N 81 120° 12' 42.05" E 15° 55' 02.12" N 137 120° 13' 17.61" E 15° 54' 41.02" N 193 120° 11' 53.30" E 15° 53' 14.98" N
26 120° 12' 13.30" E 15° 55' 09.51" N 82 120° 12' 42.72" E 15° 55' 02.99" N 138 120° 13' 17.35" E 15° 54' 37.44" N 194 120° 11' 52.38" E 15° 53' 14.59" N
27 120° 12' 14.15" E 15° 55' 08.27" N 83 120° 12' 43.56" E 15° 55' 04.08" N 139 120° 13' 17.92" E 15° 54' 33.99" N 195 120° 11' 42.45" E 15° 53' 10.48" N
28 120° 12' 14.21" E 15° 55' 08.23" N 84 120° 12' 44.97" E 15° 55' 04.17" N 140 120° 13' 14.35" E 15° 54' 33.53" N 196 120° 11' 37.73" E 15° 53' 18.25" N
29 120° 12' 11.28" E 15° 55' 05.72" N 85 120° 12' 45.76" E 15° 55' 04.38" N 141 120° 13' 11.72" E 15° 54' 32.38" N 197 120° 11' 32.88" E 15° 53' 26.33" N
30 120° 12' 10.93" E 15° 55' 05.31" N 86 120° 12' 46.53" E 15° 55' 04.61" N 142 120° 13' 13.64" E 15° 54' 29.71" N 198 120° 11' 32.65" E 15° 53' 26.13" N
31 120° 12' 10.62" E 15° 55' 03.89" N 87 120° 12' 47.01" E 15° 55' 04.82" N 143 120° 13' 09.90" E 15° 54' 24.12" N 199 120° 11' 31.27" E 15° 53' 23.81" N
32 120° 12' 09.29" E 15° 55' 01.75" N 88 120° 12' 47.10" E 15° 55' 04.64" N 144 120° 13' 14.84" E 15° 54' 22.50" N 200 120° 11' 30.57" E 15° 53' 21.26" N
33 120° 12' 08.72" E 15° 55' 01.24" N 89 120° 12' 47.60" E 15° 55' 00.20" N 145 120° 13' 13.85" E 15° 54' 21.45" N 201 120° 11' 27.33" E 15° 53' 23.80" N
34 120° 12' 07.54" E 15° 55' 00.65" N 90 120° 12' 47.70" E 15° 54' 58.39" N 146 120° 13' 14.05" E 15° 54' 17.54" N 202 120° 11' 25.97" E 15° 53' 24.40" N
35 120° 12' 07.04" E 15° 55' 00.29" N 91 120° 12' 48.45" E 15° 54' 58.25" N 147 120° 13' 10.69" E 15° 54' 16.65" N 203 120° 11' 22.80" E 15° 53' 24.25" N
36 120° 12' 06.84" E 15° 54' 59.58" N 92 120° 12' 49.54" E 15° 54' 57.95" N 148 120° 13' 11.37" E 15° 54' 11.93" N 204 120° 11' 24.00" E 15° 53' 35.33" N
37 120° 12' 05.32" E 15° 54' 57.80" N 93 120° 12' 50.24" E 15° 54' 57.95" N 149 120° 13' 10.81" E 15° 54' 11.85" N 205 120° 11' 24.77" E 15° 53' 39.34" N

1|P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

# Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude # Longitude Latitude


38 120° 12' 04.77" E 15° 54' 57.08" N 94 120° 12' 53.30" E 15° 54' 57.98" N 150 120° 13' 11.59" E 15° 54' 07.93" N 206 120° 11' 23.58" E 15° 53' 46.76" N
39 120° 12' 05.29" E 15° 54' 56.53" N 95 120° 12' 53.39" E 15° 54' 55.58" N 151 120° 13' 08.86" E 15° 54' 08.71" N 207 120° 11' 35.01" E 15° 53' 44.93" N
40 120° 12' 04.52" E 15° 54' 54.90" N 96 120° 12' 52.69" E 15° 54' 55.58" N 152 120° 13' 06.87" E 15° 54' 09.10" N 208 120° 11' 35.92" E 15° 53' 44.91" N
41 120° 12' 05.78" E 15° 54' 51.26" N 97 120° 12' 52.85" E 15° 54' 52.86" N 153 120° 13' 05.73" E 15° 54' 11.07" N 209 120° 11' 37.04" E 15° 53' 45.42" N
42 120° 12' 07.23" E 15° 54' 47.49" N 98 120° 12' 49.99" E 15° 54' 53.75" N 154 120° 13' 05.14" E 15° 54' 12.63" N 210 120° 11' 37.11" E 15° 53' 46.42" N
43 120° 12' 07.56" E 15° 54' 46.32" N 99 120° 12' 49.83" E 15° 54' 53.70" N 155 120° 13' 02.39" E 15° 54' 11.72" N 211 120° 11' 36.44" E 15° 53' 46.63" N
44 120° 12' 07.47" E 15° 54' 45.09" N 100 120° 12' 50.36" E 15° 54' 53.36" N 156 120° 13' 01.49" E 15° 54' 16.16" N 212 120° 11' 35.94" E 15° 53' 50.28" N
45 120° 12' 07.80" E 15° 54' 40.95" N 101 120° 12' 53.50" E 15° 54' 44.26" N 157 120° 13' 00.99" E 15° 54' 19.14" N 213 120° 11' 35.42" E 15° 53' 55.55" N
46 120° 12' 08.60" E 15° 54' 37.84" N 102 120° 12' 51.01" E 15° 54' 42.92" N 158 120° 13' 00.06" E 15° 54' 23.83" N 214 120° 11' 35.14" E 15° 53' 57.10" N
47 120° 12' 08.75" E 15° 54' 37.93" N 103 120° 12' 51.34" E 15° 54' 41.72" N 159 120° 13' 01.22" E 15° 54' 24.29" N 215 120° 11' 38.54" E 15° 53' 58.15" N
48 120° 12' 10.40" E 15° 54' 39.43" N 104 120° 12' 48.92" E 15° 54' 39.46" N 160 120° 13' 03.54" E 15° 54' 24.71" N 216 120° 11' 38.44" E 15° 53' 58.53" N
49 120° 12' 13.19" E 15° 54' 39.95" N 105 120° 12' 47.91" E 15° 54' 46.26" N 161 120° 13' 01.22" E 15° 54' 25.11" N 217 120° 11' 19.88" E 15° 54' 19.65" N
50 120° 12' 14.01" E 15° 54' 40.04" N 106 120° 12' 50.32" E 15° 54' 46.61" N 162 120° 12' 59.25" E 15° 54' 24.33" N 218 120° 11' 19.28" E 15° 54' 24.01" N
51 120° 12' 13.27" E 15° 54' 45.70" N 107 120° 12' 49.02" E 15° 54' 53.47" N 163 120° 12' 54.21" E 15° 54' 20.70" N 219 120° 11' 16.65" E 15° 54' 28.61" N
52 120° 12' 17.84" E 15° 54' 44.95" N 108 120° 12' 44.33" E 15° 54' 52.61" N 164 120° 12' 54.03" E 15° 54' 21.64" N 220 120° 11' 15.34" E 15° 54' 31.43" N
53 120° 12' 18.11" E 15° 54' 39.38" N 109 120° 12' 43.88" E 15° 54' 54.84" N 165 120° 12' 30.42" E 15° 54' 09.42" N 221 120° 11' 16.31" E 15° 54' 32.81" N
54 120° 12' 14.15" E 15° 54' 38.99" N 110 120° 12' 37.02" E 15° 54' 54.49" N 166 120° 12' 29.50" E 15° 54' 09.09" N
55 120° 12' 14.07" E 15° 54' 38.76" N 111 120° 12' 37.85" E 15° 54' 49.28" N 167 120° 12' 30.59" E 15° 54' 17.39" N
56 120° 12' 19.02" E 15° 54' 39.23" N 112 120° 12' 37.95" E 15° 54' 45.45" N 168 120° 12' 26.21" E 15° 54' 16.64" N
Source: 3BEC

2|P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-1. National and regional location of the Project

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-2. Barangay jurisdiction map of the Project site

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-3. Provincial, municipal, and barangay location map of the Project

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.1.3 Impact areas

The Revised Procedural Manual (RPM) of DAO 2003-30 defined the Direct Impact Area (DIA) at the pre-EIA
stage as the extent where all “Project facilities are proposed to be constructed/situated and where all operations
are proposed to be undertaken”. Based on this, the DIA is the 600-hectare area of the Project (red polygon in
Error! Reference source not found.) with Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte as the Direct
Impact Barangays.

The Indirect Impact Area (IIA) was initially assumed as areas within five kilometers (5km) from the center of the
Project site (orange circle in Figure 1-4). The impact areas will be delineated after the EIA is completed guided
by results of the impact assessment.

Figure 1-4. Initial impact areas of the Project

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
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Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.1.3 Accessibility of the site

The site is around 167 linear kilometers northwest of the National Capital Region (NCR), 22 km southwest of
Dagupan City and 35km southeast of Alaminos in Pangasinan, and 64 km northwest of Tarlac City. The Project
area can be accessed by land transportation from the Barangay Cayanga Road, Sagor St., Barangay Baybay
Road, that all connects to the Tarlac-Pangasinan Road (Romulo Highway) (Figure 1-5). Regional access to the
Project area is summarized in Table 1-2.

Table 1-2. Regional access to the Project site


Direction Origin Route
North Lingayen, Dagupan Tarlac-Pangasinan Road (Romulo Highway)
North San Fernando, La Union Dagupan-Binmaley Road, Pangasinan- La union
Road, Avenida Rizal Road, Tarlac-Pangasinan
Road (Romulo Highway)
Northwest Bolinao, Alaminos, Sual, Labrador Olongapo-Bugallon Road, Tarlac-Pangasinan
Road (Romulo Highway)
South Camiling, Tarlac City, Pampanga, Tarlac-Pangasinan Road (Romulo Highway),
NCR Manila North Road, NLEX,

1.1.4 Significant environmental features of the site

The current zoning map of Bugallon showed that the Project area is composed of mostly agricultural, brush,
pasture, and idle land. The land uses at the Project site is a mix of agricultural, brush, grass, pasture, and built-
up areas (white labels in Figure 1-6). Mountainous areas with elevations greater than 100 meters above sea
level are found at the western and southern boundaries of the Project area. Land uses outside the Project area
are basically the same with those inside the Project area (orange labels in Figure 1-6). The land use of Bugallon
and estimated areas of the Project components located in each land use are presented in Section 2.1.1 of
Chapter 2.

The agricultural areas within the Project site are planted with rice, corn and mango. Idle areas at the Project
area are a mix of brushlands with patches of small trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses. A few hectares of land are
planted with some eucalyptus trees while bamboos cover the steep ridges of the riparian strips.

There are two surface streams at the boundary of the Project site: The Dumuloc river in the north and the Sobol
Creek in the south. These streams drain to the Agno River about 3.2km of the eastern boundary of the Project.

The NAMRIA map of Bugallon showing the Project area is shown in Figure 1-7.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-5. Vicinity map of the Project site

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-6. Significant environmental features at the Project site and its vicinities

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-7. NAMRIA map showing the Project area

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.2 PROJECT RATIONALE

The electricity demand In Luzon was projected to increase at an average annual growth rate of 4.13 percent
from 7,969 MW in 2012 to 10,693 MW in 2020 and will further increase 16,477 MW in 2030. In addition to the
committed power projects, the grid still requires 8,100 MW of additional capacity (6,000 MW baseload and
2,100 MW peaking) to meet the electricity demand and its reserve margin.

The Project is aligned with the Philippine Department of Energy’s (DOE) vision to increase electricity generated
from renewable sources to reduce the cost of electricity and environmental impacts associated with traditional
fossil fuel generation. The Project can readily address the projected energy crisis and enhance the reliability by
delivering power to the area with a high-performance reactive power capability.

1.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

This section presents the different selection criteria for siting, selection of technology, resources, and
contextualization of hazards based on available hazard maps from relevant institutions.

1.3.1 Selection criteria

Table 1-3. Criteria description of the selected option


Alternative parameter Major selection criteria
Site - land use classification
- accessibility
- proximity to the sea
- land acquisition
- incentives
- geohazards
Technology/process - fuel flexibility
- emissions control
- auxiliary power consumption
- plant performance
- O&M
- Investment cost
Resources - Availability
- minimum competition
- access

1.3.1.1 Siting
The major reasons for selecting the Project site are enumerated below.

a) Absence of public land


b) Available private lands for acquisition that are alienable and disposable (A&D)
c) Proximity to the NGCP interconnection facilities (about 9km)
d) Availability of water sources (surface and sub-surface): Dumuloc River in the north and the Sobol Creek
in the south. Both streams drain to the Agno River about 3.2km eastern boundary of the Project.
e) Proximity to an open coastline: Salomague Sur to Sual International Port using the Romulo Highway is
25.22km away and 10.59 km to various ports in Lingayen.

1.3.1.2 Technology selection


The most distinctive technology in a grid-connected solar PV facility are solar modules, inverters, transformers,
mounting structures, and monitoring system. The modules will harvest the solar energy (solar irradiance) and
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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

convert it into DC power. The inverters will be designed to work under the variable power transformer(s),
converting the DC to AC power to be transmitted to the grid. The monitoring system , another important feature
of the solar PV facility, should allow effective maintenance planning and assessment of plant performance.

The solar panel types considered for the Project are 1) crystalline PV (monocrystalline and polycrystalline), and
2) thin-film PV (amorphous silicon (a-Si), copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride
(CdTe).

The crystalline silicon solar technology was the first type of PV technology widely commercialized. Crystalline
cells are categorized as either monocrystalline or polycrystalline based on the crystal type and size. Thin-film
technology comprises of a thin semiconductor layer deposited on a low-cost flexible substrate. The lower
consumption of silicon reduces the manufacturing costs of the module considerably but leads to lower panel
efficiency than the crystalline silicon technology.

The Project will use monocrystalline bifacial Longi Solar 550Wp with the new TOPCon N-Type cells. PV module
manufacturers are leaning towards N-type solar cells due to its reliability of long-term power performance,
lower 1st year degradation by as much as -1 percentor less with -0.4 percent on the second years up to 30 years.

1.3.1.3 Resources
The only possible power generation facility that can be installed at the Project site is either renewable energy
or a small-scale conventional fossil-fired power plant. The site lacks access to the sea that will allow cost-
effective delivery of fuel and other materials to operate and maintain a large-scale thermal power facility. The
distance from the nearest connection point also requires a power facility of significant size for it to be cost
effective.

Given these factors, only renewable energy projects can be economically installed and operated at the Project
the area; however solar or biomass can be built because the site does not have sufficient wind or geothermal
resources. Further, only a solar power facility is viable at the Project area because the required feedstock for a
biomass power plant to match the target capacity of the Project is not currently available in the area.

Historical irradiation data specific to the Project location has been gathered to ensure reliability of project
assessment using three main data sources: MeteoNorm, National Aeronautics and Space Administration -
Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (NASA-SSE) and SolarGIS. The assessment showed that the monthly and
annual Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) at the Project area ranged from 126 - 202 kWh/m2 to 1,793 - 1,954
kWh/m2/year.

The SolarGIS data shown in Figure 1-8 was used as the solar irradiance basis while available irradiance data
from other sources is shown in Table 1-4. Given the available solar resource at the area, the Project is
expected to enhance energy reliability by delivering power through high performance on its reactive power
capability.

Table 1-4. Solar data summary


MeteoNorm v.8.0
Source NASA-SSE (satellite) SolarGIS
(satellite)
Data type 3D Interpolation: Resolution 100 km SolarGIS algorithm: Satellite
Satellite and other sources
Data period 1992-2000 1983-2005 2007-2018
Distance from the site At the site At the site At the site
Global Horizontal 1,827.1 1,793.9 1,954.4
Irradiation (kWh/m2/yr)
Source: 3BEC

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-8. SolarGIS Solar Resource Map

1.3.1.4 Rationale for the chosen option


The Project site was selected based on the selection criteria previously presented. The major reasons for
selecting the Project site are a) proximity to the NGCP grid (~9km from the NGCP substation), b) one to 2.3km
from Romulo Highway, c) existing land use are unirrigated cultivated lands, brushland, grasslands, and idle
lands, d) available Alienable and Disposable (A&D) lands having very large sizes lot sizes.

1.3.2 The “No Project” option

The “No Project” option means that the current state of the Project area will remain and will change according
to the land use changes in its vicinity. The development and impacts (adverse and beneficial) associated with
Project implementation will not occur.

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.3.3 Hazard contextualization

Hazard contextualization in this context refers to the susceptibility of the Project area to natural hazards e.g.,
seismic, volcanic, and hydro-meteorological, initially evaluated using the hazard assessment tool of GeoRisk
Philippines, a multi-agency initiative led by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for
Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD)1.

The initial hazard assessment showed that the Project area is prone to ground shaking and ashfall from an
eruption of Mount Pinatubo and a low susceptibility to rain-induced landslides. The brief description of the
natural hazards and recommendations to address the susceptibilities are shown in Table 1-5.

1
www.georisk.gov.ph/
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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Table 1-5. Hazard contextualization of the Project


Natural hazard Hazard assessment Explanation and Recommendation
Ground Rupture Safe; Approximately 895m southwest Active faults are faults that have moved within the last 10,000 years. An active fault may show
of the East Zambales Fault evidence or may have documented history of recent movements. Ground rupture is a displacement
along an active fault trace that reaches the surface. Ground rupture hazard assessment is the
distance to the nearest known active fault. The recommended buffer zone, or Zone of Avoidance,
against ground rupture hazard is at least 5 meters on both sides of the active fault or from its
zone of deformation.
Ground Shaking Prone All sites may be affected by ground shaking in the event of an earthquake and can be mitigated by
following the provisions of the National Building code and the Structural code of the Philippines.
Liquefaction Safe Liquefaction is a phenomenon wherein the ground, especially near the river, lake and coasts,
behaves like liquid similar to quicksand due to very strong shaking.
Earthquake-induced Prone; Moderate Susceptibility Earthquake-induced landslides are the downward slope movement of rocks, solid and other debris
landslides commonly triggered by strong shaking. Avoidance is recommended for sites with earthquake-
induced landslide hazard unless appropriate engineering interventions are in place
Tsunami Safe A tsunami is a series of sea waves commonly generated by under-the-sea earthquakes.
Nearest Active Volcano Approximately 85.9km north of Mount Active volcanoes are those that erupted within historical times (within the last 600 years). Accounts
Pinatubo of these eruptions were documented by man within the last 10,000 years based on the analyses of
material from young volcanic deposits.
Lahar Safe Lahars (an Indonesian term), sometimes called volcanic mudflows or debris flows, are slurries of
volcanic sediment, debris and water that cascade down a volcano’s slopes through rivers and
channels. Lahars in tropical areas are mainly generated by torrential rainfall on unconsolidated
deposits from a past eruption.
Ashfall Prone In case of future eruptions, the site may be affected by ash fallout, depending on the scale of
eruption and prevailing wind direction at the time of eruption. Generally, ashfall is heavier near the
active vent and thins out indefinitely away from the eruption center.

Rain-Induced Landslide Low Susceptibility; No identified Areas with low susceptibility to rain-induced landslides are gently sloping areas with no identified
landslides landslides. Implementation of appropriate mitigation measures as deemed necessary by Project
engineers and LGU building officials is recommended for landslide susceptible areas. This includes
performing site-specific studies to address potential foundation/slope stability problems.
Monitoring of signs/evidences of ground movement such as tension cracks, tilted trees and fences,

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Natural hazard Hazard assessment Explanation and Recommendation


and bulging road sections in areas that are moderately to critically susceptible to landslides should
be done regularly and reported to local authorities and/or the MGB.
Severe Wind 117.1 - 220 kph (20- year return period) The Regional Severe Wind Hazard Map represents the 3-second peak gust wind speed measured at
117.1 - 220 kph (500- year return period) 10-meter height (above ground) over open and flat terrain. This does not take into account the local
factors such as topography, terrain roughness and shielding from neighboring structures.
The Regional Severe Wind Hazard is expressed in terms of Return Periods(RPs) of Tropical Cyclone
winds. Return period means the repeat interval, or the estimate of likelihood and severity of severe
wind event. Return periods are then translated into Annual Exceedance Probabilities (AEPs) which
are the chance that a given severe wind hazard level will be equaled or exceeded in any year.
At higher return periods, the wind speeds are stronger but are less frequent. At lower return
periods, the wind speeds are less intense but are more frequent. The Regional severe wind hazard
maps are used to update the wind zoning map of the Philippines and as reference in designing
building structures. For those areas identified as high risk to wind damage, building codes and
regulations must be strictly implemented to mitigate severe wind risks. For already developed
areas, retrofitting is encouraged – the methods applied in this study can be used to set out a cost-
benefit study for retrofitting older, more vulnerable building types to increase their resilience to
severe winds
Storm surge Safe A storm surge (“daluyong ng bagyo”) is the abnormal rise in sea level that occurs during tropical
cyclones or “bagyo”. It happens when a very strong tropical cyclone blows-off excessive amounts
of seawater toward low-lying coastal communities. It is catastrophic and life-threatening because
a storm surge can cause massive inland flooding, sometimes in unimaginable heights. It is even
more dangerous when the storm surge coincides with a high tide. For storm surge-prone
communities, the most important considerations are 1) the strength of the tropical cyclone, 2) the
height of the surge, and 3) if the community is located in a low-lying areas.
Source: GeoRisk.com

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.4 PROJECT COMPONENTS

This section presents the site development plan, Project layout, major components, support facilities, and
waste management systems.

1.4.1 General layout of the Project

Figure 1-9 shows the indicated site Development plan of the Project while Table 1-6 shows the estimated
footprints of its major components.

Table 1-6. Estimated footprints of major Project components


Component Area, ha
Solar PV panels* 465
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) 20
HV Transformer 10
Buildings and other structures 49.23
TOTAL 544.23
*total area

1.4.2 Major components

The major components of the Project are the solar PV panels, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), HV
Transformer. Ancillary components include pollution control systems, automation and instrumentation, and
other civil structures. The technical description of the Project components is shown in Table 1-7.

Table 1-7. Major components of the Project


Component Capacity / Specifications / Description
Solar PV panels
DC Installed Capacity (AC Installed Capacity) 700 MWp (550 Mwac)
Number of Installed Modules 1,182,000
Number of Strings/Plant 43,344
Inverters SG3400
Number of Inverters/Plant 172 x 3400kW
Fix Tilt 10⁰
Number of MV Transformers/Plant (Solar) 86 x 6800kVA
Inverters/PCS 40 x 5MW
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Package 40 x 12.5 MWh / container
Power Conversion System (PCS) SC5000UD HV-MV
Transformer (Step-up MV) 5,000kVA 33/0.9kV
Transformer (Step-up HV) 1 x 250 MVA 500/33 kV
HV Transformer
Type Oil-immersed
Rated Power (225/300 MVA)/(200/250MVA)
Cooling Type ONAN/ONAF
Nominal Voltage (Max Operating Voltage) 500 kV (550 kV)
Number of phases (conductors) 3 (3)
Short Circuit level 63kA
Source: 3BEC

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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-9. Indicative Site Development Plan

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Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.4.3 Support facilities

Camp sites during the construction phase will include offices, storage facilities, bunk houses, fabrication yards,
materials recovery facility (MRF), and other temporary construction facilities. The Contractor shall designate
the camp sites within the vicinity of active construction sites. Temporary access roads may be also constructed
in inaccessible areas of the site. The support facilities will be updated along with the Feasibility Study and
Preliminary Design as the design and studies progress to subsequent stages.

The power requirements during construction will be supplied through the NGCP and using portable power
generators. Water requirements during construction and operation phases will be supplied by deep wells with
NWRB permits.

The indicative support faciltiies during the operation phase are shown in Table 1-8, These include drainage,
sewer, and water distribution systems. Septic vaults will be installed following the Code of Sanitation of the
Philippines.

An integrated security and surveillance system will be installed to achieve a good level of protection against all
potential risks of intrusion and to contribute to the process, equipment, and personnel safety through IP based
Video Surveillance System (VSS) via a Closed Circuit TV System (CCTV). All these systems will be fed by the
correspondent station service supply.

Table 1-8. Support facilities of Project during operation phase


Ancillary Facilities
Pollution control systems Wastewater treatment plant
Sewage system
Oil-water separator
Thermal effluent cooling
Automation and instrumentation Man-machine interface (MMI)
Main control system (DCS)
Plant protection system
Communication and data transmission system
Civil structures Facility buildings (office, storage, etc.),
Drainage, sewerage and sanitary services

1.4.4 Pollution control

The potential wastes, key environmental impacts, and planned mitigations with activities associated in each
Project phase are shown in Table 1-9.

Table 1-9. Pollution control strategies for the Project


Project phase Brief description of Waste generation Key environmental Planned mitigation built into
process/ activities involved information and social issues design
Pre- construction Detailed Architectural and None expected None expected Formulate the following prior to
Engineering Design, construction:
conduct of EIA, and - Construction Waste
securing of permits and Management Plan (CWMP)
licenses - Integrated Waste
Management Plan (IWMP)
during operations
- Secure Permit to Cut from
DENR (if required)

Activities prior to Construction


and Operation

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Chapter 1 – Project Description

Project phase Brief description of Waste generation Key environmental Planned mitigation built into
process/ activities involved information and social issues design
- Designation and
accreditation of a PCO
- Apply and secure a HW
Generator ID and Permit-To-
Operate for the Emission
Source Installations, e.g.,
power generators and
Discharge Permit from EMB-
R1
- Apply and secure surface
water permit from NWRB
Construction - Site preparation and - Sewage Water pollution - Provision of an oil-water
development - Contaminated runoff separator and silt ponds
- Erection of structures - Silt curtains at active pipe
- Installation of PV panels laying sites
- Onsite sanitary facilities
- Good construction practices
- Emissions of fugitive Air pollution - Dust suppression on exposed
particulates (TSP, soil surfaces
PM10) - Proper maintenance of
- Emissions of gaseous vehicles and heavy
pollutants (SO2, NO2) equipment
- Construction wastes Land pollution Implement the CWMP
- Hazardous wastes
Operation Power generation - Municipal solid wastes Land pollution Implement the IWMP
Maintenance - Hazardous wastes
- Sewage Water pollution - Provision of adequate
- Storm water runoff drainage system
- Provide adequate septic
vaults

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Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.5 PROCESS/ TECHNOLOGY


1.5.1 Technology description

The most distinctive technology in a grid-connected solar PV plant items are the solar modules, inverters,
transformers, mounting structures and monitoring system. The modules will harvest the solar energy (solar
irradiance) and convert it into DC power. The inverters will be designed to work under the variable power
transformer(s), converting the DC to AC power to be injected to the grid, i.e., NGCP. The description of the
major components are presented in the succeeding sections.

PV Module - The Project will use monocrystalline N-Type TOPCon, LR5-72HND-550M Bifacial modules supplied
by Longi Solar (or equivalent). The electrical features of the PV modules determined at Standard Test Conditions
(STC) and specifications are shown in Table 1-10 and Table 1-11.

Table 1-10. Standard Test Conditions of the Project PV module


Test Criteria Test Condition
Irradiance 1,000 W/m2
Air Mass 1.5
Cell 25°C
TemperatureSource: 3BEC

Table 1-11. Specfiications of the PV module


Technical Data Unit Specification
Maximum Power Wp 550
Power Tolerance W 0 to 5
Maximum Power Voltage (Vmpp) V 42.12
Maximum Power Current (Impp) A 13.06
Module Efficiency % 21.3
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) V 49.5
Short Circuit Current (Isc) A 13.73
Maximum System Voltage (IEC) Vdc 1500
Temperature Coefficient of Isc % / ºC 0.048
Temperature Coefficient of Voc % / ºC -0.284
Temperature Coefficient of Pmax % / ºC -0.35
Nominal Operating Cell Temperature ºC 45 ± 2
(NOCT)
Cell Orientation 144 (6x24)
Length mm 2256
Width mm 1133
Height mm 35
Weight kg 32.3
Source: 3BEC; *Longi Solar LR5-72HND-550M

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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Inverter - The Project will be using a central inverter supplied by Sungrow (Sungrow SG3400). The inverter is a
grid-tie type mostly used with grid connected solar PV systems. The inverters can be outdoor or installed inside
the PV box (containerized solution) provided with ventilation fans and air conditioning system to control the
ambient temperature.

Inverters use the grid frequency as reference when converting the DC power output to AC power compatible
with the grid and ensure output voltage does not exceed the local grid voltage. Grid-tie inverters also have the
added safety feature to disconnect from the grid when a sudden large drop in frequency or voltage occur. The
key technical characteristics of the selected inverter model are summarized in Table 1-12.

Table 1-12. Specifications of the inverter


Characteristic Unit Specification*
Nominal DC voltage V 890 – 1500
Input voltage range, MPPT V 875 – 1300 (at PF=1)
Input (DC) Maximum input voltage, open circuit V 1500
Maximum input current A 4178 @500C
Maximum input power kWp 6267
Nominal AC power kVA 3437
Frequency Hz 50/60
Nominal output current A 3458
Output (AC)
Output voltage V 600
Maximum efficiency / Euro % 99.0/98.7
Number of phases - 3
IP degree of protection IP55
Enclosure material Alumnum
General Ambient air temperature for operation °C (-35) – (60)
Specifications Relative Humidity % 0 – 95% non-condensing
Dimension (W/H/D) mm 2991 / 2591 / 2438
Weight T 6.5
Source: 3BEC; *Sungrow SG3400

Mounting structure - The Project will use a 2V30 fix tilt mounting with a minimum elevation of one meter from
ground supplied by PVPowerway (or equivalent) as manufacturer and supplier of the mounting structure and
foundation installation. The foundation type used will be a screw pile type made from galvanized steel. The
specification of the mounting structure is shown in Table 1-13.

Table 1-13. Specifications of the fixed-tilt mounting structure


Characteristic Specification
Stand 2V30
Pitch 2V30 – 6.0m
Row to Row spacing 1.4 m (minimum)
The tilt angle/ Rotating angle 10°
Height above ground 2V30 – 1.0 m (minimum)
Structure material Galvanized
Clamp material Stainless Steel
Source: 3BEC

Transformer - The specifications of the transformer for the Project to be supplied by Sungrow (or equivalent)
is shown in Table 1-14.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Table 1-14. Specifications of the MV transformer


Characteristic Specification
Rated primary voltage (kV) 33
Frequency (Hz) 50/60
Rated secondary voltage (V) 600
Rated secondary power (kVA) 6874
Vector group Dy11y11
Maximum no load losses (W) EN50541 C0
Maximum On load losses (W) EN50541 Bk
Short circuit impedance (%) 8
Sound power level LWA dB(A) 72
Source: 3BEC

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – The BESS aims to provide protection against short duration power
quality issues such as a) low power factor, b) variations in voltage magnitude, c) frequency variations, d)
harmonics, and e) power interruptions. The BESS consists of batteries, inverters of Power Conversion Systems
(PCS), transformers, and a monitoring system.

The battery pack connects multiple cells to the appropriate voltage and capacity. The monitoring system
consists of the Battery Management System (BMS) and Battery Thermal Management system (B-TMS). The
BMS protects the cells from harmful operation in terms of voltage, temperature, and current, and to achieve
reliable and safe operation.

The Energy Management System (EMS) is another vital component to the operation of the BESS. IT is
responsible for system power flow control, management, and distribution. The EMS is integrated with the
overall supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system of the facility.

The schematic and specification of the major BESS components are shown in Table 1-15 and Figure 1-10
respectively while the PCS specifications is shown in Table 1-16.

Table 1-15. Specifications of the BESS major components


Technology Manufacturer Model
Battery Sungrow M2L-R372
Power Conversion System (PCS) Sungrow SC5000UD HV-MV
Transformer (Step-up MV) Sungrow 5,000kVA 33/0.9kV
Monitoring system Sungrow Sungrow
Source: 3BEC

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-10. Schematic of a battery energy storage system (BESS)

Table 1-16. Specifications of the PCS


Characteristic Unit Specification
Input (DC)
Nominal DC voltage V 890 – 1500
Input voltage range, MPPT V 875 – 1300 (at PF=1)
Maximum input voltage, open circuit V 1500
Maximum input current A 4308 @500C
Output (AC)
Nominal AC power kVA 5000
Frequency Hz 50/60
Nominal output current A 3208
Output voltage V 900
Maximum efficiency / Euro % 99.0/98.7
Number of phases - 3
General Specifications
IP degree of protection IP55
Enclosure material
Ambient air temperature for operation °C (-35) – (60)
Relative Humidity % 0 – 95% non-condensing
Dimension (W/H/D) mm 2991 / 2591 / 2438
Weight T 6.5
Source: 3BEC; *Sungrow SC5000UD

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Monitoring system – The monitoring system is a fundamental part of a solar PV facility because it allows real
time monitoring and expected plant performance. The real-time performance of a PV facility is monitored
based on the output power from the inverters while the expected performance is calculated based on the
actual site conditions related irradiation, temperatures of the solar cells, and ambient temperature.

The Project will use the Sungrow Monitoring System shown in Figure 1-11. The system is designed using a
hierarchy architecture that allows comprehensive monitoring and supervision of the different operational
parameters of a PV facility. The Sungrow monitoring system is composed of the following:

a) Array Box - where all the string electrical parameters are measured and location of the meteorological
station sensors;
b) PV Box - where the inverter output and input values are measured, as well as the medium voltage
parameters, if available. The PV boxes also collect the data from the array boxes through modbus
communication protocol; and
c) Grid Box - where plant energy values are measured and the status of the breakers and switches
monitored.

The Grid Boxes also collect the data from the PV Boxes via fiber optic and optic ring and sent to the web server
via its incorporated router. Additionally, the monitoring allows remote access through a web interface; enabling
access of the Project status and operation conditions can be accessed from any location.
Figure 1-11. Monitoring system schematic overview

1.5.2 Process flow

The Project will convert solar energy into electricity. The process starts on the ground mounted PV systems that
capture energy from the sun. This comprises a multitude of solar panel modules, mounted on support
structures and interconnected to deliver a power output. Particles of solar energy, known as photons, strike
the surface of a photovoltaic cell between two semiconductors. These semiconductors exhibit a property
known as the photoelectric effect, which causes them to absorb the photons and release electrons. The
electrons are captured in the form of a DC electric current. Each solar panel module’s power output is collected
into a string combiner box (SCB) to transmit the combined DC power output for conversion.

25 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Photovoltaic solar panels will be made of tempered glass laid on steel frames with its legs securely bolted on
steel screw pile foundations drilled two meters below the ground. Solar panels will be installed horizontally
having a slope of 15 degrees to attain the perfect inclination to get the radiation of the sun. The schematic of
a typical solar power facility is shown in Figure 1-12.

Figure 1-12. Typical power generation process of a solar PV facility

1.5.3 Waste management systems

Waste management systems (WMS) in the context of the Project refer to the identification, quantification,
collection, treatment, and disposal of residuals during Project implementation. The Project phases (Pre-
construction, Construction, Operation) that generated wastes, impacts, and built-in mitigation were already
presented in Table 1-9. Potential measures for managing Project residuals are shown below.

1. Air pollution management system


▪ Identification of air pollution sources
▪ Dust suppression on exposed soil surfaces
▪ Proper maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment
▪ Good housekeeping practices

2. Water pollution management system


▪ Identification of water pollution sources
▪ Provision, proper operation, and maintenance of storm drainage system, oil-water separator,
sanitation facilities , and/or Sewage Treatment Plant
▪ Good housekeeping practices

3. Land pollution management system

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

▪ Identification of land pollution sources


▪ Proper spoils management
▪ Implement the CWMP and IWMP
▪ Good housekeeping practices

1.6 PROJECT SIZE

The proposed Project will have a generating capacity of 650.1 MWp (530.4 MWac) and an energy storage facility
of up to 200MW/500MWh. The solar panels and other major components will occupy an area of 544.23
hectares.

1.7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN, DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT PHASES AND TIMEFRAMES


1.7.1 Pre-construction phase

This phase mainly involves conducting studies, designs, and securing permits enumerated below.

a) Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies;


b) Environmental Impact Assessment and Acquisition of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC);
c) Securing Permits and Clearances enumerated below

f) DOE Solar Energy Operating Contract


g) DENR Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
h) DENR Tree Cutting Permit
i) DENR Special Land Use Permit
j) Department Agrarian Reform Land Conversion
k) Bureau of Investment Certificate of Registration
l) Bureau of Customs Certificate of Registration
m) NCIP Certificate of Non-Overlap
n) NGCP Connection Agreement

d) Conduct of Detailed Engineering Design (DED);


e) Implementation of Right-of-Way (ROW) / Land Acquisition
f) Pre-qualification, Tendering, and Awarding of Contract for the Construction of the Project; and
g) Financing for the Project.

1.7.2 Construction phase

This section presents the timetable, major construction activities, indicative equipment used, source of
construction materials, and support service and availability during the construction.

Construction activities - The construction of the Project shall be awarded to an Engineering, Procurement and
Construction (EPC) Contractor. The 3BEC shall have a contract with an Owner’s Engineer (OE) who shall be
responsible for overseeing and implementing owner’s engineering requirement with the EPC Contractor. The
EPC Contractor shall implement the to the budget, schedule, and specifications of the Project and shall be
managed by the OE at site who shall report to 3BEC’s Project Manager and its Board. The Project Manager shall
be the focal point of the Board for updates and management of the Solar Project. The major activities during
the construction phase are the following:

a) Perimeter fencing
b) Access road and drainage construction
c) Tree cutting and Land clearing
d) Construction of camp sites

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

e) Earthworks/ Excavation
f) Soil and slope compaction
g) Transport of materials
h) Structural works (mounting of steel structures and foundation)
i) Installation of PV modules
j) Installation of AC/DC cables/connectors
k) Instrumentation
l) BESS, control unit and substation construction
m) Painting and finishing
n) Clean-up and landscaping

Indicative Project construction schedule - The construction of the Project is estimated to be completed within
16 months (Figure 1-13).

Figure 1-13. Indicative Project implementation schedule

Source: 3BEC

Source of construction materials - Construction materials, equipment, and machinery will be sourced locally if
available and meets design specifications.

Support services, facilities requirements, and availability - Support services and facilities at the site will include
a field office, barracks for workers, canteen, warehouse, temporary sanitary facilities, First Aid Team,
communication. Water and power requirements will be sourced locally.

1.7.3 Operation phase

The operation phase will start in Year 4 (Figure 1-13). The Project has an approximate life span of 25 – 30 years.
Typical activities during the operation phase include operation of the solar energy facility, power generation,
and associated maintenance activities that would require vehicular access and equipment operation when
components are being replaced. Maintenance works include panel washing, landscaping works, and general
housekeeping. Water for domestic and panel washing shall be sourced from the local water district. Surface
and ground water resources shall also be tapped, depending on the flexible requirement of the solar power
plant. Electricity shall be sourced from either NGCP Grid during nighttime, inclement weather, and/or
downtime due to maintenance works.

Preventive inspection and maintenance works are carried out every six to 12 months. The PV modules require
routine visual inspection for signs of damage, dirt build-up or shade encroachment. Solar PV system fixtures
are checked for corrosion to ensure safety.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

1.7.4 Abandonment phase

Abandonment or decommissioning in the context of the Project is implied as dismantling of the temporary
facilities used during the construction phase. It also means dismantling of the entire facility (after a certain time
of operation) in the event of decommissioning due to force majeure.

After construction - Manpower, equipment and support facilities will be phased out gradually after completing
construction of a key component. Dismantling of temporary facilities from the staging and construction area is
expected to have minimal footprint and left-over construction scraps/spoils because most of these (e.g.,
fabricated office container vans, worker's barracks, portalets, etc.) are modular in nature, reusable, and readily
transportable. Hauling and disposal of the remaining construction materials and debris will be the responsibility
of contractors as part of the technical specifications stipulated in their contracts. Once all construction debris
has been cleared from the site, these areas will be restored to its original setting as much as possible by
landscaping or any equivalent method.

After project design life - The final Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan will include a) surface land or soil
restoration, decontamination, and remediation, b) plan for converting areas with structures and PV panels for
other uses, and c) strategies for the final rehabilitation of the Project area consistent with the long-term zoning
and land use development plan of Bugallon.

After transfer of ownership (as an alternative) - Abandonment in this context means that the proponent (3BEC)
will no longer own and operate the solar power facility. All responsibilities regarding environmental compliance
will be transferred to the new owner with the proper document revisions and arrangements with the
stakeholders.

1.8 MANPOWER

The major personnel the commercial operation are enumerated below and the organizational chart shown in
Figure 1-14.

a) Plant Manager - shall be responsible for the overall asset management activities at site including
technical asset management (oversight of all in house personnel) and assist in commercial,
administrative, and CSR management as required by various departments of the head office.
b) Administrative Assistant - shall be responsible in providing administrative support to the O&M team.
c) Plant Engineer - shall be responsible in handling the overall operation, maintenance of the solar facility,
and ensure that the plant is operated in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
d) O&M Field Team - shall consist of skilled technical personnel responsible for troubleshooting any failure
in the Photovoltaic and High Voltage Equipment of the solar power plant. They are also tasked to
undertake the routine inspection of all vital electrical equipment.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 1 – Project Description

Figure 1-14. Organizational structure of 3BEC

1.9 INDICATIVE PROJECT INVESTMENT COST

The indicative cost of the Project is 31.9 billion pesos (US$ 565.9 Million).

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

CHAPTER 2. ANALYSIS OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

2.1 THE LAND COMPONENT

This section presents the existing conditions and assessment of the following key impacts specified in the EIS
Technical Scoping Checklist: land use and classification, geology, geomorphology, geologic hazards, pedology,
and terrestrial flora and fauna. The description of the existing conditions was based on available maps, primary
and secondary data, and relevant literature.

2.1.1 Land use and classification

2.1.1.1 Methodology
The land uses in Pangasinan Province and the Municipality of Bugallon were described using maps from the
websites of the Pangasinan Provincial LGU and the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the
latest Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2016-2025) of Bugallon. Project impacts on land uses were based on
published information and literature.

2.1.1.2 Assessment of key impacts


This section presents the relevant baseline information and assessment of the following key impacts: a)
Compatibility with existing land use, b) Compatibility with classification as an Environmentally Critical Area
(ECA), c) Land tenure issues, d) Impairment of visual aesthetics, and e) Devaluation of land value due to
improper solid waste management.

2.1.1.2.1 Compatibility with existing land use


Land uses in Pangasinan Province - Pangasinan is a first-class province located on the west central side of Luzon
Island and on the southwest side of Region I. It covers a total land area of 545,101 hectares representing 41.89%
of the land area of Region I and the 15th biggest province in the Philippines. The province is bound on the north
by the province of La Union, on the northeast by Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, on the east-southeast by Nueva
Ecija and Tarlac, on the south by Zambales, and on the west by the West Philippine Sea. The province forms the
southern and western boundaries of Lingayen Gulf. Pangasinan is a major gateway to the Ilocos and Cordillera
Administrative Regions.

The province is subdivided into 44 municipalities, four cities, six congressional districts, and 1,364 barangays.
The municipality of Lingayen is the capital of the province. Among the four cities located in the province, one
is an independent city (Dagupan) while three are component cities (Alaminos, San Carlos and Urdaneta).
Bugallon, the host municipality of the proposed Project, is located in District 2. The land area distribution and
number of barangays per congressional district are listed in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1. Land area distribution and number of barangays in Pangasinan


District Cities/Municipalities Land area (ha) # of barangays
Agno, Alaminos City, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Burgos, Dasol,
1 175,881.00 211
Infanta, Mabini, Sual
Aguilar, Basista, Binmaley, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen,
2 108,026.00 231
Mangatarem, Urbiztondo
Bayambang, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Mapandan, Sta. Barbara,
3 58,407.00 304
San Carlos City
4 Dagupan City, Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto 26,711.00 140

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

District Cities/Municipalities Land area (ha) # of barangays


5 Alcala, Bautista, Binalonan, Loac 58,567.00 212
Asingan, Balungao, Natividad, Rosales, San Manuel, San
6 117,509.00 266
Nicolas, San Quintin, Santa Maria, Tayug, Umingan
Total 545,101.00 1,364

Pangasinan province occupies the northern portion of the Luzon Central Plains, and the provincial land area is
occupied by farmlands, hills, forests, and rivers. The province is bound by the Cordillera Mountains on the east,
the Zambales Range on the west, the central plains of Tarlac on the south, and the Lingayen Gulf on the north.
Because of its geographic location and the fertile plains, the provincial economy is largely agricultural with more
than 40% of the its area (roughly 187,844.86 has) devoted to crop production. Agrarian reform beneficiaries in
the province are found in 329 barangays covering 95,943.82 hectares of agricultural land. Pangasinan is
considered one of the country’s rice granaries and a major producer of rice, coconut, corn, sugarcane, mango,
and eggplant. Tobacco production is mostly done in District 1.

Integrated social forestry projects in the province cover a total area of 2,911.67 hectares located in 38
barangays on the western and eastern sides of Pangasinan.

The province is among the top three palay producers in the country with the top ten palay producing
municipalities located on the central and eastern parts of the province (municipalities of Umingan,
Mangatarem, Urdaneta City Villasis, Aguilar, San Manuel, San Carlos City, Sta. Barbara, Asingan and San
Quintin). Meanwhile, the top corn producers are the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Bayambang, Mangatarem,
San Carlos, Malasiqui, Bautista, Urbiztondo, Alcala San Nicolas and Natividad.

The province hosts the 1,200 MW Sual coal-fired power plant and the 345 MW San Roque multipurpose dam
located in the municipalities of Sual and San Manuel, respectively.

The province also has extensive fishponds where bangus, oyster, sea urchin, prawns, and Malaga are cultured.
The province also produces salt, with most of the coastal areas devoted for salt production.

The existing land use map of Pangasinan in Figure 2-1 shows that the mountainous portions on the western
and eastern sides are dominated by woodland and grassland/shrubland. Agricultural areas are found on the
central and northwest parts of the province while wetlands are found on the coastal areas of Lingayen Gulf.
Built up areas are located along the roads and in population centers of the province.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-1. Land use map of Pangasinan Province

Land uses in the Municipality of Bugallon - Bugallon is a second-class municipality located on the north-central
part of Pangasinan province. It is bound by the municipality of Infanta on the west, Labrador and Lingayen on
the north, San Carlos City on the east and Aguilar on the south. The municipality is politically subdivided into
24 barangays consisting of one urban barangay (Poblacion) and 23 rural barangays. Bugallon is part of the
second district of Pangasinan along with seven other municipalities.

Bugallon, the host municipality, is the 13th largest in the province with a land area of 16,652 hectares. Its urban
center and rural barangays occupy 665 and 15,987 hectares respectively. The largest barangay in terms of land
area is Cayanga (9,201 ha) followed by Laguit Padilla (965 ha) while the smallest barangay is Samat with a land
area of only 42 hectares followed by Asinan with 45 hectares.

The land classification map of Bugallon in Figure 2-2b shows that the forestlands with total area of 9,160
hectares are located on the mountainous areas on the western and south-western parts of the municipality
while the alienable and disposable lands with total area of 7,492 hectares are located on the central and north-
eastern sides. It can be deduced from the map that the Project located in Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Norte
and Salomague Sur are within the alienable and disposable lands of Bugallon.

Table 2-2 presents the land area per barangay with the three host barangays highlighted in orange. The table
shows that Barangay Cayanga is the largest representing more than 55% of the municipal land area. The other
host barangays (Salomague Norte and Salomague Sur) have smaller land areas representing 2.15% and 2.04%
of the municipal land area, respectively.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Table 2-2. Land areas of barangays in Bugallon


Barangay Land Area (ha) Percent Barangay Land Area (ha) Percent
Poblacion 665 3.99 Magtaking 426 2.56
Angarian 275 1.65 Pangascasan 457 2.74
Asinan 45 0.27 Pantal 154 0.92
Bacabac 137 0.82 Polong 254 1.52
Banaga 121 0.73 Portic 652 3.91
Bolaoen 263 1.58 Salasa 159 0.95
Buenlag 40 0.24 Salomague Norte 358 2.15
Cabayaosan 370 2.22 Salomague Sur 340 2.04
Cayanga 9,201.00 55.23 Samat 42 0.25
Gueset 434 2.61 San Francisco 306 1.84
Hacienda 681 4.09 Umanday 183 1.1
Laguit Centro 130 0.78 Total 16,658.00 100
Laguit Padilla 965 5.79
Source: Bugalon CLUP 2016-2025

Table 2-3 shows the existing land uses in Bugallon reported in its CLUP for 2016 to 2025. More than half of the
municipal land area consists of production and protection forests mostly located on the hilly and mountainous
western and south-western sides of the municipality. Irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural lands have a
combined area of 5,663.35 hectares or 34% of the municipal land area while built up areas constitutes only
692.45 hectares or four percent of the municipal land area. Other land uses include tourism (0.02%), cemeteries
(0.01%), sanitary landfill/MRF (0.01%), roads, bridges / easements (0.92%), and water bodies (1.34%).

Table 2-3. Existing land uses in Bugallon


Land Use Land Area (ha) % of Total Land Use Land Area (ha) % of Total
Residential 597.865 3.59 Forests 0
Socialized housing 7.603 0.05 Production forests 5,308.65 31.88
Commercial 14.652 0.09 Protection forests 4,289.40 25.76
Institutional 22.914 0.14 Tourism areas 3.036 0.02
Industrial 9.863 0.06 Special uses 2.16 0
Agro-industrial 39.552 0.24 Cemeteries 2.044 0.01
Agricultural 0 Sanitary landfill (MRF) 1.141 0.01
Irrigated 3,465.31 20.81 Roads, bridges and easements 153.715 0.92
Non-irrigated 2,198.04 13.2 Water bodies 222.41 1.34
Vacant/unproductive 29.276 0.18 Total 16,652.00 100
Fishponds 286.525 1.72
Source: Bugallon CLUP 2016-2025

The existing land use map of Bugallon in Figure 2-2a shows the dominance of forest land use on the western
and south-western parts of the municipality and agricultural land uses on the central, southern, and eastern
parts of the municipality. Residential land uses are located along the existing roads while commercial and
institutional land uses are found in the Poblacion and barangay centers. Agricultural, residential, and agro-
industrial land uses are found at the Project site.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-2. Existing land use and land classication maps of Pangasinan

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Existing land uses in the Project Site – The land use at the 544.23-hectare Project area are presently dominated
by agricultural lands on the central portion planted to rice, corn, mangoes, and high value crops such as
tomatoes, okra, and eggplants. The northern and western fringes of the rice lands consist mostly of shrubland,
brushland and grassland, where cutting of trees and charcoal-making were observed. The eastern and southern
fringes have rolling terrain where farm lots and farmhouses are located. Agro-industrial areas consisting of
large poultry farms are located on the eastern side of the Project site in Barangay Salomague Sur. Other land
uses include pastureland mixed with brushland consisting of small trees, shrubs vines, grasses, and herbs.
Bamboos and other vegetation were observed on riverbanks. Plate 2-1 and Figure 2-3 show representative
land uses within the Project site and the satellite image respectively.

Plate 2-1. Observed land uses in various parts of the Project site

Brush and shrubs were observed on the north-central part of Ricefields and small trees observed on the northern part of
the project site (15° 54’ 32” N, 120° 12’ 09” E) the project site (15° 54’ 14” N, 120° 11’ 52” E)

Woodcutters observed on the north-central part of project Intermittent creek observed on the north-central part of the
site (15° 54’ 34” N, 120° 12’ 17” E) project site (15° 54’ 35” N, 120° 12’ 20” E)

River on the northern boundary of the project site in Eastern side of the project site in Barangay Salomague Sur.
Barangay Cayanga (15° 55’ 09” N, 120° 12’ 14” E). Land uses (15° 54’ 22” N, 120° 12’ 18” E)
consist of glassland and shrubland.

37 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

A poultry farm constructed in 2020 located on the south- View of western boundary of the project site across Dumuloc
eastern boundary of the project site (15° 54’ 03” N, 120° 10’ River as seen from Barangay Portic (15° 54’ 13” N, 120° 11’
42” E) 33” E)

Rice fields located in Barangay Cayanga. This is the


Purok Palawan of Barangay Cayanga (15° 54’ 57” N, 120° 12’
predominant land use within the northern and eastern parts
06” E). The residential area will not be part of the
of the project site.
development area

Figure 2-3. Satellite image of the Project site

38 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Impact assesssment – The existing dominant land use at the Project site was agricultural based on the land use
map of Bugallon and observations during the site visit. It is highly that the zoning of the Project site is
agricultural, pasture, or forest land which means that the Project is incompatible with the land use classification
of Bugallon.

2.1.1.2.2 Compatibility with classification as an ECA


Region 1 has three national parks, one natural park, one natural monument, five protected landscapes, one
protected landscape and seascape and four watershed forest reserves (Table 2-4). Most of the protected areas
are in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur with only two located in Pangasinan, namely the Hundred Islands National
Park in Alaminos and the Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape located in Mangatarem. There are no
protected areas in the municipality of Bugallon where the proposed Project is located.

Table 2-4. List of protected areas located in Region I


Category Name Location Legal Status
National Park Hundred Islands Alaminos, Pangasinan NIPAS IC
National Park Northern Luzon Heroes Hill Santa & Narvacan, Ilocos Sur NIPAS IC
National Park Paoay Lake Paoay, Ilocos Norte NIPAS IC
Natural Park Kalbario-Patapat Pagudpud & Adams, Ilocos Norte Legislated e-NIPAS
Natural monument Bessang Pass Cervantes, Ilocos, Sur Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape Bigbiga Ilocos Sur Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape Libunao Ilocos Sur Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape Lidlidda Ilocos Sur Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape Manleluag Spring Mangatarem, Pangasinan Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape Santa Lucia Salcedo, Ilocos Sur Legislated e-NIPAS
Protected landscape and seascape Agoo-Damortis Eastern side of Lingayen Gulf Legislated e-NIPAS
Watershed forest reserve Ilocos North Metro Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte NIPAS IC
Watershed forest reserve Naguilian Naguilian, La Union NIPAS IC
Watershed forest reserve Santa Santa, Ilocos Sur NIPAS IC
Watershed forest reserve Tanap Santa, Ilocos Sur NIPAS IC
NOTE: IC - Initial Component

39 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Table 2-5 presents an assessment of the Project site in terms of the ECA categories of EMB-DENR. Among the
12 ECA categories, the Project site may fall within Categories F (Areas frequently visited and/or hard-hit by
natural calamities typhoons) and H (areas classified as prime agricultural lands). The northern and eastern parts
of the Project site are presently utilized for agricultural production. However, the strategic agricultural crop
production zones in Bugallon are outside the proposed Project site (mostly located in Barangays San Francisco,
Laguit Centro and Poblacion). The susceptibility of the Project site to typhoon hazards is discussed Section
2.3.1.3.1.

40 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Table 2-5. ECA classification evaluation of Project area


Part of ECA Category?
ECA Category (DAO 2003-30) Remarks
Yes No
A. All areas declared by law as national parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves,  Project site is not located in any Protected Area.
and sanctuaries
B. Areas set aside as aesthetic potential tourist spots  Project site is not a potential tourist spot.
C. Areas which constitute the habitat of any endangered or threatened species of  Two species recorded are critically endangered under the IUCN and
indigenous Philippine wildlife (flora and fauna) Philippine Red List and one (1) species is critically endangered on DAO
2017-11 (Sec. 2.1.4.2).
D. Areas of unique historic, archaeological, geological or scientific interests  Unique historic, archaeological, geological or scientific interests are absent
at the Project site.
E. Areas which are traditionally occupied by cultural communities or tribes  IP groups were not reported in the host barangays.
F. Areas frequently visited and/or hard-hit by natural calamities (geologic hazards,  The Project site is located in an area with Very High typhoon risk
floods, typhoons, volcanic activity, etc.) and may be visited by two cyclones every year (Figure 2-37).
G. Areas with critical slope  Area is generally flat
H. Areas classified as prime agricultural lands  Area is used for agricultural production but not part of the strategic
agricultural crop production zone
I. Recharge areas of aquifers  The Project site is not a recharge area of aquifers.
J. Water bodies characterized by one or any combination of the following conditions:  There are no waterbodies traversing the Project site.
tapped for domestic purposes; within the controlled and/or protected areas declared
by appropriate authorities; which support wildlife and fishery activities.
K. Mangrove areas characterized by one or any combination of the following  The Project site, located inland, is about 16km to the nearest coastline.
conditions:
1. with primary and pristine and dense young growth
2. adjoining mouth or major river system
3. near or adjacent to traditional productive fry or fishing grounds
4. which acts as natural buffers against shore erosion, strong winds and storm floods
5. on which people are dependent for their livelihood, pursuant to and taking into
consideration RA No. 7161 which prohibits the cutting of mangrove species
L. Coral reefs characterized by one or any combination of the following conditions:  The Project site, located inland, is about 16km to the nearest coastline.
1. with 50% and above live coralline cover
2. spawning and nursery grounds for fish
3. which act as a natural breakwater of coastlines

41 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.1.1.2.3 Land tenure issues


The presence of comprehensive agrarian reform areas (CARP), ancestral domains and other ancestral lands,
mining tenements, and forestry management areas were used to determined potential land tenure issues at
the Project site.

Comprehensive agrarian reform areas - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported that as of 2016 a
total of 935 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) were issued to CARP beneficiaries in Pangasinan.
However, data on number of CARP beneficiaries per city or municipality is not available at the DAR website.
Data on CARP beneficiaries in Bugallon specifically in Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Norte and Calomague Sur
where the project site is located will be presented as soon as the data becomes available.

Ancestral domains and other ancestral lands - Indigenous peoples (IP) in Pangasinan are mostly found in the
highlands. Ancestral domains were established in the municipalities of Sison and San Nicolas2 located on the
northeast side of the province. IP communities of Kankanaey, Ibaloi, and Bago were also reported residing in
Barangay Mapita in the municipality of Aguilar3 located south of Bugallon. The province has reported more
than 100 IP tribes4. IP groups were not reported in the host barangays of Cayanga, Salomague Norte and
Salomague Sur.

Mining tenements - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) lists four Mineral Production and Sharing
Agreements (MPSA), two Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAA) and seven Industrial Sand and
Gravel Permits (ISAG) in the province of Pangasinan. The MPSAs are found in Agno, Alaminos, Sual and
Mangatarem while the FTAAs are found in the offshore areas of San Fabian, Mangaldan, Binmaley, Lingayen,
Alaminos, and Dagupan. The ISAGs are found in San Vicente, San Jose, San Jacinto, Mabini, San Nicolas, San
Manuel, and Santa Maria. There are no MPSAs, FTAAs or ISAGs in Bugallon. Table 2-6 and Figure 2-4 show the
list of mining tenements and location of mining areas in Pangasinan respectively.

2
Indigenous Peoples Cultural Fest staged in P’sinan - The Official Website of the Province of Pangasinan
3
DPWH Builds Access Road for Indigenous Peoples in Pangasinan | Department of Public Works and Highways
4
Pangasinan Indigenous Peoples celebrate NCIP Month – Sunday Punch (dagupan.com)
42 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-4. Location of mining areas in Pangasinan Province

Forestry management areas - The Pangasinan Provincial Government through a Memorandum of Agreement
with the DENR established a 20-hectare agroforestry farm in the mountainous part of Barangay Cayanga in the
Municipality of Bugallon. Provincial employees and volunteers conduct tree planting activities in the area in
support of the expanded National Greening Program of the DENR. The agroforestry area is outside the
boundaries of the Project site.

Table 2-7 lists the forestry management areas located in the Municipality of Bugallon as of 2018 taken from
the FMB website. Orange-shaded rows are the forestry management areas located in the upland areas of
Barangay Cayanga.

Table 2-7 shows there are at least 1,338 hectares of forestry management areas located in the upland areas of
Barangay Cayanga. Figure 2-5 shows the location of NGP planting sites in Bugallon from 2011 to 2020. These
NGP planting areas are located on the northwest, west and southwest parts of the Project site. The Project is
not expected to affect the NGP sites because developing these areas for a solar power facility is not be possible
due to the difficult terrain.

43 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Table 2-6. List of mining tenements in Pangasinan


Tenement No. Holder Status Location Area (ha) Commodity Expiration Date
Helix Mining and Development Under operating period but no
MPSA 042-95-I Agno 405,000.00 Silica May 46
Corp. commercial operation
MPSA 164-00-I Gulf Estate Mining Corp. Exploration Alaminos and Sual 1,362.37 Limestone 26 Sep 25
Commercial Operation –10 hectares Zeolite and
MPSA-200-2004-I Heirs of Elian E. Olegario Mangatarem 761.83 17 Jun 29
Exploration – 751.88 hectares bentonite
Helix Mining and Development Under operating period but no
MPSA-295-2009-I Agno 657.84 Silica 5 Nov 34
Corp. commercial operation
Offshore areas of San Fabian, Magnetite sand and
Altamina Exploration and
FTAA-06-2010-I Exploration Mangaldan, Binmaley, Lingayen, 9,588.24 other Associated 29 Jun 35
Resources, Inc.
Alaminos and Dagupan City minerals
Offshore areas of Lingayen, Gold, magnetite
Iron Ore, Gold and Vanadium
FTAA-07-2020-I-OMR Exploration Binmaley, San Fabian and 10,064.29 sand and other 25 Nov 45
(Phils), Inc.
Dagupan associated
San Vicente, San Jose and San
IP-1-004-97-I Benito Y. Co 4th renewal 12.35 Sand and gravel 18 Jun 23
Jacinto
IP-04-002-I Delia B. Dizon 2nd renewal Tagudin. Mabini 8.97 Sand and gravel 21 Dec 23
IP-04-001-I Efraim R. Balitao 2nd renewal Poblacion, Mabini 10 Sand ang gravel 21 Dec 23
IP-08-006-I N. Canlas Crushing Plant 2nd renewal Poblacion, Mabini 12.37 Sand and gravel 21 Dec 23
IP-01-2019-I Joseph L. Gomez San Nicolas 14.88 Sand and gravel 29 Jan 24
IP-08-013-I Recy Basa Paed Sta. Maria 19.99 Sand and gravel 25 Mar 26
IP-01-2021 Tommy T. Valdez San Manuel 18.47 Sand and gravel 21 Sep 26
Source: mgb.gov.ph; NOTE: as of 31 July 2022

44 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Table 2-7. Forestry management areas in Bugallon as of 2018


Year
Barangay Area (ha) Name of Organization Species Tenure
Established
Portic 25.00 Silveria Farm Association A. mangium, A. auri, 2011 CBFM
Incorporation Akleng parang,
Nangka
Laguit-Padilla 24.72 Laguit Padilla Multipurpose A. mangium, Cashew, 2011 CBFM
Cooperative Gmelina, Narra
Hacienda 30.00 Hacienda sa Samat Forest A. mangium, 2011 CBFM
Developers Association Gmelina, Mahogany
Hacienda 40.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Gmelina, Mahogany, 2011 CBFM
Tribal Council Nangka
Hacienda 10.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Gmelina, Mahogany, 2011 CBFM
Tribal Council Nangka
Hacienda 104.00 Bugallon Cluster Akleng parang, 2011 CBFM
Multipurpose Cooperative Cashew, Eucalyptus,
Mango, Narra
Portic 16.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Kakauate, Nangka 2011 CBFM
Farmers Association
Cayanga 25.00 Bugallon Ecofarm Cashew, Eucalyptus, 2011 CBFM
Development Association Gmelina, Nangka
Hacienda 10.00 Hacienda sa Samat Forest Akleng parang, Duhat 2012 Untenured
Developers Association
Laguit-Padilla 5.00 LGU Bugallon Alibangbang, 2012 Untenured
Mahogany, Narra
Laguit-Padilla 20.00 Laguit Padilla Multipurpose Agoho, Duhat, Narra 2012 CBFMA
Cooperative
Bolo and 254.74 Laguit Padilla Multipurpose Akleng parang, 2012 Untenured
Laguit-Padilla Cooperative Cashew, Duhat,
Kakauate, Narra
Hacienda 98.00 Bugallon Cluster Agoho, Akleng 2012 CBFMA
Multipurpose Cooperative, parang, Duhat,
Inc. Kakauate, Narra
Cayanga 250.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Akleng parang, 2012 Untenured
Farmers Association Cashew, Duhat,
Narra, Tamarind
Buenlag 1.78 Bugallon Multipurpose Banaba, Caballero, 2013 Untenured
Cooperative Ilang-ilang
Hacienda 10.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Ipil-Ipil 2013 Untenured
Tribal Council
Portic 38.00 Bugallon Cluster Molave 2013 CBFM
Multipurpose Cooperative,
Inc.
Portic 10.00 Bugallon Cluster Bamboo 2013 Untenured
Multipurpose Cooperative,
Inc.
Portic 25.00 Silveria Farmers Robusta coffee 2013 CBFM
Association, Inc.
Hacienda 30.00 Hacienda sa Samat Forest Kakauate 2013 CBFM
Developers Association
Portic 70.00 Bugallon Cluster Ipil-ipil, Kakauate 2013 CBFM
Multipurpose Cooperative,
Inc.

45 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Year
Barangay Area (ha) Name of Organization Species Tenure
Established
Cayanga 10.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Cacao 2013 CBFM
Farmers Association
Hacienda 30.00 CAMA Agroforest Farmers Ipil-ipil, Kakauate 2013 CBFM
Association
Hacienda 10.00 CAMA Agroforest Farmers Bayog, Kawayang 2013 CBFM
Association tinik
Dimantal 1.00 Bugallon Multipurpose Banaba, Caballero, 2013 Untenured
Cooperative Ilang-ilang
Hacienda 10.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Ipil-ipil 2013 Untenured
Agroforest Farmers
Association
Cayanga 50.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Akleng parang, Narra 2013 Untenured
Farmers Association
Cayanga 210.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Ipil-ipil, Kakauate 2013 Untenured
Farmers Association
Laguit Padilla 80.00 Laguit Padilla Multipurpose Kakauate, Ipil-ipil 2014 Untenured
Cooperative
Hacienda 50.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Coffee (robusta) 2014 Tenured
Agroforest Farmers
Association
Hacienda 50.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Narra 2014 Untenured
Tribal Council
Hacienda 50.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Ipil-ipil, Kakauate 2014 Untenured
Tribal Council
Cayanga 190.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Ipil-ipil, Kakauate 2014 Untenured
Farmers Association
Cayanga 110.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Narra 2014 Untenured
Farmers Association
Portic 50.00 Bugallon Ecofarm Coffee (robusta) 2014 Untenured
Developers Association,
Inc.
Cayanga 50.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Cashew 2014 Untenured
Farmers Association
Hacienda 50.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Narra 2015
Tribal Council
Hacienda 60.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Narra 2015
Agroforest Farmers
Association
Hacienda 190.00 Lewesen Mountain Range A. mangium, A. auri 2015
Agroforest Farmers
Association
Hacienda 180.00 Hacienda Community Ilang-ilang, Yemane 2015
Livelihood Association
Cayanga 50.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Narra, Yemane 2015
Farmers Association
Cayanga 70.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Acacia auri 2015
Farmers Association
Hacienda 60.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran A. mangium, A. auri 2015
Tribal Council
Cayanga 40.00 Cayanga Bugallon Farmers 2016
Association, Inc.

46 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Year
Barangay Area (ha) Name of Organization Species Tenure
Established
Portic 40.00 Bugallon Ecofarm 2016
Developers Association,
Inc.
Hacienda 70.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Kawayang bayog, 2017 Open access
Agroforest Farmers Kawayang tinik
Association
Hacienda 70.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Kawayang bayog, 2017 Open access
Tribal Council Kawayang tinik
Portic 100.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Kawayang bayog, 2017 CBFM
Farmers Association Kawayang tinik
Laguit-Padilla 30.00 Aloklocan Village Upland Kawayang bayog, 2017 CBFM
Farmers Association, Inc. Kawayang tinik
Hacienda 15.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Agoho, Caimito, 2017 Untenured
Agroforest Farmers Citrus, Guyabano,
Association Narra
Hacienda 15.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Agoho, Batino, B. 2017 Untenured
Tribal Council pine, Caimito,
Cashew, Citrus,
Guyabano, Narra
Portic 25.00 Cayanga Upland Farmers Cashew, Narra 2017 CBFM
Association
Laguit-Padilla 15.00 Aloklocan Village Upland Agoho, Duhat, Narra 2017 Untenured-
Farmers Association, Inc. CBFM
Salasa 24.00 Nipa, Bakaoan 2017
Portic 46.00 Cayanga Bugallon Upland Ylang-ylang 2018 Open access
Farmers Association
Cayanga 53.00 Hacienda sa Kaunlaran Ylang-ylang 2018 Open access
Tribal Council
Cayanga 53.00 Aloklocan Village Upland Ylang-ylang 2018 Open access
Farmers Association, Inc.
Cayanga 24.00 Hacienda Community Agoho, Ilang-ilang, 2018 Open access
Livelihood Association Mangium, Duhat,
Cashew, MAngo,
Guyabano
Cayanga 27.00 Hacienda sa Samat Forest Narra, Mangium, 2018 Open access
Developers Association Agoho
Cayanga 20.00 Hacienda sa Samat Forest Kawayang bayog, 2018 Open access
Developers Association Kawayang tinik
Cayanga 53.00 Lewesen Mountain Range Ylang-ylang 2018 Open access
Agroforest Farmers
Association
Cayanga 53.00 Kapuntian Watershed Ylang-ylang 2018 Open access
Development Association,
Inc.
Total 3481.24
Source: FMB website

47 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-5. Location of NGP areas in Bugallon (2011-2020)

48 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.1.1.2.4 Impairment of visual aesthetics


The most significant visual impacts of constructing the proposed solar power facility at the Project site of mostly
agricultural and other lands is the alteration of the landscape and the glare from the photovoltaic cells (Figure
2-6). These impacts will be significant parts of the site visible to nearby communities, specifically the northeast
portion which is adjacent to some residential clusters of Barangay Cayanga. The rest of the project areas are
far from residential areas and national roads and will have minimal visual impacts for nearby communities and
passing motorists.

Figure 2-6. Visual impact of solar power facilities on flat and rolling terrain

Construction activities that will contribute to visual impacts are enumerated below. Visual impairment during
construction is an unavoidable but it is temporary and persist only during the construction phase.

a) Site development for the construction of access roads and temporary facilities such as bunkhouses,
construction offices, storage, and stockpile areas, etc.;
b) Presence and use of heavy equipment, machinery, and vehicles;
c) Development of various stockpiles of excavated and construction materials; and
d) Construction of roads and Project components.

The construction of permanent structures such as the access road and mounts for solar PV panels are new
vistas in the Project area which was previously agricultural lands. The Project structures will introduce a
permanent change in the visual and aesthetic character of the area during the operation phase.

2.1.1.2.5 Devaluation of land value due to improper solid waste management


Solid waste disposal facilities in Pangasinan include open dumpsites for 14 municipalities, controlled dumpsites
in four municipalities, and sanitary landfills in four cities/municipalities namely Bolinao, Burgos, Alaminos City
and Urdaneta City (PPDO). The municipality of Sto. Tomas has no dumpsite but all barangays have material
recovery facilities (MRF). The host municipality Bugallon including 13 other cities/municipalities have 100%
compliance in the establishment of MRF in every barangay.

Generation of construction wastes is expected during the construction of the Project components. Sources and
types of construction wastes will include:

a) Site development (e.g., removed vegetation, spoils);


b) Daily activities of construction workers (e.g., paper, plastics, and biodegradable wastes);
c) Wooden crates from equipment packaging, steel pieces, concrete, and other construction wastes;
d) Construction offices (e.g., paper, plastics, cartons, busted lamps and bulbs, cartridges, etc.); and
e) Hazardous wastes (e.g., used engine oils, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, spent batteries, used paint, soiled
rags, etc.)

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Solid waste generation during the operation phase is expected to be minimal consisting of municipal wastes,
e.g., office wastes. These can be disposed through the municipal solid waste disposal system.

A significant source of solid waste during the operation and abandonment phases are used or old solar panels.
Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 30 years, after which they are decommissioned. Disposal of solar panels
can be through recycling or disposal through hazardous waste collection facilities to reduce the disposal of
hazardous wastes into local landfills. Used solar panels can also be disposed through solar energy
manufacturing companies where about 90% of the materials used in solar panels are reused.

2.1.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures


The proposed mitigating measures to address the key impacts previously assessed are presented below.

Compatibility with the existing land use plan – Ensure compatibility of the Project to the zoning classification
of Bugallon by securing a zoning clearance prior to the construction phase.

Compatibility with classification as an ECA - The following findings with regards to ECA classification need to
be considered during the pre-construction phase: a) Two recorded species considered critically endangered
under the IUCN and Philippine Red List and one critically endangered species according to DAO 2017-11, and
b) location of the Project site in an area with Very High typhoon risk and may be visited by two cyclones every
year.

Land tenure issues - The Project is not expected to affect the NGP sites because the development in these areas
may not be possible due to the difficult terrain. Data previously earlier showed that the Projecty site is not
located in any ancestral domains or other ancestral lands, mining tenements, and forestry management areas.
The Proponent should confirm the presence of comprehensive agrarian reform areas (CARP) inside the Project
site during the pre-construction phase because of unavailable information at this time.

Impairment of visual aesthetics – To mitigate visual impairment during the construction phase, 3BEC should
ensure that the Contractor(s) designate a specific spoils disposal site to prevent the presence of several
stockpile areas that will be potential eyesores. Spoil tip areas will also be identified to minimize the visual
impacts. Other measures to reduce visual impacts during construction may include:

a) Creation of greenery in exposed areas;


b) Ensuring maximum utilization of spoils/debris and muck for construction purposes to decrease the
amount that needs to be stockpiled;
c) Develop exposed areas in line with the landscape;
d) Proper disposal of rock from both surface and underground excavation works; and
e) Revegetation of exposed areas using indigenous species as part of the landscaping in the Project site.

The natural vegetation at the Project area may offer some mitigation as buffer and reduce the line-of-sight
visual at the communities. A Tree Planting Program implemented at the perimeter of the PV modules will
further reduce the visual impact during the operation phase due permanent Project structures, i.e., PV
modules.

Devaluation of land value as a result of improper solid waste management and other related impacts – A
Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) and Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) formulated
during the pre-construction phase will be implemented to address impacts due to waste generation. These
plans will cover management of construction wastes (municipal and hazardous solid and liquid wastes) and
municipal and hazardous solid and liquid wastes during operation respectively.

50 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.1.2 Geology and geomorphology

2.1.2.1 Methodology
The discussions and maps presented in this section were obtained from publications of PHIVOLCS, MGB,
NAMRIA, and other online sources.

2.1.2.2 Assessment of key impacts


This section presents the relevant baseline information and assessment of the following key impacts: changes
in surface geomorphology and slope, changes in sub-surface geology and underground conditions, and
inducement of subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, mud or debris flow. The susceptibility of the Project to
natural hazards was also initially assessed.

2.1.2.2.1 Change in surface geomorphology and slope


The regional topography/geomorphology, regional tectonic setting, regional stratigraphy and local geology are
discussed in the following sections.

Regional topography/Geomorphology - Pangasinan has flat to undulating and rolling terrain with the hills and
mountains located on the western and eastern parts of the province bound by the Zambales Mountains and
the Cordillera Mountains, respectively. The elevated portions on the western side of the province are part of
the Zambales Mountains with elevations reaching more than 900 masl while the elevated sections on the east
are part of the Cordillera Mountains with elevations reaching more than 1,100masl. The flat central portion of
the province is part of the extensive alluvial plains of Agno River with elevations ranging from 0 to <20masl.
Figure 2-7 shows the Project area in the relief map of Pangasinan and nearby areas

The slope map of Pangasinan in Figure 2-8 shows that the central part of the province is generally flat while the
southeast and northwest portions have rolling to undulating terrain with moderate to steep slopes. The
western and eastern parts of the province have hilly to mountainous terrain with steep to very steep slopes.

Figure 2-7. Topographic and elevation map of Pangasinan showing the Project area

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Figure 2-8. Slope map of Pangasinan

Regional tectonic setting - Luzon Island as part of the Philippine Mobile Belt is surrounded by major geologic
structures that affect the seismicity of the region. The Manila Trench on the west marks the subduction of the
Eurasian Plate beneath the Philippine land mass while the East Luzon Trough and Philippine Trench on the east
marks the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Philippine land mass. The Philippine Fault Zone is
an actively deforming zone created from the subduction and collision activities and marginal sea basin openings
between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate (Aurelio and Peña, 2004). The tectonic map of northern
Luzon including Pangasinan is shown in Figure 2-9.

Subduction in the Manila Trench started in Early Miocene, with the presently active subduction zone extending
from Taiwan to Mindoro. The Benioff zone associated with the Manila Trench reaches depths of over 200km
and becomes steeper in the southern end. Taal and other volcanoes in southwestern Luzon appear to lie over
significantly deeper part of the Benioff zone or along a fracture zone trending perpendicular to the arc (Cardwell
et al, 1980 in Forster et al, 1990). The Benioff zone becomes nearly vertical at the southern end, which indicates
that the subducted slab does not underlie the Macolod Corridor (Hamburger et al, 1983 in Forster et al, 1990).
The NE-SW trending Luzon Trough is superimposed on old (Cretaceous to Oligocene) subduction system with
seismicity patterns indicating that subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate along this trough began recently (De
Boer et al, 1980; Hamburger et al, 1983; Lewis and Hayes, 1983 in Forster et al, 1990). The Philippine Trench
appears to be a young feature as shown by the relatively shallow depths of seismic activities associated with
the trench (Hamburger et al, 1983 in Forster et al, 1990).

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Figure 2-9. Generalized tectonic map of Northern Luzon

The Philippine Fault, a major tectonic feature, is a left lateral strike slip fault extending for 1,200 km from
northwest Luzon to south-eastern Mindanao. The fault is believed to have been active since the Miocene (Karig,
1983 in Forster et al, 1990). The Philippine Fault is the most active seismic generator in the country with most
of the major earthquakes attributed to activities along this fault and its splays. These include the 1973 Ragay
Gulf earthquake (M 7.0), 1990 Luzon earthquake (Mw 7.7), 2003 Masbate earthquake (Ms 6.2), the 2017
Surigao earthquake (M 6.7), and the 2022 Abra earthquake (M 7.0).

Regional stratigraphy - Rocks in Pangasinan belong to three stratigraphic groupings, namely SG 1 or the Central
Valley Basin, SG 2 or the Central Cordillera, and SG 5 or the Zambales Range. The rock formations are briefly
described in Table 2-8. The Project area is found on the alluvial plains of Agno River underlain by Quaternary
Deposits, or the unconsolidated sediments eroded from the mountains on the western and eastern sides of the
province (Figure 2-10).

Table 2-8. Description of rock formations in Pangasinan


Rock formation Description
SG 1 or the Central Valley Basin – - Amlang Formation consisting of turbiditic sandstones and shale with
West Side minor conglomerates of Late Miocene to Early Pliocene age found in
Pangasinan and La Union including the coastal strip at the mouth of
Agno River.
- Cataguintingan Formation consisting of tuffaceous sandstones with
interbeds of siltstones, shales, and conglomerates with minor
limestone lenses of Late Pliocene age located in Pangasinan and La
Union.
- Damortis Formation consisting of sandstones, calcarenites, siltstones

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Rock formation Description


and marl of Pleistocene age located in Damortis Beach, Pangasinan.
SG 2 or the Central Cordillera Labayug Limestone consisting of porous to massive coralline limestone of
Late Miocene age located in Sison, Pangasinan.
SG 5 or Zambales Range - Zambales Ophiolite Complex consisting of peridotites, gabbros,
diabasic dike complex, diorite, pillow basalt, pelagic limestone,
sandstone, and mudstone of Cretaceous-Eocene age found in the
greater part of Zambales province as well as parts of Tarlac and
Pangasinan.
- Sta. Cruz Formation consisting of mudstone, calcarenite, sandstone,
siltstone and mudstone of Late Miocene age located in Zambales and
Pangasinan.
- Bolinao Limestone of Pliocene-Pleistocene age located in Mabini,
Pangasinan.
- Bataan Volcanic Arc Complex consisting of basalts, andesites, dacite,
pyroclastic flow and tuff of Late Miocene to Recent age found in
Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija.

Figure 2-10. Geologic map of Pangasinan

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Local geology - The Project located in Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Norte and Salomague Sur on the
southern part of Bugallon, has a topography that is generally flat to undulating with elevations ranging from 0
to 20masl. The southern part has rolling to undulating terrain with elevations reaching a little more than
100masl (Figure 2-11). Tributaries of Agno River form the northern boundary (Dumuloc River) while the Sobol
Creek forms the southern boundary of the Project site.

Figure 2-11. Topographic map of Bugallon showing the Project area

The geologic map in Figure 2-10 indicated that rocks in the municipality of Bugallon include Quaternary
Deposits on the eastern side and ultramafic rocks belonging to the Zambales Ophiolite Complex on the western
side of the municipality. Ultramafic rocks were exposed on the banks of Dumuloc River located north of the
Project site (left photo in Plate 2-2) while weathered rocks were exposed on the roadsides in Barangay Portic
on the north and Barangay Salomague Sur on the south (right photo in Plate 2-2).

Plate 2-2. Observed rocks on the northern boundary of the Project site

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Impact assessment - Change in surface landform will not occur in the central and eastern portions of the project
with flat terrain but it can occur in southern and western parts of the Project site where slope modification may
be done.

As discussed in an earlier section, the expected Project impacts on surface landforms will be minimal and will
occur only if the southern portion with rolling to undulating terrain is developed. Mitigating measures to
address the possible project impacts are discussed below.

a) Project development should include geotechnical studies, appropriate engineering design, and
employment of innovative construction methods to minimize destructive geologic processes such as
erosion and landslides.
b) Construction of roads should be done according to national and international guidelines on road
construction such as the National Building and Structural Code of the Philippines, American Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), etc.
c) Cleared out areas should be re-vegetated to visually assimilate the old terrain.
d) Slope or road cuts, if any, should be stabilized through engineering and bioengineering methods.

2.1.2.2.2 Change in sub-surface geology and underground conditions


Changes in subsurface geology and underground conditions are not expected considering that shallow
foundation will be used for the PV mounts and other Project structures. Geotechnical and other subsurface
investigations will be done during the pre-construction stage to ensure that foundation of Project structures
will be placed on competent materials.

2.1.2.2.3 Inducement of subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, mud/debris flow


The Project is not expected to induce subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, debris flow and other geologic
hazards. The geologic hazards at the Project site discussed, i.e., seismic hazards, volcanic hazards, and mass
movement hazards. Seismic and volcanic hazards, were based on published maps and documents of the
PHIVOLCS.

Seismic hazards
Seismic hazards or the probability of earthquake occurrence is based on the presence of active faults and
trenches and other geologic structures. Seismic hazards discussed in this section include ground shaking,
tsunami, earthquake induced landslides and rockfalls, subsidence, and liquefaction.

The seismicity map of the Philippines is shown on Figure 2-12. The map shows that earthquake epicenters are
located near the seismic generators including the Manila Trench on the western side of northern Luzon, the
East Luzon Trough and Philippine Trench on the east, and the Philippine Fault Zone on the central part of the
archipelago. The map shows that most of the recorded earthquakes are shallow (yellow circles) and of low to
moderate magnitude. The project site is near the Manila Trench and most of the recorded earthquakes are of
low magnitude and shallow depth.

The East Zambales Fault (2km east of the Project site) is the nearest active fault to the Project site based on the
PHIVOLCS fault finder (Figure 2-13).

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Figure 2-12. Seismicity map of the Philippines from 1907 to 2012

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Figure 2-13. Distance of the Project site to the nearest active fault

Ground shaking and acceleration - Ground shaking is the most familiar effect of earthquakes resulting from
the passage of seismic waves through the ground. Strong ground shaking often results to damage to buildings
and other infrastructure. The effect of ground shaking is expressed in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA),
an important parameter in earthquake engineering. The probabilistic zonation maps of estimated PGA values
for soft soil, medium soil, and rock conditions showing the Project area are presented in Figure 2-14, Figure 2-
15, and Figure 2-16 respectively. The PGA maps, developed by Thenhaus et al. (1994), show that the Project
site will have expected PGA values of 0.6 to 0.7g for soft soil, 0.4g for medium soil, and 0.22g for rock. Thus,
high PGA values are expected at the flat portions of the project site underlain by alluvial materials while low
PGA values are expected at the western and southern parts of the project site underlain by ultramafic rocks.

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Figure 2-14. PGA contour map for soft soil showing the Project site

Figure 2-15. PGA contour map for medium soil showing the Project site

Figure 2-16. PGA contour map for rock showing the Project site

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Table 2-9 presents different various earthquake intensity scales (Philippine Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS),
Modified Mercalli Scale, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in relation to the PGA values. The
matrix shows that the expected PEIS equivalent of ground shaking on soft soil will be Intensity IX while that for
medium soil and rock will be Intensity VIII and Intensity VII, respectively. The Project site underlain by alluvial
materials can experience moderate to heavy damage during strong earthquakes.

Table 2-9. Intensity scales in relation to acceleration, ground shaking, and potential damage5
PEIS Modified Mercalli USGS Acceleration (g) Perceived shaking Potential damage
I I I <0.0017 Not felt None
II II II-III 0.0017 – 0.014 Weak None
III III None
IV IV IV 0.014 – 0.039 Light None
V V V 0.039 – 0.092 Moderate Very light
VI VI VI 0.092 – 0.18 Strong Light
VII VII VII 0.18 – 0.34 Very strong Moderate
VIII VIII, IX VIII 0.34 – 0.65 Severe Moderate to heavy
IX X, XI IX 0.65 – 1.24 Violent Heavy
X XII X+ >1.24 Extreme Very heavy

Ground rupture - Ground rupture occurs when earthquake movement along a fault breaks the earth’s surface
and shows a visible offset on the ground. This hazard poses a major risk to structures built across an active fault
zone. The possibility of ground rupture in the Project site is low considering its distance of about 2km from the
nearest active fault (see Figure 2-13).

Liquefaction and differential settlement - The probability of liquefaction and differential settlement in the
alluvial plains of Agno River is high because it is underlain by liquefiable unconsolidated alluvial materials. This
hazard is not present in areas underlain by competent bedrock found in the western and southern parts of the
Project site.

Tsunami and seiche - Tsunamis are large waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea
while a seiche is a standing wave in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of water such as lakes, reservoirs,
swimming pools, bays and harbors. The project site is not expected to experiences these hazards because it is
located inland.

Landslides and rockfall - The occurrence of earthquake-related landslides and rockfall is possible on the
western and southern parts of the Project site that are located on the foothills of the Zambales Mountains.

Subsidence and lateral spreading - Subsidence is the lowering of the ground surface due to downward vertical
displacement on one side of the fault. The possibility of subsidence at the Project site is low due to its significant
distance to the nearest active fault. Lateral spreading refers to landslides that form on gentle slopes where
movement is rapid and fluid-like. The possibility of lateral spreading is low due to the moderate to steep slopes
on the western and southern parts of the Project site.

Mass movement hazards


Figure 2-17 shows that the western side of the Bugallon located on the foothills of the Zambales Range has low
to moderate susceptibility to landslides while the flat central and eastern portions of the municipality are not
susceptible.

5
Sources: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/earthquake-intensity-scale;
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mercalli.php; https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mag_vs_int.php;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration
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Figure 2-17. Landslide and flood hazard map of Bugallon

Volcanic hazards
Figure 2-18 shows that the nearest active volcano is Mount Pinatubo at about 83 km south of the Project site.
Based on this, ashfall is the only volcanic hazard that will potentially affect the Project site during a large
volcanic explosive event.

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Figure 2-18. Location map of active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines

Project site

2.1.2.3 Proposed mitigating measures


Project implementation is not likely to induce subsidence, liquefaction, landslides, or mud/debris flow. The
initial hazard assessment indicated that the Project site is safe from major seismic mass movement, and
volcanic hazards except for susceptibility to ground shaking from an Intensity VIII earthquake. This can be
mitigated by following the National Building Code and the Structural Code of the Philippines. In addition, as
due diligence, it is recommended that an onsite Geotechnical Investigation be conducted and the results of the
initial hazards assessment considered during the Detailed Engineering Design to further increase the resilience
of the Project structures.

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2.1.3 Pedology

2.1.3.1 Methodology
The description of the soil types at the Project site were based on available secondary information. Soil quality
was described by collecting soil samples at four stations shown in Figure 2-19. The soil samples were subjected
to laboratory analysis for pamaters shown in Table 2-10. The key impacts assessed specified in the EMB
Technical Scoping checklist were soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and change in soil quality and fertility.

Table 2-10. Soil parameters and analytic method


Analyte Method Analyte Method
pH 9045D pH Selenium 6010B Metals (ICP)
Temperature 9045D pH Silver 6010B Metals (ICP)
Nitrate Nitrite as N 353.2_Pres Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrite Zinc 6010B Metals (ICP)
Phosphorus, Total 365.4 Phosphorus, Total Mercury 7471A Mercury (CVAA)
Cobalt 6010B Metals (ICP) Nitrogen Total Nitrogen Total
Iron 6010B Metals (ICP) Total Organic Carbon WALKLEY BLACK
Manganese 6010B Metals (ICP) Tellurium 6020A Metals (ICP/MS)
Nickel 6010B Metals (ICP) Nitrogen, Kjeldahl 351.2 Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl
Potassium 6010B Metals (ICP) Cobalt 6010B Metals (ICP)

Figure 2-19. Soil sampling stations map

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2.1.3.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.1.3.2.1 Soil erosion and loss of topsoil
Soils in Pangasinan consist of clay loam on the western and eastern sides of the province, and fine sandy loam,
fine sand, and river sand on the central alluvial plains (Figure 2-20). The map shows that soils in Bugallon consist
of Undifferentiated Mountain Soils on the west, Bolinao Clay Loam on the east, and Alaminos Loam on the
central part. The Alaminos soil series is a fine textured soil with clay content of 35-60 percent. It is an intensely
weathered soil predominated by oxides from iron and aluminum due to repeated high precipitation and high
temperature. The Bolinao soil series is an old soil which has undergone extensive weathering but has retained
a high base status in its horizonation. This soil is usually found in areas with pronounced wet and dry seasons.
The description of these soils and its cross-section are shown in Table 2-11 and Plate 2-3 respectively.

Figure 2-20. Soil map of Pangasinan

Table 2-11. Description of soils in Bugallon


Soil type Soil fertility Physical soil quality
Bolinao Series Soil fertility: Moderate Relief: Highly rolling upland
Surface Soil Type: Clay loam Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (5.5 - 7.2) Water retention: High
Family name: Fine-clayey, mixed, Organic Matter: Low Drainage: Good external, poor internal
isohyperthermic, Ultic Paleustalf
Surface Soil Type: Clay loam Phosphorus (P): Low to moderate Permeability: Moderate
Family name: Fine-clayey, mixed, Potassium (K): Low Rooting depth: Moderate to Deep (0.8->1
isohyperthermic, Ultic Paleustalf Nutrient Retention: High m)
Base Saturation: Moderate Erosion: Moderate
Alaminos Series Soil Fertility: Low Relief: Slightly rolling to mountainous
Surface Soil Type: Loam/Sandy Soil pH: Acidic (4.5-5.5)

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Soil type Soil fertility Physical soil quality


loam Organic Matter: Moderate Water retention: Moderate
Family name: Fine-clayey, Phosphorus (P): Low Drainage: Good
kaolinitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Potassium (K): Low Permeability: Moderate to rapid
Kandiustox
Nutrient retention: Low Rooting depth: Deep (>1m)
Base saturation: Low Erosion: Moderate-Severe
Source: dbmp.philrice.gov.ph

Plate 2-3. Cross-section of Bolinao and Alaminos soil series

Erosion and sedimentation are expected to increase during excavation and earthmoving activities. This is a
temporary impact that will persist only during the construction phase. Rates of erosion and sedimentation are
expected to drastically decrease as soon as construction activities are completed. Reforestation and
landscaping will contribute to managing erosion and sedimentation in active construction sites (access road
and project facilities) and in the Project are in general.

Mitigating measures for soil erosion and loss of topsoil/overburden will include a) planting of grass, shrubs, and
other suitable vegetation for erosion control; b) using erosion control blankets made of mulch and other
biodegradable materials, which when completely degraded can be taken over by natural vegetation; c) building
terraces made of wood or concrete blocks to help slow down erosion in sloping areas; d) diversion channels
such as open ditches, drains, pipes or gutters to drain excess surface runoff; and e) store topsoil separately and
use in the nursery for the growth of planting materials that can be used for reforestation/landscaping activities.

2.1.3.2.2 Change in soil quality or fertility


The laboratory analysis showed high levels of soil fertility parameters in the soil samples (green cells in Table
2-12). For example, the organic matter content of the samples ranged from 11,890 to 94,480 mg/kg of soil
while the NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) content ranged from 130 to 3000 mg/kg. This is indicative of
suitability of the surrounding soils to agriculture and evidenced by the presence of large farm lands, orchards,
and plantations along the alignment.

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The results also showed adequate levels of Zinc, Manganese, and Iron across the stations (green cells in Table
2-14). The zinc content ranged from 76-112 mg/kg, manganese from 737 to 1,438 mg/kg, and iron from 44,900
to 72,500 mg/kg.

Impact assessment - The impact of solar parks on evapotranspiration is less clear and we purport that it will
depend on the park design, with potential for increased or decreased rates contingent on whether the surface
roughness, and therefore turbulent exchange, is increased or decreased respectively. Therefore, changes in
evapotranspiration and precipitation will potentially cause changes in the soil moisture content of soils hosting
LBR, but given the limited understanding and paucity of field evidence we cannot conclude the likely direction
or magnitude of change. Given the effect of the change in precipitation distribution under and around solar
panels, we predict spatially variable soil C concentrations will be promoted.

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Table 2-12. Existing soil fertility at the Project area


Station (Lab results) Soil fertility guideline values* Soil fertility evaluation
Parameter Unit SQF1 SQF2 SQF3 SQF4 High Mod Low SQF1 SQF2 SQF3 SQF4
Nitrogen Total(a) % 0.037 0.047 0.039 0.2 > 0.25 0.15 - 0.25 < 0.15 Low Low Low Mod
pH SU 7.5 7 7.2 7.1 5.5 - 7.5 5.0 - 5.5 <5.0 & > 8.0 High High High High
Phosphorus, Total ppm 27 74 27 41 > 35 26 – 35 < 25 Mod High Mod High
Potassium mg/Kg dry 800 890 88 94 > 250 150 – 250 < 150 High High Low Low
Total Organic Carbon % 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.042 >3 1–3 <1 Low Low Low Low
NOTES: (a) original values in mg/kg; *BSWM Soil fertility Rating Guideline Values; Mod - moderate

Table 2-13. Existing soil micronutrients at the Project area


Station (Lab results) Soil fertility guideline values* Soil micronutrient evaluation
Parameter Unit SQF1 SQF2 SQF3 SQF4 Deficient Marginal Adequate SQF1 SQF2 SQF3 SQF4
Zinc mg/Kg dry 18 1.6 30 23 <0.5 0.5-1.5 >1.5 Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate
Manganese mg/Kg dry 380 310 2700 450 <1.0 none >1.0 Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate
Iron mg/Kg dry 43000 140000 35000 27000 <1.5 2.5-4.5 >4.5 Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate

Table 2-14. Existing soil contamination at the Project area


Station (Lab results) Impact (a), mg/Kg
DSS*
Parameter Unit SQF1 SQF2 SQF3 SQF4 SQ-1 SQ2 SQ-3 SQ-4
Cobalt mg/Kg dry 29 29 82 32 240 211 211 158 208
Copper mg/Kg dry 21 97 71 63 190 169 93 119 127
Mercury mg/Kg dry 0.087 0.091 0.12 0.059 10 9.91 9.91 9.88 9.94
Selenium mg/Kg dry 10 12 1.1 1.2 100 90 88 98.9 98.8
Silver mg/Kg dry 0.39 4.4 0.43 0.46 15 14.61 10.6 14.57 14.54
Tellurium mg/Kg dry 0.14 0.15 0.13 0.14 600 600 600 600 600
NOTES: DSS - Dutch Soil Standards Intervention Value; (a) If (-) adverse impact, (+) no impact. Value is the impact
magnitude

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2.1.3.3 Proposed mitigating measures


Cut and fill operations during the construction phase should be optimized and overburden immediately
removed from the site if possible, to avoid stockpiling that may lead to erosion. Oil sumps in machine repair
and vehicle maintenance areas should be installed and practice proper storage and disposal of collected oil and
other hazardous wastes to control soil contamination. Drainage canals leading to silt ponds can also be installed
if construction activities coincide with the rainy season.

Change in soil quality can occur from possible oil spills and leaks during the construction period. This should be
avoided through frequent maintenance of equipment and machinery that can be sources of oil spills and leaks,
identifying a secure storage area for used oils and oily rags, and installation of impervious lining in equipment
and vehicle maintenance areas to avoid oil spills and leaks in nearby areas.

Further, in order to mitigate possible soil erosion and siltation due to project site preparation and operation,
the following are hereby recommended:
• All surface water runoff in active construction sites shall be redirected to settling ponds before
discharge to the nearest water body to minimize and control infiltration of sediments.
• Provision of ditches or canals to all hauling roads with sediment traps to control the velocity of runoff.
Desilting of sediment traps shall be done regularly;
• Installation of silt or turbidity curtains, especially in disturbed areas near the waterways;
• Strictly no clearing shall be done within the 60meters easement of impacted natural waterways
• Strict observance of greenbelt, easement distance and buffer zones;
• Design gradient of active scraping and levelling area shall not be more than 15% and the gradient must
not exceed the natural slope along the ridge (8 to 30%)
• Implement progressive rehabilitation immediately in mined-out areas to restore natural cover through
planting of trees or other native plant species to minimize siltation
• Utilize the recovered topsoil for re-soiling or as soil cover on waste dumps and all disturbed areas for
rehabilitation and revegetation;
Stabilization and erosion control of the affected side slopes of the roads and nearby creeks within the project
site, rehabilitation area, as well as those of the siltation pond shall be immediately undertaken
2.1.4 Terrestrial ecology

2.1.4.1 Methodology
The existing terrestrial ecology at the Project site was described by conducting flora and fauna surveys using
standard methods. The key impacts assessed specified in the EMB Technical Scoping checklist were a)
vegetation removal and loss of habitat, b) threat to existence of important local species, c) threat to abundance,
frequency and distribution of important species, and d) hindrance to wildlife access.

2.1.4.1.1 Survey locations


A quadrat survey was employed to assess the vegetation characteristics at the Project site. As shown in Table
2-15 and illustrated in Figure 2-21, 12 20m x 20m quadrats were established in vegetated areas. On the other
hand, a transect survey was employed to assess fauna at the Project site. Twelve 200-m transects were
randomly established as shown in Figure 2-22 and described in Table 2-16.

Table 2-15. Description of stations for vegetation sampling


Quadrat Latitude Longitude Description of sampling points
Q1 15.9118o 120.1946o Combination of bushland and open forest
Q2 15.9084o 120.1910o Secondary growth forest
Q3 15.9088o 120.1949o Brush land and grassland
Q4 15.9142o 120.2013o Brush land and open forest

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Quadrat Latitude Longitude Description of sampling points


Q5 15.9096o 120.2015o Brush land and open forest
Q6 15.9121o 120.2103o Brush land and grassland
Q7 15.9008o 120.2073o Brush land and grassland
Q8 15.8909o 120.2003o Brush land and open forest
Q9 15.8875o 120.1955o Brush land and grassland
Q10 15.8905o 120.1914o Brush land and secondary growth forest
Q11 15.8935o 120.1934o Brush land and secondary growth forest
Q12 15.8990o 120.1933o Brush land and open forest

Table 2-16. Description of transect locations for fauna sampling


Transect Latitude Longitude Description of Sampling Points
T1 15.9118 120.1946 Combination of bushland and open forest
T2 15.9084 120.1910 Secondary growth forest
T3 15.9088 120.1949 Brush land and grassland
T4 15.9142 120.2013 Brush land and open forest
T5 15.9096 120.2015 Brush land and open forest
T6 15.9121 120.2103 Brush land and grassland
T7 15.9008 120.2073 Brush land and grassland
T8 15.8909 120.2003 Brush land and open forest
T9 15.8875 120.1955 Brush land and grassland
T10 15.8905 120.1914 Brush land and secondary growth forest
T11 15.8935 120.1934 Brush land and secondary growth forest
T12 15.8990 120.1933 Brush land and open forest

Figure 2-21. Relative locations of quadrats for vegetation sampling

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Figure 2-22. Transect map for fauna sampling

2.1.4.1.2 Flora survey


Generally, the Project area has three vegetation types namely; grassland, brushland, and
open/planted/secondary growth forest. The quadrats were distributed in such a way that all existing vegetation
cover was represented. Each plant and tree species recorded inside and outside the quadrats were
photographed and identified to the lowest possible level using the available taxonomic literature and
photographic guides (e.g., Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines). The DENR Department Administrative Order
2017-11 and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species were used to check conservation status of species.

The diameter breast height (DBH) for trees was measured using a handheld tape measure. All trees with
DBH>15cm were counted to calculate the tree density.

2.1.4.1.3 Wildlife survey


Twelve 200-m transects were randomly established at the Project area. Four persons traversed five transects
at two instances and different times of day (8:00-10:00 and 3:00-4:00) account for temporal variations in
species distribution. This was complemented by opportunistic sampling outside the transects through visual
encounter survey, mist-netting, and pitfall trapping to maximize species list. Whenever possible, each fauna
species recorded were photographed and identified to the lowest possible level using the available taxonomic
literature and photographic guides. The DENR Department Administrative Order 2019-05 and the IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species were used to determine the conservation status of species.

2.1.4.1.4 Data analysis


Flora - The relative density, relative dominance, and relative frequency values for each tree species were
determined to obtain their Importance Value (IV), a standard measurement in forest ecology to determine the
rank relationships of species and as an ecological management indicator of dominant, rare species, and critical

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sites. In addition, the relative frequency, relative density, and relative dominance indicate different aspect of
the species importance in a community. The DBH and height measurements were used to calculate the relative
values of density and dominance and frequency for each species to obtain the ecological IV (SIV; Brower and
Zar 1977).

The diversity using Shannon-Weiner Index (H’), Simpson’s Reciprocal Index (1/D) and Pielou’s Evenness (E or J)
for community variety, dominance, and heterogeneity. The diversity indexes were interpreted using the
categories of Fernando (1998) shown in Table 2-17.

The IV and diversity indices were was calculated using the following formulas:

NumberofIndividuals
Density =
araa sampled

Density of a species
Relative Density = x 100
total density of all species

Number of plots where species occur


Frequency =
total number of plots sampled

Frequency value for a species


Relative Frequency = x 100
Total frequency values of all species

Basal area or volume for a species


Dominance =
Area sampled

Dominance for a species


Relative Dominance = x 100
Total dominance of all species

Importance Value = Relative Density + Relative Frequency + Relative Dominance

Species diversity (H') and evenness (E) were assessed using the following formulas:

ni ni
Shannon-Weiner Index [H]= - ∑ ( ) ln ( )
N N

where:
ni = the total number of individuals in each species
N = the total number of all individuals

H1
Pielou' s Evenness Index (J)=
ln (S)
where:
S = total number of species

Table 2-17. Relative values for plant species diversity


Relative Values Shannon Diversity Evenness Index
Very High 3.500 – 4.000 0.750 – 1.000
High 3.000 – 3.499 0.500 – 0.740
Moderate 2.500 – 2.999 0.250 – 0.490

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Low 2.000 – 2.499 0.150 – 0.240


Very Low 1.999 and below 0.140 and below
Source: Fernando, 1998

Fauna – The community diversity was determined for each parcel and for all transects to represent the entire
Project site. The Shannon-Weiner Index (H’), Simpson’s Reciprocal Index (1/D) and Pielou’s Evenness (E or J)
were computed for community variety, dominance, and heterogeneity using formulas previously presented.
The Evenness Index was determined using the Shannon diversity divided by the natural logarithm (ln) of the
species richness (Maguran, 1988).

2.1.4.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.1.4.2.1 Vegetation removal and loss of habitat
The typical vegetative cover at the Project site varied from grassland to open canopy forest and some portions
of river and mangrove ecosystem in the downstream area. The terrain of the site is from flat, rolling to
mountainous or moderate to steep slopes of brush land and secondary growth forest with elevation range of
10 to 200 masl. The nearest declared protected area under PAMB is the Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape
which is relatively far from the site and not expected to be affected by Project implementation.

The open-canopy forest at the Project site is second-growth and residual forest dominated by the Fabaceae,
Moraceae, Myrtaceae, and Euphorbiacea family tree species. The forest floor of the open-canopy forest has
poor undergrowth due to the thick forest litter, e.g., leaves, twigs, branches. The open portions are brushland
dominated by agsam, cogon, ferns, herbs e.g., hagonoy, some shrubs and small trees. The same species are
also dominant with the remaining secondary forest at the site.

The forest at the Project site was composed of a mixed dipterocarp species. The canopy structure is modified
becoming more diffused and allowing more light to penetrate the understorey permitting dense growths
calamoid palms (rattans), woody lianas and epiphytes, herbaceous plants on the forest floor, pitcher plants,
and saplings of the emergents. Epiphytic plants like orchids, ferns and a parasitic plant called Ant plant
(Hydnophytum formicarium Jack)were seen in twigs and trunks of the River Red Gum (Eucalyptus
camaldulensisNaves).

There were households in the Barangay Cayanga portion of the Dumuloc river where residents do subsistence
farming from it banks to the rolling slopes of the mountain. Some portions of the site is cultivated and planted
with agricultural crops such as coconut, corn, cassava, banana, and mango. Vegetation and trees observed at
the Project site were mostly endemic and dominated with tree species such as River Red Gum, Lanipa, Batino,
Kalukot, Binunga, Bitanghol, Palosapis, and Agoho, that usually thrived in an ultramafic soil or mineralized land.

The forest-riparian flora and fauna in Barangays Cayanga and Salomague are currently affected by
perturbations such as arrested regeneration, landslides, timber extraction, agriculture-domestic expansion and
small scale scraping and levelling. Given the slow but steady capability of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity
to recuperate, both natural and man-made perturbations are seen to linger even past Project implementation.

Direct or consequential removal of vegetation in the remaining forests at the Project site is seen to have
disjunctive effects to water regimes, soil stability, biodiversity recruitment (both flora and fauna), population
dynamics, and habitat compatibility. For example, epiphytes such as pakpak lawin (Asplenium nidus, a critically-
endangered fern) and Hoya irisae (a local endemic hoya) as well as Dipterocarp species like mayapis (Shorea
palosapis) are dependent upon dense canopy trees to thrive. Sudden removal of mature trees at the Project
site that form the canopy will affect the survival of these plants. The measured diversity and biophysical
features in forest fringes indicated hints of said disjunct in ecosystem services. And should clearing of trees
“encroach” inner parts of intact forest sites, (to favor agriculture, for example), it is likely that undocumented
flora and fauna still will be eliminated as well.

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If one has to anchor ecosystem health to avian diversity, then removal of vegetation serving as food and shelter
to birds will trigger ecological backlash. Many other organisms in the forests are highly dependent to birds.
Many plants employ birds as seed dispersers (e.g., Ficus species). Certain flowering shrubs and herbs also rely
on insectivorous and nectivorous birds thriving in all vegetation types. Removing trees in forests and other
herbaceous plants in open areas will remove insects and grains which are the base diet for most of identified
birds at the Project site. As bird populations become displaced, services such as pollination and seed dispersal
degrade. In light of removal of primary diet sources, hardier forms (e.g., crows, sparrows) may have to subsist
on resources of poorer quality (e.g., human food refuse) or of easier access (rice grains in fields). These birds
may accordingly become nuisance. Arguments by Kurdoglu (2016), Ferreira et al (2013), Carew-Reid (2010) and
many others support this notion.

The construction of new access roads may cause formation of internal habitat fragmentation leading to
isolation and decreased dispersal capabilities of different wildlife. Construction of the access road may also lead
to habitat loss causing population reduction, create continuous disturbance at forest edges leading to
decreased habitat quality and alteration of faunal assemblage, intrusion of commensal and other invasive
species, and mortality due to vehicular traffic. The area will also be more accessible and may attract poachers.

2.1.4.2.2 Threat to existence of important local species


Flora - A total of 68 flora species were inventoried along the vegetated and randomly area of the project. There
were 20 native species recorded three of which are Philippine endemic (Table 2-18). Two species recorded are
critically endangered under the IUCN and Philippine Red List and one species is critically endangered on DAO
2017-11 (). Of the 241 identified species at the 10 sampling quadrats, 16 species were included in the National
List of Threatened Flora species or in DAO No. 2017-11 (The National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and
their Categories) (green cells in Table 2-20). The frequency and rank of recorded flora species at the Project site
is shown in Figure 2-23. Plate 2-4 shows photographs of representative flora recorded at the Project site.
Table 2-18. Endemic species recorded at the Project site
Local name Scientific name Family name
Anislag Securinega flexuosa Euphorbiaceae
Katmon Dillenia philippinensis Dilleniaceae
Lanipa Wendlandia glabrata Rubiaceae

Table 2-19. Threatened plants recorded at the Project site


Local/Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Conservation status*
Batikuling Litsea leytensis Lauraceae EN
Malabayabas Tristaniopsis decorticata Myrtaceae VU
Molave Vitex Parviflora Verbenaceae EN
Torchwood Bikkia montoyae Rubiaceae CR
White lauan Shorea contorta Dipterocarpaceae VU
NOTES: VU – Vulnerable; EN – Endangered; CR – Critically Endangered; *DAO No. 2017-11

The impacts of site development activities, e.g., scraping and levelling, and building of structures (complex and
facilities), roads, and other appurtenant structures, are related to encroachments upon nature. Solar panels
and structures cover vegetation. Like other disturbances, the general effect of these disturbance on succession
is pushing back to an early stage. For example, in removing or replacing part of the vegetation, succession tends
to replace these when conditions become suitable. If all the vegetation is ruined however, recovery may slow
or will not happen due to the suppression involved in the landscaping.

Minimal habitat loss during site preparation stage is expected because all sampling sites have patches of
secondary growth forest dominated by Batino (Alstonia macrophylla Wall. ex G. Don), Agoho (Casuarina
equisetifolia L.), and River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) communities.

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Plate 2-4. Photographs of representative flora species recorded at the Project site

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Table 2-20. Flora species recorded at the Project site


No. Common Name Family Scientific name IUCN DAO 2017-11 Frequency Rank
1 Agoho Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia NE NE 1 48
2 Alahan Sapindaceae Guioa koelreuteria NE NE 3 8
3 Alibangbang Caesalpiniaceae Bauhinia malabarica NE NE 1 48
4 Aligango Rubiaceae Hymenodictyon excelsum NE NE 1 35
5 Anabiong Ulmaceae Trema orientalis NE NE 1 46
6 Anislag Euphorbiaceae Securinega flexuosa NE NE 4 11
7 Balete Moraceae Ficus balete NE NE 1 48
8 Balinghasai Anacardiaceae Buchanania arborescens NE NE 2 24
9 Bangkal Rubiaceae Nauclea orientalis NE NE 3 19
10 Batikuling Lauraceae Litsea leytensis NT EN 1 40
11 Batino Apocynaceae Alstonia macrophylla NE NE 5 5
12 Binukao Guttiferae Garcinia binucao NE NE 1 35
13 Binunga Euphorbiaceae Macaranga tanarius LC NE 4 10
14 Bio-bio Moraceae Artocarpus multifidus NE NE 3 14
15 Bitanghol Guttiferae Calophyllum blancoi NE NE 1 46
16 Bitaog Guttiferae Calophyllum inophyllum NE NE 1 48
17 Bitas Ochnaceae Brackenridgea fascicularis ssp. Fascicularis NE NE 1 40
18 Bouquet box-orange Rutaceae Atalantia\Severinia paniculata NE NE 1 42
19 Bugallion mabunot Icacinaceae Gomphandra Bugallionensis CR CR 1 48
20 Duhat Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini LC NE 1 48
21 Dungon Sterculiaceae Heritiera sylvatica NE NE 1 48
22 Guijo Dipterocarpaceae Shorea guiso CR NE 1 35
23 Ipil-ipil Mimosaceae Leucaena leucocephala NE NE 1 42
24 Kakaag Sterculiaceae Commersonia bartramia NE NE 2 27
25 Kalingag Lauraceae Cinnamomum mercadoi NE NE 1 48
26 Kalukoi Moraceae Ficus callosa NE NE 1 48
27 Kalulot Moraceae Artocarpus rubrovenius NE OTS 3 6
28 Kanapai Moraceae Ficus magnoliifolia NE NE 2 27
29 Karaksan Oleaceae Linociera ramiflora NE NE 3 19
30 Katmon Dilleniaceae/Actinidiaceae Dillenia philippinensis NE NE 2 25
31 Lanipa Rubiaceae Wendlandia glabrata NE NE 6 2
32 Ligas Anacardiaceae Semecarpus cuneiformis NE NE 3 15
33 Liusin Chrysobalanaceae Maranthes corymbosa NE NE 2 25
34 Lunas Rutaceae Lunasia amara var. amara NE NE 2 27

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No. Common Name Family Scientific name IUCN DAO 2017-11 Frequency Rank
35 Malabagang Euphorbiaceae Glochidion album NE NE 1 48
36 Malabayabas Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis decorticata NE VU 4 9
37 Maladagwey Actinidiaceae Saurauia klemmei NE NE 1 42
38 Maladusong Ericaceae Vaccinium epiphyticum NE NE 1 48
39 Malapapaya Araliaceae Polyscias nodosa NE NE 2 22
40 Mamalis Pittosporaceae Pittosporum pentandrum NE NE 2 27
41 Mangagos Euphorbiaceae Homonoia riparia NE NE 3 15
42 Mangga Mango Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica LC NE 1 48
43 Molave Verbenaceae Vitex Parviflora NE EN 2 33
44 Nangka-nangka Meliaceae Vavaea amicorum NE NE 2 27
45 Niog-niogan Moraceae Ficus pseudopalma NE NE 3 18
46 Pagsahingin Burseraceae Canarium asperum var. asperum NE NE 5 3
47 Pagsahingin bulog Burseraceae Canarium calophyllum NE NE 1 48
48 Paguringon Guttiferae Cratoxylum sumatranum ssp. Sumatranum NE NE 3 15
49 Palonapoi Fagaceae Lithocarpus castellarnauianus NE NE 1 38
50 Palosapis Dipterocarpaceae Anisoptera thurifera ssp thurifera NE NE 4 7
51 Panglongboien Myrtaceae Syzygium simile NE NE 1 48
52 Patayud Boraginaceae Tournefortia argentea NE NE 1 48
53 River red gum Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis NE NE 6 1
54 Sablot Lauraceae Litsea glutinosa NE NE 3 12
55 Sagimsim Myrtaceae Syzygium brevistylum NE EN 1 48
56 Salisi Moraceae Ficus benjamina var. benjamina NE NE 2 21
57 Santol Meliaceae Sandoricum Koetjape LC NE 1 48
58 Sayo Bignoniaceae Radermachera gigantea LC NE 1 48
59 Sunda oak Fagaceae Lithocarpus sundaicus NE NE 5 4
60 Tabgun Moraceae Ficus ruficaulis NE NE 1 42
61 Tadiang-anuang Rubiaceae Canthium monstrosum NE NE 1 48
62 Takulau Annonaceae Miliusa vidalii NE NE 1 48
63 Taluto Sterculiaceae Pterocymbium tinctorium NE NE 1 48
64 Tibig Moraceae Ficus nota LC NE 1 38
65 Tibig-tibigan Moraceae Ficus satterthwaitei NE NE 2 22
66 Timon Rubiaceae Timonius lanceolatus NE NE 3 13
67 Torchwood Rubiaceae Bikkia montoyae NE CR 1 34
68 White lauan Dipterocarpaceae Shorea contorta CR VU 2 27
NOTE: NE = not evaluated, LC = least concerned, CR=critically endangered, E=endangered, VU = vulnerable, OTS= other threatened species, NT = near threatened

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Figure 2-23. Frequency and rank of recorded flora species at the Project site

Fauna - A total of 25 fauna species from 21 families were recorded 16 species of which were birds, eight
reptiles, and two amphibians (Table 2-21). Twenty and 16 species were recorded at direct impact area (Project
site) and indirect impact area (outside of the Project site). There were 22 native species recorded, six of which
endemic: Collocalia troglodytes, Centropus viridis, Rhipidura nigritorquis, Draco cyanopterus, Eutropis cf.
cuprea, and Sphenomorphus fasciatus. Two species identified (amphibians Rhinella marina and Kaloula pulchra)
are considered invasive alien species. Two species were listed as Other Threatened Species (OTS) according to
the DAO 2019-09 (green cells in Table 2-21). Plate 2-5 shows photographs of reptiles recorded at the Project
site.

Eight out of 11 birds recorded are categorized under IUCN Red List as species of least concern and of stable
populations due to their widespread distribution (Tropical, Indigenous and Cosmopolitan). Despite the Least
Concern (LC) status given by the IUCN Red List, it is important to note that apparently low local populations at
the site may warrant conservation and protection measures.

Table 2-21. Faunal species recorded at the Project site


No. English name Family Scientific Name IUCN DENR FREQ
Birds
1 Brahminy kite Accipitridae Haliaster indus indus LC OWS 1
2 Collared Kingfisher Alcedinidae Todiramphus chloris LC OWS 7
3 Pygmy swiftlet Apodidae Collocalia troglodytes LC OWS 4
4 White Breasted Woodswallow Artamidae Artamus leucorynchus LC OWS 18
5 Zebra dove Columbidae Geopelia striata LC OWS 8
6 Larged-billed Crow Corvidae Corvus macrorhynchos LC OWS 42
7 Philippine Coucal Cuculidae Centropus viridis LC OWS 2
8 Chestnut munia Estrildidae Lonchura atricapilla LC OWS 39
9 Long-tailed Shrike Laniidae Lanius schach NE OWS 6
10 Striated Grass Bird Locustellidae Megalurus palustris LC OWS 23
11 Tawny Grassbird Locustellidae Cincloramphus timoriensis LC OWS 1
12 Pied Buschat Muscicapidae Saxicola caprata LC OWS 44
13 Olive-backed Sunbird Nectariniidae Cinnyris jugularis LC OWS 14

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No. English name Family Scientific Name IUCN DENR FREQ


14 Eurasian tree sparrow Passeridae Passer montanus LC OWS 57
15 Yellow vented Bulbul Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus goiavier LC OWS 5
16 Philippine Pied Fantail Rhipiduridae Rhipidura nigritorquis LC OWS 6
Reptiles & amphibians
1 Keeled Rat Snake Colubridae Ptyas carinata NE OTS 1
2 King cobra Elapidae Ophiophagus hannah VU VU 1
3 Flying Lizard Agamidae Draco cyanopterus LC OWS 1
4 Asian House Gecko Gekkonidae Hemidactylus frenatus NE OTS 1
5 Cylindrical-bodied Smooth-scaled Gecko Gekkonidae Pseudogekko compresicorpus NE OWS 6
6 The Common Sun Skink Scincidae Eutropis multifasciata LC OWS 8
7 The Copper Sun Skink Scincidae Eutropis cf. cuprea DD OWS 10
8 Banded Sphenomorphus Scincidae Sphenomorphus fasciatus LC OWS 1
9 Cane Toad Bufonidae Rhinella marina NE OWS 1
10 Asiatic Painted Frog Microhylidae Kaloula pulchra LC OWS 1
NOTE: NE = not evaluated, LC = least concern, OTS = Other Threatened Species; DD = Data Deficient; OWS= other wildlife species;
VU=Vulnerable; DENR - DAO 2019-05; FREQ - Frequency

Plate 2-5. Photographs of reptiles observed at the Project site

Terrestrial invertebrates - Twenty-six (26) insects and arthropods in 11 families, 14 species + 12 morphotypes
and 12 orders were recorded at the survey stations (Table 2-22). The most frequent arthropods were butterflies
(Lepidoptera; five species), grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera; five species) and dragonflies (Odonata;
three species). The most frequent in terms of individual count across quadrats were Polydesmid millipedes
(Asiomorpha coartata). Nocturnal insects were not collected due to security reasons. Photographs of forest
and grassland invertebrates recorded are shown in Plate 2-6.

Table 2-22. Recorded invertebrates in forest and open areas of the Project site
No. Order Family Species Common Name Freq
1 Odonata Libellulidae Orthetrum sabina Green marshhawk dragonfly 2
2 Hymenoptera Apidae Bee 1
3 Coleoptera Beetle1 1

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No. Order Family Species Common Name Freq


4 Coleoptera Beetle2 1
5 Coleoptera beetle(dung) 1
6 Hemiptera Pyrrhocoridae Dysdercus cingulatus Bug(red cotton bug) 1
7 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Faunis sappho Butterfly 3
8 Homoptera Cicadidae Cicada 1
9 Homoptera Cicada 1
10 Blattodea Cockroach 1
11 Orthoptera Gryllidae Cricket 2
12 Orthoptera Acrididae Grasshopper 2
13 Orthoptera Grasshopper1 3
14 Odonata Libellulidae Orthetrum serapia Green skimmer dragonfly 8
15 Diptera Tabanidae Tabanus sulcifrons Horse-Fly 1
16 Orthoptera Tettigoniidae Katydid grasshopper 1
17 Polydesmida Paradoxomatidea Asiomorpha coartata Millipedes 13
18 Lepidoptera Zygaenidae Cyclosia papilionaris Drury’s Jewel 1
19 Lepidoptera Saturniidae Moth 1
20 Lepidoptera Moth1 1
21 Lepidoptera Moth2 1
22 Julida Julidae Tachypoidoiulus niger Myriapodamillipedes 3
23 Odonata Libellulidae Neurothemis fluctuans Red grasshawk Dragonfly 1
24 Orthoptera Tettigoiniidae Conocephalus spartinae Saltmarshmeadow katydid 1
25 Isoptera Termitoidae Coptotermes formosanus Termites 3
26 Hymenoptera Vespidae Symmorphus bifasciatus Willow masonwasp 4
Total 59
NOTE: FREQ – frequency

Plate 2-6. Photographs of forest and grassland invertebrates at the Project site

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2.1.4.2.3 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of important species


Flora –The most dominant species at the Project area was the Eucalyptus camaldulensis or River Red Gum with
an IV of 15.49 followed by Wendlandia glabrata or Lanipa and Canarium asperum var. asperum or Pagsahingin
with IV of 13.80 and 10.94 respectively (orange cells in Table 2-23).

Table 2-23. Importance Values of recorded tree species at the Project site
Rank Family Name Scientific Name Common Name IV
1 Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis River red gum 15.49
2 Rubiaceae Wendlandia glabrata Lanipa 13.80
3 Burseraceae Canarium asperum var. asperum Pagsahingin 10.94
4 Fagaceae Lithocarpus sundaicus Sunda oak 10.40
5 Apocynaceae Alstonia macrophylla Batino 10.30
6 Moraceae Artocarpus rubrovenius Kalulot 9.38
7 Dipterocarpaceae Anisoptera thurifera ssp thurifera Palosapis 8.99
8 Sapindaceae Guioa koelreuteria Alahan 8.38
9 Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis decorticata Malabayabas 8.35
10 Euphorbiaceae Macaranga tanarius Binunga 7.85
11 Euphorbiaceae Securinega flexuosa Anislag 7.78
12 Lauraceae Litsea glutinosa Sablot 7.15
13 Rubiaceae Timonius lanceolatus Timon 6.48
14 Moraceae Artocarpus multifidus Bio-bio 6.31
Cratoxylum sumatranum ssp.
15 Guttiferae Paguringon 6.22
Sumatranum
15 Anacardiaceae Semecarpus cuneiformis Ligas 6.22
15 Euphorbiaceae Homonoia riparia Mangagos 6.22
18 Moraceae Ficus pseudopalma Niog-niogan 6.04
19 Oleaceae Linociera ramiflora Karaksan 5.84
19 Rubiaceae Nauclea orientalis Bangkal 5.84
21 Moraceae Ficus benjamina var. benjamina Salisi 5.38
22 Araliaceae Polyscias nodosa Malapapaya 4.56
22 Moraceae Ficus satterthwaitei Tibig-tibigan 4.56
24 Anacardiaceae Buchanania arborescens Balinghasai 4.33
25 Chrysobalanaceae Maranthes corymbosa Liusin 4.28
25 Dilleniaceae/Actinidiaceae Dillenia philippinensis Katmon 4.28
27 Sterculiaceae Commersonia bartramia Kakaag 3.89
27 Pittosporaceae Pittosporum pentandrum Mamalis 3.89
27 Moraceae Ficus magnoliifolia Kanapai 3.89
27 Dipterocarpaceae Shorea contorta White lauan 3.89
27 Rutaceae Lunasia amara var. amara Lunas 3.89
27 Meliaceae Vavaea amicorum Nangka-nangka 3.89
33 Verbenaceae Vitex Parviflora Molave 3.74
34 Rubiaceae Bikkia montoyae Torchwood 3.18
35 Rubiaceae Hymenodictyon excelsum Aligango 2.62
35 Guttiferae Garcinia binucao Binukao 2.62
35 Dipterocarpaceae Shorea guiso Guijo 2.62
38 Fagaceae Lithocarpus castellarnauianus Palonapoi 2.52
38 Moraceae Ficus nota Tibig 2.52
Brackenridgea fascicularis ssp.
40 Ochnaceae Bitas 2.42
Fascicularis
40 Lauraceae Litsea leytensis Batikuling 2.42
42 Rutaceae Atalantia\Severinia paniculata Bouquet box-orange 2.33
42 Moraceae Ficus ruficaulis Tabgun 2.33
42 Mimosaceae Leucaena leucocephala Ipil-ipil 2.33
42 Actinidiaceae Saurauia klemmei Maladagwey 2.33
46 Ulmaceae Trema orientalis Anabiong 2.16
46 Guttiferae Calophyllum blancoi Bitanghol 2.16

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Rank Family Name Scientific Name Common Name IV


48 Annonaceae Miliusa vidalii Takulau 1.95
48 Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia Agoho 1.95
48 Guttiferae Calophyllum inophyllum Bitaog 1.95
48 Meliaceae Sandoricum Koetjape Santol 1.95
48 Myrtaceae Syzygium simile Panglongboien 1.95
48 Caesalpiniaceae Bauhinia malabarica Alibangbang 1.95
48 Burseraceae Canarium calophyllum Pagsahingin bulog 1.95
48 Moraceae Ficus callosa Kalukoi 1.95
48 Rubiaceae Canthium monstrosum Tadiang-anuang 1.95
48 Lauraceae Cinnamomum mercadoi Kalingag 1.95
48 Boraginaceae Tournefortia argentea Patayud 1.95
48 Myrtaceae Syzygium cumini Duhat 1.95
48 Sterculiaceae Heritiera sylvatica Dungon 1.95
48 Moraceae Ficus balete Balete 1.95
48 Sterculiaceae Pterocymbium tinctorium Taluto 1.95
48 Icacinaceae Gomphandra bugallionensis Bugallion mabunot 1.95
48 Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Mangga Mango 1.95
48 Euphorbiaceae Glochidion album Malabagang 1.95
48 Ericaceae Vaccinium epiphyticum Maladusong 1.95
48 Bignoniaceae Radermachera gigantea Sayo 1.95
48 Myrtaceae Syzygium brevistylum Sagimsim 1.95
NOTE: IV – Importance Value

The Diversity (version 1.4) software was used to compute for diversity indices Shannon (H'), Evenness (J') and
Simpson's (D) inside the quadrat. The Shannon Index gives an estimate of species richness and distribution; the
Evenness Index shows how species and/or individuals are distributed inside a plot or quadrat; and the
Simpson's Index gives the probability of getting different species when two individuals are drawn (with
replacement) inside a plot.

The Shannon index (H’) from the different sampling quadrats varied from a low of 1.8242 to a high of 2.5326.
Following diversity classification scheme of Fernando et al (1998), Q2 and Q6 had moderate diversity, followed
by Q1, Q4, Q8, Q9, Q10 and Q12 with with low diversity, and Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q11 with very low diversity (Table
2-24).

The very low diversity in the Quadrat 3 (Q3) is expected because only tree species were considered for deriving
the Shannon index. The quadrat Q2 still obtained the highest Shannon index because it has the greatest number
of species (15) with no species over dominating the plot. Simpson's Index or Evenness index were highest in Q7
and Q3 because the individuals recorded belonged to same individuals with one count for different species,
i.e., only two species have two individuals each with the rest having one each. Hence, there is balanced
distribution of species and individuals (evenness). The graph of density indices at the quadrats is shown in
Figure 2-24.

Table 2-24. Diversity indices and species richness at each quadrat


Alpha Diversity Indices
Quadrat Richness Descriptive Value
Shannon (H’) Simpson's (D) Evenness (J)
Q1 2.18 0.16 0.81 15 Low
Q2 2.53 0.04 0.96 14 Moderate
Q3 1.82 0.18 0.83 9 Very Low
Q4 2.3 0.04 0.96 11 Low
Q5 1.84 0.18 0.84 9 Very Low
Q6 2.51 0.05 0.95 14 Moderate
Q7 1.91 0.21 0.77 12 Very Low

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Alpha Diversity Indices


Quadrat Richness Descriptive Value
Shannon (H’) Simpson's (D) Evenness (J)
Q8 2.18 0.09 0.91 11 Low
Q9 2.03 0.1 0.93 9 Low
Q10 2.14 0.09 0.93 10 Low
Q11 1.97 0.18 0.79 12 Very Low
Q12 2.3 0.04 0.96 11 Low

Figure 2-24. Density indices per quadrat

Biodiversity values - A matrix to obtain the true biodiversity value of each quadrat was developed to determine
the important areas for biodiversity conservation. The evaluation considered not only the number of species
(richness) or proportionate distribution of individuals, but also the number of threatened and endemic species.
A range of values for each criterion (species richness, number of threatened species, and number of endemic
species) was obtained and a three-point scale was used to rank the sampling unit. The ranges used in ranking
each criterion were: Number of species (1-19 = 1; 20-38 = 2; 39-58 = 3), Number of endemic species (0-3 = 1; 4-
6 = 2; 7-10 = 3), Number of threatened species (0-2 = 1; 4-6 = 2; 5-6 = 3).

The matrix in Table 2-25 showed that Q1, Q4, and Q6 obtained the highest ranking (red arrows in Figure 2-25)
followed by Q7 and Q9 as the most ecologically important areas. These areas should be prioritized in terms of
monitoring and protection activities. It should be emphasized that there is no standard value (in terms of
number of species, endemics and threatened) that categorized the level or degree of biodiversity value of an
area. The computed values from the matrix should be used only to compare each of the sampling quadrats in
the study area.

Table 2-25. Species data and biodiversity values of each sampling quadrat

No. of No. of
Weighted Weighted Weighted Biodiversity
Quadrat Total species endemic Threatened Rank
Value Value Value Value
species species
Q1 33 3 2 2 5 3 2.67 1
Q2 21 3 1 1 1 1 1.67 8
Q3 23 3 1 1 3 2 2.00 6
Q4 14 3 3 3 3 2 2.67 1
Q5 17 3 1 1 1 1 1.67 8

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No. of No. of
Weighted Weighted Weighted Biodiversity
Quadrat Total species endemic Threatened Rank
Value Value Value Value
species species
Q6 20 3 2 2 5 3 2.67 1
Q7 29 3 3 3 1 1 2.33 4
Q8 16 3 2 2 2 1 2.00 6
Q9 17 3 2 2 3 2 2.33 4
Q10 18 3 1 1 0 0 1.33 11
Q11 33 3 1 1 1 1 1.67 8
Q12 14 3 1 1 0 0 1.33 11

Figure 2-25. Biodiversity values for each quadrat

Economic and ecological significance of flora resources - The floral resources identified during the conduct of
transect walk and assessment have significant values to the community. Their uses can be classified into two:
economic and ecological. Basically, all these resources have ecological roles not only in the specific habitat
where they abound but also in nature. Any of these resources which help alleviate economic conditions have
economic use. Economically important species are those used for timber, construction, cottage industry, food,
medicine, fiber, feed (forage/pasture), and fuel.

Ecologically important species are ornamentals, landscape plants, hedgerows, and other plant resources used
for soil erosion and weed control. As a whole, the flora resources that includes all plant types such as trees,
palms, ferns, shrubs, grasses, vines, herbs etc. are very vital to mitigate the worldwide problem on climate
change.

Fauna - The most abundant species recorded was the cosmopolitan Passer montanus (19.1%) or locally known
as maya followed by Saxicola caprata (14.7%), Corvus macrorhyncos (14%), and Lonchura atricapilla (13%).
These bird species are most common and abundant in open canopy habitats such as the Project site. They are
present in disturbed areas and have a wide tolerance to disturbance. The Corvus macrorhyncos was mostly
observed in the Project area.

The results suggested that both the direct and indirect impact areas host almost similar levels of faunal diversity
(no significant difference of the faunal diversity between impact areas). The faunal composition and diversity
recorded were typical of an open-canopy and human-altered landscape. All fauna species recorded between
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impact areas can tolerate a varying degree of anthropogenic disturbance, thus most species seen outside the
Project site have been also recorded inside, suggesting that the development has no substantial adverse
impacts on the local faunal biodiversity. There were also no dominating species between the impact areas as
shown by the high Evenness index for both direct (0.83) and indirect (0.89) impact areas. The Project site
harbors a diverse microhabitat enough to support different feeding guilds of avian fauna which contributed to
the high diversity estimate, such as nectarivores (C. jugularis), omnivores (C. macrorhynchos), insectivores (S.
caprata), graminivores (L. atricapilla), carnivores (T. chloris), and frugivores (P. goiavier).

The recorded fauna during the two visits were few due to insufficient trapping or observation time, team safety,
among other factors. Close to half (42.86%) of the assemblage of animals recorded at the Project site were
birds.
Birds – Of the 11 bird species recorded at the Project site, only two were endemic-widespread in the
Philippines: Philippine Bulbul (Hypsipetes philippinus) and Elegant Tit (Pardaliparus elegans) (Table 2-26).
Individuals of these species were mostly seen along forest fringes and open sections of the vegetation. In terms
of form, diversity of avian fauna is distributed among 8 to 9 morphotypes; the most abundant of which were
Finches and Tits (37%).

Grassland species such as owls and coucals were not seen nor thoroughly investigated during the survey.
Oryzivorous or strictly granivorous birds such as Java finch (Padda oryzivora), Mayang simbahan (Passer
montanus), and Shrikes (Lanius spp) were likewise not encountered. However still, it is plausible that these
common species are also residents of various ecosystems at the Project site because the area matches the
species’ distribution and habitat requirements.

The birds encountered at the Project site displayed shyness or evasion. This behavior compounded with
openness of the area may be the major reason of the low avian count. Various studies suggested that shyness
in birds may be influenced by disturbances such as logging, hunting or noise. (Sirot 2007; Blumstein 2006;
Hockin et al 1992.

The generalist forms were crows, doves, bulbuls as well as finches and tits. Preying on at least four types of diet
(insects/arthropods, fruits, grains and soft-bodied animals), this feeding guild of birds is seen to be the least
affected to landscape changes during Project implementation especially the Jungle Crow (Corvus
macrorhynchos), the most adaptable facultative carnivore.

On the other hand, sunbirds and kingfishers in the context of the area are specialized to 1 to 2 types of diet
only – nectar and insects. These two forms are expected to be affeceted by alterations in the forest and
grassland ecosystem. Nevertheless, the diversity in available diet for avian species implies that the Project site
is resilient in supporting populations of certain fauna. For example, Insectivores and frugivores (M. viridis, S.
dennistouni) are indications that the grasslands and forests in parts of Bugallon contain stable source of diet in
the open forest.

The apex predator in the area is the Juvenile Rufous-Bellied Hawk-Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii). Without a
direct competitor or natural enemy at the Project site, the presence of this raptor may be interpreted two ways
with respect to the ecosystem. First, if it is a vagrant or visitor, the frequency in the area establishes that the
site is an important corridor for its migration paths. Alternatively, if it is a resident, then its presence shows the
site as a favorable habitat for L. kienerii (i.e. holds important resources sought by the species for shelter, food
and reproduction).

Table 2-26. Recorded bird species at the Project site


No. Common name Scientific name Distribution
1 Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Cosmopolitan
2 Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Cosmopolitan
3 Golden Bellied Flyeater Greygone sulphurea Indigenous

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No. Common name Scientific name Distribution


4 Wiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comate Indigenous
5 Philippine Bulbul Hypsipetes philippinus Endemic
6 Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla Tropical
7 Juvenile Rufous- Bellied Hawk-Eagle Lophotriorchis kienerii Tropical
8 Brown Dove Macropygia phasianella Cosmopolitan
9 Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis Tropical
10 Elegant Tit Pardaliparus elegans Endemic
11 Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata Tropical
Note: LC – Least Concern

Figure 2-1.44. Avian forms encountered in the Project site

Plate 2-7. Birds observed at the Project site

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Figure 2-26. Theoretical predator-prey interaction for recorded birds at the Project site

Terrestrial Invertebrates - The diversity of insects is average (H’ = 2.84) and heterogeneity is above-moderate
(E = 0.68). Dominance is shared by half of total sampled invertebrates (1/D = 13.47 Species).

Because literature available pertaining to the collected arthropods and insects were insufficient, their
endemism, conservation status, and other ecological values were not fully understood. However, based on the
organisms’ known life strategies and place in the ecological food chain, one can glean on the condition of
ecosystems (Pöyry et al 2006; Thomas 2005; Schulze et al 2004). Crickets and grasshoppers are commonly
found in the grasslands and open areas of the Project site where fresh soft foliage is available. Bazelet and
Samways (2011) discussed that grasshoppers are indicators of quality of ecological networks, i.e.,
interconnecting remnants of large-scale ecosystems. In the said study, certain species (albeit set in Africa) can
be sensitive bioindicators of high-quality habitats even of recent disturbances in the habitat (e.g. burning). If
the collected invertebrate assemblage as ad hoc indicator for ecosystems health of the Project site (following
the notion of aforesaid study), then the state of different ecosystems in the area can be described as: a)
vegetation is still in process of collecting materials for recruitment; and b) faunal communities and feeding
chains are yet to be established.

The invertebrate diversity at the Project site is low because the plant resources used as food and/or shelter is
neither abundant nor fit for certain organisms. For now, folivores are more abundant because there is ready
supply of grass and foliage. In turn, these organisms form the diet of insectivorous fauna (e.g. finches, tits).

In the case of feeding habit or function is more diverse in open areas because ruderal plants are quicker to
produce food material such as grains, nectars and soft foliage. Forest stands have relatively lower assemblage
mainly because trees are not yet capable of supporting organisms dependent on nectar, fruits, etc. frequent
alterations in the landscape such as “kaingin” and harvesting may also contribute to arrested development of
plants (as anchor organisms).

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This notion is supported by the observed narrow functional diversity i.e. feeding function of the collected
entomofauna at the Project area. Most individuals were detritivores (beetles and millipedes), carnivores
(dragonflies, some wasps), and herbivores (Crickets, Katytids, Grasshoppers). Nectivores such as butterfly
adults were also abundant but their presence can be argued as due to diet needs of their young (i.e. caterpillars
to eat foliage). Obligate nectivores observed in the area were scarce; attributable to the lack of flowering plants
in the quadrats.

Local Interviews - Interviews with residents near the Project site were conducted regarding fauna. Not all of
the species observed by the residents at the area in Table 2-27 were recorded during the survey. Sample
photographs of the interviews are shown in Plate 2-8.

Table 2-27. Species listed during the fauna community interviews


No. Family name Scientific name Local/common name
1 Sturnidae Gracula religiosa Martines/Talking Mynah
2 Suidae Sus philippensis Baboyramo/Philippine Warty Pig
3 Pythonidae Malayopython reticulatus Sawa/Reticulated Python
4 Varanidae Varanus bitatawa Bayawak/Monitor Lizard
5 Phasianidae Gallus gallus Labuyo/Jungle Fowl Chicken
6 Ardeidae Ardea alba Tagak/Great Egret
7 Accipitridae Nisaetus philippensis Lawin/Philippine Hawk Eagle
8 Elapidae Naja philippinensis Brown Cobra/Philippine Cobra
9 Colubridae Opheodrys aestivus Rough Green Snake (slender, mahaba)
10 Civetidae Paradoxurus philippensis Musang/Philippine Palm Civet
11 Gekkonidae Gekko gecko Tuko/Tokay gecko
12 Cervidae Rusa marianna Usa/Philippine Deer
13 Munia Lonchura atricapilla Pulang Maya
14 Passeridae Passer montanus Mayang simbahan
15 Colubridae Coelognathus erythrurus Philippine Rat snake
16 Lamprophiidae Lamprophis fuscus House snake
17 Phasianidae Coturnix coturnix Pugo/Quail
18 Accipitridae Haliastur indus Brahminy Kite
19 Columbidae Columba livia White Pigeon
20 Muridae Rattus argentiventer Dagang bukid/Ricefield Rat
21 Ranidae Anura Common Frog
22 Cercopithecidae Macaca fascicularis philippensis Unggoy/Philippine long-tailed macaque
23 Pycnonotidae Pycnooutus goiavier Yellow vented Bulbul
24 Sciuridae Exilisciurus concinnus Buot/Philippine pygmy squirrel
25 Alcedinidae Ceyx azureus Kingfisher (light blue)
26 Meropidae Merops philippinus Blue tailed Bee eater
27 Colubridae Dryophiops philippina Brown Snake
28 Colubridae Boiga dendrophila Black snake

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Plate 2-8. Photodocumentation of interviews on fauna

Impact assessment - Many of the tree that included threatened species were observed on only a few or even
a single location. For example, two recorded threatened species according to the Philippine Red List also exist
not only at the Project site but also in nearby municipalities. In addition, these species have adapted to areas
with a varying degree of disturbances.

Despite the Shannon and Simpson diversity indeces showing low floral diversity, the vegetation at the Project
site supported diverse fauna particularly birds. These are habitat generalists and freely move within and outside
of the Project site because barriers to wildlife movement were absent. The diversity estimates for fauna within
and outside of the Project site also showed that species abundance and frequency were not significantly
different.

Threats to the local fauna are not expected because the diversity estimates between impact areas were almost
similar, suggesting that faunal species could persist and still reproduce in the types of habitats present within
and near the Project site. All faunal species recorded are considered habitat generalists and can tolerate a wide
range of anthropogenic disturbance.

Noise (vibrations included) have been a long standing concern of the residents near the Project site but have
not been fully contextualized in the ecological sense. Noise can interrupt reproductive and feeding patterns of
certain animals. Luo et al (2015) found that traffic noise deters Daubenton’s Bats (Myotis daubentonii) foraging

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activity because they avoid noise concentration areas. Francis et al (2009) stressed that while noise per se
changes bird communities, it also facilitates reproductive success. Ultra and infrasounds may become highly
received by birds, bats, insects and other fauna. As noise deter other organisms (i.e., predatory to birds),
predator-prey interactions are effectively hindered. Expansion of the communities in the vicinity of the Project
site or introduction of certain land uses and Projects implementation may induce noise effects not yet
observable.

2.1.4.2.4 Hindrance to wildlife access


Structures during the construction (e.g., formwork, scaffolding) and operational phases (buildings, PV modules)
could potentially block or hinder movements of animal native to the area. Project implementation however is
not expected to significantly hinder wildlife movement because these species have considerable resilience to
human settlements in the area.

Heavy equipment movement during construction may disturb movement of wildlife in the area. Disturbed
wildlife however can always migrate more vegetative areas upstream of the Project site. The fencing of the
Project area along its forests is not seen as detrimental to animal wildlife, especially for birds, insects, and
reptiles. While the Project fence hinder bigger mammals that are possibly thriving in the area, e.g., pigs, deer,
from entering company premises, the remaining forests enclosed by the fence may not be a significant food
source for such animals. On an even positive note, the barrier may drive these faunae to untouched portions
of the forests outside the Project site.

2.1.4.3 Proposed mitigating measures


Vegetation removal and loss of habitat
Site preparation will entail removal of vegetation. The floral diversity data gathered during the survey however
suggested that the existing vegetation was not significantly diverse which could be due to the presence of large-
scale agricultural lands. The existing vegetation at the Project site was open canopy of ultramafic shrubland
and grassland and do not significantly differ from its present state. To maintain and even improve local floral
biodiversity at the Project site, polyculture can be implemented to provide additional habitats for other flora
and fauna species to inhabit. To complement this, planting of existing native tree species can be incorporated
in the design of the Project to further support local biodiversity. A nursery can be established for seedling
propagation to be used during progressing rehabilitation. Other proposed mitigating measures are enumerated
below.

a) Minimize removal of trees. This will be included as a condition in the construction contract.
b) Implement landscaping and re-vegetation after completion of construction.
c) Secure a Tree Cutting Permit from the DENR prior to site development. One of the requirements of the
permit is a 100% tree inventory in areas where trees are to be cut.
d) Strict compliance with conditions of the Tree Cutting Permit.
e) Prepare and implement a Biodiversity Protection, Conservation, and Restoration Plan (BPCRP). The
BPCRP will include the following among others:
- Balling and transplanting of endangered and threatened plant species of appropriate size.
- Continue to support and maintain the nursery where endemic, endangered and threatened plant
species are cultivated and propagated.
- Establish buffer areas and green corridors where endangered and threatened species can be
replanted and conserved.
- Avoid development and cutting of trees within the required legal easements such as the rivers and
creeks, riparian zones, and other prohibited areas.
- Limit clearing to areas only for construction
- Vegetation clearing kept to a minimum and what is essential based on existing provisions.
- Overburden with topsoil from the exposed areas will be saved and placed in appropriate stockpile
areas.
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- Identification of proxy sites for conservation and protection of threatened species


- Establishment of a tree arboretum or biodiversity park near the project site to serve as area for
tree replacement planting
- Establishment of community-based nurseries

Threat to existence of important local species


The recommended measures are enumerated below.

a) Planting of native species partially imitate the pre-construction vegetation and regenerate denuded
forests;
b) Strict compliance to Tree Cutting Permit conditions;
c) Proper implemetation of the BPCRP; and
d) Placing signages in areas of possible wildlife encounters.

Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of important species


The recommended measures are enumerated below.

a) Strict compliance to Tree Cutting Permit conditions;


b) Proper implemetation of the BPCRP; and
c) Planting of the threatened species at the Project site to enhance local biodiversity and support
conservation.
d) Relocate animals that are unable to move to adjacent forests
e) Shining light outside of the working areas
f) Minimize noisy activities at night-time
g) Conduct IECs to address human-wildlife conflict
h) Placing signages in areas of possible wildlife encounters.
i) Proper implementation of the Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) and Integrated Waste
Management Plan (IWMP)

Hindrance to wildlife access


The recommended measures are enumerated below.

a) Consider establishment of wildlife pathways


b) Maintening vegetation connecting habitat patches
c) Signages to prevent hunting in the area

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2.2 THE WATER COMPONENT

This section presents the baseline conditions and assessment of the key impacts specified in the generic EIS
Technical Scoping Checklist in terms of hydrology, hydrogeology, water quality, and freshwater ecology.

2.2.1 Hydrology/hydrogeology

2.2.1.1 Methodology
The hydrology and hydrogeology at the Project site and its vicinities was described using secondary data and
literature. The key impacts assessed specified in the EMB Technical Scoping checklist are changes in drainage
morphology, inducement of flooding, changes in stream water depth, and water resource use and competition.

2.2.1.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.2.1.2.1 Change in drainage morphology and inducement of flooding

2.2.1.2.2 Change in stream depth

2.2.1.2.3 Depletion of water resources and water use competition

2.2.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures

2.2.2 Oceanography

2.2.3 Water quality

2.2.3.1 Methodology

2.2.3.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.2.3.2.1 Degradation of groundwater quality

2.2.3.2.2 Degradation of surface water quality

2.2.3.3 Proposed mitigating measures

2.2.4 Freshwater ecology

2.2.4.1 Methodology

Table 2-28. Description of the freshwater ecology stations


Stream
Location Latitude Longitude General features Impact
position
Station 1 15.8888°N 120.1996° E The river is calm with flowing Upstream Moderate
(Salomague river) clear water from an intact
natural forest from its small and
narrow headwater creek, its
riparian is composed by planted

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Stream
Location Latitude Longitude General features Impact
position
“Agoho” and Homonoia riparia
with some Pennisetum purpurea.
It has a scattered small wide
pebbles and stones with
sedimentation.
Station 2 (Salomague 15.8954°N 120.2046° E Slightly turbid waters; one of Midstream High
river) widest channels; used as part of
road and bridges, the river bank
is very unstable, with constant
erosion, with heavy
sedimentation, moreover, has a
constant disturbance due to
anthropogenic activities
Station 3 (Salomague 15.9010°N 120.2137° E The water usually turbid, coming Downstream High
river) from the upstream with
engineered streambanks, with
wide river line and sparse
vegetative shrubs and grass
dominated by cogon.
Station 4 15.9085°N 120.1872° E The site is generally dominated Upstream Low
(Cayanga River) by huge rapids and flat rocks
with numerous huge boulders, It
is a river coursing through rocky
terrain and with rapid water
flowing and utilized as
recreational area with dam
structure and sedimentation
Station 5 15.9147°N 120.1945° E Generally, a fast-flowing rapid Midstream Moderate
(Cayanga River) with big boulders and has a
turbid strong water; farm lots
and open slopes form
streambanks are noticeable like
“taro” and “banana”
Station 6 (Cayanga 15.9194°N 120.2030° E It has a fast-flowing rapid with Downstream Low
River) big boulders of rocks, it has a
riparian dominated by Homonoia
riparia and Themeda triandra.
NOTE: “Impact” refers to perceived exposure to scraping and levelling operations

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Figure 2-27. Freshwater ecology sampling stations map

2.2.4.1.2 Periphyta
In this assessment, freshwater periphyta (algae, diatoms, cyanobacteria) in are considered sensu lato as
indicators of water quality. In each stream sampling point, periphyton samples were scraped from a 1.00in2
rock substrate. Samples were preserved using Lugol’s Iodine Solution then sent to laboratory for identification.
Since periphyta diversity was used to reflect physical conditions of the river, it must be noted that in-depth
scrutiny of periphyta such as density indexing was not performed in this monitoring leg.

2.2.4.1.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrates (Macrobenthos)


By benthic means those species living in the channel bottom. Triangular kick nets were used to sample
macrobenthos in riffles or shallow portions of the streams. Bottom sediments were dislodged via backward-
kicking actions (the operator walking downstream, net facing upstream) for 3 minutes. Two replicates will be
collected per station. Collected samples were sorted on a white tray and will then be placed into plastic
containers filled with 70 percent ethyl alcohol for preservation and were brought to the laboratory for proper
identification. Due to lack of Philippine records for such organisms, identification was delimited to family or
order levels.

Functional feeding groups (FFGs) of collected macroinvertebrates belong were noted. This was to give a notion
of their niches in the food web and overall ecosystem. Their roles in the River Continuum (Vannote 1980) were
also enumerated to provide general ecological function of the stream being studied.

Following the scheme presented by late limnologist William Hilsenhoff, the assessment team also noted the
pollution “tolerance values” of macroinvertebrate families/orders collected. The abundance per taxa was
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multiplied by their respective TVs then averaged, to determine the “Hilsenhoff Family-Level Biotic Index” or
HFBI. HFBI therefore is the main bioindicator metric used in the assessment (see Appendix), together with
classical pollution indices such as Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) index

Since the abundance of these organisms were more robust than fish assemblage, the assessment team was
able to compute alpha diversity viz., Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) and Simpson’s Reciprocal Index (1/D). Cluster
analysis was also performed to see similarities of macroinvertebrate assemblages across streams.

2.2.4.1.4 Physico-chemical Measurements


2.2.4.2 Assessment of key impacts
2.2.4.2.1 Threat to existence of important, abundance, frequency and distribution of important
species
Stream measurements and in-situ water quality analysis
The sampled sections along the Cayanga and Salomague stream continuum exemplify a shallow, wadable
streams.
Table 2-29 and Error! Reference source not found.. shows the average measurements of physico-chemical
water properties at the sampling streams while

Figure 2-29 shows the average from the six (6) stations. Most of the sites are more than 0.50m deep; given the
narrow channels the Mean volume of discharge in Lasso Solar Power Project area’s streams is Q=2.49m3/s. On
per- site basis, highest was measured in lower channel of Station 4, which is the widest channel among streams.
Lower Station 5- Station 6 then while the Station 1-Station 2- Station 3 also serves as conduit to Outlet River
towards Pangasinan Province. At the time of the assessment, all stream channels were found to be deep;
depths are more than reach 0.60m. However, larger but inaccessible sections (e.g., Station 4 are estimated to
be as deep as +10.00m).

In terms of discharge quality, the measured basic physical and chemical properties of the water in sampling
sites correspond to the pollution indication by periphyta and macroinvertebrates (
Table 2-29,

Figure 2-29). For example, DO’s highest figures were obtained in upper Station 6(Upper Kids Pool)
(DO=11.90ppm), the farthest freshwater site among studied ones. This high value is attributable to colder
ambient temperature influenced by dense forest cover. Agitation and turnover caused by rocky substrate
further infuse oxygen into the water. Upper Station 4 also happens to be one of most diverse sections for
macrobenthos.

In connection to the above, Dissolved Oxygen in the sampled stream sites in Cayanga and Salomague was
average, but fairly stable at the time of measurement. With mean DO=7.81mg/L, the river is very well capable
of supporting aquatic life such as fishes and benthic macroinvertebrates. Expectedly, DO levels of the river are
also influenced mainly by stronger sunlight exposure as well as loading of eroded particles, among others. As
such DO levels are lower in sites characterized by bare and eroded riparian zones.

Turbidity (TDS-Salinity-Conductivity) measurements values were low, indicating a very clean water discharge.
Figures fall within USA Drinking Water Standard levels (1986) for “hard” water (i.e., not exceeding 500mg/L).
By visual inspection, Station 1 (especially the upstream site) has the clearest water channel. Those sites having
lower DO values were open and turbid sites. Water parameters measured in Cayanga and Salomague fall within
acceptable limits to support aquatic life as per DENR effluent standards.

However, one-sample (within parameter) and paired samples (two parameters) t-tests show that there are
stream site differences in DO, pH and TDS/Salinity/Conductivity measurements (Appendix). This implies that

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heavily altered sites tend to have “worse” figures than otherwise. Cluster analysis reveals the distinction
between the physico- chemical values of low-impact zones and high-impact zones.

Following this observation, if turbidity is to be used as proxy for diversity health, then Station 4 has the
“cleanest” waters. In fact, the section contains the most diversity: 10 out of 11 taxonomic families are
represented in said area. This implies that the stream section is highly favorable for aquatic life. Absence of
active agricultural sites and expansive human settlements along these sections of the stream facilitates the
relative clarity of the water. This notion holds credence since the more accessible sections, especially with
Station 3 sections was at the time turbid and visually impaired. On the other hand, Lower Station the end tail
of scraping and levelling-impacted sites – is shown to be more associated with low-impact stream sites. One
plausible reason for this is that contaminants like sediments tend to dissipate from Station 2, Station 3 and
Station 1 as base from the other side of Station 4. Cleaner waters from the upper channel of said site may have
also helped dilute impairment in the water.

Station 6 sites are more akin to conditions of high-impact scraping and levelling sites rather than otherwise. It
must be remembered that Station 6 is far from actual primary scraping and levelling operations (in contrast to
Station 3 proximity to water treatment facility), but is readily impacted by auxiliary operations by BEC like land
clearing / earth movement, road construction and slope rehabilitation. Station 6 stream conditions resulting
from aforesaid operations are compounded by natural phenomena (heavy rains, landslides). Overall, sampled
stream sites are deemed impacted or susceptible to impacts of varied, continual human activities.

Table 2-29. Physical and chemical properties of water at Bugallon streams system*
DO Salinity Conductivit TDS Width Depth Surface Discharge
Stations (ppm) pH (ppt) y (mS) (ppt) (m) (cm) Speed (m3/s)
(m/s)
Station 1 5.40 4.32 7.5 14.96 9.99 12.55 0.20 0.38 0.95
Station 2 4.10 3.97 7.27 14.87 9.90 11.58 0.28 0.48 1.56
Station 3 5.20 5.30 7.34 14.38 9.50 10.65 0.36 1.04 3.96
Station 4 11.90 7.82 6.61 13.04 8.81 34.60 0.38 0.57 7.60
Station 5 7.90 7.64 6.81 13.65 9.03 10.20 0.39 0.50 2.01
Station 6 7.30 6.15 7.34 14.68 9.79 12.80 0.51 0.36 2.35
Average 7.13 5.55 7.10 13.32 9.25 13.07 0.37 0.54 2.89
NOTE: Cells in in orange are highest among each parameter. *middle to lower channels only
and its tributaries; Mean values

Figure 28. General geomorphological values of sampled sites in Cayanga-Salomague, Bugallon


160
140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 1 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6

width(m) Depth(m) V(m/s) Q

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NOTE: “Width” refers to average of effective (with water) and potential (observable bank) widths of the
channel. “Q” is stream discharge = V x Width x Depth.

Figure 2-29. Averages of measured water chemical parameters in Lasso Solar Power Project
streams

100.00

10.00

1.00
Conductivity
DO (ppm) PH Salinity (ppt) TDS (ppm)
(mS)
VALUE 7.05 5.34 7.14 14.30 9.34

NOTE: Error bars refer to Standard Deviation of measurements per parameter. Graph presented using Log10
scale.

Loosened substrate along natural and altered stream-riparian ecosystems plays crucial role in the damage of
Lasso Solar Power Project area’s waters. The greenline and parts of the riparian channel are devoid of
vegetation, thereby containing loose soil particles (sand, silt, clay and rocks). Whilst stream physico-chemical
measurements are “normal”, constant perturbation of the area (earth movement) creates sudden hypoxic
conditions. The resulting water alteration renders physic-chemical characteristics of water (e.g., turbidity)
below or above tolerable limits of certain organisms. During the conduct of assessment, the team is witness on
how small fish (Rainbow Guppies) in Station 5 bridge (where road widening was ongoing) struggle for air. The
low quantity of aquatic specimens itself is de facto consequence of diminished water quality. Recurrent
precipitation plus erosion are expected to eat away substrate and transport foreign materials. As such,
impairment may continue not only in impacted sites but also further downstream.
Since direct scraping and levelling activities and facilities are engineered to be far from freshwater channels,
water impairment in high-impact areas are more attributable to earth movement for road construction and
slope stabilization. This is the prevailing case in Station 2 and Station 5. At low-impact sites, agriculture and
slushing (small-scale scraping and levelling) are some of the pertinent drivers. Thus, one must gather that
sampled stream sections in Lasso Solar Power Project area are with hint of impairment (but not necessarily
organic pollution) because these channels are very proximate to human activities.

Precipitation to water recharge. From visual observations and personal communications around Lasso Solar
Power Project area, the assessment team surmises that water quality has decreased over the recent years. In
fact, depths rarely go beyond 0.50m in sampled sites. The shallowness of freshwater channels is most
attributable to forest cover loss mainly by clearing for agriculture and scraping and levelling purposes.
Bruijnzeel (1991) argued that deforestation per se facilitates stronger discharge. As forests become replaced
with farm lots having smaller plants because forests have higher evapotranspiration (ET) that cause less water
discharge. Thus, it might be interpreted that earth moving clearing might be good for dissipation of silt and
sediments loaded onto the stream.

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However, it is also common knowledge that forests influence hydrologic cycles (i.e., evapotranspiration,
precipitation). Stickler et al (2012) showed that in the Belo Monte hydropower complex (BMHC; run-of-the-
river), Xingu River Basin (Amazon, Brazil), the diminished precipitation also decreased channel discharge by 6–
36%. Putting this information into context of Lasso Solar Power Project area’s terrestrial ecosystems, both
large-scale scraping and levelling and agricultural undertakings have contributed to loss of forest cover. Hence
restoration of forest cover by Lasso Solar Power Project area must also be complemented in order to maintain
or restore water regime.

Mitigating and/or preventing the removal of ground cover along riparian zones are a critical management
concern for both Lasso Solar Power Project area and LGU. Further clearing for road construction and small-
scale scraping and levelling will further remove riparian vegetation that conserves surface water evaporation.
If unabated, cover loss in streambanks may render headwater channels with lesser water recharge so in turn
the river discharge (along main channels) may become weaker than present volumes. It may also arrest local
rainfall, causing site-specific problems. For example, complete removal of forest in upper Station 4 may also
remove fish and wildlife that can be of use for the locales.

Macroinvertebrate
Sampling of benthic/free-living macroinvertebrates yielded 243 individuals in 13 families (including 1 morph
type) and 6 orders (Table 2-0-30 and Figure 2-30). Most abundant macroinvertebrate taxa across sites were
flatheaded mayflies (Heptageniidae: Ephemeroptera), brush legged mayflies (Oligoneuriidae: Ephemeroptera),
and free-living caddisflies (Rhyacophilidae: Trichoptera). Shannon-Weiner Index was computed at H’=1.81,
indicating below- average diversity. With Simpson’s Reciprocal Index computed at 1/D=5.15, The dominance is
distributed to 46.82% of collected families.

Table 2-0-30. Benthic macroinvertebrate taxa gathered in Bugallon Streams


No. Order Family Common Name Endemicity IUCN TV n
1 Coleoptera Psephenidae Water Penny NE NA 4 7
2 Ephemeroptera Heptageniidae Flatheaded Mayfly NE NA 4 78
Oligoneuriidae Brushlegged NE NA 2
3
Mayfly
Caenidae Small Squaregill NE NA 7 7
3 Odonata: Libellulidae Dragonfly NE LC 9
26
Anisoptera
4 Odonata: Calopterygidae Damselfly NE LC 5
7
Zygoptera
5 Plecoptera Perlidae Common Stonefly NE NA 1 32
6 Glossomatidae Saddlecase Maker NE NA 0 4
Trichoptera Rhyacophilidae Freeliving NE NA 0
30
Caddisfly
Hydropsychida Common NE NA 4
12
e Netspinner
Hydroptilidae Micro Caddisfly NE NE 4 8
Total 214

Figure 2-30. Representative images of benthic macroinvertebrate

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Heptageniidae; B. Perlidae; C. Libellulidae; D. Psephenidae; E. Hydropsychidae; F. Rhyacophilidae. NOTE:


Images not to scale.

Periphyta
While periphyta / algae are fairly common in natural freshwater systems, there are outstanding reasons exist
for the presence of certain periphyta in Bugallon. Most noticeable effect of anthropogenic disturbance in the
Bugallon streams is the turbidity of water especially along near community areas (e.g., Station 5). In agriculture-
impacted areas, the openness of the channel influences algae-coated rocks and boulders in near-bank portions
(Station 5). This assessment’s collection is akin to sampled periphyta during previous years.

Assessment team identified 11 genera in 9 families (Table 30; Figure 37). These periphyta belong to three
groups: Diatoms (3 families), Green Algae (5) and Cyanobacteria (1 family). Presence of these organisms in the
river is influenced by wide and open channel, sandy substrate and disturbances (both natural and artificial)
from upper to lower slopes.

Most common macroalgae in the sampled sites is Chlorella. This type of algae serves as food for grazing
organisms (mollusks, macroinvertebrate nymphs, and fish). The genus is known to absorb Copper and some
heavy metals. For this it is a natural bioremediator. While this can be seen as beneficial algae, Chlorella bloom
in an area can pose negative effects. Proliferation in the freshwater channels (especially on lentic bodies) may
block sunlight from reaching the benthos, effectively removing other organism’s dependent on solar energy.

A photosynthetic bacterium, Oscillatoria is known to be nitrogen-fixing bacteria. It is one “hardier” periphyta


in Bugallon streams as it can perform photosynthesis in oxygen- deficient conditions. Most species under the
genus Oscillatoria are not known to be pathogenic, but some are reported to cause nerve and liver
impairments. Under these premises, one can infer that excessive amounts of may pose health risks to
resident’s dependent on Pangasinan waters.

Other macroalgae in the upriver section of Salomague river are represented by Cladophora and Spirogyra spp.
Like other algal organisms, these genera coat submerged parts of rocks and boulders. These are also symbiotic;
they form associations with other organisms like diatoms and cyanobacteria/algae. Macroalgae may become
available to grazing fish, molluscs and other macroinvertebrates.

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Like Chlorella the diatom Navicula is considered as a “keystone” species, being part of benthic food chain in
freshwater ecosystems. As such, disappearance of these species may also remove other organisms that are
in/directly dependent upon them. However, Certain Navicula species (N. peregrina, N. salinarium, N.
tripunctata and N. capitatoradiata) are halophilic, i.e., preferring waters with higher salinity. Since these were
identified in the Salomague River (a freshwater channel (as opposed to marine and brackish habitats), presence
of which may indicate turbid sites. Further N. salinarium is an indicator of euthrophic environments (Herbst
and Blinn 2007).

Pleurococcus is a genus with rather wide habitat range; it is known widespread in soil, freshwater, even in
sewage areas. Certain species can thrive out- or inside living bodies of mammals. Pleurococcus is a pathogenic
bacterium that induces a variety of ailments and health issues. The presence of this genus in Bugallon may
indicate certain level of water impairment. As of this monitoring leg, it was not ascertained if pathogenic strains
of Pleurococcus are present, present in Barracuda Energy Corp. operations, or present in pathogenic quantities.
Still, it is posited that such may be present past the near Confluence area since some household/community
sewages are found mixing in Station 3 River channel.

Presence of aforesaid periphyta is may be interpreted either positively or negatively. Most of these genera are
deemed essential to ecosystem stability (at normal levels) since they serve as important part of the natural
food chain. These can recruit mollusks and fish, which in turn will recruit bigger fish and bird species. On the
other hand, their potential bloom in the water, as induced by organic pollution, water stagnation and sunlight
exposure can deter various processes in Salomague River. Algal bloom reduces dissolved oxygen, facilitates
eutrophication, and diminishing habitat suitability for aquatic fauna.

Table 2-0-31. Periphyta obtained in the sampling area


Group Family Genus
Cymbellaceae Cymbella
Bacillariophyta Fragilariaceae Fragilaria
(Diatoms) Synedra
Naviculaceae Navicula
Chaetophorace Pleurococcus
ae
Chlorophyta (Green Cladophoracea Cladophora
Algae) e Stigeocloniu
m
Chlorellaceae Chlorella
Spirulinaceae Spirulina
Zygnematacea Spirogyra
e
Cyanophyta Oscillatoriacea Oscillatoria
(Cyanobacteria) e

Figure 2-31. Most common periphyton genera obtained in the Project area

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A: Chlorella; B: Pleurococcus; C: Spirulina;D: Navicula. Maginifcation ~ 400x.

Endemicity, Conservation and Ecological Status


Freshwater ecosystems provide vital resources for humans and are the sole habitat for an extraordinarily rich,
endemic, and sensitive biota. Human demands on freshwater ecosystems have risen steeply over the past
century, leading to large and growing threats to biodiversity around the world (Dudgeon et al. 2006). As a result
of this global crisis, documenting losses of biodiversity, diagnosing their causes, and finding solutions have
become a major part of contemporary freshwater ecology. Thus, as enumerated respectively:

Conservation Status
Threatened species is a general term to denote species or subspecies considered as critically endangered,
endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction (DENR
DAO 2007-01). Each category is defined below and adopted from Fernando et al. (2008) as used in the
Philippines following Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Critically endangered (CR) species refers to a species or subspecies that is facing extremely high risk of
extinction in the wild in the immediate future.

Endangered (EN) species refers to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered but whose survival in
the wild is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.

Vulnerable (VU) species refers to species or subspecies that is not critically endangered or endangered but is
under threat from adverse factors throughout their range and is likely to move to the endangered category in
the near future.

Other Threatened Species (OTS) refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically, endangered, endangered
nor vulnerable but is under threat from adverse factors such as over collection, throughout its range and is

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likely to move to the vulnerable category in the near future. This shall include varieties, formae, or other
infraspecific categories. This is similar to the Lower Risk / near threatened (LR/nt) category of IUCN.

Other Wildlife Species (OWS) refers to non-threatened species of plants that have the tendency to become
threatened due to destruction of habitat or other similar causes as may be listed by the Secretary upon
recommendation of the National Wildlife Management Committee. This shall include varieties, formae, or
other infraspecific categories. This is similar to the Lower Risk / least concern (LR/lC) category of IUCN.

In the freshwater sampling area, there are 5 species in the List of Freshwater Fishes reported from Philippines
(Table 2-0-36) based on PCSD Resolution 15-521, Series 2015 and DENR DAO 2007-01. Among these 5 species,
one species of fish is endemic to Pangasinan, Lamnostoma taylori. At least four (4) species are in the Native
category and three species in the Other Wildlife Species (OWS) / Lower Risk / least concern (LR/lc) category
(Table 2-0-36).

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Table 2-0-32. List of Freshwater Fishes reported from Philippines found within the proposed Lasso Solar Power Project
Family Species Endemicit Common names Max IUC Remarks Photo
y length N
List
Anguillidae Anguilla native Giant mottled eel 70.00 LC Found to be rare in Lake
marmorata (English), Igat cm TL Bombon (=Taal), except
(Tagalog), Almang male/ maybe at great depths
(Agutaynen), unsexed (Ref. 12165, 13446).
Casili (Borirawan) ;200 cm Migrated into Lake Mainit
(Bikol), Casili TL via Tubay River, Mindanao
(Cebuano), Kasili female (Ref. 4867, 50320). Known
(Cebuano), from Pinacañauan River,
Anguilla Cagayan Prov.; Ilocos Sur;
(Chavacano), Bontoc, Mt. Prov.;
Kasili mountains of Zambales
(Davawenyo), Eel near Iba; Laguna de Bay;
(English), Bicol River; Cabalian in
Pangitan Leyte; Pulangi, Mindanao;
(Kagayanen), Sibuyan; Masbate; Polillo;
Talunasan Jolo Is.; Mindoro; Tarlac;
(Kapampangan), Zamboanga; Manila (Ref.
Endong 280), and Lake Naujan
(Kuyunon), Indong (Ref. 13446); Lake Lanao
honasan (Ref. 13446); and Basey
(Maranao/Samal/T River, Samar (Ref. 7223).
ao Sug), Palos In northern Luzon, occur in
(Tagalog), mountain streams at an
Pubukangbinhi altitude or more than 1,530
(Tagalog), Kasili meters (Ref. 12748).
(Visayan), Kasili Referred to as A.
(Waray-waray) mauritiana by some
authors. Also Ref. 7223,
45114, 94476.

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Family Species Endemicit Common names Max IUC Remarks Photo


y length N
List
Eleotridae Bunaka native Boto-bot (Ilokano), 34.00 LC Type localities of the
gyrinoides Bunak (Not cm SL following: Boroda francoi:
specified) male/un Dagupan River,
sexed Pangasinan Province,
Luzon Island,
Philippines; Bunaka sticta:
Tagaloan River at
Tagaloan, Oriental
Misamis Province,
Mindanao, Philippines
(Ref. 83763). Bunaka
pinguis: Dumaguete River,
Negros Oriental, 13.6 cm
male. Also collected from
Pulangui R., near Reina
Regente, Cotabato; Abra
R., near Bengued, Abra;
Lapid Lapid R., Tawi Tawi
in 1924; Kabatohan R.,
near Iba, Zambales;
Kabulig R., Nueva Vizcaya
near Casiguran; San Jose,
Antique; Pasig R. (1925-6)
(Ref. 439).

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Family Species Endemicit Common names Max IUC Remarks Photo


y length N
List
Muraenidae Echidna native 33.80 NA Specimens were collected
rhodochilus cm TL from Ambacan River at
male/un Baybay, Leyte in 1993
sexed (Ref. 7223). Reported from
the river mouth near Iba,
Zambales; Palanas,
Lemery, Batangas;
Masbate; Agno River,
Pangasinan; Dumaguete,
Negros Oriental; Cagayan,
Misamis Oriental,
Mindanao (Ref. 280).
Ophichthida Lamnostom endemic 16.40 NA Reported from Bangar, La No picture yet.
e a taylori cm SL Union (Ref. 280). Type
male/un locality, Cabatoan River,
sexed near Iba, Zambales in
1922 (Ref. 12748).
Endemic status computed
from FishBase data
(country records,
occurrences records in
literature and in point data)
on 16/07/08. Also Ref.
94476.
Gobiidae Redigobius native Goby of streams 4.50 cm LC Known from Laguna de
tambujon (English), Bia SL Bay north shore, Lapulapu
(Tagalog), male/un River in Palawan,
sexed Casatagan River and
Subic Bay in Zambales
Province, Mindoro, Comon

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Family Species Endemicit Common names Max IUC Remarks Photo


y length N
List
River in Bohol, Karig
Malan River in Culion,
Tarogin River in Mindoro
Oriental, Amilao River in
Iloilo, Tabios River in
Bataan (Ref. 84480),
Dumaguete (Ref. 419),
Pampanga (Gumay River),
gravelly brooks north of
Manila Bay, Tagmatay
brook, near Cagayan,
Misamis (Ref. 439, 280),
Taal Lake (Ref. 80679,
13446) and Lake Naujan
(Ref. 13446). Recorded
from Lake Bourbon
(probably Lake Bombon or
Lake Taal, Batangas
Province (Ref.
13446). Vaimosa sapanga:
Type locality, Sapanga
creek, Angat, Bulacan
(Ref. 84480). Also Ref.
7050.
Source: based on PCSD Resolution 15-521, Series 2015 and DENR DAO 2007-01.

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Interview with the locals


In order to gather more data specifically on aquatic resources species, the team conducted interview with the
respondent’s consent and who particularly resides along the river traversing the proposed project site of 3
Barracuda Energy Corp. Table 2-0-33 enumerates the species were observed/noted by the
residents/respondents of which not all of the identified species were encountered during the actual
assessment.

Table 2-0-33. Summary of Species during the Freshwater Ecology Assessment Interview with the Community
Family name Scientific name Local name/ Common name
Atyidae Neocaridina davidi Hipon (maliliit)/Freshwater
shrimp
Hemiramphidae Hyporhampus quoyi Siwi-siwi/Susay/Quoy’s fish
Cichlidae Oreochromis aureus Tilapia/Nile Tilapia
Pachychilidae Brotea herculia Suso/Snail
Pachychilidae Jagora asperata Suso/Snail
Ampulariidae Pomacea canaliculata Kuhol/Golden apple snail
Achatinidae Lissachatina fulica Land snail
Corbiculidae Corbicual sp. Tulya/Freshwater clam
Margaritiferidae Margaritifera margaritifra Beldat/Freshwater pearl
mussel
Channidae Channa striata Dalag/Mudfish
Gobiidae Gobiopterus brachypterus Bunog/Pygmy goby
Cyprinidae Cyprinus carpio Karpa/Common Carp
Angullidae Anguilla australis Igat/Palos/Eel
Clariidae Clarias batrachus Pantat/Hito/Thai Hito

2.2.4.2.2 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of species


Macroinvertebrates
Community Diversity
In terms of organism richness, most abundant site is Station 4 (60 individuals). It is also the most diverse site,
where 10 out of 11 collected families are represented. The least abundant is the channel at Station 1(13
individuals). Site having the least number of taxa represented is Station 2(at two (2). Average number of
individuals collected versus number of taxonomic family is 19.45 specimens per family.

Each stream has very low alpha or community diversity (see Appendix; Figure 34); the “average” Shannon-
Weiner Index for the six (6) streams is only H’=1.36. Moreover, each stream is found to be dominated by at
most three taxonomic families (“average” 1/D = 3.44).

The sampling activity was impacted by heavy rains, and such may have affected the low diversity of sampled
assemblage. In consideration of higher species richness recorded during previous collections it is assumed that
the true assemblage of macrobenthos in Bugallon is much more diverse than what was computed. At the
surface and streambanks of surveyed sites, certain species of soldier fly, grasshoppers, spiders, dragonfly and
damselfly are present, implying favorable habitat and diverse food base (more aquatic macroinvertebrates) in
general. This is more probable in waters of Station 6(Upper Kids Pool) due to presence of predatory bugs
(whirglig and Notonectidae: Hemiptera). Other organisms such as water striders, snails (Prosobranchia),
freshwater crab (Sundaphelthusa sp) were either sighted or collected but not used in discussions in this paper.

Being headwaters to bigger freshwater channels (e.g., Station 5, the streams of Lasso Solar Power Project area
are not known to contain substantial fish assemblage. However, similar streams in nearby localities (e.g.,
Pangasinan) hold economically-important fish such as freshwater eel (Anguilla marmorata), “Udingan” and
others. Larger channels in Lasso Solar Power Project area were reportedly used to have abundant edible

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mollusks and crabs (Sundapthelthusa sp). However, at the time of assessment the sampled channels are almost
devoid of aquatic fauna.

The most plausible factors why fishes, crabs and mollusks are scarce in the river are impeded water flow,
shallowness and turbidity. At certain locations (e.g., Station 5), water channel is practically replaced by earth.
This may have caused disjunct in mating populations of aquatic species (including benthic macroinvertebrates),
or entire decimation of local population. Slushing in upper channels (Station 1) virtually affects turbidity of not
just the local channel, but also the entire continuum. The assessment team has observed the site-by-site loading
of sediments from Station 2 to Station 3. The abovesaid factors, compounded by openness of the stream
channels, are also keys as to algae are growing prevalently onto substrate of shallowest parts of the streams.

Macroinvertebrates, as biological indicators of water impairment, are curiously scarce in Lasso Solar Power
Project area’s streams. Land uses proximate to freshwater bodies are known to affect niche and diversity of
benthic macroinvertebrates (Parreira de Castro et al 2016; Foley et al 2005). Also, Milisa et al (2010) argue that
siltation can cause alterations in the functional composition of macrobenthic assemblage since such
disturbance not only crucial environmental factors (turbidity, pH) but more importantly, food availability. Note
that the riparian zones of Lasso Solar Power Project area’s streams are now always subject to changes by
scraping and levelling, agriculture and residences. The resulting openness and discharge of organic matter may
either be giving rise to conditions more favorable to Scrapers, or be leading to water conditions not favorable
to other macrobenthos. But given that the computed pollution indices say that Lasso Solar Power Project area’s
waters are still in very good condition, the assessment team is prudent to assume that headwaters can still
compensate for impairments happening in middle channels of Lasso Solar Power Project area’s stream
continuum.

Functional Feeding Groups


As to feeding function of the macroinvertebrates in the Bugallon streams, only three groups were identified:
Scrapers (4 families), Predators (4) and Collectors (3 families comprised of gathering and filtering types) (Figure
35). Scrapers are most abundant at 92 individuals in 4 families; these are Glossomatidae and Hydroptilidae
(Trichoptera), Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera) and Psephenidae (Coleoptera). Gathering Collectors are
represented by only one taxon – Family Caenidae (Ephemeroptera) with 4 individuals. At the time, shredders
of allochthonous organic matter – a characteristic FFG of headwaters – were not sampled in the area.

Residing on open and shallow parts of streams, Scrapers are those which feed upon algae and organic matter
attached to rocky substrate and those pre-processed organic matters that by other macroinvertebrates in
upper channels and tributary streams. Meanwhile, Gathering Collectors further break down coarse particulate
organic material (CPOM) into finer materials bioavailable to filterers, scrapers and other collectors.
Vannote’s River Continuum Concept (1980) explains that FFGs like Shredders and Filterers are more common
in headwaters than in larger bodies (large streams to rivers), and Scrapers tend to become more prevalent with
channel size increase (Heino et al 2005). Scarcity of varied FFGs of benthic macroinvertebrates in Bugallon
streams (that serves as transition to bigger channels, i.e., station 1 can be considered “normal” since more taxa
and FFGs should be found further upstream sections.
Figure 2-32. Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates by Functional Feeding Groups

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100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Gathering Collector Filtering Collector Predator Scraper
No . of families 1 2 4 4
No. of indiviauls 4 44 50 92

NOTE: Values plotted using Log10 scale.

Macrobenthos-Based Pollution Indices


Among the new species most sensitive to pollution are Glossomatidae (TV=0) and Oligoneuriidae (TV=2).
Meanwhile, those taxa dataset that were not encountered (e.g., Baetidae, Chironomidae) have moderate to
high tolerance to pollution (TV=4 and TV=8 respectively). In sum the computed Hilsenhoff Family-Level Biotic
Index (HFBI) and other pollution indices (Table 2-0-34) for all streams indicate “excellent” water condition
(HFBI=2.82). This is so because the macroinvertebrate assemblage is comprised of pollution-sensitive
macroinvertebrate taxa such as Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera(stoneflies), Trichoptera (caddisflies) and
Psephenidae (Water Pennies). Interestingly, least impaired site is that of Station 3 HFBI Station 2=2.09; Station
5 is “most impaired” at HFBI Station 4=3.40.

Per-site HFBIs have very strong positive correlations with macroinvertebrate abundance (Pearson r=0.79),
alpha diversity (0.89) and number of sampled taxonomic families (0.91). 72.73% of taxa identified in the
assessment sites belong to EPT (equivalent to 92% of individual macroinvertebrates found in area) (Figure 2-
33). EPT are widely known orders most sensitive to pollution; their abundance in an area usually denote clean
habitats. Meanwhile, taxonomic families most tolerant of organic pollution are Libellulidae (dragonfly),
Caenidae (brushlegged mayfly) and Calopterygidae (damselfly). This implies that the overall richness of EPT
taxa gathered in Bugallion streams (despite the dominance of moderately-tolerant families such as
Heptageniidae) has very good water condition whether or not the sites are within high- or low-impact zones. It
is also seen that computed HFBI improves as diversity increases as in the case of Station 4. However still, it must
be noted that it is the abundance of more pollution-tolerant families (versus the scarcity of highly sensitive
families like Perlidae, Glossomatidae, Rhyacophilidae) that dictated the resulting overall HFBI.

Table 2-0-34. Computed macroinvertebrate indices for assessing water quality.


Index Numeric Descriptive Value
Value
%EPT Index 72.73% Excellent
EPT to Total Abundance % 92.63% Very Good
EPT Taxa 8 taxa Very Good
Hilsenhoff Family-Level Biotic 2.80 Excellent
Index

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Shannon-Weiner Index 1.81 Low


NOTE: Descriptive values for EPT indices were inferred from http://www2.ups.edu and
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov. Descriptive values for Hilsenhoff FBI and Shannon Weiner Index were taken
from Zimmerman (1993) and Fernando (1996), respectively.

Figure 2-33. Computed per-site HFBI of sampled freshwater sites

10.

1.

0.

0. Station 4 Station 3 Station 2 Station 6 Station 1 Station 5

HFBI of 3.40 2.37 2.09 3.13 2.45 2.85


NOTE: Site Figures
presented on Log10 scale. Error Bars denote the standard deviation of tolerance values (TVs) of collected
benthic macroinvertebrates (SD=2.80), following Hilsenhoff (Zimmerman 1993).

Diversity Fluxes
The assessment team herein tried to compare community diversities of past and the recent benthic
macroinvertebrate assemblages found in Bugallon. As collection modes and environmental conditions dictated
the nature of datasets, the different collections were standardized by way of their relative abundance
(eliminating individual richness) (Table 2-0-35). Thus, comparing the alpha diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner,
Simpson’s Reciprocal, Pielou’s Evenness) was facilitated, albeit usable to a generalized context. By this means
that: 1) method of standardization-comparison in this paper was used only to achieve best congruency of
available data; 2) changes focus on taxonomic variation, but using richness as proxy value, and; 3) fluxes in
diversity observable hereafter may not be readily attributable to biophysical conditions since species richness
data were “distilled” into relative abundance. Nonetheless, the following discussion reflects how
macroinvertebrate assemblages changed in the area, ceteris paribus.

Combined, 18 different macroinvertebrate taxa (families and morphotypes) were recorded by the TDMCS
teams. The recent collection “lost” 7 families (38.89% of all taxa) encountered in 2021, but also yielded same
number of new macroinvertebrate families. If relative abundance of all collected taxa is to be considered, the
recent macroinvertebrate assemblage diminished by about 57%.

Shannon-weiner indices computed from relative abundances show that macroinvertebrate diversity has
“improved” (Table 2-0-36). Assemblage became more heterogenous, and more taxa became more dominant.
With only four (4) shared taxa, the two macroinvertebrate assemblages are at least moderately similar
(Sorenson Quantitative = 0.52). These observations imply that benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in LASSO
SOLAR POWER PROJECT AREA’s streams is very dynamic.

Table 2-0-35. Standardized relative abundance data for wet and dry season

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Relative Abundance*
No. Taxonomic Family (%)
2022(wet) 2022(dry)
1 Baetidae 0 6
2 Caenidae 2 70
3 Calopterygidae 3 0
4 Chironomidae 0 1
5 Elmidae 0 2
6 Glossomatidae 3 0
7 Heptageniidae 36 2
8 Hydropsychidae 6 7
9 Hydroptilidae 4 0
10 Leptohyphidae 0 2
11 Libellulidae 2 0
12 Oligoneuriidae 15 0
13 Other (clumped 0 4
morphotypes)
14 Perlidae 12 3
15 Potamidae 0 2
16 Psephenidae 3 0
17 Rhyacophilidae 14 0
18 Simulidae 0 1
Total 100 100
NOTE: Dataset for dry taken from TDMSC report. Taxa and relative abundances highlighted in blue are benthic
macroinvertebrates common (shared) to both collections.*relative abundance (also “pi” in computation of H’)
refers to the proportion of a taxa to total sample; rounded off to nearest whole number to facilitate
computation of Shannon-Weiner (H’) and Simpson’s Reciprocal (1/D) and Pielou’s Evenness (E) Indices.

Table 2-0-36. Beta diversity analyses of macroinvertebrates assemblages


Parameter / Index Value
Macroinvertebrate Richness Summary
Total taxa (including clumped 11
morphotypes)
Total shared taxa 4
Shared relative abundance 138
Sum relative abundance of shared 56
species
Alpha diversity Indices (using standardized data –
rel. abd)
Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) 1.95 (v.low)
Simpson’s Reciprocal Index (1/D) 5.36
(5 dominants)
Pielou’s Evenness (E) 0.81
(highly even)
Qualitative Indices
Jaccard’s Index 0.22 (Highly
Dissimilar)
Sorenson Index 0.36 (Highly
Dissimilar)
Quantitative Indices

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Sorenson Index 0.56


(Moderately
Dissimilar)
Morisita-Horn Index 0.08 (Strongly
Dissimilar)

2.2.4.3 Mitigating measures


2.2.4.4.1 Threat to existence and/or loss species of important local and habitat
Pre-construction phase

Construction phase

Operation phase

2.2.4.4.2 Threat to abundance, frequency and distribution of species


Pre-construction phase

Construction phase

Operation phase

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2.3 THE AIR COMPONENT

This section presents the baseline conditions of meteorology, air quality, and sound at the site related to
assessing potential a) changes in local microclimate, b) greenhouse gas emissions, c) air pollution, and d) noise
impacts.

2.3.1 Meteorology/climatology

2.3.1.1 Methodology
2.3.1.1.1 Existing conditions
The existing meteorological conditions at the Project site were described using available secondary data from
the PAGASA Dagupan about 25km northeast of the site (Figure 2-34). Records and maps used were a)
climatological normals and extremes records (Table 2-38, Table 2-39), b) climate map of the Philippines based
on the modified Coronas classification (Figure 2-35), c) wind rose normal records , and d) typhoon risk maps
(Figure 2-37).

Figure 2-34. PAGASA station near the Project site

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2.3.1.1.2 Impact assessment


Climate change projections - The previous climate change projections for the country were made by PAGASA
in its paper “Climate Change in the Philippines in 2011”. The projections were based on future socio-economic
conditions known as the Special Report Emission Scenario (SRES) which covered a wide range of possible future
atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG) concentration only and neglected policies for climate change mitigation.

To resolve this, the IPCC released a new set of scenarios that represented cumulative concentrations of GHGs.
These new scenarios, designated as the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), were based on radiative
forcing (energy accumulated by the GHGs in the atmosphere) levels. The main difference between the RCPs
and SRES is the absence of fixed assumptions related to population growth, economic development, or
technology associated with any RCP. Many different socio-economic futures are possible leading to the same
level of radiative forcing.

The new set of climate projections for the Philippines was based on two of the most recent scenarios from the
IPCC: RCP4.5 (moderate level of GHG emissions) and RCP8.5 (high level of GHG emissions). An aggregate of
projections was established to provide a range of possible climate futures using the 10th (lower bound), 50th
(median), and 90th (upper bound) percentiles of the model results with the following sample interpretations:
a) Lower bound indicated the driest possible change, b) Upper bound indicated the wettest possible change,
and c) Median which represents the most likely future change. The projections were provided in two time
periods relative to the baseline climate of 1971 to 2000: 2036-2065, representing the mid-21st century, and
2070-2099, representing the late-21st century. The median values were used to describe the likely changes in
rainfall and temperature at the Project area.

The RCP-based projections in Pangasinan were used to describe the potential rainfall and temperature changes
at the Project site.

Greenhouse gas emissions - The Project GHG emissions were estimated in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents6
(CO2-e) from a typical solar power facility and compared with other technologies for power generation using
the GHG emission factors in Table 2-37.

Table 2-37. Typical full energy chain GHG emission factors


GHG emission factor*
Energy source
Low High
Coal and Lignite 940 1340
Oil 690 890
Gas (Natural and LNG) 650 770
Nuclear 8 27
Solar (photovoltaic) 81 260
Wind 16 120
Hydropower (typical) 4 18
Source: Tremblay et al; NOTE: *gCO2- e/ kWh

6
CO2-equivalent emission is the amount of CO2 emission that would cause the same time-integrated radiative
forcing, over a given time horizon, as an emitted amount of a long-lived GHG or a mixture of GHGs
(https://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/syr/en/mains2-1.html).
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Figure 2-35. Climate map of the Philippines showing the Project site

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Table 2-38. Climate normal records at the PAGASA Dagupan station (1991–2020)
# of rainy Temperature (OC) RH Wind Cloud cover
Month Amount
days Max Min Mean Dry bulb Wet bulb Dew point % DIR SPD Okta
JAN 5.7 2 30.7 21 25.9 25.9 23.4 22.3 81 S 3 4
FEB 9.5 2 31.5 21.4 26.4 26.4 23.8 22.8 81 S 3 4
MAR 23 3 32.9 22.8 27.8 27.7 24.8 23.7 79 S 3 4
APR 69.5 4 34.4 24.5 29.5 29.1 26 25 79 S 3 4
MAY 218.2 11 34 25 29.5 29.2 26.5 25.6 81 S 3 5
JUN 335.5 16 33.3 24.8 29 28.6 26.3 25.6 84 S 2 6
JUL 532.7 20 31.9 24.4 28.1 27.8 25.9 25.3 87 S 2 6
AUG 619.5 21 31.1 24.4 27.7 27.5 25.8 25.3 88 S 2 7
SEP 401.6 19 31.5 24.3 27.9 27.7 25.9 25.3 87 S 2 6
OCT 226.6 9 31.9 24.2 28 27.9 25.8 25 85 S 3 5
NOV 54.9 5 31.8 23.4 27.6 27.5 25.2 24.3 83 S 2 4
DEC 20 3 31 22.2 26.6 26.6 24.3 23.3 82 S 2 4
ANNUAL 2516.7 115 32.2 23.5 27.8 27.7 25.3 24.5 83 S 3 5
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: RH – relative humidity; DIR – direction; SPD – speed in meters per second

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Table 2-39. Climate extreme records at the PAGASA Dagupan station (as of 2021)
Temperature (OC) Greatest daily rainfall (mm) Strongest winds (mps) Sea Level Pressures (mbs)
Month
HIGH DATE LOW DATE AMOUNT DATE SPD DIR DATE HIGH DATE LOW DATE
JAN 36.0 01-14-1989 14.3 01-08-1907 83.0 01-22-2021 18 S 01-24-2000 1022.2 01-18-1959 1001.3 01-01-1950
FEB 37.0 02-25-1927 16.3 02-07-1971 64.8 02-19-2009 18 NNW 02-11-1993 1022.0 02-01-1962 1003.2 02-07-2000
MAR 38.7 03-24-1921 16.7 03-05-1971 71.9 03-29-1938 19 NNW 03-20-1981 1020.8 03-30-1958 1002.0 03-13-1949
APR 39.9 04-12-1915 19.7 04-01-1973 195.0 04-18-1998 23 SE 04-21-1979 1019.0 04-07-1968 999.4 04-21-1956
MAY 39.6 05-12-1924 19.0 05-25-2004 722.6 05-27-2003 35 E 05-17-2008 1015.5 05-12-1960 986.9 05-23-1976
JUNE 38.7 06-05-1987 20.2 06-30-1978 306.0 06-21-1990 27 SE 06-22-2008 1016.0 06-06-1966 987.3 06-29-1964
JULY 38.2 07-07-1915 20.4 07-14-1911 376.8 07-08-1986 33 W 07-04-2001 1016.7 07-05-1951 984.6 07-22-2003
AUG 36.4 08-10-1906 19.0 08-03-1999 342.0 08-22-2003 35 SSE 08-24-1982 1016.0 08-18-1963 991.2 08-24-1982
SEP 36.6 09-21-1983 20.5 09-06-1984 374.3 09-14-2014 30 ESE 09-18-1998 1016.2 09-01-1971 985.7 09-14-1998
OCT 37.2 10-22-1990 19.5 10-26-1990 443.5 10-08-2009 56 WNW 10-11-1974 1017.7 10-27-1968 978.3 10-26-1978
NOV 36.9 11-20-2000 17.2 11-13-1905 229.1 11-17-1935 41 NNW 11-24-1981 1019.3 11-04-1958 983.4 11-24-1981
DEC 36.9 12-30-1978 15.2 12-14-1988 69.4 12-04-1936 27 N 12-02-2004 1021.0 12-08-1960 989.0 12-02-2004
ANNUAL 39.9 04-12-1915 14.3 01-08-1907 722.6 05-27-2003 56 WNW 10-11-1974 1022.2 01-18-1959 978.3 10-26-1978
Period 1903 - 2021 1903 - 2021 1903 - 2021 1903 - 2021
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: mbs – millibars

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Figure 2-36. Normal wind profile at the PAGASA Dagupan station (1991-2020)

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Figure 2-37. Typhoon risk and cyclone frequency map showing the Project site

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2.3.1.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.3.1.2.1 Change in the local microclimate
The Philippine climate in general is tropical and maritime characterized by relatively high temperature, high
humidity and abundant rainfall7. Rainfall as the most important climatic element throughout the country varies
from one region to another, depending on the direction of the moisture-bearing winds and location of
mountain systems. The climate of the country based on temperature and rainfall is divided into two major
seasons: 1) the rainy (wet) season from June to November, and 2) the dry season lasting from December to
May. The dry season in turn is subdivided into a) the cool dry season (December to February), and b) the hot
dry season lasting from March to May. The potential meteorological conditions at the Project site are
enumerated and described below.

Climate - The Project site falls under a Type I climate (Figure 2-35). This cliamte type has two pronounced
seasons: dry from November to April and wet the rest of the year, with a maximum rain periods from June to
September.

Rainfall – Potential monthly rainfall ranging from 5.7 (January) to 619.5mm (August) with an annual total of
2,516.7mm. The number of rainy days may range from two to 21 days in a month with an annual frequency of
32 percent. Figure 2-38a shows that rainfall higher than the average occur in May to October. The potential
extreme daily rainfall range of 64.8 to 722.6mm (Table 2-39).

Surface temperatures – Potential lowest mean temperature of 25.9oC in January and a high of 29.5oC in April
and May (Figure 2-38b) resulting to a normal seasonal temperature difference of 3.6 degrees. Months of
temperature higher than the mean occur from April to July, September, and October. Potential extreme daily
temperature range of 14.3 to 39.9 degrees Celsius may be experienced in January and April respectively (Table
2-39).

Relative humidity - Relative humidity is expressed in percentage of water vapor present in air using
psychrometric charts with the dry- and wet-bulb temperatures as input. Potenital relative humidity at the site
may reange from 79 to 88 (Figure 2-38c) with annual average of 83 per cent. Relative humidity higher than the
average occurs from June to October.

Cloud cover – Potential monthly cloud cover at the site may range from four to seven okta (Figure 2-38d). Cloud
cover higher than the average occurs from June to September.

Surface winds – Potential annual wind speed at the site may range from 2.2 to 3.1 meters per second occurring
96 percent of the time, with prevailing direction in the South followed by North direction (Figure 2-36). The site
may experience an daily extreme wind speed range of 18 to 56 meters per second (Table 2-39).

Tropical cyclones - In general, cyclone frequency in the country is highest from June to December. These
tropical cyclones are associated with the occurrence of low pressures areas (LPA) normally originating over the
North Western Pacific Ocean side of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and generally moving
northwestward. Tropical cyclones also originate in the South China Sea or at the western part of the country,
having unusual motions, and quite rare with 52 occurrences in 50 years (Perez, 2001). The PAGASA categorized
these cyclones as tropical depressions (TD), with wind speeds up to 63 kph; tropical storm (TS) with wind speeds
from 64-117 kph, and tropical typhoon (TY), with wind speeds over 117 kph. In general, from 1948-1993,
PAGASA has determined an annual average of 20 tropical cyclones in the PAR, nine of these making landfall.
Overall, PAGASA had tracked 917 cyclones within the PAR, with 415 (45.3%) crossing the archipelago and 120
(22.5%) considered disastrous. The Project site is located in an area with Very High typhoon risk and may be
visited by two cyclones every year (Figure 2-37).

7
PAGASA
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Figure 2-38. Rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and cloud cover at the Project site

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Surface temperature projections at the Project area


The temperatures at the Project site in the mid-21st century (2050) may increase from the baseline ranging
from 27.45 to 28.28 degrees Celsius for the moderate emission scenario and 27.78 to 28.73 degrees for the
high emission scenario (green cells in Table 2-40, Table 2-41). The highest temperatures were projected in
March to May (Figure 2-40a, Figure 2-40c).

Combining both scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP 8.5) across seasons show that the temperatures at the Project area
may range from 26.1 (December, January, February) to 29.8 (March, April, May) degrees Celsius (orange cells
in Table 2-40, Table 2-41); resulting to an annual mean increase of 1.03 to 2.3 degrees.

Table 2-40. Temperature projections for Pangasinan - Moderate emission scenario (RCP4.5)
Baseline 2050 (Lower) 2050 (Median) 2050 (Upper)
Quarter
1971-2000 Change SMT Change SMT Change SMT
DJF 25.00 1.1 26.10 1.3 26.30 1.8 26.80
MAM 27.40 1.0 28.40 1.2 28.60 1.8 29.20
JJA 26.90 1.0 27.90 1.3 28.20 1.9 28.80
SON 26.40 1.0 27.40 1.1 27.50 1.9 28.33
Annual mean 26.43 1.03 27.45 1.23 27.65 1.86 28.28
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: all values are in degrees Celsius; SMT – seasonal mean temperature;
DJF – December, January, February; MAM – March, April, May; JJA – June, July, August; SON –
September, October, November

Table 2-41. Temperature projections for Pangasinan - High emission scenario (RCP8.5)
Baseline 2050 (Lower) 2050 (Median) 2050 (Upper)
Quarter
1971-2000 Change SMT Change SMT Change SMT
DJF 25.00 1.30 26.30 1.60 26.60 2.10 27.10
MAM 27.40 1.40 28.80 1.70 29.10 2.40 29.80
JJA 26.90 1.30 28.20 1.60 28.50 2.40 29.30
SON 26.40 1.40 27.80 1.60 28.00 2.30 28.70
Annual mean 26.43 1.35 27.78 1.63 28.05 2.30 28.73
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: all values are in degrees Celsius; SMT – seasonal mean temperature;
DJF – December, January, February; MAM – March, April, May; JJA – June, July, August; SON –
September, October, November

Rainfall projections at the Project area


In contrast to the projected temperature increase, the mean annual rainfall and the number of rainy days in
the country has increased since 1960. The country also experienced variability in the onset of the rainy season.
The trend has been toward decreasing rainfall over Luzon and parts of Mindanao and increasing rainfall over
the central western part of the country (Anglo, 2006).

The projections show potential from the baseline at the Project area for both scenarios across seasons. For
example, the rainfall change ranged from a decrease of 17.2 to an increase of 13.9 percent across scenarios.
The likely rainfall at the Project area may range from 411mm (March, April, May) to 1,260 (September, October,
December) across scenarios.

The Project site may experience rainfall increases and decreases in 2050. For example, median rainfall values
were projected to decrease from the baseline by 1.3 to 13.3 percent from March to August and 3.3 percent
from June to August; resulting to an annual total rainfall of 2,414 to 2,591mm for the moderate and high
emission scenarios respectively (green cells in Table 2-42, Table 2-43). The highest rainfall were projected from
June to August (Figure 2-40b, Figure 2-40d). Combining both scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP 8.5) across seasons show

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that the 2050 rainfall at the Project area may range from 2,151, to 3,011mm (orange cells in Table 2-40, Table
2-41).

Table 2-42. Rainfall projections for Pangasinan - Moderate emission scenario (RCP4.5)
Baseline 2050 (Lower) 2050 (Median) 2050 (Upper)
Month
1971-2000 Change PSR Change PSR Change PSR
DJF 19.4 4.80% 20.3 10.8% 21.5 41.60% 27.5
MAM 298 -3.40% 287.9 -1.3% 294.1 17.70% 350.7
JJA 1608.9 -22.30% 1,250.1 -13.3% 1,394.9 1.60% 1,634.6
SON 707.8 -16.30% 592.4 -0.6% 703.6 13.50% 803.4
Annual 2,634 2,151 2,414 2,816
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: all values in millimeters; PSR – projected seasonal rainfall; DJF –
December, January, February; MAM – March, April, May; JJA – June, July, August; SON –
September, October, November

Table 2-43. Rainfall projections for Pangasinan - High emission scenario (RCP8.5)
Baseline 2050 (Lower) 2050 (Median) 2050 (Upper)
Month
1971-2000 Change PSR Change PSR Change PSR
DJF 19.4 -8.90% 17.7 9.60% 21.3 55.70% 30.2
MAM 298 -9.70% 269.1 0.60% 299.8 27.50% 380.0
JJA 1608.9 -16.80% 1,338.6 -3.30% 1,555.8 9.90% 1,768.2
SON 707.8 -3.70% 681.6 0.90% 714.2 17.70% 833.1
Annual 2,634 2,307 2,591 3,011
Source: PAGASA; NOTES: all values in millimeters; PSR – projected seasonal rainfall; DJF –
December, January, February; MAM – March, April, May; JJA – June, July, August; SON – September,
October, November

Impact asessment - The effect of meteorological variability in general is presented in the context of the climate
change scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). According to the
IPCC, the global averaged surface temperature is predicted to increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius over the
period 1990 to 2100 resulting to evaporation rate increases and precipitation fluctuations. Consequently,
renewable technologies which completely rely on the climate conditions are one of the sectors influenced by
the predicted climate variations.

The understanding of microclimatic effects of utility scale solar facilities is growing but currently incomplete
and subsequent effects on plant–soil carbon cycling, GHG emissions and soil carbon stocks are unknown
(Armstrong et al, 2014). The same study reported that the installation of ground-mounted PV arrays can
potentially affect surface albedo, cause shading and intercept precipitation and atmospheric deposition, and
influence wind speed and turbulence at the land surface (Figure 2-39).

The figure shows that the amount of reflected shortwave radiation (SR) will be lower for the PV panels
compared with the ground surface given their lower albedo. The ratio of diffuse shortwave (SD) to the incoming
shortwave (SI) will be greater under the PV as while SD will be reduced and nearly all SI will be intercepted by
the PV panel. The area under the PV panel is hypothesized to be warmer as a result of emitted longwave (LE)
radiation from the panel leading to greater conductance into the soil (this will be however dependent on the
effects of the PV panels on wind). Finally, the PV panel will intercept precipitation, concentrating the inputs at
the lower edge of the PV panel.

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Figure 2-39. Schematic of potential effects of solar panels on precipitation distribution

The significant findings of the microclimatic effects of solar power facilities by Armstrong et al, 2014 are
enumerated below.

a) Magnitude of measured warming by solar parks on built environments is between 2.5 to 26.0 °C. There
were no studies for ground-mounted solar parks;
b) Increases in day- and night-time temperatures are hypothesized to occur under solar panels in the
desert but day time decreases could occur if PV panel technology becomes more efficient;
c) Postulated that cooling may occur if PV parks are deployed in environments with a lower albedo than
deserts, e.g., grasslands or areas of bare soil (resembles the Project area)’
d) No explicit large-scale effects of solar parks on precipitation are hypothesized although may occur as
solar parks could affect regional temperatures and wind patterns;
e) Solar parks will affect the local distribution of precipitation. Aareas under the footprint of the panels
will receive less while areas at the edges of the panel will receive more through drainage from the
panels; and
f) Hypothesized that solar parks will have substantial effects on the amount of photosynthetically active
radiation (PAR) received due to interception of a large proportion of the incoming direct and diffuse
radiation and that the ratio of diffuse to direct radiation will increase (as shown in Figure 2-39). The
PAR determines the amount of energy available for photosynthesis (Wu et al., 2010 in Armstrong et
al, 2014).

Hamed and Alshare (2022) reported that in hot seasons (similar to dry season in the Philippines) and due to the
infrared component of the solar insolation, the temperature of the PV panels can reach 70°C or higher. This
increase in temperature reduces the electrical output of the PV module, heats the air surrounding the system,
and influence the microclimate of the site.

Barron-Gafford, G. A. et al. (2016) in their study “The Photovoltaic Heat Island Effect: Larger solar power plants
increase local temperatures“ reported that concerns remain about whether or not PV power plants induce a
“heat island” effect like the increase in ambient temperatures in cities (Urban Heat Island Effect). Their study
found that temperatures over a PV plant were regularly 3 to 4°C warmer than wildlands at night.

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Figure 2-40. Projected seasonal temperature and rainfall projections at the Project site

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2.3.1.2.2 Contribution in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions


Using the emission factors in Table 2-37, the indicative annual Project GHG emission operating 8760 hours a
year as worst-case may range from 390 to 1,253 gigagrams with an average of 821 (821,000 MT). The GHG
emissions of the Project is still the lowest among other sources of electricity of the same capacity and operating
times (Figure 2-41).

Figure 2-41. Comparison of Project GHG emissions and other power generation technologies

7,000
Annual GHG from other source, Gg/yr

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0
Gas (Natural and
Coal and Lignite Oil Nuclear Wind
LNG)
Low 4,528.92 3,324.42 3,131.70 38.54 77.09
High 6,456.12 4,288.02 3,709.86 130.09 578.16
Mean-3BEC 821.47 821.47 821.47 821.47 821.47

The GHG calculations also showed that the Project will have positive carbon offsets compared to fossil fuel
power generating plants with the same capacity and operating assumptions. At the minimum for example, the
Project can potentially displace 4,139,000 MT, 2,934,000 MT, and 2,741,000MT of GHG annually from power
generated by coal, oil, natural gas respectively (Error! Reference source not found.). There was no GHG
displacement however for nuclear and wind power facilties with the same capacity and operating cycle.

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Figure 2-42. Potential GHG displaced by the Project

6,000

5,000

4,000
GHG displaced, Gg/yr

3,000

2,000

1,000

-1,000

-2,000
Gas (Natural and
Coal and Lignite Oil Nuclear Wind
LNG)
Low 4,139 2,934 2,741 -352 -313
High 5,203 3,035 2,457 -1,123 -675

2.3.1.3 Proposed mitigating measures


Change in local microclimate – The studies previously presented recommended targeted revegetation to
mitigate the potential temperature increases due to the Project. Targeted revegetation could have synergistic
effects in easing ecosystem degradation associated with development of a utility scale PV facility and increasing
the collective ecosystem services associated with an area. The proponent can formulate a Tree Planting and
Revegetation Program during the Pre-Construction phase for implementation during the Operation Phase.
Overheating of the PV arrays can be avoided by employing passive cooling measures.

GHG generation - The Project’s contribution to the enhancement of climate change was described by its
potential GHG emissions during operation. One potential workable mitigation to offset GHG emissions is carbon
sequestration through vegetation. Table 2-44 shows that tree plantations using fast growing species like
Mahogany, dipterocarps, Gmelina, A. auricoliformis, P. falcataria, T. grandis, Pinus kesia, Acacia, Eucalyptus
citrodora, E. cloeziana, E. pellita, E. tereticornis shows potential for the Project’s carbon sequestration program.

The estimated area (orange cell in Table 2-44) planted with the indicated fast growing tree species to offset
Project GHG emissions at the assumed worst-case operating condition is only indicative at this stage. A GHG
inventory and carbon sequestration study are needed for a workable greening program during the operation
phase.

Table 2-44. Vegetation matrix for carbon sequestration


C sequestration Total C sequestration Area needed for
Vegetation cover
rate* (Tg/yr) 3BEC GHG, ha
Protection Forest 1.5 4.05 547,646.00
Second-growth forest 2.2 7.48 373,395.00
Brushlands 0.5 1.15 1,642,938.00
Grasslands 0 0 -
Tree Plantations 4 2.4 205,367.25
Agroforestry 2.7 15.39 304,247.78
Tree Plantations (fast growing)** 17.5 46,941.09

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Source: Lasco et al (2008); * megagram C/ha-year; ** Mahogany, dipterocarps, Gmelina, A. auricoliformis, P.


falcataria, T. grandis, Pinus kesia, Acacia, Eucalyptus citrodora, E. cloeziana, E. pellita, E. tereticornis; C – carbon;
ha – hectares; Tg – teragram

2.3.2 Air quality and noise

2.3.2.1 Methodology
2.3.2.1.1 Air quality
The existing ambient air quality at the Project area was described by measuring the 24-hour concentrations of
SO2, NO2, TSP, PM10 at fixed locations shown in Figure 2-43. Methods for sampling and analysis conformed to
methods prescribed in Sec. 1(b) Rule VII Part II of the Clean Air Act IRR. The sampling results were compared to
the CAA guideline values shown in Table 2-46 to determine air quality impacts.

Table 2-45. AQ sampling stations at the Project area


Station Location Latitude Longitude Date/Time of Sampling
A24-1 Sitio Palawan 15°55'4.73"N 120°12'12.30"E November 28-29, 2022 / 1115H - 1115H
A24-2 Brgy. Manlocboc 5°53'47.96"N 120°12'35.42"E November 30 - December 1, 2022 / 1410H - 1410H
A24-3 Brgy. Baybay 15°54'1.23"N 120°13'43.54"E December 1-2, 2022 / 1515H - 1515H
A24-4 Sitio Bukig 5°55'31.26"N 120°12'59.17"E November 29-30, 2022 / 1240H - 1240H

Table 2-46. National ambient air quality guideline values


Pollutant AT Unit Value Source
TSP 24h gncm 230 CAA NAAQGV
PM10 24h gncm 150 CAA NAAQGV
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 24h gncm 180 CAA NAAQGV
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 24h gncm 150 CAA NAAQGV
Source: Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Clean Air Act; AT – averaging
time; CAA – Clean Air Act; NAAQGV - National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values

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Figure 2-43. AQ sampling stations map

2.3.2.1.1 Noise
The existing sound profile at the Project area was described by taking sound measurements at the ambient air
quality stations (Figure 2-43) using a sound meter for 24 hours in 5-min increments. The resulting records were
processed to determine the noise descriptors defined in Table 2-47.

Table 2-47. Noise descriptors for describing the existing sonic profile at the Project area
Noise descriptor Description
L10 Noise level exceeded 10% of the time of the measurement period. For
example, a L10 of 75 dBA means that over a period of one hour, the
noise greater than 75dBA was recorded for six minutes or one minute
over a period of 10 minutes.

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Noise descriptor Description


L50 Noise level exceeded 50% of the time. It is statistically the midpoint
of the noise readings representing the median of the fluctuating noise
levels.
L90 Noise level exceeded 90% of the time and represents the background
levels.
Lmax Highest recorded sound level
Lmin Lowest recorded sound level

The existing and potential Project noise impacts were determined using the DENR Environmental Quality
Standards for Noise in General Areas (Table 2-48) and DENR noise criteria during construction in Table 2-498.

Table 2-48. Environmental quality standards for noise in general areas


Category Daytime Morning/Evening Night-time
AA 50 45 40
A 55 50 45
B 65 60 55
C 70 65 60
D 75 70 65
NOTES: units are in dB(A); Morning: 5am-9am; Daytime: 9am-6pm;
Evening: 6pm-10pm; Night-time 10pm-5am
Category description:
AA 100 m from schools, nurseries, hospitals, home of the aged
A residential area
B commercial area
C light industrial area
D heavy industrial area

Table 2-49. Maximum noise levels allowed during construction9


Class Construction activities Limit
Pile drivers (excluding manual type), riveting hammers or combination thereof.
1 90
Does not include pile drivers used in combination with earth augers.
2 Rock drills, or similar equipment like jack hammers or pavement breakers 85
Air compressors (limited to compressors that use power other than electric motors
3 with a rated output of 15kW or more). Air compressors power rock drills, 75
jackhammers, and pavement breakers are excluded.
Batching plant operation (limited to those with mixer capacities of 200kg or more.
4 75
Batching plants for mortar-making are excluded.
NOTES: limits are in dB(A); No construction in Class AA, A, B areas (except during emergencies, calamities, disasters)
from 7pm to 7am for Class 1&2 construction activities and from 9pm to 7am for Class 3&4 construction activities

In the absence of construction equipment type and usage information at this time, the potential noise was
calculated using the point source attenuation rate for geometric spreading. Sound from a small localized source
(approximating a point source) radiates uniformly outward as it travels away from the source in a spherical
pattern. The inverse square law states that the mean-square sound pressure level varies inversely as the square
of the distance from the source. The general rule of thumb is that, under ideal conditions (no reflecting surfaces
or other background sound or interference), a sound level drops 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from
the source. The inverse square law is represented by the formula:

8
NPCC Memorandum Circular No. 002 issued May 12, 1980 (amending Section 78 of Presidential Decree 984)
9
Measured at 30 meters
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2
d 
D = 10 log 1 
 d2 

where d1 and d2 are the distances and D is the decibel difference.

Typical sound emissions of construction equipment from literature were used in predicting the noise levels.
The worst-case scenario assumed that sound levels from the construction equipment were not attenuated by
terrain, structures, and the atmosphere.

2.3.2.2 Assessment of key impacts


2.3.2.2.1 Degradation of air quality
Existing ambient air quality and impacts - The 24h concentrations of SO2, NO2, TSP, and PM10 at the sampling
stations were relatively low and less than the CAA standards (Table 2-50) representing the rural conditions of
the Project area. Corollary to this, there were no existing adverse air quality impacts based on the sampling
results.

Table 2-50. Results of AQ sampling at the Project area


24h concentration, ug/Ncm Impact, ug/Ncm
Station
TSP PM10 SO2 NO2 TSP PM10 SO2 NO2
A24-1 48.13 39.89 2.58 2.45 181.9 110.1 177.4 147.6
A24-2 64.85 73.79 1.35 2.53 165.2 76.21 178.7 147.5
A24-3 55.95 26.27 1.84 2.01 174.1 123.7 178.2 148
A24-4 38.9 28.18 1.23 2.83 191.1 121.8 178.8 147.2
CAA 230 150 180 150
Impact - difference of CAA and result. (+) no impact, (-) adverse impact. Value is impact magnitude

Impacts during Project implementation – Sources of air pollution impacts during Project implementation are
a) fugitive dust from unpaved acccess roads and active sites, b) equipment exhaust, c) combustion emissions
during during construction, and d) gaseous and particulate emissions during operations.

2.3.2.2.2 Noise pollution


Existing sound levels and noise impacts - The existing noise impacts were determined assuming majority of the
surroundings at the stations were residential (Category A). The interpretation of the sound descriptors and
existing noise impacts at the Project area (all stations) are enumerated below.

1. General background sound levels at (L90) ranging from 46 to 54 decibels. The range represents sound
generated from normal activities, i.e., activities done at a regularly at a relatively constant pace in the
vicinity of the stations.
2. Intermittent sound levels (L10) ranging from 53 to 68 dBA representing short duration high sound levels
from sources like passing motor vehicles.
3. Maximum sound levels (Lmax) ranging from 58 to 75 decibels.
4. Average sound level (Laeq) ranging from 52 to 63 decibels. Sound levels often fluctuate over a wide
range with time. For example, sound levels might go down as low as 30 dBA in the middle of the night
with occasional passing vehicles generating 70 dBA or more then followed by dawn and general sounds
of the day before relative peace returns in the late evening. The Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure
Level (Leq) represents this fluctuating sound by averaging over the given time period. The averaged
sound level over the given period of time has the same total energy as the fluctuating noise.

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Comparing the Lmax values with the DENR Class A Environmental Quality Standards for Noise showed noise
impacts in all Category A (residential) stations showed exceedances ranging from nine to 28 decibels (red cells
in Table 2-53). The highest impact of 28 decibels was recorded at nighttime in Station AQN1 in Barangay
Cayanga. The diurnal variation of the the 5-min sound measurements in Stations AQN1 to AQN4 are shown in
Figure 2-44.

Noise impacts during Project implementation - Construction equipment emits different sound levels that may
result to noise impacts. The degree of disturbance will depend on the distance of the source to the receptor,
nature of activity, schedule and duration of activity, and type of equipment used. The USEPA defines noise as
any sound that is undesirable because it interferes with speech and hearing, and is intense enough to damage
hearing, or is otherwise annoying. Error! Reference source not found. shows the predicted sound levels of
construction equipment using the inverse square law.

Table 2-51. Predicted sound levels of construction activities


Noise range, Predicted levels, dB(A)
Classification Equipment
dBA* 30m 60m 120m 240m 960m
Earth-moving Cranes 70-94 64-88 58-82 52-76 46-70 34-58
Backhoe 74-92 68-86 62-80 56-74 50-68 38-56
Front loader 77-94 71-88 65-82 59-76 53-70 41-58
Dozer 70-95 64-89 58-83 52-77 46-71 34-59
Grader 72-92 66-86 60-80 54-74 48-68 42-62
Scraper 76-98 70-92 64-86 58-80 52-74 40-62
Truck 84-93 78-87 72-81 66-75 60-69 48-57
Compactor 72-74 66-68 60-62 54-56 48-50 36-38
Materials Concrete mixer 75-85 69-79 63-73 57-67 51-61 39-49
handling Concrete pump 81-83 74-76 68-70 62-64 56-58 44-46
Cranes, derrick 88-90 82-84 76-78 70-72 64-66 52-54
Cranes, movable 75-85 69-79 63-73 57-67 51-61 39-49
Stationary Pump 69-71 63-65 57-59 51-53 45-47 33-35
Generator 73-83 67-77 61-71 55-65 49-59 37-47
Compressor 70-93 64-87 58-81 52-75 46-69 34-57
Impact activities Jackhammer 82-97 76-91 70-85 64-79 58-73 46-61
Pile driver 97-105 91-99 85-93 79-87 73-81 61-69
*at 15m, Canter (1996), American Road Builders Association (1973)

Due to limited data at this time, the noise ranges of equipment in Table 2-51 were added to represent the
sound generated by each classification and the sound levels calculated at 30 meters (Table 2-52). The calculated
low sound level exceeded the Classes 1, 2, and 3 limits by two, seven, and 17 decibels respectively. Despite
these exceedances, however, noise impact at the populated receptors is not expected because most of the
components will be constructed in areas far from residential areas.

Table 2-52. Predicted sound levels from construction activities at 30m


Total SPL range Predicted SPL
Activity
Low High Low High Mean
Earth-moving 86 103 80 97 94
Materials handling 89 93 83 87 85
Stationary 76 93 70 87 84
Impact activities 97 106 91 100 98
TOTAL 92 102 100
NOTES: All values are in dBA; SPL – sound pressure level

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Table 2-53. Existing noise descriptors and impacts at the Project area
Noise descriptor, dBA Impact, dBA
Station Location Category Timeframe DENR
Lmin L90 L50 L10 Lmax Laeq Lmax Laeq L90
A Morning 49 54 59 64 68 60 50 -18 -10 -4
Barangay Cayanga, A Daytime 51 53 57 65 75 63 55 -20 -8 2
AQN1
Bugallon, Pangasinan A Evening 49 50 55 68 72 63 50 -22 -13 0
A Night time 48 49 50 63 73 59 45 -28 -14 -4
A Morning 48 52 57 62 69 59 50 -19 -9 -2
Barangay Manlocboc, A Daytime 52 53 59 66 73 63 55 -18 -8 2
AQN2
Aguilar, Pangasinan A Evening 53 54 58 67 75 63 50 -25 -13 -4
A Night time 46 46 49 56 71 55 45 -26 -10 -1
A Morning 50 51 57 65 70 60 50 -20 -10 -1
Barangay Baybay, A Daytime 50 54 58 63 73 60 55 -18 -5 1
AQN3
Aguilar, Pangasinan A Evening 49 51 57 64 74 62 50 -24 -12 -1
A Night time 48 49 51 61 63 56 45 -18 -11 -4
A Morning 48 51 55 60 64 57 50 -14 -7 -1
Barangay Cayanga, A Daytime 48 50 53 60 67 56 55 -12 -1 5
AQN4
Bugallon, Pangasinan A Evening 49 50 51 53 59 52 50 -9 -2 0
A Night time 46 47 51 54 58 52 45 -13 -7 -2

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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-44. Diurnal trend of sound levels at the sampling stations

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As previously mentioned, construction activities are only allowed during daytime from 7am to 7pm (12h) for
the construction activity classes in Class A areas. Hence, it is prudent for 3BEC to institute noise mitigation
measures during the construction activities. It should be emphasized that the calculated sound levels were
conservative, i.e., overestimates, because it was assumed that all construction equipment were operating
simultaneously at steady state with no attenuation.

Noise impacts for the Project are expected only during the construction phase, e.g., during development and
structure erection activities. Significant noise impacts during the operation phase are not expected.

2.3.2.3 Proposed mitigating measures


2.3.2.3.1 Degradation of air quality
Construction phase - Fugitive dust is expected to be the significant source of air pollution during this phase.
Measures that may be applied to reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction activities are shown in Table
2-54, Table 2-55, and

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Table 2-56.

Table 2-54. Best available fugitive dust control measures


Fugitive dust source Control measure
Earth-moving Maintain soil moisture content at a minimum of 12 per cent.
Disturbed surface areas Water application at least twice per day to at least 80 per cent of the
un-stabilized area.
Inactive disturbed surface areas - Daily application of water to at least 80 per cent of all inactive
disturbed surface areas, if there is there is evidence of wind-driven
fugitive dust.
- Establish a vegetative ground cover within 21 days after active
construction operations have ceased.
Unpaved roads - Water all roads used for any vehicular traffic at least once every two
hours of active operations.
- Water all roads used for any vehicular traffic once daily and restrict
vehicle speed to 15 mph.
Open stockpiles - Apply water to at least 80 per cent of the surface areas of all open
stockpile piles on a daily basis if there is evidence of wind-driven
fugitive dust.
- Install a three-sided enclosure with walls with no more than 50 per
cent porosity that extends, at a minimum, to the top of the pile.
Source: Guide to Air Quality Assessment, El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District

Table 2-55. Best available fugitive dust control measures during high wind conditions
Fugitive dust source category Control measure
Earth-moving Cease all active operations.
Apply water to soil not more than 15 minutes prior to moving such
soil.
Disturbed surface areas Apply water to all un-stabilized disturbed areas 4 times a day if
there is evidence of wind-driven fugitive dust.
Unpaved roads Apply water twice per hour during active construction operation.
Stop all vehicular traffic.
Open storage piles Apply water twice per hour; Install temporary covering
Source: Guide to Air Quality Assessment, El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District

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Table 2-56. Common TSP suppression measures


Source % reduction Mitigation
Construction phase 61 Apply water within construction site (3.2h water interval)
TSP) 57 Speed restriction
55 2x/day watering
Roads (TSP)
44 Speed <=40kph
Source: WRAP Fugitive Dust Handbook

Operation phase – Significant air pollution during the operation phase is not expected for the Project. Sources
of emissions include standy generating sets and motor vehicles.

2.3.2.3.2 Noise pollution


Construction phase - An important option in construction noise mitigation is controlling sound at source. Source
control techniques may be approached using either muffler requirements or maintenance and operational
requirements. Most construction noise originates from equipment powered by either gasoline or diesel
engines. A large part of the noise emitted is due to the intake and exhaust portions of the engine cycle. One
remedy for controlling much of the engine noise is the use of adequate muffler systems. Reductions of 10 dBA
or more can be achieved with optimal muffler systems (U.S.D.O.T) Muffler requirements can be easily
integrated in contract specifications with enforcement simple and easily done. Mufflers are effective in
reducing engine-produced noise at a low cost to the user.

Poor maintenance of equipment may cause very high noise levels. Faulty or damaged mufflers, loose engine
parts, rattling screws, bolts, or metal plates all contribute to increasing the noise level of a machine as well as
improper handling and operation. Contract specifications can be written to require that all equipment be
regularly inspected for deficiencies in the maintenance area and require the proper training of equipment
users.

Measures should be instituted to meet the maximum construction noise levels in Table 2-49. Examples of
measures to attenuate construction noise are a) provision of mufflers to gasoline or diesel-powered equipment,
b) establishment of barriers and shielding stationary vibrating equipment, and c) minimizing or avoid
construction activities at night.

Operation phase – Similar to air pollution, noise impacts during the operation are not expected.

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.4 THE PEOPLE COMPONENT

The Social Impact Assessments encompasses social concerns regarding the project, people, and community
impact area that will be affected by the proposed project. The guiding premise in appraising project-affected
parties is that they will not be worse off than they were previously (i.e., before the Project). Where negative
repercussions are unavoidable, effective mitigating and enhancing strategies are identified and implemented.

The assessment is guided by the checklist on the ECC Application Screening Form for the Proposed Renewable
Power Plant Projects, DENR AO No. 30 Series of 2003 - Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the
Philippine EIS System (PEISS), DENR Administrative Order 2017-15 - Guidelines on Public Participation under
the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS), and COVID-19 LGU and IATF protocols.

2.4.1 Methodology

The baseline information and impact assessment for the social impact assessment are gathered from
stakeholder engagement activities, review of local plans and profiles, and data from national agencies’ online
registries such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Audit
(COA), and The Philippine Registry of Cultural Property of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA). The social assessment activities conducted are the following:

a) Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign (19 to 21 April 2022)


b) Public Scoping (26 July 2022)
c) Household Perception Surveys (17 to 22 November 2022)
d) Review of Secondary Data from local plans and national agencies’ registries

2.4.1.1 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign and Public Scoping
DAO 2017-15 or the Guidelines on Public Participation under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement
guided the conduct of the IEC and Public Scoping. To minimize the risk of the transmission of COVID-19,
protocols based on Executive Order No. 0011-2022 and 0015-2022 of the Province of Pangasinan was followed
during the preparation of the stakeholder engagement activities and the face-to-face meetings.

The IEC meetings, in preparation for the Public Scoping, were held on 19th, 20th, and 21st of April 2022 in the
barangays of Salomague Sur, Cayanga, and Salomague Norte, respectively. In total, there are about 95
participants10 during the IEC meetings which were attended by barangay local officials, sectoral
representatives, the EIA consultants, and the proponent.

DENR-EMB Region 1 thru Mrs. Rubie Honey B. Tavas spearheaded the Public Scoping activity. It was held on
26th of June 2022 at Brgy. Salomague Sur Covered Court which started at around 9:35 A.M. and ended at 11:30
A.M. The invitees for the Public Scoping are the Bugallon Mayor’s Office, Department Heads and Rural Health
Units, Councilors, sectoral groups/representees, Department of Energy (DOE) Central and Regional Office, and
the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). The actual attendees are detailed on Error!
Reference source not found..

Table 2- 1. List of Attendees during the Public Scoping


Stakeholder No. of Representatives
Barangay Salomague Sur 21
Barangay Salomague Sur 5
Farmers Association 11

10 Brgy. Salomague Sur - 35 Attendees, Brgy. Cayanga - 18 Attendees, Brgy. Salomague Norte
- 42 Attendees
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Stakeholder No. of Representatives


Bugallon Senior Citizen Association 1
Women’s Organization 4
BSAL-Toda 7
Barangay Salomague Norte 8
Interfaith Organization/Pastoral 1
Barangay Service Point Officer (BSPO)-GO BIKE 2
Farmers Association 1
Barangay Salomague Norte Health Workers 2
Barangay Cayanga 12
Senior Citizen Association of Brgy. Salomague Norte 1
Barangay Cayanga Health Worker 3
Cayanga Elementary School 1
Seniors Organization of Brgy. Cayanga 1
PWD Organization 1
Pastoral 1
Municipal Agricultural Office 1
Municipal Planning and Development Council 4
Social Welfare Management Office 1
Municipal Engineering Office 1
EIA Preparer 4
Proponent 2
Total 96

2.4.1.2 Focus Group Discussion and Key-Informant Interviews


The focus group discussions (FGD) and key-informant-interviews (KII) were conducted to gather initial
information, validate baseline findings, and provide supplementary information for the study. These were
conducted among provincial, municipal, and/or barangay officials, national/regional agencies, NGOs, and
sectoral groups. The summary table of the FGD and KII activities conducted are detailed in Error! Reference
source not found..

Table 2- 2. List of FGD and KII Activities Conducted


Location Participants Date Topics Discussed

2.4.1.3 Household Perception Survey


The household survey was carried out to collect socioeconomic baseline conditions as well as public issues and
concerns in the project area. The household surveys were conducted in the impact barangays namely
Salomague Sur, Salomague Norte, and Cayanga last XXX to XXX 2022.

The household survey sample size was computed using the Slovin’s formula, as shown in equation below, with
a confidence level of XX% and a sampling error of XX%. The sample size and total number of HH Surveyed are
detailed in Error! Reference source not found..

Slovin’s Formula

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Where:
N = Population Size; e = sampling error (XX%)
𝑧 2 × 𝑝 (1 − 𝑝) z = z-score (XX% confidence level = XX)
𝑒2 p = standard deviation (50%)
𝑆𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑆𝑖𝑧𝑒 = 2
𝑧 × 𝑝 (1 − 𝑝)
1+
𝑒2𝑁

Table 2- 3. Household Survey Sample Size


XX% CL
Total Ave. Project
Number and XX% Total No.
Municipalit Populatio HH No. of
Barangay of HH S.E. of HH
y n Size HH
(2015) (Sample Surveyed
(2020) (2015) (2022)
Size)
Salomague
Sur 3,325 596 5 622 136
Bugallon Salomague
Norte 1,413 290 5 306 58
Cayanga 3,088 547 5 597 127
Total 7,826 321
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

2.4.1.4 Collection of Secondary Data


The latest available Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) was requested as part of the Request for Information
(RFIs) from Bugallon, Pangasinan. National Government Agency (NGAs) registries published online sources such
as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the PRECUP of NCCA, the Department of Health (DOH), and the
Commission on Audit (COA) was gathered to supplement the data from the local plans.

2.4.1.5 Socio-economic Baseline Information


Bugallon is a landlocked municipality and lies at the central part of the Province of Pangasinan. It is located 8
kilometers from Lingayen, the provincial capital, while about 214 kilometers from Manila. The municipality is
traversed by Agno River, the third largest river in Luzon, and several other tributaries. It has 24 barangays with
a total land area of about 16,658 hectares.

The municipality’s economic foundation lies on agriculture. There are about 5,080 of agricultural land which
comprises 31% of Bugallon total land area. Among its agricultural lands, rice lands occupy about 1,453 hectares
or 79% of its total agricultural land area while the rest have mango trees and vegetables such as bitter gourd
(ampalaya), tomato, and eggplant.

2.4.2 Existing conditions

This section presents the existing socioeconomic conditions of the host municipality of Bugallon and the Direct
Impact Barangays within the cities.

2.4.2.1 Demography
2.4.2.1.1 Population density and growth

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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that the total population of Bugallon as of 2020 is 74, 962
with a population growth rate of 2.28%. In 2015, the municipality have 13, 106 households with an average
household size of 5. The municipality has 1 urban barangay, Brgy. Poblacion, while the rest are identified as
rural barangays. Moreover, the most populated area is Brgy. Poblacion with 11, 015 population and a
population density of 17 person per hectare. Notably, Cayanga has a land area of 9,201 hectares or about 55%
of the total land area of the municipality.

The project area barangays Cayanga, Salomague Norte, and Salomague Sur has a total population of 7, 826 in
2020. These 3 barangays have 1,357 total number of households with an average household size of 5. The
highlighted cells in Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference source not found. Indicates the total
population, number of households, and land area of the project area barangays.

Table 2- 4. Number of Population, Household, and Land Area of Bugallon


Total Ave.
No. of Pop.
Population HH Land Pop. Growth
Barangay HH Density
Size Area* Rate
(2015) (person/ha
2015 2020 (2015) * (2015-2020)*
* )
*
11,01
Poblacion 9,999 2041 5 665 17 2.06%
5
ngarian 1,672 1,874 304 6 275 7 2.43%
Asinan 1,911 2,063 347 6 45 46 1.62%
Bacabac 2,105 2,330 421 5 137 17 2.16%
Banaga 1,969 2,149 394 5 121 18 1.86%
Bolaoen 2,148 2,535 377 6 263 10 3.55%
Buenlag 1,630 1,695 362 5 40 42 0.83%
Cabayaoasan 1,904 2,281 340 6 370 6 3.88%
Cayanga 2,707 3,088 521 5 9,201 1 2.81%
Gueset 2,438 2,583 469 5 434 6 1.22%
Hacienda 3,575 4,200 650 6 681 6 3.45%
Laguit Centro 1,672 2,051 348 5 130 16 4.39%
Laguit Padilla 3,364 3,689 660 5 965 4 1.96%
Magtaking 5,898 6,354 1113 5 426 15 1.58%
Pangascasan 1,822 2,046 388 5 457 4 2.47%
Pantal 1,909 2,195 374 5 154 14 2.98%
Polong 2,702 3,364 551 5 254 13 4.72%
Portic 2,264 2,632 419 5 652 4 3.22%
Salasa 2,927 3,082 552 5 159 19 1.09%
Salomague
1,334 1,413 267 5 358 4 1.22%
Norte
Salomague Sur 2,902 3,325 569 5 340 10 2.91%
Samat 1,776 1,818 386 5 42 43 0.49%
San Francisco 1,407 1,557 287 5 306 5 2.16%
Umanday 5,313 5,623 966 6 183 31 1.20%
Total 67,34 74,96 13,106 5 1665 4 2.28%

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Total Ave.
No. of Pop.
Population HH Land Pop. Growth
Barangay HH Density
Size Area* Rate
(2015) (person/ha
2015 2020 (2015) * (2015-2020)*
* )
*
8 2 8
Note: Cells in orange are DIB
Source: *Philippine Statistics Authority, **Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Bugallon 2016-2015

2.4.1.1.2 Gender and Age Profile


The gender and age profile of Bugallon is presented in Error! Reference source not found.. Based on the
Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 33, 739 males to 33, 609 females in Bugallon for 2015. This translates
to nearly 1:1 ratio between male and female population of the municipality.

In terms of age distribution, it can be said that Bugallon has an expansive population since it has a higher youth
population (ages 1 to 14) and declining population on the older age groups. These types of population generally
have high fertility rates and lower than average life expectancies.

Table 2- 5. Gender and Age Distribution of Bugallon, 2015


Both Male
Age Group Male Female
and Female
Under 1 1,498 757 741
1-4 6,138 3,141 2,997
5-9 7,873 4,123 3,750
10 - 14 7,646 3,911 3,735
15 - 19 6,934 3,478 3,456
20 - 24 5,648 2,926 2,722
25 - 29 4,807 2,451 2,356
30 - 34 4,521 2,248 2,273
35 - 39 4,080 2,078 2,002
40 - 44 3,556 1,755 1,801
45 - 49 3,399 1,757 1,642
50 - 54 2,927 1,474 1,453
55 - 59 2,484 1,204 1,280
60 - 64 1,893 914 979
65 - 69 1,499 642 857
70 - 74 975 385 590
75 - 79 672 236 436
80 years and
798 259 539
over
Total 67,348 33,739 33,609
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

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2.4.2.2 Health status and medical facilities


2.4.2.2.1 Health Resources
The municipality has 1 functional rural health unit (RHU), 4 barangay health stations (BHS), and 1 community
hospital. The BHS serves as a satellite and first care stations for the resident. When the BHS cannot respond to
the needs of the patients, they are usually referred to the RHU. The community hospital supplements the needs
of the RHU.

Table 2- 6. Health resources in Bugallon, 2015


Health Facility Location Personnel / Staff
1 medical doctor, 2 public health
Rural Health Unit 1 Poblacion nurse and 10 rural health
midwifes
Rural Health Unit 2
Magtaking Not Applicable
(under construction)
Poblacion, Samat,
Barangay Health Stations
Bacabac, and San 4 Licensed Midwives
(BHS)
Francisco
1 Community Hospital Poblacion No Data on Staff
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.2.2.2 Morbidity and Mortality


The top leading cause of mortality within the municipality from 2013 to 2015 is lung cancer with 26 recorded
deaths. In terms of morbidity, the leading cause is acute respiratory infection with 15, 149 recorded cases.
Error! Reference source not found. and Table 2-22 provides the list of the top 10 leading causes of mortality
and morbidity, respectively.

Table 2- 7. Top 10 Leading Causes of Mortality in Bugallon, 2015


Ran
Causes of Mortality 2013 2014 2015 Total
k
1 Lung Cancer 12 10 4 26
2 HPN 11 5 0 16
3 Chronic Renal Failure 5 5 4 14
4 Pneumonia 7 4 2 13
5 Acute Myocardial Infraction 5 7 0 12
6 COPD 4 4 0 8
7 Diabetes Mallitus 2 0 0 2
8 Congestive heart 1 0 0 1
9 Atherosclerosis 0 0 0 0
10 Coronary Arterial Disease 0 0 0 0
Total 47 35 10 92
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

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Table 2- 8. Top 10 Leading Causes of Morbidity in Bugallon, 2015


Ran
Causes of Mortality 2013 2014 2015 Total
k
1 Acute Respiratory Infection 4,964 4,455 5,730 15,149
2 HPN 146 551 431 1,128
3 Diarrhea 196 310 215 721
4 Cough 126 235 289 650
5 Influenza 126 76 204 406
6 UTI 50 188 44 282
7 Acute Bronchitis 64 83 80 227
8 Arthritis 11 0 13 24
9 Atopic dermatitis 38 20 41 9
10 CARI 0 0 0 0
Total 5,721 5,918 7,047 18,596
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.2.2.3 COVID-19
COVID-19 pandemic situation in Pangasinan is under Alert Level 1. As of December 12, 2022, the Department
of Health recorded 53, 340 cases within the province. There are 338 active cases, 51, 525 recoveries, and 1, 477
deaths. This means that the province has around 2.77% mortality rate for COVID-19. This is higher in
comparison to NCR’s 1.6% mortality rate for COVID-19.

2.4.2.3 Cultural/Lifestyle change


There are no indigenous people or ancestral domains identified within the project area.

2.4.2.4 Physical and Cultural Resources


Based on the Philippine Registry of Cultural Properties, there are 4 cultural heritage sites identified within the
Municipality of Bugallon. These are the Parish Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Salasa, Mt. Zion Pilgrim Mountain,
Carabao Landmark, and the location of Ansakket Festival. Although, there are no identified cultural and heritage
sites within the project area.

2.4.2.5 Education
2.4.2.5.1 Literacy Rate
The overall literacy rate of Bugallon for ages 10 years old and over is above 99%. It is notable that ages 65 years
old and over have relatively lower literacy rate with 96.45% than the rest of the age groups. Error! Reference
source not found. indicates that literacy by age group from ages 10 to 65 years old and over.

Table 2- 9. Literacy of Household Population 10 years old and over, 2015


HH Pop. 10
Literate % of Literate
Age Group yrs old and
Population Population
over
10 - 14 7,644 7,603 99.46%
15 - 19 6,907 6,863 99.36%

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HH Pop. 10
Literate % of Literate
Age Group yrs old and
Population Population
over
20 - 24 5,611 5,583 99.50%
25 - 29 4,785 4,762 99.52%
30 - 34 4,500 4,475 99.44%
35 - 39 4,076 4,060 99.61%
40 - 44 3,552 3,533 99.47%
45 - 49 3,397 3,382 99.56%
50 - 54 2,922 2,908 99.52%
55 - 59 2,481 2,463 99.27%
60 - 64 1,893 1,874 99.00%
65 years old and
3,944 3,804 96.45%
over
Total 51,712 51,310 99.22%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

2.4.2.5.2 Educational Attainment


In terms of highest educational attainment, high school level is the most prominent with 42% of the population
at least have stepped into high school. Out of these 42%, there are about 68 out of 100 (68%) will graduate
from high school.

Next to high school is the elementary level education. There are about 34% who at least stepped into
elementary education while only 45 out 100 will graduate.

For tertiary education, there are more than 9% academic degree holders.

There are population who still does not have no grade completed although it should be noted that portion of
this population can also be attributed to kids who are not attending pre-school.

Table 2- 10. Highest Educational Attainment of Population 5 years old and over, 2015
Highest Educational Total Pop. 5 Yrs Old and
Percentage
Attainment Over
No Grade Completed 1,575 2.64
Pre-School 1,753 2.94
Special Education 17 0.03
Elementary 20,443 34.24
1st - 4th Grade 8,606 14.41
5th - 6th Grade 2,536 4.25
Graduate 9,301 15.58
High School 25,106 42.05
Undergraduate 7,877 13.19
Graduate 17,229 28.85
Post-Secondary 628 1.05
Undergraduate 41 0.07

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Highest Educational Total Pop. 5 Yrs Old and


Percentage
Attainment Over
Graduate 587 0.98
College Undergraduate 4,506 7.55
Academic Degree Holder 5,615 9.40
Post Baccalaureate 36 0.06
Not Stated 33 0.06
Total 59,712 100
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

2.4.2.5.3 Educational Facilities


There are a total of 28 elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 1 tertiary school in Bugallon. Each project area
has 1 Elementary School. One high school and one tertiary school is located in Barangay Salomague Sur. Error!
Reference source not found. provides the number of educational facilities within Bugallon.

Table 2- 11. Educational Facilities in Bugallon, 2015


School No. of
Barangay
Classification Schools
District 1 - Asinan, Bacabac, Buenlag, Poblacion,
Elementary School Gueset, Pantal, Magtaking, Polong, Salasa, Samat, 12
and San Francisco
District 2 - Angarian, Banaga, Bolaoen, Cabayaoasan,
Cayanga, Hacienda, Laguit Centro, Laguit Padilla,
Elementary School 16
Pangascasan, Portic, Salomague Norte, Salomague
Sur, and Umanday.
High School Poblacion, Portic, Bolaoen, Salomague Sur 7
Tertiary Institution Salomague Sur 1
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.2.6 Housing and occupied dwelling units


Satellite imagery of Google Earth Pro was used to determine the settlements within the project area (Figure 2-
45). There are initially identified 26 settlements and 1 agro-industrial area in Barangay Cayanga that overlaps
and will be potentially displaced by the project. Aside from these, there are also agricultural areas that will be
affected which will cause loss of livelihood to farmers.

2.4.2.7 Informal settlers


2.4.2.8 Sports and recreation
All barangays in Bugallon have basketball courts and school playgrounds. There are 2 tennis courts located in
Barangay Poblacion and Salasa. Barangay Poblacion also has a Municipal Gymnasium which are typically used
for huge crowd gatherings and festivities. Error! Reference source not found. enumerates the recreational and
sports facilities within Bugallon.

A regular event called “Palarong Pambayan” that is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and
sportsmanship is usually held yearly every summer within the municipality.

Table 2- 12. Recreational and Sports Facility in Bugallon, 2015

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Recreational and Sports Facility Location Number/Area


Basketball Courts and All Barangays 24 courts
Playgrounds
Municipal Park Poblacion 8,000 sq.m.
Municipal Gymnasium, Tennis Poblacion No Data on land area
Court
Cockpit Arena, Tennis Court Salasa No Data on land area
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.2.9 Protective services


2.4.2.9.1 Crime and security
The municipality have 3 active organizations working to keep the town’s safe and peaceful. The police force,
fire protection services, and the Civilian Volunteer Organizations. Error! Reference source not found. presents
the available protective services, equipment, and facilities within the municipality.

Table 2- 13. Protective Services of Bugallon, 2015


Personnel No. of Personnel Facilities and Equipment
3-storey Police Station in 400 sq. m. lot
2 Community Precincts
1 at Brgy. Salasa
1 at Brgy. Portic
Police Force 55 Police Personnel 2 SUVs
6 Computer Sets
1 Telephone and Fax
1 Typewriter
Short and long firearms
Fire Protection 1-storey Fire Department in 300 sq. m. lot
12 Fire Personnel
Services 2 Fire Trucks
22 Rescue Vehicles (Except Angarian and
Gesuet)
166 -Traffic CVO
Civilian Volunteer 2 Wooden Lifeboats (Pangascan and
262 - Peace and Order
Organization (CVO) Cabayaoasan)
CVO
4 Generators (Laguit Centro, Salomague
Sur, Portic, and Samat)
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

In terms of crime rates, the local police force recorded a decline of crime incidence from 621 in 2013 to 268 in
2015.

2.4.2.9.2 Fire protection and prevention

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Figure 2-45. Settlements Map

2.4.2.10 Basic services and resources


2.4.2.10.1 Water Supply
Majority of the households in Bugallon uses Level I water system. According to the CLUP 2016 to 2025 of
Bugallon, there are around 13,168 households in 2015 that uses either shallow well, deep well, or improved
well. Among these households, there are 734 households in Barangay Angarian and Laguit Padilla combined
that has access to Level 2 water supply using Jetmatic Pumps. Among the 24 barangays, there are only 15
barangays with a total of 2,671 connections that have access to Level III water system.

The 3 project barangays mostly rely on Level 1 water system particularly the deep well for their water supply.
Among the 3 impact barangays, only Barangay Cayanga has access to Level III water system.

2.4.2.10.2 Power Supply


Referring to Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference source not found., the entirety of Bugallon
is powered solely by Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO). The existing power substation in the
Municipality is in Sitio Socony, Salasa. Majority of the electric consumers are residential users comprising about
75% of the total consumers followed by 16.65% commercial consumers (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 14. Number of Households Served with Electricity, 2015


Total No. of
Barangay Served Percentage Unserved Percentage
HH
Urban 1,667 1, 667 100 0 0
Rural 9,558 9,546 85.04 12 0.13
TOTAL 11, 225 11, 213 99.89 12 0.11
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

Table 2- 15. Number of Connections by Type of Users and Average Consumption, 2015
Type of Consumers No. of Connections Ave. Consumption* Percentage
Residential 10,797 883,366 74.51
Commercial 310 197,352 16.65
Industrial 10 34,361 2.90
Streetlight 16 2,855 0.24
Public Building 132 67,600 5.70
TOTAL 11,265 1,185,534 100
NOTE: *KwH)/month Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.2.10.3 Communications
There are 3 cell sites in Bugallon which are in Barangay Buenlag, Salomague Norte, and Poblacion. The available
mobile networks in the area are Smart, Globe, and Sun. Philpost postal services and micro-internet services
such as Pisonet are only available in barangay Poblacion.

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.4.2.11 Road network and transportation


The municipality has a total road network system of 153.69 kilometers and connected by 16 bridges. The main
public transportation used within the town are tricycles. Buses pass through Romulo Highway which routes are
from Tarlac to Daguan and from Camiling to Dagupan.

2.4.2.12 Socioeconomics
2.4.2.12.1 Main Sources of Livelihood and Income
Bugallon is a 2nd class municipality with a revenue of Php 237M last 2020 (COA, 2020). The municipality mainly
relies on agriculture specifically rice as its main product. Wholesale and retail trade was cited as one of its main
revenue contributors. It can be inferred that the products are agricultural in nature.

The main agricultural products of Bugallon are rice and mangoes. In terms of commerce trade and industry,
most of the products still revolve around agricultural products such as inputs needed for farming, poultry,
and/or livestock.

One of the main tourism attractions in Bugallon is the Mt. Zion Pilgrim Mountain. This brings traffic and
supports the MSMEs of the municipality.

2.4.2.12.2 Employment Profile


In 2015 PSA Data, the labour force of Bugallon is 38, 356 or 57% of the total population. According to the CLUP
of Bugallon, the employed population in 2015 is about 17, 372. This means that the municipality has 45%
employment rate and 55% unemployment rate. The municipality estimated that a large portion of the
employment is towards the agriculture activities.

2.4.2.12.3 Poverty Incidence


In 2018, PSA estimated that poverty incidence of Bugallon at 15.28%. This is higher than the provincial poverty
incidence rate at 12.9 percent.

2.4.2.12.4 Business establishments


The commercial establishments in Bugallon are heavily dominated by the wholesale and retail trade industry
(86%) from 2011 to 2015 as shown in Error! Reference source not found..

2.4.2.12.5 Banking and financial Institutions


There are 11 financial intermediation businesses that are registered in the municipality for 2015 as specified in
Error! Reference source not found..

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Table 2- 16. Business Permits granted in the Bugallon, 2011-2015


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Category
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
Primary
Agriculture, Hunting, and Forestry
Fishing
Mining and Quarrying
Primary sub-total
Manufacturing 2 0.59 4 1.15 5 1.59 6 0.91 4 0.75
Secondary
Electricity, Water supply and Gas 12 3.53 13 3.74 14 4.44 17 2.58 23 4.31
Construction 3 0.88 3 0.86 4 1.27 10 1.52 6 1.12
Secondary sub-total 17 5.00 20 5.75 23 7.30 33 5.00 33 6.18
Tertiary
Wholesale and Retail trade/repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles,
personal, and household goods 307 90.29 309 88.79 271 86.03 593 89.85 468 87.64
Hotels/Restaurants 4 1.18 1 0.29 2 0.63 11 1.67 10 1.87
Transport, Storage, and Communication 1 0.29 2 0.57 2 0.63 2 0.30 2 0.37
Financial Intermediation 6 1.76 9 2.59 11 3.49 12 1.82 11 2.06
Real Estate Renting, and Other Business Activities 2 0.59 2 0.57 2 0.63 6 0.91 6 1.12
Public Administration and Defense / Compulsary Social Security
Education 1 0.29 2 0.57 0 0.00 2 0.30 2 0.37
Health and Social Work 2 0.59 3 0.86 4 1.27 1 0.15 2 0.37
Tertiary sub-total 323 95.00 328 94.25 292 92.70% 627 95.00 501 93.82
TOTAL 340 100.00 348 100.00 315 100.00 660 100.00 534 100.00

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2.4.2.12.6 Food Security


Rice and fruit production in Bugallon is sufficient for the municipality’s consumption requirement as per the
projection of the municipality. This makes Bugallon an exporter of rice and fruits. In contrary, vegetable
production or high value crops is inadequate to provide for the municipalities needs which leads to importation
of vegetables from nearby towns.

2.4.2.13 Environmental Health and Sanitation Profile


The municipality has a 1.1-hectare landfill located in Barangay Laguit Padilla and caters to 1,891 households
only. Majority of the garbage disposal is thru burning and open pit dumping as indicated in Error! Reference
source not found..

Table 2- 17. Garbage Disposal Method and Number of Households Served, 2015
Garbage disposal method No. of Households
Garbage Collection 1,891
Burning 7,923
Individual Dumping (open
5,282
pit)
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

The municipality has 4 cemeteries located in Barangays Poblacion and Salasa. 2 out of 4 of these cemeteries
are already within its capacity as shown in Error! Reference source not found..

Table 2- 18. Cemetery within Bugallon, 2015


Cemetery Barangay Ownership Area (has.) Capacity Remarks
Baltazar Memorial Park Salasa Private 0.05 1,500 New
Catholic Cemetry Salasa Private 1.1027 5,000 Congested
Bugallon Municipal
Poblacion Public 1.7474 8,000 Congested
Cemetery
Domalanta Memorial
Poblacion Private 0.2 2,800 New
Cemetery
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

In terms of toilet facilities, majority of the households use watersealed sewer/septic exclusively used by their
households. The proportion of the type of toilet facilities used in the municipality is listed in Error! Reference
source not found..

Table 2- 19. Type of Toilet Facility within Bugallon, 2015


Type of Toilet Facility No. of HH % Total
Water Sealed Sewer/Septic Tank, Used exclusively by
households 9,132 69.16
Water Sealed Sewer/Septic Tank, Shared with other
households 3,848 29.14
Water Sealed, Other Depository, Used exclusively by
households 0 0.00
Water Sealed, Other Depository, shared with other
households 0 0.00

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Type of Toilet Facility No. of HH % Total


Closed Pit 123 0.93
Open Pit 101 0.76
Pail System 1 0.01
Total 13,205 100.00
Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2015-2025 of Bugallon

2.4.3 Results of the Household Perception Survey

The Perception Survey was conducted in the three impact areas, namely Salomague Sur, Salomague Norte, and
Cayanga. A confidence level of XX and XX sampling error were assigned and came up with a total number of
321 respondents.

Table 2- 20. Number of respondents per barangay


Municipality Barangay No. of Respondents
Bugallon Salomague Sur 136
Salomague
58
Norte
Cayanga 127
Total 321

2.4.3.1 Demography
Majority of the respondents are between ages 30-59 (64.19%) with largest percentage belonging to age bracket
35-39 (11.84%). Notably, about 29% of the respondents are 60 years old and above (Error! Reference source
not found.Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 21. Age of the Respondents


Age Range Frequency Percentage
15 - 19 0 0.00
20 - 24 4 1.25
25 - 29 17 5.30
30 - 34 31 9.66
35 - 39 38 11.84
40 - 44 30 9.35
45 - 49 37 11.53
50 - 54 33 10.28
55 - 59 37 11.53
60 - 64 37 11.53
65 - 69 24 7.48
70 - 74 18 5.61
75 - 79 11 3.43
80 years and over 4 1.25
Total 321 100.00

As shown in Error! Reference source not found., the survey was participated in by mostly female respondents
(60.67%).
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Table 2- 22. Gender of the Respondents


Frequenc Percentag
Gender
y e
Male 179 39.33
Female 142 60.67
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. provides the summary of respondents’ civil status where majority are
married (79.75%). The remaining percentile comprise of widow(er) (10.59%), single (4.36%), with live-in partner
(4.36%), and separated (0.93%).

Table 2- 23. Civil Status of the Respondents


Frequenc Percentag
Gender
y e
Single 14 4.36
Married 256 79.75
Widow(er) 34 10.59
Separated 3 0.93
Live-in 14 4.36
Total 321 100.00

As shown in Error! Reference source not found., majority or 70.72% of the respondents are high school
graduates while about 15% have attained college education. The rest are elementary graduates (10.59%) and
vocational holders (4.05%).

Table 2- 24. Education Level of the Respondents


Frequenc Percentag
Education
y e
Elementar
34 10.59
y
High
227 70.72
school
College 47 14.64
Vocational 13 4.05
Pre-
0 0.00
school
NAS 0 0.00
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. provides summary of the respondents’ nature of work of which majority
are either housewife (33.64%) or self-employed (22.12%).

Table 2- 25. Occupation of the Respondents

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Frequen Percenta
Occupation
cy ge
Housewife 108 33.64
Self- 71 22.12
employed
Employed 61 19.00
Bgy. Official 25 7.79
Business 21 6.54
Retired 19 5.92
Unemployed 12 3.74
Part-time 4 1.25
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. shows the province of origin of respondents where majority (277 are
originally from Pangasinan. This is followed by respondents who were born in Manila (11), Pampanga (5) and
Iloilo (4).

Table 2- 26. Place of Brth of the Respondents by Province


Frequen Percenta
Province
cy ge
Pangasinan 277 86.29
Manila 11 3.43
Pampanga 5 1.56
Iloilo 4 1.25
La Union 3 0.93
Cebu 2 0.62
Davao 2 0.62
Isabela 2 0.62
Leyte 2 0.62
Tarlac 2 0.62
Samar 2 0.62
Zambales 2 0.62
Albay 1 0.31
Bicol 1 0.31
Laguna 1 0.31
Masbate 1 0.31
Misamis
1 0.31
Oriental
Parañaque 1 0.31
Rizal 1 0.31
Total 321 100.00
Part-time 4 1.25
Total 321 100.00

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

As shown in Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference source not found., majority of the
respondents’ reason for staying in their current residence is their place of birth (62.62%), followed by marriage
(25.23%).

Table 2- 27. Reason for Staying in the municipality


Frequen Percenta
Reason for staying
cy ge
Place of Birth 201 62.62
Marriage 81 25.23
Livelihood 23 7.17
Parents 12 3.74
Bought/Own a House 4 1.25
Lot
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. meanwhile shows majority of the respondents reside in their current
households for more than 20 years.

Table 2- 28. Years of Stay in their Current Household


Frequen Percenta
No. of Years
cy ge
0-5 11 3.43
6 - 10 16 4.98
11 - 15 14 4.36
16 - 20 11 3.43
21 - 30 44 13.71
31 - 40 63 19.63
41 - 50 50 15.58
> 50 112 34.89
Total 321 100.00

A combined 43.62% of the respondents have 3-5 household members, while 28% have more than five
members. The remaining percentile consists of three members and below (Error! Reference source not
found.).

Table 2- 29. No. of Household members within the household


Frequen Percenta
No. of Members
cy ge
1-2 39 12.15
2-3 52 16.20
3-4 69 21.50
4-5 71 22.12
>5 90 28.04
Total 321 100.00
2.4.3.2 Housing Information

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Majority of the respondents’ housing unit is single type as stated by 83.50% of the respondents (Error!
Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 30. Type of Housing Unit of the Household


Frequen Percenta
Dwelling Type
cy ge
Single 268 83.49
2-Storey 26 8.10
Duplex 21 6.54
Apartment 1 0.31
Others 5 1.56
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. shows that a little more than half of the respondents’ dominant housing
material is concrete (56.70%). This is followed by a combined wood and concrete (26.79%), wood (10.59%), and
cogon/bamboo (5.92%).

Table 2- 31. Dominant Housing Material used


Frequen Percenta
House Material
cy ge
Concrete 182 56.70
Wood and concrete 86 26.79
Wood 34 10.59
Cogon/bamboo/Amaka
19 5.92
n
Total 321 100.00

As to housing ownership, more than half of the respondents are both lot and house owners (61.99%). This is
followed by those who are house owners only (32.71%) (Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference
source not found.).

Ownership of the Frequen Percenta


Residence cy ge
Owns House & Lot 199 61.99
Owns House Only 105 32.71
Renting 2 0.62
Others 15 4.67
Total 321 100.00

As shown in Error! Reference source not found. primary cooking fuel of most respondents are either
wood/charcoal or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as answered by 43.93% and 50.50%, respectively.

Table 2- 32. Primary Cooking Fuel used by the Household


Frequen Percenta
Cooking Fuel used
cy ge
Wood/Charcoal 141 43.93

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Frequen Percenta
Cooking Fuel used
cy ge
LPG 130 40.50
Kerosene 50 15.58
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. meanwhile shows that respondents’ mainly source their power from
electrical power line as answered by 94.70% of the respondents.

Similarly, source of light of almost all respondents is electrical power, answered by 94.70% of them. There are
meanwhile 11 or 3.43% who utilize kerosene for light source (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 33. Lighting Source of the Household


Frequen Percenta
Lighting
cy ge
Electricity 304 94.70
Kerosene 11 3.43
Others 6 1.87
Total 321 100.00

Error! Reference source not found. shows the type of toilet facilities of respondents where majority (57.94%)
have water-sealed toilet, followed by flush type (36.45%).

Table 2- 34. Toilet Facility Used by the Household


Frequen Percenta
Toilet Type
cy ge
Water-sealed 186 57.94
Flush Type 117 36.45
Public Toilet 17 5.30
Antipolo Type 1 0.31
Total 321 100.00

As shown in Error! Reference source not found. respondents’ main source of water is deep well or “poso”
answered by 79.13% of the respondents. Only 18 (5.61%) are using level III water supply supplied by their water
district.

Table 2- 35. Water Source of the Household


Frequen Percenta
Water Source
cy ge
Water District 18 5.61
Balon 32 9.97
Poso 254 79.13
Private Pump 17 5.30
Total 321 100.00

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Error! Reference source not found. presents the garbage disposal method of respondents. Results show
burning method is still the most common disposal method practiced by 81% of the respondents. This is followed
by burying method practiced by 18.07% of the respondents.

Table 2- 36. Garbage Disposal Methods


Frequen Percenta
Garbage Disposal
cy ge
Burning 260 81.00
Burying 58 18.07
Collected by barangay 1 0.31
Dumping in other areas 2 0.62
Total 321 100.00

Presented in Error! Reference source not found. are the most common illnesses of household members
mentioned by respondents. As shown below, common illnesses mentioned are runny nose, cough and fever.

Table 2- 37. Common illnesses in the household


Frequen Percenta
Illness/Symptoms
cy ge
Runny Nose 260 70.08
Cough 251 67.65
Fever 101 27.22
Headache 14 3.77
Asthma 3 0.81
Arthritis 2 0.54
Hypertension 2 0.54
Diarrhea 2 0.54
Hi-Blood 2 0.54
NOTE: Multiple Answers * Percentage is calculated as frequency (per illness) divided by total no. of respondents

2.4.3.3 Environmental Changes


Summarized in Error! Reference source not found. are the perception of respondents on the environmental
changes in their community per environmental determinant. Respondents mostly observe significant increase
in population, solid wastes, and decrease in farm harvest and forest cover. Respondents also noted that
increase in conversion and rise of industrial plants have significantly increased. Meanwhile, water and noise
pollution and traffic congestion have been noticed to decrease.

Table 2- 38. Changes in the environmental determinants as observed by the respondents


Sam Les Tot
Environmental Determinants % More % % %
e s al
23.0 39.8 37.0 100.0
Factories / Power Plants / Industries 74 128 119 321
5 8 7 0
32.4 27.1 100.0
Lands Converted into Subdivision 104 130 40.5 87 321
0 0 0
12.7 23.0 64.1 100.0
Farm Harvest 41 74 206 321
7 5 7 0

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Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Sam Les Tot


Environmental Determinants % More % % %
e s al
35.8 44.5 100.0
Flooding in Lowlands 115 63 19.6 143 321
3 5 0
26.4 20.5 52.9 100.0
Forest Cover 85 66 170 321
8 6 6 0
77.8 12.1 100.0
Increase in Population/Migration 32 9.97 250 39 321
8 5 0
29.2 28.9 41.7 100.0
Water Pollution 94 93 134 321
8 7 4 0
19.9 37.6 42.3 100.0
Air/Noise Pollution 64 121 136 321
4 9 7 0
15.2 39.8 44.8 100.0
Traffic Congestion 49 128 144 321
6 8 6 0
21.8 44.2 33.9 100.0
Solid Wastes 70 142 109 321
1 4 6 0

Summarized in Error! Reference source not found. are the respondents’ perceived most impactful
environmental determinants. Increase in population is most frequently mentioned as cited by 71.96% of the
respondents. Other major common determinants mentioned are observed changes in solid wastes (10.59%),
farm harvest (9.03%), and noise pollution (3.12%).

Table 2- 39. Most impactful environmental determinant in based on respondents' perception


Percenta
Environmental determinants Frequency
ge
Increase in Population /
231 71.96
Migration
Solid Wastes 34 10.59
Farm Harvest 29 9.03
Air/Noise Pollution 10 3.12
Traffic Congestion 7 2.18
Factories/Power
4 1.25
Plants/Industries
Flooding in Lowlands 3 0.93
Water Pollution 2 0.62
Lands Converted into
1 0.31
Subdivision
Forest Cover 0 0.00
Total 321 100.00

2.4.3.4 Project Awareness


As shown in Error! Reference source not found., 83.49% of the respondents stated that they are aware about
the project while only 16.51% said otherwise.

Table 2- 40. Awareness about the Project


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Percenta
Awareness Frequency
ge
Aware 268 83.49
Not Aware 53 16.51
Total 321 100.00

As to sources of information about the project, respondents cited their barangay/LGU officials and neighbors
as primary sources of information as answered by 47.35% and 33.96% of the respondents, respectively.

Table 2- 41. Source of Information about the Project


Percentag
Source of Information Frequency
e
Brgy. /Municipal officials 152 47.35
Neighbor 109 33.96
Family member 15 4.67
Project Employees 13 4.05
Radio 5 1.56
TV 2 0.62
Others 25 7.79
Total 321 100.00%

Error! Reference source not found.Error! Reference source not found. shows that majority are not aware on
the properties that will likely be affected by the project, answered by 85.67% of the respondents. Others
meanwhile cited house structures (9.66%), properties (3.43%) and source of income (1.25%) that will likely be
affected.

Table 2- 42. Respondents knowledge whether the Project will affect their properties
Access on what properties will be Percenta
Frequency
affected ge
None 275 85.67
Home 31 9.66
Property 11 3.43
Source of Income 4 1.25
Total 321 100.00

Similarly, majority (70.09%) do not have idea whether the project will affect other properties (Error! Reference
source not found.).

Table 2- 43. Respondents knowledge whether the Project will affect their other properties
Percenta
Awareness Frequency
ge
Aware 96 29.91
Not Aware 225 70.09
Total 321 100.00

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Correspondingly, only 14.02% of the respondents are certain that their properties will be affected (Error!
Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 44. Certainty if their properties will be affected


Percenta
Certainty Frequency
ge
Certain 45 14.02
Not Certain 276 85.98
Total 321 100.00
Relative to above response, main sources of information of respondents are also their respective barangay/LGU
officials and neighbors (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 45. Source of information for the affected properties


Source of Information Frequency Percentage
Barangay / Municipal officials 142 44.24
Neighbor 101 31.46
TV 4 1.25
Family member 3 0.93
Radio 1 0.31
Project Employees 7 2.18
Others 63 19.63
Total 321 100.00

Most of the respondents perceive that the project will likely bring beneficial impacts to their community as
answered by 82.55% of the respondents. There are about 8.41% who meanwhile believe that it will cause
negative impact to their community (Error! Reference source not found.).

Table 2- 46. Initial Insight upon hearing about the Project


Initial Perception Frequency Percentage
None 21 6.54
Huge beneficial impact to the community 265 82.55
Problematic to the community 27 8.41
Others 8 2.49
Total 321 100.00

Almost all (97.82%) respondents perceive that major positive impact that the project will bring to their
community is employment. Other positive impacts mentioned are community solidarity and LGU revenue
(Table 2-).

Table 2-47. Potential positive effect of the Project


Positive Effect Frequency Percentage
Employment 314 97.82
Community solidarity 2 0.62
Income for LGU from taxes 1 0.31
None 4 1.25
Total 321 100.00

While majority (62.93%) stated that the project will not bring negative impacts to the community, perceived
negative impacts mentioned by some respondents include decrease in farm harvest, flooding, air pollution,
health hazard and decrease in groundwater (Table 2-).

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Table 2-48. Potential negative effects of the Project


Negative Effects Frequency Percentage
None 202 62.93
Decrease in farm harvest 86 26.79
Flooding 9 2.80
Air pollution 7 2.18
Health hazard 2 0.62
Decrease in groundwater 1 0.31
Others 14 4.36
Total 321 100.00

As to the overall perception of the project’s benefit to the community, almost all gave a positive perception of
whom 77.57% stated that it will greatly help residents and 20.25% stated it will help residents but not much.
Only 1.25% are not convinced that the project will be beneficial to their community (Table 2-Error! Reference
source not found.).

Table 2-49. Overall Perception about the Project’s Benefit to the Community
Perception Frequency Percentage
Will greatly help residents 249 77.57
Will help residents but not much 65 20.25
Will not help the community 4 1.25
Will be detrimental to the community 3 0.93
Total 321 100.00

2.4.3.5 Aspirations of the Respondents towards the Project

As shown in Table 2- below, 95.95% of the respondents indicated their willingness to work for the project. The
rest are either not interested (1.87%) or still unsure (2.18%).

Table 2-50. Willingness to work for the Project


Willing to work for the Project Frequency Percentage
Yes 308 95.95
No 6 1.87
Not sure 7 2.18

Major reasons of respondents for wanting to work for the project are for employment (42.99%) and additional
income (36.76%). The summary of all cited reasons by respondents is provided in (Table 2-).

Table 2-51. Reason for wanting to work for the Project


Reason Frequenc Percentag
y e
Employment 138 42.99
Additional income 118 36.76
Income for daily and family 41 12.77
needs
Another source of income 8 2.49
Others 12 3.74
Beyond employment age 2 0.62
No response 2 0.62
Total 321 100.00%
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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.4.3.6 Attitude towards the project


Overall, the project is generally approved by the respondents as stated by 88.16% of the respondents. The rest
either disapprove (4.98%) or are unsure (6.85%) (Table 2-).

Table 2-52. Respondents approval to the establishment of the Project


Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 283 88.16
No 16 4.98
Not sure 22 6.85
Total 321 100.00

As seen in Table 2-, main reason for the project’s approval is power consumption efficiency as answered by
40.50% of the respondents. This is followed by employment (27.41%) and other beneficial effects to the
community (16.51%).

Table 2-53. Reason for the respondent’s approval to the establishment of the Project
Reason Frequency Percentag
e
To save electricity bills 130 40.50
Employment 88 27.41
Beneficial effect to the 53 16.51
community
Not sure 32 9.97
Extra income 8 2.49
Others 10 3.12
Total 321 100.00%

Table 2-Error! Reference source not found. shows that majority (87.74%) of the respondents are likely to
approve the establishment of the project considering effective mitigating measures are in place.

Table 2-54. Respondents approval to the establishment of the Project considering effective mitigation
measures to be implemented
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 272 84.74
No 17 5.30
Not sure 32 9.97
Total 321 100.00

Correspondingly, majority (91.90%) shows support in the development of mitigating measures (Table 2-).
Table 2-55 Community involvement in the formulating mitigating measures
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 295 91.90
No 26 8.10
Not sure 0 0.00
Total 321 100.00

Similarly, almost all respondents are willing to be consulted as part of the stakeholder engagement activities of
the project (Table 2-).

Table 2-56. Willingness to participate in stakeholder engagement activities


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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

Response Frequency Percentage


Yes 317 98.75
No 1 0.31
Not sure 3 0.93
Total 321 100.00

2.4.4 Assessment of key impacts and mitigating measures

2.4.4.1 Displacement of settlers


The settlements map identified settlements within the project area. The primary mitigation measure is to avoid
areas where displacement will occur. If not feasible, involuntary resettlement will require a Relocation and
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and will include the livelihood and income restoration strategies, standards for
asset compensation, grievance redress mechanism (GRM), and resettlement monitoring measures.
Implementation of land acquisition’s fair and just compensation shall be practiced.

During the public scoping, the proponent indicated that there are Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives
that can be considered. Farmers that will lose their livelihood and income due to land acquisition should be
considered in the mentioned initiatives.

2.4.4.2 In-migration
Informal settlers might encroach in the project area during the pre-construction stage of the project. To avoid
this, the project site shall be fenced and guarded by security personnel to limit access of unauthorized
personnel within the project area.

The project construction and operation will require approximately XXX workforce that will require both skilled
and unskilled laborer. The project proponent will mandate project contractors to prioritize hiring of the local
workforce to minimize in-migration within the project area. Both the LGU, the proponent, and the contractors
will coordinate and shall be spearheaded by the LGU’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

2.4.4.3 Cultural/Lifestyle change and impact to cultural resources


Cultural and lifestyle change will come in the form of migrant work force since there are no identified
Indigenous population within the project area. It is important to minimize local cohesion and conflicts thru
imposing guidelines on contractors that are focused on worker’s behavior. Worker’s orientation to strengthen
value formation among the local communities will also be conducted.

2.4.4.4 Threat to delivery of basic services and resource competition


Power Supply
The power requirements for the project's construction phase are yet to be calculated during the detailed design
stage. This will be obtained from the nearest power source or through generator sets. The power requirement
is expected to be within the existing and planned capacity of its power sources, with a minor influence on
availability. In the event of a power outage, generators will be deployed. An initial survey of power utilities that
will be displaced by the project shall be conducted prior construction. The utility provider shall ensure that
inconvenience to the community will be minimized to avoid disruption of daily activities of nearby communities.

Water Supply
The project will require an estimated _____ m3 of water supply during construction equivalent to m3
consumption per day

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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

The average demand for water during construction will be met by external potable water providers and water
tanks. Water supply demand is expected to remain within the capacity of the local water supplier, particularly
throughout the development period.

Most residents still use Level I Water Supply in Bugallon. During the operation phase, maintenance of
photovoltaic panels is expected consume significant amount of water. Water conservation measures shall be
implemented to avoid the degradation of ground water. As much as practicable, usage of new technologies
which do not require water to clean photovoltaic panels are recommended.

Solid Waste Management


Solid wastes are expected to be generated especially during land preparation. A Pollution Control Officer (PCO)
will be designated to oversee the project's waste management. The project will prepare a detailed Solid Waste
Management Plan prior commencement. Solid waste will be handled and disposed of in compliance with RA
9003, or the Solid Waste Management Act. Workers' and contractors' domestic and commercial waste will be
carried away by the LGU or other locally contracted operators. Hazardous waste disposal, on the other hand,
shall be handled by EMB licensed haulers or contractors in compliance with RA 6969, also known as the Toxic
Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Management Act.

2.4.4.5 Threat to public health and safety


Occupational Health and Safety
There will be an Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan in place, as well as HIV/STD and COVID-19
Awareness and Prevention Plans. A clean and healthy environment, as well as amenities, will be provided
through proper housekeeping to avoid vector diseases like mosquitos, rodents, and other pests from spreading
to the population. A risk assessment and risk management plan for COVID-19 will also be developed. The
project will also create a construction design that includes equipment and machinery storage as well as heavy
vehicle access routes that take worker health and safety into consideration.

Public Health and Safety


Security measures shall be employed within the perimeter of the project area to avoid unauthorized personnel
entry. To ensure the safety of the public, fencing the project area and stationing security personnel in key
project areas will minimize the risk of the public in all forms of hazards.

Information and Education Communication (IEC) campaigns will be in place prior and during construction and
operation to ensure that affected communities and the public are engaged and informed of the likely impacts
of the project that may affect community health and safety.

A Grievance Redress Mechanism will be established to provide a venue for the stakeholders to raise their
concerns relating to public health and safety.

2.4.4.6 Generation of local benefits from the Project


The proponent and its contractor in coordination with the LGU will prioritize hiring qualified residents to
augment the employment rate within the host LGU. The project will provide opportunities for local businesses
to increase their income through supplying the workforce necessity items.

The proponent will ensure that equal employment opportunities will be implemented in accordance with
applicable labor laws such as Labor Codes of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10911 known as the Anti-Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, and RA 7277 known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Person.

During the public scoping, the proponent considered Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives such as, but not
limited to, rehabilitation of schools in the impact barangays.

164 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 2 – Analysis of Key Environmental Impacts

2.4.4.7 Traffic congestion

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) can be defined as an environmental management tool used to
ensure that undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the construction, operation and
decommissioning of a project are prevented; and that the positive benefits of the projects are enhanced11. It is
also described as how an action might impact on the natural environment where it occurs and set out clear
commitments from the entity taking the action on how those impacts will be avoided, minimized and managed
so that they are environmentally acceptable12.

The EMP provides a general guide for managing adverse and enhancing beneficial impacts. It includes options
for mitigation or enhancement, implementer, costs, and arrangement to guarantee implementation for the
potential impacts during the pre-construction, construction, and operation phases of the Project.

The Impact Management Plan template in Annex 2-17 of the DAO 2003-30 Revised Procedural Manual was
used to craft the initial EMP of the Project during the construction (Table 3-2) and operation (Table 3-3) phases.

Potential impacts during the Pre-Construction stage are not expected because site development activities have
not started. Activities during this stage include the detailed engineering design (DED) phase, additional site
studies, and preparation of the Construction Plan, among others.

A Construction Plan is a set of documents that defines the activities, resources, schedule, and budget during
the construction phase. It is a result of the construction planning process with outputs enumerated below. The
strict implementation of the Construction Plan will have a significant contribution in reducing impact magnitude
in addition to specific measures because it defines the Project construction requirements mentioned earlier
and considered the results and recommendations the additional site studies conducted.

a) A written document that defines the methodologies and approach


b) Blueprints, computer aided designs, photographs, and other images that illustrate the design
c) A work breakdown structure that identifies all the activities that make up the project
d) A construction project schedule that organizes all the project activities on a timeline
e) The construction project participants and stakeholders such as contractors, sponsors, crews, etc.

The recommended plans and guidelines the Proponent can prepare at the Pre-Construction stage as due
diligence are shown in Table 3-1 and some briefly described below. These plans when implemented during the
Construction and Operation phases can help minimize the identified adverse impacts.

1. Soil Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) - The major components of the SEMP are a) identification of
erosion prone areas during construction and operation, d) identification of structural and non-
structural erosion measures, c) implementors, c) schedule, d) and budget requirements. The
recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation Report will be considered in formulating the plan.
2. Tree Planting Program (TPP).
3. Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) and Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP)
covering on- and off-site disposal of construction wastes (municipal and hazardous solid and liquid
wastes) and municipal and hazardous solid and liquid wastes during operation respectively.

11
Lochner, P. 2005. Guideline for Environmental Management Plans. CSIR Report No ENV-S-C 2005-053 H.
Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Department of Environmental Affairs &
Development Planning, Cape Town
12
Environmental Management Plan Guidelines, Commonwealth of Australia, 2014.
167 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Table 3-1. Activities during the pre-construction phase


Due diligence activity Potential impact mitigated during construction and operation phases
Reclassification (zoning clearance) of the Project areas to the appropriate land use Compatibility with existing land use
category of the Bugallon
Formulate Landscaping and Vegetation Maintenance Plan (LVMP) Visual impairment
Formulate a Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP) and Integrated Waste Devaluation of land value as a result of improper solid waste management
Management Plan (IWMP)
Include or consider the following in the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) - Encroachment in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA)
- Susceptibility of the Project area to geo- and hydrological hazards - Change in surface landform, topography, terrain, and slope
- Recommendations of the geotechnical investigation - Change in sub-surface and underground geomorphology
- Industry standards for seismic and structural design parameters in the DED - Inducement of subsidence, liquefaction (at the lower intake zone), landslides, of
mud and debris flow
- Reduce effect of natural hazards to Project structures
Prepare a Soil Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) Soil erosion, loss of topsoil and overburden, bank stability
Prepare a Tree Planting and Revegetation Program Change in local climate
- Complete land acquisition and authority on Project areas Land tenure issues
- Proper compensation for land owners and settlers Displacement of land and conflict in land ownership
Consultations with the host communities regarding potential change or conflicts Change or conflict in Right-of-Way
Prepare a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) Impact on public access; Traffic congestion
Occupational Health and Safety Threats to Public Health and Safety
Prepare a Skills Training Plan Enhancement for the Local Benefits of the Project - Generation of Local
Prepare a Local Employment Plan Employment
Prepare Livelihood Assistance Plan Enhancement for the Local Benefits of the Project - Livelihood Supports for the
Communities

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Table 3-2. Impact Management Plan during the Construction Phase13


Environmental aspects: Site preparation, Construction of utilities (road, drainage, water supply, sewage collection, and power systems), Erection of structures, Installation of PV panels
Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
(LAND) Land use and Change/inconsistency in land use No mitigation recommended. Project components n/a n/a n/a
classification at this time are is already compatible to existing
zoning of Bugallon.
(LAND) Land use and Encroachment in Environmentally Critical No mitigation recommended. Susceptibility of the n/a n/a n/a
classification Areas (ECA) Project site to natural hazards were already
considered in the DED.
(LAND) Land use and Possible tenurial/ land issue No mitigation recommended. The 3BEC at this time n/a n/a n/a
classification has authority over the site.
(LAND) Land use and Impairment of visual aesthetics Provision of barriers in active construction sites Contractor, 3BEC Part of Stipulate in the Construction
classification construction costs contract
(LAND) Land use and Devaluation of land value as a result of - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
classification improper solid waste management - Implement the CWMP construction costs contract
‐ Report accomplishment in the
SMR
(LAND) Geology - Change in sub-surface geomorphology Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of Stipulate in the construction contract
- Inducement of subsidence and construction costs
liquefaction
(LAND) Geology Effects of geo- and hydrological hazards Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of Stipulate in the construction contract
construction costs
(LAND) Pedology Soil erosion or loss of topsoil Proper implementation of the Construction Plan and Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
SEMP construction costs contract
‐ Report accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Pedology Change in soil quality/fertility Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
and CWMP construction costs contract
‐ Report accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Terrestrial biology Vegetation and tree removal Proper implementation of the Construction Plan, Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
and Tree Cutting Permit conditions (if required) construction costs contract

13
Potential Impact column denotes ADVERSE impact unless specified
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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Environmental aspects: Site preparation, Construction of utilities (road, drainage, water supply, sewage collection, and power systems), Erection of structures, Installation of PV panels
Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
‐ Report accomplishment in the
SMR
(WATER) Hydrology - Change in drainage morphology - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Inducement of flooding - Provide temporary drainage system construction costs contract
- Revegetate exposed soil surfaces after active ‐ Report accomplishment in the
construction site is closed SMR
(WATER) Hydrogeology Reduction/depletion of groundwater No mitigation recommended. Groundwater will not n/a n/a n/a
be extracted during construction.
(WATER) Water quality Degradation of groundwater quality - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Good housekeeping practices construction costs contract
- Provision of drainage leading to silt ponds ‐ Report accomplishment in the
- Optimize construction activities at the SMR
excavation/foundation pits
(WATER) Water quality Degradation of surface water quality - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Housekeeping practices construction costs contract
- Provide onsite sanitary facilities ‐ Report accomplishment in the
SMR
(WATER) Freshwater Impact to freshwater biodiversity - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
ecology - Housekeeping practices construction costs contract
- Provide onsite sanitary facilities ‐ Report accomplishment in the
SMR
(AIR) Meteorology Change in the local micro-climate No mitigation recommended. The Project has no n/a n/a n/a
activity that will significantly change the local
micro-climate during construction.
(AIR) Meteorology Contribution in terms of greenhouse gas - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
emissions - Regular maintenance of portable generators construction costs contract
- Optimize the use of heavy equipment and motor ‐ Report accomplishment in the
vehicles SMR

(AIR) Air quality Degradation of air quality ‐ Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
‐ Implement dust suppression methods, e.g., construction costs contract
water application and vehicle speed restriction
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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Environmental aspects: Site preparation, Construction of utilities (road, drainage, water supply, sewage collection, and power systems), Erection of structures, Installation of PV panels
Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
‐ Optimize the use of heavy equipment and motor ‐ Report accomplishment in the
vehicles SMR
‐ Compact exposed soil surfaces
‐ Provide tarpaulin cover on trucks loaded with
construction materials
‐ Regular maintenance of heavy equipment and
motor vehicles
‐ Regular maintenance of standby generator
‐ Prohibit engine idling in parking areas
(AIR) Noise Noise pollution - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Provide and maintain mufflers of gasoline or construction costs contract
diesel engines powered equipment ‐ Report accomplishment in the
- Establish barriers and shielding stationary SMR
vibrating equipment
- Minimize or avoid construction activities at night
PEOPLE Displacement of settlers, properties, No mitigation recommended. Settlers inside the n/a n/a n/a
conflict with land ownership Project area were already relocated/compensated
during the pre-construction phase
PEOPLE In-migration No mitigation recommended. In-migration is not n/a n/a n/a
expected.
PEOPLE Cultural/Lifestyle change No mitigation recommended. n/a n/a n/a
PEOPLE Impacts on physical cultural resources No mitigation recommended. There are no cultural n/a n/a n/a
resources at the Project site.
PEOPLE Threat to delivery of basic services No mitigation recommended. Adverse impacts in n/a n/a n/a
Resource competition the delivery of basic services of the Bugallon and
resource competition are not expected.
PEOPLE Threat to public health and safety - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor, 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Regular and proper maintenance of heavy construction costs contract
equipment and vehicles ‐ Report accomplishment in the
- Implement the CWMP SMR
- Provide safety measures and signs in active
construction sites

171 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Environmental aspects: Site preparation, Construction of utilities (road, drainage, water supply, sewage collection, and power systems), Erection of structures, Installation of PV panels
Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
PEOPLE Generation of local benefits from the - Prioritize hiring of qualified residents from the Contractor and 3BEC Part of Stipulate in the construction contract
Project (BENEFICIAL IMPACT) host barangays construction costs
- Purchase supplies from local sources
PEOPLE Traffic congestion - Proper implementation of the Construction Plan Contractor and 3BEC Part of ‐ Stipulate in the construction
- Implement the Traffic Management Plan construction costs contract
‐ Report accomplishment in the
SMR

172 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Table 3-3. Impact Management Plan during Operation Phase


Environmental aspect: Operations of the Solar Power Facility
Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
(LAND) Land use and Change/Inconsistency in land use No mitigation recommended. Impact addressed n/a n/a n/a
classification during pre-construction phase.
(LAND) Land use and Encroachment in Environmentally No mitigation recommended. Impact addressed n/a n/a n/a
classification Critical Areas (ECA) during pre-construction phase.
(LAND) Land use and Possible tenurial/ land issue No mitigation recommended. Impact addressed n/a n/a n/a
classification during pre-construction phase.
(LAND) Land use and Impairment of visual aesthetics - Maintain perimeter the buffer zone and 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
classification vegetated barrier cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Implement the Landscaping and Vegetation
Maintenance Plan (LVMP)
(LAND) Land use and Devaluation of land value as a result of - Proper implementation of the IWMP 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
classification improper solid waste management - Best housekeeping practices cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Geology - Change in sub-surface No mitigation recommended. Project operation n/a n/a n/a
geomorphology will not cause these impacts.
- Inducement of subsidence,
liquefaction, landslides, etc.
Effects of geo- and hydrological ‐ Maintain drainage system 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
hazards ‐ Regular inspection of structure integrity cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Pedology Soil contamination by municipal and - Proper implementation of the WMP 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
hazardous wastes - Best housekeeping practices cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Pedology Soil erosion Proper implementation of the LVMP 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(LAND) Terrestrial ecology Vegetation removal Proper implementation of the LVMP 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(WATER) Hydrology Inducement of flooding Maintain drainage system 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(WATER) Hydrogeology Groundwater depletion /resource No mitigation recommended. Project operation is 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
competition not seen to cause this impact. cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
(WATER) Water quality Degradation of groundwater quality No mitigation recommended. Project operation is n/a n/a n/a
not seen to cause this impact.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Environmental aspect: Operations of the Solar Power Facility


Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
(WATER) Water quality Degradation of surface water quality - Proper operation and maintenance of septic 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
vaults cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Maintain drainage system
- Monitor water quality of the storm drainage
outfall discharge
(WATER) Freshwater Impact to freshwater biodiversity - Proper operation and maintenance of septic 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
ecology vaults cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Maintain drainage system
- Monitor water quality of the storm drainage
outfall discharge
(AIR) Meteorology Change in the local micro-climate - Proper implementation of the Tree Planting and n/a n/a n/a
Revegetation Program
- Passive cooling measures for PV panels
(AIR) Meteorology Contribution in terms of greenhouse ‐ Regular maintenance of standby generators 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
gas emissions ‐ Optimize use of motor vehicles cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
‐ Prohibit engine idling at parking areas
(AIR) Air quality Degradation of air quality ‐ Regular maintenance of standby generators 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
‐ Optimize use of motor vehicles cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
‐ Prohibit engine idling at parking areas
(AIR) Noise Noise pollution - Regular maintenance of standby generator(s) 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
mufflers cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Maintain vegetated buffer along the perimeter
PEOPLE In-migration No mitigation recommended. n/a n/a n/a
PEOPLE Threat to public health and safety - Provide onsite sanitation facilities 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
- Regular and proper maintenance of vehicles cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Regular maintenance of septic vaults
- Proper implementation of the Traffic
Management Plan
PEOPLE Generation of local benefits from the - Prioritize hiring of qualified residents from host 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
Project (BENEFICIAL IMPACT) barangays cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR
- Purchase supplies from local sources

174 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 3 –Environmental Management Plan

Environmental aspect: Operations of the Solar Power Facility


Environmental component Potential impact Options for prevention, mitigation, or Responsible entity Cost Guarantee/ Financial
likely to be affected enhancement arrangements
- Provide livelihood opportunities
- Prompt payment of fees and taxes
PEOPLE Traffic congestion Proper implementation of the Traffic 3BEC Part of operating ‐ 3BEC to provide budget
Management Plan cost ‐ Include accomplishment in the SMR

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 4 - Environmental Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Policy and Guidelines

CHAPTER 4. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT & EMERGENCY


RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT

The focus of the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) in the Philippine EIS System (PD 1586) is on human safety
characterized by probabilities, consequences, accidental nature, and acute effects of substances that are
explosive, flammable, oxidizing, or toxic. The Revised Procedural Manual (RPM) of DENR Administrative Order
(DAO) 2003-30 defined the ERA as “a process of analyzing and describing the risks associated with a project or
activity to ecosystems, human health and welfare”.

Geological risks on the other hand, are covered by the Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment
(EGGA) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) while health risks characterized by exposures and chronic
human health effects are assessed in the Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) under the
Department of Health (DOH) mandate. The EGGA and EHIA have their own procedural processes that are not
required by the EIA System and the ECC application.

Annex 2-7e of the Revised Procedural Manual (RPM) of the DAO 2003-30 provided the guide on the ERA is done
during the EIA. An ERA is required if a proposed project will use, handle, transport, store substances that are
explosive, flammable, oxidizing, or toxic. Annex 2-7e provides the coverage levels and requirements for
determining risk levels. The degree of the ERA is provided by the following levels of coverage:

Risk screening: Specific facilities or the use of certain processes shall require the conduct of a risk
screening study even if the projected or estimated inventory does not reach the
threshold levels.
Level 1: Preparation of an Emergency/Contingency Plan.
Level 2: Conduct a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) and preparation of an
Emergency/Contingency Plan based on the QRA results.

Risk Screening is required for the following activities:

a. Facilities for the production or processing of organic or inorganic chemicals using:


− Alkylation, amination by ammonolysis, carbonylation, condensation, dehydrogenation,
esterification
− Halogenation and manufacture of halogens, hydrogenation, hydrolysis, oxidation,
polymerization
− Sulphonation, desulphurization, manufacture and transformation of sulphur-containing
compounds
− Nitration and manufacture of nitrogen-containing compounds
− Manufacture of phosphorus-containing compounds
− Formulation of pesticides and of pharmaceutical products.
− Distillation, extraction, or solvation
b. Installations for distillation, refining, or processing of petroleum products.
c. Installations for the total or partial disposal of solid or liquid substances by incineration or chemical
decomposition.
d. Installations for the production or processing of energy gases, for example, LPG, LNG, SNG.
e. Installations for the dry distillation of coal or lignite.
f. Installations for the production of metals or non-metals by a wet process or by means of electrical
energy.
g. Installations for the loading/unloading of hazardous materials as defined by RA 6969 (or DAO 29).
177 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 4 - Environmental Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Policy and Guidelines

The Levels 1 and 2 coverages in Table 4-1 depend on the threshold inventory in determining whether or not a
proposed project is required to prepare a QRA and/or an emergency/contingency plan. The categories in Table
4-1 are defined in Table 4-2.

Table 4-1. Level 1 and 2 threshold inventory table


Category Level 1 Level 2
Explosives 10 50
Flammable substances 5,000 50,000
Highly flammable substances 50 200
Extremely flammable substances 10 50
Oxidizing substances 50 200
Toxic substances (low) 50 200
Toxic substances (medium) 10 50
Toxic substances (high) 5 20
Toxic substances (very high) 0.2 1
Toxic substances (extreme) 0.001 0.1
Unclassified (Type A) 100 500
Unclassified (Type B) 50 200
Source: RPM of DAO 2003-30, EMB; values are in tons

Table 4-2. Definition of hazardous substance categories


Category Description
A. Explosives (Reactivity) Risk of an explosion by shock, friction, fire, or other sources of
ignition.
B. Flammable Substances Flash point range is 21oC to 55oC and capable of supporting
combustion.
Highly flammable Substances and preparations which may become hot and finally
catch fire in contact with air at ambient temperature without any
input of energy, or substances which have a flash point lower
than 55C and which remain liquid under pressure, where
particular processing conditions, such as high pressure or high
temperature, may create major accident hazards.
Extremely flammable Liquid substances and preparations with a flash point <0C and the
boiling point (or, in the case of a boiling range, the initial boiling
point) of which at normal pressure is <= 35C; gaseous substances
and preparations which are flammable when in contact with air at
ambient temperature and pressure, whether or not kept in the
gaseous or liquid state under pressure; or, liquid substances or
preparations maintained at a temperature above their boiling
point.
C. Oxidizing substances Results in highly exothermic reaction when in contact with other
substances, particularly flammable substances.
D. Toxic Substances Low, medium, high, very high and extreme toxicity of substances
or preparation.
E. Unclassified Substances Substances or preparations that react violently with water (Type
A), and substances or preparations which release or liberate toxic
gas in contact with water (Type B).
Source: Annex 2-7e of the RPM DAO 2003-30

It is opined that an ERA is not required because available information at this stage showed the absence of
explosive, oxidizing, flammable, and toxic substances to be used during Project implementation.

178 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 4 - Environmental Risk Assessment & Emergency Response Policy and Guidelines

4.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES

In general, contingency and emergency planning is necessary to address accidents during the Project
implementation. The main components of contingency planning include (a) measures to prevent accidents, (b)
methods for response and clean up, and (c) organizing and training of personnel to implement the plan. Among
the measures to be instituted, these will include at the minimum:

Medical assistance during accidents


A company staff shall be trained in first-aid techniques to provide medicines and treat minor wounds and
ailments during the plant’s operation. A first aid kit shall be placed in a conspicuous place inside the premises
of the plant.

Communications
Public address (PA) systems and other means of communication will be installed or provided. These will be used
to issue forecasts, alarms, warnings and other information in case of accidents. Hand-held radios will also be
issued to selected personnel to coordinate personnel movement during emergencies.

Emergency response teams


An emergency response team will be organized, trained, and deployed to implement the necessary remedial
measures during accidents. A shower and eye wash for chemical exposures will be installed in a strategic place
inside the plant premises.

Fire hazards
As prescribed by the Fire Code of the Philippines, fire extinguishers, hoses and other firefighting materials must
be strategically located within the plant area. The appropriate fire alarms should also be strategically located
inside the plant in case of fire or explosion. Fire drills should also be conducted regularly to maintain the
alertness of the personnel.

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 5 - Social Development Plan And IEC Framework

CHAPTER 5. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND IEC FRAMEWORK

The Project can be considered as a component of the social development program of the municipality of
Bugallon and the province of Pangasinan as well because it will provide additional power source in the region.
The taxes and legal fees derived from the Project and benefits of the DOE ER 1-94 will help the host LGUs in
implementing its social programs.

The preliminary Social Development Plan (SDP) and the IEC Framework required by an EIS-based ECC
application are presented in the succeeding sections. It is worthy to note that some elements of the SDP and
the IEC Framework were derived from the Public Scoping and EIA Perception Survey.

5.1 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SDP) FRAMEWORK

The SDP Framework seeks to address the issues and concerns identified during public scoping and the impact
assessment through the perception survey. The final SDP will be formulated and finalized through a
participatory workshop with representatives of the host municipality, impact barangays, and other
stakeholders.

The SDP incorporates the proposed interventions of the proponent in favor of the Project stakeholders as part
of its social responsibility. The Proponent usually provides assistance to empower the affected stakeholders as
partners of development and to improve the standard of living of affected residents through programs that will
harness their productive potentials to the fullest and reinforce their self-reliance and dignity as equal members
of society.

The preliminary SDP framework for the Project will have the components briefly described below: a)
Employment Assistance Program, b) Education Assistnace and Training Program, and c) Health and Safety
Program. The components are preliminary at this point and may be reevaluated and revised. The indicative SDP
framework is shown in Table 5-1.

1. Employment Assistance Program – It is most likely that officials of the host barangays will be expecting
a portion of the manpower requirements during construction and operation given to their qualified
residents.

2. Education Assistance and Training Program – The Proponent can provide scholarships and skills
training to qualified residents of the host barangays.

3. Health and Safety Program - The Proponent can assist in monitoring the health conditions of the host
barangays by coordinating with the barangay health unit and workers. In addition, the Proponent can
also provide regular medical and dental missions.

Table 5-1. Preliminary SDP Framework of the Project


Responsible Government
Indicative Source of
Concern Community Member/ Agency/Non-government Proponent
Timeline Fund
Beneficiary Agency and Services
Employment Barangay Chairmen of Municipal Planning Office Community Construction 3BEC
Assistance host barangays of Bugallon Relations Operation
Program Women’s Sector MSWD Officer
Senior Citizens and TESDA
PWDs
Educational Barangay Kagawad for DepEd Community Construction 3BEC
and Training Education Relations Operation

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 5 - Social Development Plan And IEC Framework

Responsible Government
Indicative Source of
Concern Community Member/ Agency/Non-government Proponent
Timeline Fund
Beneficiary Agency and Services
Program School Principals Officer
Qualified students
from host barangays
Health and Barangay Kagawad for Municipal Health Office Community Construction 3BEC
Safety Health Barangay Health Units Relations Operation
Program Barangay Health Barangay Disaster Risk Officer
Workers Management Committee
Template source: Revised Procedural Manual, Annex 2-18

5.2 INFORMATION, EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION (IEC) FRAMEWORK

The IEC framework aims to provide the correct and appropriate information about the Project through the use
of different media and materials. It provides Project information to the stakeholders and simultaneously solicits
feedback on the stakeholders’ understanding of the issues and concerns.

The stakeholders at the host barangays of Bugallon are the target sectors of IEC campaign. Brief and precise
Project information and the result of the EIA will be relayed to the communities during the public participation
activities of the ECC application and throughout Project implementation.

The Proponent will closely coordinate with the LGU of Bugallon and the host barangays to maintain
transparency during the IEC activities. The proposed IEC Plan which includes the identification of target sector,
topics of Project concerns, possible methods or approach, indicative timeline and cost that shall be considered
by the proponent upon implementation is shown in Table 5-2.

Table 5-2. Proposed Information, Education and Communication Plan


Major topics Indicative
Target sector IEC method Indicative
regarding the Information medium timelines and
requiring Project IEC cost
Project frequency
LGU Officials of Technical Group - Focus Group At least one To be
Bugallon aspects of the Methods Discussions month before determined
Project, EIA, - Multi-sectoral actual by 3BEC
Officials of Direct EMP, SMP Multi-Media Cluster Meetings construction
Impact Barangays - Leaflets
Residents of Direct - Audio-visual
Impact Barangays Presentation
Other stakeholders - Field Visits during During To be
construction construction determined
- Field Visits during by 3BEC
Operations During To be
operations determined
by 3BEC
Template source: Revised Procedural Manual, Annex 2-19

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DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

CHAPTER 6. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The environmental compliance monitoring (ECM) system ensures compliance to environmental laws that in
turn minimizes the adverse effects of the Project to its immediate surroundings and protects health of the
affected public. The ECM system specified by MC 2010-14 is composed of three components: a) Self-Monitoring
Plan, b) Multi-sectoral monitoring framework (for ECPs and EIS-based Non-ECPs as deemed necessary by EMB
RO), and c) the Environmental Guarantee and Monitoring Fund Commitment (for ECPs and EIS-based Non-ECPs
as deemed necessary by EMB RO).

6.1 SELF-MONITORING PLAN (SMP)

The SMP will establish the final Environmental Quality performance Levels (EQPL)14 for monitoring, budget,
accountability, stakeholder participation, complaints management, communication and reporting,
environmental impact event/action response plan, audit program and schedule for baseline monitoring and
preparation of the environmental management audit manual. The objectives of the SMP in general are
enumerated below.

▪ Ensure that all emissions and effluents of the Project are compliant with DENR Rules and Regulations
which include but not be limited to RA 8749 (Clean Air Act) and PD 984 (Pollution Control Law), PD 1586,
RA 6969;
▪ Ensure compliance to RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of
1990);
▪ Validate the changes in the various environmental media (impact monitoring) as discussed in the impact
assessment.
▪ Provide early warning information of unacceptable environmental conditions; and
▪ Encourage stakeholder participation.

There is no PSIC classification for solar power generation. Electric generation under the PSIC 35100 of the DENR
Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 201615 only included Coal, Natural Gas, Oil,
Geothermal, Hydro, and Biomass for specific effluent parameter for monitoring.

Water quality monitoring parameters were chosen according to the Project activities

a) Maintenance and repair of vehicles (PSIC 452, 454);


b) Food preparation - Restaurants, food chains, and other food services (PSIC 56);
c) Domicile (worker, personnel during opeations) - Hotels, motels, resorts, and other accommodation
services (PSIC 55); and
d) Use and maintenance of septic vaults - Operation of sewer systems or STPs (PSIC 37000)

The proposed SMP during the Construction and Operation phases are shown in Table 6-1 and Table 6-2
respectively using the recommended format in Annex 2-20 of RPM DAO 2003-30.

14
after the issuance of the ECC
15
DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08
184 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Table 6-1. Proposed Self-Monitoring Plan during the Construction phase


Sampling & Measurement Plan EQPL MANAGEMENT SCHEME
Potential impacts per Parameter to be Lead Estimated
Key environmental aspect EQPL range (a) Management measure
environmental sector monitored Method Frequency Location Person annual cost
ALERT ACTION LIMIT ALERT ACTION LIMIT
- Site preparation Soil contamination (LC) Construction wastes Ocular Daily Project site PCO (b) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
- Construction of utilities Ambient air pollution (AC) TSP (c) As required TBD PCO (b) 166 176 207 (d) (e) (f)
(road, drainage, water Ambient air pollution (AC) PM10 (c) As required TBD PCO (b) 108 115 135 (d) (e) (f)
supply, sewage collection Noise pollution Sound levels (g) As required TBD PCO (b) 3 dB less 1 dB less 1 dB less than (h) (i) (j)
and power systems) than limit than limit standard
- Erection of structures Water pollution Sewage discharges Ocular Daily Portalets/Onsite PCO (b) N/A N/A N/A Corrective action at the
sanitation facilities discharge point
NOTES:
- LC – Land Component; AC – Air Component; TDB – to be determined prior to start of construction; N/A – not applicable
- EQPL values: Limit → 90% of the standard; Alert → 75% of Limit; Action → 90% of Limit
- (a) Final values for limits, action, and alert levels will be determined from monitoring data; Units: ug/ncm for ambient air and mg/li water quality parameters;
- (b) Included in construction costs
- (c) Sampling method: 24h High Volume Sampler; Analytical method: Gravimetric USEPA 40 CFR, Part 50, Appendix B
- (d) ID pollutant source (construction activity or equipment)
- (e) Implement appropriate corrective action at identified pollutant source
- (f) Temporary stoppage or replacement of identified construction activity or equipment
- (g) 24 hr sound measurements using hand-held sound meter
- (h) Identification of possible source of noise
- (i) Corrective action on noise equipment source
- (j) Avoid use of noisy equipment

185 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Table 6-2. Proposed Self-Monitoring Plan during the Operation phase


Sampling & measurement Plan EQPL Management Scheme
Key environmental Potential impacts per Parameter to be Lead Estimated
EQPL range (a) Management measure
aspect environmental sector monitored Method Frequency Location person annual cost
ALERT ACTION LIMIT ALERT ACTION LIMIT
Daily operations of Soil contamination (LC) Construction wastes PCO (d)
the solar power Ambient air pollution (AC) NO2 (generators) (k) Quarterly Point source PCO (d) 1,440 1,530 1,800 (e) (f) (g)
facility Ambient air pollution (AC) Particulates (fuel (k) Quarterly Point source PCO (d) (e) (f) (g)
108 115 135
burning equipment)
Ambient air pollution (AC) SO3 (existing source - (k) Quarterly Point source PCO (d) 720 765 900 (e) (f) (g)
fuel burning equipment)
Ambient air pollution (AC) SO2 (new source - fuel (k) Quarterly Point source PCO (d) 504 536 630 (e) (f) (g)
burning equipment)
Surface water pollution (WC) Ammonia as NH3-N (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.36 0.38 0.45 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Benzo(a)pyrene (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 2.16 2.30 2.70 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) BOD (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 36 38.25 45 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Cadmium (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.007 0.008 0.009 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Coliform - Fecal (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 288 306 360 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Color (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 108 115 135 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Lead (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.07 0.08 0.09 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Mercury (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.0029 0.0031 0.0036 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Nickel (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.72 0.77 0.90 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Nitrate as NO3-N (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 10.08 10.71 12.60 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Oil and Grease (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 3.60 3.83 4.50 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Phosphate (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 0.72 0.77 0.90 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Surfactants (MBAS) (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 10.80 11.48 13.50 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Total Suspended Solids (b) Quarterly (c) PCO (d) 72.00 76.50 90.00 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Ammonia (NH3-N) (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.036 0.03825 0.045 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Benzo(a)pyrene (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 1.08 1.15 1.35 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) BOD (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 5.04 5.36 6.30 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Cadmium (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.0036 0.0038 0.0045 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Color (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 54.00 57.38 67.50 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Fecal Coliform (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 144 153 180 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Lead (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.0360 0.0383 0.0450 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Mercury (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.0014 0.0015 0.0018 (h) (i) (j)

186 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Sampling & measurement Plan EQPL Management Scheme


Key environmental Potential impacts per Parameter to be Lead Estimated
EQPL range (a) Management measure
aspect environmental sector monitored Method Frequency Location person annual cost
ALERT ACTION LIMIT ALERT ACTION LIMIT
Surface water pollution (WC) Nickel (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.14 0.15 0.18 (h) (i) (j)
Daily operations of Surface water pollution (WC) Nitrate (NO3-N) (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 5.04 5.36 6.30 (h) (i) (j)
the solar power Surface water pollution (WC) Oil and Grease (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 1.44 1.53 1.8 (h) (i) (j)
facility Surface water pollution (WC) Phosphate (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 0.36 0.38 0.45 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) Surfactants (MBAS) (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 1.08 1.15 1.35 (h) (i) (j)
Surface water pollution (WC) TSS (b) Quarterly TBD PCO (d) 57.6 61.2 72 (h) (i) (j)
NOTES:
- LC – Land Component; AC – Air Component; WC – Water Component; EQPL values: Limit → 90% of the DENR Standards; Action → 85% of Limit; Alert → 80% of Limit
- (a) Final values for limits, action, and alert levels will be determined from monitoring data; Units: mg/li water quality parameters; Effluent standards based on Class C water body (DAO 2016-18)
- (b) EMB Approved Methods of Analysis for Water and Wastewater (EMB Memorandum Circular #012 Series of 2016)
- (c) STP final discharge
- (d) Included in operation costs
- (e) Identify pollutant source; conduct additional sampling
- (f) Detailed assessment of identified source; determine cause of elevated concentrations; identify and prepare to implement corrective action options
- (g) Implement corrective action
- (h) Identify pollutant source; conduct additional sampling
- (i) Detailed assessment of STP operations; determine cause of elevated concentrations; identify and prepare to implement corrective action options
- (j) Implement corrective action
- (k) EMB methods for Source Emission Testing
- TBD – to be determined

187 | P a g e
DRAFT EIS REPORT
Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

6.2 MULTI-SECTORAL MONITORING FRAMEWORK (MMF)

The MMF guides the proponent in creating the Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT). However, Section 16.1
of the DENR AO 2017-15 stipulated that MMTs shall be created only for ECPs and including MMTs as an ECC
condition for non-ECPs was deemed invalid. In addition, all other MMTs including clustered MMTs were
automatically dissolved. In view of this, an MMT is not required for the Project because is it a Category B: non-
ECP Project (3.2.7 Renewable energy projects such as ocean, solar, wind, tidal power except waste-to-energy
and biogas projects )16.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL GUARANTEE AND MONITORING FUND COMMITMENT

Corollary to Section 6.1, Section 19.1 of the DENR AO 2017-15 stipulated that funds for the Environmental
Monitoring Fund (EMF) without an MMT shall be returned to the Project proponent and no new EMFs shall be
established without an MMT. Similar to the EMF, the Environmental Guarantee Fund is also required for ECPs
only. Since an MMT is not required for the Project, it follows that an EMF and EGF are not required for the
Project.

6.4 PEMAPS QUESTIONNAIRE

Project Name : BUGALLON SOLAR POWER PROJECT


Project Location : Barangays Cayanga, Salomague Sur and Salomague Norte
Bugallon
ECC Reference No. : n/a
Proponent : 3 Barracuda Energy Corp.
Pollution Control Officer : To be appointed
Tel. No./Fax No./Email : (02) 8683 4444
Project Type : Category B:Non-ECP (3.2.7 Renewable energy such as ocean,
solar, wind, tidal, power except waste-to-energy and biogas
projects)
Project Status : Proposed

I. PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
Size and Type: 609.4644 hectares (6,094,644 sq. m.)
Size based on number of employees
Specify number of employees: Construction (Unskilled & Skilled: 2,712
Operation (existing + expansion): 7,500
Project Type
ECP
Non-ECP but in ECA X
Non-ECP and Non-ECA

Waste generation and management


Type
Category Waste Quantity
Hazardous Non-Hazardous
Air Fugitive dust during demolition and construction x TBA
Air Emissions from construction equipment x TBA
Liquid Sewage from the workers (Construction) x TBA
Liquid Surface runoff (Construction & Operation) x TBA
Liquid Domestic wastewater (Construction & Operation) x TBA

16
p. 24 Annex A, Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the Philippine
EIS System (EMB Memorandum Circular 005, July2014)
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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Type
Category Waste Quantity
Hazardous Non-Hazardous
Solid Municipal wastes (Construction & Operation) x TBA
Solid Hazardous wastes (Construction & Operation) x

Pollution Control System (PCS)


Category PCS/Waste management method used Remarks
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Air/Noise - Air / Noise: Scheduled, appropriate - Activity: use of heavy equipment during
maintenance, and repair of equipment construction
especially those that have high sound levels - Part of Environmental Management Plan
- Noise: Placement of appropriate covers or (EMP)
barriers on machinery/equipment - To be enforced by the proponent thru the PCO
- To be monitored for compliance
Liquid - Surface Run-Off: Erosion control - Activity: precipitation during earthmoving
measures/Silt ponds activities.
- Domestic wastewater: Onsite sanitary - Part of Environmental Management Plan
facilities (EMP).
- To be put in place prior to construction
activities.
- To be enforced by the proponent thru the PCO.
- To be monitored for compliance.
Solid - Fugitive Dust: Dust suppression measures - Part of Environmental Management Plan
- Construction municipal and hazardous (EMP).
wastes: Construction Waste Management - To be enforced by the proponent thru the PCO.
Plan (CWMP) - To be monitored for compliance.
OPERATION PHASE
Air Regular maintenance of standby power Part of the Environmental Management Plan
generators (EMP)
Liquid - Water conservation plan Part of the Environmental Management Plan
- Sewage Treatment Plant (EMP)
Solid Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) Commission DENR-accredited hazardous waste
for municipal and hazardous wastes TSD

II. PATHWAYS
Prevailing wind towards barrio or city? Yes X No __
Rainfall (impacts surface & groundwater pathways)
Average annual net rainfall: 1767.8 mm
Maximum 24-hour rainfall: 22 mm

Terrain (select one and mark) Flat X Steep __


Is the facility located in a flood-prone area? Yes No X

Ground water
Depth of groundwater table (meter)
0 to less than 3 X
3 to 10 X
Greater than 10

III. RECEIVING MEDIA/RECEPTORS


Air (Distance to nearest community)

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

0 to less than 0.5 km X


0.5 to 1 km
Greater than 1 km

Receiving surface water body


Distance to receiving surface water:
0 to less than 0.5 km X
0.5 to 1 m
Greater than 1 km

Size of population using receiving surface water: indeterminate

Fresh water
Classification of fresh water
AA
A
B
C X
D

Size of fresh water body: indeterminate


Economic value of water use
Drinking
Domestic
Recreational
Fishery (marginal)
Industrial
Agricultural
Others: recipient of surface runoff domestic discharges X

Salt water
Classification of salt water: N/A
Economic value of water use
Fishery
Tourist zone
Recreational
Industrial
Others:

Ground water
Distance to nearest recharge area
0 to less than 0.5 km
0.5 to 1 km
Greater than 1 km X
Distance to nearest well used
0 to less than 0.5 km X
0.5 to 1 km X
Greater than 1 km
Groundwater use within the nearest well
Drinking
Industrial X (assumed)
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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Agricultural
Commercial X assumed)

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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Chapter 6 – Environmental Compliance Monitoring

Land
Indicate current/actual land uses within 0.5 km radius:
Residential X
Commercial/Institutional X
Industrial
Agricultural/Recreational
Protected Area

Potential/proposed land uses within 0.5 km


Residential X
Commercial/Institutional X
Industrial
Agricultural/Recreational X
Protected Area

Number of affected Environmentally Critical Areas within 1 km: 1


Distance to nearest ECA
0 to less than 0.5km X
0.5 to 1 km
Greater than 1 km

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE


Compliance (will be double-checked with PCD files)
Type (specify number of times committed)
Type of Additional
STANDARD
Law Violation Admin Remarks/Status
Emission/ Effluent/ Human Admin/
Ambient Violation of Compliance
Discharge Impact ECC
RA 8749 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
RA 9275 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
RA 6969 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
PD 1586 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
RA 9003 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Number of Valid Complaints


Citizen and NGOs: N/A
Others (other Govt. Agencies, Private Institutions): N/A

(To be filled up by EMB Personnel)

RECOMMENDATION/S:

Assessed By:

Noted By:

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

CHAPTER 7. ABANDONMENT / DECOMMISSIONING / REHABILITATION


POLICY

Abandonment in this context means either of the following: a) termination of operations when the Project
reaches its design life, b) its premature cessation due to force majeure, and c) transfer of ownership.

Transfer of ownership means that 3BEC will no longer own and operate the Project. All responsibilities
regarding environmental compliance will be transferred to the new owner with the proper documentation and
arrangements with the EMB Region I and stakeholders.

The detailed Abandonment and Decommissioning Plan (ADP) will be formulated for termination of operations
after the design life or force majeure. The ADP will be submitted to the EMB Region I Calabarzon six months
before the actual abandonment and decommissioning activities.

The final ADP will include a) land or soil restoration, decontamination, and remediation, b) strategies and
methods for final rehabilitation of the environment disturbed by the project, and c) land use suitability of the
various land disturbances. Some activities and components that can be considered for the ADP are presented
below.

1. Procedures for the decommissioning of the project components


a) Onsite inspections
b) Securing of necessary permits
c) Disassembly and disposal
d) Clearing, leveling, and vegetation layering
2. Personnel decommissioning program
3. Transport and disposal of equipment and other materials
4. Remediation of contaminated soil and water resources due

The following are the wastes expected in the event of abandonment:

a) Building demolition wastes - The waste building materials, packaging, and rubble resulting from
renovation, repair, and demolition operation on pavements, houses, other buildings and structures.
b) Bulky wastes - Solid wastes such as appliances, furniture, and other oversized wastes which, because
of large size, preclude or complicates their handling by normal solid waste collection, processing, or
disposal methods.

Special wastes - Wastes that may have particular health, safety, and environmental concerns. These include PV
panels, asbestos containing materials (e.g., floor tiles, plumbing insulation, siding and roofing), materials with
lead-based paint coatings (e.g., siding, walls, furniture, and cabinetry), lighting wastes (e.g., mercury containing
lamps, PCB containing ballast’s), electrical components (e.g., oil containing switches and transformers), and
appliances and other equipment (e.g., refrigerators and air conditioning compressors containing refrigerants
and oils).

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

CHAPTER 8. INSTITUTIONAL PLAN FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION

The main thrust of Institutional Plan is to establish the organizational structure that will implement the EMP
and SMP as well as provide the necessary mechanism to strengthen the organizational relationship of the
Proponent with stakeholders and government agencies in terms of environmental management.

Likewise, implementation of the Environmental Management plan (EMP) shall be the joint responsibility of
3BEC through the Project Management Team and the EPC Contractor.

Environmental Unit - The Proponent will create an Environmental Unit (EU) to implement the Environmental
Management and the Self-Monitoring Plans. The EU will be headed by an Environmental Manager (EM)
appointed by the 3BEC under the direct supervision of Project Manager (construction phase) and Plant Manager
(operation phase). The main functions of the EM are to) implement the EMP and SMP and ensure compliance
with environmental requirements of the EMB Region I. The EM can also function as the Pollution Control Officer
(PCO) to be accredited by the EMB Region I and required to attend PCO trainings to become familiar with the
environmental regulations applicable to the Project, especially those relevant to air and water quality and
waste management. The EM will also ensure compliance with other environmental rules and regulations that
the EMB Region I may impose.

Compliance Reporting - Regular reporting of compliance to EMB Region I will be undertaken by the EU. After
the issuance of the ECC, the proponent will ensure that the contractors during the construction phase comply
with the Contractor’s Agreement and the approved EMP and SMP in addition to compliance to the same during
the operation phase.

Organizational Structure - The indicative structure of the EU is shown in Figure 8-1. The EU, under the direct
supervision of the 3BEC management, will have three sections: Waste Management, Permitting & Compliance,
and Monitoring.

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Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Figure 8-1. Indicative structure of the Environmental Unit

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

References

REFERENCES

1. Canter, L.W., Environmental Impact Assessment, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996.


2. Commonwealth of Australia, 2014. Environmental Management Plan Guidelines.
3. Contreras, S.M., 2018. The Philippine Agriculture and the Threats of Land Degradation, Bureau of Soils
and Water Management, Department of Agriculture, Diliman, Quezon City.
4. Corbitt, 2004. Standard Handbook of Environmental Engineering 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York.
5. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Administrative Order No. 34, Series of 1990. Revised
Water Usage and Classification / Water Quality Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III
of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations
6. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Implementing Rules and Regulations of the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, DENR Administrative Order No.82 Series of 2000.
7. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Revised Procedural Manual of DAO 2003-30,
Quezon City 2007.
8. Department of Environment & Natural Resources. DENR Administrative Order No.82 Series of 2000,
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
9. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2016. Water Quality Guidelines and General
Effluent Standards of 2016, DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08.
10. Lochner, P., 2005. Guideline for Environmental Management Plans, CSIR Report No ENV-S-C 2005-053
H. Republic of South Africa, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Department of Environmental
Affairs & Development Planning, Cape Town.
11. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Climatological
Normals of Philippine Synoptic Stations.
12. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Climate Change in the
Philippines, 2011.
13. Philippine Statistics Authority Census, 2015
14. Socio-ecological Profile of Bugallon
15.

Hamed, T. A., Alshare, A., Environmental Impact of Solar and Wind energy- A Review, J. sustain. dev. energy
water environ. syst., 10(2), 1090387, 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d9.0387

Barron-Gafford, G. A. et al. The Photovoltaic Heat Island Effect: Larger solar power plants increase local
temperatures. Sci. Rep. 6, 35070; doi: 10.1038/srep35070 (2016).

Wind farm and solar park effects on plant–soil carbon cycling: uncertain impacts of changes in ground-level
Microclimate ALONA ARMSTRONG*, SUSAN WAL DRON*, JEANETTE WHITAKER † and N ICHOLA S J. O STLE†
Global Change Biology (2014) 20, 1699–1706, doi: 10.1111/gcb.12437

Aurelio, M.A. and R.E. Peña (Eds.), 2004. Geology and Mineral Resources of the Philippines, Volume 1 Geology
(Revised Edition). Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Quezon City, Philippines.
Biodiversity Management Bureau, 2015. Guidebook to Protected Areas of the Philippines. Biodiversity Management
Bureau – Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines. 100pp.
https://www.denr.gov.ph/images/DENR_Publications/PA_Guidebook_Complete.pdf
Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines.
http://esdat.net/Environmental%20Standards/Canada/SOIL/rev_soil_summary_tbl_7.0_e.pdf
Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Bugallon, Pangasinan, 2016-2025, Volumes I to III.
Forest Land Use Plan of Bugallon, Pangasinan

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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

References

Forster, H., D. Oles, U. Knittel, M.J. Defant and R.C. Torres, 1990. The Macolod Corridor: A Rift Crossing the
Philippine Island Arc.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248241469_The_Macolod_Corridor_A_rift_crossing_the_Philippin
e_island_arc/link/5bfcfa33299bf10737f9b95d/download
http://forestry.denr.gov.ph/reqcbfma.htm
https://ngp.denr.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=368&catid=10&Itemid=101. 2011 NGP
Planting Sites in CENRO Dagupan
https://ngp.denr.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36&Itemid=106
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/earthquake-intensity-scale
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/information-tool/the-phivolcs-faultfinder
https://www.namria.gov.ph/7074-IVBugallon.html. 1:50,000 Scale Topographic Map of Bugallon
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=PcYk52D%2b&id=64811CA52F3B72D6FD88A2A492DCC
54626C8E9A0&thid=OIP.PcYk52D-b2Pm_vWzvV2hpgHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fen-gb.topographic-
map.com%2fpub%2fosm%2frelation%2f7e2%2f1p6p%2fthumbnail.jpg%3f3f29&exph=540&expw=540&q=to
pographic+map+of+pangasinan&simid=607991202894971502&FORM=IRPRST&ck=744CF006587E38A0D
F300B8F40E7EC99&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0. Relief map of Pangasinan Province.
Thenhaus, P.C., S. Hanson, S. Algermissen, B. Bautista, M.P. Bautista, A. Rasdas, J. Nillos and R.S. Punongbayan,
1994. Estimates of the Regional Ground Motion in the Philippines, Proceedings of the National Conference
on Natural Disaster Mitigation, Q.C.
Yumul, G.P., C.B. Dimalanta, T.A. Tam III and E.G.L. Ramos, 2008. Baguio Mineral District: An oceanic arc witness to the
geological evolution of northern Luzon, Philippines. Island Arc (2008) 17, 432-442.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229615598_Baguio_Mineral_District_An_oceanic_arc_witness_to_the_geological
_evolution_of_northern_Luzon_Philippines/download

Web sources

Google Map data @2020


philgis.org
vm.observatory.ph
www.geoportal.gov.ph/
www.georisk.gov.ph
www.namria.gov.ph

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Title

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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

Attachment 1. SEC Certificate of Incorporation of 3BEC

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

Attachment 2. Lot Consolidation Plan

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Proposed Bugallon Solar Power Project
Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

Attachment 3. Initial natural hazards assessment report (GeoRisk.ph)

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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Municipality of Bugallon, Province of Pangasinan
Proponent: 3 BARRACUDA ENERGY CORP.

Attachments

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