Initial Environmental Examination€¦ · 2014 to May 2015, and (ii) Construction works to commence...

Initial Environmental Examination

Project Number: 42203-022 Grant Number: 0235-LAO January 2015

Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Northern Rural

Infrastructure Development Sector Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the Asian Development Bank.

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed

herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff,

and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the ‘term of use’ section of this

website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any

designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the

Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status

of any territory or area.

Annex-8 Initial Environmental Examination

Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 8 Feasibility Study on Houay Lieng Irrigation Subproject

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ANNEX 8 – INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Report and Project Background

1. The proposed Houay Lieng Irrigation Rehabilitation Scheme is a subproject under the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project (NRIDSP). It is one of 8 subprojects of Year 3. The IEE document has been prepared to fulfill and meet the requirements of the EIA decree No. 122/PM, dated April 2010 of the Government of Laos. Likewise, the document was prepared consistent with the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement of June 2009 and Environmental Assessment guideline of 2003.

2. For policy, legal and administrative framework, the key law and decrees relevant to environment assessment and protection issues for the NRIDSP are:

- Environmental Law No. 29/MONRE dated 18 December 2012;

- Decree No. 192/PM dated 07 July 2005 and Decree No. 699/PM dated 12 March 2010 both on Compensation and Resettlement;

- Regulation No. 2432/STEA dated 11 November 2005 on the implementation of Decree192; and ADB-Safequard Policy dated March 2009.

3. The laws and decrees have been described in the EARF (section III). Refer to this section for additional information on how to apply this law and regulations in the NRIDSP.

4. The executing agency is the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). MAF has delegated responsibility for overall project management and coordination to its Department of Planning, under which an NPMO has been established. The Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFOs) are the implementing agencies and have established their own PPOs to assist with implementation in districts, District Coordination Offices (DCOs) have been established in participating district agriculture and forestry offices. National and provincial steering committees have been established to provide overall guidance and interagency coordination.

1.2 Extent of the IEE Study

5. The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of the proposed irrigation improvements has been undertaken, comprising site visits, consultations, and validation of information on the local environment, and relating to the potential impacts, issues and concerns of the proposed subproject. The IEE field activities were also participated by the concerned PPO and DCO staff. The initial environmental examination was prepared following both the Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and the Lao PDR Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) requirements.

6. The Environmental Specialists in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary NRI Consultants preparing the Feasibility Report for the subproject were made aware of the environmental screening process using the ADB Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist and provided the PPO and DCO staffs with the checklists prepared in Lao Language for screening of the impacts. The NRI-GIC consultants and Environmental Specialists visited the subproject sites and also carried out public consultations prior to preparation of this report. Moreover, information provided by Consultants carrying out Feasibility Study was used in this exercise.


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7. Thus the IEE Study involved the following activities in each of the sub-components:

• Gathering and collation of baseline information available on the physical, biological, chemical, and socio-economic environment of the subproject area and understanding the technical, social, and institutional aspects of the subprojects; This included public consultation and participation during the subproject field visits;

• Screening of potential issues, concerns and impacts relative to siting, design, construction and operation to distinguish those that are likely to be significant for a particular subcomponent and warranting further study;

• Recommended measures to mitigate adverse issues, concerns and impacts, particularly to the project design team

• Prepared an Environmental Management Plan indicating impact areas, recommended mitigation measures, method of monitoring the impacts and responsible persons ; and

• Proposed an environmental monitoring plan (EMP) and the institutional set up for implementation of the above Environmental Management Plan.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

8. The overall objective of the project is to achieve improved livelihoods and socio-economic conditions amongst rural smallholders in selected villages in the provinces of Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, and Phongsaly. The Project will address key constraints to rural economic growth and the commercialization of agriculture. The project objectives are to enhance agricultural productivity through irrigation development and rehabilitation and to improve access roads (rehabilitation of rural access roads).

9. The Houay Lieng irrigation subproject was selected during the PPTA in the form of eligible shortlisted subproject list with the district priority, then this is one of eight (8) subprojects to be implemented for Year 3, approved by the government and ADB.

10. The irrigation development and rehabilitation will include the rehabilitation of small to medium scaled gravity-fed irrigation schemes and may involve the rehabilitation of head-works (including the replacement of intake and sluice gates), lining of main and secondary irrigation canals, and construction of canal related water management structures.

2.1 Project Type

11. The NRIDSP is a sector project consisting of infrastructure improvements and linked initiatives to maximize the ability of beneficiaries to add value to commodities they produce. The subprojects consist of irrigation systems and improvements to access roads to address key constraints to rural economic growth and poverty reduction in the provinces of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Luang Namtha and Bokeo in the north of the country. The improvements will take account of increased frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events that are expected to result from continuing global climate change.

2.2 Project Category

12. Investment projects in Lao PDR are subject to environmental assessment and management planning according to the Prime Minister Decree No. 112/PM, dated April 2010 on Environmental Impact Assessment. The Decree describes investment projects into two categories, Category 1 - for small scale projects that require an IEE, and Category 2 - for large scale investments requiring an environmental impact assessment (EIA). For irrigation


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projects, those with a command area of between100-2,000 ha come under Category 1, while those with a command area greater than 2,000 ha come under Category 2. The corresponding category in the ADB’s classification system is B, which requires an IEE. The IEE for this subproject revealed that potential negative impacts can be mitigated by adherence to the EMP prepared for the subproject (Table A8-2). No further assessment is therefore required.

2.3 Description and Objective of the Subproject

13. The existing Houay Lieng Irrigation System was constructed by the Government. The scheme is divided into two sub-systems: 1) Houay Lieng 1 Irrigation (Weir No. 1 upstream) total area coverage of about 213 ha (RMC 155 Ha and LMC 58 ha); and 2) Houay Lieng 2 (Weir No. 2 at downstream of Houay Lieng River) covering a total area of about 57 ha.

14. Minimal area of rice is irrigated during the dry season. Water is very limited during the dry season. Hence, water rotation is practiced by year during the season between the LMC and the RMC. In the dry season CY2013-14, water is scheduled for the LMC. Production of other crops during the dry season is limited for home consumption and for the local market.

15. The proposed irrigation development plan is composed of i) improvement of Houay Lieng No.1 weir (upstream) and Houay Lieng No.2 weir (downstream), ii) improvement of canals and related structures, and iii) improvement of O&M and farm to market road. improvement of farm to market road.

16. The improvement of Houay Lieng No.1 (upstream) and No.2 weir (downstream) includes i) removal of soil sediment from the upstream basin, and ii) replacement/ installation of intake control gates.

17. The improvement of canals and related structures includes i) concrete lining of main and secondary canals (2,500 m out of a total of 5,900 m of LMC and RMC of weir No.1 and MC of weir No.2), ii) construction of new earth secondary canals (1,300 m), and iii) construction of canal related structures such as farm turnout, division structure, drainage culvert, drop structure, bridge, side spillway, and check structure.

18. The farm to market road along RMC with a total of 1,700 m will be improved by laterite pavement.

19. The subproject beneficiaries are residents of eight(8) villages in Pha Oudom District, Bokeo Province: 1) Sibounheuang; 2) Viengkham; 3) Kene Kham; 4) Houay Koune; 5) Poung Laat; 6) Somsavang; 7) Phiangkham; and 8) Nam Kha-Palao. The eight villages have a total of 1,046 households (HHs) and a population of 6,284 people.

20. The proposed cropping and land use plan of Houay Lieng irrigation command area are 270 ha of rice growing in the wet season, while 150 ha of rice and 72 ha of commercial crops in the dry season.

21. There will be compulsory and optional productivity and impact enhancing initiatives. The compulsory initiatives will include: (i) support for WUGs established to operate and maintain the rehabilitated facilities and (ii) water catchment identification and zoning.

22. The optional initiatives will need to be further discussed with the beneficiaries during detailed design stage and could be selected from production, post-harvest handling, processing and the development of market linkage initiatives.


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23. The investment is consistent with local development plans and priorities and is supported by the commitment of potential beneficiaries who will be supported to accept responsibility for future operations and maintenance. The investment will generate incremental rice production to assist in meeting local rice deficit in the District but also contribute to generating production of tradable surpluses in not only rice, but other higher valued crop products.

2.4 Sub-Project Location

24. Houay Lieng Irrigation Subproject is located in Pha Oudom District, Bokeo Province. The scheme is situated east of the Bokeo Provincial Center, travelling a distance of approximately 84 km by road. Most of the villagers originated from Bokeo with a few migrants from nearby provinces.

Figure A8-1 General Location Map of Houay Lieng Irrigation Subproject

2.5 Schedule and Implementation Arrangements

(1) Schedule

25. The current schedule of indicative activities concerning the 8 subprojects for Year 3 defines:


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(i) the detailed design and bidding including evaluation from the end of October 2014 to May 2015, and

(ii) Construction works to commence from November 2015 onward.

(2) Implementation Arrangements

26. To ensure inter-agency cooperation at the National level, a National Steering Committee (NSC) has been established. The NSC will meet annually or as required to review overall implementation progress, approve annual work-plans and budgets, and provide overall policy guidance. The NPMO will provide secretariat services to NSC. Provincial Steering Committees (PSCs) have been established to ensure inter-agency coordination at provincial level. The PSCs are chaired by provincial vice governors with equivalent representation to that for the NSC, including governors from the participating districts. The PSC will meet bi-annually or as required to review implementation progress and to ensure adequate levels of coordination between key agencies for project coordination. Subproject Investment Reports (SIRs) shall be approved by PSCs after obtaining the necessary concurrence of ADB for social and environmental safeguards. The PPO will provide secretariat services to PSCs.

27. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is the executing agency (EA) for the Project with the responsibility for overall project coordination and management transferred to its Department of Planning (DOP) who has established the National Project Management Office (NPMO) for day-to-day coordination and management of the Project. The implementing agencies at the provincial level are the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFOs). Provincial Project Offices (PPOs) have been established in each PAFO to be responsible for financial management at provincial level, and coordination and management of implementation of subprojects. To assist implementation of the Project at the district level, District Coordination Offices (DCOs) have been established within District Agriculture and Forestry Offices (DAFOs) to mainly coordinate and supervise subproject activities.

28. At provincial and district levels staff has been nominated responsible for environmental issues.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Physical Resources

(1) Climate

29. The Northern part of Lao PDR has a warm temperate climate with dry winters and hot summers. The dry season occurs between November and February while the rainy season occurs between May and October. The dry season is generally cooler, though temperatures rise significantly in March and April prior to the onset of the rains.

30. Detailed meteorological information was provided by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology office in Vientiane. Rainfall is above 210 mm between May and September, peaking in July at 393 mm. In December and January the rainfall drops below 15 mm and can be as low as 7 mm in December. The dry season is particularly pronounced in the province. Rainfall varies significantly from year to year. Table A8-1 shows the total rainfall figures for the years 2003-2012, 2003 and 2009 were particularly dry years.


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Table A8-1 Total Rainfall in Bokeo, 2000-2009 (mm) Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 2000 2.9 113.8 40.2 60.9 339.7 216.5 436.2 335.6 205.1 106.1 0.1 8.0 1,865 2001 6.6 0.5 125.7 74.7 425.9 135.4 443.8 345.2 352.9 145.1 0.9 21.7 2,078 2002 23.3 19.9 0.8 112.0 245.5 166.2 455.2 451.8 82.7 124.7 192.8 85.6 1,961 2003 40.9 72.2 4.1 137.8 50.3 207.9 427.2 243.0 194.8 54.8 1.8 0.0 1,435 2004 1.0 7.2 6.4 184.0 268.0 287.3 294.2 392.2 224.9 54.7 29.7 0.0 1,750 2005 1.4 0.0 67.6 136.0 205.9 180.5 300.9 381.9 199.8 117.4 16.7 19.9 1,628 2006 0.0 29.5 187.7 134.9 254.6 187.7 417.8 447.0 217.4 252.9 0.0 0.0 2,130 2007 6.3 2.6 4.3 120.0 247.8 334.5 173.8 287.7 373.1 180.5 38.9 0.0 1,770 2008 43.6 46.1 64.9 127.0 268.5 280.4 652.9 608.1 223.3 54.7 60.4 7.0 2,437 2009 0.0 0.0 54.0 174.0 205.6 170.2 326.0 161.6 235.4 56.0 19.9 0.7 1,403 Mean 12.6 29.2 55.6 126.1 251.2 216.7 392.8 365.4 230.9 114.7 36.1 14.3 1,846 Source Station: Bokeo Meteorology and Hydrology Office

31. The rainfall in the area is a result from both monsoonal and cyclone storms. The southwest monsoon blows in from the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand bringing heavy rainfall from mid-May through to mid-October. During August to October, cyclone storms originating in the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean enter the plateau. The storms diminish in intensity as they cross the high mountains along the Indo-China peninsula. The storms enter Lao PDR as tropical storms or tropical depressions. These depressions have the effect of intensifying the southwest monsoon and bringing the heaviest rainfall in September, especially along the Mekong River.

32. The area has a warm temperate climate with dry winters and hot, humid summers, the dry season occurring between November and February while the wet season, between May and October. The average annual daily temperature is 23.90C but ranges from 12.300C in January to 32.30C in April, while monthly maximum temperatures are close to or above 300C for most of the year. Relative humidity varies from 43% in March to 98% in December, January and February.

(2) Topography

33. The subproject area averages at 418m ASL. The weir point is on the elevation of 439m ASL. The upper catchment area is in steep terrain at elevations of up to 1,016m ASL.

(3) Geology and Soils

34. Geological investigations made by the Agriculture and Forestry Soil Classification Center, NAFRI indicated that the soil layers within the district comprises of 6 categories (Acrisols, Alisols,Lixisols, Regosols,Luvisols and Cambisols). Most of the soil type is clay loam about 75%, loam about 18%, heavy clay 5.8% and smallest part is sandy loam is less than 1 %.

(4) Water Resources

35. There are many river system, small streams, seasonal waterways and ponds in northern Lao PDR. The Houay Lieng is among the many rivers that abound in the mountainous and hilly region in Bokeo Province. Water is relatively clean, though more turbid in the wet season and sensitive to land disturbance in their catchment areas. Flows are highly dependent on levels of rainfall and are therefore greatly reduced during the dry season.

3.2 Ecological Resources


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36. Land in and around the subproject site is extensively cultivated, with thickets of trees occurring around homes and alongside waterways in some areas. Slopes surrounding the area have been subject to traditional shifting cultivation but currently bear mainly shrub vegetation, as tree cover near areas of habitation is seldom allowed to develop due to continued collection of fuel-wood and poles.

37. Increasingly, land that is not used for irrigated agriculture is used for tree plantations. Tree crops include stands of teak trees, rubber trees and fruit trees such as longan, mango and citrus species. In more distant areas formerly cleared land has been left for longer, dense secondary forest is developing, and is inhabited by wildlife such as barking deer. Protected land within Bokeo is distant from Houay Sad, the nearest being the Bokeo Nature Reserve (approximately 40 km north west) and Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area, some 70 km north-east of the subproject area.

38. Aquatic ecosystems in the uplands of Lao PDR are diverse and subject to a variety of anthropogenic factors, including aquaculture, fishing, the creation of rice paddies and the construction of dams and weirs. Main rivers, small streams, seasonal waterways, ponds, paddy fields, reservoirs and wetlands all contribute to the overall diversity of the aquatic ecosystem diversity. In rural upland areas, aquatic resources are important sources of protein in the local diet, dominated by fin fish although mollusks, crustaceans, insects, amphibians and reptiles from streams, ponds and other water bodies are also significant sources of protein.

39. The practice of dam and weir construction for hydropower and irrigation interrupts fish movements but also creates reservoirs in which aquatic organisms can thrive and where aquaculture can take place. The blockage of fish movements is of concern where migratory species are prevented from travelling between spawning and feeding grounds. These concerns are mainly associated with mainstream dams on larger tributaries of the Mekong.

40. Further threats to aquatic ecosystems include over fishing, the use of damaging fishing techniques such as blasting and poisoning, upstream use of pesticides, release of pollutants and the introduction of exotic fish species for aquaculture.

41. Aquaculture is practiced in and around the subproject area, both on a household scale and on a small commercial scale. According to the reports of the villagers, catching fish is mainly done in the ponds near the village area and the amount of fish caught in the stream is very low. The masterlist of the land use by the villagers of the subproject indicates that out of the total land use for production of 1,343 ha, including irrigated and non-irrigated paddy field, fish pond area, upland field, home garden, and tree crop area, 7.58 ha (0.6%) is fish pond area.

42. The existing information on fish species and aquatic resources in Houay Lieng river are limited. According to the environmental specialist of Faculty of Environmental Sciences, National University of Laos the existing fish species in Houay Lieng river are similar to Nam Haad river in PhaOudom district. The main fish species in Houay Lieng river could include i) Chitalalopis, ii) Acheilognathusbarbatulus and iii) Banganaelegans, etc. (See details in 1st mission Safeguard Monitoring Report 2014).

3.3 Economic, Social and Cultural Resources

43. The main objective for the socio-economic development plan for the period 2011-2015 remains focused on the promotion of economic growth to help poor families meet their basic needs, ensuring food security in rice plus a surplus to generate sufficient cash for essential living needs. The province continues its initiatives in the implementation of land titling, land allocation and forest management through village restructuring and the


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development of areas suited to agricultural production. It is currently planned for provincial GDP to increase by 2015 to a figure of KN1, 795 billion - at an average annual growth rate of 8.3% per annum of which agriculture’s share is anticipated to decline to 61%. The anticipated per capita GDP by 2015 is estimated at $1,150. This will be achieved by investments in rural infrastructure at kumban level to reduce provincial poverty levels from 9,156 to 7,915 households by 2015, a 12% reduction.

44. Consistent with national policy for irrigation management and transfer, the province will promote the establishment of water user groups (WUGs) to ensure unsubsidized operations, and improved technical support services to identify and supervise irrigation construction at identified priority sites. The province is also committed to improving the capacities of provincial and district level agricultural extension staff and to enable them to contribute to increased commercialization and market orientation. The local policy is for the re-deployment of technical support staff into the kumban centers where they can interact more fully with the farmers to raise agricultural productivity.

45. The Subproject covers eighth (8) villages located within the coverage of Pha Oudom District, Bokeo Province: 1) Sibounheuang; 2) Viengkham; 3) Kene Kham; 4) Houay Koune; 5) Poung Laat; 6) Somsavang; 7) Phiangkham; and 8) Nam Kha-Palao. There are 1,046 households living in the eighth (8) villages with population of 6,284 comprised of 3,224 females and 3,060 males. Average household size is about 6 persons per HH composed of 3 females and 3 males.

46. Sibounheuang is inhabited purely by Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group. Viengkham and Kene Kham are inhabited purely by Mone-Khmers. The other five (5) villages are inhabited by two (2) different ethno-linguistic groups, Lao-Tai and Mone-Khmer. Overall, 32% of the HHs are Lao-Tais and 68%% are Mone-Khmers.

47. The average annual HH income is about 24,000,000 kips/HH/year. Household income is composed of 51% from agriculture sources and 49% from non-agriculture sources. Data shows that 83% of sample HHs are involved in agriculture and 89% are involved in non-agriculture sources. The average per capita income is 392,255 kips/person/month which is above the poverty line of 180,000 kips/person/month. The lowest average per capita income which is lower than the poverty line is observed in Nam Kha-Palao at 135,828 kips/person/month.

48. 2,605 of the 6,284 population (41%) are literate. The highest literacy is in Sibounheuang Village at 63%, while the lowest are in Kene Kham and Houay Koune village at 23%.

49. About 54% of households are rice sufficient and/or surplus with rice, while the rest 46% are having deficits, with 13% of household with less than months deficit; while 33% of household deficit 1-4 months and over. Figure 4 below shows that Kene Kham village has the most HHs with rice deficit at 84% and Houay Koune village with 70% rice deficit. The best situation on rice sufficiency is in Sibounheuang where 90% of HHs are either rice sufficient or with surplus rice.

50. Of the 1,046 HHs in the 8 villages 44% of HHs are classified as poor having income below 85,000 kips/person/month, 51% are classified as having income between 85,000 to 180,000 kips/person/month and only 5% are having income above 180,000 kips/person/month (2009/2012 poverty line for rural areas).


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4. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

51. The Rapid environmental Assessment (REA) checklist of environmental parameters for irrigation projects was used to screen out “no significant impacts” from those with significant adverse impact. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) contain the proposed mitigation measures recommended for each environmental problem due to project location and related to project design, construction, and operations.

4.1 Potential Impacts

52. Potential impacts have been assessed by means of site visits, discussions with local authorities and beneficiaries and the use of secondary sources of information. The anticipated potential environmental impacts are minimal.

53. The potential environmental impacts and required mitigations are incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan prepared for this subproject.

54. Mitigation measures are listed in the Environment Management Plan (EMP) which is to be included in the bidding documents for contractors so that the cost of compliance with the mitigation can be included in the bid price.

(1) Impacts Related to Design/Location

55. The proposed irrigation development plan is composed of i) improvement of Houay Lieng No.1 weir (upstream) and Houay Lieng No.2 weir (downstream), ii) improvement of canals and related structures, and iii) improvement of O&M and farm to market road. improvement of farm to market road.

56. As there will be no substantial widening of the canals to rehabilitate canal network, no individual losses by households are expected at this feasibility stage.

57. There are no areas of special ecological or biodiversity significance in or around the command area or within the catchment, the nearest protected area is about 4 km from the area. Confirmation with the local villagers indicates that there are no buildings or artifacts of cultural significance in the subproject area and in areas near or adjacent to the villages.

(2) Impacts During Construction

58. Impacts related to the construction activities will be temporary in nature, and can in most cases be mitigated among these impacts are:

• soil erosion, silt and sediment deposition • obstruction of water flows in the canals from sediment or other deposits • potential dust and noise nuisance although this is highly unlikely to be an issue

as the construction activities are carried out away from the village center and dwellings.

• inefficient use and distribution of irrigation water • use of private land for storage and as works depots • construction and workers waste management

(3) Impacts During Operation


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59. The anticipated potential impacts most likely to occur during the operational period will include the following but can be minimized if not eliminated through a timely and correct implementation of the proposed measures contained in the EMP:

• competition for use of irrigation water and with other water users • obstruction of water flows in the canals from sediment or other deposits • effects of intensified use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

4.2 Proposed Mitigation Measures

60. The Resettlement Plan for the subproject will ensure that any loss of land or property will be subject to compensation in accordance with the Resettlement Framework for the proposed Project.

61. The proposed/recommended mitigation measures related to the location and design of the irrigation scheme will possibly include a realignment of the existing canals to be rehabilitated as necessary with the inputs of user communities for the final detailed design. Some additional canal crossings may be provided at certain locations to allow the access to the rice paddies in the command area. Provision of a raised embankment in the immediate area of the concrete weir is also recommended.

62. The proposed recommendation for the safety and to eliminate the hazards to workers and their impacts to the area is for the contractor to prepare and allocate and instruction dissemination to workers regarding risks of communicable diseases.

63. During the construction period the recommended mitigation measures are detailed in the EMP in Attachment A8-2.

64. The proposed recommended measures for the operations are the following:

• reliable collection of information on water levels in the canal system, to enable sound planning and water use and distribution among WUGs

• IEC for WUGs to discourage or prevent any disposal of materials or solid waste in the canals, and

• instruction in purchase and use of pesticides, (ii) promotion of the informed use of mineral fertilizers, (iii) promotion of the concept of integrated pest management, and (iv) emphatic discouragement of the use of persistent pesticides.

• Promotion of commercial crops through value-chain development activities that require less water for growing.

65. One of the key activities identified under Output 2 for the subproject as detailed in Annex 4 of the Feasibility Study for this subproject is the establishment and capacity building for the WUGs. The proper management of the irrigation system will be one of the main topics of training which will include the data collection and application for the proper distribution of water as well as maintaining water quality.

66. Specific extension trainings for yield improvement will also have a focus on the use of fertilizers/pesticides/herbicides for which extensive guidance and IEC materials will be provided to farmers, particularly female farmers who are currently not involved directly with such activities, except jointly with their male partners.

67. Introduction of SRI technology will require less water and reduce competition for water resources.

4.3 Environmental Management Plan


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68. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the improvement of the irrigation scheme will involve planning activities prior to construction, adherence to mitigation measures prior to construction, during construction and collaborative group action for improved use of water and agro-chemicals during operation. Regular and reliable measurement and recording of stream flows must commence well in advance of construction, and continue indefinitely. The cost of compliance with these measures is to be included in contractors’ bid prices.

69. Prior to construction, all land acquisition and compensation tasks need to be completed in accordance with the Resettlement Plan for the subproject. Contractors must prepare and submit plans for health, safety and welfare of workers and the public prior to commencing the works. These plans must be approved and adhered to throughout construction and will be monitored by the staff of the District Coordination Office under the supervision of the Safeguards Officer appointed to the Provincial Project Office (PPO).

70. During construction, the key tasks are monitoring the compliance with environmental mitigation measures stipulated in the environmental management plan for the subproject such as measures relating to the minimization of soil disturbance and dust nuisance and temporary closure of the scheme.

71. The environmental problems most likely to occur during the operational phase will not be new experiences for the WUGs, primarily those will be related to the inefficient use and distribution of irrigation water, uninformed use of pesticides and fertilizers, and unplanned and potentially destructive land use practices in the catchment area for the stream. These will also be addressed by participatory land use planning activities, IEC, support and training to scheme users in sound irrigated agriculture and land management practices.

5. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

72. The Executing Agency for the subproject will be the Provincial Governor’s office of Bokeo that will delegate responsibility to the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office for subproject implementation. Bokeo Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office will in turn designate the Provincial Project Office (PPO) established within its premises to maintain responsibility for day to day implementation and monitoring of the subproject.

5.1 Institutional Arrangements

73. The subproject will be implemented under the management structure of a nationally based management office and a provincially based implementation office situated in Bokeo Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office. The PPO established within Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office and will be guided by a Provincial Steering Committee to be chaired by the Vice Governor with multi-agency representation to achieve local coordination.

74. A project Environmental Management Office (EMO) or its equivalent within the PPO with the assistance of the DCO should be established. To ensure long-term institutional capacity building, it is recommended that the staff of the EMO be drawn from the permanent full-time staff of the executing agency. The Project will also provide support in these functions in order to sustain the benefits from rehabilitated irrigation facilities.

75. A District Coordination Office will be established within Phaoudom District Agriculture and Forestry Office to attend to local community liaison, supervision of the implementation of safeguard plans and support community development initiatives after commissioning of infrastructure.


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76. Upon completion of the works, the commissioned scheme will be handed over to Phaoudom District where it will be registered as an asset of the District. At that stage, the District Governor’s Office will assume responsibility for scheme maintenance. The formation of WUGs will provide an operational mechanism that will be managed by the beneficiaries and funded by beneficiaries’ contribution through water user fees as is consistent with Lao PDR Irrigation Management and Transfer Strategies recently developed.

5.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan

(1) Responsibilities for Mitigation and Monitoring

77. The PPO-EMO and DCO staff shall carry out internal environmental monitoring and report on findings with respect to impact prevention and mitigation and the actions recommended to problems encountered on a monthly basis. Environmental Monitoring is important to ensure that environmental impacts are prevented and mitigated by ensuring that the Contractor follows the EMP and ensures that sound engineering practices are followed for the protection of the environment. The Contractor has the responsibility to ensure the following:

• Implementation of impact prevention and mitigation measures and • Compliance with the Contract Specifications and the EMP. • Oversee construction and rehabilitation of the subproject

78. The critical component covered by the monitoring program refers to construction management since the key impacts are those generated during this phase of work. The monitoring plan is based on the mitigation/enhancement measures identified for the environmental impacts but can have critical effects if not mitigated.

(2) Baseline Data and Routine Periodic Water Quality Monitoring

79. Pre-construction monitoring to establish baseline conditions shall be undertaken at locations as determined advisable. Baseline monitoring of water quality shall be undertaken at a site in the command area and the receiving streams of effluent from construction/labor camps potentially polluting activities related to the Works. Measurements of suspended solids (SS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO) will be done by an external Monitoring team from NUOL (Environment Faculty in March 2013.

80. Routine instrumented monitoring of water quality and run-off from construction camps, selected sample sites in the command area one month prior to construction then quarterly every year shall be undertaken. This shall include measurements of suspended solids (SS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

81. Environmental monitoring will cover (i) compliance monitoring, to ensure that mitigation specified in the EMP is carried out to an adequate standard; (ii) community feedback to obtain views and information on relevant environmental parameters and (iii) water quality testing, which will be done by the external monitor. During operation, the principal source of environmental monitoring will be feedback from the user communities (which will also be sought during the construction phase).

5.3 Reporting of Environmental Monitoring Results

82. Three different kinds of monitoring will be carried out including: (i) implementation progress monitoring of the subproject, (ii) safeguards monitoring, and (iii) benefit monitoring and evaluation.


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83. Implementation progress monitoring will be one of the main tasks of the PPO. This will be undertaken by a monitoring officer appointed to the PPO and activities will be based on the subproject implementation schedule.

(1) Environmental Management Office

84. Major responsibilities of the Environmental Management Office (EMO) established within the PPO are to ensure the mitigation measure and monitoring programs are carried out in conformity with the EMP, identify problems and develop plans for corrective actions. Routine reporting will be maintained by the DCO and PPO for the NPMO, MAF and ADB as part of its routine reporting responsibilities in compliance with the ADB requirements. In order for staff capacity building and prior for implementation the team of GIC have organized technical training for EMO on safeguards in November 2012.

85. A safeguard officer of the EMO established within the PPO shall be responsible for safeguards monitoring including grievance mechanisms to ensure that the required policies, procedures and plans for:

• resettlement including land acquisition and compensation, • EMP and environmental monitoring implementation, • indigenous peoples specific actions are implemented and achieve their expected

outcomes during subproject preparation, implementation and operation, and • the gender action plan will be closely followed

86. In addition, an independent Monitor is contracted for conducting safeguard (EMP, SMP and monitoring of land acquisition and resettlement activities prior for construction period to ensure full compliance with all laws, decrees, policies and plans and to review the grievance mechanism for affected persons.

87. The EMO has the overall responsibility for environmental management and monitoring and reporting through their own visits to sites and through information from the Independent Environmental Management and Monitoring.

88. Project benefit monitoring activities will entail periodic monitoring of the benefits and impacts of the subproject. This might be undertaken independently by a university, institute or similar agency with experience in the identification and quantification of economic development benefits but may also be undertaken by the PPO supported by the NPMO.

5.4 Terms of Reference for Independent Environmental Management and Monitoring

89. The independent agency will be employed for the purpose of gathering and establish the baseline water quality data and information and periodic routine monitoring of the recommended parameters provided in the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan for the NRI subprojects.

90. The description of the services of the independent environmental management and monitoring agency will include the following:

(i) Review the environmental management and monitoring plan of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) as provided in the EMP;

(ii) Identify the appropriate sampling sites in the subproject area to establish the water quality baseline data and information;

(iii) The baseline water quality data findings shall be summarized to indicate the sampled parameters in relation to the existing environmental standards of Lao PDR;


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(iv) Undertake a periodic (2 times per year) routine sampling for water quality monitoring;

(v) Provide analysis of the sampled parameters in comparison with the baseline data, previous water quality samples and with the existing standards of Lao PDR;

(vi) Assist the PPO-EMO in the interpretation of the water quality analysis and (vii) Submit all water quality samples and monitoring reports acceptable to the PPO.

6. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

91. Three public consultation/meetings were carried out for the preparation of this IEE document. This IEE will be presented to the Village officials and the subproject beneficiaries, to district administrations and to the PAFO and PONRE in Bokeo again to invite comment from the public in accordance with the EIA Decree. Copies will be left for review for a period of 30 days to the concerned agencies.

92. During construction period and operation, the villages in and around the subproject area will kept informed of construction activities that are likely to cause nuisances and/or disruption to irrigation flows or roads and pathways.

6.1 Consultation and Participation Process

93. The public consultation for IEE for Houay Lieng was conducted on 12 June 2013. The fieldwork was combined with one day On-the-Job training for PAFO and DAFO staff and another day for village consultation with village authorities and farmers. Overall, the NRI-GIC consultation and public participation presented the following agenda and information about the proposed subproject. The presentations were followed by discussions to collect opinions from people who may be affected:

• summary of the proposed works under the subproject; • summary of subproject objectives and likely positive and negative

environmental impacts; • impacts, covering the construction and operational phases; • asked for feedback in respect of any areas of concern that they may have and

suggested means of implementation; • acceptability of the proposed project to the public

94. During the consultation process, the GI consultants initially described the consultation process by informing the targeted villagers of the subproject’s objectives, coverage, roles and responsibilities of the concerned offices and agencies in the province and districts, the WUGs, village leaders and the subproject beneficiaries as a whole.

95. The active participation and feedbacks of the subproject beneficiaries during the consultations/meetings has been recorded and photo documented and included in this document as Attachments A8-3, A8-4 and A8-5.

6.2 Information Disclosure

96. The NRI-GIC team members have conducted meetings with the subproject beneficiaries, in particular with the local WUGs and district administration. The series of meetings and consultations with the villagers have now a better understanding about the subproject, its potential and specific environmental impacts and benefits to be generated from rehabilitated irrigation scheme.


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97. There shall be another public information and disclosure to be scheduled during the pre-construction and during the construction period to keep the subproject stakeholders and villagers informed of status and implementation activities related to the subproject.

98. During construction and operation period, the villages in and around the subproject area will kept informed of construction activities that are likely to cause nuisances and/or disruption to irrigation flows or roads and pathways.

7. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

99. Individual or groups who are concerned about adverse environmental impacts of the subproject activities have a legal right (under Lao Governments’ decree No. 192/PM on Compensation and Resettlement of the development project and the EIA Decree No. 112/PM 2010) to lodge their complaints and ensure that these are addressed by the Project.

100. The complaints may be lodged formally or informally. Informally, the complainant can approach their village heads or staff of the District Coordination Office or the Provincial Project Office to raise their concerns and these concerns may be acted on immediately. If the complaint cannot be resolved immediately to the satisfaction of the complainant, the formal mechanism as detailed in Attachment A8-6 should be followed.

8. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

101. The initial environmental examination of the proposed subproject development will not generate significant negative environmental impacts. The associated negative effects of the subproject will occur mainly during the construction phase and can be managed and brought to acceptable levels through the timely implementation of the Environmental Management Plan.

102. Also, it is recommended that the Environmental Management Plan be included in the Contractor’s Bidding Document for the Procurement of Works (Contractor’s works contracts) to ensure proper implementation of the EMP and agreements formed with the WUGs where it is needed. In this manner, the Contractor is made aware of the environmental issues and concerns of the Subproject.

103. The bidding documents also will comply with the IFC environmental, health and safety guideline available at http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/Topics_Ext_Content/IFC_External_Corporate_Site/IFC+Sustainability/Sustainability+Framework/Environmental,+Health,+and+Safety+Guidelines/

104. Due to the subproject development plan would focus on the rehabilitation of existing irrigation infrastructure concerning gates. Thus, it can be assumed that no land acquisition seems necessary or only occasionally

9. CONCLUSIONS

105. The overall findings of the IEE require no further special study or an environmental impact assessment of the proposed upgrading/rehabilitation of the subproject is needed.

http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/Topics_Ext_Content/IFC_External_Corporate_Site/IFC+Sustainability/Sustainability+Framework/Environmental,+Health,+and+Safety+Guidelines/

http://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/Topics_Ext_Content/IFC_External_Corporate_Site/IFC+Sustainability/Sustainability+Framework/Environmental,+Health,+and+Safety+Guidelines/


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ATTACHMENT A8-1 RAPID ENVIRONMENT CHECKLIST

Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist IRRIGATION Instructions: • This checklist is to be prepared to support the environmental classification of a project.

It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form that is to be prepared and submitted to the Chief Compliance Office of the Regional and Sustainable Development Department.

• This Checklist is to be completed with the assistance of an Environment Specialist in a Regional Department.

• This checklist focuses on Environmental issues concerns. To ensure that social dimension are adequately considered, refer also to ADB checklist and handbooks on (i) involuntary resettlement, (II) indigenous peoples planning, (iii) poverty reduction, (iv) gender and development.

Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures. Country/Project Tittle: Lao PDR Northern Rural Infrastructure Development

Section Division

Screening Questions Yes No Remark A. Project siting The project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas?

- Protected Area Not Applicable - Mangrove Not Applicable - Estuarine Not Applicable - Buffer Zone Not Applicable - Special Area for protecting biodiversity Not Applicable

B. Potential Environmental impacts Will be project cause…

- Loss of precious ecological values (e.g result of encroachment into forests/swampland or historical/cultural buildings/areas, disruption of hydrology of natural waterways, regional flooding, and drainage hazard)?

Not Applicable

- Conflict in water supply rights and related social conflicts? Water use management by WUG as provide in the EMP

- Impediment to movement of people and animals? Not Applicable - Potential ecological problems due to increased soil erosion and siltation, leading to

decreased stream capacity? Not Applicable

- Insufficient drainage leading to salinity intrusion? Not Applicable - Over pumping of groundwater, leading to salinization and ground subsidence? Not Applicable - Impairment of downstream water quality and therefore, impairment of downstream

beneficial uses of water? Not Applicable

- Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? Not Applicable - Potential social conflicts arising from land tenure and land use issues? Not Applicable - Soil erosion before compacting and lining of canals? Loose soil characteristic tend to easy

erosion - Noise from construction equipment? Not Applicable - Dust? Occasionally affect while on land

transportation - Labour related social problems especially if workers from different areas are hired? Potential adverse impacts from bad

behave of migrants worker - Water logging and soil salinization due to inadequate drainage and farm management? Not Applicable - Leaching of soil nutrients and change in soil characteristics due to excessive application of

irrigation water? Not Applicable

- Reduction of downstream water supply during peak seasons? Not Applicable - Soil pollution, polluted farm runoff and ground water, and public health risks due to

excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides? Not Applicable

- Soil erosion (furrow, surface) Not Applicable - Scouring of canal? To prevent from canal scouring it should

be lining - Logging of canal by sediment? Seasonal Maintenance of the system is

urgently required - Logging of canal by weeds? Seasonal Maintenance of the system is

urgently required - Seawater intrusion into downstream fresh water system? Not Applicable - Introduction of increase in incidence of water born disease? Not Applicable


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- Affect habitats of the species living in the weir basin? Less impact and dredging activities will be operated during dry season

- Fish movement won’t be affected by irrigation weir? The weir crest is under water level in rainy season. Therefore, fish can move to upstream

- Fish migration (both upstream and downstream migration) and will there be an impact?

There is not impact of fish migration in both upstream and downstream migration


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ATTACHMENT A8-2: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. The Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMP) provides for the set of mitigation and management measures to be taken during project implementation to avoid, reduce, mitigate, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts. It identifies the potential impacts and their locations or occurrences, proposed mitigation measures, the entities responsible for mitigation and their monitoring activities including the estimated costs.

2. The environmental management plan involves planning activities prior to construction, adherence to mitigation measures during construction and collaborative group action for improved use of water and agro-chemicals during operation. Regular and reliable measurement and recording of stream flows must commence well in advance of construction, and continue indefinitely.

3. Prior to construction, all land acquisition and compensation tasks need to be completed in accordance with the Resettlement Plan for the subproject. Contractors must prepare and submit plans for health, safety and welfare of workers and the public prior to commencing the works. These plans must be approved and adhered to throughout construction and will be monitored by the staff of the District Coordination Office under the supervision of the Safeguards Officer appointed to the Provincial Project Office (PPO).

4. During construction, measures relating to the minimization of soil disturbance, and dust nuisance and other related impacts are summarized in Table A8-2-1 below. The cost of compliance with these measures is to be included in contractors’ bid prices.

5. Environmental problems during the operational phase are primarily those already encountered, related to inefficient use and distribution of irrigation water, uninformed use of pesticides and fertilizers, and unplanned and potentially destructive land use practices in the catchment area for the stream. These will be addressed by participatory land use planning activities, and support and associated initiatives in sound irrigated agriculture and land management practices.

Table A8-2-1: Summary of Environmental Management Plan and

Budget Requirement Potential Environmental

Impacts Proposed Mitigation measure(s) Responsibility

for Implementation

Cost Allocation

Location and Design/ Pre-Construction Stage

Effects on homes and property

Implement resettlement and compensation plan In accordance with the requirements of the ADB and the Government

NPMO and Consultants

Budget for resettlement and compensation

Loss/Blockage of access to cultivated paddy fields

development of the farm to market road with a total of 5,000 m will be improved by laterite pavement

Contractor Construction Cost

Possible social conflicts, noise and air pollution due to site selection for work camps.

Proper site selection, observing criteria which primarily protect the general public. Observe a minimum distance (buffer zone) between camp site and nearest residential area. Employ mediators to curb social conflicts.



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Potential Environmental Impacts

Proposed Mitigation measure(s) Responsibility for

Implementation

Cost Allocation

Safety Hazards to workers, local people, and effects of workers in the area due to siting of camp

Preparation of plans (site management plan) by the Contractor: allocating responsibilities for safety; health and welfare to senior staff; first aid and emergency procedures; satisfactory accommodation of workers; information and instruction dissemination to workers regarding risks of communicable diseases.


Environmental problems associated with location/selection and abandonment of quarry sites, such as erosion, landslides, sedimentation, soil contamination, damage or loss of habitat and biodiversity.

(i) Preparation of site management plan, indicating rehabilitation options and requirements to observe environmental safeguards, especially for adjacent water resources and crop lands. (ii) Contractor must present a decommission plan for each quarry site, to be approved by the Engineer.


Construction Period Soil erosion, silt and sediment deposition in water bodies resulting in primary and secondary impacts on hydro-physical and biological conditions. Erosion damages, spillage of sediments.

(i) Prevention of siltation through the provision of silt and sediment traps where needed (ii) Construction materials containing fine particles shall be stored in an enclosure such that sediment-laden water does not drain into nearby water courses.


Obstruction of water flows in the canals from sediment or other deposits

(i) Careful supervision of the works (confining excavation works to the dry months), (ii) reuse of surplus spoil, distribution to users in or near the subproject area, or disposal at a site approved by the PAFO / PPO.


Disruption to other water users, with impacts on public health, economic losses and nuisance

(i) While working across or close to perennial water bodies, the Contractor shall not obstruct or prevent the flow of water. If for any structural works where closure of flow is required, the Contractor shall seek approval of the Engineer prior to such closure(s). In such an event the Engineer will request the Contractor to serve notice on the downstream users of temporary water closure in advance. Closures shall not exceed 3 days. (ii) Construction over and close to the non-perennial streams shall be undertaken in the dry session. Construction over the irrigation channels, if disruption to the flow, quality of water and impact on the irrigation structure is expected (or probable in the view of the Engineer), will be undertaken with then necessary permission of the affected village/community.

Contractor and WUGs

Construction Cost


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Implementation

Cost Allocation

(iii) Construction work expected to disrupt users and impacting community water bodies will be taken up after serving notice on the local community, and complying with provisions given in the Tech. Specs. (iv) The Contractor may use the natural sources of water subject to the provision that any claim arising out of conflicts with other users. (v) Planning activities shall involve WUGs. (vi) Local paddy irrigation systems adjacent to work sites shall not be altered, damaged or obstructed by on-going construction activities.

Dust and noise nuisance (i) Wetting of excavation sites and stockpiled material during dry and windy weather, when within 50m of an occupied dwelling (ii) Excessive noise from construction activities is not expected to be an issue since the works activities are not located near residential areas.. Where there is excessive noise disturbance, agreement shall be made with local communities on restriction of working hours.


Insufficient work opportunities for local communities, dissatisfaction and conflicts with local residents, inequities in wages and child labor

(i) The Contractor shall observe the agreed quota for employing at least 15% of women from the local communities for unskilled labor with equal pay for equal work. (ii) The Contractor shall strictly observe all rules, regulations and laws of the Lao PDR regarding child labor and no child shall be engaged in the construction work or as auxiliary labor.


Hazards associated with the use and operation of specific equipment and material

(i) The Contractor shall observe all precautionary measures to provide adequate health and safety provisions for all employed labor. (ii) Insurance shall be provided which will pay adequate compensation to the laborer and/or his/her family in case of an accident.


Workers and public health issues due to unsanitary conditions of work camps

(i) Construction workers’ camps shall be located at least 500m away from the nearest habitation, from school and from local temples or monasteries. (ii) Sewage disposal for the workers’ camp shall be designed, built and operated such that no pollution to ground or adjacent water bodies/water courses occur. Compliance with district health regulations shall be strictly adhered to. (iii) Rubbish bins shall be provided in the



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Implementation

Cost Allocation

camps and regularly emptied and rubbish disposed of in a hygienic manner to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

Contamination of soils and landscape destruction from use of land for storage and as works depots

(i) Form agreements with the landowners, and restoration of land to former or better condition according to agreements with landowners (ii) Construction materials shall only be stored in designated areas for which prior agreements have been negotiated (iii) dispose of excess earth fill material in such a way as to avoid subsequent erosion or collapse, and replace topsoil and vegetation on all exposed surfaces.

Contractor and landowners

Construction Cost

During Operation Competition for use of irrigation water and with other water uses

(i) Reliable collection of information on water levels in the canal system, to enable sound planning and water use and distribution among WUGs. (ii) Mechanism developed for formal communication to resolve conflicts between upstream and downstream water users.

WUG Head of water planning and distribution group District Coordination Office

Included in associated initiatives

Obstruction of water flows in the canals from sediment or other deposits

(i) IEC for WUGs to discourage or prevent any disposal of materials or solid waste in the canals. (ii) Enforcement by WUG management committee

PAFO WUG Head of Administration group

Included in Associated initiatives

Effects of intensified use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

(i) Instruction in purchase and use of pesticides; promotion of the informed use of mineral fertilizers; promotion of the concept of integrated pest management, and emphatic discouragement of the use of persistent pesticides. (ii) Enforcement and monitoring of proper use of fertilizers and pesticides

Capacity Building consultant WUG Head of Production group

Associated initiatives

2. Environmental Monitoring Plan

2.1 General

1. The PAFO and PPO shall carry out environmental monitoring. Environmental Monitoring is important to ensure that environmental impacts are prevented and mitigated by following the EMP to ensure that sound engineering practices are followed for the protection of the environment. The Contractor has the responsibility to ensure the following:

• Implementation of impact prevention and mitigation measures and

• Compliance with the Contract Specifications and the EMP.


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• Oversee construction and rehabilitation of the subproject

• Report on findings with respect to impact prevention and mitigation and the actions recommended to problems encountered.

2. The critical component covered by the monitoring program refers to construction management since the key impacts are those generated during this phase of work. The monitoring plan is based on the mitigation/enhancement measures identified for the environmental impacts but can have critical effects if not mitigated. The environmental monitoring plan including the key parameters to be monitored is presented in Table A8-2-2 below. This covers the pre-construction, construction and operation stages of the subproject.

2.2 Baseline Data and Routine Periodic Water Quality Monitoring

3. Routine instrumented monitoring of water quality and run-off from construction camps, selected sample sites in the command area one month prior to construction then quarterly every year shall be undertaken. This shall include measurements of suspended solids (SS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). This task has been contracted with the Environment Faculty, NUOL by NPMO to conduct water quality baseline data collection in March 2013.

4. Pre-construction monitoring to establish baseline conditions shall be undertaken at locations as determined advisable. Baseline monitoring of water quality shall be undertaken at a site in the command area and the receiving streams of effluent from construction/labor camps potentially polluting activities related to the Works. Measurements of suspended solids (SS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO) will be done once at each subproject by External Monitor prior for system construction.

5. Waste disposal shall be undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner, including providing for the disposal of human waste, in accordance with regulations in force by the relevant authorities.

6. All subproject locations (including but not limited, construction areas, and accommodations) that are directly or indirectly associated with the subproject shall be regularly inspected for compliance with requirements of the EMP and statutory regulations. Specific issues include:

• dust control;

• waste handling and disposal and its immediate surroundings;

• prevention of materials encroaching;

• temporary drainage; and

• water quality

7. Environmental monitoring will cover (i) compliance monitoring, to ensure that mitigation specified in the EMP is carried out to an adequate standard; (ii) community feedback to obtain views and information on relevant environmental parameters and (iii) water quality testing.

8. Water quality testing is necessary to detect any deterioration of water quality and in view of the fact that some scheme users use the scheme water as a supplementary source of domestic water supply, to ensure that it is not dangerous for that purpose. In order to determine the safety of the water, it should be tested for levels of dissolved oxygen, chemical and biological oxygen demand.


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Table A8-2-2: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Impacts to be Monitored

Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Respon-sibilities

Design and Preconstruction Phase Water quality of irrigation water

pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)

Selected sample sites in the command area

Collection of samples and laboratory analysis

1 month prior to construction Quarterly

PAFO or with External Monitor

Health and safety and welfare of workers and the public

Compliance to EMP All work sites / worker accommodation

Compliance Quarterly PAFO/PPO

Construction Phase Accumulation of excessive pathogens in irrigation water/ Domestic use

Changes as perceived by irrigation scheme users

Subproject beneficiaries and participating villagers

Consultations To be decided by PAFO / PPO at the start of the works

PAFO/PPO

pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)



Twice a year PAFO or PPO with External Assistance

Implementation of construction mitigation measures detailed in the EMP

Compliance All work sites Compliance To be decided by PAFO / PPO at the start of the works

PAFO

Adequacy of quantity of water for irrigation

Opinions of WUGs

Participating villages

Consultations To be decided by PAFO / PPO at the start of the works

PAFO

Operation Phase Accumulation of chemical fertilizers/pesticides in water for irrigation/domestic use

Changes as perceived by irrigation scheme users

Subproject beneficiaries and villagers

Consultation To be decided by PAFO/PPO at start of the works

PAFO

pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)



Quarterly PAFO / scheme Users

Adequacy of and effectiveness of the scheme: quantity of water; increases in crop yields; occurrence of

Opinions/ complains of users

Villagers and subproject beneficiaries

Consultation To be decided by PAFO/PPO at start of the works

PAFO


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Impacts to be Monitored

Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Respon-sibilities

disputes; aquatic resources

3. Reporting of Environmental Monitoring

9. The reporting of EMP and monitoring results shall cover the information and the progress and results of mitigation (monitoring reports and feedback). The environmental and monitoring report formats are provided herewith.

3.1 Environmental Report Forms

Table A8-2-2a: Project Implementation Progress Overview

Reporting period (Date): Work program/Project Activities

Project status: a. On-going activities/site works: provide details of specific activities such as earthworks, vegetation clearing, borrow pit operation, establishment of construction camp, etc. including locations, schedule, etc. b. Construction activities during the previous month c. Construction activities for the next month

Previous report date:

Persons met and dates:

Report prepared by:

Table A8-2-2b: Summary of Compliance with Environmental Mitigation Measures

Specific Mitigation Measures)

Compliance Attained (Yes, No, Partial)

Comment on Reasons for Non-

Compliance

Issues for Further Action

1.

2.

3.

Table A8-2-2-c: Issues for Further Action

Issue Cause Required Action Responsibility Timing Resolution

Old Issues from Previous Reports


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1.

2.

New Issues from this Report

1.

2.

3.

Report prepared by:

Table A8-2-2d: Environmental Effects - Inspection and Monitoring Results

Monitoring Parameter

Comparison to Relevant Standard /

Criteria

Comment on Incidences of Exceedance

Issues for Further Action

1.

2.

3.

Table A8-2-2e: Problems/Issues for Further Action

Issue Cause Required Action Responsibility Timing Resolution

Old Problems/Issues from Previous Reports (if any)

1.

2.

New Problems/Issues from this Report

1.

2.

Report prepared by:

3.2 Compliance with EMP a) Determine if the required mitigation measures are sufficient or still appropriate

considering current site conditions and on-going site works. b) Describe any difficulties related to the implementation of the proposed mitigation

measures. Indicate any changes proposed by the contractor to improve environmental protection.

3.3 Permits

a) Indicate any environmental permit/license/consent obtained during the previous period or to be obtained for the coming month in order to continue the project construction activities.

b) Provide details of any environmental permit that the contractor failed to secure prior to conducting any specific activities.

3.4 Complaint(s)


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a) Provide details of any complaints that have been raised by the local population and other stakeholders (who, what, where, when).

b) Document how the complaints were addressed or will be addressed, who are the responsible project staff, specific actions and dates.

3.5 Environmental Training/Orientation

Provide details of environmental training or orientation carried out during the previous month and the coming month (if any).

3.6 Summary of Problems/issues Encountered and Recommendations

3.7 Appendices

a. Correspondence b. Monitoring Results, laboratory analysis c. etc.


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ATTACHMENTA8-3: ISSUES/CONCERNS AND PROPOSED MEASURES/RESOLUTIONS RAISED BY PARTICIPANTS

Project Activities Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Responsible Method Timing Method Timing Agencies

1. Irrigation system Improvement

a. Head weir structure

- No intake gate to control water at the two weirs - upstream of the weir erosion ( No.1 weir) - temporally bamboo /wooden weir required 4-5 times repair a year

- installation of the intake gate to control water - construction of spillway - installation of sluice gates - replace by concrete weir

Dry Season

Field inspection

Dry season Project +Contractor+

Farmers

b. Canal system

Canal Leakage

- Canal concrete lining of 2,550 m long

Dry season Field inspection

Dry season

Project + Contractor+ Farmers

sediment in the canal - regularly remove sediment

before each cropping season seasonal check cropping season WUA committee +

farmers

insufficient water supply - Improve WUA for effective water distribution

Dry season Field inspection Construction period Project + Contractor+ Farmers

- construct end structure Dry season Field inspection Construction period Project + Contractor +

Farmers

2. Access road No access road to the cropping area Farm to market road

construction Dry season Field inspection Construction period Project + contractor+ Farmers

3. Other related activities - dust emission - regular sprinkling of

water twice a day watering during transportation

Daily check construction period Field inspector + contractor

a Material transportation - noise

- install muffler or regular maintain machines

Continue Daily check construction period Field inspector + contractor

b worker's camp construction

- improper waste disposal - allocate disposal pit Construction

period Daily check construction period Field inspector + contractor


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ATTACHMENT-A8-4: CONSULTATION ATTENDANCE SHEET


A8-29


A8-30


A8-31


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A8-33

ATTACHMENT-A8-5: PUBLIC CONSULTATION: PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

Organise Public Consultation at Houay Lieng

Subproject Organise Public Consultation at Houay Lieng

Subproject

All Participants Agreed with Houay Lieng

Subproject All Participants Agreed and Accepted Subproject

by Raising of Hands

Opening the Public Consultation by District Governor

Groups Discussion for Houay Lieng Subproject


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Existing Weir of Houay Lieng Subproject Houay Lieng weir No.1 (downstream of the weir)

Houay Lieng weir No.1 (upstream, sedimentation) Existing Canal of Houay Lieng of Subproject

Houay Lieng weir No.2 : (constructed in 2008) Houay Lieng weir No.2 : (MC2 = 1,650 m)


A8-35

ATTACHMENT-A8-6: GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

Step 1 Lodging complaint It is possible that APs lodge complaints to any of the following: i) village heads; ii) Contractor, during construction; iii) concerned agency DCO or PPO through the safeguard office of the EMO. The contact number of the safeguard officer under the EMO has been made available to the villagers and village representatives. Step 2 Grievance Documentation/ Registration The safeguard officer under the EMO will be responsible for documenting and registering complaints received during construction and operation, respectively. Other potential complaint recipients shall make sure that the received complaints are directed to, documented by, and registered with, the EMO as soon as possible. The EMO shall make sure that documented/registered complaints are acknowledged, duly referenced. Step 3 Screening of complaint The AP shall immediately be informed if the grievance is within, or outside, the purview of the mechanism. If it is outside the scope, AP shall be directed to the proper institution and/or proper mechanism for the complaint. Step 4 Review, Investigation and Discussion If it is covered by the mechanism, the AP shall be informed of the expected action timelines. If relevant parties are available, the complaint shall be immediately reviewed, investigated and discussed within the day. If not, the review, investigation and discussion should immediately take place on the next day or within 3 days. The discussion will center on the measures to implement based on the review and investigation. Step 5 Action/ Resolution If the complaint is minor, the EMO shall immediately act on the complaint. Minor complaint will be those impacts/issues that would not require thorough review and investigation and will be easy to resolve. If impact/issue will need thorough review and investigation, more work to be done, and/or supplies/parts to be procured, to resolve, the EMO shall immediately provide the most suitable interim measure to reduce the magnitude of the impact; and to start work on the final measure not later than 5 days from the day discussion meeting is held. Step 6 Acceptance of Resolution If, according to the AP, the impact has been resolved satisfactorily, EMO shall obtain a written confirmation of satisfaction from the AP, which will form part of the grievance documentation. Step 7 Monitoring and Evaluation For at least a week after closure of grievance (that is, when action implemented has been satisfactorily confirmed in writing by the complainant), the EMO shall monitor the effectiveness of the resolution. Monitoring and evaluation shall be properly documented and included in the Project Environmental Monitoring Report of the PMU.


A8-36

Step 8 Lodging of Appeal by Dissatisfied APs In the event the issue/impact persists, AP can lodge an appeal to his/her village head (VH). The VH shall immediately: (i) record the appeal; (ii) contact the EMO, and provide them with copy of the appeal; and (iii) call for a meeting to review the history of the grievance and discuss the appeal and quick resolution of the issue. If the agreed on action/measure has not started within 5 days from the time of formal lodging of the appeal, or if the issue still persists despite the second action, AP can seek assistance from VH to raise the grievance to the District Authority. It is highly unlikely that grievance redress process will reach the level wherein APs need to go through the “appeal” stage. APs will not be required to pay for the costs of any remedial actions or the cost of the appeal

Date post:	29-Sep-2020
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Initial Environmental Examination€¦ · 2014 to May 2015, and (ii) Construction works to commence...

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