Environmental Laws

Environmental Laws

Civil engineering projects have a profound impact on the environment. Understanding and complying with environmental laws is not only a legal requirement but also an ethical responsibility.

The Philippine EIS System (PD 1586)

Under PD 1586, projects are categorized based on their potential environmental impact.

Key Requirements:

1. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC): Required for Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or projects located in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).
2. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): A comprehensive study of the significant impacts of a project on the environment.
3. Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC): For projects that are not covered by the EIS system.

Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs):

• Heavy Industries (Petrochemical, Iron/Steel, Smelting)
• Resource Extractive Industries (Mining, Forestry)
• Infrastructure Projects (Major Dams, Power Plants, Roads/Bridges)

Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs):

• National Parks, Watershed Reserves, Wildlife Preserves
• Tourism Areas
• Mangrove Areas

The Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749)

This comprehensive air quality management policy aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.

Key Provisions relevant to Construction:

• Emission Standards: Strict emission standards for motor vehicles and industrial sources (e.g., generator sets, construction equipment).
• Prohibition on Open Burning: Burning of solid wastes is strictly prohibited.
• Permit to Operate: Required for stationary sources of air pollution (e.g., asphalt plants, concrete batching plants).

The Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275)

This law provides for a comprehensive water quality management program.

Key Provisions relevant to Construction:

• Wastewater Discharge Permit: Required for any establishment discharging wastewater into water bodies.
• Effluent Standards: Discharge must meet the standards set by the DENR.
• Prohibited Acts: Discharging untreated wastewater, dumping of solid wastes into water bodies.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003)

This act provides for an ecological solid waste management program.

Key Provisions relevant to Construction:

• Segregation at Source: Mandatory segregation of solid wastes (biodegradable, recyclable, residual, special).
• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF): Establishments must have an MRF for recyclables.
• Prohibited Acts: Open dumping, open burning, littering.