German-led renewable energy firm Hydrotec Renewables Inc. has obtained environmental endorsements for a mini-hydroelectric power plant within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL) in Rodriguez, Rizal.
In a statement, Hydrotec said the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had issued a resolution approving the construction of the 3-megawatt power facility.
The resolution allows Hydrotec to build the mini-hydropower plant with an “environmentally-friendly design” within the protected area.
The DENR Environment Management Bureau (EMB) has also issued a certificate of non-coverage (CNC), which Hydrotec said further affirms the project was seen to have no negative impact on the environment.
“With the CNC, there is no need for Hydrotec to get an ECC, which is a tedious and expensive process,” Hydrotec director Hannes Mueller said.
The construction period of a hydro power plant is 6 to 8 months. The company targets to complete all eight hydro projects by 2016.
PAMB, a multisectoral body responsible for the administration and management of all protected areas in the country, unanimously approved the clearance for the mini-hydropower plant.
PAMB cited the benefits of the project, including a river cleaning system that would remove any debris and other solid wastes from the Wawa river; local employment; a potential contribution to a more effective flood control; reduction of sedimentation and siltation at Wawa, Marikina River, Laguna de Bay, Pasig River; and Manila Bay and funding from the project income to be used in support of reforestation.
Hydrotec has received eight renewable service contracts including certificates of registration from the Department of Energy for its small hydro projects along Marikina river and its tributaries.
The Pamitinan Protected Landscape covers 608 hectares in Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal.
Pamitinan was a well known place in Rizal because of Wawa Dam built by the Americans in 1909.
The dam was the original source of water supply for the residents in Manila and nearby communities until it was closed in 1962 due to deterioration of water quality.