BRT Cebu manager Rafael Yap accompanies Winston Ginez, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman and LTFRB member Antonio Ariel Enrile Inton (center) in inspecting the BRT route inside a Kaohsiung bus from barangay Tabunok, Talisay City to barangay Talamban, Cebu City in this January 2015 file photo.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issued an environmental compliance certificate for Cebu City’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project which is expected to be operational by 2018.
EMB-7 Regional Director Fernando Quililan said they expect Cebu City Hall and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to implement measures to protect and mitigate the project’s impact on the environment.
The ECC covers the development and operation of several components.
These include the segregated busway between Bulacao and Ayala Mall which is part of the first phase of the project and within the South Road Properties (SRP) which is the second phase of the project.
It also includes stations along the segregated busway route in areas and the BRT running lanes.
The Area Traffic Control System and the installation of drainage system along the BRT corridor are also covered by the ECC.
“The ECC represents the fact that there is a go signal from DENR, that we comply with all laws and regulations on project design, mitigating its potential impacts and complying with the rules,” Cebu BRT project manager Rafael Yap said.
Yap said DENR will be properly informed on the cutting of 2,024 trees on Osmeña Boulevard and other streets from south Cebu City to Talamban in the north based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study by the DOTC for the BRT.
Among the conditions set by the EMB for the ECC is the planting of 28,000 pieces of seedlings in a nursery.
The trees should also be maintained throughout the project’s lifespan.
The proponent should also undertake mitigating or enhancement measures and monitoring requirements especially those contained in the Environmental Impacts and Management Plan (EIMP).
The ECC also states that it is valid only if the project proponent secures applicable permits like building permit, tree cutting permit, environmental and sanitation permit among others.