Egpi Lobo Oct Sec 2.2 Print

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV
Egerton Gold Phils,. Inc.

Municipality of Lobo, Province of Batangas
SECTION 2.2 WATER

2.2.1 Hydrology / Hydrogeology
2.2.1.1 Change in drainage morphology / Inducement of flooding/ Reduction in stream volumetric
flow
Drainage
map;
historical
flooding/drought
occurrences,
stream
flow
measurements/estimates; Delineation of watershed /sub-watersheds/ floodplain; and
identification of aquifers, if any;
Change in drainage morphology
The project site has the features of the existing natural drainage rendered by the site topography which
allows the natural flow of storm water to the Batangas Bay the ultimate drainage basin. Drainage from the
site runs through the intermittent Tinangisan creek flowing westward to the Lobo River and thence to
Batangas Bay from the Lobo River. In events of heavy rainfalls flow may run through the open land.
The headwater of Lobo river is located within the Municipality of Rosario, Batangas but the biggest
portion of is within the Municipality of Lobo, while part of the northwestern portion is within the
Municipality of Taysan, Batangas.
No Project Scenario -Due to the undeveloped existing condition in the proposed project site, there is
an absence of well-engineered or structured drainage systems. .
With Project Scenario- The facilities of the proposed project will be constructed and will be designed
accordingly such that the existing drainage systems, principally the Lobo River and the Batangas Bay will
not be disturbed, diverted or obstruct the storm water flows. However, a portion of the intermittent
Tinangisan creek will be blocked since this portion will be the site of the mine pit and the re-contouring
facilities.
The aqueous/treated effluent from proposed gold mining operation project will not be directly discharged
to the receiving water body (Lobo River) but instead a holding pond is envisioned.
The Residue Storage Facility (RSF) will also function as a water impounding basin/dam. The existing and
proposed project drainage systems are shown Figures 2.2.1 and Figure 2.2.2.
The Existing Drainage System
Figures 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 show the No Project scenario indicating the Lobo River as the main drainge
system and the Tinganisan Creek the nearest tributary draining to the Lobo River.
The Conceptual Project Drainage Plan
Following are the conceptual drainage system plans:
o
The major drain flows are rain waters which could come in contact with the ore and can
cause silt carry-overs
The Residue Storage Facility (RSF) will also function as a holding pond
Settling ponds will be located at strategic places, i.e.

Downstream of the mine pits and the processing plant.
Downstream of the RSF
2.2-1
The treated effluent from the processing plant will flow to RSF and thence to the siltation
ponds before prior discharge to the drainage system.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Section 2.2 Water

This is shown in Figure 2.2.1.
SOURCE: Egerton Phils, Inc., Lobo Water Management. October 2014
Figure 2.2.1 Conceptual Location of the Drainage Canals and Siltation Ponds
2.2-2
Section 2.2 Water

Creeks
As previously mentioned, there are two (2) creeks adjacent to the project area, i.e. the intermittent
Tinangisan creek nearest to the site and the Batang creek at the downstream and northern side.
Wells and Springs
There are no wells in the project site but springs have been identified.
SOURCE: MRL Gold Inc.,. Lobo River Water Sampling. Feb 2012. Lobo, Batangas
Figure 2.2.2 The River/Creek and Drainage System Closest the Project Site
Plate 2.2.1 Tinangisan Creek

Photo taken March 2014
0
(N13 3850.01; E121 1449.7)
2.2-3
Section 2.2 Water

Historical Flooding / Drought Occurrences
Based on interviews with the residents nearby the site and with LGU officials there have been no
recorded major floods at the project site nor at the communities within the immediate environs. Pockets of
floods were experienced in the lowland areas where there are no engineered drainage systems.
Similarly there have been no recorded occurrences of droughts.
Site Topography
The natural topography of the project site has major influences on (a) flooding potentials and (b) pathway
of potential contamination, e.g. of cyanide spills in respect of the Batangas Bay especially of the Verde
Island Passage (VIP). The site topography is shown in Figure 2.2.3.
SOURCE: Technotrix Consultancy Services Inc. Map Showing the Lobo Mine Facilities (NAMRIA MAP). Quezon City. 29 October
2014.
Figure 2.2.3 Site Topography

2.2-4
Section 2.2 Water

The change in landform/site topography involves only a small land area of less than 30 hectares of the
total project land of 85.4 hectares or of not more than 2.5 % of the MPSA area and of not more than 0.17
% of the land of the Municipality of Lobo. This suggests the improbable creation of plains on which floods
would occur.
Loss of Trees as a factor for increasing vulnerability to flood is not a major factor noting the light tree
population at the project site, shown in Table 2.2.1
Table 2.2.1 Tree Inventory at the Project Site
SAMPLING
STATION/
LOCATION
Station 2
(Agricultural land)
COORDINATES
N13 3851.4
ELEVATION
(masl)
88
E121 1408.3
TYPE OF
ECOSYSTEM
Agricultural
Ecosystem
REPRESENTATIVE
SPECIES NAME
Cocos nucifera
Macaranga tanarius
Leucaena leucocephala
Tamarindus indica
Trema orientalis
Psidium guajava
Annona squamosa
Chomolaena odorata
Station 3 (near
Tinangisan Creek)
N13 3848.68
93
E121 1445.05
Secondary
growth forest
Pterocymbium tinctorium
Macaranga tanarius
Ardisia spp.
Neotrewia cumingii
Trema orientalis
Ficus septica
Semecarpus cuneiformis
Aglaia rimosa
Heterospathe elata
Diospyros pilosanthera
Station 4 (near pit

limit area)
N13 3850.59
0
E121 1455.51
144
Secondary
growth forest
Tamarindus indica
Mimosa pudica
Desmodium pulchellum
2.2-5
Section 2.2 Water

Solanum biflorum
Tabenaemontana pandacaqui
Pterocarpus indicus
Station 5 (near
residue storage
facility)
N13 3836.56
78
Agricultural
Ecosystem
E121 1405.76
Cocos nucifera
Macaranga tanarius
Tamarindus indica
Psidium guajava
Annona squamosa
Chomolaena odorata
Bambusa espinosa
Station 6 (proposed
mine road)
N13 3814.5
0
E121 1357.8
80
Agricultural
ecosystem
Cocos nucifera
Vitex parviflora
Mangifera indica
Blockage of the Tingangisan creek will result from the construction/operation of the mine pit and the recontouring facility. However, the creek is intermittent and is not a major discharge stream.
The project does not involve huge amount of water such as in hydro dams,
Based on the foregoing there appears to be no reason to be apprehensive of flooding being induced by
the project.
Blockage of the Tingangisan creek will result from the construction/operation of the mine pit and the recontouring facility. However, the creek is intermittent and is not a major discharge stream.
The project does not involve huge amount of water such as in hydro dams,
Based on the foregoing there appears to be no reason to be apprehensive of flooding being induced by
the project.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FLOODING ON THE PROJECT (CONSTRUCTION PHASE)
Rain-induced floods may affect the construction works as follows:

Disruption of activities
The disruption will result in time delays but will not necessarily result in environmental
degradation.
2.2-6
Section 2.2 Water

Damage to on-going construction of structures including access roads
Remedial activities and repair works could be undertaken upon the cessation of the floods.
Safety risk to personnel
Construction activities or certain aspects could be stopped. Further, there are early warning
signals that could predict storms or heavy rains thus precautionary measures could be
undertaken in advance.
Carryover of excavated soil/silt to Lobo River or to the Batangas Bay
Earthworks will be phased activities, i.e. not all the project land area will be worked on at the
same time thus the impacts will be experienced only from the specific works undertaken at a
given time.
The use of soil waste guards could be included in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the bidding
of the construction works.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PLANT OPERATION ON FLOODING
Risk situation associated with the use of water in relation to flooding:

Based on the water balance shown in Section 1, the water requirements of 20.4 cu.m./hr (or 0.0056
cu.m./sec) for the processing plant is not significant enough (in comparison with the 0.46 cu.m/sec
discharge upstream of the Old Lobo Mine) to cause flooding in an unlikely scenario that breakage in the
piping system will cause the water to instead overflow to outside of the project site. Moreover, (a) the
effluent will by design flow to the RSF and (b) in such an event the pumping of water can readily be shut
off if overflow becomes imminent.
Scenario of High Volumetric Rate of Storm Water from Strong Typhoons
The drainage system at the project site will be designed at worst but practical design scenarios.
IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON THE PROJECT (VICE-VERSA SCENARIO)
In a scenario, although unlikely that the mine site and processing plant is flooded as a result of heavy
rainfalls, the potential consequences on the environment are:
Washing away of ore stockpile to the Bay

Overflow of Residue Storage Facility effluent to the Lobo River
The scenario of heavy siltation of the Bay is deemed unlikely for the following reasons:
2.2-7
Silt ponds are strategically located.

The plant drainage system will be designed to reasonably consider high storm flows .
The natural topography will tend to wash away the ore/residue towards the Lobo River
and/or the adjoining land instead of to the Bay.
At worst case scenario silt carryovers will settle at the Lobo River which is about 1
kilometer from the mouth of the Batangas Bay.
Section 2.2 Water

AGGRAVATION OF FLOODING IN NEARBY AREAS
The nearby areas along the pathways of potential flood waters are thinly populated and are not planted
with agricultural crops. The same protection against the potential of flooding the Bay discussed above will
likewise serve as protection for possible flooding in these nearby areas
STREAM FLOW MEASUREMENTS
Lobo River, a major surface water body will not be disturbed or affected by the project. Although portion
of the Tinangisan creek will be blocked by the location of the mine pit and re-contouring facilities these
will not impact on the Lobo river stream flow because the Tinangisan creek is intermittent as may be seen
in the photograph attached to Plate 2.2.1.
Further, the possibility of the Lobo River flow being impeded by carryover of silts/ore from the project is
removed as discussed above in relation to siltation.
There are no plans for abstraction of water from the River for use in the project.
DELINEATION OF WATERSHED /SUB-WATERSHEDS/ FLOODPLAIN; AND

IDENTIFICATION OF AQUIFERS, IF ANY UNDERGROUND WATER AVAILABILITY STUDY
Lobo watershed was established thru a Memorandum of Agreement between DENR, LWUA and Lobo
Water District. A resolution recognizing and partaking in the establishment of watershed in the
Municipality of Lobo thru Lobo Water District and declaration of June 25 of every year as Watershed Day
of Lobo was formalized by the Sangguniang Bayan under Resolution No. 2010-21 and Sangguniang
Panlalawigan ng Batangas under Res. No. N-124. This proclamation highlights the importance of Lobo
Watershed.
The map of the watershed project is shown in Figure 2.2.3.
It is not a proclaimed watershed in accordance with the NIPAS but it is recognized .
Aquifers are not to date identified in the project site.
An underground water availability study will be conducted if the Proponents final plan for source of
process and domestic/miscellaneous water use shall be underground resources and specific sites shall
have been identified.
2.2-8
Section 2.2 Water

SOURCE: Egerton Gold Philippines Inc,. Batangas Project General Arrangement. November 2013. Lobo, Batangas
Figure 2.2.4 Map showing the Lobo Watershed Project Coverage

2.2-9
Section 2.2 Water

FLOOD SIMULATION/MODELING, CONSIDER EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PAGASA 2020 AND 2050 CLIMATEPROJECTIONS
ASSESSMENT INCLUDES POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE OR AGGRAVATION OF FLOODING

IN NEARBY AREAS
As discussed above, the major potential source of floods is rain-induced events. Thus the PAGASA
projections are evaluated in reference to rain falls. As seen from Table 2.2.2 following observations is
made:
Table 2.2.2 Projections for Maximum Rainfalls Based on PRECIS Model of the DOST/PAGASA
Observed Values (1971Maximum Event (2006-2035)
Calculated Maximum Value
2000)
856.5 mm (JJA)
17.2 % increase (JJA)
1003. 82 mm (JJA)
As a conservative mitigating measure the design of the drainage system will appropriately factor in the
above projections from PAGASA.
Climate Projections at the Project Site Region
The paper Climate Change in the Philippines February 2011 authored by former PAGASA
Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando reported the following projections shown in the succeeding
tables. These are based on the PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) model in two
time frames; 2020 and 2050. This model was developed by the UK Met Hadley Centre (in the United
Kingdom) to facilitate impact, vulnerability and adaptation assessments in developing countries where
capacities to do climate modeling are still not fully developed or do not exist. Three of the emission
scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Special Report on
Emission Scenarios (IPCC SRES) were chosen to run the models; namely, A2 (high-range), A1B (midrange), and B2 (low-range). The A2 scenario is at the so-called higher end of the emission scenarios
(although not the highest), and is preferred by most countries because from an impacts and adaptation
point of view, if man can adapt to a larger climate change, then the smaller climate changes of the lower
end scenarios can also be adapted. On the other hand, the A1B scenario is considered because the
future climates in the next 30-40 years will be greatly influenced by past emissions, principally due to the
long lifetimes of carbon dioxide. The B2 scenario representing the low-range emissions is therefore, the
most unlikely, even if it represents the low end. Main outputs presented in this Report are the projected
temperature increase in C, magnitude and direction of rainfall change in %, and frequency of extreme
weather events (e.g., extreme temperature expressed in number of days with maximum temperature
greater than 35 C, dry days indicated by the number of days with less than 2.5mm of rain, and extreme
rainfall or number of days with greater than 300mm of rain) in the country.
2.2-10
Section 2.2 Water

Table 2.2.3 Climate Change Inducted Temperature Change Projections
Table 2.2.4 Climate Change Induced Rainfall Change Projections
Table 2.2.5 Climate Change Induced Aberrations on Extreme Events
2.2-11
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.1.3 Change in stream, lake water depth (Regional hydrogeological map)
In general terms Hydrogeology deals with the science of underground water and is relevant to the
project because of the planned abstraction of deepwell waters as sources of process and domestic water.
These parameters are much better discussed in the course of conducting geo-resistivity studies for the
purpose of identifying the firm sources of water, most likely from the underground.
Regional hydrogeological, while providing useful information, are less relevant than site/hydrogeology.
Local Hydrogeology
Water supply of the impact Barangays is mainly derived from groundwater or from spring and wells (dug
and bored wells).
The generalized hydrogeologic map of Lobo is shown in Figure 2.2.4 while the ground water availability
map is seen in Figure 2.2.5.
2.2-12
Section 2.2 Water

SOURCE: MRL Gold Phil, Inc. Geological Map with Water Sampling Location. January 2008
Figure 2.2.5 Generalized Geology Map of Lobo

2.2-13
Section 2.2 Water

Source: http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/images/rdenr/ground%20water%20availablity.png. Retrieved on March 24, 2014
Figure 2.2.6 Groundwater Availability Map for Region IV-A
2.2-14
Section 2.2 Water

PROJECT SITE
SOURCE: http://wwf.org.ph/wwf3/downloads/publications/Ilagan_Watershed_Reports_2Rollan.pdf. Retrieved on March 2014
Figure 2.2.7 Regional Hydrogeological Map

2.2-15
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.2.1.3
Depletion of water resources / competition in water use
Identification of current / projected water use (groundwater/surface water) in the area and
adjacent areas; Spring and well inventory and location map; depth of water table; Analysis /
estimation of water availability taking into consideration the PAG-ASA 2020 and 2050 climate
projections
The potential major threat to resource competition relates to the use of and the impact on the water
resources.
The proposed project will not deplete the water resources to the point that competition with the
communities usage and the requirements for agricultural plantation will be adversely affected. This is
because
a. Through recycling the water requirements of the processing plant are optimized. The proposed
water balance is provided in Section 1.0.
b. Use of deepwell and the option for using the Lobo River as potential sources will necessarily be
subject to permitting requirements of the NWRB which will ensure among others that the water
resources will not be depleted nor adversely compromised.
2.2.2 Oceanography
2.2.2.1 Change / disruption in circulation pattern
Predicted tides; 24-hour tidal cycles; Surface current system
The marine water body is not in the impact zone of the project because (i) the project site is distant from
the Batangas Bay at approximately 3 km away in on a straight line distance and (ii) the declared
components of the Project do not include construction of structures in any section of the Batangas Bay
including the mouth of the Lobo River.
There are no significant flows from the project to the sea. Through the use of water recycling in the
processing plant the net water usage (i.e., the make up) is minimized.
The construction of the pier will not involve significant amount of dredging works.
Thus the oceanography of the Batangas Bay, including changes in circulation patterns, impacts on the
tidal cycles and on the surface currents are deemed not relevant in the absence of impact-causing
activities.
2.2.2.2 Change in bathymetry
Bathymetric map
USLE / similar modeling when applicable
The bathymetry of the Bay will not be altered because (a) there will be no abstraction of water from the
Bay and the maximum potential but unlikely discharge from the project is only 0.0056 cu.m./sec from the
processing plant is not significant enough (in comparison with the 0.46 cu.m/sec discharge upstream of
the Old Lobo Mine.
Moreover the only activity which is minor in nature that will be undertaken in the Bay is the construction of
a pier if the barging option for the transport of ore is to be implemented. Structural columns that will be
used to support the pier will be imbedded at the sea bed.
There will not be any major dredging activities for the pier construction. Thus the following potential
impacts arising from dredging are avoided.
2.2-16
Section 2.2 Water

Littoral Transport
In general terms littoral transport is the movement of sediments in the near shore zone through the
action of waves and currents. The sediment may up drift to the coastline thereby causing erosion or
changes in the beach profile
Erosion - the removal of sediment from the sea bed.
Accretion the deposition of the disturbed sediment.
In the absence of these impacts the bay bathymetry in the areas adjacent to the pier and a USLE
modeling are not considered as highly relevant.
2.2.3 Water Quality
2.2.3.1 Degradation of groundwater quality (Physico-Chemical characterization of water; Use DENR
standard methods and procedures for sampling and analysis)
2.2.3.2 Degradation of surface water quality (Conduct chemical assay of ore and relate to PhysicoChemical characterization of water; For project with coastal / marine structures and / or significant
marine / coastal discharges, conduct circulation / plume modeling (include worst case scenario of
failure of WWTF) For project with significant heavy metals discharges, conduct sediment
transport modeling)
The underground excavation which could reach a depth which is to be firmed up could potentially hit
ground waters/aquifers. In such cases, the water will be pumped to a pit for holding and eventual disposal
through a drainage system that will be constructed. Considering the geology, particularly the elevation of
the project site, this situation is not seen to be likely but may be confirmed during the actual excavation
works.
Groundwater contamination may be potentially brought about by the leaching of the ore or of the treated
aqueous effluent from the RSF or from spills due to accidents.
Following are among the major envisaged mitigating measures to ensure that the ground/surface water
will not be contaminated.
Judicious choice of sites so that these are distant from the receiving surface water bodies.
Well designed/engineered and constructed RSF and treatment of aqueous effluents.
Close monitoring including the installation of test holes.
Efficient operation of the Gold Processing plant so that the use of Cyanide will be optimized,
including adequate training of operating personnel.
Moreover, although water is always an important environmental baseline, the additional specific
relevance of this parameter to the project is as follows.
The planned active mining operation covers relatively small areas which do not directly impact on
the major surface water systems and thus with potentially insignificant impact on ground water
and surface water quality.
Attention will be made, however, to the potential impacts of treated water effluents from the RSF
and the processing plant in consideration of the use of Cyanide in the Gold Plant.
The direct and indirect impact areas are characterized by several springs, wells and rivers.
The location of the surface waters i.e. upstream or downstream of the sites can bear relevance to
potential contamination due to flow of effluents or contaminated storm water by gravity.
2.2-17
Section 2.2 Water

Baseline surveys and monitoring were conducted for strategic sites of surface and ground water
in the proposed project.
Sampling Stations
The samples were taken from existing surface and underground water nearest the project site.
METHOD USED IN SAMPLING
Metals
Arsenic
By SDDC Spectrophotometry
The procedure to be used for this determination is found in: Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater, 14th Edition, p. 283, Method404A (1975).
The silver diethyldithiocarbamate method determines inorganic arsenic when present in concentrations at
or above 10 Fg/L. The method is applicable to drinking water and most fresh and saline waters in the
absence of high concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, and silver.
Domestic and industrial wastes may also be analyzed after digestion
Arsenic in the sample is reduced to arsine, AsH3, in acid solution in a hydrogen generator. The arsine is
passed through a scrubber to remove sulfide and is absorbed in a solution of silver
diethyldithiocarbamate dissolved in pyridine. The red complex thus formed is measured in a
spectrophotometer at535 nm.
Mercury
Manual Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

This method uses cold-vapor atomic absorption and is based on the absorption of radiation at the 253.7nm wavelength by mercury vapor. The mercury is reduced to the elemental state and aerated from
solution in a closed system. The mercury vapor passes through a cell positioned in the light path of an
atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Absorbance (peak height) is measured as a function of mercury
concentration.
U.S. EPA, "Method 245.5," Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Pub.
EPA-600/4-82-055, December 1982.
Lead
Graphite Furnace AAS

Lead is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in conjunction with agraphite furnace
containing a graphite platform (Hinderberger and others, 1981). A sample is placed on the graphite
platform, and a matrix modifier is added. The sample then is evaporated to dryness, charred, and
atomized using high-temperature ramping. The absorption signal produced during atomization is recorded
and compared with standards.
2.2-18
Section 2.2 Water

Cyanide
Specific Ion Electrode Method

Cyanide is determined potentiometrically using a cyanide ion-selective electrode (ISE) in conjunction with
a double-junction reference electrode and a pH meter with an expanded millivolt scale or an ISE meter
capable of being calibrated directly in terms of cyanide concentration.
The poisonous nature of cyanide is its capability to form complexes with metals including gold that is
supposed to be noble or chemically inert. Trace metals are important catalyst in the synthesis of organic
Compounds by living organism and in some instances they form the core of the essential organic
compounds for an organism to continue its life functions such as iron in hemoglobin. In the presence of
cyanide, the iron from hemoglobin, copper, and practically any metal compounds in comes into contact
forms complexes with cyanide and removed from the living organism.
Cyanide is highly affected by the pH of the water. At alkaline conditions, it is readily converted to cyanate
ion ( CNO-) and in acidic conditions the reverse reaction takes place. CNO is not very poisonous and its
complexes are quite stable. For this reason, the cyanide standard is fixed on free cyanide on condition.
The Philippine Standards for Cyanide in Water Systems are as follows:
Stream Standards Surface Waters (Rivers, Creeks, Marine Waters, All Water Classifications Classes AA,
A, B, C D and Classes SA, SB, SC for Coastal and Marine Waters) Per Department of Environment
Administrative Order No. 34 Series of 1990 (not yet amended to date)
Cyanide
Method of Analysis
=
=
0.05 mg/L
Specific Ion Electrode Method
Philippine National Water Drinking Standards

Cyanide (Total)
0.07 mg/L
Method of Analysis
Titrimetric; Colorimetric; CN Selective Electrode
However, it would be prudent to consider a court case involving a Philippine mining company discussed
below.
The court decision on a case (for cyanide) involving a Philippine mining company was first based on the
technical advice given to it whether the standards should be interpreted to include the complexes of
cyanide and the cyanate or only the free cyanide to the exclusion of the cyanide complexes and cyanate
complexes. To analyze for the total cyanide (free cyanide plus those in complexes or cyanate) would
mean acidifying the solution so that the cyanate are converted to cyanide, and to hydrocyanic acid (or
free cyanide), the cyanide is also released from some of its complexes and ultimately converted to hydro
cyanic acid (HCN). The technical advice given was that cyanide complexes are stable and in the case of
cyanate are very stable and as such it is freely sold in the market such as red ink which is ferric ferro
cyanide without any toxicity. Since the purpose of the standard is to determine the potential poisonous
character of the wastes to the receiving body, this mining companys wastewater must be analyzed for
free cyanide which is the toxic form of cyanide as it is the free cyanide that is still reactive and effective in
scrubbing the essential heavy metals in living organism.
2.2-19
Section 2.2 Water

When this was done, the free cyanide was very low and well within the standard for cyanide. There was
even a question if the total cyanide will be measured by digesting the suspended solids present or it will
be only supernatant after settling. If the companys waste is analyzed for total cyanide after digesting, it
will fail.
The court has decided that the standards for CN should be interpreted as the free cyanide to exclude any
cyanide that has formed stable complexes or the form of cyanate. The court did not decide that the CN in
this companys wastes are not free cyanide as doing so is a technical issue but the court
Zn and Fe
Although Zn and Fe are not traditional parameters these are tested to get indication of what other metals
from the soil may find their way into the water system thus providing insights as to the soil and also ore
qualities.
Low concentrations of Zn are tested using the ASTM D1691 Atomic Absorption, Direct test method
Fe is tested using the ASTM D1068 10 Atomic Absorption method
Baseline Test Results for Surface Marine Water
These are shown in Table 2.2.6.
Stations
Water Sampling
Station No.1 (Surface
Water)
Water Sampling
Water)
Water Sampling
2.2-20
Table 2.2.6 Water Sampling - Surface Water

Parameters
Results
Units
Metals
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Wet Chemistry
pH, Laboratory
0
@ 23.0 C
Oil & Grease
Hexavalent
Chromium
Cyanide, Free
Salinity as NaCl
Metals
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Wet Chemistry
pH, Laboratory
0
@ 23.0 C
Oil & Grease
Hexavalent
Chromium
Cyanide, Free
Salinity as NaCl
Metals
Arsenic
DENR Standard /
Limit
<0.01
<0.04
<0.0001
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
0.01
--0.002
7.8
mg/L
6.0-9.0
0.4
<0.0003
mg/L
mg/L
<0.002
31, 300
mg/L
mg/L
<0.01
<0.04
<0.0001
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
0.01
--0.002
8.0
mg/L
6.0-9.0
0.4
<0.003
mg/L
mg/L
<0.02
30, 200
mg/L
mg/L
<0.01
mg/L
0.01
Section 2.2 Water

Water)
Water Sampling
Water)
Lead
Mercury
Wet Chemistry
pH, Laboratory
0
@ 23.0 C
Oil & Grease
Hexavalent
Chromium
Cyanide, Free
Salinity as NaCl
Metals
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Wet Chemistry
pH, Laboratory
0
@ 23.0 C
Oil & Grease
Hexavalent
Chromium
Cyanide, Free
Salinity as NaCl
Water Sampling
Water)
<0.04
<0.0001
mg/L
mg/L
--0.002
8.1
mg/L
6.0-9.0
0.3
<0.003
mg/L
mg/L
<0.02
29, 800
mg/L
mg/L
<0.01
<0.04
<0.0001
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
0.01
--0.002
8.1
mg/L
6.0-9.0
0.4
<0.003
mg/L
mg/L
<0.02
31, 100
mg/L
mg/L
Metals
Arsenic
<0.01
mg/L
Lead
<0.04
mg/L
Mercury
<0.0001
mg/L
Wet Chemistry
pH, Laboratory
7.8
mg/L
0
@ 23.1 C
Biological
1
mg/L
Oxygen Demand
Total Suspended 7.0
mg/L
Solids
Hexavalent
<0.003
mg/L
Chromium
Cyanide, Free
<0.02
mg/L
Microbiology
Total Coliforms
3, 500
MPN /100mL
The sampling location map for the above tests is provided in Figure 2.2.8.
2.2-21
0.01
--0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
Section 2.2 Water

SITE
SOURCE: Technotrix Consultancy Services Inc.. Map Showing the Water Quality Sampling Stations (NAMPRIA Topographic
Map). Quezon City. March 2014.
Figure 2.2.8 Water Sampling Station Maps for Marine Water

Observations
The sampling/tests and study for the marine are presented for both Lobo and Archangel Project
because of the commonality of the potential issues concerned involving Batangas Bay.
The most significant results seen from the above baseline studies are:
All the test results for toxic metals and elements show values way below the Dutch Intervention
Limit
Other values (pH, Oil & Grease and BO5) are also way below the standards for Class SC Marine
Water
The Coliform Count is high but this may be expected due to microbial contamination from
domestic effluents.
Baseline Test Results for Surface/Rivers and Creeks

On the other hand the test results for water samples near the project sites are given below. The most
significant results are the same as above for the samples at the mouths of the Batangas Bay.
2.2-22
Section 2.2 Water

Table 2.2.7 Water Sampling Results for Lobo MPSA
Station
Parameters
Results
Method /
Technique
LIMITS
Freshwater (Class C)
DAO 90-34
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.2
5
6.0-9.0
10(15)
COD, mg/L
15
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
6
10
TDS, mg/L
341
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
13.3
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.009
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
0.27
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.5
<1
COD, mg/L
50
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
8
21
TDS, mg/L
185
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
77.5
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
DichromateOpen Reflux
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
CREEK
SWB11 001Upstream of
Tinangisan Creek
Coordinates:
310669.99744 N
1509538.99772 E
SWB11 001Tinangisan Creek

Head Stream
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
2.2-23
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
Section 2.2 Water

SWB11 001
Tinangisan Creek,
Head Stream
As, mg/L
0.006
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
0.016
<0.02
1.77
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.5
7
COD, mg/L
10
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
7
7
TDS, mg/L
338
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
1.3
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.008
Cd, mg/L
Cu, mg/L
Cr, mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
<0.02
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.2
<1
COD, mg/L
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
7
<1
TDS, mg/L
472
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
SWB11 002-Midstream
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
2.2-24
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
Section 2.2 Water

Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
Oil & Grease,
mg/L
As, mg/L
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
SWB11 002-Midstream
Characteristic:
Creek,
Intermittent
pH
BOD, mg/L
COD, mg/L
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
TDS, mg/L
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
Oil & Grease,
mg/L
As, mg/L
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
SWB11 002
Location: Mid
Stream
pH
BOD, mg/L
COD, mg/L
2.2-25
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
<1.0
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
0.008
Hydride
GenerationAAS
<0.003
Flame AAS
<0.005
Flame AAS
<0.02
Flame AAS
<0.02
Flame AAS
<0.01
Flame AAS
<0.0001
Cold VaporAAS
7.5
Glass Electrode
<1
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
15
8
Iodometric
50
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
261
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
79.5
Nephelometric
<0.05
Specific Ion
Electrode
<1.0
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
0.006
Hydride
GenerationAAS
<0.003
Flame AAS
<0.005
Flame AAS
<0.02
Flame AAS
0.96
Flame AAS
<0.01
Flame AAS
<0.0001
Cold VaporAAS
7.1
Glass Electrode
13
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
20
Dichromate0.7
<0.05
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
Section 2.2 Water

Coordinates:
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
6
5
TDS, mg/L
341
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
11.7
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.010
Cd, mg/L
Cu, mg/L
Cr, mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
<0.02
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.7
<1
COD, mg/L
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
7
<1
TDS, mg/L
440
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
11.1
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.006
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
<0.02
<0.01
<0.0001
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
SWB11 003Downstream of
Tinangisan Creek
Coordinates:
310236.00217 N
1509324.00148 E
2.2-26
Open Reflux
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
Section 2.2 Water

SWB11 003Downstream of
Tinangisan Creek
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.9
<1
COD, mg/L
15
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
7
9
TDS, mg/L
255
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
17.2
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.006
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
0.36
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.6
5
COD, mg/L
10
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
6
20
TDS, mg/L
344
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
15.6
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
As, mg/L
0.010
Coordinates:
310236.00217 N
1509324.00148 E
SWB11 003
Downstream of
Tinangisan Creek
Coordinates:
310236.00217 N
1509324.00148 E
2.2-27
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
6.0-9.0
10(15)
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
Generation-
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
1,000
0.01
Section 2.2 Water

Cd, mg/L
Cu, mg/L
Cr, mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
0.33
<0.01
<0.0001
pH
BOD, mg/L
7.9
<1
COD, mg/L
<5
Coordinates:
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
8
<1
310666 N
1510206 E
TDS, mg/L
482
Turbidity, NTU
Oil & Grease,
mg/L
0.4
<1.0
LB OM01-12
Old Mine Creek
Mabilog
Na Bundok, Lobo,
Batangas
LB OM02-12
Old Mine Creek
Mabilog
Na Bundok, Lobo,
Batangas
CN , mg/L
<0.05
S, mg/L
As, mg/L
13
0.016
Fe, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.02
<0.0001
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
Fecal Coliform,
MPN/100ml
pH
BOD, mg/L
13 X 10
COD, mg/L
10
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
8
<1
TDS, mg/L
543
Turbidity, NTU
Oil & Grease,
0.3
<1.0
13 X 10
8.1
<1
Coordinates:
310666 N
1510206 E
2.2-28
AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Gravimetric
0.05
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
0.01
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
5
Section 2.2 Water

mg/L
-
SWB PUCRK
Location:
Tinangisan Creek
CN , mg/L
<0.05
S, mg/L
As, mg/L
59
0.047
Fe, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.02
<0.0001
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
pH
BOD, mg/L
35 x 10
24 x 10
COD, mg/L
10
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
4
4
TDS, mg/L
352
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
12.8
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
7.1
6
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
As, mg/L
SWB PUSPR
Location:
Tinangisan Creek
2.2-29
0.006
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
<0.02
<0.01
<0.0001
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
Fecal Coliform,
MPN/100ml
pH
BOD, mg/L
16 x 10
350
7.3
<1
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
0.01
0.002
6.0-9.0
10(15)
1,000
0.01
0.002
6.0-9.0
Section 2.2 Water

COD, mg/L
10
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
7
<1
TDS, mg/L
350
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
0.9
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
Coordinates:
310320.00258 N
1509378.00049 E
As, mg/L
0.005
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
<0.02
<0.01
<0.0001
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
Fecal Coliform,
MPN/100ml
79
pH
BOD, mg/L
6.5
<1
COD, mg/L
DO, mg/L
TSS, mg/L
2
19
TDS, mg/L
502
Turbidity, NTU
CN , mg/L
28
<0.05
Oil & Grease,

mg/L
<1.0
79
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
Ether
Extraction)
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
SPRING
SWB SPLB60
Tinangisan Creek
Characteristic:
Drill hole Spring
2.2-30
Glass Electrode
Azide
Modification
(Dilution
Technique)
Iodometric
Gravimetric
(dried at 103105C)
Gravimetric
(dried at 180C)
Nephelometric
Specific Ion
Electrode
Gravimetric
(Petroleum
1,000
0.01
0.05
0.002
Limit
6.0-9.0
10(15)
3.0
1,000
Section 2.2 Water

SO4,mg/L
As, mg/L
278
Cd, mg/L
Cu,mg/L
Cr,mg/L
Fe, mg/L
Pb, mg/L
Hg, mg/L
<0.003
<0.005
<0.02
9.69
<0.01
<0.0001
Total Coliform,
MPN/100ml
Fecal Coliform,
MPN/100ml
<1.8
0.011
<1.8
Ether
Extraction)
Gravimetric
Hydride
GenerationAAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Flame AAS
Cold VaporAAS
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
Multiple Tube
Fermentation
RIVER
LOBO RIVER
LRM02-13
Mid river
LOBO RIVER
Head river
2.2-31
pH
Temp
5-Day 20 0c BOD
DO
TSS
TDS
Turbidity
CN
Oil & Grease
Arsenic
Iron
Mercury
Total Coliform
Fecal coliform
pH
Temp
5-Day 20 0c BOD
DO
8.17
24
2
8.52
range
C
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
321
0.4
<0.005
1
<0.002
0.1697
<0.002
92,000
680
8.33
24
6
8.42
mg/L
NTU
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
MPN/mg/L
MPN/mg/L
range
C
mg/L
mg/L
TSS
14
mg/L
TDS
365
mg/L
0.01
0.05
0.002
LIMITS
Freshwa
ter
(Class C)
DAO 9034
LIMITS
Marine water
(Class SC)
DAO 90-34
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
not more
than 30
mg/L
increase
0.05
2
0.05
<0.002
1000 (m)
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
not more
than 30
mg/L
increase
-
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
(g)
0.05
3
0.002
<0.002
5000
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
(g)
-
Section 2.2 Water

Turbidity
CN
Oil & Grease
Arsenic
Iron
Mercury
Total Coliform
Fecal coliform
2.8
<0.005
1
<0.002
0.6044
<0.002
5,400
33
NTU
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
MPN/mg/L
MPN/mg/L
0.05
2
0.05
<0.002
1000 (m)
-
0.05
3
0.002
<0.002
5000
-
Additional Results for Lobo River (Marine)
LRM01-13
Marine water
(estuary)
pH
Temp
5-Day 20 0c BOD
DO
TSS
TDS
Turbidity
CN
Oil & Grease
Arsenic
Iron
Mercury
Total Coliform
Fecal coliform
8.08
26
2
7.23
range
C
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
34,929
0.6
<0.005
<1
<0.002
<0.0313
<0.002
49
33
mg/L
NTU
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
MPN/mg/L
MPN/mg/L
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
not more
than 30
mg/L
increase
0.05
2
0.05
<0.002
1000 (m)
-
6.0-8.5
3
7 (10)
5
(g)
0.05
3
0.002
<0.002
5000
-
Tests for Biological parameter (Total Coliform) for the adjacent Tinangisan creek is shown
below
Total Coliform
2,400 MPN100 ml (Multiple Tube Fermentation Technique)
pH, Laboratory at 23.0OC
7.5
Electrometric Method
There are no deepwells at the project site
Significant Observations
Based from the test results, the following significant observations:
Total coliform exceeds standard attributable to domestic wastes discharged to the River
BOD5 and Dissolved Oxygen, indicators of ability of River to sustain growth of fish are well
within limits
Metals and Cyanide are low in concentration
2.2-32
Section 2.2 Water

LOBO RIVER
Based from the test results, the following significant observations:
Metals and Cyanide are low in concentration
Oil & Grease which is an indicator of oil spill such as from water-borne crafts are low
Metals and Cyanide are well within standards
SOURCE: Egerton Gold Phils., Lobo Water Sampling Map. Using ArcGIS [GIS software]. Lobo, Batangas. 2013
Figure 2.2.9 The Lobo Project Site Additional Water Sampling Station Map
2.2-33
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.3.3 Sedimentation Modeling
Mathematical modeling for the transport of sediments in water bodies (i.e. the Lobo River and the
Batangas Bay), when applicable, could provide useful information as to possible contamination from the
mining (extraction) works as well as from the processing plant.
However, this exercise may not be completely applicable to the project for the following reasons:
The point at the Lobo River nearest the processing plant is at a distance of approximately 2
kilometers. Likewise the mangrove areas are mainly located distant from the project site.
Batangas Bay is protected from the mining and processing activities by natural barrier, i.e. the
natural terrain and is approximately 1.75 kilometers distant.
The most potential cause of pollution is not sediment but instead is the liquid cyanide in events of
spills.
The mitigation measures for the potential impacts of cyanide spills/leaks are discussed in Section
4, IMP.
2kms
1.75 kms
SOURCE: Egerton Phils, Inc., Lobo Water Management. October 2014
Figure 2.2.10 Distance of the Processing Plant to Lobo River
2.2-34
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.4
Freshwater Ecology Lobo MPSA Project
Assessment of freshwater biota was conducted in four sampling stations in the Lobo River, Batang Creek
and Tinangisan Creek that included (i) conduct of test fishing in the Lobo River and 2 creeks/tributaries to
determine common species of fish present, (ii) sampling of benthic macro-invertebrates, and identification
of plankton communities in all four stations (Figure 2.2.11).
2.2-35
Section 2.2 Water

Batang Creek
Tinangisan Creek
Mining/Project Site
Lumbangan Kaliwa
Creek
Pagsabangan Creek
Malagundi Creek
SOURCE: Egerton Gold Phils., Batangas Project General Arrangement. Batangas. 29 November 2013
Figure 2.2.11 River systems/tributaries in the Lobo and Archangel MPSAs.

2.2-36
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.4.1 Threat to existence and/or loss of important local species and habitat
Summary of Endemicity/conservation status
Freshwater fishes and crustaceans were encountered in two test fishing stations in the Lobo River and
these species form an important diet of local resident fishers living in the estuary. In the 2 creeks
surveyed, Tinangisan and Batang, only one fish species (Spotted Barb) and a penaeid shrimp were
encountered in the largely dried up river systems. These small shrimps are suspected to be juveniles of
the freshwater giant prawn Machrobrachium rosenbergii which are known to migrate to estuaries to
spawn and return to upstream portions to graze. The shrimps are extensively hunted for their lucrative
price. However, the specimens captured during test fishing operations and consisted of juvenile species
and key informants alleged that mature sizes of the Ulang are rarely found nowadays. The giant
freshwater prawn are already being produced in hatcheries and are in fact already being cultured in
freshwater pond systems for commercial production.
Freshwater and brackish water fishes and crustaceans documented in the Lobo River are of high
conservation value, although they are not yet reported as threatened and endangered. These species,
however, are of important commercial value as fish food. One species classified as threatened by the
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is the rare river mullet Mesopristes cancellatus (locally known
as Pigek or Pigok) which are known to enter upstream river systems where it seeks undisturbed feeding
grounds and cleaner shelters. However, this species of fish has been heretofore documented to be
endemic only in the Cagayan River, Abra River and the Rio Grande de Mindanao. Key informants claim
that the Pigek exists in the Lobo River, migrating downstream during certain times of the year to spawn in
coastal waters. However, actual fishing operations in both the Lobo River and five other creeks did not
yield any specimen of this species. Fishers also alleged that the population of this species has greatly
dwindled due to the use of fine mesh nets. Endemic mudfishes and catfishes were reported to inhabit the
rivers of the Lobo and Archangel MPSA project sites but were not collected during sampling inside the
creeks, indicating a serious decline in population. Only one specimen of juvenile catfish was captured in
test fishing operation in Station 2 of Lobo River.
Abundance of ecologically and economically important species (fishes, benthos, planktons)

A total of 25 species of fish belonging to 19 taxa were collected from gill netting operation, observed from
actual fishing operations of four fishers in the downstream portion of the Lobo River, and divulged in key
informant interviews with 9 fishers near the estuary. All of the fish caught during test fishing are food
fishes but most are of juvenile sizes, indicating growth overfishing most probably caused by extensive use
of fine mesh nets (please see next chapter for species composition of fish caught). The low species
density and abundance of fish and crustaceans caught during actual fishing operations in the Lobo river is
indicative of a deteriorating habitat condition and diminishing standing stocks, evidently brought about by
increasing sediment loads and loss of habitats and shelters for fish reproduction and grazing. The test
fishing operations in the creeks using cast nets yielded only 1 species of fish (Spotted Barb, Puntius
binotalus) and one species of shrimp because most of the deeper portions of the creeks have dried up
and the remaining pools are no longer feasible for fish survival due to increasing temperatures and low
water levels. Sessile benthic organisms were generally few in the core sampling station for benthic
macro-invertebrates. A total of 24 species of planktons were identified in the plankton surveys which is
also indicative of low diversity and deteriorating environmental conditions.
2.2.4.1.1 The freshwater systems
The surface water bodies adjacent to the project site are the Lobo River situated on the western part of
the project and the intermittent Tinangisan Creek at the northern tip of the mining pit and waste recontouring facility.
A map of these freshwater systems is shown in Figure 2.2.11. The project mining area is interposed in
this map. It is seen from this map that a portion of the mining pit and waste recontouring cuts across the
2.2-37
Section 2.2 Water

intermittent Tinangisan Creek which empties into the Lobo River after joining the Batang River northwest
of the mine site. Tinangisan Creek is located at the western portion of the Lobo MPSA where a portion of
its meandering system cuts across the project site and drains to the Lobo River in less than 2 kilometers
of riverine pathway. The main channel emanates from the remote forest zone in the hinterlands in the
boundary of Bgy. Sawang and flows in a westward direction. In the upper section, Batang Creek joins the
Tinangisan Creek before it empties into the Lobo River. Both these creeks were dried up except for small
pools of water during the current survey (Plate 2.2.2). The Tinangisan creek does not pass through any
Barangay proper. Pictures of the dried up creeks are presented in Plates 2.2.1 to 2.2.3 below and the
succeeding pages
Plate 2.2.2 Dried up Tinangisan Creek (above) and Batang Creek (below).
2.2-38
Section 2.2 Water

Plate 2.2.3 Species of fish and shrimp caught in remaining water pools in the Batang creek the
freshwater spotted barb and the juveniles of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
Plate 2.2.4 Left - Upstream Lobo River near confluence with Tinangisan Creek;
2.2.4.1.2 Methodology and Sampling Stations
A total of four (4) survey stations were established in the Lobo River, i.e., one in the estuary, one in the
upstream portion, and one station each in two creeks (Figure 2.2.12(a)).
All the survey stations were subjected to test fishing operations and were also used as sampling sites for
plankton and macro-benthos. Sampling locations were selected to permit assessments of the aquatic
organisms of surface waters that will receive potential discharges and rain runoff from the proposed
2.2-39
Section 2.2 Water

project facility areas. In Lobo River, sampling was conducted both downstream of the proposed facility
locations and in the point of discharge of projects liquid effluents. Sampling for freshwater fish species
was generally conducted at the same sites as sampling for plankton and macrobenthos. At each location,
biotic sampling included phytoplankton, zooplankton, epibenthic macro-invertebrates, and fish. All
samples were labelled with the site ID, type of sample, analysis required, and date of collection (). Fish
species were identified in-situ.
The objective of the aquatic ecology baseline study was to evaluate important components of the
freshwater aquatic ecosystems in the Project area fish and crustaceans, phytoplankton, zooplankton,
and macro-benthos specifically benthic macro-invertebrates.
Plankton is free-drifting organisms typically found in the upper layers of the water column. They are often
important components at the lower base of marine and aquatic food webs. However, planktons are not
know to proliferate in fast moving lotic environs and the sampling stations chosen were areas of relatively
slow current. Changes in ecological conditions in a stream often lead to changes in the community
structure of planktons and benthic animals. Benthic or bottom dwelling animals constitute a major part of
the diet of many benthic and bottom dwelling fishes and crustaceans. Many of the bivalves in riverine and
estuarine systems are also edible invertebrates collected for food and sustenance trade. Epibenthic
fauna (macro-invertebrates or macrobenthos), on the other hand, serve a number of ecosystem roles at
various levels of the food chain, ranging from consumers of plant material to prey for fish. Due to their
filter-feeding nature, macro-invertebrates are good indicators of environmental conditions over time and
can be used as indicators of water quality and the degradation of the aquatic environment.
Phyto-and zooplankton were collected at the sampling sites by filtering 1 liter samples into a composite
sample. Phytoplankton samples were filtered through a 20 m mesh sieve; zooplankton was filtered
through a 33 m mesh sieve. Phytoplankton samples were then fixed using Lugols solution; zooplankton
samples were fixed with 10% buffered formalin. Samples were then sent to a laboratory for counting and
identification. Counting and identification of organisms were conducted using a Sedgwick-Rafter plate.
For phytoplankton, a compound light microscope was used, while for zooplankton, a dissecting
microscope. Phytoplankton were counted and identified to the lowest taxonomic level (genera) possible
while zooplankton was identified to major groups using available references. Phytoplankton and
zooplankton densities are presented as number of cells or organisms per liter.
Benthic macro-invertebrates were collected in the stations around the Project area employing the
standard kick net. The net is thrust into productive habitats and substrates (e.g., riffle areas, flooded
vegetation, submerged root mats and other woody debris) to collect specimens. Fish species were
collected during actual fishing operations using a 100-meter gill net and a cast net (in shallow creek
pools). Actual observation of hook and line and gill net fishing operations by fishers in the Lobo Rover
were also undertaken to supplement catch data from actual fishing total of nine (9) key informants were
also interviewed for fish catch composition.
2.2-40
Section 2.2 Water

SOURCE: Technotrix Consultancy Services Inc., Freshwater Ecological Survey Stations. Quezon City. 14 April 2014.
Figure 2.2.12 Map of seven sampling stations
2.2-41
Section 2.2 Water

2.2.4.1.3 Summary of Results
Plankton
A total of 24 plankton species were identified across the four sampling stations covering 2 stations in the
Lobo River and two in the creeks. Phytoplankton community is generally dominated by diatoms. Highest cell
densities ranging 2070 to 2628 cells/L was observed for Coscinodiscus spp in Lobo River and followed by
Batang creek with cell densities ranging from 1632 to 2742 cells/L were observed for Surirella spp (Table
2.2.8). A total of 13,536 planktonic organisms were counted in all sampling stations. Cyanobacteria and
zooplankton were highest also in the Batang Creek. Dinoflagellate, euglenoid and green algae represent
only a small contribution to general phytoplankton community. Zooplankton taxa mostly Arcellidae
(Protozoan), gastropod veliger and loricate rotifer only contributes relatively small percentage as well. Light
micrograph of common and dominant phytoplankton is shown in Figure 2.2.13. The estimates of the
mean abundance of phytoplankton ranged from 169 to 3071 cells/L with the highest mean cell density
observed in Station 4 (upstream Lobo River) while the lowest is in Station 1 (Tinangisan Creek).
The computed index of species diversity (H) for the phytoplankton community across all stations ranged
from 0.94 to 2.1, with the highest observed at Lobo river upstream and lowest in mouth of Lobo River
(Table 2.2.9). The low diversity index observed in Station 1 (near river) could be attributed to the
dominance of Cosicnodiscus observed in this area. The highest number of species was also observed in
Lobo River upstream while the lowest was observed in Tinangisan creek. The highest cell abundance
was observed in Lobo river mouth while the lowest was observed in Tinangisan creek.
The plankton data obtained during the sampling period provides a snapshot of overall status of the
plankton community in the area during the summer. Species diversity, richness and abundance are
relatively low. This is indicative of the possible influence of anthropogenic sources going into the creeks
and river. It was observed that stations particularly in creeks are almost dried up particularly in Batang
creek, Overall, based on the data gathered plankton community in the area is less diverse and relatively
in low abundance particularly during the sampling period. Additional sampling will be conducted during
the rainy season to compare the plankton community from the data gathered during summer.
2.2-42
Section 2.2 Water

Table 2.2.8 Plankton composition and abundance in four stations in the Lobo River, the
Batang Creek and Tinangisan Creek during the April 29-30, 2014 sampling.
Lobo River Mouth
Batang creek
Row Labels
Cyanobacteria
48
90
222
114
474
36
24
48
12
120
12
18
30
60
12
54
156
72
294
36
402
2424
3258
162
78
Lyngbya
Nostoc
Oscillatoria
Diatom
3564
2640
Achnanthes
Bacillaria
Coscinodiscus
Cymbella
78
Ephemera
Navicula
66
Pleurosigma
36
Synedra
Terpsinoemusica
12
Closteriumlunula
Spirogyra
12
Zooplankton
12702
240
2628
2070
30
48
144
78
48
84
84
18
66
198
498
270
72
300
210
18
30
966
354
138
4698
378
492
0
1632
2742
60
72
420
30
30
60
120
12
12
24
60
12
24
42
54
156
12
18
48
Gastropod veliger
516
12
30
12
30
3576
2670
102
120
24
300
30
24
72
96
90
186
42
2760
3516
102
300
Table 2.2.9 Diversity indices in seven sampling areas in Batang Creek, Tinangisan creek,
Lobo River (S), Total abundance (N), Evenness (J), Shannon Weiner Index (H) for the seven
sampling sites are shown in the table.
Sampling Area
Batang Creek
Lobo River Upstream
Lobo River Mouth
Tinangisan creek
2.2-43
4626
18
12
96
276
252
Arcellidae
Grand Total
102
12
12
Actinula larvae
72
150
78
Green algae
180
Pseudonitzschia
Surirella
Tinangisan creek
Grand
Total
Lobo River Upstream
S
14
11
8
4
N
1804
377
3071
169
J'
0.59
0.90
0.45
0.88
H'
1.56
2.15
0.94
1.21
Section 2.2 Water
13536

Figure 2.2.13 Light micrograph of common and dominant plankton in seven sampling areas in Lobo, Batangas Figure (A) Coscinodiscus
(B) Surirella (C) Phacus (D)Nostoc (E)Pleurosigma (F)Terpsinoe (G) Loricate rotifer (H)Oscillatoria (I)Closterium lunula
2.2-44
Section 2.2 Water

Fish
A total of 25 species of fish and 3 species of crustaceans were identified to be harvested in the Lobo
River estuary, belonging to 19 taxa (Table 2.2.10 and Plate 2.2.5). Eighteen (18) individuals belonging to
nine (9) species were actually caught during actual test fishing operations in four stations in the river. All
of the species identified are being harvested both for subsistence income and food. Most of these
species are caught near the estuary and lesser species diversity is found in the upstream portions of the
Lobo River. The catch composition in fisheries indicate a rather robust yield in terms of species diversity
but most of the catch of fishers observed during the survey are comprised of juvenile fish.
Only one species of fish and one species of shrimp were found in 2 of the creeks. Key informants claim
that the creeks are no longer being fished due to the significant decline in the population of freshwater
species.
Table 2.2.10 Diversity of finfish caught from Lobo River, Lobo, Batangas City in order of
production importance (data from key informants and actual fishing operation, March 29 - 30,
2014).
Family
Species Name
Local Name
Common Name
1. Sardinella
2. Gobiidae
3. Eleotridae
4. Anabantidae
5. Cyprinidae
6. Cyprinidae
7. Cichlidae
8. Channidae
9. Clariidae
10. Anguillidae
11. Theraponidae
12. Theraponidae
13. Leiognathidae
14. Scatophagidae
15. Mugilidae
16. Mugilidae
17. Gerridae
18. Carangidae
19. Lutjanidae
20. Mullidae
21. Siganidae
22. Siganidae
23. Sillaginidae
24. Belonidae
25. Unidentified
Finfish
Sardinella fimbriata
Glossogobius sp
Hypseleotris agilis
Anabas testudineus
Cyprinus carpio
Puntius binotalus
Oreochromis nilotica
Channa striata
Clarias sp.
Anguilla marmorata
Therapon jarbua
Mesopristis cancellatus
Leiognathus equulus
Scatophagus argus
Mugil cephalos
Valamugil cunnessius
Gerres filamentosus
Ulua mentalis
Lutjanus sebae
Upeneus sp
Siganus punctatus
Siganus sp
Sillago sihama
Strongylura incisa
Manamsi/Tamban
Biya
Palawon
Puyo/Bakang
Carpa
Nahubagutbot
Tilapia
Dalag/Haluan
Hito
Igat/Kasili
Tunghod
Pigok
Sap-sap
Kikilo
Banak
Aligasin
Latab
Samin-samin
Bilbigan
Salmoyete
Budas
Dangit
Aso-os
Balo
Bunog/Anga
Fimbriated sardine
Goby
2.2-45
Goby
Gourami
Common carp
Spotted barb
Nile Tilapia
Chevron snakehead
Native catfish
Eel
Convex-lined therapon
Cross-barred theraponid
Common slipmouth
Spotted scat
Flathead mullet
Long-arm mullet
Spotted mojarras
Caranx
Emperor red snapper
Goat fish
Rabbit fish
Rabbit fish
Common whiting
Reef needlefish
Unidentified
Section 2.2 Water

A.
B.
C.
C.
E.
D.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Plate 2.2.5 Common finfish species of commercial value in Lobo River, Batangas City. A.
Puntius binotalus, B. Oreochromis nilotica, C. Cyprinus carpio, D. Channa striata, E. Gerres
filamentosus, F. Mugil cephalos, G. Leiognathus equulus, H. Anguilla marmorata, and I.
Strongylura incisa.
2.2-46
Section 2.2 Water

Six types of major fishing gars are being employed for capture fisheries in the estuary and mid-stream
portions of the Lobo River (Table 2.2.11). During the peak fishing season from June to November, key
informants claim that an average of 26 kg of fish can be harvested per day by a boat 2 fishers, with
encircling gill nets as the most productive. While there are indications of overfishing and decreasing
catch sizes, the incomes from the fisheries is quite significant and based on pronouncements of key
informants (Table 2.2.11).
Table 2.2.11 Fishing gears used in Batang Creek (upstream and during Habagat only) and Lobo
River (MRL proposed drainage area and Lobo River estuary), Lobo, Batangas City based on
interviews.
English Names
1. Impounding Nets
Barrier Net
Modified Cast Net
2. Gill Nets
Bottom-set gill net modifications
3.2 cm mesh (Gourami)
6 cm mesh (Tilapia)
15 cm mesh (Carp)
Drag nets
Push nets/scissor nets
Drive-in gill nets
Encircling gill nets
3. Pots
Crab pots
Fish pots (large)
Fish pots (small)
4. Hook and Line
Simple hook & line
Bottom set longline
5. Hand Instruments
Spear fishing
Harpoon
Scoop net
6. Other Fishing Methods
Gleaning
2.2-47
Local Names
Pantepahubas
Laya
Pante or lambatpataan
Pante pang-gourami
Pante pang-tilapia
Pante pang-carpa
Sud-sud
Pantepangbalo
Pante pang-gayad
Panggal
Bubo
Bantak/Timing
Bingwit/Pasol
Palangrepataan
Pana
Sapang
Sikpaw
Panginhas
Section 2.2 Water

Table 2.2.12 Estimates of gross sales and net income of fishers using top five (5) fishing gears
used during lean and peak fishing seasons (data from key informant interview, Lobo Rive r, March
29 - 30, 2014)
Net Daily Income per
Gear Type
Crew Mean Catch
Mean Gross Sales
Cost per Fisher
Size
Per day
Price
(in Php.)
Trip
(in Php.)
(in kg/
(in Php.)
Php.)
Peak Lean
Peak
Lean
Peak
Lean
Pantepahubas
Laya
Pante pang-carpa
Pante pang-gayad
Sud-sud
1-2
1
1-2
1-2
1
25
12
30
50
15
5
3
7
8
2
70.00
60.00
60.00
90.00
80.00
1,750.00
720.00
1,800.00
4,500.00
1,200.00
350.00
180.00
420.00
720.00
160.00
75.00
50.00
100.00
100.00
50.00
825.00
645.00
837.50.00
2,175.00
1000.00
125.00
105.00
147.50
285.00
110.00
Note: Peak months - June to November; and Lean Months - December to May.
Macroinvertebrates in Creeks and Lobo River
Macroinvertebrate surveys were undertaken in the same four stations in the Lobo River, Batang Creek
and Tinangisan Creek. Kick sampling was conducted using D frame kick net in riffle, pools and run/glide
in creeks and in the Lobo River. BMWP scoring system was employed to evaluate the condition of these
freshwater systems.
Sampling conducted in the creeks area in March 2014 indicates the macro-invertebrate communities in
the river systems around the project area are highly degraded relative to species richness and
abundance. Indicators of the degraded macro-invertebrate communities include the extremely low
numbers of benthic organisms in some stations and the low abundance and species variety in other
stations. The poor condition of the macro-invertebrate community in the creeks and relatively in the Lobo
River can be attributed to issues of sediment loading and blanketing, erosion, and river water pollution
caused by domestic wastes.
The macro-ivertebrates found were Decopod crustacea (freshwater shrimp and crab), Gastropoda
(Snails), Hemiptera (water bugs), Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), Arenea (water spider) (Please
see Plate yy). Biological monitoring working party (BMWP) was used in determining ecological categories
of the macro-invertebrate community assessed. BMWP is a method of assessing water quality using the
families of macro-inverbertebrates. The BMWP was computed for each sampling areas based on the
presence of different macro-invertebrate species. Generally, BMWP score for the creeks and river
sampled is relatively low ranging from 3-14. Among the six stations, the highest BMWP scores were
found in the Lobo river upstream with a score of 14, followed by Batang creek with 12. Determining
biological communities including macro-invertebrates in freshwater river systems provide a broad
measure of impacts of different stressors. Based on the criteria set of BMWP score categories on the
status of the water quality (Table 2.2.13), freshwater river systems in Lobo is impacted or polluted.
Although, biological parameters/indicators alone are not a conclusive evidence to generalize the overall
condition of the freshwater ecosystem, clearly these results are indicative of external stressors.
2.2-48
Section 2.2 Water

Table 2.2.13 Table of BMWP score categories based on (National Water Council,
1981)
BMWP Score
Category
Interpretation
0-10
Very poor
Heavily polluted
11--40
Poor
Polluted or impacted
41-70
Moderate
Moderately impacted
71-100
Good
Clean but slighty impacted
>100
very Good
Unpolluted/unimpacted
Table 2.2.14 Different macro-invertebrate taxa in creeks and river system in Lobo. Batangas and
their corresponding BMWP scores
Macroinvertebrate
Batang
Creek
Tinangisan
Creek
Lobo
River
Upstream
Damselflies (Odonata)
Centipede
Diving beetle
Operculate snail
Water strider
(Hemiptera)
Dragonflies (Odonata)
Water spider (Arenea)

Freshwater shrimp
(Macrobrachiurm sp.)
Freshwater spider
crab
Fiddler crab
Mud crab
Conus sp.
BMWP Score
2.2-49
12
14
Section 2.2 Water

Plate 2.2.6 Images of some of the macroinvertebrates observed in sampling stations Figure (A)
Gastropod species1 (B) Water strider (C) Freshwater crab (D) Centipede (E) Diving beetle (F)
Freshwater shrimp (G) Gastropod species2, and (H) Water spider
2.2.4.1.4 Presence of pollution indicators species

The potential surface water pollution or degradation which could affect the ecology/species may be
potentially brought about by carry-over of treated waste water from the processing plant which may
contain traces of Sodium Cyanide, the primary processing agent for the extraction of gold from the ore.
Domestic waste water will be normally generated by the construction and mining personnel; however this
will be treated readily with the appropriate treatment system. The estimated volume of domestic wastes is
estimated to be small at 12.9 cu.m. per day (max) based on maximum number of personnel of 215,
shown in Section 1. Thus the discharge of organics is not considered as a significant pollution.
Cyanide Pollution Indicators
Fish and aquatic invertebrates are particularly sensitive to cyanide exposure Concentrations of 20 to 76
micrograms per liter free cyanide cause the death of many aquatic species, and concentrations in excess
of 200 micrograms per liter are rapidly toxic to most species of fish. Invertebrates experience adverse
nonlethal effects at 18 to 43 micrograms per liter free cyanide, and lethal effects at 30 to 100 micrograms
per liter (Reference: International Cyanide Management Institute).
2.2-50
Section 2.2 Water

For this project, the effluent from the gold processing plant will be treated to a concentration of not
exceeding 0.20 mg/l, the effluent standard for Class C waters as prescribed in DAO 35 Series of 1990.
There were no species of fish or shellfish encountered in the sampling stations that can be employed as
indicators of pollution. Marine fish and shellfish species have not been used as indicators of pollution,
except where biotixins are involved (e.g. plankton-filtering fish species in PSP-affected areas). On the
contrary, some species of fish (e.g., Chaetodontidae and Zanclus sp.) have been used as indicators of
relatively good ecological attributes but these are mostly coral-reef associated species and are not found
in the Lobo river estuary. These animals are characteristically indicative of a bio-diverse marine
environment. The loss of these species over time, on the other hand, will be indicative of a degrading
benthic ecosystem.
As to plankton blooms as indicators of hyper-organic nutrient loading, pollution, records show that the
occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Philippines has been associated with the onset of the
southwest monsoon but there has been very little evidence attributing extensive siltation as a primary and
sudden trigger of HABs. In many cases, increased nutrient loading through sediment transport has been
observed to be a more likely pathway for occurrence of HABs in coastal areas if the suspended organic
matter (OM) causes hyper-nutrient levels and euthrophication. The pollution of coastal waters is believed
to stimulate bursts in populations of microscopic and macroscopic algae as various pollution-supplied
substances fertilize the water column and bottom substrate and provide the nutrients that trigger algal
bloom proportions. Because of this, harmful or toxic algal species become more abundant and more
noticeable. Currently, the densities of plankton groups observed in the coastal area within the vicinity of
the project site do not indicate proportions that can risk the occurrence of HABs. Nevertheless, constant
monitoring of the cell counts of bio-toxin carrying species needs to be undertaken. The present plankton
surveys did not reveal the presence of any of the HAB-causing species in excessive densities.
Epibenthic fauna (macro-invertebrates or macrobenthos), on the other hand, serve a number of
ecosystem roles at various levels of the food chain, ranging from consumers of plant material to prey for
fish. Macroinvertebrates are good integrators of environmental conditions over time and can be used as
indicators of heavy metal pollution, especially sessile, filter-feeding macro-invertebrates. Shellfish
species such as oysters and epibenthic bivalves can be utilized for biotoxin analysis, including detection
of cyanide in bivalve tissue. However, the low diversity of epibenthic and infaunal benthos in the
sampling areas already indicate a stressed riverine environment. Moreover, no significant population of
bivalves have been observed in the Lobo River and were completely absent in the creeks.
2.2.4.2 Overall impacts of the project on the freshwater ecology
The overall impacts are deemed not highly significant because of the following:
The creek that will be blocked by and within the project site is intermittent and completely dries out
during the dry season. The creeks do not host a diverse population of freshwater organisms and
neither are they being extensively used for fisheries.
Fishing in the creeks is not a major economic activity of the residents and is undertaken only during
periods of rains where the creeks can host extensive water bodies. Lobo River, especially near its
estuary, and the Batangas Bay are the source of fishes. Current production levels indicate robust
species diversity in the estuary, albeit diminishing sizes of fish caught indicates growth overfishing.
The Project intends to sustain productive fisheries by ensuring that no further significant sediment
loading into the Lobo River will be contributed from point sources within the Project site.
The potential impacts may be experienced in events of heavy siltation caused by typhoon-induced
rainfalls. However, engineered and strategically located siltation ponds will be constructed.
On a No Project Scenario there exists silt carryovers in events of heavy rainfalls
Concerns on the potential impact of cyanide are readily managed through the use of sound
engineering and practices. Engineered drainage systems which will include siltation ponds,
stabilization of gullies and construction of run-off weirs at desirable distances along and within the
2.2-51
Section 2.2 Water

existing gullies will be instituted. In an event of overflow of treated waste water due to heavy
rainfalls the water will be further diluted thus reducing concentration of any traces of cyanide.
2.2.5 Threat to the Verde Island Passage and from Cyanide Spills
The Rapu-rapu spill case:
Following are the highlights of the report Mineral Institute Backgrounder: Rapu-rapu Mining
Operation: July 2006 (Mineral Policy Institute)
DENR Report found that not only were the spills preventable but that Rapu-Rapu can be faulted
for its numerous lapses. DENR outlined the key faults and lapses:
1. Lafayette already started to operate even without completing all the environmental infrastructures.
The Project violated the schedule of the upper tailings dam build-up at the time of the incident.
The upper tailings storage facility was only 175 meters or 20 meters short of the dam construction
schedule as indicated in their 2005 annual environmental protection and enhancement program.
2. Failure of the detoxification system. During the incident, the dosage of sodium metabisulfite was
decreased from 4.24kg/ton ore to hust 2.8kg/ton. Sodium metabisulfite is used to neutralize
cyanide.
3. Violation of 7 the 29 ECC conditions.
4. Non-implementation of Environmental Action Plan including Tailings Management Plan
5. Non-implementation of and Environmental Monitoring System (EMS), a major indicator that
shows that due diligence has been conducted. With an EMS, a site-nased and integrated
responses to environmental challenges, especially response and procedures, would be establish.
6. Non-compliance with limits for liquid effluents within and outside the project site.
7. Non-Confirmity with mine tailings dam safety standards and procedures, including a review by
independent experts and periodic inspection.
8. Absence of a Cyanide Management Plan to ascertain the use of a minimum amount or as
required; and the continuous monitoring of all operations and discharges to detect and deal with
an escape of cyanide and any resultant impact.
An evaluation of the above findings in relation to the EGPI Lobo Mining Project follows:
On item 1. EGPI which is member of a Consortium which is publicly listed in Australia. will be
designing and constructing the RSF (tailings) dam according to strict international and Australian
standards. It will not hesitate to make a transparent declaration of the design specifications,
standards and construction methodology that it will be adopting prior to project implementation
to the members of the EIS Review Committee, the EIA/EMB review team and the scientific
community.
It is bound both legally and by virtue of the international standing of its Consortium as well as its
Corporate Social Responsibility to comply strictly with the EPEP program that will be approved
for the Project.
2.2-52
Section 2.2 Water

The Gold Processing component of the project will be designed for the appropriate dosage of
sodium metabisulfite and more importantly to strict compliance with the dosage as well as other
operating protocol.
The Tailings Management Plan and other aspects of the EPEP which incorporates the EMS shall
be complied with strictly.
The international protocol for a Cyanide Management Plan which it will strictly comply with
comprises the following major aspects and components:
Transport Handling and Storage of Cyanide
Safe processing operation
The site of the gold processing plant is approximately 1km from the nearest drainage system which is the
Lobo River. The distance of the effluent receiving point at the Lobo River from the estuary of the
Batangas Bay is more than 1 km.
In terms of organizational support EGPI is backed up by the following local and international
complements:
a. Mr. Magdaleno Fernando Safety Officer of EGPI who has the following previous operating
experience in gold processing systems:
1. Benguet Corporation Paracale Gold Operation in Camarenes Norte 2 years as Mill and
Gold Room Supervisor
2. Apex Mines in Masara Compostela Valley 1 year as Surface and Underground Safety
Superintendent
b. Local and foreign companies with individual technical expertise including:
Sedgeman Ltd (Australia), gold plant designers,

Resource Development Consultants Ltd (RDCL) (New Zealand), geotechnical experts and
dam designers.
Technotrix (Philippines) Environmental Consultants.
Moreover, the following Philippine gold mining companies have been successfully operating their gold
processing plants without untoward incidents.
Masbate Gold Project

Medusa Mining
Tboli Mining
Benguet Corp
Lepanto
Apex Mining Co
TVI
Johson Mining Corp
2.2-53
Section 2.2 Water

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Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Egerton Gold Phils,. Inc.

SECTION 2.2 WATER

Change in drainage morphology

Settling ponds will be located at strategic places, i.e.

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

SOURCE: Egerton Phils, Inc., Lobo Water Management. October 2014

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Plate 2.2.1 Tinangisan Creek

(N13 3850.01; E121 1449.7)

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Historical Flooding / Drought Occurrences

Figure 2.2.3 Site Topography

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Station 4 (near pit

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF FLOODING ON THE PROJECT (CONSTRUCTION PHASE)

Rain-induced floods may affect the construction works as follows:

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PLANT OPERATION ON FLOODING

Risk situation associated with the use of water in relation to flooding:

IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON THE PROJECT (VICE-VERSA SCENARIO)

Washing away of ore stockpile to the Bay

Silt ponds are strategically located.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

AGGRAVATION OF FLOODING IN NEARBY AREAS

STREAM FLOW MEASUREMENTS

DELINEATION OF WATERSHED /SUB-WATERSHEDS/ FLOODPLAIN; AND

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Figure 2.2.4 Map showing the Lobo Watershed Project Coverage

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

ASSESSMENT INCLUDES POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE OR AGGRAVATION OF FLOODING

17.2 % increase (JJA)

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Table 2.2.4 Climate Change Induced Rainfall Change Projections

Table 2.2.5 Climate Change Induced Aberrations on Extreme Events

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water

Proposed Gold Mining Operations Project under Lobo MPSA 176-2002-IV

Figure 2.2.5 Generalized Geology Map of Lobo

Environmental Impact Assessment

Section 2.2 Water