Rapid Envi Assmnt CDO River - 10

RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT AND
STRATEGIES IN THE
PRESERVATION OF
CAGAYAN DE ORO RIVER:
A PICE MIS.OR.-CDO
CHAPTER PROJECT
DR. MARIO B. SUMALINOG DTE, CE, REE

Lead Consultant, MJ Consulting Services
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
November 28, 2008

34 PICE National Convention, Lim Ket Kai Center, Cagayan de Oro City,
th
Philippines 1
TALKING POINTS
 Introduction
 Water Pollution and Its Sources
 Water Sampling/Stations, Criteria,
Protocol & Effects of Pollutants
 Sampling Results and Discussion
 Strategies for Water Quality,
Rehabilitation and Preservation
 Conclusion and Recommendations
Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

MJ Consulting Services 2
1.0
1.0 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Importance of Rivers
Water is considered as one of the major
resources that support life. Water uses can be
classified into four major categories:
(1) domestic use (2) agricultural use
(3) industrial use, and (4) in stream use
Among water reservoirs, rivers are considered
to be of primary importance in terms of water
demand based on the water use due to its
proximity to the immediate communities.

Current major uses of Cagayan de Oro River
Rafting River Taxi Fishing
Surface Water Supply Irrigation Hydropower

While it is true that the long stretch of the
Cagayan de Oro River may continue to cater
to the city’s demand for water in varied uses,
the onset of urbanization may contribute to
health problems for the users and freshwater
ecosystem imbalance.

Problems of Cagayan de Oro River due to urbanization
Uncontrolled sand & Illegal hydraulic mining Residents along

gravel quarrying riverbank w/o toilets
Illegal logging Improper solid Dumping of gasoline &

waste disposal lubricating oil
Results due to unabated problems in urbanization
Boats and river taxis can Flooding may occur due

no longer traverse along to siltation, and clogging
the river due to severe of drainage canals owing
siltation brought about to persistent dumping of
by uncontrolled sand & garbage to the canals.
gravel extraction and
illegal logging.
Results due to unabated problems in urbanization
Diseases may be Fish kills may occur owing

acquired because of the to the absence of oxygen in
presence of bacteria due water due to untreated
to the lack of toilets commercial and industrial
along the river, and pollution loads thereby
chemicals used in the depriving fishermen of their
hydraulic mining. livelihood.
1.2 Purpose of the Study
The primary objectives of this paper are the
following:
To assess the current environmental health
condition of the Cagayan de Oro River based on
latest results of water sampling and analysis using
eight (8) standard water quality criteria (pH,
temperature, BOD, DO, oil/grease, color, nitrate
and coliform bacteria) to comply with the preset
classification of Cagayan de Oro River set by
DENR-EMB;

To identify strategies in the conduct of
Cagayan de Oro River rehabilitation and
preservation; and,
To determine specific role of gov’t agencies
and other institutions in the water quality
assessment, identification of strategies and
project implementation.

1.3 Conceptual Framework
Basic common approach is to assess existing water
quality condition, identify rehabilitation and
preservation strategies, and determine agencies
/organizations and their roles by:
Selecting physico-chemical and biological
parameters to be used in the water quality
sampling and analysis.
Comparing sampling results against DENR-
EMB’s DAO 34 series of 1990 standards in order
to determine if tolerable values are exceeded or
not.
Identify specific agencies/organizations
and their roles for implementing strategies.
No
1. Start of 2. Acquire CDO River data 3.Do sampling
Project from DENR-EMB and results exceed
others (classification, uses, river
sampling results, etc) classification?
Yes
5. Determine responsible
6. End of agencies/organizations and 4. Identify mitigating
Project specific roles to implement strategies
strategies
Flowchart of the Conceptual Framework

1.4 Features of Cagayan de Oro River
Cagayan de Oro River originates from the
northwestern slopes of the Kalatungan Mountains
(watershed area = 115,000 has.) of the province of
Bukidnon of which the peak elevation is 2,865
meters above sea level.
After the confluence with the Bulaong River, it
takes the name of Cagayan de Oro River and
flows towards north along 16 barangays in a
wider riverbed reaching the sea at Macajalar Bay
of Cagayan de Oro City.

Macajalar Bay
Study
Area
Cagayan de Oro River

1.5 Organizations responsible for the Water Quality
of Cagayan de Oro River
DENR is the primary agency responsible for the
conservation, management, development and use of
the country’s environment and natural resources,
including the Cagayan de Oro River.
In 1997, by virtue of Resolution No. 3660-97, the
city of Cagayan de Oro created the Cagayan de
Oro River Development Authority (CORDA) to
study the development, preservation and protection
of the Cagayan de Oro River.

There were also other institutions (academe, civic
groups, etc) that were tasked to preserve and
protect the Cagayan de Oro River. However, just
like their predecessors, they failed.
Recognizing the need, in 2006 the Philippine
Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Misamis
Oriental- Cagayan de Oro Chapter conducted
this rapid assessment, rehabilitation and
preservation study of Cagayan de Oro River.

2. WATER POLLUTION AND ITS
SOURCES

Sources of pollution may be categorized into four
(4) groups as follows:
(a) Domestic wastes;
(b) Industrial/commercial wastes;
(c) Agricultural waste; and,
(d) Natural occurring pollution sources.

2.1 Domestic Wastes
Two (2) major types of domestic wastes are:
Solid wastes – Cagayan de Oro City with a

population of 500,000 in 2004 generates
approximately 125 tons of solid waste daily.
Of this daily generation, only about 60% is
collected daily and the remaining uncollected
solid waste is either burned, recycled or
indiscriminately dumped into the Cagayan de
Oro River.

Only 60% of daily garbage is collected thus, remaining
wastes find their way to open canals, then to the river

Sewage Effluent - Wastewater coming from the
households especially in highly populated areas,
contribute largely to the pollution of the river,
as sewage collection and treatment facilities are
absent.
Household wastes are being discharged to the
city’s drainage system through networks of
reinforced concrete culverts and open canals.
These untreated wastes are discharged to the
river through existing nine (9) outfalls.

City’s drainage system outfall

2.2 Industrial/Commercial Wastes
The major contributors of industrial wastes are
manufacturing and processing plants (i.e. food,
beverage, printing/publishing, gas/service
stations, automotive shops) funeral homes,
hospitals, shopping malls, etc).

Industries’ wastewater discharge pipes

2.3 Agricultural Wastes
These are wastes from farms being

discharged to rivers in the form of a run off.
Agricultural wastes are non-point pollutions
and are due to the use of fertilizers, pesticides,
herbicides, and fungicides.

Manual & aerial spraying of fertilizer/herbicides

2.4 Naturally occurring Pollution Sources
These are pollutions caused by natural

occurrences due to geologic disturbances.
Heavy rains erode denuded forestlands,
mountains, and hills, resulting in increased
turbidity, high-suspended solids and siltation.
Also, due to water action, riverbanks are
gradually eroded.

Landslide
Heavy precipitation resulting to land slide

Naturally-occurring soil erosion

Summary of non-point pollution sources
3. WATER SAMPLING/
STATIONS, CRITERIA,
PROTOCOL & EFFECTS
OF POLLUTANTS

3.1 Sampling Stations
Sampling sites were selected from table studies
of maps and the actual layouts where impacts
will most likely exist. Stations were selected
‘before’ and ‘after’ the most populated area
along the river. Two sampling points along the
Cagayan de Oro River were identified for this
study.

Due to prohibitive cost of actual water
sampling using standard water quality
criteria, the author made use of recent
sampling results conducted by DENR-EMB
10 (2003) and Zoleta (2004).

Location & Description of Water Sampling Stations
Sta No. Location Description

A. DENR SAMPLING (2003)
S1 Carmen Underneath the Carmen Bridge
District
S2 Lumbia 100 m. upstream of quarry near the
District Pelaez Bridge
B. ZOLETA SAMPLING (2004)
S1 Carmen Underneath the Carmen Bridge
District
S2 Kauswagan Underneath the Marcos Bridge
District

S2 (Zoleta, 2004)
S1 (Zoleta, 2004)
S1 (DENR, 2003)
S2 (DENR, 2003)
SAMPLING STATIONS MAP

3.2 Water Usages and Classification
DENR used the water quality criteria as

prescribed in the DAO 34 in the classification of
all rivers in the Philippines including Cagayan
de Oro River.
The Cagayan de Oro River was classified by the
DENR in 1976 as Class A river, e.g. requiring
complete treatment in order to meet the
National Standards for Drinking Water.
Bathing, marginal fishing, laundry, sand &
gravel extraction and hydraulic mining
activities are being carried out in the river.

Fresh Surface Water Classification
Classification Beneficial use
Class AA Public Water Supply Class I (uninhabited)
Class A Public Water Supply Class II (require complete treatment)
Class B Recreational Water Class I (bathing, diving)
Class C 1. Fishery Water (aquatic resources)
2. Recreational Water Class II (boating, etc)

3. Industrial Water Supply Class II (manufacturing)
Class D 1. For agriculture, irrigation, livestock
2. Industrial Water Supply Class II (cooling)
3. Other inland waters

Applicable Water Quality Criteria set by DENR-EMB
Parameter Unit Class A

Biological Oxygen Demand (5-Day 20ºC) mg/l 5
Oil & grease (Petroleum Ether Extract) mg/l 1
Dissolved Oxygen (min.) mg/l 5
pH (range) - 6.5 - 8.5
Temperature (max rise in ºC) ºC 3
Nitrates (as Nitrogen) mg/l 10
Color PCU 50
Total Coliform MPN/100 ml 1,000

3.3 Sampling Protocol
As mentioned earlier, water quality sampling were

undertaken by DENR in 2003 and by JM Zoleta
(MEM 2005) in February 2004 by collecting grab
samples from the various stations identified. In-situ
measurements were taken for pH and temperature.
Samples were placed in appropriate containers
and preservatives were added when necessary.
Sampling protocol and preservation methods used
are in accordance with DAO34 Water Standard.


Field technician taking Laboratory technician
water samples analyzing water samples

3.4 Analytical Methods
The analytical procedures used to determine

concentration of target parameters are given
in table below .
The procedures employed are also in
accordance with methods enumerated
in DAO 34.

Parameters Methods
Biological Oxygen Demand Azide Modification
Oil/grease Petroleum Ether Extraction
Dissolved Oxygen Azide Modification
pH In situ,Glass Electrode
Temperature In-situ, Thermometer
Nitrates (as nitrogen) Spectroquant 118, Method 53
Color Visual Comparison, PCS
Total Coliform count MTM-006

Parameters & Effects of Water Pollution
Parameter Description & Effects of Pollutants

1. pH pH measures the relative acidity of water. A pH level of
7 is considered neutral; less than 7 is acidic; and
greater than 7 is basic or alkaline. Fresh water sources
with pH below 5 or above 9.5 may not be able to sustain
plant or animal species.
2. Temperature Temperature influences the survival of aquatic
organisms. Metabolism requires oxygen thus, some
species may not survive if there is not enough of it.
Thermal pollution due to warm discharges from
industrial plants also affects reproductive rates of some
aquatic species.

3. Biological Oxygen Microorganisms such as bacteria are responsible for
Demand (BOD) decomposing organic waste. When manure, sewage,
food waste, etc are present in the water, bacteria
begins to breakdown these waste and available
dissolved oxygen is consumed robbing other aquatic
organisms of oxygen they need to live.
4. Dissolved Oxygen DO level is an indication of how polluted the water is
(DO) and how well the water can support aquatic plant
and animal life. Higher levels of DO indicates better
water quality and at low levels some fish may not be
able to survive.
5. Nitrates Nitrogen is needed by all living plants and animals
and comes from fertilizers, sewage, and industrial
waste. Higher levels of nitrates in water cause plant
life and algae to flourish choking out other
organisms.

6. Coliform bacteria Presence of coliform bacteria is an indication that
water may be contaminated with sewage or other
decomposing waste. Fecal coliform, found in the lower
intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals
that can cause typhoid, cholera, dysentery, etc, is one
type of coliform bacteria.
7. Color Color is a parameter of primarily aesthetic
significance and fresh water is usually gray and may
become colored by pollution. Clear water has low
turbidity level and cloudy or muddy water has high
turbidity level which is caused by soil, sediments,
sewage, etc.
8. Oil and Grease Oil represents a variety of hydrocarbons ranging from
gasoline, heavy fuel, to lubricating oil. Oil and grease
will form a thin layer on top of water surface
interfering the oxygen transfer from air to water, thus
limiting DO.

Clean Zone Decomposition Septic Zone Recovery Clean Zone
Zone Zone
Oxygen Sag Curve

4. SAMPLING RESULTS AND
DISCUSSION

4.1 Results of Water Sampling as compared with
DAO 34 Standard
Parameter Average values Water Quality Criteria Compliance
For Class ‘A‘ water
Station 1 Station 2 (DENR) Yes No
A) DENR SAMPLING
1. BOD, mg/l 1.20 1.10 5.0 max *
2.Oil/grease - - 1.0 max _
3.DO 8.50 8.50 5.0 min *
4. pH 7.84 7.69 6.5 - 8.5 *
5. Temp, C° 27.45 26.65 3 deg rise _
6. Nitrate - - 10 max _
7. Color, PCU 53.00 114.00 50 max *
8. Total Coliform - - 1,000 max _

Results of Water Sampling compared with DAO 34
Standard (cont)
Parameter Average values Water Quality Criteria Compliance
For Class ‘A‘ water
Station 1 Station 2 (DENR) Yes No
B) ZOLETA SAMPLING
1. BOD, mg/l 2.00 3.00 5.0 max *
2.Oil/grease 2.10 2.50 1.0 max *

3.DO 7.80 8.20 5.0 min *
4. pH 7.67 7.56 6.5 - 8.5 *
5. Temp, C° 27.00 27.00 3 deg. rise _
6. Nitrate 1.40 0.20 10 max *
7. Color, PCU - - 50 max _
8. Total Coliform 1,600 1,600 1,000 max *

4.2 Discussion of Water Sampling Results
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) -
All values in all stations on both DENR 10 and
Zoleta sampling (1.10-3.00 mg/l) were all below
the prescribed maximum limit of 5 mg/l and
therefore complied with the DAO34 Water
Standard.

 Oil and Grease -
DENR 10 did not conduct oil and grease sampling
in 2003. However, all values in all stations in Zoleta
sampling (2.10-2.50 mg/l) exceeded the maximum
tolerable limit of 1 mg/l. This is due to spillage and
washings of oil and grease from several car service
stations and motor pools, which found their way
into the Cagayan de Oro River. Thus, it failed the
DAO34 Water Standard.

 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) -
Values obtained in all stations on both sampling
(7.80-8.50 mg/l) were all above the minimum
allowable limit of 5 mg/l set by DENR 10 hence, it
passed the DAO34 Water Standard.
 pH -
pH levels measured in all stations on both DENR
10 and Zoleta sampling (7.56-7.84) were within the
standard range of 6.5 to 8.5 set by DENR for Class
A water. As a result, pH tests passed the DAO34
Water Standards.

 Temperature -
Temperature readings taken from all stations on
both DENR 10 and Zoleta sampling ranged from
26.65 to 27ºC.
Nitrates -
DENR10 did not conduct nitrate sampling in 2003.
All stations in Zoleta sampling registered very low
nitrate values (0.20-1.40 mg/l) and were below the
maximum tolerable limit of 10 mg/l set by DENR
and consequently passed the DAO34 Water
Standard.

Color -
Color values in all stations in the DENR 10 sampling
(53.00-114.00 PCUs) indicated higher levels
compared to the maximum allowable limit of 50
PCUs. This is attributed largely to soil erosion, sand
& gravel extraction and hydraulic mining located
upstream of Carmen Bridge station. As a
consequence it failed the DAO34 Water Standards.
Zoleta did not conduct color sampling.

 Total Coliform -
All stations registered similar higher values in
Zoleta sampling (1,600.00 MPN/ 100ml)
compared to the maximum tolerable limit of
1,000 MPN/100ml thus, failed the DAO34 Water
Standard.
This is attributed mainly to the non-
availability of toilets of the residents living
along the river as well as from public wet
market effluents. DENR10 did not conduct
total coliform sampling in 2003.

Some houses located along the river without toilets

5. STRATEGIES FOR WATER
QUALITY REHABILITATION
AND PRESERVATION

The riverfront is the zone of interaction between
the city and the river. There is a unique
opportunity to apply riverfront revitalization
energies to engage the public and help bring
communities and rivers back to health.
As riverfront cities rediscover their connection to
the river, there is a rare opportunity to repair past
damage and present new injury, to reconnect to
what is special and remarkable about the river,
and to achieve a more sustainable and enjoyable
quality of life.

The strategies for rehabilitation and preservation
take two basic steps. First, to physically clean the
Cagayan de Oro River, and, secondly, to stop
pollution at the source. The following approaches
are offered in the belief that future development
along riverfront should meet human needs and
river needs.
While we already have some mechanisms, such
as water quality regulations, for protecting our
environment, the full range of issues facing our
rivers are an after thought at best in riverfront
planning.

Proposed Strategies & Responsible
Agencies/Organizations
Concern Proposed Strategies Govt Industries PICE, NGOs,
LGUs,
Community
1.Domestic  Massive information, education,

wastes and communication on the effects of √ √ √
water pollution and proper waste
management.
 Adoption of proper solid waste

management. √ √ √
 Strict implementation of Anti- √
squatting and Sanitation Laws.
 Construction of City Govt sewage √
treatment facilities.
 Intensify cleaning of riverbanks,
esteros, etc √ √ √
Strategies – Domestic Wastes
Information campaign Install Water Treatment Facility
Implementation of Solid Waste

Regular River Clean Up
Management
LGUs, Community
2. Industrial/  Strict implementation of Pollution √
commercial Control Law (DENR-EMB).
wastes
 Promotion of recycling of industrial √

residues and by-products.
 Institution of incentive system and √
effluent charges for industries.
 Use of waste minimization of √
manufacturing process.
 Imposition of higher pollution fines √
(DENR-EMB).
 Participate and intensify Multi- √ √
Tripartite Monitoring Team regulatory
monitoring.
 Strict implementation of √
Environmental Impact Statement system
(DENR-EMB).

Strategies - Industrial/Commercial Wastes
Recycling of industrial residues Imposition of higher pollution fines
Participate in regulatory monitoring Strict implementation of EIS system

LGUs,
Community
3. Agricultural Massive environmental √ √
wastes awareness building among
farmers.
Promotion on the use of
organic fertilizers, i.e. manure, √ √
slurry, worm castings, peat,
seaweed, sewage, and guano
Extensive information
dissemination and public √ √
information on the effects of
agri-chemicals.

Strategies – Agricultural Wastes
Organic Farming Awareness Organic Fertilizer Promotion
Information on the effects

of Chemical Fertilizer
LGUs,
Community
4.Naturally Massive reforestation (hardwood,
occurring bamboo, mangrove plantation, etc) √ √ √
pollution in all banks of the river.
sources
Stop illegal logging. √
Stop hydraulic mining. √
Regulate extraction of sand and √

gravel.

Strategies – Naturally-occurring Pollution
Massive Reforestation Stop Illegal Logging
Stop Hydraulic Mining Regulate Sand Extraction

6. CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATION

This study has shown that among the eight (8)
selected parameters; three (3) exceeded the
tolerable limits set by DENR-EMB under DAO
34 & 35, i.e. color, total coliform, and oil/grease.
This is a clear indication that Cagayan de Oro
River has not complied with all the water quality
requirements stipulated in the same
administrative order as Class “A” river.

While some of the parameters did not exceed
their tolerable limits, it is still possible that they
would in the near future, considering the fact
that Cagayan de Oro City is now highly
urbanized and hence may certainly bring in
more pollution loads due to increasing
population and industries.
 Another consideration is the lack of sewage
treatment facility, which is necessary in order to
process effluents from drainage prior to disposal
to receiving water bodies.

In view of the above results and
considerations, proposed strategies are
recommended to be implemented in order to
help rehabilitate and preserve the river, the
very purpose for which this study was
undertaken.
To this effect, this representation has seen the
need for some mitigating measures fit for the
aforementioned considerations, which are to be
carried out by all stakeholders of this project.

Cagayan De Oro River
PROPOSED CITY GOV’T CDO RIVER DEVT

(500-meter Walkway and 1-km Boulevard)

The End


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RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL

DR. MARIO B. SUMALINOG DTE, CE, REE

November 28, 2008

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rafting River Taxi Fishing

Surface Water Supply Irrigation Hydropower

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Uncontrolled sand & Illegal hydraulic mining Residents along

Illegal logging Improper solid Dumping of gasoline &

Boats and river taxis can Flooding may occur due

Diseases may be Fish kills may occur owing

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Flowchart of the Conceptual Framework

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Cagayan de Oro River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Solid wastes – Cagayan de Oro City with a

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

These are wastes from farms being

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

These are pollutions caused by natural

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Heavy precipitation resulting to land slide

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Sta No. Location Description

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

DENR used the water quality criteria as

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Class B Recreational Water Class I (bathing, diving)

Class C 1. Fishery Water (aquatic resources)

2. Recreational Water Class II (boating, etc)

2. Industrial Water Supply Class II (cooling)

3. Other inland waters

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Parameter Unit Class A

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

As mentioned earlier, water quality sampling were

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

The analytical procedures used to determine

Rapid Environmental Assessment of CDO River

Oil/grease Petroleum Ether Extraction

Dissolved Oxygen Azide Modification

Nitrates (as nitrogen) Spectroquant 118, Method 53

Color Visual Comparison, PCS