45301-002: Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Initial Environmental Examination

August 2019

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT

SUBPROJECT: DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT, SEKONG PROVINCE

Prepared by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the Asian Development Bank.

i CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of August 2019)

Currency unit - Lao Kip (K) K1.00 = $0.0001149 $1.00 = K 8,700

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank DoNRE - Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment EARF - Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EHS - Environmental Health and Safety EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environmental Management Plan EPL - Environmental Protection Law GRM - Grievance Redress Mechanism IEE - Initial Environmental Examination LACP - Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan MPH - Ministry of Public Health MONRE - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MPWT - Ministry of Public Works and Transport MSDS - Materials Safety Data Sheets NAPA - National Adaptation Program of Action NRW - Non-Revenue Water PCU - Project Coordination Unit PIU - Project Implementation Unit PNP - Nam Papa SPS - Safeguards Policy Statement, 2009 UXO - Unexploded Ordnance VDC - Village Development Committee VEI - Village Environmental Improvement WSSP - Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project WTP - Water Treatment Plant

WEIGHTS AND MEASURE

ha - hectare m - meter km - kilometer l/s - Liters per second masl - Meters above sea level mm - millimetre oC - Degree Centigrade dBA - Decibel mg/l - Milligram per liter

NOTE

In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

This updated initial environmental examination (IEE) 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.

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.

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.2 DESCRIPTION OF SUBPROJECT...... 1 1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 2 1.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 2 1.4.1 Physical Resources ...... 2 1.4.2 Water Resources...... 3 1.4.3 Geology and Natural Hazards ...... 3 1.4.4 Ecological Resources ...... 3 1.4.5 Historical and Archaeological Sites ...... 3 1.4.6 Unexploded Ordnance ...... 3 1.4.7 Socio-Economic Condition ...... 3 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 4 1.5.1 Benefits of the Subproject ...... 4 1.5.2 Adverse Environmental Impacts ...... 4 1.5.2.1 Environmental Impacts Related to Location ...... 4 1.5.2.2 Environmental Impacts during Construction ...... 5 1.5.2.3 Environmental Impacts during Operation ...... 7 1.6 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ...... 8 1.7 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ...... 8 1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) ...... 8 2 INTRODUCTION ...... 11 2.1 METHODOLOGY ...... 11 2.2 PROJECT CATEGORY ...... 12 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 12 3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS POLICIES, ADB ...... 12 3.2 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ...... 13 3.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 13 3.3 DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS ...... 13 3.3.1 Discharge Standards ...... 14 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 14 4.1 GENERAL ...... 14 4.2 SERVICE AREA ...... 15 4.3 WATER SOURCE ...... 18 4.4 RAW WATER INTAKE AND TRANSMISSION...... 18 4.5 WATER TREATMENT PLANT ...... 19 4.6 WATER STORAGE ...... 19 4.7 PUMPING STATIONS ...... 21 4.8 DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ...... 21 4.9 ACCESS ROADS ...... 21 4.10 PNP OFFICE ...... 21 4.11 O&M EQUIPMENT ...... 21 4.12 CONNECTION POLICY ...... 21 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 22 5.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ...... 22 5.2 GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HAZARDS ...... 22 5.3 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE ...... 23 5.4 CLIMATE ...... 23 5.4.1 Climate Change...... 23 5.5 WATER RESOURCES ...... 23 5.6 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 24 5.7 HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ...... 24 5.8 UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE ...... 24 5.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 24 5.9.1 Economy ...... 25

5.9.2 Ethnicity ...... 25 5.9.3 Income and Poverty Levels ...... 25 5.9.4 Education ...... 25 6 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 26 6.1 ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FROM THE PROJECT ...... 26 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS RELATED TO PROJECT LOCATION (PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE) ...... 26 6.2.1 Impact on Land Acquisition and Community Assets ...... 26 6.2.2 Impact of Location of Raw Water Intake on other Water Users ...... 27 6.2.3 Impact on Natural Resources and Protected Areas ...... 27 6.2.4 Impact on Historical and Archaeological Sites ...... 27 6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION ...... 27 6.3.1 Temporary Disruption of Community Roads, Pathways and Access to Properties ...... 27 6.3.2 Air Pollution ...... 28 6.3.3 Noise ...... 28 6.3.4 Impact of Borrow Materials ...... 28 6.3.5 Impact on Ecological Resources ...... 29 6.3.6 Clearing of Vegetation ...... 29 6.3.7 Water Pollution ...... 29 6.3.7.1 Impacts of Sediment Runoff ...... 29 6.3.7.2 Domestic Wastewater from Contractors Facilities and Worker’s Camps ...... 29 6.3.7.3 Residual Chlorine During Pipeline and Reservoir Disinfection ...... 29 6.3.8 Generation of Construction Wastes ...... 30 6.3.8.1 Excavated Soil ...... 30 6.3.8.2 Domestic Waste ...... 30 6.3.8.3 Inert Construction Waste ...... 30 6.3.8.4 Hazardous Waste ...... 30 6.3.9 Impact on Community Health and Safety ...... 31 6.3.10 Occupational Health and Safety ...... 31 6.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING OPERATION ...... 31 6.4.1 Incremental Wastewater Generation and Increased Burden on Drainage Systems .... 32 6.4.2 Deterioration of Water Quality ...... 32 6.4.3 High Pressure and Leaks on the Pipeline ...... 32 6.4.4 Generation of Backwash Water and Sediments in the WTP ...... 32 6.4.5 Occupational Health and Safety ...... 33 6.4.6 Generation of Sludge from Detention Ponds ...... 33 6.4.7 Community Health and Safety ...... 33 7 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 33 7.1 ALTERNATIVES TO THE SUBPROJECT ...... 33 7.2 ALTERNATIVES WITHIN THE SUBPROJECT ...... 34 7.3 “NO PROJECT” ALTERNATIVE ...... 34 8 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ...... 34 8.1 CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE DURING SUBPROJECT DESIGN ...... 34 8.2 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ...... 36 9 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ...... 36 9.1 TYPE OF GRIEVANCES ...... 36 9.2 GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCESS ...... 37 9.2.1 Arbitration Committees ...... 37 9.2.2 Grievance Redress Procedures ...... 38 10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 41 10.1 REPORTING ...... 48 10.2 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ...... 50 10.2.1 Department of Water Supply and Sanitation - Ministry of Public Works and Transport 51 10.2.2 Project Implementation Unit (PIU)...... 51 10.2.3 Environmental Monitoring ...... 52 10.2.4 Capacity Building...... 53 10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING COSTS ...... 53 11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 54

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1. RAINFALL, DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT, 2005-2017 ...... 23 TABLE 2. WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS, NAM HOUAY POUANG RIVER ...... 24 TABLE 3. POPULATION IN VILLAGES IN DAKCHEUNG SUBPROJECT ...... 25 TABLE 4. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS ...... 35 TABLE 5. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS ...... 35 TABLE 6. GRIEVANCE REDRESS PROCEDURES ...... 38 TABLE 7. INDIVIDUALS AT STAGE 1 (SUBPROJECT VILLAGE LEVEL)...... 38 TABLE 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN...... 41 TABLE 9. EMP REPORTING PLAN ...... 50 TABLE 10. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ...... 51 TABLE 11. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ...... 52

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1. LOCATION MAP OF DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUB-PROJECT ...... 16 FIGURE 2. CROSS-SECTION AT THE PROPOSED INTAKE ON HOUAY POUANG RIVER ...... 18 FIGURE 3. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT ...... 20 FIGURE 4. TOPOGRAPHY OF THE PROPOSED SUBPROJECT AREA ...... 22 FIGURE 5. SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER ...... 40

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS AT PROPOSED SITES OF PROJECT COMPONENTS ...... 17

APPENDIX

APPENDIX A RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST APPENDIX B ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (ECC) FOR DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT APPENDIX C MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS (2014) APPENDIX D PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION FOR PRIORITY USE OF HOUAY POUANG RIVER APPENDIX E UXO CERTIFICATION FOR THE DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT APPENDIX F PROCEEDINGS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS FOR DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT APPENDIX G TEMPLATE OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS MONITORING REPORT APPENDIX H SEMI ANNUAL INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS MONITORING REPORT

vi 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1. The Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (WSSP) aims to improve the performance of provincial Nam Papas (PNPs) and expand access to safe piped water supply and sanitation for urban residents in small towns of Lao PDR. The project is consistent with the Government’s urban water supply and sanitation sector policy and investment plan and supports the country’s targets for piped water supply for urban population. The WSSP will be implemented through a sector loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which was approved in 2013. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, as Executing Agency together with the Provincial Nam Papas or provincial water utilities (Implementing Agency), will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, apprising, selecting, and approving subprojects in accordance with the Government and ADB’s policies and procedures. Dakcheung District has been selected as one of the four subprojects under the WSSP under Phase 3. Updating of the initial environmental examination (IEE) of the Dakcheung District subproject was undertaken in compliance with the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS, 2009) and the EIA Decree of April 2010. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is also included in this document. The location of the PNP office was changed during the detailed engineering design otherwise there were no major changes made to the project design. This updated IEE contains also the Environmental Compliance Certificate No. 14/DoNRE.XK issued by the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment on 01 April 2019.

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF SUBPROJECT

2. The development plan for the Dakcheung subproject includes a new piped water supply system with individual house connection in four villages. The existing, untreated piped water supply has minimal infrastructure and coverage in the proposed service area and will be completely replaced. The proposed service area has a Y2017 population of 3,103, for a projected Y2035 treated water demand of 1,000 m3/day. The development plan provides for an intake and water treatment plant (WTP) designed for a 15-year timeframe and a distribution system designed for a 20-year time frame, as per WSSP and previous project design guidelines. One raw water source, the Houay Pouang River, was identified as the most financially and technically viable, as the other surface water sources assessed are much further from the service area and require pumping, and surface water is generally preferred over groundwater in this area.

3. The proposed development includes: (i) a weir intake on the Nam Houay Pouang River; (ii) with low-head pumping via 750 m raw water transmission main to the pre- sedimentation tank at the WTP; (iii) 1,000 m3/day capacity WTP comprising pre- sedimentation, flocculation, sedimentation with allowances for lamella technology, rapid gravity filtration, air blower and chlorine dosing facilities, laboratory and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dosing facilities, and detention ponds; (iv) 200 m3 clear water ground reservoir at the WTP; (v) pumping station and transmission to a 225 m3 elevated reservoir at a higher elevation approximately 350 m from the WTP; (vi) pumping and transmission to a 70 m3 ground reservoir for backwash storage at an elevated location; (vii) 5 km gravity-fed distribution network within the service area and (vii) 20 km of rider mains. A Branch Nampapa (BNP) office will be constructed in the urban area.

4. Equipment for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the water supply system will be procured, including basic tools, laboratory and office equipment. Households that apply to connect during the construction period will not be required to pay any up-front connection charges. This measure will assist poor and low income groups to participate in the piped water

supply system, encourage new connections and enhance PNP financial sustainability. Marketing and awareness campaigns will inform communities about the Project’s connections policies and the benefits of connecting to PNP piped water supply. Approximately 600 new domestic service connections are expected to be installed during the construction period.

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

5. The law governing the protection of the environment, including the assessment and management of projects in Lao PDR is the Environmental Protection Law (EPL), which was issued in 1999 and amended in 2013.

6. Decree on Environmental Assessment, No.21/PM, January 2019: The decree is the country’s principal environmental legislation regarding Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). MoNRE is central authority to coordinate with the local agencies and administration to disseminate and enforce this Decree. The Decree was enacted to implement Part III of the Law on Environment Protection, in relation to Environmental Protection and Environmental Assessment. Key feature of the Decree include:

 Each Development Project must ensure that any development project in Lao PDR carries out environmental assessment (EA) in accordance with the content determined in this Regulation, and any regulation of its own line ministry.

 All projects must prepare mitigation measure, environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP) and social management and monitoring plan (SMMP).

 Small scale or minor impact projects need to conduct Initial Environmental Examination (IEE).

 Large scale or complicated or significant impact projects need to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

7. The project screening is the first step of the environmental assessment stated in Article 8. By using the list of the project and activities that have to conduct the IEE or EIA No. 8056/MoNRE, dated 17 2013, water supply facilities (Item 3.52) fall under Category 1 so an IEE is required by Government. The requirements for the securing of the requisite Environmental Compliance Certificate from DoNRE, including this IEE, have been complied with and submitted to DoNRE of Sekong, which has issued the ECC No. 14/DONRE.XK on 1 April 2019.

1.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

1.4.1 Physical Resources

8. Dakcheung District is the western-most district of Sekong Province and borders Vietnam to the east and Lamam District to the west. The district is primarily a mountainous district at high elevations with limited development. An un-named, undeveloped road connects the urban area of Dakcheung to the capital district of Lamam to the west. An undeveloped border crossing on the nearby Vietnamese border allows for some minor travel between the District and Vietnam (via the Vietnamese QL 14D highway). Dakcheung District comprises 54 primarily rural villages. Dakcheung town, the major urban area and the economic/administrative center of the District is located in the center of the District. A previous agricultural project led to the development of a dam and small reservoir adjacent to the town. The Dakcheung District government is a significant employee in the District center, where the district government, hospital, police quarters, and other district services are located.

1.4.2 Water Resources

9. The proposed raw water source is the Nam Houay Pouang River, a small river that runs through Ban Dak Bong, south of the main urban area. The Nam Houay Pouang River is a mountain stream with variable year-round flow, with a sufficient year-round base flow for the capacity of the WTP. The flow rate in July and October 2017 was measured at 6.71 m3/s (580,000 m3/d) and 6.54 m3/s (565,000 m3/d), respectively. Table 3 shows the water quality analysis of samples taken in Nam Houay Pouang River.

1.4.3 Geology and Natural Hazards

10. Small to moderate earthquakes have occurred within Lao PDR over recorded history. Dakcheung District is not among the areas vulnerable to earthquake hazards. Lao PDR is also prone to flooding, mainly associated with the presence of large river basins. Eight rivers have been identified as being at particular risk of causing flooding throughout the country but the Nam Hum is not included in the identified rivers that cause extreme flooding. There are steep hills in the vicinity which are prone to landslides, however, the terrain within the Dakcheung District center is rolling and undulating and is not prone to landslides. Figure 4 presents the topography of the sub-project area.

1.4.4 Ecological Resources

11. There are no components of the proposed development that will be located within a protected, conservation or biodiversity area. The nearest conservation area is the Dong Amphan NBCA which is more than 60 kilometres south of the sub-project.

12. Information from the local government officials and interviews with the villagers in the area of the Houay Pounag River where the intake is proposed to be constructed revealed that there are no fish sanctuaries nor fishery conservation zones in the said area.

1.4.5 Historical and Archaeological Sites

13. There are no sites that are considered as historically or archaeologically significant within the sites of the project components.

1.4.6 Unexploded Ordnance

14. A survey on the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) was commissioned by the PNP Sekong for Dakcheung District. The survey revealed that there are no UXO remaining in the area. Local residents also reported no known occurrence of UXO in the vicinity of the town or knowledge of ground or air strikes from which UXO may remain. The UXO certificate is attached as Appendix E.

1.4.7 Socio-Economic Condition

15. Dakcheung is the main town and seat of the District government of the same name in Sekong Province, the second smallest province in the Lao PDR. Dakcheung has the distinction of being the district with the highest percentage of population in the Lao PDR with no road access, at 69%. The province as a whole has only 113,048 people, and the district 22,815, with an urban population of 2,783. The average household size is relatively large (25% of HHs having more than 8 people) and there are high inter and intra-provincial migration rates. However, the town is only 18 km from a border crossing with Vietnam and has invited significant commercial activity from across the border in recent years. There is as existing PNP water supply in Dakcheung which pumps water from a well near the Nam Ping Lake to an elevated tank which gravity feeds to individual houses. The district administration center for

Dakcheung is also located within the town, which is about 756 km to the south-east of Vientiane.

1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

1.5.1 Benefits of the Subproject

16. There are expected beneficial impacts on health and well-being of people because of the proposed water supply project for Dakcheung District. The principal benefits would be derived because of improved accessibility to potable and reliable water supply. There are also health benefits in the form of reduced incidence of diarrhoea, dysentery, skin rashes, and other water-borne diseases as a result of hygiene promotion activities and improved access to safe water for the community.

1.5.2 Adverse Environmental Impacts

17. In general, the benefits of the subproject outweigh the anticipated negative environmental impacts. Most of the environmental impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase and could be mitigated through implementation of appropriate mitigating measures. The following paragraphs describe the expected negative impacts that have to be considered during project design and implementation.

1.5.2.1 Environmental Impacts Related to Location

18. Impact on land acquisition and community assets. There will be no acquisition of land required for the development of the project component facilities (WTP, intake, reservoir, and access roads) as well as for the temporary use of land or loss or damage to assets during pipe laying. PNP Sekong has acquired the land for the site of the Intake, access roads, WTP, reservoir, laboratory and for the office. There will be temporary impacts on community assets during the installation of transmission and distribution pipes and construction of the access roads to the WTP and intake. A Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan (LACP) for the subproject have been prepared separately to ensure that any loss of land or damage to property is properly addressed.

19. Impact of location of raw water intake on other water users. The raw water intake will be located on the bank of Nam Houay Pouang River in Ban Dak Bong. It is projected that the location of the intake, will not affect nor impact other water users of the river as it has a substantial annual flow. The Intake is an estimated 3 kilometres from the nearest sensitive receptor (nearest settlement area).

20. Moreover, the raw water intake is not located near any existing Fish Conservation Zone (FCZs) and as such, is projected not to impact the aquatic resources in the waterway during any phase of the sub-project implementation.

21. Impact on natural resources and protected areas. The location of the proposed water supply system and its components will have no impact on the Dong Amphan NBCA as it is over 60 km south of the project area.

22. Impact on historical and archaeological sites. The proposed development will have no impact on any historical and archaeological sites.

23. Unexploded ordnance. The location of the proposed sub-project and its components will not impact any unexploded ordnance as there were no reported UXO as per the survey commissioned by the province.

1.5.2.2 Environmental Impacts during Construction

24. Most of the anticipated impacts are related to nuisances which may occur during the construction of the subproject components such as temporary disruption of access and community facilities, noise, and release of dust and pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. The EMP, which is summarized in Chapter 10, includes mitigating measures and will be included as part of the bidding and contract documents. The effective implementation of the EMP will reduce these risks to an acceptable level.

25. Temporary disruption of community roads, pathways, and access to properties. During trench excavation and pipe laying works, temporary disruption of access to residential and commercial establishments, schools, and community facilities will occur. To mitigate this, temporary accesses to houses and other establishments will be built using sturdy materials. The contractor will restore any damaged sections to properties. The contractor will be required to provide warning signs and barriers/fence at work sites. Temporary closure or blockage of roads will occur during the excavation and pipe laying activities at pipe and road intersections.

26. Information boards will be posted to provide information to the community about the temporary closure of roads, the schedule of works, and the traffic-rerouting plan. During night time, the excavated area should be covered with plates and provided with adequate lighting to warn villagers about the open excavation. Following completion of pipe laying, good quality permanent access will be restored by the contractor on any damaged road and path sections.

27. Air pollution. The main sources of air pollution are operation of machines, excavation works, and materials and equipment transportation. An increase in dust concentration near construction areas is expected within about 50m around the project sites. Winds may carry soil particles to nearby areas, if no preventative measures are applied. The contractor will be required to implement measures to control air emissions and dust from the affected sensitive receptors like residential areas, schools, clinics and offices.

28. Noise. The operation of equipment such as jackhammer for the installation of water supply distribution network may cause noise nuisance to nearby residential houses and commercial buildings. There may also be a need to utilize diesel generators during the construction period. Noise levels may reach 88dBA at a distance of about 15m away from the source or operation of construction equipment. Along roads used for material transport, the average noise level will also rise because of increased truck traffic. To avoid noise nuisance, construction operations will only take place during daytime hours from 0700H to 1800H.

29. Impact of borrow materials. The construction activities for all components of the project, including the access roads will require material, specifically sand and aggregate for the works. The sourcing of these materials from the Nam Houay Pouang River will not be permitted as the mining/quarrying activities may irreversibly impact the ecology and hydraulic characteristics of the waterway. The contractor will be required to secure these materials from Government permitted/licensed suppliers.

30. Clearing of vegetation. Vegetation cover at the proposed sites of the Intake, WTP, clear water reservoir, proposed office and laboratory and access roads will have to be removed during construction. Impact of vegetation clearing will be minimal because the current vegetation cover at these sites only consists of bushes, shrubs and bamboo. The site where the WTP and reservoir is situated is relatively flat ground and is not projected to contribute to erosion in the area and will not require major cutting of slopes. The water supply distribution network will affect some trees that have been planted by communities in front of their houses. As per the LACP, there are no will need to be removed for the installation of the pipelines and related works. Affected trees in private land will be compensated in cash in accordance with the LACP.

31. Sediment runoff. When construction activities (particularly earthworks) are undertaken during the rainy season, sediments may erode and cause the runoff of silt into the river. To minimize the impacts of soil runoff, the contractor will be required to implement proper measures, such as the provision of silt traps, ditches, and sump pits to block the flow of silt into irrigation canals and the river. In addition, earthworks will be scheduled during the dry season to the extent practicable to avoid silt runoff.

32. Domestic wastewater from worker’s camp. If domestic wastewater is disposed untreated, the wastewater could lead to the contamination of surface and groundwater and lead to the spread of water-borne diseases. Therefore, appropriate wastewater management measures should be implemented during the construction phase to prevent sanitation problems through the provision of adequate water supply and latrines at the worker’s camp.

33. Residual chlorine during pipeline and reservoir disinfection. Chlorinated water is retained in the completed pipe works and reservoirs for a designated period to develop sanitary conditions. The standards require 25 – 50 g/m3 chlorine residual held for a period of time, normally 12 – 24 hours. Extra caution is needed in disposing water with excessive chlorine residual since this is toxic to fish and other aquatic life. When the chlorine concentration of the water in the pipelines and reservoirs has been reduced to less than 2 mg/l, it will be discharged into the nearest water body. The allowable limit for Chlorine (free residual) as per the Ministry of Public Health Drinking Water Quality Standards of 2014 is 0.1- 2.0 mg/l.

34. Generation of construction wastes. The construction of the proposed WTP and reservoir will require earthworks and levelling of the area. The excavation for the pipe laying will also generate material. The excavated material will be utilized to backfill the trench once the pipes have been laid out. Excavated material from the foundation of the WTP tanks and reservoir will be utilized to backfill other work sites where required.

35. Domestic solid waste at the construction camp is not anticipated to be of a significant volume because only small temporary camps will be provided at the sites of the WTP and reservoir and none at the sites for the intake, transmission and distribution pipes. However, proper waste disposal methods should be employed to avoid pollution of land and adjacent water resources. Solid waste will be collected and properly disposed in the local disposal site of the District.

36. Hazardous wastes such as paint containers and solvents and spent batteries are generated by construction activities, but in specific sites such as the intake, WTP and reservoir, no such waste is projected to be generated. Although the quantities are anticipated to be minimal, this type of waste is detrimental to the environment and public health and as such will be segregated from the general solid waste, collected and disposed for appropriate treatment.

37. Occupational health and safety. The contractor through a site safety plan will address hazards during civil works. The contractor will be required to appoint a safety supervisor who will ensure that safety measures during civil works are implemented. These safety measures include the use of personnel protective clothing and equipment (PPE), installation of the requisite hazard warning signs, and excavation covers and barriers. Arrangements for prompt medical attention in the event of accidents will also be made. The contractor will be required to: (i) undertake priority hiring of qualified construction workers from the villages, (ii) consult with local people to avoid conflict if migrant workers will be brought to the site, (iii) install suitable toilets such as pit latrines and grey water drainage facilities such as soakage pits, (iv) arrange for the proper disposal of solid wastes, (v) brief workers and the villagers on the dangers of communicable diseases, and (vi) assign a senior member of his staff to be responsible for the workers and local peoples’ welfare. In addition, during the

disinfection of water distribution lines, only staff who have had experience and proper training and are aware of the potential health hazards associated with chlorinating agents will be involved in such activity.

1.5.2.3 Environmental Impacts during Operation

38. Incremental wastewater generation and increased burden on drainage systems. Households receiving new water supply connections are likely to use more water for cooking and washing. The current condition and lack of well-designed drainage system in the villages will result in small quantities of grey water or sullage forming ponds of dirty water which may provide habitats for mosquitoes and pose health hazard to the communities. This impact will be primarily addressed through the drainage improvement and public awareness raising initiatives under the Village Environmental Improvements (VEIs) component of WSSP. As a project policy, households will have free water connection if the household has an approved sanitation facility to cope with the increased wastewater generated.

39. Deterioration of water quality. The quality of the raw water may deteriorate particularly if there are human activities at the upstream catchment area that may cause contamination of the river water. This may affect the efficiency of the WTP and the resulting quality of the treated water. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and PNP will continuously coordinate with the villages and Dakcheung District authorities regarding community activities in the catchment area to ensure that said activities will not cause contamination of raw water. Laboratory testing equipment and training will also be provided to allow the PNP to conduct regular monitoring of raw and treated water quality parameters.

40. High pressure and leaks on the pipeline. Some of the network is located on low elevation, potentially exposed to high water pressure and leaks. This risk is minimized by: (i) the use of durable standard pipes for the main and secondary (rider mains) lines, (ii) use of pressure reducing valves for the rider mains, (iii) careful construction supervision by the PIA to ensure that pipe laying and jointing is done with the highest standard by the contractor, and (v) regular inspection of the network and prompt isolation and repair when leaks occur.

41. Generation of backwash water and sediments at the WTP. During the operation of the WTP, back wash water and sludge removed from the sedimentation tanks contains sediments and other pollutants that have been removed from the raw water during treatment. Discharging the sludge directly into land or river may result in deterioration of the condition of the receiving environment. As mitigation to eliminate this adverse impact, detention ponds have been included in the design of the WTP.

42. Occupational health and safety. Water treatment will involve the use of coagulants/flocculants and chlorine that will expose WTP personnel to hazards during chemical handling. Risks associated with these chemicals will be minimized by: (i) providing secure, dry and appropriately ventilated storage facilities for hazardous chemicals, (ii) use of chemicals in powder, rather than in gaseous form, which is safer to store and handle, (iii) posting of the Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) of these chemicals in the chemical storage area and chemical mixing tank area for information of workers, and (iv) training of staff and designation of responsible person on the handling of these chemicals.

43. Generation of sludge from detention ponds. The sludge that will generated from the detention ponds will be dredged and disposed as backfill material in low lying areas to be identified by the village leaders.

44. Community health and safety. The facilities that will be constructed will be properly fenced off and secured to restrict access and intrusion of unauthorized personnel.

Watchmen/security personnel will be hired to secure the facilities on a 24 hour basis. This would eliminate the safety risks to the community.

1.6 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION

45. During the updating of the IEE Public/Stakeholder consultations were held in Dak Bong, Dakcheung and Ngondon village meeting halls with the PNP of Dakcheung, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and Project Consultants from 24 April to 25 April 2019. Stakeholders who participated during the public consultation process included villagers, local government officers and staff. The consultations were conducted to discuss with the stakeholders the proposed project and the modifications from the original design and also to elicit the environmental concerns/issues of the community on the proposed project. In general, consultees were of the view that the project would result in more benefits than negative impacts. The people are willing to connect to the water supply project because of the improvement in their living conditions. During project implementation, communities within the subproject impact areas should be appropriately and in a timely manner, informed of the construction activities particularly those which are likely to cause noise and dust nuisance, disruption to roads and pathways.

1.7 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

46. A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) was developed in compliance with the National regulations of the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) and with ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (2009). The GRM will provide the means to resolve grievance and complaints in a timely and satisfactory manner.

47. Essential features of the GRM are: (i) resolution takes place as quickly as possible, (ii) all affected persons will be made fully aware of their rights, (iii) all persons with concerns about the environment are also entitled to lodge their complaints and seek redress, (iv) the community will be informed about the detailed grievance redress procedures through public information campaigns, (v) complaints can be made verbally or in written form, (vi) complainants will not incur administrative fees or costs of legal representation, (vii) the GRM uses existing village arbitration units, namely, the village chief and/or deputy chief, village elders and village representatives of the Lao Women’s Union, Lao Front for National Construction, and the police, (viii) the arbitration unit is responsible for settling disputes between villagers through conciliation and negotiation and will be supported at district level, (ix) all complaints and resolutions will be properly documented and will be available for public review and monitoring and will be incorporated into safeguard monitoring reports.

48. The details of the PIU, GRM Focal Contact Persons and Construction Manager will be prominently displayed in the respective construction areas for the reference of the affected communities/persons. Complaints and grievances can be directly filed, both written and verbal, to the concerned entities. This will provide alternative entry points to the village complaint system. The procedures for the GRM are outlined in Section 9 of this IEE.

1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

49. The EMP has been prepared, outlining the institutional responsibilities and management arrangements to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures. Throughout the construction period, the contractor will submit monthly environmental compliance progress reports to the PNP with a copy furnished to the PIU. The contractor should be able to highlight the summary of the progress of construction, activities undertaken to implement the measures outlined in the environmental management and monitoring plan, record any community complaints received and how the complaint was eventually resolved.

50. The PIU will consolidate the results of the monthly environmental monitoring through a quarterly progress report that will be submitted to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) which is based at the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation of the MPWT. The quarterly report will (i) summarize the significant findings and measures undertaken to address identified adverse environmental impacts during the works, (ii) discuss any unanticipated environmental impacts encountered during the subject monitoring period and (iii) recommend remedial actions to address these unanticipated environmental impacts.

51. Copies of the quarterly progress report prepared by the PIU will be provided to the members of the Provincial Project Steering Committee and the District Governor. PCU will consolidate information from quarterly progress reports, compile and submit integrated safeguards monitoring report semi-annually to ADB.

52. The implementation of the EMP during the operational phase of the subproject will be undertaken by the PNP, with verification by the PCU who will report to ADB the project’s adherence to the EMP, information on project implementation, and environmental compliance through semi-annual integrated safeguards monitoring reports. The monitoring parameter during the operational phase, as outlined in the EMP, includes monitoring of water quality at the inlet of the WTP and of the treated water.

53. Conclusion and Recommendation. This IEE for the Dakcheung district subproject was undertaken to determine the environmental issues and concerns on the proposed water supply system subproject. This assessment confirms that the subproject is classified as Category B for environment based on ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS, 2009). In addition, an Environmental Compliance Certificate (No. 14/DoNRE.XK) has been provided by the DONRE with regard to the IEE and EMP, refer to Appendix B.

54. In general, the subproject will result in beneficial impacts on health and well-being of the people because of improved accessibility to potable and reliable water supply. There are also health benefits in the form of reduced incidences of water-related diseases as a result of hygiene promotion activities and improved access to safe water for the community.

55. Most of the adverse environmental impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase of the implementation of the subproject. However, these environmental impacts are not projected to cause irreversible and significant adverse environmental impacts and can be readily managed by the establishment of appropriate and conventional mitigation measures. Based on the assessment of environmental impacts, the anticipated impacts during project implementation are related to nuisances which may occur during the construction of the subproject components such as temporary disruption of access, and community facilities, noise, sediment runoff, generation of excavated/surplus material and release of dust and engine gas emission.

56. The EMP will be in the bid and contract requirements of the contractor. Effective implementation of the EMP and monitoring and inspection of construction work sites and during operation will reduce potential environmental risks to an acceptable level.

57. The EMP also presents the institutional responsibilities for implementing the mitigation and monitoring measures during construction and operation. The IEE concludes that the subproject combined with available information on affected environment is sufficient to identify the scope of environmental impacts of the subproject. No further environmental assessment is therefore required.

58. An environmental monitoring plan has been provided to which includes a comprehensive regular water quality sampling and monitoring. This will be undertaken to ensure water quality is maintained according to the prevailing the Lao PDR standards. In

addition, grant covenants will require: (i) testing and monitoring of water quality in subproject towns, and (ii) long term strategy on capacity building with regards monitoring water quality and applying good practices to treat water to acceptable Ministry of Health standards. The operations and maintenance manuals will include mitigation and monitoring measures in line with EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation to address key environment, health and safety risks during operation.

10 2 INTRODUCTION

59. The Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (WSSP) of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Executing Agency) supports the development of small district towns in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) through the improvement of water supply and sanitation services. Consistent with the Government’s urban water supply and sanitation sector policy and investment plan, the project aims to improve the performance of the provincial Nam Papas (PNPs1) and expand access to safe piped water supply and sanitation for urban residents in small towns in Lao PDR. The project will comprise: (i) improvements to the water supply system; and (ii) enhanced community action in urban water supply and sanitation.

60. The WSSP will be implemented through a sector loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport together with the Provincial Nam Papas or provincial water utilities (Implementing Agencies) will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, appraising, selecting and approving subprojects in accordance with the Government and ADB’s policies and procedures. Priority subprojects were identified during the project preparatory technical assistance phase. The subprojects were classified as environment Category B. Feasibility studies and initial environmental examination (IEE) reports were completed for the subprojects under Phase III, namely: Sanamxay and Samakkhixay Districts in Attapeu Province, Dakcheung and Lamam Districts in Sekong Province.

61. This Updated IEE for the Dakcheung District presents an assessment of the environmental impacts and the detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the subproject based on detailed engineering design. The preparation of this IEE is guided by the Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) of the WSSP, ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009), ADB Operational Manual Section F1/BP (2013), Access to Information Policy 2018 of ADB, IFC-World Bank Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, the Government of Lao PDR’s Environmental Protection Law (2013), and other Government environmental laws, policies, rules and regulations applicable for water supply projects. The Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist is presented in Appendix A.

2.1 METHODOLOGY

62. This Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is prepared according to the Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) of the WSSP, ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009), ADB Operations Manual Section F1/P, Access to Information Policy (ADB, 2018), International Finance Corporation - World Bank Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, and the GoL Environmental Protection Law (2013), and other environmental laws, policies, rules and regulations applicable for water supply projects. The potential impacts have been analyzed and mitigation measures identified following site visits to the locations of the subproject component facilities and service area in June 2017 and February 2018 as part of FS preparation and in April 2019 after completion of detailed engineering as part of the preparation this Updated IEE/EMP. The visits included an assessment of the proposed sites, discussions with Provincial and District officials and village representatives.

1 Provincial Water Supply State Enterprises managing the water supply system in each Province.

2.2 PROJECT CATEGORY

63. The requisite screening was carried out during the preparation phase of the WSSP using the ADB Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist. The WSSP was classified Environment Category B requiring the preparation of IEE and EMP. This IEE confirms the sub-project remains Category B. The potential adverse environmental impacts are site- specific, reversible, and can be readily mitigated via an environmental management and monitoring plan (EMP). 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS POLICIES, ADB

64. The environment safeguards requirements of ADB are presented in the following guidelines:

. Safeguard Policy Statement (2009); . Operations Manual Section F1/P2; and . Access to Information Policy (2018).

65. The Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS, 2009) of the Bank governs the environmental and social safeguards of ADB’s operations. When a project has been identified for ADB financing, it is screened and categorized to determine the following:

. Significance of potential impacts or risks of the project to the environment; . Level of assessment and institutional resources required to address the safeguard issues; and . Information disclosure and consultation requirements.

66. The SPS outlines the environmental safeguards requirements that borrowers/clients have to comply with. These requirements include assessing impacts, planning and managing impact mitigations, preparing environmental assessment reports, disclosing information and undertaking stakeholder consultations, establishing a grievance redress mechanism, and monitoring and reporting. It also includes specific environmental safeguard requirements pertaining to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, pollution prevention and abatement, occupational and community health and safety, and conservation of physical cultural resources. Consideration of associated facilities, that are not funded as part of the project, and whose viability and existence on the project is also required.

67. ADB requires meaningful consultation with affected persons and concerned stakeholders and public information disclosure for Category A and B projects. For Category B, the draft IEE report should be available to interested stakeholders before project approval and posted on the ADB’s website upon Board approval of a project in accordance with the Operations Manual and Access to Information Policy (2018).

2 Operations Manual Bank Policies (BP) issued on 1 October 2013, based on ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009.

3.2 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

3.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment

68. The law governing the protection of the environment, including the assessment and management of projects in Lao PDR is the Environmental Protection Law (EPL), which was issued in 1999 and amended in 2013. Decree on Environmental Assessment, No.21/PM, January 2019 is the country’s principal environmental legislation regarding Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). MoNRE is central authority to coordinate with the local agencies and administration to disseminate and enforce this Decree. The Decree was enacted to implement Part III of the Law on Environment Protection, in relation to Environmental Protection and Environmental Assessment. The project screening is the first step of the environmental assessment stated in Article 8. By using the list of the project and activities that have to conduct the IEE or EIA No. 8056/MoNRE, dated 17 2013, water supply facilities (Item 3.52) fall under Category 1 so an IEE is required by Government.

69. The Decree states that all investment projects that may create adverse environmental and social impacts are to be designed with the correct and appropriate environmental and social impact prevention and mitigation measures or environmental management and monitoring plans (EMP) and social management and monitoring plans (SMMP). According to the decree, the primary responsibility for undertaking environmental assessment of projects is with the project developers, which for this subproject, is the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS).

70. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), acting through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE), is responsible for the review and approval of environmental assessment reports, coordination of monitoring and evaluation, and issuance of the requisite environmental compliance certificates (ECC). Public participation and discussion with local administrations is required throughout the environmental assessment process. Several discussions and meetings have been undertaken with DoNRE for the purpose of complying with the EIA requirements of the GoL. The requirements of the DoNRE is in the process of being complied with. Appendix B presents the Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Dakcheung Sub-Project.

3.3 DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

71. The Ministry of Public Health (MOH) has issued the Water Quality Standard for Management for Drinking and Domestic Use in March 2014 in accordance with Decision 561/MOH, 2014. The standard is based on the World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, which is recommended by IFC’s EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation. The MOH has the institutional mandate for overseeing and monitoring drinking water quality in the Lao PDR, while the PNPs (operators) are responsible for ensuring compliance with the standard. The MOH Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2014, stipulate that PNPs are required to conduct regular water quality monitoring and testing of 23 water quality parameters. The standards specify that up to 7 parameters must be tested weekly and an additional two parameters tested on a monthly basis, with an additional 14 parameters to be tested on an annual basis. The list of monitoring parameters is listed in Table 3 of the said water quality standards. Appendix C shows the Public Health Drinking Water Quality Standards (2014).

72. At this stage of the Lao PDR’s socio-economic development however, the laboratory infrastructure necessary to conduct this level of testing across the country does not exist. There are two known laboratories, but both have produced suspect results in the past.

Consequently, most of the samples under ADB-funded projects over the past couple of decades have been tested in Thailand, which is logistically quite difficult. Consequently, at this time DWS has agreed with the PNPs to focus on three parameters for routine testing of treated water – pH, turbidity and residual chlorine at the extremity of the distribution network to keep the water supply safe for consumption. To supplement this testing, PNPs take samples once or twice per year for testing in one of the laboratories in the country; the tests are conducted for a full range of parameters as set out in the MOH standard. It would be wise for the PNPs to have these samples tested in Thailand until such time as the laboratory infrastructure in the Lao PDR is sufficiently developed.

3.3.1 Discharge Standards

73. National Wastewater Quality Standards have been adopted based on the Environmental Protection Law No.29/NA, dated December 18, 2012 and the Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 and 0832/MONRE. The standards relate to drinking water quality (groundwater); surface water quality; and wastewater effluent discharge from industrial activities. This includes biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 40 mg/l and total suspended solids (TSS) of 40 mg/l. Detention ponds are incorporated into the design to ensure backwash water is discharged into the environment at acceptable levels.

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

4.1 GENERAL

74. The development plan for the Dakcheung subproject includes a new piped water supply system with individual house connection in four villages. The existing, untreated piped water supply has minimal infrastructure and coverage in the proposed service area, and will be completely replaced. The proposed service area has a Y2017 population of 3,103, for a projected Y2035 treated water demand of 1,000 m3/day. The development plan provides for an intake and water treatment plant (WTP) designed for a 15-year timeframe and a distribution system designed for a 20-year time frame, as per WSSP and previous project design guidelines. One raw water source, the Houay Pouang River, was identified as the most financially and technically viable, as the other surface water sources assessed are much further from the service area and require pumping, and surface water is generally preferred over groundwater in this area.

75. The proposed development includes: (i) a weir intake on the Houay Pouang River; (ii) with low-head pumping via 750 m raw water transmission main to the pre-sedimentation tank at the WTP; (iii) 1,000 m3/day capacity WTP comprising pre-sedimentation, flocculation, sedimentation with allowances for lamella technology, rapid gravity filtration, air blower and chlorine dosing facilities, laboratory and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dosing facilities, and detention ponds; (iv) 200 m3 clear water ground reservoir at the WTP; (v) pumping station and transmission to a 225 m3 elevated reservoir at a higher elevation approximately 350 m from the WTP; (vi) pumping and transmission to a 70 m3 ground reservoir for backwash storage at an elevated location; (vii) 5 km gravity-fed distribution network within the service area and (vii) 20 km of rider mains. A Branch Nampapa (BNP) office will be constructed in the urban area.

76. Equipment for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the water supply system will be procured, including basic tools, laboratory and office equipment. Households that apply to connect during the construction period will not be required to pay any up-front connection charges. This measure will assist poor and low income groups to participate in the piped water supply system, encourage new connections and enhance PNP financial sustainability. Marketing and awareness campaigns will inform communities about the Project’s connections policies and the benefits of connecting to PNP piped water supply. Approximately 600 new domestic service connections are expected to be installed during the construction period.

Figure 1 shows the location of the proposed sub-project. Plate 1 shows the existing conditions in the sites of the components of the proposed development.

4.2 SERVICE AREA

77. The proposed service area comprises four villages namely: Ban Dakcheung, Ban Dak Bong, Ban Nonsayan, and Ban Ngondon. The proposed service area has a total population of 3,103 as of 2017.

FIGURE 1. LOCATION MAP OF DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUB-PROJECT

DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUB- PROJECT

16 PLATE 1. EXISTING CONDITIONS AT PROPOSED SITES OF PROJECT COMPONENTS

PROPOSED INTAKE – NAM HUOAY POUANG RIVER AT BAN DAK BONG

PROPOSED WTP BAN DAK BONG, BEFORE NOW

PROPOSED NEW PNP OFFICE IN URBAN AREA AT BAN DAKCHEUNG

4.3 WATER SOURCE

78. The proposed raw water source is the Houay Pouang River, a small river that runs through Ban Dak Bong, south of the main urban area. The Houay Pouang River is a mountain stream with variable year-round flow, with a sufficient year-round base flow for the capacity of the WTP. The flow rate in July and October 2017 was measured at 6.71 m3/s (580,000 m3/d) and 6.54 m3/s (565,000 m3/d), respectively. Flow measurements will be continued prior to detailed design.

79. As it is a mountain stream, the water quality is quite good, but high and short-lived turbidity peaks are expected during rain events. Water quality measurements made in May and October 2017 do not reveal any parameters of concern, and conventional rapid sand filtration system, with pre-sedimentation, flocculation and sedimentation will be adequate for meeting drinking water quality standards.

80. During the feasibility study, two other surface water sources were investigated. To minimize pumping, the District originally proposed several mountain streams as possible raw water sources. However, both streams identified by the District were more than 10 km from the core service area and would require pumping. These sources were determined to not be financially viable. The option of ground water was also rejected, due to lack of reliable information on ground water quantity and quality in the area and local preference for surface water. Appendix D presents the Provincial Government Certification for Priority Use of Nam Houay Pouang River (To be provided later).

4.4 RAW WATER INTAKE AND TRANSMISSION

81. The proposed water supply intake is located on the Houay Pouang River on undeveloped, government-owned land that lies between Ban Dak Bong. This site was selected due to its proximity near the proposed WTP location, and location upstream of any local development. In addition, this site is at a straight portion of the river and is not anticipated to be adversely affected by high flow rates, silt deposits, or changes of river course. A cross- sectional view of the river at the proposed intake is shown in Figure 2 below.

FIGURE 2. CROSS-SECTION AT THE PROPOSED INTAKE ON HOUAY POUANG RIVER

82. A weir intake structure (approximately 20 meters in length and 0.7 m in depth) with a fish ladder will be constructed at the site. A collection chamber and pumping station will be constructed adjacent to the weir with two units of 2 HP submersible raw water pumps (one operational and one standby), with sufficient capacity and total dynamic head (TDH) to service the WTP via approximately 750 m of uPVC DN250 transmission pipe. Pipe appurtenances such as valves will be provided to facilitate the proper operation and maintenance of the intake and transmission system.

83. From onsite observations, invasive aquatic plants are not a problem at the proposed intake site on the Houay Pouang River. The location of the intake has been chosen on a straight portion of the river to avoid siltation and a flushing pipe will be installed in the collection chamber. The raw water pumps will be submersible pumps widely used in waste water pumping with impellers with large passage to avoid clogging.

4.5 WATER TREATMENT PLANT

84. The proposed WTP is located on District-owned land approximately 750 m downstream of the intake. The lot is large and has been cleared of trees prior to the subproject, with sufficient area for all aforementioned water treatment facilities. This site was chosen due to its availability, size, and proximity to an adequate intake location. The WTP will be designed with conventional treatment processes as in Phase 2. However, to improve clarification process during rainy seasons with high turbidity in raw water, settling tubes are proposed for the sedimentation process. These settling tubes used will significantly improve the solids settling rate in the sedimentation chamber, reducing the overall size of the sedimentation chamber while still ensuring the same quality product, even during turbidity peaks. The proposed WTP will comprise:

. Pre-sedimentation tank: one chamber sized for a surface loading rate (SLR) of 5 m3/hr/m2 and detention time of 60 minutes. Estimated operational dimensions are 2.0 m x 7.0 m x 4.0 m. . Flocculation tank: two chambers of two stages with two channels each, designed for a detention time of 20-30 minutes. Total estimated operational dimensions of each chamber are 2.5 m x 3.15 m x 1.85 m. . Sedimentation tank: two chambers sized for a SLR of 0.83 m3/hr/m2 and detention time of 4 hours, with allowances for implementation of lamella tubes. Estimated operational dimensions of each chamber are 2.5 m x 11.0 m x 3.4 m with lamella tubes installed at the final 2.1 m of the chamber. . Filter tank: two sets of rapid sand filters designed with filter media depth of 1.3 m and infiltration rate of 5 m/hr. Estimated operational dimensions are 2.5 m x 1.8 m x 4.9 m for each filter chamber. . Air blower and chlorine dosing room: estimated area of 26 m2. . Laboratory and PAC mixing house: estimated area of 56 m2. . Backwashing storage: designed for two cycles per day at 15 minutes per cycle with loading rate of 30 m3/hr/m2. Estimated volume is 68 m3 to be storage in a nearby ground reservoir at an elevated location. . Detention pond: sized for the volume of the sedimentation chambers and annual storage depth of up to one meter. Estimated effective capacity is 250 m3.

85. The WTP will be designed to operate for 22 hours per day to allow time for backwashing and other O&M procedures. All tanks and reservoirs will be constructed of reinforced concrete unless otherwise specified during the detailed design phase. The conceptual design is shown in Figure 3.

4.6 WATER STORAGE

86. The total operational volume of water storage was sized at eight hours of MDD with allowances for 6 l/s fire flow for two hours and backwashing for two washing at 15 minutes per cycle with 30 m3/m2/hr washing rate. Approximately 425 m3 of clear water storage is necessary, and is to be split between a 200 m3 ground CWT, a 70 m3 ground tank for backwash storage (at an elevated location near the WTP), and a 160 m3 elevated CWT at a higher elevation approximately 350 m from the WTP site. The elevated reservoir low-water level (LWL) will be approximately 21 m above ground level.

19 FIGURE 3. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT

20 4.7 PUMPING STATIONS

87. A transfer pumping station located near the ground CWT will pump treated water from the ground reservoir to the nearby elevated reservoir. For an elevation difference of 65 m, three units of 7.5 HP clear water pumps will be installed (two in operation, and one standby). An additional small-capacity pump will supply water to the nearby backwash ground tank.

4.8 DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

88. The distribution network will be supplied by gravity flow from the proposed elevated reservoir at the WTP site. The capacity of the distribution network is designed to allow for future expansion to the future extension villages. The development plan requires an estimated 4.3 km of main distribution pipeline and 20 km of rider mains. Appurtenances such as gate valves, district metering area (DMA) water meters, air valves, and wash-out valves will be provided to facilitate the efficient operation and maintenance of the system.

4.9 ACCESS ROADS

89. A gravel access road (4 m in width) to the WTP will be constructed with additional road constructed from the WTP to the proposed intake, for a total estimated length of 250 m.

4.10 PNP OFFICE

90. A new two storey PNP office with a total area of about 300 m2 will be constructed on public land (723 m2) owned by PNP. The plot is located in the built up area in Dakcheung village.

4.11 O&M EQUIPMENT

91. Equipment for O&M of the water supply systems will be procured for the Dakcheung Branch Nam Papa (BNP), including basic tools, laboratory equipment and office equipment.

4.12 CONNECTION POLICY

92. Households that apply to connect during the construction period will not be required to pay any up-front connection charges for small-bore reticulation, connections or meters, but the cost of these items will form part of the subproject capital cost and will be recovered through the water tariff. The construction contractor will (i) install distribution pipelines and small-bore reticulation pipework (rider mains) to cover the entire service area in locations where roads and houses exist3; and (ii) install service connections and meters free of charge for all households in the service area that apply for connection during the designated construction period. The contractor will purchase sufficient materials for service connections to all customers that apply to connect to the piped water supply system during the construction stage. Surplus materials will be stored for later installation by the BNP when required. This policy is expected to motivate customers to connect during the construction period, boost PNP revenue and enhance sustainability, and will particularly assist the poor. It is anticipated that approximately 600 new household service connections will be made during the construction period as part of the free connection policy.

3 Reticulation would not be provided in areas that have low and very low population densities. 21

5 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

5.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES

93. Dakcheung District is the western-most district of Sekong Province and borders Vietnam to the east and Lamam District to the west. The district is primarily a mountainous district at high elevations with limited development. An un-named, undeveloped road connects the urban area of Dakcheung to the capital district of Lamam to the west. An undeveloped border crossing on the nearby Vietnamese border allows for some minor travel between the District and Vietnam (via the Vietnamese QL 14D highway). Dakcheung District comprises 54 primarily rural villages. Dakcheung town, the major urban area and the economic/administrative center of the District is located in the center of the District. A previous agricultural project led to the development of a dam and small reservoir adjacent to the town. The Dakcheung District government is a significant employee in the District center, where the district government, hospital, police quarters, and other district services are located.

5.2 GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HAZARDS

94. Small to moderate earthquakes have occurred within Lao PDR over recorded history. Dakcheung District is not among the areas vulnerable to earthquake hazards. Lao PDR is also prone to flooding, mainly associated with the presence of large river basins. Eight rivers have been identified as being at particular risk of causing flooding throughout the country but the Nam Hum is not included in the identified rivers that cause extreme flooding. There are steep hills in the vicinity which are prone to landslides, however, the terrain within the Dakcheung District center is rolling and undulating and is not prone to landslides. Figure 4 presents the topography of the sub-project area.

FIGURE 4. TOPOGRAPHY OF THE PROPOSED SUBPROJECT AREA

Source: Google Earth

5.3 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE

95. Air quality in the Dakcheung District is generally good. There are no industries producing discharges/emissions which result in atmospheric pollution and pollution from vehicular exhaust emissions are not significant given the low levels of traffic and absence of any traffic congestion. The only detrimental effect on air quality is the dust arising from the passage of vehicles over unsealed roads when the roads are dry. This is an intermittent problem with a minor effect over a limited area of 5 to 10 meters either side of the road. The locations of the project components are relatively far from noise generating activities. There are no industries within the proposed sites so ambient noise levels can be considered very well. Except for the proposed site of the WTP and reservoir, there are no sensitive receptors within in proximity of the proposed sites of the other components.

5.4 CLIMATE

96. The climate in the Lamam District is characterized by two seasons, the dry and wet seasons. The dry season occurs between December and March while the wet season occurs between April and November. The climate in Lao PDR is highly influenced by the southeast monsoon with significant rainfall and high humidity. Table 1 shows the total rainfall in Dakcheung District for the period 2005.

TABLE 1. RAINFALL, DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT, 2005-2017 YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL 2005 41.0 53.8 38.1 187.7 249.9 382.9 384.3 406.9 212.8 144.6 120.3 89.1 2311.4 2006 2007 2008 2009 31.0 46.2 76.5 103.7 231.2 97.7 315.1 330.1 680.9 239.0 153.8 33.0 2338.2 2010 31.0 15.1 15.7 144.5 243.2 102.1 135.6 386.1 95.2 282.0 151.8 23.7 1626.0 2011 38.4 10.0 26.8 148.5 389.1 344.0 185.4 269.2 315.8 257.1 119.4 101.3 2205.0 2012 71.2 16.2 9.0 210.0 232.6 218.6 227.3 258.4 283.6 75.1 71.7 34.7 1708.4 2013 10.1 62.2 14.8 61.2 137.0 218.8 182.6 195.0 411.3 359.3 326.1 26.5 2004.9 2014 24.0 0.0 37.1 210.6 194.5 106.6 260.9 261.4 288.4 84.1 46.0 71.9 1585.5 2015 17.2 45.5 34.8 110.8 70.9 219.4 156.4 139.2 170.9 88.5 74.3 6.8 1134.7 2016 31.1 1.5 0.0 67.4 235.4 216.4 219.9 194.8 235.8 173.7 180.8 122.7 1679.5 2017 55.1 20.2 31.3 52.8 206.2 76.5 264.3 79.3 785.7 Source: Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Vientiane

5.4.1 Climate Change

97. In Lao PDR, the most significant climate change impact is increasing frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events, and longer, more severe drought periods. The National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) for climate change was prepared for Lao PDR and submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in May 2009. (NAPA 2009 is in the process of revision and updating). The NAPA identifies priority vulnerability areas, and these include water resources. As per the NAPA, Sekong Province is not situated in an identified vulnerable area. Climate change is likely to result in greater maximum and minimum water levels and greater risk of flood and drought.

5.5 WATER RESOURCES

98. The proposed raw water source is the Nam Houay Pouang River, a small river that runs through Ban Dak Bong, south of the main urban area. The Nam Houay Pouang River is a mountain stream with variable year-round flow, with a sufficient year-round base flow for the capacity of the WTP. The flow rate in July and October 2017 was measured at 6.71 m3/s (580,000 m3/d) and 6.54 m3/s (565,000 m3/d), respectively. Table 2 shows the water quality analysis of samples taken in Nam Houay Pouang River.

TABLE 2. WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS, NAM HOUAY POUANG RIVER HOUAY POUANG PARAMETER UNIT LIMITS1 11/5/172 23/10/17 Color Pt.Co <5 - 7.19 Turbidity NTU <5 15 4.22 Total suspended solids mg/l - - <2.5 Total hardness mg/L CaCO3 <300 20 24 Nitrate mg/L NO3- <50 0 ND Chloride mg/L Cl- <250 - ND Fluoride mg/L F- <1.5 1.4 ND Sulfate mg/L SO42- <250 - ND Permanganate value mg/L CaCO3 - - <0.07 M-alkalinity mg/L - - 19.95 Arsenic mg/L As <0.01 0 ND Manganese mg/L Mn <0.1 0.0015 <0.02 Iron mg/L Fe <0.3 1 0.33 Nitrite mg/l <3 0 - pH - 6.5-8.5 6.68 - Conductivity μS/cm <1200 50 - Taste and odor - - Acceptable - 1Lao National Drinking Water Standards 211-May water quality analyses performed by Sekong PNP

5.6 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES

99. There are no components of the proposed development that will be located within a protected, conservation or biodiversity area. The nearest conservation area is the Dong Amphan NBCA which is more than 60 kilometres south of the sub-project.

100. Information from the local government officials and interviews with the villagers in the area of the Houay Pounag River where the intake is proposed to be constructed revealed that there are no fish sanctuaries nor fishery conservation zones in the said area.

5.7 HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

101. There are no sites of archaeological significance within and around the town area. The project components (Intake WTP, reservoir and laboratory, raw transmission and distribution lines, office and access roads) will not affect any historical and archaeological sites such as temples and burial sites.

5.8 UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE

102. Data on bombs dropped by US forces between 1968 and 1972 is available from the National Mines Regulatory Authority and has been thoroughly reviewed. There are no sites within or around Dakcheung District Center where UXO has been identified to still exist as per the survey on the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) commissioned by the PNP Sekong for Dakcheung District. Interviews and discussions with the local residents also validated the information that there are no known occurrences of UXO in the vicinity of the town or of knowledge of ground or air strikes from which UXO may remain. Appendix E presents the UXO Certification for the Dakcheung District Subproject.

5.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

103. Dakcheung is the main town and seat of the District government of the same name in Sekong Province, the second smallest province in the Lao PDR. Dakcheung has the distinction of being the district with the highest percentage of population in the Lao PDR with

no road access, at 69%. The province as a whole has only 113,048 people, and the district 22,815, with an urban population of 2,783. The average household size is relatively large (25% of HHs having more than 8 people) and there are high inter and intra-provincial migration rates. However, the town is only 18 km from a border crossing with Vietnam and has invited significant commercial activity from across the border in recent years. There is as existing PNP water supply in Dakcheung which pumps water from a well near the Nam Ping Lake to an elevated tank which gravity feeds to individual houses. The district administration center for Dakcheung is also located within the town, which is about 756 km to the south-east of Vientiane. Table 3 presents the population of the villages in Dakcheung Sub-project.

TABLE 3. POPULATION IN VILLAGES IN DAKCHEUNG SUBPROJECT BASE* POPULATION PROJECTION VILLAGES 2017 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 GROWTH RATE - 5.00% 3.00% 3.00% 2.00% 2.00% 1 Dakchung 889 1,029 1,193 1,383 1,527 1,686 2 Dakbong 1,081 1,251 1,451 1,682 1,857 2,050 3 Nonsavan 695 805 933 1,081 1,194 1,318 4 Ngondon 438 507 588 681 752 831 TOTAL 3,103 3,592 4,164 4,827 5,330 5,885 12017 population from socio-economic report

5.9.1 Economy

104. Dakcheung is a public service town, with 63.5% of men and 32.7% of women surveyed working for government. About 20% of men and 33% of women described themselves as farmers. Respondents in government service were spread equally over the four villages, and there were more farmers in Ngondon and Dakcheung than in the other villages. A higher percentage of women worked as traders or small business operators, and a higher percentage of men were government officials, and more women were farmers.

5.9.2 Ethnicity

105. The four villages of Dakcheung town each have a Talieng ethnic majority: there are also smaller numbers of Yae, Katu and Laoloum. About 71% had Talieng as their first language and 15% had Lao as their first language. About 5.5% (=8% of the Talieng) did not speak much Lao. All of these were Talieng, with no school education. All others spoke Lao as a first or second language.

5.9.3 Income and Poverty Levels

106. The average income per person and per household was highest in Nonsavan (kip 792,000, and 4,247,000), the lowest in Ngondon (kip 368,000 and kip 1,786,000). Lao Loum had, on average, smaller families/households (3.93 persons per HH), and hence their per person income shows as relatively higher. About 53% of households had a gap between income and expenditure of less than 100,000 Kip times the number of people living in the household (i.e. less than 100,000 per person). About 2.9% of HHs reported higher expenditure than income. Poverty in urban Laos is mainly linked to rural-urban migration and the lack of labor opportunities for many of the migrants.

5.9.4 Education

107. Male household heads overall have more years of education than female heads, 43% of whom have only primary or no education, compared to 19% of male heads. Education level and income were correlated: for females and for males there was significance at 0.014. The

4 Pearson’s Correlation – 2 tailed

Lao had overall a significantly higher education level than did other ethnic groups. For example, about 50% of Lao heads of households had better than a primary education.

6 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

108. The environmental impacts were evaluated in the areas of influence at the subproject component sites. At the raw water intake, the area of influence includes the upstream and downstream sections from the intake considering the potential effects to water quality, sustainability of the water supply source, and potential conflict on river water use. At the locations of the main transmission line and distribution lines, the affected area may extend to an average of 1-50 meters along the excavated area of the pipelines. At the proposed sites for the WTP and reservoir and office and laboratory, temporary disruption and nuisance impacts may be experienced, mainly during the construction period. These affected areas may experience direct impacts associated with temporary disturbance from construction activities. The potential environmental impacts were identified based on the project activities that may occur in each component and evaluation of the environmental and social baseline situation at the subproject area. The identification of environmental impacts was mainly based on the technical information related to project component design and operation, field visits, information from stakeholders, and feasibility study.

6.1 ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FROM THE PROJECT

109. There are expected beneficial impacts on health and well-being of people because of the proposed water supply project for Dakcheung District. The principal benefits would be derived because of improved accessibility to potable and reliable water supply. There are also health benefits in the form of reduced incidence of diarrhoea, dysentery, skin rashes, and other water-borne diseases as a result of hygiene promotion activities and improved access to safe water for the community. In general, the provision of sustainable, sufficient and safe piped water supply is expected to result to improved health conditions and consequently economic development to the community.

110. The immediate impact will be clean and regular water supply that will translate to higher service levels, particularly in terms of coverage to households. There will be longer supply windows that eventually would lead to 24-hour supply for the service areas. Water pressure will likewise improve. Women and older children will also need less time and effort in fetching water.

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS RELATED TO PROJECT LOCATION (PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE)

6.2.1 Impact on Land Acquisition and Community Assets

111. There will be no land acquisition required for the development of the requisite project component facilities namely the construction of the WTP and laboratory, intake, reservoir, office and access roads. Likewise, it is anticipated that there will be minimal acquisition required for temporary use of land or loss or damage to assets during pipe laying. The Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan (LACP) for the subproject has been prepared separately to ensure that any loss of land, trees or damage to property will be subject to compensation in accordance with the Resettlement Framework of the WSSP.

6.2.2 Impact of Location of Raw Water Intake on other Water Users

112. The raw water intake will be located on the bank of Nam Houay Pouang River in Ban Dak Bong. It is projected that the location of the intake, will not affect nor impact other water users of the river as it has a substantial annual flow. The Intake is an estimated 3 kilometres from the nearest sensitive receptor (nearest settlement area). Information from the local government officials and interviews with the villagers in the area of the Houay Pounag River where the intake is proposed to be constructed revealed that there are no fish sanctuaries nor fishery conservation zones in the said area.

6.2.3 Impact on Natural Resources and Protected Areas

113. The location of the proposed water supply system and its components will have no impact on the Dong Amphan NBCA as it is over 60 km south of the project area.

6.2.4 Impact on Historical and Archaeological Sites

114. The proposed subproject, including the intake, WTP, reservoir, laboratory, office and raw water transmission line and distribution lines will not affect nor impact any historical, archaeological or culturally important sites.

6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION

115. Construction activities that may be undertaken for the proposed subproject would include land clearing, excavation and grading, filling, disposal of excavated soil, road construction/rehabilitation, intake construction, and movement of construction vehicles, operation of heavy equipment, and operation of worker camps. The works for the proposed subproject are expected to generate the following adverse impacts:

. Loss of vegetation as a result of clearing and grubbing . Contamination of raw water source . Generation of excavated material . Runoff of silt . Temporary loss of access to houses and establishments . Occurrence of acute increase in ambient Noise . Acute increase in generation of dust . Generation of wastes, i.e. domestic wastewater, solid and hazardous wastes . Community hazards as a result of open excavations . Hazards to occupational health and safety.

116. The mitigation measures to address the adverse environmental impacts during the construction phase of the subproject implementation are presented in the following sections. The Subproject will conform to the Environmental, Health, and Safety General Guidelines of 30 April 2007 (IFC-WB).

6.3.1 Temporary Disruption of Community Roads, Pathways and Access to Properties

117. In general, pipe laying for the water supply distribution network will be undertaken along the existing road right-of-way. The pipe lines will be laid out in the 2.5 – 4.0 m wide footpath or road shoulder from the edge of the road for arterial, sub-arterial and collector roads and about 2.0m wide road shoulder for distributor roads5. During trench excavation and pipe

5 In accordance with MPWT Regulation No. 205 on Town Planning (2004), services may be installed in the 2.5-4.0m wide road shoulder for arterial, sub-arterial and collector roads in the following order from the road edge: drainage, tree planting, water supply pipeline, electricity, telecommunications wires. The drain must not be closer to the road edge than 0.3m and telecommunications must not be closer than 0.5m from the outer edge. For distributor roads having only 2.0m wide footpaths,

laying works, temporary loss of access to residential and commercial establishments, schools, and community facilities may occur. As mitigation for this impact, temporary accesses to houses and other establishments affected by the works will be provided. Particular attention will be given to ensuring safety along roads and paths normally traversed by pedestrians. The contractor will restore and reinstate any damaged sections to properties immediately.

6.3.2 Air Pollution

118. The potential sources of air pollution during the construction stage include dust from earth works concentrated within a 50 meter radius of the work site; emissions from the operation of construction equipment and machineries; fugitive emissions from vehicles plying the area; fugitive emissions during the transport of construction materials; and localised increased traffic congestion in work areas. Most of the emissions will be in the form of coarse particulate matter and will settle down in close vicinity of the work sites. The impacts will be minor, local, short-term, direct and reversible. The best management practices will be adopted during conduct of the works to minimize dust and release of combustion emissions from operation of the requisite heavy equipment and machineries.

119. Excavated material and stockpiles will be kept moist while transport vehicles will be required to install tarpaulin covers or other suitable material to prevent spillage of the hauled materials. Furthermore, construction equipment and vehicles will, at all times, be well maintained and in good working condition to reduce fugitive emissions. Speed limits on areas will be imposed to minimize dust emission and to reduce the risk of traffic accidents in the work sites. Information about planned construction activities will be provided to residents in the area and will be planned to minimize public disturbance and nuisance.

6.3.3 Noise

120. Construction activities may cause noise and vibration impacts for a short duration. The operation of equipment such as jackhammer for the installation of water supply distribution network may cause nuisance to adjacent residential houses.. Excavation works in pipe road crossing sections on paved roads would require the use of jackhammer to break the concrete. Diesel generators will also be required during the works. Ambient Noise levels in these areas may reach 88dBA at a distance of about 15m away from the source or operation of equipment.

121. Along the haul roads, the average ambient noise level will also experience an acute increase because of increased vehicular traffic. As mitigation for the adverse impacts identified, Work at the sites will be limited only during the daytime from 0700H to 1800H. There will no works that will be permitted beyond this period. Furthermore, the community will be provided with updated information about the schedule of the construction activities through billboards/sign. Stationary equipment like the diesel generators will be installed as far as practical from sensitive receptors. Buffers will also be established as further mitigation.

6.3.4 Impact of Borrow Materials

122. The construction activities for all components of the project, including the access roads will require material, specifically sand and aggregate for the works. The sourcing of these materials from the Nam Houay Pouang River will not be permitted as the mining/quarrying activities may irreversibly impact the ecology and hydraulic characteristics of the waterway. The contractor will be required to secure these materials from Government permitted/licensed suppliers.

the facilities may be divided between the two sides of the road, with drainage, tree planting, electricity, and telecommunications on one side and drainage, tree planting and water supply pipeline on the other side.

6.3.5 Impact on Ecological Resources

123. During the implementation of the construction activities, workers and labourers of the contractor may undertake hunting of wildlife and cutting of wood upstream of the intake. The contractor will be instructed to orient their workers and staff that such activities are strictly prohibited. The contractor is responsible for the provision of the requisite kitchen facilities, food and cooking fuel for their workers and staff. The location of the proposed water supply system and its components will have no impact on the Dong Amphan NBCA as it is over 60 kilometers south of the project area.

6.3.6 Clearing of Vegetation

124. The construction of the WTP and laboratory, clear water reservoir, intake, office, access roads and contractor camps and facilities will require the clearing and grubbing of the sites. The impact of the clearing and grubbing works will be minimal because the existing vegetative cover at the sites consists only of bushes and shrubs. In accordance with the approved LACP, there will be no tree that would be removed for the works. The requisite roads and paths to the intake, WTP, and reservoir will be constructed with a limited width enough only to accommodate vehicles and equipment for construction and operation. This is to minimize the impact on the receiving environment. Upon completion of works, the exposed surfaces will be planted with the appropriate vegetation to prevent soil erosion. Landscaping and planting of trees/vegetation at the WTP site will be undertaken.

6.3.7 Water Pollution

6.3.7.1 Impacts of Sediment Runoff

125. The construction of the facilities such as the intake, WTP, reservoir, distribution line and office, may result in erosion of unstable areas during earthworks, especially during heavy rainfall events. Sedimentation of nearby watercourses and channels from runoff heavily laden with material from the work sites may occur as a result of the works. These impacts are transient, short-term and insignificant. As mitigation, the contractor will be required to implement proper measures which would include the provision of silt traps, ditches, and sump pits to intercept the flow silt laden runoff from the worksites into the nearby channels and watercourses. Moreover, activities, especially earthworks, will be scheduled during the dry season or be stopped during heavy rainfall.

6.3.7.2 Domestic Wastewater from Contractors Facilities and Worker’s Camps

126. The contractor and workers camps will generate domestic wastewater. Contamination of surface and groundwater sources and surrounding land is a potential risk that should be addressed accordingly by the contractor. Potential adverse impacts are minimal and temporal in duration and can be readily mitigated through measures established in the EMP. Proper management of the domestic wastewater from the contractor’s facilities and workers camps should be undertaken at all times. Appropriate latrines shall be installed in the camps and facilities of the Contractor.

6.3.7.3 Residual Chlorine During Pipeline and Reservoir Disinfection

127. Chlorinated water is retained in the completed pipe works and reservoirs for a pre- determined period to effectively sanitize the system. This is typically done after the completion of the leakage and pressure tests. The chlorinated water is then drained as the system is filled with potable water. Consequently, residual chlorine is inadvertently discharged. Extra caution is needed to avoid discharge of water with excessive chlorine residuals as this is toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Flushed water from the system during commissioning of the

pipelines and reservoirs will only be discharged to the nearest water body when the chlorine concentration of the water has been reduced to less than 2 mg/l. The allowable limit for Chlorine (free residual) as per the Ministry of Public Health Drinking Water Quality Standards of 2014 is 0.1-2.0 mg/l.

128. The established protocol is that when the piped system has been assessed to be reasonably clean, the effluents from the flushing of the system will take well over a week to reduce to a residual level (less than 2 mg/l) fit for discharge. Discharge to soil will allow for further reduction through the combined effect of soil contact and sunlight. However, discharge at pipe ends will have to be monitored to minimize soil erosion. The normal chlorine residual test kit will give a NIL chlorine residual if the chlorine residual is above 10 mg/l. Options are to use a normal chlorine test kit and use 10x15x dilution with distilled water and calculate the final result or purchase and use a high range chlorine test kit.

6.3.8 Generation of Construction Wastes

6.3.8.1 Excavated Soil

129. The construction of the proposed WTP and reservoir will require excavation and levelling works. Excavated materials during pipe laying will also be generated. The excavated materials from the foundation of the WTP tanks and reservoir will be utilized as backfill in the other work sites where required. Material during trench excavation will be utilized to backfill the trench after the pipes have been laid out. Any surplus material will be disposed properly and given for free to interested villagers as backfill materials in coordination with the village authority. There is no anticipated need for spoil disposal sites.

6.3.8.2 Domestic Waste

130. Solid waste will be generated at the work sites and the worker’s camp. Wastes may include domestic solid waste, inert construction waste, and hazardous waste. Domestic waste is not anticipated to be a significant volume as only small temporary camps will be established at the sites of the WTP and reservoir. There will not be camps for the worksites for the intake, transmission and distribution pipelines. It is projected that the temporary camps will generate an estimated 0.4 to 0.5 kg/person/day and would consist mainly of plastic and glass bottles, paper, cardboard, food wastes, and packaging wastes. This will be collected and properly disposed in the approved disposal facility of the District.

6.3.8.3 Inert Construction Waste

131. The inert waste that will be generated during the works will consist mainly of scrap wood and metal, cement bags, aggregates and concrete debris. These wastes are generally disposed of and/or land filled in appropriate sites and represents no direct danger to health. The scrap metal and wood can be collected for recycling.

6.3.8.4 Hazardous Waste

132. Hazardous wastes such as containers of paint and solvents and spent batteries are projected to be generated during the works, especially at the worksites for the intake, WTP and reservoir. Although the volume is anticipated to be small, this type of waste is highly detrimental to the environment and public health. As mitigation, these materials will be segregated from the general solid waste, collected and disposed appropriately, mainly by encapsulation.

6.3.9 Impact on Community Health and Safety

133. During the works, the community may be exposed to the health and safety risks from increased vehicular movements in the area, open excavation and operation of heavy equipment. As mitigation and to prevent accidents and hazards to motorists, pedestrians and residents in the area of the worksites, barricades and wood/steel plate covers will be provided in open excavations during non-working time. The worksites will be properly secured with fences and access to the area restricted. The contractor is to ensure that all vehicles and transport equipment and materials that may be required to pass through villages are operated safely without endangering these communities. All loads are to be secured and all loads with fugitive materials (e.g. excavated soil and sand) are to be covered with tarpaulins. The contractor is to immediately remove any drivers that ignore any of the community safety requirements. The required warning signage will be installed in all the worksites.

6.3.10 Occupational Health and Safety

134. During the construction phase, the implementation of the works may result in hazards to the safety of workers such as tripping, falling from height, slippery surfaces, carrying heavy loads, and during operation of machines and equipment. The contractor will be required to prepare a site safety plan and designate a safety supervisor who will ensure that safety measures during construction are implemented. These safety measures include the use of personnel protective clothing and equipment, placing of hazard warning signs, and excavation covers and barriers. Arrangements for prompt medical attention in the event of accidents will also be made.

135. The contractor will be required to: (i) provide priority hiring of qualified skilled and 100% unskilled workers from the villages, (ii) consult with local people to avoid conflict if migrant workers will be brought to the site, (iii) installation of suitable toilets such as pit latrines and grey water drainage facilities such as soakage pits, (iv) arrangement for the proper disposal of solid wastes, (v) briefing of workers and the villagers on the dangers of communicable diseases, and (vi) assignment of responsibility to workers and local peoples’ welfare to a senior member of the contractor’s staff.

136. In addition, during the disinfection of water distribution lines, only crews who have had experience with chlorinating agents and who are trained and aware of the potential health hazards associated with these chemicals will be involved in such activity.

6.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING OPERATION

137. The potential long-term or permanent impacts of project development are most important and generally determine the level of impact assessment a water supply project requires. The potential long-term impacts include:

. Incremental wastewater generation and increased burden on drainage systems . Conflict with other water users of Nam Houay Pouang River . Deterioration of water quality . Generation of backwash water and sediments from operation of the WTP; and . Exposure of workers to chemicals for water treatment. . Generation of sludge from the detention ponds. . Community health and safety.

138. The Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Water and Sanitation Projects (IFC, 2007) outline a range of safeguard measures including management requirements, monitoring regimes and performance evaluations that will be adopted within the operations and maintenance manual, where possible. It should be noted that the said guidelines (IFC

EHS Guidelines – Water and Sanitation 2007) are now in the process of being updated and the operations and maintenance manual will be updated to incorporate the updated guidelines as soon as it is finalized and adopted.

6.4.1 Incremental Wastewater Generation and Increased Burden on Drainage Systems

139. Households receiving new water supply connections are likely to use more water for bathing, cooking and washing. This may lead to more grey water or sullage as the standard of living improves, the population increases and more people have access to water supply. The current condition and lack of well-designed drainage system in the villages will result to increase in the volume of grey water or sullage. The potential for the ponding of dirty water because of the absence of proper drainage systems may, consequently result to the formation of habitats for mosquitoes and other pests and pose health hazards to the communities. In most of the households in the District, the domestic wastewater drains into irrigation canals and on their yard.

140. As project policy, water connection will only be provided to a household once an approved sanitation facility is present to cope with the increased wastewater that will be generated with improved water supply services. Public awareness raising initiatives have been undertaken by the WSSP through the drainage improvement and VEIs component. Villagers have been informed about the need to provide latrines before a water connection service can be made.

6.4.2 Deterioration of Water Quality

141. The quality of the raw water may deteriorate if there are detrimental human activities in the upstream catchment area. This may affect the efficiency of the WTP and the resulting quality of the treated water. The identified raw water source is the Nam Houay Pouang River, a large river with significant year-round flow. The PIU and PNP will continuously coordinate with the villages and Dakcheung District authorities regarding community activities in the catchment area to monitor watershed activities that may contribute to the contamination of raw water. Laboratory testing equipment and training will also be provided to allow the PNP to conduct regular monitoring of raw and treated water quality parameters.

6.4.3 High Pressure and Leaks on the Pipeline

142. The proposed distribution network will have sections located at low elevations. These sections experience high water pressure which may potentially result in leakages in the line and ultimately water loss. This risk will be minimized by: (i) the use of durable standard pipes for the main and secondary (rider mains) lines, (ii) use of pressure reducing valves for the rider mains, (iii) careful construction supervision by the Project Implementation Assistance Consultants PIA to ensure that pipe laying and jointing is done to the highest standard by the contractor, and (v) regular inspection of the network and prompt isolation and repair when leaks occur.

6.4.4 Generation of Backwash Water and Sediments in the WTP

143. The proposed source river currently has a significant sediment load primarily due to the aforementioned upstream hydropower and mining projects. It is expected that, following the completion of these projects, the sediment load will reduce significantly, with low turbidity during the dry season and turbidity peaks during the wet season. The WTP will produce inert silt and sediment as a by-product of some of the treatment processes which may contain traces of non-toxic chemical particles used during treatment. Of particular importance is the chemically-bound sludge produced in the sedimentation chamber. Sediments from the pre- sedimentation process are large and inert, and pose no significant environmental issues, while

those from the filtration process are insignificant in volume. Sediment volumes will be particularly large during the wet season, due to high suspended solids content in the river, but low during the dry season.

144. To dispose of the sediments, a detention pond will be constructed within the WTP site which will receive all backwash water from the filters and all sediment from the pre- sedimentation and sedimentation chambers. The detention pond size is based on the volume of discharge expected from the largest of the chambers. After a period of several years, the sediment in the detention pond will be excavated and removed to a final disposal area to be identified and approved by the village authorities. The proposed sediment disposal systems will comply with the Lao PDR wastewater discharge regulations6.

6.4.5 Occupational Health and Safety

145. Water treatment will involve the use of coagulants/flocculants and chlorine that will expose WTP personnel to hazards during chemical handling. The risk is particularly present during chlorination because chlorine is a reactive chemical that is hazardous to skin and eyes in case of accidental spill or leak. Risks associated with these chemicals will be minimized by (i) providing secure, dry and well-ventilated storage facilities for these chemicals, (ii) application of chlorine and coagulants/flocculants by automatic dosing instead of manual dosing (iii) use of chemicals in powder rather than in gaseous form which is safer to store and handle (iv) posting of the Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) of these chemicals in the chemical storage area and chemical mixing tank area for information of workers, and (v) training of staff and designation of responsible person on the handling of these chemicals.

6.4.6 Generation of Sludge from Detention Ponds

146. The sludge that will be generated from the detention ponds will be dredged and disposed as backfill material in low-lying areas to be identified by the village leaders. There will be no land application of the generated sludge without the required approval by the village authorities.

6.4.7 Community Health and Safety

147. The facilities that will be constructed will be properly fenced off and secured to restrict access and intrusion of unauthorized personnel. Watchmen/security personnel will be hired to secure the facilities on a 24 hour basis. This would minimise the safety risks to the community.

7 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

7.1 ALTERNATIVES TO THE SUBPROJECT

148. The beneficiary villages in and around Dakcheung District center have been selected as the site of the subproject. The selection process adopted for WSSP involves screening and prioritizations, following which candidate projects were selected for the feasibility study. The feasibility study then confirms subproject eligibility. Prioritization was based on a set of criteria aimed primarily at ensuring alignment with Government priority, maximizing impact in terms of number of population to be served, and also maximizing the contribution to economic development and poverty alleviation.

6 Industrial Waste Discharge Regulation, 1994. Regulation 180/MIH. Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts.

7.2 ALTERNATIVES WITHIN THE SUBPROJECT

149. Alternatives considered for the preliminary design included: (i) the siting of the WTP, (ii) alternative water sources, and (iii) village areas to be included. During the feasibility study, several other raw water sources were investigated. To minimize pumping, the District originally proposed several mountain streams as possible raw water sources the nearest of these streams is approximately 10 km from the proposed service area. These sources were determined to not be financially viable. The option of ground water was also rejected, due to local concerns about quality, and lack of reliable information on water quantity. During the evaluation of possible service areas, the most populated and easily accessible villages were selected to be included in the water supply improvement project.

7.3 “NO PROJECT” ALTERNATIVE

150. The “No Project” alternative would mean, inter alia, (i) that the opportunity to provide potable water supply to a significant urban population toward meeting GoL goals and priorities would not be realized, (ii) that strengthening of the PNP and BNP would not take place, and (iii) that drainage, sanitation, and general urban environmental improvements from the VEI would not be realized.

8 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION

8.1 CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE DURING SUBPROJECT DESIGN

151. Public/Stakeholder consultations were held 05-07 February 2018 with the PNP Dakcheung, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and the Project Consultants. Stakeholders who participated during the public consultation process included villagers, local government officers and staff. The second round of consultations was carried out after the detailed design in April 2019. The consultations were conducted to discuss with the stakeholders the proposed project and also to elicit the environmental concerns/issues of the community on the proposed project. Table 4 presents a summary of the public/stakeholders consultations undertaken for the sub-project. Appendix F provides the details and summary of the public/stakeholders consultations.

TABLE 4. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS PARTICIPANTS DATE LOCATION AGENCY TOTAL MALE FEMALE 05 Feb 2018 District Office PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 22 12 10 05 Feb 2018 Nounsavanh Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 57 24 33 06 Feb 2018 Dakbong Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 171 36 135 06 Feb 2018 Ngondon Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 38 8 30 07 Feb 2018 Dakcheung Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 67 22 45 24 Apr 1019 Nounsavanh Villag PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 16 11 5 24 Apr 1019 Dakbong Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 24 22 2 25 Apr 1019 Dakcheung Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 15 11 4 25 Apr 1019 Ngondon Village PIU, Village Authority, Villagers, PIA 31 25 6

152. During the consultations with the district authorities and stakeholders of the villages suggestions, opinions and responses from the community on the subproject have been taken into account and feedback provided on how concerns and recommendations have been addressed. Only a few questions re related to environment and feedback from these consultations was highly favorable toward the project with no dissent registered. All comments received were considered within the final design of the new water supply system and drainage works upgrades. The following summarizes the main comments that were raised during the village consultation meetings:

TABLE 5. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATIONS Comments Responses of PIU/PIA District Coordination Meeting 05 Feb 2018 District authorities and village Noted with thanks. representatives agreed to coordinate and assist in arranging the public consultations. Gov staff underlined the importance of water Noted supply and sanitation Will project compensate affected trees? Yes based on current market values/price. Village Consultation Meetings 4 meetings from 5 to 7 February 2018 Will damage to private concrete in front of The contractor will fill back and reinstate the houses be compensated? previous original conditions or to better ones. Will project compensate affected trees? Yes based on current market values/price. Who will decide village environmental The villagers, however, only minor drainage improvement activities? improvement on public areas can be implemented under VEI activities. In all meetings the participants appreciated Noted. and welcomed the project. Village Consultation Meetings 4 meetings from 24 to 25 April 2019 Current water quality is not clean and not PNP responded to look in to the matter, and sufficient. How PNP will correct the try to improve, however the situation will situation? improve after the subproject is completed. During construction concerning installation According to the project policies all damages of pipes, in case of damage to structures and will be compensated and negative impacts tree who is in charge and will it be minimized. compensated? When can VEI activities start and who is The project will have final consultation making the final decisions? meetings in villages on VEI during construction phase for final decisions about VEI measures.

Comments Responses of PIU/PIA Villagers have trees such as mango or The lining of small pipes will be selected in coffee trees. When the installation of pipes such a way that we do not expect damage to will be done, what can we do? trees. In all meetings the participants appreciated Noted. and welcomed the project.

8.2 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

153. Prior to project implementation, a copy of the approved IEE and EMP will be submitted by PNP Sekong to the DoNRE in Sekong Province and the District Governor of Dakcheung District. Also a consultative meeting as part of the approval of the IEE, EMP and issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate was conducted in Lamam on 26 March 2019.

154. The IEE will also be posted on the ADB and MPWT website. During construction and operation, communities within the impact area of the subproject area will be kept informed of construction activities through billboards or information boards about the construction activities and schedules. The details of the PIU, GRM Focal Contact Persons and Construction Managers will be prominently displayed in the respective construction areas for the reference of the affected communities/persons. Consultations will be undertaken on a need basis with the date, time and venue to be agreed with the Village Heads and concerned government officials. Complaints and grievances can be directly filed, both written and verbal, to the concerned entities. This will be an alternative to the village complaint system. All suggestions, opinions and responses from the community on the project should be taken into account and feedback provided on how concerns and recommendations have been addressed.

9 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

155. Article 13 of Decree 192/PM requires the subproject to establish an effective mechanism for grievance resolution. GoL legal requirements for this mechanism are further described in Part VI of the Decree’s implementing regulations, and in detail in the Technical Guidelines. The loan covenants stipulate the GRM requirements of the ADB for the project. The mechanism to address any grievances on environmental safeguards issues is the same as that designed to address grievances related to land acquisition and compensation. The objective of the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) is to resolve complaints as quickly as possible at the local level through a process of conciliation, and if that is not possible, to provide clear and transparent procedures for appeal. All affected persons will be made fully aware of their rights, and the detailed grievance redress procedures will be publicized through an effective public information campaign. An aggrieved affected person (AP) or affected household (AH) will be free from any fees in connection with the lodging and resolution of complaints, as the costs will be borne by the Executing Agency and the appointed contractors.

9.1 TYPE OF GRIEVANCES

156. Complainants are entitled to lodge complaints regarding any aspect of the project. Any affected person will be able to submit a grievance if they believe a practice is having a detrimental impact on the community, the environment, or on their quality of life. Eligible grievances or complaints include:

. Negative impacts on a person or a community (e.g. financial loss such as from loss of water, loss of roadside trees, health and safety issues, nuisances, etc.). . Dangers to health and safety or pollution of the environment.

. Hazards due to construction activities (e.g. noise, dust, disruption of access, etc.) . Impacts on social infrastructure. . Failure to comply with standards or legal obligations. . Improper conduct or unethical behaviour of contractor leading to nuisance of affected person(s). . Misuse of funds and other irregularities. . Grievances due to land acquisition, resettlement, compensation, relocation and unaddressed losses. . Complaints related to gender issues.

9.2 GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCESS

157. Complaints can be made verbally or in written form. It is recognized that in many cases, complainants do not have the writing skills or ability to express their grievances verbally, however, complainants are encouraged to seek assistance from family members or village heads, to have their grievances recorded in writing and to ensure that where disputes do occur and all the details have been recorded accurately enabling all parties to be treated fairly. In the case of verbal complaints, a written record of the complaint will be made during the first meeting with the complainant. Complainants who present their complaints within the prescribed procedures will be exempt from all administrative fees incurred. In addition, complainants who lodge complaints and appeals to district courts will be provided with free legal representation.

9.2.1 Arbitration Committees

158. The subproject’s GRM will rely on the existing village arbitration units that have already been established in the villages. The Village Development Committee (VDC) generally consists of the village chief, deputy chief, village secretary, and village representative of the Lao Women’s Union, Lao Front for National Construction, village elders, youth, and village land taxation unit. The VDC is responsible for settling disputes between villagers through conciliation and negotiation. In the absence of these units, the members of the village committee (if formed) or the village leaders will act as grievance officers. Moreover, the details of the PIU, GRM Focal Contact Persons and Construction Manager will be prominently displayed in the respective construction areas for the reference of the affected communities/persons. Complaints and grievances can be directly filed, both written and verbal, to the concerned entities. This will provide alternative entry points to the village complaint system.

159. The affected households (AHs) may present their complaints to the concerned local administrative officials and resettlement committees. The complaint can be filed first at the village level and can be elevated to the highest or provincial level if the affected persons (APs) are not satisfied with the decisions made by the VDC at village level. At the district and provincial levels, the district and provincial steering committees of the project will act on grievances or complaints that have not been resolved at the VDC. The District Project Steering Committee (DPSC) are composed of the Vice District Governor, Director of the DPWT, and representatives of the District Natural Resources and Environment Office, health office, police office, education office, Lao Women’s Union, Lao Front for National Construction, and youth office. A representative of the PIU of the subproject is a member of the district project steering committee. The Provincial Project Steering Committee (PPSC) is headed by the Vice Provincial Governor and is composed of representatives of provincial departments such as the DPWT, DoNRE, health department, police department, and education department, Lao Women’s Union, Lao Front for National Construction, and provincial youth

department. The representatives of the PIU and the PNP Dakcheung are members of the Provincial Project Steering Committee.

9.2.2 Grievance Redress Procedures

160. All complaints and resolutions will be properly documented by the concerned committee and be available for public review and for monitoring purposes. As a general policy, the PNP and PIU will work proactively toward preventing grievances through the implementation of impact mitigation measures and community liaison activities that anticipate and address potential issues before they become grievances. Nonetheless, during construction and operation it is possible that unanticipated impacts may occur if the mitigation measures are not properly implemented, or unforeseen issues occur. The procedures for the grievance resolution process for the subproject are detailed in Table 6.

TABLE 6. GRIEVANCE REDRESS PROCEDURES NO. STAGES Stage 1 (Village – Subproject Area). In the first instance, complainants will raise complaints or grievances to the Village Development Committee or other designated village grievance officers. The committee will organize a meeting with the complainants to resolve the issue using its traditional 1 methods of conciliation and negotiation. The meeting will be held in a public place and will be open to other members of the community to ensure transparency. The VDC aims at clarifications and amicable solution with the complainant. This mediation aims at a village internal immediate solution agreed with the subproject. If the complaint cannot be solved at this stage, the next step will apply. Stage 2 (District Implementing Level). If within 5 days of lodging the complaint and no understanding or amicable solution can be reached or no response is received from the Village 2 Development Committee, the complainant can bring the complaint to the District Project Steering Committee (DPSC). The DPSC will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and provide a decision within 10 days of receiving the appeal. Stage 3 (Provincial Implementing Level). If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the DPSC or in the absence of any response, the complainant can appeal to the Provincial Project 3 Steering Committee (PPSC) with contribution of authorities and village representative/s. The PPSC will meet the complainant to clarify the complaint and will inform the complainant about its decision aiming to solve the complaint. The PPSC will provide a decision on the complaint within 10 days. Stage 4 (Ministerial Project Executive Level). If the AP is still not satisfied with the decision of the PPSC, or in the absence of any response within the stipulated time, the complainant can submit his/her grievance to Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS). The DWSS acting on behalf 4 of the MPWT will verify with the PPSC and DPSC. DWSS might consider an independent external opinion in this matter. The DWSS will render a decision within 10 days of receiving the complaint. Before the next stage is applied additional efforts should be made to find an agreement with the AP. Stage 5 (Country Level). As a last resort, the complainant may submit his/her case to the Court of Law. The complaint will be lodged with the Court of Law. The Court will take note and register the 5 case and will provide the final juristic decision. The DWSS will be responsible for forwarding the complaint and ensuring its process in the courts.

161. Normally complaints related to construction and environmental issues are resolved at the VDC level wherein the conciliation and negotiation are promptly attended to by the PIU and contractors. Complaints related to resettlement and land disputes are normally elevated to the district and provincial levels, and at times to the Court. At each stage of the grievance redress process, written records will be maintained. The VDC will submit reports to the DPSC documenting: (i) complaints received; (ii) names and other pertinent information about complainants; (iii) dates of the original complaint, meetings and any other actions; and (iv) outcomes and/or resolution. The DPSC, PPSC, and DWSS will each maintain similar records for appeals that are submitted to them. The records of grievances will be included in regular progress reporting on the subproject. Table 7 presents the individuals responsible for receiving and recording the complaints from the affected persons (APs).

TABLE 7. INDIVIDUALS AT STAGE 1 (SUBPROJECT VILLAGE LEVEL) NO VILLAGE NAME CONTACT PERSON CONTACT NO. 1 Dakcheung Ms. Keochanta/Mr. Doungvilay 030 9885323/020 56590102 2 Dakbong Ms. Keo/Ms. Minlinta 030 9012352/030 9012352

3 Nonsavanh Ms. Sou Intha/Ms. Inthawa 030 4997275/020 99334802 4 Ngondone Ms. Kham 020 56819474

162. If efforts to resolve complaints or disputes remain unresolved and unsatisfactory following the GoL GRM, the affected persons/households have the right to send their concerns or problems directly to ADB’s Operations Department, i.e., Urban and Water Division, Southeast Asia Department (SERD) or through ADB Lao PDR Resident Mission. If the AP is still not satisfied with the responses of SERD, he/she can directly contact the ADB's Office of the Special Project Facilitator (OSPF) as outlined in the "Information Guide to the Consultation Phase of the ADB Accountability Mechanism". The Information Guide can be downloaded through this link: https://www.adb.org/documents/information-guide-consultation-phase-adb- accountability-mechanism. Those who want to make a complaint with the ADB can refer to the sample letter of complaint adapted from the Information Guide as shown in Figure 5.

FIGURE 5. SAMPLE COMPLAINT LETTER

10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

163. The matrix of mitigation measures in Table 8 presents all the required measures and monitoring responsibilities corresponding to the impacts as assessed that are considered necessary through the environmental assessment process. The mitigation measures required cover all stages of the contract and are separated into pre-construction, construction and operation phases. This EMP is based on the type, extent and duration of the environmental impacts identified at the design stage. In the event that unexpected impacts occur during implementation, the EMP will be amended to take into account of unexpected impacts and mitigation measures will be amended as necessary.

TABLE 8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE I. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Impact on land Implement the land acquisition External LACP c/o PNP PIU acquisition and and compensation plan that monitoring operations community assets was approved by the ADB for report cost the subproject. Loss of community assets Design access roads to due to land minimum necessary width and acquisition and installation of pipelines within damage to the Right-of-Way when properties. feasible. Impact of location The abstraction rate for the River level c/o PNP PIU, PNP of raw water water supply subproject will be assessments at operations Sekong intake on other limited to the 1,000 m3/day the intake on a cost water users capacity of the WTP. There is monthly basis minimal conflict with other Downstream river water users of Nam Houay uses such as Pouang because there is still irrigation, bathing, enough water in the river that washing, and will meet the other river uses fishing will be at the downstream. affected if excessive water abstraction will occur. Impact to Natural Cutting of trees will be N/A N/A N/A resources and undertaken as per approved protected areas design and only upon approval. Avoid cutting of Impact on natural trees s much as possible and resources and minimize damage to native protected areas vegetation. Trees that need to from be cut in private land will be cutting/clearing of compensated in cash in trees and other accordance with the approved vegetation. Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan Impact on The Contractor will ensure that Accidental finds c/o PNP PIU, PNP Historical and the workforce are briefed that operations Sekong Archaeological in the event of accidental finds cost Sites relics they should immediately cease any works in the area Damage to relics and promptly report the find to and artifacts their supervisor. during the conduct of the works. II. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE Temporary Walking access will be Periodic Included in disruption of maintained to affected monitoring and civil works existing properties and access routes reporting by cost community roads, will be temporarily lined with Supervision pathways, and timber or similar material. Consultant and accesses Particular attention will be PIA. given to ensuring safety along Pipe laying will roads and paths used by Report any cause temporary pedestrians. complaint disruption of received from community Side street parking of the community services and construction vehicles on to PIU and access to prolonged basis will not be document in properties. allowed. safeguard monitoring Particularly at pipe Install barriers and safety reports. road crossings, warning signs on road sections construction and if necessary deploy traffic activities along aides/ flag persons at affected narrow roads may locations. Information boards lead to temporary at blocked roads will provide blockage or information about the closure of roads temporary closure of roads, and hamper schedule of works and the movement of traffic-rerouting plan. vehicles and people in the Require the contractor to community. immediately rehabilitate the excavated areas and any Community damaged road and path access to areas in sections. the vicinity of the WTP, pump Enclose the WTP; pump station, reservoir, station, reservoir, and intake and intake will be perimeters so that pathway affected. use and stream access remains unimpeded. Community access to areas in Enclose the latrine the vicinity of construction site to prevent schools, temples, access and limit disruption for village offices, the use of the schools and market places and public buildings. meeting halls will be affected during construction of public latrines. Air pollution Require the contractor to cover Periodic Included in PIU, PNP materials with tarpaulin or monitoring and civil works Contractor Dust and air other suitable materials while reporting by cost emissions from in transit to avoid spillage of Supervision earthworks and materials. Consultant and movement of PIA. vehicles can pose Moisten earthen roads during nuisance to dry and dusty conditions, Report any nearby particularly roads near complaint communities residences and through the received from town core area. the community to PIU and Impose speed limits on document in construction vehicles. safeguard monitoring Conduct regular maintenance reports. on construction equipment and

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE vehicles to control air emissions during vehicle operation. Noise Limit construction activities, Include EMP in Included in PIU, PNP particularly operation of noise bid documents civil works Contractor Operation of generating equipment at night. and contract. cost construction equipment such Position any stationary Report any as jackhammer equipment that produce high complaint will cause noise levels such as diesel received from excessive noise generators as far as practical the community resulting in from sensitive receptors. to PIU. nuisance to communities. Erect temporary barriers around construction sites especially near schools, hospitals, and houses.

Install noise suppression devices to noise generating equipment.

Require drivers to minimize blowing of horn and to comply with speed limits.

Provide information to community on schedule of construction activities through billboard/signs. Impact of borrow The contractor will be Periodic Included in PIU, PNP materials prohibited from quarrying monitoring and civil works Contractor materials directly from Nam reporting by cost Quarrying of Houay Pouang River. Supervision aggregates on Consultant and Nam Houay Construction materials will be PIA. Pouang river will procured from Government- cause siltation permitted sources / suppliers Report any and affect the only. complaint ecological received from condition of the the community river. to PIU and document in safeguard monitoring reports. Impact on The contractors will prohibit Periodic Included in PIU, PNP ecological activities such as cutting wood monitoring and civil works Contractor resources for cooking, hunting, or wildlife reporting by cost trade. Supervision Construction Consultant and workers may PIA. undertake hunting of wildlife and Report any cutting of wood complaint upstream of the received from intake. the community to PIU and document in safeguard monitoring reports.

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE Clearing of Cutting of trees will be Periodic Included in PIU, PNP vegetation undertaken as per approved monitoring and civil works Contractor design and only upon approval reporting by cost Poor planning and of relevant authorities. Avoid Supervision execution of tree cutting of trees as much as Consultant and clearing/vegetatio possible and minimize damage PIA. n removal at to native vegetation. Trees that project facilities need to be cut in private land Report any and along pipeline will be compensated in cash complaint alignments can accordance with the approved received from result in loss of Land Acquisition and the community vegetation and Compensation Plan. to PIU and general landscape document in Roads and paths to the intake, safeguard WTP, and reservoir will only monitoring be sufficiently wide to reports. accommodate construction vehicles/equipment to minimize land take.

Manual labor will be utilized in sloping terrain where use of heavy equipment would cause unnecessary damage. Steep exposed slopes will be graded and covered with bush and grass to minimize erosion.

Implement landscaping and planting of trees/vegetation at sites of the proposed facilities. Water pollution - Construct silt traps, deviation Periodic Included in PIU, PNP Sediment runoff channels, mounting barriers or monitoring and civil works Contractor trenches around the stockpiles reporting by cost Sediment runoff of materials. Supervision undertaken during Consultant and excavation, PIA. earthworks and grading in the Report any rainy season will complaint cause siltation of received from rivers the community to PIU and document in safeguard monitoring reports. Water Pollution - Provide adequate water supply Periodic Included in PIU, PNP Worker’s camp and temporary toilet facilities monitoring and civil works Contractor at the worker’s camp. reporting by cost Domestic Supervision wastewater from Consultant and worker’s camp PIA. would result to the discharge of Report any sewage into complaint drainage canals. received from the community Unsanitary to PIU and conditions at the document in worker’s camp will safeguard occur without the monitoring provision of reports. necessary

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE sanitation arrangements. Water pollution - Follow the recommended Periodic Included in PIU, PNP Generation of dosage of chlorine during the monitoring and civil works Contractor residual chlorine disinfection of pipes and reporting by cost during pipeline reservoir. Discharge of water Supervision and reservoir with high chlorine Consultant and disinfection concentration to soil at the end PIA. of pipelines to be controlled to Prior to minimize soil erosion. Report any commissioning, complaint disinfection will be Use chlorine test kit and use received from undertaken on the 10x15x dilution with distilled the community pipeline and water or use high range to PIU and reservoir. chlorine test kit with high range document in tablets to detect chlorine safeguard Discharge of residual before flushing. monitoring residual chlorine reports. above the allowable limits is toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Generation of During pipe laying, excavated Periodic Included in PIU, PNP construction material will be utilized to monitoring and civil works Contractor waste - backfill the trench. The reporting by cost Generation of contractor will be required to Supervision excavated soil properly reinstate the Consultant and excavated trench after PIA. Generation of completion of pipe laying. excavated Report any materials during Surplus excavated material/cut complaint pipe laying and soil from construction of the received from foundation works WTP and reservoir will be the community for WTP tanks used as backfill material for to PIU and and reservoirs. low-lying areas that have been document in identified by the village safeguard authority. monitoring reports. Generation of Provide appropriate Periodic Included in PIU, PNP construction segregation bins or areas for monitoring and civil works Contractor wastes – Solid, construction wastes. reporting by cost Inert and Supervision Hazardous Secure and control storage of Consultant and Wastes all hazardous materials PIA. including fuels. Solid wastes, inert Report any construction Reuse recyclable construction complaint wastes, and wastes such as wood, steel, received from hazardous wastes and scaffoldings or sell to junk the community during shops. to PIU and construction will document in result to pollution Solid waste to be collected safeguard of land and and disposed in approved monitoring receiving water disposal site of the District. reports. bodies. Community health Install barricades/barriers and Periodic Included in PIU, PNP and safety sturdy plate covers in open monitoring and civil works Contractor excavations during non- reporting by cost Community may working time. Supervision be exposed to Consultant and dangers of open Install warning signs in the PIA. excavation area. Report any complaint

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE received from the community to PIU and document in safeguard monitoring reports. Occupational Require the contractor to Contract Included in PIU, PNP health and safety implement the construction documents to civil works Contractor health and safety plan in include the EMP cost Construction accordance with the World with health and activities may Bank EHS Guidelines safety provisions pose hazards to (http://www.ifc.org/ehsguidelin monitoring workers because es) as a minimum standard. through the of the use of The contractor will appoint an Construction heavy equipment, environment, health and safety Supervisor’s lifting of heavy officer to ensure reports. loads, and implementation of the plan. exposure to open The plan will at minimum Report any excavations and include: complaint chemicals. received from  Provision of first-aid the community Potential conflict facilities readily accessible to PIU. with local people by workers. will occur if  Provision of personal migrant workers protective equipment will be brought to (PPEs) such as hard hats, the site. gloves, rubber boots, etc.,  Wearing of PPEs while working onsite will be a mandatory requirement for workers.  Posting of safety signs/reminders in strategic areas within the construction area.  Installation of sufficient lighting at night.  Employ only trained personnel in handling chlorine during the line disinfection process.  Ensure that vehicle and equipment operators are properly licensed and trained.  Provide staff with communicable disease and HIV-related awareness training.

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE on drainage wastewater generated. This connections, To be systems policy and the public population arranged awareness raising initiatives served, and public was presented to the villages billed water institution Increased water under the Village volume. supply to public Environmental Improvements buildings and (VEI) component. households will Monitor that the generate The public institution shall sign service and additional a service and management management quantities of agreement before construction agreements are wastewater. and have sufficient funds to followed and maintain the facility. facilities are properly maintained. Deterioration of Monitor community activities in Monitor the Part of PNP Sekong water quality the catchment area to check following PNP activities at the upstream that parameters: operations Potential may cause contamination of cost deterioration in raw water quality. Daily at the inlet quality of raw to the treatment water supply and Provide laboratory test plant: turbidity, of treated water equipment and training to pH allow the PNP to conduct regular monitoring of raw and Daily after the treated water quality reservoir: pH, Potential risk on parameters. turbidity, public health in residual deterioration of Follow O&M standard chlorine, treated water operating procedures in temperature quality due to use accordance with the water of poor quality treatment plant manuals. Weekly at treatment several locations chemicals Use of potable grade in the network: chemicals, especially PAC, residual and request a Supplier product chlorine, pH, specification data sheet signed turbidity off by a reputable external laboratory. Annually after Clearwater tank: chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), sodium (Na), sulfate ion, zinc (Zn), conductivity, total hardness as CaCO3 High Pressure This risk will be minimized by: Daily visual Part of PNP Sekong and Leaks on the (i) the use of durable standard monitoring of PNP Pipeline pipes for the main and pipelines. operations secondary (rider mains) lines, cost The proposed (ii) use of pressure reducing distribution valves for the rider mains, (iii) network will have careful construction sections located supervision by the Project at low elevations Implementation Assistance which may Consultants PIA to ensure that experience high pipe laying and jointing is done water pressure to the highest standard by the which may contractor, and (v) regular

BUDGET RESPONSI ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING BLE L IMPACT OFFICE potentially result inspection of the network and in leakages in the prompt isolation and repair line and ultimately when leaks occur. water loss Disposal of Filter backwash water and Check condition Part of PNP Sekong backwash water periodic discharges from the of detention PNP and sediments sedimentation tanks will be ponds; report operations from WTP collected to a detention pond frequency/sched cost to separate the concentrated ule of Backwash water waste sludge or sediments. backwashing and sludge from Land application of wastes the sedimentation with high dissolved solids tanks will be concentrations from the generated from detention pond is preferred the cleaning of over discharge to a landfill. filters and tanks. Backwash water and sludge contain high total suspended solids. Occupational Provide secure, dry and well Training Part of PNP Sekong health and safety ventilated storage facilities for undertaken for PNP chlorine and other hazardous staff on operations chemicals. chemicals cost handling and Use chlorine compounds in monitoring and power form, which is safer reporting of Potential hazards than gas. incidents to WTP workers due to accidental Training of staff and allocation release of chlorine of responsibility to ensure that materials are properly handled. Generation of The sludge that will be Quarterly check Part of PNP Sekong Sludge from generated from the detention on the volume of PNP Detention Ponds ponds will be dredged and sludge in the operations disposed as backfill material in detention ponds. cost low-lying areas to be identified Increased volume by the village leaders. No land of sludge in application of the generated detention ponds. sludge without the required approval by the village authorities. Community health Facilities (Intake, WTP and Daily log of Part of PNP Sekong and safety Laboratory, Office and security PNP Reservoir) properly fenced and personnel operations Potential hazards secured and cost to residents in watchmen/security personnel affected to be employed on a 24 hour communities. basis.

10.1 REPORTING

164. Pre-construction Phase. The EMP monitoring during the pre-construction phase of the subproject will be undertaken by the PIA consultant (Appendix G - Template of Project Environmental Safeguards Monitoring Report). Semi-annual Integrated Safeguards Monitoring Reports will be prepared by the PCU with support of the PIA and submitted to ADB for review and disclosed on the ADB project website. Appendix H shows the Semi Annual Integrated Safeguards Monitoring Report.

165. Construction Phase. Throughout the construction period, the contractor will submit monthly environmental compliance progress reports to the PNP, copy furnished to the PIU. The contractor should be able to highlight the summary of the progress of construction, activities undertaken within the reporting period to implement the measures outlined in the EMP, record any community complaints received and how the complaint was resolved.

166. The PIU will consolidate the results of the monthly environmental monitoring through a quarterly progress report that will be submitted to the PCU which is based at the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation of the MPWT. The quarterly report will summarize the significant findings and measures undertaken to address any adverse environmental impacts during construction and also present any unforeseen environmental impacts and suggested remedial actions for the next monitoring period. Copies of the quarterly progress report prepared by the PIU will be given to the members of the Provincial Project Steering Committee and the District Governor. PCU will consolidate information from quarterly progress reports, compile and submit integrated safeguards monitoring report semi-annually to ADB.

167. Once the reports are received by the PCU, these will be reviewed relative to subproject compliance with the indicators defined in the EMP. The PCU will submit the quarterly reports to the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation of MPWT and other national agencies (MONRE, MOF, MOPC, etc.), and to ADB. The PCU will also prepare the quarterly Project Progress Reports including the main points of environmental monitoring and Semi-annual Integrated Safeguards Monitoring Reports in English to be submitted to ADB.

168. Operational Phase. The EMP monitoring during the operational phase will be undertaken by the PNP. Semi-annual reports will be submitted by the PIU to the PCU. The PCU will review the report and check the project’s adherence to the EMP and then submit the Semi-annual Integrated Safeguards Monitoring Reports to ADB until the Project Completion Report (PCR) is prepared. The monitoring parameters during the operational phase, as outlined in the EMP, include monitoring of water quality at the inlet of the WTP and of treated water. Table 9 presents the EMP Reporting Plan while Table 9 shows the Matrix for reporting of the Water Quality Monitoring Results.

TABLE 9. EMP REPORTING PLAN TYPE OF REPORT BASIC CONTENT PREPARED BY SUBMITTED TO FREQUENCY PRE-CONSTRUCTION THROUGH OPERATIONAL PHASE Integrated Safeguards PCU, Semi-annual Monitoring Report Department of MPWT until project Progress report including EMP Water Supply ADB completion implementation and and Sanitation report (PCR) monitoring CONSTRUCTION PHASE Progress of construction, Construction including EMP PCU and copy Contractor Monthly Progress Report monitoring results, furnished to PIU complaints received and actions taken Progress of PCU, construction, EMP District Governor, Progress Report implementation, PIU Provincial Project Quarterly complaints received Steering and actions taken Committee Progress of construction, PCU, MPWT, MONRE, safeguards (EMP Department of and other national Progress Report and LACP) Quarterly Water Supply agencies implementation, and Sanitation ADB complaints received and actions taken OPERATIONAL PHASE Subproject progress Semi-annual report including until project Progress Report EMP PNP PCU completion implementation and report (PCR) monitoring Subproject progress report including PCU, Semi-annual Integrated EMP/LACP Department of MPWT until project Safeguards implementation and Water Supply ADB completion Monitoring Report compliance with and Sanitation report (PCR) ADB’s policies and regulations After physical completion of Project evaluation, Project MPWT the sub-project lessons learnt and PCU Completion Report ADB and before end recommendations of contract of PIA

10.2 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

169. Table 10 sets out the Institutional Responsibilities for Environmental Management. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport - Department of Water Supply and Sanitation and the PNP are the key institutions that will play crucial roles in the implementation of the subproject as well as in ensuring the proper and timely implementation of the requisite environment safeguard reports. The succeeding sections details the administrative and environmental management responsibilities of the concerned institutions.

10.2.1 Department of Water Supply and Sanitation - Ministry of Public Works and Transport

170. The Department of Water Supply and Sanitation of the MPWT as Executing Agency (EA) will house the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) of the WSSP and will be the primary point of contact with ADB. The Department of Water Supply and Sanitation will head the PCU. The PCU will receive overall direction and policy guidance from a Project Steering Committee (PSC), which includes representatives of the main central level agencies, including MoNRE.

10.2.2 Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

171. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the provincial level, will be responsible to the day-to-day coordination and supervision of project implementation. The PIU is headed by the Director of the PNP. The PIU will receive support in coordinating the provincial and district agencies including the DoNRE offices and take decisions on behalf of the provincial government from a Provincial Project Steering Committee (PPSC), chaired by the Provincial Vice Governor. At the district level, the District Government or Vice Governor will oversee the subproject, monitor progress, review quality of work, coordinate the subproject with the PIU and local communities and report on the progress to the PPSC.

TABLE 10. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AGENCY ROLE CONSTRUCTION OPERATION Overall central level supervision and guidance MoNRE ✓ ✓ related to natural resources and environment Overall supervision IEE preparation and implementation: Review of IEE and coordination of approvals from ADB Uploading of the IEE on MPWT website Ensuring EMP is included in contract documentation. ✓ (prior to PCU Check the project’s adherence to the EMP ✓ Review the quarterly environmental monitoring PCR) reports prepared by the PIU during the construction phase and submit the report to ADB. Review the semi-annual progress report prepared by the PNP during the operational phase and submits the report to ADB. Principal responsibility for EMP implementation Preparation of IEE and contract documentation Submission of IEE to ADB for approval Submission of IEE to PPSC and DoNRE for reference during monitoring Conduct consultations with local residents in respect of specific sites where the proposed works will include excavation, determine the need for any further investigation and/or PIU clearance services and submit to the PCU ✓ ✓ Monitor compliance of the contractor with the EMP Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports prepared by contractor through a quarterly progress report to be submitted to the PCU. Provide members of the Provincial Project Steering Committee and the District Governor with copies of the quarterly progress report

AGENCY ROLE CONSTRUCTION OPERATION Advice on issues arising with EMP PIA ✓ ✓ implementation and overall technical support Coordination of provincial and district agencies for EMP implementation during construction PPSC ✓ ✓ and operation, and ensuring compliance monitoring. Participation in PIU ✓ Implementation of operational aspects related PNP to water supply output in the EMP ✓ Conduct water quality monitoring at WTP inlet, treated water, and distribution lines Participation in PPSC ✓ OPWT Implementation of operational aspects related to drainage ✓ and public sanitation output in the EMP Participation in PPSC ✓ DOH Participation in environmental monitoring and ✓ awareness raising

Notes: PIA – Project implementation assistance; OPWT – Office of Public Works and Transport (District); DOH – District Heath Office

10.2.3 Environmental Monitoring

172. Table 11 presents the environmental monitoring plan and performance indicators during the construction and operational phases of the subproject based on the EMP.

TABLE 11. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL MEANS OF PARAMETERS LOCATION PERFORMANCE FREQUENCY MONITORING INDICATOR CONSTRUCTION PHASE All project sites Adherence to Compliance (intake, WTP, provisions in the monitoring by reservoir, access Compliance with EMP Daily EMP to mitigate contractor and roads, main and construction impacts PIU distribution network) Direct effects on Through communities from All project sites Views and opinions of community impacts such as (intake, WTP, communities and feedback and damage to reservoir, access Weekly complaints received grievance properties, dust roads, main and via GRM redress generation, noise, distribution network) mechanism and safety Monitoring of EMP during Compliance construction/excavati All roads, particularly monitoring by on, including Compliance with EMP Daily at road pipe crossings contractor and compliance with PIU traffic management requirements Residual chlorine Residual during pipeline and Residual chlorine Prior to chlorine testing reservoir disinfection Pipeline and reservoir should be less than 2 decommissioning or report on prior to mg/l before flushing dilution activity commissioning OPERATIONAL PHASE Wastewater Number of Villages Monthly PNP records management households with

ENVIRONMENTAL MEANS OF PARAMETERS LOCATION PERFORMANCE FREQUENCY MONITORING INDICATOR latrines and with water connections, population served, and billed water volume Water abstraction Raw water source Intake Monthly PNP records rate at intake Water quality of raw Inlet of WTP pH, turbidity Daily In-situ test kits and treated water After the reservoir: pH, turbidity, residual chlorine, and temperature Daily At locations in the distribution system: Residual chlorine, pH, Water quality of WTP and sampling Using portable turbidity Weekly treated water and at stations strategically test kits and/or the distribution scattered around the analysis in After the Clearwater networks distribution area laboratory tank: Chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), sodium (Na), sulfate ion, zinc (Zn), conductivity, Annually total hardness as CaCO3 Schedule of PNP records Backwash water and backwashing and WTP Monthly and site sediments from WTP condition of detention observation ponds Staff training on Before the start of Occupational health chemicals handling WTP operation and WTP PNP records and safety and monitoring of throughout incidents operation

10.2.4 Capacity Building

173. The extension office of PNP Sekong in Dakcheung District lacks the capacity for environmental management and monitoring and water quality testing. The subproject will include equipment for a small water testing laboratory at the proposed WTP site. Regular water quality tests on the raw and treated water will help determine appropriate dosing of chemicals to be applied at the WTP as well as ensure potable water quality at the distribution lines. The PNP will receive training on the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the laboratory equipment. At the minimum, the laboratory will include portable equipment for testing of turbidity, temperature, residual chlorine, pH, and coli form. The PNP staff will also be trained on the proper and correct sampling and preservation methods for water samples that will be brought to external laboratories for analysis.

10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING COSTS

174. The cost for the environmental safeguard activities during construction, i.e. environmental management, review, and monitoring, for the subproject will be primarily included in the civil works cost. The cost of environmental management and monitoring activities during the operational phase will be borne by the PNP, as part of operation and maintenance activities.

11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

175. This Updated IEE for the Dakcheung District subproject was undertaken to determine the environmental issues and concerns associated with the proposed water supply system subproject. The assessment confirms that the subproject remains classified as Category B for environment based on ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS, 2009). The subproject will have beneficial impacts on health and well-being of the people because of improved accessibility to potable and reliable water supply. There are also health benefits in the form of reduced incidence of diarrhoea, dysentery, skin rashes, and other water-borne diseases as a result of hygiene promotion activities and improved access to safe water for the community.

176. Most of the environmental impacts are expected to occur during the construction phase. The environmental impacts are not expected to cause irreversible and significant adverse environmental impacts and are easily controllable by appropriate and conventional mitigation measures. Based on the assessment of environmental impacts, the anticipated adverse impacts during project implementation are related to nuisances which may happen during the construction of the subproject components such as temporary alienation of access, temporary disruption of community facilities, noise, and sediment runoff, release of dust and engine gas emissions. Recommendations formulated in the EMP, its inclusion in the contractual framework, and an effective inspection of construction sites will reduce these risks to an acceptable level.

177. Environmental mitigation measures have been designed as outlined in the subproject EMP to address any adverse impacts during the various phases of project implementation. The EMP also presents the institutional responsibilities for implementing the mitigation measures. All Subproject activities prior to construction, during construction and during operation will be managed as provided in the EMP and the Contractor’s compliance and implementation of the mitigation measures shall be monitored. An environmental monitoring plan has been provided to ensure water quality is maintained according to the prevailing Lao standards.

178. The Updated IEE concludes that the subproject combined with available information on affected environment is sufficient to identify the scope of environmental impacts of the subproject. No further environmental assessment is therefore required.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX A RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST

Instructions:

(i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by the Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.

(ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.

(iii) 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 Title: LAO PDR: Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (Dakcheung District Subproject) Sector Division: SEUW

SCREENING QUESTIONS YES NO REMARKS A. Project Siting Is the project area… Densely populated? X The service area and locations of project components are in urban town centers. These areas are not densely populated. Heavy with development activities? X Development activities in the service area are limited to small-medium sized commercial activities. Most of the area is used for residential purposes with some paddy fields. Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive X The Don Ampham Conservation and areas? Biodiversity Area is located approximately 50 km east of the project area. Cultural heritage site X Not applicable Protected Area X There is no protected area within the component sites and immediate vicinity. The Don Ampham Conservation and Biodiversity Area is located approximately 50 km east of the project area.

Wetland X Not applicable Mangrove X Not applicable Estuarine X Not applicable Buffer zone of protected area X Not applicable Special area for protecting biodiversity X Not applicable Bay X Not applicable B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause… . pollution of raw water supply from upstream X There are no settlements in the wastewater discharge from communities, industries, upstream. agriculture, and soil erosion runoff? . impairment of historical/cultural monuments/areas X There are no historical/cultural sites and loss/damage to these sites? that will be affected by the project. . hazard of land subsidence caused by excessive X Not applicable. ground water pumping? . social conflicts arising from displacement of X Not applicable. communities ? . conflicts in abstraction of raw water for water supply X There is sufficient water in Nam with other beneficial water uses for surface and Houay Pouang for downstream ground waters? users. Villagers disclosed that even during the dry season, the river still has water.

SCREENING QUESTIONS YES NO REMARKS . unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. excessive X The current condition of the raw pathogens or mineral constituents)? water in Nam Houay Pouang is satisfactory. A WTP is proposed for the subproject to improve quality of water supply. . delivery of unsafe water to distribution system? X The subproject will ensure delivery of safe and potable water. . inadequate protection of intake works or wells, X Measures are included in the EMP to leading to pollution of water supply? protect intake works against contamination. . over pumping of ground water, leading to X Not applicable. Groundwater salinization and ground subsidence? abstraction is not included in the scheme. . excessive algal growth in storage reservoir? X Disinfection will be undertaken to prevent algal growth. . increase in production of sewage beyond X The project policy will ensure that capabilities of community facilities? households have pit latrines before connecting to the water supply system. The drainage and sanitation concerns will be addressed in the VEI component of WSSP. . inadequate disposal of sludge from water treatment X Back wash water from sand filters plants? and sludge resulting from the WTP process will be piped into detention pond and clarified water discharged into a drainage pipe. Sludge will be removed from the retention pond periodically and disposed of to agricultural land as soil conditioner. . inadequate buffer zone around pumping and X Noise control measures are included treatment plants to alleviate noise and other in the EMP. possible nuisances and protect facilities? . impairments associated with transmission lines and X Installation of pipelines will affect access roads? access of vehicles and passersby. A management plan is included in the EMP. . health hazards arising from inadequate design of X The WTP will include a chlorination facilities for receiving, storing, and handling of and coagulation which needs proper chlorine and other hazardous chemicals. chemical storage and handling system to avoid health hazards. . health and safety hazards to workers from handling X Workers and staff of the WTP will be and management of chlorine used for disinfection, oriented on the proper handling of other contaminants, and biological and physical coagulants and chlorine. hazards during project construction and operation? . dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? X Not applicable . disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and X Not applicable children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups? . noise and dust from construction activities? X Noise and dust may be generated during the construction of the subproject components (intake, WTP, pipelines and secondary mains). Mitigating measures are incorporated in the EMP. . increased road traffic due to interference of X Some roads may be blocked during construction activities? construction of the lines. Also, the movement of vehicles carrying construction materials along the narrow roads to the subproject component sites may cause disturbances. Traffic management incorporated in the EMP. . continuing soil erosion/silt runoff from construction X Temporary silt runoff from excavation operations? activities may be generated. Silt traps and other measures to control sediment flow into rivers are included in the EMP.

SCREENING QUESTIONS YES NO REMARKS . delivery of unsafe water due to poor O&M treatment X O&M training will be provided to the processes (especially mud accumulations in filters) operators of the WTP and water and inadequate chlorination due to lack of adequate distribution system resulting monitoring of chlorine residuals in distribution preventing delivering of unsafe systems? water. . delivery of water to distribution system, which is X Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) will be corrosive due to inadequate attention to feeding of used as primary coagulant to corrective chemicals? maintain pH above 7.2. . accidental leakage of chlorine gas? X Powder chlorine will be used. . . excessive abstraction of water affecting downstream X Abstraction will be limited to the water users? capacity of the WTP. . competing uses of water? X The proposed abstraction rate is minimal and that there will be sufficient water for downstream users. . increased sewage flow due to increased water X Improvement in water supply may supply result to increased water consumption and therefore increase the volume of sewage. Households will be required to have a pit latrine with soakaways if needed for connecting to the water supply system. . increased volume of sullage (wastewater from X There is potential increase in sullage cooking and washing) and sludge from wastewater with improvement in water supply. treatment plant Drainage improvement measures will be provided as part of the VEI activities. . large population influx during project construction X Not applicable and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)? . social conflicts if workers from other regions or X PIU and contractor will be required to countries are hired? hire qualified locals during construction and operation. . risks to community health and safety due to the X Not applicable transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and construction? . community safety risks due to both accidental and X Not applicable natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

A CHECKLIST FOR PRELIMINARY CLIMATE RISK SCREENING

Country/Project Title: LAO PDR: WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION SECTOR PROJECT SUBPROJECT: DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT Sector : WATER SUPPLY Subsector: Division/Department: SEUW

SCREENING QUESTIONS SCORE REMARKS Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its 0 The river has not dried up even components) likely to be affected by during the dry months. The climate conditions including extreme WTP and reservoir are located in weather related events such as floods, elevated areas and will not be droughts, storms, landslides? affected by extreme floods. Location and 1 Design of intake needs to Design of project Would the project design (e.g. the consider highest and lowest clearance for bridges) need to consider any flows of the river and rainfall hydro-meteorological parameters (e.g., intensity. River level sea-level, peak river flow, reliable water assessments will be undertaken level, peak wind speed etc)? as part of the monitoring plan. Would weather, current and likely future 0 climate conditions (e.g. prevailing humidity level, temperature contrast between hot summer days and cold winter days, exposure to wind and humidity hydro- Materials and meteorological parameters likely affect the Maintenance selection of project inputs over the life of project outputs (e.g. construction material)? Would weather, current and likely future 0 climate conditions, and related extreme events likely affect the maintenance (scheduling and cost) of project output(s) ? Would weather/climate conditions, and 0 related extreme events likely affect the Performance of performance (e.g. annual power project outputs production) of project output(s) (e.g. hydropower generation facilities) throughout their design life time?

Options for answers and corresponding score are provided below:

Response Score Not Likely 0 Likely 1 Very Likely 2

Responses when added that provide a score of 0 will be considered low risk project. If adding all responses will result to a score of 1-4 and that no score of 2 was given to any single response, the project will be assigned a medium risk category. A total score of 5 or more (which include providing a score of 1 in all responses) or a 2 in any single response will be categorized as high risk project.

Result of Initial Screening (Low, Medium, and High): Total score is 1 thus MEDIUM RISK

Other Comments: ______

Prepared by: ______

APPENDIX B CERTIFICATE NO. 14/ DONRE.XK ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (ECC) FOR DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT

Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity 

Xekong Province No. 14/DoNRE.XK Provincial Department of Natural Resource and Environmental Xekong, Date: 01 April 2019

Environmental Compliance Certificate

- Pursuant to the Law on Environmental Protection, No. 29/NA dated 18 December 2012 - Pursuant to the Agreement of the Minister’s Mistry of Natural Resource and Environment No. 3171/MoNRE, dated 01 August 2017 on the Implementation and Responsibility of Provincial Department of Natural Resource and Environment. - Pursuant to Initial Environmental Examination for the Water Supply and Sanitation Project of Darcheung District, Xekong Province , September 2018 version.

Provincial Department of Natural Resource and Environmental agreed on:

1. Agree to approve the Initial Environmental Examination for Water Supply and Sanitation Project of Darcheung District, Xekong Province September 2018 version, Department of Public Work and Transportation Xekong Province. 2. The project developer shall be strictly implementation on condition which is stated in the appendix of this Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). 3. This ECC comes into force as from the date of signature onwards and will be effective through the project investment phase.

Director of DONRE of Bolikhamxay Province

[Signed and Seale] Bounlai BOUTTHI

Appendix

Conditions This is the appendix of the Environmental for the Water Supply and Sanitation Project September 2018 Version, Department of Public Work and Transportation is the Project Owner.

1. This ECC will be immediately become void or ineffective, if the project developer fails to commence any activities as specify in the EMMP which is included in IEE and fails to compliance with any conditions specified in this document or the project will not receiving the contract extension. 2. If the project developer does not implementing any activities or DoNRE evaluates that the project do not have any progress within 2 years after obtaining this ECC, such ECC shall be come void, in case the project developer is intend to continue development the project, such the project developer shall apply for a new ECC with DoNRE will be reasonable considering the requesting by the project developer. 3. In case that any encounter problem related on environmental and social matter which is not specified in the IEE, the project developer shall be additional responsible on identify the mitigation measures, including the sufficient and transparency budget and time on implementation. 4. The project developer shall be strictly implementation and compliance with all mitigation measure for environmental and social impact that specified in the IEE and in the EMMP with is ensured the project’s contractors and subcontractors intend on the good and effective performance as well. Moreover, shall be fully responsible on mitigate the negative impact on environmental and social that was not specified in the EMMP. 5. The project developer shall be fully responsible on the regulations, laws and finance that relevant to any actions, mistakes and negative impact that occurrence in the water supply and sanitation project that implemented by the contractors, subcontractor, employee- labour, representatives, specialist/consultant and other that have nominated to be the representative of the project developer 6. The project developer shall responsible for all information that the project developer had been specified in the IEE related to the environmental impact and all baseline information collected that related to the project prior to commencement project construction, implementation and closure to certify on the negative and positive impact by further implementation the project activities. 7. The project developer shall facilitate the indirect and direct affected person and stakeholders could be access to the project development information.

8. The project developer shall formal inform to Provincial DoNRE and relevent District Natural Resource and Environmental Offices (within 24 hours after the project developer acknowledge on the incident) in case the significant impact as following: - In case of accidents or emergency incidents that causes on air, soil, water pollution, nuisance and other resulting in severe environmental and social impact. - All incidents resulting in severe environmental and social impact which is unexpected 9. The project developer shall detail clarification in the incident report on the severe issues if any including the mitigation measures implemented already or propose mitigation measures in future. 10. The project owner shall use the raw materials which is approved by the GOL relevant agencies only, that is compliance with the regulation if the project stealth counterfeit, the project owner shall legal responsibility. 11. The project developer shall implement the environmental and social impact mitigation measures and could be update the EMMP once found that incompliance in each year and throughout the investment project live until success or until get approval by Provincial DoNRE imply that project developer completed their obligation. 12. If the project developer transfers the project to the other, the new project developer shall continuous implementation the EMMP and environmental and social impact mitigation measures the specified in the appendix of ECC strictly. 13. The project developer shall ensure on the management and using the materials such: cement bags, bricks, oil cans, explosion materials (if any) and other which found that dangerous and shall insert the warning label don’t allow the people who are living in surrounding project area entry into the dangerous area and no any direct and indirect impact to people and animal. Shall obtain approval on using by the GOL relevant agencies and shall have monitoring at every steps by the relevant agency. 14. If any blasting, the project developer shall advance inform the village or villager who are living close to the project. 15. The project developer shall strictly management and disposal the solid waste, hazardous waste such as noise, odour, dust, waste, waste water, vibration etc by the WSSP of Darcheung District, Xekong Province. 16. The project owner shall ensure on reasonable, effectiveness and sustainable use the raw material and water during the project construction and operation phase and ensure less impact on environmental and social by use the technology and new technology and environmental friendly. 17. The project developer shall provide sufficient budget for the implementation on monitoring and mitigation measures. 18. To assign the Division of Natural Resource and Environmental Inspection, Provincial Department of Natural Resource and Environmental to cooperate with the Natural Resource and Environmental Office of Lamam District and the related GOL agency for Inspection and report to high level authorities’ on the result of implementation.

APPENDIX C MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS (2014)

PERMISSIBLE MONITORING FREQUENCY PARAMETER UNIT EXCEPTIONS LIMITS WEEKLY MONTHLY YEARLY MICROBIAL Units / E. Coli <0 - ✓ 100 mL CHEMICAL There is no exception if Aluminium (Al) mg/l <0.2 aluminum-based ✓ coagulants are used There is no exception if Arsenic (As) mg/l <0.01 ✓ source is groundwater Chloride Cl- mg/l <250 ✓ There is no exception if Chlorine Cl2 mg/l 0.1 – 2 chlorine is used for ✓ (free residual) disinfection Thee is no exception if Copper (Cu) mg/l <2 copper pipe work is ✓ used There is no exception if source is surface water Cyanide (Cn) mg/l <0.5 and catchment ✓ includes gold mining / processing There is no exception if source is groundwater Fluoride (F) mg/l <1.5 or fluoride is added to ✓ water in the treatment process Iron (Fe) mg/l <0.3 ✓ Lead (Pb) mg/l <0.01 ✓ Manganese mg/l <0.1 ✓ (Mn) Mercury (Hg) mg/l <0.006 ✓ Nitrate (NO3- ) mg/l <50 ✓ Nitrite (NO2- ) mg/l <3 ✓ Sodium (Na) mg/l <200 ✓ Sulfate ion (SO 2-) mg/l <250 ✓ 4 Zinc (Zn) mg/l <3 ✓ PHYSICAL Colour TCU <5 ✓ Taste Acceptable ✓ pH 6.5-8.5 ✓ Conductivity uS/cm <1000 ✓ Turbidity NTU <5 ✓ Total hardness mg/l <300 ✓ as CaCO3

APPENDIX D PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION - WATER SUPPLY HIGHEST PRIORITY USE

Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Xekong Province No. 79/GO.XK Governor’s Office Xekong, dated 13 September 2017

Certificate Of Water Use in Upper Areas of Houay Phoung River

- Pursuant to the Roles, Rights and Duties of the Governor’s Office No. 89/GO, dated 274 March 2013 - Pursuant to the letter from the Department of Public Works and Transport, No. 2204/PWT, dated 01 September 2017.

The Xekong Governor’s Office is here to certify that the Houay Phoung river is a main river source for the branch of a State-Owned Water Supply Enterprise in Dak Cheung District to use as water source for production of water supply to a society and suburban areas of Dak Cheung District, Xekong Province. The branch is given a priority for water use especially during the dry season from March to May (in the calendar) of each year. To ensure the regularly sufficient supply of water to Dak Cheung District and meet the demands, except when the river begins to deplete which causes the inability to produce water supply, resulting from water use in mineral production (bauxite processing), the local authorities shall jointly resolve the issue between the Provincial State-Owned Water Supply Enterprise, the Provincial Department of Energy and Mines and other concerned sectors. This is to ensure that the water use by the State-Owned Water Supply Enterprise is listed as Priority 1 in order to secure sufficient natural waters for producing water supply to serve a society and meet the demands in Dak Cheung District.

Therefore, the Xekong Province issues this Certificate to concerned sectors as reference for implementation

Chief of the Provincial Government Cabinet [Signed and Seale]

Khanty SYLAVONGSA

APPENDIX E UXO CERTIFICATION FOR THE DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT

APPENDIX F PROCEEDINGS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS FOR DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT SUBPROJECT

Summary on LAC during feasibility implementing phase. . In February 2018, 5 meetings took place with 355 participants (259 female and 96 male) PPTA project staff [24(2)]. . The meetings took place in the district office of Dakcheung district, as well as in the villages of (1) Nonsavan, (2) Dakbong, (3) Ngondon, and (4) Dakcheung. . Areas of topics have been: project scope, timing, resettlement, cut-off date, water supply system, connection policy, installation of meters, pipe laying, temporary impacts, intake sites, water quality, protection of forests and water sources.

Phase: Land Acquisition and Compensation and Environment related Consultation for Water Supply Component FS stage. DATE TYPE OF MEETING AND LOCATION AGENCY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION / RESPONSES / OUTCOMES FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WITH RESPONSIBILITY 05 District coordination and . PIU . PIU Total: 22 participants District workshop meeting on LAC. Feb consultation meeting on LARC . Village . Village By sex: Presentation: 2018 (Assets loss, SESAH, etc.) at . PIA authorities - Female 10 . General introduction into topic; Dakcheung district . District - Male 12 . Specific description on LAC; 08:35-11:45 Governor; By Ethnic Group: . Explanation on surveys method and techniques; Lao-Tai 11 . LWU; . Handing out Lao regulation; - Female 6 . PIUs; . Subproject related briefing on severe affectedness and impacts, temporary / permanent loss - Male 5 of assets, vulnerable groups, entitlement; loss or no loss of land; . Represen- Mon-Khmer 10 . Explanation of ADB policy and Lao policy on entitlement and eligibility; tatives of - Female 4 . Introducing of Grievance Redress Mechanism; village - Male 6 . authorities Hmong-Mien 1 Elaborating on surveys; - Female 0 . Explanation of cut-off-date; - Male 1 . Explaining compensation of loss of assets, compensation, and contribution. Comments – Questions – Answers: IA/PIA [4(2)] General:  Clarifying and agreeing on coordination and public consultation concerning dissemination of information and surveys (DMS, SESAH);  Gov. staff underlined the importance of WSS;  Village authorities underlined their willingness to cooperate with the subproject.  Head of PIU explained that the WSP infrastructure will be constructed on governmental land or land owned by PNP, and the pipes will be installed along the roads and tracks in the Right-of-Way. Therefore no private land, structures or trees will be affected, nor negative impact occur for income sources. Any demolished concrete in front of private houses and shops will be replaced with same or better quality.  DoNRE officer mentioned that his staff will be involved in the monitoring of the EMP implementation and supervision of land acquisition and compensation procedures. Specific: Q1: Mrs. Sinkeo chief village: If private houses, land and trees will be damaged by construction work, will there be compensation? A1: Mr. Khampphou, PIU: In such cases there would be compensation for the owners. Q2: Mrs. Home chief village: If a pipe is a house, what would be done? A2: Mr. Khampphou, PIU: There will be no such cases as the pipes will be installed along roads and tracks on governmental land.

Phase: Land Acquisition and Compensation and Environment related Consultation for Water Supply Component FS stage. DATE TYPE OF MEETING AND LOCATION AGENCY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION / RESPONSES / OUTCOMES FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WITH RESPONSIBILITY Q3: Mr. Chanthavy chief village: Who will be responsible in case of damage to the pipe on front of houses? A3: PIU chief: PNP for section between road and water meter, between water meter and house the owner of the house. Q4: Mrs. Kouth Saoong Gnoun, LWU: Can each household get a free connection or only houses in the core villages? A4: PIA: Pipe connection is free for every household who has toilet facilities and is registered in a civil census family book, but should request pipe connection during the project construction work, otherwise households will have to pay during operation phase for this service. Q5: Mrs. Keo Chanhda, chief village: For village activities can the village identify those ones themselves or not. A5: PIA: These should be proposed y villagers and the village authorities. Q6: One villager: old house connecting pipe can be used or must there be a new one? A6: PIA: Depending on the technical check during construction it can be used if acceptable or will have to be replaced by a new pipe. 05 Village consultation meeting at . PIU . PIU Total: 57 participants Presentation: Feb Nonsavan village meeting hall . . By sex: Village Village  General introduction of project features and implementation phases; 2018 Time: 13:45-14:35 - 33 Female authority authority  Specific description on LAC; . Villagers . Villagers - 24 Male  Introduction into ADB requirements and Lao Decrees both concerning land acquisition and . PIA . PIA By Ethnic Group: Lao-Tai: 12 compensation; - 7 Female  Subproject related briefing on severe affectedness and impacts, temporary / permanent loss - 5 Male of assets, vulnerable groups; Mon-Khmer: 44  Explaining entitlement and eligibility; - 32 Female  Briefing on compensation and voluntary contribution; - 12 Male  Explaining DMS and SESAH to be conducted;

Hmong-Mien 1  Providing selected environmental aspects. - Female 0  Providing village office with “GRM sheet” as orientation for villagers in case of complaints - Male 1 they would lie to raise. IA/PIA [5(0)] Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: General:  Planning of transect walks.  Villagers welcome the project and mentioned their motivation for the project. Specific: Q/C/A: Same/Similar questions and comments as in previous public meeting. 06 Village consultation meeting at . same . same Total: 171 participants Presentation: Feb Dakbong village meeting hall. By sex:  Same as above 2018 Time: 09:15-11:00 - F 135 - M 36 Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: By Ethnic Group: General:

Phase: Land Acquisition and Compensation and Environment related Consultation for Water Supply Component FS stage. DATE TYPE OF MEETING AND LOCATION AGENCY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION / RESPONSES / OUTCOMES FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WITH RESPONSIBILITY Lao-Tai: 11  Villagers appreciated the presentation and mentioned to have no questions. - F 5 - M 6 Specific: Mon-Khmer: 159 - 130 Female Q/C/A: Same/Similar questions and comments as in previous public meetings. - 29 Male Hmong-Mien 1 - Female 0 - Male 1 IA/PIA [5(0)] 06 Village consultation meeting at same same Total: 38 participants Presentation: Feb Ngondon village meeting hall By sex:  Same as above 2018 Time: 14:15-16.45 - F 30 - M 7 Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: By Ethnic Group: General: Mon-Khmer: 37  Villagers expressed their satisfaction about the subproject and offered support. - 30 Female Specific: - 7 Male Q/C/A: Same/Similar questions and comments as in previous public meetings. Hmong-Mien 1 - Female 0 - Male 1 IA/PIA [5(0)] 07 Village consultation meeting at same same Total: 67 participants Presentation: Feb Dakcheung village meeting By sex:  Same as above 2018 hall - F 45 Time: 09:30-11.50 - M 22 Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: By Ethnic Group: General: Lao-Tai: 14  Villagers mentioned their high motivation to cooperate with the project; - F 11 Specific: - M 3 Q/C/A: Same/Similar questions and comments as in previous public meetings. Mon-Khmer: 52 - 34 Female - 18 Male Hmong-Mien 1 - Female 0 - Male 1 IA/PIA [5(0)] TOTAL PARTICIPANTS F/M 355 (F:259 / M:96) LAO-TAI F/M 48 (F: 29 / M: 19) MON-KHMER F/M 302 (F: 230 / M: 72) HMONG-MIEN 5 (F: 0 / M: 5) IA/PIA [M(F)] [24 (2)]

DISTRICT MEETING AT DAKCHEUNG DISTRICT MEETING HALL VILLAGE: MEETING AT NONSAVAN VILLAGE MEETING HALL. DATE: 05 FEBRUARY 2018 DATE: 05 FEBRUARY 2018 PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 22 (FEMALE:10 AND MALE:12) PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 57 (FEMALE:39 AND MALE:18) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND DISTRICT TOTAL 4 (FEMALE: 2 AND MALE:2) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND DISTRICT TOTAL 5 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:5)

SHOWN IS THE FIRST PAGE OUT OF 2 ATTENDANCE SHEETS. SHOWN IS THE FIRST PAGE OUT OF 5 ATTENDANCE SHEETS. THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SET OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS IS WITH PIA. THE COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL SET OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS IS WITH PIA.

VILLAGE: MEETING AT DAKBONG MEETING HALL. VILLAGE: MEETING AT NGONDON VILLAGE MEETING HALL. DATE: 06 FEBRUARY 2018 DATE: 06 FEBRUARY 2018 PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 171 (FEMALE:135 AND MALE:36) PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 38 (FEMALE:30 AND MALE:8) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND DISTRICT TOTAL 5 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:5) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND DISTRICT TOTAL 5 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:5)

SHOWN IS THE FIRST PAGE OUT OF 17 ATTENDANCE SHEETS. SHOWN IS THE FIRST PAGE OUT OF 5 ATTENDANCE SHEETS. THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SET OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS IS WITH PIA. THE COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL SET OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS IS WITH PIA.

VILLAGE: MEETING AT DAKCHEUNG VILLAGE MEETING HALL. DATE: 07 FEBRUARY 2018 PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 67 (FEMALE:45 AND MALE:22) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND DISTRICT TOTAL 5 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:5)

SHOWN IS THE FIRST PAGE OUT OF 6 ATTENDANCE SHEETS. THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SET OF ATTENDANCE SHEETS IS WITH PIA.

Summary on LAC and EMP consultations during detailed design stage. . In April 2019, 4 meetings took place with 86 participants (63 female and 23 male). . The meetings took place in the villages of (1) Nounsavanh, (2) Dukbong, (3) Dakcheung, (4) Ngondone, . Major areas of topics: project description incl. distributed documents, entitlements, GRM, temporary disturbance and counter measures during construction works (EMP), others.

DD PHASE: EMP Implementation and Land Acquisition and Compensation related Consultation DATE TYPE OF MEETING AND LOCATION AGENCY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION / RESPONSES / OUTCOMES FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WITH RESPONSIBILITY 24 Village consultation meeting at . PIU . Agencies Total: 16 participants Presentation: April Nounsavah village meeting . PNP . Village By sex:  General introduction of project features and implementation status; 2019 hall . Village authority - 5 Female  Introduction into ADB requirements and Lao Decrees concerning land Time: 09:10 - 11:30 authority . Villagers - 11 Male acquisition, compensation and reinstatement of affected assets; . PIA . PIA By Ethnic Group:  Explaining entitlement and eligibility; Lao-Tai: 5  Disturbances and counter measures related to construction work; - 1 Female  Others. - 4 Male Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: Mon-Khmer: 11 General: - 4 Female  Naiban: Welcoming and confirming villagers’ motivation for the project. - 7 Male Specific: Hmong-Mien: 0 Q1: Mr. Khamsay / villager: The project will offer free connections or charge from the people after use of water? IA/PIA [0F + 3M] A1: PIA: The policy of project for the water supply connection supports connection at no costs for households during construction phase of the project, afterwards to pay for. Only you pay after use every month. Q2: Mrs. Vongkeo /, villager: Water supply at today it not clean and not enough. How will PNP solve this? A2: PIU, Mr. Soukhan: I will report the problem service issue to the PNP board committee. Q3: Mr. Nakham / Deputy village chief: During construction concerning installation of pipes, in case of damage to structures and tree who is in charge and will it be compensated? A3: GIC: The policy of the project in case of damage to entrance or in front of house areas during construction the construction company will replace this to same or better quality. There will be no permanent impact on private structures and also no loss of private land. Q4: Mr. Nakham / Deputy village chief: When can VEI project start the surveys and what can the project provide for a village? A4: GIC: The project will have final consultation meetings in villages on VEI during construction phase for final decisions about VEI measures.

DD Phase: EMP Implementation and Land Acquisition and Compensation related Consultation DATE TYPE OF MEETING AND LOCATION AGENCY PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION / RESPONSES / OUTCOMES FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WITH RESPONSIBILITY 24 Village consultation meeting at . same . same Total: 24 participants Presentation: April Dukbong village meeting hall By sex:  Same as above 2019 Time: 14:40 – 15:30 - 22 Female Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: - 2 Male General: By Ethnic Group:  Naiban: Villagers welcome the project team and ensure that the community will Lao-Tai: 2 cooperate with the project. - 2 Female  Villagers: For the installation of pipes they do not expect problems, as they will - 2 Male support the construction of a new water supply in Dakcheung where provision of Mon-Khmer: 20 water is problem. - 20 Female Specific: - 0 Male Q1: Mrs. Phethsavanh / Deputy village chief: When can the project provide fund Hmong-Mien: 0 for VEI improvements the village had selected during public consultation - 0 Female meeting on February 2018? - 0 Male A1: PIA: We have another team to come meeting with the villagers again during start of construction work fourth quarter 2019. IA/PIA [0F + 3M] Q2: Mrs. Melinta / Village Chief. We have a water supply, but not enough and not clean water. After construction of the new project PNP will use existing water meter or new meter? A2: Mr. Sompong / Deputy PIU: We noted this, and consider to check the condition to decide about its further use or replacement by new water meter. 25 Village consultation meeting at . same . same Total: 15 participants Presentation: April Dakcheung village meeting By sex:  Same as above 2019 hall - 11 Female Comments - Question - Answer session during village meeting: Time:09:10 – 11:20 - 4 Male General: By Ethnic Group:  Naiban: Welcoming the project team and explaining objective for the public Lao-Tai: 2 consultation meeting to villagers. - 0 Female  Villagers: Indicating their agreement with the project, because the elevated - 2 Male mountainous village location leads to problems for the water supply. Mon-Khmer: 13 Specific: - 11 Female Q1: Mrs. Anoutha / Villager: For water connection I can have two meters? - 2 Male A1: PIU: Mr. Sompong/ Deputy PIU. No, you have only one water meter for each Hmong-Mien: 0 house and free connection during construction phase. - x Female Q2: Mrs. Lathalin / Teacher. After using water, everyone has to pay for the - x Male water? And how much Kip/m3? A2: PIU: Mr. Soukan: Yes, each household has to pay, if not the connection will IA/PIA [0F + 3M] be cut. Same as in the Lamam District: for households about 4000/m3

A 2: DCO: The rule is to have one meter for each house and free connection. IA/PIA [0F + 4M] Q3: Mr. Khanthavong / villager: After construction of the new project can I still use the existing pipes? A3: PNP / Mr. Soukan. No, as the existing pipes will be replaced by new ones. TOTAL PARTICIPANTS F/M 86 (F:63 / M:23) LAO-TAI F/M 13 (F: 3 / M: 10) MON-KHMER F/M 73 (F: 60 / M: 13) HMONG-MIEN 0 (F: 0 / M: 0)

IA/PIA [M(F)] (F: 0 / M: 12)

DETAILED DESIGN PHASE – EMP AND LARC PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETINGS LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

VILLAGE: MEETING IN NOUNSAVAH VILLAGE VILLAGE: MEETING IN DUKBONG VILLAGE DATE: 24 APRIL 2019 DATE: 24 APRIL 2019 PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 16 (FEMALE: 5 AND MALE:11) PARTICIPANTS: TOTAL 24 (FEMALE: 22 AND MALE: 2) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND OTHERS TOTAL 4 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:3) FACILITATOR: PIA, PIU AND OTHERS TOTAL 4 (FEMALE: 0 AND MALE:3)

SHOWN IS ONE REPRESENTATIVE PAGE 1 OF 2 ATTENDANCE SHEETS, SHOWN IS ONE REPRESENTATIVE PAGE 1 OF 3 ATTENDANCE SHEETS, WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY DWS AND PIA WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY DWS AND PIA

APPENDIX G TEMPLATE OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS MONITORING REPORT

1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW

PROJECT NUMBER AND TITLE: This section can include, among others, the following:  Activities of Proponent REPORTING PERIOD:  Progress of Work (% physical completion)  Changes of Surrounding Environment  Status of Permits MONITORING PERIOD COVERED KEY SUB-PROJECT ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED SINCE LAST REPORT: REPORT PREPARED BY:

2. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING

A. STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH EMP REQUIREMENTS (ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE)

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT I. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Impact on land Implement the land acquisition External LACP acquisition and and compensation plan that monitoring report community assets was approved by the ADB for the subproject. Loss of community assets Design access roads to due to land minimum necessary width and acquisition and installation of pipelines within damage to the Right-of-Way when properties. feasible. Impact of location The abstraction rate for the River level of raw water water supply subproject will be assessments at the intake on other limited to the 1,000 m3/day intake on a monthly water users capacity of the WTP. There is basis minimal conflict with other Downstream river water users of Nam Houay uses such as Pouang because there is still irrigation, bathing, enough water in the river that washing, and will meet the other river uses fishing will be at the downstream. affected if excessive water abstraction will occur. Impact to Natural Cutting of trees will be N/A resources and undertaken as per approved protected areas design and only upon approval. Avoid cutting of Impact on natural trees s much as possible and resources and minimize damage to native protected areas vegetation. Trees that need to from be cut in private land will be cutting/clearing of compensated in cash in trees and other accordance with the approved vegetation. Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan Impact on The Contractor will ensure that Accidental finds Historical and the workforce are briefed that Archaeological in the event of accidental finds Sites relics they should immediately

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT cease any works in the area Damage to relics and promptly report the find to and artifacts their supervisor. during the conduct of the works. II. CONSTRUCTION PHASE Temporary Walking access will be Periodic monitoring and disruption of maintained to affected reporting by existing properties and access routes Supervision Consultant community roads, will be temporarily lined with and PIA. pathways, and timber or similar material. accesses Particular attention will be Report any complaint given to ensuring safety along received from the Pipe laying will roads and paths used by community to PIU and cause temporary pedestrians. document in safeguard disruption of monitoring reports. community Side street parking of services and construction vehicles on access to prolonged basis will not be properties. allowed.

Particularly at pipe Install barriers and safety road crossings, warning signs on road sections construction and if necessary deploy traffic activities along aides/ flag persons at affected narrow roads may locations. Information boards lead to temporary at blocked roads will provide blockage or information about the closure of roads temporary closure of roads, and hamper schedule of works and the movement of traffic-rerouting plan. vehicles and people in the Require the contractor to community. immediately rehabilitate the excavated areas and any Community damaged road and path access to areas in sections. the vicinity of the WTP, pump Enclose the WTP; pump station, reservoir, station, reservoir, and intake and intake will be perimeters so that pathway affected. use and stream access remains unimpeded. Community access to areas in Enclose the latrine the vicinity of construction site to prevent schools, temples, access and limit disruption for village offices, the use of the schools and market places and public buildings. meeting halls will be affected during construction of public latrines. Air pollution Require the contractor to cover Periodic monitoring and materials with tarpaulin or reporting by Dust and air other suitable materials while Supervision Consultant emissions from in transit to avoid spillage of and PIA. earthworks and materials. movement of Report any complaint vehicles can pose Moisten earthen roads during received from the nuisance to dry and dusty conditions, community to PIU and nearby particularly roads near document in safeguard communities residences and through the monitoring reports. town core area.

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT Impose speed limits on construction vehicles.

Conduct regular maintenance on construction equipment and vehicles to control air emissions during vehicle operation. Noise Limit construction activities, Include EMP in bid particularly operation of noise documents and Operation of generating equipment at night. contract. construction equipment such Position any stationary Report any complaint as jackhammer equipment that produce high received from the will cause noise levels such as diesel community to PIU. excessive noise generators as far as practical resulting in from sensitive receptors. nuisance to communities. Erect temporary barriers around construction sites especially near schools, hospitals, and houses.

Install noise suppression devices to noise generating equipment.

Require drivers to minimize blowing of horn and to comply with speed limits.

Provide information to community on schedule of construction activities through billboard/signs. Impact of borrow The contractor will be Periodic monitoring and materials prohibited from quarrying reporting by materials directly from Nam Supervision Consultant Quarrying of Houay Pouang River. and PIA. aggregates on Nam Houay Construction materials will be Report any complaint Pouang river will procured from Government- received from the cause siltation permitted sources / suppliers community to PIU and and affect the only. document in safeguard ecological monitoring reports. condition of the river. Impact on The contractors will prohibit Periodic monitoring and ecological activities such as cutting wood reporting by resources for cooking, hunting, or wildlife Supervision Consultant trade. and PIA. Construction workers may Report any complaint undertake hunting received from the of wildlife and community to PIU and cutting of wood document in safeguard upstream of the monitoring reports. intake. Clearing of Cutting of trees will be Periodic monitoring and vegetation undertaken as per approved reporting by design and only upon approval Supervision Consultant Poor planning and of relevant authorities. Avoid and PIA. execution of tree cutting of trees as much as clearing/vegetatio possible and minimize damage Report any complaint n removal at to native vegetation. Trees that received from the

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT project facilities need to be cut in private land community to PIU and and along pipeline will be compensated in cash document in safeguard alignments can accordance with the approved monitoring reports. result in loss of Land Acquisition and vegetation and Compensation Plan. general landscape Roads and paths to the intake, WTP, and reservoir will only be sufficiently wide to accommodate construction vehicles/equipment to minimize land take.

Manual labor will be utilized in sloping terrain where use of heavy equipment would cause unnecessary damage. Steep exposed slopes will be graded and covered with bush and grass to minimize erosion.

Implement landscaping and planting of trees/vegetation at sites of the proposed facilities. Water pollution - Construct silt traps, deviation Periodic monitoring and Sediment runoff channels, mounting barriers or reporting by trenches around the stockpiles Supervision Consultant Sediment runoff of materials. and PIA. undertaken during excavation, Report any complaint earthworks and received from the grading in the community to PIU and rainy season will document in safeguard cause siltation of monitoring reports. rivers Water Pollution - Provide adequate water supply Periodic monitoring and Worker’s camp and temporary toilet facilities reporting by at the worker’s camp. Supervision Consultant Domestic and PIA. wastewater from worker’s camp Report any complaint would result to the received from the discharge of community to PIU and sewage into document in safeguard drainage canals. monitoring reports.

Unsanitary conditions at the worker’s camp will occur without the provision of necessary sanitation arrangements. Water pollution - Follow the recommended Periodic monitoring and Generation of dosage of chlorine during the reporting by residual chlorine disinfection of pipes and Supervision Consultant during pipeline reservoir. Discharge of water and PIA. and reservoir with high chlorine disinfection concentration to soil at the end Report any complaint of pipelines to be controlled to received from the Prior to minimize soil erosion. community to PIU and commissioning, document in safeguard disinfection will be Use chlorine test kit and use monitoring reports. undertaken on the 10x15x dilution with distilled

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT pipeline and water or use high range reservoir. chlorine test kit with high range tablets to detect chlorine Discharge of residual before flushing. residual chlorine above the allowable limits is toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Generation of During pipe laying, excavated Periodic monitoring and construction material will be utilized to reporting by waste - backfill the trench. The Supervision Consultant Generation of contractor will be required to and PIA. excavated soil properly reinstate the excavated trench after Report any complaint Generation of completion of pipe laying. received from the excavated community to PIU and materials during Surplus excavated material/cut document in safeguard pipe laying and soil from construction of the monitoring reports. foundation works WTP and reservoir will be for WTP tanks used as backfill material for and reservoirs. low-lying areas that have been identified by the village authority. Generation of Provide appropriate Periodic monitoring and construction segregation bins or areas for reporting by wastes – Solid, construction wastes. Supervision Consultant Inert and and PIA. Hazardous Secure and control storage of Wastes all hazardous materials Report any complaint including fuels. received from the Solid wastes, inert community to PIU and construction Reuse recyclable construction document in safeguard wastes, and wastes such as wood, steel, monitoring reports. hazardous wastes and scaffoldings or sell to junk during shops. construction will result to pollution Solid waste to be collected of land and and disposed in approved receiving water disposal site of the District. bodies. Community health Install barricades/barriers and Periodic monitoring and and safety sturdy plate covers in open reporting by excavations during non- Supervision Consultant Community may working time. and PIA. be exposed to dangers of open Install warning signs in the Report any complaint excavation area. received from the community to PIU and document in safeguard monitoring reports. Occupational Require the contractor to Contract documents to health and safety implement the construction include the EMP with health and safety plan in health and safety Construction accordance with the World provisions monitoring activities may Bank EHS Guidelines through the pose hazards to (http://www.ifc.org/ehsguidelin Construction workers because es) as a minimum standard. Supervisor’s reports. of the use of The contractor will appoint an heavy equipment, environment, health and safety Report any complaint lifting of heavy officer to ensure received from the loads, and implementation of the plan. community to PIU. exposure to open The plan will at minimum excavations and include: chemicals.

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT  Provision of first-aid Potential conflict facilities readily accessible with local people by workers. will occur if  Provision of personal migrant workers protective equipment will be brought to (PPEs) such as hard hats, the site. gloves, rubber boots, etc.,  Wearing of PPEs while working onsite will be a mandatory requirement for workers.  Posting of safety signs/reminders in strategic areas within the construction area.  Installation of sufficient lighting at night.  Employ only trained personnel in handling chlorine during the line disinfection process.  Ensure that vehicle and equipment operators are properly licensed and trained.  Provide staff with communicable disease and HIV-related awareness training.

The contractor will be required to provide priority hiring of qualified construction workers from the villages and to consult with the local to avoid conflict if migrant workers will be brought to the site. III. OPERATION PHASE Generation of As project policy, water Monitor the number of incremental connection will be provided households with wastewater and only if the household has an latrines and with water increased burden approved sanitation facility to connections, population on drainage cope with the increased served, and billed water systems wastewater generated. This volume. policy and the public awareness raising initiatives Increased water was presented to the villages Monitor that the service supply to public under the Village and management buildings and Environmental Improvements agreements are households will (VEI) component. followed and facilities generate are properly additional The public institution shall sign maintained. quantities of a service and management wastewater. agreement before construction and have sufficient funds to maintain the facility. Deterioration of Monitor community activities in Monitor the following water quality the catchment area to check parameters: activities at the upstream that Potential may cause contamination of Daily at the inlet to the deterioration in raw water quality. treatment plant: quality of raw turbidity, pH water supply and Provide laboratory test of treated water equipment and training to allow the PNP to conduct

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT regular monitoring of raw and Daily after the reservoir: treated water quality pH, turbidity, residual Potential risk on parameters. chlorine, temperature public health in deterioration of Follow O&M standard Weekly at several treated water operating procedures in locations in the quality due to use accordance with the water network: residual of poor quality treatment plant manuals. chlorine, pH, turbidity treatment chemicals Use of potable grade Annually after chemicals, especially PAC, Clearwater tank: and request a Supplier product chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), specification data sheet signed lead (Pb), manganese off by a reputable external (Mn), mercury (Hg), laboratory. sodium (Na), sulfate ion, zinc (Zn), conductivity, total hardness as CaCO3 High Pressure This risk will be minimized by: Daily visual monitoring and Leaks on the (i) the use of durable standard of pipelines. Pipeline pipes for the main and secondary (rider mains) lines, The proposed (ii) use of pressure reducing distribution valves for the rider mains, (iii) network will have careful construction sections located supervision by the Project at low elevations Implementation Assistance which may Consultants PIA to ensure that experience high pipe laying and jointing is done water pressure to the highest standard by the which may contractor, and (v) regular potentially result inspection of the network and in leakages in the prompt isolation and repair line and ultimately when leaks occur. water loss Disposal of Filter backwash water and Check condition of backwash water periodic discharges from the detention ponds; report and sediments sedimentation tanks will be frequency/schedule of from WTP collected to a detention pond backwashing to separate the concentrated Backwash water waste sludge or sediments. and sludge from Land application of wastes the sedimentation with high dissolved solids tanks will be concentrations from the generated from detention pond is preferred the cleaning of over discharge to a landfill. filters and tanks. Backwash water and sludge contain high total suspended solids. Occupational Provide secure, dry and well Training undertaken for health and safety ventilated storage facilities for staff on chemicals chlorine and other hazardous handling and chemicals. monitoring and reporting of incidents Use chlorine compounds in power form, which is safer Potential hazards than gas. to WTP workers due to accidental Training of staff and allocation release of chlorine of responsibility to ensure that materials are properly handled.

ENVIRONMENTA MITIGATION MEASURES MONITORING COMPLIANCE L IMPACT Generation of The sludge that will be Quarterly check on the Sludge from generated from the detention volume of sludge in the Detention Ponds ponds will be dredged and detention ponds. disposed as backfill material in low-lying areas to be identified Increased volume by the village leaders. No land of sludge in application of the generated detention ponds. sludge without the required approval by the village authorities. Community health Facilities (Intake, WTP and Daily log of security and safety Laboratory, Office and personnel Reservoir) properly fenced and Potential hazards secured and to residents in watchmen/security personnel affected to be employed on a 24 hour communities. basis.

Summary of EMP Compliance Status: ______

B. RESULTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

 PNP operational report  Complaints resolution  EMP implementation  Water quality  River level  Backwashing activities  Training/capacity building

C. ISSUES FOR FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITY ISSUE RESOLUTION ACTION AND TIMING OLD ISSUES FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS List of EMP measures or activities not completed (last column of previous table)

NEW ISSUES FROM THIS REPORT

3. CONCLUSION

 Important results from the implementation of EMP monitoring

 Recommendations to improve EMP management, implementation, and monitoring

4. ATTACHMENTS

 Permits  Monitoring data (water quality, etc.)  Photographs  Maps

APPENDIX H SEMI-ANNUAL INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS MONITORING REPORT TEMPLATE

Safeguards Monitoring Report

# Semiannual Report xxx {month} 20xx

Lao PDR: xxx {Project name}, xxx {sub-project name, if report covers only one sub-project}

Prepared by the Project Management Unit of {complete name of Implementing Agency} for the {complete name of the borrower} and the Asian Development Bank.

NOTE (i) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

This safeguards monitoring report 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.

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. {Read and delete: Provide short summary of the following items: 2.  Summary of EMP/RP Implementation  Description of monitoring activities carried out (e.g. field visits, environment effect monitoring, survey questionnaire, public consultation meetings, focus group discussions, etc)  Key issues, any corrective actions already taken, and any grievances  Key activities planned in the next reporting period  Recommendations

Use the paragraph numbering format provided below throughout the report}

1. xxx

2. xxx

2. PROJECT OVERVIEW, GENERAL SAFEGUARD MATTERS

2.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW {Read and delete: Briefly describe project objectives, scope and components – can be taken from PAM or other relevant document}

3. xxx

4. xxx

2.2 PROJECT PROGRESS {Read and delete: Using most recent project progress report, describe status of project implementation, including full list of contracts, status of contract awarding and implementation, name of contractor, Engineer, Project Supervision Consultant.}

5. xxx

6. xxx

Table 1: Project Overview, Snapshot of Project Progress Project Number and

Title: Environment

Safeguards Category Indigenous Peoples Involuntary

Resettlement Reporting period:

Last report date: Key sub-project {Read and delete: This section should include, among others, the activities since last following:} report:  Contract awarding

 Progress of Work (% physical completion)  Status of Safeguard Approvals / Permits / Consents Report prepared by:

2.3 SAFEGUARD PLANS IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS {Read and delete: Describe institutional arrangements and responsibilities for EMP and RP implementation, internal and external monitoring, and reporting, defining roles of PMU, Engineer, Implementation Consultant, Contractors. (Table format as needed)}

7. xxx

8. xxx

2.4 UPDATED EMPS AND RPS, INCORPORATION OF SAFEGUARDS REQUIREMENTS INTO PROJECT CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS {Read and delete: Define manner by which EMP and RP requirements are incorporated into bidding documents, contracts. Indicate when updated EMPs and RPs were submitted for approval to ADB (Table format appropriate).}

9. xxx

10. xxx

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING

3.1 STATUS OF EMP IMPLEMENTATION (MITIGATION MEASURES) {Read and delete: Summarize main mitigation/protection measures implemented in the reporting period (narrative section). Structure in accordance to phases (detailed design, construction preparation, construction, and operation).}

11. xxx

12. xxx

{Read and delete: Include EMP table or updated EMP table if applicable. Assess compliance of environmental management activities with the original or updated EMP. For that purpose, include additional columns entitled “Compliance Status”, "Comment or Reasons for Non- Compliance", and "Issues for Further Action". Example is provided below.}

Table 2: Compliance with EMP Requirements (Environmental Performance) Compliance Status Comment or Reasons Issues for Further EMP Requirements (Yes, No, Partial) for Non-Compliance Action Use environmental Use EMP list as basis for impact as main heading rating/evaluating

and EMP as listing (see compliance (see example example below) below) Rise of employment  Field inspections and opportunities: interviews with

 Job openings of the communities - DONE project should give

priority to local  Note each complaint communities. case in the field – 3  Recruitment of local COMPLAINTS laborers should be RECEIVED stipulated in the  Set up grievance contract for centre and report as construction part of monitoring action plan – NOT DONE

Table 3: Issues for Further Action Responsibility and Issue Required Action Resolution Timing Old Issues from Previous Reports List of EMP measures or activities not completed

(last column of previous table)

New Issues from This Report

3.2 HEALTH AND SAFETY {Read and delete: Provide narrative of occupational and community health and safety issues that occurred during the reporting period. Any accident involving injury or death of workers or community members must be reported. Include investigation report of DOLISA as attachment to the report. Provide details in the Table below}.

13. xxx

14. xxx

Table 4: Health and Safety Issues Responsibility and Issue Required Action Resolution Timing Old Issues from Previous Reports

New Issues from This Report

3.3 ENVIRONMENT EFFECT MONITORING 15. Monitoring plan. xxx {Read and delete: Present the environment effect monitoring plan as defined in the EMP or the updated monitoring plan. Refer to Table 4. Describe monitoring responsibilities}

16. Monitoring activities in the reporting period. Xxx {Read and delete: Describe the environment effect monitoring activities in the reporting period, including number of monitoring campaigns, number of samples, etc. Confirm compliance with the monitoring plan, or justify any deviation from the plan}

Table 4: Environment Effect Monitoring Results in the Reporting Period {Read and delete: Present monitoring result in a Table (see example below, adjust as needed). Any non-compliance should be highlighted for attention and follow-up.} Date Relevant government Location Parameter Monitoring value standard, standard value

17. Assessment. Xxx {Read and delete: Compare monitoring results with baseline conditions (if baseline data is available) and relevant government standards in qualitative terms. Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary. Possible reasons for non-compliance should be identified.}

4. INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

{Read and delete: Provide narrative of status of implementation of the RP(s), including but not limited to: status of RP or Resettlement Framework updating; number of households relocated during the reporting period; outstanding resettlement activities; etc}.

18. xxx

19. xxx

Table 6: Summary of Compliance with RP Requirements Comment or Reasons Compliance status for Compliance, Partial Issues for Further RP Requirements Yes/No/Partial Compliance/Non- Action7 Compliance Establishment of

personnel in PMU/PIU Provide information on:  Public consultation, participation activities carried out Public consultation and

socialization process  Inclusive dates of these activities

To be elaborated on in Item 5 Land area to be acquired is identified and finalized Resettlement plan(s) updated after detailed design Land acquisition

completed Please state:  Number of AHs to be relocated as per agreed RP  Number of AHs already relocated Establishment of  Number of houses Resettlement Site(s) built  Status of installation of community facilities to be provided as per agreed RP Please state:  Total Number of Eligible AHs and APs (as per agreed RP)  Number of AHs and APs compensated Compensation as of this monitoring payments for affected period assets is completed  Total Budget allocation as per agreed RP  Total budget disbursed to AHs as of this monitoring period Transport assistance for relocating affected As above households

7 To be elaborated further in table 3.b (Issues for Further Action)

Please state:  Total Number of vulnerable AHs and APs (as per agreed RP) Additional assistance to  Agreed forms of vulnerable affected assistance as per household RP  Number of AHs and APs assisted as of this monitoring period Please state progress per income restoration Income Restoration feature/activity and Program actual period of implementation Please state:  Total Number of AHs affected by temporary impacts as per agreed RP  Actual Number of Temporary impacts have AHs and total area been addressed affected by (affected properties temporary impacts restored to at least pre- (if this differs from project conditions) the projected number, such as in cases of unforeseen project impacts)  Status of restoring affected property Capacity building activities

Table 7: Issues for Further Action Responsibility and Issue Required Action Resolution Timing Old Issues from Previous Reports List of RP activities not completed (last column of previous table)

New Issues from This Report

5. COMPLIANCE WITH SAFEGUARDS RELATED PROJECT COVENANTS

{Read and delete: List all environment and resettlement related loan covenants, and assess project’s compliance with the covenants (Table format is appropriate, with concluding statement on compliance, partial compliance or non-compliance, and corrective actions as needed)

Remarks/Issues Schedule Para No. Covenant (Status of Compliance)

Schedule xxx Complied with / Partially 5 complied with / Not complied with. {Identify reason for partial or non- compliance}

6. PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CAPABILITY BUILDING

{Read and delete: Describe public consultation activities during the reporting period. Confirm compliance with consultation plan defined in the IEE/EMP and the RP(s), or justify deviation from these plans. Present planned consultation activities in next reporting period. Use Tables as appropriate.}

 Field Visits (sites visited, dates, persons met)  Public Consultations and meetings (Date; time; location; agenda; number of participants disaggregated by sex and ethnic group, not including project staff; Issues raised by participants and how these were addressed by the project team)  Training (Nature of training, number of participants disaggregated by gender and ethnicity, date, location, etc.)  Press/Media Releases  Material development/production (e.g., brochure, leaflet, posters)  Information disclosure

7. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

{Read and delete: Describe mechanisms established to address and redress public complaints and grievances related to social and environment safeguards. Summarize grievances received, if any, and measures implemented to redress them.}

 Number of new grievances, if any, since last monitoring period: ____  Number of grievances resolved: _____  Number of outstanding grievances: _____ 3. Details Required Action, (Date, person, Type of Grievance Responsibility and Resolution address, contact Timing details, etc.) Old Issues from Previous Reports

New Issues from This Report

8. CONCLUSION

{Read and delete: Highlight important results from the implementation of EMP and RP monitoring; recommendations to improve EMP and RP management, implementation, and monitoring; key activities planned in next reporting period}.

20. xxx

21. xxx

9. ATTACHMENTS

 Consents / permits  Monitoring data (water quality, air quality, etc.)  Inspection checklists  Photographs  Others