PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE IOM TEMPORARY RELOCATION PROGRAM IN HAITI
29 December 2010
Prepared by Sun Mountain Prepared for International Financed by USAID/Haiti International Organization for Migration - Haiti
Contacts: IOM/CCCM, Program Manager - Operations Coordinator [email protected] SMTN, PEA Team Leader Scott Solberg [email protected] SMTN, Technical Coordinator Charles Kelly [email protected] SMTN, Project Coordinator Malory Hendrickson [email protected]
PEA Team Position and Name Responsibilities Disaster Management Specialist Provide technical assistance and leadership in the PEA, field and Technical Coordinator information collection and analysis of findings Charles Kelly Lead development, analysis, quality control and draft final PEA Environmental and Risk Provide overall program and technical management Management Specialist and Team Provide oversight for environmental and risk analysis Leader: Economic- Anthropology Principal liaison with IOM/Haiti and USAID Scott Solberg Natural Resources Management Provide disaster risk management and environmental sustainability and Field Data Collection expertise Specialists Collect and document disaster risk field data and make Samuel Claude recommendations regarding site alternatives Sustainable Agriculture and Consolidate and analyze field findings, research of best practice in Environmental Specialist relation to resettlement and environmental/social issues, writing Hans Eysenbach Environmental Technology Provide leadership in centralizing information collection and oversee Transfer and Training Specialist project direction Malory Hendrickson Synthesize results and best practice for Program´s environmental management support Lead analysis of environmental ethics and gender issues Environmental, Debris, and Consolidate and analyze field findings Community Management Research best practice in relation to relocation and Specialist environmental/social issues, writing Mike Seager Civil Engineers and Hydrologists Provide technical guidance and expertise on civil engineering factors Roland Poncelet/Harold and environmental considerations in facility and intervention Florentino Latortue designs Assist in problem identification, data collection & analysis Environmental, Ag. and Risk Provide critical insight and TA throughout PEA process Management Specialist Hold key informant interviews and analyze data Raoul Pierre Louis Provide technical guidance and expertise on Haitian national environmental regulations; serve as liaison with GoH officials Field Analysts and Data Write-up Contribute environmental impact observation and overview Elisa Arteaga/Géto Sainristil Conduct field interviews and public consultations Centralize data gathered and write-up results
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Table of Contents List of Acronyms ...... 4 Acknowledgements ...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6 Sommaire Exécutif ...... 7 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 9 1.1. Background and Justification of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment ...... 9 1.2. Regulatory Considerations ...... 10 1.3. Scope of PEA ...... 11 1.4. Content of the PEA ...... 11 1.5. Execution of the PEA ...... 12 1.6. Relationship of this PEA to Other Environmental Documentation ...... 13 1.7. PEA Principles and Methodology ...... 14 1.8. Gender, Age, Persons with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses...... 15 2. PROPOSED ACTION ...... 16 2.1. Project Purpose ...... 16 2.2. Need for Legal Site Permission and GoH Involvement ...... 16 2.3. Environmental Overview...... 17 2.4. Graphic Design Plan for Corail Sector 4 ...... 20 2.5. Roles and Responsibilities of Implementing Entities ...... 21 2.6. Organizational Mapping and Financing ...... 25 2.7. Narrative Site Plan ...... 25 3. SCOPING RESULTS AND ISSUES ...... 32 3.1. PEA Scoping Results ...... 32 3.2. Issues Related to the PEA Scoping Review...... 33 4. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 34 4.1. Overview ...... 34 4.2. General Characteristics ...... 34 4.3. Physical Characteristics ...... 35 4.4. Protected Land Areas ...... 37 4.5. Biodiversity...... 37 4.6. Forest Resources and Vegetative Cover ...... 38
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4.7. Human Environment ...... 38 4.8. Land Use ...... 39 4.9. Political Environment ...... 39 4.10. Land Tenure ...... 40 5. ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION ...... 40 5.1. No Action...... 40 5.2. Alternatives Table ...... 41 5.3. Alternative A ...... 49 6. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACTION, NO ACTION AND ALTERNATIVE A ...... 70 6.1. Environmental Analysis of Proposed Action ...... 70 6.2. Environmental Analysis of No Action ...... 82 6.3. Environmental Analysis of Alternative A ...... 82 6.4. Cumulative Impacts ...... 85 6.5. Environmental Options Table – Non-optimal Temporary Relocation Sites ...... 86 6.6. Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) ...... 93 7. PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND JUSTIFICATION ...... 106 8. TEMPORARY RELOCATION SITES BECOME PERMANENT ...... 106 9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 108 9.1. Conclusions ...... 108 9.2. Recommendations ...... 109 10. ANNEXES ...... 110
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
List of Acronyms
ARC American Refugee Committee BEO Bureau Environmental Officer CHF Community Housing Foundation CCCM Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster CFR Code of Federal Regulations CFW Cash for Work DCG Donor Coordination Group DINEPA National Directorate on Potable Water and Hygiene DLA Government of Haiti Decreed Land Area EA Environmental Assessment EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Management Plan EMPR Environmental Mitigation Plan and Report FAO UN Food and Agriculture Organization GoH Government of Haiti IDP Internally Displaced Person IO International Organization IOM International Organization for Migration NGO Non-Governmental Organization OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs PaP Port au Prince, Haiti PEA Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment PMCC Project Management Coordination Cell REA Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment T-Shelter Transitional Shelter S2D2 Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning Report SMTN Sun Mountain International ToR Terms of Reference UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environmental Programme UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services UMCOR United Methodist Committee on Relief USAID United States Agency for International Development WASH Water, Sanitation and Health WV/H World Vision/Haiti
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Acknowledgements
The Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) team would like to express our great appreciation to the committed and dedicated IOM colleagues who contributed their energy and expertise to this inter-institutional effort. We especially thank our primary IOM PEA point of contact, Marc Levesque, who was attentive to all of the project´s detailed needs and provided quality direction and follow-up throughout. Bakary Doumbia, Farook Doomun and Giovanni Cassani also merit many thanks for their input and support. Several professionals from USAID provided important ongoing advice, interest and commentary to the PEA team also. Special thanks to Tony Chan, Debra Allenreid, Joe Torres, Pierre Cam Milfort, Margareth Timmer, Victor Bullen, Erika Clesceri and other USAID colleagues.
Bryant Castro and Chanon Bernstein, the two ARC Corail Camp Managers with whom we had the privilege to work, were important players in the process and formulation of the final PEA document. Together we carried out many thought provoking community consultations, focus group meetings, field visits and key informant interviews. We also recognize the important contribution of all individuals within the Government of Haiti, the international and local development communities, and the earthquake affected families themselves who gave of their time and ideas to help with this assessment. This work could not have been carried out without their support.
There were innumerable other crucial roles carried out by individuals who provided critical primary information and perspectives. During the PEA integration workshop, 28 professionals from 13 organizations active in temporary relocation in Haiti shared their valued input and recommendations to help finalize the PEA report. These individuals and organizations generated a practical action plan not only for Corail sectors 3 and 4 that will also serve as a useful tool for the entire resettlement program and future projects. We express our thanks again to the following organizations which were represented at the workshop: OXFAM, World Vision, UMCOR, UNOPS, FAO, Shelter Cluster, UN Habitat, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Environment, ARC, PMCC, Croix des Bouquets Mayor´s Office, and Department of Civil Protection.
To the internal PEA Team, I would like to give my genuine gratitude. Our local and international, inter- disciplinary group put in many hours above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you sincerely Géto, Kelly, Ophny, Scott, Samuel, Hans, Raoul, Mike, Roland, Eli and Florentino.
Malory Hendrickson IOM PEA Project Coordinator Sun Mountain International
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Executive Summary The 7.2 magnitude earthquake which hit Haiti on 12 January 2010 led to the loss of 230,000 lives and extensive physical destruction. As a result, 1.2 million of the 3 million affected could only find shelter in spontaneous settlements in or near Port au Prince. A post-earthquake assessment determined that 100,000 disaster survivors needed priority relocation to safer shelter sites, with an estimated 37,200 persons needing immediate relocation. In response, IOM sought support from USAID to assist in the movement of these extremely vulnerable persons to temporary relocation sites in an area near Port au Prince. This support was primarily to: (a) identify land for new camps and other sites, (b) site planning and development, (c) developing an exit strategy for camp closure when durable solutions became available, and (d) overseeing camp decommissioning. A review of the potential environmental issues associated with the planned IOM activities indicated that a Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment (PEA) was needed for the relocation support activities. Given the likelihood of additional relocation needs, the PEA used the existing Corail Sector 4 temporary relocation site as an illustrative case study of current temporary relocation practice in Haiti and developed a model approach to temporary relocation site selection and development for other potential locations in Haiti. The Scoping for the PEA identified a total of 72 related issues organized into the following groups: (a) Site safety and security, (b) Management-related issues, (c) Site planning and development, (d) Water, (e) Sanitation, (f) Hygiene, (g) Drainage, (h) Shelter, (i) Health, (j) Livelihoods, and (k) Other Issues related to Corail Sector 4 and other potential relocation sites in Haiti. The PEA reviewed a Proposed Action based on the Corail Sector 4 site, and considered a No Action Alternative as well as an additional alternative. The additional alternative, Alternative A, was developed as an illustrative model temporary relocation site plan based on best practice and current opportunities for site development in Haiti. Alternative A (the illustrative model temporary relocation plan) is recommended over the current Proposed Action. Further, the PEA recommends: 1. Issues identified in the Scoping should be addressed to complete the transition of the Corail site from an emergency camp to a temporary relocation site. 2. USAID should take the lead in ensuring this process given USG involvement in the movement of disaster affected people to the site. 3. The GoH should establish a policy, and develop the practical implementation procedures to formalize current and future temporary relocation sites, including whether these sites are to become permanent or if the residents will be offered other locations for resettlement (in which case decommissioning of the sites will need to be planned). 4. Environmental expertise (and expertise in the social, economic and governance aspects of resettlement), be provided to support further development of Corail Sectors 3 and 4, and any other temporary relocation site selection and development. 5. Responsibilities and accountability, for Corail Sectors 3 and 4, and any future temporary relocation sites, be established, implemented and monitored. 6. The GoH and Donor Coordination Group develop plans for temporary relocation which incorporate information from the Model Plan and other sources cited, while also addressing the a) processes of relocation (who, when, why and how), b) voluntary decision making on relocation, and c) selection of temporary relocation sites (e.g., within the DLA as identified in the S2D2 report). This process should be linked to parallel efforts at providing permanent shelter solutions. 7. Proving capacity building support to organizations and staff involved in Corail (or with potential involvement in temporary relocation site selection and development) to ensure the findings and materials developed in this PEA are applied as quickly as possible in Haiti. A preliminary Action Plan for addressing outstanding issues in Corail can be found in Annex A.
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Sommaire Exécutif Le séisme de magnitude 7.2 qui frappa Haïti le 12 Janvier 2010 entraina la mort de 230.000 personnes et des pertes matérielles considérables. En conséquence, des 3 millions de personnes affectées, seulement 1.2 million ont pu trouver refuge dans des camps spontanés situés à Port-au-Prince ou dans ses environs. Une évaluation réalisée après le séisme révéla que 100.000 survivants du désastre nécessitaient prioritairement d’être relocalisés dans des abris plus surs alors que près de 37,200 autres devaient être relocalisés dans les plus brefs délais. En réponse, l’OIM a demandé l’appui de l’USAID pour déplacer ces personnes extrêmement vulnérables vers des sites d’établissement temporaires situés au nord de la capitale. Les principaux objectifs visés par cet appui étaient : (a) d’identifier des terrains pour l’établissement de nouveaux camps et autres sites, (b) de planifier et de développer ces sites, (c) de proposer une stratégie pour la fermeture des camps quand des solutions durables deviendront disponibles et (d) de superviser le démantèlement des camps. Un examen des problèmes environnementaux potentiels liés aux activités planifiées par l’OIM a montré la nécessité d’entreprendre une Evaluation Programmatique de l’Impact Environnemental (PEA) pour les activités d’appui à la relocalisation. Compte tenu de la probabilité de devoir procéder à de nouvelle relocalisation de personnes affectées par le désastre, le PEA a été dessiné pour se concentrer sur le Secteur 4 de Corail, un site de relocalisation existant déjà, comme exemple des pratiques courantes de relocalisation en Haïti et par ainsi développer une approche modèle pour la sélection et le développement de nouveaux sites potentiels en Haïti. L’Exposé de la portée du PEA a identifié un ensemble de 72 questions organisées selon les groupes suivants : (a) la Sureté des sites et la Sécurité, (b) les problèmes de Gestion, (c) Planification et Développement des sites, (d) l’Eau, (e) l’Assainissement, (f) l’Hygiène, (g) le drainage, (h) les Abris, (i) la Santé, (j) l’Existence en général et (k)Tous autres problèmes liés au Secteur 4 de Corail et à d’autres sites de relocalisation en Haïti. Le PEA examina une Action Proposée sur la base du Secteur 4 du site de Corail et considéra une Alternative d’Absence d’Action ainsi qu’une Alternative additionnelle. Cette dernière, Alternative A, a été développée comme un modèle de plan de relocalisation temporaire basé sur les meilleurs pratiques et les opportunités courantes pour le développement des sites en Haïti. Le PEA recommande que l’Alternative A (l’exemple de plan model de relocalisation temporaire) soit préférée au regard de l’Action couramment proposée. En plus, le PEA préconise que: 1. Les problèmes identifiés sur le site de Corail devraient être adressés dans le but d’assurer le passage de ce site d’un camp d’urgence à un site de relocalisation temporaire 2. L’USAID devrait prendre le leadership pour garantir ce processus, compte tenu de l’implication du Gouvernement américain (USG) dans la relocalisation des personnes affectées par le séisme dans ce site 3. Le Gouvernement haïtien (GoH) devrait mettre en place une politique et développer les procédures d’application pratique pour formaliser les sites de relocalisation actuels ou futures, que ces derniers soient conçus pour devenir permanents ou que d’autres sites de réinstallation soient offerts aux résidents (auquel cas, le démantèlement de ces sites devrait être planifié) 4. Une expertise environnementale (et aussi une expertise dans les aspects socio- économiques et la gouvernance de la relocalisation) soit fournie pour appuyer tout développement future des Secteurs 3 et 4 de Corail ainsi que la sélection et le développement de tous nouveaux sites de relocalisation temporaire. 5. Les responsabilités pour les Secteurs 3 et 4 de Corail ainsi que pour tout futur site de relocalisation temporaire, soient établies, appliquées et surveillées. 6. Le GoH et le Groupe de Coordination des Donneurs prennent l’initiative de développer des plans de relocalisation temporaire intégrant les informations issues du plan model et d’autres sources citées tout en adressant des problèmes tels : (a) les processus de relocalisation (qui, quand, pourquoi et
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
comment), (b) la décision volontaire de relocalisation et (c) la sélection de sites de relocalisation temporaire (ex : dans le DLA tel qu’identifié dans le rapport S2D2). Ces processus devraient être menés parallèlement aux efforts pour fournir des abris permanents 7. Un appui en renforcement des capacités soit fourni aux organisations ainsi qu’au personnel engagés à Corail (ou qui seront potentiellement impliqués dans la sélection et le développement de sites de relocalisation temporaire) pour s’assurer de l’application des conclusions et du matériel développés dans ce PEA aussi rapidement que possible. Un plan d’action préliminaire pour adresser les principaux problèmes rencontrés à Corail peut être trouvé dans l’Annexe A.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background and Justification of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment On Tuesday, 12 January 2010, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Leogane, 16km west of Port au Prince (PaP). Over 230,000 people lost their lives as a result of the destruction caused by the earthquake, with over 3 million affected, of whom 1.2 million are located in spontaneous settlement sites, principally in or near Port au Price1.
In an effort to assist the 1.2 million disaster survivors living in high-risk, spontaneous settlement sites to return to normal living conditions, the Government of Haiti (GoH), donors and non-governmental organizations (NGO) identified 5 options to address the immediate need to improve living conditions:
1. Assist displaced to move back to habitable homes. 2. Assist displaced to move back to formerly occupied cleared plots in temporary shelters. 3. Assist displace to move in with host families. 4. Assist the displaced to remain in the spontaneous settlement if conditions at this site can be brought up to minimum standards. 5. Assist displaced to move temporary relocation sites planned by the Government.
The Government and the Donor Coordination Group (DCG) identified a total of 19 spontaneous settlements requiring urgent relocation, with up to 100,000 persons needing movement to new sites. Of this total, approximately 37,200 disaster survivors faced an immediate threat of flooding and mud slides during the rainy season and need relocation as soon as possible. To facilitate the movement of at risk populations to temporary relocation sites, on 22 March 2010 the Government issued a decree2 setting aside 7,450 Ha north of Port au Price, known as the Decreed Land Area (DLA), for temporary relocation.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has received funds from USAID through Grant 521-A- 00-10-000012 for actions linked to each of the five options noted above. Specific to temporary relocation, IOM is planning to use USAID Grant funding to: Identify land for new camps and other sites. Conduct site planning and development, in coordination with other actors, gravel acquisition and transport and land preparation. Produce an exit strategy for camp closure when durable solutions are available and oversee camp decommissioning. In these efforts, IOM has indicated that they will focus on environmentally friendly solutions, such as the use of bio-digesters and other cost-effective technology available in Haiti. To date, IOM has commissioned a Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning Report (S2D2), which provides Haiti- specific guidance on these tasks, as well as defining possible temporary relocation sites within the DLA3.
After an initial analysis of the actions planned and possible in relation to the temporary relocation of disaster affected populations, it was determined that pursuant to 22 CFR 216 a full environmental
1 USAID Haiti-Earthquake Fact Sheet #72, September 17, 2010. 2 See Annex B for the GoH decree and Section 2.3 for maps of the DLA. 3 The full S2D2 Report is available at http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=23&Itemid=8
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010 impact assessment is needed for temporary relocation activities, including direct, indirect and compound impacts. The official USAID Environmental Threshold Decision4 reads as follows: A Positive Determination is issued to all reconstruction activities and the debris removal, storage, and recycling activities, which requires a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). An Environmental Assessment for re-settlement site development is required which will prescribe environmental mitigation measures to be implemented. The existing Rapid Environmental Assessment completed in March 2010 by CHF and Sun Mountain for USAID will provide direction for the resettlement EA as well as for the PEA. An EA has already been prepared and approved (LAC-EA-10-02) for debris management activities in response to the Haiti earthquake, including an EMPR for debris removal (as an interim stop gap until the PEA is finalized). Any river rechanneling or major dredging activities require an Environmental Assessment as well. If pesticide purchase, use, disposal or training is planned in the future, a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) will need to be prepared for USAID BEO clearance.5
In the interest of efficiency, and with an expectation that additional temporary relocation sites may be needed in Haiti, USAID and IOM agreed to conduct a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). According to USAID Environmental Procedures6, the purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment, is to: Provide Agency and host country decision-makers with a full discussion of significant environmental effects of a proposed action. It includes alternatives which would avoid or minimize adverse effects or enhance the quality of the environment so that the expected benefits of development objectives can be weighed against any adverse impacts upon the human environment or any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.
1.2. Regulatory Considerations 1.2.1. USAID 22 Code of Federal Regulation 216
The Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 216)7 requires an environmental regulation for any action funded by the U.S. Government which receives a “Positive Threshold Decision”, that is that the action has been determined to have a significant effect on the environment. As specified in 22 CFR 216, a Programmatic Environmental Assessment is appropriate to, “assess the environmental effects of a number of individual actions and their cumulative environmental impact in a given country or geographic area, or the environmental impacts that are generic or common to a class of agency actions, or other activities which are not country-specific”. According to 22 CFR 216, the form and content of the PEA should be as close as possible to that of the Environmental Assessment as specific in section 216.6 (c)8.
4 See Annex C for USAID’s Environmental Threshold Decision from March 2010. 5 See Annex C for USAID Environmental Threshold Decision LAC-IEE-10-36. 6 USAID Environmental Procedures can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216.htm#216.3 and the PEA Guidelines at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/ane/eptm/annex_F.pdf 7 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216.htm 8 http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/ane/eptm/annex_F.pdf
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
1.2.2. Government of Haiti Existing Haitian environmental legislation and decrees were combined into a single “Code Des Lois Haitiennes de L’Environnement” in 1995 with UNDP assistance. This document is the first comprehensive explanation of the various roles and responsibilities of the ministries and public sector sub-groups related to the environment. It lays out a clear policy direction for the GoH in relation to protecting, conserving and managing environmental and natural resources.
However, the 1995 Decree did not cover procedures or requirements for environmental assessments. As a result, in 2006, the Republic of Haiti issued a "Décret portant sur la gestion de l'environnement et de régulation de la conduite des citoyens et citoyennes pour un développement durable", establishing a national policy framework for environmental management and regulation. The decree promotes the: Prevention of risks to human health due to environmental factors; Conservation and rational management of natural resources; Prevention and mitigation of disaster risks; Protection and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage; Conservation and preservation of animal and plant species; Protection of rural and agricultural land; Protection of landscapes, scenic and natural areas, rare and fragile; Protection of the urban environment; Disposal, treatment and recycling of waste; and the Fight against all the forms of pollution and nuisance.
Regarding environmental impact assessments, the decree stipulates that such an assessment and accompanying report must be carried out for projects that could potentially cause a significant, negative impact upon the environment. Chapter 4, Articles 56-61, explain the procedures for environmental assessment, and that the Minister of Environment gives final approval to all environmental assessments for projects carried out in Haiti. The Ministry is then responsible for conducting periodic audits of projects to ensure the recommendations made in the impact assessment have been followed and implemented in a satisfactory manner.
1.3. Scope of PEA The PEA covers the need for temporary relocation site development anywhere in Haiti in response to a need to provide shelter and other services to disaster displaced populations. The Corail Sector 4 temporary relocation site north of Port au Prince is used as an example of current practice in temporary relocation site development in Haiti.9 However, USAID and IOM agreed that the assessment effort would cover all reasonable temporary relocation operations in Haiti following disasters to ensure that negative environmental impacts are minimized wherever temporary relocation site development was required.
1.4. Content of the PEA This Programmatic Environmental Assessment provides an in-depth analysis of the direct, indirect and cumulative environmental impacts associated with the development of a temporary relocation site for disaster displaced persons in Haiti. The assessment analyzes a Proposed Action based on the temporary relocation activities carried out to date at the Corail Sector 4 temporary relocation site. The PEA
9 Major site development work is ongoing on Corail Sector 3. The incomplete nature of the site meant it was considered for only specific examples of proposed actions in the PEA.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010 considers a No Action Alternative, and an Alternative A, a Model Temporary Relocation Plan. The PEA includes recommendations and provides mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impacts associated with temporary relocation and based on the Preferred Action as well as the No Action and Model Site Plan alternatives. An Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) is also included to assist in impact mitigation and reporting.
The PEA provides recommendations for alternatives to traditionally-used site facilities and procedures in an Alternatives Matrix. Although the recommended alternative (the Model Site Plan) selects only one design or procedure out of the Alternatives Matrix based on viability and cost-effectiveness, the facilities and procedures Alternatives Matrix should be consulted on a project-by-project basis to maximize site sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
1.5. Execution of the PEA In view of the urgent need to address temporary relocation requirements, IOM contracted Sun Mountain International (SMTN) to conduct a PEA for temporary relocation of disaster affected populations in Haiti. The SMTN PEA team was comprised of disaster risk, natural resource and environmental management specialists, a community development specialist, engineer/hydrologists, a gender specialist, and a training and communications specialist.
The PEA Scoping was completed in two periods (21 to 27 June, 30 August to 6 September 2010). The PEA itself prepared from 7 September to 1 October, 2010. The Scoping and the PEA are based on USAID guidance as well as examples from other programmatic environmental impact assessments conducted for USAID (see Section 1.6 below). A list of persons contacted during the PEA can be found in Annex D.
The Scoping was conducted by a core set of two persons with periodic technical advisors. The process involved a set of interviews with the disaster displaced as well as Donor/IO/NGO and GoH personnel involved in temporary relocation activities. This work included several field visits to the Corail site and spontaneous relocation sites in PaP (see Annexes for more information on field work).
Work on the PEA itself involved a core set of six persons and periodic technical advisors. The PEA involved further consultations with the disaster displaced and Donor/IO/NGO and GoH personnel involved in temporary relocation activities. Research was also conducted on environmentally appropriate alternatives to facilities and services at Corail Sector 4 as well into the development of a Model Site Plan and an environmental impact review of the Proposed Action and alternatives. A series of informal briefings were held with USAID, IOM and agencies involved in temporary relocation work. Two additional on-site consultations were held in Corail Sector 4 after the PEA was drafted to assure the document considered the views of those living in temporary relocation sites. In addition, consultations on the PEA draft were held with Government officials and humanitarian stakeholders, and the comments received were incorporated into the PEA. The actual principles and methodology for the assessment can be found in Section 1.7 below.
A penultimate draft PEA was reviewed with Government and humanitarian stakeholders involved in Corail 3 and 4 at a workshop on 23 and 24 November 2010 in Petionville, Port au Prince. The results of this workshop, which include a preliminary action plan to address the issues raised in the PEA, can be found in Annex A.
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1.6. Relationship of this PEA to Other Environmental Documentation Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning Report Under a previous contract, SMTN developed a Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning (S2D2) Report for IOM. The report screened locations within the DLA in terms of basic suitability as temporary relocation sites. The screening identified six possible temporary relocation sites meeting basic selection criteria. A further review narrowed the selection process to two sites potentially able to accommodate 100,000 persons at 45m2/person based on the Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response10.11
The S2D2 also provides best practice guidance on site selection, development and decommissioning with a specific emphasis on integrating environmental considerations into these processes. In addition the S2D2 includes two Environmental Mitigation Plans and Reports (EMPRs)12, covering site development and decommissioning activities. The PEA draws the S2D2’s good environmental management practice considerations in identifying alternatives and guidance on the site selection, development and decommissioning of temporary relocation sites.
Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment: Haiti Earthquake – Jan. 12, 2010 The Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment: Haiti Earthquake – Jan. 12, 2010, (USAID Haiti REA) carried out in February and March 2010 by CHF International and SMTN, provides best practice guidance and lessons learned on several different facets of emergency response activities to be carried out in Haiti13. The USAID Haiti REA touches upon several key issues relevant to this PEA including coordination, management and information, geophysical and hydro-meteorological hazard monitoring, sewage and solid waste, hazardous waste, health-related issues, vector control, shelter sites, emergency and transitional shelter, debris management, livelihood security and food security.
The USAID Haiti REA was reviewed as part of the PEA to understand existing environmental guidance and recommendations that have been made available to agencies working in temporary relocation. The environmental best-practice, lessons learned and guidance provided in the REA related to temporary relocation, shelter and associated relocation facilities and procedures has been expanded and explained in further depth within this PEA.
USAID Debris PEA The PEA for Debris Disposal sites in the Areas of Carrefour, Leogane, Grande Goave and Petit Goave, Haiti14 was carried out by the US Army Corps of Engineers from June to July 14, 2010. The document provides: Guidance as to which of the debris disposal sites located southwest of Port au Prince currently used by international and Haitian organizations are appropriate for construction and demolition debris storage or permanent disposal, and Mitigation measures needed to prevent environmental impact at the sites.
10 http://www.sphereproject.org/; See Annex E for all documents consulted. 11 An additional site could accommodate up to 38,000 persons if measures were taken to provide a sustainable source of water to the site. 12 See Annex F for EMPRs developed in the S2D2 Report for Site Development and Decommissioning and Annex G for the EMPR Guidelines. 13 http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=10&Itemid=8 14 During the time of the current report, the USAID/Haiti Debris Disposal PEA was in the review stage and not yet published.
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The recommendations of the Debris PEA related to debris recycling strategies for use as aggregate and base layer material for temporary relocation sites and roads have been considered in the PEA analysis.
Permanent Housing Initial Environmental Examination USAID Haiti is planning to implement a 170 million dollar post earthquake program to provide permanent shelter for disaster survivors, including a number of ancillary activities, including debris removal, training, capacity building and planning.15 The Pillar A - Shelter IEE was still in draft at the time of this assessment report, but this draft was reviewed and considered in the drafting of this assessment and in considering the transitional from temporary to permanent shelter, particularly in the urban environment.
Earthquake Reconstruction PEA in El Salvador The USAID PEA for Earthquake Reconstruction Activities carried out by the ARD Consortium in El Salvador in August 2001 was consulted as part of the PEA. This El Salvador PEA provided guidance on best practice environmental mitigation, alternatives and recommendations strictly related to activities designed to stimulate socio-economic activities, improve livelihoods, infrastructure and access to services in a post-earthquake context.
Sphere Guidelines The Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response, otherwise known as the “Sphere Standards”, are often consulted for guidance on minimum standards for humanitarian services provided to displaced persons following natural disasters.16 The guidelines cover a range of issues from shelter, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods, non-food items and health services among others.
This PEA considers the minimum standards set out by the Sphere Guidelines. While the Sphere Guidelines are intended primarily for emergency response, the guidance provided is also applicable to the recovery and development context under which operations in Haiti are currently functioning. At the same time, it is expected that organizations contributing to the relocation and provision of facilities and services for the disaster displaced in Haiti may need to go beyond the minimum standards in certain areas.
1.7. PEA Principles and Methodology Assessment Principles: The PEA team followed a set of 5 principles in carrying 1. Work with local staff and GoH officials out this assessment intending to incorporate all partner 2. Complete social, economic and eco- institutions, GoH officials and ministries, program beneficiaries and community leaders and members into systemic analysis the evaluative process. These principles are summarized 3. Organize public consultations and at right. participate in temporary relocation site community member meetings Work with Local staff and GoH officials: Throughout the 4. Incorporate participant observation scoping and assessment process, SMTN met with 5. Share findings and recommendations representatives from Haitian Ministries and other with colleague institutions relevant GoH institutions. A member of the PEA team,
15 Pillar A – Shelter, Initial Environmental Examination (draft), October 2010, USAID Haiti. 16http://www.sphereproject.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,12/Itemid,203/lang,en glish
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Raoul Pierre St. Louis, the Representative of the National Federation of Haiti CASEC and Executive Board Member of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, provided valuable insight about government roles, responsibilities, processes and regulation related to temporary relocation. Furthermore, project designs, plans and valuable information was obtained through meetings with local organization staff.
Complete social, economic and eco-systemic analysis: Upon identification of all temporary relocation activities and procedures, SMTN PEA team members consulted primary and secondary data to formulate a comprehensive understanding of all potential environmental impacts of temporary relocation.
Organize public consultations and participate in temporary relocation site community member meetings: In an effort both to keep residents informed about the process and objectives of the environmental assessment, as well as to gather information about environmental, social, economic and gender challenges that exist in a temporary relocation site, the SMTN PEA team carried out a series of consultations and meetings with community leaders and members. Maintaining contact with program beneficiaries is essential to avoid confusion and to establish effective working relationships so that the information gathered in the assessment process is accurate and appropriate recommendations can be made. The results of these consultations have been incorporated into the PEA.
Share findings and recommendations with colleague institutions: SMTN provided a progress report briefing to both IOM and USAID after the completion of the Scoping Statement, and another final progress report presentation including key findings and recommendations from the PEA process. Given the relevance of the PEA to on-going humanitarian needs in Haiti, SMTN and IOM held a 1½ day workshop for the GoH, humanitarian stakeholders and others on using the PEA results and the S2D2 report. This workshop assisted stakeholders to incorporate the environmental findings and recommendations from both reports into programming, thus strengthening the environmental management of USAID sponsored temporary relocation activities. See Annex A for the workshop report.
During the PEA Scoping exercise, the PEA team carried out extensive information gathering in the temporary relocation sites at Corail (Sectors 3 and 4). The information was obtained from a series of focus group discussions, scores of key informant interviews and on-site participant observation. The results of these consultations and interviews informed the Scoping Statement and a narrative site plan for a temporary relocation site (analyzed in this PEA as the Proposed Action). The PEA team then carried out additional primary and secondary data reviews in order to design the Alternative A, or preferred action, and EMMP sections.
1.8. Gender, Age, Persons with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses The Scoping, development of the PEA, and consultations on the draft PEA did contact professionals in gender issues and vulnerable populations in attempt to receive their feedback and perspective. During the time of the report, this feedback was not returned. The work done, as a whole, has not specifically addressed issues of gender, age, or health status equality in access to resources and services. The PEA Team noted that gender and age concerns were raised in the Scoping. To some measure these issues have been addressed in the Corail Sector 4 site. At the same time, there are outstanding issues related to protection, most prominently personal safety near ablution blocks and at night, which have not been fully addressed. We expect that the Site Manager, working through specific organizations and through increasing capacities (e.g., training and expanded resident feedback mechanisms) and resources (e.g., lighting), will be addressing these issues.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
In terms of the design and implementation of a new temporary relocation site, it is expected that the organizations involved in this process will follow international standards, Haitian laws and best practice to ensure that all site residents have appropriate and adequate access to facilities and services at the site. Where this access is specifically related to environmental resources or services (e.g., cooking fuel or water) then the provision of these resources should be incorporated into the site management plan and monitored regularly.
2. PROPOSED ACTION17
2.1. Project Purpose IOM’s Temporary Relocation Program responds to the need to urgently move 37,200 persons from spontaneous settlement sites in Port au Prince due to potential life-threatening hazards from flooding, landslides and disease. Due to the densely populated nature of the city prior to the earthquake, little space exists within the city limits to safely house 37,200 people in planned urban sites. The Government of Haiti (GoH) designated an area, the Decreed Land Area (DLA), to the north of PaP in the Cul de Sac Plain as a location for temporary relocation sites for at-risk, disaster-affected populations.
IOM and implementing partners (including American Refugee Committee, World Vision International, Oxfam, UNOPS and others) are working to further the goals of temporary relocation through the following activities: 1. Review and evaluate possible temporary relocation sites within the DLA to determine the most suitable sites; 2. Assist in the movement of populations to these sites; 3. Develop site plans; 4. Implement basic site development works; 5. Create site development plan; 6. Create site operations plan; 7. Construct and install all essential site facilities (shelters, latrines, health centers, etc.); and 8. Develop de-commissioning plans for each site developed.
This site plan is based on information collected from the current Corail Sector 4 temporary relocation site. This site plan document contains narrative, graphic and engineered site designs based on actual information about Corail Sector 4 and using the site plan outline description which was developed for IOM in the Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning (S2D2) document.18 See Site Selection Methodology in Annex F.
2.2. Need for Legal Site Permission and GoH Involvement The creation of the Corail Sector 4 site was initiated as an ad hoc response to a pressing need to relocate disaster affected populations from spontaneous settlement sites in the Delmas neighborhood of Port au
17 The following section is organized according to the site plan structure set out in the S2D2 Report. Notation is made where information called for in the S2D2 site plan structure was not available at the time of developing the PEA. 18 The S2D2 Report is available at http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=23&Itemid=8.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Prince. No documents have been identified to formalize the legality of the site itself or provision of assistance to the site. However, it has been agreed that the site residents will be considered owners of the Transitional Shelters (T-shelters) provided but not owners of the land on which they are placed (see Annex I.4. for T-shelter Memorandum of Understanding).
The Ministry of Finance has issued a request that all NGOs working in the DLA on relocation receive clearance from the Ministry for this work (see Annex O). The DLA decree has given the Ministry of Finance responsibility for activities at the Corail site, and all other activities in the DLA. The land in the DLA is now considered a government-owned asset. However, there does appear to be confusion as to the role of the Department of Civil Protection (Ministry of Interior) and local government (Mayor of Croix des Bouquets and Kasec) in the management of the site, as both have been identified by sources as responsible for management of the site (No documents delegating responsibilities from the Ministry of Finance to other parties were reported).
A 7 October 2010 meeting between the Director of the Government’s Office for the Relocation of Displaced Families and implementing agencies involved in Corail discussed the need to secure official recognition for the organizations working at Corail as well as working out a long term plan for the sites.19 Long term options mentioned for Corail included (a) giving land to current residents, (b) renting plots to current residents at minimal costs, or (c) developing a social housing project for the area. No official decision has been communicated on these options.
2.3. Environmental Overview The DLA covers a low rainfall zone extending along the south slope of the hills north of the Plaine du Cul de Sac and the Golfe de la Gonâve. The eastern end of the DLA is located on an outwash plain in a semi- urban area north of the Plaine. The eastern two thirds of the DLA run from the coast line of the Golfe de la Gonâve into the hills to the north. These hills are cut by a number of small dry streams courses arising in hills rising to approximately 500 meters.
Vegetation in the DLA is generally sparse and adapted to a low rainfall climate. There are, however, unique areas of vegetation, many located up branches to steam courses. The western coastal area of the DLA includes wetlands, mangrove areas (threatened in Haiti), several small islands and at least one sulfur spring. Off-shore aquatic resources (e.g., reefs, sea grass) are likely to be limited and overexploited, as elsewhere in the Golfe de la Gonâve.
19 Based on notes provided by Lilianne Fan, Haiti Shelter Cluster.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Map of the Decreed Land Area (DLA) north of Port au Prince. National Route 1 runs along the southwest border of the DLA.
The Corail area includes housing developments and clear claims to some land (e.g., walls and fences around plots). There are active and historic waste deposit areas (including liquid waste) near roads in the DLA, particularly along RN1 and RN3. There is one mass grave site located at Truitier within the DLA, as well as a number of active and inactive industrial areas. All are to the north of Corail along RN1. Ad hoc extraction of deposits of sand and gravel in the hills to the north of the DLA sand is widespread, and likely to increase to meet building and reconstruction demand.
Aside from sand and gravel, natural resources are scarce in the DLA. This is likely to be particularly true for wood for fuel and construction (but not for rocks and stones). Ground water is likely to be available at reasonable depths in the outwash area of valleys, with overdrawing the supplies becoming a possible issue. Some ground water is too salty for most uses. Surface water is limited, although there are some seasonal and permanent streams in the DLA. Salinity is an issue for ground water and some bodies of surface water.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Downward drainage flow in the south end of the DLA with the 4 Sectors of Temporary Relocation Site Corail outlined.
The most common natural hazards in the DLA are flooding, debris flows, high wind and earthquakes (the DLA straddles a fault line running along the north side of the Plaine du Cul de Sac). The Cul de Sac/Hoya de Enriquillo area is a conduit for winds, due to the fact that it is located in an extended low valley connecting two bodies of water, the Caribbean and Golfe de la Gonave. The area is relatively dry. Temperatures range from above 90oF during the day and into the 80oF at night.
Winds tend to blow up slope during the afternoon and evening associated with the rise of heated air, and down slope during evenings and nights. Daytime winds can be strong and can be used for electricity generation and wind pumps. Severe weather can affect the DLA at any time, with the April to November (hurricane season) the period of most concern. Drought is likely to also be a perceived local hazard given the low precipitation common to the area.
The physical environment of the Corail Sector 4 site is sparsely vegetated and located in a dry area that receives little rain. The site is mostly free from large rocks and boulders on the surface, has more than 5cm of topsoil (although stony) in many locations, and there is no solid rock anywhere from 25cm to 3m below the surface of the site. A dry river bed runs through a section of the site, indicating a flood risk during heavy rain events. Signs of significant erosion and mass down-slope movement were discovered on or near the site, with a significant risk of flash floods.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
2.4. Graphic Design Plan for Corail Sector 4
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
2.5. Roles and Responsibilities of Implementing Entities Corail Partners Information provided by ARC Site Management
Work
-
ication
HIV
For
-
Health
Shelter
Gender
Security
Logistics
Wat/San
Education
Protection
Livelihoods
Agriculture/
Environment
Infrastructure
Cash
Nutrition/Food
Commun
DisasterResponse CommunityLiaison Organisation Nom Fonction E-mail Tel CampManagement
American Bryant Castro Camp Manager Corail [email protected] 37.02.47.63 X Refugee Jacque B St. Field Assistant 36.85.23.67 X X Committee Louis (ARC) Ronald Rigodon Field Assistant 37.10.25.03 X X Alain Kamang CMO Croix Bouquet [email protected] 37.02.75.92 X Elisa Carloceri CMO Crois Bouquet 36.85.27.28 X International IOM Protection Organisation for Sara Ribiero [email protected] 36.43.85.11 X X Coordinator Migration (IOM) Takuya Ono Shelter Officer [email protected] 37.02.78.61 X Brad Mellicker Disaster Response Officer [email protected] 37.02.75.93 X Tom Matkovits T-Shelter Programme [email protected] 37.02.38.33 X Mariam Focal Point [email protected] 37.01.38.79 X X X X X Soumare Karen Robinson QA Director [email protected] 37.02.00.66 X Luckens St. Jean Liaison Officer 37.02.38.11 X World Vision Rocky Mabuga T-Shelter Engineer [email protected] 34.35.74.37 X Chris Asanzi Livelihood Programme 37.02.38.83 X X
Ekra Komenan Food Programme [email protected] 39.33.88.71 X Rajakumar Rajakumar_Gollamandala Shelter Sector Manager 37.02.00.27 X Gollamandala @wvi.org
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Work
-
HIV
For
-
ition/Food
Health
Shelter
Gender
Security
Logistics
Wat/San
Education
Protection
Livelihoods
Agriculture/
Environment
Infrastructure
Cash
Nutr
Communication
DisasterResponse CommunityLiaison Organisation Nom Fonction E-mail Tel CampManagement John Kanany Focal Point WatSan [email protected] 37.02.40.77 X X
[email protected] / Nolex Fontil EFSL-Team Leader 37.25.43.95 X Oxfam GB [email protected] Florence
Field Officer [email protected] 37.01.09.54 X Uwineza Jean Pierre Head of Program Unit Jean-Pierre@plan- 37.48.57.33 X Frédérique West international.org Asst. Director katie.dimmer@plan- Katie Dimmer 38.81.12.06 X Programmes international.org Abekyamwale.Honesty@pl PLAN Honesty Abe Corail Representative X International an-international.org 37.61.01.19
Lamour Sissi Technical Advisor Health Lamour.Sissi@plan- X international.org 37.47.70.47 Francis Jeanette.Francis@plan- ECCD Officer 37.60.58.78 X X Jeannette international.org United Kamlesh Vayas Livelihood Coordinator [email protected] 38.87.41.06 X X Methodist Mehu Josny Programme Officer [email protected] 38.23.06.98 X X X Committee on
Relief (UMCOR) Sharad Aggarwal Interim Head of Mission [email protected] 36.74.64.30 X X X Peter
[email protected] 37.02.82.18 X UNOPS & UN Pereverzoff Logistics PMCC Civil Engineer - [email protected] Caroline Zennie 37.02.81.64 X Project Manager om
Wendy Reid Admin Coordinator [email protected] 34.79.89.69 X X U.S. Committee for Refugees and Octave Altes GARR (Implementing Immigrants [email protected] 37.82.61.34 X X (with GARR) Partner)
Save the Maria Fanela [email protected] 37.08.68.06 X 22
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Children Celestin
Matilde Florial Education Coordinator [email protected] 37.02.41.46 X
ture
Work
-
HIV
For
-
Health
Shelter
Gender
Security
Logistics
Wat/San
Education
Protection
Livelihoods
Agriculture/
Environment
Infrastruc
Cash
Nutrition/Food
Communication
DisasterResponse CommunityLiaison Organisation Nom Fonction E-mail Tel CampManagement hial.rehabcomhaiti@yahoo. Handicap Grace Baban Rehabilitation Officer 37.11.09.14 X X X fr Internatonal Aiva Noelsaint Community Service [email protected] 37.11.09.14 X X X Entrepreneurs helene.mauduit@entrepre Hélène Mauduit Programme Manager 38.83.27.24 X du Monde neursdumonde.org Shanon Ramon [email protected] 31.00.26.49 X Prodev Anat Birnboim [email protected] 31.03.96.71 X Inbal Timor [email protected] 31.03.96.72 X Alessandra Deputy Head of Sub- [email protected] 38.82.04.10 X X World Food Gilotta Office Programme Emmanuel Safari [email protected] 37.01.23.53 X X Head of Public Relations 37.20.12.37 UNESCO Ghislène H. Paul [email protected] X X and Programmes 34.11.58.01 FAO Javier Escobedo [email protected] 34.19.25.52 X PESADEV Richard Vernet Project Coordinator 36.72.56.40 X X X Ministère de la condition Me-Carline 37.45.21.90 MFCDF féminine et aux droits des X X Laurenceau 34.45.03.56 femmes
Dp. Coordinator - Samantha 38.49.60.84 X UNPol/FPU MINUSTAH Adou Team A Leader - UNPol/FPU 39.19.49.67 X Police Station Alain Team B Leader - UNPol/FPU 36.65.88.76 X Salihou Maiga Team C Leader - UNPol/FPU 31.11.50.44 X David IDP Unit 38.44.30.92 X 23
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Cecil Gender Unit 36.39.70.51 X
ty ty
Work
-
HIV
For
-
Health
Shelter
Gender
Securi
Logistics
Wat/San
Education
Protection
Livelihoods
Agriculture/
Environment
Infrastructure
Cash
Nutrition/Food
Communication
DisasterResponse CommunityLiaison Organisation Nom Fonction E-mail Tel CampManagement MINUSTAH Major Marco Blue Helmet (Peru) Focal [email protected] 34.77.14.44 X Soldiers Cevallos Point
US Civil/Military Affairs Lt. Colonel Gass 37.61.62.72 X Army/Embassy Liaison
Croix de Bouquet Mayor 37.66.48.28 Mayor Darius Office 37.10.82.60 Gov. of Haiti Dept. de la Protection Serge Semerzier [email protected] 38.30.93.42 Civile Refugee Alain Sévigny Haiti Coordinator [email protected] X Education Committee (RET) Nicolas Servas [email protected] 39.35.45.72 X Chloe HAO [email protected] 34.91.22.39 OCHA Dessemond Claudine Joseph NHAO [email protected] 34.39.77.35 Jessica Oh Therapist [email protected] 34.84.27.12 X CBM Michel TC [email protected] 34.70.04.39 X Michelene
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
2.6. Organizational Mapping and Financing No mapping of organizational activities and connections or mapping of funding was available at the time the PEA was completed.
2.7. Narrative Site Plan General Site Information: The Corail/Cesselesse20 area was formerly selected by the GoH as an initial destination for the most at-risk of the 37,200 persons registered by IOM as in need of immediate relocation. The entire Corail temporary relocation site was planned for 40,000 occupants. There are currently 1,320 families registered in Corail Sector 4, averaging 5 persons per family (an estimated 6,600 residents). ARC, the Site Manager and implementing partners are in agreement that the sector has full occupancy. The following characteristics summarize the physical conditions at the site.
It was originally planned that the displaced would be moved to Sector 4 on an emergency basis and then moved onto to more substantial shelter (T-shelters) in Sectors 1, 2 and 3, decongesting Sector 4 and making room for more displaced. However, only Sector 3 is being developed due to informal settlements in Sectors 1 and 2, and other displaced have been moved to this location. It was eventually decided to provide T-shelters to residents in Sector 4, but space limitations mean that 50 to 100 families need to be moved to Sector 3.
Relative Location21 The site is approximately 25kms north of downtown PaP. Corail Sector 4 is located 8km to the nearest school. The nearest paved all season road, Route National 3, and electrical line are both 0.5km away. Before temporary relocation services were implemented by partners in Corail Sector 4, the nearest health facility, school, and market were, respectively, 15km, 8km and 4km away from the site.
Occupancy Currently, there are 1,320 families, or 6,600 persons registered in Sector 422. It is estimated that more than 30,000 families have occupied areas near Corail Sector 4. This additional population uses some services in Corail (e.g., health, water) and results in a significant difference between actual occupancy and service demand.
Prior Usage The site and nearby areas were being developed as residential real estate in the 1990s. The site has been inhabited by permanent land owners and squatters before and after the development as a temporary relocation site.
Areas near the site have been and are currently being used for sand and rock mining activities and the nearby Cul de Sac Plain has previously been used for sugar cane production, which ended around 20 years ago. There is no history of agricultural use or large scale livestock pasturing within limits of the site.
20 Hereafter, Corail/Cesselesse will be written “Corail”. 21 See map of the Decreed Land Area and Corail Sectors in Section 2.3. 22 Around 220 families, 1,100 individuals, are registered in Corail Sector 3. 25
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Social Environment Most Corail residents come from the same general area of Port au Prince (Delmas/American Club spontaneous camp site). During social impact assessment surveys, a strong local opposition to the placement of a temporary relocation site in the Corail area was expressed. Tensions have also been reported between Sector 4 and Sector 3 residents.
Potable Water There has been no sustainable water source confirmed near the site.
Livelihoods There are no operational (medium to large scale) commercial enterprises within 5km of the site. The physical environment and lack of water indicate that agriculture would be difficult at the site. Other commercial establishments (bar, restaurant, barbershop, water sales, etc.) have developed near and within Corail in response to the creation of the site.
Site Facilities Roads and Paths UNOPS provided designs and layouts for roads and paths within the site and the US Navy Seabees and MINUSTAH completed the construction works. All designs specify the use of gravel to ease access into and within the site. There is one main access road that supports the frequent water trucks. A perimeter road that delineates Sector 4 has a width of between 9 to 12.5m, depending on the section. Interior roads dividing the 6 shelter blocks within Sector 4 measure 8.5 to 12.5m (see Graphic Design Plan, Section 2.4). There is no documented road and path maintenance plan available. Gravel for road construction was sourced from the river bed upstream from the site.
A total of 39 wooden foot bridges using treated wood and constructed by ARC were installed in Sector 4. More information on the sourcing of the wood was unavailable.
Drainage UNOPS worked with the Ministry of Public Works to survey water movement near the site. This information has informed the size of existing and planned primary canals. There is an existing natural drainage canal east of the site. Another natural drainage canal, running along the western border, has been enlarged by UNOPS to reduce the likelihood of flash flooding. The east “primary” canal is approximately 4m deep, 12m wide and runs along the perimeter of the site, about 10 to 20m distance from the 10m wide perimeter road. Both canals drain to the south of the site crossing under RN3 through concrete culverts. It is planned to line and reinforce the banks of these canals with 10m of vegetation on each bank. From 10 to 20m from the RN3 culverts, the channels will be reinforced with concrete lining, preventing the culvert and paved road from longer-term wear and washout.
Reportedly, GoH engineers are completing a field study for improved secondary canal locations within Sector 4. Once the field study is complete, WV/H plans to begin a cash-for-work (CFW) project to construct the canals.
Fencing /Containment Structures There is no fencing within or delineating the site. Some squatters in the surrounding areas have fenced their personal plots with posts and barbed wire. Sourcing is unknown.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Lighting There are 4 generator powered streetlights distributed throughout the site. Lighting is minimal at nightfall. Currently, open flames are used for lighting inside tents and shelters.
Shelter A total of 1,320 tents have been erected within Corail Sector 423. Tents are currently arranged in 6 blocks with approximately 220 families per block. WV/H is in the process of completing 1,320 T- shelters to replace the current tents by January 2011. The same spacing will be used for the T- shelters as exists for the tents. Between 50 and 100 families will need to move to Sector 3 to receive T-shelters, due to space limitations.
WV/H has piloted 20 T-shelters in the north end of Sector 4. They plan to build 20 per day after the pilot stage. The design is a rectangular 23m2 (18m2 living space and a 5m2 porch/gallery), with a 2x4 timber frame, cement board siding, a 0.85x2m corrugated iron/zinc (CGI) metal galvanized sheet for the roof, two windows on opposing sides and two doors on opposing sides (Refer to Annex I.5 for WV/H´s T-shelter design and BOQ). The shelter structure is atop a 4x5.7m reinforced concrete pad made of crushed aggregate from Port au Prince. The design includes several climactic and risk reduction features, such as a double-pitched roof of around 40 degrees, and diagonal wall bracing.
The cement board is imported and reported to be pressure treated24. All shelter materials are prepared outside the site and sent in pre-fabricated shelter kits. WV/H reports that 98% of the T- shelter materials procured are fully utilized in the construction. Information on how waste wood is disposed was unavailable.
WV/H T-shelters have a 5m lateral spacing and a 4m road to their front and back, separating the rows of shelters and providing 30m2 for each person. Each plot size is 7.5x9m. They are offset to break wind and provide more privacy for families. Shelters are built to be wind and flood resistant and to last approximately 2-5 years.
The IOM T-shelter design, which is currently being constructed in Corail Sector 3, are 4.97x3.75m (18.6m2 living area), with a 2x4 frame, 2x2 wall bracings and cement board walls, local corrugated iron/zinc (CGI) metal roofing gauge 26 and 28, two windows and one door (see Annex I.6 for IOM T-shelter design and BOQ). Material fabrication is completed at Sector 3 site entrance. The timber footings for the shelter structure are treated with Zincomat, containing the active ingredient of Zinc Naphthenate. A plan to dispose of generated waste wood or used pesticide containers was unavailable.
The design incorporates several climactic and risk reduction design features, such as the use of screws as opposed to regular nails, metal strapping at joints (1/8”thick and 1¼”wide), uses diagonal bracing for walls, doors are located away from load bearing corners of structure, a double-pitched roof of 30 degrees, openings for ventilation on three sides of structure and openings under roof peak to allow for heat escape. The shelters are spaced with a 5m lateral distance and 2.5m distance from front to back.
23 Note that a storm on 26 September 2010 damaged an estimated 111 tents at the site, and occupants were moved to T-shelters in Sector 3. 24 Further information on pressure treatment was not available at the time of the report. 27
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Water Facilities and Water Supply Sector 4 relies on a well located 12km away for potable water. The service is organized by Oxfam. Well water is chlorinated and tankered to the site to fill the thirteen 15,000 liter bladders located within Sector 4. It was reported that tankers carry 11,356 liters each and arrive to the site up to 12 times a day, depending on the need. This information indicates that the total water provided to the site is 138,432 liters/day or approximately 21 liters/person/day based on a planned site population of 6,600. Populations neighboring the site also use the water source, so the actual per capita availability may be substantially less.
Water is tested for chlorine content and data is collected for every truck arriving to the distribution sites. The total dissolved solid (TDS) is expected to be 350 and 400 PPM of chlorine for potable water. Water bladders are set atop timber and stone structures to elevate them off the ground. The water bladder is designed to not require further coverage or shading. In attempts to diminish the heating of the water, Oxfam has increased the distribution frequency and diminished the quantity of each refill. Oxfam routinely washes the water bladders and has full-time personnel on-site monitoring water levels at distribution sites.
Most water for bathing, cooking, cleaning and drinking is sourced from the 13 water distribution sites located within Sector 4. It appears that many site residents purchase water for drinking, as is common in urban areas of Haiti. Discussions with site residents indicate that many believe the water in the bladders is not safe to drink, a concern that has increased since the recent outbreak of Cholera. There is at least one reverse osmosis water store located adjacent to the site, but testing of this water has not yet been undertaken.
Another water source was recently identified in Boucan Brou where there are two wells, 5km from the site, which could provide water suitable for bathing, though slightly salty. Oxfam is exploring the possibility of improving the infrastructure for an existing GoH-installed water system (underground pipes, etc.), and converting it into a permanent water system for Corail. Oxfam reports that plans and finances are in place for the installation of this water source. However they are awaiting permission to proceed from DINEPA (National Directorate on Potable Water and Hygiene).
Washing Facilities No washing facilities for clothes exist at Sector 4. Residents either wash their clothes somewhere near their shelters or near one of the water bladders.
Shower and Hand-Washing Facilities Shower stalls, provided by Oxfam, are in locations distant from water bladders, and generally located on the outer boundary of each of the 6 blocks. There is approximately one shower stall provided for every 50 residents. Each shower area includes 4 individual bathing stalls, 2 for females and 2 for males. Signs indicating specific gender use have been vandalized and are no longer legible. Residents use 5 gallon buckets to bathe, often around water sources or their tents, rather than using shower stalls.
Plastic drum hand washing facilities were installed in the beginning stages of the site, also by Oxfam. Due to vandalism (plastic covers being robbed), there are not any hand washing stations currently in use. Oxfam plans to install metal wash stations with a screw-on cover. These facilities were replaced by metal drums on stands (noted late October 2010).
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Cooking Facilities Fuel efficient wood or charcoal powered “StoveTec” household stoves have been provided to every tent along with other kitchen items. Open flames are being used within the shelters. No fuel is being provided to residents and the lack of sustainable fuel sources has been noted as a problem in Sector 4. Local fuel sources direct as biomass or processed into charcoal, are limited and unsustainable.
Toilets/Latrines A total of 240 unlined, ventilated pit latrines constructed of wood-framed cabins, corrugated aluminum walls and pits reinforced with timber and aluminum have been installed in Sector 4 by Oxfam (see Annex I.2). A total of 16 latrines are dedicated for school use and 6 and 4 handicap latrines, by Handicap, are in Block 4 and Block 2 respectively to match the distribution of residents who require handicap facilities (see Annex 1.3).
All latrine facilities have a small-scale roof-water catchment system using gutters and a storage barrel. The harvested rainwater is used to clean the latrines 3 times a week by the 6 families designated to use each latrine.
Oxfam has organized sewage disposal three times a week. Further information on the transportation and location of sewage disposal was unavailable.
Oxfam is beginning to build a ventilated, improved pit (VIP) latrine that has a concrete block-lined pit (without a base floor), a fill time of 3-5 years and total volume of 6.3m3. There is a set of 4 stalls in each latrine area, each stall with a 1.2x1m space (see Annex I.1). A plan for latrine construction was not available at the time of the report.
Four sanitation and hygiene committees have been organized by Oxfam to arrange hand-washing campaigns, competitions and other social activities to promote sanitation.
Infrastructure for Children UNOPS has constructed 9 concrete and block classrooms designed by UMCOR in Block 2 (see Annex I.10 for classroom design). Plan International and Save the Children are implementing education programs for children ages 0-5 and for primary school-aged children respectively. PRODEV has designed and will be constructing a library on the northwest corner of the classrooms. On the south end of the site, there has been a children´s playground installed. Further recreation and sport facilities are planned.
Health There is one health center in Sector 4, open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 2pm. There is not a sustainable water supply provided to the health center. A management plan for solid, liquid and hazardous medical waste was not available at the time of the report.
There is an ambulance on call 24 hours a day. If a resident is referred to an exterior health center, the cost of the ambulance and medical treatment will be covered. If residents attend without a referral, all costs incurred are the responsibility of the patient.
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
The initial health facilities were constructed using provisional portable shelters. From the initial site visits, these shelters are reportedly being replaced with more substantial wooden frame structures. However, these structures do not appear to be designed to resist strong winds.
There is no system in place for corpse removal.
Markets Several small markets have developed from resident initiative selling basic products in small quantities. The nearest formal market is over 5km from the site.
Livelihoods/Agriculture Individual residents have begun some commercial establishments, such as bars, restaurants, barbershops, etc. Squatters and a few residents have fenced areas for animals and begun agricultural practices.
FAO is running a small scale gardening project producing okra and swiss chard in the south end of the site. Further information was not available.
Office Space for Site Management The American Refugee Committee (ARC) Site Management Team is using a prototype T-shelter space with limited furniture as an office. The office is in Block 2 of Corail Sector 4.
Storage Space The World Food Programme has a storage tent on the south end of the site.
Religious Considerations No spiritual or culturally sensitive areas have developed or have been identified around Corail Sector 4. Although there is no church facility established at the site, locations for religious services are evident in the neighboring informal settlement areas.
Open Space for General Use Each of the 6 blocks has communal space planned. Information on communal space measurements, use and responsible parties for management and maintenance was unavailable.
Provision of Feeding/Food (general and targeted) Food was regularly distributed for all residents in the beginning months, but this practice has been stopped. WV/H has constructed a wooden community kitchen in Block 2, near the 9 classrooms, where a hot meal is provided to children age 5-12 once a day. Small supplement quantities are provided to malnourished children in the health center. Outside of these services there is no regular food distribution on the site.
Facility Construction and Connections Flow Chart No information is available for Corail Sector 4.
Plans and Programs Site Management As site management in Corail Sector 3 and 4, ARC is responsible to; 1) Provide overall management of service delivery for the selected camp, including but not limited to coordination with other
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IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010 organizations that are able to provide assistance (food, water and sanitation, health care, protection, etc.); 2) Provide necessary camp management services as described in the attached proposal; 3)Monitor developments in the camp and provide updated information to IOM of developments, possible problems, and proposed solutions.
A Corail Committee meeting is held every Friday at 1 pm on site with attendance from implementing partners and lead by Site Management. An agenda is distributed at the beginning of the meeting and minutes are sent out via email to everyone present. Contacts from NGOs working in Corail is in the Implementing Entities Roles and Responsibilities found in section 2.5.
Support on Environment Management and Protection There is no designated support on environmental management issues for the site, although UNEP or the Ministry of the Environment can be asked for assistance.
Involvement of Site Residents in Site Management No information available.
Site Evacuation Plan There is currently no written and posted plan, but it has been confirmed that the GoH is the only entity entitled to call for an evacuation of the site. Government authorities have informed the site management and residents that there are emergency shelters identified. However, it was reported that location of these sites has not been widely disseminated due to a concern that evacuation site capacities are less than the number of people who will want to evacuate and the sites could be overloaded by spontaneous evacuations.
Vector Management Disinfectants have been applied to areas surrounding the site to reduce vectors.
Training Programs in Place IOM facilitated disaster risk reduction training to 16 ARC community liaisons/animators charged with information distribution to residents block by block. The training included messages to be disseminated to site residents and methodologies to prepare for natural phenomena. Methodologies included risk mapping, shelter management, early warning system, family safety and first aid. First-aid training is planned for the near future.
Security and Protection A police substation manned by a combination of United Nations Police (UNPOL) and Haiti National Police (PNH) provides security for Corail on a 24 hr. basis. The substation is located on the east side of the site management office. There is also a MINUSTAH unit stationed at the site on a 24 hr. basis. No specific organization has responsibility for protection issues.
Site Maintenance Programs There are no site maintenance plans currently available.
Decommissioning Plan There is not a site decommissioning plan yet available. IOM reports that 70% of their T-shelters can be deconstructed and relocated by the owners. (Note above that site residents own the T- shelters but not the land on which they sit.)
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3. SCOPING RESULTS AND ISSUES
3.1. PEA Scoping Results The PEA Scoping for Corail Sector 4 identified a total of 72 specific issues grouped into seven broad headings as summarized below. The Scoping Statement was prepared during two periods (21 to 27 June and 30 August to 6 September 2010). The Statement is based on visits to the Corail Sector 4 relocation site, other relocation sites, interviews, and document reviews. The initial Scoping issues were presented to Corail Sector 4 representatives and to NGOs working at the site in a site management meeting for comments. Subsequently, a draft Scoping Statement was shared with ARC (as site manager), IOM, World Vision, Oxfam and USAID, with final approval from USAID provided on 23 September 2010.
Scoping Topic Scoping Issues Site Safety and Lack of fire safety plans Security Minimal site lighting at night Lack of a comprehensive security plan Weak hurricane preparedness Management-Related Lack of clarity on roles, responsibilities and links between Issues organizations Limited GoH involvement Lack of a legal structure for developing and managing relocation sites Lack of medium or long term plans or policy Lack of environmental management expertise Site Planning and Inappropriate per capita space allocations for a transitional site Development Creation of a growth pole for the neighboring informal settlements Lack of a decommissioning plan Water25 Future options for water supply which pose significant social, environmental and political challenges Concerns about whether water is safe to drink Sanitation Open field defecation Challenges with the current system of latrines and sanitation Issues related to the eventual placement of permanent latrines in a temporary site Hygiene Challenges with post-defecation hand washing Cleanliness issues in showers Drainage Incomplete drainage structures which are not well managed Water ponding Tent placement across the slope which can impede drainage Lack of clarity as to whether drainage canals are adequate or may lead to flash flood damage elsewhere Shelter T-shelters located too close together
25 An earlier issue with water supply to the health facility at Corail 4 has been resolved based on inspection of the facility water system. 32
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Shelter pads constructed out of reinforced concrete Shelter maintenance plans are incomplete Health26 Heat-stress where shelters are in full sun No communal shade on the site Population-density issues related to spread of infection (too many families sharing toilet and bathing facilities) Distrust of water tanked in from unknown (to the resident population) sources Unknown causes of diarrhea Livelihoods Very few livelihood opportunities Poor food security Unsustainable or excessive exploitation of natural resources near the site Other Issues at Corail Lack of clarity in the sourcing of natural resources used for Sector 4 construction Lack of a sustainable electrical power supply for the site Links between conditions at the site and in neighboring areas in terms of services (e.g., water, health care) Impact these services have on attracting and holding people in the areas near the site Other Issues related Sites on slopes less than 2% posing threats from flooding to any temporary Localized flooding from poor drainage relocation site Slopes greater than 12% raising issues of personal safety (falls and development in Haiti fire); erosion and water management; mass movement management and mitigation; reinforcement of access infrastructure Wind hazard mitigation and other site specific issues Inclusion of household-level space for economic/livelihoods activities in site plans for urban and peri-urban areas The Scoping results are discussed further in Section 6.1 Environment Impact of Proposed Action. The full Scoping Statement can be found in Annex J.
Following the Scoping and based on ensuing discussions with the Government and humanitarian actors in Haiti, it became apparent that there did not exist a clear policy with regards to terminating the temporary relocation sites or transforming the sites into permanent settlements. This policy gap making planning for the further development of the Corail sites difficult, was one of the issues raised in the “PEA Integration Workshop” (23-24 November 2010) and was one of the key action points from the workshop (see Annex A for the Workshop report and action plan).
3.2. Issues Related to the PEA Scoping Review There are four issues which should be noted about the Scoping. First, the Scoping was conducted on an urgent basis and relied primarily on site visits, interviews and discussions with key informants. It was not able to access extensive expected written documentation about the planning and development of the Corail Sector 4 location. The process of documenting the
26 Gender-based violence was not covered in the assessment. 33
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010 development and current state of the site was also challenged by the rotation of staff involved in the site (e.g., three site management coordinators in three months).
Second, the Corail Sector 4 site was developed as part of the urgent relocation of earthquake displaced from highly hazardous sites within Port au Prince. As a result, planning for the relocation was not able to fully comply with humanitarian standards (e.g., the allocation of 30m2 per person) and some infrastructure on the site was not complete before residents were moved to the site (e.g., drainage system and culverts). As a result, work is on-going at Corail to upgrade facilities at the site to minimal standards and some of the Scoping issues may be addressed in the near future.
Third, activities at Corail Sector 4 are explicitly linked to the presence of a considerable informal resettlement surrounding the site. This informal community uses, to some degree, facilities and services available at Corail Sector 4 (e.g., water, food aid for children, medical care). If Corail Sector 4 did not exist, then the viability of some of the informal settlements, and their impact on the local environment, would likely be reduced. The Scoping did not address the indirect impacts of the presence of the site’s facilities and services on increasing human occupation, and environmental impact, resulting from the neighboring informal settlements, due to a lack of time.
Finally, it is presumed that the issues identified in the Scoping for Coral Sector 4 could be applicable to any future temporary relocation site in Haiti. This presumes that (a) the level of resources which have been made available for Corail Sector 4 will be the same in future temporary relocation sites and (b) future relocation sites will be established in an emergency and partially ad hoc basis. Fewer resources for future temporary relocation sites may result in more outstanding environmental issues. More time to plan relocation sites might result in more potential environmental issues being addressed before the site is operational.
4. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
4.1. Overview USAID Environmental Regulation 216 requires that environmental assessments describe the environment to be affected. This Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is intended to be a tool for the site selection and design of all temporary resettlement areas in Haiti; as such, this PEA includes a brief overview of environmental factors as related to resettlement in the country as a whole. Following the country overview, this assessment includes specific environmental characteristics of the Decreed Land Area (DLA) and on Corail Sector 4 where appropriate27.
4.2. General Characteristics The Republic of Haiti is a mountainous country occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, in the greater Antillean Archipelago. The country lies in Caribbean/Atlantic tropical storm belt and hurricanes often cause direct damage to the country due to high winds, flooding and landslides. Several geological fault lines run through the country, making the country vulnerable to seismic activity as occurred on 12 January 2010. More detailed descriptions of the environment of Haiti can be found in Smucker et al, and Swartley and Toussaint.
27 An outline of this section, in conjunction with the report on Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning for Temporary Relocation and Resettlement Sites prepared by SMTN for the IOM/Haiti in July 2010, provides a starting point for the assessment of macro-level environmental factors during the selection of sites outside of the DLA and Corail. 34
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
The DLA is located within the northwestern part of the Cul de Sac Plain, very close to the mountain range Chaine des Matheux, about 16km north of downtown Port au Prince. The Cul de Sac Plain is, on average, a 12km wide lowland that stretches from southeastern Haiti to the southwestern Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic, the area is known as Hoya de Enriquillo. The Cul de Sac/Hoya de Enriquillo area is bounded by mountains on both its north and south extremes. The plain stands, on average, at no more than 50m above sea level (Burbank, et al, 1924).
4.3. Physical Characteristics Climate and Rainfall In Haiti, the climate is tropical yet mostly semi-arid, with large variations in rainfall depending on location. On average, the temperature typically varies from between 13 and 30°C with a deviation of .75°C per 100 meters of elevation.
In January, Port au Prince, including the DLA and the Cul de Sac Plain, averages a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to an average maximum of 31°C (88°F); and in July, from 25–35°C (77–95°F). Rainfall is typically heavier in some of the lowlands and on the northern and eastern slopes of the mountains. Port au Prince receives an average annual rainfall of 137cm (54in). There are two rainy seasons, April-June and October-November. The Atlantic hurricane season officially takes place between 1 June and 30 October (Nation’s Encyclopedia).
Cul de Sac/Hoya de Enriquillo passes between two bodies of water (the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf du Gonave). The area itself is very dry, leading to diurnal flows of air up (heated, during the afternoon and evening) and down (cool during evening and night) the mountains on either side of the Cul de Sac/Hoya de Enriquillo area. These conditions make the Cul de Sac/Hoya de Enriquillo area a conduit for winds, which can be strong at times.
Rainfall is relatively less frequent on the north side of the Cul de Sac (the mountains behind Port au Prince tend to block the flow of moisture); however, if a low pressure wave moves across Hispaniola (as is common during the hurricane season) then local heavy rainfall and winds are possible.
Agro-Ecological Zones The Convention on Biological Diversity28 Haiti country profile reports that according to the Holdridge classification, Haiti has nine agro-ecological zones which support a diversity of forest formations. The most extensive zone in Haiti is “subtropical moist forest,” although subsistence farming has wiped out the majority of natural forest in the zone (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006). A summary of the Holdridge life zone classification for Haiti can be found on the following page (Table from Smucker, et al).
Within the DLA itself, four separate agro-ecological zones technically exist; however the majority of the area consists of dry, semi-arid plains (FAO, 2010).
28 http://www.cbd.int/countries/?country=ht 35
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
Holdridge Life Zone Classification - Haiti
1. Subtropical Thorn Woodland: Semi-desert conditions, 550mm of rain, xerophytic forest dominated by Prosopis juliflora and other dry species. This life zone is typical of the cacti formations of the northwestern peninsula. In the Northwest, this life zone includes relatively large blocks of unassigned state land that are sparsely populated, marked by open range grazing, and mined for wood resources. 2. Subtropical Dry Forest: This is Haiti’s second largest life zone and one identified by the Ministry of Agriculture as a high priority. Under 400 meters in elevation, highly productive where soils are deep and irrigation available as in the Cul-de-Sac Plain near Port au Prince has supported large sisal plantations and extensive stands of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite). Other areas of Subtropical Dry Forest are found along the southern coast, the Northwest, Northeast, and lower Artibonite 3. Subtropical Moist Forest: This is the most extensive life zone in Haiti and supports the majority of small peasant farms and widespread cultivation of mangos and avocados. The common association of avocados with mangos in this Life Zone suggests that avocados are an under-exploited market opportunity since this is the prime production zone for export quality mango Françisque. Characteristic trees include mahogany, tropical oak (Catalpa longissima), and royal palm. This Life Zone prevails on the Central Plateau and alluvial plains in the north, center, and south. 4. Subtropical Wet Forest: Calcareous soils. Covers low-altitude mountain ridges and small mountains along the northern and southern coasts of Haiti and portions of the Central Plateau. Supports coffee, cocoa, and rubber. 5. Subtropical Rain Forest: Lower altitudes of the Massif de la Hotte (southern peninsula), heavy rainfall but not productive for farming, under agrarian pressures and very susceptible to erosion. 6. Subtropical Lower Montane Moist Forest: Mountainous areas such as Kenscoff, 800-2000 meters in elevation. Well suited for cultivation of potatoes and other vegetables when using hillside conservation structures. 7. Subtropical Lower Montane Wet Forest: This zone includes most of the remaining pine forest in Haiti and should be protected and managed for sustained production of Pinus occidentalis. 8. Subtropical Lower Montane Rain Forest: Limited area in the high ranges of La Selle including pines and evergreen broadleaf forest. 9. Subtropical Montane Wet Forest: Similar to Life Zone number 8.
Flood, Erosion and Population Risk Environmental change and poor watershed management have increased the frequency of flooding and its adverse effects on the population (Smucker, 2006). Flooding in May 2004 killed more than 2,000 people in Fonds-Verettes and Mapou; Tropical Storm Jeanne killed over 2,000 people in Gonaïves and Port de Paix in September 2004. The 2008 hurricane season was also especially devastating, with over 800 deaths.
According to a GIS-based analysis of Haiti’s different watersheds carried out by the University of Florida, the Cul de Sac watershed is ranked the highest for population vulnerability in all of Haiti. According to the study, population vulnerability represents the intersection between population density information and a flood prone area map and allows for an estimate of the population exposed to flooding (Smith and Hersey, 2008).
Flash flooding is a major possibility within the northern parts of the Cul de Sac Plain, where water may flow from the Chaine des Matheux mountain range during heavy rainfall. Heavy rains can occur when low pressure waves move across Hispaniola, which is fairly common during the hurricane season (June-November). Flooding also depends on whether soils have been saturated from earlier rainfall.
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Geology, Topography and Soils The epicenter of the 12 January 2010 earthquake in Haiti was located just south of the Enriquillo- Plantain Garden Fault. This fault is the southernmost of two large east-west trending faults in Haiti that bear the stress of the convergence of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates (NASA, 2010). There is a third, smaller east-west trending fault that is located slightly north of the DLA within the Chaine des Matheux mountain range.
The soil of Haiti shows great diversity. The geological substrate is constituted mainly of limestone and basalt sediments. The five categories of sedimentary rock in Haiti are the following: 1) ultra- basic soils containing heavy metals; 2) soil igneous extrusive on limestone soil; 3) soil igneous intrusive on limestone soil; 4) sedimentary; and 5) alluvial soils (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006).
The soils within the DLA and in most of urban Port au Prince come from marine sediments, limestone, basalt, and alluvium and form steep slopes. In the DLA, most of the slopes have been cleared of all vegetation and soils are typically of extremely fragile depth and fertility. Within the area two main rivers exist. They are the Grise and Blanche Rivers, located on the south side of the Cul de Sac. These two perennial rivers almost completely disappear during the dry season, while their flow can reach the Gulf de Gonave during the rainy season. Riviere Grise has an average annual discharge (mean daily flow) of 3.97m3/second during high flow (European Commission, 2010).29 Information on the average annual discharge of the Blanche River could not be obtained during this PEA.
4.4. Protected Land Areas Only 0.3% of the land area of Haiti is included within the existing protected area system. The GoH target is to increase this total to 2% of national territory. The total protected land areas in Haiti is around 7,000 hectares (Earthtrends, 2003). None of these areas are located within the DLA.
4.5. Biodiversity According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Haitian mainland and satellite islands contain several endemic species. Southwest Haiti’s high ridge (the Massif de la Hotte), including Pic Macaya National Park, is considered to be a prominent center of biodiversity in the Caribbean. More than 2,000 species of vertebrates have been documented, of which 75% are considered endemic.30
Significant studies have not been completed regarding the threatened species that reside within the Cul de Sac Region. However, within the whole country, out of the approximate 5,672 different species of higher plants, mammals, breeding birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, 56 of these were considered threatened in 2002 (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006). Given the extensive degradation of the land in the DLA from past agricultural use and present land pressure from squatters and temporary resettlement actions, it is highly unlikely that threatened species would be found within the DLA.
29 http://wwww.reliefweb.int/rw/RWFiles2010.nsf/FilesByRWDocUnidFilename/SKEA-82WDL9- full_report.pdf/$File/full_report.pdf 30 http://www.cbd.int/countries/?country=ht 37
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
4.6. Forest Resources and Vegetative Cover According to 1998 satellite imagery, 9.2% of Haiti’s land area was natural vegetation, consisting of 1.3% forest, 7.3% savanna, and 0.6% mangrove estuaries (Smucker, 2006). In 1990, 600km2 in Haiti were classified as dense forest cover, or 2.2 percent of the total land area. By 2004, only 338km2 was under dense forest cover (1.0%). 20% of the land area is under sylvo-pastoral conditions (grazed brush land and savanna), which is being constantly degraded due to overgrazing and charcoal cutting (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006).
One of the most apparent effects of the uncontrolled deforestation in Haiti has been soil degradation and erosion. According to USAID estimates, an estimated 15,000 acres (61km2) of topsoil are washed away each year, with erosion also damaging other productive infrastructure such as dams, irrigation systems, roads, and coastal marine ecosystems (USAID Activity Data Sheet, 1999).
Vegetative species in the DLA include Antillean Mahogany (Swietenia ahogani), Hogplum (Spondias mombin), Phyllostylon brasilensis and Lignum vitae. Parts of this area have been irrigated, and have proven to be productive where soils are deep. Sisal and mesquite are two types of successful crops, as was sugar cane which was grown across most of the western part of the Cul du Sac (Swartley and Touissant, 2006).
4.7. Human Environment Demographics As evidenced in the Chart Key Socio-Economic Indicators, Haiti has the worst socioeconomic indicators in the Western Hemisphere (USAID Haiti Strategy Statement, 2006).
Haiti is experiencing rapid rates of urban migration, even before the January 2010 earthquake. This “premature urbanization” results from an unproductive agricultural sector (Smucker, 2006). While many city dwellers moved out of the Port au Prince region during the months immediately following the earthquake, many have returned to the capital.
Comprehensive demographic data specific to Corail is not publically available. However, most residents have come from Port au Prince. Key Socio-Economic Indicators
General Physical Environment 149 out of 182 countries ranked by UNDP Human 98% of original forest cover has been cut Development Index (0.532) 0.3% of total land area designated as protected land Total Population (Pop.) – 9,203,083 Pop. growth rate – 1.84% Children and Education Income School enrollment – 50-55% children not enrolled Per capita annual income – $660 Illiteracy - 38% of pop. over 15 years old Pop. Living below the poverty line – 80% (2003) Up to 173,000 children regularly exploited as Pop. Living on less than $1.25 per day – 55% domestic workers
Food, Water and Sanitation Health Proportion of Pop. without sustainable access to an Life expectancy – 61 years improved drinking water source – 58% Infant mortality rate – 58.07 deaths/1,000 live births
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Proportion of Pop. without sustainable access to Births attended by trained professional – 27% improved excreta disposal – 19% Adults (ages 15-49) infected with HIV or AIDS (2001) Food security indicator – 1.8 million people food – 6.1% insecure Agriculture Infrastructure Arable and permanent cropland as a percent of total Access to electricity – 12.5% (*45% in Port Au land area – 32.8% Prince) Percent of cropland that is irrigated – 8.2% 4,160 km of road, of which 1,011 km paved
4.8. Land Use Of Haiti’s total land area of 2,756,000 hectares (27,560 square kms, 10,714 square miles), in 2008, 1,790,000 hectares were classified as agricultural area. Of this, arable land and permanent crops made up 1,300,000 hectares, while permanent pastures and meadows made up 490 hectares.31
The DLA has a dry semi-arid climate and in parts is not easily used for agriculture production. Within the DLA, there are several artisan (and unofficial) quarries used to extract limestone and gravel, close to National Route 1 and north of the Corail area. There are also several informal settlements and debris waste sites that have been established throughout the DLA since the January 12 earthquake. It has been reported that spiritually sensitive areas are located close to, or within, the Chaine des Matheux Mountains.
The Cul de Sac Plain previously contained some of the largest sugarcane plantations in Haiti, covering an estimated 30,000 hectares. These plantations were owned and managed by Haitian- American Sugar Company and The Société Haitiano-Américaine de Dévelopment Agricole.32
4.9. Political Environment While a full assessment of the Haitian political environment is well beyond the scope of this PEA, three political issues could directly affect the future of the Corail site: 1. The presidential elections, scheduled for November 28, 2010 and the runoffs on January 16, 2011, may cause significant delays in decision making to address outstanding issues facing Corail, for instance, the determination of the future of the site and authorizations for NGOs working at the site. 2. A new administration many change policies on permanent resettlement and temporary relocation, and either void or more strictly enforce the DLA. 3. Political campaigning may use the conditions in Corail as an example of good or poor management of the post-disaster relief, and these actions may have impacts on site conditions (e.g., increased tensions).
Given the uncertainties of the political process in Haiti, the interaction of the political environment and conditions at Corail will need continual monitoring.
31 http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=377&lang=en#ancor 32 Coupeau, Steve. The History of Haiti. Greenwood Press, 2008. Pp. 74-75. 39
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
4.10. Land Tenure Land tenure is a key issue for resettlement programs in Haiti. The history of land ownership in Haiti complicates current efforts to identify and establish rights to land. Further compounding the issue, significant legal documentation, including deeds themselves, may have been destroyed in the 12 January 2010 earthquake. If land ownership is unclear, NGOs might limit assistance to live-saving or life-supporting relief and not make longer commitments to a sustainable provision of services. Even though the land in the DLA is covered by a government decree, uncertainty about the duration of the site or the ultimate destination of the current residents may blunt efforts to properly institutionalizing services and increase the level of local management and governance at Corail.33
Although the DLA was set aside for the explicit purpose of resettlement of populations displaced by the 12 January 2010 earthquake (see Decree in Annex B), litigation about ownership will continue to shape the direction of resettlement in the DLA. In August, The Ministry of Finance published a local newspaper announcement indicating that the land in the DLA was under government control and agencies working in the DLA needed to register with the Ministry (see Annex O).
5. ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED ACTION
5.1. No Action34 The No Action Alternative does not address the immediate humanitarian need for actions to improve the safety of 37,200 disaster survivors. If no action is taken then the issues identified in the Scoping and subsequent assessment and planning work (e.g., the PEA Integration Workshop action plan) will not be addressed. As a result, the living conditions of Corail residents are not expected to be any better, and could likely be worse, than the locations from which they originally came.
Further, if the requirements and guidance of Alternative A (i.e., the Model Plan) are not followed for other temporary relocation sites in Haiti, then conditions in these sites will be below minimum humanitarian standards, resulting in unnecessary negative environmental impacts and human suffering.
33 See Land tenure issues in rural Haiti: Review of the Evidence, http://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/34172, for more background on land tenure issues in Haiti. 34 Note that in the terminology used in for USAID environmental reviews, “no action” means that the proposed action does not take place. In this case, it would mean no temporary relocation sites would be established. 40
IOM Haiti Temporary Relocation Program PEA December 29, 2010
5.2. Alternatives Table Resettlement PEA Alternative Facility/Installation/Action Matrix Alternative Benefits Negative Impacts Cost facility/installation/action Water Supply Provides easy and no-low cost access to water for Rainwater roof catchment and sanitation use Without vector control storage container Low reservoirs Reduces demand on other public water sources options, can be a vector breeding site Waste water can be used for gardening Water at several sites in the DLA has been identified as salty Over pumping of water may lead to salt water encroachment Without proper mitigation and management Drill well Provides a reliable source of water High water source can become contaminated and a vector breeding ground Water from underground reservoirs in the DLA may have to be treated in order for it to be potable Salt water intrusion Arsenic/Mercury poisoning Deep well Provides a reliable source of water High Increase cost of water supplies in the future Soil erosion Can be accessed using buckets Can be overused/depleted Shallow well Moderate Provides a reliable source of water Subject to contamination Feasibility study needed to determine spring capacity Spring capping system Potentially the most sustainable, long-term option Without proper mitigation and management, High water source can become contaminated and a vector breeding ground
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System can pump and purify an average of 30,000 gallons each day at a cost of less than one penny per High volume "mobile max pure" solar gallon. This calculation includes capital costs and all water purification units consumables over the course of the first year Moderate Requires operational and maintenance training After year 1 the cost reduces to fractions of a penny per to high http://www.worldwatersolar.com/2- gallon because the capital outlay has been paid off maxpure.html Easily transportable, and can be moved to future, permanent residential sites This is not a sustainable long-term option Transport represents very high costs and pollution levels Residents will not be able to afford this option Tankering Provides potable water to residents at 15L/person/day High without subsidization of a implementing organization Residents using tankering services report that water sometimes causes diarrhea problems Leakage from pipes/wastage from taps Risk of presence of microorganism potential Reticulated water systems (local Moderate Accessibility to water cause disease water source) to high Hot water taps may contain more dissolved minerals and metals due to the heating process Vector Control
Improve sanitation and waste Builds the capacity of a user/maintenance committee to management including training on perform routine checks and cleaning of latrines, hygienic behavior and public showers and washing stations Low announcement campaign using Ensures an adequate agreement/plan exists for waste posters/radio announcements removal and transportation
Integrated pest management Resources needed for effective IPM strategy may Reduces presence of pests Low approach be difficult to access/find The use of chemical products, in general, is not Pesticide spraying (use of low toxicity recommended as it can affect human and Reduces presence of pests Moderate products) environmental health adversely Unsafe disposal of product containers may occur
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Application of insecticides or May contaminate ground water supply and cause Directly controls vectors Moderate larvicides into toilets and latrines human health problems Sewage Management Systems Largely untested in disaster response situations and in Haiti One of most advanced latrine designs Requires physical removal which increases Reduces moisture content and vector risks handler exposure to pathogens Allows for composting of solid waste and nutrient Without a demand for nutrients, there is less Double vault/separation latrines High recycling incentive for added labor required for manual Uses no water, limiting potential for groundwater removal contamination To operate effectively, it requires education and training on how to use the system before construction can begin Low short Quick construct Unsuitable where water table is high term, Use without water for flushing Unsuitable for use by more than 20 people per medium Lined with cement or brick to reduce seepage and day long term Ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines groundwater contamination Unsuitable in rocky areas or where digging is due to Possibility for family ownership unfeasible need for Ventilation and trap screen along with defecation hole Once filled, requires reclamation of area and additional building a new one lid reduces odor and vector breeding construction Provides renewable energy source Reduces volume of waste to be disposed Partially treats waste Cultural barriers to using methane from human waste Does not need water Moderate Bio-gas digesters Inorganic waste could clog sewage removal if a Can be above ground or below ground design depending to High filter is not included in design and maintenance on land and soil conditions of the filter is not done on a regular basis May have lower long term cost relative to other options One treatment system from multiple toilet/latrines Well established technology Not suitable for rocky or impenetrable soils Septic tank systems (either Can be designed to meet a variety of population sizes Generally needs water for flushing High household or for communal facilities) Reduces amount of sludge and disposal of sewage Potential groundwater contamination Quick to make operational May not be familiar to users “Porta-Potties” Easy to maintain and clean Can be subject to damage in winds High (portable toilets) Often provided by commercial suppliers who will assure “Chemical” toilets should be avoided as disposing
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maintenance, cleaning and disposal of sewage of chemically treated sewage is difficult to do in an environmentally sound manner Requires special equipment for extraction of sewage and disposal. Actual location of sewage disposal may be hard to control and can lead to environmental degradation Increases latrine access for disabled persons and Handicap/child friendly Use of facilities by non-target groups Moderate children Individual ownership usually results in improved maintenance Families may lack resources to properly maintain Family ownership n/a Lower health risks and ensure hygienic latrine space Increased likelihood of latrine use Community can monitor and help with needed repairs Maintenance responsibilities are difficult to Communal latrines De-sludging and waste disposal services can be acquired n/a define and enforce at lower cost with assistance of community Hygiene Encourages good hygiene Need to address waste water issue and Hand washing stations Low Reduces environmental and health risks availability of water Encourages good hygiene Need to address waste water issue and Showers – household level Reduces environmental and health risks availability of water Reduces risk of gender-based violence Encourages good hygiene Reduces risk of disease spread Hygiene awareness Low
Buildings35 Allows for easier division of floor space into two rooms; T-Shelter: “shotgun” design (longer one for parents and one for children More construction materials are required than in High than wide) Facilitates expansion and additions to existing structure square design Moderate level of local employment T-Shelter: “square” design (sides of Less materials required than for “shotgun” design Division of floor space is more difficult High almost equal length) Moderate level of local employment Shelter expansion difficult
35 Note that treated timber should NOT be used for the interiors of buildings or where it is likely to come into contact with humans or other animals. 44
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Requires transport to site, involving trucking, marine transport and associate costs, carbon output and time Design may not be acceptable to users Easy to assemble Requires foundation and other site works Can be built off-site with sustainably sourced materials May take time to be available on site 36 Waste managed in an environmentally sound manner Prefabricated kits (of any design) Structure materials may degrade over time if not High Energy costs can be minimized designed for weather conditions specific to the Can be moved within, or removed from site, with site, such as high winds, sun exposure, need for minimal effort ventilation, fire resistance, etc. Without a solid foundation structure can be compromised if sited in a flood prone area or an area without proper drainage Constructed to space available and requirements at the Potentially more difficult to deconstruct (e.g., if time of erection designed as a storm shelter) and could lead to Designed to meet local weather conditions and hazards Constructed on-site permanency High (e.g., high winds) Some structures (e.g., clinics) will require Provides potential emergency shelter (e.g., using additional infrastructure to function properly concrete, blocks and reinforced roof) Easy to construct (e.g., wooden poles, plastic sheeting May be hard to make resistant to severe weather roof) Can lead to conflict over space use Shade structure: shed Low Provides space for meetings and communal events Materials (poles) may not be sourced sustainably Reduces heat stress and climate extremes If enclosed, space may present protection issues Constructed with minimal resources (e.g., hung between Poles to erect the nets may not come from existing buildings) sustainable sources. Shade structure: shade nets Simple decommissioning during severe weather Low Can lead to conflict over space Provides shaded space for meetings, markets or other Difficult to make resistant to sever weather communal events Garbage Management Valuable source of nutrients for soil Reduction of waste Composting Low Improve local environmental conditions Composting plan required Low maintenance Reduction/recycling/reuse program Reduces the volume of unsustainable garbage disposal Waste staging sites in camps can pose health and Low to
36 Most T-shelters in Haiti have some prefabricated sections. This group of T-shelters would be fully manufactured outside of Haiti, with only a minimal labor constructing site. 45
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(extension of normal garbage Increases organization and effectiveness of trash safety risk to nearby residents and risk of moderate collection) collection and disposal environmental impacts Reduces risk of waste causing environmental damage Sites may not be of equal distance to all residents Reduces household/individual expenditures in long term causing discontent and reducing chance of Improves household and residential area sanitation and residents using receptacles safety Needs effective public information/education campaign to be successful Final hazardous waste disposal sites or processes (incineration) can have severe health and environmental contamination impacts Bio-hazard waste collection and Reduces risk of serious injury and disease spread from Has been difficult to get waste incinerators to be Moderate disposal hazardous waste managed properly, leading to air pollution and to high partially processed waste No official and professionally operated hazardous waste management facility in Haiti Drainage Systems Require extensive maintenance to remove siltation/vegetation and repair eroded walls Rapid construction Present an increased risk of drainage problems Can be expanded with relative ease Hand or machine-dug unlined without proper maintenance Decommissioning is easier than with lined canals Low trenches May have significant downstream impacts from Constructed using labor intensive public works approach sedimentation and siltation in catchment areas or cash/food for work May not be properly sized, and size may easily fluctuate with weather Require less maintenance Longer construction time frame Moderate Hand or machine dug lined trenches Longer term solution More difficult to decommission to high Reduces downstream impacts from sedimentation Does not provide a complete drainage solution and should be accompanied by other infrastructure Embankment failure without proper Moderate Water diversion canals Reduces risk of flooding maintenance to high Local sourcing of materials may lead to increased erosion if borrow pits are not properly redressed Requires assessment of potential maximum flows to ensure design is appropriate Road drainage Raised road/path base and permeable materials will Depending on locality, local sourcing may prove Moderate
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facilitate water runoff and alleviate flood risks impossible and thus materials will be difficult or Minimizes soil erosion costly to obtain Need to ensure roads and paths constructed do not block natural drainage and have culverts and other passages for water evacuation With greater slopes may come need for General site drainage Sites with slight gradient will facilitate natural drainage n/a mitigation to preserve soil stability Site Lighting Some of the national grid supply comes from renewable resources Power may not always be available when needed Electricity from national grid Moderate Larger fuel/gas generators are more efficient than Need to install connections from grid to site smaller units at site Higher initial investment Renewable, sustainable energy sources May be limited to only specific uses (e.g., Low management requirements security lighting) Wind or solar Low operating costs High Requires long term maintenance Wind and sun widely available at most sites in DLA and Components valuable and subject to theft wider Haiti May not meet total demand Renewable, sustainable energy source Easier for each family to monitor use Personal lighting: LED solar/crank Less power consumption Value of unit may increase likelihood of theft Moderate unit Produce more light per watt than incandescent bulbs Radiate very little heat Site Security Community members may not have adequate Builds capacity of residents capacity or force to prevent certain conflicts Community patrols Provides purpose and responsibilities to residents Low Risk community patrols will become mechanism Increases understanding of gender and conflict issues for criminal activities Equipped with appropriate training, resources and force Tensions between residents and patrolling Trained security force Low to prevent and stop active conflicts security body could rise Access to the site is controlled, thus potentially preventing security risks and conflict Fencing – metal or wood Increase resource demands for fencing materials Moderate Limits resources/ facility use to residents, making intervention more manageable and calculable
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Site retains a strictly "temporary" nature Use of exotic species Fencing – live vegetation Further resource demands for fencing is avoided Low Need for water to keep fence alive Expenses avoided Livelihoods Training on garden management and agriculture Provides livelihood opportunities (markets, labor) may be needed Improves food security and nutrition Agriculture and gardens Impact on cover vegetation on site if develops to Low Improves shelter site environmental condition (shade, large scale waste water processing) Gardens may increase use of pesticides Cooking Communal cooking typically not culturally Communal cooking Minimizes household fire risks and indoor air pollution Low acceptable in Haiti Culturally preferred Individual (household) cooking Fire risk Moderate Easier to manage stove/fuel use and safety Long term Available in small quantities meeting cash availability of Increases deforestation, leading to further cost likely Fuel – charcoal (using fuel efficient consumers environmental degradation and erosion to be stove) Readily available from existing markets Increased risk of lung disease especially among environme Culturally preferred in most cases women and children ntally significant May not be socially/culturally accepted The up-front, initial costs for natural gas use (purchase tank and other equipment) can be Cleaner burning diminishes harmful emissions and air more expensive than single use purchase of Fuel – propane (using propane pollution charcoal/firewood and may require subsidy Moderate stove) Reduces demand for charcoal/firewood Tank and equipment may be sold if beneficiary cannot afford to purchase quantity of gas available from commercial sources (e.g., 20 kg tanks)
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5.3. Alternative A Introduction After the establishment of the Corail temporary relocation site by the GoH, IOM commissioned a Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning (S2D2) Report37 to guide further development of the Corail sites as well as other temporary relocation sites in Haiti.
Based on the S2D2 report, the Sphere Standards for Humanitarian Assistance38 and the Scoping of environmental issues related to temporary relocation sites in Haiti (particularly Corail Sector 4; see Proposed Action Section); this document provides a “model plan” for the temporary relocation of disaster displaced populations. The scope of the model temporary relocation plan is for any disaster-related displacement in Haiti with a need to provide a temporary relocation site for approximately 5,020 persons (1,004 families) and requiring at least 22.5Ha for the relocation site.
There may be a need to relocate more, or fewer, than 1,000 families following a specific disaster. The 5,000 person planning number is considered the maximum size for a single temporary relocation site due to social and logistics factors and the likely space available for single site development in Haiti. The smallest likely temporary relocation site is expected to be approximately about 30 families, or one block of a plan for 5,000 persons. Sites to accommodate more than 30 families (i.e., up to 100 families) should be based on the plan for 5,000 persons, local conditions and adjustments to facilities, services and activities based on the appropriate standards.
The temporary relocation site plans, facilities, services and activities outlined in this section anticipate the possibility that a site will be converted to a permanent settlement. However, it is presumed that a decision on permanent resettlement will not be made until after the temporary relocation site has been established and that a separate plan will be developed for creating a permanent site (e.g., to cover issues such as paving streets, metering water supplies, installing permanent electrical connections).
This document largely follows the outline of the Proposed Action but makes adjustments to be relevant as a model plan for any possible site. If and when this model is applied, there will be a need to: Revise specific elements of the plan to reflect local conditions (e.g., slope, access), Conduct consultations with the displaced to define whether there are preferred alternatives to the actions set out in the plan, and Conduct a site-specific environmental review in compliance with the Programmatic Environmental Assessment conducted for temporary relocation in Haiti.
This plan incorporates the following presumptions: 1. The relocation of affected populations will occur as an emergency measure with initially minimal facilities and services available, 2. Most of the displaced will be located at or near the temporary relocation site and be provided emergency shelter39, and
37 See Annex F. 38 http://www.sphereproject.org/component/option,com_docman/task,cat_view/gid,70/Itemid,203. 39 This document does not cover the process of moving individuals to or from a temporary relocation site. 49
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3. Temporary relocation will last for at least 6 months and extend for up to 36 months, if not longer. As a result, it is unlikely that a temporary relocation site will be fully developed before the displaced arrive. In this context, the temporary relocation plan is expected to be implemented incrementally over several months to shift emergency facilities and services to those which are appropriate for a displacement of up to 36 months. This may require replacing (decommissioning) or upgrading specific facilities at a site and shifting management of the site to substantial local governance.
Sections of this model temporary relocation plan which are in italics are to be completed with information from a specific temporary relocation site.
The following sections are based on a model plan. Each organization involved in the designation, creation, development, operation or closing of a temporary relocation site is expected to conform to recognized standards or good practice in using the information below. The views, needs and expectations of the beneficiary population need to be incorporated into the implementation of this model plan.
If the creating of a temporary relocation site displaces other populations, or the creation of a permanent relocation site results in involuntary displacements, the reference should be made to the World Bank policies on involuntary resettlement (http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/PROJECTS/EXTPOLICIES/EXTOPMANUAL/0,,con tentMDK:20064610~menuPK:64701637~pagePK:64709096~piPK:64709108~theSitePK:502184, 00.html). These policies and others relevant to resettlement should be considered in the modification of the model plan and subsequent implementation.
Justification for a Temporary Relocation Site Temporary relocation is the least preferred option for dealing with the shelter and other needs of the displaced following a disaster. Other options, listed below, should be fully utilized before a decision to create a temporary relocation site is made. 1. Assist displaced to move back to habitable and repairable homes. 2. Assist displaced to move back to formerly occupied cleared plots in temporary shelters. 3. Assist displaced to move in with host families. 4. Assist the displaced to remain in the spontaneous settlement if conditions at this site can be brought up to minimum standards. Once a decision is made to proceed with temporary relocation, a written justification is needed and should be approved by, at the least, the GoH officials responsible for the temporary relocation site and local government. This justification should include: 1. Why the site is needed and criteria for selection of the specific site, 2. Clear criteria for selecting beneficiaries, including how issues of age, gender and disabilities will be addressed in selection and provision of shelter and other services, 3. What levels of services will be provided, 4. Who will provide these services, and 5. An identification of future options for the site and residents (e.g., an exit strategy).
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Site Selection The S2D2 report contains a section on site selection using a combination of key indicators and geographic information system software. If the process described in the S2D2 Report cannot be followed, the basic considerations for the selection of a temporary relocation site are: Slope more than 2% and less than 6% (to reduce the likelihood of flooding and severe erosion) Not subject to flooding or landslides/mudflows Not forested or used for agriculture Accessible to roads and government services Near opportunities for employment for as large a number of displaced as possible (this may include future employment opportunities as well) Good soil permeability Water supply adequate for 15 liters/person/day on a sustainable basis within 5km of the site Not located next to industrial facilities or waste dumps
Sites meeting all of these considerations can be selected as a temporary relocation site. However, if such sites are selected, the mitigation measures will need to address the issues noted, and these mitigation measures can be both expensive and difficult to maintain (see Section 6.3 on issues to be addressed for specific relocation sites).
Site selection should provide for at least 45m2 per person including all facilities, infrastructure and services needed at the site. While emergency relocation per person space requirements may be as low as 30m2, the temporary relocation site should provide at least 45m2 per person in recognition that the site is no longer being used in emergency, but rather temporary relocation conditions which could last up to 36 months or more.
A site visit should be conducted before a site is selected and consultations with neighbors and local government undertaken to ensure there are no critical issues which would prevent the use of the site for up to 3 years.
Approval of a Temporary Relocation Site Once a decision has been made to establish a temporary relocation site, three levels of approvals are required, at a minimum: 1. The owner of the site has to approve, in writing, the use of the site for temporary relocation. This agreement may need to include compensation, legal protections, specific terms of use, access to local resources (e.g., water), hold harmless conditions and the duration of the use of the site. 2. The GoH has to approve the site use, in most cases through an agreement with the site owner. (If the Government is the owner of the site, then a written agreement is still needed between the different government offices involved in the development and management of the site.) 3. The prospective site residents need to approve the site. This may be a formality if residents are living at a site being transitioned from an emergency to a temporary relocation site, but is critical to ensure that prospective residents actually agree to remain at the site once it has been developed.
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The GoH may also exercise its prerogative to declare eminent domain over land needed for temporary relocation. This action then entails a number of other decisions by government offices to define the use of a site and how it will be managed.
Environmental Overview The following overview applies to all of Haiti. A more site-specific overview should be prepared for each site selected. See the S2D2 report and others parts of the Haiti Temporary Relocation PEA for more details on this overview.
The Republic of Haiti is a mountainous country occupying the western third of the island of Hispaniola, in the greater Antillean Archipelago. The country lies in Caribbean/Atlantic tropical storm belt and hurricanes often cause direct damage to the country due to high winds, flooding and landslides. Several geological fault lines run through the country, making the country vulnerable to seismic activity as occurred on 12 January 2010.
Physical Characteristics Climate and Rainfall Describe the climate and rainfall patterns and amounts for the site.
Agro-Ecological Zones Describe the agro-ecological zones at and near the site.
Flood, Erosion, Storm and Population Risk Describe any natural hazards at the site and the populations at risk.
Geology, Topography and Soils Describe the geology, topology and soils at the site.
Protected and Fragile areas Only 0.3% of the land area of Haiti is included within the existing protected area system (a GoH target is to increase this total to 2% of national territory). None of these areas are located within the DLA. The total protected land areas in Haiti is around 7,000 hectares (Earthtrends, 2003).
Indicate whether there are any protected areas near the site, and whether there are any potentially fragile ecosystems near the site, e.g., wet lands, forests, coral reefs, etc.
Biodiversity According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Haitian mainland and satellite islands contain several endemic species. Southwest Haiti’s high ridge (the Massif de la Hotte), including Pic Macaya National Park, is considered to be a prominent centers of biodiversity in the Caribbean. More than 2,000 species of vertebrates have been documented, of which 75% are considered endemic. Within the country as a whole, out of the approximate 5,672 different species of higher plants, mammals, breeding birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, 56 of these were considered threatened in 2002 (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006).
Forest Resources and Vegetative Cover According to 1998 satellite imagery, 9.2% of Haiti’s land area was natural vegetation, consisting of 1.3% forest, 7.3% savanna, and 0.6% mangrove estuaries (Smucker, 2006). In 1990, 600km2 in Haiti
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were classified as dense forest cover, or 2.2 percent of the total land area. By 2004, only 338km2 was under dense forest cover (1.0%). An estimated 20% of the land area is sylvo-pastoral (grazed brush land and savanna), and is being degraded due to overgrazing and charcoal cutting (Swartley and Toussaint, 2006).
One of the most apparent effects of the uncontrolled deforestation in Haiti has been soil degradation and erosion. According to USAID estimates, an estimated 15,000 acres (61km2) of topsoil are washed away each year, with erosion also damaging other productive infrastructure such as dams, irrigation systems, roads, and coastal marine ecosystems (USAID Activity Data, Sheet 1999).
Describe the local forest cover at and in the area around the site.
Human Environment Demographics Describe the demographics of the area surrounding the site and of the people to be moved to the site. Land Use Of Haiti’s total land area of 2,756,000 hectares (27,560km2, 10,714 square miles), in 2008, 1,790,000 hectares were classified as agricultural area. Of this, arable land and permanent crops made up 1,300,000 hectares, while permanent pastures and meadows made up 490 hectares40 (FAO, 2009). Describe the land use of the area at and surrounding the site. Political Environment Describe both the national and local political environment related to site development, use and decommissioning/permanency. Include protection issues if appropriate.
Land Tenure Land tenure is a key issue for resettlement programs in Haiti. The history of land ownership in Haiti complicates current efforts to identify and establish rights to land. Further compounding the issue, significant legal documentation, including deeds themselves, may have been destroyed in the 12 January earthquake. Unclear ownership of sites may deter aid organizations from working in the disputed area. Describe any land tenure issues related to the site. Site Graphic Design The following site graphic plan is based on a site selection criteria noted above as well as the Sphere Standards for Humanitarian Assistance. The site plan presumes a minimum of 45m2 per site resident, which includes shelter, roads, public facilities and other communal space (see next page).
40 http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=377&lang=en#ancor 53
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Site Overview General Site Information This section should describe the general location of the temporary relocation site including its distance from roads and significant towns/cities, local employment opportunities, natural state, presence of any culturally or spiritually significant locations and land ownership.
Specific Location This section should indicate the specific location (latitude and longitude) of the site with a map as well as the distance to the nearest major road, electricity line, health care facility, schools and markets.
Occupancy This section should indicate the actual number of persons at the site, broken down by gender, age and health status (e.g., handicapped) as well as the expected total number of persons planned for the site. If available, information on the places of origin of the residents as well as education status and professions should be collected and added to this section.
Prior Usage This section should indicate how the location has been used before selection as a temporary relocation site. Include how areas near the site (e.g., within 5km) have or are being used, such as for sand mining or agriculture. Also indicate whether there are any technological hazards associated with or near the site.
If lands have been used for other purposes, this section should include a description of the likely human impacts of these uses (e.g., previous use of pesticides) and how these impacts will be mitigated or avoided.
Note that if lands have been subject to the intensive use of pesticides or fertilizers, or are located at or near industrial areas of any type, soil tests should be performed to screen out the possibility of soil contamination affecting the health of residents.
Social Environment Briefly describe the social environment in which the site will be developed. This description should both reflect the views of the current residents at the site (whether displaced or not), the views of people to be moved to the site and as well as people living in the areas around the site. This information is often best collected through a social impact assessment.
Potable Water Indicate whether potable water is available at or near the site, providing the distance if the source is not located on the site.
Livelihoods Describe the livelihoods options available to the temporary relocation site residents, both from their own capacities (e.g., skills and trades, small trade opportunities) and from the area surrounding the site (e.g., factories, farm labor, mining, etc). Note distance to work opportunities and what types of work is or will be available.
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Note whether any of the local livelihoods are presently or likely to have a negative impact on the environment and indicate possible mitigation measures which can be included in the site planning and implementation.
Indicate what transport is or will be available for the site and how access to transport may change over time. Indicate the costs of transport to major destinations (e.g., Port au Prince, major regional market).
Sites closer to employment opportunities are preferred, but the movement of disaster-affected to potential employment opportunities should not create the potential for exploitation of workers (e.g., where only one employment opportunity is available and site residents become a captive labor force).
Site Development Activities Site Preparation Based on an approved site and site plan, the site will be leveled with low spots filled with material from the leveling process or additional soil and aggregate. All trees (vegetative matter more than 2 meters in height) will be left on the site and vegetation clearance will take place only in those locations which are designated for roads/paths, shelter, ablution blocks and other facilities.
Soil and aggregate for fill will be sourced from locations near the temporary relocation site to minimize transport requirements and costs. Measures will be taken to limit excessive extraction of gravel and fill from rivers or other sources, with specific consideration to minimize changes to water courses or increased erosion from hillsides or other sites. Borrow pits will be re-contoured and, where possible, planted to limit standing water and improve local environmental conditions. When logistically and economically feasible, crushed clean rubble from the debris disposal sites (i.e. Truitier) should be used for site preparation. All site preparation plans, roads, drainage, construction, etc. should be reviewed and supervised by a certified engineer.
Roads and Paths Based on the graphic site plan, roads and paths in the site will meet the following specifications: For Roads: Spreading and compacting gravel (25mm size average) for all internal main roads with mechanical vibrator/compactor after watering to a depth minimum thickness of 75mm, with a road width of 6 meters and an average gravel depth of 15cm. For Footpaths: Spreading and compacting gravel (25mm size average) with mechanical vibrator/compactor after watering to a depth of 50mm, with a path width of 2 meters and a gravel depth of 5cm. Where possible, roads and paths should run across the gradient of slopes and conform to the topography of the site. Roads/paths which run along the gradient (i.e., up and down a slope) should have water diversion and erosion control structures (e.g., drains, “thank-to-mams”, “sleeping policemen”) or other similar structures.
Gravel used in these works should be sourced from the location nearest to the site to minimize transport requirements. (Note guidance above on natural resources. Culverts for roadways are included under drainage.) Crushed clean rubble from debris disposal sites should be used where economically feasible. All roads/paths will be built with proper camber and adequate drainage structures (e.g., culverts, cut-banks, rip-rap) to ensure the roads/paths do not create ponding of
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water, and to limit erosion damage when water flows off, along, across or under road/path infrastructure.
Drainage The drainage systems for the site should be based on the graphic site plan and a site survey to ensure that drainage is adequate and does not result in any down-stream flooding or ponding of water. Drainage infrastructure should meet the following specifications41: Type I-drainage canal (major drainage): excavated trench with 500mm depth x 400mm bottom width and side slope of 1:2. Type II-drainage canal (feeder) with 400mm depth x 300mm bottom width and side slope of 1:2. Culverts: Reinforced concrete pipe, 600mm diameter. All spoils from digging ditches should be used on-site to level lower areas and to create bunds/banks to aid in drainage across slopes.
Culverts should be sourced from a factory which uses recycled materials as part of the aggregate used in the culvert manufacturing process. Where debris is used to make culverts or other concrete structures, the strength of the cement used in the concrete should take into account the possible poor strength and composition of the debris and aggregate used.
Where heavy and regular rainfall is expected, consideration should be given to lining the drainage canals to reduce wear and erosion. The preferred approach is to line the canals with locally available rock mixed with cement mortar.
The edges of the canals should be marked with white-painted rocks to reduce the hazard of falling into the canals in low light conditions.
Site Boundary Demarcation The temporary relocation site boundaries (as well as internal sectors) should be marked off using white or red painted metal fence poles set in 15 x 20cm of concrete at approximately every 20 meters around the site. If preferred by the site residents, 1 meter high metal wire fencing can be used to enclose the site, with provision made for gates or passages at appropriate distances.
Whether wire fencing is used or not, the planting of live shrub fences should be done along the boundary line as soon as convenient, using plants traditionally used for this purpose.42 These living shrub fences will provide additional benefits in terms of environmental conditions (they are excellent trash traps), improve the visual environment of the site and may provide a useful product as well as be resistant to grazing. (Jatropha may serve as a potential shrub species as it grows quickly, seeds are useful as local products, and it normally is not browsed by animals.)
Lighting Two solar/crank powered LED lights should be provided to each family, one for use in the shelter and the other for use away from the shelter at night.
41 In high-rainfall areas, drainage systems will need to be larger and include holding ponds to reduce the intensity of water flows. 42 Planting trees along the boundary line should be avoided due to the implication for land tenure, the time and water needed to ensure the trees survive, and the fact that most trees will not reach significant height in the planned 2-3 year life of the site to serve any real use as fencing. 57
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Solar powered lights should be installed to provide area lighting (e.g., along road and paths) and for areas of specific concern (e.g., ablution blocks, offices, schools, storage facilities).
Crank/solar lighting units for families and solar power for general lighting are recommended over alternatives for reasons of safety (lack of flame), low recurrent maintenance and low operating costs.
Shelter Transitional shelters (T-shelters) for the site should meet the following minimum specifications: A shelter size which provides 3.5m2 per person, based on the average family size. Uses the least amount of manufactured and natural resources possible. Does not use any locally produced wood. Rated to withstand a Saffir-Simpson Category 1 hurricane (e.g., adequate cross-bracing, straps and connectors and screws used to collect roof sheeting to roof structure. Uses untreated timber from certified sustainable sources. Wall and roof panels are attached using screws. Provides ventilation between walls and roof structure. Two doors (front and back) and two windows, with appropriate internal and external latches. Has a porch or veranda space on the front of the building. Vertical sections are attached to footings with bolts (for easy deconstruction). Footings are independent of floor structure (for easy deconstruction). Floor structure (“dalle”) is removable with minimal effort (e.g., comprised of unreinforced concrete slabs covered with a strong plaster. “False” foundation43 which is removable with minimal effort (e.g., constructed using minimal mortar and locking bricks). Has a width to length ratio of 1:2 (i.e., longer than wider), taking into account the most effective use of materials used in construction, occupant preference and size of lots on which T-shelters will be placed.
The walls and roofing materials can be selected based on the best cost to benefit ratio keeping in mind the minimization of all resources used. Where possible, the shelter units should be assembled as kits and sent to the site for erection. This allows for the use of local unskilled labor in some aspects of the construction process and a concentration of resources at a single assembly point to maximize output.
Shelter building spacing and positioning should allow space for a cooking facility (to be created by the residents), a shower and VIP latrine.
43 The building will be supported by the footings to which the walls will be bolted. The “false” foundation provides a wall within which the floor of the structure can be raised off the ground and can be constructed using bricks or stone. 58
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It may be more efficient to design shelter units as modules, assemble these modules at one site (at or near the temporary relocation site) and then assemble these modules at the site as needed. Other alternatives, for instance using pre-cut and partially assembled metal frames and panels, as well as shelter kits assembled outside a disaster area can be considered, taking into the cost and embedded energy of the materials involved and the cost and energy needed for transport to the relocation site.
A significant advantage for recovery livelihoods is the employment of site residents or other disaster-affected populations is to do as much of the shelter work on site as possible. The environmental impacts of this approach against the recovery benefits, needs to be assessed on a site and disaster-specific basis.
Water Facilities and Water Supply As soon as feasible, a reticulated water supply system should be established for the site, preferably using a source which does not require pumping. The system should be designed to meet Sphere Standards in terms of water potability, volume per person44 and access to water supply points. If the system requires pumping, then the system should use storage tanks and schedules for providing water to specific water taps at the appropriate volumes to ensure that pumping does not occur on a near constant basis.
The long term sustainability of any water source should be assessed before it is used. If necessary, several water sources may need to be used to ensure single site sustainability.
All buildings should be equipped with gutters and water collection systems (e.g., screen-covered barrels) to enable rain water harvesting. Rainwater can be used for bathing and washing, reducing the demand on the reticulated water system.
If issues arise with post delivery water contamination (i.e., after a user takes possession of the water), then each household should be provided with a slow sand filter45 with instructions on how to use and maintain the filter. (Household slow sand filers can also be used to address water taste issues related to chlorination.) A reticulated water system is recommended due to the low operating cost, improved control of water quality and provision (e.g., selective service times) and reduced recurrent cost and environmental impact when compared to tankering.
Clothes Washing Facilities Two options for clothes washing facilities should be considered: 1. Washing at the level of each shelter unit, by providing space for washing as well as 4.5 x .5 meter unreinforced concrete slabs on which to conduct washing activities. 2. Common-use washing areas, located near water sources, with (unreinforced) concrete floors and space for several persons to wash at the same time.
44 While the Sphere Standard is 15 liters/person/day, the volume delivered may need to increase to as much as 25 liters/person per day given the 2-3 year life of the site and possible use of water for commercial activities (e.g., food preparation, clothes washing). 45 See, for instance, http://www.surferswithoutborders.org/Slow_Sand_Filter.html, http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/dw/publications/ontap/2009_tb/slow_sand_filtration_dwfsom40.pdf or http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/ssf/en/index.html. 59
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The selection of either option needs to be done in consultation with residents. The communal approach makes waste water management easier (see below).
Shower and Hand-Washing Facilities Showers comprised of 4.5 x .5 meter unreinforced concrete slabs should be installed at each shelter unit as part of the construction of the unit. The shower walls can be constructed of metal poles with limited concrete foundations and plastic sheeting (i.e., sheeting used normally for emergency shelters) or using plywood, fiber board or another similar material bolted to the poles. If wood is used, it should be waterproofed with an agent safe for frequent human contact.
With household latrines, hand washing should be the focus of public education efforts supplemented by the provision of soap, a specific hand washing container (e.g., jug) and periodic follow-up to observe actual practice.
Waste Water Management All waste water should be managed in a way to limit the development of vectors or the creation of environmental nuisances (e.g., muddy areas). It is most efficient to group water collection and use areas together so that waste water can be collected and directed to appropriate drainage facilities (e.g., dry wells, infiltration fields). However, it is preferred that waste water be used to support plants (e.g., bananas, plantains) which are adapted to waste water.
At the household level, arrangements should be made for collecting shower and other waste water into a shallow dry well and planting plantains or bananas on the top of the well. This will allow safe capture of the waste water while making the water available for food production.
Garbage Collection Regular garbage collection facilities (e.g., barrels with attached lids and staked to a specific spot) should be established across the site. Garbage should be collected from the collection facilities on a regular basis so that the collectors do not become overloaded.
A garbage collection education campaign should focus on good waste management practices (e.g., avoiding burning garbage, use of the collection facilities). This education effort should expand to include recycling with two foci: 1. Collecting commercially valuable items (e.g., plastics) for consolidation and sale. 2. Composting of organic waste for use in home or school gardens.46
The garbage barrels should be labeled for plastics/recycling and organic materials for composting. The destination of the garbage collected should be verified and efforts made to have the garbage deposited into an approved landfill.
46 The American Red Cross and the World Wildlife Fund developed successful projects in these two areas in Sri Lanka and Thailand. 60
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Toilets Toilets should be shifted from communal to Green Toilet Options household as quickly as new housing units are This section recommends the use of constructed. Each household latrine should be household-based “VIP” latrines in the a “VIP” type with a hole depth of 2 to 3 meters transition from emergency to temporary site (taking into account Sphere Standards), with a development. Two other, greener options concrete floor, seat, four metal poles in should also be considered, particularly if the concrete footings, panel sides and a sloping site life extends beyond 1 year or becomes zinc roof attached with screws and bolts, permanent. These options include: appropriate ventilation, mosquito screening Double vault composting toilets. These and a locking door. The structure should be toilets occupy a little more space than a built using the least materials possible while VIP latrine, but are designed to produce still meeting standards. The concrete floor compost which can be used by the owner should have “pull hooks” in the sides which will or sold. More information on double allow the removal of the slab when the latrine vault latrines can be found at is full. If necessary, minimal lining of the pit http://www.gtz.de/en/dokumente/gtz20 should be installed to prevent collapse of the 10-en-technology-review-composting- hole or superstructure. toilets.pdf.
Bio-digesting toilets. These toilets This family latrine is expected to last 2-3 years produce natural gas from human waste before needing to be replaced. The as well as decomposing the waste. The superstructure would be removable and could compost can be used in agriculture and be transferred to a new location, with the soil the natural gas for cooking or lighting. from the new hole being used to fill in the old More information can be found at latrine. http://www.gtz.de/en/dokumente/gtz20
10-en-technology-review-biogas- In locations with high water tables or concerns sanitation.pdf. about ground water contamination due to sewage, consideration should be given to installing elevated double vault toilets. Double vault toilets require more space than simple VIP pit latrines but can be used to limit ground-water contamination. An additional advantage of elevated double vault latrines is that solid sewage can be composted and used for fertilizer. However, if elevated double vault latrines are selected, considerable attention needs to be paid to their proper management and systems for safely collecting and disposing of effluent established. An education campaign would be required on how to use this system properly prior to construction. (Note that a bio-digesting/gas producing system may also be used in areas of high ground water levels.)
The choice of VIP household latrines over alternatives, including double vault and bio-gas systems, is based on (1) management requirements, (2) comparable direct impacts on the environment, (3) familiarity of users, and (4) initial costs. Household VIP latrines are also considered to be more easily managed than communal latrines, although some communal latrines will be needed for common areas of the site.
If elevated double vault latrines are required, the following design criteria should be followed in their design and construction: The least possible materials should be used in constriction while meeting minimum standards and user expectations. The structures should be designed to be deconstructed to the greatest degree possible. 61
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A process should be identified to decommission all elements which cannot be deconstructed. A plan should be established and supported for the recurrent management of the latrines.
Gray Water Management Plans to collect and use gray water (e.g., waste water from tap stands, hand and clothes washing and showers) should be developed as part of the process of planning and installing facilities which provide or use water. This plan should include either or both of the following options: Install dry wells to collect run-off and gray water and allow for its infiltration into the soil. Collect and divert run-off and gray water so that it can be used for small scale agriculture or to water plants and shrubs on the site.
Where possible, gray water and run-off should be diverted from drain into the storm water management system installed at the site. This method of disposing of gray water and run-off from tap stands risks creating vector breeding areas as well as excessive growth of flow-clogging vegetation in the drainage system.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees A gender-balanced WASH committee should be established for each sector of the site. The committee will manage water access, waste management and clean-up activities and lead periodic hygiene education programs and campaigns.
Cooking Facilities Cooking will transition to a family-based system if either communal cooking or hot rations have been distributed. Each family should receive an energy efficient bio-mass or natural gas stove47, as well as pots with covers as part the NFI distributions. Training will be provided on the proper use of the stove.
Cooking fuel will be provided to site residents on a weekly basis based on verified cooking activities. Stove and fuel use will be monitored to ensure the stoves are properly used and fuel is not sold.
Natural gas stoves are the preferred alternative given the level of deforestation occurring in Haiti. At the same time, the provision of natural gas stoves needs to be supported through the life of the site with full or partially subsidized natural gas supplies. If these supplies are not assured, then it is likely that the use of the natural gas stoves will stop as soon as the supply of gas is consumed, and cooking will return to a basic “3 rock” process using local biomass.
If a regular supply of natural gas cannot be supplied, then a fuel-efficient stove and regular supply of biomass should be provided to ensure the efficient use of biomass and a reduction of local biomass harvesting.
Infrastructure for Children The site graphic plan provides space for children-focused facilities, including schools and play areas. A sports field is also included.
47 Stoves will be able to burn charcoal, food and waste materials fuel. 62
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Constructed facilities for child use will meet the following general specifications: Use the least amount of manufactured and natural resources possible. Does not use any locally produced wood. Rated to withstand a Saffir-Simpson Category 1 hurricane (e.g., adequate cross-bracing, straps and connectors and screws used to collect roof sheeting to roof structure. Uses untreated timber from certified sustainable sources. Wall and roof panels are attached using screws. Provides ventilation between walls tops and roof structure. Number of doors and windows meeting appropriate standards for an earthquake-prone area. Vertical sections are attached to footings with bolts. Footings are independent of floor structure. Floor structure (“dalle”) is removable with minimal effort (e.g., comprised of unreinforced concrete slabs covered with a strong plaster. “False” foundation48 which is removable with minimal effort (e.g., constructed using minimal mortar and locking bricks). The walls and roofing materials can be selected based on the best cost to benefit ratio keeping in mind the minimization of all resources used.
Child-focused facilities will also have VIP latrine blocks adapted for child use and hand washing facilities. The latrine hole will have a depth of at least 3 meters (taking into account Sphere Standards), with a concrete floor, seat, four metal poles in concrete footings, panel sites and a sloping zinc roof attached with screws and bolts, appropriate ventilation, screening and a locking door. The structure should be built using the least materials possible while still meeting standards. The concrete floor should have “pull hooks” in the sides which will allow the removal of the slab when the latrine is full. If necessary, minimal lining of the pit should be installed to prevent collapse of the hole or superstructure.
A safe source of drinking water will also be available while the facilities are in use. (This can be a water storage tank with potable water, or slow sand filters.)
If feeding takes place at schools or other facilities, a separate kitchen will be constructed (following the guidance above) together with a water supply, hand washing facilities and space for washing dishes, cooking utensils and pots with lids. This washing area will have a water supply (tank or tap) and have a concrete base measuring 3 x 2 meters, with the base made of 0.5 x 0.5 meter unreinforced concrete slabs. Adequate drainage will be provided for waste water, to a dry well or an infiltration field. Provision will be made for planning waste-water tolerant plans (e.g., bananas) in or near the dry well or infiltration areas.
Health The site will have one primary health care facility which will provide referrals to the appropriate secondary health facility. The clinic will include nutritional screening and referral as needed.
48 The building will be supported by the footings to which the walls will be bolted. The “false” foundation provides a wall within which the floor of the structure can be raised off the ground and can be constructed using bricks or stone. 63
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The facilities will meet the following criteria: Use the least amount of manufactured and natural resources possible. Does not use any locally produced wood. Rated to withstand a Saffir-Simpson Category 1 hurricane (e.g., adequate cross-bracing, straps and connectors and screws used to collect roof sheeting to roof structure. Uses untreated timber from certified sustainable sources. Wall and roof panels are attached using screws. Provides ventilation between walls tops and roof structure. Number of doors and windows meeting appropriate standards for an earthquake-prone area. Vertical sections are attached to footings with bolts. Footings are independent of floor structure. Floor structure (“dalle”) is removable with minimal effort (e.g., comprised of unreinforced concrete slabs covered with a strong plaster. “False” foundation49 which is removable with minimal effort (e.g., constructed using minimal mortar and locking bricks). The walls and roofing materials can be selected based The Green Alternative on the best cost to benefit ratio keeping in mind the minimization of all resources used. As noted above, both double vault and bio-digester latrines can be used The facility will have its own three unit VIP toilets, with in the place of VIP latrines, a hole depth of at least 3 meters (taking into account particularly if these facilities are to be Sphere Standards), with a concrete floor, seat, four used for a considerable period of metal poles in concrete footings, panel sites and a time. Where feasible, either double sloping zinc roof attached with screws and bolts, vault or bio-digester latrines should appropriate ventilation, screening and a locking door. be used for health facilities. The structure should be built using the least materials Installation of double vault of bio- possible while still meeting standards. The concrete digesting latrines at health care floor should have “pull hooks” in the sides which will facilities is an ideal way to allow the removal of the slab when the latrine is full. If demonstrate the viability of these necessary, minimal lining of the pit should be installed systems in a controlled and to prevent collapse of the hole or superstructure. (If pit manageable environment. latrines are not possible, then above ground double vault latrines should be used, following the guidance provided under Toilets, above.)
The facility will also have a dedicated water supply (tank or tap) and specific waste water management infrastructure to ensure that waste water does not contaminate groundwater or provide a source of vectors. This will be accomplished through a dry well.
Medical bio-hazard waste will be stored on site and sent in sealed containers to a Ministry of Health disposal facility for incineration.
49 The building will be supported by the footings to which the walls will be bolted. The “false” foundation provides a wall within which the floor of the structure can be raised off the ground and can be constructed using bricks or stone. 64
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Markets Space for a market has been included in the site graphic plan. A market management committee will be established to manage the space including cleaning and waste management procedures.
Garbage collection facilities will be established at the market and managed as part of the overall garbage management process. Water (from tanks or taps), VIP latrines and hand washing facilities will also be provided for the site. Additional gravel/recycled crushed clean rubble will be applied to the site to improve drainage and limit dust and mud.
Livelihoods/Agriculture A business incubation center will be established at the site to encourage residents to develop improved livelihood options. Household level agriculture will be encouraged through the development of household gardens or communal garden areas. Final design of whether gardens should be communal or individual, as well as overall use of space in the site, should be based on consultations with the residents. As noted in the Gray Water section, this water can be used to water plants and for gardens. As well, harvested rainwater can be used for the same purpose. Because of the cost, it is recommended that tankered water not be used for agriculture.
An assessment should be undertaken to understand expectations in terms of animal husbandry, including fowl, in the site. Where necessary, extra space should be made available for animal husbandry, whether near shelters or in specially designated areas. Depending on the number of animals present, a special waste management effort may be needed to collect and safely dispose of manure. (The value of using manure in composting or biogas generation should be explored.)
Office Space for Site Management Office space for the site management organization will be provided through the construction of a 6x12 meter two room office (tentatively, one small meeting room and one office). The following criteria will be followed in constructing this office: Use the least amount of manufactured and natural resources possible. Does not use any locally produced wood. Rated to withstand a Saffir-Simpson Category 1 hurricane (e.g., adequate cross-bracing, straps and connectors and screws used to collect roof sheeting to roof structure. Uses untreated timber from certified sustainable sources. Wall and roof panels are attached using screws. Provides ventilation between walls tops and roof structure. Number of doors and windows meeting appropriate standards for an earthquake-prone area. Vertical sections are attached to footings with bolts. Footings are independent of floor structure. Floor structure (“dalle”) is removable with minimal effort (e.g., comprised of unreinforced concrete slabs covered with a strong plaster. “False” foundation50 which is removable with minimal effort (e.g., constructed using minimal mortar and locking bricks).
50 The building will be supported by the footings to which the walls will be bolted. The “false” foundation provides a wall within which the floor of the structure can be raised off the ground and can be constructed using bricks or stone. 65
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The walls and roofing materials can be selected based on the best cost to benefit ratio keeping in mind the minimization of all resources used.
The site management office will also have a graveled parking area next to the office building as well as a 15x15 meter shaded area for meetings. This shade area will be constructed out of metal poles placed in concrete footings with stabilizing wires and a center pole with either plastic sheeting (type used for emergency shelter) or shade netting.
Storage Space Two freight containers will be installed at the site for storage. The containers will be placed on blocks to prevent damage from standing water and be spaced 3 meters apart with the space between covered with plastic sheeting (type used for emergency shelter) to provide shade and protection from the sun.
The decision to use freight containers for storage over alternatives is based on their (1) availability, (2) transportability (to and from the site), (3) security, and (4) minimal requirements for installation and use.
Faith-Based Considerations After consultations with the site residents, and if so requested, space will be made available within the site for religious services or individual spiritual practices.
Open Space for General Use Open space for communal activities is planned at the center of the site and within each of the block units of the site. Open space will include ‘green space’ which will be developed in keeping with local environmental, social and land ownership parameters.
Site Environmental Improvements Efforts should be made to improve the environmental conditions at the site. This can involve planting trees (see below) or shrubs and encouraging the development of ornamental or food gardens and efforts to reduce dust and increase shade.
While permanent tree planning may not be possible, ‘barrel gardens’ can be used to plant trees and other vegetation to improve local environmental conditions. If tree planting does take place, the species used should be able to produce forage, green manure for gardens and fruits. They should be non-invasive species. However, care should be taken to ensure that tree planting does not conflict with traditional land use systems nor create the potential for future conflict.
Facility Construction and Connections Flow Chart The flow chart will be developed once an actual site is selected and construction is planned. A site timeline will also be recorded for memory of the site history and development.
Responsibilities and Operational Plans Site Management This section should indicate which organization is responsible for site management and summarize their terms of reference. The section should also lay out, in sufficient detail, the main site construction (e.g., T-shelter construction) and support (garbage collection) tasks for the site and who is responsible for completing or supporting these tasks. 66
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Support on Environmental Management and Protection This section should indicate how support on (1) environmental management51 and (2) protection issues will be provided to the site. Sources of environmental expertise include the Ministry of Environment, UNEP and local environmental entities.
Key Tasks Site Environment Advisor 1. Provide input for temporary relocation site selection and design based on recommendations and best practice outlines in the S2D2 report (including considering the duration of the site and decommissioning or permanency plans). 2. Ensure USAID Environmental Regulation 216 compliance for all site activities. 3. Create and apply Environmental Mitigation Plan and Reports (EMPR) for temporary relocation sites. 4. Stay informed on cutting edge environmental issues and best practice solutions. 5. Inform organizations working on site about environmental issues. 6. Liaise between partner organization staff and USAID environmental personnel. 7. Understand site organizational roles and responsibilities to ensure effective mitigation measure implementation. 8. Co-facilitate awareness raising and community sensitization training on environmental issues. 9. Carry out all monitoring duties, ensuring that monitoring observations are recorded and reporting mechanisms are implemented. 10. Complete water testing on a regular monitoring basis, as per the PEA EMMP and site specific EMPR.
Involvement of Site Residents in Site Management The site will have a three person committee established through voting for each block in the site. These committees will be responsible for local block management issues (governance) as well as providing a link between the Site Manager and residents on site-related matters. The committees will be re-elected at least every year during the life of the site.
Site Evacuation Plan A Site Evacuation Plan will be developed by the Site Manager with input from the site residents, local government and NGOs involved at the site. The plan will cover warnings, timings of evacuations, destinations of evacuations and the provision of supplies and services during evacuation, as well as special provisions for the security of the site when people have been evacuated.
Site Safety Plan A Site Safety Plan will be developed and cover the provision of police services (including local neighborhood watch programs), the handling of security issues (e.g., theft and trespass), and identify areas of special security concern. Ideally, a police station will be established at the site and staffed on a 24 hr basis.
51 Note that UNHCR has the FRAME toolkit of materials for environmental management which can be used for relocation sites; http://www.proactnetwork.org/proactwebsite/media/download/resources/Ressource_Pack/FRAME/4a968 ec59.pdf . 67
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Site Fire Plan52 A Site Fire Plan will be developed and cover the prevention of fires and the provision of fire control services as needed as well as education of fire prevention and response. The plan will be developed by the Site Manager in cooperation with the Block Committees, GoH authorities and NGOs involved in the site.
There will be a fire response point in each block where equipment (buckets, shovels, sand) will be available for use to stop the spread of fire and training will be provided on use of this equipment. In addition, communal cooking facilities will be established in such a way to limit the risk of fire and all communal cooking facilities, offices and other communal facilities will have fire extinguishers available for easy access.
Support to Handicap Persons and the Elderly Specific support will be provided to the handicap and the elderly, in all likelihood though NGO programs dedicated to this purpose.
All facilities to be used by the handicap or elderly will be designed for easy use. Specific attention will be made to ensure that roads and paths are usable by persons with disabilities and that facilities will be constructed in such a way that they are accessible to everyone.
Provision of Food (general and targeted) Plans will be developed with the appropriate IOs/NGOs and GoH on general and targeted food assistance or feeding support. These plans may require the construction of storage facilities at the site. The facilities need to meet the following criteria: Use the least amount of manufactured and natural resources possible. Does not use any locally produced wood. Rated to withstand a Saffir-Simpson Category 1 hurricane (e.g., adequate cross-bracing, straps and connectors and screws used to collect roof sheeting to roof structure. Uses untreated timber from certified sustainable sources. Provide ventilation between walls tops and roof structure. Number of doors and windows meeting appropriate standards for an earthquake-prone area. Vertical sections are attached to footings with bolts. . The walls and roofing materials can be selected based on the best cost to benefit ratio keeping in mind the minimization of all resources used.
Pesticide Management Plan A plan should be developed for the safe and environmentally sound management of any pesticides (including fungicides and molluskicedes, or growth regulation hormones) used at or near the site. The use of the substances should be reviewed through a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) or similar document. This plan will need to include chemicals used for vector control (see below) as well as for the treatment of wood used in construction and the control of agricultural or garden pests which may affect local livelihood systems (e.g., kitchen gardens). Any PERSUAP or similar document should conform to good practice and detail alternatives to the use of a chemical agent (e.g., use of integrated pest management) and safe use and disposal procedures.
52 The site fire plan should include fire response to tents or plastic shelters, if such a plan does not already exist. 68
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Where necessary, comprehensive chemical (pesticide) safety training should be provided to workers and site residents.
Vector Management A vector management program will be established for the site using the latest guidance from the WASH Cluster and other sources. In general, vector control should be accomplished through environmental management, that is removing vector breeding and nesting locations and materials that can attract (e.g., food) or places which can harbor vectors (e.g., standing water). Pesticides will be used only as a last resort, proper training will be provided to pesticide users, information on pesticide used provided to site residents, application equipment will be properly used, cleaned and stored, and pesticides will be properly applied, stored and containers disposed of according to best practice. See http://www.encapafrica.org/sectors/saferpesticides.htm for additional information on safe pesticide use.
Treated mosquito nets will be provided to all site residents.53
Training Programs This section should mention any training programs taking place at the site or which are intended for the site residents, their need for facilities and support, including office or teaching space and lighting or electrical power and the parties responsible for these programs.
Site Maintenance Program A Site Maintenance Program will be developed covering the maintenance of roads/paths, drainage systems, buildings and other facilities, shelters and ablution facilities, among others. The Site Manager and organizations involved in providing services at the site should include funds for maintenance of the facilities for which they are responsible in their project funding requests. Funding should also be set aside, based on input from T-shelter providers and site residents, for the annual maintenance of the T-shelters. The Site Maintenance Plan should be for the expected life of the site and be should be shared with all organizations working in the site as well as with the Block Committees.
Decommissioning Plan A Site Decommissioning Plan will be developed for the site based on guidance provided in the S2D2 report and available from the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster as part of the work to open the site for use (e.g., as part of the construction planning process, or as residents are moved to the site). The plan will include the following elements: A tasking in form of a roles and responsibilities agreement between implementing organizations and other key stakeholders of who will do what in decommissioning. A description of the site before use for temporary relocation. A policy statement as to the level of decommissioning to be attained. In general, this level will be a return of the site to its previous state or better. A policy statement with regards to the permanency of structures and facilities. In general, all structures and facilities should be designed to be totally removable from the site, either in whole or as parts. A sub-plan for deconstructing facilities which cannot be fully removed. This sub-plan would deal with issues such as foundations and latrine pit reinforcement.
53 See http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNACP696.pdf for an environmental review of pesticide-treated nets. 69
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A sub-plan for removing and disposing of road/path surfacing materials. A sub-plan for decommissioning the water system. A sub-plan for decommissioning latrine pits (most likely be infilling) and dry wells and infiltration fields (most likely be removal of fill and infilling). A sub-plan for disposal of any residual garbage or debris left on the site. Any plans to improve the conditions at the site, such as tree planting or soil regeneration.
These plans should include provisions for leaving structures and systems (e.g., water systems) in place if requested by local authorities or the land owner. Such provisions should be written into the agreement to use the site and confirmed when a decision has been made to decommission the site.
Once a decision has been made to decommission the site, the initial decommissioning plans should be reviewed by Site Management with the organizations working in the site, the Block Committees, appropriate Government authorities and the site owner, and revised as appropriate. The decommissioning plans should be an integral part of plans and actions to move residents from the site to new permanent housing.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACTION, NO ACTION AND ALTERNATIVE A
6.1. Environmental Analysis of Proposed Action The following review of environmental issues is based in the Scoping Statement for Corail Sector 4. This section expands on the issues raised in the Scoping based on additional information collected during the development of the PEA. To save space, where additional information is not available or no other issues have been raised, only a summary of the issues identified in the Scoping is provided. This section should be read in conjunction with the Scoping Statement, to be found in Annex J.
Site Safety and Security At the time of the Scoping, Corail Sector 4 lacked a fire safety plan, a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan and a designated evacuation site, or plans to address other environmental hazards at the site (e.g., strong winds/tornados, flooding, heavy rainfall), minimal site lighting at night, and a comprehensive security plan.
Earlier (human) conflicts at the site had been addressed by placing a MINUSTAH unit together with UN and Haitian police units at the site on a 24 hr basis. While this security presence was welcome, and seemed to have reduced the likelihood of on-site security issues, residents raised the issue that the MINUSTAH forces did not speak Creole. It was noted, however, that a number of the UN Police were from Francophone countries and a number of site residents did speak fluent French.
Following visits in early September, it was understood that the Site Manager and IOM were working on a hurricane preparedness plan and other safety measures. The outcomes of these efforts could not be assessed at the time the PEA field work was completed. It was unclear if the site had plans for managing the potential impacts of environmental hazards including high winds,
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heavy rainfall and flooding. (Note that these plans could be part of the hurricane preparedness plan, but could need to be activated in the absence of a hurricane.)54
Similarly, the PEA team was aware of discussions about improving fire safety at the site. But the outcomes of these efforts could not be assessed by the time the PEA field work was completed.
It was not clear what the Site Manager or other organizations were planning to do in terms of security lighting, at the household and over-all site levels. The current use of generator-powered light towers is unsustainable, and provides inadequate lighting. The use of LED crank or solar charged battery lights for household use, and solar powered streets lights as found in PaP do not appear to have been initially considered for normal and safety lighting at the site when it was initially established.55 Concerns about security at the site were noted in discussions with residents and initial conflict over resources (e.g., water, specific types of housing) emerged during the course of the assessment of the site.
Management-Related Issues As summarized in the Scoping, there are a number of management-related issues associated with Corail. It is understood that the creation of Corail was initiated by a joint decision by the GoH Presidency together with the Donor Coordination Group56. Implementation of this decision was entrusted to the Project Management Coordination Cell (PMCC).
The PMCC then organized the development of the site and the process of moving persons to the site, working through a number of organizations, including the US Military, IOM, UNOPS, OCHA, the Shelter and CCCM Clusters and others. However, the PMCC does not appear to have done a preliminary environmental impact site assessment, customary before establishing a camp-like facility, and for which guidance is available from UNHCR. Further, neither the PMCC nor others involved appear to have developed (or proposed the need for) a long term management plan of the site.
The GoH Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on 2 August 2010 that NGOs and others wishing to work in the DLA needed permission from the Ministry (see Annex O). It is unclear, however, whether this is a perfunctory action or whether the Ministry is planning to take over oversight of temporary relocation sites. At the time of the Scoping it did not appear that any of the organizations working at Corail had been approached by (or had themselves approached) the Ministry on this issue, but the issue of approval of NGOs working at Corail was raised with the President’s Office in late October.
54 Media reports indicate that only part of Corail Sector 4 was evacuated in response to Hurricane Tomas (November 2010), but it is unclear if this partial evacuation was due to a lack of evacuation space or for other reasons. 55 In late November, the Site Manager indicated some success in securing household-level lighting and was hoping to secure funds for area-coverage solar powered lights. 56 The names of groups coordinating the humanitarian response differ depending on source. The Donor Coordination Group is presumed to be part of or the same as the High Level Coordination Committee. 71
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Operations Management Structure – Humanitarian Response 12 January 2010 Earthquake - Haiti57
UN Humanitarian Coordinator High Level Coordination Prime Minister Committee
UN Humanitarian Country Coordinating Strategy Team Ministers Committee (CSC)
Joint Inter-Cluster Coordinator CSC Planning Task Force Sector Advisors (GoH) Operations Clusters and Tasking Program Management Incl. Shelter and CCCM Center Technical Staff (GoH) Coordination Cell
While there is a Site Manager (American Refugee Committee, funded by IOM), there does not appear to be a clear documented legal trail in terms of who is to do what at Corail. As noted earlier, overall responsibility for the site, as it is located in the DLA, rests with the Ministry of Finance. The Department of Civil Protection (DPC- Ministry of Interior) is also involved in site management (e.g., hurricane plans) but it was unclear if these efforts were authorized or initiated by the Ministry of Finance or solely related to DPC’s more general role in disaster response management. There is clear evidence that some parties working at Corail have operated independently of the overall site management structure and it is unclear who is responsible for enforcing humanitarian standards and Haitian legal requirements (e.g., the need for an environmental review according to Haitian law) for the site.
The Corail management issues raise three clear concerns related to the environment: 1. The GoH pronouncements on relocating populations from Port au Prince, together with the absence of a plan detailing further resettlement of site residents from Corail, leads to a presumption that the site is permanent. This view is held by site residents and organizations working at the site, several of which are constructing permanent structures at the site (see Water, below).
However, at the least, the site is not physically designed to be permanent (it is too small for the resident population) and is subject to a number of only partially mitigated hazards.58 The likely outcomes of the current situation are sub-standard living conditions, significant local environmental damage and unmitigated risks of loss of property and lives for site residents.
2. As a de facto formal (and possibly permanent) settlement, Corail is also a growth pole for people wishing to leave Port au Prince, or who migrate to the greater PaP urban area. The existence of Corail Sector 4 is considered to be one factor in the growth of informal
57 It is presumed that the environment cross-cutting coordination, managed by UNEP, took place within the Clusters box. 58 The PEA acknowledges that organizations involved in Corail Sector 4 have taken action to mitigate hazards at the site. However, at least two severe weather events, one resulting in a reported death, have occurred at the site and it is not clear that the risks from similar events in the future have been reduced to reasonable levels. 72
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settlements neighboring Corail with populations considerably exceeding that of Sector 3 and 4. While there are a number of reasons for the development of informal settlements near Corail Sectors 3 and 4, the availability of even minimal services at the site sustains those who settle near the site. The result is an unplanned growth of a larger populated area around Corail, and further damage to a fragile environment. This process has been underway for several months and can be expected to continue the more permanent the facilities in Corail Sectors 3 and 4 become.
3. Site support services (e.g., water, waste collection, health care) are currently being provided on a temporary, and generally unsustainable, manner. If these (donor-financed) services stop, environmental conditions at the site will worsen, as will the living conditions for site residents and the neighboring, depending populations.
The management of Corail, at the levels of the Site Manager, the PMCC and the CCCM Cluster, lacks environmental expertise. The Shelter Cluster in Haiti did have an Environment Advisor during the initial development of the site that was trained in site-specific environmental impact assessments. UNEP has an active country presence. UNHCR has considerable experience in site (camp) related environmental issues. However, it appears that none of this expertise was tapped for Corail. This is a significant management gap given that the Sphere Standards for Humanitarian Assistance call for environmental considerations to be addressed in the provision of shelter, and IDP/refugee assistance good practice incorporates environmental management procedures.
Site Planning and Development Corail was established on an emergency basis with a total of 30m2 allocated for each resident at the site. If, as is currently the case, this per person space allocation is not increased to a minimum of 45m2 (the minimum necessary for a transition site), then there will be too little space for a normal range of facilities, services and social inter-action, even on a temporary basis.
One immediate impact of using a below standard per person space allocation is that the T-shelters currently under construction are sited too close to each other for the necessary ancillary facilities (e.g., kitchens, showers, latrines, livelihoods) and privacy. In short, the site is being developed in a manner which is too crowded, both in terms of humanitarian standards and social conventions.
Further, the space needed for a T-shelter is greater than that used for the tent which it replaces, indicating that the total space at the site will be too small for the current population once T- shelters are installed. Thus, not only does the space allotted for each T-shelter need to be increased, but the site either needs to be expanded, or the resident population needs to be decreased to meet minimum standards. It has been proposed that between 50 and 100 families be moved to Corail Sector 3, but this action has been contested in part due to differences in T-shelter design in Sector 3, as well as the greater distance from the services (e.g., health care) available in Sector 4.
The 30m2 space allocation also does not allow sufficient space for livelihood activities at the household level. In an urban context, such as Corail Sector 4, many livelihood activities (e.g., animal raising, market gardens, preparing food for sale, carpentry, vehicle repair) take place at the household level, not in a separate area of industry and trade or the local market site. The current tight spacing of T-shelters means that space for these activities will be limited leading to severely overcrowd the existing space between T-shelters or the expansion of home-based activities into communal areas. 73
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The point was raised during the PEA review that Corail Sector 4 constitutes an urban settlement, where less space is needed for housing and household-related activities. However, given that Corail is a Greenfield site, there is no compelling reason that the design of the site needs to recreate the overcrowded and congested conditions found in the areas from which residents lived before the earthquake.
The absence of a decommissioning plan for Corail reinforces the idea that the site will become permanent. A lack of planning for decommissioning is also resulting in the design and construction of T-shelters, latrines and other infrastructure to be permanent and not designed to be easily deconstructed. As a result, if any deconstruction is necessary, either to decommission the site or as part of rearranging infrastructure to meet the 45m2 per person space allocation, then the cost, time, effort and waste will be greater than necessary and lead to a likely waste of natural resources.
The overall specific impact of where and house base materials (i.e., gravel) were sourced for the site is unclear. One borrow pit north of the site was not remediated after it was used. At the same time, the volume of base material used for the site is likely to be relatively small compared to the total amount of gravel removed from hills and river beds in the Port au Prince area. An additional, and more local, issue is that the ballasting of the site was not completed (and may not have been done properly in the first case). As a result, some areas have little or no ballast and become muddy when it rains, while other areas have deep ballast which traps vehicles. As noted, site development work needs to be completed to address many of these residual problems.
The immediate environmental and social impacts of the current site development process (as described above) are leading to the creation of a sub-standard shelter site which will be overcrowded and lack elements necessary for environmental sustainability. The longer term impacts will include poor living conditions, likely development of a slum-like environment and likely social tensions within the site and with neighboring populations.
Water59 Plans to install a reticulated supply network supplied by pumping from a well 5km from the site is a logical way to addresses one problem (the current unsustainable and costly tankering), but raises several issues. Of immediate concern is whether the new water supply will provide potable water (an issue which can be addressed with household slow sand filters) and who will be responsible for managing the system.
Installing a reticulated supply network with a (presumably) sustainable source and pump increases the de facto permanency of the site. It will also increase water supplies for neighboring non- residents60,61 thus increasing the overall permanency of the larger Corail de facto settlement. The result will be increased environmental damage from expanded occupation of a fragile, degraded
59 Unregistered residents already access water from the bladder tanks and could be expected to also use any reticulated system, increasing demand and the potential for conflict. 60 There is evidence that people neighboring Corail already access water provided for the site residents. 61 In Haiti, installed water pipes are commonly tapped into to furnish water to additional (unofficial) users and considerably spread the scope of a reticulated supply system. There is no reason to expect this will not happen in Corail. 74
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environment, and increased settlement in the areas around Corail Sector 4, unless mitigation measures are instituted.
An additional concern is that the provision of a permanent water supply for the site will increase the value of the site. Previous attempts to establish housing in the Corail area failed in part due to the lack of a sustainable potable water supply. Once such a supply is provided, even if only for part of the Corail area, then the value of, and competition for this land will increase significantly.
Since current Corail Sector 4 residents do not have legal title to their land, they will likely be subject to pressures to cede the space they currently occupy to others: current residents have no legal protection from being forced off the sites, whether legally or illegally. This outcome would be in total contradiction to why Corail Sector 4 was created in the first place.
It should also be noted that an increased use of rain water collection, specifically by adding gutters to all buildings, will reduce the demand for water from either tankers/bladders or from an eventual reticulated system. At present, rainwater collection is only being implemented for communal latrines.
The current management of water for the site is laying the groundwork for potential conflict over this scarce resource (as has already been reported) and well as likely efforts to force current residents off the site when regular water is supplied. If regular (piped) water is not supplied to the site, it is unviable and will need to be abandoned, with negative social impacts for residents and environmental impacts for the site.
Sanitation There are currently 238 latrines for residents of Sector 4, resulting in a ratio of one latrine for every 5.5 families, or 28 people. The recommended ratio for temporary relocation sites is one latrine for every 4 families or 20 people62. Having excess users of latrines can lead to maintenance, overfill and sanitation and health issues related to latrine use. The current process of providing controlled access (locks on doors) to groups of families to specific latrine units has had some success in ensuring proper maintenance of latrines but does not appear to be a complete solution to the proper management of these facilities.
There are a variety of latrines used at Corail Sector 4, some with wooden floor and some with concrete floors. To our knowledge, no perk or similar tests were used at the site to assess infiltration rates. However, the geology of the site is composed of a mixture of large and small aggregate as well as inter-bedded layers of clay. At present, there is no surface or sub-surface water collection at Corail or in the neighboring areas due to the saltiness of the ground water. The hydrologic and ground water conditions, and overall operation of the latrines, should be monitored to verify the local medium or long term impact on the environment.
The current focus on replacing emergency latrines with concrete, communal block VIP latrines is functionally rational but socially inappropriate. The planned blocks will be difficult to maintain and difficult to deconstruct and desludging on a regular basis. More environmentally friendly alternatives, such as double vault latrines, do not appear to have been considered.
62 Reed, Bob, Emergency Excreta Standards and Option for Haiti. Prepared April, 2010 for DINEPA and WASH Cluster. 75
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In particular, the option of placing smaller, less resource intensive household latrines next to each T-shelter does not appear to have been considered for this option would need to be integrated into the planning for T-shelters. Such integration of assistance efforts does not appear to have occurred.
The current approach to latrines (semi-communal units) will engender further social issues at the site as well as the likelihood of ad hoc defecation. The current pit latrines will need to be well managed by users, a challenge in more communal/urban settings. Further, it is not clear who will be responsible for desludging the latrines, likely a cost which exceeded the immediate means of Corail residents.
Hygiene Issues related to post-defecation hand washing and pest and cleanliness issues in showers are sufficiently covered in the Scoping. However, there are two issues of concern related to the health clinic in Sector 4. First, waste water from the clinic is being disposed of in a drainage ditch south of the clinic. This water should be disposed of in a proper dry well or infiltration field.
Second, biohazard waste from the clinic is said to be transported to another health establishment for disposal. However, earlier assessments of the management of biohazard waste in Haiti indicate that the existing disposal systems do not always function properly. As a result, the proper handling of biohazard waste by the Corail clinic needs to be verified and the propose disposal of this waste confirmed.
The overall human and social impacts of poor hygiene are demonstrated by the spread of cholera in Haiti. While there have been considerable efforts at hygiene education, the overall effort at improving hygiene can face challenges beyond simple education. A hand washing station inspected on one visit to Corail had no water. While the immediate visible impacts of poor hygiene can be addressed through education and clean-up campaigns, the longer term impacts of a cleaner and safer environment require more than a few songs and posters.
Drainage Conversations indicate that the drainage system for Corail Sector 4 was not complete before the site was occupied, leading to drainage problems. Work to reduce the likelihood of flash flooding (digging a 12x4 meter drainage canal along the east site of the site) may be effective over the short term but raises longer term design and impact issues, including the likelihood than the canal will contribute to damage to the paved road and drainage canal to the south of the site. A more comprehensive approach to site drainage and water management would address the range of environmental and infrastructural issues identified in the Scoping.
In general, waste water management at Corail appears to be well planned. Some (minor) improvements are needed at the health clinic, as noted.
It is unclear if any consideration was given to the use of waste water as a resource for food production. The process of using waste water for food production in refugee camps is well developed. Using this resource to this end at Corail would partially address food insecurity at the site, as well as increase local biomass and improve environmental conditions.
At present, the incomplete nature of the drainage system in Corail is contributing to negative social and environmental outcomes. In particular, the drainage system seems to actually 76
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contribute to flooding in parts of the site. Further, the system needs recurrent maintenance to be minimally effective, a process which has not been developed to date.
Shelter As noted above, T-shelters are being located too close together and without consideration for ancillary facilities. While it is estimated that up to 70% of a T-shelter can be deconstructed, the pad will require considerable work, and likely loss of carbon investment, to be removed at decommissioning.
Residents commented that the shape of the T-shelter was not optimal, being too square to be divided into two rooms. Although the Shelter Cluster in Haiti is reported to have recommended a near-square structure, it is not clear whether a more Wood and Pesticides oblong (twice as long as wide) structure would not have been possible under existing guidance. (A The Haiti USAID Rapid Environmental Impact justification for a more-or-less square structure in Assessment terms of earthquake resistance needs to be more (http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman clearly explained to occupants.) &task=doc_download&gid=10&Itemid=8) recommended against the use of pesticides to There are two T-shelter designs relevant for Corail, treat wood to be used in T-shelters for several the design being constructed by WV/H in Sector 4 reasons: (1) the shelters were temporary, (2) and the design being constructed by IOM in Sector 3. human health impacts from ingesting or burning treated wood cannot be easily addressed, and (3) Comparison of the two designs is relevant as (1) the proper handling of unusable treated wood residents of either site can have knowledge of the (e.g., cut ends) was not possible in Haiti. design being used in the other site, (2) residents can be moved from Sector 4 to Sector 3 to relieve IOM uses Zincomat™ (zinc naphthenate) as a crowding in Sector 4 and (3) both sites are managed topical wood treatment for their T-shelters in by ARC. Corail Sector 3. WV/H is reported to use pressure treated wood for their T-shelters in Sector 4, but Both shelters provide 18m2 of living space (IOM the chemical used for treatment could not be dimensions: 4.97m x 3.75m; WV/H dimensions: 4m x determined. 5.7m). For the WV/H design, the floor pad and Common justifications for wood treatment are shelter roof are extended an additional 5m2 to that treatment will (1) prevent termite damage provide a veranda outside the main entry way. (IOM and (2) extend the overall life of the wood. has said they will retrofit a portico roof onto the front of their design at a later date.) For Corail Sector 4, these justifications appear to be questionable: (1) It is not clear termites are a The foundation and floors for both designs are not threat at Corail, (2) wood is attached above designed for easy deconstruction. The WV/H design ground, thus limiting the risk of wet rot or uses a reinforced ring beam around the foundation, termites, (3) the unenclosed interiors of T-shelters which could be considered excessive for a small increases the likelihood of human contact with temporary single floor building made of light treated wood, and (4) treated wood is intended for external, not internal use. materials, as well as a reinforced concrete floor
(reportedly to increase earthquake resistance). At the least, the use of pesticides to treat wood, or of pesticide-treated wood, should be compliant The IOM structure uses poured-in-place footings with the relevant USAID regulations when the holding wooden posts. The posts form the main wood is procured with USAID funding, and vertical frame for the building. Nails nailed into the compliant with Haitian and manufacturing sections of the posts in the concrete footings are requirements in other all cases. used to bond the concrete and the posts. Infill non-
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structural cement blocks are used to fill the gap between ground level and the bottom of the structure walls, with the space within the building foundation blocks filled with dirt, compacted and covered with a cement surface.
Designs feature different roof framing and, in the case of IOM, an additional roof support post located in the center of the shelter to make up for reduced framing support for the roof. The IOM 2-pitch roof is at 30 degrees while the WV/H design has a 2-pitch roof with a slightly greater slope (estimated at 40 degrees). For the shelter walls both organizations use 6mm cement boarding. Both organizations are in the process of experimenting with modifications in their shelter designs including different door placements and materials. Both shelter designs should meet the standard of being able to resist a Saffir-Simpson Category I hurricane based on a standard agreed to by the Shelter Cluster, but this could only be confirmed for the IOM design.
Both shelter designs use imported wood and have framing dimensions that minimize wood waste. IOM’s design achieves more frugal wood use by utilizing thinner, 2x2 for all non weight bearing diagonal bracing of walls (see Annex I.5 and I.6 for the Bill of Quantity for both designs).
In general, the design that uses the least materials and has the least waste while satisfying structural strength, extreme weather durability and disaster risk reduction is preferable (the sustainability of wood and other material sourcing for each type of T-shelter could not be determined). Based on the information available, the IOM design is leaner in terms of wood and materials used.
Overall, the most significant social and environmental impact of shelter come not from the structures themselves, but the manner in which they have been constructed on the site. As noted, the spacing of the shelters does not allow for normal shelter-related social and economic activities and results in considerable overcrowding. These factors will likely lead to social tensions and environmental degradation at the site over time.
Health There were a number of health issues related to hygiene and water raised during the Scoping, but it has not been possible to discern whether these problems were specific to Corail Sector 4 residents, to residents of neighboring areas, or both (the Corail clinic serves both populations). These issues need further investigation, particularly in relation to installation of a new water supply system and changes in hygiene practices.
Exposure to environmental conditions at the site, including intense sun and constant wind and dust, are likely to stress human health. There is effectively no protection from solar heating at the site, given the absence of natural or constructed shade. The tents available, although white, are both small to provide occupants shade and difficult to vent.
Wind and dust are common at Corail; however there are, as yet, no wind breaks installed at the site. Natural vegetation, which could have limited dust transport, was removed from the site when it was initially constructed.
While immediate health care at Corail Sector 4 is relatively good by local standards, this level of care is not sustainable given the NGO-supported temporary arrangements for the clinic. If and when the clinic is downgraded in scale or is closed, the nearest health facilities are a considerable distance from the site. The immediate social impacts will result from increased disease duration 78
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and possible increased morbidity. A clear plan for the future of the clinic needs to be defined to avoid these outcomes.
Livelihoods Aside from working for organizations supporting Corail Sector 4 and some cash for work projects, it is not clear what most of the people do on a daily basis to assure their livelihood at Corail. Some work in extracting limestone from unofficial mining north of Corail Sector 4 for construction use is likely, potentially causing significant environmental impacts. Other resource extraction, such as tree harvesting or charcoal making, are limited near Corail due to the poor biomass in the area. There is some small scale trade which takes place adjacent to the site, but the degree to which these enterprises employ or financially benefit residents is unclear.
It is likely that many site residents are being supported with funds or physical resources from family members or relatives who have remained in PaP, at least on a semi-permanent basis (e.g., during the work week). The distance of the site from PaP makes daily commuting unlikely and job opportunities in nearby communities are limited.
The implications are two-fold: 1. Site residents with local jobs or which receive funds from other sources are likely to be able to sustain access to basic food and other needs and possibly increase resource use and waste generation over time. 2. Site residents without local jobs and no or limited access to support from other sources are likely to face food insecurity, related health and social issues, and generate only limited waste over time. A better understanding of livelihoods of site residents will contribute to a better understanding of food security (with food insecurity being considered as one of the leading drivers to excessive local resource extraction) and waste generation.
Sourcing Natural Resources The sourcing of sand, gravel, water and wood for Sector 4 raised significant, and as yet largely unanswered, questions. In terms of gravel, it is understood that some of the gravel used in Sector 4 was sourced from borrow pits up-hill from the site. There was standing water in at least one borrow pit site uphill from Sector 4, however it could not be determined whether that site had been used for Corail Sector 4. Proper decommissioning of borrow pits is important in order to re- stabilize soils, limit erosion which can lead to siltation and blockages of temporary relocation site drainage structures, and to limit the growth of vector populations.
Aside from local sources, sand and gravel appear to be sourced from rivers in the Cul de Sac. Unconfirmed reports suggest that this extraction is being done in an uncontrolled, unpermitted and unsustainable manner. It does not appear that at present gravel, sand or machine-processed aggregate is being sourced from the de facto gravel mines to the north of the Corail site. For river gravel, a likely mitigation plan would include a volume-based assessment of gravel resources, replacement rates (i.e., how quickly the gravel extracted can be replaced) leading to a sustainable extraction plan. However, since it appears that all gravel extraction in Haiti is done outside the official approval process, it is likely that a “minimal total impact” extraction process should be used for USAID-supported activities. In this approach, gravel would be extracted from a variety of locations at the same time, thus having a minimal total impact on any one location. This approach applies to river gravel. No hillside gravel should be used in USAID-supported projects.
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The production sources for timber could not be confirmed during data collection for the PEA. As a result, it is unclear if timber is being procured from sustainable sources.
Water for cement mixing is sourced from bladders in the temporary relocation site and increases the overall temporary relocation site water demands in addition to exacerbating the unsustainable water sourcing using tankers. Use of the finite potable water sources at temporary relocation sites for construction purposes may also increase the chance of periodic drinking water shortages. Note that ground water at Corail is reported to be salty and should not be used with cement for construction.
Electrical Supply Corail Sector 4 does not currently have an electrical supply, either from the national grid or a generator.63 As the site develops, there will be an increased need for lighting (e.g., for studying at night, for security). It is likely more efficient to provide a single type of electricity for lighting (whether from the grid, generator or solar/wind) than for a diverse use of sources at the household level. Further, the provision of electrical lighting at the household level (even if one bulb per unit) will reduce the use of open flame (candles) and kerosene, further reducing the risk of fire at the site. This minimal electrical supply approach will improve security and reduce local air pollution from using fires and candles for light.
Cooking Fuel efficient StoveTec charcoal burning stoves have been provided to site residents. However, it is unclear where residents will access the charcoal or wood needed to use these stoves. Local wood harvesting and charcoal production is of limited effectiveness (there is limited biomass for charcoal production or to supply wood) and will result in further degradation of the environment.
The present lack of sufficient food supplies for many residents limits the need for cooking and thus the need for fuel. However, with the advent of proposed cash-for-work efforts, disposable income should increase, leading to increased food consumption, increased cooking and an increase in fuel demand. Steps need to be taken to ensure this demand is met from sustainable sources.
The lack of sufficient, immediately-available (and sustainable) fuel supplies at Corail raises significant environmental issues. Essentially, to cook, residents must harvest local vegetation (and make it into charcoal) or scourge left over wood from shelter construction, both short term solutions at best. There does not appear to be any effort to resolve the fuel supply issue or provide alternate sources of energy (e.g., natural gas) for cooking. Further, the task of finding fuel falls predominantly on women and children, and the difficulty of this process will likely lead to social tension within families.
Fencing /Containment Structures The lack of fencing around resettlement sites presents several security concerns. Without fencing site managers and security personnel lose the ability to manage access to the site and with the ability to control who makes use of the site services and facilities. Further, movement of non- resident populations into the site likely increases social tensions.
At the same time, fencing is unlikely to prevent determined efforts to enter the site from neighboring areas, for instance to access the clinic or water supplies. As a result, fencing can be
63 There is an electrical line which runs into part of Section 3. 80
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used to delimit the site, but should be installed with sufficient access points (gates and/or foot bridges64 over boundary ditches) to allow controlled but appropriate access to the site.
Uncontrolled movement of livestock in and out of site can present disease and sanitation issues. The presence of drainage canals on the north, east and west perimeters of Corail Sector 4 are sufficient to limit large livestock from roaming freely into the camp but goats likely have no problem scaling drainage canal walls.
Food and Seed Treatments Both food and seed grains have been, are currently, and will likely be stored and distributed at Corail Sector 4. While most food distributed has been fumigated before arrival, there is a need to ensure insect and rodent safe storage which the commodities are at the site. This can be done effectively without the use of pesticides in most cases.
However, if pesticides are used, then it is necessary that pesticide use follows best practice. In the case of US Government funded actions, 22 CFR 216 provisions on the use of pesticides must also be followed. This may require an update to the USAID Haiti PURSUAP or reference to pesticide reviews by USDA/CCC, in the case of food aid.
Seed provided for gardening may have anti-fungal or anti-rodent treatments, often indicated by the presence of a red coloring of the seed. Seed recipients should be advised that eating these seeds can be fatal and removal of the red coloring does not remove the chemicals used to treat the seeds.
Office Space for Site Management ARC currently uses a prototype WV/H T-shelter for an office. The space available is inadequate for the work needed to manage the site, and there is no appropriate space for meetings and consultations. Further, the building is not secure in the Haitian context (cannot be securely locked and would experience water during a severe storm), has no power, and has no means to control access.
Faith-Based Considerations The site plan does not provide for religious facilities or programs, so immediate ecosystemic environmental impacts are not relevant. Depending on the degree of observance within the population, lack of dedicated space for spiritual or religious practices for healing may aggravate the negative social and psychological impacts. When developing a response to support the community, cultural and spiritually appropriate mechanisms for psychosocial mental health conditions, trauma and from living in crowded conditions with minimal privacy and basic services should be provided.65
64 At the time of the Scoping, foot bridges were being installed across boundary ditches to replace trash barrels which had been diverted for purpose of providing ditch crossing points. 65 See “Psychosocial needs”, page 199, UNHCR Emergency Guidelines. 81
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Other Issues related to any temporary relocation site development in Haiti66 The Scoping of Corail Sector 4 and consideration of other possible relocation sites raised several additional environment-related issues for consideration in the PEA. These include: Sites on slopes less than 2% posing threats from flooding; localized flooding from poor drainage Slopes greater than 12%, raising issues of personal safety (falls and fire); erosion and water management, mass down-slope movement management and mitigation; reinforcement of access infrastructure; wind hazard mitigation and other site specific issues Resident and/or squatter aggressive opposition to relocation project happening at site While not applicable to Corail Sector 4, these issues need to be addressed before a decision is made to use sites which are too flat, or too steep.
6.2. Environmental Analysis of No Action The Scoping has identified a considerable range of outstanding and impending negatives environmental impacts at Corail Sector 3 and 4, as well as in surrounding locations. If no action is taken to improve the planning and management of the Corail complex then considerably more damage to the environment can be expected, as well as increased hardship for site residents.
If residents of Corail and other sites move to new sites outside Port au Prince or to sites within metropolitan Port au Prince due to poor local conditions, this relocation will take place without adequate controls on possible negative environmental impacts. The consequences will likely be additional damage to the Haitian environment as well as sub-standard provision of basic services and facilities in the new spontaneous relocation sites. Later efforts to formalize spontaneous relocation sites will face considerable challenges in upgrading facilities and services and remediating environmental damage if no action is taken at this time.
In addition, if no action is taken to improve the process of temporary site selection and management in Haiti, it is likely future relocation sites will face the same problems and medium to long term environmental (and humanitarian) challenges that have been identified in the Scoping for Corail. Such an outcome would be against USG policy and human decency.
6.3. Environmental Analysis of Alternative A This section analyzes the impacts of temporary relocation alternative actions following the direction provided in the Alternative A narrative section. As this alternative has been designed to address the scoping issues identified for the Proposed Action there are several mitigating actions built into the design of Alternative A. However, any additional mitigation measures needed to mitigate the impacts described below are included in the EMMP.
Site Overview: Model Site Plan: A maximum, though not optimal, temporary relocation site population is 5,000 persons and 23 Ha. Small towns in Haiti have around this population, and for a temporary relocation site, this number would be near the limit of social structures for effective management. It is likely that the physical limit of 23 Ha is the largest unoccupied area in Haiti. The small site
66 As indicated in the Scoping, trash collection is being conducted by a contractor to Oxfam. It is not known where the trash is being deposited. Conversations indicated the trash should be deposited in the Truitier site, but this was not verified. 82
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block, under the same rationale, is at a minimum of 30-40 persons for providing common services (e.g., water).
Temporary Relocation Site Upgrades: In moving from the provision of emergency short term facilities to longer term transitional solutions, proper planning is needed to establish working facilities alongside those that are being decommissioned or upgraded. For instance, a lack of functioning toilets or wash facilities near newly constructed shelters, or movement of emergency shelters away from existing facilities, will lead to un-mitigated environmental impacts from open defecation, poor drainage, poor hand washing and reduced access to sufficient water. The resulting impacts include increased local pollution and environmental contamination, increased potential pest breeding sites and reduced public hygiene. In the case of reduced access to toilets, hand washing facilities and water, an increase in fecal contamination related diseases can be expected.
For example, if tents have to be moved during the construction of transitional shelters, a space where tents can be moved that is nearby existing communal facilities/infrastructure and safe from existing site risks (flood, landslide, etc.) should be identified for use during T-shelter construction. Similarly, during latrine upgrades, communal latrines should not be decommissioned until privately owned family latrines are operational.
Justification for Temporary Relocation: By utilizing temporary relocation as a last resort solution for providing shelter and other needs of disaster displaced, the negative social and environmental impacts of temporary relocation (e.g., disruption of social cohesion, exposure to harsh environmental conditions) will be entirely avoided for all but the most at risk displaced populations.
Site Selection: Impacts from improper site selection, exposure to flood risks, landslides, will be sufficiently mitigated by following guidance of S2D2 as recommended by Alternative A.
Approval of Temporary Relocation Site: Approval of site selected for temporary relocation activities by the land owner, GOH and the prospective site residents will greatly reduce risk of social conflict, discontent and demonstrations arising between land owners, local state leaders, and prospective site residents.
Environmental Overview: Local climate, agro-ecological zones, geology, soils, flood, erosion, storm and population risks: These factors should all inform aspects of site facility and infrastructure design as well as livelihood strategies in order to minimize hazards to site residents and to take advantage of available resources (rain water, soil fertility, natural drainage, etc.) at the selected site.
Forest resources, vegetative cover, biodiversity, fragile or protected areas: In general, sites within 15km or a day’s walk from fragile or protected areas should be avoided. There are relatively few protected sites in Haiti but several sensitive areas do exist such as, upland forests, coastal estuaries, wetlands, rivers, etc. If sites nearby such areas have to be used, mitigating actions should be put in place. By mapping and identifying nearby areas at-risk of degradation, as recommended in Alternative A, it allows for proper mitigations to be implemented. Examples include: establishment of environmental protection groups to prevent incursion and extraction of resources, or the re-design of infrastructure to avoid direct negative impacts (i.e. direct discharge of effluents, run-off, solid waste disposal, etc.) on sensitive areas. 83
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Human environment: Impacts related to the human environment of the site are covered later in the narrative site plan.
Below is a description of environmental impacts that may occur as a direct result of site preparation, development and management activities. As many environmental impacts have already been mitigated in the narrative direction provided in the Alternative A section, remaining environmental impacts are mitigated through the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP).
Site Preparation and Development: Environmental impacts of general site preparation can include flooding and erosion caused by the sourcing of gravel and sand as well as soil degradation caused by extensive deforestation and de- vegetation.
Roads and Paths: Sourcing of gravel and sand for road and path construction can also cause significant flooding and erosion. Improper connecting and drainage structures may lead to road washout and further flooding.
Drainage: The improper placement and installation of drains and canals can cause significant flooding and sediment buildup. Flooding canals and drains can cause both road washout and structural damage. Canals may also pose a human threat in poorly lit conditions.
Shelter Construction: Inadequate shelter design can pose risks to residents as well as stress surrounding natural resources and energy sources. Shelter crowding and poor siting can lead to a series of health and/or safety concerns for residents. For more impacts, see, “Building construction/construction material sourcing.”
Water Facilities and Water Supply: Heavy water use can significantly stress the water supply, change groundwater flow and create saltwater intrusions. Water systems and facilities can also harbor dangerous disease vectors and contaminants.
Shower, Hand and Clothes Washing Facilities: Hygienic and washing facilities can pose health risks to residents as well as facilitate the wasting of water. Gender based harassment and violence may occur at poorly managed shower facilities.
Wastewater Management: Grey water runoff from communal washing stations and showers may stagnate, creating disease vector breeding areas and general environmental nuisances.
Garbage and Hazardous Waste Management: Without adequate attention to behavioral change, solid waste management can be overlooked or fail over the long term. Waste management failure can lead to the creation of disease vectors and other environmental pollution and/or damages. Biohazard and medical waste can pose risk of injury and disease transmission without adequate storage and collection schemes. 84
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Latrines/Toilets: Inappropriate latrine siting/construction can lead to the creation of disease vectors/drinking or bathing water contamination, or lack of latrine use. Lack of hygiene management can promote disease transmission.
Cooking Facilities/Fuel: Fuel harvested locally can contribute to deforestation, soil degradation and erosion. Fuel can be used inefficiently creating waste and potential respiratory problems. Inadequate storage of fuel can pose fire hazards.
Livelihood Activities Promotion: Promoting agricultural livelihood activities can lead to the use of chemical inputs to improve production. Without adequate training and sensitization, residents could be at risk to a variety of health problems related to misuse of agricultural chemical inputs.
Building Construction/Construction Material Sourcing: Materials for facilities can be sourced unsustainably, leading to local deforestation, erosion, change in local hydrology and soil degradation. Construction workers, typically untrained laborers, face safety risks.
Vector Management: Any pesticides used in the site vector management plan pose a potential threat to human safety and could contaminate potable and washing water supplies without proper pesticide application practice. Pesticides acquired through USAID funding must be evaluated and specially approved for use by USAID in a PERSUAP.
Decommissioning Plan: Without an adequate plan, with roles and responsibilities clearly planned, conflict can arise over property ownership. Furthermore, any environmental restoration activities need to be clearly planned to avoid planting invasive, or other non-native species.
6.4. Cumulative Impacts 6.4.1. Proposed Action The likely cumulative impact of continuing with the proposed action is a significant degradation of the environmental conditions at Corail Sector 4 as well as the whole informal settlement surrounding the site. Within Sector 4, the unnecessary crowding of shelter units will create a semi- slum like environment with inadequate space for normal social and economic activities. Social problems can be expected to develop as a result. The incomplete infrastructure will be difficult to maintain and, in its present state, result in flooding and increased breeding sites for vectors when it rains.
More critically, and related to the lack of an overall long term plan for the site, it is unclear how the level of services and facilities (from health clinic to drainage canals) will be maintained once external funding stops. Unless this issue is addressed, is it likely Corail Sector 4 will slowly degrade into a poorly drained, poorly serviced, crowded, water-less, isolated relocation site of cumulatively substandard conditions.
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6.4.2 No Action The cumulative impact of no action will lead to widespread degradation of the environment in the DLA through a failure to provide even minimally acceptable living conditions (e.g., water, health, sanitation) for the residents. As the eastern end of the DLA contains the only remaining unsettled (until the earthquake) area near Port au Prince, this area is and will continue to be the last resort home for new arrivals to the city or for those who cannot find sufficient accommodations in Port au Prince.
The current practice of ad hoc NGO assistance to the informal areas (e.g., Techo para mi Pais building shelters) without any plan for the full development of the zone will create a peri-urban slum, much like the way in which City Sole came into existence. The resulting cumulative social and environment impacts (including land tenure disputes, land mafias, criminality and poor environmental sanitation) will likely develop in a short period if no alternatives are implemented.
6.4.3 Alternative A While Alternative A has been designed specifically to address social and environmental issues arising from Corail Sector 4, three sets of negative cumulative outcomes can be anticipated if the Model Plan is not fully implemented: 1. A temporary relocation site which is neither officially closed nor transformed into a permanent relocation site. The cumulative consequence would likely be a slow degradation in services and protection of the environment (e.g., measures to prevent wood harvesting from neighboring areas to expand shelters), which would lead to poorer environmental (and social) conditions over time. 2. A temporary relocation site where site management is not progressively taken on by site residents prior to a reduction of external funding for site management and operations. The cumulative impact would likely be a reduction in services (e.g., sewage management, garbage collection, and water supply) which would have at least a temporary impact on living conditions and the local environment. 3. A closure of the site without a decommissioning plan. The cumulative result would be the creation of a waste dump which would continue to result in environmental damage and degradation over a considerable period of time, presuming the site were ever to be properly decommissioned. Each of these cumulative impacts can be largely avoided through the implementation of the Model Plan and the recommendations in the S2D2 report.
6.5. Environmental Options Table – Non-optimal Temporary Relocation Sites The following table identifies different environmental issues which should be considered in developing temporary relocation sites in non-optimal locations. An optimal relocation site is one which: 1. Is not currently occupied, 2. Has had no significant current or previous human impact, 3. Has a slope between 2% and 6%, 4. Has minimal on-site vegetation over 2 meters, and 5. Is not in an urban or peri-urban area.
The table is organized with key non-optimal characteristics along the horizontal axis, key site specific aspects along the vertical axis (based on the S2D2 Report outline for a site plan) and notation of specific actions to identify issues related to the non-optimal characteristics in each cell. 86
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A blank cell indicates that there is no relative environmental issue and the guidance for an optimal site should be followed. (This guidance can be found in Alternative A and the Environmental Impacts of Alternative A sections of the PEA). If a site meets two “site specific issues”, then the environmental considerations from each cell of the respective rows need to be taken into consideration in developing the site.
Note that USAID Haiti is developing an Initial Environmental Examination for permanent shelter for earthquake survivors. This IEE should be consulted for temporary relocation activities which will take place in urban or peri-urban areas. In general, environmental issues associated with permanent urban or peri-urban shelter should be incorporated into any urban/peri-urban temporary relocation plan given the high likelihood that a temporary urban/peri-urban site will become permanent.
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Non-Optimal Characteristics Current or Site in coastal
Slope Subject to Forested former site Former zone (within Slope over 6% Peri-urban site Urban site under 2% landslides location for industrial site 500 meters of Site Specific agriculture coast) Issues
Overharvesting marine Removal of resources, Claims to land Increased risk of trees leading damage to Standing ownership, erosion, difficulty to soil erosion, Contamination marine water and informal Existence of of access, limited additional from previous resources from Key flooding; settlements, Refer to peri- infrastructure, space for Landslides potential use; land run-off and Challenges high ground limited space, urban site. soil buildings and flooding and tenure, other site water some services (e.g., contamination storage if terraces negative infrastructure consequences, table. health care) may are required. impacts to high ground be available off-site biodiversity. water table, coastal flooding. Need to resolve Clarify land land tenure issues Refer to peri- Define land tenure before Land Tenure before site is urban site. ownership. any work in opened. site. Map existing infrastructure, Assess Need to assess Map existing test for whether used possible impact of infrastructure, presences of Refer to peri- as a borrow Prior Usage previous land use, test for contaminants, urban site. pit or including use as pesticide and assess gravel/stone dump site. residue presence of mining site. dumps and disposal areas.
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Assess Site residents will whether site likely have existing Need to avoid resident will livelihoods and not Refer to peri- tree cutting to Livelihoods have been be available for urban site. support involved in site-specific cash or livelihoods. marine-based food for work livelihoods. Permission Incorporate May need to may be existing deconstruct Needs to plan for Need to needed to infrastructure existing Plan for increased erosion; construct remove trees. onto site plan Build facilities Ensure structures and removal or Site terracing may be diversion Site plan and to limit run-off adequate facilities; need reuse of Preparation required to structures or needs to preparation, into coastal drainage to assess existing provide space for sediment maximize may need to areas. where existing infrastructure. infrastructure traps. retention of deconstruct facilities can forested existing be reused. areas. infrastructure. Needs to be build Build Need to be to reduce risk of roads/paths to raised and erosion, have See site Roads/paths limit run-off allow slopes which can preparation. into coastal drainage allow foot and areas. vehicle access Needs to Needs to manage work in flat Need to increased water Use existing Build drainage area, and ensure flows, reduce See site infrastructure limit run-off Drainage drain low drainage will erosion and be preparation. (e.g., cancan) into coastal area; may not be blocked safe to use during for drainage. areas. need use of by landslides. rainfall pumps Boundary Required Required Demarcation
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May need to be More lighting may more extensive for Refer to peri- Lighting be needed. security urban site. requirements. Need to ensure Need to Buildings may shelters and have raised need to be placed other Use existing Shelter and plinths on terraces and buildings are See site infrastructure Other above have limited space protected preparation. to extent Buildings expected for ancillary from possible. water activities and landslide/mass levels. facilities movement impact. Cannot rely on gravity, Flow System will need to Use existing controls pressure have tower. See site infrastructure Water Supply needed and Address preparation. to extent to water draining for possible. reduce wastage. waste water. Use existing Waste Build to limit Clothes See site infrastructure water drainage into Washing preparation. to extent drainage costal area. possible. Need alternatives to dry wells Use existing May have limited Build to limit Showers and and See site infrastructure space to construct drainage into Hand Washing infiltration preparation. to extent on terraces. costal area. fields, need possible. to consider waste
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water storage tanks and pumping.
Need alternatives to dry wells Build to limit and May need to drainage into infiltration May be limited May have limited use storage costal area. Waste Water fields, need space for See site space to construct tanks and off- May need Management to consider waste water preparation. on terraces. site disposal of storage tanks waste drainage. waste water. to hold waste water water. storage tanks and pumping. Build to limit Need to be drainage into raised; may costal area. need waste See site May need to Toilets storage preparation. build toilets tanks and with leak- regular proof storage pumping. tanks. Need to provide Need to Need to fuel. Natural gas provide fuel. provide fuel to Need to limit risk stoves may be Natural gas avoid Cooking of fire from open feasible due to stoves may be overharvesting cooking. access to suppliers. feasible due to local supplier access. tree/branches.
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Need to plan Need more robust Consider for personal Site Safety More active fire plan and More robust Need landslide coastal security issues (fire, flood evacuation plans human/possessions warning and flooding in related to evacuation, response for dealing with security may be evacuation safety and urban context security) plan high water flows require. plan. evacuation and site down site slopes. plans. access. Need to be raised to provide for Use existing May be integrated drainage Refer to peri- infrastructure Markets into existing off- and use urban site. to extent site market system. during possible. standing water. May be Needs to be May be established established Use existing raised to off-site for space off-site for infrastructure Storage space avoid water and security space and to extent damage. considerations. security possible. considerations. Maybe limited Open space may be May be See site and need to limited and need to used as May be used as preparation. focus on address multi- Refer to peri- Open Space water water retention Need to keep specific uses, purposes (e.g., urban site. retention areas. tress in open e.g., football and weekly areas. spaces. basketball market. court.
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Access will be more difficult, Establish hard Need special Access to services Need to surface approaches to Handicap, outside the site Refer to peri- ensure elderly passages ensuring access Elderly needs to be urban site. and disabled as, hand for disabled and considered. can evacuate. railings, and elderly. other measures to ensure access. Increase Vector need for encroachment Dense Assess presence Assess site for Vector vector from outside the Refer to peri- forested areas Assess site for of rodent and management presence of other vector Management site needs to be urban site. may harbor rodent. due to rodents. typically found wetter assessed and vector. in coastal areas. conditions. managed.
6.6. Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)
This EMMP identifies the key Temporary Relocation activities recommended in Alternative A (the preferred action), and their corresponding potential environmental impacts, as well as mitigation measures and indicators to track effectiveness. These mitigation measures and their corresponding indicators should be applied to all Temporary Relocation projects in Haiti. However, there may be site-specific characteristics and potential environmental impacts on a project to project basis that will require new mitigation measures, not included in this EMMP. For this reason, each Temporary Resettlement Project must have an accompanying Environmental Mitigation Plan and Report (EMPR) that draws upon this EMMP, but includes site specific considerations, mitigation measures and indicators as well.
EMPRs are subject to review and oversight by the MEO and CTO. Reporting should be carried out following the guidance in the EMPR Guidelines.67 In all cases, the tasks identified in the EMMP need to be incorporated into the implementing partner’s work plan, budget, and reporting. Cost analysis of mitigation measures should be included in the institution’s project specific EMPR.
67 See Annex G. 93
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Significant Monitoring and Party(ies) Monitoring Activity Environmental Mitigation Measure(s) Reporting Responsible/Further Indicator(s) Impact Frequency Information An inappropriately- ***Follow temporary relocation and resettlement site selection methodology sited temporary from the S2D2 report found in Annex F or online at
relocation site http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=23&Itemid could lead to loss =8 of human life, lack of livelihoods, Site Selection unsustainable use and Planning of natural resources and For sites that require mitigation, follow guidance provided in the, "Environmental several other Options Table – Non-optimal Temporary Relocation Sites," included in this PEA in environmental, Section 6.5. social, economic and cultural problems
Mountain/hillside Locate borrow pits and earth piles away from water bodies. If this is not possible, Weekly during Y/N signs of destabilization, install fencing to contain soil in earth piles, or place tarps/hay bales on piles to construction erosion around erosion and/or avoid sedimentation of nearby water body. and every 3 construction sedimentation due months for 1 and/or borrow to earth moving Backfill and re-vegetate borrow pits when no longer needed year after pit sites General and/or excavation construction Construction Minimize use of heavy machinery Activities for Y/N Construction Once at any road, Remove or bury all abandoned construction materials and rubble waste present at completion of canal, facility Construction site site construction or other site potentially poses a Place fencing around any excavation site to prevent injuries Y/N Reported structure human health and accidents or safety hazard to Weekly during complaints from workers and local Provide potable water, adequate tools and protective gear, appropriate sanitary construction community residents and solid waste disposal facilities for construction workers during construction phase phase related to construction site
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Sourcing gravel Limit/avoid borrow pit creation, alteration of river courses or depths. When Y/N Existence of and sand can alter possible, use recycled concrete debris for site grading or road aggregate material borrow pits that hydrology and lead Quarterly have not been to flooding and Backfill and re-vegetate borrow pits when no longer needed backfilled Site erosion Preparation Deforestation and Weekly during de-vegetation can All vegetative matter more than 2 meters in height will be left on site unless Y/N Vegetation site reduce soil quality directly posing an inconvenience for road, shelter or other facility construction. over 2 m tall preparation and lead to Planning should attempt to minimize vegetative clearing whenever possible being cut activities erosion or flooding Sourcing gravel Y/N Existence of and sand can alter Limit/avoid borrow pit creation, alteration of river courses or depths. When borrow pits that hydrology and lead Quarterly possible, use recycled concrete debris for site grading or road aggregate material have not been to flooding and backfilled erosion Roads and canals Y/N Natural installed without drainage course considering Roads and canals should take advantage of natural drainage courses. Roads has been Review road
natural drainage should be placed across gradient and draped over existing topography incorporated and canal plans Roads and will increase flood into canal and Paths68 risks road designs Improper connecting structures where Y/N Bridges are roads and intact and Foot bridges over drainage canals should be fixed in place so they are not stolen drainage canals present at paths Quarterly or deconstructed for T-shelter repairs meet can lead to over drainage increased user canals hazards and risk of road wash out
68 Follow further guidance in Low Volume Roads Engineering Field Guide, Gordon Keller and James Sherar, http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADB595.pdf. 95
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Without estimates of maximum water flows in drainage Drainage plans should be based on projected maximum daily precipitation levels canals designs and flood risk assessments for the site Consult could leave site Y/N Flood risk drainage prone to flooding assessments and designs and and canal failure projected daily related precipitation assessments/es For areas where levels were used timates once heavy rains are to inform expected and prior to start of Line the drainage canals to reduce wear and erosion. The preferred approach is drainage designs canal construction to line the canals with crushed concrete debris or locally available rock mixed sedimentation is with cement mortar high, canals may be clogged and cause flooding Consult Drainage canal Y/N Canal drainage outlets can cause designs take into designs and Drainage downstream, Ensure drainage outlets flow into natural drainage contours downstream, and account related indirect impacts when possible, dispersed drainage outlets are preferable so as to not concentrate expected flows assessments/es including flooding large quantities of water at outlet points, timates once or structural attempting to prior to start of damage disperse water construction
Poor use of canal spoils can lead to build up of earth All drainage canal spoils should be used on-site for site leveling and for mounds, bunds/banks construction sedimentation and waste of available Y/N Canal spoils resources are not eroding Quarterly into canals Improper connecting Spoils from canal digging should not be left alongside canals except as needed for structures where banks to minimize direct flows roads and drainage canals
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meet can lead to increased user Y/N there is Culverts and tie-ins should be designed to minimize erosion of drainage canals major erosion at hazards and risk of Quarterly road wash out and roads to mitigate risk of wash-out or failure culvert or tie-ins on site
1) Y/N Maintenance agreement Lack of 1) Once prior reached with maintenance can Maintain and clear canals of trash, debris and invasive vegetation to avoid canal to project community result in canal overflow initiation, and members, and 2) failures 2) Quarterly Regular maintenance is performed Canals pose a # of reported potential threat to injuries due to resident safety, Mark canals with white painted rocks so as to prevent injury in low-lit areas Quarterly poorly marked especially in low-lit canals areas Wire fencing prone to be cut by Encourage use of live fencing, using plants traditionally used for this purpose Y/N Live fencing Site Boundary residents or (cactus, jatropha or other endemic plant species). Encourage community in healthy Quarterly Demarcation surrounding maintenance and upkeep of live fencing condition squatters for easier access Inadequate shelter design can lead to human safety risks, and/or fail to Follow shelter minimum standard design specifications described in the Y/N Shelter meet international Alternative A section of this PEA design meets Once prior to minimum minimum Shelter project humanitarian standards Construction implementatio standards outlined in n Poor designs can Alternative A of stress resources the PEA Ensure adequate natural lighting, as well as ventilation to keep indoor space and energy to bright, yet cool maintain comfortable
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temperature levels
Providing public facilities for activities often considered Include in shelter designs adequate space for a cooking area, shower and VIP
"private" in Haitian latrine culture may cause discomfort or lack of use of facilities Y/N Water Bi-monthly Disease vectors source testing Maintain sanitary and disease-free water source points and train community water testing Camp Management and water reveals safe members on proper water source maintenance for agency contamination levels of water contaminants contaminants Y/N Residents Residents are at employing good risk of disease or Sensitize community about risks of poor hygienic practice and water collection hygienic Quarterly harmful methods practices and contamination water collection methods Potable Water Calculate yield and extraction rates in relation to other area water uses to avoid Facilities and depletion of the resource, damage to aquatic ecosystems or communities Adequate soil Increase risk of Once prior to Supply Source downstream. These calculations should take into account historic and projected and water source water pollution, project upstream and downstream supply and demand for water capacity analysis change initiation Gather and analyze data on soil type, slope and topography to determine the completed groundwater flow, potential for significant erosion deplete available resources, create Construct potable water improvement system at least 30 meters away from a
saltwater sump, latrine or any other potential source of ground water pollution % of relocation intrusions, etc. or site residents In coastal areas, keep withdrawals within safe yield limits to avoid overdrawing, render the water receiving enough possible saltwater intrusion and contamination of the well Quarterly improvement potable water system useless Use fencing or equivalent that will prevent livestock from grazing uphill or up for support gradient of the water supply improvement. Fence around community water family needs supply to keep livestock away
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Water pipes buried far Y/N Water piping underground can Once prior to Any installed water piping should be buried with loose soil less no more than 1m designs place lead to higher project below ground, to prevent theft and/or damages. pipes above maintenance and implementation ground decommissioning costs
Unanticipated % of citizens higher demand for utilizing water can stress Install rain water catchment systems for collecting water for the use of bathing rainwater water source, and and washing. Install gutters on shelters, and all other buildings. Distribute large catchment Quarterly leave certain buckets with lids or screens for storage systems for residents without washing and drinking water bathing
Household water contamination % of household may become If household contamination becomes apparent, provide households with slow effectively Monthly apparent, causing sand filters, and provide trainings on their use and maintenance utilizing slow bacterial infections sand filters or other diseases
Y/N Latrines Inappropriate planned to be Once prior to siting can lead to For communal latrines, do not site latrine in wetlands or next to a stream, river, sited in an project the creation of lake or up-gradient from a potable water source appropriate initiation Latrine/Toilet disease location Construction vectors/drinking or Y/N Reports of bathing water For communal latrines, identify and eliminate social and gender based barriers to gender based contamination, or latrine use. Ensure that siting allows for adequate access and use according to Quarterly issues associated lack of latrine use social/cultural context with latrine use
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Y/N design features match Inappropriate Use ventilated improved pit latrine design that traps disease vectors. Follow Once prior to those latrine design/use minimum standard design specifications for toilets in the Alternative A section of project recommended can lead to the the PEA initiation creation of disease by Alternative A vectors and/or in the PEA drinking or bathing water % of residents Encourage users to add organic material such as leaves occasionally to improve using carbon contamination Quarterly decomposition (aeration) and reduce odor. based materials in latrines Cracks or leaks in Identify and train local committee or community members to monitor and repair Y/N reported latrine slab latrines unrepaired contaminates maintenance Bi-annually nearby water issues with sources or creates Install minimal lining of the pit to prevent collapse of the hole or superstructure latrines standing water
Visual check: % of residents Disease performing good transmission from Develop a hygiene awareness-raising and educational strategy to promote good hygienic lack of good practices, such as hand-washing. Follow up training component with posters and practices Quarterly hygiene practices signs reminding residents of good hygienic practices. promoted in (i.e.: hand trainings and in washing) behavior change campaign
# of reported security breaches or High security risks incidents of Shower, hand at communal gender based and clothes shower stations, Ensure site security mechanism performs heightened rounds near shower violence Quarterly washing especially for stations during high-volume shower periods of the day occurring at or facilities gender based within an violence immediate vicinity of shower stations 100
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Without adequate management or Y/N visible water technology at Camp Management Install flow limiting faucets such as stand pipes for communal washing stations. wasting communal agency follow-up Limit communal water supply use to specific times. Provide sensitization on occurring at Quarterly washing stations, behavioral change water conservation techniques communal residents may campaign as needed washing station waste significant quantities of water Y/N Residents Camp Management Human health Community Sensitization campaigns needed to encourage hand washing with employing good agency follow-up Quarterly risks soap, which should be distributed as NFI to households hygienic behavioral change practices campaign as needed Grey water runoff Y/N waste water from washing being adequately Design a waste water drainage system that releases water into a sump, or Waste Water stations may disposed in a preferably in a shallow dry well with planted banana or plantain trees to serve as Quarterly Management stagnate, creating sump or a safe and productive water capture system disease vector banana/plantain breeding areas patches
% Residents who have received Fuel can be used Once prior to Fuel efficient stoves distributed as NFI with pots and pans to residents. If viable, distributed inefficiently project alternatives to charcoal fuel should be distributed on a weekly basis to residents stoves and fuel creating waste, initiation for cooking on a higher demand for regular basis fuel and potential respiratory Y/N Cooking and Trainings provided to residents on fuel conservation, reducing harmful emissions stove trainings Once at project problems Cooking and other operational matters related to the fuel efficient stoves distributed carried out for completion residents % of residents Charcoal resources receiving can become Where natural gas refilling stations are available nearby, encourage use of natural charcoal stressed and not gas by distributing gas stoves to residents. Also, if available on a large enough distribution, % Monthly enough will be scale, encourage the use of post-harvest waste or compacted paper waste buying charcoal, available to meet briquettes. and % without camp demand resources to cook
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Once prior to Y/N central fuel Inadequate project Delivery of storage point storage of fuel implementatio Fuel for Establish central storage areas for wood, charcoal or natural gas containers established and sources can pose a n and Cooking in good fire hazard Quarterly condition thereafter Y/N Residents Whenever possible non-extractive employment options (farming, facility have non- maintenance activities, micro-enterprise, etc.) should be promoted within extractive Annual survey temporary relocation sites livelihood opportunities For more Extractive Y/N information on livelihood options Permaculture organizations can increase techniques For family agricultural plots, permaculture should be promoted whenever Once prior to involved in the Livelihoods pressure on promoted possible to reduce wastes, and take advantage of all available resources in a project promotion of limited resources through family productive manner completion Permaculture in Haiti without proper garden/agricultu visit: management ral training http://www.permacu program lturerelief.org/ Y/N Resource Extractive livelihood activities should be properly managed to reduce their base has shown Annual survey negative impacts. Fish catch limits set, restrictions on where mining activities can signs of stress or and site visit take place enforced and re-vegetation efforts to offset fuel wood harvesting exhaustion
Y/N infectious/ hazardous In rural areas, burn infectious waste in a single-chamber incinerator, if possible, wastes burned in Quarterly Risk of injury and while ensuring a low emission of potentially toxic gases disease adequate Biohazard/ transmission from incinerator Medical Waste medical waste to Management waste handlers Y/N Handlers Once before and others in report improper medical center Handlers of hazardous wastes are trained in proper handling precautions and contact with waste practice or injury opening and provided with appropriate protective equipment when handling annually wastes afterwards
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Y/N hazardous or Ensure toxic or hazardous wastes are separated from other trash, and placed in toxic wastes puncture-proof, clearly marked containers. Ensure these containers are collected Quarterly separated by waste management services specially and treated appropriately in disposal adequately Y/N Burial pit sited in an area If waste will be buried on site, avoid wherever possible siting the burial pit up- that will not Once prior to gradient from a drinking water source or water body. Pit must be lined with cause direct project impermeable material such as clay or polyethylene contamination to completion drinking water sources % of Community members Follow up and carrying out further public Without adequate practices and awareness Carry out sensitization seminars on proper waste disposal, utilizing installed trash attention to techniques campaigns to be and recycling containers, and discouraging trash burning. Promote composting Monthly behavioral change, promoted in carried out by camp initiatives and train on best practice solid waste waste management agency management can management in conjunction with Solid Waste be overlooked, sensitization community leaders Management leading to the seminars creation of disease vectors and other Y/N Trash Ensure regular trash collection services are performed, and that adequate environmental collection containers for trash separation are present at market sites pollution and/or services Organic solid waste should be composted for use in small home gardens. Monthly damages performing Consider the use of vermiculture as part of the composting process and potential duties on an small business. established basis
Without adequate Y/N adequate maintenance and sewage Avoid direct discharge of effluent to waterways. Ensure that a local septic waste Sewage upkeep of latrines collection and removal company exists and will be available to remove sewage from communal Bi-annually Management can become disposal is latrines once filled disease vectors, occurring when contaminate water necessary
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supplies and/or become % of residents Promote the use of carbon based waste materials (such as woodchips, leaves or using carbon unpleasant and go Quarterly un-used grass) in latrines by residents to reduce smell and improve decomposition process based materials in latrines
Better alternatives Number of exist to pit or Replace pit or septic tank latrines with bio-gas, composting or other types of replacement Constantly septic storage tank toilet systems toilet systems latrines installed
Invasive species damages local Ensure that non-invasive and native species approved by Ministry of Agriculture ecosystems and are selected for reforestation/revegetation. Preferably introduce local fruit- endangers survival bearing trees that provides a potential source of income Number of or local flora and seedlings fauna surviving out of Quarterly Build fencing, either plastic or metal, around seedlings to prevent animals from the number of
Soil grazing over the seedlings seedlings Stabilization, Seedlings fail to Apply compost to improve organic matter content, texture of the soil, and the planted
Infiltration and thrive soil's ability to infiltrate rainfall Re-vegetation Establish a local community group responsible for providing adequate care for
seedlings and vegetation Low soil water retention can Y/N Soil water cause erosion and Establish retention areas to reduce runoff flows and increase infiltration as infiltration Bi-annually hurt planted necessary improved vegetation's chance of survival Lack of emergency planning, early warning systems Y/N residents Site or evacuation Early warning systems for hurricanes, floods, tsunami and other extreme weather surveyed are Annual survey Management plans can lead to events are in place aware of early unnecessary loss warning systems of life in emergencies
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To access the report: "Environmental Perspectives of Camp Phase-out and Follow guidance in, 1) "Environmental Perspectives of Camp Phase-out and Closure: A Impacts of leaving Closure: A Compendium of Lessons Learned from Africa" and 2) "Closure, Clean- Compendium of immoveable up and Environmental Rehabilitation in IDP camps, Northern Uganda." Site Lessons Learned pieces of facilities Decommissioni from Africa," : (i.e. foundations, ng http://www.unhcr.or water system) and g/4a967ce69.html trash Follow further mitigation measure guidance for the decommissioning process from the EMPR within IOM's Site Selection, Development and Decommissioning Report in Annex F or online at http://smtn.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=23&Itemid =8
See: Pesticide Y/N Workers http://www.encapafr Application for observed using Weekly during Ensure workers applying any wood treatment/pesticide/ fungicide chemical uses ica.org/sectors/safer Vector Control Without adequate all PPE during project appropriate PPE pesticides.htm for ***note: all sensitization and chemical activities further information pesticide-use care when application funded by applying wood on safe pesticide use USAID must treatment seek prior chemicals, Y/N Training approval from residents face carried out with Once prior to USAID in the various health Carry out awareness building campaigns for residents on proper application of residents directly pesticide form of a risks pesticides, disposal of containers and other health and safety procedures exposed to spraying Mission pesticide PERSUAP. application
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7. PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE AND JUSTIFICATION
The selection of Alternative A – Model Temporary Relocation Site Plan-- over the Proposed Action and the No Action alternative is justified based on the following factors. Alternative A: 1. Largely addresses the structural issues raised in the Scoping with relation to Corail Sector 4. 2. Incorporates good practices in terms of avoiding or limiting negative environmental impacts which are associated with the development and operation of a temporary relocation site in Haiti. 3. Identifies good practice in terms of the management of social issues related to the establishment and operation of a temporary relocation site in Haiti. 4. Provides flexibility to adapt the model site plan to any temporary relocation site within Haiti through the use of the guidance in Alternative A, the S2D2 report and the options included in the Environmental Options Table – Non-optimal Temporary Relocation Sites. 5. Can be adjusted to small locations or used as a model for several large relocation sites. 6. Provides a basis for transitioning a temporary relocation site into a permanent site if appropriate.
The application of model site plan contained in Alternative A, in concert with the other shelter site and environmental guidance referenced in the Report, will allow for better living conditions and less negative environmental impacts than any other spontaneous or planned relocation site currently in development or planned in Haiti. The use of Alternative A will also set the standard for other temporary relocation site planning and development in Haiti. This should serve to encourage the various government, donor and NGO actors involved in temporary relocation in Haiti to recognize and strive for a better level of service to the disaster displaced and less overall negative environmental impacts.
The practical aspects of implementing Alternative A in Corail Sectors 3 and 4 (the current focus of IOM and USAID temporary relocation work) have been further developed in a Temporary Relocation PEA Integration Workshop held on 23 and 24 November 2010 in Petionville, Port au Prince. The full report on the workshop and recommended actions to implement the Alternative A/Model Plan for Corail Sectors 3 and 4 can be found in Annex A.
8. TEMPORARY RELOCATION SITES BECOME PERMANENT There is a high likelihood that temporary relocations sited in Haiti will become permanent settlement sites. This can happen through two scenarios: 1. Current temporary sites continue in existence for several years and become de facto permanent, but without land title being transferred to residents. Under this scenario it can be expected that the level and number of facilities and services at a site (e.g., roads, water supply) will not be upgraded, external support for such facilities and services would diminish over time, and residents will be largely left to their own devices in securing a normal range of such services, with the resulting inequality in access and coverage of basic needs. This scenario, if happening with Corail Sector 4, will likely result in a slum-like settlement (although better than the neighboring areas) with too little space for housing and other activities.
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2. Current temporary sites are legally defined as settlements (e.g., through surveying) and residents gain legal ownership if their house plots. Such sites may not have better access to services over time than de facto sites, but the process of creating a legal settlement will likely lead to a recognized local government, and the ability to place claims on government for basic services, and possibly the ability to raise taxes for communal services.
The most immediate way to increase the chances of the second scenario is for the creation of clear policy as defining the status of temporary relocation sites. The first step in this process is for the Government of Haiti to clearly set out a relocation policy (i.e., in more detail than the pronouncements immediately following the earthquake), and be specific as to what options are available to those who have been temporarily relocated. The second step needs to include consultations with the affected populations to allow each person to decide on the best option to meet the specific needs.
In terms of environmental issues, the uncertainty about permanent settlement and land tenure reduce the chances residents will invest in environmental amenities and maintenance of the local environment. Thus, establishing clarity for the future is key to good local environmental management. Even where residents will not remain in a temporary site, there are experiences from refugee situations which indicate that temporary relocatees are willing to be involved in efforts to sustain or improve local environmental conditions.
On the other hand, clarity that a temporary relocation site will become permanent, even if after a lengthy legal process, considerably increases the prospects for developing and implementing resident-driven environmental management efforts. Again, experience with refugee populations and with rebuilding after the 2004 tsunami69, provide considerable examples and experience on which to build such environment-focused endeavors.
However, probably the most significant environmental challenge in transitioning a temporary relocation site to a permanent settlement is that the site will have gained considerable value in this process (even as a de facto permanent settlement). This gain in value comes from the construction of houses, installation of water systems, road, schools and other infrastructure and, in all likelihood, the creation of a real estate market.
This increase in the value of a site can lead to several outcomes, including: 1. Legal and illegal pressure on residents to sell or simply leave their houses. Given the challenges of rule-of-law in Haiti, this outcome is very likely. 2. The services available at the site (e.g., water) will draw more people to move to or near the site, placing excessive demand on resources and possibly leading to severe overcrowding. The negative environmental impacts of the second outcome are more immediate, but people disposed from their homes will likely find it difficult to settle at a comparable site and may need to accept living in sub-standard conditions.
69 See, for instance, the Green Recovery and Reconstruction Toolkit developed by the American Red Cross and the World Wildlife Fund; http://green-recovery.org/. 107
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Both outcomes can be addressed if the GoH establishes a clear policy in terms of the transition from temporary relocation to permanent settlement. Once such policies are established, organizations working with the temporary relocated can increase awareness of the substance and impact of the policies and pursue advocacy to ensure the rights of the displaced are respected.
Finally, if and when the transition to permanent settlement takes place, the plans for this process should include a further upgrading of facilities to improve sustainability and further reduce negative environmental impacts. These efforts can range from community beautification campaigns to replacing pit latrines with double vault latrines to reinforcing drainage and water catchment systems for local agriculture. Thus, a transition plan should be developed to guide the change to a permanent settlement, and this plan should include components to further improve the social and economic sustainability and environmental quality of the site.
9. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1. Conclusions The findings of the Haiti Temporary Relocation Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment indicate considerable work remains to ensure the illustrative Corail Sector 4 site, and other future relocation sites, are developed and managed in a way to address current and future environmental issues. The fact that the Corail site has been affected by two severe storms in the past months indicates the specific risks posed by environmental hazards.
Plans are needed which define the future of temporary relocation sites, whether they be temporary and decommissioned or permanent with need for additional infrastructure. These plans should integrate current and future assistance efforts at each site to ensure that single, uncoordinated actions taken today do not lead to negative environmental and human impacts in the future. In this respect, specific attention is needed to; 1) clarify the legal responsibilities for management and development of the Corail site, 2) provide a permanent water supply for Corail which is environmentally sustainable and does not create the risk of current Corail Sector 3 and 4 residents being forced from their homes, and 3) develop an inter-institutional plan for the construction of T-shelters and ancillary facilities, drainage systems, latrines and the determination of resident density at the site.
The range of issues identified in the Corail Scoping highlight a serious gap in environmental considerations in site selection, planning and development. Part of the reason for the gap appears to be the focus on single outcomes (move people from Port au Prince) rather than a comprehensive relocation process using good practice. That the US Government participated in the movement of people to Corail means it retains a significant responsibility for addressing the direct and indirect impacts of the relocation.
Addressing many of the Scoping issues, which have been identified at the Corail Sector 4 site and may be found in future temporary relocation sites, is not particularly difficult or unexpected. It is normal to upgrade emergency sites to temporary relocation sites. The Scoping, together with guidance cited in the Haiti Temporary Relocation PEA, provide most of the elements of a plan to ensure Corail Sector 4 and future sites meet basic humanitarian and environmental standards in the near future. Such a process will also considerably improve the quality of life for residents and lower social tensions in temporary relocation sites.
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Addressing the issues identified at Corail, and planning for any future temporary relocation site, also needs to resolve the lack of Government of Haiti policy and procedures on temporary relocation. The GoH has stated their intention to decongest urban Port au Prince and move people to Corail and the DLA in general. However, the lack of clarity as to how this process will happen, and what will become of current Corail Sector 4 residents and neighboring informal settlements, is a significant question. Absent clear government policy, actions to address issues such as land tenure, sustainable water systems and negative environmental impacts, as well as securing longer term funding for site maintenance and development, are not likely to occur.
As this PEA was being finalized, the Interim Commission was working on a shelter policy which would address some of these issues, and USAID Haiti initiated plans to begin constructing permanent shelter. The future of Corail and other current and future temporary relocation sites needs to be integrated into the Interim Commission policy and USAID plans once both are implemented. The process of developing permanent shelter opportunities is closely linked to defining the future of Corail Sectors 3 and 4 and other temporary relocation sites. This process will likely require additional policy and technical support to the Government of Haiti, at the level of Port au Prince as well at the level of municipalities responsible for direct management of the sheltering process.
The illustrative model site plan (presented as Alternative A) provides good practice guidance for the development of other temporary relocation sites in Haiti. While the illustrative plan would need to be adjusted for each specific site chosen, guidance for these adjustments is provided throughout the document and can be easily adapted and implemented.
Recognizing that there are always challenges with emergency shelters, whether provided for individuals or a large number of families, the illustrative plan provides a road map of how to transition from short term emergency shelter to temporary relocation, which provides an appropriate and adequate environment for disaster survivors. The illustrative plan also provides the basis for a transition to permanency or for decommissioning, when either option is selected.
While the plan and coordination is necessary for the temporary relocation of populations in a way which meets humanitarian standards and environmental requirements, its success also depends on clear government policy and practice in terms of relocation, resettlement and issues such as land tenure and the long term provision of basic services. Effective site planning and development cannot take place in a policy vacuum.
9.2. Recommendations The information collected through this Haiti Temporary Relocation Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment leads to seven specific recommendations: 1. Issues identified in the Corail Scoping should be addressed in a plan to complete the transition of the Corail site from an emergency camp to a temporary relocation site viable for up to 3 years. 2. USAID should take the lead in ensuring this process, given USG involvement in the movement of disaster affected people to the site. 3. The GoH needs to establish a policy, and develop the practical implementation procedures for formalizing current and future temporary relocation sites, including clarity on whether
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these sites are to become permanent or if the residents will be offered other locations for resettlement (in which case decommissioning of the sites will need to be planned). 4. Environmental expertise is needed to support any further development of Corail Sectors 3 and 4, and any other temporary relocation site selection and development. 5. Responsibilities and accountability, for Corail Sectors 3 and 4, and any future temporary relocation sites, need to be established, implemented and monitored. 6. The GoH and Donor Coordination Group should initiate the development of plans for temporary relocation which incorporate information from the illustrative model plan and other sources cited, while also addressing; a) the processes of relocation (who, when, why and how), b) the issue of a voluntary decision to relocate, and c) the selection of temporary relocation sites (e.g., within the DLA as identified in the S2D2 report). 7. Capacity building support should be provided to organizations and staff involved in Corail (or with potential involvement in future temporary relocation site selection and development) to ensure that the findings and materials developed in this PEA are applied as quickly as possible in Haiti.
10. ANNEXES (See separate document)
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