Environmental Investigation Mission on the Impacts of Large Scale

Environmental Investigation Mission on the

Impacts of Large Scale Mining in Nueva Vizcaya,

Philippines

TECHNICAL REPORT

Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) and

AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People

in cooperation with

Center for Environmental Concerns - Philippines (CEC) Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Novo Viscayano para sa Kalikasan (ANNVIK)

Defend Patrimony! Alliance Ecosystem Alliance

September 2014

AGHAM Advocates of Science and Technology for the People is an organization of patriotic, pro-people science and technology advocates, bonded together by a common interest of promoting science and technology that genuinely serve the interest of the Filipino people, especially the poor. Telephone: +632 998 4226 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.agham.org

KALIKASAN-People's Network for the Environment is a network of people's organizations (POs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and environmental advocates. It aims to address environmental issues but in such a way that primacy is given to the people—especially in the grassroots level—who constitute the overwhelming majority of the population. All environmental causes shall thus have the people's interest at their core. Telephone: +632 924 8756 E-mail: [email protected] www.kalikasan.net

Center for Environmental Concerns

- Philippines (CEC)

Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Novo Viscayano para sa Kalikasan

(ANNVIK)

Defend Patrimony! Alliance against Mining

Liberalization and Plunder (Defend Patrimony! Alliance)

This study was supported by the Ecosystem Alliance, a 5-year collaboration between IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN-NL), Both ENDS and Wetlands International. It unites a broad network of some 130 international and local NGOs to help local communities manage and use ecosystems in a sustainable way. In total, the programme encompasses over 270 projects in 16 countries in Asia, Africa and South-America.

The Ecosystem Alliance works with local communities in development countries who often completely depend on ecosystems for their livelihood. For these poor people, nature is vital. However, due to overexploitation, expanding cities and agriculture areas, pollution and climate change, these ecosystems and its biodiversity are under increasing threat. The Ecosystem Alliance seeks to strengthen the livelihoods of local communities by helping them to improve their livelihoods in a sustainable manner, defend their rights and influence stakeholders at those national and international levels where decisions are taken that affect their ecosystems.

The alliance is sponsored by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

http://www.agham.org/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents ............................................................................................................. i

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... ii

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1

Company Profile ............................................................................................................ 1

OceanaGold ................................................................................................................ 1

FCF Minerals .............................................................................................................. 2

Methodology ................................................................................................................. 3

Selection of sampling sites .......................................................................................... 3 Biological Characterization .......................................................................................... 3 Physico-chemical Characterization ............................................................................. 3 Heavy Metal Analysis .................................................................................................. 4 Results and Discussion ................................................................................................ 5 Operation of Oceanagold in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu ...................................................... 5 Sampling location Biological characterization Physico-chemical characterization Heavy metal analysis Socio-economic impacts Construction of FCF Minerals in Brgy. Runruno, Quezon ......................................... 11 Sampling location Biological characterization Physico-chemical characterization Heavy metal analysis Socio-economic impacts Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 16 Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 16 References ................................................................................................................... 18 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 19

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) was conducted on April 2014 in the two mining-

affected communities in Nueva Vizcaya to evaluate the impacts of the mining operations to their

immediate environment. Two mining companies operate in the province: Oceana Gold

Philippines, Inc. and FCF Minerals. Oceana Gold – Didipio Gold Copper project has been

operating in the Municipality of Kasibu, Barangay Didipio since April 2013. The FCF Minerals

Corporation-Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project is currently at the construction phase and

targets to start its commercial operation before the end of 2014.

Three sampling sites each were selected in Brgys. Didipio and Kasibu through consultations

with key community figures. At each sampling site, biological characteristics of the site were

determined. Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, stream velocity

and water conductivity were also identified. Sediment and water samples were also collected at

each sampling site and were sent to laboratories to determine the concentration of heavy metals

(mercury, lead, copper, arsenic and cadmium) in it. Community interviews and focus group

discussions were initiated in order to identify the socio-economic impacts of the mine projects to

the livelihood and welfare of the residents dwelling in these communities hosting large-scale

mining activities.

The results gathered in the EIM provide a concrete picture how the activities these two large-

scale mining companies affect the environment and the lives of the people in the community.

The following are some of the most noticeable effect of mining activities in the area:

1. Turbid waters

In both Brgy. Didipio and Runruno, water from the impact area and the confluence were

significantly more turbid compared with the non-impact site. Turbid waters may reduce the

productivity of streams and rivers as this can block the passage of sunlight to deeper parts

of the water body, thereby preventing aquatic plants and/or algae from producing food and

oxygen.

2. Heavy metal contamination

In Brgy. Didiopio, increased copper concentration in both water and sediment samples in the

impact area and the confluence were observed as compared to that of the non-impact area.

The amount of copper in sediment samples at each of the three sampling sites exceeded

the Severe-Effect Level, indicating that the sediments are heavily polluted, which could

negatively affect the health of benthic or sediment-dwelling organisms. The level of copper

contamination in water samples from Didipio River exceeded the maximum level both for

irrigation use and the survival of aquatic organisms, which are 200 µg L-1 and 50 µg L-1,

respectively.

Similarly, in Brgy. Runruno, copper and other heavy metal concentration in the impact site

were greater than that of the impact site. This denotes increased input from other sources

aside from natural weathering transpires in Sulong River, probably from the construction of

FCF Minerals, which includes soil excavation, which exposes copper-rich ores.

3. Human rights violations

According to residents interviewed in Brgy. Didipio, OceanaGold employs many private

securities who watch the area. Aside from this, a military detachment is located near

Barangay Dinaoyan. In an interview with one of the residents, he said that his father was

forced to sell their land at a low price because of the intimidation that the mining companies

employed.

In Brgy. Runruno, residents reported forced demolitions without prior notice and with the presence of uniformed and armed men. A resident was even arrested under a trumped-up charge of illegal possession of explosives. The people who guard the barricade usually feel fear due to the presence of uniformed men with firearms.

4. Lack of compensation

One resident in Brgy. Didipio claimed that until the time of the EIM, his family was not paid

for the land that the company bought. They were given a document stating that they would

be paid, but the signatory wasn’t OceanaGold but its predecessor, ARIMCO

Based on these findings, immediate suspension of the mining operations should be imposed

until needed rehabilitative and investigative measures are implemented. Furthermore,

comprehensive assessment of the impacts of all mining activities within the vicinity of each site

must be conducted. This includes, but not limited to, biological diversity assessment, long term

monitoring of heavy metal concentration (for sediments and water) and other chemical

characteristics for all impacted water bodies.

It is also recommended that relevant environmental, land and other laws be reviewed, and that affected communities be compensated, and given capacity-building to monitor and address continuing impacts of the mining projects.

ACKNOWLDGEMENT

The authors extend their deep appreciation for all the people who aided in the Environmental

Investigation Mission (EIM) from its conception to the production of this report. Several

organizations were involved in the EIM, namely Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Novo Vizcayano para

sa Kalikasan (ANNVIK), Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, AGHAM Youth,

Taripnong Cagayan Valley, University of the Philippines Minggan, College Editors Guild of the

Philippines-Cagayan Valley, Kabataan Patylist, National Union of Students of the Philippines,

and delegates from Solano High School and Nueva Vizcaya State University.

Much gratitude is also due to the Ecosystem Alliance for its invaluable contributions to the EIM’s

realization, and to its support at large to various projects and programs in service to grassroots

communities reliant on healthy and abundant ecosystems everywhere in the world.

The success of the EIM would have been impossible without the support of the communities in

sitios Compound, Malilibeg and Tayab in Brgy. Runruno, Quezon as well as the citizens of Brgy.

Didipio, Kasibu. We hope our efforts could help the people of these communities protect their

lives and the environment.

Large Scale Mining in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines - Technical Report

7 Agham – Advocates of Science and Technology for The People | Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment

INTRODUCTION

An Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) was conducted in the two mining-affected

communities of the province of Nueva Vizcaya to evaluate the impacts of the mining operations

to their immediate environment. Two mining operations covered two municipalities with a total

area of 17,280.84 hectares: Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. and FCF Minerals. Oceana Gold –

Didipio Gold Copper project has been operating in the Municipality of Kasibu, Barangay Didipio

since April 2013. The FCF Minerals Corporation-Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project is currently

at the construction phase and targets to start its commercial operation before the end of 2014.

An initial scoping activity was conducted last September 19-21, 2013 for the preliminary study of

the mining sites to identify the focus areas for the physical, chemical and biological assessment

for the EIM. In the scoping’s findings, there were indications of river degradation that was

associated with the mining operation of Oceana Gold Philippines. Biodiversity loss of some such

tropical eels (Anguilla luzonensis), mudfish (Channa striata), freshwater snails (Ampullariidae),

shrimps (Penaeus merguiensis) and carps (Aristichthys nobilis) that are commonly found in the

river were observed to be dwindling when the mining operation started.

In Barangay Runruno, Quezon, FCF Minerals Corporation diverted numerous creeks such as

Tayab and Malilibeg South Creek that affected their natural flow. Sulong River, which is

considered to be the biggest wetland in the village, became turbid, characterized by the

chocolate brown coloration of water. Flooding incidents also reportedly worsened and became

more frequent when mining development started.

This study generally aims to appraise the impacts of the two mining operations to the

environment and the local communities in Barangay Didipio, Kasibu and Barangay Runruno,

Quezon. Specific objectives of the investigation were:

1. To assess the impacts of the two mining operations on the biological, chemical and

physical aspects of the riverine ecosystem;

2. To correlate the impacts of the mining operations on the lives and livelihood of the

communities that live near the mining site.

PROFILE OF THE MINING COMPANIES

Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc.

Oceana Gold is a multinational gold producer officially registered in Toronto, Australia, and New

Zealand Stock Exchanges. The Didipio Gold Copper project is operating under the Financial &

Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) which, as defined by the Philippine Mining Act of 1995,

covers exploration, development and commercial utilization of minerals within the term period of

twenty-five (25) years and renewable for another twenty-five (25) years. This agreement also

allows 100% ownership as well as capital investments, incentives and auxiliary rights such as

the right to timber and water concessions of the mining corporation.



The company’s technical report dated July 2011 predicts an average annual production of

approximately 100,000 ounces of gold and 14,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate for a 16 year

mine life. With a US$3.00/lb. copper price, Didipio will produce gold at negative US$79/oz. over

the first 6 years of the mine life demonstrating very robust economics.

In mining copper and gold, the company is using open pit and underground methods. The ore

body in Didipio is composed of chalcopyrite and bornite, both sulfide minerals of copper and iron

that have high concentration of copper near the surface. High copper production will be derived

from the initial phase of the operation and will scale down in the succeeding years of their mine

life.

Mineral ores are being processed using conventional SAG/Ball Mill grinding circuit proceeded

by froth flotation to recover gold and copper concentrate. The mineral processing plant was built

at a capacity of 2.5Mtpa-3.5Mtpa expected to be finalized by the end of 2014. It has linear

formation design intended for future expansion of the operation.

In 2012, Oceana Gold signed a five (5) year offtake agreement with Trafigura wherein 100% of copper and gold produced by Oceana Gold will be exclusively supplied to Trafigura. The latter is a Dutch multinational company involved in the international trading of base metals, energy and oil.

FCF Minerals

FCF Minerals Corporation is fully owned by Metals Exploration Plc, a company registered in the

United Kingdom. The company was incorporated and registered in the Philippines on December

3, 2001. Their FTAA mining application was approved by the Philippine government in 2009.

The development and construction phase of the processing facility started in 2011. The

company predicted an average production of 97,700os of gold per annum over a period of 10.4

years of mine life at an average operating cost of $477/oz. gold before molybdenum credit. The

capital cost is predicted to be US$149.3 million with payback within 3.5 years at US$ 1,000/oz.

gold.

The Runruno Project will be using open-pit mining and run of mine (mined ore of a size that can

be processed without further crushing). At present, “there is defined resource of 1.42 million

ounces of (Moz.) of gold, and 25.6 million pounds (Mlb.) of molybdenum with 900,000 oz. gold,

reporting to the Measures and Indicated categories and 780,000 oz. gold within the Mining

Proven and Probable Reserve category” as announced by the company in its website.

Geological characteristics of Brgy Runruno are described to be a synthetic-monzonite intruded

in a coeval trachytic, volcanoclastic and tuffaceous volcanics. The area is also found to be

extensively argilllised and argillic with alteration caps N to NE and trending zones of intense

sulphide-phyllic alteration around the western and southern rim of the center. Evidence from the

exploration identified the potential for significant further exploration beyond the current mine life

of the project.



METHODOLOGY

Selection of Sampling Sites

The selection of sampling sites was based on the community mapping prepared by the EIM

team with the local government officials in Barangay Didipio and Barangay Runruno. The

community mapping had identified the river systems associated to the mining operation. Three

(3) sampling sites were considered for physical and biological characterization and for gathering

of water and sediment samples for heavy metal analysis and physical analysis (turbidity and

electrical conductivity) in Didipio mining area and two sampling sites for Brgy. Runruno.

The impact river system was located downstream of the mining operation connected to the

tailings pond. The confluence was the point where there is sufficient mixing of mine tailings from

the mining operation and river water while the non-impact river system was located upstream

where it is still unaffected by the mining operation.

Biological Characterization of Riverine Ecosystems

Biological assessment was conducted to determine the presence of pollution in the water using

two (2) biological indicators, the Biodiversity and the Sensitivity indicators (Foundation, 1994).

Biodiversity is defined as the number of different types of organisms found in a biological

community. High biodiversity is indicated by the presence of many types of organisms and each

type occurring in low numbers. Low biodiversity is characterized by the presence of a few types

of organisms occurring in high number. Generally, contaminated waters have low biodiversity.

Biodiversity indicator uses Sequential Comparison Index (SCI) to determine macroinvertebrate

community. Macroinvertebrates are immobile small water animals that are living in lakes or

rivers. They can be used to determine the presence of pollutants in the water because they are

sensitive to pollution.

Sensitivity is the response of the organisms in a polluted environment. Sensitive or tolerant

organisms are important indicators of water pollution as measured by the Pollution Tolerance

Index (PTI). Pollution Tolerance Index determines the sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to water

pollution. It is based on the comparison between the number of pollution-tolerant

macroinvertebrates and the number of intolerant macroinvertebrates. A large number of tolerant

ones and a few or no intolerant macroinvertebrates mean that the water is polluted. The

formulas for SCI and PTI are described in Annex 1.

Physical Characterization of the Riverine Ecosystems

The assessment for the physical aspects of the riverine ecosystem involves in-situ

determination of pH and temperature. Water samples were also collected for the determination

of electrical conductivity. Stream velocity of the rivers was also measured using a 10 m plastic

straw. A slipper was allowed to drift along the 10 meter straw and the time it reached the end of

the straw was recorded.



For the description of surveyed sites, the color and odor of river water, type of vegetation, kind

of sediment, weather condition and site location were documented. The data sheet for the

observation points during field survey is described in the Appendix 2 (Field Survey Data Sheet).

Heavy Metal Analysis

Water Sampling

Prior to the actual sampling of river water, pet bottles were rinsed with distilled water and nitric

acid. The gathered water samples were acidified in order to preserve it. The standard protocol

for quality assurance and quality control was based on the Water Quality Monitoring Manual,

Volume I, Manual on Ambient Water Monitoring by EMB-DENR.

Nine (9) samples were collected from Didipio mining site, three sample replicates from the

impact area, three (3) samples from non-impact area, and three (3) samples from the

confluence. While six samples were gathered from Runruno mining site, three sample

replicates from the impact area and three (3) samples from non-impact area.

Sediment Sampling

A 1 kg-sediment sample was collected from the riverbanks and the riverbeds of the impact, non-

impact areas and the confluence from Didipio mining site while sediment samples were also

gathered from the impact and non-impact areas of Runruno mining site. The composite

sediment samples derived from Didipio and Runruno mining areas were subjected to heavy

metal analysis.

Laboratory Analysis

Both sediment and water samples were sent to the Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass

Spectrometry Laboratory of the National Institute for Geological Sciences in University of the

Philippines, Diliman for the determination of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and Copper

concentrations in each sample. Sediment samples were sent to a private laboratory for the

determination of mercury concentration through Cold Vapor Flame Atomic Absorption

Spectrometer analysis.

11

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. OPERATION OF OCEANAGOLD IN BRGY. DIDIPIO, KASIBU

Sampling Locations

Upon consultation with local community leaders, three sampling locations were established in

Barangay Didipio (Figure 1). Based on the community mapping conducted, the identified impact

area of mining was Dinaoyan River while the non-impact area was the Surong creek. The

confluence of the two water bodies was the Didipio river.

Biological Characterization

In Barangay Didipio, the vegetation was very similar across all sampling sites. It was composed

of grasses, ferns and a variety of shrubs such as asters. In Didipio River, fern trees and taro

(locally known as gabi) were observed few meters from the bank. Fishes, dragonflies,

butterflies, small crabs and snails were observed in Surong Creek while in Dinaoyan River, the

impact area, only water striders and a moth were observed in the sampling site.

Using the Sequential Comparison Index, the biodiversity of Didipio can be classified as having a

poor water quality. Surong creek, a non-impact site, has high degree of biodiversity based on

the type and the number of species observed in the sampling site. Dinaoyan River had the least

number of observed aquatic organisms indicating low biodiversity.

In determining the degree of sensitivity of the organisms, Pollution Tolerance Index was

measured. It was difficult to determine the presence of macroinvertebrates in Didipio River due

to its very turbid characteristic and the fast flow of river making it difficult to conduct biological

characterization. Surong creek can be classified as area that is moderately intolerant to pollution

while Dinaoyan River was thriving with water striders, an aquatic species that can survive in a

moderately polluted environment.

12

Sampling Site Name of Water

Body Classification Coordinates Elevation (m asl)

Brgy. Didipio

Surong Creek Non-Impact N 16o 20.187’

E 121o 26.756’ 705

Dinaoyan River Impact N 16o 19.460’

E 121o 26.808’ 714

Didipio River Confluence N 16o 19.858’

E 121o 27.793’ 680

Figure 1. Map of sample collection sites in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu

13

Physico-chemical Characterization

Table 1 presents the physico-chemical parameters of water for Didipio mining area. The pH

value of water is a measurement of acidity and alkalinity. It pertains to the measurement of the

activity of the hydrogen atom. The pH level for the three river systems of Didipio mining were

slightly basic but still within the standard for Class C surface waters, which is 6.5-9.0 (DENR,

2008). Class C inland surface waters include those that are used for agriculture, irrigation, and

livestock watering according to DENR. The water temperature for the three river systems was

within the standards of the Environmental Management Bureau’s Water Quality Criteria for

Class C water at a maximum of 30C rise.

Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the ability of water to conduct electricity. This

increases in the presence of dissolved solids capable of conducting electrical charge. The EC of

the sampling sites was all within the normal range, which is 2-100 µS/cm (Sanders, 1998).

Turbidity is brought about by suspended matter or impurities that interfere with the clarity of

water. Analysis of water turbidity revealed that the water from the Didipio River (the confluence

of Dinauyan and Surong Rivers) was very turbid at 657 – 659 NTU compared to water from

Dinaoyan River and Surong River which had 31.2 – 61.2 NTU and 7 – 15.6 NTU, respectively.

Normally, undisturbed rivers and streams have turbidity levels at 50 – 100 NTU (Oregon

Department of Environmental Quality, 2010). According to the residents, the area near Surong

creek is used as farming site for citrus, rice and ginger.

Stream's velocity is the ability to erode, transport, and deposit sediments. A fast-moving stream

has the capacity to carry more sediments and larger material than a slow-moving one. Dinaoyan

River has the highest stream velocity compared to the two sampling areas. As an impact area of

mining, the high stream velocity of Dinaoyan River would influence the mobility of mine tailings

in downstream areas. The exposure of heavy metals from open pit mining may result to

leaching of metals carried downstream as water washes the surface of the rock.

Table 1. Physico-chemical parameters in Didipio mining area. Numerical values presented as Mean ± SE.

Parameter

pH Temp (°C) Conductivity

(µS/cm)

Turbidity

(NTU)

Velocity

(m/s)

Surong Creek

(non-impact area) 7.53 ± 0.03 27 ± 0.58 9.67 ± 0.67 9.43 ± 3.11 2.87 ± 0.10

Dinaoyan River

(impact area) 7.83 ± 0.03 24.33 ± 1.45 24.67 ± 0.33 44.93 ± 8.75 4.2 ± 0.20

Didipio River

(confluence) 7.8 ± 0.06 27.67 ± 1.33 24 ± 0.57 658.6 ± 0.89 1.43 ± 0.04




Copper Concentration

The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and water samples from Barangay

Didipio are shown in Figures 2A and 2B, respectively. Copper showed highest concentration in

both sediment and water samples compared to the heavy metals tested. Copper concentration

in the sediment samples from the three sampling sites was highest in Dinaoyan (impact area)

followed by Didipio (confluence) and then Surong (non-impact area). This suggests that heavy

copper input occurs around the impact area and the fast stream velocity carried the copper in at

downstream area which is Didipio River.

Copper concentrations in sediment samples ranged from 90.91 – 196.4 mg Kg-1 in Surong river,

509.2 – 924.1 mg Kg-1 in Didipio river and 769.3 – 885.8 in Dinaoyan River. The amount of

copper in sediment samples for both Surong and Didipio Rivers exceeded the Severe-Effect

Level, which is 110 mg Kg-1 (Persaud et al., 1993). Such concentrations indicate that the

sediments are heavily polluted, which could negatively affect the health of benthic or sediment-

dwelling organisms. The high Cu concentration in Surong Creek, the non-impact area, may be

caused by the natural weathering of metal-rich rocks and ores around the site.

Copper concentrations in water of the Didipio mining area (Figure 2B) followed the order

Didipio River (confluence) > Dinaoyan River (impact area) > Surong Creek (non-impact area).

The values ranged from 400.4 – 425.5 µg L-1 for Didipio river; 66.05 – 125.1 µg L-1 for Dinaoyan

river; and BDL – 1.83 µg L-1 for Surong Creek. The increased Cu concentration in Didipio River

may be due to the re-suspension of Cu-laden sediment particles as indicated by the high

turbidity level in Didipio River as compared to Surong River (Table 1) as well as the muddy

brown color of water from Didipio River. Sediments serve both as sink and source of heavy

metals, including copper, to and from the water. The strong water current in Dinaoyan River

contributed to the transport of heavy metals downstream, either bound to re-suspended

sediment particles or dissolved in the water.

The level of copper contamination in water samples from Didipio River exceeded the maximum

level both for irrigation use and the survival of aquatic organisms, which are 200 µg L-1 and 50

Figure 2 Concentration of heavy metals in (A) sediment samples and (B) water samples collected from three water bodies in Didipio mining area. Bars represent standard error of the mean.



µg L-1, respectively (Brenner and Hoekstra, 2012; Fipps, 2003) while copper concentration in

water from the impact area, Dinaoyan River, surpassed only the 50 µg L-1 mark. Water from

Surong Creek, the non-impact area, was within both water quality standards.

Copper-contaminated water and sediment could be transported to rice fields in case of heavy

flooding and irrigation use. Certain levels of copper in soil might result to inhibition of rice growth

and development as well as the reduction of grain yield (Yap et al., 2006; Xu et al., 2005).

Copper may also harm aquatic life especially fish and shellfish by disrupting salt balance due to

frayed gills. Copper also affects the sense of smell of fishes, reducing its ability to find food and

avoid predators (Solomon, 2009).

Other heavy metals

The concentration of Cadmium in water from all three sites was below all water quality criteria

while that of Pb was below all except for the standard for drinking water and New Jersey Water

Supply. Arsenic levels are within the standard set by DENR for Class C water bodies as well

FAO standard for irrigation waters (DENR, 2008; FAO, 1994).

The concentrations of lead and arsenic for sediment and water at each sampling site were both

below the Low-Effect level, which are 31 mg Kg-1 for lead and 6 mg Kg-1 for arsenic (Persaud et

al., 1993). This suggests that the concentration of Pb and As are too minimal to affect the health

of benthic organisms. Cadmium and mercury were both below detectable levels (Minimum

Detectable Limit for Hg = 0.05 mg Kg-1; MDL for Cd = 0.075 µg Kg-1).

Socio-economic Impacts

To determine the socio-economic impacts of Oceana Gold’s operation, Key Informant Interviews

and Group Discussion were facilitated with the affected communities of Brgy. Didipio. A total of

31 local residents were interviewed. Some of the respondents were farmers who have lived in

the area for a long time while some worked as miners. The interview highlighted some of the

effects of mining activities in the community:

Development in the livelihood of the residents in the community is almost imperceptible.

According to one of the residents, their income decreased due to the reduction of the land area

they farm. Residents who were given jobs at the mining company said that there was no

significant improvement in their lives despite the wages they earn from it. He also said that local

employees were given lesser wages than non-local workers.

Basic social services such as health care and education did not improve. According to one of

the residents, only one of the structures promised by the mining company was built since mining

operations started and that is the elementary school. The hospital and the Rural Health Unit for

the community were built in lands owned by Oceana Gold. In effect, the residents do not have

access to these facilities hospitals since they are hesitant to go inside the premises of the

mining company.



Failure of the government to defend the rights of the residents to land and livelihood

In an interview with one of the residents, the respondent said that Barangay and the National

Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) officials visited residents to convince them to sell

their lands to the mining company. They told the residents the advantages that mining

operations could bring, but not one thing was mentioned regarding the potential adverse

impacts and disadvantages.

The respondent also added that only a handful knew about the consultation, and that it

wasn’t even a proper consultation, and more of an effort to persuade the residents through

the benefits of the mining company. One resident who sold his land to the mining company

said that they are still uncompensated until now. They were only given a document stating

that they would be paid, but the signatory was not Oceana Gold but its predecessor

company, ARIMCO.

They reported this to authorities like the Barangay, among others, but the authorities did

nothing more than telling them that ARIMCO, the company they sold their lands to, is now

gone. One resident related that during the time they barricaded as an opposition to the

mining company, policemen and military personnel were part of the demolition team that

destroyed their houses and forced them to leave.

Use of violence and intimidation for the interest of the foreign large-scale mining

companies

An interview respondent said that his father was forced to sell their land at a low price

because of the intimidation that the mining company employed. According to him, his father

clearly told him the following words: “papatay ako o mamamatay ako, wala na sa akin iyon,

pero paano kayo? kahit mababa lang ibenta na natin ito” (“Either I’ll kill or I’ll be killed, I don’t

care. But how about your plight? Let’s sell this [land], even at a small price.”). According to

another resident, the mining company employs many private securities who guarded the

area. Aside from this, a military detachment is located near Barangay Dinaoyan, which, like

the private security group, is there to protect the mining company.

One resident from another community travelled for what is supposed to be a community

meeting. He said that once, it was easier to transport their products to the municipal center or

bayan because they could still pass through the lands now owned by the mining company.

Now, they have to travel long routes to transport goods because the roads they used back

then were already under the mining company.

Another resident was also very much concerned because they received news that the

company intended to expand their exploration and will now reach their community, making

them fearful that they will suffer the same fate as those living in Barangay Didipio.

17

B. CONSTRUCTION OF FCF MINERALS IN BRGY. RUNRUNO, QUEZON

Sampling Locations

Upon consultation with local community leaders, three locations were selected in Brgy. Runruno

(Figure 3). Sulong River was the water body identified to be most impacted by the construction

of the large scale mining as well as the small-scale mining operation. Lintungan River served as

the non-impact site.

Biological characterization

Qualitative assessment of the biological communities present in Runruno mining area was

similar to the Didipio mining area. The stretch of riverbanks along Sulong and Lintungan Rivers

and their confluence were lined with vegetation composed of creeping vines, a variety of shrubs

and grasses, and several trees such as Gmelina, coconut, cotton, and Ipil-ipil. The presence of

food crops such as taro, mango, banana and pomelo were noted a few meters from the banks

of Sulong River, the impact area.

In measuring the degree of biodiversity using the Sequential Comparison Index, it was noted

that the three river systems were observed to be inhabited by water striders and dragonflies.

This indicates that the river systems have fair quality of water.

In determining the degree of sensitivity, Pollution Tolerance Index values showed that the three

(3) river systems were moderately polluted with the presence of water strider and dragonflies,

both are moderately intolerant to pollution. Dragonflies are indicators of good water quality,

since these are very sensitive to aquatic pollution including pesticides and excessive nutrients

from agricultural landscapes, siltation from soil and bank erosion, various water contaminants

from human settlement and industry or urban landscapes (Simon, 2012). There are also other

organism such as small fishes and crabs that were seen at in Lintungan River, the non-impact

area.

18

Sampling Site Name of Water

Body Classification Coordinates Elevation (m asl)

Brgy. Runruno

Lintungan River Non-Impact N 16o 25.686’

E 121o 19.373’ 386

Sulong River Impact Area N 16o 25.125’

E 121o 19.359’ 410

Lintungan-Sulong Confluence N 16o 25.786’

E 121o 19.359’ 387

Figure 3. Map of sample collection sites in brgy. Runruno, Quezon

19

Table 2. Physico-chemical parameters in Runruno mining area. Numerical values presented as

Mean ± SE.

Parameter

pH Temp (°C) Conductivity

(µS/cm) Turbidity

(NTU) Velocity

(m/s) Lintungan River (non-impact area)

8.0 ± 0.06 25 ± 0.0 14.33 ± 0.33 1.33 ± 1.33 2.4 ± 0.25

Sulong River (impact area)

7.9 ± 0.0 27.33 ± 0.33 30.33 ± 0.33 656.7 ± 0.10 2.1 ± 0.10

Confluence 7.97 ± 0.07 26 ± 0.00 24.67 ± 0.33 218.9 ± 31.02 1.93 ± 0.07

Physico-chemical Characterization

The pH of the river systems of Runruno was basic but still falls within the standard of Class C

surface waters which is 6.5-9.0 (DENR, 2008). The water temperature for the three river

systems of Runruno mining areas were all within the standards of Environmental Management

Bureau’s Water Quality Criteria for Class C water at a maximum of 3°C rise (EMB, 2012). The

electrical conductivity (EC) of the three (3) river systems of the Runruno mining area were all

within the normal range, which is 2-100 µS/cm (Sanders, 1998).

Sulong River (impact area) was very turbid 656.6 – 656.9 NTU. This was followed by the

confluence at (175.6 – 279.0 NTU) while Lintungan river was the least turbid with (0 – 4 NTU)

among the three (3) river systems.

Lintungan River, the non-impact area, registered the highest stream velocity followed by Sulong

river, the impact site and the confluence at a rate of 2.1 – 2.9 m/s, 1.9 – 2.2 m/s, and 1.8 – 2.0

m/s, respectively.


The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and water samples from Barangay

Runruno are shown in Figure 4A and 4B, respectively. Heavy metal concentration is highest at

the impact site (Sulong River) compared to non-impact site (Lintungan River). This indicates

that increased input from anthropogenic sources such as mining activities contribute to the

pollution of Sulong River.

Copper (Cu) concentration in sediment from Sulong River exceeded the severe-effect level

while sediment from Lintungan River exceeded the low-effect level, which is 110 mg Kg-1

(Persaud et al., 1993). This denote that while copper is naturally abundant in the site near

Lintungan River, increased Cu input from other sources transpires in Sulong River that can be

attributed to the initial phase of mining operation.



Mercury (Hg) concentration in sediments from Sulong River ranged from 0.2 – 0.3 mg Kg-1 while

it was not detected in sediments from Lintungan River. Mercury in Sulong River sediments may

have been introduced by small scale miners operating upstream from the sampling site.

Mercury is used in the amalgamation process in small scale gold mining (AFRIM, 2012). High

exposures to inorganic mercury may result in damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous

system, and the kidneys. Both inorganic and organic mercury compounds are absorbed through

the gastrointestinal tract and affect other systems via this route (US EPA, 2014). According to

Persaud et al. (1993) the Lowest-Effect level for mercury, which is 0.2 mg Kg-1, is the level at

which mercury can potentially affect sensitive benthic organisms.

Arsenic (As) concentrations in sediments from Sulong River ranged from 41.96 – 72.46 mg Kg-1

while sediments from Lintungan River showed As levels at 1.98 – 7.05 mg Kg-1. The Lowest-

Effect and Severe-Effect levels for As are 6 mg Kg-1 and 33 mg Kg-1, respectively (Persaud et

al., 1993). The rate of arsenic release from sulphide minerals can be hastened by mining

activities, which expose the minerals to weathering processes during excavation (iningfacts.org,

2012). Arsenic can also persist at neutral pH leaching of mining wastes (CSP2, ____).

Lead (Pb) concentrations in sediments from Sulong River ranged from 23.98 – 53.74 mg Kg-1

while sediments from Lintungan River showed Pb levels at 17.76 – 25.11 mg Kg-1. The Lowest-

Effect for Pb is 31 mg Kg-1 (Persaud et al., 1993). Cadmium (Cd) concentration in sediments

from Sulong River ranged from 0.35 to 0.45 mg Kg-1 whereas it was not detected in sediments

from Lintungan River.

The mean concentration of heavy metals in water samples from Sulong and Lintungan Rivers

are presented in Figure 2B. It follows the order Cu>Pb>As>Cd in Sulong River while heavy

metals from Lintungan River follow the order Cu>As>Cd>Pb. Heavy metal concentrations were

constantly greater in water samples from Sulong River (impact area) as compared to water

samples from Lintungan River (non-impact area) for all heavy metals tested. This suggests that

Figure 4 Concentration of heavy metals in (A) sediment samples and (B) water samples collected from two water bodies in Brgy. Runruno, Quezon. Bars represent standard error of the mean.



contamination from human activities such as disturbance of surface soil, thus exposing heavy

metal deposits, occurs upstream of the Sulong River.

Socio-economic Impacts

Key Informant Interviews and Group Discussions were conducted in the affected communities of

Brgy. Ruruno. A total of 13 participants were interviewed in Compound Malilibeg and Tayab.

After the interviews were done in their assigned sitio, the whole team went to Sitio Bing-at to

conduct the final set of interview and the community meeting in the following day.

Based on the information gathered during the interviews, the following concerns were raised as

direct impacts of mining in the community: (a) forced demolitions without prior notice and with

the presence of uniformed and armed men; (b) loss of jobs of some small-scale miners because

the mining company ordered them to stop, while some were threatened to lose their jobs

because of threats of land grabbing and forced demolitions; (c) some residents who were also

working for the mining company only received a meager earning of P 250.00 per day, a far cry

from the P1,086.00 daily family living wage pegged by independent economic think-tanks; and

(d) FCF offers Alternative System Learning (ALS) promotions and scholarships to the residents

that would eventually be employed by the company, seen as a tactic for division or bribery.

According to the interviewed residents, the mining company promised them employment

opportunities and infrastructure developments especially on road and school building

constructions. A respondent said that it was stated in the agreement between the barangay

council and the mining company that 80% of the employees will be coming from the locality.

However, some reported that residents who applied were rejected. As to the infrastructure

developments, no major developments have been done except for minor repairs on road and

school buildings.

An amount of Php 11,500.00 was promised as compensation to the residents whose houses

were demolished. However, this is insufficient considering that they lost their livelihood. A

resident named Mr. Rico Ngitit refused to accept the Php 11,500.00 compensation fee and is

now homeless because of the forced demolition.

There were also some health issues the mining company likely caused in the initial phase of

preparation. Some respondents reported that when the drilling of the mining company started,

their drinking water can no longer be used for drinking. Some of the residents have been forced

to resort to buying gallons of mineral water for their consumption. Another respondent said that

children acquired skin diseases when they play in the rivers associated with the operation of the

mining company.

Aside from land grabbing and banning of small scale mining, there were other recorded cases of

human rights violations among the residents. During the time when the residents have set up a

barricade, the people have experienced psychological and physical threats. A resident was

even arrested under a trump-up charge of illegal possession of explosives. The people who



were protesting against the mining company are in constant fear that the company would

continuously harass the community.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the data gathered during the EIM, the following are concluded:

1. Heavy metal contamination, predominantly copper, is present in Dinaoyan and Didipio

Rivers. The mining operations of Oceana Gold could primarily cause this, although

other factors could contribute as well. The reduction in the biodiversity of Dinaoyan

River further suggests negative impacts of the mining pollution being caused by the

company’s operation.

2. In Brgy. Runruno, the construction stage of FCF Minerals already showed impact of

mining brought about by massive soil disturbance and the removal of vegetation. This

would lead to further environmental degradation once the company started its full

mining operation.

3. There are confirmed adverse impacts to the civil, economic, social and cultural rights

of various communities that live in the mining-impacted areas as well as those

downstream of the mine operations due to both Oceana Gold and FCF Minerals in

Brgy. Didipio and Brgy. Runruno, respectively.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Biophysical and socio-economic findings of the Environmental Investigation Team (EIM) point to the need for the following measures to be undertaken:

1. Immediate suspension of mining operations should be imposed until needed rehabilitative and investigative measures are implemented.

2. Comprehensive assessment of the impacts of all mining activities within the vicinity of each site must be conducted. This includes, but is not limited to, biological diversity assessment, and long term monitoring of heavy metal concentration (for sediments and water) and other chemical characteristics for all impacted water bodies.

3. Appropriate government offices should also be directed to further investigate and document the cases of economic, social and cultural rights violations. Government authorities should assist victims in filing appropriate charges and prosecute suspected perpetrators of human rights violations.

4. Compensation should be given to the community especially the farmers and indigenous peoples whose health and livelihood are being affected by the pollution of river water brought about by the operation of OCG.

5. Regular monitoring of the qualities of both sediment and water samples to determine the extent of the heavy metal contamination There must be diligent efforts to



rehabilitate affected river and terrestrial ecosystems which should involve containment of pollutants, restoration of damaged parts of the watershed and monitoring of the extent of contamination in flora and faunal species.

6. Review of local and national mining, environmental, land and other policies related to the resulting impacts of the Didipio and Runruno mines such as the Clean Water Act, Pollution Control Law, and the Mining Act of 1995, among others, and the possible pursuit of legal actions based on the findings of this study.

7. Capacity-building of the affected local communities in monitoring the impacts of the mine site, promoting effective resource management alternatives, and in engaging in direct actions and other activities to protect the people’s lives, property and environment.



References

Brenner, A. and E. J. Hoekstra. 2012. Drinking water quality standards and regulations, in Best Practice

Guide on Metals Removal from Drinking Water by Treatment p.1

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2008. Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent

Standards.

EMB. 2012. Water Assessment Quality Report. Environmental Management Bureau. Region XI, Davao City

FAO Water quality for agriculture. Technical paper No. 29. Irrigation and Drainage. Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations Rome. 1994.

Fipps, G. 2003. Irrigation water quality standards and salinity man-agement strategies.

http://repository.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/87829.

Foundation, I. 1994. Manual for Simple Water Quality Analysis. Amsterdam.

Miningfacts.org 2012. What is the role of arsenic in the mining industry?

http://www.miningfacts.org/Environment/What-is-the-role-of-arsenic-in-the-mining-industry/

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 2010. Turbidity Technical Review. Accessed on August 19,

2014. http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/standards/docs/Turbidity/10-WQ-022.pdf

Persaud, D. R. 1993. Guidelines for the Protections and Management of Aquatic Sediment Quality in

Ontario. Ontario Ministry of health and Energy.

Sanders, L. 1998. A Manual of Field Hydrogeology. NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Simon, M. 2012. Dragonflies - Indicator Species of Environmental Health. Retrieved from Earth Times:

http://www.earthtimes.org/nature/dragonflies-indicator-species-environmental-health/2033/

The Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM). 2012. A Background Study on the Small-Scale

gold mining operations in Benguet and South Cotabato and their impact on the Economy, the

Environment and the community. Bantay Kita Occassional Paper Series No. 2012-02.

US EPA. 2014. Mercury: Health Effects. http://www.epa.gov/hg/effects.htm. Accessed June 26, 2014.

Wang Zi-qiang, Dong Gui-chun, Huang Jian-ye, Wang Yu-long. 2005. Effects of Soil Copper

Concentration on Growth, Development and Yield Formation of Rice (Oryza sativa). Rice

Science. 12(2): 125－132.

Yan, Y.P., J.Y. He, C. Zhou, C. Cheng, X.B. Pan, Z.Y. Sun, X.U. Jia-Kuan, Y. Lian-xing. 2006.

Accumulation of copper in brown rice and effect of copper on rice growth and grain yield in

different rice cultivars. Chemosphere. Epub 2006 Jul 17.

OceaneGold. Didipio mine. http://www.oceanagold.com/our-business/philippines/didipio-mine/

http://www.miningfacts.org/Environment/What-is-the-role-of-arsenic-in-the-mining-industry/



APPENDIX A:

Determination of biological indicators

1. Biodiversity is measured using Sequential Comparison Index (SCI). The CSI can be

computed using the following formula:

SCI = number of runs

total number of organisms picked

Run is unbroken sequence of similar events

Quality ratings: 0-0.3 poor water quality

0.3-0.6 fair water quality

0.6-1 good water quality

Benthic microinvertebrates live closely to the water bottom. In a flowing water, they exist in

riffle/rapid in flowing water as the constant flow of water provides constant supply of food

and oxygen. The deepest part of a large river supports few macroinverterbrates because the

silty bottom is unstable and lacks O2 since silt has high organic content.

Macroinvertebrates such as tube-building worms, burrowing mayflies, blood worm midges,

mussels and clams thrive well in streams with silt or mud bottoms. Sandy bottoms provide

few macroinvertebrates because of unstable surfaces.

For the identification of the community of macroinvertebrates, sorting and grouping of the

animals collected would be helpful in determining the numbers of the organisms.

2. Sensitivity is measured using Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI). It is computed using the

succeeding formula:

SCI = total of all group scores

total number of different types

Where the total of all group scores were based on the following identified

macroivenvertebrates:



Group 1

Intolerant to pollution

Group 2

Moderately intolerant

to pollution

Group 3

Fairly intolerant to

pollution

Group 4

Tolerant to pollution

Stonefly Caddishfly Blackfly Worms

Dobsonfly Mayfly Midget Leeches

Snipefly Damselfly Sowbug Lung snails

Dragonfly Scud Bloo-worm

Crayfish Snails with gills Midge

Cranefly

Clam/Mussel

Formula for PTI

(a) Number of

typesx1 =

(b) Number of types

x 2 =

(c) Number of types

x 3 =

(d) Number of types

x 4 =

Note: The identification of the type of macroinvertebrates shall be aided with taxonomic keys.

(a) + (b) + (c) + (d) = Total of all group scores

The total of all group scores also provides a water quality value.



APPENDIX B:

Taxonomic guide for the identification of macroinvertebrates.



APPENDIX C:

Data Sheets for Biological, Physical and Chemicals and Chemical Indicators

Field Survey Data Sheet 1

General Description

General Data

Date:

Surveyors; Name (s):

Name of Province/Municipality:

Description of Surveyed Area

Name of Surveyed Water:

Type of Water surveyed:

(brook, stream, river, lake, pond, reservoir,

estuary, other)

Types of land-use present:

Description of Water body

Total size of water body:

Types of land use present:

If water is standing (lake, pond)

Number and names of inflowing waters:

Description of Watershed

Name of watershed (subwatershed if

applicable):

Size of watershed:

Number and names of major water bodies in

watershed

(streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, lakes,

other):

Types of land-use present:



Field Survey Data Sheet 2

Land-use indicators of water pollution

Check all land-uses you listed down in Field Survey Data Sheet no.1 for potential indicators of

water pollution, using one or more observation points for each land-use activity. OP-

observation point

Mining (mine tailings accident)

Light to dark brown – this due to suspended sediments in the water, which gives a muddy or

cloudy appearance. Erosion can be caused by mining, farming, run-off from urban areas,

unpaved roads and construction activities.

OP OP OP

Clarity of the water

Color of bottom

Other remarks

Biological Survey Data Sheet I

General Description

General data

Date:

Surveyors’ name (s):

Name of Province/Municipality:

Description of Water body

Type of water body surveyed:

(brook, stream, river, lake, pond, other)

Location:

(reference to map(s), reference to other

survey(s), name

Total size of water body:

Biological Survey Data Sheet 2

Biological Indicators

Description of biological survey point

Location:

(name, number, reference to maps(s),

reference to field survey, short description)



Length and Width:

Depth of water:

Stream Velocity:

Description of bottom materials:

(dead leaves, silt, sand, mud, rock, boulders,

etc.)

Color water bottom:

Map of top view of biological survey point:

(including bottom types, plants and animals

present)

Description Sampling location

Type of water sampled;

(brook, stream, river, lake, pond, reservoir,

estuary, other)

Location:

(number, name, reference to map(s),

reference to other survey(s)

Method of sampling:

(from the shore, from a bridge, by boat, other)

Distance to shore:

Water plants and animals present:

Possible non-point source(s) present):

(types of land-use, other)

Type of sample water:

(reference water, concentrated discharge

water, polluted water, other)

Physical and chemical parameters

Color

Odor

Stream Velocity

Acidity (pH)

APPENDIX D:

Tabulated values of the concentration of heavy metals in sediment samples

RAW AVERAGE

Hg Cu As Cd Pb Hg Cu As Cd Pb

Didipio

Surong (or

Sulong

Creek)

Non-Im

R1 ND 196.4 2.15 ND 12.54

ND 143.37 3.005333 ND 9.391333 R2 ND 90.91 3.246 ND 3.334

R3 ND 142.8 3.62 ND 12.3

Didipio Confl

R1 ND 924.1 3.324 ND 9.4

ND 718.3 3.184 ND 10.518 R2 ND 721.6 2.489 ND 13.3

R3 ND 509.2 3.739 ND 8.854

Dinaoyan Im

R1 ND 787.9 2.15 ND 11.87

ND 814.3333 3.003333 ND 12.62 R2 ND 885.8 3.24 ND 11.92

R3 ND 769.3 3.62 ND 14.07

Runruno

Sulong

River Im

R1 0.2 110.6 55.72 0.35 23.98

0.233333 167.6667 56.71333 0.402933 43.79333 R2 0.2 188.2 41.96 0.4677 53.74

R3 0.3 204.2 72.46 0.3911 53.66

Lintungan Non-Im

R1 ND 98.46 2.81 ND 25.11

ND 94.88667 3.951 ND 22.49667 R2 ND 71.9 1.984 ND 17.76

R3 ND 114.3 7.059 ND 24.62

Confluence Confl

R1 - - - - -

- - - - - R2 - - - - -

R3 - - - - -

Note: - data Not available

ND

Not Detected (Below detectable

evel)

Values in mg/kg or ppm

APPENDIX E:

Tabulated values of the concentration of heavy metals in water samples

Raw AVERAGE

Cu As Cd Pb Cu As Cd Pb

Didipio

Surong (or

Sulong

Creek)

Non-Im

R1 1.301

ND

1.834

0.2908

0.2785

0.2851

0.1274

ND

2.915

0.00156

ND

1.199

1.5675 0.2848 1.5212 0.60028 R2

R3

Didipio Confl

R1 491.7

400.4

425.5

3.087

2.007

1.9715

0.2663

0.2253

0.2362

10.04

6.767

7.006

439.2 2.355167 0.2426 7.937667 R2

R3

Dinaoyan Im

R1 125.1

71.01

66.05

0.8375

0.5932

0.5605

0.1187

0.09737

0.4792

1.885

1.162

1.08

87.38667 0.663733 0.231757 1.375667 R2

R3

Runruno

Sulong

River Im

R1 65.09

65.82

35.31

10.71

10.82

2.691

0.3487

0.3034

0.2434

20.5

20.3

10.37

55.40667 8.073667 0.2985 17.05667 R2

R3

Lintungan Non-Im

R1 1.338

ND

ND

0.3539

0.3426

0.353

0.1387

0.1454

0.1227

ND

ND

ND

1.338 0.349833 0.1356 ND R2

R3

Confluence Confl

R1 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- - - - R2

R3

Note: - data Not available

ND Not Detected (Below detectable level)

Values in ug/L or ppb

APPENDIX F:

Tabulated Raw Values of the Physico-chemical Parameters

Sampling Site Parameter

pH Temp (°C)

Conductivity (µS/cm)

Turbidity (NTU)

Velocity (m/s)

Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu

Surong Creek (non-impact area)

7.5 7.5 7.6

27 28 26

9

9

11

5.7 7.0

15.6

3.1 2.8 2.8

Dinaoyan River (impact area)

7.8 7.9 7.8

24 22 27

25

24

25

42.4 61.2 31.2

3.9 4.6 4.1

Didipio River (confluence)

7.8 7.9 7.7

29 29 25

25

24

23

657 659 659

1.4 1.5 1.4

Brgy. Runruno, Quezon

Lintungan River (non-impact area)

8.1 7.9 8.0

25 25 25

14

15

14

0 0 4

2.1 2.9 2.2

Sulong River (impact area)

7.9 7.9 7.9

27 27 28

31

30

30

656.9 656.6 656.6

2.2 1.9 2.2

Confluence 8.1 7.9 7.9

26 26 26

25

25

24

175.6 202.0 279.0

2.0 1.8 2.0

APPENDIX G:

Photos of the Sampling Sites

Figure 1 Surong Creek (non-impact area) in Brgy. Didipio

Figure 2 Dinaoyan River (impact area) in Brgy. Didipio

Figure 3 Didipio River (confluence of Surong Creek and Dinaoyan River ) in Brgy. Didipio

Figure 4 Lintungan River (non-impact area ) in Brgy. Runruno

Figure 6 Sulong River (impact area ) in Brgy. Runruno

Figure 5 Sulong River (impact area ) in Brgy. Runruno

Documents

Environmental Investigation Mission on the Impacts of Large Scale