Progress of Water Environment Governance in Myanmar

The 14th WEPA Annual Meeting22 February 2019

Tokyo, Japan 1

Presentation Outline

Overview of Water Environment Governance

Issues at Water Environment Governance Sector

Facts and Statistics of Water Quality

Facts and Statistics of Domestic Wastewater Management

Facts and Statistics of Industrial Wastewater Management

Legislative Framework for Water Environment Governance

Institutional Framework for Water Environment Governance

Water Quality Monitoring Framework

Enforcement Instruments for Water Environment Governance

Future Targets / Plans, Issues and Challenges of Water Environment Governance

Conclusion2

Myanmar National Water Resources Committee

National Environmental Conservation and Climate Change Central Committee

Approach (Environmentally Sound Management)

Domestic Wastewater

Industrial Wastewater

Water Environmental

Governance

Myanmar National

Water PolicySDGS

Surface Water

Cooperation and Coordination between Relevant Ministries and Organizations

Coo

pera

tion

with

Inte

rnat

iona

l Org

aniz

atio

ns

Water Quality Control

National Environmental

Quality (Emission) Guidelines

Regulations of Relevant Ministries

Overview of Water Environment Governance

3

Water Pollution Wastewater Discharge Without Treatment

Discharging industrial waste water to the river without treatment

(Mandalay)

Plastic WasteWater Pollution

Water Pollution

Issues at Water Environment Governance Sector

4

Facts and Statistics of Water Quality

5

Basic Water Environment Management in Myanmar

Cooperation between ECD and JICA

Duration – 3 Years (2015 – 2018)

Technical Cooperation

Implemented Areas

• Hlaing River Basin, Yangon

• Doke Hta Waddy River Basin, Mandalay

Doke Hta Waddy River Basin (Mandalay)

Hlaing River Basin (Yangon)

6

Sampling Points and Sampling Dates of Hlaing River Basin

7

BOD and COD Levels in Hlaing River Basin

Comparison with Draft Drinking Water Quality Standard for Possible Domestic Water Supply (Hlaing River Basin)

8

Water Quality Survey Results in Hlaing River Basin

Except TSS (Total Suspended Solid) and total coliform, the water quality in Hlaing River and PanHlaing River in the rainy season (September 2017) was acceptable for conservation of aquaticlives, irrigation and water transportation based on the Vietnamese surface water quality guidelinevalues.

During the dry season (February 2018), the water quality deteriorated as shown by high CODdetected at some points and slight oil and grease detected at all points.

Only the upstream area of Hlaing River (upstream of Shwe Pyi Thar Bridge) still kept the goodwater quality desirable for irrigation and water transportation except above-mentioned TSS, totalcoliform and oil and grease.

In the middle-stream of Pan Hlaing River (upstream of Hlaing Bridge), the river water wasextremely muddy in February 2018 resulting in very low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high BODand COD, presumably due to the effect of sediment in the water stirred by a surging tide flow orother reasons.

The results in these rivers did not exhibit levels of toxic pollutants harmful for human health. Onlyslight lead (0.058 mg/L) was detected in downstream area in Pan Hlaing River in February 2018,but it was considered as one originally contained in the natural sediment. 9

Sampling Points and Sampling Dates of Doke Hta Waddy River Basin

10

BOD and COD Levels in Doke Hta Waddy River Basin

Comparison with Draft Drinking Water Quality Standard for Possible Domestic Water Supply (Doke Hta Waddy River Basin)

11

Water Quality Survey Results in Doke Hta Waddy River Basin

• The Doke Hta Waddy River seems to have adequate water quality for domestic water supply with water treatment facility using

filters and other ordinary means. The level of organic pollution does not appear to be very high. None of the results in this project

showed elevated levels of toxic substances. The water quality did not dramatically vary in seasons or from point to point.

• Until the 3rd water quality survey in February 2017, the wastewater discharged from 10-inch pipeline had contained high

concentrations of pollutants that included oil and grease, phenols and hexavalent chromium in addition to organic materials and

nutrients. The concentrations of these pollutants were higher than the guideline values applied to general wastewater (general

application, National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines, 2015). It was noted that the pollution impact of this 10-inch

pipe wastewater on water quality of Doke Hta Waddy River was limited because of the large dilution capacity of the river, though

localized pollution and adverse impact, such as an awful odor to residents in the vicinity of the discharging point, were

undeniable.

• After several distilleries in Pyi Gyi Tagon IZ were shut down their operation temporarily from June – August 2017 by instructions

of Mandalay Region Government and MCDC, the pollution load from the 10-pipe line seemed to decrease. However, the

discharging wastewater still contained oil and grease, phenols, and other pollutants.

• The concentrations of pollutants in the dry season was higher than those in the rainy season for most sampling points and for most

parameters. This is similar to the Hlaing River basin. On the other hand, the pollution loads of organic substances, i.e., BOD and

COD, in Doke Hta Waddy River in October 2017 seemed larger than those in February 2018. It indicated that the storm water in

the rainy season flushed more organic substances with soils from the upper basin to the river, though the concentrations of organic

substances is not higher because of the dilution effect.12

Facts and Statistics of Domestic Wastewater Management

13

• Year of Establishment - 12th April 2003

• Year of Completion - 17th January 2005

• Volume of Daily Treatable sewage - 3.25 MGD

• Developer - Myanmar Engineers of Yangon City Development Committee

• Cost of Project - USD 0.96 Millions + (Myanmar Kyat - 2065.7 Millions)

• Areas of Plant - 5.56 Acres

Sewage Treatment in Yangon City

14

15

Process of Sewage Treatment in Yangon City

Sewage Treatment in Nay Pyi Taw

• 20 % of new constructed area of Nay Pyi Taw are using Sewage Treatment Plant (Aerobic System)

• 80 % are using Septic Tank (Anaerobic System) and Pit Latrine with slab

• Sewage collection is combined system

• Sewer pipes are directly connected with Sewage Treatment Plant 16

Facts and Statistics of Industrial Wastewater Management

17

•Hydrotek proposes Up flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket and Activated sludge system for wastewater treatment plant

Waste Water Treatment in Mandalay City

18

Project for Local Demonstration Test (Facilities Installment) for

Wastewater Pollution by Untreated Dye Water in Wun Dwin

Township, Mandalay Region

Cooperation between ECD and HORIBA, Ltd., Japan

Project Duration – 2 Years & 6 Months (2015 – 2018)

Technical Cooperation

Project Area – Wun Dwin Township, Mandalay Region

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Legislative Framework for Water Environment Governance

20

Myanmar National Water Policy

• Myanmar National Water Policy was adopted in August, 2015.

• It is aiming to take cognizance of the existing situation, to propose a

framework for creation of a system of laws and institutions and for a

plan of a action with a unified national perspective including the

Myanmar National Water Framework Directive.

21

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Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Goal 4 Goal 5

Peace, National

Reconciliation,

Security and Good

Governance

Economic

Stability, and

Strengthen Macro-

economic

Management

Job Creation and

Private-Sector-led

Growth

Human Resources

& Social

Development

Natural Resources

and the

Environment for

the National

Prosperity

Pillar 1

Peace and Stability

Pillar 2

Prosperity and

Partnership

Pillar 3

People and Planet

A Peaceful, Prosperous and Democratic Myanmar

Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP)

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Strategy 5.1: Managing biodiversity and the environment in a sustainable manner

for sound and resilient ecosystems (15 action plans)

Strategy 5.2: Increasing climate-resilience and shifting to a low-carbon growth

pathway (9 action plans)

Strategy 5.3: Providing safe and equitable water and sanitation in ways that ensure

environmental sustainability (7 action plans)

Strategy 5.4: Providing affordable and reliable energy supply to population and

industries (8 action plans)

Strategy 5.5: Improving land governance and sustainably managing resource-based

industries (6 action plans)

Strategy 5.6: Managing cities and towns efficiently and sustainably (9 action plans)

Goal 5: Natural Resources and the Environment for National Prosperity (6 Strategies and 54 action plans)

Environmental Regulations

• National Environment Policy (1994)

• Myanmar Agenda 21 (1997)

• National Sustainable Development Strategy –NSDS (2009)

• Environmental Conservation Law (2012)

• Environmental Conservation Rules (2014)

• Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (2015)

• National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (2015)

24

Institutional Framework for Water Environment Governance

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Departments, Ministries and Organizations which are related with Water Sector

No. Department Ministry / Organization Duties and Functions

1. Environmental ConservationDepartment

Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Conservation

Formulation National EQS includingWater Quality Standards

2. Forest Department Ministry of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Conservation

Reforestation and Conservation of Forestincluding Watershed Areas

3. Irrigation Department Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock andIrrigation

Provision of Irrigation Water to Farmland

4. Water Resources UtilizationDepartment

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock andIrrigation

Irrigation and Rural Water Supply

5. Directorate of Water Resources andImprovement of River System

Ministry of Transport andCommunication

River Training and Navigation

6. DISI Ministry of Industry Industrial Water Use and Discharge

7. Department of Metrology andHydrology

Ministry of Transport andCommunication

Water Assessment of Major Rivers

8. Department of Urban and HousingDevelopment

Ministry of Construction Domestic Water Supply

9. Department of Public Health Ministry of Health and Sports Environmental Health, Water QualityAssessment and Control

10. Department of Development Affairs Ministry of Border Areas DevelopmentAffairs

Rural Water Supply and Sanitation

11. Department of Research andInnovation

Ministry of Education Formulation National Standards

12. Water and Sanitation Department City Development Committees (Yangon,Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw)

Water Supply and Sanitation at City Areas26

National Environment Conservation and Climate Change Committee led by Vice President

National Environment Conservation and Climate Change Committee led by Vice President

Policy, Law, Regulation, procedure and Standards Working CommitteePolicy, Law, Regulation, procedure and Standards Working Committee

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Working CommitteeClimate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Working Committee

Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Culture Heritage Conservation Working CommitteeNatural Resources, Biodiversity, Culture Heritage Conservation Working Committee

Industrial Plans, Urban, Rural Waste Management Working CommitteeIndustrial Plans, Urban, Rural Waste Management Working Committee

Environmental Capacity Building Development, Education and Awareness Working CommitteeEnvironmental Capacity Building Development, Education and Awareness Working Committee

Green Economy Development Working CommitteeGreen Economy Development Working Committee

Coordination Mechanism among the relevant ministries and organizations

Coordination Mechanism among the relevant ministries and organizations

Regions/States Environment and Climate

Change Supervision Committee

Regions/States Environment and Climate

Change Supervision Committee

27

Water Quality Monitoring Framework

28

Environmental Conservation LawChapter VII

Environmental Conservation13. The Ministry shall, under the guidance of the Committee, maintain a comprehensive monitoring system and implement by

itself or in co-ordination with relevant Government departments and organizations in the following matters:

(a) the use of agro-chemicals which cause to impact on the environment significantly;

(b) transport, storage, use, treatment and disposal of pollutants and hazardous substances in industries;

(c) disposal of wastes come out from exploration, production and treatment of minerals, industrial mineral raw materials and

gems;

(d) carrying out waste disposal and sanitation works;

(e) carrying out development and constructions;

(f) carrying out other necessary matters relating to environmental pollution.

14. A person causing a point source of pollution shall treat, emit, discharge and deposit the substances which cause pollution

in the environment in accord with stipulated environmental quality standards.

15. The owner or occupier of any business, material or place which causes a point source of pollution shall install or use an on-

site facility or controlling equipment in order to monitor, control, manage, reduce or eliminate environmental pollution. If it is

impracticable, it shall be arranged to dispose the wastes in accord with environmentally sound methods.29

Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure

Chapter IX

Monitoring

106. The Project Proponent shall, during all phases of the Project (pre-construction, construction,

operation, decommissioning, closure and post closure), engage in continuous, pro-active and

comprehensive self-monitoring of the Project and activities related thereto, all Adverse Impacts,

and compliance with applicable laws and standards, the ECC, and the EMP.

107. The Project Proponent shall notify and identify in writing to the Ministry any breaches of its

obligations or other performance failures or violations of the ECC and the EMP as soon as

reasonably possible and in any event, in respect of any breach which would have a serious

impact or where the urgent attention of the Ministry is or may be required, within not later than

twenty-four (24) hours, and in all other cases within seven (7) working days of the Project

Proponent becoming aware of such incident.

108. The Project Proponent shall submit monitoring reports to the Ministry not less frequently than

every six (6) months or periodically as provided in a schedule in the EMP.30

Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (Contd.)

Chapter IXMonitoring

109. The monitoring reports shall include:

• documentation of compliance with all Conditions;

• progress made to date on implementation of the EMP against the submitted implementationschedule;

• difficulties encountered in implementing the EMP and recommendations for remedying thosedifficulties and steps proposed to prevent or avoid similar future difficulties;

• number and type of non-compliance with the EMP and proposed remedial measures andtimelines for completion of remediation;

• accidents or incidents relating to the occupational and community health and safety, and theenvironment; and

• monitoring data of environmental parameters and conditions as committed in the EMP orotherwise required.

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Enforcement Instruments for Water Environment Governance

32

Notification No. (03/2018) of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation

To undertake Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for existing facilities under 9 Priority Industrial Sectors

No. Types of Facilities Criteria / Size Time Allowed

1. Alcohol, Wine and Beer Production Factories > 50000 Litter Per Day 12 Months

2. Food and Beverage Processing Facilities > 10 Tons Per Day 9 Months

3. Pesticides Manufacturing, Formulation and Packaging Plants All Sizes 9 Months

4. Cement and Lime Manufacturing Cement - > 10 Tons Per Hour

Lime - > 20 Tons Per Day

9 Months

5. Textile and Dying Facilities

(1) Pre Treatment (Washing, Bleaching, Mercerisation) or Dying of Textiles of Fibres)

> 1 Ton Per Day 12 Months

6. Foundry Industry

(1) Base Metal Smelting and Refining Plant

(2) Manufacture of Pig Iron, Raw and LowAlloy Steel from Iron Ore or Scrap Metal)

(3) Foundry

(4) Non-Ferrous Metal Melting, Smithy and Filigree)

All Sizes

All Sizes

All Sizes

> 5 Tons Per Day

9 Months

7. Tanning and Leather Finishing All Sizes 12 Months

8. Pulp and Paper Mill Pulp > 20 Tons Per Day 12 Months

9. Sugar Manufacturing Plant > 50 Tons Per Day 12 Months33

Future Targets / Plans, Issues and Challenges of Water Environment Governance

34

Regulations for Water Pollution Control and Enforcement

National Environmental Quality(Emission) Guidelines (December, 2015)

Current Situation – Formulating the National Environmental Quality Standards

35

National Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (2015)Objective

These national Environmental Quality (Emission) Guidelines (hereafter referred to as Guidelines) provide the basisfor regulation and control of noise and vibration, air emissions, and liquid discharges from various sources in order toprevent pollution for purposes of protection of human and ecosystem health.

General Guidelines Air Emissions, Wastewater Noise Levels Odor

Industrial-Specific Guidelines

Energy Sector Development Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry Development Manufacturing Waste Management Water Supply Infrastructure and Service Development Mining

ReferenceEnvironmental, health and safety guidelines 2007. International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group 36

National Environmental Quality Standards

Proposed National Environmental Quality Standards

1. Surface Water Quality Standards

2. Emission Standards

3. Ground Water Quality Standards

4. Soil Quality Standards

5. Noise and Vibration

First Priority Formulation

Surface Water Quality Standards – 173 Parameters are already selected from 661

Parameters by 3 Meetings with ECD and other relevant ministries and organizations37

Proposed Projects of ECD related with

Water Environment Governance

• Project on Capacity Development in Enforcement and Promotion of Environmental

Compliance

Cooperation between ECD and JICA

• Establishing a National Water Quality Monitoring System and Building the National

Laboratory to Improve the National Capacity for Water Quality Management in

Myanmar

ODA Project (On going) – Cooperation between ECD and KOICA

38

Challenges for Water Environment Governance

Water Environment Governance

Water Environment Governance

Industrial Development

Industrial Development

Relying on Natural

Resources

Relying on Natural

Resources

Monitoring System

Monitoring System

CoordinationCoordinationFinancial SupportFinancial Support

Technical Needs

Technical Needs

Stakeholder InvolvementStakeholder Involvement

39

Gaps for Water Environment Governance

Database System (By surveys, studies and research)

Regulations (Environmental Quality Standards, Technical

Guidelines, etc.)

Effective Environmental Quality Monitoring System

Evaluation Mechanism

40

Actions which will be strengthened for Water Environment Governance

Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Coordination Mechanism

Water Quality Standards / Criteria / Guidelines

Baseline Assessment

Promote Public Participation and Awareness

Promote Regional Level and International Cooperation

Comprehensive & Integrated Monitoring System

Strengthen Compliance & Enforcement41

Conclusion

With the aim of sustainable economic development in Myanmar, the

integration of Water Environment Governance into national / sectoral

policies and strategies is one of the main tasks.

Water Environment Governance is a way towards the sustainable

development by approaching with sustainable management of natural

resources, integrated economic development and mitigation the

impacts of development activities.

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Thank You For Your Kind Attention!

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