How to Secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) Philippines

Obtaining an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) in the Philippines is a crucial step for companies planning to start projects that may have significant impact on the environment.

Securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) ensures that your company projects comply with environmental laws and regulations to promote sustainable development. In this article, we will cover the requirements and the application process of an ECC in the Philippines. 

Projects Requiring ECC in the Philippines

Under the Presidential Decree No. 1586, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) requires companies to obtain ECCs for projects that deem potential impact to the environment and promote sustainability. Following are some of the projects that require an ECC in the Philippines: 

• Large-scale construction – includes infrastructure such as bridges, highways, airports, and ports. 
• Industrial facilities – Projects like power plants, factories, and oil refineries fall under this category. 
• Mining operations – encompasses exploration, development, and extraction of minerals and other natural resources. 
• Agro-industrial projects –  Large-scale commercial farming, fishponds, and animal feedlots are included here. 
• Tourism and recreational facilities – includes theme parks, golf courses, and beach resorts. 
• Logging and commercial tree farming – Activities related to timber extraction
• Development projects – includes residential housing developments, commercial complexes, and industrial estates. 

Authorities may exempt some projects from requiring an ECC if they determine that these projects have no significant environmental impact. These can include small-scale agriculture, low-impact commercial establishments, or minor infrastructure projects. Instead of an ECC, you will be issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC).

The ECC Application Process in the Philippines

To get an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) requires the project to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and meet all environmental standards.

Following is the process to secure Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) in the Philippines:

1. Conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to help identify key issues and concerns related to your project. It starts by classifying your projects into  Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or if it’s located in an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA). Here’s an overview of these two categories: 

Environmentally Critical Projects (ECP)	Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA)
Projects with high potential for significant negative environmental impact.	Project sites are located in areas that are environmentally sensitive and designated as critical.
Large-scale mining, dams, and industrial facilities.	Protected areas, wetlands, and areas prone to natural hazards like landslides or flooding.

The reviewing body issues an EIA report summarizing findings and recommendations related to your project. It includes documentation detailing proposed mitigation strategies for the environment. Public consultations are also held with Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure that community input is considered within the report. 

Emerhub can facilitate the EIA process by helping you through project screening, scoping, and preparation of necessary documentation. We will liaise with LGUs and DENR to streamline the process of EIA for your project.

2. Prepare Documents Necessary for ECC Application

After EIA, the next step is to gather all the required documents for ECC application. These include: 

• A formal Letter of Request addressed to DENR-EMB declaring your intent to secure an ECC.
• Project Description (PD) describing all the details of your company project. 
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
• Authorization from Local Government Unit (LGU) 
• Geo-tagged Photographs as visual documentation of the project site.
• Maps to the project area and surrounding affected areas (minimum 1 km radius).
• Schematic Diagrams for pollution control and wastewater treatment facilities if applicable.
• Organizational chart outlining your company’s responsibilities regarding environmental management

Emerhub’s local experts will prepare the necessary documents on your behalf to ensure accuracy and avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Online Registration and Application

To start the application process, our local experts will register your project with the ECC. After the initial eligibility assessment, we will prepare the Revised Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) checklist together with all the required documents.  

The official application fee for ECC is PHP 5,055 (~USD 86). This payment can be made at any Land Bank branch using the generated Order of Payment against the application.

4. Review process by the DENR-EMB

After submission, the EMB Regional Office will examine all the documents attached to your application. During this phase, any discrepancies in documents or additional information required will be communicated for further evaluation.

The EMB will then prepare a Review Process Report that summarizes key findings related to your company’s proposed projects. This includes the EMB’s own assessments on the possible negative effects your project may have on the environment as well as proposed mitigation measures.

5. ECC Issuance

The EMB will make a decision based on the Review Process Report. if the application meets the requirements. Once approved, the ECC will be issued with specific conditions that must be adhered to throughout the project’s lifecycle.

An ECC in the Philippines typically has a validity period of five years from the issue date. This certificate will expire unless the project associated with it has been implemented within that timeframe. If a project is delayed beyond this period without implementation, the ECC may be declared expired by the DENR. 

Maintaining Compliance Post-ECC Issuance

Maintaining compliance after receiving an Environmental Compliance Certificate in the Philippines involves several ongoing obligations, particularly under the Environmental Management Plan. Here’s a brief overview of those conditions:

1. Implement all measures from the Review Process Report to reduce environmental impacts and establish an Environmental Unit within 60 days after receiving an ECC.
2. Companies must submit a semi-annual Compliance Monitoring Reports (CMR) to the EMB. The DENR will conduct periodic monitoring of your project typically a year after ECC issuance. 
3. Develop and follow an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that specifies actions for managing environmental impacts throughout the project.
4. Adhere to all relevant environmental laws and regulations, including:
   1. RA 6969 Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act
   2. RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act
   3. RA 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
   4. RA 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act.
5. Engage stakeholders in public consultations when necessary to share project updates and gather feedback.
6. Any significant changes to the project or its operations may require an amendment to the ECC. If there’s a change in scope or location, a new EIA is required. Additionally, if ownership of the project changes, the new wonder must apply for an amendment within 30 days.

Navigating the ECC approval process can be complex and time-consuming. Our local experts at Emerhub specialize in streamlining environmental compliance procedures for businesses in the Philippines. We can:

• Guide you through each step of the ECC application
• Prepare and submit all required documentation
• Liaise with DENR-EMB on your behalf
• Assist with post-approval compliance management

To discuss how we can help optimize your ECC application process, fill out the form below.