The Philippine EIS System (PD 1586)
Under PD 1586, projects are categorized based on their potential environmental impact.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process
Flow of securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for infrastructure projects.
Step 1: Project Screening
Determine if the project is covered by the Philippine EIS System (Environmentally Critical Project or in an Environmentally Critical Area).
Step 2: Scoping
Define the study area and specify the critical environmental issues to be addressed in the EIA report.
Step 3: EIA Study & Report Preparation
Conduct baseline studies, impact assessment, and formulate the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Step 4: Review & Evaluation
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) reviews the EIA report through an independent Review Committee.
Step 5: Decision Making
Issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC).
Step 6: Monitoring
Post-ECC compliance monitoring by the proponent and the Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT).
Example
Scenario: Cement Plant Construction
A contractor is hired to build a large cement manufacturing plant near a residential area and a river.
Requirement: A cement plant is classified as an Environmentally Critical Project (ECP) because of its scale and potential for air and water pollution. The contractor and owner cannot simply start digging. They must first hire environmental consultants to conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the EMB, undergo public hearings, and finally secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Building without an ECC carries massive fines and a Cease and Desist Order (CDO).
The EIS Process
0 of 6 Steps CompletedToxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes Control Act (RA 6969)
Site Environmental Management
0 of 3 Steps CompletedThe Clean Air Act (RA 8749)
Example
Scenario: Dust Control
A road construction project in an urban area creates massive clouds of dust, affecting nearby businesses and residents.
Application: Under the Clean Air Act, construction activities must minimize dust generation. The contractor is required to implement control measures such as regular watering of unpaved roads, covering dump trucks carrying loose materials, and installing perimeter dust screens. Failure to comply can result in fines from the DENR or LGU.
The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003)
Example
Scenario: Construction Waste Disposal
A contractor demolishes an old concrete building and dumps the rubble in a nearby vacant lot without permission.
Application: This is illegal dumping under RA 9003. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste must be properly segregated, recycled where possible (e.g., crushing concrete for base course), and disposed of only in approved sanitary landfills. The contractor faces fines and the revocation of their permit.