Initial Environmental Examination: Bhutan, Wind Power Pilot Project

Environmental Assessment Report

Initial Environmental Examination Project Number: 42252 August 2010

BHU: Rural Renewable Energy Development Project

Prepared by the Department of Energy, Government of Bhutan for the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The 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.

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION FOR WIND POWER PILOT PROJECT IN BHUTAN

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS ...... vi 0.0 Executive Summary - Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)...... ii 0.1 Need for the Project ...... ii 0.2 Basic Objective ...... ii 0.3 Location of the Project ...... ii 0.4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)...... ii 0.5 Category of Project ...... ii 0.6 Project Brief Details ...... ii 0.7 Implementing and Executive Agencies ...... iii 0.8 Policy, Legal and Administrative Frame Work ...... iii 0.9 Description of Environment...... iv 0.9.1 Physical Environment ...... iv 0.9.2 Ecological Resources ...... vi 0.9.3 Economic Development Resources...... vi 0.9.4 Social and Cultural Resources...... vii 0.10 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...... viii 0.11 Analyses of Alternatives...... ix 0.12 Public Consultations and Information Disclosure...... xi 0.13 Grievance Redress Mechanisms ...... xiii 0.14 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)...... xiv 0.14.1 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Cost...... xiv 0 .15 Findings, Recommendations, and Conclusions...... xiv 0.15.1 Findings ...... xiv 0.15.2 Recommendations ...... xiv 0.15.3 Conclusion...... xv 1.1 Background...... 1 1.2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)...... 1 1.3 Structure of IEE Report...... 2 1.4 Acknowledgements...... 3 2.0 Policy, Legal & Administrative Framework...... 4 2.1 Policies relevant to Wind Power Pilot Project ...... 4 2.2 Electrification Act 2001 ...... 4 2.3 Forest and Nature Conservation Act (FNCA) 1995: ...... 4 2.4 Forest and Nature Conservation Rules (FNCR) 2000: ...... 4 2.5 Protected Areas ...... 5

2.6 Land Act 1979 (Revised 2007) ...... 5 2.7 RGOB Decentralization Policy 2002 ...... 6 2.8 RGOB Environmental Clearance Procedures...... 7 2.8.1 Environmental Classification...... 7 2.8.2 Preparation of EC Application...... 7 2.9 Conclusion ...... 7 3.0 Description of the Project...... 9 3.1 Need for the Project ...... 9 3.2 Basic Objective ...... 9 3.3 Location of Project ...... 9 3.4 Details of Wind Power Pilot Project ...... 11 3.5 Cost of Project ...... 12 3.6 Implementing and Executive Agencies ...... 14 4.0 Description of the Environment...... 15 4.1 Physical Resources ...... 15 4.1.1 Location ...... 15 4.1.2 Topography, Geology and Soils...... 15 4.1.3 Climate and Meteorology ...... 15 4.1.4 Air Quality ...... 17 4.1.5 Surface Water Sources and Quality...... 17 4.1.6 Groundwater Sources and Quality...... 18 4.1.7 Noise Levels in Project Area...... 18 4.1.8 Aquatic Environment...... 18 4.2 Ecological Resources ...... 18 4.2.1 Protected Areas ...... 18 4.2.2 Habitat and Flora in Project Area and Surroundings ...... 19 4.2.3 Biodiversity...... 20 4.3 Economic Development Resources...... 22 4.3.1 Land use, Industry and Agriculture ...... 22 4.3.2 Administrative Infrastructure and Community Facilities ...... 23 4.3.3 Transportation...... 23 4.3.4 Electricity and Communication...... 23 4.3.5 Water and Sanitation ...... 23 4.3.6 Tourism ...... 23 4.4 Social and Cultural Resources...... 24 4.4.1 Demography ...... 24 4.4.2 History and Cultural ...... 24 5.0 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigating Measures...... 25 5.1 Environmentally Insignificant Issues ...... 25 5.2 Environmentally Significant Issues /Valued Environmental Component (VEC)...... 25

5.3 Topography and Soil- Environmental Impacts and Mitigations...... 26 5.3.1 Impacts...... 26 5.3.2 Mitigation Measures...... 26 5.4 Ambient Air Quality ...... 27 5.4.1 Impacts ...... 27 5.4.2 Mitigation of Measures...... 27 5.5 Ground and Surface Water Sources and Quality...... 28 5.5.1 Impacts...... 28 5.5.2 Mitigation Measures...... 28 5.6 Ambient Noise Levels ...... 29 5.6.1 Impacts ...... 29 5.6.2 Mitigation Measures ...... 30 5.7 Aquatic Environment...... 31 5.7.1 Impacts...... 31 5.7.2 Mitigation Measures...... 31 5.8 Habitat and Forest ...... 32 5.8.1 Impacts ...... 32 5.8.2 Mitigation Measures...... 32 5.9 Biodiversity...... 32 5.9.1 Impacts ...... 32 5.9.2 Mitigation Measures...... 33 5.10 Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement...... 33 5.10.1 Impacts...... 33 5.10.2 Mitigation Measures ...... 33 5.11 Common Property Resources and Utilities ...... 34 5.11.1 Impacts...... 34 5.11.2 Mitigation Measures ...... 34 5.12 Traffic and Transport...... 34 5.12.1 Impacts...... 34 5.12. 2 Mitigation Measures ...... 35 5.13 Aviation Hazards...... 35 5.14 Human Health ...... 35 5.14.1 Impacts ...... 35 5.14.2 Mitigation Measures...... 36 5.15 Positive Social and Environmental Benefits...... 36 5.16 Safety Features in Wind Power Pilot Project ...... 36 5.17 Conclusion ...... 36 6.0 Analysis of Alternatives...... 37 6.1 No Project Scenario ...... 37 6.2 Project Scenario...... 37

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6.3 To Explore Other Forms of Non Conventional/Conventional Energy Such as Biomass/Coal...... 37 6.4 Comparison of Alternatives...... 37 6.5 Conclusion ...... 39 7.0 Information Disclosure and Consultations ...... 40 7.1 Introduction ...... 40 7.2 Objectives ...... 40 7.3 Methodology Adopted for Public Consultations ...... 40 7.3.1 Stages and Levels of Consultation...... 40 7.3.2 Contents ...... 41 7.4 Summary of Dzongkhag Level and Local Level Consultations...... 41 7.4.1 Public Consultations with Chukha Dzongdag, Dzongkhag Land Record officer, Dzongkhag Environmental officer, Tshimasham Forest Ranger and Dzongkhag Planning Officer on December 16, 2009 and March 26, 2010...... 42 7.4.2 Public Consultation at Project Site near Tsimalakha Chiwog (Village) on December 16,2009 and March 26, 2010 ...... 42 7.5 Addressal of Public Concerns in the Project Design...... 43 7.6 Conclusion ...... 44 8.0 Grievance Redress Mechanism...... 45 9.0 Institutional Requirements, Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan...... 46 9.1 Institutional Requirements ...... 46 9.2 Environment Monitoring Plan...... 46 9.3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)...... 48 9.4 Environmental Management Plan Cost ...... 61 10.0 Findings, Recommendation and Conclusion ...... 62 10.1 Findings ...... 62 10.2 Recommendations ...... 62 10.3 Conclusion ...... 62

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 : Components of Wind Power Pilot Project ...... 11 Table 2 : Cost Estimate for 2 x 180kW Nordwind NW22 Wind Turbines ...... 12 Table 3 : Type of Trees in Project Area and Surroundings...... 19 Table 4 : Animals and Birds in Project Area and Surroundings ...... 20 Table 5 :Protected Wild Life Species and Birds Listed in the Forest and Nature Conservation Act...... 21 Table 6 : Comparison of Alternatives...... 38 Table 7 : Addressal of General Issues and Concerns under the Project ...... 43

Table 8 : Environmental Monitoring Plan ...... 47 Table 9 : Environmental Management Plan (EMP)...... 49 Table 10 : Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Budget ...... 61

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 : Location of Chukha Dzongkhag in Bhutan ...... 9 Figure 2 : Location of Wind Power Pilot Project Site ...... 10 Figure 3 : Seasonal Wind Speed Profile ...... 16 Figure 4 : Wind Frequency Rose Diagram for Project Site ...... 16 Figure 5 : Major Rivers of Bhutan ...... 17 Figure 6 : National Protected Areas and Biological Corridors of Bhutan ...... 19

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION FOR WIND POWER PILOT PROJECT IN BHUTAN ABBREVIATIONS

ADB: Asian Development Bank BAP: Biodiversity Action Plan BHU: Basic Health Unit BMNP Blue Mountain National Park BPC: Bhutan Power Corporation Limited BWS: Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary DCSD: Distribution and Customer Services Department DFO: Divisional Forest Officer DoF: Department of Forest DoE: Department of Energy DYT: Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue EC: Environmental Clearance EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment FNCA: Forest and Nature Conservation Act FNCR: Forest and Nature Conservation Rules FYP: Five Year Plan HH: Household HSS: Higher Secondary School ICDP: Integrated Conservation and Development Project IEE Initial Environmental Examination JDNP: Jigme Dorji National Park JSWNP: Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park KWS: Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary LSS: Lower Secondary School MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOEA Ministry of Economic Affairs MP: Member of Parliament MSS: Middle Secondary School MSWS: Merak Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary MTI: Ministry of Trade and Industry NCD: Nature Conservation Division NEC: National Environment Commission NES: National Environment Strategy NOC: No Objection Certificate NTFP: Non-Timber Forest Product NWFP Non-Wood Forest Product

O & M: Operation and Maintenance ORC: Out Reach Clinic PA: Protected Area PM: Project Manager/Park Manager PPTA: Project Preparatory Technical Assistance PS: Primary School PWS: Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary RE: Rural Electrification RED Renewable Energy Division of Department of Energy (MoEA) RGOB: Royal Government of Bhutan RMNP: Royal Manas National Park RNR: Renewable Natural Resources RoW: Right of Way RSPN: Royal Society for the Protection of Nature TNP: Thrumshingla National Park TSNR: Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve WCP: Wangchuck Centennial Park

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

C : degree Celsius dB(A) : decibels measured in the audible noise bands Ha : Hectare Km : Kilometre M : Meter M3 : cubic meter Kg : Kilogram mg/l : milligram per liter T : Ton TPA : Tonnes per annum

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Executive Summary

0.0 Executive Summary - Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

0.1 Need for the Project

1. Bhutan’s power generation system relies heavily on hydropower. Furthermore, the existing power generation system has been unable to meet fast growing demands in the winter peak period and for the last few years country has been shedding industrial loads. The peak power demand is expected to exceed the supply by some 20 MW in the winter of 2010 and this demand / supply gap in the peak demand winter period is expected to continue for several more years until new hydropower stations come on line.

0.2 Basic Objective

2. The objectives of the project are to pilot test wind power technology: to learn about the construction and operation of wind farms, and help determine the potential for producing wind power to help alleviate power shortages in the winter peak demand period. The proposed pilot project will support the RGoB’s strategy to: diversify energy resources, enhance long term energy security, and generate additional power to meet the growing peak demand in the winter.

0.3 Location of the Project

3. The wind power pilot project is planned to be established at Tsimalakha village in Bijcho Gewog in Chukha Dzongkhag. The latitude and longitude of the site are 27 degree 05 minutes North and 89 degree 40 minutes east respectively. The distance from Dzongkhag administration office is about 4.5 km.

0.4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

4. The IEE has been included in project preparation to streamline environmental issues in Wind Power Pilot project implementation. The IEE report has been prepared as per ADB Safeguard Policy 2009. The IEE preparation led to identification potential environmental impacts during construction and operation phases and this led to preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate the adverse impacts.

0.5 Category of Project

5. The Wind Power Pilot Project has been categorised as Category –‘B ‘as there are no significant impacts during construction and operation phases.

0.6 Project Brief Details

6. The proposed wind power pilot project consists of: (i) construction and operation of two 180 kW pilot wind turbines at Tsimalakha site in Chukha Dzongkhag, and (ii) installation of wind (measurement) masts at three additional sites. The preliminary data of the pilot project at Tsimalakha site are shown in Table- 1 below:

Table 1: Components of Wind Power Pilot Project

S.No. Component Quantity Element Wind Turbine 1 Unit capacity of Wind Turbine 180 kW 2 Number of wind Turbines 2 3 Total Generation capacity 360 kW 4 Hub Height 30 meters 5 Turbine Blade Length 11 meters 6 Number of Blades per Turbine 3 7 Total Land Area Required (a) Permanent Used (foundation) 81 m2 (b) Temporary Uses (During Construction) 300 m2 Wind Mast 1 Height 50 meters 2 Number of Wind Mast 01 Access Road 1 Access Road from Existing Road to Site 800 mx5m Grid Connectivity to 11 kV line 1 Connection Line to Power Grid 163 m

0.7 Implementing and Executive Agencies

7. The Department of Energy (DOE) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) will be the Executing Agency (EA), and the Renewable Energy Division (RED) under the DOE will be the Implementing Agency (IA).

0.8 Policy, Legal and Administrative Frame Work

8. In Bhutan environmental protection has been entrusted to NEC. The Royal Government of Bhutan has enacted a number of acts and rules such as Forest and Nature Conservation Act 1995, Forest and Nature Conservation Rules2000, Environmental Assessment Act, 2000, etc. In the Wind Power Pilot Project ‘Land Acquisition Act 1979’ will be applicable as land acquisition will be there for the access road of 700 m length. The project will support ‘Electrification Act 2001’ as there will be generation of electricity from the wind, a renewable source. The wind power pilot project does not require environmental clearance as this has not been mentioned in the list of industries/activities requiring environmental clearance. But on advice of NEC a concept paper containing project profile, impacts and mitigations and environmental management plan is being submitted to get formal NOC and waiver off of environmental clearance. The proposed pilot project will support the RGoB’s strategy to: diversify energy resources, enhance long term energy security, and generate additional power to meet the growing peak demand in the winter.

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0.9 Description of Environment

0.9.1 Physical Environment

9. The determination of baseline conditions is a pre requirement in the preparation of IEE reports. The prevailing baseline status in project area have been described below:

(a) Topography, Geology and Soil

10. Chukha Dzongkhag in which the wind power pilot project is proposed to be installed is located in south western part of Bhutan and shares its borders with the Dzongkhags of Dagana to the east, Samtse and Haa to the west, Paro and Thimphu to the north and Indian State of West Bengal to the south. Total geographical area of Chukha Dzongkhag is 1882.38 square km. The total geographical area of the country is 38394 square km. The elevation of site is 2200 m above mean sea level.

11. The project site falls within the Lesser Himalayan formation. This includes a wide range of sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rocks, including argillites and metargillites, sandstones and quartzite, limestone, dolomite and gypsum. Gneisses underlie in the entire Dzongkhag right down almost to the Indian border.

12. The soil type in project site is clayey loam. The soil colour is blackish. No agriculture activity was seen near project site. The soils near Wong Chu are sand loam in texture and crops grow well as soil moisture is adequate. At site soils are shallow as there is stone grit underneath. The soils are alkaline in nature as there is vegetation growth and vegetation growth is supported by alkaline soils only.

(b) Climate and Meteorology

13. The climate in project site and surroundings is cooling temperate with warm humid summers and chilly winters with snowfall. At project site there are strong winds (>4 m/s). .

14. The relative humidity in project area ranges 63% to 90%, with an average of about 70%. The least humid period is during pre monsoon (March-May). The average mean temperature for the warmest months of June and July is about 20-300C, while the mean temperature for the coldest months of January and February is about 10-120C. In January and December months at project site there are occasional snow falls and temperature goes down in minus.

15. The average rain fall in project area is around 1000 mm but sometimes the precipitation becomes much large. The precipitation is heaviest during the months from June to September.

16. The published ambient air quality data for Thimphu is available and this has been analysed to see the air quality status in the project region. The project site also has characteristics similar to Thimphu in respect of terrain and topography. The other reason of Thimphu data analysis was that it is closer to

project site (around 80 km) than Phuentsholing (about 90km). The measured CO, NOx, and PM10 concentrations are 7.14 mg/m3 for CO, 10.49 ug/m3 for NOx and 24.5 ug/m3 for PM10. The recommended levels by WHO for these parameters are 150-230 for PM10, 10 mg/m3 for CO and 150 ug/m3 for NOx. Hence all ambient air quality parameters are well within the limits. At project site a better ambient air quality is expected because there is much lower population, construction and commercial activities and vehicles. Hence air quality is not a concern at project site and surroundings.

(d) Surface Water Quality and Sources

17. During the monsoons the heavy rains often cause flash floods in the valleys which are very vulnerable to erosion due cultivation. Construction of embankments in the erosion prone areas and river training works are being undertaken as protection measures. Surface water quality data for project area is not available, but it is pristine as there are no pollution discharge sources in upstream of project site.

(e) Ground Water Potential and Quality

18. There are no data available on the groundwater potential. Ground water resources are also abundant with springs emerging from basement rocks, old landslides and fluvial deposits. Groundwater in landslide and alluvial deposits has been estimated at an exploitable rate of 3 liters/ second/km2. Currently water quality monitoring is only conducted in the four major river system of Bhutan. Generally, the state of Bhutan’s ground water quality is still good but with expanding settlement along rivers, there are localized pollution problems due to expanding settlement along rivers. In project area, water quality is anticipated to be good.

(f) Noise Level

19. Noise is an important environmental attribute for wind power projects as noise is generated from wind turbines. Data on measured noise levels is not available for the site and surroundings because currently NEC is measuring noise levels at Phuentsholing and Thimphu. Major contributors to the ambient noise levels are commercial and industrial activities and vehicular traffic. At project site and surroundings noise is expected within the stipulated limits of NEC for Rural and Residential areas (55 dB(A) during day, and 45 dB(A) during night). This is because commercial activities and traffic around project site are very less and there is no industrial activity.

(g) Aquatic Environment

20. There are 41 species of fishes in the rivers and lakes of Bhutan. This includes eight exotic species like the coldwater trout, and seven species introduced for warm water aquaculture. These types of species are expected in Wongchu River. This report gives detailed listing of these species.

0.9.2 Ecological Resources

(a) Protected Areas

21. There is no protected area in Chukha Dzongkhag. The nearest protected area from project site is Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (JSWNP). The distance from project site is about 50 km.

(b) Habitat and Flora in Project Area and Surroundings

22. The Chukha Dzongkhag has 82.39 % of geographical area under forests. The dominant type of forest in project area surroundings is broad leaf. There is no forest at project site.

23. The project site is not habitat to any endangered species of fauna. The project area and surroundings have domesticated fauna.

24. The dominant forest type in Dzongkhag is broadleaf. In forest areas of Dzongkhag broad leaf forest is about 60%. The second dominant category of forest is mixed conifer forest. The forests in the protected areas mainly comprise of Subtropical forests, warm broadleaved forest and cool broadleaved forests.

25. The project area and surroundings have 9 species of animals and 15 species of birds. The names of these have been given in the report. None of these species of flora and fauna is endangered or protected.

0.9.3 Economic Development Resources

(a) Land Use, Industries and Agriculture

26. The land use of project site is institutional as land is in possession of Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC). Here BPC was planning to develop power training institute. The land use of proposed road for access to wind power pilot project is barren private land. The predominant land use of Chukha Dzongkhag is forest. In Chukha Dzonkhag forest land is 82.39%. The area under cultivation is 9%.The percentage of area under settlement is about 0.3%. The area under pastures is around 4% Balance land use is in water bodies, and Rocky area.

27. Major crops produced in Chukha Dzongkhag include orange, potato, cardamom. Live stock rearing is a major occupation and provides opportunities for processing and trading in dairy products such as butter, cheese and milk because of availability of ready market.

28. Chukha Dzongkhag is endowed with tremendous economic opportunities as it has two special economic zones i.e. Phuentsholing as principal commercial centre and Pasakha as an industrial estate. The presence of two mega hydro power projects in Dzongkhag is another significant positive point. These two mega hydro power project are Chukha Hydro Power and Tala Hydro Power. As a result Chukha is the highest revenue generating Dzongkhag in the country. The distance of Chukha hydro power is around 5 km from the wind power pilot project site. There is no industry in the immediate surroundings of

the area.

(b) Administrative Infrastructure and Community Facilities

29. The Dzongkhag administrative office at Chukha includes offices of revenue, land, forest, planning, etc. Chukha town as amenities such as bank, post office and communication centers.

30. The Chukha Dzonkhag has 17 community primary schools, 4 primary schools, 7 lower secondary schools, 5 middle secondary schools, 3 higher secondary schools, and 33 non formal education centers. The total number of students in these schools is 14794. Literacy rate in Dzongkhag is 63.1%. The health facilities in Dzongkhag include Hospitals, basic health units (BHU), and outreach clinics. Chukha Dozonkhag has 3 hospitals and 9 basic health units and 28 outreach clinics. The Chukha Dzongkhag has 3 RNR centers, 6 agriculture extension centers, 1, veterinary hospital,6 live stock centers, and 2 forestry extension centers.

31. There are good transportation facilities in Chukha Dzongkhag. The Dzonkhag has National Highway length of 223 km, feeder road length of 206 km, farm road length of 28.4 km and power tiller track of 17 km. The Tsimalakha village near the project site is connected by 5.5 m wide bituminous road.

(d) Electricity and Communication

32. The household close to Dzongkhag head quarters are electrified. As per information available with Chukha Dzongdag number of house hold electrified are 10323. The electrification percentage in rural households is around 70%.

33. In Chukha Dzongkhag there are 3979 fixed lines of telephone, 368 rural communication facilities, 4 numbers of post offices and 15 numbers of bridges/suspension bridges.

(e) Water Supply and Sanitation

34. In Chukha Dzonkhag there are 199 water supply schemes. The percentage of households covered with rural water supply is 62%. In the Dzongkhag number of households covered with toilets/latrines is 5832.

(f) Tourism

35. Currently there is no tourism site in the Dzongkhag.

0.9.4 Social and Cultural Resources

(a) Demography

36. The population of Bhutan includes many ethnic groups such as the Sharchops from the east, Ngalongs from the west, Khengpas from the central region, nomads from the north and Lhotshampas from the south. These are also found in Chukha Dzongkhag also. Because of the mix of ethnicities a wide variety of dialects is spoken, of which Dzongkha, Khengkha, Sharchop and

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various dialects of Nepali are the most common. The majority of the population is Buddhist (around 70%) and the remainder is mainly Hindu, mostly in the southern areas.

37. The population of Chukha Dzongkhag is 74387. The Dzongkhag has a sex ratio of 1:1. In Dzongkhag about 68% of the population is rural residents while 32% are urban dwellers. The average number of family members in each household is 4.56.

(b)History and Cultural

38. Chukha Dzongkhag was established in 1987, coinciding with the beginning of the sixth five year plan. The Dzongkhag has government owned, public as well as private Lahakhangs.

39. In Bhutan traditions are followed religiously. The male and female wear their traditional dress Kho and Kira. The same dress is worn in Chukha Dzongkhag also.

40. In Chukha Dzongkhag there are no culturally significant structures. Most of the larger villages have a temple, and there are smaller Buddhist shrines both inside and outside inhabited areas, and various other places or objects that are of significance to the community, including particular trees, river and other locations.

0.10 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

41. No impacts during construction and operation have been identified on protected areas as nearest National Park JSWNP is at a distance of 50 km from the project site. The other environmental attributes where no impacts have been identified during construction and operation are as follows:

 Physical Resources- Geology, climate and meteorology, and Ground water sources and quality

 Ecological Resources- Protected areas, forest cover

 Economic Development Resources- Tourism, Industry and Agriculture

 Social and Cultural Resources- History and culture

42. The impact identified during construction on topography in project area and surroundings is due to construction access road, installation of wind mast, wind turbine, electric sub station and grid connectivity. These changes will be permanent.

43. There will be generation of dust due to movement construction vehicles and machinery at plant and access road construction sites. The noise will also be generated at construction site(s) due to construction activities. These impacts will be limited during construction phase which will be of 3-4 months duration.

44. No adverse impact has been identified on biodiversity of project area. No cutting of trees will be there due to implementation of project. The only minor

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impact identified is accidental bird hits with the blades of wind turbines.

45. The impact identified during operation phase is noise due to movement of blades of rotary and humming sound of wind turbine (low frequency noise). The receptors to be exposed to noise are a house at a distance of 210 m in south east direction and Tsimalakha village in North West direction. But noise level contours provided by the manufacturers of Turbine indicate that noise levels will be well within limits prescribed by NEC for Rural/Residential areas beyond 200 m distance.

46. In order to mitigate environmental impacts during construction no construction works will be carried out during night time. There will be no transport of construction materials and movement of vehicles during night time. To reduce dust generation during construction there will be regular water spray. If construction manager feels that there are excessive noise due to construction activity at Tsimalakha village and single house in south east direction then contractors will be directed to use portable noise barriers. Temporary drainage will be provided at construction site for storm water runoff. Adequate cross drainage structures will be provided in the access road for effective drainage specially storm water run off from uphill. The contractor will properly fence the construction sites for the safety of the locals and animals. No construction wastes will be disposed off in any water body. These will be used in embankment filling as far as possible. The contractor will provide personal protective equipment to all staff and workers for their safety. At construction camps there will be proper sanitation arrangements (septic tank/soak pit) and filtered drinking water supply. The workers will be trained not to hunt the animals and not to cut the trees for fire wood/cooking.

47. In operation phase noise will be measured at Tsimalakha village and at single house. In case noise levels are found to exceed the prescribed levels of NEC for Rural/Residential area then mitigation measures in the form of green belt development on eastern boundary of plant and noise barrier wall on three sides of single house (north, south, and west) will be implemented. There will be observation of impact on health of locals especially on family members of single household due to low frequency noise. In case these are found then additional mitigations will be planned.

48. There will be plantation of shrubs on side slopes of access road and roads if any within plant side to avoid soil erosion. The drains will be properly maintained at plant site and at access road.

49. The project design will ensure that access road, wind turbine foundations and sub stations foundations are earthquake resistant. During the procurement it will be ensured that turbine blades stop movement at wind speeds greater than 25 m/s. This safety feature will be for storm winds.

0.11 Analyses of Alternatives

50. Three possible alternatives have been considered for the comparison. The comparative summary and alternatives are given below:

Parameters No Project Project Scenario Other form of Energy Scenario (Conventional/ Non Conventional) Economic No project  The project  High cost and may cost scenario will be scenario will not be feasible to cheaper as there require install due to terrain will be no investment and and techno- investment for economic cost economic reasons wind power and may be higher  There will be high on account of load  ADB is providing coal import cost as shedding in winter financial there are no coal there will be assistance to reserves in the reduced project as a grant country. consumption therefore no resulting into low impact on electricity bills exchequer of the country. Developmen Economic  Power will be  Since biomass and tal impacts & development in available in the coal based power people’s country will be entire year plants are not perception slow because of without any load feasible therefore non availability of shedding. It will non availability of power result in fast power will result into economic slow economic development of development country Social The lighting is  Clean and  No social benefits benefits poor in kerosene renewable as collection of and candles energy biomass from usages. This poor  This will help in forests will be a big lighting will cause electrification of problem. problem in rural household working and to achieve the studying target of RGOB ‘Electricity for ALL by 2013  The social benefits will be in the form of better quality of life of

Parameters No Project Project Scenario Other form of Energy Scenario (Conventional/ Non Conventional) rural poor Environment No project  No al impacts scenario will not environmental  Thermal power result into any impacts as noise plants based on coal environmental levels likely to be will result into huge benefits as project within the limits air pollution and scenario does not beyond 200 m solid waste result into any from plant site generation environmental  Biomass based losses such as power plants will tree cutting, air also result into air pollution or water pollution pollution Health No impact on  Noise pollution  Adverse impacts on health in no identified. health due high level project scenario Mitigation of air pollution from measures thermal power planned plants and biomass based power plants.

51. Based on the comparison of all three alternatives it has been concluded that project alternative is the best alternative to strategize energy resources in Bhutan.

0.12 Public Consultations and Information Disclosure

52. The public consultations have been carried out since inception stage of project with a view to disseminate the information about project. The consultations were carried out at Institutional Level, local level and Dzongkhag level. The dates of consultations and level at which these have been done are summarised below:

S. Date of Level Organisations/ Objective No. Consultation Public 01 03-12-2009 Inception NEC,BPC, Ministry of To invite views, workshop Agriculture and Forests, comments and by PPTA Ministry of Economic suggestions on Consultants Affairs, JICA, ADB each component of PPTA Project for incorporation in

S. Date of Level Organisations/ Objective No. Consultation Public project preparation 02 08-12-2009, Institutional NEC for environmental To obtain 19-03-2010 clearance of Project environmental and 10-05- clearance for the 2010 project 03 17-12-2009 Dzongkhag District head Chukha for To explore and Level Wind Power site location, possibility of wind 26-03-2010 local public at Tsimlakha, power pilot project local public at Chukha installation near (probable site), land Chukha Hydro record officer at Chukha Power or wind power site Tsimalakha, 04 16-12-2009 Local level Gup of Tsimalakha, land To inform general owners of access road public and project length, land record officer affected persons about project and to invite their comments and suggestions for project design 05 26-03-2010 Local level Gup of Tsimalakha, land To inform public owners of access road about project and to length, land record officer invite their comments and suggestions for incorporation in project design

53. The comments, suggestions and concern of public and their addressal in the project preparation has been summarised below:

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Issue/Concern Addressal under the Project hill and proper provided at plant site. For this a storm water drainage arrangement for drainage system is being designed and this will be implemented. at plant site and at access road should be there Water spray should be The Consultants and RED assured that necessary carried out to suppress conditions will be put in the contract so that there is no the dust and construction construction activity and transportation of construction activity and transportation materials in the night. These mitigation measures will of construction materials also be mentioned in the EMP. should not be carried out during night time

54. At institutional level all people have welcomed project as this project will provide clean and renewable energy and will help in meeting power shortage in winter months.

0.13 Grievance Redress Mechanisms

55. In the wind Power pilot project no major environmental issues have been identified. Hence no complaints related to environment are anticipated but to address any unforeseen environmental issues during construction and operation RED has formulated a grievance redress mechanism to resolve the complaints. The RED will appoint a project manager not below the rank of executive engineer to supervise and implement the wind power pilot project. A construction Manager will also be appointed to see day to day construction activity at plant site. The project manager will be responsible for the implementation of EMP. During the construction phase a complaint register will be available at site office of construction manager. This will be accessible to public. Any complaint received will be resolved by the project manger Construction Manager within a period of 7 days.

56. It is expected that RED will appoint an Operator to operate and maintain the Wind Power Pilot Project. The likely operators are Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. (DGPC) or Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) Ltd. The operator will appoint a Plant Manager who will be stationed at Chukha/Tsimalakha. The complaint register will be available at Plant manager’s office. Any complaint received will be resolved by Plant Manager. In case Plant Manager is not able to resolve the complaint the Project Manager at RED will provide back up support to Plant manager. The Environmental Management Plan implementation will be part of Terms of Reference (TOR) of the operator and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) costs will be part of operation cost. Any complaints received by the plant manager will be resolved within a period of 7 days. The RED will adopt an open door policy to receive any suggestions for better management and operation.

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0.14 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

57. The Environmental Management Plan is meant for mitigation/management/ avoidance of the negative impacts. For each mitigative measure to be taken, its location, timeframe, implementation and overseeing /supervising responsibilities are listed in the EMP. The EMP has been given in Table-9 in Chapter-9.

0.14.1Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Cost

58. The environmental Management Plan cost for Wind Power Pilot Project has been estimated as Nu 1.0 million.

0 .15 Findings, Recommendations, and Conclusions

0.15.1 Findings

59. The findings of the Wind Power Pilot project based on IEE prepared are as follows:

 The wind power pilot project will help to strategise non conventional energy sources in the country. It will help to meet the shortfall of power in winter months.

 The potential environmental impact identified is noise generation during operation. The construction stage impacts will be temporary and will be limited during 3-4 months as construction period will not exceed four months. The noise levels will be within the stipulated limits beyond 200 m distance.

 There is one house in north east direction of plant site at a distance of 210 m. The noise levels will be within the stipulated limits of NEC at this house. At Tsimalakha village no impacts on account of noise are anticipated.

0.15.2 Recommendations

60. A green belt development in eastern direction is recommended to attenuate noise levels at single house in north east direction.

61. Noise level measurements will be carried out at Tsimalakha village and single house in operation phase. In case these are found to exceed then noise mitigations in the form noise barrier wall on three sides of house and green development along eastern boundary of plant will be taken up. After implementation of noise mitigation measures noise monitoring will be carried out again to see the adequacy of mitigation measures. RED will also observe any health impacts on health of locals due to operation of wind power pilot project. This is to ascertain low frequency noise impacts on human body due to operation of wind turbine.

62. Construction manager will ensure that no construction works and transportation of construction materials are carried out during night

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0.15.3 Conclusion

63. The Wind Power Pilot Project will not result in any long-term significant adverse environmental impacts. The implementation of EMP will ensure all environmental impacts within the acceptable levels.

64. Based on environmental assessment activities conducted to date, the Project is confirmed as environmental category ‘B’ and the IEE, including the EMP, is considered sufficient to meet the environmental assessment requirements of ADB, and RGOB. A full environmental impact assessment study is not required.

Chapter - 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1. Bhutan’s power generation system relies heavily on hydropower. Furthermore, the existing power generation system has been unable to meet fast growing demands in the winter peak period and for the last few years has been shedding industrial loads. The peak power demand is expected to exceed the supply by some 20 MW in the winter of 2010 and this demand / supply gap in the peak demand winter period is expected to continue for several more years until new hydropower stations come on line.

3. The Department of Energy (DoE) of Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will be the Executive Agency (EA) and Renewable Energy Division under DOE will be the Implementing Agency (IA).

1.2 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

4. The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is carried out to identify and assess the potential environmental impacts from implementation of the wind power pilot project at Tsimalakha in Chukha Dzongkhag. The components of wind power pilot project will be (a) wind turbine, (b) wind mast, (c) Access Road and (d) connectivity to grid. For all the components except grid connection there will be requirement of land acquisition. The land for the wind power will be transferred from BPC as there is 7 acres (28327.78m2) land in possession of BPC. For access road land has to be acquired from private owners with the help of Dzongdag of Chukha. For grid connection there is no requirement of land acquisition as an overhead line will be laid from wind turbine site to the existing pole of 11 kV grid. The current legislation of Royal Government of Bhutan on Environment does not require environmental impact assessment study and environmental clearance for the implementation of wind power pilot projects. Proposed wind power pilot project has been determined as Category B based on the Rapid Environmental Assessment described in the ADB’s Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003) and ADB’s Safeguard Policy 2009. This IEE report is in accordance with ADB Safeguard Policy 2009 with due consideration to environmental legislation of Royal Government of Bhutan.

5. The IEE is prepared in order to meet the following objectives:

 To provide information about the general environmental settings in the wind power pilot project site and its surroundings;  To provide information on potential impacts of the proposed wind power pilot project and characteristic of impacts, magnitude, distribution, and

their duration;  To provide information on potential mitigation measures to minimize the impacts;  To provide information on Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate adverse impacts due to implementation of the project; and  To meet the ADB requirements for wind power pilot project financing.

6. Field visits were made to collect the requisite information, for the preparation of IEE, from various Government departments and from other secondary sources (including public consultations).

1.3 Structure of IEE Report

7. The IEE report has been divided in to ten chapters. The coverage of each chapter has been described below:

8. Chapter-1 The current chapter describes the general background of the project and requirement and objectives of IEE.

9. Chapter-2 describes Policy, Legal and administrative frame work of the project. This chapter describes acts and rules promulgated by RGOB and their applicability to the project.

10. Chapter-3 describes brief technical details of wind power pilot project, estimated cost and implementing and executive agencies.

11. Chapter-4 covers environmental baseline description of the project site and surroundings . The coverage of baseline has been done under the sections on ‘Physical Resources’, ‘Ecological Resources’, ‘Economic Development Resources’ and ‘Social and Culture Resources’..

12. Chapter-5 covers potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures due to project implementation during installation and operation phases.

13. Chapter-6 covers analysis of alternatives. In this possible alternatives of project have been analyzed on cost, environment and socio-economic considerations.

14. Chapter-7 covers Public Consultations and Information Disclosures. The public view, suggestions and opinion and their addressal has been covered in this chapter.

15. Chapter-8 describes Grievance Redress Mechanism in the project. The complaints of public how, who and when will resolve have been covered in this chapter.

16. Chapter-9 describes institutional arrangements of project implementation and environmental management plan.

17. Chapter-10 describes findings, conclusion and recommendations of IEE study.

1.4 Acknowledgements

18. The PPTA consultants thankfully acknowledge all cooperation received from DoE, BPC, NEC, MOEA, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, JICA and Chukha Dzongdag and his officers. The consultants will also like to acknowledge and thank for cooperation and guidance received from Mr. K. Ogino, Senior Energy Specialist ADB and Mr. S. Sasaki Environmental Expert of ADB.

Chapter - 2 Policy, Legal & Administrative Framework

2.0 Policy, Legal & Administrative Framework

2.1 Policies relevant to Wind Power Pilot Project

19. The Royal Government of Bhutan has enacted a number of Acts and Rules to safeguard the environment in the country. The details of these Acts and Rules and their applicability to wind power pilot project have been provided in the following subsections.

2.2 Electrification Act 2001

20. Rural Electrification is strongly promoted in the Electricity Act, 2001. Part 7, Section 61.1 states that ‘The Minister shall undertake to promote, support and provide rural electrification programmes through public and private sector participation in order to

1. achieve equitable regional distribution and access to electricity; 2. maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification subsidies; 3. promote extension of the grid and development of off-grid electrification and; 4. promote renewable energy

21. Hence this wind power pilot project will help to achieve the aim of the Act to achieve equitable regional distribution and access to electricity and promotion of renewal energy.

2.3 Forest and Nature Conservation Act (FNCA) 1995:

22. The Forest Act (1969) was the first environmental legislation in Bhutan and brought all forest resources under government custody to regulate utilization. This was repealed with the enactment of the FNCA in 1995, which allows community stewardship of forests, and aims to provide protection and sustainable use of forests, wildlife, and related natural resources. Schedule I lists those wild animals and plants that are given full protection under the Act. The scheduled trees are not there at wind Power Pilot Project site. The FNCA establishes that all forests in Bhutan are Government Reserved Forests (GRF), and prohibits any development activity in these areas except with a permit. This Act will not be applicable to wind power pilot project.

2.4 Forest and Nature Conservation Rules (FNCR) 2000:

23. Under powers established by the FNCA, the Ministry of Agriculture promulgated the FNCR in 2000, which was revised in 2006. Amongst other things the FNCR allows for:

 Allotment of land and land rights in GRF;  Prohibitions, restrictions and concessions in GRF;  Transport and trade of forest produce;  Declaration and administration of protected areas;  Protection of wildlife and use of certain wild species;  Prevention of forest fires, land clearance, and activities potentially impacting soil, water and wildlife resources; and  Enforcing penalties for offences related to these and other aspects of the FNCR.

24. None of these activities are likely to be taken up in the wind power pilot project; therefore, this act will not be applicable.

2.5 Protected Areas

25. Since 2008, there are now five National Parks, four Wildlife Sanctuaries and one Strict Nature Reserve in Bhutan. These protected areas have conservation policies that state that all proposed development projects within the boundaries of the protected area will be subject to an EIA under the jurisdiction of the NEC. This initially included buffer zones outside the protected areas, but was extended to include Biological Corridors in 2006 by an addendum to the FNCR.

26. Biological Corridors (BC) are defined as “areas set aside to connect one or more protected areas, which shall be conserved and managed for the safe movement of wildlife.” Although BCs do not have the same status as protected areas, activities such as new settlements, quarrying and mining, and leasing of land for grazing are prohibited. All other development activities, including construction of roads, electricity transmission and distribution lines, or any other structures, require a permit from DoF and an EC application to NEC, supported by an EIA.

27. The installation of wind power pilot project outside the protected areas and Biological Corridors (BCs), therefore, no impact will be there in these protected areas and BCs. The minimum distance of protected area (JSWNP) from project site is 50 km.

2.6 Land Act 1979 (Revised 2007)

28. The Land Act 1979 which provides the basis for land tenure in Bhutan was revised in 2007 to streamline many provisions in the Land Act. One major change was the establishment of an autonomous National Land Commission Secretariat which has been given full responsibility for all matters pertaining to land registration. Also the 20 land categories have been reduced to seven categories in the revised Act including i) Chhuzhing (wetland), ii) Kamzhing (dry land) including orchard, iii) Khimsa (Residential land), iv) Industrial land, v) Commercial land, vi) Recreational and vii) Institutional land.

29. Powers over land management have now been decentralized to local authorities like the Gewog Tshogdue, Dzongkhag Tshogdue, and Thromdes. These are empowered to resolve land dispute, endorse land transaction and conversion of land categories.

30. Under this Act, there are provisions for acquisition of land by the Government, if it is required for the benefit of the country. In such cases, the affected person will be compensated with substitute land from the same Dzongkhag or given cash compensation depending on the land classification as per the prevailing land compensation rate determined by the Act. If a house is acquired, compensation is paid on the basis of an evaluation carried out by a qualified engineer appointed by the competent authority. This act will be applicable as land acquisition has to be there for access road. For the wind power pilot project site this act will not be applicable as land has to be transferred from BPC.

2.7 RGOB Decentralization Policy 2002

31. The Dzongkhag and Gewog Yargay Tshogdue Acts were implemented in 2002 to support the Government’s decentralization policy and empower locally elected community bodies (DYTs and GYTs) with the authority and responsibility to plan and implement development programmes and activities, including those related to environmental management. Through this legislation the DYT is able to:

 Make recommendations on activities with major environmental impacts;  Designate and protect sites and monuments of cultural or historical interest;  Designate and protect areas of special scenic beauty or biodiversity, such as Dzongkhag Parks and sanctuaries;  Establish and enforce Regulations to control noise pollution;  Prohibit construction of structures within 50 ft of highways;  The GYT is able to establish and enforce regulations to:  Control and prevent pollution of air, soil and water;  Ensure safe disposal of waste and adequate standards of sanitation;  Conserve and protect water resources, including rivers, streams, springs and lakes;  The GYT also has custody of communal lands and community forests and can prevent encroachment onto land and forest.

32. This policy will be triggered as there will be noise generation from wind power pilot project due to operation of wind turbines because wind turbines are source of power generation.

2.8 RGOB Environmental Clearance Procedures

2.8.1 Environmental Classification

33. NEC decides the environmental classification of projects on receipt of the Environmental Clearance (EC) application submitted by the project proponent. There are three possible outcomes:

i) NEC may grant Environmental Clearance on the basis of the EC application if the application contains sufficient information and based on information submitted it is concluded that the proposed development will not have significant negative environmental impacts; ii) NEC may deny Environmental Clearance on the basis of the EC application if the application contains insufficient information and it is clear that the proposed development will have significant negative environmental impacts that cannot be suitably mitigated; iii) If the EC application contains insufficient information on the likely nature and extent of the environmental impacts of the project or the manner in which they will be mitigated, NEC will determine that an EIA is required.

2.8.2 Preparation of EC Application

34. The requirements of the EC application are set down in Sectoral Guidelines that were revised with ADB assistance in 2006. The wind power projects are not included in the List of activities requiring environmental clearance.

35. The information required for environmental clearance is very specific, and in all cases includes information on the applicant, the project, funding agency, the affected environment, potential impacts, mitigation, monitoring and public consultation.

36. There are three key elements of the EC application. These include the provision of signed No Objection Certificates (NOC) from all affected stakeholders/households, Forestry clearance from the Department of Forest and Dzongkhag Administrative Approval.

2.9 Conclusion

37. Based on discussion above it is concluded that Land Act 1979(Revised 2007) and RGOB Decentralisation Policy are directly applicable. The installation of wind power pilot project is not included in the list of activities published by NEC requiring environmental clearance. However, a series of discussions have been held with NEC and based on this discussion outcome a concept note will be submitted by Renewable Energy Division under the Department of Energy (Ministry of Economic Affairs) for obtaining formal waiver off of environmental clearance. The proposed pilot project will support the RGoB’s strategy to: diversify energy resources, enhance long term energy security, and generate additional power to meet the growing peak demand in the winter.

Chapter - 3 Description of the Project

3.0 Description of the Project

3.1 Need for the Project

38. There is shortage of power in Bhutan during winter months. This shortage is due to low generation of power from the installed thermal power plants. At present country is dependent on hydroelectric power generation. In order to meet the shortage of power demand and to explore other renewable sources such as wind energy a wind pilot power project is planned near Tsimalakha village in Chukha Dzonkhang.

3.2 Basic Objective

39. The objective of the project is to pilot test wind power wind power generation and to learn about the construction and operation of wind farms, and help determine the potential for producing wind power in the country. This will help to alleviate power shortages in the winter (peak demand period). The proposed pilot project will support the RGoB’s strategy to: diversify energy resources, enhance long term energy security, and generate additional power to meet the growing peak demand in the winter.

3.3 Location of Project

40. The wind power pilot project is planned at Tsimalakha village in Bijcho Gewog in Chukha Dzongkhag. The latitude and longitude of the site are 27 degree 05 minutes North and 89 degree 40 minutes east respectively. The distance from Dzongkhag administration office is about 4.5 km. The location Chukha Dzongkha in Bhutan has been shown in Figure-1. The site of wind power pilot project on Chukkha Dzongkhag map has been shown in Figure-2.

Figure 1: Location of Chukha Dzongkhag in Bhutan

Figure 2: Location of Wind Power Pilot Project Site in Chukha Dzongkhag

Wind Power Plant site

The pictorial view of project site has been given below:

3.4 Details of Wind Power Pilot Project

41. The proposed wind power pilot project consists of: (i) construction and operation of two 180 kW pilot wind turbines at Tsimalakha site in Chukha Dzongkhag, and (ii) installation of wind (measurement) masts at three additional sites. The preliminary data of the pilot project at Tsimalakha site are shown in Table- 1 below:

Table 1: Components of Wind Power Pilot Project

42. The Tsimalakha site was selected for the proposed pilot wind power project following field work that included visiting and assessing 16 known potential wind power sites in Bhutan. The Tsimalakha site was ranked second based on a number of wind site selection criteria including the potential wind resources, land use, land ownerships, terrain, road access, transport constraints, distance to power grid, distances to nearby houses, geological conditions for foundation, and environmental and social sensitivity.

43. The top-ranking site at Gelephu was ruled out after the Department of Civil Aviation informed the DOE that it is too close to a planned airport. However, currently there is no actual wind data for Tsimalakha site. The actual wind measurement data at Tsirang site were used to develop preliminary project design. The project design will be refined after analysis of the actual wind data at the Tsimalakha site being collected by the DOE. This data collection will continue for one year.

3.5 Cost of Project

44. The component wise cost estimates of wind power pilot project are as given in Table-2 below:

Table 2: Cost Estimate for 2 x 180kW Wind Turbines

Item Description Cost (USD)

Preliminaries 200,000

Development planning Environmental impact studies, Relocation, Development Approvals, Consultation and 90,000 liaison at ministerial, district and local community levels.

Relocation Relocation of up to 4 residences 90,000

Wind Monitoring Wind monitoring mast, instruments and Excluded equipment

Report Update Update the Tsimalakha Report 20,000

Procurement 90,000

Bidding Document Preparation of the procurement bidding 45,000 documents to ADB guidelines

Implementation Administration of the Tender 45,000 Consultant

Design and

Construction

Item Description Cost (USD)

Wind Farm 1,255,000

Wind Farm Roads Access and Internal roads 50,000

Wind Turbine 2 x 180kW Norwind N22 wind turbine with 22m diameter rotor on a 30m steel tower. Including:

Transport, installation and commissioning 1,165,000 on site,

Electrical equipment to the 11kV connection point

Design and project management

Turbine erection and Cranes 40,000 commissioning

Turbine foundations Concrete foundations, design, formwork, Included in embedded items, backfill, strength testing turbine price

Wind Farm Electrical 40,000 System

Transformer & Pad mount 11/0.69kV transformer and Included in Switchgear switchgear including protection and turbine price concrete foundation

Underground cables HV and MV cables, excavation, installation Included in and backfill, cable covers and electrical turbine price terminations

Earthing Soil resistivity tests, design, copper 40,000 conductor, installation and testing

Design and Project 50,000 Management

Contractor Design and Production of detailed design, project Included in Project Management management for the construction. turbine price

Implementation Supervision of the design and construction 50,000 Consultant contract.

Logistics 100,000

Transportation and Nominal cost for freight of items to the 100,000

Item Description Cost (USD)

Freight Costs Tsimalakha wind farm site

Total Excluding contingency 1,735,000

Contingency 20% on all items 345,000

Total including contingency 2,080,000

45. Total cost of project has been estimated as US Dollars.2.08 millions which is equivalent to 93.6 million Ngultrum

3.6 Implementing and Executive Agencies

46. The Department of Energy under the Ministry of Economic Affairs will be the Executing Agency (EA), and Renewable Energy Division (RED) under Department of Energy will be the Implementing Agency (IA).

Chapter - 4 Description of the Environment

4.0 Description of the Environment

4.1 Physical Resources

4.1.1 Location

47. Chukha Dzongkhag, in which the wind power pilot project is proposed to be installed, is located in south western part of Bhutan and shares its borders with the Dzongkhags of Dagana to the east, Samtse and Haa to the west, Paro and Thimphu to the north and Indian State of West Bengal to the south. Total geographical area of Chukha Dzongkhag is 1882.38 square km. The total geographical area of the country is 38394 square km.

48. The Chukha Dzongkhag is administratively supported by a Dungkhag namely Phuentsholing and eleven Gewogs – Chapcha, Bjachho, Bongo, Getana, Geling, Dungna, Metakha, Lokchina, Daria, Sampheling and Phuentsholing. The wind power pilot project site falls in Bjachho Gewog. It is about 4.5 km from Dzongkhag administration office.

4.1.2 Topography, Geology and Soils

49. The elevation of Chukha Dzongkhag varies from 200 to 3500m above mean sea level (msl). The elevation of wind power pilot project site is 2200m above msl. The topography of project site is flat. The topography of Chukha Dzongkhag as a whole extends to broad fertile valleys where agriculture and settlement are usually concentrated especially near Wong Chu river banks between the altitudes as low as 200 m and high forested mountains of elevations at 3500m above sea level.

50. The project site falls within the Lesser Himalayan formation. This includes a wide range of sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rocks, including argillites and metargillites, sandstones and quartzites, limestone, dolomite and gypsum. Gneisses underlie in the entire Dzongkhag right down almost to the Indian border.

51. The soil type in project site is clayey loam. The soil colour is blackish. No agriculture activity was seen near project site. The soils near Wong Chu are sand loam in texture and crops grow well as soil moisture is adequate. At site soils are shallow as there is stone grit underneath. The soils are alkaline in nature as there is vegetation growth and vegetation growth is supported by alkaline soils only.

4.1.3 Climate and Meteorology

52. The climate in project site and surroundings is cooling temperate with warm humid summers and chilly winters with snowfall. At project site there are strong winds (>4 m/s). The monthly average wind speed considered in design has been given below: These wind speeds have been derived by design team from the hourly wind data available for Damphu in Tsirang where data is being generated by DOE.

Figure 3 : Seasonal Wind Speed Profile

Seasonal Wind Speed Profile 6

2 Mean Wind Speed (m/s) Speed Wind Mean

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

53. The dominant wind direction is from South-East (SE) /South South East (SSE) to North- North –West (NNW)/North-West (NW). The wind frequency rose diagram has been given below:

Figure 4 : Wind Frequency Rose Diagram for Project Site

Wind Frequency Rose 0° 0% calm 337.5° 22.5°

315° 45°

292.5° 67.5°

270° 90°

12% 247.5° 112.5°

24%

225° 135° 36% 202.5° 157.5° 180°

54. The relative humidity in project area ranges 63% to 90%, with an average of about 70%. The least humid period is during pre monsoon (March-May). The average mean temperature for the warmest months of June and July is about 20-300C, while the mean temperature for the coldest months of January and February is about 10-120C. In January and December months at project site there are occasional snow falls and temperature goes down in minus.

55. The average rain fall in project area is around 1000 mm but sometimes the

precipitation becomes much large. The precipitation is heaviest during the months from June to September.

4.1.4 Air Quality

56. Air pollution in Bhutan is a recent phenomenon and it can be attributed to rapid urbanization. Diesel vehicles with poor quality of fuel are the major sources for the urban air pollution. There is no information available on the ambient air quality at Chukha or at project site because so far ambient air quality (PM, NOx and CO) monitoring has only been conducted in Thimphu and Phuentsholing periodically. The published ambient air quality data for Thimphu is available and this has been analyzed to see the air quality status in the project region. The site also has characteristics similar to Thimphu in respect of terrain and topography. The other reason of Thimphu data analysis was that it is closer to project site (around 80 km) than Phuentsholing (about 90km). The measured CO, NOx, and PM10 concentrations are 7.14 mg/m3 for CO, 10.49 ug/m3 for NOx and 24.5 ug/m3 for PM10. The recommended levels by WHO for these parameters are 150-230 for PM10, 10 mg/m3 for CO and 150 ug/m3 for NOx. Hence all ambient air quality parameters are well within the limits. At project site a better ambient air quality is expected because there is much lower population, construction and commercial activities and vehicles. Hence air quality is not a concern at project site and surroundings.

4.1.5 Surface Water Sources and Quality

57. The project area is drained by Wong Chu River. The Wong Chu joins Raidak River before going to plains and to India through Phuentsholing. Figure-5 below shows River System of Bhutan. During the monsoons the heavy rains often cause flash floods in the valleys which are very vulnerable to erosion due cultivation. Construction of embankments in the erosion prone areas and river training works are being undertaken as protection measures. Surface water quality data for project area is not available, but it is pristine as there are no pollution discharge sources in upstream of project site.

Figure 5: Major Rivers of Bhutan

4.1.6 Groundwater Sources and Quality

58. There are no data available on the groundwater for the project site. Ground water resources are also abundant with springs emerging from basement rocks, old landslides and fluvial deposits. Groundwater in landslide and alluvial deposits has been estimated at an exploitable rate of 3 liters/ second/km2. Currently water quality monitoring is only conducted in the four major river system of Bhutan only. No ground water quality monitoring has been conducted in Bhutan. Generally the state of ground water quality at site and surroundings is expected to be good as no sources of ground water pollution such as industrial effluents discharge have been noticed.

4.1.7 Noise Levels in Project Area

59. Noise is an important environmental attribute for wind power projects as noise is generated from wind turbines. Data on measured noise levels is not available for the site and surroundings because currently NEC is generating noise levels at Phuentsholing and Thimphu. Major contributors to the ambient noise levels are commercial and industrial activities and vehicular traffic. At project site and surroundings noise is expected within the stipulated limits of NEC for Rural and Residential areas (55 dB(A) during day, and 45 dB(A) during night). This is because commercial activities and traffic around project site are very less and there is no industrial activity.

4.1.8 Aquatic Environment

60. Types of fishes and other aquatic species in Wong Chu river include eight exotic species like the coldwater trout and seven species introduced from warm water (down stream) namely Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Silver carp (Hypothalmicthys molitrix), Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mrigal (Cirrhius mrigala). The other of fish species reported in Wong Chu river are Schizothorax progastus (Asla), Schizothorax moleworthii, Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis, Crossocheilus latius, Tor putitora (mahseer), Tor tor (mahseer), Barilius barna, Barilius bendelisis, Puntius macropogon, Puntius sophore, Puntius ticto, Puntius titus, Barbus spp., Labeo dero, Garra annandalei, Garra gotyla, Danio aequipinnatus, Danio dangila, Brachydanio rerio, Botia Dario, Rasbora daniconius, Noemacheilous botia, Batasio, Mystus bleekeri, Mystus vittatus, Ompok pabda, Channa striatus and Mastacembelus armatus.

4.2 Ecological Resources

4.2.1 Protected Areas

61. There is no protected area in Chukha Dzongkhag. The nearest protected area is Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park (JSWNP). The distance from project site is about 50 km. Figure-6 shows the map of protected areas in Bhutan.

Figure 6: National Protected Areas and Biological Corridors of Bhutan

4.2.2 Habitat and Flora in Project Area and Surroundings

62. The Chukha Dzongkhag has 82.39 % of geographical area under forests. The dominant type of forest in project area surroundings is broad leaf. There is no forest at project site.

63. The project site is not habitat to any endangered species of fauna. The project area and surroundings have domesticated fauna.

64. The consultants have obtained list of trees from the Dzongkhag forest office. The names of tree species found are given below: in Table-3.

Table 3: Type of Trees in Project Area and Surroundings

S. No. Plants/Trees 1 Alnus nepalensis 2 Berberis arristata 3 Betula Spp 4 Boehmeria spp 5 Castopnis spp 6 Daphnephylum spp 7 Juglans regia 8 Larix griffithiana 9 Pinus wallichiana 10 Populus spp 11 Quercus griffithi 12 Quercus lanata 13 Querscus semecarpifolia 14 Rhus spp 15 Cupressus spp

S. No. Plants/Trees 16 Cryptomeria japonica 17 Acer cambelli Source: Chukha Dzongkhag Forest Office

4.2.3 Biodiversity

Species in Forest Areas of Chukha Dzongkhag

65. The dominant forest type in Dzongkha is broadleaf. In forest areas of Dzongkhag broad leaf forest is about 60%. The second dominant category of forest is mixed conifer forest. The forests in the protected areas mainly comprise of Subtropical forests, warm broadleaved forest and cool broadleaved forests. Trees commonly found in the Subtropical zone which extends 200 up to 1000 m include Bombax ceiba, Ailanthus grandis, Dillenia pentagyna, Duabange grandiflora, Schime wallichii, Tetrameles nudiflora, Mangifere sylvatica, terminalia myriocarpa, Ostodes paniculata and species of Musa, Polyalthia, Castanopsis, Cinnamomum, Fisus and Grewia.

66. The warm brodleaved zone extends from the elevation of 1,000 to 2,000 m and comprises of species such as Alnus nepalensis, Macaranga spp. Altinga Excelsa, Castanopsis indica, Michelia excels, Bombax spp., Ficus spp., Terminalia spp., Acacaia., Dalbergia., Mussaendra roxburghii Rhaphidophora species, Maesa spp., Albizzia spp., Dichroa febrifuga and Engellhardia spicata.

67. The cool broadleaved forest occur from 2,000 to 5000 m and comprise mainly of Betula alnodes, Elastotema spp., Symplocus spp., Lindera pulcherrima, Persea spp., Exbuckllandia populnea., Cantanopsis hystrix, Lithocarpus elegans, Eurya spp.,

Fauna and Avifauna in Project Site Surroundings

68. The consultants have obtained a list of fauna from the Dzongkhag forest office. The animals and birds in project area and surroundings are as follows:

Table 4: Animals and Birds in Project Area and Surroundings S. No. Animals Birds 1 Wild pig Drongos 2 Sambar Deer Shrikes 3 Barking Deer Swifts 4 Asiatic black bear Hoopoes 5 Common Leopard Quailis 6 Yellow Throated Martin Wood peckers 7 Langur Barbets 8 Macaque Fantails 9 Thrushes 10 Tits 11 Sparrows 12 Crow 13 Fly catchers

S. No. Animals Birds 14 Finches 15 Babblers Source: Chukha Dzongkhag Forest Office

69. None of the above mentioned faunal species (Birds and Animals) are listed in the list of Forest and Nature Conservation Act. As per discussion with Dzongkhag forest officials migratory birds do not visit Chukha as a whole. The names of protected wild life species and Birds mentioned in Schedule -1 A and Schedule -1 B of Forest and Nature Conservation Act are given in Table-5 below:

Table 5: Protected Wild Life Species and Birds Listed in the Forest and Nature Conservation Act. Schedule – IA - Protected wildlife Common Name Scientific Name Asian Elephant Elephus maximus Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa Golden Langur Presbytis geei Musk Deer Moschus Chrysogaster Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Pigmy Hog Sus sylvanicus Snow Leopard Panthera unica Takin Budorcas taxicolor Tiger Panthera tigris Wild Buffalo Bubalus bubalis Golden Masheer Tor tor Spotted Deer Axis axis Gaur Bos gaurus Leopard Panthera pardus Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis Himalayan Black Selenarctos thibetanus Bear Red Panda Ailurus fulgens Serow Capricirnis sumatraensis Protected Birds Common Name Scientific Name Black-Nacked Crane Grus nigricollis Monal Pheasant Lophophorus impejenus Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum Raven Corvus corax

Common Name Scientific Name Rufous-Necked Aceros nepalensis Hornbill Schedule – IB Protected Plant Species Local Name Common Name Botanical Name Agar/ agaru Eagle Wood Aquilaria malaccensis Yartsa-guenboop Chinese Caterpillar Cordyceps sinensis Pang-gen metog - Gentiana creassuloides - Snow Down Lily Llyodia yummanesis Tsher-ngeon Blue Poppy Meconopisis grandis Kirang-shing Yew Taxus baccata Bhreeng-geeadza - Panax pseudo-ginseng Ginseng

(a) Micro fauna

70. The project site and surroundings have significant insect diversity. These include Butterflies and moths (Lepidotera), Beetles (Coleoptera), Flies (dipteral), Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonate), True Bugs (Hemiptera), Cockroaches (Blattodea), Grass hoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), Ants, bees, wasps (Hymenoptera), Spiders (Arachnid). There are also frogs and toads (Anura).

4.3 Economic Development Resources

4.3.1 Land use, Industry and Agriculture

71. The land use of project site is industrial as land is in possession of Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC). The land use of proposed connecting road to wind power pilot project is barren private land. The predominant land use of Chukha Dzongkhag is forest. In Chukha Dzonkhag forest land is 82.39%. The area under cultivation is 9%.The percentage of area under settlement is about 0.3%. The area under pastures is around 4% Balance land use is in water bodies, and Rocky area. The area under settlement is very less due to the fact that population density of the country is 16 persons per square km. Due to the flat terrain, fertile sedimentary soil layers, and suitable climatic condition, most of the arable wetland is presently under rice cultivation.

72. Major crops produced in Chukha Dzongkhag include orange, potato, cardamom. Live stock rearing is a major occupation and provides opportunities for processing and trading in dairy products such as butter, cheese and milk because of availability of ready market.

73. Chukha Dzongkhag is endowed with tremendous economic opportunities as it has two special economic zones i.e. Phuentsholing as principal commercial centre and Pasakha as an industrial estate. The presence of two mega hydro power projects in Dzongkhag is another significant positive point. These two

mega hydro power project are Chukha Hydro Power and Tala Hydro Power. As a result Chukha is the highest revenue generating Dzongkhag in the country. The distance of Chukha hydro power is around 5 km from the wind power pilot project site.

4.3.2 Administrative Infrastructure and Community Facilities

74. The Dzongkhag administrative office at Chukha includes offices of revenue, land, forest, planning, etc. Chukha town as amenities such as bank, post office and communication centers.

75. The Chukha Dzonkhag has 17 community primary schools, 4 primary schools, 7 lower secondary schools, 5 middle secondary schools, 3 higher secondary schools, and 33 non formal education centers. The total number of students in these schools is 14794. Literacy rate in Dzongkhag is 63.1%. The health facilities in Dzongkhag include Hospitals, basic health units (BHU), and outreach clinics. Chukha Dozonkhag has 3 hospitals and 9 basic health units and 28 outreach clinics. The Chukha Dzongkhag has 3 RNR centers, 6 agriculture extension centres, 1, veterinary hospital,6 live stock centers, and 2 forestry extension centers.

4.3.3 Transportation

76. There are good transportation facilities in Chukha Dzongkhag. The Dzonkhag has National Highway length of 223 km, feeder road length of 206 km, farm road length of 28.4 km and power tiller track of 17 km. The Tsimalakha village near the project site is connected by 5.5 m wide bituminous road.

4.3.4 Electricity and Communication

77. The household close to Dzongkhag head quarters are electrified. As per information available Chukha Dzongdag number of house hold electrified are 10323. The electrification percentage in rural households is around 70%.

78. In Chukha Dzongkhag there are 3979 fixed lines of telephone, 368 rural communication facilities, 4 numbers of post offices and 15 numbers of bridges/suspension bridges. .

4.3.5 Water and Sanitation

79. In Chukha Dzonkhag there are 199 water supply schemes. The percentage of households covered with rural water supply is 62%. In the Dzongkhag number of households covered with toilets/latrines is 5832.

4.3.6 Tourism

80. Before the 1970’s only the Royal family had the authority to issue invitations to Bhutan, so almost all foreign visitors were Royal guests. The first time a large number of foreign visitors entered the kingdom was for the coronation of the fourth king in 1974, and this was followed soon after by the first paying tourists. Paro airport opened in 1983, and the newly-formed national airline,

Durk Air started operating flights to Kolkata. Tourism grew gradually, and in 1991 the industry was privatized, and numerous tourist agencies were established. Visitor numbers have continued to rise, particularly over the past few years, despite the requirement for all tourists to pay a non-refundable daily tariff of US $200 to the tour operator, for the cost of accommodation, food and internal travel. Tourism is now the third largest provider of foreign exchange in Bhutan, earning US $ 18.5 million in 2005 with 13,600 visitors.

81. The majority of tourists visit the Dzonghags with tourist resources such as Paro,Punuakha, and Wangduephodrang, which account for over 77% of the total bed nights. At present there is no popular tourist destination in Chukha Dzongkhag. But Dzongkhag admistration has long term plans to develop off season cultural tourism. The administration is exploring possibilities culture, adventure and sports tourism along the National Highway and river rafting at Ammo Chu(toorsa), Wang Chu (Raidak). Trekking routes such as Tala- Kalikhola route with its high potential for bird watching will also be promoted.

4.4 Social and Cultural Resources

4.4.1 Demography

82. The population of Bhutan includes many ethnic groups such as the Sharchops from the east, Ngalongs from the west, Khengpas from the central region, nomads from the north and Lhotshampas from the south. Because of the mix of ethnicities a wide variety of dialects is spoken, of which Dzongkha, Khengkha, Sharchop and various dialects of Nepali are the most common. The majority of the population is Buddhist (around 70%) and the remainders are mainly Hindu, mostly in the southern areas.

83. The population of Chukha Dzongkhag is 74387. The Dzongkhag has a sex ratio of 1:1. In Dzongkhag about 68% of the population is rural residents while 32% are urban dwellers. The average number of family members in each household is 4.56

4.4.2 History and Cultural

84. Chukha Dzongkhag was established in 1987, coinciding with the beginning of the sixth five year plan. The Dzongkhag has government owned, public as well as private Lhakhangs.

85. In Bhutan traditions are followed religiously. The male and female wear their traditional dress Kho and Kira. The same dress is worn in Chukha Dzongkhag also.

86. In Chukha Dzongkhag there are no culturally significant structures. Most of the larger villages have a temple, and there are smaller Buddhist shrines both inside and outside inhabited areas, and various other places or objects that are of significance to the community, including particular trees, river and other locations.

Chapter - 5

Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigating Measures

5.0 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigating Measures

87. This chapter, based on the baseline environmental features of wind power pilot project site and surroundings described in Chapter-4, presents anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures during construction and operation phases. Categorization of the wind power pilot project has been undertaken using Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist. REA uses sector-specific checklists that are developed based on the ADB’s past knowledge and experience. These checklists consist of questions relating to (i) the sensitivity and vulnerability of environmental resources at the project site and surroundings, and (ii) the potential for the project to cause significant adverse environmental impacts. Based on REA checklist this project falls in category B.

5.1 Environmentally Insignificant Issues

88. Environmentally insignificant issues for the proposed project are identified as under:

89. Though the Chukha Dzongkhag in which wind power pilot project is proposed to be located has forest area and wild life but there will be no impact on these as selected site is away from forest area. The site is subject to human interference as this is possession of BPC.

90. Based on checklist following impacts have been regarded as insignificant and reasons are given hereunder:  Physical Resources- Geology, climate and meteorology, and Ground water sources and quality  Ecological Resources- Protected areas, forest cover  Economic Development Resources- Tourism, Industry and Agriculture  Social and Cultural Resources- History and culture

5.2 Environmentally Significant Issues /Valued Environmental Component (VEC)

91. Based on the REA checklist, past experience of consultants, field visit and discussions with various government officials, following issues have been identified as valued environmental components and discussed below for impact assessment:

 Physical Resources- Topography and soil, air quality, ground water quality and sources during excavation,surface water sources and quality, noise levels, and aquatic environment  Ecological Resources- Biodiversity  Economic Development Resources- Community facilities, Transportation, electricity and communication, water and sanitation and demography

 Social and Cultural Resources- Demography

92. Since, the impacts are associated with different phases of the project, these have been discussed under each identified VEC phase-wise and the mitigation measures have been proposed for each of the potential adverse impacts identified

5.3 Topography and Soil- Environmental Impacts and Mitigations

5.3.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

93. During construction visible changes in topography of project site will be due to laying of foundations of wind turbines, erection of sub station, due to establishment of site office of the contractor, construction of access road to wind power pilot project site and providing connectivity to 11 kV grid. The wind mast has already been installed.

94. Impacts on soil of the area will be felt due to accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and paints during construction and due to improper disposal of construction wastes in project site surroundings.

(b) Operation Phase

95. During operation phase impacts on topography will be visible due to implementation of different components of project. The visible components at project site and surroundings to construct will include access road, overhead electric lines for grid connection, wind turbines and electric sub station. These changes in topography will be permanent till end of the project life.

96. During operation phase no impacts on soil are anticipated as there will be no generation of solid waste or liquid effluents due to operation of wind power pilot project.

5.3.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

97. The topographical changes due to construction and erection of the project components will not be pinching to the eyes. The construction duration will be for a maximum period of two months. The wind turbine is of low capacity and the movement of turbine blades will not be rapid.

98. In order to avoid impacts on soil the paints, lubricants, fuel oil, and other construction materials will be stored in tightly closed containers and these will be handled with utmost care. The contractor will create proper sanitation facilities at construction camp in the form of septic tanks or soak pits. The construction wastes will be utilized as far as possible in the fill works of access road. The non usable waste will be disposed off at site identified by the RED.

(b) Operation Phase

99. During operation phase to give aesthetically good look to the wind power plant and surroundings, the operator of the project will plant shrubs and low height trees in consultation with forest department. This plantation will be near the boundary of project site and on side slopes of connecting road.

100. Since no impacts on soil have been identified during construction phase, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.4 Ambient Air Quality

5.4.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

101. During construction phase impacts on air quality will be felt due to dust generation, plying of construction vehicles, operation of construction machinery, earth works at connecting road and project site. The foundation works for Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) will be for 2-3 days and their after curing of concrete for 21 days. Since the nearest habitation to project site is Tsimalakha village at a distance of about 800 m the impacts on air quality at this village are not anticipated.

(b) Operation Phase

102. During operation phase impact on ambient air quality will be felt due to plying of vehicles for maintenance and repair.

5.4.2 Mitigation of Measures

(a) Construction Phase

103. The implementing agency (RED) will ensure that all vehicles and machinery used in the construction is properly maintained and have pollution under control certificates. To control dust emissions at plant site and connecting road the contractor will take regular water spray. The water spray frequency will be twice a day (minimum) i.e. in the morning and afternoon.

(b) Operation Phase

104. During operation phase there will be occasional movement of vehicles for inspection, scheduled maintenance and emergency repair. The vehicles with pollution under control certificates will be used. This will ensure no adverse impact on ambient air quality.

5.5 Ground and Surface Water Sources and Quality

5.5.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

105. During construction phase impacts on surface water quality and sources will be felt due to consumption of water in construction activities of wind power pilot project and access road. Impact on water quality will also be felt due to unauthorized and improper dumping of construction wastes in surface water sources and flow of storm run-off over improperly stored construction materials. The construction material/ construction wastes, if find their way in Wong Chu River, will have adverse impacts on aquatic life. The water consumption during construction is not to exceed 50 m3/day for all activities including dust suppression. The impacts will also be felt due to erosion of the road embankment during monsoon season if there are not adequate cross drainage structures and proper compaction of side slope.

106. During construction impacts on ground water sources may be felt due to excavation for turbine foundations and for the access road, if they are present at project site and alignment of access road. There are no ground water sources in the alignment of access road and project site area. Hence impact on ground water sources and quality is ruled out.

(b) Operation Phase

107. During operation phase there will be requirement of water for green belt in initial two years during non monsoon months and there will be no requirement of water to operate the wind power pilot project. There will also not be generation of any liquid effluents during the operation phase. Impacts will be felt if proper drainage system is not provided for connecting road and plant site. During operation phase no impacts on ground water quality and availability are anticipated.

5.5.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) During Construction Phase

108. In order to minimize the impacts adequate cross drainage structures have been planned in road design. The access road will be close to the toe of the hill there will be significant run off during monsoon. There are two minor natural streams flowing from the uphill on the proposed alignment of access road. There will be adequate size culverts for these streams. At project site during construction temporary drainage arrangement will be provided so that storm water does not take away the construction material. All construction works will be planned during non monsoon months. Proper drainage arrangement will be designed for the plant site. The water for the construction works will be drawn from the nearest surface water source or from the supply source of Dzongkhag administration with due permission. The embankment and side slopes of connecting road will be properly compacted.

109. The water consumption for green belt plantation will be during initial two years. The plant operator will arrange water for the irrigation of green belt during non monsoon months. No impact on account of soil erosion at connecting road are anticipated because side slopes will be properly stabilized after first monsoon there will be growth of natural vegetation. Proper drainage system for wind power pilot project site will be designed.

5.6 Ambient Noise Levels

5.6.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

110. Noise is an important environmental attribute in wind power projects. This is because noise is generated from rotor movement and wind turbine generator. During construction noise will be generated due to plying of construction vehicles and machinery at plant construction site, grid connectivity corridor (50 m in length) and access road. There is a single house at a distance of 210 m from the proposed wind power plant site. The distance of Tsimalakha village from plant site is about 800 m. The plant site construction impacts will not be felt at Tsimalakha village. At this village noise due to construction activities of access road may be felt especially during early stage of road construction. The noise generation due to road construction activities will be intermittent in nature. The noise due to road construction activities will not be felt this household.

111. At the single house close to plant site noise impacts are not likely to be felt from plant site also as construction activities will mainly be for foundations of WTG and wind mast, erection of sub stations, site drainage construction, etc. It may be mentioned that construction noise will be temporary in nature and will last for construction duration of 3-4 months.

(b) Operation Phase

112. In the operation phase noise will be generated due to rotor movement through the air from the turbine operation. The noise will also be generated due vehicle movement and machinery operation around project site for maintenance and repair purposes. The noise levels due to vehicle movement and machinery operation will be intermittent and occasional. These will not be felt beyond 200 m distance from the project site. There is no household within 200 m distance therefore no impacts are anticipated due to vehicle movement for repair and maintenance. The rotor blades moving through air produce aerodynamic noise. This aerodynamic noise is detectable when it is greater than ambient noise levels generally at wind speed between the turbine cut in wind speeds (wind speed at which turbine starts generating electricity) and up to 8-9 m/s. In addition to rotor noise there is generation of tonal noise from the turbine during movement. This noise is low frequency noise. This low frequency noise is harmful to human body.

113. The proposed project is of smaller capacity (360 kW) with 2 turbine

generators, of 180 kW each. The noise level generations from these turbines at different distances are as follows:

Noise Level Distance to WTG Contour 300kW capacity 750 kW capacity 180 kW capacity turbine with rotor turbine with rotor turbine with rotor diameter 30 m , Diameter 57 m, Diameter 32 m, Hub Height 50m* Hub height 60 m Hub Height 30 m 45 dB(A) 175 m 278 m 190 m 40 dB(A) 319 m 498 m 330 m 35 dB(A) 551 m 816 m 554 m

114. The National Environmental Commission, the Statutory Authority in Bhutan, for environmental legislation compliance stipulates the limits of noise levels as 55 dB(A) for ‘Day’ time ( 0600 -2100 hours) and 45 dB(A) for ‘Night’ time (2100- 0600 hours). It is clear from the above table that distance of occurrence of 45 dB(A) for 180 kW capacity turbine is 190 m. The distance of single household from proposed location of turbine is 210 m hence noise levels are not bound to exceed the specified limits. The impact on Tsimalakha village due to wind power pilot project operation will not be felt as it is about 800 m distance from plant site. At the project site and surroundings there are no activities, the background levels during night time are not expected to exceed 40 dB (A). In the operation phase the incremental noise due to cumulative operations of two turbines will not exceed 3 dB (A). Hence predicted noise level at single household during night hours is 43 dB (A), which is well within the prescribed limits of NEC. Since post project noise levels are meeting night time prescribed levels these will automatically meet day time limits as these limits are higher by 10 dB(A).

5.6.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

115. The impacts from construction activities will be intermittent in nature. In order to avoid any disturbance to locals, at Tsimalakha village, during access road construction no works will be carried out during ‘Night’ time. Similarly no construction activity will be taken up during night hours at plant site. The noise

generated during construction phase will be limited during construction phase which will be of 3-4 months period.

(b) Operation Phase

116. During operation phase noise levels at the single household identified at 210 m are not likely to exceed the prescribed standards, but to ensure that these are not exceeding, the noise levels will be measured during operation phase for 7 consecutive days to cover entire range of wind speeds prevailing at site. In case these are found to exceed the noise mitigation measures in the form of noise barrier (in the form of composite wall) on three sides (north, south and west) of house will be built. In addition to this plantation will also be taken up along eastern boundary of plant (towards the single household) to attenuate the noise and to provide good aesthetic look to wind power plant site. Shrub plantation will also be taken up on side slopes of roads. Necessary budget has been built in Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for these mitigation measures.

5.7 Aquatic Environment

5.7.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

117. The impact on aquatic environment is due to disposal of liquid effluents, solid wastes or construction wastes in the water body. There is no perennial water body having aquatic life. Wong Chu River is at about 3.0 km from the plant site. The chances of construction wastes reaching to Wong Chu are very remote hence no impact is envisaged on aquatic life during construction phase.

(b) Operation Phase

118. During operation phase there will be no generation of liquid effluents and solid phase from the wind power pilot project. Hence no impact on aquatic environment is anticipated.

5.7.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

119. During construction phase no impacts have been identified, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

(b) Operation Phase

120. During operation phase no impacts have been identified, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.8 Habitat and Forest

5.8.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

121. The project site is not in forest area and neither the forest is located in the immediate vicinity. The project site is not in habitat area of wild life. No tree cutting is involved for the establishments of wind power pilot project, access road, and connection of grid. There will be removal of vegetation for the creation of the facilities.

(b) Operation Phase

122. In the operation phase there will be no impact on forest as project site is not on forest area. The impacts of noise evaluated indicate that beyond 200 m noise levels will be within the stipulated limits of NEC for Rural/Residential category. There is no habitat of wild life within 200 m therefore no impacts are anticipated.

5.8.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

123. No impacts have been identified during construction phase on habitat and forest, therefore no mitigation measures are warranted.

(b) Operation Phase

124. No impacts have been identified during operation phase on habitat and forest, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.9 Biodiversity

5.9.1 Impacts

Construction Phase

125. No impact on flora is anticipated during construction phase because there are no requirements of tree cutting in any of the component of wind power pilot project. As evident from Photographs of site vegetation is also not much at project

126. Since there is no water river or lake within a distance of 3 km, therefore, project area and surroundings do not attract avifauna (birds) and fauna. There is no evidence of any endangered species of flora and fauna in the project area and surroundings, therefore, no impact on biodiversity is anticipated. The project area is not on migratory path of birds as migratory birds do not visit Chukha Dzongkhag as a whole. Hence no impact on biodiversity is anticipated during construction phase.

Operation Phase

127. In operation phase positive impact on biodiversity is anticipated because plantation is planned along the eastern boundary of plant to attenuate the noise and shrubs plantation on side slopes of access roads.

Accidental Bird Hits

There may be accidental bird hits on turbine blades. The chances of these hits will be rare as birds will be distracted due to turbine noise.

5.9.2 Mitigation Measures

128. Since no impacts have been identified during construction and operation phases therefore no mitigation measures are warranted. To avoid accidental bird hits the turbine blades will be painted with red.

5.10 Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement

5.10.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

129. There will be no change in land use of wind power pilot project site as land is already in possession of Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd. However, there will be change in land use of land proposed to be acquired for access road. The current land use is private land. This will be converted to road use. The land to be acquired for connecting road is around 4400 m2. There will be no change in land use of land through which grid connectivity to 11 kV grid is planned.

(b) Operation Phase

130. In operation phase there will be no change in land use of any land as all changes will take place before start of construction phase.

5.10.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

131. The Dzongkhag administration will acquire land for the access road. Four land owners have been identified in the entire length of 800m. The land owner’s will be provided either compensation as per RGOB laws or they will be provided land in lieu of current land at other location. More details on this are covered in ‘Short Resettlement Plan (SRP)’ in separate cover.

(b) Operation Phase

132. Since no impacts have been identified in operation phase on land use therefore no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.11 Common Property Resources and Utilities

5.11.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

133. During construction phase there will be no impact on common property resources such as Schools, hospital, BHU or ORC, water supply sources, telephone line or poles as none of these are present at wind power project site or access road land. There is presence of 66 kV line pylon on the site of wind power, but this will not be disturbed during construction.

134. No religious structure such as Chortein, Lakhang and temple will be affected during construction phase as none of these is present at project site and on access road.

(b) Operation Phase

135. There will be no impact on common property resources mentioned above, utilities and religious places during operation phase.

5.11.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

136. The 66 kV line and pylon on site of wind power pilot project will not be relocated. The plant layout will be designed in such a way that there is no interference of wind power pilot project construction with this line and pylon. It is planned to provide connectivity to 11 kV grid from WTG through under ground cable within plant boundary and thereafter through overhead wires. This is being done to minimize interference with 66 kV grid present at site.

(b) Operation Phase

137. During operation phase no impacts have been identified on common property resources and utilities, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.12 Traffic and Transport

5.12.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

138. During construction the trucks carrying construction materials, equipment and machinery of windpower plant will ply on the connecting road from National Highway (Thimphu-Phuentsholing) to Tsimalakha. The turbine blade length is 11 km therefore there will be disruption to local traffic on national highway and connecting road to Tsimalakha. The turbine will be transported only when construction of access road is complete. The transportation of construction material may lead to inconvenience to local traffic.

(b) Operation Phase

139. During operation phase there will be movement of vehicles and machinery on the road connecting Tsimalakha with National Highway for scheduled maintenance and emergency repair. This movement will be occasional. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated on this account.

5.12. 2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

140. In order to minimize inconvenience to locals due to vehicle and machinery movement during construction phase a construction traffic schedule will be prepared in consultation with Dzongkhag administration. The construction traffic will last only 3-4 months as construction period is 4 months. No construction traffic will ply in night time on the road connecting Tsimalakha village to National Highway. This measure will be taken to avoid inconvenience to locals due to construction traffic noise. For transport of wind turbine from Phuentsholing to plant site through National Highway proper consultation and help will be taken from Dzongkhag administration so that traffic on National Highway is least disturbed.

(b) Operation Phase

141. During operation phase no significant adverse impacts have been identified, therefore, no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.13 Aviation Hazards

142. No aviation hazards will be created by the project as project site is not in flight path. In addition, blades will be marked with red bands to make the structure more visible. The wind mast height is 50 m only and this height is not bound to cause any aviation hazards.

5.14 Human Health

5.14.1 Impacts

(a) Construction Phase

143. During construction phase no adverse impacts on health are anticipated as mitigation measures planned will ensure no impacts beyond 500m. More over construction duration is only 4 months. In this short duration no adverse impacts on health of community residing at Tsimalakha village are anticipated.

(b) Operation Phase

144. During operation phase no negative impacts are anticipated as impact of noise is not expected beyond 200m and within 200 m there is no habitation or household. The distance of nearest household is 210 m.

5.14.2 Mitigation Measures

(a) Construction Phase

145. Since no adverse impacts have been identified therefore no mitigation measures are warranted.

(b) Operation Phase

146. Since no adverse impacts have been identified therefore no mitigation measures are warranted.

5.15 Positive Social and Environmental Benefits

147. The proposed project will use wind energy for electricity generation. The wind energy is a clean, sustainable and renewable energy. The project will have a host of environmental and social benefits, including:

 Use of clean and sustainable wind energy;  The proposed pilot project will support the RGoB’s strategy to: diversify energy resources, enhance long term energy security, and generate additional power to meet the growing peak demand in the winter; and  No loss of energy in transmission as grid is available at project site.

5.16 Safety Features in Wind Power Pilot Project

148. The wind power pilot project will have safety features to minimise damages to its components during natural disasters such as earthquakes and high wind storms. The turbine foundations will be earthquake resistant. The turbine blades will stop movement at a wind speed exceeding 25 m/s. this will avoid damage to blades.

5.17 Conclusion

149. Based on the above discussion it is concluded that negative impacts due to wind power pilot project are limited. These can be mitigated to an acceptable level with the help of mitigation measures suggested above. .

Chapter – 6 Analysis of Alternatives

6.0 Analysis of Alternatives

150. A number of alternatives were considered for wind power pilot project. These included a) No Project Scenario (No implementation of project), b) Project Scenario and c) Use of other form of energy. Each alternative is discussed below.

6.1 No Project Scenario

151. Currently Bhutan is solely dependent on hydro electric power. The country faces power shortage problem in winter months when performance of hydro electric power reduces. The recent global warming phenomenon compels to explore other sources of energy, so that in case of low hydro power generation, on account of low flow in rivers, the other sources can supplement power requirement. Power is a key requirement for economic development. The other sources of power are non conventional energy resources. If other sources of clean and sustainable energy are not tapped the situation of power shortage will further escalate and economic development will also become slow. The ‘No Project scenario’ is also not helpful to the environment protection.

6.2 Project Scenario

152. The project scenario will provide clean and sustainable form of energy. The project will help to strategize energy sources in Bhutan for future. The power shortage problem during winter will be solved as on success of this pilot project its multiplication will be very fast. The power availability will help to achieve RGOB’s goal of ‘Electrification for All by 2013’. Wind Power is successful in other Asian countries such as India, Maldives and China. The project scenario will help in faster economic development of the country.

6.3 To Explore Other Forms of Energy

153. The possible non conventional energy sources in the country are solar, wind and biomass (thermal by burning wood chips etc.). In the current project SHLS installations are also being taken up where there is low wind and installation of wind power not feasible due to techno-economic reasons. At the selected site of wind energy, solar potential is very low and thus SHLS installation will not be possible due to techno-economic reasons. The energy generation from thermal power will result in air pollution. Therefore, wind energy is the preferable choice for exploration to be connected to grids as small-middle size electricity sources as far as favorable sites can be available. In conventional sources thermal generation of power with coal as a fuel is not a good option for the country due to fragile ecology of the country. The coal power plants also results in

37 fly ash and liquid effluent generation. The disposal of fly ash is a big problem in other neighboring countries such as India and China. The coal based thermal power plants are not suitable due to difficult terrain of the country and dispersion of air pollutants will not be effective.

6.4 Comparison of Alternatives

154. Based on the discussion above all three options have been compared in the Table-6 below:

Table 1: Comparison of Alternatives Parameters No Project Scenario Project Scenario Other form of Energy (Thermal Power Plant) Economic No project scenario  The project  Thermal Power Plants cost will be cheaper as scenario will require will be of High cost and there will be no investment and may not be feasible to investment for wind economic cost may install due to terrain and power and on be higher techno-economic account of load  ADB is providing reasons shedding in winter financial assistance  There will be high import there will be to project as a grant cost for coal as there reduced therefore, no impact are no coal reserves in consumption on exchequer of the the country. resulting into low country. electricity bills Development Economic  Power will be  Since other power al impacts & development in available round the sources for grid people’s country will be slow year without any connection are not perception because of non load shedding. It will feasible, therefore, non availability of power result in fast availability of power will economic result into slow development of economic development country Social The lighting is poor  Clean and  No social benefits benefits in kerosene and renewable energy using coal. Similarly candles usages.  This will help in no social benefits in This poor lighting electrification of wood chip incineration will cause problem rural household to as its collection will be in working and achieve the target time consuming and

38 Parameters No Project Scenario Project Scenario Other form of Energy (Thermal Power Plant) studying of RGOB difficult. ‘Electricity for ALL by 2013  The social benefits will be in the form of better quality of life of rural poor Environmenta No project scenario  No environmental l impacts will not result into impacts as noise  Thermal power plants any environmental levels likely to be will result into huge air benefits as project within the limits pollution and solid scenario does not beyond 200 m waste generation. result into any from plant site. environmental There are no losses such as tree households within cutting, air pollution 200 m distance of or water pollution site.

Health No impact on health  Noise pollution  Adverse impacts on in no project identified. health due high level scenario Mitigation of air pollution from measures planned thermal power plants.

6.5 Conclusion

155. Based on the discussion above it is concluded that project scenario will help to strategise non conventional electricity generating resources in the country. The project will generate 360 kW of energy and will help in realisation of RGOB objective of ‘Electricity for All’ by 2013. The ‘No Project Scenario’ is not resulting into economic, social and environmental benefits. The other sources of power generation will result into high air pollution and solid waste generation. In the light of this project scenario is the best alternative in the current situation.

Chapter – 7 Information Disclosure and Consultations

7.0 Information Disclosure and Consultations

7.1 Introduction

156. The successful implementation of the project requires co-ordinated efforts of all stakeholders at different levels. Hence, consultation at different levels was used as a tool to inform and educate stakeholders about the proposed action both before and after the project implementation decisions were made. Public consultation was useful for gathering environmental data, understanding likely impacts and community’s needs and preferences. The consultation in current project was more important as there is requirement of land acquisition for access road development and for providing connectivity to 11 kV grid.

157. Various alternatives could be evolved and sustainable mitigation measures could be formulated through consultations. It assisted in identification of the problems associated with the project as well as the needs of the population likely to be impacted. This participatory process helped in convincing the people’s perception and enabled the participation of the local people in the decision making process. The involvement of the various stakeholders ensured that the targeted population and other stakeholders are informed, consulted and are allowed to participate at various stages of project advancements.

7.2 Objectives

158. The main objective of the consultation process was to inform the stake holders, seek their inputs and to maximize the benefits of the project. Other objectives of the consultation process were the following:

. To promote public awareness about the wind power pilot project; . To educate the communities/individuals about benefits of project; . To solicit the views of communities/individuals residing close to project and/or being impacted by the project ; . To gather inputs from the targeted population/project affected persons for improvement in project configuration and implementation procedure; . To stimulate community self evaluation and analysis and; . To ensure lessening of public resistance to change by providing them a platform in the decision making process

7.3 Methodology Adopted for Public Consultations

7.3.1 Stages and Levels of Consultation

159. The consultations were taken up right from start of PPTA project to finalize the scope of project in all three renewable energy components. For this project inception workshop was organised by the PPTA Consultants on December 03, 2009.

160. Public consultations have been held at three levels as follows:

. Local level: consultations at Tsimalakha village with project affected persons and general public . Dzongkhag level consultations involving Dzongadag, local BPC officials , local forest department officials, Dzongkhag environmental officer, land record officials ; and . Institutional level consultations with National Environmental Commission(NEC), Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd., Department of Energy, JICA, ADB, etc..

Tools for Consultation

(i) Formal/Informal discussion

161. During visits to Chukha formal discussions have been held with Dzondag and informal discussion with locals, Gup (village head) and project affected persons

162. A checklist of questions was kept ready and responses were elicited from people.

(ii) Institutional Level / Stake Holders Consultative Workshop (Inception Workshop)

163. The institutional level consultations were held with representatives of institutions having stakes in implementation of the project. The institutions contacted included NEC, BPC, Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Live Stocks( Ministry of Agriculture and Forests), Policy & Planning Division of MOEA

164. An inception workshop was organized on December 03, 2009 by the PPTA consultants and all institutional stakeholders were invited with a view to invite comments and suggestions on the all three components of the project.

7.3.2 Contents

165. The consultation with institutional officials focused on the following issues: . Project description: - Need for renewable form of Energy from biogas, solar and wind; . Advantages and low level of pollution(emissions/effluents/solid wastes); . The extent and nature of social and environmental impacts; and . People’s participation in planning, implementation and monitoring & evaluation stage.

7.4 Summary of Dzongkhag Level and Local Level Consultations

166. The consultations at Tsimalakha village and Dzongkhag levels were held on December 16, 2009 and March 26, 2010. . The details of discussion and views of participants are given below. The list of participants is given in

Appendix-01.

7.4.1 Public Consultations with Chukha Dzongdag, Dzongkhag Land Record officer, Dzongkhag Environmental officer, Tshimasham Forest Ranger and Dzongkhag Planning Officer on December 16, 2009 and March 26, 2010

167. Environmental and Social Experts of PPTA Consultants team and Mr. Nar Bahadur, Assistant Executive Engineer RED met Chukha Dzongdag and officials. A prior intimation in writing was sent to Dzongdag from the RED about purpose of consultations. The Dzongdag welcomed the project and assured that all help will be provided to RED and consultants so that project is implemented in his Dzongkhag. The Dzongdag and environmental officer informed that at Tsimalkha no migratory birds are coming because site is away from Wong Chu River and at an elevation. The nearest protected area from Tsimalakha is JSWNP at about 50 km from the project site. The Dzongdag informed that district administration can acquire the land for the project and land owners will be provided compensation as per RGOB laws and in case they want land for the land that can also be provided by the Dzongkhag administration as land is available at other location.

7.4.2 Public Consultation at Project Site near Tsimalakha Chiwog (Village) on December 16,2009 and March 26, 2010

168. There were 3 participants in December consultations and 8 participants in March consultation. The participants included project affected persons (PAPs) of access road, owner of the household closest to the wind power site and owner of the plot through which overhead line from plant site to grid will pass to provide connectivity to 11 kV grid. All participants welcomed the project and they were happy that the existing road to Tsimalakha will be improved and access road to be constructed from Tsimalakha village to plant site will increase the land cost of the area. The owner of the single household closest to the plant site said that he has no objection for the installation of the plant. He suggested that plantation in general should be taken up at plant site and locally grown trees should be planted. The land owners of access road said that they have no

objection for access road and will accept compensation or land for land what ever is offered by the Government. The Consultants informed the participants that due to operation of wind turbine there will be generation of noise and in night time slightly higher noise levels may be felt up to 200m distance. The participants said that they have no objections for that as during night wind also makes a lot of noise. The consultants informed that after installation of plant noise levels will be measured at various distances during day and night for 7 consecutive days and if noise levels at single household exceed more than prescribed than noise mitigation measures in the form of noise barrier wall on three sides of house (North, east and west ) and/or plantation on eastern direction along the boundary of plant will be provided to bring down the noise levels well within the acceptable limits. The house owner and participants welcomed and accepted these mitigation measures. The participants in general suggested for proper arrangement of drainage at access road and plant site as in monsoon months there is huge run off from hill on eastern side of plant site. The consultants replied that design and layout of the plant and design of access road will take care of this concern. The land record officer informed that there are 4 land owners in the Right of Way (RoW) of access road and single land owner through which grid connectivity for a length of 163 m will be provided. The land owner of this land has no objection for providing connectivity to 11 kV grid through overhead line through his land.

169. The consultants informed that during construction there will be slight generation dust due to plying of construction vehicles, operation of construction machinery and material handling at construction site. One of the participants suggested that water spray should be carried out and construction activity and transportation of construction materials should not be at night.

7.5 Addressal of Public Concerns in the Project Design

170. The project has tried its best to address the issues raised during the Public Consultations. Summary of issues raised and addressal has been given below in Table-7.

Table 7: Addressal of General Issues and Concerns under the Project

Issue/Concern Addressal under the Project Locally grown trees The locally grown trees in consultation with forest should be planted at plant department will be planted in eastern boundary of plant site and on side slopes of to arrest noise level at single house access road There is strong storm run Adequate cross drainage structures planned in the off during monsoon from access road and proper drainage arrangements will be hill and proper provided at plant site. For this a storm water drainage arrangement for drainage system is being designed and this will be implemented. at plant site and at access road should be there

Issue/Concern Addressal under the Project Water spray should be The Consultants and RED assured that necessary carried out to suppress conditions will be put in the contract so that there is no the dust and construction construction activity and transportation of construction activity and transportation materials in the night. These mitigation measures will of construction materials also be mentioned in the EMP. should not be carried out during night time

7.6 Conclusion

171. Based on the above discussion it is concluded that all concerns of the stakeholders have been taken into account in the project preparation. The suggestions of institutional stake holders have also been taken into account through inception workshop and through circulation of deliverables of consultants to all concerned departments of RGOB.

Chapter – 8 Grievance Redress Mechanism

8.0 Grievance Redress Mechanism

172. In the wind Power pilot project no major environmental issues have been identified. Hence no complaints related to environment are anticipated but to address any unforeseen environmental issues during construction and operation RED has formulated a grievance redress mechanism to resolve the complaints. The RED will appoint a project manager not below the rank of executive engineer to supervise and implement the wind power pilot project. The project manager will be responsible for the implementation of EMP. During the construction phase a complaint register will be available at site office of project manager. This will be accessible to public. Any complaint received will be resolved by the project manger within a period of 7 days.

173. It is expected that RED will appoint an Operator to operate and maintain the Wind Power Pilot Plant. The likely operators are Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. (DGPC) or Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) Ltd. The operator will appoint a Plant Manager who will be stationed at Chukha/Tsimalakha. The complaint register will be available at Plant manager’s office. Any complaint received will be resolved by Plant Manager. In case Plant Manager is not able to resolve the complaint, the Project Manager at RED will provide back up support to Plant manager. The Environmental Management Plan implementation will be part of Terms of Reference (TOR) of the operator and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) costs will be part of operation cost. Any complaints received by the plant manager will be resolved within a period of 7 days. The RED will adopt an open door policy to receive any suggestions for better management and operation. .

Chapter – 9 Institutional Requirements, Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

9.0 Institutional Requirements, Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

9.1 Institutional Requirements

174. The Wind Power Pilot project will be implemented and monitored by the Renewable Energy Division (RED) under the Department of Energy (DOE) of Ministry of Economic Affairs hence RED will be the Implementation Agency (IA).

175. Department of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) will be the Executive Agency (EA). Responsibility of EMP implementation will lie with Project Manager Wind power Pilot Project during construction. During operation an operator will be appointed by the RED. The likely operators are Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. (DGPC) or Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd. (BPC). The EMP implementation will be part of ToR of the operator. The EMP cost will be part of operation cost of the plant. The Plant Manager of the operator will be responsible for implementation of EMP during operation phase.

176. RED shall be responsible for ensuring compliance to environmental requirements of the ADB as well as National Environmental Commission (NEC). All reporting requirements will be done by Project Manager Wind Power Pilot Project.

177. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be a part of training program to be given to the staff of operator by the Project Manager Wind Power Pilot Project.

178. All the statutory clearances (at national, Dzongkhag and local levels) if required for the implementation of the Wind Power Pilot Project would be obtained by the RED in compliance with the national/state/local laws and regulations and in accordance with ADB’s environmental policy and guidelines.

9.2 Environment Monitoring Plan

179. To ensure the effective implementation of mitigation measures and environmental management plan, during construction and operation phase of the Wind Power Pilot Project, it is essential that an effective Environmental Monitoring Plan is followed as given in Table 8.

180. The RED will have a Project Manager Wind Power Pilot Power Project, who will also monitor the environmental management plan compliances during construction and during operation EMP implementation will be looked after by Plant Manager of the Operator.

Table 8: Environmental Monitoring Plan Environmental Project Parameter Location Duration / Implementation Supervision Component stage Frequency A: Construction Stage Ambient Air Quality in Construction  Dust suppression  Access road, Project  Twice a day  Construction Project Manager the vicinity Project through water site and grid (once in morning, Manager at site Wind Power Pilot and access road sprinkling connectivity RoW of 163 and once in Project -RED construction m Length, Construction afternoon material storages piles Noise Levels Construction  Noise generation due  Tsimalkha village,  Once during  Construction Project Manager to construction single house close to construction Manager at site Wind Power Pilot activity, noise level project road Project -RED measurements( hourly Leq, Day and Night Leq, Levels) through portable digital noise meter Temporary drainage Construction  Visual observation for  Site and access road  Before start of  Construction Project Manager arrangements at site, temporary drainage monsoon Manager at site Wind Power Pilot access road arrangement at site Project -RED and access road under construction B: Operation Stage Noise Levels Operation  Leq Day (dB(A)), Leq  Tsimalakha Village,  Continuously for  Plant Manager of Project Manager night(dB(A)), Single House near seven days to Operator Wind Power Pilot L10(dB(A)),, L50 project site cover all wind Project -RED (dB(A)), L90(dB(A)), speed ranges Survival of Plantation Operation  Ensure minimum  Plant site, side slopes of  Once a year  Plant Manager of Project Manager of shrubs at plant site survival of 80% of access road before onset of Operator Wind Power Pilot and side slopes of planted saplings monsoon Project -RED access road Leq= Equivalent Sound Pressure Level, L10 = Level of Noise Exceeding 10% of Time, L50= Level of Noise Exceeding 50% of Time, L90 = Level of noise exceeding 90% of time

9.3 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

181. The Environmental Management Plan is meant for mitigation/management/ avoidance of the negative impacts. For each mitigative measure to be taken, its location, timeframe, implementation and overseeing /supervising responsibilities are listed in the EMP.

182. The identified impacts and suggested mitigation measures with institutional responsibilities are tablated in Table 9.

Table 9: Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts A. Pre Construction and Construction Phase 1-Contamination of soil  Provide proper sanitation  Spillage of fuel, Visual Contractor(s) Construction Incidental due camp establishment, facilities such as septic tank lubricants, observations Manager RED to works construction waste and soak pits at construction paints daily disposal and accidental camps  Handling of spillage of fuel,  Use all construction waste in construction lubricants, paints, embankment filling of access waste construction road as far as possible the vehicle/machinery  Vehicle/ waste which can not be used maintenance, etc. machinery should be disposed off at maintenance site approved by RED and refueling  Handle all liquid materials such as paints, fuels and lubricants with utmost care and store in containers. All construction vehicles/ machinery maintenance should be done at workshop. All refueling should be done with utmost care 2 Ambient Air Quality  All construction vehicles and Dust generation Every Day Contractor(s) Construction Incidental

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts machinery to conform to due to during Manager RED to Works emission standards and construction construction should have pollution under activity and phase control certificates transport of construction  There will be regular water materials spray at least twice a day at construction site of access road, grid connectivity and plant site  All construction materials will be stored under shed as far as possible to reduce chances of suspension dust due to wind  Covered vehicles/trucks will be used to avoid material spillage during transport

3 Surface water quality  No construction waste Clear temporary During entire Contractor(s) Construction Included in and consumption materials will be disposed off drainage Manager RED project construction in any surface water sources arrangements at implementa site, permission phase tion cost  Contractor will take from Dzongkhag permission from district administration for administration to take water water use, soil

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts for construction purposes erosion measures from river/Government water on side slopes of supply access road  Temporary drainage arrangements will be provided for storm water run off at plant site and access road construction site  Adequate cross drainage structures will be designed in access road for storm water run off of hill  Construction materials will be properly stored so that they are not washed away with storm water flow  Provide temporary protection measures for soil erosion at side slope of access road and avoid works during monsoon

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts

4 Noise Levels  All construction equipment Noise levels due Every day Contractor(s) Construction Included in and machinery and to all construction Manager project during equipment will be fitted with activities and implementa exhaust silencers transportation of construction tion cost construction  All DG sets to be used in materials construction will be with acoustic enclosures and will comply with the local prescribed noise levels  Blasting if required will be carried out during day time only. The blasting will not be continuous. Locals will be given notice about blasting. All local laws will be complied with during blasting. Blasting will not be carried out during night time  All practical measures including portable noise barriers will be taken to control the noise generation due to construction activities.

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts  No construction activities and transportation of construction materials will be taken up during night time

Biodiversity of Project  Ensure no tree is felled Removal of During entire Contractor(s) Construction n/a Area and Surroundings during construction of project vegetation during Manager construction road, access road and for site clearing providing grid connectivity phase  Ensure that there is no burning of wood and cutting of unauthorized trees by the construction workers for cooking of food or for heating from the project area and surroundings  Workers shall be trained not to hunt the local fauna. They shall be trained not to carry out the fishing in Wong Chu river and other tributaries of river

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts

Compensation for land The compensation / land for Compensation Before start of Dzongkhag RED In case of acquisition for access land shall be provided first /land for land administration land construction road before taking possession of acquisition land of 4 PAPs for the access works cost will be road included in project implementa tion cost

Memorandum of  RED will obtain an No Obtaining NOC Before start of RED DOE n/a understanding with land Objection Certificate and will and signing of construction owner through which over sign a memorandum of MoU head lines to pass for understanding to pass the works providing connectivity overhead electric lines with 11 kV grid through the land

Common Property  The contractor will ensure  Safe transport Entire Contractor(s) Construction Cost built Resources (CPRs) and that there are no damages to of construction Manager into construction utilities implementa common property materials, resources( school, BHU, plants and duration tion cost ORC, water supply line, machinery

telephone cable/phone,

electric supply line/cable) by

transporting construction materials, plant and

machinery to the site (No

access road land)  Safe work at Cost built

 It will be ensured that there is into construction Contractor(s) Construction damage to 66 kV line and implementa site Manager pylon present at plant site tion cost

Traffic and Transport During transport of wind During RED DoE n/a turbine proper traffic Construction management plan will be Phase prepared for National Highway while transporting from Phuentsholing to Chukha and then Chukha to Tsimalakha so that normal traffic is not disturbed

Aviation Hazards Although Tsimalakha project Marking of red RED DoE n/a site is not in flight path but to band on blades ensure that no such hazards exist ( in case Chukha is connected by Air) the blades will be marked with RED band so that these are visible from a distance

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts

Availability of first aid kits The contractor will ensure Availability of Entire Duration Contractor(s) Construction Included in at construction camps availability of 2-3 first aid kits dressing Manager project of Construction at construction camp and materials, and implementa sites. These first aid kits will medicines tion cost. have availability of adequate sterilized dressing materials and medicines as per requirements

Occupational safety and Contractor will comply with all Entire Duration Contractor(s) Construction Included in Health precautions as required for Manager project of Contracts safety of workers as implementa International Labour tion cost. Organisation (ILO) Convention 62 as far as these are applicable to contracts

Public Safety – The Contractor(s) will Safe barricading Entire Contractor(s) Construction Included in unauthorized entry at site barricade the construction of the site Manager project construction site(s) at all times with implementa adequate marking, flags, duration tion cost reflectors, etc. for safety of general public and animals

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts

Personal Protective The contractor will provide Availability of Entire Contractor(s) Construction Included in Equipment (PPE) to all PPE such as helmets, safety personal Manager project construction workers shoes, masks, safety belt, ear protective implementa plugs etc to all staff and equipment Duration tion cost workers

Accidental Bird Hits To avoid accidental bird hits Blades have red Prior to Contractor(s) RED Included in the blades of the turbine must bands Construction project cost installation of be made visible by having Manager installation markings with red colour wind turbine cost blades

Safety Measures in The project design should Earthquake During project Design Contractor(s) Included in project design and have provisions for resistance Consultants project design installation for earthquake resistant designs for implementa earthquakes structures of different access road, tion cost components. wind turbine foundations, substation and wind mast

Safety Measures to avoid There should be cut off (.25 Verification of Bidding RED DOE Inclusion in damages to wind power m/s) speed so that turbine this feature project Condition pilot project components blades stop moving at high during procuremen specially turbine blades wind speeds procurement t cost due to high wind storms

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts B: Operation Phase 1. Ambient Air quality The operator will ensure that all Dust generation If required Plant Manager Project Included vehicles and machinery used water may be Manager in project

for maintenance and inspection sprayed to (RED) operation comply with the emission norms suppress the cost

of NEC and these dust

2 Surface Water quality  The operator will arrange Survival of Initial two years Plant Manager Project Included in and consumption saplings Manager RED plant water for irrigation of green belt in non monsoon months operation at wind power plant site costs 3-Noise Levels in Project  The noise levels will be Leq Day, Leq First year of Plant Manager Project Included in area and surroundings Night, L10, plant operations Manager RED Project measured by the plant L50,L90 implementa manager during normal tion cost functioning of plant at the

single house located at 210 m

distance from the plant site

and at Tsimalkha village. In

case noise levels are found to

exceed the prescribed

standards then noise

mitigation measures in the

form of noise barrier wall will

be constructed on three sides

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts of house (North, south and Monitoring of West). survival rate of First 2 years Plant Manager Project sapling planted for  Green belt will be developed Manager RED along the eastern boundary of green belt Included in plant to attenuate noise levels development EMP budget 4-Low frequency noise  Although mitigation measures General Noise level Plant Manager Project Included in from wind pilot project are planned but there should discussion with measurements manager RED EMP turbines also be observation of any locals or public once in three budget harmful impacts on human complaints months for first body of locals particularly against the project 2 years family members of single regarding noise household near plant site. 5- Biodiversity  The noise levels will be Plantation and First 2 years Plant Manager Project Included in controlled within the shrubs survival Manager RED EMP stipulated limits of NEC budget beyond plant boundary  Shrubs plantation will be taken up on the side slopes of access road  Green belt development on eastern boundary and shrubs plantation along the

Project Stage - Proposed Mitigation Parameter to be Measurement Institutional Responsibility Anticipated Measures Monitored Frequency Implementation Supervision Cost Environmental Issues and Impacts internal roads of the plant will be taken up. 6-Erosion at road Visually and observe any Erosion at side Every year Plant Manager Project Included in embankment and cut erosion in road embankment slopes and cut during monsoon Manager RED project section during monsoon. In case section operation observed rectify it. Shrubs cost plantation has been suggested to counter this erosion problem 7- Safe access to plant The operator will provide Maintenance of Entire operation Plant Manager Project Included in site barricading in the form of barbed wire phase manager RED project barbed wire fencing in all four fencing operation boundaries of the plant to stop cost unauthorized access to plant and movement of animals within the plant

9.4 Environmental Management Plan Cost

183. Based on EMP description above it is concluded that in order to implement financial budget is needed for green belt development, shrubs plantation and for procurement of Integrated Noise Level Meter. The integrated noise level meter is recommended for procurement because noise monitoring facilities on commercial basis are not available in Bhutan. There will be frequent requirement of noise level measurements (during construction, during operation before implementation of noise mitigation measures, after implementation of noise mitigation measures and on receipt of any public complaints). The EMP budget has been presented below:

Table 10: Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Budget S. No Item Quantity Rate Amount (Nu) 1 Construction of 150 m Nu 500 75000 Noise barrier wall per on three sides of meter single house 2 Procurement of 1 Nu 150,000 Digital Integrated 1,50,000 Noise Meter 3 Plantation of 1000 Nu 200 200,000 shrubs on side slope of access road and along the roads in Plant site 4 Development of 1000 Nu 500 500,000 green belt along eastern boundary of plant Total 925,000 Contingency 5 % 46,250 Total 9,71,250 Budget say 1.0 Million

Chapter - 10 Findings, Recommendation and Conclusion

10.0 Findings, Recommendation and Conclusion

10.1 Findings

184. The findings of the wind power pilot project based on IEE prepared are as follows:

 The wind power pilot project will help to strategise non conventional energy sources in the country. It will help to meet the shortfall of power in winter months.  The potential environmental impact identified is noise generation during operation. The construction stage impacts will be temporary and will be limited during 3-4 months as construction period will not exceed four months. The noise levels will be within the stipulated limits beyond 200 m distance.  There is one house in north east direction of plant site at a distance of 210 m. The noise levels will be within the stipulated limits of NEC at this house. At Tsimalakha village no impact on account of noise is anticipated.

10.2 Recommendations

185. A green belt development in eastern direction is recommended to attenuate noise levels at single house in north east direction.

186. Noise level measurements will be carried out at Tsimalakha village and single house in operation phase. In case these are found to exceed noise mitigations in the form noise barrier wall on three sides of house and green development on eastern side will be taken up. After implementation of noise mitigation measures noise monitoring will be carried out.

187. Construction manager will ensure that no construction works and transportation of construction materials are carried out during night time.

10.3 Conclusion

188. The Wind Power Pilot Project will not result in any long-term significant adverse environmental impacts. The implementation of EMP will ensure all environmental impacts within the acceptable levels.

189. Based on environmental assessment activities conducted to date, the Project is confirmed as environmental category ‘B’ and the IEE, including the EMP, is considered sufficient to meet the environmental assessment requirements of ADB, and RGOB. A full environmental impact assessment study is not required.

Appendix - 01