Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (draft)
Project Number: 47036 July 2013
Nepal: Project Preparatory Facility for Energy
This Environmental Assessment and Review Framework is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors.
Currency Equivalents Currency unit – Nepalese Rupee/s (NRs) NRs 1.00 = $ 0.011 $1.00 = NRs 90.3 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Symbols º Degree ‘ Minutes ‘’ Seconds % Percentage E Easting N Northing m³/s Volume retained or discharged per second m Meter km Kilometer km2 Square Kilometer MSL Mean Sea Level ha Hectare kVA Kilovolt Ampere kW Kilowatt MW Mega Watt GWh Giga Watt hour
Abbreviations
AD Anno Domini ADB Asian Development Bank BS Bikram Sambat CBOs Community Based Organizations CDO Chief District Officer CF Community Forest CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora DDC District Development Committee DFO District Forest Office DoED Department of Electricity Development EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EMU Environment Management Unit EPA Environmental Protection Act EPM Environmental Protection Measure EPR Environmental protection Rule ES Environment Section FGDs Focus Group Discussions FI Financial Intermediary FS Feasibility Study GHGs Green House Gases GIS Geographical Information System GoN Government of Nepal GRC Grievance Redress Committee GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HEP Hydro Electricity Project IEE Initial Environmental Examination ILO International Labor Organization INGO International Non Governmental Organization
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency LACFC Land Acquisition and Compensation Fixation Committee LRO Land Revenue Office MEMP Mitigation and Enhancement Management Plan MNPR Million Nepalese Rupees MoEn Ministry of Energy MoFSC Ministry of Forest & Soil Conservation MoSTE Ministry of Science, Technology & Environment MPFS Master Plan for Forest Sector NBS Nepal Biodiversity Strategy NCS National Conservation Strategy NEPAP National Environment Policy and Action Plan NGO Non-Governmental Organization NPC National Planning Commission PMU Project Monitoring Unit RC Reinforced Concrete REA Rapid Environmental Assessment SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SPS Safeguard Policy Statement SPVC Special Purpose Vehicle Company USD United States Dollar VDC Village Development Committee
TABLE OF CONTENT
A. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 B. ASSESSMENT OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY ...... 3 C. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 17 D. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR SUBPROJECTS AND/OR COMPONENTS ...... 23 E. CONSULTATION, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM .. 25 F. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 26 G. MONITORING AND REPORTING ...... 29
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: PROJECT AREA LOCATION MAP ...... 2 FIGURE 2: LOCAL FISHERMAN FISHING IN SUNKOSHI RIVER ...... 18 FIGURE 3: FISH SPECIES FOUND IN SUNKOSHI RIVER ...... 18 FIGURE 4: LANDUSE MAP ...... 22 FIGURE 5: ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE FOR ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 28
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK RELEVANT TO THE PROJECT ...... 3 TABLE 2: LAND INUNDATED AND INDIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT ...... 19 TABLE 3: MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY...... 26 TABLE 4: EIA STUDY TEAM FOR THE PROPOSED SUB-PROJECT ...... 27 TABLE 5: DETAILED COST ESTIMATES BY EXPENSE CATEGORY ...... 28 TABLE 6: EIA STUDY SCHEDULE ...... 29
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX-1: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST APPENDIX-2: PHOTOGRAPHS
A. Introduction 1. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering grant assistance for a project preparatory facility for energy (proposed grant) to the Government of Nepal (GoN). The facility is intended to be utilized for the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study of Sunkoshi -2 (1,110 MW), detail EIA of Sunkoshi – 3 (536 MW –Storage type), update EIA of Dudhkoshi and Initial Environment Examination (IEE) of second cross boarder transmission line projects (the project). At present, ADB intends to conduct succinct preliminary study to provide basis and formulation of Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) for detail EIA study of Sunkoshi – 2 Hydropower Project (sub-project). The Terms of Reference (ToR) for EIA/IEE of each individual sub-projects will be prepared by the borrower/client (Department of Electricity Development, Government of Nepal) before initiating such detail studies. The ToR will include all relevant environment issues and activities that should be considered in EIA. 2. The present work covers desk study followed by a field visit for consultation, preliminary survey, and preparation of Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) on the foreseeable environmental impacts from the sub-project development (i.e., Sunkoshi – 2 Hydropower Project). The EARF outlines the procedures that should be followed for environmental assessment and review of proposed sub-project in accordance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009) and Environment Protection Rules (EPR) 1997 of Government of Nepal (GoN). It is a useful vehicle for fitting the EIA within the policy and legal context and ensuring timely completion of the EIA to a satisfactory level. The EARF is intended primarily for use and reference by (i) the Department of Electricity Development (DoED), Ministry of Energy (MoEn), GoN (ii) ADB (iii) Ministry of Science Technology and Environment (MoSTE), GoN (iv) Project Affected Village Development Committees (VDCs) and (v) Project related stakeholders. 3. The sub-project plans to construct a 166 m high dam across the Sunkoshi river along with a dam-toe power station at the left bank of the river. The dam will be constructed between Mansulighat village of Rampur VDC, ward no 8 (left bank), Ramechhap district and Kudule village of Dudbhanjyan VDC, ward no 1 (right bank), Sindhuli district. The entire dam and powerhouse complex of the project will be located in Janakpur zone of Central Development Region of Nepal. 4. Geographically, the sub-project area is located between longitudes 86° 10’ 20” E to 85° 47’ 30” E and latitude 27° 14’ 00” N to 27° 29’ 30” N and in terms of elevation it is located between 400 m asl to 600 m asl. The entire project components and the inundation area will be located within Sindhuli (10 VDCs), Ramechhap (23 VDCs), Kavrepalanchowk (5 VDCs) and Dolakha (1 VDC) districts. 5. The scheme will impound some 80 km of the river stretch and its tributaries, creating a reservoir. The reservoir will have a surface area of approximately 70 km2 at full supply level and a gross storage capacity of 4.37 billion m3 and an effective storage of 3.04 billion m3. The installed capacity of the scheme has been estimated to be 1,110 MW, with an annual energy generation capacity of 4,760 GWh (JICA 1985). 6. The proposed dam area can be reached from Kathmandu via Araniko highway upto Dhulikhel which is 30 km from Kathmandu and then via Dhulikhel-Sindhuli (BP) Highway upto Khurkot which is 82 km from Dhulikhel. The BP Highway diverts from Sunkoshi River towards south from Adheri Khola (Khurkot). The Proposed dam area is about 27 km from Adheri Khola along Pushpalal Highway (Madhya Pahadi Lok Marga) which runs along the right bank of Sunkoshi River. The BP highway after Nepalthok and Pushpalal highway are under construction. However, the dam area has an all weather regular public bus service road due to the availability of temporary diversion roads (at the road construction sites). The project area location map is shown in Figure 1.
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Figure 1: Project Area Location Map
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B. Assessment of Legal Framework and Institutional Capacity a. Legal framework 8. Government of Nepal (GoN) has ensured integration of EIA as a part of project development through enforcement of Environment Protection Act, 1997 AD/2053 BS (EPA) and Environment Protection Rules, 1997 AD/2054 BS (EPR). According to EPA 1997, EPR1997 (amendment in 2008 AD/2065 BS, Annual Budget of 2008 AD/2065 BS, published in gazette 2nd Feb 2009 AD/Magh 20, 2065 BS), pertaining to rule 3, schedule- 2 heading E- water resources and energy sector; sub-section 3, operation of electricity generation projects with a capacity of more than 50 MW, requires EIA of the project to be carried out. The sub-project has to be subjected to EIA because of its installed capacity (> 50 MW). Moreover, the sub-project is likely to fall under ADB’s category A which requires the conduction of detail Environmental Impact Assessment. 9. Besides this, other GoN laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that may be applicable to the project based on its location, design and operation are summarized in Table 1 Table 1: Environmental Regulatory Framework Relevant to the Project S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines Constitution 1 The Interim Constitution of Nepal, Part (4), article 16 of the constitution provides fundamental 2007 AD (2063 BS) (as amended by rights to every citizen of Nepal to live in a clean environment. first, second and third amendments). Article 35. (5) of the interim constitution requires the state to give priority to the protection of the environment and also the prevention to its further damage due to physical development activities by increasing the awareness of the general public environment cleanliness. Act & Regulations 2 Water Resources Act, 1992 AD Sub-section 1 of section 9 deals with licensing of water (2049 BS) resources for hydropower development. Section 16 of the act deals with utilization and acquisition of land and house. Sub-section 3 of section 4 requires making “beneficial use” without causing damage to others while utilizing the water resources. Sections 18, 19 and 20 are directly related with the environment. Section 18 allows GoN to prescribe quality standards of water resources for various uses; Section 19 prescribes pollution tolerance limit. Section 20 states that “utilizing water resources shall be done in such a manner that no substantial adverse effect be made on environment by the way of soil erosion, flood, and landslide or similar other causes.” 3 Water Resources Regulation, 1993 Rule 17(e) of the regulation states that the application (to AD (2050 BS) obtain license of utilization of water resources) must include “analysis of environmental affect.”
Details on matters relating to acquisition of land and house and their compensation are provided in rule 32, 33, 34 and
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines 35.
4 Electricity Act, 1992 AD (2049 BS) Section 3 of the act prohibits to conduct survey and to undertake construction of generation, transmission, and distribution of project without obtaining the license. Section 4 of the act requires economic, technical, and environmental study reports to be submitted to the prescribed office in order to obtain the construction license. Section 24 states that “while carrying out electricity generation, transmission or distribution, it shall be carried out in such a manner that no substantial adverse effect be made on environment by way of soil erosion, flood, landslide, air pollution etc”. Section 33 (similar to section 16 of water resource act) of this act deals with utilization and acquisition of land and house. 5 Electricity Regulation, 1993 AD Rule 12(f) and 13(g) explains that “analysis of environmental (2050 BS) effect” must be submitted to DoED while applying for the construction license for generation and transmission projects. Rule 12(f) addresses the requirements of the generation projects Rule13 (g) addresses that of the transmission projects. According to rule 16, DoED should publish a 35-days public notice stating project information and seeking concerns of public regarding the adverse impact due to the construction and operation of the project, before issuing the generation licenses. Rule 84 empowers GoN to fix measures to be taken during design and construction of any electricity projects and conditions for safety regarding the construction of powerhouse with reservoir. Rule 87, GoN or the licensee has to pay compensation to the affected landowner or the house owner if their property (land or house) is situated at a prescribed distance has been “prohibited for use” as per section 33 of the act. Rule 88 describes about the formation and working procedures of Compensation Fixation Committee that will determine the amount of compensation to be paid to the affected families due to such prohibition. 6 Forest Act, 1993 AD (2049 BS) and Section 68 of the Act states that “notwithstanding anything Forest Regulation, 1995 AD (2051 contained in this Act, in case there is no alternative except to BS) use the forest area for implementation of the plan of national priority and if there shall be no significant adverse affect on the environment while conducting such plan, GoN may give assent to use any part of the government managed forests, community forests, leasehold forests, or religious forest, for the implementation of such plan”. According to Rule 65 (1) of Forest Regulation, “if there is loss of anything to local people during implementation of the national prioritized plan, the plan implementer has to pay compensation.” Rule 65 (2) states that, “the proponent has to pay all the
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines expenditure required during harvesting, logging and transporting operations of forest products cleared from the forest area”. 7 National Parks and Wildlife Section 10 of the Act has a list of protected wildlife that is Conservation Act, 1973 AD (2029 banned for hunting. BS) The Act has provisions for fine and punishment for illegal killing, wounding, sale, and purchase of protected wildlife. 8 Aquatic Animal Protection Act, 1961 Section 3 of the Act has provision of punishment if any party AD (2017 BS) will introduce poisonous, noxious and explosive materials into a water source, or destroying any dam, bridge or water system with the intent of catching or killing aquatic life. 9 Local Self-Governance Act, 1998 Article 28: Functions, duties and powers of DDC and AD (2055 BS) and its Rules, 1999 councils entitles the DDCs to Conduct activities related to AD (2056 BS) irrigation, soil erosion and river control and to generate and distribute electricity. Article 55: Taxes that DDC may levy includes DDC to levy "Natural Resources Utilization Tax" for commercial exploitation of natural resources and heritage within the DDC area. 10 Public Road Act, 1974 AD (2031 BS) Division 3 of the act mentions about care, improvement, as well as amendment/improvement of road. Article 18 mentions about need to obtain permission to carry out construction works on or by roadside. Article 16, Public Road (Second Revised Edition) provides about limitation of weight to be carried over the road and its control. Article 19, 29, 2046 BS Public Road (second Revised Edition) provides about obtaining permission to carry out construction work in the vicinity of road. 11 Land Acquisition Act, 1977 AD (2034 Article (3): Acquire land for any public purpose, subject to BS) the award of compensation. Article (4): Institutions seeking land acquisition may also request GoN to acquire the land under the regularity provisions subject to be compensated by such institutions’ resources. Article (6): If the land has to be acquired for institutions other than the local governance bodies and institutions fully owned by the government, the Land Acquisition and Compensation Fixation Committee (LACFC) has to consider the following in fixing the compensation amount: (i) Price of land prevailing at the time of notification of land acquisition; (ii) price of standing crops and structures; and (iii) loss incurred by being compelled to shift his or her residence or place of business in consequence of the acquisition of land. Article (9): Duration of compensation days will be determined by LACFC. Article (10): Provision for the affected households to take the crops, trees and plants from land and salvageable from the structures. Article (11): Any grievances and objections will be referred to the Grievances Redress Committee (GRC)
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines Article (13): GoN forms a LACFC under the chairmanship of CDO of the respective districts. The other members to be included in the Committee comprise the Chief of Land Revenue Office (LRO), an office assigned by CDO, representative from District Development Committee (DDC), Concerned Project Manager, and VDC representative. Article (27): Provisions for land acquisition through the mutual agreement with the plot owners, where the process of land acquisition as per Act is not required. 12 Land Reform Act 1964 AD (2021 BS) Section 16 has the provision that if the concerned owner did not pay land revenue for long period of time, the government can collect revenue through auction of the concerned parcel. Section 25 of the act sets the ownership rights to the actual tiller on the land whereas, Section 26 sets 50% ownership right to tenant. 13 Guthi Corporation Act, 1976 AD According to section 42 of the act, Guthi (religious trust) land (2033 BS) acquired for a development must be replaced with other land, rather than compensated in cash. 14 Soil and Water Conservation Act, These give Government power to regulate prescribe land 1982 AD (2039 BS) and Regulation, use practices on private, community and public land and to 1985 AD (2042 BS) implement various conservation measures in these area. 15 Explosive Act, 1961 AD (2018 BS) Article 2 and 4 has vested the power to decide and define and Amendment, 1991 AD (2048 explosive substance and to provide license and permission BS) to use explosive. 16 Labor Act, 1991 AD (2048 BS) Section 4 provides rules for appointment of employees including rules to employ non-Nepalese citizen. Division 3 mentions about working hours, break, overtime, off-hour working rules etc. Division 4 is about rules regarding remuneration, lowest salary scale, and allowance, facility, and salary increment. Division 5 provides rules on health and security of employee. It also prescribes age limitation and method to count age from certificates. Division 8 mentions about code of conduct and disciplinary action. Clause 51 and 52 defines bad character and condition and action to be taken in case of breach of discipline. 17 Environment Protection Act, 1997 Section 3 of the act requires the proponent to conduct an AD (2053 BS) IEE or EIA of the proposal as prescribed. Section 4 prohibits implementing the proposal without getting the IEE/EIA approved from the concerned authority. Section 6 deals on the approval procedures. Section 8 empowers the ministry to appoint “environmental inspectors”. Section 18 has provisions for punishment. 18 Environment Protection Rules, 1997 Rule 4 of the regulation is about scoping exercise. AD (2054 BS) Rule 7 requires the proponent to collect comments/suggestions regarding the proposal through a
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines “public hearing” during the preparation of EIA report. Rule 10 requires the proponent to submit recommendations of the concerned (affected) VDCs/ municipalities to the concerned authority along with the IEE/EIA report. Rule 11 requires the ministry (MoSTE) to publish a 30 days public notice in any national level daily newspaper requesting for comments suggestions on the EIA (draft) report. Rule 13 deals with environmental monitoring. According to this rule, the concerned ministry is responsible for such monitoring. Rule 14 requires the ministry (MoSTE) to conduct environmental auditing and keep updated auditing records. Schedule 3 and 4 are the ToR format for IEE and EIA respectively. Matters to be covered in IEE and EIA are given in schedule 5 and 6 respectively. 19 Securities Registration and Issue Rule 7 section 3 has a provision that if any public Regulation (first amendment) company/organization wishes to utilize local natural resource 2010/11 AD (2067 BS) as raw materials than such company/organization should allocate minimum 15 percent of share of the total investment to local public and 10 percent to the local people of project affected areas. Policies, Plans and Strategies
20 Hydropower Development Policy, Provisions in Hydropower Development policy, 2001 AD 2001 AD (2058 BS) (2058 BS) relevant to environment are: Specifies minimum discharge for downstream release as at least 10% of the minimum monthly average discharge or the quanta identified in the EIA study whichever is higher Encourages private sector developers to acquire houses and/or land required to construct hydropower project privately Emphasizes to rehabilitate and resettle displaced families in accordance with the standards specified by the GoN 21 Safeguard Policy Statement ADB It describes common objectives of ADB’s safeguards, lays 2009 AD (2066 BS) out policy principles, and outlines the delivery process for ADB’s safeguards policy. The SPS is designed for application to current and future lending modalities and caters to the varying capacities and needs of developing member country clients in both the public and private sectors. 22 Three Year Plan Approach paper, Three-year plan approach paper has realized the need of 2010/11 – 2012/13 AD (2067/68 – reservoir – based mega projects for reducing the load 2069/70 BS) shedding hours and to provide the electricity services to nearly 2000 VDCs for poverty alleviating and raising the
rural life style. It has adopted the following strategies: Increase public, private, community/ cooperative investment in electricity generation and transmission for domestic use. Extend electricity transmission line with high priority. Increase electricity generation capacity to minimize load
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines shedding. Make hydropower projects sustainable and cost effective by making them environment friendly and climate change adaptation. Develop electricity access as an inseparable part of poverty alleviation. 23 National Water Plan (NWP), 2005 NWP has identified key environmental issues of the water AD (2062 BS) resources sector and grouped them under Physical, Biological and Socio-economic component and has
suggested mitigation measures for each issue at strategic level and project level. Similarly, NWP has listed general “parameters” to be monitored under baseline monitoring, impact monitoring and compliance monitoring. Despite being comprehensive in its action plans, NWP remains ambiguous on how the recommendations exactly fit into the present legal and practical context of EIA process in Nepal. 24 Nepal Environment Policy and Action The action plan advocates that forestry research should Plan (NEPAP) 1993 AD (2050 BS) address the utilization of lesser-known forest species, which and 1998 AD (2055 BS) could include non-timber products. It identifies the need to involve local people in the management of parks and reserve; and stresses for developing a mechanism of benefit sharing with people whose livelihoods are adversely affected by the parks. NEPAP was the first government document that recognized rangelands and the need to comprehensively manage rangeland ecosystems. NEPAP was further elaborated in 1998 AD (2055 BS) to address environmental problems. 25 Immediate work plan for good The plan has the provision of compensatory plantation in the governance and improving economy ratio of 1:2 (i.e. for each trees to be cleared there should be 2012 AD (2069 BS) plantation of trees in the ratio of 1:2). This provision is valid unless the total power production in the country is less than 5000 MW. 26 National Electricity Scarcity Construction of Trans boundary Transmission Line Alleviation Action Plan 2008 AD (2065 BS) Group 'Ka', section 22 stated that the Letter of intent will be given to the NEA to develop 600 MW Budhi Gandaki HEP (Reservoir type project) jointly with other appropriate partner. Group 'Ka', Section 23, stated that the Upper Seti HEP (127 MW reservoir type) will be promoted for its immediate implementation with other appropriate partners from January/February 2009 AD (2065 Magh). Group 'Ga' of section 29, described about a) Construction of 'Dhalkebar – Vittamod - Mujaffarpur 140 kVA Transmission Line by 2010/11 AD (2068 BS) b) Construction of two Trans Boundary Transmission Lines 'Duhabi – Purniya' and 'Butwal – Gorakhpur' 400 kVA 27 Nepal Water Resources Strategy One of the guiding policy principle states that “As a condition (NWRS), 2002 AD (2059 BS) of approval, all water resources development projects should
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines include a fully funded environmental protection or enhancement component to compensate for the environmental impacts due to the project”. It had identified ten “water resources strategy outputs” each for short (5 years), medium (15 years) and long term (25 years) purposes. Achievement of the outputs will contribute to achieve the national goal. The water resources strategy has further identified several “actions” to achieve the outputs. The proposed actions related to the environment are: Improve environmental database system Develop water and waste water quality standards Utilize strategic environmental assessment in water resources management Ensure compliance with environmental regulations Promote community participation Integrate improved social and environmental mechanism into hydropower development Integrate water resources database with environmental database etc. During the formulation, several water sector issues were identified; of which issues related to environmental concerns are: Project impact and resettlement; Effective implementation and enforcement of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) norms and recommendations; Biodiversity conservation 28 National Conservation Strategy The guiding principles of NCS adopted were; (a) reflection of (NCS), 1988 AD (2045 BS) the social and cultural values and the economic needs of Nepalese people, (b) wise use, protection, preservation and restoration as the basic elements of conservation, and (c) making full use of existing institutions, and structures in the public as well as private sector by avoiding wherever possible, the introduction of new governmental organizations and agencies. The objectives of the NCS, among other things, related to biodiversity for Nepal are to: ensure the sustainable use of Nepal’s land and renewable resources; maintain essential ecological and life support systems; and Preserve biological diversity in order to maintain and improve the variety of yields and the quality of crops and livestock, and to maintain the variety of wild species of plants and animals. The integration of conservation with development is a key feature of the NCS.
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines 29 Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (NBS), The goal of the NBS is to provide a strategic planning 2002 AD (2059 BS) framework for the conservation of biological diversity, maintenance of ecological processes and systems, and equitable sharing of the benefits accrued. Regarding environmental impact assessments, the NBS does not mention the need of conducting EIA of development projects that are likely to have adverse impacts on biodiversity. Rather, it has emphasized on ensuring effective implementation of existing rules and regulations, but does not explain how to deal with the biodiversity loss after implementation of projects. Conventions, Agreements and Treaties 30 The Koshi Agreement 1954 AD It is a bilateral agreement between Nepal and India. (2011 BS) (revised on 1966 AD/ According to the revised agreement (in respect to use of 2023 BS) water), “The Government of Nepal shall have every right to withdraw water from the Koshi River or within the Koshi basin from any other tributaries of the Koshi River as may be required from time to time for irrigation and for any other purpose in Nepal. The Union (Government of India) shall have the right to regulate all the balance of supplies in the Koshi River at the barrage site then available from time to time. Sunkoshi River is a major tributary of the Koshi River system. The agreement has imposed no restriction on the use of water from Sunkoshi basin. Moreover, the water used for power generation will again be released to Koshi River system. 31 Convention on Biological Diversity, Article 14, of the Convention provides provision on impact 1992 AD (2049 BS) assessment and minimizing adverse impacts. Complying to Article 14.1(a), Nepal has developed some legislation requiring an environmental impact assessment of proposed projects likely to have adverse affects on biological diversity. The Environmental protection Act 1997 AD (2053 BS) and the Environmental protection Regulations 1997 AD (2054 BS) provide a list of criteria for projects that require either IEE or EIA. In order to facilitate the implementation of the legal provisions, the National EIA guidelines 1993 AD (2050 BS), EIA Guidelines for Forestry Sector 1995 AD (2052 BS), Guidelines for review of IEE and EIA of Forestry Sector 2003 AD (2060 BS), and EIA Manual for Forestry Sector 2004 AD (2060/61 BS) are under implementation. 32 Convention (N0. 169) concerning According to the article 7 of the convention, the people Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in concerned shall have the right to decide their own priorities Independent Countries (ILO 169), for the process of development that affects them. In addition, 2007 AD (2064 BS) they shall participate in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of plans and programs for national and regional development that may affect them directly. Article 15 states about the rights of the people concerned to the natural resources pertaining to their lands shall be specially safeguarded. According to Article 16; if the relocation of these people is considered necessary as exceptional measures; such relocation shall take place only with their free and informed
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines consent. Where their consent cannot be obtained, such relocation shall take place only following appropriate procedures established by national laws and regulations, including public inquiries where appropriate. Persons thus relocated shall be fully compensated for any resulting loss or injury. According to Article 17; Persons not belonging to these peoples shall be prevented from taking advantage of their customs or of lack of understanding of the laws on the part of their members to secure the ownership, possession or use of land belonging to them. Article 18 has the provision of penalties for unauthorized intrusion upon, or use of, the lands of the peoples concerned, and governments shall take measures to prevent such offences. Article 20 states that the workers belonging to these peoples enjoy equal opportunities and equal treatment in employment for men and women, and protection from sexual harassment. According to article 21 members of the peoples concerned shall enjoy opportunities at least equal to those of other citizens in respect of vocational training measures. 33 Convention on International Trade in This treaty recognizes three categories of species as listed Endangered Species of Wild Fauna in Appendix I, II and III. The categories are: and Flora (CITIES), 1975 AD (2032 Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction BS) Appendix II: Species not yet threatened, but which could become endangered if trade is not controlled Appendix III: Species identified by any party as being subject to regulation in that country and which require international co-operation to control trade 34 United Nations Framework Has the provision to take precautionary measures to Convention on Climate Change anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change (UNFCCC) 1994 AD and mitigate its adverse effects. 35 Ramsar Convention 1988 AD (2045 Nepal has nine listed Ramsar sites that are medium to large BS) water bodies. Guidelines 36 National Environmental Impact Some of the notable features of the guideline are: Assessment Guidelines, 1993 AD (2050 BS) It describes some methods for impact identification and impact prediction. It prescribes impact-ranking methodology based on assigning numerical value. It emphasizes on community participation during EIA, describes methods to get better participation. It discusses “EIA evaluation” as a complementary process of environmental monitoring. It is frequently used and quite helpful in several aspects. However, the guideline is silent about Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which is an important aspect in EIA. Environment Protection Rules, 1997 requires EMP to be included in the EIA report.
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S. Constitution/Act & Regulations/ Articles/Sections N. Policies, Plans and Strategies/ Conventions, Agreements and Treaties/Guidelines 37 Environmental Guidelines for The purpose of the guidelines is to facilitate the work of the Selected Industrial and Power Bank project staff and enable them to incorporate the Development Projects, Asian environmental protection parameter into the project Development Bank (ADB) 1990 AD preparation process. (2046/47 BS) 38 EIA Guidelines for Forestry Sector, This Guideline has given emphasis on proposal, which has 1995 BS (2052 BS) to be socio-culturally acceptable, economically feasible, and environmentally sound.
Chapter 8 of the Guideline has provision of proposals not initiated from forestry sector but affects forest area. The guideline is silent about Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which is an important aspect in EIA. It needs to be amended to accommodate these requirements. 39 National Health Care and Waste The guideline specifies the need of segregating the general Management Guidelines, 2002 AD wastes and hazardous wastes of the health intuitions and (2059 BS) suggests various treatment methods for the disposal of the hazardous wastes. It confirms that the semi-aerobic landfill site for the disposal of municipal wastes will not be able to neutralize or treat the hazardous waste. 40 Forest Product Collection, Sale and According to Article 6.14(1) of the guideline, all the trees, Distribution Guideline of Community which have to be cleared, should follow the process Forests, 2003 AD (2060 BS) mentioned in the guideline (should be within annual allowable cut). Since the direct impact area falls under number of Community Forests, this guideline is useful during harvesting and logging operations during project construction phase. 41 Guidelines for Review of The basic objective of this review guideline is to detect Environmental Impact Assessment impact in the early phase of project activity in order to (EIA) of Forestry Sector, 2003 AD provide adequate and timely correction before it is too late. (2060 BS) 42 Guideline (Karyabidhi) on Providing Article 5 of the guideline requires the project to plant trees in Forest Area Land to Other the ratio of 1:25 (of felled trees) without decreasing physical Provisions, 2006 AD (2063 BS) area covered by the infrastructure or as according forest land coverage (1600 per hectare) whichever is higher and also protect and maintain it for five years. The plantation should be done according to the site recommended by District Forest Office. After five years, the plantation should be handed over to the District Forest Office. In case of inability of plantation by project itself, all the above mentioned cost according to estimated budget should be provided to concern District Forest Offices in which case the District Forest Offices will be responsible for plantation, protection and maintenance. Royalty of the forest area land should be paid according to Forest Regulation, 1995 AD/2051 BS (Annex 20) as mentioned for Leasehold Forest. Article 7 states that, the estimated cost required in Article 5 according to the Norms, should be submitted as Royalty. b. ADB Policy1 i. Screening and Categorization
1 Safeguard Policy Statement (ADB policy paper 2009) could be considered for details on section B(b), section D and section E. 12
10. DoED will carry out the sub-project screening and categorization according to the GoN environment categorization for the developmental projects2. Furthermore, DoED will also be obliged to follow ADB’s environment categorization at the earliest stage of the sub-project preparation. Screening and categorization is undertaken to (i) reflect the significance of potential impacts or risks that a project might present; (ii) identify the level of assessment and institutional resources required for the safeguard measures; and (iii) determine disclosure requirements. 11. Environment Categorization: ADB uses a classification system to reflect the significance of a project’s potential environmental impacts. A project’s category is determined by the category of its most environmentally sensitive component, including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts in the project’s area of influence. Each proposed project is scrutinized as to its type, location, scale, and sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. Projects are assigned to one of the following four categories: 12. Category A: A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. A full Environmental Impact Assessment is required. 13. Category B: A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required. 14. Category C: A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications should be reviewed. 15. Category FI: A proposed project is classified as category Financial Intermediary (FI) if it involves investment of ADB funds to or through a FI. ii. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management 16. The borrower/client will have to assess the significance of project impacts and risks on biodiversity3 and natural resources as an integral part of the environmental assessment process. The assessment should focus on the major threats to biodiversity, which include destruction of habitat and introduction of invasive alien species, and on the use of natural resources in an unsustainable manner. The borrower/client will need to identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potentially adverse impacts and risks and, as a last resort, propose compensatory measures, to achieve no net loss or a net gain of the affected biodiversity. 17. Modified Habitats: In the areas of modified habitat, where the natural habitat has apparently been altered, often through the introduction of alien species of plants and animals, such as in agricultural areas, the borrower/client will exercise care to minimize any further conversion or degradation of such habitat, and will, identify opportunities to enhance habitat and protect and conserve biodiversity as part of project operations. 18. Natural Habitats: In areas of natural habitat,4 the project will not significantly convert or degrade such habitat, unless the following conditions are met: i. No alternatives are available. ii. A comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the project costs, including environmental costs.
2 The project categories that requires EIA or IEE is listed in EPR 1997, GoN 3 The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystem and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystem. 4 Land and water areas where the biological communities are formed largely by native plant and animal species, and where human activity has not essentially modified the area’s primary ecological functions.
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iii. Any conversion or degradation should be appropriately mitigated. 19. Mitigation measures should be designed to achieve atleast no net loss of biodiversity. They may include a combination of actions, such as post project restoration of habitats, offset of losses through the creation or effective conservation of ecologically comparable areas that are managed for biodiversity while respecting the ongoing use of such biodiversity by indigenous peoples or traditional communities, and compensation to direct users of biodiversity. 20. Critical habitats: No project activities will be implemented in areas of critical habitat5 unless the following requirements are met. a) There are no measurable adverse impacts, or likelihood of such, on the critical habitat which could impair its high biodiversity value or the ability to function. b) The project is not anticipated to lead to a reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species6 or loss in area of the habitat concerned such that the persistence of a viable and representative host ecosystem be compromised. c) Any lesser impacts are to be mitigated in line with SPS. 21. When the project involves activities in a critical habitat, the borrower/client should retain qualified and experienced external experts to assist in conducting the assessment. 22. Legally Protected Areas: In circumstances where some project activities are located within a legally protected area, in addition to the requirement specified in paragraph 19, the borrower/client will meet the following requirements: (i) Act in a manner consistent with defined protected area management plans. (ii) Consult protected area sponsors and managers, local communities, and other key stakeholders on the proposed project. (iii) Implement additional programs, as appropriate, to promote and enhance the conservation aims of the protected area. 23. Invasive Alien Species: The borrower/client will not intentionally introduce any new alien species (that is, species not currently established in the country or region of the project) unless carried out in accordance with the existing regulatory framework for such introduction, if such a framework is present, or unless the introduction is subjected to a risk assessment (as part of the environmental assessment) to determine the potential for invasive behavior. 24. Management and Use of Renewal Natural Resources: Renewable natural resources will be managed in a sustainable manner7. 25. Pollution Prevention and Abatement: During the design, construction, and operation of the project the borrower/client will apply pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practices, as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group's Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines8. 26. Pollution Prevention, Resource Conservation, and Energy Efficiency: The borrower/client will avoid, or where avoidance is impossible, will minimize or control the intensity or load of pollutant emission and discharge. In addition, the borrower/client will
5 Critical habitat is a subset of both natural and modified habitat that deserves particular attention. Critical habitats include those areas either legally protected or officially proposed for protection, such as areas that meet the criteria of the World Conservation Union classification, the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s world natural heritage sites. 6 As defined by the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species or as defined in any national legislation. 7 Sustainable resource management is management of the use, development, and protection of resources in a way, or at a rate, that enables people and communities, including indigenous Peoples, to provide for their current social, economic, and cultural well being while also sustaining the potential of those resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations. 8 World Bank Group, 2007. Environment, Health, and Safety General Guidelines. Washington, DC.
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examine and incorporate in its operations resource conservation and energy efficiency measure consistent with the principles of cleaner production. 27. Hazardous Materials: The borrower/client will avoid the manufacture, trade, and use of hazardous substances and materials subject to international bans or phaseouts because of their high toxicity to living organisms, environmental persistence, potential for bioaccumulation, or potential for depletion of the ozone layer9 and will consider the use of less hazardous substitutes for such chemicals and materials. 28. Pesticide Use and Management: The environmental assessment will ascertain that any pest and/or vector management activities related to the sub-project are based on integrated pest management approaches. The borrower/client will not use products that fall in World Health Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes la (extremely hazardous) and Ib (highly hazardous) or class II (moderately hazardous). 29. Wastes: The borrower/client will avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, will minimize or control the generation of hazardous and non hazardous wastes and the release of hazardous materials resulting from project activities. Where waste cannot be recovered or reused, it will be treated, destroyed, and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. If the generated waste is considered hazardous, the client will explore reasonable alternatives for its environmentally sound disposal considering the limitations applicable to its transboundary movement10. 30. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The borrower/client will promote the reduction of project- related anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in a manner appropriate to the nature and scale of project operation and impacts. During the development or operation of projects that are expected to or currently produce significant quantities of greenhouse gases11, the borrower/client will quantify direct emissions from the facilities within the physical project boundary and indirect emissions associated with the off-site production of power used by the project. The borrower/client will conduct quantification and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions annually in accordance with internationally recognized methodologies12. Borrower/client will evaluate technically and financially feasible and cost effective options to reduce or offset project-related greenhouse gas emissions during project design and operation, and pursue appropriate options. iii. Health and Safety 31. Occupational Health and Safety: The borrower/client will provide workers13 with a safe and healthy working environment, taking into account risks inherent to the particular sector and specific classes of hazards in the borrower's/client's work areas, including physical, chemical, biological and radiological hazards. 32. The borrower/client will apply preventive and protective measures consistent with international good practices, as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group's Environment, Health, and Safety Guidelines.
9 Consistent with the objectives of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. 10 Consistent with the objectives of the basal Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes. 11 Even though the significance of a project's contribution to greenhouse gas emission varies between industry Sectors, the significance threshold to be considered for these requirements is generally 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year for the aggregate emissions of direct sources and indirect sources associated with electricity purchased for own consumption. 12 Estimation methodologies are provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), various international organizations, and relevant host country agencies. 13 Including nonemployee workers engaged by the borrower/client through contractors or other intermediaries to work on project sites or perform work directly related to the project's core functions.
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33. Community Health and Safety: The borrower/client will identify and assess the risks to, and potential impacts on, the safety of affected communities during the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the project, and will establish preventive measures and plans to address them in a manner commensurate with the identified risks and impacts. These measures will favor the prevention or avoidance of risks and impacts over their minimization and reduction. 34. The borrower/client will inform affected communities of significant potential hazards in a culturally appropriate manner. The borrower/client should be prepared to respond to accidental and emergency situations. 35. When structural elements or components, such as dams, tailings dams, or re-regulating ponds, are situated in high-risk locations and their failure or malfunction may threaten the safety of communities, the borrower/client will engage qualified and experienced experts, separate from those responsible for project design and construction, to conduct a review as early as possible in project development and throughout project design, construction, and commissioning. 36. Physical Cultural Resources: The borrower/client is responsible for siting and designing the project to avoid significant damage to physical cultural resources14. 37. The project will not remove any physical cultural resources unless the following conditions are met: i. No alternatives to removal are available. ii. The overall benefits of the project substantially outweigh the anticipated cultural heritage loss from removal. iii. Any removal is conducted in accordance with relevant provisions of national and/or local laws, regulations, and protected area management plans and national obligations under international laws, and employs the best available techniques. c. Institutional Capacity 38. Department of Electricity Development (DoED), GoN is the borrower/client of the proposed sub-project. The department functions under Ministry of Energy (MoEn), GoN. This department is also responsible for providing survey and generation licenses in the hydropower sector, review of progress achieved after the award of licenses and cancellation of the licenses (if the progress is unsatisfactory). In case of the present sub-project, DoED is both an executing and implementing agency. Therefore, for an unbiased project implementation a separate Special Purpose Vehicle Company (SPVC) needs to be established to implement the sub- project. The “SPV” company would be responsible for recruiting appropriate consultants through bidding process to undertake the feasibility and EIA of the sub-project. The study consultant should be able to comply with national and ADB requirements while conducting the study, (esp. EIA). The SPVC will also time an often recruit independent Panel of Experts (PoE) who will review the draft reports (Scoping/ToR and EIA) before submission to GoN. Furthermore, “Project Monitoring Unit (PMU)” should be set up in DoED to support the activities of the SPVC and the study consultants. PMU should be staffed with well-experienced national and international hydropower professionals. 39. The sub-project will be a large infrastructure type project requiring substantial investments and construction activities. Most of the required human resources to design and construct the subproject are not available within the country. As such large projects have not been previously built in the country, DoED also lacks the capacity to monitor the implementation works. Thus, capacity enhancement of DoED will be essential. Establishment of PMU along with further training programs will be required to adequately strengthen DoED.
14 Defined as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, and natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. Physical cultural resources may be located in urban or rural settings and may be above or below ground or under water. Their cultural interest may be at the local, provincial, national, or international level. 16
C. Anticipated Environmental Impacts 40. The sub-project is likely to be classified as ADB environment category “A” type since it will have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, unprecedented; impacts will affect an area larger than the subproject sites and facilities. However, the sub -project components including the area inundated by the reservoir neither fall within nor are adjacent to any of the nationally protected sites such as National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and sanctuaries or any biologically critical habitat. 41. The potential adverse impacts of the sub-project implementation are: 42. Construction activities – the major environmental impacts anticipated during the project construction are: degradation of air quality, noise due to the construction activities, vegetation clearance and habitat destruction, ground disturbance; earthworks, erosion and sedimentation and loss of land, property and communal resources. 43. Operation – change in surface water quality and ground water hydrology, disruption of aquatic habitat and migratory fish species. 44. Beside these, other major environmental impacts at the downstream region due to the implementation of the sub-project are (i) Water logging due to increase in ground water table at the downstream region, (ii) Change in sedimentation pattern, (iii) River bank erosion leading to change in downstream river morphology, (iv) Creation of micro climatic condition at the downstream region (release of cold water from deep reservoir and fluctuation in river discharge), and (v) Safety issue at the downstream region (due to sudden release of water). 45. During the project construction phase, it is obvious that the air quality will degrade around cement mixture and diesel generator areas. Drilling and subsequent blasting which is necessary for dam construction (excavation) will degrade the air quality. The ingredients of concrete in mixing plant will also degrade the air quality in the surrounding area. The operations of the diesel generator will emit carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the air. These primary pollutants may undergo series of chemical reactions with different atmospheric components (such as H2O, O3, hydrocarbons etc) to produce secondary pollutants. The project construction activities such as excavation and road construction will increase the dust level in the air. These activities together will eventually degrade the air quality in the nearby area. 46. At the same time, the project construction activities such as excavation of rocks and operation of machineries such as the compressor and diesel generator during day and night and the movement of increased number of vehicles along with the use of pressure horn will increase the noise level in the project area. However, the proposed dam and powerhouse area do not consist of any sensitive noise receptors (such as schools, temples etc). Although noise influence on communities is unlikely, excessive noise is likely to influence the project construction workers. 47. The major unavoidable direct impact that results from the implementation of the scheme is clearance/submergence of terrestrial vegetation. The project’s dam and inundation area (575 + 20 m asl) consists of 1917 ha of forest area (encompasses about 70 Community Forest (CF) areas), 2146 ha of bush/grassland/barren land and 1619 ha of river and floodplains which are government land. The forest comprises of 68 different tree species, which is a habitat for 17 different wild mammal species and 35 different wild bird species. The Sunkoshi River and its tributaries at the sub-project site inhabit 20 different fish species and some amphibians species. Among the tree species found in the area, Simal (Bombax ceiba), Sal (Shorea robusta), and Khayer (Acacia catechu) are listed under protection category of Government of Nepal. Khayer (Acacia catechu) is also included under Threatened IUCN category. The detail EIA should propose and identify compensatory plantation area (as per GoN policy and rules) and habitat as a part of Environment Management Plan (EMP) 48. Among the mammals, Salak (Manis pentadactyla) and Wolf (Canis lupus) found in project area are the protected species (GoN). Salak (Manis pentadactyla) is also included in endemic IUCN category. Ghoral (Naemorhedus goral), Chituwa (Panthera tigris) and Ottor (Lutra lutra) are also found in the project area which are Nearly Threatened IUCN species. According to the local people, Bagh (Panther tigris) is very rarely seen in the project area. This
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species (Panther tigris) is protected species under GoN category and endangered species under IUCN category. 49. Among the bird species Saras (Ciconia ciconia) and among the reptilian Suun gohoro (Varanus flavescens) are listed under the protection category of Government of Nepal (GoN). 50. Subproject will be suggested to avoid critical habitats, and various management programs will be needed for conservation of the species. The compensatory plantation program to be implemented by the project should also include the plantation of some protected species such as Simal (Bombax ceiba), Sal (Shorea robusta), and Khayer (Acacia catechu). 51. Furthermore, the construction of the dam will block the migratory route/pattern of some long distance migratory fish species such as Katle (Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis), Sahar (Tor putitora), Sahar (Tor Tor) and fresh water shark called Gonch (Begarius begarius). Katle (Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis) and Sahar (Tor Tor) are Nearly Threatened IUCN species, whereas, Sahar (Tor putitora) is included in endangered IUCN category. Moreover, dam construction activities and downstream flow irregularities will affect the spawning habitat of these species. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in detail EIA should identify the requirement of of fish pass, fish ladder or fish lift for their undisturbed migration. Similarly, special management plan needs to be included in EMP and implemented for the conservation of fish dependent mammals, Ottor (Lutra lutra). 52. There are about 800 fishermen (Majhi) households within the project’s dam and inundation area whose livelihood depend on fishing in Sunkoshi, Tamakoshi and their tributaries. Some fish species caught by a local fisherman during the field visit are shown in Figure 3.
Figure 2: Local Fisherman fishing in Sunkoshi River Figure 3: Fish species found in Sunkoshi River 53. During the project operation, the major environmental impacts anticipated are degradation in reservoir water quality and change in sedimentation patterns. It is expected that the reservoir will be thermally stratified each year. During summer, water temperature at the reservoir surface could be higher compared to the bottom temperature. Under these conditions, periodic episodes of low dissolved oxygen will occur in deeper sections of the reservoir. This anaerobic condition is expected to last for 4 months during the summer months. Nutrients levels will be higher during the initial years of reservoir inundation (due to decomposition of organic matter in the reservoir). Their anaerobic decomposition is likely to release Green House Gases15 into the atmosphere.
15 A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Greenhouse gases greatly affect the temperature of the Earth; without them, Earth's surface would average about 33°C colder than the present average of 14 °C (57 °F). 18
54. Similarly, the increased nutrient contained in the water (either from nearby agricultural runoff or through decomposition of organic matter in the reservoir) could cause eutrophication which would further degrade the reservoir water quality. 55. At the same time, the release of cold water from deep within the reservoir changes the downstream temperature of the river creating microclimatic environment. 56. Furthermore, the seepage through the reservoir could raise the groundwater table at the downstream region creating a water logging situation. 57. In addition, the presence of 166 m high dam disturbs the natural sedimentation pattern of the River. The sediments will start depositing in the reservoir. The decline in sediment in Sunkoshi River along the downstream reach makes it “Sediment Hungry flow” which can lead to increased erosion. The increased erosion and altered sediment load can change the downstream river morphology. 58. The biomass at the inundation area should be cleared prior to the reservoir filling. Similarly, detail Catchment Area Management Plan and Soil Protection Measures should be prepared and implemented to minimize sedimentation at the reservoir. 59. The major issue regarding socio-economic and cultural environment domain is relocation of approximately 71 villages comprising about 2415 households and 13,360 residents16 including the entire town of Manthali, which is the district headquarters of Ramechhap. The airstrip in Manthali along with 23 suspension bridges, 47 bank/finance/cooperatives and about 370 social infrastructures (including schools, colleges, government offices, health facilities, old age homes, temples, cemetery, radio stations and Non Governmental Organizations) will be inundated by the reservoir. The project would also inundate existing and under construction (i) 35 km of Nepalthok – Adheri Khola (Khurkot) portion of the BP highway along with five Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges (ii) 27 km of Adheri Khola (Khurkot) – Kudule portion of Pushpalal Highway along with six RC bridges (iii) 31 km of Saleghat – Khimti portion of Lamesangu Ramechhap Highway along with four RC bridges (iv). Two RC bridges over Sunkoshi and one RC bridge over Tamakoshi river which are under construction, will also be inundated by the reservoir. 60. The establishment of 166 m high dam by the project will inundate 2135 hectare of agricultural land (including settlement area). The area of agricultural land from the dam crest to 20 m above in elevation is 404 hectare (including settlement). 61. The area and various types of land that will be inundated by the reservoir can be seen in Table 2. Table 2: Land inundated and indirectly affected by the project Impact Project land types (ha) affected Total Area Components Settlement / Forest Bush/grassland/ River and Airport Cultivated barren land floodplains Direct Inundation 2135 1600 1648 1689 4 7076 Impact due to dam Area – to construction be inundated (below 575 m asl) Indirect Up to 20 m 404 317 498 2 1221 Impact elevation Area above (between inundation 575 m and area 595 m asl) Total 2539 1917 2146 1691 4 8297
16 The settlements including households that need to be relocated have been estimated based on available digital topographical maps of 1996 along with projected growth rate (projected to 2013) by Centre Bureau of Statistics (CBS). 19
62. Note that in Table 2, the various land types mentioned in the first row will be permanently lost due to inundation. The land types mentioned in second row will be indirectly impacted due to the reservoir. The landuse pattern of the project area can be seen in
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Figure 4.
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Figure 4: Landuse Map
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D. Environmental Assessment for Subprojects and/or components 63. The environmental assessment of each individual sub-projects should be undertaken in accordance to the requirements of Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and Environmental Protection Rules (EPR) 1997 (amendment in 2008 AD/2065 BS, Annual Budget of 2008 AD/2065 BS, published in gazette 2nd Feb 2009/ 20th Magh, 2065 BS), pertaining to rule 3, schedule- 2 heading E- water resources and energy sector; sub-section 3. Furthermore, the Environmental Assessment should also meet ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) and involve (i) screening and classification; and (ii) preparation of environmental assessments and environmental management plans. a. Sub project Screening 64. DoED, GoNwill screen individual sub-projects against the GoN and ADB’s environment assessment requirements and potential environmental and social impacts. The sub-project according to ADB environment category is expected to be category A, as the project is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented (Appendix 1). 65. The project within 1 km of critical habitat or legally protected areas will be subject to prior review by ADB. Sub-projects located within legally protected areas will be considered if these meet the SPS requirements. Any sub-project proposed in a protected area will be eligible for project support if it is permitted under GoN legislation. However, none of the components and inundation area of the sub-project lies within 1 km of critical habitat or legally protected areas. Considering the sub-project magnitude and irreversible environmental impacts, it is recommended that the final ToR for EIA of the sub-project be reviewed and agreed by the Panel of Experts and ADB. The role of PoE would be to confirm that all environmental issues have been identified and the scope of the EIA (including baseline surveys) is satisfactory in relation to the requirements of ADB and GoN. Similarly, the final EIA should also be review by PoE and ADB before its submission to GoN for approval. b. Sub-project Environment Assessment 66. The borrower/client should conduct the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project as per the requirement of EPR 1997 and ADB’s SPS. Since the sub-project is likely to have significant adverse impacts, the borrower/client should examine alternatives to the project’s location, design, technology, and environmental impacts and risks. The rational for selecting the particular project location, design, technology, and components should be properly documented, including cost – benefit analysis, taking environmental costs and benefits of the various alternatives considered into account. The “no project” alternative should be also considered. 67. The assessment process should be based on current information, including an accurate project description, and appropriate environmental and social baseline data. The environmental assessment should consider all potential impacts and risks of the project on physical, biological, socioeconomic (occupational health and safety, community health and safety, vulnerable groups and gender issues, and impacts on livelihoods through environmental media) and physical cultural resources in an integrated way. The project’s potential environmental impacts and risks should be reviewed against the requirements presented in the ADB’s SPS and EPR 1997 (GoN), including the nation’s obligations under international law. 68. Impacts and risks should be analyzed in the context of the project's area of influence. This area of influence encompasses (i) the primary project site(s) and related facilities that the barrower/client (including its contractors) develops or controls, such as power transmission corridors, diversion tunnels, access roads, burrow pits and disposal areas, and construction camps; (ii) associated facilities that are not funded as part of the project (funding may be provided separately by the barrower/client or by third parties), and whose viability and existence depend exclusively on the project and whose goods of services are essential for successful operation of the project, (iii) areas and communities potentially affected by cumulative impacts from future planned development of the project, other sources of similar impact in the geographical area, any existing project or condition, and other project-related developments that are realistically defined at the time the assessment is undertaken; and (iv) areas and
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communities potentially affected by impacts from unplanned but predictable developments caused by the project that may occur later or at a different location. Environmental impacts and risks will also be analyzed for all relevant stages of the project cycle, including preconstruction, construction, operations, decommissioning, and post closure activities such as rehabilitation of restoration. 69. The assessment will identify potential trans-boundary effects, such as air pollution, increased use or contamination of international waterways, as well as global impacts, such as emission of greenhouse gases and impacts on endangered species and habitats. 70. The environmental assessment will examine whether particular individuals and groups may be differentially of disproportionately affected by the project's potential adverse environmental impacts because of their disadvantaged or vulnerable status, in particular, the poor women and children, and indigenous peoples, where such individuals or groups are identified, the environmental assessment should ensure that adverse environmental impacts do not fall disproportionately on them. 71. As per EPR 1997 and ADB’s category, a full-scale EIA is required for the sub-project. An EIA report includes the following major elements: (i) executive summary, (ii) description of the project, (iii) description of the environment (with comprehensive baseline data), (iv) anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures, (v) analysis of alternatives, (vi) environmental management plan(s), (vii) consultation and information disclosure, and (viii) conclusion and recommendations. 72. During the project operation,, Ministry of Science Technology and Environment (MoSTE), GoN will perform environmental audits to determine the existence of any areas where the project may cause or is causing environmental risks of impacts. A typical environmental audit report includes the following major elements: (i) executive summary ; (ii) facilities description, including both past and current activities; (iii) summary of national, local, and any other applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards; and (iv) audit and site investigation procedure; (v) findings and areas of concern ; and (vi) corrective action plan that provides the appropriate corrective actions for each area of concern, including costs and schedule. 73. When the project involves the development of or changes to policies, plans, of programs that are likely to have significant environmental impacts that are regional or sectoral, strategic environmental assessment will be required. A strategic environmental assessment report will include (i) an analysis of the scenario, (ii) an assessment of long-term and indirect impacts, (iii) a description of the consultation process, and (iv) an explanation of option selection. c. Environmental planning and management 74. The borrower/client should prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that addresses the potential impacts and risks identified by the environmental assessment. The EMP should include proposed mitigation measures, related institutional or organizational arrangements, capacity development and training measures, implementation schedule, cost estimates, and performance indicators. Where impacts and risks cannot be avoided or prevented, mitigation measures and actions should be indentified so that project is designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and meets the requirements specified in ADB’s SPS. 75. If some residual impacts are likely to remain significant after mitigation, the EMP should also include appropriate compensatory measures (offset) that aim to ensure that the project does not cause significant net degradation to the environment. 76. The EMP will define expected outcomes as measurable event possible and will include performance indicators or targets that can be tracked over defined periods. It will be responsive to changes in project design, such as major change in project location or route, or in technology, unforeseen events, and monitoring results. 77. The borrower/client should use qualified and experienced experts to prepare the environmental assessment and the EMP. Furthermore, an independent advisory panel of experts not affiliated with the project needs to be retained during project preparation and implementation.
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d. Project and Sub-project Review 78. ADB and PoE will review the final ToR and EIA of the sub-project before submission of such documents to the GoN. E. Consultation, Information Disclosure, and Grievance Redress Mechanism a. Consultation and Participation 79. ADB’s SPS (2009) and EPR 1997 requires projects to carry out meaningful consultation with affected people and other concerned stakeholders, including civil society, and government agencies and facilitate their informed participation. After a brief initial desk study and field assessment, a 15 –days scoping notice needs to be published in any national daily newspaper to inform all related stakeholders, local people, and public about the sub-project development and initiation of the EIA. The scoping exercise followed by the preparation of ToR and EIA should involve desk study, field assessment and consultation with local stakeholders and government agencies from very early stage of the sub-project development. Consultation should be carried out in a manner commensurate with the impacts on affected communities. The consultation process and its results are to be documented and reflected in the environmental assessment report. The proponent (DoED) and any appointed environmental assessment consultants should be open to contact/consultation with the public on environmental assessment matters during sub-project EIA preparation and feasibility study. 80. All communication handouts should be written in local language (Nepali) and all consultations should be documented. All relevant views raised during consultation should be reported in the environmental assessment report, and considered in sub-project design and reflected in the environmental management plan as appropriate. Attendance sheets and notes of consultations shall be included in the environmental assessment report as proof that consultation/s has been held. b. Information Disclosure 81. As per the requirement of EPR 1997, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE), GoN should publish 30 days public notice on any national daily newspaper disclosing the Draft EIA report prior to its approval. The report should be made available to the local people and related stakeholders in accessible place. The ministry should consider all relevant suggestions/comments of the local people and related stakeholders before its approval. 82. Furthermore, the proponent (borrower) should also follow the information disclosure procedure for ADB environment category A projects. The borrower/client will need to submit to ADB the following documents for disclosure on ADB’s website: i. A draft full EIA (including the draft EMP) at least 120 days prior to ADB Board consideration, and/or environmental assessment and review frameworks before project appraisal, where applicable; ii. The final EIA; iii. a new or updated EIA and corrective action plan prepared during project implementation, if any; and iv. The environmental monitoring reports. 83. The borrower/client will provide these information in a timely manner, in an accessible place and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected people and other stakeholders. For illiterate people other suitable communication methods should be used. c. Grievance Redress Mechanism 84. The borrower/client will establish a mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of affected peoples’ concerns, complaints, and grievances about the project’s environmental performance. The grievance mechanism should be scaled to the risks and adverse impacts of the project. It should address affected people’s concerns and complaints promptly, using an understandable and transparent process that is gender responsive, culturally appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the affected people at no costs and without retribution. The mechanism should not impede access to the country’s judicial or administrative remedies. The affected people should be appropriately informed about the mechanism.
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F. Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities 85. Department of Electricity Development (DoED), GoN will form a “Special Purpose Vehicle Company” (SPVC) to implement the project. The “SPVC” will hold the main responsibility to prepare and implement the Environment Management Plan; nevertheless, there are other stakeholders that will perform certain role(s); the stakeholders and their role(s) responsibilities are presented in Table 3 Table 3: Major stakeholders and their roles and responsibility. S.No. Stakeholder Roles and Responsibility 1 Consultant Conduction of sub-projects Feasibility and EIA study 2 SPVC (PoE) Review of Feasibility and EIA study Reports and ADB 2 DoED, MoEn Review Draft EIA and forward to Ministry of Science Technology and Environment (MoSTE). Review progress report; check and verify licensing conditions Provide appropriate suggestions/instructions for compliance and administrative support, Provide generation license 3 Ministry of Organize EIA Review committee meeting and provide the report approval Science after incorporating the concerns of the committee. Technology and Environment (MoSTE) 4 District Forest Undertake enumeration, collection and management of cleared forest product Offices (DFO) as per the rules/regulations Case 1 Provide the administrative and technical support regarding afforestation program of the sub-project as per request or Case 2 Plan and implement the afforestation program with the compensation paid by the company. 5 SPVC Incorporate recommendation of EIA (including the EMP) as integral part of the detail project report and make implementation arrangement (design, drawing, construction management etc.) Ensure that the implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures are in accordance with the Environment Management Plan. Implement some of the mitigation/ enhancement measure as per Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Plan (MEMP). Coordination with local level government agencies, local NGOs, CBOs as and when required 6 Contractor Implement mitigation enhancement measure as specified in contract and MEMP. Undertake first hand monitoring and record keeping of the implemented measures 7 Local level Cooperate the proponent while implementing mitigation and enhancement Government measures such as "public awareness", "conflict resolution" etc. Agencies (VDCs, Health Post, Schools etc.) 8 NGOs and Assist the sub-projects as local partner in implementing various mitigation CBOs and enhancement measures, especially measures related to socio-economic and cultural domain such as public awareness, conflict resolution and rural development program supported by the sub-projects.
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a. Organization and Staffing 86. The EIA team with specialists involved from various disciplines will have to be formed to fulfill the requirements as set by GoN and ADB. The study team will comprise following international and nationals experts to form a multi disciplinary team. Table 4: EIA study team for the proposed sub-project International National Experts Number Months Experts Number Months Team Leader 1 20 Deputy Team Leader 1 32 Ecologist 1 6 Environment Engineer 1 18 Environment Expert 1 24 Botanist 3 6 Aquatic life/fish expert 1 4 Zoologist 1 6 Socio Economist 1 9 Aquatic life/fish expert 1 4 Resettlement Expert 1 6 Socio Economist 1 18 GIS/Remote Sensing Expert 2 6 Environment Specialist 1 9 Landuse Planner 1 6 Forest Expert 11 4 Agricultural Expert 1 4 Public Health Expert 1 4 Legal / Institutional Expert 1 4 Environment Management 1 6 Expert/ Planner Support Staffs 3 32 87. During the project implementation, mitigation and enhancement measures related to civil works will form part of the contract and therefore, the contractor on behalf of the sub-project will be responsible for their implementation. Mitigation and enhancement measures related mostly to socio-economic nature not included in the main contract will be implemented directly by the sub-project. For this purpose, Environment Management Unit (EMU) that will operate under the direct supervision of Environment Section (ES) of the company should be established (within DoED). 88. The organizational structure for implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures is proposed in 89. 90.
91. Figure 5.
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Figure 5: Organization Structure for Environment Management Plan
DoEDDoED
Supervision Reporting & Coordination Environment Section (ES) of SPVC (based on Head Office)
Supervision Reporting Environment Management Unit (EMU, based on site office)
Reporting - Environment Management Reporting Local Level Officer (EMO) Local level Government - Ecologist NGOs & CBOs Agencies Coordination - Sociologist Coordination - Environment Management Assistance
Supervision Reporting
CONTRACTOR
b. Budget 92. The cost estimates for EIA study of the sub-project is about 2.78 million US $. Table 5 shows the detail cost break down for the study. Table 5: Detailed Cost Estimates by Expense Category USD Million Remarks Foreign Local Total % of Total Item Currency Currency Cost Base A. Investment Costs 1. Consultants 1.062 0.354 1.416 96.3 a. Remuneration and Per Diem 1.02 0.336 1.356 92.2 b. International and/or Local Travel 0.036 0 0.036 2.4 c. Reports, Communications & Office equipment 0.006 0.018 0.024 1.6 2. Workshops, Seminars, Conferences and Public Hearings 0.006 0.012 0.018 1.2 To be shared 3. Rental- Vehicles and office 0 0 0 0.0 with FS team
4. Investigations (air, water and soil 0.012 0.024 0.036 2.4
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quality) 5. Miscellaneous Administration and Included in Support 0 0 0 FS cost Subtotal (A) 1.08 0.39 1.47 100.0 Total Base Cost (A) 1.08 0.39 1.47 100.0 B. Contingencies 1. Physical 0.054 0.018 0.072 5 2. Price 0.108 0.036 0.144 10 Subtotal (B) 0.162 0.05 0.216 15 Total Project Cost (A+B) 1.242 0.444 1.686 Note: Local currency quoted in Million USD at 1 USD = 90.30 NPR 5% physical and 10% price contingency considered 93. The budget for Environment mitigation and Enhancement measure under Environment Management Plan “EMP” should be as estimated by the detailed EIA study. c. Environment Impact Assessment Study Schedule 94. The study period for EIA of the sub-project for the consultant (s) is about 30 months without considering the time period required for the approval of the reports by GoN. The required time durations for different EIA activities is shown in the Table 6. Table 6: EIA study Schedule SN Activities Year I II III IV Quarterly I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV 1 Inception report
2 Submission of Draft Some progress Scoping and ToR on Feasibility 3 Submission of Scoping Study and ToR 4 Submission of Approved Scoping and ToR 5 Environmental Baseline Report 6 Submission of Draft EIA Report 7 Submission of EIA Report 8 Submission of Approved EIA G. Monitoring and Reporting 95. The borrower/client will monitor and measure the progress of implementation of the EMP through PMU. The extent of monitoring activities will commensurate with the project’s risks and impacts. In addition to recording information to track performance, the borrower/client will undertake inspections to verify compliance with the EMP and progress towards the expected outcomes. For the sub-project, the borrower/client will retain qualified and experienced external experts or qualified NGOs to verify its monitoring information. The borrower/client will document monitoring results, identify the necessary corrective actions, and reflect them in a corrective action plan. The borrower/client will implement these corrective actions and follow up on them to ensure their effectiveness. 96. The borrower/client will prepare periodic monitoring reports that describe progress in accordance with implementation of the EMP and compliance issues and corrective actions, if any. The borrower/client will submit quarterly monitoring reports. During operation, reporting will continue on an annual basis at minimum. Such periodic reports should be posted in a location accessible to the public. Project budgets will reflect the costs of monitoring and reporting requirements.
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APPENDIX 1: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST
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RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST
Instructions:
(i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.
(ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.
(iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.
Country/Project Title: Nepal / Sunkoshi – 2 (1,110 MW Storage Type) Hydropower Project
Sector Division:
A. Basic Project Design Data
1. Dam height, m = 166 m
2. Surface area of reservoir, (ha) = 7076
3. Estimated number of people to be displaced = about 15,000
4. Rated power output, (MW) = 1110
Other Considerations:
1. Water storage type: __√_ reservoir ___ run of river
___ Pumped storage
2. River diversion scheme: ___ trans-basin diversion __√_ in-stream flow regulation
___ in-stream diversion
3. Type of power demand to address _√__ peak load __√_ base load
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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks
B. Project Location
Is the dam and/or Project facilities adjacent to or within any of the following areas? . Unregulated river Y . Undammed river tributaries below the proposed dam Y . Unique or aesthetically valuable land or water form N . Special area for protecting biodiversity N . Protected Area N . Buffer zone of protected area N . Primary forest N . Range of endangered or threatened animals Y Y Endangered indigenous people (Hayu . Area used by indigenous peoples community) above reservoir level . Cultural heritage site N . Wetland N . Mangrove N . Estuary N C. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause…
. Short-term construction impacts such as soil erosion, Y deterioration of water and air quality, noise and vibration from construction equipment ? . Disturbance of large areas due to material quarrying? Y . Disposal of large quantities of construction spoils? Y . Clearing of large forested area for ancillary facilities and Y access road? . Impounding of a long river stretch? Y N With adequate reservoir management, . Dryness (less than 50% of dry season mean flow) over a more than 50% of dry season flow long downstream river stretch? should be release . Construction of permanent access road near or through Y forests? . Creation of barriers for migratory land animals N Y Habitat of small mammal such as Salak . Loss of precious ecological values due to flooding of (Manis pentadactyla) and reptiles such agricultural/forest areas, and wild lands and wildlife habitat; as Suun gohoro (Varanus flavescens) destruction of fish spawning/breeding and nursery will be inundated. The species are also grounds? protected species under GoN category. Y Downstream water quality may be . Deterioration of downstream water quality due to anoxic deteriorated due to the release of cold water from the reservoir and sediments due to soil water from deep within the reservoir erosion? and increase bank erosion at the downstream region. . Significant diversion of water from one basin to another? N . Alternating dry and wet downstream conditions due to Y peaking operation of powerhouse ?
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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks Y Annual flood can be controlled and thus . Significant modification of annual flood cycle affecting impacts can be minimized. However, downstream ecosystem, people’s sustenance and ecosystem would also change due to livelihoods ? change in flow regime . Loss or destruction of unique or aesthetically valuable land N or water forms? Y Increased nutrient contained in the . Proliferation of aquatic weeds in reservoir and downstream water (either from nearby agricultural impairing dam discharge, irrigation systems, navigation runoff or through decomposition of and fisheries, and increasing water loss through organic matter in the reservoir) could transpiration? cause eutrophication. Y Due to sediment free discharge at the . Scouring of riverbed below dam? downstream region. . Downstream erosion of recipient river in trans-basin N diversion? . Increased flooding risk of recipient river in trans-basin N diversion? . Decreased groundwater recharge of downstream areas? N . Draining of downstream wetlands and riparian areas? N . Decline or change in fisheries below the dam due to Y reduced peak flows and floods, submersion of river stretches and resultant destruction of fish breeding and nursery grounds, and water quality changes? . Loss of migratory fish species due to barrier imposed by Y the dam? . Formation of sediment deposits at reservoir entrance, Y creating backwater effect and flooding and waterlogging upstream ? . Significant disruption of river sediment transport Y downstream due to trapping in reservoir ? . Environmental risk due to potential toxicity of sediments N trapped behind the dams ? . Increased saltwater intrusion in estuary and low lands due N to reduced river flows ? . Significant induced seismicity due to large reservoir size Y and potential environmental hazard from catastrophic failure of the dam ? . Cumulative effects due to its role as part of a cascade of N Only if projects upstream (SU-3) and dams/ reservoirs? downstream (SU-1) are constructed . depletion of dissolved oxygen by large quantities of Y decaying plant material, fish mortality due to reduced dissolved oxygen content in water, algal blooms causing successive and temporary eutrophication, growth and proliferation of aquatic weeds? . Risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational health and Y No radiological hazards safety due to physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards during project construction and operation? . Large population influx during project construction and Y operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)? . Creation of community slums following construction of the Y hydropower plant and its facilities? Social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries Y are hired?
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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks . Uncontrolled human migration into the area, made Y In areas above the reservoir possible by access roads and transmission lines? . Disproportionate impacts on the poor, women, children or Y other vulnerable groups? . Community health and safety risks due to the transport, Y storage, and use and/or disposal of materials likely to create physical, chemical and biological hazards? risks to community safety due to both accidental and Y natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project (e.g., dams) are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning ?
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Questions Yes No Remarks The following questions are not for environmental categorization. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks.
Is the Project area subject to hazards such as Y Vulnerable to earthquakes, floods & earthquakes, floods, landslides, tropical cyclone winds, landslides but not tropical cyclone storm surges, tsunami or volcanic eruptions and climate winds, storm surges, tsunami or changes (see Appendix I)? volcanic eruptions 1. . Does the Project use or depend on resources which could Y be affected by climate change such as changes in temperature, precipitation, or extreme events (e.g increased erosion which reduces generation efficiency, glacial melt which could affect generation potential)?
. Are there any demographic or socio-economic aspects of Y Endangered community (Hayu) above the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g. high reservoir level and a number of illegal incidence of marginalized populations, rural-urban settlements, i.e., settlements in non- migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or registered land. children)? . Could the Project potentially increase the climate or Y Changes in micor-climate in the disaster vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g.. by inundation area possible. Also diverting water from areas where drought is increasing, or vulnerable hazards such as dam break encouraging settlement in earthquake zones)? and reservoir induced seismicity (RIS)
Note: Hazards are potentially damaging physical events.
Environments, Hazards and Climate Changes
Environment Natural Hazards and Climate Change Example Impact on Hydropower Arid/Semi- Low erratic rainfall of up to 500 mm rainfall per annum with periodic Temperature increases reduce arid and droughts and high rainfall variability. Low vegetative cover. Resilient overall thermoelectric power desert ecosystems & complex pastoral and systems, but medium certainty generation efficiencies as well environment that 10–20% of drylands degraded; 10-30% projected decrease in as water availability water availability in next 40 years; projected increase in drought duration and severity under climate change. Increased mobilization of sand dunes and other soils as vegetation cover declines; likely overall decrease in agricultural productivity, with rain-fed agriculture yield reduced by 30% or more by 2020. Earthquakes and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments. Humid and More than 500 mm precipitation/yr. Resilient ecosystems & complex Increased sediment load from sub-humid human pastoral and cropping systems. 10-30% projected decrease intense rainfall events may plains, in water availability in next 40 years; projected increase in droughts, result in rapid sedimentation foothills and heatwaves and floods; increased erosion of loess-mantled of water reservoirs, causing hill country landscapes by wind and water; increased gully erosion; landslides reduced storage capacity of likely on steeper slopes. Likely overall decrease in agricultural large hydropower projects. productivity & compromised food production from variability, with rain-fed agriculture yield reduced by 30% or more by 2020. Increased incidence of forest and agriculture-based insect infestations. Earthquakes and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments. River valleys/ River basins, deltas and estuaries in low-lying areas are vulnerable Increased sediment load may deltas and to riverine floods, storm surges associated with tropical result in greater turbine estuaries and cyclones/typhoons and sea level rise; natural (and human-induced) erosion and lower turbine and other low- subsidence resulting from sediment compaction and ground water generator efficiency, leading lying coastal extraction; liquefaction of soft sediments as result of earthquake to less power generation, areas ground shaking. Tsunami possible/likely on some coasts. Lowland Changes to the hydrologic agri-business and subsistence farming in these regions at cycle and river runoff can significant risk. result in changes in hydropower potential for electricity generation, Small islands Small islands generally have land areas of less than 10,000km2 in Oil and gas refineries, storage area, though Papua New Guinea and Timor with much larger land infrastructure, transmissions areas are commonly included in lists of small island developing lines, and other infrastructure states. Low-lying islands are especially vulnerable to storm surge, in low lying coastal locations tsunami and sea-level rise and, frequently, coastal erosion, with are increasingly at risk of coral reefs threatened by ocean warming in some areas. Sea level damage, disruption and rise is likely to threaten the limited ground water resources. High higher maintenance costs. islands often experience high rainfall intensities, frequent landslides and tectonic environments in which landslides and earthquakes are not uncommon with (occasional) volcanic eruptions. Small islands may have low adaptive capacity and high adaptation costs relative to GDP. Mountain Accelerated glacial melting, rockfalls/landslides and glacial lake The retreat of glaciers may ecosystems outburst floods, leading to increased debris flows, river bank increase water discharge and erosion and floods and more extensive outwash plains and, consequent power generation possibly, more frequent wind erosion in intermontane valleys. in the short term, and then be Enhanced snow melt and fluctuating stream flows may produce followed by a drastic seasonal floods and droughts. Melting of permafrost in some reduction in summer flows environments. Faunal and floral species migration. Earthquakes, and hence power generation. landslides and other geophysical hazards may also occur in these environments.
Volcanic Recently active volcanoes (erupted in last 10,000 years – see Volcanic deposits in environments www.volcano.si.edu). Often fertile soils with intensive agriculture watersheds and reservoirs and landslides on steep slopes. Subject to earthquakes and may educe hydro-potential volcanic eruptions including pyroclastic flows and mudflows/lahars and/or gas emissions and occasionally widespread ashfall.
APPENDIX-2: PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTO 1: PROPOSED DAM AREA OF SUNKOSHI – 2 PHOTO 2: FGDS FOR THE COLLECTION OF BASELINE INFORMATION PROJECT
PHOTO 3: INTERVIEW WITH THE LOCAL FISHERMAN IN PHOTO 4: FOREST AND THE WILD LIFE FOUND IN SUB- PROJECT THE SUB-PROJECT AREA AREA
PHOTO 3: MANTHALI AIRPORT TO BE INUNDATED BY THE PHOTO 3: AGRICULTURAL LAND AT MANTHALI TO BE INUNDATED RESERVOIR
PHOTO 4: THE LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURES (EXISTING AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION ROADS, BRIDGES, TEMPLES) AND THE SETTLEMENT AREA WILL BE INUNDATED BY THE RESERVOIR