Initial Environmental Examination

July 2019

Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project

Prepared by the Department of Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Asian Development Bank.

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

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

ANNEX 6 Initial Environmental Examination

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ACRONYMS

ADB - Asian Development Bank AISP - Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project ASEAN - Association of South East Asian Nations m3/sec - cubic meters per second DAFO - District Agriculture and Forestry Office DCO - District Coordination Office DOI - Department of Irrigation EA - Executing Agency EDL - Electricité du Laos EMP - Environmental Management Plan EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environmental Management Plan EPL - Environmental Protection Law FHH - Female Head Household GMS-EWEC-AISP - Greater Mekong Sub-region East West Economic Corridor Agricultural Infrastructure Sector Project IA - Implementing Agency IEE - Initial Environmental Examination Lao PDR - Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic MASL - meters above mean sea level MoNRE - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment NGO - Non-Government Organization NPMO - National Project Management Office NSEDP - National Social and Economic Development Plan O&M - Operation and Maintenance PAFO - Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry PoNRE - Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment PPMO - Provincial National Project Management Office PPTA - Project Preparation Technical Assistance RC - reinforced concrete SEDP - Socio-economic Development Plan 2010-2015 USD - United States Dollars UXO - Unexploded Ordnance WUG - Water User Group

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Greater Mekong Sub-region East West Economic Corridor Agricultural Infrastructure Sector Project (GMS-EWEC-AISP, or AISP in this document) will comprise improvements to productive rural infrastructure (PRI) and provide technical and advisory support to beneficiary communities in formation and strengthening of water user groups, technical support and capacity building for extension services and support in post-harvest handling, product storage and marketing. It will provide project management support and capacity building for provincial and district level offices which will take a lead role in project implementation, in accordance with the Government’s decentralization policy of 2000. It is a sector project, and specific subprojects for the improvement of productive rural infrastructure in the two project provinces will be prepared and implemented. 2. An Environment Assessment and Review Framework (EARF)1 was prepared for the project setting out the procedures for screening and assessment of environmental impacts, reporting and management for subprojects in line with Government of Lao PDR (EIA Decree 2010) and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) requirements. 3. Investment projects are categorized according to a schedule in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decree. For small-scale irrigation, those with a command area of between 100 and 2,000ha are category 1 requiring an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) in accordance with Lao PDR and Kan-Tha-Chane would have a command area of 350ha, category 1 (Lao PDR). 4. The Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist from the Project (EARF) was used to screen the subproject based on a literature review, site visits and discussion with local beneficiaries. This subproject was classified as Environment Category B, ADB. This document is the IEE and EMP for the Kan-Tha-Chane agriculture infrastructure subproject, which involves irrigation scheme rehabilitation. The IEE is prepared according to the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement of June 2009 and the Lao PDR EIA decree of April 2010. This IEE document was prepared in November 2016 and was subsequently up dated in May 2018 in response to series of ADB comments. The IEE is an integral part of the subproject Feasibility Study. Based on the detailed engineering design, the irrigated area for Khan-Tha-Chane I was increased from 300 ha at the concept engineering design (CED) to 380 ha, and the irrigated area of Khan-Tha-Chane II was increased from 46.7ha at the CED stage to 76.1ha for the DED. A check of the DED maps shows the increased areas are existing paddy or brush from areas that were agricultural lands but had fallen into disuse. The two schemes draw water from the Mekong River so water supply is not an issue. The IEE has been updated to reflect the increased irrigated area. No changes to the environmental management plan are required. Figures A6.6 and A6.7 have been updated to show the detailed design layout.

Key Updates to IEE on following of Detailed Engineering Design

Irrigated command The irrigated area for Khan-Tha-Chane I was increased from 300 ha at the areas increased concept engineering design (CED) to 380 ha, and the irrigated area of Khan-Tha-Chane II was increased from 46.7ha at the CED stage to 76.1ha for the DED. A check of the DED maps shows the increased areas are existing paddy or brush from areas that were agricultural lands but had fallen into disuse. The two schemes draw water from the Mekong River so water supply is not an issue. The IEE has been updated to reflect the increased irrigated area. No changes to the environmental management

1 https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/gms-ewec-agriculture-infrastructure-sector-project-earf

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

plan are required. Figures A6.6 and A6.7 have been updated to show the detailed design layout.

Description of the Subproject 5. The Project is located in Xaiphouthong district of Savannakhet Province and was originally constructed in 1973. It is a pumped scheme extracting water from the Mekong River. The total existing irrigable area (command area) in Kan-Tha-Chane village is in the order of 120ha. Improvements are to include an extension of 260ha. Based on the detailed engineering design, the improved scheme is designed to have a command area of 380 ha, yielding a dry season crop. A second separate irrigation system, Kan-Tha-Chane II, located on Don-Tham- Ngeun island in the Mekong, would be rehabilitated increasing the present irrigated area from 15ha to 76.1ha. Present Condition and Characteristics of the Subproject 6. The existing scheme has deteriorated and suffers from inadequate Operation and Maintenance (O&M). The scheme is laid out in a ‘herringbone’ formation with a central main canal running along the spine serving a series of secondary canals. Water is delivered via a conventional two electrically powered inclined mixed flow pump sets that were installed in 1987. 7. Water is pumped into a stilling basin from where it discharges by gravity into the lined main canal. Flow is then distributed by gravity through a set of secondary canals. The estimated total length of main, secondary and tertiary canals is 556.27m, 2,857.4m, and 5,340.35m respectively. Flows in the canals are unregulated and the scheme is free-running apart from where temporary measures are used to route flows into specific farm units from some secondary canals. There is a natural collector stream that serves as the scheme drain. The field survey indicates that the drain does not require rehabilitation as part of the improvement works. 8. The access road from Kan-Tha-Chane village to headworks is gravel paved road with the width of 6m. Originally built by villagers it is partially deteriorated. Improvements 9. The existing system was thought inappropriate and inefficient to irrigate the present command area and the proposed expanded area. 10. Scheme rehabilitation would follow the original irrigation canal layout constructed by the PAFO (main) and farmers (secondary and tertiary canals). The improvement would include the replacement of pumps, provision of concrete lining for main, secondary and tertiary canals, the construction of new canals with related water control structures. Existing structures would be repaired and where this is not possible, or they need relocating, new ones would be built. The Khan-Tha-Chane I scheme comprises 1 main canal with 1,340m; three secondary canal canals (2,005m), and 12 tertiary canals (7,185m), and 25 farm canals (7,152m). There are a total of 131 structures comprising a stilling basin (1); improved diversion boxes (5); turnouts/off-take structures (5); walkway/farm bridges ((9); farm turnouts (65); end structures (12); drainage culverts (1); drops (32); and siphons (1). The Khan-Tha-Chane II scheme comprises 1 main canal with 875m; and 3 tertiary canals (1,900m). There are a total 29 structures comprising a stilling basin (1); improved diversion boxes (2); walkway/farm bridges ((6); farm turnouts (17); end structures (3); road crossings (3); drainage culverts (3); and drops (1).

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

11. The works also include the replacement of the pump equipment, which would be connected to the national power grid. Three (3) mixed flow inclined pumps with motors would be installed. Irrigation service roads would be built along the main, secondary and tertiary canals and to the headworks from Kan-Tha-Chane village to facilitate operation and maintenance. 12. The continuity of the natural the drainage network within the command area would be maintained with the provision of culverts. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework 13. The 8th National Social and Economic Development Plan (8th NSEDP) emphasizes raising agricultural productivity as a development priority since the majority of the Lao workforce is currently engaged in agriculture. One of the biggest challenges that Lao PDR faces is the proper management and protection of the environment and natural resources (land, water resources, forests, minerals, biodiversity). Without adequate and sustainable planning and management of natural resources, the development actions proposed in the 8th NSEDP will cause serious ecological and socio-economic problems, lead to irreversible damage to the environment, and exacerbate poverty. To address this issue, the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MONRE) has developed the 10-year Natural Resources and Environmental Strategy, 2016-2025 based on national directions and policies (National Social and Economic Development Plan, the National Strategies for Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, the IX Government Resolution and sectoral strategies) as well as on regional and global orientations and policies (Millennium Development Goals, climate change, and Multilateral Environmental Agreements). 14. Investment projects are categorized according to a schedule in the EIA decree into category 1 – small scale, requiring an IEE or category 2-large scale, requiring an environmental impact assessment (EIA). For irrigation projects, those with a command area of between 100 and 2000 ha are in category 1, and those with a command area greater than 2,000 ha are in category 2. The corresponding category to Lao Category 1 in the ADB’s classification system is B, which, similarly, requires an IEE and EMP. 15. According to the Regulation on Environmental Assessment in the Lao PDR, the IEE of the Project is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at the provincial level (PONRE) for approval through the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate prior to the project commencement (no civil work is allowed prior to the approval). Description of the Environment 16. The command area at Ban Kan-Tha-Chane is located in the Xaiphouthong district in Savannakhet Province. The area is generally flat beside the Mekong River where the irrigation scheme is located. The elevation at Ban Kan-Tha-Chane is around 135MASL. As is common to the lowland areas adjoining the Mekong River in Southern Laos, underlying rock is mostly recently-deposited mudstone, underlain by older sandstone bedrock. Soil type along the canal alignment is clayey soil. Two similar soil types had been observed in the command area has high potential for increase agricultural production. 17. Lao PDR has a tropical monsoon climate which features a dry season (November to February) and a wet season (May to October). The dry season is generally cooler, though temperatures rise significantly in March and April prior to the onset of the rains. The average annual precipitation in Savannakhet is around 1,430 mm, although this is highly variable from year to year (1,295 mm – 1,739 mm in 10 years). Lowest temperature is around 15oC occurring

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination in January and reaching 35oC in April. Monthly maximum temperatures are above 28oC throughout the year. 18. No National Protected Area (NPA) lie within 50km of the subproject site. A provincial protected area is located within 20km of the site. There is one tree (Afzelia xylocarpa) that is classified as “Endangered”. One fish, Hemitrygon2 laosensis, is classified as “Endangered” and one bird, Columba punicea, is classified as “Vulnerable”. However, subproject development would not cause an impact to these species. 19. Afzelia xylocarpa is found throughout South-East Asia in deciduous forests. It can reach 30 meters tall with a trunk up to 2 meters in diameter in a mature specimen. The seeds are harvested for medicinal purposes. The seed pulp can be used to make cigarettes, and the bark and seed are used for herbal medicine. The highly figured lumber is often sold as Afzelia xylay. The wood highly valued for carpentry and is used for ornamental woodturning, pens, knife handles, carvings, and musical instruments. The IUCN assessment is dated 1998 and mainly based on a study in Vietnam where large trees were reportedly scarce. It is likely that similar exploitation has occurred in Lao PDR. 20. Hemitrygon laosensis (Mekong Freshwater Stingray) is endemic to the Mekong River. “Records from the Chao Phraya basin in Thailand are thought to have been introduced from the Mekong population. The parts of the Mekong where this species is found are under heavy bycatch fishing pressure, and it is being affected by habitat degradation which is directly affecting the species”3. 21. One (1) bird the Pale-capped pigeon (Columba punicea) is Vulnerable. In general, the Columba punicea has a small, declining, severely fragmented population owing to the destruction of its forest habitat and hunting. In Lao PDR the pigeon is reportedly sparsely distributed in the north and south of the country with sightings recorded in the Bolikhamxai (Nam Kading NBCA), on the Bolaven plateau (Nam Hiang and Xe Namnoy) and in Attapeu province. Sightings in Lao have been too few to definitively state whether it is resident or a migrant. The species was listed under the globally threatened species in Lao PDR. 22. The location and occurrence of the species was not reported by the local community but it was mentioned as a common species in the area. The main threats reported are from wildlife trade and habitat loss. These species are unlikely to be affected by the subproject as construction would follow existing footprint area. 23. There are no known items of historical or archaeological significance, as confirmed in community consultations in 2016. Human and Economic Development

24. Villagers’ are mainly engaged in lowland farming, small business and service providing. The main incomes are from agriculture sources including rainfed paddy and cash crops (ground nut, sweet corn, banana, sugar cane and Para rubber). The income from agricultural sources averaged 52.51 per cent over the three (3) years 2013 – 2015 while income from non- agricultural activities average 47.49 per cent over the same period. 25. As of 2010, Kan-Tha-Chane Village has been officially endorsed as outside the list of poor villages. In Kan-Tha-Chan Village, 30 HHs (16%) are classed as rich including 7 female headed households (FHHs), and 158 HHs (84%) as moderate 14 FHHs.

2 In 2006 there was a change in genus name from Dasyatis to Hemitrygon 3 Hemitrygon laosensis, Mekong Freshwater Stingray, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

26. The majority of people 71 per cent of the total population (668) can read and write basic Lao; 504 persons (75.4%) completed the primary school level.

27. Most of villager’s drink and use water from open wells and bottled water (occasional) purchased through the village grocery shops or delivered by the factory located in Tha Dan Village (Urban Town of Xayphouthong district). 28. The land use in the subproject area is predominantly irrigated paddy rice although other cash crops such as peanut, sweet corn and tobacco, sugar cane, Para rubber, banana are also grown. 29. Data on bombs dropped by US forces between 1965 and 1973 is available from the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action and has been reviewed. Records on any ordnance arising from ground fighting or from bombings by Southern Vietnamese, Lao or Thai air forces, are not available. There are no records showing the locations of cluster bomb munitions. Staff of DAFO, PPMO, DCO and people in Xaiphouthong district mentioned that there is no record or reports about UXO in the area. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 30. In the IEE, potential impacts were assessed by means of site visits, discussions with local authorities and beneficiaries and the use of secondary sources of information from similar projects. An Environmental Impact Matrix was developed based on current environmental laws and legislation including, without limitation, the Rules and Regulations of Lao PDR relating to: air; noise; water supply; land/soil; waste water; solid waste; land use; biodiversity; cultural; health; education; safety resettlement; income; ethnic groups, unexploded ordnance (UXO); and climate. The scoring indicated in the matrix reflects an impact scale of each of the parameters during the three phases of subproject development pre-construction, construction and operation. Negative impact is shown in yellow, orange and red while positive impact recorded is shown from light to dark green. Scale of the impact of each type (negative or positive) is classified by a score 0, ±5 and ±10. A score of 5-minor impact and 10-significant impact. 31. Rankings for the severity of impacts and effectiveness of mitigation measures were made. A summary of Environmental Impacts before and after mitigation is shown in the tables below. Potential environmental impacts and required mitigation are incorporated into the EMP, which would be part of all construction contracts, and in agreements with the WUG. The IEE also includes a detailed Environmental Monitoring Plan. 32. Potential permanent land and asset losses were identified in a Preliminary Measurement Survey (PMS) that was used to develop a preliminary Inventory of Losses (IOL). The details of the IOL are shown in a separated LACP. This is detailed in Annex 7 (Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan) 33. Construction of irrigation canals and service roads would result in the removal of topsoil and other material containing vegetative matter that is not suitable for re-use on the road but can be utilized locally for house construction and other common community uses within or near the village. Villagers confirm there is a substantial demand for this material. Environmental impacts related to construction would be temporary, and can in most cases be mitigated before and during the construction period. Mitigation of any risks of sediment runoff would be achieved by Contract requirements. Surplus spoil should be used as fill, for example backfilling of culvert walls, wherever possible.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

34. Construction operations may involve the temporary closure of the irrigation systems. Ensuring that local farmers are aware of the construction schedule would help mitigate the effects of temporary closure. However, it would not be practical to maintain full irrigation flows while the works are taking place. 35. Environmental negative impacts related to location and design are anticipated in land/soils, resettlement, and climate. The negative impacts in land/soils and resettlement can be mitigated with careful design and proper implementation of resettlement plan. 36. Potential impacts have been assessed by means of site visits, discussions with local authorities and beneficiaries and the use of secondary sources of information such as similar projects elsewhere. The potential environmental impacts have been addressed with mitigation measures, which are incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan prepared for this Project as shown in the tables below. 37. Excavation works would result in localized concentrations of airborne particulate matter, which may pose a significant dust nuisance where it occurs in proximity to villages, schools, dwellings or farmers working their land. Where excavation operations are carried out during dry and windy conditions and are within 50m of an occupied dwelling, excavated sites should be sprayed with water to control dust release. Operating equipment would cause localized air pollution through exhaust fumes, particularly exhaust gases from diesel engines, although it would not be expected to persist but rather disperse fairly quickly. Lao PDR has legislation on vehicle exhaust emissions but testing facilities are not available within Lao PDR. Mitigation would be necessary ensuring equipment is well-maintained while trucks idling for over 15 minutes would not be allowed in populated areas. Trucks idling for over 15 minutes would not be allowed in populated areas. Similarly, as most construction would involve manual labor or medium sized plant, noise nuisance is not expected to be significant. However, contractors would be prevented from working between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 in populated areas, or near schools and hospitals. 38. For temporary use of land owners would receive compensation in the form of rents payable during scheme construction period and land would be re-instated to pre-construction condition or better. Contractors would sensitive urban, agricultural and natural areas during construction. Sensitive areas would be clearly demarcated to minimize risk of encroachment.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts

Activities and Project Impacts Table Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity

Air

UXO

Noise

Safety

Health

Impact

Ethnic Ethnic

Income

Climate

Cultural

Average Average

Land Use Land

Land/soils Education

Minorities

Solid Waste Solid

Biodiversity Impact Total

Waste-Water

Water Supply Water

Resettlement Pre-Construction Headworks 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Main/secondary canals 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -5 -0,29 Access / village roads -5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Canal service roads -5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Drainage channels 0 0 0 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Construction Headworks -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Main/secondary canals -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Access / village roads -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 -60 -3,53 Canal service roads -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Drainage channels -5 -5 0 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 -45 -2,65 Operation Headworks 0 0 5 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 -5 -5 -0,29 Main/secondary canals 0 0 5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Access / village roads 0 0 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 5 5 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 5 0,29 Canal service roads -5 0 0 -5 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 -20 -1,18 Drainage channels 0 0 5 -5 -5 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 -15 -0,88

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact Average total Impact 5 Pre-Construction -0,51 0 No significant impact Construction -3,09 -5 Operation -0,44 -10 Very negative impact Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts After Mitigation

Project Impacts Table - With Recommended Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity

Air

UXO

Noise

Safety

Health

Impact

Ethnic Ethnic

Income

Climate

Cultural

Average Average

Land Use Land

Minorities

Land/soils Education

Solid Waste Solid

Biodiversity Impact Total

Waste-Water

Water Supply Water

Resettlement Pre-Construction Headworks 0000000000000 10 0 0 -5 5 0,29 Main/secondary canals 0000000000000 10 0 0 -5 5 0,29 Access / village roads 0000000000000 10 0 0 -5 5 0,29 Canal service roads 0000000000000 10 0 0 -5 5 0,29 Drainage channels 0000000000000 10 0 0 -5 5 0,29 Construction Headworks 00000000000005000 50,29 Main/secondary canals 00000000000005000 50,29 Access / village roads 00000000000005000 50,29 Canal service roads 00000000000005000 50,29 Drainage channels 00000000000000000 00,00 Operation Headworks 0050000000000 10 0 0 -5 10 0,59 Main/secondary canals 0050000000000 10 0 0 -5 10 0,59 Access / village roads 0000000005500 10 0 0 0 20 1,18 Canal service roads 0000000000000 10 0 0 0 10 0,59 Drainage channels 0050000000000 10 0 0 0 15 0,88

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact Average total Impact 5 Pre-Construction 0,29 0 No significant impact Construction 0,29 -5 Operation 0,74 -10 Very negative impact

39. While the Contractor would be encouraged to engage local people for the works, some skilled workers and possibly supplementary labor would need to be brought to the site from elsewhere in Lao PDR or outside the country. Interactions with local residents can potentially lead to the spread of communicable diseases, or incidences of disharmony. Numerous mitigation measures are specified in the EMP, and the contractor would develop and implement an appropriate a site-specific Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), approved by the LIC, to address these and other public health issues. The contents of

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination the CEMP specify the Contractors’ responsibilities with respect to environmental and social issues. Some construction activities would pose a small safety risk to workers and to local people. The CEMP would include an effective Health and Safety Plan; a Hydrocarbon and Hazardous Waste Management Plan. 40. Advice to farmers, including emphatic discouragement of the use of persistent pesticides should continue through DAFO. The Government is strongly supportive of the introduction of organic and green agriculture. PPMO and DCO staff have receive training, January 2018, in Integrated Pest Management and Soil Fertility Management (Annex 2.3 Present Agriculture and Agricultural Development Plan) and three Phase I subprojects were used as a pilot for the introduction of the training program with assistance from the LIC. Subsequently DCO with assistance from the PPMO would continue the training program. 41. The expansion of the command area would increase the irrigated area of paddy fields that are seasonally inhabited by fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Therefore, the project would improve the seasonal aquatic ecosystem in the agricultural land and have only minor impact on the river at the pump station intake. 42. In common with all irrigation schemes, an increase in soil salinity may occur as a result of the accumulation of salts that are dissolved in the irrigation water, and upward transport of salt deposits in lower soil horizons in the case of over-irrigation. These risks are low for the scheme, as any salt not taken up by growing plants would be subject to natural flushing by rainwater in the wet season. 43. Some studies indicate that paddy rice fields contribute approximately 9-13 percent of the global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), especially methane and nitrous oxide. The total CO2e emissions from the AISP would be well below the ADB’s significance threshold of 100.000tons CO2e. However, the Project would review research literature on management practices to reduce GHG emissions from paddy land to see if it would be feasible to train farmers and the District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) staff in the recommended management practices. 44. Climate risk screening (Annex 6.6 Rapid Environmental Assessment and Climate Change Checklist) carried out at the start of the subproject Feasibility Study scored the subproject risk as medium which requires consideration of mitigation and adaptation measures. The subproject has numerous features that are designed to mitigate the effects of climate change events, such as concrete structures built to survive periodic inundations and reduce seepage loses from irrigation water. The impact of the subproject on climate change is considered low while mitigation introduced through design would reduce adverse impacts of climate change on the subproject. Transboundary Issues 45. The controlled use of irrigation water and the use of potentially harmful chemicals in pest control are, to some extent, transboundary issues. Risks of the use of harmful substances or excessive use of less harmful substances in irrigated agriculture are heightened by ready availability from neighboring countries. These risks can be reduced by improved information on agrichemicals available on the local market, and dissemination on their proper use. Analysis Alternatives

46. The “no subproject” alternative, while feasible, would simply mean the substitution of the Kan-Tha-Chane irrigation scheme with an alternative subproject, likely to be based on a different irrigation scheme within Savannakhet province.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Information Disclosure, Participation and Consultation 47. Consultations were conducted during visits Xaiphouthong district on 14 October 2016 which included a focus group discussion during which the Project was disclosed to community representatives and environmental and other issues discussed, Annex 6.3 (Information Disclosure, Participation and Consultation). The overall consensus is that the Project is needed and people want it to start as soon as possible. 48. During the consultation with local stakeholders, the main concerns for local people are on the level of existing canals which are already lower than paddy fields, thus, water in the canals are unable to flow to the fields. The new design should ensure that previous issues are eliminated and quality control for the construction work is done to standard. The subproject contractor should give priority to local people for unskilled tasks and should have good communication with the village authority during the construction phase. Grievance Redress Mechanism 49. The Grievance Redress Mechanism has been developed to provide a redress mechanism for grievances that may arise over effects on property and the environment. Persons affected by the subproject activities, or concerned about environmental impacts are entitled to lodge complaints regarding any aspect of the subproject development. 50. The objective of the grievance redress mechanism is to resolve complaints as quickly as possible and at the local level through a process of conciliation; and, if that is not possible, to provide clear and transparent procedures for appeal. Conclusions and Recommendations 51. The IEE process has found that the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject would not cause significant negative environmental impacts. Potential negative impacts relate mainly to the construction phase and can be managed and brought to acceptable levels through the implementation of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans. 52. The proposed subproject would have significant positive impacts. The reliable supply of irrigation water in the dry season and supplementary irrigation in the wet season would mitigate the impact of flood and drought. The concept engineering design maintains and enhances the continuity of the drainage system through drain culverts potentially reducing the impact of flood on standing crops and irrigation service roads in the wet season. 53. Main concern of the local communities is associated with level of existing main canals in some areas which is lower than the irrigated areas, giving priority to local villagers for non- skilled works and good communication with the village during the construction. 54. An interview with the local community identified fauna and flora common in the general area of the subproject and a literature review established Afzelia xylocarpa and Columba punicea were endangered species but the proposed subproject would not cause any adverse impacts on their habitat as the construction would mainly follow the existing footprint of the irrigation scheme, further their habitat is not in the vicinity of the subproject. 55. Water has a good quality that matches allowable limits set by the National standard. However, fecal coliforms tend to see a higher level at the end of drainage system after passing through the paddy field but not exceeding the limits. 56. Based on the evaluation of the information collected the subproject is Category B according to the ADB’s classification system. However, any changes made during the

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination preparation of the detailed engineering design would be evaluated and where necessary the IEE updated to reflect any adverse impact on the environment. 57. The updated IEE would form part of the contract and the EMP and monitoring plan be included in agreements made with Water User Groups.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... i 1 INTRODUCTION ...... A6-1 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE SubPROJECT ...... A6-1 2.1 Subproject Scope ...... A6-1 2.2 Present Condition and Characteristics of the Scheme ...... A6-3 2.2.1 Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-3 2.2.2 Kan-Tha-Chnae II ...... A6-5 2.3 Rehabilitation of the Subproject ...... A6-6 2.3.1 Climate Resilient Infrastructure Design ...... A6-6 2.4 Improvements ...... A6-6 2.4.1 Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-6 2.4.2 Kan-Tha-Chane II ...... A6-12 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... A6-12 3.1 Environmental Policy ...... A6-12 3.2 Relevant Laws ...... A6-15 3.3 Decrees, Regulations and International Conventions ...... A6-16 3.4 Government’s Requirement on IEE/EIA approved in Lao PDR ...... A6-17 3.5 Additional Project Requirements ...... A6-18 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... A6-18 4.1 Physical Resources ...... A6-18 4.1.1 Location and Topography ...... A6-18 4.1.2 Geology and Soils...... A6-18 4.1.3 Climate ...... A6-19 4.1.4 Water Resources ...... A6-21 4.1.5 Landscape and Ecological Resources ...... A6-21 4.1.6 Items of Historical and Archaeological Significance ...... A6-28 4.1.7 Human and Economic Development ...... A6-28 5 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES...... A6-31 5.1 Method of Assessment ...... A6-31 5.2 Environmental Impacts Related to Location and Design ...... A6-31 5.3 Environmental Management Plan ...... A6-32 5.3.1 Environmental Impacts Related to Pre-Construction ...... A6-32 5.3.2 Environmental Impacts Related to Construction ...... A6-35 5.3.3 Environmental Impacts Related to Operation ...... A6-42 5.4 Safety ...... A6-44 5.5 Climate Change ...... A6-45 5.5.1 Project’s Emissions of Greenhouse Gases ...... A6-45 5.5.2 Impact of Climate Change and Project Adaptation Measures ...... A6-46

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

6 GLOBAL, TRANSBOUNDARY AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... A6-48 7 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... A6-48 8 INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ...... A6-49 9 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM...... A6-50 10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN...... A6-52 10.1 Responsibilities for Environmental Management ...... A6-52 10.2 Approach to Environmental Monitoring ...... A6-53 11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ...... A6-56 Annex A6.1: Environmental Management Plan ...... A6-61 Annex A6.2: Details of the Impact Assessment and Summary of Mitigation Measures .....A6-73 Annex A6.3: Information gathered During the OCTOBER 2016 field visit ...... A6-91 Annex A6.4: Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contracts ...... A6-99 Annex A6.5: Environmental and Social Monitoring Process ...... A6-111 Annex A6.6: REA and Climate Change Checklists (2016)...... A6-127 Annex A6.7: Citation …………………………………………………………………………… A6-131

Schedule of Tables

Table A6.1: Pump Station Details for Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-10 Table A6.2: Water control structures Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-10 Table A6.3: Water control structures Kan-Tha-Chane II ...... A6-12 Table A6.4: Water Quality Monitoring Data ...... A6-21 Table A6.5: Common Trees found in the Subproject Area ...... A6-25 Table A6.6: Common Mammals in the Subproject Area ...... A6-26 Table A6.7: Common Reptiles in the Subproject Area ...... A6-26 Table A6.8: Common Birds in the Subproject Area ...... A6-26 Table A6.9: Common fish in the Subproject Area ...... A6-27 Table A6.10: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts ...... A6-33 Table A6.11: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts After Mitigation ...... A6-34 Table A6.12: Environmental Management Plan Summary ...... A6-37 Table A6.13: Factor Used for Calculating Emission Levels of Greenhouse Gases from Paddy Fields ...... A6-45 Table A6.14: GWP for Kan-Tha-Chane Sub-Projects ...... A6-46 Table A6.15: Project Climate Change Adaptation Measures ...... A6-47 Table A6.16: Project Main Steps of Grievance Mechanisms ...... A6-51 Table A6.17: Parameters and Limits of Values for Water Quality Testing ...... A6-53 Table A6.18: Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... A6-52 Table A6.19: Environmental Management Plan ...... A6-61 Table A6.20: Persons Met in Xayphouthong District ………………………………………….A6-93

Schedule of figures

Figure A6.1: Location of the Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject in Southern Lao PDR ...... A6-2 Figure A6.2: Existing Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-4 Figure A6.3: Condition of Existing Irrigation Structures Kan-Tha-Chane I ...... A6-5 Figure A6.4: Existing Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane II ...... A6-8 Figure A6.5: Condition of existing irrigation structures Kan-Tha-Chane II ...... A6-9 Figure A6.6: Detailed Engineering Design Layout of the Rehabilitated Irrigation Scheme Kan-

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Tha-Chane I ...... A6-11 Figure A6.7: Detailed Engineering Design Layout of the Rehabilitated Irrigation Scheme Kan- Tha-Chane II ...... A6-13 Figure A6.8: Mean Monthly Rainfall and Evaporation in Savannakhet ...... A6-19 Figure A6.9: Proportion of Households at risk for Drought ...... A6-20 Figure A6.10: National Protected Areas Near the Subproject ...... A6-22 Figure A6.11: Landscape in Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject ...... A6-23 Figure A6.12: Landscape Map of the Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject ...... A6-24 Figure A6.13: Safety Concerns for the Irrigation System ...... A6-44 Figure A6.14: Proposed Water Quality Testing Sites ...... A6-56 Figure A6.15: Pictures from the 2016 IEE Mission ...... A6-95

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

1 INTRODUCTION 58. The Greater Mekong Sub-region East West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project (GMS-EWEC-AISP, or AISP in this document) would comprise improvements to agriculture infrastructure and provide technical and advisory support to beneficiary communities in formation and strengthening of water user groups, technical support and capacity building for extension services and support in post-harvest handling, product storage, and marketing. It would provide project management support and capacity building for provincial and district level offices which would take a lead role in project implementation, in accordance with the Government’s decentralization policy of 2000. It is a sector project, and specific subprojects for the improvement of agriculture infrastructure located in two provinces, Savannakhet and Salavan, would be prepared and implemented. 59. This document is the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Kan-Tha-Chane agriculture infrastructure subproject, which involves irrigation scheme rehabilitation. The IEE is prepared according to the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement of June 2009 and the Lao PDR EIA decree of April 2010. This IEE document was prepared in November 2016 and was subsequently up dated June 2018 in response to ADB comments. The IEE is an integral part of the subproject Feasibility Study. 60. The Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist from the Projects (EARF) was used to screen the subproject based on a literature review, site visits and discussion with local beneficiaries. This subproject was classified as Environment Category B. This document is the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject (the subproject), which involves rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme. 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT 2.1 Subproject Scope 61. The Kan-Tha-Chane irrigation scheme is located in Xaiphouthong district (Error! eference source not found.1) and was originally constructed in 1987 through a joint initiative between the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department (PAFO), and the local Water Users Group (WUG). The Lao PDR government provided funds for the supply and installation of the pump station and technical assistance for designing and constructing the scheme; while farmers provided in kind contribution for the construction of a basic distribution system which is mostly unlined canal system without proper control structure. In the recent years PAFO has continuously provided some funds for major repair on control structures and pump sets. 62. Like the majority of irrigation developments in the province, the scheme is operated by two sets of 75 KW electric driven mixed flow inclined pumps. The pumping station is located on the Mekong River bank in Ban Kan-Tha-Chane. The total existing irrigable area (command area) is approximately 120ha. Improvements are to enable both wet and dry season cropping in 300ha, serving 100 families with total population 512. 4

4 Baseline Survey, June 2016

A6-1 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Figure A6.1: Location of the Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject in Southern Lao PDR

Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Area

A6-2 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

2.2 Present Condition and Characteristics of the Scheme 2.2.1 Kan-Tha-Chane I 63. The scheme has physically deteriorated due to lack of funds for the construction of a proper distribution system at the beginning and subsequently for operation and maintenance. Only one of two sets of pumps is operating and running day and night to supply water for the last dry season crop production. A WUG is formally established for the subproject working jointly for preparing cropping and a water management plan with DAFO. The existing WUG is considerably performing well, the irrigation system operation and maintenance (O&M) is moderately done and irrigation service fees are collected to fund O&M. It was found during the field visit that some canal structures were built under the O&M fund and it was noted that the farmers are eager to participate in the rehabilitation of the existing irrigation system. 64. The scheme is a ‘herringbone’ formation with a central main canal running along the spine serving a series of secondary canals. Water is delivered via a conventional electrically powered pumping plant using a pair of inclined mixed flow pumps a technique commonly used. The scheme layout is shown in Figure A6.2. Water is pumped into a stilling basin from where it discharges by gravity into the lined main canal. Flow is then distributed by gravity through a set of secondary canals. 65. The head works is located on the Mekong River and includes two inclined mix flow pump sets with the motors housed on top of the river embankment. The motors are powered from the national electricity grid. The pump sets are functioning but in poor condition. The pumps discharge into a stilling basin through two (2) rising mains. The stilling basin is in good condition; however, it is not able to reduce the hydraulic pressures from the delivery pipes. One pump set is functional but deteriorated and leaking. The inventory survey (Annex 2.1) confirmed that the overall condition of the electric and mechanical equipment is deficient. 66. Water is discharged from the stilling basin to a main canal. The main canal is mostly concrete lined canal with ungated division boxes. Due to poor O&M, the canal is highly sedimented. The main canal with the length of 556m was originally constructed by villagers and upgraded by PAFO. The canal is fully functional but the invert is low and some plots in the downstream cannot be irrigated. Some turn-outs on main, secondary and field canals are ungated. The absence of water control structures at turn-outs results in inefficiencies in water distribution. Examples of existing structures are shown in Figure A6.3.

67. The scheme’s current command area (120 ha) is very unlikely to have been fully irrigated. Most of the length of the canals is unlined in cut with undefined shape resulting in high seepage rates and water losses from the canals. It was reported that water level at that section is lower than paddy field (critical level). Main canals feed directly to field canals without permanent regulating structures contributing to ineffective water distribution. There is no proper access for agricultural machinery and no irrigation service roads or bridges across the canals except temporary bridges constructed from local materials. 68. The estimated total length of main, secondary and tertiary canals is 556.27 m, 2,857.4 m, and 5,340.35 m respectively, some canals are in cut and others are in fill. In general, the former applies to the main canals and the latter to the secondary and some tertiary canals. Flows in the canals are unregulated and the scheme is free running apart from at some secondary canals where temporary measures are used to route flows into specific farm units. As a consequence, scheme efficiency is low and therefore would incur a higher pumping cost per hectare than necessary.

A6-3 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Figure A6.2: Existing Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane I

A6-4 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Figure A6.3: Condition of Existing Irrigation Structures Kan-Tha-Chane I

Plate No. A6.1: Existing pump set Plate No. A6.2: Delivery pipe

Plate No. A6.3: Main power supply for the Plate No. A6.4: Main canals filled with mud and headworks organic plants

Plate No. A6.5: Canal level is lower than Plate No. A6.6: Beginning of main canal high irrigated area sediment weed load impeding flow

69. There is an irrigation service road from Chane village and headworks. It has a width of 6m, is paved with gravel and currently in moderate conditions. 70. Currently, a natural stream in the command area is utilized as the main drain of the system. The field survey revealed that the drainage function is adequate and it is not necessary for rehabilitation or improvement works. 2.2.2 Kan-Tha-Chane II 71. The existing scheme, see Figure A6.4, was constructed as a joint venture between the PAFO (Savannakhet) and the farming community with PAFO providing one pontoon mounted centrifugal pumps set and farmers constructing the canal water distribution system.

A6-5 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

There are no regulating structures in the distribution system. The general condition of the pump set is poor. 72. The existing scheme comprises a head works with a 320m rising main discharging into a stilling basin that supplies a 375m earth canal. Farmers’ fields are supplied directly from the main canal and the irrigation method is field to field level basins. 73. The pump set functioning but in poor condition. The rising main connecting the pump to the stilling basin is functional but deteriorated, corroded and leaks at some joints. A site visit confirmed that the overall condition of the electric and mechanical equipment is deficient. 74. The selected examples of the existing scheme infrastructure are shown in Figure A6.5, below. 2.3 Rehabilitation of the Subproject 2.3.1 Climate Resilient Infrastructure Design 75. The projected impact of climate change is discussed in detail below in Section 5.5.2. Lao PDR is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Increases in temperature and precipitation are forecast for the next 20-30 years by most of the climate models. The projected 13.5 per cent increase in precipitation would result in an increase in annual runoff causing increased flood events, while reduced dry season rainfall in southern provinces would increase the occurrence and severity of drought. 76. Mitigation against increased flood and drought events and their severity are incorporated into the agriculture infrastructure design for resilience and sustainability including:

 concrete lining of canals to increase their resilience and sustainability during periodic inundations of flood, and reduce dry season seepage loses conserving limited water resources;

 the provision of bioengineering initiatives at all areas where there is potential for erosion in particular the river embankment at the head works, along the shoulder of irrigation service roads and canals; and  provision of participatory water resources management planning. 77. The concrete lining of canals would afford greater water control particularly of seepage loses into the local water table and facilitate crop diversity into higher value crops that cannot withstand waterlogging. It would also reduce pumping and routine maintenance costs. 2.4 Improvements 2.4.1 Kan-Tha-Chane I 78. The rehabilitation plan is aimed at improving the whole of the existing irrigation and drainage network (120ha) and extending the main canal northwards bringing an additional area of 260ha into production. The improvement would also include the replacement of pumps see Table A6.1, provision of concrete lining for main, secondary and tertiary canals, the construction of new canals with related water control structures. Irrigation service roads would be built along all canals. Materials would be provided for farmers to construct quaternary canals particularly important for the production of a diverse range of cash crops.

A6-6 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

The rehabilitation plan would improve the efficiency of the water distribution in the irrigation system.

A6-7 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Figure A6.4: Existing Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane II

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Figure A6.5: Condition of existing irrigation structures Kan-Tha-Chane II

Plate No. A6.7: Pontoon mounted pump and Plate No. A6.8: Pontoon mounted pump rising main at head works

Plate No. A6.9: Elevated Rising Main Plate No. A6.10: Rising main leaking at a flanged joint

Plate No. A6.11: Transformer and control panel Plate No. A6.12: Main canal for pump set

A6-9 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Table A6.1: Pump Station Details for Kan-Tha-Chane I Description Detail Pump (No) 3 Capacity (l/sec) 700 Motor (No) 3 Motor (Kw per motor) 300 Theoretical pump head (m) 20.4

79. The existing pump sets would be replaced by new inclined mixed flow pump sets. Three pump sets, including one standby pump set, each with a design discharge of 700l/s and a delivery total head of 20.4m powered by 110 kW electric motors drawing power from the national grid. 80. System design would cover all potential irrigable areas, Figure A6.6 below. The Khan-Tha-Chane I scheme comprises 1 main canal with 1,340m; three secondary canal canals (2,05m), and 12 tertiary canals (7,185m), and 25 farm canals (7,152m). All canals would be lined with reinforced concrete (RC). Twenty-five quaternary canals would be constructed by farmers using pre-caste RC sections provided by the contractor. Irrigation service roads would be built along the main and secondary canals with an armored natural gravel pavement of 3,5m width. 81. Rehabilitation of the 0.8 m of drains would take place, comprising re-sectioning of the main collectors and possible extending them further down the flood plain to improve overall scheme drainage. External drains would be provided along the distribution system to ensure sufficient drains during flooding period. Analysis of internal drainage needs to be carried out in the design to confirm the extent of the drainage system. 82. A total of 131 water control structures would be built, detail shown in Table A6.2. Table A6.2: Water Control Structures Kan-Tha-Chane I

Total Item Structures 1 Stilling Basin 1 2 Division Box 5 3 Turnout/Off-take structure 5 4 Walkway bridge 9 5 Farm turnout 65 6 End structure 12 7 Road crossing 0 1 Drainage culvert 32 Drop 131 Total

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Figure A6.6: Detailed Engineering Design Layout of the Rehabilitated Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane I

A6-11 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

2.4.2 Kan-Tha-Chane II 83. System rehabilitation would increase the command area from 15ha to 76.1ha through the replacement of pumps, provision of concrete lining for main, secondary and tertiary canals including the construction of new canals; all canals would have gated water control structures. The rehabilitation plan would improve the efficiency of the water distribution in the irrigation system and extend the network to rainfed paddy land downstream of the existing command area and bring an additional 60ha into production, Figure A6.7 below. 84. Existing pump set would be replaced by two (2) new pontoon mounted centrifugal pump sets. The two (2) pump sets would include one (1) standby pump set, each with a design discharge of 120l/s and a delivery total head of 23m powered by 45 kW electric motors drawing power from the national grid. 85. The Khan-Tha-Chane II scheme comprises 1 main canal with 875m RC lined; and 3 trapezoidal/rectangular tertiary canals (1,900m). 86. A total of 29 water control structures would be built see Table A6.3.

Table A6.3: Water control structures Kan-Tha-Chane II

Total Item Structures 1 Stilling Basin 1 2 Division Box 2 3 Farm Turnout 17 4 Farm bridge 6 5 End structure 3 6 Drainage culvert 3 29 Total

87. Essential river protection improvements would be carried out at the pump station using bioengineering measures to protect the embankment from scouring. 3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK5 3.1 Environmental Policy 88. The 8th National Social and Economic Development Plan (8th NSEDP) emphasizes raising agricultural productivity as a development priority since the majority of the workforce is currently engaged in agriculture. One of the biggest challenges that Lao PDR faces is the proper management and protection of the environment and natural resources (land, water resources, forests, minerals, biodiversity). Without adequate and sustainable planning and management of natural resource, the development actions proposed in the 8th NSEDP will cause serious ecological and socio-economic problems and lead to irreversible damage to the environment and exacerbate poverty.

5 The Project prepared “Environmental Assessment and Review Framework” received by ADB in May 2013 as a Draft.

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Figure A6.7: Detailed Engineering Design Layout of the Rehabilitated Irrigation Scheme Kan-Tha-Chane II

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89. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has developed the “10-year Natural Resources and Environmental Strategy, 2016-2025” based on national directions and policies (National Social and Economic Development Plan, the National Strategies for Economic Development and Poverty Reduction, the IX Government Resolution and sectoral strategies) as well as on regional and global orientations and policies (Millennium Development Goals, climate change and Multilateral Environmental Agreements).6 90. The formation of MoNRE in June 2011 to replace the Water Resources and Environment Administration (WREA) was a move to strengthen environmental protection and management within government. Specific policy for environmental management of investment projects is stated in the objectives for the Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment, April 2010 and later this Decree has been superseded by Regulation on ESIA and IEE, No. 8030/MONRE and No. 8029/MONRE dated 17 December 2013 respectively which states that those investment projects and activities shall conduct the efficient initial environmental examination (IEE) or environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process, contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the country and shall mitigate and enhance the global warming adaptation. 91. The law governing the protection of the environment, including the assessment and management of projects, is the Environmental Protection Law (EPL), (1999, revised in 2012). Responsibilities and procedures for Environmental Assessment, together with requirements for environmental monitoring of projects, have been revised and are set out in the Ministerial Instruction on ESIA and IEE dated 17 December 2013. In addition, compensation costs from such development will follow the Decree on Compensation and Resettlement People for Development Projects, no 84/gov dated 5 April 2016. 92. The decree sets out the principal institutional arrangements, assigning primary responsibility for undertaking environmental assessment of projects to the project developer, which may be an individual or private sector entity as well as a Government Department. In the case of development projects, the relevant line ministry is responsible to review and assess draft environmental assessments and issue its own approval before submission to MoNRE and local administrations, as appropriate. The MoNRE is responsible for review and approval of environmental assessment reports, co-ordination of monitoring and evaluation, and issuance of compliance certificates, acting through the head office in Vientiane or through its provincial departments in the case of IEEs. The public is consulted in most environmental issues as required under the EPL and decrees. The ESIA Decree and subsequent Ministerial Instruction introduced an inclusive mechanism for public consultation and broader civil society participation in project design and implementation; while the instruction further elaborates the roles and responsibilities of key agencies and the timing of consultations 93. Key organizations and agencies involved in the EIA process include: the Government of Lao PDR; the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); MoNRE [previously the Water Resources and Environment Administration (WREA), and before that the Science Technology and Environment Agency (STEA)]; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF); the Water Resources Committee; the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM); the Ministry of Finance; the Department of National Land-use and Planning; the Ministry of Education and Culture; and the Provincial and District Governor(s) of the project locations.

6 MoNRE, Natural Resources and Environmental Strategy, 2016-2025

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94. Investment projects are categorized according to types of investment projects identified in tables of Ministerial Agreement on the Endorsement and Promulgation of List of Investment Projects and Activities Requiring for Constructing Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, no 8056/MONRE December 2013, Group 1– requiring an initial environmental examination (IEE) or Group 2- requiring an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Where a project is of a type that is not listed, an investment application is submitted to MoNRE for screening. For irrigation projects, those with a command area of between 100 and 2000ha are in category 1 (such as this Project), and those with a command area greater than 2,000ha are in category 2. The corresponding category in the ADB’s classification system is B, which, similarly, requires an IEE and EMP. 3.2 Relevant Laws 95. The following Lao laws are pertinent to the AISP: 1. The Lao PDR Constitution (amended 2015) promotes the protection of natural resources, rehabilitation of the environment that has been damaged and is deteriorated and develops then to be beautiful and sustainable. Every agency and citizen must protect, and conserve biodiversity and utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner. 2. The Environmental Protection Law No.02/99/NA, (1999, revised 2012) assigns to the Science, Technology and Environmental Agency (now MoNRE) the rights and primary responsibilities for protection, mitigation and restoration of the environment in Lao PDR. The law defines the environmental conservation responsibilities of other Government agencies such as the Department of Electricity, Department of Forestry, etc. It directs that environmental management and monitoring units (EMMUs) be established at all levels of government, with responsibilities to include such things as: establishing and enforcing sector environmental plans; taking action to mitigate environmental damage; issuing orders to adjust, suspend, remove or close down activities that cause negative impacts. The overriding principles promulgated by the law are that:

 Environmental conservation comes before mitigation and restoration

 Those who generate an environmental impact are responsible for the resulting damage caused 3. The Water and Water Resources Law (1997) classifies all catchment areas for various uses and promotes protection and rehabilitation of forests, fishery resources and the environment. It suggests that EIA should be carried out on large-scale water development projects, and requires that funds be provided for protecting and enhancing catchment area resources, and for resettlement compensation. 4. The Amended Forestry Law, No 06/NA (Dec. 2007): determines basic principles, regulations and measures on sustainable management, preservation, development, utilization and inspection of forest resources and Forestland, promotion of regeneration and tree planting, and increase of forest resources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic aiming for maintaining the balance of nature, making forest and Forestland a stable source of living and use by the people, ensuring sustainable preservation of water sources, prevention of soil erosion and maintenance of soil quality, conserving plant and tree species, wildlife species as well as environment and contributing to the national socio-economic development.

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5. The Wildlife and Aquatics Law, No 07/NA (Dec. 2007) determines principles, regulations and measures on wildlife and aquatic life, promotes husbandry and breeding; specifies utilization of wildlife and aquatic life in sustainable manner, without harmful impact to natural resources and habitats; restricts the decrease and extinction of wildlife and aquatic life; encourages people to understand and recognize the value and significance of wildlife. The law requires the management, monitoring, conservation, protection, and utilization of wildlife and aquatics in sustainable manner to ensure a rich and vibrant ecosystem while improving livelihoods of the ethnic population and developing the national economy. 6. Land Law (1997) Land within Lao PDR is the property of the national community, and individuals are charged with the effective use and stewardship of the land. The law sets out the rights of those who have been allocated land, including the right to transfer that land, are protected by the State. 7. Road Law (1999) Environmental protection is required during road activities. National and provincial authorities of the Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction are responsible for environmental protection on road projects. Reasonable compensation must be paid to individuals whose land is expropriated for road rights-of-way, relocation of replacement structures, and loss of trees and crops. 8. Law on National Heritage (2005) The Law on National Heritage determines the principles, regulations and measures for the administration, use, protection, conservation, restoration, [and] rehabilitation of the national heritage, and also determines the rights and duties of the State, social organizations and individuals to preserve the value of the national cultural, historical and natural heritage, with the aims of educating citizens with a conscious love for their nation and fine national traditions that is deeply embedded in their hearts and of assuring the elements for prosper sustainability of the nation. 3.3 Decrees, Regulations and International Conventions 96. The following are relevant to the AISP:

1. Prime Minister’s Decree No. 164/1993 established eighteen protected areas and required that the government develop management plans for each area. Two additional protected areas, referred to as National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs), have since been added and now one more additional NBCA as Nam Kane NBCA has been established making the total 21 NBCAs nationwide. The current area totals 3.4 million hectares or 14.3% of the country’s area. In addition, provinces and districts have also designated their own conservation areas and protection forests bringing the overall national total to 5.3 million hectares or 22.6% of the total land area. NBCAs are now known as National Protected Areas (NPAs). 2. Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage requires that in order to prevent exploitation of relics and antiquities, any person who discovers archaeological relics or a cultural site must inform the provincial and district offices within three days. 3. PM Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement (2005) The decree comprises six sections and nineteen articles.

 Section I sets out the objective and fundamental principle for compensation, and relocation of project affected people. It also provides instructions and

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measurement procedure for mitigation and compensation for all potential negative socio-economic impacts and the livelihood of the affected people within or in the vicinity of the project areas. It defines and classifies affected groups e.g. the vulnerable and ethnic groups of affected people.

 Section II states and defines the right of project affected person in receiving compensation.

 Section III states and defines the compensation requirement and procedures, as well as assistance to be provided during the relocation, settlement and livelihood development.

 Section IV defines resettlement and compensation components which states and emphasizes the significance of local culture and tradition, community participation in the process, grievance measure and budgetary consideration.

 Section V refers to enforcement procedures and

 Section VI sets out the implementation procedure as well as the institutional frame work and responsibility of all parties. 4. MAF Regulation Nº 0360/MAF.2003, on Management of National Biodiversity Conservation Areas, Aquatic Animals and Wildlife provides guidelines on NBCA establishment and zoning and also on restricted activities and development fund establishment and the rights and duties of state agencies in NBCA management. 5. Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment of Road Projects in Lao PDR (2004) Guidance for environmental assessment requirements and procedures, regulation for assessing a project, in road sector. 97. Lao PDR is signatory to the following international environmental agreements:

 ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources  Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage  United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  Convention on Biological Diversity  Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer  Vienna Convention for the protection of the Protocol of the Ozone Layer  Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer  Millennium Declaration  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants  Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)  Agreement on the Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Mekong River Basin

3.4 Government’s Requirement on IEE/EIA approved in Lao PDR 98. According to the Regulation on Environmental Assessment in the Lao PDR, the IEE of the Project is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Nature Resources and Environment at the provincial level (PoNRE) for approval through the issuance of an environmental certificate prior to the project commencement (no civil work is allowed prior to the approval). Therefore, the Project Developer, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is required to consider the conditions and timing on the approval.

A6-17 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

99. The first consultation with local beneficiaries is aimed at the collection of data concerning the local environment and opinions on environmental challenges and concerns in the subproject area and its surrounds. Annex A6.3 (Information Disclosure, Participation and Consultation) presents a questionnaire and responses used in preparation of the IEE. 100. The project proponent (MAF) after reviewing the IEE document would submit it to the Environmental Impact Assessment Division (EIA) of PoNRE for its review and for its decision. Within 40 days of completing the IEE report or receiving from the project owner (MAF) (which in this case is also the Development Project Responsible Agency (DPRA)) must give to PoNRE a written record for its decision concerning its review of the IEE report. Within 10 days of receiving the DPRA’s record of decision, PoNRE would either issue an environmental compliance certificate for the project with or without conditions for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) measures and implementation (all conditions attached to the environmental compliance certificate would be the legal obligation of the project owner). 3.5 Additional Project Requirements 101. The EARF stipulates once the IEE is completed, a summary would be prepared in Lao. The IEE and Lao language summary should be distributed to the Kumbans7 and village government for their information and for display to the public for a period of thirty days. A presentation would be made to the local beneficiaries of the IEE. During the period of display comments, including any grievances concerning the IEE, or other aspects of the subproject, would be recorded and discussed at the end of the 30-day period. Where appropriate these comments would be addressed through changes in the IEE and/or design layout. 102. The IEE is an annex of the subproject feasibility study that is submitted to ADB for review and approval. ADB approval of the feasibility study is a pre-requisite to the start of subproject detailed design. 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Physical Resources 4.1.1 Location and Topography 103. The command area of Kan-Tha-Chane is located in the Xaiphouthong district Savannakhet Province, to the east of the Mekong river, at a distance of about 7,5km south of the Xaiphouthong district center and about 40km from Savannakhet Provincial Capital to the south. The area is generally flat beside the Mekong river where the irrigation scheme is located. The elevation at Kan-Tha-Chane is around 140MASL. 4.1.2 Geology and Soils 104. The geology of eastern Savannakhet Province, extending further north to Thakhek and central Lao PDR is considered similar to that of Northeast Thailand, as these areas all lie within the Khorat Plateau, a large saucer-shaped basin tilted to the east. The Plateau consists of Mesozoic and Tertiary aged sedimentary rocks known as the Khorat Group. 105. As is common to the lowland areas adjoining the Mekong River in Southern Laos, underlying rock is mostly recently deposited mudstone, underlain by older sandstone bedrock.

7 The Environmental and Resettlement Framework (EARF) refers to Commune Councils but these are not part of the local government infrastructure in Lao PDR. A Kumban is a cluster of villages, a level of administration between the village and the district

A6-18 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

106. Proposed canal alignment mostly lay on the ridges or the command area that would not involve large earthwork. Soil type along the canal alignment is clayey soil. Two similar soil types had been observed in the command area which is clayey loam and silty loam. Within the project, the command area has high potential for increased agricultural production. 4.1.3 Climate 107. Lao PDR has a tropical monsoon climate which features a dry season (November to February) and a wet season (May to October). The dry season is generally cooler, though temperatures rise significantly in March and April prior to the onset of the rains. 108. A series of meteorological data of Savannakhet Station for the past 10 years (2006 – 2015) has been collected from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) which is used for estimating the scheme water balance. The average annual precipitation in Savannakhet is around 1,430mm, although this is highly variable from year to year (1,295 mm – 1,739 mm in 10 years). The peak period of rain occurs between May to September. However, the dry season is particularly pronounced, with rainfall in December and January almost insignificant, while evaporation rates are at their highest (Figure A6.8). 109. The lowest temperature is around 15oC occurring in January while temperatures reaching 35oC in April. Monthly maximum temperatures are above 29 oC for most of the year. Figure A6.8: Mean Monthly Rainfall and Evaporation in Savannakhet

Mean Rainfall and Evaporation 350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Mean Evaporation Mean Rainfall

110. Likely due to the effects of climate change, Lao PDR has been increasingly affected by natural hazards such as floods, droughts, and severe storms, leading to landslides, fires, outbreaks of animal diseases and mortality, damage to infrastructure, and increased food insecurity. Savannakhet is one of three provinces in Lao PDR identified in 20068 to have over 40 per cent of households at risk of drought, as seen Figure A6.9 below. These potential adverse impacts of climate change on the subproject are, as far as possible, addressed through design in the pre-construction phase. A checklist was used to carry out a

8 Source: WFP Lao PDR, CFSVA Community Survey, 2006

A6-19 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination preliminary climate risk screening of the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject (Annex A6.7 Rapid Environmental Assessment and Climate Change Checklist), overall there was a medium score. The subprojects impact on climate change e.g. the emission of Green House Gases is addressed in Annex A6.2 Climate (Details of the Impact Assessment and Summary of Mitigation Measures) the impacts are considered minor. Figure A6.9: Proportion of Households at risk for Drought

A6-20 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

4.1.4 Water Resources 111. Water is pumped directly from the Mekong. The Mekong is the water source for numerous irrigation schemes, too numerous to enumerate, in Lao PDR and Thailand. The lower Mekong main stream average discharge at Mukdahan (Thailand) in March was 1,600m3/s, 1960 - 20049 against the subproject demand of 0,714m3/s in March at peak water requirement. The water available is sufficient to irrigate Kan-Tha-Chane I and Kan-Tha- Chane II subproject 112. A baseline for water quality was established in the wet season 2017, 6th June, when water samples were collected from two locations – at the headworks and the end of the drainage system (underneath a bridge) - in the subproject and analyzed at the Department of Irrigation, Water Quality Analysis Laboratory, Vientiane Capital. The results along with current Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources maximum values are shown in Table A6.4.

Table A6.4: Water Quality Monitoring Data

Parameters pH COD mg/l BOD mg/l Fecal Coliforms/100ml Maximum Value 5.5 - 9 <35 <25 <1,000 Collection Point of Sample at Head works 7.02 10.36 6.14 320 End drainage system 7.66 1.618 0.52 500

113. The pH, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and fecal coliforms at the sample sites were within the maximum allowable values. The fecal coliforms at the end of the drainage system were substantially higher than the samples from the headworks suggesting that water is polluted as it passes through the irrigation system. The source of pollution is unknown but is probably from open defecations by humans or animals in or near the drainage system. 114. COD and BOD at the headworks record significantly higher value than at the end of drainage system. Usually, COD is commonly used to indirectly measure the level of organic compounds in water while BOD measures the amount of oxygen required or consumed for the microbiological decomposition (oxidation) of organic material in water. High level of COD and BOD at the headwork may reflect high polluted water quality with water quality tend to be improved after running through paddy land, indicating in a low level of COD and BOD at the end of the drainage system. 4.1.5 Landscape and Ecological Resources 115. There are no National Protected Area (NPA) within 50km of the subproject site see Figure A6.10 below. Staff of DAFO, PPMO, DCO and people living in Kan-Tha-Chane subproject area confirmed that there are no historic records of animals and plants of conservation significance in the immediate vicinity of the subproject area; only seasonal birds and fish are observed but no endangered species. 116. Dong Namphou Provincial Protected Area is located about 20km northeast of the subproject area. People said that they do not go to the protected area and no forestry activities are carried out there. The area of Dong Namphou is 1,350ha and there was speculation by local people on the fauna in the area might be of conservation significance.

9 MRC Management Information booklet series No. 2 The Flow of the Mekong November 2009

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Figure A6.10: National Protected Areas Near the Subproject

Xaiphouthong District Sub-Project Area

Source: ICEM http://www.mekong-protected-areas.org/lao_pdr/pa-map.htm

117. However, there are culturally and environmentally significant sites in the subproject area shown in the plates in Figure A6.11 below. Kan-Tha-Chane I at Donemahesack near Kan-Tha-Chane village there is a sacred area (Plate No. A6.17) and a cemetery about 20m from the existing stilling basin (Plate A6.16). The main canal passes near a forested area (Plate No. A6.14). The rehabilitated irrigation distribution system would generally follow the alignment of the existing system and would not adversely impact on these culturally and environmentally sensitive areas. 118. Fisheries are one of the most important livelihood activities in the Mekong River. Fishing activities in the Mekong River are mostly carried out in the dry season, whereas people generally fish in streams and inundated rice fields during rainy season. 119. The fish move upstream in the Mekong during the wet season and enter the tributaries and their associated flooded areas for feeding. During drawdown they leave the tributaries and return to dry season refuges downstream in the Mekong. Some species spawn in the floodplains, while others spawn around the dry season refuges. Fishing in these areas provides local communities with other aquatic resources including shrimp, snails, earthworms, frogs, crabs and aquatic insects. These resources are especially important in villages with small area of wet rice fields or fields that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. 120. The subproject would source water from the Mekong via pumps that would not adversely impact on fish migration routes in the river system.

121. At the request of ADB additional data on the landscape, fauna and flora, of the subproject was collected on a site visit, 16th May 2018. The landscape in the immediate subproject area is shown in Figure A6.12: Landscape Map of the Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject The landscape in general terms is dominated by two distinct landscapes rice paddy fields and dry dipterocarp forest, both areas are located on the right side of the Mekong River and to the east from the village. There is a small unstocked forested area next to the village to the east. The residential area of the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject is mainly ribbon development along the main access road to the village.

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Figure A6.11: Landscape in Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject

Plate No. A6.13: Main village access road of Plate No. A6.14: Forest area near main canal Kan-Tha-Chane Kan-Tha-Chane I

Plate No. A6.15: General condition of the paddy Plate No. A6.16: Kan-Tha-Chane Village’s fields cemetery, about 20meast of existing stilling basin location would not be affected

Plate No. A6.17: Donemahesack Sacred Area of Plate No. A6.18: Village conservative area, Kan-Tha-Chane Village located about 60m from the proposed headworks Kan-Tha-Chane II

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Figure A6.12: Landscape Map of the Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject

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122. Rehabilitation of the main canals and their associated irrigation service roads would be within the footprint of the existing canals and roads. There would be no encroachment on forest land. The main area of irrigation would be to the east of the village and on the island. The irrigated area is in the proposed original command area and would not involve the development of any land not already used for rain fed cultivation of paddy or crops.

123. At the meeting 16th May 2018 the village head and village elders discussed the flora and fauna species found in the general area of the subproject and it was recorded in Lao. A review of the literature identified common and scientific names from the Lao names recorded. The species were checked against the IUCN Red List to establish the level of threat: Least Concern (LC); Near Threat (NT) Vulnerable (VU); Endangered (EN); and Critically Threatened (CR). A number of species were not evaluated (NE) in the Red List. Some species were only identified by their Lao name and these could not be identified further from the literature. The list of fauna and flora are presented in Table A6.5 to Table A6.9. The information on individual species is taken from the Red List, citations and references in the text are presented in Annex A6.7 (Citations and Bibliography).

Table A6.5: Common Trees found in the General Area of the Subproject

No Local Name Common Scientific Name Lao IUCN Location of Name PDR forest GPS coordinates 1 ຕ ້ນໄມ້ດ ່ Burma padauk Pterocarpus macrocarpus Prhbt I 2 ຕ ້ນບ ກ Wild Almond lrvingia malayana Oliv Dipterocarpus 3 Kung Mgmt II NT ຕ ້ນກຸງ tuberculatus ຕ ້ນໄມ້ກອກ 4 Kok Leuam Canarium kerrii Mgmt III ເຫ ້ອມ Bauhinia malabarica 5 Som Sieo ຕ ້ນສ ້ມສ້ຽວ Roxburgh 6 ຕ ້ນຂາມແປ Kharm Pae Dialium Spp Mgmt II Acacia harmandiana 7 Phi man ຕ ້ນພິມານ (Pierre) Gagnepain (LPN) Siamese neem 8 Azadirachta indica A. ຕ ້ນກະເດ າຊ້າງ tree Senna siamea (Lam.) 9 Cassod tree Mgmt III ຕ ້ນຂ ້ເຫ ັກ Irwin & Barneby 16.29’69.64”N 10 ຕ ້ນອ ່ງ Eung yarng Euphorbia hirta L. 104.98’02.99”E 11 ຕ ້ນຕ ້ວ Tiew Cratoxylon formosum Mgmt III Tamarindus indica L. 12 Mak Kharm LC ຕ ້ນຂາມ (LPN) 13 ຕ ້ນມ່ວງ Muang Mangifera sp. (LPN) Mgmt I 14 ຕ ້ນຂາວ Khao Lagerstroemia 15 Pueay Mgmt I ຕ ້ນເປ ອຍ cochinchinensis. 16 ຕ ້ນຍໍ Indian Mulberry Morinda citrifolia 17 ຕ ້ນແຕ້ຂ່າ Tae Kha Afzelia xylocarpa Prhbt I EN 18 ຕ ້ນແຕ້ໜາມ Tae Nam Sindora cochinchinensis Mgmt I Velvet Dialium cochinchinense 19 Mgmt II LR ຕ ້ນເຄັງ Tamarind pierre Ficus spp. - especially 20 Hai ຕ ້ນໄຮ strangling figs (LPN)

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Markhamia stipulata 21 ຕ ້ນແຄປ່າ Khae pa (Wallich) Seem. ex. K. Schum 22 ຕ ້ນຕານ Ton Tarn Borassus flabellifer L. Lesser Thorny 23 Bambusa flexuosa Munro ໄມ້ກະຊະ Bamboo 24 ໄມ້ໄຜ່ Spiny Bamboo Bambusa arundiana var

Table A6.6: Common Mammals in the General Area of the Subproject

Lao PDR IUCN No Local Name Common Name Scientific Name Status 1 ແລນ Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis Mgmt II LC 2 ຈອນພອນ Javan Mongoose Herpestes javanicus LC 3 ກະຮອກ Pallas’s squirrel Callosciurus erythraseus 4 ກະແຕ Northern Tree shrew Tupaia belangeri LC 5 ໜ ຫວາຍ Rattan mouse

Table A6.7: Common Reptiles in the General Area of the Subproject

IUCN No Local Name Common Name Scientific Name Lao PDR Status 1 ູຄາງເຫ ອງ Ngou Khangleuang 2 ູສິງ Leopard Snake Zamenis sp. Mgmt III 3 ູເຫ ່າ Cobra Naja sp. Mgmt II 4 ູດາງແຫ Striped Kelback Amphiesma stolata 5 ູຂຽວ green snake Trimeresurus sp. Mgmt III 6 ູກ້ານປ້ອງ Ngou Kan Pong 7 ູສິງດ ງ Wolf snake Lycodon capucinas 8 ກ ບບຂຽດ Lowland Frog Rana rugulosa Mgmt III 9 ເຕ ່ານໍ້າ Tao Nam Xenochrophis flaviounctata

Table A6.8: Common Birds in the General area of the Subproject

Lao PDR IUCN No Local Name Common Name Scientific Name Status 1 ນ ກເຂ າ Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea Mgmt II VU 2 ນ ກແກງ Oriental pied hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris LC 3 ນ ກກະຈິບ Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius LC 4 ນ ກເຈ ່າ Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris LC 5 ນ ກກ ດ Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Mgmt I LC

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6 ນ ກກະເຕັນ Blyth’s Kingfisher Alcedo hercules NT 7 ໄກ່ປ່າ Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Mgmt III LC

Table A6.9: Common Fish in the General Area of the Subproject

Lao IUCN No Local Name Common Name Scientific Name PDR Status 1 ປາແຂ້ Pa Khae Bagarius yarrelli NT 2 Pa Kheung Mgmt II ປາເຄິງ Mystus microphthalmus 3 ປາໃນ Common carp Cyprinus carpio LC 4 ປາເພ້ຍ Black shark minnow Labeo chrysophekadion LC 5 ປາໝາກບານ Pa Makban 6 ປາພ້າວ Pa Phao 7 ປາຂາວ Pa Kao Puntius brevis LC 9 ປາຢາງ Pa Yang Pangasius bocourti LC 12 ປາລ ງ Pa Ling Pangasius nasutus LC 13 ປາອ ກໍ່າ Pa Kam 14 ປາຂາວພອນ Pa Kao Puntius brevis LC 15 ປາຍອນ Pangasius Pangasius conchophilus LC 16 ປາຕອງ Clown featherback Chitala ornata LC 17 ປາຝາ Mekong stingray Hemitrygon laosensis Prhbt I EN 19 ປາສະງົວ Pa Sangua

20 ປາໝ ມັນ Pa mou man Yasuhikotakia spp.

Note: Common and scientific name of flora and fauna are mainly from Manual for Bird Identification in the Field (BirdLife International), Mammals in Thailand and Indochina Region (WCS), and IUCNRedlist.org

NT - Near Threatened LR - Low Risk LC - Least Concern VU - Vulnerable EN - Endangered Mgmt - Management Prhbt - Prohibition

124. From the IUCN Red List Afzelia xylocarpa is classified as “Endangered”. The rest of the trees are identified as “Least Concern” and “Low Risk”. One fish, Hemitrygon laosensis, is classified as “endangered” and one bird, Columba punicea, is classified as “Vulnerable”. 125. From the Lao Government list, one of the trees is classified as “Prohibition I category” (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) and one of fish, Hemitrygon laosensis, is classified as

A6-27 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

“Prohibition I category”. The rest of both flora and fauna are classified as “Management I-III” category and none classified. 126. From the IUCN Red List Afzelia xylocarpa of the trees have been classified as “Endangered”. Afzelia xylocarpa is found throughout South-East Asia in deciduous forests. It can reach 30 meters tall with a trunk up to 2 meters in diameter in a mature specimen. The seeds are harvested for medicinal purposes. The seed pulp can be used to make cigarettes, and the bark and seed are used for herbal medicine. The highly figured lumber is often sold as Afzelia xylay. The wood highly valued for carpentry and is used for ornamental woodturning, pens, knife handles, carvings, and musical instruments. The IUCN assessment is dated 1998 and mainly based on a study in Vietnam where large trees were reportedly scarce. It is likely that similar exploitation has occurred in Lao PDR. 127. Hemitrygon laosensis (Mekong Freshwater Stingray) is endemic to the Mekong River and its tributaries. “Records from the Chao Phraya basin in Thailand are thought to have been introduced from the Mekong population. The parts of the Mekong where this species is found are under heavy bycatch fishing pressure, and it is being affected by habitat degradation which is directly affecting the species”10. Habitat degradation is mainly resulting from dams on the Mekong tributaries. 128. One (1) bird Columba punicea (Pale-capped pigeon) is Vulnerable. In general, the Columba punicea has a small, declining, severely fragmented population owing to the destruction of its forest habitat and hunting. In Lao PDR the pigeon is reportedly sparsely distributed in the north and south of the country with sightings recorded in the Bolikhamxai (Nam Kading NBCA), on the Bolaven plateau (Nam Hiang and Xe Namnoy) and in Attapeu province. Sightings in Lao have been too few to definitively state whether it is resident or a migrant. The species was listed under the globally threatened species in Lao PDR.

129. The trees are located in the forest area along the main canals and within the subproject area. The irrigation canal system rehabilitation would be within the existing foot print of the canal system and no clearance of forest land to increase the command area is proposed. Local people seem to be unaware of trees, bird and fish that are under threat. 130. The location and occurrence of the species was not reported by the local community but it was mentioned as a common species in the area. The main threats reported are from wildlife trade and habitat loss. Any intervention in the wildlife trade is beyond the scope of the Project. Rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme would be within the existing cropped area so there would be no encroachment on forest land nor intrusion into the habitat the species might inhabit. 4.1.6 Items of Historical and Archaeological Significance 131. There are no known items of historical or archaeological significance, as confirmed in community consultations in 2016. 4.1.7 Human and Economic Development 132. The Baseline Data and Social Impact Assessment (Annex 8) used two main surveys to collect and compile data on the human and economic development of the subproject. An inventory of socio-economic data from all households in the 5 main villages benefiting directly from the rehabilitation of the irrigation system, called a “Village Master List” in Annex 8 was compiled by the village government and a sample socio-economic survey of members

10 Hemitrygon laosensis, Mekong Freshwater Stingray, The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

A6-28 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination of the WUG was conducted by the SIA consultants. Unless otherwise stated the summary of human and economic development is based on the “Village Master Lists”. 133. During the field data survey with PAFO and DCO in 2016, it suggested that there are no vulnerable sensitive receptors such as temple, school and hospital/dispensary that would be affected by the subproject’s activities due to these receptors being located in village areas which are far from the construction areas proposed. (i) Local Economy

134. A socio-economic survey found that the villagers’ income is mainly from agricultural sources averaging 52.51 per cent over the three (3) years 2013 – 2015 while income from non-agricultural activities average 47.49 per cent over the same period. Farm incomes are mainly from wet season rice cultivation, cash crops such as nuts, sweet corn, banana, sugar cane and Para rubber.

135. Over the 3-year period 2013 – 2015, total income from agricultural activities has remained relatively stable increasing slightly from LAK 890.5 million to 991.5 million while income from non-agricultural activities has also increased from LAK 857.8 to 896.92 million. The average annual household (HH) income from all sources has increased from LAK 38.0 million to 41.0 million over the same period.

136. Over the period 2013 – 2015 annual HH expenditure slightly increased from LAK 7.9 – 8.5 million. The largest portion of HH expenditure was food stuff and drinking water ranging from 30.2 per cent (2013), 29.9 per cent (2014) and 28.6 per cent (2015); followed by transportation/tele-communication 21.8 – 22.9 per cent, the expenditure on education ranged from 12.5 – 14.0 per cent, clothes accounted around 11.5-11.9 percent. (ii) Agriculture Land Use 137. The land use in the immediate subproject area is shown in Figure A6.12. The land use of the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject area in general terms is dominated by rice paddy on the east along the Mekong River. A higher land with dry evergreen forested area to the north of the village. Rehabilitation of the main canals and their associated irrigation service roads would be within the footprint of the existing canals and roads. There would be no encroachment on forest land. The main area of irrigation would be to the west and to the north of the village. The irrigated area is in the proposed original command area and would not involve the development of any land not already used for rain fed cultivation of paddy or agriculture production. (iii) Quality of Life 138. Communities in the subproject area are generally moderately wealthy and have a relatively limited economic base from which to develop, dominated by growing and distributing rice. Sales are made at the farm gate and at the time of the survey, prices being paid for rice were considered adequate. 139. Kan-Tha-Chane village comprises two (2) sub-villages Kan-Tha-Chane sub-village has 188 households (HH) and Don-Tham-Ngeun 38 HH; all are single family HH. All are from the Lao-Tai ethno-linguistic group and practice Buddhism. In Kan-Tha-Kane sub-village the total population is 938 people of which 476 are female (51%). The average household size is 5 persons. There are 24 (12,8%) female head households (FHH) and the 16 (8,5%) landless households (LLHH). No survey was conducted in the Social Impact Assessment (Annex 8) for Don-Tham-Ngeun sub-village.

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140. People in Kan-Tha-Chan Village live in houses of mixed construction, mainly permanent materials, mixed brick masonry or wood wall with iron or tile roofing. 178 Houses (94.7%) are classed as type2 (Medium size made of wood or combination with concrete, brick masonry wall) and iron or tile roofing; and 10 houses (5.3%) are modern houses. 141. Over half of the total households 113 HHs (60.1%) have 2-wheeled hand tractors (118 units) for their own farm works; 4 HHs have 7 threshers (1 each) for threshing services and income making; 12 HHs have 12 Pickups and 6HHs have 6 trucks for their access to the towns and transportation of the production (and also for the accessing to District or Provincial Hospital) and other businesses. There are only 2 rice mills serving inside the village and buying rice for milling and export from the area. 118 motorbikes owned by 118HHs; all 188 households have 226 colored televisions with satellite receivers; all HHs have fans (Aver.2.2 units/ HH); all 188HHs have more than 452 mobile phones (average 2.4 devices per HH); all 188HHs have 226 refrigerators; and all 188HHs (100%) have 188 pour flush toilets. 142. In a wealth ranking11 Kan-Tha-Chane village has been officially endorsed as outside the list of poor villages (Village without of Poverty). All 188 HHs (100%) reside in Kan-Tha- Chane village 30 HHs (16%) are classed as rich of which including 7 FHHs, the 158 HHs (84%) as moderate of which including 14 FHHs. 143. Data from Social Impact Assessment report indicated that all 188 households (100%) have an annual sufficiency and surplus of rice (for sale >50-70% of their harvested products); and no household has rice shortages. 144. In Kan-Tha-Chan Village, there are 668-people (71%) of the total population can read and write basic Lao Language and 504-people (75.4%) completed the primary school. The reason for the high primary school attendance is that the primary school is located inside the village. 22.3% (149 persons - 69 females) completed Secondary School; and only 2.2% (4 females and 6 males) graduated vocational college level. The reason for the low secondary school attendance is that the secondary school is a little far from the village; and the vocational colleges and university are located in the Kaysone Phomvihane Urban Town some 45km from the village. 145. In Kan-Tha-Chane villages, it was reported that the ownership (holding of land) is mainly through inheritance from generation to generation although some land has been acquired by purchase. In the area, land titling is applying for both resident and agriculture lands (estimated completion rate is 100 per cent for resident lands and > 60 per cent for agriculture and other type of lands. The land ownership documents are found in the form of Land Titling and Land use Certificate in the names of the husband and wife. The village authority said that all land would have received Land Titling Documentation from the district land management department in the near future. 146. Rehabilitation of the irrigation system and improved road access would improve agriculture-based incomes through increased production, greater crop diversity, improved quality of produce linked with improved understanding of and information about market conditions. Increased foreign and domestic direct investment in commercial activities around the province as well as Savannakhet provincial center, especially the special economic

11 Poverty Status: "1" - Poor; "2" - Middle; and "3" - Rich. Based on village authority categorization of: "1" - Poor, Household income is below 2001 poverty line income of 85,000 kips/month/person; "2" - Medium, Household income is within 2005-2009 poverty line income of 85,000 to 180,000 kips per month per person; "3" - Rich, income is above 180,000 kips per month per person.

A6-30 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination zone, is providing improved economic prospects through the creation of employment opportunities. (iv) Unexploded Ordnance 147. Data on bombs dropped by US forces between 1965 and 1973 is available from the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action and has been reviewed. Records on any ordnance arising from ground fighting or from bombings by Southern Vietnamese, Lao or Thai air forces, are not available. There are no records showing the locations of cluster bomb munitions. Staff of DAFO, PPMO, DCO and people in Xaiphouthong district mentioned that there is no record or report of UXO in the area. 5. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1 Method of Assessment 148. Potential impacts have been assessed by means of site visits, discussions with local authorities and beneficiaries and the use of secondary sources of information from similar projects. This section summarizes the potential environmental impacts and required mitigation, which are incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan. An Environmental Impact Matrix for subprojects was developed based on current environmental laws and legislation including, without limitation, the Rules and Regulations of Lao PDR relating to: air; noise; water supply; land/soil; waste water; solid waste; land use; biodiversity; cultural; health; education; safety resettlement; income; ethnic groups, unexploded ordinance (UXO); and climate. The scoring indicated in the matrix, Table A6.10 and Table A6.11, below reflects impact scale of each activity during the three phases of subproject development pre- construction, construction and operation. Negative impact is shown in yellow, orange and red while positive impact recorded is shown from light to dark green. Scale of the impact of each type (negative or positive) are classified by score 0, ±5 and ±10. Score of 5-minor impact and 10-significant impact. 149. The severity of impacts and effectiveness of mitigation measures ranking developed is detailed in Annex A6.2 (Details of Impact Assessment and Summary of Mitigation Measures). Detail on mitigation, responsibilities of the contractor(s) and guidance on environmental monitoring are included in Annex A6.4 (Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contract) and Annex A6.5 (Environmental and Social Monitoring Process) respectively. 5.2 Environmental Impacts Related to Location and Design 150. Environmental negative impacts related to location and design are anticipated in land/soils, land acquisition and resettlement, and climate. The negative impacts in land/soils and resettlement can be mitigated with careful design and proper implementation of resettlement plan. 151. The access road to subproject is frequently inundated by flood in the wet season. Climate change models project an increase in the frequency and severity of flood and drought. Flood prevention is beyond the scope of the subproject civil works and mitigation to reduce the severity of impacts has been addressed in the concept engineering design (Annex 2: Concept Engineering Design) and is discussed below in section 5.5.2 (Impact of Climate Change and Project Adaption Measures, Design Mitigation). The continuity of natural drainage would be maintained through construction of culverts and aqueducts. This would reduce the period of inundation of paddy land during flood and the risk of flood damage to crops. In part, the impact of drought would be mitigated through a reduction in water demand by lining canals throughout the distribution network thus reducing seepage losses. Further,

A6-31 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination crop diversification would be introduced to reduce crop water requirements, paddy has a high crop water requirement. 152. Construction of the and irrigation canals/irrigation service roads would result in the removal of topsoil and other material containing vegetative matter that is not suitable for re- use on the road but can be utilized locally for house construction and other common community uses within or near the village. Villagers confirm there is a substantial demand for this material. 153. A minor local increase in greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide) can be expected from increased dry season rice cultivation in the area. 5.3 Environmental Management Plan 154. The subproject Environmental Management Plan is shown in Table A6.12: Environmental Management Plan Summary and the plan is detailed in Annex A6.1. The Plan is sub-divided into the three main stages of subproject implementation: pre- construction; construction; and operation. The table shows the potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and cost allocation and responsibility for implementation. 5.3.1 Environmental Impacts Related to Pre-Construction

155. Contractor’s mobilization would include appointment of health and safety staff, the Environmental Safeguards Officer and liaison officer to consult and work with the impacted communities. 156. The contractor would appoint an Environmental Safeguards Officer and prepare a site-specific Contractors Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) within 14 and 30-days of Notice to Proceed respectively. The CEMP includes six-subplans: health and safety; hydrocarbon and hazardous waste management; camp management; erosion and sediment; quarry and borrow pit management; and waste management the requirements are detailed in Annex 6.4 (Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contracts). The contractor’s staff would be trained in Health and Safety requirements and procedures including the risks of communicable diseases. The siting of labor camps and storage areas would be agreed with landowners, either farmers or the local authorities, and rental agreements for the land use drawn up and signed. On completion of the construction works the land used for camps and/or storage and construction site access roads must be returned to their original condition. Access to construction sites might require the contractor’s machinery travelling across agricultural land. Repeated passes of heavy machinery across the same land would result in soil compaction and damage to the soil structure. The alignment of access tracks to construction sites would be agreed with landowners before the start of construction, rental agreements signed, and land would be restored to its original condition after completion of construction. Copies of the rental agreements must be provided to the NPMO through the PPMO.

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Table A6.10: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts

Activities and Project Impacts Table Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity

Air

UXO

Noise

Safety

Impact

Health

Ethnic Ethnic

Income

Climate

Cultural

Average Average

Land Use Land

Land/soils Education

Minorities

Solid Waste Solid

Biodiversity Impact Total

Waste-Water

Water Supply Water

Resettlement Pre-Construction Headworks 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Main/secondary canals 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -5 -0,29 Access / village roads -5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Canal service roads -5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Drainage channels 0 0 0 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Construction Headworks -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Main/secondary canals -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Access / village roads -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 -60 -3,53 Canal service roads -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 5 0 0 0 -50 -2,94 Drainage channels -5 -5 0 -5 -5 -5 0 -5 0 -5 0 -5 -5 0 0 0 0 -45 -2,65 Operation Headworks 0 0 5 -5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 -5 -5 -0,29 Main/secondary canals 0 0 5 0 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 -5 -10 -0,59 Access / village roads 0 0 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0 5 5 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 5 0,29 Canal service roads -5 0 0 -5 0 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 -20 -1,18 Drainage channels 0 0 5 -5 -5 -5 0 0 0 -5 0 -5 -5 10 0 0 0 -15 -0,88

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact Average total Impact 5 Pre-Construction -0,51 0 No significant impact Construction -3,09 -5 Operation -0,44 -10 Very negative impact

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Table A6.11: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts After Mitigation

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157. Potential permanent land and asset losses were identified in a Preliminary Measurement Survey (PMS) that was used to develop a preliminary Inventory of Losses (IOL). The details of the IOL are shown in a separated LACP. The subproject would compile with the approved LACP. This is detailed in Annex 7 (Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan). Following ADB approval of the subproject detailed design a Detailed Measurement Survey would be conducted to establish the extent of asset losses to be mitigated through compensation agreed with affected-households. The Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan would be revised and submitted to ADB for approval before the disbursement of compensation is carried out. Disbursement of compensation (mitigation) must be completed, reported and approved by ADB before civil works construction can be started. Reporting is through the Land Acquisition and Compensation Report. 5.3.2 Environmental Impacts Related to Construction 158. Environmental negative impacts related to construction would be temporary, and can in most cases be mitigated before and during the construction period. The impacts, mitigation, responsibility and budget source are presented in Table A6.5 (Environmental Management Plan Summary). Mitigation measures are listed in Environmental Management Plan Annex A6.2 Details of the Impact Assessment and Summary of Mitigation Measures). Detailed responsibilities and contract clauses for the contractors are found in Annex A6.4 (Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contract). 159. Excavation work associated with farm access road upgrading, the preparation of canals for the installation of lining, and borrows areas would result in the movement and deposition of silt away from the source, except when works are carried out during dry conditions. However, if the works are well supervised and timing of works is controlled, quantities would be small, and would either be carried away by the irrigation water when the scheme is completed, or would settle on roads, paths and fields where it would not cause a problem. The use of silt fences may be required at spoil disposal and borrow sites if there is a risk of moderate erosion as a result of surface water flows. Each borrow or disposal site must be addressed individually to determine whether silt fences or other mitigation works are required. Silt fences would generally not be necessary for canal lining operations but careful placement of excavated material would be essential in order to reduce the likelihood of sediment movement into adjoining agricultural land. It is essential that borrow pits are left safe and sanitary. Steep sided borrow pits are prone to collapse causing erosion into the surrounding area while ponded water in burrow pits presents an ideal breeding ground for mosquito’s a dangerous disease vector. The contractor would develop a sub-plan covering quarry and borrow pit management. 160. Mitigation of any risks of sediment runoff would be achieved by (i) the Contractor site supervisor being on site for all excavation work, (ii) confining excavation operations to the dry season (iii) use of silt traps where warranted, according to instructions from the construction supervisors and supervising agency and (iv) disposal of spoil from excavation works at sites approved by the construction supervising agency. Surplus spoil should be used as fill, for example backfilling of culvert walls, wherever possible. The contractor would develop sub-plans covering waste disposal and erosion and sedimentation management. 161. Construction operations occurring during the irrigation season may involve the temporary closure of the existing irrigation systems. This may have significant impact on the crop and livestock production and on local livelihoods for those currently having access to irrigation so it is critical that user communities be involved in scheme planning and construction. Ensuring that local farmers are aware of the construction schedule would further

A6-35 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination mitigate the effects of temporary closure. These impacts are addressed in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan (Annex 7).

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Table A6.12: Environmental Management Plan Summary

Potential Environmental Responsibility f o r Mitigation measure(s) Cost Allocation Impact Implementation Pre-Construction Stage Construction Contractor Safety Hazards to workers and local Preparation of plans by the Contractor, including the Contractors Environmental Cost people, and effects of temporary Management Plan, Health and Safety sub-plan, Hydrocarbons and Hazardous Waste worker populations in the area Management sub-plan, a Camp Management sub-plan, Waste Disposal sub-plan, Erosion and Sedimentation sub-plan, Quarry and Borrow Pit Management sub-plan and Work Plan. Allocating responsibilities for safety, health and welfare to senior staff; preparation of plans for first aid and emergency procedures; preparation of plans for satisfactory accommodation of workers, and of information and instruction to be disseminated to workers regarding risks of communicable diseases. The appointment RF budget NPMO / Effects on homes and property Completion of land acquisition and compensation tasks as detailed in the Resettlement Consultants including crops and rice fields. Framework for the sector project Design task PAFO / PPMO / Effects of the construction of a Selection of the alignment of the access track to minimize extent of (negligible DCO temporary vehicle access earthworks necessary; securing of agreements with affected landowners cost) track

Emphasis on bioengineering approach and only where necessary appropriate civil works Design task River bank stabilization in the conceptual engineering design and detailed design. (negligible cost)

Canal distribution network lined throughout – main canal to field canals – reducing Design task Drought seepage loses. Gated control structures and water measurement weirs in the distribution (negligible cost) system to enhance control over irrigation water distribution. Crop diversification away from paddy to reduce crop water demand. Impacts from Construction Note: Most Construction Issues would be covered in the CEMP and Contract clauses (see Annex A6.4)

Head Works at Pump Station The working footprint on the river embankment for rising main and associated structures Construction cost Contractor should be minimized. Outside the footprint natural vegetation should not be impacted.

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Potential Environmental Responsibility f o r Mitigation measure(s) Cost Allocation Impact Implementation Construction Contractor Effects associated with the (i) Re-use of excavated material to the extent practicable, (ii) obtaining materials from Cost extraction of materials licensed quarries and (iii) forming appropriate agreements with landowners for borrow sites, and landscaping works to use borrow sites, in accordance with the agreements made with landowners.

Construction Contractor Release of silt (i) Adequate supervision of the works, (confining excavation works to the dry months, Cost (iii) discretionary use of silt traps where warranted and (iv) careful placing of excavated material Construction Contractor Temporary closure of the Use of temporary diversions using pipes and pumps where necessary; involvement Cost irrigation system of scheme users in planning of the works Construction Contractor Dust generation Wetting of excavation sites and stockpiled material during dry and windy weather, Cost when within 50m of an occupied dwelling and where there are people out working in the fields Construction Contractor Construction noise Contractors would not be permitted to work between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 Cost within 500m of populated areas, or near hospitals. Vehicles are to be well maintained with adequate mufflers to minimize noise generation. Construction Contractor Use of land for storage and as works Compensation to landowners according to the LARP and restoration of land to Cost depots former condition or better, according to agreements formed with landowners Construction Contractor Effects of construction of (i) Careful supervision of earthworks to ensure minimal damage to farmland and Cost temporary vehicle access track vegetation, (ii) reuse of surplus spoil, distribution to users in or near the Project area, or disposal at a site approved by the PAFO / PPMO.

Construction Contractor Effects of temporary worker (i) Consultation with local people on acceptable areas for siting of facilities, (ii) Cost populations installation of suitable toilets such as pit latrines and grey water drainage facilities such as soakage pits (iii) arrangements for collection of solid waste, (iv) briefing of workers and awareness raising of the local population on dangers of communicable diseases and (v) assignment of responsibility for worker and local peoples’ welfare to a senior member of the Contractor’s staff.

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Potential Environmental Responsibility f o r Mitigation measure(s) Cost Allocation Impact Implementation Construction Contractor Safety hazards to workers and local Allocation of responsibility for site safety to the Contractor s site supervisor staff, ’ s’ Cost people who would ensure that all reasonable safety measures, such as use of safety clothing and equipment and placing of hazard warnings are taken. The contractor would prepare a Camp Management Plan and Health and safety Plan. Impacts from Operation

Included in Contractor / PAFO Erosion and scouring Grass planting on embankment slopes as a bioengineering measure. project design Included in PAFO Obstruction of water flows in the Support to water user groups so that users discourage or prevent any placing of project design canals from sediment or other material or solid waste in the canals. deposits

Included in PAFO Extraction of water during the dry Monitoring of the river water level, ensuring that an adequate river condition is project design season maintained.

Included in PAFO Competition for use of irrigation water Reliable collection of information on water levels in the canal system, to enable project design and with other water uses sound planning of further water use development plans

Included in PAFO Collapse of canals Routine and periodic maintenance, according to a well-designed and project design adequately resourced maintenance program

Excessive use of pesticides and use of PAFO and DAFO would continue agricultural extension training on correct use of Included in PAFO/DAFO inappropriate pesticides and other appropriate agrichemicals and Integrated Pest Management. project design agrichemicals

Included in PAFO Leaching of nutrients Promotion of sustainable irrigated agriculture and soil management methods project design Included in PAFO Occurrence of water related (i) Promoting improved operation and maintenance of the irrigation scheme and road project design diseases through water user groups (ii) raising awareness on hazards posed by poor sanitation, water logging and use of untreated irrigation water for drinking.

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Potential Environmental Responsibility f o r Mitigation measure(s) Cost Allocation Impact Implementation Included in NPMO Risks of increasing road Awareness-raising among roadside and road user populations on road traffic project design accidents resulting from hazards and their avoidance. increased traffic

Conflicts arising from competition Detailed design consultants would be tasked with identifying all abstractions both Included in NPMO and PAFO or complaints from downstream upstream and downstream to ensure that there are no impacts, and to develop a fair project design water users due to the Project’s water allocation program to be implemented by the PAFO. abstraction of too much water

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162. Excavation works would result in localized concentrations of airborne particulate matter, which may pose a significant dust nuisance where it occurs in proximity to villages, schools, or dwellings. Where excavation operations carried out during dry and windy conditions are within 50m of an occupied building, excavated sites should be sprayed with water to control dust release. The operation is not expected to cause a significant increase in air pollution, as most construction tasks are likely to involve hand labor. Only light equipment such as cement mixers and water pumps are likely to be used. Operating equipment would cause localized air pollution through exhaust fumes, particularly exhaust gases from diesel engines, although it would not be expected to persist but rather disperse fairly quickly. Lao PDR has legislation on vehicle exhaust emissions but testing facilities are not available within Lao PDR. Mitigation would be necessary ensuring equipment is well-maintained while trucks idling for over 15 minutes would not be allowed in populated areas. Trucks idling for over 15 minutes would not be allowed in populated areas. 163. Similarly, as most construction would involve manual labor or small equipment, noise nuisance is not expected to be significant. However, contractors would not be permitted to work between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 within 500m of populated areas, or near clinics or hospitals. 164. For temporary use of land, owners would receive compensation in the form of rents payable during scheme construction period, and land would be re-instated in accordance with the Resettlement Framework and the Project’s Resettlement Plan. Contractor is to protect sensitive urban, agricultural and natural areas during construction. Sensitive sites would be clearly demarcated to minimize risk of encroachment. 165. While the Contractor would be encouraged to engage local people for the works, some skilled workers and possibly supplementary labor would need to be brought to the site from elsewhere in Lao PDR or from outside the country. These workers are likely to be accommodated in buildings rented by the Contractor, though temporary accommodation may also be built. Interactions with local residents can potentially lead to the spread of communicable diseases, or conflict. Temporary toilet facilities can release raw sewage. These potential effects can be avoided or mitigated by: (i) consultation with local people on acceptable areas for the siting of facilities; (ii) installation of suitable toilets such as pit latrines and grey water drainage facilities such as soakage pits; (iii) arrangements for collection of solid waste; (iv) briefing of workers and awareness raising of the local population on dangers of communicable diseases; and (v) assignment of responsibility for worker and local peoples’ health and safety to a senior member of the Contractor’s staff. The Contractor would have, and implement, an appropriate Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), a Health and Safety Plan, a Hydrocarbon and Hazardous Waste Management Plan and a Camp Management Plan, approved by the LIC Environmental specialist. The contractors’ resident Environmental Safeguards Officer would be responsible for the contractors’ compliance. The contents of the CEMP and the Contractors’ responsibilities with respect to environmental and social issues are specified in Annex A6.4 (Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contracts). 166. Some construction activities, including excavations and use of plant and the use and handling of fuels or other hazardous materials, would pose a small safety risk to workers and to local people. These would be mitigated by the allocation of responsibility for site safety to the Contractor’s site supervisory staff who would ensure that all reasonable safety measures are taken, such as use of safety clothing and personal protective equipment and placing of hazard warnings and fencing, where appropriate. The Contractor would have an appropriate

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Health and Safety Plan (part of the CEMP) to address these issues, approved by the LIC Environmental specialist. 167. The incidence of waterborne diseases in local communities is significant. Risks would come both from waterborne pathogens, and from any increase in ponding that may result from inappropriate disposal of waste water in camps and on the construction site. Standing water provides a habitat for insect vectors of disease. These risks can be mitigated by (i) promoting improved sanitation in contractors’ camps with appropriate drainage of waste water (ii) raising awareness, during training of staff on health and safety; and (iii) contractors ensuring that borrow pits, not used for fish culture, are left in a stable condition with drainage to ensure water does not pond in the pits during the wet season. 168. Hydrocarbons from oil spillage and other hazardous materials may also cause soil contamination or pollution of waterways. These risks can be mitigated by having a clearly defined and lined storage site at least 20m from any watercourse that is surrounded by a compacted earth bund of a suitable size such that it is able to contain the total volume of fluids stored within. The use of commercial fuel providers operating in the area is another option for the management and storage of these materials on the construction site. All waste hydrocarbons, including fuel and oil filters, would be deposited in sealed containers and removed from the site for recycling or safe disposal as appropriate. 5.3.3 Environmental Impacts Related to Operation 169. Agriculture practiced by beneficiary farmers would intensify in areas beyond the current effective command area. This would bring significant long-term benefit to users. Users who are not currently using irrigation water would begin to practice irrigated agriculture, or to resume irrigated agriculture if they were in areas where irrigation water was formerly available. The potential for increased use of pesticides would be addressed by the subproject agricultural development plan, Annex 3 (Present Agriculture and Agricultural Development Plan) that includes training in Integrated Pest Management. Training of PPMO/DCO staff from both provinces and all twelve districts involved in the Project was carried out by the LIC Agronomist in January 2018. Subsequently at subproject level a pilot training program for farmers was carried out at the three (3) Phase I subprojects. The training was given by PPMO/DCO agriculture staff mentored by the LIC Agronomist. The agricultural staff from PPMO/DCO would conduct the training at subproject level including Kan-Tha-Chane subproject. 170. Water quality monitoring would be continued on a quarterly basis with the PPMO sending water samples to the NPMO for analysis at the DOI, Vientiane Capital. 171. Although historically the introduction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems has led to encroachment on forest land the occurrences have generally occurred where canals transverse forested areas. This is unlikely in Kan-Tha-Chane as there is little non-agricultural land adjacent to the irrigated areas that is in command from the rehabilitated canals. In addition, appropriate mitigation measures have also been prepared to address this issue. 172. The expansion of the command area would increase the irrigated area of paddy fields that are seasonally inhabited by fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic insects. The subproject would improve the seasonal aquatic ecosystem in the agricultural area. 173. While the intensification of agriculture often leads to greater use of inorganic fertilizers, extension activity in the area by DAFO has raised awareness of the risks of excessive use of inorganic fertilizers and provided training on appropriate application rates. Training on crop nutrition (fertilizers and soil fertility) and the production of organic fertilizer

A6-42 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination would be provided by the LIC Agricultural Agronomist (Annex 3 Present Agriculture and Agricultural Development Plan). The training would include Training of Trainers program for PPMO/DCO staff. Risks associated with the use of inorganic fertilizers such as raising the nutrient status of the water released at the outflow of the system, increasing the chemical oxygen demand of the water, are therefore not considered significant. A water sampling program to test water quality at the subproject was established, see Section 9.2 (Approach to Environmental Monitoring) and would continue throughout the Project lifecycle. 174. The incidence of waterborne diseases in local communities is significant. Irrigation water is used as a supplementary source for domestic purposes like clothes washing, and this practice would increase after construction when more water may be flowing through the system. Risks would come both from waterborne pathogens, and from any increase in ponding that may result from wastages, as ponds provide a habitat for insect vectors of disease. These risks can be mitigated by (i) promoting improved operation and maintenance of the schemes as part of the training and support provided to water user groups so that canal blockages or failures of the canal walls that can result in ponding of water are rapidly repaired, and (ii) raising awareness, during training and support to water user groups, on the hazards posed by poor sanitation, water logging and use of untreated irrigation water for drinking or bathing. 175. Competition with other water uses, population growth and increasing incomes would place increasing demands for domestic water supply, as well as for irrigation. At present, the water for domestic use is obtained from a variety of sources including deep wells while some households use bottled water for drinking. Water from the irrigation canals is used for washing clothes and bathing, especially children. Also, with increasing population and use of irrigated agriculture, the demand for irrigation water would grow and potentially lead to conflict among users both within the scheme and between different schemes with the same source of water. There are no water allocation plans at the district or provincial level. At the subproject level, the WUGs are responsible for water allocation plans. There is a water scarcity in the irrigation scheme and historically this has resulted in conflict particularly between users at the head and tail end of the distribution system. However, local beneficiaries said these issues were resolved through discussion within the WUG. The Grievance Redress Mechanism would remain in effect throughout the life of the Project and used to resolve any conflict arising over water use, or other issues. Rehabilitation of the irrigation scheme would improve the efficiency of the distribution system and increase the area under crop production in the dry season from 120 to 350ha. The command area is 350ha so the potential for conflict between water users remains. The WUG would develop a plan for water allocation in the dry season in consultation with all members. 176. In common with all irrigation schemes, an increase in soil salinity may occur as a result of the accumulation of salts that are dissolved in the irrigation water, and upward transport of salt deposits in lower soil horizons in the case of over-irrigation. These risks are low for the scheme, as any salt not taken up by growing plants would be subject to natural flushing by rainwater in the wet season. Over-irrigation would prevent both by the relative shortage of irrigation water towards the tail end of the command area, and by water regulation for areas closer to the primary canal. While salt build-up may occur in these areas, risks of widespread soil salinity in irrigated fields is low. 177. Risks of increasing erosion and scouring is low. Land either side of the canal alignment is generally gently sloping and not readily prone to erosion. There may be some risk to water flows by the deposition of material excavated for house building or other construction purposes, or from dumping of solid waste into the system. The road alignment

A6-43 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination follows reasonably flat terrain although in areas the terrain is undulating. Some minor erosion may occur on embankments, which is mitigated by inclusion of vegetation planting as a bioengineering measure. 178. Table A6.10: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts and Table A6.11: Summary Matrix of Environmental Impacts After Mitigation above, present a summary of environmental impacts before and after mitigation measures are applied for the Pre- Construction, Construction, and Operation stages. Details of the analysis and the Environmental Management Plan are found in Annex A6.2 (Details of the Impact Assessment and Summary Mitigation Measures). 5.4 Safety 179. The existing and proposed irrigation improvements can pose safety concerns both to the workers during construction and to the nearby communities during construction and operation. These impacts include:

 Potential impacts from work-place accidents to workers, local community;  Possible increase in vehicular accidents on irrigation service roads due to increased speeds;  Potential minor impacts from accidents in the vicinity of pump stations due to poor control of access to the sites or to their electrical equipment, see Figure A6.13 below.  Possible increase in accidental drownings of children or animals.

Figure A6.13: Safety Concerns for the Irrigation System

Plate No. A6.19: Typical pump electrical equipment in poor condition and accessible to children and unauthorized adults

180. Mitigation measures for this during construction to be taken up by the Contractors as part of their required CEMP Health and Safety Plan would include:

A6-44 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

 Training and awareness-raising for workers on occupational health & safety.  Provision of adequate personal protective equipment to workers.  Adequate signage, lighting, and control of construction sites.  Traffic control measures to ensure public safety.  Establishment of efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. 181. During the scheme operation, PAFO would be responsible for:

 Carrying out training and awareness-raising for community on dangers of the pump stations and canals.  Adequate signage and fencing to keep people and animals away from stilling basins and other potentially dangerous structures. 5.5 Climate Change 182. There are two considerations in the climate change impact analysis: first, how much greenhouse gases are emitted by the project and, second, what is the likely impact of climate change on the project, and what adaptation mechanisms and resiliency are built into the project design.

5.5.1 Project’s Emissions of Greenhouse Gases 183. Paddy rice fields are thought to contribute approximately 9-13 percent of the global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG)12. Methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are the dominant GHG emissions largely from flooded paddy fields and the energy needed to pump water. Rice emits, for example, between 3 and 8 times the emissions of wheat.13 184. Numerous studies have provided mechanisms for calculating yearly emission levels of the principal GHG related to paddy rice cultivation, methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), 14 and nitrous oxide (N2O). For this project the factors used are shown in Table A6.13. Table A6.13: Factor Used for Calculating Emission Levels of Greenhouse Gases from Paddy Fields

CH4 66 kg/ha

CO2 690 kg/ha

N2O 1.93 kg/ha

185. Global Warming Potential (GWP) is expressed in terms of equivalent levels of CO2 using the following formula:

Global warming potential (GWP) = CO2 emissions + CH4 emissions*21 + N2O emissions*310 186. Table A6.14 shows the GWP for the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject. The total GWP for the 27 sub-projects of AISP is planned as 9,460 ha, and it is approximately 25,290 tons

12 “Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Options from Rice Field” Sirintornthep Towprayoon, The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi Bangmod, Bangkok, Thailand 10140 13 “Greenhouse gas emissions from rice”, RGTW Working Paper Number 3, 2013, Alfred Gathorne- Hardy 14 “Initial Environmental Examination, Cambodia: Uplands Irrigation and Water Resources Management Sector Project” prepared for ADB, July 2015

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CO2e/year, which is less than ADB’s significance threshold value of 100,000 tons CO2e/year,15 and therefore no further monitoring is required. Table A6.14: GWP for Kan-Tha-Chane Subprojects

Increase in Rice CH4 emissions CO2 emissions N2O emissions GWP Paddy area (ha) (kg/year) (kg/year) (kg/year) (tons/year CO2e) 300 19,800 207,000 579 802 GWP = 19.8*21+207+0.579*310=415.8+207+179.49 = 802.29 187. Encouraging farmers to grow other crops that produce less GHG may help reduce GHG emissions, but rice agriculture would predominate and is, after all, the main purpose of this Project. Many different mechanisms for controlling methane emissions have been proposed, including varietal choice and fertilizer use, but water management and modifying quantities of organic amendment are the most important according to the available literature.16 It is recommended that the Project contact the researchers in Thailand or others who are working on this to see if it would be feasible to have them come to the project areas to train farmers and the DAFOs in techniques that would reduce GHG emissions. Training on climate-friendly agricultural methods would be built into the Project's overall capacity- building program which includes bringing experts to the Project locations as well as appropriate study tours to nearby countries. Further, the ADB is considering a follow-on program to the AISP dealing with Climate-friendly Agribusiness methods to be applied to existing schemes including those in the Project. 5.5.2 Impact of Climate Change and Project Adaptation Measures 188. Lao PDR is among the most vulnerable locations with respect to climate change. Increases in temperature and precipitation are forecast for the next 20-30 years by most of the climate models. The Mekong River Commission estimates that the most likely effects of climate change in the region would include17:

 “Basin-wide temperature increase of 0.79°C, with greater increases in colder catchment areas in the north

 Annual precipitation increase of 200 mm (a 13.5% rise)

 Increase in dry-season precipitation in northern catchments and decrease in southern catchments

 Total annual runoff increase of 21%

 Increase in flooding in all parts of the Basin with the greatest impact on downstream catchments of the Mekong River

 Climate change is expected to affect natural ecosystems and agriculture throughout the Mekong River Basin, thereby exacerbating the challenges of meeting the increasing demand for resources from growing populations.”

15 Projects emitting more than the threshold are required to carry out an annual quantification of GHG emissions in accordance with internationally recognized methodologies, and evaluate technically and financially feasible and cost-effective options to reduce or offset project-related greenhouse gas emissions during project design and operation, and pursue appropriate options (SPS, 2009). 16 “Greenhouse gas emissions from rice”, RGTW Working Paper Number 3, 2013, Alfred Gathorne- Hardy 17 http://www.mrcmekong.org/mekong-basin/climate/

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189. Based on these and other potential impacts, Table A6.15 shows adaptation measures that have been built into the Project and would be finalized in the detailed design.

Table A6.15: Project Climate Change Adaptation Measures

Climate Change Effect Project Measure

Likely temperature increase of up Project capacity building and linkage with research institutes to 1°C (Lao-IRRI) to include adaptation measures to enable the rice plant to perform optimally under adverse climatic conditions through suitable cultural and genetic strategies.18 19 Improved varieties tolerant to higher and low temperatures would be introduced as they are released by the research institutes. Training of farmers would also include mitigation measures to reduce GHG emissions, such as cultivating crops other than rice that may emit less GHG, and employing better water management for paddy rice.

Likely increases in annual Project implementation to include careful monitoring of water precipitation sources to strive for optimal use of the resource. Engineering design to maintain and enhance drainage continuity and cross-draining in the subproject irrigation scheme to reduce the impact of flooding on crops and infrastructure.

Increases in flooding Flooding was not reported as a problem in the subproject area. However, increased intensity of storms could result in localized flooding and increased erosive run-off. The subproject design includes mitigation for potential impact of flooding:

 Lining of main and secondary canals with concrete to reduce damage during periodic inundations;  Improved varieties tolerant to crop submergence during flood would be introduced as they are released by the research institutes.  Maintaining and improving drainage continuity and cross drainage; and  Providing bioengineering and rip-rap protection on the river embankments, and providing sodded dirt backfill for concrete canals to reduce flood damage.

18 http://www.esciencecentral.org/journals/strategies-for-boosting-rice-yield-in-the-face-of-climate- change-in-india-jrr.1000105.php?aid=18969 19 Rice in Southeast Asia: Facing risks and Vulnerabilities to Respond to Climate Change, Suzanne K. Redfern, Nadine Azzu and Jesie S. Binamira FAO www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/agphome/.../climate/Rice_Southeast_Asia.pdf

A6-47 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Climate Change Effect Project Measure

Increases in occurrences and The Project is designed to help farmers in the area during severity of droughts drought by providing irrigation water during the dry season and supplementary water if necessary, during the wet season. Water allocation among users at the subproject level would be the responsibility of the WUG.

6. Global, Transboundary and Cumulative Impacts 190. The controlled use of irrigation water and the use of potentially harmful chemicals in pest control are, to some extent, transboundary issues. Risks of the use of harmful substances or excessive use of less harmful substances in irrigated agriculture are heightened by ready availability from neighboring countries. These risks can be reduced by improved information collection on agrichemicals available on the local market, and dissemination on their proper use. The Agricultural Development Plan (Annex 3 Present Agriculture and Agricultural Development Plan) includes training on Integrated Pest Management. 191. Irrigation schemes always cause some reduction of water resource in other areas as a result of water being pumped out of the water source. For a small scheme such as this one at Kan-Tha-Chane, the transboundary impact is minimal particularly given the source of water supply, the Mekong river. However, any successful promotion of efficient use of irrigation water would both minimize wastage in the scheme itself and also provide a source of knowledge for adoption by practitioners of irrigated agriculture in the neighboring area. 192. Similarly, any improvements in managing irrigation systems, use of agrichemicals and in group capacities for co-operative action would have a potentially cumulative impact in the area, by contributing to a build-up of knowledge and skills among communities who interact with neighboring communities. 7. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 193. The Kan-Tha-Chane scheme is one of a number of candidate subprojects selected for the GMS-EWEC-AISP. Alternative subprojects that meet the agreed selection criteria are mainly irrigation schemes with agricultural access road improvement. Other rural infrastructure improvement subprojects could comprise any of a combination of irrigation, agricultural access road and rural market improvement. The Kan-Tha-Chane irrigation scheme and irrigation service road improvements has been identified by the Savannakhet PAFO and selected through a screening process that included site visits and consultations with principal stakeholders to other candidate subproject sites. 194. The existing irrigation system, including pumping equipment, control structures, main canals and secondary and tertiary canal network requires rehabilitation to improve efficiency and overcome difficulties with distribution of water due to seepage losses and failed control structures. The Mekong River is the viable water source for the scheme. While groundwater is used in some towns in Savannakhet Province, for water supplies, it is generally unreliable in the dry season and there are no indications from geological information that any substantial groundwater reserves exist in the area. The proposed scheme makes use of existing infrastructure, is relatively simple to construct and inexpensive to operate.

195. The “no project” alternative would, in this case, simply mean the substitution of the Kan-Tha-Chane irrigation scheme with an alternative subproject, likely to be based on a different irrigation scheme within Savannakhet or Salavan provinces.

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8. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION 196. Consultations were conducted during a visit to Kan-Tha-Chane village on 14 October 2016 which included a focus group discussion during which the Project was disclosed to community representatives and environmental and other issues discussed. (see Annex A6.3). 197. Meetings on potential environmental issues were held with local community representatives including office holders of the water user group and village leaders to discuss potential environmental and other issues arising from irrigation scheme rehabilitation and road improvements. Respondents were keen for the subproject to go ahead, anticipating a range of benefits including improved access to the fields, better distribution of irrigation water among the users and sufficiently supply water for irrigated area 350ha. 198. Asked about potential negative effects during construction, respondents saw no significant issues as most construction would follow existing footprint and it is general construction that would not use a harmful chemical/substance in proposed construction activities, which would cause a negative impact on environment in the area. 199. During the consultation with local stakeholders, the main concerns for local people included: the level of existing canals, they are already lower than paddy fields thus water in the canals is unable to flow to the fields; the new design should ensure that previous adverse issues are no repeated; quality control for the construction work is done to a high standard; most of the land in the subproject command area can only retain standing water on the soil for a few days, thus farmers have to frequently pump water to their farms during dry season production of paddy rice that increases their production costs and consequently a many households have stop irrigated dry season paddy rice cultivation; the project should give priority to local people for unskilled tasks; and there should be good communication between the village authority and the contractor during the construction stage. 200. Many concerns of the local community are addressed in the Feasibility Study. The Project Design and Monitoring Framework (Annex 1) stipulates “$8 million in local wages generated from project construction activities, with 30 per cent of the wages for women under equal pay conditions. Payment in local wages would be approximately 21 per cent of the contract price. The contractor’s payment of local wages is monitored in the Project monitoring program. The contractor must advise the village authorities of their construction schedule and two liaison officers, one male and the other female, have been appointed by the village authorities to act as intermediaries between the community and the contractor. The requirements are detailed in Annex 6.4 (Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contracts). 201. The design anomaly of low canal inverts has been addressed in the concept engineering design. The quality of construction work would depend on the contractor and construction supervision carried out by the engineering design consultant and the Implementing Agency (PAFO). 202. For operation and maintenance (O&M) the WUG would receive support from the PAFO/DAFO under a Memorandum of Understanding between the EA and PAFO and the DAFO and WUG. The support would be in two distinct sections - routine O&M and replacement/catastrophic maintenance. The support for routine O&M would be over the first four years of subproject operation with the DAFO contribution to the budget 100 per cent in Year 1 and subsequently decreasing by 25 per cent each year. In Year 5 the full cost of routine O&M would be paid by the WUG from irrigation service fees. Replacement, and

A6-49 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination repair of scheme infrastructure following catastrophic events would be paid by DAFO. The DAFO would be responsible for monitoring the O&M activities of the WUGs. 203. Following completion of the detailed engineering design a comparison would be made with the concept engineering design to identify any changes that would impact on the environment in particular the EMP. If necessary, the IEE and EMP would be updated. A Lao translation of the executive summary of the draft IEE, updated if required, would be disclosed to the beneficiary community and the Provincial department of Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE). The executive summary would be displayed at prominent locations in the subproject area, including the Kum Ban, for 30-day for beneficiary review and comment. 204. According to the Regulation on Environmental Assessment in the Lao PDR, the IEE of the Project is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at the provincial level (PONRE) for approval through the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate prior to the project commencement (no civil work is allowed prior to the approval) see Section 3.4 above. 205. During construction and operation, communities in and around the Project area would be kept informed of construction activities that are likely to cause noise and dust nuisance, or disruption to irrigation flows or roads and pathways. 206. The overall consensus is that the Project is needed and people want it to start as soon as possible. 9. Grievance Redress Mechanism20 207. A well-defined Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) 21 has been established to resolve grievances and complaints in a timely and satisfactory manner. All affected persons would be made fully aware of their rights, and the detailed GRM procedures would be publicized through an effective public information campaign. This would include a wide distribution of a revised Public Information Booklet and the display of the GRM on noticeboards at contractor’s camps and work sites and in villages at prominent locations e.g. temples. 208. The Grievance Redress Mechanism has been developed to provide a redress mechanism for grievances that may arise over effects on private property and the environment. Persons affected by the project activities, or concerned about environmental impacts are entitled to lodge complaints regarding any aspect of the subproject development. 209. The objective of the grievance redress mechanism is to resolve complaints as quickly as possible and at the local level through a process of conciliation; and, if that is not possible, to provide clear and transparent procedures for appeal. 210. The grievance redress process includes five steps, as illustrated in Table A6.16. Complaints would ideally pass through only four stages before they are elevated to a court of law as a last resort. However, complainants are entitled to lodge complaints regarding any aspect of the preparation and implementation of the resettlement plan or of other project activities without prejudice to their right to file complaints with the court of law at any point in the process.

20 The Grievance Redress Mechanism was developed, disseminated and implemented under the Projects Resettlement Program 21 Follow discussions with ADB 9th February 2017 it was agreed the GRM would be revised to include more entry points a process presently underway.

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Table A6.16: Project Main Steps of Grievance Mechanisms Steps, Actions and Levels of Intervention Time ▼ V I L L A G E

1.1 Complainant explains problem/issue verbally. 1.2 In communities existing village mediation committees (VMCs) would be the first contact for

affected persons (APs), or complainants on environmental matters, to address their concerns. 1.3 VMC would be responsible for land acquisition and compensation (LAC) issues or the village 5 1 would establish a Project related village LAC committee. days 1.4 The committee aims at clarifications and solution within its village and with the complainant. 1.5 This mediation aims at a Project internal immediate solution. If the complaint cannot be solved at this stage, the next step is to apply. ▼ S U B – P R O J E C T If not solved before: 2.1 Complainant presents complaint/s or grievance/s verbally or in writing.

2.2 A Project grievance committee (SPGC) would be the second contact for Further complainants to address their concerns. 2 10 2.3 Registration of the complaint by SPGC. days 2.4 In collaboration with VMC and complainant this SPGC would elaborate on the complaint. 2.5 This mediation aims at a Project internal amicable solution. If the complaint cannot be solved at this stage, the next step is to apply. ▼ D I S T R I C T If not solved before: 3.1 APs would address their complaints to the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). Further 3.2 Involvement of authorities and departments 3 10 3.3 Collaboration with complainants, SPGC and village committee. days 3.4 This mediation aims at a mutual arrangement to solve the complaint. If the complaint cannot be solved at this stage, the next step is to apply. ▼ P R O V I N C E If not solved before: 4.1 Complainants with or without support from CSO/NGO, but with assistance

from the Project would address their complaints to the provincial departments and possibly governor’s office. Further 4.2 Shall involve GRC. 4 10 4.3 Can involve independent, external advice on the issues of the complaint. days 4.4 At this level, a formal agreement would be the objective to agree upon. 4.5 Before applying step 5, provincial and district staff should make final efforts to find an agreement with the AP. If the complaint cannot be solved at this stage, the next step is to apply. ▼ C O U N T R Y If not solved before: Open, 5.1 Final step to solve land acquisition, boundary and/or compensation issue. but 5.2 Court would take note and register the case. 5 further 5.3 Court to provide final juristic decision. 20 5.4 In case of required actions the complainant and/or Project proponent days have to follow.

Notes N-1: Concerning step 1 the village should decide about its internal approach and time required N-2: The shown approach is in line with the Technical Guidelines on Compensation and Resettlement of Affected People by Development Project, March 2010. N-3: The shown days per step should be understood as a maximum duration. N-4: The grievance procedures are also applied for environment related complaints.

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211. It is recognized that, in many cases, complainants do not have the writing skills or being able to express their grievances verbally, however, complainants are encouraged to seek assistance from the independent monitor, the nominated local NGOs or other family members, village heads or community chiefs to have their grievances recorded in writing and to have access to the project documentation, to ensure that where disputes do occur all the details have been recorded accurately enabling all parties to be treated fairly. 212. The NPMO would shoulder all administrative costs incurred in the resolution of grievances and complaints within the project-level grievance redress mechanism. If the complainant seeks grievance redress through country-level judicial and administrative mechanisms, the requirements and procedures applicable to the relevant jurisdiction shall apply. All complaints and resolutions would be properly documented by the concerned resettlement committee and be available for the public and review for monitoring purposes. 213. Safeguard monitoring reports would include the following aspects pertaining to progress on grievances: (a) number of cases registered with the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), level of jurisdiction (first, second, and third tiers), number of hearings held, decisions made, and the status of pending cases; and (b) lists of cases in process and already decided upon may be prepared with details such as name, ID with unique serial number, date of notice, date of application, date of hearing, decisions, remarks, actions taken to resolve issues, and status of grievance (i.e. open, closed, pending). ADB’s Accountability Mechanism would also be explained to people from households that will be affected by the subproject. 214. Local stakeholders were asked whether they were aware of the Grievance Redress Procedures and if there had been any grievances to date. Generally, people are aware of the procedure and there have not been any grievances to date. 10. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.1 Responsibilities for Environmental Management 215. Table A6.12: Environmental Management Plan Summary above summarizes the mitigation measures required for design, construction and operation of the scheme, as well as the cost and responsibility allocation arrangements. Overall responsibility for implementing the Environmental Management Plan rests with PAFO, which during design and construction would be supported by the provincial project management office (PPMO) in Savannakhet province, and during operation would involve co-operation with the DAFO of Xaiphouthong district and through DAFO the scheme users. Responsibility for incorporating mitigation into scheme design rests with PAFO, supported by the project implementation consultants who would have appropriate specialists based at the national project management office (NPMO) in Vientiane. 216. Responsibility for ensuring that environmental mitigation of construction impacts is carried out again rests with the PAFO, as the agency responsible for construction supervision. However, the EMP should form part of the works contract documentation so that the contractor in each case incorporates the cost of mitigation into the bid price, including provision of staff and equipment necessary to carry out all mitigation tasks in full. These plans must be approved and adhered to throughout construction and would be monitored with the assistance of the staff of the District Coordination Office (DCO) established within the Xaiphouthong DAFO under the supervision of the Safeguards Officer appointed to the Provincial Project Management Office (PPMO). Being closer to the construction site, the staff of the DCO would be the main point of contact for the PPMO with delegated responsibility for: (i) assisting with community development initiatives through the associated investments; (ii)

A6-52 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination coordination of resettlement activities; (iii) coordination of environment management activities; (iv) coordination of all other safeguard and gender activities; (v) assistance in the identification of associated investments; (vi) monitoring of implementation of the Project; and (vii) reporting on progress of implementation. 217. During scheme operation, responsibility for mitigation rests primarily with the scheme users (WUG), supported by PAFO. 218. For the construction phase, Annex A6.4 presents all necessary measures on protection of the environment that shall be carried out by the Contractor including the contents of the “Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan” (CEMP), and environmental clauses that shall be part of the Contract. 10.2 Approach to Environmental Monitoring 219. Environmental monitoring would cover (i) compliance monitoring, to ensure that mitigation specified in the EMP is carried out to an adequate standard, (ii) community feedback to obtain views and information on relevant environmental parameters and (iii) water quality testing. The Environmental Monitoring Plan is presented in Table A6.18: Environmental Monitoring Plan. Guidance on monitoring procedures and sample checklists are found in Annex A6.5 (Environmental and Social Monitoring Process). 220. Water quality testing is necessary to detect any deterioration of water quality and it is inevitable that some scheme users would use the water in the irrigation system as a supplementary source of domestic water supply, to ensure that it is not dangerous for that purpose. Testing against drinking water quality standards is therefore not warranted. In order to determine the safety of the water, it should be tested for levels of coliform bacteria, chemical and biological oxygen demand. The parameters and limits of values for water quality testing are shown in Table A6.18.

Table A6.17: Parameters and Limits of Values for Water Quality Testing

Parameters Maximum Value

pH 5.5 - 9

Fecal Coliforms <1,000 per 100 ml

Biological Oxygen Demand (20oC) <25 mg/l

Chemical Oxygen Demand <35 mg/l

221. It is important that during water sampling each time, site observation through biological indicators has to be conducted in order to help detect increasing level of nutrients at the end of the canal. This would also help to minimize the budget cost required for water testing that is already limited.

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Table A6.18: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Impact to be Monitored Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibilities

Design and Preconstruction Phase

Selected sample sites pH; Fecal Coliform; in the command area Level of pathogens (level Biological Oxygen (near the start of the Collection of Quarterly, of contaminants) in water scheme, such as the sample and approximately 12 Demand (20oC) and PAFO for irrigation / domestic Chemical Oxygen stilling basin, and at laboratory months prior to use Demand the end of the scheme analysis construction drain. See Figure A6.14)

Health and safety and All work sites / welfare of workers and the Compliance with EMP worker Compliance Once PAFO / PPMO public accommodation

Construction Phase

Changes as perceived To be decided by by irrigation scheme Participating villages Consultations PAFO / PPMO at the PAFO / PPMO users start of the works

Prevention of accumulation Selected sample sites of excessive pathogens in pH; Fecal Coliform; in the command area water for irrigation / (near the start of the Collection of Biological Oxygen domestic use o scheme, such as the sample and Demand (20 C) and Twice yearly PAFO / DAFO Chemical Oxygen stilling basin, and at laboratory Demand the end of the scheme analysis drain. See Figure A6.14)

Adequacy of and effectiveness To be decided by of the scheme: quantity of Opinions of users Participating villages Consultations PAFO / PPMO at the PAFO / DAFO water; increases in crop yields; start of the works occurrence of disputes

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex 6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Impact to be Monitored Parameters Location Measurements Frequency Responsibilities

Implementation of To be decided by Compliance with the EMP construction mitigation All work sites Consultations PAFO / PPMO at the PAFO / DAFO and CEMP measures detailed above start of the works

Operation Phase

To be decided by PAFO / Changes as perceived by Participating villages Consultations PPMO at the start of the PAFO irrigation scheme users works

Prevention of accumulation of Selected sample sites in excessive pathogens in water for pH; Fecal Coliform; the command area (near

irrigation / domestic use the start of the scheme, Collection of sample Semi-annually (before and Biological Oxygen Demand PAFO / WUG / o such as the stilling basin, and laboratory at the end of irrigation (20 C) and Chemical WUA Oxygen Demand and at the end of the analysis season) scheme drain. See Figure A6.14)

To be decided by PAFO / Opinions of users Participating villages Consultations PPMO at the start of the WUG / WUA works

PAFO / DAFO / Water depth monitoring Mekong River Measurements Monthly WUG Adequacy of and effectiveness of the scheme: quantity of water; PAFO / DAFO / increases in crop yields; Water flow monitoring Weir outflow Measurements Monthly occurrence of disputes WUG

Presence of water ponding

from leaks or canal PAFO / DAFO / collapses Including Throughout the scheme Observations Monthly WUG monitoring of silt deposits and vegetation on the canal

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Figure A6.14: Proposed Water Quality Testing Sites

Plate A6.20: Water Quality Sampling at Kan- Tha-Chane Stilling Basin

222. Samples should be taken prior to, during and after construction (beginning and end of irrigation season) and taken to an appropriate certified laboratory for analysis. For the Kan- Tha-Chane Subproject it is recommended that sampling take place at the beginning of the irrigation scheme (for example at the stilling basin receiving water from the pumps) and at the end (at or near the end of the drainage channel). 11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 223. The IEE process has found that the subproject would not cause significant negative environmental impacts given proper mitigation. Potential negative impacts relate mainly to the construction phase and can be managed and brought to acceptable levels through the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan. 224. The proposed subproject would provide a significant positive impact to the area, in particular enhancing agricultural production as well as contributing to drought mitigation throughout the irrigation system. The expansion of the command area would increase the irrigated area of paddy fields that are seasonally inhabited by fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic insects that provide a source of varied nutrient to local beneficiaries and increase the biodiversity. The subproject would improve the seasonal aquatic ecosystem in the agricultural land. 225. Irrigation service roads would have a natural armored gravel pavement on a compacted sub-base increasing resiliency to climate change. This would reduce road maintenance costs and improve road travel for farm machinery. 226. Local community has very strong support for the project and would like it to start as possible. Main concerns of the local people are related to new construction which should have a proper design with high quality. The project should give priority to local people for unskilled tasks. 227. An interview with the local community suggested there are three endangered species (Afzelia xylocarpa, Hemitrygon laosensis and Columba punicea) in the general area of the subproject. The proposed subproject rehabilitation would not impact on their habitat as the construction, in general, would follow the footprint of the existing infrastructure. 228. Water quality is still good and matches allowable limits set by the National standard. However, Fecal Coliforms tend to see a higher level at the end of the drainage system after

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination passing through the paddy field. This issue should be regularly monitored by PAFO and DCO in order to minimize health risk associated with use of water from the canal. 229. The increased area of dry season paddy cultivation would increase greenhouse gas emission. Although relatively small emissions can be reduced by changes in cultural practices. The Project is reviewing the most appropriate method of introducing these practices to the farming community

230. The Project was assessed as Category B according to the ADB’s classification system. This refers to projects that are judged to have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser degree or significance than those for Category A projects. Following the completion of detailed engineering design any changes in design compared to the concept engineering design would be evaluated for environmental impact and if necessary, the IEE and EMP updated to reflect these changes. The updated IEE would be included in the bid documents and be part of the subproject contract for civil works.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.1

Environmental Management Plan

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Annex A6.1: Environmental Management Plan 231. This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is developed for the Kan-Tha-Chane subproject, it was developed at the feasibility study stage of the Project and based on the concept engineering design. It identifies the potential project environmental impacts and defines mitigation measures and monitoring requirements for the design, construction, and operational stages of the project. All potential negative impacts from the project throughout the implementation of the project including preconstruction, construction and operational phase have been anticipated, proper mitigation measures have also been addressed in order to prevent, reduce, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts and risks. Detail of work plan with mitigation measures for the EMP indicated in Table A6.18 below.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Table A6.19: Environmental Management Plan

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation 1.1 Design Stage / Pre- construction Final Detailed Design Final Detailed design of irrigation system layout including EDC-2 NPMO/LIC Design costs canal alignment and control structure location would be completed taking into account the EMP

Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Operation and maintenance planning and practices for NPMO/LIC NPMO/ADB Planning irrigation water allocation and drainage would be documented and approved by the EA and ADB before completion of construction and handing over to the system to the WUG. This would include an MOU between the province, the subproject WUG and MAF.

Baseline water quality Establish baseline water quality for surface water (see PPMO NPMO/LIC Project budget Environmental Monitoring Plan) Air Quality Air Quality: Minor increase in air Ensure vehicles well maintained PPMO / NPMO / LIC / PPMO / NPMO / LIC Project / pollution from survey and consultation EDC-2 / EDC-2 consultants teams visiting the subproject budget Increase in dust from unpaved roads Design appropriate road pavement in relation to location: NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC NPMO / LIC / irrigation service roads in agricultural areas with natural EDC-2 budget gravel

Noise None None required Water Supply None None required Land/soils Poor design of downstream Appropriate design of headworks, canal/road NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC Project / bioengineering protection leading to embankments and exposed earth bioengineering consultants erosion. protection to avoid erosion budget

Waste Water Minor - none None required Solid Waste None None required Land Use Impacts on productive land resulting Minimize impacts in detailed design phase. Compensation NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC Project / from land acquisition for canals and paid to affected-households as detailed in the Land consultants irrigation service roads. Acquisition and Compensation Plan budget

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation Biodiversity Potential minor impact to aquatic Design headworks to protect aquatic life NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC Project / ecology at the headworks consultants budget Culture Minor - none None required Health Minor - none None required Education Minor - none None required Safety Minor - none None required Resettlement Minor acquisition of land, commercial Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan including NPMO / EDC-2 / NPMO / EDC-2 / Project / trees and field structures, and loss of compensation budget prepared for identified preliminary DAFO DAFO consultants dry season crop loses, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao budget Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Compensation to be completed prior to construction Income Subproject is designed to provide None required significant income improvements from supplementary irrigation to an increased area of rainfed paddy crop and an increased area of dry season irrigation. Ethnicity Project is designed to provide significant None required income improvements from irrigated agriculture to beneficiaries, including to ethnic minorities. One ethno-linguistic group is present in the subproject area Lao-Tai. UXO None required None required PPMO PPMO PPMO / UXO Lao Climate Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely to be practical or feasible at subproject design NPMO / LIC NPMO / LIC NPMO emissions (GHG) from increased rice level. However, farmer training on methods developed in cultivation. Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be investigated and applied Potential increase in frequency and Irrigation supply canals from main to field canals lined to NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 intensity of drought in dry season reduce water losses from seepage in design. Increased and intensive rain fall in wet All irrigation service roads designed with a gravel NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC /EDC-2 NPMO / season could result in flooding of pavement and enhanced cross drainage Consultants irrigation service roads resulting in Budget damage to the road pavement and reducing road use

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation Increased and intensive rain fall in wet Design of scheme to ensure continuity of existing drainage NPMO / LIC / EDC-2 NPMO / LIC NPMO / LIC season could result in flooding of and where appropriate construction of additional drainage productive land and crop damage channels

1.2 Construction Air Quality Exhaust gases Construction vehicles need to be well maintained to Contractor NPMO / PPMO / Project / reduce exhaust emissions. Ensure all construction DCO / EDC-2 / LIC Consultants vehicles and equipment are well-maintained Budget Dust Contractors to control dust during construction through Contractor NPMO / PPMO / Project / regular watering of exposed areas; Cover all trucks DCO / EDC-2 Consultants carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Budget Noise Noise impact on sensitive areas from No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 near residential Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / equipment and vehicles accessing and or other sensitive areas. Trucks to be maintained and Consultants working on site have effective silencers on exhausts. Budget Water Supply Minor amounts needed for construction Contractors to acquire water from available nearby Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / acquired from village sources could surface water sources as approved by local authorities Consultants cause local shortages in dry season Budget Land/soils Impacts to soils from erosion increases Contractors to provide adequate erosion control during Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / due to inappropriate construction construction. For construction materials such as sand, Consultants procedures and improper management stone, and fill soil contractor should choose legal service Budget of borrow pits. Impact on land adjacent providers who have exploitation licenses and to the construction footprint resulting in environmental protection commitment issued by local compaction and damage to vegetation authorities. Contractor to operate within a narrow working including standing crops. footprint outside the infrastructure area

Waste Water Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater discharges at Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / construction camps that could contain construction camps. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Consultants petroleum/chemical pollution or other surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and Budget contaminants resulting in contamination groundwater quality at or near camps. Use temporary of surface water. diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoil in flat areas away from drainage routes

Solid Waste Minor local impacts from improper Contractors to use best practice with respect to waste Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / disposal of solid waste from management at the camps and construction sites, Consultants construction activities or workers including proper disposal of solid waste at locations Budget approved by local authorities

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation

Land Use Minor impacts to local land use during Contractor to protect sensitive urban, agricultural and Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / construction natural areas during construction, pay for any temporary Consultants use of land, and restore to original condition any land used Budget temporarily Biodiversity Minor / temporary negative impacts Contractors to protect sensitive natural areas during the Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / during construction, construction camps subproject construction Consultants and nearby water courses Budget Culture No impacts are anticipated Health Possible increase in STDs or other Contractors to screen and educate workers for HIV and Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / diseases from construction workers other STDs, implement malaria control at work sites and Consultants interacting with local population. camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean Budget Potential increased breeding grounds water for workers. for vectors of water borne diseases if Contractors to stabilize and provide permanent borrow pits not stabilized and drained. sustainable drainage of borrow pits unless alternative productive use agreed e.g. to use as fish pond.

Education Minor negative impacts from possible Contractor required to maintain safe access to education Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / impaired access to schools during facilities at all times. Consultants construction Budget Safety Potential impacts from work-place Training and awareness raising for workers on Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / accidents to workers, local community, occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide Consultants or vehicles. adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Budget Adequate signage, lighting, and control of construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. Resettlement Potential for temporary impacts due to Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of land. Only Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / contractors' use of land. Temporary vacant land to be used. Use of land would not disturb Consultants closure of irrigation system during dry businesses. Land temporarily used would be restored to Budget season impact on crops and livestock pre-project condition or improved. Contractor would work with WUG to minimize impact of temporary irrigation system closure.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation Income Potential temporary loss of access to Contractor to employ local workers with about 21 per cent Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / irrigation water in dry season. Potential of contract price paid in wages including 30 per cent to Consultants temporary loss of income for shops and female works. Male and female equal pay for equal work. Budget businesses through denial of access. Contractors to provide access to shops / businesses / Temporary increase in income for homes at all times. beneficiaries employed by the contractor. Multiplier effect in local economy from increased disposable income. Ethnicity None anticipated since all community none required members are from the Lao-Tai ethno- linguistic group UXO Minor chance or none to find a UXO in the subproject none required Climate Minor or none, assuming proper waste See Air Quality and Waste Management (Construction) Contractor DAFO / EDC-2 Project / management and lower emission above Consultants vehicles Budget

1.3 Operation Air Quality Damage to gravel road pavement of DAFO and WUG to control use of the irrigation service WUG DAFO Irrigation Service irrigation service roads by unauthorized roads to authorized vehicles only to reduce damage to Fees or overloaded vehicles resulting in dust roads. especially in the dry season Noise Minor or none none required Water Supply Minor positive impact from additional none required (non-potable) water, including ground water, available near canals and drains during dry season. Land/soils Inadequate maintenance leading to Adequate maintenance and care of landscaping WUG DAFO Irrigation Service erosion of: headworks river vegetative cover on canal embankments and raised Fees embankment erosion; canal side slopes sections of the irrigation service roads; cross-drainage especially where canals are in deep cut; structures; and channels of the irrigation drainage network gravel pavement on irrigation service roads; the drainage network

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation Waste Water Drainage from irrigated fields in which Develop an on-going capacity-building program to instruct WUG / DCO DAFO DAFO large amounts of fertilizers and people not to use drainage water without testing for pesticides have been used could contaminants. Train farmers in methods for Integrated contaminate water which might be used Pest Management and crop nutrition. Coordinate with downstream by other farmers or even Agriculture Extension Centre to ensure that farmers are for domestic use. trained in correct use and storage of fertilizer, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances

Solid Waste Impacts from improper disposal/ Develop an on-going capacity-building program to raise WUG / DAFO / LIC DAFO DAFO dumping of solid wastes in canals, along awareness of local communities of the impacts of the access and irrigation service roads and disposal/dumping of waste in the canals, drains and along in drainage channels. This could lead to roads. reduced efficiency of flow in canals and drains Land Use Encroachment on non-agricultural land, The WUG/WUA responsible for monitoring illegal irrigation WUG DAFO Irrigation Service especially forest land, near supply water supply off-takes and associated land clearance Fees canals and the illegal off-take of irrigation water supply Biodiversity Improved biodiversity of paddy fields None required under irrigation Culture minor to none none required Health Potential negative impact from the Farmers to be instructed in the control of mosquito and WUG / DCO DAFO DAFO / Irrigation provision of additional open surface water borne diseases, especially breeding sites. Water Service Fee water that can lead to increased flow in canals should not be impeded, and stagnant incidence of mosquitos and water-borne ponding from overflows should be avoided and drained. diseases. Improvement in health from gravel None required pavement of irrigation service roads reducing dust. Potential for increase in waterborne WUG / DCO DAFO DAFO / Irrigation diseases if drainage channels are Training program to instruct farmers and other residents in Service Fee allowed to stagnate or are purposefully the control of mosquitos and water borne diseases. Water ponded. Possible negative health flow in drainage channels should not be impeded and impacts from the use of contaminated stagnant water ponding should be avoided. drainage water for domestic purposes. Residents should be instructed to avoid using drainage water for domestic purposes due to the possibility of contamination from fertilizer and other agrichemicals.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation Education Positive impacts from improved family None required income providing the potential for education. Safety Possible increase in accidental Adequate signage and fencing to keep people and WUG / DCO DAFO / Irrigation electrocution of people or animals in the animals away from the pump set housing and electrical Service Fee area of the head works due to poor power supply. control of access to the area.

Possible increase in accidental DCO to carry out training and awareness raising for drownings of children or animals in community on dangers of the canals. Adequate signage canals and large structures and fencing to keep people and animals away from stilling basins and other potentially dangerous structures. Possible increase in vehicular accidents Road safety training. Local authorities to control traffic WUG / DCO / NPMO DAFO due to increased speeds on irrigation speeds in villages, possibly with speed-reduction methods service roads such as speed humps. Possible increase in accidents from Road safety training. Local authorities to control traffic use DAFO / Irrigation improper use or damage to the irrigation on irrigation service roads. Service Fee / service roads Project Budget Resettlement Possible on-going disputes or Establish and fully implement the Grievance Redress Village Mediation DAFO / NPMO Village grievances Mechanism be in force for the life of the project Committee if Government / necessary, continue DAFO / Project through Budget implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism Income Significant income improvements from Can also promote aquaculture development and crop WUG / DCO DAFO DAFO / Irrigation allowing two or more rice crops per year diversification into higher value crops with sustainable Service Fee to the beneficiaries. Multiplier effect in water supply. local economy from increased disposable income. Ethnicity Project is designed to provide significant None required income improvements from irrigated agriculture to beneficiaries, including to ethnic minorities. One main ethno- linguistic group are present in the subproject area Lao-Tai and observe Buddhism.

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.1 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Item Environmental Impacts and Issues Mitigation Measures and/ or Safeguards Responsibility for Supervision of Budget Implementation Implementation UXO None None required Climate Minor local increase in greenhouse gas DCO to provide awareness-raising for local population of WUG / DCO / NPMO / DAFO / NPMO / LIC Project Budget / emissions from increased rice the increased emissions of GHG from paddy rice LIC Consultants cultivation cultivation and encouragement to change production Budget practices or raise other crops. Possibly invite researchers from Thailand who have developed paddy rice methods that reduce GHG Increased and intensive rain fall in wet Village Maintenance Committee to maintain cross Village Maintenance DAFO Village season could result in flooding of drainage structure and road side drains Committee Government / irrigation service roads resulting in DAFO damage to the road pavement and reducing road use Increased and intensive rain fall in wet WUG/WUA to maintain all cross-drainage structures and WUG DAFO Irrigation Service season could result in flooding of drainage channels to maintain continuity of drainage Fee / DAFO productive land and crop damage system

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.2 Details of the Impact Assessment and Summary of Mitigation

Measures

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.2: DETAILS OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES Air Quality (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Anticipated Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating

Pre-Construction Headworks None; pumps are electric and power comes None required from the national grid which is primarily 0 0 hydropower. Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Increased air pollution in villages Design traffic measures to reduce emissions. -5 0

Canal service roads Increased dust from unpaved roads -5 Design gravel roads to minimize dust 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0 Construction Headworks Minor air quality impacts from construction Construction vehicles to be effectively vehicles (emissions). maintained to reduce exhaust emissions. Contractors to control dust during construction through regular watering of -5 exposed areas; 0 Cover all trucks carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained; Main/secondary canals Minor air quality impacts from construction Construction vehicles to meet Euro 2 vehicles (emissions) and dust in dry season emission standards. Contractors to control dust during construction through regular watering of -5 exposed areas; 0 Cover all trucks carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained; Access / village roads Minor air quality impacts from construction Construction vehicles to be effectively vehicles (emissions) and dust in dry season maintained to reduce exhaust emissions. Contractors to control dust during construction through regular watering of -5 exposed areas; 0 Cover all trucks carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained; Canal service roads Minor air quality impacts from construction Construction vehicles to meet Euro 2 vehicles (emissions) and dust in dry season emission standards. Contractors to control dust during construction through regular watering of -5 exposed areas; 0 Cover all trucks carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained; Drainage channels Minor air quality impacts from construction Construction vehicles to be effectively vehicles (emissions) and dust in dry season maintained to reduce exhaust emissions. Contractors to control dust during construction through regular watering of -5 exposed areas; 0 Cover all trucks carrying dispersible materials to or from the site; Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained; Operation Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Increased dust from unpaved service roads PAFO and WUG to Control use of the service roads to authorized vehicles only to -5 0 reduce damage to road and dust in dry season. Drainage channels None 0 None required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Noise (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Anticipated Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0 Construction Nuisance noise from equipment and vehicles No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 accessing the site. near residential or other sensitive areas. Headworks -5 0 Trucks to be maintained and have appropriate mufflers. Nuisance noise from equipment and vehicles No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 accessing the site. near residential or other sensitive areas. Main/secondary canals -5 0 Trucks to be maintained and have appropriate mufflers. Nuisance noise from equipment and vehicles No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 accessing the site. near residential or other sensitive areas. Access / village roads -5 0 Trucks to be maintained and have appropriate mufflers. Nuisance noise from equipment and vehicles No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 accessing the site. near residential or other sensitive areas. Canal service roads -5 0 Trucks to be maintained and have appropriate mufflers. Nuisance noise from equipment and vehicles No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 accessing the site. near residential or other sensitive areas. Drainage channels -5 0 Trucks to be maintained and have appropriate mufflers. Operation Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Water Supply (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating

Pre-Construction Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0 Construction Minor amounts needed for construction and dust Contractors to acquire water from available Headworks control acquired from village sources could cause -5 nearby surface water sources as approved by 0 local shortages in dry season local authorities Minor amounts needed for construction acquired Contractors to acquire water from available Main/secondary canals from village sources could cause local shortages -5 nearby surface water sources as approved by 0 in dry season local authorities Minor amounts needed for construction and dust Contractors to acquire water from available Access / village roads control acquired from village sources could cause -5 nearby surface water sources as approved by 0 local shortages in dry season local authorities Minor amounts needed for construction and dust Contractors to acquire water from available Canal service roads control acquired from village sources could cause -5 nearby surface water sources as approved by 0 local shortages in dry season local authorities Drainage channels None 0 None required 0 Operation Minor positive impact from additional (non- None required Headworks potable) water available near canals during dry 5 5 season. Minor positive impact from additional (non- None required Main/secondary canals potable) water available near canals during dry 5 5 season. Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Minor positive impact from additional (non- None required Drainage channels potable) water available near drainage channels 5 5 during dry season.

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Land/soils (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Poor design of bank protection leading to Careful design of headworks and pipes to Headworks -5 0 riverside erosion avoid bank erosion Improper siting of canals and access roads Careful design of canals to avoid erosion Main/secondary canals -5 0 to them leading to erosion Improper siting/design of roads leading to Careful siting and design of access roads Access / village roads -5 0 erosion to avoid erosion Improper siting/design of unpaved service Careful design of canals and their service Canal service roads -5 0 roads leading to erosion roads to avoid erosion Improper siting/design of drainage channels Careful design of drainage to avoid Drainage channels -5 0 leading to erosion erosion Construction Impacts to soils from erosion increases due Contractors to provide adequate erosion to inadequate construction procedures. control during construction. For construction materials such as sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor should Headworks -5 0 choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Impacts to soils from erosion increases due Contractors to provide adequate erosion to inadequate construction procedures and control during construction. For improper management of borrow pits. construction materials such as sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor should Main/secondary canals -5 0 choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Impacts to soils from erosion increases due Contractors to provide adequate erosion to inadequate construction procedures and control during construction. For improper management of borrow pits. construction materials such as sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor should Access / village roads -5 0 choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Impacts to soils from erosion increases due Contractors to provide adequate erosion to inadequate construction procedures and control during construction. For improper management of borrow pits. construction materials such as sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor should Canal service roads -5 0 choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Impacts to soils from erosion increases due Contractors to provide adequate erosion to inadequate construction procedures. control during construction. For construction materials such as sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor should Drainage channels -5 0 choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Operation Inadequate maintenance of headworks Adequate maintenance and care of Headworks -5 0 leading to bank erosion landscaping of riverbanks Main/secondary canals none 0 none required 0 Access / village roads none 0 none required 0 Inadequate maintenance of gravel roads Adequate maintenance and care of Canal service roads -5 0 leading to erosion service roads Inadequate maintenance of drainage leading Adequate maintenance and care of Drainage channels -5 0 to erosion drainage

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

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Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Waste Water (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage from irrigated fields in which large Design should require PAFO to instruct amounts of fertilizers and pesticides have people not to use drainage water without Drainage channels been used could include contaminated water -5 testing for contaminants 0 which might be used downstream by other farmers or even for domestic use. Construction Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater construction camps, including discharges at construction camps. petroleum/chemical pollution. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Contamination of surface water. surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and groundwater quality at or near camps. Headworks -5 0 Use temporary diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoils in flat areas away from drainage routes

Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater construction camps, including discharges at construction camps. petroleum/chemical pollution. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Contamination of surface water. surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and groundwater quality at or near camps. Main/secondary canals -5 0 Use temporary diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoils in flat areas away from drainage routes

Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater construction camps, including discharges at construction camps. petroleum/chemical pollution. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Contamination of surface water. surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and groundwater quality at or near camps. Access / village roads -5 0 Use temporary diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoils in flat areas away from drainage routes

Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater construction camps, including discharges at construction camps. petroleum/chemical pollution. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Contamination of surface water. surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and groundwater quality at or near camps. Canal service roads -5 0 Use temporary diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoils in flat areas away from drainage routes

Minor increase in wastewater from Contractors to manage wastewater construction camps, including discharges at construction camps. petroleum/chemical pollution. Site camps so as to avoid impacts to Contamination of surface water. surface and groundwater. Monitor surface and groundwater quality at or near camps. Drainage channels -5 0 Use temporary diversion drains & bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds to prevent contamination of surface water. Stockpile spoils in flat areas away from drainage routes

Operation Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage from irrigated fields in which large PAFO to develop an on-going capacity- amounts of fertilizers and pesticides have building program to instruct people not to been used could include contaminated water use drainage water without testing for which might be used downstream by other contaminants. farmers or even for domestic use. PAFO to train farmers in methods for Drainage channels -5 reducing the use of chemicals. 0 Coordinate with Agriculture Extension Centre to ensure that farmers are trained in correct use and storage of fertilizer, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-77

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Solid Waste (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks none 0 none required 0 Main/secondary canals none 0 none required 0 Access / village roads none 0 none required 0 Canal service roads none 0 none required 0 Drainage channels none 0 none required 0 Construction Minor local impacts from improper disposal Contractors to use best practice with of solid waste from construction activities or respect to waste management at the Headworks workers -5 camps and construction sites, including 0 proper disposal of solid waste at locations approved by local authorities Minor local impacts from improper disposal Contractors to use best practice with of solid waste from construction activities or respect to waste management at the Main/secondary canals workers -5 camps and construction sites, including 0 proper disposal of solid waste at locations approved by local authorities Minor local impacts from improper disposal Contractors to use best practice with of solid waste from construction activities or respect to waste management at the Access / village roads workers -5 camps and construction sites, including 0 proper disposal of solid waste at locations approved by local authorities Minor local impacts from improper disposal Contractors to use best practice with of solid waste from construction activities or respect to waste management at the Canal service roads workers -5 camps and construction sites, including 0 proper disposal of solid waste at locations approved by local authorities Minor local impacts from improper disposal Contractors to use best practice with of solid waste from construction activities or respect to waste management at the Drainage channels workers -5 camps and construction sites, including 0 proper disposal of solid waste at locations approved by local authorities Operation Headworks none 0 none required 0 impacts to canals from improper PAFO to develop an on-going capacity- disposal/dumping of solid wastes in canals building program to instruct people not to dump waste in the canals. Coordinate with Agriculture Extension Main/secondary canals -5 0 Centre to ensure that farmers are trained in correct methods for storage of fertilizer, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances impacts to roads from improper PAFO to develop an on-going awareness- Access / village roads disposal/dumping of solid wastes on and -5 raising program against littering 0 along roads impacts to roads from improper PAFO to develop an on-going awareness- Canal service roads disposal/dumping of solid wastes on and -5 raising program against littering 0 along roads impacts to drainage channels from improper PAFO to develop an on-going capacity- disposal/dumping of solid wastes which building program to instruct people not to Drainage channels -5 0 could lead to reduced efficiency of the drains dump waste in the drainage channels.

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-78

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Land Use (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction No effect on land use since headworks will none required Headworks 0 0 not require land acquisition. No effect on land use since irrigated areas none required Main/secondary canals 0 0 are already being farmed. No effect on land use since irrigated areas none required Access / village roads 0 0 are already being farmed. No effect on land use since irrigated areas none required Canal service roads 0 0 are already being farmed. No effect on land use since irrigated areas none required Drainage channels 0 0 are already being farmed. Construction Minor impacts to local land uses during Contractor to protect sensitive urban, construction agricultural and natural areas during Headworks -5 construction, pay for any temporary use 0 of land, and restore to original condition any land used temporarily Minor impacts to local land uses during Contractor to protect sensitive urban, construction agricultural and natural areas during Main/secondary canals -5 construction, pay for any temporary use 0 of land, and restore to original condition any land used temporarily Minor impacts to local land uses during Contractor to protect sensitive urban, construction agricultural and natural areas during Access / village roads -5 construction, pay for any temporary use 0 of land, and restore to original condition any land used temporarily Minor impacts to local land uses during Contractor to protect sensitive urban, construction agricultural and natural areas during Canal service roads -5 construction, pay for any temporary use 0 of land, and restore to original condition any land used temporarily Drainage channels none 0 none required 0 Operation Headworks none 0 none required 0 Main/secondary canals none 0 none required 0 Access / village roads none 0 none required 0 Canal service roads none 0 none required 0 Drainage channels none 0 none required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-79

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Biodiversity (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Potential minor impact to aquatic ecology at Design the pump and headworks to Headworks -5 0 the headworks and pump station protect aquatic life. Main/secondary canals Minor to none 0 none required 0 Access / village roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Canal service roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Drainage channels Minor to none 0 none required 0 Construction Minor / temporary negative impacts during Contractors to protect sensitive natural Headworks construction at the River, construction -5 areas during the Project construction 0 camps and nearby water courses Minor / temporary negative impacts during Contractors to protect sensitive natural Main/secondary canals construction at the River, construction -5 areas during the Project construction 0 camps and nearby water courses Minor / temporary negative impacts during Contractors to protect sensitive natural Access / village roads construction at the River, construction -5 areas during the Project construction 0 camps and nearby water courses Minor / temporary negative impacts during Contractors to protect sensitive natural Canal service roads construction at the River, construction -5 areas during the Project construction 0 camps and nearby water courses Minor / temporary negative impacts during Contractors to protect sensitive natural Drainage channels construction at the River, construction -5 areas during the Project construction 0 camps and nearby water courses Operation Headworks Minor to none 0 none required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to none 0 none required 0 Access / village roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Canal service roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Drainage channels Minor to none 0 none required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-80

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Cultural Resources(ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0 Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0 Operation Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

Education (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0 Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Minor negative impacts from possible Contractor required to maintain safe Access / village roads impaired access to schools during -5 access to education facilities at all times. 0 construction Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0 Operation Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Minor positive impacts from improved access None required Access / village roads 5 5 to education facilities Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-81

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Human Health (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads Minor to None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels Minor to None 0 None required 0 Construction Possible increase in STDs or other diseases Contractor to implement a CEMP, approved from construction workers interacting with local by Engineer population Contractors to screen and educate workers Headworks -5 for HIV and other STDs, implement diseases 0 prevention at work sites and camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean water for workers. Possible increase in STDs or other diseases Contractor to implement a CEMP, approved from construction workers interacting with local by Engineer population Contractors to screen and educate workers Main/secondary canals -5 for HIV and other STDs, implement diseases 0 prevention at work sites and camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean water for workers. Potential minor and temporary negative health Contractor to implement a CEMP, approved impacts from reduced access to health facilities by Engineer in villages. Contractors to screen and educate workers Access / village roads Possible increase in STDs from construction -5 for HIV and other STDs, implement diseases 0 workers interacting with local population prevention at work sites and camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean water for workers. Potential minor and temporary negative health Contractor to implement a CEMP, approved impacts from reduced access to health facilities by Engineer in villages. Contractors to screen and educate workers Canal service roads Possible increase in STDs from construction -5 for HIV and other STDs, implement diseases 0 workers interacting with local population prevention at work sites and camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean water for workers. Potential minor and temporary negative health Contractor to implement a CEMP, approved impacts from reduced access to health facilities by Engineer in villages. Contractors to screen and educate workers Drainage channels Possible increase in STDs from construction -5 for HIV and other STDs, implement diseases 0 workers interacting with local population prevention at work sites and camps, and provide adequate toilet facilities and clean water for workers. Operation Headworks Minor to None 0 None required 0 Potential minor negative impact from the Farmers to be instructed in the control of provision of additional open surface water that mosquito and water borne disease control by can lead to increased incidence of mosquitos PAFO. Main/secondary canals -5 0 and water-borne diseases. Water flow in canals should not be impeded, and stagnant ponding from overflows should be avoided. Improvement in health from paving and reducing None required Access / village roads dust from village roads, and from improved 5 5 access to health facilities Minor negative impact from increased dust from Service roads to be maintained and surfaced Canal service roads unpaved roads during dry season. -5 with non-dust-producing materials in villages, 0 or watered during dry season Potential for increase in waterborne diseases if PAFO should have an ongoing program to drainage channels are allowed to stagnate or are instruct farmers and other residents in the purposefully ponded. control of mosquito and water borne diseases. Possible negative health impacts from the use of Water flow in drainage channels should not contaminated drainage water for domestic be impeded, and stagnant ponding should be Drainage channels purposes. -5 avoided. 0 Residents should be instructed to avoid using drainage water for domestic purposes due to possibility of contamination from fertilizers and pesticides.

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-82

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Safety (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Headworks Minor to none 0 Not required 0 Main/secondary canals Minor to none 0 Not required 0 Access / village roads Minor to none 0 Not required 0 Canal service roads Minor to none 0 Not required 0 Drainage channels Minor to none 0 Not required 0 Construction Potential impacts from work-place accidents Contractor to implement a CEMP to workers, local community, or vehicles. approved by Engineer Training and awareness raising for workers on occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Adequate signage, lighting, and control of Headworks construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. -5 0 Potential impacts from work-place accidents Contractor to implement a CEMP to workers, local community, or vehicles. approved by Engineer Training and awareness raising for workers on occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Adequate signage, lighting, and control of Main/secondary canals construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. -5 0 Potential impacts from work-place accidents Contractor to implement a CEMP to workers, local community. approved by Engineer Possible increase in vehicular accidents on Training and awareness raising for access and village roads. workers on occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Adequate signage, lighting, and control of Access / village roads construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. -5 0 Potential impacts from work-place accidents Contractor to implement a CEMP to workers, local community. approved by Engineer Possible increase in vehicular accidents on Training and awareness raising for access and village roads. workers on occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Adequate signage, lighting, and control of Canal service roads construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. -5 0 Potential impacts from work-place accidents Contractor to implement a CEMP to workers, local community. approved by Engineer Possible increase in vehicular accidents on Training and awareness raising for access and village roads. workers on occupational health & safety. Contractor to provide adequate personal protective equipment to workers. Adequate signage, lighting, and control of Drainage channels construction sites. Traffic control measures to ensure public safety. Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. -5 0 Operation Potential minor impacts from accidents in PAFO to carry out training and the vicinity of pump stations due to poor awareness raising for community on control of access to the sites. dangers of the pump operations. Headworks Adequate signage and fencing to keep people and animals away from the pump -5 stations. 0 Possible increase in accidental drownings of PAFO to carry out training and children or animals awareness raising for community on dangers of the canals. Main/secondary canals -5 Adequate signage and fencing to keep 0 people and animals away from stilling basins and other potentially dangerous structures. Possible increase in vehicular accidents due Local authorities to control traffic speeds to increased speeds on paved roads in villages, possibly with speed-reduction Access / village roads -5 0 methods such as speed humps.

Possible increase in accidents from improper PAFO and local authorities to control Canal service roads use or damage to the unpaved roads -5 traffic use on service roads. 0

Possible increase in accidental drownings of PAFO to carry out training and children or animals awareness raising for community on Drainage channels -5 dangers of the drainage channels. 0 Adequate signage and fencing to keep people and animals away.

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-83

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Resettlement (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Minor land acquisition may be required for Resettlement Plan has been prepared to the headworks. define compensation, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Headworks -5 Compensation to be completed prior to 0 construction. In some cases, local authorities have carried out a land exchange program to provide affected people with suitable alternative land nearby. Minor acquisition of land, trees, or fences Resettlement Plan has been prepared to may be required. define compensation, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Main/secondary canals -5 Compensation to be completed prior to 0 construction. In some cases, local authorities have carried out a land exchange program to provide affected people with suitable alternative land nearby. Minor acquisition of land, trees, or fences Resettlement Plan has been prepared to may be required. define compensation, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Access / village roads -5 Compensation to be completed prior to 0 construction. In some cases, local authorities have carried out a land exchange program to provide affected people with suitable alternative land nearby. Minor acquisition of land, trees, or fences Resettlement Plan has been prepared to may be required. define compensation, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Canal service roads -5 Compensation to be completed prior to 0 construction. In some cases, local authorities have carried out a land exchange program to provide affected people with suitable alternative land nearby. Minor acquisition of land, trees, or fences Resettlement Plan has been prepared to may be required. define compensation, following ADB Safeguards Policy and the Lao Resettlement Decree regarding resettlement. Drainage channels -5 Compensation to be completed prior to 0 construction. In some cases, local authorities have carried out a land exchange program to provide affected people with suitable alternative land nearby. Construction Potential for temporary impacts due to - Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of contractors' use of land land. - Only vacant land to be used Headworks - use of land will not disturb businesses - land temporarily used will be restored or -5 improved to pre-project condition 0 Potential for temporary impacts due to - Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of contractors' use of land land. - Only vacant land to be used Main/secondary canals - use of land will not disturb businesses - land temporarily used will be restored or -5 improved to pre-project condition 0 Potential for temporary impacts due to - Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of contractors' use of land land. - Only vacant land to be used Access / village roads - use of land will not disturb businesses - land temporarily used will be restored or -5 improved to pre-project condition 0 Potential for temporary impacts due to - Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of contractors' use of land land. - Only vacant land to be used Canal service roads - use of land will not disturb businesses - land temporarily used will be restored or -5 improved to pre-project condition 0 Potential for temporary impacts due to - Contractor to pay rent for temporary use of contractors' use of land land. - Only vacant land to be used Drainage channels - use of land will not disturb businesses - land temporarily used will be restored or -5 improved to pre-project condition 0 Operation Possible on-going disputes or grievances Establish and fully implement the Grievance Headworks -5 Resolution Process to be in force for the life 0 of the project Possible on-going disputes or grievances Establish and fully implement the Grievance Main/secondary canals -5 Resolution Process to be in force for the life 0 of the project Possible on-going disputes or grievances Establish and fully implement the Grievance Access / village roads -5 Resolution Process to be in force for the life 0 of the project Possible on-going disputes or grievances Establish and fully implement the Grievance Canal service roads -5 Resolution Process to be in force for the life 0 of the project Possible on-going disputes or grievances Establish and fully implement the Grievance Drainage channels -5 Resolution Process to be in force for the life 0 of the project

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-84

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Income (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Project is designed to provide significant none required Headworks income improvements from allowing two rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Project is designed to provide significant none required Main/secondary canals income improvements from allowing two rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Project is designed to provide significant none required Access / village roads income improvements from allowing two rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Project is designed to provide significant none required Canal service roads income improvements from allowing two rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Project is designed to provide significant none required Drainage channels income improvements from allowing two rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Construction Headworks Some people are hired as casual labor. 5 none required 5 Main/secondary canals Some people are hired as casual labor. 5 none required 5 Some people are hired as casual labor. Contractors to provide access to shops / Possible minor negative impact to income for businesses / homes at all times. Access / village roads shops due to lack of access during construction. 0 5 Canal service roads Some people are hired as casual labor. 5 none required 5 Drainage channels Minor to none 0 none required 0 Operation Significant income improvements from Can also promote aquaculture Headworks allowing two or more rice crops per year to development due to sustainable water the beneficiaries. 10 supply. 10 Significant income improvements from none required Main/secondary canals allowing two or more rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Significant income improvements from none required Access / village roads allowing two or more rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Significant income improvements from none required Canal service roads allowing two or more rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10 Significant income improvements from none required Drainage channels allowing two or more rice crops per year to the beneficiaries. 10 10

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-85

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Ethnic Minorities (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Project is designed to provide significant none required income improvements from irrigated Headworks agriculture, including to ethnic minorities. However, there are no identified ethnic minority villages in the project area. 0 0 Main/secondary canals same as above 0 none required 0 Access / village roads same as above 0 none required 0 Canal service roads same as above 0 none required 0 Drainage channels same as above 0 none required 0 Construction None anticipated since there are no ethnic none required Headworks minority villages 0 0 Main/secondary canals same as above 0 same as above 0 Access / village roads same as above 0 same as above 0 Canal service roads same as above 0 same as above 0 Drainage channels same as above 0 same as above 0 Operation Project is designed to provide significant none required income improvements from irrigated Headworks agriculture, including to ethnic minorities. However, there are no identified ethnic minority villages in the project area. 0 0 Main/secondary canals same as above 0 same as above 0 Access / village roads same as above 0 same as above 0 Canal service roads same as above 0 same as above 0 Drainage channels same as above 0 same as above 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-86

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

UXO (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating

Pre-Construction Headworks There is no record about UXO in this area. 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals There is no record about UXO in this area. 0 None required 0 Access / village roads There is no record about UXO in this area. 0 None required 0 Canal service roads There is no record about UXO in this area. 0 None required 0 Drainage channels There is no record about UXO in this area. 0 None required 0 Construction Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0 Operation Headworks None 0 None required 0 Main/secondary canals None 0 None required 0 Access / village roads None 0 None required 0 Canal service roads None 0 None required 0 Drainage channels None 0 None required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-87

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.2 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Climate (ratings are based on expected Project effects, based on current design and proposed mitigation) Impacts and Mitigation Measures Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Project

Output/Activity Principal Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures

Rating

mitigation

Rating with Rating Pre-Construction Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely practical or feasible at project emissions (such as methane) from increased design level. However, farmer training on Headworks rice cultivation methods developed in Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be -5 investigated and applied -5 Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely practical or feasible at project emissions (such as methane) from increased design level. However, farmer training on Main/secondary canals rice cultivation methods developed in Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be -5 investigated and applied -5 Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely practical or feasible at project emissions (such as methane) from increased design level. However, farmer training on Access / village roads rice cultivation methods developed in Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be -5 investigated and applied -5 Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely practical or feasible at project emissions (such as methane) from increased design level. However, farmer training on Canal service roads rice cultivation methods developed in Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be -5 investigated and applied -5 Minor local increase in greenhouse gas None likely practical or feasible at project emissions (such as methane) from increased design level. However, farmer training on Drainage channels rice cultivation methods developed in Thailand to reduce GHG from paddy rice should be -5 investigated and applied -5 Construction Minor or None, assuming proper waste See "Air" section for lower emission Headworks management and lower emission vehicles 0 vehicles recommendation 0 Minor or None, assuming proper waste See "Air" section for lower emission Main/secondary canals management and lower emission vehicles 0 vehicles recommendation 0 Minor or None, assuming proper waste See "Air" section for lower emission Access / village roads management and lower emission vehicles 0 vehicles recommendation 0 Minor or None, assuming proper waste See "Air" section for lower emission Canal service roads management and lower emission vehicles 0 vehicles recommendation 0 Minor or None, assuming proper waste See "Air" section for lower emission Drainage channels management and lower emission vehicles 0 vehicles recommendation 0 Operation Minor local increase in greenhouse gas PAFO to provide awareness-raising for emissions from increased rice cultivation local population of the increased emissions of methane from rice cultivation and encourage to change methods or Headworks raise other crops. Possibly invite researchers from Thailand who have developed paddy rice methods that -5 reduce GHG -5 Minor local increase in greenhouse gas PAFO to provide awareness-raising for emissions from increased rice cultivation local population of the increased emissions of methane from rice cultivation and encourage to change methods or Main/secondary canals raise other crops. Possibly invite researchers from Thailand who have developed paddy rice methods that -5 reduce GHG -5 Access / village roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Canal service roads Minor to none 0 none required 0 Drainage channels Minor to none 0 none required 0

Impact Ratings: 10 Highly positive impact 5 0 No significant impact -5 -10 Very negative impact

A6-88

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.3 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.3 Information Disclosure,

Participation and Consultation

A6-89

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.3 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

A6-90

Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.3 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.3: INFORMATION GATHERED DURING THE OCTOBER 2016 FIELD VISIT Kan-Tha-Chane Environment Questions and Stakeholder Answers: 232. Please describe the current pump operations. Is there a legal Water Users Association (WUA) or a Water Users Group (WUG)?

- Kan-Tha-Chane irrigation scheme was originally constructed 1973 then operated in 1998 with a support of the government fund. The scheme designed to provide water for both wet and dry season covering a total 300ha for 5 villages: Vernkhoun, Phonsomhong, Donvai and Kan-Tha-Chane. - Existing condition of the irrigation system is in a poor condition reflecting in there was a major maintenance since it was built. There are 2 electric pumps operating throughout the day during production period. Existing condition of the scheme is associated with high seepage in the canals. Many parts of the main and secondary canals are filled with mud/sedimentation/organic plants which has reduce a water flow. As a result, downstream areas tend to have insufficient water or have to wait for few days before water in the canals would reach the area. This situation is worse particularly in the dry season. - Though there are around 300 ha for agricultural practice area in the proposed project but current irrigation system can manage to supply water for 31 ha only. - For water use management there is a Water Users Group which comprises of representatives from each village who have a task to manage water allocation and responsibility to open and close the gate during rice production periods. Yes, there are 2 pumps still operating in Kan Tha Chane. In a normal condition when the transformer is functioning properly, the pumps are operating daily from 6:00 to 17:00, but right now only one pump being operating due to there is not enough electricity (problem with the transformer). The current irrigated area covers an area of around 210 ha. There is a Village Water Users Group which whom manage the use of water and pump operation/maintenance for the project. According to a discussion with the project, there would be a new establishment of the WUG here as soon as possible. They are going to discuss this matter and its role with concerned parties. 233. Is the Grievance Redress mechanism used during the land acquisition process operational now? What are the roles (coordination, reporting, etc.)? Are there any unresolved grievances about the land acquisition? Any other issues such as traffic, environment, noise, etc.?

- So far, both existing and new proposed irrigation project has no records of any complaints about the project. If so, most cases are minor and it can be easily sorted out at the village level. - The ongoing project has also been clearly explained and consulted with all local villagers. Every family has strongly supported the project and they are eager to see it starts as soon as possible. 234. What are main environmental issues or concerns here?

- Most land in the project area can only retain water in the soil for one or few days thus people have to frequently pump water to their farms during the production period. This makes overhead cost of planting rice more expensive than other areas where water lost is minimal.

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- Most families here do not practice dry seasonal rice cultivation as there is not sufficient water. - There is a common disease (decay root) in peanut plantation. 235. Are there any important cultural features in Xaiphouthong district that might be affected by the project?

- Within proposed area there is no any important cultural sites that might be affected by proposed activities of the project as the improvement would follow an existing footprint. 236. Is there a hospital in Kan Tha Chane? Is it on a road that might be improved by the Project?

- There is a district hospital and a clinic locate in the project area. 237. Has water quality been tested locally (in canals, river, ponds, and/or drains)? When and how often? How about groundwater testing (by Ministry of Health or others)? Where do people get their water for drinking, cooking, bathing, clothes washing, animals, gardens? Do people spray water on local dirt roads to reduce dust in the dry season?

- No water quality both ground and surface water has been tested. - Local people mainly use deep groundwater for their household consumption and cooking. Some people also use water from canals for washing and bathing especially children. - Most villagers use local bottled water for drinking water. 238. What rare animals and plants can be found here and, in the vicinity, (forest)? Is it possible to do a brief visit the protected area to see its condition?

- There is no endangered/rare animals or plants in the area as most lands here are already converted for agricultural cultivation practice. There is no a forest area in the vicinity of the project. 239. What ethnic groups/minorities live in Kan-Tha-Chane? What about nearby villages that may benefit from the project?

- All villagers are Lao. These people mainly practice rice cultivation hence the project would provide a great benefit to these people. 240. The project would extend the irrigated area by 180 ha (increasing from 120 ha to 300 ha). Is this expanded area already being farmed or is there some other land use there?

- Yes, the expended area has already been used for rain fed paddy practice. There is still a large part of paddy land here that can be converted as irrigated areas but there is no water to support. 241. How much chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being used for rice? Is this likely to remain the same after project is implemented?

- In average, most family applies 3-4 bags of chemical fertilizer per hectare. Detail of fertilizer formula mainly used is 16-20-0 and 15-15-0. Price of fertilizer/bag is around 220,000 Kip.

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242. Where is the rice grown in the Kan Tha Chane project area marketed? Do the buyers come to the farm gate? On average, how long does it take farmers to get from their farms to the place where rice is marketed?

- Most rice production here is sold locally. Normally the buyers come to the farm gate and rice production would be sold individually. There is no an establishment of a group to sale the rice. - Price of rice sale is varying ranging from 2,000,000 - 2,300,000 LAK/ton depending on market demand and supply. - Yield production for rain fed rice is around 4 t/ha, and irrigated rice is about 5 t/ha. 243. What capacity building programs are going on now? Are there extension services from PAFO or DAFO on use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer? Any other training, particularly related to environment?

- During a seasonal practice there is a regularly training\visit in the area by DAFO on the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer as well as how to make their own organic fertilizer and rice seeding. In general, the training would be implemented before the rice season start.

244. What are villager’s income sources? Firstly, secondary, tertiary, please list names of cash crops.

- Main income of villages in the project area are largely from rice cultivation, secondary is from selling other seasonal crops and household livestock. 245. Is there any fish farming in the area? Does it use water from the canals? There no any fish or livestock farming in the area because there is a high risk of potential flood.

- There are some fish farms along the canals but this is for household consumption, not commercial. 246. What are other alternative crops farmed here?

- Other alternative crops that usually farmed here are long bean, peanut, corn, chilly and seasonal vegetables. 247. Is there livestock production in the Project area (pigs, cattle)? If so, where is the water for this obtained? Where does drainage go? Where do solid wastes go? How and where are animals taken to market?

- There are some cattle, pig and poultry farms but only for household consumption. Water from the canal has been used to feed these animals in the farms. All animal’s manure is used as an organic fertilizer in the farms. 248. Are there any national or provincial protected areas near the Project? How much do people use these? (farming, hunting, NTFP, recreation, other?) Is there good access into the protected areas from the Project area? Are there other NPAs nearby, including provincial? How are these used?

- There is no any national, provincial or District conservation areas near the project. 249. What other projects are near Kan Tha Chane? Irrigation schemes (how much do they withdraw)? Hydropower?

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- None. 250. Is Xaiphouthong district subject to periodic flooding? When was the last major flood (lasting more than a few days and causing damage to buildings, roads, etc.)?

- There was no record of a major flood in the area as it is located in a high area. 251. Have there been any UXO incidents in Xaiphouthong district or the general project area? Is there any UXO program going on now in or near the project?

- There is no concern about the UXO as local people have never seen or experienced about it in the area. 252. Are land acquisition and/or resettlement anticipated by the project? If so, do you expect proper implementation plan, functioning.

- Land acquisition and/or resettlement would be minimal as all proposed construction works would follow the existing footprint. In additional, local villagers are well informed to take part in the project. They are aware of the project and also strongly support the project to start as soon as possible. 253. Any other issues or concerns?

- Level of many existing canals here are already lower than paddy fields thus water in the canals is unable to flow to the fields. New proposed project should make sure about this poor design and quality control for the construction work. - During the construction the project should coordinate with local authority in order to encourage the community having a better understanding of how construction works would be implemented in each period and to avoid any difficulties associate with the construction period. - There usually have relative high number of unemployment people in the area, particularly in the dry season therefore the project should encourage or give priority to local people for unskilled tasks.

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Figure A6.15: Pictures from the 2016 IEE Mission

Plate A6.21: Pipe and water source (Mekong Plate A6.22: Meetings with DCO and WUG River) members

Plate A6.23: Meeting with DCO and WUG Plate A6.24: Walkway bridge and check gate members in the field (near pumping station)

Table A6.20: Persons Met in Xayphouthong District

Contact No. Name and Surname Organization Position number 1 Mr. Boumma DAFO Head of office 98778419 2 Mr. Soumang Xayamangdala DCO Head of office 99676548 3 Ms. Duangsamone DONRE Technical 98677666 4 Ms. Tangkham Singtha PPMO Technical - 5 Ms. Khamlar Bounyanith PPMO Administration 55641195 6 Mr. Salee Thepsoulivong Kan-Tha-Chane Deputy of WUG 99147391 7 Mr. Momsee Hongsivilay Kan-Tha-Chane Secretary of WUG 30.4957515 8 Mr. Veiy Kan-Tha-Chane Accountant of WUG 5835200 9 Mr. Anong Thisat Kan-Tha-Chane Deputy of WUG 91069925 10 Mr. Vongsouk Kan-Tha-Chane Committee of WUG 95116437

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ANNEX A6.4 Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works Contracts

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ANNEX A6.4: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CLAUSES FOR CIVIL WORKS CONTRACTS 254. The Mitigation Measures of the IEE and EMP provide general and specific guidance on protection and mitigation of potential environmental damage. The EMP is attached to the Technical Specifications of the civil works contract and shall be considered as binding on the Contractor. All necessary measures on protection of the environment shall be carried out by the Contractor in accordance with the order of competent authorities, the EMP, and instructions of the Engineer appointed by the PPMO and the LIC. 1. Obligations of the Contractor 255. The general environmental and social obligations of the Contractor within this Contract, without prejudice to other official provisions in force, include the following: . Respecting and abiding by the environmental, health, safety and labor regulatory provisions in force in Lao PDR (including those announced during the execution of the works if imposed by the Engineer), the contractual provisions of this Contract as well as the conditions fixed by the various authorizations or approvals required; . Respecting and abiding by national and international labor codes, including the ILO Conventions ratified by Lao PDR and ensure that it and its sub-contractors make available employment opportunities for both men and women and ensuring a gender- sensitive work environment, and employment opportunities for local villagers; . Assuming full responsibility for the consequences of its choices and actions; in particular, and without prejudice to the regulatory provisions in force, it guarantees, if necessary, the repair at its cost and according to the most appropriate technologies and deadlines, notably with regard to the level of sensitivity of the site concerned, of damage caused to the environment and residents by failure to respect regulatory and/or administrative provisions and/or the applicable technical specifications, as well as the payment of fines, damages or other penalties which may be incumbent upon it; . Agreeing with the Engineer and implementing technical approaches and solutions to the design of the Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Scheme where the subproject would encroach on private or communal lands. Preference shall be given to the technical solutions that do not require taking or demolition of temporary and permanent properties. In case the taking or demolition of property cannot be avoided the Contractor shall notify the Engineer and cease the works in that particular section of the Project. Construction activities may only proceed with approval of the Engineer; . Taking all measures to ensure the environmental quality of operations which are the subject of this contract and not disrupt the quality of life of the adjacent villages, in particular by applying the applicable specifications and provisions. The Contractor shall consider the execution of works or the implementation of environmental and social provisions as an integral part of the operations relating to the general construction program of the works; . Providing appropriate information and training for Contractors personnel, including management staff, with regard to the environmental and social quality of operations; . Informing the local authorities (village heads, district governor) and the affected population on planned construction activities, sites and schedule at least 2 weeks in advance of any planned construction activities (including signage);

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. Holding information meetings at least 2 weeks before entering any village area for planned construction activities, to inform and consult with the villagers regarding the nature of the forthcoming works, their duration and all effects such as dust, smoke, interruption of irrigation water, or noise that would be felt in the village, the mitigation measures that would be applied, and provide villagers with opportunities to ask questions and express concerns; . Providing a medium for ongoing communication with villagers, including a point of contact/ liaison to address any potential issues during construction with the physical works or with subcontractors, and provide a plan for mediation of any problems that arise in relation to the works under this Contract and documenting concerns and resolution of these; . Refraining from destroying, removing or clearing trees, timber, scrub, crops and other flora to any extent greater than is approved by the Engineer as being necessary for the execution of this Contract and shall take such measures as may be necessary to prevent its employees from hunting, fishing, disturbing, capturing or destroying stock, crops and such flora as may be protected by relevant statutes; . Siting borrow pits or other similar excavations as well as waste accumulation and disposal sites only in locations approved by the Engineer; . Controlling pollution, noise and nuisances generated by the works. No construction to be carried out between 21:00 and 06:00 near (minimum 500m) residential, hospital, or other sensitive areas; . Re-using materials available on the existing site each time the technical and financial conditions allow for this in a satisfactory manner from the point of view of the Engineer. Recycling and reuse of wastes (e.g. lubricants, plastic bottles, paper) is encouraged where appropriate. Strictly banning the use of fire for clearing and grubbing and cleaning sites, except for the treatment of organic waste as approved by the Engineer; . Preserving to the maximum extent possible natural resources and the minimizing the use of space, soil and vegetation, in particular by minimizing cleared and stripped surfaces, by the passage of blades at a high level (5 cm above the natural ground level) each time that a simple clearing or a provisional storage of material is required, by controlling logging, including any tree removals, by the appropriate management of the topsoil, by driving and working the machines perpendicular to the slope, by the maintenance on the sites of naturally grassed areas, and by the control of site erosion; . As appropriate, systematically stripping topsoil off all work sites unless (with prior consent of the Engineer) the soil structure of the surface, predominantly organic matter ("topsoil" or mud), does not exist or has a thickness less than the working height adjustment of the blade of the excavator or machine used, taking into account the state of the terrain (eroded soil, gravel, soil with rocks that prevent the passage of the machine, etc.); . Respecting, for the whole of its site (including borrow sites and disposal areas, quarries and installations) the zones, areas, elements and periods which are environmentally sensitive, including, but not limited to locations and areas identified in the EMP. In the project areas adjacent to specially protected areas, machinery shall not go beyond the work zone as approved by the Engineer; there shall be no

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waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in the same areas; and there shall be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical substances; . Discharging or disposal of used water, mud, grout, bituminous products, pollutants of any kind, etc. into wells, boreholes, surface water or groundwater, water courses, natural streams, drains, ditches, etc. is strictly forbidden; . Not creating a dam or altering a permanent or temporary watercourse for the requirements of the site (unless otherwise specified in the Design), without authorization of the Engineer; . Ensuring that all construction vehicles shall travel at low speed (as specified in Lao PDR regulations) within 100m on either side of any areas around villages where children are present; . Operating equipment would cause localized air pollution through exhaust fumes, particularly exhaust gases from diesel engines, although it would not be expected to persist but rather disperse fairly quickly. Lao PDR has legislation on vehicle exhaust emissions but testing facilities are not available within Lao PDR. Mitigation would be necessary ensuring equipment is well-maintained while trucks idling for over 15 minutes would not be allowed in populated areas when in populated areas within 100m on either side of any areas around villages; . Controlling health risks relating to the works and personnel of the Contractor, in particular the adoption of minimum hygiene rules at the work sites and camps and for the benefit of residents in the affected communities, the control of dust emissions in populated areas and the control of stagnant waters as specified in the EMP; . Exercising every reasonable precaution to protect persons or property from injury. The Contractor shall erect and maintain all necessary temporary fencing, barricades, barriers, signs and lights and provide fire alarm, fire extinguishing and firefighting services at strategic points on the Site. The Contractor shall also be responsible for erecting and maintaining structures for storage and containment of hazardous materials or liquids. The Contractor shall adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary, desirable or proper to safeguard the public, all persons engaged in the work and its supervision. The Contractor shall be responsible for the flagging and control of traffic and he shall comply with the requirements of the Engineer and competent authority in these matters. The Contractor shall keep clear and in good working order all temporary access road structures, bridges, culverts, drains and other waterways necessary for the execution of the works during the term of the Contract; . Ensuring, in as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its personnel including those of its subcontractors and of all other persons on the Site or crossing the site. The Contractor shall provide protective clothing and equipment to workers that are appropriate to the workers’ tasks. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for ensuring necessary first aid services to its staff and workers, including transport for injured personnel to hospital or other appropriate accommodation as and when required. The organization of the construction sites and work places, and the Contractor’s approach to the aspects listed below, shall be included in the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to be prepared by the Contractor and approved by the LIC;

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. Cleaning, restoring and then, if necessary, providing for the appropriate rehabilitation or redevelopment of work sites, camps, quarries and borrow pits released by the Contractor as the work progresses. This obligation, which includes possible drainage of stagnant water and the completion of compensatory tree plantations (if envisaged by the Design), is a condition of the acceptance of the works; . Taking appropriate sanctions against personnel violating the applicable specifications and provisions on environmental and social matters; . Checking, by regular inspection, that all stipulated environmental and social provisions are being adhered to; . Systematically and in a timely manner informing the Engineer of each incident or accident, damage or degradation caused to the environment, workers or residents or their assets, in the course of the works. Contractor shall also take appropriate measures, as approved by the Engineer, to address the incident or accident in timely fashion; and . Providing environmental and social monitoring of the works and the writing of corresponding monthly reports.

2. Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan 256. The Contractor shall establish a Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) in order to meet his obligations concerning this matter; the CEMP shall include in particular the following: 1. Management Acknowledgements 2. Organization & Staffing 3. Communications and Reporting 4. Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

257. The Contractor shall prepare and submit for the Engineer’s approval a CEMP within 30 days of the Notice to Proceed date. The Engineer may require periodic reviews, including updating of the CEMP during the Works. 2.1 Management Acknowledgement 2.1.1 Certification and Commitment 258. The CEMP submitted by the Contractor shall provide a signed statement from the Contractor’s Managing Director(s) attesting to a commitment that all environmental protection, safety, and occupational health aspects of the Contract would be given highest priority in the discharge of contractual obligations and certifying a commitment to the provisions in the EMP and CEMP as approved by the LIC. 2.1.2 Statutory Understanding and Compliance

259. The Plan shall provide a statement attesting the firm’s understanding of, and means of ensuring due compliance with, the statutory regulations relating to construction work in Lao PDR, specifically in regard to compliance with: (a) All safety and occupational health legislation including, without limitation, the Rules and Regulations of Lao PDR and the authorities having jurisdiction.

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(b) All current environmental laws and regulations, including both national and local regulations, related to the following, but not limited to: . Noise; . Vibration; . Air pollution; . Water contamination; . Solid and hazardous waste disposal; . Liquid waste disposal; . Sanitary conditions (water supply, sewerage, etc.); . Use of explosives; . Protection of public traffic; . Protection of the environment, and of historical, cultural and archaeological monuments/sites, . Resettlement, land acquisition, servitude, temporary use of land and compensation, etc. 2.1.3 Availability of Documents 260. The Plan shall state where copies of safety and occupational health regulations and documents would be available on the construction site and verify that all regulations and documents have been or would be available. 2.1.4 Management of Subcontractors 261. The requirements of this and related sections and obligations therein shall be required for execution of parts of the Works by the approved subcontractors while the Contractor shall: (a) Provide subcontractors with copies of the CEMP, incorporate such provisions into all sub- contracts, and ensure compliance with such plan under the Contract. (b) Require all subcontractors to appoint a safety representative who shall be available on the site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract and ensure as far as is practically possible that staff and employees of subcontractors are conversant with appropriate parts of the CEMP and the statutory regulations. 2.2 Organization and Staffing 2.2.1 Organization Chart 262. The Plan shall include an organization chart identifying (by job title and by the name and contact information of the individual) the personnel to be engaged solely for environmental protection, health, safety and traffic control. The chart and the supporting text shall identify participants and their areas of responsibility and contact details. 2.2.2 Appointment of Environmental Safety Officer 263. The Contractor shall submit for approval the name and details (full CV) of its proposal for an ESO to the Engineer within 14 days of the commencement date. The ESO shall be

A6-103 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.4 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination responsible for day-to-day issues of environmental management for the duration of the Contract. The Contractor shall obtain approval of such person being appointed, who shall be in position to carry out his duties prior to Works activities commencing on site except as may be agreed in exceptional circumstances in writing with the Engineer. The Environmental Safety Officer (ESO) would not be removed from the site without the express written permission of the Engineer. Within fourteen (14) days of any such removal or notice of intent of removal, a replacement ESO would be nominated for approval by the LIC. 264. The ESO shall be empowered to instruct employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors to cease operations and shall take the appropriate action as is necessary and within his limits of delegation by informing others as may be appropriate to prevent unsafe working practices or other infringements of the Plan or the statutory regulations. The ESO shall maintain a daily site diary comprehensively recording all relevant matters concerning site environmental management, safety and traffic control, inspections and audits, related incidents and the like. The site diary shall be available at all times for inspection by the Engineer and other Project staff. 2.3 Communication and Reporting 265. The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Engineer for his approval monthly progress reports on compliance with implementation of EMP and CEMP. It is expected that these reports would include information on: . Environmental, social, health, and safety management actions/measures taken, including approvals sought from local or national authorities; . Problems encountered in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects (incidents, including delays, cost consequences, etc. as a result thereof); . Lack of compliance with contract requirements on the part of the Contractor; . Changes of assumptions, conditions, measures, designs and actual works in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects; . Observations, concerns raised and/or decisions taken with regard to environmental, social, health, and safety management during site meetings; . Chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds; . Follow-up on the status and efficacy of remedial measures and/or corrective actions identified in Incident Reporting Forms included in EMPs or otherwise; and . Follow-up, including remedial measures, status of measures and their efficacy, related to lack of compliance with contract requirements. 2.4 Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions 266. The CEMP should include, as a minimum, the methodology and resources to meet the requirements of these Technical Specifications including but not limited to the following: . Stakeholder communication (including nearby affected residents) and mechanism for documenting public concerns in relation to the works under this Contract and resolution of these. . Relevant staff training;

. To the extent possible, maintaining farmers’ access to irrigation water if the works are implemented during the irrigation season;

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. Maintaining vehicle access to the communities; . Pollution control (including spill prevention, dust abatement, noise, etc.); and . Assessing importance of, and reporting and investigating, chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds. 2.4.1 Health and Safety Plan 267. The Health and Safety plan would include but not be limited to:

 Training and awareness-raising for workers on occupational health and safety;

 Provision of adequate personal protective equipment to workers;

 Adequate signage, lighting, and control of construction sites;

 Traffic control measures to ensure public safety;

 Establishment of efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities and equipment and trained staff for handling emergencies; and 268. Immediately ceasing work and notifying the Engineer where UXO is discovered or suspected to be present in any part of the subproject site, marking the location and controlling access to it. 2.4.2 Camp Management Sub-Plan 269. The Camp Management Sub-plan would include but not be limited to:

 Provision of potable water and washing/toilet facilities to workers;

 Provision of lodging and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to workers as appropriate;

 Provision of health care to workers and treatment for injuries and infections; and providing workers with access to condoms;

 Fencing of the camp and any storage facilities; and

 Inspection and Monitoring. 2.4.3 Hazardous Materials and Waste Management sub-plan; . Provision of potable water and washing/toilet facilities to workers; . Provision of lodging and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to workers as appropriate; . Provision of health care to workers and treatment for injuries and infections; and providing workers with access to condoms; . Assessing importance of, and reporting and investigating, chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds; . Immediately ceasing work and notifying the Engineer in any part of the Project Site where UXO is discovered or suspected to be present, marking the location and controlling access to it;

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. Inspection and monitoring. 2.4.4 Waste Disposal Sub-plan 270. The Waste Disposal Subplan would include but not be limited to:

 disposal of spoil from excavation works and solid waste from the contractor’s camp at sites approved by the construction supervising agency. 2.4.5 The Quarry and Borrow Pit Management Subplan 271. The Quarry and Borrow Pit Management Subplan would include but not be limited to:

 Quarries and borrow pits would only be opened at sites approved by the local authorities;  For purchasing construction materials such as sand, stone, and earth, contractor should choose legal service providers who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities;  It is essential that borrow pits are left safe and sanitary. Steep sided borrow pits are prone to collapse causing erosion into the surrounding area while ponded water in burrow pits presents an ideal breeding ground for mosquito’s a dangerous disease vector. 2.4.6 The Erosion and Sedimentation Subplan 272. The Erosion and Sedimentation Subplan would include but not be limited to:

 Excavation would be carried out in the dry season under the supervision of the contractor’s engineer;  The install diversion drains and bunds, temporary silt traps/pond as required;  Stockpiling of spoil in flat areas & far from drainage routes; and  Contractors to provide adequate erosion control during construction. 2.4.7 Hydrocarbon and Hazardous Waste Management Sub-plan 273. Hydrocarbons and other hazardous materials may cause soil contamination or pollution of waterways. Risk mitigated includes but is not limited to:

 Establishing a clearly defined and lined storage and refueling sites. These areas should be located away from watercourses and waterbodies, lined with plastic sheets and be surrounded by a compacted earth bund of a suitable size such that it is able to contain the total volume of fluids stored within;  The use of commercial fuel providers operating in the area is another option for the management and storage of these materials on the construction site;  All waste hydrocarbons, including fuel and oil filters, would be deposited in sealed containers and removed from the site for recycling or safe disposal as appropriate; and  The hygienic storage and disposal of all medical waste. 2.5 HIV-AIDS provisions 274. The Contractor shall: . Require its personnel to attend the HIV Awareness Program provided by the UNAIDS and/or the National Committee for the Control of AIDS (NCCA) which is developing the new National Strategic and Action Plan on HIV/AIDS/STI 2016-2020. Attendance shall be in the course of their employment and during their normal working hours or

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any period of overtime provided for in the relevant employment contracts and uses all reasonable endeavors to ensure this instruction is followed;

. Deliver to all employee’s HIV/AIDS leaflets available through UNAIDS and/or the NCCA. . Give all reasonable cooperation to the UNAIDS and/or the NCCA office on providing the HIV Awareness Program. If any planned, by providing suitable space for delivery of the Program and do nothing to dissuade the personnel from attending the Program; . Encourage voluntary HIV/STD testing. 275. The Contractor shall not be required to undertake or pay for treatment or medication for personnel found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS. Such personnel shall not be discriminated against however (including discrimination in employment opportunities, employment retention, treatment, etc.) 2.6 Income 276. The Borrower shall cause the Project Provinces to ensure that their relevant records of labor employment (disaggregated by gender and ethnic groups) are properly maintained and tracked in the Project performance monitoring system, and compliance is strictly monitored22.

277. Contractors would pay $8 million in local wages generated from the project construction activities, with 30% of the wages for women under equal pay conditions. This is approximately 21 per cent of the contract price23. 278. To fulfill the conditions set out in this paragraph above the contractor must provide full details of staff employed on a monthly basis to the Provincial Project Management Office (PPMO). The details must include:

 Name and unique identity;

 Gender and ethnicity;

 Permanent residency;

 Age;

 Period of employment

 Position of employment;

 Salary paid and any deductions;

 Date of salary payment; and

 Any other employee details requested by the PPMO

22 Project Loan Covenant 23 Monitoring and Design Framework

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ANNEX A6.5 Environmental and Social

Monitoring Process

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ANNEX A6.5: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PROCESS 279. Environmental monitoring would take place on a quarterly basis during construction and semi-annually during operation of the Project. The Environmental Monitoring Process for the Kan-Tha-Chane Irrigation Subproject is as follows:

 Establish the Monitoring Team (suggestions: the PAFO-PPMO and/or DAFO representative, M&E officer, supervision engineer, specialized consultants as needed, and an officer from DONRE who would act as a technical reference but may not participate in the field work unless there are significant environmental problems);  Select the Team Leader (TL). This person would be responsible for convening the team and scheduling monitoring sessions at least once per quarter. The TL would also ensure that appropriate resources are needed for the monitoring process, such as transport; and  Carry out the field monitoring every three months:

280. Site Visits. Visually inspect those aspects that can cause impacts, as specified in the EMP. Use the attached site visit visual inspection checklists, see below, to record EMP and CEMP compliance with the stated mitigations measures.

281. Water Testing (for irrigation schemes): Water is to be tested for monitoring changes in water quality as it passes through the irrigation system from water source to the drainage outlet. The following parameters and limits are recommended for this purpose:

Parameters Range/Maximum Value pH 5.5 - 9 Fecal Coliforms <1,000 per 100 ml Biological Oxygen Demand (20oC) <25 mg/l Chemical Oxygen Demand <35 mg/l

282. Samples should be taken twice, at six-monthly intervals during the twelve months prior to construction, quarterly during construction and at appropriate intervals during operation, and taken to a certified laboratory for analysis. Samples shall be taken from a point at the water source and the main drain outlet. A single sample is sufficient. The cost of one set of tests, including packaging, courier costs and laboratory fees is approximately $250.

283. Interview the farmers or other beneficiaries to ensure that they are following the requirements of the EMP. Use the attached interview checklist on the next page.

284. Interview neighbors (2 or 3, or more if there have been complaints) to determine if there are any complaints or grievances that have not been resolved.

285. Ensure that mitigation measures are being implemented by the Contractor. Suggest and document additional mitigation measures to address unforeseen problems.

286. On the basis of the visual inspection, water testing, and interviews determine

A6-111 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination if there are significant environmental problems that need to be addressed. If so, contact the PONRE or DONRE representative for advice and action.

287. Within 30 days week of the end of the field mission, the TL (or his designee) writes the Monitoring Report as outlined in this template document.

288. TL submits Monitoring Report to the NPC, local authorities, and ADB, and addresses any comments or questions.

289. Checklists to be used for the monitoring during the construction and operational stages are on the following pages. One checklist is to be completed for each Subproject component.

A6-112 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Sample Questions to be Posed to Beneficiaries and Persons Involved in Monitoring

1. What is your name, contact details (phone or email) and responsibility? (such as contractor, IA, beneficiary, affected person, etc.)

2. What are your primary concerns regarding the project and the monitoring process?

3. From your observations, is project IEE and EMP monitoring for environmental and safeguards compliance being carried out by responsible parties (contractor, sub-contractor, IA, other government agency, local community members, NGOs, etc.)?

4. Were any suggestions or directives given to the project implementers regarding environmental or social issues?

5. How often was monitoring done? When was the last monitoring?

6. What equipment was used for monitoring?

7. Were there sufficient resources, such as transport, to do the monitoring?

8. What are your primary concerns regarding the project and the monitoring process?

9. Where were the monitoring locations?

10. What parameters or indicators were addressed, such as water quality, air, noise, biodiversity, etc.? Was a checklist used?

11. Were there any concerns, complaints, or grievances expressed by you or anyone affected by the project? If so, how were these addressed?

12. Have you seen the IEEs, EMMPs, all the monitoring reports/notes? Can copies be made available?

13. Discussion of other topics or questions raised by the interviewed persons.

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Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project -- Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject EMP COMPLIANCE MONITORING CHECKLIST (Construction) Sub-Project: Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Date: Location: Name of Contact person: Contractor:

Name, designation Contact information: Monitoring TL: Monitoring team members

Persons Met during the monitoring: Name, designation Contact Information

A6-114 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

AISP Form No. 1a

Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor - Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project ADB Loan No. 3024

(Title of the Workshop/Conference/Meeting/Training Course): …………………………….. Date………………………….. Venue………………………….

Tick () in Ethno-Linguistic Group Specific Ethnic Name and Family Sex Contact number (If No. Organization Position Mon- Hmong- Chinese- Group Name Signature name (M/F) Lao- Tai any) Khmer Iumien Tibetan (Somphao) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

A6-115 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Observed Compliance with Potential EMP Mitigation Measures EMP, CEMP or other Mitigation Impacts Measures Air Quality  Construction vehicles need to be well Minor air quality maintained to reduce exhaust impacts from emissions. construction vehicles  Contractors to control dust during along canals. construction through regular watering  Dust from of exposed areas; construction  Cover all trucks carrying dispersible operations materials to or from the site;  Vehicle emissions  Ensure all construction vehicles and equipment are well-maintained  Disallow diesel engine idling for prolonged periods (>15 minutes) in residential areas. Noise  Ensure all construction vehicles and  Nuisance noise equipment are well-maintained from equipment  Avoid use of air brakes and loud and vehicles horns in populated areas accessing the site.  No construction between 21:00 and 06:00 near (minimum 0.5 Km) residential, hospital, or other sensitive areas. Water resources  Contractors to acquire water from and quality available nearby surface water  Minor amounts sources as approved by local needed for authorities construction and  Contractors to manage wastewater dust control discharges at construction camps. acquired from Siting camps so as to avoid impacts village sources to surface and groundwater. could cause local  Monitor surface and groundwater shortages in dry quality at or near camps, and in season canals as discussed in the EMP  Minor increase in  Use temporary diversion drains & wastewater from bunds, temporary silt traps and ponds construction to prevent contamination of surface camps, including water. petroleum/chemica  Stockpile spoils in flat areas away l pollution. from drainage routes  Contamination of  Contractor should coordinate with surface and PPMO and cultivation households groundwater reach agreement on water supply in  Changed case of the construction is not drainage/irrigation completed in due time affecting farmers  Contractors to notify farmers of (due to blocking possible temporary disruptions to flows for irrigation and strive to minimize these construction of disruptions. headworks) Solid wastes  Identify suitable waste dumping sites  Minor local and obtain approval from local impacts from authorities. improper disposal  Collect solid wastes and temporarily of solid waste from store at a safe place before construction transporting to approved disposal activities or sites workers  Establish regulations on ensuring sanitation, stipulated dumping yard and waste treatment methods and disseminate those regulations to workers

A6-116 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Observed Compliance with Potential EMP Mitigation Measures EMP, CEMP or other Mitigation Impacts Measures Siltation/erosion  Install diversion drains & bunds,  Impacts to soils temporary silt traps/pond as required from erosion  Stockpiling of spoil in flat areas & far increases due to from drainage routes inadequate  Contractors to provide adequate construction erosion control during construction. procedures and For construction materials such as improper sand, stone, and fill dirt, contractor management of should choose legal service providers borrow pits. who have exploitation licenses and environmental protection commitment issued by local authorities. Land Use  Contractor to protect sensitive urban,  Minor impacts to agricultural and natural areas during local land use construction, and pay for any during temporary use of land construction

Human Health  Contractors to provide adequate  Potential minor access to health facilities at all times. and temporary  Contractors to screen and educate negative health workers for HIV and other STDs. impacts from  Establish malaria control at work sites reduced access to and camps. health facilities.  Provide adequate toilet facilities and  Increase in STDs clean water for workers. from construction workers interacting with local population  Increases in water-borne diseases from improper sanitation at work camps and vicinity Safety  Training and awareness-raising for  Potential impacts workers on occupational health & from work-place safety. accidents to  Contractor to provide appropriate workers, local personal protective equipment (PPE) community, or to workers, including eye and ear vehicles protection, gloves, reflective vests,  Increase in traffic and steel-toed boots. accidents due to  Adequate signage, lighting, and construction traffic control of construction sites.  Traffic control measures to ensure public safety, including appropriate use of flag-persons and signage.  Contractor to establish efficient emergency/ contingency plans, adequate facilities & equipment & trained staff for handling emergencies. Resettlement  Contractor to pay rent for temporary  Potential for use of land as agreed with owner. temporary impacts  Only vacant land to be used due to contractors'  Use of land would not disturb use of land businesses  Land temporarily used would be

A6-117 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Observed Compliance with Potential EMP Mitigation Measures EMP, CEMP or other Mitigation Impacts Measures restored or improved to pre-project condition

Community Income  Contractors to notify farmers of possible temporary disruptions to  Possible disruption irrigation and strive to minimize these on existing disruptions. irrigation  Contractors to provide access to  Possible minor shops / businesses / homes at all negative impact to times. income for shops due to lack of  Contractors to hire local people to the access during extent possible. construction  Contractor workers not allowed to fish in project area, unless they are local people.

UXO  Contractor immediately ceases work and notifies the Engineer in any part  Danger from UXO of the site where UXO is discovered in the site (if it is or suspected to be present. newly discovered)  Contractor ask UXO-Lao to remove unexploded bomb. No construction would be allowed until UXO-Lao has officially cleared the site.

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Notes/Photos:

Recommendations to Water User Group:

Follow-up requirement (e.g., with PONRE or other officials) and any need to re-monitor:

Approximate date of next monitoring:

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Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project -- Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject EMP COMPLIANCE MONITORING CHECKLIST (Operation) Sub-Project: Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Date: Location: Name of Water Contact: User Group:

Name, designation Contact information: Monitoring TL: Monitoring team members

Persons Met during the monitoring: Name, designation Contact Information

A6-120 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

AISP Form No. 1a

Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor - Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project ADB Loan No. 3024

(Title of the Workshop/Conference/Meeting/Training Course): …………………………….. Date………………………….. Venue………………………….

Tick () in Ethno-Linguistic Group Specific Ethnic Name and Family Sex Contact number (If No. Organization Position Mon- Hmong- Chinese- Group Name Signature name (M/F) Lao- Tai any) Khmer Iumien Tibetan (Somphao) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

A6-121 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Potential Impacts EMP Mitigation Observed Compliance with EMP Measures or other Mitigation Measures Increased dust from  DAFO and WUG to control unpaved service roads use of the irrigation service roads to authorized vehicles only to reduce damage to road and dust in dry season.

Inadequate maintenance of  Adequate maintenance and headworks, irrigation service care of landscaping of roads, or drainage leading to riverbanks, irrigation service bank erosion roads and drainage channels

Drainage from irrigated  PAFO to develop an on- fields in which large going capacity-building amounts of fertilizers and program to instruct people pesticides have been used not to use drainage water could include contaminated without testing for water which might be used contaminants. downstream by other  PAFO to train farmers in farmers or even for domestic methods for reducing the use. use of chemicals.  Coordinate with Agriculture Extension Centre to ensure that farmers are trained in correct use and storage of fertilizer, pesticides, and other potentially hazardous substances  Monitor water quality in the canals by sampling as discussed in the EMP. Obstruction of water flows in  Discouragement and/or the canals from sediment or prevention on disposal of other deposits from improper materials and any solid disposal of solid waste waste in the canals, drainage channel, or roads would be disseminated by DAFO/PAFO to WUGs  Enforcement by WUGs’ management committee

A6-122 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.5 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Potential Impacts EMP Mitigation Observed Compliance with EMP Measures or other Mitigation Measures Potential minor negative  Monitor water depth in the impact from the provision of Mekong River as discussed additional open surface in the EMP. water that can lead to  Farmers to be instructed in reduce water resource i.e. the control of mosquito and mean depth of the Mekong water borne disease control River, and to increased by DAFO/PAFO. incidence of mosquitoes and water-borne diseases.  Water flow in canals should not be impeded, and stagnant ponding from overflows should be avoided. Potential minor impacts from  PAFO and WUG to carry out accidents in the vicinity of training and awareness pump stations or canal raising for community on structures due to poor dangers of the pumps, control of access to the canals, and drainage sites. channels.  Adequate signage and fencing to keep people and animals away.

Possible on-going disputes  PAFO and WUG to establish or grievances and fully implement the Grievance Resolution Mechanism to be in force for the life of the project

Minor local increase in  PAFO to provide greenhouse gas emissions awareness-raising for local from increased rice population of the increased cultivation emissions of methane from rice cultivation and encouragement to change methods or raise other crops. Possibly invite researchers from Thailand who have developed paddy rice methods that reduce GHG

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Notes/Photos:

Recommendations to Water User Group:

Follow-up requirement (e.g., with PONRE or other officials) and any need to re-monitor:

Approximate date of next monitoring:

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ANNEX A6.6 Rapid Environmental Assessment and Climate Change

Check List

A6-125 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

A6-126 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

ANNEX A6.6: REA AND CLIMATE CHANGE CHECKLISTS (2016)

Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist Instructions:

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

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

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

Country/Project Title: LAO - Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Economic Corridor Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project – Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject

Sector Division: SEER

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Siting No impact anticipated Is the Project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas?

. Protected Area X . Wetland Mekong River and paddy field are X wetland. But impact is minimal. . Mangrove X . Estuarine X . Buffer zone of protected area X . Special area for protecting biodiversity X B. Potential Environmental Impacts All impacts would be mitigated to Would the Project cause… less-than-significant levels

. loss of precious ecological values (e.g. result of encroachment into forests/swamplands or historical/cultural buildings/areas, disruption of hydrology of natural waterways, regional flooding, and drainage X hazards)?

. conflicts in water supply rights and related social conflicts? X

. impediments to movements of people and animals? X . potential ecological problems due to increased soil erosion and siltation, leading to decreased stream capacity? X

. Insufficient drainage leading to salinity intrusion? X

A6-127 Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Annex A6.6 Feasibility Study Kan-Tha-Chane Subproject Initial Environmental Examination

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks . over pumping of groundwater, leading to salinization and ground subsidence? X

. impairment of downstream water quality and therefore, impairment of downstream beneficial uses of water? X

. dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people? X . disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups? X

. potential social conflicts arising from land tenure and land use issues? X

. soil erosion before compaction and lining of canals? Erosion is possible in old canals, especially secondary and X tertiaries. Erosion control measures are proposed throughout the Project . noise from construction equipment? Mostly from trucks in residential X areas. Work would be suspended between 21:00 and 06:00 . dust during construction? Dry season road dust is common X unless access roads are paved . waterlogging and soil salinization due to inadequate drainage and farm management? X

. leaching of soil nutrients and changes in soil characteristics due to excessive application of irrigation water? X

. reduction of downstream water supply during peak seasons? X

. soil pollution, polluted farm runoff and groundwater, and public health risks due to excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides? X

. soil erosion (furrow, surface)? X . scouring of canals? X . clogging of canals by sediments? X . clogging of canals by weeds? X . seawater intrusion into downstream freshwater systems? X . introduction of increase in incidence of waterborne or Ponding around leaks could water related diseases? X encourage disease vectors

. dangers to a safe and healthy working environment due to Minor impacts from hazardous physical, chemical and biological hazards during project materials and wastes (mostly construction and operation? X petroleum products) would need to be mitigated . large population influx during project construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and X sanitation systems)?

. social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries Contractor encouraged to hire are hired? X locals, but workers from elsewhere would probably be involved

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks . risks to community health and safety due to the transport, Contractor would be required to storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as properly use and store fuels and explosives, fuel and other chemicals during construction X other hazardous materials. and operation? . community safety risks due to both accidental and natural Current electrical consoles for the hazards, especially where the structural elements or pumps are exposed to the weather components of the project (e.g., irrigation) are accessible and accessible to anyone. They to members of the affected community or where their X would be enclosed in a building. failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

A Checklist for Preliminary Climate Risk Screening

Country/Project Title: LAO: GMS EWEC - Agriculture Infrastructure Sector Project Sector: Subsector: Division/Department:

Screening Questions Score Remarks24

Location and Design of Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its components) likely The canals would be concrete- project to be affected by climate conditions including extreme weather- lined to protect them from related events such as floods, droughts, storms, landslides? anticipated floods. Pump stations would be built to be above flood levels. Irrigation scheduling would 0 be done based crop water requirements and a water allocation plan to be implemented by PAFO, especially during droughts. Would the project design (e.g. the clearance for bridges) need Yes, the design for culverts and to consider any hydro-meteorological parameters (e.g., sea- canals would take into 1 level, peak river flow, reliable water level, peak wind speed consideration flood and drought etc.)? events Materials and Would weather, current and likely future climate conditions (e.g. Yes, concrete for all irrigation Maintenance prevailing humidity level, temperature contrast between hot scheme structures, canals and summer days and cold winter days, exposure to wind and water control structures, natural 1 humidity hydro-meteorological parameters likely affect the armored gravel pavement on selection of project inputs over the life of project outputs (e.g. irrigation service roads construction material)? Would weather, current and likely future climate conditions, and Yes, extreme flood events would related extreme events likely affect the maintenance cause some damage to (scheduling and cost) of project output(s)? infrastructure although more 1 resilient construction materials (see above) would reduce the damage. Performance of project Would weather/climate conditions, and related extreme events Yes, extreme weather events, outputs likely affect the performance (e.g. annual power production) of flood and drought, would impact 1 project output(s) (e.g. hydro-power generation facilities) on crop production. throughout their design life time?

24 If possible, provide details on the sensitivity of project components to climate conditions, such as how climate parameters are considered in design standards for infrastructure components, how changes in key climate parameters and sea level might affect the siting/routing of project, the selection of construction material and/or scheduling, performances and/or the maintenance cost/scheduling of project outputs.

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Options for answers and corresponding score are provided below: Response Score Not Likely 0 Likely 1 Very Likely 2 Responses when added that provide a score of 0 would be considered a low risk project. If adding all responses would result to a score of 1-4 and that no score of 2 was given to any single response, the project would be assigned a medium risk category. A total score of 5 or more (which include providing a score of 1 in all responses) or a 2 in any single response, would be categorized as a high-risk project. Result of Initial Screening (Low, Medium, High): Medium

Other Comments: ______

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ANNEX A6.7 Citations

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Annex A6.7: Citations

Citation: BirdLife International. 2016. Coturnix japonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22678949A95209097. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016- 3.RLTS.T22678949A95209097.en Vidthayanon, C. 2016. Hemitrygon laosensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T39407A104120090. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T39407A104120090.en.

Nghia, N.H. 1998. Afzelia xylocarpa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1998:e.T32811A9731140. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T32811A9731140.en

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