SP to Naguilian mini-hydro: submit requirements first

April 21, 2018 Provincial

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan held up any action to the endorsement of Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III to the letter of Rafael M. Valdez, president and chief executive officer of Naguilian Mini-Hydro Electric Corporation, on the proposed 8.5 MW Hydro Power Project awaiting the submission of needed requirements set forth under SP Ordinance 22-2012 or the Code of General Ordinances.
“For the record, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is not against the project, but we have to abide by the provisions of the ordinance, that they have to submit the needed requirements before the project will be considered or not for endorsement,” said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Ruperto A. Rillera Jr. during the committee meeting.
Rillera who hails from Naguilian, had been accused to be stalling and blocking the endorsement of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan but openly claimed otherwise.
The Naguilian Mini-Hydro Electric is a proposed 8.5 MW Hydro Power Project located in Barangay Mamat-ing Sur, Mamat-ing Norte, Tuddingan and Lower Bimmotobot, Naguilian, La Union. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 115-2018 is directly requiring the proponent of the project to first submit all the needed requirements before consideration.
The project proponent was asked to submit requirements such as initial Environmental/Examination Report on the proposed project; Barangay Resolution, interposing no objection to the installation, construction and operation of a power plant/s; Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan Resolution interposing no objection to the installation, construction and operation of a power plant/s; Certificate of public hearing with attendance sheet from the concerned barangay; Land owner’s consent and proof of ownership of the area where the structure will be constructed; Neighbor’s consent for the installation of power plant; Deed of Undertaking, including a proviso that any transaction / arrangements / agreements entered into by the authorized contractor shall be honored by the Company undertaking the project; Energy Regulatory Commission/Board clearance; Department of Health (DOH) clearance; Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR; Vicinity Map; Building Specifications; and Locational Clearance.
Another mini hydro power plant is being proposed in Aringay and Tubao and a coal power plant in Luna, this province. JANE FLORES, GPC-SP / ABN