ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD MITIGATION STRUCTURES IN METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES USING THE RAPID IMPACT ASSESSMENT MATRIX (RIAM) TECHNIQUE

Abstract

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) that provides the means to measure and compare project impacts, and which can easily be re-evaluated, is highly useful in the strategic planning of structural flood mitigation measures (SFMM). SFMM are essential in the sustainable development of flood-prone urban centers. In Metro Manila, Philippines, the EIA methods for planned SFMM do not provide sufficient tangible results, which make it difficult to compare and re-evaluate the impacts between SFMM alternatives. Thus, this study proposes the use of the rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) technique to systematically and quantitatively evaluate the environmental impacts of planned SFMM in Metro Manila. The RIAM was slightly modified to fit the requirements of this study. Results indicate that the EIA by RIAM can provide a clear view of the impacts associated with the implementation of SFMM projects.