WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN GEOTHERMAL AREA OF SOUTHERN NEGROSALAINE TESS A. CABIJEMUD 205

AbstractThis paper presents a case study on watershed management of Southern Negros Specially on Palinpinon, Valencia.

Effects of EDC on the community, environment and economy

LGU participation of watershed management

PurposeThe purposes of this study are to share information and contribute to a better understanding of the current status of Water Management in Southern Negros,

collect and present lessons learned and principal issues emerging from experiences in Southern Negros watershed specially that it is has a geothermal power plant

and to provide recommendation for the next generation.

Overview About 25 percent of the world’s population lives in the uplands of Asia and the Pacific region. Population pressure, compounded by improper use of land and other natural resources, has led to the progressive degradation of upland areas throughout the region. This degradation is causing adverse effects in the adjoining lowlands, where another 25 percent of the world’s population reside. In view of the scarcity of land and the growing demand for goods and services for a growing population, people are increasingly concerned about the problems of watershed degradation. For several decades, the conservation, use, and sustainable management of watershed resources have been high priority in many countries of the world. Integrated watershed management (WM) is now considered an appropriate approach to ensure sound sustainable natural resources management, improving the economic conditions of watershed inhabitants, promote proper usage of resources among rural people.

Geothermal Energy conditions of watershed inhabitants, promote proper usage of resources among rural people.

Geothermal energy is one of the renewable energy technology that has tremendous potential to provide energy security while reducing energy-related CO2 emission to a number of countries that are situated in the area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.

According to the International Geothermal Association (IGA), the Philippines rank second to the United States in producing geothermal energy. Leyte is one of the island in the Philippines where geothermal power plants were developed. Energy Development Company started the development of tapping that energy source in 1977.

EDC- SNGP The Philippines geothermal energy provides 27% of country's total electricity production. Geothermal power plants are on the Luzon Island, Negros, Mindanao and Leyte. The production of electricity by geothermal plants is cheaper than the electricity produced using natural gas and coal.

Southern Negros Geothermal Project uses the strategic location to build 2 plants with 44 wells having 192.5 megawatts in capacity generating electricity and distribute it to the central Visayas region.

EDC- SNGP

LOCATION Negros Oriental is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines and is in the eastern part of the 2-province Negros Island. It lies approximately 620 km from the capital city of Manila, at roughly 1220 30. E, 90 00. N and 1230 30. E,100 30. N. The Geothermal Renewable Energy Contract(GRESC) covers a 64,299 hectare of land with a capacity to produce 192.5 megawatt of electricity supporting thousands of commercial, industrial and residential sector in Central Visayas.

LOCATION

LegendPalinpinon Geothermal

ReservationGeothermal development BlockFocus watershedMunicipalities

CLIMATEThe whole eastern part of the province falls under the third type of climate which is characterized by not very pronounced maximum rainfall with a short dry season from one (1) to three (3) months.  The other half falls under the first type, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season.  A dry month is one wherein rainfall is less than two inches.Humidity is the degree of

moisture content in the atmosphere.  The relative humidity in the province ranges between 78 percent and 84 percent.  Annual average humidity in the province is approximately 82 per cent.

HYDROLOGY

HYDROLOGYphysical geography, geology and chemistry of the Okoy field suggests that the data can be grouped into four categories:-

(a) Upper Okoy reservoir (OK2, OK4, OK5)

(b) Lower Okoy reservoir (OK6, OK7, OK8)

(c) Hot water outflow (N3, OK3, N1, N2)

(d) Ilijan outflow (0x1)

HYDROLOGYUpper Okoy Reservoir The upper Okoy reservoir is a single phase system existing between +300m and -1000m MSL consisting of neutral chloride water with chloride concentrations of approximately 3600ppm.

Deep drilling has encountered temperatures of up to 310'C and no re-charge system has yet been identified. Some small two phase steam dominated zones overlie the reservoir. Least square linear regression analysis gives an 'elevation

The piezometric water level of the reservoir is +330m MSL. All Chloride springs which derive fluid from the reservoir will occur at elevations less than +330m MSL. Surface thermal manifestations at elevations greater than +330m MSL which derive fluid from the reservoir are likely to be steam heated or discharge free steam. The pressure gradient of 8.91 kPa/m corresponds to water of approximately 160°C. The average reservoir temperature is greater than 160°C thus the pressure gradient is super-hydrostatic.

HYDROLOGY Lower Okoy Reservoir The lower Okoy reservoir is a neutral at elevations below -1000m MSL. Deep encountered temperatures ranging from recharge or outflow systems have been chloride water system drilling so far has 250 to 303°C and no recharge or outflow systems have been indicated

The piezometric water level of the reservoir is +110m MSL. reservoir will occur at elevations less than +110m MSL. to water of approximately 175°C. reservoir temperature is greater than 175°C thus the pressure gradient is super-hydrostatic. difference between the upper and lower reservoirs is 2150 kPa. If permeability exists between these reservoirs, within the known field area, fluid will flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir.

Conceptual Model of Okoy Geothermal Field

HYDROLOGY

ISSUES

ENVIRONMENT

Economy

SUSTAINABLITY FRAMEWORK

ISSUES- Environment Soil degradation Figure 8 shows visible soil degradation. Palinpinon is on a 30-40% soil erosion zone. Okoy watershed and other neighbouring watershed experience rerouting of river path during the bagyong sendong at Dec 2012.

Figure 8Rampaging floodwaters from the Okoy River eroded the ground beneath a road to Valencia, Negros Oriental, rendering it impassable. on source Visayan Daily Sunstar on Dec 20, 2012

Fire The southern geothermal location is susceptible to fire. Biodiversity change The natural ecosystem of Palinpinon has been disturb by having a geothermal powerplant. Damns, Pipes and other industrial buildings has been place on the mountain to facilitate the whole geothermal project. The natural inhabitant has been changed.

ISSUES- Environment Climate changeThe direct change of weather patterns caused by biotic process, and solar radiation will create a series of domino catastrophic effects like tectonic plates movement and volcanic movement. Problem of accessibility, health and shelter would be a problem because of climate change.

ISSUES- Society Security The whole SNGP project covers barangay Palinpinon and other neighbouring barangays linked by the road system of Valencia. Residents from the said barangays can see the power plants and can intrude the power plants if they really want to.

Population As our national population census is increasing, the upland population in the said location is also increasing. The SNGP cannot directly control people migrating to the upland or even population growth rate.

Ignorance The community must be informed of their responsibility and their role towards the watershed. They have a obligations to preserve the biodiversity of the watershed. Ignorance of the law can cause future problems.

Poverty Localities depend mainly on agriculture. Education at the upland is a luxury/necessity. Supplies for education and other medium for learning is scarce.

Watershed Management Procedure

BUILDING PARTNERSHIP(EDC-WMP)

CHARACTERIZED WATERSHED

(OKOY WATERSHED)

SET GOALS AND IDENTIFY

SOLUTIONDESIGN

IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM

IMPLEMENT THE WATERSHED

PLAN

MEASURE PROGRESS AND

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS

SustainabilitySUSTAINABILITYAND CONTINIUTY

Environment Protection & Conservation Business & Operation

Benefits for People and Organization

WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Forest Protection and Law

enforcement ProjectFire

Protection ProjectSoil and Water

Conservation Project

Biodiversity Conservation

ProjectForest

Restoration Project

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

POLICY AD INSTITUTION

AL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Policy and Institution

al Strengtheni

ng and Collaboration ProjectDevelopment

of Watershed Decision Support

System(WadSS)

INFORMATION EDUCATION

AND COMMUNICATIO

N (IEC)PROGRAM

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

Development of Watershed Monitoring

System Project

Development & Testing of protocols

and Technologies

ProjectCreation Of Markets of Environmental ServicesCommunity -

Based Ecotourism(CBET) Project

CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAM

climate change

adaptation and disaster

risk reduction project

Watershed Management FrameworkSUSTAINABILITYAND CONTINIUTY

Environment Protection & Conservation Business & Operation

Benefits for People and Organization

WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Forest Protection and Law

enforcement ProjectFire

Protection ProjectSoil and Water

Conservation Project

Biodiversity Conservation

ProjectForest

Restoration Project

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

POLICY AD INSTITUTION

AL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Policy and Institution

al Strengtheni

ng and Collaboration ProjectDevelopment

of Watershed Decision Support

System(WadSS)

INFORMATION EDUCATION

AND COMMUNICATIO

N (IEC)PROGRAM

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

Development of Watershed Monitoring

System Project

Development & Testing of protocols

and Technologies

ProjectCreation Of Markets of Environmental ServicesCommunity -

Based Ecotourism(CBET) Project

CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAM

climate change

adaptation and disaster

risk reduction project

Environment

societyEconomy

Progress- Society

Problem

SECURITYPOPULATIONIGNORANCEPOVERTY

PROGRAM

INFORMATION EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC)PROGRAMPOLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PRORESS

Society takes precautions in there actions. Ex. Cutting trees, electrocuting the river, preferable trees and agricultural produce to plant.There are publications for inquiries and updates on EDC. Environmental preservations

Implementation

Public awareness in a form of press release, dissemination of annual watershed status report, public relations activities, youth camp development of IEC materials and image enhancement are sources for the public to know what is happening in WM program.

Institutional Strengthening and Collaboration Project- mobilization of multi-sectoral board or Advisory council to strengthen the rules and policy making in WM.watershed Governance- disseminate information and development mechanism to the public and enhancing institutional links to various stakeholders.Appropriate approach in LUP.

Progress- SocietyProblem:The campaigners, comprising individuals and groups calling for a halt in the expansion projects of EDC in Valencia. They have doubts on legal and technical forest protection.Actions:•EDC presents its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).•Invited the campaigners to the SNGP and show all the activities of EDC.•Wrote Publication on EDC environmental project to gain back the trust of the public

Bishop Julito Cortes

Progress- Society

EDC Energy Camp teaches the youth to be well-rounded individualsby Jayson R. MangalusMay 18, 2014

Progress- SocietyCollaboration of school and Binhi Group in supporting Tree for Life Project

Binhi Project at Balugo High school

Progress- SocietySECURITY

Visible checkpoints on every barangay entrancePolice patrolBarangay Tanod Patrol

Progress- EnvironmentPROBLEM

SOIL DEGRADATIONFIREBIODIVERSITY CHANGECLIMATE CHANGE

PROGRAM

WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAMCLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAM

PRORESS

Binhi Project- Tree plantingANR Assisted Natural RegenerationAgroforestryPlantation

Implementation

•A Multi Sectoral Law Enforcement Team(MLET) is formed to oversee the forest protection activities. These are locals educated to be a part of watershed management.•Status resource and updated information is being compiled in a database for further use.•Set-Up community based early warning system•Campaign for public information on laws and regulations•Slope Stability and maintenance of road•Monitoring of soil erosion, slope stabilization ,biodiversity•GIS•Proper Land Use allocation

Progress- Environment

 Total forest area

Dense forest area Forest gain Forest loss Total land area

 

>10% tree cover (ha)

% total land cover

>50% tree cover (ha)

% total land cover

2001-2012 (ha)

% total forest cover

2001-2012 (ha)

% total forest cover (ha) 

Negros Oriental 224358 44.90% 168820 33.80% 2819 1.30% 5555 2.50% 499182 

Progress- Environment

Progress- Environment

Soil erosion metric tons per year

Progress- Environment

Soil erosion at Okoy River during Sendong Dec 20,2012

Progress- Environment

Change of river route duringSendong Dec 20,2012

Progress- Environment

Monitoring Status Update of river

Inform residents of danger zone

Progress- Environment

Source EDC itinerary report

Progress- EconomyPROBLEM

SUSTAINABLE POWERS SOURCEFOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENTLIVELYHOOD AND BUSINESS

PROGRAM

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMRESEARCH PROGRAM

PRORESS

Tree NurserySustainable livelihoodAgroforestry

Community livelihood

Implementation

Project 1- Forestry ExtensionProject 2- Sustainable Livelihood Project 3-Facilitation of Population ManagementProject 4- Community Capability Building and Empowerment

Progress- Economy

Progress- Economy

Proper waste disposal management small scale business

Progress- Economy

ResortEco-tourism

Progress- Economy

ResortEco-tourism

Progress- Economy

Ocean 24 (hotspring in a swimming pool)Eco-tourism

Progress- Economy

Hot springEco-tourism

Progress- Economy

Conclusion and Recommendation Environment Watershed Protection Program

Everyone is informed and cautious of protecting the forest of Palinpinon. barangay projects and community projects are linked to EDC community extension program. Visible public information are found on barangay halls and on the primary and secondary schools. The watershed Protection Program is a complete success.

Climate Change LGU and EDC has no control of house building in a danger zone area since. Although EDC uses all protective measures on informing residents of possible natural calamities, there are some who wouldn't listen to advises.

A strict Land Use Plan should be use and proper implementation of the LUP.

Conclusion and RecommendationEconomy Research Development Program

The Hydro and geothermal monitoring system is very useful in knowing current situation of the site. Since barangays are located near the river, people will be inform automatically if they need to move to a relocation zones.

Conclusion and RecommendationSociety Information Education Development Program

Public awareness stops misunderstanding of stakeholders. Local community has full trust on WM done by EDC.

Policy Institutional Program data base information is not yet accessible by all unlike other watershed studies on other countries. watershed information is published by leading environmental groups. There should be public information from GIS and other data sources.