Initial Environmental Examination

Project Number: 35173-013 Loan Numbers: 3157 and 8304, Grant Number:0405 July 2020

Nepal: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project - Enhancement Towns Project

Prepared by the Government of for the Asian Development Bank

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Updated Initial Environmental Examination

July 2020

NEP: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project – Phidim, Khandbari, Duhabi, Belbari, Birtamod DasarathChanda, Mahendranagar, Adarshnagar-Bhasi, Tikapur, Sittalpati, Bijuwar and Enhancement Town Projects

Prepared by Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management, Ministry of Water Supply, Government of Nepal for the Asian Development Bank.

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Government of Nepal Ministry of Water Supply Asian Development Bank

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Of Phidim, Khandbari, Duhabi, Belbari, Birtamod, DasarathChanda, Mahendranagar, Adarshnagar-Bhasi, Tikapur, Sittalpati, Bijuwar, and Waling Enhancement Town Projects

Submitted in July 2020

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO) Third Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management Ministry of Water Supply

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1. Background ...... 1 1.2. Basis and Extent of IEE Study ...... 1 1.3. Objective of the Study ...... 2 1.4. Scope and Rationality of IEE ...... 2 1.5 Methodology Used in Preparing IEE ...... 2 2. POLICY, LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 3 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 9 3.1 Background ...... 9 3.2 Objective of the Project ...... 9 3.3 Project Location ...... 9 3.3.1 Salient Feature of the Project ...... 10 3.3.2 Construction Activities of Enhancement Projects ...... 10 4. BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE SUBPROJECT AREA ...... 18 4.1. Mahendranagar FSTWSSSP ...... 18 4.2. Bhasi SSTWSSSP Kanchanpur District ...... 18 4.3. Baitadi SSTWSSP ...... 18 4.4. Walling FSTWSSP Syanja District ...... 18 4.5. Bijuwar FSTWSSP ...... 19 4.6. Sitalpati TSTWSSP Salyan District ...... 19 4.7. Tikapur TSTWSSP ...... 19 4.8. Khandbari SSTWSSP ...... 19 4.9. Duhabi SSTWSSP, ...... 20 4.10. Birtamod FSTWSSP ...... 20 4.11. Belbari FSTWSSP ...... 20 4.12. Phidim SSTWSSP ...... 20 5. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 22 5.1. Beneficial Impacts ...... 22 a. Construction Phase ...... 22 b. Operation Phase ...... 22 5.2. Adverse Impacts ...... 23 a. Pre-construction Phase ...... 23 b. Construction Phase ...... 24 c. Operational Phase ...... 26

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 5.3. Mitigation Costs ...... 33 5.4. The COVID-19 Management in the Project Area ...... 33 6. NALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 34 6.1. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN THE APPROVED IIE REPORTS ...... 34 7. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ...... 35 7.1. Public Consultation ...... 35 7.2. Disclosure ...... 35 8. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ...... 36 9. ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PLAN ...... 38

9.1. MONITORING AND REPORTING...... 47 9.1.1. Environmental Monitoring Mechanism ...... 47 9.1.2. Monitoring Reporting Mechanism ...... 47 10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 48

REFERENCES

List of Tables Table 1 : Policy and Legal Framework Relevant to the Enhancement Town Project ...... 6 Table 2 : Details of Enhancement Project and Selection ...... 9 Table 3 : Salient Features of the Project ...... 12 Table 4 : Overview of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...... 27 Table 5 : Cost for Environmental Mitigation Measures ...... 33 Table 6 : Environmental Management Plan Matrix ...... 39

List of Figures Figure 1 : Location Map of Enhancement Town Projects ...... 10 Figure 2: Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 37

Appendixes

Appendix I: Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist Appendix II: Relevant Environmental Quality Standards Appendix III: Public Consultation (Eastern Region Enhancement Towns) Appendix IV: Water Quality Test Report Appendix V: Sample of Grievances Redress Form Appendix VI: Photographs

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ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank CBD - Convention on Biological Diversity amsl - above mean sea level BoQ - Bill of Quantities CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Fauna and Flora DSC - Design and Supervision Consultant DWSSM - Department of Water supply and Sewerage Management EARF - Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environmental Management Plan EPA - Environment Protection Act EPR - Environment Protection Rule FSTWSSSP - First Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project GRC - grievance redress committee GRM - grievance redress mechanism GoN - Government of Nepal HDPE - High Density Polyethylene Pipe IEE - Initial Environmental Examination MOWS - Ministry of Water Supply MOUD - Ministry of Urban Development MOFE - Ministry of Forests and Environment NDWQS - National Drinking Water Quality Standard NRs. - Nepali Rupees OHS - Occupational Health and Safety PPE - Personal Protective Equipment PMC - Project Management Consultant PMO - Project Management Office RDSMC - Regional Design, Supervision, and Management Consultant RPMO - Regional Project Management Office SPS - Safeguard Policy Statement SSTWSSSP - Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project TDF - Town Development Fund TSTWSSSP - Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project UWSSP - Urban Water Supply and Sanitation (Sector) Project WHO - World Health Organization WUSC - Water Users and Sanitation Committee

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

cm - Centimeter cum - Cubic Meter Dba - decibel audible Dia. - diameter Km - Kilometer m - Meter m2 - Square meter L - Liter lpcd - liter per capita per day lps - liters per second m3/day - Cubic meters per day mm - Millimeter μg/m3 - Micrograms per cubic meter masl - Meters above sea level mg/L - Milligrams per liter ROW - Right of way Φ - Diameter

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Executive Summary

Introduction 1. The Government of Nepal (GoN) has been implementing small town's water supply and sanitation projects to improve the health and the quality of life of people living in small and emerging towns by constructing and extending water supply systems, drainage and sanitation facilities and providing health and hygiene education programs. The Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (TSTWSSSP) is one of such projects The ADB has already supported the Government in providing water supply and sanitation services in 50 out of 265 identified small towns through the first and second STWSSSPs. 29 subprojects were constructed under STWSSSP I, and 21 subprojects under STWSSSP II. STWSSSP I and II was completed in 2010 and 2016 respectively. The TSTWSSP, started from mid-2014. The project implemented with the full involvement of Water Users and Sanitation Committees (WUSCs) from the planning stage through construction to operation and maintenance. The enhancement Towns WSSP projects are proposed for making minor repairing and distribution expansion for making the systems constructed under SSTWSSSP operational by utilizing savings in TSTWSSSP.

2. The selected Enhancement towns comprises (1) Waling Town, Syangya (2) Bijuwar Town, Pyuthan (3) Khalanga Sitalpati Town, Salyan (4) Tikapur Town, Kailali (5) Adarshanagar Bhasi Town, Kanchanpur (6) Mahendranagar Town, Kanchanpur (7) Baitadinagar Town, Baitadi. (8) Khandbari, Sankuwasabha (9) Duhabi, Sunsari (10) Belbari, Morang (11) Birtamod Jhapa, and (12) Phidim Panchthar. The major works mainly comprises of construction and rehabilitation of sump well, reservoir tank, transmission and distribution pipelines, treatment plant- pressure filters, and other associated works.

Environmental Categorization 3. The proposed Enhancement Town WSSP component of work is classified as environmental category B as per the Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 of ADB (SPS) as no significant impacts are envisioned by implementing small-scale retrofitting, repairing, and adding small structural works. Accordingly, this updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been prepared for the proposed enhancement work.

Subproject Scope 4. The proposed Enhancement Towns WSSP component of work aims to improve water supply and sanitation service delivery in the existing 12 water supply and sanitation projects constructed by the series of the STWSSSP under ADB support in the past. The work under the work includes construction and rehabilitation of sump well, reservoir tank, transmission and distribution pipelines, treatment plant- pressure filters, and other associated works.

Implementation Arrangements 5. The Ministry of Water Supply is the executing agency. The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) is the implementing agency. Implementing activities are overseen by a separate Project Management Office (PMO), which is established in DWSSM head office in and two Regional Project Management Offices (RPMOs) in the eastern and western part of Nepal. A team of technical, administrative, and financial officials including safeguard specialists at the PMO supports to implement, manage, and monitor project implementation activities. The RPMO staffed by qualified and experienced officers is responsible for the day-to-day activities of project implementation in the field, and I is under the direct vi | P a g e

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects administrative control of the PMO. Consultant teams are responsible for subproject planning and management and assuring technical quality of design and construction; designing the infrastructure and supervising construction; and safeguards assurances.

Description of the Environment

6. The Enhancement Towns WSSP subprojects are located within the WUSC sites, and public road right-of-way (ROW). The subprojects do not fall within any protected areas, wetlands, or buffer zones.

Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures 7. During construction phase, there are no major environmental impacts anticipated from the implementation of minor construction works associated with the existing system enhancement activities. However, there could be minor impacts like landslide and soil erosion, impact on ground vegetation, river embankment erosion, impact on landscaping and slope, dust generation, health and safety and disturbances in household water supply distribution. To minimize the impacts, specific arrangements have been made in the design and incorporated in the specification of work. These issues will be addressed by the contractor.

8. During operational phase, there may be minor impact on water right conflict (tap distribution) and occupational health and safety of workers. These issues will also be addressed by and will be the responsibility of Contractor and WUSC.

Environmental Management Plan

9. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is included as part of this IEE, which includes (i) mitigation measures for environmental impacts during implementation, (ii) an environmental monitoring program, and the responsible entities for mitigating, monitoring, and reporting, (iii) public consultation and information disclosure, and iv) a grievance redress mechanism. The EMP and cost of EMP implementation will be included in civil works bidding and contract documents.

10. Based on the review of the previous IEEs, locations and sitting of the infrastructures were considered in the existing sub-project to avoid or minimize the impacts. The concepts considered in design of the subproject are; (i) demand for new piped water supply; (ii) maximum population coverage with pipe layout mostly in residential areas and areas of high growth rate; (iii) avoidance of water-use conflicts; (iv) locating pipelines within ROWs to reduce acquisition of land; (v) locating pipelines at least 10 meters from latrines, septic tanks and any main drains to avoid contamination; (vi) locating Intake point 30 m upstream from sanitation facilities; (vii) locating household and public latrines and septic tanks at least 30 meters downstream from the nearest drinking water source; (viii) piloting controlled disposal of septage in accordance to WHO and US EPA standards to reduce the likelihood of uncontrolled disposal as currently practiced; and (ix) ensuring all planning and design interventions and decisions were made in consultation with local communities and reflecting inputs from public consultation and disclosure for site selection.

11. During the construction phase, moderate quantity of excavated earth may be produced, which will not cause any concerning impacts. The construction work may disturb easy movement of residents, traffic, and the shops. These are common impacts of construction in urban areas, and there are well-developed methods for their mitigation. During operation, the delivery of unsafe water is a crucial concern, which could be mitigated with good operation and maintenance, prompt action on leaks and quality monitoring of supplied water. vii | P a g e

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

12. A Project Environmental Management Office will be established and manned by qualified environmental experts to monitor the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures and direct project supervising engineers through project management office for needed action and coordination.

Consultation, Disclosure and Grievance Redress 13. Public consultations were carried out during preparation of the IEE. The suggestions provided by them were included in the IEE. Public consultation will be continued during project implementation and O&M stages. The project has formed a Grievance Redress Committee to address any public grievances caused by the implementation of the project.

Monitoring and Reporting 14. The PMO, RPMO and DSMC will be responsible for environmental monitoring. The RPMO with support from the DSMC will submit monthly monitoring reports to the PMO. The PMO will consolidate the monthly reports and will send quarterly progress report with environmental safeguards compliance performance, and semi-annual environmental compliance monitoring reports to ADB. ADB will post the accepted environmental monitoring reports on its website.

Conclusions and Recommendations 15. The proposed Enhancement Towns WSSP is unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts. The potential impacts that are associated with design, construction and operation can be mitigated by applying readily available standard methods through proper engineering design and the incorporation or application of recommended mitigation measures and procedures. Based on the findings of the IEE, no further special study or detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) is needed for implementing the project.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background 16. The Government of Nepal (GoN) has been implementing small town's water supply and sanitation projects to improve the health and the quality of life of people living in small and emerging towns by constructing and extending water supply systems, drainage and sanitation facilities and providing health and hygiene education programs. The Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (TSTWSSSP) is one of such projects proposed for improving water supply and sanitation facilities to selected small towns in Nepal. It will help the country, to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. It aligned with sector objectives laid out by the government’s Fourteenth Plan, National Urban Development Strategy, and updated 15-year Development Plan1 for WSS in Small Towns, which is to improve water supply and sanitation service delivery in urban areas across of Nepal. In response to the government’s request, ADB supported in implementing first, second and third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Projects, through which it has supported in improving WSS services in 70 of the 176 small towns in Nepal.

17. The Third Small Towns‟ Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project is currently being implemented. The Enhancement Towns WSSP in the 12 small towns are proposed for improving the overall system service efficiency by utilizing some savings from the TSTWSSSP. The support is planned to improve physical infrastructure by repairing damaged structures and adding small water treatment tanks and laying distribution lines.

18. Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) is the implementing agency whereas the Ministry of Water Supply is the executing agency. The project has many stakeholders such as the WUSC, Project Management Office/ DWSSM, DRTAC, Town Development Fund (TDF) and Regional Design Supervision and Management Consultants (RDSMCs), RPMO.

19. This Updated Initial Environmental Report (IEE) is prepared for the 12 Enhancement Towns WSSP in close consultation with Regional Design Supervision and Management Consultants (RDSMCs), RPMO, PMO, DRTAC and other stakeholders. The 12 proposed subprojects were implemented during First, Second, and Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects. These systems needed some repair and some additional structure to enhance the water supply to the community. Upon request of WUSC, the on-going Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project has planned to utilize its savings to implement these repair and improvement activities.

1.2. Basis and Extent of IEE Study 20. The IEE report will primarily: (i) provide information on the sub-project and its environmental requirements; (ii) provide the necessary baseline conditions of the physical, ecological, physical cultural and socio-economic environments and/or resources in and surrounding the sub-project’s area of influence; (ii) identify and assess potential impacts arising from the implementation of the sub- project on its environment and/or resources; (iii) recommend measures to avoid, mitigate, and compensate the adverse impacts; (iv) present information on stakeholder consultations and participation during subproject preparation (v) recommend a mechanism to address grievances on the environmental performance of the sub-project; and (vi) provide an environmental management plan.

1 The 15-year plan, approved by the government on 29 February 2000, had three phases: 2000–2004, 2005–2009, and 2010–2014. It was later updated in February 2015 till 2030. 1 | P a g e

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 1.3. Objective of the Study 21. The ADB and GoN require all projects to undergo environmental assessment. All projects funded by the ADB must comply with the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 to ensure that projects are environmentally sound, designed to operate in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and are not likely to cause significant environmental, health, or safety hazards. Hence, the main objective of the IEE is to fulfill the requirements of both ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), 2009 and Government of Nepal Environment Protection Act 2019 and Rules 2020. The specific objectives of the IEE study are to: (i) identify, predict and evaluate the potential beneficial and adverse impacts of the project on the physical, biological and socio-economical resources in the project area; (ii) suggest enhancement measures to augment the benefits of the project, and to propose mitigation measures to avoid, minimize/compensate adverse impacts; (iii) prepare appropriate Environmental Management Plan (EMP), and (iv) inform public about the proposed project and its impact.

1.4. Scope and Rationality of IEE 22. The Scope of the updated IEE is to focus on the adverse environmental impacts and its mitigation measures relating to the location, design, construction, and operation of all the subproject activities.

1.5. Methodology Used in Preparing IEE The methodology that was followed while conducting the IEE study is as follows:

(i) Literature Review: • Reviewed enhancement design report, previous approved IEE reports, Progress reports, EARF and relevant documents i.e. ADB SPS 2009, GON Act and Regulations • Reviewed EMP and monitoring reports of each enhancement Town to prepared and update Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans of IEE.

(ii) Field Survey and Investigation: Field survey was conducted to generate information on the physical, biological and socio-economic environment of the subproject area. Maximum focus was provided on consultation with local communities to have information and areas of potential environmental impacts. All the local bodies within the project area were consulted for their suggestions.

(iii) Data Analysis: In an integrated manner impacts on physical, biological, socio- economic and cultural resources by the 12 subprojects were assessed using the ADB and other agencies good practice guidelines as well as compliance to the national requirements. They were grouped for pre-construction, construction and operation and maintenance phases of the project.

(iv) Impact Evaluation: Significance of impacts were evaluated on the basis of the reversible or irreversible, nature, magnitude, extent and duration of the impact. While evaluating the impacts, prescribing mitigation and doing alternative analysis, maximum efforts were made to get expert opinions and inputs of the design team, and safeguard team.

(v) Public Consultation: As per the EPR of Nepal, public consultation was conducted in the subproject areas. Consultation on the potential impact of the subprojects and community needs were assessed and documented. Consultation was also carried out with the local government and local level agencies and their suggestions were recorded.

(vi) Report Format: IEE report was prepared following the context structure suggested by the government regulation and ADB safeguard policy.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 2. POLICY, LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 23. This Chapter summarizes existing policies, plans, laws, and guidelines of Nepal and safeguards policy and principles of ADB those were referred while preparing this IEE. This is intended to inform the decision-maker and stakeholders about the national priorities and legal requirements for environmental safeguards plan preparation and environmental management plan implementation

2.1 ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009

24. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 aims to ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. The Policy requires that (i) impacts are identified and assessed early in the project cycle, (ii) plans are prepared and implemented to avoid, minimize, mitigate or compensate potential adverse impacts, and (iii) affected people are informed and consulted during project preparation and implementation. The objectives of ADB’s safeguards are to: (i) Avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; (ii) Minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and (iii) Help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguards systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.

25. ADB requires environmental assessment of all projects and programs as defined by the environmental screening checklist (REA) that considers the type, size, and location of the proposed project. Accordingly, the projects are classified into Category A (with potentially significant environmental impacts most of which are irreversible); Category B (with potentially less significant environmental impacts with only a few irreversible); Category C (unlikely to have significant environmental impacts). Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required for Category B projects. No environmental assessment is required for Category C projects although their environmental implications need to be reviewed by preparing an environmental due diligence report. ADB will not finance projects that do not comply with its safeguard policy statement, nor will it finance projects that do not comply with the host country obligations under international law.

26. The proposed Subproject is classified as environment Category B as per the ADB policy and hence requires preparing the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). While undertaking the IEE process, ADB policies on pollution prevention and abatement, biodiversity protection and natural resources management, OHS and community health and safety, physical and cultural resources are also considered. Other relevant guidelines and policies of ADB referred include: • Environment Operational Directions 2013–2020; • Social Protection Operational Plan 2014–2020; • Operation Manual Bank Policies (BP) and Safeguard Policy Statement, ADB, 2009; and • Handbook on Resettlement: A Guide to Good Practice.

2.2 National laws, policies, acts and rules

27. The Constitution of Nepal defines the right of people to live in clean environment as one of the fundamental rights of its citizens (Article 30). It guides state to make legal provisions for a proper balance between environment and development and making structures environment friendly and sustainable. Country have to protect, promote and make sustainable use of natural resources and to adopt appropriate measures to abolish or mitigate existing or possible adverse environmental impacts on the nature, environment or biological diversity.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

28. In accordance to the guiding principle of the constitution, Government of Nepal has brought many national and sectoral policies and legislations for the environmentally friendly development and conservation and protection of natural resources.

29. The progressive development of Policy formulation by the Government of Nepal, several relevant policies and legislations have been developed in the sector and sub-sector like water resources, environment, local government, sanitation, institutional reforms, tariff regulation, water quality and urban development. Development and enforcement of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation National Policy 20042 and National Policy for Urban Water Supply and Sanitation 20093 had made possible progressive development on water supply and sanitation sector.

30. Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 2019, and Environmental Protection Regulation (EPR) 2020, requires a proponent to undertake IEE or EIA of the proposed project and have the IEE or EIA report approved by the concerned sectoral agency or Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE), respectively, prior to implementation. The EPA: (i) sets out the review and approval process of IEE and EIA reports, that involve informing and consulting stakeholders; (ii) stipulates that no one is to create pollution that would cause significant adverse impacts on the environment or harm to public life and health, or to generate pollution beyond the prescribed standards; (iii) specifies for the Ministry in charge of environment (currently the MoFE) to conduct inspection of approved projects to ensure that pollution prevention, control or mitigation is carried out according to the approved IEE or EIA report; (iv) provides for the protection of objects and places of national heritage and places with rare plants, wildlife and biological diversity; and (v) states that any person/ party affected by pollution or adverse environmental impact caused by anybody may apply to the prescribed authority for compensation to be recovered from the polluter/pollution generator.

31. Environmental Protection Rules (EPR), 20204, as its endorsement on 15th June 2020 by the government of Nepal, defines the implementing rule and regulations of the IEE/EIA process, amending the provisions in the EPA 1997. The preparation, review, and approval of IEE and EIA reports are dealt with in Rules 3 to 7 and 10 to 14. Schedules 1, 2 and 3 list down the projects of activities that are required short Environmental Assessment Report, IEE and EIA respectively, as amended in 2020. Other environmental and core labor policies, laws and rules that are relevant to the sub- project are presented in Table 1. The Government of Nepal endorsed environmental quality standards namely: (i) National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Nepal, 2003; (ii) National Noise Standard Guidelines, 2012; and (iii) National Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2006, which would also be applied to surface and ground water quality monitoring since these resources are used for drinking purpose (Appendix II).

32. Nepal is party to the following international environmental agreements that have broad relevance to works and environmental assessment of works under the project: (i) World Heritage Convention, in 1978; (ii) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention), in 1987; (iii) Convention on Biodiversity, in 1992, (iv) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 1973, (v) Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol and subsequent London Amendment, in 1994, and (vi) Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, in1996.

33. The relevance of the aforementioned environmental agreements to the subproject are on their emphasis for human activities (such as development projects) to: (i) take on/institute measures to protect the local, as well as global, natural resources and/or environment; (ii) prevent and/or reduce

2 The policy focuses on massive renovation, rehabilitation, improvement and expansion works of the existing system and increase the quality of service. 3 The Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (UWSSP) had addressed the need of an umbrella policy to achieve coherent, consistent, and uniform approaches of development of sector in urban areas by all the different agencies and institutions involved. 4 The EPR 2020 has included Schedules on list of sector-specific projects that require brief environmental study, Brief ES, IEE or EIA. It has followed the 'threshold, 'sensitive area and 'investment' criteria as the previous EPR (1997). 4 | P a g e

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects the causes of climate change; and (ii) anticipate and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. The country is also committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the seventh goal of which is to “ensure environmental sustainability” targeting the reverse of loss of forest and environmental resources, reduction of biodiversity loss, and increase in the proportion of population with sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. The policy and legal framework relevant with the Enhancement Project presented in the Table 1 below:

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Table 1 : Policy and Legal Framework Relevant to the Enhancement Town Project Policy/Law/ Year Relevant Provisions Remarks Guidelines Constitution of 2072 The Constitution of Nepal made the provision to every person has the right to live in a clean Provision shall be made for the protection of the Nepal environment. It also made provision that the State shall make necessary arrangements to forest, vegetation and biodiversity, their maintain the natural environment. The State shall give priority to special protection of the sustainable use and for equitable distribution of environment, and rare wildlife, and prevent further damage due to physical development the benefits. activities, by increasing awareness of the public about environmental cleanliness. Labor Act 1992 The Act emphasizes on occupational health and safety of workers and stipulates provision The bidding document (Section 6, para 4.1.2) of necessary safety gears and adopting necessary precautionary measures against includes condition that the contractor shall adopt potentially hazardous machine/equipment in the workplace. It also stipulates to make all safety measures for the safety of its workers arrangements such as removal of waste accumulated during production process and and other personnel and shall also adhere to prevention of dust, fume, vapor and other waste materials, which adversely affect the health environmental and aesthetic issues identified of workers. during the construction works. Water 1992 A comprehensive law on the development, use and conservation of water resources in GoN has approved IEE previously. Use of water Resources Act Nepal, it aims to minimize damage to water bodies by requiring the conduct of EIA & resource has been granted by the District Office. preparation of EIA Report before granting license to use water resources for any purpose. Proponents shall make sure that the beneficial use of water resources does not cause damage to other water uses/users (Article 4). Article 17 requires proponents to apply for any necessary land acquisition accordingly Sites for main structures have been acquired accordingly. Unidentified sites for office building, guardhouse, guardhouse cum building, will be acquired accordingly. Article 18 requires the compliance to quality standards in making use of water resources. EMP prescribes the compliance with NDWQS Article 19 prohibits the pollution of water resources. Under the Act are two regulations for and its Directives during operation. drinking water purposes: (i) Water Resources Regulation, 1993, setting out the implementation procedures for the Act; and (ii) the Drinking Water Regulation, 1998, which specifies compliance with the drinking water quality standards and control of water pollution (or sanitation) as it affects drinking water. Forest Act 1993 The Act prohibits the extraction of boulders, rocks, pebbles, sand or soil from national Community Forest Users’ Group has approved forests, defined as all forests, excluding private forests, whether marked or unmarked with consent for the use of land for the project forest boundary, to include waste or uncultivated lands, or unregistered lands surrounded by structures. No trees will be cut or felled. the forest or situated near adjacent forests as well as paths, streams rivers, lakes, riverine EMP stipulates no illegal quarrying of natural lands within the forest. aggregate materials. Child Labor 2001 The section 3 of the act prohibits a child from engaging in work, sub clause 1, of the clause The section 4 states “Child not to be engaged in Prohibition and 3 states “Nobody shall engage in work a child who has not completed fourteen years of age work against his will by temptation or fear or Regulation Act as a labor and sub clause 2 states “Nobody shall engage a child in a risk full occupation or pressure or by any other means work set forth in the Schedule”. Labor Act 2017 The Act emphasizes OHS Policy; Safety & Health Committee; OHS arrangements including Labour Rules 2018 child care center; workplace safety; environment of work place; and specific Labour Audit

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Policy/Law/ Year Relevant Provisions Remarks Guidelines Article 4 provides that the management of hazardous, medical, chemical or industrial waste It also stipulates to make arrangements such as Solid Waste rests upon the generators of such wastes. Management should be as prescribed in the Act. removal of waste accumulated during production Management 2011 Article 5 provides that individuals and entities have the duty to reduce the amount of solid process and prevention of dust, fume, vapor and Act waste generated while carrying out work or business. other waste materials, which adversely affect the health of workers. EMP prescribes eco-friendly management of solid and hazardous wastes. Drinking Water 1998 The Rules: (i) gives the procedure for the settlement of dispute on use of water sources; (ii) Monitoring of the quality of supplied water is Rules requires water supplier to maintain the quality of water as prescribed in the Water Resources prescribed in eth EMP following the NDWQS Act; (iii) prohibits water supplier to construct structures and conduct activities that would Directives. pollute the water source and cause significant adverse effect on the environment. Drinking Water 2014 It regulates that the WUSC has to take approval from the DWSS (DWSSM now) to make These aspects have discussed with the WUSC Service any changes in the project components. This will certainly minimize risk of any environmental and the communities; and it has been mentioned Operation impacts associated with potential changes in structures of the system/s. The procedure also in the IEE report as well Procedures emphasizes that the WUSC should consider GESI aspects, and ensure the access of water for the poor as well. Local 2017 The Local Government Operation Act, 2017 empowers the local authority for the Provides basis for Local Government to monitor Government conservation of local natural resources and implementation of environmental conservation the environmental performance of the projects. Operations Act; 2018 activities along with prime responsibility of conducting development projects, which includes EMP provides the responsibilities of LGs in EMP & its Rules water supply, sanitation, and awareness activities. implementation. National 1993 Of its five objectives, most relevant to the Project are to: (i) mitigate adverse environmental Project will not affect physical cultural heritage & Environmental impacts; and (ii) safeguard national & cultural heritage & preserve biodiversity, within & biodiversity. EMP provides measures to mitigate Policy and outside protected areas. impacts. Action Plan (NEPAP) National Water 1998 The Policy requires the: (i) monitoring of water quality supplied by completed WSS projects; Monitoring of the quality of supplied water is Supply and and (ii) evaluation of their benefits in improving health (e.g., reducing water-borne diseases) prescribed in the EMP following the NDWQS Sanitation and in relieving the sufferings of women and other disadvantaged groups in carrying out their Directives. Policy responsibilities over water collection and maintenance of sanitation and hygiene. National Urban 2007 Policy gives importance to environment conservation while carrying out urban development ADB IEE is conducted to ensure environmental Policy works and natural resource use; thus, supporting the required environmental conservation conservation and protection. and protection in donor-assisted development projects. National Urban 2009 The Policy requires the IEE or EIA of proposed WSS projects in accordance with the GoN IEE has been prepared. IEE in ADB format Water Supply EPA/EPR to: (i) incorporate consultations with key stakeholders, including end-point users; will be disclosed after ADB approval. and Sanitation & (ii) specify measures to mitigate environmental impacts prior to, during construction & Policy operation, as well as corrective measures. Updated 15-Yr 2009 The Plan defines the population threshold of “small towns” to be in the range of 5,000 to EMP prescribes environmental effects and Development 40,000. Reference to Schedules 1 and 2 of the EPR, as amended in 2007, places water performance monitoring. Plan for Small supply projects in small towns under Schedule 1 or within the threshold of water supply Towns Water

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Policy/Law/ Year Relevant Provisions Remarks Guidelines Supply and projects requiring only an IEE. The Plan emphasizes monitoring and evaluation as an Sanitation important component of a project to determine the overall impact of a project. Sector Implementation 2005 It sets out the water sampling, testing, analysis, monitoring and surveillance procedures to Monitoring of the quality of supplied water is Directives for certify that the quality of supplied drinking water conforms to the National drinking Water prescribed in eth EMP following the NDWQS the National Quality Standards. Directives. Drinking Water Quality Standards National 1993 In order to integrate the environmental aspects in development projects and programs, the Environmental government has developed the National EIA Guidelines (1993). The guidelines provide Impact guidance to project proponent on integrating environmental mitigation measures, particularly Assessment on the management of quarries, borrow pits, stockpiling of materials and spoil disposal, Guideline operation of the work camps, earthworks and slope stabilization, location of stone crushing plants, etc. National 2019 Government of Nepal has introduced Climate Change Policy, 2019 with the objective of Climate Change providing policy guidance to various levels and thematic areas towards developing a resilient Policy5 society by reducing the risk of climate change impacts.

Relevant Environmental Quality Standards Particular National Standard International Standard Ambient air quality National Ambient Air Quality Standards, for Nepal, 2003 WHO Air Quality Guidelines, Global Update, 2005 Emission standard for diesel generator Emission standard for diesel generator EPR-15, 1997 discharge to ambient Air Noise National Noise Standard Guidelines, 2012 WHO Guideline Values on Noise Level Drinking water quality* National Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2006 WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, Fourth Edition, 2011 * For surface and ground water quality monitoring, the National Drinking Water Quality Standard shall be applied since these resources are used for drinking purpose. (Appendix: III)

5 The Government of Nepal has endorsed Climate Change Policy in August 2019 by repealing the 2011 CC Policy with the goal of contributing to socio-economic prosperity by developing climate resilient society.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Background 34. This updated IEE for Enhancement Town WSSP is prepared for 12 small towns of Phidim, Khandbari, Duhabi, Belbari, Birtamod, DasarathChanda, Mahendranagar, Adarshnagar-Bhasi, Tikapur, Sittalpati, Bijuwar, and Walling Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects. The water supply systems in these towns were implemented during the First, Second or Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Projects. While operating the water supply system, there is a need of some works to be carried out in these systems to enhance the efficiency in water supply to the community. Upon request of WUSC, Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project is planning to implement some repair and maintenance and system improvement activities in the towns utilizing the savings in the loan of TSTWSSSP. The details of the project description of selected enhancement Town subprojects are given below (Table 2).

Table 2 : Details of Enhancement Project and Selection SN Name of the Enhancement / District Small Town and Date Towns of IEE Disclosed 1 WalingTown, Syangya Waling/ Syangya I (NA) 2 Bijuwar Town, Pyuthan Pyuthan/Pyuthan I July 2015 GoN 2005 3 Khalanga Sitalpati Town, Salyan/ Sharada III Sept. 2014 Salyan 4 Tikapur Town, Kailali Kailali/Tikapur III Nov. 2015

5 Bhasi Town, Kanchanpur Bhimdutta / Kanchanpur II March 2011 6 Mahendranagar Town, Bhimdutta/ Kanchanpur I July 2015 Kanchanpur GoN 2005 7 Baitadinagar Town, Baitadi Dasrathchanda/Baidadi II / March 2014 8 Khandbari Town, Khandbari/ Sankuwasabha II/May 2014 Sankuwasabha 9 Duhabi Town, Sunsari Duhabi/ Sunsari II /April 2013 10 Birtamod Town, Jhapa Birtamod/ Jhapa I/ July 2015

11 Phidim Town, Panchthar Phidim/ Panchthar II / April 12 2012

12 Belbari Town, Morang Belbari/Morang I /July 2015 GoN 2005

3.2 Objective of the Project 35. The main objectives of the Project are to: • Improve the water supply and sanitation facilities • Support community participation in the development of water supply and sanitation facilities • Facilitate sustainable development of facilities, thereby improve health and quality of life in the project area

3.3 Project Location 36. The Project Location of Enhancement Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project is presented in the Figure 1.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Figure 1 : Location Map of Enhancement Town Projects

3.3.1 Salient Feature of the Project

37. The Enhancement Town WSSPs comprise ground and surface water sources designed to provide sufficient quantity and good quality of water to the residents of local residents. Mainly the proposed projects consist of construction components like Disinfection Facilities (chlorination unit), Ground and Overhead Reservoir, House (Private) Connection, Community Stand Post Connection, System Appurtenances, Generator/ Pump Houses, Water Quality Testing Laboratory, Guard Quarter/Office Building and Boundary Wall etc. Some details in these structures include the following:

• Intake • Treatment plant • Tube Wells • Reservoir • Pumps and Pumping System • Borehole Platform • Electrical Facilities • Ground water Reservoir • House (Private) Connection • System Appurtenances • Generator/ Pump Houses • Water Quality Testing Laboratory • Guard Quarter/Office Building • Boundary Wall

3.3.2 Construction Activities of Enhancement Projects 38. With reference of IEEs and detail design and quantity estimate of the enhancement projects following activities are associated both in construction and operation phases as per the nature and activity of the project: 10 | P a g e

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Construction phase • Excavation of soil, surface clearing and backfilling activities • Earthwork excavation and site clearance for construction - Baffle Channel Flocculator, treatment plant, pipeline extension, foundation works, storehouse, compound wall, boundary gate wall etc. • Machinery works like cutting of iron-rods, mixing of concrete, stone/brick soling, plaster • Manual works assisted by equipment use; like masonry works, casting, pipeline laying, plumbing and other reinforcement works • Transportation activities for construction materials • Main Transmission Line maintenance work • Protection Work i.e. Treatment Plant protection Works Khandbari Town

Operation phase • Disinfection of water using Bleaching powder • Water Quality Laboratory operation • Backwash of treatment plant • Slurry drying and disposal

39. The detailed description of existing water supply system with salient features and proposed enhancement activities of 12 Enhancement Town WSSPs are presented below in the Table 3.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Table 3 : Salient Features of the Project Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components 1. Mahendrana Project coverage: Ward Nos 3,6,7 and Major project components: Enhancement Works gar Small Town 8 of Municipality, - 800 m3 ground reservoirs - General works Water Supply & Kanchanpur - 12.5 km of pipe line laying - Civil Works: Earth works, Cement Concrete Works, Sanitation Project, - Construction of Chlorination unit Stone masonry works, Plaster works, Reinforcement Kanchanpur Total HHs and Population: - Treatment Facilities-1 unit 32 lps works (Dismantling and Reinstatement), formworks, a) Base year (2014): 3,112/22,500 Total Project Cost: NRs 42,910,500 finishing works, etc. b) Design year (2022): 3,867/27,954 - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants: c) Design year (2030) : 4,804/34,729 GI & PE pipes, Pipe fittings Works, Tools and Plants - Total Cost Nrs: 15,153, 327.08

Activities - Material supply and transportation - Earthwork Excavation - Machinery Works - Flooring, Plaster and finish work - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants 2. Bhasi Town Service Area: Ward no. 1, 2,3,4,6 and Ground water based water supply - General Items and Day Works Water Supply & 18 of Bhimdatta Municipality and parts system with project components: - Civil works: Pipe Trench Valve Chamber and Sanitation Project, of ward no. 8 of Suda VDC Deep Tube Wells, Pumps and Dismantling and Reinstatements Kanchanpur Pumping System, Electrical Facilities, - Pipe & Fittings Works: Pipe Laying and Jointing, Pipe Treatment Facilities, Disinfection Fittings, Tools and Plants Base Year Population (2013): 9150 Facilities (chlorination unit), Ground - Total Cost: Nrs:15,399,808.28 and Overhead Reservoir, House (Private) Connection, Community Activities Stand Post Connection, System - Material supply and transportation Appurtenances, Generator/ Pump - Earthwork Excavation Houses, Water Quality Testing - Machinery Works Laboratory, Guard Quarter/Office - Flooring, Plaster and finish work Building and Boundary Wall - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants - 3. Baitadi Town Service area of the project: Ward no. 1 Intake at Madh Khola, Treatment - General works Water Supply and (Gadhi, Sahilekh, Gothalapani and Facilities (Sedimentation Tank + Slow - Civil Works: Reservoir (Capacity =50 m3 ), Pipe Sanitation Project Bebet), parts of ward no. 2 (Madola), Sand Filter+ Roughening Filter), trench, Valve Chamber, Dismantling and (Dasrathchanda parts of ward no. 4 (Pallo Chaudali), Transmission Main, Storage Reinstatement Municipality) parts of ward no. 5 (Buskot), parts of Reservoir, Sump Well and Pumping - Pipes and fittings work: Pipe fittings & Joining Works, ward no. 6 (Simail) and parts of ward System, Electrical Facilities, Tools and Plants Disinfection by Chlorination, Service - Total Cost Nrs: 13,889,744.98

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components no. 9 (Tripura) of Dasrathchand Reservoirs for Single stream intake Activities Municipality. and collection chamber, 2 unit each - General Works Source: surface water from Madh plain sedimentation tank and - Material supply and transportation Khola requires partial pumping about roughening Filter, 3 units of Slow - Earthwork Excavation 150 m above Sand Filter, 4 Nos of Sump Well each - Concrete & Machinery Works Source Location: Gwallek VDC for Gadi Pumping scheme and Tallo - Flooring, Plaster and finish work Type: Gravity cum Pumping Scheme Gothalapani Pumping with one - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants Safe yield (lps): 20 standby for each. Tapped Discharge (lps):12 Schemes: Stream Crossings and Population survey year 2010: 6652 Thrust Blocks, Distribution Systems, Base Year 2014: 7366 Valve Chambers, House (Private) Design Year 2027: 10793 Connections, Community Connections, Guard Houses and other Civil Structures etc. 4. Walling Location: Waling Municipality, Syanga Reservoir, Pipe Trench, Distribution - RCC Reservoir (50 Cum), Sump Well, Pipe Trench, Small Town Water Systems, Valve Chambers, House Valve Chamber, Dismantling and Reinstatement Supply and (Private) Connections, Community Activities Sanitation Sector Connections, Guard Houses and - Civil works: Project, Syanja other Civil Structures • Earth works, Cement Concrete Works, Stone masonry works, Plaster works, Reinforcement works, formworks, finishing works, etc - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants • GI & PE pipes • Pipe fittings Works • Tools and Plants - Electromechanical Works - Total Cost: Nrs. 36,963,850.57 5. Bijuwar Service Area: 4 VDCs namely - No. and capacity of Reservoirs: - Civil works: RCC Reservoir (100 Cum), Sump Well, Small Town Water Dharmabati Ward no. 1-4, Bijuwar 11(720 cum) Pipe Trench, Cut-Off Wall, Valve Chamber and Supply and Ward no. 1 to 4, 6, 8 Bijaynagar 1 to - Treatment Facilities: 1(26 lps, PST) Dismantling and Reinstatements, Pipe fitting works, Sanitation Sector 4 and 6 and Dhakaquadi VDC. (Now - Chlorination Unit electromechanical work Project, Pyuthan Bijuwar Municipality) - Pipeline Length: 55.9 Activities - Base Year (2014): 2,517/15,000 - Chlorination Unit with lab: 2 - Earthwork excavation - Design year (2022): 2,976/17713 - Guard house: 2 - Concrete wok - Design year (2030): 3,513/20,917 - Surface Intake/Borehole Drilling:3 - Machinery work - Household connection (2014) : - Floor finishing 2517 - Plaster Total Cost: NRs. 35, 428, 389.31

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components 6. Salyan town Service area: Khalanga Salyan VDC, Tube Well, Pumps and Pumping - General Items and Day Works sub project- Third Ward no.1- 9 System, Borehole Platform, - Civil works: RCC Reservoir (300 Cum), Pipe Trench, Small Towns Electrical Facilities, Ground water Valve Chamber and Dismantling and Reinstatements Water Supply and Source Type: Ground Water at Reservoir, House (Private) - Pipe & Fittings Works: Pipe Laying and Jointing, Pipe Sanitation Sector Sitalpati Connection, System Fittings, Tools and Plants Project Appurtenances, Generator/ Pump - Total Cost: Nrs:19,439,796.50 Safe Yield (lps): 16.73 lps Houses, Water Quality Testing Laboratory, Guard Quarter/Office Activities HHs Connection: 1243 Building and Boundary Wall - General Works - Material supply and transportation Base Year Population: (2015)- 8476 - Earthwork Excavation - Machinery Works - Flooring, Plaster and finish work - GI & PE pipes and fittings work & Tools and Plants 7. Tikapur The source of the proposed system is The system consists of three sub- - Procurement, supply, construction and installation Town Water ground water. The system consists of systems based on location of OHT including testing and commissioning of pressure filter Supply and four different sub systems; each one of sites. The total pipe length of the including Aeration Tank and Chlorine Dosing Unit with Sanitation Project them has 2 (Zone-A), 3 (Zone-B), 2 proposed distribution system works solution Tank Kailali (Zone-C1), 3 (Zone- C2) number of out to 192,347 m. Total 12,304 m of - Total Cost: Nrs. 25,592409.89 Tube wells with treatment plant and DI pipes (150-350 mm dia) of spigot OHT with total design discharge of joint and 180,043 m PE pipes of 50 to Activities 344.373lps. The Sub system in Zone 160 outer diameters. Major General Items and Day Works A, B, C1, C2, there are 2, 3, 2, 3 Components are: Water Source -Treatment Plant: Pressure Filter number of borings respectively and (Groundwater) and its Protection -Tools and Plants they have to be connected through Structures, Water Treatment Plant, - Pipes and fitting works transmission lines. It will be around 3 Transmission Main, Pumping, km. in three OHT sites. In sub system Service Reservoir, Distribution 3, the new boring site at New Tikapur Network, House connections and is linked with existing OHT site at Zone Others (Office and other buildings). C1. HHs connections- 8,450 of Tikapur Municipality 8. Khandbari SSTWSSSP services area coverage: Intake, Collection Chamber, -Service area covered: ward Small Town Water Ward no. 1 (Khandbari Bazar); ward Transmission main, Wash out, Air 1,2,3,4,7,8 Supply and no. 2 (Chewa); ward no. 3 (Maruwa, valve, Interruption Chamber & Breal -Source name: Simali Khola Sanitation Sector Mangaladevi, Magar Gaon); ward no. 4 Pressure Chamber, Roughening -Designed discharge: 26.60lps Project, (Pangma); ward no. 5 (Sekha), ward Filter, Slow Sand Filter, Disinfection -Enhancement Works -Construction of water treatment Sankuwasabha no. 10 (Magar Gaon, TinPokhari), ward Unit, Ground water reservoirs, facilities and storage tanks/ service reservoir, no. 11 (Piple, Pathak gaun), ward no Distribution main, Control valve, Pipe rehabilitation or expansion of transmission and 12 (Dhunge Dhara) of Khandbari valve box, Tap Connection, Water distribution systems

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components Municipality and ward no. 6 of Diding Quality Testing Laboratory/WUSC -HHs number: 3,599 VDC and ward no. 2 of Macchepokhari building and Boundary wall -Tap connection: 2300(metered) VDC. - Loan: NRs 22 cores without interest The project was started on July 14, - TDF loan paid: NRs 1.60 Crores 2013 and completed on 31st Jan. 2015 9. Duhabi Service area: Duhabi VDC Ward No. SSTWSSP Components: - Service area covered: Ward no 1 to 6 of Duhabi Town Water 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 • Deep Tube Wells Municipality Supply and Source name; Ground water • Pumps and Pumping System - Source name: Ground water; 2 tube wells are running Sanitation Project, Type: Pumping Scheme • Electrical Facilities and 2 tube wells to be developed HHs number: 2300 Sunsari Source Type: Deep Tube Wells- • Treatment Facilities - Tap connection: 2300 (Existing well 1 no. + New 2 nos. • House (Private) Connection - TDF Loan: NRs 6 cores +Test borehole 1no.) Total 4 Nos. • System Appurtenances - TDF loan paid: NRs 40 lakhs Source Location: Ward #5 Duhabi • Generator/ Pump Houses - Cash in hand: NRs 75 lakhs Safe Yields (lps): • Water Quality Testing Laboratory 15-20 lps, from each tube wells with Activities • Office Building/ Pump House pumping - Development of two tube wells There are two existing DTWs at a Base year Population: 17428 - Panel board distance of about 300 m each side of - Transformer -100KVA the office premises. - Riser pipe 100mm dia, 80m, DI pipe 150mm dia • Boring No 1: size 12" * 8" Depth 300m, valves and fittings about 185m - Submersible pump 30 HP-2nos • Test Boring: size 10" * 6" Depth about 185m 10. Birtamod Service Area: Ward nos. 4, 5, 8 and 9 • Maintenance of 450 m3 ground Proposed Enhancement Activities Water Supply and of former Birtamod VDC (Now reservoir - Tubewell /Boring and borehole platform - 2 set (each Sanitation Sub- ). • One water treatment plant with PF at OHT site 2 and OHT sites 3) Project, Jhapa No. and capacity of Reservoirs: 1(450 facility - Filter plant (including panel board, compressor, cum), Treatment Facilities: 1(PF 1) • 35+15 km of pipe line laying blower and dosing pump) -1 set all complete (OHT Chlorination Unit • Construction of Chlorination unit site #3) Total Pipeline length: 50.2km • One surface water intake - 30 HP Submersible pump- 2 Nos Population: consisting of infiltration gallery at - Riser pipe – 80m Base year (2014): 2,674/14,493 source river - Panel board - 2 nos Design year (2022) : 3,470/18,806 STWSSSP comprises of 3 major - DI 150mm pipe – 150m Design year (2030) : 4,503/24,403 systems- each having two DTWs - FRP Dosing pump -2 set (Depth/ yield about 130-140m/22lps on average) Activities - Service Area: Birtamod - Site clearance and Earth work Municipality all wards except ward - Pipeline works - Reinforcement Works

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components 6 and - Electrical Works partial areas of ward 5, 6 & 11 - Source name: Ground water extracted from deep tube well - Designed discharge: 20lps from each tube well - HHs number: 6500 - Total TDF loan: NRs 4. Cores 11. Phidim Town Service Area: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Phidim Construction and installation of: The mixing chamber, rapid flash mixture and floculator Water Supply and VDC • Surface sources and intakes at are added along the transmission main before water Sanitation Source Type: intake Aptungwa river in Ranitar VDC reaching into sedimentation tank. The size of floculator subproject Safe yield (lps) (200): Tapped yield 23 • Source Rehabilitation of Sisne for is determined for 30min.detention period to carry 25lps lps Nembang sub system discharge. Accordingly, 2 unit of each 8.50m x3.00m x Population: • Transmission mains from the 1.20m has been designed. The storehouse, boundary - Base year (2010): 10675 intake to the treatment plant wall and necessary pipe & fittings have been included. - Design year (2028): 19070 • Treatment facilities WUSC will manage land for the construction of new • Reservoirs to be added at structures including storehouse. The salient features of Previously constructed piped water different locations this project are given below: system based on two gravity sources - • Distribution mains Service area covered: ward 1 all, 2 Namdu Khola and Sisne Khola • House connection/community (half area) and 4 all (Barmeli Mool). Connection - Source name: Aapkawa Khola - Designed discharge: 23lps • Water quality testing facility - HHs number: 2,050 • Chemical Storage House - Tap connection: 2,105 including 300 remaining • Office building to connect meter • Boundary wall etc. - Loan: NRs 91,208,799.00 Total Cost: Nrs. 27,351,096.85 - TDF loan paid: NRs 55 lakh - Cash in hand: NRs.10-12 lakh 12. Belbari Service Area: Ward no. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Salient features of Existing DTW-1 The site plan of the OHT premises (L=80m, B=43m Town, Water former Belbari VDC (Now Belbari Size: 300mm*200mm having area about 10 katha) have two existing DTWs Supply and Municipality) Depth of drilling & lowering of at East & West opposite corners. The proposed new Sanitation Sub- No. and Capacity of pipes/screen: 117m (including DTW will not be placed in the same compound due to Project, Morang Reservoirs: 1(450 cum) Screen: 36m) interferences of the existing tube wells. The team Treatment Facilities: 1 (PF 1) Static level: 7.62 m below GL suggested to manage proper land for additional DTW Chlorination Unit Dynamic level: 10.41m below GL in the vicinity beyond a distance of (200-250) m apart Pipeline Length: 42.7 Actual Draw Down: 2.79 m to avoid interferences among DTWs. Transformer & Total HHs Number and Population Pumping test by: 3" Dia other electro mechanical are in good condition. Hence, (Pop.) submersible pump urgency is felt for provision of an additional DTW, - Survey year (2014): 3,672/19,589 Discharge: 21 lps

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Name of the Existing Features Technical Features/ Project Proposed Improvement Works Project Components - Design year (2022):4,656/24,815 Recommended discharge: 20lps pump, panel board, DI pipe, fitting, valves, riser pipe - Design year (2030):5,898/31435 Placing of pump15-20 m below GL. and dosing pump/plant, which is non-functional. - Implemented under First Small Minimum 40 m head for installation - Service area covered: Ward No. Towns Water Supply and Sanitation of pump 1, 2 & 3 Project (ADB/ GoN). Starting Date of Drilling: 2063.4.6 - Source name: Ground water extracted from deep Pipe/screen Lowering tube well completed:2063.10.8 - Designed discharge: 20lps from each tube well DTW East: Column pipe=42m, 25 - HHs number: 3500 HP submersible pump - Tap connection: 1,625 (all metered) DTW West: Column pipe=48m, 20 - One new tube well, borehole platform, compound HP submersible pump wall, panel board and electrical works, GI/ DI pipes, valves and fittings, pump are included in current scope.

Activities - Construction of Compound Wall - Bore hole Platform - Site Clearance - Earthwork in excavation in all types of soil (CL Method) - Backfilling works - Flat brick soling in base - Compound Wall with Chain Fencing - GI Fitting Works

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

4. BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE SUBPROJECT AREA

40. This section summarized relevant physical, biological, and socioeconomic conditions within the study area of 12 Enhancement Town Projects. All features are updated on the basis of previous IEE reports and feasibility study of first, Second and third water supply and sanitation subprojects. Following are the main features of existing environment of the project area.

4.1. Mahendranagar FSTWSSSP Kanchanpur District 41. The Mhanandranager Town project lies within the Bhimdutta Municipality of Kanchanpur district, , Far-Western Development Region of Nepal. Geographically the project area lies in latitude 28°55'0" N and longitude 80°20'0" E and altitude with 197m altitude from the mean sea level (MSL). The climate of the project area is sub-tropical and comprises subtropical forest and vegetation. The average minimum and maximum temperatures during summary fluctuate between 35° C & 43° C while in winter season ranges between 5° C to 19° C with relative humidity range of 84-87 %. The average annual rainfall estimated is approximately 2377mm. The core area of the project is rural area of the ward no 3, 7,8 and adjoining area of the Mahandranager Market center.

4.2. Bhasi SSTWSSSP Kanchanpur District 42. Kanchanpur district being located within the belt of the country. The mean monthly minimum temperature in the project area is about 6.96C in winter, which gradually rises to 17oC in the spring. All other physical features are same as Mahandranager Town Project. Wildlife Reserve covering an area of 305 sq. km is bordered on the eastern side by the Chaudhara River and to the north by a forest belt and cultivations that lie 8 km south-west of Bhimdatta Municipality. The project area however does not have associated impacts on the protected area as the service area lie a fair distance from the protected area. The project area lies within Sal (Shorea robusta) forest belt and natural ecological habitats no longer exist. The total population of the project area is 8268 living in 1432 households out of which 4314 are male population and 3954 are female which covers certain wards mainly Ward No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 18 of the municipality, plus parts of ward no 8 of Suda VDC.

4.3. Baitadi SSTWSSP Baitadi District 43. The Baitadi (Dasrathchand Municipality) Water Supply and Sanitation Project lies in high hilly belt of the Far Western Development Region on the north-west side of Nepal. The elevation of the project area varies from 700 m to 1662 m above mean sea. Most of the area of the district lies in the mid-hilly region. The climate ranges from temperate to sub-temperate type. The temperature varies from five to 30oC. The rainfall is about 1000 mm to 1500 mm and humidity changes from 50 to 95%. The project area does not fall under any protected or buffer zone region. The population of the service area in the design year was 6652 living in about 987 households.

4.4. Walling FSTWSSP Syanja District 44. Waling Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project of Waling Municipality of Syanga District lies in western Middle Hills region of Nepal at the banks of river Aandhikhola that flows west along the valleys. The headquarters of the Waling Municipality is located in Kataunje, Syangja, of Nepal. Waling Municipality is surrounded by Biruwa Rural Municipality and on the East, and on the West, on the North and Galyang Municipality and Chapakot Municipality on the South. The 18

Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects elevation of this rural municipality is 731 to 1596 meters altitude from sea level and extends from 28 degrees latitude on the East to 83.45 degrees longitude on North. The climate of project area is Subtropical-ranging temperature of with 9.5 C and 32C maximum with average rainfall of 2265 mm. There are no any protected or conservation areas and wetlands nearby the project.

4.5. Bijuwar FSTWSSP Pyuthan District 45. Bijuwar Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project of Pyuthan Municipality of Pyuthan District lies in Middle Hills district of Rapti Zone, Mid-western Nepal. Geographically the Bijuwar Town lies in latitude 28°05' N and longitude 82°54' E with 1423m altitude from the mean sea level (MSL). The major rivers flowing at the side of Bijuwar is Jhimruk. Jhimruk Khoia lies in the West Rapti River Basin. The project area has thin patches of forest mainly with Sal. The proposed project component site does not fall under environmentally sensitive area. The Bijuwar town project area comprises partly of four VDCs of Pyuthan district. The Service Area of the Project belongs to Ward 1 to 4 of Dharmabatai VDC, ward no. 1 to 4, 6, 8 of Bijuwar VDC, ward no. 1 to 4 of Bijayanagar VDC and ward no. 1 to 4 and 6 of Dakaquadi VDC (Now Bijuwar Municipality). The population of the above-mentioned coverage area combined together was 100, 24 with 1,682 households during the project preparation phase (2003). The total Household Number and Population (Pop.) in base year 2014 was 2517/15000.

4.6. Sitalpati TSTWSSP Salyan District 46. Salyan is a hilly district, lying about 320 km west in Rapti zone of Nepal mid-western region, extending between 28° 31' to 28° 53' north latitude and 82°0' to 82°46' east longitude. The district has a steep terrain valley with the Siwalik Range surrounding the district. The annual mean temperature is around 20°C with max temperature of 35°C and minimum temperature of 6°C. May is the hottest month. Annual rainfall is about 1,700 mm. About 80% of annual rainfall occurs during monsoon period. The subproject area, Wards 1-9 of Khalanga VDC, has a total number of 1,256 households in 2012, or an average family size of 5.2.

4.7. Tikapur TSTWSSP Kailali District 47. The Project is located in Tikapur Municipality, which is situated in Kailali district in Seti Zone of the Far-western Development Region of Nepal. It lies between 28º27'30” N to 28 º33'30” N latitude to 81 º2'30” E to 81 º10'5” E longitude. It is at an altitude of 145-161 meter from the mean sea level. The Municipality is located in the Terai plains 14 km south of Lamki Bazaar, which is on the East-West Highway. Pathraiya River is located to the West and Karnali River to the East of the Municipality. Tikapur Municipality is bounded by Karnali River and Bardiya Area-3 in the east, Munuwa and Thanapur VDC in the west, Durgauli VDC in the north and Narayanpur VDC in the south. The climate of the project area is sub-tropical. Temperature of this area varies from 3-40C in winter to 300C in summer. The population of the service area in design year was 52,641 with 8,413 households.

4.8. Khandbari SSTWSSP Sankhuwasabha district 48. The service area of Khandbari town project lies within Khandbari Municipality, the district headquarters, which is situated in Sankhuwasabha district of Koshi Zone of the Eastern Development Region of Nepal. The project is surrounded by Dhupu VDC and Pangma Khola in the east, Arun River and Sitalpati VDC in the west, Diding VDC and Matsyepokhari VDC in the north and Sabha River and Arun River confluence in the south. Project area is located at 87°05’ E longitude and 27°54' N latitude to 87°35’ E longitude and 27°18' N latitude having elevation ranging from 328m to 2,184m above mean sea level (amsl) and situated in Ward nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

11 of Khandbari Municipality and some village settlement situated beside transmission main of existing water supply project.

4.9. Duhabi SSTWSSP, Sunsari District 49. Duhabi is an emerging industrial town located along the - industrial corridor and considered as the industrial hub of Eastern Nepal. It lies in Sunsari district in the Eastern Region of Nepal. Its longitude and latitude are 87° 17' N and 26° 34' E, respectively. It is around 13 km north of Biratnagar and 10 km south of Itahari, the junction point to the East-West Highway. The 14 km Duhabi- Inaruwa link road, which directly connects Duhabi to the district headquarters. The mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures are 7.50°C and 34.90°C. Duhabi receives an average annual rainfall of 1500 – 2800 mm. The water supply system has designed for base year 2015 with total population of 18,616. The design year population for the year 2029 was 29,527.

4.10. Birtamod FSTWSSP Jhapa District 50. Birtamod Water Supply and Sanitation Sub-Project is situated at Jhapa District in Eastern Development Region of Nepal and is at 12 Km North of Chandragadhi, the district headquarter of the district. The town itself is at 126 meters altitude and located 12 km north of the (District Head Quarter) on the East-West Highway. Topographically, the Birtamod Bazar and the surrounding area lie on a generally flat land in the Terai with the Siwaliks on the north at elevations ranging from 135 to 115 m. above the mean sea level. Geographically the district lies26°39’4” N latitude and 88°0’16” E Longitude. The climate of the town is tropical with average yearly minimum and maximum temperatures being 2.5°C and 41.200, respectively. The mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures are 8.50C and 37.4°C. It receives an average annual rainfall of 1667mm and the highest recorded is 3060 mm. The project was implemented to serve entire area (Ward nos. 1 to 9) of Anarmani VDC, Ward nos. 1 to 4 of Charpane VDC, Ward nos 7 & 8 of Arjundhara VDC and Ward no 7 & 8 Shanischare VDC. According to the financial appraisal report of TDF, the project had been designed to serve total population 27833 in the base year 2008 and 43612 in the design year 2022 with the additional rental population of 13276. The economy of the service area is predominately business and commercial based economy.

4.11. Belbari FSTWSSP Morang District 51. The Belbari Water Supply and Sanitation Project is situated at Belbari municipality in Morang district, Eastern Development Region. The existing service area of the project covers ward no. 1 to 4 of Belbari Municipality and surrounded by VDC to the East, Indrapur in the West, Kerabari in the North and Indrapur in the South with varies altitude from 101m in Terai (plain) to 204 amsl. Belbari Water Supply and Sanitary Project is one of the twenty projects being implemented under the First/Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project by the Government of Nepal with the assistance of Asian Development Bank. The water supply system for the town of Belbari was constructed several years before under STWSSP I and additional improvement. The Belbari Water Supply and Sanitation Project had covered ward no. 1 to 4 of Belbari municipality of Morang district, Eastern Development Region. It lies on the East- West highway and on the foothills of Chure range surrounded by Dangihat VDC to the East, Indrapur in the West, Kerabari in the North and Indrapur in the South with altitude varies from 101m in Terai (plain) to 204 in Churiahills, from sea level. Belbari is one of the growing towns of Morang district.

4.12. Phidim SSTWSSP Panchthar District 52. The proposed Phidim Enhancement Town lies in high hilly belt in the Eastern Development Region on the northeast portion of Nepal. The elevation of the project area is 1170 m above msl

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects above mean sea level. The temperature varies from 5 to 30 degree Celsius and rainfall is 1000 to 1500 mm and humidity changes from 50 to 95%. The proposed project area is bounded by Phema Khola in the east, Hewa Khola in the north and Lalikhadka ridge in the south and west. The surface water appears to be of good quality except during the rainy season when it is turbid due to the water from the banks flowing into the river. Ground water has not been used. There is no any environmental sensitive areas or protected area nearby the project area. The total population reported in previous IEE report is 10675 of 1568 households.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 5. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1. Beneficial Impacts

53. The development of water and sanitation facilities will have numerous beneficial impacts to individuals as well as to the entire community. Availability of clean and adequate drinking water and sanitary facilities are basic human needs. Also, any development efforts aimed at improving water and sanitation needs of an area will significantly contribute towards improving the quality of life of that area. Some of the major beneficial impacts of the project and their maximization measures are described below.

a. Construction Phase

i. Employment Generation

54. The project will generate direct employment opportunities to the local people of the area. As the project involves construction work it will offer an opportunity for various skilled and non- skilled work forces. The amount of money earned by the local people will directly support the local economy. The subproject work, although small in scale, will provide short-term direct employment benefit to majority of the construction workers and even long-term employment to few workers during the operation of the project. In order to augment such benefits, priority will be given to employ local laborers, as far as possible.

ii. Skill Enhancement

55. The construction of the project will not only provide direct employment opportunities but also ensure the transfer of skills and technical proficiency to the local workforce. The project activities such as drilling, constructing tanks, drains, slope stabilization methods will provide transferable skills. In future these skills will be a helpful to the locals in finding employment.

iii. Local Trade and Business Opportunities

56. The proposed Enhancement Towns WSSP subprojects will directly add in building business opportunity within the area. As construction work involves workers, a number of shops pertaining to food items and agriculture and livestock product will gain momentum around the vicinity of the construction site, despite the envisaged work is of small scale and may be of short duration.

b. Operation Phase

i. Improved Health and Hygiene

57. Deteriorating water quality and unsanitary conditions are often the causes of water borne communicable diseases. After the implementation of the subprojects, the health and hygiene of the local people will improve and will help to reduce the occurrence of water borne communicable diseases in the area. In order to enhance such benefits regular maintenance of the water supply

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects and sanitation components should be done so that the project operates smoothly, and the benefits are intact.

ii. Increased Economic Opportunities

58. After the completion of the project there is a possibility of migration from rural areas towards the town due to better facilities and transcend opportunities. The increased economic level will add a great value to the land uplifting their economic status. These benefits can be maximized by ensuring regular maintenance of water supply and sanitation components.

iii. Benefits to Women

59. Women and girls are mainly responsible for household activities such as fetching water and cleanliness. Improved water supply and sanitation will contribute towards better health and hygiene of women, girls and the entire household members. The time they save from fetching water from distant location and cleanliness can be utilized in other educational and economic activities. The beneficial impacts to women and girls can be enhanced by conducting health and awareness programs to the local community.

5.2. Adverse Impacts 60. The potential impacts of the proposed Enhancement Town WSSP may be in physical, biological, and socio-cultural environment and can occur at various phases of the subproject such as the design phase, construction phase and operation and maintenance phase. The magnitude of the impacts can be small, moderate, or high depending upon its severity and can be temporary or may last permanently. The impacts are not necessarily always negative; some impacts are positive as well. The attempt is to augment the positive impact and remove or minimize the negative impacts by applying suitable mitigation measures.

61. The summary of the anticipated environmental impacts and the mitigation measures are given in following Table 4.

a. Pre-construction Phase

i. Environmental Impacts due to Project Location and Design

62. Before the commencement of the actual construction work, it is necessary to identify the impacts that could alter the present environmental state and could delay the construction work. Such impacts are mostly related to the location and design of the subprojects and their components.

63. One of the pre-construction impacts is related to the location of the structures of the system improvement. There are chances of conflict with the locals during the selection of the structures and location. Legal obstruction may result in delay of work and create unnecessary disputes. Such issues will be mitigated by the involvement of the local people and concerned agencies while selecting appropriate location. User committees can own and manage the utility by conducting awareness programs and by obtaining necessary approval and agreement for acquisition of sites and properties.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

64. There could be risks associated with the higher or lower abstraction of the groundwater after system improvement, such as chances of inadequate yield of the aquifer and excessive abstraction which could affect the discharge of existing shallow tube wells and eventually lead to land subsidence. To mitigate such impacts, the design will consider a yield monitoring program specially to measure the abstraction percentage during the dry season. The subprojects will be redesigned with alternative water sources if the proposed abstraction rate exceeds sustainable yield. There will be a gap on the extraction of water to avoid excessive withdrawal. Any risk of arsenic contamination in the groundwater will be monitored.

65. There could be a risk of water contamination especially in those areas where storage and distribution tanks are located. To avoid such risks, a properly protected intake and storage tanks will be designed and distribution pipes will be located away from drains to avoid infiltration of drain water.

b. Construction Phase

i. Physical Environment

• Disturbance of Land System and Soil Erosion

66. Construction related activities such as drilling of boreholes, vibration and trench excavation during lying of pipes and during construction of storm water drainage system, can affect the local land system and cause soil erosion and silt run off. The unsettled street surfaces could bring about ponding of water and create disposal problems. There could also be chances of slope disturbances and landslides. However, the land disturbances and soil erosion will be minimized by taking precautionary measures such as applying bioengineering techniques, gabion walls etc.

• Impact from Quarrying of Raw Materials

67. The construction of tank and other structures of the subprojects may require river bed materials, boulders, and other construction materials. The extraction of these materials from inappropriate places or in excessive amount may cause damage to the river environment and accelerate erosion, landslide, disturb drainage pattern and cause water logging and water pollution. To mitigate such impacts unstable and erosion prone sites will be avoided for quarrying and only approved quarries will be used. Quarrying activities for extraction of construction materials from rivers and streams will not be done. After the extraction is complete, the quarry site will be properly levelled to suit the local landscape.

• Air and Noise Pollution

68. The scale of work is expected to be of small scale. Hence, no major dust generation or vehicular emission, and noise generation is expected. Use of old and worn out equipment and vehicles and low-quality fuel will be prohibited to minimize noise and air pollution. The equipment will be checked by technicians before the commencement of work and the equipment producing lofty noise will be prohibited at night as far as practical. To minimize dust and particulate matters, water will be sprinkled, and the construction materials will be covered with tarpaulin during transportation.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects ii. Biological Environment

• Degradation of Cultivated Land and Vegetation

69. Almost all of the major structures of the project will be constructed on land owned by WUSC. The structures will not be inside national park, protected areas and their buffer zones. There will be no major disturbance of vegetation in the project area but some ground vegetation may need to be cleared for the construction of the structures, which will be of small scale. Some of the topsoil and vegetation will be lost during pipe laying works. Minimization of vegetation clearing, and careful cutting of ground vegetation will be adopted. Trees and shrubs will be planted wherever possible.

iii. Socio-Economic Environment

• Impact to Local Residents

70. The construction related activities that generate dust, noise and impede access could disturb the local residents. To minimize the disturbances, construction work will be conducted as quickly as possible. The residents will be consulted and informed about the work and associated disturbances in advance. Temporary diversions and signboards will be provided for the pedestrians.

• Problems from Outside Work Force

71. Haphazard disposal of solid waste and improper sanitary conditions generated by the construction workers may cause pollution of surrounding environment and affect the health of local people. A mechanism for the safe disposal of waste will be developed in the project site and a labor camp will be constructed before the actual commencement of work and unwanted littering and discharge of waste will be prohibited.

72. Some social problems may arise due to irresponsible behavior of the workforce such as gambling, alcoholism and disrespect to local people and their culture. The contractor will be instructed to give proper guidance to the workers to act responsibly and prohibit from any unsocial and prohibited activities. This impact will be minimized if local workers are engaged by the contractor.

• Occupational Health and Safety

73. During the construction work, the laborers involved in the construction activities may be exposed to different level of health risks and are prone to accidents. A site health and safety plan will be prepared encouraging use of safety measures such as mask, helmet, hand gloves and rubber boots. The laborers will be insured for their health and safety. First aid box will be kept at a proper and easily accessible place. The general public will be excluded from all the construction sites.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects c. Operational Phase

• Contamination of distributed water

74. Improper operation and management could lead to contamination of distributed water increasing the chances of water related diseases in the consumers. Regular testing and maintenance of the water softening plant, pressure filter and chlorinator and testing of residual chlorine will be done on a routine basis and recorded. Regular water quality monitoring of water in the distribution system will be carried out and the staff will be trained and supervised.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Table 4 : Overview of Potential Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts Location and Design Phase Impacts Location of 1.1 Dispute in intake Permanent Moderate DSMC, Site belongs 1. • Public consultation and awareness boreholes selection program DWSS to WUSC. overhead • Formation of users committee M reservoir, and 1.2 Risk of Cost Treatment insufficient yield in • Review of design, estimates and incorporated plant the chosen area specifications in structural 1.3 Conflict with local design people

Ground water 2.1 Risk of Permanent Small DSMC, Cost 2. • A continuous yield monitoring pumping inadequate yield of (during dry program, will be designed especially DWSS incorporated increment aquifer season) for the abstraction percentage M in structural design during dry season flow (abstraction) 2.2 Excessive abstraction could • Redesigning project with alternative affect the existing water source if the proposed bore hole abstraction rate exceeds sustainable yield. 2.3 Excessive • The water is proposed to be drawn abstraction could from a depth of about 85m, below lead to land subsidence the impervious level which would have insignificant effect to the existing shallow tube wells. Furthermore, boreholes are to be used alternatively to avoid excessive with drawl and pump only required amount of ground water

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts Design of the 3.1 Risk of Permanent Significant DSMC Contract 3. • Properly protected intake and storage tank contamination of storage tanks will be designed and and distributed water distribution pipe will be located away Cost distribution incorporated from drains (to avoid infiltration of system in structural drain water) design 3.2 Spread of

epidemics

Construction Phase Impacts

Drilling of Temporary Moderate WUSC, Cost 5. 5.1 Generation of • Reuse of water by the consumers in Boreholes Contra incorporated wastewater the nearby settlements to irrigate their farmland and vegetable ctors in the contract 5.2 Surface runoff gardens and transportation of excavated materials • Care will be taken while drilling to nearby bodies boreholes so that there is minimal 5.3 Disturbance of vibration and disturbances the land system • Protection during and after drilling will be taken and disinfecting after 5.4 Contamination of ground water drilling will be done Quarrying of Temporary Moderate Contra Cost 6. 6.1 Disturbance of • Unstable and erosion prone sites raw materials ctor, incorporated land system, erosion will be avoided and only approved DSMC in the contract and landslide quarrying sites will be used 6.2 Changes in • Quarrying activities from morphology of water rivers/streams will not be done so as system

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts to change the river cross sections and longitudinal profiles • Quarry site will be leveled to suit the local landscape after extraction is complete Trucks and 7.1 Noise pollution Temporary Small Contra Cost 7. • Use of old and worn out equipment tractors used and vehicles, low quality fuel will be ctor incorporated for the 7.2 Air pollution due prohibited to reduce the noise and in the contract transportation to release of air pollution. of emissions construction • The equipment's will be checked by material and technicians before the noise during commencement of work and construction working in night shift with activity equipment's producing high noise will be prohibited. • The construction material will be covered during transportation to avoid dust generation. Excavation 8.1 Unorganized Temporary Moderate 8. • Precautionary measures will be Contra Cost and digging disposal of excavated taken during construction to avoid of trenches earth caving ctor incorporated during drilling Excavated soil will be placed safely in the contract and other 8.2 Soil erosion, silt • construction runoff against erosion work • Reuse of excavated soil and 8.3 Possible pollution backfilling of trenches will be done of surface water • Safe disposal of excavated soil

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts 8.4 Deterioration of • As far as possible construction air quality due to dust activities will be avoided in the rainy season. 8.5 Disturbance to the pedestrians • Sprinkling of water to avoid dust • Temporary diversions and signboards will be provided for the pedestrians Waste Temporary Moderate Contra Cost 9. 9.1 Generation of • Mechanism of safe disposal of management ctor incorporated excess grease, solid waste will be developed in the and disposal in the contract waste and other project site before the actual Municip construction waste commencement of work ality 9.2 Pollution of • Prohibition of unwanted littering and nearby irrigation discharge of waste canals and water bodies Distribution Permanent Moderate Contra Cost 10. 10.1 Obstruction in • Care will be taken while excavating pipes along ctors incorporated pedestrian and traffic and laying pipes so that there is the roadside in the contract movement minimal vibration and slope disturbances 10.2 Removal of excavated material • Excavated soil will be dumped in can affect the local outer side of trench opposite to land system (erosion roadside and backfilling will be done and soil instability) properly • Excavated soil will be placed safely against erosion

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts Clearing of 11.1 Loss of Permanent Small Contra Cost 11. • Provision of minimization of natural vegetation and vegetation clearing and careful ctor/ incorporated vegetation habitat cutting of ground vegetation WUSC in contract (cultivated land, • Plantation of tree and shrub where Rs. 20,000 agricultural ever possible land) Residents 12.1 Local residents Temporary Small Contra Cost 12. • Work to be conducted as quickly as could be disturbed by possible to minimize disturbance ctor incorporated noise, dust and • Residents will be consulted and in the contract impeded access informed about the disturbances in advance

Influx of 13.1 Problems due to Temporary Moderate Contra Cost 13. • All the workers will be instructed to outside irresponsible act in a responsible manner ctor incorporated workforce behavior of work • Prohibition of alcohol, gambling in the contract force (e.g. gambling, disrespect to the local • Local people will be employed as far area and people) as possible

Occupational 14.1 Risk of Temporary Significant Contra Cost 14 • A site health and safety plan and accidents to the including safety measures such as ctor incorporated Community workers and public provision of mask, helmet, hand in the contract Health and globes and rubber boots to workers Safety will be prepared and implemented • First aid will be kept at hand in working area • General public will be excluded from all the construction sites

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Potential Project S.N Environmental Duration Magnitude Proposed Mitigation Measures Resp. Cost Activity Impacts • Insurance will be provided to the workers. O&M Phase Impact Distribution of 15.1 Risk of Permanent Significant WUSC/ WUSC to 15. • Regular testing and maintenance of water contamination of the water softening, pressure filter PMO manage for water in distribution and chlorinator and testing of the provisions system residual chlorine will be done on a routine basis and recorded Rs. 30,000 • Regular water quality monitoring of water of the distribution system • System staff will be trained and supervised Operation of 16.1 Production of Permanent Moderate WUSC/ WUSC to 16. • Periodic flushing and cleaning of Treatment substandard effluent • Strong monitoring unit will be set up PMO manage for plant the provisions Discharge of 17.1 Impact on Permanent Small WUSC None 17. • Regular monitoring of illegal pipeline effluent from aquatic life connections will be done treatment plant Use of 18.1 Health hazard to Permanent Significant WUSC Already 18. • Usage, handling and storage of chemicals workers and public chlorine will be prescribed and incorporated due to unmanaged guidelines developed in operation use of chlorine treatment First aid measures will be provided • plant in emergencies Supply 19.1 Connection Temporary Moderate WUSC About Rs 8 19. • Public consultation and awareness connections conflict in users million

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

5.3. Mitigation Costs

75. Most of the costs related to the mitigation and monitoring activities are either included in the construction cost estimation in accordance with the contract specification or covered in the Operational and Maintenance costs and thus are not detailed here.

76. Further funds are needed mainly for developing the capacity and facilities of the WUSC for environmental monitoring and for conducting environmental training and awareness campaigns. The estimation is presented in the following table 5.

Table 5 : Cost for Environmental Mitigation Measures S.N. Activities Estimated (NRs) Remarks 1. Training for WUSC staff 20,000 During operation period During construction and 2. Environmental Awareness Campaigns 30,000 operation periods Total 50,000

5.4. The COVID-19 Management in the Project Area

The COVID-19 infection rate in Nepal is rapidly increasing with about 17,000 cases identified as of 10 July 2020. As a precautionary measure to COVID-19, the Government of Nepal (GON) had enforced lockdown starting from 24 March 2020, which has been partially released allowing controlled movement of people and initiation of construction works in development projects. Following is a brief on the status of COVID-19 in the concerned districts.

77. On 2 April 2020, the Government issued specific circulars and guidelines about resuming work in on-going contracts and starting work in new projects following the prescribed protocol. Taking into account the prevailing pandemic situation and the guidance issued by GoN, the contractor will have to prepare Site-specific EMP (SEMP) that includes the occupational health and safety (OHS) plan and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to manage COVID-19 risks in the work place. The SEMP and OHS Plan will comply with the EMP measures and the government instruction/guidelines for implementing construction work during the pandemic. The SOP will also follow the guidance issued by government and the agencies like WHO, ILO and IFC. The EA will guide the contractor in preparing site-specific EMP and OHS plans with SOP giving a priority to the measures for responding to the COVID-19 risks during construction. The proposed plan will be costed and a robust monitoring and reporting mechanism will be detailed out to ensure full compliance with the plan. The OHS plan and SOP, as a minimum, may look at the aspects of (i) record keeping and health screening of workers, and the note all required details for contact tracing in case needed, (ii) disinfecting/cleaning offices, yards, stores and labor camps, (iii) daily temperature checks and other health checks of staff and workers on site, (iv) social distancing measures in work areas and labor camps, (v) mandatory use of personal protective equipment including facemasks and gloves, (vi) provision of handwashing stations with soap and supply hand sanitizer at camps, kitchen, dining and work areas, (vii) keep a medical bay serviced by a fulltime assistant health worker oriented by an expert on communicable disease, (viii) information and education campaign for workers (and as required communities); and (ix) procedures to be adopted in the event any worker has COVID-19 symptoms. The PMO will nominate a senior staff as a Nodal Officer to facilitate full compliance with the SEMP with OHS plan and SOP in the subproject implementation, a nodal staff in field office to monitor subproject level SEMP with OHS and SOP, and contractors will designate OHS supervisor and safety stewards for each contract package to ensure all the plans and procedure are complied. The local communities will be regularly informed about the work plan and precautions the project has taken to mitigate the health and safety risks.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

6. NALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

The alternative analysis examined options to the Enhancement Town WSSP considering project site, technology, design, and impacts. The alternatives selected in previous updated and approved IEE reports of 12 small town and water supply project, feasibility of mitigating predicted impacts, cost for mitigation and monitoring, suitability of implementation of activities under local conditions, institutional capacity and other requirements were referred.

6.1. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN THE APPROVED IIE REPORTS

78. As the projects focuses on Enhancement activities in the town projects, most of the intervention relies with rehabilitation and maintenance activities. 79. The water supply demand of the emerging towns is increasing and if existing water supply and sanitation project will not improve or rehabilitate, this will create problem and difficulties to the local people. The water supply system will discontinue, and existing component will become nonfunctional over the years. Likewise, sanitation situation of the service area will not improve. Owing to the situation, the local people have demanded implementation of enhancement activities on existing or additional sources for continuing water supply and sanitation project with full operation and maintenance responsibilities. The structures to be rehabilitated or added are in the existing systems. Hence, there is no alternative other than undertaking the improvement work to enhance operational efficiency and water delivery by the system.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 7. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION

7.1. Public Consultation

80. The demand for system rehabilitation was submitted by the users’ community. Local government also requested to rehabilitate and improve the system efficiency. Public consultation was at the outset of procurement for the construction of civil works under the enhancement project. Consultations were undertaken by the Design and Supervision Consultants with the stakeholder. The consultations will be continued through subprojects implementation and operation.

81. Stakeholder consultations will continue through subprojects implementation and operation. All stakeholders must be invited and encouraged to participate in community consultations. To facilitate the engagement of stakeholders, the PMO and PISU will maintain good communication and collaboration with the WUSC and /RM. The PMO, PISU, Contractors, and/or WUSC will be open to contact by the public on matters concerning the progress of the subprojects, adverse impacts, mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and grievances.

7.2. Disclosure

82. PMO/RPMO will provide the relevant environmental information of the project, including information from the IEE to affected people in a timely manner, in an accessible place, and RPMO office for review by WUSC and other stakeholders. The updated IEE will be available at the offices of the PMO, PISU and WUSC for the perusal of interested parties. Copies may be made available upon formal request. The IEE and environmental monitoring reports will be disclosed on the ADB website.

83. Consultation with affected persons and/or beneficiaries will continue during implementation. Important stages for consultations to be carried out are as follows: (i) during the finalization of the site selection for various structures; (ii) prior to the detailed design of the structures; (iii) prior to initiating civil works; (iv) during construction work

84. Additional consultations could be on monitoring of the operation of the system. A record and proper documentation of all the consultations done during implementation will be included in the environmental monitoring reports submitted to ADB.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects 8. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

The grievance redress mechanism (GRM) shall be established to ensure: i. The basic rights of every person affected by poor environmental performance of the project are protected; and ii. Concerns arising from the poor environmental performance of the project during the conduct of pre-construction, construction and operation activities are effectively and timely addressed.

85. GRM is proposed to be simple, transparent and responsive. GRM will address only the concerns arising due to the project implementation activities, mainly during construction stage. It will be a three-tier mechanism with scope for availing Nepal’s legal system which can be availed at any time irrespective of lodging any concerns in the first and second tier of GRM.

86. The environmental consultant of DSC will support RPMO to prepare and distribute the project booklets designed to inform general public about the provision of GRM, and also complaints forms to the local bodies. The affected person or community desiring to register complain about the impact of construction works on their property, farm, economic well-being, and any other environmental impacts such as quality of surface and groundwater, quality of air and noise, health, safety, welfare, or any other assets of their lives shall make their complaint using these complaints forms and register in the project or grievance redress committee.

87. RPMO will coordinate with local bodies at the project influence area to resolve grievances related with the project activities. A grievance redress committee (GRC) will be established at district administration office chaired by the chief district officer and representatives from ward and municipality, district revenue office, and district survey office as members. The RPMO chief will be the member secretary. The grievance redress mechanism will provide applicants with a culturally sensitive and inclusive mechanism. Submitted grievance will be addressed in timely and amicable resolution of the grievances, preferably at the project level (1st level of grievance handling). For any grievance filed by a marginalized or vulnerable person, such as an indigenous or poor person, extra attention will be paid to ensuring the following: (i) complainant will be aided in recording their grievance to write up verbal complaint verbatim, (ii) complainant can be represented and supported by a local leader (such as an indigenous leader), (iii) the GRC will use locally established grievance redress system if relevant, and (iv) the outcome of the grievance will be delivered in writing and in person by the responsible project staff to ensure comprehension of the outcome and any follow up actions. All grievances will be recorded in grievance register (including in Nepali or local language), and entire process will be tracked and reported through quarterly and annual progress report and semi-annual social and environmental safeguards monitoring reports. Legal redress can be accessed at any stage in the GRM. The grievance redress process shall include the following stages:

88. Level 1: Aggrieved person/household (AP) shall file the complaint at subproject level. The receiving site staff will be obliged to provide immediate written confirmation of receiving the complaint, and document that in GRM register. The grievance will be discussed with the Affected Person supported by the environment monitors to reach an agreement to settle the issue locally (within 7 days). If after 7 days the aggrieved AP does not agree with grievance redressal proposal by the RPMO, the complaint may be forwarded to PMO seeking appropriate resolution.

89. Level 2: PMO in consultation with AP and support from Local Body will try to solve the problem within 15 days of receipt of the complaint received in their office. If no amicable solution is reached at PMO level within 15 days, the grievance shall be forwarded to the GRC chaired by Chief District Officer.

90. Level 3: The GRC will consult with the complainant and propose to resolve the issue. The GRC may invite concerned line agencies, and community group for discussion to find an amicable solution.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Grievance

7 days 1St Level Grievance Contractor and RDSMC and RPMO Grievance Redressed field team Not resolved PMO with support from local body 15 days Grievance Redressed 2nd Level Grievance

Not resolved 15 days 3rd Level Grievance GRC chaired by CDO Grievance Redressed

Not resolved Higher Authority/Court of Law At any stage

Figure 2: Grievance Redress Mechanism

CDO= Chief District Officer, GRC = Grievance Redress Committee

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

9. ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PLAN

The EMP will guide the environmentally sound construction of the subproject and ensure efficient lines of communication between PMO, RPMO, PIUs, consultants, and contractors. The EMP will: (i) ensure that the activities are undertaken in a responsible non-detrimental manner; (ii) provide a pro-active, feasible and practical working tool to enable the measurement and monitoring of environmental performance on site; (iii) guide and control the implementation of findings and recommendations of the environmental assessment conducted for the subproject; (iv) detail specific actions deemed necessary to assist in mitigating the environmental impact of the subproject; and (v) ensure that safety recommendations are complied with. The EMP includes a monitoring program to measure the environmental condition and effectiveness of implementation of the mitigation measures. It will include observations on- and off-site, document checks, and interviews with workers and beneficiaries.

91. The contractor will be required to (i) carry out all of the mitigation and monitoring measures set forth in the approved EMP; and (ii) implement any corrective or preventative actions set out in safeguards monitoring reports that the employer will prepare from time to time to monitor implementation of this IEE and EMP. The contractor shall allocate budget for compliance with these IEE and EMP measures, requirements and actions. The contractor will be required to submit to PIU, for review and approval, a SEMP including (i) proposed sites/locations for construction work camps, storage areas, hauling roads, lay down areas, disposal areas for solid and hazardous wastes; (ii) specific mitigation measures following the approved EMP; and (iii) monitoring program as per EMP. No works can commence prior to approval of SEMP.

92. The detailed Environmental Management Plan Matrix is presented below in the Table 6.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

Table 6 : Environmental Management Plan Matrix Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring 1. Prior to Construction Phase Consents, Failure to obtain - Obtain all of the necessary consents, PMO, Incorporated in final Prior to award of permits, necessary consents, permits, clearance, NOCs, etc. prior to RPMO,& design and communicated contract clearances, permits, NOCs, etc. can start of civil works. DSMC to contractors. no objection result to design - Acknowledge in writing and provide report certificate revisions and /or on compliance all obtained consents, (NOC), etc. stoppage of works. permits, clearance, NOCs, etc. Existing Disruption of services - Identify and include locations and DSMC, RPMO List of affected utilities and During detailed utilities operators of these utilities in the detailed operators; design phase design documents to prevent unnecessary Bid document to include disruption of services during construction. requirement for a - Require contractors to prepare a contingency plan for contingency plan to include actions to be service interruptions (for done in case of unintentional interruption of example provision of services. water if disruption is more - Require contractors to prepare spoils than 24 hours) management plan . Drinking water Extraction of - During the detailed engineering design PMO, RPMO Incorporated in final Prior to award of supply unsatisfactory raw stage, test water samples from existing & DSMC design and contract water quality sump wells has been tested communicated to - Design to include basic treatment using contractors lime dosing, pressure filter and disinfection using Ca (CIO) 2 and provisions for lab unit and kits. Sanitation Contamination of - Ensure design includes: PMO, RPMO Incorporated in final Prior to award of (Public Toilet) groundwater due to (i) appropriate lining of septic tanks to & DSMC design and contract seepage of wastewater avoid seepage of wastewater; communicated to from the public toilet. (ii) appropriate number of treatment contractors chambers; and Contamination of (iii) provision of water supply to ensure surface water due to efficient maintenance of the toilet effluent or runoff from during operation phase. the public toilet.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring Nuisance to community due to odor.

Stockpile Disruption to traffic flow - Determine locations prior to award of DSMC, RPMO List of selected sites for During detailed areas, and sensitive receptors contracts stockpile areas, storage design phase Storage areas, disposal areas, and areas, workers camp (if needed). Disposal Written consent of areas, and landowner/s (not lessee/s) workers camp for reuse of excess spoils (if needed) to agricultural land Waste Generation of solid - Mechanism of safe disposal will be Contractor Contractor records. visual During detailed generation waste, wastewater and developed in the project site before the inspection design phase other construction actual commencement of work, including waste may cause provision of waste bins. pollution from work sites - Prohibition of unwanted littering and and workers camp (if discharge of waste. any is established) - Proper management of solid waste will be done using lined pits for waste disposal. EMP If no training is done, - Project manager and contractors to PMO, RPMO Record of completion During detailed Implementatio there is a possibility of undergo training on EMP implementation, and DSMC. (Safeguards Compliance design phase prior n Training the EMP not including standard operating procedures Contractor's Orientation or Training) to mobilization of implemented efficiently (SOP) and occupational health and safety Environmental workers to site. and accurately, leading (OHS) for construction works. Supervisor to unfavorable impacts - Timely implementation of the EMP. to environment, workers - Development and execution of measures and community. for any unanticipated environmental impacts. 2. During Construction Phase A. Physical Environment Topography, Surface cutting and - Soil erosion will be minimized by taking Contractor Records of sources of Daily (or as often as landforms, excavation works may precautionary measures such as: (i) reuse materials and records of necessary geology and cause erosions and of excavated soil, (ii) immediate and proper especially during

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring soils and/or impact on the local backfilling of the trenches, and (iii) the potential areas of soil monsoon or rains) river hydrology. excavated soil temporarily stored properly erosion; by contractor. morphology against erosion by using barriers or silt Sites of reservoir and hydrology traps. construction, treatment Monthly visual plant construction, inspection by transmission mains, and RPMO and DSMC- distribution pipelines. ESE. Community Damage to existing - Existing infrastructure (such as water Contractor List of any public or private As per need, or facilities facilities like drains, distribution pipes, etc.) shall be relocated infrastructure disturbed by field-inspection if compound walls and before construction starts at the subproject the project works any such case is pavements. sites. foreseen. - Prior permission shall be obtained from Minutes of meetings with respective local authority for use of water the locals or affected for construction. Use of water for persons. construction works shall not disturb local water users. - If construction work is expected to disrupt, users of community shall be informed 7 days in advance and again 1 day prior to start of construction. - Ensure any damage to properties and utilities will be restored or compensated to pre-work conditions. Water bodies Pollution of water - All earthworks must be conducted during Contractor Areas for stockpiles and Visual inspection by and water bodies, contamination dry season to maximum extent possible to sites of storage of fuels RPMO and DSMC- quality of water sources due to avoid the difficult working conditions that and lubricants and waste ESS on weekly waste disposal, prevail during monsoon season such as materials; basis transport of sediments problems from runoff. from worksites and/or - Location for stockyards for construction Number of physical Weekly field construction camps (if materials shall be identified at least 300m measures (like silt traps monitoring any) away from watercourses. Place for storage installed). of fuels and lubricants will be away from Water quality any drainage leading to water bodies Visual inspection. monitoring, if - Take all precautions to prevent entering of practical and wastewater into streams, watercourses, or Water quality sampling, if reasonable. irrigation system. Install temporary silt practical and reasonable.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring traps or sediment basins along the drainage leading to the water bodies. - While working across or close to any water body, the flow of water must not be obstructed. Ensure no construction materials like earth, stone, or appendage are disposed of in a manner that may block the flow of water of any watercourse Ambient air Conducting works at dry - Water sprinkling at dry exposed surfaces Contractor Location of stockpiles. Daily monitoring season and moving and stockpiles of aggregates at least twice (when there are large quantity of daily, or as necessary. Number of complaints ongoing works) by materials may create - If re-surfacing of excavated portion of from sensitive receptors. contractor. dusts and increase in roads cannot be done immediately, spread concentration of of crushed gravel over backfilled surfaces Heavy equipment and Monthly visual vehicle-related - Require trucks delivering aggregates and machinery with air inspection by pollutants (such as cement to have tarpaulin cover and pollution control devices. RPMO & DSMC- carbon, monoxide, maintain a minimum of 2” free board ESS. Sulphur oxides, - Limit speed of construction vehicles in Certification that vehicles particulate matter, access roads to maximum of 30kph. are compliant with air Air quality nitrous oxides, and - Ensure use of equipment and fuel quality standards. monitoring, if hydrocarbons) which complying with applicable emission practical and will affect people who standards. reasonable. live and work near the sites. Acoustic Construction activities - Plan activities in consultation with local Contractor Results of monitoring Daily monitoring environment will be on settlements administration noise levels (when there are along and near schools, - Restrict noisy activities to daytime. (Maintain maximum sound ongoing works) by and areas with small- - Minimize drop heights when loading and levels not exceeding 70 contractor. scale businesses. unloading coarse aggregates. decibels when measured Temporary increase in - Horns should not be used unless it is at a distance of 10m or Monthly inspection noise level and necessary or unavoidable more from the by RPMO & DSMC- vibrations may be - Utilize modern vehicles and machinery construction sites) ESS. caused by excavation with the requisite adaptations to limit equipment, and the noise and exhaust emissions, and Number of complaints Noise level transportation of ensure that these are maintained to from sensitive receptors measurement, on manufactures' specifications at all times. as needed basis

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring equipment materials, - All vehicles and equipment used in and/or if practical and people. construction shall be fitted with exhaust and reasonable. silencers. Use silent type generators (if required) Waste Pollution of water and - Waste minimization and waste segregation Contractor On-site situation in Monthly monitoring disposal land resources, and will be prioritized campsites (if any), work by RPMO & DSMC- cases of vector borne - Practices of composting will be promoted sites and their vicinities ESS diseases due to - Containment of hazardous waste will be haphazard waste carried out disposal - B. Biological Environment Vegetation Loss of vegetation - Greenery promotion around the Contractor Area of greenery that has Monthly monitoring cover during construction sites and road alignments been cleared by RPMO & DSMC- construction works and where possible ESS laying of the pipelines - Promote plantation activities at new Number of trees cut (only Especially treatment construction sites of enhancement projects if unavoidable) and reserviour sites of - Tree felling will be avoided, and if any such Enhancement town cases occur, prior approval will be taken Complaints or grievances projects from DFO for tree clearance and carried by the locals out compensatory plantation @ 1:10 of indigenous and viable species Impacts on Disturbances to local - No heavy vehicles will be made available Contractor Vehicles running nearby Monthly visual Fauna and migratory birds, to run on the road that may disturb the wildlife inhabited area will inspection by reptiles and mammals wildlife of the area be monitored RPMO & DSMC- However, the - Horn prohibited sign will be placed in Number of complaints ESS enhancement activities nearby wildlife inhabited area from sensitive receptors does not lies within - Prohibit workforce from any wood logging, on disturbance wildlife if critical habitat and hunting any sensitive areas - Designating stockpiling areas - Provide alternative fuel to workers for cooking

Aquatic Disposal of waste on or - Washing of vehicles on rivers will be Contractor Local stream and river will Monthly visual system nearby water bodies, restricted be monitored; inspection by sediment transport and - Disposal of waste of any kind on water Any grievances from RPMO & DSMC- leakage/disposal of bodies will be strictly prohibited locals regarding disposal ESS

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring hazardous waste may - Fishing in rivers will be prohibited for of waste onto water harm the aquatic lives workforce bodies will be referred in the rivers/steams of project area

C. Socioeconomic Environment Community The construction - To minimize the disturbances, construction Construction Time schedule of Daily (or whenever activities related activities that work will be conducted as quickly as contractor construction work; there are generate dust, noise possible. Information related to construction and impede access will - Disturbances to local activities are construction activity to activities) by disturb the local foreseen at service areas local residents contractor residents - The local residents will be consulted and Number of temporary informed about the work schedule and diversions sign, Monthly visual possible disturbances in advance. signboards etc. inspection by - Temporary diversions and signboards will RPMO & DSMC- be provided for the pedestrians. ESS

Social Poor sanitation practices - Include in workers training adherence to Construction Daily entry-sheet of the Monthly inspection harmony by workforce may cause proper housekeeping practices at contractor workforce in the at campsites (if any) pollution of surrounding worksites. campsites by RPMO & DSMC- environment. Social - Local people should be given priority to Number of local people ESS. problems may arise due work (recommended that more than 60% versus outside workers in to bad behavior of the local workers whenever available) in the the project area will be workforce such as project which helps to minimize the regularly monitored gambling, alcoholism chances of cultural discrepancy and and disrespect to local conflict due to increased labor from people and culture outside.

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring Occupational During the construction - Mandatory use of safety measures (PPEs) Construction Availability of personal Daily (or when Health & work, the laborers such as mask, helmet, hand gloves and contractor protective equipment, there is a Safety involved in the rubber boots, etc. First-aid facilities, construction construction activities - The laborers will be insured for their health Medical insurance activity) by may be exposed to and safety. coverage for workers, contractor. different level of health - Provide safe drinking water for labours Housekeeping and risks and are prone to - First aid box will be kept at a proper and condition of sleeping and Monthly visual and accidents easily accessible place. sanitation facilities at document - Prohibit child labour in all construction campsite (if any), inspection by activities. Roster of workers RPMO and DSMC- ESS Community Overall, communities will - Contractor’s will maintain adequate space Construction Number of permanent Daily by contractor. Health & be exposed to cross- and adequate lighting, temporary fence, contractor signs, barricades and Safety cutting threats from barriers and signage at worksites; flagmen on worksites as Monthly visual construction’s impacts - Children will be prohibited from active per Traffic Management inspection by on air and water quality, construction sites Plan (Annex 2-D); RPMO & DSMC- ambient noise level; - Proper fencing of stockpile areas Number of complaints ESS Chances of accidents, - Awareness programs on communicable from sensitive receptors; Communicable and diseases and hygiene practices will be Number of walkways, transmittable diseases carried out signs, and metal sheets may potentially be - Disseminate the GRM to communities and placed at project location brought into the affected stakeholders during consultations community by construction workers

3. During Operation and Maintenance Phase Exposure to Excessive exposure to - All disinfection chemicals require proper Contractor Visual inspection Daily (or as needed) chemicals chlorine, hypochlorous storage and handling practices during DLP; by the operator. acid, and hypochlorite - Provide safe storage for chemicals WUSC or ion generally results in - Ensure that the person is hired, with operator after irritation of the knowledge of chlorine use for disinfection DLP esophagus, a burning process during operation sensation in the mouth - Ensure use of PPE while using chemicals and throat, and - Use of chlorine guideline as per WHO spontaneous vomiting

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects Field Impacts Mitigations Measures Responsibility Monitoring Indicator Frequency of Monitoring Water bodies Water pollution due to - A settling tank is proposed for decanting of Contractor Visual inspection For first year, effluent produced from the slurry from the effluent during during DLP; DSMC the periodic backwash WUSC or Effluent sampling After that WSUC backwashing of the filter operator after daily inspection or plant, if discharged DLP as needed. directly to the river course may cause harm Effluent sampling to the water bodies and by the operator, aquatic life especially only when during the dry season necessary or when the flow will be practical. less. Drinking water Delivery of unsafe water - The operations and maintenance plan and Contractor Visual inspection Daily or as needed supply system due to source training for staff will cover; (i) during DLP; visual inspection by contamination, leakage competent/cautions handling and storage WUSC or Water Quality reports the operator. in pipes of calcium Hypochlorite and qualified operator after persons to implement/oversee disinfection DLP WTP records in the Quarterly or as and treatment; (ii) providing safe storage logbook needed water for chemicals; (iii) ensure capacity of quality testing by WUSC to implement quick response to the operator. hazardous substance/waste spills; (iv) implement SPS-complaint EMP and a water safety plan; and (v) monitor water quality

#

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Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of 12 Enhancement Small Town Projects

9.1. MONITORING AND REPORTING

93. For implementation of EMP and monitoring of mitigation measures, RPMOs will monitor the activities with assistance from DSC and submit monthly reports to the PMO. In addition to recording information on the work and deviation of work components from original scope PMO, RPMOs, and DSC will undertake site inspections and document review to verify compliance with the site specific EMP and their compliance.

9.1.1. Environmental Monitoring Mechanism

94. Under the Chairmanship of Municipality of the concerned enhancement Town subprojects, a Monitoring Committee will be formed. The committee will be represented by the chairman of concerned service wards of the Municipality/RM, representative from environment related NGOs, local community, Water Users’ Committee, and local entrepreneur. Secretary of the concerned municipality will act as member secretary of the Monitoring Committee.

9.1.2. Monitoring Reporting Mechanism

95. The construction contractors will be responsible for implementing approved EMP. The supervising consultants are responsible for monitoring to oversee whether the contractors have complied with the approved conditions as stated in EMP and receive the monthly progress report from construction contractors. Based on this information the consulting engineers prepare the front-line monitoring report and submit to DWSSM/PMO for review and forwarding periodic reports to ADB.

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10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

96. The 12 Enhancement Town WSSP implemented under First, Second and Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (SSTWSSP) by the Government of Nepal with the assistance of Asian Development Bank has proposed rehabilitation works on existing water supply systems. The IEE reports of all these 12 towns (Bijuwar Pyuthan, Waling Syanga, Mahandranager, Kanchanpur, Belbari Morang, Birtamod Jhapa, DasrathChanda Baitadi, Bhasi, Kanchanpur, Duhabi Sunsari, Khandbari Sankuwasabha, Phidim Panchtar, Tikapur Kailali, and Sitalpati Salyan were approved in the past. Based on the existing approved IEEs and detail design and cost estimate, this updated IEE has been prepared. The existing problem were associated with interruption or breakage of water supply system due to pipeline disruption, reservoir collapsed, damage of pipeline by the road projects and landslide, need of treatment plant etc.

97. The small size of work is expected not to invite any major or significant environmental impacts. The environmental issue addressed in the management plan are slope instability, landslide and erosion, disruption/blockage of water supply, environmental pollution, health and safety issues etc. To address these impacts mitigation measures are proposed in the environmental management and monitoring plan.

98. The enhancement activities planned for selected Towns can addressed minor adverse impacts through implementation mitigation measures and site-specific management plans.

99. Based on the findings of the IEE, the classification of the Enhancement Town WSSP is confirmed to be an environment Category B. No further special study or detailed EIA needs to be undertaken for the subproject work.

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REFERENCES

• ADB 2009. Safeguard Policy Statement, June 2009, Asian Development Bank. Manila. • ADB 2008. Strategy 2020: The Long-Term Strategic Framework of the Asian Development Bank 2008–2020. Manila. • ADB 2006. Operations Manual. Section F1: Environmental Considerations in ADB Operations. Manila. • ADB 2014. Environmental Assessment and Review Framework, Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, 2014, Asian Development Bank. • GoN/ MoPE 1997. Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and Environment Protection Rules, 1999 (Amendment, 1999). Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs, Nepal.

• GON/MoWSS/ADB 2015. IEE of Belbari Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Belbari Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, July 2015. • GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2011. IEE of Bhasi Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Bhasi Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, March 2011. • GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2014. IEE of Khandbari Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Khandbari Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, May 2014.

• GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2013. IEE of Duhabi Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Duhabi Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, April 2013 • GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2014. IEE of Baitadi Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Baitadi Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank. • GON/MOUD/ADB 2015. IEE of Tikapur Third Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Tikapur Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank.

• GON/MOUD/ADB 2015. IEE of Tikapur Third Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Tikapur Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, November 2015. • GON/MOUD/ADB 2014. IEE of Salyan Third Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project NEP: Third Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project- Salyan Town Project, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank, September 2014.

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• GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2015. IEE of Bijuwar Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Pyuthan District, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, July 2015. • GON/DWSS/MOUD/ADB 2015. IEE of Birtamod Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Jhapa District, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, July 2015. • GoN/ DWSSn 2012. Detailed Project Report of Khandbari Town Water Supply & Sanitation Project, 2012, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Second Small-Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, Kathmandu, Nepal.

• GoN 2009. The Updated Fifteen-Year Development Plan for Small Towns’ Water Supply and Sanitation Sector, 2009/2015 • GON/MoLJPA 1992. Water Resource Act (1992). Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu.

• GoN/MoPPWs 2006. National Drinking Water Quality Standards and Implementation Directives for National Drinking Water Quality Standards (2005), Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Government of Nepal.

• GoN/NPC 1993. Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, (1993). National Conservation Strategy Implementation Project, National Planning Commission, His Majesty's Government, Nepal.

• GoN/ADB 2018. Environmental Assessment and Review Framework, (2018).Urban Water Supply & Sanitation (Sector) Project, Ministry of Water Supply, Government of Nepal for ADB. • National Urban Policy 2007. Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Law Books Management Board, Kathmandu. • Environmental Assessment and Review Framework, NEP: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation (Sector), Project, July 2018.

• Solid Waste Management Act 2011. Ministry of Science and Technology and Environment, Kathmandu. • SSTWSSSP/PMO 2011. Detail Engineering Design on Khandbari Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (Batch I, Package III), Volume - I A (Main Report), Second Small Towns Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Project, Project Management Office, March 2011. • WB 2007. Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines (2007). International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group.

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Appendixes

Appendix-I: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST – WATER SUPPLY

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

Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title: NEP: Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Package No. and Description: Enhancement Town Water Supply Projects SN Screening Question Yes No Remarks A Project Siting Is the project area 1 Densely populated? √ Densely populated in market area and others are scattered and rural in character 2 Heavy with development activities? √ Small enhancement activities 3 Adjacent to or within any environmentally √ No any nearby environmentally sensitive areas? sensitive areas 4 Cultural heritage site √ No cultural heritage site within or nearby the project area 5 Protected Area √ No any protected area within or nearby the project area 6 Wetland √ No wetland within or nearby the project area 7 Mangrove √ No Mangrove within or nearby the project area 8 Estuarine √ No Estuarine within or nearby the project area 9 Buffer zone of protected area √ No Buffer zone within or nearby the project area 10 Special area for protecting biodiversity √ No any special biodiversity area with in the project influence area 11 Bay √ No any bay within or nearby the project area

B Potential Environmental Impacts With the project cause 1 Pollution of raw water supply from upstream √ Since surface water is being abstracted wastewater discharge from communities, in the system, possibility of pollution of industries, agriculture, soil erosion runoff? raw water supply is there. People have their own toilet and has no drainage facilities and there are no big industries 2 Impairment of historical/ cultural √ All pipes will pass through road side monuments/areas and loss/damage to these and no any industrial/cultural sites? monuments/area will be damage by the project within the project area 3 Hazard of land subsidence caused by √ Only required amount of water will be excessive ground water pumping? pumped

4 Social conflicts arising from displacement of √ Communities will not be displaced communities? 5 Conflicts in abstraction of raw water for water √ Since raw water being surface water supply with other beneficial water uses for possibility of conflict do not exist surface and ground waters? 6 Unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. √ Water quality after treatment, meeting excessive pathogens or mineral constituents). with NDWQS standard will be supplied , treatment has been proposed 7 Delivery of unsafe water to distribution system? √ Treatment facility is provided to ensure quality of supplied water 8 Inadequate protection of intake works or wells, √ Boundary wall has been provided leading to pollution of water supply? 9 Over pumping of ground water, leading to √ Only required quantity will be pumped salinization and ground subsidence? 10 Excessive algal growth in storage reservoir? √ Only treated water will be collected and reservoir will be cleaned periodically 11 Increase in production of sewage beyond √ Most of the household have their own capabilities of community facilities? toilet and not connected to drain. Conceptual design of waste water management has been prepared 12 Inadequate disposal of sludge from water √ As water quality is as per NDWQS treatment plants? standard only minor sludge will be produced 13 Inadequate buffer zone around pumping and √ Pumps have very minimal noise and treatment plants alleviates noise and other treatment plant will not make noise and possible nuisances and protects facilities? other nuisance 14 Impairments associated with transmission lines √ Transmission line passes with in the and access roads? area of WUSC 15 Health hazards arising from inadequate design √ Trained manpower will be used to of facilities for receiving, storing and handling receive, store and handling of chlorine. of chlorine and other hazardous chemicals. Adequate measures will be taken to store it properly. 16 Health and safety hazards to workers from √ Only chlorine will be used as handling and management of chlorine used for disinfectants. Required training will be disinfection, other contaminants, and biological provided to handle it properly and and physical hazards during project trained manpower will be deployed. construction and operation? Therefore health and safety hazard to workers will not arise 17 Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of √ No settlement of people required people? 18 Disproportionate impacts on the poor, women √ All households will have their own and children, indigenous Peoples or other private tap. Besides this, these people vulnerable groups? will get opportunity to work and earn during project implementation 19 Noise and dust from construction activities? √ During construction some noise may be created and some dust may be produced but this will be managed to minimize using appropriate construction practices 20 Increased road traffic due to interference of √ During excavation and backfilling of construction activities? pipe trench traffic interference may occur for short period. Traffic management plan will be implemented

21 Continuing soil erosion/ silt runoff from √ Flat terrain and no big amount of construction operations? earthwork in one place 22 Delivery of unsafe water due to poor O&M √ Regular monitoring of plant operation treatment processes (especially MOWS will be carried out. accumulations in filters) and inadequate Trained manpower will be deployed chlorination due to lack of adequate monitoring through users committee for O&M of of chlorine residuals in distribution systems? the project. One well equipped lab will be established to check water quality on regular basis. Hence these type of problem do not arise 23 Delivery of water to distribution system, which √ Regular monitoring of plant operation is corrosive due to inadequate attention to will be carried out. Trained manpower feeding of corrective chemicals? will be deployed through users committee for O&M of the project. One well equipped lab will be established to check water quality on regular basis. Hence this type of problem does not arise. 24 Accidental leakage of chlorine gas? √ Chlorine gas is not being used 25 Excessive abstraction of water affecting √ Only required quantity of water will be downstream water users? abstracted 26 Competing uses of water? √ No such possibilities exist. All will get water for all time since system is continuous 27 Increased sewage flow due to increased water √ Most of HHs have their own toilet and supply conceptual design of structures for waste water management has been done 28 increased volume of sullage (wastewater from √ Volume of sludge and sludge may cooking and washing) and sludge from increase in small quantity. It may not wastewater treatment plant cause serious problems 29 Large population influx during project √ Population will be increased as per the construction and operation that causes anticipated population growth rate. No increased burden on social infrastructure and need to hire people from outside during services (such as water supply and sanitation construction period. Local people will systems)? be used as far as possible. Skilled manpower if not available locally may be hired from outside 30 Social conflicts if workers from other regions or √ Since local people will be sued for the countries are hired? implementation of the project as far as possible, such conflict may not arise 31 Risks to community health and safety due to √ No need to use explosive and other transport, and use and/or disposal of materials danger chemicals. Fuel will be properly such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals stored during operation and construction? 32 Community safety risks due to both accidental √ Proper safety measures and and natural hazards, especially where precaution will be adopted during structural elements or components of the construction period. project are accessible to the members of the The project structures will be made affected community or where their failure could inaccessible providing compound wall result in injury to the community throughout and fencing or few structure project construction, operation and underground decommissioning

Preliminary Climate Risk Screening Checklist for the Enhancement Town Projects Screening Questions Score Remarks Location and Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its 0 Investments in the sample design of components) likely to be affected by climate project will not likely be project conditions including extreme weather related affected by climate change events such as floods, droughts, storms, and extreme weather events landslides due to the siting of project. For example all pipes will be constructed underground no investments will be sited in flood plains etc. Would the project design (e.g. the clearance for 0 Not likely. bridges) need to consider any hydro- There are various meteorological parameters (e.g. sea-level, peak sourcesthat will be used for river flow, reliable water level, peak wind speed the proposed project. Further etc.) source water protection will be carried out. Materials and Would weather, current and likely future climate 0 maintenance conditions (e.g. prevailing humidity level, temperature contrast between hot summer days and cold winter days, exposure to wind and humidity, and hydro metrological parameters ) affect the selection of project inputs over the life of project outputs (i.e. construction materials) Performance of Would climate/weather conditions and related 0 Climate conditions will Project extreme events likely to affect the performance unlikely affect water quantity Outputs throughout their design life time? and quality of water supply system. The water supply schemes will be designed to meet the current and future demand. Further water supply system will be operated and maintained efficiently to reduce system losses. Water safety plans will be implemented to ensure water supplied is safe and potable at all times. Options for answers and corresponding scores are given below. Response Score Not Likely 0 Likely 1 Very Likely 2

Responses when added that provide a score of 0 will be considered low risk project. If adding all responses will result to a score of 1-4 and that no score of 2 was given to any single response, the project will be assigned as medium risk category. A total score of 5 or more (which include providing a score of 1 in all responses) or a 2 in any single response will be categorized as high risk project. Result of Initial Screening (Low, Medium, High): Low Other comments: None

Appendix II: RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS

A) National Drinking Water Quality Standards, 2006

B) Ambient Air Quality Standards

C) Noise Level Standards

Source: Environmental, Health and Safety General Guidelines, 2007. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group.

Appendix III: Public Consultation (Eastern Region)

1. Khandbari Town

2. Public Consultation Phidim, Panchthar

3. Duhabi Town, Sunsari

4. Belbari Morang

5. Birtamod, Jhapa

Appendix IV: Water Quality Test Report Phidim Panchthar

Water Quality Test Report Birtamod, Jhapa

Appendix V: Sample of Grievances Redress Form (Enhancement Town Projects)

SAMPLE GRIEVANCE REDRESS FORM (To be available in Nepalese and English)

The ______Project welcomes complaints, suggestions, queries, and comments regarding project implementation. We encourage persons with grievance to provide their name and contact information to enables us to get in touch with you for clarification and feedback. Should you choose to include your personal details but want that information remain confidential, please inform us by writing/typing* (CONFIDENTIAL)* above your name. Thank you. Date Place of registration Contact Information/personal details Name Gender *Male Age *Female Home Address Place Phone No. E-mail Complaint/Suggestion/Comment/Question Please provide the details (who, what, where and how) of your grievance below: If includes as attachment/note/letter, please tick here: How do you want us to reach you for feedback or update on your comment/grievance?

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Registered by: (Names of official registering grievance)

Mode of communication: Note/Letter E-mail Verbal/Telephonic Reviewed by: (Names/positions of official(s) reviewing grievance)

Action Taken:

Whether Action Taken Disclosed: Yes No Means of Disclosure:

Appendix VI: Photographs

Meeting with WUSC, Khandbari Landslide at D/S of Kuwapani WTP, Khandbari

Break down of existing masonry boundary wall and landslide at Gairipangma WTP, Khandbari Kuwapani Water Treatment Plant Site, Khandbari

Damage of HDPE pipe at the middle of road, Exposure of HDPE pipe at the middle of road, Khandbari Khandbari

Bleaching Powder Mixing Plant, OHT-3, Khadka Gaon (Gaurishankar Memorial Academy), Birtamod Bleaching Powder Mixing Plant, OHT-3, Khadka Gaon (Gaurishankar Memorial Academy), Birtamod

Proposed Water Treatment Plant Site, Phidim Exposed Pipes, Phidim

Overhead tank, Duhabi

Bore Hole Platform at Water Treatment plant, Belbari Bleaching Powder Mixing Plant, OHT-3, Khadka Gaon (Gaurishankar Memorial Academy), Birtamod