Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The Philippines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process that aims to predict and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a project throughout its various stages of development, including construction, commissioning, operation, and abandonment. The EIA also entails the formulation of preventive, mitigating, and enhancement measures to safeguard the environment from identified impacts. These measures are incorporated into comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plans.

Implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the EIA process in the Philippines operates under the official name of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS), established by PD1586 on 11 June 1978. This system introduced the concept of Environmentally Critical Projects (ECP) and projects within Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA). Within the EIA process, a supplementary document known as the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared for each proposed ECP or project located within an ECA. The EIS outlines the probable impacts of the project identified through the EIA process. Through an iterative review, the predicted impacts and mitigating measures are assessed, and if deemed sufficient, the DENR EMB issues an Environmental Compliance Commitment (ECC) document. The ECC represents the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate and, upon its release, enables the project to proceed with implementation, including obtaining approvals from government agencies and local government units.

The EIA process includes three general categories of reports: the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP), and the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). Each category has distinct preparation and application procedures.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a comprehensive study that establishes detailed baseline characteristics of the land, air, water, biota, and people in the proposed project’s host site and surrounding areas. It extensively analyzes the project’s potential impacts on these factors.

The Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) is typically required for existing projects planning to expand. This report focuses on the project’s environmental performance over the past 3 to 5 years of operation. It assesses the impacts of the expansion on the existing ecological management plan and incorporates necessary mitigating measures.

The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is an abbreviated version of the EIS, where only general descriptions of the environment are required.

Project proponents must follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to start the EIA process.

1. Project Scoping: Determine the project’s scope, objectives, and potential impacts in consultation with the DENR EMB and other relevant stakeholders.
2. Preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR): Develop a TOR detailing the EIA study’s objectives, methodology, and scope of work. Submit the TOR to the DENR EMB for review and approval.
3. Conduct the EIA Study: Perform the EIA study based on the approved TOR. This involves data collection, impact assessment, and formulation of appropriate preventive and mitigating measures.
4. Preparation of the EIA Report: Compile the findings, results, and recommendations of the EIA study into a comprehensive EIA Report, according to the prescribed format provided by the DENR EMB.
5. Submission and Review: Submit the EIA Report to the DENR EMB for review. The DENR EMB conducts a thorough assessment of the report’s adequacy, accuracy, and compliance with environmental regulations.
6. Environmental Compliance Commitment (ECC): If the EIA Report is deemed satisfactory, the DENR EMB issues an ECC certificate representing the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate.
7. Project Implementation: With the ECC in hand, proceed with project implementation, ensuring compliance with the approved environmental management and monitoring plans. Acquire additional approvals from relevant government agencies and local government units as necessary.

By adhering to the Philippines EIA process and meeting all the necessary requirements, project proponents can effectively evaluate and address the potential environmental impacts of their projects. This promotes sustainable development and ensures environmental protection in accordance with the country’s regulations and guidelines.

Triple i Consulting offers comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) services in the Philippines. Through a thorough examination of the project and close collaboration with stakeholders, our expert team identifies and addresses potential risks. We work closely with management to swiftly develop an appropriate environmental management plan that aligns with the stringent standards set by DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources).

Our environmental consulting division comprises a highly skilled team of diverse environmental scientists. Leveraging their expertise, we conduct meticulous studies to evaluate and mitigate environmental risks associated with project locations across the Philippines.

To schedule an initial consultation with one of our environmental experts, please reach out to us using one of the following methods:

Contact Us Here, Fill out the form below, Call us at +63 (02) 8540-9623, or email us at info@tripleiconsulting.com. We are dedicated to providing robust EIA services that adhere to DENR standards, ensuring sustainable and environmentally conscious project development in the Philippines.