Initial Environmental Examination

May 2019

Lao PDR: Second Greater Mekong Sub-Region Corridor Towns Development Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the Asian Development Bank. This is an updated version of the draft originally posted in August 2015 available on https://www.adb.org/projects/46443-003/main#project-documents.

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a 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.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Ministry of Public Works and Transport Department of Housing and Urban Department of Public Works and Transport, Bokeo Province

Second Greater Mekong Sub-Region Corridor Towns Development Project ADB Loan Nos. 3315/8296-LAO

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION HOUAYXAY

MARCH 2019

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

(as of Feb 2019) Currency Unit – Kip K K1.00 = $ 0.00012 USD $1.00 = K8,000

ABBREVIATIONS

DAF Department of Agriculture, Forestry, And Fisheries DEWAT Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems DONRE Department of Natural Recourses and Environment DBST Double Bitumen Surface Treatment EA Executing Agency ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMP Environment Monitoring Plan ESIA Environment And Social Impact Assessment GMS Greater Mekong Subregion IA Implementing Agency IBA Important Bird and Biodiversity Area IEE Initial Environmental Examination IUCN International Union For Conservation Of Nature Lao PDR Lao People’s Democratic Republic MAF Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry And Fisheries MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources And Environment MPWT Ministry of Public Works And Transport NPA National Protected Area O&M Operation And Maintenance PIU Project Implementation Unit PMIS Project Management Implementation Support Consultant PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Assistance Consultant TSS Total Suspended Solids UXO Unexploded Ordnance VSB Vegetated submerged bed WREA Water Resources And Environment Agency

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES oC – degree Celsius km – kilometer m – meter NOTE In this report, “$” refers to US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 5

A. THE PROJECT INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ...... 5 B. THE SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS IEE ...... 5 C. PROJECT SUMMARY ...... 5 D. POTENTIAL IMPACTS...... 6 E. CONCLUSION...... 10 II. INTRODUCTION...... 11

A. PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 11 B. THE SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS IEE ...... 12 C. ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORIZATION ...... 13 D. PROJECT AREA OF INFLUENCE ...... 14 E. STRUCTURE OF THIS IEE REPORT ...... 14 III. POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...... 15

A. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, STRATEGIES, AND POLICIES ...... 15 B. NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT TYPES ...... 17 C. URBAN ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT ...... 18 D. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE & DIRECTIVES ...... 18 E. ADB SAFEGUARD POLICY ...... 19 IV. DESCRIPTION OF SUBPROJECTS ...... 20

A. HXY A1 - RIVER PORT REHABILITATION AND RIVERBANK UPGRADING AND PROTECTION ...... 20 B. HXY A2 - ECOLOGICAL PARK RECREATIONAL AREA ...... 24 C. HXY B1 - ROADS AND DRAINAGE ...... 28 D. HXY B2 - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 31 E. HXY B3 – WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ...... 39 V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 47

A. SUBPROJECT’S AREA ...... 47 B. GEOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY ...... 52 C. METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE ...... 52 D. HYDROLOGY, WATER RESOURCES AND QUALITY ...... 53 E. CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 55 F. NATURAL DISASTERS ...... 56 G. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 59 H. PHYSICAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 63 VI. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 63 AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 63

A. PROJECT AREA OF INFLUENCE ...... 63 B. POSITIVE IMPACT AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ...... 64

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C. IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT LOCATION ...... 65 D. MITIGATION MEASURES AND ACTIONS DURING PRE-CONSTRUCTION ...... 70 E. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES AND ACTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION ...... 71 F. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES DURING OPERATION...... 78 G. INDUCED AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 82 H. CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 82 VII. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...... 83

A. WITH AND WITHOUT PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 83 B. CONSIDERED SUB-PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ...... 83 VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 83

A. APPROACH ...... 83 B. IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS ...... 84 C. DISCUSSION GUIDE ...... 84 D. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 85 E. FUTURE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROGRAMME ...... 87 IX. PUBLIC GRIEVANCE MECHANISM AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ...... 87

A. RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS ...... 87 B. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ...... 91 X. CONCLUSIONS ...... 91

A. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 91 B. OVERALL CONCLUSION ...... 95 ANNEX 1: PUBLIC CONSULTATION ATTENDEES ...... 96

ANNEX 2 – ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE ...... 99 ANNEX 3 – ECOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT ...... 102 ANNEX 4 – WATER QUALITY MONITORING ...... 57 APPENDIX 1 - ...... 64

• ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HOUAYXAY

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. The Project Introduction and Purpose

1. The Second Greater Mekong Sub Region (GMS) Corridor Towns Development Project (the Project) is a multi-sector urban development project in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and the Lao PDR. The project is comprised of small urban infrastructure and environmental improvement investments in seven subproject towns in the three participating countries. Linked to the urban infrastructure investments of the subprojects is parallel development of Strategic Local Economic Development Plans (SLEDP) for each town and surrounding area.

2. The focus on corridor town development is a development approach that will maximize the economic benefits of increased trade and traffic flows along the major transport corridors in the GMS with the expected positive impacts resulting from accelerated investments in strategically located towns and cities, and added value on economic growth through development oriented on green growth and climate resilience.

3. The objective of the project is to strengthen competitiveness of the GMS economic corridors through (i) environmental infrastructure (for instance water supply; waste water treatment; waste management; flood control; or urban roads); (ii) more efficient trade facilities (markets); and (iii) supply chain logistics services (for instance dry ports) in strategically located towns.

B. The Scope and Objectives of this IEE

4. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) was prepared for the two projects in Luang Namtha and Houayxay in LAO PDR in June 2015. This document is the updated IEE for Houayxay which takes account of detailed engineering design for the subprojects in Houayxay, which is classified as ADB environment category B.

5. The objectives of this IEE are to: (i) provide necessary baseline data about the project; (ii) provide understanding on potential impacts of the project; (iii) provide information on potential mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts including mitigation costs; (iv) provide information on the public consultation process undertaken, and the project level GRM established; and (v) formulate Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans (including definition of institutional responsibilities, capacity building and training plans, and budgeting).

6. Apart from the above given general objectives of the IEE, objectives of the updated IEE is to: (i) take account of any changes in detailed design; (ii) update the IEE and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) with any new information and (iii) confirm that environment category B remains unchanged.

C. Project Summary

7. Project comprises small infrastructure and environmental improvement investments that are being implemented with the immediate and ultimate goals of improving urban environments, and promoting socioeconomic development, respectively. Linked to the

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urban infrastructure investments of the subprojects is parallel development of SLEDP for each town and surrounding area.

8. Table 1 summarizes the subprojects in Houayxay.

Table 1: Houayxay subprojects HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection HXY A2 - Ecological Park and Recreation Area HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management HXY B3 - Wastewater Management

9. There have been no major changes to the design since 2015. Not major, but the most important change has been done within HXY B3 – Wastewater Management, which provides better environmental protection. No wastewater treatment was proposed by PPTA. However, in order to prevent potential impacts on the water quality, aquatic habitat and adverse odour and visual impacts at the lake in the ecopark a Vegetated Submerged Bed (VSB) Constructed Wetland has been designed for Drain 6, Drain 7 and Drain 8, which are natural creeks flowing to the lake in ecopark. A DEWATS1 has been designed for Drain 4 as this creek contains runoff from busy urban roads (UR6 and UR7).

D. Potential Impacts

10. The updated IEE of the Houayxay confirms that the potential environmental impacts are largely restricted to the construction phase of the subprojects for HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection, HXY A2 - Ecological Park and Recreation Area including access roads, HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage and HXY B3 - Wastewater Management. The civil construction disturbances such dust, noise, traffic disruptions, erosion and sedimentation, and public and worker safety can be managed effectively with standard construction practices (e.g., IFC/World Bank 2007), outlined in EMP. However, HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management subproject will have also operation phase environmental impacts which maybe exacerbated by poor site management, such as dust and odour generation, litter dispersal, health and safety risks, which can be also mitigated through implementation of the measures given in EMP.

Construction phase impacts

11. Potential traffic disruption, noise, and dust can be minimized with enforced speed limits, dedicated construction vehicle roads or lanes, scheduled construction vehicle traffic at low urban traffic periods, regular use of wetting agents and covering excavated earth, and ensuring all construction vehicles are in good working condition. Public safety can be managed with speed limits, and use of sufficient signage warning of construction sites and activities for all subproject components in both towns.

12. Pollution and sedimentation of Mekong River during construction of the river port

1 Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems, which is a key method for wastewater treatment systems according to governmental strategy mainly due to low operational cost

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and riverbank upgrading can be mitigated through implementing works in dry season, isolating all excavation and infilling from the river as much as possible, using temporary earth berms or plastic fences, implementing construction waste collection and management plan, keeping all waste away from the river and disposing regularly in Department of Natural Recourses and Environment (DONRE) approved locations.

13. Potential impacts on disruption of boat traffic can be mitigated through preserving existing boat docks and ramps until temporary facilities are operational to prevent complete disruption of ferry traffic, implementing a boat traffic management plan in coordination with the local authorities in the preconstruction phase; and establishing a well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away from main traffic areas.

14. Impacts on fishing activities due to construction boat traffic can be mitigated through avoiding in-river civil works in sensitive periods for fishery which is Spring (Mar-May), establishing a well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away fishing areas, marking fishing areas including floating makers at the area boundaries. Potential impacts on threatened fish and turtle species in the Mekong River can be mitigated through scheduling the works with the consideration of sensitive period for the endangered species, which is migration and spawning period, April and May.

15. No impact is expected on Upper Lao Mekong Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in the north section, where river port rehabilitation and riverbank upgrading will be implemented (HXY A1). Potential impacts on the species in Upper Lao Mekong IBA in the south section where ecological park recreational area and riverbank embankment will be implemented (HXY A2) can be mitigated with natural riverbank upgrading design, preserving teak forest and large valuable trees at the ecological park, avoiding implementation of works in migration and breeding season for the birds (spring).

16. Impacts on threatened fish and turtle species in the Mekong River during riverport and riverbank embankment works can be mitigated through avoiding in river civil works in migration and spawning period endangered species, which is April and May, implementing the project during the dry season, between November and February, prohibition of fishing by construction staff.

17. Vegetation and tree removal for all projects will be avoided between March and early June, which is nesting season, and tree replanting will be implemented according to detailed designs. The impacts on riparian vegetation during riverbank embankment works will be mitigated through revegetation with the native plants after completion.

18. Sedimentation and pollution of the lake due to landscaping and civil works that will be necessary to develop the ecological park can be mitigated through implementing the subproject activity in dry season, between November and February, construction of a temporary, continuous berm and plastic or dense-link fence around the entire shoreline, implementing a construction waste collection and management plan, keeping all waste away from lake.

19. Potential impacts on existing trees at the ecological park can be mitigated through marking the trees, which will be preserved defined in detailed design phase, and installation

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of protective warning/physical barriers around trees to prevent damage. Impacts on fish in the lake can be mitigated through avoiding in-lake civil works in sensitive periods for fish (in spring – April-May).

20. Potential impacts on public and worker health and safety during roadside drain excavation can be mitigated through installation of warning tapes/barriers and signs will be for prevention of falling accidents, and avoiding storage of soil adjacent to excavated area in order to prevent collapses. Impacts on normal dumping operations of municipal waste during construction is not expected because until completion of Cell 1 the normal dumping operation will be continued at assigned location within the existing dumpsite. After Cell 1 is completed the existing waste will be relocated to it. Potential impacts on safety of waste pickers due to construction works will be prevented through installation of clear signs, warning barriers at construction site, and raising awareness on the construction plan, schedule and potential dangers such as moving vehicles, excavations. Potential health risks of construction workers during excavation and transportation of existing waste can be mitigated through the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Pollution and sedimentation risk of natural stream along the access road will be mitigated with standard erosion and pollution mitigation measures given in EMP. Odour and air quality impacts of this activity can be minimised through confining the excavation to a small area at a time, and according to the transportation capacities.

Operation phase impacts

21. There are no major operational phases impacts are expected for the subprojects of HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Access Roads, HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading, HXY B3 – Wastewater Management. The impacts for these subprojects are mainly related with possible increase in tourist activity e.g. garbage generation in river port, ecological park and recreation area; increased boat traffic which can be mitigated through sound operation and management systems.

22. Potential operational phase impacts of the renovated landfill such as dust and odour, litter dispersal, and health and safety risks which may be exacerbated by potential poor site management will be mitigated through capacity building programme on operation and maintenance and monitoring commissioning during initial operations to be conducted by Project Management Implementation Support (PMIS) consultant, and implementation number of mitigation measures including compacting after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste, minimising open tipping face area, restricting tipping activities during periods of adverse weather.

23. Community use of waste system will be supported by PMIS through provision of awareness raising under capacity building package of the project, and UDAA will continue public awareness campaigns and trainings during operation period.

24. Considering the (i) groundwater levels which are between 24-26 m, (ii) low permeability of the landfill area, (iii) the basal lining and leachate collection systems to be constructed, and (iv) operation and maintenance training to be provided within the project; no impacts on groundwater pollution are expected during the operation phase. Nevertheless,

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a groundwater quality monitoring programme to be conducted by Urban Development Authority Administration (UDAA) during landfill operation period is proposed in the EMP. Thus, any possible unexpected pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

25. Considering the future availability of active landfill gas degassing system, and a gas flare system2, proposed for landfill gas management to be constructed after closure of cell-1; means no impacts on local air pollution are expected due to landfill gas generation. Nevertheless, landfill monitoring programme to be conducted by UDAA after the closure of Cell-1, is proposed in the EMP. Thus, any possible unexpected air pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

26. Considering the very low amount of the medical waste (12 kg/day) and generated ash (2.5 kg/week), low capacity of the plant (10kg/h), a working period of once in a week and a condition to meet national emission standards, no major impact is expected due to operation of the medical waste incinerator. However, in order to mitigate any possible impacts; the medical waste will be stored at the hospitals and will be transported by container truck to the landfill where it will be burned when delivered; it will be operated in line with the operational manual by trained/authorised staff who will use appropriate PPE.

27. DEWATS and VSB Constructed Wetland to be constructed under HXY B3 – Wastewater Management will require sludge removal, once in two years and once in ten years respectively. Removed sludge will be treated in the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant which will be constructed in the landfill under HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management Subproject. Operation of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility at landfill will require (i) cleaning the screen and removal of debris to the landfill; (ii) removal of sludge from the sludge drying bed twice in a month. The treated wastewater from each of the treatment systems will be tested for compliance with national standards during operation.

28. Currently there are significant health and safety risks for the waste pickers due to existing poor working and living conditions. In line with the PPTA proposal, the detailed design of the landfill consists of construction of a segregation shed for separating the recyclables from the domestic waste.

29. Common health and safety risks of waste management facilities can be mitigated through establishing and implementing health and safety procedures, carrying out emergency procedure and medical screening, provision and use of PPE (protective clothing, gloves, respiratory face masks and slip-resistant shoes, noise protection, helmets etc.), providing periodical health and safety trainings, placing signs on potential dangers, and implementing good housekeeping procedures.

30. Induced and cumulative impacts will be mainly positive including improved access and transportation, improved environmental quality through improved solid waste management and improved wastewater drainage system. Potential negative induced and cumulative impacts in construction phase may be increased natural resource consumption (e.g. aggregate for road works) which will need careful management and monitoring by DONRE and waste generation, which can be mitigated through implementation of the EMP.

2 not scope of this project

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31. An EMP has been developed for the subprojects in Houayxay, which provides impact mitigation plans, environmental monitoring plans, and specifies the institutional responsibilities and capacity needs for the environmental management of the subprojects.

E. Conclusion

32. The findings of this IEE show that Houayxay subprojects are not anticipated to have any significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. Public consultations indicated that the majority of the potentially affected people had a positive attitude toward the project as a whole and believed it would be beneficial. Any adverse environmental impacts associated with the project will be prevented, reduced to acceptable levels, or otherwise compensated, as set out in the EMP. In addition institutional strengthening and personnel training will be established to ensure environmental sustainability of the project.

33. The IEE confirms that the sub-projects are Category B and that there are no overriding reasons why the project should not proceed.

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II. INTRODUCTION

A. Project Background

34. The GMS Corridor Towns Development Project (the Project) is a multi-sector urban development project in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and the Lao PDR. The project is comprised small urban infrastructure and environmental improvement investments in seven subproject towns in the three participating countries. (Figure 1). Linked to the urban infrastructure investments of the subprojects is parallel development of SLEDP for each town and surrounding area.

35. The focus on corridor town development is a development approach that will maximize the economic benefits of increased trade and traffic flows along the major transport corridors in the GMS with the expected positive impacts resulting from accelerated investments in strategically located towns and cities, and added value on economic growth through development oriented on green growth and climate resilience.

36. The objective of the project is to strengthen competitiveness of the GMS economic corridors through (i) environmental infrastructure (for instance water supply; waste water treatment; waste management; flood control; or urban roads); (ii) more efficient trade facilities (markets); and (iii) supply chain logistics services (for instance dry ports) in strategically located towns.

37. The project consists of three primary outputs defined by i) Implemented priority urban infrastructure investments; ii) Strengthened institutional capacities for managing public investments; and iii) Community awareness of project activities and Improved environmental sustainability.

38. Figure 1 shows the provinces in Lao PDR where subprojects are proposed. This IEE refers only to the subprojects in Houayxay Province, as described in Table 1.

Table 1: Houayxay subprojects of Lao PDR HXY A1: River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection HXY A2: Ecological Park and Recreation Area HXY B1: Roads and Drainage HXY B2: Solid Waste Management HXY B3: Wastewater Management

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Figure 1: Seven subproject cities of Second Corridor Towns Development Project

B. The Scope and Objectives of this IEE

39. The draft IEE was prepared in 2015 for the Lao PDR subprojects at the feasibility study stage by the Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA). This document is the updated IEE for Houayxay which takes into account of detailed engineering design for the subprojects in Houayxay.

40. The IEE describes the baseline environmental conditions, including physical, ecological and socio-economic resources in the project area, assesses environmental impacts of the proposed activities, and provides mitigation measures. The IEE presents the

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public consultation process undertaken and the GRM established. The IEE includes an EMP with an environmental monitoring plan. It has been prepared following ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS, 2009).

41. The general objectives of this IEE are to:

1) Provide necessary baseline data about the project; 2) Provide understanding on potential impacts of the project; 3) Provide information on potential mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts including mitigation costs; 4) Provide information on the public consultation process undertaken, and the project level GRM established; and 5) Formulate Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans (including definition of institutional responsibilities, capacity building and training plans, and budgeting).

42. Apart from the general objectives, the specific objectives of the updating IEE is to:

1) take account of any changes in detailed design; 2) update the IEE and EMP with any new information; and 3) confirm that environment category B remains unchanged.

C. Environmental Categorization

43. The updated IEE prepared during detailed design phase confirms that project is category “B” in accordance to ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The updated IEE confirms the identified potential impacts are largely restricted to construction-related disturbances such as noise, dust, erosion, surface water sedimentation, solid and liquid waste pollution, increased traffic and risk of worker and public injury for the subprojects of HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading, HXY A2 - Ecological Park and Recreation Area, HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage and HXY B3 - Wastewater Management. Unlike the others, HXY B2- Solid Waste Management subproject will have operation phase environmental impacts such as dust and odour, litter dispersal, health and safety risks etc. which can be exacerbated by poor site management. However, it is confirmed that all these impacts are reversible and site specific and can easily be mitigated to acceptable levels through sound implementation of the EMP.

44. According to the National Environmental Protection Law (2012), development projects and operations that have or will have the potential to affect the environment shall require environmental assessment. Ministry of Natural Resources And Environment (MONRE) is responsible for environmental management and monitoring and the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), which is issued after approval of IEE or Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). According to relevant national Ministerial Instructions on IEE and ESIA the project is categorised in Group 1, which requires conducting IEE process. The draft IEE has been provided to the PCU and PIU; and application to DONRE for ECC has been completed. IEE is approved by DONRE and the

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ECC was provided on 21 November 2017 (Annex 2).

D. Project Area of Influence

45. The subprojects are located in Houayxay town. Primary project sites and related facilities are: Corridor alignment of the around 6.8 km roads and 13.2 km roadside drains, around 9.7 km drains along the existing roads, around 2.9 km of natural drains (main transmissions to Mekong River), around 40 ha of ecological park area and 2 km riverside road and walkway. In addition, the area of the landfill (10 ha) situated 3 km from the urban centre and 900 m access road to the landfill. This also includes borrow pits and disposal areas, and construction camps, which will be defined in pre-construction stage.

46. No wider range environmental impact is expected for all subprojects including the new landfill which will meet international standards, with impermeable basal lining, leachate collection and storm water drainage, except contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the landfill.

E. Structure of this IEE Report

47. The IEE report is organized as follows:

i. Executive Summary (Chapter I) outlines important facts, major findings of the IEE. ii. Introduction (Chapter II) describes the purpose of this IEE, the environmental categorization by ADB and MONRE, and the structure of the IEE. iii. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework (Chapter III) describes ADB’s and the Lao PDR’s environmental impact assessment requirements and procedures, and applicable environmental regulations. i. Description of the Subprojects (Chapter IV) detailed description of the subprojects, including project content. ii. Description of the Environment (Chapter V) provides a description of the potentially affected environment as (i) Physical Resources, including topography and soils, air and water quality, noise etc.; (ii) Ecological Resources – flora, fauna, and protected areas; (iii) Physical cultural resources; (iv) Socio-economic situation, including economic development, public health and education, and poverty. The description is based on reviews of available documentation, statistical data, and field surveys and investigations. iii. Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures (Chapter VI) provides an assessment of potential impacts of the proposed development in light of the existing conditions. It assesses environmental impacts of subprojects in three phases: pre-construction, construction and operation. It also defines mitigation measures.

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iv. Analysis of Alternatives (Chapter VII) assesses impacts and benefits of with-project and without-project scenarios. v. Public Consultation (Chapter VIII) provides information on public consultation activities undertaken during project preparation, and introduces the plan for future public consultation. vi. Grievance Redress Mechanism (Chapter IX) presents the GRM established to handle grievances and complaints arising during project implementation. vii. Conclusions (Chapter X) summarize the major environmental impacts, mitigation measures and concludes on the environmental soundness of the project. viii. Appendices 1. Environmental Management Plan presents the EMP for Houayxay Subprojects. The EMP defines the mitigation measures, performance indicators, environmental monitoring requirements, institutional responsibilities, training activities related to environmental management, reporting requirements, and a mechanism for feedback and adjustment.

III. POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

A. National Environmental Laws, Strategies, and Policies

48. The national framework for the governance of environmental matters of Lao PDR includes a comprehensive set of environmental and natural resources related laws and regulations. Several government agencies are involved in environmental management.

49. In 2011 the Ministry for MONRE was created by merging the Water Resource and Environment Administration (WREA) with departments of the National Land Management Authority (NLMA) and portfolios of other ministries including the Geology Department, and the Forest Conservation and Divisions within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The policies, laws relevant to environmental protection are listed below.

1. Laws

• Law on Environmental Protection No. 29/NA (2012) • Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Initial Environment Examination of the Investment Projects and Activities on dated No.8029/MONRE (2013) • Ministerial Instruction on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process of the Investment Projects and Activities No.8030/MONRE (2013) • Law on Industry No.01/99/NA (1999) • Law on Hygiene, Prevention and Health Promotion No.01/NA(2001) • Law on Water and Water Resources (1996) • Law on Land (2003) • Law on Roads No.203/PSD (2016) • Law on Forestry (2007)

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• Law on Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage (2005) • Law on Fisheries (2010)

2. Strategies, Plans, Policy

• The 7th National Social and Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) (2011-2015) • National Forestry Strategy to 2020 (FS2020) • National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 & Action Plan to 2010 (NBSAP) • Urban Master Plan (2001) No. 58/PM • National Water Resources Strategy and Action Plan [draft] • Strategic plan on disaster risk management in Lao PDR (2020, 2010) and Action Plan (2003-2005)

3. Climate Change Policy and Programming

• National Strategy on Climate Change (2010) • National Climate Change Action Plan (2013-2020) • National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA) (2009) • National Development Socioeconomic Development Plan: Streamlining Climate Change • National Disaster Management and Climate Change (DDMCC) of the MONRE

4. International Agreements

50. The Lao Government is party to international multilateral environmental agreements. Agreements pertaining to the project are listed below.

• Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), 4 January 4, 1995 • Agreement on The Cooperation for The Sustainable Development of The Mekong River Basin (Mekong Agreement), April 5, 1995 • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), September 20, 1996 • Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, August 21, 1998 • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), March 5, 2002 • ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, June 10, 2002 • Plant Protection Agreement for the Asian and Pacific Region, March 17, 1960

5. Environmental Standards & Criteria

51. National standards and criteria exist for drinking water quality, surface and groundwater quality, soil quality for agriculture, air quality and noise level standards, and wastewater discharge standards for BOD, NH3-N, TSS, and pH. Specific standards are also available for certain chemical use by factories. The existing standards are found in the National Environmental Standard Order No. 2734/PMU-WREA (2009). The relevant national standards are set out in the subproject EMPs.

52. Comparison of international and national environmental standards is given in table 2 below. Where Lao PDR regulations differ from the environmental standards provided by the

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general and applicable Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines of the World Bank (2007), the reference will be whichever is more stringent. For surfacewater and groundwater the comparison criteria will be baseline water quality analysis conducted in detailed design and preconstruction stage and local ambient water quality criteria given in Annex 1 of EMP.

Table 2: Comparison of International and National Environmental Standards

Averaging International National Parameter Unit Period Standard Standard PM10 24-hour µg/m3 50 120 PM2.5 24-hour µg/m3 25 - Ambient Air 24-hour µg/m3 20 50 SO2 Qualitya 10 minute µg/m3 500 - NO2 1-hour µg/m3 200 110 CO 1-hour µg/m3 - 30 One hour LAeq Receptor: day time dBA 55 Residential, (07:00-22:00) 70 İnstitutiobal, One hour LAeq educational Night time dBA 45 (07:00-22:00) Noise Levelb One hour LAeq day time dBA 70 Receptor: (07:00-22:00) Industrial, 70 One hour LAeq commercial Night time dBA 70 (07:00-22:00) pH 6-9 6-9.5 Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 30 30 (BOD) Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 125 120 Treated (COD) Sewarege Total Nitrogen (TN) mg/l 10 - Dischargec Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) mg/l - 35 Total phosphorus (TP) mg/l 2 - Oil and grease mg/l 10 20 Total Suspended Solid (TSS) mg/l 50 30 Total coliform bacteria MPNd/100ml 400 - a: Ambient Air Quality Guideline Global Update, World Health Organisation (WHO), 2005 - referred in World Bank HSE Guidelines (2007) b: Guidelines for Community Noise, World Health Organization (WHO), 1999- referred in World Bank HSE Guidelines (2007) c: Table 1.3.1 World Bank HSE Guidelines (2007) d:Most Probable Number

B. National Forest Management Types

53. The three primary forest types or categories with respect to forest preservation and development are: (i) Protection forests, (ii) Conservation (or reserved) forests, (iii) Production Forests. Two other managed forest categories which reflect the overall goal of the Government of forest restoration through community based forest management are Regeneration Forests and Degraded Forests.

54. Protection Forests. Protection forests are forests classified for the function of

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environmental protection defined by water resources, river banks, road sides, preventing soil erosion, protecting soil quality, strategic areas for national defence, and protection from natural disasters.

55. Conservation or Reserved Forests. Conservation forests are forests classified for the purposes of conserving nature, preserving plant and animal species, forest ecosystems and other valuable sites of natural, historical, cultural, tourism, environmental, educational and scientific research experiments. Conservation forests exist at the national, provincial, district and village levels.

56. Production Forests. Production forests are natural forests and planted forests that are actively utilized for wood production, and for wood and forestry product-related livelihoods to satisfy the requirements of national socio-economic development and people’s living.

57. Regeneration Forests. Regeneration forest is young fallow forest classified for the purpose of regeneration and maintenance so that it increases in maturity toward a stage of natural equilibrium.

58. Degraded Forests. Degraded forest has been heavily damaged to the extent that land is barren without trees. The forest is classified for tree planting and/or allocation to individuals and organizations for tree planting, permanent agriculture and livestock production, or for other purposes.

C. Urban Environment Management

59. The Urban Development Authority Administration (UDAA) of towns in Lao PDR issues the following regulations for urban planning and management:

• Agreement of keeping good urban environment with the provincial territory no. 295/PG, dated 06/10/2006; • Agreement of building and construction with municipality No. 296/PG dated 06/10/2006; and • Agreement on road management and activities subject to urban road No. 297/PG, dated 06/10/2006. • Agreement on revenue and expenditure of UDA No. 372/PG, dated 05/12/2006;

D. National Environmental Assessment Procedure & Directives

60. Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law (2012), development projects and operations that have or will have the potential to affect the environment shall require environmental assessment in accordance with the regulations of MONRE (previously WREA). MONRE is responsible for environmental management and monitoring and the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as per the Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Initial Environment Examination of the Investment Projects and Activities on dated No.8029/MONRE (17.12.2013) and Ministerial Instruction on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process of the Investment Projects and Activities No.8030/MONRE(17.12.2013)

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61. In accordance with the Ministerial Instructions on IEE and ESIA the investment projects and activities are divided into two groups: i) Group 1- Investment projects and activities that are anticipated to cause the insignificant or minimal environmental and social impacts; therefore, are required to conduct an Initial Environmental Examination Process; (ii) Group 2- Investment projects and activities that are anticipated to cause the significant or major environmental and social impacts; therefore, are required to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process.

62. After application of project owner, the provincial department of MONRE (DONRE) screens the proposed project to determine whether project categorised in Group 1 or Group 2. If the proposed project categorised in Group 1, the project owner prepares the IEE Report to be accepted for review and issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate. If the proposed project categorised in Group 2, before implementation of ESIA, the project owner prepares a Scoping Report and the Terms of Reference to be reviewed and approved by the MONRE. After approval of the Scoping Report and Terms of Reference project owner conducts ESIA to be reviewed and approved by MONRE.

63. Key directives and regulations for environmental assessment in Lao PDR are as follows:

• Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Initial Environment Examination of the Investment Projects and Activities on dated No.8029/MONRE (17.12.2013) • Ministerial Instruction on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process of the Investment Projects and Activities No.8030/MONRE(17.12.2013) • Manual of Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures Road Projects in Lao PDR (1997). • Regulation and Guidelines for Environmental Assessment of Road Projects (1999). • Environmental Impact Assessment for Industry and Processing Handicraft Order No.1222/MIH (2005)

64. The technical and procedural aspects of above regulations and directives were combined into the UNDP-UNEP supported and MONRE-sponsored Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Lao PDR (2012), which has been followed by the draft IEIA guidelines (2013). The 2012 EIA and 2013 draft IEE guidelines support the Decree of Environmental Impact Assessment (2010).

65. The IEE requirements of the ADB SPS (2009) more than satisfy the current draft ESIA guidelines for Lao PDR. A project is assigned the requirement for either an ESIA or EIA depending on project size or complexity. An ESIA requires a formal scoping and Terms of Reference for the ESIA to be agreed with the approving authority. The Lao and ADB IEE follow the same major steps and consist of the same major components. However, the Lao IEE includes a social impact assessment and an environmental and social management and monitoring plan.

E. ADB Safeguard Policy

66. The ADB Safeguard Policy Statement and Sourcebook (ADB 2009, 2012) clarifies

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the rationale, scope and content of an environmental assessment. Projects are initially screened to determine the level of assessment that is required according to the following three environmental categories: Category A for projects that normally cause significant or major environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse or unprecedented such as hydroelectric dams (an Environmental Impact Assessment is required); Category B projects which have potential adverse impacts that are less adverse than those of category A, which are site-specific, largely reversible, and for which mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects (an Initial Environmental Examination is required); and Category C projects that are likely to have minimal or no negative environmental impacts. An environmental assessment for Category C projects is not required but environmental implications need to be reviewed.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF SUBPROJECTS

67. There are five subprojects in Houayxay, which are given in Table 3 below. The descriptions of the subprojects are provided below.

Table 3: Subproject components in Houayxay HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection HXY A2 - Ecological Park and Recreation Area HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management HXY B3 - Wastewater Management

A. HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection

68. River Port Rehabilitation. The “River Port 1: Local Houayxay-Chiang Khong ferry terminal”, which will be rehabilitated, is situated to the northern end of the main urban area. It will include Mekong view point, concrete ramp, new concrete road, vehicle turning area, walkway, stairs, shop area and footpath.

69. Riverbank Upgrading. The riverside embankment will be 650 m long starts from River Port3. Riverbank upgrading consists of laying down compacted sand, gravel and geotextile layer and “concrete planter blocks” on the top which enable shallow rooted plants like grass and some vegetables to be planted and provide a green appearance. A 2m wide footpath will be constructed along the top of the embankment along the full length for public access and recreation.

70. The subproject location and subproject general specifications are given in Figure 2 and Table 4 below.

3 In the feasibility stage it was proposed 1 km between Port 1 and Port 2, however remaining section of the work has been already started to manage by the governorate.

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Figure 2: HXY A1 – Location of River Port Rehabilitation and Town Centre riverbank upgrading

Table 4: Scope of HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation Item General Specifications • Mekong View point • Concrete Ramp 9 m wide • New concrete road 6 m wide River Port Rehabilitation (see River • Vehicle turning area (L=30m, W=20m) Port 1 in Figure 2) • Walkway 2 m wide • Stairs 4m wide and 2 m wide • Shop area (L=100m, w=15m) • Footpath 2m wide Riverbank Upgrading and Protection • Approx. 650 m long (Continues section from local Houayxay- • sloped at 45 degrees down to low water level Chiang Khong ferry terminal to main port) • finished with concrete “planter blocks” • 2m wide footpath will be along the top of the embankment

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Figure 3: Plan of rehabilitated river port in Houayxay

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Figure 4: river embankment cross section

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B. HXY A2 - Ecological Park Recreational Area

71. The ecological park area around 40 ha is located at the southern part of Houayxay between the historic centre and new housing and economic zones being prepared towards the Friendship Bridge at south. The area includes an inland natural lake, grazing area includes grass and tree plantings, and be described in three zones: (i) lake zone, (ii) grass land zone and (iii) river land zone.

72. The project consists of i) an ecological park area; ii) upgrading access roads and walkways; iii) riverbank upgrading; and iv) constructed wetland as summarised in table

Table 5: Scope of HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area Project Item General Specifications • Recreational zones: represent mainly in the western part. They are restaurant zone, entry zone, ethnic zone, meeting zone, tropical forest zone, and butterfly garden zone, and a storage place for recreational facilities such as tents for night camping • Sport zones: represent sport zones mainly in the center. They are sports zone, hill zone and mountain bike zone. It offers an indoor sports area as well as outdoor fitness area, and ticket office for visitor to use the sports facilities. • Education zones: located mainly in the northern- Ecological park area eastern part. They are farm zone, fruit farm zone, forest zone, and orchard zone, as well as the indoor education space for organic farming, fruit farming and forestry technologies, a small lab for Eco Park environment and biodiversity measurements and testing, a composting toilet for visitors to learn how the ecological way to transform human waste to fertilizers for agriculture is. • Eco environmental areas. They are parking zone 1, eco-pond zone, eco-river front zone 1, eco-river front zone 2, nursery zone and parking zone 2. They are mainly along the river front area and pond area which create overall eco environment for the Eco Park. • No1: 441 m, Double Bitumen Surface Treatment (DBST) surface; from km 0 to km 0.18 width 12 m, from km0.18 Access Roads (No.1 on the west, to km0.44 width 9m No.2 on the east side) • Access Road No2: 585 m. from km0 to km0.26 width 6m

and DBST surface; from km0.26 to 0.58 with 2m walkway concrete block pavement • Approx. 1km long • ≈700 m Engineering embankment and planting (joint Riverbank upgrading planting riprap slope protection) ≈300 m natural

embankment (vetiver grass planting slope protection) • Without footpath

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73. Ecological park recreational area. The proposed Eco-Park is providing valuable urban green amenity and expected to function as a central focal point for community activities and tourism attractions. The Eco Park design includes a series of recreation, experience and education activities inside the park directed towards different kinds of users. All activities have to comply with the ecological friendly park concept and accordingly designed “attractions” for local communities and people visiting Houayxay. The objective of the Park is the support of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within the Bokeo Province and beyond as well as public awareness and education about sustainable management and use of biodiversity, including agriculture. The ecopark has been designed as functional zoning based on positioning and visitor demands. Zoning plan is given in Figure 6.

74. The access roads and walkway. The PPTA designs proposed to construct 1 km riverside road which starts from Thinthat Village and ends at the start point of eco-park area. However, during detailed designs this road was cancelled and instead two separate access roads in the west (441m) and east (585m) border of the ecopark area are included.

75. Riverbank Upgrading. In feasibility stage it was proposed as 500m long between the international border bridge and the town centre for some specific limited areas, as five lengths of 100m of embankment. The design of these proposed sections of embankment were the same as for the town centre area but without the footpath. However, in the detailed design stage a full length of 1 km riverbank upgrading along the eco-park is proposed. With the consideration of potential ecological impacts and International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM)4 recommendations, the riverbank upgrading design was changed from “concrete planter blocks” to bioengineering methods. The following bioengineering methods were considered in the detailed designs and will be used in the project: a) Vetiver grass planting (for soft embankment areas); b) joint planting riprap (for hard embankments areas). (see Figure 5 and Figure 7 for exact location of joint planting)

a)vetiver grass planting b) joint planting riprap

Figure 5: Bioengineering methods considered in detailed design of riverbank upgrading at ecopark

4 ADB, 2017, Second Greater Mekong Sub-region Corridor Towns Development Project-Integrated Disaster Risk Management – Final Report

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Figure 6: Ecopark zoning plan

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Figure 7: Riverbank upgrading at ecopark exact locations of hard embankment

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C. HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage

76. The subproject includes two elements: i) road improvements including road side drains for stormwater and greywater; ii) Construction of roadside drains for existing roads for stormwater and grey water.

77. Road improvements including roadside drains. The details of the roads and the drains for the new roads to be constructed in each village are given in Table 6. An example cross section of upgraded road including roadside drains in both side of the road design is shown in Figure 8 below.

Table 6: General specifications of the road and roadside drain improvements Length of Total UR Name of Length of the Drainage the road Drain the Road (m) (m) (m) UR1A Drain 1:300m, UR 1 808 UR1A Drain 2.245m, 808 UR1B Drain 1:263m UR2 Drain 1&2:60x2m UR2 Drain 3&4:480x2m UR 2 1241 UR2 Drain 5&6:110x2m 2900 UR2 Drain 7&8:330x2m UR2 Drain 9&10:470x2m UR3 Drain 1&2:200x2 UR 3 339 UR3 Drain 3&4:60x2 678 UR3 Drain 5&6:79x2 UR4-Drain 1: 20m UR4-Drain 3&4: 20x2m UR 4 197 374 UR4-Drain 5&6:40x2m UR4-Drain 7&8:56x2m UR 5 Drain 1&2:40x2 UR 5 Drain 3&4: 100x2 UR 5 Drain 5&6: 60x2 UR 5 598 1198 UR 5 Drain 7&8:140x2 UR 5 Drain 9&10: 60x2 UR 5 Drain 11&12: 198x2 UR 6A Drain 1&2:20x2 UR 6A Drain 3&4: 392x2 UR 6B Drain 1&2: 30x2 UR 6B Drain 3&4: 110x2 UR 6B Drain 5&6: 60x2 UR 6A:484 UR 6 UR 6B Drain 7&8: 280x2 3258 UR 6B: 1145 UR 6B Drain 9&10: 140x2 UR 6B Drain 11&12: 80x2 UR 6B Drain 13&14: 80, 140 UR 6B Drain 15&16: 120x2 UR 6B Drain 17&18. 104x2 UR 7 613 UR 7 Drain 1&2: 100x2 1226

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UR 7 Drain 3&4: 120x2 UR 7 Drain 5&6: 140x2 UR 7 Drain 7&8: 242x2 UR 8 Drain 1&2:260x2 UR 8 498 UR 8 Drain 3&4:180x2 996 UR 8 Drain 5&6:58x2 UR 9 Drain 1&2: 170x2 UR 9 325 UR 9 Drain 3&4: 70x2 650 UR 9 Drain 5&6: 85x2 UR 10 Drain 1&2: 90x2 UR10 159 318 UR 10 Drain 3&4: 69x2 UR 11 Drain 1&2: 340x2 UR 11 434 868 UR 11 Drain 3&4: 95x2 General 13274 6832 Total

Figure 8: Cross section of road upgrade

Figure 9: Location of road and roadside drainage improvement –UR1

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Figure 10: Location of road and roadside drainage improvement –UR3&UR5&UR9

Figure 11: Location of road and roadside drainage improvement –UR4

UR 6

UR 11

UR 7

Figure 12: Location of road and roadside drainage improvement –UR6A&6B, UR7, UR 11

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Figure 13: Location of road and roadside drainage improvement – UR8

78. Construction of Roadside Drains for Existing Roads. The urban drainage works consists of adding roadside stormwater drainage to seven existing sealed roads and the total length will become 9.79 km.

Table 7: Part B – Urban Drainage Drain ID Length (m) DS1 874 DS2 2738 DS3 3520 DS4&DS5 1009 DS6 730 DS7 920 Total 9791

D. HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management

79. The Houayxay Landfill will be located in the existing dumpsite situated about 3 km from the town centre, 2.5 km northeast of the airport. The landfill is 10 ha. The landfill can be accessed from National Road 3. The access road to the landfill is around 900 m.

80. Existing dumpsite condition. It was constructed under an ADB Loan Project 5 and started to operate in 2008. When it was initially commissioned the site was well constructed and included cell layers, a leachate pond and site drainage. However it is quickly deteriorated due to lack of management. The operation of the landfill was contracted out to a Thai company JHL Co. in 2010 which has built a plant for Waste to Fuel on site in 2009. JHL Co. never managed the landfill operation and the Waste to Fuel plant is not under operation anymore. As of detailed design phase around 20 waste pickers are “operating” the dumpsite, which are supervised by UDAA staff. The waste pickers have built small wooden housing in the southwest of the landfill site. The incoming trucks/vehicles

5 ADB Small Towns Development Project (ADB Loan No1994-Lao)

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unload the waste at the flat area next to the steel frame hangar. The waste pickers sort the parts that are recyclable and sellable for them from the waste. The IEE includes an assessment of environmental compliance issues and risks for the current dumpsite which are addressed by the detailed design and construction of the landfill.

Figure 14: Location of the landfill

81. Normal dumping operation during construction period. During the remediation of the actual disposal areas it will be necessary to clean up existing waste and temporarily dump it on the area next to the service road to the hospital waste incinerator plant within the boundary of new landfill site (Figure 15). Normal dumping operations will be continued at this location until Cell 1 is completed. After completion of Cell 1, all existing waste on site will be relocated to it.

82. Solid Waste Collection. Collection and transportation of solid waste are conducted by the Urban Development Administration Authority (UDAA) of Hoauyxay. There are a total of 82 villages in Hoauyxay district; 17 of the 82 villages are urban villages. Around 43% of households in urban villages and one special zone at the friendship bridge have solid waste collection service. The initial target of UDAA for collection service is 100% in urban villages and then adding around 30 district/rural villages to the waste collection in future. The waste collection will be improved through i) procurement of 20 numbers of waste skips and placement of them at the villages which have access difficulties due to long distances to main roads or the urban centre. Containers will be located in highly populated areas, close to markets, schools, public areas in the mentioned villages. Each household in these villages will deliver their waste to these waste skips placed in their villages. UDAA or a private contractor will then collect the skip for emptying at the landfill. ii) Capacity building for UDAA on “organization of waste collection from hand carts to transfer stations to compactor vehicles and open trucks” will be conducted by the Consultant; iii) Public awareness campaign will be conducted by UDAA for waste collection improvements.

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Figure 15: Temporary dumping area during construction period

Table 8: Scope of HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management Subproject Item General Specifications a. Construction Package LNT B1 – Solid Waste Management Relocation of existing waste • Remove all existing waste to new cell location • Cell 1: 12,806 m2 (a capacity of around 78,581 m³ for an Landfill disposal area operation period of around 9-10 years) • Cell 2: 4,369m2 (future extension); • Clay liner (min. thickness 0.25 m), • Basal Sealing System • Geomembrane (HDPE thickness 2 mm) • Geocomposite Drain ( 8-15 mm drainage mat) • Drainage pipework (PE 100, Ø 200mm) • Leachate Collection System • Leachate collection shafts (PE100) • Leachate collection pipes (PE 100, Ø 250mm) Leachate Evaporation Pond • 8500 m3 with a depth of 4.00 m • Controlled air” system (two stage incineration) Medical Waste Incinerator • Capacity 10 kg/h • a steel framed roofed structure with 2 open sides for access of waste trucks and backhoe loaders Segregation Shed • water supply, toilets, wastewater tank, electric installation Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility • for treatment of the sludge collected from household

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septic tanks in Houayxay • Consists of screen, anaerobic stabilisation reactor, sludge drying bed, anaerobic filter, planted gravel filter • Will be installed after closure of the cell - Not part of this Landfill Gas Extraction System project Site General • Access Road & Service • Existing access road will be improved (1091mx6 m) Roads Existing service roads • Entrance control building • Buildings Vehicle garage and workshop steel or reinforced concrete platform with grooved • Weighbridge surface of a minimum dimension of 18m x 3m • Fencing • with panels with a total height of: 2,400 mm • Around the perimeter of leachate evaporation pond • Storm water drainage • Along the service and access roads • Discharge point natural valley in the east of the landfill • Groundwater borehole (well) connected to housed water • Water supply tank with a lockable door • Sewage System • Two 3-chambers septic tank b. Capacity Building Package on solid waste management • training on the importance of working within cells, daily cell use and weekly cell maintenance. • training on the correct use of vehicles on the site, movement of waste around the site and compaction Area1.2: • training of the Gate staff in logging vehicles onto the site Assistance to managed landfill O&M and recording of loads and fee collection from private vehicles. • training on monitoring of leachate production, level of leachate lagoon and methodology in pumping leachate back over the cells when close to overflow. Area 1.3 • Organisation of waste collection from hand carts to Environmental Sanitation and transfer stations to compactor vehicles and open trucks. Improved Solid Waste Collection c. Procurement of Managed Landfill Equipment Garbage Compactor Truck • Quantity: 1; Capacity: 8 m3 Waste Dump Truck • Quantity: 1; Capacity: 8 m3 Skip Garbage Container Loader • Quantity: 1; Capacity: 5 m3 Truck • Quantity: 20; capacity: 5 m3 Skip Garbage Container • Steel with cover and opening with lid • Will be placed in the villages with difficult access Soil Dump Truck • Quantity: 1; Capacity: 6 m3 Bucket Excavator • Quantity: 1; Capacity: 0.6 m3 • Quantity: 20; capacity: 1 m3 Handcart • Stainless steel

83. Landfill disposal area. Above the sub-grade a 0.25 m thick mineral liner will be constructed. The mineral liner will be covered with a 2.0 mm high density polyethylene (HDPE), geomembrane and a geo-composite drain mat. At the low points a drainage

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collection pipe will be installed. The drainage pipes will be covered with gravel to guarantee a fast run off of the leachate collected within the geo-composite mat.

84. Leachate Management System. The leachate control system consists of geocomposite drainage mat and a network of collection pipes installed in two (2) leachate sections within the base area connecting to a leachate transportation pipe at the low points of each section. The transportation pipe will penetrate the embankment in the east of the cell and lead into the leachate evaporation pond, located direct next to the embankment. Cell 1 is divided in two (2) dewatering parts, which are bordered by the berm in the slope. The down slope (waste height – 5m) will be dewatered as leachate drain into the evaporation pond. The upper slope (waste height 5 – 10m) will be dewatered as surface water through a trench on the berm until the disposed waste will reach the height of the berm. The leachate collection system is designed according to the principle of gravitation. During operation it will be necessary to recycle the collected leachate by pumping it back from the leachate evaporation pond to the landfill during the dry season and on dry days during the rainy season.

85. Storm Water Management System. To prevent rainfall runoff entering the landfill area and the leachate evaporation pond, a drainage trench will be installed around its perimeter and the service road. Along the access road a surface water collection trench will be constructed as well. The surface water will be discharged into the dry natural valley in the east of the landfill., which discharges rainwater to the Mekong River in rainy season.

86. Proposed Landfill Gas Management System. Overall aim is minimizing negative effects to climate change and reduction and monitoring of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). A passive degassing system with bio-filters or gas windows is in science questionable as it is hard to monitor and emissions are difficult to control and analyse. The better system is an active degassing. Through the compressor stations a negative pressure will be created in the landfill body to extract the landfill gas through the gas wells. The landfill gas generation at landfill Houayxay is insufficient for gas utilization. Therefore, collection of landfill gas in gas wells and a treatment in a gas flare is proposed. Gas wells shall be installed into the landfill body after closing cell 1 and when starting with the extension (cell 2) of the landfill. The gas will be transported to a low gas flare. Low gas flares can be operated with gas volumes of 35 m³/h up to 180 m³/h which would match with the calculated figures for Houayxay. The maximum gas generation is expected to be less than 100 m³/h assuming a collection rate of maximum 65% of the generated landfill gas. A gas extraction system is not part of the subproject works. It will be installed after closure of cell 1.

87. Segregation shed for waste pickers. The existing steel framed roofed structure with 4 open sides will be improved with inclusion of a water supply, toilet with septic tank and an electricity supply. The segregation shed for the waste pickers serves as a platform for the separation of valuables from the waste. In addition, the valuables can be temporary stored in the shed until being sold on the recycling market. A more modern, safer and healthier way of recycling e.g. Solid Waste Sorting Plant was not proposed during feasibility stage and such an investment cost was not included to the this project budget. However, the PMIS Consultant prepared a concept paper for Solid Waste Sorting Plant and Composting Plant and submitted to the PCU for potential future developments and projects

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88. In order to prevent waste being double handled and moved to the cell after it is picked, only source separated waste will be bought to the landfill site segregation shed. The residual waste will be taken directly from the source to the tipping face. Source segregation will require extensive communication, awareness raising and additional support for residents as well as additional budget for separate collection rounds. UDAA has proposed source segregation but this is considered outside the scope of this project although will have a direct impact on the waste pickers.

89. Medical waste incinerator. The Provincial hospital presently has 70 beds. The total waste generation is approximately 63kg/day (0.9 kg/bed/day), with 15-20% of this considered infectious waste (12kg/day). The medical waste will be stored at the hospital and will be transported by container truck to the landfill weekly where it will be burned when delivered. The incinerator which has a burning rate of 10kg/h will be operated once a week. A controlled-air incineration (two stage) will be installed at the landfill, which is most widely used medical waste incineration. The controlled-air incineration machine is suitable for safe and economic disposal of a wide range of waste types. It requires minimal user interaction and only a single operator throughout. Waste is loaded via the primary chamber door into the main combustion chamber. When the door is closed, the progressive latching system creates a tight window frame seal that minimises thermal heat loss and maximises thermal efficiency. Operation of the machine is performed via the simple-to-use, plug-and-play controller. The machine can be set to perform a previously prepared cycle, or custom settings can be entered via the interface. Once the cycle has been initiated no further action is required. The machine will begin with preheating the secondary after chamber to the required 850°C minimum. This chamber provides a turbulent and high temperature environment for the thorough treatment and oxidation of the partially burnt flue gases, offering a virtually smokeless, odourless operation. Once above this minimum temperature threshold, the incineration process in the primary chamber can commence. Real time temperatures from the primary and secondary chambers are displayed at all times from the main controller display. Once the cycle has completed, an automatic cool-down process will be enacted for the machine to be safely de-ashed and reloaded. The fine, sterile and inert ash, which will generate after combustion with an amount of approx. 3% (≈ 2.5kg/week) of the waste amount, will be disposed at the new landfill cell. The manufacturer of the incinerator will provide an operational manual and training during construction.

90. Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility. The city has the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) services already initiated to some extend such as availability of faecal sludge desludging and transportation services by Urban Development Administration Authority of Houayxay (UDAA-HX) service provider and the faecal sludge is disposed to the landfill without any treatment process. The city authorities have high level of willingness towards improved FSM facility. However, currently there are no national or state or the city level FSM laws and regulations. The design for FSM facility for Houayxay is designed for 12 cubic matters capacity per day which can be able to cover a growth rate of the city up to next 20 years. The FSM will consist of four main units, which are screen, anaerobic stabilization reactor, sludge drying bed, anaerobic filter and planted gravel filter. The screen is the first unit, used to remove large particles of floating and suspended matters removed. Anaerobic stabilization reactor is the unit where biological treatment occurs. After sludge is stabilized in the anaerobic stabilization reactor, it will be discharged to the sludge drying bed.

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The liquid of wastewater generated from the sludge drying bed will flow to an Anaerobic Filter and then a Planted Filter before discharged to a natural valley. Dewatered sludge will be removed manually from the sludge drying bed every 15 days. The options for the use of sludge will be evaluated in operation phase depending on the sludge quality which may include usage as a fertiliser, or use around the landfill.

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Figure 16: Houayxay Landfill Layout

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E. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management

91. The wastewater from households classified in two categories: ii) Black Water: Wastewater from the toilets, sewage; ii) Grey Water: wastewater from kitchen and bathing.

92. Black Water Management in Houayxay: There is currently no wastewater treatment in Hoauayxay other than some domestic and commercial septic tanks and soakaway latrines, which are usually poorly designed and constructed. There are both government and private vacuum trucks offering septage removal for disposing to the existing dumpsite without any treatment process. However, usually desludging of septage has not been properly and periodically done and effluent from these septic tanks or latrines flows to 10 small watercourses through town either directly or indirectly which deliver the wastewater to the Mekong river.

93. Grey Water Management in Houayxay: The grey water from households and institutions is discharged directly without any treatment to nearest water body (roadside drainage or natural creek), which are also use for irrigation purposes e.g. in rice fields or in fish ponds. Finally, it is discharged to Mekong River or inflows to lake at ecological park.

Faecal sludge

Figure 17: Existing wastewater management system

94. Rehabilitation of natural Creeks, which carry combined stormwater and greywater drains. The subproject consist of rehabilitation of 2.87 km of 8 natural creeks (D1 to D8), which are the discharges mains to the Mekong River. These creeks collect the storm water and grey water both from the households along the creek and some roadside drains which discharge to these creeks (Figure 18 to Figure 25) Rehabilitation will consist of construction of stone masonry lining in the bottom and the sides where needed, which will require excavation inside natural creeks and generation of sludge and debris to be removed.

95. Wastewater Treatment. No wastewater treatment was proposed by PPTA. However, in order to prevent potential impacts on the water quality, aquatic habitat and adverse odour and visual impacts a Vegetated Submerged Bed (VSB) Constructed Wetland has been designed by PMIS for Drain 6, Drain 7 and Drain 8, which are natural creeks flows to the lake in ecopark. A DEWATS has been designed for Drain 4 as this creek contains runoff from busy urban roads (UR6 and UR7). For D1-D2-D3-D5 it has been decided to follow PPTA conclusions (no treatment). They will be treated in future projects when new funds arise from both donor and state government parties. In order to improve wastewater (blackwater) management, a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant will be constructed in the

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landfill within the scope of the HXY B2 – Solid (Table 8 & para 90).

Figure 18: Location of the D1 (natural creek) and its catchment area

Figure 19: Location of the D2 (natural creek) and its catchment area

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Figure 20: Location of the D3 (natural creek) and its catchment area

Figure 21: Location of the D4 (natural creek) and its catchment area

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Figure 22: Location of the D5 (natural creek) and its catchment area

Figure 23: Location of the D6 (natural creek) and its catchment area

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Figure 24: Location of the D7 (natural creek) and its catchment area

Figure 25: Location of the D8 (natural creek) and its catchment area

Natural creek Start point of creek Borders of catchment area Natural drains rehabilitation joining the creek

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96. Vegetated Submerged Bed (VSB) Constructed Wetland. There are grey water inflows to the lake from the west side of the lake where end point of three natural drains/creeks (D6, D7, D8) located. The greywater inflow to the lake may have impacts on water quality and natural aquatic systems in the lake, and may create adverse visual and odour impacts for eco-park in long term. Therefore, although no wastewater treatment was proposed by PPTA in feasibility designs, a Vegetated Submerged Bed (VSB) Constructed Wetland at Ecopark has been included in detailed designs for prevention of above foreseen impacts of greywater inflow to the lake.

97. VSB Constructed Wetland system consists of an “inlet chamber” and “wetland lands”, does not require energy, and the vegetated surface view matches the recreational use of ecopark (Figure 26). Inlet Chamber will ensure i) homogeneous mixture of wastewater flows from Drain 6, Drain 7 and Drain 8; ii) debris and grit removal before VSB; and iii) flow control. Wetland lands will have 10.913 m2 surface areas, which will be divided into four cells. Plantation of local plants (preferably bulrushes) has been considered in the designs, as they can survive unfavourable conditions like prolonged flooding, or drought, and are not very invasive or tall, and also don't have many wastes in dry weather due to loosing leaves, as they are perennial. The wetland lands will ensure removal of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS). After the wetland land the treated water will be transferred to the lake at ecopark, which will be serve as tertiary treatment for nitrogen and phosphorous treatment. An outlet pipeline (dry weather) and box culvert has been designed between the lake and the creek which flows to the Mekong River. The flap valve installed end point of the box culvert will prevent backflow from river to lake in rainy season.

Figure 26: VSB Constructed Wetland

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Figure 27: Location of the VSB wetland treatment at ecopark area

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98. DEWATS for Drain 4. This wastewater treatment facility will serve 147 households with 735 people and 3 schools with 626 students. The system consists following treatment units: i) settler, ii) Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR); iii) Anaerobic Filter. Settlers are sedimentation tanks, where settleable solids are removed. Settled organic matter is retained in the tank, while all the rest (dissolved and suspended matter) passes untreated to the following treatment module. Anaerobic baffled reactors (ABR) ensure anaerobic degradation of suspended and dissolved solids by mixing wastewater with active sludge blanket. Anaerobic fixed bed filters (AF) treat whatever is dissolved in the wastewater by bringing it in close contact with active bacteria mass. Finally, the treated wastewater will be discharged back to the drain, which flows to the river.

Figure 28: Schematic diagram of the DEWAT

Figure 29: Location of DEWAT for Drain 4

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V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Subproject’s area

99. Administratively, the subprojects are located in Houayxay district, which is the administrative capital and urban centre of Bokeo province. Bokeo Province is located in northwestern Lao PDR, and has five districts (Houayxay, Tonpheung, Meung, Phaodom and Paktha). Houayxay District where the subprojects are located lies on the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand and shares borders with Tonpheung district to the North, Paktha district to the South, Luang namtha province to the East.

Figure 30: Location of the project

100. HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation and River bank Upgrading. The subproject is located in the proximity of the Mekong River stretching from new Port 1 to 650 m long, it is situated around 100m from the main highway which runs through town. There are guesthouses, restaurants and shops located next to river port along the access roads to serve the daily tourists arriving and leaving from the port.

Table 9: Receptors within project area of influence for HXY A1 Subproject Item Sensitive Receptors & Distance from Sub-project Site River Port • Business: guesthouses, shops, restaurants (50-100m)

Riverbank upgrading • Settlement: houses (50-100 m) • Environmental Resource: Mekong River (50m-150m), • Ecological Resource: Riparian vegetation among the river banks, fruit and timber trees and vegetable garden

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River port River Port

Shops around the ferry port Shops around the ferry port Figure 31: Existing river port in Houayxay

101. HXY A2 – Ecological park Recreational Area including Access Roads. Currently, the area contains several households with local inhabitants mostly occupied by fishing, cattle breeding and sand/gravel collection from the river. Two small shallow lakes are located at the eastern boundary of the river. The lake currently is used for fishing and is one of the income sources for the local residents. There are some markets, restaurants and schools on the north side of the lake. The grassland immediate south of the lake is currently used for cattle grazing. The land adjacent to Mekong has more formal landscape setting, and consists of trees which will be protected and integrated to the future park, residential houses to be resettled to areas outside the park.

Table 10: Receptors within project area of influence for HXY A2 Subproject Item Sensitive Receptors & Distance from Sub-project Site Ecological Park • Settlement: houses within the park area recreation area • Agricultural area within the park area • Business: Sand/gravel mining area in the borders of park area • Ecological resources: trees, fish habitat in the lake Riverbank upgrading • Environmental Resource: Mekong River (100m-150m) • Ecological resource: Riparian vegetation among the riverbank, turtle habitat

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Agricultural area Grazing area

cattle in the lake of ecopark Fishing at the lake of ecopark

Gravel mining area Teak forest and riparian vegetation Figure 32: Views from ecological park

102. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage. The roads are dispersed through town area, which is quite densly populated with streets and houses. The receptors within the project area of influence are listed below.

Table 11: Receptors within project area of influence for HXY B1

Subproject Item Sensitive Receptors & Distance from Sub-project Site

DS1- DS7 • Settlement: along the roads (50-100 m) (9791 m) • Cultural resources: Wat That Suvanna Pakham Buddhist Temple (approx. 70 m south of DS1) UR 1 • Shop/restaurant: Restaurant at start point (808m)

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• Settlement: Between km 0 to km 0+260: 3 houses (LHS), 6 houses (RHS) (50 m) Between km 260 to km 545 (UR1A): 14 houses LHS, 15 houses RHS Between km 260 to km 563 (UR1B): 14 houses LHS, 15 houses RHS UR 2 • Environmental Resource: Natural creek runs RHS km60-km100 (1241 m) UR 3 • School: Upper secondary school end of the road (80m) (339 m) • Settlements: 5 Houses LHS, 4 Houses RHS (80m) UR 4 • Business: Market close to start point (80m), Department of Commerce (197 m) Provincial Office (80m) • School: Political Academy College (80m) • Settlements: a few houses UR 5 • Settlements: houses along the road (80-100m) (598m) UR 6A: 484m • School: Secondary school end of UR 6A (50 m), private primary school along UR 6B: 1145m the UR 6B (80m) • Settlement: around 70 houses along the road UR 6A, Around 50 houses along the road UR 6B (80m) UR 7 • Fuel depot close to start point of the road (50 m) (613 m) • Settlements: Houses along the road (80m) UR 8 • School: Bokeo Village Primary school (80m) (498 m) • Settlement: around 50 houses along the road (80m) • Cultural resources: Wat Chomko Manilat Temple (approx. 130 m south) UR 9 • Business: Market (80-100m) at the start point (329 m) • Settlement: around 70 houses along the road (80m) • Cultural resources: one temple (80m) • School: Primary school (80m) UR10 • Business: Restaurant at start point (159 m) UR 11 • Institution: District governor Office at the start point, government offices and (434 m) police department

103. HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management. Existing dumpsite is located in a valley bordered by banana plantations on 3 sides. The access way to the landfill is around 900 m. The access way crosses farmland with banana plantations on both sides. The nearest settlement area is around 10 houses located approx.1.5 km north-west of the dumpsite. The receptors within the project area of influence are listed below.

Table 12: Receptors within project area of influence for HXY B2

Subproject Item Sensitive Receptors & Distance from Sub-project Site Landfill and access • Agricultural resource: Banana plantations on north, south and west side of road the dumpsite area, and two sides of the access road to the dumpsite, 792 trees (rubber, banana, and others) • Social: 30 waste pickers • Infrastructure: Power lines to be relocated, belong to UDAA

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Waste disposal area Waste pickers during waste segregation

Banana plantation Banana plantation

Access road to the landfill Figure 33: Existing Dumpsite in Houayxay

104. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management. Eight natural creeks with a total length of 2.87 km are dispersed through the town.

Table 13: Receptors within project area of influence for LNT A4

Subproject Item Sensitive Receptors & Distance from Sub-project Site Drain 1-8 • Settlement: along the drains (50 m) • Environmental Resource: natural creeks and Mekong River

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B. Geography, Topography and Geology

105. Northern Lao PDR. Topography in the north is predominantly mountainous with numerous settlements. Houayxay is located on the relatively narrow cultivated floodplains of the in a Lower Mekong River Basin. Two primary physiographic regions exist in northern Lao PDR which are defined by: i) Northern Highlands. Consist of severe mountainous terrain between 500-2000m with only 6% of the area with a slope of under 20% with half of the terrain exceeding 50% slope. Soils are characterized with low pH with low water retention, and low fertility; and ii) Annamite Range. The Annamite range is mountainous topography between 500-2000m. The soil type is similar to the Northern Highlands.

106. Houayxay. Bokeo province is a mountainous province of 6,169 km2 located in the extreme northwest of Lao PDR with the Mekong river forming the western provincial boundary, Houayxay is located in the southwest of the province on the Mekong river facing Thailand and Myanmar across the river. The average elevation of the subproject area in Houayxay ranges from 340m - 365m meters above sea level (masl) with gently undulating terrain. The upper catchment area is steep terrain with a peak of approximately 1200 masl.

107. The landfill area is located in located in a valley. According to results of the geological survey in landfill area the upper 21 to 24 m is a mixture of clay, silk and sand. With a Plasticity Index of IP ≥ 7 the soil is specified as clay material. This material can be specified as low permeability and a suitable underground for a domestic waste landfill site. Underneath were discovered rock formations of sandstone of medium density, able to excavate. Groundwater has been encountered between 24 and 26 m within rock formation of sandstone as artesian. The landfill area is 397-400 masl (base).

C. Meteorology and Climate

108. The climate of Houayxay and Bokeo is tropical monsoon with air temperatures ranging between 8.7°C in high altitude area to 39.2°C in the lowlands. Average annual daily temperature in January is 19.80C and 28.30C in April. Average wind speed is 11 m/s. The dry season occurs between November and February while the rainy season occurs between May and October. The dry season is generally cooler, though temperatures rise significantly in March and April prior to the onset of the rains. Relative humidity varies from 43% in March to 98% in December, January and February.

109. The annual monsoon from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean governs precipitation of the province. Total monthly rainfall generally exceeds 210 mm between May and September with average peak rainfall in July at 369 mm (Figure 34). The dry season is particularly pronounced with average December and January rainfall below 18 mm. Rainfall varies significantly from year to year. Table 14 shows total rainfall for 2003-2016.

Table 14: Total Rainfall (mm) registered in Bokeo from 2003-20166 Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2003 40.9 72.2 4.1 137.8 50.3 207.9 427.2 243.0 194.8 54.8 1.8 0.0

6 Source Station: Bokeo Meteorology and Hydrology Office

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2004 1.0 7.2 6.4 184.0 268.0 287.3 294.2 392.2 224.9 54.7 29.7 0.0 2005 1.4 0.0 67.6 136.0 205.9 180.5 300.9 381.9 199.8 117.4 16.7 19.9 2006 0.0 29.5 187.7 134.9 254.6 187.7 417.8 447.0 217.4 252.9 0.0 0.0 2007 6.3 2.6 4.3 120.0 247.8 334.5 173.8 287.7 373.1 180.5 38.9 0.0 2008 43.6 46.1 64.9 127.0 268.5 280.4 652.9 608.1 223.3 54.7 60.4 7.0 2009 0.0 0.0 54.0 174.0 205.6 170.2 326.0 161.6 235.4 56.0 19.9 0.7 2010 9.6 0.0 53.8 114.1 146.3 235.0 344.4 518.5 313.9 46.4 0.0 7.9 2011 19.7 0.0 94.5 83.5 236.2 245.6 278.5 368.7 236.9 37.8 15.4 16.0 2012 52.3 0.0 42.4 128.0 252.6 87.5 477.4 456.1 174.6 118.1 53.9 18.9 2013 42.0 18.8 13.0 17.0 160.1 231.8 843.4 395.7 398.7 84.9 103.3 151.8 2014 0.0 0.0 34.6 27.2 207.3 113.5 369.7 553.5 371.0 32.2 95.5 3.3 2015 104.4 0.0 28.7 238.7 142.8 56.8 303.4 215.1 155.7 137.4 35.5 79.3 2016 22.3 7.8 0.0 15.4 249.7 180.5 376.7 426.5 211.1 77.7 133.7 0.2 Mean 24.5 13.2 46.9 117.0 206.8 199.9 399.0 389.7 252.2 93.3 43.2 21.8

Rainfall (mm) 450.0 400.0 350.0 300.0 250.0 200.0 150.0 100.0 50.0 0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Figure 34: Total monthly avg. rainfall (mm) in Bokeo from 2003-20167

D. Hydrology, Water Resources and Quality

110. Water quality in Mekong River. Houayxay lies on the Mekong River, which is a transboundary river in Southeast Asia flowing 4909 km through six countries. The Mekong River plays an important role in people’s lives in Houayxay because the river is used for local and international transportation, livelihoods, tourism, and food. According to monitoring system of Mekong River Commission the water quality index in the nearest station to Houayxay, which is about 50 km upstream, is classified as Class B which indicates slight impact of human activities. The reason of the existing local water pollution is untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater and wastes. Recent water quality data of the Mekong river

7 Prepared by the Consultant based on the Bokeo station information.

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at Houayxay are presented in Figure 35, which indicates high turbidity and colour levels and low nitrate and ammonia ions.

Figure 35: Water quality of the Mekong River at Houayxay

111. Water quality in the natural creeks. Baseline water sample collection and analysis was undertaken in May 2018, the results are given in Table 15 below. Water sampling locations are given Annex 4. The results indicates that the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentration in the natural creeks are slightly above the surface water standard in D1, D4, D5, D7, D8; Biological Oxygen Demand concentrations are quite below the wastewater discharge limits in all creeks excluding in D6 which is almost equal to limit value; the total coliform bacteria concentrations are quite above the surface water quality standards in all creeks.

Table 15: Water quality analysis results in natural creeks Location Parameter DO BOD TN TP Total (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg coliform P/l) bacteria MPN/100ml National Standard 6a 30b 35b - 5000a Water supply intake station 9.9 ND ND 0.04 35,000 D1 7.3 2.4 ND 0.08 92,000

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D2 5.3 3.5 160,000 D4 6.6 1.7 ND 0.04 160,000 D5 7.7 1 ND 0.03 24,000 D6 5.5 29.5 ND 0.04 >160,000 D7 7.6 2.4 ND 0.05 24,000 D8 10.9 6.0 1.5 and <5.0 mg/l) a:surfacewater quality standard; b: wastewater discharge standard

112. Water quality in the lake of Ecopark. Baseline water sample collection and analysis was undertaken in May 2018. Water sampling locations are given Annex 4. The results indicates that while DO and BOD concentrations in the lake are below the limits, and the currently lake is relatively in good condition.

Table 16: Water quality analysis results in natural creeks Location Parameter DO BOD TN TP Total (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg coliform P/l) bacteria MPN/100ml National Standard 6a 30b 35b - 5000a Lake at Ecopark (Nongthan 4,9 3,3 1.5 and <5.0 mg/l) a:surfacewater quality standard; b: wastewater discharge standard

113. Groundwater in landfill area. According to results of the geological survey groundwater has been encountered between 24 and 26 m within rock formation of sandstone, classified as artesian. The quality of the groundwater will be analysed in pre- construction period with the samples collected from groundwater monitoring wells.

E. Climate Change8

114. The Government of Lao PDR ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2003. This strategy builds on the country's commitment to its climate change adaption efforts. With around 70% of the Lao population relying on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods, climate change effects, such as unpredictable rains and extended dry seasons, will have a significant impact on the lives of people across the country.

115. Lao PDR is not a major contributor to climate change but is likely to be disproportionably affected. The country is concerned about the serious consequences of climate change to its economic development, human capacity, poverty reduction and environment sustainability. Lao PDR is highly climate-vulnerable, and the country’s greenhouse (GHG) emissions were only 51,000 gigagram (Gg)9 in the year 2000, which is

8 National Strategy on Climate Change Lao PDR, UNDP-2010 9 The latest GHG inventory in Laos presented in the Second National Communication on Climate Change of Lao PDR (2013) used data of the year 2000.

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negligible compared to total global emissions. Despite this, Lao PDR has ambitious plans to reduce its GHG emissions while at the same time increasing its resilience to the negative impacts of climate change as detailed in Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)10.

116. There has been only limited assessment, analysis or projections regarding the potential climate change impacts on the physical and social environment in Lao PDR, due to the lack of long-term climate data to support projections of future climate trends. However, several studies at the South East Asian regional level and at the Mekong Basin level have been conducted in the past few years revealing similar trends e.g., a preliminary study on potential climate changes in the Lower Mekong Basin under different scenarios of atmospheric CO2 concentrations was conducted between 2005 and 2006 under the sponsorship of the Bangkok-based Southeast Asia START Regional Center; concluding:

• Future temperature change in the Lower Mekong Basin region will vary from baseline condition within the range of 1 ºC ~ 2ºC. The region will have longer summer periods with shorter winters.

• The trend of increasing precipitation between 10% and 30% is projected throughout the region, with the highest increase to occur in the eastern and southern part of the Lao PDR. Climate variability tends to be more extreme with wider differences in precipitation between dry and wet years, especially in the Lao PDR.

117. Expected climate change effects by 2050 for Houayxay are given in Table 17 below.11

Table 17: Expected climate change effects in Houayxay by 205011 Climate parameter Expected effect in Houayxay Increase in annual rainfall (%) + 8.7 Increase in dry season rainfall (%) + 12.0 Increase in wet season rainfall (%) + 8.2 Increase in annual temperature (°C) + 1.9 Increase in dry season temperature (°C) + 1.8 Increase in wet season temperature (°C) + 1.9

F. Natural Disasters

118. Lao PDR has a comparatively low natural disaster profile compared to the rest of the South East Asian region. The main hazards in Lao PDR are annual river- and flash-floods, landslides, forest- and community-fires, acute water shortages during specific months of the year, occasional wind storms and typhoons, agricultural pests, rodent infestations and animal- and human-epidemics.12

119. Floods and Droughts. Lao PDR is prone to a number of natural hazards which

10 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, LAO PDR, 30 September 2015 11 Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project: Integrated Disaster Risk Management (46443-001) 12 Developing a national risk profile of Lao PDR-Part1: Hazard Assessment, UNDP, 2010

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have worsened with the impact of climate change. The most common natural disasters are floods and droughts. Floods occur annually between May and September, caused by heavy rainfall from the annual southwest and northeast monsoons. Droughts, caused by significant changes in monsoon patterns, are becoming more frequent and lasting longer. Between 2009 and 2013 Lao PDR had an unprecedented number of natural disasters, claiming lives and causing widespread damage.13

120. According to water level studies conducted in the detailed design phase, Mekong River flood levels has been calculated for once in 25 years, 50 years and 100 years at river port, which are 335.13m, 336.26m, 337.37m respectively.

EXISTING SURFACE PROFILE

100-Yr RETURN PERIOD WATER LEVEL = 337.37

50-Yr RETURN PERIOD WATER LEVEL = 336.26 OBSERVED HWL = 335.968 25-Yr RETURN PERIOD WATER LEVEL = 335.13

CURRENT DESIGN (MIN) WHARF LEVEL = 329.00 WHARF LEVEL = 329.00 20% EXCEEDANCE = 327.70

OBSERVED LWL = 326.36

99.99% EXCEEDANCE = 324.62 323.00

Figure 36: Mekong flood water levels for once in 25, 50 and 100 years at river port

121. Landslide/Soil Erosion. Over 2006 - 2016, the Houayxay town has experienced several natural hazards/disasters. They are Mekong flood, flash flood, drought, landslides, erosion/sedimentation and earthquakes. The most significant flood was 1996 on the Mekong. In 2008, those Northern provinces located along the Mekong River were severely affected by flooding. Droughts were observed in the past years. The town has experienced a major drought event in 2014. Earthquakes occurred also in Houayxay in 2010 and 2014. The town was impacted by storms in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 11

122. The subprojects excluding the river port area is located in the protected side of the Mekong River in terms of soil erosion. Mekong flows from north to south. Thailand sits on the western bank of Mekong and the Houayxay town sits on the eastern bank of Mekong. The river morphology has a turning point in the indicated area given in Figure 37. Thai side is on the cut bank, which suffers a lot from natural soil erosion. However, the indicated area (green in Figure 31) sits on the point bar deposits, which means the river brings sediment to this river bank area. This area is therefore naturally protected by the Mekong River.14

13 LAO PDR Strengthening institutional capacities for resilient recovery; Country Case Study Series; Disaster Recovery Framework Guide; April 2014. 14 PMIS Consultant’s assessments based on site visit especially for existing plantation and soil covers, and river morphology analysis within the previous 20 years.

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Figure 37: Houayxay soil erosion assessment map

123. Critical subprojects in terms of flooding risk. According to flood hazard map developed by International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM) for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRM) 15 , which is given in Figure 38 below, following subprojects are vulnerable to flood and require specific protection measures: i) HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection. The river port is affected by annual Mekong floods during the monsoon season. ii) HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Access Roads and Walkway. The area where the subproject located is prone to Mekong flood. Iii) HXY B3 – Wastewater Management – The area where Drain No. 1, Drain No.2, Drain No.3 are located is prone to flash flood. (Please see section VI.C.4 Climate Change and Disaster Risk Considerations for flooding risk management considerations in the detailed designs)

15 ADB, 2017, Second Greater Mekong Sub-region Corridor Towns Development Project-Integrated Disaster Risk Management – Final Report

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Figure 38: Hoauyxay Flood Hazard Map

G. Ecological Resources

1. Key biodiversity areas close to project area

124. Upper Lao Mekong Important Bird Area (IBA). The IBA is located along the Mekong River in northern Lao PDR, and comprises a 377 km section of the Mekong river, from Xiangkhok Village on the Lao-Myanmar border to Bo Village on the boundary between Oudomxai and Xaignabouli provinces. It is an important movement corridor for migratory water-birds and mosaic habitat. The area is significant for biome species of Indo-Gangetic Plains and for congregatory waterbirds during migration and wintering such as River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) and Little Pratincole (Glareola lactea). Both those species were detected during survey of projected Eco-Park area.

Figure 39: Upper Lao Mekong IBA location

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125. Mekong River. The upper flow of the Mekong River is internationally recognized as important for biodiversity, especially for migratory fish species, including globally Critical Endangered the Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas). The Mekong Giant Fish occurs in the river near Houayxay town regularly during seasonal migrations. Giant Pangasius (Pangasius sanitwongsei), as well as other globally threatened fish species such as Endangered Striped Catfish (Pangasionodon hypophthalmus) and Mekong Freshwater Stingray (Hemitrygon (Dasyatis) laosensis), and Near Threatened catfish species Bagarius yarrelli, Clarias microcephalus, Micronema cheveyi, Wallago attu Cyprinids Cirrhinus molitorella, inhabiting the Mekong River in the subproject area. The fish are vulnerable to over-exploitation, habitat degradation (including changes in water quality) and fragmentation of river habitats. There are two local Mekong basin freshwater turtle species – globally endangered Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) and vulnerable Mekong Snail-eating Turtle (Malayemys subtrijuga) inhabiting the Mekong River in the subproject area.

2. Flora and fauna of Hoauyxay

126. Flora of Haouyxay town. Houayxay town is surrounded by mountainous landscapes with rich natural evergreen forests, serving as source habitats for many native plant and animal species. A Strip of riparian evergreen vegetation frames the boundary between river and town, in some places houses are built very close to river bank and local gardens for vegetable production roll also from the slopes to river banks. Many tropical fruit orchards and ornamental plants grow in the town along the streets and in proximity of houses. The Mekong River in Haouyxay area can be characterized by relatively slow current, medium width and low-lying islands, overgrown by green riparian vegetation and established trees. Some of these islands are used by the local community for gardening. The banks on the Lao side are steep and mostly overgrown by riparian vegetation, planted orchards and ornamental trees, sand/pebble banks are formed by sand deposits, complemented by continuous sediments brought by the river.

127. Fauna of Haouyxay town. Faunal diversity is mostly presented by species well- adapted to life, in anthropogenic disturbed environment. However, closeness of natural habitats in the surrounding mountains of one of the recognized biodiversity hotspots also contributes to richness of local fauna, mostly by composition of mobile species such as birds, butterflies and other insects. Diversity of reptiles (especially lizards) is also rich, many nocturnal lizards (geckoes) are found near houses in the town and in rural localities. They are not only diverse, but also very abundant, which is, more likely, relevant to abundant invertebrate species, especially small ants, butterflies and moths. During the ecological survey in the design phase, one water-snake was detected near planned Waste-water Treatment Plant and one near the Mekong River in the planned Eco-Park.

3. Flora and Fauna of within/proximity of the subproject locations

128. An ecological survey was conducted by PMIS in May 2018. Based on this ecological survey general descriptions of the flora & fauna of the subprojects sites are provided below. The ecological survey report including the list of the all species is provided in Annex 3.

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129. HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation and River bank Upgrading. Flora: The project area is mostly steep slope overgrown by riparian evergreen vegetation, planted gardens with vegetables, grown in the proximity of the river, and fruit orchards, representing local South-Asian cultivars of fruit trees such as coconut palm, mango-tree, jack-fruit, banana trees, lychee, citrus trees, coconut palms, logan-fruits, star gooseberry tree (Phyllantus acidus), dragon fruit, gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis), and many others. The area is rich with biodiversity due to several plant communities such as riparian forest along the bank and drainage canals, diverse orchards with many fruit trees around houses and vegetarian gardens between orchards and riparian communities in well irrigated areas. The riparian community among the banks and on small islands is composed by tall trees with predominance of tall silk trees (Albizia chinensis), medium-sized shrubs, mostly composed by willow (Salex ssp.) closely to water, several bamboo species and mimozid trees (Leucaena leucocephala) and tall grasses like Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and several others. Riparian vegetation borders with planted gardens with number of vegetable species, grown by local people, and with local orchards surrounding houses. Fauna: All these plant communities provide very good conditions for abundant bird fauna with 58 species counted in the ecological survey conducted in May 2018, represented by species, associated with wetlands and gardens. There were detected 2 amphibian (frog) species and 9 reptiles (lizards) in this area. Several bat species were observed in the evening in this area. No other mammal species were detected, but presence of some rat and mice species are likely.

130. HXY A2 – Ecological park Recreational Area including access roads and Walkway. Flora: Several remained patches of planted teak forest (Tectona grandis) are dispersed through the future park area with several stands of bamboo species inside and on the borders of forest. Bamboo stands are mostly cut or damaged, because they are used for domestic needs. Several large trees of Ficus racemosa and few other trees grow in the northern corner of the Park, providing shade and perfect habitats for birds, lizards and insects. Ruins of banana plantation overgrown by emerging weeds are located in southern part of the area. Partly damaged riparian vegetation grows along the Mekong River bank. Several hills of sand and gravel are located in northern and central part of the area. Several openings are occupied by meadows overgrown in some places by shrubby vegetation or ruderal plants with doubtful value even for grazing. These parts are obviously overgrazed. The area is highly damaged by human activities. This area currently has very little ecological and economic value due to over-exploitation. Fauna: At the same time, the closeness of the Mekong River and proximity of the rich natural forests still provide good conditions for the relatively rich fauna in the area. Assessed bird diversity was relatively high with 69 detected species just during short-time survey, many lizard species (diurnal and nocturnal) were observed in the area. Invertebrate diversity (especially butterflies and dragonflies) is also rich. Fish diversity in the lake and in the river is also relatively good. Only in the lake there was found 20 fish species, in spite of its current not-ideal conditions. Fish diversity in the adjacent Mekong River is much richer; according to fishermen interview, data collected on local markets and during fish catch in the river, even in this season with low-water the diversity of fish in the river is more than 50 species. However, after rain season it should be even more. There were found several frog species in the area also. But according to information from local people, frog and fish diversity and abundance in the

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Eco-Park area were severely affected by banana plantation and chemicals applied to increase its productivity and protect from pests. Large turtle species have been observed time to time in the Mekong River closely to Eco-Park area, they were observed regularly in the past, but now they are seen very rare. Park conditions are not optimal now, and there is a need in the development of strategy for its restoration and management.

131. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage. Many fruit trees and ornamental plants are found in the area. Most part of trees were planted by local people. The natural vegetation is flourishing only along drainage canals. Many ruderal plants are also found in the area, mostly along the street out of orchards. This area is rich with faunal diversity, many bird and butterfly species found in the orchards, several lizard and frog species are also common for the area.

132. HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management. Flora: This site is surrounded by dense banana plantations and secondary planted forest (rubber tree or Hevea brasiliensis) of approximately 10-15 years old. Slopes around landfill are overgrown by ruderal vegetation, vines and banana bushes. The natural drain is overgrown by rich riparian evergreen vegetation. Fauna: Due to its specific, the site attracts a huge number of insects, especially flies and beetles, specialized on detritus and waste materials. Lizards (diurnal and nocturnal) are also diverse and abundant in this place due to abundant “food base” – many insects. There were identified 19 bird species in this area. Insectivorous birds are the most abundant, especially swallows and swifts. Common anthropogenic species of birds such as Common Myna and Eurasian Field Sparrow were detected near remained buildings of oil refining plant in the area. It should be also many bats at night around this area, but we did not conduct survey at night.

133. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management. Fauna: Plant and animal diversity is composed mostly by mosaic of urban and semi-urban habitats and can be characterized by prevalence of urban communities with some incorporated elements of natural environment due to closeness of natural habitats, presence of drainage canals, fruit orchards and semi- riparian vegetation along the canals serving as migratory corridors for several local resident bird, frog, lizard and mammal species. The most common birds are Common Myna, sparrows, swallows and swifts, nesting in urban environment. In total, were 49 bird species counted in this area. The most common lizard species are nocturnal geckoes, inhabiting open walls of houses and other urban constructions and abundant in the places with good night illumination, attracting many insect species: 3 gecko species were detected in the area and 3 diurnal lizards (Calotes mystaceus, Calotes versicolor and small skink species). Flora: Plant communities are mostly composed by local orchards and gardens, planted ornamental trees along streets and riparian vegetation stripes along drainage channels, overgrown by trees and grassy vegetation with large leaves such as Colocasia ssp. species and other plants from Araceae family, reeds, Thypha ssp. and other semi-aquatic grasses. Paper Flower (Bougainvillea glabra) is often used for decoration of walls and fences in this area, many other ornamental plants attract sunbird and flowerpecker species, therefore these small passerine birds are quite abundant in the local orchards and gardens.

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H. Physical Cultural Resources

134. There are no heritage sites near the subproject areas. There is a temple 80 m from road no UR 9, Wat That Suvanna Pakham Buddhist Temple around 80 m north of DS2 drainage and Wat Chomko Manilat Temple around 130 m north of UR8, which is more touristic.

VI. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

A. Project Area of Influence

135. According to SPS 2009 the project area of influence is defined as follows:

i. Primary project site(s) and related facilities. This is Corridor alignment of the around 6.8 km roads and 13.3 km roadside drains, around 9.7 km drainage of the existing roads, around 2.7 km of natural drains (main transmissions to Mekong River), around 40 ha of ecological park area and 2 km riverside road and walkway. In addition, the area of the landfill (10 ha) in 3 km from the urban centre. This also includes access roads, borrow pits and disposal areas, and construction camps, which will be defined in pre-construction stage. This also includes borrow pits and disposal areas, and construction camps, which will be defined in pre-construction stage.

ii. Associated facilities that are not funded as part of the project. This can be landfill gas extraction system and gas flare which needs to be installed after closure of the Cell 1.

iii. Areas and communities potentially affected by cumulative impacts from further planned development of the project. The communities around the project area are principally those concentrated in the urban villages in urban centre of Houayxay town. Regarding further planned development of the project and its potential impacts, the HXY B3- Wastewater management subproject may require further development with the inclusion of treatment, which will have positive environmental impacts. Other projects, when completed, will not require further development but will require maintenance which will be carried out by the Government of Lao PDR.

iv. Areas and communities potentially affected by impacts from unplanned but predictable developments caused by the project that may occur later or at a different location. Predictable developments associated with improving the socio- economic development in the urban centre include the development of local transportation and economic activities. Major industrial developments associated with the subprojects are not anticipated.

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B. Positive Impact and Environmental Benefits

136. Improved access and transportation. The project will significantly improve existing road conditions, which is dusty in dry season, muddy in wet season, and without drainage. The improved access will bring benefit for the local residents e.g. The riverside road and walkway will secure the essential primary pedestrian and vehicular links from the main urban area of Houayxay to the Nong Than Ecological Park. The residents will have better road access and a more comfortable living environment, particularly during the rainy season, when local flooding will be eliminated or much reduced. Wear and tear on motor vehicles will be diminished particularly for the residents in the urban villages.

137. Improved river transport operations and facilities. The project will support economic development in Houayxay by implementing a number of improvements to the river port’s operational capacity (eg better berthing), site layout and port appearance and port management facilities (eg one stop shop facilities for port users). This will benefit the port operators, the boat owners and the port users, including local people, and Mekong riverside communities and tourists who use the ferry port daily.

138. Protection of ecological resources. The ecological park project will ensure conservation and enhancement of the ecological resource and attractive landscape of the area. It will prevent further environmental degradation and lead to the removal of inappropriate land uses, including the sand/gravel depots and truck parking/storage areas.

139. Social benefits. The ecological park will provide a unique recreation resource for local people and visitors/tourists, which also helps overcome a shortage of recreation facilities in Houayxay; and also will provide an opportunity for community/schools participation in environmental/ecological awareness and enhancement, including a community tree planting program and organic farming initiatives. The riverside walkway will be an additional recreation facility in Houayxay, encouraging walking and cycling as recreation activities in Houayxay. The riverbank footpath will enhance recreation opportunities. The new landfill will provide safer and more hygienic working conditions for the waste pickers.

140. Economic benefits. The ecological park will have the potential for a range of economic benefits including: (i) ecological value and recreation facilities leading to increased visitor/tourism numbers and revenue generation; (ii) a prime attraction/location for private sector investment in guest house/boutique hotel facilities; and (iii) a prime location for community based activities with revenue generation likelihood. The new landfill will provide opportunities for more efficient waste sorting, maximizing the extraction of materials suitable for recycling and re-use. This will create better revenue generation potential for the waste pickers. Wider collection coverage will lead to greater waste volumes providing (i) increased revenue generation capacity and potentially more employment opportunity for waste pickers and (ii) increased revenue generation capacity for Urban Development Authority Administration (UDAA).

141. Strengthened Flood Protection. The project provides flood protection through new and improved urban/road drainage for residents and businesses in the existing built-up

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areas. In HXY A1 through riverbank upgrading, flood protection will be improved. Riverbank protection for the main built up area in the form of bank stabilization and better flood protection, climate resilience factors are being incorporated to the designs e.g. In order to ensure climate proofing in the project drainages have been designed to ensure that it responds to increased rainfall events. The access road upgrades include lateral drainage to channel runoff and prevent erosion, and all buildings will be at grades that will be lifted above flooding levels. Thus the most densely populated urban areas in Houayxay will be better protected from flood risk. In addition, detailed hydrological and stormwater drainage models are prepared within detailed designs.

C. Impacts Associated with Project Location

1. Land Acquisition and Resettlement

142. HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection subproject. The subproject will not require land acquisition excluding 832 m2 agricultural land. The subproject will affect 4 HHs due to loss of structures (noddle shop, fences, toilets, chicken coop). The measures are given in Land Acquisition and Compensation Plan (LACP).

143. HXY A2 - Ecological Park Recreational Area including access roads and walkway subproject. The project will require (i) acquisition of 305,709.02 m2 of productive land belongs to 43 HHs, a governmental school and a state-owned oil company; (ii) acquisition of 44,455.30 m2 of residential land belongs to 29 HHs, (iii) relocation of 11 HHs, (iv) 24 HH will be affected due to affected structure; (v) 19 HHs due to tree (111 fruit, 265 timber) acquisition; 3 HH due to affected business.

144. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading subproject. The subproject will require acquisition of 8,948 m2 of productive lands (rice paddy, garden land, and fishpond) belongs to 11 HHs, and acquisition of 3,219.41 m2 residential land belongs to 40 AHs. 6 HHs will be affected due to marginally affected houses (veranda with aluminium-zinc walls, roofless porch) and 23 HHs will be affected due to affected structures (fences, walls, toilets, boreholes). The measures are given in LACP.

145. HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management. This subproject will require 46,329 m2 of non- productive garden land acquisition, which belong to 10 HHs, for the improvement of the access road and expansion of the landfill site. Economic displacement of the 30 waste pickers (30 HH = 152 People), whose livelihood depends on waste sorting at the landfill, will be prevented through the implementation of mitigation measures given in LACP by PIU and UDAA, which include recognization and registration of existing regular waste pickers and allowing access to agreed assigned waste sorting area. The measures are given in LACP.

146. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management subproject. The subproject will require acquisition of 562.09 m2 of residential land belongs to 3 HHs, 3,570.65 m2 of productive land belongs to 19 HHs. 1 HH will be affected due to affected structure (concrete fence), 2 HH will be affected due to tree (20 fruit trees, 9 timber trees) acquisition.

2. Ecological Resources

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147. HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection subproject.

• Threatened fish and turtle species (see para 125) in the Mekong River can be affected due to construction works and fishing by workers. In order to prevent impacts: i) In river civil works will be scheduled with the consideration of sensitive period for the endangered species, which is migration and spawning period, April and May, ii)Subproject activities will be implemented during the dry season (November-February); (iii) In-river civil works will be minimized (iv) Sand and aggregate extraction from the river only be done at DONRE approved locations and with minimal impact on hydrology and spawning sites, preference for land based materials extraction to be demonstrated by contractor; iv)Instructions to prevent fishing will be done by management staff.

• No impact is expected on Upper Lao Mekong IBA in the north section of the riverbank embankment part of the project area, because appropriate water-bird habitats are located on sandy bars, small islands and open banks, which are outside of this area.

• The riparian vegetation among the river banks will be affected during riverbank embankment construction works. However, after the engineering embankment improvement is completed the area will be revegetated with native plants.

• The project will require removal of 550 fruit trees and 181 timber trees, and acquisition of 838 m2 vegetable garden. Fruit and timber trees and vegetable gardens are situated in the highly populated area – close to Houayxay town center. It is not expected that it will be much damage to ecological integrity and local flora and fauna. However, in order to mitigate potential impacts tree removal will not be scheduled in nesting season. Vegetation removal will be avoided between March and early June. Tree replanting after construction will be implemented by the Contractor according to design drawings. (see also measures provided in para 177)

148. HXY A2- Ecological Park Recreational Area including Access Roads and Walkway subproject.

• In order to mitigate potential impacts on existing trees at the lake: i) Preservation of teak forest and large valuable trees have been considered in the detailed designs. (approx. 200 of 616) will be preserved; ii) The protected trees will be marked; ii) protective warning/physical barriers will be installed around trees to prevent damage during construction.

• In order to mitigate potential impacts on fish in the lake: i) In-lake civil works will be avoided in sensitive periods for fishes (in spring – April-May).

• In order to mitigate potential impacts on the species in Upper Lao Mekong IBA at eco-park: i) Teak forest and large valuable trees will be preserved; ii) the works will be implemented in dry season (Nov-Feb); iii) implementing works in migration and

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breeding season for the birds (between March and early June ) will be avoided.

• The riparian vegetation among the river banks will be affected during riverbank embankment construction works, when 700 m of solid embankment will be constructed in the Eco-Park area. After engineering embankment improvement is completed, the area will be revegetated with native plants. 300 m of natural embankment, (with vetiver grass planting) will be implemented in order to support turtle habitat as recommended by the ecology report for the project.

149. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading subproject. The subproject will require acquisition of 6,487 m2 garden land, 2,388 m2 rice paddy, 73 m2 fishpond, removal of 86 fruit trees and 28 timber trees. The garden land, rice paddy and fishpond do not have high ecological value for native species. However, tree and vegetation removal should be avoided between March and early June to decrease risk of destruction nesting habitat for local birds. Tree replanting after construction will be implemented by the Contractor in line with the requirements of detailed designs. (see also measures provided in para 177)

150. HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management subproject. The project will require removal of 792 trees: Rubber tree (290), Banana (251), Ton-Mak-Yao (195), Mango (34), Bamboo (6), Sugar Apple (5), Ton-Fang (3), Teak (2), Jack-fruit (2), Mak-Kham-Pom (1), Tamarind (1), Star Gooseberry (1) and Coconut (1). The plantations of Rubber Trees in Laos are usually established after treatment of land by herbicides and pesticides, such secondary planted forests have very poor biological diversity, depressed by used cultivation methods. Removal of these non-native to Laos species will not have a significant ecological impact on the area. Removal of fruit trees should be avoided between March and early June to decrease risk of destruction nesting habitat for local bird. Tree replanting after construction will be implemented by the Contractor in line with the detailed design drawings. (see also measures provided in para 177)

151. In order to prevent any potential contamination impact on the banana farmlands in operation phase of the landfill; reconsideration of the land use plan is recommended in order to avoid agricultural activities within 300m of the landfill.

152. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management subproject. The project will require removal of 20 fruit trees and 9 timber trees, acquisition of 3,570.65 m2 productive land, including empty cropland, garden land, fishpond, rice paddies and plantation land. The cropland, garden land, rice paddies, fishpond and plantation land do not have high ecological value for native species. However, vegetation removal should be avoided between March and early June to decrease risk of destruction nesting habitat for local birds. Tree replanting after construction will be implemented by the Contractor in line with the requirements of detailed designs. (see also measures provided in para 177) I.

153. Sensitive periods for specific activities under the subprojects are summarized in Table 18 below. The specific activities should not be implemented within the sensitive periods listed.

Table 18: Ecologically sensitive periods for specific activities within the sub-projects Sub-project Specific Activity Sensitive Period

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Schedule Explanation HXY A1 In-river civil works April-May Migration and spawning period for endangered spaces Tree & vegetation March 15-July 1 Nesting season removal HXY A2 In-lake works April-May Spawning period for fishes Tree & vegetation March 15-July 1 Nesting season removal HXY B1 Tree & vegetation March 15-July 1 Nesting season removal HXY B2 Removal of fruit trees March 15-July 1 Nesting season HXY B3 Tree & vegetation March 15-July 1 Nesting season removal

3. Physical Cultural Resources

154. HXY A1 River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection subproject. There are guesthouses, restaurants and shops located next to river port. Special attention must be required during construction works in the vicinity of sensitive receptors in order to prevent common construction impacts, noise, dust, public safety etc. (for mitigation measures refer para.174, para.175)

155. HXY A2 Ecological Park Recreational Area including Riverside Road and Walkway subproject. There are no physical cultural resources in the subproject area of influence. There are shops, restaurants and two colleges north side of the lake. Special attention must be required during construction works in the vicinity of sensitive receptors in order to prevent common construction impacts, noise, dust, public safety etc. (for mitigation measures refer para.174, para.175, para 179)

156. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading subproject. The DS2 Stormwater Drainage runs close (approx. 70 m south) to the Wat That Suvanna Pakham Buddhist Temple. The UR8 Urban Road runs 130 m south of the Wat Chomko Manilat Temple, which is more touristic. And there is a temple close to UR9 Urban Road. Construction works might affect the ability of people to visit the temples due to traffic congestion. It is not anticipated that the project will cause any damage to the fabric of the buildings due to its distance from the construction site. In order to mitigate potential impacts Contractors must liaised with temples on key dates and scale down construction activities during important periods. In addition, special attention must be required during construction works in the vicinity of sensitive receptors in order to prevent common construction impacts, noise, dust, public safety etc. (for mitigation measures refer para.174, para.175, para 179-information closure)

157. HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management subproject. There are no physical cultural resources in the subproject area of influence.

158. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management subproject. There are no physical cultural resources in the subproject area of influence.

4. Climate Change and Disaster Risk Considerations

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159. International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM) recommendations4 for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRM) for each project, flood protection measures for HXY A1, HXY A2 and HXY B3 subprojects which are vulnerable to flood. (see para 123) and their incorporation to the detailed designs are explained below:

160. HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank and Upgrading and Protection subproject. The ICEM recommendations include: i) Make a certain the design for riverbank protection considers Mekong River floods, which might become more frequent and more severe due to climate change. ii) Consider green infrastructure and bioengineering methods, beyond the suggested concrete ‘planter blocks’, which could be introduced in the design and construction of the new riverbank protection. ICEM recommendations have been considered in the designs. Followings have been considered in the detailed designs: i) A detailed study has been conducted in order to define Mekong River design water level for the port including flood frequency analysis and stage-duration analysis. Bases on the analysis 100, 50, 25 years return period water levels has been calculated and 100 years return period water level is considered in the designs. (para 120). ii) Instead of suggested concrete “planter blocks” implementation of green bioengineering methods (vetiver slope protection) for riverbank protection a length of 300 m which does not require hard-embankment has been considered in the detailed designs. (see para 75, Figure 5)

161. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading subproject. The ICEM recommendations include: i) consideration of more intense and more frequent rainfall, increase in urbanisation; ii) rehabilitation of natural creeks going directly to the Mekong River; iii) adopting green infrastructure and bioengineering methods wherever possible. Followings have been considered in the detailed designs: i) Dimension of the drains have been calculated with the consideration of 15% increasing trend and 10 years return period of rainfall. ii) Natural creeks (D1-D8) are proposed to be rehabilitated under HXY B3 – Wastewater Management Subproject.

162. HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management subproject. The ICEM recommendations include: i) increasing public awareness on waste separation; ii) improvement of current landfill; iii) leachate collection and treatment; iv) provision of garbage collection facilities; v) provision of medical waste incinerator; vi) improvement access to landfill; vii) provide security around the landfill site; provision of training for the UDAA staff and waste pickers; vii) Improve working conditions of waste pickers. As described in Section IV.D all recommendations of the ICEM has been considered in the detailed designs and scope of the PMIS Terms of Reference.

163. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management subproject. The ICEM recommendations include: Adopt green infrastructure and bioengineering methods whenever possible, for open drains and existing streams, as part of a comprehensive Sustainable Urban Drainage System. iii) PMIS propose natural treatment systems for D1& D2 and D3&D4 (given under HXY B3). In the area, where Drain No.1, Drain No.2 and Drain No.3 are located, is prone to flash flood according to flood hazard map developed within ICEM IDRM. Therefore, dimension of the drains will be calculated with the consideration of 15% increasing trend and 10 years return period of rainfall.

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D. Mitigation Measures and Actions during Pre-Construction

1. UXO Clearance

164. Care must be taken to ensure that sites for earthworks e.g., excavations, trenches are free of unexploded ordinance (UXO) prior to construction. A UXO Clearance Certificate must be obtained prior to site possession and ground breaking by the contractor. If any sites are suspected to have unexploded ordnance they should be surveyed by UXO Lao. If such ordnance is detected clearing work will need to be commissioned prior to undertaking civil works. After removal is complete a clearance certificate must be issued and approved by the Project Management Implementation Support Consultant (PMIS).

2. Materials and Spoil Disposal

165. Use of river sand, river gravel for construction purposes is prohibited without prior permission. Sand or aggregate extraction from rivers should only be done at DONRE approved locations and in licensed areas. All materials must be supplied from sources approved by DONRE, PIU or with the approval of the PMIS.

166. It will be necessary to use materials from borrow pits, borrow areas or quarries for construction. Materials may need to be moved along borrow site access roads. All materials supplied from borrow areas must be licensed by private operators and approved by DONRE. The contractor must submit copies of such permits to the PMIS before moving any such materials. The creation of new borrow pits must be approved by DONRE, and begin with a plan to restore the pit to the original state as possible with vegetation and fencing and signage to protect the public and minimise erosion impacts. If suitable land-based borrow pits are not available then sand or aggregate extraction from rivers should be done at DONRE- licensed areas only. This is especially important for the riverbank work along the Mekong river.

167. Minor spoil disposal may be needed during scarification of the original road surface. In the landfill excavated earth will be used to construct the embankments. Dumping of wet overburden on public or private property is prohibited as it may cause soil contamination, siltation runoff and flooding. If any overburden has to be dumped the contractor must obtain approval from DONRE.

3. Construction Camps

168. It may be necessary to establish a construction camp for accommodating workers, storing materials and as a laydown area for prefabricated parts. Such camps must have the prior approval of the PMIS before they can be used or occupied. It is preferred that workers are accommodated in locally rented property rather than on temporary camp quarters for reasons of hygiene and sanitation.

4. Preparation of CEMPs

169. The EMP is general in nature as certain specific details, such as location of works areas, construction camps or borrow pits are not known at the time of tender issue. After

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appointment and before mobilization the successful contractor must prepare his own version of the EMP known as the Construction EMP (CEMP). This must give specific details of locations of borrow areas, borrow roads, workers camps and other facilities. The Construction EMP (CEMP) must be submitted to the PMIS for their approval within 30 days of contract signing and approval must be obtained before any works commence.

5. Capacity Building Training

170. The implementation of the EMP will include capacity building of the PCU and the PIUs. It is noted that PCU and PIU will need strengthening, particularly on monitoring and reporting, and it is accepted that contractors may need training on the practicalities of following the CEMP. At the time of preparation of the CEMP, training will be given to the contractors, the PCU and the PIU. DONRE will also be invited to attend. At regular intervals (to be determined) capacity building training will be given. There is a line item included in the PMIS budget of $2,500 for such training. Capacity building exercises will be carried out with the PIU under the supervision of the International Environmental Specialist and the National Environmental Specialist.

E. Impacts and Mitigation Measures and Actions during Construction

1. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Common to All Subprojects

171. Potential environmental impacts of the subprojects are associated primarily with the short-term construction phase of the subprojects. The common impacts of construction activities and measures to mitigate and manage potential common impacts associated with the construction phase of the subprojects are described below. The mitigation measures are detailed further in the EMP for subprojects in Hoauyxay, which will be incorporated in the bid documents and construction contracts.

172. Impacts on soil resources and soil quality. There are three types of potential impacts on soil; soil erosion, soil contamination, and inappropriate management of borrow pits and spoil disposal.

i. Soil erosion may be caused by roadbed construction, excavation of pipe trenches, and borrow pits, stockpiles and spoils from earthwork during construction of roads, and grading. The factors that are expected to contribute to accelerated erosion in the project area are winds and rainfall. Potential impacts will be mitigated through measures including: (i) Soil erosion management plan to be prepared by the contractor and to be approved by the responsible authority before construction starts; (ii) Minimizing the area of soil clearance; (iii) Maintaining slope stability at cut faces by implementing erosion protection measures; (iv) Construction in erosion and flood- prone areas should be mainly restricted to the dry season; (v) Control silt runoff and cover soil stockpiles; (vi) Locate temporary soil stockpiles in areas where runoff will not induce sedimentation of waterways; (vii) Properly slope and re-vegetate disturbed surfaces; (viii) Protect slopes on both sides of any culverts to prevent soil and water loss;

ii. Soil contamination may result from the inappropriate transfer, storage, and

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disposal of petroleum products, chemicals, hazardous materials, liquids and solid waste. Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures include: (i) Store chemicals/hazardous products and waste in clearly labelled containers on impermeable surfaces in secure, covered areas; (ii) Remove all construction wastes from the site to approved waste disposal sites; (iii) Establish emergency preparedness and response plan (Spill Management Plan); (iv) All spills of DBST will be cleaned immediately and handled as per hazardous waste management plan, and according to Government regulations; (v) Provide spill clean-up measures and equipment at each construction site; (vi) Conduct training in emergency spill response procedures. (vii) Vehicle maintenance and refuelling on hard standing where available and use soil protection measures including drip trays as a minimum.

iii. Borrow pits and spoil disposal. It may be necessary to use materials from borrow pits, borrow areas or quarries for construction. Minor spoil disposal may be needed during scarification of the original road surface. Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures including: (i) Use borrow pits and spoil disposal sites approved by DONRE, submit such permit to the PMIS before moving any material/any spoil disposal; (ii) Avoid borrow areas and spoil disposal sites with long, steep slopes, susceptible to erosion and include small level cut-off drains to break up and redirect runoff; (iii) Strip and store topsoil in a stockpile for reuse in restoration; (iv) Avoid side storage of spoil on slopes;

173. Impacts on water quality. Water pollution may be caused by oil, or other hazardous substances spills, or inappropriate waste management. Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures including: (i) Develop and implement contingency plans for control of oil and other dangerous substances (Spill Management Plan); (ii) Fuel storage will be undercover. The storage area, maintenance shop and vehicle cleaning areas must be stationed at least 300m away from the nearest water body and on hard standing or impermeable layer; (iii) Construction wastes and materials (e.g. fuel) will be properly contained during construction. Wastes will be removed from site and taken to approved disposal facilities; (iv) Water collection basins and sediment traps will be installed in all areas where construction equipment is washed; and (v) Effective septic treatment and disposal systems will be installed at construction camps.

174. Impacts on air quality. Temporary air quality impacts during the construction stage of the project are anticipated due to fugitive dust generation in and around construction sites and construction-related activities such as asphalt plants. Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures including: (i) Asphalt plants and mixers will be located as far away as possible (at least 200 m downwind) from the nearest sensitive receptor (such as household, hospitals, and schools); (ii) Equip asphalt, hot mix and batching plants with fabric filters and/or wet scrubbers to reduce the level of dust emissions; (iii) Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves and respirators appropriate to type of pollutant to construction workers doing asphalt concrete and cement concrete road paving to minimize skin exposure to and inhalation of fumes and dust; (iv) Site borrow pits and spoil disposal sites must be at least 300 m from residential areas so as to reduce dust from these sites; (v) Water will be sprayed at least twice each day on unpaved areas, haul roads and exposed dust-prone stockpiles. Frequency to be increased if construction

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activities are generating dust and/or during windy conditions; (vi) Control vehicle speed to ≤ 8 km/h in unpaved areas including unpaved haul roads. Post the speed limit sign in these areas; (vii) Water will be sprayed on construction sites and material handling routes where fugitive dust is generated; (viii) Effective dust suppression measures will be implemented near sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, or housing; (ix) Fuel & chemicals will be covered / stored to minimize emissions; (x) Trucks carrying earth, sand or stone will be covered with tarpaulins or other suitable cover to avoid spilling; (xi) Construction vehicles and machinery will be maintained to a high standard to ensure efficient fuel-burning (note that local standards do not exist for vehicle emissions).

175. Noise. The major sources of noise pollution are movement of construction vehicles, the haulage of construction materials to the construction site and the noise generating activities at the site itself. Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures include: (i) Locate sites for rock crushing, concrete-mixing, and similar activities at least 300m away from sensitive areas; (ii) Site borrow pits and spoil disposal sites must be at least 300 m from residential areas so as to reduce noise from these sites; (iii) Deploy low noise machinery or the equipment with sound insulation when working within 100 m from villages; (iv) Properly maintain machinery to minimize noise; (v) Erect temporary noise barriers or hoardings around construction activities to shield the noise from equipment when there are residences, schools, health clinics or temples within 80 m of the noise source (vi) Restrict noisy construction activities between 8am-6pm - construction outside the normal working hours requires approval of the PIU; (viii) When working outside the working hours is required (and approved by PIU) due to traffic management etc. alert communities and residents if night time construction work shall occur nearby (no night time construction within 500 m of the nearest household); and (ix) Agreements with nearby schools, hospitals and residents regarding heavy machinery work to avoid any unnecessary disturbances.

176. Solid waste. Waste production itself is not an impact however disposal of construction wastes could have adverse impacts on the soil, water and health of laborers and the community. Wastes streams will include inert construction wastes (soil, debris, concrete etc) and municipal type wastes (construction workers’ food and packaging wastes from construction consumables) and hazardous wastes (fuel containers, oil filters, oily rags etc.) Potential impacts will be mitigated through a number of measures include: (i) Maximize the re-use of earth cut materials construction wastes on the project, including the re-use of old asphalt or concrete road pavements for subgrade materials; (ii) segregation of the waste for recycling where possible (ii) Confined storage of solid wastes away from sensitive receptors and regularly take to approved disposal facility; (iii) Provide appropriate waste storage containers for workers’ and construction wastes; (iv) Use approved contractor to remove all wastes from sites; (v) Removal of residual materials, wastes and contaminated soils that remain on the ground after construction; and (vi) Prohibit burning of waste.

177. Ecology. There are potential impacts such as destruction of roadside vegetation and agricultural lands which can be mitigated through a number of activities defined in the EMP: i) Construction workers are prohibited from any hunting and fishing at any time.; (ii)The PMIS consultant will establish the limits of the areas to be cleared and grubbed in the field, and will designate all trees, shrubs to remain.; iii)Clearing, grubbing and removing of vegetation will be implemented within the designed limits of the right-of-way and

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easement areas as ordered by the PMIS Consultant; iv) tree and vegetation removal will not be implemented in nesting season, which is between March and early June; v) The vegetation designated to remain will be preserved from any damage vi)) Sodding and tree replanting after construction will be implemented by the contractor in line with the design drawings or as ordered by PMIS Consultant; vii) the types of sods, trees will be subject the approval of the PMIS Consultant; vii) Encroachment of heavy equipment on adjacent areas will be controlled and minimised as much as possible; ix) The sodded areas and health of the planted trees will be regularly monitored and watered if needed, until final acceptance of the Works by PMIS Consultant;

178. Occupational Health and Safety. Due to its nature, the construction industry is considered to be one of the most hazardous industries where a number of potentially hazardous operations and materials are used. Intensive use of heavy construction machinery, tools, and materials poses risk of physical hazards such as noise and vibration, dust, handling heavy materials and equipment, falling objects, work on slippery surfaces, fire hazards, chemical hazards such as toxic fumes and vapors etc. The civil works contractors will implement adequate precautions to protect the health and safety of construction workers. The occupational health and safety risks will be managed by applying measures in the following order of preference: avoiding, controlling, minimizing hazards, and providing adequate protective equipment. The contractors will undertake the following activities:

i. Site sanitation. (i) Provide an adequate number of latrines and other sanitary arrangements at the site and work areas, and ensure that they are cleaned and maintained in a hygienic state; (ii) Provide garbage receptacles at construction site and camps, which will be periodically cleared to prevent outbreak of diseases will be setup; (iii) Discharge work camp wastewater into the municipal sewer system or treat to meet discharge standards on-site using a portable system-

ii. Occupational Safety. (i) provide site induction and regular trainings for all site staff ( (ii) Provide personal protection equipment (PPE), such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection, in accordance with relevant health and safety regulations, for workers; (iii) Provide safety goggles, gloves and respiratory masks to workers doing DBST road paving appropriate to type of pollutant; Provide ear defenders to workers operating and working near noisy equipment; (iv) Prepare and obtain approvals of method statements for hazardous activities such as working near water. (v) Plan and segregate the location of vehicle traffic, machine operation, and walking areas, and control heavy vehicle traffic through the use of one-way traffic routes, establish speed limits, and use banksman for all heavy vehicle maneuvering.

iii. Food Safety. (i) Provide a clean and sufficient supply of fresh water;(ii) Inspect and supervise food hygiene in canteens on site regularly. Canteen workers must have valid health permits; (iii) If food poisoning is discovered, implement effective control measures immediately to prevent it from spreading.

iv. Disease prevention and safety awareness. (i) Construction workers must have

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physical examination before starting work on site. If infectious disease is found, the patient must be isolated for treatment to prevent the disease from spreading. (ii) Establish health clinic at location where workers are concentrated, which should be equipped with common medical supplies and medication for simple treatment and emergency treatment for accidents; (iii) Provide induction and training by local health departments on prevention and management of communicable diseases; (iv) Implement SITs/HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases awareness and prevention program; (v) Provide training to all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; (vi) Provide particular training working on production, handling and application of bitumen to construction worker doing DBST

v. Emergency Preparedness and Response. (i) Develop an emergency response plan to take actions on accidents and emergencies, including environmental and public health emergencies associated with hazardous material spills and similar events; (ii) Establish a Records Management System to store and maintain easily retrievable records (occupational accidents, diseases, spills, etc) incidents;

179. Public Health and Safety. The potential impacts on community health and safety will be mitigated through a number of activities defined in the EMP. The contractors will implement the following measures:

i. Temporary traffic management. (i) Prepare a traffic control and operation plan together with the local traffic police prior to any construction. The plan shall include provisions for diverting or scheduling construction traffic to avoid morning and afternoon peak traffic hours, regulating traffic at road crossings with an emphasis on ensuring public safety through clear signs, night time lighting, controls and planning in advance; (ii) In case of lane closures, deploy workers to direct traffic; (iii) Erect speed limit signs of 8 km/h on all unpaved haul roads and unpaved construction site areas as a means of controlling fugitive dust emission in unpaved areas.

ii. Access to construction sites. (i) Install signs at construction sites warning people of potential dangers; (ii) Provide physical barrier to limit access to construction sites, whenever possible; (iii) No use of heavy machinery after daylight; (iv) Control of site during hazardous activities also important – eg. Foreman for reversing etc.

iii. Utility Services Interruption. (i) Assess construction locations in advance and identify potential for disruption to services and risks before starting construction. Any damage or hindrance/disadvantage to local businesses caused by the premature removal or insufficient replacement of public utilities is subject to full compensation, at the full liability of the contractor who caused the problem. (ii) If temporary disruption is unavoidable, develop a plan in collaboration with relevant local authorities such as power company, Water Supply Company and Communication Company to minimize the disruption and communicate the dates and duration in advance to affected persons.

iv. Information disclosure. a) Erect construction billboards, which include construction

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contents, schedule, responsible person and complaint phone number, at the entry to each construction site and construction staging area. b) Inform residents and businesses in advance of the road improvement activities, given the dates and duration of expected disruption and make aware of the project GRM. c) Place clear signs at construction sites in view of the public, warning people of potential dangers such as moving vehicles, hazardous materials, excavations etc. and raising awareness on safety issues. d) Alert communities and residents if night time construction work will occur nearby with the approval of PIU (no night time construction within 500 m of the nearest household). e) Alert local communities of the time and location of hazardous and noisy activities such as piling and asphalt road paving. f) Liaise with schools on examination periods and scale down construction activities during such periods if necessary. g) Liaise with temples on key dates and scale down construction activities during such periods.

v. Social Impacts – Non-local or foreign workers may cause social disturbance to the area. The contractor must ensure all workers are trained on Laos laws.

2. Specific Impacts and Mitigation Measures during Construction in Houayxay

a. HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection

180. There are potential impacts on Mekong River sedimentation from soil erosion during river port rehabilitation, and riverbank upgrading. In order to mitigate potential soil erosion impacts: (i) All shoreline subproject activities will be implemented in dry season when maximum riverbank is out of water, and when the river most effectively can be isolated from the civil works on the shoreline; (ii) All excavation or infilling near river will be isolated from river as much as possible; (iii) Where possible temporary earth berms or plastic fences will be placed between civil works areas and the river to contain loose soil; (iv) Bankside storage will be avoided.

181. There are potential impacts on pollution of Mekong River during construction works. In order to mitigate potential impacts: (i) Similar to construction phase of other components a formal construction waste collection and management plan will be implemented; (ii) All waste will be kept away from river, and regularly disposed in DONRE- approved locations; (iii) Refuelling and vehicle maintenance close to river will be avoided.

182. There are potential impacts on disruption of boat traffic. In order to mitigate potential impacts: (i) Present boat docks and ramps will not be removed without temporary facilities installed to prevent complete disruption of ferry traffic; (ii) A boat traffic management plan will be prepared in coordination with the local authorities in preconstruction phase; (iii) A well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away main traffic areas will be established.

183. There are potential impacts on fishing activities due to construction boat traffic. The two community managed fishing areas at Tin That and Pa Oy villages on the Mekong river at Houayxay could be affected by the riverbank protection works. In order to mitigate

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potential impacts: (i) In-river civil works will be avoided in sensitive periods for fishery spring (Mar-May); (ii) A well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away fishing areas will be established; (iii) Fishing areas will be well marked including floating makers at the area boundaries.

b. HXY A2 - Ecological Park and Recreation Area including Access Roads

184. There are potential impacts on sedimentation and pollution of the lake due to landscaping and civil works that will be necessary to develop the park. In order to mitigate potential impacts: (i) Subproject activity will be implemented in dry season; (ii) Construction of a temporary, continuous berm and plastic or dense-link fence around the entire shoreline to prevent sedimentation from loose soil; (iii) Similar to construction phase of other components a formal construction waste collection and management plan will be implemented for the development of the ecological park; (iv) All waste will be kept away from lake, and regularly disposed in DONRE-approved locations; (v) Storage and refuelling within 300 m will be avoided.

185. There are potential impacts on sedimentation and pollution of the Mekong River during riverbank upgrading along which can be mitigated through the same measures given in para 180, 181.

c. HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage

186. There are potential impacts related with common construction disturbances, noise, dust, worker and public health and safety etc. which can be mitigated through the mitigation measures given in Section VI-E-1 “Impacts and Mitigation Measures Common to All Subprojects”.

187. There are potential minor impacts on public and worker health and safety during roadside drain excavation. (see Figure 8) In order to mitigate potential impacts: (i) warning tapes/barriers and signs will be installed for prevention of falling accidents, (ii) excavated soil will not be stored adjacent to excavated area (should be away at least 1.5m) in order to prevent collapses.

d. HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management

188. No impact has been expected on normal dumping operations of municipal waste during renovation of existing dumpsite. Since, daily disposal will be uphill within the existing dumping area, construction area is mostly downhill within the valley (para 81, Figure 15). However, in order to mitigate any potential impacts: (i) Waste pickers will be made aware and understand the renovation plan, schedule, and timeline; (ii) Civil works for access road upgrades will be scheduled to avoid interference with regular garbage truck movement on the road, i.e. construction of temporary roads.

189. Until completion of construction of cell 1 the normal dumping operations will be continued at an assigned location (Figure 15) within the existing dumpsite, and waste pickers will continue waste segregation works at the assigned location. Impacts on safety of the waste pickers due to construction works are not expected. Existing health and

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safety impacts due to inappropriate operation of the dumpsite will be mitigated by PIU and UDAA through provision of i) temporary support facilities; storage for collected waste, resting area, toilet, water supply and ii) improvement of health and safety conditions: provision of first-aid kids, PPEs, trainings, health check-up. After construction is completed, there will be permanent support facilities for the waste pickers including segregation shed with water supply, toilets, electricity. In order to prevent any potential impacts on the safety of the waste pickers, as well as the construction workers, due to construction works the Contractor will (i) install clear signs, warning barrier at construction site; (ii) raise awareness on construction plan, schedule and potential dangers such as moving vehicles, excavations.

190. During the excavation and transportation of existing waste there are potential health risk for the construction contractor’s workers due to possible infections originating from the deposited waste. Thus, i) Contractor will take more attention to use of provided Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) safety boots, safety gloves and dust masks of the workers occupied at these sectors of the sites. This activity may also create odour and air quality impacts which will be minimised through implementation of local excavations only in according to the transportation capacities.

191. Potential risk of explosion during works at old landfill cells. The old landfill cells might produce landfill gas. Methane as the main component of landfill gas forms an ignitable gas mixture in combination with air oxygen. Methane mixed with atmospheric air is ignitable at a proportion of 4.4 – 16.5 % methane. On the landfill in Houayxay the thickness of the waste is up to 30 cm in general, with a few locations of kind of small windrows of waste with an estimated height of 1 m and not compacted and therefore in an aerobic condition. Therefore the risk of landfill gas generation is low. However, in order to prevent any possible risk of methane explosion, smoking and open flames will be prohibited within the site boundary and equipment which could spark will be controlled.

192. Since the groundwater level is deeper than 20m, no impact on groundwater quality is expected during construction. However in order to prevent any potential impacts: (i) excavation works will be implemented in dry season, (ii) adequate short-term drainage away from construction site will be provided.

C. HXY B3 – Wastewater Management

193. Apart from common construction phase impacts (dust, noise, traffic etc.), there is potential risk of pollution due to sludge, debris removal, and earth movement during rehabilitation of natural creeks and construction of DEWATS for Drain 4 and constructed wetland within Ecological Park Area, which can be mitigated through i) Implementation of a waste management plan; ii) transferring sludge and debris removed from the dredged natural creeks and the lake at ecopark area to the DONRE approved disposal areas.

F. Impacts and Mitigation Measures during Operation

HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection

194. A potential impact of the desired increase in boat traffic is potential increase in boat accidents, disruption of fishery and water pollution.

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195. In order to mitigate potential impact of increase on traffic accident and fishery: (i) Dedicated shoreline lanes must be set for ferry boats away from other boat traffic; (ii) Enforced speed limits for all boats must be posted in area; iii) Non-fishing boats should be kept away from the fishing grounds with the use of lanes and buoys.

196. The potential impact of increase on water pollution due to increased boat traffic can be mitigated through: (i) Development & enforcement of regulations that prevent Mekong ferry boat companies & operators from discharging waste oil and garbage into river; (ii) Inspecting boats to ensure they are in good working order.

197. The potential impact due to targeted increase in tourist activity in River Port Rehabilitation is increased solid waste. In order to mitigate potential impacts the (i) adequacy and location of the placed solid waste bins must be monitored; (ii) additional solid waste bin must be placed where necessary; (ii) solid waste bins must be emptied regularly and transferred to the DONRE permitted disposal area by UDAA.

HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Riverside Road and Walkway

198. The potential impact due to increased tourist activity in Ecological Park is increased solid waste. In order to mitigate potential impacts the (i) adequacy and location of the placed solid waste bins must be monitored; (ii) additional solid waste bin must be places where necessary; (ii) solid waste bins must be emptied regularly and transferred to the DONRE permitted disposal area, by UDAA.

199. Other potential impact due to increased tourist activity is potential risk to disruption of ecological resources within the ecological park. In order to mitigate it is proposed that information signs must be provided by UDAA to the visitors to understand appropriate behaviours in the Ecological Park Recreational Area e.g. do not destroy the environment, do not throw empty cans and bottles, do not use fire etc. Aftercare of the trees and vegetation must be maintained by UDAA.

HXY B1 Roads and Drainage

200. In order to prevent disruptions of road and drainage condition: i) Road surface and drainage system should be regularly inspected and maintained; (ii) All drains should be regularly cleaned and maintained by DPWT.

HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management

201. Poor site management. In order to mitigate potential impacts related with poor site management the Project has a Capacity Building component which will manage technical operation and maintenance training and UDAA has allocated budget for on-going training and awareness raising. i) training and capacity building activities will be provided by the PMIS Consultant to UDAA which consists of training as follows (a) on the importance of working within cells, daily cell use and weekly cell maintenance; (b) on the correct use of vehicles on the site, movement of waste around the site and compaction; (c) logging vehicles onto the site and recording of loads and fee collection from private vehicles; (d) on monitoring of leachate production, level of leachate lagoon and methodology in pumping

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leachate back over the cells when close to overflow. Ii) on-site supervision during operation PMIS Consultant will monitor commissioning and initial operations of the renovated landfill, which will be as on-the-job training; (iii) Landfill Operation Manual” will be prepared.

202. Community use of waste system. PMIS team members (Community Development Specialist and Social/Gender Specialist) will provide awareness raising on waste issues for residents to support this part of the project. In addition the Vice Governor has confirmed a budget will be maintained for awareness on community collections and training during operation.

203. Dust and odour emissions. Dust and odour emissions during landfill operations can be mitigated through a number of measures which include: (i) compacting after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste; (ii) covering in windy weather conditions after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste; (iii) minimising open tipping face area; (iv) restricting tipping activities during periods of adverse weather (e.g. wind toward sensitive period); (v) Planting of trees and shrubs with odour, dust and insect control features around landfill.

204. Litter. Litter dispersal during landfill operation can be mitigated through mitigation measures which include: (i) compacting waste by use of dozers and landfill compactors immediately after discharge from vehicles delivering the waste; (ii) application of soil or artificial cover during high windy weather conditions; (iii) installing strategically placed mobile catch fences close to the tipping area or on the nearest downwind crest. (iv) Regular weekly litter picks from the site boundary.

205. No major impact is expected during operation of the medical waste incinerator because of the very low amount of the waste (84 kg/week), generated ash (2.5 kg/week) and low capacity of the plant ( 10kg/h) a working period of once in a week and condition to meet national emission standards. However, in order to mitigate any possible impacts: i) The medical waste will be stored at the hospitals and will be transported by container truck to the landfill where it will be burned when delivered; ii) Will be operated in line with the operational manual, iii) The incinerator will be operated by trained/authorised staff(s), iv) Workers will use PPEs (appropriate gloves and masks, boots).

206. Operation of Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility will require (i) cleaning the screen and removal of debris to the landfill; (ii) removal of sludge from the sludge drying bed twice in a month.

207. With the consideration of groundwater levels between 24-26 m, and low permeability of the landfill area, and the basal lining and leachate collection systems will be constructed, and operation and maintenance trainings to be provided within the project no impacts on groundwater quality is expected during operation phase. However, groundwater quality monitoring to be conducted by UDAA and DONRE during landfill operation period is proposed in EMP. Thus, any possible unexpected air pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

208. With the consideration of active landfill gas degassing system 16 and a gas flare

16 Not scope of this project

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system proposed for landfill gas management system to be constructed after closure of cell- 1, no impacts on air quality is expected due to landfill gas generation. However, landfill gas/air quality monitoring programme to be conducted by UDAA and DONRE during landfill operation period is proposed in EMP. Thus, any possible unexpected air pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

209. Health and safety risks for waste pickers. Existing dumpsite is operated by around 30 waste pickers as of detailed design stage. Sorting of the waste is being performed by waste pickers within the disposal area. After sorting out the recyclables the waste pickers burn the waste. Waste pickers are living in the shelters within the landfill site. Therefore, currently there are significant health and safety risks for the waste pickers due to existing improper working and living conditions. According to indicator/target of the project 100% of the informal waste pickers near existing dumpsites will be ensured continued access to rehabilitated landfill site. In order to improve long-term working conditions of the waste pickers, followings will be implemented (i) Construction of segregation shed (para 87). (ii) Organisation of waste pickers – formal integration to solid waste management system, which will be implemented by UDAA.

210. In order to mitigate common health and safety risks of waste management facilities including segregation shed, medical waste incinerator, waste cells: (i) health and safety procedures must be established, all staff on the site must be fully acquainted with this procedure; (ii) periodical medical screening must be carried out; (iii) Appropriate PPE (protective clothing, gloves, respiratory face masks and slip-resistant shoes, noise protection, helmets etc.) must be provided; (ii) Trainings on health and safety risks and measures; must be repeated with a defined intervals. (iii) Clear signs must be placed at landfill site on potential dangers such as moving vehicles etc.; (iv) good housekeeping procedures must be implemented, and toilet and washing facilities must be maintained periodically.

HXY B3 – Wastewater Management

211. Constructed wetland systems and DEWATS do not require an operational workforce. Maintenance inspections will be needed in order to identify and remediate clogging and removal of sludge on-time.

212. VSB Constructed Wetland: i) removal of settled debris in the inlet chamber once in a year after rainy season; ii) monthly inspection for prevention of clogging inlet and outlet to ensure they are free from debris, iii) inspection of the integrity of the embankments; iv) Annual inspection of sediment build up. In the constructed wetland, if sediment build up is preventing flow through the wetland (normally not before 10 years), Gravel and sediment will be removed and replaced with clean gravel, and vegetation will be replanted by UDAA. A capacity building training will be provided to the UDAA on above mentioned minor operational requirements by PMIS Consultant.

213. DEWAT for Drain 4: i) semi-annually sludge levels in the chambers will be inspected after all manholes are opened and gasses evacuated; ii) If the sludge level is more than 100 cm high in settler and or more than 50 cm high in anaerobic baffled reactor

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(ABR) then sludge will be removed by de-sludging truck and transferred to the Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility in the landfill (normally not before than 2 years). Training will be provided UDAA on above mentioned operational requirements.

G. Induced and cumulative Impacts

214. Induced or cumulative impacts will be mainly positive. These positive impacts are discussed in section VI.B of this IEE, including improved access and transportation, improved environmental quality through improved solid waste management and improved roadside drainage system.

215. Potential negative induced and cumulative impacts – construction: Since the sub-project locations are relatively not close to each other and there are no foreseen or planned other projects in the subproject areas, cumulative impacts during construction are not anticipated to be significant. However, minor increase on consumption of natural resources in the town level (e.g. aggregate for road works) may be expected which will need careful management and monitoring by DONRE. In expected waste generation due to construction activities can be easily mitigated through implementation of EMP.

216. Potential negative induced and cumulative impacts – operation: No cumulative impact is expected during operation. If any unanticipated impacts become apparent during project implementation, (i) significance of such unanticipated impacts will be assessed (iii) options available to address them will be evaluated; and (iv) IEE and EMP will be prepared/updated.

H. Climate Change

1. Contribution to Global Climate Change

217. According to detailed design of HXY B2 - Solid Waste Management subproject landfill gas extraction system consisting collection wells drilled in to the waste body, transmission pipes, condensate outlet wells and compact flare system for treatment of the gas is proposed to be installed after closure of cell-1. The landfill gas, which normally comprises a mixture of methane (60 Vol.%) and carbon dioxide (40Vol.%), accompanied by trace concentrations of gases formed during the decomposition of the organic substances, will be treated before emitted. The methane within the landfill gas, which has a Global

Warming Potential 28-38 times that of CO2 over 100 years, will be converted to the carbon dioxide ( which has 1 GWP) before being emitted via flare system, where the gas will be burned in a chamber with minimum 1,000 °C. Emissions during construction include fuel burnt for transportation powering construction machines, and materials preparation. A

standard ratio of 200 tons of CO2 emissions per km of secondary road construction is used17. For all the works included under the HXY B1 - Roads and Drainage subproject (total

22.8 km), construction emissions are estimated to reach 4,560 tons of CO2.

218. Emissions from Medical Waste Incinerator. The Provincial hospital presently has 70

17 ADB, 2012 (unpublished working draft) Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sustainable Transport Projects - Guidance for ADB Practice. Appendix 7.

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beds with a utilization rate of 100%. The total waste generation is approximately 63kg/day (0.9 kg/bed/day), with 15-20% of this considered infectious waste (12kg/day). Yearly medical waste amount that will be burned in the medical waste incinerator is estimated as 4.3 tonnes. Incineration of per tonne of medical wastes in the controlled air type of the incinerator produce 2330g Particulate Patter (PM), 1480g CO, 1780g NOx, 1090g SO2.18. Accordingly, annual incineration emissions are estimated as: 10kg PM, 6.3kg CO, 7.6kg NOx, and 4.6kg SO2.

219. Similarly, wastewater treatment can also produce methane and other GHGs depending on the extent of anaerobic treatment processes via anaerobic lagoons which are also released to the atmosphere unless captured and neutralized.

VII. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

A. With and Without Project Alternatives

220. Without-project scenario. The without-project scenario would result in i)continued inadequate urban infrastructure and support services despite rapid growth of the urban population and expansion of these areas; ii) continued development of pollution problems at the sites as a result of inadequate solid and domestic waste management;

221. With-project scenario. Compared to the without-project alternative, the with-project alternative will contribute accelerated investments in Houayxay and added value on economic growth through development oriented on green growth and climate resilience, economic competiveness of cities, green development, inclusive growth and reduced environmental pollution.

B. Considered Sub-project Alternatives

222. The analysis of subproject alternatives considered the Mekong riverbank protection subcomponent. Initially the EA requested that a continuous [ca 5-6 km] section of riverbank be upgraded and protected from the town centre south to the international bridge (Figure 2). However, after inspection of the entire section of riverbank from a slow boat it was determined that only a short continuous section at the town centre needed upgrading, and that only a few shorter intermittent sections south of the town centre required protection.

VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION

A. Approach

223. A stakeholder consultation strategy was developed to meet the requirements of meaningful consultation as stipulated by the ADB SPS (2009) and Public Communication

18 US EPA (1998): Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors AP42, Fifth Edition & Supplements (internet)

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Policy (2012). The consultation strategy embodied the principles of transparency, participation, and inclusiveness to ensure that affected and marginalized groups such as women, and the poor, were given equal opportunities to participate in the design of the project.

224. The stakeholder consultations on environment issues in Houayxay were conducted with the following three avenues of inquiry and data collection:

• As part of the household and village leader interviews conducted by the social development team;

• Separate group consultations with provincial agencies and other stakeholders conducted by social development team;

• Individual interviews of provincial and national environmental management agencies conducted by the international environmental specialist.

B. Identification of Stakeholders

225. Stakeholders were identified and engaged in a participatory manner. Stakeholder communication to date has focused on institutional stakeholders, affected communities, and persons directly affected by proposed subproject interventions. Project stakeholders include:

• Institutional stakeholders including the (i) project EAs and IUs (ii) provincial and national agencies, and chambers of commerce;

• Mass organizations such as the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) provided input for the design of the various subproject interventions, and which might participate in implementation of measures and interventions; • Villages directly affected by subproject components who will benefit or be adversely affected, and who have an interest in the identification and implementation of measures to avoid or minimize negative impacts; and • Vulnerable and/or marginalized groups who have an interest in the identification and implementation of measures that support and promote their involvement and participation in the project

C. Discussion Guide

226. Five questions (

227.

228.

229. Table 19) were posed to stakeholders to guide discussions. To help orient the discussions of environmental issues and concerns of subprojects a list of environmental component (Table 20) was introduced to the stakeholders ahead of the question & answer

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period. Stakeholders were encouraged to add their own components of environment to the discussions.

Table 19: Guiding Questions for Stakeholder Consultations

1. What will be the benefits of the subproject? Please list benefits of project.

2. Do you have any environmental concerns with the subproject? Please list environmental concerns of project.

3. Do you any have environmental concerns with the construction activities of the subproject? Please list environmental concerns of construction phase activities.

4. Do you have environmental concerns with the completed operation phase of the completed subproject? Please list environmental concerns of the operation of completed subproject.

5. Do you think the subproject design or operation should be changed to prevent negative environmental, or community impacts?

Please list changes to subproject that you think will prevent or reduce negative environmental, or community impacts

Table 20: Example environmental components used to guide stakeholder discussions. • drinking water quality & availability • terrestrial & aquatic animals, e.g., • surface water quality and quantity fish, birds, small mammals • groundwater quality & quantity ecological protected areas (e.g., national parks, wildlife • air quality sanctuaries), • climate • land uses (e.g., agriculture, • land and soil quality fisheries, forestry, navigation, rivers, reservoirs, • aquaculture, commercial, other), • trees, other vegetation, • public safety, terrestrial resources e.g., minerals, • public movement & access saltbeds, geology • physical cultural values (e.g., pagodas,cemeteries, monuments

D. Summary of Public Consultation

230. The public and stakeholder consultations for environmental issues associated with the subprojects in the province were held with the parallel social surveys and social impacts assessment of the subprojects.

231. The initial stakeholder consultations were conducted in 2015, further public consultation during detailed design stage has been conducted in September 2017. The

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stakeholder consultations showed overall positive support for the project subsequent follow up inquiries confirmed that this opinion had not changed.

232. The PMIS implemented three public consultations in the project areas with the participation of village chiefs, villagers, farmers, relevant government agencies. The list of the participants and the photos are given in Annex 1. The summary of stakeholder views is given in

233. Table 21 below.

Table 21: Summary of provincial stakeholder views of in Houayxay

Benefits Impacts Project Response19 HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection September 21, 2017 • Improved river transport • Traffic disruption during • The EMP of the subproject • Good protection from erosion construction specifies mitigation measures, • Good for recreation and • Construction waste amongst the others, to control tourists • Dust and noise during construction traffic to prevent local traffic congestion, • Good for daily traffic and construction manage and dispose of all walking construction waste, • Increase income for local measures to minimize dust people and noise, and public safety Increased tourists • etc. HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreation Area September 20, 2017 • Good for exercise activity and • Increased wastewater and • The operation of the new recreation solid waste recreation park will include an • Generate income for local • Increased traffic O&M budget to manage solid people waste of park users including regular emptying of well distributed waste bins, and signage directing users to dispose waste accordingly • The EMP of the subproject specifies mitigation measures for increased waste • The subproject design includes construction of wastewater drainage system and car parking area HXY B1 – Urban Road and Drainage September 22, 2017 • Improved transport and • Increased traffic during • The EMP of the subproject drainage construction specifies mitigation measures, • Good for flood protection • Noise and dust during amongst the others, to control construction construction traffic to prevent

19 Addressed in EMP and final designs

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• Improved visual appearance • Public safety during local traffic congestion, of the roads construction manage and dispose of all construction waste, measures to minimize dust and noise, and public safety etc. HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management September 20, 2017 • Existing trash and littering • Leachable liquid from the • Existing construction problems will be solved landfill may affect to paddy standards will prevent any • Good for the people in field and river or stream nears leachate leakage, and Houayxay District its land. environmental monitoring • Will provide clean • Odour problem during during operation is included to environment operation the EMP • Capacity building for proper operation (e.g. daily cover) of landfill will be conducted under project • HXY B3 – Wastewater Management September 22, 2017 • Good for drainage the • Increased traffic during • The EMP of the subproject wastewater from households construction specifies mitigation measures, • Reduce odour problem from • Noise and dust during amongst the others, to control domestic wastewater construction construction traffic to prevent • Improve health conditions • Public safety during local traffic congestion, construction manage and dispose of all construction waste, measures to minimize dust and noise, and public safety etc.

E. Future Public Consultation Programme

234. There will be ongoing further consultation with the public and interested or affected stakeholders throughout the life of the project. In pre-construction stage, PIU with contractor will hold a consultation meeting to advise on construction program, activity timing and mitigation measures for any sensitive receptors. The PMIS and PIU will ensure that regular community liaison takes place in order to address any concerns during safeguards monitoring by PMIS during construction in quarterly period.

IX. PUBLIC GRIEVANCE MECHANISM AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

A. Response to Complaints

235. A well-defined GRM and resolution mechanism will be established to address all affected stakeholders grievances and complaints regarding environment, land acquisition,

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compensation and resettlement in a timely and satisfactory manner. The grievance redress mechanism and appeal procedures will be explained in a project information booklet (PIB) that will be distributed to all stakeholders and signboards will be placed by the contractors near the works explaining the work, contact number and addresses.

236. Stakeholders or affected persons (AP) by the subprojects are entitled to lodge complaints regarding any environmental issue or any aspect of the land acquisition and resettlement requirements such as entitlements, rates and payment and procedures for resettlement and income restoration programs. Stakeholder complaints can be made verbally or in written form. In the case of verbal complaints, the committee on grievance redress will be responsible for making a written record during the first meeting with the stakeholders.

237. A Grievance Committee will be organized in villages comprising local leaders designated for such tasks. The designated officials shall exercise all efforts to settle affected stakeholder issues at the village level through appropriate community consultation. All meetings shall be recorded by the grievance committee and copies shall be provided to affected stakeholders. A copy of the minutes of meetings and actions undertaken shall be provided to the DPWT, PIUs, DONREs and ADB upon request.

Table 22: Grievance Committee (GC) Members Organization Function/Speciality Head of Project Coordination Unit Head of overall Grievance Committee (PCU) (GC) Head of Project Implementation Unit Head of Provincial GC (PIU) PIU Environmental Specialist Provincial Access Point/Deputy (PIU-ES) Project GC Head Village Head/Commune Leader Local Access Point Contractor’s EHS Officer (EHSO) Contractor’s Access Point PMIS’s Environmental Specialist PMIS’s Access Point (PMIS-ES)

238. The procedures for grievance redress are set out below and given in Figure 40. The procedure described below should apply easily to both social and environmental issues and be consistent with the legal process for resolution of disputes in Lao PDR, and exemplifies the desired collaboration among the different levels of government as recently described by Decision 7536/MONRE (2012).

• Stage 1: If a concern arises, the affected person (AP) tries to resolve the issue of concern directly with the contractor/PMIS through Village Head/ Commune Leader; Complaints from affected stakeholders for the first time shall be lodged verbally or in written form with the village head or commune leader. • Stage 2: If no understanding or amicable solution can be reached or if no response is received in Stage 1 within 15 days from filing the complaint, the affected stakeholder can elevate the case to the Provincial Grievance Committee (PGC). The Provincial Grievance Committee is expected to respond within 15 days upon

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receiving the affected stakeholder’s appeal. For an oral complaint, the PGC must properly make written records. The PGC notes the date of complaint and passes it immediately to the PGC Deputy for action. The PGC Deputy will then (i) assess the eligibility of the complaint, (ii) consult relevant members of the PGC to identify a solution and (iii) give a clear reply within 1 week from the Complaint Date. • The reply will be either a solution following discussions with the AP, contractor, PMIS or Stage 3 will begin. If a solution is found, the contractors during construction and the Contractor during operation should implement the solution and convey the outcome to the PGC within 1 week of the solution being identified. This means if the PGC finds a solution, it will be implemented within 2 weeks (10 working days) from the date of complaint, allowing time for the contractor to install or purchase any additional mitigation materials/equipment; • Stage 3: If no solution can be identified by the PGC or if the AP is not satisfied with the suggested solution in Stage 2, the PGC Deputy will organize a multi-stakeholder meeting to be held within three weeks of the Complaint Date. All members of the PGC and particularly PCU in Vientiane and relevant external stakeholders will be invited to the project province. PCU will lead the meeting. The meeting should result in a solution acceptable to all, and identify responsibilities and an action plan. The contractors during construction and the contractor during operation should implement the agreed solution and convey the outcome to the PCU within one week, which will be four weeks after the Complaint Date; • Stage 4: If the multi-stakeholder hearing process is not successful, the PCU will inform ADB accordingly, and the ADB project team will organize a special mission to support the PCU in addressing the problem and identifying a solution within 3 weeks; and • Stage 5: If the AP is still not satisfied with the reply in Stage 4, she/he can go through local judicial proceedings and/or file a complaint through the ADB Accountability Mechanism

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Stage 1: AP talks to Village Head/Commune Leader

Stage 1: Village Head talks to Contractor’ EHSO/ PMIS- ES

If issue not resolved

Stage 2: Provincial Is the complaint No PIU Explains to AP GC- (PIU) Day 1 of eligible? Complaint

Yes

PIU-ES Registers Eligible Complaint Details and Complaint Date Respond to AP

Yes Talk to Contactor within 1 week of Can PIU solve the problem? Complaint Date Implement solution within 2 weeks No of Complaint Date Stage 3: Stakeholder Meeting with the participation of PCU within 3 weeks of Complaint No Date Solution Action Plan. Implement Yes Can Stakeholder Meeting solve the problem? Action Plan within 1 week of Meeting Date No

Stage 4: PCU InformsNo ADB Team Dispatched within 3 weeks

Yes Respond to AP & Agree Timescale for Can ADB and PCU solve the problem? Solution

No

Stage 5: Resolve through Lao Judicial System No

Figure 40: GRM Process

239. The executing agency will shoulder all administrative and legal fees that will be incurred in the resolution of grievances and complaints if the affected stakeholder wins the case. Other costs incurred by legitimate complaints will also be refunded by the project if the affected stakeholder wins their case.

240. In cases where affected stakeholder does not have the writing skills or are unable to

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express their grievances verbally, affected stakeholder is encouraged to seek assistance from the recognized local groups, district DONRE staff, or NGO or other family members, village heads or community chiefs to have their grievances recorded in writing, and to have access any environmental or social surveys or valuation of assets, to ensure that where disputes do occur, all the details have been recorded accurately enabling all parties to be treated fairly. Throughout the grievance redress process, the responsible committee will ensure that the concerned affected stakeholder is provided with copies of complaints and decisions or resolutions reached.

B. Public Disclosure

241. The subprojects were explained to potentially affected stakeholders during public consultations. The formal dissemination of information is the beginning of continued information disclosure and stakeholder involvement as the project is implemented. As part of the stakeholder communication strategy regular information exchange meetings with stakeholders is required throughout implementation of the subprojects.

242. The IEE must be easily available to the stakeholders in written and verbal forms in the local language. The IEE will be available on the provincial DPWT web sites, at DPWT offices, district offices, and subproject sites. Similarly, all project reporting with specific reference to stakeholder consultation minutes, environmental monitoring, and reports on EMP implementation released by the EA/PCU will be available at the same offices and web sites. The IEE will also be available on the ADB web site. After implementation, all environmental and EMP reporting submitted by the EA/PCU will also be available on the ADB web site. This point was reiterated to the stakeholders during the consultations in 2017.

X. CONCLUSIONS

243. An initial environmental examination (IEE) was prepared for the subproject in June 2015. This updated IEE takes account of the detailed engineering design for the subproject.

A. Major Environmental Impacts

244. The examination of the subprojects in Houayxay confirms that the potential environmental impacts are largely restricted to the construction phase of the subprojects for HXY A1 – River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading, HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Access Roads, HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading, HXY B3 – Wastewater Management. The civil construction disturbances such dust, noise, traffic disruptions, erosion and sedimentation, and public and worker safety, which can be managed effectively with standard construction practices (e.g., IFC/World Bank 2007), as given in EMP. However, HXY B2- Solid Waste Management subproject will have operation phase environmental impacts such as dust and odour, litter dispersal, health and safety risks., which can be mitigated through sound site management, implementation of measures given in the EMP.

Construction phase impacts

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245. Pollution and sedimentation of the Mekong River during construction of river port and riverbank upgrading can be mitigated through implementing works in dry season, isolating near river excavation and infilling from river as much as possible, using temporary earth berms or plastic fences, implementation of formal construction waste collection and management plan, keeping all waste away from the river and disposing regularly in DONRE approved locations.

246. Potential impacts on disruption of boat traffic can be mitigated through preserving present boat docks and ramps until temporary facilities installed to prevent complete disruption of ferry traffic, implementing a boat traffic management plan in coordination with the local authorities in preconstruction phase; establishing a well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away main traffic areas.

247. Impacts on fishing activities due to construction boat traffic can be mitigated through avoiding in-river civil works in sensitive periods for fishery spring (Mar-May), establishing a well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away fishing areas, marking fishing areas including floating makers at the area boundaries. Potential impacts on threatened fish and turtle species in the Mekong River scheduled the works with the consideration of sensitive period for the endangered species, which is migration and spawning period, April and May.

248. Impacts on threatened fish and turtle species in the Mekong River during river port and riverbank embankment works can be mitigated through avoiding in river civil works in migration and spawning period endangered species, which is April and May, implementing the project during the dry season, between November and February, prohibition of fishing by construction staff and embankment construction sensitive to turtle habitat requirements.

249. Vegetation and tree removal for all projects will be avoided between March and early June, which is nesting season, and tree replanting will be implemented according to detailed designs. The impacts on riparian vegetation during riverbank embankment works will be mitigated through revegetation with native plants after completion.

250. No impact is expected on Upper Lao Mekong IBA in the north section of the riverbank embankment, potential impacts on the species in Upper Lao Mekong IBA at riverbank stretch at ecopark can be mitigated through preserving teak forest and large valuable trees at ecopark, avoiding implementation of works in migration and breeding season for the birds, between March and early June

251. Sedimentation and pollution of the lake due to landscaping and civil works that will be necessary to develop the ecopark can be mitigated through implementing subproject activity in dry season, between November and February, construction of a temporary, continuous berm and plastic or dense-link fence around the entire shoreline, implementing a construction waste collection and management plan, keeping all waste away from lake.

252. Potential impacts on existing trees at the ecopark can be mitigated through marking the trees, which are defined in detailed design phase and installation of protective warning/physical barriers around trees to prevent damage. Impacts on fishes in the lake can be mitigated through avoiding in-lake civil works in sensitive periods for fishes (April-May).

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253. Potential impacts on public and worker health and safety during roadside drain excavation can be mitigated through installation of warning tapes/barriers and signs will be for prevention of falling accidents, and avoiding storage of soil adjacent to excavated area in order to prevent collapses. Impacts on normal dumping operations of municipal waste during construction is not expected because until completion of the construction of Cell 1 the normal dumping operation will be continued at assigned location within the existing dumpsite. After construction of Cell 1 is completed the existing waste will be relocated to the constructed Cell-1. Potential impacts on safety of waste pickers due to construction works will be prevented through installation of clear signs, warning barriers at construction site, and raising awareness on construction plan, schedule and potential dangers such as moving vehicles, excavations. Potential health risks of construction workers during excavation and transportation of existing waste can be mitigated through the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) Pollution and sedimentation risk of natural stream along the access road will be mitigated with standard erosion and pollution mitigation measures given in EMP. odour and air quality impacts of this activity can be minimised through implementation of local excavations only in according to the transportation capacities.

Operation phase impacts

254. There are no major operational phases impacts are expected for the subprojects of HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Access Roads, HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage Upgrading, HXY B3 – Wastewater Management. The impacts are mainly related with possible increase in tourist activity e.g. garbage generation in river port, ecological park and recreation area; increased boat traffic which can be mitigated through sound operation and management systems.

255. Potential operational phase impacts of the renovated landfill such as dust and odour, litter dispersal, and health and safety risks which may be a result of potential poor site management will be mitigated through capacity building programme on operation and maintenance and monitoring commissioning during initial operations to be conducted by Project Management Implementation Support (PMIS) consultant, and implementation number of mitigation measures including compacting after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste, minimising open tipping face area, restricting tipping activities during periods of adverse weather.

256. Community use of the waste system will be supported by PMIS through provision of awareness raising under capacity building package of the project, and UDAA will continue public awareness campaigns and trainings during operation period.

257. Considering the (i) groundwater levels which are between 24-26 m, (ii) low permeability of the landfill area, (iii) the basal lining and leachate collection systems to be constructed, and (iv) operation and maintenance trainings to be provided within the project; no impacts on groundwater pollution are expected during the operation phase. Nevertheless, groundwater quality monitoring programme to be conducted by Urban Development Authority Administration (UDAA) and Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) during landfill operation period is proposed in EMP. Thus, any possible

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unexpected pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

258. Considering the future availability of active landfill gas degassing system, and a gas flare system, which is not scope of this project, proposed for landfill gas management to be constructed after closure of cell-1; no impacts on local air pollution are expected due to landfill gas generation. Nevertheless, landfill gas/air quality monitoring programme to be conducted by UDAA after the closure of Cell-1, is proposed in EMP. Thus, any possible unexpected air pollution can be determined and remedied promptly.

259. Considering the very low amount of the medical waste (12 kg/day) and generated ash (2.5 kg/week), low capacity of the plant (10kg/h), a working period of once in a week and a condition to meet national emission standards, no major impact is expected due to operation of the medical waste incinerator. However, in order to mitigate any possible impacts; the medical waste will be stored at the hospitals and will be transported by container truck to the landfill where it will be burned when delivered; it will be operated in line with the operational manual by trained/authorised staff who will use appropriate PPE.

260. DEWATS and VSB Constructed Wetland to be constructed under HXY B3 – Wastewater Management will require sludge removal, once in two years and once in ten years respectively. Removed sludge will be treated in the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant which will be constructed in the landfill under HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management Subproject. Operation of Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility at landfill will require (i) cleaning the screen and removal of debris to the landfill; (ii) removal of sludge from the sludge drying bed twice in a month. The treated wastewater from each of the treatment systems will be tested for compliance with national standards during operation.

261. Currently there are significant health and safety risks for the waste pickers due to existing poor working and living conditions. In line with the PPTA proposal, the detailed design of the landfill consists of construction of a segregation shed for separating the recyclables from the domestic waste.

262. In addition, common health and safety risks of waste management facilities can be mitigated through establishing and implementing health and safety procedures, carrying out emergency procedure and medical screening, provision and use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, providing periodical health and safety trainings placing signs on potential dangers, and implementing good housekeeping procedures.

263. Induced and cumulative impacts will be mainly positive including improved access and transportation, improved environmental quality through improved solid waste management and improved wastewater drainage system. Potential negative induced and cumulative impacts in construction phase may be increased natural resource consumption (e.g. aggregate for road works) which will need careful management and monitoring by DONRE and waste generation, which can be mitigated through implementation of the EMP.

264. An EMP is developed for the subprojects in Houayxay, which provides impact mitigation plans, environmental monitoring plans, and specify the institutional responsibilities and capacity needs for the environmental management of the subprojects.

94 ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

B. Overall Conclusion

265. The findings of this IEE show that Houayxay subprojects are not anticipated to have any significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. Public consultations indicated that the majority of the potentially affected people had a positive attitude toward the project as a whole and believed it would be beneficial. Any adverse environmental impacts associated with the project will be prevented, reduced to acceptable levels, or otherwise compensated, as set out in the EMP. In addition institutional strengthening and personnel training will be established to ensure environmental sustainability of the project.

The IEE confirms that the subprojects are Category B and that there are no overriding reasons why the project should not proceed.

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

ANNEX 1: Public Consultation Attendees

HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management & HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreation Area September 20, 2017 Printed Name of Gender Organization/Village Ethic Phone Participant Male Female represented Group number 1. Channouy Vannylath  Villager Lao 59825330 2. Touy Keomany  Villager Lao 99453948 Head of Sibounheuang 3. Khamphet Xayyavong  Lao Theung 55116525 villager lao youth 4. Lex  Villager Lao Theung 59576351 5. Xiengphong Lortakoun  Head of lao youth Tai Dam 58495184 6. Ounkham  Villager Lao Theung Deputy head of district 7. Khamsouk Incheuang  Phu Noy 95557388 administration office Deputy head of district 8. Bounthong Vilaphanh  Tai Dam 55783940 mediation office Head of district 9. Sounthavy Silitham  Leu 55904079 management office Head of Oudom village 10. Som-Erk Yaisavanh  Tai Dam 55484159 woman union Head of district defend 11. Keomixay  Lao 56184618 peace 12. Khamsing Intaphanh  Head of unit Lao 55774460 Head of section in 13. Khankeo Inthavong  district finance Lao 55714428 department 14. Kongkham Chanthavy  Deputy head of village Lao 55539223 15. Khamphanh  Villager Lao 55092991 16. Sengsouphap Vilaisane  PIU Lao 54777322

Figure 41: Views from the Public Consultation conducted on September 20, 2017

96 ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection September 21, 2017 Gender Organization/Village Ethic Phone Printed Name of Participant Male Female represented Group number 1. Lai Phone  Villager Lao 55086339 Deputy of party 2. Phouvong Phoutthavong  secretary in Houayxai- Lao 99886171 Neua viilage Deputy head of district 3. Sitsamay  woman union in Lao 55089995 Khonekeo village Head of woman union in 4. Sengphachanh  Lao 23919131 Khonekeo village Member of woman 5. Chanping  union in Khonekeo Lao 5223522 village Deputy head of district 6. Phavy Phommasack  Lao 58101918 administration office Staff of resettlement 7. Phatthana Phetmany  Lao 99631478 section in DONRE Deputy head of land 8. Chansamone  Lao 22387003 parcels office Staff of provincial 9. Phonethip Meuangmit  Leu 22381125 woman union Member of Woman 030 10. Moukdalin Sayyasith  union in Houayxai-Neua Lao 2006683 village Staff of summarization 11. Saiyyan Ardy  Lao 59505522 in DAFO

Figure 42: Views from the Public Consultation conducted on September 21, 2017

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HXY B2 – Urban Road and Drainage & HXY B3 – Wastewater Management & September 22, 2017 Gender Organization/Village Ethic Phone Printed Name of Participant Male Female represented Group number Head of section in the 1. Khankeo Inthavong  Lao 55714428 finance department Staff of provincial 2. Phouangmalay Sivalith  Lao 22236542 woman union Staff of provincial 3. Phonethip meuangmith  Leu 22381125 woman union Deputy head of 4. Bounthai Keomanyvong  Lao 58085555 Thinthard village Villager of Houayxai- Phu 5. Vongpheng Sipaseuth  55470799 Tai village Noy Villager of Houayxai- Lao 6. Khounmy Boualapha  54283137 Tai village Theung Head of Huayxai 7. Chantha Bounthavy  district administration Leu 55783506 office.

Figure 43: Views from the Public Consultation conducted on September 22, 2017 ANNEX 2 – Environmental Compliance Certificate

ANNEX 3 – Ecological Survey Report

,

Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Ministry of Public Work and Transport

Department of Housing Urban Planning

Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project

ADB Loan Nos. 3315/8296-LAO

Biological Survey in the Haouyxay

June, 2018

Submitted by:

In association with: MEMBER OF THE RMA GROUP

Contents

1. METHODS AND MATERIALS ...... 3

1.1. DATA COLLECTION TECHNICS...... 3 1.2. COLLECTED MATERIALS ...... 5 1. AREA OF SURVEY IN HAOUYXAY ...... 6

1.1. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT IN HAOUYXAY, BOKEO PROVINCE ...... 6 1.2. SITE SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTIC OF BIODIVERSITY ...... 8 1.3. RIVER PORT REHABILITATION AND RIVERBANK UPGRADING AND PROTECTION...... 8 1.4. ECOLOGICAL PARK AND RECREATION AREA ...... 10 1.5. ROADS AND DRAINAGE ...... 13 1.6. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ...... 15 1.7. WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT ...... 16 2. FLORA AND FAUNA IN HAOUYXAY ...... 18

2.1. FISH FAUNA ...... 20 2.2. AMPHIBIANS ...... 23 2.3. REPTILES ...... 24 2.4. BIRDS ...... 26 2.5. MAMMALS ...... 29 2.6. INVERTEBRATES ...... 30 2.7. FLORA IN THE PROJECT AREA ...... 31 3. BIOLOGIC ENVIRONMENT AND SELECTED VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS IN HAOUYXAY AREA ...... 32

3.1. VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS (VECS) APPROACH ...... 32 3.2. VECS IN THE PROJECT AREA OF HAOUYXAY ...... 33 3.3. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ...... 33 3.4. TERRESTRIAL HABITAT ...... 34 3.5. AQUATIC HABITAT ...... 35 3.6. RARE AND THREATENED SPECIES ...... 35 3.7. USE OF NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS ...... 36 4. PREDICTED IMPACTS OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 37 5. CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE ECO- PARK AREA ...... 38 6. LITERATURE SOURCES ...... 40 APPENDIXES: ...... 41

A. APPENDIX 1: PLANT SPECIES IN THE PROJECT AREA: ...... 41 B. APPENDIX 2: TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL SPECIES IN THE HAOUYXAY AREA ...... 47 1

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

C. APPENDIX 3: FISH SPECIES CAUGHT IN MEKONG RIVER DURING SURVEY AND FOUND ON THE LOCAL MARKET ...... 54 D. APPENDIX 4: RESULTS OF POND SURVEY IN THE ECO-CENTER AREA ...... 55

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1. METHODS AND MATERIALS 1.1. Data collection technics Before to start work on the biodiversity field data collection in the project area, the available scientific literature and databases on species composition in Northern Laos and in Mekong River Basin were searched and analyzed. Basing on such data, the general description of project area has been done with specific bio-geographic characteristics of the region and main features, describing diversity and biological value of the region.

Express survey method was applied to collect data on biodiversity in the project sites. This method was used due to limits of time and need in the general characteristic of typical ecosystems and their biodiversity in the project areas. This method includes combination of transect and point counts methods, when relatively large area can be covered in the short period of time. During point count, usually two people are involved in data collection, one taking the point coordinates in the project area and make notes, when other looks around, listening and identify all detected species on distance from several to 100 m during 5-10 minutes. The points were selected randomly along available transects in the woods. The GPS “Magellan – Explorist-610” was used for identification of coordinates in the project area with precision in 5 m, approximately, that is acceptable in such kind of survey. Binocular “Vortex” 10 x 42 was used for visual identification of wildlife species, mostly birds and lizards. Camera “Canon – 7D” was used for documentation and identification of species in the project sites. Because very abundant vegetation and problems to see bird species by sight, the bird survey was conducted using “call-back” technic, when preliminary prepared bird songs were played on i-pod, strengthening calls through “Blue-Tooth”. This technic is based on the preliminary identification of bird from specific group (for example, all sunbirds have similar call) and after that playing songs of several species, which can be found in this area. This technic allowed to identify many species hidden in the deep foliage of trees and debris; however, not all species responding to calls at this time.

Figure 44: Survey of the area in Haouyxay sites: survey of landfill (left) and collection of fish samples (right).

Fish survey in Hoauyxay area was conducted on April 30 – May 08, 2018 by team of project in cooperation with local experts from Department of Forestry. The local fisherman was also hired to collect samples in the Mekong River upper and down of projected Eco-Park area and in the ponds of Eco-Park. Sampling was done by fish net with small diameter, allowing to catch even small fish. Fishing was conducted on motor-boat by morning (downstream area) and afternoon (upstream area). 3

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Plant survey in the Eco-Park area was completed by team of local experts from Forestry Division of the local Department of Agriculture on May 5-6, 2018, using standard geobotanical methodology for the forest survey (composition of plant species, identification of dominant species in the community, description of cover and typical traits of the plant community). Plant survey in other project area was provided by general description of existing plant communities and dominant trees in each community. During plant survey the attention was given to the description of current status of the plant community: wild, urbanized, rural, disturbed-non-disturbed, used by people, etc.

Additional data on fauna, especially on fish, amphibian and reptile species, was collected during survey of local markets and interviewing of wildlife sellers. Local fishermen and dwellers of the houses in the Eco-Park area were also interviewed on subject of fish dynamics, most abundant species caught in the river and in the lakes, trends in fish and other animal populations from point of view of local people.

Figure 45: Data collection on local market to survey the use of wild animals in the project area.

The project team also met with officers of the Departments of Environment and Agriculture that to get additional information about fish and wildlife management and to explore opportunities for the engagement of official structures in the Eco-Park management. We also asked about water monitoring in the Haouyxay area and got information about water conditions collected by the Department of Environment. During survey of the project area, the project team also took the water samples from drainage channels, river (upstream area), pond near planned Waste-water Treatment Plant and lake in Eco-Park area. All 12 samples were marked in accordance with standard protocols and prepared for the analysis in the water laboratory in Vientiane. This water analysis will provide the basic indicators about water quality for further monitoring of water-streams in the project area (Before & After Sampling monitoring technic).

The materials on biodiversity in Haouyxay area were collected from April 24 to May 15, 2018 through visiting of sites from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm, usually, but in some cases (in urban conditions) afternoon surveys were also conducted. All sites were visited at least one time and described following to the provided above scheme. The project site at Eco-Park was visited several times for more detailed evaluation and description, including identification of zoning sites, precise description of existing flora and fauna, conversations with people about use of fish and wildlife resources in the project area.

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The collection of materials on biodiversity in Luang Namtha was collected from May 21 to May 28, 2018. Collection of biological data (animal occurrence and distribution) was conducted by morning from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Description of plant community was conducted during all visits of sites. There were surveyed all project sites, collected supplementary data about wildlife trade on local markets, the wildlife market, located outside of town also was visited. Water-samples from all areas were collected also.

Guidebooks on birds, mammals, reptiles of South-East Asia were used to identify species up to species level. Online Fish data-base as well as fish database for Lao PDR (2018) were analyzed that to identify all collected species. Experts on several taxonomic groups such as butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and fish also were consulted that to prove species identity.

1.2. Collected Materials During survey of the area, there were collected data on presence of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds in the project sites of Haouyxay area. Data on mammals were not available, however, on the local market we found some wild mammal species sold by local people and collected in the area around Haouyxay. The data on taxonomic groups for species, found in the project area, are presented below in the Table 1.1.

Table 23: Composition of fauna in the project area on the results of express survey Taxonomic Group Haouyxay area Luang Namtha area Total SAR Total SAR Fish 55 11 29 Amphibians 10 0 9 1 Reptiles 12 2 14 0 Birds 95 5 97 2 Mammals 3 0 15 1 Subtotal 175 18 167 4 Source: Biodiversity field survey, 2018 (SAR – species at risk – rare and threatened species).

Plant survey in the short period of time does not allow to collect all possible information on species composition and structure of communities, because richness of floral species in the tropical regions is great. Floral diversity in the project area in Haouyxay is more than 400 species, it is impossible to identify all these species during express survey method. Therefore, our survey method was based on the assessment of the main characteristics of flora: structure and composition, type of floral community, dominant species, degree of human disturbance, species abundance, degree of projective cover of the area by vegetation, etc. However, even so, there were identified around 200 species in the Haouyxay, including 9 species, recognized as globally threatened.

Figure 46: Closeness of native mountain habitats and river in Haouyxay area define the main features of the landscape.

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

General characteristics of landscape also had been provided and included the flat plain or undulating hills, agricultural areas, urban environment, river sandy bank or bar, wetland, natural or artificial embankment, mud/sediment flats, etc. The vegetation types were described as riverine or terrestrial evergreen forest, degraded secondary forest, planted forest, bamboo forest, shrubland, banana plantation, orchard, urban ornamental park vegetation, reeds, gardens, urban street vegetation, ruderal plant communities, etc.

Digital photographs of all main specimens and plant sample species were taken as part of survey, presenting ecosystems and main wildlife habitats, fauna and flora specimens (many of which were taken for precise identification of species), interviewed people and field survey moments.

1. AREA OF SURVEY IN HAOUYXAY The project area is located in a Lower Mekong River Basin, which is recognised as the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot with 12 of 200 200 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Ecoregions such as Northern Indochina sub-Tropical Moisture Forests, Indochina Dry Forests, Eastern Himalayan Alpine and Meadow, Eastern Himalaya Broadleaf and Conifer Forest, the Cardamom Mountains Moist Forests, the Mekong River and several others. The area is also one of the eight centers of cultural plant origin or Vavilov’s Centers, situated in the Indian Center with Indo-Burma and Siam- Malaya-Java sub-centers with 115 and 55 crop wild crop relatives (USAID, 2013). The region is very diverse ethnically, only in Haouyhay area there are represented 17 ethnic groups. Many local communities are closely associated with the landscape and biodiversity of their area. The Mekong ecosystems and biodiversity provide the major ecosystems services for the local rural population, ensuring food security for 85% of the population in Mekong Basin.

1.1. Biological environment in Haouyxay, Bokeo Province The upper flow of the Mekong River is internationally recognized as important for biodiversity, especially for migratory fish species, including globally Critical Endangered the Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas). The Mekong Giant Fish occurs in the river near Houayxay town regularly during seasonal migrations. This area (river-side) also represents a part of internationally recognized Upper Low Mekong Important Bird Area (IBA) (Bird Life Data Zone, 2018), significant for biome species of Indo-Gangetic Plains and for congregatory waterbirds during migration and wintering such as River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) and Little Pratincole (Glareola lactea). Both those species were detected during survey of projected Eco-Park area.

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Figure 47: Mekong River (left) and riparian habitats (right) ensure existence of rich biodiversity in the project area.

In spite of several surveys on biodiversity in the Bokeo area (Dubeau, 2003, P1-ASEM, 2013, Coats et al., 2003), it is still little known in details. Therefore, our survey was based on the analysis of general existing floral and faunal species, known for the Mekong River Basin and for the Laos area.

Haouyxay town is very green city, surrounded by mountainous landscapes with rich natural evergreen forests, serving as source habitats for many native plant and animal species. The town is mostly stretched along the Mekong River with local houses, religious sites and administrative building and opened amazing view on the Mekong Valley and adjacent Thailand area, situated on the other site of the river. Many services, small hotels, restaurants, shops, orchards and other facilities are located along the main street of the town, stretching along the river. Stripe of the riparian evergreen vegetation frames the boundary between river and town, in some places houses are built very close to river bank and local gardens for vegetable production roll also from the slopes to river banks.

Many tropical fruit orchards and ornamental plants grow in the town along the streets and in proximity of houses, making this green town attractive for tourists. However, there is no any park or other attractions in the area, available for eco-tourism activities. Many households keep beautiful orchids in the pots or on fruit trees growing in the orchards, however, it is difficult to recognize if those orchids represent cultivars or original native species from this vulnerable group of flowers, which is rich in Laos (around 400 described scientific wild species).

Figure 48: Wild orchid plants on trees and in ports of Haouyxay area.

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

The Mekong River in Haouyxay area can be characterized by relatively slow current, medium width and low-lying islands, overgrown by green riparian vegetation and established trees. Some of these islands are used by local community for gardening. The banks on the Lao side are steep and mostly overgrown by riparian vegetation, planted orchards and ornamental trees, sand/pebble banks are formed by sand deposits, complemented by continuous sedimentation of soils, brought by river.

1.2. Site specific characteristic of biodiversity All sites of the project area were visited for data collection and description of specific features for each site at least one time, but some of them, for example, the area of planned Eco-Park was surveyed more thorough that to describe all specific elements, which can be important for planning and management of Ecological Park in the area. In general, all sites are located in the borders of existing town or in its proximity and have some similar traits such secondary character of vegetation communities: they were planted or grew-up after disturbances. In all sites there are many weeds or ruderal plants, growing in disturbed environment or along the roads. Faunal diversity is mostly presented by species well-adapted to life, in anthropogenic disturbed environment. However, closeness of natural habitats in the surrounding mountains of one of the recognized biodiversity hotspots also contributes to richness of local fauna, mostly by composition of mobile species such as birds, butterflies and other insects. Diversity of reptiles (especially lizards) is also rich, many nocturnal lizards (geckoes) found near houses in the town and in rural localities. They are not only diverse, but also very abundant, which is, more likely, relevant to abundant invertebrate species, especially small ants, butterflies and moths. There were not found many snakes in the area, one water-snake was detected near planned Waste-water Treatment Plant and one near the Mekong River in the planned Eco-Park, but we even did not have chance to identify them – because they immediately escaped and hide in the dense grasses. More likely, that snakes are severely persecuted by people, which is not surprising, because many local species are known as highly venomous. Special data collection on invertebrates was not conducted, but associated available data were collected for further identification by invertebrate experts.

1.3. River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection This site (HXY A1) is located in the proximity of the Mekong River stretching from new Port 1 to Port 2 along mostly steep slope overgrown by riparian evergreen vegetation, planted gardens with vegetables, grown in the proximity of the river, and fruit orchards, representing local South-Asian cultivars of fruit trees such as coconut palm, several kinds of mango-tree, jack-fruit, abundant banana trees, lychee, several kind of citrus trees, date and coconut palms, logan-fruits, star gooseberry tree (Phyllantus acidus), dragon fruit, gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis), and many others. The area is rich with biodiversity due to several plant communities such as riparian forest along the bank and drainage canals, diverse orchards with many fruit trees around houses and vegetarian gardens between orchards and riparian communities in well irrigated areas. All these plant communities provide very good conditions for abundant bird fauna with 58 species counted, represented by species, associated with wetlands and gardens. There were detected 2 amphibian (frog) species and 9 reptiles (lizards) in this area. Several bat species were observed in the evening in this area. No other mammal species were detected, but presence of some rat and mice species are more likely.

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The rich riparian vegetation along and in drainage canals will serve as natural filters for the purification of waste water, partly cleaning water before it will flow into the Mekong River. However, with increased drainage of waste water, the capacity of vegetation for water purification is not enough and it would be reasonable to consider opportunities for better filtration, for example, through placement of reed mats along the streams or other solutions. The project site is located closely to Mekong River, therefore during rehabilitation and river bank upgrading all necessary precautionary measures should be applied to prevent adverse impact of construction works on water hydrology and rich fish resources in the project area.

Figure 49: Drainage canal in the river bank area (left) and Silk Tree (Albizia chinensis) is dominant in the native plant community.

Riparian community among the banks and on small islands is composed by tall trees with predominance of tall silk trees (Albizia chinensis), medium-sized shrubs, mostly composed by willow (Salex ssp.) closely to water, several bamboo species and mimozid trees (Leucaena leucocephala) and tall grasses like Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and several others. Riparian vegetation borders with planted gardens with number of vegetable species, grown by local people, and with local orchards surrounding houses. Fruit trees in orchards are very diverse and mostly represented by tropical types widely distributed in South-East Asia. Present conditions of riparian vegetation, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards are good and more animal species can be found in the project area in various season of year. More likely, that the stripe of riparian vegetation serves as a corridor for migratory birds and their number during migration seasons should be higher.

Specific recommendations for HXY A1 River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection subproject:

The aquatic habitat (see para X) in the Mekong River can be affected due to construction works. In order to prevent any adverse impacts to the aquatic habitat: The river port and river bank protection works will be scheduled with the consideration of sensitive period for the endangered species, which is after migration and spawning period, April and May, ii)Subproject activities will be implemented during the dry season (November-February); (iii) In-river civil works will be minimized as much as possible and will be completed as soon as possible (iv) construction materials should be taken with minimal impact on hydrology and spawning sites;

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

The Upper Lao Mekong IBA will not be affected much in this part of the project area, because appropriate water-bird habitats are located on sandy bars, small islands and open banks, which are outside of this area.

Threatened fish and turtle species may be impacted by construction work and by fishing of workers. Instructions to prevent fishing should be done by management staff. Other recommendations to prevent impact on threatened species are highlighted above in the paragraph relevant to aquatic habitat.

Riparian vegetation prevents soils erosion and serves as important habitat for many animal species. Minimization of impact on riparian habitat should be done during construction work, preventing cutting of large trees, when possible, and by replantation of river banks after construction.

At the operation stage, the post-project control and monitoring of fish habitats should be done to test the water quality parameters, identify hydrological conditions and status of habitats. Rehabilitation of damaged habitats will include replantation and growth of riparian vegetation.

1.4. Ecological Park and Recreation Area The site HXY A2 is also situated along the Mekong River. Currently, the area contains several households with local inhabitants, mostly occupied by fishing, cattle breeding and sand/gravel collection from the river. Two small shallow lakes are located at the eastern boundary of the river. Several remained patches of planted teak forest (Tectona grandis) are dispersed through the future park area with several stands of bamboo species inside and on the borders of forest. Bamboo stands are mostly cut or damaged, because used for domestic needs. Several large trees of Ficus racemosa and few other trees grow in the northern corner of the Park, providing shade and perfect habitats for birds, lizards and insects. Ruins of banana plantation overgrown by emerging weeds are located in southern part of the area. Partly damaged riparian vegetation grows along the Mekong River bank. Several hills of sand and gravel are located in northern and central part of the area. Several openings are occupied by meadows overgrown in some places by shrubby vegetation or ruderal plants with doubtful value even for grazing. These parts are obviously overgrazed. The area is highly destructed and damaged by human activities. Many damping sites can be found along the river bank and in forest, new damping sites appeared in the northern corner near entrance to the Park Area, where, more likely, the wastes from located closely Chinese Market are damped. Heavy tracks regularly drive through the area carrying sand every day; grazing cattle can be found within all opened places; people trying to find some edible products (such as mussels and snails in the lakes, mushrooms in the forest, edible plants, capturing of fish) are everywhere. There is no any sign of the sustainable use of the area and there is also no any sign of the management activities. This area currently has very little ecological and economic value due to over-exploitation.

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Figure 50: Current use of Eco-Park Area.

At the same time, the closeness of the Mekong River and proximity of the rich natural forests still provide good conditions for the relatively rich fauna in the area. Assessed bird diversity was relatively high with 69 detected species just during short-time survey, many lizard species (diurnal and nocturnal) were observed in the area. Invertebrate diversity (especially butterflies and dragonflies) is also rich. Fish diversity in the lake and in the river is also relatively good. Only in the lake there was found 20 fish species, in spite of its current not-ideal conditions. Fish diversity in the adjacent Mekong River is much richer; according to fishermen interview, data collected on local markets and during fish catch in the river, even in this season with low-water the diversity of fish in the river is more than 50 species. However, after rain season it should be even more. There were found several frog species in the area also. But according to information from local people, frog and fish diversity and abundance in the Eco-Park area were severely affected by banana plantation and chemicals applied to increase its productivity and protect from pests. Large turtle species have been observed time to time in the Mekong River closely to Eco-Park area, they were observed regularly in the past, but now they are seen very rare. Park conditions are not optimal now, and there is a need in the development of strategy for its restoration and management.

Figure 51: Planted teak forest and riparian vegetation (left) and lake in the Eco-Park Area (right).

This site has very good potential for recreation and rehabilitation, but only under conditions of wise management and control of destructing human activities. Protection of remains of teak forest and large trees, grown in the area, during construction work should be recommended. Natural solutions for embankment of the Mekong River bank are also needed to keep the integrity of natural ecosystems and prevent adverse impact on river hydrology, riparian vegetation and fish species. Development of Master Plan for the restoration and sustainable use/management of the area should be also recommended. All proposals regarding establishment of natural features in the park were outlined in the separate file (tropical forest corner, fruit orchard, butterfly and bee garden, fish 11

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

and frog nurseries, turtle and bird attracting sites, organic garden with mushroom greenhouse, etc.). Construction of embankment may impact terrestrial and aquatic species, such as threatened fish and freshwater turtle species. Turtles need the low sandy banks and sandy bars on islands for reproduction (laying of eggs and hatching little turtles). Therefore, the natural solutions for the embankment of the planned Eco-Park area is highly recommended. Potential turtle beaches should be explored and turtle conservation initiative should be delivered in the planned Eco-Park area through public awareness and education programs. Concrete embankment of the river bank can impact Upper Lao Mekong Important Bird Area and destroy existing habitats for water-birds and birds, associated with riparian habitats, including threatened species such as River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucellii) and River Tern (Sterna aurantia). The natural solutions for embankment of Eco-Park area are highly recommended.

The aquatic habitat in the Mekong River as well as threatened fish and turtle species can be affected due to construction works. In order to prevent any adverse impacts to the aquatic habitat: the concrete embankment work will be replaced by bio-engineering scheduled with the consideration of sensitive period for the endangered species, which is after migration and spawning period, April and May, ii)Subproject activities will be implemented during the dry season (November-February); (iii) In-river civil works will be minimized as much as possible and will be completed as soon as possible (iv) Current operations of small facilities for sand and gravel extraction from the river in the projected Eco-Park area should be stopped due to direct and indirect impacts on river hydrology, natural habitats and river biodiversity. Construction materials should be taken with minimal impact on hydrology and spawning sites. (v) control of water quality in the river during construction work (turbidity, pH, oxygen).

Figure 52: Bank structure and natural grassy riparian vegetation along the river line.

Specific recommendations for HXY A2 Ecological Park Recreation Area subproject:

The Upper Lao Mekong IBA can be affected, because there are potential breeding places for water- birds along the bank and closely located small islands, therefore subproject activities, relevant to embankment improvement, will be implemented during November – February. Construction materials (sand and gravel) will be taken at the same time. Riparian vegetation will be enhanced with native bamboo, small riparian tree and shrub species and with natural grasses. Increased riparian zone will diminish adverse impact of floods and will serve as natural habitat for local bird, freshwater turtle and fish species. Enhancement of the sandy beach (turtles and waders potential breeding sites) will be provided in accordance with landscape design and zoning of river bank. 12

Zoning of Eco-Park area has been done at the design stage, establishment of Eco-Park infrastructure and planting of trees in the fruit orchard and tropical garden should be done in accordance with developed plan and landscape engineering, mostly in wet season, when the chance of tree adaptation is much higher than in dry season. It is also recommended selection of butterflies and bees for the butterfly garden and bee-corner from native species.

Saving of large valuable trees in the Eco-Park. Trees are mapped and will be marked with special markers or tape. Supervisor of construction will control that these trees will not be cut during park construction work.

Operation stage:

Management and maintenance of park’s zoning system, enrichment of area with natural elements attracting turtles, birds, butterflies and other fauna, serving for education and recreation purposes. Post-project maintenance and monitoring of plantations and nurseries through developed Eco-Park Management or Master Plan (5-year based system). Capacity building and organization of optimal management system for Park’s operations with education of staff and potential nature guides. Training of members of management board, staff and other interested stakeholders to relevant issues such as water control, park’s infrastructure maintenance, education and conservation programs, operations of small eco-enterprises within the Park (fish and frog nurseries, butterfly garden, tropical forest, etc.), operation of small water-quality lab, etc.

1.5. Roads and Drainage The site HXY B1 is dispersed through town area with quite dense population, streets, houses and orchards. Drainage canals are overgrown by dense riparian vegetation, including tall trees. Many fruit trees and ornamental plants are found in the area. Most part of trees were planted by local people. The natural vegetation is flourishing only along drainage canals. Many ruderal plants are also found in the area, mostly along the street out of orchards. This area is rich with faunal diversity, many bird and butterfly species found in the orchards, several lizard and frog species are also common for the area. Because the area is very large and diverse, the recommendations to prevent adverse impact on biodiversity should be site specific. More likely, that in many highly populated areas it will not be severe impacts on local vegetation and fauna. But protection of large beautiful trees during construction should be recommended. The recommendations to consider natural purification methods for waste water like in the case of HXY A1 also can be done (We need to explore such opportunity and find information about similar case-studies and best practices for water purification using aquatic and semi-aquatic plants in tropical conditions).

Figure 53: Many ornamental plants as well as fruit trees grow along the roads, including blooming native Delonix regia and Lagerstroemis ssp, fruits of Star Gooseberry - Phyllantus acidus, and invasive Potato Tree Solanum wrightii. 13

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Water samples were taken from drainage canals in this area that to identify the quality of water coming to Mekong River. Plant and animal diversity is composed mostly by mosaic of urban and semi-urban habitats and can be characterized by prevalence of urban communities with some incorporated elements of natural environment due to closeness of natural habitats, presence of drainage canals, fruit orchards and semi-riparian vegetation along the canals serving as migratory corridors for several local resident bird, frog, lizard and mammal species. The most common birds are Common Myna, sparrows, swallows and swifts, nesting in urban environment. Although, in total, there were counted 49 bird species in this area. The most common lizard species are nocturnal geckoes, inhabiting open walls of houses and other urban constructions and abundant in the places with good night illumination, attracting many insect species: 3 gecko species were detected in the area and 3 diurnal lizards (Calotes mystaceus, Calotes versicolor and small skink species). Plant communities are mostly composed by local orchards and gardens, planted ornamental trees along streets and riparian vegetation stripes along drainage channels, overgrown by trees and grassy vegetation with large leaves such as Colocasia ssp. species and other plants from Araceae family, reeds, Thypha ssp. and other semi-aquatic grasses. Paper Flower (Bougainvillea glabra) is often used for decoration of walls and fences in this area, many other ornamental plants attract sunbird and flowerpecker species, therefore these small passerine birds are quite abundant in the local orchards and gardens.

Specific recommendations for HXY B1 Roads and Drainage subproject:

It is not expected that any biological Valued environmental components in the project area will be affected directly in the result of construction work. The aquatic habitat in the Mekong River as well as threatened fish species can be affected indirectly, if the waste water will not be purified and continue to flow into Mekong River. Currently, the aquatic and riparian vegetation growing along drainage canals partly filtrate communal waste-water due to well developed root system of semi- aquatic plants “working” as a pump and stopping movement of all significant solid pieces of wastes.

It should be recommended at the construction stage to minimize negative impact on established riparian environment through reduced removal of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, bio-engineering measures to enhance water-purification capacity of drainage canals, water quality control and monitoring. It is recommended to train personnel during upgrading of drainage canals and to conduct re-naturalization of creeks, planting native plants from northern Laos with good capacity for water purification (The list of aquatic and riparian plants in the area is provided separately).

Saving of large valuable trees, growing in the proximity of drainage canals, is also recommended. They will be marked with special markers or tape. Supervisor of construction will control that these trees will not be cut during canal improvement and rehabilitation work.

Operation stage:

It is recommended post-construction water quality control and monitoring with training of responsible personnel in the municipality. Regular management and maintenance of drainage canals in accordance with existing standards, avoiding or minimizing damaging of natural vegetation serving for water-filtration and purification.

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1.6. Solid Waste Management The site HXY B2 is located on distance around 2 km from the main road. This site is surrounded by dense banana plantations and secondary planted forest (rubber tree or Hevea brasiliensis) of approximately 10-15 years old. Buildings and constructions of oil refining plant are also found in the area. Slopes around landfill are overgrown by ruderal vegetation, vines and banana bushes. The landfill area is mostly bare, filled by piles of waste materials. Poor people, sorting out waste materials and selecting the most valuable items, also were observed there. Mostly all observed people, including kids, work without masks and other protective materials (gloves, rubber shoes, etc.).

Figure 54: Planted forest (left) and downstream ravine (right) near landfill.

Due to its specific, the site attracts a huge number of insects, especially flies and beetles, specialized on detreat and waste materials. Lizards (diurnal and nocturnal) are also diverse and abundant in this place due to abundant “food base” – many insects. There were registered 19 bird species in this area. Insectivorous birds are the most abundant, especially swallows and swifts. Common anthropogenic species of birds such as Common Myna and Eurasian Field Sparrow were detected near remained buildings of oil refining plant in the area. It should be also many bats at night around this area, but we did not conduct survey at night.

The most important issue in this area is preventing of leakage from waste landfill into the natural drainage and ground water. Planting of trees with insect control features acting as natural repellents such as Melia azedarach should be recommended for the landfill boundaries as well as plants with strong odour, mitigating dissemination of smell from the waste landfill to surrounding areas. To prevent impact of landfill on banana plantations, several solutions can be proposed such as increased distance to the plantation and also planting of the hedgerows from native trees and shrubs around landfill.

Specific recommendations for HXY B2 Solid Waste Management subproject:

The site is located in the highly transformed environment. It is not expected that any biological Valued environmental components will be affected directly or indirectly in the result of landfill upgrades and improvement construction work. Specific recommendations relevant to health issues should be done (improvement of work conditions for waste pickers, control of odour and insects).

At the construction stage it should be recommended establishment of segregation sheets and other leachate control measures to prevent contamination of drainage below the landfill by water from 15

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

dumpsite. Prevention of impact on health of laborers during construction should be done through distribution of preventive measures (masks and gloves), safety instruction of workers and training of landfill personnel relevant to safety issues. Planting of hedgerow from trees and other vegetation with insect control features or repellent effect around the landfill area is also recommended. List of native plants with repellent effect features will be provided in the attachment.

Operation stage:

It is recommended post-construction water quality control in the stream below landfill, especially in wet season. Control of hedgerow growth and replanting of trees and vegetation, when necessary. Training and instruction of workers to safety issues.

1.7. Waste Water Management The site HXY B3 is located in the proximity of Eco-Park area. Currently this area is occupied by the empty fields overgrown by small shrubs, grasses and ruderal vegetation including several invasive grass such as Mimoza pudica, castor bean tree Ricinus communis, ruderal Solanum aculeatissimum, S. lasiocarpum, etc. On the boundary of fields, several tree and shrub species grow such as kapok (Bombax ssp.), Albizia chinensis, Mimozid Tree (Leucaena leococephala), Flame Tree (Delonix regia), several Bamboo species, etc. There are several ponds in the area. The closest of them, located in the proximity of road, is used mostly for cattle watering and bathing. Domestic water buffalo shed is located in this area, and around 30-40 animals graze on the field around the lake. Aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation is very poor in the area, and represented mostly by mimozid trees, poor and low-growing reeds (Phragmites australis), degraded lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia) and several Juncus ssp. species. Open grassland is overgrown by grass from Graminae family with prevalence of Cynodon ssp. All vegetation, especially aquatic and semi-aquatic grasses and shrubs are covered by pink snail eggs. Several snail species also were observed in the area.

Next field, divided by vegetarian fence, represents swamp area, where local people collect some biological products (more likely fish or snails). In the third field, which is not easy to access, another pond is located. Several channels connect ponds. Large Ficus racemosa tree grows closely to cattle shed. Fauna is represented by several frog and lizard species and bird species similar to those observed in the projected Eco-Park area. Acacia and pseudo-acacia shrubs attract diverse and abundant butterfly species and other insects. Several palm species border the area on the north.

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Figure 55: Riparian vegetation near the pond (left) and blooming Flame Tree (Delonox regia) attract many butterflies

There were registered 24 bird species, 3 frog species and 7 lizard species in the ponds and around houses, located in the proximity of the projected plant. In the time of our survey, two women were catching the fish in one of the lakes, using local wide trap (photo will be provided later). They captured several small fish – belonging to two species, but with prevalence of tilapia, which is invasive or farm-bred fish in this area. However, the size of fish was very small and only few fishes were caught in this time that, more likely, is attributed to unsustainable character of fishing in the area (People do not give time for fish to grow and do not care about fish in the ponds still relying on natural capacity for reproducing and growing of natural biodiversity resources).

Figure 56: Lesser bulrush with snail eggs (left), invasive Mimoza pudica (center) and ruderal Solanum aculeatissimum (right) in the project area

This area currently is not well managed, vegetation in the fields is overgrazed, many trees and bushes are damaged, biological resources depleted. Site of the area, adjacent to road, is polluted by damped wastes from Chinese market. This site needs better management and control: damping sites should be removed from the area, water-purification is needed. It can be recommended to keep the large Ficus racemosa tree, kapok (Bombax ssp.) and Flame Tree during construction work. Site conditions can be improved through planting some aquatic and semi-aquatic plants in the pond area and around.

Specific recommendations for HXY B3 Waste Water Management subproject:

This site is also located in the highly transformed environment. It is not expected that any biological Valued environmental components will be affected directly or indirectly during construction work. Specific recommendations for this site include removal of solid waste dumpsite at the border of the

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

area, control and prevention further solid waste accumulation; removal of cattle grazing in the subproject area. It is also recommended to minimize negative impacts on existing environment, prevention of large tree cutting in the project area, reduced removal of aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Establishment / re-naturalization of site with native aquatic and semi-aquatic plants for water filtration and purification from existing native plants in the area. The list of plants is provided separately. Water quality control and monitoring. Capacity building and training the local personnel to relevant environmental management and site maintenance issues.

Figure 57: Fishing in the ponds (left), 2 caught fish species (center) and little frog Fejervaria limnocharis (right), observed during survey.

Operation stage:

It is recommended to establish the regular post-construction water quality control and monitoring. Training of personnel responsible for water-monitoring. Establishment of local small laboratory for water monitoring. Control of the area to prevent littering and dumping of solid and liquid waste materials, especially in the proximity of planned night market.

2. FLORA AND FAUNA IN HAOUYXAY There were found and described about 170 terrestrial vertebrate species (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) in the area, mostly identified to the species level, but some species still need verification through consultations with experts. There were identified also more than 50 fish species, typical for the area, which confirm importance of Mekong River for local economy and fishery, however, until now still there are around 30 more species, which need more precise identification. Invertebrate species were not identified, but their diversity and abundance in the area are great, due to tropical conditions, warm climate and high humidity. Flora of the project area is also very diverse and represented by more than 200 species.

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Figure 58: Fish, frog and butterfly species from the project area.

It was not possible during express-method survey to describe all species and collect all possible information. The analysis of collected data is still in the progress. However, it is clear that the project area can be characterized as rich and diverse with its biodiversity with many “secondary” elements of natural habitats such as forest plantations, cultural and ornamentals orchards, cultivating gardens, park vegetation, wetlands (lands, ponds, river line), drainage canals. Small remained and new resilient communities of riverine vegetation are presented along Mekong River and in the drainage canals. Important aquatic habitat is represented by Mekong River itself, serving as a source habitat for many fish species and as a wildlife and aquatic plant distribution corridor. Communities of cultivated vegetation (orchards and gardens) as well as riparian vegetation are mostly in good conditions. However, the vegetation in the future Eco-Park area is mostly damaged due to over-exploitation and unsustainable usage of resources. It is also important to note that in spite of development and secondary character of many plant communities, the area is relatively good in term of alien species invasion. There are some invasive species, but not many in the area. Native vegetation successfully competes with some invasive species.

Figure 59: Typical habitats in the project area: orchard and riparian vegetation (left), overgrown drainage channel (center) and overgrazed meadow (right).

Local fauna in the Haouyxay area is well adapted to life in urban conditions and represented by many urban, park and orchard species of birds and reptiles. Birds in this season of the year can be characterized mostly by presence of local residents, breeding in the area such as urban rock pigeons, sparrows, swallows, swifts, tailorbirds and several others. Orchard species are more diverse and distributed unevenly including sunbirds, ivora, munia, flowerpeckers, several cuckoo species, leaf-birds, etc. The birds near river and lakes include kingfishers, several species of waders, bitterns, herons, tern and pratincoles. One nightjar species was also detected in the Eco- Park area. Reptile fauna is quite abundant and represented by diverse species of nocturnal geckoes and diurnal skinks and agamids. Frog fauna in the project area is not very abundant, which is, more likely attributed to high level of their exploitation, more than 10 species of local frogs were found on markets, where they are sold for food. Almost all frogs on the market were gathered 19

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

in forests around the town… So, the pressure on those resources is very significant. Several bat species were detected at night around houses and in orchards of the town, but they were not identified.

2.1. Fish fauna Fish survey was conducted in the Mekong River, in the local pond, located within Eco-Park area and in the local markets. There were found around 20 fish species in the lake and identified 38 fish species from Mekong River, basing on collected samples in the river, materials from market and interview of fishermen. Around 20 species are still not identified. Fish fauna of Mekong River is composed by around 500 species. In Northern Mekong basin this fauna can be around 200 species. However, short term survey and investigation of the markets allow to get information about small portion of fish fauna in this part of the river. Small fish species, species occurring in tributaries, inner lakes and living in sediment or bottom environment are, more likely, difficult to detect.

During market and river surveys, there were found 8 species, defined in the global IUCN Red List as threatened including 2 Endangered, 1 Vulnerable, 4 Near-Threatened species and 1 Data Deficient. We do not take into account in this list the Critically Endangered (CR) Mekong Giant Cat Fish (Pangasianodon gigas), we did not see it during our survey either in samples or on the market, but local fishermen told that they observe this fish regularly during migration in the area of Mekong River near Hoauyxay. Catching of this fish is forbidden and if it is occasionally caught, fishermen should release fish back to the river. However, according to interview many fishermen ignore this ban and sell the Mekong Giant Cat Fish to restaurants or other places, but by parts camouflaging the species identity that controlling authorities could not fine them.

Both endangered species – Mekong Freshwater Stingray (Hemytrigon laosensis) and Iridescent Shark Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophtalmus) – were found on the local market. We observed selling of endangered Freshwater Stingray during 3 days in different markets, because fish is protected – it was slightly camouflaged in the bags and quickly cut on parts, when opened. First fish, which we saw, was about 5 kg, the next – even bigger – about 10 kg, the third fish was also large, but we spotted it when it was already cut on pieces. Sellers asked 100,000-120,000 kips per kg of this fish and it was sold quickly. The natural populations of Iridescent Shark Catfish are declined severely; but it is cultivated now for food in the fish farms in Thailand. The fish of this species was brought to the market from Thailand. The natural populations of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are also vulnerable (VU). But this species is not native to Mekong River and this fish was just recently introduced due to farm-fishery in the region. Other found species are near-threatened, it means that their populations need special control and monitoring to prevent declining of populations.

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Figure 60: Mekong Freshwater Stingray, Iridescent Shark Catfish and Common Carp (from left to right) on local fish market

The survey of fish in the Pond of Eco-Park was conducted on May 03, 2018, in very rainy day. The net was placed in the lake by early morning and then in the day time, so, two-time catch was done in the lake also. There was no much fish caught (11 species total), but also were collected other aquatic species: crabs, freshwater shrimps, snails and freshwater mussels. The table with species list is presented below. Not much fish was caught in the pond, perhaps, because it is shallow and water is very muddy. However, local fishermen told that fish diversity and abundance was significantly reduced after planting of banana plantation and using of pesticides. So, local people said that they do not fish anymore in the pond, because they believe that water and fish in the lake are polluted by drainage from contaminated banana plantation. There is a need to take water samples from the ponds on the content of pesticides and other chemicals.

However, during our visits of Park area we regularly observed fishing and collecting of other biological products (snails and freshwater mussels) in the lake. The current conditions of the lake are very poor. The lake is shallow, it depth is just about 30 cm – 1m and it can be crossed by feet in any direction. The fishermen told that after raining season the depth of the lake is increasing, and we need to have more information about water level fluctuation there. The lake is contaminated by chemicals from banana plantation and there is a need to estimate water parameters for lake water and sediment, especially in term of building fish-nurseries in the lake proximity and enrichment of lake by fish stock. Fish diversity and abundance in the lake can be increased after special bio- technical and reclamation measures. Management and education components of Master Plan for Eco-Park area should include recommendations for breeding and sustainable use of fish and other biological resources in the lake. We suppose that this lake should serve as source habitat for local fish-farms and other inner small water-reservoirs. Fishing in the lake should be permitted only with rods, not with nets. Fishing should be completely forbidden in the fish breeding season.

Figure 61: Sampling and species identification from the pond

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Mekong River as a source habitat for all fish stock and not only in the Haouyxay area is a very important critical habitat for fish species. Fish and fishery in the project area and along Mekong River is valuable environmental assets, ensuring significant benefits for local communities in Laos and other countries of Mekong River. Mekong River also provides critical habitats for all threatened fish species, including 10 species found during express survey of fish diversity in the project area. Conservation of this Critical Habitat (Mekong River) will guarantee endless environmental benefits for wellbeing and prosperity of local communities.

Figure 62: Fishing on Mekong River (left); catfish is one of the valuable fish products, many different catfish species inhabit Mekong (center); fish and fishery are important environmental assets, contributing to the local economy and wellbeing (right)

Conducted short-term survey indicated that current use of fish from Mekong River and inner water- reservoirs is not optimal and can lead to depletion of the important fish resources that already was observed in last decade with reduced total annual catch in the area and decreased size of large valuable local species. Local fishermen also told that the number of people fishing in the river increased almost twice. They are concerned regarding impact on the river from construction of downstream dams. Many valuable fish species, found in the area, including a Mekong Giant Catfish are migratory. Construction of dams primarily impacts migratory species.

Mekong River is located very close to the planned Waste-water Treatment Plant. There is a need to secure all necessary measures to prevent new stressors – such as waste water discharge – through well-planned system of purification ponds, taking into account seasonal water level fluctuations. It is also reasonable to plan special measures to prevent discharge of communal sewage into the river. Currently, around 90% of all communal waste-waters are going to the river, this water is partly purified due to natural vegetation growing along discharge creeks and channels. However, it will not be not enough with growing population and increased economic activities even in the next decade. Recommendations for mitigation measures for rare and threatened fish species should be included in the Environmental Management Plan.

Taking into account the establishment of Eco-Park, adjacent to Waste-water Treatment Plant, it would be reasonable to make some recommendations for fish conservation and public awareness, ensuring more responsible and sustainable use of rich fish resources in the project area:

➢ Prevent impact on aquatic habitats and on Mekong River ecosystem during construction and upgrading of drainage system in Haouyxay area (it should be done not in the time of fish migration and spawning seasons in spring);

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➢ Ensuring correct operations of WWTP to prevent any discharge of polluted waste water into Mekong River; ➢ Selection at least several rare and threatened fish species from the project area for rearing in the fish nurseries of Eco-Park with their subsequent release into river (one of such species – Mekong Freshwater Stingray (EN) – can be highly recommended for such work as a symbol of endangered fish fauna from Mekong River; other recommended species is a Bagarius yarrelli (NT), which can grow up to 50-80 kg, but now caught with much less weight); ➢ Enrichment of pond (after reclamation work) with lacustrine fish species typical for northern Laos, which can be used for education and public awareness campaigns as well as it will serve as aquatic habitat attracting other fauna – water-birds, amphibians, invertebrates; ➢ Planning of indoor educational aquarium with species from Mekong River; ➢ Establishment of small local laboratory (perhaps, in the adjacent school or college) to monitor the water quality in ponds near the plant and in the river, close to project area; ➢ Development fish-farming initiative in northern Laos through fish nurseries, providing fish stock to potential farmers, and capacity building program, ensuring education, economic incentives, investments in the sector, etc. Recommendations for fish farming will be provided in the consultation with local experts and other interested stakeholders.

Information about fish species, found in the project area, and possible species occurring in the northern Mekong has been provided in the Appendix 1.

2.2. Amphibians Only 6 species of frogs were detected in the project area, mostly in wet grass, in local ponds, small puddles along the road and in the lake of the projected Eco-Park area. The size of detected frogs was mostly very small and we could not understand why before visiting of local markets. We found another 5 frog species on local markets, and only one of them – domesticated East-Asian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) is captive bred, but not in Laos, all sold on market domesticated frogs were brought from Thailand. All other species are gathered in the natural conditions, mostly at night with light.

Figure 63: Frog species found on the local market: Polypedatus megacephalus (left), Sylvirana guentheri (center) and Fejervarya limnocharis (right).

No threatened or endangered species were found in the project area. But frogs were not abundant and were very cautious. We did not see any large or medium-sized frog in the project area, just very small recently transformed from tadpoles to adult individuals. The most common frog species in the area is a Rice field frog (Fejervarya limnocharis). More likely that this species is well adapted to live in human modified environment and with good management strategy, it can benefit to local 23

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

communities and markets as a food product, which can be bread in natural or semi-natural conditions. However, collecting of other species, especially tree-frogs living on trees might impact their ability to recover and can lead to the decline of their populations. The area of Northern Laos with its wet climate should have much more diversity of amphibian species. But current unsustainable way of their use does not give chance for reproduction and growth. It would be important to note that frogs are also very good indicators of the environmental conditions. Presence frogs in water-reservoirs indicate that water quality is good not only for frogs, but also for many fish species.

Price for frogs on the local market is very low. Usually sellers give the bunch of frogs (around 20) just for 5,000 kips. We bought the bag with more than 200 frogs just for 75,000 kips (about 10 USD). We released those purchased frogs to the lake in the Eco-Park area and several days observed that they were still around: in the lake and on its banks.

Figure 64: Releasing of frogs from the local market to the lake in Eco-Park area

Taking into account that frogs are important natural assets, we would recommend to establish facilities for breeding of some interesting native species in the conditions of Eco-Park such as Banded Bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra), which is sold on local markets in large quantities. It would be reasonable to build a frog nursery close to the fish nursery that to demonstrate frog’s breeding cycle and teach local community to the basic of the frog farming. The education program about wild frogs and other amphibian species in Laos also should be prepared and delivered during excursion. It would be reasonable to make an album with frog calls, because they have very distinct vocalisation and people can identify the presence of some species without their observation, just on calls at dusk or at night. The presentation about frog diversity and their ecological role in the natural ecosystems of Laos will supplement the “amphibian” component of the education program, delivered by Eco-Park for tourists and local visitors.

Water purification in the WWTP and improved drainage canals will ensure healthy environment for frog breeding in the project area. Education, awareness and frog-farming program, delivered by Eco-Park will help to solve the problem of over-exploitation for this valuable resource in Laos and in Haouyxay area particularly.

2.3. Reptiles The reptile fauna in Laos is very rich and include turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes. In the Haouyxay area we had chance to observe only lizard species. We also spotted two snakes – one in the pond of the planned waste water-treatment plant and one in the Eco-Park area, closely to the 24

Mekong River, but both snakes swiftly escaped and we did not have chance to identify their species or genus attributes. More likely that snakes are highly persecuted in the project area and caught for food or just killed, because there are many venomous dangerous snakes in the country.

Turtles are also highly persecuted for food and there is no almost any chance to see them in the natural conditions. However, local fishermen told that they observe two species of turtles in Mekong River, but very rare now. Two turtle species inhabit Mekong River: globally endangered Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle Pelochelys cantorii and globally vulnerable Mekong Snail-eating Turtle Malayemys subtrijuga. Both species are affected by over-harvesting and habitat destruction. They are sold on the local markets in the countries of range. They are also affected by pollution of rivers, destruction of beaches where they nest and collecting of eggs also for food. Special awareness programs and captive breeding are needed to prevent those species from extinction in Laos and in other countries of their range.

Figure 65: Diurnal Calotes versicolor and nocturnal Gekko gecko (“kapkey”) in the project area.

Among 14 reptile species included in the list for project area, the most common and abundant were lizards, diurnal and nocturnal. Three species of forest and garden lizards Calotes ssp. were observed in the project area. Some of them are also used in local cuisine, therefore all observed lizards were extremely cautious. Group of skinks also was diverse and comprised of 3 species: these small short-legged lizards inhabit all local orchards and gardens, specializing on hunting on small insects such as ants, mosquitoes and termites. Nocturnal lizards are especially diverse and abundant in the project area and represented by 5 gecko species. The most abundant of them are Kapkey Gecko (Gekko gecko), Flat-tailed House Gecko (Cosymbotus platyurus) and Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). Gecko species were found on walls of houses and other constructions and on trees in all sites of project area. According to interview with local dwellers only Kapkey is caught for sale as a pet.

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Figure 66: Flat-tailed House-Gecko (left), skink (center) in natural habitats and Clouded Monitor (right) on the local market.

Survey of the local market confirmed the presence in the area one more species – a Clouded Monitor (Varanus nebulosus). This lizard was sold on the markets dead and alive. Local sellers asked 150,000 kips (around 20 USD) for dead lizard and 300,000 kips (around 40 USD) for alive large lizard. So, there is a pressure of over-harvesting on local reptile species also, if they can be used for food.

Threatened species among reptiles are local turtles. More likely that with current level of over- exploitation the Monitor Lizard also has chance to become threatened, if necessary conservation measures will not be developed and implemented.

Construction and operation of drainage systems and WWTP, more likely, will not affect terrestrial reptile species, but can impact aquatic species such as threatened turtles. Turtles need the low sandy banks and sandy bars on islands for reproduction (laying of eggs and hatching little turtles). Therefore, the natural solutions for the embankment of the planned Eco-Park area is highly recommended. Potential turtle beaches should be explored and turtle conservation initiative should be delivered in the planned Eco-Park area through public awareness and education programs.

2.4. Birds Birds were the most diverse group among terrestrial vertebrates; 95 species were registered in the project area. To the start of survey (end of April) the migration was almost finished, so, detected species were mainly presented by local residents (species staying in the same area during a year and breeding there). Urban birds are the most abundant in the area with such dominant species as Rock Dove, sparrows, Common Myna, Barn Swallow, Asian House-martin, House Swift and several other species.

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Figure 67: Nest of Common Tailor-bird (left), White-rumped Munia (center) and female of Purple Sunbird (right) in local gardens

Birds observed in orchards and gardens are also well adapted in anthropogenic environment and consisted of generalist or “edge” species, which do not need special requirements for habitats. The birds most common in orchards and gardens are White-rumped Munia, Oriental Magpie Robin, sunbirds, flower-peckers, bulbuls, Greater Coucal, Great Iora, Spotted Dove, several cuckoo species, Palm Swift, White-faced Starling, cuckoo-shrikes, etc. Leaf-birds were also detected in the dense orchards bordering with riparian vegetation.

Figure 68: Crimson Sunbird (left), Asian Paradise Flycatcher (center) and Black-shouldered Kite (right) in the project area

In the remained patches of natural or semi-natural habitats (such as riparian forests, teak plantations and grassland) there were found species, associated with more natural ecosystems, linked with forests and grasslands surrounding Haouyxay area: such as two oriole species, flycatchers, shrikes, pipits, drongo, larks, barbets, woodpeckers, nightjar.

Water-birds associated with river and wetlands were surprisingly rare and were observed irregularly, just during flight over the river or flight for the feeding places. Only Yellow Bittern (Ixobrixus chinensis) more likely nests in the dense riparian vegetation near the banks of Mekong River and couple of Pied Kingfisher (Cerile rudis) was observed near the lake of Eco-Park Area.

It is necessary to note that urban and orchard/garden birds were common and even abundant in some places, then, many birds of natural habitats were detected just ones. Some of them were observed flying over the project area, more often closely to Mekong River. More likely that there is no sufficient habitats for birds inhabiting natural landscapes in the project area.

Five species of birds: River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucellii, River Tern Sterna aurantia, Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo – Hierococcyx vagans, Austen’s Brown Hornbill – Anorrhinus austeni and Blue- winged Leafbird – Chloropis cochinchensis – included in the IUCN Red List (2018) as Near Threatened as birds, which populations declining in last decades. Three species – a River Lapwing, River Tern and Austen’s Brown Hornbill – were observed only once near the river in projected Eco- Park Area. However, Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo and Blue-winged Leafbird were observed in several places in orchards and riparian forest patches. There is no evident threats to the species in project area, but there is no enough good habitats attracting such birds.

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Figure 69: Grey-headed Parakeets (left), nest of weaver in the local shop (center) and Greater Coucal (right) in the project area

Several bird species were not seen in the natural conditions, but found in cages and on local markets. They are caught for sale in surrounding natural habitats. In cages we spotted at least 6 species (2 species of bulbuls, Grey-headed Parakeet – Psittacula finschii, 2 starling species, Black- throated Laughingthrush Garrulax chinensis and Common Hill Myna - Gracula religiosa. Most people told that they bought birds on Sunday market, where people from rural areas bring them for sale. But only Grey-headed Parakeets were found during our visit of local Sunday market. Sellers asked for one bird 2,500 – 3,000 keeps (or around 3-4 USD). The bird observation in the area indicated that they all are very scared of people and try to fly away immediately, when people stay closely to them. Parrots and hill myna should be common birds into urban environment, but we practically did not see them in the Haouyxay area, which can confirm unsustainable manner for use of such biological resources.

We did not see also the weavers, small birds from Passerins (Ploceidae), constructing their bulky hanging nests usually on tall palm trees. We assume that people collecting their nests for “good luck” that to sell to local businesses do not give them chance to nest and raise chicks safely. Nests are often taken, when birds just built them or even did not finish to construct (as nest on Fig. 26) with eggs or chicks, it leads to the situation when common and abundant in the past species become rare or disappear from the traditional breeding places. So, after 5-10 years of such practices the local people have chance to lose “good luck” bringing birds due to unsustainable practices of use. This evil practice is observed in many Asian Countries and can bring to complete species extinction.

So, in spite that Haouyxay area is located in the center of one biodiversity hotspots, with bird fauna counting more than 1000 species for Laos, the bird fauna in the project area was quite poor and distributed unevenly with prevalence of urban species and following them in abundances common generalist species, well adapted to live in edge habitats. Other birds, potential inhabitants of orchards and parks, avoid to stay in proximity to human settlements or extirpated by wildlife sellers, using any opportunity that to trap the wildlife species, which do not belong to anyone, but can bring small income or food to family for a day.

Construction and operation of drainage systems and WWTP, will not impact most part of birds. However, concrete embankment of the river bank can destroy existing habitats for water-birds and birds, associated with riparian habitats. The natural solutions for embankment of Eco-Park area are 28

highly recommended. The work planned in the Eco-Park for establishment of organic garden, fruit orchard, tropical forest zone and stripe of natural vegetation along the Mekong River will promote creation of good conditions for dispersal of native species from surrounding natural habitats. In combination with conservation and education programs of the Park they will create conditions for resettlement of the Park area by wild species. However, some specific recommendations can be done that to ensure good breeding conditions. For example, planting of nectar-bearing bushes and small trees will provide good conditions for breeding of sunbirds, orioles, leafbirds and several other species. Abundance of fruit trees, especially with small berries, will negotiate breeding of flowerpeckers and barbets. Due to absence of old trees with cavities and holes, it can be recommended also to build a bird-houses for cavity-nesters. It will promote nesting in the area of some exotic species such as hornbills, owls, barbets, even some ducks (for example, Lesser Whistling Duck nests in the tree cavities), etc.

Capacity building is a very important component for successful operation of Eco-Park and delivery of multiple services for local people, including ecological education, public awareness about role of birds in natural ecosystems, engagement of people in bird conservation, training of bird-guides, who will explore the new speciality, conducting bird-tours in the area, motivating people to live in harmony with nature, which will provide them not only the sources of income, but also inspiration and beauty/joy of life.

2.5. Mammals We had chance to observe only few bat species by evening and at night in the project area. But we did not see any terrestrial mammals or their signs in the natural habitats of the project area. Certainly that some small rodents should inhabit natural and semi-natural areas. However, they are mostly nocturnal and cannot be find easily. Besides, we assume that some Insectivorous species (hedgehogs and shrews) should be in the area, especially closely to landfill with potential abundant food, but we did not have chance to conduct our research at night there.

Figure 70: Large Bamboo Rat (dead – left and alive –center) and one more rat species (right) on the local market.

Survey on the local market showed that several mammal species are used for food, some of them was possible to identify only as rodents, because they are usually sold cooked. Three mammal species were found on local markets: meat of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Large Bamboo Rat (Rhisomys sumatrensis) and rats. Absence of squirrels and other tree-climbers in the project area, more likely, witnesses about unsustainable character of use for local mammal species. All edible mammals are highly persecuted, captured mostly for food. We did not see any parts confirming that the meat of Wild Boar sold on the market; however, Indochinese or Vietnam Warty Pig (Sus bucculentus) is more likely extirpated and defined as extinct in the Laos and in Vietnam (IUCN,

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2018). However, there are some concerns that all wild boars to the east from Mekong River should be identical to wild boar in this area. If this is true, the local people just kill the last surviving individuals of very rare endemic species for two countries, Vietnam and Laos. Additional species surveys are needed to understand the complicated situation.

However, in any case, our survey indicated that use of wild mammals as well as all other wildlife in the project area is absolutely unsustainable. People does not understand and does not care about rarity of the species, about their values for local ecosystems and future generations. This situation can be changed only through the capacity building program focused on conservation and sustainable use of wild species, well-planned, well designed and running permanently.

Construction and operation of drainage systems and WWTP, will not impact mammals in the project area. Additional surveys for nocturnal mammals, especially around landfill can be suggested.

2.6. Invertebrates Invertebrate fauna is very rich in the project area. However, due to limits of our survey we collected just very general information about invertebrate groups, presented in the area, and their distribution.

Butterfly fauna is very diverse and abundant, especially in the planned Eco-Park Area, therefore it would be reasonable to establish the butterfly garden, which will serve for education, recreation and conservation purposes, attracting to the area more people, interested to look for seasonality of butterflies and see their diversity in Northern Laos. Just in few days in the project area there were seen more than 70 butterfly species, but in reality their number should be much more.

Figure 71: Few butterfly species from the project area

Many wild bees, bumble-bees, beetles and bugs also were observed in the area. Honey and honeycombs from wild bees are common products on the local market. Honey is a worth product. One kg of the natural honey is sold for 75,000 – 80,000 kips (around 10 USD). Larvae and eggs are also valuable products and sold on the local market as well.

Aquatic invertebrates are also diverse and abundant, many of them are sold on the local market. During survey of the lake in the projected Eco-Park Area there were found freshwater crabs and shrimps, many various snails and river mussels from Bivalvia (Family Unionidae).

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Figure 72: Mussels, beetle and bee larvae on the local market.

Figure 73: Aquatic invertebrates found in the lake of the projected Eco-Park Area

There is no much fish in the lake and local people coming that to collect invertebrates for food and selling on the local market. Due to specific of reproduction systems, most part of invertebrates reproducing fast and have high fertility rates, producing many eggs and larvae. It gives them opportunity to serve as a good natural product for the long period of time. At the same time, the basic of sustainable management, based on principles of conservation and sustainable use of resources should be introduced in the project area also that people could enjoy by collecting the favorable food resources in the project area for long period of time.

Figure 74: Snails, freshwater mussels collected in the lake and aquatic invertebrates sold on local market.

2.7. Flora in the project area Flora in the project area is also very diverse and represented by elements of riparian and natural forest communities. At the same time, there is a very high portion of planted species of trees, bushes, shrubs, vegetables and grasses, presented in human-modified landscapes such as orchards, gardens, urban parks, forest and banana plantations, ornamental plants along streets. The combination of wild and cultural elements of flora in the project area makes Haouyxay very attractive due to its green environment.

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The main components of natural environment are riparian forests and thickets along river banks and in drainage canals, separate old trees remained in some area and groves of secondary forests, planted for economic purposes, mainly for wood production.

Fruits trees are also very diverse, but with evident prevalence of mango trees, coconut palms, bananas, papayas and several other major cultural trees.

Figure 75: View on the city from the hill, Flame tree and old Ficus tree in the project area.

Among ornamental plants, the Flame Tree (Delonix regia) with beautiful and abundant scarlet flowers is prevailing. Other ornamental plants are represented by several species of Plumeria ssp., Lagerstroemia ssp., Kapok or Bombax ssp. and several others.

Ruderal trees and shrubs are abundant in the areas without proper management such as current Eco-Park territory.

More than 200 species were found in the project area, some of them were identify only to genus or family level.

Species diversity was analyzed that to select trees, shrubs and grasses, which can be recommended for planting around landfill and WWTP area and can be used for design of natural attractions in the Eco-Park area.

Detailed analysis of flora will be provided later.

3. BIOLOGIC ENVIRONMENT AND SELECTED VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS IN HAOUYXAY AREA 3.1. Valued Environmental Components (VECs) approach

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Valued Environmental Components (VECs) approach is used that to assess potential impacts of

Valued Environmental Components are defined as fundamental elements of physical, biological or socio-economic environment, including the air, water, soil, terrain, vegetation, fish, birds, wildlife and land use that may be affected by proposed project. project development on biological components of the environment. The fundamental components for the biological environment will be considered below. The selection of appropriate valued components allows to focus assessment on aspects of natural environment that are most important to society. The use of valued components also improves the selection of appropriate study methods and focuses analysis on key project-environmental interactions. Effect pathway may be different, in some cases the project may impact valued components directly; in others, the project may affect valued components indirectly, causing changes in natural and social environment, on which the valued components depend.

Selection of valued components was based on the issue scoping, detailed review of existing available information and consultation with key stakeholders. Selected valued components reflect the value and priorities of Government, public, local indigenous and other communities. Selected Valued Components are used in the current report to ensure effective, efficient and focused analysis of possible impacts of project development on biodiversity. The key issues that should be considered during selection of Valued Components for biological environment include importance them for people and regulatory requirements. The Valued Environmental Components for Biological Environment in the project area are consisted of environmentally sensitive areas, terrestrial and aquatic habitats, rare and endangered species.

3.2. VECs in the project area of Haouyxay The key issues that should be considered during selection of Valued Components for biological environment include importance them for people and regulatory requirements. The Valued Environmental Components for Biological Environment in the project area are consisted of environmentally sensitive areas, terrestrial and aquatic habitats, threatened and endemic species.

3.3. Environmentally sensitive areas Environmentally sensitive areas in Haouyxay are presented by the Mekong River and Upper Lao Mekong Important Bird Area (IBA).

The Mekong River is a Critical Habitat for surviving of rich fish diversity, having exceptional importance for people, providing necessary biological resources for surviving, water for life and irrigation, aquatic vegetation and many important invertebrate resources. Many people in Haouyxay area depend on the Mekong River for their wellbeing. The river is protected by national legislation and by basin agreements. Potential for substantial project effect include change in hydrology and providing of ecosystem services, ensuring clean water and abundant fish resources. Key ecosystem functions of Mekong River are providing habitats for many aquatic and associated with water wildlife species and fish, ensuring clean water and many associated services, movement corridors for migratory fish and bird species and population processes for aquatic wildlife, including species conservation and rehabilitation. More likely that hydrology and biodiversity of the river might be impacted directly and indirectly during construction of concrete embankment and

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operations of waste-water drainage system, if the water purification measures will not be established.

Figure 76: Mekong river provide multiple ecological services to local communities.

The Upper Lao Mekong IBA is an important movement corridor for migratory water-birds and mosaic habitat, comprising sand and gravel bars and islands, rock outcrops, shrublands and streams. It supports biome species as well as relatively rich riverine bird communities. There is a good chance for rehabilitation of aquatic bird community along the banks in the projected Eco-Park area, supporting key ecosystem functions of the Mekong River along the Eco-Park area. However, the construction of concrete embankment might impact directly the ability of water-birds to stay and nest in the area due to direct impact and habitat degradation.

3.4. Terrestrial habitat Terrestrial Habitats in Haouyxay are presented by cultural landscapes such as urban area, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, agricultural plantations (mostly banana) and plantations of secondary forests, mostly, for construction purposes. Small patches of natural habitats are saved along river banks and along the drainage canals as riverine riparian vegetation with trees, shrubs and grasses. This remained patches of riparian vegetation provide multiple valuable services to local communities, first of all, ensuring stability and resilience of river line and protection during floods, preventing bank and soil erosion. Riparian vegetation also plays an important role for filtration of drainage and waste water, catching up small particles of soil and sediment, flushing to river, and purifying water. Besides, remnant riparian vegetation serves as a good natural habitat for many bird, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species (butterflies, dragonflies, mollusks etc.). Observed construction of buildings over drainage canals might affect these functions and lead to sharp soil erosion and pollution of water by communal wastes. The project development may impact riparian vegetation directly through cutting of trees and clearing of vegetation for embankment and indirectly through introduction of new invasive exotic species in the area. Mitigation should include prevention of tree cutting and vegetation clearing in the critical zones.

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Figure 77: Riparian vegetation near the drainage canals.

3.5. Aquatic habitat Aquatic Habitat is presented by Mekong River, small lakes, ponds and drainage canals in the Haouyxay area. Aquatic habitat is important for people, providing many ecosystem services, ensuring many products and businesses, providing fresh water for communal, industrial and household needs, serving as a source of water for agriculture and irrigation, ensuring harvest of fish, edible plants and invertebrates, securing beautiful sites for recreation activities, etc. Surface water quality is important to people, wildlife, fish, terrestrial plants and ecosystems. The surface water quality can serve as an indicator of changes in the aquatic systems of project area. The aquatic habitat forms local climate and provides water for existing ecosystem functions. It serves as migratory and dispersal corridor for many wildlife species: aquatic and terrestrial and as important fish habitat, ensuring prosperity of fishing communities along the river. Aquatic habitat also supports many threatened and sensitive wildlife species, including several globally Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable fish species, presence of which in the project area was proved during current survey. Mostly those species are threatened by habitat transformation, over- exploitation and pollution of water-bodies (especially small reservoirs). There is a chance to improve water management during implementation of current project through waste-water treatment, better practices of drainage management, improved drainage structures. However, it would be also important to consider standards for water-quality in the inner water-reservoirs and standards for drainage water, flowing to Mekong River.

3.6. Rare and threatened species Rare and endangered species in the project area are mostly represented by rare and endangered fish species from Mekong River, several threatened bird and tree species. The biodiversity in Laos is extremely important for national and local economy, providing food, fiber, fodder, construction materials and many other products. Many globally endangered fish species of Mekong River such as Mekong Giant Catfish or Mekong Freshwater Stingray have not only intrinsic value, but serve as a high level consumer species in the food chains, securing right ecosystem functions. They also have very high conservation value, which is linked to their economic value as highly commercial fish species. Many tree species in the project area have exceptional values as a high quality timber –wood, used for furniture production and many other purposes. Significant part of population in Haouyxay area until now depend on gathering and selling of biological resources. Beautiful landscapes and exotic fauna also attract into the country significant number of foreign tourists, contributing to the development of hospitality sector and tourism. National Biodiversity

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Conservation Strategy and environmental laws ensure conservation of plants, animals and their habitats in Laos. The project development will not affect the biodiversity and threatened species directly, but it can affect them indirectly during construction through water pollution, cutting of trees and destruction of natural vegetation and other habitats, disturbances, introduction of invasive species, etc. Old trees and old growth forests are replaced by fast growing plantations, which can be characterised by impoverished biological diversity, however, they still serve as good corridors for wildlife migration.

Selected valued environmental components from biological environment may serve for evaluation of impacts of project development (including direct, indirect and cumulative) and for the assessment and recommendations the most suitable site-specific mitigation measures.

3.7. Use of non-wood forest products Survey on the use of biological resources in the Haouyxay area was conducted during visits of local markets and conversations with people, living in the territory of projected Eco-Park area and in the town. The total results of the survey will be provided in the final report. The preliminary findings of this survey:

❖ There is a number of various biological resources sold on the local market, including many different fish species, even such as globally Endangered Mekong Freshwater Stingray and several other threatened or near-threatened species, many frog species, large Bengal Monitor lizard, several wild bird species (such as parrots, laughing-thrushes, barbets, myna and starlings), many edible invertebrate species such as bee-larvae, water beetles, other edible insects, mussels and shrimps, mushrooms, etc. ❖ The cost of the biological production depends on its rarity, for example, all traders asked 12- 15 USD per kg of the Stingray, but only 2-3 USD per kg of small fish. The cost of frogs, which we bought and released in the lake of projected Eco-Park area, was around 10 USD (75,000 kips), but it was more than 200 frogs in one bag. Local sellers asked 150,000 kips (approximately 20 USD) for the dead monitor lizard and 300,000 kips (around 40 USD) for the same alive lizard. Grey-headed Parakeets were sold on local market on 2,500 – 3,000 kips (3-4 USD) for one bird. Increasing costs indicate the rarity of the species also for sellers and that their resources are already depleted in the project area due to unsustainable use. ❖ Biodiversity resources sold on the local market are mostly gathered in the local forests around the city. Frogs are usually collected at night with light. Many people, especially from indigenous communities, still rely on gathering of non-wood forest products, but they do not count how much resources they have. All captive-bred (large frogs) or farming production (several fish species) was brought from Thailand. ❖ According to interview of local people, fish and wildlife resources have been depleted last decades due to harvesting (the number of fishing groups increased 1.5 – 2 times comparing to past), construction of dams on the Mekong River, using of chemicals for agricultural production and other issues. ❖ There is no motivation for the development of sustainable biodiversity-focused businesses in the country, because people still believes in the endless natural resources and does not want to start risky, costly and time-consuming farming activities. All collected information witnesses about unsustainable use of local biological resources by local communities. There is no understanding of need for sustainable use and conservation of such 36

resources. At the same time, it is difficult to find many “edible” or used by people wildlife species in the project area or closely to town, which is confirming over-harvesting of biological resources. Even in such circumstances, most part of interested stakeholders does not understand the importance of sustainable use and does not think about biological businesses as an opportunity for income generation in the area. Although, the good opportunities for such businesses and good potential markets for such production exist in the closely located China.

Figure 78: Wild fish and animal trade on the local markets

4. PREDICTED IMPACTS OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT Taking into account the nature of the planned projects in Haouyxay area, it is expected that adverse environmental impacts on biological environment can be observed during construction stages, in the proximity of natural habitats. Some of potential impacts have been outlined below:

- Construction of concrete embankment along the river line will be one of such impacts, affecting the riparian vegetation in the project area. It would be highly recommended to replace the concrete embankment construction by natural embankment in the projected Eco-Park Area that to ensure ecological integrity and processes between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. - Design and establishment of Eco-Park in the project area should bring many beneficial impacts to local communities and visitors, however, some existing large valuable trees can be destructed during construction work. All those tree were marked with GPS and will be designated on the map of the area. It would be reasonable to keep such trees in the Park, because they already serve as valuable habitats for local fauna and will contribute to design of “wilderness” of Park’s elements. - There are not expected adverse environmental impacts on biodiversity in the area of planned improvement for roads and drainage. However, protection of valuable large trees is recommended when possible. The drainage canals should content the natural elements for water purification, preventing waste water discharge into Mekong River. Standards for waste water purification also should be applied to the drainage canals. - It is important to prevent leakage of drain from waste landfill into the natural drainage downstream of the area and contamination of ground water. The hedgerow from insect- control plants, bordering the landfill area, will decrease negative impact of Solid Waste operation facility on local environment and agricultural banana farms, located around. The

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distance to banana farms also should be regulated in accordance with existing standards and best practices. - For the Waste-water Treatment Plant, during construction phase, it can be recommended to prevent cutting of several large trees such as Ficus, Kapok, Silk Tree and Flame tree, located on the border of the area. During operation stage, the permanent water- quality monitoring should be established that to prevent discharge of waste water into natural environment. - The general recommendation for Haouyxay must include the capacity building in the area of environmental management with focus on sustainable use of wild biodiversity products.

Figure 79: “Slope protection by structures is generally used only when protection by vegetation does not maintain surface stability” (Ingles, 1985). Planting of vegetation is a cheapest way of surface protection.

5. CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE ECO-PARK AREA The project area is located in a Lower Mekong River Basin, which is recognised as the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot with 12 of 200 200 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Ecoregions such as Northern Indochina sub-Tropical Moisture Forests, Indochina Dry Forests, Eastern Himalayan Alpine and Meadow, Eastern Himalaya Broadleaf and Conifer Forest, the Cardamom Mountains Moist Forests, the Mekong River and several others. The area is also one of the eight centers of cultural plant origin or Vavilov’s Centers, situated in the Indian Center with Indo-Burma and Siam- Malaya-Java sub-centers with 115 and 55 crop wild crop relatives (USAID, 2013). The region is very diverse ethnically, only in Haouyhay area there are represented 17 ethnic groups. Many local communities are closely associated with the landscape and biodiversity of their area. The Mekong ecosystems and biodiversity provide the major ecosystems services for the local rural population, ensuring food security for 85% of the population in Mekong Basin.

Local communities in the project area mostly rely on the food supply from the river and natural ecosystems; hunting and fishing are among the main business for majority of local population. But because population growth, depletion and unsustainable use of biodiversity resources, the 38

ecosystem services are also declining that is especially evident during last 15-20 years on fish catch from the river and on fish composition and amount in the local markets. At the same time, the local population continue to pursue the traditional way of gathering natural resources, fishing and hunting, which can lead to the degradation of natural ecosystems and loss of important ecosystem services and wildlife resources in the project area within next decades.

There is a need to change the behaviour of local consumers of wildlife and forestry products and build a capacity for the education, awareness and training to another level of sustainable use of natural resources in the area through exploring and introduction the new approaches and technics for sustainable use of biodiversity and other forest resources.

In the adjacent Thailand area, there are local firms and companies, which are engaged in fish- farming, bee-keeping, plantation of organic gardens and other types of activities, involving not exploitation, but production of traditional products in rural conditions. However, at the Lao PDR site there is no such facilities and all farming production is usually imported from Thailand that create problems not only for future economic development, but for current employment of people in the province, especially for the young people.

There is a number of arising opportunities, which can be successfully explored and introduced in the project area, including development of small ventures for ecological/agricultural home-based tourism, organic agriculture, establishment of small ventures for processing of agricultural and forest products, creation of fish-farms, bee-keeping facilities, farms for breeding of frogs, aquarium fish (originated from selected species inhabiting Mekong River and its tributaries in the area), establishment of orchid gardens producing flowers and propagules for trade, butterfly garden and other environmentally friendly initiatives.

However, there is a lack of local capacity to motivate and engage local population in such activities and especially start-ups for businesses. Besides, stakeholders of different levels do not understand the value of natural capital and limitations of continuous exploitation of wildlife resources. There is a need in the capacity building and preparation of trainers and entrepreneurs for further development of programs and activities in the project area. More likely, that such training should start from evaluation of existing capacity of local institutions, organizations, local business structures, community groups and other interested stakeholders, because successful operations of new established business will depend on social climate, adapted rules and regulations for sustainable use of biological resources, local investments and motivating taxation policies, beneficial crediting programs for small business start-up activities, etc.

There is also a need to provide training for solid waste and waste water management and monitoring. The capacity building component of the project will follow the tasks outlined above. The positions of International Ecologist will cover gaps and ensure sharing of best international practices and ways for their adaptation in the conditions of Haouyxay. The positions of National Ecologist and Capacity Building Facilitator will promote interpretation and integration of appropriate international practices in the local conditions. Experience from Thailand also will be analyzed and incorporated when possible. Both experts will prepare materials for curricula of the training on several relevant subjects:

- Evaluation of natural capital and opportunities for its sustainable use in Bokeo Province;

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- Materials on case studies linked to business and biodiversity in similar conditions and sharing of best practices, which can be adapted in the conditions of Bokeo Province; - Feasibility study and assessment of possible profitable bio-business initiatives in local conditions (how to create business portfolio for crediting by local financial institutions); - Best practices of fish farming in Mekong River Basin and their applicability in Bokeo Province; - Business and biodiversity conservation: how to safe the Mekong Giant Catfish and get a profit? - Other relevant subjects (one of the tasks of International Ecologist will be to explore other arising opportunities, which can be applicable in the conditions of Bokeo Province, for example, frog farming, etc.). Expected results and outcomes of the program implementation will be measured as the number of local organizations and groups, which will have opportunity to get training and receive the certificate on completion of specific courses, prepared materials (curricula of specific education courses, materials for the distribution among local communities, business proposals, developed together with local stakeholders, etc.), number of businesses originated in the result of program implementation, established local environmental NGOs specializing on sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity resources in the area, established resilient institutional structure for Eco-Park Management and further delivery of education materials, supporting flourishing of bio- business and sustainable use of fish and wildlife resources. During program implementation, the participants will start establishment and management of fish-farm, frog-farm, bee-keeping facility, mushroom greenhouse and orchid cultivation center, which will be managed further in the Eco-park by trained personnel.

6. LITERATURE SOURCES

1. BirdLife International (2018) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Upper Lao Mekong. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.orgon 16/05/2018. 2. Dubeau, P. (October 2004) Follow-up Survey for Biodiversity Assessment of the Mekong River in Northern Lao PDR, IUCN Water and Nature Initiative and Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme, Bangkok. 3. Coats et al. 2003. Biodiversity and fisheries in the Mekong River Basin. Mekong Development Series, No2. Mekong River Commission 4. Fish Database. 2018. https://www.fishbase.de/country/CountryChecklist 5. P1-ASEM. 2014. Assessment of forest rehabilitation and management in Northern Provinces, Lao PDR. Sustainable Management Forest Project in Lao PDR.

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APPENDIXES:

A. Appendix 1: Plant Species in the project area:

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN Eco-Park Status HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Aganope (Derris) + Native liana on the large trees. LC thyrsyflora Ageratum houstonianum + + + + Introduced weed, used as decorative LC (Blue weed) flower, in many places Afzelia xylocarpa + Native important timber tree up to 40 m and One tree can be EN 2 m in diameter, seeds used for medicine, recommended, but adult planted for shading need lots of space Ailanthus triphysa + Native important timber tree up to 30 m and Eligma narcissus moth is LC 1.2 m diameter. Also source of resin. associated with this tree Alangium chinense + + Native important medical tree, up to 8-15 m, Can be recommended for LC found along the river. Eco-Park area Albizia chinensis (Silk tree) + + + + + Native tree up to 30-40 m. Found in many Recommended for Eco- LC relatively natural locations in riparian forest. Park Albizia odoratissima (Black + + Native tree up to 15-25 m and 120-150 cm Recommended for Eco- LC Siris) in diameter. Found along the banks. Park Albizia saman + Introduced, but growing widely, many in LC project area, large tree with pink flowers Alstonia scholaris + Native tree, up to 40 m LC Anizoptera costata + Native to region, up to 65 m, medium tree in EN the town Areca catechu (Areca nut + Native to the region, found in orchards, tall LC palm) up to 30-40 m Azadirachta indica (neem Native to South-East Asia, up to 15-20 m, One tree can be LC Tree) flowers and shoots are edible, large recommended in the Park Asystasia entrusa (creeping + Native to the region, creeping plant in the LC foxglove) local gardens Averhola carambola (Star + + Native to South-East Asia, found in the local Recommended for planting LC fruit) orchards in fruit garden Bambusa pallida (Bamboo) + + + Native tree, growing close to river in shady Used for construction, LC flat areas shade, fences Bambusa tulda (Bamboo) + + + Native tree up to 15 m in culms, dominate in Used for energy, food, LC mixed forests, shady sloping areas fences Bauchinia variegata (Orchid + Native tree, edible flowers, very decorative Good for tropical garden, LC Tree) attracts birds Betula alnoides (Indian Native in the region, up to 30 m, well grown Well grown in secondary LC Birch) on sandy-stone soils, source of medicine forests

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status and timber Bhesa paniculata + Native tree up to 35 m LC Bombax anceps Kapok or + + Native tree up to 15 m with spiky trunk, There is in the Park LC cotton silk tree found in forests around town Bombax ceiba Kapok + + + Native tree up to 20-60 m, widely planted, Recommended for Eco- LC attracting birds Park as Bokeo Festival Tree Bougainvillea glabra Paper + + + Vine of 2-12 m originated from Central & Recommended for Eco- LC flower Southern Americas; now used everywhere Park entrance in the world as ornamental plant Camelia sinensis (Tea tree) + Originated from South-East Asia, has many Can be recommended for LC cultivares, ornamental and medical fruit garden Cananga odorata (Flower of + Ornamental, used for perfume production, Fast growing, attract birds LC flowers) up to 12 m, especially pigeons Carica papaya (Papaya) + + + + Introduced, originated from Central Found in the Park area LC America, grown in many fruit orchards Cassia fistula (Golden rain) + Native tree up to 10-12 m Fast growing, ornamental LC Castanopsis ssp. + + + + Several native trees can be in the area, LC (Chinkapin) good timber Citrus ssp. (Citrus tree) + + Several citrus tree, found in the area, Can be recommended for LC including tangerine, lemon and oranges fruit garden Chukrasia tabularis (Indian + Native timber tree up to 30 m, also planted LC machogani) in many places, medical use Cleome rutidosperma + Grassy plant native to Africa, found in local LC (Spider flower) orchards Cocos nucifera (Coconut + - + + Native tall palm, up to 30-40 m Some grown in the LC palm) proximity of the Park Codiaeum variegatum + - + + Ornamental plant, native to South Asia, LC (Croton) many plants in the town near houses Cinamomum verum + - - - Originated from Shri-Lanka, found in some LC (Cinammon tree) local orchards Cycas ssp. + - + - As ornamental plants near houses, local Cycas siamensis Cycas species are all vulnerable Dalbergia cochichinensis + Native, used for furniture production, illegal Very tall tree, occupy lots VU (Thai Rosewood Tree) logging led to Vulnerable status of space Dendrocalamus asper + + Native, grown up to 15-20 m, 8-12 cm in Most popular as source of LC (Giant bamboo) diameter in mixed natural forests, shady food, construction, energy, slopes. fences. Dendrocalamus + + + Native, grown up to 15-20 m, mixed forest, Food, construction, energy, LC membranaceus slight shady slopes. fences. Diospyros mollis, D. + + Native tree up to 7-12 m, edible fruits, Good for planting in the LC 42

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status grandulosa Persimmon attracting many birds (barbets, etc.) Eco-Park area Diospyros malabarica + Native tree up to 35 m, edible fruits, Perhaps one tree for Eco- LC (Ebony tree) valuable wood Park Dipterocarpus alatus Native, one of the largest trees, very VU valuable for timber, source of oily resin Dracena fragrans Palm + + Introduced ornamental plant, many in the LC town Duranta ssp. + + Introduced ornamental creeping plant, on LC fences – blue flowers, orange fruits Fagraea fragrans Tembusu + Native large evergreen tree, valuable One tree can be LC timber, lasting for 100 years, attract birds recommended in the Park and fruit bats Ficus altissima (Council + Large ficus tree, native to South-East Asia LC tree) Ficus racemosa (Goolar fig + + + Native to the region, attract birds and Large tree in the Park, near LC tree) insects, good for many mammals houses, which should be saved Flacourtia rukam (Small + + + Native shrub or small tree, attract many May be recommended for LC cherries) birds Eco-Park Giganthochloa apus + Native, up to 15-30 m, grows in flat and Energy, handicraft (Bamboo) sloping sunny areas Haldina (Adina) cornifolia + + Native important timber tree, medical uses, One tree can be planted in NA antiseptic, attract wild bees colonies the Park, slow growing Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber + Invasive, planted near landfill area LC Tree) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis + + Native shrub up to 2-5 m, ornamental Should be planted in the LC (Chinese Hibiscus) attract birds and butterflies Park, very decorative Hopea odorata (spirit tree) + + Native valuable timber tree, up to 45 m, Found in several places in VU often planted for shadow the town Hopea ferrea ? Native valuable timber tree, up to 30 m EN Hylocereus undatus + + Introduced, cultivating in the town, found in Recommended for fruit LC (pitahaya or dragon fruit) several areas, creeping cactus orchard in the Park Keteleeria evelyniana Native coniferous tree up to 40 m, timber is It is shade tolerant, but VU insect resistant, seeds used for soap often grows with pine tree production, medical use together Impatiens ssp. (Balsam) + + Several native and cultural grass LC ornamental plants Irvingia malayana (Wild + Native evergreen tree up to 40- 50 m and Fruits (nuts) are edible LC almond) trunk up to 50 cm in diameter, source of wood and oil Ixora ssp. + + + Ornamental shrub, native to the region, Should be recommended 43

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status planted near houses as bordure fence for Parking zone Ixora javanica + + Ornamental evergreen shrub, native to the Should be recommended LC region, planted in several places in town for the Park Lagerstroemia speciose + Native ornamental tree up to 20 m, pink Ornamental tree, grown in LC flowers Haouyxay near houses Lagerstroemia floribunda + Native to area, up to 15-20 m Ornamental, many near LC our office Leucaena leucocephala + + + Invasive, small tree, source of fodder for Lots of them along the LC Mimosid tree cattle, palpwood bank in the Park area Magnolia champaca + Native tree with orange flowers, up to 30 m Ornamental and has a LC good wood, near office Mangifera indica (Mango + + + + Native fruit up to 30 m, found in many Recommended for fruit LC Tree) orchards in the town garden Melastoma malabathricum + + Indomalaya shrub, ornamental, widely Good for butterflies and LC Indian rhododendron distributed birds in the Park Melia azedarach (China – Native tree up to 7-12 m (but can be up to Can be recommended to LC berry) 30), control insects, outdoor décor, seeds be planted along the river attract birds banks in the Park Mimosa pudica (Shy Plant) + + + + + Invasive weed, found in wet meadows Growing in the Park LC Momordica cochichinensis + Liana with orange spiky fruit Grown in local orchards LC Monstera ssp. + + Huge lianas on trees, native to Americas Grown in the Park LC Musa ssp. (Banana) + + + + + Still many plantations and single trees in LC orchards Nauclea orientalis + + Native tree, up to 30 m, ornamental, fruits One tree can be LC (Cheeswood) are edible, attract birds recommended Nepheleum lappaceum + + Native tree, cultivating in the orchards, Recommended for fruit LC (Rambutan) attractive for birds orchard Osimum basilicum (Basil) + Native herb, cultivating in the orchards, Good to attract butterflies LC used as a food plant Pentace burmanica + + + Native tall tree with yellow broom flowers, Found in the Park area LC up to 20-25 m and 50-100 cm in diameter Peltophorum pterocarpum + Tall shrub native to South-East Asia with Very decorative, attract LC yellow broom large flowers, up to 8-12 m birds and butterflies Phanera purpurea + + Native tree up to 15 m, ornamental, used in LC (Bauchinia malabarica) medicine, found in several sites Phragmites australis + + + Widely distributed aquatic grass, grown LC (Common reed) along the bank and in the drainage canals Phyllantus acidus (Star + + + Native tree up to 5-12 m, berries are edible, It can be recommended for LC gooseberry tree) good for birds the Eco-Park Pinus kesiaya (Khasi pine) + Native widely distributed pine, planted on LC the way to landfill 44

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status Plumeria alba + Evergreen ornamental shrub 2-8 m with Ornamental tree, can be LC white-yellow flowers, from South America recommended for eco-park Poinciana (Delonix) regia + + + + + Up to 10-30 m, red blooms in May, many in There are some trees in LC Haouyxay area the Eco-Park area Psidium guajava (Guava) + + Fruit tree in the local orchards Reasonable to plant in fruit LC garden Pterocarpus indicus + Native to region, important timber tree, up Planted in town as VU to 30-40 m and 2 m in diameter, medical ornamental and ornamental Pterocarpus macrocarpus + Native tree up to 10-30 m, important timber, Few trees along the river, LC (Burma padauk) ornamental, construction timber good for bees Ricinus communis (Castor + + + + + Widely distributed, common ruderal tree, Grow in the Eco-Park Area LC bean) found everywhere in the project area Roystonea ssp. Palm + Introduced from Americas, in several LC places, especially near hotels Senna siamea (Cassia tree) + + Native ornamental tree up to 6-18 m, Several trees closely to medical, fodder, timber and edible plant banks, good for the fence Sesamum orientale + + Annual grass plant, planted in garden and Can attract birds and LC (sesam) orchards butterflies Sindora siamensis Native large evergreen tree with valuable Need to discuss LC woods, efforts on replanting are done in opportunity for planting many places. Solanum aculeatissimum + + + Ruderal plant, found in several project Grow in several places of LC Dutch Eggplant (shrub) areas, often as natural fence Eco-Park Solanum incanum Thorn or + + + Ruderal plant, found in several project sites Found in Eco-Park also LC Bitter Apple (shrub) Solanum lasiocarpum + + Native to Asian region, domesticated, found LC Indian nightshade (shrub) in several places in gardens Solanum mammosum + Cultivated as ornamental and medicine LC Apple of Sodom (shrub) plant, found in few places Solanum wrightii Brazilian + Invasive, ornamental, found in the orchards LC Potato Tree (up to 10 m) near drainage Shorea roxburghii + Native important timber tree, up to 10- 40 m Well grown on sandy soils, EN tall, source of resin, flowers and bark are several trees can be edible, attract many birds, often grow with planted in the Park bamboo species Spondias magnifera, S. + Native tree up to 10-15 m, edible fruits, Can be recommended for LC pinnata (Cashew trees) grown in local orchards, good for birds Eco-Park Stachytarpheta jamaicensis + Annual weed LC Styrax tonkinensis + Native to the region, up to 20 m and 60 cm Cen be recommended for LC diameter, valuable source of resin, Eco-Park, good for soil

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status ornamental plan, edible fruits, well grown restoration and along mountain slopes reforestation Syzygium grande (See Native to the region, up to 30 m, found Not good LC apple) along coastal line Syzygium cumini (Java + Native to the region, up to 15 m, attract Good for the Park LC Plum) birds and butterflies Tamarindus indica + + Native tree with edible nuts up to 25-30 m, Recommended for fruit LC (Tamarind) can leave up to 200 years, used for food garden in the Park Tectona grandis (Teak) + + Native timber tree, tall and fast growing Plantation in the Eco-Park LC Area Thyrostachys siamensis + Native, 7-13 m tall, Construction, energy, feed, LC (Thai umbrella Bamboo) fence Tibouchina ssp. + + Introduced from Americas, grown near houses as decorative plant Vernonia cinerea + + Native perennial grass and weed, attract LC many insect species Vitex pubescens (pinnata) – + Medium-sized tree up to 20 m tall (planting Ornamental plant, bloom in LC violet flowers, in rainy season) winter, good food for birds Xylia xylocarpa (Mimoza) + + + Native deciduous timber tree up to 20-40 m, Can be recommended for LC used for medicine and for reafforestation bank along the Park environmentally degraded areas Cymnagopogon citratus + + Grown near houses for cooking Control insects in the area LC (Lemong grass) Aquatic Plants Caldesia parnassifolia + In the drainage canal LC Eichhornia crassipes (water + Invasive plant from Americas, found in few Highly invasive, not LC hyacinth) places recommended Hydrocharis dubia Ipomoea aquatica (water + + Vine, grown in local gardens, roots and Edible, may be used for LC spinach) leaves are used for cooking project area Limnophila aromatica (Rice + Found in local gardens near water, used for LC puddy herb), L. ssp. food Nymphoides ssp. + Marsh area near the bank Persicaria attenuata + Near islands and along low banks LC Sagittaria trifolia + + In some places near the bank Edible plant in Asia LC Typha angustifolia (Lesser + + + Near islands, along banks and lake area in Naturally grow in the LC bulrush) slow moving waters, perfect plant for water project area purification Utricularia ssp. (Golden + Pond area with staging water bladderwort) Semi-Aquatic Plants 46

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Comments Recommendations for IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Eco-Park Status Typhonium flagelliforme + + Drainage canals LC Gnetum parviflolium + Thickets along streams LC Salex ssp. (Willow) Colocasia esculenta Taro + + + Colocasia gigantea + + Elephant-year Alocasia macrorhizos + Papirus ??? Cynodon ssp. Marsilea ssp. Water-Clover Pistia ssp. Alocasia cucullata Buddha’ Hand Source: Field survey, 2018 Legend: International status of fish is provided in accordance with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: LC – Least Concern, CR – Critically Endangered, EN – Endangered, VU – Vulnerable, NT – Near Threatened, DD – Data deficient; NE – not evaluated. B. Appendix 2: Terrestrial Animal Species in the Haouyxay area

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status Amphibians Babina chapensis or Babina + + At least, several species in project area, LC lini (Ranidae) small difficult to catch Fejervarya limnocharis + + + + Found in the project area, widely 1827-1851, 9845, 9846, LC (Dicroglossidae) (Rice field distributed, also sold on local markets 9170, 9825-9838, 9855, frog) 9856, 9880 Hoplobatrachus rugulosus Domesticated, sold on local markets, but LC (Dicroglossidae) East-Asian mostly brought to markets from Thailand Bullfrog Hylarana nigrovittata + Found on the local market, brought from the LC (Ranidae) Sapgreen stream woods around Haouyxay frog Kaloula pulchra Found on markets, one of the most sold 9166, 9185 LC (Microhylidae) Banded species May be recommended for Bullfrog breeding in Eco-Park Limnonectes gyldenstolpei + Found in the project area (little specimens) Observed in the Eco-Park LC or limborgi (Dicroglossidae) and on the local markets Area Occydozyga lima, + + Found in the project area and in the local Observed in the Eco-Park LC Occidozyga martensii markets. Green Puddle Frog and ) Round- Area too 47

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status (Dicloglossidae) tongue floating frog Polypedates megacephalus + Found on local Sunday market in 9157, 9159, 1823 LC (Rhacophoridae) Spotted- Haouyxay; and other markets, sold for food May be recommended for legged Tree Frog breeding in Eco-Park Rhacophorus feae Small green tree-frog, can be found in LC (Rhacophoridae) project area Sylvirana guentheri, Found on local market in Haouyxay 9865-9877 LC Ranidae Reptiles Calotes emma (Agamidae) + + Found in the project area Found in the Eco-Park LC Emma Gray’s forest lizard Area Calotes mystaceus + + + + + Detected, practically everywhere in the Found in the Eco-Park LC (Agamidae) Indo-Chinese project area, very cautious, often hidden on area forest lizard trees Calotes versicolor + + + + Found on the fence in the local gardens, LC? (Agamidae) Garden lizard near the river and also near the landfill Cyrtodactylus ssp. + + + Detected in several areas, need precise Many species from this Cyrtodactylus interdigitalis species identification genus just recently (Gekkonidae) ? described endemics Dixonius siamensis, + + Near houses and on trees in the project LC Gekkonidae, Siamese Leaf- area. toed Gecko Eutropis macularia + + + + Found almost everywhere in the project Occurs within Eco-Park LC (Scincidae) Bronze mabuya area territory also Eutropis multifasciata, + Found in the gardens, near houses LC Scincidae, Common Sun Skink Hemidactylus frenatus, + + + Near houses in the town. Widely distributed LC Gekkonidae Common house-gecko House-Gecko Hemidactylus + + + + + One of the most abundant Gecko species in LC (Cosymbotus) platyurus, the area, found on walls near houses. Gekkonidae Flat-tailed House-Gecko Gekko gecko, Gekkonidae, + + + + Near houses and on trees in the project LC Tokay Gecko area. Abundant. Lygosoma ssp., Lygosoma + + + + + Widely distributed skink, found almost LC bowringii, Scincidae everywhere in the project area Malayemys subtrijuga Globally threatened species found in the May be recommended for VU (Geoemydidae) Mekong Mekong River breeding in the Eco-Park snail-eating turtle

48

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status Pelochelys cantorii Reported by fishermen, who told that still EN (Trionychidae) Cantor’s see this turtle in Mekong River, but rare. In giant softshell turtle the pats, it was also found in fishnets. Varanus nebulosus Found on local markets in Haouyxay, sold NA (Varanidae) Clouded for food 300,000 kips alive and 150,000 monitor kips for dead body Birds Phalacrocorax niger Little 2 River in the Eco-Park Area LC Cormorant Nyctycorax nyctycorax 18 Flock by evening, closely to the Port 2 LC Black-crowned Night Heron Ardeola bacchus Chinese 1 Near port 2 LC Pond Heron Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret 5 Near port 2 by evening, flying flock LC Ixobrichus sinensis Yellow 1 1 Seen from the boat near the bank in Eco- LC bittern Park area and on the way to Port 1 Dendrocygna javanica 2 Seen flying over Mekong River in the Eco- LC Lesser Whistling Duck Park Area Pernis ptilorhynchus 1 Hunting over Eco-Park Area LC Oriental Honey Buzzard Elanus caeruleus Black- 2 Observed several times in Eco-Park area, LC shouldered Kite closely to lake Accipiter badius Shikra 1 Local orchards LC Glareola lactea Small 11 25 Flock flying from the river over Eco-Park LC Pratincole area Vanellus duvaucellii River 2 Near the bank in the open area during rain NT Lapwing Tringa glareola Wood 1 1 Near the bank and marshy islands LC Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Common 2 Near the gravel piles during rain LC Sandpiper Sterna aurantia River Tern 2 Near the port 2, over the river NT Columba livia Rock Dove +++ + ++ ++ ++ Common urban species, found everywhere LC in project area Streptopelia tranquebarica 2 ++ Very cautious, found in the town in several LC Red-collared Dove places Spilopelia chinensis + 2 + Common, but not abundant species in the LC Spotted Dove area Psittacula finschii Grey- 2 ++ Found mostly in cages and on the local LC headed Parakeet market Clamator coromandus + + + + Found in many places LC 49

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status Chestnut-winged Cucckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides + + + + + One of the most common cuckoo species in LC Large Hawk-Cuckoo the area Hierococcyx + + Seen and herd in several areas NT vagans Moustached Hawk – Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus + + + + Found in many places of project area LC Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii + + Heard in the local orchards LC Banded Bay Cuckoo Surniculus dicruroides Fork- + + + Found in several places, very laud and LC tailed Drongo Cuckoo musical Eudynamis scolopaceus + + Heard in several places LC Asian Koel Centropus sinensis Greater + + + + + Seen and heard in all project areas, very LC Coucal common Centropus bengalensis + More rare than previous species, seen only LC Lesser Coucal in Eco-Park area Caprimulgus asiaticus + Seen in the Eco-park area, hidden on tree LC Indian Nightjar Aerodramus brevirostris + + + + Found in several places in the area LC Himalayan Swiftlet Aerodramus germani + + + + + Most common in the project area LC German’s Swiftlet Hirundapus giganteus + + Seen closely to river and water LC Brown-backed Needletail Cypsiurus balasiensis Asian + + + + + Common in the project area LC Palm Swift Apus nipalensis House + + Found in several places of project area, LC Swift closely to human constructions Apus pacificus Pacific Swift + Observed near ports LC Cerile rudis Pied Kingfisher + 2 birds have been seen near the lake in the LC Park area Anorrhinus austeni Austen’s + 2 birds were seen flying along the river NT Brown Hornbill Psilopogon virens Great + + Heard in few places in the project area LC Barbet Psilopogon lineatus + + Heard and seen in local orchards LC Lineated Barbet Psilopogon asiaticus + Heard in the teak forest area LC Sasia ochracea White- + + Heard in several places with bamboo LC 50

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status browed Piculet stands Woodpecker + Medium-sized, seen in the project area, but could not identify Mirafra javanica Horsfield’s + Several pairs nest on the open field near LC Bushlark the lake Riparia chinensis Grey- + + + Closely to water and banks in the project LC throated Martin area Hirundo rustica Barn + + + + + Common urban and rural species, LC swallow everywhere in the project area Hirundo smithii Wire-tailed + Few seen only near landfill area LC Swallow Cecropis striolata Striated + + + Seen in few places, closely to river LC Swallow Delichon dasypus Asian + + + + Seen in few places, close to houses and LC House Martin water Paddyfield Pipit Anthus + Open landscapes in the Eco-Park Area LC rufulus Coracina melaschistos + + + + One of the most common and widely LC Black-winged Cuckooshrike distributed species in local orchards Pycnonotus jocosus Red- + + + Observed in local orchards LC whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus aurigaster + + + + One of the most common species in the LC Sooty-headed Bulbul project area Chloropsis cochinchinensis + Found in local orchards near Mekong River NT Blue-winged Leafbird Aegithina lafresnayei Great + + + Found and seen in the crown of tall trees in LC Iora orchards and forest Cisticola juncidis Zitting + + In the reeds and shrubs near the river LC Cisticola Prinia rufescens Rufescent + In several places LC Prinia Prinia hodsonii Grey- + + + + One of the most common in the shrubby LC breasted Prinia areas Prinia inornatus Plain Prinia + + + Closely to water in reeds LC Orthotomus sutorius + + + + + Dominant species in urban landscapes with LC Common Tailorbird shrubs and bushes Orthotomus atrogularis + + Spotted in few places with dense vegetation LC Dark-necked Tailorbird Megalurus palustris Striated + Heard near the river in the Eco-Park area LC Grassbird Acrocephalus ssp. Reed- + + + In several places, the species is not clear 51

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status Warbler Muscicapa ssp. Flycatcher + We saw several in the forest along the river, but not well for identification Ficedula albicilla Taiga + In the forest, closely to the river LC Flycatcher Copsychus saularis Oriental + + + + + In many places in urban and sub-urban LC Magpie Robin areas, one of dominant species Saxicola jerdoni Jerdon’s + In riparian habitat near Mekong River LC Bushchat Terpsiphone affinis Blyth’s + Found in the teak forest of Eco-Park Area LC Paradize Flycatcher Garrulax chinensis Black- Sold in the huge numbers on local markets, LC throated Laughinthrush price varies from 50,000 to 100,000 kips Parus monticolus Green- + + Quite rare in the project area LC backed Tit Sitta ssp. Nuthatch + In the teak forest, one of the “beautiful”, but bird did not respond to call Anthreptes malacensis + On large trees in the orchards LC Brown-throated Sunbird Cynniris asiaticus Purple + + + In several places on blooming trees LC sunbird Aethopyga saturata Black- + Observed in local orchards LC throated Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja + + Observed in the Eco-Park area and in local LC Crimson Sunbird orchards Arachnothera magna 2 2 birds were spotted one time on the thin LC Streaked Spiderhunter branch in the local orchard Dicaeum agile Thick-billed + + + Observed in the local orchards LC Flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum + Spotted in the Eco-Park area near Ficus LC Yellow-vented tree Flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum + + + + Spotted in many places of project area, one LC Scarlet-backed of the most common species in the Flowerpecker orchards Oriolus chinensis Black- + Seen in the local orchards LC naped Oriole Oriolus tenuirostris Slender- + + + Seen and heard in several places LC billed Oriole Lanius tigrinus Tiger Shrike + + In several places, in deep thickets LC Lanius tephronotus Grey- + In the tickets near the river in rainy day LC 52

Species name Occurrence in the Project Sites Observations Comments and photos IUCN HX A1 HXY A2 HX B1 HX B2 HX B3 Status backed Shrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus + Spotted near the river on large trees LC Common Woodshrike Hemipus picatus Bar- + Spotted ones in the area of teak forest LC winged Flycatcher Shrike Dicrurus macrocercus Black ++ + Spotted in the area of Eco-Park and WWTP LC Drongo Dicruras annectans Crow- + + + Observed in the project area on large trees LC billed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Bronzed + + Large trees in the project area LC Drongo Artamus fuscus Ashy + + + + Spotted in several places, usually stay on LC Woodswallow large electric polls or trees, perching… Acridotheres grandis Great + + + + + Many in the teak forest, closely to opening LC Myna Acridotheres cristatellus 2 2 birds were observed in the Eco-Park area LC Crested Myna in the first days Acridotheres tristis + + + + + Dominant urban species, found everywhere LC Common Myna Gracula religiosa Common + In many places in cages, sold on local LC Hill Myna markets for captivity Gracupica nigricollis Black- + + + Nest on teak trees in Eco-Park area, found LC collared Starling in several places Sturnia erythropygia White- + Found in the cage near school area, more headed Starling likely they are not from this area Lonchura striata White- + + + + Nest on small and medium-sized trees in LC rumped Munia the project area Passer domesticus House + + + + In urban environment LC Sparrow Passer montanus Eurasian + + + + + More abundant than house sparrow, found LC Tree Sparrow in all project sites Mammals Sus scrofa Wild Boar Meet are sold on the local market LC Rhisomys sumatrensis Sold on the local market by dead and alive LC Large Bamboo Rat Bat species Several bat species were seen at night, but special survey was not conducted Rat species Sold on the local market Source: Field survey, 2018 Legend: International status of fish is provided in accordance with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: LC – Least Concern, CR – Critically Endangered, EN – Endangered, VU – Vulnerable, NT – Near Threatened, DD – Data deficient; NE – not evaluated. 53

C. Appendix 3: Fish species caught in Mekong River during survey and found on the local market

Sn Scientific Name Common & Laotian Name IUCN Comments Status 1. Albulichthys Pa chok LC Found on the local market, albuloides, Cyprinidae caught in the river. 2. Bagarius yarrelli, Pa ke (Laotian) NT Found in the river samples and Sisoridae on the local market

3. Barbonymus altus, Red-tailed Tinfoil LC Found on the local market Cyprinidae Wien fai (Laotian), Pa wien fai (Laotian), Pba wian fai 4. Barbonymus Java Barb, Pa pak (Laotian), LC Caught during survey, common gonionotus, Cyprinidae Pak (Laotian) for the area. 5. Barbonymus Tinfoil Barb, Pa vien fai LC Found on the local market schwanenfeldii, (Laotian) Cyprinidae 6. Belodontichtys White Catfish LC Found on the local market truncates, Siluridae 7. Channa gachua, Dwarf Snakehead LC Found on the local market. Channidae Pa kan (Laotian) 8. Chitala ornata, Clown featherback LC Found in the lake by local Notopteridae Dtong kwai (Laotian), Pa fishermen tong keua 9. Cirrhinus molitorella, Pa keng (Laotian), Pba geng NT Found in the river catch and on Cyprinidae (Laotian) the local market 10. Clarias gariepinus , Walking Catfish LC Found on the local market. Claridae Pa douk (Laotian) Grown on farms in Thailand 11. Clarias microcephalus, Broadhead Catfish NT Found on the local market Claridae Pa douk (Laotian) 12. Cyprinus carpio, Common Carp, Dok niew 1 VU Found on the local market Cyprinidae (Laotian), Pa dok ngieu khao 13. Cyprinus rubrofuscus, Nai (Laotian), Pa nai LC Found on the local market. Cyprinidae (Laotian), Pba ni (Laotian) 14. Dichotomyctere Green Pufferfish LC Found on the local market fluviatilis, Tetraodontidae 15. Hemibagrus nemurus, Yellow Catfish, Pa Khod LC Found in the river samples and Bagridae on local market 16. Hemibagrus Pa kheung (Laotian) LC Found on the local market. wyckiodies, Bagridae Catfish with red fins. 17. Hemisilurus Nang deng (Laotian), Pa LC Found on the local market mekongensis, nang daeng (Laotian), Siluridae 18. Hemitrygon (Dasyatis) Mekong freshwater stingray, EN Found on the local market. laosensis, Dasyatidae Fa hang (Laotian), Pa fa hang (Laotian), Pa fa lai (Laotian) 19. Henicorhynchus Pa soi houa po LC Common and wide spread siamensis, Cyprinidae 20. Hypophtalmychtys NT Introduced species. molitrixi, Cyprinidae Found on the local market. 21. Hypsibarbus vernayi, LC Found on the local market. Cyprinidae 22. Kryptopterus ssp. Found on the local market, needs precise identification. 23. Laides hexanema, Pa khae LC Found in the river samples and Schilbeidae on the local market 24. Mastacembelus favus, Pa lat (Laotian) LC Found on the local market. Mastacembelidae Tire Track Eel 25. Micronema cheveyi, Pa yhan DD It was caught in the river Siluridae 26. Monopterus albus, Pa pao LC Found on the local market.

Sn Scientific Name Common & Laotian Name IUCN Comments Status Synbranchidae 27. Mystus multiradiatus Pa Kha yaeng LC Found in the river samples 28. Osteochilus vittatus, Pa khi ka pheuay (Laotian), LC Found on the local market. Cyprinidae 29. Pangasianodon gigas, Giant Cat fish; Pa beuk CR Local fishermen observe during Pangasiidae (Laotian), Pa boeuk (Laotian migration, highly protected 30. Pangasianodon Pa souay kheo (Laotian), Pa EN Found on local market as fish hypophthalmus , sooai (Laotian), brough from fish-farm in Pangasiidae Thailand 31. Pangasius ssp., Found on local market, need Pangasiidae precise identification. 32. Pseudolais Nyawn tong khom (Laotian), LC Found on the local market. pleurotaenia, Pa gnone thong khom Pangasiidae 33. Pseudorasbora parva, Stone Moroko LC Found in the samples in the Cyprinidae river.

34. Paralaubuca barroni, Paep (Laotian) LC Found in the river Cyprinidae 35. Rasbora atridorsalis, Rasbora, Pa se aow LC It was caught in the river Cyprinidae 36. Rhinogobius ocellatus, Pa bu LC Found in the river Gobiidae

37. Trichopodus Three-spot Gourami; Pa LC Was caught during sampling in trichopterus, salid (Laotian), Pa ka dout the river. Osphronemidae (Laotian) 38. Wallago attu, Siluridae Khao (Laotian), Pa khao NT Found in the river catch and on (Laotian) the local market. Source: Preliminary results of fish survey in the Mekong River, 2018.

Legend: International status of fish is provided in accordance with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: LC – Least Concern, CR – Critically Endangered, EN – Endangered, VU – Vulnerable, NT – Near Threatened, DD – Data deficient; NE – not evaluated.

D. Appendix 4: Results of Pond Survey in the Eco-Center Area

Sn Scientific Name Common & Laotian IUCN Comments Name Status Fish 1. Anabas testudineus, Pa kheng (Laotian), Pba DD Caught during survey of the Anabantidae keng (Laotian) pond. 2. Barbonymus gonionotus, Java Barb, Pa pak LC Caught during survey, Cyprinidae (Laotian), Pak (Laotian) common for the area. 3. Barbonymus Tinfoil Barb, Pa vien fai LC Found in samples from the schwanenfeldii, Cyprinidae (Laotian) catch 4. Belodontichtys truncates, White Catfish LC Found in the lake by local Siluridae fishermen.

5. Channa gachua, Dwarf Snakehead LC Usually caught in the lake, Channidae Pa kan (Laotian) confirmed by catch.

6. Clarias batrachus, Claridae Cat fish; Pa douk LC Usually caught in the lake. 7. Chitala ornata, Clown featherback LC Found in the lake by local Notopteridae Dtong kwai (Laotian), Pa fishermen tong keua 8. Hemibagrus nemurus, Yellow Catfish LC Found in the lake, often caught Bagridae by local people 9. Henicorhynchus siamensis, Pa soi houa po LC Common and wide spread Cyprinidae 10. Hypsibarbus wetmorei, Golden-belly Barb, Pa LC Caught during survey Cyprinidae pak thong kham (Laotian)

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Sn Scientific Name Common & Laotian IUCN Comments Name Status 11. Mastacembelus favus, Pa lat (Laotian) LC Found in the lake by local Mastacembelidae Tire Track Eel fishermen 12. Mystus mysticetus, Cat Fish; Pa kha gneng LC Caught during survey, Bagridae khang lai (Laotian) common in the area 13. Pseudorasbora parva, Stone Moroko LC Found in samples from the Cyprinidae catch.

14. Rasbora trilineata, Three-lined Rasbora LC Small fish caught during Cyprinidae survey. Used for aquarium breeding. 15. Schistura caudofurca, Stone Loach LC Found in the sample from the Nemacheilidae lake, good for aquarium keeping 16. Sinibotia longiventralis Loach DD Found in the sample from the lake. Good for aquarium keeping. 17. Terateleotris aspro, Sleeper EN It was caught in the lake Odontobutidae during survey, need to confirm identification. 18. Tilapia nilotica, Cychlidae Nile Tilapia, Pa Nin LC Found and caught in the lake 19. Tor tambroides, Cyprinidae Mahseer, Pa kva DD Caught during survey (Laotian) 20. Trichopodus trichopterus, Three-spot Gourami; Pa LC Was caught during sampling of Osphronemidae salid (Laotian), Pa ka the lake. dout (Laotian) Source: Results of pond survey, May 2018.

Legend: International status of fish is provided in accordance with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: LC – Least Concern, CR – Critically Endangered, EN – Endangered, VU – Vulnerable, NT – Near Threatened, DD – Data deficient; NE – not evaluated.

56 ANNEX 4 – Water Quality Monitoring

June, 2018

Lao PDR: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project, PPTA 8425

Houayxay

Overview:

Surface Water Quality will be monitored in the context of all sub-projects. In particular, also ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

concerning the Waste Water Sub-projects. An initial water sample collection and analysis was undertaken in May 2018. Table 1 below shows the results of the water sample

Parameter Total coliform Location Sample DO BOD TN TP bacteria (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg P/l) MPN/100ml Standard 61/ 302/ 352/ - 50001/

Water supply 1 9.9 ND ND 0.04 35,000 intake station

D1 2 7.3 2.4 ND 0.08 92,000 D2 3 5.3 3.5 160,000 D4 5 6.6 1.7 ND 0.04 160,000 D5 6 7.7 1 ND 0.03 24,000 D6 7 5.5 29.5 ND 0.04 >160,000 D7 8 7.6 2.4 ND 0.05 24,000 D8 9 10.9 6.0 1.5 and <5.0 mg/l) ❖ The quality of water from water supply in take station was excellent surface water condition and good for aquatic animal for surviving. Because it is located at upstream of the town. Therefore, DO was very high about 9.9 mg/l and BOD could not be detected due to very low quantity. However, total coliform bacteria is an issue of the water quality which was almost 35,000 MPN/100ml. ❖ Following the water quality of water supply intake station is water quality of D1, the water quality of D1 is also good condition due to DO was about 7.3 mg/l. also, BOD was in the range of standard. Because of many households discharging twastewater which result in the high amount of total coliform bacteria in the water. ❖ The water quality of D2 is almost similar to D1, in terms of bacteria. However, the DO was slightly lower than standard at 5.3 mg/l ❖ Water quality of D3 was less with a low DO value high total coliform bacteria of more than 160,000 MPN/100ml. ❖ The water quality of D4 was better than D3 with a DO value of 6.6 mg/l. However, total coliform bacteria was high at 160,000 MPN/100ml

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❖ Water quality of D5 showed a good DO of 7 mg/l and the amount of BOD was only 1 mg/l/ Moreover, total coliform bacteria was less at 24.000 MPN/100ml. ❖ At D6 organic matter is high as seen by the high BOD value with a concentration of 29.5 mg/l and a reduced DO of 5.5 mg/l. The total coliform bacteria exceeded the standard at more than 160,000 MPN/100ml. ❖ At D7 DO value presented about 7.6 mg/l. and total coliform bacteria was only 24,000 MPN/100ml, however, still above the standard. The watershed of D7 is less populated. ❖ The watershed of D8 extends north to mountain and airport. DO is above 10 mg/L, BOD is low at 6 mg/L. Still bacteria pollutions is above standard. ❖ In Nongthan Lake, the amount of BOD was low at 3.3 mg/l indicating less organic matter, which aligns with low bacterial contamination. Apparently, sunlight reduces bacterial contamination. However, DO was low as the water is standstill. ❖ The last water sample which is taken from behind Chinese market. Here, the DO reached 9.5 mg/l and BOD was only 3.2 mg/l. However, total coliform bacterial concentration was high.

Houayxay district is located at upper of Mekong river, Most of the wastewater from the town and natural river from upper level flow to Mekong river. According to Keoousdone (2016) reported that 90 % of wastewater from household has been discharged to the surface river mainly Mekong river without treatment. After discussing with the drainage expert, visiting each site area, the environmentalist team decided to take 11 samples in the project area, which 8 samples from all the drainages of the project, 1 sample from water supply intake station at the upstream, 1 sample from behind Chinese market and 1 sample from Nongthan lake. To have suitable wastewater management, characterize the water quality is important especially for wastewater treatment. Detail of sampling is given in the below

Figure 13 the overall of project area and water sampling at Houayxay District

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

❖ Water supply intake station The water supply which uses in the Houayxay district is taken from the upstream at Ban Konkeo. Also, it is far from port project around 1 km and next to the 3 urban road upgrading only 100 m. Because, this area the water of Mekong river is not much polluted due to at upstream of the town, Hence, it is important to identify the quality of water that use as water supply as well as the water quality before flow through the town. Therefore, one sample is taken from this water supply station as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 water sampling point at the water supply intake station

❖ Drainage 1 and 2 (D1 and D2) Currently, the D1 is a natural drainage which is received wastewater from household. However, most of the quantity of water is from the upper land in northeast. This drainage has been connected to Mekong river and will be improved by the project. Therefore, the increasing of Mekong river results in level of water in drainage 1 as well. However, the

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quality of the water sample from the drainage 1 is assumed not too much polluted due to only few amounts of wastewater from household is mixed with water from mountain.

The overall of the water that discharged to D2 is mostly from household, restaurant, storm water and some of natural water from east. Besides, there is also some wastewater from hospital that discharges to D2. Generally, the area is quite crowded, there are so many households release wastewater to drainage. Hence, to identify the water quality from this drainage, 1 sample was taken from under next to a restaurant along the road

Figure 15 sampling points at D1 and D2

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

❖ Drainage 3 (D3) One water sample from the D3 was taken to identify the quality. The wastewater that is discharged to D3 is from Vangview market, many government offices in the area, and also many households. As can be observed along the drainage, the majority number of household discharged waste water directly to the drainage with out any primary treatment. However, the water will not much polluted due to dilution during staring raining season. Furthermore, the day before collecting sampling, I was rain a little, Therefore, there is a possibility that waste water was diluted. The sampling point is shown in Figure 16.

Figure 16 water sampling point from D3

❖ Drainage 4 (D4) Wastewater from household, storm water and some also from government offices are discharged to D4. A water sample from D4 was collected near the road along Mekong river and it also next to a garage as show in Figure 17. Moreover, the wastewater from DS3 and DS6 also connected to D4. Then it is discharged to the Mekong river. In addition, storm water and waste water from U2, U6 and U7 will also be connected to this D4. As a result, one sample from this D4 can be a representative of wastewater from the area.

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Figure 17 water sampling from D4

❖ Drainage 5 (D5) Most of the waste the flow through the D5 to Mekong river is mainly natural water from upper level of land. However, storm water and wastewater from UR1 and DS3 will be connected to this drainage. As there is not many residents in the area of the drainage. The quality of water is assumed that will not much polluted. To know the water quality, one sample was taken from D5 as shown in Figure 18.

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APPENDIX 1 - Environmental Management Plan

March, 2019

Lao PDR: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project

Houayxay, LAO PDR

This environmental management plan is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank AH Affected Household BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand CEMP Construction Environment Management Plan COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CO Carbon Monoxide DAF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries DO Dissolved Oxygen DBST Double Bitumen Surface Treatment DHUP Department of Housing and Urban Planning DONRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment DPWT Department of Public Works and Transport EA Executing Agency ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate EHSO Environmental Health and Safety Officer of Contractor EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMP Environment Management Plan EMR Environmental Monitoring Report GMS Greater Mekong Sub-Region GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IA Project Implementation Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MPWT Ministry of Public Works and Transport NOx Nitrogen Oxide O&M Operation and Maintenance PCU Project Coordinating Unit PIU Project Implementation Unit PIU-ES Environmental Specialist of PIU PM Particulate Matter PMIS Project Management Implementation Support PMIS-ES Environmental Specialist of Consultant PPE Personal Protective Equipment UDAA Urban Development and Administration Authority USD United States Dollar UXO Unexploded Ordnance TKN Total Kjehldal Nitrogen TSS Total Supended Solid

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

km Kilometre kg Kilogram ha Hectare mm Millimeter

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

This environmental management plan is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDIX 1 - ...... 64

A. INTRODUCTION ...... 68 B. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 68 C. ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS & CRITERIA ...... 69 D. SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 70 E. MONITORING AND REPORTING ...... 87 F. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING ...... 91 G. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING ...... 92 H. MECHANISMS FOR FEEDBACK AND ADJUSTMENT ...... 93

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

A. Introduction

1. This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is developed under Second Greater Mekong Sub Region (GMS) Corridor Towns Development Project (the Project) for the following subprojects in Houayxay:

Table 24: Subprojects in Houayxay HXY A1: River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection HXY A2: Ecological Park and Recreation Area HXY B1: Roads and Drainage HXY B2: Solid Waste Management HXY B3: Wastewater Management

2. The EMP defines all potential impacts of the subprojects and the mitigation and protection measures with the objective of avoiding or reducing these impacts to acceptable levels. The EMP also defines the institutional arrangements and mechanisms, the roles and responsibilities of different institutions, procedures and budgets for implementation of the EMP. The EMP seeks to ensure continuously improving environmental protection activities during preconstruction, construction, and operation in order to prevent, reduce, or mitigate adverse impacts and risks.

3. A draft EMP was prepared for the subprojects in June 2015. This document is final EMP, which is updated according to detailed engineering designs. This final EMP will be disclosed on the ADB public website (www.adb.org) and also will be a separate annex in bidding and contract documents.

B. Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities

4. Executing agency (EA). The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is the Executing Agency (EA) for the project and will take overall responsibility for successful implementation of the EMP.

5. Project Coordination Unit (PCU). The EA has established a Vientiane-based Project Coordination Unit (PCU) within the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP), among other things, will provide Safeguards and Monitoring Coordination for the EMP. PCU will also keep in regular contact with, PIUs, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) on environmental training events and progress of implementation of the project.

6. Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The provincial Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) in which the project implementation unit (PIU) has been created will implement the EMP with support from the PCU. The PIU has an Environment Specialist (PIU-ES) who will lead the implementation of the EMP in conjunction with the Environment, Health and Safety Officers (EHSOs) of the construction contractor(s). The PIU-ES will oversee the work of the EHSO of the contractor on the implementation of the Construction EMP (CEMP) for each construction package. The PIU will lead the implementation and use

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of the Grievance Redress Mechanism.

7. Project Management Implementation Support (PMIS) consultant. External support of the PIU for the implementation of the EMP will be provided by the International and National Environment Specialists (PMIS-ES) of the PMIS. The responsibilities of the PMIS- ES are: (i) updating EMP according to detailed engineering design, (ii) provide training to PIU-ES and Contractor-EHSO for supervision and implementation of the EMP; (iii) provide technical direction and support to PIU for implementation of EMP; (iv) Supervision of implementation of EMP during construction.

8. Construction Contractor. The main responsibility of the contractor is preparation of Construction EMP (CEMP) based on this EMP, which includes site specific details of locations of the borrow areas, roads and other facilities. The EHSO of the construction contractor will have following responsibilities: (i) Implement CEMP for construction phase of projects; (ii) revise and update CEMP when necessary and inform PMIS; (iii) provide trainings to workers for implementation of CEMP; (iv) prepare environment, health and safety section of the monthly progress reports; (v) attend monthly progress meetings with the PMIS. (vi)Contribute to GRM through implementing agreed solutions.

MPWT Executing Agency (EA) ADB ------Project Coordination Unit (PCU)

Houayxay DPWT ------Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Project Management Implementation Environmental Support Consultant (PMIS) Specialist (PIU-ES) ------International and National Environmental Specialist (PMIS-ES)

Construction Contractor ------Environment, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO)

Figure 80: Responsibilities for Environmental Management

C. Environmental Standards & Criteria

9. The regulations and guidelines applicable to Houayxay subprojects are given in Table 25. Environmental standard of Lao PDR, which is based on National Environmental Standard Order No. 81/GOL (2017) is given in Annex 1 of EMP. Where Lao PDR regulations differ from the environmental standards provided by the general and applicable Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines of the World Bank (2007), the reference will be 69

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

whichever is more stringent.

Table 25: Regulations and Guidelines Applicable to Houayxay Subproject

Environmental Standards

• National Environmental Standard Order No. 81/GOL (2017) • MSLW, Lao PDR Occupational, Safety, and Health Guidelines Programme, Draft 2005-2010 • IFC/World Bank, 2007. Environment, Health, and Safety Guidelines

D. Summary of Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

10. Potential environmental issues and impacts during pre-construction, construction and operation phases, and corresponding mitigation measures are summarised in Table 26.

11. Table 26 consists of six separate sections:

• Section A sets out mitigation measures which are common to all construction works

• Section B sets out specific mitigation measures for HXY A1- Riverport Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection

• Section C sets out specific mitigation measures for HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area

• Section D sets out specific mitigation measures for HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage

• Section E sets out specific mitigation measures for HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management

• Section F sets out specific mitigation measures for HXY B3- Wastewater Management

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Table 26: Environmental Management Plan

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval A. Mitigation measures applicable to all sub-projects A.1 Pre-construction phase 1. Appoint at least one environment, health and safety officer Institutional Construction - (EHSO) to manage environmental and health and safety risks on Contractor PIU/PMIS Contractor staff Strengthening sites construction sites by applying the measures given in EMP/CEMP. Capacity building 2. Provide training to PIU on supervision of the implementation of PIU Office, Included in for implementation CEMPs - construction PMIS PIU supervision and supervision of 3. Provide training to Contractors on preparation and implementation sites contract CEMP of CEMP 4. CEMP will be prepared based on this EMP provided in tender documents by adding site specific details including a map showing borrow site, waste collection, material storage areas etc. CEMP should include plans including: i) worker camp management, ii) Construction No marginal CEMP preparation - Contractor PIU/PMIS materials and spoil management, iii) noise and dust management, sites cost iv) soil erosion and pollution control, iv) water pollution control, v) occupational and public health and safety vi) Waste Management (solid, liquid, hazardous, non-hazardous) UXO survey, & 5. Ensure Government and UXO LAO is consulted and clears areas Construction No marginal - EA/PIU UXO LAO removal where necessary sites cost Confirm Government 6. Notify DONRE to confirm locations of sites for disposal of Entire PIU/DONRE/PM No marginal approval of - Contractor construction wastes and overburden. subproject IS cost construction waste disposal sites Obtain & activate 7. Comply with all statutory requirements set out by Government for Construction No marginal permits and - use of construction equipment, and operation of construction Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost licenses plants such as concrete batching. 8. Establish a GRM and appoint a GRM coordinator within PIU prior to construction. Grievance 9. Brief and provide training to GRM access points (PIU, PIU, Contractor, No marginal Redress - - EA, ADB contractors). PMIS cost Mechanism (GRM) 10. Disclose GRM to affected people before construction begins at the main entrance to each construction site. 71

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 11. Maintain and update a Complaint Register to document all complaints.

A.2 Construction phase 12. Use borrow pits and spoil disposal sites approved by DONRE, submit such permit to the PMIS before moving any material/any spoil disposal; Borrow pits and 13. Avoid borrow areas and spoil disposal sites with long, steep Construction No marginal spoil disposal sites Contractor PIU/PMIS slopes, susceptible to erosion and include small level cut-off sites cost (if relevant) drains to break up and redirect runoff; 14. Strip and store topsoil in a stockpile for reuse in restoration; 15. Avoid side casting of spoil on slopes; 16. Soil erosion management plan to be prepared by the contractor and to be approved by the responsible authority before construction starts; 17. Minimizing the area of soil clearance; 18. Maintaining slope stability at cut faces by implementing erosion protection measures; 19. Construction in erosion and flood-prone areas should be mainly Soil resources and restricted to the dry season; quality Construction Soil erosion 20. Control silt runoff and cover soil stockpiles; Contractor PIU/PMIS No marginal sites 21. Locate temporary soil stockpiles in areas where runoff will not cost induce sedimentation of waterways (>300m from water course); 22. Properly slope and re-vegetate disturbed surfaces; 23. Protect slopes on both sides of any culverts to prevent soil and water loss; and 24. Implement protection measures for river embankment works, cut slopes, material stockpiles and other areas at risk of soil erosion prior to periods of heavy rainfall 25. Store chemicals/hazardous products and waste in clearly labelled containers on impermeable surfaces in secure, covered areas; 26. Remove all construction wastes from the site to approved waste Construction No marginal Soil contamination Contractor PIU/PMIS disposal sites; sites cost 27. Establish emergency preparedness and response plan (Spill Management Plan); 72

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 28. All spills of Double Bitumen Surface Treatment (DBST) will be cleaned immediately and handled as per hazardous waste management plan, and according to Government regulations. 29. Provide spill clean-up measures and equipment at each construction site; 30. Conduct training in emergency spill response procedures. 31. Vehicle maintenance and refuelling on hard standing where available and use soil protection measures including drip trays as a minimum. 32. Develop and implement contingency plans for control of oil and other dangerous substances (Spill Management Plan); 33. Fuel storage will be undercover. The storage area, maintenance shop and vehicle cleaning areas must be stationed at least 300m away from the nearest water body and on an impermeable layer; 34. Construction wastes and materials (e.g. fuel) will be properly Construction No marginal Water quality Water pollution Contractor PIU/PMIS contained during construction. Wastes will be removed from site sites cost and taken to approved disposal facilities; 35. Water collection basins and sediment traps will be installed in all areas where construction equipment is washed; and 36. Effective septic treatment and disposal systems will be installed at construction camps. To mitigate DBST related impacts: 37. Asphalt plants and mixers will be located as far away as possible (at least 200 m downwind) from the nearest sensitive receptor (such as household, hospitals, and schools); 38. Equip asphalt, hot mix and batching plants with fabric filters and/or Double Bituminous wet scrubbers to reduce the level of dust emissions. Surface Treatment 39. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, Construction No marginal Air quality (DBST) production gloves and appropriate type respirators to construction workers Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost and dust during doing asphalt concrete and cement concrete road paving to construction minimize skin exposure to and inhalation of fumes and dust. To mitigate dust impacts: 40. Site borrow pits and spoil disposal sites must be at least 300 m from residential areas so as to reduce dust from these sites. 41. Water will be sprayed at least twice each day on unpaved areas, haul roads and exposed dust-prone stockpiles. Frequency to be

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval increased if construction activities are generating dust and/or during windy conditions. 42. Control vehicle speed to ≤ 8 km/h in unpaved areas including unpaved haul roads. Post the speed limit sign in these areas. 43. Water will be sprayed on construction sites and material handling routes where fugitive dust is generated; 44. Effective dust suppression measures will be implemented near sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, or housing; 45. Fuel & chemicals will be covered / stored to minimize emissions; 46. Trucks carrying earth, sand or stone will be covered with tarpaulins or other suitable cover to avoid spilling; 47. Construction vehicles and machinery will be maintained to a high standard to ensure efficient fuel-burning (note that local standards do not exist for vehicle emissions). 48. Locate sites for rock crushing, concrete-mixing, and similar activities at least 300m away from sensitive areas; 49. Site borrow pits and spoil disposal sites must be at least 300 m from residential areas so as to reduce noise from these sites. 50. Deploy low noise machinery or the equipment with sound insulation when working within 100 m from villages; 51. Properly maintain machinery to minimize noise; 52. Erect temporary noise barriers or hoardings around construction Noise from activities to shield the noise from equipment when there are Powered residences, schools, health clinics or temples within 80 m of the Noise and Construction No marginal Mechanical noise source. Contractor PIU/PMIS vibration sites cost Equipment (PME) 53. Restrict noisy construction activities between 8am-6pm and vehicles construction outside the normal working hours requires approval of the PIU 54. When working outside the normal working hours is required (and approved by PIU) due to traffic management etc. alert communities and residents if night time construction work shall occur nearby (no night time construction within 500 m of the nearest household); and 55. Agreements with nearby schools, hospitals and residents regarding heavy machinery work to avoid any unnecessary disturbances. 74

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 56. Maximize the re-use of earth cut materials and C&D wastes on the project, including the re-use of old asphalt or concrete road pavements for subgrade materials. 57. Confined storage of solid wastes away from Mekong River and Construction site natural creeks and regularly take to approved disposal facility; Construction No marginal Solid waste refuse and spoil 58. Provide appropriate waste storage containers for workers’ and Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost disposal construction wastes; 59. Use approved contractor to remove all wastes from sites; 60. Removal of residual materials, wastes and contaminated soils that remain on the ground after construction; and 61. Prohibit burning of waste. 62. Construction workers are prohibited from any hunting and fishing at any time. 63. The PMIS consultant will establish the limits of the areas to be cleared and grubbed in the field, and will designate all trees, shrubs to remain.; 64. Clearing, grubbing and removing of vegetation will be implemented within the designed limits of the right-of-way and easement areas as ordered by the PMIS Consultant ; 65. Tree and vegetation removal will not be implemented in Destruction of nesting season, which is March and early June. 66. The vegetation designated to remain will be preserved from any Construction No marginal Ecology vegetation and Contractor PIU/PMIS damage; sites cost wildlife 67. Sodding and tree planting after construction will be implemented by the contractor according to design drawings or as ordered by the PMIS Consultant, 68. The types of the sods, trees etc. will be subject the approval of the PMIS Consultant; 69. Encroachment of heavy equipment on adjacent areas will be controlled and minimised as much as possible; 70. The sodded areas and health of the planted trees will be regularly monitored and watered – if needed until final acceptance of the Works. Site sanitation 71. Provide site induction and regular trainings for all site staff Occupational Construction Included Health and Safety 72. Provide an adequate number of latrines and other sanitary Contractor PIU/PMIS Health and Safety sites contractors cost arrangements at the site and work areas, and ensure that they are cleaned and maintained in a hygienic state.

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 73. Provide garbage receptacles at construction site and camps, which will be periodically cleared to prevent outbreak of diseases will be setup. 74. Discharge work camp wastewater into the municipal sewer system or treat to meet discharge standards on-site using a portable system. Occupational Safety 75. Provide personal protection equipment (PPE), such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and ear protection, in accordance with relevant health and safety regulations, for workers; Construction Included 76. Provide safety goggles, gloves and appropriate type respiratory Contractor PIU/PMIS sites contractors cost masks to workers doing DBST road paving. 77. Provide ear defenders to workers operating and working near noisy PME. 78. Prepare and obtain approvals of method statements for hazardous activities such as working near water. Food Safety 79. Provide a clean and sufficient supply of fresh water; 80. Inspect and supervise food hygiene in canteens on site regularly. Construction No marginal Contractor PIU/PMIS Canteen workers must have valid health permits. sites cost If food poisoning is discovered, implement effective control measures immediately to prevent it from spreading. Disease prevention and safety awareness 81. Construction workers must have physical examination before starting work on site. If infectious disease is found, the patient must be isolated for treatment to prevent the disease from spreading. Construction No marginal 82. Establish health clinic at location where workers are concentrated, Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost which should be equipped with common medical supplies and medication for simple treatment and emergency treatment for accidents. 83. Provide induction and training by local health departments on prevention and management of communicable diseases.

76

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 84. Implement STIs/HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases awareness and prevention program. 85. Provide training to all construction workers in basic sanitation and health care issues, general health and safety matters, and on the specific hazards of their work; 86. Provide particular training working on production, handling and application of bitumen to construction worker doing DBST 87. Develop an emergency response plan to take actions on accidents and emergencies, including environmental and public health emergencies associated with hazardous material spills and similar Construction No marginal events; Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost 88. Establish a Records Management System to store and maintain easily retrievable records (occupational accidents, diseases, spills, etc) incidents; and report relevant authorities as required Temporary traffic management 89. Prepare a traffic control and operation plan together with the local traffic police prior to any construction. The plan shall include provisions for diverting or scheduling construction traffic to avoid morning and afternoon peak traffic hours, regulating traffic at road Construction No marginal crossings with an emphasis on ensuring public safety through Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost clear signs, night time lighting, controls and planning in advance. 90. In case of lane closures, deploy workers to direct traffic. 91. Erect speed limit signs of 8 km/h on all unpaved haul roads and unpaved construction site areas as a means of controlling fugitive Public Health and dust emission in unpaved areas. Safety Access to construction sites and properties 92. Install signs at construction sites warning people of potential dangers; Construction No marginal 93. Provide physical barrier to limit access to construction sites, Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost whenever possible; 94. No use of heavy machinery after daylight. 95. Safe access to properties and businesses will be established Utility services interruptions Contractor, local 96. Assess construction locations in advance and identify potential for Construction No marginal utility service PIU/PMIS disruption to services and risks before starting construction. Any sites cost providers damage or hindrance/disadvantage to local businesses caused by 77

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval the premature removal or insufficient replacement of public utilities is subject to full compensation, at the full liability of the contractor who caused the problem. 97. If temporary disruption is unavoidable, develop a plan in collaboration with relevant local authorities such as power company, water supply company and communication company to minimize the disruption and communicate the dates and duration in advance to affected persons. Information disclosure 98. Erect construction billboards, which include construction contents, schedule, responsible person and complaint phone number, at the entry to each construction site and construction staging area. 99. Inform residents and businesses in advance of the road improvement activities, given the dates and duration of expected disruption and make aware of the project GRM. 100. Place clear signs at construction sites in view of the public, warning people of potential dangers such as moving vehicles, Construction No marginal hazardous materials, excavations etc. and raising awareness on Contractor PIU/PMIS safety issues. sites cost 101. Alert communities and residents if night time construction work shall occur nearby with the approval of PIU (no night time construction within 500 m of the nearest household). 102. Alert local communities of the time and location of hazardous and noisy activities such as piling and asphalt road paving. 103. Liaise with schools on examination periods and scale down construction activities during such periods if necessary. 104. Liaise with temples on key dates and scale down construction activities during such periods. A3. Operation Phase Aftercare of Ecology 105. Aftercare of the planted trees will be ensured All project sites UDAA DAF O&M Cost planted trees B. Mitigation for HXY A1 - River Port Rehabilitation and Riverbank Upgrading and Protection B.1. Construction Phase

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Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 1. All shoreline subproject activities will be implemented in dry season when maximum riverbank is out of water, and when the river most effectively can be isolated from the civils works on the shoreline; Soil erosion and 2. All excavation or infilling near river will be isolated from river as Construction No marginal sedimentation of Contractor PIU/PMIS much as possible; sites cost Mekong River 3. Where possible temporary earth berms or continuous plastic fences will be placed between civils works areas and the river to contain loose soil. 4. Bankside storage will be avoided 5. Similar to construction phase of other components a formal construction waste collection and management plan will be River port Pollution of implemented; Construction No marginal rehabilitation and Contractor PIU/PMIS Mekong River 6. All waste will be kept away from river, and regularly disposed in sites cost riverbank DONRE-approved locations; upgrading 7. Refueling close to river will be avoided. 8. Present boat docks and ramps will not be removed without Boat traffic temporary facilities installed to prevent complete disruption of ferry disruption and traffic, Construction No marginal increased risk of 9. A boat traffic management plan will be prepared in coordination Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost boat traffic with the local authorities in preconstruction phase; accidents 10. A well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic away from main traffic areas will be established; Disruption of riparian vegetation 11. Embankment will be revegetated with native plants after Construction riverbank Contractor PIU/PMIS along the river embankment improvement is completed, cost bank 12. In-river civil works will be avoided in sensitive periods (Mar – May) for fishery as much as possible; Mekong river Disruption of 13. A well-marked nearshore access lane for construction boat traffic fishing areas at No marginal Contractor PIU/PMIS fishing activities away fishing areas will be established; B. Tinthant and cost In-river civil works 14. Fishing areas will be well marked including floating makers at the B. Pa Oy area boundaries. 15. In river civil works will be scheduled with the consideration of Disruption of No marginal sensitive period for the endangered species, which is migration River port Contractor PIU/PMIS aquatic habitat cost and spawning period, April and May, 79

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 16. Subproject activities will be implemented during the dry season (November-February); 17. In-river civil works will be minimized 18. Sand and aggregate extraction from the river only be done at DONRE approved locations and with minimal impact on hydrology and spawning sites; Preference for land based materials extraction to be demonstrated by contractor 19. Instructions to prevent fishing will be done by management staff. B.2 Operation phase Increased traffic 20. Dedicated shoreline lanes must be set for ferry boats away from accidents and other boat traffic; disruption of No marginal 21. Enforced speed limits for all boats must be posted in area. River Port DPWT MPWT fishery due to cost 22. Non-fishing boats should be kept away from the fishing grounds increased boat with the use of lanes and buoys. traffic 23. Develop & enforce regulations that prevent Mekong ferry boat Operation of Increased risk of companies & operators from discharging waste oil and garbage rehabilitated River water pollution due No marginal into river. River Port DPWT MPWT Port to increased boat cost 24. Boats should be inspected to ensure boats are in good working traffic order. 25. Adequacy and location of the placed solid waste bins must be monitored; increased solid No marginal 26. Additional solid waste bin must be places where necessary; River Port DPWT MPWT waste cost 27. Solid waste bins must be emptied regularly and transferred to the DONRE permitted disposal area. C. Mitigation for HXY A2 – Ecological Park Recreational Area including Riverside Road and Walkway C.1 Construction Phase 1. Subproject activity will be implemented in dry season; 2. construction of a temporary, continuous berm and plastic or Construction site Works in and in Sedimentation and dense-link fence around the entire shoreline to prevent at ecological No marginal the vicinity of the pollution of the sedimentation from loose soil; Contractor PIU/PMIS park recreational cost lake lake 3. A formal construction waste collection and management plan will area be implemented; 4. All waste will be kept away from lake, and regularly disposed in 80

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval DONRE-approved locations; 5. Storage and refuelling within 300 m will be avoided. Works in the lake ecological park 6. In-lake civil works will be avoided in sensitive periods for fishes (in No marginal and in the Mekong Disruption of fishes recreational Contractor PIU/PMIS spring – April-May). cost River area 7. Preservation of teak forest and large valuable trees have been considered in the detailed designs. ecological park Works in the Disruption of 8. The trees, which will be protected, will be marked with special No marginal recreational Contractor PIU/PMIS ecological park existing trees markers; cost area 9. Protective warning/physical barriers will be installed around trees to prevent damage during construction. 10. Teak forest and large valuable trees will be preserved; ecological park Works in the species in upper 11. The works will be implemented in dry season (Nov-Feb); No marginal recreational Contractor PIU/PMIS ecological park Lao Mekong IBA 12. Implementing works in migration and breeding season for the cost area birds between March and early June will be avoided 13. All shoreline subproject activities will be implemented in dry season when maximum riverbank is out of water, and when the river most effectively can be isolated from the civils works on the shoreline; 14. All excavation or infilling near river will be isolated from river as much as possible; 15. Where possible temporary earth berms or continuous plastic Sedimentation and ecological park fences will be placed between civils works areas and the river to No marginal pollution of recreational Contractor PIU/PMIS contain loose soil. cost Mekong River area Riverbank 16. Bankside storage will be avoided Upgrading 17. Similar to construction phase of other components a formal construction waste collection and management plan will be implemented; 18. All waste will be kept away from river, and regularly disposed in DONRE-approved locations; 19. Refueling close to river will be avoided. Disruption of 20. ≈700 m of embankment will be revegetated with native plants riparian vegetation after embankment improvement is completed, Construction riverbank Contractor PIU/PMIS along the river 21. ≈300 m of embankment will be improved naturally as vetiver cost bank grass planting 81

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval C.2 Operation Phase 22. Adequacy and the location of the placed solid waste bins must be Ecological Park monitored; Increased solid Area and 23. Additional solid waste bin must be placed where necessary; UDAA DONRE O&M cost waste Riverside 24. Solid waste bins must be emptied regularly and transferred to the walkway DONRE permitted disposal area. 25. Information signs must be provided to the visitors to understand Disruption of appropriate behaviours in the Ecological Park Recreational Area Ecological Park Operation of ecological UDAA DONRE O&M cost e.g. do not destroy the environment, do not throw empty cans and Area ecological park resources bottles, do not use fire etc. through warning signs or verbally. 26. Aftercare of the planted trees and plants; 27. Pest and diseases will be controlled; After care of 28. Dead plants will be replaced; UDAA/ Ecopark planted trees, Ecological Park DAF O&M Cost 29. Design and maintenance of organic garden and other facilities staff vegetation annually; 30. Watering of some plants, when necessary. D. Mitigation for HXY B1 – Roads and Drainage D.1 Construction Phase 1. In addition to measures given in “Section A - Noise and vibration & Air quality and public health and safety (information disclosure)” of this EMP Table special attention should be paid for implementation of the measures adjacent to following sensitive receptors; • Wat That Suvanna Pakham Buddhist Temple (approx. 70 m south of the DS1 Road and Construction of Impacts on • Upper secondary school end of the road no UR 3 drainage No marginal roads and physical cultural Contractor PIU/PMIS • Political Academy College at UR 4 construction cost drainage resources • Secondary school end of UR 6A, private primary school along sites the UR 6B • Bokeo Village Primary school at UR8, and temple 130 m south of the UR8 • Temple and Primary school at UR9 • District governor Office at the start point, government offices and police department at UR 11 2. Contractor will be liaised with temples on key dates and scle down

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Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval construction activities during such periods.

3. Warning tapes/barriers, lighting and signs will be installed for Health and safety Roadside drain prevention of falling accidents No marginal for workers and Roadside drains Contractor PIU/PMIS excavation 4. Excavated soil will not be stored adjacent to excavated area cost public (should be away at least 1.5 m away) in order to prevent collapses D.2 Operation Phase Disruptions of road upgraded roads Roads and 5. Regularly inspect and maintain the road surface and clean and drainage and roadside DPWT MPWT O&M budget drainage drainage system. condition drains E. Mitigations for HXY B2 – Solid Waste Management E.1 Construction Phase 1. Waste pickers will be made aware and understand the renovation normal dumping plan, schedule, and timeline; Landfill No marginal operations of 2. Civil works for access road upgrades will be scheduled to avoid Contractor PIU/PMIS construction site cost municipal waste interference with regular garbage truck movement on the road, i.e. construction of temporary roads. 3. Clear signs will be placed at construction site in view of the safety of the waste warning waste pickers on potential dangers such as moving Landfill No marginal pickers due to vehicles, excavations etc. and Contractor PIU/PMIS construction site cost construction works 4. Awareness will raised on construction plan, schedule and potential dangers such as moving vehicles, excavations Health and safety Houayxay landfill 5. Contractor will take more attention to use of provided Personnel of workers & odour construction Protective Equipment (PPE) safety boots, safety gloves and dust and air quality masks of the workers occupied at these sectors of the sites. Construction No marginal impacts during Contractor PIU/PMIS 6. This activity may also create odour and air quality impacts which sites cost excavation and will be minimised through implementation of local excavations only transportation of in according to the transportation capacities. existing waste Burn/explosion of 7. Smoking and open flames will be prohibited within the site Construction No marginal methane at old boundary Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost landfill cell 8. Equipment which could spark will be controlled. impact on 9. Excavation works will be implemented in dry season, Construction No marginal groundwater 10. adequate short-term drainage away from construction site will be Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost quality provided. 83

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval E.2 Operation Phase 11. Training and capacity building activities will be provided by the PMIS Consultant to UDAA which consists of training as follows: (a) on the importance of working within cells, daily cell use and weekly cell maintenance; . b) on the correct use of vehicles on the site, movement of waste around the site and compaction; O&M Cost & (c) logging vehicles onto the site and recording of loads and fee Project cost Prevention of poor collection from private vehicles; Houayxay DONRE UDAA & PMIS (Capacity site management (d) on monitoring of leachate production, level of leachate lagoon Landfill building and methodology in pumping leachate back over the cells when package) close to overflow. 12. On-site supervision during operation PMIS Consultant will monitor commissioning and initial operations of the renovated landfill, which will be as on-the-job training; 13. Landfill Operation Manual will be prepared. 14. UDAA will provide on-going training and awareness raising Operation of 15. PMIS team members (Community Development Specialist and landfill Social/Gender Specialist) will provide awareness raising on waste Community use of DPWT Project cost and issues for residents to support this part of the project. Hoayxay PMIS, UDAA waste system O&M cost 16. Awareness on community collections and trainings during operation will be continued by UDAA. 17. compacting after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste; 18. covering in windy weather conditions after discharge from the vehicle delivering waste; Dust and odour 19. minimizing open tipping face area; Houayxay DONRE UDAA O&M Cost emissions 20. restricting tipping activities during periods of adverse weather (e.g. Landfill wind toward sensitive period); 21. Planting of trees and shrubs with odour, dust and insect control features around landfill. 22. Compacting waste by use of dozers and landfill compactors immediately after discharge from vehicles delivering the waste; Houayxay DONRE Litter UDAA O&M Cost 23. Application of soil or artificial cover during high windy weather Landfill conditions;

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Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval 24. Installing strategically placed mobile catch fences close to the tipping area or on the nearest downwind crest 25. Regular weekly litter picks from the site boundary 26. The medical waste will be stored at the hospitals and will be transported by container truck to the landfill where it will be burned medical waste when delivered. Houayxay DONRE UDAA O&M Cost incinerator 27. Will be operated in line with the operational manual Landfill 28. The incinerator will be operated by trained/authorized staff (s) 29. Workers will use PPEs (appropriate gloves and masks, boots) 30. Screen will be cleaned and debris will be removed an disposed at landfill Faecal Sludge Houayxay DONRE 31. Dewatered sludge will be removed from sludge drying bed twice in UDAA O&M Cost Treatment Landfill a month and will be disposed at the landfill or use as soil fertiliser (with the approval of local authorities) 32. Health and safety procedures must be established, all staff on the site must be fully acquainted with this procedure; 33. Periodical medical screening must be carried out; 34. Appropriate PPEs (protective clothing, gloves, respiratory face masks and slip-resistant shoes, noise protection, helmets etc.) Health and safety must be provided; Houayxay of waste pickers / UDAA DONRE O&M Cost 35. Trainings on health and safety risks and measures; must be Landfill landfill staff repeated with a defined intervals. 36. Clear signs must be placed at landfill site on potential dangers such as moving vehicles etc.; 37. Good housekeeping procedures must be implemented, and toilet and washing facilities must be maintained periodically. Impacts on 38. Reconsideration of the land use plan in order to avoid Houayxay surrounding implementation of agricultural activities within 300m from the UDAA DAF O&M Cost Landfill banana plantation landfill is recommended. F. Mitigations for HXY B3 – Wastewater Management F.1 Construction Phase Upgrading D1, to increase of local In addition to measures given in “Section A - Noise and vibration & Air Construction No marginal D8 Natural dust and noise quality” of this EMP Table special attention should be paid for Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost Drainage levels implementation of the measures adjacent to following sensitive

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Responsibility Source of Issue/Potential Item Mitigation or Safeguard Measures Location Supervision/ap Funds Impact Implementation proval Channels and receptors; Construction of DEWAT for D4 1. Households adjacent to the construction sites 2. Schools near the construction sites In addition to measures given in “Section A - public health and safety- traffic congestion temporary traffic management” of this EMP Table special attention Construction No marginal and increase risk should be paid for implementation of the measures to Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost of traffic accidents 3. Maintain access to houses during constructions of pipe works 4. Timely removal of excavated soils. Pollution due to 5. Implementation of waste management plan; Construction No marginal sludge, debris 6. Sludge and debris removed from the drainages will be transferred Contractor PIU/PMIS sites cost removal to the DONRE approved disposal areas. F.2 Operation Phase 7. Debris in the inlet chamber will be removed once in a year after rainy season; 8. Inlets and outlets to each submerged gravel wetland cell will be VSB Clogging checked to ensure they are free from debris and not clogged. Operation of VSB Constructed inlet/outlet & (monthly) UDAA, Ecopark Constructed 9. Wetland in DONRE O&M Cost sludge Check for sediment buildup in gravel bed. (yearly) Staff Wetland 10. If sediment buildup is preventing flow through the wetland, remove Ecological Park sedimentation gravel and sediment from cell. Replace with clean gravel and area replant vegetation. (when needed-normally not before then 10 years) 11. Check sludge level in the chambers of DEWATS. (6 monthly) - Open all manholes to evacuate gasses from system before measuring sludge level Operation of Sludge - If the sludge level is more than 100 cm high in settler and or DEWAT for Drain DEWAT for D4 UDAA DONRE O&M Cost sedimentation more than 50 cm high in anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) then 4 arrange de-sludging truck for sludge removal and transfer Faecal Sludge Treatment Facility in the Landfill. (normally not before than 2 years)

86 E. Monitoring and Reporting

12. An environmental monitoring plan was developed and is presented in Table 28. The purpose of the monitoring plan is to document the effectiveness of prescribed mitigation measures, and to document any unforeseen environmental impacts of the subprojects. The monitoring plan addresses the pre-construction, construction and operational phases of the subprojects. The Programme considers the scope of monitoring and supervision, environmental media, monitoring parameters, time and frequency, implementing and supervising agencies. Environmental monitoring will follow the methodology provided in the national standard methods for monitoring pollutants and criteria provided in national environmental quality standards.

13. Types of monitoring. 3 types of monitoring will be conducted under the EMP.

i. Project readiness monitoring. To be conducted by PCU and PMIS-ES according to Project Readiness Indicators given in Table 27.

ii. Internal supervision and inspection. Regular and frequent supervision and inspection will be undertaken by the Environment, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) of the Contractors, by the PIU’s ESS and PMIS’s ES on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis, respectively.

iii. Environmental Quality Monitoring. Air, surface water and noise quality monitoring will be undertaken with support provided by the PMIS-ES who will organise the field sampling and required laboratory analysis and provide technical direction and support to the PIUs for the implementation of the monitoring plans.

Table 27: Project Readiness Assessment Indicators Indicator Criteria Assessment

EMP update • EMP was updated after technical detail design & approved by ADB Yes No Compliance with loan • The borrower complies with loan covenants related to project design Yes No covenants and environmental management planning Public involvement • Meaningful consultation completed Yes No effectiveness • GRM established with entry points Yes No Environmental • PIU ES appointed Yes No supervision and monitoring in place • PMIS-ES appointed Yes No

Bidding documents • Bidding documents and contracts incorporating the environmental Yes No and contracts with activities and safeguards listed as loan assurances environmental • Bidding documents and contracts incorporating the environmental Yes No safeguards provisions of the EMP CEMP established for construction sites Yes No Contractor readiness • Yes No • Contractor’s EHSO appointed EMP financial support • The required funds have been set aside for EMP implementation Yes No

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Table 28: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Environmen Estimated Cost tal Issue Responsibility & &source of funds Location, Parameters, Monitoring Technique /relevant Frequency subproject

Pre-Construction Phase

• Method: Review of PIU’s and contractor’s Project readiness to implement the project based on readiness PCU, PMIS – once assessment of Project Readiness Indicators - (all before construction (Table 27) subprojects) • Parameters: Table 27

Contractor 500 $

• Method, Location: Mekong river water quality Surface (once) monitoring upstream and downstream from River Allocate cost for water quality Port and Lake (2 monitoring points) contractor (HXY A1) Analyses will be done in • Parameters: DO, BOD, TKN, pH, Temperature Licensed Laboratory hired by the Contractor Contractor 500 $

Surface • Method, Location: Lake at the ecopark (2 (once) Allocate cost for water quality monitoring points) contractor (HXY A2) • Parameters: DO, BOD, TKN, pH, Temperature Analyses will be done in Licensed Laboratory hired by the Contractor

• Method, Location: 3 GW monitoring wells at Contractor 500 $ Houayxay Landfill, which will be installed by the Groundwater Contractor in preconstruction phase to establish (once) Allocate cost for (GW) level baseline. (one upstream and two downstream of contractor and quality g/w flow direction) Analyses will be done in (HXY B2) • Parameters: depth of water table, pH, DO, COD, Licensed Laboratory TKN hired by the Contractor Construction Phase

• Method, Location: Visual inspection of all Soil erosion construction sites and • Parameters: (i) adequacy of soil erosion EHSO - weekly contaminatio prevention measures; (ii) adequacy of soil PIU-ES – monthly - n contamination prevention techniques; (iii) PMIS-ES - quarterly (all evidence of excessive soil erosion or soil subprojects) contamination

• Method, Location: Visual inspection of all Solid and construction sites liquid waste EHSO - weekly • Parameters: (i) adequacy of solid and liquid management PIU-ES – monthly - waste management, storage and containment (all PMIS-ES - quarterly system; (ii) presence of solid waste dumps, waste subprojects) fires

• Method, Location: Visual inspection of all Vegetation construction sites EHSO - weekly (all • Parameters: adequacy of vegetation protection PIU-ES – monthly - subprojects) measures; evidence of damage to vegetation; PMIS-ES - quarterly compliance with approved tree management plan

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Environmen Estimated Cost tal Issue Responsibility & &source of funds Location, Parameters, Monitoring Technique /relevant Frequency subproject

• Method, Location: Visual inspection at eco-park EHSO - weekly Ecology Parameters: adequacy of ecology protection PIU-ES – monthly - measures; evidence of damage to ecology; PMIS-ES - quarterly

• Method, Location: Interview with community EHSO - monthly fisheries at B. Thinthant and B. Pa Oy Fishery PIU-ES – quarterly - • Parameters: satisfaction of protection PMIS-ES - quarterly measures;

• Method, Location: Visual inspection and Construction interviews with construction workers and site health EHSO - weekly contractors at all construction sites and safety PIU-ES – monthly - • Parameters: (i) adherence to the approved (all PMIS-ES - quarterly CEMP; (ii) performance of the EHSO; (iii) worker subprojects) complaints and concerns.

• Method, Location: Visual inspection of all construction sites, informal interviews with nearby residents Community • Parameters: (i) adherence to approved health and temporary traffic management plan; (ii) adequacy EHSO - weekly safety of construction site signage and fencing; (iii) PIU-ES – monthly - (all adequacy of temporary noise mitigation PMIS-ES - quarterly subprojects) measures; (iv) accidents involving public and workers; (v) emergencies and responses; (v) public complaints about noise, air pollution, construction site safety etc.

• Method, Location: Visual inspection along Induced construction sites, informal interviews with traffic affected people, consultation of local traffic police PIU-ES – monthly disturbance - • Parameters: (i) adequacy of, and compliance PMIS-ES - quarterly (all with, the approved temporary traffic control and subprojects) operation plan; (ii) satisfaction of affected people.

Contractor 1000 $

• Method, Location: Mekong river water quality Surface (twice in dry season) monitoring upstream and downstream from River Allocate cost for water quality Port and Lake (2 monitoring points) contractor (HXY A1) Analyses will be done in • Parameters: DO, BOD, TKN, pH, Temperature Licensed Laboratory hired by the Contractor

Contractor 1000 $

Surface • Method, Location: Lake at the ecopark (2 (twice in dry season) Allocate cost for water quality monitoring points) contractor (HXY A2) • Parameters: DO, BOD, TKN, pH, Temperature Analyses will be done in Licensed Laboratory hired by the Contractor

Contractor 2000 $ for quality • Method, Location: GW monitoring wells at Groundwater analysis Houayxay Landfill, which will be installed by the 500 $ for GW level level and (twice in a year: once Contractor in preconstruction phase. dry, once rainy season) indicator equip. quality • Parameters: depth of water table, pH, DO, COD, (HXY B1) TKN Allocate cost for Analyses will be done in contractor

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Environmen Estimated Cost tal Issue Responsibility & &source of funds Location, Parameters, Monitoring Technique /relevant Frequency subproject

Licensed Laboratory

• Method, Location: Air quality monitoring, on 3000$/year pavements adjacent to intersections, at construction site boundaries, inside boundaries of sensitive receptors including Wat That Suvanna Allocate cost for Pakham Buddhist Temple (approx. 70 m south of PMIS-ES, PIU-ES will contractor the DS1, Upper secondary school end of the road organise no UR 3, Political Academy College at UR 4, Air quality Secondary school end of UR 6A, private primary Licensed laboratory – school along the UR 6B , Bokeo Village Primary school at UR8, and temple 130 m south of the when necessary 20 UR8, Temple and Primary school at UR9, District governor Office at the start point, government offices and police department at UR 11)

• Parameters: Dust, NOx, SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5

• Method, Location: Noise monitoring, on 2500$/year pavements adjacent to intersections, at construction site boundaries, inside sensitive receptors including Wat That Suvanna Pakham Allocate cost for Buddhist Temple (approx. 70 m south of the DS1, PMIS-ES, PIU-ES will contractor Upper secondary school end of the road no UR organise 3, Political Academy College at UR 4, Secondary Noise school end of UR 6A, private primary school Licensed laboratory – along the UR 6B , Bokeo Village Primary school at UR8, and temple 130 m south of the UR8, when necessary20 Temple and Primary school at UR9, District governor Office at the start point, government offices and police department at UR 11) • Parameters: dB(A)

EMP • Method, Location: Review of project’s - Compliance adherence with EMP and loan covenants PIU – monthly Monitoring • Parameters: EMP and loan covenants PCU& PMIS-quarterly

• Method, Location: Review of project’s - adherence with established GRM, recorded

GRM complaints and resolutions, availability of ant PIU – monthly Monitoring pending issues PCU& PMIS-quarterly • Parameters: complaint register, number of received and resolved grievances Construction Completion and Operation Phase site clean-up • Method, Location: Visual inspection, roads and hand After construction cleared, waste removed, borrow sites, completion - over after PMIS and PIU construction Parameters: EMP requirements

• Method, Location: Visual inspection of replanted UDAA – 4 times during Vegetation O&M Cost trees first year of operation

20 In case of public complaints

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Environmen Estimated Cost tal Issue Responsibility & &source of funds Location, Parameters, Monitoring Technique /relevant Frequency subproject

• Parameters: Tree growth and health

• Method, Location: : 3 GW monitoring wells at Houayxay Landfill, which will be installed by the O&M Cost Groundwater UDAA Contractor in preconstruction phase to establish level and baseline. (one upstream and two downstream of quality (twice in a year: once g/w flow direction) dry, once rainy season) (HXY B2) • Parameters: depth of water table, pH, DO, COD, TKN

UDAA O&M Cost

• Method, Location: Ground surface 50 m strip After closure of cell-1 Ground level outside the closed landfill cell emissions • Parameters: CH4 by Flame Ionization Detector Year 1-2: Monthly (HXY B2) (FID) Year 3-5: Quarterly After Year 5: Semi- Annual

UDAA 4 times during O&M Cost first year of operation • Method, Location: Effluent prior to discharge Fecal Sludge After this twice in a

Management year: once dry, once Effluent • Parameters: BOD, COD, TSS, TKN, pH, oil and rainy season (HXY B2) grease, total coliform bacteria Analyses will be done in Licensed Laboratory UDAA 4 times during O&M Cost Effluent from first year of operation • Method, Location: Effluent prior to discharge DEWAT and After this twice in a

constructed year: once dry, once • Parameters: BOD, COD, TSS,TKN, oil and wetland rainy season grease, total coliform bacteria (HXY B3) Analyses will be done in Licensed Laboratory

F. Environmental Reporting

14. Monthly compliance and progress reports. Contractor will submit monthly progress reports which include an Environment Section prepared by EHSO and summarizes compliance with EMP/CEMP requirements, implementation of mitigation measures, monitoring activities, received complaints & response to complaints, occurred HSE accidents etc. The PIU-ES will produce brief monthly reports to PIU after his monthly site monitoring visits on EMP implementation progress and compliance, and will report any issues immediately to the PIU. This monthly visit will also include consultation with affected people through informal interviews or discussions. Corrective actions will be issued if problems are observed.

15. Quarterly project progress reports. According to project’s Project Administration Manual (PAM) (para 75) PCU/PIU’s are responsible for preparing and submitting quarterly project progress reports on monitoring activities to the PCU for consolidation and subsequent submission to ADB. The quarterly reports will include compiled monthly reports submitted by the construction contractors, and PIU. The report will include a summary of

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ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

environmental issues arising from monitoring activities during the reporting period. The operation and performance of the project GRM, environmental institutional strengthening and training will also be included in the quarterly environmental performance report

16. Semi-annual environmental monitoring reports. To ensure proper and timely implementation of the EMP and adherence to the agreed environmental covenants, the PCU will submit to ADB semi-annual environmental monitoring reports (according to loan agreement Schedule 5, para 8), based on the quarterly environmental monitoring reports PIUs. The PMIS will support the PCU in developing these reports. The report should confirm the project’s compliance with the EMP and identify any environment related implementation issues and necessary corrective actions, and reflect these in a corrective action plan. The performance of the contractors will also be reported on with respect to environmental protection and impact mitigation. Table 29 summarizes the reporting requirements.

Table 29: Reporting requirements

Report Frequency Purpose From Who To Whom Contractor’s Monthly Satisfy EMP Contractor PCU, PIU Progress Report EMP Progress and Confirm EMP Monthly PIU-ES PIU Compliance Report Compliance or Issues Confirm EMP Compliance or Issues & Quarterly Project Monitoring of air, Quarterly PIU & PCU ADB Progress Report surface water and noise GRM progress/update Semi-annual Adherence to Environmental Semi-annually Environmental PCU & PMIS ADB Monitoring Report Covenants Assess and evaluate Project completion One year after implementation and PCU & PMIS ADB report operation effectiveness of project

G. Institutional Capacity Building and Training

17. The capacity of PCU, PIU and contractors’ staff responsible for EMP implementation and supervision will be strengthened. All parties involved in implementing and supervising the EMP must have an understanding of the goals, methods, and practices of project environmental management. The project will address the lack of capacity and expertise in environmental management through (i) institutional capacity building, and (ii) training.

18. Institutional strengthening. The lack of capacities of the EA and PCU and PIU to coordinate environmental management will be strengthened by appointment of Social and Environmental Safeguards and Monitoring coordinator under PCU, one Environmental Safeguards Specialist under PIU. The appointment of one national and one international environmental consultant under the PMIS will further strengthen the EA’s and PCU’s and PIU’s environmental management and supervision capacities, and ensure compliance with

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ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009). The obligation of the contractor to appoint a EHSO will help ensure implementation of CEMP and environmental, community and occupational safety requirements. In addition obligation of the Contractor to use a licensed laboratory for periodic monitoring of surface water, air and noise will ensure adherence to QA/QC standards. It is believed that these institutional strengthening measures, combined with clearly assigned responsibilities and roles, will allow adequate environmental management.

19. Training. PCU, PIU and contractors will receive training in CEMP development, EMP implementation, supervision, and reporting facilitated by the PMIS-ES. . Additionally the PMIS consultant team has a Community Development Specialist and a Social Development and Gender Specialist who will take lead in GRM training including GRM access points. The training programme and budget for this is outside the scope of the IEE.

20. Capacity Building Component (Package 2) The project includes a capacity building package which will provide technical training such as operation and maintenance to UDAA and will include training for landfill operators to be delivered by an “International Managed Landfill Specialist under PMIS. The training programme and budget for this is outside the scope of the IEE.

Table 30: Training Programme

Training Attendees Contents Times Duration & Costs Understanding PCU, PIU Development and adjustment of once- of EMP & the EMP, roles and Before construction starts Supervision responsibilities, monitoring, Will be repeated as needed implementation supervision and reporting 1 day; $1250 of CEMPs & procedures, Environmental monitoring Development Contractors Understanding of CEMP writing once- and and implementation, roles and Before construction starts 1 day; $1250 Implementation responsibilities, reporting Will be repeated as needed of CEMP requirements Total estimated cost: $2500

H. Mechanisms for Feedback and Adjustment

21. The EMP is a living document. The need to update and adjust the EMP will be reviewed when there are design changes, changes in construction methods and program, unfavourable environmental monitoring results or inappropriate monitoring locations, and ineffective or inadequate mitigation measures. Based on environmental monitoring and reporting systems in place, PCU, PIU (with the support of the PMIS) shall assess whether further mitigation measures are required as corrective action, or improvement in environmental management practices are required. PCU will inform ADB promptly on any changes to the project and needed adjustments to the EMP. The updated EMP will be submitted to ADB for review and approval, and will be disclosed on the ADB project website.

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ANNEX 1 – ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

Based on National Environmental Standard Order No. 81/GOL (2017), updated from Environmental Protection Law revision No. 041/LNA date 18 Dec 2012. Where Lao PDR regulations differ from the environmental standards provided by the general and applicable Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines of the World Bank (2007), the reference will be whichever is more stringent.

Table 31: Surface water quality standards in Lao PDR

No Substances Symbo Unit Standard Value Method of l Measurement 1 2 3 4 5 1 Color, Odor - - N N N N N and Taste 2 Temperature t °C N Thermometer 3 Potential of pH - 6-8 6-8 5-9 5-9 ND Electronic pH Hydrogen Meter 4 Dissolved DO mg/l >7 6 4 2 <2 Azide Oxygen Modification 5 COD COD ml/l <5 5-7 7-10 10-12 >12 Potassium permanganate 6 BOD5 BOD5 mg/l 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Azide Modification at 20 degrees C, 5 days 7 Total Coliform Colifor MPN/100 N 5000 20,000 None ND Bacteria m ml Multiple Tube Bacteri Fermentation a Technique 8 Fecal Fecal MPN/ N 1000 4000 None ND Coliform Colifor 100 ml Bacteria m 9 Nitrate- NO3-N mg/l N 5 5 5 ND Cadmium Nitrogen Reduction 10 Ammonia- NH3-N mg/l N 0.5 0.5 0.5 ND Distillation Nitrogen Nesslerization 11 Phenols C6H3- mg/l N 0.005 0.005 0.005 ND Distillation, 4- OH Amin anti- pyrenne 12 Copper Cu mg/l N 1.5 1.5 1.5 ND Atomic Absorption Direct Aspiration 13 Nickel Ni mg/l N 0.1 0.1 0.1 ND 14 Manganese Mn mg/l N 1.0 1.0 1.0 ND 15 Zinc Zn mg/l N 1.0 1.0 1.0 ND 16 Cadmium Cd mg/l N 0.003 0.003 0.003 ND 17 Chromium, 6+ mg/l N 0.05 0.05 0.05 ND Cr Hexavalent 18 Lead Pb mg/l N 0.01 0.01 0.01 ND 19 Mercury Hg mg/l N 0.001 0.001 0.001 ND Atomic Absorption Cold Vapor 20 Arsenic As mg/l N 0.01 0.01 0.01 ND Atomic Absorption Direct Aspiration

21 Cyanide - mg/l N 0.7 0.07 0.07 ND Pyridine- CN Barbituric 22 Alpha α Becquer N 0.1 0.1 0.1 ND Counting ¬Radioactive e l/l machine 23 Beta ¬ β Becquer N 1.0 1.0 1.0 ND Radioactive e l/l 24 Total - mg/l N 0.05 0.05 0.05 ND Gas Organochlori Chromatograph ne y 25 DDT C14H9 mg/l N 1.0 1.0 1.0 ND Cl5 26 Alpha -BHC αBHC mg/l N 0.02 0.02 0.02 ND 27 Dieldrin C12H8C mg/l N 0.1 0.1 0.1 ND l6O 28 Aldrin - mg/l N 0.1 0.1 0.1 ND 29 Heptachlor - mg/l N 0.2 0.2 0.2 ND and Heptachlor Epoxide 30 Endrin - mg/l N None None None ND Remark: Category 1: High water quality as natural, with production processing or contaminate any chemic element and without any waste water contamination Category 2: Source of water for drinking and consumption with clean processing and omits diseases, this type of water is suitable for aquatic animal conservation, fishery, water sport and other Category 3: Source of water for drinking and consumption with clean processing and omits diseases, this type is suitable for agriculture, animal feeding and other Category 4: Source of water for drinking and consumption with clean processing and omits diseases, this type is suitable for industry, waste water treatment from the town or community and other. Category 5: Water source for transportation, water treatment place or basin from the town. Source: National Environment Standard, Decree No: 81/GoL 2017.

Table 32. Ambient Air Quality Standard

Average Time Unit: mg/m3 Hours 1 1 Method of Parameters Symbol 1 hr 8 hr 24 hr month year Measureme nt Carbon CO 30 9 - - - Non-dispersive monoxide infrared detection Nitrogen NO2 0.11 - - - .02 Chemilumine dioxide scene method Sulphur dioxide SO2 0.13 - 0.05 - 0.10 UV Fluorescence (1hr, 24hr, 1yr) or Pararosaniline (1hr,4hr) Total TSP - - 0.33 - 0.10 Gravimetric Suspended Particulate Particulate PM-10 - - 0.12 - 0.05 Gravimetric or Matter less than Beta Ray or 10 microns Taper Element Oscillating Microbalance or 95

ADB Loan no. 3315/8296 – LAO: Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (CTDP) / IEE Report

Dichotomous Ozone O3 0.20 0.14 - - - Chemiluminescence or UV Absorption Phoptometry Lead Pb - - - 0.00015 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Table 33. Noise Standard

Standards Method of Measurement Maximum Sound Level (Lmax) should not Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) from Fluctuating exceed 115 dB(A) Noise Leq 24 hour not exceeding 70 dB(A) Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) from Steady Noise

Table 34. Noise Standards for continuous disturbance

Sound level Standard Measure Method

In the case noise disturbing less than 1 hour, measure the sound level as one-hour Leq 1hour Sound level during an ongoing Noise disturbing continues over 1 hour, measure noisy activity must not exceed base on the real condition the normal sound level more Noise disturbing not continue in 1 hour, measure than 10 dB(A) for one-hour (Leq 1 hour) Specific quiet areas like school, hospital, government office and other quiet places during 22:00-6:00 and measure as sound average 5 minutes (Leq 5min) and plus with 3 dB (A)

Table 35: Wastewater Discharge Standards Standards Parameter A B C D E Biochemical Oxygen 30 40 50 60 200 Demand (BOD Suspended Solids 30 40 50 50 60 Settle able Solids 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Total Dissolved Solids 3000 2500 2000 1500 Chemical Oxygen Demand 120 130 150 350 400 (COD) Sulphide 1.0 1.0 3.0 4.0 - Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen 35 35 40 40 - Oil and grease 20 20 20 20 100 Temperature 40 40 40 40 40 pH 6-9.5 6-9.5 6-9.5 6-9.5 6-9.5

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