49026-002: Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in Northeastern

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

January 2020

VIE: Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project

Subproject: Rehabilitation and Upgrading Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Prepared by Ha Giang Department of Planning and Investment for Ha Giang Provincial People’s Committee and the Asian Development Bank.

Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

Currency unit: Vietnam Dong (VND) and US dollar ($) Exchange Rate (April 2017): $1 = VND 22.350

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank CPC Commune People’s Committee CSC Construction Supervision Consultant CBR California Bearing Ratio DOT Department of Transportation DARD Department of Agriculture and Rural Development DONRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment EMP Environmental Management Plan ESO Environmental Safeguards Officer ESS Environmental Safeguards Specialist GDP Gross Regional Domestic Product GRDP Gross Domestic Product IEE Initial Environmental Examination LEP Law on Environmental Protection MPI Ministry of Planning and Investment MPN Most Probable Number of viable cells of a pathogen - a measure of water quality PMU Project Management Unit Project Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project in Northeast Provinces PPC Provincial People Committee PPE Personal Protective Equipment QCVN National Technical Regulation

SPS Safeguard Policy Statement

Upgrading and Renovating of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Subproject Meo Vac, Ha Giang Province TCVN National Technical Standard

UXO Unexploded ordnance

Weights and measures

km2 –Square kilometer m3 - Cubic meter

Note The sign of $ is referred to as the dollar (US Dollar) in this report

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.

iii

CONTENTS

Page ABBREVIATIONS II I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 A. SUBPROJECT DESCRIPTION 7 B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 9 C. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 10 D. CONCLUSION 11 II. BACKGROUND 12 A. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 12 III. LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 13 A. ADB SPS REQUIREMENTS 13 B. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN VIETNAM 13 IV. SUBPROJECT DESCRIPTION 16 A. LOCATION AND SCOPE OF SUBPROJECT 16 B. SUBPROJECT SCOPE 18 C. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT AREA 23 D. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT 24 E. LAND USE STATUS IN SUBPROJECT AREA 24 F. LAND ACQUISITION 26 V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 30 A. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 30 B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 31 C. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 32 D. KEY ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES 35 E. LEGALLY PROTECTED AREA 36 VI. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 38 A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE 39 B. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE 40 C. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES IN THE OPERATION PHASE 50 VII. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION 52 A. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PREPARATION 52 B. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS 52 C. RESULTS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION 52 VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 54 A. PURPOSES OF GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM) 54 B. GRIEVANCE REDRESS PROCESS 54 C. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 55 D. ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION 59

AVOID AIR POLLUTION, TRAFFIC OBSTACLES AND CONTAMINATION 63 E. ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERVISION 72 F. REPORTING 82 G. CAPACITY BUILDING 84 IX. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 86 X. APPENDIX 87 A. APPENDIX 1: PHOTOS OF THE SUBPROJECT ROAD AND THE VICINITY 87 B. APPENDIX 2: SOURCE OF REFERENCES 88 C. APPENDIX 3: ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS 89 D. APPENDIX 4: NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS OF VIETNAM 93 E. APPENDIX 5: PUBLIC CONSULTATION – MINUTES OF MEETING AND LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 101 F. APPENDIX 6: MINUTES OF DETERMINATION ON WASTE DISPOSAL LOCATIONS 120 G. APPENDIX 7: THE AGREEMENT ON THE SUBPROJECT IMPLEMENTATION OF VIETNAM UNESCO 125 H. APPENDIX 8: THE MINING PERMIT 128

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Cross-section scale of branch section ...... 7 Figure 2: Map of the subproject road 176 ...... 17 Figure 3: Representative cross sections adjusted to reduce slopes and widen bends to ensure traffic safety ...... 19 Figure 4: The road map of material quarries ...... 21 Figure 5: The road map of disposal site ...... 23 Figure 6: Location of the route on Dong Van Rock Plateau area and protected areas ...... 37 Figure 7: The route passing through the rocky area ...... 47 Figure 8: EMP Implementation Organization Chart ...... 58 Figure 9: Expected locations for air environmental monitoring during the implementation process ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 10: Expected locations for surface water environmental monitoring during the implementation process ...... 80 Figure 11: Expected locations for domestic wastewater environmental monitoring at worker camps during the implementation process ...... 81

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: The current status of culverts across the road ...... 8 Table 2: Road Subproject Summary ...... 17 Table 3: The technical parameters of the curve in the PR176 ...... 18 Table 4: Statistics of longitudinal design results ...... 18 Table 5: The location of the material quarries of the Yen Minh-Mau Due-Meo Vac route 20 Table 7: Characteristics of potential disposal sites ...... 21 Table 8: Land Use in subproject district, 2017 (hectares) ...... 25 Table 9: Estimated budget of the subproject ...... 26 Table 10: Land use in the subproject districts in 2016 ...... 32 Table 11: Ethnic composition and gender characteristics of the survey ...... 32 Table 12: Economic conditions disaggregated by ethnic and gender ...... 33 Table 13: Main agricultural products in the subproject communes in 2016 ...... 33 Table 14:The number of schools in the subproject area in 2017 ...... 34 Table 15: Impacts on land of households and organizations ...... 39 Table 16: The extent of damage to houses and buildings ...... 39 Table 17: Sensitive points along the route ...... 45 Bảng 18: Vị trí đào đá mở rộng tuyến ...... 47 Table 19: Main issues and information from local authorities ...... 53 Table 20: Main environmental concerns from public consultation ...... 53 Table 21: Stakeholders and responsibilities for the EMP implementation ...... 55 Table 22: Detailed Environmental Mitigation Plan ...... 60 Table 21: Environmental Monitoring Compliance ...... 73 Table 22: Environmental Performance Monitoring ...... 76 Table 23: Reporting procedures ...... 82 Table 24: Estimated cost for the EMP Implementation (2-year construction/ 4-year in total) ...... 83 Table 25: Detailed capacity building program ...... 85

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The proposed Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project (BIIG 1) will invest in the recently completed Four Northeastern Provinces (FNEP) Overall Development Plan inlcuding as Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang and Lang Son province. The expected impacts of the project are to promote economic cooperation; enhance FNEP regional competitiveness through the support on the provision of necessary infrastructure conditions to increase "connectivity" and access basic services of poor ethnic minority communities in remote areas. 2. The project has four outputs being (i) improved FNEP road network connectivity, (ii) improved rural water supply, (iii) upgraded agricultural rural value chains (ARVCs) in Lang Son and (iv) strengthened FNEP regional investment planning and development management.

A. Subproject Description

3. The subproject is entitled "Upgrading and Renovating of Provincial road in Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac, Ha Giang Province". The investment of upgrading and renovating the provicial road in Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac will facilitate the travel of people and tourists to the Rock Plateau in Ha Giang province; develop the flow of goods trading; and contribute poverty reduction for locality and Ha Giang province. On the other hand, the road upgrade also contributes the continuous and steady transport system connected to national highways and provincial roads in the province. The total length of the invested route is 16.1 km. 4. The section of the upgraded road is a mountain road of grade V and designed according to the National Technical Standard TCVN 4054-2005 with the following criterias: - The designed speed of Vtk = 30km/h - Cross-section of the road + The pavement width (not including extensions) : = 3.50m + The reinforcement margin (along with pavement structure): 2x1.0 = 2.00m + The width of land margin : 2x0.50 = 1.00m + The total width of road bed : = 6.50m

Figure 1: Cross-section scale of branch section

5. The old culverts will be replaced: It is estimated that the total of 42 sewers will be replaced including as 03 sluice gates with the aperture B = 0.75m, and 39 sluice gates with the aperture B = 1.0m.

Table 1: The current status of culverts across the road

Current culverts Design No. Chainage Post Type Aperture (m) Width (m) options 1 Km 20+112.82 D30=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 2 Km 20+361.02 TC34 Slab BxH=0.7x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 3 Km 20+606.36 P40 Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 4 Km 21+85.28 TD48=C Slab BxH=0.7x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 5 Km 21+424.98 1=CO Slab BxH=1.0x1.2m Degraded B=1.0m 6 Km 21+564.60 P57=C Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 7 Km 22+353.90 D73=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 8 Km 22+636.81 2=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 9 Km 22+858.91 TC83=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m Km Slab Degraded 10 23+101.40 P88=CO BxH=0.8x0.9m B=1.0m 11 Km 23+790.65 TC3=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m 12 Km 23+857.18 2=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 13 Km 24+312.95 2=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 14 Km 24+440.46 P11=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 15 Km 24+941.76 TC20=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 16 Km25+262.46 P28=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 17 Km25+604.47 3=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 18 Km25+948.08 P41=CO Slab BxH=0.7x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m 19 Km26+589.57 P55=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.2m Degraded B=1.0m 20 Km27+231.84 P68=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 21 Km27+672.60 TC77=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 22 Km28+129.73 1=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 23 Km29+061.80 1A=CO B=1.0m 24 Km29+135.97 1=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 25 Km29+344.31 TD4=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 26 Km29+405.61 TC5 B=0.75m 27 Km29+575.51 TC9=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 28 Km29+954.41 P15=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m 29 Km30+255.46 P21=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m 30 Km30+624.38 P27=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.6m Degraded B=1.0m 31 Km30+970.39 1=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 32 Km31+142.58 TC36=CO Slab BxH=0.6x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 33 Km31+648.72 P44=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Broken B=0.75m 34 Km32+185.50 1=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.6m Degraded B=0.75m 35 Km32+727.45 TD65=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 36 Km33+474.46 1=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 37 Km33+607.15 TC84=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m 38 Km33+920.19 P93=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Broken B=1.0m 39 Km34+441.69 TC4=CO Slab BxH=0.8x0.9m Degraded B=1.0m 40 Km34+809.47 3=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Broken B=1.0m 41 Km35+492.21 2=CO Slab BxH=0.8x1.0m Degraded B=1.0m 42 Km35+733.39 TD22=CO Slab BxH=0.7x0.8m Degraded B=1.0m

B. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures

6. The subproject is categorized as Category B on environmental issues during the Project Concept note, which identified few significant adverse impacts, of which none are considered irreversible.

7. This IEE has been prepared to screen and assess impacts and formulate mitigation measures in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) covering the three phases of the subproject implementation including the pre-construction; construction and operation phases and to set out institutional arrangements to ensure the EMP implementation.

8. The most significant potential impact is the positive slopes. The project area runs along the mountainous areas of Dong Van Stone Plateau, which is located in the northernmost mountains of Vietnam with an area of 2,356.8 km² and an average height of about 1,400 - 1,600m. The Plateau spreads across four districts as Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac of Ha Giang province. Dong Van Stone Plateau has been recognized as a global geopark by the UNESCO, thus, the design plan, implementation process and environmental protection plan need to be considered and controlled closely by the project managers and contractors.

9. In the design and pre-construction phases, the potential negative effects have been identified as (i) land acquisition and resettlement, (ii) relocation of public facilities, and (iii) the disturbance of unexploded ordnance (UXO). To minimize the impacts on income and local people, the PMU will check and review the process of land acquisition and resettlement before construction starts to ensure that all affected households receive adequate compensation in accordance with the current provincial market price and ADB’s Safeguard Policy is implemented. The PMU will sign contracts with functional units to clear out landmines and UXO to ensure no UXO in the subproject construction area.

10. The potential negative impacts in the construction phase have been identified as (i) the impacts on trees and fauna along the proposed route; (ii) the impacts on local public infrastructure (iii) the impacts on material exploitation for construction; (iv) the impacts of temporary material stockpiles; (v) the generated surplus soil, waste rock; (vi) the impacts of generated construction waste and domestic waste from workers; (vii) the impacts from bitumen boilers and road compaction equipments; (viii) dust, noise and vibration from construction machinery; (ix) the increased risks of landslides and soil erosion; (x) the impacts on streams cross roads or bridge construction; (xi) social issues associated with the presence of temporary non-local workers; and (xii) safety risks to workers and local public; (xiii) the impacts on local traffic.

11. The proposed mitigation measures for the impacts during the construction phase are: (i) prohibit the cutting of trees for firewood and for usage in the subproject and also construction camps, concrete mixing plants, material storage sites from being located in forest area; (ii) contact all relevent local authorities, infrastructure management units and affected people from power outage, water cuts and interrupted communication systems; (iii) store construction material on impervious ground; procure materials only from Ha Giang DONRE authorized quarries, borrow sites and update the list of quarries and monthly report to PMU; (iv) store topsoil for later use and fence, backfill pits after completed exploitation; temporary stockpiles shall not be located in productive land and forested areas; (v) provide surplus material for local people to flatten soil before disposing to areas approved by local authorities; (vi) the disposal areas must be agreed

by the subproject CPC, checked by Ha Giang DONRE and monitored by the CSC, ESS and PMU; (vii) locate concrete mixing stations, bitumen boilers off road and far away at least 500m from nearest residental areas, sensitive receivers (residential areas, schools, clinics, etc.) and rivers, streams; (viii) install and maintain dust suppression equipments; restrict works to daylight hours within 500m of residential settlements and local clinics, and the emissions from construction machinery must meet the TCVN/QCVN; (ix) establish the methods on vegetation protection and erosion prevention immediately after work completion in each construction part/sector, check weather forecasts and minimize workload during wet weather; (x) use appropriate formworks, sludge barriers or other devices based on the design to prevent sludge overflow during excavation and pile driving within rivers and streams; (xi) employ and train as many local workers as practicable; provide adequate housing for all workers at the construction camps and establish clean canteen/eating and cooking areas; (xii) workers shall be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and receive regular scheduled briefings on health and safety issues related to their activities as well as on proper use of PPE and on fencing all hazardous sites such as excavation sites, land exploitation areas and sides of temporary bridges; (xiii) communicate to the communities through local authorities regarding the scope and schedule of construction, and certain construction activities causing disruptions or access restrictions.

12. During the operation phase, the potential negative impacts include the effects on dust, noise, vibration and traffic safety risks due to expected traffic increases. To minimize the negative impacts, Ha Giang Department of Transportation (DOT), the responsible agency for subproject management in the road operation, will maintain the road periodically and collaborate with traffic policeman to enforce speed limits and vehicle loading, especially near sensitive areas such as pre-schools, clinics and residential areas. A road safety awareness campaign is required for people working and living along the subproject road.

13. The Consultant identified key stakeholders and conducted public consultations from provincial to commune level, especially focusing on affected people and beneficiaries from the subproject. The main concerns identified as (i) the increase of ore exploitation activities after improving the transportation conditions; (ii) road safety issues at the sections through high residential areas. All of these concerns are addressed in the EMP.

14. The EMP has been prepared under this IEE to detail the responsibilities of relevant stakeholders on the implementation of mitigation measures during the subproject construction and operation phases.

C. Institutional arrangements

15. Ha Giang DPI has established an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Project Management Unit (PMU) and assigned relevant staff to support the subproject preparation in the Feasibility period. One member of the PMU has been assigned as the Environmental Safeguards Officer (ESO). Three staff, including the ESO, have been participating in the training course on "Fundamental Safeguard and Gender Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) of ADB" under TA8902- Vie Capacity Building for Project Management Unit Professionalization - organized by ADB in August 2016. Environmental specialist (ESS) of the subproject implementation will organize a formal training and on-the-job training course for relevant PMU staff, CSC, communities, contractors; and support for the establishment and operation of the subproject Environmental Management Plan (EMP) s in the construction phase. ESS will also support PMU’s capacity

building through reviewing and evaluating the PMU and Ha Giang Department of Transportation (DOT) capacity on environmental protection – the subproject management organizations in the operation phase.

16. To ensure the environmental protection and mitigation measures applied in the civil works contracts, the EMP will be included in the bidding documents and civil works contracts. Environmental protection costs and responsibilities need to be clearly allocated from the beginning to avoid risks due to lack of funding and human resources during the subproject construction phase. Bidding documents will also specify that contractors shall engage capable and trained staff to take responsibility on environmental management and safety issues at the working level and to monitor the effectiveness and review mitigation measures as the subproject proceeds.

D. Conclusion

17. The IEE concludes that the subproject feasibility study combined with available information is sufficient to identify the scope of potential environmental impacts and formulate mitigation measures for the subproject. According to the detailed design, there are no major environmental changes and no affected sensitive environmental issues or cultural resources, thus further detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.

II. BACKGROUND

A. Objectives of the Project

1. The Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Sector Project in Northeastern Provinces

18. The investment on upgrading and renovating of provincial road in Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac will facilitate the travel of people and tourists to the Dong Van Rock Plateau, develop goods trading, contribute poverty reduction for the locality and Ha Giang province. The road construction will contribute to constitute the steady and continuous transportation system connected with national highways and provincial roads.

19. The subproject is initially categorized as Category B for environmental safeguards, and this IEE is required according to the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) of 2009. The IEE objectives and scope are to (i) assess the existing environmental conditions in the vicinity of the subproject road; (ii) identify potential environmental impacts from the proposed road improvement works; (iii) evaluate and determine the significance of the impacts; (iv) develop an environmental management plan (EMP) detailing mitigation measures, monitoring activities, reporting requirements, institutional responsibilities and cost estimates to address adverse environmental impacts; and (v) carry out public consultations to point out any issues/ concerns from relevant stakeholders on the subproject and to ensure that such concerns are addressed in the subproject design and mitigation measures.

III. LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

20. The subproject shall comply with ADB (SPS) 2009 requirements and the Viet Nam GOV’s Guidelines on the Implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection 2014. Specifically, the Decree No. 18/2015/ND-CP has detailed information on environmental protection assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental protection plans. However, certain subproject activities associated with quarry operations, extraction of gravel, etc., will also require the permission from the relevant provincial level authorities. The construction and upgrade of bridges and spillways on the proposed road in small scale do not require a separate environmental impact assessment.

A. ADB SPS requirements

21. The ADB safeguard policy statement (SPS) 2009 imposes safeguard requirements for all its funded projects. The SPS 2009 clarifies the rationale, scope and contents of environmental assessment. It emphasizes environmental and social sustainability in the progress of economic growth and poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific, with the following objectives: - Avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, when possible; - Minimize/mitigate and/or compensate for adverse impacts on environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and - Assist in borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.

22. For environmental safeguards, the Subproject is initially categorized as ‘B’. A subproject that is classified as category A on environmental safeguards would be inegible as a BIIG I subproject.

23. ADB SPS also require the application of suitable Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines of the IFC. The subproject will apply the following Guidelines from IFC:

• General Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines • EHS Guidelines - General Manufacturing – Construction Material Extraction

B. Legal and Administrative Framework for Environmental Protection in Vietnam

24. The subproject has to comply with the environmental legal framework of Vietnam, which is outlined in this section. The main components of the framework are shown here.

1. Law • Law No. 55/2014/QH13 of 23 June 2014 by the National Assembly on environment protection • Law No. 17/2012/QH13 of 21 June 2012 by the National Assembly on water resources

• Law No. 20/2008/QH12 of 13 November 2008 by the National Assembly on biodiversity conservation • Law No. 68/2006/QH11 of 29 June 2006 by the National Assembly on national technical standards and regulations • Law No. 29/2004/QH11 of 03 December 2004 by the National Assembly on forest protection and development 2. Decrees and Regulations • Decree No.40/2019/ND-CP dated May, 13, 2019 on amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decrees guiding the implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection. • Decree No. 18/2015/ND-CP dated February 14, 2015 on environmental protection planning, strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental protection plans. • Circular No. 27/2015/TT-BTNMT dated May 29, 2015 on strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental protection plans. • Circular No. 36/2015/TT-BTNMT of 30 June 2015 by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on stipulating hazardous waste management. • Decision No. 07/2012/QD-TTg dated February 08, 2012 by the Prime Minister on promulgating some regulations on intensified enforcement of forest protection. • Decision No. 186/2006/QD-TTg dated August 14, 2006 by the Prime Minister on promulgating the regulation of forest management. • Decree No. 09/2006/ND-CP dated 16th January, 2006 by the Government on forest fire prevention and control. • National Technical Regulations on air and noise quality - QCVN 05: 2013/BTNMT on ambient air quality - QCVN 26: 2010/BTNMT on noise - QCVN 27: 2010/BTNMT on vibration • National Technical Regulations on water quality - QCVN 01: 2009/BYT on drinking water quality - QCVN 02: 2009/BYT on domestic water quality - QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT on surface water quality - QCVN 09-MT:2015/BTNMT on underground water quality - QCVN 14: 2008/BTNMT on domestic wastewater 3. Other legislation applicable to the subproject • Law No. 27/2001/QH10 dated 29 June 2001 by the National Assembly on fire prevention and fighting activities.

• Law No. 40/2013/QH13 dated 22 November 2013 by the National Assembly on amending and adding a number of articles of the Law No. 27/2001/QH10 of 29 June 2001 on fire prevention and fighting activities. • Decision No. 3733/2002/QD-BYT dated 10 October 2002 by the Ministry of Health on promulgating 21 labor hygiene standards, 5 principles and 7 labor hygiene measurements. • Law No. 50/2014/QH13 dated 18 June 2014 by the National Assembly on construction. • Circular No. 22/2010/TT-BXD dated 03 December 2010 by the Ministry of Construction on labor safety in work construction. • Law No. 10/2012/QH13 dated 18 June 2012 by the National Assembly on labor code.

IV. SUBPROJECT DESCRIPTION

A. Location and Scope of Subproject

25. The subproject proposes to upgrade the provincial road 176 from Sung Trai commune - Dong Van district to Sung Tra commune - Meo Vac district in order to build the districts/communes network between Yen Minh and Meo Vac town center, Ha Giang province. + Starting point: at Km20/Provincial road DT.176 (in Tung Tinh Hamlet, Sung Trai Commune). + Ending point: Sung Tra Commune Centre (Km36+183.46/Provincial road DT.176)

26. The upgrading and renovating in Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac traffic routes will facilitate the travel of people and tourists to the Dong Van Rock Plateau, develop the flow of goods trading; and contribute poverty reduction for locality and Ha Giang province. On the other hand, the road contruction also generate the continuous and steady transport system connected to national highways and provincial roads in the province.

27. The road runs through Sung Trai and Lung Phin commune, Dong Van district; and Sung Mang, Sung Tra commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The road is a section of Provincial Road 176 from Minh Ngoc commune, Bac Me district to Meo Vac town which is located in the North and is a priority within the Transport Master Plan of Ha Giang province to 2020 and orientation to 2030.

28. The primary objective of the subproject is to build the traffic network between the inter- provincial political, economic and social centers; between communes of Huu Vinh, Dong Minh and Mau Due in Yen Minh district; Sung Trai and Lung Phin commune of Dong Van district; Sung Mang, Sung Tra and Ta Lung commune of Meo Vac district; and connect to Cao Bang province, develop tourisms in Rock Plateau, connect to Sam Pum border gate (Meo Vac, Vietnam) - Dien Bong (Guangxi, China) that will promote cross-border trade development. Besides, it is vital to gradually complete the construction of provincial roads according to the Ha Giang Transport Master Plan, and create a safe and steady traffic network during all four seasons. Moreover, the subproject also aims to achieve the national goal of a new countryside development for communes located within the proposed route. Additionally, the support of private sectors on the development of agricultural and forestry production through promoting goods trading in the beef value chain, honey value chain, etc. Last but not least, it is the increase of investment efficiency of Minh Ngoc - Mau Due road (176A) funded by ADB.

29. In summary, industrial development, trade and tourism development are priorities in the future economic development of Ha Giang province, and the main contributors to poverty alleviation in Ha Giang province. The subproject supports in the development of the eastern branch of the planned North – South corridor, in which the eastern branch provides services for mostly truck cargo in and out of the province.

30. The upgrading and renovating provincial roads in Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac belongs to Ha Giang Transport Master Plan of Ha Giang province to 2020 and orientation to 2030 (this is also the provincial road PR.176).

Figure 2: Map of the subproject road 176

Table 2: Road Subproject Summary

Name Representative Upgrading and Renovating provincial road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac, Ha Giang province The length of the section(km) 16.1 District Dong Van and Meo Vac Total districts 2 Total communes 4 Total beneficiaries 23,551 Total invesment (USD) 7,712,631 Investment per km (USD/km) 479,045

B. Subproject Scope

31. The upgrading and renovating the provinvial road 176 from Sung Trai commune, Dong Van district to Sung Tra commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The total length of the road section is 16.1 km which is upgraded based upon the existing route in order to achieve the road of Category IV mountain road.

32. The current status of the road: 33. The current status of the asphalted road is at the grade VI of mountain roads, the pavement width of 3.5 m, the total road bed of 6.0 m which is being degraded. The route runs along PR176 with scattered-site housing on both sides and it is interspersed with upland fields of corn, peanut and sesame. The right section from Km30 + 400 to Km30 + 600 goes through pine forest. Along the proposed sections, it has some fairly large slopes (accounting for 14%), many sections with horizontal curve at R <10m, the minimum shims of L <10m causing difficulties and insecurity for the traffic on the route .

34. To ensure traffic safety, some specific positions can be adjusted to high altitude and radius of curvature to reduce slopes and widen bends. The table 3 and table 4 present statistics of the curves and longitudinal design results.

Table 3: The technical parameters of the curve in the PR176

No. Radius of curvature Unit Amount Rate % Total annual curves piece 302 100% 1 R<30m piece 8 2.65% 2 30m≤R<50m piece 50 16.56% 3 50m≤ R<75m piece 48 15.89% 4 75m≤ R <350m piece 170 56.29% 5 350m ≤ R piece 1 0.33% 6 Number of vertices without curve piece 25 8.28%

Table 4: Statistics of longitudinal design results

No. Longitudinal slope i(%) Length (m) Rate (%) 1 I < 2% 3959.94 24.62% 2 2% ≤ I < 6% 5648.29 35.11% 3 6% ≤ I < 10% 4635.81 28.82% 4 I ≥ 10% 1841.72 11.45% Total 16,085.76 100.00%

18 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

35. The pictures below present a representative cross section can be adjusted to reduce slopes and widen bends to ensure traffic safety.

Km22+00 ÷ km22+036 Km23+00 ÷ km23+888 (expand to the right by 2-3m) (expand to the right by 2-3m)

Km31+00 ÷ km31+200 Km32+00 ÷ km32+150 (expand to the right by 1-2m) (expand to the left by 1-2m)

Figure 3: Representative cross sections adjusted to reduce slopes and widen bends to ensure traffic safety

36. The section of upgrading and renovating the provincial road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac is a mountain road of grade V and designed according to the National Technical Standard TCVN 4054-2005 with the designed speed of Vtk = 30km/h. + The pavement width (not including extensions) : = 3.50m + The reinforcement margin (along with pavement structure) : 2x1.0 = 2.00m + The width of land margin : 2x0.50 = 1.00m + The total width of road bed : = 6.50m

19 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

1. Hydrological investigations

37. Most of large rivers in Ha Giang province belong to the Red River system, with the relatively high density of rivers and streams. They have irregular depths, large slopes, lots of waterfalls, and inconvenient conditions for waterway system navigation. 38. The Lo River is a large river in Ha Giang province, originated in Luu Lung (Yunnan, China), run through the Vietnam - China border crossings (Thanh Thuy area), through Ha Giang, Bac Quang to Tuyen Quang city. This is the main water supply source for the provincial centre. 39. The Chay River is originated in the South Western slope of Tay Con Linh peak and the North Eastern slope of Kieu Lien Ti, with the high density of tributaries (1.1 km/km2). The water concentration coefficient reaches at 2.0 km/km2. Although only the watershed of the Chay river belongs to the province, however it is the major water supply source for the Western area of Ha Giang. 40. The Gam River originates in Nghiem Son and Tay Tru (China), then runs through Lung Cu and Meo Vac near Tuyen Quang town, and enters into the Lo river. This is the main water supply source for the East of the province. 41. Additionally, there are smaller rivers such as Nho Que River, Mien River, Bac River, Chung River in Ha Giang province. Besides, therre are also many small and large streams as the water supply source for production and people's life.

2. Construction Material Sources

42. The main materials source is used for the subproject as: soil for embankment, sand, stone, plastic concrete, cement, iron, steel, etc. which supplied by private sectors in Ha Giang province, neighboring provinces and cities. The demand of materials for construction process is shown in the following table:

- Stone materials: The inspection survey is implemented in the Pac Luoc quarry 2 at Na Ten village, Yen Minh town, Yen Minh district. The average transportation distance of stone from mines is about 22.0 km. - Sand, cement, iron, steel, wood, etc. are taken from Yen Minh town. The average transportation distance is totally 22.0km. The table below shows the location and the quarry output provided for the construction of Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac route.

Table 5: The location of the material quarries of the Yen Minh-Mau Due-Meo Vac route

Output after Products Capacity Environmental No. Quarry processing after Transportation (Km) (m3/year) permit (m3/year) processing Freestone, The mining stone 4x6, permit Pac Luoc 1 25,000 32,000 stone 2x4, 22 No.654/GP- 2 stone 1x2, UBND dated on stone 0.5. April 20, 2015

Table 6 shows the estimated stone amount for construction at approximately 25 thousand m3. The mining capacity of the Pac Luoc 2 quarry ensures the construction of the whole project. (See Appendix 8 - The Mining Permit of the Pac Luoc 2 quarry).

20 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Table 6: The estimated stone amount for construction No. Aggregate stones Unit Amount 1 Crushed aggregate base course with the thickness of 15cm m3 13,679.15 2 Crushed aggregate subbase course with the thickness of 18cm m3 4,886.67 3 Levelling course for crushed aggregate subbase course m3 6,183.09 Total m3 24,748.91

43. The figure 3 illustrate the transport route of materials for sub-project.

Figure 4: The road map of material quarries

44. It is estimated that the required amount of soil is at 15,862.25 m3 while the volume of excavated soil is 313,913,52 m3, of which 298,051,28 m3 is wasted rock and soil not being used as soil for embankment.

Table 7: Characteristics of potential disposal sites1

Estimated use Disposal Chainage (Km) Location Reserve (m3) for the project sites (m3) in the left side of route, the Km14+00 đến Site1 negative talus, in Mau Due 200,000 200,000 km14+200 commune - Yen Minh in the left side of route, the Km31+100 đến 150,000 98,051.28 Site 2 negative talus, In Sung Mang km 31+200 commune – Meo Vac

1 Ha Giang PPMU has applied for all environmental permits.

21 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Disposal site 1

45. The location of the disposal area is on the negative talus of the Km 14+00 to Km 14+200 in Mau Due commune. Far away about 300m from the residential area, from Mau Due to Sung Trai, the around area is the vacant land. The location of the disposal site currently used for grass- growing and cow-raising is insignificant. Approximately 100m away is the AntiMon field in Mau Due commune. The estimated storage scale of disposal site is about 200,000m3.

Disposal site 2

46. The location of the disposal area is located on the negative talus of the section from Km 31+100 to Km 31+200 of Sung Mang commune, Meo Vac district. About 400m from the residential area from Lung Phin to Sung Mang, the around area is the vacant land. The current disposal site is storing wasted rock and soil of local people. The estimated storage scale of disposal site is approximately 150,000m3. 47. See the appendix 6 the minutes of determination on waste disposal locations among the Sung Mang, Mau Due People Comittees and Detailed Design Cousultants.

22 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Disposal site in Mau Due commune Disposal site in Sung Mang commune Figure 5: The road map of disposal site 48. The survey of mines: The survey team has worked with local authorities and inhabitants (districts and communes) to collect necessary information about potential mines for the subproject construction, and then conducted field surveys to identify suitable mines in terms of transport distance, the capacity of disposal sites, and being approved by local authorities.

3. Overall scope

49. As the longitudinal and cross gradients are not so high, the existing route is not affected by flooding or disadvantageous hydrological conditions, thus, it is advantageous to upgrade and renovate the route.

50. Generally, the road upgrade should ensure the CBR at least 6% within the depth of 80cm from the bottom of road pavement. The road bed currently is quite stable. The CBR tests show that there are only some short sections with low CBR.

C. Description of the Subproject Area

51. Ha Giang is located in the Northeast region of Vietnam - a mountainous border province with a land area of 7,914.88 km2. Ha Giang province has a 278 km border with China (Yunnan and Guangxi province) in the North and Northwest. It borders Cao Bang province to the East, Yen Bai and Lao Cai to the West and Tuyen Quang to the South.

52. The key features of Ha Giang’s geography include rugged mountain ranges in the North. In 2010, Dong Van geological formations and plateau was recognized by UNESCO as a global geological Park. In addition, the Tay Con Linh area (proposed Nature Reserve) covering 40,300 ha is located in Vi Xuyen district, the West of the Lo River and NH2. The area of forest cover and production forest are important in Bac Quang district, the Eastern Vi Xuyen and Bac Me district while orange, citrus and tea production is prevalent in the South of Ha Giang city.

53. The subproject on upgrading and renovating the provincial road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac (PR.176) which is located in the administrative boundaries of Sung Trai, Lung Phin commune, Dong Van district; Sung Mang, Sung Tra commune, Meo Vac district. All three mountainous districts are located in different altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,400 m above sea level and have rainfall. The population density is about 90 per km2.

23 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

D. Socio-economic Context

54. Ha Giang had the total population of approximately 820,427 people in 2016, of which 85% lives in rural areas. Ethnic minorities account for over 87% of total population. Ha Giang province has 22 ethnic groups, which is the highest number of any province in the Northeast. The average per capita income (2015) was VND 19.2m per annum, which represented a 4.1% increase over 2014. However, this fell short of the 6.5% annual target for GDP growth. The target for GDP per capita in 2016 is VND 20.6m per annum.

55. In the period of 2012-2016, Ha Giang's economy maintains the good growth rate, the average of 2012-2016 period estimates at 6.16% per year; economic restructuring in the right direction: agriculture, forestry and fishery accounts for 31.7% (down 1.5% compared to 2012); trade - services accounts for 42% (up 2.7%); industry - construction accountes for 21.2% (up 0.5%). The structure of each economic sector has changed positively by increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. The average Gross Domestic Product per capita is estimated at VND 20.55m (an average increase of 8.19%/year).

56. Dong Van district has a population of 77,170 people with the area of 451.7 km². Meo Vac district has total population of 82,096 people covering the area of 574.2 km2. Meo Vac district includes 1 town and 17 communes.

57. According to the new poverty line in 2016, the poverty rate of Dong Van and Meo Vac district are 65% and 59% respectively (compared to the poverty rate of district in the province). In each district, there are visible differences between communes. The poverty rates are higher in more remote communes, high mountains and focus upon ethnic minority groups. Source: Provincial statistical yearbook, 2016

58. Dong Van is a highland border district of Ha Giang Province and is the Northernmost point of the country. The district has the borderline withChina over 52 km in length. The district center is located in Dong Van town, about 150km North of Ha Giang city. The district has certain advantages compared to 4 Northern highland districts of the province such as NH 4C from the district connecting to Ha Giang City center and Dong Van mountainous highland districts. As a district with many tourist sites, there is great potential for exploitation of trade - tourism, but the district is disadvantaged by long distance from cultural and social center, disadvantageous transport infrastructure with only road transport type, located far from the country’s seaport, airport and economic corridor system.

Meo Vac is a highland district of Ha Giang province, belonging to Dong Van Plateau - global geological park in the Northern part of the country. The NH 4C and PR 176 run from Meo Vac district to Ha Giang city. With a longstanding culture, many ethnic groups living together, there are many traditional customs and cultures as well as festivals such as: Khau Vai love market, traditional folk songs, dances of Lo Lo, H’mong people, hydropower tourism, Hue Bien fossils in Lung Pu commune, etc. and unique natural landscapes with rocky mountains, majestic Ma Pi Leng peak, etc.

E. Land Use Status in Subproject Area

59. The agricultural land in Dong Van and Meo Vac province account for 37% and 45% of total land area respectively; however the agricultural land area, which is available for plantation of

24 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

annual crops and perennial plants, accounts for only 16% to 25% in Vi Xuyen and Bac Quang respectively. The remaining land classified as agricultural land is used for plantation forestry.

Table 8: Land Use in subproject district, 2017 (hectares)

Type of land Dong Van Meo Vac

Total land area 45,171.22 57,418.21

Agricultural production land 16,552.43 25,898.96

Forest land 18,337.19 19,675.25 Specialized land 579.10 1,026.87 Residential land 605.42 514.94

Other land 9,097.08 10,302.19

Source: Provincial statistical yearbook, 2017

60. Ha Giang gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at VND 3,246 billion, a increase of 13.49% compared to the previous year. Economic restructuring is currently in the right direction: the agricultural sector accounts for 4,79% with VND 185 billion, the trade - tourism sector accounts for 24,26% at VND 647 billion, the service sector contributes VND 2,413 billion accounting for 70,95%. The average GDP reaches at VND 35.1 million/person/year (current currency). The contribution of agricultural production to the GDP of Vi Xuyen district is at 29%. In Vi Xuyen district, the Binh Vang industrial zone and the close by Thanh Thuy border gate increase the contribution of industry and services at nearly two thirds of its gross regional domestic product (GRDP). The income per capita in Vi Xuyen district is VND 19.5 million/person/year.

61. People's lives in two highland districts: Meo Vac and Dong Van district are particularly difficult within the province, due to natural conditions, the transportation infrastructure are often damaged during the rainy season; schools, health stations and irrigation facilities are often degraded with no regular maintenance budget; especially since lack of drinking water, many communes, villages, hamlets in remote areas, the issue of household and rural sanitation have not met the requirements.

25 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

F. Land Acquisition

62. According to Resettlement and Ethnic Minority Development Plan, there are 132 affected households by the subproject implementation, with no household must be relocated. There are 20 vulnerable households, 127 ethnic minority households (households that lost more than 10% of the total area of cultivated land and residential part and relocate or rebuilt houses on the remaining land). The total affected area is 5,605 m2, of which 710 m2 is residential land, 3,805 m2 is annual crop land, 675 m2 land of perennial crops, and 370 m2 is other land.

63. In the plan, the subproject will be constructed during 36 months with the estimated budget described in Table 9 below:

Table 9: Estimated budget of the subproject2 Unit: VND Ratio No. Cost Items Calculation method Pre-tax value VAT After-tax value (%) Compensation, support and resettlement Temporarily 1 2,601,681,528 260,168,153 2,861,849,681 cost estimated Drawing cost for land acquisition and 363,636,364 36,363,636 400,000,000 clearance Compensation cost for land acquisition and 2,238,045,165 223,804,516 2,461,849,681 clearance 2 Construction cost 118,863,495,907 11,886,349,591 130,749,845,498 2.1 Construction cost for main works 118,863,495,907 11,886,349,591 130,749,845,497 According to Road Bed construction cost 68,116,762,041 6,811,676,204 74,928,438,245 estimate table According to Pavement width construction cost 39,452,412,604 3,945,241,260 43,397,653,864 estimate table According to Works on the route construction cost 8,390,279,768 839,027,977 9,229,307,745 estimate table According to Road Traffic safety construction cost 2,904,041,494 290,404,149 3,194,445,643 estimate table According to 3 Equipment cost average cost summary table

2 Data provided by the Design Consultant 26 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Ratio No. Cost Items Calculation method Pre-tax value VAT After-tax value (%) Included in the total 4 Subproject management cost budget of project Construction Investment Consultancy 5 4,264,386,354 426,438,635 4,690,824,989 Cost Investment preparation phase According to contract 5.1 Survey cost of feasibility study report 1,008,508,240 100,850,824 1,109,359,064 value Survey cost of feasibility study steps 5.2 Survey cost estimate (Additional measurement E) 5.3 Survey cost of feasibility study steps Survey cost estimate Pre-tax construction 5.4 Design cost of feasibility study report 0.206% 244,773,650 24,477,365 269,251,015 value x Ratio Construction survey supervision cost of Pre-tax survey value x 5.5 3.621% 36,518,210 3,651,821 40,170,031 feasibility study report Ratio Planning cost for Ethnic Minority According to contract 5.6 231,055,546 23,105,555 254,161,100 resettlement and development value According to contract 5.7 Environmental protection planning cost 190,971,227 19,097,123 210,068,350 value Cost of society-poverty assessment report According to contract 5.8 and safety policy document (ADB 143,630,000 14,363,000 157,993,000 value requirement) Included in the project Cost of bidding document and assessment 5.9 general consultation in feasibility study step cost Included in the project 5.10 Consultation cost of feasibility study report general consultation cost Investment phase Survey cost in the design step of 5.11 Survey cost estimate 1,087,713,209 108,771,321 1,196,484,530 construction drawings Drawing design cost of subproject Pre-tax construction 5.12 0.952% 1,131,229,544 113,122,954 1,244,352,498 construction value x Ratio Pre-tax survey value x Establishment cost of survey task in the 5.13 3.000% Ratio (Temporarily 32,631,396 3,263,140 35,894,536 design step of construction drawings estimated)

27 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Ratio No. Cost Items Calculation method Pre-tax value VAT After-tax value (%) Cost of bidding document preparation, and (Survey value + 5.14 bidding document assessment task in the 0.613% Design value) x Ratio 13,612,354 1,361,235 14,973,589 design step of construction drawings DM79 Cost of bidding document preparation, and Pre-tax construction 5.15 bidding document assessment of 0.084% 99,577,949 9,957,795 109,535,744 value x Ratio DM79 construction Included in the project 5.16 Construction supervision cost general consultation cost Supervision cost of the survey in the design Pre-tax survey value x 5.17 4.060% 44,165,029 4,416,503 48,581,532 step of construction drawings Ratio DM79 6 Other cost 5,306,095,314 507,547,128 5,813,642,442 Investment preparation phase Bidding package value 6.1 Evaluation cost of investment preparation 0,019% 390,450 390,450 x Ratio Evaluation cost of bidding document, and Bidding package value 6.2 the result of contractor selection in 0.10% 2,054,999 2,054,999 x Ratio feasibility study step Evaluation cost of construction investment Included in the general 6.3 roject (Circular No.209/2016/TT-BTC) expense of project Investment phase Evaluation cost of survey fee estimate in 6.4 0.106% Temporarily estimated 1,152,976 1,152,976 the design step of construction drawings Pre-tax construction 6.6 Construction insurance cost 0.270% 320,931,439 32,093,144 353,024,583 value x Ratio 6.7 General costs General cost table 4,754,539,836 475,453,984 5,229,993,820 Supervision cost and finalization approval Included in the general 6.8 (Circular No.09/2016/TT-BTC) expense of project Included in the project Independent audit cost (Circular 6.9 general consultation No.09/2016/TT-BTC) cost Evaluation cost of technical design (Circular Pre-tax construction 6.10 0.05% 62,997,653 62,997,653 No.210/2016/TT- BTC) value x Ratio Evaluation cost of construction estimate Pre-tax construction 6.11 0.052% 61,809,018 61,809,018 (Circular No.210/2016/TT- BTC) value x Ratio Evaluation cost of bidding document, and (Survey value + 6.12 0.100% 2,218,943 2,218,943 the result of contractor selection in survey Design value) x Ratio

28 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Ratio No. Cost Items Calculation method Pre-tax value VAT After-tax value (%) package + the design of construction drawings (Decree No.63/2014/ND-CP) Evaluation cost of bidding document in the Pre-tax bidding 6.14 construction package (Decree 0.05% 50,000,000 50,000,000 package value x Ratio No.63/2014/ND-CP) Evaluation cost on the result of contractor Pre-tax bidding 6.15 selection in construction process (Decree 0.05% 50,000,000 50,000,000 package value x Ratio No.63/2014/ND-CP) Evaluation cost of environmental impact Included in the total 6.16 assessment (EIA) report budget of project 7 Contingency 20,253,589,706 2,025,358,971 22,278,948,677 After-tax (Clearance value+ Construction value + Equipment Contingency of the increase on working 7.1 8.00% value + Project 10,916,243,972 1,091,624,397 12,007,868,369 volume management value + Consultation value + Survey value) x Ratio According to the table 7.2 Contingency cost for inflation factor 6.84% 9,337,345,735 933,734,573 10,271,080,308 of contingency costs Total 151,289,248,809 15,105,862,477 166,395,111,287 Rounding value 166,395,111,287

29 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

A. Natural environment

1. Topography, Geology, and Soils

64. Ha Giang has a complex topography with large altitude variation. The average elevation of Ha Giang is 800m – 1,200m above sea level with 5 mountains varied from 2,000m to 2,500m. The subproject topography is described as part of the Northern highland (or Dong Van Stone Plateau) covering Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac district. The dominant topography of the area is 90% limestone, typical karst terrain with sharp mountain ranges, deep and narrow ravines, steep cliffs.

2. Weather, natural disaster and climate change

65. Ha Giang usually has cold air mass movement from the plain area and the Northeast mountainous area so there is no extreme cold condition period as in the Northeast mountainous area. Only in some high area, near the mountain peak as in Pho Bang area - 1,400m above sea level, where the lowest temperature could fall down to 5.60C.

66. The topographical conditions of Viet Bac mountainous area and Hoang Lien Son range where Ha Giang is lying on has bring the province a high humidity conditions. The average humidity ranges from 80 to 87%.

67. The annual rainfall differs across the various topographic regions from 1,031mm in Thuong Phung commune, Meo Vac district to 4,721mm in the subproject district of Bac Quang and 4,846mm in Quang Ngan commune, Vi Xuyen district.

68. The provincial climate in the subproject area is divided into two clear seasons, the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April next year. The average annual temperature is about 20-23oC. According to the statistical yearbook of 2016, the annual average temperature fluctuates in the range of 22.4oC - 24oC.

3. Hydrology

69. Ha Giang is situated within the upper basins of the Lo, Gam and Chay rivers. The Lo River is the biggest river in Ha Giang province originating from the Yunnan province in China, flowing to the South through Vi Xuyen and Bac Quang district and then enter into Tuyen Quang province. The total length of Lo River in Ha Giang is 97 km and the river basin in Ha Giang is about 2,104 km2.

4. Surface and ground water resources

Surface water resources

70. Surface water resource in the province is relatively abundant. According to Ha Giang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the subproject is located in the area of stone

30 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

plateau and very few rivers, streams that are inconvenient for collecting surface water samples in the region. According to the report on surface water environmental monitoring in 2017 of DONRE, the subproject has only one sampling point located at the beginning of the area (the antinmon mine in Mau Due commune). The monitoring results show that the COD indicator exceeds 1.56 times pursuant to QCVN 08:2015/BTNMT. The value of the remaining indicators is within the allowable limits of QCVN 08:2015/BTNMT.

Groundwater resources

71. Several studies have been conducted on groundwater quality and reserves in Ha Giang province. Underground water reserve in Ha Giang province is abundant and could be used as the water supply sourc domestic water supply as well as industrial water supply.

72. Ha Giang DONRE has implemented a monitoring program to evaluate the underground water quality in 2017 with some parameters as lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, iron, ammonia, coliform, etc. However, the subproject is located in the area of high rocky mountain so it is difficult for the analysis of groundwater samples. According to the provincial environment status report in 2017, there is no groundwater sample is analyzed near the subproject area.

5. Air quality and noise

73. Compared to the QCVN3, all the parameters of air quality and noise at 45 monitoring locations in Ha Giang province are within the accepted limit values (according to the provincial environment status report in 2017). The nearest location to the subproject is the factory of antinom ore sorting in Mau Due – Yen Minh (Pac Luy village, Mau Due commune, the gate of the factory) - about 1.2 km away from the subproject.

B. Biological environment

1. Forest

74. The total forestry area of Ha Giang is 445,398.19 ha in 2017 and the forestry coverage ratio reaches at 55.5%. However, the forest quality has recently reduced. The scattered forest and forest encroachment issues create a risk to the provincial biodiversity. In which, Ha Giang province has 6 nature reserves and special forests.

75. The main construction work of the subproject is upgrading the road based on the existing foundation. With more than 50% forest coverage of natural area, there is no fauna or flora species listed in Vietnam Red Book in the subproject area during recent years4.

2. Agriculture

76. The agricultural land in Dong Van and Meo Vac district account for 86% and 45% of total land area in each province respectively.

3 QCVN 05: 2013/BTNMT National Technical Regulation on Ambient Air Quality and QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT National Technical Regulation on Noise 4 Information provided by staff of Ha Giang Environmental Protection Agency and via public consultation meeting in Trung Thanh, Ngoc Linh and Dong Tam communes.

31 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Table 10: Land use in the subproject districts in 2016

Dong Van district Meo Vac district Total area % compared Total area % compared (ha) to total area (ha) to total area Total land area 45,171.22 57,418.21 Agricultural land 16,552.43 37% 25,898.96 45% Forest land 18,337.19 41% 19,675.25 34.27% Specialized land 579.10 1.28% 1,026.87 1.79% Residential land 605.42 1.34% 514.94 0.9% Other land 9,097.08 20% 10,302.19 17.94%

Source: Provincial statistical yearbook, 2017

C. Socio-economic conditions and infrastructure

1. Population and Ethnology

77. The total population in four target communes is 17,425 people of 3,381 households. The main beneficiaries of the subproject will be 132 people (accounting for 12%) in 4 villages. 78. The analyzed and evaluated data in this section of the report were taken from a survey of socio-economic surveys of 173 people in 4 communes that benefited directly from the subproject. Table 11: Ethnic composition and gender characteristics of the survey

Households Women Men Total people headed by Ethnology - women disaggregated Number Number of Number of Number % % % % of people people people of people Kinh 4 5% 5 5% 9 5% 0 0% Mong 18 23% 47 49% 65 38% 6 43% Tay 7 9% 5 5% 12 7% 4 29% Dao 28 36% 18 19% 46 27% 2 14% Nung 3 4% 6 6% 9 5% 1 7% Other 17 22% 15 16% 32 18% 1 7%

Total 77 96 173 14 Source: Socio-economic survey of households, 2017

32 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

2. Living standards and housing

79. Table 7 presents the poverty incidence in the target wards/communes. The survey results on household economic classification show that there are 78 poor households (45%), 49 households fall near poverty line (28%) and 46 non-poor households (27%). The percentage of poor households varies considerably between communes by subproject area and by gender of householders. Table 12: Economic conditions disaggregated by ethnic and gender

Ethnology - disaggregated Households Economic Total headed by conditions people Kinh Mong Tay Dao Nung Other women

Poor 4 33 8 20 9 4 78 9 Near poverty line 2 21 0 18 0 8 49 4 Non-poor 3 11 4 8 0 20 46 1 Source: Socio-economic survey of households, 2017

3. Employment and income

80. Agriculture production is the dominant income source of all communes. The main crops are paddy and maize. Livestock is regarded as a major source of income in the target communes. The main agricultural products in these communes are listed below.

Table 13: Main agricultural products in the subproject communes in 2016

Indicators Unit Sung Trai Lung Phin Sung Mang Sung Tra Paddy + Planted Areas ha 31 + Production ton 178 Maize + Planted Areas ha 330 357 328 538 + Production ton 1,039 1,243 1,037 1,996 Soy bean + Planted Areas ha 166 205 156 188 + Production ton 203 242 174 187 Tea + Planted Areas ha 72 + Production ton 14 Vegetable + Planted Areas ha 221 148

33 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Indicators Unit Sung Trai Lung Phin Sung Mang Sung Tra + Production ton 685 Livestock Buffalo head 217 Cow head 1,747 1,175 895 1,256 Goat head 710 1,035 1,083 1,750 Pig head 2,083 1,137 953 2,121 Chicken head 16,416 11,600 17,095 26,863 Bee swarm 356 500 550 925 Source: Available data from the survey, 2017

4. Education and health

81. There are 1 hospital, 2 regional polyclinics, and 17 medical aid stations in Dong Van district. Meanwhile, Meo Vac district has 1 hospital, 2 regional polyclinics, and 16 medical aid stations. In 2017, the malnourished proportion of under-5 children was 22% in the whole province. This situation in the two subproject districts is higher than other districts at 27% and 29% of Dong Van and Meo Vac respectively5.

82. All communes in the project area have primary, secondary and pre-schools. According to statistics, the majority of population has completed primary, secondary schools. The number of high schools in Dong Van and Meo Vac district is 1 and 1 respectively. The llliteracy rate accounts for about 2.5% of the population (mainly the elderly and ethnic minorities).

Table 14:The number of schools in the subproject area in 2017

Number of Number of Total communes/ Number of Number of District elementary secondary wards/towns pre-school high schools schools schools Ha Giang 195 215 196 171 23 province Dong Van 19 20 13 13 1 Meo Vac 18 19 18 19 1

Source: Provincial statistical yearbook in Ha Giang province, 2017

5. HIV and human trafficking

83. Overall, the knowledge on HIV/AIDS of people in the subproject area is fairly low. It is recorded that 56% of respondents (Social survey) had heard about HIV/AIDS. For those who had some knowledge of HIV/AIDS, the main sources of information were television (85%), health

5 Provincial statistical yearbook in Ha Giang province, 2017

34 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

workers (19%), other information sources as radio, from relatives or friends or community posters. Human trafficking has also not been recorded in the subproject area.

6. Infrastructure

84. All wards/communes have asphalt roads or concrete roads going from districts to the commune centers. However, many routes to villages are still dirt roads and trails. Transportation condition is very limited, some routes to remote villages must go by walk instead of cars or motorbikes. During rainy season, it is particularly difficult for traveling in these routes.

85. The subproject communes are all connected to the national grid although in the more remote villages, some households do not have access because of the distance from the grid. Overall, the percentage of households with grid connections ranges from 18 to 13% in Dong Van and Meo Vac district respectively. (Statistical Yearbook in 2017)

86. In general, the socio-economic conditions of the subproject area are better than the average level, reflecting the nature of the subproject road as being a strategic role for the transportation of industrial freight and raw materials. The improved route is expected to connect the traffic network between the political centers, inter-provincial economic and social centers; and between Huu Vinh, Dong Minh and Mau Due commune in Yen Minh district; Sung Trai and Lung Phin commune of Dong Van district; Sung Mang and Sung Tra and Ta Lung commune belonging to Meo Vac district.

7. Landmines, unexploded ordnances

87. In remote areas of Northern Viet Nam, ordnance used by combatants during the conflict that took place in the region between 1962 and 1976, and also from border conflict with China and Cambodia during 1980s. Unexploded ordnance includes bombs dropped from aircraft, booby traps and land mines, all of which are indiscriminate and as a result, it led to a wide varieties of unexploded ordnance leftover and defied the assessment of risks to a reliable level.

88. UXO devices are encountered when ploughing fields, searching for scrap metal and even by children playing. Within the subproject area, relatively higher risks occur at land close to the border, particularly with China. In recent years, UXO related accidents have occurred in areas near the Chinese border. The information on the risk level, incidents records in any subproject area which are maintained by the Government agency as Bomb/Mine Technology Center (BOMICEN), under the Ministry of Defense. Risk assessment may also be based on the existing land to be used under the subproject, and the level of disturbance in the subproject implementation: if land is already used for human activities and vehicle traffic, and the disturbance such as plowing and excavations, is likely to be relatively safe. However landmine, UXO risks are always present to certain degree when the excavation is to take place.

D. Key Environmental Features

89. Physical environmental features: The subproject route starts from Sung Trai commune, Dong Van district to Sung Tra commune, Meo Vac district with high mountainous terrain and steep rocky cliffs, and the road is located at the elevation of 800 - 1,400 m above sea level.

35 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

90. Social environmental features: The road goes through several crowded residential areas of Lung Phin commune, Dong Van district, especially 7 km goes through Dong Van Stone Plateau. There are secondary schools, kindergartens in Lung Phin and Sung Mang commune, Sung Trai commune market, Lung Phin market along the road.

E. Legally protected area

91. The subproject area within the Geological Heritage area of the Dong Van Rock Plateau has been recognized as a global geopark "Dong Van Karst Plateau" on October 3, 2010 by the Global Geological Park Network (GGN) of the United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 92. Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is located in the Northeast of Ha Giang province. Most of its surface is limestone (about 60%). Its scenery is spectacular and with high mountains and deep canyons. The highest peak is Mac Vac mountain (1,971m) while Tu San is the deepest canyon (700-800 m in depth). 93. UNESCO's global geopark is located at the expansion of the foothills in the Eastern Himalayas. Geography dates from about 550 million years ago to the present in seven different stages and includes biology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, tectonics, rocks, caves and even important faults. The geology in the UNESCO Global Geopark reflects important events of the Earth's history such as two mass extinction boundaries of Frasnian-Famennian (360 million years ago) and Permian-Triassic (250 million years ago). This includes three groups of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as stratigraphic, lithological and biological characteristics. Its paleontological diversity shows 19 valuable ancient creature groups such as ancient fish, ancient flora, corals, and mollusks. However, the nature of the subproject is to upgrade existing roads, not to exploit, encroach or affect landscape areas. 94. The subproject is in line with the objective of promoting tourism, providing favorable conditions for transportation, improving the living conditions of Ethnic Minorities in the areas of economic and cultural development; and preserving and promoting the value of the Geopark. The subproject complies with the recommendations of UNESCO specialists in the review of Dong Van Plateau Geopark of UNESCO Global Geological Institute in August 2018. The subproject was approved by the UNESCO Viet Nam National Committee agreed in accordance with the Document No.16/BTK/19 on February 12, 2019 - Appendix enclosed). UNESCO Vietnam National Committee also requested that during the construction process, the landscape, ecological environment and heritage system of Dong Van Plateau Global Geopark would not be affected. During the construction, the attention should be paid into impact analysis on existing geological and cultural heritages, and simultanously identify new geological heritage manifestations. In case of detection, the consultation of individuals and scientific organizations and the development of the plan to protect, preserve and promote heritage values are essential. 95. On the Dong Van Rock Plateau area, there are two areas of nature conservation and biodiversity namely Du Gia and Bat Dai Son nature reserve. However, the construction area of Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac route is located 48km far from the Du Gia and about 63km from Bat Dai Son nature reserve (The map shown below).

36 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

Figure 6: Location of the route on Dong Van Rock Plateau area and protected areas

37 Basic Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth in the Northeastern Provinces Sector Project Initial Environmental Examination of Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Provincial Road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac

VI. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

96. This section discusses the potential environmental impacts of the subproject and identifies mitigation measures to minimize the impacts in the design, construction and operation phases of the subproject.

97. All activities during the construction phase will be mainly confined to the existing road. The main physical issues relate to impacts such as vegetation clearance, earthworks, material storage, spoil disposal, and waste disposal. The effects of these activities are examined.

98. The subproject implementation will impact on local people living, especially those who live along the subproject road. There are several crowded residential areas along this route, namely Lung Phin commune center, Sung Mang commune, Sung Tra commune and Sung Trai market area.

99. The potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures associated with the pre- construction, construction and operational phases are assessed below. The criterias for assessment are in line with ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 and the Government of Viet Nam standards based on the Environmental Protection Law (2014). An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was created to provide mitigation measures and monitoring plans. When the Government standards or guidelines have conflicts with the ADB SPS, the ADB SPS will be applied as the policy for the subproject implementation. The EMP is presented below including mitigation measures and monitoring plans for the implementation of the subproject road.

A. Potential impacts and mitigation measures in the pre-construction phase

1. Land acquisition and resettlement

100. Impacts: Impacts on land of households: The subproject has slightly affected a total of 132 households, however no household must relocate for resettlement. In total there will be permanently 5,605 m2 of affected lands, in which, 710 m2 of residential land, 3,850 m2 for annual crop, 675m2 for perennial crop, and 370 m2 of public land. The area of and for trees land is 39,047 m2. The results of Inventory of Losses is described in the Table 15.

Table 15: Impacts on land of households and organizations

City, district / Total Rice Land for Land for Production Residentia Aquaculture Other public No. ward, affected land annual perennial forest land l land (m2) land (m2) land (m2) commune area (m2) (m2) crops (m2) crops (m2) (m2)

A Dong Van 4,115 500 0 2,925 490 0 0 200 1 Sung Trai 1,915 145 0 1,475 295 0 0 0 2 Lung Phin 2,200 355 0 1,450 195 0 0 200 B Meo Vac 1,490 210 0 925 185 0 0 170 1 Sung Mang 1,490 210 0 925 185 0 0 170 2 Sung Tra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 5,605 710 0 3,850 675 0 0 370

(Source: Inventory of Losses (IOL), 9/2017) Impacts on houses and works: The subproject will affect 40 m2 of houses and shops of households. Additionally, the project also has an impact on the architectural works of households along the route including as 125 m2 of warehouses, 275 m2 of fences, 760 m2 of concrete yard. The results of surveyed damages to houses and structures are indicated in the Table 16.

Table 16: The extent of damage to houses and buildings Electricity pole, City, district / House Warehouse Fence Concrete No. ward, telephone line (m2) (m2) (m2) yard (m2) commune pole A Dong Van 40 75 195 500 11 1 Sung Trai 40 40 10 145 1 2 Phin 0 35 185 355 10 B Meo Vac 0 0 80 210 5 1 Sung Mang 0 0 80 210 5 2 Sung Tra 0 0 0 0 0 Tổng 40 75 275 710 16 (Source: Inventory of Losses (IOL), 9/2017)

Impacts on crops: The subproject will affect crops (rice, corn, cassava, peanuts, etc.) and a total of 507 different types of trees including as fruit trees, timber trees and other trees along the route in 4 communes of 2 districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac.

101. Mitigation measures: During the feasibility study phase, resettlement and land acquisition impacts are being identified and a Resettlement and Ethnic Minority Development Plan prepared. Since only 132 households slightly affect once the subproject implements, the REMDP will be updated and validated, and will provide compensation and support for affected households as appropriate. The PMU will also inform the information related to the road constructionto the People's Committees of all communes/towns and local people in 4 communes as Sung Trai, Lung Phin commune in Dong Van district, and Sung Mang, Sung Tra commune in Meo Vac district. Arrangements will be made for regular monitoring and to record and redress grievances.

2. Relocation of Services

102. Impacts: The road will be mainly constructed on the same route and the main construction activity will be the upgrade of road surface with some small realignments. The relocation of some low-voltage electricity poles and telecomunication poles along the existing route maybe necessary. In accordance to the Inventory of Losses (2017), 16 electricity poles/ telephone line poles must be relocated as described in the Table 15.

103. Mitigation measures: The provisions for relocation will be made in the contract as required, and the contractor should co-ordinate with service providers. Before construction starts, the PMU will work with the 4 CPCs for the plan development and implementation to relocate the utilities, other affected structures, and avoid or minimize service interruptions. The relocation plan shall specify roles and responsibilities for relocation as well as the timing and relocation sites.

3. Disturbance of landmines, unexploded ordnances

104. Impacts: Along the subproject road, there is some possibility that UXO remains from previous conflict. The risks should be verified by consultations.

105. Mitigation measures: The PMU will also verify with the Ha Giang Provincial Military Commanders to check whether the area along the subproject route has been checked for in the past. If a risk is identified following consultation, an authorized UXO clearance unit will be engaged to undertake UXO detection and clearance along the subproject road. The PMU must ensure that the construction contractors shall only commence site works after the UXO clearance unit has certified that the subproject areas as safe.

B. Potential impacts and mitigation measures in the construction phase

1. Impacts on vegetation along the route

106. Impacts: The construction work will involve the removal of trees along the route, mainly pine trees and some of fruit trees cultivated by people who live along the road such as persimmon trees and mu oil tree (chine wood oil tree). The construction activities will also create noise, vibration that may disturb wild animals living in the forest area next to the road. The workers could hunt wild animals and cut down trees for fuel wood. This is a minor impact and will take place over

36 months of construction time. The number of trees cut down will be small so the impact on subproject ecosystem is insignificant.

107. Mitigation measures: Trees cultivated by local residents removed for the construction will be compensated under the provisions of the REMDP. To reduce the impact on further trees and vegetation, Forest Ranger and DARD offices of Dong Van and Meo Vac district should be informed about the construction time and schedule, scope of works as well as expected material storage sites and location of worker camps. No construction camps, bitumen heating facilities, depots or material storage sites will to be located in or near the area of pine forest from Km 30+400 to Km 30+600. The contractor should take control measures to prevent workers from hunting animals; collecting timber, firewood from this pine forest; or trading wood and firewood from illegal sources. The PMU assisted by the ESP and CSC will strictly supervise and monitor the protection of trees and other vegetation.

2. Impacts on existing infrastructure

108. Impacts: The construction activities could impact on electrical power supplies and telecommunication systems. The potential impact is minor as it only occur at sites with minor realignment over the 36-month construction period.

109. Mitigation measures: To minimize the impact, the contractors will provide advance information of the construction schedule to the relevant service providers, infrastructure management units, and co-ordinate with them to ensure prompt relocation and reconnection. If any facilities are accidentally damaged during the period, they should be reported to CSC and PMU as well as the owner of the facilities and simultaneously repair at the contractor’s expense.

3. Impacts of excavation and material extraction

110. Impacts: During construction phase, the excavation and exploitation activities may result in the release of soil and silt if the area is uncleaned. Afterthat, it leads to block nearby streams within quarries andmsedimentation areas; and potentially affects cultivated areas of local people. The excavation activities also cause the change on soil layer structure and create unstable soil volume in soil mines. When it rains, stormwater runoff will carry soil and rock to surrounding water bodies that cause sedimentation and erosion. In case the materials are stored in the construction sites for long period, overflow rainwater could carry the construction materials as sand, soil into surrounding rivers and streams. Soil excavation and material exploitation also create soil, slit and potentially affect streams and lakes along both sides of the route and surrounding cultivated areas. However, it is estimated that the soil volume for back filling during the subproject road construction is nearly 15,862.25 m3 while the volume of excavated soil is about 313,913.52 m3, in which 298,051.28 m3 of wasted soil, rock. This therefore does not take advantage of all 100% filling soil from excavated soil. These impacts only exist in the short term and could be mitigated.

111. Mitigation measures: To prevent the release of silt from negative talus area and the route with lower elevation, the contractors will use silt fences around excavation sites and stockpiles. Once the extraction work completed, the quarries and borrow pits will be closed, rendered safe as agreed with landowners. The land return may include landscape restoration, tree-planting and greening of barren land as appropriate, etc.

4. Impacts of the generated wastes

112. Impacts: Soil from excavation activities which could not be reused as filling soil (about 298,051 m3), could have significant impacts on environmental degradation such as soil erosion when placed on slopes as well as the release of silt. 113. Mitigation measures: With the excavated soil can not be reused, the contractor will dispose at the following disposal sites: (i) Km 14+00 to Km 14+200 (main route) in Mau Due commune, Yen Minh district (ii) Km 31+100 to km 31+200 (main route) in Sung Mang commune, Meo Vac district

114. The material stockpiles will be temporarily covered and stored on site for a minimum of 24 hours. Most of the disposal sites are vacant land with shrubs and grasses. In addition to this, due to the need of taking project land for leveling substruction in the construction projects at mountainous areas; therefore, the contractors could, through CPC and PMU, organize to classify surplus rock and soil for households within the route to use.

5. Generation of construction waste and domestic waste from workers

115. Impacts: Solid waste generated from construction works mainly includes waste from workers' camps, and packaging of materials and equipments including bitumen drums, oil containers and cardboard. Some may contain hazardous or semi hazardous substances. Domestic waste from workers’ camps may include organic waste, plastic, other packaging and semi toxic items such as used batteries. Other waste will be generated at workshops, vehice maintenance and storage site and refueling sites. It is assessed as an average impact since the construction sites, workshops and depots will be at various locations along the 16.1 km length of the subproject road including residential areas. Uncontrolled waste disposal could further reduce ambient air and soil quality or heavily impacts on local people in the subproject area.

116. Mitigation measures: Contractors will be required to (i) reuse and recycle wastes such as cement bags, metal waste as appropriate, (ii) install rubbish bins at work sites and worker's camps to allow efficient collection of waste, and (iii) transport the solid waste to a disposal site approved by the CSC.

117. Construction waste will be temporarily stored at the construction site before being transferred to the garbage disposal site, the contractors must ensure the following: i) must keep a safe distance 250m from streams, water sources; ii) must keep a safe distance of 200m from sensitive residential areas; iii) cover the storage area during rainy days and iv) temporary storage will not exceed 48 hours at the construction site.

6. Hazardous waste

118. Impacts: Hazardous waste is mainly paint, waste oil, oily rags, unused batteries, alkaline or acid scraps. This type of waste is harmful to the environment if not properly collected and controlled.

119. Mitigation measures: The investor will require the contractor to implement the following measures to control the effects of hazardous waste: (i) Collect 100% of oily rags and specialized containers (hazardous waste collection bins) located at the construction area; (ii) Supply two containers of 100-200 liter in each maintenance area of construction machines and equipments to collect all waste oil; (iii) Do not burn waste oil, oily rags within construction sites or residential areas; (iv) Restrict vehicle repairs at the construction site (only in case of incidents). Major repairs must be done in the garage within the area. (v) Waste oil must be collected and stored in impervious surface floors and handled by hazardous waste treatment companies; (vi) The collection, transportation, and disposal are performed by the Company specializing in hazardous waste treatment and must comply with the provisions of the Circular 36/2015/TT-BTNMT (on June 30, 2015) on hazardous waste management. The contractor must record types of hazardous waste generated, the handling and transport process of such hazardous wastes in the project (for example, who handles, from where to where, the date of transportation, responsibility).

7. Impacts from bitumen heating and road compaction equipments

120. Description: The operation of road compaction machines will generate noise and dust, while bitumen heating will generate gas and odor. Although the emissions from powered mechanical equipments will be rapidly dispersed in the open terrain of mountainous areas, they will need to be sited carefully to avoid complaints. The impact will occur at the construction sites along the subproject road and affect local people in surrounding areas. Bitumen heating could create a risk of fire if fuel wood in open fires is used for bitumen heating. However, the affected level is insignificant due to small construction activities and the surface of the road at only 3.5m.

121. Mitigation measures: To minimize the negative impacts, the contractors should ensure that the activities with loud noise, vibration and bitumen heating take place at least 50 m away from sensitive areas such as Sung Trai commune market (Km 22+800); Lung Phin commune centers (Km 30+00 to Km 30+300), Lung Phin kindergarten (Km 30 + 200); medical clinic in Sung Mang commune (Km 31 + 800); secondary school in Sung Mang commune (Km 33 + 900), high school in Sung Mang commune (Km 34 + 600), Sung Mang kindergarten (Km 34 + 700) and primary schools, CPC and medical clinic in Sung Tra commune (Km 37 + 300). The PMU and CSC will responsible to monitor mitigation measures during 36-month of construction phase.

8. Impacts from noise, dust and vibration generated by the construction activities

122. Impacts: Earthworks and rock crushing activities will be the main sources of dust. Construction machines and vehicles will generate gaseous emissions (NOx SOx, CO, CO2, etc.) when they are in operation. These gaseous emissions and dust could cause health problems for residents who live near the construction site and along the transportation route as shown in the Figure 3, especially at sensitive points such as schools, kindergartens, markets, commune centers and medical clinics. Specifically, Sung Trai commune market (Km 22 + 800), Lung Phin commune center (Km 30+00 to Km 30+300); Lung Phin kindergarten (Km 30+200); medical clinic in Sung Mang commune (Km 31+800); secondary school in Sung Mang commune (Km 33+900), high school in Sung Mang commune (Km 34+600), Sung Mang kindergarten (Km 34+700) and primary schools, CPC and medical clinic in Sung Tra commune (Km 37+300).

123. The impact is considered as average since the subproject road goes through several residential areas of four communes as Sung Trai, Lung Phin, Sung Mang and Sung Tra in 2 districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac, Ha Giang province.

124. Mitigation measures: Similar to the mitigation measure for the impacts from bitumen heating and compaction equipments, the contractors should not locate any noisy machines or large material storage site near or within protection forest and residential areas of Lung Phin, Sung Mang, Sung Tra commune, Sung Trai commune market and all sensitive points mentioned table 16 below. The contractors will work with 4 CPCs and the representative of ESS and PMU to identify areas for depots of construction machines and a materials transportation plan in the contractors’ Environmental Management Plan. The PMU and CSC will responsible to monitor these mitigation measures.

9. Landslide, soil erosion and washout

125. Impacts: Erosion and washout could happen during rain, especially at the roadside and rock and soil areas for construction. Erosion and washout could also affect clean water tank in Sung Mang commune (Km 34+100 to Km 34+200; the area of 6,000m2) and cultivation areas of local people. Besides, landslide could happen in sections with high slopes adjoining the road, especially when the vegetation cover is cleared out. Landslide will damage the road, block movement and release soil, rock materials into agricultural land and scattered residential areas along the route.

126. Mitigation measures: There is currently no sign of landslide and soil erosion in the subproject area based upon stable conditions of slopes and vegetation cover. However, to minimize possible impacts from soil erosion and washout into agricultural land and residential ares in Sung Trai commune (Km 22+300 to Km 22+800), Lung Phin commune (Km 30+00 to Km 30+300) and Sung Mang commune (Km 33+700 to Km 34+800), it requires to set up silt fences around material stockpiles. Especially, the location of clean water tanks in Sung Mang commune (Km 34+100 to Km 34+200) needs to set up a barrier to minimize dust affecting water tanks during the construction process. The gathering location of construction materials and excavated soil is located at least 200m far from water tanks and also requires to set up a fence around material stockpiles. The contractors will also follow weather forecasts to avoid activities such as excavation and slope strimming on heavy rain days.

10. Impacts by the large influx of construction workers

127. Impacts: About 40-50 workers will be mobilized discontinuously during the 36-month construction phase. The influx of construction workers can cause (i) a burden on local public services as electric and water supply; (ii) the risk of disease transmission to the subproject area; (iii) conditions for great spread of diseases such as sore eyes, cholera, flu and respiratory problems; (iv) risk of social problems such as gambling, drug addiction, prostitution and violence. The impacts would be on both workers and local communities near the construction sites.

128. Mitigation measures: (i) careful selection of workers' camps need to be approved by the PMU and located within effective drainage system to avoid the reproduction of mosquitoes and flies; (ii) registration of workers with local police while resident in the subproject area; (iii) the workers' camps should be regularly maintained to ensure the operation of efficient drainage 44

system; (iv) workers should have health checks before starting work in the subproject and should be trained for living and working behaviors in advance; (v) engaging local people including unskilled or semi skilled jobs when they are able and willing to undertake them. Local people in the residential area of the 4 subproject communes as Sung Trai, Lung Phin, Sung Mang and Sung Tra will benefit from the subproject implementation.

11. Safety risks of local people or construction workers

129. Impacts: Workers and residents within the subproject area are at risk of accidents associated with construction, particularly excavations and operations involving heavy machinery. Material transport and construction activities on the existing road may create the risk of traffic safety, and affect houses and other structures on roadsides, particularly on the sensitive points as shown in the table below. Table 17: Sensitive points along the route Distance to No. Sensitive points Station (Km) center line (m) 1 Sung Trai commune market Km 22+800 15 2 Lung Phin kindergarten Km 30+200 6 3 Sung Mang medical clinic Km 31+800 5 4 Sung Mang secondary school Km 33+900 6 From Km34+100 5 Clean water tank 7 to Km 34+200 6 Sung Mang high school Km 34+600 6 7 Sung Mang kindergarten Km 34+700 8 Primary school, CPC, Sung Tra medical Km 34+300 8 15 clinic

130. Mitigation measures: The contractors will (i) conduct training for workers on safety, including roles and responsibilities, good practice principles and environmental hygiene; (ii) establish site and camp rules such as wearing proper safety apparel such as safety boots, helmets, protective clothes, gloves and ear protection; (iii) ensure that vehicle and machine operators are trained and qualified; (iv) ensure that all excavation sites are fenced with signal boards and; (v) allocate responsibility to supervisor staff to ensure that all safety rules are followed at all times. The subproject will take note of opinions and complaints from local people and authorities on safety.

12. Impacts on the local traffic

131. Impacts: Construction activities on the subproject road will cause hindrance in traffic flow if no appropriate mitigation measures, especially when there is no other option for travelling. There are several schools and kindergartens located along the road namely Lung Phin kindergarten (Km30+200), Sung Mang secondary school (Km 33+90), and Sung Mang high school (Km

34+600). Therefore, children and pupils will have difficulty in getting to schools. Sung Trai commune market (Km 22+800), People's Committee (Km 37+310) and medical clinic in Sung Tra commune (Km 37+300) are also located roadside of the subproject area. The construction will make difficulties for people to reach these markets, medical examination and implementation of communal administrative procedures. Local people and people from other areas who travel on the subproject road will be affected during 36-month construction period.

132. Mitigation measures: To minimize the disturbance to local people, the contractor will prepare and submit to the CSC a construction traffic plan indicating the timing of vehicle journeys in order to avoid peak traffic hours, as well as parking areas and any temporary access roads to be used. The contractor will also coordinate with local traffic authorities in Dong Van and Meo Vac district to implement appropriate traffic diversion schemes to avoid inconvenience due to subproject operations to road users. The contractor will schedule material transportation to avoid congestion, and setup clear traffic signal boards, traffic advisory signs at the start and end points of two road sections and at the sensitive locations as schools, kindergartens, medical clinics and markets. Diversion route signages being visible even at night and flag persons to warn of dangerous conditions will also be installed. A traffic officer will be designated for each construction site by the contractor.

13. Impacts on the landscape of subproject area

133. Impacts: The vegetation clearing, house demolition and road expansion will affect the landscape of the area. The both-side valley terrain is fairly flat during most of the length of the route, which will adversely mainly affect landscape during the construction and will become better after the project completed. However, there is about 5.5km (Km 21/PR.176 – Km 26+500/PR.176) that passes through rocky areas. The route expansion through this section may affect the landscape and geology of the area.

134. Mitigation measures: In order to minimize the impact on the landscape and geology of the project area, the design of the alignment and expansion of the route through this area, the PMU needs to consult the detailed design and the construction methodology of the area with the Global Geopark Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau (Dong Van Krast Plateau Geopark) to ensure that the impacts from the route expansion will not significantly affect the overall geology of the rocky area as well as adversely affect the landscape of this area.

Figure 7: The route passing through the rocky area

14. Impacts on adjusting the radius of curvature

135. Impacts: The construction area of the route is located on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, it therefore may have to clear the surface of the route, adjust positive talus roof to reduce slope, expand the visibility to ensure traffic safety on the route. The following table shows the excavation locations for the expansion of the route.

Table 18: The location for stone excavation to expand the route

No. Km Chainage Depth (m) Location km20+043 ÷ km20+178 4 Left km20+213 ÷ km20+391 2 ÷ 3 Right 1 20 km20+522 ÷ km20+855 3 ÷ 4 Left km20+992 ÷ km21+00 4 Right km21+00 ÷ km21+421 2 ÷ 3 Right 2 21 km21+630 ÷ km22+00 3 ÷ 4 Right 3 22 km22+00 ÷ km22+036 2 ÷ 3 Right 47

No. Km Chainage Depth (m) Location km22+153 ÷ km22+300 1 ÷ 2 Right km22+556 ÷ km22+578 2 ÷ 3 Left km22+677 ÷ km23+00 2 ÷ 3 Right 4 23 km23+00 ÷ km23+888 2 ÷ 3 Right 5 24 km24+00 ÷ km25+00 1.5 ÷ 2.5 Left 6 25 km25+032 ÷ km26+00 1.5 ÷ 2.5 Left km26+00 ÷ km26+600 1.5 ÷ 2 Left 7 26 km26+850 ÷ km27+00 2 ÷ 3 Right km27+00 ÷ km27+066 2 ÷ 3 Right 8 27 km27+110 ÷ km28+00 2 ÷ 3 Left km28+00 ÷ km28+400 2 ÷ 3 Left 9 28 km28+470 ÷ km29+00 Right km29+300 ÷ km29+320 1 ÷ 2 Right 10 29 km29+915 ÷ km30+00 1 ÷ 2 Right 11 30 Km30+400 ÷ km30+600 1 ÷ 2 Left Km31+00 ÷ km31+200 Right 12 31 Km31+430 ÷ km31+700 1 ÷ 2 Right Km32+00 ÷ km32+150 1 ÷ 2 Left 13 32 Km32+240 ÷ km32+790 2 ÷ 3 Left Km32+870 ÷ km33+00 2 ÷ 3 Left 14 33 Km33+00 ÷ km33+900 3 ÷ 4 Left 15 34 Km34+00 ÷ km34+170 2 ÷ 3 Left 16 35 Km35+240 ÷ km35+380 2 ÷ 3 Left

136. Mitigation measures: In order to minimize the impact on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, (i) the contractor will have to submit the detailed clearance measures such as manual measures for adjusting positive and negative talus roofs. The implementation process should be supervised by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The contractor is only allowed to clear or expand the route once the construction methodology is approved by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. (ii) Mobilize a specialist on culture heritage (or similar field) to train for PMU, CSC, Constractor on this matter; (iii) Ensure all the relevant stakeholders be presented at the specific sections for excavation work that listed in Table 18 above; (iv) limited rock crushing by blasting method for all subproject construction works, if blasting is necessary, the contractor, with the support of ESS, should prepare Blasting plan in accordance with the Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Construction Materials Extraction of IFC. The blasting plan should be reviewed by the Heritage Consultant, CSC and approved by PMU before blasting work take place. The following activities should be complied with: 48

• A consistent blasting schedule under blasting plan should be adopted, minimizing blast-time changes. • Planning of each blasting (arrangement, diameter, and depth and direction of blast holes) should be implemented. • Specific warning devices (e.g horn signals and flashing lights) and procedures should be implemented before each blasting activity to alert all workers and third parties in the surrounding areas. Warning procedures should include traffic limitation along local roadways and railways. • Specific personnel training on explosives handling and safety management should be conducted • Blasting-permit procedures should be implemented for all personnel involved with explosives

15. Geological heritage of Dong Van Stone Plateau

137. The subproject area is located in the area of Geological Heritage of Dong Van Stone Plateau which has been officially recognized by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a global geological park "Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark" on October 3, 2010. However, the nature of the subproject is only to upgrade and expand the existing road, not to exploit rock and soil, restrict to encroach or affect the landscape and geology of the area. 138. The subproject is in line with the goal of tourism promotion, the provision of favorable conditions for traffic, the improvement of ethnic minority living conditions in economic and cultural development areas; and the conservation and promotion of geoparks value. The subproject is consistent with the recommendation of the UNESCO experts during the re-evaluation of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark by the UNESCO Global Geological Institute in August 2018. The subproject has been unanimously agreed by the National Committee of Vietnam UNESCO (the Official Letter No.16/BTK/19 dated February 12, 2019 - Appendix attached).

139. Some impacts of the subproject may affect the Geological heritage of Dong Van Rock Plateau such as impacts from rock and soil waste; impacts from construction and domestic waste; landslide, soil erosion and washout, etc. 140. Mitigation measures: The contractor must fully and strictly implement mitigation measures to minimize impacts from rock and soil waste; impacts from construction and domestic waste; hazardous waste, landslides, soil erosion and washout were given by ESS. The CSC in co-operation with local authorities and the PMU are to monitor the construction in accordance with the law, and no impacts on the landscape, ecological environment and heritage system of the Geopark. The contractor and PMU should mobilize the Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark to participate into the construction supervision phase so that new geological heritage features could be identified and specific protection plan for the heritage also can be elaborated in a timely manner.

16. Impacts on socio-cultural areas and archaeological areas

141. The majority of people in the project area are ethnic minorities, mainly from the Dao, H'Mong, Tay, Lo Lo and Kinh groups but their ethnicity does not make them more affected than any other ethnic groups as the majority (Kinh). 49

142. There are no known archaeological or historical sites within the project boundary but if any relics/objects are excavated during the construction phase, the construction activities will comply with mitigation procedures of specific impacts.

143. Mitigation measures: For affected communities: An information disclosure and community exchange plan will be submitted to CSC/PCC for approval and subsequently implemented to provide information about project activities and ensure the open communication with affected communities, including as: o Inform people about the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) and the implementation method of GRM.

o Collaborate with local authorities to resolve project-related issues. o Arrange direct access to the staff of Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) as planned. o Keep a record of the complaint: a record of the type and number of complaints (complainant name, complaint issue, location and date, how the complaint handled, when the response received). o Organize regular meetings with community representatives (village heads and community members). o Maximize employment opportunities through creating jobs and signing sub-contract for ancillary constructions (e.g. drainage pipes, sewers, and other auxiliary structures).

132. For the excavation of archaeological artifacts or archaeological relics, the mitigation measures include as:

o There is no known archaeological relics within 100m of the route, but in case that any archaeological artifact or relic is found, all work must be suspended immediately. The CSC, PPMU and PCC will be notified and the following steps will be taken namely: o Isolation of the location/site o Call the Department of Culture and Information. o Provide document and take photographs of what is found and the area around the artifact or relic. o Follow the instructions from the Department of Culture and Information, dig and relocate the objects. o After recording documents and being instructed by officials from the Department of Culture and Information, restart the construction works.

C. Potential impacts and mitigation measures in the operation phase

1. Impacts on noise, dust, and vibration from increased traffic flows and community safety

133. The upgrading and construction of the road is likely to increase the vehicle speed on the road. The increased traffic flows with insignificant growth of future traffic will not cause serious problems related to community safety issues and regional traffic jam. On the other hand, the condition of the road facilities enhanced will make safer driving conditions during heavy rain season. The beneficiaries of the subproject are local people in Sung Trai, Lung Phin, Sung Mang

and Sung Tra commune and people who travel on the subproject road. This is an average impact since the subproject road will be upgraded to Grade V - Mountain road and creates favorable travel conditions for people of the two districts. However, the increased traffic density also releases more dust, noise, vibration and cause negative impacts on hearing ability and respiratory system of people living along the subproject road.

134. Mitigation measures: Ha Giang DOT will install speed limit board at surrounding residential areas and some other sensitive points.

2. Favorable conditions for people movement and freight transport

135. Impacts: The upgraded road will facilitate the travel of people within the subproject area, tourists and freight transport. The completed route will promote tourism development and transportation of goods, especially agricultural goods, and assist local people in improving their incomes and living standards, and also conserve, promote the value of the global geological park.

VII. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION

136. The objectives of the stakeholder consultation process during subproject preparation was to disseminate information about the subproject, its expected long-term and short-term impacts among primary and secondary stakeholders, and to gather information on relevant issues so that the feedback received could be used to address these issues at early stages of the subproject design. Another important objective was to determine the extent of the concerns among the community, address these anxieties in the subproject implementation and suggest appropriate mitigation measures.

A. Public consultation preparation

137. The stakeholders are people, groups, or institutions that may be affected, can significantly influence, or are important to the achievement of a proposed intervention. The stakeholders consulted for the construction of the subproject road included representatives from Ha Giang DPI, DONRE, and DARD. The consultation has also been implemented with representatives from Sung Trai and Lung Phin commune in Dong Van district, Sung Mang and Sung Tra commune in Meo Vac district. Among 133 people have been consulted, 36 are women (accounting for 27%), 97 are men (making up 73%). The consultations took place in September 2017.

B. Information dissemination during public consultation process

138. The provision of information through local authority offices will effectively improve the subproject implementation and better support for stakeholders. Public consultation can also assist in: i) The promotion of stakeholder cooperation to help local authorities re-confirm the extent of local permits and licenses that will be required at next stages; ii) The achievement of the cooperation from informed residents and groups which to avoid cost and time in dealing with complaints; iii) The identification of local infrastructure or other relevant works that will interface with the subproject road through the assistance from informed local authorities; iv) The collection of relevant information on the current condition of local environment including forest, wildlife and conservation.

139. The information disseminated during public consultation including as: (i) background of the project and the subproject; (ii) basic information related to ADB and the Government requirements on environmental protection and management; (iii) potential impacts during the subproject implementation and mitigation measures; and (iv) the grievance redress mechanism.

C. Results of public consultation

140. The results of the public consultations are recorded in Table 17 and 18 below. In general, all the relevant stakeholders and local community totally support the subproject implementation.

Table 19: Main issues and information from local authorities

Main issues Information from relevant authorities Ha Giang DARD: There is no specialized forest in the subproject area. The protection forest is on the top of some mountains along the subproject road Forest in the subproject at a distance of about 100 m. The protection forest is managed by the area Management Board under the Program 611 and will be changed after the completion of Handover of Community Forestry program to local people. Ha Giang DONRE: There are 6 nature reserves, conservation areas in Ha Biodiversity in the Giang but they are all far from the subproject area. There is no rare fauna subproject area and flora species in the subproject area.

Table 20: Main environmental concerns from public consultation

Main concerns How concerns are addressed in IEE Increasing ore exploitation Ha Giang DOT will install speed limit boards and road humps at the activities as the residential areas and some other sensitive points. consequence of improved driving condition Road safety issues at the The contractor will install warning boards and speed limit signs at the sections go through high beginning and end of the road, and sensitive locations such as schools, residential areas kindergartens, clinics, and markets. Navigation boards will make it clear to see even at night and a traffic officer will be arranged for diversion at dangerous locations. Traffic jams at the section Ha Giang DOT will cooperate with local traffic police to navigate the passes through Sung Trai transportation at the start point pass through Sung Trai commune and Sung and Lung Phin market Trai market, especially on the market session day.

141. The environmental assessment process under the ADB SPS 2009 requires the IEE disclosure. The IEE, including the EMP will be displayed at the PPC Headquarters and on the ADB website. Ha Giang PMU will be responsible for IEE translation to Vietnamese and disseminate at Sung Trai, Lung Phin commune in Dong Van district, and Sung Mang, Sung Tra in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province.

VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

A. Purposes of Grievance redress mechanism (GRM)

142. During the preparation of the subproject, the information is disseminated to local people on the scope of the subproject, environmental and social impacts, and grievance redress mechanism. The negative impacts of an environmental or social nature, or resettlement impacts, may occur during the construction and operational phases. Any comments/ suggestions of local people will be solved quickly, transparently in accordance with the law, particularly for people affected by the subproject. This grievance redress mechanism is classified by level and responsibilities of involved parties. The grievance redress mechanism will be disseminated with the IEE and other safeguard policy documents to ensure affected people are well aware of the grievance redress mechanism and their rights on giving opinions. During the construction phase, the contractor will assign one staff as a focal role. This officer will keep in touch with the Supervision Committee of Community Compensation and the complainant to resolve and identify solutions for negative issues related to the contractor activities.

B. Grievance redress process

143. There are four steps to address complaints received from stakeholders:

Stage 1: If a household or individual has any complaint, he/she can submit a complaint in written or verbal form to the reprentative of CPC-community monitoring board (usually the Deputy Chairman of the commune/town). The CPC will work with PMU to solve complaints and a representative of the PMU will respond in written form to the complainant. The CPC will meet personally with the aggrieved affected household and will have 30 days and a maximum of 60 days after the lodging of the complaint to resolve the case. However, it depends upon whether it is a complicated case or the distance of remote area. The CPC secretariat is responsible for documenting and keeping file of all complaints that it handles.

Stage 2: If after 30 days or 45 days (in remote areas), the complainant is not satisfied with the CPC decision taken on his/her complaint, the complainant may bring the case, either in writing, to any member of the District People’s Committee (DPC). The DPC in turn will have 30 days or a maximum of 70 days after the lodging of the complaint to resolve the case. However, it depends upon whether the case is complicated or the distance in remote area. The DPC is responsible for documenting and keeping file of all complaints that it handles and will inform the District Resettlement Committee (DRC) of any decision made, and the DRC is responsible for supporting DPC to resolve affected people’s complaint. The DPC must ensure that the complainant is notified of the decision made.

Stage 3: If after 30 days or 45 days (in remote area) the complainant does not hear from the DPC, or if not being satisfied with the decision made on his/her complaint, the complainant may bring the case, either in writing, to any member of the PPC. The PPC has 30 days or a maximum of 70 days to resolve the complaint if the case is complicated or from a remote area to the satisfaction of all concerned. However, it depends upon whether the case is complicated or the distance of remote area. The PPC is responsible for maintaining records of complaints received, action taken and outcomes.

Stage 4: If efforts to resolve disputes using the grievance procedures remain unresolved or unsatisfactory, after a period of 30 days, the complainant has the right to bring the case to a Court of law for adjudication. The decision of the Court is binding on all parties.

Affected people or households

If the complaint is not resolved within 30 days (or 60 CPC / PMU Stage 1 days in the case of a remote area)

If the complaint is not resolved within 30 days (or 45 Stage 2 days in the case of a remote area) DPC

If the complaint is not resolved within 30 days or a Stage 3 maximum of 70 days PPC

Court of Law Stage 4

C. Implementation arrangements

144. Ha Giang PMU will recruit one Environment Safeguard Specialist (ESS) under the Loan Implementation Consultants (LIC) to support the subproject implementation in Ha Giang. The ESP will support the PMU to update the EMP and monitor the compliance of the contractors during construction phase. The ESP will also be responsible for training and capacity building on the EMP implementation.

145. The PMU will appoint a Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) for the monitoring and supervision of the subproject in general as well as environmental monitoring. The CSC will ensure that the contractors will implement the provisions of the subproject EMP.

Table 21: Stakeholders and responsibilities for the EMP implementation

Acency Responsibilities - Ensure that the EMP provisions are strictly implemented during different subproject phases (design/pre-construction, construction and operation phase) to mitigate environmental impacts to acceptable levels. - Undertake monitoring of the EMP implementation (mitigation measures and monitoring) with assistance from CSC and ESS. Project Management - Ensure that the subproject implementation complies with ADB's Unit (PMU) under Ha environmental policy and the principles and requirements in the Safeguards Giang DPI Policy Statement (SPS 2009). - During the subproject implementation, committing and retaining dedicated staff within the PMU as environment and safeguards staff to oversee the EMP implementation. - Ensure that environmental protection and mitigation measures in the EMP are incorporated in the detailed design.

Acency Responsibilities - With the support from the ESS, updating the suitable EMP towards any change in the subproject scope or any unanticipated impact increase. - Obtain necessary environmental approval documents from DONRE prior to award of civil works contracts. - Include the updated EMP of the subproject in the bid and contract documents for civil works. - Establish an environmental grievance redress mechanism as described in the IEE, receive and resolve affected peoples' concerns, complaints, and grievances about the subproject's environmental performance. - With the ESS assistance, preparing semi-annual environmental monitoring reports for ADB submission. - Based on the results of the EMP supervision, identifing environmental corrective actions and prepare an action plan, as necessary, for submission to ADB. - Coordinate with the CSC and the Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark to provide the cleared surface routes, adjust talus roofs to reduce slopes and expand visibility. - The PMU staff support for the EMP implementation Environmental - Work closely with the ESS to daily supervise of the EMP implementation Safeguards Staff (ESO) and the preparation of EMP monitoring report - Update the EMP to make it suitable with the current condition or whenever changing in the subproject scope or any unanticipated impact increase. - Ensure that the environmental protection and mitigation measures identified in the EMP for the design stage has been incorporated in the detailed design; - Assist the PMU to ensure that all environmental requirements and mitigation measures from the IEE and EMP are incorporated in the bidding documents and contracts. - During the detailed design phase, preparing to collect background samples on air quality, surface water quality described in the IEE/EMP. - Implement all mitigation measures and monitoring for different subproject phases specified as the ESS’s tasks in the EMP - Work with the PMU to execute any additional environmental assessment prior to the subproject construction as required in the EMP (e.g., preparation of new or supplementary environmental assessment in case of change in Environment Safeguard road alignment that will result to adverse environmental impacts that are not Specialist (ESS) within the scope of the IEE prepared during loan processing, etc.) - Undertake capacity building activities on environmental management for the PMU as described in the IEE and EMP. - Engage international and national environment specialists to ensure the proper implementation of EMP provisions. Through experts, the ESS shall: (i) proper and timely ensure the implementation of ESP’s tasks specified in the EMP, (ii) conduct environmental training as specified in the IEE/EMP for the PMU, (iii) conduct orientation for workers on the EMP provisions, (iv) undertake regular monitoring of the contractor’s environmental performance as scheduled in the EMP (v) conduct field measurements for surface/ground water quality, dust and noise quality as required in the EMP, and (v) prepare environmental baseline report and environmental semi annual environmental monitoring reports as described in the EMP for submission to ADB. Construction - Provide the ESS relevant information as well as full access to the subproject Supervision Consultant site and all project-related facilities (such as construction yards, workers' (CSC) camps, borrow and quarry areas, crushing plants, concrete mixing plants, 56

Acency Responsibilities etc.) to monitor the contractors' implementation of the subproject EMP, assess environmental impacts from on-going site works and relevant facilities operations, undertake monitoring on environmental impacts and orientation of workers on the EMP implementation. - Undertake day-to-day subproject supervision to ensure that the contractors properly implement the EMP. - Orient workers on the EMP implementation, health and safety procedures. - Take note and report to the PMU on occupational accidents, diseases and incidents. - As part of regular progress report submission to the PMU, preparing status reports of the contractors’ EMP implementation, health and safety issues. - Assign environmental staff to ensure proper implementation of the above tasks. - Coordinate with the CSC and the Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark to provide the cleared surface routes, adjust talus roofs to reduce slopes and expand visibility. - Recruit qualified environmental officers to ensure the compliance of contractual environmental obligations, and proper implementation of the subproject EMP. - In the detailed design phase, preparing implementation plans (waste disposal management plan) as described in the IEE/EMP. - Provide sufficient funding and human resources for proper and timely implementation of required mitigation measures in the EMP. Contractors - Ensure full awareness on the EMP and required resources to implement the EMP during the subproject bidding preparation. - Implement additionally environmental mitigation measures as necessary. - The contractor is only allowed to clear and expand the route once the construction methodology is approved by the CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and execute the construction by manual method. Ha Giang Department - Responsible for operation and maintenance of the subproject road. of Transportation (DOT) - Implement the EMP monitoring during the operation. Ha Giang Department - Review and approve environmental assessment reports required by the of Natural Resources Government. and Environment - Undertake the monitoring of the subproject’s environmental indicators (DONRE) under the DONRE authority.

The organization structure of Environmental Management Plan is shown in the chart below:

ADB (Asian Development Bank) DONRE

Lang Son Bac Kan Cao Bang Ha Giang PMU - PMU - PMU - PMU - ESO ESO ESO ESO

Environment Safeguard Specialist (ESS)

Construction Supervision Consultant (TVGS)

Supervise Report

Construction Contractors

Figure 8: EMP Implementation Organization Chart

D. Environmental mitigation

146. The anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures discussed in the previous section is presented in the Table 20. The Table also shows the responsibilities and schedule for the implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring.

147. Table 20 shows that most mitigation activities during the pre-construction process are to be implemented by the ESS while during the construction, mitigation measures shall be primarily implemented by the contractors. During the operation stage, DOT shall undertake mitigation measures and environmental monitoring requirements specified in the EMP. To ensure the mitigation measures implementation during the construction, the EMP shall be included in the bid and contract documents for civil works. The contractors’ compliance with environmental contract procedures and specifications shall be regularly supervised by the PMU with assistance from the CSC, and the results shall be reported semi-annually to the ADB.

Table 22: Detailed Environmental Mitigation Plan

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost Design and Pre-construction Phase Monitor the compensation process to ensure Included Control the impacts 1. Land acquisition the compliance with the Land Acquisition and Before in the of land acquisition ESS Not applied and resettlement Resettlement Report construction contract and resettlement with ESS Control the impacts The powwer supply and telecommunication on the national grid sysstem need to be relocated prior to the Included 2. Relocate and commencement of the construction, the Before in the ESS Not applied infrastructure telecommunication Contractor will prepare and implement an On- construction contract system Demand Infrastructure Relocation Plan. with ESS

1. Coordinate with appropriate agencies at the design stage to identify if UXO is a potential threat to the construction process. Included Avoid accidents 2. Based on the findings, engage an authorized 3. Unexploded Before in the due to any kind of UXO clearance contractor as necessary. ESS Not applied Ordnance (UXO) construction contract landmines, UXO 3. Ensure that the contractors shall only with ESS commence site works after the UXO clearance unit has certified that the subproject areas are already cleared. Construction Phase 1. Minimized clearance of vegetation covers. 2. For compensation planting, only use of native origin, not exotic breeds. 3. The contractors will not permit the use of fuelwood for the execution of any part of the works, including bitumen heating and bitumen mixtures, and ensure that no fuelwood are Avoid and minimize used for cooking, and water heating in all Before and Along the Included 1. Impacts on the impacts to the camps and living accommodations. during Contractors subproject in the veegetation vegetation in the 4. Contractors shall not buy or use wood from construction road contract subproject area the illegal sources process 5. No construction camps, concrete mixing plants, material stockpiles within the pine forests. 6. Contractors will take all precautions necessary to ensure that damage to vegetation is avoided due to fires resulting from the execution of the works. The Contractors will

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost immediately suppress the fire if it occurs, and shall undertake replanting damaged vegetation. 1. Reconfirm power and water supply system are interrupted by the works. 2. Contact all relevant local authorities for facilities and local residents to plan relocation plan of service facilities. 3. Facilities shall be relocated and reconnected well before the commencement of construction Prevent service works. interruption such as 4. Affected communities shall be properly electricity and water 2. Impacts on informed in advance. Before and supply during Along the Included existing local 5. Reconnection of facilities shall be done at during relocation of the Contractors subproject in the infrastructure and the shortest practicable time before the construction local facilities. road contract services construction starts. process Repair damaged 6. Facilities damaged during the construction access shall be reported to the CSC, PMU and service roads authority, and repaired immediately. 7. Access roads, agricultural land and other properties damaged during the transportation of construction materials, and other subproject -related activities shall be reinstated upon the completion of construction works at each section. 3. Impacts on Minimize impacts 1. Prioritize use of existing quarry sites, Contractors During Construction Included excavation and from materials monthly update the list of quarries and borrow construction site, in the materials exploitation exploitation, pits, and report to the PMU, minimize impacts process earthwork contract transportation and on other local resources. area, storage 2. Replanting vegetation covers and trim temporary slopes to an stable level at any closed quarries material and borrow pits. storage area 3. Stockpile topsoil for later use, fence and re- contour borrow pits after use. Topsoil, overburden, and low-quality materials shall be properly removed, preserved and rehabilitated. 4. During exploitation in quarries and borrow pits, provide adequate drainage system to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water. 5. Ensure borrow pits are left in a tidy status with stable side slopes and proper drainage

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost system in order to avoid water bodies creation which is favorable for mosquito breeding. 6. After the completion of extraction activities, quarry and borrow pits shall be dewatered and fenced as appropriate, to minimize health and safety risks. 7. To avoid drowning when pits filled by water, different measures such as fencing, providing flotation devices such as a buoy tied to a rope, etc. shall be implemented. 1. Suitable disposal areas agreed with CPCs, checked by Ha Giang DONRE and recorded by the CSC, and monitored by the ESS/PMU. 2. Spoil and waste will not be disposed into streams or other surrounding water bodies. The disposal areas approved by local authorities as described in the Section 100 of this IEE. Construction 3. Surplus material is distributed to local people site, material Control waste for use of ground filling / high embankment. During storage Included disposal, lubricant 4. Waste disposal 4. Spoil disposals shall not cause Contractors construction area, in the oil and hazardous sedimentation and obstruction of waterbodies process equipment contract wastes flow, damage agricultural land and densely maintenance vegetation covers. area 5. No waste will be dumped into waterbodies at any circumstance (rivers, streams, irrigation canals, etc.) 6. The disposal site shall be located away from waterbodies and shall be protected from erosion by avoiding the formation of steep slopes and grassing. The investor will require the contractor to implement the following measures to control Construction Control hazardous the effects of hazardous waste: (i) Collect site, material waste as paint, 100% of oily rags and specialized containers During storage Included waste oil, oily rags, (hazardous waste collection bins) located at 5. Hazardous waste Contractors construction area, in the unused batteries, the construction area; (ii) Supply two process equipment contract alkaline or acid containers of 100-200 liter in each maintenance scraps maintenance area of construction machines area and equipments to collect all waste oil; (iii) Do not burn waste oil, oily rags within construction

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost sites or residential areas; (iv) Restrict vehicle repairs at the construction site (only in case of incidents). Major repairs must be done in the garage within the area. (v) Waste oil must be collected and stored in impervious surface floors and handled by hazardous waste treatment companies; (vi) The collection, transportation and disposal are performed by the Company specializing in hazardous waste treatment and must comply with the provisions of the Circular 36/2015/TT-BTNMT (on June 30, 2015) on hazardous waste management. The contractor must record types of hazardous waste generated, the handling and transport process of such hazardous wastes in the project (for example, who handles, from where to where, the date of transportation, responsibility). 6. Impacts on Avoid air pollution, 1. Locate bitumen heating off road and Contractors During Construction Included bitumen heating, traffic obstacles and wherever practicable, far from sensitive points construction site in the compaction activities contamination including as Sung Trai commune market (Km process contract and road 22 + 800), Lung Phin commune center (Km compression 30+00 to Km 30+300); Lung Phin kindergarten (Km 30+200); medical clinic in Sung Mang commune (Km 31+800); secondary school in Sung Mang commune (Km 33+900), high school in Sung Mang commune (Km 34+600), Sung Mang kindergarten (Km 34+700) and primary schools, CPC and medical clinic in Sung Tra commune (Km 37+300), and install and maintain dust suppression equipment. 2. Concrete mixing plants need to be protected against overflow, and all contaminated soil must be properly disposed in accordance with appropriate standards and Laws. The area of concrete mixing and bitumen heating requires at least one container to immediately collect wastes. 3. Guide and train workers on material and chemicals storage and handling that can potentially cause soil contamination.

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost 4. Recycle debris generated by dismantling of existing pavement as appropriate. 7. Impacts on noise, To minimize 1. Restrict works during daylight hours within Contractors During Construction Included dust and vibration negative impacts 500 m of residential settlements and local construction site in the from noise, dust clinics, all sensitive sited as described in the process contract and vibration during Table 16. construction 2. Powered mechanical equipments and process vehicle emissions must meet national standards (TCVN/QCVN). All construction equipments and vehicles shall have valid certifications in compliance with air emission and noise standards. 3. Monitor and investigate complaints in accordance with the grievance redress mechanism of the subproject. 4. Keep material storage site in moist condition. 5. Tightly cover trucks used for transporting construction materials (sand, soil, cement, gravel, etc.) to avoid or minimize spills and dust emission. 6. During rainless days, undertake watering at least twice per day on dusty and exposed areas at construction yards, materials stockpiles, construction sites, access roads, quarry areas, borrow sites and other subproject areas where residential sites and other sensitive points such as schools, clinics, etc. are located nearby. 7. Clean up road surfaces after works. 8. Use non-vibrating roller in construction sites near houses, buildings and other structures. 9. Structures damaged due to vibration by the construction activities, shall be repaired immediately by the contractors. 10. Machinery shall be turned off when not in use. 11. Pile driving will be scheduled for daytime and approved by the DONRE, CPCs and ESS/PMU if construction site is near sensitive points. 12. Impose speed limits on construction

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost machines and transportation vehicles to minimize dust emission along the areas where sensitive pints are located (houses, schools, clinics, pagodas etc.). Limit vehicle speed by installing warning signs, guiding for drivers and monitoring driver behavior. 1. Immediately establish vegetation and Contractors During Construction Included erosion protection after work completion in construction site and in the each sector. process high risk contract 2. Stockpile topsoil for immediate replanting slope as after cutting. agreed with 3. Minimize damage and implement the the exploitation of surrounding vegetation during ESS/PMU slope formation. Protect existing 4. Protect the cut slope with planted vegetation, shore, slope and bioengineering embankments or conventional embankment works. civil engineering structures as soon as Protect clean water practicable after excavation. tanks in Sung Mang 5. Include and implement appropriate 8. Erosion control / commune (Km measures for slope protection, for example, overflow control 34+100 to Km vegetation covers and stone embankments as 34+200; total area required in the detailed construction drawings. of 6,000m2); 6. Prevent erosion and protect the excavated Protect agricultural slope with temporary or permanent drainage land of local system as soon as practicable after cutting communities land. 7. If new erosion occurs accidentally, re-filling immediately to restore original ground, landscape. 8. Low embankments will be protected from erosion by grassing and planting indigenous plants that can flourish well under local conditions. 9. Large influx of Construction site 1. Construction site and worker camp must Contractors During Construction Included construction workers and worker camps locate at least 500m from settlements, agreed construction site in the not to cause any by local communities, and facilities approved process contract negative impacts to by the ESS and managed to minimize impacts. surrounding 2. Hire and train as many local workers as environment (pine possible. forest area, clean 3. Provide adequate housing for all workers at water tanks in Sung the construction camps and set up clean

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost Mang commune canteen and cooking areas. (Km 34+100 to Km 4. Mobile toilets (or at least pit latrines in 34+200); control of remote areas) shall be installed, opened pits infectious diseases shall be prohibited and require to keep toilets clean at all times. 5. Provide separate hygienic sanitation toilets and bathing areas with sufficient water supply for male and female workers. 6. Borrow pits and natural depressions with pre-laid impervious liners will be used for disposal of scarified/scraped asphalt, and then covered with soil. This requires to check potential groundwater contamination. 7. Food shall be provided from farms nearby the subproject area as much as possible. Bush meat supplies will be banned to discourage poaching. 8. Camp sites will be cleaned up to the satisfaction of local community after use. 9. All waste materials shall be removed to disposal sites approved by local authorities 10. Land used for camp sites shall be restored to the original condition as far as practicable and the area shall be planted with appropriate trees after it is cleared. 11.Register temporary stay for workers with local police. 1. Provide fire fighting measures and first aid Contractors During Construction Included facilities in the contruction site and worker construction site in the camps that are readily accessible by workers. process contract 2. Regularly schedule (e.g., weekly talk) Ensure worker and orientation sessions for the workers on health 10. Safety local resident and safety issues related to their activities as precautions for safety. well as on proper use of personal protective workers and All sensitive points equipment (PPE). community safety as indicated in the 3. Fence on all excavation sites, borrow pits Table 16 and construction site. 4. Workers must be provided with appropriate PPE such as safety boots, helmets, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, etc. at no count to the employee salary.

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost 5. Where workers unavoidably exposure to traffic, protective barriers shall be provided to shield workers from traffic vehicles. 6. Workers shall be provided with reliable supply source of drinking and sanitary water. 7. Construction camps shall be provided with adequate drainage system to avoid accumulation of stagnant water. 8. Construction camps shall be provided with sanitation facilities in accordance with local regulations to prevent any hazard to public health or pollution on land, surface water or ground water. These facilities shall be well maintained to allow effective operation. 9. Ensure reflective parts installed on all construction equipments. 11. Traffic Minimize the 1. Communicate to the public community Contractors During Construction Included management disturbance to local through local authorities regarding the scope construction site; at the in the traffic. and schedule of construction, as well as certain process starting and contract The sensitive points construction activities causing disruptions or ending point as schools, medical access restrictions. of the clinics, CPCs as in 2. In coordination with local traffic police in subproject the Table 16 Dong Van and Meo Vac district, implement road. appropriate traffic diversion schemes to avoid the inconvenience of road users due to the subproject operation, ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid or minimize accidents, traffic hold- ups and congestion. 3. In cooperation with local traffic officials in Dong Van and Meo Vac district, schedule material transportation to avoid congestion, set up clear traffic signal boards and traffic advisory signs at the roads starting and ending point and bridge construction sites to minimize traffic jam. 4. Provide safe vehicle route and pedestrian access around construction areas. 5. Install bold diversion signs that would be clearly visible even at night and provide flag persons for warning in dangerous conditions.

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost 6. Provide sufficient lighting system at night within and in the vicinity of construction sites. 7. Designate traffic officers in construction sites.

12. Impacts on the Reduce the impacts 1. Execute on the scheduled construction plan. Contractors During Construction Included landscape of on the landscape of 2. Clean the site right after clearing the area. construction site in the subproject area subproject area 3. The measures on expanding the route process contract through rocky area should be consulted with the Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark for approval. 4. The construction through rocky area with narrow road surface will require the strict supervision of PMU, and Dong Van Geopark Management Board. 5. Clear the area affecting rocky area of the Dong Van Karst Plateau will need more supervision of the Dong Van Geopark Management Board. 13. Impacts on Expand the 1. Prohibit the use of mines to break stones Contractors During Contruction Included adjusting the radius visibility, ensure the 2. In order to minimize the impacts on the Dong construction site in the of curvature traffic safety Van Karst Plateau, the contractor will have to process contract submit the detailed clearance measures such as the manual adjustment for positive and negative talus roofs. 3. The implementation process should be supervised by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau l Geopark. 4. Contractors are only allowed to clear or expand the routes once the construction measures are approved by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. 5. Mobilize a specialist on culture heritage (or similar field) to train for PMU, CSC, Constractor on this matter; 6. Ensure all the relevant stakeholders be presented at the specific sections that listed in Table 18 for excavation work; 144. 7. Limited rock crushing by blasting method for all subproject construction works. If

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost blasting is necessary, the contractor, with the support of ESS, should prepare Blasting plan in accordance with the EHS Guidelines for Construction Materials Extraction of IFC. The blasting plan should be reviewed by the Heritage Consultant, CSC and approved by PMU before blasting work take place. The following activities should be complied with: • A consistent blasting schedule under blasting plan should be adopted, minimizing blast-time changes. • Planning of each blasting (arrangement, diameter, and depth and direction of blast holes) should be implemented. • Specific warning devices (e.g horn signals and flashing lights) and procedures should be implemented before each blasting activity to alert all workers and third parties in the surrounding areas. Warning procedures should include traffic limitation along local roadways and railways. • Specific personnel training on explosives handling and safety management should be conducted • Blasting-permit procedures should be implemented for all personnel involved with explosives

14. Geological Minimize the 1. Fully and strictly implement mitigation Contractors During Contruction Included heritage of Dong Van impacts on measures mentioned above. construction site in the Stone Plateau landscape, 2. Mobilize the Management Board of Dong process contract environment and Van Karst Plateau Geopark to participate in resources of the special supervision once the construction of the global geological section through rocky area starts. park - Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost 15. Impact on socio- Minimize impacts An information disclosure and community Contractors During Contruction Included cultural areas and on Ethnic Minorities exchange plan will be submitted to the construction site in the archaeological areas such as Dao, CSC/PCC for approval and subsequently process contract H’Mong, Tay, Lo implemented to provide information about Lo, kInh project activities and ensure the open communication with affected communities, including as: 1. Inform people about the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) and the implementation method of GRM. 2. Collaborate with local authorities to resolve project-related issues. 3. Arrange direct access to the staff of Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) as planned. 4. Keep a record of the complaint: a record of the type and number of complaints (complainant name, complaint issue, location and date, how the complaint handled, when the response received). 5. Organize regular meetings with community representatives (village heads and community members). 6. Maximize employment opportunities through creating jobs and signing sub- contract for ancillary constructions (e.g. drainage pipes, sewers, and other auxiliary structures). 1. There is no known archaeological Contractors During Contruction Included relics within 100m of the route, but in construction site in the For the excavation case that any archaeological artifact process contract of archaeological or relic is found, all work must be artifacts or suspended immediately. The CSC, archaeological PPMU and PCC will be notified and relics, the mitigation the following steps will be taken measures include namely: as: 2. Isolation of the location/site

3. Call the Department of Culture and Information.

Impact Mitigation Environmental Responsible for Mitigation Objectives Proposed Mitigation Measures Time Locations issues Implementation Cost 4. Provide document and take photographs of what is found and the area around the artifact or relic. 5. Follow the instructions from the Department of Culture and Information, dig and relocate the objects. 6. After recording documents and being instructed by officials from the Department of Culture and Information, restart the construction works. Operation Phase 1. Increase of dust, Minimize noise, 1. Undertake road safety awareness Ha Giang DOT During Along the Included noise and vibration as vibration and traffic campaigns for local residents. operation subproject in the well as safety issues safety risks 2. Install and maintain road warning signs and timing of the road operatio due to increased markings. subproject and traffic volume 3. Monitor road accidents and implement maintenan necessary preventive measures (awareness ce cost campaigns, provision of safety equipments to enhance road safety and control traffic).

E. Environmental supervision

1. Compliance Monitoring

148. Table 21 below shows the compliance monitoring program on various provisions of the EMP during pre-construction, construction and operation phase. The ESS needs to implement a number of measures during the detailed design phase (for example, environmental design measures integrated into the detailed design, update EMP, etc.) and this will be confirmed by the PMU to ADB. During the construction process, most of the mitigation the contractors shall implement measures, and the CSC and ESP shall monitor their environmental performance in terms of the implementation of such measures. The timing or frequency of monitoring is also specified in Table 22. During the operation phase, the EMP implementation shall be the responsibility of Ha Giang DOT.

149. At the design phase, the PMU shall ensure that the EMP measures in the design stage are incorporated into the detailed design. The effective integration of the EMP in the civil works contracts shall also be ensured by the PMU with assistance from ESS and this, along with implementation of EMP provisions, shall be audited by the ADB as part of the loan conditions.

150. Prior to the subproject implementation, the IEE and EMP will be updated and amended, as necessary, by the ESS after the detailed designs are complete and contracting arrangements are confirmed. Such updates shall be based upon additional information on the assumptions made at this feasibility stage on location, scale and expected conditions of the subproject.

Table 21: Environmental Monitoring Compliance

Implementation Monitoring and Impacts Environmental Responsible Monitoring Monitoring parameters Location Frequency & Verification Concerns Units Cost Design and Pre-construction Phase Included in the 1. Land acquisition and Only one time before the Ha Giang DPI/ operation budget Compensation documents Not applied resettlement construction starts DONRE; PMU of PMU, DPI, DONRE Included in the 16 electricity 2. Infrastructure On-demand infrastructure Only one time before the Ha Giang DPI/ operation budget poles/telecommunication relocation relocation plan construction starts DONRE; PMU of PMU, DPI, poles DONRE Included in the Checking documents/ Only one time before the 3. Landmines, UXO Not applied PMU operation budget certificates construction starts of PMU Construction Phase Before and during the ESS/ PMU Included in the Along the subproject construction operation budget 1. Impacts on vegetation Implementation monitoring road; worker camps Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / area supervision CSC CSC Before and during the Included in the Along the subproject ESS/ PMU 2. Local infrastructure construction operation budget Implementation monitoring road, near residential and services Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / areas CSC supervision CSC Twice a week Included in the 3. Impacts on temporary Subproject area, ESS/ PMU operation budget excavation and Implementation monitoring quarries and borrow pit Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / materials exploitation areas CSC supervision CSC Construction site, Twice a week Included in the ESS/ PMU material storage areas, operation budget 4. Waste disposal Implementation monitoring machines and vehicles Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / CSC maintenance areas supervision CSC Construction site, Twice a week Included in the ESS/ PMU material storage areas, operation budget 5. Hazardous waste Implementation monitoring machines and vehicles Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / CSC maintenance areas supervision CSC

Implementation Monitoring and Impacts Environmental Responsible Monitoring Monitoring parameters Location Frequency & Verification Concerns Units Cost 6. Impacts on bitumen Construction site, Twice a week Included in the ESS/ PMU heating, compaction especially the sensitive operation budget Implementation monitoring activities and road points as indicated in the Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / CSC compression Table 16 supervision CSC

Construction site, Twice a week ESS/ PMU Included in the 7. Impacts on noise, especially the sensitive operation budget Implementation monitoring dust and vibration points as indicated in the Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / Table 16 supervision CSC CSC Construction site high risk slope as agreed with ESS/PMU Protection of clean water tanks in Sung Mang commune (Km 34+100 Twice a week Included in the 8. Management of ESS/ PMU to Km34+200; total area operation budget landslide control, Implementation monitoring of 6,000m2); Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / erosion/overflow CSC Protection of agricultural supervision CSC land of local communities And the sensitivity points are shown in the Table 16 Before establishment of the 9. Large influx of construction site and workers’ ESS/ PMU Included in the construction workers. Construction site and camps, sanitation facilities and operation budget Construction site, Implementation monitoring workers’ camps during the construction of PMU / ESS / worker camps, Part of daily construction CSC CSC sanitation and diseases supervision Implementation monitoring. Check compliance to Labor Twice a week Included in the 10. Safety precautions ESS/ PMU Code of Vietnam and other operation budget for workers and Construction site relevant Decision, Decree and Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / community safety CSC Circular under Government supervision CSC requirements Construction site; the Twice a week Included in the starting and ending point ESS/ PMU operation budget 11. Traffic management Implementation monitoring of the road. Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / And the sensitivity points CSC supervision CSC go through schools,

Implementation Monitoring and Impacts Environmental Responsible Monitoring Monitoring parameters Location Frequency & Verification Concerns Units Cost medical clinics and CPCs shown in the Table 16 ESS/ PMU Twice a week Management Included in the 12. Impacts on the Board of Dong operation budget landscape of subproject Implementation monitoring Construction site Part of daily construction Van Karst of PMU / ESS / area supervision Plateau Geopark CSC CSC Included in the 13. Impacts on ESS/ PMU Part of daily construction operation budget adjusting the radius Implementation monitoring Construction site supervision of PMU / ESS / of curvature CSC CSC Twice a week Included in the 14. Geological heritage ESS/ PMU operation budget of Dong Van Stone Implementation monitoring Construction site Part of daily construction of PMU / ESS / Plateau CSC supervision CSC ESS/ PMU Twice a week CSC Included in the 12. Impact on socio- Management operation budget cultural areas and Implementation monitoring Construction site Part of daily construction Board of Dong of PMU / ESS / archaeological areas supervision Van Karst CSC Plateau Geopark Operation Phase Implementation monitoring; Included in the The starting and ending 1. Dust, noise, vibration ambient air quality, noise level Twice a year during the first 2- operation and point. Residential area Ha Giang DOT and safety near or along the subproject year construction time maintenance along the road road budget

Table 22: Environmental Performance Monitoring

Construction and Operation Phase Environmental Monitoring Frequency & Responsible Monitoring Cost Location Concerns parameters Verification Units (exclusive of VAT) 1. Dust, noise Ambient air 8 monitoring 1 time before ESS 5,616 USD6 and vibration quality points. 2 points construction, 1 (temperature, at the beginning time after humidity, wind and ending of construction, direction and the road; 4 and twice a speed, PM10, points in year for 2-year PM2.5, PB, residential areas of construction NO2, SO2 ...); of Sung Trai, (total of 6 Noise level Lung Phin, Sung times) (average and Mang and Sung maximum Tra commune. 1 noise level, point at Sung vehicle traffic, Trai market and etc.) 1 point at Lung Phin market 2. Water quality Surface water 4 sampling 1 time before ESS 16,296 USD quality points at 20m construction, 1 downstream time after along the route construction, or across the and twice a road. 01 point at year for 2-year the reservoir in of construction Sung Mang (total of 6 commune (total times) of 4 times)

Wastewater 2 sampling 1 time before ESS 4,152 USD7 quality points at worker construction, 1 camps time after construction, and twice a year for 2-year of construction (total of 6 times)

6 Figures have been estimated base on environmental monitoring cost norm of Ha Giang province. 7 Figures have been estimated base on environmental monitoring cost norm of Ha Giang province.

Environmental quality monitoring For the environmental monitoring program, it must be conducted no later than 03 months once the commencement date of the construction. ❖ Air quality and noise monitoring:

+ Monitoring parameters: TSP. CO.SO2. NO2. noise. vibration; + Expected observation positions: 8 locations: + (KK1) Km 5.6 at the beginning of Sung Trai commune, Coordinate X = 23.102746 and Y = 105.252919. + (KK2) the market in Sung Trai commune, Coordinate X = 23.108292 and Y = 105.259292 + (KK3) The beginning point at Lung Phin commune, Coordinate X = 23.126116 and Y = 105.274541. + (KK4) The school gate at Lung Phin kindergarten, Coordinates: X = 23.150335 and Y = 105.299898. + (KK5) The gate of medical clinic in Sung Mang commune, Coordinate X = 23.151543 and Y = 105.303910. + (KK6) Sung Mang ethnic minority boarding primary school, Coordinates X = 23.169615 and Y = 105.329018. + (KK7) The gate in Sung Mang kindergarten, Coordinate X = 23.176933 and Y = 105.344167. + The end point of the route (KK8): the gate of Sung Tra ethnic minority boarding primary school, Coordinate X = 23.175572 and Y = 105.351742. + Monitoring methodology: Circular No.28/2011/TT-BTNMT on technical procedures for ambient air and noise monitoring. + Frequency: Every 6 months. + Nation standard: QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT: National technical regulation on ambient air quality. QCVN 06: 2009/BTNMT National technical regulation on some hazardous substances in ambient air.

Figure 9: Expected locations for air environmental monitoring during the implementation process

Surface water quality monitoring

+ Monitoring parameters: pH, D, COD, BOD5, TSS, NO3, PO4, Fe, As, Pb, Hg, Cu. total grease, E.coli and Coliform + Expected observation positions: 04 locations: + (NM1) The water along the road in Sung Trai commune, Coordinate X = 23.111328 and Y = 105.259450. + (NM2) The water along the road in Lung Phin commune, Coordinate X = 23.135385 and Y = 105.286192. + (NM3) The reservoir in Sung Mang commune, Coordinate X = 23.175481 and Y = 105.342487. + NM4) The water storage tank at Sung Tra ethnic minority boarding primary school, Coordinate X = 23.177573 and Y = 105.352743. + Monitoring methodology: Circular 29/2011/TT-BTNMT on procedures for monitoring inland surface water. + Frequency: every 6 months. + National standard: QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT. + Standards: Current national standards of surface water are being applied in accordance with the Vietnamese Law.

Figure 10: Expected locations for surface water environmental monitoring during the implementation process

Wastewater quality monitoring (at worker camps, do not apply for the routes that workers rent houses) + Monitoring parameters: pH, DO, COD, BOD5, Ammonium, TSS, Photat E.Coli, Grease and Coliform. + Expected observation positions: 2 locations + (NT1) Sung Trai village in Sung Trai commune, Coordinate X = 23.116609 and Y = 105.236464 + (NT2) Sung Nhi A village in Sung Mang commune, Coordinate X = 23.168927 and Y = 105.322923 + Monitoring methodology: Circular 29/2011/TT-BTNMT on procedures for monitoring inland surface water. + Frequency: every 6 months. + National standard: QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT. + Standards: Current national standards of surface water are being applied in accordance with the Vietnamese Law.

Figure 11: Expected locations for domestic wastewater environmental monitoring at worker camps during the implementation process

F. REPORTING

151. The PMU will submit the following reports to ADB: (i) Monitoring report for baseline environment: this report shows the result of baseline environment on ambient air quality, surface and ground water quality, etc. as implemented by the ESS. This report will be submitted to ADB before the construction starts. (ii) Environmental monitoring reports: Environmental monitoring reports will cover the status of EMP implementation in terms of required mitigation measures for different phases of the subproject, the results of environmental impact monitoring (air quality, noise, surface and ground water quality), necessary remedial actions to effectively address adverse environmental impacts due to the subproject implementation, status of environmental capacity building activities as well as complaint documents received and corresponding actions. The environmental monitoring reports will be submitted to ADB biyearly during the construction phase and annually for two years after the construction completed.

Table 23: Reporting procedures

Project Phase Type of report Frequency Responsibility Submit

Construction of One Constractor CSC Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)

Environmental Monthly Contractors CSC Performance Report indicating the compliance with EMP and monitoring results at the contractor site Construction Subproject EMP Quarterly CSC PMU Compliance Report indicating the compliance with subproject EMP and monitoring results

EMP Compliance Twice a year ESS/ PMU ADB Report indicating the during compliance with construction subproject EMP and phase monitoring results

Operation EMP Compliance Annually in the Ha Giang DOT Ha Giang Report: Operation first two years of DONRE indicating the operation. The compliance with next frequency subproject EMP will be commitments during determined the operation phase based on the after the first 2- year assessment.

Table 24: Estimated cost for the EMP Implementation (2-year construction/ 4-year in total) Estimated cost Items (US$)

1. Environment Safeguard Specialist (ESS) 21,690

1 National ESS – 6 months (intermittent during the first 2 years) – 12,000 2,000 US$/person/month Per diem of ESS: 48 US$ x 30 days x 6 months 8,640 Travelling cost 1,050 2. Environmental impact monitoring (by ESS) 26,064

Ambient air quality, noise, vibration: 8 monitoring points x 6 times x 5,616 117 US$/sample8 Surface water quality: 4 monitoring points x 6 times x 679 US$/sample9 16,296 Wastewater quality: 2 monitoring points x 6 times x 346 US$/sample10 4,152 3. Training/orientation, local transportation, equipments, supplies 3,000 (by ESS) a) Training/orientation: 1 formal training course for the PMU, CSC, 2,000 contractors, Ha Giang DOT office, and other “on the job” trainings b) Local transportation and training 1,000 4. Printing Environmental monitoring reports (4 reports) 5,908 Printing reports for (1+2+3+4) 5,908 5. Contingency 8,164 Total (before tax) 64,826 (VAT 10%) 6,483 Total (1+2+3+4+5) 71,309

G. Capacity building

152. In Viet Nam, the environmental assessment process is established but environmental awareness and capability for the EMP implementation in infrastructure projects of both the executing agency and the implementation agency (PMU) are limited and being developed. The safeguards staff of the PMU is usually responsible for many different tasks and do not have good background on safeguards issues. In general, one engineer will be in charge of the environmental monitoring and his/her capacity is not suitable to check the adequacy of the subproject EMP. The IEE and EMP are referred to the environmental department in DONRE for approval. During the Feasibility phase, the PMU has been established under Ha Giang DPI with one staff has been assigned as an environmental safeguards officer (ESO).

153. The most significant challenge is the lack of human resources, financial budget and necessary infrastructures. To address this constraint, Ha Giang DPI/PMU will designate a full time staff as an ESO to handle the subproject environmental aspects during the implementation stage. The ESO and other relevant staff of PMU will be trained by the Environment Safeguard Specialist (ESS) during the subproject implementation as “on the job” training or formal training courses.

8 Figures have been estimated base on environmental monitoring cost norm of Ha Giang province. 9 Figures have been estimated base on environmental monitoring cost norm of Ha Giang province. 10 Figures have been estimated base on environmental monitoring cost norm of Ha Giang province.

Table 25: Detailed capacity building program

Objectives 1. Build capacity and procedures in undertaking systematic environmental assessments in accordance with Government regulations and ADB guidelines. 2. Provide training on international best practice of environmental management, monitoring and reporting. 3. Provide guidance on how to effectively integrate environmental measures into project design and how to integrate the EMP provisions into bidding and contract documents. Tasks / Scope of 1. Undertake the analysis on training needs and review prevailing Works government regulations and donor guidelines on the assessment and management of environmental impacts for road development. 2. Assess the existing capacity of PMU and Ha Giang DOT on environmental assessment, monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures for road development. 3. Prepare the training plans and relevant training materials. 4. Training may be implemented through a combination of hands-on assistance, on-the-job training, and training courses. 5. Evaluate the training effectiveness and improvements in attitudes and skills achieved. 6. Modify the training documents/materials as necessary 7. Hand-over the amended training documents/materials to the project manager for use in the delivery of the training. 8. Prepare reports on training results. Timeframe Possible within 3 months after the construction starts Participants Officers in the PMU and Ha Giang DOT who responsible for environmental management Human resources International and national environmental specialists with at least 15 years of experience on environmental management of road projects, and must possess relevant degree in civil engineering, environmental management and other relevant courses. At least 3 years of experience on environmental management training.

IX. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

154. This IEE study was carried out in Feasibility Study. Primary and secondary data were used to assess potential environmental impacts in a comprehensive manner, and route reconnaissance, public consultation were also carried out in order to complete the environmental assessments and recommend suitable mitigation measures. The IEE report provides a picture of potential environmental impacts associated with the subproject road upgrading, and propose suitable mitigation measures.

155. The implementation of the subproject “Upgrading and Renovating the provincial road in Yen Minh – Mau Due – Meo Vac” will steadily improve the road quality; make it favorable for travelling of residents and tourists, support goods transportation. The subproject also supports to promote tourism, the development of agro-forestry production, income and living standard improvements of local residents, facilitate conservation and promote the value of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. All of the impacts during the construction phase should be very predictable and manageable, and with appropriate mitigation measures, there is no possibility of long-term impact. Additional human and financial resources is important to improve environmental capability, comply with statutory and achieve necessary environmental certifications. Other associated activities also require environmental permits under the environmental laws of Viet Nam - Law on Environmental Protection 2014.

156. At this phase, no further or additional impact assessment is considered. At the implementation stage, the PMU through ESS will develop the detailed EMP to monitor the schedules of mitigation measures and conduct environmental impact monitoring activities. The EMP must be updated to ensure effective environmental monitoring and should be develop the next monitoring plan as specified in the EMP. With these measures in place, the subproject environmental impacts of should be manageable and will not result in any long-term impacts which are above accepted environmental standards.

157. The construction process with the adjustments on the radius of curvature to ensure traffic safety that requires the construction rules by manual methodology and under the supervision of the parties including PMU, CSC, and especially the participation of Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

X. APPENDIX A. Appendix 1: Photos of the subproject road and the vicinity

Starting point in Km20 PR 176 in Sung Trai Ending point in CPC Sung Tra commune, commune, Dong Van district Meo Vac district

Road section across Sung Trai commune Road section across Lung Phin commune

Section across Sung Mang commune Road section across Sung Tra commune

B. Appendix 2: Source of References

1. Ha Giang Status of Environmental Report 2015 2. Ha Giang Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2011-2020) 3. Report on Pollution control under Environmental Protection Plan in 2015 Ha Giang Environmental Agency 4. The subproject Feasibility Report 5. Poverty and Social Assessment Report of the subproject 6. Inventory of losses report of the subproject 7. Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Construction Materials Extraction of IFC11

11 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/dad17995-66be-4280-86da-b438cf9fbefc/Final%2B- %2BConstruction%2BMaterials%2BExtraction.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID=jkC- EN.&id=1323162191491

C. Appendix 3: Environmental Mitigation Measures included in the bidding documents

1. Impacts on flora 1. Minimized clearance of vegetation covers. and fauna 2. For compensation planting, only use of native origin, not exotic breeds. 3. The contractors will not permit the use of fuelwood for the execution of any part of the works, including bitumen heating and bitumen mixtures, and ensure that no fuelwood are used for cooking, and water heating in all camps and living accommodations. 4. Contractors shall not buy or use wood from the illegal sources 5. No construction camps, concrete mixing plants, material stockpiles within the forest area. 6. Contractors will take all precautions necessary to ensure that damage to vegetation is avoided due to fires resulting from the execution of the works. The Contractors will immediately suppress the fire if it occurs, and shall undertake replanting damaged vegetation. 2. Local 1. Reconfirm power, water supply system, and telecommunications are interrupted by infrastructure and the works. services 2. Contact all relevant local authorities for facilities and local residents to plan relocation plan of service facilities. 3. Facilities shall be relocated and reconnected well before the commencement of construction works. 4. Affected communities shall be properly informed in advance. 5. Reconnection of facilities shall be done at the shortest practicable time before the construction starts. 6. Facilities damaged during the construction shall be reported to the CSC, PMU and service authority, and repaired immediately. 7. Access roads, agricultural land and other properties damaged during the transportation of construction materials, and other subproject -related activities shall be reinstated upon the completion of construction works at each section. 3. Impacts on 1. Prioritize use of existing quarry sites, monthly update the list of quarries and borrow excavation and pits, and report to the PMU, minimize impacts on other local resources. materials 2. Replanting vegetation covers and trim slopes to an stable level at any closed quarries exploitation and borrow pits. 3. Stockpile topsoil for later use, fence and re-contour borrow pits after use. Topsoil, overburden, and low-quality materials shall be properly removed, preserved and rehabilitated. 4. During exploitation in quarries and borrow pits, provide adequate drainage system to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water. 5. Ensure borrow pits are left in a tidy status with stable side slopes and proper drainage system in order to avoid water bodies creation which is favorable for mosquito breeding. 6. After the completion of extraction activities, quarry and borrow pits shall be dewatered and fenced as appropriate, to minimize health and safety risks. 7. To avoid drowning when pits filled by water, different measures such as fencing, providing flotation devices such as a buoy tied to a rope, etc. shall be implemented. 4. Waste disposal 1. Suitable disposal areas agreed with CPCs, checked by Ha Giang DONRE and recorded by the CSC, and monitored by the ESS/PMU. 2. Spoil and waste will not be disposed into streams or other surrounding water bodies. The disposal areas approved by local authorities as described in the Section 99 of this IEE. 3. Surplus material is distributed to local people for use of ground filling / high embankment. 4. Spoil disposals shall not cause sedimentation and obstruction of waterbodies flow, damage agricultural land and densely vegetation covers. 5. No waste will be dumped into waterbodies at any circumstance (rivers, streams, irrigation canals, etc.) 6. The disposal site shall be located away from waterbodies and shall be protected from erosion by avoiding the formation of steep slopes and grassing.

5. Bitumen heating 1. Locate bitumen heating off road and wherever practicable, far from sensitive points and compaction (residential areas, schools, clinics, etc.) and streams, and install and maintain dust activities suppression equipment. 2. Concrete mixing plants need to be protected against overflow, and all contaminated soil must be properly disposed in accordance with appropriate standards and Laws. The area of concrete mixing and bitumen heating requires at least one container to immediately collect wastes. 3. Guide and train workers on material and chemicals storage and handling that can potentially cause soil contamination. 4. Recycle debris generated by dismantling of existing pavement as appropriate. 6. Impacts on noise, 1. Restrict works during daylight hours within 500 m of residential settlements and local dust and vibration clinics. 2. Powered mechanical equipments and vehicle emissions must meet national standards (TCVN/QCVN). All construction equipments and vehicles shall have valid certifications in compliance with air emission and noise standards. 3. Monitor and investigate complaints in accordance with the grievance redress mechanism of the subproject. 4. Keep material storage site in moist condition. 5. Tightly cover trucks used for transporting construction materials (sand, soil, cement, gravel, etc.) to avoid or minimize spills and dust emission. 6. During rainless days, undertake watering at least twice per day on dusty and exposed areas at construction yards, materials stockpiles, construction sites, access roads, quarry areas, borrow sites and other subproject areas where residential sites and other sensitive points such as schools, clinics, etc. are located nearby. 7. Clean up road surfaces after works. 8. Use non-vibrating roller in construction sites near houses, buildings and other structures. 9. Structures damaged due to vibration by the construction activities, shall be repaired immediately by the contractors. 10. Machinery shall be turned off when not in use. 11. Pile driving will be scheduled for daytime and approved by the DONRE, CPCs and ESS/PMU if construction site is near sensitive points. 12. Impose speed limits on construction machines and transportation vehicles to minimize dust emission along the areas where sensitive pints are located (houses, schools, clinics, pagodas etc.). Limit vehicle speed by installing warning signs, guiding for drivers and monitoring driver behavior. 7. Erosion control / 1. Immediately establish vegetation and erosion protection after work completion in overflow control each sector. 2. Stockpile topsoil for immediate replanting after cutting. 3. Minimize damage and implement the exploitation of surrounding vegetation during slope formation. 4. Protect the cut slope with planted vegetation, bioengineering embankments or conventional civil engineering structures as soon as practicable after excavation. 5. Include and implement appropriate measures for slope protection, for example, vegetation covers and stone embankments as required in the detailed construction drawings. 6. Prevent erosion and protect the excavated slope with temporary or permanent drainage system as soon as practicable after cutting land. 7. If new erosion occurs accidentally, re-filling immediately to restore original ground, landscape. 8. Low embankments will be protected from erosion by grassing and planting indigenous plants that can flourish well under local conditions. 8. Large influx of 1. Construction site and worker camp must locate at least 500m from settlements, construction workers agreed by local communities, and facilities approved by the ESS and managed to minimize impacts. 2. Hire and train as many local workers as possible. 3. Provide adequate housing for all workers at the construction camps and set up clean canteen and cooking areas.

4. Mobile toilets (or at least pit latrines in remote areas) shall be installed, opened pits shall be prohibited and require to keep toilets clean at all times. 5. Provide separate hygienic sanitation toilets and bathing areas with sufficient water supply for male and female workers. 6. Borrow pits and natural depressions with pre-laid impervious liners will be used for disposal of scarified/scraped asphalt, and then covered with soil. This requires to check potential groundwater contamination. 7. Food shall be provided from farms nearby the subproject area as much as possible. Bush meat supplies will be banned to discourage poaching. 8. Camp sites will be cleaned up to the satisfaction of local community after use. 9. All waste materials shall be removed to disposal sites approved by local authorities 10. Land used for camp sites shall be restored to the original condition as far as practicable and the area shall be planted with appropriate trees after it is cleared. 11.Register temporary stay for workers with local police. 9. Safety 1. Provide fire fighting measures and first aid facilities in the contruction site and worker precautions for camps that are readily accessible by workers. workers and 2. Regularly schedule (e.g., weekly talk) orientation sessions for the workers on health community safety and safety issues related to their activities as well as on proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 3. Fence on all excavation sites, borrow pits and construction site. 4. Workers must be provided with appropriate PPE such as safety boots, helmets, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, etc. at no count to the employee salary. 5. Where workers unavoidably exposure to traffic, protective barriers shall be provided to shield workers from traffic vehicles. 6. Workers shall be provided with reliable supply source of drinking and sanitary water. 7. Construction camps shall be provided with adequate drainage system to avoid accumulation of stagnant water. 8. Construction camps shall be provided with sanitation facilities in accordance with local regulations to prevent any hazard to public health or pollution on land, surface water or ground water. These facilities shall be well maintained to allow effective operation. 9. Ensure reflective parts installed on all construction equipments. 10. Traffic 1. Communicate to the public community through local authorities regarding the scope management and schedule of construction, as well as certain construction activities causing disruptions or access restrictions. 2. In coordination with local traffic police in Dong Van and Meo Vac district, implement appropriate traffic diversion schemes to avoid the inconvenience of road users due to the subproject operation, ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid or minimize accidents, traffic hold-ups and congestion. 3. In cooperation with local traffic officials in Dong Van and Meo Vac district, schedule material transportation to avoid congestion, set up clear traffic signal boards and traffic advisory signs at the roads starting and ending point and bridge construction sites to minimize traffic jam. 4. Provide safe vehicle route and pedestrian access around construction areas. 5. Install bold diversion signs that would be clearly visible even at night and provide flag persons for warning in dangerous conditions. 6. Provide sufficient lighting system at night within and in the vicinity of construction sites. 7. Designate traffic officers in construction sites. 11. Geological 1. Fully and strictly implement mitigation measures mentioned above. heritage of Dong 2. During the construction phase, it is necessary to identify new geological heritage Van Stone Plateau features, in which, new detection cases should be consulted by individuals, scientific organizations and elaborate specific protection plan for the heritage.

12. Impacts on 1. Prohibit the use of mines to break stones adjusting the radius 2. In order to minimize the impacts on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, the contractor will of curvature have to submit the detailed clearance measures such as the manual adjustment for positive and negative talus roofs. 3. The implementation process should be supervised by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau l Geopark. 4. Contractors are only allowed to clear or expand the routes once the construction measures are approved by CSC, PMU, Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. 5. Ensure all the relevant stakeholders be presented at the specific sections that listed in Table 18 of the IEE for excavation work; 145. 6. Limited rock crushing by blasting method for all subproject construction works. If blasting is necessary, prepare Blasting plan in accordance with the EHS Guidelines for Construction Materials Extraction of IFC with the support of ESS. The blasting plan should be reviewed by the Heritage Consultant, CSC and approved by PMU before blasting work take place. The following activities should be complied with: • A consistent blasting schedule under blasting plan should be adopted, minimizing blast-time changes. • Planning of each blasting (arrangement, diameter, and depth and direction of blast holes) should be implemented. • Specific warning devices (e.g horn signals and flashing lights) and procedures should be implemented before each blasting activity to alert all workers and third parties in the surrounding areas. Warning procedures should include traffic limitation along local roadways and railways. • Specific personnel training on explosives handling and safety management should be conducted • Blasting-permit procedures should be implemented for all personnel involved with explosives

D. Appendix 4: National Technical Regulations of Vietnam

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SURFACE WATER QUALITY Preface QCVN 08:2008/BTNMT is prepared by the Compilation Board of National Technical Regulations on water quality, submitted by the Vietnam Environment Administration and the Legal Department, and issued in accordance with the Decision No. 16/2008/QD- BTNMT dated December 31, 2008 by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. National technical regulation on surface water quality

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1.1. Scope of application 1.1.1. This regulation specifies the limit value of surface water quality parameters. 1.1.2. This regulation applies to assess and control the quality of surface water source, as a basis for the protection and use of water appropriately. 1.2. Explanation of terms Surface water referred to in this Regulation is water flowing through or stagnate on the ground, streams, canals, ditches, gullies, arroyos, lakes, ponds, swamps, etc. 2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS Limit values of the surface water quality parameters are specified in Table 1. Table 1: Limit values of the surface water quality parameters Limit values No. Parameters Unit A B A1 A2 B1 B2 1 pH 6-8.5 6-8.5 5.5-9 5.5-9 2 Dissolved oxygen (DO) mg/l ≥ 6 ≥ 5 ≥ 4 ≥ 2 3 Total suspended solidss (TSS) mg/l 20 30 50 100 4 COD mg/l 10 15 30 50

0 5 BOD5 (20 C) mg/l 4 6 15 25

+ 6 Ammonium (NH 4) (as N) mg/l 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 7 Chloride (Cl-) mg/l 250 400 600 - 8 Fluoride (F-) mg/l 1 1.5 1.5 2

- 9 Nitrite (NO 2) (as N) mg/l 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.05

- 10 Nitrate (NO 3) (as N) mg/l 2 5 10 15

Limit values No. Parameters Unit A B A1 A2 B1 B2

3- 11 Phosphate (PO4 ) (as P) mg/l 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 12 Cyanide (CN-) mg/l 0.005 0.01 0.02 0.02 13 Arsenic (As) mg/l 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.1 14 Cadmium (Cd) mg/l 0.005 0.005 0.01 0.01 15 Lead (Pb) mg/l 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 16 Chrom III (Cr3+) mg/l 0.05 0.1 0.5 1 17 Chrom VI (Cr6+) mg/l 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.05 18 Copper (Cu) mg/l 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 19 Zinc (Zn) mg/l 0.5 1.0 1.5 2 20 Nickel (Ni) mg/l 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 21 Iron (Fe) mg/l 0.5 1 1.5 2 22 Mercury (Hg) mg/l 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 23 Surface-active substances mg/l 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 24 Total oil & grease mg/l 0.01 0.02 0.1 0.3 25 Phenol (Total) mg/l 0.005 0.005 0.01 0.02 26 Organic chlorine pesticide Aldrin + Dieldrin µg/l 0.002 0.004 0.008 0.01 Endrin µg/l 0.01 0.012 0.014 0.02 BHC µg/l 0.05 0.1 0.13 0.015 DDT µg/l 0.001 0.002 0.004 0.005 Endosunfan(Thiodan) µg/l 0.005 0.01 0.01 0.02 Lindan µg/l 0.3 0.35 0.38 0.4 Chlordane µg/l 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03 Heptachlor µg/l 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.05 27 Organic phosphorus pesticide Parathion µg/l 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 Malathion µg/l 0.1 0.32 0.32 0.4 28 Herbicide 2,4D µg/l 100 200 450 500

Limit values No. Parameters Unit A B A1 A2 B1 B2 2,4,5T µg/l 80 100 160 200 Paraquat µg/l 900 1200 1800 2000 29 Total radioactivity  Bq/l 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 30 Total radioactivity  Bq/l 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 31 E.coli MPN/ 20 50 100 200 100ml 32 Coliform MPN/ 2500 5000 7500 10000 100ml Note: The classification of surface water to assess and control the quality of water for various purposes of water use: A1 - Good use for the purpose of domestic water supply and other purposes, such as type A2, B1 and B2. A2 – Used for the purpose of domestic water supply but applying the appropriate treatment technology; aquatic plant and animal conservation, or purposes of use as type B1 and B2. B1 - Use for irrigation and drainage purpose or other purposes with similar water quality requirements or other purposes of use such as type B2. B2 – Waterways and other purposes with low water quality requirements. 3. METHOD FOR DETERMINATION 3.1. Sampling for surface water quality monitoring conducted under the guidance of national standards: - TCVN 5992:1995 (ISO 5667-2: 1991) - Water quality - Sampling. Guidance on sampling techniques. - TCVN 5993:1995 (ISO 5667-3: 1985) - Water quality - Sampling. Guidance on storage and handling of samples. - TCVN 5994:1995 (ISO 5667-4: 1987) - Water quality - Sampling. Guidance on sampling in natural and artificial lakes and ponds. - TCVN 5996:1995 (ISO 5667-6: 1990) - Water quality - Sampling. Guidance on sampling in rivers and streams. 3.2. Analytical methods to determine the parameters of surface water quality shall comply with the guidance of the national standards or corresponding analytical standards of international organizations: -TCVN 6492-1999 (ISO 10523-1994) - Water quality - Determination of pH. -TCVN 5499-1995. Water quality - Determination of dissolved oxygen - Winkler method.

- TCVN 6625-2000 (ISO 11923-1997) - Determination of suspended solids by filtration through glass-fibre filters - TCVN 6001-1995 (ISO 5815-1989) - Water quality - Determination of biochemical oxygen demand after 5 days (BOD 5) - Dilution and seeding method. - TCVN 6491-1999 (ISO 6060-1989) - Water quality - Determination of the chemical oxygen demand. - TCVN 6494-1999 - Water quality - Determination of ions of fluoride, chloride, nitrite, Orthophotphat, bromide, nitrate and soluble sulphate in liquid ion chromatography. - TCVN 6194-1996 (ISO 9297-1989) - Water quality - Determination of chloride. The method of titration of nitrate silver with chromate indicator (MO method). - TCVN 6195-1996 (ISO 10359-1-1992) - Water quality - Determination of fluoride - Electrochemical probe method for potable and lightly polluted water - TCVN 6178-1996 (ISO 6777-1984) - Water quality - Determination of nitrite. Molecular absorption spectrometric method. - TCVN 6180-1996 (ISO 7890-3-1988) - Water quality - Spectrometric method using sulfosalicylic acid - TCVN 5988-1995 (ISO 5664-1984) - Water quality - Determination of ammonium - Distillation and titration method. - TCVN 6181-1996 (ISO 6703-1-1984) - Water quality - Determination of total cyanide. - TCVN 6336-1998 (ASTM D 2330-1988) - Test method for Methylene Blue Active Substances - TCVN 5991-1995 (ISO 5666-3-1984) - Water quality - Determination of total mercury by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry - Method after digestion with bromine - TCVN 6002-1995 (ISO 6333-1986) - Water quality - Determination of manganese - Formaldoxime spectrometric method - TCVN 6053-1995 (ISO 9696-1992) - Water quality - Measurement of gross alpha activity in non-saline water - Thick source method - TCVN 6177-1996 (ISO 6332-1988) - Water quality - Determination of iron - Spectrometric method using 1,10 - phenanthroline - TCVN 6193-1996 (ISO 8288-1986) - Water quality - Determination of cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead - Flame atomic absorption spectrometric methods - TCVN 6197-1996 (ISO 5961-1994) - Water quality - Determination of cadmium by atomic absorption spectrometry - TCVN 6222-1996 (ISO 9174-1990) - Water quality. Methods for the determination of total chromium by atomic absorption spectrometry - TCVN 6626-2000 (ISO 11969-1996) - Water quality - Determination of arsenic - Atomic absorption spectrometric method (hydride technique) - TCVN 6216-1996 (ISO 6439-1990) - Water quality - Determination of phenol index - 4- Aminoantipyrine spectrometric methods after distillation

- TCVN 5070-1995 - Water quality - Weight method for determination of oil and oil products - TCVN 6053-1995 (ISO 9696-1992) - Water quality - Measurement of gross alpha activity in non-saline water - Thick source method - TCVN 6219-1995 (ISO 9697-1992) - Water quality - Measurement of gross beta activity. - TCVN 6187-1-1996 (ISO 9308-1-1990) - Water quality - Detection and enumeration of coliform organisms, thermotolerant coliform organisms and presumptive Escherichia coli - Part 1: Membrane filtration method The parameters specified in this Regulation not having national standards guiding the analytical method shall apply the corresponding analytical standards of the international organizations. 4. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION This Regulation shall apply in substitution for TCVN 5942:1995 - Water quality - surface water quality standards in the List of Vietnamese standards on environment which is mandatorily applied and issued together with Decision No. 35/2002/QD-BKHCNMT dated June 25, 2002 of the Minister of Science, Technology and Environment. In case the national standards referred in this Regulation amended and supplemented or superseded shall be applied under new documents.

QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON AMBIENT AIR QUALITY Preface QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT was written by the Compilation Board of National Technical Regulations on ambient air quality, submitted by the Vietnam Environment Administration and Legal Department for approval, and issued in accordance with the Circular No. 32/2013/TT-BTNMT dated October 25, 2013 by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. National Technical Regulation on Ambient Air Quality

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1.1. Scope of applications 1.1.1. This Regulation deals with limitations on values of basic factors including sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), dioxide nitrogen (NO2), ozone (O3), total suspended particles (TSP), PM10, PM2.5, particles, and lead (Pb) in ambient air. 1.1.2. This Regulation applies to supervision and assessment of ambient air quality. 1.1.3. This Regulation does not apply to air within manufacturing facilities and indoor air. 1.2. Interpretation of terms In this Regulation, the terms below are construed as follows: 1.2.1. Total suspended particles (TSP) is total particles with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 100 m.

1.2.2. Particle PM10 is total suspended particles with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 m.

1.2.3. Particle PM2,5 is total suspended particles with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2,5 m. 1.2.4. Average 1 hour: The arithmetic average of the measured values over a period of 1 hour. 1.2.5. Average 8 hours: The arithmetic average of the measured values over a period of 8 consecutive hours. 1.2.6. Average 24 hours: The arithmetic average of the measured values over a period of 24 consecutive hours (a day). 1.2.7. Annual average: The arithmetic average of the 24-hour average values measured over a period of one year. 2. Technical Reputation Maximum value of basic parameters of ambient air is specified in Table 1.

Table 1: Maximum value of basic parameters of ambient air Unit: Micro gram over cubic meter (g/m3) Average 1 Average 8 Average 24 Annual No. Paramater hour hours hours average

1 SO2 350 - 125 50 2 CO 30,000 10,000 - -

3 NO2 200 - 100 40

4 O3 200 120 - - 5 Total Suspended Particle 300 - 200 100 (TSP)

6 Dust PM10 - - 150 50

7 Dust PM2,5 - - 50 25 8 Pb - - 1.5 0.5 Note: ( - ) unspecified

3. METHOD FOR DETERMINATION 3.1. Sampling for ambient air quality monitoring conducted under the guidance of national standards: - TCVN 5978:1995 (ISO 4221:1980). Air quality. Determination of sulfur dioxide concentration in ambient air,. The Thorin spectrophotometric method. - TCVN 5971:1995 (ISO 6767:1990). Ambient air. Determination of sulfur dioxide concentration in ambient air. The Tetrachloromercurat (TCM)/Pararosanilin method. - TCVN 7726:2007 (ISO 10498:2004). Ambient air. Determination of sulfur dioxide. The Ultraviolet (UV) Fluorescence Technique. - TCVN 5972:1995 (ISO 8186:1989). Ambient air. Determination of carbon monoxit (CO) concentration. Gas chromatography method. - TCVN 7725:2007 (ISO 4224:2000). Ambient air. Determination of carbon monoxit concentration. Non dispersive infrared spectroscopy method. - TCVN 5067:1995. Air quality. Determination method of dust volume. - TCVN 9469:2012. Air quality. Determination method of dust volume by beta ray absorption measurements. - AS/NZS 3580.9.6:2003. Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - PM10 high volume sampler with size-selective inlet - Gravimetric method. - AS/NZS 3580.9.7:2009. Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air - Determination of suspended particulate matter - Dichotomous sampler (PM10, coarse PM and PM2,5) - Gravimetric method. - TCVN 6137:2009 (ISO 6768:1998). Ambient air. Determination of nitrogen dioxide concentration. The modified Griess-Saltzman method.

- TCVN 7171:2002 (ISO 13964:1998). Air quality. Determination of ozone concentration in ambient air. The Ultraviolet (UV) photometric method. - TCVN 6157:1996 (ISO 10313:1993). Ambient air. Determination of ozone concentration. The chemical luminescence method. - TCVN 6152:1996 (ISO 9855:1993). Ambient air. Determination of lead dust content within aerosols collected in the filter. The atomic absorption spectrometry method. 3.2. The acceptance of analysis methods are guided in national and international standards with the accuracy equivalent to or higher than those referred in Section 3.1.

4. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION 4.1. This Regulation shall apply in substitution for QCVN 05:2009/BTNMT - National Technical Regulation on ambient air quality issued under the Circular No. 16/2009/TT-BTNMT dated October 17, 2009 of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. 4.2. Environmental management authorities are responsible for guidance, check and supervision of this Regulation implementation. 4.3. In case the national standards that referred in this Regulation amended and supplemented or superseded shall be applied under new documents.

100

E. Appendix 5: Public Consultation – Minutes of meeting and list of participants

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

F. Appendix 6: Minutes of determination on waste disposal locations

120

121

122

123

124

G. Appendix 7: The agreement on the subproject implementation of VIETNAM UNESCO VIET NAM NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness

No.16/BTK/19

Regarding the approval for the project implementation on upgrading and renovating the provincial road in Karst Plateau Hanoi, 12 February, 2019 Geopark, Dong Van, Ha Giang

To: Provincial People's Committee of Ha Giang

Responding to the Official Dispatch No.105/UBND-KTN dated on January 9, 2019 on the approval for the project implementation on upgrading and renovating the Yen Minh - Mau Due - Meo Vac provincial road in the area of UNESCO Global Geopark (Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark), Dong Van, Ha Giang Province (hereinafter referred to as the Project), Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO has the following opinions: 1. Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO has basically agreed with the policy of project implementation. The project is suitable for the purpose of promoting tourism, creating favorable conditions of transportation, assisting in ethnic groups living within the areas of economic and cultural development; create conditions for preserving and promoting the value of the Global Geopark. The upgrade of the provincial road is one of the recommendations of the UNESCO experts in the second evaluation of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in August 2018. 2. Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO respectfully suggests the Provincial People's Committee of Ha Giang to direct relevant departments and agencies to ensure that the project is elaborated and implemented according to the criteria and provisions of the Law; and would not affect the landscape, ecological environment and heritage system of UNESCO Global Geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. During the construction process, the attention should be paid into assessing the impacts on existing geological and cultural heritages, and simultaneously identifying new geological manifestation, in case of new detection, it should be consulted with scientific individuals and organizations and have plans to protect and promote the heritage values.

Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO gives the above opinion so that the Provincial People's Committee knows and has good basis for the deployment of future work./.

125

Best regards./.

CHAIRMAN OF VIET NAM NATIONAL Recipients: COMMISSION FOR UNESCO - As above; - Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark; Signed - Specialized sub-committee; (Vietnam Institute of Geoscience mineral Le Hoai Trung resources) - Save: BTK. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Address: No. 2 Le Quang Dao, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi, Fax: (84 24) 37995315 Vietnam Telephone: (84 24) 37995305 Email: [email protected]

126

127

H. Appendix 8: The mining permit

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness HA GIANG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE

Ha Giang, 20 April, 2015

No.654/GP-UBND

THE MINING PERMIT

HA GIANG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE

Pursuant to Law on Organization of People's Councils and People's Committees dated on November 26, 2003 Pursuant to Law No. 60/2010/QH12 dated on November 30, 2010 of the National Assembly on Mineral. Pursuant to Decree No. 15/2012/ND-CP dated on March 09, 2012 of the Government stipulation in detail the implementation of some articles of the Mineral Law. Pursuant to Decree No. 203/2013/ND-CP dated on November 28, 2013 of the Government on the calculation method charge for granting the mineral mining right. Pursuant to Decision No. 2427/QD-TTg dated on December 22, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving mineral resources strategy to 2020, with a vision toward 2030. Pursuant to Directive No. 02/CT-TTg dated on January 09, 2012 of Prime Minister on enhancing the state management for exploration, mining, processing, use and export of minerals. Pursuant to Directive No. 18/2008/CT-TTg dated on June 06, 2008 of Prime Minister on strengthen management, improving exploitation activities in stone-pit for exploitation safety. Pursuant to Circular No. 16/2012/TT-BTNMT dated 29 November 2012 of the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment providing for the scheme on exploitation of minerals, closure of mineral mines, and standard form of report on result of mineral activities, standard forms of documents in the application dossier for issuance of licences for mineral activities, dossiers approving mineral reserves, and dossiers of closure of mineral mines. Pursuant to Decision No. 06/QD-UBND dated on January 5, 2015 of the Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee on approving the planning on exploration, exploitation and use of minerals as common construction materials in Ha Giang province during the period of 2015 - 2020 with a vision toward 2030; At the request of the Director of Department of Natural Resources and Environment in the Proposal No. 54/TTr-STNMT dated on April 8, 2015,

DECISION:

Article 1. The Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society is allowed to exploit

128

limestone for common construction materials by open-pit mining (open-cast mining) technique at the Pac Luoc 2 quarry, Na Ten village, Yen Minh township, Yen Minh district, Ha Giang province. - Mining area: 2.08 ha - Reserves: + Geological reserves (grade 121 + 122): 1,012,620 m3, which is the reserve for calculating the cost of granting mining rights. In which, reserve level is 121: 335,335 m3, reserve level is 122: 677,285 m3. + Exploitation reserves (grade 121 + 122): 632,800 m3. - Mineral body: cubic, the reserve at grade of 121; 122. - The depth of exploitation: + 450m (the bottom + 450m). - Mining capacity (original condition/unspoiled): 25,000 m3/year. - Exploitation duration: 26 years (including 0.5 years of basic construction and 0.5 years of closure, environmental rehabilitation after exploitation).

Article 2. Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society is responsible for: 1. Take charge of the fee for granting permits of mineral exploitation, perform financial obligations: taxes, charges and fees according to the provisions of law. 2. Paying the cost for granting mining rights. 3. Carry out limestone mining activities according to the coordinates, area, depth, reserves, capacity as prescribed in the Article 1 of this Permit. 4. Before conducting the exploitation, the detailed design must be submitted, strictly appraised and approved according to the provisions of law to the competent state agencies according to regulations; report on-site inspection to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, determine the coordinates, exploitation ground, limit the scope of exploitation; carry out procedures for the conversion of land use purpose according to the provisions of law. 5. Fully implement the Report on environmental impact assessment and the proposal Scheme on environmental improvement and restoration of the project in mineral exploitation activities at Pac Luoc 2 quarry, Na Ten village, Yen Minh township, Yen Minh district, Ha Giang province, approved by Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee, and implement the law provisions on environmental protection and make of deposit for environmental rehabilitation as prescribed. 6. In the course of exploitation, all methods and technical processes must be ensured, as well as technical safety, mining project safety, and explosive material safety; take measures to prevent and combat incidents, ensure labour safety and other regulations on safety during mining process. 7. The management and use of exploited and processed products must comply with the current law provisions; 8. Regularly control the mining and processing areas, ancillary works and other related areas; protect mineral resources, ensure safety in accordance with the law; In case of unsafe signs, the operation and processing activities must be immediately stopped; the damage must be repaired; and reported to the competent state agencies for handling according to the provisions of law; 9. Implement the closure of mines, restore environment and land after exploitation; periodically report mineral activities in accordance with the law on minerals and other relevant provisions. 10. Strictly comply with the provisions of the Article 5 in the Mineral Law.

Article 3. Exploitation activities of limestone for common construction materials under this Permit, the Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society is only allowed to conduct the exploitation after fully complying with the provisions of law and regulations specified in this Permit;

129

submit to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ha Giang province and the Department of Construction of Ha Giang province the detailed design approved by the competent authority; register the date of commencement of basic construction, the date of production activities, report to the Executive Director of the mine, the exploitation and processing plan at the competent agency as prescribed. In case of the Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society violates the provisions of the Mineral Law and related legal documents, or fails to strictly perform the obligations as prescribed in this Permit, the Permit will be withdrawn according to the provisions of the Mineral Law. Simultaneously, the Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society is responsible for related issues under all laws.

Article 4. This decision takes effect from the date of signing.

Article 5. The Chief of the Provincial People's Committee Office, Directors of Departments: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Construction; Heads of related departments and branches; Chairman of People's Committee of Vi Xuyen district; Chairman of Tan Thanh Handicraft Industry Cooperative Society shall implement this Decision./.

HA GIANG PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE Recipients: CHAIRMAN - As Article 5; - Chairman, Vice Chairmans of PPC; - General Department of Geology and Minerals of Viet Nam, - Department of Industry and Trade; Signed - Department of Finance; - Provincial Department of Taxation; Dam Van Bong - Leaders of PPC office; - Save: VT, CVCN.

This Mining Permit has been registered at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ha Giang province Registration number: 04-2015 DK/KT Ha Giang, 05 May, 2015 Ha Giang Department of Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Director

Signed Luu Duc Hung

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140