QuestionsQuestions (EMB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2014-005)
It updates/amends the guidelines for coverage screening and standardized documentary requirements under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (PEISS), amending relevant portions of MC 2007-002.
Every proposed project or undertaking projected to have significant adverse impact on the quality of the environment is covered by the Philippine EIS system.
Major expansion, rehabilitation, and/or modification of existing projects, as well as resumption of projects that have stopped operations for a prolonged period.
Category A refers to environmentally critical projects (ECPs) declared under presidential issuances (e.g., Proclamation Nos. 2146, 803, and others as later declared). Category B applies to projects not classified as ECPs but located in an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) under those proclamations and parameters in the screening guidelines.
Proponents of Category A projects implemented from 1982 onwards are required to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
It falls under Category B, and proponents implemented from 1982 onwards are likewise required to secure an ECC.
Category D projects are deemed unlikely to cause significant adverse impact under the screening parameters; they are not covered by the PEISS and are not required to secure an ECC.
No. The MC states that non-coverage shall not be construed as an exemption from compliance with other environmental laws and government permitting requirements.
Category C covers projects intended to directly enhance the quality of the environment or directly address existing environmental problems.
It shall be considered under the category with the most stringent requirements.
They are categorized according to parameters in Annex B of the Screening Guidelines. Resumption of projects that have stopped operations for more than five (5) years is specifically included in this treatment.
ECC applications must be accompanied by an EIA Report in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), an IEE Checklist Report, an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP), Programmatic EIS, or Programmatic EPRMP.
A pro-forma project description in the form prescribed in Annex C of the PEISS Coverage Screening Guidelines.
For Category A projects: ECC/CNC applications are processed and decided by the EMB Central Office.
Category B ECC applications are processed and decided by the EMB Regional Office in the region where the proposed project is located.
A single project requires an EPRMP and an EPRMP Checklist is required for certain co-located situations; processing/decision is by the EMB Regional Office in the region where the project is located.
Proponents must submit a Project Description (PD) to the EMB Regional Office with jurisdiction, using the Annex C format, to confirm it falls within Category C.
No. The issuance of ECC or CNC does not exempt the proponent from securing other government permits and clearances required by other laws, and it does not resolve issues within the mandate of other agencies.
ECC applications for proposed expansion/rehabilitation/modification are reviewed by the office that originally issued the ECC. However, if a project originally classified as Category B is reclassified as Category A based on total/revised capacity, review is at EMB Central Office.