Environmental Assessment Report
Initial Environmental Examination February 2016
AFG: Multi Tranche Financing Facility for Energy Sector Development Investment Program (ESDIP) - Tranche 1
Kunduz and Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project
Prepared by Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) for the Asian Development Bank. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 15 August 2016) Currency unit – AFN AFN1.00 = $ 0.015 $1.00 = AFN 67.80
Abbreviations
ADB Asian Development Bank CSC Construction Supervision Consultant DABS Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat DC Double Circuit EA Executing Agency EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMF Electric Magnetic Field EPA Environmental Protection Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination IEC Important Environmental Component IRA Islamic Republic of Afghanistan LAR Land Acquisition and Resettlement kV kilovolt MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs MFF Multitranche Financing Facility NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization NEPS North East Power System NEPA National Environmental Protection Agency NGO Non-Government Organization O&M Operation and Maintenance OHTL Overhead Transmission Line OPGW Optical Fiber Ground Wire PIU Project Implementation Unit PMO Project Management Office PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Assistance PTEC Power Transmission Expansion and Connectivity REA Rapid Environmental Assessment SEPS Southern Electric Power System ToR terms of reference TL Transmission Line Glossary
DABS - Afghanistan Electricity Company
Mitigation Measures -Mitigation measures are the means by which potential impacts for the project are avoided or reduced to appropriate levels Assessment - The act of judging or assessing a situation or event Avifauna - Bird species of a particular area Basin - Lowest part of a floodplain landscape Biodiversity -Variety and variability among living organisms DABS - Afghanistan Electricity Company Ecosystem - A community of organisms interacting with their inanimate environment Ramsar Convention - An international convention (adopted at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971) aimed at conserving wetlands, especially as waterfowl habitats
Units of Measurement °C degree Celsius cm centimeter km kilometer km2 square kilometer m meter m2 square meter
(i) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.
This Environmental Examination Report is a document of the government of Afghanistan. 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. Abbreviations
ADB Asian Development Bank CMJV CNEEC-MAAMAAR Joint Venture DABS Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (Afghanistan Electricity Company) EA Executing Agency EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EARF Environmental Assessment Review Framework EMMP Environmental Management Monitoring Plan ICB International Competitive Bidding IEE Initial Environmental Examination IEC Important Environmental Component IRA Islamic Republic of Afghanistan kV kilovolt LV Low Voltage MFF Multitranche Financing Facility MV Medium Voltage NEPS North East Power System NEPA National Environmental Protection Agency O&M Operation and Maintenance PIU Project Implementation Unit PMO Project Management Office PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Study REA Rapid Environmental Assessment ToR terms of reference Glossary
Assessment - The act of judging or assessing a situation or event
Avifauna - Bird species of a particular area
Basin - Lowest part of a floodplain landscape
Biodiversity -Variety and variability among living organisms
DABS - Afghanistan Electricity Company
Ecosystem - A community of organisms interacting with their inanimate environment
Mitigation Measures -Mitigation measures are the means by which potential impacts for the project are avoided or reduced to appropriate levels
Ramsar Convention - An international convention (adopted at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971) aimed at conserving wetlands, especially as waterfowl habitats
Units of Measurement
°C degree Celsius cm centimeter km kilometer km2 square kilometer m meter m2 square meter iii
Table of Contents
Chapter Section Description Page Number 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Objectives of the IEE Report 2 1.3 Physical Components of the Project 2 1.4 Scope of Work 3 1.5 Limitations 3 1.6 The IEE Team 4 1.7 Structure of the Report 4 1.8 Methodology 4 1.8.1 Approaches to Preparation of IEE Report 5 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 6 2.1 Legal Framework for Environmental Protection of the IRA 6 2.1.1 Ministry of Energy and Water 6 2.1.2 Ministry of Mines and Petroleum 6 2.1.3 Ministry of Commerce and Industries 7 2.1.4 Ministry of Public Health 7 2.1.5 Ministry of Public Works 7 2.1.6 Ministry of Urban Development 7 2.2 Government Environmental Policies, Laws and Regulations 8 2.3 International Treaties 9 2.4 Environmental Safeguards of ADB 10 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 11 3.1 Overview 11 3.2 Need for the Project 12 3.3 Type and Category of the Project 13 3.4 Details of the Project 13 3.5 Project Location 16 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 21 4.1 Physical Resources in Project Area 21 4.1.1 Climate 21 4.1.2 Topography 22 4.1.3 Soil and Geological Characteristics 22 4.1.4 Water Resources 23 4.1.5 Air Quality 25 4.1.6 Noise 26 4.1.7 Irrigation 26 4.1.8 Seismology 26 4.2 Ecological Resources in Project Area 27 4.2.1 Flora 27 4.2.2 Fauna 27 iv
4.2.3 Fisheries 28 4.3 Human and Economic Development 28 4.3.1 Demography 28 4.3.2 Economic Development 29 4.3.3 Education 29 4.3.4 Agriculture 30 4.3.5 Health 31 4.3.6 Infrastructure and Communications 31 5 SCREENING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION 32 MEASURES 5.1 Physical Environment 32 5.1.1 Soils and Geology 32 5.1.2 Air Quality 32 5.1.3 Noise and Vibration 33 5.1.4 Mines 33 5.1.5 Polychlorinated Biphenyls 33 5.1.6 Water and Wastewater 33 5.1.7 Solid Waste 34 5.1.8 Electric and Magnetic Fields 34 5.1.9 Environmental Benefits 34 5.2 Ecological Environment 35 5.2.1 Flora 35 5.2.2 Fauna 35 5.3 Socio economic Environment 35 5.3.1 Health, Safety and Hygiene 35 6 INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL 36 MANAGEMENT 6.1 Institutional Framework 36 7 STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION, PARTICIPATION, AND 37 CONSULTATION 8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN 38 8.1 Environmental Management 38 8.2 Environmental Monitoring Program 38 8.3 Environmental and Social Management Training 40 8.3.1 Environmental Training Specialist – International 40 8.3.2 Environment Specialist – National 41 9 CONCLUSIONS 49 v
List of Tables
Table Title Page No Table-3.1 Salient Features of the Subproject 11 Table-8.1 Environmental Management Plan – Matrix 43 Table-8.2 Environmental Monitoring, Mitigation and Training Cost 42
List of Figures
Figure Title Page No Figure-3.1 Satellite Imagery of Kunduz 16 Figure-3.2 Baghlan - Location of Substation and Project Area 17 Figure-3.3 Kunduz - Locations of Substations and Project Area 18 Figure-3.4 Location of 220/20 kv Baghlan new Substation 19 Figure-3.5 Location of 220/ 20 kv Kunduz new Substation 20 Figure-4.1 Mean Annual Precipitation 22 Figure-4.2 Kunduz River Basin 25 Figure-4.3 Seismic Map of Afghanistan 27
Appendix-1: Wildlife in Kunduz and Baghlan Project Area
References vi
Executive Summary
The proposed Kunduz and Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project is expected to provide significant economic and social benefits in the region, thus contributing, to the sustainable development of human activities. Sometimes however, their wide scale deployment has to face potential negative environmental implications. These potential problems seem to be a strong barrier for a further dissemination of these systems in some consumers.
To cope with these problems this IEE Report presents an overview of expected impacts. Attempt has been made to assess the potential environmental intrusions in order to ameliorate them with new technological innovations and good practices in the future power systems. The analysis provides the potential burdens to the environment, which include—during the construction, the installation phase, as well as especially in the case of the construction technologies—noise and visual intrusion, greenhouse gas emissions, water and soil pollution, energy consumption, labor accidents, impact on archaeological sites (no such sites exists within the influence area of the Project) or on sensitive ecosystems, negative and positive socio- economic effects.
The IEE report presents the conclusions of the study including: (i) gains which justify project implementation; (ii) explanation of how adverse effects could be minimized or offset, and compensated to make these impacts acceptable; (iii) provisions for follow-up surveillance and monitoring. Simple visual presentations of the type and magnitude of the impacts may aid the decision-maker.
The distribution project scope basically includes design, supply, and installation of plant in urban distribution networks of Baghlan and Kunduz. It is Bidder’s responsibility to ensure optimized distribution networks are designed, installed and commissioned in Baghlan and Kunduz considering environmental safeguard issues.
In addition, the IEE aims to identify the likely impacts, both positive and negative and assess the impacts on the environment or impacts on the project by nature of the power distribution network construction undertaken by the DABS. The overall aim is to ensure that the power distribution system is environmentally sound and sustainable following the international requirements laid out in Agenda 21 of the Rio Convention to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
This IEE follows the methodology outlined in the ADB Guidelines; ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, June 2009 (SPS 2009) and environmental Laws of the Government of Afghanistan. The experiences of other studies in preparing IEE documentation for power sector have also been reviewed. This IEE is prepared based on review of preliminary design, collection of selected primary data, review of secondary data and information, field visit, discussions with DABS engineers and stakeholder consultations.
The field survey aimed to identify important environmental components and environmental issues within the study area. It includes an investigation of the following:
• Physical setting of local landform, • Air quality (qualitative) vii
• Noise level (qualitative) • habitat types, • drainage pattern and density, • soil types, • water quality (both surface and ground), • water resources and their availability, • extend of river bank and their stability • industrial development and density • probable vulnerable hill slopes, • geo-morphology of the areas/regions
Direct observation and key informant interview techniques were employed within the field survey. As such, an environmental checklist was completed for each of the areas.
The IEE have been prepared considering the policies, rules and regulations of Afghanistan and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 and related documents.
The DABS 003/ICB project contract was signed on 6 January 2013 between DABS and Contractor CNEEC-MAAMAAR (CMJV), according to contract document required the electrification of two locations of Baghlan and Kunduz cities. Accordingly, the detail survey and detail design of MV/LV (the LV design is pending still) system for both Baghlan and Kunduz already done by Contractor. The proposed Project will introduce new electricity connections and improving the existing system in the cities of Baghlan and Kunduz, will help spur economic development and reduce poverty in these regions. These projects will specifically benefit the poor and vulnerable groups, including women, by providing access to electricity for their household activities which will help in reducing the use of poor quality fuel for cooking and in coping with environmental degradation and health risk. It will also help improve learning opportunities for children, allow home‐based informal micro businesses to expand into small‐ scale commercial or industrial operations, and result in net savings to customers as electricity is cheaper than kerosene and fuel wood. The projects will enhance the standard of life of the people through its direct, indirect and induced positive impacts. The ADB allocated fund for this project is appx.USD 51.3 million and duration of completion of the project is 30 months after signing of contract (or after opening of LC).
As per current plan, the proposed Project will be located on Baghlan District in Baghlan Province and is located nearby east of the Kunduz River. The elevation ranges between 564 and 1,700 meters above mean sea level in the northern part of the Hindu Kush. On the other hand, Kunduz is the capital of Kunduz Province which is mostly rural in northern Afghanistan. It is located at E-47º91"71, N-40º71"425 at an elevation of 450 to 2,000m meters above sea level.
An environmental baseline survey was conducted in the project area and its surroundings. Environmental impacts have been identified and predicted. Evaluation of impacts and possible mitigation measures are described in Chapter 5 of this Report. Environment Management and Monitoring Plan have been outlined in Chapter 8. The EMP will be used to ensure that the proposed project is operated with the minimum adverse impacts.
The IEE is a multi-step process by which a wide range of issues is taken into consideration in order to determine whether and under which environmental constraints a project should be undertaken. Most of the development projects cause adverse impacts on environment and viii appropriate measures are required to reduce the intensity of adverse impacts to an acceptable level. Industrial projects, like the proposed Kunduz-Baghlan Distribution Project, have positive impacts also on the society and economy.
During construction period, the main impacts on the land will be from the excavation of soil when replacing the electricity poles. Possible impacts include the loss of top soil, damage to local existing roads during transportation of construction material and equipment, erosion of stockpiles during rain and re‐suspension of dust during the dry weather. The construction process will potentially remove vegetation and disturb the upper soil layer making it more susceptible to erosion and increased runoff. However the areas that will be subject to disturbance will be very small and so the potential impacts associated with the replacement of the poles are not considered significant, provided basic environmental management measures are implemented.
The environmental monitoring plan will envisage on-site monitoring of various environmental parameters e.g. Air quality, Fuel quality, Stack Emissions, Water quality, liquid discharge, Noise Levels, Chemical Wastes, Socio-economics, and public complaints. The plan will aim at ensuring that the proposed distribution project continually meets with all relevant standards.
Public consultation meetings were held with the local stakeholders for information dissemination and community participation. During the public consultation the following suggestions were made by the stakeholders.
The people expressed their positive attitude towards the project and agreed with the implementation of various components and no any LAR issues or concern noticed during the consultation. The number of participants in consultation meeting composed around 10 people including males and females. Likewise, the formation of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) to deal with day to grievance of the local communities progressed as usual; the procedure has become a little bit late due to disturbed situation of the area. Other suggestions include:
• Arrange job opportunity for the local people, • Give electricity connection to remaining households, • Take mitigation measures to address noise pollution.
However, nobody has raised any objection to the establishment of the proposed Project.
As stated in the foregoing, it can be safely said that the environmental impacts of the proposed Project will be minimized to an acceptable level in order to meet the NEPA-Afghanistan Environmental Standards.
Further socio-economic benefits derived from the project implementation are expected to be high. It may be stated that there is no need for acquisition of land for project implementation and that no resettlement will be required.
In consideration of the foregoing findings, the proposed Kunduz-Baghlan Distribution Project may be accepted for implementation after NEPA issues the environmental clearance. ix
In conclusion, the Project will have overall beneficial impacts and will have minor negative impacts, which will be carefully monitored and adequately mitigated. As such, the completion of this lEE fully meets the ADB standards and during construction environmental monitoring study is required for this project. 1
1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1. Afghanistan is experiencing severely damaged power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, leaving most of the country's 35.32 million1 people distributed in an area of 652,230km2 with no access to reliable, modern forms of energy. More than 85 percent of Afghanistan's energy needs are met by traditional fuels and more than 80 percent of the population lives in rural areas who depend on these traditional sources. Use of fuel wood, crop residue and kerosene has led to serious deforestation, adverse impacts on watersheds, air quality and human health.
2. In view of this, the Government of Afghanistan through Asian Development Bank (ADB) tranche 1 of ESDIP2 aims to develop additional new distribution of electricity in each city of Kunduz and Baghlan and electrification of rural villages and hinterlands of these cities through the installation and upgrading of distribution system. With this implementation of rural electrification and network developments, it is expected that the quality of life of the community in these cities and surrounding villages would be enhanced. Thus, rural electrification requires that transmission and distribution networks cover the cities and suburbs and those they guarantee high levels of reliability of supply preventing or minimizing the duration of power outages. The ADB is financing through MFF comprises of NEPS distribution network in Kunduz and Baghlan -- USD 51.3 million for development and rehabilitation of 20kv and low voltage networks for 45,000 households in Kunduz and Baghlan cities.
Therefore, Project 1 of the investment program is composed of:
(a) Development and reconstruction of the 20 kV network and rehabilitation of low- voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network in Kunduz; (b) Development and reconstruction of the 20 kV network and rehabilitation of low- voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network in Baghlan.
3. This implies: (1) New installation / rehabilitation of existing plants and sub-stations, (2) harmonization of power distribution lines: and (3) modernization of plant and equipment. Thus, primary Project objective is to develop and enhance the distribution network and associated infrastructure located at Baghlan and Kunduz with minimum adverse influence to human and biophysical actions.
4. In fact, the existing networks in Kunduz (beyond city centre - 6kV area) and Baghlan towns are in a generally neglected state of maintenance. The systems require rehabilitation and extensions to connect additional customers.
5. The Environmental aspects will ensure that (i) the projects are designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with Republic of Afghanistan and ADB's environmental procedures,
1 World Bank, 2011 2 The Afghan Energy Sector Development Investment Program aims for improved energy security and sustainable power supply to stimulate economic development in Afghanistan with a funding support of USD164 million. This investment would reduce cost of doing business, cut poverty and improve security. It aims to provide sustainable cost effective power supply in North East Afghanistan (including Kabul) through (i) Improvements in transmission and distribution systems, and (ii) Strengthened institutional capacity of power utility's (DABS) commercial, technical and managerial functions (MIS, financial/revenue management, O&M capabilities, system planning, and project management). 2 policies and guidelines; (ii) the projects are designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with the EMPs as reflected in the IEEs and EARF; (iii) the environmental management and monitoring plan will be incorporated in bidding documents and civil work contracts and implemented; and (iv) environmental performance reports will be submitted to ADB twice annually during the construction period, including progress made on the mitigation measures, monitoring data, problems encountered, enforcement plan, and any violations (presented through Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Reports). The projects under the Investment Program are classified as category "B" in terms of environmental impact. Tranche 1 projects involving physical investment are: (i) NEPS Distribution Network: Kunduz; (ii) NEPS Distribution Network: Baghlan.
6. However, the implementation consultants will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the environmental monitoring and management plan attached to the IEE's, and to report to the PMO. An external monitor will be engaged to perform environmental audits twice a year and prepare safeguard compliance reports.
1.2 Objectives of the IEE Report
7. The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been carried out pursuant to the NEPA policies and guidelines and the guidelines of ADB. The IEE report will be submitted to DABS and ADB for the above mentioned distribution networks with associated substations in Kunduz and Baghlan. According to the ADB guidelines, this extension project falls under the "B" Category. Therefore that should be preceded by IEEs.
The objectives of the IEE study comprise:
• to assess the potential environmental impacts, including any residual impact of the proposed project • to describe the existing environment of the area • to identify mitigation measures to minimize the impact • to prepare an environmental monitoring program
8. This report intends to evaluate environmental impacts from the proposed project development and to suggest adequate mitigation measures, including an environmental management and monitoring plan. Further to note that, this IEE is an update of the former IEE (Initial Environmental Examination, Rehabilitation and Expansion of Urban Distribution Networks- Baghlan and Kunduz Project Number: 42094, October 2008 prepared during the project preparation stage). The present IEE "Kunduz and Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project, July 2015" covers wider ranges of information and also considered refined design.
1.3 Physical Components of the Project
9. The Project components are detailed in Section 3. The salient features are as follows.
(a) 20 kV network development and reconstruction, and low-voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network rehabilitation in Kunduz; (b) 20 kV network development and reconstruction and low-voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network rehabilitation in Baghlan; 3
1.4 Scope of Work
10. The distribution project scope basically includes design, supply, and installation of plant in urban distribution networks of Baghlan and Kunduz. It is Bidder’s responsibility to ensure optimized distribution networks are designed, installed and commissioned in Baghlan and Kunduz considering environmental safeguard issues.
11. In relation to this, the IEE is to provide an assessment of the environmental concerns that need to be taken into account with regard to the construction and operation of the distribution network of Baghlan and Kunduz cities. The IEE provides an initial screening of the activities to be carried out under the approved project design, with the intention of identifying potentially significant environmental impacts, and determining appropriate management, mitigation and monitoring measures, and identifying if any further assessment is required.
12. In addition, the IEE aims to identify the likely impacts, both positive and negative and assess the impacts on the environment or impacts on the project by nature of the power distribution network construction undertaken by the DABS. The overall aim is to ensure that the power distribution system is environmentally sound and sustainable following the international requirements laid out in Agenda 21 of the Rio Convention to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
The scope of work includes the following:
• Description of the general environmental settings of the project distribution network in Baghlan and Kunduz as baseline information; • Nature of potential impacts of the project, its magnitude, duration, and spatial distribution of impacts; identification of affected people; • Information on potential mitigation measures to minimize the impact • Assess the best alternative project at most benefits and least costs in terms of financial, social, and environmental consideration; and • Basic information for formulating management and monitoring plan.
13. This report intends to evaluate environmental impacts from the proposed project development and to suggest adequate mitigation measures, including an environmental management and monitoring plan.
1.5 Limitations
14. An IEE is generally carried out as an integral part of a prefeasibility study at preliminary design stage. For the present project, the IEE is prepared as a document separate from the feasibility study since the site selection is already finalized.
15. Identification of the best site from the environmental and engineering point of view was done by evaluating alternative sites. The best sites were chosen for the environmental assessment. 4
1.6 The IEE Team
16. The IEE team comprises the following experts:
Syed Latif, IEE Study Team Leader Naqibullah Hashimi, Environmental and Social Specialist Mirwais Hakimi, SMEC Engineer Alaam Dasti, SMEC Engineer Amir Mohammad, Site In charge, CMJV Kunduz Project,
A group of field workers with multidisciplinary backgrounds helped the team by collecting data from the field.
1.7 Structure of the Report
17. The results of the study are presented according to the format recommended by the Bank. Following this introduction, the balance of the report addresses the topics as:
Chapter 2 describes environmental clearance requirements; Chapter 3 provides a description of the project. Chapter 4 highlights the description of environment, physical and ecological resources, human and economic development; Chapter 5 provides screening environmental impacts and mitigation measures; Chapter 6 gives institutional requirement for environmental management Chapter 7 describes stakeholder communication, participation and consultation; Chapter 8 pays attention to the environmental management and monitoring plan; Chapter 9 contains the conclusions of the study.
1.8. Methodology
18. This IEE follows the methodology outlined in the ADB Guidelines; ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, June 2009 (SPS 2009) and environmental Laws of the Government of Afghanistan. The experiences of other studies in preparing IEE documentation for power sector have also been reviewed. This IEE is prepared based on review of preliminary design, collection of selected primary data, review of secondary data and information, field visit, discussions with DABS engineers and stakeholder consultations.
19. This report covers the description of existing environmental conditions, assessment of environmental impacts of proposed Kunduz and Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project, recommended management and mitigation measures and monitoring of selected parameters. The environmental impact was considered for physical, ecological, social and cultural resources within the project facilities. Further, noted project activities during pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the Project. The scope of the IEE covers the natural and human environment, their interaction and any induced change brought about by the power distribution Project activities.
Physical Survey:
20. To comprehensively evaluate the existing baseline conditions, and recap the missing data on terrestrial and aquatic features in the Project area including the area of influence (AoI) in 5
Baghlan and Kunduz, a field visit and data collection program incorporating a number of biophysical investigations were developed and implemented in early April and July 2015. The field survey program was conducted throughout the study area (as per NEPA guideline/ or considering two kilometer radius) extracting Social data and explaining the environmental checklist to Contractor CNEEC-MAAMAAR JV by a National Environment and Social Specialist from 3rd to 9th April 2015. Further, the National Environment and Social Specialist established continuous communication, guidance and facilitation with the DABS office and relevant stakeholders.
21. The field survey aimed to identify important environmental components and environmental issues within the study area. It includes an investigation of the following:
• Physical setting of local landform, • Air quality (qualitative) • Noise level (qualitative) • habitat types, • drainage pattern and density, • soil types, • water quality (both surface and ground), • water resources and their availability, • extend of river bank and their stability • industrial development and density • probable vulnerable hill slopes, • geo-morphology of the areas/regions
Direct observation and key informant interview techniques were employed within the field survey. As such, an environmental checklist was completed for each of the areas.
Biological Survey
22. The terrestrial biological component focused on flora, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals as well as the surrounding ecosystems. Duration of field survey determined after an initial reconnaissance visit to the sites. The field survey concentrated on investigation the ecological issues present and to gain an understanding of the Project area and the flora and fauna present. This survey was conducted to ascertain the location and extent of any sensitive areas influenced by the project.
23. The information gathered during the field visits was used to confirm and supplement the information gathered during the literature review process, providing a baseline condition of the area and an understanding of the potential biological issues relating to the Project.
1.8.1 Approaches to Preparation of IEE Report
24. As discussed, this updated IEE is based on the requirements of ADB’s SPS 2009. Principal sources of information were the Preliminary Survey, Design and Estimation of Electricity Network Development Costs of Baghlan prepared by SMEC in June 2006 and the IEE prepared by DABS for ADB in October 2008. The environmental assessments that were outlined in the previous IEEs were updated and integrated into this IEE. 6
25. Supplementary information were taken from direct consultations with DABS staff, field observations and site assessment, review of documents and project plans, and previous reports on projects implemented in the area.
The Environmental Categorization Form and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist from ADB’s SPS 2009 were used for environmental categorization purposes.
2 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Legal Framework for Environmental Protection of the IRA
26. In Afghanistan the environmental protection is represented by National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) which was established in 2005. NEPA serves as Afghanistan's environmental policy-making and regulatory institution. Its role is to regulate, coordinate, monitor and enforce environmental laws. The agency is expected to play a major role in environmental protection, as well as to be the central point in dealing with the management of Afghanistan's environment so that it benefits all the citizens of Afghanistan. Further, NEPA is an autonomous body, responsible for implementation of Environmental Act, monitoring, conservation and rehabilitation of biodiversity, etc. Hence, all national level IEE/EIA is reviewed and assessed by NEPA through an EIA/ESIA Board of Experts, and subsequently grant or refuse environmental clearance for different projects.
Additionally, the concerned Ministries related to ESDIP Projects are provided below:
2.1.1 Ministry of Energy and Water
27. The Ministry had the task of coordinating an effort to reintroduce power to areas of Afghanistan that had been cut off. Areas particularly badly affected were southern regions - Pakistan, Iran and India all agreed to supply power. On 17 June 2003 the Asian development Bank agreed to give a loan of USD 50 million to the Afghanistan Ministry of Energy and Water. The loan intended to be spent over the next three years on projects for the production, distribution and transmission of electricity in Afghanistan.
28. However, the Ministry regulates electricity, identifies water resources and enterprises for generating power. Sets energy policy and taxes on energy use; manages the planning and development of water systems for irrigating land. Further, develops water policy and administers water rights.
2.1.2 Ministry of Mines and Petroleum
29. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has overall responsibility of monitoring of all mineral deposits within the territory of Afghanistan. The ministry of mines has been established to check the affairs of the rich mines sector, prepare extraction procedure and contracts of mines. It is authorized to grant licenses and contracts of mines to companies in Afghanistan.
The central structure of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum in Kabul consists of three deputies, two general departments and four independent departments. Similarly, the ministry has its provincial departments as well. 7
2.1.3 Ministry of Commerce and Industries
30. The Ministry of Commerce creates the enabling environment for sustainable and equitable economic growth and opportunity for all Afghans by promoting private sector development in a socially responsible free market economy. Further, develops private and government sectors industrial, trade and commerce at a wider national and international dimension. The Ministry has three basic goals: a) to promote the establishment and implementation of a legal and regulatory framework necessary for a free market economy b) to integrate Afghanistan into the regional and global economy and c) to facilitate and promote the development of a dynamic, competitive private sector.
2.1.4 Ministry of Public Health
31. The Ministry of Health, along with World Health Organization reconstructed the health sector focusing on protection of the health of Afghans in a preventative and curative way. Work toward wiping out and preventing the spread of diseases by establishing mobile and stationary hospitals in the country. The goal of the ministry is to develop the health sector to improve the health of the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children, through implementing the basic package of health services (BPHS) and the essential package of hospital services (EPHS) as the standard, agreed-upon minimum of health care to be provided at each level of the health system. It wants to reduce the high levels of mortality and morbidity by:
• Improving access to quality emergency and routine reproductive and child health services, • Increasing the coverage and quality of services to prevent and treat communicable diseases and malnutrition among children and adults, • Strengthening institutional development and management at central and provincial levels to ensure the effective and cost-efficient delivery of quality health services, and • Further developing the capacity of health personnel to manage and better deliver quality health services.
2.1.5 Ministry of Public Works
32. The Ministry establishes safe and effective road network in Afghanistan which comprises regional highways, national highways, and provincial roads including feeder roads connecting the provinces and districts. Likewise, maintain roads, bridges, dams, canals and airports. Supervise the works of the construction and mortgage bank, the department of town and home construction and the Afghan Construction Authority.
2.1.6 Ministry of Urban Development
33. The Ministry conducts strategic and urban planning for city development, works with Municipalities to prepare and maintain the “Master Plan” regulations for development of infrastructure. Other activities of the Ministry includes upgrading of formal and informal settlements through provision and improvement of drinking water, sanitation, surface water drainage, solid waste management systems, surfacing of the access roads and street lighting. 8
2.2 Government Environmental Policies, Laws and Regulations
34. The power transmission components shall go through the environmental requirements of the Government of Afghanistan. The regulations on environmental impact assessment is based on the Environmental Act of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GazetteNo.873), dated 29 Jadi, 1384 (19 January,2006).The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), as an independent institutional entity, is responsible for coordinating and monitoring conservation and rehabilitation of the environment, and for implementing this act. Article 16 and 17 of Chapter 3 of Environmental Act describes the process of preparing a preliminary assessment, an environmental impact statement and a comprehensive mitigation plan to be conducted by the proponent of each project. Article 21 mentions public consultation is required for all the projects.
35. Article 18 describes the approval procedure of environmental impact assessment. The NEPA will appoint an EIA Board of Experts to review, assess and consider applications and documents submitted by the proponent. Acting on the advice of the EIA Board of Experts, NEPA shall either grant or refuse to a grant permit in respect of the project. A permit granted will lapse in the event that the proponent fails to implement the project within three years of the date of which the permit was granted. Article 19 describes the appeal procedure. Any person may within thirty days of the granting or refusal of a permit, appeal the decision to the Director General of the NEPA. The Director General shall review the appeal application and thereafter make an appropriate decision. Should the appellant wish to appeal the Director General’s final decision, the matter shall be referred to the relevant court.
36. Chapter 6 of the Environmental Act of the government describes national biodiversity strategy and protected areas management. The NEPA will prepare a national biodiversity strategy and action plan within two years of the entry into force of the Environmental Act. The NEPA will also develop a comprehensive plan for the national protected areas system.
Other Government environmental legislative documents relevant to ESDIP Project are as follows:
-Water Law 1981
-The Law of Land Ownership 2000
-Nature Protection Law 1986/2000
-Agricultural Quarantine Services Law 2000
-Hunting and Wildlife Protection Law 2000
-Range Management Law 1970/2000
-Agriculture Cooperative Development Law 2000
-Charter for Development of Fertilizer and Agro-Chemicals 2000
- Administrative Guidelines for Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments, March 2007, Version Draft-2, as part of the Afghan Environmental Act (2005) 9
-Law for Appropriation of Property for the Public Welfare in Afghanistan
The IEE have been prepared considering these policies, rules and guidelines.
37. Further, it is necessary to mention that, UNEP is contributing to the development and institutionalization of environmental laws and regulations through training and technical support in the development of an integrated environmental legal, regulatory and policy framework. An essential step throughout the development of this framework is an extensive public consultation process with national and international stakeholders.
38. Previously, UNEP provided extensive technical and drafting support for the Environment Law of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and supported stakeholder consultations and the promulgation of the law through the Ministry of Justice and President's Office. The final version of the environment law, approved by the National Assembly, came into force in January 2007.
39. UNEP’s work in this area has also included: • Support for regulations covering environmental impact assessments and ozone depleting substances which have been approved by the Cabinet; • The draft Forestry Law and Protected Area Regulations have been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review and processing; • A Forestry and Rangeland management policy has been developed; • The water law has been approved by the Cabinet and is with the Parliament for ratification; and • A Rangeland law is under development.
40. Likewise, a small but growing EIA sector is now developing in Afghanistan. Achievements to date include:
• EIA regulations have been approved and will be gazetted shortly; • EIA administrative guidelines have been approved; • A pollution control policy paper has been approved; • Work has been started on the development of a waste management policy and of environmental quality standards for air, water and pollution control; • A survey to identify the types of chemicals currently used by the industries in Afghanistan and the main chemical pollutants likely to have a significant impact on human health has been conducted.
2.3 International Treaties
41. Afghanistan is member of many international environmental agreements and treaties. The treaties relevant to the approved development are given below:
1. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC): This is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The treaty aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gas in order to combat global warming. 10
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification: This agreement came into force, on 26 December 1996. The Convention was as much about rural development, agricultural growth, and poverty alleviation, as it was about combating desertification.
3. The Convention on Biological Diversity: is an international treaty that was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Convention has three main goals:
(1) Conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity); (2) Sustainable use of its components; and (3) Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
4. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora: is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Afghanistan became a member of this treaty in 1986.
2.4 Environmental Safeguards of ADB
42. The requirements for Environmental Assessment are described in Operations Manual (OM) 20: Environmental Considerations in ADB Operations and OM Section F1/OP (2013). This states that ADB requires environmental assessment of all project loans, program loans, sector loans, sector development program loans, financial intermediation loans and private sector investment operations.
43. Further, ADB's safeguard policies are central to achieving sustained development impact and poverty reduction. The objective of these policies is to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse environmental impacts, social costs to third parties or marginalization of vulnerable groups that may result from development projects. Safeguard policies prescribe "do no harm" requirements that must be met for all ADB projects.
44. ADB has the following safeguard policies relevant to ESDIP Project:
• ADB, Safeguard Policy Statement, June 2009 • ADB, Environmental Guidelines for Selected Industrial and Power Development Projects, 1990
45. According to ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) and OM Section F1/OP (2013), the Project is classified as category “B” and therefore an IEE is required for the Project. The process of determining a project’s environment category is to prepare a Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA). REA requires the completion of the environmental categorization form prior to the project initiation. REA uses sector-specific screening checklist, taking into account the type, size, and location of the proposed project; sensitivity and vulnerability of environmental resources in project area; and the potential for the project to cause significant adverse environmental impacts and the availability of cost-effective mitigation measures. A project is classified as one of the four environmental categories (A, B, C, or Fl) based on the most environmentally sensitive component. As such, projects are screened for their expected environmental impacts and are assigned to one of the following categories:
(i) Category A: Projects with potential for significant adverse environmental impacts. An environmental impact assessment and a summary EIA (SEIA) are required to 11
address significant impacts. (ii) Category B: Projects judged to have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser degree and/or significance than those for category A projects. An initial environmental examination is required to determine whether or not significant environmental impacts warranting an EIA are likely. If an EIA is not needed, the IEE is regarded as the final environmental assessment report. (iii) Category C: Projects unlikely to have adverse environmental impacts. No EIA or IEE is required, although environmental implications are still reviewed. (iv) Category FI: Projects are classified as category FI if they involve a credit line through a financial intermediary or an equity investment in a financial intermediary. The financial intermediary must apply an environmental management system, unless all subprojects will result in insignificant impacts.
46. The Bank has classed this project as Category B during PPTA study, accordingly an IEE was prepared. Further, as part of the review, consideration of relevant IECs and field investigations, the IEE document has been further revised as part of the updating process for approval from the NEPA, DABS and ADB as well.
3. DESCPTION OF THE PROJECT
3.1 Overview
47. The DABS 003/ICB project contract was signed on 6 January 2013 between DABS and Contractor CNEEC-MAAMAAR (CMJV), according to contract document required the electrification of two locations of Baghlan and Kunduz cities. Accordingly, the detail survey and detail design of MV/LV (the LV design is pending still) system for both Baghlan and Kunduz already done by Contractor. The proposed Project will introduce new electricity connections and improving the existing system in the cities of Baghlan and Kunduz, will help spur economic development and reduce poverty in these regions. These projects will specifically benefit the poor and vulnerable groups, including women, by providing access to electricity for their household activities which will help in reducing the use of poor quality fuel for cooking and in coping with environmental degradation and health risk. It will also help improve learning opportunities for children, allow home‐based informal micro businesses to expand into small‐ scale commercial or industrial operations, and result in net savings to customers as electricity is cheaper than kerosene and fuel wood. The projects will enhance the standard of life of the people through its direct, indirect and induced positive impacts. The ADB allocated fund for this project is appx.USD 51.3 million and duration of completion of the project is 30 months after signing of contract (or after opening of LC).
Table-3.1: Salient Features of the Subproject
Sl. Description Kanduz Baghlan No. 1 Total Length of Distribution Line 170Km 163km (Revised) 3 Total number of villages to benefit 150 (Revised) 139 (Revised) 4 Total number of consumers (village-wise) to benefit 21000 26463 (Revised) 5 Number of total poles 7910 7910 6 Total Number of Transformers to be Installed 141 115 7 Number of pole Mounted Transformers 141 115 12
8 No. of Existing Electrified Industrial/ Commercial 270 1684 Units 9 No. of Existing Electrified Housing Units 3381 7731 10 No. of Proposed Units to be Electrified 21000 23015 (Revised) Note: Unless otherwise stated the indicated figures are extracts of the contract documents.
3.2 Need for the Project
48. In Baghlan Province, Baghlan is the second largest commercial centre with approximate 199,700 (102,500 Males; 97,200 Females) population3. The domestic electrification level is less than 4% and the electricity supply to this area is so poor that public facilities such as the hospital do not have grid electricity. Electricity supply is available only in New Baghlan and Centre Baghlan areas. The only source of supply available to Baghlan electricity distribution system is the 20kV overhead distribution line from the Pul‐e‐Khumri power 220/20 kV Substation. Baghlan consumers do not get electricity for more than four to five hours a day because of the inadequacy of energy generated by the Pul‐e‐Khumri hydropower station during winter seasons. The supply outages continue for more than four consecutive days during winter seasons. Currently 7,000 consumer connections have been given to different categories; domestic, small commercial and Government / public establishments within the city centre.
49. On the other hand, Kunduz town centre is the industrial and commercial hub of Kunduz Province, with a population of 297,800 (152,100 Males and 145,700 Females)4. It has about 37,000 houses, 2000 shops and commercial enterprises, 135 Government/public institutions such as offices, mosques, schools and dispensaries etc. There are a number of small to large scale industries, mainly ice, textile, oil and flour processing plants. Further, industrial and commercial developments are hindered by the low voltage and unreliability of the electricity supply. The distribution system of the town centre is fed by an 110kV transmission line from Tajikistan. Electricity is supplied to 14,328 domestic consumers, 1,549 small commercial consumers and around 139 Government / public establishments. The project aims to provide electricity supply and improve reliability and coverage by expansion and rehabilitation of the existing distribution networks of Kunduz and Baghlan. The project also proposes to connect the towns' network with the national power transmission grid of Afghanistan, thereby providing electricity to larger population in more effective and continuous manner.
50. In general, the Project will promote economic development and poverty reduction in the towns including northern and eastern areas of Afghanistan by ensuring sustainable and reliable electricity supply. It will improve power distribution infrastructure through rehabilitation, augmentation, and expansion of the primary high and low voltage transmission networks, and promote rural electrification and development of renewable energy.
As such, expected outputs include the following:
(c) 20 kV network developed and reconstructed, (up-gradation of 6kV to 20kV partially) and low-voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network rehabilitated in Kunduz; (d) 20 kV network developed and reconstructed and low-voltage networks of the NEPS distribution network rehabilitated in Baghlan.
3 Afghanistan CSO Population data, 1390 (2011-12) 4 Afghanistan CSO Population data, 1390 (2011-12) 13
3.3 Type and Category of the Project
51. This project has been categorized to Environmental Category “B” (judged to have minor and limited adverse environmental impacts, of lesser degree and/or significance than those for category A Projects) and therefore an IEE has been prepared for this project. The adverse impacts are expected only during the construction stage and the long term impacts can be managed through proper environmental planning, management and monitoring in later years.
52. During preparation of this IEE and social report, potential affected people were consulted in July 2015. The substations (Kunduz SS and Baghlan SS) are located outside municipal limits of Kunduz and Baghlan cities with low environmental sensitivities. No significant or irreversible impacts are expected during operations. Temporary impacts will be mitigated. Likewise, the project is category "B" for involuntary resettlement safeguard. One Social Safeguard Monitoring Report was prepared in December 2014, followed by another Bi-annual Social Monitoring Report covering the period from January to June 2015.
3.4 Details of the Project
53. The Baghlan project is designed to address the following considerations: a) Provide grid electricity supply to the existing consumers as well as consumers awaiting electricity supply in the areas covered by the existing networks. b) Expansion of distribution network to provide access to 20,000 connections to different consumer categories such as domestic, shops, mosques, government institutions and small and medium‐scale industries. c) Ensuring adequate network capacity to accommodate anticipated demand growth during the planning horizon of 10 year, and ensures operational flexibility and provision for future network expansions /developments in the base design.
The proposed system development consists of the following and the project will be implemented in only one stage owing to the comparatively lesser amount of work involved in rehabilitation of existing network. a) Rehabilitation of existing Low Voltage (LV) lines.
54. The design criteria for the Kunduz project included: a) To use 20 kV voltage level for Medium Voltage (MV) distribution and conversion of the existing 6 kV MV distribution system in certain part of Kunduz to 20 kV in order to improve supply voltage to an acceptable level. b) Expansion of the distribution network to un‐electrified areas surrounded by the town centre so that access of electricity can be made available for 21,000 new consumers. c) Ensuring adequate network capacity to accommodate anticipated demand growth during the planning horizon of 10 year and ensures operational flexibility and provision for future network expansions /developments in the base design. 14
The works at Kunduz will also be implemented in a single stage and will consist of:
1. New grid substation with two transformers of capacities 1x25MVA 220/20kV and 1x40MVA 220/110kV will be constructed. 2. Conversion of 6kV system of certain part of the city to 20kV (Just under the DABS 003 project area).
55. The following Sub-Sections indicate the standards to which the planning, designing and construction of Distribution Works are required to be carried out. The number of beneficiaries in Baghlan and Kunduz Provinces are:
Baghlan - New Residential Consumers 20,000 Kunduz - Residential Consumers 21,000
56. The proposed Supply and Installation Model for the two distribution components for Baghlan and Kunduz consists of a Supply component and a Works Component. In the Supply Component it is envisaged to procure all the distribution plant necessary for the above two distribution projects in an ICB procedure.
The plant included in the supply component is as follows:
• Distribution Transformers, LV Panels Distribution Transformers of capacities 63kVA, 100kVA, 160kVA, 250kVA, 400kVA, and 630kVA
• Poles and Cross-Arms Pre-Stressed Concrete Poles of 15m, 12m and 9m sizes; Galvanised Cross-Arm Assemblies for MV Lines and for Pole Mounted Transformers, with required nuts bolts and washers.
• Conductors and Fittings ACSR Conductors and all associated connectors, joints, clamps and ancillaries to suit MV and ABC cables together with accessories to suit LV circuits.
• Lightning Arresters, Load Break/ (DS )Switches and Fuse Cut-Outs Lightning Arresters for 20 kV substations, Load Break and Air Break Switches, Automatic reclosure with by-pass switch, Disconnectors for Lines; Fuse Cut-Outs for Distribution Transformer Substations.
• Service Meters, MCCBs, and Meter Boxes Service Meters and accessories, Meter boxes, LV Panel Boards, MCCBs and Earthing Rods, tools and accessories
• Insulators and Hardware MV Insulators both Pin and Disc Insulators, including all associated hardware.
• Mandatory Spares for above items
57. This section addresses the Installation Works dealing with the installation related services. It further includes designing, commissioning and documentation aspects of the execution of the 15 two projects in Baghlan and Kunduz. It further gives the environmental safeguards to be adopted during the project planning and execution stages.
58. Further to note, according to survey and design the project will bring benefit for 142 villages' approximately 21, 500 connections (for Baghlan) and 125 villages' about 21, 000 connections (for Kunduz), also in Baghlan there are 137 Circuit km MV line and 113 km of LV lines in Kunduz as well. Further, the project has 170 Circuit km MV and 140 km of LV lines. There are provisions of 145 distribution transformers in Kunduz and 115 distribution transformers in Baghlan. (d) Contractor should provide all these items.
59. However, the detailed engineering works: (Project components) are as follows:
• Foundation • Pole Erection • Conductor • Transformers • Meter boxes/ Energy meters • LV boards/ Auto reclose
60. Following is the List of various facilities to be constructed / installed:
• Foundation and Erection of 7790 poles • Conductor stringing • Transformer, LV Panel, Energy meter Installation • 21,000 consumers power facilitation • Warehouse for Electrical staffs
61. Equipment schedule for foundation
• Ready mix concrete machine • Concrete Vibrator Machine • Soil Compactor Machine • Excavator • Tractor • Truck • Water Tanker
62. Equipment Schedule for Pole Erection:
• Pulley • Rope • Crowbar • Derrick pole • Tool set
63. Equipment scheduled for ACSR conductor stringing
• Conductor Puller machine • Tension machine 16
• Roller • Rope Pulley
(e) According to design, the project has provision of 3 outgoing MV feeders for Baghlan and, similarly 3 for Kunduz (from 220/20 kv S/S) (f) Inspection of FAT test for some of the equipments have already done in China after approval of PMO/SMEC the shipping of the equipments will be started soon.
3.5 Project Location
64. In general, Baghlan is characterized by rural 80% urban 20% (only for the project purpose). Baghlan District is in Baghlan Province and is located nearby east of the Kunduz River. The elevation ranges between 564 and 1,700 meters above mean sea level in the northern part of the Hindu Kush (Figure-3.1).
The Industrial Baghlan Coordinate is:
E 47º84"63 N 39º98"46 E 47º21"53 N 39º98"090 E 47º21"20 N 39º98"149
65. On the other hand, Kunduz is the capital of Kunduz Province which is mostly rural in northern Afghanistan. It is located at E-47º91"71, N-40º71"425 at an elevation of 450 to 2,000m meters above sea level.
Figure-3.1 Satellite Imagery of Kunduz
The Figure-3.2 presents location of Baghlan Substation and Project Area; Figure-3.3 highlights location of Kunduz Substations and Project Area. Likewise, Figure-3.4 provides location of 220/20 kv Baghlan new Substation and Figure-3.5 shows location of 220/ 20 kv Kunduz new Substation area. 17
Figure-3.2: Baghlan - Location of Substation and Project Area
Baghlan 220/20 kV New Substation 18
Figure-3.3: Kunduz - Locations of Substations and Project Area
Kunduz 220/20 kV New Substation
Kunduz 110/35/6 kV Substation
Kunduz 35/10/6 kV Substation Figure-3.4: Location of 220/20 kv Baghlan new Substation 20
Figure-3.5: Location of 220/20 kv Kunduz new Substation 21
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Physical Resources in Project Area
4.1.1 Climate
66. The climate of Project areas in Baghlan and Kunduz is characterized by continental with hot during the summer having daily temperature of over 30ºC from May to September. The winter is really cold with the temperature of below the zero (about minus 20°C). The climate comprises of four distinct seasons with winter in December to February, spring from March to April, summer from May to September and autumn from October to November. Rainfall varies from a low of 75 mm in Farah to 1170 mm in south Salang, occurs mostly in the winter months and particularly in the February‐April period. The mean annual rainfall fluctuates between 196.7mm and 430.7mm. The climatic features of Project Area are as follows and detailed in Figure-4.1.
67. Climatic and Geographic Conditions of Baghlan
• Dry Period; June to October. • Rain Period November to May • Annual Rainfall 300 mm • Air Temperatures: Average 24C (Max 42C & Min -6C) • Air Humidity: Summer 20% ; Winter 70% • Thermal Resistivity of Soil. Unknown • Maximum Solar Radiation. Unknown • Wind. 25m/s i. Maximum Wind Velocity 40m/s ii. Wind and Dust Sand and dust storms in summer are experienced occasionally
68. Climatic and Geographic Conditions of Kunduz
• Altitude (Project Area only) 450 to 2000 meters • Dry Period (June, July, August and September) • Rain Period December to May (February, March April) • Annual Rainfall in 400 mm • Air Temperatures:2C’to 45C’ and minimum (- 20 C0) • Air Humidity: i. Average humidity summer 45% ii. Average humidity winter 85% • Thermal Resistivity of Soil: i. Average 1.2ºC m/W ii. Maximum 3.0ºC m/W • Maximum Solar Radiation 1800 w/m2 • Wind Northern direction {Avg. velocity-=8 – 15 km/h } I. Maximum Wind Velocity 41 m/s (167 km/h) ii. Wind and Dust Sand and dust storms in summer iii. Isokeraunic Level Thunderstorm days/year 60 22
Figure-4.1: Mean Annual Precipitation
4.1.2 Topography
69. The Baghlan and Kunduz project sites are located in the hill ranges of offshoots of Hindu Kush Mountains at an altitude ranges from 450 to 2,000 m above mean sea level. The Hindu Kush Mountains traverse the centre of the country, running generally in a northeast southwest direction. The mountain ranges in Hindu Kush system include the Koh‐i Baba, Salang, Paghman, Safed Koh, Salt, Suleiman, Khwaja Amran, Siah Koh, Doshak, and Paropamisus (also referred to as Safid Kuh), Figure-3.4 and Figure-3.5.
4.1.3 Soil and Geological Characteristics
70. Soils in the project site soils primarily consist of sediments eroded from the mountains and comprise alternating layers of gravels, sands, silts and clays. Adjacent to the mountains, these fragments (dements) are dominated by coarse deposits such as gravels and pebbles, deposited by the runoff water from the mountains. Further away from the mountains, the deposits would be expected to become increasingly dominated by finer sediments such as fine sands/silts. The floodplains of rivers at Kunduz and Taluqan contain fertile medium grained sandy soil. In some areas, texture is 100% clayed soft soil (around TL 20/0 to 26/0) with normal moisture retention rate.
71. The Kunduz river basin covers the mountainous area of the Hindukush in the Southern parts of the basin, hilly areas of Kunduz consisting of Palaeogene and Neogene sediments covered by Loess deposits of 30 m to more than 100 meters thickness in the centre and along the rivers several wide flood plains have been formed. 23
72. The oldest rocks are Archean and they are succeeded by rocks from the Proterozoic and every Phanerozoic system up to the present day. The Tajik block5 of northern Afghanistan formed the southern margin of the Eurasian continental plate Triassic times. The Palaeozoic basement was intruded by Triassic granitoids as a result of subduction related to the first stages of the closure of the Tethys Ocean during the Cimmeride Or‐ ogeny. Subsequent to this, a Jurassic clastic sequence was deposited, which changes upwards to Cretaceous carbonate platform sedimentation. This area is now the prime target for hydrocarbon exploration, although the exposed granitoids in the north east of the block are prospective particularly for precious (and base) metal mineralization, and further exploration of the occurrences identified to date is warranted.
73. The hilly areas of Kunduz River Valley consisting of Palaeogene and Neogene sediments covered by Loess deposits of 30 m to more than 100 meters thickness in the centre and along the rivers several wide floodplains have been formed. The floodplains consist of highly fertile medium grained soils with good agricultural land, which comprises the main economic centers of the basin.
However, salient features of soils are as follows.
-Texture (top soils and sub soils) (Rock Sand+ Salty +Clay) -Consistency (Salty Clay are dominant factor) -Moisture retention
Land use in Kunduz is:
- Hills: N/A - Barren land: 10% approximately - Agriculture: 50% Approximately - Forest: N/A - Village / settlements: 40% approximately
Land Use in Baghlan is:
- Hills: 0% - Barren land: 80% - Agriculture: 20 - Forest: N/A - Village / settlements: N/A
4.1.4 Water Resources
74. a) Surface Water: The Kunduz river basin covers a total area of about 35.000 square km in North-eastern Afghan provinces of Bamiyan, Baghlan, Kunduz and Takhar. The river system is formed by two mayor rivers, the Baghlan and the Takhar (often also referred to as Khanabad) River, which merge about 10 km North of Kunduz city and discharge in to the Amu Darya 30 km
5 The Cenozoic Afghan-Tajik depression spans southeastern Tajikistan, southeastern Uzbekistan, and northern Afghanistan. 24
further, at the Afghan – Tajikistan / Uzbek border, Figure-4.2 shows the location of Kunduz River Basin. Snow melts water form river flows that are the primary source of irrigation in Baghlan area. The flood plains consist of highly fertile medium grained soils with good agricultural land, which comprises the main economic centers of the basin.
75. The higher areas in the basin are partly used for rain fed agriculture but mostly consist of deforested lands. Even though these areas have traditionally a low population density and a limited carrying capacity an increasing number of people are forced into these inhospitable areas due to population pressure. Characteristic for the Kunduz river basin is constant run off of the rivers throughout the whole year. The peak river run off occurs in summer due to the snow melting in May and June. The rivers maintain a base flow in fall and winter. This river water allows an intensive irrigated agriculture which is the main economic basis of the region6.
76. The Northern sides of the Central Highlands get substantial snow during the winter months. Heavy spring and summer snowmelt runoffs from the surrounding mountain range comprising more than 400km feed into the central Baghlan River through valleys. Yearly flooding causes frequent damage along the river banks, though this is the only serious form of erosion in the area.
77. b) Groundwater: Ground water can be found in the flood plains relatively near to surface in depths mostly between 5 m and 20 m. Within the mountainous and hilly upper land the access to ground water is more difficult. The thick loess7 layers in the Kunduz and parts of the Takhar area are characterized by the lack of any ground water. Ground water bearing layers in the mountain areas are permeable layers of the base rock and faults within these rocks. Without having detailed data it seems that there is a ground water base flow into the flood plain subsurface. Nevertheless groundwater in the flood plain is significantly fed by infiltration of the rivers. Usually water for domestic use is taken from the streams and canals or is extracted by shallow or tube wells. Before the war many local water supply pipe schemes existed in the towns and cities of the basin area. Now a day's these pipe scheme systems are nearly all destroyed. Only parts of Pul-e-Khumri are supplied by smaller pipe schemes systems with drinking water. Works on several pipe schemes for the drinking water supply of Cities and towns have been started or at least the planning phase is ongoing. Projects are financed by USAID, World Bank and KfW. Further to note that, surface water is partially polluted by local people/houses and hotels in the way Kabul and Baghlan. However, groundwater is safe for drinking, average depth is 40m.
6 Implementing the Kunduz River Basin Authority; Presented by KRBP and DWHH/GAA at the Kabul Water Conference 02.08. – 03.08.2005
7 A fine-grained un-stratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind 25
Figure-4.2: Kunduz River Basin
Source: Regional Rural Economic Regeneration Strategies, Provincial Profile of Baghlan, No Date
4.1.5 Air Quality
78. Prior to the present time, the Government has not compiled a comprehensive inventory of air pollutant emissions or not even an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the cities of Kunduz and Baghlan. Likewise, no source apportionment has ever been conducted to evaluate how much of the various sources contribute to particulate matter (PM) air pollution. However, no record of air quality was found to have high levels of dust and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The WHO average values for urban areas range from 1 to 10 ng/m3. The potential risk to human health of PAH is increased by the presence of dust in the air, which binds hydrocarbon particles and prevents them from escaping in to the atmosphere8. It is necessary to mention that, a comprehensive inventory of emissions from different sources in Kabul and two outlying provinces, however, is being compiled through the ADB Project in Kabul9.
79. Further, due to cost and pretty much little other alternatives, Afghans are forced to burn wood in order to keep warm and to cook their food. This, along with the fact that a large number of vehicles (many old and poorly maintained) in Afghanistan run on poor quality fuels, air pollution has become a problem in Afghanistan's major urban areas - like in the city of Kabul where it is clearly visible. In fact, a recent study revealed that 60% of Kabul's residents are exposed to increased levels of harmful toxins such as nitrous oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Moreover, as more refugees from such places as Pakistan and Iran return, many of these people will most likely move to the urban areas, and with an increase in population comes more pollution. As a result of the increase air pollution, city residents have had increased asthma attacks as well as respiratory diseases. The government needs to develop a robust strategy of
8 UNEP, Afghanistan Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment Gland, Switzerland, 2003 9 ADB, Urban Air Quality Management, Draft, 2006 26
air monitoring, and come up with ways of reducing the amount of air pollution.
However, within the project areas there are no industries, so air quality is considered relatively clean.
4.1.6 Noise
80. No instrumental measurements of noise were recorded for the Project area. Levels are expected to be typical of comparable Central Asian urban settings.
4.1.7 Irrigation
81. Rural Baghlan has broad ecological diversity that feature large areas of fertile land through permanent irrigation and big canal systems stretching along the Baghlan River and include parts of the Kunduz River Basin that extends from Khenjan in the South to the edges of Kunduz Province in the North. Approximately 75% of the productive land is found in this area, covering only few remote villages in Zone. The Baghlan River plain between Khenjan and Baghlan Jadid Districts has large irrigation canal systems that are currently being rehabilitated under the Kunduz River Basin Program (KRBP). This KRBP is currently rehabilitating irrigation systems that are functional but need repairing. A social water management is being restructured as part of the program to achieve sustainable maintenance and provide more equitable access to water.
82. In general, the agriculture has been the main stay of the Afghan economy and irrigation traditionally provides 85% of all crop production. Since 1978, the irrigable area has declined by about 60% turning a country that was approaching self‐sufficiency in crop production into a major importer of food grains, fruit and vegetables. Rivers, canals and springs are the major sources of irrigation in the sub‐project area. According to the 1980 yearbook of statistics of the Government of Afghanistan, (for data compiled during 1967‐68) 84.6 percent of irrigation water comes from rivers and balance requirement comes from ground water through wells and springs. However, around the Project sites in peripheral areas fragmented agricultural land is subject to surface water irrigation from the Khanabad river and in other areas Kunduz and Baghlan river water is used for irrigation from March until October. Groundwater is used mainly for drinking and household purpose, obtained from a depth of 50 to 80m.
4.1.8 Seismology
83. The project area is in Hercynian folded region and subjected to Alpine movements. It lies in seismically active zone but does not lie directly on any fault line of Hindu Kush range (Figure-4.3). 27
Figure-4.3: Seismic Map of Afghanistan
Source: GEOCART, “NationalAtlasoftheDemocraticRepublicofAfghanistan",Warsaw,1984.
4.2 Ecological Resources in Project Area
4.2.1 Flora
84. The natural vegetation mainly consists of grasses and trees that dry out in summer and sparse shrubs. Woody plants in the mountainous areas comprise sparse wild pistachio (Pistachia), almond (Amygdalis) and juniper woodland with tree heights of 4‐10 meters. Overgrazing combined with an increasing population and the corresponding demands for fuel wood over recent decades have resulted in extensive decline in these woodlands. The traditional Poplar and Willow hedges are cultivated by farmers in the river plains for subsistence. Herb and grasses are scarce in rangeland areas where invasive plants like thistles10 dominate. The actual natural vegetation is restricted to some meager Juniper shrub zones in the higher altitudes of the Central Hilly Region (CHR). The potential for rehabilitation of forests is high, particularly in those areas where people recall the existence of Pistachio or mixed forests (pine or rubinia were most probably eradicated 2,000 to 3,000 years ago). A possibility to rehabilitate pastureland exists in the method of reseeding combined with rotational grazing or other means to prevent overgrazing (Appendix-1).
4.2.2 Fauna
85. Some important animals found in the project Area of Influence (AoI) in Mountains of Hindu Kush are leopard (Panthera pardus), lynx (Felis lynx), wolf (Canis lupus) and Jackal (Canis aureus). However, active hunting is occurring in many regions of the country for fur has caused
10 Any of numerous plants of the family Composited and especially of the genera Carduus and Cirsium and Onopordum having prickly-edged leaves, such as weeds, 28
declines in the numbers of indigenous fauna. These animals are unlikely to be found in areas near the project site which is mainly within an urban environment (Appendix-1).
In the Project area, faunal species include Snakes, Lizard, Alligator lizard (common in summer season). Details are provided in (Appendix-1).
4.2.3 Fisheries
86. In Mountain Rivers available fish species are Brown trout and Milk fish; these are basically carp from the family Cyprinidae. Fishing in Kunduz and Khanabad rivers and streams near the project sites is very limited, and information on the number of fisherman, fish species captures, yields and total catch does not exist (Appendix-4.1).
4.3 Human and Economic Development
4.3.1 Demography
87. The Baghlan province is located north of the Kabul and surrounded by Bamian, Parwan, Takhar, Kunduz and Samangan provinces. It lies on the main route to the north and Northeastern regions of Afghanistan. The province covers an area of 20,362 km2. Nearly half of the province is mountainous or semi mountainous terrain while one third of the area is made up of flat land. Baghlan has a total population of 741,690. There are 95,109 households in the province and households on average have 6 members. Around 80% of the population of Baghlan lives in rural districts while 20% lives in urban areas. Nearly 51% of the population is male and 49% is female. The major ethnic groups living in Baglan province are Tajiks and Pashtoons followed by Hazaras and Uzbeks. This includes major tribes such as Hussainkhil (Pashtoon) located in Baghlan Jadeed and north of Pul-I-Khumri Ahmadzai (Pashtoon) located in Dahana Ghuri village, Pul-I-Khumri, Gadi (Pashtoon) located in Baghlan Jadeed and Baghlan Khonjan, Aimaq (Tajik) located in Dahana Ghuri district and Arab (Tajik) located in Baghlan Jadeed / Nahreen and Dahana Ghuri districts. Dari is spoken by 70% of the population and 73% of the villages. The second most frequent language is Pashtu, spoken by the majorities in 528 villages representing 22% of the population.
88. Baghlan province also has a population of Kuchis or nomads whose numbers vary in different seasons. In winter 97,500 individuals, or 4% of the overall Kuchi population, stay in Baghlan living in 6 communities. Half of these are short-range partially migratory, and the other half are long-range partially migratory. Overall, for both categories, less than half of the community migrates. In the winter both groups stay mostly in one area and don’t move around during the season. In the summer season, some 820 long range migratory Kuchi households come from Parwan and Kapisa provinces to the Khenjan and Doshi districts of Baghlan province. The Kuchi population in the summer is 59,776 individuals.
89. The population of Kunduz province is around 953,800 which is multi-ethnic and mostly a tribal society. According to the Naval Postgraduate School, the ethnic groups of the province are as follows: Pashtun 33%; Uzbek 27%; Tajik 22%; Turkmen 11%; Hazara 6%; and Pashai 1%. Another source gives the following: Pashtun 34%; Uzbek 27%; Tajik 20%; Turkmen 9.4%; Arab 4.6%; and Hazara 3.5%; plus small groups of Pashayi, Baloch and Nuristani. About 94% of the 29
population practice Sunni Islam and 6% are followers of Shia Islam. The major languages spoken in the area are Persian, Pashto and Uzbeki.
4.3.2 Economic Development
90. The Baghlan Province has provision of basic infrastructure such as water and sanitation, energy, transport and communications which are the key elements necessary to provide the building blocks for private sector expansion, equitable economic growth, increased employment and accelerated agricultural productivity. In Baghlan province, on average only 19% of households use safe drinking water. This rises to 35% in the urban area, and falls to 16% in rural areas. Nearly three quarters of households have direct access to their main source of drinking water within their community, however one in five households has to travel for up to an hour to access drinking water, and for 4% travel to access drinking water.
91. Minerals: Currently, Baghlan has the only cement factory producing 100 tonnes of cement daily but the output is insufficient to satisfy the growing demand. The factory could cover a substantial share of the national demand if energy was provided to increase production capacity. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Industry has recently announced the establishment of the biggest national private cement factory in Pule-e-Khumri within the next two years. Long-time deposits of good quality coal reach all the way from Central Baghlan to Taloqan in Takhar Province. Missing or bad access roads and high transportation costs, as well as an ongoing debate on air pollution have negatively affected the motivation of provincial authorities to reactivate the commercial exploitation of the deposits by North Coal.
4.3.3 Education
92. The overall literacy rate in Baghlan province is 21%, however, while nearly one third of men are literate (29%), this is true for just over one tenth of women (12%). However, in the population aged between 15 and 24 the situation for men is significantly better with 40% literacy, whereas for women the figure shows little change (13.5%). The Kuchi population in the province has particularly low levels of literacy with just 6.6% of men and 0.3% of women able to read and write. Baghlan Province is part of the Northern cluster of higher education facilities in Afghanistan and is home to the following:
• Baghlan University with the Faculty of Higher Education in Pul-e-Khumri (Departments of Physics, Social Science and Literature) • Faculty of Agriculture in Industrial Baghlan • Taloqan University in Takhar Province with 4 Faculties, including the Faculty of Higher Education • Mazar-e-Sharif University: Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine (trains doctors), Medical Institute (trains assistant doctors) • Medical Institute, Faculty of Higher Education, Faculty of Agriculture in Kunduz City • Pul-e-Khumri Teacher Training Centre • Private College in Mazar • Private Turkish High School in Mazar-e-Sharif 30
93. While Baghlan hosts a number of higher education facilities there is a great need and potential to improve quality standards of these institutions. The rehabilitation needs include infrastructure (including hostels), revised curricula, teacher training, and timely and adequate salary payments of university staff. For example, the Baghlan Hospital for Public Health located in Pul-e-Khumri is currently being upgraded from a capacity of 70 to 100 beds with World Bank funding. The hospital employs 180 doctors, nurses and supporting staff. Other main health facilities include the Mazar-e-Sharif Provincial Hospital, Kunduz Public Health Hospital, Haideri3, the new private clinic in Pul-e-Khumri city, and the Textile Hospital that is part of the Textile factory that provide good standard health services. Comprehensive Health centres in different parts of Pul-e- Khumri and outside (e.g. in Khenjan) offer basic health care services through doctors or trained health workers.
94. A broad mix of ethnicities gives Pul-e-Khumri, the provincial capital of Baghlan, a cosmopolitan character and contributes to tolerance and peace in the region. However, Baghlan Jadid District is home to a majority Pashtun population and used be a Taleban stronghold. For this reason, occasional road-side ambushes still occur in this area. There is no shortage of an industrial work force. In addition, small to medium initiatives for vocational and literacy training as well as for Business Development Services are the drivers of economic progress.
4.3.4 Agriculture
95. As agriculture represents the major source of income for nearly half the households in the province, rural development is a key element of progress in Baghlan. The most important field crops grown in Baghlan province include wheat, barley, rice and maize, rapeseeds and flax. The most common crops grown in garden plots include fruit and nut trees (50%), vegetables (12%) and produce such as grapes, potatoes, beans and alfalfa, clover or other fodder. Rapeseed (15%) and wheat (5%) are also frequently gown in garden plots in the province. While wheat and rice continue to be the main field crops in the Baghlan region, increasing areas are cultivated with cotton, potato and fodder crops like alfalfa, maize, barley and triticale. Vegetables like water melon, carrot, onion, tomato and okra find increasing markets. Farm forestry and cottage fruit production is widely found across the region. During the years of conflict, markets lost forced the majority of local households to move towards subsistence farming: growing grains and few vegetables and fruits, and keeping cattle. Yet, more than 60 % of all herds were lost during the period of instability and long-lasting drought periods.
96. Today’s trend is towards the revival of the diversity that marked and benefited the region prior to the conflict. The development and rehabilitation of local markets through the support of production and processing capacities facilitate this process while opening new potential opportunities. There is unlimited potential for a variety of crops such as oil seeds; like canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybeans, but also for niche products like sesame and strawberries. The production economy has to be carefully examined as the production costs in Afghanistan are comparatively high. There is a danger that, as long as cheap imports from neighboring countries and the free distribution of vegetal oil and other products for humanitarian reasons prevail, local production cannot be sustainably supported. Mechanization is at a very low level. 31
Livestock
97. Baghlan Province has a tradition of high-quantity milk production. Herd rehabilitation is vital to revive this sub-sector and is currently supported through a range of initiatives; including cross-breeding through Artificial Insemination (AI), the re-establishment of animal health services, the re-construction of Fabrica Labaniod, the Dairy factory in Fabrica village in Baghlan. In the remote areas of Baghlan, small ruminants are well integrated and play an important role in small traditional Afghan farming systems for the production of wool, meat and milk. However, the sub-sector is restricted by the limited availability of fodder from the largely depleted pastureland. Commercial poultry production is a real option for the higher altitude zones of Doshi, Khenjan, Anderab and Dhana-e-Ghori, supported by the favourable climate and the proximity of these places to markets.
Fisheries
98. While this sub-sector has no tradition in Baghlan, fisheries constitute a potential opportunity given that professional input is provided to assess the water temperature, levels of water pollution (e.g. through silt and the fish-farms themselves) as well as whether newly introduced species could endanger the local fauna.
4.3.5 Health
99. Ensuring the availability of basic health and hospital services, and developing human resources in the health sector is essential to reduce the incidence of disease, increase life expectancy and enable the whole population to participate in sustainable development. A basic infrastructure of health services exists in Baghlan province. In 2005 there were 23 health centers and 5 hospitals with a total of 236 beds. There were also 65 doctors and 147 nurses employed by the Ministry of Health working in the province, which represented a decrease of about 15% in the number health service personnel compared to 2003.
100. In project area, the incidence of diseases is: Malaria- June to August; TB–December to February; Cough- December to February. Insufficient Nutrition among people is also remarkable in the area.
4.3.6 Infrastructure and Communications
- Roads and Embankments: Asphalt roads and tracks - Energy and Power: Tajikistan Power supply, solar, Micro hydro power Plant. - Telecommunications: Cellular 32
5. SCREENING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1 Physical Environment
5.1.1 Soils and Geology
101. During construction period, the main impacts on the land will be from the excavation of soil when replacing the electricity poles. Possible impacts include the loss of top soil, damage to local existing roads during transportation of construction material and equipment, erosion of stockpiles during rain and re‐suspension of dust during the dry weather. The construction process will potentially remove vegetation and disturb the upper soil layer making it more susceptible to erosion and increased runoff. However the areas that will be subject to disturbance will be very small and so the potential impacts associated with the replacement of the poles are not considered significant, provided basic environmental management measures are implemented.
102. Construction vehicles should use temporary service roads constructed for the purpose to minimize damage to agricultural land and local access roads. Where local roads are used, if damaged, they shall be repaired to their original condition by the contractor after the completion of work. Also, refurbishment existing transformers and capacitors and installation of new may cause spill of the dielectric fluid consisting Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and the subsequent contamination of the soil.
103. During operational period, it is possible that contamination of soil could occur from spillage of hazardous materials and wastes such as transformer/capacitor oil at the Kunduz sub‐station. However the impact of such an event would be much localized. In order to mitigate against such an event the following measures will be implemented: all hazardous wastes and hazardous materials, like lubricating oil, solvents and fuels, shall be stored within concrete or brick buildings properly designed for such storage facilities, and oil spill clean‐up materials (sorbent pads, loose sorbent material, etc.) will be made available. It will be ensured that the plant/station operators are trained in repair and maintenance of cables, capacitors and transformers and also on how to clean up the spill and dispose the contaminated materials.
5.1.2 Air Quality
104. During construction, air quality is likely to be degraded by exhaust emissions from the operation of construction machinery; fugitive emissions from aggregate, and dust generated from earth works, approach roads, exposed soils and material stock piles. Air quality is not impacted by any activity during operations. In order to mitigate these, the following shall be implemented: (i) Construction equipment will be maintained to a good standard and idling of engines discouraged. Machinery causing excessive pollution (e.g., visible smoke) will be banned from construction sites. (iii) Spraying of water on access roads if dust is being generated and the covering of loads with tarpaulins. 33
5.1.3 Noise and Vibration
105. The noise and vibration sources for the transmission line are limited to construction phase only as operation of heavy machinery can generate high noise levels. The major source of noise would be use of hammers during the digging of holes for poles. To prevent noise and vibration work will be restricted to between 6 am and 9pm. Corona, associated with all energized Transmission lines, is the physical manifestation of energy loss, and can transform discharge energy into very small amounts of sound, radio noise, heat, and chemical reactions of the air components. Transmission lines can generate a small amount of sound energy during corona activity but are not an issue for power lines rated at 230 kV and lower. As the proposed project lines are lower than 230 kV problems related to corona, including sound, will be negligible.
5.1.4 Mines
106. Afghanistan is one of the heaviest mined countries in the world. In spite of years of intensive mine clearance hundreds of kilometers remains to be cleared. As per the Afghanistan Information Management Service (AIMS), both the towns of Baghlan and Kunduz have scattered landmines with Kunduz having many UXO clearance operations ongoing for demining some locations. Kunduz and Puli Khumri is a heavily mined city. Baghlan also has scattered landmines. All work areas should be checked and cleared of mines before the initiation of any project activity.
5.1.5 Polychlorinated Biphenyls
107. Historically most transformers and capacitors used a dielectric fluid based on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These products, although having fire‐resistant and other properties required for use in electrical equipment, are also very toxic. Exposure to PCBs can result in organ failure and they are carcinogenic. They are also a very stable, non-biodegradable compound which persists in the environment for many decades. The environmental and health risks associated with their use resulted in their phasing out and removal from electrical equipment. The proposed project involves refurbishment of existing transmission lines and the installation of new transformers, capacitors and other equipment. As the systematic and large scale removal of PCBs from electrical equipment hasn’t yet taken place in Afghanistan there is a high likelihood that the project will be required to deal with PCB contaminated materials. DABS have no expertise in dealing with PCBs and there is little if any detection equipment available in the country. Therefore one of the key components of the environmental management plan is the inclusion of a technical assistance package for DABS which will provide training and equipment to allow for the safe handling and disposal of contaminated equipment. However, there are no old transformers for dismantling or replacement and all the transformers which are going to be installed are new, considering this project initiative no concerns are apprehended about adverse health hazards out of the PCB’s.
In order to detect presence of PCBs in material or transformers, there are a number of tests and detection kits are available. For example, packed column gas chromatography, thin layer liquid chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography each can provide information on total PCB levels. Each test provides varying degrees of specificity and resolution. Selected PCB test methods are: (a) Density Test: This is basically oil sample test. This test compares the density of transformer oil to water to determine PCB presence. By observing if the oil sample floats or sinks, one can 34 determine if PCBs are present. PCBs are heavier than water while mineral oils are lighter than water. (b) Chlorine Presence Test: This is oil sample tests. This method checks for the presence of chlorine in transformer oil to determine PCB presence. PCB presence is determined by observing the color of a flame after heating or burning the substance on a copper wire in a gas flame. Chlorine will color the flame green when heated on a copper wire. Since PCB transformer oils contain chlorine while mineral oils (the other typical transformer oil) do not, this coloration will indicate the presence of PCBs.
Disposal of PCBs: The specific option of PCB disposal on PCB concentration of the material in question. In some countries, solid wastes with high concentrations are required to be disposed in underground facilities with permanent sealing systems (e.g. liners and covers), while liquid wastes may be disposed of through hazardous waste incineration, storage, or hydrogenation. Many developed countries have high temperature incinerators for destroying PCBs and PCB contaminated wastes. However, many developing countries including Afghanistan have not established such treatment facilities. In these countries, PCBs may be stored pending the establishment of destruction facilities or transported to other countries that have appropriate treatment facilities. The method used in USA and Europe for the disposal of liquid PCBs and PCBs-containing liquid or solid wastes is high temperature incineration (> 11000C). In case of developing countries where PCBs are still being disposed of in ways that facilitate their release into the environment (e.g. disposal in unlined landfills), interim storage is considered to be an important step in the process of environmentally sound management. Some fundamental elements to consider include transportation, preparation of containers for shipping, drum labeling, monitoring activities and storage facilities. It is important to note that, all storage installations must be well away from food processing facilities.
5.1.6 Water and Wastewater
108. At the time of construction, large scale activities have the potential to increase the erosion rates and so cause increases in the turbidity of surface water runoff to nearby water bodies. Dust generation can also be a problem during dry periods. Also, any hazardous material spill 35
(Especially PCBs) can pollute the runoff and subsequently the groundwater or the surface water body. The replacement of the poles will only affect very small areas of ground and so the issues of erosion and dust are not considered significant. Wastewater will be generated near construction camp facilities provided to workers by the contractor. It is advised to provide sanitary latrines at the construction, work site and camps to avoid any pollution from sewage and maintain hygienic environment. Also, septic tanks shall be constructed for treating the waste water from the camps.
109. During operation period, the water quality could be affected by possible spillage of lubricants (PCBs) from the substations and transformers, and sewage from substation office. The water quality may be controlled by addressing the spill efficiently and providing proper treatment to any sewage generated from offices.
5.1.7 Solid Waste
110. During construction stage, two types of wastes will be generated including debris and domestic refuse from construction camps. Any spoil generated by the construction activities will be disposed off at an approved location. Domestic waste will be collected and disposed of in an appropriate manner. No solid waste will be generated during the operation except for electric components, cable pieces etc. from the regular maintenance and repair work. These will be disposed of as per the workplace guidelines and in keeping with the measures provided for disposal of PCBs.
5.1.8 Electric and Magnetic Fields
111. Many studies have been undertaken since the 1970’s to determine if EMF from power lines poses any risk to health, but no conclusive evidence has been found and no international standards developed for defining health risks from EMFs. However, effects of EMF during the operational stage as interference with radio, television signals and generating corona and stray voltage have been detected in many similar projects. EMF also tends to interfere with the working of cardiac pacemakers, especially the older synchronous models. The inference is for not harmful and only for short duration. The harmful effects, if any, of EMF are generally mitigated by maximizing the distance between transmission lines and human settlement. Security measures such as installing fences around the transformers and placement of warning signs is also recommended.
112. Another common method to reduce EMF is to bring the lines closer together causing the fields of the conductors to interfere and produce a reduced total magnetic field. For ensuring the health and safety of the workers adequate training in operation and maintenance of facilities and safety equipments shall be provided.
5.1.9 Environmental Benefits
113. The Project is expected to generate substantial positive environmental benefits through avoided air pollution from diesel fuel generator and use of fuel wood. Reduced air pollution will have associated local, regional, and global impacts from reduced particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and other air pollutants. 36
5.2 Ecological Environment
5.2.1 Flora
114. In the Project site and its area of influence no sensitive sites, wildlife habitats, forests or protected areas are located. The rehabilitation work may require the removal of small areas of vegetation. There is also potential for illegal fuel wood collection by the construction workers. Contractors shall be responsible for putting new vegetation in removal sites. Trees along the ROW may need to be trimmed (or removed only in unavoidable circumstances) to maintain a minimum vertical safe clearance between the conductors and trees. Workers shall be trained in correct techniques of tree trimming without damage to the trunk or roots. Distribution networks shall be aligned along existing road corridors and shall not encroach into any farm land.
115. Construction around trees shall be performed carefully to avoid the damage of tree “drip‐ line”. Workers shall be trained regarding nature protection and the need to avoid felling trees during construction. During the operational stage the branches of nearby trees will be trimmed regularly as part of maintenance so as to reduce accidents with humans and birds.
5.2.2 Fauna
116. At the time of construction potential impacts are destruction of habitat from the trimming or cutting of the trees in the vicinity disturbance of individual animals, localized decline in the quality of habitat (removal of original plants) and poaching of edible animals and birds by construction workers and local people. During the operational years the most common impact is the increase in bird‐strike due to collision with infrastructure and electrocution. Areas surrounding the transmission poles, which are grounded, can often have stray currents, which might affect animals. When electric systems are grounded some current flows through the earth at each point where it is grounded and a small voltage develops. Animals often feel an electric shock when touching an energized water pond and feel the voltage in the ground. Though humans cannot feel this stray voltage, animal behavior is affected by this.
5.3 Socioeconomic Environment
5.3.1 Health, Safety and Hygiene
117. During construction period, sites are likely to have public health impacts; accordingly the contractors shall ensure that wastewater and solid waste are disposed following national and ADB guidelines to reduce any such impact. There might be a potential for diseases and accidents due to inappropriate of health and safety practices on site and hence contractor shall be required to recruit a health and safety manager during the construction phase.
118. Following are some of the mitigation measure that shall be implemented by the contractor: a). Provision of adequate healthcare, first‐aid facilities at construction sites 37
b). Training all construction workers in basic sanitation and healthcare issues (e.g., how to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS), general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work c). Provision of personal protection equipment for workers, such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection; d). Provision of clean drinking water for all workers; e). Protection to the general public, including safety barriers and marking of hazardous areas; f). Ensure safe access across the construction site to people whose settlements and access are temporarily severed by the construction; g). Ensuring drainage throughout the camps to arrest disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies and puddles; h). Provide garbage boxes and septic tank at construction site, which will be periodically cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. i). Activities like using heavy machinery and/or hammers for digging pole holes, installation of cable etc. can cause accidents if not managed properly. Proper training, instruction and supervision are required to ensure workforce safety during construction activities.
6. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
6.1 Institutional Framework
119. Project Management Office (PMO): The Project’s management will comprise an executive committee, an interagency working group, a Project Management Organization in the DABS (DABS-CEO) and PIU in Baghlan and Kunduz.
120. Executing Agency (EA): The PMO in association with the PMO-DABS will be responsible for the overall technical supervision and execution of the project. The staffing of PMO will include expertise in project management, electrical distribution engineering, institution and finance, environment, socioeconomic, land acquisition and resettlement aspects. The mitigation measures that are incorporated into the design will be verified by the PMO before providing technical approvals. The mitigation measures that form part of the Contract Documents will also be verified by SMEC Consultant before getting the contract signed between the PMO and the contractor. The mitigation measures identified in the IEE will be incorporated into the project cycle. Environmental controls pertaining to design and location will be incorporated into the detailed design by the project supervision consultant. Mitigation measures during construction stage shall form part of the Contract Documents and will be implemented by the contractor. 121. Project Implementation Unit (DABS-PIU): In Baghlan and Kunduz, PIU will be established as soon as the Executing Agency (EA) enters into a project agreement with ADB. The PIU will be headed by a Chief Engineer and will comprise following sections: (i) Construction Section, (ii) Environment and Social Development Section, (iii) Operations and Maintenance Section and 38
(iv) the Project Accounts Section. The PIU will be located within the province office and with the assistance of project supervision consultants, will be responsible for construction supervision, local level procurement activities, contracting local contractors and implement the engineering and environmental control. 122. The responsibilities of the PIUs, with support from project supervision consultants, shall include (i) construction supervision and management; (ii) assessment of works carried out by the contractor; and (iii) preparation of quarterly reports on the implementation of environmental mitigation measures and monitoring plan at the construction stage. 123. The contractor will provide the DABS (PIU) with monthly reports on the implementation of mitigation measures. The reports prepared by the contractor along with quarterly monitoring reports to be prepared by SMEC will be consolidated and submitted to PIU for review. 124. During the operation stage of the Project, the responsibility of monitoring environmental performance of Project components should be delegated to the DABS-Baghlan and Kunduz, in association with O&M Contractor and Consultants will undertake routine and random monitoring of specific environmental plans addressed in this IEE.
7. STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION, PARTICIPATION, AND CONSULTATION
125. The project is identified as the top ranked project in Afghanistan's National Energy Supply Program, as well as in the recently finalized Afghanistan's Power Sector Master Plan (2012- 2032). both documents have been endorsed by the government and relevant stakeholders in a number of consultative meetings. The Baghlan and Kundus SS sites of the project have been Selected keeping in view its minimal impact on the livelihood of local population. The project site has no land acquisition and resettlement issues and limited environmental impacts. consultations with all stakeholders were undertaken during revision of design, and continue during implementation and construction works. However, on July 2015, public consultation was organized in Baghlan district regarding implementation of the project components. The people expressed their positive attitude towards the project and agreed with the implementation of various components and no any LAR issues or concern noticed during the consultation. The number of participants in consultation meeting composed around 10 people including males and females. Likewise, the formation of the Grievance Redress committee (GRC) to deal with day to grievance of the local communities progressed as usual; the procedure has become a little bit late due to disturbed situation of the area. The details about GRM and GRC will be provided in the upcoming Bi-annual environmental monitoring report. Other suggestions include: Through public consultations and distribution of the public information booklet, APs will be informed that an effective Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) exist at subproject level to take care of their complaints about the payment of compensations or on any other resettlement related grievances, and will be assisted by the ESU/PMO and Subproject Consultants to report their grievance. All fees related to grievances will be covered by the EA. 39
Grievance Redress Mechanism
A grievance redress mechanism will be established for redress of grievances and complaints by Affected Persons. Complaints & Grievances will be addressed through the following steps and actions: At village level a Grievance Committee composed by village leaders and elders has been established. It includes 2-3 members of the affected community (including AP’s and non- APs); 1-2 elders; 1 member of the Community Development Committee and the village head as chair. Grievances must be heard and resolved within 10 days of submission of complaint If grievances are not resolved at the level of the village Grievance Committee then complaints can be lodged at the DABS office in Baghlan where resolution will be attempted with the involvement of the village Grievance Committee. If still unsettled after 14 days a grievance can then be lodged to the PMO in Kabul. Again selected members of the local Grievance Committee will have the opportunity to mediate. If again no solution is reached within 14 days the APs can further submit their case to the appropriate court of law in Baghlan. At this stage the AF will be fully supported by the EA to file a complaint. Despite the fact that the courts are proven to be lengthy process, it is recommended that the complaint should be resolved within the GRC. • Arrange job opportunity for the local people. • Give electricity connection to remaining households • Take mitigation measures to address noise pollution
126. However, as described by the Survey Engineer of the Contractor, their survey has mainly focused to construct the distribution lines within the existing road alignment. Acquisition of land and of other assets has been avoided for the construction of lines and establishment of the power distribution networks. This is in line with the Involuntary Resettlement Policy of the ADB (SPS-2009) that requires avoiding or minimizing the impacts on people affected by a project. Proper engineering design, and using established roadside reserve and tracks for the poles foundation and line stringing will avoid impacting on any existing private or community 40
Assets /improvements. Consultation with the people living or owing land/property alongside the line corridor were also undertaken to select the LAR free route.
127. Despite all these steps to avoid or minimize the LAR impacts, the Survey Engineer was of the view that according to the observed conditions, about 10-15% of the poles may be installed in the private lands. This however will be confirmed after the completion of design.
128. In addition to this, the land will be required by the contractor on temporary basis for the site camps. The civil works contract will require the contractors to obtain approval of respective City/District Government before they temporarily occupy any land for the purpose of construction material storage, equipment or construction site. The contractors will also be required to negotiate and reach an agreement with the owners of such land before these are used for temporary material storage or site construction. The condition of occupancy of such land with prior agreement will be clearly specified in the civil works contract.
129. Details of land acquisition and resettlement impacts (LAR) of the Sub-Project and Need for LARP Preparation has been provided in the Status Monitoring Report11.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN
8.1 Environmental Management
130. The Executing Agency of the Project is DABS, and thus has overall responsibility for ensuring that all standards and procedures are followed during construction activities. DABS also have responsibility for ensuring that all monitoring requirements, including progress reporting are fulfilled. The Construction Contractor under Special Conditions of Contract of IRA is responsible for construction and distribution network. On completion of construction, the O&M Contractor will be responsible jointly with the DABS for maintenance of the distribution network and all project management aspects, including oversight of environmental pollution, mitigation and monitoring (subject to approval of additional O&M Contract). The environmental management plan is being prepared as part of the IEE to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to handle the impact. PMO staff has been involved in similar projects financed by other multilateral financial institutions and they have sufficient capacity to manage the environmental safeguards. Environmental specialists of the implementation consultants will provide additional support to the PMO. Details of Environmental Management Plan Matrix are provided in Table-8.1.
8.2 Environmental Monitoring Program
131. Environmental monitoring is a very important aspect of environmental management during construction and operation stages of the project to safeguard the protection of environment. Compliance monitoring will be conducted in accordance with the EMMP provided with this report. Aspects to be monitored are as follows:
11 Social Safeguard Monitoring Report, Kunduz & Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project, DABS-003/ ICB, 20 April 2015 41
• Pre‐construction: updating of EMMP during detailed design phase and inclusion of environmental clauses in bid and contract documents. • Construction: environmental performance of contractors with regard to control measures to pertaining to erosion, material storage, sitting of work site, noise, waste disposal, traffic management, worker’s safety etc. • Operation: O & M practices and environmental effects including soil erosion, soil contamination, surface water and groundwater quality.
132. The CSC in cooperation with PIU during project implementation will be required to develop an environmental auditing protocol for the construction period, formulate a detailed monitoring and management plan, supervise the environmental monitoring regularly and submit quarterly reports based on the monitoring data and laboratory analysis if required. The PIU shall submit the following environmental reporting documentation to ADB:
a) Baseline Monitoring Report b) Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Reports: c) Project Completion Environmental Monitoring Report: Three years after completion a) Baseline Monitoring Report: This will ensure that all environmental issues are covered in the EMMP and that there will be no unexpected environmental impacts. This assessment will take the form of a baseline monitoring report. The Baseline Monitoring Report shall be submitted to ADB prior to commencement of civil work and will include a detailed environmental management and monitoring plan (including data collection locations, parameters and frequency), base line environmental data, relevant standards and data collection responsibilities. b) Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Reports: The Bi-annual environmental monitoring report will include environmental mitigation measures undertaken, site-specific environmental monitoring activities undertaken, details of monitoring data collected, and analysis of monitoring results, recommended mitigation measures, environmental training conducted, and environmental regulatory violations. The environmental monitoring reports will be submitted to ADB twice annually during the construction period and annually for three years after completion of construction. c) Project Completion Environmental Monitoring Report: After completion of construction, the Executing Agency (EA) shall submit a Project Completion Environmental Monitoring Report to ADB which will summarize the overall environmental impacts from the project.
133. A lump sum budget of USD 327,520 is allocated in the environmental mitigation to cover monitoring cost and environmental reporting requirements in the project (Table 8.2). PIU (DABS in Kabul) will hire a Consultant or recognized organization for environmental monitoring and ensure that the project sites (substations, transformers, pole line) are monitored regularly for the first two years of its operation. 42
8.3 Environmental and Social Management Training
134. The DABS has very limited experience and resources for environmental and social management and monitoring. It will be very difficult for PIU to efficiently supervise the monitoring of environmental and social safeguard parameters. Therefore, capacity building of PIU, and Contractor is advised for a better understanding of power distribution network related environmental issues, implementation of mitigation measures and subsequent monitoring. Training for the officials and Contractor is crucial for proper environmental monitoring addressed in the IEE. The contractor shall be provided with handout on environmental training in the construction site by the CSC in association with the contractor’s environmental, health and safety manager. These training efforts will be extended to aid civil society capacity building, enabling local NGOs to become actively involved and qualified to conduct own environmental audits.
135. Training on environmental management is proposed under the Project to ensure that the relevant staff of DABS at the central, provincial, regional and district levels will have better perception and understanding of environmental issues related to Power Transmission and Distribution Lines and other infrastructure development Projects at Kunduz and Baghlan, and will be capable of implementing mitigation measures and subsequent monitoring. It is also important that the officials and staff of these agencies who will be involved in the Project have a good understanding of relevant ADB environmental assessment procedures and requirements.
136. Environmental training will be provided after obtaining decision from the concerned DABS.The selection of candidates from various sections of DABS and Contractor will also be carried out accordingly. The training objectives are: (a) to help build the capacity of participants and procedures for undertaking analyses of environmental impacts of Power Projects and to prepare and review environmental assessment reports (REA/IEE/EIA) including environmental management and monitoring plans in accordance with IRA regulations, donor policies and guidelines, and (b) to provide training on data acquisition and surveys, operational procedure, job descriptions of relevant staff and overall environmental management of such projects. As described, the primary focus of training is to enable the staff to carry out environmental monitoring, implement the environmental management plans and conduct impact assessments. After participating in such training the participants will be able to make brief environmental assessments, conduct environmental monitoring, implement EMMPs and incorporate environmental features into future infrastructure development and management designs, specifications and tender/contract documents.
The proposed ToR for the international and national environment specialists to be employed by the Project Consultant are as follows:
8.3.1 Environmental Training Specialist – International
137. The proposed ToR for the training specialist is as follows:
(i) Review prevailing IRA regulations and ADB guidelines governing the assessment and management and mitigation of environmental impacts of power transmission and distribution projects; 43
(ii) Identify the procedures and tasks required to be performed by DABS/NEPA to meet the requirements of these regulations and guidelines; (iii) Review the skills of relevant DABS officials and personnel and assess the need for training to establish the capability to meet requirements for preparing environmental assessments, environmental monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures of power and infrastructure development projects; (iv) Prepare a short-term staff training plan and associated materials to meet immediate needs; (v) Undertake training workshops that will include the following topics: • Environmental assessment requirements of IRA • ADB requirements and procedures on project cycle, project categorization, IEE/EIA process, preparation of summary IEEs/EIAs, including formats and reporting requirements • Assessment of environmental impacts • Identification of mitigation measures • EMP formulation, implementation and monitoring • Review of IEE/EIA/ reports to comply with ADB requirements • Incorporation of mitigating measures in the project design and contracts
(vi) Evaluate the effectiveness of the training, measuring improvements in attitudes and skills achieved.
8.3.2 Environment Specialist – National
138. Below is the proposed ToR for the environment specialist to be employed by the DABS during the construction stage: (i) Develop an environmental auditing protocol for the construction period; (ii) Conduct quarterly monitoring (through site inspection, review of the contractor’s monthly reports, review of related documents and interviews/consultations with urban people and community, PIU staff, on-site workers/employees, etc.) of the contractor’s performance regarding implementation of mitigation measures; (iii) Based on the monitoring findings, recommend additional mitigation measures, as necessary; (iv) In close coordination with the PIU, prepare and submit monthly and quarterly monitoring reports; (v) Assist the international training specialist and in the needs assessment, preparation of training materials, as well as coordination and conduct of training.
Table-8.2 presents the environmental monitoring, mitigation and training cost. 44
Table-8.2: Environmental Monitoring, Mitigation and Training Cost
Item Unit Quantity Unit Cost Total (USD) (USD) A. Environmental Costs, Civil Works (included in Contractors civil work package) Noise, Vibration and EMFs Site 6 1,000 6,000 Human health, safety and hygiene Site 6 500 3,000 Dust Suppression Measures Day 20 200 4,000 Provision of Health, Safety and Environmental MM 12 4,000 48,000 Manager Sub-total 61,000 B. Environmental Costs, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Budget Environmental Management and Monitoring (during design and construction) a) Remuneration and Per-diems International Environmental Specialist (design MM 3 20,000 60,000 and (CS) Per-diems (International, @120/day) MM 3 120x90 10,800 National Environmental Specialist (design and MM 12 7,000 84,000 CS) Per-diems (National, @100/day MM 1 100x30 3,000 b) Travel International Travel Trip 2 2,500 5,000 Domestic Travel No - - - Sub-total 162,800 C. Environmental Monitoring of Project (during operation for 2 years) Noise, Vibration and EMFs Site 6 1,000 6,000 Human health and safety Site 6 500 3,000 Environmental Monitoring Reports No 4 1,000 4,000 Project Completion Environmental Monitoring No 1 1,000 1,000 Reports Sub-total 14,000 D. Environmental and Social Management Training a). Remuneration and Per-diems International Environmental Specialist MM 1 20,000 20,000 Per-diems (International, @120/day) MM 1 120x30 3,600 National Environmental/ Curriculum Specialist MM 2 7,000 14,000 Per-diems (National, @100/day MM 1 100x30 3,000 b). International Travel Trip 2 2,500 5,000 c). Trainees Allowance Day 4 4x30x10Trainee 1,200 d). Logistics and Others L/S 200 Sub-total 47,000 Total (A+B+C+D) 284,800 15%overheads 42,720 Grand Total 327,520 Note: 1. Construction period assumed to be 30 months 2. Monitoring in construction phase to be done on monthly basis 3. Inspection in monitoring phase to be done quarterly for 2 years 43
Table-8.1: Environmental Management Plan – Matrix
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring DESIGN AND PRE-CONSTRUCTIN STAGE 1. Review of Ensure EMP Ensure proposed live distribution networks in All project EMP sufficient to control Kunduz and Baghlan are agreed and included in alignment impacts and contract. Completion of CSC, compliance with Ensure final distribution network to be built by Contractor detailed design. DABS statutory contractor considering Resettlement Plan with requirement of land acquisition if require. NEPA . To be completed the following prior to To ensure that the commencement of construction: adverse impacts The 1. Social preparation of the APs to be Compensation due to the Project completed prior to commencement of money and 2. Social property CSC will construction if land acquisition require. assistance to CSC, Impacts and acquisition and prepare Contractor 2. Implementation of LARP to provide resettle DABS Resettlement resettlement are an compensation and assistance to the APs if satisfactorily if mitigated Inventory applicable. applicable. according to the of Losses LARP. (IOL) if applicable 3. Project Ensure 1. Ensure all changes to distribution network are All project disclosure compliance with included in the revised EMP. alignment. Completion of CSC, statutory Contractor detailed design. DABS requirement of NEPA. Ensure adequate 1. Create waste management plan to identify 1.Prior to detailed Locations disposal options sufficient locations for, storage and reuse of design stage no approved for all waste transformers and recycling of breaker oils and later than pre- by local 4. Waste including disposal of transformer oil, residually qualification or CSC, waste Contractor disposal transformer oil, contaminated soils and scrap metal. tender DABS disposal residually 2. Include in contracts for unit rates for re- negotiations authorities contaminated measurement for disposal. 2. Include in . soils, and scrap 3. After agreement with local authority, contract. 44
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring metal. designate disposal sites in the contract and cost unit disposal rates accordingly. To ensure responsible 1. Waste management plan to identify any All 5. Hazardous disposal of During tender CSC, remaining PCB containing equipment to be substation Contractor waste disposal hazardous waste preparation. DABS replaced and appropriate method for disposal. s. in line with best practice. 1. Follow up with detailed acoustic assessment for all residential, school, hospital, mosque All (other sensitive structures) within 50m of project locations network. Base on measurement of existing where equipment noise. 1. During structures Plan and design to 6. Noise and air 3. If noise at sensitive receiver exceeds ADB designing stage are within ensure noise quality criterion [e.g. Leq55db(A)] include design and no later than pre- 50m of CSC, impacts are Contractor mitigation in installation of acoustic insulation measures to qualification or alignment DABS acceptable in design. control noise at SRs. tender centerline operational phase. 4. When require, consider solid barrier to negotiations or as attenuate noise at schools and hospitals to agreed below accepted criterion. with 5. Prepare Air Quality and Noise Control plan DABS. for construction stage 7.Traffic Plan to minimize Avoiding blocking existing roads and other No later than one Important Condition disturbance of access near the works route during construction month after locations traffic at Kunduz and Baghlan cities. contract award. to be identified n revised EMP. CSC, Contractor Plans DABS made available to Contractor with 45
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring tenders. CONSTRUCTION STAGE To ensure that the Induction for all Contractor, site agents and 1. Conducting special briefing and / or on-site subcontractors above before training for the contractors and workers on the and workers commencement environmental requirement of the project record All staff understand and of work. 1.Orientation attendance and achievement. members have the capacity CSC, for Contractor, 2. Conducting special briefing and training for in all Contractor to ensure that the At early stages of DABS and Workers Contractor on the environmental requirement of categories environmental construction for the project. Record attendance and . requirements for all construction achievement. mitigation employees as far measures are as reasonably implemented. practicable. 1. Drainage management plan, 2. Temporary pedestrian and traffic Avoid impacts management plan, Deliverable in from unplanned 2. Plans to 3. Erosion control and temporary drainage plan final form to activities by control 4. Materials management plan, DABS one month All of penalizing CSC, environmental 5. Waste management plan; before project Contractor contractors for not DABS and associated 6. Noise and dust control plan, construction alignment. committing to impacts 7. Safety Plan commences for properly planning 8. Agreed schedule of costs for environmental any given stretch. works. mitigation measures (including maintenance where applicable). To minimize the 1. Implement Waste Management Plan. Locations environmental 2. Confirm conditions and safety of proposed approved 1. Before impacts arising disposal sites. by DABS/ 3. Spoil construction from generation of 3. In contracts specify locations for disposal of local disposal and commences CSC, spoil waste, reuse all construction waste and spoil at unit rates for authority. Contractor construction 2. Include in the DABS where possible re-measurement. A list of waste disposal contract. and provide 4. used oil and lubricants shall be recovered temporary adequate disposal and reused or removed from the site in full dumping options for compliance with the national and local sites to be 46
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring unsuitable soils. regulations. prepared 5. Waste oil must not be burned. – Oil and solid at the waste disposal location to be agreed with DABS bidding and local authority. stage for 6. Open burning is contrary to good agreemen environmental practice and will not be allowed. t 1. Strong follow up on project sites 2. 1. Install, maintain and monitor all requisite To minimize noise Potential mitigation as per contract all transformers and level increases Maximum noise machinery shall be fitted with acoustic insulation and ground allowable noise impact CSC, 4. Noise 2. Hammer-type pile driving operations shall be Contractor. vibrations during levels are locations DABS avoided during nighttime. construction 70dB(A)L . will be 3. Well-maintained haulage trucks will be used EQ operations. within with speed controls. 100m near all settlement s and cities. 1. Dust control 1. A list of planning will be a locations To minimize line item in the to be effectively and approval of prepared 1. Control all dusty materials at source. avoid complaints setting up dust by the 2. Fuel-efficient and well-maintained haulage due to the producing Contractor CSC, 5. Air quality trucks shall be employed to minimize exhaust Contractor. airborne activities. 1month DABS emissions. particulate matter prior to 3. Spray bare ground areas with water. released to the 2.A schedule of commenc atmosphere. spraying water to ement of be revised constructi monthly on. 47
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring
. Location To ensure that the Map is operation of work 1. Confirm location of work camps in prepared camps does not 6. Work Camp consultation with DABS and local authorities by the adversely affect Update Once a CSC, Location and 2. Water and sanitary facilities shall be provided Contractor Contractor the surrounding month DABS Operation for workers and employees. in tender/ environment and bid residents in the document area. ation. 1. Submit Safety Plan one month before commencement of construction. 2. Providing adequate warning signs. 3. Providing every worker with skull guard or 7. Safety To ensure All areas hard hat and safety shoes. During CSC, Precautions for physical safety of of project Contractor 4. Establish all relevant safety measures as construction DABS Workers workers alignment. required by law and good engineering practices. 5. The Contractor shall instruct his workers in health and safety matters, and require the workers to use the provided safety equipment. A list of current 1. Use local labour as far as possible for manual constructi work. To encourage on areas 2. Use local educated people for clerical and Claims of APs to local support for and office work where possible. be solved as the project. planned 8. Social 3. Claims/complaints of the people on soon as possible CSC, To ensure works to Contractor Impacts construction nuisance/damages close to ROW when applicable DABS minimum impacts be to be considered and responded to promptly by to people living updated the Contractor and monitored by CSC & DABS. close to the ROW. by the 4. Set up or maintain local communication lines Contractor satellite phone. monthly and 48
Environmental Timing to Responsibility Objectives Mitigation Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implement MM Implementation Monitoring displayed at local offices. OPERATIONAL STAGE Environmental Responsibility Objectives Mitigatory Measures Recommended Locations Concern Implementation Monitoring To minimize and 1. Before installation of equipment ensures supplied equipment monitor air commissioning is free from CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon, CFCs are pollution and During CSC, 1. Air Quality also potent greenhouse gases) as required in procurement Contractor release of operation DABS specifications. greenhouse gasses 1. Maintain and monitor Project RoW boundary to prevent encroachment. 2. 2. Involve local community in line monitoring Encroachment To control During CSC, 3. Conduct awareness campaigning with the local public to foster Contractor and community encroachment. operation DABS public stewardship of the area around the towers to prevent the awareness encroachment.
Note: CSC= Construction Supervision Consultant. DABS= The Afghanistan Breshna Sherket (Afghanistan Electricity Company) 49
9. Conclusions
139. As stated above the results of the IEE indicate that all temporary negative impacts during construction can be mitigated for, provided that the recommended measures are implemented. To achieve this goal, will require a significant commitment from the DABS and ADB, adequate financial, human and logistical resources plus a suitable institutional structure based at the local (ie. project) level. The need for land acquisition and compensation must be minimized as far as possible by careful alignment selection and detailed sensitive planning.
140. During construction, potential environmental impacts arise from waste disposal, air pollution, noise pollution, and minor effects on plants, and wildlife. Each environmental problem area was investigated and the magnitude of the impacts on ecosystem determined. Wherever adverse impacts were identified, rational and comprehensive mitigation measures were specified. Further, the contractor will implement the mitigation measures identified in the IEE while project design review and supervision consultants will conduct regular monitoring to ensure contractor’s compliance with applicable provisions of the EMP.
141. In conclusion, the Project will have overall beneficial impacts and will have minor negative impacts, which will be carefully monitored and adequately mitigated. As such, the completion of this IEE fully meets the ADB standards and during construction environmental monitoring study is required for this project.
142. Further socio-economic benefits derived from the project implementation are expected to be high. It may be stated that there is no need for acquisition of land for project implementation and that no resettlement will be required. In consideration of the foregoing findings, the proposed Baghlan-Kunduz Distribution Project may be accepted for implementation after NEPA issues the environmental clearance. The project should be implemented as soon as possible. 50
References
ADB, Environmental Guidelines for Selected Industrial and Power Development Projects, 1990
ADB, Hand Book on Social Analysis, 2007
ADB, 2009, Environmental Safeguard Policy Statement,
ADB, 1990, Environmental Guidelines for Selected Agricultural and Natural Resources Development Projects
ADB, 1990, Guidelines for Infrastructure Development Project
Government of Afghanistan, 2007, Environment Law
Government of Afghanistan, 2004, Law on the Protection of Historical and Cultural Properties, Issue No. 828;
SMEC, April 2015, 2nd Bi-Annual LARP Implementation Monitoring Report, (For the Period January-June 2015), Kunduz-Taloqan Double Circuit Transmission Line.
SMEC, July, 2015, 2nd Bi-annual Monitoring Report, (Social Safeguards), (For Period from January-June 2015), Kunduz & Baghlan 20/0.4 kV Distribution Project, (DABS-003/ ICB) 1
Appendix-1: Wildlife in Kunduz and Baghlan Project Area
Status of Wildlife in Kunduz Area
Reptiles English Name Occurrence Remarks Snakes C Hot Season Lizard C Hot season Alligator lizard C Hot season
Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Amphibians English Name Occurrence Remarks frog C Tortoise R Crocodile Alligator N/A
Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Mammals English Name Occurrence Remarks Buffalo C Cow C Sheep C Donkey C Horse C Dog C Goat C Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Birds English Name Occurrence Remarks Pigeon C Sparrow C Peacock R vulture C Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Fisheries in Rivers English Name Scientific Name Occurrence Eel Anguilliformes C Catfish Siluriformes C Carp fish Cyprinuscarpio C
Flora in the Project Area
Local Name Scientific Name Remarks Gul e lala (Gaya) Rosa Muscata Gul e bahar Yellow Spring flower (Sring Flora) Aster Aster dumosus ,Sapphire, Rose Rose hybrid 2
Status of Wildlife in Baghlan Area
Reptiles English Name Occurrence Remarks Snakes C Hot season Lizards C Hot season Swift C Alligator Lizard R Scaled viper C Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Amphibians English Name Occurrence Remarks Frog C Hot season Tortoise C Crocodile N/A
Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Mammals English Name Occurrence Remarks Buffalo R Donkey C Sheep C Goat C Cow C Dog C Horse C
Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Birds English Name Occurrence Remarks Ringdove R Sparrow C Pigeon C Owl C Crow C Eagle R Hen C Peacock R Note: Occurrence: C- Common; R- Rare; E-Extinct
Fisheries in Nearby Rivers Local Name Scientific Name Occurrence Glyptosternon Glyptosternon C Rita macracanthus Rita macracanthus R Sperata seenghala Sperata seenghala C Eel C 3
Flora in the Project Area
Local Name Scientific Name Remarks Gul e lala (Gaya) Rosa Muscata (Mountain Flora) Gul e bahar Yellow Spring flower (Sring Flora) Khar e dasht (Khaarak) Echonops