The members of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan will inspect the buffer zone in the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park that the Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. plans to enter in order to tap more geothermal energy, Board Member Mae Javellana said yesterday.

PNOC hopes to tap 20 megawatts of geothermal power within the buffer zone but says it will have minimal impact on the environment based on a biodiversity study it had conducted.

The Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant of PNOC in Bago City started operations in February last year but has been unable to generate its targeted 40 megawatts outside the park.

PNOC is seeking the concurrence of the Negros Occidental SP to enter the buffer zone.

PNOC said that while a 169 hectare buffer zone has been allocated, it only needs to enter about 29 hectares.

Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco had earlier said that while the provincial government will not oppose the PNOC entry into the buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park to tap more geothermal energy, if it is allowed by law, they want specifics to prevent any violation.

He said PNOC has promised to submit a master plan by Wednesday next week on its proposed geothermal energy development in the buffer zone of the park.*CPG

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