PHINMA - UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF LARGE INFRASTRACTURE DAM

ON AGRICULTURE
A CASE STUDY OF MAGAT DAM, ISABELA PHILIPPINES

PREPARED BY:

EVANGELISTA , JOSEPH R.
GONZALES , JOHRIM KARL
PEREZ , ARNEL
VIRAY , MIKE DEMSTER

PREPARED FOR:

ENGR. ROY PABLO

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Abstract
 Introduction to Study Area
-History
-Geoprahical Map and Topography
-Descriptive Information about the Study

 Water Management Crisis

II. Research Objectives

 Research Methodology
-Data Collection
-Data Analysis

 Tables and Plans of Study Area

III. Results and Discussions

 Evaporation and Seepage Losses

 Ground water Table of Study Area
 Ground water Development
 Sources of Irrigation
 Crop Quality
 Water Losses
 Socio Economic Analysis
 Environmental Aspects

IV. Conclusions, Recommendation and Assessment

V. References
VI. Profile of Researchers
 ABSTRACT

The water scarcity issues are increasing throughout the world.

Philippines is also facing water crises and its water demands are increasing
every day. During this research it is investigated that dams are playing an
important role for the sustainability of groundwater and agriculture. The
main objective of this study was to assess the environmental impacts of large
dam on agricultural and ground water. Proper planning and management
of large dams may improve the sustainable agriculture in Philippines. It
is also concluded that large dams are significantly contributing towards
economy, environment, local climate, recreational activities and crop
production. Large dams can also be utilized for the production of electricity
at local level. On the other hand, water management issues can be resolved
by the involvement of local farmer’s associations. Water losses through
seepage, unlined channels and old irrigational methods are most
critical in developing world. Considering the overall positive
environmental impacts, construction of large dams must be promoted.

 Introduction to Study Area

Dams are built for functions such as water supply, irrigation, flood
control and hydroelectric power generation. There are two types of modern
dams, namely: embankment dam and concrete dam. Embankment dams can
be classified into two main categories earth-fill dams and rock-fill dams; they
are several factors to be considered in selecting an earth dam type such as:
topography; foundation conditions; environmental impacts, construction
facilities and socio-economic studies.

The Magat Dam

- is located at the boundaries of Namillangan, Alfonso
Lista, Ifugao and Ramon, Isabela, approximately 350 kilometers (220 mi) north
of Metro Manila.
- is a large rock-fill dam in the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The
dam is on the Magat River, a major tributary of Cagayan River, the longest river
in the country
- is one of the largest dams in the Philippines. It is a multi-purpose
dam which is used primarily for irrigating about 85,000 hectares (210,000
acres) of agricultural lands, flood control, and power generation through the
Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant.

1
 The Magat hydroelectric power plant is a four-unit powerhouse with
an installed capacity of 360 megawatts. It is designed to accommodate two
more units that will allow it to generate up to 540 megawatts. The
hydroelectric plant is a peaking power plant, which means that it only
operates when there is a high demand for electricity in the Luzon power grid,
to which the plant is connected. It is capable of providing ancillary services
for the stability of the grid.

(1) the source of irrigation of water in almost 85,000 hectares of farmlands

(2) the source of hydroelectric power. The dam itself supplies electricity in the
whole Isabela.

History
The construction and appurtenant structures was authorized by P.D.
693 signed on May 7, 1975 by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The
Magat Dam was constructed in 1978 and inaugurated by the Late Pres.
Ferdinand E. Marcos on October 27, 1982[1] and started operations in 1983.[2]
Implementation of this multipurpose project was based on the preliminary study
conducted in 1973 by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with the
assistance of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID). Subsequent detailed and
extensive dam site investigation and engineering studies further confirmed the
feasibility of what is now known as NIA's most daring infrastructure project and
one of Asia's biggest dams today. It was Southeast Asia's first large
multipurpose dam. The dam is part of the Magat River Multipurpose Project
(MRMP) which was financed by the World Bank and whose purpose is to
improve on the existing Magat River Irrigation System (MARIS) and to triple the
production of rice in the Cagayan River basin. The project was jointly financed
by the Philippine Government and the World Bank which extended a US$150M
loan to finance the foreign exchange requirement. In addition, a US$9M loan
from Bahrain was obtained for the purchase of other equipment for the diversion
tunnels, soils laboratory and model testing. The total project cost is US$3.4B (yr. 1975).

2
Geographical Map and Topography

Some Features of Magat Dam:

Magat High Dam
Height: 114 metres (374 ft)
Crest Length: 4,160 metres (13,650 ft)
Volume of Rocks & Earth Materials: 18 million cubic meters
Concrete = 1.00 million cubic meters
Spillway
Length = 500 metres (1,600 ft)
Width = 164 metres (538 ft)
Discharge Cap.= 30,600 cubic meters
Radial Gates = 7 sets
Orifice Gates = 2 sets
Diversion Tunnels
Number: 2
Diameters: 2 metres (6.6 ft)
Ave.Length: 630 metres (2,070 ft)
Reservoir
Storage Cap.at Full Supply Level(FSL): 1.08 billion cubic meters
Area at FSL : 45 square kilometres (17 sq mi)
Area at min. Supply Level : 15 square kilometres (5.8 sq mi)
Elevation at FSL : El. 193 metres (633 ft)
Maximum Flood Level : El. 197.6 metres (648 ft)
Live Storage : 810 million cubic meters
Power House
Installed Capacity : 360 MegaWatts
Additional Capacity: 180 MegaWatts
Total : 540 MegaWatts

3
Descriptive Information About the Study

This study first summarizes and updates information about the history,
distribution, features and functions of Magat dam. Secondly, part of this study
is its main objective which was to assess the environmental impacts of dams
such as Magat dam on agriculture and groundwater development.

 Water Management Crisis

Magat dam, the largest source of water, is said to be at the normal level but still
not sufficient to fulfill high demands in the summer season. The said water
service interruption is likely to last until June due to the high
demands further aggravated by the drought.

However, the experts from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
and the weather bureau are not convinced that el niño was the cause of the
problem as the data they gathered doesn’t support the supplier’s claim. On the
other hand, the government is eyeing increasing the number of water pumps to
help alleviate the problem. As of now, everybody is urged to conserve water and
use it wisely.

The water level of Magat Dam in the province of ilagan,isabela remains critical ,
although it slightly improved the other day following a seven-year low of 159.99
meters earlier this month.

Engineer Edwin Pasion, flood forecasting officer of the National Irrigation

Administration (NIA) here, said Magat’s water level rose to 162.78 meters last
Monday, the highest since the extended drought hit most parts of Luzon, but
went down to 162 meters yesterday. He also said that the water level of Magat,
one of the country’s vital sources of irrigation and power, is generally still
critical.

During rainy season, water on the dam gets higher that the dam needed to let
go a lot of water because it reaches its maximum level which is 193 meters and
exceeded on its normal level which is 178.3 meters. But when El Nino comes,
waters got lower and lower that it reaches its minimum level which is 160
meters.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this research study was to assess the

environmental impacts of dams on agriculture and groundwater
development.

4
 Research Methodology
The method that was used for this study was quantitative method. This study was
accomplished in a structured way of collecting and analyzing data obtained from different
sources through internet.

Data Collection

For the reliability of the collected data, information were collected from the
official websites of the Province of Isabela (where Magat Dam located) and of The
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
( PAGASA ). For other issues under this study such as in “Water Management
Crisis”, were gathered from the articles presented by the news and journals
from different media outlets.

Data Analysis

The collected data were analyzed theoretically. The articles and information
were analyzed through our sources which are publications and studies related
to environmental impacts of dams on agriculture and groundwater development
and issues. Observation notes are analyzed systematically through re-reading of
them. Accordingly, findings and results were classified and grouped according
to this study’s objectives.

 Tables and Plans of Study Area

Because of the earthquake in 1990 almost 35% of its life span decline so they
conduct studies to lengthen the life span of the dam.

NIA plans to build floating solar power plants on dams, reservoirs.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) ventures to floating solar power

project on its dams and reservoirs as the SN Aboitiz Power Group has already
proposed awater-based solar power project in Magat Dam in Isabela which
features solar panels fixed to floats on the water surface.

Such power group will conduct a 2500 square meter pilot project over the
magat reservoir, a small scale preliminary study prior to the performance of the
large-scale project. The floating solar power project size is yet to be decided after
the study.

5
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

 Evaporation and Seepage Losses

The water level of Magat Dam hit its all-time low in three years. Magat’s water
elevation reached 160.46 meters or less than a meter above the dam’s minimum
operational level to generate power. At least 80,000 hectares of farmlands
depends on Magat Dam for irrigation. The dam also contributes 380 megawatts
to the Luzon grid.
Magat Dam last shut down its power generation in March 2010, affecting the
entire Luzon grid, when its water level dropped to 152.7 meters.

The three-decade-old dam, Asia’s once biggest power and irrigation facility,
recorded its lowest water level of 149 meters in July 1991.
And this year The water elevation recorded on April 11 is 168.04 meters
compared to 162 meters on April 1. The latter is so far the lowest recorded
water elevation this year.

“The water inflow of Magat dam reservoir is 26.93 meters per second and
outflow is 25.32 cubic meters per second,”

 Ground water Development

Groundwater Management Plan and Establishment of Monitoring Wells In
2013, NWRB started the project “Development of Groundwater Management
Plan for Highly Urbanized Water Constraint Areas” which piloted in the city of
Iloilo. Final report for Iloilo was already completed in 2014. Formulation of
policies on groundwater management in the area based from the
recommendations in the plan will be conducted. Dissemination of the report to
all stakeholders in the area is recommended. Groundwater Management Plan
for Cagayan de Oro City, the second location, was already completed in May
2015 The NWRB’s project pursued the areas of Angeles City in Pampanga,
Bacolod City, Baguio City, Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Groundwater
Management Plans for the said areas were already completed as of June 2017.
Development of Groundwater Management Plan for Metro Cebu and Zamboanga
City is on-going. A major component of the project is the installation of
groundwater monitoring wells in the target areas. In 2014, all eight (8)
monitoring wells in Pavia, San Miguel, Alimodian, Oton, Pagsanga-an, Iloilo City
were already operational. NWRB monitors water level and water quality twice a
year. There are ten (10) monitoring wells installed in Cagayan de Oro City from
2015-2016 Data collection on water level and water quality is being conducted
by NWRB to monitor the trend of groundwater level in the area. Six (6)
monitoring wells were already constructed in Angeles City and three (3) in Metro

6
 Manila. Establishment of three (3) monitoring wells in Mabalacat, Pampanga
and another three (3) in Bacoor, Cavite is on-going.

 Sources of Irrigation
The source of irrigation of water in almost 85,000 hectares of farmlands in
Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino Province and the municipality of Alfonso Lista in
Ifugao.

Firmed-up Maximum CIA's with Number of

Number of IAs
Divisions Service Area Irrigated/Planted IMT Farmers
Organized
(ha) Area Contract Served

I 20,438.22 20,301 89 12 15,577

II 25,016.00 24,014 106 15 19257
III 22,233.08 21,802 86 11 11,949
IV 19,199.89 18,867 79 13 15,029
TOTAL 86,887.19 84,984 360 51 61,812

 Crop quality

LANDLOCKED on the west by the Cordilleras, at the southern border by the

Caraballos and on the eastern side by the Sierra Madre mountain range is the
Cagayan Valley region.

In the country’s second geographical region (from Nueva Vizcaya to Cagayan

province up north) lies vast agricultural lands, Nueva Vizcaya, otherwise known
as “gateway” to the valley, has other flagship crops, like oranges, pineapples,
salad vegetables, cut-flowers, mangoes, livestock and fish farming, while
Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan provinces produce substantial corn and tobacco
harvests. Isabela is now dubbed as the Corn Capital of the Philippines.

But while these provinces in the Northeastern Luzon block excel in their
respective agricultural products, rice farming stands out as a common
denominator. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) confirmed that some
139,000 hectares of the region’s total land area are planted to rice. The
construction of the Magat Multipurpose Dam has provided a steady irrigation

7
for rice farms in Isabela, while Cagayan river irrigates the northernmost
province in Luzon mainland.

A farmer at present could double his conventional harvest. Today, a hectare

could yield a minimum of 100 to as high as 200 sacks at 50 kilograms per bag.

 Socio economic analysis

- Short-lived increase in malaria incidence

- Underestimation of project affected people
- Considerable livelihood loss

Advantages of Hydroelectric Dams

Cheap Electricity: The operating cost of a hydroelectric dam is minimal as

there is no costly fossil fuel required. Hydroelectric dams also tend to last longer
than thermal power plants.

Less Emissions: Hydroelectric power plants produces less greenhouse gas

emissions when compared to a thermal power plant.

Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Dams

Effect on Eco-Systems: The construction of a dam affects the eco-system of

the river and surrounding area. Some species of fish cannot increase their
population because of dams.

Relocation: Dams are often constructed in populated locations causing both

humans and animals to relocate.

Green House Gas Emissions: Although hydroelectric dams have considerably

fewer emissions than thermal power plants, the blocked water in the dam does
cause the release of methane into the atmosphere.

There are many advantages to using hydroelectric power, but no form of

producing energy is without its downfalls. We hope continued research and
development will minimize the disadvantages.

 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

- Decline in watershed forests

- Decrease in wildlife biodiversity and population
- Less abundant fishery resources
- Water quality has remained suitable

8
 CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATION
AND ASSESSMENT

From the Data collected ,Magat Dam is one of the largest dams in the
Philippines. It is a multi-purpose dam which is used primarily for irrigating
about 85,000 hectares (210,000 acres) of agricultural lands,[1] flood control, and
power generation through the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant. During rainy
season, water on the dam gets higher that the dam needed to let go a lot of
water because it reaches its maximum level which is 193 meters and exceeded
on its normal level which is 178.3 meters. But when El Nino comes, waters got
lower and lower that it reaches its minimum level which is 160 meters.

It may conclude that the expected climate changes or global warming that could
affect rainfall distribution will ultimately affect dams. If water level of dam drops
to its lowest elevation, many aspects will be affected, especially to community,
agriculture and ground water. So for this study, this could be the
environmental impact of large infrastructure dams on agriculture and ground
water development.

For methodology, this study’s researchers encourage the further researchers to

have a larger sample size to attain more saturated information, that this study
should be expanded. It could be better if the further researcher would conduct a
survey and an interview for the Local Government of Isabela and for the
community to assess the their issues that are not being addressed.

The result of NIA’s research shows that this water-based solar power project is
more beneficial than the land-based one which converts large portion of
agricultural lands into solar plants, making irrigable farmlands smaller.
Moreover, the project can also be beneficial by providing additional income to
the government. It can also prevent the decrease of the water level in the dams
and reservoirs due to evaporation.

9
 REFERENCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magat_Dam

https://www.360cities.net/image/magat-dam-at-magat-river-isabela-cagayan-
valley-philippines-2
https://goldenisabela.weebly.com/adventures/soon
https://escapemanila.com/2014/07/tourist-spots-in-isabela-magat-dam.html
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021013
https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g294248-d1583339-
Reviews-Magat_Dam-Luzon.html
https://www.doe.gov.ph/magat-dam-hits-critical-level
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064794

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/70999/reta-
5828.pdf
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/17/1346957/magat-water-level-
lowest-3-years#mYj1QXI845BlHmjs.99
http://mariis.nia.gov.ph/?q=page/overview
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/10/01/cagayan-valley-grains-granary-of-
the-philippines/

PROFILES OF RESEARCHERS

EVANGELISTA, JOSEPH PEREZ, ARNEL

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
09163393203 09301140793
evangelistajosephrea@gmail.com arnelperez739@gmail.com

GONZALES, JOHRIM KARL VIRAY, MIKE DEMSTER

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
09304224485 09183802042
Johrimkarl23gonzales@gmail.com Mikeviray04@gmail.com

10