Construction of large BC dam set in Itogon

Folks agree not to hold rallies

ITOGON, Benguet – Construction of a tailings dam in this mining town, considered one of deepest and largest dams in the country would be done soon.

Villagers in host communities of Benguet Corporation’s tailings dam No. 2A in Barangay Virachere agreed to plan of the mining company to raise its dam crest fromcurrent 768 meters above sea level to a maximum of 775 meters above sea level to ensure safety of nearby communities.

Villagers signed memorandum of agreement with BC represented by Valeriano B. Bongalos, Jr., vice president and general manager.

Signees included residents of Batuang, Lower Dalicno and Maligaya Residents Civic Association.

Lawyer Froilan Roger Lawilao, head of BC’s administrative department, said villagers agreed the company raise elevation of its tailings dam 2A which could be done on staggered basis.

“It was a win-win solution for both the company and the villagers because the enhancement of the dam was primarily geared towards ensuring the integrity of the facility and the safety of the people living in adjoining communities” Lawilao said.

“This is part of BC’s continuing commitment to safeguard the well-being of Itogon residents while granting them maximum benefits as part of the company’s aims to contribute to the town’s progress.”

Earlier, the villagers agreed that the mining company initially raise its dam crest from 766 meters above sea level to 768 meters above sea level while negotiations were underway for crafting of agreement to elevate the dam to elevation prescribed in BC’s amended environmental compliance certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Dec. 15, 2010.

Under the agreement, BC’s commitments include the assessment and joint inventory of the would be affected properties and improvements of the residents-members of the civic organization, repair and rehabilitation of the two old diversion tunnels and three new diversion tunnels, maintenance of the penstock to ensure its full operation at all times and restoration of the old Dalicno road.

Lawilao said the company is also obliged to issue an undertaking and certification as to the stability and structural integrity of the tailings pond 2A, implement all necessary remedial and emergency measures in order to ensure the safe operation of the dam and its appurtenances upon recommendation of the concerned government regulatory agencies, inform and involve the members of the organization in the planning and implementation of the programs, pans and activities affecting them, provide employment and scholarship opportunities to the residents and children of the villagers based on availability, qualifications and compliance with the existing employment and scholarship standards and policies of the company.

BC is mandated to pay reasonable compensation to affected villagers in case of disaster whereinDam 2A will collapse pursuant to the list of valuations and based on the stipulations agreed upon between the parties.

In such case, it was agreed BC should provide relocation area to affected villagers in the event that their residences are completely and permanently lost, issue of written notices to the villagers in all matters covered by the agreement, implement its approved disaster control strategy plan in accordance its overall emergency disaster plan as approved by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The company was tasked to maintain dam 2A and appurtenances even after BC shall have ceased operations in accordance to its approved final mine rehabilitation and decommissioning plan, provide materials for the water system of the residents, provide access to electricity to villagers for emergency and community undertakings.

BC should also three caretakerships to villagers to be undertaken on  rotation basis by  residents and award one working area to villagers under the Acupan Contract Mining Project as a source of livelihood for the residents.

On the other hand, the villagers will allow BC to raise the dam crest elevation of its dam 2A to a maximum height of 775 meters as provided for in the amended ECC. Immediately after the execution of the agreement, BC shall carry out the raising of the dam crest elevation of its dam 2A to 770 meters and thereafter, a gradual increase shall be undertaken by the company as the need arises until such time that the maximum height of 775 meters is achieved.

Villagers will also provide assistance and cooperation in the assessment and joint inventory of the affected properties and improvements of the residents, allow and assure the company not to delay the performance of all necessary remedial and emergency measures in order to ensure the safe operation of the dam 2A.

It was agreed villagers are obliged to assist in maintenance of peace and order over premises, undertake measures within their control to safeguard the personnel and equipment and other properties of the company in their area of responsibility from undue harm and obstruction.

The residents agreed to cooperate with the company in the implementation of the commitments subject of the agreement and any assistance program for their benefit.

Residents agreed not to conduct any picketing, mass concerted action and any other acts that will cause the delay or stoppage of the performance of the works for the raising of the dam embankment and as much as possible to resort to amicable settlement of issues provided therein. – Dexter A. See