Groups ready raps vs DENR for granting coal plant ECC
Groups opposing the construction of a coal-fired power plant plan to sue the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for approving the project.
The groups including the Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (Rise), Professionals for Social Responsibility (Pro- SR) and Workers for Environment and Health (We Heal), is preparing its complaint against the DENR for alleged violations of Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act), said Melvin Purzuelo, a convenor of Rise.
Purzuelo claimed that the DENR granted an environment certificate of compliance (ECC) to the coal plant project despite violations on the procedural requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system which must be met before an ECC can be granted.
DENR Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr. issued an ECC on Sept. 1 to the Panay Power Corp. (PPC) to construct a 164-mw coal-fired plant in Barangay Ingore in La Paz District.
The PPC and the Metrobank subsidiary Global Business Power Corp (GBPC) are proposing to build the coal plant inside a 40-hectare property of the PPC in Barangay Ingore. The plant is expected to be completed by 2010.
Atienza had said in the letter approving the application for ECC that proponents have met the department's requirements. He said project can commence after the proponents can secure the required permits and licenses from government agencies.
The DENR had laid down 14 conditions in the ECC that should be followed and met in the construction of the project.
PPC and GBPC have repeatedly assured the safety of the plant but opponents have remained unconvinced.
Purzuelo said they will also file a complaint against the Iloilo City government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas for allowing the granting of an ECC despite the lack of approval from the city council, which the groups claim, is required by the Local Government Code.
But Treñas earlier said that aside from business permits and licenses, no approval from the city government is needed in the construction of the coal plant. He had cited the July 13, 2007 DENR memorandum that stated that no permits or clearances issued by national government agencies or local governments would be required in getting an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) or certificate of non-coverage (CNC).
An ECC or CNC is required for projects perceived to have negative environmental impact. The granting of the certificates gives the go-signal for the projects.
The mayor has openly endorsed the project citing the need for a stable power supply for residents and businesses in the city.
The project is among the long-time measures being push to address the power supply problem of Iloilo and Panay Island. It is being supported by most local officials and business groups.