Technological University of the Philippines – Cavite
CQT Avenue, Salawag, Dasmariñas City, Cavite
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT
EXPRESSWAY
GEE11A – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Proponents:
PAREDES, JEREMIAH LEE P.
PRADO, ADRIAN DIEGO D.
RIANO, XANDER REGOR R.
RODIL, GILBERT S.
ROGANDO, JETHRO CYRON G.
SALANGO, LESTER JOHN L.
SANTELICES, JOHNFRANCIS ESTHEL F.
BSME – 3A – S
DR. ALICE TOPACIO
PROFESSOR
JANUARY 18, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Industry
Proponents
Introduction
Study
2.1 Information Function
6
2.2 Motivation Function
7
3.1 Develop an Idea
8
3.2 Encode
8
3.3 Transmit
9
3.4 Receive
9
3.5 Decode
9
3.6 Accept
9
3.7 Use
10
3.8 Provide Feedback
10
Mitigation
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A. INDUSTRY
Expressway also called as controlled-access highway is a type of highway that
provides unhindered traffic flow, no intersection, traffic signals or private property access.
It has restricted access, which means that a vehicle may only enter it from a specific
location and that no other route merges with or crosses the expressway, preventing
accidents. The common benefits of an expressway include high speed, increased safety,
comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers, and lower vehicle running costs.
B. PROPONENTS
Paredes, Jeremiah Lee P.
Prado, Adrian Diego D.
Riano, Xander Regor R.
Rodil, Gilbert S.
Rogando, Jethro Cyron G.
Salango, Lester John L.
Santelices, Johnfrancis Esthel F.
C. INTRODUCTION
The proposed Lasitran-Biga Expressway (LABEX) Project is a 60.5 kilometer long,
60 meter wide, four-lane expressway passing through the City of Sison. The
aforementioned project is the proposed solution to the serious traffic congestions along
the vicinity of the core urban areas and it seeks to improve the access to the agricultural
products of province of Pozur. The LABEX covers eight barangays of which all are not
directly traversed through the use of elevated expressway. The topography of the affected
area is varied with hills and plains. The surrounding environment has dry and temperate
climates wherein there are also various trees and irrigated agricultural areas supported
by several rivers and small streams.
The construction of expressways results in direct ecological devastation and
removal, as well as the rearrangement of local landforms. Abiotic and biotic components
of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems indicate that building an elevated highway has a
variety of ecological consequences on the terrain. Construction activities are a major
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source of particulate matter in the atmosphere, affecting air quality significantly. Land
clearing, ground excavation, cut and fill operations, and the construction of a specific
facility all add a significant amount of PM to the air and are also a source of airborne
ultrafine particles, among other things. Natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, and
streams have also been identified as a major source of pollution as a result of these
activities. Direct and indirect discharges add pollutants to adjacent water bodies caused
by a variety of activities such as soil erosion, the use of fossil fuels, paints, solvents,
cleaners, the use of harmful chemicals, construction debris, and dirt, resulting in physical,
chemical, and biological degradation of water quality. Due to an increased flow of motor
vehicles along highways, the roadside soil and residential area have been gravely
polluted. Heavy metal pollution, primarily caused by automobiles, is, on the other hand,
considered a severe environmental hazard. In addition, dust and other air pollutants
emitted by various construction activities have a significant impact on people living and
working near highways, and proximity to major roadways has also been linked to an
increased risk of respiratory complications, cardiovascular disease, and other health
problems. Workers at construction sites have also been shown to die from lung illnesses
and chronic diseases.
The construction of expressways enhances mobility and is critical to the economic
growth of a city and a country. Expressways that are badly designed, developed, and
constructed, unfortunately, can intensify the conditions of underprivileged people while
also hurting the natural and socioeconomic environment. Hasty construction damages
natural landscapes and biodiversity, as well as the loss of impacted communities’ cultural
and social institutions, air and water contamination, and noise and vibration. Expressway
infrastructure must be developed to a high standard and maintained to a high standard to
reduce harmful environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In the case of the concerned
region, this would reveal refinement in the design of economic activities, income creation,
price inflation, and employment conditions.
The proposed project is located in Sison City, which is only about 172.400 square
kilometers in area and one of the biggest in Vijan’s provinces. The population at the 2017
census was 1.2 million. The rural areas have only 81% paved road and 29% still lack of
access by motorized vehicle. 5. The Project objectives are (i) to increase access of the
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rural population to social services and markets leading, to improved livelihood, (ii)
enhance efficiency of the road networks and transport within the province, and (iii)
improve sub-regional cooperation and trade by facilitating road transport from Lasitran to
Biga. The project will finance construction of 60.5 kilometers expressway that will be
constructed upon the approval of the authority.
D. STUDY
This chapter contains information on the characteristics and the properties of the
targeted area of construction, the bio-physical, socio and economic aspects of the project
area that are likely to be affected as a result of the project and the activities pertaining it.
D.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
The physical location, climatic data, geology, drainage, and infrastructure of the
project site. The overall characteristics of the land and other properties are further
discussed.
D.1.1 TOPOGRAPHY
The proposed project site covers a long range of land that passes through
eight barangays. The project site also passes across three rivers (Gisap River,
Nayagac River, and Arba River) and several other small streams. The topography
of the affected area is a variation of hills, slopes, and plains. This variation in the
land’s level makes an elevated approach the most suitable approach
D.1.2 CLIMATE
The site is in the city of Sison hence experience the climate of the city. Sison
is located 7.3 meters above mean sea level, where the climate is under humid
subtropical. Sison experiences two seasons: dry season that may last from one to
three months, typically from March to May, and moderate to high rainfall season
during the year. Average temperatures usually range between 21 ℃ to 32 ℃,
January typically being the coldest month and May averaging the hottest. There
are several bodies of water that cross the site area which are not contaminated.
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D.1.3 HYDROLOGY AND METEOROLOGY
The area is characterized by a bimodal rainfall pattern with short and
scattered rains experienced from December to June while longer and stronger
rains experienced from July to November. The three rivers and other various
streams accommodate this rainfall. The mean annual rainfall is about 1000mm and
an annual evaporation potential of about 1700mm. The area has a cool weather
pattern during the wet season, and very humid heat during the dry season.
D.1.4 SOILS
The soils in that are scattered in this area are come in a wide variety
including Acrisols, Alisols, and Trachhytes. A lot of these soils are loamy and are
rich in iron and magnesium which are suitable to be used as farmland.
D.1.5 GEOLOGY
The Geology of Sison is comprised of geologic processes results of very
complex geology. The geography of the area may be viewed as a collage of
metamorphic terranes, magmatic arcs, ophiolitic complexes, sedimentary basins,
and a continental block of Eurasian affinity subjected to tectonic processes which
contribute to the variation of soils found in different areas.
D.1.6 VEGETATION TYPES
The variation of the altitude and soil in the area results in two main types of
vegetation, patches of forests (forests that are untouched by human structures)
found in Rosacara and Matilgob and tropical grasslands found Butil and Tabuan.
The substantial amount of precipitation that occurs in this land also makes it
suitable for agricultural lands. The type of vegetation is influenced by elevation,
geology, soils, climate and human influence.
D.1.7 CURRENT LAND USE
Majority of the lands at the moment are undeveloped and is being used as
farmland for the residents while a portion of the area being developed will go
through a small populated area.
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D.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
D.2.1 FLORA
As aforementioned, majority of the project site is being used as farmlands
by the residents, by this they have used the land to plant various crops while some
of the area being developed has no fauna due to the intervention of humans and
using it as a residential area.
D.2.2 FAUNA
Since the project site has been tampered with by the locals, it affected the
fauna around the area. However, there have been sightings of birds, mouse, frogs,
ants and beetles around the area at the time of the visit. These creatures needs
protection from us to help preserve the balance of the ecosystem.
D.2.3 SENSITIVE HABITAT
Though there were no sightings of species endangered of extinction, there
is still need of precaution in approaching this project so as to not disturb any
endangered animals there if ever there are. Rats and frogs are the only potential
species that will be displaced when construction comes.
D.3 SOCIO ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
D.3.1 POPULATION
After the long occupation of the Spanish people in the place in 1898
the place has been placed on steady recovery though they did not easily
transition to urbanization, the growth rate of the population of the City of
Sison has been on a steady pace. The current population of the City is 476,
351 and is expected to hit the 700,000 by 2030 and only a fraction of this is
Resides at the 6 barangays, San Ildefonso, Rosacara, Butil, Matilgob,
Tabuan, and Bacauwan that the expressway will go through with the
exception of Alcadesma and Catwiran that is a bit more populated.
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D.3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE
The area is not yet urbanized but the area is already accessible in
the case of the delivery of materials and equipment required for the
development of the expressway. The place can be accessed through
barangays Catwiran, Alcadesma, and Matilgob which are all connected to
main roads Sison road, Mahal na Tubig road, and Flores road respectively.
D.3.3 SOCIAL AMENITIES
Social amenities are already present in the area. Such as schools,
both private and public, churches, gyms, courts, convenience stores,
markets, etc.
E. IMPACTS
The proposed Lasitran-Biga Expressway (LABEX) Project's implications on land,
air, water, and people are assessed in this chapter. Methodologies on how each
subsection could be affected, critical findings on baseline environmental conditions, and
perceived significant consequences found for each component with related mitigation
actions will be presented for each subsection.
E.1 AIR POLLUTION
E.1.1 EMISSION OF DUST AND PARTICULATE MATTER
Highway constructions involve several processes such as land clearing,
ground excavation, cut and fill operations before the construction of the road.
These various processes will emit dusts and particulate matter in the environment.
In the production of dust in the construction, it can affect agriculture by covering
up the vegetation and disrupting biological processes such as photosynthesis,
respiration, and transpiration.
As for the particulate matter, which is just a combination of very small dust
particles and liquid particles, it poses health risk to humans. With the set standard
of a healthy air quality, a safe amount of particulate matter is permissible, however
in the event of an highway construction, this amount increases into an alarming
level that it can affect the health of humans around the area. One of the main
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problems in health is respiratory problems for the workers. This can also lead to
long term problem and induce pulmonary diseases.
E.1.2 VEHICULAR EMISSIONS
Another factor to look is the vehicular emissions. As the road is constructed,
multiple vehicles go through to help with the construction. It can also consider that
with large vehicles such as concrete mixer, trucks and other fuel powered
equipment will release significant amount of air pollutant such as carbon monoxide
(CO), nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, Sulphur dioxide (SO2),
particulates from exhaust and road dust, lead (Pb), methane (CH4) and toxics
including benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde. This can still be worse if
secondary pollutants are produced with the interaction of emission to the
environment. One of the possible pollutants is the ozone, which is form with the
combination of nitrogen oxides with volatile organic compounds in the air.
E.2 CONTAMINATION OF SOIL
One of the main problems for soil quality in the construction of road is the
accumulation of heavy metals. These could from industrial processes, energy
production, vehicle exhaust, waste disposal as well as coal and fuel combustion.
These metals include Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron
(Fe) and Copper (Cu). As for it effects, soil plays a vital role for vegetation. This
contamination can affect the quality of soil which prevent it for using on agriculture.
This heavy metal can come from lubricating oils, fuels, and wear parts of an
automobile. There is also a possibility that this contamination can end up on water
supply which lead to the food chain. Accumulation of this heavy metal can be toxic
for organism and poses health risks.
E.3 WATER POLLUTION
In maintenance activities and chemical spills along the road can be a source
of chemical pollutant in the roadsides. It can be also finding its way to a water
source and will carry to far distance. This can be done with storm water runoff.
Along with the chemicals, it can also take suspended matter and various metals
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from the soil to the water drainage system. This will affect the quality of nearby
water source, which in turn affect surrounding humans, animals, and plants.
E.4 VIBRATION
Construction of highway roads requires mechanical equipment and vehicles
like diggers, heavy trucks etc., These equipment aid on the fast construction but
also produce unwanted disturbances. One example that comes from digging,
passing by heavy container trucks or mixers is vibrations. This vibration can reach
high level in that it can damage nearby infrastructure. Overtime, this could pose a
risk to the people around. It can also disrupt human activities along with the noise
it produces.
E.5 NOISE POLLUTION
Construction sites may be extremely noisy, and they are frequently
temporary settings where different trades come to the site for brief periods of time
to complete their work. As various trades utilize different equipment to do their
tasks, the noise produced may differ. Because these duties frequently overlap,
people performing relatively quiet tasks may be exposed to noise from other trades
working nearby.
As motor vehicles and equipment are to be used in this project, noise
pollution is one of the concerns we should focus on. Noise is a type of unwanted
sound that can have an impact on job performance, safety, and health. Noise has
a variety of psychological impacts, including irritation and disturbance of focus.
When the exposure is substantial, physical symptoms include hearing loss,
discomfort, nausea, and communication disruption. Construction noise is
frequently reduced by limiting the hours during which work can be done. Many
governments limit building activities to typical working hours and forbid them on
weekends and public holidays.
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According to Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences,
School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, the loudest
tasks in construction are:
Tasks (Trade)
Installing Trench
Average Noise Level (dBA) Maximum Noise Level (dBA)
95.8
118.6
98.0
116.7
98.1
117.6
98.4
119.7
99.1
108.6
99.3
112.1
99.6
119.9
99.7
118.6
100.2
112.5
102.9
120.3
Conduit (Electricians)
Operating Work
Vehicle (Bricklayers)
Operating Manlift
(Operating Engineers)
Welding, Burning
(Ironworkers)
Operating Scraper
(Operating Engineers)
Demolition
(Laborers)
Laying Metal Deck
(Ironworkers)
Grinding
(Masonry Trades)
Operating Bulldozer
(Operating Engineers)
Chipping Concrete
(Laborers)
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According to Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of
Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, the loudest tools in
construction are:
Tools
Average Noise Level
Maximum Noise Level
(dBA)
(dBA)
94.9
122.8
Other Hand Power Tool
95.4
118.3
Hand Power Saw
97.2
114.0
Screw Gun, Drill Motor
97.7
123.7
Rotohammer
97.8
113.5
Chop Saw
98.4
117.7
Rattle Gun
98.4
131.1
Stationary Power Tool
101.8
119.8
Powder Actuated Tool
103.0
112.8
Chipping Gun
103.0
119.2
Welding, Cutting
Equipment
E.6 DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENTS ON THE ROADSIDES
Water is an important feature of every construction project since it is utilized
as part of the fluid for excavation and foundations, as well as to cool tools and
clean them. It can also emerge as a result of rain and wastewater seepage in
several circumstances. In any case, it must be appropriately controlled to optimize
use while avoiding environmental impact.
The environment is concerned about sewage and effluent from sanitary
facilities, as well as wastewater from the projected constructions that could leak
along the roadsides. It should always drain into the intended septic tank systems
using well-designed and installed pipe networks.
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E.7 WILDLIFE DISTURBANCE
As human activity has had a negative influence on the environment's
wildlife, no large faunal species have been detected. During excavations, there will
be little disruption to small animals and birds. Construction operations, in general,
have the potential to harm wildlife. Small animals and birds will have to find new
places to nest.
Building operations at the construction site pose a major threat to animal
conservation. Construction necessitates the acquisition of land, which may have a
direct influence on the animal habitat in the region. Noise from building operations
can cause changes in eating and breeding habits, which can be harmful to the flora
and animals in the area. The most usually afflicted animals include badgers, bats,
great crested newts, and birds.
E.8 DEFORESTATION
In this project wherein various trees along hills and plains are going to be
affected, deforestation takes place. Habitat fragmentation can also be the result of
this project as tracts of forest are being broken down into smaller areas. Ultimately,
it will lead to forest die-off due to alteration of forest conditions such as humidity
levels, temperature, wind, and exposure to fire and invasive species.
As road construction includes several processes like land clearing before
the actual construction, such trees and forests that are lying along the path of the
proposed construction will be cleared.
ED.9 ECONOMY
On the other side, building new road will pave a way for new opportunities.
This will increase the accessibility of areas, expansion and rise of businesses, and
saves time and money for travel of delivery of materials used in production. It will
increase the overall productivity of community and thus, boost its economic
performance. It also opens up jobs for people in the community for its construction
which can provide a source of income for many families.
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