Environment Categorization Report

Nation Religion King

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCE AND METHODOLOGY

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

ADB Loan No 3289-CAM

CAMBODIA: UPLANDS IRRIGATION AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SECTOR PROJECT, CAMBODIA For (MOWRAM – CW07) – Upgrading, modernizing and extending the secondary and tertiary canals of Prek Chik Irrigation System (PC) in Battambang Province – Package 1

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORIZATION REPORT

Phnom Penh, October 2016 Table of Content Table of Content ...... 1 List of Tables ...... 1 List of Figures ...... 1 ABBREVIATION ...... 2 A. Background ...... 3 B. Sub-project Description ...... 3 C. Rapid Environmental Assessment ...... 6 D. Environment Categorization ...... 7

List of Tables Table 1: Summary Scope of Work ...... 3

List of Figures Figure 1: Prek Chik Core Sub-project ...... 4 Figure 2: Location of Prek Chik Distribution System-1 ...... 4 Figure 3: Photo of the Existing Canals ...... 5 Figure 4: Photo of Entrance Gate to Pagoda along SC3 ...... 6

1 ABBREVIATION

ADB Asian Development Bank EA Executing Agency EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan FDERP Flood Damage Emergency Reconstruction Project GoC Government of Cambodia GPS Global Positioning System IA Implementing Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination MEF Ministry of Economy and Finance MoE Ministry of Environment MOWRAM Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology NR National Road PDOE Provincial Department of Environment PDWRAM Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology PMU Project Management Unit PIU Project Implementation Unit PPTA Project Preparation TA REA Rapid Environmental Assessment RP Resettlement Plan SPS ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009)

2 Environment Categorization Report For (MOWRAM – CW07) – Upgrading, Modernizing And Extending The Secondary And Tertiary Canals Of Prek Chik Irrigation System (PC) in Battambang Province – Package 1

A. Background 1. The main purpose of the study is to conduct rapid assessment on environmental concerns for environment category of the proposed rehabilitation of Prek Chik Distribution System-1. The command area of Prek Chik Distribution System-1 is situated within three communes namely: Prek Chik commune, Bassac commune and Prey Svay commune, Moung District, Battambang province. 2. This sub-project will be loaned by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Cambodia through Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology as executive agency. 3. This report provides the result of the rapid assessment of impacts for proposed construction of Prek Chik Distribution System-1. B. Sub-project Description 4. Prek Chik Distribution System-1 location is shown in Figure 1 that it is a proposed secondary canal situated in Prey Svay and Kear commune, Moung Russei District, and Prek Chik commune, Rukhak Kiri district, Battambang province. The proposed secondary canal location is an old existing canal. This system is composed of 40,200 m length of SC and 16,750 m of TC (See Figure 2). The command area of the project is 7798ha and the scope of work is show in Table 1. Table 1: Summary Scope of Work

SC = Secondary Canal; SD = Secondary Drain

Figure 1: Prek Chik Core Sub-project

Figure 2: Location of Prek Chik Distribution System-1

4 5. Summary of Environmental Condition a. Climate. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1,200 mm to 1,300 mm, with peak rainfall occurring in September – October and the lowest rainfall in January. Temperature is lowest in December – January with an average minimum temperature of 26 0C and the highest in April with an average maximum of 34 0C. The wind direction during the rainy season is prevalent from south-west to north-east and from the south-west during the dry season. b. Topography and Geology. The topography of the sub-project areas is flat to gently sloping alluvium, grading to pediment bedrock formations on the upland fringes. Elevation for both areas is between 20 and 30 m ASL. c. Water Quality. According to IEE of Prek Chik Main Canal, no surface water quality for the sub- project areas water bodies currently exist. For the ground water quality of Prek Chik Main Canal, coliform counts are in excess of drinking water standard, but suitable for animals and washing. Water is very alkaline and “hard”. There are no detectable heavy metals or pesticide residues. Nitrites and nitrates are elevated, but within standard, and may be a result of excessive fertilizer applications. Salinity is low. d. Air Quality and Noise. No ambient air quality data exists for the sub-project areas. As a result of ambient noise levels were sampled and recorded for locations along the Prek Chik main canals. The results show typical rural environmental noise levels for minimum measurements. Maximum noise levels are a result of trucks traveling. e. Flora and Fauna. The sub-project site is located more than 50 km away. The sub-project areas have been intensive farmed and irrigated for generations. No natural terrestrial or aquatic habitats exist and natural biodiversity comprises only common wildlife living among humans in agricultural regions, domesticated animals and feral pests and rodents. The vegetation comprises cultivated crops, agricultural weeds and tree plantations along road, canal banks and dyke walls. There will be no significant loss of native flora and fauna as a result of the sub- project. Figure 3 shows the conditions of the existing canals.

Figure 3: Photo of the Existing Canals f. Cultural Site. Along SC3, one pagoda is along there and the enter gate is close to canal alignment. Avoiding impacts on cultural site will be considered during detail design. It is expected that the subproject will not affect to the pagoda (See Figure 4).

Figure 4: Photo of Entrance Gate to Pagoda along SC3 g. Chemical and Organic Fertilizer Using. As stated in Commune Database Book, 2015 farmers in Moung Russei and Rukh Kiri district using chemical fertilizer for rice crop in order to kill the insect and grass is 81.3% and 78.5% respectively. Table 2 shows the percentage of families using chemical and organic fertilizers in covered communes. Table 2: Percentage of families using chemical and organic fertilizers Districts Communes % of Families Moung Rusei Kear 71.5 Prey Svay 93.7 Rukh Kiri Prek Chik 82.6 2 districts 3 communes Source: Commune Data Book, 2015 C. Rapid Environmental Assessment 6. Prek Chik Distribution System-1 is subjected to environmental screening process using ADB’s Classification System. Based on SPS 2009, a project category is evaluated by the category of its most environmentally sensitive component, including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts in the project’s area of influence. The subprojects are classified according to the following Categories: a. Category A. A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required. b. Category B. A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE) is required. c. Category C. A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications need to be reviewed.

6 7. In order to categorize the project impact, environmental specialist conducted transect walk through the proposed sub-project location and using environmental check list of ADB (check list for Irrigation Project) – See Appendix 1: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist. D. Environment Categorization 8. Based on the rapid environmental assessment conducted, sensitive areas such as cultural heritage site, protected area, wetland, mangrove, estuarine and buffer zone of protected area are not adjacent or within the project area. During construction, impacts on surface water quality, occupational health and safety, noise and vibration, hazardous driving conditions, poor sanitation and solid waste disposal are expected, however, these are minimal which mitigation measures can be readily formulated and be implemented. Therefore, Prek Chik Distribution System-1 (MOWRAM-CW07) is classified as Category B, and the other requirement is following: a. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE);

b. Public consultation will be carried out during the early stages of the EA process and throughout the project implementation to address any environmental issues;

c. To facilitate the required consultations with affected groups/people and local NGOs and other relevant stakeholder, the information about the project’s environmental issues as well as technical data needs to be transferred into a form and Khmer language to those being consulted.

9. According to the result of preliminary climate risk screening (Appendix 2) the project is assigned a medium risk project as descripted following: d. Regarding to location and design of project, the project site is likely to be affected by climate conditions, and then the affected section of the canal will be strengthened to withstand anticipated floods and landslides. For droughts irrigation scheduling will be done based on crop water requirements.

e. Materials and maintenance. The weather, current and future climate conditions and related events is likely affecting the project outputs, especially, flood. Therefore, the project will be designed to withstand those impacts.

f. Performance of project outputs. The weather/climate conditions and related events likely affect the performance of project outputs; especially drought may affect irrigation supply.

7 Appendix 1: 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: CAM (44328): Uplands Irrigation and Water Resources Management Sector Project

Sector Division: SEER

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

 Protected Area   Wetland  There is no wetland nearby the project site.

 Mangrove  No mangrove forest in this area  Estuarine  No estuarine in this area The project area is not within any buffer zone of  Buffer zone of protected area  protected area. No special area for protecting biodiversity within the  Special area for protecting biodiversity  project area B. Potential Environmental Impacts

Will the Project cause…  loss of precious ecological values (e.g. result Works are confined to rehabilitation/ modernization of encroachment into forests/swamplands or within existing sites for irrigation infrastructure and will historical/cultural buildings/areas, disruption  not encroach on new sites. of hydrology of natural waterways, regional flooding, and drainage hazards)?  conflicts in water supply rights and related  Farmers water user communes will be organized and

social conflicts? trained.  impediments to movements of people and  The existing canal currently is used as access road for animals? people going to their rice field and house. Therefore, some disruption of movement of people and animals is expected during construction phase.  potential ecological problems due to  The project will not cause potential ecological problems increased soil erosion and siltation, leading due to increased soil erosion and siltation, leading to to decreased stream capacity? decreased stream capacity.

8 Screening Questions Yes No Remarks  Insufficient drainage leading to salinity  The project will not cause insufficient drainage leading intrusion? to salinity intrusion.  over pumping of groundwater, leading to  The project will not cause over pumping of groundwater salinization and ground subsidence? because it’s a surface water irrigation project.  impairment of downstream water quality and  The project will not cause impairment of downstream therefore, impairment of downstream water quality, because no new construction is beneficial uses of water? envisaged in the rivers.  dislocation or involuntary resettlement of  The project will rehabilitate the existing secondary and people? tertiary canal within the existing Right of Way (RoW) of the canal. Based on resettlement report of CW-07, there is no encroachment on beneficiary landholdings, no affected households and no land acquisition required for this project intervention.  disproportionate impacts on the poor, women  The project will not cause disproportionate impacts on and children, Indigenous Peoples or other the indigenous peoples because no indigenous people vulnerable groups? as conformed by local authority.  potential social conflicts arising from land  The project will not cause potential social conflicts tenure and land use issues? arising from land tenure and land use issues.  soil erosion before compaction and lining of  No major impact expected. Mitigation canals? measures include: (i) diversion drains and bunds, and temporary silt traps/ponds; and (ii) stockpiling of soil in flat areas and far from drainage routes  noise from construction equipment?  Noise from construction equipment will be increased. Construction schedule should be subjected to discuss with local authority and people. All construction vehicles and equipment must be well maintained. Contractors must be licensed to carry out their work.  dust during construction?  Dust from construction activity will be increased. The mitigation measures will be proposed to minimize the impacts such as (i) regular watering of exposed areas; (ii) covering all trucks carrying dispersible materials to and from the site; (iii) and agreement with the local community on the schedule and duration of construction works.  waterlogging and soil salinization due to  The project will not cause water logging. Moreover, inadequate drainage and farm management? FWUC capacity building will be strengthen to ensure that system will be operated and managed properly.  leaching of soil nutrients and changes in soil  The project will not cause leaching of soil nutrients. characteristics due to excessive application of irrigation water?  reduction of downstream water supply during  Irrigation efficiency will be increased so water flow peak seasons? regimes will not be affected. Note that the detail about “None reduction of downstream water supply will be detailed in environmental assessment report”.  soil pollution, polluted farm runoff and  More than 50% of people of three communes where is groundwater, and public health risks due to in project’s command area are using fertilizers and excessive application of fertilizers and pesticide. The project will provide IPM training program pesticides? to FWUCs to ensure soil pollution, polluted farm runoff due to excessive application of fertilizers will be eliminated.

9 Screening Questions Yes No Remarks  soil erosion (furrow, surface)?  During construction, the soil will be eroded in short period if there is no any mitigation measure.  scouring of canals?  During construction, it is likely affected in short period.  clogging of canals by sediments?  O&M team in FWUC will be appointed to rehabilitate.  clogging of canals by weeds?  No weed along the canal as site observation.  seawater intrusion into downstream  The project is not located in coastal area. freshwater systems?  introduction of increase in incidence of  The sanitary facility will be provided for worker. waterborne or water related diseases?  dangers to a safe and healthy working  Occupational health and safety issues will not be environment due to physical, chemical and significant. These will be managed through EMPs per biological hazards during project construction subproject and environmental clauses in the and operation? construction contract.  large population influx during project  Local labor is to be recruited as much as possible. construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?  social conflicts if workers from other regions  Workers will be hided in Cambodia country. or countries are hired?  risks to community health and safety due to  Rehabilitation work is unlikely to result in significant the transport, storage, and use and/or risks. Specific provision in the bidding documents and disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel contracts together with monitoring of EMP and other chemicals during construction and implementation will be ensuring minimizing such risks. operation?  community safety risks due to both  Rehabilitation work is unlikely to result in significant accidental and natural hazards, especially risks. Specific provision in the bidding documents and where the structural elements or components contracts together with monitoring of EMP of the project (e.g., irrigation dams) are implementation will be ensuring minimizing such risks. accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

10 Appendix 2: A Checklist for Preliminary Climate Risk Screening

Country/Project Title: CAM (44328): Uplands Irrigation and Water Resources Management Sector Project

Sector: Agriculture, natural resources and rural development Subsector: Irrigation, Water-based natural resources management Division/Department: SEER/SERD

Screening Questions Score Remarks1 Location and Design of Is siting and/or routing of the project (or its 1 Affected sections of the canals project components) likely to be affected by climate will be strengthened to conditions including extreme weather related withstand anticipated floods events such as floods, droughts, storms, and landslides. For droughts landslides? irrigation scheduling will be done based on crop water requirements Would the project design (e.g. the clearance for 0 Hydrological analysis will be bridges) need to consider any hydro- done to forecast the river meteorological parameters (e.g., sea-level, peak flows , water availability and river flow, reliable water level, peak wind speed extreme floods/droughts etc.)?

Materials and Would weather, current and likely future climate 0 Maintenance conditions (e.g. prevailing humidity level, temperature contrast between hot summer days and cold winter days, exposure to wind and humidity hydro-meteorological parameters likely affect the selection of project inputs over the life of project outputs (e.g. construction material)? Would weather, current and likely future climate 1 Floods may affect the conditions, and related extreme events likely infrastructure if not designed affect the maintenance (scheduling and cost) of to withstand those. project output(s)? Performance of project Would weather/climate conditions and related 1 Droughts may affect irrigation outputs extreme events likely affect the performance (e.g. supplies annual power production) of project output(s) (e.g. hydro-power generation facilities) throughout their design life time?

1 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.