Executive Summary

1 Introduction

Tanjung Pinang Development (TPD) Sdn. Bhd. is currently undertaking a land reclamation project called Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2 (STP2) following its Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) approval. STP2 is planned to be located adjacent to the existing Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 1 (STP1) at Tanjung Tokong, Penang. One of the components of STP2’s top side development that TPD wishes to pursue is the construction of a green wastewater treatment plant (gWTP).

This report shall address the EIA study on the Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP).

2 Project Background

Seri Tanjung Pinang as a whole is a development of a new township. STP1 with an acreage of 240 acres of headland adopted the concept of a waterfront lifestyle. STP2 on the other hand will offer an island waterfront community with 760 acres of land. STP2 shall comprise of a combination sumptuous residences with commercial facilities.

Consequently, a study was done by Jurutera TSSC Lim Sdn. Bhd. to evaluate the sewerage system of the existing STP1 and to-be-reclaimed land STP2. The study became the pioneer of the proposed Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) that will be able to accommodate 180,000 population

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-1 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. equivalent (PE). The construction and design of the gWTP shall be taken up by Uniti Consultans Sdn. Bhd; under the guidelines and advice from related authorities.

3 Project Proponent and Consultant

The Project Proponent is Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Eastern and Oriental Berhad).

The consultant appointed to conduct this Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd.

4 Statement of Need

The sewage generation rate projected from STP2 development is expected to be 40,500 m3/day which is equivalent to the flow rate of ten large petrochemical plants. This signifies the potential negative implication of the sewage flow if it is not properly taken care of. A gWTP built on site was opted against the alternative plan which is to direct the sewage from STP2 to Jelutong Wastewater Treatment Plant due to its lack of feasibility i.e. energy and cost. Moreover, the proposed gWTP will be able to produce recycled water and bio-fertilizer as a byproduct that can cater the demands from Penang Island and Prai. In addition, the green technology concept reduces the energy footprint of the treatment plant as it only requires 5 acres of land instead of the allocated 16 acres originally.

5 Project Description

5.1 Project Location

The proposed gWTP with an area of 5 acres will be constructed at the south region of to-be-reclaimed island STP2. STP2 is situated within a 7 km bay north of Penang Straits along the coastline between Tanjung Tokong and Gurney Drive. Prominent suburbs nearby the Proposed Project are Gurney Drive, Bagan Jermal and Tanjung Bungah. Figure E1 shows STP2’s general layout and the location of the Proposed Project situated on STP2.

ES-2 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

Proposed Project Location Discharge outlet into the canal

Figure E1 l Location of Proposed Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) in the STP2 Masterplan

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-3 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. 5.2 General Site Description

The nearest urban settlement is approximately 1 km from the Proposed Project area which is Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 1 (STP1). STP1 generally comprises of mixed development area. Since STP2 is yet to be reclaimed, the immediate surrounding area of the proposed project site is only the sea. Based on STP2 master layout plan, the gWTP is located near a designated commercial and affordable housing area. Tanjung Tokong is considered a dense housing area for the low to middle income population. Apart from Tanjung Tokong, Gurney Drive is the most prominent area located near the proposed site.

STP2 is planned to be a sustainable development that is able to support the needs of the Penang community and its environment.

5.3 Project Concept

The principle adopted in the gWTP is “Sewage to Resources”, where the sewage treated is able recover renewable resources i.e. water and bio- fertiliser which are in high demand by Penang and Prai. The gWTP is designed to produce effluent with BOD of 8 mg/l with other major parameters that meet Class II water of the National Water Quality Standard (NWQS). Table E1 is a comparison of the designed effluent quality with Standard A of Second Schedule of Environmental Quality (Sewage Effluent) Regulations 2009.

Table E1 l Designed Effluent Quality Standard A Class II Parameters (units) EQR 2009 gWTP Effluent (NWQS) (Sewage Effluent) Ammoniacal Nitrogen/AN NS 0.3 0.3 (mg/L)

BOD5 (mg/L) 20 8 3 COD (mg/L) 50 25 25 DO (mg/l) NS 5 – 7 5—7 pH 6 - 9 6 – 9 6—9 Colour (TCU) NS 150 150 Floatables NS N N Odour NS N N Taste NS N N Total SS (mg/L) 50 50 50 Turbidity (NTU) NS 50 50 E. coli (counts/100ml) NS 400 400 Note: NS = Not Stated; N = Non-detectable

ES-4 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

5.4 Project Components

The green wastewater treatment plant has four modules with each module is able to cater for 45,000 PE, which is a total of 180,000 PE. The components of

3 3

the gWTP will bePL 0.00m covered with most structures concealed under grass

PRESSURE FILTER covered slopes. The components of the gWTP are shown in Figure E2. 2 ASP

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Notation A. Intake works with coarse screen & inlet pumps M. Digester tanks with media EMM & Gas PL 0.00m RECYCABLE WATER B. Front end screens & GG removal storage cover - (not visible) TANK

C. Primary Clarifier cum equalisation N. Biogas bioscrubber system SECTION 5-5 D. Media 3D contact aeration tank O. Biogas storage E. Secondary clarifier P. Biogas engine F. Media 3D polishing tank Q. Digestate settler & separator with media & G. Sludge thickener and sludge conditioning unit aeration - (not visible) H. Sludge dewatering unit R. Dewatered sludge rotary composter (with I. Rapid sand pressure filter heating using hot flue gases) J. Partial Chlorination works S. Sludge maturing boxes - (not visible) K. Biodeodoriser & blowers (located on 1st floor) T. Water storage tank - (not visible) U. Outlet to perimeter drain going to canal L. Biofilter channel & pond with media bed and phytoraft - (not visible) Figure E2 l The gWTP Layout and List of Units

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-5 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. 5.5 Project Activities

The main activities of the Proposed Project involves the following:

i) Pre-construction activities:  Survey works.

ii) Construction activities:  Temporary drainages, roads and infrastructures works; and  Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) construction.

iii) Operation stage.

The construction of the gWTP shall be on a bare patch of land on the fully reclaimed island STP2. Temporary drainages, roads and infrastructure works will be constructed to enable the gWTP to be build. The construction of the gWTP will be executed in four (4) phases which starts with piling and foundation works. The treatment plant will also be constructed a total sunken depth of 4 m.

The main units operations and process flow of the proposed project are visualized in Figure E3.

Figure E3 l Green WTP Configuration Showing Main Unit Operations

ES-6 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

The gWTP exhibits similar processes as the conventional activated sludge (ASP). The prominent difference is sludge is removed at the earliest opportunity within the gWTP process.

5.6 Project Implementation Schedule

The proposed gWTP will be implemented in four phases. The biogas system will be operated in the 6th year prior to sludge disposal facility being approved. All the four modules is expected to be operating in 7 years upon the commencement of the project.

6 Existing Environment

6.1 Physical Environment

6.1.1 Water Quality

6.1.1.1 Ebbing and Flooding Baseline Sampling Results

Figure E4 shows the location of the water quality sampling stations with a total of 11 sampling stations selected. Generally the ambient water quality at north-west and southern area of the project area showed good water quality. WQ1 - WQ4 showed slightly higher readings compared to WQ6 - WQ10.

BOD and TOC values remained less than 7 mg/L and 1 mg/L except for a few occasional increments. Other parameters’ readings i.e. NH3-N, NO3-N, E. coli, TSS, O&G and P remained low and deemed undetected.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-7 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Figure E4 l Water Quality Sampling Stations around the Proposed Project Area

6.1.1.2 Continuous Baseline Marine Water Quality Monitoring Results

A water quality modelling was executed based on results obtained from the continuous baseline marine water quality monitoring at station WQ5 to assess the potential impacts of effluent discharged from the gWTP. During spring tide, the continuous water quality monitoring results at WQ5 displayed good water quality as organics, BOD and TOC ranged between 3 to 7 mg/L and 0 to 0.7 mg/L.

During neap tide, the readings became significantly higher for BOD and TSS. Previous TSS levels which ranged between 12 to 17 mg/L now reached as high up as 32 mg/L at the surface. However these levels can still be accepted. In overall, the coastal marine water quality in the area is fairly good.

ES-8 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

6.1.2 Sediment Quality

Sediment samples were collected at two (2) locations as shown in Figure E5. The analytical results point out no detectable levels of all metals analysed. Sediments found were either clay loam or sandy loam. Based on US EPA Standard, the results of the sediment quality analysis are categorized as “non -polluted”.

Figure E5 l Sediment Quality Sampling Locations

6.1.3 Hydrodynamic

6.1.3.1 Currents

The waters between Penang Island and the mainland is closely shaped like an hourglass with the Georgetown headland and Seberang Perai town forming a “throat section”. The reclaimed STP2 is anticipated to create local changes to current flow patterns which will cause flow acceleration and deceleration around the fully reclaimed island. The deepened flushing channel between STP2 and Penang Island will mostly experience increase in current speed compared to the existing open sea condition.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-9 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. 6.1.3.2 Waves

Wave activities due to the presence of STP2 was assessed by determining the difference in wave height before and after development. Significant reduction in wave height within the flushing channel between STP2 and Penang Island is observed. Hence the gWTP on STP2 is practically sheltered from offshore waves.

6.1.4 Air Quality

Figure E6 shows the two (2) air quality stations selected to gauge the ambient air quality near the project site. The results were compared with Malaysia Recommended Environmental Air Quality Guidelines and the values for PM10 (14 µg/m3) is below the value specified in the Guidelines.

Figure E6 l Location of Air Quality Monitoring Stations

ES-10 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

6.1.5 Noise

Two (2) noise monitoring stations were selected to assess the existing noise near the project site (Figure E7). The stations were selected based on the location of the most sensitive receptors around the proposed development. The existing day time level of L90 measured are 54.2 dBA and 53.5 dBa for Stations N1 and N2 respectively. These reading are considered lower that the permissible sound level of 55 dBA while existing night time level showed lower readings.

Figure E7 l Location of Noise Monitoring Stations

6.2 Biological Environment

The existing biological environment within the project area covers only marine habitat since STP2 is yet to be reclaimed. The STP2 reclamation area has been deemed as a productive and important fishing ground. There is abundance of mariculture activities i.e. fish cage culture and cockle rearing within the area.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-11 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. The marine habitat is divided into two (2); pelagic ecosystem where plankton and nekton thrive and benthos where organism live at the sea floor.

6.2.1 Phytoplankton

A total of 25 genera of phytoplankton cells were discovered and represented by three common divisions including diatoms (Chrysophyta), dinoflagellates (Pyrrophyta) and blue-green algae (Cynophyta). Out of 18 genera of diatoms, the common ones were Chaetoceros, Ditylum, Pleurosigma, Skeletonema and Thalassionema. Common dinoflagellates include Ceratium, Gonyaulax and Prorocentrum.

6.2.2 Zooplankton

The zooplanktons within the project area, mainly crustaceans are dominated by Copepods (80.2 to 82.6% of total zooplankton). The Copepods comprised mostly calanoid and cyclopoid groups, followed by larvae of decapods, lucifers, polychaete worms, arrow worms (Chaetognaths), gastropod and bivalve veligers and fish larvae.

6.2.3 Macrobenthos

Four major groups of bottom dwellers (benthos) were identified at the project site comprising of echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans and polychaete worms. The latter two predominate in terms of density and diversity. The deposit feeding polychaetes such as capitelids and spionids are the most prevalent and dominant benthos of the tropical soft sediment habitat.

6.2.4 Fish Fauna

Pelagic species were the most fish caught during the survey. The fish population found within the project site is dominated by Scienidae, Clupeidae, Gerridae and Leognathidae. The availability or abundance of the pelagic species is dependent on the seasons and monthly tidal cycles. Thus, the breeding and nursery grounds of such species were not clear.

ES-12 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

6.2.5 Algal Blooms

It was highlighted in the DEIA report that one of the species of dinoflagellate (Ceratium sp.) was dominant in the Penang Straits waters. This species is able to cause discolouration of the water and depletion of dissolved oxygen. The excessive growth of these phytoplankton can result in phytoplankton or algal blooms that may cause mortalities in marine animals.

One of the factors that can trigger the phytoplankton bloom is the wastewater effluent that could increase the nutrient loading in the coastal waters.

7 Potential Impacts and Mitigating Measures

A summary of potential impacts and mitigation measures on the physical and biological environment is shown in Table E2.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-13 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

Table E2 l Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigating Measures 1. Construction a) Surface Runoffs

 During construction of gWTP there will be earthworks.  Creating earth configurations to fit the gWTP tanks and other components during reclamation.  Surface runoff may affect receiving water body.  Slopes to be compacted and covered wherever possible.  This may occur about a year for each phase of construction.  Retention and settling pond(s) should be retained at the deepest point to keep the suspended solids in  May lead to turbid plumes in the surrounding waters. runoffs from inward slopes.  A diversion channel should be constructed to trap runoffs at outward slopes.  All retention and settling ponds to be regularly maintained.

b) Construction Workers

 Number of workers per phase; 50 at any time.  Provision of sufficient number of garbage bins located at least 50 m apart.  Generation of waste and sewage by workers.  Garbage bins to be regularly emptied to landfill.  Mobile toilets are to be provided including regular maintenance.  Temporary soakaway facilities to cater grey waters discharged.

c) Construction Wastes

 Waste produced from the construction of gWTP has the potential to be dumped into the sea, burned  Adhering to construction waste management policy and procedures for STP2 development. waste or spilt lubricant entering the runoff.  Adopting 4Rs implemented by DOE i.e.:  Unmanaged waste may contribute to mosquito breeding.  Reduce waste.  Reuse waste.  Recycle waste.  Resource recovery.

2. Operation a) Water Quality

The impacts of the gWTP during its operation stage is projected via water quality modeling whereby a few scenarios were executed.

i. Insufficient Removal of Pollutants

 Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus):  Insufficient removal of nutrients may result in additional loading of nutrients to receiving body  Sufficient aeration to be provided in wastewater treatment plant. which may cause eutrophication or algal blooms.  Phytopolishing canal to be well maintained to achieve optimum nutrient removal thus ensuring  This will affect the function of aquatic ecosystem and endanger human health, biodiversity and permissible amount of nutrients in effluent. ecosystem.

 Organics:  Wastewater contains organic materials i.e. human and animal wastes.  Pollutants are to be removed as early as possible in the gWTP to ensure effluent quality designed is  If not sufficiently removed, it may harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens that can cause disease achieved. upon primary contact with the water.  Removal of solids in primary clarifier must be sufficient.  Excessive organic loading may cause deoxygenation which decreases dissolved oxygen in water  Aeration process in Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and polisihing tank must be adequate. and may harm aquatic ecosystem.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-14 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

Table E2 (cont’d) l Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Project Activity Potential Impacts Mitigating Measures 2. Operation a) Water Quality (cont’d..) cont’d...  Suspended Solids (SS):  Increase in SS concentration increases water temperature and reduce dissolved oxygen in water  Sufficient removal of SS must be ensured during aeration process in MBBR reactor. which is vital for aquatic life.  Secondary clarifier has to be fully aerobic to allow microorganisms to degrade the pollutants.  SS may affect aquatic lifeforms by clogging fish gills and reduce their growth rates.  Pressure filters to be well maintained to ensure efficient removal of SS.  Settled SS will occupy spaces between rocks and makes microhabitats unbefitting for aquatic life.

 E. coli  Generally a harmful bacteria; except a few strains that can cause serious disease in humans.  Chlorination process must be adequate until the permissible limit to disinfect the treated wastewater  Good indicator of detecting other harmful bacteria that may originate from improperly treated effluent by killing harmful bacteria. wastewater effluent.  Sufficient retention time in the MBBR reactor and polishing tank is vital to remove E.Coli.

ii. Malfunction of gWTP

 Insufficient gas generated to run biogas engine.  Sufficient removal of solids in the primary clarifier  Biogas is utilized to run sludge processing. Inadequate biogas will disrupt the sludge process.  Secondary sludge to be well conditioned prior adding into thickener.

iii. Worst Case Scenario

 Impact of the release of untreated effluent to water quality due to complete failure of the gWTP was  Recommended values of gWTP discharge limit: modelled.  BOD5 = 8 mg/L  TSS = 50 mg/L

 NH3-N = 0.3 mg/L  NO3-N = 5 mg/L  Phosphorous = 3 – 5 mg/L (the lower the better)  E. coli = 300 cfu/100 mL

 Monthly monitoring exercise at the canal.

b) Air Quality

 Impact to immediate surrounding areas.  Adequate deoderisation at the gWTP at inlet works and sludge thickener.  gWTP operation may emit offensive odour chemicals such as butyl acetate, benzene and ethyl  gWTP will be fully covered to reduce spread of odour. acetate.

c) Biological Environment

 Failure to comply nutrient discharge limits may cause algal bloom.  Nutrients discharge must comply with designed effluent limit.  Algal bloom can be toxic to vulnerable shellfish and caged fish.  Proper maintenance and monitoring of gWTP.  Ample aeration in the MBBR reactor and polishing tank to maximize removal of nutrients.  Ensure good maintenance of phytopolishing canal.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-15 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

8 Residual Impacts

8.1 Water Source

With the implementation of gWTP that is able to recover resource as its sewage treatment process, positive residual impacts are anticipated. Water can be recovered from the gWTP and be reused. The biogas facilities is able to save expenditure via:

i) Savings on sludge handling and dewatering; ii) Savings on sludge transportation and disposal costs; and iii) Incomes from electricity and biofertilizer.

8.2 Bio-fertilizer Source

Sludge produced from the gWTP will be recycled and made into bio- fertilizers. It is projected that the bio-fertilizer production will contribute to boost the weakened agricultural industry in the state.

9 Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

The main element of the EMP is the Environmental Monitoring Programme (Table E3) which addresses the aspects of water quality, sediment quality, air quality, noise and environmental audits. Another element is the Emergency Response Plan which establishes an organizational structure and procedures for response to major emergencies. This plan has been devised to address all types of emergencies that may occur during the project implementation including fire and general accidents.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-16 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Reporting

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ES-17 Environmental Impact Assessment Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd. executive summary The Proposed Construction of Green Wastewater Treatment Plant (gWTP) at STP2, Penang

10 Conclusion

From the overall assessment, it can be concluded that the gWTP project will be highly beneficial, provided that strict measures and proper management is implemented to mitigate the potential impacts to occur from the presence of the gWTP on top of the yet-to-be reclaimed STP2 development.

Environmental Impact Assessment ES-18 Dr. Nik & Associates Sdn. Bhd.