Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011 1 REGION XII AIRSHED STATUS REPORT Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau Region XIIX Koronadal CityI
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
1
REGION XII
AIRSHED STATUS
REPORT
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Environmental Management Bureau Region XIIX
Koronadal CityI
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
2
MEMORANDUM
FOR : Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna
Director, Environmental Management Bureau
DENR Compound
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
ATTENTION : Ms. Elenida del Rosario-Basug
Chief, Environmental Education and Information Division
FROM : The Regional Director
SUBJECT : SUBMISSION OF 2011 REGION XII AIRSHED STATUS
REPORT
DATE : 18 April 2012
We are respectfully submitting three (3) hard copies of Region XII Air Quality
Status Report for the two (2) airsheds, namely the South Cotabato Airshed and North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed for Calendar Year 2011 and one (1) CD containing the publisher files of the said document.
For information and record.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU XII
Blk. II, Purok St. Gabriel, Brgy. Zone III, Koronadal
City
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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PrefacePrefacePrefacePreface
Region XII has two (2) active airsheds and Governing Boards
(GBs) namely: the South Cotabato Airshed and the North Cotabato
Geothermal Airshed. These two (2) GBs have been very dedicated in
implementing different activities stipulated in their respective action
plan.
The South Cotabato Airshed is a common airshed covering the ten
(10) municipalities of South Cotabato and the cities of Koronadal and
General Santos, focusing on the major sources of air pollution,
especially mobile sources.
The North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed is a special airshed
covering a limited area of Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan City, Province of
North Cotabato. The focus of the GB is the emission of the hydrogen
sulfide (H2S) which has debilitating effects on human life in higher
concentration.
This report outlines the achievements of the two airsheds and
their stakeholders. It sums up the effort of the GBs in addressing
concerns within their respective airshed.
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Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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List of Appendices
Appendix A Highlights of the Minutes of the South Cotabato Airshed Governing Board and Executive Committee at Two Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz Bldg., Bonifacio St., City of
Koronadal on January 12, 2011.
Appendix B Highlights of the Minutes of the South Cotabato Airshed Technical Working Group 1 at Two Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz Bldg., Bonifacio St., City of Koronadal
on May 25, 2011.
Appendix C Highlights of the Minutes of the South Cotabato Airshed Governing Board Meeting held on June 8, 2011 at ELM Mansion and Resto, Brgy. Sta. Cruz,
Koronadal City.
Appendix D Highlights of the Minutes from the South Cotabato Airshed Technical Working Group (TWG) II on June 21, 2011 held at Two Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz Bldg.,
Bonifacio St., Korondal City.
Appendix E Highlights of the Minutes of the South Cotabato Airshed Technical Working Groups (TWG) I and II held at 2Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz Bldg., Blk. 1, Bonifacio
St., City of Koronadal on November 16, 2011.
Appendix F Highlights of the Minutes of the South Cotabato Airshed Technical Working Group (TWG) III held at 2Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz Bldg., Blk. 1, Bonifacio St.,
City of Koronadal on November 18, 2011.
Appendix G EDC Annual Air Quality Monitoring Report with compliance assessment with
Air Quality Standard and Status of Monitoring Equipment for 2011.
List of Tables
1 — Effects of H2S to Human Health
List of Figures
1 — Networking Scheme of an airshed.
2 — Map of South Cotabato.
3 — The actual conduct of roadside emission testing.
4 — Detailed Map of the North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed.
5 — Capacity building activity participated by both SCAand NCGA TWGs I, II, and III
6 — A meeting with the members of the North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed
Governing Board.
7 — Capacity building activity participated by both SCAand NCGA TWGs I, II, and
III.
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AQMS Air Quality Management Section
ASBU Anti-Smoke Belching Unit
CAA Clean Air Act
City ENRO City Environmental and Natural Resources Office
DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources
DILG Department of Interior and Local Government
DOE-MFO Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office
DOH Department of Health
DOST Department of Science and Technology
DOTC Department of Transportation and Communication
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
EDC Energy Development Corporation
EMB Environmental Management Bureau
Execom Executive Committee
GB Governing Board
IEC Information, Education and Communication
ILAI-MADADMA Idpossokaday no Linubbaran ni Apao Incorporated—
Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo
IPP Investment Priorities Plan
IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations
LGUs Local government units
LTO Land Transportation Office
m meter
M.C. Memorandum Circular
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Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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CONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................... iii
List of Appendices .............................................................................. iv
List of Tables .................................................................................... iv
List of Figures ................................................................................... iv
Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................. v
Executive Summary ........................................................................... viii
I. Introduction
A. Overview of Airsheds ............................................................. 1
B. Organizational Set-up ............................................................ 2
1. Governing Board .............................................................. 2
2. Executive Committee ....................................................... 2
3. Technical Working Groups ............................................ 2
C. Role of DENR-EMB XII .......................................................... 3
D. Roles of Stakeholders ........................................................ 3
II. National Policies/Law on the Creation of Airsheds ...................... 4
III. The South Cotabato Airshed
A. General Descriptions ............................................................. 5
1. Location and Boundaries ........................................... 5
2. Land Area Coverage .................................................... 6
3. Physical Features ......................................................... 6
B. Composition ............................................................................ 6
1. Governing Board ......................................................... 7
2. Executive Committee ................................................. 8
3. Technical Working Groups ....................................... 8
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Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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C. Accomplishments .................................................................. 9
IV. The North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed
A. Description ............................................................................. 10
B. Energy Development Corporation as Project Operator ...... 11
C. Hydrogen Sulfide as Air Pollutant ..................................... 12
1. Definition and Characteristics ............................... 12
2. Sources ........................................................................ 12
3. Effects to Humans .................................................... 13
4. Monitoring System .................................................... 14
D. 2011 H2S Monitoring ........................................................... 14
E. Composition ......................................................................... 15
1. Governing Board ................................................... 15
2. Executive Committee ............................................... 15
3. Technical Working Groups .................................... 16
F. Accomplishments ............................................................... 16
V. Challenges ................................................................................ 18
References
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Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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Executive Summary
The region has two (2) active airsheds and Governing Boards (GB)
namely: the South Cotabato Airshed, an administrative airshed and the
North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed, a special airshed. These airsheds have
been managed by its GB, comprising of government agencies, local govern-
ment units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), private sectors,
academe, civil society, and peoples’ organizations, that approves formu-
lated resolutions and policies; an Executive Committee (ExeCom) that pre-
pares policy recommendations and reviews and evaluates the output of the
TWGs; and three (3) Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that assists the
functions of GB and Execom.The South Cotabato Airshed and North Cota-
bato Geothermal Airshed, with their GBs, were created by virtue of DENR
Administrative Order (DAO) No. 13 dated May 18, 2004 and DAO No. 22
dated August 3, 2004, respectively. Both GBs have achieved notable ac-
complishments, including among others the preparation of Airshed Status
Report, formulation and implementation of Action Plans.
North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed. Since it is a special airshed,
wherein, the main pollutant comes from the geothermal plant, the Hy-
drogen sulfide (H2S) is being monitored regularly. The observed (H2S) re-
sults were within the DENR ambient standard set at 0.07 ppm, as re-
ported.
South Cotabato Airshed. In the region, there are three identified
major sources of air pollution namely: mobile sources, stationary sources
and area sources. Mobile sources include motor vehicles such as buses,
jeepneys, service vehicles, tricycle and the like. Stationary sources com-
prise industrial processing plants, power plants, factories and other similar
stationary sources whereas area sources include constructions of infra-
structure facilities, smoking and even burning of garbage. These sources of
pollution emit pollutants in the form of suspended particulate matter,
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and
others. Within the South Cotabato Airshed, EMB Region XII established
and maintained two (2) major ambient air monitoring stations, one in
the Municipality of Tupi and the other at the City of Koronadal. The aver-
age annual readings for 2011 of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) for
the two (2) stations were within 52.1-71.2 µg/NCM categorized as “Good”,
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Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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2011 AIRSHED STATUS REPORT
I. INTRODUCTION
Republic Act (R.A.) 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean
Air Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations defines an “Airshed
as areas with common weather or meteorological conditions and sources
of air pollution which affect the interchange and diffusion of
pollution in the surrounding atmosphere.” Every airshed is managed by
a governing board who carefully assesses, identifies problem, plans,
implements, and evaluates action plan to maintain the quality of air.
A. Overview of Airsheds
The region has two (2) existing and active airsheds namely the
South Cotabato Airshed, an administrative airshed and the North
Cotabato Geothermal Airshed, a special airshed. These airsheds have
been managed by its governing boards comprising of government
agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations
(NGOs), private sectors, academe, civil society, and peoples’
organizations. Each airshed has a Governing Board (GB) that approves
formulated resolutions policies,
action plans, and other
activities and programs;
Executive Committee (ExeCom)
t h a t p r e p a r e s p o l i c y
recommendations and reviews
and evaluates the output of the
TWGs; and three (3) Technical
Working Groups (TWGs) that
Governing
Board
Executive
Committee
Technical
Working
Groups
Figure 1. Networking Scheme of an airshed.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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assists the functions of GB and Execom. Figure 1. shows the
networking scheme of the composition of both airsheds.
B. Organizational Set-up
The GB shall prepare an action plan with identified activities to
strenthen the operationalization of the airshed. The tasks identified by
the GB will be delegated to the TWGs. The outputs of the TWGs will be
evaluated by the ExeCom. After thorough appraisal, the final output will
be presented to the GB for approval. There are three (3) functional
TWGs on both airsheds to address needed working force: TWG 1:
Control Strategy Evaluation & Rules/Standards Modification; TWG 2:
Public Awareness and Capacity Building and; TWG 3: Funding for
Governing Board Operations.
1. The Governing Board
Section 6 under Rule XV of R.A. 8749 stipulates the following
functions of the Governing Board (GB) such as formulation of policies
and standard-setting subject to laws of national application; preparation
of a common action plan; coordination of functions among its members;
and submission and publication of an annual Air Quality Status Report
for each airshed.
2. Executive Committee
Section 7 under Rule XV of R.A. 8749 states that an Executive
Committee will be formed for the purpose of carrying out the day-to-day
functions of GB consisting of nine (9) persons: the Chairperson, two (2)
Deputy Chairpersons, and six (6) members.
3. Technical Working Groups
Section 8 under Rule XV of R.A. 8749 says that TWGs will be
formed to ensure broad-based participation of the work of the GBs. To
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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address specific tasks identified by the GB, there shall be three (3)
TWGs namely: TWG1 as Control Strategy Evaluation and Rules/
Standards Modification, TWG2 as Public Awareness and Capacity
Building, and TWG3 as Funding for GB Operations.
C. Role of the DENR-EMB XII
The DENR through the EMB shall be the primary agency
responsible for the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act. They
shall head the Governing Boards established. They shall also design and
establish an ambient air monitoring network for the assessment of
ambient air quality, issue Permit to Operate and Authority to Construct
air pollution sources; monitor stationary sources; and collect permitting
fees, among others.
D. Role of Stakeholders
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)-
Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall conduct emission test prior to
renewal of registration of in-use vehicles, initial registration of second-
hand imported and rebuilt motor vehicles, and apprehended vehicles;
conduct roadside monitoring of vehicle emission standards; authorize
Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs), collect fees, fines, penalties,
and other charges; and conduct special campaigns, monitoring, public
information, and education drive.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and and
local government units (LGUs) shall conduct roadside apprehension as
deputized agents; prepare and enforce ordinance on banning of
smoking; and act as members of the GBs.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Board of
Investments shall provide incentives under the Investment Priorities
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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Plan (IPP) for the industries complying with the emission standards. The
DTI– Bureau of Import Services shall formulate and implement
guidelines for the importation and release of used engines. The DTI–
Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection shall develop and
implement standards and procedures for certification of training
institutions, instructors and facilities, and for licensing of qualified
private testing/service centers and their technicians. The DTI– Bureau
of Product Standards shall develop standards for testing procedures/
testing vehicles emission, for odometer and tamper resistant fuel,
management systems, for determination of vehicle useful life, and for
conforming engines to comply with the use of unleaded fuel within five
(5) years after the effectivity of R.A. 8749. The DTI-Regional/Provincial
Offices shall implement the DTI Accreditation Scheme for MV PETCs.
The Department of Health (DOH) shall undertake impact studies
to determine the link between exposure to air pollution mixtures/
individual compounds and the observed health effects.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in
coordination with other agencies, private sectors, academe, non-
government organization (NGOs), and Peoples’ Organization (Pos), shall
establish the reserach and development program for the prevention and
control of air pollution.
II. National Policies/Laws on the Creation of Airsheds
National laws set the scope and limitations for the two (2)
airsheds. Each airshed was designated through DENR Administrative
Order (DAO) rooted from Republic Act 8749, otherwise known as the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (CAA). The following national policies/
laws govern the airsheds in the region:
1. R.A 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act) - a comprehensive policy
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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and program for air quality management in the country which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos; sets standards for vehicle owners and manufacturing concerns to follow and imposes the appropriate punishments for violators of the law; and outlines the different programs to be imple-mented by the government in order to manage and maintain air quality
2. DAO 2000-81 (R.A. 8749 Implementing Rules and Regulations) provides guidelines on the operationalization of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999; lays down the powers and functions of the the DENR, DTI, DOTC, DOE, and all other concerned agen-cies, the rights and obligations of stakeholders and the rights and duties of the people with respect to the Air Quality Man-agement and Control program.
3. DAO No. 2004-13 dated May 18, 2004—North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed (Ranges: Latitude 60 59’9.3947 to 70
240.3374 Longitude: 1250 12’13.3856 to—1250 15’19.7223")
4. DAO No. 2004-22 dated August 3, 2004— South Cotabato Airshed(coverage: General Santos City, Koronadal City, Tupi, Polomolok, Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Surallah, Norala, Sto. Niño, T’boli, and Lake Sebu.)
5. DAO 2004-13—Establishment of Geothermal Areas as Airsheds (states the rationale, procedures, and coverage for establishment of geothermal areas as airshed.)
III. The South Cotabato Airshed
A. General Descriptions
1. Location and Boundaries
South Cotabato Province is
located at the southern part of the
island of Mindanao. It is bounded by
the Province of Sultan Kudarat in the
north and west, and Province of
Sarangani in the east and south.
Figure 2 shows the map of South Cotabato Province.
Figure 2. Map of South Cotabato.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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2. Land Area Coverage
The land area of the province is 370,589 hectares (3,706 km2)
with Koronadal City as its provincial capital. The airshed is composed of
the ten (10) municipalities of South Cotabato which include Tupi,
Banga, Tantangan, Polomolok, Tampakan, Surallah, Sto. Niño, Norala,
Lake Sebu, and T’boli; and the cities of Koronadal and General Santos.
3. Physical Features
The place is generally flat dotted with some hills and mountains.
South Cotabato belongs to the fourth type of climate, that is rainfall is
more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. The average
number of rainy days for the year 2004 is recorded between 122 to 180
days with the months of May, June, July, August and October having
the most occurrence.
Air humidity generally follows closely the rainfall pattern.
Humidity is highest during the period of June to October with 88%
being recorded at the Tupi seed farm. The months of February and April
have the lowest air humidity recorded at about 72%.
Maximum daytime temperature throughout the province is in the
range of 36-38 degrees Celsius, falling to 23-32 degrees Celsius during
the night depending on the elevation. The hottest period is January to
April while July to December being the coolest.
The total population of the province (excluding General Santos
City) as of August 1, 2007 was approximately 767,255.
B. Composition
The members of the South Cotabato Airshed is composed of
government agencies, LGUs, non-government organizations, private
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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sectors, peoples’ organizations, academe, and other concerned agencies.
The head of offices issued special orders for their permanent and
alternate members who will be actively involved in all the activities.
1. Governing Board
Chairperson : DENR XII, EMB XII
Members:
a. Provincial Governor of South Cotabato
b. LGUs of the following Municipalities:
• Municipality of Banga
• Municipality of Tupi
• Municipality of Tampakan
• Municipality of Lake Sebu
• Municipality of Polomolok
• Municipality of Sto. Niño
• Municipality of Tantangan
• Municipality of Tboli
• Municipality of Surallah
• Municipality of Norala
c. LGUs of the following Cities:
• City of General Santos City
• City of Koronadal
d. DOST XII
e. DILG XII
f. DOH XII
g. DTI XII
h. LTO XII
i. South Cotabato Foundation, Inc.
j. Justice and Peace
k.. Pollution Control Association of the Philippines
l. South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2. Executive Committee
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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Chairperson : DENR/EMB XII
Co-Chairperson : Governor
Committees
Policy and Research : PCAPI XII
: DOH XII
Public Awareness/Monitoring : LTO XII
: Justice and Peace
: South Cotabato Foundation Inc.
Budget and Finance : South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce
: LGU Gensan
: LGU Koronadal
3. Technical Working Groups
a. TWG 1 (Control Strategy Evaluation & Rules Standards Modification)
• PEMO, South Cotabato
• PCAPI XII
• DILG XII
• DOH XII
b. TWG II ( Public Awareness and Capacity Building)
• LTO XII
• JUSTICE & PEACE
• South Cotabato Foundation Inc.
• DOST XII
c. TWG III ( Funding for Governing Board Operations)
• DTI XII
• South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
• LGU General Santos City
• LGU Koronadal City
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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C. Accomplishments
The South Cotabato Airshed and its GB accomplished the follow-
ing meetings and activities for CY 2011:
• On January 12, 2011, GB and Execom convened at 2Gals Pizza
Hauz, Mariz Bldg., Bonifacio St., Koronadal City. Members of the GB
and Execom discussed matters concerning the 2011 Work and Fi-
nancial Plan. The draft Resolution Requesting the DOTC-LTO XII to
submit 2011 Work and Financial Plan (WFP) on the Implementation
of R.A. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999, was also revised and approved by the Body. (See Appendix A
for the minutes of the meeting.)
• On May 25, 2011, members of the TWG I which include the Depart-
ment of Health (DOH) XII, Pollution Control Association of the Philip-
pines, Inc. (PCAPI) XII, Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG) XII, and Provincial Government of South Cotabato, discussed
relevant matters on strengthening the operationalization of the air-
shed. Resolutions were also drafted for future plans and activities.
(See Appendix B for the minutes of the meeting.)
• The GB conducted a meeting on June 8, 2011 at ELM Mansion and
Resto, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Koronadal City, to plan and schedule activi-
ties in support for the celebration of the Environment Month. Activi-
ties like tree planting, anti-smoke belching operation (see Figure 3),
and campaign against open burning were agreed to be implemented.
(See Appendix C for the minutes of the meeting.)
• The TWG II convened on June 21,
2011 at 2Gals Pizza Hauz, Mariz
Bldg., Bonifacio St., Koronadal
City for the basic orientation of
the Anti-Smoke Belching Cam-
paign as part of the Governing
Board’s action plan. The orienta-
tion was given by Engr. Benjamin
B. Estomata of LTO XII. (See Ap-
pendix D for the minutes of the
meeting.) Figure 3. The actual conduct of roadside
emission testing.
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• The TWG II, in collaboration with the LTO XII ASBU and enforcers,
organized an Anti-Smoke Belching Operation along Carpenter Hill,
Km. 8, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City on June 21, 2011. 31
diesel-using fuel vehicles were subjected for emission testing. Only
two (2) vehicles failed the test. Results of the operation will be pre-
sented to the GB to further plan strategies and actions on smoke
belchers.
• On November 16, 2011, the TWGs I and II conducted a meeting at
2Gals Pizza Hauz, City of Koronadal, in support to the Clean Air
Month Celebration, wherein the body agreed to conduct an Anti-
Smoke Belching Campaign among the Regional Government Agen-
cies and Local Government Units within the vicinity of the City of
Koronadal. (See Appendix E for the minutes of the meeting.)
• In support also to the Clean Air Month Celebration, the TWG III held
a meeting on November 18, 2011 discussing the financial aspects
with regard to the repair of the Hartridge smokemeter to be used
during the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign. Further, the body dis-
cussed to pursue a Capacity Building on Air Data Interpretation and
Analysis, Report and Communication Writing on December 13-14,
2011. (See Appendix F for the minutes of the meeting.)
• An Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign participated by the members of
TWGs I, II and III was conducted on November 29, 2011 in support
to the Clean Air Month Celebration. Vehicles of agencies such as
DENR XII, LTO XII, DILG XII, DSWD XII, DPWH XII, and LGUs
within City of Koronadal were subjected for emission testing using
Hartridge smokemeter.
IV. The North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed
A. Description
The North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed is a special airshed
which focuses on the emission of a particular air pollutant—hydrogen
sulfide (H2S).
The Mt. Apo Geothermal Project is an Environmetally Critical
Project within an Environmetally Critical Area, thus the implementation
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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environmental laws is imperative. This project is located at Brgy.
Ilomavis, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato resulting to the designation of
North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed and its Governing Board through
DENR Administrative Order 2004-13 dated May 18, 2004.
Figure 4 shows the detailed map of the geothermal airshed as identified
by a dispersion model. It entails that this airshed affects only areas located
near the geothermal project.
B. Energy Development Corporation as Project Operator
The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is the project
operator of the Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant located in Brgy.
Ilomavis, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato Province. It is one of the
significant investments in Kidapawan City, generating a total of 104 MW
of electricity that powers industrial plants in Mindanao. Situated in the
southeast portion of the Mt. Apo National Park, the geothermal plant
itself is a landmark and educational tourism.
The geothermal project is classified as an area emission source,
Figure 4. Detailed Map of the North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed.
(Source: EDC, Kidapawan City)
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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thus needs to comply with the ambient standards as provided for in
R.A. 8749 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
As project operator, the EDC had conducted an air disperion
modeling studies that determined the bounderies of the airshed. To
strengthen and ensure the critical care of the environment,
management measures and air quality monitoring program are also
required by the DENR-EMB from time to time.
C. Hydrogen Sulfide as Air Pollutant
1. Definition and Characteristics
Hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula H2S.
It is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable gas with the characteristic
foul odor of rotten eggs at concentrations up to 100 parts per million. It
often results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the
absence of oxygen, such as in swamps and sewers. It also occurs in
volcanic gases, natural gas, and some well waters. The human body
produces small amounts of H2S and uses it as a signaling molecule.
2. Sources
H2S occurs naturally in coal pits, sulfur springs, gas wells, and as
a product of decaying sulfur-containing organic matter, particularly
under low oxygen conditions. It is commonly encountered in places
such as sewers, sewage treatment plants (H2S is often called sewer gas),
manure stockpiles, mines, hot springs, and the holds of fishing ships.
Industrial sources of hydrogen sulfide include petroleum and natural
gas extraction and refining, pulp and paper manufacturing, rayon
textile production, leather tanning, chemical manufacturing and waste
disposal.
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3. Effects to Humans
Exposure to lower concentrations can result in eye irritation, a
sore throat and cough, nausea, shortness of breath, and fluid in the
lungs. These effects are believed to be due to the fact that hydrogen
sulfide combines with alkali present in moist surface tissues to form
sodium sulfide, a caustic. These symptoms usually go away in a few
weeks. Long-term, low-level exposure may result in fatigue, loss of
appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness. Table 1
summarizes the effects of H2S to human health.
Table 1. Effects of H2S to Human Health
0.00047 ppm
the recognition threshold, the concentration at which 50% of humans can detect the characteristic odor of hydrogen sulfide, normally described as resembling "rotten egg"
Less than 10 ppm exposure limit of 8 hours per day
10–20 ppm
the borderline concentration for eye irritation
50–100 ppm
leads to eye damage
100–150 ppm
olfactory nerve is paralyzed after a few inhalations, and the sense of smell dis-appears, often together with awareness of danger
320–530 ppm
leads to pulmonary edema with the possibility of death
530–1000 ppm
causes strong stimulation of the central nervous system and rapid breathing, leading to loss of breathing
800 ppm
lethal concentration for 50% of humans for 5 minutes exposure
over 1000 ppm
cause immediate collapse with loss of breathing, even after inhalation of a sin-gle breath
H2S Effects to Human Health
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
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4. Monitoring System
The EDC had installed two continuos H2S ambient monitors using
the Jerome 651 Monitoring System. The two (2) stations are located at
the Hilltop Area and Relocation Area.
The Jerome 651 H2S Monitoring System is designed to provide
long-term monitoring even in extreme weather conditions, it can be
stationed at any location that requires monitoring. Multiple units can
also be linked to form a perimeter monitoring system. Built-in software,
data logging and radio telemetry capabilities make downloading data
convenient and easy.
D. 2011 H2S Monitoring
One of the major essence of the North Cotabato Geothermal
Airshed Governing Board is to monitor whether or not, the project
operator is complying with the standards, protecting the communities
nearby from the hazardous effects of the H2S as an air pollutant.The
standard value of H2S according to ambient air quality is 0.07 Ppm.
The EDC monitoring system generates data every ten (10)
minutes, producing 144 readings in 24-hour time, making the recording
very critical. The EDC set the system to thirty (30) minutes interval,
weighing the average and reducing the generated data while
maintaining its accuracy.
Appendix G presents the air quality monitoring report, compliance
assessment with air quality standard and status of monitoring
equipment of EDC for 2011.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
23
E. Composition
1. Governing Board
Chairperson : DENR/EMB XII
Members:
a. LGU North Cotabato Province
b. LGU Kidapawan City
c. DTI XII
d. DILG XII
e. DOTC- LTO XII
f. DOST XII
g. DOH XII
h. DOE Mindanao
i. Mt. Apo 10km-Radius Dwellers Federation, Inc.
j. ILAI-MADADMA
k. Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI XII)
l. Rotary Club of Kidapawan
m. Metro Kidapawan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation,
Inc.
n. University of Southern Mindanao
o. Energy Development Corporation
p. Kidapawan City Consumers’ Organization
2. Executive Committee
Chairperson : DENR/EMB XII
Policy and Research :USM
: DOE
Public Awareness and Monitoring : DOST
: ILAI-MADADMA
: Peoples’ Organization
: LGU-Kidapawan City
Budget and Finance : EDC
: MKCCIFI
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
24
3. Technical Working Groups
TWG 1: Control Strategy Evaluation & Rules/Standards Modification
• DOH XII
• DOE Mindanao
• EDC
• USM Kabacan
• DOST XII
TWG 2: Public Awareness and Capacity Building
• LTO XII
• Kidapawan City Mayor
• ILAI
• DILG XII
TWG 3: Funding for Governing Board Operations
• DTI XII
• MKCCCIF
• CENRO, Kidapawan City
• North Cotabato Provincial Governor
• Mt. Apo 10-KRF
• EDC
F. Accomplishments
This special airshed focuses only on
hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emission as its
main pollutant. The GB had formulated
an action plan (see Appendix G). Members
of this special airshed have accomplished
the following:
• On January 11, 2011, the GB
convened at AJ Hi-Time Hotel
and Restaurant, Kidapawan City
to discuss relevant matters in
connection with the 2011 Work
Figure 6. A meeting with the members
of the North Cotabato Geothermal
Airshed Governing Board.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
25
and Financial Plan. The board agreed to pursue the presenta-
tion pertaining the airshed to Honorable Governor Emmylou T.
Mendoza of North Cotabato Province. The GB also conformed
to the idea of making a resolution delineating the duties and
functions of Executive Committee and Technical Working
Groups to avoid overlapping of functions.
• The TWGs I, II, and III drafted resolution delineating the duties
of Execom and TWGs and prepared a powerpoint presentation
to Gov. Mendoza on February 16, 2011.
• Members of the NCGA Execom convened on April 15, 2011 to
appraise the output of the TWGs. They finalized the presenta-
tion for Gov. Mendoza and suggested other activities to accom-
plish within the year such as IEC production and distribution
at Lake Agco Integrated High School.
• The technical secretariat distributed IEC materials to two (2)
schools covered by the North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed
namely: Lake Agco Elementary School and Lake Agco Inte-
grated High School on August 25, 2011. IEC materials in-
cluded brochures and flyers on environmental protection par-
ticularly on air and water, solid waste management and ozone
layer preservation.
• On October 17, 2011, the GB conducted a brief presentation
highlighting the composition of the airshed, its roles and func-
tions as well as the H2S Emission and the monitoring EDC for
presentation to Gov. Emmylou T. Mendoza.
• As suggested by Gov. Mendoza, the GB conducted a meeting
on December 02, 2011 at the Cotabato Provincial Engineer’s
Conference Room discussing the approved agenda by the
members of the board. Furthermore, EDC gave a brief presen-
tation on Hydrogen Sulfide and its Fourth (4th) Quarter Report
and a joint Capacity Building on Air Data Interpretation and
Analysis, Report and Communication Writing on December 13-
14, 2011 of NCGA and SCA TWGs (I, II and III) members was
discussed.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
26
B. Capacity Building
The SCA and NCGA TWGs I, II
and III successfully conducted a Ca-
pacity Building on Air Data Interpre-
tation and Analysis, Report and Com-
munication Writing on December 13-
14, 2011 at EMR Center, City of
Koronadal. This two-day activity
highlighted the important strategies
with regards to technical writing es-
pecially enhancing data interpretation
and analysis of air quality. Experts on
different fields were invited, making the activity meaningful and vital to
the members of the TWGs.
C. Promotional Activities
The SCA and NCGA GBs always include promotional activities in
their action plans. Such activities include tree planting, IEC materials
production and distribution, regular conduct of roadside inspection,
quarterly monitoring of H2S emission, hanging of streamers, etc. These
activities not only promote the maintenance of good air quality but also
enhances public awareness in the preservation of the environment in
general.
Each GB focuses on the primary source of air pollutants within
the airshed. The South Cotabato Airshed GB gives priority to mobile
sources while the North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed to hydrogen sul-
fide emission from the geothermal plants. It is also the role of the GB to
protect the general welfare of the public especially the health aspect
through implementing wide-range programs and activities.
V. CHALLENGES
Though the two (2) airsheds, with their respective GB, differ from
their monitored sources of air pollution, both have same primary
Figure 7. Capacity building activity
participated by both SCAand NCGA
TWGs I, II, and III.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
27
concern of achieving the standards set by R.A. 8749, otherwise known
as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. More than the primary concern
of compliance to the law, is the general welfare of the public covered by
the airshed.
As long as air remains a basic need of life, the need of
maintaining its quality is imperative. This continues to be a challenge—
sustaining the ability of air to support life, not to poison it.
The South Cotabato Airshed and its Governing Board not only
focuses on the sources of air pollution, but also on advocacy and IEC
campaign to increase public awareness. Despite the limited monetary
sources, they have conducted meetings and activities that promoted the
accomplishment of the action plan. Though targets are not 100%
accomplished, the GB continues to remain active and striving to achive
more upto the years to come.
The North Cotabato Geothermal Airshed and its Governing Board
has a very limited task. The EDC had installed two (2) stations, provided
the monitoring system, and submitting quarterly monitoring report to
EMB XII Office. The main task of the GB, therefore, is to see to it that
the EDC is complying with the standards. However, validation process
has not yet materialized and this is the next step to make for the GB to
accomplish. Moreover, it also targets to include impacts on the
surrounding communities. In addition to monitoring of compliance and
validation process, the challenge, is to include the IEC as well as
advocacy not only on clean air but on the environment per se.
Region XII Airshed Status Report 2011
28
References
DENR-EMB XII. 2010 Air Quality Status Report.
DENR-EMB XII. 2010 Airshed Status Report.
Easton, T.A., 2007. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Environmental Issues. 12th Edition. McGraw Hill Companies. United States of America.
Easton, T.A., Goldfarb, T.D., 2004. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Environmental Issues. 10th Edition. McGraw Hill Companies. United States of America.
Hesketh, H.E. 1974. Understanding and Controlling Air Pollution. 2nd Edition. Ann Arbor Science Publishing, Inc. Michigan.