Final Report Environmental Impact Assessment Study for Netrokona Economic Zones
Acknowledgements
The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) would like to express its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mr. Paban Chowdhury, Executive Chairman (Secretary), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for awarding the assignment of Consultancy Services titled “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study of Netrokona Economic Zone” Project. CEGIS is also grateful to Mr. Ashoke Kumar Biswas (Additional Secretary), Executive Member (Planning & Development), Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Joint Secretary (General Manager, Investment Promotion) and Doyananda Debnath, Deputy Chief Manager (MIS & Research) and Project Director, for extending their cordial cooperation and continuous guidance to the Study Team from the very beginning in conducting the study. CEGIS is very thankful to Dr. Tanveer Ahmed (Environment Specialist), Mr. Md. Abdul Quader Khan (Social Consultant) and Md. Ashraful Islam (Legal Consultant) for their valuable support. The EIA Team of CEGIS express its gratitude to the District Commissioner (DC), Netrokona District, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Netrokona Sadar for their all-out cooperation during the field visit and consultation process. The Team is also grateful to all respondents /stakeholders for providing valuable data/information and participation in the group discussions and consultation meetings.
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ...... i List of Tables ...... viii List of Figures ...... x Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... xiii Executive Summary ...... xix 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project Brief ...... 2 1.3 Rationale of the Project ...... 7 1.4 Scope of the Study ...... 10 1.5 EIA Study Team ...... 10 1.6 Report Structure ...... 11 2. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ...... 13 2.1 Introduction ...... 13 2.2 Procedure for Environmental Clearance Certificate ...... 13 2.3 Organizations Related with Enforcement of Environmental Standards ...... 14 2.4 National Legislations Relevant to Environment ...... 15 2.5 National Legislations Relevant to the Project (Other than Environment) ...... 16 3. Approach and Methodology ...... 23 3.1 EIA Process and Approach ...... 23 3.1.1 Project Desgn and Description ...... 23 3.1.2 Policies and Legal Issues ...... 24 3.1.3 Environmental and Social Baseline ...... 24 3.1.4 Important Environmental and Social Component (Scoping) ...... 27 3.1.5 Bounding ...... 27 3.1.6 Impact Assessment and Mitigation ...... 29 3.1.7 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ...... 31 3.1.8 Public Consultations and Disclosure ...... 31 4. Project Description ...... 33 4.1 Introduction ...... 33 4.2 Project Objective and Expected Benefits ...... 33 4.3 Project Components and Activities ...... 34 4.4 Master Plan of Netrokona EZ ...... 34 4.4.1 Layout and Zoning ...... 34
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4.4.2 Plots and General Land Use and Landscape Regulation ...... 38 4.4.3 Parking and Traffic Management Regulations ...... 38 4.4.4 Entry and Gate System ...... 39 4.4.5 On-site Infrastructure ...... 39 4.4.6 Land Development by earthfilling ...... 52 4.4.7 Off-site Infrastructure ...... 52 4.4.8 Utility Demand and Sources ...... 53 4.4.9 Project Cost ...... 55 4.4.10 Investment Plan ...... 55 5. Alternative Analysis ...... 57 5.1 Introduction ...... 57 5.2 “No Action” Alternative ...... 57 5.3 Evaluation of Alternative Site...... 57 6. Environmental and Social Baseline ...... 59 6.1 Introduction ...... 59 6.2 Physical Environment ...... 59 6.2.1 Meteorology and Climate ...... 59 6.2.2 Topography ...... 63 6.2.3 Ambient Noise Level ...... 63 6.2.4 Ambient Air Quality ...... 67 6.2.5 Surface Water Hydrology ...... 68 6.2.6 Groundwater Hydrology ...... 78 6.2.7 Drought ...... 85 6.2.8 Surface Physiography and Geology ...... 85 6.2.9 Seismic Analysis ...... 86 6.3 Biological Environment ...... 88 6.3.1 The Bio-ecological Zone ...... 88 6.3.2 Ecosystem ...... 90 6.3.3 Fisheries Resources ...... 95 6.3.4 Agriculture...... 100 6.3.5 Livestock and Poultry ...... 116 6.4 Socio-economic Resources ...... 118 6.4.1 Demographic Profile ...... 118 6.4.2 Land Price ...... 119 6.4.3 Employment and Livelihood ...... 120 6.4.4 Literacy Rate ...... 121 6.4.5 Household Income and Expenditure ...... 122 6.4.6 Poverty ...... 122 6.4.7 Standard of Living ...... 122
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6.4.8 Communication System ...... 125 6.4.9 Social Conflicts ...... 126 6.4.10 Archeological Sites and Cultural Heritage ...... 126 6.4.11 Ethnic Community, Religion and Culture ...... 127 7. Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues ...... 129 7.1 Introduction ...... 129 7.2 Environmental Sensitivity Investigation ...... 129 7.3 Environmental Asset ...... 129 7.4 Environmental Hotspots ...... 132 7.5 Impact Screening ...... 132 8. Environmental and Social Impacts ...... 135 8.1 Introduction ...... 135 8.2 Impacts during Pre-construction Phase ...... 135 8.2.1 Physical Environment ...... 135 8.2.2 Biological Environment ...... 135 8.2.3 Socio-economic Environment ...... 136 8.3 Impacts during Construction Phase ...... 136 8.3.1 Physical Environment ...... 136 8.3.2 Biological Environment ...... 138 8.3.3 Socio-economic environment ...... 140 8.4 Impacts during Operation Phase ...... 141 8.4.1 Physical Environment ...... 141 8.4.2 Biological Environment ...... 144 8.4.3 Socio-economic Environment ...... 145 8.5 Impact Evaluation ...... 146 9. Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure ...... 151 9.1 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Pre-Construction Phase ..... 151 9.2 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Pre-Construction Phase ... 152 9.3 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Construction Phase ...... 153 9.4 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Construction Phase ...... 160 9.5 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Operation Phase ...... 164 9.6 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Operation Phase ...... 172 10. Public Consultation and Disclosure ...... 175 10.1 Introduction ...... 175 10.2 Objectives and Purpose of Stakeholder Consultation ...... 175 10.3 Identification of Stakeholders ...... 175 10.4 Approach and Methodology ...... 176
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10.5 Major Problems and Suggested Measures ...... 176 11. Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 181 11.1 Introduction ...... 181 11.2 Objective of Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 181 11.3 Management Responsibility/Inclusion of EMP in Contract Documents ...... 181 11.4 Environmental Code of Practices ...... 182 11.5 ESMP during Pre-construction ...... 182 11.6 ESMP during Construction ...... 185 11.7 ESMP during Operation Phase ...... 190 11.8 Special Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 197 11.9 Environmental and Social Management (ESMP) Cost ...... 204 12. Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment ...... 209 12.1 Introduction ...... 209 12.2 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Process ...... 209 12.3 Natural Disasters and Risk Management ...... 209 12.4 Climate Change Impact and Vulnerabilities ...... 212 12.4.1 Historical Climatic Trends ...... 212 12.5 Future Climate Projection and Impacts of Climate Changes ...... 214 12.5.1 Future Temperature and Rainfall Projections ...... 214 12.5.2 Flash Flood ...... 215 12.5.3 Monsoon Flood ...... 216 12.5.4 Hailstorm ...... 219 12.5.5 Drought ...... 219 12.5.6 Cold Snap ...... 219 12.6 Emission of Short Lived Climatic Pollutant ...... 220 12.7 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation ...... 221 12.8 Technological Disasters and Risk Management ...... 222 12.9 Occupational Hazard and Safety ...... 222 12.10 Emergency Management Strategy ...... 231 12.10.1 On-site Emergency Response Plan ...... 231 12.10.2 Communication Plan ...... 231 12.10.3 Emergency Evacuation ...... 232 12.10.4 Emergency Response Organization ...... 232 13. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ...... 235 13.1 Monitoring Plan ...... 235 13.1.1 Compliance Monitoring ...... 235 13.1.2 Impact Monitoring during Construction ...... 235
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13.1.3 Independent/External Monitoring...... 235 13.2 Implementation of Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 246 13.2.1 Responsible Agency ...... 246 13.3 Action during Emergent Operation ...... 247 13.4 Performance Indicators ...... 247 13.5 Reporting and Feedback Mechanism ...... 248 13.6 Budgets for Monitoring ...... 248 13.7 Organogram and Staffing for Ensuring ESMP and Environmental Monitoring .. 249 14. Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 251 References ...... 253 Appendix I: Matrix of Comments and Reponses on the Draft Report ...... 255 Appendix II: Approved ToR and Exemption of IEE ...... 261 Appendix III: Participants List ...... 265 Appendix IV: Photographs of the Stakeholder Consultation Meetings ...... 269 Appendix V: Environmental Code of Practices ...... 271 Appendix VI: Scanned Copy of Surface Water Test Results ...... 297 Appendix VII: Scanned Copy of Ground Water Test Results ...... 303
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List of Tables
Table 3.1: Sampling locations ID and Name with Longitude-Latitude ...... 25 Table 3.2: Air Quality Sampling Time schedule ...... 25 Table 3.3: Definition of the Magnitude Classes and Parameters ...... 29 Table 3.4: Scoring Criteria for Magnitude Assessment ...... 30 Table 3.5: Definitions of the Sensitivity Classes ...... 30 Table 3.6: Cross Tabular Matrix for Assessing Significance ...... 31 Table 4.1: Salinet Features of NEZ ...... 33 Table 4.2: Project activities in different phases ...... 34 Table 4.3: Zoning of NEZ ...... 34 Table 4.4: Allocated land area for different zones and facilities ...... 36 Table 4.5: Utility Demand ...... 53 Table 4.6: Details of Cost Estimation of the Netrokona EZ ...... 55 Table 5.1: Analysis of Alternative Sites ...... 58 Table 6.1: Baseline noise level monitoring data ...... 65 Table 6.2: Air Quality Monitoring Locations and Sampling Durations ...... 68 Table 6.3: Baseline Air Quality Monitoring Data of NEZ ...... 68 Table 6.4: Inundated Area under Different Water Level of Kangsha River ...... 76 Table 6.5: Baseline surface water quality monitoring sites ...... 76 Table 6.6: Baseline surface water quality monitoring data ...... 78 Table 6.7: The Lithology of the Area at Different Depths ...... 79 Table 6.8: Baseline groundwater quality monitoring sites ...... 82 Table 6.9: Groundwater quality monitoring data ...... 84 Table 6.10: Aquatic Vegetation of the Project Area ...... 91 Table 6.11: Fish Habitat Assessment of the Study Area ...... 97 Table 6.12: Fish Species with IUCN Status ...... 98 Table 6.13: Fish Production Assessment of the Study Area ...... 99 Table 6.14: AEZ in the Project Area and Study Area ...... 100 Table 6.15: Land Use Pattern in both the Project and Study Area ...... 103 Table 6.16: Area under Land Types in the Project Area and Study Area ...... 106 Table 6.17: Soil Texture in the Project Area and Study Area ...... 108 Table 6.18: Drainage Characteristics in the Project and Study Area ...... 110 Table 6.19: Cropping Patterns in the Project Area and Study Area ...... 113 Table 6.20: Cropped Area, Yield and Production of the Project Area and Study Area .. 115 Table 6.21: Agricultural Inputs Used in the Project and Study Area ...... 116 Table 6.22: Status of Livestock/Poultry in the Project and Study Impact Area ...... 116
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Table 6.23: Major Diseases of Livestock and Poultry in Study Area ...... 118 Table 6.24: Demographic Profile ...... 118 Table 6.25: Dependency Ratio in the Study Area ...... 119 Table 6.26: Land Price for Some Specific Location ...... 120 Table 6.27: Connectivity and Surroundings of Proposed Project Site ...... 126 Table 7.1: Activity-wise Impacts Screening ...... 133 Table 8.1: Impact Evaluation ...... 148 Table 10.1: Stakeholders Involved into the Project ...... 176 Table 10.2: Location of Consultation and Discussion during the Field Visit ...... 176 Table 10.3: Major Problems and Suggested Solution by the Stakeholders ...... 178 Table 11.1: Proposed livelihood restoration program ...... 184 Table 11.2: Cost for Environmental and Social management Plans ...... 205 Table 12.1: Summary of the Natural Disaster, their Consequences and Management . 210 Table 12.2: Annual Average Temperature Anomalies in the North-East Bangladesh ... 215 Table 12.3: Prediction for Change in Seasonal Maximum and Minimum Temperature . 215 Table 12.4: Annual Average Rainfall Anomalies in the North-East Bangladesh ...... 215 Table 12.5: Prediction for Change in Seasonal Rainfall ...... 215 Table 12.6: Summary statistics of the flood extents (% area inundated) in pre-monsoon period (Year 2005 – 2017) ...... 216 Table 12.7: Hazards and Risk Assessment ...... 223 Table 12.8: Occupational Hazards and Safety ...... 225 Table 13.1: Environmental Compliance Monitoring Plan ...... 236 Table 13.2: Impact Monitoring Plan ...... 243 Table 13.3: Environmental Compliance Monitoring Cost ...... 248 Table 13.4: Investment Cost of Environmental Monitoring ...... 249 Table 13.5: Cost of Independent Monitor ...... 249
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List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone ...... 4 Figure 1.2: Base Map of the Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (1km radius) ...... 5 Figure 1.3: Base Map of the Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (10km radius) ...... 6 Figure 1.4: Land use Plan Map ...... 8 Figure 1.5: Communication network/connectivity ...... 9 Figure 3.1: Environmental Impact Assessment Process ...... 23 Figure 3.2: View of Air Quality Monitoring at Singher Bangla (AQ1) ...... 25 Figure 3.3: View of Air Quality Monitoring at Chan Mia Mor (AQ2) & Durgasrom (AQ3) 25 Figure 3.4: Air Quality and Noise Monitoring Locations ...... 26 Figure 3.5: EIA Study Area including Project Area ...... 28 Figure 4.1: Proposed Zoning of the NEZ Area ...... 35 Figure 4.2: General Layout and Plotting of the NEZ ...... 37 Figure 4.3: Cross-section of a four-lane road ...... 39 Figure 4.4: A Typical Utility Duct ...... 40 Figure 4.5: A Typical Lighting Arrangement ...... 40 Figure 4.6: Schematic Diagram Showing Artificial Recharge of Aquifer ...... 42 Figure 4.7: Layout of Water Supplly System and Provision of Lake to Preserve Rainwater ...... 43 Figure 4.8: A General Layout of the Storm Water Drainage System ...... 44 Figure 4.9: A General layout of Domestic Wastewater Collection System Network ...... 45 Figure 4.10: A General Layout of the Effluent Collection Network ...... 46 Figure 4.11: A General Layout of the WWTP and CETP Discharge Drain ...... 47 Figure 4.12: Layout Plan of Integrated Waste Management Facilities ...... 49 Figure 4.13: Elevation and Floor Plan of the Secondary Transfer Station ...... 50 Figure 4.14: Process Diagram of Medium Loaded Activated Sludge Treatment ...... 51 Figure 4.15: Land development and Slope Protection ...... 52 Figure 4.16: Off-site Transportation (Rail, Road and Navigation) Connectivity ...... 54 Figure 5.1: Map showing two alternative sites of proposed NEZ ...... 57 Figure 6.1: Monthly maximum, minimum and average rainfall at Netrokona BWDB station and Mymensingh BMD station ...... 60 Figure 6.2: Annual rainfall at Netrokona BWDB station and Mymensingh BMD station .. 60 Figure 6.3: Monthly maximum and minimum temperature at Mymensingh BMD station 61 Figure 6.4: Monthly relative humidity at Mymensingh BMD station ...... 61 Figure 6.5: Monthly Average Wind Speed at Mymensingh BMD Station ...... 62 Figure 6.6: Wind Rose Diagram at Mymensingh BMD Station; (i) Winter, (ii) Pre- monsoon, (iii) Post monsoon), (iv) Monsoon ...... 62
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Figure 6.7: Topography of Bangladesh and Digital elevation map of the project area ... 63 Figure 6.8: Noise Level monitoring Sites ...... 66 Figure 6.9: Sensitive receptors around the project area ...... 67 Figure 6.10: River and canal network around the project area ...... 69 Figure 6.11: Water Discharge Simulated Data of Kangsha and Mogra Rivers ...... 70 Figure 6.12: Water Level Hydrographs for 10 Year Return Period at Jaria-Jhanjail and Mohanganj Station (Kangsha River) ...... 71 Figure 6.13: Maximum-minimum Water Level at Jaria-Jhanjail and Mohanganj Station (Kangsha River) ...... 71 Figure 6.14: Water Level Hydrographs for 10 Year Return Period and Maximum-minimum Water Level at Atpara Station (Mogra River) ...... 71 Figure 6.15: Existing Water Management Infrastructure within the Study Area ...... 73 Figure 6.16: Thakurakona and Krishnapur Sluice Gate ...... 74 Figure 6.17: Physical Conditions of the Sluice Gates ...... 74 Figure 6.18: Area Elevation Curve of the Project Area ...... 75 Figure 6.19: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Sites ...... 77 Figure 6.20: Borelog Characteristics and Specific Yield at Depths under Ground Level of Netrokona Sadar ...... 80 Figure 6.21: Depth of Dry-period Groundwater and Difference between Potential and Net Recharge of Groundwater of Bangladesh ...... 81 Figure 6.22: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Sites ...... 83 Figure 6.23: Annual Standardized Precipitaion Index of Netrokona Sadar Upazila ...... 85 Figure 6.24: Geology of Bangladesh ...... 86 Figure 6.25: Seismic zones of Banlgadesh ...... 87 Figure 6.26: Map of Bio-ecological Zones of Bangladesh ...... 89 Figure 6.27: Pond Heron in a Feeding Habitat at Soail Beel ...... 92 Figure 6.28: Little Egret in Social Interactions at Komol Beel ...... 92 Figure 6.29: Homestead Vegetation at Borni Village ...... 93 Figure 6.30: Roadside Vegetation at Singher Bangla ...... 93 Figure 6.31: Present Situation of Project Area ...... 96 Figure 6.32: Various Fish Species of Fish ...... 97 Figure 6.33: Catching Fish in the Study Area ...... 100 Figure 6.34: AEZ Map of the Study Area ...... 102 Figure 6.35: Land Use Map of the Project Area ...... 104 Figure 6.36: Land Use Map of the Study Area ...... 105 Figure 6.37: Land Type Map in the Study Area ...... 107 Figure 6.38: Soil Texture Map of the Study Area ...... 109 Figure 6.39: Drainage Characteristics Map in the Study Area ...... 111 Figure 6.40: Present Farming Practices in the Project Area ...... 114
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Figure 6.41: Present Farming Practices in the Study Area ...... 114 Figure 6.42: Livestock and Poultry are in Project and Study Area ...... 117 Figure 6.43: Age structure by population ...... 119 Figure 6.44: Employment Status of the Study Area ...... 120 Figure 6.45: Occupation Status of the Studied Population...... 121 Figure 6.46: Literacy Rate among the Studied Population ...... 121 Figure 6.47: Household Income and Expenditure of the Study Area ...... 122 Figure 6.48: Housing Condition by Households ...... 123 Figure 6.49: Source of Drinking Water used by the Studied Population ...... 124 Figure 6.50: Hand Tubewell for Drinking Water and other Domestic Use ...... 124 Figure 6.51: Deep Tubewell used for Irrigation and Drinking ...... 124 Figure 6.52: Sanitation Facility in the Study Area ...... 125 Figure 6.53: Pucca Road inside the Project Area ...... 126 Figure 6.54: Netrokona to Mohanganj Railway Line ...... 126 Figure 6.55: Abandoned Zamindar Residence in Singher Bangla ...... 127 Figure 6.56: Garo Community in Bhattapara, Rouha upazila, Netrokona ...... 128 Figure 6.57: Khatriya (Hindu cast group) Community in Shogundia, Mougati Union, Netrokona ...... 128 Figure 11.1: Tentative layout options of dredging pipeline ...... 198 Figure 11.2: General waste flow diagram for industrial symbiosis ...... 199 Figure 11.3: Overall concept of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production ...... 201 Figure 12.1: Annual Cumulative rainfall (1981-2017) at Netrakona ...... 213 Figure 12.2: Annual Average Maximum temperature (1981-2017) at Netrakona ...... 213 Figure 12.3: Annual Average Minimum temperature (1981-2017) at Netrakona ...... 214 Figure 12.4: Peak flood level at Sylhet during April against different return periods (CEGIS, 2017) ...... 216 Figure 12.5: Water level hydrograph at Jariajanjail in Kangsha river Thunderstorm ... 217 Figure 12.6: Rate of Fatalities and Injuries during different seasons ...... 217 Figure 12.7: Lightning occurrence from 1990-2017 in Netrakona ...... 218 Figure 12.8: Number of Lightening at Netrakona from 1990-2017 ...... 218 Figure 12.9: Season wise Intensity of Hailstorm in Sylhet ...... 219 Figure 12.10: Cold Wave Days in Sylhet from 1990-2017 ...... 220 Figure 12.11: Emergency Evacuation Plan ...... 234 Figure 13.1: Proposal Institutional Setting for Environmental Compliance and EHS Unit during Construction ...... 249 Figure 13.2: Proposed Institutional Setting and Organogram for the Environmental Compliance and EHS Unit during the Operation of the NEZ ...... 250
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
AEZ : Agro-ecological Zone AEZ-22 : Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains AEZ-9 : Old Brahmaputra Floodplain BARC : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council BBS : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BDT : Bangladeshi Taka BEPZA : Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority BEZ : Bio-ecological Zones BEZA : Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority BGD : Bangladesh BMD : Bangladesh Meteorological Department BNBC : Bangladesh National Building Code BOD : Biological Oxygen Demand BQ : Black Quarter BWDB : Bangladesh Water Development Board CCL : Compensation Under Law CEGIS : Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services CEMP : Construction Environmental Management Plan CETP : Common Effluent Treatment Plant CO Carbon monoxide COD : Chemical Oxygen Demand CSR : Corporate Social Responsibility DAE : Department of Agricultural Extension DC : Deputy Commissioner DEPC : Department of Environmental Pollution Control DG : Director General DIA : Disaster Impact Assessment DLS : Department of Livestock Services DMA : District Metered Area DoE : Department of Environment DoF : Department of Fisheries
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ECA : Environmental Conservation Act ECA : Ecologically Critical Area ECC : Environmental Clearance Certificate ECR : Environment Conservation Rules EHS : Environmental Health & Safety EHSU : Emergency Health and Safety Unit EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment EMoP : Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP : Environmental Management Plan EMP : Environmental Management Plan EPC : Engineering, Procurement and Construction EPZ : Export Processing Zones ERG : Emergency Response Group ERP : Emergency Response Plan ESIA : Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP : Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMP : Environmental and Social Management Plan ETP : Effluent Treatment Plant EZ : Economic Zone FAO : Food and Agriculture Organization FCDI : Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation FDI : Foreign Direct Investments FGD : Focused Group Discussion FMD : Foot and Mouth Disease FRSS : Fisheries Resources Survey System FS : Feasibility Study FY : Financial Year GDP : Gross Domestic Product GIS : Geographic Information System GoB : Government of Bangladesh GPS : Global Positioning System GRC : Grievance Redress Committee GRM : Grievance Redress Mechanism
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GTCL : Gas Transmission Company Limited HHs : Households HS : Hemorrhagic Septicemia HVAC : Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning HYV : High-Yielding Varieties IEE : Initial Environmental Examination IESC : Important Environmental and Social Components IESMC : Independent Environmental and Social Monitoring Consultant IFC : International Finance Corporation ILO : International Labour Organization IPM : Integrated Pest Management IRT : Incident Response Team IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature IWM : Institute of Water Modelling Kharif-1 : March-June Kharif-II : July-October KII : Key Informant Interview KV : Kilovolt LGRC : local Grievance Redress Committee LLP : Low Lift Pump MO : Muriate of Potash MoEF : Ministry of Environment and Forest MoWR : Ministry of Water Resources MSDS : Material Safety Data Sheets MT : Metric Ton MW : Megawatt NATECH Natural Hazard Induced Technological Disaster NCA : Net Cultivable Area NEZ : Netrokona Economic Zone NEZA : Netrokona Economic Zone Authority
NOx Oxides of Nitrogen NT : Near Threatened NWRC : National Water Resources Council
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NWRD : National Water Reuse Database
O3 : Ozone OHS : Occupational Health and Safety OHSE : Occupational Health, Safety and Environment PCM : Public Consultation Meeting PDO : Project Director Office PGRC : Project Grievance Redress Committee pH : Potential of Hydrogen PIU : Project Implementation Unit PMO : Prime Minister’s Office PPE : Personal Protection Equipment PPP : Public-Private Partnership PPR : Diarrhoea and Pest Des Petits Ruminants PSC : Project Steering Committee RMG : Ready-Made Garments RRA : Rapid Rural Appraisal RS : Remote Sensing SAAO : Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer SCC : Site Clearance Certificate SDS : Safety Data Sheets SME : Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
SO2 : Sulfur Di-Oxide SPI : Standardized Precipitation Index SPM : Suspended Particulate Matter SRDI : Soil Resource Development Institute SSP : Single Super Phosphate STP : Sewerage Treatment Plant STW : Shallow Tube Well TDS : Total Dissolved Solids ToR : Terms of Reference TSP : Triple Super Phosphate TSS : Total Suspended Solids UAO : Upazila Agriculture Officer
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UFO : Upazila Fisheries Office ULO : Upazila Livestock Officer UNDP : United Nations Development Programme UNO : Upazila Nirbahi Officer WARPO : Water Resources Planning Organization WASA : Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority WHO : World Health Organization WWTP : Waste Water Treatment Plant
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Executive Summary
With the pace of current economic growth, the government of Bangladesh has planned to establish 100 Economic Zones (EZ) countrywide by 2030, intending to earn around $40 billion through export. Accordingly, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) was formed following the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010 to establish, license, operate, manage and control economic zones in Bangladesh. In line, BEZA has planned to establish an Economic Zone over 500-acre of land located at Sadar Upazila of Netrokona District. The construction of Netrokona Economic Zone (NEZ) includes three major components: i) development of 500 acre land for the NEZ, ii) construction of on-site infrastructures for utilities including roads, power lines, water supply, effluent treatment plant, sludge treatment plant, waste management system, administrative buildings, etc. and iii) off-site connectivity and infrastructures. The BEZA evaluated two candidate sites at Netrokona for the proposed economic zone viz. i) Singher Bangla Site and ii) Beel Guzabugi site. According to study findings, the Singher Bangla site would have low impacts on socio-economy due to no acquisition of homesteads and other factors; therefore, Singher Bangla site has been selected for the development of NEZ. Such as project and activities, according to the Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997, amended in December, 2017, requires approval from the Department of Environment. The ECR categorizes different industries/projects/units into three broad types: Green, Orange, and Red, of which the proposed NEZ falls into Red category. In principle, the Red category project requires ‘Site Clearance Certificate’ (SCC) through an approval of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), followed by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) according to approved ToR for getting Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). However, BEZA received an exemption from IEE, hence SCC, upon submission of an application to the DG, DoE considering importance of the project to boost up economy of the country to fulfill its targeted objectives to become a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. Thus, EIA and ECC is required only for carrying out the project, for which DoE already approved a ToR, following which this EIA has been prepared. This EIA study follows the participatory approach and a standardized methodology from beginning to the end of the study trajectory. Both primary and secondary stakeholders were consulted at different layers through different consultation meetngs. The study steps included: baseline assessment, scoping, bounding, major field investigation, impact prediction, mitigation measures, environmental management and monitoring plan. In describing the existing condition, three environmental components: physical, biological and socio-economic environment were assessed. The physical environment includes: meteorology, topography, ambient noise, ambient air quality, surface and ground water. The biological environment includes: ecology, fishery, agriculture and land resources. The socio- economic environment includes conditions of social/economic and cultural parameters in the study area. With respect to physical environment, it was found that the highest rainfall occurred during April to October while November to March was the drier part of the year with very less rainfall. On the other hand, the highest maximum temperature was recorded as 38.1o C in April of 1992 and the lowest minimum temperature was recorded as 4.7o C in January of 2013. The highest values of humidity for all the months were recorded as 100% whereas the
xix Executive Summary minimum values ranged between 20% and 51%. The most humid months were from June to October. The general topography of the project area is more or less flat with an elevation of 6.6 to 8.1 mPWD. Out of this area, 37% is highland and 34%, 21% and 7% are medium highland, medium lowland and lowland respectively. The area of the Komol Beel is approximately 43 acres although retention of water varies at different times of the year. At the time of survey, the noise level inside the project area was found very calm and low whereas, at several points surrounding the project area, medium to heavy noise was observed. The places were recognized mostly as lightly dense residential areas. The existing air quality of the proposed NEZ area as well as the surroundings were observed to be good. Within the project area the predominant anthropogenic interventions were observed as farming of crops throughout the year and for fishing for a certain period of the year. There are three significant rivers in the study area namely; Kangsha River which is 3~4 km north to the project area, Mogra River which is 4~5 km south to the project area and Dhalai river. There are a number of perennial and seasonal beels within the study area: Kuria beel, Kalabagua beel, Nalghuria beel, Megha beel, Joga Beel, Hailda beel, Komol Beel, Soai beel etc. Among these, Komol Beel and Soai beel are located within the project area although at present the Soai beel area is almost dry and used for agricultural purpose. The Komol Beel is connected to the Kangsha River in the north through internal drainage (Fazar ali canal) channel. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the people living around the project area as well as in the adjacent area. Analysis of the existing bore logs of Netrokona Sadar upazila shows that layers of fine to medium sand exist below the surface at different depths. In one borehole of 59.45 m depth at Netrokona Sadar mouza, fine to medium sand was found at a depth of 12 m to 29 m and medium sand was observed from 55 m to 59 m depth. The study area is in Brahmaputra-Jamuna Floodplain Bio-ecological Zone. Generally, the vegetation of the area includes: i) submerged plants, ii) free floating plants, iii) rooted floating plants, iv) sedges and meadows, v) floodplain grassland, vi) crop field vegetation, vii) roadside vegetation, and viii) homestead vegetation. The project area is also under the Old Brahmaputra Floodplain (AEZ-9) and Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains (AEZ-22) agro- ecological regions. The Net Cultivable Area (NCA) in the project area and Study area are 455 acres and 54,859 acres respectively. There are four land types within the study area Among the land types, Medium Highland (F1) is dominant (47%) followed by Highland (F0) which is 26% of the NCA. The Population in the study area is 531,806 of which 265,632 are males and 266,175 are female. The average size of the household is 4.7. Agriculture is the dominant source of livelihood for local people. About 87% households are involved in this sector either directly or indirectly. Only 3% people are involved in industrial sectors usually working in brickfields, roads and construction works and many other non-farming sectors. Traditionally, employment opportunities for women outside the homestead is very limited. Majority of the women are involved in household activities (e.g. in rice milling, weaving etc.). Apprehending the project driven impacts on environmental and social parameters, a number of key issues were identified to assess the potential impacts and their magnitudes. The key issues are: i) air quality, ii) noise quality, iii) groundwater, iv) surface water, v) drainage and water logging, vi) flooding, vii) land type, viii) landscape, ix) land use, x) crop production, xi) fish habitat, xii) fish production, xiii) fish species diversity, xiv) stock susceptibility, xv) wildlife
xx Executive Summary habitat, xvi) species composition, xvii) dispossession, xviii) livelihoods loss, xix) social conflict, and xx) employment generation, xxi) off-site development, and xxii) urbanization and economic development. Impacts on these key issues were assessed by categorizing them into socio-economic and environmental. According to plan, 500 acres of land will be acquired for the project, for which rights of landholders and their livelihoods will be impacted. About 2,161 tons rice production of project area would be permanently lost per year due to the acquisition of land. During land acquisition total 392 acres fish habitat will be lost. About 243 MT of fish production would loss annually due to conversion of fish habitat to NEZ. About 15 households are seasonally dependent on the land for fishing. Besides, about 150 households are directly dependent on the acquired land for agricultural activities. After the land acquisition, the farmers and fishermen will lose their livelihoods. Moreover, 13 Garo households (ethnic group) are dependent on kuchia catching on the proposed acquired wetland, who will be impacted due to loss of livelihood. All landholders of the proposed 500 acres of land do not have legal entitlements, and some have incomplete or no legal documents although they purchased or occupied land. Thus, people “without documents” are not eligible to get compensation (according to Law) but will be affected, which might lead to local agitation/conflict. With respect to environmental impacts, ambient air quality will be deteriorated due to dust generated from vehicular movements and gaseous emissions of the construction vehicles and equipment, and alongside, noise will be generated. Due to the land development and the construction of on-site structures, the natural drainage pattern may get temporarily blocked at certain places by the land soil and construction debris which can occur water logging problems in case of heavy rainfall. In addition, during the wet periods floodwater may not pass through the natural ways and hence can cause water logging at the northeast corner of the project area as floodwater flows over the project area through this corner. Groundwater is another important issues for the project. The study area already witnessed groundwater stress in the past years. Therefore, the withdrawal of groundwater, might cause depletion of groundwater table, resulting water crisis for the local community and for the project itself. The project area is the combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem, which includes large trees and roadside vegetation as well as lowland with five beels that has been recognized as feeding habitats to many resident and migratory waterfowls. Wetland associated with different aquatic vegetation is providing support to this wildlife for breeding and escape from predators. Due to land development work, all habitats with associated vegetation will permanently be damaged. In addition, wildlife habitat in the project-influenced area will also be deteriorated due to sand mining. The EIA study proposed a number of environmental and social management measures to be strictly considered during pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the project. These plans include: i) Compensation plan, ii) Labor recruitment plan,iii) Livelihood restoration plan, iv) Stakeholder engagement plan, v) Grievance Redress Mechanism, vi) Land development management plan, vii) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan, viii) Drainage and flood management plan, ix) Water pollution management plan, x) Air pollution management plan, xi) Noise pollution management plan, xii) Waste management plan, xiii) Transportation management plan, xiv) Fisheries resources Management Plan, xv) Prevention of soil spillage to adjacent agricultural land management plan, xvi) Protection of standing crop management plan, xvii) Water resources management plan, xviii) Green park management plan, xix) Sustainable land use management plan, xx) Reduce crop damage by Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In addition, the study also provided some special
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Environmental and Social Management Plan, which are essential to consider for this project. These include: i) Dredging and Land Development Management Plans, ii) Industrial Symbiosis Plans, iii) Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) Plans, iv) Water Conservation and Saving Plan, v) Komol Beel management plan, and 2) East-site Gate Management Plan. Alongside, the cost of implementing ESMP is tentatively estimated BDT 234.7 million. Alongside, ESMP, three types of environmental and social monitoring plan have been provided in the report: 1) compliance monitoring, 2) impacts monitoring during construction, and 3) independent/external monitoring. The monitoring cost for the first one is BDT 51.5 million, for the next one is BDT 73.5 million, and for the last one is BDT 50 million. By assessing potential disaster, hazard and risk, and climate change issue, the study suggested some mechanism to be followed for the project. The hazard assessment has been carried out to identify the potential hazard associated with or inherent in the design process and to identify possible measures to avoid the hazard along with the safety plan for minimizing the risk. Incorporation of these measures and safety plans in design, planning and operational procedure of the proposed NEZ would eliminate the potential hazards. The proposed project appears as one of the key cornerstones of the country’s development activites. Similar to other development project, this project will bring negative consequences for the local envrironment, landowners and dependent communities; but would be mitigated with propoer measures, management plan and monitoring. Thus, ground water, surface water networks, waterbody, aqauatic and wildlife, landlosers and dependent population should be given special focus following the measures suggested in this report. Alongside, the project will also bring immense positive impacts for local-regional and national economy, and socio-economic benefits for the communities. Hence, measures suggested in this report for enhancing of these positive impacts should be given special focus.
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1. Introduction
1.1 Background Bangladesh economy has steadily increased its average decadal growth rate over the last few decades since its independence in 1971. The average growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from less than 4% per year during 1970-90 to 4.8% in 1990-2000. During the last two decades, it rose to 5.8% in 2001-2010, and above 6% during the current decade (2011-2020). Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has been successfully providing land, infrastructure, and a favorable business environment through establishing Export Processing Zones (EPZs) Program in 1980 under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA). Since then, the EPZs have been used as a strategic instrument for attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Bangladesh and in dealing with the shortcomings in the overall investment climate in Bangladesh. The EPZ program was the first systematic initiative to provide fully serviced land and a better business environment for investors, targeting large scale export-oriented manufacturing. Since 1993, EPZs have triggered impressive growth in exports, mainly in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, at an average annual rate of 23 percent, reaching nearly US$5 billion by FY2018 and have created half a million jobs within the EPZs. Having a very positive experiences of EPZs the GoB has planned to generate about 10 million employment opportunities and boost up export earnings around $40 billion through establishment of 100 Economic Zones (EZ) countrywide by 2030. Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has been emerged by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010 to establish, license, operate, manage and control economic zones in Bangladesh and accordingly placed under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and governed by a Board chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The law provides legal coverage for attracting and leveraging private investment in the development of economic zones as zone developers or operators, and in the provision of tailored infrastructure services, such as, private provision of power, effluent treatment, wastewater treatment etc. The law also allows for development of EZs and support infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism. Keeping the target to be a middle-income country by 2021 and developed country by 2041, BEZA is working with the aim to establish economic zones in all potential areas in the country including backward and underdeveloped regions with a view to encouraging rapid economic development through increasing and diversifying industry, employment, production and export. For achieving the national agenda, BEZA has got approval to establish 88 Economic Zones (EZ) countrywide comprising 59 under government and the remaining 29 under private initiatives. In line with the above initiatives, BEZA is planning to establish an EZ at Sadar Upazila of Netrokona District, for which a Feasibility Study has been carried out by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), a Public Trust under the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), GoB. Since the government intends to establish EZ countrywide, Netrokona has been selected as a potential area. In accordance with the Environmental Conservation Act (ECA), 1995 and Environmental Conservation Rules (ECR), 1997 including related amendments, the proposed Netrokona EZ (NEZ) falls under “Red” category and requires simultaneously both Site Clearance Certificate (SCC) and Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) upon approval of the Initial
1 Introduction
Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study reports by the Department of Environment (DoE). Considering the importance of establishing EZ aiming to fulfil the long vision of GoB, BEZA requested DoE to get necessary exemption from carrying out IEE for obtaining the SCC. In a request letter, BEZA desired to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study based on a Terms of Reference (ToR) (through attaching with that letter) to obtain ECC from the DoE. Taking the noted issues in consideration, DoE provided exemption order (vide the Memo no. 22.02.0000.018.72.131.19.569; dated 22 December, 2019) from conducting IEE and approved the ToR for conducting a comprehensive EIA of NEZ. The copy of DoE’s approved ToR is attached in at Appendix-II. In order to conduct the EIA, BEZA assigned CEGIS, a Public Trust under the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), GoB Government of Bangladesh (GoB) for conducting the study.
1.2 Project Brief The proposed NEZ is located in Netrokona Sadar Upazila of Netrokona District. The District Headquarter of Netrokona is located about 04 km in the west of proposed NEZ. Transportation network such as railway, road and navigation route are available in Netrokona District. However, these transportation networks need improvement. The main railway station is located in District Headquarters. A highway passes through close proximity of the NEZ, connects Netrokona Pourashava with Mohanganj Upazila in the east. Sheikh Hasina University, Netrokona and Netrokona Medical College are located within 03 km of the NEZ. The river port of Thakurakona is located within 05 km to the east. Major rivers include Kangsha River located 03 km to the north and Mogra River 04 km to the south. There are a number of beels namely Kuria Beel, Megha Beel, Joga Beel, Nanghuria Beel, Dharam Beel etc. within 10 km area of NEZ. The proposed NEZ will be implemented on approximately 500 acres of land. The location of the proposed NEZ is shown in Figure 1.1. An outline of a Master Plan for the proposed NEZ has been suggested in the Feasibility Study (FS) Report (September 2019) prepared by IWM. According to the FS Report, the Master Plan (outline) covers four (4) land zones which are as follows: Zone A: Large industrial zone for manufacturing units related to Garments and Integrated Textiles, Food Processing, Ceramics and Pharmaceuticals; Zone B: Light engineering and small/medium manufacturing units; Zone C: Residential areas for staffs and their families; and Zone D: Administrative area. In addition to above four zones, some space will be allocated for: i) Green areas, parks, rest house; ii) Health care facilities, day care center; iii) Playground, food plaza, shopping malls; iv) Utility services like water supply, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, common effluent treatment plant, power sub-station, solid waste collection stations, fire stations, utility ducts and drainage passages, sludge management etc.; v) Parking and logistics; vi) Security and surveillance; vii) Education;
2 Introduction
viii) Truck stand and workshop; ix) Circular 4-lane one-way road; x) Internal 4-lane road; xi) Walkways, etc.
In order to make NEZ more attractive to the investors and to make the zones more technically and economically feasible the proposed Master Plan has outlined a number of on-site and off-site infrastructures. The on-site infrastructures are: i. Road Network (Circular Road, Internal roads, Walkway, Bicycle tract); ii. Utility ducts and drainage passages (water line, cables, electric power lines, gas pipelines); iii. Electric Lighting; iv. Power Supply System; v. Water Supply; vi. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP); vii. Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP); viii. Sludge Management; ix. Fire Protection; x. Data Connectivity; xi. Solid Waste Management; and xii. Administration/One-stop Service Building and Other Supporting Buildings. The proposed off-site infrastructures are: i. Improvement and rehabilitation of adjacent railway line and establishing a railway station; ii. Two lane road adjacent to the NEZ to be extended to four lane regional highway connecting Dhaka and Sylhet (via Tahirpur – Sunamganj); iii. Upgrade function of nearby river port at Gaglajur Bazar exclusively for the NEZ to connect with Ashuganj; iv. Connectivity with Sylhet Osmani International Airport (146 km) through Netrokona- Tahirpur-Sunamganj-Sylhet highway; and v. Connectivity with Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport (150km) through Netrokona-Dhaka highway.
3 Introduction
Figure 1.1: Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone
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Figure 1.2: Base Map of the Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (1km radius)
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Figure 1.3: Base Map of the Proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (10km radius)
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1.3 Rationale of the Project Manufacturing sector of industry in Bangladesh shows predominance in export led garments and textile industries, which makes the country as world’s second largest garment manufacturer. However, relatively low emphasis was given to other items and export competiveness of those items were not explored fully. Therefore, the country during the period of 1980s required to boost up exports of other indigenous products, which was improperly enhanced due to absence of industrial infrastructure, capacity building, and policy initiatives. Owing to that, GoB has provided tailored infrastructure services and business environment conditions through establishing EPZs in the 1980s. The EPZs were used as the ‘strategic instrument’ for attracting FDI and dealing with the shortcomings of the overall investment climate, business registration, licensing, etc. which, in fact, were restricting smooth investments in the country. Further, to overcome the limitations of EPZ model, new EZ regime has been adopted by the GoB, so as, more spill-over can be harnessed by local firms from FDI, additional investments can be encouraged within the value chains and more local produce can be procured. The EZ development, a zoned industrialization, is required in Bangladesh to maximize the growth benefits of accumulation and ease the increasing urban congestion. More importantly, the EZ will enable new sources of growth, where investor will show their interest. In this context, establishment of economic zones is proposed in Netrokona. According to the Feasibility Study Report of IWM, major economic activities in Netrokona is wholesale and retail trades (49%) followed by transportation and storage (15%) and manufacturing (12%). Here, low-intensive manufacturing sector has immense potential. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data (2011) shows that about 40% of people are employed and about 23% have no job, while about 35% are engaged in household activities. Therefore, these large number of unemployed labors would get employment opportunity in the NEZ, where the wage rate of un-skilled, semi-skilled and skilled labors is low. There are some additional advantages of the proposed NEZ, such as, (i) adjacent railway line; (ii) existing two lane road, which would be extended to four lane regional highway connecting Dhaka and Sylhet via Tahirpur and Sunamganj, which, in turn, will create accessibility to Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport (150km) and the Sylhet Osmani International Airport (146km); (iii) well connectivity with Dhaka (150 km), the center of all economic, administrative and commercial activities of the country; (iv) availability of adequate land for establishing EZ; and (v) no major resettlement issue would arise as the site is totally agricultural land. Therefore, establishment of the proposed Netrokona Economic Zones would be a potential Project to boost up local as well as national economy which will enhance the living standard and quality of life of the local people in particular and of the country as a whole.
7 Introduction
Source: Feasibility Study, IWM, September 2019 Figure 1.4: Land use Plan Map
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Source: Feasibility Study, IWM, September 2019 Figure 1.5: Communication network/connectivity
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1.4 Scope of the Study The scope of work for the EIA Study are to: a. Review project interventions designed in the Feasibility Study Report and relevant literatures about the study context; b. Review legal and policy documents for defining legislative and regulatory considerations; c. Prepare detail environmental and socioeconomic baseline of the study area; d. Identify important environmental and social components; e. Conduct environmental and social impact assessment against the project interventions; f. Prepare Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and estimate EMP cost; g. Prepare Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) and estimate EMoP cost; and h. Prepare EIA Report and assist BEZA to obtain ECC from DoE.
1.5 EIA Study Team Following Key Professionals were engaged in carrying out the EIA Study: Dr. Kazi Md. Noor Newaz - Environmental Expert/Team Leader Md. Amanat Ullah – Ecologist A T M Shamsul Alam - Socio-economist Mohammad Abdur Rashid - Agriculture Specialist Md. Firoz Alam - GIS and RS Specialist The Non-Key Professionals engaged in the EIA Study were: Pronab Kumar Halder - Field Researcher, Environment Dr. Md. Shawkat Islam Sohel - Field Researcher, Water Resources Sharmin Akhter - Field Researcher, Fishery Biology Md. Alamgir Hossain - Field Researcher, Livelihood Farhan Nafis Hridoy - Field Researcher, Civil Engineering Vazana Bala Devi - Communications Specialist The following additional professionals, not specified in the ToR, were deployed by CEGIS for the interest of carrying out a good quality study: Md. Ebrahim Akanda, Agronomist Mohammed Mukteruzzaman, Fisheries Biologist Dr. Md. Shibly Sadik, Disaster Management Specialist Muhammad Shifuddin Mahmud, Social Scientist Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Ecologist Most. Tania Karim, Junior Agriculturalist
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1.6 Report Structure The report contains fourteen chapters as follows: Chapter 1: Introduction contains background, project brief, rationale of the project, scope of work, EIA study team and structure of the report. Chapter 2: Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework describes the relevant policy and legal frameworks for the EIA process. Chapter 3: Approach and Methodology covers detailed approaches and methods for conducting EIA study for the proposed Economic Zones (EZ). Chapter 4: Project Description contains description of technical details of the proposed EZ and associated on-site and off-site interventions along with project plan, activities and schedule. Chapter 5: Alternative Analysis describes all alternative options considered before finalizing the proposed site. Chapter 6: Environmental and Social Baseline describes the environmental and socio-economic baseline condition with detail on physical, biological and socio-cultural environment of the project and influenced area. Chapter 7: Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues presents identified key environmental and social issues are likely to be affected by the proposed project. Chapter 8: Environmental and Social Impacts presents the impacts assessed in this study with respect to identified key environmental and social issues. Chapter 9: Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure describes mitigation measures for each impact Chapter 10: Public Consultations includes summary of the consultation with interested parties and the general people including stakeholders with the note to consider their views in the planning and execution of the project. Chapter 11: Environmental and Social Management Plan describes the environmental and social management plan (ESMP) for minimizing the effect of the negative impacts and enhancement measures for increasing the benefits of the positive impacts at pre, during and post construction phases. Chapter 12: Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment describes assumed impacts, hazards and risks associated with the project activities and proposes a plan to overcome/mitigate. Chapter 13: Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan presents monitoring of environmental and socio-economic parameters at pre, during and post construction phases. Chapter 14: Conclusions and Recommendations is the concluding chapter of the EIA Report with conclusion and recommendations of the EIA study.
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2. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
2.1 Introduction In this chapter, all relevant policies and legislations pertaining to the GoB, particularly, the Environment Conservation Act (ECA) 1995 (with subsequent amendments) and the Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997, amended in December, 2017 were assessed. The Project Proponent, Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), will ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and standards for environmentally acceptable operation of this Project. The Netrokona Economic Zone project includes land development activities for industrial purposes in Netrokona. The Environment Conservation Rules (ECR) 1997, amended in December, 2017 is the main legal instrument, which obliges industries/projects/units to get either site and/or environmental clearances from the competent authority. The Environmental Conservation Act (ECA) 1995 (subsequent amendment 2002), clearly states in serial no. 12 that an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC), that follows the ECR 1997 (with subsequent amendments), must be approved by the Director General (DG) of the Department of Environment (DoE) prior to establishing/ undertaking any industrial unit/ project. The ECR categorizes different industries/projects/units into three broad types: Green, Orange, and Red. According to the industrial unit classification, mentioned in the ECR 1997 (amended), this proposed project is under the ‘Red’ category: serial 39-industrial estate. The Red category project, primarily requires ‘Site Clearance Certificate’ (SCC) through approval of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), followed by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) according to approved ToR for getting Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). However, BEZA received an exemption from IEE, hence SCC, upon submission of an application to the DG, DoE. Thus, EIA and ECC is required only for carrying out the project, for which DoE had already approved a ToR, following which this EIA has been prepared. In the following Sections, summary of relevant legislations and policies are presented:
2.2 Procedure for Environmental Clearance Certificate An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report along with necessary documents is required to be submitted to the DoE for getting Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). DoE will approve the ECC upon its satisfaction. For this project, the steps of getting ECC are given below: Apply to DoE for waiving of Site Clearance Certificate (SCC) through Initial Environmental Examination (IEE); Exemption of IEE and approval of Terms of References (ToR) for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Apply to DoE with the EIA report appending necessary documents for getting ECC upon the payment of charge; Presentation of EIA report to DoE, and upon satisfaction receive ECC.
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2.3 Organizations Related with Enforcement of Environmental Standards Roles and responsibilities of various Ministries and Departments involved in the enforcement of environmental requirements are described below:
Ministry of Environment and Forest The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) is the key Government institution in Bangladesh for all matters relating to national environmental policy and regulatory issues. Realizing the ever-increasing importance of environmental issues, the MoEF replaced the Ministry of Agriculture and Forest in 1989 and is at present a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council. This is the major decision-making body for economic policy issues and is also responsible for approving all public investment projects. The MoEF oversees the activities of the following technical and implementing agencies.
Department of Environment In order to expand the scope of environmental management and to strengthen the power for achieving it, the Government adopted the Environmental Pollution Control Ordinance in 1977. The ordinance provided the opportunity for the establishment of an Environmental Pollution Control Board, which was assigned with the responsibility of formulating policies and proposing measures for their implementation. In 1982, the Board was renamed as the Department of Environmental Pollution Control (DEPC). Six divisional offices were established in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet and Rajshahi. A special presidential order again renamed the DEPC as the Department of Environment (DoE) and placed it under the newly formed MoEF in 1989. The DoE is a Department of the MoEF and is headed by a Director General (DG). The power of the DG, as given under the Act, may be outlined as follows: The DG has the power to close down activities considered harmful to human life or the environment. The operator has the right to appeal and procedures are in place for this. However, if the incident is considered an emergency, there is no opportunity for any appeal. The DG has the power to declare an area affected by pollution as an ecologically critical area. The DoE governs the type of work or process, which can take place in such an area. Before undertaking any new development project, the project proponent must take Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the DoE. The procedures to take such clearance are in place. Failure to comply with any part of the Environment Conservation Act (ECA), 1995 with subsequent amendments may result in punishment by imprisonment or a fine of or both.
Forest Department This department under the MoEF is responsible for the protection and management of all reserve forests in the country. Department personnel extend down to the union level in areas where there are reserve forests. The department has recently started some agroforestry programs and its officers are also responsible for the protection of wildlife in the forests.
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2.4 National Legislations Relevant to Environment National Policies, Acts and Rules related with the environment include the following:
Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements National Environment Policy, 1992 and Action Plan This policy provides a framework for establishment of legislation for protecting environment. The key provisions of the policy are: Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of all new Netrokona Economic Zone (NEZ) must public and private sector industrial project is follow the policy and comply with mandatory. provisions while implementing the Adoption of corrective measures by polluting project. industries in phases. Prevention of land erosion, and environmentally sound management of newly accreted land. Conservation of wildlife, bio-diversity, forest, fisheries and livestock. The Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (as amended till October 5, 2010 (hereinafter referred as ECA) The main objectives of this Act are: (i) conservation and improvement of the environment; and (ii) control and mitigation of pollution of the environment. The salient features of this Act are given below: A Department of Environment (DoE) to be established subsidiary to the MoEF to exercise the The Project shall uphold the ECA to provision of the Act. ensure the environment is not The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) will declare damaged or compromised at any cost. Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) and specify the The Project Authority, i.e. BEZA, shall activities or processes that cannot be initiated or follow the guideline given in continued in an ECA. Environmental Management Plan An industrial unit/project cannot be established (EMP), and ensure that the post without obtaining an Environmental Clearance construction phase will gradually allow Certificate (ECC) from the Director General of DoE. the surrounding environment return to Publication of environmental guidelines related to its pre-project condition. environmental pollution control and mitigation, conservation and improvement of the environment. Prescription of rules for implementing the provisions of the Act. Failure to comply with any part of the Environment Conservation Act, 1995 may result in punishment to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of BDT 1,000,000 or both. The Environment Conservation Rules, 1997 as amended The proposed NEZ falls in Red in 2002, 2003, and in 2017 (hereinafter referred as ECR) category, for which both SCC and ECC The Provisions under the ECR are summarized as follows: are required. However, with the The industries for the purpose of obtaining ECC have been provision in Standard Operating classified into the following four categories based on their Principle and application to DoE, only site and impact on the environment: ECC is required for NEZ. i. Green NEZ will carry out an EIA report to be
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Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements ii. Orange-A submitted to the DoE. iii. Orange-B NEZ will apply to the DG, DoE for iv. Red getting ECC with required documents. The list of industries falling under each category has been NEZ shall follow the guidelines annexed in the Schedule-1 to the ECR. presented in the ECR to prepare the For proposed industries failing under the Orange documentations required to apply for A&B and Red categories, a Site Clearance and obtain the clearance required to Certificate (SCC) needs to be obtained from DoE initiate any intervening activities from prior to the issuance of ECC. the DoE. The project entrepreneur shall apply for ECC in NEZ will follow EMP mentioned in EIA form 3 along with prescribed documents and report and follow the environmental application fees. quality and other applicable standards ECC (for Red category) will be valid for 1 year from mentioned in ECR. the issuance date and shall be renewed at least 30 days prior to expiry. Various environmental quality standards pertaining to air, water, sound, odor etc. have been laid down in the schedules attached to the Act. Emissions and waste discharge standards have been laid down in Schedules 9-11. The person in charge of facility/unit shall notify the Director General (DG), DoE in case of pollutant emission/ discharge in excess of prescribed standards or where there is a possibility of the same.
2.5 National Legislations Relevant to the Project (Other than Environment) National Policies, Acts and Rules related to the project other than environment are discussed in the following:
Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements Bangladesh Economic Zone Act 2010 (Act No. 42 of 2010) This Act is to make provisions for the establishment of economic zones in all potential areas including backward and underdeveloped regions for encouraging economic development through increase and diversification of industry, employment, production and export. The NEZ must follow this Act while applicable clauses are given below: implementing the project. Acquisition of land for economic zone Division of economic zone into several areas (EPZ, Domestic Processing Zone, Commercial area, Non- Processing area) Compliance to laws connected with environment Applicability of laws on workers’ welfare association and industrial relations Bangladesh National Building Code, 2006 The implication of this legal binding in The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) was first this proposed project arises from the published in 1993 and revised in 2006 which is the code of safety of public and workers in relation
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Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements practice for construction sector in Bangladesh. The to development work of economic zone provisions of this Code is applicable to the design, development. Thus, NEZ is obliged to construction, use or occupancy, alteration, moving, follow the applicable code. demolition and repair of any building or structure and to any appurtenances installed therein or connected or attached with the building/structure. The Code also sets out the constructional responsibilities according to which the relevant authority of a particular construction site shall adopt some precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the workmen during construction. With relation to this, the Code set out the details about the different safety tools of specified standard. The general duties of the employer to the public as well as workers are also stipulated in the BNBC. Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 This rule is to provide a guideline for design required while constructing building in the economic zone. The following key issues are given: Open space (5% of the total area) Other amenities (5% of the total area) Green space (5% of the total area) In addition, the rules provide guideline for the following issues: i) Drainage, waste management, etc. The following provisions shall be followed in drainage, waste management and other systems of the economic zones: preparing a master plan of the drainage and sanitary system for the total economic zone showing slopes, retention areas and ultimate NEZ must comply the requirements discharge point; and follow the standard mentioned in preparing a master plan of the waste management this Rules. having CETP with metering system so that individual may be charged as per their effluent discharge; heterogeneous effluents shall be pre-treated before discharging to CETP as per requirement of CETP; economic zone shall have STP for individual plot; economic zones having more than 80 acres in size shall have central power, water supply system with metering system so that individual may be charged as per their use. ii) Fire appliance access requirements The fire appliance access requirements in industrial area layouts shall be as follows: every economic zone shall have fire zone as per BNBC; adequate fire brigade stations shall be provided
17 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements according to the size of the economic zone; each industrial plot shall be provided with vehicular access roads; If a central median is provided in industrial plot, the minimum width of the dual carriageway shall be 7.3m wide for one-way traffic: Provided that if constraints do not allow the provision of a central median, the minimum width of a carriageway without a central divider shall be 13.5m for two-lane two-way traffic. iii) Rain water harvesting The plot shall incorporate a rainwater harvesting system designed to capture roof run minimum of 200m off from a (or 50% of the available roof catchment area for roof areas less than 400m) during regular rainfall events. The collected rainwater shall be plumbed to supply a seasonally independent water use e.g. toilet flushing. The water harvesting system shall be same standard system for each plot. Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act, 2017 Land acquisition in Bangladesh is governed by a) the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act, 2017 (henceforth, the 2017 Act) which repealed the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance 1982 (with subsequent amendments of the latter This Project will require acquisition of up to 1994) and b) the East Bengal State Acquisition and approximately 500 acres of land for Tenancy Act (1950) revised in 1994. The 2017 Act provides construction of the proposed Economic certain safeguards for the owners and has provision for Zone. NEZ will carry out land payment of “fair value” for the property acquired. acquisition following this and shall The Deputy Commissioner (DC) in all cases, determine abide by the 2017 Act for any future “market value” of acquired assets on the date of notice land acquisition if required under this of acquisition (notice under Section 9 of the 2017 Act). Project. The assessment of this market value is done considering the average price of immovable properties of the same class, with similar facilities and within the vicinity of the “to be” permanently acquired land and assets. The DC then adds 200% and 300% premium of the assessed value for cash compensation under law (CCL) of the land and assets including house for government and non-governmental acquisitions
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Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements respectively. For any other losses as specified above, i.e. from (b) to (e)1, the DC adds 100% premium of the assessed value to pay as compensation. If land acquired has standing crops cultivated by tenant (bargadar) under a legally constituted written agreement, the law requires that part of the compensation money be paid in cash to the tenants as per the agreement. If there is a dispute regarding the amount of compensation, there is an option for arbitration and the procedures for such is in place. National Water Management Plan, 2001 (Approved in 2004) The objectives of the plan are listed below: To operationalize directives given in National Water The proposed NEZ is within the area of Policy and to do in accordance with the Thakur Kona FCDI scheme by Government approved Development Strategy. Bangladesh Water Development Board To address issues related to harnessing and (BWDB). NEZ must ensure that the development of all forms of surface and ground objectives related to this FCDI scheme water and management of these resources in an will not be hampered by the proposed efficient and equitable manner project. Consultation on and Participation with the direct beneficiaries in the hand over and development of water schemes. Bangladesh Water Act, 2013 The key features of the Act are: A National Water Resources Council (NWRC) to be established for implementing the provisions of the Act A National Water Policy shall be adopted by the Council addressing the following issues: o Purpose and sectors of water use NEZ shall ensure compliance with legal o Affordability of water users requirements under this Act, if o Actual cost of water abstraction and distribution applicable. o Financial ability and backwardness of water users of any group there of o Water demand and supply o Any other issues considered relevant by the government An Executive Committee of the Council shall be established or ensuring efficient performance of the Council.
1 (b) loss of crops or trees; (c) loss of affected immovable property separated from existing immovable property; (d) loss of other immovable property or movable property or income; (e) transfer cost of affected residential and commercial properties.
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Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements The GoB can declare certain areas as Water Stress Areas for the protection of water sources or aquifers. Water zone demarcation (industrial, agricultural, brackish water aquaculture and hatchery water zones) through gazette notification and issuance of protection order for efficient water management in such zones. Declaration of flood control zone and its management. Restriction on abstraction of total water from any water source. Ground Water Management Ordinance, 1985
As per the provisions as per schedule 5 of this The project area falls under ground act, no tube well shall be installed in any place water stress area; therefore, without a license granted by the Union Parishad. groundwater withdrawal requires Also, no application shall be entertained by the necessary investigation and Union Parishad unless it is accompanied by such compliance with the Ordinance. fee as may be prescribed under the requirements of this ordinance. The National Fisheries policy, 1999 The policy broadly aims at fisheries development, regulation NEZ shall ensure that during project of aquaculture, biodiversity conservation and formulation of operation, no untreated effluent is laws to ban the disposal of any untreated industrial effluents disposed into the river. The treated into the water bodies. effluent shall also meet the standards The objectives of the fisheries policy are: stipulated under the ECR. Enhancement of the fisheries production; Poverty alleviation through creation of self- The project area usually becomes an employment and improvement of socio-economic open waterbody during wet season, conditions of the fishermen; which provides habitats for different Fulfilling the demand for animal protein; varieties of fish. It also, provides Achieve economic growth through earning foreign livelihoods for local people. NEZ shall currency by exporting fish and Fisheries products; ensure the fish habitat, susceptibility and and options for livelihoods for Maintain ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, dependent people. ensure public health and provide recreational facilities. Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 (as amended through July 22, 2013) The previous prescribed under chapters pertaining to occupational health and safety, and compensation due to NEZ shall ensure compliance with the accidents are entailed below. provisions mentioned in this Act with Chapter V: Health and Hygiene respect to labor recruitment and The chapter deals with provisions regarding cleanliness of working condition. any facility, drinking water supply, ventilation, lighting, dust bean and spittoons, etc. Chapter VI: Safety The chapter address the issues regarding safety of building
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Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements and machinery, precautions in case of fire, fencing of machinery, work on or near machinery in motion, hoist and lifts protection of eyes, explosive and inflammable dust/gas etc. Chapter VII: Special provisions related to health, Hygiene and safety The chapter deals with previous to be taken in case of hazardous operations, Chapter VIII: Welfare This Chapter prescribes the provisions to be facilitated in the facility regarding first-aid appliances, safety record books, washing facilities, canteens, shelters, room for children, etc. This Act consolidates and amends the laws relating to employment of labor, relation between workers and employers, determination of minimum wages, payment of wages and compensation for injuries to workers, formation of trade unions, raising and settlement of industrial disputes, health, safety welfare and working conditions of workers, apprenticeship and matters connected therewith. The previous prescribed under chapters pertaining to labor benefits and entitlements are as follows: Condition of Service and employment Employment of Adolescent Maternity Benefits Working Hours and Leave Wages and Payment Workmen’s Compensation for injury by Accidents Trade Unions and Industrial Relations Regulation of Employment and Safety of Dock Workers Bangladesh EZ Labour Law Ordinance No 01, 2019 (adopted from Bangladesh Export Processing Zone (EPZ) This Law give strong emphasis on Law) labour rights, irrespective to gender and their orientation. It includes a This law although follows Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, it separate chapter on occupational exclusively focuses on industrial sectors and economic health and safety. zone related employments. It provides instructions for the directives on labour appointment, wages, working hours, BEZA is obliged to follow all of these termination, occupational health and safety issues etc. The rules during land development and salient features are as follows: period and to monitor so that established industries follow this law Providing appoint letter and id card is mandatory during the operation period. Maximum working hours is restricted to 48 hours, The law, however, does not contain additional payment is required in the case of extra any close concerning to the community hour work health and safety. During construction Any labour will get one day weekly leave with pay and operation community health and Female labour will get eight week of maternity leave safety issue will be more crucial. Prior notice is required for termination, Therefore, such an addition will be retrenchment and discharge required. Inappropriate/indecent behaviour and harassment
21 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework
Applicable permits and Summary of applicable policies/Act/Regulations requirements to female worker will be strongly handles It is prohibited to appoint under-aged and forceful labours The employers are entitled to ensure the safety of workers and also maintain a safe and healthy working environment within the workplace It is mandatory to facilitate every zone with health cares In case of industries containing more than twenty- five (25) permanent workers, it is obligatory for employers to maintain group insurance for the workers Bangladesh Factories Act, 1995 As per section 6 of the Act, the occupier shall furnish some information to Chief Inspector at least fifteen days before he begins to occupy or use any premise as a factory. NEZ shall ensure that approval for plan As per section B, the plans and specifications must be and specifications has been procured approved by Chief Inspector. from Chief Inspector of concerned Provisions for cleanliness, disposal of effluents, ventilation, area. lightening, latrines, and urinals have been described in Chapter II of the Act. Chapter IV and V provisions for safety and welfare of the workers. National Industrial policy, 2010 The policy aims to ensure the industrialization process is compliant with internationally agreed environment, health, and safety and labor standards. NEZ shall ensure that the proposed project authority follows the policy. The government will ensure assistance for creating alternative employment, keeping the socio-economic backdrop in mind, for any privatization proposal. Investment Board Act (1989) Board of Investment, established under this act, is the principle private investment promotion and facilitation agency of Bangladesh, which is responsible for implementation of provisions of above said policy. Under the provision of this Act as per schedule 11, all NEZ shall ensure that the proposed industries established in non-governmental sectors licensed project is registered as prescribed by by the board shall be registered in the prescribed manner the Act. As per Schedule 15 of this Act, any industrial undertaking licensed transgresses any provision of this Act or of any rule made there under or breaks any condition relating to the license, the board may, in such manner as may be prescribed, cancel the license of the industrial undertaking.
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3. Approach and Methodology
3.1 EIA Process and Approach The EIA study was conducted in accordance with the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, the Environmental Conservation Rules 1997 (amended in 2017), the EA guideline of Water Resources Project, WARPO, 2005, and the EIA guideline for industries, Department of Environment (DoE). The overall EIA process required for the proposed project is shown schematically in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1: Environmental Impact Assessment Process
Activities to be carried out at each stage of the EIA process are described in the following sections.
3.1.1 Project Desgn and Description The Project Description was prepared by collecting Project related information from the Feasibility Study (FS) report. Among the information, type of industry and their emissions as well as effluents, effluent treatment facilities, surface and groundwater consumption, land development activities, and other project related information are very crucial for assessing impacts of the project in surrounding environment. Proposed project layout was collected from feasibility report.
23 Approach and Methodology
3.1.2 Policies and Legal Issues The relevant legal and policy issues were reviewed in light of field findings to concentrate on the significant impacts related to the IESCs. Project compliance with the relevant environmental protection policies were also reviewed.
3.1.3 Environmental and Social Baseline a) Physical Environment
Physiography, Geology and Seismicity The general physiographical, geological features and the seismicity of the project and its surrounding areas were collected from available secondary data sources. More importantly, earthquake zone and presence of any active faults in and around the project area were analysed.
Climate and Meteorology Meteorological data such as rainfall, evapo-transpiration, temperature, sunshine hours, humidity and wind pattern of selected stations were collected from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and analysed for assessing local climate that are directly related to the project.
Water Resources Water resources data of river/wetland in terms of hydrology, drainage pattern, flooding history, groundwater reserve, water use were collected from available secondary sources and analysed. Flood inundation extent and flood depth map were also produced using GIS technology considering present and future climate change scenario. Besides, relevant water quality parameters were tested following both ex-situ and in-site methods to ascertain the baseline situation.
Soil and Land Resources The Agro-ecological Region of the project influence area were identified using secondary sources (BARC, FAO/UNDP GIS Project/BGD/1995/2006). Soil data was also collected from Upazila Land and Soil Resources Utilization Guide (Upazila Nirdeshika/Guide) of Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI). Data from available satellite images were collected and Transect Survey in the field were carried out.
Air quality
Air quality data in terms of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Respirable Dust Content (PM10),
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Sulfur Di-Oxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx),
Carbon Mono-Oxide (CO), Ozone (O3) were collected from Singher Bangla, Chan Mia Mor and Durgasrom sites to get an idea of the baseline situation.
24 Approach and Methodology
Table 3.1: Sampling locations ID and Name with Longitude-Latitude
Sampling location Assigned ID Longitude & Latitude N- 24º 54´ 33.48´´ Singher Bangla AQ1 E- 90º 46´ 42.87´´ N- 24º 55´ 31.08´´ Chan Mia Mor AQ2 E- 90º 46´ 59.12” N- 24º 54´ 49.33´´ Durgasrom AQ3 E- 90º 47´ 32.54´´
Table 3.2: Air Quality Sampling Time schedule
Location ID Date Time started Time ended Duration 3.15 pm 3.00 pm AQ1 11th to 12th February, 2020 23 hrs 45 mins (11/02/2020) (12/02/2020) 4.00 pm 3.40 pm AQ2 12th to 13th February, 2020 23 hrs 40 mins (12/02/2020) (13/02/2020) 13th February to 14th 5.25 pm 5.30 pm AQ3 24 hrs 05 mins February (13/02/2020) (14/02/2020)
Figure 3.2: View of Air Quality Monitoring Figure 3.3: View of Air Quality Monitoring at Singher Bangla (AQ1) at Chan Mia Mor (AQ2) & Durgasrom (AQ3)
Noise Noise levels were measured for twice in a day (Day and night time) within the project influenced area. Each time, noise level was recorded for a five minutes time span with a 30 second intervals by using portable noise level meter. Depending on the site condition and acoustic environment, the noise meter was set up and calibrated each time.
25 Approach and Methodology
Figure 3.4: Air Quality and Noise Monitoring Locations b) Biological Environment
Fisheries Resources Fisheries resources (both natural and capture fishery) data and information were collected based on different parameters such as available fish species, production of fish, and loss of fish habitat. Primary data was collected through questionnaire survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Secondary data was collected from concerned Upazila Fisheries Office (UFO) and from review of Fisheries Resources Survey System (FRSS) of Department of Fisheries (DoF). Fisheries habitat (water bodies) was identified using satellite images.
Agricultural Resources Agricultural resources data interims of farming practices, crop production constraints, existing cropping patterns, crop variety, crop yield, crop damage and agricultural inputs were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary agriculture data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interview and focused group discussions. Secondary data was collected from Upazila Agricultural Office of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). High resolution recent images were used to compute net cropped area. Crop production was determined using the formula: Total crop production = damage free area × normal yield + damaged area × damaged yield. The crop damage (production loss) was calculated using the formula: Crop production loss = Total cropped area ×normal yield- (damaged area ×damaged yield+ damage free area × normal yield). The crop damage data was collected from the field for last three years.
26 Approach and Methodology
Livestock resources Secondary livestock data like population feed and fodder shortage diseases was collected from Department of Livestock Services (DLS). Primary data was collected through questionnaires, key informant interview and focused group discussions.
Floral and wild faunal Resources Information on bio-ecological zones and their characteristics was collected from the publications of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Bangladesh Forest Department. The aim of the ecological study was to investigate the likely impact of project on different ecosystem component such as flora, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and migratory birds. The field activities included collection of ecosystem information, sensitive habitat identification, identifying ecological changes and potential ecological impact. Field investigation methods included physical observation, transect walk, and consultation with local people. The land use information on different ecosystem (terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem) was generated through analysis of archived satellite images/google images. An inventory of common flora and fauna was made based on field survey and the IUCN database as well as from secondary sources. c) Socio-economic Environment Socio-economic baseline information including demography, occupation, literacy rate, public utilities (drinking water, electricity facilities), etc. were collected from secondary sources, i.e. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and other relevant literatures. Data on income, expenditure, social overhead capitals and quality of life, livelihood pattern, communication system, proposed project impact on socio-economic status and cultural and heritage features of the project area was collected mainly from primary sources through questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), discussion with BEZA officials and local stakeholders.
3.1.4 Important Environmental and Social Component (Scoping) The main objectives were to identify the Important Environmental and Social Components (IESCs) or other important environmental component through a scoping process. IESCs were selected in consultation with the local people to investigate likely impact of the proposed interventions. Scoping process helped to eliminate the environmental issues and components which would not be impacted or which will suffer from negligible impacts as a result of the project.
3.1.5 Bounding Area likely to be impacted by the proposed project was delineated in consultation with the project proponent in addition to feedback received from the local people during baseline consultation. The entire project area was defined as “Project Area.” On the other hand, the area within surrounding 10 km radius of the project area was defined as “Study Area” or “Project Influence Area”. Both Project area and Project Influence Area were taken into account in the EIA study
27 Approach and Methodology
Figure 3.5: EIA Study Area including Project Area
28 Approach and Methodology
3.1.6 Impact Assessment and Mitigation Once an impact was identified, it was further evaluated on the basis of its degree of significance. The degree of significance of an impact defined by a five-point Likert scale was assessed by its magnitude and sensitivity. Thus, an approach of qualitative quantification was followed to evaluate the impact. The details of the methodology for assessing magnitude, sensitivity and finally the significance are provided below.
Assessing magnitude of an impact The magnitude of each identified impact was assessed on the basis of five parameters such as: i) duration of the impact, ii) spatial extent of the potential impact, iii) reversibility of the impact, iv) likelihood of occurring and v) compliance to national and international standards. A scoring technique of qualitative quantification was adopted to assess the magnitude of an impact assessing these five parameters. A Likert scale was developed (Table 1.1) to assess degree of each parameter. The scale had a maximum score “4” which was labelled as “major” and minimum score “1” which was labelled as “minimal)” (Table 3.3). A word scenario was also developed to guide quantification of each parameter. Once the assessment of each parameter is complete for an impact, a composite score for each impact was calculated summing scores of all five parameters. Depending on the composite score, the magnitude of the impact was assessed following the scale provided in Table 3.4.
Table 3.3: Definition of the Magnitude Classes and Parameters
Qualitative Scale to Quantify the Parameter (corresponding score is in Parameter parenthesis) Major (4) Moderate (3) Minor (2) Minimal (1) Long term Limited to Temporary with Duration of Medium Term (more than 15 construction no detectable potential impact (5 to 15 years) years) period potential impact Specific location within project Beyond immediate Spatial extent of Widespread far component or project components, Within project the potential beyond project site boundaries site boundaries or boundary impact boundaries with no local area detectable potential impact Potential impact is Potential impact Baseline returns effectively requires a year or naturally or with permanent, Reversibility of so for recovering limited Baseline remains requiring potential impacts with some intervention almost constant considerable interventions to within a few intervention to return to baseline months return to baseline Complies with limits Breaches national given in national Meets minimum Compliance to standards and or standards but national standard Legal Standards international breaches limits or Not applicable before Mitigation guidelines/ international lender international Measures obligations guidelines in one or guidelines more parameters
29 Approach and Methodology
Qualitative Scale to Quantify the Parameter (corresponding score is in Parameter parenthesis) Major (4) Moderate (3) Minor (2) Minimal (1) Occurs under worst Occurs under Occurs under case (negative abnormal, Likelihood of typical operating or impact) or best case exceptional or potential impacts construction Unlikely to occur (positive impact) emergency occurring conditions operating conditions conditions (Certain) (Likely) (occasional)
Table 3.4: Scoring Criteria for Magnitude Assessment
Magnitude of Impact Composite score to define magnitude of an impact Major 16 – 20 Moderate 11 – 15 Minor 6 – 10 Minimal 0 – 5
Assessing Sensitivity of a Receptor The sensitivity of a receptor for each impact was assessed on the basis of the capacity or features (including proximity/numbers/vulnerability etc.) of the receptors to handle or tackle an impact. A four-level qualitative scale defining the sensitivity as “low”, “medium”, “high” and “very high” was developed to assess the sensitivity. The definitions of the sensitivity classes are outlined in Table 3.5.
Table 3.5: Definitions of the Sensitivity Classes
Sensitivity Class Definition Vulnerable receptor with no capacity to absorb proposed changes or minimal Very High opportunities for mitigation. Vulnerable receptor with little capacity to absorb proposed changes or limited High opportunities for mitigation. Vulnerable receptor with some capacity to absorb proposed changes or Medium moderate opportunities for mitigation Vulnerable receptor with good capacity to absorb proposed changes and/or Low good opportunities for mitigation
Assessing Significance of an Impact The significance of an impact was assessed by its magnitude and sensitivity. A cross-tabular matrix was developed to assess the magnitude qualitatively. The significance of an impact was evaluated following a five-level scale (Critical, Major, Moderate, Minor and Minimal) which was determined by a cross tabular matrix between magnitude and sensitivity Table 3.6.
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Table 3.6: Cross Tabular Matrix for Assessing Significance
Sensitivity of Receptors Magnitude of Impact Very High High Medium Low Major Critical Major Moderate Minimal Moderate Major Major Moderate Minimal Minor Moderate Moderate Minor Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal
3.1.7 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan The Environmental Management Plan was prepared suggesting mitigation measures for minimizing the effect of the negative impacts, enhancement measures for increasing the benefit of the positive impacts, measures for compensating the negative impacts that cannot be mitigated and an environmental monitoring plan for monitoring changes taking place through implementation of the project. Cost estimate for implementing the EMP was also suggested for inclusion in the project cost estimate.
3.1.8 Public Consultations and Disclosure Public Consultation Meetings (PCM) were conducted to ensure people’s participation in the proposed Project. Formal and informal consultations were conducted in each step of the study. This helped to understand people’s attitudes towards the project, potential impacts (both positive and negative) and mitigation measures.
31 Approach and Methodology
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4. Project Description
4.1 Introduction The proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (NEZ) is a part of the government’s plan of establishing new 100 EZs across the country especially in areas which are underdeveloped and backward. The aim is to promote domestic investment and as well as foreign investment for local and regional economic development. The BEZA was the proponent of the NEZ and engaged Institute of Water Modelling for carrying out the feasibility study. This chapter outlines the overall master plan of the NEZ developed by IWM. The master plan includes layout description, zoning, NEZ facilities, on-site and off-site infrastructures, etc. The salient features of NEZ are provided in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Salinet Features of NEZ
Division Mymensingh District Netrokona Upazila Netrokona Sadar Mouza Barni, Kashipur, Singher Bangla, Bhadrapara 24°55'34.15"N to 24°54'31.99"N Coordinates 90°46'24.00"E to 90°47'30.92"E Area 500 acres Current land-use Agriculture Average land elevation 7.25 mPWD The distance along road from Dhaka 150 km Distance along road from Chittagong 401 km Distance from nearest airport 150 km (Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport, Dhaka) Distance from nearest river Kangsha 3 km Distance from nearest railway line Adjacent Distance from nearest highway Adjacent Distance from nearest 33 KVA electric line Adjacent Distance from nearest gas supply line 4 km Groundwater, Kangsha River, rainwater harvesting inside Probable water sources waterbody Source: Feasibility Study Report prepared by IWM (BEZA, 2019)
4.2 Project Objective and Expected Benefits With the aim of encouraging rapid economic development by increasing and diversifying industry, employment, production and exports, BEZA plans to establish 100 economic zones and NEZ is one of them. Netrokona is one of the least developed Districts with low industrialization. One of the main objectives of this EZ establishment is to upgrade the economic condition of the district by enabling the environment of industrialization and economic diversification. It will encourage local entrepreneurs as well as attract investors from outside including foreign investment. It will enable opportunities for creating new employment. The project would also encourage other induced development especially infrastructural development, economic development, etc.
33 Project Description
4.3 Project Components and Activities The construction of NEZ would include three major components – i) development of land for the NEZ which is 500 acres, ii) construction of on-site infrastructures for utilities including roads, power lines, water supply, effluent treatment plant, sludge treatment plant, waste management system, administrative buildings, etc. and iii) off-site connectivity and infrastructures. This EIA has been conducted for land development and construction of on- site infrastructures as per the master plan provided in the Feasibility Study Report conducted by IWM. The following sections thereby represent the overall master plan of the NEZ incorporated in the Feasibility Study Report. Project activities in different phases are given below:
Table 4.2: Project activities in different phases
Pre-Construction Operation Construction Phase Phase Phase Development of land Site preparation, labor shed construction, Utility infrastructures (green area, school, hospital, religious Land Acquisition facilities etc.) Establishment Mobilization of construction equipment and materials of industries Development of on-site road network Establishment of administrative units Boundary development
4.4 Master Plan of Netrokona EZ This outline of the master plan has been proposed in the feasibility study and accepted by BEZA. The EIA study has therefore, been carried out on the basis of the master plan.
4.4.1 Layout and Zoning Plots of the NEZ will be spatially divided into four zones – A, B, C and D. These four zones are exclusive for industrial area, residential area, recreational area, and administrative and service area.. Table 4.3 and Figure 4.1 describe the details
Table 4.3: Zoning of NEZ
Zone Zone Name Description In this zone, manufacturing units related to Garments, Integrated Zone A Industrial Zone Textiles, Food Processing, Ceramics, Small Industries, Light Engineering and Pharmaceuticals will be established. Zone B Residential Area This zone is planned for residential area for staffs and their families Recreational Recreational zone is planned to be facilitated with green areas, parks, Zone C Zone playground, food plaza, etc. Administrative and service zone includes health care facilities, day care centre, commercial spaces, utility services (water treatment plant, Administrative wastewater treatment plan, common effluent treatment plant, power Zone D and Service sub-station, solid waste collection stations, fire stations etc.), parking Zones and logistics, security and surveillance, educational spaces, truck stand and workshop. Source: Feasibility Study Report of Netrokona Economic Zone. The feasibility study approximately allocated area for different zones and facilities which is presented in Table 4.4.
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Figure 4.1: Proposed Zoning of the NEZ Area
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Table 4.4: Allocated land area for different zones and facilities
Area Percentage of Type of Zone Type of Land Use (Acres) Total Area Ceramic Ind. (16 plots) 15.79 3.11% Food Processing (28 plots) 27.71 5.45% Garments (47 plots) 47.16 9.27% Zone A: Industrial Area Integrated Textiles (26 plots) 25.7 5.05% (39.99% of total NEZ area) Light Engineering (16plots) 16 3.15% Pharmaceuticals (22 plots) 22.02 4.33% Small and Cottage Industries(49 plots) 49.01 9.64% Zone B: Residential Area Residential Area 29.53 5.81% (5.81% of total NEZ area) Club, Playground & Food Plaza 4.5 0.88% Eco Park 7.59 1.49% Green 16.4 3.22% Zone C: Recreational Area Landscaping & Slope Protection 28.3 5.56% (24.76% of total NEZ area) Park 1.18 0.23% Playground 1.53 0.30% Water body (Lake & Canal) 66.45 13.07% Administration 5.65 1.11% Central Truck Stand & Workshop 7.12 1.40% CETP 5.83 1.15% Commercial Area 7.5 1.47% Day Care Center 1 0.20% DTW 1.09 0.21% Education 3.43 0.68% Entrance, Parking & Security 6.1 1.20% Fire Station 2 0.39% Zone D: Administrative & Health Care 2 0.39% Service Area (29.44% of total Lifting Station 0.6 0.12% NEZ area) Logistics & Helipad 2 0.39% Power Sub-station 1.88 0.37% Religious Facilities 2 0.39% Rest house 4 0.79% Road Network 69.46 13.66% School & Playground 6.12 1.20% Solid Waste Management Site 1.83 0.36% STP 6 1.18% Utility Services Management 3.93 0.77% WTP 10.16 2.00% Total 100%
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Figure 4.2: General Layout and Plotting of the NEZ
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4.4.2 Plots and General Land Use and Landscape Regulation Each of the plot sizes shall be roughly 1 acre in size in uniform rectangular length and width. There will be some large plots for special industrial purposes. The master plan proposed a set of regulation, which should be followed while establishing industrial units are mentioned below: Nothing can be constructed on the set back area on the side of the building for the fire fighting. It should be properly landscaped with small-sized trees. 30% of the setback area on the backyard can be used for services (generator room, prayer room, etc.) 65% of the frontage can be used for parking, loading-unloading, security booth, walkway, driveway etc. 35% of the setback at the frontage should be landscaped with trees and properly grassed. Each tenant will build the fence surrounding own leased land. The maximum height of fences shall be 2.2m from the ground level. For the front side, the upper half portion should be open type and the lower half portion should be closed type. The standard sample is shown below: o The fences facing the front road shall be open-type fences made of iron bars or galvanized chain- link fencing material framed with galvanized pipes and other similar types of fences. o Details of color and material should be discussed with the zone administration. o No concealing fences shall be erected facing the roads. On the other hand, the structure of the side and back fence should be closed type for security purposes. o The fence between two adjoining plots could be built rightly on the plot division line with the agreement of both tenants of plot and the cost of the fencing could be shared by the two tenants. o The setback of 3.281 feet (1m) is required between the u-channel and the fence. This is for necessary maintenance of the fence foundation in the future. The setback should be grassed for landscape purposes.
4.4.3 Parking and Traffic Management Regulations Each unit of industries would have its own facilities. Each unit shall comply with the following rules as per master plan: Parking for industries and other facilities is to be developed within the plot. Noon- street parking will be allowed within the Zone (EZ). 30% of the setback area on the front can be used as open parking. 30% of the setback area on the front can be used for loading and unloading. All plots will have a minimum parking space allocation of one standard sized automobile (2.5mx4.6m) per 200 sqm of floor space.
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An extra 5% of ground coverage is permissible for construction of automated multilevel/ multi-level parking with ramp parking structures for additional needs. In case of basement parking, it cannot exceed the setback line and maximum 20% of the ground coverage. It should be kept as service area (prayer room, generator room etc.). For bicycle parking, one space per 500 sqm floor space is to be provided. The master plan also specifies the dimension of parking area and turning radius that must be followed while constructing each industrial unit.
4.4.4 Entry and Gate System The master plan carefully considered the gate system of proposed Netrokona Economic Zone (NEZ): It proposes two gates: Gate 1 (main gate) located at the entry point Gate 2 (main gate) located between processing zone and non-processing zone
4.4.5 On-site Infrastructure a) Road Network The detail of the road network is illustrated in the general layout shown in Figure 4.2 above. Four (04) lane roads: The length of the four-lane road is approximately 3.66 km. The right of way (RoW) of this road is 30m. Typical cross- section of road is Shown in Figure 3. Two (02) lane roads: The length of the two-lane road is approximately 8.79 km. The right of way (RoW) of this road is 20m. Typical cross- section of road is Shown in Figure 3. Walkway: Walkways are proposed along the periphery of the Kamal lake and the Channel. The walkway should be at least 3m wide.
Figure 4.3: Cross-section of a four-lane road
39 Project Description b) Utility ducts and drainage passages All roads should be integrated with utility ducts. All water lines, cables, electric power lines, gas pipelines should be installed within the utility ducts. The utility ducts shall be integrated with the drainage passages. A typical section of the integrated drain and utility duct is shown in Figure 4.4.
Figure 4.4: A Typical Utility Duct
Figure 4.5: A Typical Lighting Arrangement c) Roadside Electric Lighting All roads shall have LED street lighting arrangement with central auto controls. Typical lighting arrangement to be installed is shown in Figure 4.5. d) Power Demand and Supply System The feasibility study estimated that the power demand of NEZ would be 43 MW. The NEZ plans to get power from the national power grid. A 33 KV power distribution line passes along the highway adjacent to the site. The feasibility study proposed an option of 33KV/11KV sub-station with 11KV distribution line and another option of 11KV/0.4KV sub- station with 0.4 KV /0.25KV distribution lines, which will be finalized later according to the load calculation. PDB is engaged for the installation of a sub-station for Sheikh Hasina University on the same road to EZ. It is told that PDB at Netrokona is capable of power arrangement for the Netrokona EZ and they require approximately one acre of land setting up an electrical sub-station. The nearest sub-station is approximately 4.5 km away from NEZ site. e) Conservation of lake The Komol beel area will be preserved as a lake, which is expected to provide an essential part in the internal drainage system of NEZ by retaining the rainwater. Figure 4.7 shows the layout of the provision of lake. The lake will be connected with the adjacent canal at the northern side of the project area through an open drainage channel. A water regulator will be established at this connection point to control overflow inside the NEZ area. A walkway and bicycle path will be established around the lake, which will also have provision to cross the
40 Project Description lake. A small island and bird watching tower will be built at the center of the lake for recreational purposes. f) Water Demand and Supply The NEZ will require 40 million litres per day (MLD) water supply. According to the assessment of water resources, the most reliable water source will be groundwater. The groundwater quality is good. Groundwater (40 MLD) from 11 nos. of DTW (each of 1.5 cusec capacity) will be used for proposed NEZ. No groundwater treatment plant (WTP) is needed at present. Provision (space) for groundwater treatment plant (WTP) have been kept if it is required in future. The feasibility study also considered surface water as a provision and kept a large lake to reserve rainwater. g) Provision of Rainwater Harvesting System The Feasibility Study proposes use of rain water for several purpuses including drinking and cooking, bathing and laundry, flushing toilets, watering lawns, gardens and houseplants, composting, storing water in ponds, washing vehicles and equipment, fire protection, etc. However, rainwater harvesting has not been considered for industrial process. The industrial demand will be met from surface water and groundwater sources. However, for the industrial units having the roof top area >300m2, it has been encouraged to implement rainwater harvesting components in their premises. The storm water drainage system has been planned to be discharged at the Kamal Beel. Kamal Beel will improve the overall recharge of rainwater to the shallow aquifer. The feasibility study has recommended measures for rainwater harvesting for artificial recharge of groundwater aquifer. Several methods of groundwater recharge like spreading, pit, induced recharge and injection well method are practiced. The area requirement of spreading method sometimes limits its use. Among them the recharge / injection wells can directly feed depleted aquifers with fresh water by gravity from ground surface. The recharge through this technique is fast and has no transit losses or evaporation losses. It may ensure timely disposal of the excess runoff as well as replenishment of aquifer. Except recharge pit, other structure of recharge well remains underground; there is hardly any loss of land. Figure 4.6 shows the schematic diagram of artificial recharge of ground water aquifer.
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Source: Feasibility Study Report of the NEZ Figure 4.6: Schematic Diagram Showing Artificial Recharge of Aquifer
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Figure 4.7: Layout of Water Supplly System and Provision of Lake to Preserve Rainwater
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Figure 4.8: A General Layout of the Storm Water Drainage System
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Figure 4.9: A General layout of Domestic Wastewater Collection System Network
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Figure 4.10: A General Layout of the Effluent Collection Network
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Figure 4.11: A General Layout of the WWTP and CETP Discharge Drain
47 Project Description h) Storm Water Drainage Storm water drain has been planned to build on the both sides of the roads as indicated in Figure 4.8. Total length of the storm water drain is about 17 km. This drainage network will drain the storm water into Kamal beel through seven (07) outfalls. i) Domestic Wastewater (Sewage) Treatment Plant The master plan of the feasibility study proposed a central sewerage treatment plant (STP) to treat domestic wastewater and sewage. The total capacity of the STP would be 6 million liters per day. The layout of domestic wastewater collection system network is shown in Figure 4.9. The Sewerage Network will be equipped with 12.07 km of sewerage pipe and drain, three Sewage Lifting Station (SLS). The treated discharge from the STP shall be carried out combinedly with treated industrial effluent from CETP by a 5.91 km RCC drain (1000mm dia pipe) along the Netrokona-Mohonganj rail line and ultimately discharge to Dhonkhali river near Thakurakona rail bridge (Figure 4.11) j) Common Effluent Treatment Plant A central ETP has been planned as shown in Figure 4.2, 4.10 and 4.11. All industries shall have their own ETP for preliminary treatment according to ECR 2007. A Central ETP will be constructed when all development will be completed. Until development of CETP, each industry must have its own ETP. The treated water from the ETPs will be conveyed to a CETP for further treatment before discharge. A total of 8.08 km effluent pipes and drains have been proposed for the effluent collection network of the CETP. The effluent network will also have three lifting stations (Figure 4.10). Preliminary capacity of CETP has been estimated as 28 MLD but this capacity of CETP will be determined later based on the nature of the future industries that will be built in this EZ. Layout of industrial waste water collection network system is shown in Figure 4.10 and 4.11. The treated water from CETP will be discharged to Dhonkhali River through a 5.91km channel to be constructed along the Netrokona-Mohonganj rail line and ultimately discharge near Thakurakona rail bridge which is illustrated in Figure 4.11. k) Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) including Waste Sorting and Material Recovery facility Generated solid waste will be transported to Secondary Transfer Stations (STS) from individual plots. Location of STSs has been proposed in the plot of Integrated Waste Management Facility. The area of this site is about 1.83 acres. There will be four (04) Secondary Transfer Station (STS) in this integrated waste management facility (IWMF); among which one (01) will be used for residential zone and three (03) will be used for industrial zone. Sufficient nos. of dustbin should be placed along the road network and in public places (i.e. parks, playgrounds, etc.). A waste sorting facility will be constructed to process waste and recover material from industrial and municipal waste, including metals, glass, paper, textiles, and plastics, as well as domestic food waste, roads and building construction waste and electronic waste. Mechanical sorting technologies will be used to ensure effective and safe material recovery from industrial and municipal waste. The facility will screen, sort, shred, separate and store industrial and municipal solid waste to be recycled.
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Figure 4.12: Layout Plan of Integrated Waste Management Facilities
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Figure 4.13: Elevation and Floor Plan of the Secondary Transfer Station
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l) Sludge Management When a liquid sludge is produced, further treatment may be required to make it suitable for final disposal. Typically, sludge is thickened (dewatered) to reduce the volumes for disposal. Near the settling tank, there is a sludge drying bed. By dewatering the sludge and proper treatment, sludge cake will be produced. The Feasibility study proposes a few possibilities of using slugde: Use of sludge as land-filling material; Use of sludge as filling material for public works (road, pipe laying) provided that sludge contents in organic matter are acceptable; Use of sludge as material for brick manufacturing by incorporating sludge in clay; Use of sludge as material for agricultural soil improvement, providing that lime is added and aluminum concentration is acceptable (aluminum is toxic for humans and plants); Evacuation of sludge to dumping site.
Figure 4.14: Process Diagram of Medium Loaded Activated Sludge Treatment m) Fire Protection For the fire protection system, a fire station and two fire trucks have been considered in case of fire incidence. n) Data Connectivity A robust infrastructure for high-speed internet connectivity is essential for ensuring the sustainable operation of the zone. On top of that, it is imperative to have connectivity from multiple operators to maintain high uptime and seamless service levels to the tenants. An operator with sufficient capability may provide network connectivity inside the zone and maintain clientele among tenants independently. o) Administrative and Other Supportive Buildings The master plan of NEZ specifies the plan of administrative/One-Stop Service Buildings, which shall include the followings:
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One-Stop Service Division (about 10 staffs) Economic Zone Administration Division (about 30 staffs) Security Office (10 staffs: 24 hours) Presentation/Seminar Room (50 people can be accommodated) Meeting Rooms (3 Rooms) Custom House In addition, a number of support services shall be provided from the establishment: Banks Insurance companies Shopping mall/market Restaurants Residential hotel/Rest House
4.4.6 Land Development by earthfilling Existing average land level of Netrokona EZ area excluding Kamal beel is 7.36 mPWD. The land level should be raised to 10.9 mPWD for flood protection. The required sand for earth filling may be provided from the dredged sand of the Kangsha, Mogra and Dhonaikhali rivers.
Figure 4.15: Land development and Slope Protection
4.4.7 Off-site Infrastructure To make the Netrokona Economic Zone more attractive to the investors and to make it more economically feasible, the following off-site infrastructure has been proposed. Improvement and rehabilitation of adjacent railway line and establishing a railway station.
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The two-lane road adjacent to the site is planned to be extended to four-lane regional highway connecting Dhaka and also Sylhet via Tahirpur and Sunamganj. Nearby river port at Gaglajur Bazar to be upgraded to function exclusively for the NEZ. Large vessels could then travel to the proposed river port from Ashuganj or further from the sea along Surma-Dhanu-Meghna River. The Netrokona– Mohanganj road and railway are extended by 18km. If the Netrokona-Tahirpur-Sunamganj-Sylhet highway is implemented, then the site will have Access to two major international airports Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport (150km) and the Sylhet Osmani International Airport (146km).
4.4.8 Utility Demand and Sources The proposed NEZ will have an integrated comprehensive infrastructure for utility services especially for power, gas, water, etc. The master plan specifies relevant plans for power and water. The financial analysis considers that utility services will be constructed and run by third party, which includes power, water, wastewater treatment and sewerage treatment. The gas supply is assumed to be provided directly to the investor and NEZ will not take any responsibility. The Table 4.5 describes utility demand and sources.
Table 4.5: Utility Demand
Utility Demand Source Remarks Sub-stations and transmission line will be BPDB through Power 43 MW constructed at site. Section 4.5.3 may be seen for national power grid details. The master plan mentions that there would be Ground water, 40 Million liter provision of using surface water and rain water. Water Surfacewater and per day The existing Komol Beel will be rehabilitated to a Rainwater permanent lake, which would reserve rain water. Not specified in Not specified in the The nearest gas supply/transmission station of Gas the Master Plan Master Plan GTCL is inly at 4 km away. Source: Feasibility Study Report of NEZ (BEZA, 2019)
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Figure 4.16: Off-site Transportation (Rail, Road and Navigation) Connectivity
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4.4.9 Project Cost The Feasibility Study estimated the cost of establishing NEZ as Tk. 14,959 million.
4.4.10 Investment Plan The Feasibility Study assumed that the NEZ will be in its full capacity by 2029. Allocation of the land to the investor is planned to begin prior to 2023. The investment plan is given in table below:
Year % of Land functional with a secured investor 2023 25% 2024 38% 2025 56% 2026 84% 2027 100% Source: Feasibility Study Report, IWM
Table 4.6: Details of Cost Estimation of the Netrokona EZ
Amount Sl. Item Unit Quantity Rate (BDT) No. (Million BDT) 1 Land Development and Boundary Wall 302 2,723 1.1 Land Filling Cum 7,142,833 10,023 2,157 1.2 Boundary Wall M 6,600 66 1.3 Landscaping and slope protection LS 7,103.025 500 2 Land Cost Acres 500 3,552 3 Off-site Infrastructure 840 Establishment of Railway Station in front of LS 3.1 800 NEZ Gate 3.2 Data Connectivity (i.e. Optical Fiber Cable) LS 40 4 On-site Infrastructure 112,274,948 3,701 4.1 Four (04) Lane Roads Km 3.66 36,993,869 411 4.2 Two (02) Lane Roads Km 8.79 325 Other Common Zone Facilities i.e. LS 4.3 administration, rest house, fire station, club, 700 logistics, helipad and religious facilities Social Facilities i.e. playground, education, LS 4.4 25,000 500 park, green and daycare etc. 4.5 Training Center (3 floors Sqm 1815 45 4.6 Commercial Facilities LS 900 Lake and Canal Improvement including LS 4.7 820 regulator and walkway 5 Business Component (utilities/others) 3,348 5.1 Water Supply & Sewerage System 710 5.1.1 Water Supply Network incl. DTW Km 20.02 349 5.1.2 Sewer Network incl. SLS & STP Km 28.29 361 5.2 Drainage System Km 17.42 937
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Amount Sl. Item Unit Quantity Rate (BDT) No. (Million BDT) 5.3 Power Supply System incl. sub station LS 288 5.4 Gas Supply System LS 165 CETP incl. effluent & discharge pipeline, lift Km 5.5 13.99 873 station IWMF (Integrated Waste Management 5.6 375 Facilities) 6 Project Preparatory Costs of the Sponsors 152 Consultancy Fees for Design, Construction and LS 6.1 48 Supervision 6.2 Off-site Infrastructure Consultancy Fees LS 50 6.3 Legal Support LS 24 6.4 Administrative & Marketing Promotions LS 10 6.5 Vehicle LS 20 Sub-total (1 to 6) 14,315 7 Contingency (2% of sub-total) 286 8 Cost Escalation LS 358 Total Cost (BDT in Million) 14,959 Source: Feasibility Study Report Prepared by IWM
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5. Alternative Analysis
5.1 Introduction The BEZA evaluated two candidate sites at Netrokona for the proposed economic zone – i) Singher Bangla Site, ii) Beel Guzabugi site before finally selecting the Singher Bangla site. According to BEZA, the Singher Bangla site would have low impacts on socio-economic condition since there will be no acquisition of settlements.
Figure 5.1: Map showing two alternative sites of proposed NEZ
5.2 “No Action” Alternative “No Action” alternative means no construction of the proposed NEZ. In such a case the present trend of unsustainable growth of industrial development, unplanned conversion of wetlands, agricultural lands, and settlements to industries would continue. Apart from the economic objective boosting economic growth to contribute to make Bangladesh as middle- income country by 2021 and developed country by 2041 by proposed NEZ, another objective is to stop unplanned industrial growth and concentrate all industries in a planned area.
5.3 Evaluation of Alternative Site The ESIA study team consulted the BEZA officials and Land Acquisition Officer of Netrokona, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Land) of Netrokona, District Commissioner of Netrokona to document their evaluation of alternative sites to document it for the purpose of EIA. Additionally, the Environmental Expert of the ESIA team compared the two sites from the perspective of the environmental, ecological and socioeconomic impacts. The comparison between the two sites is presented in the table below.
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Table 5.1: Analysis of Alternative Sites
Evaluation Criteria Beel Guzabugi Singher Bangla Land Availability 266.755 acre 500 acre Accessible by Netrokona – Sunamganj Accessible by Regional Road Regional highway. Besides, Netrokona- Accessibility (Netrokona to Bharirab) Mohonganj railway line runs adjacent to the proposed area Acquisition and relocation of 4.03 acre No need to acquire any settlements settlements Groundwater throughout the Groundwater throughout the season but Water Availability season but surface water during surface water during monsoon only monsoon only More or less similar to Beel Guzabugi site. However, the Shingerbangla site is Since the proposed area is located only 3 km away from the Kangsha river in an area surrounded by dense Impact on Local which is possible source of dredged settlements, the potential of Community material, Therefore, impacts due to affecting the local community is transportation of dredged material would higher be less than that of the Beel Guzabugi site. Impact on 455 acres of agricultural land out of 500 Cultivable area is less, so the agricultural acres will be converted to industrial area impact is less production with an annual loss of 2161 tons of rice Impacts on water quality, air quality, hydrology due to land development, construction activities and industrial Potential of having impacts on pollution. are more or less same as that water quality, air quality, hydrology of the Beel Guzabugi site. However, the Environmental due to land development, Shingerbangla site is only 3 km away Impact construction activities and from the Kangsha river which is possible industrial pollution. source of dredged material, Therefore, impacts due to transportation of dredged material would be less than that of the Beel Guzabugi site The proposed area includes beel Singher Bangla site might have same and haor. Therefore, landfilling of impact. However, the master plan Ecological Impact beels and Haor might impact haor proposes to conserve the Komol Beel as ecosystem. a lake/wetland within the NEZ. Since the area is surrounded by There is no dense settlement surrounded Community Safety dense settlements, there would be by the proposed site. Therefore, impacts and Security issue of community safety and on community safety and security would security be less than that of Beel Guzabugi site Many households will be There is no settlement in the project area. displaced, leading to the adverse On the other hand, some people have no socio-economic impacts on legal entitlements, which may lead to Social agitation community, which, as a result, social agitation, but proper compensation have a higher chance of social and livelihood restoration will mitigate this agitation against the project. tension.
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6. Environmental and Social Baseline
6.1 Introduction This section provides the baseline condition of physical, biological and socio-economic resources in both study and project area. As mentioned before, project area refers to the location where the economic zone will be established; whereas the study area refers to the area within 10 km radius of the proposed project site.
6.2 Physical Environment
6.2.1 Meteorology and Climate Bangladesh is a low-lying tropical country in the Asiatic monsoon region. Despite of having a moderate spatial variability, significant temporal changes are also observed in climatic condition. From the climate perspective, three main seasons can be recognized in Bangladesh: a hot and dry pre monsoon season from March to May/June, wet monsoon season from June/July to October during which more than 85% of the annual rainfall occurs, and a dry winter from November to February (FAO, 2011). Bangladesh is created by the alluvial deposit of the great Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Rivers. These great rivers flow through Bangladesh and flow through a single outlet to the bay of Bengal to the tune of over 138,700 m3/day which is the largest for and single outlet in the world, 1.5 times greater than the Amazon River (FAO, 2011). The proposed economic zone in Netrokona is located in the north-central hydrologic region of Bangladesh which lies within the Brahmaputra catchment. Meteorological data of the project area in terms of rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were collected from secondary data sources especially from the NWRD-CEGIS archive. Brief analytical overview of some important parameters is presented in the following subsections.
Rainfall Rainfall data was collected from Netrokona Sadar BWDB station and Mymensingh BWDB station. From the available data, the analysis at Netrokona station was done for the period from 1978 to 2008 and at Mymensingh station for the period from 1983 to 2013. Both the areas receive high rainfall during April to October while November to March is the drier part of the year with very less rainfall. The analysis shows that the monthly average rainfall varies from 6.4 mm to 673.4 mm at Netrokona and from 6.68 mm to 447.19 mm at Mymensingh. At Netrokona the maximum rainfall for an amount of 1218.6 mm occurred in July, 1982 while at Mymensingh the maximum rainfall of 865 mm occurred in July, 1983. The monthly maximum, minimum and average rainfall is shown in Figure 6.1 and, the annual rainfall at Netrokona (1978 – 2008) and Mymensingh (1978 – 2017) are presented in Figure 6.2. The maximum annual rainfall of 4327.4 mm was recorded at Netrokona in 1988 and 3312 mm at Mymensingh in 1991. The linear trend line of the annual rainfall shows a slight increasing trend at Netrokona and slight decreasing trend at Mymensingh.
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Source: National Water Resources Database Figure 6.1: Monthly maximum, minimum and average rainfall at Netrokona BWDB station and Mymensingh BMD station
Source: National Water Resources Database Figure 6.2: Annual rainfall at Netrokona BWDB station and Mymensingh BMD station
Temperature The temperature data was collected from the nearest meteorological station at Mymensingh and analyzed. The highest and the lowest temperature values for each month for the period from 1988 to 2017 is presented in the Figure 6.3. The highest maximum temperature was recorded as 38.1o C in April, 1992 and the lowest minimum temperature was recorded as 4.7o C in January, 2013. It revealed from the values that the warmer months are June, July, August and September and the cooler months are November to March.
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Source: National Water resources Database Figure 6.3: Monthly maximum and minimum temperature at Mymensingh BMD station
Relative Humidity Relative Humidity data was also collected from the BMD station at Mymensingh and analyzed. The analysis of monthly relative humidity data for the period from 1988 to 2018 is shown in Figure 6.4. The analysis shows that the highest Relative Humidity in all the months were recorded as 100% whereas the minimum values vary between 20% and 51%. The most humid months are from June to October.
Source: National Water resources Database Figure 6.4: Monthly relative humidity at Mymensingh BMD station
Wind speed and direction The wind speed data of Mymensingh BMD station for the period from 1988 to 2017 was collected, analysed and shown in Figure 6.5. It shows that the monthly average wind speed varies from 29.4 km/day to 143.9 km/day. Wind speed is higher during April - July and during October- January. Generally, the north-easterly winds blows from land to the sea in south during winter season in Bangladesh. Low temperature and light winds are common phenomena of this period. Whereas, in summer the air pressure falls and wind direction
61 Environmental and Social Baseline changes from sea to land (Khatun, Rashid, & Hygen, 2016). The monsoon period plays a vital role in the wind distribution. Wind rose diagrams at Mymensingh station for the period of 1971 to 2010 are obtained from Khatun et al. and are shown in Figure 6.6. Wind distribution diagrams show that wind speeds at winter (November, December, and January) and post monsoon (September and October) were comparatively lower than in monsoon (May, June, July and August) and pre-monsoon period (February, March and April). The direction of wind was predominantly eastward but in winter both multidirectional.
Source: National Water resources Database Figure 6.5: Monthly Average Wind Speed at Mymensingh BMD Station
Source: Khatun et al., 2016. Figure 6.6: Wind Rose Diagram at Mymensingh BMD Station; (i) Winter, (ii) Pre- monsoon, (iii) Post monsoon), (iv) Monsoon
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6.2.2 Topography Netrokona District falls within the old Brahmaputra alluvial floodplain which has an elevation of 10 m above sea level (Rashid, 2019). Floodplains are not always totally flat, but comprise with slightly higher parts (ridges) separated by depressions (basin) and spatial patterns change over time (Uddin, Hooda, Mohiuddin, Smith, & Waller, 2019). Figure 6.7 shows a topography map of Bangladesh (Awal, 2014) and the location of the project area. According to the classification of land types of Bangladesh, land which is above normal flood level is called highland, lands which are flooded up to 90 cm and between 90 cm and 180 cm deep during flood are called medium highland and medium lowland respectively (Uddin et al., 2019). The general topography of the project area is more or less flat with an elevation of 6.6 to 8.1 mPWD. Out of this area, 37% is highland and 34%, 21% and 7% are medium highland, medium lowland and lowland respectively(IWM, 2019). Figure 6.7 shows digital elevation model of the project area. The area of the Komol Beel is approximately 43 acres and its water retention changes at different times of the year.
Source: Awal, 2014 and Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) Figure 6.7: Topography of Bangladesh and Digital elevation map of the project area
6.2.3 Ambient Noise Level Noise level around the project area was monitored at six selected points (Figure 6.8). Noise level was measured for 10 minutes at each point for two times a day, between 9 am and 1 pm during day time and between 6:30 pm and 7:40 pm for the night time. From the obtained data the LAeq value which is defined by a weighted equivalent of continuous sound level was computed. Also, the Lmax and Lmin values were monitored. At the time of survey, the noise level inside the project area was found very calm and low whereas, at several points surrounding the project area, medium to heavy noise was recorded. Mostly the places could be recognized as lightly dense residential areas. Along with the residential settlements there were few small commercial units at the north-middle
63 Environmental and Social Baseline corner of the project area which could be defined by mixed areas. The monitoring site at the south-west corner was designated as silent area because of the presence of a high school although, a local market place and few residential houses were also located there. As there was no industry close by, the major sources of noise at the locations were the movements of vehicles and hydraulic horns. Table 6.1 shows the monitoring data at the locations with standard values of residential and mixed area as per Noise Pollution Control Rule, 2006. The survey data shows that most of the noise levels slightly exceeded the standard values.
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Table 6.1: Baseline noise level monitoring data
Location characterization Noise Standards2 Sites GPS Location Location Measurement time LAeq Lmax Lmin and remarks Silent3 Residential4 Mixed5 Residential area 55 Day time (12:23 pm to 12.33 pm) 65 77 45 South-East (surrounded by few houses, 24°54'56.9"N 1 corner of agricultural land and a small 90°47'30.0"E project area connecting road to the Night time (7:28 pm to 7:38 pm) 49.5 68 42 45 highway) South-Middle Residential area 55 24°54'34.8"N Day time (12:09 pm to 12.19 pm) 71.5 90 43 2 part of (Surrounded by households 90°46'58.4"E project area and highway) Night time (7:14 pm to 7:24 pm) 56 86 42 45 South-West Silent area (Surrounded by 24°54'34.8"N Day time (12:52 pm to 1.02 pm) 60.5 75 48 50 3 corner of several households, small 90°46'35.5"E project area market and a high school) Night time (6:55 pm to 7:05 pm) 52.5 65 42 40 Residential area 55 North-West Day time (10:30 am to 10.40 am) 56.6 63 41 24°55'14.1"N (Surrounded by several 4 corner of 90°46'26.1"E households and agricultural project area Night time (6:37 pm to 6:47 pm) 47 60 40 45 land) North-Middle Mixed area (Surrounded by Day time (9:17 am to 9:27 am) 69 83 57 60 24°55'29.7"N 5 part of few households, few small 90°46'59.5"E Night time (6:52 pm to 7:02 pm) 55 70 41 50 project area shops, school) Residential area Day time (9:54 am pm to 10:04 North-East 56 75 45 55 24°55'31.5"N; (surrounded by few small am) 6 corner of 90°47'33.6"E houses, agricultural land and project area Night time (7:16 pm to 7:26 pm) 45 59 41 45 a small village road) Source: Field data, 2019
2 Noise Standards are adopted from Bangladesh Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. 3 According to the Noise Pollution control Rules, ‘Silent Area’ is defined by the places where hospital, educational institute, office is located. 4 According to the Noise Pollution control Rules, ‘Residential Area’ is defined by the places where people live with their families. 5 According to the Noise Pollution control Rules, ‘Mixed Area’ is defined by the areas which are combinedly used as residential, commercial and/or industrial areas.
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Figure 6.8: Noise Level monitoring Sites
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Figure 6.9 shows a google earth image with the sensitive receptors of noise at a 4 km radius of the project area. The receptors are not assembled in a single area but scattered. The major receptors are several mosques and a few educational institutes. The rural settlements around the project area are mostly households which might be affected due to the establishment of heavy industries. It should be noted that, it will not be appropriate to select the total area of the Economic Zone as Industrial area as there are plans to establish parks, educational institutes and office areas which do not fall under industrial area.
Figure 6.9: Sensitive receptors around the project area
6.2.4 Ambient Air Quality The existing air quality of the proposed NEZ area as well as the surroundings were observed to be good. Agriculture is the major activities in the project area for which farmers use pumpi machines. Burning of fuel for operation of the pumps has potential effects on the air quality. Within a radius of several kilometers, only a few small industries were observed. Among those, several brick fields were observed that emit gas which can potentially affect the air quality. Besides, the vehicles plying on the highway as well as the local roads can contribute to bad air quality. The local roads were mostly observed to be made of soil. These roads could produce dust during the movements of the vehicles. At three locations around the project area the air quality was monitored. The positions of the sampling locations are presented in Table 6.2.
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Table 6.2: Air Quality Monitoring Locations and Sampling Durations
Sampling location Sampling ID GPS coordinate Sampling duration N 240 54´ 33.48´´ Singher Bangla AQ1 23 hours and 45 minutes E 90º 46´ 42.87´´ N 240 55´ 31.08´´ Chan Mia Mor AQ2 23 hours and 40 minutes E 90º 46´ 59.12´´ N 240 54´ 49.33´´ Durgasrom AQ3 24 hours and 05 minutes E 90º 47´ 32.54´´ Seven parameters were monitored. Sampling was done for around 24 hours at each location. The monitored values and the allowable standards are presented in Table 6.3. The air quality standards were set by the Department of Environment of Bangladesh as ambient air quality standards, 2005. All the parameters were found to be within the acceptable range.
Table 6.3: Baseline Air Quality Monitoring Data of NEZ
Sampling Bangladesh Parameters Unit AQ1 AQ2 AQ3 method Standard
3 6 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) µg/m Gravimetric 29.37 31.74 19.71 65
3 6 Respirable Dust Content (PM10) µg/m Gravimetric 70.23 81.62 63.28 150 Suspended Particulate Matter µg/m3 Gravimetric 105.14 117.52 91.11 2007 (SPM) Sulfur Di-Oxide (SO2) µg/m3 West-Geake 10.25 7.16 11.26 3656 Jacob and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) µg/m3 12.38 16.62 14.73 1008 Hoccheiser Carbon Mono-Oxide (CO) µg/m3 Multi Gas meter 4 4 0 100007 Ozone (O3) µg/m3 Multi Gas meter 2 0 0 1577
6.2.5 Surface Water Hydrology
River and canal network There are three rivers in the in the study area namely; Kangsha River which is 3~4 km north to the project area, Mogra River which is 4~5 km south to the project area and Dhalai River. Kangsha River is a transboundary river, which has entered Bangladesh as Bhogai through the Ramchondrokura-Mandaliay Union of the Nolitabarhi Upozilla under the Sherpur District. Total length of this river is 228 km and average width is 95m (CEGIS, 2013). The Mogrha river originates from the Kakni union of the Phulpur Upazilla, Mymensingh District. And flows through the Atpara and the Modon Upazillas and drains into the Dhonu River at the Badla union of the Itna Upazilla under Kishoreganj. The Dholai-Bisnai joins with the Moghra in Sonai Union of the Atparha Upazilla. Water remains stagnant almost throughout the year in
6 Standard set for an averaging time period of 24 hours 7 Standard set for an averaging time period of 8 hours 8 Standard set for an averaging time period of 1 year
68 Environmental and Social Baseline this river. But, when the flow boosts during the monsoon, it overflows its banks. Total length of this river is approximately 163 km (CEGIS, 2013). There are a number of perennial and seasonal beel areas within the study area- Kuria Beel, Kalabagua Beel, Nalghuria Beel, Megha Beel, Joga Beel, Hailda Beel, Komol Beel, Soai Beel etc. Among these, Komol Beel and Soai Beel are located within the project area although at present, the Soai Beel is almost dry and used for agricultural purpose. One distributary channel named Thakurakona Canal that originates from Kangsha River near Thakurakona bus station and reaches the project area with a name of Fazar Ali canal through the south-east corner. At the western side of Komol Beel another channel offtakes namely Krishna Khali canal and after flowing for 3 km joins with Kuria Beel which eventually flows further south to meet with the Mogra River. Figure 6.10 shows the water resources network within 5~6 km radius of the project area.
Figure 6.10: River and canal network around the project area
Discharge and Water level of nearby rivers The long term (1982 to 2012) simulated flows of Kangsha River and Mogra River based on the feasibility study done by IWM were assessed and shown in Figure 6.11. It is observed that high discharge occurs between June and October and the lowest flows occurs during the winter periods. The maximum average flows of Kangsha River and Mogra River occur in July which are 644.9 m3/s and 242.4 m3/s respectively. The lowest average flows ocuur in February that are 23.7 m3/s and 1.2 m3/s for Kangsha River and Mogra River respectively (IWM, 2019). According to the local people, there is severe water scarcity in Mogra River during the dry periods.
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Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) Figure 6.11: Water Discharge Simulated Data of Kangsha and Mogra Rivers
There are two water level gauge stations at the Kangsha River- one is at Jaria-Jhanjail, around 17 km upstream from the project area and the other one is at Mohanganj, around 20 km downstream from the project area. Analysis of 10-year averaged water level hydrographs shows that at Jaria-Jhanjail station the hydrographs are almost similar throughout the past 50 years while at Mohanganj station dry season water levels showed a rising trend during the last three decades. The maximum water level varies from 9.5 mPWD to 12.5 mPWD at Jaria-Jhanjail station and from 7 mPWD to 9 mPWD at Mohanganj station. Minimum water levels ranges between 2 mPWD and 5.5 mPWD at both stations. There is another waterlevel gauge station on the Mogra River at Atpara, which is around 15 km downstream from the project site. The 10-year averaged water level analysis showed a decreasing trend in the recent past. The water level data of 1980-1989 to 2000-2009 shows that the water level has lowered down by at least 1.5 mPWD in the dry periods and 2 mPWD in the monsoon periods. The maximum and minimum water level at Atpara station ranged from 6.7 mPWD to 11.2 mPWD and from 1.1 mPWD to 3.4 mPWD respectively.
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Source: Feasibility study report of river management at the haor areas (CEGIS, 2013) Figure 6.12: Water Level Hydrographs for 10 Year Return Period at Jaria-Jhanjail and Mohanganj Station (Kangsha River)
Source: Feasibility study report of river management at the haor areas (CEGIS, 2013) Figure 6.13: Maximum-minimum Water Level at Jaria-Jhanjail and Mohanganj Station (Kangsha River)
Source: Feasibility study report of river management at the haor areas (CEGIS, 2013) Figure 6.14: Water Level Hydrographs for 10 Year Return Period and Maximum- minimum Water Level at Atpara Station (Mogra River)
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Water management infrastructure There is a project of BWDB at Natrokona Sadar Upazila, within which the area of Netrokona Economic Zone lies. The objective of the project was to control flood, improve drainage and irrigation facilities by constructing water management structures. According to the plan of the project, 13.15 km of embankment, 3 number of sluice gates, 33 irrigation inlets and 13 drainage outlets and 23.02 km drainage canals were established although at existing condition these infrastructures are not totally functional. Among the three sluice gates, Thakurakona and Krishnapur regulators are partly damaged and almost out of order (Figure 6.15). According to the local people, the regulators are not able to serve the purpose at all and need to be repaired. Drainage outlets were not found in design condition and need to be re-excavated. Irrigation canals are also filled by siltation and need to be re-excavated (CEGIS, 2012). During the survey, local people demanded for new excavation for improved drainage facility.
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Figure 6.15: Existing Water Management Infrastructure within the Study Area
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Source: Fieldwork, 2019 Figure 6.16: Thakurakona and Krishnapur Sluice Gate
Source: Fieldwork, 2019 Figure 6.17: Physical Conditions of the Sluice Gates
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Water Management Related Problems and Issues
Drainage and water logging During the wet periods water flows from north-west to the south-east through Thakurakona canal, Fazar Ali canal and Krishna Khali canal and crosses the project area in the way. On the other hand, during dry periods the canals get dry at several locations and drainage becomes disrupted. The major reason is heavy siltation and absence of maintenance of the drainage canals (CEGIS, 2012). The drainage canals have heavily been silted up and the conveyance capacity has been reduced. Besides, water cannot flow out to the river due to non-functioning of the regulators, which cause local and temporal water logging near the sluice gates. Leakage and non-functioning of the inlet structures cause water logging at the agricultural lands near the regulators. Encroachment of the canals by settlement and presence of high land are also causes of temporal water logging.
Flooding Flooding occurs due to the flow and rise of the water level of Kangsha River and intensive rainfall. Approximately 10.1% of the total Upazila area is homestead and 1% is water bodies (very low land) (IWM, 2019). The area elevation curve of the project area as shown in Figure 6.18 and the flooding statistics as shown in Table 6.4, depicts that the project area would be inundated during the peak flooding. 100% area of the proposed economic zone is below the annual maximum peak water level (8.8 mPWD) of Kangsha River. The peak normally comes in the month of April and receding starts in the month of October. Historical maximum peak flood level (11.50 mPWD) was recorded in the month of June, 1988 while the minimum flood level (4.16 mPWD) occurred in the month of April, 1994 (CEGIS, 2012). During the last 15 years, heavy floods had occurred in 2007 and 2017. Excessive rainfall in the upstream catchment areas was the main reason for those flash floods. According to the local people, every year during the seasons of flooding the flood level around the project area rises close to the existing embankments and at several points the embankments are overtopped.
Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) Figure 6.18: Area Elevation Curve of the Project Area
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Table 6.4: Inundated Area under Different Water Level of Kangsha River
Water level scenarios Water level Area under flood Annual max (5-year) 9.2 mPWD 100% Mean annual peak water level 8.8 mPWD 100% Mean annual min water level 3.4 mPWD 0% Recorded highest flood level 11.7 mPWD 100% Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019)
Quality of surface water Surface water quality was assessed by sampling at three locations. The locations fell within the surface water network adjacent to the project area, two sites were at the eastern part and the other one was at the western part of the project area. The position of the water quality monitoring sites are shown in Table 6.5 and Figure 6.19.
Table 6.5: Baseline surface water quality monitoring sites
Collection date Sample ID Location GPS Coordinate & time Kongsha river, near Thakurakona bridge N 240 54´ 38.2´´ 06/01/2020; 5:05 SW-1 (Thakurakona, Netrokona) E 90º 49´ 36.8´´ pm East side of Komol/Rupsha Beel N 240 55´ 08.0´´ 06/01/2020; 5:40 SW-2 (Thakurakona, Netrokona) E 90º 48´ 17.6´´ pm West side of Komol/Rupsha Beel (Shingher N 240 55´ 03.3´´ 07/01/2020; 1:05 SW-3 Bangla, Netrokona) E 90º 45´ 44.4´´ pm
Several parameters were assessed through lab analysis. Acidified and non-acidified bottles were used for sampling to test metallic and non-metallic concentrations respectively. The results along with the methods of tests are presented in Table 6.6. In the Environmental Conservation Rules of Bangladesh, 1997, standards for inland surface water were found for only a few parameters which are also provided in the same table. The samples were found to be within the acceptable range for the parameters available with standard values. From the results, it can be observed that, the sample SW-1, which was sampled at the Kangsha River was better in quality than the other two samples. All the samples showed some similarities for a few parameters such as temperature, pH and color. However, the sample SW-2, which was collected from a canal connected to the Komol beel (Fazar Ali canal) showed way higher value than the other two samples for several parameters such as turbidity, TDS, TSS, COD, electric conductivity, sulphate, ammonia-nitrogen. The reason for such contamination could be the agricultural emission (fertilizers, pesticides) from the adjacent lands. Also, the sample was taken from a location where the depth of water was very shallow and organic matter as well as solids from the bed level could be mixed with the sample. The sample SW-3 which was also taken from the canal connected to the beel (Krishna Khali canal) showed better quality than SW-2 but worse than SW-1.
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Figure 6.19: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Sites
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Table 6.6: Baseline surface water quality monitoring data
Analysis Concentration Present Bangladesh Parameters Unit Method SW-1 SW-2 SW-3 Standard Temperature 21 20.80 20.50 - Temperature 0C sensor pH - Electrometric 7.98 7.64 7.73 6.5 – 8.59 Turbidity NTU Nephelometric 115.00 >LOQ 15.00 - Color Hazen UVS 1.00 2.10 2.00 - Total Dissolved Solid 50.30 198.00 92.80 - mg/l Conductivity (TDS) Total Suspended Solid 13.00 76.00 8.00 - mg/l Gravimetric (TSS) Electric Conductivity 100.50 385.00 182.80 µS/cm Conductivity ≤2259 (EC) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) mg/l Electro-chemical 7.70 6.75 5.85 ≥5.09 Chemical Oxygen 4.00 184.00 40.00 - mg/l CRM Demand (COD) Arsenic (As) mg/l AAS 0.001 0.10 0.003 - Chromium (Cr) mg/l AAS 6.2.6 Groundwater Hydrology Aquifer characteristics Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the people living around the project area as well as within the impact area. In this regard, lithological investigation was conducted to ascertain the characteristic of aquifer of the area. Analysis of the existing bore logs of Netrokona Sadar Upazila shows that layers of fine to medium sand exist below the surface at different depths (Figure 6.20). The lithology of the area at different depths are given in the following table. 9 Standard of inland surface water usable for recreational use, irrigation, fisheries. 10 Standard of inland surface water usable for pisiculture. 78 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.7: The Lithology of the Area at Different Depths Depth of Location of Borelog Type of soil with depth of strata Borelog (m) Fine to medium within 12-29 m and Netrokona Sadar mouza 59.45 Medium sand from 55 to 59 m Phaiska area of Fine to medium within 20-32 m and 98.17 Netrokona Sadar Medium sand from 66 to 98 m Medium sand from 75 m to 93 m, fine to medium sand 309 from 135 m to 153 m and again medium sand from 216 m to 228 m and 273 m to 297 m Fine to medium sand from 14 m to 20 m and medium Pourashava sand from 46 m to 55 m Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) The specific yields of sand layers in this area ranges between 0.12 and 0.15 which indicates that aquifer quality is favourable for groundwater abstraction but not at all depts. 79 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) Figure 6.20: Borelog Characteristics and Specific Yield at Depths under Ground Level of Netrokona Sadar 80 Environmental and Social Baseline Availability of groundwater Intensive groundwater abstraction and depletion of groundwater level are common issues in Bangladesh. Mean annual groundwater recharge is found to be higher (300-600 mm) in the north-western and the south-western areas than the south-eastern and north-eastern areas (<100 mm) where rainfall and potential recharge are greater (Shamsudduha, Taylor, Ahmed, & Zahid, 2011). Figure 6.21 shows a map of Bangladesh indicating the nation-wide distribution of groundwater depth and the difference between potential and net recharge of groundwater over a period of 1975 to 2007. The dry-period depth of groundwater beneath the project area including the impact area was found within 5-7 m below ground level, which is not alarming but the location of Netrokona is very close to the areas where groundwater level is the lowest. From the following figure, it can also be seen that Netrokona has a higher difference between potential and net recharge of groundwater, which means the rate of recharge at the project area is very slow. Source: Shamsudduha et al., 2011 Figure 6.21: Depth of Dry-period Groundwater and Difference between Potential and Net Recharge of Groundwater of Bangladesh It was observed during the field visit that majority of the local people use electric motors to abstract groundwater from a depth more than 120 m below the ground level. Several deep tube-wells were also found to draw groundwater from the depth of 120~150 m. Local people also stated that wells are dug to such long depth not because of availability issue but because of quality issues such as iron and odor. 81 Environmental and Social Baseline Quality of groundwater According to the Department of Public Health of Bangladesh, groundwater up to the depth of 30~40 m in and around the project area contain iron and groundwater from 73 m to 105 m is suitable for drinking (IWM, 2019). Groundwater quality was assessed in the field from three sample locations surrounding the proposed NEZ project area. Water samples were collected from deep tube wells. The locations of the sampling sites are presented in Table 6.8 and Figure 6.22. Table 6.8: Baseline groundwater quality monitoring sites Depth from Sample GPS Collection Location surface ID Coordinate date & time (m) North-West Corner of the project area 85 m N 240 55´ 14.3´´ 06/01/2020; GW-1 (Shingher Bangla, Netrokona) E 90º 46´ 26.5´´ 10:50 am North-middle side of the project area 68 m N 240 55´ 31.3´´ 06/01/2020; GW-2 (Thakurakona, Netrokona) E 90º 46´ 57.6´´ 9:37 am South-West corner of Komol/Rupsha 95 m N 240 55´ 33.8´´ 06/01/2020; GW-3 Beel (Shingher Bangla, Netrokona) E 90º 46´ 27.9´´ 12:50 pm 82 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.22: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Sites 83 Environmental and Social Baseline A number of parameters were tested in the laboratory. Acidified and non-acidified bottles were used for samples to measure metallic and non-metallic concentrations respectively. Test results, analysis method as well as Bangladesh standards for drinking water (according to Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997) are presented in Table 6.9. From the monitoring data, it can be observed that most of the parameters of the samples, GW-1 and GW-3 were within the standard limits except for COD, chloride at both locations and fluoride, manganese for GW-1. The sample, GW-2 showed higher concentrations than the maximum acceptable values for turbidity, COD, manganese, iron and lower concentrations than the minimum acceptable value of DO and chloride. The reason of such bad quality could be that the water was being abstracted from a higher elevation underground than the other two samples. However, parameters such as pH, temperature, color, TDS, TSS, Sulphate, phosphate for the sample GW-2 were within the standard values. Chloride was found to be very low while COD was observed to be very high at all the locations. Table 6.9: Groundwater quality monitoring data Analysis Concentration Present Bangladesh Parameters Unit Method GW-1 GW-2 GW-3 Standard Temperature Temperature 0C 21 20.80 20.50 20 – 30 sensor pH - Electrometric 7.66 7.37 7.70 6.5 – 8.5 Turbidity NTU Nephelometric 0.53 155.00 2.20 ≤10.0 Color Hazen UVS 0.85 1.20 0.90 ≤15 Total Dissolved Solid mg/l Conductivity 216.00 208.00 218.00 ≤1000 (TDS) Total Suspended Solid mg/l Gravimetric 1.00 4.00 2.00 ≤10 (TSS) Electric Conductivity µS/cm Conductivity 428.00 411.00 431.00 - (EC) Electro- Dissolved Oxygen (DO) mg/l 6.60 4.63 6.79 ≥6.0 chemical Chemical Oxygen mg/l CRM 20.00 44.00 40.00 ≤4.0 Demand (COD) Chloride (Cl-) mg/l Titrimetric 45.00 15.00 14.00 150 - 600 Fluoride (Fl-) mg/l UVS 1.20 0.90 1.00 ≤1.0 Nitrite-N (NO2-N) mg/l AAS - Nitrate (NO3 ) ppm UVS 0.21 7.27 4.27 ≤10.0 Manganese (Mn) mg/l AAS 0.45 0.15 0.03 ≤0.1 Iron (Fe) ppm UVS 0.00 4.65 0.02 0.3 – 1.0 3- Phosphate (PO4 ) ppm UVS 0.046 0.097 0.15 ≤6.0 2- Sulphate (SO4 ) mg/l UVS 1.00 1.00 3.00 ≤400 Note: NTU- Nephelometric Turbidity Unit; UVS- UV- Visible Spectrophotometer; CRM- Closed Reflex Methods; AAS- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer; LOQ- Limit of Quantification; LOQ for Nitrite-N is 0.02 mg/l 84 Environmental and Social Baseline 6.2.7 Drought Drought conditions for the Netrokona Sadar Upazila was assessed based on Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) of annual rainfall. The analysis was based on gridded rainfall data for the period from 1965 to 2012 (Figure 6.23). During this period, it was found that in this Upazila, 15% of the years were dry: one extremely dry year, one severely dry year and 5 moderately dry years (IWM, 2019). Source: Feasibility study report of NEZ (IWM, 2019) Figure 6.23: Annual Standardized Precipitaion Index of Netrokona Sadar Upazila 6.2.8 Surface Physiography and Geology The surface geology is important to understand the lithological exposure of the surface, soil characteristics, capacity to hold irrigation water and groundwater conditions. From a stratigraphic point of view, the tectonic platforms of Bangladesh which started in the Precambrian age, can be divided into two divisions: stable platform in the northwest part (found at a very shallower depth and mostly made up by coal, sandstone and shale) and deep basin in the southeast part (found at a higher elevation and mostly made up by sandstone and shale) (Alam & Islam, 2018). The study area falls within the deep basin platform. From a geological standpoint, the depositional history and development of Bengal fan began in the Early Eocene age (Curray J., 1971). The Bengal basin has more than 20 km of Tertiary-Holecene sedimentary fill derived mostly from the eastern Himalayas (Alam & Islam, 2018). Considering the upper surface, there are 27 geological formations of Holocene sediments that covers the whole country (Whitney, 2001). The project area of NEZ falls under ‘Alluvial Silt and Clay’ zone which were created from alluvial deposition This means the upper surface of the project area were formed through the deposition of alluvial materials, mostly silt and clay, deposited from the bed of a flowing river. Besides, the geology of the major parts of the surrounding area are associated with ‘Marsh Clay and Peat’ zone from Paludal deposition meaning the accumulation of clay materials were influenced by marshy environment. 85 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: Whitney, 2001 Figure 6.24: Geology of Bangladesh 6.2.9 Seismic Analysis Seismicity is a measure which encompasses earthquake occurrences, mechanisms, and magnitude at a given geographical location. As such, it summarizes a region's seismic activity. On the basis of distribution of earthquake epicenters and behavior of different tectonic blocks, Bangladesh has been divided into four seismic zones: Zone- I, II, III and IV with seismic coefficient of 0.12, 0.20, 0.28 and 0.36 respectively. Zone having higher coefficient value is more earthquake-prone or the earthquake load is heavier. The study area falls under zone IV with the maximum earthquake load to be considered while constructing heavy and taller buildings. 86 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.25: Seismic zones of Banlgadesh 87 Environmental and Social Baseline 6.3 Biological Environment 6.3.1 The Bio-ecological Zone IUCN, the World conservation Union, Bangladesh has divided the whole country into 25 Bio- ecological Zones (Nishat et al., 2002) in the context of physiography and Biological diversity. Each Bio-ecological zone represents overall ecologic description of an area in the country. The project and study area both are in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna Floodplain Bio-ecological Zone. Brief description on this BEZ is presented below: The Brahmaputra floodplain consists of several interconnecting channels, which erode and form new lands on a large scale during each flooding season (Brammer, 1996). It possesses a unique variety of plants, medicinal herbs, fruit bearing trees, hundreds of jungle shrubs, creepers and climbers, flowering trees, etc., many of which yield valuable products. Some of the floral species, which yield valued as timber producers are the Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Sada Koroi (Albizia procera), Simul (Bombax ceiba) and Ashwath (Ficus religiosa). The prominent fruit-bearing trees of this zone are, the Mango (Mangifera indica), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and Litchi (Litchi chinensis). Bushes of reeds and canes are also found here. This zone is similarly enriched with orchids. The Rasna (Vanda roxburghii) is commonly found in this zone (Khan, 1991). According to Hunters (1875), leopards were frequently sighted in this zone. A few species of Deer, such as the Samber (Cervus unicolor), Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli), and Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) were also once found in abundance everywhere in the forests of this zone. Among the bird species, small game birds such as the Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), Partridges, and several varieties of pheasants were commonly found. The Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and snipes are plentiful in the sandbanks and chars of this zone. On the other hand, the most common poisonous snake is the Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) in this zone, which could easily be identified by its broad black and yellow bands. The map of this zone is given in Figure 6.24. 88 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.26: Map of Bio-ecological Zones of Bangladesh 89 Environmental and Social Baseline 6.3.2 Ecosystem The study area lies in the North-eastern haor region. The haor ecosystem possess unique characteristics with many beels, canals and river system especially in the northeast region of Bangladesh. Climate, and its influence on soil water availability, is the most important driver of the density and diversity of plants found in the ecosystems. Interactions between plants and water play a central role in the energy, water, and carbon cycles, which we rely on to grow food and maintain a habitable climate. To forecast critical earth system functions such as water availability and agricultural productivity, study is conducted to investigate how rainfall variability at daily, seasonal, and inter-annual scales impacts ecosystem structure and functions. The prominent river systems and their tributaries and distributaries crisscross the study area. The existing scenario of the haor ecosystem with low lying area for crop cultivation, homesteads with planted fruiting trees and built-up area as embankments and floodplains mostly inundated in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The vegetation, one of the major components of the ecosystem especially in the haor area can be considered as a number of classes. Each type is assemblage of particular plant species on the basis of a characteristic of particular environmental conditions such as hydro- period, flow regime, water and soil quality. Therefore, wetland condition ranges from perennial aquatic lowlands to seasonally dry uplands. The vegetation of the project influence area including project area can be categorized into eight groups, namely - 1) Submerged plants, 2) Free floating plants, 3) Rooted floating plants, 4) Sedges and meadows, 5) Floodplain grassland, 6) Crop field vegetation, 7) Roadside vegetation, and 8) Homestead vegetation. Detail description of these vegetation types is given in appropriate subsections under the ecosystem resources. The flora of the project area The project area is generally low-lying area occupied with beels namely the Komol Beel locally known as Ruksa Beel, Soail Beel, Kaittarashi Beel and Kajapuria Beel. All are seasonal wetlands connected to Kangsa River to the west and Mogra River to the east side of the project area through canal systems. In addition, some ponds were found in the project area. The remaining parts of the project area is crop-field and fallow land. The project area possesses single and double-cropped paddy field having two types of vegetation crop-field along with floodplain grassland, and roadside vegetation. Of the crop-field vegetation in the terrestrial environment major weed species grow between crops and periphery of the cropland as well as floodplain are grasses like Prickly Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Knotweed (Polygonum Sp.), Yellow Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata). Besides, some aquatic species were also observed during the field investigations. Based on the field investigation, the project area has been categorized as seasonal wetland and further categorized as submerged vegetation, free- floating vegetation, rooted vegetation, sedges and meadows on the basis of plants life- forms. The major plants in the road slopes are Rain Tree, Mahogony, and Chambul. Some part of roadside is covered with Toddy Palm and Date Palm. 90 Environmental and Social Baseline Aquatic vegetation has been classified into submerged vegetation, free-floating vegetation, rooted vegetation, sedges and meadows. The population and diversity of these aquatic vegetation types in this project area (500 acre) is comparatively low due to human induced pressures and regular cultivation practice as well as fishing and practice of bio-fertilizer and bio-gas production. People involved in cultivation and capture fishery were also consulted to gather information on aquatic ecosystem. A few aquatic vegetation found during the major field investigation are presented in Table 6.10. Table 6.10: Aquatic Vegetation of the Project Area Bangla Name Common Name Scientific Name Type Status Kalmi Shak Chinese Spinach Ipomoea aquatica Submerged M Kachuripana Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Free-floating H Khudipana Duckweed Lemna Sp. Free-floating L Topapana Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes Free-floating L Kutipana Water Fern Azolla pinnata Free-floating L Panchuli Water Snowflake Nymphoides indicum Rooted floating M Chandmala Crested Floating Heart Nyphoides cristata Rooted floating M Dhol Kolmi Pink Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Sedges and meadows H Mati Konduri Dwarf Copperleaf Alternanthera sessilis Sedges and meadows L Source: Fieldwork, 2020; Note: H-High, M- Moderate, L-Low There is no swamp and reed forests in this project area. The fauna of the project area The fauna is a composition of minor phyla to large vertebrates those belong to different classes and families on the basis of morphology or phylogenetic characteristics. In this study, only vertebrate especially the wildlife species has been considered. The wildlife species, have been described below according to hierarchy along with their habitats and status defined by IUCN-Bangladesh (2015) viz. amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal groups. The amphibians are not diverse in the project area. Abundant Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) were seen during the major field work. It was found in waterside bushes, banks of ditches, ponds, canals and rivers. Ornate Frog (Microhyla ornata) also occurs in in this area and considered as moderate in terms of population, occupies a number of different habitats types including lowland grassland, agricultural land, and pastureland. Of the reptiles, Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), Bengal Lizard (Varanus bengalensis), Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator), and Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus), Monocellate Cobra (Naja naja) were observed in leaf litters, low shrubs, and grasslands. According to IUCN-Bangladesh Redlist (2015), Bengal Lizard and Monocellate Cobra have been categorized as Near Threatened (NT) species in Bangladesh. The birds are magnificent and most attractive among the wildlife species in the haor ecosystem but lack of dense vegetation on crop fields as well as absence of forest patches caused low diversity of terrestrial fauna inside the project area. Local birds like House Crow (Corvus splendens), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), and Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) are 91 Environmental and Social Baseline frequently seen in the project area. Habitats are the edges of crop field, canal and river banks associated with bushes and standing crops. The large mammals have been affected by hunting and almost on the verge of extinction. Currently, small to medium-sized mammal species were reported available in this project area namely; Rats, Common Mongoose, Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), and Jackals (Canis aurues). Except Rats and Jungle Cats, all are threatened. In the aquatic habitat, the Skipper Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) is frequently observed species. Of the reptiles, common aquatic snakes include the Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) and Water Snake (Atretium schistosum) are also observed. Besides, a good number of waterfowl including migratory birds were found during the field visit namely; Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), and Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) which were observed roaming in beels, ditches, and, floodplains. The above aquatic species have been categorized as threatened by the IUCN-Bangladesh (2015). Photographs of aquatic fauna are given in Figure 6.25 & 6.26. Figure 6.27: Pond Heron in a Feeding Figure 6.28: Little Egret in Social Habitat at Soail Beel Interactions at Komol Beel The flora of the study area The study area as well as the surroundings of the proposed site possesses different landforms which support different ecosystems like homestead, crop fields, rivers, beels and khals. Each of the ecosystems has its special features and special biodiversity. Overall ecosystems with both flora and fauna of the study area are described below. The Homestead vegetation at the study area comprises various plant communities in terms of population and diversity. Homestead flora consists of both native and exotic species. No endangered species was found within 10 km radius of the Project site during the field visit as well as in consultation with local people and experts or even from published literatures. The dominant plant of the study area is Raintree (Samanea saman), Betel-nut (Areca catechu) and Mango (Mangifera indica). The main fruit trees are Mango (Mangifera indica), Jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Litchi (Litchi chinensis), Tamarind (Tarnarindus indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Lemon (Citrus carantifolia), Custard Apple (Anona squamosa), Wood Apple (Aegle marmelos), 92 Environmental and Social Baseline Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Papaya (Carica papaya) and various kinds of plums. The most important species are Banana, Jackfruit, and Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris). The important timber trees are Gazari (Shorea robusta), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Karoi (Albizzia procera), Simul (Bombax ceiba) and Aswatha (Ficus religlosa). In addition to Gazari and Mango, other timber trees are Jarul (Legerstroemia speciosa), Karoi (Albizzia procera), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Cotton (Bombax ceiba), and Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabelliformis). The latter is useful for its juice and fruit. The bamboo and cane are common floral species and have multiple uses. Besides, palms are also available and work against lightening. The Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is considered as keystone species globally and was found common in the study area. Among the shrub Hill Glory Bower (Clerodendrum infortunatum), Turkey Berry (Solanum torvum) and Hairy Fig (Ficus hispida) were seen to occupy most habitats. The common herb species are Arum (Alocasia esculenta), Indian Nettle (Urtica Sp.), Prickly Chaff Flower (Achyranthes aspera), Tulsi (Ocimum americanum), and Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon). The crop-field vegetation has low diversity of all types, but it is more important for food and shelter to wildlife. The major species (weed) that grows with the crop in this area are Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens), Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), Indian Heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum), and Creeping Wood Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata). The major roadside vegetation which are mostly planted are; Rain Tree, Mahogony and Chambul. Some part of roadside is covered with Toddy Palm and Date Palm. Common shrub species along the roadside are Tulsi (Ocimum americanum), Crown Flower (Calotropis gigantea), Hill Glory Bower (Clerodendrum infortunatum), Banana (Musa Sp.), etc. Terrestrial vegetation of the study area is presented in Figure 6.27 & 6.28. Figure 6.29: Homestead Vegetation at Figure 6.30: Roadside Vegetation at Borni Village Singher Bangla The aquatic ecosystem especially the floodplains possess high density and diversity of aquatic plants. Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) is the most common free-floating hydrophytes that covers maximum portion of water area of river. Topapana (Pistia strateotes), Khudipana (Lemna minor) were also found in beel and river water mixed with hyacinth. Chandmala (Nyphoides cristata) are dominating the floodplain vegetation community. It was reported that Sedges are quite common during monsoon along the river bank lines. Helencha (Enhydra fluctuans), Jungle rice (Echinochola Sp.), Asian Water Grass 93 Environmental and Social Baseline (Hygrorhyza aristata) are the main floral composition of marginal sedges vegetation. Occurrences of submerged hydrophytes are low inside the beels and river water due to excessive aggregation of water hyacinth. The floodplains have low density of free-floating hydrophytes and submerged plants like Hydrilla, Vallisneria, Potramogeton and Otellia. The fauna of the study area The data and information on fauna of the both terrestrial and aquatic habitats gathered physically and collected from the local people during the field visit and are described sequentially with following hierarchy: The Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Indian Bull frog (Hoplobactrachus crassus), and Cricket Frog (Fejervarya limnocharis) are commonly found species. Population of these amphibians are rich due to having huge moist habitats. Of the reptiles, Common Garden Llizard (Calotes versicolor), Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Golden Monitor (Varanus flavescens) and Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus) are found in the study area. It was reported during the field visit that different varieties of poisonous snakes such as Indian Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) and Cobra (Naja naja) are rarely found. It was gathered during the field visit that Birds are rich population among all the group of wildlife. The common birds occurring in this area are Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), Asian Pied Starling (Sturnus contra), Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), and Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis). Besides, Black-hooded Oriole, White eyed Tit, Yellow- breasted Wren Babbler, Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius), House Crow (Corvus splendens), Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnus malabarica), Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus), Plaintive Koel (Eudynamis scolopacea), Cuckoo (Culculus microplerus), Canary Flycatcher (Anthus rufulus), Common Barbet, Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Brown Fish Owl (Bubo zeylenensis), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Pigeon (Treron phoenioplera) and Red Turtle Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica). A small number of mammals occur in homestead and associated habitat all of which are small tomedium-sized. Grater Bandicoot Rat (Bandicota indica), Common Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), Tomb Bat (Taphozous saccolaimus), Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) are found in village grooves and other bushy areas. Occurrence of aquatic fauna varies according to wetlands characteristics and availability of water in the wetlands. The skipper Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) is common amphibian found throughout the year and the most successful adapted species. Abundance of Bullfrogs (Hoplobactruchus tigerinus) increase in rainy season at crop-fields, ditches and other marshy places. Common aquatic snakes include the Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) and Water Snake (Atretium schistosum). Water dependent avifauna are found year-round for having wetland habitats and available fishes. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Kura (Haliaeetus leucoryphus), Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), and Great Egret (Ardea alba) were found roaming along beels, river, ditches, floodplains and ponds inside the study area. 94 Environmental and Social Baseline The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) arrives about the first week of November and departs at the end of February. Ecosystem Services Contribution of ecosystem services from the beels and allied ecosystems are widely recognized. The beels are the main source of water in the project surrounding areas for sustaining all types of vegetation as well as faunal resources. The seasonal Komol Beel, Soail Beel, Kaittarashi Beel and Kajapuria Beel water is main source of irrigation. Seasonal inundation enhances fertility of the floodplains. The aquatic plants of the beels provide good habitat to local fishes. River and floodplains water is the main habitat as well as breeding ground for fisheries that meet up partial protein demand of the local people. Cereal crops are produced from crop field vegetation provide feeds for local people. Water hyacinth is used as cattle feed during monsoon and afterwards. Water hyacinth is also used as compost and natural fertilizer to crop fields. Levees vegetation protects settlements from wave action and erosion. Demand of domestic fuel for cooking and timber for making furniture are met from homestead vegetation. River levees vegetation also supply fuel and thatching materials, help carbon sequestration, maintain ecosystem stability and the integrity of other ecosystems, fish breeding grounds, maintain biological and genetic diversity, support food chains and habitat for wildlife and protect wildlife It also help pollination, habitats to a variety of resident waterfowl and a significant number of endangered species of international interest. Besides it provides shelter to migratory waterfowl, principally ducks and shorebirds during winter. In addition, terrestrial ecosystem also provides services via plants used mainly for medicinal purposes for common diseases from the bark and roots of the Mango, Tulsi, Simul and other generally useful trees. The wood apple (Aegle marmelos), Gab (Diospyros precatorius) and Babla (Acacia arabica) provide gum, the seeds of the tamarind produce oil which is used in painting idols, and the bark of the guava is used for tanning. Threats to ecosystem The anthropogenic pressure is the main threat to ecosystem like hunting of waterfowl, and overexploitation of natural resources like overfishing that has triggered scarcity of nourishment for waterfowl in their feeding habitat. 6.3.3 Fisheries Resources Bangladesh possesses enormous area of wetlands including rivers and streams, freshwater lakes and marshes, haors, baors, beels, water storage reservoirs, fish ponds, flooded cultivated fields and estuarine systems. Haors are located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh that also include Netrokona. According to Haor Master Plan (2012), the haor area in Netrokona constitutes about 1.49 lakh ha, which provides. around 8,559.8 Metric Ton (MT) fish (Upazila Website11). 11 http://www.netrokona.gov.bd/site/page/0416ce70-1e86-11e7-8f57- 286ed488c766/%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95%20%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%20% 95 Environmental and Social Baseline Fish Habitat Characteristics and Description Fish habitats of the project area is classified into two broad categories based on land use, such as capture fishery which includes river, khal, wetland, floodplain and culture fishery is practiced in fish pond. The proposed Netrokona Economic zone, located in the haor region is prone to flood especially flash flood. Haors are the wetland areas covered by water almost six or seven months in a year starting from the pre-monsoon. There is a large low beel area called Komol Beel within the NEZ. The area of the beel is approximately 43 acres. The beel is connected to the Kangsha River in the north through internal drainage (Fazar ali canal) channel. There are a number of beel areas namely Komol beel, Soai beel, Kaitta-rasi beel, Kazapuria Beel in the project area. These beels dry up in the winter but during the rains, expand into broad and shallow sheets of water. From April to October all the lands are submerged under water by about 5-6 ft. At that time, no land could come in sight. During winter, these beels contain little water (around 1 ft.) and are restricted to a small area, and a large area is covered with paddy and other crops. There are some big ponds and ditch in project area where fish are cultured commercially. Figure 6.31: Present Situation of Project Area Fish Habitat Assessment Estimated fish total habitat in the fishing environments of the study area is 44,314 acres of which 392 acre lies in the project area. The dominant fish habitat of the project area is seasonal floodplain having an area of around 347 acre (89%) of which contribution of Komol Beel is around 43 Acres. Detailed capture and culture fish habitat in the project and Study area are presented in (Table 6.11). E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A3 %E0%A6%BE 96 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.11: Fish Habitat Assessment of the Study Area Study Area Habitat Project Area Study Area Total Habitat Habitat type Category (Acre) (Acre) Area (Acre) River and Khal 0 1908 1908 Capture Fishery Beel 43 1042 1085 Floodplain 347 40473 40820 Sub-Total= 390 43,422 43,813 Baor 0 210 210 Extensive Fish pond 2 18 20 Culture Fishery Semi-intensive Fish pond 0 193 193 Intensive Fish pond 0 78 78 Sub-Total= 2 499 501 Grand Total= 392 43,921 44,314 Source: Land use 2015 and DoF, 2017-18 Fish Species Diversity Haor area is naturally enriched with various types of fish species. During consultation at Chaindar Mor, Borni local fishermen and elderly people reported that various types of indigenous fish species are found in these floodplain areas. Kuchia Fish are found abundantly specially in Komol Beel and Kajapuria Beel. On the other hand, local people culture various types of fish for commercial purpose like Rui (Labeo rohita), katla (Catla catla), Sarpunti (puntius sarana), Madhu Pabda (Ompok pabda), Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis), Magur (Clarias batrachus) etc. Some fish species are decreasing gradually specially which inhabit in the marshes and tanks due to over catching and other reasons such as use of insecticides and pesticides for crop production. Figure 6.32: Various Fish Species of Fish A list of mostly abundant fish species in the project area is given in Table 6.12 with IUCN status. 97 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.12: Fish Species with IUCN Status Scientific Name English Name Local Name IUCN Status, BD 2015 Chitala chitala Humped Feather back Chital EN Cirrhinus cirrhosus White carp Mrigel VU Labeo calbasu Orange fin labeo Kalibaus LC Corica soborna Ganges river sprat Kachki LC Mystus tengara Tengara catfish Tengra LC Puntius chola Swamp barb Puti LC Wallago attu Wallago Boal VU Sperata seenghala Giant river-catfish Ayre VU Macrognathus pancalus Barred spiny eel Baim LC Channa punctatus Spotted snakehead Taki LC Colisa fasciatus Stripled Gourami Kholisha DD Notopterus notopterus Gray featherback Foli VU Channa striatus Striped snakehead Shol LC Channa marulius Great snakehead Gozar LC Bagarius yarrelli Dwarf goonch Baghair DD Ailia coila Gangetic ailia Kajli LC Ompok pabda Indian catfish Pabda NT Monopterus cuchia Freshwater mud eel Kuchia LC Anabas testudineus climbing perch Koi DD Wallago attu Boal Boal VU Salmophasia bacaila Large Razor belly Minnow Chela LC Botia lohachata Y-loach Rani EN Macrognathus aculeatus One-stripe Spiny eel Tara Baim NT Pseudeutropius Indian Potasi Batashi LC atherinoides Xenentodon cancila Freshwater garfish Kakila LC Note: LC- least Concern; NT- Not Threatened; VU- Vulnerable; EN- Endangered; DD: Data Deficiency; NE: Not Evaluated a) Indicator Species Various types of fish species are found in this area, mainly during winter season from October-December. According to local fishers punti, Kholisha, koi, kakila, baim, batashi, kachki, kajuli, taki, shol, magur, ayre, pabda, kuchia etc. fish are found abundantly during post monsoon season, but in monsoon season Goinna, Rani, Puiya, chela, ghora, bacha, kalibaus, boal, chiatal etc. are also found. b) Life cycle of Kuchia The fresh water mud eel Monopterus cuchia is a tasteful, nutritionally rich and medicinally valuable fish with high export demands which can play a unique role for socio-economic welfare of the area. In Bangladesh it is found in shallow, well vegetated waters and mud 98 Environmental and Social Baseline (IUCN Bangladesh, 2000). Kuchia inhabits in mud holes in shallow beels and boro paddy field throughout Bangladesh especially in Sylhet, Mymensingh and Tangail Districts (Rahman, 1989 and 2005). It often spends its daytime hiding under stones and mud. Fish Migration During the monsoon period, some riverine fishes migrate to the floodplain area for breeding, grazing and nursing purpose. But in winter season, the floodplain area dries up (observed during field visit) and farmers cultivate crops in that low land area. Fazar Ali canal between floodplain habitats and river channels act as a lateral fish migratory route or connectivity. Fish Production Assessment Fish production of the project area totally depend on in-migration from adjoining aquatic habitats like rivers, beels, khals, etc. during monsoon season. The total fish production of the project area is about 333 MT/Acre (Table 6.13). The capture fishery production is 32,453 metric ton (82%) and culture fish production is 7,086 metric ton (18%). Table 6.13: Fish Production Assessment of the Study Area Fish production Habitat In project Total Fish Habitat Type In Study Area Category Area Production (MT/Acre) (MT/Acre) (MT/Acre) River and Khal 0 1774 1774 Capture Beel 83 2021 2105 Fishery Floodplain 243 28331 28574 Sub-Total= 326 32,127 32,453 Baor 0 4193 4193 Culture Extensive Fish pond 6.8 61.2 68 Fishery Semi-intensive Fish pond 0 1679.1 1679.1 Intensive Fish pond 0 1146.6 1146.6 Sub-Total= 6.8 7,080 7,086 Grand Total= 333 39,206 35,347 Source: Land use 2015 and DoF, 2017-18. c) Fishing Efforts During monsoon, all the private lands goes under water and become a single water body; and as such people avails free access opportunity for fishing. People of this project area are depended on a single crop (Boro) and fishing (only from natural sources) to earn their livelihoods. According to local people, around 10% are fishermen who live in Singher Bangla. They are directly engaged in fishing. But, no permanent fishermen were found in project area. During monsoon season maximum local people fishes in this area to fulfil their protein intake. During winter season some ethnic group (Khotrio and Garo) from Rouha Union comes to catch fish specially Kuchia in Komol and Kazapuria Beel. 99 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.33: Catching Fish in the Study Area d) Fisheries Management Fisheries sector is contributing significantly to the haor economy. During field visit, it was gathered from the local fishers and elderly people that there is no fishing comity in the project area. However, Upazila Fisheries officer (UFOs) in Netrokona District informed that, there is fishing community in the study area who culture fish commercially. 6.3.4 Agriculture Land Resources Agro-ecological Zones The study area and the proposed project area has fallen under the Old Brahmaputra Floodplain (AEZ-9) and Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains (AEZ-22) agro-ecological regions. Details are shown in the Table 6.14 and Figure 6.32. Table 6.14: AEZ in the Project Area and Study Area Project Study Area excluding Total Study % of total AEZ area (acre) project area (acre) Area (acre)* Study Area Old Brahmaputra 500 64,691 65,191 84.07 Floodplain Northern and 0 11,176 11,176 14.41 Eastern Piedmont Unknown 0 1,177 1,177 1.52 Total 500 77,044 77,544 100.00 Source: BARC/UNDP/FAO GIS Project/BGD/1995/2006 * total study area refers to project and study area combined Characteristics of the two AEZ are described in the following sections. a. Old Brahmaputra Floodplain (AEZ-9) This region occupies a large area of Brahmaputra sediments before the river shifted to its present Jamuna channel about 200 years ago. The region has broad ridges and basins. Soils of the area are predominantly silt loams to silty clay loams on the ridges and clay in the basins. General soil types predominantly include Dark Grey Floodplain soil. Organic matter 100 Environmental and Social Baseline content is low on the ridges and moderate in the basins; topsoils are moderately acidic but sub-soil is neutral in reaction. General fertility level is low. b. Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains (AEZ-22) This is a discontinuous region occurring as a narrow strip of land at the foot of the northern and eastern hills. The area comprises merging alluvial fans, which slope gently outward from the foot of the hills into smooth low-lying basin. Grey Piedmont soils and Non-calcareous Grey Floodplain soils are the major general soil types of the area. Soils of the area are loams to clays in texture, having slightly acidic to strongly acidic reaction. General fertility level is low to medium. 101 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.34: AEZ Map of the Study Area 102 Environmental and Social Baseline Land use Gross study area of the proposed project is 77,544 acres of which 500 acres has been selected for project area. Net Cultivable Area (NCA) in the project area and Study area are 455 acres and 54,859 acres respectively. Detailed land use of the project area and Study area are presented in Table 6.15 and Figure 6.33 & 6.34. Table 6.15: Land Use Pattern in both the Project and Study Area Project area Study Area excluding Total Study % of total Land Use (acre) project area (acre) Area (acre)* Study Area Net cultivated area 455 54,859 55,314 71.33 Baor 0 210 210 0.27 Brickfield 0 109 109 0.14 Built-Up Non-Linear 0 350 350 0.45 Fresh Water Aquaculture 2 291 293 0.38 Orchards and Other 0 56 56 0.07 Plantations (Trees) Perennial Beels/Haors 43 1,042 1,085 1.39 Rivers and Khals 0 1,908 1,908 2.46 Rural Settlements 0 18,219 18,219 23.5 Total 500 77,044 77,544 100.00 Sources: Spot image, 2015 and CEGIS estimation from January 2020. * total study area refers to project and study area combined 103 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.35: Land Use Map of the Project Area 104 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.36: Land Use Map of the Study Area 105 Environmental and Social Baseline Land Types There are four land types in the study area. Among the land types, Medium Highland (F1) is dominant (47%) followed by Highland (F0) which is 26% of the NCA. Distribution of area under different land type is presented in the following Table 6.16 & Figure 6.35. Table 6.16: Area under Land Types in the Project Area and Study Area Project Area Study Area excluding Total Area Percent (%) of Land Type (acres) project area (acres) (acres) the NCA Highland (F0) 90 14,388 14,478 26 Medium Highland (F1) 58 25,860 25,918 47 Medium Lowland (F2) 166 9,817 9,983 18 Lowland (F3) 141 4,795 4,936 9 Total 455 54,860 55,315 100 Source: SRDI 1995 and CEGIS estimation from January 2020. 106 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.37: Land Type Map in the Study Area 107 Environmental and Social Baseline Soil Texture Soil texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt and clay. It influences many other properties of great significance to land use and management. There are four types of soil texture in the study area which are clay, clay loam, clay loam/loam and loam. Detailed distribution of soil texture in the project area and Study area is presented in Table 6.17 & Figure 6.36. Table 6.17: Soil Texture in the Project Area and Study Area Study Area excluding Total study % of the Soil Texture Project Area (acre) project area (acre) Area (acre) NCA Clay 332 21,047 21,379 39 Clay Loam - 23,725 23,725 43 Loam 123 9,086 9,209 17 Silty Loam - 1,002 1,002 2 Total 455 54,860 55,315 100 Source: SRDI 1995 and CEGIS estimation from January 2020. Soil Quality Soil quality data is derived from Upazila Nirdeshika of SRDI. According to that database, organic matter concentration of that area is medium (1.71-3.4%). Nitrogen concentration is also follows the similar trend. Soils of the study area suffers with Phosphorus deficiency. This element’s concentration varies from low (6.1-12 ppm) to very low (<6.1 ppm). The area is also rich is Zinc concentration in soil. In case of Boro and Sulphur concentration, the study area shows a mixed situation with both high and low concentration. But in combination of these elemental composition, this area is suitable for agricultural practice. According to BARC, soil fertility status of this area is high. 108 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.38: Soil Texture Map of the Study Area 109 Environmental and Social Baseline Drainage Characteristics Drainage plays a vital role in the management of soil. Drainage classes of the project area and Study area is Imperfectly Drained (51% of NCA) followed by Poorly Drained (49% of the NCA) as shown in Table 6.18 & Figure 6.37. Table 6.18: Drainage Characteristics in the Project and Study Area Drainage Project Area Study Area excluding Total Study % of the Characteristics (acres) project area (acre) Area (acres) NCA Imperfectly Drained 173 28,059 28,232 51 Poorly Drained 282 26,743 27,025 49 Very Poorly Drained 0 58 58 0 Total 455 54,860 55,315 100 Source: SRDI 1995 and CEGIS estimation from January 2020. 110 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.39: Drainage Characteristics Map in the Study Area 111 Environmental and Social Baseline Agricultural Resources Existing cropping pattern by land type, cropping intensity, cropped area, crop yield and production, inputs and irrigation are discussed below. Farming Practice Agricultural crops are grown by cropping seasons. There are two distinct cropping seasons in a year viz. Kharif and Rabi seasons. The Kharif season starts from March and ends in October while the Rabi season starts from November and ends in February. Based on crop adaptability and crop culture, the Kharif season has been further sub-divided into Kharif-1 (March-June) and Kharif-II (July-October) season. The Kharif-I season is characterized by the uncertainty of weather of alternating dry and wet spells. Some agricultural potential land remains fallow in this season in the project area. In the Study area, mainly Aus (both Local and HYV) and summer vegetables are grown in this season. The Kharif-II season experiences wet and cloudy environment and heavy rainfall but uneven distribution, low solar radiation, high temperature and humidity. According to local farmers, HYV T. Aman crop is grown in the project area and in the study area Local Aman, HYV T. Aman, maize, and summer vegetables are grown in this season under rain-fed condition. Rabi season crops are favoured with high solar radiation, low humidity and temperature, but lack of adequate soil moisture depresses the crop yield. HYV Boro crop is grown in the project area and in the Study area HYV Boro, maize, wheat, mustard and winter vegetables are grown in the in this season. Cropping Pattern The most prominent cropping patterns in the project area is Fallow – Fallow – HYV Boro in F2 land and Study area dominant cropping patterns is Fallow – HYV Aman – HYV Boro in F1 land. Detailed cropping patterns by land type in different blocks are presented in Table 6.19. In the project area 148 acres of land is medium low land (F2), land which normally is flooded between 90 -180 cm deep of inundation continuously for few months in flood season and 141 acres of land is Low land (F3), Land which normally is flooded between 180 and 360 cm deep of inundation continuously for few months in flood season. In the project area F2 land is much closed to the F3 because it’s very risky to grow more than one crop. 112 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.19: Cropping Patterns in the Project Area and Study Area Project Area Study Area excluding project area Land Total Study % of Area % of Area % of Type Cropping Pattern Cropping Pattern Area (acre) NCA (acres) NCA (acres) NCA 90 20 Fallow – HYV Aman – HYV Boro 7,890 14 7,980 14 Fallow – HYV Aman – HYV HYV Aus – HYV Aman – HYV Boro 4,918 9 4,918 9 F0 Boro HYV Aus – Summer vegetables - 1,580 3 1,580 3 Maize 28 6 Fallow – HYV Aman – HYV Boro 8,990 16 9,018 16 Fallow – HYV Aman – HYV HYV Aus – HYV Aman – HYV Boro 5,480 10 5,480 10 Boro F1 HYV Aus – Maize – W. vegetables 4,370 8 4,370 8 Fallow – Local Aman – HYV 48 11 Fallow – Local Aman – HYV Boro 3,750 7 3,798 7 Boro Fallow – HYV Aman - Maize 3,270 6 3,270 6 Fallow – HYV Aman - Mustard 1,990 4 1,990 4 Fallow – HYV Aman - Wheat 1,267 2 1,267 2 F2 Fallow – Fallow – HYV Boro 148 33 Fallow - Fallow - HYV Boro 3,280 6 3,428 6 Fallow – HYV Aman - HYV Boro 3,280 6 3,280 6 141 31 Fallow – Fallow – HYV Boro 3,515 6 3,656 7 F3 Fallow – Fallow – HYV Boro Fallow – Local Aman – HYV Boro 1,280 2 1,280 2 Total 455 100 54,860 100 55,315 100 Source: CEGIS, 2020 (estimated by CEGIS based on field data collected from UAO, SAAO of DAE and local farmers) 113 Environmental and Social Baseline Aman Rice straw in the project area Boro seed bed in the project area Farmers are preparing field for Boro Rice Transplanted Boro Rice Cultivation Figure 6.40: Present Farming Practices in the Project Area Mustard field at Chainder more Potato field at study area Figure 6.41: Present Farming Practices in the Study Area Crop production In the project area, the annual clean rice production stands at 2,161 metric tons while in the Study area, clean rice production is 298,624 metric tons and non-rice crop production is 105,900 metric tons. Detailed data on crop area, yield rate and crop production in project area and Study impact area are presented in Table 6.20. 114 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.20: Cropped Area, Yield and Production of the Project Area and Study Area Study Area excluding Project Area project area Total Total Cropped Production Crop Name Area (Metric (acre) tons) Area Area (acres) (tonYield / acre) Production (Metric tons) Area (acres) (tonYield / acre) Production (Metric tons) HYV Aus 0 1.9 - 16,348 1.9 31,061 16,348 31,061 Local Aman 48 1.9 91 5,030 1.9 9,557 5,078 9,648 HYV Aman 118 2.5 295 37,085 2.5 92,713 37,203 93,008 HYV Boro 455 3.9 1,775 42,383 3.9 165,294 42,838 167,068 Total: Rice 621 2,161 100,846 298,624 101,467 300,785 S. Vegetables 0 12.5 0 1,580 12.5 19,750 1,580 19,750 W. Vegetables 0 13.5 0 4,370 13.5 58,995 4,370 58,995 Mustard 0 0.99 0 1,990 0.99 1,970 1,990 1,970 Wheat 0 3.8 0 1,267 3.8 4,815 1,267 4,815 Maize 0 4.2 0 4,850 4.2 20,370 4,850 20,370 Total: Non-rice 0 0 14,057 105,900 14,057 105,900 Grand Total 621 114,903 115,524 Source: CEGIS field estimation, January 2020, UAO, SAAO of DAE and local farmers. * Clean rice Cropping Intensity In the project area, net cultivated area is 455 acres and total cropped area is 621 acres, resulting the cropping intensity to be 136%. On the otherhand, in the Study area, net cultivated area is 54,859 acres and total cropped area is 114,903 acres giving rise to 209% cropping intensity in the area. Crop Damage Crop damage information over the last five years were collected from the Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) and local farmers both for project area and Study area. A total of 5.5 Metric tons HYV T Aman crop was damaged in the project area while a total of 22 Metric tons HYV T Aman crop was damaged in the Study area. Irrigation The farmers are using LLP and STW in the project area. On the other hand they are using LLP, STW and Deep tube well in the study area. Mainly irrigation is provided for growing HYV Boro, in the project area and HYV Boro, vegetables and other crops in the Study area. Agricultural Inputs Seed, labor, fertilizer and pesticide are the major inputs for crop production. The seed rate used by the farmers in the project and Study area are given in Table 6.21. In case of rice, the farmers are using more seed than recommended as they normally use more seedlings per hill. In the project area, almost 70% of the cultural practices for crop production are being done manually. So, agricultural labor for seed sowing, intercultural operations, harvest and 115 Environmental and Social Baseline post-harvest technologies is considered as one of the essential inputs for crop production. The labor requirement is not uniform throughout the year. The rate of fertilizer use per acre varies considerably from farmer to farmer depending on soil fertility, cropping pattern, financial ability etc. The major fertilizers used in this area are Urea, TSP/SSP, MP and Gypsum. Farmers reported that they were using TSP but during the field visit, it was found they applied SSP in vegetables. The use of pesticides depends on the degree of pest infestation. The major insects as reported by the farmers are stem borer, green leaf hopper, and Rice bug. Local farmers reported that they were using different types of pesticides such as Basudin, Furadan, Fighter, Rovral, Ridomil gold etc. Table 6.21: Agricultural Inputs Used in the Project and Study Area Pesticide Seed Labor Fertilizer (Kg/acre) Used by Farmers Used by Crop Name Farmers No./ No. of Liq. (ml/ Kg/ acre Compost Urea TSP MP Zn acre application acre) aprx. HYV Aus 20 57 0 25 20 15 0 0 150 Local Aman 25 60 0 20 10 0 0 1-2 0 HYV Aman 20 65 0 90 30 25 0 0 125 HYV Boro 18 81 0 55 40 33 0 0 600 S. Vegetables 0.25-1.5 40 405 45 40 33 1kg 2 to 2.5 800 W. 0.25-1.5 40 405 45 40 33 1kg 2 to 2.5 800 Vegetables Mustard 2.5 49 0 33 15 15 0 0 100 Maize 6-8 30 0 65 50 38 27 2 600 Source: CEGIS field estimation, January 2020, UAO, SAAO of DAE and local farmers 6.3.5 Livestock and Poultry A large number of populations of the study area earn their livelihood from raising livestock/ poultry. Farmers are using cattle for land preparation but cattle health was found to be very poor. Livestock Population Livestock population in the project area is very small but a large number of populations of the Study area earn their livelihood from raising livestock / poultry. Farmers are using cattle for land preparation but cattle health was observed very poor in both the areas. Detailed status of livestock and poultry in the household level is presented in Table 6.22. Table 6.22: Status of Livestock/Poultry in the Project and Study Impact Area Project area Study area excluding project are Total study Livestock/Poultry No. Livestock/Poultry No. Livestock/Poultry area Cattle/cow/bullock 490 26,605 27,095 Buffalo - 3 3 Goat 55 12,390 12,445 Sheep - 102 102 Duck 15,900 122,890 138,790 Chicken 2,650 953,400 956,050 Source: CEGIS field estimation, January 2020, ULO, DLS and local people 116 Environmental and Social Baseline Cattles are grazing in crop land under project Goats are at project area area Ducks are at project area Chicken is in Shotrochi village under Thakurakona Union Figure 6.42: Livestock and Poultry are in Project and Study Area Feed and Fodder Shortage The owners of the project and Study area of the livestock population are facing problems in respect of availability of fodder and feeds during the monsoon season due to non-availability of grazing land. During monsoon, aman crops remain in the field, when rice straw is the only source of fodder. In addition, rice husk and oil cakes, are other common fodders in the project as well as in the Study area. But, during the dry season, especially from late December to late April, grazing land is available in both the areas. Poultry and duck population at family level survives by scavenging and generally no feed supplements are provided. Livestock/Poultry Diseases Productions of livestock and poultry are mainly constrained due to diseases and death of the population. Livestock population is affected by different diseases like Tarka, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Black Quarter (BQ) and Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), Diarrhoea and Pest Des Petits Ruminants (PPR). Major poultry diseases are duck plague, Ranikhet (Newcastle), Fowl Pox and Fowl cholera. Moreover, the unhygienic condition of the courtyard during this season increases the diseases of poultry birds. July to October (rainy season) is period of spreading diseases to livestock and poultry population in large scale. 117 Environmental and Social Baseline There are many deaths of animal and birds every year because of outbreaks of diseases due to poor drainage conditions. Detailed status of livestock and poultry diseases is presented in Table 6.23. Table 6.23: Major Diseases of Livestock and Poultry in Study Area Cattle Goat Chicken Duck Disease Timing Disease Timing Disease Timing Disease Timing Foot and Paste des Newcastle Duck Mouth June-Sept petits Whole Raining Disease Whole year plague Disease Ruminants year season (Ranikhet) (FMD) (PPR) Black June-Aug. - - Fowl Pox Whole year - - Quarter - - - - Fowl cholera Whole year - - 6.4 Socio-economic Resources 6.4.1 Demographic Profile Population and household The demographic profile of the study area was captured from the Population and Housing Census, 2011 and projected population up to 2020. As per the census, 480,655 people live in 102,656 households where the average size of the household was 4.7. The population density (per square kilometer) is 1531 with a sex ratio of 99.8 indicating that there are 99.8 males per 100 females in the study area. The projected population up to 2020 based on 1.1312 growth rate (BBS, 2012) is 531,806 where 265,632 are male and 266,175 are female. Population distribution of the study area is presented in Table 6.24. Table 6.24: Demographic Profile Total Total Population Data source Male Female Sex Ratio Household Population Density Census 2011 102,656 480,655 240,082 240,573 1531 99.8 Projected Population (2020) 531,806 265,632 266,175 - Source: BBS, 2012; (Estimated to 2020) Age composition and dependency ratio Age structure breakdown shows (Figure 6.41) that the age group of 30-49 forms the largest segment (21.7%), which is regarded as one of the economically active population (15-64 years of age) segments. The age group of 60 and above is smaller compared to others. The detailed age structure which is important to calculate the dependency ratio is given below in Figure 6:41. 12 Annual growth rate of Netrokona District, Community Report Netrokona Zila, Population and Housing Census 2011 (BBS, 2012) 118 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: BBS, 2012 Figure 6.43: Age structure by population Dependency ratio is a measure of the portion of a population which is dependent (people who are too young or too old to work) on other population for their living. The categorization is made on the basis of ILO reference for opting out the potential labor force and the dependent population. Population between 15 and 64 years is categorized as the labor force whereas, population below 15 years and above 64 years are considered as dependents. So, the portion of dependent and economically active population of the study area is found as 46:54 based on Population and Housing Census 2011. Table 6.25: Dependency Ratio in the Study Area Categories Percentage Age up to 14 40 Working force (Age 15-64) 54 Age 65 and above 6 Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS 2012 6.4.2 Land Price The land prices of different types of land were collected during the field survey. People of different areas, occupations, ages gave ideas about the land price. The land prices of 3 mouzas (Barni, Bhadrapara, Singhar Bangla) are given in Table 6.26. The land price is increasing after start of some development projects (For example: Sheikh Hasina University and Medical College) in the surrounding area. The land price is comparatively moderate than that in other area of the country. 119 Environmental and Social Baseline Table 6.26: Land Price for Some Specific Location District Upazila Location Types of land Price per acre (BDT) Homestead 1,000,000 Barni Agricultural 700,000 Commercial 1,000,000 Homestead 1,000,000 Netrokona Netrokona Sadar Bhadrapara Agricultural 700,000 Commercial 1,000,000 Homestead 1,500,000 Singhar Bangla Agricultural 1,000,000 Commercial 1,500,000 Source: CEGIS field visit, 2020 6.4.3 Employment and Livelihood Employment status Figure 6.42 shows that about 42.2% of the population is employed in different sectors of which 39.8% are male and 2.4% are female. Around 40.6% of the women are engaged in household works. Source: Population and Housing Census, BBS 2012 Figure 6.44: Employment Status of the Study Area The occupation of the people in the study area is mainly centred upon the agricultural sector (87%). About 3% people are enged in industrial sector which is very low. Field findings show that the tendency of the people growing towards non-farming sectors. They are working in brick fields, roads and construction and many other non-farming sectors. Traditionally, employment opportunities for women outside the homestead is very limited. Majority of the labor activities performed by women is at household level (e.g. in rice milling, weaving etc.) Here, most important factor is that women are moving forward to income generation activities. Ethnic women are also working in agricultural sector. 120 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 Figure 6.45: Occupation Status of the Studied Population Labor availability and wage rate The daily average wage rate of male farming and non-farming laborer at the Upazila level is BDT 500-700 and that for female laborers is BDT 300-400. Both Male and female labors in farming works are mostly engaged in crop cultivation. The non-farming laborers are engaged in industries, business related works, brickfield works, earthworks, construction works, etc. 6.4.4 Literacy Rate According to Census 2011, literacy rate, based on a definition “ability to write a letter in any language” is 37.3%, where male is 38.3% and female is 36.4%. The national literacy rate of both male and female is 51.8% in which male is 54.1% and female is 49.4%. It reveals that literacy rate of the study area is very low in comparison with the national literacy rate. Figure 6.44 show the rate of literacy of male and female in study area. Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 Figure 6.46: Literacy Rate among the Studied Population 121 Environmental and Social Baseline 6.4.5 Household Income and Expenditure Household income and expenditure is an important indicator to assess the socio-economic condition of people. In the study area, it was found that in most of the cases income and expenditure vary from BDT 15,000 to 25,000 per month. Figure 6.45 shows that the average income and expenditure ratio in this range of the study area are 53% and 50% respectively. The lowest income and expenditure vary from BDT 7,000 to 10,000 per month and the ratio is about 7% and 8%, respectively. Source: Field survey for this study, 2020 Figure 6.47: Household Income and Expenditure of the Study Area 6.4.6 Poverty Poverty was measured through self-assessment of the people in the study area. This measurement is mainly based on monetary value. Self-assessed poverty is a well-known method where people/farmer themselves assess their poverty on the basis of their year- round food security and income. Their responses were assembled into three categories such as deficit, balance/breakeven and surplus. No poverty related data is directly provided in the Census 2011. Local people assessed that on an average about 55% of total population living in the project area are in balanced or breakeven condition. Their economic activities are subsistence oriented. They also reported that 15% people belong to deficit category; they borrow money throughout the year for their consumption. It was gathered during the field visit that about 30% people belong to surplus category; who are either large land owner or related to business, some of them live in foreign countries. 6.4.7 Standard of Living Standard of living indicates the scenario of socio-economic status of the study area which can be assessed based on housing condition, source of drinking water, sanitation facility, and power consumption. 122 Environmental and Social Baseline Housing condition In the study area, overall housing condition is not good. On an average, only 0.9% house is pucka whereas 7.3% are semi-pucka, 79% houses are kutcha, remaining houses are jhupri (Census 2011). These indicate the low economic status of the people of the area. From the field survey it was observed that most people are living in kutcha and jhupri houses. The household pattern shows a grim picture of poverty in the proposed EZ area. The housing condition is presented in Figure 6.46. Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 Figure 6.48: Housing Condition by Households Drinking water Fresh water which is drinkable to maintain people’s lives in a good manner is regarded as another indicator to assess standard of living in the study area. Different sources of water were analysed using both primary and secondary data. Most of the people collect water from tube-well (some use submersible pump) and other sources but tap water is very negligible (0.2%). On an average, 89.8% people collect drinking water from tube well and the remaining 23% collect drinking water from other sources such as ponds (Census 2011). According to the local people, during the dry season the ground water level drops down and the operation of hand tube-wells become difficult. Figure 6.47 shows the sources of drinking water in the study area. 123 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 Figure 6.49: Source of Drinking Water used by the Studied Population Figure 6.50: Hand Tubewell for Drinking Figure 6.51: Deep Tubewell used for Water and other Domestic Use Irrigation and Drinking Sanitation facility Figure 6.50 presents the sanitation facilities prevailing in the study area. It illustrates that till now about 45% of population are using non sanitary toilet which is not satisfactory. It is also a matter of anxiety that still 15% households have no sanitation facility. Besides, only 40% households have sanitary toilet facilities of which 11% are water-sealed and another 29% are non-water-sealed. So, the overall sanitation scenario of the study area is alarming from the present perspective. 124 Environmental and Social Baseline Source: Population and Housing Census 2011, BBS, 2012 Figure 6.52: Sanitation Facility in the Study Area Access to electricity In the study area, electricity supply is not satisfactory. Only 26% household of the study area has electricity connection from national grid and remaining 74%, a large portion of the population are out of electricity facilities. So, access to electricity of the people in the study area is not satisfactory. 6.4.8 Communication System There is very good transportation network such as road, rail and navigation route which can be accessed from the proposed NEZ area. The site is at 4 km west of the Netrokona District Headquarter and 42 km west of the Mymensingh City Corporation. The Mymensingh- Netrokona-Sunamganj Highway is adjacent to the proposed NEZ area. Besides, a railway line goes parallel to this road connecting Netrokona Rail Station with Mohanganj Upazila. The Osmani International Airport in Sylhet is located east of the site at a distance of 153 km. The nearest river port is 5 km east of the site which is located on the bank of the Kangsha River at Thakurakona Bazar. The site is accessible by double lane road. It is planned to widen double lane road to four lanes road so as to accommodate increased traffic pressure. Netrokona Barobazar, the nearest market is only 4 km west and Thakurakona Bazar is 5 km east to the site. 125 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.53: Pucca Road inside the Figure 6.54: Netrokona to Mohanganj Project Area Railway Line Table 6.27: Connectivity and Surroundings of Proposed Project Site Connectivity Name Distance Direction Nearest Road/ Mymensingh Netrokona Sunamganj Adjacent North Highway highway Nearest Railway Netrokona to Mohanganj railway line Adjacent North Station Nearest Airport Osmani International Airport at Sylhet 153 km East Available inland water Thakurakona river port/ Gaglajur river 5 km / 40 km East transport port Nearest Village/ Barni, Singhar Bangla, Bhadrapara, East, West, Surroundings Residential Area Durgasrom South, North Nearest Bazar Barobazar 4 km East Source: Field visit 2020 6.4.9 Social Conflicts At present, there is no reported social conflicts among local people. However, not all land controllers of the proposed project site are not legally entitled. Therefore, social agitation/conflict may arose regarding compensation issue. 6.4.10 Archeological Sites and Cultural Heritage There is no archeological site within the proposed economic zone. However, there are three archeological sites outside of the project location which are almost destroyed. Singhar Bangla Zamindar residence (200-meter distance from the project area) is one of them which is abandoned and almost destroyed. There are two historical sites in Narayonpur Monastery and Dwippur Zamindar residence which are around 2/3 km away from the project site under the Singhar Bangla union. It was found that all of the cultural heritages have historical importance. The local elderly people and key persons could not give any historical background of those sites. But it was gathered that the entire area was under the control of Zamindars. 126 Environmental and Social Baseline Figure 6.55: Abandoned Zamindar Residence in Singher Bangla 6.4.11 Ethnic Community, Religion and Culture There is an age-old tradition and culture of the Garo, a large indigenous community of Mymensingh region (division). This region was once renowned for its ethnic diversity and harmony among people of different faith and cultures and vibrant display of their respective heritage. The indigenous groups living in this study area are: Garo and Khatriya. Currently 13 HHS Garos and 70-80 HHs Khatriyas are living in the study area under Rouha and Mougati Unions in Netrokona Sadar Upazila. The Garo society is matrilineal and mothers inherit property and they are the head of their respective families and get ownership of the properties from the family, a tradition completely opposite of the Bengali people. Most of the Garos are now Christian in religion. The Garo ethnic people also have their own culture. Their festivals are very colourful and full of music and dancing. Christmas and Easter are the two major religious festivals. Their dress, food habit and celebration styles can be easily distinguished from the Bengalis and other communities. They started to embrace Christianity by the end of the 19th century when the Christian missionaries came to their settlements. The livelihoods of Garos in Shahpur village are mainly agriculture dependent. Rice is the main agricultural product of this area. It was observed that the Garo community is suffering from poverty. Most of the Garo is hard working people engaged in agriculture as day laborer. In the Garo culture, both male and female have to work for the family. The younger members of this indigenous group work in garments factories, beauty parlours and at times as domestic help. Besides, some households are involved in kuchia (a variety of fish) catching from the surrounding beels and haors. It was observed from the result of the FGDs that the Garo community of the Rouha Union catch kuchia from the Komol Beel (project area) and surrounding area. Most of the family of this area catch kuchia in the post-monsoon season during recession of water in the beel area. About 70-80 households of Khatriya community, living in Shogundia village in the Mougati Union, is mainly involved in agriculture and bamboo crafting. Most of the families are bamboo craft producer, mainly women group are involved in making different types of bamboo products such as stools, mats, baskets, kula (winnowing fan), chalani (sieve), mathal (hat), fish traps as well as decorative items. At present the demand of bamboo craft products are decreasing due to other alternative products of less cost. In the ethnic communities of this area, people still depend of subsistence economies. They lost their ancestral professions, lands and properties due to illiteracy, unfavorable 127 Environmental and Social Baseline environmental conditions, political ignorance, carelessness and lack of awareness. They are experiencing countless challenges. As a result, they are moving away from their professions to seek urban jobs with government and private offices, garment stores, beauty parlars, tea gardens, factories, police and military services. Figure 6.56: Garo Community in Figure 6.57: Khatriya (Hindu cast group) Bhattapara, Rouha upazila, Netrokona Community in Shogundia, Mougati Union, Netrokona 128 7. Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues 7.1 Introduction This chapter presents results of environmental screening which were conducted before carrying out the impact assessment. This screening exercise helped to understand the key environmental issues, to identify environmental impacts and in general it helped to understand the scope of environmental and social impact assessment. 7.2 Environmental Sensitivity Investigation The screening exercise started with sensitivity analysis. Attempts were made to identify environmental and social components sensitive to the proposed NEZ construction and operation on the basis of reconnaissance field survey and stakeholder consultation. The preliminary results were presented in the inception report which was later disclosed to the high officials of BEZA in the inception workshop. This preliminary assessment and thereafter consultation and interactions helped to design the detail field investigations, analysis and overall scope of EIA. The sensitivity investigation helped to identify important environmental and social components which are presented in the sub-section “Environmental Asset” below. 7.3 Environmental Asset Environmental asset is defined by important environmental and social components. The Important Environmental and Social Components (IESC) were identified through a process of field investigation, stakeholder consultation including consultation with local people, and expert judgment. Thereafter, the preliminary results were shared with the ESIA team members and later finalized in an in-house workshop with all ESIA members and few designated experts of CEGIS. The IESCs and their rationale are presented below. IESCs Rationale for Selection During construction phase, interventions such as deposition of soil, civil constructions of roads and concrete structures, mobilization of construction vehicles etc. will create fugitive dust and emit gas. At post construction phase, Air Quality the operations of heavy industries and transportation of logistics will emit smoke and gases. Also, the solid and liquid waste treatment plants may cause odor problem within the adjacent areas of the plants. As such air quality has been considered as an IESC. Additional noise will be generated during the construction phase by the movements of construction vehicles, operations of construction equipment, and construction activities. Furthermore, the installation of heavy industries and their operation for production will cause increased noise level during the Noise Quality operation phase. Eventually, the generated noise, in both phases, will affect both on campus people (such as construction workers, campus living officials/staffs, etc.) and adjacent living community people. Therefore, noise quality has been considered as an IESC. According to the Feasibility Study, groundwater has been proposed as one of Groundwater the major sources for the operation of the project. However, several Availability studies/literatures already identified the study area as ground water-stressed, and therefore, this withdrawal of water will accelerate the depletion further, 129 Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues IESCs Rationale for Selection since industrial sector is one of the biggest water consumers. Therefore, groundwater availability is considered as an IESC. During the construction and operation phases there could be a number of reasons for water quality deterioration. Spillage of oil from the construction vehicles and equipment, improper disposal of solid waste and wastewater produced by the construction activities as well as industrial production, untreated storm water discharge, leakage of the wastewater collection Water Quality network etc. can cause contamination of surface water within the project area as well as at the nearby canals. Faulty operation of the wastewater treatment plant could deteriorate the water quality of Kangsha River where treated wastewater will be discharged. As such water quality has been chosen as an IESC. As per the master plan of NEZ, the natural drainage pattern will be disrupted by developing a higher land than the adjacent area as well as isolating the project area from the connecting canals and thus, free flowing of water Drainage congestion through the project area would be ceased. This might potentially cause and Water Logging drainage congestion and water logging problems during a heavy rainfall event in the construction phase as well as by the improper management of drainage during the operation phase. Therefore, drainage congestion and water logging are considered as an IESC. Due to the establishment of the NEZ, the natural drainage connection will be disturbed and the natural water storage capacity of the project area will be Flooding encroached. These might exacerbate both the flash flood and monsoon flood situation within and around the project area. Hence, flooding has been considered as an IESC. Construction activities might change the visual landscape of the project area. Development of land, site preparation, mobilization of construction equipment Landscape and and materials, construction of on-site road network, residential area on green scenic beauty field site might affect the scenic beauty. So, landscape and scenic beauty has been taken as an IESC. The existing land type in the study area will be changed by the construction of the proposed project as well as new industries and associated development in Land use nearby area. Thus, present agricultural land would be converted into non- agriculture land. Therefore, land use has been considered as one of the IESC. The crop production in the project site will be lost permanently due to its conversion for industrial use. As such, crop production in the surrounding area Crop production would be changed because of the changes in land type and land use pattern. Therefore, crop production is taken as an IESC. The project area is ‘floodplain’ as it is inundated with tidal and monsoon flood, which then becomes an ideal fish habitat during wet season. The land Fish habitat development for the proposed project will convert this floodplain into high land, and eventually would damage the seasonal fish habitat. Therefore, fish habitat has been considered as an IESC. During monsoon, this floodplain area (proposed project area) becomes a Fish Production source of fish capture, which thus provides considerable fish stock for both petty-commercial and subsistence fisherman. The proposed project would affect the fish production permanently. Therefore, fish production has been 130 Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues IESCs Rationale for Selection considered as an IESC. The composition of fish species diversity might be changed due to loss of Fish Species floodplain and alternation of the Kangsha River. Therefore, fish species Diversity diversity has been considered as an IESC. Fishing susceptibility might increase due to loss of fish habitat, food Stock Susceptibility unavailability and changing of fish movement. So, it has been considered as an IESC. Wildlife habitat is an important component of any given ecosystem which is composed of various plant individuals. The land development activities and Wildlife habitat post-project operation in this intact environment would lead to changes in wildlife habitats and their mobility. Therefore, wildlife habitat has been identified as an IESC. The various intervention including set up of industries would change the Species composition existing species composition especially in the aquatic habitat. Hence, species composition has been taken as an IESC. 500 acres of land will be acquired for the proposed project. There are seven semi-pucca structures (shops) and a kindergarten school located inside this Land Acquisition and proposed site. Thus, through acquisition, landholders will be dispossessed Dispossession and the structures will be evicted. Therefore, Land Acquisition and Dispossession have been selected as an IESC. According to field data, all landholders of the proposed project site do not have legal entitlement. Eventually, landholders without entitlements do not receive any compensation according to the country’s land acquisition Act. Local Conflict of Although people with legal entitlements are positive toward the project, people Interest without legal documents expressed concerns. Thus, conflict could arise between ‘with’ and ‘without’ entitlement holders as well as voice against the project might also be raised. Therefore, local conflict of interest has been considered as an IESC. About 150 to 200 nearby households are earning their livelihoods from the proposed project area by means of crop production (during summer) and Loss of Livelihoods catching fish (during wet season). Therefore, the proposed project will interrupt their livelihood source. So, the Loss of Livelihood has been selected as an IESC. Employment for local local people is expected to be generated during both Employment construction and operation period of the proposed project. Hence, Opportunity Employment Opportunity has been selected as an ISC. The proposed project has been planned to be constructed close to the Mymensingh-Netrokona-Sunamganj two lanes road. Heavy traffic for carrying Traffic congestion construction materials may cause traffic congestion at different junctions, market places etc. Thus, Traffic congestion has been considered as an IESC. The road networks are expected to be improved/developed for smooth movement of vehicles for carrying materials, equipment during and operation Roadway phase of the project. communication This would have a positive impact in the locality of the project. Thus the roadway communication has been considered as an IESC. 131 Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues IESCs Rationale for Selection Community health is anticipated to be negatively affected due to different Community Health construction activities, which would generate dust, particles and other and Safety emissions. This has thus been selected as an IESC. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) for workers is an important issue during the construction phase, since a number of workers will need to stay at Occupational Health the project site, get involved in risky and hazardous activities etc. This health and Safety and safety measures usually include: availability of safe drinking water, proper sanitation, labor-friendly shed and restroom, first aid tool box etc. for workers. Therefore, OHS has been selected as an IESC. The rural area of study area will be transformed into urban area due to the Urbanization and Economic Zone-led industrial development, which, on the one hand, will bring Economic economic development, and on the other hand, affect local environment Development negatively. Therefore, this has been chosen as IESC. Many off-site development, i.e. infrastructural development, will be held in the Off-site development area which will improve living standard of the local people, also affect local environment negatively. 7.4 Environmental Hotspots The proposed area falls in haor region. There are several beels e.g. Komol Beels, Soai beels, Kaitta-rasi beel, Kazapuria beel and their connecting canals are locally important ecological and fisheries hotspot. Among theme, Komol Beel and Soai beel fall within the proposed NEZ boundary and will be acquired for the proposed land development. However, the master plan of the NEZ considers excavation of Komol Beel to construct a permanent lake for landscape purpose. 7.5 Impact Screening As a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, a screening matrix of generic impacts are given in the following table, which shows the activity wise impacts on different environments: physical, biological and social. The symbol tick (√) refers to activity carries impacts on given indicators of environment, whereas dash (-) refers to no impact. A details discussion of impact evaluation is presented in Chapter-8. 132 Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues Table 7.1: Activity-wise Impacts Screening Physical Biological Social ter Project Phases and Activities ent Opportunity site development - Air Quality Noise Quality Groundwater Availability Water Quality andDrainage Logging Water congestion Flooding Solid Wastewa Waste and Landscapeand beauty scenic Land use Crop production Fish habitat Fish Production Fish Diversity Species Stock Susceptibility Wildlife habitat Species composition Dispossession Land and Acquisition Local Interest of Conflict LossLivelihoods of Employm Roadway Communication and Community and Health Safety OccupationalSafety and Health Urbanization development & economic Off Additional traffic Pre-construction Phase Land acquisition and compensation ------√ √ √ √ √ - - - - - Demarcation of land ------√ √ ------√ ------Engagement of Contractors ------√ - √ ------Procurement of labor ------√ ------Setting Project's bill boards ------√ √ ------Transportation of construction materials √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - √ - √ √ √ √ - - - Construction Phase Land development √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - - Labor shed construction √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - - Boundary wall construction √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - √ - √ √ √ √ - - - Off-site infrastructure development √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - √ On-site infrastructure development √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - √ Lake development √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - - 133 Identification and Analysis of Key Environmental Issues Physical Biological Social ter Project Phases and Activities ent Opportunity site development - Air Quality Noise Quality Groundwater Availability Water Quality andDrainage Logging Water congestion Flooding Solid Wastewa Waste and Landscapeand beauty scenic Land use Crop production Fish habitat Fish Production Fish Diversity Species Stock Susceptibility Wildlife habitat Species composition Dispossession Land and Acquisition Local Interest of Conflict LossLivelihoods of Employm Roadway Communication and Community and Health Safety OccupationalSafety and Health Urbanization development & economic Off Additional traffic Utility system development (Water supply & √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - √ √ sewerage, power, gas, etc.) CETP construction √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - - IWMF (Integrated Waste Management Facilities) √ √ - √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ - - - construction Operation Phase Industrial Production and activities √ √ √ √ √ √ √ ------√ - √ √ √ √ √ - √ 134 8. Environmental and Social Impacts 8.1 Introduction The anticipated impacts driven by the proposed project on key environmental and social components in different phases of the project are discussed in this chapter. If there are no impacts, anticipated in any phase, also mentioned here. Project phase refers to timeframe for the project completion, and thus is divided into three: pre-construction phase, construction phase and operation phase. Pre-construction phase refers to the timeframe from project formulation to just before the land development activities is started. The land development work for NEZ is considered construction phase. Finally, when the NEZ becomes ready and invites investors and their subsequent operations are started, this timeframe is defined as operation phase. 8.2 Impacts during Pre-construction Phase 8.2.1 Physical Environment Water Resources No impact is anticipated against the selected IECs. Environmental quality No impact is anticipated against the selected IECs. 8.2.2 Biological Environment Ecological resources No impact is anticipated against the selected IECs. Fisheries Land acquisition on the proposed 500-acre area will permanently convert the floodplain, beel and pond into a planned area for the NEZ. The estimated loss of floodplain is about 347 acres and beel is about 43 acres. The estimated fish production loss would be about 333 MT/year. Agriculture Impacts on Land Use Total 500 acres land would be acquired for proposed Netrokona Economic Zone. The existing land of this area includes 455 acres agricultural land, 43 acres perennial beels/haors and 2 acres fresh water aquaculture respectively. The land use would be permanently changed to industrial area due to land acquisition. 135 Environmental and Social Impacts Impacts on Crop Production Due to acquisition of 455 acres of agricultural land, about 2,161 metric tons of clean rice production would be lost annually. This loss includes 91 tons of Local Aman, 295 tons of HYV Aman and 1,775 tons of HYV Boro. 8.2.3 Socio-economic Environment Land Acquisition and Dispossession Both government and private ownership (control) land will be acquired for the proposed project. However, there is no plan to acquire land outside of this area for off-site development. But, eight small structures including one kindergarten school and seven shops within the proposed acquisition will be evicted. Thus, the proposed land acquisition will dispossess private land holders and evict one kindergarten school and seven shops. Local Conflict of Interest Field findings showed that all landholders of the proposed project site do not have legal entitlements of land. Eventually, landholders without entitlements do not receive any compensation according to the country’s land acquisition Act. Although people with legal entitlements are positive toward the project, people without legal documents expressed their concerns regarding their dispossession and compensation. Thus, there is a possibility of conflict among ‘with’ and ‘without’ entitlement holders as well as voice could be raised against the project. Loss of Livelihoods There is no resettlement and rehabilitation or land acquisition provision for development of off-site infrastructures. Seven structures and a kindergarten on the acquired land will be displaced and would require rehabilitation. Number of affected people will lose their structure and livelihood. In addition, for the displacement of the kindergarten a large number of children will be deprived from education opportunity. About 15 HHs are seasonally dependent on the land by fishing. Besides, about 150 HHs are directly dependent on the acquired land by agricultural activities. After the land acquisition, the farmer and fisherman will lose their livelihoods. Moreover, 13 households of Garo community (minor ethnic group) earn their livelihood partially from the proposed project area by means of catching kuchia. Their livelihoods will also be affected. 8.3 Impacts during Construction Phase 8.3.1 Physical Environment At this stage of project implementation, the total land will be developed to a certain level and then the construction of all the facilities required to establish the economic zone will be done. The major activities include dredging of soil from a suitable source, preparation of sites and construction of labor sheds, mobilization of construction equipment and materials, carrying out of the soil to the project site, dumping of the soil to develop the land to a certain level. It also involves construction of boundary wall and gates, administrative and residential areas and other on-site infrastructures and supporting utility services such as road network, sewerage network, green areas, solid and liquid waste management facilities, parking, 136 Environmental and Social Impacts educational institute, playground, health care facility etc. The impacts of these interventions on various environmental aspects are described in the following sections. Air Quality Air pollution can occur due to the construction activities as heavy machineries and construction vehicles will be on operation. Burning of fuel to operate the engines is the main source of the emission of toxic gases (sulfur, nitrogen, carbon). If low emission measures could not be undertaken, the pollution will be high, dispersed to the surrounding area, and affect the residential areas nearby. Besides, generation of fugitive dust particles during construction and movement of vehicles might affect the air quality. Another source of air quality deterioration might be the incineration of any waste at the project area. The dredging interventions required for the land development may also cause air pollution due to emission from dredgers and houseboats. Noise Quality Due to the operations of heavy construction equipment, the noise level would exceed the existing level. The primary effects of noise pollution would be on the workers. If high noise could not be controlled, the sensitive receptors near the project area would be affected. There is a high school very close to the project area. Besides, there are several mosques, temples and local markets which could be impacted due to noise pollution. High noise could also disturb the birds and other faunas, specially the migratory birds. These could eventually impact on the overall ecosystem of this area. Besides the dredging activities may also increase the ambient noise level. Groundwater Availability During the construction period groundwater will be abstracted for the civil interventions as well as the domestic uses by the workers such as drinking, cooking, bathing and washing. The additional demand of water will pose negative impact on the availability of groundwater, although the degree of impact cannot be predicted without detailed study (it is beyond the scope of this study). However, several studies/literatures already identified the study area as ground water-stressed, and therefore, this withdrawal of water will accelerate the depletion further. Moreover, it was gathered from the field that groundwater is available at a larger depth benath the ground. The additional abstraction during the construction and opeeation period could further lower the groundwater level. Water Quality The quality of both surface water and groundwater might get affected in the construction phase. If the soil, which will be used for land development, contains toxic concentrations, the toxicity could contaminate the surface water nearby. Toxicity could also leach through the ground slowly and contaminate groundwater in the long run. During the mobilization of soil carrying vehicles and operation of construction equipment, various wastes such as oil, mud, dust, scrap metal, paper etc. could be generated and dispersed around. Solid wastes and wastewater will be generated from the labor camps as well. Improper management of these wastes could contaminate the canals nearby and deteriorate the water quality. Especially, during the times of rainfall all the wastes from the protect area could be washed away to the nearby waterbodies and even be travelled to Kangsha River. During dredging the river water quality could get deteriorated from the turbulence of dredger equipment, spillage of oil and 137 Environmental and Social Impacts bilge water, improper management of waste inside the dredger etc. Contaminated water could potentially cause diseases to the local people in case of domestic uses such as cooking, drinking, bathing. The bad quality of water could also harm the existing fish resources as well as the health of the micro ecosystem of invertebrates. Drainage Congestion and Water Logging At the present situation, the project area is a seasonal wetland which will be changed to a comparatively higher and flat land. Significant amount of wetland area (mostly seasonal) will permanently be lost. As a consequence, water storage capacity of the project area will be reduced. Besides, natural drainage pathways might temporarily or permanently be blocked due to the development of land. Due to inadequate drainage capacity water logging might be caused within the project area. The existing drainage pathway connects the Kangsha River with Magra River by canals crossing through the project area. As this connection will be lost, the adjacent areas around the project site might potentially face water logging problems. Flooding Almost every year during the monsoon times flooding occurs around the project area. Due to land development, the natural drainage system will be disrupted which could potentially increase the flood risk at the surrounding areas. Especially, the areas beside the Kangsha River might face more flood risks than the existing condition as water flowing capacity will be partially reduced. Also, during the events of heavy rainfall, flash flood might occur within the project area due to poor drainage capacity. Solid Waste and Wastewater Construction works produce a lot of debris and solid wastes that include construction wastes such as brick chips, stones, cement ash, torn boxes of paper, ripped polythene and plastic bags, broken glass and ceramic, scrap steel, aluminum and other metals etc. For several purposes’ construction activities will generate wastewater. Also, from the labor camps both greywater (wastewater from kitchen) and black water (wastewater from toilet) will be discharged. If the wastes are not managed according to the best practices available, they could be dispersed and deteriorate the quality of the overall environment. Hazardous and toxic wastes unless properly managed would have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Toxic chemicals from paint, junk batteries from equipment, oil from vehicles and machineries, chemicals used for cleaning and polishing etc. are the main sources of hazardous wastes. If proper precautions and guidelines are not maintained during handling of these hazardous substances, the health of the workers could be negatively affected. Also, improper and irresponsible dumping of such kinds of wastes could lead to deteriorate the air and water quality around the project area. 8.3.2 Biological Environment Ecosystem Wildlife habitat The project area is the combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem that include large trees and roadside vegetation. Tree community is composed of small to tall trees with indigenous and exotic species to the peripheries of the project area. Some of them are 138 Environmental and Social Impacts providing shelter to local wildlife as breeding habitats. Besides, croplands within the project area also provide macro habitats to some tiny wildlife like Bengal Lizard, Checkered Keelback, Rat Snake, House Sparrow, Common Myna, Red-vented Bulbul, Rats, Common Mongoose, Indian Civet, and so on. On the other hand, this project area is lowland with five beels which has been recognized as feeding habitats to many resident and migratory waterfowls like Little Egret, Little Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron, Great Egret, Common Snipe, Spot-billed Duck, and Asian Openbill. Wetland associated with different aquatic vegetation is also providing support to this wildlife for breeding and shelters for escaping from predators. As per land development requirement, all habitats with associated vegetation will permanently be damaged. In addition, wildlife habitat in project influence area will also get deteriorated during sand mining. During installation of utility facilities like gas, water, electricity services to the project area will involve some earth works for pipe setting and overhead transmission lines for electricity those will definitely destroy existing micro habitats of wildlife in the project influence area. Of the shrub and herbs, Hill Glory Bower, Turkey Berry and Hairy Fig found associated with micro habitats might get damaged. Therefore, it is anticipated that a good numbers of wildlife habitats might be destroyed in this phase. Species composition There will be no impact on species composition with this intervention in this phase. Fisheries Impact on fish habitat The proposed project will be developed at low lying area that is regularly inundated during monsoon season. The low-lying area known as floodplain function as fish grazing, breeding and nursing ground for many small fishes like on spot barb, Pool barb, Tyangra, Baila, Zig- zag eel, Climbing perch, Banded gourami, Stinging catfish, Walking Catfish, Cichlid, etc. Land development on the proposed 500-acre area will permanently convert the floodplain, beel and pond into a plan area for the NEZ. The estimated loss of floodplain is about 347 acres and beel is about 43 acres. The land will be developed by filling sand which might be collected by dredging from the Kangsha River. Dredging in Kangsha River might impact fish habitat of the river. Especially Pelagic fishes would be shifted to nearby water areas while some demersal and sedentary fish species might die under the dredger. During dredging work, many toxic substances might be mixed in water column which would deteriorate riverine habitat quality. Turbidity generated from the dredging work might cause the habitat unsuitable for some fish species. If run-on and run-off drainage are not adequately constructed in the project site during land development, during a heavy rainfall spillage of sediment to nearby water bodies might take place which would ultimately affect fish habitat of the nearby area. Impact on fish production Fish habitat loss due to construction activities will cause reduction of fish production permanently. The estimated fish production loss would be about 333 MT/year. Most of the fish production loss will come from Floodplain, which comprises 243 MT/year. Fish 139 Environmental and Social Impacts production loss from beel and Ponds would be insignificant. Moreover, degradation of water quality of Kangsha River would decline fish productivity of the river. During land development activities, if proper management are not taken like fencing/making wall within the project area the fish habitat of the nearby area might be affected. Agriculture Impacts on Land Type Land development for construction of the NEZ would change the existing 455 acres agriculture land type. However, such change would not directly affect land type of the area adjacent to the proposed project (NEZ) area. Impacts on Landscape and Scenic Beauty Construction activities might change the visual landscape of the project area. Stocking of construction material, mobilization of construction equipment, construction activities on the green field site might affect the scenic beauty. Impacts on Land Use Present land use of the proposed Economic zone comprises 455 acres agricultural land, 43 acres perennial beels/haors and 2 acres fresh water aquaculture respectively. All of these lands would be changed into permanent structure and service area. The construction would not directly affect the land use of the adjacent area. Impacts on Crop Production Since the proposed area for land development will no longer be available for agricultural activities, 2,161 metric tons clean rice production will be lost annually. In addition, if the construction activities extend to nearby areas, it may damage standing crops. Besides, if adequate run-on and run-off drainage are not properly constructed, sediment spillage to adjacent area in an event of heavy rainfall may cause damage to crops. 8.3.3 Socio-economic environment Occupational Health and Safety The project would involve development of land, demolishing or eviction of existing structures and a Kindergarten school. Besides, the project activities will involve movement of heavy construction machinery, vehicular traffic, excavation and filling operations. These activities might cause health hazards of the construction workers. The workers might also encounter accident while performing the activities around the construction areas due to the operation and movement of heavy equipment, vehicles and machinery. As such, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) of the working labourers might be at risk. Besides, the ongoing Covid-19 is becoming a threat to human health, which is highly contagious disease. For tackling this pandemic, special measures/equipment for ensuring Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) of workers need to be taken into account. Community Health and Safety The health and safety of the local people might be impacted due to the hazards likely to be created during the construction period. The hazards could be in terms of increased noise, air 140 Environmental and Social Impacts pollution due to dust while land filling, demolishing structures, construction of industrial infrastructures etc. There would also be risk of accidents due to operation and movement of heavy equipment, vehicles and machineries. The labour influx in the local area may have chance to spread COVID-19 disease, therefore, special measures are needed. Employment opportunity Construction of the proposed EZ requires both skilled and non-skilled labourers, which would create employment opportunities for poor people near the study area. Employment opportunities will be ensured through two channels (i) direct employment for unskilled labour, (ii) indirect employment to the local community and women workers (both skilled and unskilled). Direct employment includes site clearance, excavation, loading and offloading of materials and deliveries, mason and construction works. The local community members could take advantage of these opportunities. Employment generation benefits improve the quality of life of the labourers and enhance their productivity and living standards. Employment generation, both direct and indirect, through Netrokona EZ will have a tremendous impact on human development and poverty reduction in this area. Road and Communication The proposed project site is next to the Mymensingh-Netrokona-Sunamganj highway and Netrokona-Mohanganj railway. There is a road, between Singher Bangla and Barni village passing through the project site. The development project might disrupt the communication of the two villages. Besides, for the operation and movement of heavy equipment, vehicle, machineries, the communication might disrupt the normal communication and could damage the road. In addition, Movement of heavy construction vehicle might create traffic congestion at connecting road to Mymensingh-Netrokona-Sunamganj and other places. Off-site development During the construction period, many infrastructural development will take place, which on the one hand, will provide facilities to the local communities; on the other hand, landowners will lose their land. 8.4 Impacts during Operation Phase 8.4.1 Physical Environment All the large and medium industries will be under operation while NEZ will function at a full- scale. During this time, administrative units will be function, residential areas, parks, playgrounds, food plaza and shopping malls will be occupied by residents living inside and roads will be busy for movement of vehicles. Such operations will have a number of impacts on the various environmental aspects as described in the following sections. Air Quality During the operation stage, air quality might deteriorate due to different activities. The major sources of air pollution could be vehicles and the industries. Unless low emission measures are adopted by the industries, the emissions of toxic gases would deteriorate the air quality. Deteriorated air quality have potential negative impacts on public health. In addition, the ecosystem could get affected by the air pollution. 141 Environmental and Social Impacts Noise Quality The noise level of the project area could be changed due to operation of industrial machineries. The movement of vehicles within the project would also raise noise level. The hydraulic horns and the sounds of engines could be other sources of noise pollution if honking could not be controlled. There would be three distinct zones (residential areas including offices, commercial and industrial zones) within the project area wherein of noise level should be maintained according to the standard noise rule of Bangladesh. If the distinction is not considered carefully in terms of noise generation, sensitive receptors such as residents living inside NEZ, patients in the hospital, young community at the schools or playgrounds, workers and officials working inside the production chambers would be badly impacted. Noise may potentially spread outside and increase the noise level of the environment. Exposure to loud noises for any length of time causes fatigue of the ear’s sensory cells which results a temporary hear loss and if the time period is long term irreversible and permanent hearing problems can occur. For the young children learning disabilities, anxiety, attention-seeking behavior, reduced motivation and concentration are some of the most likely negative impacts of loud noises (Kozak & Grundfast, 2009). Groundwater Availability During the operation stage, water availability will be a major issue. As stated in the master plan, among the large industries, there will be integrated textile units, food processing factories, ceramic industries and pharmaceutical companies. Other small and medium industries will be light engineering and small/medium manufacturing units. The large industries consume a lot of water per day. Depending on the specific stages of a composite textile unit the water consumption ranges from 0.5 to 300 liter of water per 1 kg of production (Shaikh, 2009). Food processing unit is also one of the most water intensive industries and for the production of 1 kg of food (of various kinds such as potato, wheat, corn, rice chicken, beef etc.) approximately 500 to 70000 liter of water is required (Kirby, Bartram, & Carr, 2003). As the numbers and types of the industries are not finalized yet, the exact demand of water could not be assessed. Water is not only used for manufacturing purposes, but also for drinking and domestic purposes by the workers in the industries and the residents. According to the standard value used by WASA, averagely a person consumes 100 to 150 liter of water per day. According to the master plan, 40 million liters of water will be required daily based on a rough estimation and groundwater was selected as the major reliable source of the water supply. Surface water from Kangsha River will also be used in the wet season. Hence, in the dry periods groundwater would be the only source of water. As a result of various uses, the groundwater level might get depleted which would affect the surrounding area of NEZ as well. Water scarcity could potentially affect the agriculture if irrigation water would not be available as per requirement. The lowering of groundwater could even lead to land subsidence in the long run. It was gathered from the field that water availability is already an issue at certain places and the full operation of NEZ would increase the problem. To assess the availability problem in detail a separate study is recommended with more accurate data of demand and resources as well as scenarios with extreme demand condition such as the combination of dry period and maximum production of the industries. 142 Environmental and Social Impacts Water Quality Water quality of both surface water and groundwater could be impacted if proper management of solid and liquid wastes would not ensure. As per plan of the project, the pre- treated effluents as well as the wastewater from the residential and administrative areas would be collected through a sewerage network and conveyed to a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) respectively. Due any faulty operation or any leakage in the collection network the surface water quality of the nearby water bodies could be deteriorated and would not be fit for domestic use. Besides, it would also pollute the water of Kangsha River wherein it has been planned to be disposed finally. If this discharge is carried through open channel and the quality of treated water is not up to the required level, local agriculture might get affected due to contamination of pollution with irrigation water. The solid wastes generated within the project area could be another source of pollution if not properly managed. There will be separate collection network for the drainage of storm water. This network will be designed to meet the Komol Beel through four outfall points and Komol Beel will be connected with the natural drainage at the northern part of the project area. No treatment of the storm water is proposed by the master plan. Rainwater would likely to wash out all types of wastes and debris from the land area of the economic zone. The direct disposal of storm water might deteriorate the water quality of Komol Beel. Drainage Congestion and Water Logging At the existing situation, water of Kangsha River from the north-east side of the project crosses Komol Beel and moves through the east for a few distance and farther south to meet Mogra River. There are three canals that execute this drainage pattern and it happens mainly in the wet seasons. On the other hand, in the dry periods, the canals get dry at certain points and water comes re from the Komol Beel to augment this area. According to the plan of NEZ, the Fazar Ali canal at the northern part of the beel will be connected with Komol Beel through a drainage canal but the connection with Krishna Khali canal at the southeast part of the project will not be restored. There will be a regulator on the drainage way at the northern part of the project area. Hence, the natural drainage system will be interruoted. The Krishna Khali canal might be lost its water and at a broad scale, the hydrology of Mogra River could be influenced negatively because of this. During the wet seasons water coming from the north could not pass the beel and so, can cause flooding problems in the northern parts if the regulator is closed and high water is blocked to enter the project area. On the other hand, in case of technical flaws of the regulator, the project area could be flooded by overflowing of the beel as the natural drainage will be disrupted. Flooding The flood plain area would be reduced due to filling of project area. However, l the Komol Beel would be excavated to form a reservoir to store flood water. If the capacities of the drainage network as well as the reservoir (Komol Beel) are not adequately designed for the extreme conditions, then the storm water collection pipes and the Komol Beel might overflow at the time of high flood. There were two sluice gates to control the natural drainage between Kangsha River and Mogra River although the conditions of those gates were poor. During operation stage of NEZ, this natural connection will be disrupted and as such, the sluice gates will become useless unless any diversion channel is developed. There is a FCDI 143 Environmental and Social Impacts (Flood Control Drainage and Irrigation) project of BWDB at Netrokona Sadar Upazila. The infrastructures established under this project were intended to facilitate agriculture in this area. Due to the possible change of land use of the surrounding area of NEZ from agricultural to residential or commercial, the irrigation outlets might no longer be required, rather embankments to control flood would be required. As the natural drainage of the project area will be disturbed, flooding situation might aggravate, unless need based water management infrastructures are built. Solid Waste and Wastewater A substantial quantum of debris and solid wastes would be generated in the project. The solid wastes might create environmental hazard if not properly managed. Water logging could also occur due to faulty the drainage networks as well as drainage congestion. There should be recycling and reusing arrangement for management of wastes, otherwise it would be difficult to handle wastes. Besides, any local incineration of solid wastes would also emit toxic gases that will pollute the atmosphere. The industries and hospitals would also produce hazardous wastes. The types of the wastes will vary depending on the characters, shapes and production procedures of different industries. Food and textile color, toxic and sensitive chemicals used by pharmaceuticals and hospitals, scrap metals from the engineering production units and hospital wastes are the major examples of hazardous materials. Unplanned disposal of hazardous waste has potential negative health impacts. Surface water as well as groundwater could be contaminated by these wastes if not properly managed. Aquatic ecosystem might get severely affected in case of toxic contamination in the Komol Beel which will eventually create negative impact on the overall water quality. 8.4.2 Biological Environment Ecosystem Wildlife habitat The wildlife habitat would be impacted during operation phase of the project if appropriate measures would not be taken as per DoE standard. It is anticipated that some air borne particles (PM10, PM2.5) will be produced during industries’ daily activities. Similarly, pollutants e.g. chemicals, oil, grease, etc. might get released through drains to the main river system and deteriorate water quality. It will also deteriorate healthy aquatic habitats. Feeding habitats to waterfowls might also decline due to industrial pollution in the nearby aquatic habitats. Species composition Various types of affluent would be released from different industries during construction and operation phase of the NEZ. The effluents if not properly treated might impact tiny organisms of both flora and fauna like minor phyla e.g. planktons, benthos, other sensitive species which might even disappear from existing ecosystem. 144 Environmental and Social Impacts Fisheries Impact on Fish Habitat Condition Fish habitat of the study area would be degraded in the event of discharging untreated industrial effluent to nearby water bodies. In such events, water quality of nearby water bodies as well as fish habitats could be deteriorated. Impact on Fish Species Diversity Fish species diversity might be declined due to river water pollution if industrial wastewater would not be properly treated before discharging into the water bodies. Impact on Stock Susceptibility In this project area small indigenous fish species (Ticto barb, Zig-zag eel, Climbing perch, Banded gourami etc.) are found abundantly. Since the area would be developed for the project, it would be no longer serve as spawning and grazing land for local beel fishes. Therefore, during monsoon, fishes would migrate to other waterbodies for spawning and grazing. Agriculture Impacts on Land Use After the completion of this project, land use in surrounding areas might be changed at present, major land use of study area is for agriculture. Development of EZ would attract more infrastructural development around the project site to facilitate industrial growth changing the land use area from agriculture to industrial land use. Some of the other developments including construction of roads, housing facility, commercial areas including hotels, hospital, restaurants, schools, ancillary industries, etc. might also take place in nearby areas. The induced economic development might also result change of typical rural and agricultural area to urban or semi-urban area which might result in a major change in land use pattern. Impacts on Crop Production The infrastructural and industrial development might change the existing land use for agricultural purpose to industrial and infrastructural development which would ultimately cause loss of crop production. Generally light attracts pest. Therefore, lighting of the NEZ area might cause pest infestation to the adjacent agricultural areas which might also lead to crop damage. 8.4.3 Socio-economic Environment Community Health and Safety The development of the economic zone & setting up of industries would have some impacts on the Socio-economic conditions of the area. Industrial development would involve generation of emissions, effluents, waste and increased vehicular movements. These altogether might have overall negative impact on the health of the people and aesthetics of neighbouring area. 145 Environmental and Social Impacts Occupational Health and Safety The use of machineries and other project’s equipment would put the workers and employees at risks of fire, explosion and accident. As such, the occupational health and safety of the workers and employees would be a concern during operation phase of the project. Employment Opportunity After construction, the proposed economic zone would create huge employment opportunity. Besides, expansion of industrialization and other associated set up would also generate additional employment opportunities and associated facilities in future for the local people. The local market and business will also be expanded. Indirect employment would also be generated through other opportunity such as agriculture, food production, and retail business. Besides, the proposed EZ could create some job opportunity for the local educated young people and outsiders. This employment generation, through Netrokona EZ will have a tremendous impact on human development and poverty reduction in this area. Urbanization and economic development Urbanization is regarded as an engine of growth and development of the country. The area selected for the proposed NEZ is now rural. The establishment of economic zone in this area, and coming of various industries will lead to transform this area into an urban center. Many associated infrastructures will be developed, many facilities will be established. Eventually, regional economy will be developed leading to the contribution to the overall national economy. This urbanization and economic development process on the one hand, will improve the living standard of local people and increase the asset value; on the other hand, it will create pressure on local environment, transformation of agricultural land into industrial enterprises, and dispossession of poor/smallholders people. Impacts of Additional Traffics During the operation phase of NEZ, movement of an additional amount of traffics are expected. The newly established industries will have traffics for the transportation of their raw materials and finished products. Also, as a consequence of the economic activities and urbanisation, the number of existing traffics will be increased. If the road networks around the project area is not adopted accordingly, traffic congestion could be occurred. The roads might get damaged due to the additional load of traffics. Traffic congestions and damaged roads will cause delay in movement, which eventually will affect the community and hamper the swiftness of all kinds of businesses. At a broader scale, these impacts may hinder the success of NEZ. Additional traffics without proper road management and law enforcement may cause road accidents as well. 8.5 Impact Evaluation In addition to the impact identification and further analysis, each impact was evaluated by the significance of each impact. The significance is defined by the magnitude and sensitivity. The result of the impact evaluation is provided in the following table. Each impact was evaluated for two scenarios- i) no mitigation measures adopted and ii) strict adoption of the proposed mitigation measures. Thus, the impact evaluation indicates the residual impacts after adoption of the mitigation measures which would help the environmental regulating agencies to decide the fate of the proposed NEZ. 146 Environmental and Social Impacts The ESIA study preliminary found most of the impacts (24 out of 35) will be “major” due to their magnitude and sensitivity if no mitigation measure is adopted. Thereafter, the ESIA team carefully identified mitigation measures to avoid, minimize or offsetting which were discussed in the previous chapter. The residual impacts, impact assuming mitigation measures would at place, were again assessed. The result says among the 35 identified impacts, 30 impact will be reduced to “minimal” and five will be reduced to “moderate.” Most of the moderate significant residual impacts are related to occupation health and safety, and community health, safety and security. To understand the risk associated with the occupation health safety and security and community health safety and security, a further analysis was carried out. Thereafter, further advance mitigation measures and management plan have been proposed. 147 Environmental and Social Impacts Table 8.1: Impact Evaluation 15 14 13 Potential Impacts TemporalAspects Spatial Aspects Reversibility Compliance Likelihood Magnitude Sensitivity Significance Residual Impact Pre-construction Phase Loss of lands M Mn M Mn M M Md Md Ml Loss of livelihood of fishermen and farmers M Mn M Mn M M Md Md Ml Land use of the project area will be permanently changed M Mn M Mn M M Md Md Ml Loss agriculture production (rice and fish) M Mn M Mn M M Md Md Ml Construction Phase Loss of natural water storage due to the encroachment of water bodies M Ml M Mn M Md H M Ml Temporary water logging due to the disturbance of natural drainage pattern Mn Ml Md Mn Md Md H M Ml Flooding due to loss of natural drainage connection Mn Ml Md Mn Md Md H M Ml Deterioration of water quality by dumping toxic/ polluted soil for the land development Mn Md Md Md Md Md H M Ml purpose, and improper waste and wastewater management Deterioration of air quality because of dust and gaseous emissions from vehicles and Md M Mn Md M M Md Md Ml equipment Increased noise level due to construction activities, transportation, equipment running, etc. Mn Md Mn M Md Md Md Md Ml 13 Magnitude has been assessed considering temporal aspect, spatial aspect, reversibility, compliance and likelihood. 14 Significance of an impact has been assessed by its magnitude and sensitivity 15 Residual impact is the significance of an impact which was judged considering mitigation measures proposed in Chapter-9 148 Environmental and Social Impacts 15 14 13 Potential Impacts TemporalAspects Spatial Aspects Reversibility Compliance Likelihood Magnitude Sensitivity Significance Residual Impact Accumulation of construction debris and solid waste in the environment Mn Md Md Md Md Md Md Md Ml As per land development work all habitats with associated vegetation will permanently be damaged. In addition, wildlife habitat in project influence area will also get deterioration M Md M Ml M M H M Md during sand mining. Loss of flood plain, beels and waterbodies due acquisition and land development M Mn M Mn M M H M Ml Loss of fish production due to land development on fish habitat M Mn M Ml M Md Md Md Ml Change of land use in the project area, and adjacent area for induced development M Md M Ml M M Md Md Ml Damage of standing crop in the project area and area adjacent area Mn Md M Md Md Md Md Md Ml Occupational health and safety issue for the labors Mn Mn M Md Md Md Vh M Md Community health, safety and security Mn Md M Md Md Md Vh M Md Creation of Employment opportunity Mn M - - M M - - - Disruption of communication and road damage due to construction activities and Md Md Md M Md M H M Ml transportation of raw materials Operation Phase Impact of water availability due to high amount of groundwater abstraction M Md M Mn Md M H M Ml Deterioration of water quality due to accidental discharge from CETP/ETP/STP Md Md M M Mn M H M Ml Deterioration of water quality of Komol Beel due to the disposal of untreated storm water as Md Mn M M Md M H M Ml well as contamination of pollutants from storm water, accidental discharge from ETP. Drainage congestion and water logging due to the disruption of natural drainage network Md Md Md Ml Md Md H M Ml Delayed recession of flash flood and monsoon flood due to disrupted drainage system and M Md M M Md M H M Ml reduction of flood water retention area 149 Environmental and Social Impacts 15 14 13 Potential Impacts TemporalAspects Spatial Aspects Reversibility Compliance Likelihood Magnitude Sensitivity Significance Residual Impact Stress on existing water management infrastructures due to alteration of land type M Md M Mn Md M H M Ml Deterioration of air quality because of dust and gaseous emission from industries and vehicle M Md M Md Mn M H M Ml Generation of noise from industrial units and vehicles M Md M Md Md M H M Ml Contamination of toxic materials with the soil, surface water and groundwater due to the M Md M Mn Mn Md H M Ml irresponsible management of hazardous waste Deterioration of aquatic ecosystem in an event of accidental discharge from CETP/STP/ETP Md Md M M Mn M H M Ml or illegal discharge of effluent Non-functional ETP, illegal or accidental spillage of industrial waste water might affect fish Md Md M M Mn M H M Ml habitat of the nearby water bodies which to be connected with the discharge channel. Stock susceptibility of fish (SIS) would be increased of the adjacent fish habitat area M Md M Ml Md Md H M Ml Change in land use due to induced development M Md M Mn M M Md Md Ml Loss of crop production due to induced infrastructural and industrial development. M Md M Ml Md Md Md Md Ml Impact on Community health, safety and security M Md M Ml Md Md Vh M Md Risks (i.e. fire, explosion and accident) for workers and employee will be created because of M Md M Ml Md Md Vh M Md the use of machineries and other project’s equipment. Extension of industrialization will generate additional employment opportunities and M M - - M M M associated facilities in future for the local people. 150 9. Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure The mitigation measures of impacts have been assessed according to three basic subsequent principles: avoidance, minimizing and off-setting of impacts. In the assessment, “impact avoidance measures” refer to the adoption of any mitigation measure to avoid those impacts. “Impact minimizing measures” refer to mitigation measures that can minimize impacts at best. Finally, “impact off-setting measures” refer to mitigation measures that would be adopted to compensate the impacts. In the following table, both environmental and Socio-economic Impacts and associated Mitigation Plan are given. In the table, all three principles are not discussed; instead, the applicable proposed measures are given only. 9.1 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Pre-Construction Phase A1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Institutional Responsibilities 1 IEC: Land use Impact Offsetting Measures: A regional development plan should be prepared by the concerned Government Authority to guide the BEZA, economic development in a planned Independent way and to conserve agricultural Environmental and Social Land use of the land from the invasion. BEZA, DoE, Monitoring project area will be Fallow lands should be under crop District Consultant permanently cultivation. Commissioner (IESMC), changed. (DC), Contractor Cropping intensity needs to be Contractor, increased outside the project area to District overcome the problem. Commissioner The farmers should be trained for (DC), DoE adopting new technology and cultivating modern variety of crops in the field. 2 IEC: Rice production Impact Offsetting Measures: About 2,161 tons Project Affected Persons (PAPs) rice production of losing agriculture land should be project area would compensated as per the Law of the BEZA, DoE, BEZA, DoE be permanently lost Land. IESMC per year due to the Adequate compensation should be acquisition of land. given for loss of crop production for three years for development of EZ. 3 IEC: Fish habitat During land Impact Minimizing Measures acquisition total Adequate compensation should be BEZA BEZA 392 acres fish provided to the pond owner for loss of habitat will be lost. their land 151 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure 9.2 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Pre-Construction Phase Institutional Responsibilities A2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 1 ISC: Land Acquisition and Dispossession Impact Off-setting Measures Proper compensation should be ensured to legal owner(s) according to the provisions in existing Land Acquisition and Requisition Act of Bangladesh; Affected people should get proper compensation in terms of grants/allowances for structure and for displacement; If possible, ensure the alternative 500 acres of land will livelihood for project affected acquire which would people using/living in the khas result in Project land; Appointed dispossession of implemented consultancy firm landowners and Give priority to the affected people authority eviction of structures by engaging them in different within the area. project activities based on their skill; An appropriate resettlement plan may be prepared to enumerate affected persons and estimate compensation for all types of their losses for payment; Employment opportunity for the adversely affected people should be provided by engaging evacuees in the project construction activities; 2 ISC: Local Conflict of Interest All landholders of the proposed 500 acres of land do not have legal entitlements, Impact Offsetting Measures: and some have Ensure the alternative livelihood incomplete or no for project affected people legal documents using/living in the khas land; although they Project Give priority to the affected people Appointed purchased or implemented by engaging them in different consultancy firm occupied land. Thus, authority project activities based on their people “without skill; documents” are not eligible to get Arrange capacity building training compensation program; (according to Law) but will be affected, which might lead to 152 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities A2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring local agitation/conflict. 3 ISC: Loss of Livelihoods Impact Offsetting Measures: Proper compensation should be ensured (cash/land for land); Introducing deferent training scheme (capacity building, vocational, agricultural, fisheries, livestock and SME training) for the About 150 project affected people; households earn their Arrange different special training livelihoods (either scheme (sewing, cattle, livestock fully or partially) from and SME training) for the Project Appointed the proposed land. vulnerable project affected implemented consultancy firm Therefore, the land women; authority acquisition would Ensure the alternative livelihood affect their for project affected people livelihoods. using/living in the khas land; Give priority to the affected people by engaging them in different project activities based on their skill; Ensure special scheme for the ethnic community for the restoration of livelihood; 9.3 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Construction Phase Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 1 IEC: Air quality Impact Minimizing Measures: Deterioration of air quality from dust Low emission fuel should be Contractors due to the used for operating all kinds of operating inside the project area vehicular engines. movements and Incineration of any waste must be gaseous emissions avoided. BEZA of the construction Impact Offsetting Measures: vehicles, Green belt along the boundary of equipment and NEZ can be developed by BEZA dredger planting trees. 2 IEC: Noise Quality Increased noise Impact Minimizing Measures: Contractors BEZA level due to the Engines that produce high noise operating inside 153 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring mobilization and need to be kept isolated form the the project area operation of the environment by keeping the construction doors shut or putting layer of vehicles, equipment curtains to minimize the and dredger loudness. Dredging activities should be limited to daytime only. Unnecessary honking should be avoided. 3 IEC: Groundwater Availability Impact Minimizing Measures: Depletion of Surface water from the nearby BEZA and groundwater level rivers should be used for Contractors due to additional construction purposes at least in BEZA operating inside demand for the the wet periods of the year. the project area construction works Consumption of water should be optimized and efficient. 4 IEC: Water Quality Impact Avoiding Measures: Deterioration of water quality by The pollution/ toxicity level of the Contractor dumping toxic/ soil that will be dumped for land deployed for the 4.1 BEZA polluted soil for the development should be tested land development land development before dumping. activities purpose Polluted soil must not be used for land development or any other construction activity. Impact Avoiding Measures: Construction of wastewater treatment plant at the very begging of land development phase or at least before other construction works start should be initiated and wastewater Deterioration of treatment should be practiced. If water quality due to BEZA and the not possible to make proper improper solid contractors 4.2 drainage collection network, BEZA waste and operating inside ditches can be excavated to carry wastewater the project area the wastewater. management Solid wastes should be preliminarily managed by the workers at wherever the construction work is going on. Then collection, gathering and proper dumping should be ensured by a common authority. 154 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Impact Minimizing Measures: Temporary wastewater retention basin should be installed at the proposed site for wastewater treatment plant and ditches should be excavated to carry the wastewater. Wastewater should retain there for a certain period before disposing into the environment. Moreover, planting of aquatic vegetation in the BEZA and/or the retention basin would enhance main land BEZA the performance of it. development The contractors should be contractor complied to manage their solid waste in a competent manner and monitoring activities should be operated at a regular basis to check if any soil is dumped on the open environment. Natural drainage pattern should be kept open and active so that no clogging of wastewater or construction effluents occurs. Impact Avoiding Measures: No solid waste and wastewater produced inside dredger should not be disposed into the river, rather collected inside the Deterioration of dredger and disposed at Dedging 4.3 water quality due to designated places. BEZA contractors dredging activiteis Impact Minimizing Measures: Re-suspension of dredged soil could be minimized by pausing the dredging activities during high discharge scenarios (rainy day, flooding) 5 IEC: Drainage Congestion and Water logging Impact Avoiding Measures: Natural drainage connections Temporary water could be kept unchanged and BEZA and/or Civil BEZA and/or logging due to the untouched contractors Civil contractors disturbance of No blocage could be caused by working for NEZ working for NEZ natural drainage the placement of dredger pattern equipment Impact Minimizing Measures: BEZA and/or BEZA Regular monitoring should be another 155 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring applied to check if any perennial consultant natural drainage way is clogged engaged by or reduced in capacity by any BEZA intervention 6 IEC: Flooding Impact Avoiding Measures: The formation level of the land should be designed at an elevation higher than the historical peak flood level (say at 100 yr. return period flood level plus free board). Considering the historical maximum flood level BEZA and/or Civil around 12 mPWD or more than contractor this can be chosen as the BEZA deployed by minimum land elevation. BEZA To avoid the monsoon flood, temporary high dykes should be built around the project area. Dykes would be helpful at the preliminary stages of land development. This will be a hard measure on the environment and not certainly preferable. Flooding due to Impact Minimizing Measures: loss of flood Temporary water storage could retention area and be developed by excavating pond natural drainage alike water bodies inside the connection project area. Major rivers and canals around BEZA and/or Civil the project area should be contractor BEZA enhanced in terms of discharge deployed by capacity so that they would not BEZA overflow during wet periods To minimize the effects of internal flooding, local drainage system should be developed by excavating temporary canals to flash out the storm water. Temporary wastewater retention basin should be installed at the proposed site for wastewater BEZA and/or the treatment plant and ditches main land should be excavated to carry the BEZA development wastewater. Wastewater should contractor retain there for a certain period before disposing into the environment. Moreover, planting 156 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring of aquatic vegetation in the retention basin could enhance the performance of it. Natural drainage pattern should be kept open and active so that no clogging of wastewater or construction effluents occurs. 7 IEC: Solid waste and Wastewater Impact Avoiding Measures: Solid wastes should be preliminarily managed by the workers at wherever the construction work is going on. BEZA and the Then collection, gathering and contractors proper dumping should be BEZA operating inside ensured by a common authority. the project area Wastewater produced anywhere should be carried out through proper collection network and discharge with the existing and the closest sewerage network. Impact Minimizing Measures: Contractors should spray water to Accumulation of avoid the dispersion of debris construction debris, while the land development solid waste and works. wastewater that Curtains should be used around might impact the each site of construction works. environment Construction wastes should be collected by each contractor and transport to the proper dumping site. Contractors Wastewater retention area could operating inside BEZA be developed where all the the project area wastewater would be retained for a certain period before disposing outside of the project site. The contractors should be complied to manage their solid waste in a competent manner and monitoring activities should be operated at a regular basis to check if any soil is dumped on the open environment 8 IEC: Wildlife habitat The project area is Impact Minimizing Measures: BEZA and DoE the combination of Sand should not be collected contractors 157 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring terrestrial and from the vegetative area to fill the aquatic ecosystem proposed project area; include large trees Loading and carrying sands to and roadside destination should be done in a vegetation as well careful manner to avoid damage as lowland with five to outside wildlife habitats; beels which has Spray water to entire land filling been recognized as area to keep adjacent location feeding habitats to out of dust pollution; and many resident and migratory Do not overload truck in order to waterfowls. keep sand amount manageable Wetland associated not to damage other wildlife with different habitats on the way. aquatic vegetation Dredging activities should not be is providing support done during night time to this wildlife for breeding and escape from predators. Due to land development work, all habitats with associated vegetation will permanently be damaged. In addition, wildlife habitat in project influence area will also get deterioration during sand mining. 9 IEC: Fish habitat Impact Minimizing Measures: The Komol Beel area might be conserved for fisheries Land development activities The proposed land should be done by making wall or development would fencing. BEZA, cause permanent Independent loss of flood plain, Land development should be BEZA, Environmental beels and avoided during fish breeding Contractor, DoF and Social waterbodies season (May-September). Consultant, DoE prevailing within the Land development activities and Local DoF proposed 500 acre should be done in dry season. of land Collaboration could be made with BIWTA and BWDB for dredging the Kangsha river and the dredged materials might be used for land development after proper 158 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring test of dredged materials. A detail feasibility study and ESIA should be conducted for dredging as well A detail survey should be carried out under this study before selecting the dredging alignment in the Kangsha River for avoiding important fish habitat area. Impact Offsetting Measures: DoF might promote and strengthen fish conservation activities in nearby beels and permanent wetlands. DoF could also extend training program on advance aquaculture technology in other beels and wetland areas surrounding the proposed NEZ. 10 IEC: Fish Production Impact Minimizing Measures: The proposed Lake (converted from the Komol Beel) of the NEZ should be used for fish production. The lake should be connected to nearby canal outside of the project area. About 243 MT of The water quality of the lake fish production should be conserved and would loss annually BEZA, Contractor BEZA, DoE and monitored. due to conversion and DoF Local DoF of fish habitat to Impact Offsetting Measures: NEZ DoF might promote and strengthen fish conservation activities in nearby beels and permanent wetlands. DoF could extend training program on advance aquaculture technology in other beels and wetland areas surrounding the proposed NEZ. 10 IEC: Land use change Existing land use Minimizing measures would be changed BEZA, IESMC, into permanent The government should restrict BEZA, contractor contractor structures in the unplanned and unsustainable growth of industries outside the project area. 159 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Besides, adjacent NEZ area. area might also get The local government should changed due to prepare an integrated plan to induced guide overall economic development. development, land use change, transition from rural to urban area etc. Agricultural land, permanent wetland, important ecological area, etc. should be protected from unplanned and unsustainable development. 11 IEC: Production loss Minimizing measures The notice of economic zone activities would be circulated to the affected farmers before starting of farming activities. The work should not be continued through the ripened crop fields. The project work should be Damage of delayed for allowing the farmers standing crop in the to harvest their standing crop. BEZA, IESMC, project area and BEZA and DoE Contractor, DoE area adjacent to the Adequate compensation should project area. be provided to the farmers for loss of crop production for three years for economic zone. Proper fencing, run-on and run- off drainage should be constructed to prevent spillage of sediment during rain or flood. The construction activity must be confined within the project boundary. 9.4 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Construction Phase Institutional Responsibilities B2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 1 ISC: Occupational health and safety The construction Impact Minimizing Measures: activities with heavy Use of Personal Protection machinery might Equipment (PPE); N/A N/A have impact on Wear mask and hands gloves occupational health during the construction work; and safety Maintain a social distancing; 160 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Be careful of touching eyes, nose or mouth. Clean hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub. Equipment to be used by competent (trained) operators; One/two paramedics doctors for preliminary treatment, first aid tool box, all time ambulance facilities should be arranged; Some basic facilities e.g. safe drinking water, proper sanitation, labor shed with light and air should be arranged for the labor; Provide health insurance to avoid accidental events like disabilities or death of workers during this phase of the project; Impact Offsetting Measures An induction training on occupational health & safety should be arranged for all the labors and professionals before starting the construction; Arrangement of firefighting equipment with training to the staffs from workers to officers; Staff should be trained on emergency hazard handling procedures; Safety and awareness talk should be ensured through EPC Project Appointed contractor in each day prior to implemented consultancy firm starting the work; authority Awareness knowledge should be disseminated using local language and instruments; EPC contractor should establish grievance mechanism for the labors with proper documentation; Modern equipment and machinery should be deployed to reduce noise; Provision and use of high visibility clothing by workers; Air plug should be used by the 161 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring workers; 2 ISC: Community Health and Safety Impact Offsetting Measures Using modern and properly fit equipment and machineries so that sound generation is reduced; Using noise absorptive Panels in order to reduce noise levels in buildings and enclosed spaces. Using Sound Barrier Walls; Need proper danger signs/ posters to avoid accident at construction site; Public awareness campaign on The adjacent living COVID-19, safety and health community might risks should be conducted with get affected during local communities prior to and Project the construction during construction phase of the Appointed implemented phase by means of project; consultancy firm authority noise, dust, Waste management plan, air, accident and other soil, noise and water pollution risks controls are required to be adopted; Project area should be well fenced; Ensure regular water spraying vehicle to reduce dust (at least twice in a day) at both project area and adjacent project area; Directions given by DoE should be obeyed during implementing noise producing activity; Using water spraying vehicle to absorb dust; 3 ISC: Employment opportunity Impact Offsetting Measures Construction of the Project surrounding unemployed proposed EZ potential people should get requires both skilled prioritized in recruitment; and non-skilled Labor wage should be fixed laborers, which Project based on the current wage rate of Appointed would create implemented the project area; consultancy firm employment authority opportunities for Equal employment opportunities poor people in the should be given to women; vicinity of the study Provide the skill enhancement area. training to locals to carry out specific tasks and enhance the 162 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities B2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring skill of local people; Process of labor recruitment and their payment process should be transparent and influenced free by the local influential parties. 4 ISC: Roadway and Communication Impact Avoiding Measures: Construct an alternative road for movement of the people to go to Project Appointed the other side of the project or implemented consultancy firm allow people to use the authority The development connecting road through the project site. project may disrupt the communication Impact Offsetting Measures: of the two village. Should deploy traffic guards in Besides, for the the entry gate with using operation and adequate traffic management movement of heavy tools; equipment, vehicle, The existing road should be Project machineries, the widened to four lane road; Appointed implemented normal Using adequate signs and signals consultancy firm authority communication to the adjacent areas; might be disrupted Existing earthen road should be and might damage converting to paved road; the road. If possible, equipment movement should be carried out in non-peak hours; 5 Off-site development During the construction period, many infrastructural development will Impact Offsetting Measures: take place, which Recruit local people in the Project on the one hand, Appointed development work implemented will provide facilities consultancy firm Provide compensation to the authority to the local affected landholders communities; on the other hand, landowners will lose their land 163 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure 9.5 Environmental Impact and Mitigation Plan during Operation Phase Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 1 IEC: Air Quality Impact Minimizing Measures: Deterioration of air The large and most potential quality because of the emitting industries should gaseous emission of adopt emission reduction the industries and the technologies. Low-emission vehicles as well as fuels should be used to run additional particulate the factories. matters from the Industries should practice additional green technologies and anthropogenic incentives should be interventions rewarded to the industries based on their effectiveness to promote the emission control activities. NEZ authority, industries and the NEZ authority Industries should be vehicle owners monitored whether those are operating their emission reduction measures efficiently or not. Vehicles plying within the NEZ should possess latest ‘fitness certificates’ which should be checked on a regular basis. Open incineration of any type of solid waste should be banned from the whole area of NEZ. Impact Offsetting Measures: Large and small trees should be planted on both sides of the circular and internal roads respectively. NEZ Authority NEZ Authority Green areas should be maintained according to the environmental management plan. 2 IEC: Noise Quality Impact Minimizing Measures: Distinction of residential, Increased level of commercial and industrial NEZ authority, noise due to industrial areas should be made and industries and the NEZ Authority activities and different standard for the vehicle owners movement of vehicles different zones should be acknowledged by the noise producers. 164 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Regular monitoring should be carried out to check the noise level generated from the industries. Penalty should be imposed in case of n exceeding event of the permissible standards. Noise minimizing measures such as isolation of the engine rooms, putting layers of curtain to cover open noise sources should be practiced by the industries. Sensitive areas including school, hospital and office areas should be declared as ‘silent area’ and honking within these areas should be restricted. In addition, unnecessary honking in the industrial areas should be discouraged. 3 IEC: Groundwater Availability BEZA, NEZ BEZA, NEZ Impact Avoiding Measures: authority, authority, Alternate source like surface authorities authorities water or other sustainable mandated to mandated to source of water should be supply water and supply water and explored. manage water manage water resources resources Impact Minimizing Measures: Facilities to harvest rainwater should be set up to reduce the pressure on groundwater as water source. Water scarcity due to high amount of water Recycle and Reuse principle should be adopted i.e. waste BEZA, NEZ BEZA, NEZ abstraction water should be treated and authority, authority, used in flushing toilet, authorities authorities gardening, car washing etc. mandated to mandated to Efficient and reduced use of supply water and supply water and water should be practiced. In manage water manage water this regard good quality resources resources fittings should be used to avoid leakage and misuse. Nearby water bodies should be regularly maintained to facilitate the safe recharge of groundwater. 165 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Abstraction from groundwater during wet period could be restricted. Impact Offsetting Measures: Water meter should be set to measure water usage for each consumer and introduce ‘pay per use’ policy. The rate of groundwater should be set comparatively higher than the other NEZ authority NEZ authority sustainable sources to discourage groundwater abstraction. Moreover, the extra earning from groundwater could be invested to install the other options of sustainable water sources. 4 IEC: Water quality Impact Avoiding Measures: Open discharge of wastewater specially from the NEZ authority, all industries must be restricted NEZ authority the water users by enforcing law, introducing penalty and effective monitoring Impact Minimizing Measures: The sewerage and Deterioration of wastewater networks should groundwater quality be monitored and maintained due to contamination regularly. Minimum leakage of pollutants from from the source to the 4.1 storm water, sewerage disposal point should be NEZ authority NEZ authority pipes, open discharge achieved. of wastewater and Regular monitoring to industrial effluents etc. maintain a good water quality of the Komol Beel and other water bodies nearby should be done for safe recharge of groundwater. Impact Offsetting Measures: Water treatment plant could be set up to treat groundwater NEZ authority NEZ authority before supply and additional payment could be imposed. Deterioration of water Impact Avoiding Measures: 4.2 quality of Komol Beel, The CETP and STP should NEZ authority NEZ authority Kangsha River and be properly maintained so 166 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring other water bodies that treatment of waste water nearby due to, and effluents is properly done. discharge of improper The disposal network should treated wastewater be frequently checked and industrial effluents undertake necessary etc. due to fault in measures to repair leakage, if treatment plants. any. Impact Minimizing Measures: The industries could be provided with incentive for proper treatment of effluents and waste water by operating treatment plants efficiently.The CETP, STP and the pre-treatment plants should be regularly monitored and appropriate actions should be undertaken including replacement of the plants if necessary. Regular monitoring should be conducted to prevent all types of open discharge of NEZ authority NEZ authority wastewater as well as effluents. The quality of water of the water bodies should be monitored and eco-friendly measures should be adopted to restore water quality. Impact Offsetting Measures: ‘Polluters pay’ principal could be adopted and the penalty could be used for treatment water of Komol Beel and others. 5 IEC: Drainage congestion and Water Logging Impact Avoiding Measures: Natural drainage system NEZ authority, should be maintained by water Drainage congestion connecting the Komol Beel NEZ authority management and water logging due with the Fazar Ali canal in the authorities to the disruption of north and Krishna Khali canal natural drainage at the east. network Impact Minimizing Measures: The drainage network as well NEZ authority NEZ authority as the wastewater and stormwater collection 167 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring networks should be regularly cleaned to eliminate the clogging problems. The retention capacity of Komol Beel should be adequate to store drainage disposal. 6 IEC: Flooding Impact Avoiding Measures: Regulators should be constructed at the connection points of Komol Beel and the existing drainage canals to control the water level inside NEZ authority NEZ authority the project area. Storm water collection network should function efficiently and regular maintenance should be done. Impact Minimizing Measures: Dykes could be built around the NEZ area to prevent flood water entering from Kangsha River. However, this might occur additional flooding in the surrounding areas. Occurrence of flash Water retention capacity of flood and monsoon the surrounding area should flood due to reduction be enhanced by rejuvenating of flood plain by land the dried up beels nearby. filling Emergency management plans should be developed NEZ authority and NEZ authority integrating automatic water and water monitoring of water level, management management simulation and forecast of authorities authorities climate conditions, effective regulation of water management structures and provision for emergency water diversion facilities. Volume of induced flood generated due to filing of land could be worked out through model and find out quantum of runoff that could be retained in Komol Beel, neighboring area and balance tothe Kangsha River. Impact Offsetting Measures: NEZ authority and NEZ authority 168 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring Compensation should be paid water and water to private land owners for management management taking their lands, if structures structures necessary, to convert it for flood water retention basin. 7 IEC: Solid Waste and Wastewater Impact Avoiding Measures: All types of industrial and residential wastes (solid waste and wastewater) must be disposed to the designated BEZA and water BEZA and water dumping place after proper management management treatment according to the authorities authorities available best practices. No wastewater should be discharged in the open nature but through the proper collection networks. Impact Minimizing Measures: Accumulation of solid Industries should adopt new wastes and dispersion technologies to reduce the of wastewater due to production of wastes. 3R illegal and principle of Waste irresponsible management (encouraged by discharge GoB) should be included in the production cycle. Recycling and reusing of BEZA and water BEZA and water wastewater should be management management practiced viz. after treatment authorities authorities of waste water could be recycled for use in cooling of plants, gardening, toilets, car washing etc. Efficiencies of the waste management measures should be monitored regularly and incentive policies might be adopted. Impact Minimizing Measures: Industries and hospitals Contamination of soil, should have special plans to surface water and handle the hazardous and groundwater by toxic toxic wastes. NEZ authority, materials due to the The pre-treatment plants of industries, NEZ authority irresponsible the industries should have hospital management of special features according to hazardous waste the specific hazardous waste produced. Potential hazardous wastes 169 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring should be dumped and carried by separate collection system and final disposal should be integrated with the waste management systems of the Netrokona Sadar area. 10 IEC: Wildlife habitat Air borne particles (PM10, PM2.5) will be produced during industries daily Impact Minimizing Measures: activities. Similarly, Keep air and noise quality as chemicals, oil, grease, per standard directed by the etc. might be released Department of Environment to the main river (DoE) system. Pollutants Set CETP, ETP and STP as would deteriorate per standard prescribed by BEZA DoE water qualities (WQs). DoE As a consequence, Regular monitor the effluent aquatic habitat health treatment plant to take care of would be deteriorated. any problem if occur. Feeding habitats to Do not release untreated waterfowls might also garbage outside of the decline habitat quality industrial park. due to industrial pollution in the nearby aquatic habitats. 11 IEC: Fish Habitat Condition Impact Minimizing Measures: All types of industrial effluent should be discharged after proper treatment as per DoE standard. Non-functional ETP Strong monitoring should be illegal or accidental conducted to prevent any spillage of industrial environmental hazards due to waste water might industrial effluents. DoE and Local affect fish habitat of CETP, ETP, STP etc. should DoE and DoF DoF the nearby water be operated automatically and bodies which would be it should be equipped with connected with the online monitoring system. discharge channel. Penalty should be imposed in case of illegal discharge. Additional reservoir should be maintained to temporarily retain untreated WW in case of maintenance to ETP, CETP, STP. 170 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring DoE should regularly inspect the industrial activities and treatment plants. Impact Offsetting Measures: DoF might promote and strengthen fish conservation activities in nearby beels and permanent wetlands. DoF might extend training program on advance aquaculture technology in other beels and wetland areas surrounding the proposed NEZ. 12 IEC: Stop Stock Susceptibility Impact Avoiding Measures: DoE and DoF DoE and Local Stock susceptibility of Natural waterbody/adjacent DoF fish (SIS) would be beel should be conserved so increased of the that these waterbodies could adjacent fish habitat be used as a shelter ground area. for fish. 13 IEC: Land use change Minimizing measures The government should restrict unplanned and unsustainable growth of industries outside the NEZ area. The local government should Change in land use prepare an integrated plan to BEZA, NEZ, BEZA, District due to induced guide overall economic DC/Local Commissioner development. development, land use Government change, transition from rural to urban area. Agricultural land, permanent wetland, important ecological area, etc. should be protected from unplanned and unsustainable development. 13 IEC: Crop production loss Minimizing measures Loss of crop The government should restrict unplanned and BEZA, NEZ, production due to BEZA, DoE, unsustainable growth of DC/Local induced infrastructural District industries outside the NEZ Government, and industrial Commissioner area. DoE development. The local government should prepare an integrated plan to 171 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C1 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring guide overall economic development, land use change, transition from rural to urban area. Agricultural land, permanent wetland, important ecological area, etc should be protected from unplanned and unsustainable development. Offsetting measures Pest infestation that would increase due huge lighting of area could be minimized by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through “Light Trap”. 9.6 Socio-Economic Impact and Mitigation Plan during Operation Phase Institutional Responsibilities C2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 1 ISC: Community Health and Safety Industrial development Impact Offsetting Measures: will involve generation Waste management plan, air, of emissions, effluents, soil, noise and water pollution waste and increased controls are required to be vehicular movements. adopted; These altogether might Use good quality and properly have overall negative fit machineries so that noise impact on the health of level could be maintained as the people and per DoE standard. aesthetics of area. Public awareness campaign on COVID-19, safety and health risks should be conducted with local Project Appointed communities in operation implemented consultancy firm phase of the project; authority Use noise absorptive panels to reduce noise levels in buildings and enclosed spaces; Use interior or exterior walls to reduce sound reflected from noisy equipment; Use Sound Barrier Walls, Open top enclosures to effectively contain noise of equipment keeping provision airflow; 172 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring 2 ISC: Occupational Health and Safety Minimizing measures Wear mask and hands gloves during the construction work; Maintain a social distancing; Be careful of touching eyes, nose or mouth. Clean hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol- based hand rub. Impact Offsetting Measures: Risks (i.e. fire, explosion and Arrangement for firefighting accident) for workers equipment with appropriate training to all concerned Project and employee will be Appointed workers and officers; implemented created because of consultancy firm authority use of machineries Staff should be trained on and other equipment emergency hazard handling of the project. procedures; Safe handling and storage of flammable chemicals and fuels; Equipment to be used by competent operators; Appropriate choice of modern equipment and machinery to reduce risk of accident; and Keep provision for use of high visibility clothing by workers. 3 ISC: Employment opportunity Impact Offsetting Measures: Project surroundings unemployed potential people should get prioritized in recruitment; Labor wage should be fixed Expansion of based on the current wage industrialization will rate of the project area; generate additional Project Appointed employment Equal employment implemented opportunities should be given consultancy firm opportunities and authority to women; associated facilities in future for the local Provide the skill enhancement people. training to locals to carry out specific tasks; Process of labor recruitment and their payment process should be transparent and influenced free by the local 173 Environmental and Socio-economic Impact Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibilities C2 Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Supervision Implementation and Monitoring influential parties; Affected ethnic community should get priority in recruitment; 4 Urbanization & economic development The establishment of economic zone in this area, and coming of various industries will lead to transform this Impact Offsetting Measures: area into an urban Proper compensation and center; eventually, rehabilitation of regional/national poor/smallholders economy will be Coming industries NEZA Prefer affected people into the developed. However, recruitment of industrial jobs this process will transform agricultural Arrange training for local youths for employment land into industrial enterprises, and dispossessed poor/smallholder people. 174 10. Public Consultation and Disclosure 10.1 Introduction Stakeholder consultation (a two-way flow of information and opinion exchange), or simply consultation, is a regulatory process of EIA by which the people's input on matters affecting them is sought. Its main goals are to improving the efficiency, transparency and community involvement in policies, programs and projects. Stakeholder Consultation is mandatory for any development project according to guidelines of DoE, which includes approaching people to engage them in the project and take their concerns about the impact and benefit of the project from their point of view. During the consultation process, the proposed Netrokona Economic Zone as well as its impacts were discussed with local people. In the consultation process, the stakeholders got involved with the study consultants in reforming/ developing the project interventions considering the local needs and aspirations in line with the problems and solutions suggested by them. The proposed interventions, findings of the EIA and the EMP were shared with the project stakeholders for obtaining their perceptions, views and feedbacks on the probable changes likely to happen within the project area. 10.2 Objectives and Purpose of Stakeholder Consultation The main objectives of the stakeholder consultation/meetings were to: Inform local people about the goal and objective of the proposed project; Make people knowledgeable about the components and interventions of the proposed project; Aware people about the problems that could be created from the proposed project; Obtain suggestions (mitigation measures, enhancement measures, contingency measures, compensation measures) to resolve those problems; Confirm that all the affected parties and stakeholders have been adequately consulted and have been part of the various decision-making processes. 10.3 Identification of Stakeholders Stakeholders include all those who may affect or are being affected by policies, decisions or actions within a particular system. Stakeholders can be groups of people, organizations, institutions and sometimes even individuals. Stakeholders can be divided into primary and secondary categories. In the consultation meeting, both the primary and the secondary stakeholder have been selected. The following Table 10.1 presents the identified stakeholders at a glance- 175 Public Consultation and Disclosure Table 10.1: Stakeholders Involved into the Project Type of Sl. Stakeholders stakeholders Local representatives, project affected people, household owners, small 1 Primary business community, shopkeepers, pedestrians, students and women group. Zila Parishad, Upazila Parishad, Union Parishad, BWDB, Department of 2 Secondary Forest, civil society representatives, NGOs and others. Source: CEGIS, 2019 10.4 Approach and Methodology In this study, a participatory approach was followed during the consultation with both primary and secondary stakeholders of the project. A checklist was prepared in relation to the project intervention and to explore stakeholders’ opinion on the project and its impact. During consultation the techniques like: a) stakeholder consultation meeting b) focus group discussion c) informal discussion and d) key informant interview were used to explore problems and possible suggested measures; to share the project activity and to obtain perception on tentative impacts of environmental and social components. List of stakholders and photographs are given respectively in Appendix- II & III. Table 10.2: Location of Consultation and Discussion during the Field Visit Type of Number of District Upazila Place Date Time consultation Participants Netrokona Upazila Netrokona PCM 12.01.2020 11.00 AM 40 Sadar Parishad Netrokona Key Informant Netrokona Zila Parishad 11.01.2020 2.30 PM 1 Sadar Interview Netrokona Upazila Key Informant Netrokona 12.01.2020 10.00 AM 1 Sadar Parishad Interview Netrokona Singher Bangla Key Informant Netrokona 11.01.2020 3:00 PM 1 Sadar Union Parishad Interview Netrokona Thakurakona Informal Group Netrokona 11.01.2020 4:30 PM 8 Sadar village Discussion Netrokona Informal Netrokona Project area 11.01.2020 9.00 AM 8 Sadar Discussion Netrokona Informal Netrokona Jamtola village 12.01.2020 4.30 PM 3 Sadar Discussion Netrokona Informal Netrokona Barni village 11.01.2020 10:30 AM 35 Sadar Discussion Netrokona Bhadrapara Informal Netrokona 11.01.2020 12.30 AM 10 Sadar village Discussion 10.5 Major Problems and Suggested Measures During all the Consultation Meeting, the project and its related activities as well as several issues with reference to the project were discussed. The CEGIS team found that the people of the area showed an overall positive attitude toward the proposed project in general as 176 Public Consultation and Disclosure they feel that implementation of this project would play great role for development of the region as well as the country. However, the participants expressed their concerns on several issues which seemed reasonable. People’s suggestions about the site are presented below in brief: Local people expressed positive attitude toward the proposed project interventions as people will get employment, business opportunity; People are aware about the project and expect good employment generation from the EZ; Local people should be provided employment opportunity in the EZ as most of the people of this area are labor and practice agriculture; They emphasized that jobs should be given to locals during both construction and operation phase preferably as there is large scale unemployment; People expect agro based industries to come up in region which will help them selling their products easily. Also they expect the authority will train them to enhance their productivity by using HYV seeds and modern equipment’s. Fish based industries should be established as there are lots of people are dependent on fishing; People of Bhadrapara, Singher Bangle and other villages expressed their positive attitude regarding the quick implementation of the project; They also aware about the pollution and they want only non-polluting industries should come up in this region and measures should be taken by industries to control the pollution levels; They insisted that polluting industries should not be set up in the EZ zone; They (local people) suggested that the water discharge from the EZ should be handled properly; The land acquisition and compensation process should be in proper way; Construct an alternative road instead of the connecting road passing through the project site; or the road will be open for the local people; There is no problem to construct a EZ but the proposed EZ should be eco- friendlier; According to the Barni village people, about 30% of land is three cropped land and they would not lose the land permanently; They also showed their negative attitude about the project as they would lose their livelihood (both agriculture and fisheries); During consultations, local people identified that the proposed project might create some problems but they showed keenness to proactively work to resolve these minor problems. They expressed that after implementation, the project would be beneficial for the region as well as for the country. A combined table on multidisciplinary problems/issues and solutions/measures is given below. 177 Public Consultation and Disclosure Table 10.3: Major Problems and Suggested Solution by the Stakeholders Issues Problems Solution Change in land type should be limited within Land type of project area will project area. be changed due to land filling. Soils for land development should not be taken from agricultural land. Construction of labor shed, site office and stockyard of construction materials and machinery should be within a limited area in the project Change of visual landscape boundary. and also reduce the scenic The project area should be fenced prior to initiate beauty. construction activities. Limiting site clearance and base stripping activities within the project boundary. A regional development plan should be prepared by the concerned Government Authority to guide the economic development in a planned way and to conserve agricultural land from damage due to project related activities. Land use of the project area Fallow lands should be put under crop cultivation. will be permanently Cropping intensity needs to be increased outside changed. the project area to overcome the problem. Land and In the adjacent areas, land The farmers should be trained for adopting new Agricultural use may also be changed technology and cultivating modern variety of crops Resources for induced development. in the field. The government should restrict unsustainable growth of industries outside the NEZ area. Agricultural land, permanent wetland, important ecological area, etc. should be protected from unplanned and unsustainable development. The notice of economic zone activities would be circulated to the affected farmers before starting of farming activities. About 2,161 tons rice The work in the project area should be carried out production of project area after harvesting of standing ripened crops. would be permanently lost Adequate compensation should be provided to the per year due to acquisition farmers for loss of crop production for three years of land. for due to implementation of the economic zone. Crop damage may also Proper fencing, appropriate drainage network occur nearby NEZ area due should be constructed to prevent spillage of to induced infrastructural sediment during rain or flood. and industrial development. The construction activity must be confined within the project boundary. Pest infestation can be minimized by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through “Light Trap”. The proposed land The Komol Beel area might be conserved for Fisheries development will cause fisheries. Resources permanent loss of flood Adequate compensation should be provided to the plain, beels and waterbodies pond owner for loss of their land. 178 Public Consultation and Disclosure Issues Problems Solution prevailing within the DoF may promote and strengthen fish culture proposed 500 acre area. activities in nearby beels and permanent wetlands. Non-functional ETP illegal or All types of industrial effluent should be discharged accidental spillage of after proper treatment as per DoE standard. industrial waste water might Additional reservoir should be maintained to affect fish habitat of the temporarily retain untreated in case of nearby water bodies which maintenance of ETP waste water. would be connected with the Strong monitoring should be conducted to prevent discharge channel. any environmental hazards due to industrial Fish species diversity might effluents. decline due to river water DoF can extend training program on advance pollution if industrial waste aquaculture technology in other beels and wetland water would not properly areas surrounding the proposed NEZ. treat before discharge. To construct the proposed enormous project activities, it will require a large number Project authority should ensure that the local of manual skilled and labors would get priority in recruitment by the unskilled labor. In this contractor. regard, the recruitment could The labors including the local labors should be be influenced by the local trained properly before engagement in the project influential parties. The local work including occupational health and safety. people can be deprived from recruitment. The local people expressed their anxiousness as the water discharged from the Ensuring proper drainage channel inside and NEZ might contaminate and outside the EZ location and if possible, the drained inundate the surrounding water could be treated or recycled for reuse. Socio- crop lands in absence of Economic proper drainage system. Condition Connecting road inside the project site might be Alternate road should be constructed to facilitate disrupted or demolished due movement of the local people; to construction of the project. Health safety and security should be ensured during the construction and the post construction phases of the project. The accidents and unusual events should be avoided to the extent possible Health and safety security of during construction of the proposed EZ which the local community might affect peoples’ health especially that of aged, women and children. As such, during construction work, a safety plan and its implementation should be ensured through monitoring. 179 Public Consultation and Disclosure 180 11. Environmental and Social Management Plan 11.1 Introduction With the aim of ensuring avoidance, minimization, and offsetting of adverse environmental impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been prepared. The ESMP includes Environmental Code of Practices, and ESMP during pre-construction phase, construction phase and operation phase, and special ESMP. Generally, the impacts, which are minor or moderate, will be mitigated by adopting Environmental Code of Practices during construction and operations. On the other hand, impacts which are critical or major are to be prevented or mitigated by adopting mitigation measures as discussed in the earlier chapter. 11.2 Objective of Environmental and Social Management Plan The basic objective of the EMP is to manage adverse impacts of proposed NEZ in a way, which minimizes the adverse impact on the environment and surrounding community. The specific objectives of the EMP are to: Facilitate the implementation of the mitigation measures identified during the present EIA to comply with regulatory requirements and discussed earlier in the document. Maximize potential project benefits and control negative impacts. Include measures beyond compliance to enhance the community well-being. Draw responsibilities for project proponent, contractors, consultants, and other members of the Project team for the environmental and social management of the Project; Define a monitoring mechanism and identify monitoring parameters in order to: o Ensure the complete implementation of all mitigation measures o Ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation measures Maintain essential ecological process, preserving biodiversity and where possible restoring degraded natural resources; and Assess capacity building and training requirements for different stakeholders at various levels. The EMP will be managed through a number of tasks and activities and EMP Sub-plans. One purpose of the EMP is to record the procedure and methodology for management of mitigation and enhancement measures identified for each negative impacts of the NEZ. The management will clearly delineate the responsibility of various participants and stakeholders involved in planning, implementation and operation of the Project. 11.3 Management Responsibility/Inclusion of EMP in Contract Documents In order to make the Contractors fully aware of the implications of the EMP and responsible for ensuring compliance, technical specifications in the tender documents will include compliance with mitigation measures proposed in the EIA as well as IFC EHS guidelines. 181 Environmental and Social Management Plan The Contractor must be made accountable through contract documents for the obligations regarding the environmental and social components of the project. 11.4 Environmental Code of Practices A set of environmental codes of practice (ECPs) has been prepared for various environmental and social management aspects: ECP 1: Waste Management; ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Goods Management; ECP 3: Water Resources Management; ECP 4: Drainage Management; ECP 5: Soil Quality Management; ECP 6: Erosion and Sediment Control; ECP 7: Top Soil Management; ECP 8: Topography and Landscaping; ECP 9: Quarry Areas Development and Operation; ECP 10: Air Quality Management; ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management; ECP 12: Protection of Flora; ECP 13: Protection of Fauna; ECP 14: Protection of Fisheries; ECP 15: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management; ECP 16: Construction Camp Management; ECP 17: Cultural and Religious Issues; ECP 18: Workers Health and Safety, and ECP 19: Construction and Operation Phase Security. The Contractors will be contractually obligated to comply with these ECPs, presented in Appendix-IV. The contractors need to prepare site specific construction management plans to address various environmental issues, and to demonstrate the manner in which the Contractor will comply with the requirements of ECPs and EMP. It will be reviewed and approved by Construction Supervising Consultant, ESHS Unit, and Project Implementation Unit before implementation of construction works. 11.5 ESMP during Pre-construction Compensation Plan About 2,161 tons rice production of project area would be permanently lost per year due to the acquisition of land for development of NEZ. The following measures should be followed: Project Affected Persons (PAPs) losing agriculture land should be compensated as per the Law of the Land. Adequate compensation should be provided to the farmers for loss of crop production for three years for economic zone. Proper compensation should be given to the land owners by their bank account. Labor Recruitment Plan A number of manual labor and technical labor would be engaged for land development and dismantle the existing structures at the project site. The labor recruitment policy should be formulated in such a way that the local laborers would get preference in employment in the project works. The local labors should get priority in dismantling activities in pre-construction phase. The experienced and semi-skilled local people should also get priority in project activities. Technical and vocational training might be provided so that these labors could be engaged in the construction and operation phase of this project. 182 Environmental and Social Management Plan Livelihood Restoration Plan The Project will use both khas and private land which causes loss of livelihood resources and income. The livelihood restoration plan as a part of the Environmental and Social Management Plan of this study sets the livelihood restoration program so that the Project can take initiative to avoid severe long term hardship and impoverishment of the Project affected households following the relevant national law (the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act 2017) and international good practices. Therefore, a mitigation of physical and economic displacement of the Project affected households needs to establish to ensure improvement or at least restored the land owners’ and land users’ livelihoods. i) Project Impact on the Affected Households The Project affected land is used mainly for crop cultivation and fishing; a few households (7) use the land for petty business purpose. There is also a community property – a kinder garten school in the Project area. About 178 households will lose their access to the land due to loss of the agricultural land, fishing ground, a small market place where seven (7) small shops are situated. Out of 178 households, 150 are farming and 28 (including 13 Garo, the ethnic people) fishing households. The farming and fishing households depend on their land seasonally. From among the affected households about 30-40% are private land owners and the remaining are users of the khas land. The Project, however, will cause economic displacement of 171 households, physical displacement of the kinder garten school, and both physical and economic displacement of seven (7) households out of 178. Besides, there might be some sharecroppers, agricultural laborers, and wage laborers (in the shops) who will be impacted. All private/titled land owners will be compensated for loss of their land and standing crops. The non-titled farming and fishing households will be compensated for their standing crops also. The affected businesses owners will receive cash assistance for loss of business premises and income. Loss of employment of the affected wage labors due to impact on income will be supplemented with cash allowance. All the affected households irrespective of title will be assisted with cash allowances for the transition period. This assistance is intended to help them re-establish their enterprises in new locations and to continue their previous occupations and commercial activities in the new locations. ii) Additional Benefit Package for the Affected Households In addition to the compensation and cash allowances this Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) suggests the package of the livelihood restoration program to the economically affected households. The economically affected households are provided with benefit of the targeted set of livelihood restoration programs training (table 11.1). This training should include financial training for the sustainable use of cash compensation and allowances on small household investments, saving strategy and financial planning on the household level. These programs should be able to support the affected persons to gain a similar or even better livelihood, independently. One adult member, however, from each of the affected households will be given chance for livelihood restoration program training. Below table shows proposed livelihood restoration program by affected households and implementing organization. 183 Environmental and Social Management Plan Table 11.1: Proposed livelihood restoration program Training Implementing Selected business/enterprise Households components organization Vegetables and crops 150 farming households BEZA (depending on need Agriculture assessment and crop (any other affected (by appointing suitability of the settlement households willing to implementing area) participate) agency) Cattle in zero grazing BEZA Poultry production 28 fishing households (any Livestock other households willing to (by appointing Goat keeping participate) implementing agency) Apiculture (beekeeping) Hair dressing BEZA Tailoring 7 shop keeping households Off-farm (any other households willing (by appointing Business Restaurant to participate) implementing Stock and sale of agricultural agency) commodities Business plan All (187) BEZA Business Linkage to financial institutions development affected households (by appointing trainings Entrepreneurship (depending on willing to implementing participate) agency) Cooperative formation Other than those benefits the Project should higher unskilled laborers from the affected households for the construction activities under the Project. The contractor will give preference to hiring affected persons willing to work in Project construction activities. In the operation phase the Proponent can take initiative for employment opportunities in different industries based on their (affected persons) skill. Employment in the Project construction and post construction periods will act as an added source of income in the income and livelihood restoration processes of the affected households. Relocation of Kinder Garten School The affected Kinder Garten School should be relocated before the commencement of the Project implementation so that the Project activities do not interrupt the regular educational activities of the school. Stakeholder Engagement Plan The project authority should prepare a stakeholder engagement plan in detail before implementation of the Project construction works. During construction, a close liaison with community and local government institution should be maintained. The local community and local government institution should be made aware of all the construction activities and possible environmental and socio-economic disturbances. A community liaison officer or Health and Safety Manager should be given responsibility of maintaining close communication with community groups, local government institutions and concerned government departments. 184 Environmental and Social Management Plan Grievance Redress Mechanism Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is an important criterion for development Projects to reduce potential risks of Projects. GRM also offer communities an effective avenue for expressing concerns and achieving remedies, and promote a mutually constructive relationship. The fundamental objective of the GRM will be to resolve any Project related grievances locally in consultation with the aggrieved party to facilitate smooth implementation of the EMP. As a general policy, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will work towards preventing grievances through implementation of impact mitigation and community liaison activities that anticipate and address potential issues before they become grievances. Minor issues will be solved by the EPC contractor. Two Grievance Redress Committees would be formed: one at the local level- Local Grievance Redress Committee (LGRC), and another is project level- Project Grievance Redress Committee (PGRC). The LGRC comprises a representative of the Contractor, Project Authority, Local Government (LGI), and locally respected persons. On the other hand, PGRC comprises the Project Director, a member of BEZA, and other member from the Ministry. Most of the grievances should be resolved at LGRC within 7 days of receipts of compliant, while a few might be forwarded to the PGRC, which will take two weeks to resolve the compliant. It will be finalized after being shared with the LGRC and getting their consent. Otherwise, this issue will be forwarded to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) in the Ministry for redressing the grievance. 11.6 ESMP during Construction Land Development Management Plan Land development management plan should be maintained during construction phase. According to the existing plan, land filling materials will be collected by dredging materials from Kangsa River. Since this assessment study does not focus on impacts in the dredging site exclusively (because of the study limitation), a separate assessment study is highly recommended for managing the dredging site. The following management plan should be considered during the land development stage: All topsoil should be retained and reused where possible e.g. in landscape and garden area; Scheduling activities (as far as possible) to avoid extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and high winds; Covering or spraying water on stockpiles of excavated material; Collection of surface runoff or extracted groundwater contaminated by silt and suspended solids by the on-site drainage system and removal of silt in silt removal facilities prior to discharge into storm drains; Appropriate surface drainage should be designed and provided where necessary; Drainage systems, erosion control and silt removal facilities should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure proper and efficient operation at all times and particularly following rainstorms. Deposited silt and grit should be removed regularly. 185 Environmental and Social Management Plan Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be made mandatory for each project personnel, worker and even for the visitors. Necessary OHS training should be provided to the project employees. Awareness program should be arranged regularly. Safety talk, safety meeting, safety motto, etc. are good techniques of raising awareness which should be practised. A detailed Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) Plan should be prepared by the Project authority considering the following: Occupational Hazard Identification and Control Plan Inspection and Auditing Plan Leadership and Administration Plan HSE Communication Plan Required PPEs Site Security Plan OHSE Program for the Contractors/Sub-Contractors Preventative Maintenance Plan Incident Investigation Mechanism Drainage and flood management plan The drainage connectivity of the NEZ with the surrounding area is very important as drainage congestion and flooding incidents are highly undesirable in the industrial areas. The management plan for drainage system and flood risks should include the following aspects: drainage canals to control the water level at an emergency situation. Water pollution management plan Pollution of the surface The natural connectivity of the Komol Beel with Fazar Ali canal at the north and Krishna Khali canal at the east should be established. The connection channels should regularly be maintained and any types of clogging should be removed to restore the fluent flow of drainage water. Hydrological model should be developed to estimate the maximum water retention demand of the NEZ and adequate storage capacity should be provided by adjusting the area of Komol Beel and excavating waterbodies in the green areas to retain water. The land should be developed at an elevation higher than the mean peak flood level. There should be regulating gates on the both connection points of the Komol Beel with the water within the NEZ area ( Komol Beel and the drainage network) and the surrounding area as well as the groundwater could be an important issue. The management plan to control the water pollution during construction phase should include the following manners: The natural drainage connectivity of the Komol Beel with the surrounding canals should be given priority. It should be ensured that the connection does not get hampered at any stage of construction. 186 Environmental and Social Management Plan The wastewater treatment plants should be built at the beginning of the construction works start. If not possible, a temporary water retention basin should be built to collect the wastewater, which would retain wastewater before disposing into the nature for certain time period. Facilities to provide nitrification and denitrification processes should be available in the retention basin. The treated water from the wastewater or the retention basin should be dumped at the Komol Beel which will eventually mix with the natural waterways and be diluted further. Washing of construction vehicles and equipment in the nearby water bodies should be strictly avoided. Septic tanks near the labor sheds should be provided for maintaining better hygienic and sanitation condition. Disposal of any type of waste in the water bodies should be strictly avoided. Contractor should prepare facilities for the disposal of solid and liquid wastes produced during construction. Air pollution management plan During the construction phase, air pollution from the heavy vehicles and equipment would deteriorate the ambient air quality which should be handled carefully. The management plan to control air pollution should encompass the following issues: Operational efficiency of the vehicles and machineries should be tested by the contractors before deploying for the works. Low emission fuels should be used and monitoring of the fuel uses should be scheduled by the BEZA. The emission points should be equipped with available techniques to dilute the emission before disposing into the atmosphere. Sufficient number of trees should be planted along the boundary of the NEZ before start of the infrastructural activities. Construction sites of the residential buildings, offices, supporting facilities and other structures should be properly covered to stop dispersion of debris and dusts. Noise pollution management plan The heavy construction vehicles and equipment might increase noise level and cause noise pollution. Noise level should be maintained within acceptable range by initiating the following plans: Engine rooms should be kept shut during the operation periods. Civil interventions that produce loud noise should be operated during day times only. Construction sites should be fenced to contain noise. Honking of any vehicle inside the project area should not be allowed. Contractors should be given proper instruction on this particular issue. 187 Environmental and Social Management Plan Workers should use ear muffs while operating heavy equipment and machinery generating noise of >85 dBA continuously for 8 hours or more. Equipment and machineries should be of good condition and should be operated carefully to avoid disruption of the daily activities of the project site. The contractors should mobilize all construction equipment, machineries and materials during night time instead of day due to existence of school and Paurashava office in front of the project area Equipment and machineries should be of good quality and should be operated carefully so that it does not make high noise that might disrupt the daily activities of nearby educational institutions, offices and religious centers; Construction machineries should have proper mufflers and silencers; Noise levels from the construction machineries should comply with national noise standards; Provision should be made for noise barriers at construction sites if needed. Waste management plan The various wastes produced during the land development and construction phase should be managed properly to control the environmental pollution. The waste management plan should include the following methods: Solid wastes should be gathered preliminarily by the contractors at each site. Central collection system should be introduced and sustainable dumping techniques should be undertaken. Incineration of solid wastes inside the project area should be avoided. The labor sheds should be provided with latrine and septic tanks for maintaining better hygienic and sanitation. Liquid wastes including construction effluent should be collected through temporary or permanent sewerage and effluent network and carried to the permanent treatment plants or temporary water retention basin. The retention basin should be facilitated with natural nitrification and de-nitrification processes to treat the wastewater. The quality of the treated wastewater should be regularly checked. The treated wastewater could be disposed into the Komol Beel through the natural drainage connectivity. The workers should be aware of the appropriate handling of the hazardous chemicals and materials. Open disposal of hazardous wastes must be avoided. Monitoring of the overall waste management activities should be operated at a regular basis and charging penalty to the contractors in terms of violating the management plans should be practiced. Transportation management plan During construction period for proposed EZ, usual traffic might be disturbed. Construction work will be executed in consideration of the busy traffic of both vehicles and pedestrians in 188 Environmental and Social Management Plan appropriate times of the day to limit disruption. The transportation problems should be solved according to the following plans: Mobilization and transportation of construction materials carrying vehicle should be limited during day time and could be mobilized at off-peak hour or at night There should be new temporary road network for the mobilization of the construction vehicles. The road should be designed especially for heavy vehicles. For the local people there should be a separate road or a separate lane in a newly developed road that will cross the project area from the north to the south so that the existing communication would not get interrupted. If possible the Netrokona-Sunamganj highway which is adjacent to the project area should be improved at this stage. In the master plan of off-site infrastructures, this highway is proposed to be widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. This should be implemented simultaneously so that traffic congestion could be avoided. There should be two temporary gates and surveillance should be available there including temporary office room, guards, monitoring panel with footage from close circuit cameras etc. The guards should play active roles while entering or exiting of any construction vehicle which could potentially cause traffic congestion at the gates. Traffic signs and flagmen should be placed at the strategic locations to facilitate easy movement of traffic. Fisheries Resources Management Plan Fisheries management plan has been developed with the aim of avoiding big loss for fishermen and degradation of fish habitat of the Kangsha River. The EMP includes the followings: Enforcement of ECR 1997, IMO Conventions to avoid or little disturbance to aquatic habitats; Survey should be done before selecting the dredging alignment in the Kangsha River for avoiding important area of interest from fishery point of view. The land filling activities should be done in dry season so that monsoon season can be avoided. Land development should be avoided during fish breeding season (May- September). Prevention of Soil Spillage to adjacent Agricultural Land Management Plan The rain or flood might cause spillage of sediment to nearby agricultural land of NEZ area which might cause crop damage of nearby lands. The following measures should be followed to prevent of soil spillage to NEZ area adjacent agricultural land: The construction activity must be confined within the project boundary Proper fencing, run-on and run-off drainage should be constructed to prevent spillage of sediment during rain or flood. 189 Environmental and Social Management Plan Protection of Standing Crop Management Plan The standing crops could be impacted in the project and adjacent area due to induced infrastructural development. The project work should be started after harvest of the standing ripened crops. Adequate compensation should be provided to the farmers for loss of crop production for three years for construction of economic zone. Agriculture land of the nearby NEZ area should be avoided to transportation of construction materials. 11.7 ESMP during Operation Phase Water resources management plan A huge impact can be expected on the water resources during the operation phase of NEZ as a large amount of water demand will be added with the existing demand. Water resource should be managed in an integrated way so that potential impacts can be mitigated. Following measures should be included in the water resource management plan of NEZ: A comprehensive study must be done including a water budget model with the aim to identify the existing and future demand as well as the availability of the resources. The model should assess the potential negative impacts in case of heavy groundwater abstraction for a long-term period. Sustainable sources such as surface water, rain water should be assessed in terms of feasibility including environmental benefits. Separate facilities for both groundwater and surface water abstraction should be operating simultaneously at the beginning of the operation phase. A focus of shifting the major water source from the groundwater to the other sustainable sources should be set. ‘Pay per use’ policy should be adopted by the water supplier of NEZ. Water meters should be set and the readings should measure the water usages by the consumers. The payment rate of groundwater should be set comparatively higher than the surface water/ rain water to discourage groundwater abstraction. Drainage and flood management plan As the land use type will be changed and existing low lands will be elevated to a higher elevation, the drainage and flooding issues can occur during the operation phase of NEZ. The issues could be tackled through a separate drainage and flood management plan and the important initiatives include the followings: The natural drainage connectivity with the Komol Beel should be restored and maintained active throughout the year. If required, excavation works should be introduced at the canals that connects the Komol Beel with Kangsha River and Mogra River. The drainage canals inside the project area should regularly be monitored to avoid clogging problems. 190 Environmental and Social Management Plan If any water retention basin is excavated to increase the water storage capacity, their maintenance should be done periodically considering the accumulation in the basin bed and decrease of capacity. Regulators at the both connection points of the Komol Beel with the surrounding canals should be operating according to the requirements. Other water management structures should be constructed or improved to enhance the drainage pattern of the overall basin of Kangsha River. Planning for the irrigation requirements should be taken into account while planning for new water management infrastructures. Flood warning system should be developed and in the time of emergency the operation of the sluice gates and regulators within the overall hydrological area should be done accordingly. Water pollution management plan The industrial and residential interventions might have negative impacts on the water quality of the area. The Komol Beel inside the NEZ could be polluted by the storm water and irresponsible disposal of solid and liquid wastes. The groundwater quality could get affected by the accumulation of pollutants in the beel, leaching from the collection pipes of wastewater and effluent. Besides, the Kangsha River might potentially be polluted as the treated wastewater and effluents are planned to be disposed into the river. Integrated management plan should be followed to control water pollution and the plan should include the following actions: The collection of all the industrial and domestic wastewater should be ensured through proper network. No wastewater should be disposed in the open environment. The collection network for wastewater should regularly be checked if any repair or improvement is needed and maintained in adequate condition. The large industries must have their own pre-treatment plants and should pre- treat all of the effluent generated before discharging into the common collection network. The industries should be provided with the permissible standards for their pre- treated effluents. The NEZ authority should monitor the industries at a regular basis as well as on sudden basis to investigate their environmental compliances, such as the validity of their ‘environmental clearance certificates’, operational efficiency of their pre- treatment plants, quality of their effluents, solid waste management facilities, maintenance of the green areas within their plots etc. The design capacity of the CETP and STP should be accurately determined. There should be techniques available to measure the inflow of wastewater into the treatment plant so that the potential failure scenarios of the plants could be tracked. The standard for the treated water should be aligned to the national and international standards. The technical and operational aspects of the STP and CETP should regularly be checked. Cleaning, repairing and upgrading should be done whenever needed. 191 Environmental and Social Management Plan A smart payment system should be developed. This should include subsidies for the industries to run their pre-treatment plants and charges on the basis of the volume or quality of their effluents. Win-win situations for both the industries and the treatment plant operators should be considered. Subsidies will encourage the industries to operate their pre-treatment plants and payment for their effluents will encourage them to maintain the efficiency of their plants. The treated wastewater from both the STP and CETP should be disposed into the Komol Beel considering the quality of the treated discharge will be safe for disposing into the nature. This will at the same time refrain the surrounding water bodies from being potentially polluted and highlight the urge of the effectiveness of the treatment plants. There should be provisions for storm water to be treated up to a certain level of degree before disposing into Komol Beel. Dry retention areas could be established at the outfall points of the storm water into the Komol Beel. The retention basins should be designed in such a way that in the times of rainfall water could be captured as well as detained at the basin for some period of time. It will increase the storage capacity, reduce the velocity of storm water inflow into the beel and in the process improve the quality of water naturally. Screening facilities should also be available at the connection points of the retention basin and Komol Beel to capture the coarse solids and other large materials. The retention basin, especially the screening points must be cleaned after a rainfall event occurs. The Komol Beel should be cleaned after periodic intervals to maintain the good water quality of the beel and eradicate water-logging problems in the natural drainage system. Air pollution management plan The full swing operation of the NEZ might have potential impacts on the air quality of the surrounding area. To control the air pollution, the following management actions should be undertaken: The industries should consider green technologies to be introduced in their manufacturing cycles. Any change in the manufacturing cycle to reduce the emission should be considered for awarding subsidies. Low emission fuels should be use for operating the machineries. The output points of the emission nozzles should be set at a higher elevation than the general practice and equipped with facilities to screen and dilute the concentrations of the gaseous pollutants. Pre-treatment facility of gaseous emissions should be present at the emission points of every industry, particularly the type of industries with higher emissions. ‘Adaptation to climate change’ should be addressed and acknowledged in the features of the industries. ‘Life cycle assessment’ studies should be done for the products manufactured by the industries to calculate the total emission approximately for the production cycle. They should submit the emission report to the NEZ authority and propose for offsetting measures. Combining the efforts from both the industries and NEZ authority, the potential offsetting measures should be achieved. 192 Environmental and Social Management Plan Buffer zone should be constructed by planting trees around each plot of the industries. The vehicles plying within the NEZ must have ‘fitness certificates’ and the certificates must be renewed periodically after proper examinations. The authorities of the industries and the vehicle owners should be acknowledged about the permissible standards of emissions. NEZ authority should monitor the emission quality of the industries as well as the vehicles occasionally and penalty should be charged in case of exceeding of permissible standards Plantation of trees along the boundary of the NEZ and at the both sides of the roads should be done and maintained properly. The green areas, parks should also be preserved in pristine conditions. Noise pollution management plan The noise level of the NEZ should be managed technically, as several types of settlements will be integrated in a single boundary. There will be heavy industries, small and medium industries as well as residential and commercial units including park, school, hospital, open water body within the same compound. The noise pollution management plan should include the following actions: The particular chambers of the industries which produces loud noise such as the main engine rooms, sub-stations, and big manufacturing units should be built with walls having more thickness than the conventional walls. Concrete walls could be considered for extreme noise producing places. The doors of such loud places should be kept shut all the time. Proper distinction of zoning should be declared along with the standards of noise level. Adequate signs of the zones, instructions according to the standards should be placed at the roads and clearly visible. The school, hospital and office areas should be declared as ‘silent area’ and monitoring of the violations should be executed regularly. Honking of the vehicles should be restricted by putting ‘no honk’ signs at places that require calm environment. Monitoring activities should be operated at a regular basis or on sudden basis to check if any industry is exceeding the permissible limits and penalty should be incorporated in case of violations. Permissions should be required to use loud noise producing sources for recreational purposes such as sound boxes, mikes, fireworks etc. The application should state the purposes and number of noise producing sources and permission should be given for a selected time period. Waste management plan Huge amount of waste will be produced per day at the full operation phase of NEZ. The waste should be managed sustainably otherwise the environment may be affected adversely 193 Environmental and Social Management Plan and the consequences will hamper the smoothness of NEZ operation. The waste management plan of NEZ should address the following activities: Overall solid waste management should be handled centrally by NEZ authority along with the primary management by the waste generators. A team of waste collectors should go from door to door in the residential areas to collect the solid waste and dump in the primary dumping site built at a suitable location close to the residential area. The collection could be done twice/ thrice a week. Dustbins and communal waste dumping facilities should also be placed at certain locations within the community. In the industrial and commercial areas, primary dumping sites should be placed at several locations where the industries would dump their solid wastes every day. The waste collection team will plan for effective routes to collect the wastes from all the primary dumping sites and dump into the secondary dumping site located within the project area. Organic and inorganic wastes should be collected separately. The community and the industries should be trained and well informed about the sorting of organic and inorganic. Inorganic wastes should be accumulated separately in the secondary dumping site and materials such as plastic, paper, glass etc. should be used for recycling purposes. The domestic and industrial wastewater should be collected to the STP and CETP respectively. Industries should pre-treat their effluent before discharge. The treated wastewater from the plants should be disposed into Komol beel considering the treatment standards will be within the acceptable limits. This will help the wastewater not to be dispersed into the surrounding nature of NEZ as well as provoke the treatment mechanisms to be perfect. The storm water should be collected through separate network and transported to the Komol Beel. There should be provisions for the storm water to be detained and preliminarily treated before flowing into the beel. The storm water network as well as the detention basins should be regularly cleaned. The solid wastes and the sludge should be carried out to the secondary dumping site and sludge treatment plant respectively. The hazardous wastes should be separately gathered by the generators and collected by the NEZ authority. Depending on the nature of the wastes, suitable site/s should be selected for the best possible management of the hazardous wastes. Transportation Management Plan The communication within the NEZ as well as between NEZ and the surrounding areas are important because smooth development depends on convenient transportation system. The transportation of local people, logistics should be according to well-defined management plan. There should be two main gates- one at the southwest corner and the other at the northern part of the NEZ. 194 Environmental and Social Management Plan Along with the official vehicles of the industries, offices and private vehicles of the residents, there should be provision for a public transportation facility. The people living adjacent to the project area will use no other mode of transportation but the public transportation. Vehicles plying inside the NEZ should have recognizable sign/ sticker on their bodies. Vehicles having no sticker should have permission from the NEZ authority to enter the NEZ area. There could be rickshaws/ auto-rickshaws of a fixed amount of numbers for the local transportation within the residential areas. However, these vehicles should not be allowed into the industrial units. If required, a large industry should have its own transportation system for the workers and professionals inside its area At the crossings, automatic road signals should be placed and the traffics should comply the traffic rules. Appropriate authority should monitor the traffics if they are obeying the laws. Traffic Management Plan Traffic management plans are important to reduce the impacts of additional traffics particularly outside the NEZ. The EMP includes the followings: The off-site infrastructures such as extension of adjacent highway from two-lane to four-lane, improvement of adjacent railway and river ports should be established as soon as possible. While designing the extension works of the adjacent road, the factor of additional load of traffics from heavy trucks and lorries must be considered. Dedicated small lanes at both sides of the highway should be provided for the small vehicles such as rickshaws, bicycles, motor bikes, 3 wheeler easy bikes etc. Traffic signals should be placed at every crossing of the adjacent road, especially within the stretch from Netrokona Sadar to Sunamganj Sadar. Speed limits should be placed at every 4 km interval. Traffic signs such as ‘demarcation of lanes’, ‘no parking’, ‘bus stop’, ‘market area’, etc. should be present with high visual coloring. The adjacent road specially the stretch from Netrokona Sadar to Sunamganj Sadar could be brought under CCTV surveillance. Police boxes could be built at important areas where traffic policemen can rest, keep patrolling the surrounding area and monitor the CCTV cameras. Fisheries resources management plan Fisheries management plan has been developed with the aim of avoiding pollution causing activities and to protect fisheries of the Kangsha River. The EMP includes the followings: Natural waterbody/adjacent beel should be conserved in study area so that these waterbodies can be used as a shelter ground for fish. The proposed Lake (converted from the Komol Beel) of the NEZ could be used for fish production 195 Environmental and Social Management Plan The lake should be connected to nearby canal outside of the project area. DoF might promote and strengthen fish conservation activities in nearby beels and permanent wetlands. Awareness building program should be carried out for the local fishermen. DoF could extend training program on advance aquaculture technology in other beels and wetland areas surrounding the proposed NEZ. Green park management plan The green areas and parks should be managed in environment friendly manners and should take the following aspects into account: Trees should be planted in such a way that most of the park areas are covered under the sheds. Grass should be incorporated over the whole area except for the walking paths. There should be no boundary wall of the parks so that people can get in or out from any side. However, people should not be allowed to stay at the park at night. Trash cans should be placed at a convenient distance of interval and signs should be visible to encourage the proper use of the trash cans. Team of guards and cleaners should be employed to look after the parks. The guards will check the park areas if any illegal activities would occur and the cleaners will clean the parks at a periodic schedule. There should be several selected spots preserved for the birds and other animals where the people should maintain very low voice. Public toilets with separate chambers for male and female should be available at suitable locations. Sustainable Land Use Management Plan Agricultural crop lands might reduce for the induced infrastructural and industrial development in the adjacent to the NEZ area. Therefore, the following measures should be followed: The government should restrict unsustainable growth of industries outside the NEZ area. The local government should prepare an integrated plan to guide overall economic development, land use change, transition from rural to urban area. Agricultural land, permanent wetland, important ecological area, etc. should be protected from unplanned and unsustainable development. Reduce Crop Damage by Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Insect infestation might increase in the surrounding agricultural land due to lighting of the economic zone. So, the following measures should be followed: Farmers should be properly trained about Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The government should ensure training system to build up knowledge about IPM to the farmer’s level. 196 Environmental and Social Management Plan NEZ area boundary light should be protected with proper shading. Outdoor illumination must be optimum. 11.8 Special Environmental and Social Management Plan There are several important sites in the NEZ which need integrated management plans because of their influences on the project area. Site-specific management plans are drawn in the following sections. Dredging and Land Development Management Plans According to the feasibility study, the soil required for the land development of the project area will be collected through dredging of nearby rivers. The dredging activities should be considered as a separate project as this involves hydro-morphological studies of the nearby rivers to find the potential locations to collect soil. The study should particularly assess the historical development of the river beds, erosion-accretion behaviour, quality of soil and the feasibility to transport the dredged materials to the project area. Based on the locations, site- specific environmental and social impacts should be identified and management plans should be proposed accordingly. However, some general and tentative management plans regarding the dredging and land development activities are proposed in the following: Sand for the land development should be collected from nearby rivers, Kangsha and Mogra which should be assessed through historical morphology study. Places with higher siltation rate should be selected as tentative dredging/excavation location. The assessment should also consider dredgring of the rivers to re-establish the natural drainage connection of the surrounding area. For this purpose, dried up lakes could be considered as well. Figure 11.1 shows a schematic diagram of dredging pipeline options for the land filling purpose. Historical data of at least 30 years should be assessed to understand the morphological changes of the rivers. If possible dredging locations should be selected far from denser vicinity. Excavation from the project area itself for the development of Kamal beel could also be option for sand to develop project area. Toxicity level of the river bed soil should be tested before disposing into the project area. Locations known for fish breeding sites, healthy habitat for aquatic organisms should be avoided from dredging. Sand traps should be used to prevent the dispersion of dredged soil into the river. Dredging activities should be limited to daytime to avoid disturbance at night time. Local navigation should not be hampered due to the dredging activities. No natural drainage channel should be blocked or damaged due to the dredging activities. No bilge water, fuel and other chemicals should be discharged into the river. The quality of fuel of the dredger should be regularly monitored to ensure low soothing emission Waste management of the temporary construction camps built for dredging should be handled with the best available practices. 197 Environmental and Social Management Plan No disposing of dredged soil in the community area should be ensured by proper monitoring of the technical aspects A monitoring team should be deployed to monitor the targets, outputs and efficiency of dredging as well as the environmental and social management plans and environmental compliances. During the disposal of dredged soil into the project area the project area should be fenced properly to avoid runoff from the water mixed soil into the adjacent community. The extra water from the dredged soil should properly be drained into the river. The settlement of land and transportation of dredged soil should be synchronized and timed in such a way so that the runoff of extra water do not overflow or leak the outgoing channel. BEZA should monitor by themselves or a separate agency to check the accuracy of land elevation and layout as planned. Figure 11.1: Tentative layout options of dredging pipeline Industrial Symbiosis Plans For the sustainable management of industrial wastes, industrial symbiosis is a modern and innovative concept which allows a set of various industries to handle their wastes or by- products in a circular way. Application of this concept creates an interconnected network, among the industries, of ecological system functions such as recycling, reusing, and the continuity of energy and materials remain with production of minimum or zero waste. It not only reduces the environmental impacts of industrial wastes but also fosters economic efficiencies (European Commission, 2018). 198 Environmental and Social Management Plan Source: (European Commission, 2018) Figure 11.2: General waste flow diagram for industrial symbiosis To apply such a concept into the operational framework of NEZ the following steps could be undertaken: Industries should have their own facilities where wastes would be primarily sorted into recyclable, reusable, residual and green wastes. Responsible division for waste management of NEZ should collect the industrial wastes separately and transport to distinguished chambers of solid waste management facility. Final separation of wastes should be done here based on the requirements of raw materials and market opprotunities. Reusable wastes can directly be transported to the industries where those could be used as secondary raw materials. Facilities such as recycling plant, mechanical treatment plant, composting plant and biological treatment plant should be available at the solid waste management and sludge management facility. A technical committee should be formed to apply and monitor the symbiosis process comprising of specialists from both the NEZ waste management team and the industries. The industries should share their information regarding production cycle, production capacity, requirements for raw materials, amount and quality of their wastes etc. Based on the information, the industries should come to an agreement of applying industrial symbiosis into their production pathway. Third parties from outside the NEZ could be involved for the production of recycling materials usable for secondary uses from wastes such as paper, glass, metal, plastic etc. The industries of NEZ should have provisions to buy these products at a lower cost than the usual market price. In this case, the NEZ could 199 Environmental and Social Management Plan provide subsidies to those third party producers by either selling the raw materials at cheaper cost or providing certain amount of money on monthly or yearly basis. A composting plant at the sludge management facility should handle the organic wastes and sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. One major part of this type of waste could be decomposed to fertilizers through aerobic processes. These fertilizers should be used for the green areas inside NEZ and could also be sold to the local market. The residual part of these wastes could be used for biogas production into an anaerobic digestion chamber. The biogas could be directly used as raw fuel or turned into electricity which could contribute to the energy source of the composting plant itself. NEZ should promote recycling and attract investors to create a market for the recycled products at a national level. If proper sorting of solid wastes of not only the industries but also from the residential wastes could be done NEZ could sell various types of wastes as raw materials for the production of building materials, furniture, fuel and textile. The revenue could be used for the operation of management facilities as well as the subsidies for the industries. The symbiosis efficiency and waste flow should be regularly monitored by the technical committee using available ICT tools. Based on the monitoring, the committee should suggest changes and adaptations required at any step. Workshops and meetings should be conducted at a regular interval to share the observations of the monitoring aspects as well as to raise knowledge and awareness. Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) Plans Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) is an integrated and continuous method of applying preventive environmental strategies into industrial processes. This method promotes green economy by addressing the improvement of productive use of natural resources, the minimization of impacts on nature and the reduction of risks on the social communities (UNIDO, 2016). Mainly energy (fuel), water and materials used are the types of resources that can be handled efficiently. The types of pollutions that can be minimized for cleaner production are mainly air emission, waste water and solid wastes. 200 Environmental and Social Management Plan Source: (UNIDO, 2019) Figure 11.3: Overall concept of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production RECP approach can be implemented by the industries through three basic steps: i) Inventory of sources: where are wastes and emissions generated? ii) Analysis of cause: why are wastes and emissions generated? iii) Generation of efficient options: how can those causes be avoided or minimized? In order to establish a sustainable economic zone NEZ authority should encourage the industries to adapt RECP techniques by addressing the following aspects and management plans: The industries should conduct ‘Life Cycle Assessment’ for each of their products to identify use of resources, generation of wastes and emissions per unit of production. Considering on the resource efficiency and pollution intensity, industries should review their production methodologies to find alternative measures to achieve greater resource efficiency and lesser pollution intensity. If required, the industries should opt for alternative and environmentally better final product which might not be conventional. In case of water resources, NEZ authority should impose ‘polluters pay’ and ‘pay per use’ concepts for the industries. Both the water use and discharge of wastewater by each of the industry should be measured separately and billing criteria should be set accordingly. This could introduce the urges of achieving efficiency within the industries. Energy efficiency should be considered from an architectural point of view while constructing any building (both offices and plants). NEZ authority should enforce all the industries to have provision for solar energy with a capacity of at least 20% 201 Environmental and Social Management Plan to 40% (depending on the scale of the industries) of total energy requirement for each industry. Waste heat can be produced due to thermal and mechanical processes by means of sources like hot combustion gases, heated wastewater etc. Industries should adopt technologies to capture and transform the heat into energy in form of electricity to be used as an extra energy source. Vertical gardening at possible places should be promoted by NEZ authority by financing the initial cost. This could contribute to minimize the emission of net carbon gases as well as heat stress from NEZ. In case of gaseous emission, the plants should have facility to treat the emission to minimize the release of greenhouse gases. For the plants which produce greater amount of carbon gases, provision for facilities to filter and capture carbon gases from the outflowing channel and later the captured carbon gases should be sequestrated underground following the best available practices. ‘Eco-labelling’ on the products could be introduced by NEZ authority. Based on the life cycle assessment results a grading criteria could be determined with provisions for both positive and negative labels. The idea of eco-labelling should be explained well and decently to the consumers so that products with positive eco-labels get promoted in the market. This could create competitions among the industries to achieve greater efficiencies and lesser environmental impacts. NEZ authority should have provision for subsidies for industries which will achieve positive eco-label certificates so that they could set the market price of their products within the standard limit. The eco-labelling certificates should be re-examined and renewed after every three or four years. Monitoring activities and sudden inspections should be undertaken by NEZ authority at regular frequencies to validate the information shared by the industries. If the industries fail to show that they do follow the operations as they supposed to, penalty could be imposed and their eco-labelling certificates should get downgrading. The industries should share technical knowledge among themselves to achieve better technological advantages as well as apply industrial symbiosis. Workshops and technical training activities should be arranged by NEZ authority at a regular interval to enhance the ‘capacity building’ of the industries by promoting new ideas and innovations in the field of RECP. Water Conservation and Saving Plan Initially groundwater will be the major source of water for both industrial and domestic purposes of NEZ. Eventually, according to the plan, the dependency of water will shift into surface water as the major source. Although it will take several years for the economic zone to reach up to its full capacity with all the industries operating with maximum setup, the usage of water should be carefully managed. Along with the water resources management plan mentioned in the subsection 'ESMP during operation phase’ the following water conservation plans should be followed: 202 Environmental and Social Management Plan The operation of water treatment plant to treat surface water from potential sources should be introduced as soon as possible. The major portion of water demand should be supplied from surface water. Awareness should be spread to reduce the misuse of water both in domestic and industrial sectors. Industries should be encouraged to have facilities to recycle water for their production. Special incentives could be awarded for the industries with exceptional techniques to optimize the use of water. All the industries need to be obliged to have rain water harvesting facilities to meet up their water demand. For the domestic purposes a common water retention facility should be established and connected with the water treatment plant. Komol Beel Management plan The Komol Beel will be an important component among the establishments of NEZ and serve a number of purposes. The beel will be the designated water body within the project area which will be the only habitat for the fishes as well as the aquatic ecosystem. The beel should be connected with the adjacent canals and linked with Kangsha River and Mogra River. The beel will serve as water storage and hence, it will take serious part in solving drainage and flooding problem project area as well as the surrounding area. It will also be used as the final dumping site of the storm water, treated domestic and industrial wastewater. Moreover, it will also serve as a recreational site as the location of the parks, food plaza, shopping mall would be set up beside the beel. The management plan for Komol Beel should include the following aspects: High dykes should not restrict the beel, rather buffer zone with vegetation areas should be provided at the banks of the beel. Natural drainage connection should be available and maintained at the Komol Beel by linking the Fazar Ali canal in the north and Krishna Khali canal at the west. There should be regulators at the both connection points to use in case of emergencies. Several spots on the buffer zone area should be selected to be restricted from human interventions. These places will be reserved for the birds, amphibians, invertebrates etc. to provide a healthy trophic cascade. A team consisting of a biologist, a civil engineer, an environmental engineer, a chemist executive/s, other professionals and workers should be formed to manage and monitor the overall health of Komol beel. They should take necessary initiatives to keep the water of the beel clean by removing coarse materials, monitor the water quality, check the drainage fluency, maintain the water level by manipulating the regulators and cleaning the beel bed, inspect the reserved areas, maintain a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity etc. They should also maintain liaison with the water management authorities for eco-friendly solutions in case of any broader problems. Storm water should be allowed to flow into the Komol Beel after preliminarily treatment at the retention basins located at the outfall points of storm water. 203 Environmental and Social Management Plan Swimming, bathing, washing etc. should not be allowed in the Komol Beel considering health of aquatic ecosystem. There should be no point source of wastewater inflow into the beel except for the discharge points of treated wastewater and storm water. East-side Gate Management Plan The project area is situated surrounded by Barni, Singher Bangla and Bhadrapara village which is beside the Mymensing-Netrokona-Sunamganj highway and Netrokona- Mahanganj railway line. But there is a road, connecting between Singher Bangla and Barni village passing through the project site. If the project is implemented, the connecting road might be disrupted or blocked. As a result, the communication of the two villages could be interrupted. In this situation, a gate in the east side would need to remain open for the villagers. Besides, an alternative road should be constructed beside the project site for undisturbed communication. So, the authority should develop East site Gate Management plan. Integrated plan for other on-going off-site infrastructure Along with the construction works of NEZ there are plans for other off-site infrastructures such as expansion of road lanes, improvement of adjacent railway, river ports etc. There are some other development activities going on near the project area such as construction of Sheikh Hasina University. Besides, during the construction phase of NEZ, there could be some other development activities considering the potential business scopes. The various types of construction works within a certain area may cause social and environmental impacts which hamper the NEZ project activities. To mitigate the impacts integrated plan should be acknoledged and addressed by the different stakeholders reponsible for other infrastructures. Sourcing of construction materials should be integrated to reduce transportation cost and traffic interventions. Project implementing agencies should share their individual demand of water both for drinking and construction purposes to the authority responsible for water supply so that the local community do not face any water shortage issue. Construction activities for different projects within a closer proximity should not be run simultanously to reduce cumulative noise and air pollution impacts. Separate area could be designated for primary solid waste disposal purposes during the construction period. Otherwise the collection of waste for final management should be integrated. Project boundary for different projects should be well identified and present so that construction works, impacts, management flaws can be easily assessed and monitored. Authorities implementing different projects should communinacte regularly and share their plans and progresses. 11.9 Environmental and Social Management (ESMP) Cost In the following, items for ESMP implementation are given. Each item includes cost, but since this cost is variable only items are given. The cost should be estimated by the project office. 204 Environmental and Social Management Plan Table 11.2: Cost for Environmental and Social management Plans Cost (in ESMP Item Purpose Responsibility Remarks Million BDT) Land Development and Construction phase Rehabilitation and Mitigating local livelihood restoration of agitation and Needs to be dependent households 2.0 NEZA compensating loss included in DPP (compensation, training, of livelihood etc.) Mitigating drainage On-site run-on and run-off problem, sediment Land facilities (Fencing, Needs to be runoff, water 0.2 development wastewater and storm included in DPP pollution during Contractor water collection network) land development Construction waste Controlling Land management (use of dispersion of dust, Development sprinkler, curtain and gaseous emission, Contractor Needs to be barrier, separate vehicle other construction 0.25 and included in DPP washing facility, storage, materials and Construction collection and disposal of minimizing the Contractor solid wastes) noise level Land Safety of the Development Personal Protective construction Contractor, Needs to be Equipment (A standard set 0.5 worker and project Construction included in DPP for each individual) personnel Contractor, and NEZA Land Construction of well Health and safety Development facilitated labor sheds, of the workers, Contractor, Needs to be 0.5 hygiene toilets and Waste Construction included in DPP adequate septic tanks management Contractor, and NEZA Provision for pure drinking Health of the Needs to be 0.25 NEZA water workers included in DPP Monitoring of Described in Environmental environmental quality Environmental Monitoring (air, NEZA and/or (Procurement of Monitoring noise and water), 18.5 environmental equipment, sampling, Chapter. Needs Compliance consultant testing or engagement of to be included in requirement consultants) DPP Fish production (Conservation of Komol Beel by fencing, offsetting Minimize loss of Not Department the production in the fish production Estimated of Fisheries nearby beels/new wetlands) Temporary roads including Local Needs to be proper signboards of communication, 0.5 NEZA included in DPP instructions mobilization of 205 Environmental and Social Management Plan Cost (in ESMP Item Purpose Responsibility Remarks Million BDT) construction vehicles and equipment Operation phase Flood alert system (stationary water level Disaster measuring equipment, 0.5 NEZA Management online monitoring, Data logger, installation) For monitoring Online water quality Needs to be discharge from the 0.5 NEZA monitoring system included in DPP CETP and STP Establishing Environmental Environmental Needs to be 3.5 NEZA Lab Monitoring. included in DPP Daily weather Needs to be Micro Weather Station 0.5 NEZA recording included in DPP Environmental monitoring Compliance 51.5 NEZA Described in (three years cost) requirement Environmental Third party Environmental Monitoring Monitoring (3 years Compliance Chapter. Needs 50 NEZA construction and 3-year requirement to be included in operation period) DPP Development of ‘Greenbelt’ along the Minimizing air boundary of NEZ, Needs to be pollution, providing roadsides and Parks at the included in DPP; biological habitat 5 NEZA designated areas recurring cost and recreational proposed in the master will be required uses plan (Tree plantation and maintenance) Needs to be included in DPP; Public toilets Public facility 0.5 NEZA recurring cost will be required Provision for emergency situations and accidents Management of Needs to be (fire alarms, fire hydrants, risks, accidents, NEZA and the included in DPP; 50 emergency medical team, Health and safety industries recurring cost training, central of the community will be required communication) Surveillance and security Needs to be (CCTV coverage, central Ensuring safety NEZA and the included in DPP; 50 monitoring, security and security industries recurring cost personnel) will be required 206 Environmental and Social Management Plan Capital Investment for ESMP already considered in Project Cost Estimation Estimated Cost ESMP Item Purpose Responsibility (million BDT) Compensation for land Land acquisition NEZA and structures Industrial wastewater Central Effluent Treatment Plant management, Control 250 NEZA water pollution Wastewater Water Supply and Sewerage management, Control 2000 NEZA Facilities water pollution Drainage System with utility duct Drainage 4731 NEZA Integrated Waste Management Facility (Collection, transportation, Solid waste management, storage, treatment and disposal of Implementation of 3R solid waste, sludge, toxic and 340 NEZA (Reduce, Reuse and hazardous waste) including Recycle) principle provision of separate management for organic and inorganic wastes Storm water network (installation of Controlling drainage, collection pipes, dry retention basin water logging and 4,731 NEZA before discharging into the lake) flooding problems Retention for storm water, Provision for biological Improvement of Lake 700 NEZA habitat and aesthetic values 207 Environmental and Social Management Plan 208 12. Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment 12.1 Introduction This chapter both covers Disaster Impact Assessment and the Hazard and Risk Assessment which are newly practiced requirements of EIA and are always recommended by the Department of Environment. The requirement of DIA is linked to the decision of the National Disaster Management Council chaired by the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Hazard and Risk Assessment are required by national and international guidelines including the IFC standards for environmental and social safeguards. 12.2 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Process The hazard assessment has been carried out to identify the potential hazard associated with or inherent in the design process and to identify possible measures to avoid the hazard along with the safety plan for minimizing the risk. Incorporation of these measures and safety plans in design, planning and operational procedure of the proposed NEZ would eliminate the potential hazard points. The assessment process involved the following steps Identification of potential hazard Identification of causes and consequences Risk and safety management The same methodological steps were followed while carrying out the DIA as well. In the following sections, hazards including natural and technological, their causes and consequences, and safety and management plan to reduce the risk associated with such hazards are discussed. 12.3 Natural Disasters and Risk Management The proposed area is highly prone to flash floods, monsoon flood and thunderstorms. Presently, during monsoon, the entire area is inundated by floodwater for several months. The proposed area will be elevated above the highest maximum flood level. During monsoon, the area would be exposed to wind-driven waves and cause erosion as well if not properly protected. The following table describes the possible impacts of natural disasters on the proposed project and appropriate risk reduction measures. 209 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Table 12.1: Summary of the Natural Disaster, their Consequences and Management Sl. Natural Impact on NEZ Disaster Risk Reduction/management Implementation No. Disaster Before developing the land, an embankment along the boundary of the project should be constructed While developing the land proper drainage (run-on and run-off) should be constructed Might affect the land The proposed lake (which to be constructed by conserving the development activities existing Komol Beel) and allied structures (e.g. regulator, gate) Might cause flooding of the should be properly maintained for ensuring its function as a flood NEZ retention pond NEZ, Individual The 500 acres of land to be The nearby flood management infrastructures (e.g. Thakurakona Industries, BWDB. Flash Flood developed for NEZ would no sluice, an embankment along the Kangsha, and other infrastructure Monitored by BEZA, DoE 1 and Monsoon longer function as flood of Thakurakona project of BWDB, etc.) should be rehabilitated in line and an independent Flood retention area which might with the proposed NEZ Environmental and Social thereby impact on nearby To prevent waterlogging around the NEZ, existing canals should be Consultant (IESC) water management excavated regularly to ensure proper drainage infrastructure. To prevent accidental discharge of effluent robust automatic system Might cause an accidental should be established for monitoring discharge of industrial effluent in the case of non-function ETP, the industrial discharge should be stored in a temporary pond. Strict measures should be adopted to prevent running of industrial operation in a case of non-functional ETP NEZ, Individual While developing land wind- Industries. driven wave might cause The boundary of the project should be protected from wave erosion Monitored by BEZA, DoE 2 Wave erosion erosion Bank of the proposed lake should be protected by in a combination and an independent Erosion might take place at of biological and structural measures Environmental and Social the bank of the proposed lake Consultant (IESC) 210 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Sl. Natural Impact on NEZ Disaster Risk Reduction/management Implementation No. Disaster NEZ, Individual Heavy rain might cause wash Before developing the land, an embankment along the boundary of Industries. out of sand or sediment the project should be constructed Monitored by BEZA, DoE 3 Heavy Rain spillage during land and an independent development and construction While developing the land proper drainage (run-on and run-off) should be constructed Environmental and Social phase Consultant (IESC) There should be adequate numbers of shelters where workers could Thunder and lightning could take shelter at the time of thunderstorm cause injury and death of labors, construction workers Mandatory training should be conducted to aware all personnel of NEZ, Individual and project staffs during land NEZ about the lightning and safety. Industries, Dept. of development and construction All the power transmission lines should be buried underground. Disaster Management 5 Thunderstorm activities Equipment installed outside should be protected from lightning by Monitored by BEZA, DoE Lightning could damage installing proper measure (e.g. lightning arrester) and an independent industrial complex, electric Lightning arrester should be installed at each industrial complex, Environmental and Social facilities (e.g. substation) or open space, parks of common facility area, etc. Consultant (IESC) any equipment installed A safety distance should be demarcated around each open-air outside electric facility to keep away passerby/worker/personnel 211 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment 12.4 Climate Change Impact and Vulnerabilities 12.4.1 Historical Climatic Trends The Northeast Region of Bangladesh has a typical tropical monsoon climate characterized by the twice-yearly reversal of air movement over the region. The first reversal occurring in spring (April-May) when the change of wind direction is from northeast to southwest via northwest, and the second occurring in autumn (October-November) when the change is from southwest to northeast via southeast. These periods of changing wind direction is called the spring and autumn reversals. The southwest monsoon brings moist air into the region from the Bay of Bengal. Rainfall in this season is abundant and it is often referred to as "the monsoon", meaning the rainy season. Typically, the rainfall in this season increases, northeastwards across the region and reaches a maximum on the southward-facing slopes of the Shillong Plateau in Meghalaya; Cherrapunji, on these slopes, is well known as the wettest place on Earth, with a mean annual rainfall over 12000 mm. Rainfall Rainfall is the most distinctive component of climate in Netrakona and in the haor region. Climate is dominated by distinctive geographical characteristics of the region, which ultimately plays a major role in determining the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, evapotranspiration and hydrology of surface and groundwater. The pre-monsoon season is characterized by increasing rainfall and flash floods. The bulk of the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season when flash floods are regular and frequent and the central part of the Northeast Region is flooded over to a depth of several meters. The post-monsoon is characterized by decreasing rainfall and by the draining out of flood water which is usually accumulated in the monsoon season. The dry season is one of little or no rain, and river discharges are greatly reduced. The available recent climate data in the study area show that the yearly average rainfall in the study area is around 2300mm. Usually, most precipitation is recorded in the month of June and the minimum in the month of January. Figure 12.1 presents the annual rainfall trend in Netrakona based on BMD data. Available rainfall data for Netrakona was collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Cumulative annual rainfall data from 1981 to 2017 was examined to conduct the trend analysis for those locations. Annual cumulative rainfall at Netrakona shows some variability. A slight increasing trend was found in annual rainfall during the past-observed period. In addition to the cumulative annual rainfall, an increase of pre-monsoon rainfall was reported in last few decades which might increase the chances of extreme flash flood events during the pre-monsoon periods. Evidence has been found from analysis of pre-monsoon rainfall that, pre-monsoon rainfall at sylhet station has increased from 18%-24% (from the period 1691-1990) to 25%-27% in recent years (1991-onwards) due to climate change (CEGIS, 2017). 212 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Figure 12.1: Annual Cumulative rainfall (1981-2017) at Netrakona Temperature The available data on temperature for the study area has been collected from BMD. The annual trend analysis of maximum and minimum temperature are presented in figures 12.2 and 12.3. The figures show that the average maximum temperature in that area varies between 24°C to 30°C and the average minimum temperature varies between 16°C to 22°C. January is the coolest month of the year and August is the warmest month in this region. In the recent time (1991-2017), the year 2009 was considered to as be the warmest year having an annual maximum temperate of 30.4°C. In addition, trend analysis of temperature data of Sylhet station was also performed. It has been seen that, the mean maximum annual temperature varies between 29°C to 31.5°C. Figure 12.2: Annual Average Maximum temperature (1981-2017) at Netrakona 213 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Figure 12.3: Annual Average Minimum temperature (1981-2017) at Netrakona The figures show that there is increasing trend in both maximum and minimum temperatures in the study area. The rate of change of increase is much higher in maximum temperature than in minimum temperature. So, there are increasing tendency of hotter climate in the area. 12.5 Future Climate Projection and Impacts of Climate Changes 12.5.1 Future Temperature and Rainfall Projections The future climatic condition for the study area was assessed through statistical downscaling of global climate model (GCM) dataset. The Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) which is a software package designed to implement statistical downscaling methods to produce high- resolution monthly climate information from coarse-resolution climate model (GCM) simulations was used to predict the climatic scenario for the year 2030s, 2050s and 2080s under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios. In order to predict for this time series, the base period was considered from 1971 to 2000. Table 12.2 show the future projections of annual average maximum and minimum temperatures. According to projection, considering extreme climate change scenario RCP8.5 the mean annual maximum temperature may increase up to 1.6°C and minimum temperature may increase up to 2.3°C in 2080s. The rate of increase of minimum temperature would be higher than maximum temperature, which depict higher range of climate variability over the study area. Table 12.3 shows the future projections of seasonal maximum and minimum temperatures in the area. It is seen that the post monsoon temperature (both maximum and minimum) will experience higher changes in the future. 214 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Table 12.2: Annual Average Temperature Anomalies in the North-East Bangladesh Change in Temperature, ⁰C RCP4.5 RCP8.5 2030s 2050s 2080s 2030s 2050s 2080s MaxT 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.6 1.0 1.6 MinT 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.0 1.5 2.3 Table 12.3: Prediction for Change in Seasonal Maximum and Minimum Temperature Maximum Temperature Minimum Temperature RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5 RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5 Season Season 2030 2050 2080 2030 2050 2080 2030 2050 2080 2030 2050 2080 DJF 0.3 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.7 DJF 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.4 2.0 MAM 0.9 1.1 1.3 0.9 1.4 2.2 MAM 1.1 1.4 1.5 1.2 1.8 2.7 JJAS 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 1.0 JJAS 0.8 1.0 1.2 0.8 1.3 2.1 ON 0.8 1.1 1.6 0.9 1.5 2.6 ON 0.8 1.1 1.6 1.0 1.8 3.0 On the other hand, rainfall occurrence would increase during pre-monsoon season i.e. March-April-May (MAM) and decrease in post-monsoon i.e. October-November (ON) (Table 12.5). Specially, pre-monsoon rainfall occurrence will be increased by 5%-6% in north- eastern region than the base period, which clearly depicts that the study area will be more prone to early rainfall as well as early flash floods in future. Annual average rainfall anomalies reveal that total annual rainfall over the study area will be increased up to 11%-12% by 2080s in consideration of both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Table 12.4 and 12.5 shows variations of future rainfall changes annually and in different seasons. Table 12.4: Annual Average Rainfall Anomalies in the North-East Bangladesh Change in Rainfall, % RCP4.5 RCP8.5 2030s 2050s 2080s 2030s 2050s 2080s Rainfall 8.0 10.0 12.0 8.0 8.0 11.0 Table 12.5: Prediction for Change in Seasonal Rainfall Rainfall RCP 4.5 RCP 8.5 Season 2030 2050 2080 2030 2050 2080 DJF 4 13 12 7 4 14 MAM 35 29 29 36 33 35 JJAS 35 35 36 2 3 9 ON -14 -15 -18 -16 -20 -23 12.5.2 Flash Flood In a recent CEGIS (2017) study, available MODIS satellite images for the peak flood months (March to May) from 2005 to 2017 were studied to evaluate the flash flood extents at the N-E haor region and to understand the trend of flash floods. In general, the largest land area 215 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment inundated with water were found in May. However, analysis results showed a time dependent variations of peak flood extents for Netrakona district (Table 12.6). Most importantly, the majority of the extreme flood events were found occurring during May. In May of 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2015, more than 15% of the lands were flooded with water at several haor districts. In May 2010, about 35% land areas were flooded in Netrokona. Table 12.6: Summary statistics of the flood extents (% area inundated) in pre- monsoon period (Year 2005 – 2017) March April May District Min. Max. Median Min. Max. Median Min. Max. Median Netrakona 0.079 8.45 2.7 1.15 5.17 2.05 0.98 35.15 4.02 Figure 12.4: Peak flood level at Sylhet during April against different return periods (CEGIS, 2017) Though the flood trends yet have not significantly increased over the past thirteen years’ period in the North-East haor areas, the frequency of high magnitude extreme flash flood events have increased (CEGIS, 2017). Increase of the pre-monsoon rainfall as stated in the earlier rainfall section, might be the most possible reason for such increase of extreme flash floods in those areas, which comes earlier than usual time and hampers crop production. Figure shows that flash floods for more than 10 years return period is increasing in recent years, whereas flash floods of 5-year return period (before 2010) are a regular event nowadays. These phenomena state that the intensity as well as frequency is increasing in case of early flash floods. Under future climate scenarios, this will further increase as shown from increase in pre-monsoon rainfall increases. 12.5.3 Monsoon Flood The monsoon flood is occurring most of the areas of the study area due to its low elevation, higher amount of rainfall and receiving of Hugh amount of water drained from the upstream hilly catchments in India. The kangsha river is near the study area and is of very flashy nature. In 2018, Kangsha river at Jariajanjail in Netrokona district showed rise and fall during the monsoon-2018 and flowed below the danger level (9.75m). It attained its yearly highest peak of 9.51 mPWD on 3rd August. The recorded maximum water level at this station is 13.37 mPWD and in 2017 flood, peak water level was 11.59 mPWD and the water level stayed above the danger level for 82 days. Figure 12.5 shows the comparison of water 216 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment levels at this station in Kangsha river during flood events of 1998, 2017 and 2018. Based on the future projections of the rainfall distribution during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, it is clear that rainfall is expected to rise by more than 30% in the future. So, the monsoon flood events and their impacts will increase in the future due to climate change. Source: FFWC Figure 12.5: Water level hydrograph at Jariajanjail in Kangsha river Thunderstorm According to the Department of Disaster Management information on fatalities and injuries due to lightening during 1990 to mid-2017, the fatality rate is highest during pre-monsoon (62%) and lowest during winter (2%); same has been observed in case of number of injuries. Injury rate are highest during pre-monsoon (59%) and lowest during winter (1%); Figure 12.6 shows the pie diagram representing the percent of fatalities and injuries during monsoon, pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter. (a) (b) Figure 12.6: Rate of Fatalities and Injuries during different seasons 217 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Netrakona is in the sixth position in terms of causality and second position in terms of injuries occurs due to thunderstorm in Bangladesh. 2.95% of total fatality of Bangladesh due to thunderstorm occurs in Netrakona. With passage of time, intensity of lightening is increasing as evident from Figure 127. From Figure 12.8 it can also be noted that, about 62% of total lightening in Netrakona happened during pre-monsoon. As the trend is increasing in recent times, it can be concluded that, lighting events might increase in the future due to climate change, as the pre monsoon rainfall amount and variability is expected to rise. Figure 12.7: Lightning occurrence from 1990-2017 in Netrakona Figure 12.8: Number of Lightening at Netrakona from 1990-2017 218 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment 12.5.4 Hailstorm Hail is a form of solid precipitation. It is distinct from ice pellets, though these two are often confused. It consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is called a hailstone. Any thunderstorm which produces hail and reaches the ground is known as a hailstorm. From the available data it is observed that, in Sylhet, a total of 50 hailstorm occurred from 1988-2012 with maximum 8 hailstorms in 1988 and minimum single hailstorm in 1997, 2001, and 2012; Besides, hailstorm occurs mostly in monsoon (61%) and pre-monsoon (31%) (Figure 12.9). A total of 28 hailstorm events occurred during monsoon while 17 hailstorm events took place during pre-monsoon. The study area is closer to Sylhet and has similar characteristics. So, hailstorm can also be an increasing phenomena in the future along with the increase in thunderstorms. Figure 12.9: Season wise Intensity of Hailstorm in Sylhet 12.5.5 Drought Drought is a serious concern for agriculture during winter season. As, the haor areas receive large amount of rainfall during pre- and monsoon seasons, the soil moisture and groundwater conditions are better in the area. As a result the effect of absence of rainfall during winter is negligible in the study area. The area does not face drought impacts as prominently as other areas of the country. So, drought condition is not of much concern for the area at present and also in future scenarios. 12.5.6 Cold Snap Cold wave in Haor area may be severe for the livelihood of people and may hamper their daily life and health. In winter season (December – February) when minimum temperature drops below 10°C, it is called a Cold wave situation. In such case, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issues cold wave warnings depending upon its intensity and duration. Based on climate data, Sylhet station has faced, maximum 6 cold wave days in 1993 and minimum 3 cold wave days in 2003. Analysis of time series cold wave data shows a slowly decreasing trend. Figure 12.10 shows the trend of cold wave days in Sylhet. 219 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Based on future climate data of minimum temperature and trend, it is expected that, cold wave events will decrease in the future. Figure 12.10: Cold Wave Days in Sylhet from 1990-2017 12.6 Emission of Short Lived Climatic Pollutant Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), including black carbon (BC), methane and tropospheric ozone have significant adverse impacts on health, agriculture, and climate. In Bangladesh, black carbon (BC) and methane (CH4) is the major SLCPs having significant impacts on health, crop production and climate change. Black carbon (BC) emissions mainly result from traditional cookstoves, rice parboiling, brick kilns, industrial emission and open waste burning while methane emissions result from agriculture (livestock and rice cultivation) and from domestic wastewater. These emissions and those of other pollutants from the same sources have a substantial negative impact on public health in Bangladesh. Considering all emission sources, Bangladesh National Action Plan for reducing SLCPs estimated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), of which black carbon is a component, was associated with 106,000 premature deaths during the year 2010. Traditional biomass cookstoves, traditional brick kilns, open burning of municipal solid wastes (MSW), transport vehicles, traditional rice parboilers and crop residue burning have been identified as the major sources of BC, which collectively contributed to more than 50 thousand metric tons of BC in 2010. This quantity is predicted to be more than 81 thousand metric tons in the year 2040. Domestic wastewater, livestock enteric fermentation and manure management, flooded rice cultivation, MSW in landfills and gas transmission and distribution are identified as the main sources of CH4 emission. These sources emitted about 2.5 million metric tons of CH4 in 2010. The amount is estimated to be about 3.2 million metric tons by the year 2040. As the study area is going to experience industrial activities, certain measures should be taken to control SLCPs as it is increasing with climate change and industrial development in Bangladesh. 220 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment 12.7 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation The study area is specifically vulnerable to climate change induced disasters like floods, flash flood, extreme rainfall, thunderstorm, lightning etc. Based on the future climate projections, drought and cold snap will not be a significant issue in the study area. Based on the overall scenario, several adaptation and mitigation measures are suggested for the study area as follows. In order to keep the project area protected from flooding either developing the project land above the maximum historical flood level or constructing an embankment along the project boundary could be done. The current elevation of the project area is between 6.8 mPWD to 8.1 mPWD whereas the maximum monsoon flood level at Kangsha river was 11.7 m. Therefore, the land should be developed around 12 mPWD. Alternatively, along with a high elevation of the land, the boundary wall of the project could be designed as embankment. The land development plan should include proper drainage (run-on and run-off) plan to handle the extreme rainfall events common in the study area that is projected to be further increased in future. The proposed lake (which to be constructed by conserving the existing Komol Beel) and allied structures (e.g. regulator, gate) should be properly maintained for ensuring its function as a flood retention area. The nearby flood management infrastructures should be rehabilitated and properly maintained to ensure flood protection for the proposed NEZ. The NEZ should establish a connection with the FFWC and BMD to receive regular forecasts on weather events and floods. To reduce damages due to floods, proper measures like, elevated structures should be planned from starting periods to further climate and disaster proof the NEZ. To prevent waterlogging around the NEZ, existing canals should be excavated regularly to ensure proper drainage. In case of excess rainfall event, pumping could be used for the NEZ. This pumping facility should be designed properly considering future climate change and drainage needs for the area. The NEZ should have proper effluent treatment plant and keep it operational maintaining environmental standards. In case of non-functioning of ETP, the industrial discharge should be stored in a temporary pond. Strict measures should be adopted to prevent running of industrial operation in a case of non-functional ETP. The project boundary should be protected from wave erosion, which is very common in the haor area. Bank of the proposed lake should be protected by in a combination of biological and structural measures. There should be adequate numbers of shelters where workers could take shelter at the time of thunderstorm. All structures and facilities in the NEZ should include properly designed and working lightning arrester devices and mechanisms. This is very important for this area, as it is a hotspot for lightning related deaths. 221 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Mandatory training should be conducted to aware all personnel of NEZ about the lightning and safety measures. All the power transmission lines should be buried underground. A safety distance should be demarcated around each open-air electrical facility to keep away passerby/ worker/ personnel. As the NEZ will include industrial activities, proper measures should be maintained and implemented to reduce SLCPs from the area and also to reduce environmental pollutants (e.g., exhaust gas, solid waste, chemical waste, industrial effluents, heavy metal etc.). Regular monitoring and environmental law enforcement is essential in this regard. 12.8 Technological Disasters and Risk Management This section covers two types of disasters – i) technological disasters e.g. fire, industrial accident, failure of ETP, etc. and ii) natural hazard induced technological disaster (NATECH) e.g. sediment spillage from the land development site due to heavy rain, accidental discharge of industrial effluent during a flood. The following table 1.2 identifies possible hazards and NATECH events along with preventive or safety measures for risk management. Under the scope of this EIA of NEZ, the hazards of an individual industry is briefly addressed because each industry must prepare its own ESIA/EIA with a detail study of its hazards and risk for obtaining approval from DoE. 12.9 Occupational Hazard and Safety The hazard and risk assessment is included in the identification of occupational hazards related to land development activities. It also covers very briefly the general occupational hazards that might be associated with the operation of the NEZ when all industries would be in operation. At this stage, what would be the industrial process of each industry is unknown which limits the detail investigation of occupational hazards of industrial operation. However, each industry would prepare its own ESIA/EIA including a detailed assessment on occupation hazard and safety for obtaining necessary approval from DoE. Table 12.7 describes occupational hazards and safety associated with the proposed NEZ. 222 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Table 12.7: Hazards and Risk Assessment Potential Hazard/ Consequence Safety/ Risk Reduction Measures NATECH Spillage of Sediment Construction/installation of Adequate drainage system during Environmental Protection of boundary landfilling/development Pollution/Damage due to heavy rain or Construction of embankment along the project boundary before starting the land development to flood impound the area of land development Strict enforcement of fire safety rules e.g. BNBC, Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Fire due to any Building) Rules, 2017 accidental event, Human death/Injury Conduction of regular training including a drill for all personnel related to the NEZ construction and explosion or human error operation A detailed assessment should be carried out by each industry at the time of carrying out ESIA Accidental Discharge of Strict enforcement of ECR 1997 Industrial Effluent due to The CETP should be automatic and robust. It should be equipped by an automatic shutdown of the human error, technical Environmental discharge in case of any accidental event, a rise of any pollution parameter above the danger level, etc. error or a natural Pollution/Damage disaster like heavy rain, Automatic and online monitoring of water quality at the discharge canal. flood, etc. NEZ authority should regularly inspect each industry confirm operation of ETP Strict enforcement of fire safety rules e.g. BNBC, Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 The NEZ authority should prepare a detail traffic operation and management plan Each road should be properly equipped with traffic safety lights and signs. Provide signs at strategic locations of the roads complying with the schedules of signs contained in the Traffic Accident Human death/Injury National Traffic Regulations as well as engagement of flagman at strategic locations. The entrance and exit of the NEZ should be equipped with an automatic system to alarm the passerby or other vehicles when any vehicle approaches to enter or exit Enforce on-site speed limits, especially close to the sensitive receptors, schools, health centers, etc. NEZ authority should have a mechanism of mandatory safe driving training for all drivers, each industry must send their drivers to such training 223 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Potential Hazard/ Consequence Safety/ Risk Reduction Measures NATECH The utility services including gas distribution should be monitored automatically Human The check valve and regulators should be automatically and centrally operated Explosion of any Gas death/Injury, Integrated and Smart (monitor & control, GIS interface) Utility (Gas, Water, Power, Firefighting, etc.) The Pipeline or Storage Environmental design would further ensure the interest of investors Pollution/Damage Strict enforcement of Gas Safety Rules, BNBC, and Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 The NEZ authority should instruct each industry to prepare its hazardous chemical handling and safety procedure. The procedure must include the following: Collect chemical wastes in 200liter drums (or similar sealed containers), appropriately labeled for safe transport to an approved chemical waste depot. Human Store, transport and handle all chemicals avoiding potential environmental pollution. Accidental Leakage of death/Injury, Store all hazardous wastes appropriately in bunded areas away from watercourses. Hazardous Chemicals Environmental Make available all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous materials on-site during construction. Pollution/Damage Collect hydrocarbon wastes, including lube oils, for safer transport off-site to reuse, recycle, treatment or disposal at approved locations. Construct concrete or other impermeable hard-stand to prevent seepage in case of spills. Keep sufficient stock of absorbents for generally used chemicals or for petrochemicals (e.g., dirt, sawdust, etc.) within the storage area to contain accidental spills. 224 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Table 12.8: Occupational Hazards and Safety Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident Keeping all safety and precautionary measures in order; Enforcement of BNBC and relevant law to ensure workplace safety Physical injury, Unsafe work place Strict enforcement of safety rules relevant to the use of PPEs electrocution, disease during and post Lack of management; breakout, loss of health, Strict enforcement of Bangladesh EZ Labor Law construction loss of life; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor. Post-handover: Industry operator/owner and NEZ. Health hazards such as Heavy transports, Use of water spraying during SPM generating activities to reduce the respiratory problems, Air pollution during construction machines degradation of air quality; vehicles and heavy machines should have visibility issues etc. Low construction and trucks, demolition proper fitness to perform the activities; water-spraying may be taken into visibility may trigger an works; consideration to reduce flying dust particles in the air; accident; Building codes should be followed to withstand an earthquake up to Potential damage to civil certain level; Muster points during earthquakes will be defined and made Earthquake during structure of the station, part of drills; Responsibility: NEZ, EPC Contractor; Control Guideline: and post A natural phenomenon; loss of life, properties, BNBC; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: construction process etc.; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor. Post- handover: Industry operator/owner and NEZ. Waste management of both human-generated and project component An outbreak of diseases Waste generation Not handled properly, generated should be handled accordingly; Coolants, insulation gas and other health related and leakage during no adequate waste leakage should be monitored; painting will be done as sealant; SF6 will be issues; impairment of and post management/ disposal sucked out before maintenance works; Responsibility: During construction environment due to air construction process; and prior to handover: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and water pollution; Contractor. Post-handover: Industry operator/owner and NEZ. Construction site should be kept under surveillance and made Site invasion Site invaded by Physical injury and inaccessible to outsiders; The facility should be under constant during construction outsiders during land damage to property; surveillance and personnel should be in place of active duty to look out for and post filling and preliminary trespassers at all times; Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring to be 225 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident construction construction works; in place to assist catching trespassers or any suspicious activity in and around the vicinity of the facility; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor. Post-handover: Industry operator/owner and NEZ. Keeping all safety and precautionary measures in order; Responsibility: Diseases outbreak Construction workers, Health loss due to During construction and prior to handover: EPC Contractor. Post- during and post staff, employees having disease, loss of handover: Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: construction contagious diseases; productivity; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor. Post- handover: Industry operator/owner and NEZ. Follow the national building code; Provide proper fire-fighting equipment, May result in tripping, or such as fire extinguisher, water hose and adequate capacity water Short circuit, temporary forced reserve, installation of Active Fire Suppression (AFS) system (if possible, thunderstorm and Fire and/ or shutdown resulting in in selected locations); proper grounding of power outlets, installation of lightning, presence of explosion during power outage, injury of lightning arrester at each Building to avoid damage through thunderstorm; flammable substances and post personnel, loss of life, Strict enforcement of Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of such as lubricants; construction and damage to Building) Rules, 2017 explosion of cylinders properties, working hours, etc.; Responsibility: EPC Contractor; Control Guideline: BNBC Part 7-Section etc.; 2.1.2 and 2.2.17: Storage, Stacking and Handling of Flammable Materials; BNBC Part 7- 3.10.2.2: Flammable Material and Explosive; High humidity is a Will damage the No humidity/ Appropriate Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system natural condition of equipment and age the condensation must be engineered so that the internal humidity is controlled. A almost the entire internal structures faster; control, inadequate centralized system should be in place; Responsibility: Land development country and this respiratory problems will ventilation and air contractor, EPC Contractor; Control Guideline: BNBC and: Worker Health condition is not an arise in occupational circulation during and Safety; Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, exception for Dhaka environment inside the post construction 2017 Metropolitan; Bhaban; Transportation of Bringing in or taking out Transportation should be conducted during off peak hours; Responsibility: Traffic congestion will heavy and large of the site using the EPC Contractor; Land development contractor; Control Guideline: Road impact the daily lives of components during existing road; use of Transport and Road Traffic Management and construction best practices, city dwellers; construction oversized local traffic laws and signage; 226 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident transportation; All emergency exits should be properly designed considering the nearest occupancy, the maximum number of occupancy etc.; Emergency exits should always be open from the inside and have proper guide towards it in Improper emergency exit case of a power-outage resulted from any kind of incident; the exits should Unplanned may result in dire also never have anything on the way, and for this proper management emergency exits Emergency evacuation situations leading to practice should be in place; emergency drills should be conducted from during and post process; failure of evacuation, time to time; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: construction stampede causing severe EPC Contractor and Post-handover: NEZ authority and Emergency injury and/ or death; Response Plan (ERP) Team; Control Guideline: Worker Health and Safety and Construction and Operation Phase Security; Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 Existing road-size and Alternative access route should be considered; Responsibility: During Narrow and only the surrounding May lead to slow construction: NEZ authority, Land development contractor, EPC access route environment including construction activity and Contractor; Control Guideline: Road Transport and Road Traffic during construction immovable structures, delay in the project; Management; private properties, etc.; Drivers/ operators should strictly follow the rules and regulations; Drivers, During site visit for operators, operator guides, site visitors should take care before coming inspections, surveying, out of or getting onboard any vehicle; Proper traffic marking on the road planning, equipment and effective signaling system should be implemented in and around the and components project site; Oversized vehicle permit from the authority should be taken Traffic or heavy transportation, use of Physical injury, loss of vehicle accident before mobilizing such vehicles; Traffic safety should be ensured for oversized vehicle, life, vehicle and/ or oversized and slow moving vehicles; Provision and use of high visibility during and post onsite and offsite property damage, etc.; construction clothing for workers, operators, operator guides; Provision of safe activities including walkways onsite etc. Underground parking facility should have proper movement of guiding marks/ signs to ensure they are well instructed. Personnel should construction trucks, be included to guide vehicle entry, exit and parking; Responsibility: During employee vehicles etc.; construction and prior to handover: EPC Contractor and Post-handover: NEZ Authority and ERP Team; Control Guideline: Road Transport and 227 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident Road Traffic Management, Protection of Public and Workers and Worker Health and Safety; Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as lineman’s gloves, Cutting and welding safety goggles, safety shoes, or welding shield etc.; Proper training and activity, short circuit, awareness; Proper tools usage; Proper grounding of equipment, keeping faulty grounding in safe distance from hazardous points; Prepare regular maintenance and equipment; faulty inspection of electrical outlets, switch panels, electronics such as wiring, loose Physical injury including computers, printers etc. appliances as air conditioners, refrigerators, Electrocution connections, during burning and loss of life; ovens etc., lighting arresters; Maintain the inspection schedule properly during and post repair and maintenance May cause station through experienced technicians; Proper warning signs and labels in construction work of cable gallery, shutdown due to an place; Use of lock outs and tag outs and maintain hot work permit during control panel, incident; any work on electrical components; Keep all the personnel present in the switchyard, workplace aware of any undergoing hot work at all times; Responsibility: instrumentation, etc.; During construction and prior to handover: land development contractor, power cable cut due to EPC Contractor and Post-handover: NEZ Authority and ERP Team; thunderstorm; Control Guideline: Worker Health and Safety; Welding activity, electric works, come in contact with hot surface Use of proper PPEs including safety goggles, appropriate gloves, (ex. heat sink); Cutting Physical injury, eye injury, appropriate tools, or welding shield, appropriate training, warning signs Burning and and welding, arc temporary blinding and labels identifying potential hazards; Responsibility: EPC Contractor; blinding during flashovers, sparks due resulting in falling, Control Guideline: BNBC Part 7- 3.10.3: Health Hazards, BNBC Part 7- construction to faulty or loose tripping, electrocution 3.10.4: Skin Hazard, BNBC Part 7- Section 3.10.2 Fire Hazards; connections, Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 component malfunction etc.; Noise and vibration Hearing complexity and Compliance with the National Noise Control Rules and Regulations; generated by heavy cause of headaches for Equipment should be used by competent operators; Provision of Hearing machineries, placing human beings resulting in impairment during equipment with low noise and vibration outputs i.e., equipment that come electrical heaving loss of concentration with dampers where possible or appropriate choice of modern equipment construction components such as resulting in the trigger of and machinery to reduce noise; Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) power transformers another potential hazard, provided and used where necessary; Consider suitable timing of 228 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident and civil construction Scare local people, health construction work to reduce disturbance to the locality; Use components works such as drilling, hazard for people with with lower noise level that falls in the same category or under the regular piling, excavation weak constitution or heart decibel level of the locality and silencer where possible; Responsibility: works etc.; conditions amongst Land development contractor, EPC Contractor; Control Guideline: ECP 7: workers or employees as Noise and Vibration Management and BNBC Part 7- 3.10.4: Noise well as bystanders; Hazard; Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 Proper path management, such as use of bamboo base for walking during Muddy plain during construction; Regular scheduled maintenance and hire cleaners to remove construction, leading to moss from the path below the bus bars; Proper PPE shoes with slip grip slipping/ falling off will reduce chance of slipping significantly; use of sands and gravels in the workers, water or any pathway; Clean moss grown on the pathways; Wipe any water or liquid liquid spilled on facility (proper procedure for wiping corrosive, flammable or toxic) off using floor and not wiped off. appropriate cleaning materials/ tools; Use of warning signs/ labels in Tripped by stray pipe, places that may trigger a tripping incident and properly managed items rope, rods, unmanaged Slipping, tripping and equipment; Use of PPEs; Manage items at all times to keep the site tools, cables, May cause physical injury and falling during tripping free; Keep the outdoor pathways clear of weeds; Fall protection miscellaneous items, such as fracture, broken and post such as use of nets or temporary boundary; creating awareness; use of and equipment in the bones; construction PPEs such as hard hat, gloves, safety belts; Proper signs/warnings in station, construction locations where falling can result to an incident; Use proper climbing tools equipment and tools, such as harnesses, lanyards, capstan hoists etc. to support activities that weeds on the outdoor require hanging and working; Use buddy system to work on elevated pathways etc. Fall from areas; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: EPC elevated areas in the Contractor and Post-handover: NEZ Authority and ERP Team; Control station such as steps, Guideline: BNBC Part 7-Section 2.1.3, BNBC Part 7- Section 3.10: ladders, other high Construction Hazards; Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of heights; Building) Rules, 2017 Potential damage to civil Structures should be designed to withstand thunderstorms and lightning Thunderstorm and structures of the station, using well-established procedures in accordance with relevant national Lightning during A natural phenomenon; loss or interruption of and post and/ or international standards; Fire extinguishing facilities to be provided; power, loss of life, Lightning arresters will be checked for condition at regular intervals; construction process, triggering Preparation should be in place during a moderate or severe weather alert; 229 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Risk/ Hazard/ Source/ Activity Consequences Safety Measures/ Precautions/ Contingency Plans Incident hazards such as fire/ Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: EPC Contractor explosion; and Post-handover: NEZ Authority and ERP Team; Control Guideline: BNBC Part 7-Section 2.1.2 Protection Against Fire; Bangladesh Economic Zones (Construction of Building) Rules, 2017 Maintain connection with local police; Maintain vigilance of the surroundings for any suspicious activities around the station area; Station Evil intention of Injury or loss of life, loss trained security guards at the entrance at all times and security round at damaging or disrupting Sabotage post of power, interruption of intervals during night time; Active CCTV surveillance at all times; Provide the operation in the construction power, loss of process, adequate lighting inside the facility for high visibility during night time; facility by planned etc.; Responsibility: During construction and prior to handover: EPC Contractor carnage, intrusion, etc.; and Post-handover: NEZ Authority; Control Guideline: Protection of Public and Private Property, Utility, Construction and Operation Phase Security; 230 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment 12.10 Emergency Management Strategy The emergency management and response should be prepared on the basis of the strategy which includes four basic principles- i) Prevention, ii) Preparedness, iii) Response, iv) Recovery. The prevention comes with the design and plans of the NEZ and each industry. The preparedness is built by regular training, awareness campaign, motivation and resources. Response and recovery are pre-planned, designed and equipped with institutional, technological and logistic setup. 12.10.1 On-site Emergency Response Plan The NEZ should enforce each industry to prepare their own emergency management plan. Besides, the NEZ authority shouldl prepare an overall emergency response plan and establish Emergency Response Group. The emergency management plan must include the following: Structure and Composition of the Emergency Response Group Defined roles and responsibility of each member of the ERG Communication plan of ERG chair General plan which must be followed by each industry Detail evacuation plan demarcating the evacuation route, assemble point, rescue mechanism, etc. The plan should also include the coordination mechanism and plan among the emergency facilities e.g. firefighting unit, medical unit, security unit, etc. The emergency plan should specify step by step procedure on how to act at the event of an emergency. Such steps might be different for a different incident. Therefore, the plan would envisage all possible scenarios of the incident and prescribe emergency response procedure 12.10.2 Communication Plan Each industry must have a communication plan which would specify whom to communicate, how to communicate at the event of an emergency. The communication plan must list the contact number and address of IRT leader, ERG leader, fire department, local government office, etc. The following table could be used to prepare the communication plan Position/Role Contact Numbers Emergency Hotline Incident Response Team Leader/Chair Emergency Response Group Leader Fire Department Emergency Medical Service Emergency Ambulance Service Emergency Utility Services (Gas, Water, Electricity, IT, etc) Emergency Security Contact Ops / technical Coordinator EHS Coordinator 231 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Position/Role Contact Numbers HR & Service Coordinator Logistics Coordinator Public Affairs Coordinator Local UNO Office Local DC Office 12.10.3 Emergency Evacuation NEZ authority should prepare a detail emergency evacuation plan once the layout and land use are finalized. The NEZ could keep a provision of assembly space at each block with a connection to a central or larger assembly point. The ESIA team has examined the master plan of the NEZ and identified all the green zones, walkway around the lakes, playground as assembly points. A tentative emergency plan is provided in Figure 12.1 to help NEZA to finalize the emergency evacuation plan. While finalizing the evacuation plan, Each industry must have its temporary assembly point NEZ must create a common assembly point for each zone (a tentative one is illustrated in Figure 12.1) with an intention to rescue assembled people from the industry-end assembly point to the block/zonal assembly point The evacuation route should be well demarcated with signs and directional arrows to guide evacuation. All signs and information must be in Bangla and English. NEZ must conduct an evacuation drill regularly (once in every six months). After each recruitment, the industry operator must organize a disaster safety and evacuation training for each newly recruited employee and his/her family (if they wish to live in the residential area of the NEZ). NEZ authority should also conduct a yearly training for all. 12.10.4 Emergency Response Organization Incident Response Team (ERT) The NEZ authority should enforce each industry to establish an Incident Response Team (IRT) to respond instantly whenever any incident takes place. The ERT must be trained and assigned with specific responsibility to deal with all envisaged incidents and emergencies at their industrial unit. The IRT would communicate with Emergency Response Groups, established by NEZ authority for any additional support. Each IRT would be chaired by an Environmental Manager of the Industry and includes senior staff from HR, OHSE and logistic department. Each IRT would be responsible for taking emergency measures at the time of any emergency, monitoring the safety of the industries, and maintaining communication and coordination with the NEZ-ERG. Emergency Response Group (ERG) The NEZ Authority must establish an Emergency Response Group (ERG) within the structure of NEZ authority. The ERG should be chaired by an Environmental Manager and includes senior staff from HR, OHSE and logistic department. The ERG shouldl keep close 232 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment communication with IRT of each industry, on-site and off-site emergency facilities e.g. fire service, hospital, security forces, etc. and the local government e.g. Netrokona UNO office and DC office. The ERG would also keep close communication with the BEZA. ERG would mobilize its resources at the event of any industrial accidents, social crisis, un-rest. Whenever ERG would mobilize its resources, it should inform the Incident Management Team of the BEZA Head Quarter. 233 Disaster Impact, Hazard and Risk Assessment Figure 12.11: Emergency Evacuation Plan 234 13. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan 13.1 Monitoring Plan With the aim to ensuring implementation and making functional of all the ESMP, a three-tire monitoring plan has been proposed in the EIA. The monitoring plan comprises compliance monitoring, impact monitoring and external or independent monitoring. 13.1.1 Compliance Monitoring The objective of the compliance monitoring is to ensure that i) operation of NEZ is running in line with the environmental legal requirements and ii) the ESMP suggested by the EIA are implemented. Thus, the compliance monitoring becomes an essential component of environmental management to safeguard environment and community. The details of the plan including monitoring indicators, locations, frequency and responsible agency is described in Table 13.1. However, the actual monitoring time and location would be decided by BEZA and NEZ authority. The overall responsibility of the ensuring monitoring in action would fall on BEZA during construction and later during operation of NEZ. However, the actual implementation would be carried out by the contractor during construction phase and industry owner and NEZ authority during operation. 13.1.2 Impact Monitoring during Construction The purpose of the impacts monitoring is to ensure that the contractor implements the mitigation measures given in the EMP effectively and implements timely. This monitoring would generally be carried out by the BEZA during construction phase and NEZ authority and Industry Owner during operation phase. 13.1.3 Independent/External Monitoring In addition to the compliance monitoring and impact monitoring, an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant must be engaged to monitor EMP implementation. The main purpose of the Independent monitoring would be to ensure that all key entities including Environmental and Social Health and Safety Unit, NEZ Authority, contractor, Industry Owner and their contractors, etc. would effectively and adequately fulfil their designated role for EMP implementation, and that all the EMP requirements are being implemented in a timely and effective manner. 235 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Table 13.1: Environmental Compliance Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision 1. Pre-construction phase monitoring Consultation with the Third party Compensation for land owner and shop Monitoring and Compensation Project land and existing Project site Half yearly keepers, school authority submit report to received or not Authority structure and other relevant the project authority authority. Third party Project area and Monitoring and Livelihood and Occupational change Household survey and Project adjacent project - submit report to Employment In employment FGD Authority area (within 2 km) the project authority. Third party Project area and Monitoring and Local conflict of Movement and Project adjacent project - FGD and KII submit report to interest agitation Authority area (within 2 km) the project authority. 2. Construction phase monitoring a. 1.5km North- westward of the Ambient Air NOx, SOx, SPM, NEZ OE, Monthly 24 hour Contractor Quality PM10, PM2.5, CO, O3 b. 1.5 km South- PDO/PIU eastward of the NEZ Day time (6:00 – Three Sample during day 21:00) and Night time 7 locations in and time and one sample OE, Ambient Noise Monthly Contractor (21:00 – 6:00) L10, around NEZ during night, 15 min PDO/PIU L90 sampling each time. pH, TSS, TDS, Oil and a. At the point of OE, Water Quality Monthly Grab Sampling Contractor Grease, Total effluent PDO/PIU 236 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision Residual Cl, Total Cr, discharge Fe, Ca, Zn, Pb, Cd, b. 500m u/s of the Hg, As, total alkalinity, discharge point Ammonium Nitrogen, c. 500m d/s of the Free Ammonia, BOD5, discharge point COD, EC Temperature outside the mixing zone, etc. Habitat composition, Green belt area NEZ Plant Growth, Canopy OE, Complex Yearly Plot Survey Contractor Ecosystem and Coverage, PDO/PIU Biodiversity etc. Construction Site, OE, Tree felling Monthly Direct Counting Contractor Stockyards PDO/PIU Diversity Index, River reach 1: Three Fish Diversity and Richness, Fish Catch Assessment, (3) km reach u/s of Quarterly Contractor OE Composition Composition, Habitat Fishers’ interview the discharge point Suitability Index, etc. Six monthly Five locations Agricultural following Crop Production Loss around the NEZ Agricultural Survey Contractor OE Production cropping area patterns Three Sample during day time and one sample Two locations: during night, for noise 15 Occupational LAeq Construction site, Weekly min sampling each time. Contractor OE Noise Labor shed by using: ANSI Type II Noise Meter, and vibration meter Availability of Potable Inspection and interview Health and Water, Drinking water NEZ Complex Monthly of labor, project Contractor OE Sanitation quality, Availability of personnel Hygienic Toilet 237 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision Livelihood and Third party Employment Monitoring and Household survey and Project (Labor - Quarterly submit report to FGD Authority Engagement for the project project activity) authority. Third party Monitoring and Occupational Institutional survey, RRA, Project - Quarterly submit report to Health and Safety Workshop & Seminar Authority the project authority. Inspection and interview Community Implementation of As specified in the of labor, project Health, Safety Quarterly Contractor OE EMP EMP personnel followed by a and Security checklist 3. Operation phase monitoring 1. 1.5km North- westward of the Ambient Air NOx, SOx, SPM, NEZ NEZ Continuous 24 hour IESC Quality PM10, PM2.5, CO, O3 2. 1.5 km South- Management eastward of the NEZ 1. Housing colony Three Sample during day Day time (6:00 – 2. Township Area time and one sample 21:00) and Night time NEZ Ambient Noise 3. Outside the Monthly during night, 15 min IESC (21:00 – 6:00) LAeq, Management NEZ Boundary sampling each time. L10, L90 4. Nearest Community Temperature, Rainfall, Humidity, Evaporation, NEZ Meteorology Plant Area Continuous Continuous IESC Sun shine hour, wind Management speed, wind direction 238 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision Effluent Discharge pH, TSS, TDS, NEZ Channel Continuous Continuous IESC Temperature, EC Management Effluent (Waste Oil and grease, Total Water) Effluent Discharge Residual Cl, Cu, Fe, NEZ Channel Weekly Grab Sampling IESC Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Management COD, BOD Combined NEZ Storm Water As above Monthly Grab Sampling IESC Discharge Channel Management pH, TSS, TDS, Oil and Grease, Total 1. At the point of Residual Cl, Total Cr, effluent Fe, Ca, Zn, Pb, Cd, discharge Water Quality: Hg, As, total alkalinity, NEZ 2. 500m u/s of the Monthly Grab Sampling IESC Surface Water Ammonium Nitrogen, Management discharge point Free Ammonia, BOD5, 3. 500m d/s of the COD, EC , discharge point Temperature outside the mixing zone, etc16 pH, Total Hardness, Water Quality: Color, Cl, Total NEZ Plant Area Monthly Grab Sampling IESC Ground Water Coliform, F, Fe, Mn, Management As, PO4, SO4, etc Generation of Types and Quantity, Waste Disposal Visual Inspection, waste NEZ Non-Hazardous Quarterly IESC Characteristics Point classification Management Solid Waste 16 These monitoring parameters will be revised after monitoring the effluent water quality from the discharge channel. Some parameters might become redundant if the effluent water does not contain them. 239 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision (Domestic waste, Office Waste,) Generation of Waste Disposal Types and Quantity, Visual Inspection, waste NEZ Hazardous Solid Point, Waste Quarterly IESC Characteristics classification Management Waste Generation Sources Generation of Hazardous Liquid Waste, Sludge Hazardous Liquid (return from Quality of Water in Waste and Sludge Visual Inspection, waste NEZ Water Treatment effluent pit e.g., Quarterly IESC Disposal site (i.e. classification Management Plant, Sludge corrosivity, reactivity. effluent pit) from clarifier, neutralization pond) Condition of waste Visual inspection and NEZ bins, waste N/A Quarterly IESC document checking Management transportation vans, Capacity of Waste Waste Disposal Visual inspection and NEZ Waste Quarterly IESC Disposal Site Point document checking Management Management leaks, drips or other From Waste indications of waste Visual inspection, and NEZ generation to Quarterly IESC spill during handling document checking Management disposal site and transporting Labeling of Hazardous Chemical Storage, Materials, hazardous Hazardous Material Hazardous Waste Visual inspection, and NEZ waste, documentation Storage area, Quarterly IESC Management document checking Management of hazardous chemical Hazardous Waste use, etc Disposal Area. 1. Proposed Green Proposed Greenbelt area Plant Growth, Canopy belt area near around the Neutralization NEZ Plant Health Coverage, Disease, neutralization Yearly pond and asbestos IESC Management etc. Pond disposal site: Whole area 2. Proposed Survey 240 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision Greenbelt area Other Vegetative area in near Asbestos GSP: Disposal Site Four Plots of 25m X 25m 3. Other Greenbelt (one plot at each corner area in NEZ of GSP Complex) Complex Plot Survey Occurrence of Species Composition NEZ Same as above Six monthly Same as above IESC Wildlife and Status Management River reach 1: Three Diversity Index, (3) km reach u/s of Fish Diversity and Richness, the intake point NEZ Quarterly NEZ IESC Composition Composition, Habitat River reach 2: Three Management Suitability Index, etc. (3) km reach d/s of the discharge point Land use and Satellite Image (5km Land cover and Land 5km buffer area of Once in three NEZ Land Cover buffer area of NEZ) IESC use the plant years Management change Analysis Agricultural land Farmers’ Interview, Agricultural NEZ Crop Production Loss around the NEZ Yearly Secondary Data from IESC Production Management complex DAE Three Samples during day time and one sample a. Inside Plant during night, Area (Turbine Occupational For noise 15 min LAeq, L10, L90, Noise hall, RMS, etc.) NEZ Noise and Quarterly sampling each time. IESC Exposure b. Control room Management vibration by using: ANSI Type II c. Administrative Noise Meter Inspection building of record of shifting hour, workers’ roster Exposure to Outside the safety Measurement by EMF Electrical Field, NEZ Electro-magnetic fence of Substation, Quarterly Meter IESC Magnetic Field Management Field Power evacuation Inspection of workers’ 241 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Components of Monitoring Type/Duration of Implemented by Sl. No. Locations Frequency EHS Monitoring Indicators Sampling Monitoring Supervision bay, other EHV area roster shifting hours etc. General Health Workers involved in Condition, Hearing NEZ Worker Health the Plant operation Quarterly Health Check up IESC health, skin disease, Management and maintenance etc Availability of Potable Visual Inspection and NEZ NEZ Complex Monthly IESC Water Record Checking Management Drinking water quality (pH, TS, EC, F, Cl, As, Three samples from Water Supply NEZ Mn, Fe, Total Monthly Drinking water supply IESC Health and System Management Hardness, Total system Sanitation Coliform, PO4, SO4) Office Building, Availability of Hygienic Township Area, NEZ Monthly Visual Inspection IESC Toilet Common Places, Management etc. Status of Inspection of Disease Communicable Community Township Area, Two times in a Profile/Records in Health NEZ Diseases IESC Health Nearest Community year Camps/Clinic in NEZ, Management Status of Vector Borne nearby area Hospital Diseases Emergency Two times in a Visual Inspection and NEZ Preparedness and N/A IESC year Record Checking Management Response of NEZ Safety and Community Relation Security Program/ Community Two times in a NEZ N/A IESC Awareness Program, year Management Training 242 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Table 13.2: Impact Monitoring Plan Responsible Agency Parameter / Means of Location Frequency Activity Monitoring Implemented Supervised By By During Construction Disposal of Visual Inspection OE/ Dredged Construction of site Monthly Contractor Independent material/land camps management Monitor filling Approach Visual inspection OE/ Damage to Roads to the to ensure local Monthly Contractor Independent local roads construction roads are not Monitor sites damaged Visual inspection to see whether proper traffic signs OE/ Traffic Safety Haul Roads are placed and Monthly Contractor Independent flag-men for traffic Monitor management are engaged Visual inspection to ensure good standard equipment is in OE/ Construction use and dust Daily Contractor Independent sites suppression Monitor measures (eg,, Air Quality spraying of (dust, - smoke) waters) are in place. Visual inspection to ensure batch OE/ Near Singher plant is located Monthly Contractor Independent Bangla School >500 m from Monitor residential areas Physical inspection to OE/ Construction ensure good Twice Contractor Independent sites standard Weekly Monitor equipment are in use; Visual inspection Noise to ensure ear OE/ Twice plugs are in use by Contractor Independent Weekly the construction Monitor Construction workers sites Ensure work OE/ restriction between Twice Contractor Independent 20:00-06:00 close Weekly Monitor to the sensitive 243 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Responsible Agency Parameter / Means of Location Frequency Activity Monitoring Implemented Supervised By By locations Visual inspection to observe growth of saplings around OE/ Designated Plantation neutralization Monthly Contractor Independent sites pond and Monitor asbestos disposal site Excavation of OE/ Lake/Conserva NEZ area Visual Inspection Monthly Contractor Independent tion of Komol Monitor Beel Visual inspection that solid waste is disposed at OE/ Waste Construction designated site Monthly Contractor Independent Management camps Solid Wastes are Monitor managed in efficient way Hazardous Visual Inspection Material of safe handling Hazardous OE/ Storage Area and storage of Waste Monthly Contractor Independent Hazardous hazardous waste Handling Monitor Waste and hazardous Disposal Area materials Ensure the construction workers are OE/ Drinking water Camps, provided with Weekly Contractor Independent and sanitation offices potable water and Monitor sanitation facilities in the site OE, After Restoration of Independent All Work Sites Visual Inspection completion Contractor Work Sites Monitor, of all works BEZA Usage of Personal Safety of Protective OE, workers equipment, Safety Independent Monitoring and At work sites Monthly Contractor Sign, Safety Monitor, reporting Documentation, BEZA accidents safety training, etc. Inspection of OE, Emergency Emergency Independent Response At work sites Preparedness and Monthly Contractor Monitor, Plan Response BEZA mechanism 244 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Responsible Agency Parameter / Means of Location Frequency Activity Monitoring Implemented Supervised By By visual inspection OE, and enquiry to Grievance Independent At work site know the Monthly Contractor Mechanism Monitor, Grievance BEZA Mechanism. During Operation and Maintenance Monitoring of Inspection and Environmental Record checking Quality As specified in of Monitoring (Ambient Air, Quarterly IESC BEZA Table 1.1 activities carried Noise, Water, out by EHSU circle effluent, Soil, of NEZ etc) Inspection of laboratory Environmental Condition, NEZ Complex Six-monthly PIU IESC, BEZA Laboratory accreditation and certification (from GOB) status Checking and compiling climatic Meteorological data collected and NEZ Quarterly IESC BEZA Condition recorded by micro weather station installed in NEZ Noise nuisance/ Township disturbance area, perceived by NEZ Ambient Noise Administrative personnel and Six-monthly IESC BEZA Level area and nearby community nearby to be surveyed by community interview and FGD Treat effluent Visual inspection discharge of fish mortality Fisheries point at Six-monthly IESC BEZA Interviewing local Kangsha fishermen River Blooming of flowers and fruits in plants Plant Health Visual inspection Six-monthly IESC BEZA within the NEZ, number of tree felling Satellite image 10km buffer Land use and analysis of land area of the yearly IESC BEZA land cover use and land plant cover Hazardous Hazardous Visual Inspection Quarterly EHS Circle IESC, BEZA 245 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Responsible Agency Parameter / Means of Location Frequency Activity Monitoring Implemented Supervised By By Waste and Material of safe handling Hazardous Storage Area and storage Material and Use Area hazardous waste Handling Hazardous and hazardous Waste materials Disposal Area At monitoring well location Interview of local population to check whether NEZ complex grievance Grievance and nearby mechanism is Quarterly EHS Circle IESC, BEZA Mechanism community working or not. Checking records of complaints and redresses Inspection of Emergency Emergency Response At work sites Preparedness and Quarterly EHS Circle IESC, BEZA Plan Response mechanism Inspection of training list, safety Health and meetings records, Safety NEZ Complex Quarterly EHS Circle IESC, BEZA means of Preparedness awareness growing Inspection of community relation NEZ Complex, maintaining Community Nearby procedures, Quarterly EHS Circle IESC, BEZA Relation Community relation building activities, FGD with community Inspection of NEZ Complex, record completed CSR Program Nearby and planned CSR Six-monthly IESC BEZA Community programs and activities 13.2 Implementation of Environmental Monitoring Plan 13.2.1 Responsible Agency The Project Director of the NEZ construction would be the responsible authority for administrating and implementing Monitoring plan during Construction. After completion of the construction, the responsibility would go to the NEZ Authority and each Industry Owner. 246 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan During construction stage, the Environmental Compliance Monitoring would be conducted by the Contractor(s) supervised by the Project Director Office (PDO) or Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and Environmental Impact Monitoring would be carried out by the by the Owner’s Engineer. In addition, an independent Monitor/Independent Environmental and Social Consultant (IESC) would also be retained by PDO during three years of construction and by NEZ authority during three years of post-construction (operation stage). Thereafter, the EHSU of NEZ Authority would implement the monitoring program during operation stage. 13.3 Action during Emergent Operation The NEZ Authority would assign a director/manager as the NEZ Operation in-charge who will be responsible to look after overall operation of the NEZ. Besides, each industrial unit shall have a plant-in-charge to look after operation of the industrial unit. In case of any emergent situation, for example a major failure of control system, plant component, grid failure, etc. the NEZ operation in-charge shall be responsible to act. If the emergent situation arises at an industrial unit end, the plant in-charge would be the responsible person to act. Each plant must be operated ensuring all pollution control devices are in order. In case of any event of malfunction of a pollution control device, immediate action of resolving the problem would be taken. If any emergent situation arises during operation, the shift in- charge would be immediately notified to take corrective measures and action. 13.4 Performance Indicators For evaluating the performance of the environmental management and monitoring plan, performance indicators are identified for efficient and timely implementation of measures/actions proposed in EMP. The indicators are defined both for construction and operation phases. OE/Project Implementation Unit would be responsible for compiling the information on these indicators and report to PDO/BEZA/NEZ Authority. Separate performance indicators for each environmental issue have been specified in compliance monitoring and impact monitoring plan. To measure the overall environmental performance of the project, an additional list of performance indicators is provided below: Number of inspections carried out by OE per month Number of non-compliances observed by OE or EHSU. Continuous period of non-compliance Number of grievances received Number of grievances resolved Number of construction and occupational related accidents Timely reporting of documents (as defined in EMP and monitoring plan) Availability of environmental and H&S specialists in EHSU Availability of environmental and H&S specialists in OE Availability of environmental specialists and H&S with contractors Number of trainings imparted to stakeholders/other capacity building initiatives 247 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan 13.5 Reporting and Feedback Mechanism The monitoring activities would require proper documentation. In case of Independent monitor, the monitoring results and relevant document should be properly reported to the project implementation authority. The project authority would submit the report to the Department of Environment. During construction stage, the environmental specialist of OE would be engaged in monthly discussion meeting with the project implementation unit and the Contractor(s) for giving necessary feedback. The project implementation unit might arrange a discussion meeting quarterly with the financer regarding environmental compliance. During the operation phase, the EHSU Circle would carry out the monitoring activities and keep all the records and results of monitoring with proper documentation and will produce quarterly reports on Environmental Monitoring. Besides, the IESC would prepare and submit environmental compliance monitoring report annually to the PDO/NEZ authority. All the reports should be submitted to DoE which is a condition of renewing the Environmental Clearance Certificate from DoE. Besides, each industrial unit would be required to conduct their environmental monitoring and obliged to submit the report to the DoE for renewing of its Environmental Clearance Certificate During operation, the EHSU Circle would give necessary feedback instantly to the person in concern. The EHSU Circle would arrange a monthly meeting to disclose the results of environmental monitoring to the personnel. 13.6 Budgets for Monitoring Summary costs of monitoring including investments costs are presented in the Table below: Table 13.3: Environmental Compliance Monitoring Cost Estimated Cost Sl no Activities (In million BDT) During pre-construction and Construction (borne by EPC/Land Development Contractor) for three years 1 Environmental quality (air, water, noise, soil) monitoring 8.5 2 Occupational health, safety, and sanitation 5.0 Ecosystem, Biodiversity, Fisheries Resources and Agricultural 3 5.0 Resources Monitoring Subtotal 18.5 During 3 years of operation (to be included in O/M cost) for three years 1 Environmental quality (air, water, effluent, noise, soil) monitoring 8.0 2 Waste Generation and Management 5.0 3 Ecosystem and biodiversity 5.0 4 Land and agriculture resources 5.0 5 Health, safety, and sanitation 5.0 6 Monitoring beyond compliance 5.0 Subtotal 33.0 Total Monitoring 51.5 248 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Table 13.4: Investment Cost of Environmental Monitoring Sl no Activities Estimated Cost (Million BDT) 1 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations 22 2 Continuous Effluent Quality Monitoring Instrument 13 3 Micro Weather Station 3.5 4 Environmental Laboratory 35 Estimated Total Cost 73.5 Table 13.5: Cost of Independent Monitor Sl no Activities Estimated Cost (Million BDT) Independent Monitor for a six (6) years period including 1 50 3 years of operation (only fees and cost) 13.7 Organogram and Staffing for Ensuring ESMP and Environmental Monitoring For ensuring effective implementation of ESMP and environmental and social monitoring the NEZ construction project and the NEZ management (during operation) must have special unit/department focusing on environmental management and compliance. Figure 13.1 and 13.2 illustrate organogram for the proposed environmental management and compliance unit. Figure 13.1: Proposal Institutional Setting for Environmental Compliance and EHS Unit during Construction 249 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Figure 13.2: Proposed Institutional Setting and Organogram for the Environmental Compliance and EHS Unit during the Operation of the NEZ 250 14. Conclusions and Recommendations The aim of the proposed NEZ is to promote local as well as regional and national economic development by establishing appropriate industries in an enabling environment. The economic benefits of the project as envisiged in the master plan includes contribution to increasing GDP,value addition by creating employments opportunities, increase of national foreign reserve through inflow of direct foreign investment.. However, these benefits may also incur some environmental cost. The proposed acquisition of 500 acre land may result permanent loss of seasonal waterbodies including beels, agricultural lands (mostly signle crops), fish habitats and livelihood of some people.. However, the people owning the land would get compensation as per the rules of the country. Unfortunately, people who do not have appropriate paper to produce their land right would not get any compensation which might cause a social tension. The proposed land acquisition would cost 2160 MT of rice and 243 MT of fish production annualy. The proposed land development for establishing NEZ by converting seasonal flooded area to flood free area would have impacts on surrounding drainage and flooding situation. The surrounding water management infrastructures e.g. sluice gates, canals, embankment which are not effectively functioning at present, would be under further stress due permanent loss of flood retention area and groundwater recharge potential areas. However, the poposed lake in the NEZ might minimize the impacts. The construction activities might increase SPM in the local air . Construction activities might also generates noise. The EIA proposes appropriate mitigation measures to control such impacts. The EIA proposes automated monitoring system for CETP/ETP/STP/pollution mitigation measures. However, during operation, pollution (air pollution, water pollution) might take place due to non-functioning of CETP/ETP/STP/pollution mitigation measures. Ground water has been considered as a major source of water supply. Considering the large demand of water for operating NEZ, the impact on groundwater availability is inevitable unless the NEZ apply water saving technology and make arrangement for groundwater recharge. The Master plan includes a large lake and several green areas which might enhance groundwater recharge.The feasibility study did not cover detail assessment on groundwater availability. Therefore, a further study should be carried out to evaluating sustainability of groundwater. The proposed NEZ and allied infrastructural development would induce local and national economic development which would directly benefit the local community. Living standard of local people would be improved. An important objective of establishing EZ is to promote planned industrial development by creating enabling environment and facilities at a place equipped with environmental management rules and regulations and pollution abatement measures,which would prevent 251 Conclusions and Recommendations unplanned and isolated growth of industries and thereby would prevent diffusive environmental pollution. It is quite common that unplanned and isolated growth of industries do not always comply environmental regulation and it often stay out of the reach of environmental regulating agencies. Therefore, an EZ looks better in the context of implementing environmental regulation and environmental monitoring. Such benefit of EZ is also forseeable in case of NEZ. However, to ensure minimum environmental and social impacts during land acquisition, construction and operation, the EIA recommends the following: An autometed and online monitoring system should be established to operate and monitor CETPs. The NEZ authority should establish a strict environmental compliance policy and practice with strict penalty for any non-compliance. An integrated approach of infrastructural development is needed to ensure attractiveness of the NEZ to investors Integrated and Smart (monitor & control, GIS interface) Utility (Gas, Water, Power, Firefighting, etc.) Design would further ensure interest of investors Industries should adopt water saving technology The Komol Beel which will be converted to a lake for the sake of NEZ, should be maintained ensuring its ecological and hydrological functions. It should be maintained in such a way that it it would provide local biodiversity an important shelter. The mitigation measures proposed in EIA should be strictly implemented. This EIA should be a part of all the tender documents and contracts related to the establishment of the NEZ. The monitoirng plan proposed in the EIA should be strictly followed. Since the local people have a high hope of local, regional and national economic benefit from the project, long delay of the construction and operation may cause public disappointment. 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Fisheries Resources Survey System (FRSS), Department of Fisheries. Bangladesh : Ministry of Fisheries, 2018. Volume 35 : p. 129. 254 Appendix I: Matrix of Comments and Reponses on the Draft Report Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. 1. Paban Chowdhury, (Secretary) Executive Chairman, BEZA All the alternative economic opportunities for the Discussed in Livelihood Restoration Plan, 1.1 people dependent on the land of the project area in EMP Chapter should be discussed properly. Abstraction of water from the nearby surface water Agreed. The EIA also recommends the 1.2 sources should be encouraged along with the same. uses of groundwater. 2. Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Director, Department of Environment, Dhaka Metropolitan Office 2.1 Executive summary should be brief and conscinse Executive summary has been rearranged The government planned to establish 100 EZ throughout the county, which covers Why Netrokona was selected as a potential place almost all district. In that sense, selction to establish Economic Zone? - a more logical 2.2 of Netrokona is normal. Anyway, a bit explanation should be presented at the relevant description is given in Introduction section. Chapter The socio-economic condition around the project area after establishing NEZ should be discussed. 2.3 The relevant section has been updated. The impact of urbanization should also be discussed. The distance from the Indian border to the project The project is far from the Indian boarder, area should be considered. The necessity of 2.4 therefore, this issue is not addressed in additional security due to the proximity of border the report should be discussed whether it is required or not. Road network plan along with the Detailed road network plan should be incorporated dimensions based on the information of 2.5 including cross-sectional details of main road, feasibility study has been presented in utility roads, footpaths etc. the subsection 4.4.5 under the heading ‘Road Network’ Impacts of additional traffics have been discussed at the subsection 8.4.3 under the heading ‘impacts of additional traffic’ Impact of additional traffics should be assessed 2.6 and to tackle the impacts separate EMP and discussed. has been prepared in the subsection 11.7 under the heading ‘Traffic management plan’ The allocated area for different zones such as Allocated area for different zones and 2.7 industrial areas, residential areas, green areas etc. facilities are indicated in the subsection should be specified according to the master plan. 4.4.1 (table 4.4) Why single crop area is dominant in the project Land is F4 type, which is suitable for area? – this should be answered properly. Loss of 2.8 single crop only. Detail explanation is agricultural production should be considered with given in Cropping Pattern Section critical point of view. 2.9 Approximate quantification of the generation of all The idea of waste generation and the 255 Appendix Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. types of wastes could be identified. The capacity, capacity of treatment plants have been design and layout of the treatment plants should discussed in the ‘project description’ also be included. The operation of the pre- chapter (4.4.5) which are based on the treatment plants by the industries should be available information of the feasibility should be ensured. Also, the technological, study. managerial and financial aspects of the treatment However, at this stage, the numbers and plants should be re-considered as the experiences types of the industries are not certain and of the existing examples of such treatment plants so, the design capacity of the treatment in our country are not pleasant and favorable. plants are not possible to identify. The ESIA report expects that BEZA will design the treatment plants according to the actual scenario of the types of the industries and there will be provision for further improvement of the plants. BEZA should also ensure the proper maintenance of the treatment plants. Water discharge data have been included in the subsection 6.2.5 under the heading ‘discharge and water level of nearby rivers’. Actual water discharge and seasonal variation of Water modeling could not be done the rivers could be included. In case of the because, at this stage, the types and 2.10 abstraction of groundwater for the industrial uses, numbers of the industries are not certain. the availability of drinking water for the local At the same time, according to the people should be assessed and included. master plan, the dependency of water for NEZ will be shifted from groundwater to surface water eventually with connection to the operational progress of NEZ from initial stage to maximum production. Baseline water quality report has been Baseline water quality report should be included included in the subsection 6.2.5, under 2.11 according to Environment Conservation Rules the heading ‘quality of surface water’ and 1997, schedule 3. ECR, 1997, schedule 3 has been followed to present the data. Possible measures to treat gaseous Possible measures that could be taken by the emissions by the industries have been 2.12 industries to treat the gaseous emission should be discussed in the subsection 11.7 under discussed. the heading ‘Air Pollution Management Plan’. Monitoring of biodiversity should be included in the Monitoring indicators have been 2.13 ‘Environmental Monitoring’ chapter. mentioned in monitoring Chapter 3. Syed Nazmul Ahsan, Director (ECC), Department of Environment Update the missing acronyms and correction of 3.1 Action Taken wrong ones (PPR, STP) Map of project location should be updated. Two Two updated map have been inserted in 3.2 maps should be included in the report which are Introduction Chapter one km. and 10 km radius; Conservation of lake has been discussed In the project description chapter the conservation 3.3 in the project description under the of existing lake should be discussed; subsection 4.4.5 256 Appendix Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. The proportionate distribution of land into The proportion of public and private land among government and private cannot be given 3.4 the total of the project area should be presented in in EIA report, since it is a part of Land the report; Acquisition Plan (LAP) study. There is a confusing information in the report Data on beel area has been changed 3.5 about the beel area. Provide accurate information (please see relevant Sections) about the nature of the land particularly beel area; Mitigation of hydrological impacts of the There might be created hydrological impact by the project area have been addressed in the 3.6 development of the project. Provide proper subsection 11.7 under the heading drainage management system during flooding; ‘drainage and flood management plan’ 4. Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, Environment Specialist, Support to Capacity Building of BEZA Project, BEZA Executive summary has been rearranged Executive Summary sections should include key following other comment as well (see. findings of each chapter beside the general Comment 2.1). Also, a summary of 4.1 descriptions along with site specific critical concerns and a wayforward has been environmental concerns and ways forward for the given at the concluding remark of the study area in the conclusion; executive summary Indicative outline along with environmental Environmental guideline and description guideline and description on CETP, STP, Solid on CETP, STP and Solid waste waste Treatment Plant and Integrated waste management facility have been 4.2 management plan with 3R strategies based on the discussed in the project description projected demand should be discussed in the based on the available information of the project description chapter of the report as part of feasibility study. the EIA guideline requirements by DoE for EZ. Physiography, geology and seismic analysis in page 22 is missing, this section should also Physiography, Geology and Seismic 4.3 include relevant environmental implications for analysis have been included in the report implementation of the proposed project under the subsections: 6.2.8 and 6.2.9 interventions in the study area; Surface water quality data along with its environmental interpretation for the proposed Water quality data of surface water and project is missing inn page 70; Status of Arsenic groundwater along with their 4.4 (As) and its environmental implication for the study interpretation have been included in the area should be included in the groundwater subsection 6.2.5. monitoring data in page 77; Baseline soil Elemental composition data and Action Taken: A brief soil quality graphical interpretation is missing in the report information is presented based on 4.5 although it is mentioned in page 22 under the available data in Upazila Nirdeshika of section of soil and land resources; SRDI. Primary laboratory report of water quality All primary Air/noise/ water/soil quality data should has been included in the annexures. 4.6 be backed by original lab test reports and Noise and air quality was monitored by references in the annexures; field tests. Noise quality section in page 127, it is mentioned Noise modeling could not be conducted the project activities shall cause high noise because, at this stage, the types and 4.7 impacts on the nearby community receptors. numbers of the industries are not certain. However, no quantitative noise quality baseline However, an indication of noise during data as well as predicted spatial impacts during operation phase has been addressed in 257 Appendix Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. construction and operation of the EZ have been the subsection 8.4.1 included in the report; The caption for figure 4.7 has been Figure 4.7 caption in page 44 under wastewater 4.8 corrected under the wastewater treatment section should be corrected; treatment section In page 125 it is mentioned that 455 acres of agricultural land out of 500 acres will be converted to industrial area with an annual loss of 2161 tons of rice due to the NEZ. This statement should be Verified and found ok. Also, discussed in 4.9 verified with specific field/land use data and similar Alternative Analysis Chapter. findings should be discussed in alternative analysis section as agricultural/socio-economic section which is missing in page 52. Considering observation no. 6 alternative 4.10 Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) for project Agreed: included in EMP Chapter affected people should be included in the report. Dredging impacts was not possible to It is mentioned in page 148 that a detailed explore extensively because the selection feasibility and ESIA should be conducted for of dredging location and the design dredging and land filling the project site which is layout requires separate study including not correct as land filling is an important hydro-morphological and social component of onsite EZ development activities assessments of the nearby rivers. 4.11 and lies within the scope of this study. Therefore, However, a general and tentative the ESIA study should include an indicative land dredging and land development development plan with the source and layout of management plan has been prepared dredging considering the identified environmental and presented in the subsection 11.8 impacts in the study area. under the heading ‘dredging and land development management plan’ As the report identifies the study area as groundwater stressed as mentioned in page132, the report should suggest environmentally viable Suggestions and measures regarding the supply mix of industrial and drinking water sources sustainable use of water have been considering the projected demand and local particularly addressed in two subsection: 4.12 available natural resources of the study area. In i) water resource management plan in this context, the provision of surface/groundwater 11.7 and ii) water conservation and treatment plant, water storage reservoir, rainwater saving plan in 11.8 harvesting should be discussed as integrated water management plan for the entire project. Identified impacts of global pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 disease on the project affected people in the study area due to project activities and their associated occupational health safety Preventive measures have been 4.13 precautionary measures should be discussed in suggested in Mitigation Chapter the relevant section of the environmental social impacts and occupational health safety measures in the report. Promotion of Green EZ practices such as role of Measures to optimize energy efficiency renewable energy (roof top/floating solar panels) and greener production have been 4.14 in the total energy supply mix, necessity for green discussed in the subsection 11.8 under building, environmental audit, ISO certification of the headings ‘ Industrial Symbiosis Plans’ the EZ and individual investors should be and ‘ Resource Efficiency and Cleaner 258 Appendix Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. discussed in the environmental management plan Production plans’. of the study with a view to develop sustainable and resilient EZ. Table nos. in page 216 and 179 is section II of Table nos. are corrected at page 220 and 4.15 Additional Benefit Package for the affected HHs 181. should be corrected. Minimum level of land elevation and development of the project area in MPWD unit based on historical flood level analysis in the report should Minimum level of land elevation has been 4.16 be clearly recommended in the climate change recommended in both sections. adaptation & mitigation section page 214 and in EMP section page 151. Depth of the three sampling GW tube-wells along with status of Arsenic and its environmental Depths of collected groundwater are 4.17 interpretation in the Quality of Groundwater mentioned in table 6.8 (page 79) section should be discussed in page 78. Section 11.8 details the general guideline for dredging and landfilling but the section also needs Tentative source of sand for the lad to discuss the tentative source of sand from the development purpose and tentative nearest location for the proposed landfilling along 4.18 pipeline for sand transportation have with a layout of the dredging pipeline network from been addressed in section 11.8 (page the source should be discussed: (ref: similar ESIA 195, 196) reports on other EZs may be consulted for this issue). General and indicative impacts of Dredging on Indicative impacts and mitigation soil, water, aquatic ecology, socioeconomic measures have been addressed for 4.19 condition of the project area along with their different IECs in the section 8.3 and 9.3 mitigation measures should be discussed in the respectively. EMP section 9.0. List of on-going (not the proposed one) off-site development activities around the project area and Plan to mitigate the cumulative impacts their cumulative environmental impacts along with has been addressed in the section 11.8 4.20 the proposed on-site development activities with under the title ‘integrated plan for other mitigation measures should be discussed in the off-site infrastructure’ (page 202) report. Proportion of the total land area allocated for Proportions of allocated lands of different 4.21 different zones and facilities in percentages inside zones to total area are mentioned in table NEZ should be mentioned in table 4.4. 4.4 (page 35) Comments on CETP, STP, solid waste treatment and integrated waste management issues in section 2.9 from DoE and 4.2 from BEZA were not General description, and management addressed which needs to be addressed in the aspects of waste, CETP, STP etc. are report prior to the review by DoE for final approval mentioned in section 4.2 and 11.8. 4.22 of the ESIA report; (it is suggested to provide a Details design criteria of STP, CETP are general and tentative detail of the layout, process not possible to mention as the number flow description for liquid/solid waste management and scales of the industries are not including construction, dredging debris, hazardous finalized yet. and E-waste etc. addressing the regulatory requirements of ZLD, ZDHC, 3R strategies, sludge 259 Appendix Sl. Comments Responses by CEGIS No. management guideline of DoE. The study should be more technical than descriptive as pointed out in the presentation by DoE. 5. Md. Abdul Quader Khan, Social Specialist, Support to Capacity Building of BEZA Project, BEZA Environmental and social impacts and mitigation measures: The consultancy firm can highlight the 5.1 only social impacts in separate head. Though the Action Taken (See, Impact Chapter) heading is Environmental and social impacts but here is no major discussion on social part. Please provide the summary of social impact in 5.2 the Executive summary including affected HHs Action Taken and number of persons In Impact Assessment Chapter, an ISC Please add separate section for off-site for assessing Social Impact of off-site 5.3 development plan and its social impact both in developed has been considered and executive summary and details. discussed in relevant Section including Executive Summary. An ISC on off-site development has been Please provide the mitigation measures for social considered, impacts have been assessed 5.4 point of views in the report based on proposed and mitigation measures have been utility connection e.g. .road, gas, electricity etc. suggested (in Impact Chapter) National Legislations Relevant to Environment: In this chapter there is no discussion about Economic Zone labor law 2019. They have National Child Labor Elimination Policy, 5.5 discussed only National Child Labor Elimination 2010 has been deleted and Economic Policy, 2010 which is not applicable according to Zone labor law 2019 has been discussed BEZA Act-2010. Please update this chapter according to comments. In the social part, please incorporate the socio- The general description of socio- economic profile of land owner including their economic profile of population living in education, male-female ratio, Occupation Status, 5.6 the study is presented. However, profile Literacy Rate, Employment Status, Age structure, of landowners –to be dispossessed- by source of drinking water, Household Income and the project Expenditure etc. Please add chapter for livelihood restoration plan 5.7 Action Taken for affected land owners 260 Appendix II: Approved ToR and Exemption of IEE 261 Appendix 262 Appendix 263 Appendix 264 Appendix III: Participants List 265 Appendix 266 Appendix Sl. no Name Profession Mobile no. 1. Moyeenul Islam Deputy Commissioner, Netrokona 01715-123128 2. Mashuda Akter UNO, Netrokona Sadar 01793762106 3. Md. Abdul Rahim Chairman, Singher Bangla 01718716766 4. Md. Abdul Razzak Chairman, Thakurakona 01713548440 5. Abdul Amin Farmer 01743352500 6. Gorango Sarker Teacher 01712851805 7. Salman Hossain Farmer 01949957250 8. Jagodish Chandro Sarker Farmer 01780502169 9. Chand Mia Farmer - 10. Mujib Sarker Farmer 01747895020 11. Juhira Begum Farmer 01784411568 12. Soab Ali Farmer - 13. Nur Islam Farmer 01912499352 14. Liton Sarker Farmer - 15. Nandan Sarker Farmer - 16. Mahabubur Rahman Farmer 01732729575 17. Sahid Islam Farmer 01714643318 18. Asad Mia Farmer 01738862335 19. Abdul Jalil Farmer 01737018747 20. Masadul Mia Farmer - 21. Ranjit Mia Farmer - 22. Mujibur Rahman Farmer - 23. Rukka Mia Farmer 01770568841 24. Poran Sarker Farmer - 25. Khalil Khan Business - 26. Mangal Sarker Business 01766866211 27. Uzzal Khan Business - 28. Shakiul Alam Service 01714647072 29. Mr. Alius Selim Farmer 01718756577 30. Abdul Sattar Farmer 01725889274 31. Shahid Mia Farmer - 32. Komol Mia Business - 33. Ataur Rahman Service 01989828429 34. Shafiqul Islam Service 01749414548 35. Abdul High Service 01712094787 36. Nurul Amin Service 01717625302 37. Joj Mia Politician 01718914718 38. Abdulah Razzak Farmer 01728978237 39. Chand Mia Farmer 01728012459 40. Fazlu Mia Farmer 01718490188 41. Abdur Sattar Farmer 01725889274 42. Juwel Mia Farmer 01735060310 267 Appendix Sl. no Name Profession Mobile no. 43. Kadir Farmer 01715625509 44. Rokon Mia Farmer 01927046211 45. Md. Kanchan Mia, Business 01715739991 46. Yusuf Ali Farmer - 47. Rafiqul Islam Farmer 01725005791 48. Mahammud Ali Service 01718813795 49. Md. Abu Taher Farmer 01752644687 50. Md. Selim Mia Farmer 01721517643 51. Md. Abdul Jalil Teacher 01712458796 52. Angur Mia Farmer 01759575008 53. Md. Arab Ali Farmer 01727708220 54. Rana Mia Student 01714591599 55. Md. Babul Mia Farmer 01714486249 56. Tara Sarker Farmer 01727454563 57. Usha Rani de Housewife - 58. Srey Tagar Farmer - 59. Md. Rusam Ali Farmer - 60. Sohel Mia Student 01754484539 61. Sharif Mia Buisness 01710597777 62. Md. Shohel Mia Student 01760617860 63. Ratan Chanda Farmer - 64. Ranjit Chanda Farmer 01745222776 65. Sona Mia Farmer - 66. Tara Mia Farmer - 67. Kaman Ulla Member 01745189333 68. Sangher Gotriyo Farmer - 69. Binod Chandra Farmer - 268 Appendix IV: Photographs of the Stakeholder Consultation Meetings Formal Stakeholder Consultation Meeting at Key Informant Interview (KII) with Netrokona Netrokona upzila parishad Deputy Commissioner (DC) at Netrokona zila parishad Meeting with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) at Meeting with Chairman at Singher Bangla union Netrokona upazila parishad parishad Meeting with Chairman at Thakurakona union Discussion meeting with local people at Singher parishad Bangla village, Netrokona 269 Appendix Discussion with local people at project area Discussion meeting with Garo Community at Netrokona Discussion meeting with local people at Barni Discussion meeting with local people at Barni village, Netrokona sadar village, Netrokona sadar Discussion with local people at Bhadropara Discussion with local people at project area village, Netrokona sadar 270 Appendix V: Environmental Code of Practices Introduction The objective of the Environmental Code of Practices (ECPs) is to address all potential and general construction related impacts during the land development and construction phase of Netrokona Economic Zone. The ECPs will provide guidelines for best operating practices and environmental management guidelines to be followed by the contractors for sustainable management of all environmental issues. These ECPs shall be annexed to the general conditions of all the contracts, including subcontracts, carried out under the Project. The list of ECPs prepared for the Project is given below. ECP 1: Waste Management ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Goods Management ECP 3: Water Resources Management ECP 4: Drainage Management ECP 5: Soil Quality Management ECP 6: Erosion and Sediment Control ECP 7: Top Soil Management ECP 8: Topography and Landscaping ECP 9: Quarry Areas Development and Operation ECP 10: Air Quality Management ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management ECP 12: Protection of Flora ECP 13: Protection of Fauna ECP 14: Protection of Fish ECP 15: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management ECP 16: Construction Camp Management ECP 17: Cultural and Religious Issues ECP 18: Worker Health and Safety ECP 19: Construction and Operation Phase Security Contractors will prepare site specific management plans, namely Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), in compliance with the World Bank and Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997 of Bangladesh and based on the guidance given in the ECPs. The CEMP will form the part of the contract documents and will be used as monitoring tool for compliance. It is mandatory for the main contractors procured directly by the project to include these ECPs in their subcontracts. Violation of this requirements will be treated as non-compliance leading to the corrections or otherwise imposing penalty on the contractors. 271 Appendix ECP 1: Waste Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Develop site specific waste management plan for various waste streams (e.g., reusable waste, flammable waste, construction debris, food waste etc.) prior to commencing of construction and submit to supervision consultant for approval. Organize disposal of all wastes generated during construction in the designated disposal sites approved by the Project authority. Minimize the production of waste materials by 3R (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse) approach. Segregate all wastes, wherever practical. Vehicles transporting solid waste shall be totally confined within an enclosed vehicle or is fully covered with a tarp to prevent spilling waste along the route. Tarp must be undamaged (not torn or frayed) Soil and water properly secured to the body of the vehicle or trailer pollution from the with ropes, chains, straps, or cords so that no waste improper is exposed. The edges of the tarps shall extend 12 General Waste management of inches over the permanent sides and back of the wastes and excess open top vehicle or trailer and must be secured to materials from the the permanent vehicle. All loads must be tapped construction sites. from the point of origin of the waste to the tipping area of the final disposal/landfill. Train and instruct all personnel in waste management practices and procedures as a component of the environmental induction process. Provide refuse containers at each worksite. Request suppliers to minimize packaging where practicable. Place a high emphasis on good housekeeping practices. Maintain all construction sites clean, tidy and safe and provide and maintain appropriate facilities as temporary storage of all wastes before transporting to final disposal. Potable water should be supplied in bulk containers to reduce the quantity of plastic waste (plastic bins). Plastic bag use should be avoided. The Contractor shall Health hazards and Collect chemical wastes in 200-liter drums (or similar environmental sealed container), appropriately labeled for safe impacts due to Hazardous Waste transport to an approved chemical waste depot. improper waste management Store, transport and handle all chemicals avoiding practices potential environmental pollution. Store all hazardous wastes appropriately in bounded 272 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts areas away from water courses. Make available all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials on-site during construction. Collect hydrocarbon wastes, including lube oils, for safer transport off-site to reuse, recycle, treatment or disposal at approved locations. Construct concrete or other impermeable hard-stand to prevent seepage in case of spills. Keep sufficient stock of absorbents for generally used chemicals or for petrochemicals (e.g., dirt, sawdust, etc.) within the storage area to contain accidental spills. ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Goods Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare spill control procedures and submit them for supervision consultant for approval. Train the relevant construction personnel in handling of fuels and spill control procedures. Refueling shall occur only within bounded areas. Store dangerous goods in bounded areas on top of a Materials used in sealed plastic sheet away from watercourses. Store construction have a all liquid fuels in fully bounded storage containers, potential to be a with appropriate volumes, a roof, a collection point source of and appropriate filling/decanting point. contamination. Store and use fuels in accordance with material Improper storage and safety data sheets (MSDS). Make available MSDS handling of fuels, for chemicals and dangerous goods on-site. lubricants, chemicals, Fuels and Store hazardous materials at above flood level, hazardous hazardous goods. determined for construction. goods/materials on- Make sure all containers, drums, and tanks that are site, wash down of used for storage are in good condition and are equipment, and labeled with expiry date. Any container, drum, or potential spills may tank that is dented, cracked, or rusted might harm the eventually leak. Check for leakage regularly to environment or health identify potential problems before they occur. of construction workers. Sit containers and drums in temporary storages in clearly marked areas, where they will not be run- over by vehicles or heavy machinery. The area shall preferably drain to a safe collection area in the event of a spill. Take all precautionary measures when handling and storing fuels and lubricants, avoiding environmental pollution. All machinery is to be stored and away from any 273 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts water body, drainage inlets or natural drainage area, where practical. Environmental control measures such as appropriate barriers (i.e. bounding, sediment fence, etc.) will be considered and/or implemented to control runoff away from the machinery and prevent any washout in to adjacent water body, drainage inlets or natural drainage area. Transport waste of dangerous goods, which cannot be recycled, to an approved waste disposal facility. Safe transport of fuel or other hazardous liquids to and from the storage container will be facilitated through the provision detailed within the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Wash down of equipment and vehicle servicing will be performed only in isolated impervious areas away from drainage inlets, connecting the drainage with an oil interceptor. Pits/bunds located away from waterways will be provided for concrete wash near construction areas. The contractor’s environmental officer with assistance from supervisors is to ensure that pits/bunds are available, maintained at capacity and drivers instructed regarding the location and required procedures Keep stock of absorbent and containment material (e.g., absorbent matting, dirt, sawdust, etc.) where hazardous materials are used and stored; and ensure staffs are trained in their correct use. Oil and chemical spills and washouts shall be cleaned up and collected immediately, where safety permits. Disposal of remediated / cleanup/ washout materials shall be to an approved waste disposal facility. Materials shall be transported by an approved / licensed transporter. Contaminated Material to be removed from site as soon as reasonably practical after the incident. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (protective clothing, safety boots, helmets, masks, gloves, goggles, etc.) to the construction personnel, depending on the materials handled. Avoid the use of material with greater potential for contamination by substituting them with more environmentally friendly materials. 274 Appendix ECP 3: Water Resources Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Follow the management guidelines proposed in Water pollution from the ECP 1: Waste Management and ECP 2: Fuels storage, handling and and Hazardous Goods Management. Hazardous disposal of hazardous material and Minimize the generation of spoils, oil and materials and general Waste grease, excess nutrients, organic matter, litter, construction waste, and debris and any form of waste (particularly accidental spillage petroleum and chemical wastes). These substances must not enter waterways or storm water systems. The Contractor shall Install temporary drainage works (channels and check dams) in areas required for sediment and erosion control and around storage areas for Construction activities, construction materials. sewerages from construction sites and Install temporary sediment lagoons, where work camps may affect appropriate, to capture sediment-laden run-off the surface water from work site. quality. The Divert runoff from undisturbed areas around the construction works will construction site. modify groundcover Stockpile materials away from drainage lines. and topography, Prevent all solid and liquid wastes entering changing the surface Discharge from waterways by collecting spoils, oils, chemicals, water drainage patterns construction sites bitumen spray waste and wastewaters from of the area. These brick, concrete and asphalt cutting where changes in hydrological possible and transport to an approved waste regime lead to disposal site or recycling depot. increased rate of runoff, increase in sediment Wash out ready-mix concrete agitators and and contaminant concrete handling equipment at washing loading, increased facilities off site or into approved bunded areas flooding, and effect on site. Ensure that tires of construction habitat of fish and other vehicles are cleaned in the washing bay aquatic biology. (constructed at the entrance of the construction site) to remove the mud from the wheels. This should be done in every exit of each construction vehicle to ensure the local roads are kept clean. The Contractor shall At the land Stabilize the cleared areas not used for development stage, soil construction activities with vegetation or erosion and dust from appropriate surface water treatments as soon Soil erosion and the material stockpiles as practicable following earthwork to minimize siltation will increase the erosion. sediment and Ensure that roads used by construction contaminant loading of vehicles are swept regularly to remove dust and surface water bodies. sediment. Water the loose material stockpiles, access 275 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts roads and bare soils on an as needed basis to minimize dust. Increase the watering frequency during periods of high risk (e.g. high winds). The Contractor Shall Untreated surface water is not suitable for Provide drinking water that meets National and WHO Drinking Water standards. Drinking water drinking purposes due Drinking water to presence of to be chlorinated at source, and ensure presence of residual chlorine 0.1 ~ 0.25 ppm as suspended solids and E. coli. minimum after 30 minutes of chlorine contact time. ECP 4: Drainage Management Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source The Contractor shall Prepare drainage management procedures and submit them for supervision consultant for approval. Prepare a program to prevent/avoid standing waters, which supervision consultant will verify in advance and confirm during implementation. Provide alternative drainage for rainwater if the construction works/earth-fillings cut the established drainage line. Establish local drainage line with appropriate silt collector and silt screen for rainwater or Lack of proper drainage wastewater connecting to the existing for rainwater/liquid waste established drainage lines already there. or wastewater owing to Excavation and the construction Rehabilitate road drainage structures earth works, and activities harms immediately if damaged by contractors’ road construction transports. environment in terms of yards water and soil Build new drainage lines as appropriate and contamination, and required for wastewater from construction mosquito growth. yards connecting to the available nearby recipient water bodies. Ensure wastewater quality conforms to National Standards, before it is being discharged into the recipient water bodies. Ensure that there will be no water stagnation at the construction sites and camps. Provide appropriate silt collector and silt screen at the inlet and manholes and periodically clean the drainage system to avoid drainage congestion. Protect natural slopes of drainage channels to ensure adequate storm water drains. 276 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Regularly inspect and maintain all drainage channels to assess and alleviate any drainage congestion problem. Do not allow ponding of water especially near the waste storage areas and construction Health hazards due to camps. Ponding of water mosquito breeding Discard all the storage containers that are capable of storing of water, after use or store them in inverted position. ECP 5: Soil Quality Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Strictly manage the wastes management plans proposed in ECP 1: Waste Management and storage of materials and ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Goods Management. Construct appropriate spill containment facilities for all fuel storage areas. Establish and maintain a hazardous material register detailing the location and quantities of Storage of Spillage of hazardous hazardous substances including the storage, hazardous and and toxic chemicals will and their disposals. toxic chemicals contaminate the soils Train personnel and implement safe work practices for minimizing the risk of spillage. Identify the cause of contamination, if it is reported, and contain the area of contamination. The impact may be contained by isolating the source or implementing controls around the affected site. Remediate the contaminated land using the most appropriate available method. Dumping of Polluted soil may The Contractor shall polluted soil for contaminate surface Test the quality of soil arranged for the land the development water as well as ground development before dumping and ensure the of land water in the long run toxicity level is within the permissible standards. Erosion from The Contractor shall Construction construction material material stock Protect the toe of all stockpiles, where erosion is stockpiles may likely to occur, with silt fences, straw bales or piles contaminate the soils bunds. 277 Appendix ECP 6: Erosion and Sediment Control Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Cleared areas and Prepare site specific erosion and sediment slopes are control measures and submit them for susceptible for Clearing of supervision consultant for approval. erosion of top soils, construction which affects the Reinstate and protect cleared areas as soon as sites possible. growth of vegetation and causes Cover unused area of disturbed or exposed ecological imbalance. surfaces immediately with mulch/grass turf/tree plantations. The Contractor shall Locate stockpiles away from drainage lines. Protect the toe of all stockpiles, where erosion is likely to occur, with silt fences, straw bales or bunds. Remove debris from drainage paths and sediment control structures. Cover the loose sediments of construction Destruction of aquatic material and water them if required. environment by Divert natural runoff around construction areas Construction erosion and/or prior to any site disturbance. activities and deposition of material Install protective measures on site prior to sediment damaging stockpiles construction, for example, sediment traps. the spawning Install ‘cut off drains’ on large cut/fill batter slopes grounds of fish to control water runoff speed and hence erosion. Observe the performance of drainage structures and erosion controls during rain and modify as required. Restrict construction during December-February when appropriate to avoid temporary impacts to habitat during critical life history stages (e.g., spawning, egg and embryo development, and juvenile growth). The Contractor shall Stabilize the cleared areas not used for Soil erosion and dust construction activities with vegetation or from the material appropriate surface water treatments as soon as stockpiles will practicable following earthwork to minimize Soil erosion and increase the erosion. siltation sediment and Ensure that roads used by construction vehicles contaminant loading are swept regularly to remove sediment. of surface water Water the material stockpiles, access roads and bodies. bare soils on an as required basis to minimize dust. Increase the watering frequency during periods of high risk (e.g. high winds). 278 Appendix ECP 7: Top Soil Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Strip the top soil to a depth of 35 cm and store in stock piles of height not exceeding 2m. Remove unwanted materials from top soil like grass, roots of trees and others. The stockpiles will be done in slopes of 2:1 to reduce surface runoff and enhance percolation Earthworks will through the mass of stored soil. impact the fertile top Locate topsoil stockpiles in areas outside soils that are drainage lines and protect from erosion. Land clearing and enriched with Construct diversion channels and silt fences earth works nutrients required for around the topsoil stockpiles to prevent erosion plant growth or and loss of topsoil. agricultural Spread the topsoil to maintain the physico- development. chemical and biological activity of the soil. The stored top soil will be utilized for covering all disturbed area and along the proposed plantation sites. Prior to the re-spreading of topsoil, the ground surface will be ripped to assist the bounding of the soil layers, water penetration and revegetation Vehicular movement outside NEZ or Limit equipment and vehicular movements to temporary access within the approved construction zone. Transport roads will affect the Plan construction access to make use, if soil fertility of the possible, of the final road alignment. agricultural lands ECP 8: Topography and Landscaping Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Construction Prepare landscaping and plantation plan and activities especially submit the plan to supervision consultant for earthworks will approval. change topography Ensure the topography of the final surface of all Land clearing and and disturb the raised lands (construction yards, approach roads earth works natural and rails, access roads, etc.) are conducive to rainwater/flood enhance natural draining of rainwater/flood water drainage as water. well as change the Keep the final or finished surface of all the raised local landscape. lands free from any kind of depression that causes water logging. 279 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts Undertake mitigation measures for erosion control/prevention by grass-turfing and tree plantation, where there is a possibility of rain-cut that will change the shape of topography. Cover immediately the uncovered open surface that has no use of construction activities with grass-cover and tree plantation to prevent soil erosion and better landscaping. Reinstate the natural landscape of the ancillary construction sites after completion of works. ECP 9: Quarry Areas Development and Operation Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare borrow/quarry area management plan and submit the plan for supervision consultant approval. Use only approved quarry and borrow sites. Identify new borrow and quarry areas in consultation with the client, if required. Reuse excavated or disposed material available in the project to the maximum extent possible. Store top soil for reinstatement and landscaping. Borrow areas will Develop surface water collection and drainage Development and have impacts on systems, anti-erosion measures (berms, operation of local topography, revegetation etc.) and retaining walls and gabions borrow areas landscaping and where required. Implement mitigation measures in natural drainage. ECP 3: Water Resources Management, ECP 6: Erosion and Sediment Control The use of explosive should be used as low as possible to reduce noise, vibration, and dust. Control dust and air pollution by application of watering and implementing mitigation measures proposed in ECP 10: Air Quality Management Noise and vibration control by ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management. 280 Appendix ECP 10: Air Quality Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare air quality management plan (under the Pollution Prevention Plan) and submit the plan for supervision consultant approval. Fit vehicles with appropriate exhaust systems and emission control devices. Maintain these devices in good working condition. Air quality can be adversely affected Operate the vehicles in a fuel-efficient manner. Construction by vehicle exhaust Cover hauling vehicles carrying dusty materials vehicular traffic emissions and moving outside the construction site. combustion of Impose speed limits on all vehicle movement at the fuels. worksite to reduce dust emissions. Control the movement of construction traffic. Water construction materials prior to loading and transport. Service all vehicles regularly to minimize emissions. Limit the idling time of vehicles not more than 2 minutes. The Contractor shall Fit machinery with appropriate exhaust systems and emission control devices. Maintain these devices in good working condition in accordance with the specifications defined by their manufacturers to maximize combustion efficiency and minimize the contaminant emissions. Proof of maintenance register shall be required by the equipment suppliers Air quality can be and contractors/subcontractors. adversely affected Pay special attention to control emissions from fuel Construction by emissions from generators. machinery machinery and Machinery causing excessive pollution (e.g., visible combustion of smoke) will be banned from construction sites. fuels. Service all equipment regularly to minimize emissions. Provide filtering systems, dust collectors or humidification or other techniques (as applicable) to the concrete batching and mixing plant to control the particle emissions in all stages, including unloading, collection, aggregate handling, cement application, circulation of trucks and machinery inside the installations. Dust generation The Contractor shall from construction Water the material stockpiles, access roads and Construction sites, material bare soils on an as needed basis to minimize the activities stockpiles and potential for environmental nuisance due to dust. access roads is a Increase the watering frequency during periods of nuisance in the high risk (e.g. high winds). Stored materials such as 281 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts environment and gravel and sand shall be covered and confined to can be a health avoid their being wind-drifted. hazard, and also Minimize the extent and period of exposure of the can affect the local bare surfaces. crops Restore disturbed areas as soon as practicable by vegetation/grass-turfing. Store the cement in silos and minimize the emissions from silos by equipping them with filters. Establish adequate locations for storage, mixing and loading of construction materials, in a way that dust generation is minimized during such operations. Not use water as dust suppression on potentially contaminated areas, to prevent generation of liquid waste stream. Crushing of rock and aggregate materials shall be wet-crushed, or performed with particle emission control systems. Not permit the burning of solid waste. ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare a noise and vibration management plan (under the Pollution Prevention Plan) and submit the plan for supervision consultant approval. Noise quality will Maintain all vehicles in order to keep it in good working Construction be deteriorated condition in accordance with manufactures maintenance vehicular traffic due to vehicular procedures. traffic Make sure all drivers will comply with the traffic codes concerning maximum speed limit, driving hours, etc. Perform the loading and unloading of trucks, and handling operations minimizing construction noise on the work site. The Contractor shall Appropriately organize all noise generating activities to Noise and avoid noise pollution to local residents. vibration may Use the quietest available machineries and equipment in have an impact construction work. Construction on people, machinery property, fauna, Maintain all equipment in order to keep them in good livestock and the working order in accordance with manufactures natural maintenance procedures. Equipment suppliers and environment. contractors shall present proof of maintenance register of their equipment. Install acoustic enclosures around generators to reduce 282 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts noise levels. Fit high efficiency mufflers to appropriate construction equipment. Avoid unnecessary use of alarms, horns and sirens. The Contractor shall Notify adjacent landholders prior to typical noise events outside of daylight hours. Educate the operators of construction equipment on potential noise problems and the techniques to minimize noise emissions. Noise and vibration may Employ best available work practices on-site to minimize have an impact occupational noise levels. Construction on people, Install temporary noise control barriers where activity property, fauna, appropriate. livestock and the Notify affected people if major noisy activities will be natural undertaken, e.g. blasting. environment. Plan activities on site and deliveries to and from site to minimize impact. Monitor and analyze noise and vibration results and adjust construction practices as required. Avoid undertaking the noisiest activities, where possible, when working at night near the residential areas. ECP 12: Protection of Flora Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare a plan to protect flora and submit the plan for supervision consultant approval. Local flora are Minimize disturbance to surrounding vegetation. important habitats for Use appropriate type and minimum size of birds, provide fruit machine to avoid disturbance to adjacent harvest, timber/fire vegetation. wood, protect soil from Get approval from supervision consultant for erosion and overall clearance of vegetation. Vegetation keep the natural clearance Make selective and careful pruning of trees balance for human- where possible to reduce need of tree removal. living. As such Control noxious weeds by disposing of at damage to flora has designated dump site or burn on site. wide range of adverse environmental Clear only the vegetation that needs to be impacts. cleared in accordance with the engineering plans and designs. These measures are applicable to both the construction areas as well as to any associated activities such as sites for stockpiles, disposal of fill, etc. 283 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts Not burn off cleared vegetation – where feasible, chip or mulch and reuse it for the rehabilitation of affected areas, temporary water main and valve access or landscaping. Mulch provides a seed source, can limit embankment erosion, retains soil moisture and nutrients, and encourages re- growth and protection from weeds. Return topsoil and mulched vegetation (in areas of native vegetation) to approximately the same location from where it came from. Avoid work within the drip-line of trees to prevent damage to the tree roots and compacting the soil. Minimize the length of time the ground is exposed or excavation left open by clearing and re-vegetate the area at the earliest practically possible. Ensure excavation works occur progressively and re-vegetation done at the earliest. Provide adequate knowledge to the workers regarding nature protection and the need of avoid felling trees during construction Supply appropriate fuel in the work camps to prevent fuel wood collection. ECP 13: Protection of Fauna Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare a plan for protection of fauna and submit the The location of plan for supervision consultant approval. construction Limit the construction works within the designated activities can Construction sites allocated to the contractors. result in the loss of activities wild life habitat Check the site (especially trenches) for trapped and habitat animals, and rescue them by the help of a qualified quality, person. Provide temporary access to the animals to cross the trenches. The Contractor shall Not be permitted to destruct active nests or eggs of Impact on local birds. and migratory birds, their Minimize the tree removal during the bird breeding habitats and active season. If works must be continued during the bird nests breeding season, a nest survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to commence of works to identify and locate active nests. 284 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts If bird nests are located/ detected within the right-of- way and roadside embankments, then those areas should be avoided. Petroleum products should not come in contact with the natural and sensitive ecosystems. Contractor must minimize the release of oil, oil wastes or any other substances harmful to migratory birds’ habitats, to any waters, wetlands or any areas frequented by migratory birds. The Contractor shall Restrict the tree removal to the minimum numbers required. Relocate hollows, where appropriate. Clearance of vegetation may Fell the hollow bearing trees in a manner which impact shelter, reduces the potential for fauna mortality. Felled trees feeding and/or will be inspected after felling for fauna and if Vegetation breeding and/or identified and readily accessible will be removed and clearance physical relocated or rendered assistance if injured. After destruction and felling, hollow bearing trees will remain unmoved severing of habitat overnight to allow animals to move of their own areas volition. Care should be taken to make sure bird habitats are not destroyed. If there is no option available, rehabilitate them in other neighboring trees. Also protect and rehabilitate injured or orphaned birds. The Contractor shall Lighting from Use lower wattage flat lens fixtures that direct light construction sites down and reduce glare, thus reducing light pollution, and construction Avoid flood lights unless they are absolutely camps may affect required. the visibility of Night time lighting night time Use motion sensitive lighting to minimize unneeded migratory birds lighting. that use the moon Use, if possible, green lights that are considered as and stars for bird’s friendly lighting instead of white or red colored navigation during lights. their migrations. Install light shades or plan the direction of lights to reduce light spilling outside the construction area. The Contractor shall Provide adequate knowledge to the workers regarding protection of flora and fauna, and relevant government regulations and punishments for illegal Construction poaching. Illegal poaching camps Ensure that staff and Subcontractors are trained and empowered to identify, address and report potential environmental problems. Provide sufficient food allowance to the workers so that they don’t engage in illegal poaching or hunting. 285 Appendix ECP 14: Protection of Fish Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare procedures for protection of fish and submit them for supervision consultant approval. Ensure the construction equipment used in the river are well maintained and do not have oil Construction The main potential leakage to contaminate river water. activities around impacts to fisheries Contain oil immediately on river in case of the wetlands (beel are hydrocarbon accidental spillage from equipment; make an areas) and existing spills and disposal of emergency oil spill containment plan (under the drainage canals wastes into the beel. Fuels and Hazardous Substances Management Plan) to be supported with enough equipment, materials and human resources. Do not dump wastes, be it hazardous or non- hazardous into the nearby water bodies or in the river. The main potential impacts on river are increased suspended The Contractor shall Construction solids from follow mitigation measures proposed in ECP 3: activities on the earthworks erosion, Water Resources Management and land sanitary discharge from work camps, ECP 4: Drainage Management. and hydrocarbon spills ECP 15: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source The Contractor shall Prepare a traffic management plan and submit the plan for supervision consultant approval. Strictly follow the Project’s ‘Traffic Increased traffic use of Management Plan’ and work with close road by construction coordination with the Traffic Management Construction vehicles will affect the Unit. vehicular traffic movement of normal road traffics and the Prepare and submit additional traffic plan, if safety of the road-users. any of this traffic route is not covered in the Project’s Traffic Management Plan, and requires traffic diversion and management. Include in the traffic plan to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement during construction: detailed drawings of traffic 286 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source arrangements showing all detours, temporary road, temporary bridges, temporary diversions, necessary barricades, warning signs/lights, road signs, construction schedule etc. Provide signs at strategic locations of the roads complying with the schedules of signs contained in the National Traffic Regulations. The Contractor shall Restrict truck deliveries, where practicable, to day time working hours. Restrict the transport of oversize loads. Accidents and spillage of ?????? fuels and chemicals Operate vehicles, if possible, to non-peak periods to minimize traffic disruptions. Enforce on-site speed limit, especially close to the sensitive receptors, schools, health centers, etc. ECP 16: Construction Camp Management Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source The Contractor shall Prepare a construction camp management plan and submit the plan to supervision consultant for approval. Locate the construction camps within the designated sites or at areas which are acceptable from environmental, cultural or social point of view and approved by the supervision consultant or the Client. Campsites for construction Conduct consultation with communities workers are the important including local government institutes (Local Siting and locations that have member of Union Parishad) prior to set-up Location of significant impacts such as the camp. construction health and safety hazards Consider the location of construction camps camps on local resources and away from communities in order to avoid infrastructure of nearby social conflict in using the natural resources communities. such as water or to avoid the possible adverse impacts of the construction camps on the surrounding communities. Submit to the supervision consultant for approval a detailed layout plan for the development of the construction camp showing the relative locations of all temporary buildings and facilities that are to be constructed together with the location of access roads, fuel storage areas (for use in 287 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source power supply generators), solid waste management and dumping locations, and drainage facilities, prior to the development of the camps. Local authorities responsible for health, religious and security shall be duly informed on the set up of camp facilities so as to maintain effective surveillance over public health, social, and security matters. Contractor shall provide the following facilities in the campsites Adequate housing for all workers. Safe and reliable water supply, which should meet national/WHO standards. Drinking water to be chlorinated at source, and ensure presence of residual chlorine 0.1 ~ 0.25 ppm as minimum after 30 minutes of chlorine contact time (WHO guideline). Hygienic sanitary facilities and sewerage system. The toilets and domestic waste water will be collected through a common Lack of proper sewerage. Provide separate latrines and infrastructure facilities, bathing places for males and females with such as housing, water total isolation by location. The minimum supply, and sanitation number of toilet facilities required is one toilet Construction facilities will increase for every ten persons. Camp Facilities pressure on the local Treatment facilities for sewerage of toilet and services and generate domestic wastes. substandard living standards and health Storm water drainage facilities. hazards. Paved internal roads. Provide child crèches for women working at construction site. The crèche should have facilities for dormitory, kitchen, indoor and outdoor play area. Schools should be attached to these crèches so that children are not deprived of education whose mothers are construction workers. Provide in-house community/common entertainment facilities. Dependence of local entertainment outlets by the construction camps to be discouraged/prohibited to the extent possible. 288 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source The Contractor shall Ensure proper collection and disposal of solid wastes within the construction camps. Insist waste separation by source; organic wastes in one container and inorganic wastes in another container at household level. Management of wastes is Store inorganic wastes in a safe place within Disposal of waste crucial to minimize impacts the household and clear organic wastes on on the environment daily basis to waste collector. Establish waste collection, transportation and disposal systems with the manpower and equipment/vehicles needed. Do not establish site specific landfill sites. All solid waste will be collected and removed from the work camps and disposed in approved waste disposal sites. The Contractor shall Provide fuel to the construction camps for their domestic purpose, in order to discourage them to use fuel wood or other biomass. Illegal sourcing of fuel Made available alternative fuels like natural Fuel supplies for wood by construction gas or kerosene on ration to the workforce to cooking purposes workers will impact the natural flora and fauna prevent them using biomass for cooking. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate workers on preserving the protection of biodiversity and wildlife of the project area, and relevant government regulations and punishments on wildlife protection. The Contractor shall Provide adequate health care facilities within construction sites. Provide first aid facility round the clock. Maintain stock of medicines in the facility and There will be a potential for appoint fulltime designated first aider or diseases to be transmitted nurse. including malaria, Provide ambulance facility for the laborers exacerbated by inadequate during emergency to be transported to Health and health and safety nearest hospitals. Hygiene practices. There will be an Initial health screening of the laborers coming increased risk of work from outside areas. crews spreading sexually Train all construction workers in basic transmitted infections and sanitation and health care issues and safety HIV/AIDS. matters, and on the specific hazards of their work. Provide HIV awareness programming, including STI (sexually transmitted infections) and HIV information, education and communication for all workers on regular 289 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source basis. Provide adequate drainage facilities throughout the camps to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies and puddles do not form. Regular mosquito repellant sprays during rainy season in offices and construction camps and yards. Not dispose food waste openly as that will attract rats and stray dogs. Carryout short training sessions on best hygiene practices to be mandatorily participated by all workers. Place display boards at strategic locations within the camps containing messages on best hygiene practices. The Contractor shall Provide appropriate security personnel (police or private security guards) and enclosures to prevent unauthorized entry in to the camp area. Maintain register to keep a track on a head count of persons present in the camp at any given time. Encourage use of flameproof material for the Inadequate security and construction of labor housing / site office. safety provision in Also, ensure that these houses/rooms are of construction camps may Security and sound construction and capable of create security and safety Safety withstanding wind storms/cyclones. problems of workforces and assets and fire Provide appropriate type of firefighting hazards equipment suitable for the construction camps. All construction material storage should be sit a visible location secured with fence or solid walls with locks to avoid theft and vandalism. Display emergency contact numbers clearly and prominently at strategic places in camps. Communicate the roles and responsibilities of laborers in case of emergency in the monthly meetings with contractors. The Contractor shall Dismantle and remove from the site all facilities established within the construction Restoration of the camp including the perimeter fence and construction camps to lockable gates at the completion of the Site Restoration original condition requires construction work. demolition of construction camps. Dismantle camps in phases and as the work gets decreased and not wait for the entire work to be completed. Give prior notice to the laborers before 290 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source demolishing their camps/units. Maintain the noise levels within the national standards during demolition activities. Different contractors should be hired to demolish different structures to promote recycling or reuse of demolished material. Reuse the demolition debris to a maximum extent. Dispose remaining debris at the designated waste disposal site. Handover the construction camps with all built facilities as it is if agreement between both parties (contactor and land-owner) has been made so. Restore the site to its condition prior to commencement of the works or to an agreed condition with the landowner. ECP 17: Cultural and Religious Issues Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Communicate to the public through community consultation regarding the scope and schedule of construction, as well as certain construction activities causing disruptions or access restriction. Not block access to cultural and religious sites, wherever possible. Restrict all construction activities within the foot prints of the construction sites. Disturbance from Stop construction works that produce noise construction works to (particularly during prayer time) should there be Construction the cultural and any church/mosque/religious/educational activities near religious sites, and institutions and health center close to the religious and contractors lack of construction sites and users make objections. cultural sites knowledge on cultural issues cause social Take special care and use appropriate disturbances. equipment when working next to a cultural/religious center. Stop work immediately and notify the site manager, if during construction, an archaeological or burial site is discovered. It is an offence to recommence work in the vicinity of the site until ‘approval to continue’ is obtained by the archaeological authority. Provide independent prayer facilities to the construction workers. Show appropriate behavior with all construction 291 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts workers especially women and elderly people. Allow the workers to participate in praying during construction time, if there is a request. Resolve cultural issues in consultation with local leaders and supervision consultants. Establish a mechanism that allows local people to raise grievances arising from the construction process. Inform the local authorities responsible for health, religious and security duly informed before commencement of civil works so as to maintain effective surveillance over public health, social, and security matters. ECP 18: Worker Health and Safety Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts The Contractor shall Prepare an Occupational Health and Safety plan Construction works and submit the plan for supervision consultant's may pose health and approval. safety risks to the construction workers Implement suitable safety standards for all workers and site visitors and site visitors, with sufficient provisions to comply leading to severe with international standards (e.g. International injuries and deaths. Labor Office guideline on ‘Safety and Health in The population in the Construction; World Bank Group’s ‘Environmental proximity of the Health and Safety Guidelines’) and contractor’s own construction site and safety standards, in addition to complying with the construction national standards. workers will be Provide the workers with a safe and healthy work exposed to a number environment, taking into account inherent risks in its of (i) biophysical particular construction activity and specific classes Best practices health risk factors, of hazards in the work areas. (e.g., noise, dust, Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemicals, workers, such as safety boots, helmets, masks, construction material, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, full-face eye solid waste, waste shields, and ear protection. Maintain the PPE water, vector properly by cleaning dirty ones and replacing the transmitted diseases, damaged ones. etc.), (ii) risk factors Safety procedures include provision of information, resulting from human training and protective clothing to workers involved behavior (e.g., STD, in hazardous operations and proper performance of HIV/AIDS, etc.) and their job. (iii) road accidents from construction Appoint an environment, health and safety manager traffic. to look after the health and safety of the workers. Inform the local authorities responsible for health, religious and security duly informed before 292 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts commencement of civil works and establishment of construction camps so as to maintain effective surveillance over public health, social and security matters. ???????? The Contractor shall Child and pregnant Not hire children of less than 14 years of age and labor pregnant women or women who delivered a child within 8 preceding weeks. The Contractor shall Ensure health care facilities and first aid facilities are readily available. Appropriately equipped first- aid stations should be easily accessible throughout the place of work. Document and report occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents. Lack of first aid Prevent accidents, injury, and disease arising from, facilities and health associated with, or occurring in the course of work care facilities in the by minimizing, so far as reasonably practicable, the Accidents immediate vicinity causes of hazards, in a manner consistent with will aggravate the good international industry practice. health conditions of the victims Identify potential hazards to workers, particularly those that may be life-threatening and provide necessary preventive and protective measures. Provide awareness to the construction drivers to strictly follow the driving rules. Provide adequate lighting in the construction area, inside the tunnels, inside the powerhouse cavern and along the roads. The Contractor shall provide the following facilities in the campsites to improve health and hygienic conditions as mentioned in ECP 16: Construction Camp Management: Lack of proper Adequate ventilation facilities infrastructure Safe and reliable water supply. facilities, such as Hygienic sanitary facilities and sewerage system. housing, water Treatment facilities for sewerage of toilet and supply and sanitation domestic wastes Construction facilities will increase Storm water drainage facilities. Camps pressure on the local services and Recreational and social facilities generate Safe storage facilities for petroleum and other substandard living chemicals in accordance with ECP 2 standards and health Solid waste collection and disposal system in hazards. accordance with ECP1. Arrangement for trainings Paved internal roads. Security fence at least 2 m height and security guards at entrances and every corner of the facility. 293 Appendix Project Activity/ Environmental Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source Impacts Sick bay and first aid facilities The contractor shall Provide portable toilets at the construction sites Lack of Water with workforce size 25 people or more, work the sanitation facilities at whole day for a month. Location of portable facilities Water and construction sites should be at least 6 m away from storm drain sanitation cause inconvenience system and surface waters. These portable toilets facilities at the to the construction should be cleaned once a day and all the sewerage construction sites workers and affect should be pumped from the collection tank once a their personal day and should be brought to the common septic hygiene. tank for further treatment. Provide safe drinking water facilities to the construction workers at all the construction sites. The Contractor shall follow the following ECPs to reduce health risks to the construction workers and nearby community ECP 2: Fuels and Hazardous Goods Management Potential risks on ECP 4: Drainage Management health and hygiene Other ECPs of construction workers and general ECP 10: Air Quality Management public ECP 11: Noise and Vibration Management ECP 15: Road Transport and Road Traffic Management The Contractor shall Train all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues (e.g., how to avoid malaria, transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI), and HIV/AIDS. Train all construction workers in general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their Lack of awareness work. Training should consist of basic hazard and basic knowledge in health care among awareness, site specific hazards, safe work practices, and emergency procedures for fire, Trainings the construction workforce, make evacuation, and natural disaster, as appropriate. them susceptible to Implement malaria, HIV/AIDS and STI education potential diseases. campaign targeting all workers hired, international and national, female and male, skilled, semi- and unskilled workforces, at the time of recruitment and thereafter pursued throughout the construction phase on ongoing and regular basis. This should be complemented by easy access to condoms at the workplace as well as to voluntary counseling and testing. 294 Appendix ECP 19: Construction Phase Security Project Activity/ Impacts /Concerns Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source The Contractor shall: Provide appropriate security personnel (i.e. security guards) to prevent unauthorized entry into the camp area. Employ night watchman for periods of significant on-site storage or when the area necessitates. Ensure all assets (i.e., tools, equipment, etc.) and construction materials at construction site are identified, inventoried and tracked as closely as possible. All assets should be clearly labeled and marked. Keep records of tool serial numbers and check inventory on a regular basis. All tools and equipment should have a check out/in system, if not in use should be secured and stored in a proper place to prevent theft or loss. Provide storage sheds for the secure Inadequate storage of equipment and tools when not in use. construction site Ensure there is proper fencing around security poses a construction site perimeter. Fencing should be significant risk to chain-link at least 2.4 m high and secured with a assets, construction steel chain and lock. If possible the entire site materials and property. should be fenced; if this is not possible, make sure construction trailer and any equipment Construction Theft/vandalism of Phase assets, materials and storage areas are fenced. property would increase Ensure construction site has controlled access construction costs and points (one or two entry points at most), allowing cause delays in project for close monitoring of comings and goings from completion. the site. Workers should be easily identified and have credentials that indicate site access. No trespassing signs should be posted in conspicuous areas throughout the job site. List of employees who have after hour access to the property should be available to the PMU and local authorities. Ensure job site is properly lighted at night. Well- lit areas should include any office trailers and equipment storage trailers. Floodlights operated by sensors should also be installed where appropriate. Pre-employment screening investigations should be used to verify the applicants relating to their employment, education and criminal history background. Improper security The Contractor shall: measures may pose Prepare site specific security plan. 295 Appendix Project Activity/ Impacts /Concerns Mitigation Measures/ Management Guidelines Impact Source security risk for Maintain register to keep track of number of construction workers persons present in the camp at any given time. and especially foreign Provide appropriate security personnel at job staff on construction sites as mentioned above. sites. Ensure proper fencing as mentioned above. Ensure controlled access points to job site as mentioned above. Ensure works have easily identified credentials as mentioned above. Ensure job sites are properly lighted at night, as mentioned above. 296 Appendix VI: Scanned Copy of Surface Water Test Results Figure 1: Scanned Test Report of SW-1 (1) 297 Appendix Figure 2: Scanned Test Report of SW-1 (2) 298 Appendix Figure 3: Scanned Test Report of SW-2 (1) 299 Appendix Figure 4: Scanned Test Report of SW-2 (2) 300 Appendix Figure 5: Scanned Test Report of SW-3 (1) 301 Appendix Figure 6: Scanned Test Report of SW-3 (2) 302 Appendix VII: Scanned Copy of Ground Water Test Results Figure 1: Scanned Test Report of GW-1 (1) 303 Appendix Figure 2: Scanned Test Report of GW-1 (2) 304 Appendix Figure 3: Scanned Test Report of GW-2 (1) 305 Appendix Figure 4: Scanned Test Report of GW-2 (2) 306 Appendix Figure 5: Scanned Test Report of GW-3 (1) 307 Appendix Figure 6: Scanned Test Report of GW-3 (2) 308