What are the environmental challenges involving the use of coal in electricity generation? Most human activities and all forms of energy, including renewable energy, have environmental consequences and raise their own environmental issues. Coal is not exempt from having issues and how these may affect the environment. The Mindanao Power Plant, however, uses suitable and well-proven technologies that can mitigate coal combustion’s impact to the environment.
	What measures has SPI taken to address the concerns regarding pollution? The power plant is equipped with modern technology designed to minimize, emissions in the process of power generation.  To ensure the integrity of the ecological systems within its sphere of operations, SPI has initiated a sound environmental conservation program that is geared towards improving the general welfare of its host communities and fulfilling its obligations to the environment.
	How are emissions controlled during the power generation process? • Emissions are controlled in the flue gas by air cleaning devices such as flue-gas desulfurization (to neutralize sulphur) nitrogen dioxide reduction (by optimized combustion) and fly-ash removal (using bag filters). • Solid by-products such as bottom ash and fly ash/gypsum, once collected, are stored in a specially prepared and water-tight ash disposal area located within the power plant site.
	What are the measures taken to prevent dust in the air? Coal dust suppression from stockpiles is maintained by regular water spraying using recycled treated water. Moreover, the active coal stockpiles are covered and all conveyor lines enclosed to prevent coal dust dispersal. The receiving hoppers at the jetty are also equipped with water sprays for dust suppression.
	What are the effects of the Power Plant’s discharge on the Macajalar Bay and its marine resources? There is no discernible long-term effect on the marine life of Macajalar Bay.  SPI conducts regular marine gene surveys and is establishing trends and statistics.  It is anticipated that off-shore structures will in fact act as new marine habitats, thus creating new marine environments.
	Does run-off water from the plant affect the groundwater or deepwells? There is no run-off to the ground water. The ash disposal area is lined with impermeable layers which direct rainwater to drainage channels for filtering and treatment.
	How can water contamination be prevented when unloading coal from the vessels? The coal hoppers at the jetty are equipped with water sprays which provide a water film during release of coal from enclosed grabs into the hoppers. Coal dusts are caught by the film and washed to the hoppers.  The hoppers are equipped with guide vanes to collect any coal falling from the grabs.
	What other actions has SPI implemented to protect the environment? SPI has taken steps in developing and implementing a comprehensive environmental conservation program within its 25-year plant operation period. a.  Forest Development Program SPI, together with E. Pelaez Ranch, Inc.(EPRI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is undertaking a 1,200-hectare Mapawa Reforestation Project in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. The goal is to establish a 500-hectare plantation forest, maintain and protect another 500-hectare tree plantation, and conduct Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) on an existing 200-hectare natural forest. The project is considered as one of the pioneering private-led carbon sink initiatives in Mindanao. b.  Urban Forestry Program  In its host communities in  Tagoloan and Villanueva, about 1,000-hectare urban forestry project is also being implemented. A plant nursery has been established to produce the seedlings required to reforest the area within the 25-year plant operation period. c.  Coastal Marine Resource Development Program  A comprehensive program to develop and protect the marine resources in Macajalar Bay is underway. Program component includes mangrove and beach rehabilitation, establishment of marine reserve for seagrass and coral reef, ecological solidwastes management, and riverbank stabilization project through bamboo planting. d.  Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT)  A Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) had been constituted to oversee project compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and all applicable environmental rules and regulations. The MMT is composed of representatives from SPI, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR, representatives from the  concerned provincial, municipal and barangay governments, accredited Non-Government organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs), the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority. e.  Environmental Monitoring Systems  The power plant is equipped with a Continuous Emission Monitoring System or CEMS that is hooked directly online with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) office in Cagayan de Oro City. The CEMS provides computer-generated data indicating the power plant’s conformity with local and international air quality standards.  Furthermore, ambient monitoring on the quality of air, noise levels, groundwater and seawater quality within the vicinity of the power plant is periodically conducted.