Geothermal production field, power subsidiary in Leyte get DENR PEPP Seal of Approval

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February 4, 2012

ORMOC CITY, Leyte  –  In recognition of their green initiatives, the Leyte project site and power subsidiary of geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) were each recently given the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) Seal of Approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Leyte Geothermal Production Field (LGPF) and Green Core Geothermal, Inc. (GCGI) were recognized for the implementation of various programs on pollution prevention and control, and environmental protection and management.

In particular, DENR recognized the green initiatives of LGPF and GCGI such as toxicity reduction of cooling tower sludge, use of vertical discharge diffusers, BINHI reforestation program, and enhancement of monitoring and environmental management systems.

The DENR observed that EDC management made significant improvements to the sludge recovery procedures of the Unified Leyte power plants after it took over operations from CalEnergy in 2007. The concentration of impurities in the sludge have been so greatly reduced that the facility now meets or falls below the limits set by the DENR.

The vertical discharge diffuser is pollution control equipment designed and piloted in LGPF in 2008. By trapping the steam released from geothermal wells for condensation and re-injection, this innovation has reduced and, in some cases, eliminated the release of fluids to the atmosphere, defoliation, community disturbance and environmental damage.

BINHI is the enhanced reforestation program started by EDC Chairman Emeritus Oscar M. Lopez in December 2008 as a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative. The program calls for the reforestation of 10,000 hectares of land in 10 years. BINHI covers four modules – Tree for Food, Tree for Life, Tree for the Future and Tree for Leisure. Tree for Life aims to reforest gaps in major forest ecosystems to promote the country’s unique biodiversity. Tree for Food promotes the conversion of denuded lands into agro-forests or plantations for soil protection and to serve as livelihood options for forest dwellers and communities near EDC’s geothermal project sites. Tree for the Future establishes tree parks for indigenous and rare premium species throughout the Philippines to preserve the gene pool of important tree species. Tree for Leisure will preserve the natural beauty and ambience of forests by designating them as ecotourism sites.

The PEPP is the joint effort of government, industry and civil society to promote improved environmental management and performance of businesses. This cooperation involves the provision of Program of Support to industry by PEPP partner agencies and institutions to encourage the proper and sustained implementation of environmental management systems and pollution prevention.

EDC and GCGI were awarded under the “Track 1” category for proven or demonstrated superior environmental performance which requires sustained implementation of environmental management systems for at least three years.