How to Get an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) From the DENR-EMB

The ECC certificate from the DENR-EMB indicates that the proposed project or undertaking will not cause a significant negative impact on its surrounding natural environment.

What is an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)?

Any type of project created in the Philippines that may affect the environment must secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Alternatively, the project may be issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) if the DENR-EMB team finds that the project is not part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Where did DENR’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) originate?

The Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) came from Administrative Order #42, which mandates the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to accept, process, and approve qualified applications for ECC.

Initially, the administrative order sprung from the Presidential Decree created in 1978 by Ferdinand Marcos, which stated that “no person, partnership, or corporation shall undertake or operate any such declared environmentally critical project or area without first securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).”

Who should apply for DENR’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)?

Any proposed projects declared as Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or projects situated in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) which allegedly cause substantial environmental effects should secure DENR’s ECC.

DENR-EMB ECC Requirements:

Some requirements in securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

Economic advancement has proven essential in the growth of every developing nation; however, a balance should be paramount between development and environmental protection. In the Philippines, essential environmental laws were set in place; environmental permits and licenses are required for certain businesses, particularly those with operations that have significant environmental impacts.

Any proposed projects in the Philippines that may affect the environment must first secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). DENR issues an ECC after a positive review of an ECC application by the Proponent certifying that, based on the studies conducted by the Proponent, the proposed project or undertaking will not cause significant adverse environmental impact.

Different studies should be conducted to determine the extent of the Proposed/existing project’s effects on air, water, surface, and groundwater quality (to name a few) in its immediate surroundings. The results of research studies are then collated and presented in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP), or Initial Environmental Examinations, whichever is applicable. Below are some of the requirements to obtain an ECC, depending on the nature of the project:

  • Letter of request addressed to DENR-EMB declaring intent to receive ECC
  • Authorization from LGU confirming the suitability of the proposed project to the existing land use plan
  • Geo-tagged photos of the proposed project site
  • Map of the project area and affected areas, displaying a minimum of 1 km from the project boundaries
  • Staffing requirements
  • Project description, including raw materials that will be used and the type of technology to be used
  • Type and volume of products and discharges
  • Schematic diagram of the air pollution control facility
  • Schematic diagram of the wastewater treatment facility
  • Accomplished Project Environmental Monitoring and Audit Prioritization Scheme (PEMAPS)

How to Get an ECC Certificate:

Tips for getting an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

There is a more convenient way of securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC that can save time, resources, and effort. Get help from the experts.

Triple i Consulting Inc’s knowledge and skills in the Philippine government system, processing government documents, and securing business certificates for over 10 years.

Aside from helping you secure your Environmental Compliance Certificate, Triple i Consulting can also help you get your business registered so that you may enjoy all the advantages of legalizing your business in the Philippines.

Specializing in accounting, business registration and incorporation, FDA licensing, and FDA product registration, to name a fewTriple i Consulting is the first ISO 9001:2008 company in the Philippines to offer business registration services to its clients.

If you’d like assistance getting an Environmental Compliance Certificate, contact us through one of the channels below to book an initial consultation with one of our experts:

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