Environment agency says coal plant plan to be scrutinized

Sunstar Davao

THE proposed coal-fired power plant by the Aboitiz Power will have to pass through strict scrutiny before it can be constructed, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Monday.

DENR Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna said the Aboitiz proposed project will undergo an environment impact assessment. "If it will create havoc to the society and environment, then we will not approve it. But we also have to look at it more closely."

But so far, Environment Management Board Regional Technical Director Metodio U. Turbella said Aboitiz Power has not yet submitted any document or application to their office.

Turbella, however, hinted at a preference for coal.

He said that aside from hydro and geothermal sources of energy, coal is a viable and an inexpensive option. "But of course, it will undergo a thorough inspection before we will release any permits."

Meanwhile, the DENR announced it has a new program called the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation for 2011-2016. In relation to these, they have prepared a vulnerability assessment and they have finished the following areas: Tagum-Libunganon Watershed, Tamugan-Panigan watersheds, and Dewalwal-Tuganay watersheds. They will soon assess the Lasang and Agusan watersheds.

"We will be providing a complete book of real and documented assessment of our watersheds," said Bonifacio A. Apura, Regional Technical Director for Ecosystem Research and Development Services (ERDS).

Apura also admitted that climate change is a real phenomenon now and that the assessment of these watersheds shall identify what has to be done and to plan the necessary strategies in preparation for the future effects of climate change. (Carmelle Marie Harrow)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on December 21, 2010.