Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (RRP SOL 53421-001)

Initial Environmental Examination

Project No.: 53421-001 Status: Draft Date: August 2020

Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project – Multi-tranche Financing Facility

Wharves Component

Prepared by Ministry of Infrastructure Development

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to any particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Wharves Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ii Abbreviations iv Executive Summary vi 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background to the Project 1 1.2 Scope of the Environmental Assessment 5 2 Legal and Institutional Framework 6 2.1 Legal and Planning Framework 6 2.1.1 Country safeguard system 6 2.1.2 Other legislation supporting the CSS 7 2.1.3 Procedures for implementing the CSS 9 2.2 National Strategy and Plans 10 2.3 Safeguard Policy Statement 11 3 Description of the Component 12 3.1 Kirakira – San Cristobal 12 3.1.1 Existing site and conditions 12 3.1.2 Proposed wharf development at Kirakira 15 3.2 Ahanga - Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.1 Existing conditions Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.2 Proposed wharf development at Ahanga 19 3.3 Construction Activities 1 3.3.1 Equipment and workforce 1 3.3.2 Development of borrow areas 2 4 Description of Existing Environment 4 4.1 Physical Components 4 4.1.1 Geology and soils 4 4.1.2 Air quality, climate and climate change 5 4.1.3 Hazards- volcano, earthquakes, tsunami 10 4.2 Biological Resources 11 4.2.1 Overview of marine and coastal habitat 11 4.2.2 Threatened and protected species 13

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4.2.3 Protected areas 15 4.2.4 Marine ecology at subproject sites Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2.5 Terrestrial habitat, flora and fauna 3 4.2.6 Freshwater habitats, flora and fauna 5 4.3 Socio-economic Resources 6 4.3.1 Population and demography 6 4.3.2 Economics and services 9 4.3.3 Cultural and historic sites and resources 10 4.3.4 Ambient noise levels 11 5 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 13 5.1 Significance of Impacts 13 5.2 Impacts during Pre-Construction 13 5.3 Impacts During Construction 18 5.3.1 Construction impacts on physical environment 18 5.3.2 Construction impacts on the biological environment 22 5.3.3 Construction impacts on the socio-economic environment 25 5.4 Operational Impacts 32 6 Consultation and Information Disclosure 34 6.1 Consultation 34 6.2 Information Disclosure 36 7 Environmental Management Plan 37 7.1 Introduction 37 7.2 Institutional Arrangements 38 7.3 Grievance Redress Mechanism 43 7.4 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting 44 7.5 Environmental Management Plan 45 8 Findings and Conclusions 66 8.1 Project Benefits 66 8.2 Conclusions and Recommendations 66 Appendixes Appendix A: Relevant Intentional / Regional Treaties & Agreements 69 Appendix B: List of Marine Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands 71 Appendix C: List of Terrestrial Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands 73 Appendix D: Globally Threatened Avifauna in the Solomon Islands 77 Appendix E: Environmental Risk Matrices 90

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Abbreviations

ADB Asian Development Bank AEP Aggregate extraction plan BMP Building Material Permit BSI Biosecurity Solomon Islands (Department of MAL) CCP Communications and Consultation Plan (of the project) CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan (of the contractor) CPIU Central Project Implementation Unit (within MID) CSS Country safeguards system DSC Design and supervision consultant DMM Department of Mines and Minerals (in MMERE) ECD Environment and Conservation Department (in MECDM) EHSG Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (of World Bank Group) EHSO Environment, Health and Safety Officer (of the contractor) EIA Environment Impact Assessment EIS Environment Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation HSP Health and Safety Plan ERP Emergency Response Plan GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HCC City Council HSMP Hazardous Substances Management Plan IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources IEE Initial Environmental Examination MECDM Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MOFT Ministry of Finance and Treasury MID Ministry of Infrastructure and Development MMERE Ministry of Mines, and Energy and Rural Electrification NTP National Transport Plan 2016 - 2036 PACCSAP Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning PER Public Environment Report PPE Personal Protective Equipment SECP Sedimentation and erosion control plan SIPA Solomon Island Ports Authority SPM Safeguards Procedures Manual (of MID) SPS Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (of ADB) TMP Traffic Management Plan TOR Terms of Reference WMP Waste Management Plan

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Definitions associated with wharfs and wharf operation

Bollard A short, vertical post on a ship or wharf / jetty used for mooring boats,

Boat Jetty A structure built in the water at the edge of the sea used by people getting on and off OMB

LCT (Landing Craft) Small flat-bottomed vessels designed for transporting and landing of equipment / supplies onto / or across a beach or (in this project) up a prepared ramp. Usually equipped with a lowerable ramp, rather than a conventional bow.

OMB Outboard Motor Boat. Inshore craft, usually with a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hull, petrol powered by a 6 to 60HP outboard motor. Used for fishing, small goods island transfer and moored offshore boat to shore transfer.

Wharf A structure on the shore of a harbour or on the bank of a river where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers

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Executive Summary

1. Background. Recognizing that domestic transport connectivity is critical to social and economic development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been assisting three Pacific countries—Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu—improve road and inter-island shipping transport to provide access to essential services, improve trade and tourism, and facilitate access to domestic and international markets. There are several common obstacles to the effective maintenance and resilience of transport assets including:

• Insufficient capacity of the institutions responsible for infrastructure delivery to implement sustainable routine and periodic maintenance programs;

• Inadequate fiscal budgets to allocate required financial resources for recurrent maintenance and rehabilitation;

• Vulnerability to natural disasters and anticipated climate change; and

• Limited transport sector policy and legislation. 2. The project. To address these constraints, ADB provided technical assistance through TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific and the Transport Sector Project Development Facility (TSPDF). The technical assistance supported preparation of projects in each of the three countries to improve national and regional connectivity through new investments. In Solomon Islands the project—Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP)— proposes to improve urban and rural roads on , upgrade the Honiara port, and construct and/or upgrade and repair wharves at two locations in two provinces. The LMCP is proposed as a four-year, time sliced multi-tranche financing facility with a tentative amount of $171 million. The subprojects and components have been fully prepared, and this includes conducting and reporting safeguards due diligence. 3. Wharf component. Outlying provinces in the Solomon Islands rely on sea trading routes to transport both goods and passengers as air cargo and passenger transportation is too expensive for many and is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Therefore, a component to potentially improve wharf capacity in six provinces was considered during the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. The study focused on seven potential wharf improvements, upgrading or new wharf construction. The wharfs initially considered included: (i) Viru wharf, Western Province; (ii) Buala wharf, ; (iii) Matangasi wharf, Province; (iv) Waisisi wharf, ; (v) Moli wharf, ; (vi) Kirakira wharf, -Uluwa Province; and (vii) Ahanga wharf, Rennell-Bellona Province. During the studies, and according to the priorities set out in the National Transport Plan, However, it was decided that the lack of formal wharf facilities at Kirakira and Ahanga meant that these sites would be priorities and are included in the LMCP. 4. Institutional arrangements. The executing agency will be Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) and the implementing agencies will be the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through its Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) for the road and wharf subprojects and the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) for the port subproject.

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5. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is responsible for implementing the country safeguard system (CSS). The CPIU and SIPA will be supported by a construction supervision consultant (CSC) which will include environmental specialist(s). 6. Legal and policy framework. The ECD has the mandate to implement the Environment Act 1998, Environmental Regulation 2008 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 2010 and issuing of development consent for project development. This environmental assessment will be reformatted as a public environment report (PER), forming the basis of the development consent application. The application will be prepared by, or on behalf of, the MID as the ‘developer’. 7. Screening and categorization. The subprojects have been screened based on the existing site conditions and proposed scope of works and are categorized as B for environment, given they will have site-specific, largely temporary and intermittent impacts during construction and most impacts can be avoided or reduced through mitigation measures. The appropriate level of assessment for a category B project is an initial environmental examination (IEE). The IEE complies with requirements of the country safeguards system for environment and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS). The IEE has been prepared to provide an account of the baseline environmental conditions and to describe and evaluate likely impacts caused by the proposed road and drainage infrastructure upgrade improvements and identify measures to avoid and/or mitigate the same. 8. Anticipated impacts. The potential environmental impacts arising from the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the subprojects will be relatively minor and localized and acceptable provided that the mitigation measures set out in the environmental management plan (EMP) of this IEE are implemented properly. The findings of the IEE evaluation suggest that improvements to the wharf will improve the quality of life for the local community in terms of economic prosperity, improved access to markets and public services. 9. The proposed wharfs at Kirkira and Ahanga do not directly impact on any terrestrial conservation and/or protected area, sites of cultural, customary or heritage significance nor any national or international terrestrial endangered or protected species. However, during operation, there is the potential for introduction or spread of with the improved access which could impact areas of critical habitat, particularly for Bellona Island. Therefore, dedicated funding has been allocated to provide training and support, and an invasive species management plan will be developed and implemented which will ensure there is no measurable adverse impacts to critical habitat. 10. Potential social impacts are likely to be low provided the MID and contractors follow standard health and safety practices and coordinate closely with the nearby residences/business who themselves support the project. This will include development of a worker code of conduct which will be appended to the worker’s contract. 11. Overall, few of the impacts are irreversible. Potential impacts can be managed and reduced to acceptable levels through the implementation of the measures identified in the EMP, which will be developed into a detailed site-specific construction EMP (CEMP) reflecting the approach and timing of the works and activities (including site-specific plans as identified) proposed by the contractors, and effective monitoring of the same, by the CSC, who will support the CPIU.

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12. Environmental management plan. An EMP has been prepared to identify, avoid and mitigate likely impacts caused by construction of the wharves at the two locations. The IEE and EMP, along with the development consent (and any conditions) will be incorporated into the bid documents for the civil works and construction contract. During pre-construction, support from the CSC to CPIU will ensure that: (i) bidding documents contain environmental requirements and any design measures specified for sensitive areas; and (ii) if required, environmental management criteria for the selection of qualified contractors are clearly defined and followed. The contractor will be required to recruit an experienced environmental specialist to develop the CEMP. The CSC will also include environmental specialists to work with the supervision engineer to review and approve the CEMP and to monitor the contractor’s implementation of the approved CEMP. To manage potential adverse impacts on biodiversity from introduction and/or spread of invasive species, the operation stage of the EMP includes the requirement for MID to recruit a specialist to assist with the preparation and implementation of an invasive species management plan. The consultant will also deliver training and capacity development as required to MID and MECDM. 13. Consultation and disclosure. Consultations and meetings were conducted for communities and stakeholders for the subprojects during 2018, 2019 and 2020. A project communication and consultation plan (CCP) will guide consultations and information disclosure during the design and implementation stages of the project. The civil works contractors will ensure that the public is notified of works and traffic control measures at least two weeks in advance. 14. Grievance redress mechanism. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be established for the project, based on acceptable methods of conflict resolution in Solomon Islands and the GRM that is currently being implemented for ongoing projects. The GRM will be implemented for each of the subprojects through all stages of pre-construction, construction, and operation. The community will be informed of the GRM, the process of lodging a concern or complaint and contact details of the contractor and CSC will be posted on a public notice board. There will be full and free access to the site-based GRM. The community is encouraged to voice any concerns or complaints, and during construction these are to be duly investigated and reported through to the contractor who will maintain a complaints/incident register. 15. Inspections, monitoring and reporting. When construction commences, inspections and audits will be undertaken to ensure measures set out in the EMP and CEMP are effective in mitigating impacts and protecting the environment (based on benchmarked conditions recorded prior to works commencing for parameters identified in the EMP) and that overall the contractor is working in compliance with the approved CEMP. Monitoring will provide information to determine whether critical factors are within acceptable environmental levels or being exceeded. It also helps to determine whether mitigation measures are effective or should be modified or improved to address the observed and measured change in impacts. Inspections and regular monitoring will be reported. 16. Reporting will include contractor’s monthly reports to the CSC, quarterly progress reports (including summary of contractor’s reports and safeguards matters) prepared by the CPIU and CSC for submission to the executing agency and ADB, and semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports prepared by the CPIU and CSC and submitted to the executing agency and ADB. ADB will disclose the monitoring reports.

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17. Conclusion. This IEE has identified the potential environmental impacts associated with the design, construction, and operation of the four sections of the main arterial road upgrade and identifies the measures required to mitigate or minimize the impacts. The impacts and required measures to mitigate them are summarized in the EMP. As the works will be undertaken within the existing road corridor, overall, impacts are site-specific and few, if any, of the impacts are irreversible. The potential impacts can be managed and reduced to acceptable levels provided the EMP is properly developed into a site-specific CEMP to be prepared and implemented by the contractor and the operation stage impacts, including invasive species control and management, are mitigated and monitored by MID. The contractor’s implementation of the CEMP will be monitored and reported. The development and implementation of the invasive species management plan will also be monitored.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Background to the Project

1. Country location. The Solomon Islands comprises a double chain of 992 islands (volcanic and coral atolls) that forms an archipelago stretching approximately 1,600 km across the South- western Pacific Ocean between the latitudes of 50 – 120 south and longitude 1520 – 1700 east (Figure 1.1). The total land area is approximated to be 28,000 km2 with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 1.6 million km2 (SPC, 2017) which represents the third largest archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. The nation is bordered to the west by (PNG), south by Vanuatu, east by , north east by Nauru and the Federated States of to the north. The unique geography and scattered nature of islands has given rise to a heritage of considerable environmental and ecological diversity.

Figure 1.1: Solomon Islands indicating provincial groupings

2. Transport challenges. Recognizing that domestic transport connectivity is critical to social and economic development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been assisting three Pacific countries—Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu—improve road and inter-island shipping transport to provide access to essential services, improve trade and tourism, and facilitate access to domestic and international markets. There are several common obstacles to the effective maintenance and resilience of transport assets including:

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• Insufficient capacity of the institutions responsible for infrastructure delivery to implement sustainable routine and periodic maintenance programs; • Inadequate fiscal budgets to allocate required financial resources for recurrent maintenance and rehabilitation; • Vulnerability to natural disasters and anticipated climate change; and • Limited transport sector policy and legislation. 3. Transport infrastructure in Solomon Islands is generally inadequate, in a poor state of repair, and lacking in many areas. In the road sector, out of the country’s 1,523 kilometers (km) road network, 67% is in maintainable condition while the rest needs substantial rehabilitation to become maintainable. In the maritime sector, out of the 91 domestic wharves, only 46 are in maintainable condition, and two international and associated domestic ports require major rehabilitation.1 The country’s main economic corridor, the 120km east-west Guadalcanal corridor is in deteriorating condition, critical urban road sections have capacity constraints leading to traffic congestion, and inadequate maritime facilities aggravating safety and efficiency of shipping services. 4. The project. To help address these constraints, ADB provided technical assistance through TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific and the Transport Sector Project Development Facility (TSPDF). The technical assistance supported preparation of projects in each of the three countries to improve national and regional connectivity through new investments. In Solomon Islands the project—Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP)—proposes to improve urban and rural roads on Guadalcanal, upgrade the Honiara port, and construct wharves at two locations in Makira and Bellona. The LMCP is proposed as a four-year, time sliced multi-tranche financing facility2 with a tentative amount of $171 million. The subprojects and components have been fully prepared, and this includes conducting and reporting safeguards due diligence. The project includes three outputs:

• Output 1 - will support the rehabilitation or upgrading of about 84 kilometers of existing urban and rural road network along east-west Guadalcanal corridor. The rural sections will include resealing and repairing damaged infrastructure, including bridges and culverts, within the existing right of way. For the urban sections, provision of paved footpath, signage and marking, and drainage improvements are included to ensure pedestrian safety. • Output 2 - will support reconstructing the old wharf at Honiara port. It will also support the construction of new piled reinforced concrete wharves in Kirakira (Makira-Uluwa province) and Ahanga (Renell-Bellona province). • Output 3 will provide support to improving the transport infrastructure maintenance practices by providing funding to maintenance works programmed under the National Transport Fund for the project implementation period, reviewing the MID structure and provide advisory to strengthen institutional arrangement for maintenance, conducting

1 Central Project Implementation Unit, MID. 2017. Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System. Honiara. 2 The multi-tranche financing facility will be disbursed over three tranches. As all investments are known and have been fully prepared during preparation of tranche 1, the subsequent tranches will not include additional subprojects and will disburse funds only.

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further capacity strengthening to the MID in terms of planning, project preparation and works supervision, and further developing its asset management system. 5. Impact and outcome. Overall, the LMCP will contribute to the nations overarching goal of poverty reduction, thereby support one of the goals of the National Development Strategy (NDS). Further, the rehabilitation of urban and rural roads contributes to a long-term strategy articulated in the National Transport Plan 2017-2036 (NTP), to improve connectivity between main roads, feeder roads and access roads. The solutions delivered through the project will result in the following outcome: efficiency and safety of transportation in Solomon Islands improved. The project is aligned with the following impact: All Solomon Islanders have access to essential services and productive resources and markets. 6. Institutional arrangements. The executing agency will be Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) and the implementing agencies will be the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through its Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) for the road and wharf subprojects and the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) for the port subproject. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is responsible for implementing the country safeguard system (CSS). The CPIU and SIPA will be supported by a construction supervision consultant (CSC) which will include environmental specialist(s). 7. Wharf subprojects considered. Outlying provinces in the Solomon Islands rely on sea trading routes to transport both goods and passengers as air cargo and passenger transportation is too expensive for many and is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. Therefore, a component to potentially improve wharf capacity in six provinces was considered during the pre- feasibility and feasibility studies. The study focused on seven potential wharf improvements, upgrading or new wharf construction. The wharfs initially considered included: (i) Viru wharf, Western Province; (ii) Buala wharf, Isabel Province; (iii) Matangasi wharf, Malaita Province; (iv) Waisisi wharf, Malaita Province; (v) Moli wharf, Choiseul Province; (vi) Kirakira wharf, Makira- Uluwa Province; and (vii) Ahanga wharf, Rennell-Bellona Province. During the studies, and according to the priorities set out in the National Transport Plan, However, it was decided that the lack of formal wharf facilities at Kirakira and Ahanga meant that these sites would be priorities and are included in the LMCP. 8. The potential wharf subprojects focused on the rehabilitation, reconstruction or establishment of seven wharf sites identified below in Table 1.1 and in Figure 1.2. The only two wharves (Kirakira and Ahanga) to be included in the LMCP and the subject of this initial environmental examination (IEE) are highlighted. The other wharves identified in the NTP and that have been the subject of feasibility study may be progressed in other projects by the government and/or other development partners.

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Table 1.1: Subproject identification

Subproject ID Location Description SP-W1 Viru Wharf, Western Upgrade of existing Wharf to piled wharf, boat ramp and jetty with Province precast deck and some shoreline reclamation to provide access SP-W2 Buala Wharf, Isabel Existing degraded piled wharf with precast deck replaced with new Province piled wharf, boat ramp and jetty with precast deck SP-W3 Matangasi Wharf, Existing wooden piled and wood deck wharf replaced with a new Malaita Province piled wharf, ramp and boat jetty with precast deck SP-W4 Waisisi Wharf, Existing “small boat harbor” replaced with new piled wharf, boat Malaita Province ramp and jetty with precast deck SP-W5 Moli Wharf, Choiseul No existing wharf, new piled wharf, boat ramp and jetty with precast Province deck and some backfilling / armouring SP-W6 Kirakira Wharf, Beach landing replaced with new piled wharf including a boat jetty Makira Ulawa with precast deck a short linking causeway and some protection Province; works. Access track to local road network SP-W7 Ahanga Wharf, Beach landing replaced with new piled wharf including a boat jetty Renbel Province with precast deck a short linking causeway and some protection works.

Figure 1.1: Location of the wharf subprojects initially considered

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1.2 Scope of the Environmental Assessment

9. Screening and categorization. The subprojects have been screened based on the site conditions 3 and proposed scope of works and have been determined as category B for environment given they will have site-specific, largely temporary and intermittent impacts during construction and most impacts can be avoided or reduced through mitigation measures. The appropriate level of assessment for a category B project is an initial environmental examination (IEE). The IEE complies with requirements of the country safeguards system (CSS) and ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS). 10. Scope and coverage. This IEE has been prepared in accordance with the Environment Act 1998 and Environment Regulations 2008 and following MID’s Safeguards Procedures Manual (SPM). The assessment also complies with the requirements for category B projects in accordance with ADB’s SPS. The IEE will be reformatted, as required, and submitted as public environmental report (PER) as part of the development consent application (see section 2.1.1). 11. The IEE describes the baseline environmental conditions and results of the impact assessment of the two wharf subprojects (as shown on Figure 1.2). The IEE includes description and assessment of the existing institutional arrangements for environmental management. The impacts on the existing physical, biological and social environment are assessed, resulting in an environmental management plan (EMP) which will be further developed by the contractor.

3 This includes marine ecological survey to compile the marine flora and fauna (including benthic) baseline) and determine if any areas of critical habitat are present. The subproject sites do not comprise areas of critical habitat.

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2 Legal and Institutional Framework

2.1 Legal and Planning Framework

2.1.1 Country safeguard system 12. The CSS for environment includes legislation (laws and regulations) governing management and protection of the environment, various supporting legislation, and procedures established to implement the CSS. The ECD within MECDM implements the Environment Act and Environment Regulations, which stipulate the type of activities for which development consent, must be sought and which propose developments require environmental assessment. The ECD is also the government agency responsible for reviewing and clearing development consent applications and environmental assessments on behalf of the government and is the agency responsible to manage the environmental compliance of all projects. 13. Environment Act. The Environment Act 1998 provides for the protection and conservation of the environment. The core objectives of the Act are to provide for and establish integrated systems of development control, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and pollution control, including:

• Prevention, control and monitor pollution; • Reducing risks to human health and prevent degradation of the environment by all practical means, including the following; • Regulating the discharge of pollution to the air, water and land; • Regulating the transport, collection, treatment, storage and disposal of wastes; • Promoting recycling, re-use and recovery of materials in an economically viable manner; and • To comply with and give effect to regional and international conventions and obligations relating to the environment. 14. The Act is divided into four sections. Part I provide the Act with considerable power and states that in the event of conflict between the Environment Act and other legislation, the Environment Act shall prevail. Part II establishes and defines the powers and role of the ECD. Part III establishes the requirements for environmental assessment, review and monitoring. This provides for an environmental assessment to consist of either a PER or if the development is shown to be of such a nature as to cause more serious impacts then the developer is required to prepare and submit an environmental impact statement (EIS). Part IV details requirements for pollution control and emissions (noise, odor and electromagnetic radiation) and requirements to permits for the discharge of waste. Noise (restrictions on emitting unreasonable noise) is covered in Article 51(1).

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15. Environment Regulations. The Environment Regulations 2008 establish the procedures for undertaking the environmental assessment of any projects categorized as ‘prescribed activities’. 16. The developer is required to first submit a “development application” which is reviewed by the ECD to determine the likely significance of impact and required level of environmental assessment. The decision resulting from the review may include that:

• No further assessment is required, as such the development application is accepted, and development consent is issued; • A PER is required; or • Where major projects are considered such as logging, large agricultural developments, mining and large-scale tourism developments and infrastructure projects, an EIS is required which includes technical, economic, environmental and social investigations. 17. Both the PER and EIS require public consultation. Following review and approval by the MECDM the development consent is issued either with or without conditions.

2.1.2 Other legislation supporting the CSS

18. Protected areas. The Protected Areas Act 2010 and Protected Areas Regulations 2012 establish procedures for the establishment and management of protected areas and to conserve and regulate biological diversity. Key objectives of the legislation are to:

• Establish a system of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity; • Develop, where necessary, guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity; • Regulate or manage biological resources important for the conservation of biological diversity whether within or outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring their conservation and sustainable use; • Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats and the maintenance of viable populations of species in natural surroundings; • Promote environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas with a view to furthering protection of the protected areas; and • Rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and promote the recovery of threatened species, such as, through the development and implementation of plans or other management strategies. 19. Specifically, Part 3 of the Act allows for the declaration, registration and management of Protected Areas (PA), Part 5 of the Act prohibits any unauthorized bio-prospecting research in these areas except if given permission by the Advisory Committee and Part 6 provides for the appointment of inspectors to enforce the provision of the Act.

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20. Wildlife protection. The Wildlife Protection and Management Act 1998 regulates the international trade of flora and fauna to protect and conserve the country’s biological diversity. The Act was developed to meet obligations under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) signed by the government in 2007. 21. Section 26 of the Act deals with possession of illegally obtained species of animals, plants and individual from marine and terrestrial environment in the country. Schedule I (Section 11) lists prohibited exports. 22. The objective of the Wild Act 1978 is to provide protection of selected species throughout by providing a mechanism for the establishment of bird sanctuaries and the management of hunting of several species. 23. Fisheries. The Fisheries Act 2015 provides the framework for marine, brackish and freshwater fisheries management, protection and development, including licensing of fishing vessels and fish processing plants. It lists prohibited fishing methods, provides for establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) and preparation of coastal management plans. The Act regulates the utilization and conservation of marine resource and includes resources associated with estuarine and freshwater coastal river systems. 24. Land. The Land and Titles Act 1988 manages and defines all lands and sets out the procedures for land acquisition, lease or purchase. The Land and Titles Amendment Act 2016 revises the Act to provide a right to resume certain fixed term estates. 25. Provincial government. The Provincial Government Act 1997 gives power to the provinces to make their own legislation and pass ordinances including for protection and conservation of environment, culture, wildlife and coastal and lagoon shipping. 26. Town and country planning. The Town and Country Planning Act 1979 applies to all urban areas (Honiara and provincial towns) and includes the management of land (all types of ownership) and management and planning functions for urban and rural areas including development. 27. Mines and minerals. The Mines and Minerals Act 1996 establishes the regulatory system for all mining applications and licensing and provides the system to regulate and manage mining activities including the management and permitting process required for all alluvial mining (rock, gravel and sand extraction). Construction materials must be sourced by the contractor, in accordance with the guidelines and processes outlined in this Act. For new sources, the contractor will be required to apply for a Building Material Permit (BMP) from Department of Mines and Minerals (DMM), see also section 2.1.3. The use of existing permitted quarries is preferred to the use of new locations. 28. Forest resources. The Forest Act 1999 provides for the sustainable harvesting and management of forest resources and repeals the Forest and Timber Utilization Act. A Forestry Bill to govern licensing of felling trees and sawmills, timber agreements on customary land, establishes State Forests and Forest Reserves and provides for the conservation of forest and its management was prepared in 2004 but has not been passed by Parliament. 29. Water resources. The River Waters Act 1973 provides the legal mechanism to manage and control river water for the equitable and benefit use for all and includes specific activities that manages (through acquisition of permits) construction (e.g. bridges) and the removal of key environmental habitats and biological resources.

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30. In addition, the act provides a specific order for the management of the use of water and activities associated with six specific rivers systems located on Guadalcanal including; the Mataniko, White, Mbalasuna, Ngalimbui, Lungga and Mamara rivers. 31. Health and safety. The Safety at Work Act 1996 states that it is the duty of every employer to provide a safe workplace and to ensure the health and safety of employees under their control. This Act is linked to the Labor Act 1978 and the Safety at Work (Pesticide Regulations) 1983. 32. The Solomon Islands does not have emissions or water quality standards. While environmental standards are not provided in the regulations, the MECDM requires the use of World Health Organization standards to be used. Part IV of the Environment Act covers control of pollution and includes need to apply for licenses to discharge waste or emissions, the enforcement of these are problematic without defined national standards. 33. Biosecurity. The Bio-Security Act 2013 and Biosecurity Regulations 2015: i) prevent the entry of animal and plant pests and disease into Solomon Islands; ii) to control their establishment and spread; iii) to regulate the movement of animal, plant pest and diseases and of animals and plants and their products; and iv) to facilitate international cooperation in respect of animal and plant diseases and related matters. Duties and responsibilities under the legislation are performed by Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), a Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. 34. International agreements. Solomon Islands are a signatory to a number of international environmental agreements, conventions and treaties including those for regional agreements on chemicals, waste, pollution, biodiversity and climate. The names, purpose and the date of ratification of these agreements are provided in Appendix A.

2.1.3 Procedures for implementing the CSS

35. EIA Guidelines. The Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines 2010 were developed by ECD to administer the second schedule of the Environment Act 1998. The guidelines comprise EIA procedural descriptions, stakeholders in the EIA process and fees required for development type and provide basic advice and guidance to government officers, planners, developers, resource owners on the environment impact assessment process. These guidelines conform with the proposed amendments to the Environment Act 1998 and the Environmental Regulations 2008. A review and suggested amendments to these guidelines have been undertaken and currently await endorsement and ratification by the nations parliament (expected to be undertaken in last quarter of 2018). The amended guidelines are currently used by ECD. 36. Safeguards Procedures Manual. MID is required to ensure that its activities meet both the legislative requirements of the Solomon Islands as well as the policy requirements of its development partners for all externally financed projects. MID has developed a Safeguard Procedures Manual (SPM) to guide the management of environmental and social impacts and risks from implementing the NTP, see also section 2.2.2. The SPM is based on the CSS and includes additional procedures for avoiding, minimizing, and offsetting the environmental and social impacts as required to also comply with safeguard requirements of development partners. 37. The NTP identifies the types of infrastructure required and prioritizes the area for financing which include in descending order: i) road and maintenance and rehabilitation; ii) wharf maintenance and repair; iii) new wharves; iv) maritime navigation aids and maintenance; and v) airfield maintenance.

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38. In accordance with the SPM, the CPIU screens and scopes investments/projects and identifies which tier of activity it belongs to, each of the tiers creates different environmental and social impacts, the management of which requires different levels of due diligence and mitigations, as shown in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: SPM due diligence requirements for tiers of activity

Tier Activity type Likely impact Due diligence Community-based routine and Negligible or minor impact and Environmental, health and preventative maintenance through risk safety guidelines and 1 labor-based equipment supported checklists (developed by contracts, mainly for roads CPIU) included in the civil works contract Machine-based maintenance Localized impacts during Site-specific construction contracts for roads, wharves, and construction activities environmental management 2 airfields plan (CEMP) prepared by contractor Major rehabilitation, reconstruction More extensive works and larger Environmental assessment 3 and/or new construction contracts for footprint with potential to create (PER or EIS) and development roads, wharves, and airfields significant impacts consent

Source: Adapted from MID Safeguards Procedures Manual 39. Under the CSS for environment, Tier 1 and the majority of Tier 2 are not listed as ‘prescribed activities’ under the Environment Act 1988 and are waived from requiring a development consent. Tier 3 works comprise prescribed activities that require application for development consent and some level of environmental assessment. 40. The impacts of the Tier 3 activities (generally equivalent to SPS category B) are also generally well understood and in most cases do not require more detailed impact assessment or EIS. As the subprojects involve major road rehabilitation and new works, they are a Tier 3 activity.

2.2 National Strategy and Plans

41. National Development Strategy. The NDS provides a longer-term framework for planning. The NDS is a vision and plan for all the people of Solomon Islands. It sets out a framework for development policies, priorities and programs, providing a single reference point and common direction over the next twenty years. 42. The overarching theme of the NDS is to ‘build better lives for all Solomon Islanders’ and its mission is to: “create a modern, united and vibrant Solomon Islands founded on mutual respect, trust and peaceful co-existence in a diverse yet secure and prosperous community where tolerance and gender equality are encouraged and natural resources are sustainably managed; and enable all Solomon Islanders to achieve better quality of life and standard of living for themselves and their families through constructive partnership for social, economic, political and spiritual development”. Objective 7 of the NDS is to effectively respond to climate change and manage the environment and risks of natural disasters.

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43. National Transport Plan. The NTP, finalized in 2010 and revised in 2016, provides the strategies and objectives for the national transport system until 2036. The plan provides direct reference to the long-term management of environment safeguards and notes that the environment is the key to the country’s economic development, and that the transport sector needs to be planned and implemented in such a way that minimizes adverse environmental impacts. The NTP identifies adverse transport related impacts, which include:

• Marine pollution from shipping; • Land degradation and pollution of water courses resulting from poor infrastructure design; • Destruction of landscapes from poor operating practices at quarries and construction sites; • Air pollution from both road traffic and air transport; and • Land degradation due to inadequate facilities for the disposal of transport related waste. 44. The NTP adopts four policy interventions to minimize negative environmental impacts associated with development of the transport network and also notes that past transport activities have had less than satisfactory environmental outcomes. Therefore, one of the key objectives of the NTP is to improve safety and reduce accidents, injuries and deaths associated with the transport network.

2.3 Safeguard Policy Statement

45. The ADB’s SPS has the objectives to i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people; ii) where possible; minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. 46. The environment safeguard requires due diligence which entails addressing environmental concerns, if any, of a proposed activity. This commences with screening a project to determine its category of impact. The SPS categorizes potential projects or activities into A (most significant), B or C (least significant) to determine the level and depth of environmental assessment required to address the potential impacts. 47. ADB’s SPS applies pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with good practices as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG). The EHSG provide the context of international best practice and contribute to establishing targets for environmental performance. Standards incorporated into the EHSG will be used in parallel with local Solomon Island environmental standards (where they exist) throughout this document with the principals of due diligence and a precautionary approach adopted. Application of occupational and community health and safety measures, as laid out in the EHSG is required under the SPS.

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3 Description of the Component

48. This section describes the two wharf subprojects proposed at Kirakira on San Cristobal Island, Makira-Uluwa Province and at Ahanga on Bellona Island, Rennell-Bellona Province. Neither of these sites has an operational wharf structure, vessels anchor offshore and passengers and goods transfer to and from shore by outboard motor boat.

3.1 Kirakira – San Cristobal

3.1.1 Existing site and conditions

49. The first subproject is located in Kirakira, the capital of Makira-Uluwa Province, on San Cristobal island. There is no functioning “wharf”, a cargo / passenger unloading point is located on the northern shore of San Cristobal Island at Kirakira. The location of San Cristobal Island is shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2, Kirakira in the context of the island is shown in Figure 3.1 and in the local context as Figure 3.2. Roads radiate from Kirakira to the rest of the island. Cargo is currently manhandled from ships on to smaller boats and then transferred to shore (Plate 3.1).

Plate 3.1: Human chain unloading cargo from OMB at Kirakira (March 2019)

50. A former breakwater can be used as a “wharf” at certain points in the tide but there has been significant degeneration of the breakwater over time (Plate 3.2). A new wharf is proposed to be built about 100 m east of the ‘breakwater,’. The proposed site is on ground not prone to flooding due to rain. Kirakira is located on the cyclone path, with winds predominantly from the east and west. Wave patterns have been more unpredictable in the last 10 to 20 years.4

4 Pers comm. Village representatives at provincial office on 18 March 2019.

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Figure 2.1: Kirakira wharf site – wider context

Source: Solomon Islands TSPDF - Climate and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability in Seven Domestic Wharves; Tonkin & Taylor for Cardno (July 2019)

Figure3.2: Kirakira wharf site – local context

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Plate 3.2: Existing Kirakira breakwater at low tide (March 2019)

Note vessel offshore offloading passengers and cargo

51. The proposed wharf will be constructed directly on the coastal shoreline and adjacent intertidal reef flat. The proposed area is exposed to oceanic conditions and as such is influenced by waves, currents and tidal water height variations. The marine environment present at this site consists of a sand rock foreshore beach (calcium carbonate - reef – origin), a shallow water intertidal reef flat (40 m in length) that extends to the outer reef crest, edge and slope, which descends into the open ocean. The proposed wharf will be constructed on the sand beach (shoreline) and intertidal reef flat. The outer reef crest- edge includes distinctive spur and groove formations and functions as a natural wave barrier and provides wave protection to the intertidal reef flat and associated beach. 52. A fringing coastal coral reef and associated resources are located along the coastline associated with the proposed new wharf. In general, the marine benthic habitat and resources throughout the area reflect a fully functioning healthy ecosystem with a diverse hard and soft coral community. 53. The reef systems associated with the proposed site are very similar throughout the area assessed and are characterized with reef rock and boulders positioned along the shoreline from past inclement weather conditions (e.g. storm surge and cyclonic conditions) and intertidal spur and groove formations to dissipate wave energy. The seafloor is composed predominately of sand and rocks derived from coral reef (calcium carbonate) origins and a small sand/rubble beach is present along the shoreline. Seagrass beds and forest are present beyond the subproject area. 54. Community related pollution and waste (plastics, rubbish and sewage – including pig pens located directly on the shoreline that discharge into the proposed area) were located throughout the area in close proximity to the proposed wharf site and along the coastline.

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55. The reef associated with the proposed wharf’s area of Influence has had minor alteration, and as such the intertidal and subtidal marine benthic resources have been exposed to only limited minor impacts that have negatively affected hard and soft coral percent live coverage and diversity throughout the assessment areas. Intertidal and subtidal reef sites to the north and to a considerably lesser degree south of the proposed area of Influence (direct and indirect) possess similar reef systems. These reef systems are well outside the area of influence of the proposed wharf developments and as such no impacts are expected. 56. There is an absence of fine sediment and silt originating from both coral and terrigenous origins throughout the assessed site. This is attributed to the lack of river/streams entering the coastline in close proximity to the proposed wharf and strong wave/swell and tidal water currents greatly reduced silt/sediment presence and their removal.

3.1.2 Proposed wharf development at Kirakira

57. There is no current wharf, the existing facilities may be characterized as: (i) a breakwater was used as a wharf landing but has deteriorated over time. Currently vessels anchor offshore and discharge loads using OBMs (see Plate 3.1); and (ii) needing an alternative it is proposed a wharf landing approximately 100m south of the current beach landing site. 58. The scope of works involves the construction of a new wharf approximately 100m south of the existing wharf. All structures are concrete piled with a pre-cast concrete deck. Construction activities will include:

• bringing a piling rig to site to drive a steel H pile, a steel casing tube surrounds H pile down to seabed; • steel casing filled with concrete; • precast "concrete muffs" fixed to head of pile linked with precast concrete beams to form a stable platform; and • precast concrete decking beams (manufactured off-site) placed and infilled with grout. (grout will be manufactured at site in small batches. 59. It is very likely that the selected contractor will work from a barge containing all construction materials, piling rig and ancillary equipment. The barge will be moved to site by a dedicated tug- boat and moved to the next site by the same tug boat. The barge or tug-boat will be equipped to accommodate all of the construction plant and materials necessary for the work. The contractor may develop an on-land compound for an administrative office and material storage, this camp would be fenced to exclude casual access. Non-local workforce would be accommodated in the village by negotiated arrangement between contractor and community. Alternatively, the contractor will develop a small construction camp comprising administration, accommodation, canteen and toilet / ablution facilities on a site to be agreed and leased for the purpose.. 60. The beach landing at Kirakira is will be replaced with a precast concrete deck on piled foundations approximately 100m east of the existing unloading point in the village. The proposed wharf arrangement is presented in Figure 3.3.

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Figure 3.3: Proposed ramp, wharf and jetty layout at Kirakira

Source: Cardno (2019)

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3.2 Ahanga - Bellona Island

3.2.1 Existing conditions

61. The proposed site for the wharf is Ahanga on Bellona Island in Rennell-Bellona Province. There is no functioning wharf on Bellona Island, vessels anchor offshore and goods and passengers are transferred to shore via OBM. The cargo / passenger unloading point is located on the beach at the west end of Bellona Island, a single road runs the length of the island. The new wharf is proposed to be constructed on the foreshore at the existing Ahanga village location. There are six dwellings immediately behind the beach (approximately 100m from the shore) a steep concrete track leads from the beach up to “island level” approximately 20m above beach level where the main village is located. The main village is screened from the beach. The location of the proposed Ahanga Wharf in terms of the Solomon Islands is indicated in is shown in Figure 1.1. in the context of Bellona island in Figure 3.4 and in a local context in Figure 3.5.

Figure 3.4: Proposed Ahanga wharf site

Wharf Location

Airstrip Location

62. The proposed wharf site is located in the north western corner of the island and is to be constructed directly on the island’s coastal shoreline and adjacent intertidal reef flat. The proposed area is exposed to oceanic conditions and as such is influenced by waves, currents and tidal water height variations. The marine environment present at this site consists of a sand beach (calcium carbonate - reef – origin), a shallow water intertidal reef flat (80 m in length) that is exposed during low water periods and extends to the outer reef crest, edge and slope, which descends through the sea floor into the open ocean. The proposed wharf will be constructed on the sand beach (shoreline) and intertidal reef. The outer reef crest- edge includes distinctive spur and groove formations and functions as a natural wave barrier and provides wave protection to the intertidal reef flat and associated beach.

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63. Similar to the situation at Kirakira, vessels must anchor offshore and passengers and cargo transfer between the vessel and the shore via small boat (Plates 3.3 and 3.4).

Plate 3.3: Existing Ahanga beach landing point (March 2019)

Plate 3.4: Existing use of beach area

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64. The proposed wharf area has had limited alteration (intertidal small vessel channel has been previously blasted in the 1980’s (Australian Aid) to allow small boat access to the shoreline and buildings have been constructed on the shoreline) and coastal erosion is present resulting in minor impacts and degradation of the natural reef benthic resource community in this area.

3.2.2 Proposed wharf development at Ahanga

65. Currently there is no wharf on Bellona island. Existing facilities and operations may be characterized as: (i) vessels anchor offshore and discharge loads using small boats; and (ii) the beach creates a community meeting place when vessels are loading and unloading . 66. The scope of works involves the construction of a new wharf on the beach. All structures are concrete piled with a pre-cast concrete deck. Construction activities will include:

• Bringing a piling rig to site to drive a steel H pile, a steel casing tube surrounds H pile down to seabed; steel casing filled with concrete; • precast "concrete muffs" fixed to head of pile linked with precast concrete beams to form a stable platform; • Precast concrete decking beams (manufactured off-site) placed and infilled with grout. (grout will be manufactured at site in small batches. 67. It is very likely that the selected contractor will work from a barge containing all construction materials, piling rig and ancillary equipment. The barge will be moved to site by a dedicated tug- boat and moved to the next site by the same tug boat. The barge or tug-boat will be equipped to accommodate all of the construction plant and materials necessary for the work. The contractor may develop an on-land compound for an administrative office and material storage, this camp would be fenced to exclude casual access. Non-local workforce would be accommodated in the village by negotiated arrangement between contractor and community. 68. The beach landing at Ahanga will be replaced with a precast concrete deck on piled foundations. The proposed wharf facility comprises a large vessel wharf and a small boat jetty for small boats. The proposed wharf arrangement is presented in Figure 3.5.

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Figure 3.5: Proposed ramp, wharf and boat jetty layout at Ahanga

Source: Cardno (2019)

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3.3 Construction Activities

3.3.1 Equipment and workforce

69. Construction activities are likely to include bringing a piling rig to site to drive a steel H pile, a steel casing tube surrounds H pile down to seabed; steel casing filled with concrete; precast "concrete muffs" fixed to head of pile linked with precast concrete beams to form a stable platform (Plate 3.5). Precast concrete decking beams (manufactured off-site) will be placed on the prepared columns / beams and infilled with grout. (grout will be manufactured at site in small batches (Plate 3.6). 70. It is very likely that the selected contractor will work from a barge containing all construction materials, piling rig and ancillary equipment. The barge will be moved to site by a dedicated tug- boat and moved to the next site by the same tug boat. The barge or tug-boat will be equipped to accommodate all of the construction plant and materials necessary for the work. The contractor is likely to develop a small on-land compound for an administrative office and material storage, this camp would be fenced to exclude casual access. Small temporary storage / laydown areas and a site office will be secured adjacent to the wharf site. These areas will be clearly identified in the site-specific construction EMP (CEMP) to be prepared by the contractor. It is envisaged that the Site manager / engineer / surveyor and a small team of skilled plant operators and a foreman would be accommodated within the village under arrangements negotiated by the contractor with the village heads and the community. Alternatively, the contractor may elect to develop a small construction camp comprising administration, accommodation, canteen and toilet / ablution facilities. Unskilled and semiskilled workers would be sourced from the village community (Plate 3.7). 71. Construction activities will require site establishment, piling, erection of precast concrete units, small scale concrete works, reclamation works associated with the new access road and finishing (handrailing, steps). Only small PPE is likely to be required (see Plate 3.8 – mini excavator). Specific equipment and workforce requirements are estimated to be:

• Barge and tug-boat. • Barge will include a piling rig and equipment associated with piling, small concrete batching plant and associated storage areas and water bowsers and steel pile casings and precast concrete decking; • Crane (barge mounted) to lift precast units into position; • Compact mini excavator (“bobcat” type) • Excavator and truck to develop borrow area and haul material for the reclamation • Hand tools (some electric powered by diesel / petrol generator; • Construction activities at each site are estimated to take between 3 to 6 months (mobilization to demobilization).

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Plate 3.5: Pumping excess water from pile Plate 3.6: Fixing precast concrete decking on casing (note steel I beam inside pile casing) pile cap

Plate 3.7: Typical office accommodation inside Plate 3.8: Compact mini excavator converted TEU containers

3.3.2 Development of borrow areas 72. The design team has determined that 295 m3 of general fill and 30m3 of rock will need to be locally sourced at Ahanga and 220 m3 of general fill and 19m3 of rock at Kirakira. There has been no determination of sources, but it is believed that suitable locations can be identified and developed in consultation with the local community. To put the quantities in context at Ahanga, 295m3 of general fill is a 3m high by 9.9m by 9.9m extraction and 20m3 of rockfill equates to a 3.9m x 3.9m by 2m high extraction. At Kirakira 220 m3 of general fill is a 3m high by 8.6m by 8.6m extraction and 19m3 of rockfill equates to a 3.1m x 3.1m by 2m high extraction. Kirakira will also equire approximately 150m of road subbase but it is most likely that this material will be imported.

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73. The contractor will be required to obtain permissions from the local owners / community and authorities for BMP and extraction permits. In addition, before making application they shall submit to the supervising consultant a checklist that confirms extraction will satisfy environmental concerns. The checklist shall address the indicators identified in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Indicators for extraction area development

Element Issues to be included CSS compliance BMP application made and issued, AEP prepared and included in CEMP Air quality impacts Closest sensitive use and mitigation measures Hydrology impacts Impacts on hydrology Topography Stability of the site before during and post spoil disposal Flora impacts Confirmation of no species of interest or program for protection Fauna impacts Confirmation of no species of interest or program for protection Confirmation of no impact on protected areas (none currently identified in Protected area impacts IEE) Access Issues Agreements for access with owners Identify affected communities and confirm acceptable level of environmental impact (principally noise, dust and impact on water quality) and social Impacts to local community (principally safety) impact . Has ownership been confirmed for the site and has provisional agreement been confirmed with the owner Safety issues Access, stability and safety on access route Noise impacts Quantify potential impact on nearest residential property Archaeology / physical and Impact on cultural / heritage items. Will link to chance find procedure derived cultural resources by contractor

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4 Description of Existing Environment

4.1 Physical Components

4.1.1 Geology and soils

74. Geology. Solomon Islands lies at the boundary of three major tectonic plates which form part of the Solomon Islands Subduction Zone, which include the Pacific, the Australian and the Woodlark (PNG) plate. In addition, and further northwest of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Sea plate, which is the source of the majority of volcanoes in the Solomon Islands Figure 4.1. The uplift of the pacific plate along with intermittent volcanic and seismic activity has contributed to the island masses that now form the Solomon Islands. The islands are, geologically speaking relatively young, and the larger islands are almost entirely volcanic in origin and consist of basalt surrounded by uplifted coral terraces.

Figure4.1: Tectonic plates associated with the Solomon Islands

Source: www.walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/solomon07 75. Soils. There are 27 soil groups identified in Solomon Islands. Depending on parent material and land use, soils exhibit a range of fertility. The basalt volcanic derived soils are generally rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and organic carbon, but poor in potassium. The alluvially deposited soils are deep, freely drained yellowish brown to red humus-rich medium to coarse textured soils with limited profile development and reasonable natural fertility. The hill soils are older and have weathered to well-structured clays with somewhat poorer internal drainage. These soils have inclusions of limestone within their profiles and may overlie weathered coralline rock materials. Such soils have limited use and where they are retained in forests, are used for subsistence gardens, otherwise, these areas have reverted to extensive areas of grassland and have limited agricultural use.

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4.1.2 Air quality, climate and climate change

76. Air quality. Air quality in Solomon Islands is very good, largely as a result of there being very few industries and a relatively small vehicle fleet generating emissions. There are no air quality or emissions standards in Solomon Islands and no monitoring is undertaken. Recent road rehabilitation and upgrading activities associated with the nation’s capital, Honiara has caused significant increases in air born dust as a result of the construction of roads. These temporary increased levels of dust are expected to greatly subside once sealing activities are undertaken. For the wharves, elevated air quality parameters are not anticipated during construction due to the use of precast construction (i.e. not at the construction site) and limited reclamation for the new road access. 77. Climate overview. The Solomon Islands has a typical tropical oceanic climate (high temperature and high humidity) throughout the year with a pronounced wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The nation is subjected to tropical cyclones that are associated with the south-easterly trade winds (November to March) and is also vulnerable to the effects of tsunamis generated from volcanic activity in the Asia-Pacific region. The most important driver of global climate is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the ocean- atmosphere mechanisms of which impact the equatorial Pacific. 78. ENSO oscillates with a period of 2-7 years between El Nino, which brings lower than normal sea levels, weaker trade winds, cooler ocean temperatures and higher barometric pressures across the western equatorial Pacific, and La Nina, which brings the opposite conditions (Figure 4.2). Predominant trade winds and easterlies are shown with yellow arrows, convergence zones with rainfall are shown in blue. The warm pool of near surface water that oscillates in depth and extent across the equator during ENSO is shown in red along with high pressure systems indicated with ‘H’.

Figure 4.2: El Nino Southern Oscillation

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79. Temperature. Solomon Islands has a relatively uniform temperature ranging from 22 degrees Celsius (°C) to 31°C throughout the year. The monthly average maximum temperatures are 30 to 31oC and the monthly average minimum temperatures range from 22 to 23oC. The monthly average maximum and minimum temperatures observed for 2016 in Honiara are as shown in Figure 3.3.

Figure 3: Average annual (2016) min & max temperature 0C for Honiara

Source: www.weather-and-climate.com 80. Precipitation. The average annual rainfall is mostly within the range 3000 to 5000 mm with the majority of monthly rainfall amounts in excess of 200 mm. In most of the Solomon Islands, the wettest months are during the Northwest monsoon season (January to March averaging 380 mm), with a tendency for reduced amounts during February when the equatorial trough is normally furthest south. Locations on the southern sides of the larger islands (e.g. Guadalcanal) tend to have rainfall maximums between June and September. The average monthly rainfall per month in mm for 2016 for Honiara is given in Figure 3.4.

Figure 4: Average annual monthly rainfall in mm for 2016

Source: www.weather-and-climate.com 81. Humidity. Relative humidity throughout the nation shows little seasonal variation however it does have a marked diurnal fluctuation. Humidity is highest in the morning and frequently reaches 90 percent.

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82. Cyclones and extreme weather. Tropical low-pressure systems occur each year over the Solomon Islands at times when the equatorial trough is in the vicinity; few of these develop into cyclones. The average frequency of tropical cyclones is between one and two per year, tending to increase southwards (Figure 4.5). Tropical cyclones affecting Solomon Islands are usually relatively small but can result in serious damage due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. In addition, tropical cyclones will result in abnormally high ocean tides that may rise 3-6 m above the regular tide. This is due to the pooling of seawater by the frictional effect of very strong winds persistently gusting on shore as the cyclone approaches a shallow coastline. This can result in inundation of low-lying coastal plains and impacts on the shoreline and beach on beach profiles. 83. Solomon Islands has been affected by an average of 13 tropical cyclones per decade, with most occurring between November and April, the tropical cyclone season in the Solomon Islands. Only rarely are occurrences reported outside this period.

Figure 4.5: Tropical cyclone pathway in the Solomon Islands

84. Tropical cyclones are most frequent in El Niño years and least frequent in La Niña years. The ENSO‐neutral average is nine cyclones per decade. Tropical cyclones result in flooding and wind damage in the Solomon Islands. There have been severe floods on Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira and Isabel in recent years, with lives lost, and severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure. 85. In addition, tropical cyclones will naturally result in abnormally high ocean tides that may rise up to 3-6 m above the regular tide. This is due to the pooling of seawater by the frictional effect of very strong winds persistently gusting on shore as the cyclone approaches a shallow coastline. This can result in inundation of low lying coastal plains and impacts on the shoreline and beach on beach profiles.

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86. Climate change. Wave climate and climate change trends around the Solomon Islands are affected by processes occurring over large areas of the Pacific Ocean, from the northern to the southern subtropical zones (35° north to 35° south). Climate change projection scenarios are typically divided into four representative concentration pathways, based on a range of emissions output scenarios. These were developed by others and refined for the Pacific by the Pacific- Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning Science Program (PCCSP) supported by the Australian Government using global climate modeling experiments. 87. The climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the Project, using PCCSP data and projections, concluded that by 2030, annual temperatures are projected to increase by approximately 0.7°C, irrespective of the emissions trajectory over the next decade and a half, while by 2090, a ‘business as usual’ high emissions scenario could result in as much as a 4.0°C annual temperature increase and that there is very high confidence that both sea surface and air temperatures will continue to increase across the Solomon Islands (PCCSP 2014). 88. Extreme rainfall events, however, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, with a current 1‐in‐20-year daily rainfall event increasing by 9mm by 2030. This increases to an additional 43mm by 2090, under a worst‐case, very high emissions scenario. It is projected that the intensity and frequency of days of extreme heat will increase over the course of the 21st century. As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, so will the intensity and frequency of days of extreme heat. Extreme rainfall, with lower drought incidence, and a decline in the number of tropical cyclones in the south‐west Pacific Ocean are the key weather projections. 89. Satellite data indicates the sea level has risen near the Solomon Islands by about 8 mm per year since 1993, more than double the global average of 2.8–3.6 mm per year and is expected to continue to rise (PCCSP 2013). The tide gauge at Honiara installed in 1994 records sea level and other meteorological data at hourly intervals. The ocean around the Solomon Islands is increasing in acidity, impacting corals and reef ecosystems (PCCSP 2013). Ocean acidification is projected to continue (very high confidence). Projections from all analyzed CMIP3 models indicate that the annual maximum aragonite saturation state will reach values below 3.5 by about 2045 and continue to decline thereafter. This will impact the coastal ecosystems, especially of reef ecosystems. It may be compounded by other stressors including coral bleaching, storm damage and fishing pressure. 90. The projected climate changes for some key variables are shown in Table 4.1. In summary the key projections suggest:

• Increase in average annual rainfall, intensity of extreme rainfall event and changes in average recurrence interval (ARI) for 24-hour rainfall event; • Sea level rise; • Storm surge; • Increased temperatures; and • Changes in wind and wave climate and increases in extreme wave heights and ocean acidity.

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Table 4.1: Projected changes in annual and seasonal mean climate for Solomon Islands

20-year period and emissions scenario Return or Variable 2020-2039 2046-2065 2080-2099 Confidence time period B1 A1B A2 B1 A1B A2 B1 A1B A2 Surface air 0.4- 0.4- 0.3- 0.4- 0.5- 0.4- 0.6- 0.8- 0.6- Annual High temp (oC) 0.6 0.8 0.7 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.5 2.3 2.7 1-in 20- 0.5- 0.6- 0.4- 0.6- 1.0- 1.2- Max. temp (oC) NA Low years 1.0 1.4 1.5 1.3 2.1 2.7 1-in 20- 1..2- 1.5- 1.6- 1.6- 1.9- 1.8- Min. temp (oC) NA Low years 1.8 1.9 1.7 1.7 2.2 2.5 Total rainfall Annual 1-9 2-9 2-6 4-8 5-10 4-9 6-9 9-11 9-12 Moderate (%) Wet season Nov-Apr 2-9 2-9 2-7 5-8 6-11 4-7 6-7 9-11 9-11 Moderate rainfall (%) Dry season May-Oct 0-11 2-13 2-9 3-11 4-12 5-15 6-14 9-16 10-18 Moderate rainfall (%) Sea surface 0.4- 0.3- 0.4- 0.3- 0.3- 0.5- 0.5- 0.6- 0.6- Annual High temp (oC) 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.3 1.3 2.0 2.5 Mean sea level Annual 4-14 5-14 4-15 10-26 8-30 8-30 17-45 19-58 29-60 Moderate (cm) Notes: B1 – low emissions scenario; A1B – medium emissions scenario; A2 – high emissions scenario Source: Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (2011) 91. The climate change risk and vulnerability assessment undertaken for the Project adopted the worst-case (business-as-usual) scenario. To include climate change and uncertainty in the design criteria the allowances presented in Table 4.2 were incorporated into the design. A 20% increase in rainfall intensity has been included in the hydrology calculations for the design of the subprojects.

Table 4.2: Climate change criteria for design consideration

Parameter Climate change impacts Reference Sea level rise 60 cm for 2090 MID, 2015 Wave setup 60 cm (severe wave condition) WACOP, 2014 Storm surge 1.5 m MID, 2015 Astronomical tide 57 cm (from Chart datum) IGOSS, 2017 Wind 100-year ARI, 2 - 11% increase in max. wind speed PACCSAP, 2014 Sea level fluctuations 0.25 m T+T, 2017 Temperature +2 – 8oC (RCP 8.5) PACCSAP, 2014 Rainfall 320 mm for 1 in 20 year-event (RCP 8.5) MID, 2017

Source: TA 9331-REG - Climate Change and Disaster Risk Vulnerability Assessment- (May 2018)

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4.1.3 Hazards- volcano, earthquakes, tsunami 92. The Solomon Islands is prone to natural hazards including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides. Due to the location of Solomon Islands at the junction of the tectonic plates, there is constant seismic activity including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The World Bank’s Natural Disaster Hotspots study identifies the Solomon Islands as the number one Pacific nation subject to hazards risk, 10th in the world most exposed to three or more hazards and 25th country in the world for relatively high mortality risk for multiple hazards.5 93. Volcanoes. The volcanoes of the Solomon Islands form a NW-SW trending island chain continuing along to the chain (which forms part of Papua New Guinea). The islands belong to a volcanic arc caused by the subduction of the oceanic crust of the small Solomon Plate under the Pacific Plate (Figure 4.6). Sound constitutes the junction between the New Georgia--Vella Recent volcanic province and the older Choiseul Cretaceous-Early Tertiary basaltic platform. The main observed faulting is northwest-southeast. This area is tectonically complex, marked by the interaction of several closely spaced oceanic microplates separated by subduction zones and short spreading centres, such as one extending from southeast PNG to volcano. There are 11 volcanoes in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands of which four have been active in the recent past, Kavachi and Cook are submarine and Savo and islands. The Solomon Islands are exposed during eruptions to impacts such as ash fall, ballistics, lahars and pyroclastic and lava flows from landmasses and neighbouring islands.

Figure 4.6: Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea Volcanoes known to have Holocene eruptions

K A

Source: Siebert, Simkin and Kimberly, 2010 Key: K – Kirakira, A - Ahanga

5 World Bank - Hazard Management Unit. 2005. Natural Disaster Hotspots: A Global Risk Analysis. (Washington D.C.)

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94. Earthquakes. Earthquakes are common in Solomon Islands with 66 earthquakes reported for the year 2017; as such they are a near-weekly event. The active seismicity is directly linked to the location of Solomon Islands at the junction of several tectonic plates that results in constant seismic activity including earthquakes and uplifting of land and reef areas. Solomon Islands remain vulnerable to future earthquakes. 95. The most recent destructive earthquake was on the 6th of February 2013 with a magnitude 8 which struck the island of Santa Cruz in leading to a tsunami which generated a peak sea level change of 0.9 - 1 m. Similarly, a destructive earthquake and tsunami occurred in Western and Choiseul provinces on 2 April 2007. In the 1970’s an earthquake affected the populations of Guadalcanal causing considerable destruction to village on the weathered coast resulting in three new villages, New Duidui, New Gorabau and Vatuloki, being constructed at Aruligo in the north west in 1977 after the people’s original homes on the weather coast were completely destroyed by the earthquake. 96. Tsunami. Tsunamis are caused by the vertical displacement of seabed fault lines during earthquakes, or by other processes such as a volcanic eruption, volcanic collapse or submarine landslide. Tsunami-generating earthquakes tend to be shallow and of relatively-large magnitude (i.e., greater than Richter Scale magnitude 7.0), hence the occurrence of a large shallow earthquake located beneath the ocean will more often than not produce a tsunami, providing there is vertical offset of the sea floor. 97. The Solomon Islands has been impacted by 22 tsunami events between 1926 and 2016. The majority of tsunamis were caused by earthquakes in, or close to, the Solomon Islands whist two were caused by a distant earthquake and one by landslides on a volcano. Four tsunamis caused loss of life, and at least five tsunamis caused significant damage to structures, four of which had increased sea wave heights of 3 to 6 m. The largest in more recent times was in April 2007 that was triggered by an earthquake of magnitude of 8.1 (Richter Scale) and resulted in considerable damage and loss of life predominately in the western province of the nation. The tsunamis generated a wave with a focus run of up to >12 m in some areas (Newman, et al., 2011). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in provides tsunami warning advice for the Pacific Island Countries, including the Solomon Islands.

4.2 Biological Resources

4.2.1 Overview of marine and coastal habitat

98. Solomon Island has an open marine tenure system that allow anyone to fish the inshore waters (high water mark to 12 nautical miles offshore) and is subsequently managed by the national government, although historically and currently, communities claim some authority (which varies between islands and communities) over adjacent community marine and coastal areas with respect to resource ownership and extraction. 99. Solomon Islands’ main fisheries zones include: the freshwater streams and rivers and associated wet lands; the shallow fringing coastal reef or intertidal zone; the sub-tidal areas and reef slope including fissures or canyons in the reef slope (to about 25 m depth); the deep reef and near-shore deep-water areas below 25 m; and the open ocean or pelagic fishery. All of these areas are of critical subsistence importance, as well as being a local income generation opportunity. The first four zones are usually considered to be part of the “inshore fishery” and the latter referred to as the “offshore fishery”.

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100. Commercial fishing (foreign fishing licenses focusing on pelagic resources - tuna species specifically) is permitted between 12 nautical miles from the coast to the nation’s EEZ boundaries some 200 nautical miles out from the shoreline. 101. Marine systems, especially the first three zones (intertidal, sub tidal, and inshore reef areas) have been heavily exploited for subsistence and small-scale artisanal livelihood activities whilst the deeper water slope benthic fisheries are becoming increasingly targeted. These activities have used a wide range of traditional and modernized fishing gear and techniques targeting a wide range of resources. 102. The marine and coastal ecosystems of Solomon Islands are part of the Western Pacific centre of marine biodiversity. The coastal zones are characterized by highly variable patchy ecosystems that include estuaries, lagoons, beaches, , coral reef areas, sea grass beds, algal beds and small islands. Coral reefs are narrow, fringing, and intermittently distributed around the high islands, with barrier reefs and expansive inter-tidal reefs not common. The coral reefs are most often associated with either uplifted shores attached to volcanic coastlines or seaward elevated coral limestone beaches. 103. Coral reefs. The marine fauna and flora of the Solomon Islands is considered highly diverse. According to a 2007 study conducted by Coral Reef Initiatives for the Pacific, the Solomon Islands have one of the highest coral diversities in the world. 494 species were recorded (485 known species and nine unknown species which may be new species). These reef systems support one of the richest concentrations of reef fishes in the world with a total of 1,019 fish species identified. The coral reefs are mainly fringing and intermittent around islands and occur along mostly shallow coastlines where the water is clear and warm and maintains a constant level of salinity. Coral reefs support extraordinary diversity of species by providing food, shelter, nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species and crustaceans. The reefs protect coastal areas from storms and erosion by forming natural breakwaters, whilst providing a wide range of services to people. There are no coral reefs associated with the wharf projects area of influence. 104. Fisheries. Solomon Islands has an open marine tenure system that allows anyone to fish the inshore waters (from high water mark to 12 nautical miles offshore) and which is managed by the national government, although both historically and currently, communities claim some authority over adjacent community marine and coastal areas with respect to resource ownership and extraction. 105. Solomon Islands’ fisheries include five zones: i) freshwater streams and rivers and associated wet lands; ii) shallow fringing coastal reef or intertidal zone; iii) sub-tidal areas and reef slope including fissures or canyons in the reef slope (to about 25 m depth); iv) deep reef and near- shore deep-water areas below 25 m; and v) open ocean or pelagic fishery. All of which are of critical subsistence importance, as well as local income generation. zones i) to iv) are usually considered to be part of the “inshore fishery” whilst v) is referred to as the “offshore fishery”. Commercial fishing--foreign fishing licenses focusing on pelagic resources, tuna species specifically--is permitted between 12 nautical miles from the coast to 200 nautical miles from the shoreline. The first three zones (intertidal, sub tidal, and inshore reef areas) have been heavily exploited for subsistence and small-scale artisanal livelihood activities whilst the deeper water slope benthic fisheries are becoming increasingly targeted. These activities have used a wide range of traditional and modernized fishing gear and techniques targeting a wide range of resources.

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106. Mangroves. Mangroves are important ecosystems for aquatic organisms and provide critical breeding habitats for a wide variety of reef and coastal invertebrate and vertebrate species. They provide structural protection to coastlines and act as a buffer between land and sea and act as a sink for sediments, nutrients, and contaminants to maintain coastal water quality, and promote the growth of coral reefs and sea grass. The Nature Conservancy reported 20 species and two hybrids of mangroves in the Solomon Islands. They include: Heritiera littoralis, Aegiceras corniculatum, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, S. gulngai, Osbornia octodonata, Lumnitzera littorea, Rhizophora apiculata, R. stylosa, R. lamarckii, R mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, B. parviflora, B. sexangula, Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha, Xylocarpus granatum, X. mekongensis, Avicennia alba, A. marina, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea and Nypa fruticans. There are no mangrove forests or individual trees that will be directly or indirectly impacted by the subprojects’ scope of works. 107. Seagrass. Seagrass meadows are a significant coastal habitat and contain high biodiversity value and are the main diet for species such as the endangered green (Chelonia mydas) and ( dugon) and are found throughout the Solomon Islands. Seagrasses grow in soft bottom estuarine and marine environments and can be found extending from the intertidal zone to sub-tidal, along mangrove coastlines, estuaries, shallow bays, coral reefs, inter-reef and offshore islands. In Solomon Islands there are ten species of seagrass (in two families), which represents 80% of the known seagrass species in the Indo-Pacific Region. Malaita Province has the most extensive meadows within Solomon Islands (Table 4.2), including one that is more than 1,000 ha in size.

Table 4.2: Areas of seagrass by province

Province Area of seagrass (ha) No. of seagrass meadows Guadalcanal 101.3 31 Makira 229.1 52 Central 651.5 56 Western 754.4 134 Isabel 535.9 99 Choiseul 753.8 49 Malaita 3,607.6 59 Total 6,633.8 480

Source: The Nature Conservancy - Solomon Islands Marine Assessment (2006)

4.2.2 Threatened and protected species

108. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) undertakes a global assessment to classify species at risk of global extinction. The 2015 IUCN Solomon Islands Red List identifies 234 threatened species in total; 20 mammals, 21 bird species, five reptiles, two amphibians, 18 fishes, two mollusks, 149 other invertebrates and 17 plants. Two species of bird have been declared extinct in the Solomon Islands; the Thick-billed Ground Dove, Gallicolumba salamonis and the Choiseul Pigeon, Microgoura meeki. The IUCN’s Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) work has identified three critically endangered species and one endangered within the Guadalcanal Watersheds KBA; Pteralopex pulchra (Montane monkey- faced bat), Uromys imperator (emperor rat), Uromys porculus (Guadalcanal rat) and Tiradelphe schneideri (Schneider’s Surprise – butterfly), respectively.

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109. These are also Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE)6 trigger species. None of these species are recorded within the subprojects’ influence areas. 110. Five turtle species found in Solomon Islands are listed as protected on the Red List including: critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate); endangered Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Loggerhead turtle (Caretta carreta); and vulnerable Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Other protected species include cetacean (whales and dolphin species), dugong (Dugong dugon), crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) none of which will be impacted by the subproject works. The identified nestling sites for turtles in Solomon Islands include:

• Arnavon Islands (Isabel/Choiseul Provinces); • Ramos Island (Malaita Province); • (Central Province); • Litoghahira (Isabel Province); • Rendova and (Western Province); and • Vacho and Sasamunga Islands (Choiseul Province). 111. Of the 308 globally threatened species in the east Melanesian hotspot 225 (73 percent) occur in the Solomon Islands key biodiversity areas (KBA), including 40 not found elsewhere. Appendix 3 is a summary of these species in classes by status for the whole hotspot and by country distribution. As part of the east Melanesian hotspot, Solomon Islands has a high level of endemism (Table 4.3), predominately associated with fauna. This includes 19 mammals (14 bats and 5 rats), 67 birds, 19 reptiles, three amphibians (frogs), two butterflies and one vascular plant.

Table 4.3: Endemism in East Melanesian Hotspot and Solomon Islands

East Melanesian Islands Hotspot Solomon Resident & Threatened Threatened Class Hotspot Endemism Islands breeding hotspot endemics endemics (%) KBA species endemics (%) Mammals 81 42 21 51 51 19 Birds 288 148 34 51 23 67 Amphibians 49 45 5 92 11 3 Total 418 235 60 65 28 89 Source: CEPF – Ecosystem Profile of East Melanesian Hotspot (2012)

6 Launched globally in 2005, the AZE engages 88 non-governmental biodiversity conservation organizations working to prevent species extinctions by identifying and safeguarding places that are habitat for species evaluated to be endangered or critically endangered under IUCN criteria.

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4.2.3 Protected and key biodiversity areas

112. Marine protected areas. There are in the order of 90 marine protected areas in the Solomon Islands and one designated marine conservation area (Arnavon Marine Conservation Area), a significant increase in the 63 marine protected areas recorded in 2008. Most are designated as no take zones and are managed as custom resource and three have a national designation. The marine protected areas account for 956 km2 or 0.06% of the exclusive economic zone. There are no marine protected areas located within or close to the Kirakira or Ahanga subproject sites. 113. Terrestrial protected areas. There are 17 terrestrial protected areas in the Solomon Islands (Table 4.4) and these are detailed in Appendix 4.

Table 4.4: Terrestrial protected areas

Province No. of protected areas Guadalcanal 2 Western 4 Choiseul 3 Isabel 3 Makira 2 Malaita 2 Temotu 1 Total 17

Source: MECDM (2009)

114. Biodiversity areas. In July 2013 the IUCN launched the CEPF a $9 million, eight-year investment program to conserve globally important biodiversity found in 20 KBA, approximately 1.5 million ha within the east Melanesian hotspot in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and east Papua New Guinea. The hotspot is also part of the Coral Triangle, a region defined by areas with more than 500 coral species and high alpha diversity of fish and marine invertebrates. Notable endemic species include the Solomon’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus sanfordi) and many species of flying-fox ( sp.). 115. The east Melanesian hotspot also harbor a diverse and unique group of flora and fauna including: 3,000 endemic vascular plants species, 41 endemic mammals, 148 endemic birds, 54 endemic reptiles, 45 endemic amphibians and three endemic freshwater fishes. The hotspot is a conservation priority, and habitats include coastal vegetation, mangrove forests, freshwater swamp forests, lowland , seasonally dry forests and grasslands, and montane rainforests. 116. Not only do species have importance at the global scale due to endemism and the threatened status of many species but also in the patterns and processes that have underpinned the development of theories of evolutionary biology. Moreover, the natural environment still has extremely high local importance to the people of the islands, due to its role in their traditional practices and cultural identity.

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117. Through the CEPF work, some 36 areas have been identified as potential KBA in Solomon Islands (Figure 4.7).

Figure 4.7: Priority Biodiversity Sites Identified by the CEPF

Source: CEPF – Ecosystem Profile of East Melanesian Hotspot (2012)

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118. KBA in the project areas. Working with the CEPF the Nasuahu, Kereapena and Napuamarawa communities are developing a project to protect 18,500 ha in East Makira through the establishment of the Yato Protected Area (as a priority 1 (highest) site). The site includes climax and secondary rainforests, cloud forests, riparian woodlands, and mangroves. The CEPF project supports significant community consultation and capacity building through four components: community outreach and program implementation; boundary and habitat mapping: biodiversity surveys: and declaration of the new protected area. As shown on Figure 4.8, the proposed protected area is on the other side of the island from the wharf.

Figure 4.8: Proposed Yato Protected Area and proximity to wharf site

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119. A very large site known as East Makira is also identified and internationally recognized as a KBA. The KBA is also an AZE site for trigger species Makira moorhen Gallinula silvestris (CR) and Makira flying fox Pteropus cognatus (EN). As shown on Figure 4.9, the East Makira KBA covers an extensive area.

Figure 4.9: East Makira KBA

120. While the island of Bellona (1,666 ha) has been identified as a KBA under the CEPF work, it is not receiving any grant or project to try and progress any conservation initiatives; little if any information is available for this site. It is proposed as KBA for lowland rain forest as habitat for avifauna and reptiles and is identified as priority level 3 by CEPF. 121. For both projects consideration of critical habitat was made with Kirakira considered to have no potential sites present within the subproject’s area of influence given the wharf is in the middle of the town. For Bellona, however, given the direct improved access to the island and its status as a KBA, this site was further examined. 122. Table 4.4 provides a screening of potential triggers for critical habitat within the Bellona KBA. As can be seen from the table, there are three species (two bird species and one skink) that potentially meet the second criteria for critical habitat; areas having special significance for endemic or restricted range species. As the two bird species—Lorius chlororercus yellow-bibbed lory and Ptilinopius richardsii silver-capped fruit dove—will not have populations greater than 10% of the global population within this KBA they do not trigger critical habitat. As the skink is only known from the island it will trigger critical habitat.

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Table 4.4: Screening for critical habitat species or triggers in Bellona KBA

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4.2.4 Marine ecology at subproject sites

123. The wharfs will be constructed in and above the marine environment. A marine ecological baseline and impact assessment was carried out for each wharf site comprising: (i) a desk top survey of available information; (ii) on site survey including in-water inspections; (iii) face to face interviews on site with potentially affected parties; (iv) interviews with other affected groups; and (v) preparation of a marine resource assessment report. 124. The shallow water marine assessments were undertaken during the period from Wednesday the 4th – 12th in March 2020 using free diving (snorkeling) qualitative and quantitative benthic habitat and resource assessment scientific visual survey methods. The assessments included documentation (written and photographic) of the reef benthic habitats for the subtidal reef flat, reef crest, reef edge and upper and lower reef slopes at all locations. The shallow water reef assessments were undertaken during high water to allow access to all reef sections. Table 4.5 provides the dates of individual wharf site location assessment.

Table 4.5: On-site marine assessment for each wharf location

Subproject Location Assessment date Area surveyed (2020) (m2) SP-W1 Viru, Western Province 05-Mar 370 SP-W2 Matangasi, Malaita Province 10-Mar 155 SP-W3 Waisisi, Malaita Province 10-Mar 500 SP-W4 Buala, Isabel Province 06-Mar 10,860 SP-W5 Moli, Choiseul Province 11-Mar 750 SP-W6 Kirakira, Makira-Uluwa Province 04-Mar 4,480 SP-W7 Ahanga, Bellona Island, Rennell-Bellona Province 08-Mar 47,000

125. The marine assessment is available as a stand-alone report. The findings for the Kirakira and Ahanga sites are summarized in Table 4.6 which has been developed following the SPS Appendix 1, Section 8: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability Natural Resource Management.

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Table 4.6: Key marine and benthic biodiversity conditions at the sites

Marine Ecology Impact Summary Biodiversity conservation & sustainable natural resource management Modified habitat Natural habitat7 Critical Wharf habitat/species8 • Sea shoreline. • Minor ecological – resource impacts. • Yes. Site limited physical None Recorded • Coral reef present throughout • No threats to areas marine biodiversity. • Minor coastal alteration however not site. Minor alteration – • Reef resources similar throughout the bay, no foreshore physical & natural site influenced shoreline activities (sewage – endangered or endemic species present. inputs from terrestrial by terrestrial inputs pig pens). • Possible small localized increase in sediment run off – (sewage – pig and neigbouring • No Mangrove. and petrochemical spillage during construction. pens). activities (the main ira village) close by. k • No sea grass. • All localized to project footprint. • Hard coral disease • Sand dominated benthic • All completely manageable. located – land based Natural systems well Kira substrate. • Proposed design to avoid if possible large nutrient possible outside of wharf Area • No MPA or other managed Porities coral heads – however no impact on cause. of Influence. areas. species abundance and/or reproductive capacity in the area. • Sea shoreline. • Minor ecological – resource impacts. • Yes. • Site limited • None • Coral reef present throughout • No threats to areas marine biodiversity. • coastal foreshore physical alteration Recorded site. Minor alteration – • Reef resources similar throughout the coastal physical disturbance however not shoreline activities (small boat area, no endangered or endemic species (blasting and boat natural site, blast channel (inshore) present. traffic - landing site for influenced by buildings, wells). • Possible small localized increase in sediment small boats – including small boat access • No Mangrove. and petrochemical spillage during construction. all passengers and – dredge channel • No sea grass. • All localized to project footprint. goods. Natural systems Ahanga • Sand dominated benthic • All completely manageable. • Area heavily fished – well outside of substrate. main access point for wharf Area of • No MPA or other managed local fishers. Influence. areas.

7 Natural Habitat. 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 (SPS, 2009) 8 Critical habitat is a subset of both natural and modified habitat that deserves particular attention. Critical habitat includes areas with high biodiversity value, including: (i) habitat required for the survival of critically endangered or endangered species; (ii) areas having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species; (iii) sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species; (iv) areas supporting globally significant concentrations or numbers of individuals of congregatory species; (v) areas with unique assemblages of species or that are associated with key evolutionary processes or provide key ecosystem services; and (vi) areas having biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities (SPS, 2009)

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126. Kirakira site. Marine macro algae density, percent coverage and species diversity varied throughout the site though considered to be low. The calcium carbonate green algae (Halimeda sp.) was the dominate species recorded and was located in small patches throughout the lower reef flat, reef crest, reef edge and reef slope. 127. No seagrass or mangroves were recorded within the assessed area. Seagrass beds and mangrove forest are present along the coastline of San Cristobal but not in the area of the proposed wharf and as such are well outside the subproject’s direct and indirect area of influence. 128. Finfish population numbers and species diversity was very low with only a few individuals and species identified during the assessment. Feeding scars (Scaridae – parrot fish) were recorded associated with Porities sp. mid to large coral heads and as such does indicate higher population numbers of these finfish than recorded during the assessment. 129. Low population numbers of invertebrates were recorded throughout the area assessed. Several individual specimens of giant clam (Tridacna maxima) were located and a number of echinoderms were recorded including the blue start fish (Linckia laevigata), the Crown of Thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) and the long spine sea urchin (Diademia savignyi) were observed. No Sea cucumbers were recorded. 130. There was an absence of subsistence and commercially valuable invertebrates (no sea cucumbers were located) indicating a high level of resource harvesting and/or an environment not conducive to support these resources. 131. There was evidence of hard coral stress with bleaching as a result. The cause of the stress is not obvious, but it can possibly be attributed to the daily input of land based pollution with a significant proportion of this from the pig pens located adjacent to the shoreline throughout the area discharging all waste directly into the water. This is further increased with land based/village runoff. 132. The foreshore and marine benthic environment adjacent to the proposed wharf sites contain a small amount of anthropogenic (village) material and garbage. Floating plastic bottles and bags were located throughout the site and on the beach. 133. Ahanga site. A fringing coastal coral reef and associated resources are located along the coastline within the proposed new wharf site. In general, the marine benthic habitat and resources throughout the area reflect a fully functioning healthy ecosystem with a diversity hard and soft coral benthic community. The reef systems associated with the proposed site are very similar throughout the area assessed and are characterized by an extensive sand beach (calcium carbonate in origin), a shallow intertidal and subtidal reef flat that is exposed in parts during spring low tides with a underlining beach rock that extends to a clearly defined reef crest and edge that possess spur and grove formations. The reef continues to descend through a vertical reef slope through to the seafloor. The seafloor throughout the assessed site is composed of sand and rocks derived from coral reef (calcium carbonate) origins. 134. There were no sea grass, mangrove trees nor rivers/streams entering the coastline in close proximity to the proposed wharf site. During periods of high rainfall anecdotal information suggests that underground natural freshwater springs are located along the coastal beach throughout the island and along the coastline associated with the proposed wharf site. A traditional freshwater well is located on the foreshore adjacent to the proposed wharf site.

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135. Through discussions with communities members9 sea turtles no longer utilize the beach within the vicinity of the proposed wharf to nest. It is reported that it has been many years since nesting has been recorded. No evidence of turtle nesting was recorded during the assessment. 136. The reduced numbers of herbivores and predator finfish, the small size of individual finfish present and absence of subsistence and commercially valuable invertebrates (no sea cucumbers were located) indicates a high level of resource harvesting and/or an environment not conducive to support these resources. It is perceived the former situation is currently operating within these reef areas. 137. There was little evidence of hard coral stress with partial bleaching only recorded on one small hard coral colony located close to shoreline, otherwise the reef community was healthy. 138. The foreshore and marine benthic environment adjacent to the proposed wharf sites contain a small amount of anthropogenic (village) material and garbage, most is perceived to be removed by wave action. Several large heavy metal objects were located within the intertidal reef flat towards the western side of the assessed area. The origin of these items is unknown however anthropogenic discussions indicate that they are possible remnants of a shipwreck and/or heavy equipment parts used for anchorage. Floating plastic bottles and other material were located on the beach, most of which originating off island and deposited along the shoreline with daily tidal exchange.

4.2.5 Terrestrial habitat, flora and fauna 139. Solomon Islands is characterized by a high level of biodiversity of plants including 3,210 species of vascular plants, although this is believed to be an underestimate. It is likely that there will be up to 4,500 plant species when those that are unrecorded are included. While diversity is high, endemism is low, with no endemic families and only three endemic genera. Endemism of species is not accurately known but is thought to range from ten per cent of fern species to 80% of pandanus species. The islands with the highest rate of endemism are Santa Cruz (Temotu) and Guadalcanal. 140. Flora. The main groups of flora include 340 species of ferns, 277 species of orchids, 33 species of palms, 26 species of other nuts (ngali nut, cut nut and alite nut), 20 species of pandanus, 14 species of Eleocarpacae trees, and 11 species of shrubs. 141. Forest in Solomon Islands covers up to 86% of vegetation communities with low altitude forest accounting for the vast proportion of this. Crop land and bush account for 10% of the vegetation communities. 142. Fauna. The terrestrial fauna of Solomon Islands is extremely diverse, probably with a greater diversity of land animals that any other Pacific island country and has a high level of endemism (UNDP et al., 2002). Fauna includes 223 species of birds (173 residential terrestrial species and 50 other species of shore/sea birds and visitors) including 19 species globally threatened (Appendix D: Globally Threatened Avifauna in the Solomon Islands), 52 mammals, 61 species of reptiles (25 are endemic), and 17 species of frogs.

9 Pers comm. 8 March 2020

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143. In terms of distribution, there is a relatively high level of island endemism. While Western Province records the largest number of species (41), Choiseul and Guadalcanal Provinces have the highest rate of island endemism with six species being found on only one or two islands. Field observations did not show any significant wildlife species within the subproject areas and the wharf sites are modified environment. 144. Terrestrial ecology at the sites. The terrestrial ecology at both sites can be described as modified habitat. The work at the proposed sites is focused on the construction of an intertidal zone wharf, Terrestrial ecology is not directly affected and only indirectly affected by short duration construction noise impacts. Where there are works "on land" the area has been subjected to historic human activities that have destroyed or significantly modified any natural habitat. The site proposed in Kirakira is a coastal strip near the market in the main township. Figure 4.10. Immediate terrestrial ecology includes remnant trees and vegetation not cleared when the town was established. The foreshore is severely impacted by swine husbandry with pig effluent directly discharging into the coastal waters

Figure 4.10: Modified terrestrial habitat of Kirakira site

145. At Ahanga, the landward area comprises beach, vegetation (plantation and lowland forest) which has been cleared in small areas for village land and activities; there are six dwellings immediately behind the beach (approximately 100m from the shore) a steep concrete track leads from the beach up to “island level” approximately 20m above beach level where the main village is located. The main village is screened by vegetation from the beach (Figure 4.11).

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146. At Ahanga the beachside is a community gathering area with native vegetation removed over time by constant foot traffic. The proposed wharf area has had limited alteration (intertidal small vessel channel has been previously blasted in the 1980s (Australian Aid) to allow small boat access. The wider island is habitat for 12 restricted range bird species and loss of habitat (logging, hunting, invasive species) is identified by CEPF as a risk to terrestrial biodiversity.

Figure 4.11: Proposed Ahanga wharf – local context

4.2.6 Freshwater habitats, flora and fauna 147. Freshwater systems throughout the Solomon Islands play a critical role in the location of villages and the community’s daily life. The freshwater resources of the Solomon Islands show a high level of biodiversity and endemism throughout the nation, especially among the aquatic insects. Polhemus, et al (2008) through an island-wide assessment of the freshwater river systems of the nation, recorded 93 species of Heteroptera representing 28 genera in 12 families of which 60% are endemic at the species level and at least 31 of the species collected are new to science. Sixty-three species of Odonata representing 37 genera and 12 families were recorded of which 44% are endemic at the species level and at least 1 new species was discovered. Nine described species of Gyrinidae, representing two genera and ten described species of Simuliidae, representing two genera, were reported of which 90% of both are endemic at the species level. 148. In Solomon Islands, as with other mountainous islands of the Indo-Pacific Region, Gobioid fishes are the dominant fresh water fauna, and are mainly represented by members of the Gobiidae, Eleotridae and Rhyacichthidae families. 43 species of fish belonging to 26 genera and 14 families of which at the time of the report there were no endemic species. One species of Gobiidae (Lentipes solomonensis) subsequently was found to be endemic through additional analysis. Like other tropical islands of the Indo-Pacific Region, all native fish species encountered in inland freshwater are migratory species with a life cycle alternating between ocean and river.

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149. Two main migration patterns are followed: catadromous and amphidromous. Eels are catadromous fish with adults migrating to the ocean to spawn, and juveniles migrating back into freshwater systems to grow to maturity. Most of the other aquatic species, such as Gobioids are amphidromous. Spawning occurs in the rivers, and larvae drift passively to the ocean before migrating back as juveniles to the freshwater system where they grow into adults. 150. Freshwater ecology at the sites. There are no freshwater resources at the Ahanga site. At Kirakira there is a river approximately 220m to the south of the proposed wharf site. Anecdotal information indicates that saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is present. Similarly, anecdotal information indicates that marine turtles are located in the waters offshore utilizing the reef for feeding and possibly breeding purposes. Turtles are not recorded associated with the intertidal reef flat and are not residents of the area. Moreover, there are no reported turtle nesting sites in close proximity to the proposed wharf site. 151. During heavy rainfall periods discharges low salinity water and increased silt levels into the surround waters greatly increasing localized turbidity and sedimentation in the river mouth area. The river discharge appears to have little impact on the marine benthic habitat and resources associated with the proposed wharf site due to the distance the site is from the river and water current and tidal patterns in the area.

4.3 Socio-economic Resources

4.3.1 Population and demography

152. The estimated population for the nation 2018 is approximately 667,044 (SIG, national Statistic Office) with a sex ratio of 1.07 males to females, an annual population growth rate of 2.0%, a medium age of 19.9 years, a life expectance average of 74.2 years (76.9 females, 71.6 males) and a density 22 persons/km2. This reflects a sharp increase from the 17 persons/km2 recorded in the 2009 census. 153. The subject wharf sites each have an adjacent village community and in the case of Kirakira this includes the provincial capital. At onsite discussions the local representatives that “wharf” villages (typically around 500 residents) observed that the wharf serviced inland communities with a catchment of around 4,000 persons.

Table 4.7: Population of subproject communities

Province Subproject site Male Female Total population population (2009 Census) Rennell-Bellona Ahanga 482 527 1,009 Makira-Uluwa Kirakira 3,044 2,744 5,748

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154. Kirakira site. The proposed Kirakira wharf is located at the provincial town of Kirakira, the capital of Makira Ulawa Province in Central Bauro Ward of the Makira main island. The population of Central Bauro Ward which includes Kirakira from the 2009 Census Report is 4,562. With an annual population growth of 2.6% per year, it is estimated that the current population of the ward is 5,748, with 3,004 males and 2,744 females with more than 1,000 households and a population density of 5.6 people per household. Kirakira has an estimated population of approximately 1,500 people, being that it is the only town on the island and the province with more than 30 households. 155. Population. The majority of residents are originally from the area and had resided in the surrounding villages for over 100 years, except for people living in Kirakira that are from other provinces and had been assigned to work there by the national or the provincial government. Also, business people who established businesses in the area and expatriates working for NGOs and other institutions. The villages and tribal groupings in the villages have their chiefs to resolve issues and deal with matters relating to land. The tribes mostly inherit the land from their fathers' side, that is to say patrilineal inheritance and is customary. However, land in Kirakira, the Provincial Capital is owned by the Provincial Government up to the high water mark which is registered, and the FTE rests with the Commissioner of Lands. Beyond the high water mark is considered as customary land. 156. Income. The primary source of income for the people in the town is mostly from working for wages and salary at the provincial capital, while the majority of the population from the surrounding communities are mostly farmers selling agricultural produce at the Kirakira market, mainly done by women and young girls. Other income sources include retailing and selling of timber and other products. People from the local communities also engage in copra and cocoa production and sale for income. There are local and foreign-owned restaurants within the vicinity of the town and tourist scenic tours operated by the local community. Some villagers in the nearby communities and villagers also own small retail shops which sell basic food and household items. 157. Other activities include cattle farming, fishing, and some tourism activities operated by members of the community. These activities include working in government agencies, commercial institutes, retail shops, and in education and health sectors. Income from the above activities is used for basic needs and school fees. The island of Makira is also one of the highest cocoa producers in the country and ranked as third in cocoa production. The income is used for basic needs and school fees. 158. Market. Farmers – commonly women - transport or take their farmed produces to the Kirakira central market for sale, while others transport their produce to Honiara. Those involved in copra and cocoa production also transport these products to Honiara; mostly done by men. 159. Education. Kirakira itself has one primary and secondary school, FM Campbell School, but there are other schools (6) within the area including one public secondary school owned by the SIG that access Kirakira. 160. Health. Makira-Uluwa Province has one hospital and more than five Area Health Centres (AHC) that provides medical services. Kirakira Hospital is located in Kirakira and includes medication and prescription for patients with currently 2 doctors and more than 10 nurses manning the Hospital. There are days scheduled for outpatient, prenatal, and postnatal check-up, family planning, and regular medical check-up. Also, a labour and delivery ward for women. The hospital is also the main medical supplier for all the AHCs and aide posts in the province.

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161. Water Supply. The villages have access to communal water supply and also from water tanks storing rainwater, mainly used for drinking, and rivers and streams. There is also a river which is easily accessible to the town and adjacent communities used for swimming, washing and other recreational activities. The town has water supply which households are connected to under the provincial authority, and not the Solomon Water or the national water authority. 162. Power Supply. There is no electricity supplied to the villages and communities adjacent to Kirakira. However, solar panels owned by individuals within the community primarily provide electricity for lighting and charging of power products, but the town has electricity supplied by the national power authority, Solomon Power. 163. Transportation. Transportation to and from Honiara is mainly by ships and airplanes. The provincial capital receives a weekly shipping service of about 4-5 ships per week. Traveling by ships takes more than 15 hours to get to Honiara. Transporting farmed produces, including copra and cocoa to markets in Honiara is mainly by these shipping vessels. However, lack of port infrastructure, particularly wharf, is an issue since the town was established during the British colonial times. Loading and unloading of cargoes or products from the villages require hard labor, time-consuming, unsafe, and expensive. 164. Development Plan. The Provincial Government of Makira is planning to venture into cattle farming and a cocoa factory for producing pharmaceuticals and other cocoa products. This venture is currently underway at the design phase. Other ongoing activities include copra or coconut crashing mills and cocoa training for cocoa farmers. 165. Ahanga site. Four main villages comprise Bellona, also known as provincial wards, namely Matangi, East Ghongau, West Ghongau, and Sa'aiho. One of the proposed Bellona wharf sites is Ahanga, located west of Bellona island, and the other site,'One, is situated in the middle of the island at West Ghongau North East of Ahanga, in Rennell & Bellona Province. 166. Population. Ahanga and 'One are parts of the Sa'aiho and West Ghongau Wards. The island has a population of 1,009, of which there are 482 males, and 527 are female (Census Report, 2009). With an annual population growth of 2.5% per annum the projected population for the ward in 2019 is 1,261, that is 602 males and 659 females, with more than 30 households and average household size of 4.4 people per household. The communities are people originally from the area and had resided in the villages for over 100 years. Other members of the communities are people from other provinces in the Solomon Islands who intermarried with locals from the villages. Each village has its own chief. The land is mostly inherited by families from the fathers and is customary-owned. 167. Sources of Income. People mostly (i) sell cooked, or baked food, (ii) sell sewn or woven materials such as baskets and clothes, (iii) and work as daily labor or casual labor for wages and salary. Some people in the villages also own small retail shops which sell basic food and household items. Others are involved in fishing and selling them when there are visitors. On the island farming and fishing is mainly for own consumption and trading when there are visitors. Earning from these activities are used for basic needs. 168. Market. To sell their produces, the main market outlets are at the Ahanga port area and schools. Cooked foods are sold while other root crops such as pana, kumara and yams are transported to Honiara for relatives. Marketing of produces is mostly done by women.

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169. Education. Rennell-Bellona Province has about 10 schools both primary and secondary schools including Rural Training Centers administered by the province, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the South Seas Evangelical Church. For Bellona, there are four primary schools and 1Secondary school that children access. Two of the schools are administered by the Provincial Government, one SDA Church, and one Baptist Church. 170. Clinics/ Hospitals. The province has one mini Hospital which is not opened and four AHC, two of the AHC are on Bellona Island. The AHC provides medication and prescription for patients. There are days scheduled for Outpatient, Pre – Natal and Post – Natal while admitting patients are only as when required for medical observation and attention for only a few hours and serious and emergency cases are referred to Honiara including women in labour. 171. Water Supply. The only water source on the island is a well at Ahanga and private and communal water tanks storing rainwater, mainly used for shower, washing, drinking and cooking purposes. There are no rivers and streams on the island. 172. Electricity. There is no electricity supplied to the villages and communities; however, solar panels owned by individuals and households in the community primarily provide electricity for lighting and charging of power products. 173. Transportation. Transportation to and from Honiara is mainly by ships which are more than 15 hours. The village receives a weekly shipping service of about 1 to no ships per week or even a month. Transporting produces and cargoes to and from Honiara is not easy and not safe since people tend to use OBM powered boats to transport the produces to the ships which are not safe and requires manual labour for loading and unloading of cargoes and the products. It was reported by the people during the consultation that there are accidents involved in the activity and is risky for women, children and the elderly.

4.3.2 Economy and services 174. In 2016, Solomon Islands was the 108th exporter in the world and exported US$430 million of goods and imported US$450 million resulting in a negative trade balance of 20 million US$. The top 2016 export commodities in order of US dollars exported include: rough wood ($248 million); processed fish ($26.4 million); palm oil ($25.8 million); wood stakes ($23.6 million) and cocoa beans ($12.6 million). The estimated national gross domestic product (GDP), including the value of subsistence production, amounted to US$1.2 billion, all most doubling since 2000 (US$57 million) showing positive annual net growth of around 3% over this time period. Gross domestic income in 2016 was US$ 1,880 (WB, 2017), slight down from the reported 2015 figure of US$1,920 (ADB, 2017) with gross domestic investment rate of 17.6 % of GDP and an inflation rate of 1.1 for 2016. 175. Livelihoods and employment. Solomon Islands economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture and fisheries related activities, which support around three-quarters of the total population, including almost the entire rural population. During consultations in March 2019 it was suggested that outgoing (export) products across existing wharfs were small quantities of agricultural / market products, cocoa, taro and ginger and incoming products were primarily household goods, building materials and fuel. 176. Fisheries. The EEZ waters of Solomon Islands support commercial purse seine, long line and pole and line fishing activities that have both local and foreign ownership and operational involvement principally targeting species of tuna for many years.

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177. The commercial fishing fleet operates between 12 nautical miles outside of the nation’s islands and outer boundary of the nation’s EEZ. There is no large-scale inshore commercial fishery in the Solomon Islands. However, there is considerable inshore resource exploitation principally for individual and family subsistence and small-scale commercial activities supplying local demand throughout the country and this appears to be the case at most of the wharf communities where there is inshore fishing for local consumption. 178. Forestry. Timber harvesting and export has been the dominant exporting product of the nations for several decades averaging between 20-35% of foreign exchange earnings over this period of time. Where wood is for customary or domestic purposes and not for sale, no license is required. If forest owners would like to sell timber, there are local timber harvesting license and community timber harvesting license available. A community may combine their efforts to cut up to 2,000 m3 per year under a community timber harvesting license. During consultations it was understood that there were no longer any commercial logging concessions in the subproject areas. 179. Land use. Land ownership in the Solomon Islands is complex and in general is described as, “land is held by a group or community who are linked by a combination of blood relationship, by residence or by contributing to a village enterprise” (Corrin, 2006). As such the majority of land throughout the Solomon Islands is refer to as non-registered customary land and is estimated to make up approximately 84 % of all land. The remaining land is either registered alienated land (10%) with the balance being owned by government (4%) and private owners (2%). 180. Transport. There are approximately 20 small domestic airports throughout the nation serving the communities. Solomon air has scheduled flights to Kirakira and there is a grass strip servicing the island of Bellona for Ahanga wharf. There are international wharf facilities in Honiara (Point Cruz) and Noro (Western Province) servicing general cargo, bulk fuel and the fishing industry. Other coastal communities rely on sea transport with people and cargo transferred at sea into tenders or outboard motorboats (OBM) or direct to small dedicated wharfs. Some vessels have mechanical cranes but most rely on manhandling of goods across the jetty. 181. Power supply: There are generally no grid-connections outside the capital Island of Honiara. There are many using dedicated solar power systems, though few have battery storage so power is not available at night. There are some community owned diesel generators and solar power collection systems in the villages to supply local needs. The local communities in outlying areas also use kerosene lamps for household lighting and kerosene, wood and gas are used for cooking.

4.3.3 Cultural and historic sites and resources 182. Special, sacred or restricted sites, or tambu areas, including elements of the landscape as well as monuments, represent the history, lineage and society of different clans and lines and have local cultural as well as regional historical significance throughout the Solomon Islands. Traditional medicines and resources derived from terrestrial (native and cultivated flora) and to a lesser extent marine resources play a significant role in the traditional and cultural lives of all communities. 183. The National Solomon Islands Museum keeps a National Tambu Site Register, which records several thousand sites. Some provinces also maintain tambu site registers but due to insufficient funds and manpower the recording and registration of all sites is not systematic. The community consultation meetings at each subproject site have not identified any tambu sites in the vicinity of the wharfs.

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4.3.4 Ambient noise levels

184. In order to characterize the noise environment at wharf sites a dedicated ambient noise monitoring exercise was conducted at each wharf site during the initial site visits in March 2019. The full noise monitoring report is included in this document as Annex C and the results at Kirakira and Ahanga, summarized below. The personal observations on site supplemented by monitoring indicate that all wharf sites are unaffected by significant impact from powered mechanical equipment (PME) or industry. Sites at Kirakira and Ahanga are rural in nature without any artificial noise impact (e.g. traffic or industrial noise) and are dominated by natural impacts of wave action, birdsong, insect noise and low levels of noise from community activities (Plate 4.1) and summarized in Table 4.8.

Plate 4.1: Kirakira – location of noise monitoring

185. The noise monitoring exercise was carried out at the Kirakira site on 20th March between 14:45 and 15:00 established a background average noise level at the proposed wharf site of 44.8dB(A). This is consistent with a rural location without powered mechanical noise sources (road traffic, industrial machinery, etc). Similar monitoring exercise was carried out at Ahanga on 21st March between 10:50 and 11:30 established a background average noise level at the proposed wharf site of 60dB(A).. The noise environment was dominated by wave action on the beach. For a rural location unaffected by powered mechanical noise sources (road traffic, industrial machinery, etc.) this background noise level is “high” but consistent with an environment dominated by a noise source (waves breaking on a beach).

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Table 4.8 Noise monitoring at proposed wharf sites – March 2019

Site measurement Location Influencers Date Start End LAmax LAeq LAmin

In Kirakira village 21/03/19 06:30 06:45 67.9 64 60.9 Ambient noise level in the village (wave action dominates)

Proposed Kirakira 20/03/19 14:50 15:00 60.1 51 44.8 Waves on beach, helicopter – excluded 69.8dBA peak. wharf site,

Ahanga existing 21/03/19 10:53 11:03 69.8 60 54.6 On beach. Wave action on beach landing and proposed wharf site, 21/03/19 11:05 11:25 80.3 59.4 53.8 Behind beach. Wave action on beach, people talking

Ahanga (alternative 21/03/19 12:00 12:10 61.8 58 53.0 Waves breaking on beach site – not selected), Note 1) Site data “results” are obtained by direct on-site readings from a Sound Level Meter, there has been no post sampling processing .

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5 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

5.1 Significance of Impacts

186. The following section provides an assessment of each sub Project’s likely impacts on physical, biological, socio-economic and physical cultural resources and identifies mitigation measures to ensure potential environment impacts will be avoided or managed/reduced to acceptable levels. 187. The assessment of impact follows a risk matrix approach where the likelihood of an environmental, safety or social impact occurring is matched with the consequence (severity) of the impact occurring. The matrix ranks potential risks as low, medium, high or extreme, identifying the need for mitigation, and incorporation into the EMP. The assessment of potential severity of the impacts takes into consideration the presence and vulnerability of sensitive receptors and adopts a precautionary approach. 188. All risks classified as medium or higher are considered significant and require mitigation. 189. Appendix E: Environmental Risk Matrices presents the environmental screening for the range of potential environmental impacts that could occur from the preconstruction, construction and operational activities. Where the environmental impacts are deemed to be major (significant) or minor level impacts, mitigation measures are detailed, which are included in the subproject’s EMP and will be incorporated into the bid documents and the contractor’s CEMP.

5.2 Impacts during Pre-Construction

190. Pre-construction activities require the following to be addressed:

• Ensuring design sufficiently accommodates climate change projections and effects; • Update of the assessment and EMP based on detailed design, formulation of PER and development consent application submission and compliance with conditions of development consent; • Contractor preparation of CEMP for review and clearance requirements; • Contractor identification of construction material sources and application for appropriate permits; • Vegetation removal during surveying and demarcation of road and drainage pathways if required; and • Site clearance, site preparation and excavations.

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191. Changes in water movement. Development of the wharf, boat jetty and ramps could potentially change water movements in the area creating new areas of erosion or deposition. However, the wharf design is a piled structure with minimal potential to alter water movements so changes to currents and water movement at this location are low. In terms of the risk matrix. The potential risk is considered to be high, but the design reduces the residual risk to low. 192. Climate resilience. Climate change adaptation measures have been integrated into the wharf design. Climate change adaptation design measures include:

• Increasing ambient average temperature and temperature ranges; • Increasing average precipitation and short-term heavy rains; • Increasing average levels of wind and short-term stronger winds; • Changes in seismicity. • Sea level rise, tidal surge • Earthquake risk 193. At Kirakira and Ahanga where there is no natural shielding from wave action (open aspect). However, the design at these locations is considered to be sufficiently robust to mitigate adverse impact. The main hazards at all location are an increase in adverse wave conditions and cyclones. This could increase the potential for flooding of the wharf access roads.10 194. Mitigation included attention in the design to adopt a deck level for the wharf that takes into account MHWT, current and future sea level rise. Potential risk of the project on climate change was assessed to be high but based on considerations in design the residual risk is considered to be low. 195. Hazards. The Solomon Islands are located in a region that is seismically active, See Section 4.1.3 Geological Hazards. However, the wharves are designed in accordance with NZS 1170.5 for earthquake loads. Potential risk to the project on seismic conditions was assessed to be medium and based on the design, residual risk is still considered to be medium. 196. Land access and acquisition. This aspect relates to resettlement, land acquisition and economic displacement. There is no project-induced resettlement, land acquisition or economic displacement associated with the wharf subprojects. The residual risk is considered to be negligible-low. 197. Environmentally responsible procurement. The CSC will include an international (intermittent) and national environmental specialists to support the CPIU’s in-house safeguards specialists to undertake tasks associated with development consent application and inputs to the tender documentation and bid evaluation. Terms of Reference for the environmental specialists are included in the project administration manual.

10 Cardno. 2019. Solomon Islands TSPDF - Climate and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability in Seven Domestic Wharves. (prepared by Tonkin & Taylor for Cardno July 2019)

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198. The IEE and EMP will be formatted as a PER, checked for compliance with requirements of the Environment Act, and submitted to the ECD for clearance and issue of the development consent. The PER, along with any conditions of the development consent, will be incorporated into technical specifications and bid documents. 199. Following contract award, the contractor, with support as required from the CPIU and CSC, will prepare the CEMP responding to the EMP and provide the site-specific drawings, work method statements, sub-plans (as detailed in next sections), details and construction methodologies, including specifics around construction method, impact mitigations and spoil disposal. The residual risk is expected to be low. 200. Mobilization of the contractor. The mobilization of the contractor and initial establishment of work sites will require the presence of construction workers and subsequent interactions with the communities. Prior to contractor mobilization to the site, based on the project’s communication and consultation plan (CCP), the CPIU and contractor will establish the communications protocol for the project. The relevant elements of the CCP and grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be reflected in the contractor’s CEMP. The contractor will establish a code of conduct or protocols to govern the behavior of workers and will be agreed with community leaders. 201. Measures to minimize disturbance by construction workers and presence of the works site/area include:

• Code of conduct/protocols agreed with community leaders and disseminated to workers as part of awareness and mobilization training. The code is to ensure that workers’ actions at the work site and in the community are controlled and observed; • The contractor will identify a member of their staff to be the liaison between the communities and contractor, as well as between the contractor and CPIU. The contractor will facilitate establishment of community advisory committees and regular meetings to provide information to communities; • Adequate signage and security provided at the work sites and prevention of unauthorized people (including children) entering the work sites; • Provision of adequate protection to the public close to the work site, including notice of commencement of works, installing safety barriers if required by communities, and signage or marking of the work areas; • Provision of safe access across the works site to people and businesses whose access are temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities; and • Recruitment of an approved service provider and delivery of the communicable diseases including Covid-19 11 and STIs/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention program for contractor’s workers and adjacent communities.

202. The residual risk is expected to be low.

11 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the- workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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203. Establishment of construction camp and work sites. Utilizing existing and/or the establishment of new construction camp/s, office compound and work sites can create temporary impacts resulting from site clearance – flora, fauna and habitat alteration and/or removal and possible unearthing of archaeological resources (deemed to low due to the highly modified existing road corridor and rural farming area). It is unlikely a devoted construction camp will be required given the availability of accommodation in Kirakira, work sites and yards will be sited on appropriate land, identified through consultation with village and landowners/users, as per the CCP. For Ahanga, an alternative to accommodating workers on land is for them to live on the barge bringing the equipment and materials. The residual risk is expected to be low. 204. Sources of construction materials. The source of aggregate/gravels for will be determined by the contractor, in accordance with the construction contract and subject to permit approvals. Materials will be crushed to required sizes according the engineering specification. The contractor is expected to extract fill materials from areas already permitted by the DMM (in MMERE) if not available the contractor will be required to apply for a BMP to open a new site/source. Removal of river gravel for construction materials has the potential to interfere with aquatic ecology and hydrological conditions. Depending on the size of the river, rate of recharge, volume of material to be extracted, and where the material is to be obtained from, removal of gravel could affect riverbed and/or channel morphology including river widening and increased flow speeds causing bank instability or erosion. 205. To mitigate the impacts of any new river extraction or land-based quarries or borrow pits the following will be implemented:

• Any rivers or streams identified as being part of a marine, coastal or terrestrial protected area (including the buffer zone of a protected area), a proposed protected area, or having conservation value, being habitat for rare or endangered aquatic or terrestrial species or birds, comprising part of the intertidal zone, comprising swamp or wetland, or including mangroves, will not be permitted to be used as sources of gravel; • Any rivers or streams that are used as a fresh water source for villages should only be used as a materials source as gravel extraction when alternate sources are unavailable. In cases where such rivers or streams must be used, alternative water sources, such as drilled or dug wells, upstream of extraction sites and works, must be provided for the villages; • Access to extraction sites will be negotiated with landowners and users, if an access is purposely built, should the owner not want to keep the access, the contractor will be responsible for reinstating the land to its pre-project condition; • Limits to the volume of material extracted from any one source will be set considering the ability of the source to regenerate and likely environmental impact as a result of the extraction; • Use of approved machinery for gravel extraction from rivers such as excavator or backhoe. Dredging or similar operations will not be permitted. • Extraction activities adjacent to rivers will be managed through installation of a sediment settling pond to avoid a plume of disturbed water dissipating into the river and/or the use of a bund to prevent direct runoff;

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• Maximum volumes and rates of extraction will be governed by the extraction plan approved as part of the BMP; • Material should not be extracted from river bends, and if required, river training be undertaken; • Any extraction sites and borrow pit areas close to roads will be located at least 20 m outside the right-of-way of roads, extraction from the sides of roads in a way that could undermine the roads will not be permitted; • Any topsoil excavated from sites and borrow pit areas will be saved and reused in re-vegetating the sites and pits to the satisfaction of the DMM and CPIU; • Additional extraction sites and/or borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use; • The excavation and restoration of sites and borrow pit areas, as well as their immediate surroundings, will be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the DMM and CPIU. Sign-off to this effect by CPIU will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of the contract; and • Site and burrow pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications. 206. The contractor will be required to identify materials sources and for new sources apply for a BMP including preparation of an aggregate extraction plan (AEP), in compliance with the MID’s aggregate extraction guidelines (as set out in the MID’s SPM) which include:

• Process for negotiation and consultation with landowners (including the affected community and customary titleholders etc.); • Environmental assessment covering the effects of extraction (e.g. sedimentation, ecological disturbances, slope stability) from the site; • Site safety and community protection; • Remediation of extraction sites; and • Based on the above, preparation of extraction and rehabilitation plans. 207. The extraction plan(s) will be prepared by the contractor during the mobilization phase (when quantities and type of materials have been specified) and will identify sources of gravel and aggregate that adheres to the code of practice prepared by MID for gravel abstraction. The AEP is to be submitted to CPIU for review prior to submission as part of the BMP application to DMM. The CPIU and CSC will monitor implementation of the extraction plan(s). The residual risk is expected to be low-medium. 208. Alien and invasive species introduction. The mobilization of construction machinery/equipment and materials from a source country may result in the accidental introduction of soil-borne weeds, pests and pathogens becoming established on the island and adjacent river/stream and coastal environments. All construction machinery and equipment must be steam cleaned and all organic material must be removed in the source country prior to deployment with an appropriate approved phyto-sanitary certificate issued supported by any other documentation required under Solomon Islands legislation.

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209. The contractor will be required to conduct a risk assessment and prepare a plan demonstrating how they will follow the procedures and requirements identified in National Strategy on Aquatic Biosecurity for Solomon Islands 2018-2023 and IUCN Guidelines for Invasive Species management on Islands 2018. The residual risk will be medium. 210. Vegetation removal. The wharf site at Kirakira has been altered by human use overtime for informal dwellings and a number of “pig pens” that appeared to have been abandoned in the vicinity of eh wharf. The area is characterized by scrub trees. Ahanga is a beach site with mature palm trees on the backshore. The works will not require significant degradation of the local vegetation through the clearance of small areas of vegetation and small numbers of trees at Kirakira will be required for the access road. During on-site consultations no special species requiring special attention or relocation were identified. Compensation will be made for loss of any “crop” trees , though not identified during visits. The wharf sites and accesses are highly modified and development will result in insignificant impacts upon terrestrial fauna, though minor impacts on flora are expected. Flora includes primary colonizing grasses, weeds, shrubs and non-native trees located along the shoreline. 211. The residual risk is expected to be low.

5.3 Impacts During Construction

5.3.1 Construction impacts on physical environment 212. All potential construction impacts and appropriate mitigations are to be managed by the Contractor. Construction impacts will be caused by the following activities:

• Site/location clearing, earth movements, grubbing, excavations and stockpiling of materials; • Operation of construction plant and vehicles producing dust, noise and vibration; • Percussive driving of piles to form wharf support columns • Erosion and sediment control (open ground) and shallow marine area (pilons); • Construction waste disposal, pollution for hazardous material and waste water management; • Stockpiling of construction material such as sand, gravel and cement – likely to be brought to site as bagged material. 213. Impact on air quality. The quality of air in Kirakira and Ahanga is typical of non-urban villages in the Solomon Island, with no commercial industry and effectively no vehicle fleet, save for occasional vehicles that bring material to or from the wharf area. Traffic fumes from cars and small trucks are virtually non-existent. Regular breeze and the open aspect of the sites will disperse any polluted air generated from construction work. Dusts levels were low, when observed during the March (2019) site visits. During the construction phase there will be minor temporary impacts on local air quality through emissions of exhaust from lifting machines used for erecting precast concrete sections, small amounts of construction material during mixing of concrete but these will be very small emissions and unlikely to significantly impact on background Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen dioxides (NO2) from diesel and petrol fuelled equipment nor Total Suspended Solids (TSS) from dust.

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214. The contractor will be required to maintain all construction equipment and remove machines emitting very dark smoke. Dust generation if encountered, will be minimized by spraying of exposed sites with water to prevent dust generation. Mitigation measures include:

• Construction equipment being maintained to a good standard. The equipment will be checked at regular intervals to ensure they are maintained in working order and the checks will be recorded by the contractor as part of environmental monitoring • Prohibition of the use of equipment and machinery that causes excessive pollution (i.e. visible smoke). • Material stockpiles being located in sheltered areas and covered with tarpaulins or other such suitable covering to prevent material becoming airborne and the inclusion of sediment traps to prevent discharge into the neighbouring environment. • Damping down of any access being used for haulage of materials, during the dry season; and • Periodic qualitative air quality monitoring (by observation of dust plumes rather than testing). 215. The residual risk is considered to be low. 216. Climate change. The subproject will not create any impacts on rainfall, unexpected groundwater depletion, or carbon emissions, which in turn could affect the risk of, or induce, climate change. Where possible the Contractor should maximize use of construction materials and products with recycled or secondary and low carbon content, from renewable sources and use locally sourced materials to minimize distance materials are transported from source to site. 217. The residual risk is considered to be low. 218. Aggregate extraction. The main source of aggregate use for this project is in concrete used for precast construction. The sources of aggregate for use in pre-cast concrete manufacture will be from approved and licensed sources. Pre-casting will be undertaken off-site (likely to be in established pre-casting yards in Honiara). No site specific impacts on aggregates due to pre- casting are anticipated. Some reclamation / fill will be required at wharf sites the quantities identified to date by the design team are identified in Table 5.1.

Table5.1: On-site fill requirements

Site General fill Rock fill Access road (local (local Subbase Extraction - as a cube of source?) source?) (possibly material imported?) m3 General fill Rock fill Kirakira 220 19 150 6.0 m cube 2.5 m cube Ahanga 295 30 6.5 m cube 3.0 m cube

219. Though the quantities are relatively small should the contractor have to source material at site the following mitigation measures would need to be considered in any application for extraction:

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• Limits to volume of material extracted from any one source in light of ability of the source to regenerate and likely environmental impact as a result of the extraction. • Access to gravel extraction sites will be negotiated with land owners and users, in the event that an access is purpose built, should the owner not want to keep the access, the contractor will be responsible for reinstating the land to its pre -project condition; • Any rivers or streams identified as being part of a protected area (including the buffer zone of a protected area), a proposed protected area, or having conservation value, being habitat for rare or endangered aquatic species or birds, comprising part of the intertidal zone, comprising swamp or wetland, or including mangroves, will not be permitted to be used as sources of gravel; • Any rivers or streams that are used as a fresh water source for villages should not be used as a materials source as gravel extraction will cause increased sedimentation and turbidity. In cases where such rivers or streams must be used, alternative water sources, such as drilled or dug wells, upstream of extraction sites and works, must be provided for the villages; • Use of approved machinery for gravel extraction from rivers such as excavator or backhoe. Dredging or similar operations will not be permitted; • In respect of maximum volumes to be removed from any one source, any river gravel removal for the subproject will be managed in accordance with the aggregate extraction guidelines and conditions of approval for the extraction plan; • Gravel material should not be extracted from river bends, and if required, river training be undertaken; • Any extraction sites and borrow areas close to roads will be located at least 20 m outside the right-of-way of roads, extraction from the sides of roads in a way that could undermine the roads will not be permitted; • Site and pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance with all applicable standards and specifications; • Any topsoil excavated from the top of sites and borrow pit areas will be saved and reused in re-vegetating the sites and pits; • Additional extraction sites and/or borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use; and • The excavation and restoration of sites and borrow areas, as well as their immediate surroundings, will be undertaken in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the CPIU. Sign-off to this effect by CPIU will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of the contract. 220. The volumes for extraction are small and unmitigated risk is high but with mitigation in place the residual risk is considered to be low. 221. Soils and erosion. The wharf works will be carried out on the coastal fringe, with most work in the existing tidal zone. Hydrocarbon leakages and contaminations of soil from solid waste are common problems experienced by contractors. Chemicals must be stored in an area or compound with concrete floor and weatherproof roof and fuelling of construction vehicles must be carried out under cover. Spills must be cleaned up as per emergency response plan.

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222. Generally, oil/fuel remediation agents, oil pads, oil booms and geo-fabric cloths should be available and ready to use during spillages. The contractor is required to incorporate a liquid and solid waste management approach and an accidental spill or emergency response plan in their CEMP. Potential soil impacts and erosion will be mitigated by:

• All required materials will be sourced in strict accordance with Government guidelines, project provisions including the aggregate extraction guidelines, and the EMP • In the event that the contractor causes damage to agricultural land, productive land or gardens, the contractor is solely responsible for repairing the damage and/or paying compensation • The side slopes of any embankments, including any river bank areas will be protected and designs used that protect soils as included in the project specifications in order to reduce erosion. Gabion baskets or rip-rap will be used to reduce scour and erosion where required • Re-vegetation of the slope areas with fast growing species, or other plants in consultation with the land owners and village chiefs, as quickly as possible after work in the slope areas has been completed • Random and uncontrolled dumping of construction spoil, or any material, will not be permitted • Suitable permitted waste disposal sites will be designated in consultation with land owners and village chiefs. Waste disposal sites will not be permitted on the rivers, or on garden land or in areas used for livelihood production by business and villagers • Acquisition of all necessary permits or approvals for the location of construction camps, material extraction sites and sources of construction materials as per the aggregate extraction guidelines from MID and government agencies (such as Provincial Government and MECDM) prior to any construction or erection of camps and extraction of material. 223. The mitigated risk for impact on soils is considered to be low. 224. Water quality. The work will involve work in the marine environment where there is potential for adverse impact from silt runoff. In addition, chemical spillages and runoff have the potential to degrade water quality. 225. The contractor will be required to use sediment control approaches including, sediment settlement ponds, construction of bunds and silt fences around the work areas whenever required to contain plumes of disturbed water from getting into water bodies. Used oils and chemicals will be discharged to designated areas proposed by the Environment Conservation Department (ECD) in consultation with local communities and not on the coast or in any waterway. 226. The residual risk for impact on water quality is considered to be low.

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5.3.2 Construction impacts on the biological environment 227. Terrestrial flora and fauna. Most of the work will be carried out above water with no direct impact on terrestrial flora and fauna, but there is some clearance of existing vegetation along the shoreline. The natural ecosystems in the wharfs has been modified by human activities over time with clearance and planting. Plant species present within the impact area are either introduced species or ubiquitous native species, which are highly tolerant of disturbance. 228. Trees may need to be removed, however the number and location of which tree to be removed will be determined once the final design and layouts have been finalized. It is expected minimal numbers of trees will need to be removed and trees lost will be compensated appropriately. 229. Fauna within the clearance area is limited to invertebrates that are associated with the flora (trees, shrubs) and are dominated by insects. No birds or bats were identified roosting and/or nesting within the trees located in the area. There is no flora or fauna affected that has conservation significance nor is it representative of the original vegetative cover. 230. There is the potential for construction workers to poach edible animals and birds from the area in spite of prohibitions and poaching regulated by Wild Birds Protection Act and Wildlife Management and Protection Act. The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate information to workers regarding the protection of fauna and imposing sanctions on workers trapping, killing or wounding birds or other wildlife. 231. All construction machines will be maintained to minimize emission of dark smoke likely to cause nuisance to terrestrial fauna. Impacts to flora and fauna from accidental release of chemicals, oils and fuels are possible. To minimize any spillage, hydrocarbons will be stored in a shed and fuelling of construction machines must be carried out from the shed. Spill kits will be available where these operations will occur. Poaching of terrestrial fauna by workers will be forbidden. 232. Therefore, there will be negligible, if any, loss of valuable flora or fauna. Residual impacts will be low. 233. Marine flora and fauna. The individual subprojects will have very minor impacts (if any) on the marine and coastal habitats flora and fauna, due to the ecosystem being adversely affected by historic and ongoing human activity leading to a paucity of sessile benthic invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition, the marine ecological surveys have not identified any areas of special interest / concern. The shorelines at Kirakira and Ahanga will be subject to minor alteration but no endangered and endemic species are identified, and the sites do not contain areas classified as critical habitat. There are no seagrass beds associated with this project nor impacts on local mangrove ecosystems. In isolation, the subprojects will not induce climate change, including localized increased sea temperatures and as such there will be no risk of coral bleaching associated with the project. 234. Potential impacts from the wharf construction activities possibly impacting coastal and marine habitats, are run-off or sedimentation and the re-suspension and transport of particulates by currents within these coastal ecosystems. It is considered that the relative effect of short-term increases in sedimentation that may be derived from the scope of works will be both small in volume and localized, due to the intermittent activity and the small amount of sediment that could be released as a result of the construction activity. Thus, minor if any impacts on the coastal and marine environment and resources are expected.

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235. Protected areas. While there are no formal marine, coastal or terrestrial protected areas within or close to any project areas of influence and as such there will be no impact on the national protected area systems there are two KBA. The East Makira KBA will not be affected by the project as the KBA is located on the other side of Makira island. 236. The Bellona KBA has been identified to try and protect the lowland montane forest across the island from logging, hunting and damage from invasive species.. Construction activities at the wharf site will not impact the KBA. Measures will be included in the CEMP to ensure that there is no increased risk with regard to invasive species. 237. The mitigation measures include:

• The subproject AEP will not permit extraction in areas of ecologically importance or areas valuable for resource or habitat conservation. Building permits (with requisite documentation) will be applied for prior to any materials extraction; • The contractor will undertake an assessment of risk of spread of invasive and alien species, ensure that all imported equipment, material and plant is subject to procedures under the Biosecurity Act, and the CEMP will include measures to follow guidelines set out in National Strategy on Aquatic Biosecurity for Solomon Islands 2018-2023 and IUCN Guidelines for Invasive Species management on Islands 2018; • Vegetation clearance during all construction activities will be as per the approved plan and if trees to be removed they will be marked; • The contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers camps to prevent fuel-wood collection. Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un- necessary felling of trees; • The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers in respect of other flora and wildlife/fauna (including birds and bats). Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the poaching of fauna by construction workers and the contractor will be responsible for imposing sanctions on and/or dismissal of, any workers who are caught trapping, killing, poaching, or having poached fauna; • The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers about laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees not requiring to be cleared by the project;

• The contractor will be required to prepare site-specific plans identifying works, timing and measures required to protect foreshore and marine habitats (including turbidity and sediment control). The plans will be reviewed and cleared by the CPIU and CSC prior to works commencing in these areas.

• The contractor will prepare and implement a waste management plan (WMP) as part of the CEMP;

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• Sites for contractor’s camps, work yards, rock crushers, material storage, quarries, and borrow pits will all be approved by CPIU/Engineer and will not be permitted in any ecologically important sites or areas valuable for conservation; • Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves; • If necessary contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers camps to prevent fuel-wood collection; • Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un-necessary felling of trees wherever possible; • The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate knowledge to construction workers in relation to existing laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees, not requiring to be cleared by the project, by construction workers for the term of the project; • As part of the WMP the contractor to prepare a detailed Emergency Response Plan to cover all hazardous materials/oil/ fuel storage and spillage. • All hazardous materials secured in secure (lockable), weather proof area including impervious flooring and bund/containment wall. All spill waste to be cleaned and disposed at only approved permitted locations. No spillage allow to enter estuary; • All equipment (vehicles, plant machinery) are well maintained; • Posting “no smoking zone” signage throughout the work camps and construction site were required (e.g. fuel storage areas); • The contractor will provide construction workers training for all in basic sanitation, hygiene and health-care issues, health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; • Contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities including sanitation and drinking water is provided to all workers; • Contractor will provide sufficient training in appropriate waste disposal methods; • All wastes from work sites and camps to be disposed of in approved landfill / areas by MECDM and local land owners; • Septic tanks and garbage receptacles will be set up at construction camp sites, which will be regularly cleared by the contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases. The garbage will be dumped only at a site approved by Provincial Development of Works and local land owners; • No wastes to be dumped in estuary, waterways or close to the coast; • Construction camps will have sanitary latrines and portable latrines provided on work site/s. • All stockpiles (for materials from the site or brought into the site) to be bunded, preventing discharge into neighboring environment,(silt traps, sand bags) and covered (tarpaulin) to prevent increased dust.

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• All soil waste material not to be used on site needs to be transported off site to an approved permitted receiving facility. • Safety barriers and signage required on all stockpiles. • All stockpile to be located on site and at least 50 m from any water way or drainage system. 238. The residual risk is expected to be medium.

5.3.3 Construction impacts on the socio-economic environment

239. Public access and traffic. The subprojects are located on the coastline and will be linked with existing roads, during the construction of the wharves activities will cause negative impacts through presence of vehicles and equipment, disruptions to traffic and pedestrians using the road, as well as any haulage required along routes form material sources to the sites. Managing construction traffic and access by the public along haulage routes and to areas adjacent to the sites during works will be important. 240. Pedestrian access through or around the work site(s) will be controlled and managed throughout the duration of the works, this is especially relevant when the works are within or close to village boundaries. Traffic management and control will be required to ensure safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Stakeholders and communities will be notified in advance of the schedule and duration of activities and the access and traffic control arrangements. 241. Mitigation of impacts will include:

• Prior to commencement of works, the contractor will prepare, and submit to CPIU for clearance, a traffic management plan (TMP) detailing controls, diversions and management/safety measures for works within the sections as well as associated sites, quarry/extraction areas, laydown areas and yards etc; • In accordance with the project’s communication and consultation plan (CCP), the contractor and CPIU will inform adjacent villages of duration and scope of works (and any alternative access arrangements); • Clauses will be included in the contract specifying that i) care must be taken during the construction period to ensure that disruptions to access and traffic are minimized and ii) access to/from villages and house/buildings will always be maintained; • Stakeholders and potentially affected people will be consulted if access to specific areas will be disrupted for any time and temporary access arrangements made; • Use of signage, spotters, flaggers and safety barriers to control and regulate traffic flow whilst ensuring safety for workers and pedestrians; • Ensure public safety across and around work site(s) including barriers to prevent entry to high risk areas (e.g. excavations, area with heavy machinery being used) and ensure safe passages are provided through or around work sites; • Construction vehicles will use local access roads or negotiate access with landowners to obtain access to material extraction sites. Where local roads are used, they will be reinstated to their original condition after the completion of work;

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• At all times, the road will be kept free of debris, spoil, and any other material; and • Disposal sites and haul routes will be identified and coordinated with CPIU, local government and community/village officials. . 242. The residual risk will be low. 243. Construction noise - percussive piling. Construction of the wharf facilities requires driving steel “H” piles into the seabed to provide a foundation to the precast concrete decking. The H piles will be driven into the sea bed by a barge mounted drop hammer. The action of pile driving will create a rhythmic, metal on metal, noise. In order to assess the impact of piling a calculation has been undertaken at each wharf site for the closest sensitive receivers. In this section the methodology adopted at Kirakira and Ahanga for piling and general construction is presented. At Kirakira the village is 100m distant to the west while at Ahanga the village is 100m distant to the south but shielded from direct line of sight by the scarp slope immediately above the beach and wharf construction area. A calculation of the residual noise at this building due to noise attenuation has been carried out.12

• Sound power level for a drop hammer driving a steel pile 126dB(A) • Correction to obtain predicted noise Level at 100m from source 52dB(A) • Residual noise level at building (without shielding) 74dB(A).

244. A sound power level of 74dB(A) is loud, though ear protection only becomes necessary above 85dB(A) and 70dB(A) is considered as a maximum acceptable daytime noise impact This level of noise will be noticeable through the village but pile driving will be mitigated by limiting working hours to daytime with the additional restriction of no work in the early morning or evening, at the weekend or public holidays and holy days. The precise hours of work will be determined in agreement with the local community. Particular attention will be made to avoid any impact on village schools during exam periods and on places of worship in the village during times of worship. Even with restricted working hours there will be a residual impact on the village and if this is found to be unacceptable to village residents further restriction of working hours may be required i.e. to hour of work, hour of rest, repeated through the day. Working hour restrictions shall be relayed to the community so that they can plan activities accordingly. The duration will relatively short though could be several months and the residual impact is considered to be medium.

12 The information on source noise and distance attenuation has been extracted from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department publication “Technical Memorandum on Noise from Percussive piling. Table 2 Sound Power Levels for percussive piling and Table 4 Correction factors to obtain Predicted Noise Level.

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Table 5.2: Construction noise impact - piling

Site Distance Source Distance Local Mitigation Ambient13 Residual to NSR noise attenuation conditions dB(A) m dB(A) dB(A) dB(A) Will be impact Minimize working Kirakira 51.0 100m 52 74 hours 126 Scarp slope Minimize working Ahanga 59.4 100m 52 74 screens village. hours

245. Noise from piling will be noticeable through the village but will be mitigated by limiting working hours to daytime with the additional restriction of no work in the early morning or evening, at the weekend or Public holidays and Holy days. The precise hours of work will be determined in agreement with the local community. Particular attention will be made to avoid any impact on the village schools during exam periods and on places of worship in the village during times of worship. 246. In the event there are complaints or issues raised re noise from piling (or other construction activities), the contractor will be required to implement additional and site-specific mitigation measures to address the issues and impacts. The process for this will be set out in their CEMP. Possible mitigation measures could include use of corrugate sheeting or building up an earth/sand barrier as a temporary noise barrier, or even temporary relocation of residents during particularly noisy activities if proposed mitigation measure are deemed in effective or impractical. 247. Noise – general construction. There are no noise standards in Solomon Islands for construction noise though international practice considers that 70dB(A) is acceptable in an urban environment with high background noise levels, 65dBA in rural areas to 60dBA in undisturbed areas. Any noise generated by construction should be restricted to the hours of 7 am to 5 pm weekdays (Monday – Friday). Permission from MID and the local authorities/island council would be required to operate outside of these hours, which may be required for certain activities. Construction noise will be intermittent, quickly attenuates with distance, and depends on the type of operation, location and function of equipment. On this site there will be limited heavy machinery (except the piling rig) other machinery will be barge crane for lifting precast decking into position, small batch concrete mixers and generators to power electric hand tools During clearing of vegetation there will be some powered mechanical equipment. The following sound power levels of construction equipment are noted:

• Crane barge mounted (diesel) sound power level 112dBA • Lorry sound power level 112dBA • Tug boat sound power level 110dBA • Generator sound power level 108dBA • Concrete mixer (electric or petrol) sound power level 96dBA • Aggregated sound power level 115.5.

13 Ambient noise levels from on-site monitoring.

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248. At Kirakira and Ahanga the closest dwellings are over 100m away from the constriction area. A calculation of the residual noise at this building due to noise attenuation has been carried out14 A correction factor of 52dB(A) is applicable to an unshielded source, therefore the noise level at the boundary of the closest property could by 63.5dB(A), though at Ahanga this will be significantly reduced as the village is shielded from direct line of sight by the scarp slope. In context, the background noise level in the village of Kirakira is 64 dB(A) and 51dB(A) at the wharf site and 60dB(A) on the beach at Ahanga, a 3 dB(A) noise difference is difficult for the human ear to detect and therefore though the level of construction noise will be noticeable it is unlikely to by uncomfortably disturbing and will be limited to daytime 7:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Table 5.3: Construction noise impact – general construction

Site Ambient Distance Source Distance Local Mitigation Residual to NSR noise attenuation conditions dB(A) m dB(A) dB(A) dB(A) Kirakira 51.0 100m 52 63.5 Acceptable No 115.5 Ahanga 59.4 100m 52 63.5 Acceptable No

249. The precise hours of work will be determined in agreement with the local community Particular attention will be made to avoid any impact on the village schools during exam periods and on places of worship in the village during times of worship. With this mitigation in place, the residual risk is considered to be low. 250. Vibration – percussive piling. The vibration from percussive piling will depend on the underlying geology. The principal danger is damage to property and the Contractor must carry out a precondition survey of structures in the village so that in the event of any damage the impact can be agreed, quantified and remedied; at >100m distant there will be no risk of property damage. Even with restricted working hours there will be an impact on the village which it is uneconomic to mitigate further. The duration will relatively short though could be several months and the residual impact is considered to be low-medium and will be annoyance rather than a physical impact. 251. Worker health and safety. Construction activities include various hazards and risks including working with heavy equipment and machinery, working above water, and working with particulates and hazardous substances. There are also risks associated with influx of labor such as spread of communicable diseases (including COVID-19, STIs and HIV/AIDS). The contractor will provide: i) health facilities, first aid kits, appropriate safety equipment and procedures for medical evacuation; ii) adequate training and information to workers in relation to all health and safety issues, equipment and training; iii) an approved service provider to conduct communicable diseases awareness and prevention for workers and local community; and iv) access to safe drinking water (at least 2 L/day per worker), mosquito management, sun/shade management, portable, septic latrines and garbage receptacles at all work sites and office compound.

14 The information on source noise and distance attenuation has been extracted from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department publication “Technical Memorandum on construction Noise other than Percussive piling. Table 3 Sound Power Levels for Powered Mechanical Equipment and Table 5 Correction factors to obtain Predicted Noise Level from Sound Power Levels at Given Distances.

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252. Mitigation measures include:

• The contractor will prepare a health and safety plan (HSP) as part of their CEMP. The HSP is to include key components of the World Bank Group’s EHSG. The CEMP will include the process for addressing complaints or issues raised, over and above the GRM requirements, through implementation of additional mitigation measures. This is required to ensure the contractor is aware they need to respond to complaints and to remedy the situation on the ground; • The contractor will appoint a full-time environment, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) responsible for implementation and monitoring of the CEMP and in co junction with the community liaison officer (CLO) to communicate with the CPIU and residences/villages/businesses in the subproject areas; • The contractor will provide adequate health care facilities including a health post and first aid facilities at the office compound and mobile first aid kits in vehicles and at work sites; • The contractor will provide construction workers training on health and safety matters, specific hazards of their work, basic sanitation, hygiene and health care issues and awareness and prevention of communicable diseases (including COVID-19, STIs and HIV/AIDS); • The communicable diseases prevention plan will identify measures that are aligned with the planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices and which focuses on the need for employers to implement engineering, administrative, and work practice controls and PPE to avoid and control spread of COVID-19, prepared by WHO 2020 Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of COVID-19;15 • The contractor will be responsible for providing safety equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers, including instructions on how and when to use the equipment; • The contractor will ensure safe and clean facilities include sanitation and drinking water (at least 2 liters/day) is provided to all workers; • Septic tanks and garbage receptacles will be set up at work sites and office compound/s. The contractors to prevent outbreak of diseases will regularly clean these facilities. Garbage will be dumped only at a site approved by local authorities and CPIU; • “No smoking zone” signage will be posted throughout work sites and the office compound (e.g. fuel storage areas); • The contractor will ensure that there is adequate drainage throughout the work areas and/or camp (if required) to ensure that disease vectors such as stagnant water bodies do not form;

15 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the- workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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• Contractor to educate and ensure worker’s actions are controlled codes of conduct are strictly observed (work sites and office compound); and • The use of wood for fuel will be prohibited to avoid fire hazards; the camps are to be provided with sufficient and proper cooking facilities such as propane gas and burners. 253. Community health and safety. The contractor’s HSP will also address community health and safety impacts as follows:

• The contractor will implement relevant elements of the CCP and GRM; • Before construction commences the contractor will conduct training for all workers on their requirements to engage the local community and ensure national laws are complied with. The contractor will agree a worker code of conduct with village and community leaders which will govern the behavior of workers on and off-site and provide ‘rules’ for work in villages and behavior around women, elderly and children which are to be strictly followed; • The agreed code of conduct and protocols will be included in the worker’s contracts and will be discussed during awareness raising as well as part of the mobilization process; • Adequate signage and security will be provided at work sites for prevention of unauthorized people (including children) entering any work site(s) or the office compound; • The public will be adequately protected near work sites, including advanced notice of commencement of works, installation of safety barriers and fences and signage or marking areas where works will be carried out; • Provision of safe access across the works site(s) to people whose residential or business access is temporarily affected during road rehabilitation activities; • Signage and security i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering site office, construction areas, works yard and camp all are in English and Solomon Island Pidgin; • Communicable disease awareness and prevention program (COVID-19, STIs and HIV/AIDS) will be delivered through an approved service provider for workers and communities. First community sessions to be delivered prior to commencement of works or presence of workers in the area; • Child and/or trafficked labor will be strictly prohibited for any activities associated with the subproject; • Children will be prohibited from entering the worker’s accommodation, works area/construction zone and prohibited from playing on any equipment or machinery associated with the project; • The contractor will implement the TMP that will include traffic control and pedestrian safety measures; and

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• In consultation with CPIU, the contractor will clearly fence off ‘no go areas’ within work site(s) and erect boundary fences to prevent the public from entering during the construction period (or specific construction activities). 254. With these mitigation measures in place the residual impact is expected to be medium. 255. Construction camps (if required). It is anticipated that for the small non-village construction management team needing accommodation on site that the Contractor will arrange accommodation within the existing Kirakira and Ahanga villages after consultation with the community. This will remove the need for a dedicated construction camp with worker accommodation, canteen, shower and ablutions. 256. If the contractor decides to develop an accommodation camp it will produce waste water (grey water from cooking, showering), sewage and potential pollutant spillages (e.g. petrochemicals). All waste water/sewage must be managed and treated to ensure minimal impacts to the surrounding environment, (especially groundwater and coastal area contamination) and workers’ health and safety. 257. To minimize impacts the camp site must be constructed to ensure all petrochemical storage and usage are bunded and located in a water proof and lockable building, all sewage within the camp will need to be connected to a suitable septic tank systems with pump out transferred back to a treatment facility. All wastes (plastic, organic, paper, metal, etc.) generated at the camps need to be collected in suitable rubbish bins, sorted for recycling and organic material and disposed of at waste management locations agreed in consultation with the local community. 258. A compound will be needed to accommodate a management office and secure storage for hand operated plant, generators and fuel storage. Any loose construction materials that require stockpiling must be covered (to prevent dust generation and erosion), surround by a sediment management system (e.g. sand bags, sediment traps) to prevent material migrating off-site during rain events and be located at least 50 m from the coast. All materials not reused within the project must be removed from the site at completion of the works. 259. Upon completion of construction, camp sites and storage areas shall be completely demobilized and landscaped where possible to allow regeneration of local species. The contractor shall prepare a rehabilitation plan for all demobilized sites. 260. The communities on the islands have strong religious traditions and issues related to smoking, alcohol consumption and inappropriate behavior by construction workers, especially after hours will need to be addressed and managed by the contractor through the code of conduct, signed by all site workers and enforced by the contractor. Residual risk is expected to be low. 261. Cultrual and heritage sites. It is not antipated that the development of the wharfs at Kirakira or Ahanga will affect any cultural heritage or archaeological resources (no isssues were raised during consultations) but any site clearance, digging and excavation activities could un- earth archaeological sites or resources. In the event that this occurs, work shall cease immediately and the authorities (National Museum Tambu Register, Ministry of Culture and MECDM) shall be informed. A chance find procedure will be developed in the contractor’s CEMP 262. The contractor will be responsible for complying with the requirements of authorities, and the MID-CPIU will monitor the same. 263. The residual risk for cultural heritage and archeological discovery is considered to be low.

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5.4 Operational Impacts

264. Operational impacts are likely to result from the increase number of boats accessing the wharf with increased potential for noise, spills and increases in particulate emissions from vessels. 265. Air quality. The current conditions are not influenced by air pollution sources and the movement of vessels is relatively low. All sites have good air circulation and no additional impacts are identified from the operation of the new wharf, boat jetty and ramp unless there is a development in transport of un-bagged “loose loads” e.g. sand. From discussions on site, loose bulk loading is unlikely to develop at wharfs and air quality impact from wharf operation is considered low. 266. Water quality. Potential negative impacts during the operation phase to surface or estuarine waters due to spillage of hydrocarbons during loading / unloading operations (there are no facilities for refueling at any wharf, there is some potential for leakage from drummed fuel or petrochemical products being trans-shipped leakage, and always a potential for accidental spill). During discussions on site we were advised that there had been no significant historic spills into the estuarine environment during unloading / loading. 267. The future segregation of large medium and small vessels at the wharf, ramp and boat jetty will remove potential conflicts and crowding that could result in accidental spillage. It would be prudent to consider having a sand filled drum at each wharf / jetty to provide material that could be used to contain / absorb any small spills. Overall, operation of the wharf should have no impact on water quality. 268. Waste. While no littering was noted during the March 2019 site visits the increased vessel usage at wharfs and the general worldwide trend of increasing packaging waste could lead to more littering at and around the wharf area. It would be prudent to consider having a dedicated waste bin at each wharf to allow for focused collection of inert waste. This would need to be coordinated within the community. 269. Flora and fauna. Minor (insignificant) environmental impacts are envisaged on the flora and fauna adjacent to the wharf, boat jetty and ramp. The projects will not increase access to species and habitats, although shipping will be improved it is the safety of passengers and cargo that is the objective of the project rather than increasing vessel or ship trips to the islands; the government is not planning to increase the current frequency of trips or the change the shipping schedule. The project will better facilitate better and safer management of existing ship traffic rather than increase the number of ship movements. The wharves are designed for smaller vessels only, any larger non-government vessels will not be able to be accommodated any closer to the land than where they currently anchor. Further, it is highly unlikely the wharves will facilitate induced further land clearance and development; improved (safer) boarding and alighting of passengers as well as improved operations for cargo loading and unloading will not be a population attractor. 270. There are no marine, estuarine or terrestrial rare or endangered flora and fauna associated with the wharf sites and as such there will be no direct impacts as a consequence of wharf operation during the operational phase.

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271. Protected and key biodiversity areas. The proposed protected area will not be affected by the project as it is located on the other side of Makira island. There is a small risk that East Makira KBA and the Bellona KBA may be affected by during operation from invasive or alien species; which is already identified as one of the three major risks to the KBA. This is discussed further below. 272. Biosecurity and invasive species. The MID and provincial governments will be required to conduct a risk assessment and prepare a plan demonstrating how they will follow the procedures and requirements identified in National Strategy on Aquatic Biosecurity for Solomon Islands 2018-2023 and IUCN Guidelines for Invasive Species management on Islands 2018. A consultant will be recruited to assist in the undertaking of the risk assessment and development of an invasive species control and management plan. The consultant will also deliver training and capacity development to MID and ECD officers. The plan will be suitable for application to other subprojects implemented under the project. also follow the SPC/SPREP Guidelines for Invasive Species Management in the Pacific and link with existing regional programs such as Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS).16 A provisional sum of $250,000 (to be applied for from the RCI-RPG thematic pool from ADF13) has been included in the EMP to recruit the consultant, develop the plan, provide capacity development and training, and commence implementation of the plan. 273. Assuming that the above activities relating to biosecurity are undertaken, there should be no measurable adverse impacts to critical habitat trigger species on Bellona Island. Furthermore, given limited controls are in place currently, with improved training and controls in place, risks relating to invasive species for any island serviced by maritime traffic will hopefully be reduced from current levels, particularly as Honiara will be included in the program and this is where much of the local traffic originates. 274. Noise. The existing wharf and its replacement are remote from the residential areas of the village. While vessel movements are anticipated to increase it is unlikely to create additional impact requiring mitigation, which would require restrictions in use that run counter to the development of the wharf. If there are specific areas of concern they need to be discussed between the community and vessel operators (e.g. hours of operating at the wharf). Noise impact from wharf operation is considered low. 275. The expected increase in boat traffic utilizing the wharf will not significantly affect ambient noise levels after the completion of the wharf requiring mitigation.

16 The PRISMSS is a coordinating mechanism designed to facilitate the scaling up of operational management of invasive species in the Pacific. PRISMSS brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region with a focus on protection of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem function. The intention is to provide a comprehensive suite of support services in a cohesive, effective, efficient and accessible manner to Pacific Island countries and territories. The goal is to reduce the ecological and socio-economic impact of invasive species on ecosystems through the management or eradication of prioritized species and the protection of valued sites.

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6 Consultation and Information Disclosure

6.1 Consultation

276. Following general good practice and the requirements of the SPS and Access to Information Policy 2018, public consultations were undertaken during the feasibility study and specifically for development of the IEE (March to May 2019 and February to March 2020) to determine community attitudes to the project and elicit information relevant to establishing baseline conditions and understanding potential environmental and social effects (Table 6.1).

Table 6.1: Consultations undertaken during feasibility study

Meeting Date Location Participants ECD 13-Feb-18 MECDM office MECDM EIA officer Jerry T, Fr Stephen, Adrian Tukahi, Mathew Luli, Silverio Volo, Severo Community consultations – 05-Mar-18 Bisivotu, Kakabona Marisi, Andy F, Basil Tavake, Daniel White River and Kakabona Donua, Mark Tova, Mary Tama, Maria Tuza (10 male and 2 female) Honiara Public Transport 07-Mar-18 HCC Eddie Ngava (Chairman) Taskforce Chamber of Commerce 07-Mar-18 SICCI Denis Meone (CEO) Chinese Association SI 07-Mar-18 Heritage Park Hotel David Quan David Ono, Andrew Rayboy, John 07-Mar-18 LBS Office Nano, Bartholomew Vavanga , Brian Tuva - Land ownership 04-Apr-18 MLHS Lizzy Tegu Land ownership 16-Apr-18 MLHS Nelson Noapu Land ownership 26-Apr-18 MLHS Reginald Poroiwai Land ownership 30-Apr-18 MID Mike Qaqara Guadalcanal Province 17-May-19 Guadalcanal Province Office, Mesach Suia – Provincial rep and Honiara CEO – Education, Guadalcanal; Alfred Lazarus – Provincial rep and Minister for Education Local Community in Kirakira (at provincial office) Cardno (GS, AT, AJ, JB) village Kirakira 20-Mar-19 representatives Community 21-Mar-19 Ahanga beach Cardno (GS, AT, AJ, JB), MID representatives in Ahanga (Carlwyn), Robert – Provincial Officer and Pastor Stanley Kirakira Wharf 04-Mar-20 Makira/ Ulawa Provincial Head Cardno (JB), PS & Premier of MUP and Quarter, Conference Room, Reps of Land-Owning Groups Kirakira Ahanga Wharf 08-Mar-20 Ba’aki, West Bellona Cardno (JB & SL), Hon. Warren T, Provincial Member, Local community: 18 male, 8 females. Source: TA 9331-REG: Strengthening Domestic Transport Connectivity in the Pacific (2018-2020)

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277. Guided by the communications and consultation plan (CCP), consultations with stakeholders, government agencies, civil society and communities, including women’s groups, chiefs and businesses operators were conducted. These consultations with communities and stakeholders were undertaken during the feasibility studies during 2018, March to August 2019 and again with some stakeholders with particular concerns or issues in February and March 2020. The purpose of community consultations at this stage are to:

• Foster partnerships with beneficiary and stakeholder communities; • Share information on the proposed project and its components and activities; • Communicate with stakeholders that their co-operation (and possible participation) in project activities including surveys, site investigations, planning, feasibility and potentially future design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance is key to achieving a high quality strategy that most benefits their concerns; and • Develop and inform the site options analysis, to help develop the recommendation of an overall project scope. 278. The preliminary communications consultations of affected people and the local communities have expressed support for the project as they clearly seen the benefit to their communities with improved road and drainage services (refer the social safeguard reports). Additional consultations are required to be held with project stakeholders and communities in respect to finalizing the project design and will incorporate community feedback as well as continued community awareness associated with the projects implementation timing of activities and help to resolve complaints and grievances. Information regarding the approved subprojects and the proposed environmental management measures will be posted at suitable locations within the subproject sites. 279. The CCP will be updated early in implementation. During implementation, MID through the CPIU (supported by the CSC) will ensure that meaningful public consultations, particularly with project affected persons, if any, continue to be undertaken. 280. The contractor will include relevant elements of the CCP and GRM in the CEMP so that any concerns raised during construction can be addressed. Further consultation and disclosure will be undertaken during implementation through:

• The project’s CCP and GRM; • Disclosure of a summary of the project documents including the preparation and dissemination of a brochure in English and Pidgin, explaining the project, works required and anticipated timing of the works; • The contractor’s CEMP outlining how they will comply with the CCP and GRM; and • Setting up a community advisory committee(s) and grievance redress committee(s) with a representation from affected people.

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6.2 Information Disclosure

281. All safeguard documents, including semi-annual monitoring reports, are subject to public disclosure, and therefore will be made available to the public. Following clearance of the IEE by ADB and updating as PER, the document will be posted on government and ADB websites as per the Access to Information Policy. Provided it does not contain any commercially sensitive information, the approved CEMP developed for each subproject will also be disclosed. 282. The semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports, prepared by CPIU, will be disclosed locally and on the AB website.

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7 Environmental Management Plan

7.1 Introduction

283. The environmental assessment of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project has determined that the project will have an insignificant impact on the local environment. Environmental mitigation measures have been proposed to avoid or minimize environmental impacts to acceptable levels. The proposed environmental mitigation measures are proven technologies normally associated with internationally recognized good engineering practice.. 284. An EMP is developed to achieve the following objectives:

• To reflect the environmental and social issues and impacts identified during project preparation; • To implement and monitor mitigation measures within the construction areas; and • To comply with the laws and regulations of the country and with international standards and best practice guidelines. 285. The EMP for pre-construction, construction and operation phases (Table 7.2) has been prepared summarizing the requirements of the impact assessment process identified in Section 5.. The EMP includes the following information:

• Implementation arrangements for the EMP including: o institutional roles and responsibilities for EMP implementation throughout all stages of the project (procurement, design, construction, operation) o capacity building requirements for implementing agency to ensure environmental management requirements are properly understood and fully implemented o Grievance redress mechanism • Environmental mitigation and monitoring matrices including: o potential environmental impacts that could occur during each stage of the project (pre-construction/design, construction, operation) o proposed mitigation measures to address each impact identified o agency responsible for implementing each mitigation measure o monitoring tasks to ensure mitigation measures have been implemented effectively during each stage of the project o schedule and responsibility for monitoring • Costs associated with implementation of all aspects of the EMP

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7.2 Institutional Arrangements

286. Overview. Implementation of environmental safeguards including environmental management provisions and requirements for the roads and wharves components is a joint responsibility between the MID-CPIU, CSC, and contractor(s), and for the ports components a joint responsibility between SIPA, CSC and contract(s). The MOFT will be the executing agency and will have the overall responsibility for ensuring that the project activities comply with the project agreements and covenants. For the roads and wharves components, the CPIU, on behalf of MOFT, will implement the project, and for the ports components a project management unit will be established in SIPA including managing consultants and the contractor, according to the requirements. The CSC will include environmental specialists to support the CPIU and SIPA. 287. The overall organizational structure for environmental management for the LMCP is shown in Figure 7.1.

Figure 7.1: Organizational structure for environmental management

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288. Ministry of Infrastructure Development. The MID, through its CPIU, will be the implementing agency for the roads and wharves components and will have responsibility for subproject related activities including inter-ministry coordination. MID retains responsibly for the environmental management and monitoring tasks of the project. MID will exercise its functions through the CPIU and is responsible for the project delivery and day-to-day project management activities. It is expected that the CSC will be appointed for the project implementation, to undertake environmental monitoring. MID will be responsible for ensuring that the contractors do not start construction activities until requisite approvals have been received from MECDM, MID and MMERE, as required by the contract and by law. After the completion of construction, MID will be responsible for operations and ongoing maintenance of all assets. 289. Central Project Implementation Unit. The CPIU will undertake environmental management and oversee inspections and monitoring tasks during the development and delivery of the project. The CPIU specialist’s will assist in all aspects of implementation of the environmental assessment and permits as required. The CPIU, supported by the CPIU, will:

• Update the IEE as PER as required to meet the requirements of the Environment Act 1988 and prepare the applications for development consent; • Ensure the updated EMP and any conditions of the development consent are integrated into the subproject’s bid and contract documents; • Participate and facilitate, as per the project’s CCP, consultations to advise affected communities of the scope and scheduling of the work; • Depending on the environmental management experience of the contractor, prior to the preparation and submission of the CEMP, provide induction whereby the details of the CEMP are confirmed, and the contractor informs the community of the schedule of works; • Review the CEMP prepared by the contractor and provide recommendations for revision or strengthening as required. Upon receipt of the CEMP that can be approved, advise the CSC Engineer that approval for commencement of works can be issued; • Undertake regular site visits to independently inspect and audit the contractor’s compliance with the approved CEMP and the CSC’s monitoring; • Should non-compliant work or activities be identified, this will be raised to the CSC Engineer who will issue a defect notice or corrective action request. All notices and requests will be recorded and reported; and • Prepare and submit i) inputs to quarterly progress reports and ii) semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports. 290. Construction supervision consultant. The CSC will include environmental specialists to work closely with safeguards officers of the CPIU. The CSC will support the CPIU to deliver the subprojects and assist in undertaking all tasks identified above. 291. The contractor(s.) The civil works contractors will be responsible for translating the EMP in the bid documents into their construction CEMP that reflects the methodology they will use to deliver the works. The CEMP will include all site specific and sub-plans as required.

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292. The contractor will engage a full-time EHSO who will be responsible for implementing, and reporting implementation of, the approved CEMP. The CSC will approve the CEMP, upon advice from the CPIU before any physical works are undertaken. 293. The environmental management responsibilities of the contractor include:

• Preparing and submitting for review and approval the CEMP. Coordinating with CPIU and CSC for updating the CEMP as/when required; • Implementing the approved CEMP including addressing and resolving corrective action requests issued by the CSC Engineer; • Undertake noise measurements and establish the noise baseline for subsequent monitoring; • Recruiting an approved service provider to deliver the COVID-19, STI/HIV/AIDS briefings and awareness and prevention program; • Coordinating with CPIU and CSC in respect of continued community consultation, implementation of the GRM and information disclosure; • Applying to DMM for BMPs for new materials sources as required and preparing and submitting extraction plans; • Ensuring that all imported material and equipment is subject to quarantine clearance and receives appropriate phyto-sanitary certificates; • Participating in joint inspections with CPIU and CSC as required; • The EHSO will maintain a site diary and GRM register (including actions taken to resolve the issue and close-out dates); and • Including status of CEMP (including issue and response to corrective action requests), consultation activities and GRM implementation in the monthly reports. 294. Environment and Conservation Department. The ECD, under the requirements of the Environment Act 1998, is required to review the PER and development consent application and assist in monitoring construction activities against development consent conditions. 295. The ECD has been provided with several capacity building and technical assistance programs over the past decade, which have provided extensive policy and legislative improvements, practical training, mentoring and capacity building in all aspects of environmental assessment, monitoring and compliance. This has resulted in considerable improved staff capacity to manage the roles and responsibilities and implement the CSS. Nevertheless, insufficient staff numbers (in the EIA section) and resources hamper capacity for enforcement and monitoring. It is therefore recommended that the CSC provide mentoring and capacity building to the ECD as opportunities arise. 296. Department of Mines and Minerals. The DMM is responsible for issuing BMP for the extraction of sand and gravel. The contractors will comply with the Mines and Minerals Act 2008 regarding sourcing materials from either existing or new sites. The sources of construction material can only be finalized when the contractor for each of the contract packages is appointed. A copy of an approved BMP will need to be provided by the contractor and attached to the CEMP.

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297. Provincial government and communities. The CSC will assist the CPIU to update the CCP which will outline the types of stakeholder consultation required at various stages of the project, which agency is responsible for undertaking the consultation and which media is appropriate for the various types of consultation required to ensure the environmental management of the project. It is recommended that the delivery of the communication plan be the responsibility of a Community Development Specialist (CDS) or similar position. The contractor will also be responsible for assigning the CLO to take on the role of liaison between the MID, the Provincial administration and the communities, to ensure effective implementation of the project components. 298. The development of a small body (e.g. community liaison committee/community grievance committee) with representatives from the various stakeholders including the community is suggested to ensure the efficient and effective communication of all activities associated with the project (e.g. contractor liaisons with the project stakeholders and communities, identification of suitable work camp sites if required, social and environmental awareness, prevention and implementation). 299. Village leaders, community organizations and private business sector need to be consulted to provide assistance in arranging meetings with, facilitating consultation with, and providing information about, affected communities and environmental impacts. An account of the process will be an integral part of the internal monitoring report prepared by the project. It needs to be acknowledged that the community stakeholders play an important role in the maintenance of the wharf through the existing labor based works programs, and as such it is important their involvement is strengthened and recognized so that they can feel ownership of the wharf. 300. Summary. A summary of various parties’ responsibilities for environmental management in the project is provided in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1: Responsibilities for environmental management

Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency Feasibility CPIU Review designs prepared as part of ongoing project and complete studies, detailed detailed design. design review Update feasibility study including safeguards due diligence as and project required. approval ADB Review all feasibility study documentation (incl. IEE). Prepare documents package for Board review (incl. TOR in PAM and covenants in loan agreement). Board approval of project. Assist government to recruit CSC. Pre-construction CPIU, CSC Include environmental specialist as part of CSC team. Elaborate the stakeholder engagement strategy in the PAM as the CCP. Update IEE as PER and submit development consent applications (need for separate consent applications will need to be discussed with ECD). Ensure updated EMP and any conditions of development consent are included in the bid and contract documents. Prior to works commencing ensure the baseline conditions are benchmarked and recorded—including noise—as required by the EMP for subsequent monitoring. Provide inputs to the bid evaluation in respect of contractor’s response to the EMP requirements including the suitability of the EHSO proposed as part of the contractor’s team. Provide induction training to the contractor prior to the preparation and submission of the contractor’s CEMP and as required work with the contractor’s EHSO to identify appropriate construction methodologies and detailed site-specific mitigations. Review and approve the contractor’s CEMP and advise CSC Engineer of approval to trigger “no objection” to commencement of activities/works. ADB Review and clear updated safeguards documents. Provide comments on the CEMP and proposed monitoring checklists. Contractor Recruit suitably qualified EHSO. Prior to any works commencing, prepare CEMP including the site- specific plans, work method statements and construction methodologies and GRM. Submit CEMP to CPIU and CSC for review and approval (revising as necessary if required). Identify materials and equipment sources and apply for BMP for new sources and clearance consents and compliance certificates for imported materials and equipment. Provide pre-mobilization induction on CEMP (incl. OHS) to employees. Recruit approved service provider to provide STI/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training for workers and community. Construction Contractor Inclusion of EHSO as part of core team. Provide ongoing training, awareness and “tool box” sessions for workers. Implementation of CEMP. Implementation of CCP and GRM as pertains to construction. Reporting of CEMP and GRM implementation in monthly reports. Implementation of corrective actions as requested by Engineer. CPIU, CSC Supervise, monitor and report on contractor’s implementation of CEMP and all other contractual obligations.

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Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency Enforce contractual requirements. Audit construction phase through environmental inspections and review monitoring reports and data. Submission of quarterly progress reports and semi-annual monitoring reports. Work with contractor EHSO for provision of awareness/training to workers and information transfer to contractor as required. ADB Undertake regular review missions. Review monitoring reports. Disclose project information as required. ECD Ensure compliance with government requirements. Review complicated issues, if any, arising from the project. Participate in monitoring. Operation MOFT/MID Provide budget to undertake maintenance activities and operation stage environmental monitoring as required by EMP. Recruit consultant to assist with risk assessment, development and implementation of invasive species management plan, and delivery of training as required to MID and MCEDM. Maintenance Undertake environmental monitoring and prepare bi-annual reports. contractor Prepare maintenance reports to adaptively manage environmental risks related to operations (per EMP).

7.3 Grievance Redress Mechanism

301. During subproject construction, it is possible that people may have concerns with the environmental management, including the implementation of the approved CEMP. Issues may occur during construction and again during operation. Any concerns will need to be addressed quickly and transparently, and without retribution to the complainant. 302. Based on GRM established and implemented for other infrastructure projects and as established in the MID’s SPM, the following process is to be used. The first step is to attempt to sort out the problem directly at local level. If it cannot be resolved at this level, then the grievance will be addressed by being referred to the CSC and CPIU, who will then involve MID management and other agencies, if required. 303. GRM during construction. Most complaints arising during construction are expected to be minor, concerning dust or noise that should be able to be resolved at the site management level. All complaints arriving at the site office are to be entered in a register that is kept at the site by: date, name, contact address and reason for the complaint. A duplicate copy of the entry is given to the complainant for their record at the time of registering the complaint. The register will show who has been directed to deal with the complaint and the date when the complaint was made together with the date when the complainant was informed of the decision and how the decision was conveyed to the complainant. The register is then signed off by the person who is responsible for the decision (action taken to resolve the grievance) and date of closeout. 304. The register is to be kept at the front desk of the site office and is a public document. The duplicate copy given to the complainant will also show the procedure that will be followed in assessing the complaint, together with a statement affirming the rights of the complainant to make a complaint. For anybody making a complaint, no costs will be charged to the complainant.

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305. In the first instance, the complainant will raise the issue or grievance with the contractor and, if required, community advisory or grievance redress committee or local council whomever is the preferred party by the complainant. 306. If the contractor cannot resolve the issue or the response is not to the satisfaction of the complainant, the grievance will be raised to the CSC Engineer who will copy the CPIU. For straightforward complaints, the Engineer can make an on-the-spot determination to resolve the issue at the agreement of all. 307. For more complicated complaints, the Engineer will forward the complaint to the CPIU (which will get MID involved as necessary). The CPIU will respond and resolve the complaint within five days and convey the action or decision to the complainant. The complainant and committee representative (or community Chief) may, if so desired, discuss the complaint directly with the Engineer and contractor. If the grievance of the complainant is dismissed, the complainant will be informed of their rights in taking it to the next step. A copy of the decision is to be sent to the ECD. 308. Should the complainant not be satisfied, the complainant may take the grievance to the Permanent Secretary of MID, MECDM or MLHS (depending on the nature of the complaint) who will appoint a Director to review the complaint. The Permanent Secretary will have 15 days to make a determination. The MID Permanent Secretary is to be copied in on any complaint made to MECDM or MLHS and is to be informed of the decision made. 309. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the determination from the Permanent Secretary, the complainant may appeal to the National Court. This will be at the complainant’s cost but if the court shows that the Permanent Secretary, MID and/or CPIU have been negligent in making their determination the complainant will be able to seek costs. 310. GRM during operation. The GRM implemented by the contractor ceases to operate once the construction activities are completed. However, the same procedure is followed except that the complaint is now directed to the CPIU or MID. During operation, the same conditions apply; i.e., there are no fees attached to the complainant for making a grievance, the complainant is free to make the complaint, which will be treated in a transparent manner and the complainant will not be subject to retribution for making the complaint.

7.4 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

311. Environmental monitoring is an integral component of an environmental impact assessment to, i) combat uncertainties pertaining to unanticipated impacts; ii) ensure mitigation measures are working; and iii) reassure the public on the progress of the development. Progressive monitoring must accompany various stages of the subproject activities (pre- construction, construction and operational phase). 312. The environmental monitoring plan is based on the potential impacts, significance of the impacts and mitigation approaches identified during the environmental assessment. 313. The plan comprises parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, responsible authorities and cost estimates. The contractor will be required to prepare a detailed environmental monitoring plan based on the EMP and as set out in the contract documents.

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314. Quarterly progress reports will be issued by the CSC to MOFT, MID and ADB. These will report on all aspects of the project, including those documented in the contractor’s monthly reports and environmental monitoring reports prepared by the CSC and contractor. 315. The monitoring and reporting required under the project includes:

• Review of the contractor’s monitoring plan as part of their CEMP, based on contract documents and grant approval when requirements are met; • Contractor’s monthly reports including status of implementation of the approved CEMP (completed checklists) and corrective action requests; • CSC and CPIU inspection and audit reports reflecting on compliance of the contractor with the approved CEMP; • Preparation of quarterly progress reports by CSC and CPIU for submission to MID, MOFT and ADB; • Preparation of semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports rolling up the information contained in the reports listed above.

7.5 Environmental Management Plan

316. An overarching EMP (Table 7.2) has been developed for the subprojects. This identifies the need for a contractor generated site specific CEMP and supporting sub-plans to manage specific issues or activities. The process of CEMP development is illustrated in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2: How a contractor develops the CEMP from the IEE/EIA and EMP

Environmental Impact Assessment EIA

Mitigation measures Monitoring requirements

Environmental Management Plan EMP

Site Specific Environmental Management Plan Produced by Construction Contractor within 30 days of Award No work onsite until approved by Contract Holder (MoT) SEMP

Topic Site Management Method statements and Risk Management Plans Assessment (Risk / Consequence) Plans

Road work Tunnel work Bridge work Traffic Camp Waste Noise Management Management Management Management Management Management Management Plan Plan Plan Plan Plan Plan Plan

Air (Dust) Access Road Borrow / Management Management Disposal Plan Plan Management Plan

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Table 7.2: Environmental Impact Mitigation, Management and Monitoring Plan – Pre Construction

IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Surveying and Some minor loss of Minimize vegetation removal to Contractor Included in Area of vegetation; During survey and Contractor demarcation of vegetation during immediate corridor of works. contract. Number of trees activities - visual CPIU wharf site. demarcation on removed. inspection before, waterfront during and after works. Site clearance, Restriction on use of ▪ Consultation with Contractor Included in Grievances from Before and after CPIU digging, and land. owners/users; contract. communities and works. Contractor excavations. ▪ Compensation for vegetation MOA signed. and or building cleared/removed. Erosion and Installation of mitigation Contractor Included in Area of project, Before, during Contractor contamination of measures (e.g. silt traps, contract. usage of mitigation and after works CPIU nearby water bodies tarpaulins, correct stockpiling of fixtures (e.g. slit due to clearing and material), management control of traps), water excavation works. wastes prevented entering turbidity checks streams and waterways. Mobilization of Social Disruption ▪ Community protocols Contractor, Construction Grievances During works CPIU contractor, discussed and workers’ MOH, MID cost. protocols; program – presence of awareness provided; and local registering monitoring construction ▪ All workers to sign a site NGO’s and complaints of records for workers’ specific “Code of Conduct” other civil incidents between complaints, association with that sets out acceptable and society workers and consultation with local people. unacceptable behaviour groups. communities, workers about including disciplinary system; Number of children protocols, issues ▪ Contractor to ensure workers entering camp, and raised with CDS actions outside work Number and camps/sites are controlled effectiveness of and community rules and signage; code of conduct observed; Access entry log or register

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ▪ Signage and security at work site and camp – i.e. prohibition on unauthorized people (especially children) entering worksite and camps. Mobilization of Spread of ▪ Implementation of awareness Contractor, Construction Service provider Prior to CPIU contractor, communicable and prevention program – MOH, MID cost. engaged; construction – presence of diseases contractor. and local Baseline/ records of Check contractor construction ▪ Engagement of approved NGO’s and communicable records, workers’ service provider to deliver the other civil diseases; consultation with communicable diseases society Increased staff and awareness and prevention groups. awareness about discussions with program (COVID-1917, STI, transmission and NGO/civil society HIV/AIDS) prevention; agencies. Status/ prevalence Reports of of communicable approved service diseases during provider and after construction. Climate change Impact of climate ▪ Ensure climate proofing MID and Construction Tidal stream/river Visual; rainfall and Contractor adaptation change. incorporated into design to Contractor cost heights and localized flooding CPIU ensure flooding effects and discharge velocities data. erosion not locally increased. rates, flooding ▪ Design modified to frequency, accommodate extreme Localized erosional whether events – increased issues. rainfall, run off and coastal erosion.

17 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the-workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification CONSTRUCTION PHASE Operation of ▪ Impact on air ▪ Inform nearby Contractor Construction Air quality, Monthly or after Contractor; construction quality business/residents about the costs emissions, dust, complaint – CPIU plant and ▪ Emissions of duration of dust generating Particulate matter; periodic visual vehicles exhaust from operations; Use of tarpaulins inspection; generating vehicles and ▪ Maintain construction Any particulate emissions – dust machinery; equipment; matter and smoke and pollution ▪ Dust from ▪ Prohibit use of equipment managed as per exposed that causes excessive EMMP stockpiles; pollution (e.g. generates ▪ Possible smoke emissions); contamination of ▪ Material stockpiles covered nearby water and located in sheltered bodies. areas. Site clearance, Removal of some ▪ Minimize vegetation removal Contractor; Construction No of trees During all work Contractor; digging and trees on coastal to immediate corridor of Costs removed, activities - stop CPIU excavations. fringe works; compensation work order issued; ▪ Compensation for trees payments; Site/resources removed if required. dealt with appropriately Accidental discovery Archaeological Discovery: Contractor; Construction Sites and/or During all work Contractor; of archaeological ▪ Cease activities immediately; National Costs resources activities - stop CPIU; assets, sites or ▪ Inform National Museum Museum discovered and work order issued; National resources. (Tambu register), Ministry of (Tambu protected. Site/resources Museum Culture, MCEM; and Register) and dealt with archaeologists/ appropriately ▪ Undertake all actions MECDM. MECDM, required by above.

Aggregate Extraction of river ▪ As per SPMU site selection - Contractor Construction Materials only Monthly visual Contractor; extraction if gravels from beds or extraction from ecologically MID; Costs obtained from inspection; CPIU required – only active channels of sensitive areas (beach, CPIU designated – Review of small quantities rivers changes intertidal, swamp, wetlands, permitted sites extraction plan. mangrove areas) or

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification of material hydrology altering productive land not (locations and envisaged) channel and erosion. permitted. method) as per ▪ BMP applied for and extraction plan; conditions of permit Rehabilitation is implemented; conducted as per ▪ Sites to be identified in consultation with MID, land extraction plan. owners and communities; ▪ Sources from rivers to be identified during the detailed design phase and existing permitting areas to be used where ever possible and appropriate (with permits); ▪ Preparation and implementation of extraction plan (with volume limits) in accordance with SIG guidelines; ▪ Approved machinery only to be used (dredges no permitted); ▪ Material not permitted to be extracted form river bends or other sensitive areas; ▪ All extraction sites to be rehabilitated after use. Land clearing, ▪ Soil erosion and ▪ Stockpile on un-used or non- Contractor Construction Reduce soil erosion Monthly visual Contractor; grubbing, cut silt generation; agricultural land; Costs and sedimentation; inspection. CPIU and fill activities ▪ Increased runoff ▪ Gabions, rip-rap or bio- Damaged culverts and construction and/or erosion; engineering methods used to and drainage of ▪ Sediment stabilize shoreline, system replaced; embankments. contamination

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification and siltation of embankments and streams/rivers. causeway/bridge abutments; ▪ Increased ▪ Erosion monitored and rapid turbidity in response stabilized streams, near undertaken as required for shore coastal unexpected events (tropical areas (including rainfall event); estuary and coral ▪ Uncontrolled dumping of reefs) spoils not permitted; downstream; ▪ Erosion derived from gravel extraction from rivers: ▪ Stockpiles and staging areas lead to loss of land uses Construction ▪ Construction ▪ Preparation and Contractor Construction Disposal and Monthly – visual Contractor; waste disposal material washed implementation of Waste Costs discharge of waste inspection. CPIU and wastewater into estuary and Management Plan before as per waste run-off, into coastal start of work; management plan; discharges and waters; ▪ No waste to be dumped Occurrence of generation of ▪ Increased within project or surrounding erosion. liquid wastes. turbidity areas; detrimental to ▪ All solid waste removed estuary and immediately from the project downstream site to designated off site coastal fringing locations, including; coral reef ▪ Segregation of wastes shall systems; be undertaken and provisions ▪ Soil made for grouping waste contamination collection (e.g. waste from collection bins);

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification petrochemicals ▪ Organic (bio-degradable) (fuels, oils). waste material collected and disposed of off-site by composting (burning allowed in designated land fill site in accordance to local regulations); ▪ All non- hazardous wastes to be disposed of at the projects approved waste management site. ▪ Use of silt control devices (e.g. curtains, fences, nets); ▪ No discharge into estuary ,surface waters or coastal areas; ▪ Discharge into agreed settling ponds or discharge areas in consultation with landowners, communities. ▪ No liquid wastes to be dumped in water ways, estuary or coast; ▪ Pollution of all water resources not permitted; ▪ Diversion ditches to be placed around stockpiles; ▪ Use of heavy machine in aquatic environments minimized; ▪ Spoil and stockpiles will not be located near the coast (50

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification m minimum), on slopes or within 15 m of river banks; ▪ Construction camps supplied with sanitary latrines - no direct discharge. Pollution from ▪ Petrochemical ▪ Detailed Emergency Contractor Construction EMP and Monthly or after Contractor; use, storage and (oil, fuel, and Response Plan (as part of Costs emergency event or as CPIU. accidental spills other hazardous the EMP) prepared by response plan; required of hazardous chemicals are Contractor to cover Ensure storage - review and substances and spilled into the hazardous materials/oil/fuel sites are using need for environment from storage, spills and accidents; approval of existing concrete emergency emergency construction ▪ Locate storage areas for all base; response. and/or petrochemical products at response plan; associated Spill areas cleaned least 200 m from coastline and rehabilitated. Visual inspection facilities (camps, and 100 m from estuary. of storage transport) ▪ Chemicals including fuel facilities. resulting in stored in secured (lockable), pollution and weather proofed area environmental including an impervious damage; flooring and ▪ Accidents placing bund/containment wall to people at risk. container spillage; ▪ Used oil and other toxic and hazardous materials shall be disposed of in an authorized facility off-site. ▪ Spill waste will be disposed at disposal sites approved by local authorities. ▪ Adequate precaution to be taken to prevent oil/lubricant/ hydrocarbon contamination of the estuary. Spillage, if any, will be immediately

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces. ▪ All spills cleaned as per emergency response plan, which shall include spill kits; Encroachment ▪ Spread of ▪ The contractor will undertake Contractor Construction Check for Spot inspections; Contractor; into precious invasive species an assessment of risk of Costs unnecessary monthly - visual CPIU ecology, ▪ Impacts on flora spread of invasive and alien vegetation inspection of disturbance of and fauna species, ensure that all clearance; camp terrestrial, (terrestrial, imported equipment, material Progress of re- coastal and and plant is subject to and work sites; coastal) forest vegetation of work Revegetation marine habitats. and agricultural procedures under the areas; habitats; Biosecurity Act, and the CEMP activities as per Training of workers EMP; ▪ Impacts on Flora will include measures to follow guidelines set out in National in Consultations with and Fauna Information; (marine) coral Strategy on Aquatic villagers and reefs, seagrass Biosecurity for Solomon Adequate supply of workers and mangrove Islands 2018-2023 and IUCN cooking Oil in habitats; Guidelines for Invasive camp. Species management on ▪ Impacts on Islands 2018; fisheries; • Vegetation clearance during all ▪ Runoff and construction activities will be as streams/rivers per the approved plan and if carrying trees to be removed they will be increased marked; sediments (increased • The contractor will be turbidity) siltation responsible for supplying into coastal and appropriate and adequate inshore marine cooking fuel in workers camps areas; to prevent fuel-wood collection. Construction ▪ Fragmentation of workers will be informed about terrestrial general environmental habitats;

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ▪ Endemic or other protection and the need to species affected; avoid un-necessary felling of ▪ Workers trees; impacting flora • The contractor will be and fauna; responsible for providing ▪ Protected areas information to workers in affected. respect of other flora and wildlife/fauna (including birds and bats). Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the poaching of fauna by construction workers and the contractor will be responsible for imposing sanctions on and/or dismissal of, any workers who are caught trapping, killing, poaching, or having poached fauna; • The contractor will be responsible for providing information to workers about laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees not requiring to be cleared by the project; • The contractor will be required to prepare site-specific plans identifying works, timing and measures required to protect foreshore and marine habitats

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification (including turbidity and sediment control). The plans will be reviewed and cleared by the CPIU and CSC prior to works commencing in these areas. • The contractor will prepare and implement a waste management plan (WMP) as part of the CEMP; • Sites for contractor’s camps, work yards, rock crushers, material storage, quarries, and borrow pits will all be approved by CPIU/Engineer and will not be permitted in any ecologically important sites or areas valuable for conservation; • Under no circumstances is the contractor permitted to fell or remove mangroves • If necessary contractor will be responsible for supplying appropriate and adequate cooking fuel in workers camps to prevent fuel-wood collection • Construction workers will be informed about general environmental protection and the need to avoid un-

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification necessary felling of trees wherever possible • The contractor will be responsible for providing adequate knowledge to construction workers in relation to existing laws and regulations regarding illegal logging. Contract documents and technical specifications will include clauses expressly prohibiting the felling of trees, not requiring to be cleared by the project, by construction workers for the term of the project; • As part of the WMP the contractor to prepare a detailed Emergency Response Plan to cover all hazardous materials/oil/ fuel storage and spillage. • All hazardous materials secured in secure (lockable), weather proof area including impervious flooring and bund/containment wall. ▪ Worker education on unacceptable practices of trapping / poaching fauna and taking of seeds and plants

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification Encroachment ▪ Effects on ▪ No Tambu, cultural, historical Contractor; Construction Sites and/or During activities - Contractor; into historical cultural values; or preservation areas are in National Costs resources stop work order National and/or cultural ▪ Tambu and the wharf area that will be Museum discovered and issued; Museum sites and adversely affected by the preservation (Tambu, their protection – Site/resources archaeologists/ resources areas affected by works; Register and management. dealt MECDM, the subproject; ▪ Any accidental discovery MECDM) with appropriately. handled as; CPIU. ▪ Cease activity immediately; ▪ Inform National Museum (Tambu ▪ Register), Ministry of Culture and MECDM; ▪ Undertake discussions with community – land owners if required; Operation of ▪ Noise and ▪ Limit construction to Contractor Construction Adherence to Monthly or after Contractor; construction vibration in weekdays 07:00am to Costs agreed schedule; complaint - review CPIU plant and community); 5:00pm and no work at Complaints (no. Schedule equipment ▪ Impact on weekend or on public logged with Consultation creating noise construction holidays or local festival resolution); (ensure schedule and vibration. workers. days. Workers safety being adhered to). ▪ Liaison with local schools equipment. and religious groups on sensitive times (e.g. exam periods) ▪ Inform residents about duration of noise and possible vibration generating operations; ▪ Construction vehicles and machinery to be fitted with mufflers and other noise abatement equipment to

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ensure minimal noise generated; ▪ Undertake baseline noise level recording and regular monitoring of noise levels ▪ Provide all workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); ▪ Buffers to be established between work areas and nearby residential areas were practical; ▪ Complaints will be addressed by Contractor. Presence of Various social ▪ Community protocols Contractor Construction HIV/STI’s As required; Contractor; construction impacts including: discussed and worker Costs awareness Monthly or after CPIU workers ▪ Social disruption; awareness as part of campaign complaint – EMO ▪ Possibility of mobilization process; implemented; recruited; training conflict or ▪ Contractor to ensure workers’ EMO recruited; delivered; antagonism actions and work site/camp Training Staff records; between are controlled and community implemented; Visual residents and rules and “worker code of Safety equipment inspections; conduct” is strictly observed; workers (Note provided; Consultations with that local ▪ Signage and security i.e. Signage and villages; community has a prohibition on unauthorized security to prevent high level of people (especially children) Checking of unauthorized complaints; religious entering site office, people entering (Seventh day construction areas, works camp. Consultations with Adventist) yard and camp; workers – training. adherence); ▪ Workers to respect ▪ Spread of landowner – village communicable (business/resident) diseases; boundaries;

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ▪ Children are ▪ Communicable diseases potentially awareness and prevention exposed to program through approved exploitation; service provider for workers ▪ Impacts on and communities (refer general health projects social safeguard and safety. documents); ▪ A communications and complaints plan will be used for liaison and correction among stakeholders; ▪ Contractor to appoint ESO; ▪ Contractor to provide health facilities and 1st Aid post on site and if require mobile unit to provide safety equipment for workers; ▪ Contractor to provide adequate and safe drinking water access in all work areas; ▪ Protection for the public in vicinity of work sites and safe access across work sites provided for the public; ▪ No damage to property and resources; ▪ Contract documents will include provisions for ensuring poor, local and women encouraged to participate in workforce and will receive fair wages; ▪ No child labor to be used.

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification Workers’ Safety at work for all ▪ Contractor to prepare HSP Contractor Construction HSP and ERP; During activities – Contractor; Occupational workers and addressing all risks of Costs Provisions of PPE visual inspection CPIU Health and associated activities including measures to all workers; and spot checks; Safety (OH&S) contractors to control and prevent spread Training delivered Record books and of communicable diseases complaints; 18 on safety and work including COVID-19 ; protocols; Job site ▪ Workers shall be provided Barriers erected inspections for with appropriate personal managing worksite. OH&S protective equipment (PPE) Potable water requirements; such as safety shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, (drinking) and earplugs, gloves, etc. lavatory service provided at all job ▪ The contractor shall orient sites; workers on health and safety issues related to their Frist aid kit activities as well as on the provided; proper use of PPE. GRM processes ▪ Workers shall be provided understood and with potable water supply. worker’s obligations with communities. ▪ Provision of distinguishing clothing or reflective devices or otherwise conspicuously visible material when there is regular exposure of workers to danger from moving plant. ▪ Monitoring and control of the working environment and planning of safety and health precautions should be

18 https://www.who.int/publications-detail/considerations-for-public-health-and-social-measures-in-the-workplace-in-the-context-of-covid-19

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification performed as prescribed by national laws and regulations. This includes; ▪ Workers who have received appropriate training in accordance with national laws and regulations shall operate construction equipment. ▪ The drivers and operators of vehicles and materials handling equipment shall be medically fit, trained and tested and of a prescribed minimum age as required by the government rules and regulation. ▪ Safety provisions shall be brought to the notice of all concerned by displaying or notice board at a prominent place at the work locations. ▪ The contractor shall be responsible for observance, by his sub-contractors, of all health and safety provisions. ▪ The contractor should take adequate measures for the control of malaria and other mosquito vector diseases. ▪ All vehicles used in the construction yard should have reverse horns.

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ▪ There should be proper demarcation of work areas with signage boards showing the work areas. The signboards should be in English and Pidgin. ▪ Suitable warning should be displayed at all places where contact with or proximity to electrical equipment can cause danger. ▪ Persons having to operate electrical equipment should be fully instructed as to any possible danger of the equipment concerned. All the electrical equipment should be inspected before it is taken into use to ensure that it is suitable for its purpose. ▪ Water transport tanks, storage tanks and dispensing container should be designed, used, cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals in a manner approved by the competent authority. ▪ Water that is unfit to drink should be conspicuously indicated by notices prohibiting workers from drinking it.

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification ▪ Secure storage areas should be provided for flammable liquids, solids and gases such as liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, paints and other such materials in order to deter trespassers. ▪ Smoking should be strictly prohibited and no smoking notices be predominantly displayed in all places containing readily combustible or flammable materials. ▪ Only suitably protected electrical installations and equipment, including portable lamps, should be used. ▪ Oil rags, waste and clothes or other substances liable to spontaneous ignition should be removed without delay to a safe place. ▪ Fire-extinguishing equipment should be provided at construction camps, asphalt plants, storage areas for combustible materials and other areas where fire hazards are found. Such equipment shall be properly maintained and inspected at suitable intervals

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification OPERATIONAL PHASE Spills Increased frequency ▪ Provide spill kit to contain / MID-CPIU; Included in Accidents on case Half yearly for 3 MID-CPIU; of use increases absorb spills i.e. drum operating by case basis years, mid-term ADB possibility of containing sand or other budget. Safety issues and post accidental spill sorbent material; discussed evaluation during loading / ▪ No spills recorded in recent operators; monitoring – unloading history. No bulk fuel transfers visual so booms not considered assessments; appropriate at this location Complaints;. Vessel visits, Spread or ▪ Work with provincial MID, MOFMR $250,000 Type and Comparison with MID, MOFMR, cargo and introduction of governments, NGO and Supported by (from RCI- distribution of baseline; MECDM passengers invasive or alien MECDM to establish consultant RPG invasive and alien Records of supported by transfer species baseline; thematic flora and fauna; control/eradication consultant specimens ▪ The MID (with support from pool from Risk assessment; programs; consultant) will undertake an ADF13) Development of Implementation of assessment of risk of spread plan plan of invasive and alien species from operations; ▪ Ensure that all equipment, material and plant transferred between Honiara and the islands or between islands is subject to procedures under the Biosecurity Act; ▪ Prepare plan identifying measures to follow guidelines set out in National Strategy on Aquatic Biosecurity for Solomon Islands 2018-2023 and IUCN 2018 Guidelines for Invasive Species Management on Islands

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IMPACT MITIGATION IMPACT MONITORING Frequency and Environmental Mitigation Mitigation Parameter to be Monitoring Project Activities Mitigation Measures means of Impacts Responsibility Costs (US$) monitored Responsibility Verification Spread of Wharf creates an ▪ Expected vessel movements MID-CPIU; Included in Health status of Half yearly for 3 MID-CPIU; communicable accessible pathway will remain similar and as MOH operating people in the years, mid-term MOH diseases for the spread of such spread of disease Local Police budget. community; and post ADB communicable unlikely Number of new evaluation diseases ▪ Ongoing community cases of diseases. monitoring – awareness. consultation with villagers

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8 Findings and Conclusions

8.1 Project Benefits

317. There are no formal wharf landings at either Kirakira or Ahanga. Vessels moor offshore and transfer of passengers and goods is by OMB which raised health and safety issues and makes landing impossible in certain weather conditions. The proposed design and development of the wharfs at Kirakira and Ahanga imposes minimal environmental impacts and will result in the substantial increase in the efficiency and safety of public access and trade in the area. This will result in increased inbound and outbound movement of freight, products and people. It demonstrates suitable and appropriate infrastructure to the communities and business operators

8.2 Conclusions and Recommendations

318. The wharf component (two sites) will not impact on any protected areas or areas of conservation value, including primary forests, terrestrial reserves, marine and coastal protected areas or community managed marine protected areas and as such no critical habitats are impacted. The project will not create any impacts on cultural or heritage (Tambu) sites nor will not create conflicts with natural resource allocation. No significant negative or adverse environmental impacts have been identified. 319. The IEE concludes that there are no identifiable significant environmental impacts nor is the project deemed environmentally sensitive. The upgrading of the wooden wharf will result in a marked improvement to the environment and infrastructure services for the people and communities surrounding Kirakira and Ahanga. Impacts arising from the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the project are minor, localized, and are acceptable, providing that the set of mitigations measures set out in the EMP are incorporated in the design, implemented, and monitored properly. 320. The most significant impact will be the noise crated during piling operations. Even with 100m of distance attenuation there will be some residual disturbance. The contractor will be limited to daytime work, but the hours of work may have to be reduced to short working and defined “quiet” periods if the community considers the disturbance unacceptable. 321. During operation, there is a risk to biodiversity that increased access to Kirakira and Bellona could introduce or spread invasive species. MID will recruit a consultant to prepare and assist in implementation of an invasive species management plan. With this is place the residual risk is expected to be low. 322. An EMP has been prepared and will be implemented during all phases of project implementation. The EMP identifies potential environmental impacts arising from the project along with a corresponding schedule and monitoring of mitigation measures to ensure potential impacts are maintained at insignificant levels and that international best practice is applied. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its effectiveness.

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323. The Director of ECD will grant development consent in writing to MID after reviewing and accepting the IEE, when presented as a PER with a development consent application. Provision for a detailed CEMP prepared by the contractor will be included as a line item in the BOQ and the contractor will be required to provide this, based on the impacts set out in this evaluation, as a minimum. 324. Monitoring the contractor’s compliance to their CEMP will be undertaken by the DSC, CPIU and ECD. Monitoring reports will be submitted to MID, ECD and ADB. When the CEMP is approved, it is considered sufficient to meet government’s environmental safeguard requirements. No further or additional impact assessment is considered necessary at this stage. 325. During operation stage, MID will implement the invasive species management plan. The effectiveness of which will be monitored and reported on. 326. Therefore, the recommendations of this IEE are: (i) the IEE be accepted by ADB as the statement of project’s environmental impacts and how they will be mitigated 327. Future tasks related to this IEE are for, (i) MID to use this IEE as a PER, for submission of development consent from ECD; (ii) contractor to prepare a CEMP based on EMP included in this IEE; (iii) CPIU, supported by the CSC, review and clear the CEP; and (iv) impacts and mitigation thereof, be monitored as per the monitoring plan; and (iv) MID recruit the consultant to assist in the development and implementation of the invasive species management plan, and deliver training to MID and MCEDM as required.

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Bibliography

GLOSS data, 2017, http://www.gloss-sealevel.org/data Jenkin, A.P, Allan, G.R and Boseto, D., 2008, Lentipes solomonensis, a new species of freshwater goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Sicydiinae) from the Solomon Islands, Aqua International Journal of Ichthyology, pp165-174, 14:4 MECDM, 2012, National Climate Change Policy, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MID, 2015, MID (2015). Climate Change Adaptation in the Transport Sector-Guidance Manual (DRAFT). Ministry of Infrastructure Development Newman, A., Feng, L., Fritz, H. M., Lifton, Z. M., Kalligeris, N., and Wei, Y., 2011, The energetic 2010. MW 7.1 Solomon Islands tsunami earthquake. Geophysical Journal International, 186(2), 775‐781 PACCSAP, 2014, Climate Variability, Extremes and Change in the Western Tropical Pacific: New Science and Updated Country Reports 2014, Solomon Islands Pacific Island Forum, 2015, 2015 Pacific Regional Millennium Development Goals Tracking Report Polhemus, D.A; Englund, R.A., Allen, G.R., Baseto, D., and Polhemus, J.T, 2008, Freshwater Biotas of the Solomon Islands – Analysis of Richness, Endemism and Threats, Bishop Museum Technical Report 45 SIG, 2009, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for the Solomon Islands, p 67. SIG, 2009, Provincial Profile of the 2009 Population and Housing Census – Guadalcanal, p 64 SIG, 2010, National Transport Sector Plan 2011 -2030 SIG, 2015, Solomon Islands 2012/2013 Householder Income and Expenditure Survey Provincial Analytical Report, Volume II, National Statistics Office SIWA, 2013, The Solomon water development plan, 2013-2015. The “Two-Year Plan”, Solomon Islands Water Authority SOPAC, 2007, National integrated water resource management diagnostic report. Solomon Islands, The Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission SPC, 2017, SPC Fisheries Address Book, SPC publication, p80 Sullivan, C.A. and Guglielmi, F., 2007, Pacific Islands water resources: An overview of East Timor, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, AWFR working paper, Pacific Water Resources: An overview WACOP (2014). Wave Climate Report Honiara. Wave and Coast in the Pacific, http://wacop.gsd.spc.int/Atlas/Regional/Pdf/SO/Honiara.pdf World Bank, 2017. Country Profile – Solomon Islands World Development Indicators, World Bank publication

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Appendixes

Appendix A: Relevant Intentional / Regional Treaties & Agreements

The following table summarizes the International and Regional Treaties and Agreements that the Solomon Islands are a Party which are relevant to this project. Name Status Purpose/Aim Solomon Island Agency Responsible

International and Regional Agreements

Pollution Protocol for Ratified Prevention of pollution of the South MFMR and ECD Dumping at sea. 10/9/98 Pacific region by dumping

Pollution Protocol for Ratified Cooperation in combating pollution MFMR and ECD Emergencies. emergencies in the South Pacific region. 10/9/98

Natural Resources and Ratified Protection of natural resources and ECD Environment of South environment of the South Pacific Region 10/9/98 Pacific Region (South in terms of management and Pacific Regional development of the marine and coastal Environment Program - environment in the South Pacific Region. SPREP Convention).

Waigani Convention on Ratified Bans the importation of hazardous and ECD Hazardous and radioactive wastes into Forum Island 7/10/98 Radioactive Wastes countries and to control the trans- (1995). boundary movement and management of hazardous wastes within the South Pacific region.

Chemicals, Wastes and Pollution

Liability for Oil Pollution Ratified Strict liability of ship owner for pollution MFMR Damage damage to a coastal state within a certain amount.

Marine Pollution Ratified Prevention of marine pollution by dumping ECD and Foreign Convention (London) of wastes and other matter. Affairs

Desertification (UN Acceded Agreement to combat desertification and Agriculture Division Convention to Combat 16/4/99 mitigate the effects of drought in countries Desertification) experiencing drought or desertification.

POP’s Convention Acceded Protection of human health and environment ECD and EHD (Stockholm) 28/7/04 from persistent organic pollutants.

Biodiversity

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Name Status Purpose/Aim Solomon Island Agency Responsible

CITES Ratification Regulations and restriction of trade in wild ECD underway animals and plants through a certification system of imports and exports.

World Heritage Ratified Protection of sites of Outstanding Universal ECD and National Convention 10/6/92 Values. Solomon Islands currently has East Museum as a World Heritage site.

UN Convention on Acceded Conserve biological diversity through the ECD Biological Diversity 3/10/95 sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilizing genetic resources.

Cartagena Protocol on Acceded Protection of human health and the ECD Biosafety 26/10/04 environment from possible adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology, especially living modified organisms while maximizing its benefits.

Climate Change

Montreal Protocol Acceded Allows phase out of substances that ECD and Energy 17/6/93 deplete the ozone layer according to a Division fixed implementation schedule.

Ozone Layer Acceded Protection of the ozone layer through ECD and Energy Convention 17/6/93 intergovernmental cooperation on Division research, systematic observation of the ozone layer and monitoring of chlorofluorocarbons production.

Climate Change (UN Ratified Sets an overall framework for Climate Change Framework Convention 28/12/94 intergovernmental efforts to tackle the Division on Climate Change) challenge posed by climate change.

Kyoto Protocol Ratified Reduce greenhouse gases especially Meteorology Division 13/3/03 CO2 for the 39 industrial/developed MECDM countries by an average of 5.2% by 2012.

MFMR = Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources MECDM = Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. ECD = Environment and Conservation Division - MECDM EHD = Environmental Health Division - MECDM

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Appendix B: List of Marine Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands

International Total Area MPA Site Names Designation Status Date of Designation Designation (km2)

Arnavon Islands Marine Conservation Designated 1995 82.70 Area

Barasipo Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 3.533 designated

Baraulu/Bule Marine Protected Area Informally 2002 1.032 Lavata designated

Barivuto Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 1.622 designated

Buni Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 1.428 designated

Dunde Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 1.046 designated

Ha’apai Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 1.231 designated

Iriri Pasapasa Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 0.421 designated

Kekehe Marine Protected Area Informally 2004 2.721 designated

Kida Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 0.725 designated

Kinamara Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 1.363 designated

Kindu Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 0.764 designated

Koqu Rua Marine Protected Area Informally 2005 0.359 designated

Kozou Marine Protected Area Informally 2002 0.452 designated

Lodu Hokata Marine Protected Area Informally 2005 0.335 designated

Nazareti Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 2.120 designated

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International Total Area MPA Site Names Designation Status Date of Designation Designation (km2)

Niumala Marine Protected Area Informally 2005 3.114 designated

Nusa Hope Marine Protected Area Informally 2005 0.884 Mangrove designated

Nusa Hope/Heloro Marine Protected Area Informally 2002 1.138 designated

Nusa Roviana Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 2.017 designated

Olive Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 1.567 designated

Saika Marine Protected Area Informally 2003 1.602 designated

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Appendix C: List of Terrestrial Protected Areas within the Solomon Islands

Province Protected Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Area

Guadalcanal Lauvi Lake 200 ha ▪ Floating meadows Outstanding habitat for crocodiles. include three species of Wetland birds and the Australian Cyperaceae. Extensive dabchick which was a new record areas of pandanus, for the Solomon Islands. About 40 beach side dominated bird sp. are found, 9 are endemic with fu’u Barringtonia to the Solomon islands(Less, asiatica. Other species 1990). are also common in the community e.g. Hibiscus tiliaceus. Thus, there are also many other species growing around the areas (Less, 1990).

Itina 30,000 ▪ 6 species (sp) of pioneer Habitat for many animals Popomanaseu ha trees located on gravel including four bird species beds of braided river sites endemic to Gaudalcanal and the e.g. salu; Casuarina Gaudalcanal endemic giant rat equisetifolia. On slightly (Uromys imperator). 1990 higher ground, 5 sp. of mammal survey of Mt trees are common e.g. Makarakomburu found a new sp. Akwa. Evident at the of bat along with nine other bat ultra-basics are mudi; sp, four frog and eight reptile sp. (Dillenia crennata). Thirteen bird sp. were recorded Common in montane including rare Guadalcanal forest are trees of non- honeyeater Guadalcanaria flowering plant family, inexpectata. Mt Popomanaseu is Podocarpaceae including only place in the Solomon Islands 3 sp and 5 sp of the where terrestrial mollusc have Myrtle family. The four generated endemic montane epiphytic rhododendrons species. Restricted to these that are unqiue to mountains include arboreal Solomon islands are all Placostyllus selleersi and found on peaks of the undescribed sp. Helixarion and proposed protected area Trochomorpha. Birds of the Itina and the endemic River proposal area recorded 44 mountain shrub, bird sp., 13 are known to be Vaccinium (Less, 1990) endemic sp. in the Solomon islands (Less, 1990).

Western Marovo 70,000 ▪ 5 principle forest types. ▪ 52 sp. of land and fresh water Lagoon ha Lowland forest, small birds and 9 species are island and barrier island endemic to the lagoon. 10 forest, mangrove forest, species of Sea and montane forest and shorebirds. heaths.

Kolombangara All 12 principle species of Richest avifauana with 80 species forest forest trees and moss recoded. 2 species are confined covered montane forest caps to montane forest and are unique above (Less, 1990) to the island. (Less, 1990). 460m (70,000 ha is

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Province Protected Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Area the island

Rendova The ▪ Common Montane forest Support unique white eye species island trees species are Zosterops rendova. Crocodiles Casuarina papuana, are evident in lakes and lagoon. 40,000 lower altitude forest Two species of frogs have been ha predominance of recorded from Rendova (Less, Camnosperma 1990). revipetiolatum, Others include mosses, palms, pometia pinnata, pterocarpus indicus. (Less, 1990).

Faroro Islands ? ▪ Dominated by akwa Best nesting sites for turtles. - Shortlands Pometia pinnata, Vasa Presence of Skink Triblonotus Vitex cofassus and ponceleti known from only tree Canarium salomonense. specimen, two from Shorthlands Smaller trees include and one from Bougainville (Less, Myristica sp., laelae 1990). Celtis phillippnensis, Crytocarya Litsea sp (Less, 1990).

Choiseul Mt. Maetambe 22,500 ▪ Dominate tree species Seven sp. of frogs, one endemic ha akwa and Vasa. These sp., two rare butterfly sp. two trees and Laelae are Presence of three giant rats, two characteristics of valley of which are new record, 26 bird bottoms, on ridge crest species with 6 are endemic (Less, Eugenia sp., buni and 1990). kaumau Calophyllum sp. are common. (Less, 1990).

South 30,000 ▪ Different forest Crocodiles are evident. Has Choiseul ha composition from Ysabel significant nesting beach for and Guadacanal growing turtles. Forest growing on ultra- on ultra-basic rock. basic rock noticeably has low bird Forest is species poor numbers. 35 bird sp., 11 are with an open canopy and endemic (Less, 1990). straggling emergent trees over dense undergrowth of pandanus, gingers, ferns and climbers. Mangrove forest found Ologholata in the north of the proposed reserve (Less, 1990).

Mt Televodo ? ▪ The features are closely The features are closely similar to similar to the description the description given for the given for the limestone limestone forest cover occurring forest cover occurring in in Mt Maetabe (Less, 1990). Mt Maetabe (Less, 1990).

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Province Protected Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Area

Isabel North western 120,000 ▪ Peninsula dominated Crocodiles were evident. It Isabel ha with kekete contains 65% of nesting sites of (Campnosperma green andhawksbill turtles. Sea brevipetiolata) indicating eagles, Brahminy kite, osprey and exposed to prevailing terns are also evident. Migratory high winds and cyclones. birds use the islands and tidal Akwa, vasa, andoa, lu usi flats as resting and feeding area are also found on ridges during November to January e.g., that run through the whimbrel Numenius phaeopus peninsula. Where slopes (Less, 1990). are fa alo, bamboo, gingers and Macaranga sp. Akwa is common in lowland forest. Smaller trees include Agaia spp, ai aasila (Neoscortchhinia forbesii), laelae, Myristica sp, palms and pandanus. Patches of beach forest containing 5 species of trees (Less, 1990).

Mt Kubonitu ? ▪ Supports montane forest ▪ Meeks Iory Charmomosyna with ailumu Dacrydium meeki, white rumped swiftlet xanthandrum, akiri Collocalisa spodiopygia, Ochrosia sp, koadila pigmy parot Micorspitta pemphis acidula and finschii, Melanisian gray bird Eugenia spp. (Less, Coracina caledonica and the 1990). golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis.(Less, 1990).

Casuarina 2,500 ▪ Dominated with hardy ▪ Is designed for the forest. swamp ha malasalu Casuarina papuana and Dacryduim xanthadrum. On swapy grounds Calophyllum vexans, bou Fagrea gracilipes and gwarogwaro ▪ Calophyllum vitiense. Ferns and Savanna (Less, 1990).

Makira Central – 350,000 ▪ Akwa dominate lowland ▪ Several of Makira’s endemic Bauro ha forest and lower hill sp are restricted to the mossy slopes. 8 sp of trees are cloud forest of the highest highlands also common in this zone ridges eg Keea (Makira e.g Rosswood. Above the mountain tail), waisure zone where akwa is (Makira ground trash), predominant 6 sp of trees ghoghoharighi (shade warbler) are common e.g. abalolo. and the dusky fantail are Common small trees are found in these forest and Myritica sp. and aisubu nowhere else in the world. 49 Pimeliodendron Birds recorded, 5 endemic to amboinicum. Solomon and 5 endemic to ▪ Above 700 m 5 sp. of Makira (Less, 1990). trees are common eg

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Province Protected Size Flora Biodiversity Fauna Biodiversity Area aitootoo (surukakahu) Weinmannia blumei, Cyathea tree ferns and palms are also common. At highest altitude montane forest is found with 8 different spp of trees. Forest floor is covered with moss (Less, 1990).

Western 2,50 ha ▪ A tall mixed swamp forest ▪ No information provided. wetlands featuring dafa Terminalia brassii and rufa Eugenia tierneyana on wet land edges. In the wetted parts of the swamps pandanus, bamboo and ferns form a complete cover one to three meters high (Less, 1990).

Malaita Central 12,500 ▪ Common in the lowland 57 bird sp are recorded, 9 Highlands ha forests are 4 sp. of trees endemic to Solomon islands, 13 eg akwa, rosswood and endemic to Malaita (Less, 1990). vasa. On lower riverine terraces 3 sp. are alsocommon e.g., lamilami, liki and akwa (Less, 1990).

Maramasike 150,000 ▪ Large figs and 11 tree sp ▪ Excellent habitat for Ar’are ha e.g. akwa are common at crocodiles. About 60 bird sp. the end of the are recorded, 7 endemic to maramasike passage. Solomon islands and 10 The hill forest behind both endemic to Malaita (Less, Maramasike and Are’are 1990). commonly features 7 of the species mention above together with 5 other sp e.g. Cryptocarya sp. (Less, 1990).

Temotu Kauir Reserve 200 ha ▪ Kauri Agathis macrophylla in the Solomon islands is found only in Temotu Province (Less, 1990).

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Appendix D: Globally Threatened Avifauna in the Solomon Islands

Source: Birdlife international www.bridlife.org Avifauna Common Name Avifauna Species Name IUCN Category

Becks Petrel Pseudobulweria becki CR

Makira Moorhen Gallinula silvestris CR

Santa Cruz Ground dove Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis EN

Santa Cruz Shrikebill Clytorhynchus sanctaecrucis EN

Splendid White eye Zosterops liteirostris EN

White-eyed Starling Aplonis brunneicapillus EN

Heinroth’s Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi VU

Sanford’s Sea eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi VU

Imitator Sparrow hawk Accipiter imitator VU

Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis VU

Yellow-legged Pigeon Columba pallidiceps VU

Chestnut-bellied Imperial pigeon Ducula brenchleyi VU

Palm Lorikeet Charmosyna palmarum VU

Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis VU

Black Faced Pitta Pitta anerythra VU

Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae VU

Sombre Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus amoenus VU

Ranonga White Eye Zosterops splendidus VU

Guadalcanal Thrush Zoothera turipavae VU

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Appendix E: Environmental Risk Matrices

Kirakira Wharf, Makira Uluwa Province

Design Phase Relocation of existing beach landing point in village Closest village development > 100M to West of NAME Kirakira Wharf incorporating Boat Jetty and Ramp The work 100m south. Construction of new Wharf / boat jetty and Physical construction zone LCT ramp. Precast deck on percussive driven piles

Risk PRE-MITIGATION MITIGATIONS / WARNINGS / REMEDIES POST-MITIGATION Matrix EIA REF RISK RISK ACCEPTABLE REF RISK RISK SEVERITY RISK RATING OPTIONS AND APPROACHES RISK SEVERITY RISK RATING (para) LIKELIHOOD LIKELIHOOD TO PROCEED? The wharf design is on a piled Change in water movements due to structure with minimal potential to RMD1 5.2.1.1 wharf design: new areas of erosion / Major Possible High disturb water movements. Currrents / Minor Improbable LOW YES deposition water movement at this location low. Climate Change - Adaptation and Resilience of Project - material Climate Resilience Built into the RMD2 5.2.1.2 Major Probable High Minor Improbable LOW YES climate change related risks to the design of the project project Natural Hazards - Seismic Conditions - Wharf designed in accordance with RMD3 5.2.1.3 located in region that is seismically Major Improbable Medium Moderate Improbable Medium YES relevant Seismic Codes active Socio-economic Impacts - No land aquisiton required. No Land Resettlement, Land Acquisition and RMD4 5.2.1.4 Minor Improbable Low Acquisition and Resettlement Plan Minor Improbable LOW YES Economic Displacement - No project- needed induced resettlement.

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Construction Phase Air Quality Dust - anticipated to be minor since structural sections will be Dust-suppression measures and well RMC1 5.3.1.1 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES precast offsite. Minor impacts from maintained equipment concrete batching Maximise use of construction materials and products with recycled Climate Change GHG Emissions or secondary and low carbon RMC2 5.3.1.2 (Construction) assessment of GHG Minor Possible Low content, from renewable sources. Use Minor Improbable LOW YES emissions arising due to construction locally-sourced materials to minimise distance materials are transported from source to site. Impacts on historic-cultural and archaeological monuments - No No sites identified. Contractor RMC3 5.3.1.3 archaeological or cultural resources Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES develops chance find procedure are expected to be encountered during project implementation Unlikely to be an issue as most Aggregate Extraction - potential aggregate requirements are for adverse impacts on flooding, RMC4 5.3.1.4 Major POSSIBLE High concrete that will be precast offsite Minor Improbable LOW YES replenishment of river stream sources, and sourcd from licenced existing impact on water abstraction quarry operations Degradation of landscapes and soil Minimising large open areas, RMC5 5.3.1.5 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES erosion reseeding, drainage channels good site practices implemented by the contractor and checked during Soils Geology and Hydrogeology - periodic audit. Bunds to guide Pollution of soils marine waters by unpolluted water around works RMC6 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES construction runoff and accidental areas, silt traps and bunds spills downstream of site.Sumps for settlement before discharge good maintenance of construction plant

Hydrology and Water Quality - Badly The Contractor will prepare a Waste RMC7 5.3.1.6 managed use and disposal, potential Minor Possible Low Minor Improbable LOW YES Water Management Plan for depletion or pollution of resource

Terrestrial Flora and FaunaImpacts on Work is in heavily modified alignment, biodiversity low due to the wharf RMC8 5.3.2.1 Minor Improbable Low avoidance when encountered, Minor Improbable LOW YES being developed "offshore". Some loss worker eductaion of existing modified habitat

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Construction Noise - Piling. The Only daytime work. No work in early structure will be formed on steel "I" morning evening or at weekends (or RMC10 5.3.3.1 Major Probable High Minor Improbable Medium YES beams perciussively driven into the religeous days). Liason with schools to seabed confirm examination times Construction Noise - Noise will be generated in the course of the works but limited to powered mechanical Well maintained equipment, working RMC11 5.3.3.2 equipment lifting precast units, small Minor Improbable Low hours, quiet plant, physical screening. Minor Improbable Low YES scale concrete batching and electric Liason with local community powered hand tools (from petrol generator) Only daytime work. No work in early morning evening or at weekends (or Construction Vibration - Close to the religeous days). Liason with schools to RMC12 5.3.3.3 Major Probable High Minor Improbable Medium YES wharf during piling confirm suitable times for piling. Contractor to conduct a pre- condition survey The Contractor will prepare a Waste Generation of excavated materials and Materials Management Plan. RMC13 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES and construction wastes. Reuse of material, segregation of waste, waste bins on site Worker Health and Safety and Influx - Contractors will be required to Labour Conditions, influx of develop and implement labour RMC14 5.3.3.4 construction workers (small Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES management plans including Worker dedicated workforce, local semi and Code of Conduct unskilled labour) Socio-economic Impacts - Workplace Contractor Management Plans. and Community Health and Safety - Fencing of hazard areas,security at RMC15 5.3.3.5 Major POSSIBLE High Minor Improbable LOW YES Construction activities are inherently gates, interaction with local hazardous community, HSE officer Socio-economic Impacts - Utilities Safe access to exisiting utilities should RMC16 n/a and Infrastructure. There is no utility Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES be provided throughout construction provision in the works areas. Socio-economic impacts - Other Impacts - anticipated to have a Contractor develops Stakeholder number of positive impacts on Engagement Plan and identifies a RMC17 5.3.3.6 population and economic Minor Improbable Low Community Liason Officer on site. Minor Improbable LOW YES development providing job Grievance redress mechanism in opportunities for local men and place women Camp Management plan and Site Specific Impacts (1) Construction Worker Code of Conduct to be RMC18 6.3.3.7 camps - Influx of labour (health risk, Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES developed in the SEMP. Only small crime, cultural impact) non local workforce (Management) Noise and Vibration Management Site Specific Impacts (2) Pile driving - plan developed in the SEMP. Avoid RMC19 5.5.3.8 Noise and vibration from percussive Major Probable High work at sensitive times: morning Minor Improbable Medium YES piling evening and weekend, times of worship Site Specific Impacts (3) Deck erection - Minor impact anticipated due to Construction management plan RMC20 5.3.3.9 deck being precast off site. Only Minor POSSIBLE Low Minor Improbable LOW YES developed in the SEMP minor noise associated with lifting 18 August 2020 Annexes Page 3 deck sections into place. Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Wharves Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Operation Phase Operation Phase Wharf Noise Relatively low activity, mitigation 5.4.1 & impacting on Village - Low use, wharf options include liason with operators RMO1 Minor POSSIBLE Low Minor Improbable LOW YES 5.6.1 remote and shielded form direct line on specific areas of concern (e.g. of sight excessive noise) Relatively low activity, mitigation Operation Phase Wharf Operation Air options include liason with operators Quality - Goods are generally bagged RMO2 5.4.2 Minor POSSIBLE Low on specific areas of concern (e.g. Minor Improbable LOW YES rather than "loose loads". Site remote excessive dust if non bagged trading from village, good dispersion increases) No eveidence of this being an issue Operation Phase Hydrology and RMO3 5.4.3 Minor Improbable Low from existing operations and no new Minor Improbable LOW YES Water Quality - Spills to Marine waters impact anticipated.

Operation Phase Waste Management Operational Waste Management RMO4 5.4.4 - periodic removal of waste Minor POSSIBLE Low Plan. Waste bins, involveemnt of Minor Improbable LOW YES accumulated from littering local community.

Operation Phase impacts on flora No eveidence of this being an issue and fauna: no rare or endangered RMO5 5.5.1/2 Minor Improbable Low from existing operations and no new Minor Improbable LOW flora and fauna associated with the impact anticipated. wharf Other Socio-economic impacts - Livelihood - The impacts on The wharf improvement is population and employment are anticipated to result in a significant RMO6 n/a Major POSSIBLE High (Positive) Major POSSIBLE High (Positive) YES anticipated to be generally positive, positive effect on local employment providing improved access to jobs and livelihood and services

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328. E7 – Ahanga Wharf, Renbel Province

Design Phase Replacement of existing beach landing point with a new Closest village development > 100M to South of NAME Ahanga Wharf incorporating Boat Jetty The work Wharf and boat jetty. Precast deck on percussive driven Physical construction zone shielded by 20m scarp slope piles

Risk PRE-MITIGATION MITIGATIONS / WARNINGS / REMEDIES POST-MITIGATION Matrix EIA REF RISK RISK ACCEPTABLE REF RISK RISK SEVERITY RISK RATING OPTIONS AND APPROACHES RISK SEVERITY RISK RATING (para) LIKELIHOOD LIKELIHOOD TO PROCEED? The wharf design is on a piled Change in water movements due to structure with minimal potential to RMD1 5.2.1.1 wharf design: new areas of erosion / Major Possible High disturb water movements. Currrents / Minor Improbable LOW YES deposition water movement at this location low. Climate Change - Adaptation and Resilience of Project - material Climate Resilience Built into the RMD2 5.2.1.2 Major Probable High Minor Improbable LOW YES climate change related risks to the design of the project project Natural Hazards - Seismic Conditions - Wharf designed in accordance with RMD3 5.2.1.3 located in region that is seismically Major Improbable Medium Moderate Improbable Medium YES relevant Seismic Codes active Socio-economic Impacts - No land aquisiton required. No Land Resettlement, Land Acquisition and RMD4 5.2.1.4 Minor Improbable Low Acquisition and Resettlement Plan Minor Improbable LOW YES Economic Displacement - No project- needed induced resettlement.

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Construction Phase Air Quality Dust - anticipated to be minor since structural sections will be Dust-suppression measures and well RMC1 5.3.1.1 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES precast offsite. Minor impacts from maintained equipment concrete batching Maximise use of construction materials and products with recycled Climate Change GHG Emissions or secondary and low carbon RMC2 5.3.1.2 (Construction) assessment of GHG Minor Possible Low content, from renewable sources. Use Minor Improbable LOW YES emissions arising due to construction locally-sourced materials to minimise distance materials are transported from source to site. Impacts on historic-cultural and archaeological monuments - No No sites identified. Contractor RMC3 5.3.1.3 archaeological or cultural resources Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES develops chance find procedure are expected to be encountered during project implementation Unlikely to be an issue as most Aggregate Extraction - potential aggregate requirements are for adverse impacts on flooding, RMC4 5.3.1.4 Major POSSIBLE High concrete that will be precast offsite Minor Improbable LOW YES replenishment of river stream sources, and sourcd from licenced existing impact on water abstraction quarry operations Degradation of landscapes and soil Minimising large open areas, RMC5 5.3.1.5 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES erosion reseeding, drainage channels good site practices implemented by the contractor and checked during Soils Geology and Hydrogeology - periodic audit. Bunds to guide Pollution of soils marine waters by unpolluted water around works RMC6 Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES construction runoff and accidental areas, silt traps and bunds spills downstream of site.Sumps for settlement before discharge good maintenance of construction plant

Hydrology and Water Quality - Badly The Contractor will prepare a Waste RMC7 5.3.1.6 managed use and disposal, potential Minor Possible Low Minor Improbable LOW YES Water Management Plan for depletion or pollution of resource

Terrestrial Flora and FaunaImpacts on Work is in heavily modified alignment, biodiversity low due to the wharf RMC8 5.3.2.1 Minor Improbable Low avoidance when encountered, Minor Improbable LOW YES being developed "offshore". Some loss worker eductaion of existing modified habitat

18 August 2020 Annexes Page 6 Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Wharves Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Construction Noise - Piling. The Only daytime work. No work in early structure will be formed on steel "I" morning evening or at weekends (or 5.3.3.1 Major Probable High Minor Improbable Medium YES beams perciussively driven into the religeous days). Liason with schools to seabed confirm examination times Construction Noise - Noise will be generated in the course of the works but limited to powered mechanical Well maintained equipment, working 5.3.3.2 equipment lifting precast units, small Minor Improbable Low hours, quiet plant, physical screening. Minor Improbable Low YES scale concrete batching and electric Liason with local community powered hand tools (from petrol generator) Only daytime work. No work in early morning evening or at weekends (or Construction Vibration - Close to the religeous days). Liason with schools to 5.3.3.3 Major Probable High Minor Improbable Medium YES wharf during piling confirm suitable times for piling. Contractor to conduct a pre- condition survey The Contractor will prepare a Waste Generation of excavated materials and Materials Management Plan. Minor Improbable Low Minor Improbable LOW YES and construction wastes. Reuse of material, segregation of waste, waste bins on site Worker Health and Safety and Influx - Contractors will be required to Labour Conditions, influx of develop and implement labour 5.3.3.4 construction workers (small Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES management plans including Worker dedicated workforce, local semi and Code of Conduct unskilled labour) Socio-economic Impacts - Workplace Contractor Management Plans. and Community Health and Safety - Fencing of hazard areas,security at 5.3.3.5 Major POSSIBLE High Minor Improbable LOW YES Construction activities are inherently gates, interaction with local hazardous community, HSE officer Socio-economic Impacts - Utilities Safe access to exisiting utilities should n/a and Infrastructure. There is no utility Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES be provided throughout construction provision in the works areas. Socio-economic impacts - Other Impacts - anticipated to have a Contractor develops Stakeholder number of positive impacts on Engagement Plan and identifies a 5.3.3.6 population and economic Minor Improbable Low Community Liason Officer on site. Minor Improbable LOW YES development providing job Grievance redress mechanism in opportunities for local men and place women Camp Management plan and Site Specific Impacts (1) Construction Worker Code of Conduct to be 6.3.3.7 camps - Influx of labour (health risk, Moderate POSSIBLE Medium Minor Improbable LOW YES developed in the SEMP. Only small crime, cultural impact) non local workforce (Management) Noise and Vibration Management Site Specific Impacts (2) Pile driving - plan developed in the SEMP. Avoid 5.5.3.8 Noise and vibration from percussive Major Probable High work at sensitive times: morning Minor Improbable Medium YES piling evening and weekend, times of worship Site Specific Impacts (3) Deck erection - Minor impact anticipated due to Construction management plan 5.3.3.9 deck being precast off site. Only Minor POSSIBLE Low Minor Improbable LOW YES developed in the SEMP 18 Augustminor 2020 noise associated with lifting Annexes Page 7 deck sections into place. Solomon Islands: Land and Maritime Connectivity Project Wharves Component – Initial Environmental Examination

Operation Phase Operation Phase Wharf Noise Relatively low activity, mitigation 5.4.1 & impacting on Village - Low use, wharf options include liason with operators RMO1 Minor POSSIBLE Low Minor Improbable LOW YES 5.6.1 remote and shielded form direct line on specific areas of concern (e.g. of sight excessive noise) Relatively low activity, mitigation Operation Phase Wharf Operation Air options include liason with operators Quality - Goods are generally bagged RMO2 5.4.2 Minor POSSIBLE Low on specific areas of concern (e.g. Minor Improbable LOW YES rather than "loose loads". Site remote excessive dust if non bagged trading from village, good dispersion increases) No eveidence of this being an issue Operation Phase Hydrology and RMO3 5.4.3 Minor Improbable Low from existing operations and no new Minor Improbable LOW YES Water Quality - Spills to Marine waters impact anticipated.

Operation Phase Waste Management Operational Waste Management RMO4 5.4.4 - periodic removal of waste Minor POSSIBLE Low Plan. Waste bins, involveemnt of Minor Improbable LOW YES accumulated from littering local community.

Operation Phase impacts on flora No eveidence of this being an issue and fauna: no rare or endangered RMO5 5.5.1/2 Minor Improbable Low from existing operations and no new Minor Improbable LOW flora and fauna associated with the impact anticipated. wharf Other Socio-economic impacts - Livelihood - The impacts on The wharf improvement is population and employment are anticipated to result in a significant RMO6 n/a Major POSSIBLE High (Positive) Major POSSIBLE High (Positive) YES anticipated to be generally positive, positive effect on local employment providing improved access to jobs and livelihood and services

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