Critique of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Northwind Bangui Bay Project

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Northwind Bangui Bay ProjectAnjuli P. ElegadoENS296 TV-1L

Outline of the PresentationDescription of the ProjectBackground on the EIA of the ProjectDiscussion of the EIA of the ProjectNorthwind Bangui Bay Project

3Northwind Bangui Bay ProjectProponent: Northwind Power Development Corporation (NWPDC)The first wind farm in the Philippines and in the ASEAN regionLocation: Municipality of Bangui in the Province of Ilocos NorteComposed of 20 towers (70 metres high mounting turbines each with blades 82 metres in diameter) occupying an area of 9 kilometres by 100 metresForeshore areanorthwestern tip of Luzon facing the South China Sea4Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte

Northwind Bangui Bay ProjectCompleted in two phases: 1st 15 towers - 2005, addl 5 towers - mid-2008Each wind turbine = max. capacity of 1.65MW (total of 33 MW for all 20 turbines)A 57km transmission line connects the wind farm to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) in Laoag Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC), which holds the franchise for electricity distribution in the province and is located 57 kilometres away6Background on the EIA of the ProjectThe wind farm was not required to undergo a full-blown EIAThe project falls under Category II (Non-Environmentally Critical Project in an Environmentally Critical Area = typhoon prone area)Windfarms/Wind projects (5 MW but 100 MW)Project only required an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), thus an IEE Checklist was prepared

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Checklist Report

simplified checklist version of an IEE Report, prescribed by the DENR, to be filled up by a Proponent to identify and assess a projects environmental impacts and the mitigation/enhancement measures to address such impacts.

The IEE Checklist is a simplified form designed to assist proponents land transport project/s in complying with the EIS system. The IEE Checklist, to be accomplished and submitted before undertaking a project, consists of a series of questions that deals with issues and concerns about the proposed project and its environment. The questions will also provide the proponents with information on environmental impacts, both positive and negative, which will be caused by the proposed project.. The IEE Checklist has to be submitted by all government and private sector proponents applying for an ECC covering the abovementioned projects.

ECA: Areas frequently visited and/or hard-hit by natural calamities (geologic hazards, floods, typhoons, volcanic activity, etc.) 7Background on the EIA of the ProjectEnvironmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been granted. A marine ecosystem baseline study was made to complement the IEEThis was done for the project to qualify for the Prototype Carbon Fund of the World BankEIA was done by Gaia South, Inc., Environmental Consultants

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Checklist Report

simplified checklist version of an IEE Report, prescribed by the DENR, to be filled up by a Proponent to identify and assess a projects environmental impacts and the mitigation/enhancement measures to address such impacts.

The IEE Checklist is a simplified form designed to assist proponents land transport project/s in complying with the EIS system. The IEE Checklist, to be accomplished and submitted before undertaking a project, consists of a series of questions that deals with issues and concerns about the proposed project and its environment. The questions will also provide the proponents with information on environmental impacts, both positive and negative, which will be caused by the proposed project.. The IEE Checklist has to be submitted by all government and private sector proponents applying for an ECC covering the abovementioned projects.8EIA of the ProjectIEE for the Substation/Transmission LineIEE for the Wind FarmMarine Ecosystem Baseline Study

Overview of the IEE ChecklistChecklist of Requirements for Wind Energy ProjectsIEE ProperGeneral InformationProject DescriptionProject components, land ownership, description of location of project, project specifications, land use, barangays where turbines will be installed, manpower and employment, construction schedule

Overview of the IEE ChecklistDescription of Existing EnvironmentPhysical environment (topography, geology, land sliding, flooding, soil type, erosion, river systems, creeks, cyclones, typhoons, tornado, volcanoes, earthquake, lightning strikes)Present use of water bodiesBiological environment (vegetation, wildlife, fishery resources, watershed, forest reservation area, forest resources)Socio-cultural and economic environment (settlements, household, families, population size, houses, source of livelihood, dialects, indigenous people)

Overview of the IEE ChecklistLeading illnessesCause of mortalityLocal organizationsSocial infrastructuresImpact Assessment and MitigationPre-construction/Construction Period (project activities affecting the physical environment, biological environment, socio-cultural environment)Operation and Maintenance PeriodEnvironmental Management PlanEnvironmental Monitoring PlanEnvironmental Impact Assessment of the Substation/Transmission LineSubstation and Transmission LineProject Objective:To transmit generated power by the 25.5MW Wind Farm to the local cooperative INEC at Laoag substationTo reinforce the Northern Paft of Ilocos Norte's transmission system and thereby eradicate poor power electrical quality.

Project Cost: US$3.4 millionSubstation and Transmission LineApproximately 57 km. 69KV transmission line will be overbuilt to the existing 13.8KV transmission line utilizing INEC's existing right of wayPower generated from the wind turbines are delivered through underground cables to the substation. From the substation, the power (voltage) is transformed from medium tension voltage 13.8KV to high tension voltage 69KV suitable for direct connection to the 69KV overhead transmission line.5, 13-2615Substation and Transmission LineManpower EmploymentDuring the pre-constrmction/construction period 80/80 - Wind Power Project 20/60 - Transmission Line & SubstationDuring the operation and maintenance period 62 - NorthWind Bangui Bay Wind ProjectSubstation and Transmission LineLocation: Municipalities of Pasuquin, Burgos and Bangui, Ilocos NorteBarangays to be traversed by the 57km transmission line: Brgy. Suyo, Bangui, Brgys. Saoit, Ablan, Bayog, Bobon, Paayas, all of Burgos, Ilocos Norte; and Brgys. Davila, Dilavo, Caruan, Sulongan, Estancia, Susugaen, Salpad, Sulbec, PobIacion 4, Tabungao, Dadaeman, Ngabangab, and Carusipan, all of the Municipalitie of Pasuquin, llocos Norte thru the existing power post of INECTraverses land use such as: agricultural, commercial, residential and open spaces.Around 622 pieces of poles transmission towers will be built5, 13-2617

Transmission LineIEE Checklist for the Substation/Transmission Line(Contents)Description of the Existing EnvironmentPhysical EnvironmentElevation of the area: < 100 meters above sea levelTerrain is level and flat (0-3% slope)General geology of the area: Mixed areaArea is frequently visited by typhoons (Typhoons are coming from South East and is weakened by the mountain area)Nearest earthquake, fault zone or volcano, etc. in the area: West Ilocos Fault System (approximately 2km. West)

Description of the Existing EnvironmentHas incidences of lightning strikes at or near the site: The transmission line and substation is equipped with lightning arrestorsBiological EnvironmentThere are existing trees and other types of vegetation in the project area. The 69KV transmission line will be overbuild to the existing 13.8KV line. As such it will not require tree cutting or trimmingBirds and other forms of wildlife found in the area: The transmission line will serve as resting area for birds

Description of the Existing EnvironmentSocio-Cultural and Economic EnvironmentExisting settlements in the area: The transmission line is stretching from Suyo, Bangui to Laoag substationNumber of households/families, legitimate land owners, tenants, caretakers, squatters; Total population of the barangay(s) covered by the project; Average family size: The transmission line is traversing all typical areas in Ilocos NorteSources of livelihood: farming, fishing, backyard and poultry and piggery, vending/buy and sell, sari-sari store, employees, barbers, drivers, professionals

Description of the Existing EnvironmentSocial infrastructures in the barangay: Schools, Roads, Police Station/Outpost/Hospitals/Churches/Chapels, Health Centers/Clinics, Communications (radio, TV, mail, newspaper), Community Center, Transportation, Others (basketball court, water supply system)

Impact Assessment and MitigationPre-Construction/Construction Period(Project Activities Affecting the Physical Environment)Minimal excavation works for the electrical polesAve. depth of excavation: Approx. 2.5-3mSlope modification/ground leveling: Substation will be leveledMitigation/Enhancement measures: Sprinkling of water to minimize dustImpact Assessment and MitigationTemporary quarters/barracks and a field office be provided for construction workers: Minimal impact due to domestic wasteMitigation/Enhancement measures Coordination with LGU re: disposal(Project Activities Affecting the Socio-Cultural Environment)Locals to be hired during the construction (positive impactMitigation/Enhancement measures: It is the Contractors policy to prioritize local hiringImpact Assessment and MitigationThere will be an increase in economic activity in the area/rise in associated projects (positive impact)Mitigation/Enhancement measures: Increase in economic activities will be due to local hiring, local purchase of goods and services and generation of small scale businessIncrease in traffic or disrupt traffic in major routes due to entry/exit of construction equipment: Limited increase in traffic due to transportation of equipmentMitigation/Enhancement measures: Coordination with LGU in connection with the arrival of equipmentImpact Assessment and MitigationTeam formed for the proper responsibilities in repairing damaged poles/towers resulting from natural (typhoons, earthquakes) or man-made calamities (Minimal impact)Mitigation/Enhancement measures: INEC, the local utilities will service the transmission line. INEC has the full capability to such taskIncrease in economic activity or rise in associated projects (Positive impact)Mitigation/Enhancement measures: The transmission line will improve the electrical infrastructure and attract investmentsImpact Assessment and Mitigation

Findings/Observations/Remarks of DENR on EIA inspectionNo significant flora and fauna to be affected in the area. Further, the project does not yield significant adverse effect with the environment, provided that adequate and proper mitigating measures shall be implemented;The establishment of the project will contribute o the development not only in llocos Norte and other adjacent provinces but within the Philippines as a whole;No forest land an shall be traversed by the transmission line and route.29Environmental Impact Assessment of the WindfarmWindfarmProject Objective:To generate a total of 60 MW electricity from wind power (in three phases)

Project Location: The identified project site is located along the underdeveloped foreshore area of Barangays Baruyen, Taguiporo, Manayon, Masikil and Abaca, all at Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

Total Project Cost US$ 25 Million Phase I90, 93-10631WindfarmManpower EmploymentDuring the pre-construction/construction period - 42/220During the operation and maintenance period - 6290, 93-10632IEE Checklist for the Windfarm(Contents)Description of the Existing EnvironmentPhysical EnvironmentElevation of the area: