E951 Volume 4 Public Disclosure Authorized --FF~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Public Disclosure Authorized
Ghana Water Sector Restructuring Project Environmental Assessment and Management Plan
Part 1: Environmental Impact Assessment Public Disclosure Authorized Ghana Water Company Ltd (PMU)
April 2004 Draft final report 9P2503 Public Disclosure Authorized g AY &A CONSULT LIMITED W.., .. d E-1 ...... I Co....ts KlOYAL HASKONING
FILE COPYftaLs9~~~~~~~~~~~~ ROYAL HASKONING
HASKONINGNEDERLAND BV WATER
Barbarossastraat 35 P.O. Box 151 Nijmegen 6500 AD The Netherlands +31 (0)24 328 42 84 Telephone 0031(0)243231603 Fax infoenijmegen.royalhaskoning.comE-mail www.royalhaskoning.comInternet Arnhem 09122561 CoC
Document title Ghana Water Sector Restructuring Project Environmental Assessment and Management Plan Document short title Ghana WSRP EAMP Status Draft final report Date April 2004 Project name Environmental, Resettlement and Dam Safety Studies for Ghana WSRP Project number 9P2503 Author(s) Peter Scheren, Martine Leman, Henk Blok Seth A. Larmie Client Ghana Water Company Ltd. (PMU) Reference 9P2503/R/PS/Nijm
Drafted by Peter Scheren
Checked by Martine Leman Date/initials check ...... Approved by Henk Blok Date/initials approval ...... I
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
Since 1993, the Government of Ghana has been implementing a number of reforms aiming at improving the management of the water sector, both in the fields of sanitation and water supply. Provision of potable water is considered as a critical element in its policy for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction.
The Government of Ghana has received a grant from the International Development Association toward the cost for preparation of a proposed Water Sector Restructuring Project. The proposed Water Sector Restructuring Project (WSRP) concerns about 80 water systems in 10 regions of Ghana. It is designed to increase urban water availability, to extend distribution networks, to assist the sector to establish a sustainable financial foundation and to support the introduction of the private sector into management and operation of the systems.
Civil works proposed to be covered under the First-Year Investment Plan (FYIP) of the WSRP include pipeline extensions, replacement and enforcement, redevelopment and the drilling of boreholes, the building of a booster station, dredging of the Brimsu reservoir, tank rehabilitation and extension of the VRA grid.
The Ghana Water Company Ltd. signed a contract with the consortium consisting of Royal Haskoning from the Netherlands and AY&A Consult Ltd from Ghana in order to carry out the environmental, resettlement and dam safety studies. Hereunder the environmental study (EAMP) will be summarised.
Purposeand Scope of the EAMP
The purpose of the Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) is to identify the major issues and impacts associated with the project and to identify any measures required to limit any such impacts to acceptable levels.
The scope of the EAMP may be summarized as follows: * Assessment of legislative, institutional and policy frameworks for environmental and social assessment, management, and reporting applicable to the project; * Execution of a reconnaissance-level survey of the locations of the proposed works in order to identify any environmental issues that need specific attention, and to specify, as required, mitigation measures at specific locations to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts; * Review of baseline environmental conditions in the project areas on the basis of literature review, expert judgement, and reconnaissance level field visits; * On the basis of project documentation and the reconnaissance level site visits, review of the proposed project components and assessment of their potential negative environmental and social impacts; * Formulate practical, time-bound and cost-effective recommendations to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts that could arise during construction, operation and decommissioning; * Recommend what should be done for more detailed environmental and social analyses for specific subcomponents, as necessary;
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* Identification of alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and identification of other alternatives, which would achieve the same objectives; * Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan providing general and specific direction on pre-construction, construction, and operation and maintenance measures and practices to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects that can be readily incorporated into: (a) construction specifications and drawings for inclusion in tender documents; and (b) operation and maintenance manuals.
Potential environmentaland social impacts
Water supply projects are executed with the aim to improve water distribution services to the population by expanding networks and water distribution points, increasing quantities of water distributed and/or improving the efficiency and reliability of water distribution systems, and by improving the quality of water distributed. In general, therefore, the proposed water supply development would have a substantial positive social impact in that it will improve the public health and subsequent conditions in the region.
However, there are a number of aspects of the project which have a potential for negative impacts. The following table shows some of the identified potential impacts, divided in major impacts and moderate impacts.
Potentially major impacts that have been identified are, among others:
Solid waste Substantial amounts of solid waste will result from the clearing of generation trees, bush and structures on pipeline RoW's. A major impact in terms of solid waste is furthermore the sediment resulting from the dredging of the Brimsu reservoir, which amounts to approximately 620,000 m3 . Safety of the Constructions sites, in particular excavated trenches and pits, public transportation and, movement of heavy equipment and obstructions of roads may cause safety problems to the public. Furthermore, the dredge spoil disposal site at Brimsu poses risks of drowning to the public. Disturbance and Without adequate planning and communication of activities, interruption of construction activities may cause traffic disruptions and congestion, commercial and resulting in disturbance and interruption of commercial and social social activities activities. Land take The land required for the dumpsite for dredge spoil from the Brimsu reservoir will amount to approximately 25 ha. Conflicting Groundwater is an important source of water in the dry northern part demands for of Ghana. With the ever-increasing demand for water from the water use. expanding population there is, however, a serious risk of conflicts between various demands for water use, where it is for drinking water, for irrigation, or for other purposes. In the ultimate case, uncontrolled groundwater extraction could lead to depletion.
Considered to be moderate impacts are among other, the following:
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Water pollution Drainage water from the dumpsite for sediment from dredging operations in the Brimsu reservoir may lead to increased turbidity in surface watercourses. Furthermore, the dredging works in Brimsu reservoir will disturb the bottom sediments in the reservoir and therewith have an impact on the turbidity, in particular in the lower parts of the lake. Nuisances and Piped water distribution systems are particularly sensitive to public health operational failures, in particular accidental ruptures of pipelines and risks as a result structural degradation of pipelines as a result of ageing and poor of incidental and maintenance, accompanied by low pressure in the pipes. Also, structural improper branch connections (both legal and illegal) increase risks. (institutional) Furthermore, accidents and leaks due to ruptures of pipelines may operational cause flooding with consequential effects, including disturbance of failures of the socio-economic activities due to flooding, and public health risks due distribution to overflowing of drainage systems and still-standing water creating network habitat for insect disease vectors such as malaria. An indirect impact is furthermore the fact that water consumption will increase as a result of the extended distribution system, which in turn will increase the amount of wastewater produced.
Increased The increased capacity of the Brimsu reservoir will enable increased sludge drinking water production and distribution. The amount of sludge production from produced (and to be disposed of) by the water treatment process will water treatment therefore increase.
Mitigation and managementmeasures
For each of the identified impacts specific mitigation measures are defined. The general rules in designing such measures are: * Avoidance of major impacts: major impacts are generally considered unacceptable, certainly ones that would endure into the long-term or extend over a large area; and * Reduction of major and moderate Impacts to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) by planning, designing and controlling mitigation measures. This implies that mitigation measures will be applied up until the limitations of cost- effectiveness and practical application are reached. The limitations are established by best international practice. * Implementation of good contractor practices for impacts rated as minor, in order to ensure that impacts are managed within good reason.
The mitigation and management measures could be defined as such that no major residual impact is envisaged. Most of the residual impacts can be classified as minor. The moderate impacts, together with the connected most important mitigation measures, are indicated in the table below. Most of them can be seen As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).
Solid waste The Contractor should prepare a Solid Waste Management Plan, generation Any waste disposal, including disassembled facilities, should occur at sites approved by the municipality.
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Selection of an appropriate landfill site for dredge spoil disposal (Brimsu reservoir dredging) Since adequate processing facilities for asbestos-cement pipelines are absent, it is recommended to leave the old pipes in the ground when decommissioned. Disturbance (Timely) informing the affected communities of the construction and interruption programme. of commercial The length of trenches at one time should be limited as much as and social possible. activities Relocation (even temporarily) should be avoided as much as possible. Where such is unavoidable, however, relocation should occur in accordance with the defined Resettlement Policy Framework. Where private land or other property is affected, or where there is loss of income as a result of project activities, agree on compensation measures with affected population prior to start of construction. Compensation will occur in accordance with the defined Resettlement Policy Framework. Occupational To Contractor should prepare and implement a Health and Safety health and Plan. safety Water pollution The dredging method selected should ensure minimization of impacts in terms of increased turbidity. Conflicting Determination of the safe yield of the boreholes to be developed demands for through an adequate hydrogeological investigation water use Adequate co-ordination with other water users
Analysis of project alternatives
Apart from the mitigation measures presented in the table above, the EA has identified the need for further investigation of project alternatives where it concerns the location of the dumpsite for dredge spoil from the Brimsu reservoir, the location of boreholes and the detailed alignment of pipelines and the decommissioning of the pipelines.
Environmental ManagementPlan
The results of the EA process subsequently feed into the EMP for the project, which contains the following elements: * Description of mitigation measures: The EMP identifies feasible and cost effective measures to reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels. * Description of monitoring program: Environmental performance monitoring should be designed to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented, have the intended result, and that remedial measures are undertaken if mitigation measures are inadequate or the impacts have been underestimated within the EA report. It should also assess compliance with national standards and World Bank Group requirements or guidelines. * Institutional arrangements: Responsibilities for mitigation and monitoring should be clearly defined. The EMP will identify arrangements for coordination between the various actors responsible for mitigation.
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* Implementation schedule and reporting procedures: The timing, frequency, and duration of mitigation measures should be specified in an implementation schedule, showing links with the overall project implementation plans (PIP). * Cost estimates and sources of funds: These should be specified for both the initial investment and recurring expenses for implementing all measures contained in the EMP, and integrated into the total project costs.
By closely collaboration with the Civil Engineer working on the detailed design, the measures defined are as such that they can readily be included in the construction specifications and contract for the works.
Capacity building In capacity building is foreseen through on the job training and workshop on environmental management and resettlement for staff of GWLC and local consultants.
Costs Costs estimates for initial investment and recurring expenses for implementing all measures contained in the EMP, has been estimated. A summary is given in the table below.
Cost estimates (in USD) for planning and implementation of mitigation measures including monitoring) specific to each activity group Activity group Phase Construction Operation and maintenance Decommissioning First year Subsequent yrs Pipelines 172,000 1,700 1,700 74,600 Dredging 118,700 11,100 1,100 n/a Boreholes 34,200 77,000 11,000 10,000 Power lines 4,700 nil nil 3,700 Sub-total 329,600 89,800 13,800 88,300 Planning and 164,800 44,900 6,900 44,200 management (50% sub-total) TOTAL | 494,400 | 134,700/yr | 20,700/yr 132,500
Cost estimates (in USD) for training, resettlement and supervising during construction phase Budget component Cost estimate Training/Capacity building Resettlement 50,000 General Environmental 50,000 Specific HSES 75,000 Resettlement 614,000 Environmental supervising Engineers team (1 international and 2 locals for 1 year) 300,000 Total 1,089,000
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
EAMP Environmental Assessment and Management Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EMS Environmental Management System EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESR Environmental Scoping Report GOG Government of Ghana GWCL Ghana Water Company Ltd. h.h. Household HSES Health, Safety, Environment(al) and Social IDA International Development Association PMU Project Management Unit ROW Right of Way TOR Terms of Reference VRA Volta River Authority WRC Water Resources Commission WSRP Water Sector Restructuring Project
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CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background of the study 1 1.2 Purpose of the EAMP 1 1.3 Scope of the EAMP 1 1.4 Definition of key terms 2 1.5 EAMP methodology 4
2 POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 7 2.1 World Bank guidelines 7 2.2 EPA regulations 8 2.3 Other applicable regulations 9
3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 10 3.1 Project rationale 10 3.2 Project components 10 3.3 Contracting and implementation arrangements 14
4 BASELINE INFORMATION 15 4.1 General overview 15 4.2 The wet semi- equatorial climatic zone 17 4.3 The dry equatorial zone 20 4.4 The tropical continental, savannah zone 21 4.5 Brimsu dam and reservoir area 22 4.5.1 Climate 22 4.5.2 Geology 23 4.5.3 Limnology 23 4.5.4 Terrestrial ecology 24
5 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 26 5.1 Anticipated positive impacts 26 5.2 Remarks on the relationship between water supply and sanitation 26 5.3 Anticipated negative impacts 28 5.4 Potential impacts related to the extension/replacement/rehabilitation of the distribution network (including tank rehabilitation and booster station) 32 5.5 Potential impacts related to the dredging of the Brimsu reservoir 41 5.6 Potential impacts related to borehole development 43 5.7 Potential impacts related to powerline extensions 47
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6 MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES 51 6.1 Mitigation measures related to extension/replacement/rehabilitation of the distribution network (including tank rehabilitation and booster station construction) 53 6.2 Mitigations measures related to dredging of Brimsu reservoir 65 6.3 Mitigation measures related to borehole development 69 6.4 Mitigation measures related to powerline extensions 77
7 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 83 7.1 Identification of alternatives 83 7.2 The no-project alternative 83 7.3 Dredge spoil dump site at Brimsu 83 7.4 Booster station in Kumasi North-East 85 7.5 Location of proposed boreholes 86 7.6 Alignment of pipelines 86 7.7 Decommissioning of pipelines 87
8 REFERENCES 88
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 List of EIA preparers Appendix 2 Terms of Reference for the EIA Appendix 3 Details of project components Appendix 4 Definition of impact significance criteria Appendix 5 Completed field investigation forms Appendix 6 Analysis of reconnaissance level field visits Appendix 7 Overview of potential environmental and social impacts per project component
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INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
This Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) was prepared for the First Year Investment Plan (FYIP) of the Water Sector Restructuring Project (WSRP) in Ghana.
This report presents the results of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the works proposed under the project. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the works, based on the results and findings of this EIA is presented in a separate volume. The two volumes together form the reporting of the EAMP.
The EAMP is intended to contribute to the design and appraisal of the WSRP by the Government of Ghana (GOG) and the International Development Association (IDA).
1.2 Purpose of the EAMP
The purpose of the EAMP is to identify the major issues and impacts associated with the project and to identify any measures required to limit any such impacts to acceptable levels. The EAMP covers any significant issue of environmental (and social) concern.
At the administrative level, the EAMP furthermore serves various purposes:
* To allow policy makers to appreciate the extent and significance of any potential impacts associated with the proposed project, and take these into consideration into project execution considerations;
* To provide basic information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana in accordance with legally defined procedures (see section 1.3);
* To provide clear instructions to works supervisors and contractors with regard to any measures that need to be implemented in order to limit any potential negative impacts to acceptable levels.
1.3 Scope of the EAMP
The full Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EAMP are presented in Appendix 2. During the initial stage of the study, the terms of references were further detailed through an environmental scoping exercise, as reported in the Environmental Scoping report for this study (Water Sector Restructuring Project Ghana, Final Scoping Report; April 2004). During this scoping exercise, the environmental impacts to be reviewed were identified and defined. The report was subsequently reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana.
On the basis of the original ToR for the EAMP and further detailing thereof during the scoping stage of the study, the scope of the EAMP may be summarized as follows:
* Assessment of legislative, institutional and policy frameworks for environmental and social assessment, management, and reporting applicable to the project;
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* Execution of a reconnaissance-level survey of the locations of the proposed works in order to identify any environmental issues that need specific attention, and to specify, as required, mitigation measures at specific locations to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts;
* Review of baseline environmental conditions in the project areas on the basis of literature review, expert judgement, and reconnaissance level field visits;
* On the basis of project documentation and the reconnaissance level site visits, review of the proposed project components and assessment of their potential negative environmental and social impacts;
* Formulate practical, time-bound and cost-effective recommendations to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts that could arise during construction, operation and decommissioning;
* Recommend what should be done for more detailed environmental and social analyses for specific subcomponents, as necessary;
* Identification of alternatives that were examined in the course of developing the proposed project and identification of other alternatives, which would achieve the same objectives;
* Preparation of an Environmental Management Plan providing general and specific direction on pre-construction, construction, and operation and maintenance measures and practices to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects that can be readily incorporated into: (a) construction specifications and drawings for inclusion in tender documents; and (b) operation and maintenance manuals.
It is noted that close liaison with the engineers undertaking the detailed design of the first year civil works was required, to appreciate the nature of the works, to provide environmental guidance to that design work, and to assist in structuring the EMP so that the appropriate elements of it can be readily incorporated into construction tender documents.
A list of contributors to this EAMP is presented in Appendix 1.
1.4 Definition of key terms
Before presenting the results of the EIA process applied for this project, this section provides definitions of the following terms: * component; * phase; * activity; * aspect; * environmental impacts; * environmental resources; and * environmental receptors.
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A component is a major element of the project. The WSRP has a large number of such project components, mainly related to the different regions in the country. A component could be for example a 13 km mains extension in Obuasi, Ashanti region, or the rehabilitation of boreholes in Bawku, Upper East Region. An overview of the various project components is presented in section 3.
A phase refers to the stage of project implementation. Three phases will be considered in the EIA: * construction; * operation and maintenance; and * decommissioning.
In the definition as used in this EAMP, the construction stage incorporates also aspects related to design and planning of works.
An activity is a particular action, which is necessary as part of one of the phases. Excavation of trenches and pipe laying are examples of activities. In some cases, an activity may consist of a series of subsidiary sub-activities. For example, the 'right-of- way (ROW) clearance' activity during pipeline construction might consist of the following sub-activities: fencing the ROW, clearance of vegetation.
An aspect is an element of an activity that will, or has the potential to, lead to an environmental impact. Examples include noise and light emissions and the generation of solid and liquid wastes.
An environmental impact is an environmental change that occurs as a consequence of an activity. Different types of environmental impact are defined in Box 1.
Environmental resources are those elements of the environment that are essential to, or of value to, the functioning of natural or human systems. These include areas or elements of ecological, landscape, agricultural value, soil, air and water.
Environmental receptors are the recipients of environmental impacts, in other words, those species of animals and fauna that are affected. Environmental receptors are also people as users of dwellings, users of places of recreation and users of places of employment and community facilities. The EIA will address the implications of environmental impacts on people's wellbeing and livelihood.
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Box 1 Types of environmental impacts
Direct (or primary) - impacts that result from a direct interaction between an activity/aspect and the receiving environment (e.g. between an effluent discharge and receiving water quality). Secondary- impacts that follow on from the primary interactions between the project and its environment as a result of subsequent interactions within the environment (e.g. loss of part of a habitat affects the viability of a species population over a wider area). Indirect- impacts that result from other developments or activities that are encouraged to happen as a consequence of the original development (e.g. a new development stimulates a requirement for improved road access). Cumulative - impacts that act together with other impacts to affect the same environmental resource or receptor. Permanent: impacts that occur once on development of the project and cause a permanent change in the affected receptor or resource (e.g. the felling of old growth forest as a result of occupation of a site, the diversion of a watercourse). Short-term: impacts that are predicted to last only for a limited period (e.g. during construction, seismic studies, drilling or decommissioning) but will cease on completion of the activity, or as a result of mitigation/reinstatement measures and natural recovery. Long-term: impacts that will continue over an extended period, (e.g. noise from operation of a development, impacts from operational discharges or emissions). These will include impacts that may be intermittent or repeated rather than continuous if they occur over an extended time period (e.g. repeated seasonal disturbance of species as a result of well operations, impacts resulting from annual maintenance activities). Non-Normal Impacts: impacts that result from non-normal events within the project (e.g. breakdowns, failures and emergencies) or in the external environment affecting the project (e.g. floods, seismic activity, landslip). In these cases the assessment should take account of the probability of the event. Local: impacts that affect locally important environmental resources or are restricted to a single habitatlbiotope, a single (local) administrative area, a single community. Regional: impacts that affect regionally important environmental resources or are felt at a regional scale as determined by administrative boundaries, habitat type. National: impacts that affect nationally important environmental resources or affect an area that is nationally importantprotected. International: impacts that affect internationally important environmental resources such as areas protected by International Conventions.
1.5 EAMP methodology
The methodology applied for the EIA is schematically presented in Figure 1.
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Project Environment information information
buss environmental acrlivies and proolieI
dentlflcan of envirConmn icatio environmentaron ensittal Res aspect and criteria
assessment of Impacts Impact Assessment preventive i T repressive contro of process * measures impacts
curativei b cormpensative recoverys ftm measrires impacts
lctsCommunication |E nviron rnentall Reporting Saement
Figure I Schematic presentation of the applied EIA methodology
The applied EIA process consists in fact of 6 different stages:
* Staae3: Includes an analyses the proposed project in terms of activities to be undertaken, and facilities to be established. Includes furthermore a collection of baseline information on the state of the environment.
* Stage 2: Determines any project activities and facilities that might potentially causes interferences with the environment. Furthermore, determines any particular environmental sensitivities and conditions that are of relevance to the proposed project. Stage 2 includes a reconnaissance level visit to the project locations.
* Sta-ge 3: On the basis of the analysis in stage 1 and 2, identifies any potential impacts of the project on the environment. Depending on the nature of project
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activities and facilities, as well as the specific environmental conditions, the potential significance of such impacts is determined.
* Stage 4: Identifies and reviews relevant measures to be taken in order to prevent or reduce any potential adverse impacts to acceptable levels.
* Staae 5: Where impacts may not be successfully prevented, or reduced to acceptable levels, measures are defined to either recover environmental conditions, or compensate for unavoidable damage.
* Staae 6: Reports on the results of the EIA through an Environmental Statement.
Stages 4 and 5 of the assessment include also measures for monitoring and control of impacts, including verification of the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
The results of the EIA process subsequently feed into the EMP for the project, which contains the following elements:
* Summary of impacts: The predicted adverse environmental and social impacts for which mitigation is required should be identified and briefly summarized.
* Description of mitigation measures: The EMP identifies feasible and cost effective measures to reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels.
* Description of monitoring program: Environmental performance monitoring should be designed to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented, have the intended result, and that remedial measures are undertaken if mitigation measures are inadequate or the impacts have been underestimated within the EA report. It should also assess compliance with national standards and World Bank Group requirements or guidelines.
* Institutional arrangements: Responsibilities for mitigation and monitoring should be clearly defined. The EMP will identify arrangements for coordination between the various actors responsible for mitigation.
* Implementation schedule and reporting procedures: The timing, frequency, and duration of mitigation measures should be specified in an implementation schedule, showing links with the overall project implementation plans (PIP).
* Cost estimates and sources of funds: These should be specified for both the initial investment and recurring expenses for implementing all measures contained in the EMP, and integrated into the total project costs.
Remark: The EMP is prepared as a stand-alone volume of the EAMP, for ease of implementation by GWCL and the works contractor(s).
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2 POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The EIA and EMP should be acceptable to both the World Bank and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana, as outlined below.
2.1 World Bank guidelines
World Bank requirements for ElAs are laid down in the Operational Policy for Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01). Further guidelines are presented in the Environmental Assessment Sourcebook (1991) and updates thereof. Other relevant standards that would potentially be applicable are:
* OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement; * OPN 11.03: Management of Cultural Property; * OD 4.20: Indigenous People; * OP 4.04: Natural Habitats; * OP 4.36: Forestry; * OP 4.37: Safety of Dams.
The above-mentioned policies are reviewed below with regard to their applicability and implications. * OP 4.12 is to be complied with where involuntary resettlement may take place as a result of the project. It is very likely that such will be the case, although to a restricted extent. The policy includes requirements that: (a) Involuntary resettlement should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs. (b) Where it is not feasible to avoid resettlement, resettlement activities should be conceived and executed as sustainable development programs, providing sufficient investment resources to enable the persons displaced by the project to share in project benefits. Displaced persons should be meaningfully consulted and should have opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs. (c) Displaced persons should be assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.
* OPN 11.03 (Management of Cultural Property) aims at preserving and avoiding elimination of cultural properties. It is well possible that such cases will be encountered. The policy requires to identify in advance what is known about the cultural property aspects of the proposed project site, and that if there is any question of cultural property in the area, a brief reconnaissance survey should be undertaken in the field by a specialist.
* OD 4.20 (Indigenous people): It is not anticipated that the WSRP may have any adverse impact on people identified as indigenous, and therefore OD 4.20 is not applicable.
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* OP 4.04 (Natural Habitats), OP 4.09 (Pest Management), OP 4.36 (Forestry) address environmental aspects that have no relevance to the WSRP. The project areas do not present natural habitats or forestry reserves of any importance;
* OP 4.37 (Safety of Dams) introduces specific safety requirements applicable only to dams more than 15 meters in height. The WSRP will not construct any such dam, and the policy is therefore not applicable.
It is noted that the proposed project is classified as Category B, which means that its potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas- including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats- are less adverse than those of Category A projects, the highest category of projects.
The impacts of Category B projects are generally site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be readily designed. The scope of EIA for a Category B project is narrower than that of Category A EIA. However, like Category A ElAs, it examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental impacts and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance.
2.2 EPA regulations
The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the responsible agency for the granting of environmental permits for projects in the country. A formal Environmental Assessment requirement was introduced in 1989, which however received formal support only in 1994, with the establishment of the EPA Act 490, which was followed by Legislative Instruments 1652 (1999) and 1703 (2001). The Act states as one of the roles of the EPA "To ensure compliance with any laid down environmental impact assessment procedures in the planning and execution of development projects".
Upon submission of an application for a permit for a project to the EPA, the project is first screened to evaluate whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be required. In complicated cases, EPA may require a Preliminary Environmental Report (PER) to be produced, upon which is decided whether an Environmental Permit is granted or an EIA required. The scrupulousness to which these regulatory measures are applied depends on the level of investment and on whether the environmental concerns that the measures seek to address in that sector require priority attention. The procedure for EIA is described in the "Ghana Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures (1995)" under the EPA Act 490.
Under both directives the main components of the project are categorized as non-critical environmental impacts. The exceptions to such may be:
* Proposed dredging works in the Brimsu reservoir; * Proposed expansion of groundwater extraction through boreholes; * Any sensitive environments that the project works might encroach on.
The Ghanaian guidelines for environmental impact assessment are very much in line with World Bank guidelines and in this respect cause no conflict of concern whatsoever. Furthermore, Ghanaian standards and guideline values for water, air and noise pollution
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are in line World Bank and other international (WHO) standards. A comparison of such standards is presented as part of the impact significance criteria definition presented in Appendix 4.
2.3 Other applicable regulations
Apart from the EPA regulations, the regulatory framework for the project is given by the following national legislation:
* Water Resources Commission (WRC) Act 552 of 1996; * Ghana Water Company Limited Act 461 of 1993.
The WRC Act empowers the WRC as the sole agent responsible for the regulation and management of the utilization of water resources and for the co-ordination of any policy in relation to them. In this respect, the proposed borehole construction for the extraction of groundwater will need the consent of the WRC, which would grant the water right.
The GWCL Act mandates the GWCL to provide, distribute and conserve the supply of water in Ghana for public, domestic and industrial purposes.
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3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Project rationale
GOG considers the provision of potable water as a critical element in its policy for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction. GOG is committed to ensure that all Ghanaians have access to potable water and has outlined this objective in the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS, final draft dated February 2003). In line with this commitment the GOG, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has the following four objectives for the urban water sector: * To expand the reliable supply of safe water in the urban areas; * To ensure that poor households have access to potable water at affordable prices; * To ensure sustainability of the sector through cost recovery and improved management; and * To ensure an adequate and steady flow of investment funds, with an emphasis on low cost and concession financing.
As part this strategy, the WSRP is designed to increase urban water availability, to extend distribution networks (especially to low income consumers), and to assist the sector to establish a sustainable financial foundation. It would also support the introduction of the private sector into management and operation of the systems under either a lease or management contract arrangement. GOG has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Ministry of Works and Housing (MWH) to carry out the government's project preparation responsibilities.
3.2 Project components
The proposed program of civil works for the first year of the WSRP is composed entirely of upgrades and extensions to existing assets, mostly water transmission and distribution lines, all within existing municipal boundaries. The GWCL/PMU has commissioned detailed engineering work for these civil works to result in construction specifications and drawings for inclusion in tender documents; this work is being carried out at the approximately the same time as the present EAMP preparation.
The exact location of extensions to the water transmission/distribution systems will be determined by this detailed engineering work; currently, their location is known to +/- 10 metres. New transmission lines are expected to be located within existing rights-of-way, and distribution lines along existing streets/roads.
A map of the various project locations is presented in Figure 2.
Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 10 April 2004 nnn
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Figure 2 Map showing the project locations GI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draflfinal report 11 April 2004 000 000 KOVALHASKONING In summary, civil works proposed to be covered under the First-Year Implementation Plan (FYIP) include: Ashanti * Obuasi: Mains extensions (13km) Region * Agona/Jamasi: New (2) and redevelopment of (1) boreholes * Kumasi City: Mains extensions (8km) and reinforcement/renewal (1 Okm) * Kumasi South: Mains extension (0.5km) * Kumasi West: Mains extension (14km) * Kumasi East: Mains extensions (2km) * Kumasi North/East: Mains extensions (5km) plus booster station a Mampong: Mains extensions (8km) Central * Cape Coast: Dredge Brimsu reservoir; mains renewals (4km) and Region extensions (6.6km) * Elmina: Relocation of pipelines (3.2km) * Komenda: Reinforcement of pipelines (5km) Greater * Accra Northwest: Mains extensions (35.5km); pipeline Accra replacements (6.5km) * Accra West: Mains extensions (25km); pipeline replacements (2.8km) * Accra East: Mains extensions (11km); pipeline replacements (5.2km) * Tema: Mains extensions (14.6km) Northern * Tamale: Pipeline extensions (8km) and replacements (8.4km) Region Upper East * Navrongo: New boreholes and power extensions (3); new Region transmission mains (3km); tank rehabilitation * Bawku: Rehabilitation of boreholes (5); extension of VRA grid (10km); new transmission mains (3km) Volta * Ho: Mains extensions (12.5km); distribution improvement (3km) Region * Hohoe: Mains relocation (2km) and extension (3km) * Denue/Aflao: Mains extension (5km) and tank rehabilitation * Peki: Mains extensions (2km) Western * Secondi/Takoradi: Mains extensions (19.5km) Region A more detailed overview of the proposed works is presented in Appendix 3. Photograph Plate 1 presents some of the project components. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 12 April 2004 000 EOVALHA5KOUING 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 1.5 Dredging of the Brimsu Dam 1.6 Tank rehabilitation (Aflao) PHOTOGRAPH PLATE nol Ghana WSRP Pro ect activities Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 13 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING 3.3 Contracting and implementation arrangements It is anticipated that the proposed work will be tendered in individual packages. Works on pipeline extensions, rehabilitation and replacement, tank rehabilitation (Upper East and Volta regions), construction of a booster station (Ashanti region) and powerlines (Upper East region) will be tendered in individual packages for each region, with the Accra/Tema works split up in two packages. Dredging works (Central region) and borehole development and rehabilitation (Ashanti and Upper East regions) will be tendered in separate packages. The total number of packages therewith comes to 9. It is likely that the packages will be tendered internationally, since works may be considered too large for local contractors. Moreover, there is no local capacity for dredging works. Implementation on the ground will, however, be through local sub(contractors). Furthermore, it is the intention that a supervising engineer will be appointed to guide and control the works. Construction drawings and as-build designs (as applicable) of the works will be done alongside with the construction program, and supervised by the engineer. The role of the PMU therein will be that of a contract manager, on behalf of GWCL. Furthermore, under the general guidance of the PMU, project engineers will be assigned in each project region to supervise the work on a more day-to-day basis: to ensure that works are executed according to technical specifications, schedule and budget, and taking into consideration any health, safety, environmental and social (HSES) management measures as defined in this EIA. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 14 April 2004 l l~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 EOYALHASKONIEG 4 BASELINE INFORMATION 4.1 General overview The project sites are located in various climatic zones of the country as summarized in Table 1. Their characteristics are provided thereafter and their relative locations are presented in Figure 3. Table 1 Project locations and eco- climatic conditions Project Region Project site locations Climatic zone Ashanti Obuasi, Agona/ Jamasi, Wet semi- equatorial Kumasi, Mampong Central Cape Coast, Elmina, Komenda Dry equatorial Greater Accra Accra, Tema Dry equatorial Northern Tamale Tropical continental, savanna Upper East Navrongo, Bawku Tropical continental, savanna Volta Ho, Hohoe, Peki, Denu/ Aflao Dry equatorial Western Sekondi/ Takoradi Wet semi- equatorial A general baseline environmental description of each of the climatic zones is presented in the following sections. It is noted that most project activities are scheduled within the urban or semi-urban context, and the project areas are consequently all of low ecological value. An exception is the proposed dredging of the Brimsu reservoir, and associated dumping of approximately 620,000 m3 of dredge spoil to a location nearby the reservoir. The baseline environmental conditions in the Brimsu dam and reservoir are therefore presented in more detail in section 0. Furthermore, reconnaissance level site visits where undertaken to the individual project locations, any issues of specific ecological or socio-economic concern have been noted. Each site was assessed in accordance with a pre-established site investigation form. The completed forms for the individual project sites visited are presented in Appendix 5. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 15 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING BURKINA FASO *BawkalI __- - -rf - IntemalionalLEGEND Boundary 10'Navrongo * Bolgetanga - RegionalBoundary JPPER EAST REGION- J U RegionalCapital ** W PE - N * ProjedTown UPPER WEST REGION g~ ~ RegionalCapital and , % ProjeaTown I ft ECOLOGCALREGIONS 10-UI* We -1~} *- Sauth-westernEquatorial I- X ,,J j 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DryEquatorial Wet ''- > :1 TropicalCont nental | ~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~Tamale IE Temele c<~~~eaorLvannahSemi-Equatorial / NORTHFRN RFGION 8- w 5 _ o0 > 0 ,BRONO-AHAFO REOION h I - - - 'j ,, ~~~~,. , Sunymnt* - _ ' 7-I -, 't-S ,, I Ho , Hr Iv x5, MantisRrao,,^. \~~~~~~~-j *AgoO . % ^ t Ouai REGION,tASASHANTI N 'I C - /. ObCal1 JT A S I LNI' NG- IOi - ~~~~~~~~~~~~Koloutduis HWESTEt4IN REGION)W 6'~~~~~~~~~~tE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I- ' m,,%l._,'~ . HiCE FTRALREGO" 5-~~ _ ~ INI F> BtrlmmD': Dan wZ - 1>t fako' 6u i6 1- s 8' - r-1 o1 G5'-I Figure 3 Project locations and climatic zones Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 16 April 2004 ODD ROYALHASKOMING On the basis of the reconnaissance visits an analysis of the characteristics of the project sites was executed. The results of this analysis are presented in Appendix 6. Photograph Plates 2 and 3, given in the following pages, give an overview of these environmental characteristics. As a general summary of the analysis it may be concluded that: * The project locations are mainly of a residential nature, 50/50 of a low and middle-class nature, often mixed with commercial activities (mainly shops). In few cases industrial establishments and/or offices are present; * Areas of agricultural nature are found mainly in the Northern, Upper East and Volta region. Land of any natural value is scarce. * In limited cases there is a potential for interference with socially or culturally important facilities (schools, hospitals, graveyards, churches, etc.). * In particular in Kumasi and Accra there is a potential for interference with other utility infrastructure (telecom, electricity, sewerage and drainage, and roads). * Population density is generally medium to high in the Accra and Ashanti project areas, and low to medium elsewhere. * Soil erosion characteristics vary across the projects, without a clear pattern. Soils of different erodibility can be found all over the project areas. * Surface water sensitivity is not generally an issue. Potentially affected surface watercourses are present in only two cases: the Subin stream in Kumasi, and the Fosu Lagoon in Cape Coast. * Groundwater levels are generally low, and below the pipeline depth, apart from some cases in Ashanti region and in Cape Coast. * None of the areas is of particular importance in terms of flora and fauna. Most important is the area around the Brimsu reservoir (see section 4.5). The area is, however, not known for any flora and fauna of particular national or international importance. 4.2 The wet semi- equatorial climatic zone The Ashanti and Western regions fall within this climatic zone and is characterised by two rainfall maxima. The mean annual rainfall lies between 1250mm and 2000mm. The first rainy season is from May to June with the heaviest rains in June while the second season starts in September and ends in October. The highest mean monthly temperature of about 300C occurs between March and April, and the lowest of about 260C in August. The average monthly relative humidity is highest (75- 80%) during the two rainy seasons and lowest (70- 80%) during the rest of the year. The vegetation is described by the moist semi-deciduous forest similar to the rain forest but the trees shed their leaves during the long dry season from November to March. Due to the rapid spread of the cocoa industry in this vegetation belt very little of the original forest remains and most of what is left is secondary forest. Near to large settlements like Kumasi or Takoradi, the pressure on land is great and apart from occasional big trees standing alone, the secondary vegetation consists of climbers, shrubs, and soft woody plants. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draftflnal report 17 April 2004 000 000 ROYALHASKONING 2.1 Commercial area (Accra NW) 2.2 Commercial-industrial (Accra W) -. ---. -s-I 2.3 Fallow land (Ho) 2.4 Residential middle income (Accra NW) 2.5 Residential low income and industrial in high 2.6 Residential low income in a low population population density area (Kumasi) density area (Adubiliyili) PHOTOGRAPH PLATE n02 Baseline information Land-use characteristics Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 18 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING 3.1 Wet semi-equatorial zone (upper part of Volta 3.2 Dry equatorial zone (lower part of Volta Region) Region) ' t w ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t 3.3 Tropical continental, savannah zone (Northern 3.4 Natural area around the Brimsu Lake (Central Region) Region) <_N,,,,~~~~~~ ...... ~.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3.5 Area with high erodibility 3.6 Area with shallow groundwater table (Elmina, Central Region) (Obuasi, Ashanti Region) PHOTOGRAPH PLATE n°3 Baseline information Physical and ecological characteristics Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 19 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONING The principal soils are the forest ochrosols which are generally porous, well- drained and loamy. They were developed over a wide range of highly weathered parent materials including granite, Tarkwaian, and Birrimian rocks. Due to lower rainfall than the forest regions, the soils are not very highly leached and they therefore contain more nutrients and are alkaline in character. Practically all the cocoa in Ghana is grown in these soils. The urban areas in this region as with most of the other areas are generally densely populated (up to 160 per square meter). A study of the land use pattern for example in the urban towns shows that growth in the towns did mostly not follow any carefully planned lay-outs with the result that a residential area may have shops, banks, and workshops as well, all of which may even be found within a single building. Key population and housing characteristics in the project areas are presented in Table 2. Table 2 Population and housing characteristics at project locations in Ashanti/ Western Regions Region Location Population (censu results) Housing, 2 00 2000 1984 1970 Total Number Average houses of h.h.'s h.h. size Total Male Female Ashanti Obuasi 115,564 56,593 58,971 60,617 31,005 9,797 24,729 4.7 Agona 9,321 4,660 4,661 6,010 4,204 811 1,834 5.1 Jamasi 9,096 4,323 4,773 6,892 4,892 925 1,656 5.5 Kumasi 1,170,270 587,012 583,258 469,628 346,336 67,434 231,653 5.1 Mampong 31,740 14,889 16,851 20,228 13,895 2,425 7,037 4.5 Western Sekondi 114,157 56,697 57,460 70,214 63,673 9,935 27,721 4.1 Takoradi 175,436 86,794 88,642 117,989 80,309 14,882 40,499 4.3 4.3 The dry equatorial zone The Greater Accra, Volta and Central Regions are within this climatic region, which also has two rainfall maxima but the dry seasons are more marked and the mean annual rainfall is considerably less, ranging from 750 to 900mm. This region is the driest in Ghana. The temperatures are similar to the wet semi- equatorial reported above. Relative humidity is highest in the rainy season, but the highest average monthly relative humidity in this climatic zone varies within a relatively limited range of 60% at the lowest to a maximum of 75%. This zone used to be characterized by a drier and more open variety of the moist semi- deciduous forest but this has been greatly modified over the years and today consists of dense shrub without grass towards the west, and mainly grass with isolated patches of shrub and occasional trees to the east, e.g. in the area of Ho, Denu and Aflao. Baobab and nim trees are quite common as well as fan palms and wild oil palms, the latter especially in the Volta. There are several soil groups in this vegetation zone including coastal savannah ochrosols, lateritic sandy soils, tropical black clays or Akuse soils, tropical grey earths, sodium vleisols and coastal sands. The coastal sandy soils consist of yellow sands often without a top layer of humus or organic matter. They support coconuts and where manured, shallots and other crops. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 20 April 2004 KOVALHASKONING The urban areas in this region as also discussed above are generally densely populated (up to 160 per square meter) and unfortunately urban growth has been mostly haphazard. However, some exceptions may be found for example in Tema, which combines distinctive land use areas and residential communities. Key population and housing characteristics in the project areas are presented in Table 3. Table 3 Population and housing characteristics of project towns/ cities in Greater Accra/ Central and Volta Regions Reglon Location Population(census results) Housing,2000 2000 1984 1970 Total Number Average houses of h.h.'s h.h. size Total Male Female Greater Accra 1,658,937 817,404 841,533 969,195 624,091 131,355 365,550 4.5 Accra Tema 141,479 68,467 73,012 100,052 60,767 17,199 25,685 5.5 Central C- Coast 82,291 39,512 42,779 65,763 56,601 6,847 20,323 4.0 Elmina 21,103 9,960 11,143 16,970 11,401 2,190 5,362 3.9 Komenda 12,278 5,930 6,348 5,287 5,966 964 2,584 4.8 Volta Ho 61,658 29,595 32,063 37,777 24,199 6,853 15,183 4.1 Aflao 38,927 17,921 21,006 20,904 15,397 3,703 9,185 4.2 Hohoe 35,277 16,426 18,851 20,994 14,775 3,400 7,510 4.7 Denu 4,959 2,317 2,642 4,237 2,675 564 1,214 4.1 4.4 The tropical continental, savannah zone The tropical continental zone has a single rainy season from May to October followed by a prolonged dry season. The mean annual rainfall is about 1000 to 1150mm. The mean monthly temperatures vary from about 360C in March to about 270C in August. Relative humidity is high during the rainy season (70 to 90%) but may fall to as low as 20% during the dry season. The vegetation is described as the wooded or tree savannah and it currently constitutes the single largest vegetation zone in Ghana covering about 170 sq km. Only trees such as the baobab, dawa dawa, acacias and shea tree which are adapted to the area are found in this vegetation zone. However, there is a marked change in plant life during different seasons of the year. In the wet season, trees blossom and grasses shoot up rapidly but soon after the rains the trees lose their leaves and the vegetation looks parched and desolate. In the densely settled parts of the region, regular burning, grazing of livestock, and cultivation have resulted in the survival of relatively few trees and the vegetation is therefore open and dominated by short grasses. The most extensive soils are the groundwater lateritic soils. These are developed over both the voltaian shales and granites. Their principal characteristic is the presence of ironstones or iron pans. Another important soil group is the savannah ochrosols which are well drained, porous, and loamy developed over granites and birrimian rocks. Because of the generally dispersed nature of settlements in northern Ghana, it is often difficult to know where one settlement ends and the other begins. Aside of the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga the other two major towns in the region are Navrongo Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 21 April 2004 000 0000 0 0 ROYALHASKONING and Bawku. Key population and housing characteristics in the project areas are presented in Table 4. Table 4 Population and housing characteristics of project towns/ cities in Upper East and Northern Regions Region Location Population(census results) iousing, 2000 2000 1984 1970 Total Number Average houses of h.h.'s h.h. size Total Male Female Upper Bawku 51,379 25,065 26,314 34,074 20,567 4,318 7,119 7.2 East Navrongo 15,983 7,615 8,368 19,690 11,031 1,665 3,386 4.7 Northern Tamale 202,317 100,854 101,463 135,952 83,653 15,873 33,079 6.1 4.5 Brimsu dam and reservoir area 4.5.1 Climate The Brimsu project area is classified as humid tropical, characterised by pronounced temporal and spatial variation, but with fairly uniform temperatures. Two maxima of rainfall are experienced, the major one occurring between April and July, the second less important one between September and October. Total annual rainfall has a mean of 1400 mm but considerable annual variations (35 - 152% of mean) occur. Mean monthly rainfall statistics over the period 1914 - 1993, based on data from Brimsu and Asuansi stations, are presented in Figure 4. The hydrology of the region is dominated by these rainfall characteristics. Highest river flows occur during the rainy season. 700 600- j 500 -______E 400 - J!300- 200 -" 100 . - , 6v g0 0 s & &OR 0 L+*... Mean-a - Maximum - _.- Minimum Figure 4 Mean monthly rainfall over the period 1914-1993 at Brimsu Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, with relatively little annual and seasonal variation. The highest temperatures are recorded between February and March, while minimum temperatures are experienced in August. Day temperatures vary from 30°C in March to 26°C in August. Night temperatures are relatively low. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 22 April 2004 ROYALHASKONIEG Humidity varies in accordance with temperature fluctuation over the basin and is generally high most times of the year. Highest humidity (75-80%) occurs during the rainy seasons. 4.5.2 Geology The area of the proposed project is characterised by hilly terrain with a maximum altitude of approximately 130 m above sea level. Geologically, it is located within an area of Precambrian granite intrusion covering wide areas of the region, and referred to as the Cape Coast batholiths. These granites and the granite-bound gneiss are decomposed to a deep stage and covered by lateritic soil, reaching a thickness of some meters. The project location, including the catchment areas of the rivers flowing through, is subject to erosion, which is induced by the extensive deforestation and agricultural development in the region. Erosion rates are estimated at 16.6 m3 /km2y (JWP Watertech - Posch & Partners, 1994) for the Kakum river basin. Figures are based on the volume of sediments deposited in the Brimsu reservoir. Soil samples taken, show that the laterite soils surrounding the Brimsu reservoir contain approximately 25% clay and additional silt contents, reaching more than 40%. 4.5.3 Limnology Little is know regarding the aquatic ecology of the specific rivers and reservoirs in the project area. Knowledge on such ecology, however, is derived from reported data on other similar systems. A limnological study of the Brimsu reservoir was executed by JWP Watertech - Posch and Partners (1994). The reservoir appeared to be strongly stratified, the water body being divided in a colder, deoxygenated, iron and nutrient-rich hypolimnion, and a warmer oxygenated epilimnion. The stratification would break down during periods of flooding, when the plankton is diluted. In the dry season, when the reservoir level drops, the reservoir will become too shallow for the stratification to persist. This situation will put the epliminion in contact with the nutrient-rich hypolimnion, possible stimulating algal growth. The Brimsu reservoir may be limnologically classified as 'moderate', due to the following findings: * Moderate oxygen concentrations in the epilimnion of the major part of the reservoir, apart from the shallow upstream section, where concentrations are higher. * Moderate conductivity; * Moderate phosphate contents in the eplilinion; * Normal silicon content; * A moderate level of productivity. As it concerns the Brimsu reservoir, its ecology may be compared to the Eija reservoir. Reported are nineteen species of fish, with Tilapia (Tilapia busumana) making up 50% of the catch. Other important species include Tilapia pelmatlapia sp., Barbus parablabes and Micralestes occidentalis. Fishing in Brimsu reservoir is not allowed by the authorities, in order to protect the quality of the waters and prevent potentially harmful techniques (dynamite or pesticide fishing) and the development of new settlements on the shorelines of the reservoir. According to GWCL Cape Coast, larger reptiles, including croQodiles, may be found in the reservoir. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 23 April 2004 COO KOYALHASKONING Sampling and analysis of phytoplankton was executed as part of the 1994 social and environmental impact review by JWP Watertech - Posch and Partners. Phytoplankton 2 biomass ranges from 10.2 to 37.5 g/m , dominated by F. Peridinium gatonese (Dinophyceae), which accounts for 91.2% of areal biomass in the central part of the reservoir to 56.3% at the tail end of the reservoir. Highest areal biomass density was measured in the central part of the reservoir. The species composition in the reservoir shows typical tropical characteristics, with 6 species of Xanthophyceae and 25% of species only found in tropical areas (the rest being cosmopolitan). Tropical species include Cruginellia lunaris, Scenedesmus calyptratus, S. tropicus, Tetrastrum heteacanthum var. homaiacanthum (Chloropyceae), Staurastrum brachyprominus, the form indicated by Staurastrum sp. (Xanthopyceae), Isthmochlon lobulatum, Tetraedriella sp. ad T, jovetti and Phacus acuminatus var. javana (Euglenophyceae). The blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae), usually indicative for pollution when found in masses, are not found at Brimsu. Zooplankton sampling by JWP Watertech - Posch and Partners (1994) shows a predominance of Protozoa near the bottom, and Rotatoria and Crustacea as the most dominant components at all other levels. Zooplankton densities can be classified as moderate and species composition is normal, although the high densities at the reservoir bottom, in particular in the central parts of the reservoir, are somewhat remarkable. 4.5.4 Terrestrial ecology The project area has been severely affected by human occupancy, which has resulted in deforestation and cultivation of lands. Plots of secondary forest and bush land are mingled with farm lands. The natural vegetation in the area may be characterised as follows: * Secondarv forest: Secondary forest of long standing, with tall trees, climbers and reduced undergrowth. Important tree species found are Malacantha alrifolia, Ceiba pentandra, Milicia excelsa, Lecandiodiscus cupanioides and Baphia nitida; * Secondary thicket: Consists of a very thick, difficult to penetrate vegetation of herbaceous plants, climbers, shrubs and trees. A species much encountered is Alchornea cordilfolia. * Reservoir and river fringe vegetation: The fringing vegetation along the bank of the reservoir and river is a mixture of shrubs and trees. The shrubs are dominated by Alchornea cordilfolia, while Cathormion altissimum and Pterocarpus santalinoides are the main trees found along the fringe. Along the shore of the reservoir, moreover, sudds are found, composed mainly of Polygonum senegalense and the fern Pteris sp. Occasionally, the fringe is broken by Psidium guajava, Bambusa vulgaris and Elaeis guineensis. * Tree plantations: In particular in the Brimsu area, Cassia plantations exist, planted originally to protect the shorelines of Brimsu reservoir. In some areas also Ceiba pentandra (silk cotton tree) is grown on farm land. The project area does not seem of any particular importance for fauna. However, it is likely that in particular the Brimsu reservoir area, an artificial reservoir, has in time become an important breeding place for a large stock of waterfowl. Moreover, the secondary forest and bush lands around the reservoir would form an important refuge for all kinds of animals, including reptiles, small game and birds, in particular within the context of the degraded natural forest lands in the area. The same counts for the stretch Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 24 April 2004 0 El D KOYALIIASKONING of secondary forest between the villages of Kwakyekrom and Dwabor. Details on the importance of these areas for fauna are not available, however. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 25 April 2004 KOYAL HASKONING 5 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS This section presents an analysis of the potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed project activities. In evaluating the potential impacts of the project, the checklists provided in the Environmental Assessment Sourcebook of the World Bank (Technical Paper Number 140, Volume II: Sectoral Guidelines, 1991) were used. The following sections list only the main impacts identified, specifying these as much as possible according to the various infrastructural developments anticipated. 5.1 Anticipated positive impacts Water supply projects are executed with the aim to improve water distribution services to the population by expanding networks and water distribution points, increasing quantities of water distributed and/or improving the efficiency and reliability of water distribution systems, and by improving the quality of water distributed. Currently, the poor quality of water imposes risks to the health of the population, causing water-borne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, bilharzias, and guinea worm. A more adequate supply of water and an improved quality thereof would improve hygiene and reduce health hazards. In general, therefore, the proposed water supply development would have a substantial positive social impact in that it will improve the public health conditions in the region. Furthermore, through improving living conditions, this development will also have secondary benefits in stimulating social economic development There is a further opportunity of maximizing positive impacts of the project, which is through the involvement of local population in unskilled (and where possible skilled) labour involved in the work. The Contractor should be encouraged to do so. 5.2 Remarks on the relationship between water supply and sanitation There is a direct relationship between water supply and wastewater discharge. For most urban cities and towns in Ghana, water use is underdeveloped as a result of suppressed demand. The unsuppressed demand is about one and half times current supply. The improvement in water supply is intended to result from the WSRP may therefore increase water use. A direct consequence of such increase in water use would be that the amount of urban wastewater discharge would also increase. The ability of systems to cope with the elevated volumes should therefore be carefully assessed and provisions made to address any untoward impacts, in particular in the light of the inherent potential water quality and health risks related to increase wastewater discharge. It must be mentioned, however, that the works under the FYIP of the WSRP are mostly geared towards improvement in the delivery of the commodity, for example through rehabilitation and replacement of, and extensions to existing distribution lines and transmission mains. There is minimal project activity to expand the sources. The notable exception is the dredging of the Brimsu dam, which could however be argued technically to be a restoration of existing capacity. Within the context of the concerns with regard to increasing wastewater production it is noted that, in 1999, under the Environmental Sanitation Policy of Ghana, the sanitation Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 26 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING sub-sector was completely separated from the mandate of the then Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (GWSC). This was at the time when GWSC became a limited liability company: Ghana Water Company Limited. Sanitation in urban and non- urban towns was made the responsibility of metropolitan/ municipal and district assemblies. There have been numerous technological, institutional, and financial problems associated with the sub- sector previously and more so with this situation, which are yet to be adequately addressed. In this respect, an inventory commissioned by the erstwhile GWSC showed that, there were over 20 wastewater facilities in operation in the country in the early 70's. However, by 1990 none of these facilities were in service as insufficient attention was paid to their operation and maintenance over the years. Questions were raised, moreover, with regard to the appropriateness of the applied technology, since conventional activated sludge and trickling filter systems had been promoted, where pond facilities would probably have been more reliable and sustainable. More recently, the Accra Waste Project, supported by grants from DfID, has provided a new sewage treatment works using the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) technology for central Accra. Current monitoring results suggest that the design effluent standards are, however, not being met. As part of the implementation of the Master Plan for sewerage improvement for the city, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is furthermore funding the Accra Sewerage Improvement Study which is to prepare designs for 3 treatment plants based on pond technology, including wastewater transfer lines and 2 sea outfalls. The usefulness of the stabilization pond technology is demonstrated by the classic example of the Akosombo township, managed by the Volta River Authority, which has already successfully switched over to pond technology. The government has made further attempts, among others under World Bank sponsored Urban Environmental and Sanitation Projects, to provide facilities in urban towns/cities to improve environmental sanitation and to build general capacity for wastewater management. With regard to the latter, it should be noted that the capacity of the metropolitan, municipal and district authorities to adequately manage liquid waste is a major concern. Unfortunately, to date, much attention and resources have been taken up by issues of solid waste management, another important environmental issue, for which progress has been rather slow. Further encumbrance with liquid waste is stretching resources even more. It may therefore be concluded that there are at present no institutional arrangements within the Assemblies to adequately deal with issues of liquid waste, in particular sewage. Structures will have to be designed and developed for revenue collection, and the willingness (and ability) of communities to pay additional (and more expensive) tariffs for wastewater disposal will have to be carefully tackled. Until such is the case, it is unlikely that an effective and sustainable wastewater management system can be successfully established. In summary, it may be concluded that the FYIP of the WSRP as such has limited implications in terms of increased wastewater production. Nevertheless, it should be made clear that the linkages between water supply and wastewater production calls for special national attention to adequately address the concerns with regard to the existing capacity to manage wastewater. Such attention should focus on hardware (wastewater collection systems and treatment plants) but more so even on the institutional aspects that are required to build up a healthy and effective wastewater management system. The WRSP includes provisions for a comprehensive waste water sector study and the TOR for hat effort should incorporate these challenges facing the sector. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draftfinal report 27 April 2004 DOD KOYALHASKONING 5.3 Anticipated negative impacts Despite the overruling positive impacts of an improved water supply system, the exact modalities of such system would require consideration of negative implications. In view of the specific activities proposed under the project, the sources of such potential negative impacts may be grouped under the following headings: * Impacts related to pipeline construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning1; * Impacts related to dredging of the Brimsu reservoir and disposal, as well the operational and maintenance activities that will follow2; * Impacts related to borehole construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning; * Impacts related to VRA powerline extensions, operation and maintenance and decommissioning. An identification of potential impacts during the respective project phases is presented in tabular format on the following pages. Furthermore, a preliminary rating of potential impacts is presented. It is noted that this preliminary assessment is based on information that is available at present and will require further ground truthing. Impact significance has been categorized into three classes: * Low * Medium * High The criteria applied for the three classes are largely based on the expected magnitude of change caused by the project in combination with the value/sensitivity of the receptor/resource. The criteria are further laid out in Appendix 4. Box 2 Categories of environmental impacts An impact of low significance, hereafter referred to as a 'minor impact' is one where an effecl will be experienced, but the impact magnitude is sufficiently small and well within accepted standards, and/or the receptor is of low sensitivity/value. An impact of medium significance hereafter referred to as a moderate impact', will be wilhin accepted limits and standards. Moderate impacts may cover a broad range, from a threshold below which the impact is minor. up to a level that might be jusl shorl of breaching an established (legal) limit. An impact of high signiflcance. hereafter referred to as a major impact' is one where an accepted limit or standard may be exceeded, or large magnitude impacts occur to highly valued/sensitive resource/receptors. The actual impact significance rating depends on a lot of factors, including: * the magnitude of the impact; * the sensitivity and value of the resource or receptor affected; * compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards; 'Including tank rehabilitation and booster station construction. 2 Decommissioning is not an aspect with respect to the dredging operations. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 28 April 2004 *OVAL HASKONING * views of stakeholders; and * likelihood of occurrence. The following sections provide, for each of the project activities, an analysis of the various types of impacts that may be identified. Impacts are presented for each of the project phases (construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning). Predicted impacts ratings are based upon the significance criteria as presented in Appendix 4, and where such are not available, on professional judgement of the EIA team. It is noted that the determination of the significance of impacts is based upon minimum expectations with regard to the management of HSES issues by the works contractors. In other words, it is assumed that contractor works in accordance with general good construction practices. It is noted that most impacts, such as air and noise pollution, solid waste management, occupational health and safety risks may be generalized for specific types of project activities (e.g. borehole construction or power line extensions), where others, such as water pollution and soil erosion may occur only in certain cases. The identification of such cases is basically based on the results of the reconnaissance level site visits as presented in Appendix 5 and summarized in Appendix 6 and Appendix 7. Where applicable, any such non-generic circumstances are indicated in the tables presented in sections 5.4 to 5.7. On the following two pages, Photograph Plate 4 presents the main potential environmental and social impacts. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draftfinal report 29 April 2004 DOD DOD ROYALHASKONING _.~~~~~~~~~~~- ,' L.} Vj_ . .. 4.1 Soil erosion 4.2 Increased sludge production (Peki) (Brimsu water treatment plant) 4.3 Conflicting demands for water use 4.4 Water pollution (Bawku) FsLaoniCaeost 4.5 Public Safety 4.6 Public Health, Disturbance, (School in Hohoe) (example: drain construction in Accra) PHOTOGRAPH PLATE n04 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 30 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING Fr- 4.7 Baobab tree shrine (Bawku) 4.8 Interruption of commercial activity (tables and kiosk in Accra NW) - . . j -. 4.9 Cemetery (Deneu Aflao) 4.10 Fence to be removed and rebuilt (Obuasi) 1.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~f I. 4.11 Impact on fauna and flora 4.12 Land take associated with dredge spoil (Selected dredged spoil disposal site, Brimsu) disposal (example: disposal site Inchaban Dam) PHOTOGRAPH PLATE n04 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 31 April 2004 KOYAL HASKOU Ec 5.4 Potential impacts related to the extension/replacement/rehabilitation of the distribution network (including tank rehabilitation and booster station) Project activitygro p: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description ! Impact rating Air pollution Air pollution may result from construction activities, in particular in the form of emissions from vehicles and construction equipment. It is expected that such impacts will be limited, relatively short-term, transient and relatively low in magnitude. Noise pollution Noise pollution may result from construction activities, in particular from heavy vehicles and construction equipment. In particular in the urban environment in which most activities will take place, such noise pollution may cause nuisances to the population. It is, however, expected that works will progress relatively fast, and generally not last for more than 4 weeks at any specific location. Moreover, many of the works will depend on manual labour, and the use of heavy equipment is expected to be limited. Water pollution Water pollution may result from wastewater produced by construction camps and by the accidental spillage Moderate of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals used in the process. Furthermore, runoff of sediment resulting from increased soil erosion and from dust and sand at construction sites (see also 'soil erosion') may lead to increased turbidity in surface watercourses. In cases, excavated trenches may need to be kept dry through pumping out of (ground)water. The pumped water will need to be disposed off, but may be contaminated or high in suspended solids. Fortunately, there are only a limited number of cases where surface watercourses were found in the direct vicinity of the planned construction works in Kumasi and Cape Coast. The proposed 400mm PVC trunk mains will be extended from Asokwa through swampy low-lying environs to Anloga. The receiving stream will be the Subin which is already highly stressed in water quality from urban activities. On the other hand, construction work on the Bakano- Ola Estates road in Cape Coast may release wastewater into the Fosu Lagoon which is relatively ecologically sensitive. Solid waste The amount of solid wastes produced by construction works may be quite substantial. Among others, generation substantial amounts of solid waste will result from the clearing of trees and bush on pipeline RoW's. Furthermore, the project envisages the replacement of certain stretches of existing pipeline (note: made of asbestos), which consequently will need to be reused/recycled/disposed off. Other waste might originate from the destruction of structures, from excess soil or from garbage dumped along the road, and from household wastes from construction camps. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 32 April 2004 ono ROYALHASKONING Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description | Impact rating Soil erosion and The construction of the water distribution network (pipelines) requires the clearance of sites from vegetation, contamination as well as the execution of excavation works using heavy equipment. Inappropriate construction practices and soil protection measures may induce or accelerate erosion, leading to soil instability and landslides in hilly areas, with possible water pollution due to run-off to surface waters. Fortunately, the majority of construction, which is related to pipelaying, takes place along existing roads, and not on hill slopes. Nevertheless, it may be anticipated that the clearing of vegetation in the ROW will lead to temporary increase in soil erosion, until revegetation has occurred. The risks of increased soil erosion are particularly prevalent in the hilly communities of the Ashanti Region particularly in Obuasi and also in the Volta Region (see Appendix 6). Furthermore, contamination of soils may occur as a result of accidental or structural spillage of fuels, lubricant chemicals, sanitary wastewater, etc., as well as from leakage from inadequately protected solid waste storage facilities and sites. Good construction practices would, however, largely avoid any such risks. Impacts on flora Certain stretches of the proposed pipeline extensions may require the removal of natural vegetation, leading and fauna to potential habitat loss of its associated fauna. However, the majority of proposed construction works will be along roads and in existing RoW's. Although clearance of bushes and shrubs will therefore not be fully unavoidable, the actual impacts on vegetation are expected to be low, because of the low ecological value of the project areas (see Appendix 6). Raw material use The amount of raw material used in construction works can be substantial. In the case of the proposed Moderate project, substantial amounts of raw material may be used in pipeline extensions. Depending on the type of pipe material selected this may general be PVC, concrete and/or steel. Parts of these materials may be imported. Furthermore, a certain amount of basic materials such as sand and gravel will be required, and may be obtained from local quarries. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 33 April 2004 ROYALHAIKONIEG Project activity gro p:_Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description Impact rating Public health Public health problems may occur in the case of badly managed construction camps and work sites. In the Moderate problems from case of the proposed works, it is not expected that large construction camps will be established, or that work construction camps sites will be to a size that would cause important hazards to the population. Nevertheless, in view of the and sites, and magnitude of works, the number of imported labourers may be quite substantial. imported labour Furthermore, at construction sites pools of standing water may form in pits, holes, excavated ditches, etc. In the tropical climate of Ghana, standing water creates suitable habitats for insect disease vectors such as malaria, which within the urban context of most of the project activities, is an issue of important concern. Safety of the public Constructions sites, in particular excavations, as well as transportation, movement of heavy equipment and obstructions of roads may cause safety problems to the general public. The use of heavy equipment is expected to be limited. However, on the other hand, manually executed works will last longer, resulting in prolonged safety risks. Furthermore, exposed trenches pose fall hazards to humans and animals alike. The risk of such is particularly important in the case of construction works near frequented public buildings such as the schools in Kumasi South and West, Obuasi, Mampong, Cape Coast, Tamale and Ho. Visual amenities Construction sites, if not well management, have impact on the aesthetics of the surroundings. In the case of the project, all pipeline construction takes place in urban and semi-urban areas with moderate viewpoint sensitivity. Furthermore, the impact is temporary and location-specific. Disturbance and Construction activities for the water distribution network may only be temporary, but construction activities interruption of may be spread over a long period of time. Without adequate planning and communication of activities, commercial and construction activities may cause traffic disruptions and congestion, resulting in temporary disturbance and social activities interruption of commercial and social activities. This is particularly the case in the high density urban environments. An important point of attention is furthermore the many (illegal) roadside shops established within the existing pipeline ROW, which may need to be (temporarily) removed/relocated. Also, in cases, private property (land) might be temporarily affected during the excavation and pipelaying works (e.g. on the Gausu/ Ramia works in Obuasi), resulting in potential temporary loss in income generation opportunities. Construction activities may furthermore cause damage to other infrastructure (roads, sewerage pipes, drains, buildings, etc.), and therewith lead to (short-term) disruption of certain public services (like access to Hospital facilities on the Bakano- Ola road in Cape Coast or to the sections of the Elmina Market), as well as damage to or loss of historical sites and buildings. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 34 April 2004 onn cooo ROVAL HASKOEHEG Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description Impact rating Land take Although the majority of proposed pipelines will be along existing roads and in existing RoW's, the proposed Moderate pipeline extension may result in the occupation of land used for other purposes (residential, agriculture, businesses, etc.), and which can possibly not be used as such after implementation of the works (e.g. because the ROW needs to be clear of structures). The most important place where such is the case is the proposed location of the booster station in Kumasi North-East. The area to be occupied by the booster 2 station and related structures (e.g. fencing), amounts to approximately 2500 m . Presently, the area is used for a plantain farm, and still under private property. Securing this area will therefore require compensation for the present owner (and user) of the land. Occupational Construction works unavoidably expose workers to occupational health and safety risks. In particular, the Moderate health and safety following activities should be referred to: excavations; working with heavy equipment; working in confined spaces; working on and along traffic roads; heavy lifting; storage, handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes; working under noisy conditions; handling of old pipes made of asbestos. Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Alteration of natural The underground pipelines may locally alter the drainage patterns, block water flows or create preferred Moderate drainage patterns pathways. The highest potential for such impact is along the Asokwa-Anloga pipeline extension routes, which run through a wetland area, along the track of the planned Kumasi southern by- pass road project. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 35 April 2004 ROYAL MASKONIUG Project activitygrop: Pipelines | Phase: Operationand maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Nuisances and Piped water distribution systems are particularly sensitive to operational failures. Since drinking water is Moderate public health risks treated before entering the network and not at the actual distribution point in the houses (the traditional as a result of way), anything happening to the water in between will directly pose public health risks. Accidental ruptures incidental and of pipelines and structural degradation of pipelines as a result of ageing and poor maintenance (more the structural rule than the exception in most developing countries), accompanied by low pressure in the pipes will allow (institutional) the intrusion of potentially polluted groundwater into the drinking water distribution system. Another issue operational failures may be the realisation of branched connections (e.g. for new areas or to households), if not done in a proper of the distribution manner. Part of such connections may be illegal. Particularly sensitive may be the impact in the case of network ruptures in the vicinity of open or damaged sewers, the drainage system (often operating as an open sewer) or other areas of high level pollution such as landfills and industrial zones. Furthermore, accidents and leaks due to ruptures of pipelines may cause flooding with consequential effects, in particular in terms of disturbance of socio-economic activities. Flooding may also have its impact on insect and waterborne disease vectors, as well as public health risks due to overflowing of drainage systems and open sewers and is particularly hazardous in the vicinity of concentrated pollution sources such as landfills and industrial zones. A third source of nuisance and public health risks is related to the fact that it may be expected that water consumption will increase as a result of the extended distribution system. Therewith, the production of wastewater will also increase. Since sanitary facilities in most areas are very basic, and centralised collection and treatment facilities do not exist (apart from Accra where approximately 10% of the city is connected to a sewerage/treatment system, and Tema), this may result in increased public health risks. In relative terms (that is, in comparison with the existing situation) the increase in wastewater production is not expected to be substantial, but local effects (in the zones of extension) may be observed. Loss of wild lands, The area of project activities is largely in urban and semi-urban areas, and has consequently been greatly forests and wildlife affected by human habitation. None of the project areas is of exceptional ecological value. habitat. _ _ li _ Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 36 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONINC Project activity grou : Pipelines Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Induced access Where the pipeline extensions would require the creation of new RoW's through foresl land, this might result I due to construction in improved access to natural sites previously less accessible. All construction will, however, be along of pipeline RoW's existing roads. through bush and forest land d Energy Operation of a water distribution system may involve the use of energy for pumping. The relative increase in consumption energy consumption as a result of the extensions to the pipeline distribution system is, however, not . U expected to be substantial. Air pollution Same as in construction phase. Noise pollution Same as in construction phase. Water pollution Water pollution may result from the accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals used in the Moderate process. Furthermore, runoff of sediment resulting from increased soil erosion and from dust and sand at construction sites (see also 'soil erosion') may lead to increased turbidity in surface watercourses. In cases, excavated trenches may need to be kept dry through pumping out of (ground)water. The pumped water will need to be disposed off, but may be contaminated or high in suspended solids. Fortunately, there is only a limited number of cases where surface watercourses were found in the direct vicinity of the planned construction works in Kumasi city (Subin River) and Cape Coast (Fosu Lagoon) (see Appendix 6). The value of these resources especially the former, is however, not exceptional. Moreover, it is not expected that maintenance work will be limited in scope and time. Another issue related to water pollution is related to the fact that the extended distribution system will lead to increased water consumption and therewith wastewater production. This may, in turn, increase water pollution, since wastewater treatment facilities are in most cases absent. The impact is largely restricted to pipeline extensions (replacements do generally not lead to substantial increased in consumption), and in important development zones around the larger towns (Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast). As already noted in section 5.2, therefore, the consequences of the FYIP of the WSRP are not considered to be substantial. Nevertheless, it requires attention in future sanitation development projects. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 37 April 2004 *O@VALHASKONIGC Project activity grow,: Pipelines | Phase: Operationand maintenance Type of impact Description I mpact rating Solid waste Solid wastes may be produced by maintenance works, in particular where sections of pipelines are generation replaced. Also, waste will be produced by clearance of trees and bush on pipeline RoW's. The amounts of waste produced will be much more limited than during construction. An additional source of solid waste is furthermore sludge produced in water treatment facilities. As a result of the extended distribution system, it may be expected that water consumption will increase, and therewith also the amount of sludge produced by treatment plants. This is particularly the case in the Volta, Accra- Tema and Central and Eastern regions where water is extracted from surface water resources. In the more northem regions, groundwater is the principle source and treatment is limited to disinfection. In relative terms (that is, in comparison with the existing situation), it is not anticipated that the increase in sludge production will be substantial, but it does remain a point of attention in designing any future increase in treatment capacity. Soil erosion and Inspection and maintenance works for the water distribution network (pipelines) requires the clearance of Moderate contamination sites from vegetation, as well as the execution of excavation works, possibly using heavy equipment. Inappropriate construction practices and soil protection measures may induce or accelerate erosion, leading to soil instability and landslides in hilly areas, with possible water pollution due to run-off to surface waters. Fortunately, the majority of the proposed pipelines is along existing roads. Nevertheless, it may be anticipated that clearing of vegetation on the ROW will lead to temporary increase in soil erosion, until revegetation has occurred. The risks of increased soil erosion are particularly prevalent in the hilly communities in the Ashanti Region, particularly Obuasi and also in the Volta Region (see Appendix 6). Furthermore, contamination of soils may occur as a result of accidental or structural spillage of fuels, lubricant chemicals, sanitary wastewater, etc., as well as from leakage from inadequately protected solid waste storage facilities and sites. Good construction practices would, however, largely avoid any such risks. Impacts on flora Inspection and maintenance works may require the removal of the natural vegetation, leading to potential and fauna habitat loss of its associated fauna. However, the majority of proposed pipelines will be along roads and in existing RoW's. Although clearance of bushes and shrubs will therefore not be fully unavoidable, the actual impacts on vegetation are expected to be low, because of the low ecological value of the project sites (see Appendix 6). Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 38 April 2004 w~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 : ROYALHASKONING Project activity gro p: Pipelines Phase: Operation and maintenance l Type of impact Description Impact ratin Raw material use Maintenance works may require the use of raw material, e.g. for repair/replacement of stretches of pipelines. Depending on the type of pipe material selected this may general be PVC, concrete and/or steel. Parts of these materials may be imported. The amounts of material will, however, be much more limited than during construction. ______., Public health Same as in construction phase but lower scale. Moderate problems from construction camps and sites, and imported labour Safety of the public Same as in construction phase but lower scale. Moderate Disturbance and Maintenance activities for the water distribution network may only be temporary, but without adequate Moderate interruption of planning of activities, construction activities may cause traffic disruptions and congestion, resulting in commercial and Disturbance and interruption of commercial and social activities. The impact will be highest in areas of social activities higher population density, and less important in low density (more rural) areas. Maintenance activities may furthermore cause damage to other infrastructure (roads, sewerage pipes, drains, buildings, etc.), and therewith lead to (short-term) disruption of certain public services, as well as damage to or loss of historical sites (e.g. buildings stemming from colonial times). ______Occupational Same as in construction phase but lower scale Moderate health and safety______ Project activity gro p: Pipelines Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description impact rating Air pollution Same as in construction phase. Noise pollution Same as in construction phase. ba Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 39 April 2004 ROYALNASKONING Project activitygroup Pipelines Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description T I-mpact rating_ Water pollution Water pollution may result from accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals used in the process. Furthermore, runoff of sediment resulting from increased soil erosion and from dust and sand at construction sites (see also 'soil erosion') may lead to increased turbidity in surface watercourses. Fortunately, there are only a limited number of cases where surface watercourses were found in the direct vicinity of the planned construction works (see Appendix 6). Such is the case in Kumasi (Subin stream) and Cape Coast (Fosu Lagoon).The value of these resources is, however, relatively low. Moreover, decommissioning would be expected to take place gradually over time and the magnitude of the impact is therefore expected to be low. Solid waste The amount of solid waste from decommissioning may be substantial, in particular where stretches of Moderate generation existing pipeline are removed (e.g. for replacement), and consequently would need to be reused/recycled/disposed off. Since decommissioning would be expected to take place gradually over time, the ipcis, however, considered less important than during construction. Soil erosion and Same as in constwuction phase. contamination Impacts on flora Same as in construction phase. and fauna Public health Same as in construction phase but lower scale. Moderate problems from construction camps and sites, and imported labour Safety of the public Same as in construction phase but lower scale. Moderate Disturbance and Same as in construction phase but shorter duration. Moderate interruption of commercial and social activities Occupational Same as in construction phase but shorter duration. Moderate health and safety Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 40 April2004 ROYALHASKONIUG 5.5 Potential impacts related to the dredging of the Brimsu reservoir Project activity grou : Dredging Phase: Construction Type of impact Description Impact rating Air pollution Air pollution may result from dredging equipment (vessels, pumps), as well as related road transportation It x is expected that such impacts will be limited and transient. Moreover, human receptors in the vicinity of the reservoir are generally distant. The nearest village of any importance, Apewosika village, is about 1.5km away (see Appendix 6).* Noise pollution Noise pollution may result from the dredging works. In the surroundings of the Brimsu reservoir, human receptors in the vicinity of the reservoir are generally distant (-1.5km away). The impact would therefore be u mainly on wildlife in the area, since the shorelines of the reservoir are not habituated. The area is, however, 1] not known to be particularly important in terms of wildlife. Water Pollution Water pollution may result from accidental spillage of fuel and lubricants. Furthermore, the dredging Moderate operation in itself will temporarily and locally increase turbidity in the reservoir. A specific issue is furthermore the drainage water from the dredge spoil dump site, which has the risk to lead to high levels of suspended solids in nearby surface watercourses. This is particularly the case at the proposed dumpsite, which is located within the Kakum river catchment. The downstream part of the river to the Brimsu reservoir is, however, of limited ecological importance. Solid waste The total amount of dredge spoil to be disposed off amounts to approximately 400,000 m3 (in situ). Disposal generation of this sediment within the Kakum riverbed, as proposed, would potentially result in large amounts of fine ______material flowing into the river, leading to high levels of suspended solids (see also 'water pollution'). Impacts on flora The dredging operations will require the clearance of land for the provision of access to the shoreline, for the Moderate and fauna installation of pumps and a pipeline for the evacuation of sludge, and for the dredge spoil dump site (approximately 25 ha). The surroundings of the lake are of a locally to nationally important value. The area is not known for particular importance in terms of internationally protected species. The imprint of the project will involve a considerable change in the environment, although partly temporarily. Public safety The disposal site poses risks due to unstable, in cases nearly liquid lands. Entering the site poses risks of Moderate L______[drowning or other accidents. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 41 April 2004 non ROYALHASK@NING Project activitygroup: Dredging | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description I Impact rating Land take Depending on the selection of dredge spoil dump site, there will be a loss of land used for other purposes and/or loss of natural areas. The total area required for the dumping of dredge spoil amounts to approximately 25 ha's, which is considerable. The selection of a suitable dump site is therefore of high importance. The proposed site is located in an area that is partly reforested with Acacia trees and partly used for low-intensity agricultural purposes. Furthermore, there is cottage industrial activity involving charcoal burning in deprived sections of the site. The land will have to be acquired from the Apewosika chief. Occupational Dredging works unavoidably expose workers to occupational health and safety risks. In particular, the Moderate health and safety following activities should be referred to: working in confined spaces; working with heavy equipment and machinery; working on vessels (risk of drowning); heavy lifting; storage, handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes; working under noisy conditions. Project activity gro p: Dredging | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Increased water The increased capacity of the Brimsu reservoir will enable increased drinking water production and Moderate distribution and distribution. On the basis of a study by Royal Haskoning (2004), it is anticipated that drinking water associated sludge production could increase from an average 13,700 m3/day to approximately 18,000 m3 /day. The amount of production. sludge produced (and to be disposed of) will therefore increase. On the other hand, since the reservoir will be operating more optimally, that is, the minimum reservoir level which is now regularly reached will be avoided. Therewith, the intake water will generally be lower in suspended solids. This will decrease the amount of sludge produced. Overall, however, the amount of treatment sludge could increase up to 30%. Although in technical terms the amounts produced are not of large concern (in particular in view of the space available in the area), the current practice of discharge of sludge back into Kakum stream does make this fact an issue of important consideration. Impacts associated with this are water pollution and land take (for sludge drying and disposal). Water pollution The total amount of dredge spoil to be disposed off at the disposal site amounts to approximately 400.000 Moderate m3 (in situ). For a considerable time after dumping, the disposal site will continue to pose the risk of fine material flowing into the river, leading to high levels of suspended solids (see also 'water pollution'). The risk will decrease over time, with natural (and induced) revegetation. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 42 April 2004 *OVAL HASKONIEG Project activity group: Dredging | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Public safety The disposal site poses risks due to unstable, in cases nearly liquid lands. Entering the site poses risks of Moderate drowning or other accidents. This is particular the case in the first years after disposal. 5.6 Potential impacts related to borehole development Project activitygroup: Boreholes | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description impact rating__ Air pollution Air pollution may result from construction activities, in particular in the form of emissions from vehicles and construction equipment. It is expected that such impacts will be limited, relatively short-term (typically, pipelaying works would advance rapidly), transient and relatively low in magnitude. Moreover, in the area of the proposed borehole construction especially in Bawku (Missiga area) and Navrongo (Doba area), human receptors are interspersed on large tracts of land (see Appendix 6). Noise pollution Noise pollution may result from construction activities, in particular from vehicles and construction equipment (e.g. for well drilling). The proposed borehole developments will be located outside of the urban area and the main impact related to noise would therefore be the disturbance of local fauna. The natural value of these areas is, however, ow Lsee Appendix 6). ; m Water pollution (Ground)water pollution may result from wastewater produced by the accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants Moderate and other chemicals used in the process. The groundwater levels in the borehole fields in the Upper East are high, which increases the risk of such contamination. Also, the wells are grouped relatively close to each other (within a 1000 m radius), resulting in a risk of cross-contamination. In particular if the well drilling is not properly managed, this might therefore lead to contamination of groundwater (even the very source tapped into). The Missiga well field is also a notable rice growing area because it is low lying and swampy in the wet months. The extensive use of organic manure (and limited use of agrochemicals) pose potential water quality pollution problems. Livestock congregation and grazing in the fields after harvesting periods result in their droppings which cumulatively could increase nitrate levels in groundwater. The scattered graveyards in the community (e.g. Bawku does not have community cemeteries) pose borehole siting and construction challenges as they must be avoided to provide satisfactory water quality. Solid waste Solid waste generation from the actual borehole installation will be limited. However, a certain amount of generation solid waste may result from the clearing of trees and bush. Also, depending on the depth of the well there will be a certain amount of drilling spoil. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 43 April 2004 KOVALHASKONING Project activity group Boreholes | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description | Impact rating Soil erosion and Depending on their exact location, the construction of the boreholes may require the clearance of sites from contamination vegetation, as well as the execution of excavation works (e.g. for the pump house foundations) using heavy equipment. Inappropriate construction practices and soil protection measures may induce or accelerate erosion, leading to soil instability, with possible water pollution. In view of the physical conditions in the area of the proposed boreholes (see Appendix 6), it may be anticipated that the clearing of vegetation for the borehole installation may not lead to an important increase in soil erosion. Furthermore, contamination of soils may occur as a result of accidental or structural spillage of fuels, lubricant chemicals, sanitary wastewater, etc., as well as from leakage from inadequately protected solid waste storage facilities and sites. Good construction practices would, however, largely avoid any such risks. Impacts on flora Depending on their exact location, the construction of the boreholes may require the clearance of sites from and fauna vegetation. However, in view of the size of the site required for installation of the borehole, the actual impacts on vegetation will be very limited. The areas are, furthermore, not important in terms of fauna (see Appendix 6) Raw material use The use of raw material in the borehole installation is not expected to be substantial. Public health Public health problems may occur in the case of badly managed construction camps and work sites. In the problems from case of the proposed works, it is not expected that large construction camps will be established, nor that construction camps work sites will be to a size that would cause important hazards to the population. and sites, and imported labour Furthermore, at construction sites pools of standing water may form in pits, holes, excavated ditches, etc. In the tropical climate of Ghana, standing water creates suitable habitats for insect disease vectors such as malaria. However, in the areas of the proposed borehole developments, the number of human receptors is very limited. Safety of the public Construction sites, in particular excavations, as well as transportation, movement of heavy equipment and obstructions of roads may cause safety problems to the general public. Construction activities for the boreholes are taking place outside of the direct urban area, and such risks are therefore very limited. Disturbance and Construction activities for the borehole are expected to take place outside of the direct urban area. interruption of Nevertheless, activities may interfere with certain commercial and social activities. The extent of such will, commercial and however, be very limited. social activities GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 44 April 2004 KOYAL HASKONING Project activity group: Boreholes Phase: Construction Type of impact Description Impact rating| Occupation of land The status of the land to be used for installation of the boreholes is not known at this stage of the study, resulting in since their exact siting has not been determined. It is, however, likely that it may require the occupation of I resettlement land (approximately 1000 m2 per borehole) used for other purposes (residential, agriculture, businesses, l etc.), and which can possibly not be used as such after implementation of the works. In view of the rather limited implant of borehole structures, the size of such impact is, however, expected to be small. A particular | point of attention is furthermore the scattered graveyards in the Bawku area (Bawku does not have community cemeteries). Occupational Construction works unavoidably expose workers to occupational health and safety risks. In particular, the Moderate health and safety following activities should be referred to: excavations; working with heavy equipment; working in confined spaces; heavy lifting; storage, handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes; working under noisy conditions. Project activitygro p: Boreholes Phase: Operationand maintenance Type of impact Description | Impact rating Conflicting Groundwater is an important source of water in the dry northern part of Ghana. With the ever-increasing demands for water demand for water from the expanding population there is, however, a serious risk of conflicts between use. various demands for water use, where it is for drinking water, for irrigation, or for other purposes. In the ultimate case, uncontrolled groundwater extraction could lead to depletion. The proposed borehole developments in the Upper East region pose a realistic risk in this respect. Data on safe yield and on natural recharge of the aquifer are, however, inadequate to analyse the real impact at this stage in time. Noise pollution The operation of the boreholes will require the use of pumps, which generate noise, therewith having a local impact on local communities and/or fauna. The boreholes are, however, planned, beyond the urban perimeter, and noise receptors are therefore largely absent. Public health risks If well planned, constructed and maintained, boreholes may be an important source of relatively clean water. to water users as a However, they do pose a risk of accidental and structural contamination that might go unnoticed, therewith result of causing health risks to water users. Also, groundwater may be naturally contaminated (e.g. high levels of contaminated fluoride). The well fields planned in the Upper East region pose a genuine risk in this respect, since the water aquifer extracted from is relatively shallow and the existence of many badly-maintained boreholes in the area involves a risk of cross-contamination. Moreover, the area is used for seasonal agricultural (rice and cattle raising) activities, involving a risk of bacterial and nitrate contamination. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 45 April 2004 ROYALNASKONIEG Project activity gro p: Boreholes | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description !Impactrating Air pollution Same as in construction phase, but shorter in duration. Noise pollution Same as in construction phase, but shorter in duration. Water pollution If decommissioning is not well managed, or the well is not properly closed off, this may result in risks of Moderate groundwater contamination. This is particularly the case since the wells are grouped relatively close to each other (within a 1000 m radius), resulting in a risk of cross-contamination. Solid waste Decommissioning of the borehole will result in mainly structural waste. The amounts are, however, not generation expected to be a important cause of concern Soil erosion and The decommissioning of the boreholes will lead to bare area of land which may be susceptible to erosion, if contamination not properly reinstated. In view of the physical characteristics of the land in the areas of borehole development (see Appendix 6), the impact is, however, not expected to be substantial. Furthermore, contamination of soils may occur as a result of accidental or structural spillage of fuels, lubricant chemicals, sanitary wastewater, etc., as well as from leakage from inadequately protected solid waste storage facilities and sites. Good contractor practices would, however, largely avoid any such risks. Safety of the public Same as in construction phase, but shorter in duration. Disturbance and Same as in construction phase, but shorter in duration. interruption of commercial and social activities Occupational Same as in construction phase, but shorter in duration. Moderate health and safety Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 46 April 2004 KOVAL HASKONING 5.7 Potential impacts related to powerline extensions Project actvity group: Powerlines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description lmpact ratin Air pollution Air pollulion may result from construction activities, in particular in the form of emissions from vehicles and _ construction equipment. With respect to the powerline extensions, it is expected that such impacts will be limited, relatively short-term and transient. Moreover, the powerline extensions are through agricultural land and open spaces, with only a limited number of receptors. Water pollution There are no surface watercourses in the vicinity of the powerline extension. Groundwater pollution may result from the accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals used in the process. In view of the - type and extent of works, however, the risk of such is very limited. Solid waste The amount of solid wastes produced by construction works may be quite substantial. Among others, - generation substantial amounts of solid waste will result from clearing of trees and bush in RoW's. The powerline alignments, however, lead through agricultural area with no natural vegetation of importance (see Appendix 6). According to the local VRA, therefore, it is not anticipated that vegetation will need to be cleared. The amounts of solid waste to be produced are, moreover, anticipated to be limited. Soil erosion The construction of the powerline extensions may require the clearance of vegetation from the ROW, which may accelerate erosion, leading to soil instability and landslides in hilly areas, with possible water pollution _ due to run-off to surface waters. The powerline alignments, however, lead through agricultural areas with no natural vegetation of importance (see Appendix 6). According to the Volta River Authority (VRA) it is therefore not anticipated that vegetation will need to be cleared. Impacts on flora The construction of the powerline extensions may require the clearance of vegetation from the ROW, and fauna leading to potential habitat loss of its associated fauna. The powerline alignments, however, lead to agricultural areas with low ecological value (see Appendix 6). According to the grid operator it is therefore not anticipated that vegetation will need to be cleared. Raw material use The powerline extension requires raw material, in particular for the erection of poles and the creation of Moderate perefouenotdationsfor such. It is expected that teak wood will be used as raw material for the poles. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 47 April 2004 ROVAL HAIKOUSMO Project activity group: Powerlines Phase: Construction Type of impact Description rImpactrating Disturbance and Construction activities for the powerlines may only be temporary, but without adequate planning of activities, interruption of construction activities may cause local traffic disruptions and congestion, resulting in Disturbance and commercial and interruption of commercial and social activities. The proposed powerline extensions are, however, in rural social activities agricultural areas (see Appendix 6), outside of any residential or industrial zone, and Disturbance and disruption is therefore anticipated to be low. For the same reason, damage to other infrastructure (roads, buildings, etc.) is not expected. Occupation of land The proposed powerline extensions may result in the occupation of land used for other purposes resulting in (residential, agriculture, businesses, etc.), and which can possibly not be used as such after implementation resettlement of the works (e.g. because the ROW needs to be clear of structures). According to the VRA, there will be no need for clearance of ROW in view of the nature of the landscape. Nor will there be any permanent landtake. Occupational Construction works unavoidable expose workers to occupational health and safety risks. In particular, the Moderate health and safety following activities should be referred to: excavations; working with heavy equipment; working at height; working on and along traffic roads; heavy lifting; storage, handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes; working under noisy conditions. Project activity grou : Powerlines Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description Impact rating Health and safety Above-ground powerlines provide risks of accidents to the population who might get exposed to high- risks to the voltage, in particular where control is weak and unofficial house-connections are made. Furthermore, there population is a potential risk of health effects related to electromagnetic radiation. In the case of the proposed powerline extensions, the lines are outside of the urban perimeter, cross plain agricultural fields. This risk is therefore very limited. Furthermore, the seasonal bush burning (this is illegal) by local farmers and hunters poses risk to the electric poles which when felled is a threat to public safety. Landscaping and The creation of new pipeline RoW's and the extension of the powerlines may have an impact on the visual visual amenities amenities of the area. The present landscape through which the proposed powerlines would cross is of a rural, agricultural nature. The number of viewers is therefore limited, and the area could be valued as minor to moderate landscape/viewpoint sensitivity. The magnitude of the impact on the landscape could be rated as low to moderate. Air pollution Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 48 April 2004 KOVALHASKONIUG Project activitygro : Poesripines Phase: Operationand maintenance Ipc ai Type of impact Description Ipact rating Water pollution Same as during construction phase. Solid waste The amount of solid wastes produced during operations (maintenance, replacement of parts) is expected to - generation be limited. Soil erosion During, the powerline RoW's may need to be kept clear of higher vegetation and soils may therefore be somewhat more susceptible to erosion than would normally be the case. The powerline alignments, however, lead through agricultural areas with no natural vegetation of importance (see Appendix 6). According to the Volta River Authority (VRA), moreover, it is not anticipated that vegetation will need to be cleared. Impacts on flora Same as during construction phase. and fauna Raw material use Maintenance works on the powerlines, in particular replacement of parts, requires raw material. The amounts of such are, however, not important. Disturbance and Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. interruption of commercial and social activities Occupational Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. Moderate health and safety I Project activitygrou : Powerlines | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description Impact rating Air pollution Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. Water pollution Same as during construction phase. Solid waste The decommissioned parts, including poles, cables, foundations, will in total constitute a substantial amount Moderate generation of solid waste to be disposed of. Soil erosion Same as during construction phase. l Impacts on flora Same as during construction phase. L and fauna __ F Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 49 April 2004 a o 0 KOVALHASKONIUG Project activity grouD: Powerlines | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description | Impact rating Disturbance and Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. interruption of commercial and social activities Occupational Same as during construction phase but shorter duration. Moderate health and safety GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 50 April 2004 .I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~O ROYAL HASKONING 6 MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES For each of the identified impacts specific mitigation measures may be defined. The general rule in designing such measures is: * Avoidance of major impacts: major impacts are generally considered unacceptable, certainly ones that would endure into the long-term or extend over a large area; and * Reduction of major and moderate Impacts to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) by planning, designing and controlling mitigation measures. This implies that mitigation measures will be applied up until the limitations of cost- effectiveness and practical application are reached. The limitations are established by best international practice. * Implementation of good contractor practices for impacts rated as minor, in order to ensure that impacts are managed within good reason. Generally, mitigation measures have been applied in the design of the project through a hierarchy as described below. Similar considerations, in the context of ALARP, will apply to the ongoing development of mitigation measures during detailed design. Figure 5 Mitigation hierarchy for planned project activities Avoid at Source; Reduce at Source Avoidingor reducing at source is essentially designing the project so that a feature causing an impact is designed out (e.g. pipeline re-route) or altered (e.g. reduced working width). Often called minimisation. Abate on Site This involves adding something to the basic design to abate the impact - pollution controls fall within this category. Often called end-of-pipe. Abate at Receptor It an impact cannot be abated on-site tihen measures can be implemented oft-sile - an example of this would be to install double-glazed windows to minimise noise impact at a nearby residence Repair or Remedy Some impacts involve unavoidable damage to a resource, e.g. agricultural land during pipeline constructlon. Repair essentially involves restoration and reinstatement type measures. Compensate in Kind Where other mitigation approaches are not possible or tully effective, then compensation. in some measure, for loss, damage and general intrusion might be appropriate. This could be in kind'. such as planting new woodland elsewhere to replace what has been lost. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 51 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING The section follows the same structure as chapter 4.5.1, defining measures for each of the 4 categories of project activities: * Measures defined for pipeline construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning 3 ; * Measures defined for dredging operations in Brimsu reservoir and disposal, as well as operational consequences thereof; * Measures defined for borehole construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning; * Measures defined for powerline extensions, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning. 3 Including tank rehabilitation and booster station construction. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 52 April 2004 ROYALHAIKONINO 6.1 Mitigation measures related to extension/replacement/rehabilitation of the distribution network (including tank rehabilitation and booster station construction) Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures | Impact rating Air pollution * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. _ * Use of good quality fuel and lubricants * Prevention of dust through sprinkling during periods of dry weather. * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removal of earth and sand) to . prevent dust. * Collection and temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes, as well as garbage, in containers. _ Noise pollution * Minimisation of noise sources in accordance with EPA standards. * Adequate attention to control of noise and vibration on site. * Provision of information to the local communities (e.g. through FM radio stations) with regard to work programme, and strict adherence to such. * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. A * Noise prevention measures, such as mufflers, installed on vehicles and equipment. * Engines of vehicles and machinery switched off when not in use. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 53 April 2004 ROYALHAIKONING Project activitygrou Pipelines Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures IImpactrating Water pollution * Temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes in containers. Disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * During dewatering operations (where required), water should be sampled and analysed for contamination in breach of EPA standards. Where EPA standards are breached, advice should be sought from EPA with regard to proper treatment/discharge. * Water from pressure testing should be tested for contamination prior to discharge. Where EPA standards are breached, advice should be sought from EPA with regard to proper treatment/discharge. * No solid waste, fuels or oils should be discharged into water flows. * Tanks for fuel storages should be leak-proof and installed in a bunded area. Fuel storage tanks shall be checked daily, and in case of leakage will be replaced until repaired. * Vehicle parking should as much as possible occur on paved plafforms. * Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. * Where works take place adjacent to a watercourse, temporary sediment barriers should be installed on slopes to prevent silt from entering the watercourse. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 54 April 2004 a o o ROYALHASKOE lEG Project activitygroup: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Solid waste * The Contractor should prepare a Solid Waste Management Plan, which should contain: Moderate (but generation o An inventory of the types and quantities of waste to be produced, including their hazard ALARP) class; o An assessment of any opportunities for reducing solid waste generation, in particular of hazardous and undesirable (persistent and non-reusable) types of wastes; o For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This would generally include details on (temporary) storage, transport and final destination of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration; o Determine how and by whom the waste management measures would be implemented - Contractor or third party - specifying any such third party involvement. * The Contractor should maintain records of types, quantities, origin, (temporary) storage, transport and elimination/reuse of solid waste, and make these available to the works supervisor upon his request, as proof of proper waste management practices. * Any waste disposal, including disassembled facilities, should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Since adequate processing facilities for asbestos-cement pipelines are absent, it is recommended to leave the old pipes in the ground when decommissioned. * Excavated soils should be reused as much as possible as filling material. Contaminated soil should be considered as waste material and disposed of accordingly. Excess soil should be disposed off at sites approved by the municipality. Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated after refilling of trenches (if not contaminated). * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies, where available. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 55 April 2004 ROYALHASKONINC Project activitygrou : Pipelines Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Soil erosion and * Application of appropriate erosion-protection measures, in particular where it concerns works on slopes contamination and in stream beddings. * Excavation works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds). * Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated after refilling of trenches, to enable natural revegetation. * The Contractor should present procedures for, and ensure implementation of measures to protect soils from any accidental or structural contamination, including (but not exclusively): o Storage of hazardous wastes, and sanitary and cleaning wastes should be done in storage facilities (tanks/containers) and at sites approved by the municipality. o Tanks for fuel storages should be leak-proof and installed in a bunded area. Fuel storage tanks shall be checked daily, and in case of leakage will be replaced until repaired. o Procedures for storage and handling of hazardous wastes and raw material (e.g. batteries, chemicals, fuel) should be prepared as part of the Contractor's Waste Management Plan. Implementation of such procedures should be adequately enforced and monitored. o Collecting trays, absorbent material and fire fighting equipment should be provided at fuel storage tanks. o Oil should be stored in original drums and placed on an impermeable layer (e.g. concrete or foil) the Contractor's storehouse o Vehicle should as much as possible be parked on paved plafforms o Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. o Wastewater from maintenance workshops should be treated in oil separators prior to discharge. * In case of any contamination, contaminated soil should be removed and treated/disposed off in a a manner appropriate to the type of contamination. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 56 April 2004 000 ROYALHAIKONIMO Project activity gro P: Pipelines Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Impacts on flora * The Contractor should minimize the destruction of flora and delimit the working area to prevent r and fauna unnecessary ecological damages. * Clearing and cutting of trees should only occur with the appropriate authority's consent. Where required, fees for the removal of vegetation (trees) should be paid in accordance with EPA regulations. I * After any human intervention that may disturb natural sites, ecological restoration through environmental engineering (restorations, rehabilitation) should be undertaken, including restoration of top soils and (re-) introduction of genetic species to re-establish the natural local ecology. Raw material use * The Contractor should take into consideration the environmental performance of suppliers of raw Moderate (but material in his selection process. ALARP) * The Contractor should investigate ways of reduction of raw material use. * The Contractor should preferably select raw materials that may be reused and/or recycled/recovered. Public health * Adequate solid waste management practices (see "solid waste generation" above) should be problems from implemented. construction camps * Adequate sanitary facilities should be provided at construction sites and in camps and offices. U and sites, and * Where possible, the number of imported labourers should be minimized, and the use of local labour 1 imported labour encouraged. Where not possible, imported labourers should be facilitated with proper housing, including sanitary facilities. * Labourers should adhere to basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. * Still standing water on construction sites should be avoided through proper maintenance of the site (levelling of the surface) and through the removal of water from ditches after rainfall or groundwater U infiltration. _. _ Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 57 April 2004 0 0 0 ROYALHASKONING Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures | Impact rating Safety of the public * Adequate protection and signalling of work sites (especially excavation works), in particular during the night, with clear marking of the safety border on the works perimeter. * (Timely) informing the local communities of the construction programme through for example, local FM radio stations. * Establishment of traffic plans at locations of (partial) blockage of roads, and implementation of appropriate traffic control at such locations, possibly with the help of the local police. * Prohibition of access to work sites by any persons not having a 'permit to work', in particular were it concerns areas marked as 'restricted'. The latter should include at least places occupied by operation mechanical and electric equipment and open trenches. Visual amenities * Restriction of the size of construction sites and camps. * Conservation of vegetation around construction sites in order to serve as visual shields. * Adequate organisation and maintenance of construction sites through good housekeeping. * Restoration of construction sites directly upon completion of works. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 58 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONING Project activitygro : Pipelines Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Disturbance and * (Timely) informing the affected communities of the construction programme through local FM radio Moderate (but interruption of stations and other means. ALARP) commercial and * Limitation of any temporary interference with private property (e.g. pipeline crossings over private social activities lands). The length of trenches at one time should be limited as much as possible. * Relocation (even temporarily) should be avoided as much as possible. Where such is unavoidable, however, relocation should occur in accordance with the defined Resettlement Policy Framework. * Where private land or other property is affected, or where there is loss of income as a result of project activities, agree on compensation measures with affected population prior to start of construction. Compensation will occur in accordance with the defined ReseHtlement Policy Framework. * Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads, even if for temporary loading/unloading activities. * Establishment of traffic plans at locations of (partial) blockage of roads. * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removed of earth and sand), and maintenance of such roads. * Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established, where possible. In densely populated areas with heavy traffic/ movement, the assistance of police traffic wardens will be sought to reduce inconvenience to the motoring public. * Coordination of work at crossing points with other utility network owners (water, telecom and electricity networks). In case of damage, repair works will be executed as soon as possible. * The final pipeline alignment should be chosen so that the period of realisation of branch connections and fittings would be as short as possible. * Excavation works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds) * Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges should be minimized. * Should any items and/or sites of archaeological or cultural value be discovered during works, the Contractor would need to work with the appropriate authorities on a suitable approach to safeguard such. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 59 April 2004 o o o 000 ROYAL HAIKON INC Project activitygroup: Pipelines | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Land take * Avoidance, as much as possible, the need for resettlement through appropriate alignment of pipelines. * Where resettlement is unavoidable, develop and implement appropriate plans in accordance with the GWCL Resettlement Policy Framework. A particular case in this regard is the proposed booster station in Kumasi North-East. Occupational * To Contractor should prepare and implement specific health and safety measures, and present these in Moderate (but health and safety a Health and Safety Plan. Measures should include (but not be restricted to): ALARP) o The use of personal protection equipment by employees. o The use of hearing protection equipment when working under noisy conditions. o Adequate medical testing and insurance for all employees. o Adequate health and safety training of all employees, including training on specific procedures as appropriate to various individual staff groups. o Provision of rescue equipment and medical first-aid facilities. o Medical emergency evacuation plans for different types of incidents and injuries that might occur. o Provision of adequate sanitary facilities at construction sites and in camps and offices. o Procedures for working with heavy equipment. o Procedures for working in confined spaces. o Procedures for working on and along traffic roads. o Procedures for the handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes, including asbestos waste material. o Procedures/method statements for excavations. o Procedures for heavy lifting. o Provision of adequate waste and material storage facilities (see also "solid waste generation" above). Access to such facilities should be restricted. o Basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 60 April 2004 no n non KOVALHASKOdING Project activity gro : Pipelines | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures [mpact rating | Alteration of natural * In areas with high groundwater table (above pipeline level), and where larger diameter pipelines are 1 drainage patterns planned, account for geohydrological considerations in design, e.g. through adapting the alignment of pipeline. Nuisances and * Ensure correct operation and maintenance of the installed pipelines, including regular inspection and public health risks maintenance. Such measures should be defined as part of the operation and maintenance manual of as a result of GWCL. incidental and * Minimisation of emergency response time through the provision of adequate equipment, development structural of emergency response procedures and training of staff. (institutional) * Public involvement in leak detection through awareness creation and the opening of a complaint desk. operational failures * Ensure that sufficient pressure levels are maintained in pipelines at all times. of the distribution * Regularly monitor water quality at various points in the network for contamination. network * Timely implementation of repair and replacement works on pipelines, pumps, water intakes, water treatment plants and other related parts of the system. * Allow house-connections only to be made by certified plumbers. The work of these plumbers should be monitored by GWCL staff. * Regularly check for illegal house connections and take corrective action. * Avoid drinking water pipeline alignments in and around sanitary facilities, such as sewerage and drainage systems, and areas of increased pollution risks (e.g. landfills, cemeteries and industrial areas). * Make provisions for increased wastewater production in the planning and management of urban sanitary facilities. Loss of wildlands, * Not applicable, since none of the proposed pipelines leads through wildlands, forest and wildlife habitat. forests and wildlife habitat. Induced access * Not applicable, since none of the proposed pipelines leads through 'virgin' bush and forest land. due to construction of pipeline RoW's through bush and forest land Energy * Limited scope for mitigation: Key measure would be the maintenance of equipment and the distribution consumption network to avoid unnecessary losses or inefficiencies leading to increased energy consumption. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 61 April 2004 non ROVALHASKONIGc Project acVvity gro p: Pipelines Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Air pollution * Same as in construction phase I Noise pollution * Same as in construction phase Water pollution * Same as in construction phase Solid waste * Opportunities should be pursued for the reduction of solid waste generation, in particular of hazardous generation and undesirable (persistent and non-reusable) types of wastes; * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This would generally include details on (temporary) storage, transport and final destiny of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration; * Any waste disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Excavated soils should be reused as much as possible as filling material. Contaminated soil should be considered as waste material and disposed of accordingly. Excess earth should be disposed off at sites approved by municipality. Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated after refilling of trenches (if not contaminated). * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies where available. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. Soil erosion and * Same as in construction phase Moderate (but contamination ALARP) Impacts on flora * Same as in construction phase and fauna I Raw material use * Same as in construction phase. I Public health * Same as in construction phase. problems from construction camps and sites, and from imported labour Safety of the public * Same as in construction phase. Visual amenities * Same as in construction phase. i, GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 62 April 2004 ocl0 ROYALHASKONINa Project activity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Disturbance and * Same as in construclion phase. Moderate (but interruption of ALARP) commercial and social activities Occupational * Same as in construction phase. Moderate (but health and safety ALARP) Project activitygroup: Pipelines | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Air pollution _ Same as in construction phase. Noise pollution * Same as in construction phase. Water pollution * Same as in construction phase. Solid waste * Opportunities should be pursued for the reduction of solid waste generation, in particular of hazardous generation and undesirable (persistent and non-reusable) types of wastes; * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This would generally include details on (temporary) storage, transport and final destiny of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration; * Any waste disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Excavated soils should be reused as much as possible as filling material. Contaminated soil should be considered as waste material and disposed of accordingly. Excess earth should be disposed off at sites approved by municipality. Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated after refilling of trenches (if not contaminated). * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies where available. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. Soil erosion and * Same as in construction phase. Moderate (but contamination l ALARP) GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 63 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING Project activity group: Pipelines | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures | Impact rating| Impacts on flora * Same as in construction phase. and fauna Public health * Adequate solid waste management practices (see "solid waste generation" above) should be problems from implemented. construction camps * Provision of adequate sanitary facilities at construction sites and in camps and offices. and sites, and from * Labourers should adhere to basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most imported labour importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. * Still standing water on construction sites should be avoided through proper maintenance of the site (levelling of the surface) and through the removal of water from ditches after rainfall or groundwater infiltration. Safety of the public * Same as in construction phase. Disturbance and * (Timely) informing the local communities (e.g. by FM radio) of the construction programme. Moderate (but interruption of * Limitation of any temporary interference with private property (e.g.pipeline crossings over private ALARP) commercial and lands). social activities * Where private property is affected, or where there is loss of income as a result of project activities, agree on compensation measures with affected population prior to start of construction. * Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads, even if for temporary loading/unloading activities. * Establishment of traffic plans at locations of (partial) blockage of roads. * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removed of earth and sand), and maintenance of such roads. * Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established, where possible, upon the approval of local authorities. * Coordination of work at crossing points with other utility network owners (water, telecom and electricity networks). In case of damage, such should be repaired immediately. * The trace of pipes should be chosen so that the period of realisation of branch connections and fittings would be as short as possible. * Excavation works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds) * Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges should be minimized. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 64 April 2004 ROYALHAIKONINO Projectactivity gro p: Pipelines | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Occupational * Same as in construction phase. Moderate (but health and safety ALARP) 6.2 Mitigations measures related to dredging of Brimsu reservoir Project activity groan: Dredging s Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rati Air pollution * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. * Use of good quality fuel and lubricants * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removal of earth and sand) to prevent dust. * Collection and temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes, as well as garbage, in containers. Noise pollution * Use of modern equipment, in particular the dredger. * Minimisation of noise sources in accordance with EPA standards. * Adequate attention to control of noise and vibration on site. a Provision of information towards the local communities with regard to the work programme. * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. * Noise prevention measures, such as mufflers, installed on vehicles and equipment. * Engines of vehicles and machinery switched off when not in use. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 65 April 2004 ROVAL HASKOMING Project activity grot : Dredging | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Water pollution * The dredging method selected should ensure minimization of impacts in terms of increased turbidity. Moderate (but * Discharge of untreated wastewater should be prohibited. Sanitary and cleaning wastes may be ALARP) discharged after treatment, or temporarily stored and shipped ashore for disposal after shore-based treatment. * No solid waste, fuels, oils, lubricants or chemicals should be discharged into surface water. * The dredge spoil disposal site should be equipped with adequate drainage facilities and treated in decantation ponds before discharge occurs. * The quality of the sediments should be determined through sampling and analysis, as a baseline. Drainage water should be regularly monitored for contamination (recommended is at least weekly, but in case of any concerns arising from the baseline this should be more regular), including at least pH, suspended solids and BOD. In case the baseline sampling and analysis would determine any parameters of concern (e.g. heavy metals or pesticides), analysis of such should be incorporated in the monitoring program. * Vehicle parking should as much as possible occur on paved plafforms. * Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. Solid waste * Selection of an appropriate landfill site for dredge spoil disposal. The selection process should consider Moderate (but generation at least: ALARP) o Minimal occupation of land used for habitation or socio-economic activities (e.g. agriculture). o Minimal occupation of land having important ecological values. o Minimal disturbance of socio-economic activities by the transfer/disposal process. o Minimal disturbance of ecological life by the transfer/disposal process. o Avoidance of potential accidental or structural contamination of ground- and surface water resources. o Avoidance of slopes (and therewith runoff of silt). * Assessment of opportunities for use of dredged material, for example for agricultural or construction purposes. * See also section 7 (project alternatives). GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 66 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONINa Project activitygrot r: Dredging Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact ratin Impacts on flora * The destruction of flora for establishment of temporary and permanent facilities should be limited to and fauna prevent unnecessary ecological damages. * Clearing and cutting of trees should only occur with the appropriate authority's consent. For the proposed dumpsite, it is expected that among others approximately 10 silk cotton trees are located in the proposed disposal site and may need to be cut. Where required, fees for the removal of vegetation (trees) should be paid in accordance with EPA regulations. * The disturbed natural sites should be restored through ecological restoration and environmental engineering, including restoration of top soils and (re-) introduction of genetic species to re-establish the natural local ecology. Public safety * The dredge spoil dumps site should be adequately fenced and save guarded to prevent access to the public. Land take * Selection of an appropriate landfill site for dredge spoil disposal. The selection process should consider at least: o Minimal occupation of land used for habitation or socio-economic activities (e.g. agriculture). o Minimal occupation of land having important ecological values. * Where resettlement is unavoidable, develop and implement appropriate plans in accordance with the GWCL Resettlement Policy Framework * See also section 7 (project alternatives). Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 67 April 2004 a a a ROYALHASKONING Project activitygroup: Dredging | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Occupational * To Contractor should be required to prepare and implement specific health and safety measures, and Moderate (but health and safety present these in a Health and Safety Plan. Measures should include (but not be restricted to): ALARP) o The use of personal protection equipment by employees. o The use of hearing protection equipment when working under noisy conditions. o Adequate medical testing and insurance for all employees. o Swimming capability of employees working on vessels. o Adequate health and safety training of all employees, including training on specific procedures as appropriate to various individual staff groups. o Provision of rescue equipment and medical first-aid facilities on board. o Medical emergency evacuation plans for different types of incidents and injuries that might occur. o Provision of adequate sanitary facilities at vessels and in camps and offices. o Procedures for working with heavy equipment. o Procedures for working in confined spaces. o Procedures for the handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes. o Procedures for heavy lifting. o Provision of adequate waste and material storage facilities (see also "solid waste generation" above). Access to such facilities should be restricted. o Basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. Project activity grouD: Dredging | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Increased water * Options for alternative means of sludge disposal should be investigated. In particular, it would be Moderate distribution and advisable to design the temporary infrastructure required for the transfer of dredge sludge to the associated sludge disposal site in such a way that it could also serve the transfer of treatment sludge to the same site. production. * Account for increased sludge production (up to 30%) in the design of sludge treatment (drying) and disposal facilities. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 68 April 2004 ROYALHASKONINa Project activity group: Dredging | Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures rating Water pollution * The dredge spoil disposal site should be equipped wilh adequate drainage facilities and treated in decantation ponds before discharge occurs. a Adequate maintenance of the dredge spoil dump site should take place. Public safety * Same as in construction phase. .. 6.3 Mitigation measures related to borehole development Project activitygro p: Borehole | Phase: Construction l Type of impact Description of mitigation measures lmpact rating__ Air pollution * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. * Use of good quality fuel and lubricants * Prevention of dust through sprinkling during periods of dry weather. * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removal of earth and sand) to prevent dust. * Collection and temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes, as well as garbage, in containers. Noise pollution * Minimisation of noise sources in accordance with EPA standards. * Adequate attention to control of noise and vibration on site. * Provision of information towards the local communities with regard to work programme, and strict; adherence to such. * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. * Noise prevention measures, such as mufflers, installed on vehicles and equipment. * Engines of vehicles and machinery switched off when not in use. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 69 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONICG Project activitygroup: Borehole | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Water pollution * Water from well testing should be tested for contamination to ensure compliance with EPA effluent guidelines. If guidelines would be breached, advice should be sought from EPA with regard to proper discharge. * Appropriate drilling procedures should be implemented to avoid groundwater contamination during drilling. * Temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes in containers. Disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Vehicle parking should where possible occur on paved plafforms. * Tanks for fuel storages should be leak-proof and installed in a bunded area. Fuel storage tanks shall be checked daily, and in case of leakage will be replaced until repaired. * Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. Solid waste * The Contractor should seek opportunities for the reduction of solid waste generation, in particular of generation hazardous and undesirable (persistent and non-reusable) types of wastes. * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This would generally include details on (temporary) storage, transport and final destination of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration. * Any waste disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Contaminated soil should be considered as waste material and disposed of accordingly. Excess earth should be disposed off at sites approved by the municipality. Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated (if not contaminated). * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 70 April 2004 o o a Looo ROYALHAIKOFINO Project activity grou : Borehole Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures mpact ratin Soil erosion and a Works should not be execuled under aggressive weather conditions trains. strong winds). contamination * The Contractor should present procedures for, and ensure implementation of measures to protect soils from any accidental or structural contamination, including (but not exclusively): o Storage of any hazardous wastes, as well as sanitary and cleaning wastes should be done in storage facilities (tanks/containers) and at sites approved by the EPA. o Tanks for fuel storages should be leak-proof and installed on a concrete platform with gutters and grease separators. Fuel storage tanks shall be checked daily, and in case of leakage will be replaced until repaired. o Appropriate procedures for storage and handling of hazardous wastes and raw material (e.g. _ batteries, chemicals, fuel) should be prepared and applied. Implementation of such procedures should be adequately enforced and monitored. o Collecting trays, absorbent material and fire fighting equipment should be provided at fuel storage tanks. o Oil should be stored in original drums and placed on an impermeable floor in the Contractor's storehouse o Refuelling of vehicles and pumps should be done using appropriate hoses. o Vehicles should where possible be parked on paved platforms o Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. F. 4 o Wastewater from maintenance workshops should be treated in oil separators prior to discharge to sewer. * In case of any contamination, contaminated soil should be removed and treated/disposed off in a manner appropriate to the type of contamination. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 71 April2004 EOVALHASKON INC Project activity gro P: Borehole | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Impacts on flora * The Contractor should minimize the destruction of flora and delimit the working area to prevent and fauna unnecessary ecological damages. * Clearing and cufting of trees should only occur with the appropriate authority's consent. Where required, fees for the removal of vegetation (trees) should be paid in accordance with EPA regulations. * After any human intervention that may disturb natural sites, ecological restoration through environmental engineering (restorations, rehabilitation) should be undertaken, including restoring top soils and (re-) introduction of genetic species to re-establish the natural local ecology. Raw material use * The Contractor should take into consideration environmental performance of suppliers of raw material in his selection process. * The Contractor should investigate ways of reduction of raw material use. * The Contractor preferably select raw materials that may be reused and/or recycled/recovered. Safety of the public * Adequate protection and signalling of work sites (especially excavation works), in particular during the night, with clear marking of the safety border on the works perimeter. * (Timely) informing the riparian inhabitants of the construction programme. * Prohibition of access to work sites by any persons not having a 'permit to work', in particular were it concerns areas marked as 'restricted'. The latter should include at least places occupied by operation mechanical and electric equipment. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 72 April 2004 zoru ROYALHASKONING Project activity grou : Borehole | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures | Impact ratingl Disturbance and * (Timely) informing the local communities of the construction programme interruption of * Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads and entering community and private -n= commercial and farmlands (e.g. in the Bawku and Navrongo project locations). I social activities * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removed of earth and sand), and maintenance of such roads. * Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established, where possible, upon the approval of local authorities. * Works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds) * Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges should be minimized. * Should any items and/or sites of archaeological or cultural value be discovered during works, the Contractor would need to work with the appropriate authorities on a suitable approach to safeguard such. The contractor would be particularly careful of private graveyards spread over the project m localities in Bawku (Missiga). Land take * Minimization of the size of lands to be occupied by the borehole and related structures. * Where land take can not be avoided, adequate resettlement measures should be determined and implemented in accordance with the GWCL Resettlement Framework. Resettlement Action Plans should be developed in such cases, involving the Tindanas (spiritual leaders) in the Upper East Region who mostly own the land. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 73 April 2004 ROYALHASKONINa Project activity grop Borehole | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Occupational * To Contractor should be required to prepare and implement specific health and safety measures, Medium (but health and safety including (but not be restricted to): ALARP) o The use of personal protection equipment by workers. o The use of hearing protection equipment when working under noisy conditions. o Adequate medical testing and insurance for all employees. o Adequate health and safety training of all employees, including training on specific procedures as appropriate to various individual staff groups. o Provision of rescue equipment and medical first-aid facilities. o Medical emergency evacuation plans for different types of incidents and injuries that might occur. o Provision of adequate sanitary facilities at construction sites and in camps and offices. o Procedures for working with heavy equipment. o Procedures for working in confined spaces. o Procedures for the handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes. o Procedures/method statements for excavations. o Procedures for heavy lifting. o Provision of adequate waste and material storage facilities (see also 'solid waste generation" above). Access to such facilities should be restricted. o Basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 74 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING Project activity grou : Borehole | Phase: Operation and maintenance l Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Conflicting * Determination of the safe yield of the boreholes to be developed through an adequate hydrogeological Moderate demands for water investigation, including test pumping and drilling (the latter, where appropriate). The extraction rate use. should be determined such that recharge rates are not exceeded and other users (e.g. agriculture) are not deprived of water * Adequate co-ordination with other water users, in particular involving the Water Resources Commission and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (e.g. exchange of data, joint planning), especially in accordance with the proposed legislation to be soon promulgated by the Commission to obtain permit for groundwater abstraction in the country. Noise pollution * Design of pump house to keep noise levels and vibrations to a minimum, using where necessary noise prevention measures such as mufflers. * Good maintenance of equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. Health risks to * Good housekeeping at the borehole. water users as a * Regular monitoring of water quality for any contamination. This is particularly important in the case of result of the well fields in the Upper East region. Before commissioning, water should be analysed for any contaminated contamination. Furthermore, during the first year of operation it is recommended that samples at the water source are taken weekly. Thereafter, the frequency might be reduced, if at least contamination is not found to be of concern. * Ensure correct operation and maintenance of the borehole and related equipment (pumps). Such measures should be defined as part of the operation and maintenance manual of GWCL. * Public involvement in the detection of potential contamination through awareness creation and the opening of a complaint desk. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 75 April 2004 KOVAL HASKOMINO Project activity group: Borehole | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Air pollution * Same as in construction phase. Noise pollution * Same as in construction phase. Moderate Water pollution * Appropriate decommissioning procedures should be implemented to avoid groundwater contamination . -- during the process. * Wells should be properly sealed after decommissioning, in order to avoid any undesired contamination. * Temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes in containers. Disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Vehicle parking should where possible occur on paved platforms. * Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. Solid waste * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This generation would generally include details on (temporary) storage, transport and final destiny of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration; * Any waste disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through audited recycling companies. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. Soil erosion and * Works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds). contamination * Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated to enable natural revegetation. * The site of the borehole should be properly reinstated and revegetated after decommissioning of the facilities. * The Contractor should design and implement measures to protect soils from any accidental or structural - contamination. * In case of any contamination, contaminated soil should be removed and treated/disposed off in a manner appropriate to the type of contamination. Safety of the public * Same as in construction phase. GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 76 April 2004 o~o Qon ROYALIIAIKONINO Project activity grouD: Borehole | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures ! Impact rating Disturbance and * (Timely) informing the local communities (e.g. by FM radio) of the construction programme interruption of * Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads. commercial and * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removed of earth and sand), and i social activities maintenance of such roads. * Where access roads are blocked, temporary access ways should be established, where possible, upon r the approval of local authorities. * Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges should be ' minimized. Occupational * Same as in construction phase. health and safety 6.4 Mitigation measures related to powerline extensions Project activitygroup: Powerline | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures | Im act ratin9 Air pollution * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. A-- * Use of good quality fuel and lubricants I * Prevention of dust through sprinkling during periods of dry weather. * Daily cleaning of access ways in the neighbourhood of work sites (removal of earth and sand) to j prevent dust. * Collection and temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes, as well as garbage, in containers. Water pollution * Temporary storage of sanitary and cleaning wastes in containers. Disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Vehicle parking should where possible occur on paved platforms. * Tanks for fuel storages should be leak-proof and installed in a bunded area. Fuel storage tanks shall be checked daily, and in case of leakage will be replaced until repaired. * Maintenance, fuelling and cleaning of vehicles and equipment should take place at workshops/sites - with adequate leakage prevention (e.g. impermeable surface, settlers and oil separator), even in case third-party workshops are used. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 77 April 2004 ROYALHAIKONIMG Project activity group: Powerline Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Solid waste * Opportunities should be pursued for the reduction of solid waste generation, in particular of hazardous generation and undesirable (persistent and non-reusable) types of wastes. * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This would generally include (temporary) storage, transport and final destination of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration. * Any waste disposal should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Excavated soils should be reused as much as possible as filling material. Contaminated soil should be considered as waste material and disposed of accordingly. Excess earth should be disposed off at sites approved by the municipality. Topsoil should be removed and stored in separate piles and reinstated (if not contaminated). * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. Soil erosion and * Application of appropriate erosion-protection measures, in particular where it concerns works on slopes contamination and in stream beddings. * Excavation works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds). * Measures should be taken to protect soils from any accidental or structural contamination. * In case of any contamination, contaminated soil should be removed and treated/disposed off in a manner appropriate to the type of contamination. Impacts on flora * The working area should be limited in order to prevent unnecessary ecological damages. and fauna * Clearing and cutting of trees should only occur with the appropriate authority's consent. Where required, fees for the removal of vegetation (trees) should be paid in accordance with EPA regulations. * After any human intervention that may disturb natural sites, ecological restoration through environmental engineering (restorations, rehabilitation) should be undertaken, including restoring top l______soils and (re-) introduction of genetic species to re-establish the natural local ecology. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 78 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING Project activity gro p: Powerline | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Raw material use * The environmental performance of suppliers of raw material should be taken into consideration in the Moderate (but selection of suppliers of raw material. ALARP) * Opportunities for the reduction of raw material use should be pursued. * Preferably, raw materials that may be reused and/or recycled/recovered should be applied. Disturbance and * Timely) informing the affected communities of the construction programme through local FM radio interruption of stations. commercial and * Information to neighbourhood of any (partial) blockage of roads, even if for temporarily. | I social activities a Coordination of work at crossing points with other utility network owners (water, telecom and electricity networks). In case of damage, such should be repaired immediately. * Excavation works should not be executed under aggressive weather conditions (rains, strong winds) * Interference with the access to and use and occupation of roads, footpaths and bridges should be 4 minimized. * Should any items and/or sites of archaeological or cultural value be discovered during works, the . Contractor would need to work with the appropriate authorities on a suitable approach to safeguard such. Land take * Minimization of the size of lands to be occupied. * Avoidance of occupation of lands for which resettlement is required, through appropriate alignment of the powerline. * Where resettlement is unavoidable, develop and implement resettlement action plans in accordance with the GWCL Resettlement Framework. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 79 April 2004 o o o ROYALHASKOMING Project activity grouP: Powerline | Phase: Construction Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Occupational * To Contractor should be required to prepare and implement specific health and safety measures, Moderate (but health and safety including (but not be restricted to): ALARP) o The use of personal protection equipment by employees. o The use of hearing protection equipment when working under noisy conditions. o Adequate medical testing and insurance for all employees. o Adequate health and safety training of all employees, including training on specific procedures as appropriate to various individual staff groups. o Provision of rescue equipment and medical first-aid facilities. o Medical emergency evacuation plans for different types of incidents and injuries that might occur. o Provision of adequate sanitary facilities at construction sites. o Procedures for working with heavy equipment. o Procedures for working at height. o Procedures for working in confined spaces. o Procedures for the handling and use of dangerous substances and wastes. o Procedures for working with high voltage. o Procedures/method statements for excavations. o Procedures for heavy lifting. o Provision of adequate waste and material storage facilities (see also 'solid waste generation" above). Access to such facilities should be restricted. o Basic rules with regard to protection of public health, including most importantly hygiene and disease (HIV) prevention. Project activity group: Powerline I Phase: Operation and maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating__ Health and safety * Ensure that powerlines are high enough to avoid interference with traffic. risks to the public * Clear marking of high voltage risks on posts. * Prevent easy climbing into posts through fencing or other means. Landscaping and * Take into consideration effects on visual amenities in the alignment of powerlines. visual amenities * Use materials that fit into the existing environment. __' ___._ Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 80 April 2004 ROYALHASKONINC Project activitygro p: Powerline | Phase: Operationand maintenance Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating_ Air pollution * Same as in construction phase. Water pollution * Same as in construction phase. Solid waste * Same as in construction phase. generation Soil erosion and * Same as in construction phase. contamination Impacts on flora * Same as in construction phase. and fauna Raw material use * Same as in construction phase. Disturbance and * Same as in construction phase. interruption of U commercial and social activities _ Occupational * Same as in construction phase. Moderate (but health and safety ALARP) Project activity group: Powerline | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating Air pollution * Good maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to a periodical repair/revision programme. _ Use of good quality fuel and lubricants. Water pollution * Same as in construction phase. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 81 April 2004 o o o ROYALHAIKOVdINa Project activitygrouD: Powerline | Phase: Decommissioning Type of impact Description of mitigation measures Impact rating__ Solid waste * For each type of waste, the most appropriate waste management approach should be determined. This generation would generally include (temporary) storage, transport and final destiny of the waste. With regards to the latter, the most appropriate way would be reuse, followed by recycling/recovery and finally disposal and/or incineration. * Any waste disposal, including disassembled structures, should occur at sites approved by the municipality. * Waste to be recycled, recovered or disposed off externally should be transferred through acknowledged recycling companies. * Provisional material storage on site should be designed and undertaken in such a way as to ensure that soils and underground water are not polluted. Soil erosion and * Application of appropriate erosion-protection measures, in particular where it concerns works on slopes contamination and in stream beddings. * Measures should be taken to protect soils from any accidental or structural contamination. * In case of any contamination, contaminated soil should be removed and treated/disposed off in a manner appropriate to the type of contamination. Impacts on flora * Same as in construction phase. and fauna Disturbance and * Same as in construction phase. interruption of commercial and social activities Occupational * Same as in construction phase. Moderate (but health and safety ALARP) GhanaWSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 82 April 2004 ODD ROYALHASKONING 7 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 7.1 Identification of alternatives Apart from the no-project alternative, two levels of detail in project alternatives can be distinguished: * Emplacement of major facilities, involving considerable land-take. This involves basically the dredge spoil dump site at Brimsu, the booster station in Kumasi North-East and the location of the boreholes, which result in permanent land occupation and disturbance; * Detailed alignment of pipelines and powerlines, which may entail mainly temporary impacts in terms of land occupation and disturbance. 7.2 The no-project alternative Obviously, the potential negative impacts of the project needs to be set out against the project benefits. The regular way to do such is by comparing the project with a no- project alternative. As argued in section 5.1, however, the projects positive impacts largely surpass its potential negative implications, in that its objective is to improve the coverage, efficiency and reliability of water distribution systems, and the quality of water distributed. In comparison to the no-project alternative, the poor quality of water currently imposes risks to the health of the population, causing water-borne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, bilharzias, and guinea worm. A more adequate supply of water and an improved quality thereof would improve hygiene and reduce health hazards. In general, therefore, the proposed water supply development would have a substantial positive impact in comparison to the existing situation, by: * improving the public health conditions in the region; * improving living conditions, * stimulating economic development, by creating the enabling environment for the development of agricultural, industrial and tourism activities. 7.3 Dredge spoil dump site at Brimsu The site selected by GWCL Cape Coast for dumping of dredge spoil is located at 500 m to the south-east of the Brimsu dam. Figure 6 shows its rough location. The oval shape represents the approximate surface area required for dumping of the spoil, approximately 250,000 M 2 . The site selected represents an area that is partially occupied with Acacia trees planted by the Forestry Department, and partly used for small-scale agricultural purposes and for the production of charcoal. With regard to the latter, the site does not appear to be of crucial importance for the subsistence of the local population. The nearest human settlements of any importance are the villages of Fameye and Apewosika. The area has a natural appeal but is not of any particular ecological importance. The key drawback of the proposed location of the dredge spoil dump site is its location directly in the Kakum riverbed, which entails the risk of high sediment influx into the river Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 83 April 2004 ~ooo rooo ROYAL HASKONING and consequently increased turbidity levels. In this respect, it should, however be noted that the ecological value of the Kakum river, downstream from the Brimsu dam is very low, as a result of the fact that the river virtually dries up for parts of the year, when water demand exceeds inflow from the upstream Kakum catchment area. Figure 6 Map showing the area of the proposed dredge-spoil dumpsite at Brimsu reservoir. The oval shape represents the location proposed by GWCL. The hatched area represents the area of possible alternative locations. In reviewing alternative locations for the dump site, the following should be taken into consideration: * The generally accepted maximum distance from the reservoir to the dump site would be up to 3,5 km. * Although it would theoretically be possible to select a dumpsite upstream from the dam, this would not be advisable, in view of the risk of sediment gradually flowing back into the reservoir. Moreover, the area directly around the lake has been denounced free of residential settlement and commercial/industrial activities, in view of protecting the reservoir from landslides, sediment influx from erosion, and potential pollution. The lake is nowadays surrounded by a (protected) natural belt, consisting mainly of Acacia trees. Consequently, locations should be sought downstream of the dam. * The area to the west of Kakum river, downstream from the dam, is undergoing quite a rapid development, undoubtedly as a result of the relatively good Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draftfinal report 84 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING infrastructure in, and therewith access to the area. This area is therefore less suitable for the location of a dredge spoil dumpsite. * The area to the east of Kakum river, downstream from the dam, is quite uniform in terms of rural and natural characteristics. Extends of Acacia forest are combined with smaller plots of agricultural land. Scattered through the area, few lone sheds and houses can be found. More to the east, towards the villages of Apewosika and Fameye agricultural land use becomes more intensive. * In order to reduce impacts related to induced access as a result of new access roads, it would be advisable to select a location which is already in good reach through existing roads and tracks. Taking into consideration of all the above aspects, it may be concluded that the most suitable dredge spoil location may be in the area to the east of Kakum river, in the region between the river and the villages of Apewosika and Fameye. This area is demarcated by the hatched area in Figure 6. Unfortunately, access to the area is too limited to allow for a detailed optimization of the location on the basis of a reconnaissance level survey. Ideally, therefore, the dump site should be selected on the basis of a thorough site investigation, including an ecological baseline survey and inventory of land use. On a broad level it may, however, be concluded that the site selected is acceptable from the point of view of limiting land take and ecological impacts. It is unlikely that in this respects, advantages are gained by moving to an alternative location within the same area. The most important consideration for moving would be the protection of the water quality in the Kakum river, for which is the selected site is not the most appropriate. Although it is therefore recommended to select a site farther away from the river, this problem can be overcome through appropriate measures, including damming of the dumping are, a proper drainage system and sedimentation pits. Even with such, though, the risk of water pollution would arise after evacuation of the site by the dredging Contractor, and proper ownership and management would therefore need to be retained by GWCL until the site is fully reinstated. 7.4 Booster station in Kumasi North-East The site for location of the booster station is located in an extension zone towards the north-east of Kumasi, on the road to Tafo. The area can be classified as a middle-class residential area with limited commercial activities, and forms part of a rapidly expanding part of town. The proposed location of the booster station has been secured long ago, and although not yet officially acquired by GWCL, has been enclosed by a concrete wall for many years. The enclosed zone (see photo 3.4) is presently used for agricultural purposes (plantain trees) and contains no structures. In the rapidly expanding urban area, opportunities for alternative locations with less negative impact are virtually absent. It is unlikely that in a respectable zone around the proposed site, a more appropriate area could be identified. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 85 April 2004 DOD KOYALHASKONINO 7.5 Location of proposed boreholes For the purpose of discussion project alternatives, the proposed borehole developments may be subdivided into two categories: * Rehabilitation and development of existing boreholes (Bawku and Navrongo, in the Upper-East region). * Drilling of new boreholes (Agona/Jamasi in Ashanti region and possibly Navrongo in the Upper-East region4). Obviously, the bottom line for borehole development is the availability of a sufficient supply of water. In this respect, much will depend on the results of geohydrological survey and tests that will need to determine the safe yield of the boreholes to be developed. On a micro-scale, however, a number of aspects should be taken into consideration: * Avoidance of the occupation of land presently used for residential, agricultural, sanitation or other socio-economic uses as much as possible. * Avoidance of any areas of important ecological value as much as possible. * Avoidance of any areas having a high risk of increased erosion as a result of construction activities. * Maintenance of a certain safety distance from existing wells in order to avoid the risk of water-use conflicts and cross-contamination of wells. * Avoidance of interference with structures of cultural or archaeological importance. * Avoidance of locations in the direct vicinity of residential structures to avoid impacts related to noise generation during borehole operations (pumping). It is recommended that the above-listed aspects should be taken into consideration in the selection of appropriate new borehole locations. 7.6 Alignment of pipelines With regard to possible alternative alignment of pipelines, at this stage of design the exact alignment of pipelines has not yet been determined. The mitigation measures defined in section 6 provide guidance with regard to the consideration of any potential environmental and social impacts in the design. It is recommended that these recommendations are taken into consideration by the engineer appointed by GWCL to undertake the detailed design. Adherence to such should furthermore be monitored by GWCL. Key considerations could be summarized as follows: * Use of existing ROW's as much as possible. * Avoidance of the occupation of land presently used for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural or other socio-economic uses as much as possible. * Avoidance of any areas of important ecological value as much as possible. * Avoidance of any areas having a high risk of increased erosion as a result of construction activities. 4 Depending on the pump tests for the existing wells in the Navrongo well fields, new wells may need to be drilled. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 86 April 2004 ROVALHASKONING * Avoidance of interference with structures of cultural or archaeological importance. * Avoidance of interference with other infrastructure and utilities. * Avoidance of (temporary) disturbance of socio-economic activities during construction. 7.7 Decommissioning of pipelines The identified negative impacts of pipeline decommissioning are among others related to soil erosion and contamination, disturbance and interruption of activities inclusive resettlement. Leaving the pipeline in the soil may have negative impacts as there is the occupation of space and (inert) waste at an inappropriate location. However, comparing the latter impacts with those in case of decommissioning one might consider leaving the pipeline in the ground. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 87 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING 8 REFERENCES 1. Armah, A.K. and D.S. Amlalo (1998). The Coastal Zone Profile of Ghana. Ministry of Environment, Science and technology. 2. EPA (1996). Environmental Assessment in Ghana - A Guide. Pub: Environmental Protection Agency, Accra. 3. EPC (1994). Ghana Environmental Action Plan (Vols. 1 and 2). Environmental Protection Council, Accra. 4. Government of Ghana (1994). The Environmental Protection Aaency Act (Act 490). 5. Government of Ghana (1996). The Water Resources Commission Act (Act 522). 6. Government of Ghana (1999). The Environmental Assessment Req ulations (Li 1652). 7. JWP Watertech - Posch & Partners (1994). Sociololoqical and Environmental Impact Study on Raising Brimsu Dam. Report prepared for Ghana Water & Sewerage Corporation, Water Sector Rehabilitation project Area B. 8. JWP Watertech - Posch & Partners (1993). Planning Report on Cape Coast Water Suppl . Report prepared for Ghana Water & Sewerage Corporation, Water Sector Rehabilitation project Area B. 9. JWP Watertech - Posch & Partners (1993). Hydrological Regort on Cape Coast Water SuPPlY. Report prepared for Ghana Water & Sewerage Corporation, Water Sector Rehabilitation project Area B. 10. Ministry of Environment, Science and technology (1998). Inteqrated Coastal Zone Management Plan of Ghana. Ministry of Environment, Science and technology, Accra. 11. Royal Haskoning (2004). Cape Coast Water SuPPlY Feasibility Study. Report prepared for GWCL Cape Coast. 12. World Bank (1991). Environmental Assessment Sourcebook. Technical Paper Number 140, Volume II: Sectoral Guidelines. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report April 2004 ROYALHASKONING APPENDIX 1 LIST OF EIA PREPARERS Ruud Platenburg Project Director Henk Blok Project Manager / Team Leader Dr. Peter Scheren Lead Environmental Specialist Seth A. Larmie Local Environmental Specialist Martine Leman Project Assistant Environmental Management Frederic Giovannetti Resettlement Specialist Harry Wassink Dam Specialist Dr. Kwaku Agyeman Mensah Social Development Specialist Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report April 2004 [l D D ROYALHASKONING APPENDIX 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE EIA Purpose and Scope of Work The purpose of this component of the work is to prepare an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) for the first year civil works program of the WSRP. The EAMP will be acceptable to both the World Bank and the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana. For the purposes of this work, "environment" is defined as the biophysical environment, human uses of that environment (e.g. gardening/farming, fishing), and cultural property as defined in World Bank OP 4.11. The first year civil works program would be entirely within municipal boundaries, and consist only of upgrades to existing assets, mostly distribution lines, plus extensions to the water distribution system. Thus, the major part of the EAMP will be a thorough Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the pre-construction, construction, and operation and maintenance of the first year civil works. The contents of the EMP are outlined below. At the same time, there may be environmental issues that require specific attention in the planning of these works. As one of its initial tasks, the Consultant will conduct a reconnaissance-level survey of the locations of the proposed works, and identify any issues that need specific attention and how they should be included in the EAMP work program. These recommendations will be compiled in a Scoping Report that must be approved by the GWCL/PMU and the Ghana EPA before detailed EAMP work planning is finalized. Most such issues are expected to be minor (e.g. surface water drainage, erodible slopes) and readily handled generically within the EMP. Issues that will likely require more specific attention include: * The dredging of the Brimsu Reservoir in Cape Coast, and the disposal of the dredge material. This issue will also be investigated during the detailed engineering studies and the Consultant will liaise with this work to recommend approaches to handling the matter in an environmentally sound way; * Expanded flows through water treatment plants and the consequent need to safely dispose of additional sludge; and * The extension of the VRA grid at Bawku. The Consultant will pay particular attention, in each city/town, to the potential water quality and health risks of additional water supply due to the WSRP causing overloading of municipal water drainage, treatment and disposal systems. In its proposed methodology and work plan, the Consultant will describe the tasks that need to be undertaken to complete the EAMP. These tasks are expected to include: * A reconnaissance-level survey of the locations of the proposed works in order to identify any environmental issues that need specific attention, and to specify, as required, mitigation measures at specific locations to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts; and * Close liaison with the engineers undertaking the detailed design of the first year civil works to both appreciate the nature of the works, to provide environmental Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 90 April 2004 000 KOVALHASKONING guidance to that design work, and to assist in structuring the EMP so that the appropriate elements of it can be readily incorporated into construction tender documents. Contents of the EAMP Report The EAMP report will follow the general outline EA reports as required by the World Bank. Thus, the main elements of the report (see OP 4.01, Appendix B for details) will be: * Executive summary; * Policy, legal, and administrative framework; * Project description; * Baseline data, with a focus on sensitive sites along existing and proposed water distribution lines; * Potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures; * As needed, analysis of alternate routes for any new water transmission and distribution lines; * Environmental management plan (EMP), including; * An analysis of the institutional capacity to implement the EMP, and any training/capacity building program required to strengthen that capacity. As discussed above, the major emphasis of the EAMP will be the EMP it contains. The EMP will focus on providing general and specific direction on pre-construction, construction, and operation and maintenance measures and practices to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects that can be readily incorporated into: (a) construction specifications and drawings for inclusion in tender documents; and (b) operation and maintenance manuals. To facilitate this incorporation, the Consultant should consider a tabular presentation that, for each element of civil works, indicates the application of general and specific management measures. More general requirements for the content of the EMP can be found in World Bank OP 4.01, Appendix C and in the World Bank Environmental Assessment Sourcebook Update No. 25 Environmental Management Plans. In summary, the contents are: * Summary of impacts: The predicted adverse environmental and social impacts for which mitigation is required should be identified and briefly summarized. * Description of mitigation measures: The EMP identifies feasible and cost effective measures to reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels * Description of monitoring program: Environmental performance monitoring should be designed to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented, have the intended result, and that remedial measures are undertaken if mitigation measures are inadequate or the impacts have been underestimated within the EA report. It should also assess compliance with national standards and World Bank Group requirements or guidelines. * Institutional arrangements: Responsibilities for mitigation and monitoring should be clearly defined. The EMP will identify arrangements for coordination between the various actors responsible for mitigation. * Implementation schedule and reporting procedures: The timing, frequency, and duration of mitigation measures should be specified in an implementation schedule, showing links with the overall project implementation plans (PIP). Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 91 April 2004 oDo KOVALHAUKOFIEG * Cost estimates and sources of funds: These should be specified for both the initial investment and recurring expenses for implementing all measures contained in the EMP, and integrated into the total project costs. As is possible, the EMP should provide specific language for direct inclusion in the construction specifications and contract. Expertise Required For this component of the work, the Consultant team will require expertise in: * The management of environmental assessment studies and the preparation of EMPs; * The environmental issues associated with municipal water supply and drainage systems, preferably in developing countries with a GNP per capita similar to Ghana; and * Preparing general and specific environmental sections of construction contracts, drawings and tender documents, and of O&M manuals. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 92 April 2004 DDO ROYALHASKONING APPENDIX 3 DETAILS OF PROJECT COMPONENTS Location ProjectComponent ASHANTI 1 Obuasi 100mmdia uPVC distr. Mainsat Gausu/Ramia(5km) 100mmdia uPVC mains ext. at Abompekrom/Nyamebekyere(3km) 100mmdia. uPVC mains ext. at Bogobire/Nkamprom/Bedieso(3km) 100mmdia. uPVC MainsExtension at Link IndustrialArea(2km) 2 Agona/Jamasi Drillingand mechanisationof 2 boreholes+ redevelopingof one borehole 3 KumasiCity Continuation of 250mm uPVC class "C" mains extension from airport to Buokrom/Kenyase(3km) 400mm uPVC class "C" trunk mains reinforcement from Abrepo Junction to Sofoline Roudabout(3km) 300mm uPVC class "C" distributionmains renewalfrom Sofoline Roudaboutto Asuoyeboo (3km) 300mm uPVC class "C" mainsreinforcement from Sofolineto Santasi Roudabout(4km) 400mm uPVC class "C" trunk mains extension from Asokwa Police Station to Anloga Junction 4 Kumasi South 200mm uPVC class "C" mainsextension from Ahodwo Roundaboutto Atinga Station (0.5km) 5 Kumasi West 200mm uPVC class "C" mains extension from Agric Junction (Sunyani Road) to Agric. College(4km) 100mmuPVC mains extensionat Edwenasi(4km) 150mmuPVC mains extensionfrom Agric stationto Nzema(3km) 100mmuPVC mains extensionfrom Santasito AtasomansoZongo (3km) 6 Kumasi East 200mm uPVC mains extensionfrom Santasito Asokore Mampong(2km) 7 Kumasi 100mmuPVC distributionin Pankrono(5km) + Boosterstation North/East 8 Mampong Distributionextension of 100mm,2km and 150mm(5km) Ashanti Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 1 April 2004 000 KOVALHASKONING Location ProjectComponent 100mm uPVC dia. UPVCdistribution mains extensionto NsutamanSec. Sch (1km) + 2km for distributionin Beposoand Nsuta town -.-,.,..,*" CENTRALREGIoN 1 Cape Coast DredgeRaw Water Reservoirat Brimsu Renewalof transmissionmains 150mm AC from Bakanothrough to Ola Estate with 200mm dia uPVC (4km) Extend pipes to seUtlementsaround UCC including Kwapro, Kwesiprah, Amomama, and Apewosika involvingtransmission main, 4km of 150mm uPVC and distributionof 2.6km of 100mmdia pipeline 2 Elmina Relocationof 150mm, 1.3kmpipeline Elminanew market +200mm,1.9km at Bamor Hill 3 Komenda Reinforcementof the pipelinesat Komenda(150mm,1.9km) and Kissi-Kwahinkrom(150mm, 3.1km) -:- GREATERACCRA 1 Accra Nortwest Extensionto Awoshie100mm(10km),Anyaa 100mm(10km), Ablekuma(NIC) 100mm(10km) - Distributionsystem to connectto transmissionmains under construction. Renew 500mm trnsmission main, 5km AC pipeline from Busia Junction to Dansoman Roundaboutwith HDPE Replace 100mm,0.5km AC pipelinein AwudomeEstates with PVC Extension with 100mm, PVC pipeline to Darkuman(CircleTrotro Station)(0.3km),and Odorkor Officialtown(0.2km) Replace 150mm,1 km, AC pipelineat CMB flat, KaneshieKwasiemann with with PVC pipe Extensionwith 100mm,PVC pipelineto Opete Kwei. 1km Providemains extension150mm, 4km uPVC to Gbaweand Trantra Hill to connectto existing transmissionmains 2 Accra West Replace 100mm, choked old cast iron pipe in Chorkor-(AttohQuashie-ChemunaTr. St.), 0.45km,Old WinnebaRoad,0.5km Replacementof AC pipelines150mm, 1.5km, Gamot-Interplast-Anyidaho, ExtensionsAbeka Lapaz (NM,OB) 150mm,5km, Abeka Lapaz(RC,PGH)100mm,5km Extensionsto Chantan,Israel(l50mm, 3km) Sowutuom(PoloJ, MR) 100mm,5km Mains extensionto Zongojunction (GWCLoffice, Radio Gold), 100mm,0.3km Replace 100mm,0.3km uPVCat AbboseyOkai(Anglican Church) and Korle Gonno Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 2 April 2004 0 0 KOVALHASKONING Location ProjectComponent Mains extension 100mm, 0.5km to Laterbiokorshie,and 1km to GWCL Office(Ac. West), 0.3km to Mamprobi(Abodwe Area-Link 3Ring Network) distribution mains extensionto Kasoa township(150mm,5km,) to connect transmissionline under construction 3 Accra East Mains extensionto AbavanaJunction down, NestleGulf house, 100mm,3km Replacementof pipelines: MATSto Teshieold town, 100mm, 4km, Teshie Guest Inn Road- CDR, 150mm,1.2km NunguaZongo, Opoi Gonno,Camp 2(New Area), 100mm,3km Expansionto AsafoiatseNettey Road,200mm, 3km Osu Salem Road 100mm,2.0km 4 Tema Mains extension,150mm to CelebrityArea, 4.0km,Unilever Area, 3.6km, Mainsextension to Adjei Kojo, 100mm,2km;Baatsona 150mm, 5.0km, and New town NORTHERNREGION Tamale Replace50mm bottleneck with 100mmpvc (2.7km) Completereplacement of 250mm, 1.5kmsteel pipe from Gumo stationto airforcestation Replace50mm bottleneckwith 100mmpvc (2.1km) & networkall pipesthat cover the area to improveflow Extend pipelinesto Airforce/AirborneStation, 100mm,2km Replace300mm AC line with uPVC,2.1km at Zogbeli-Lamashegu Extend pipelines to Adubiliyili,Tugu Yapale, Banvim, Bilpela, GhanaSec.Sch., Vittin, Checo Salaga Rdi B,sco 1(C(nmr6Km UPPER EASTREGION 1 Navrongo Drillingand mechanisationof 3 boreholes VRA power extensionto all boreholes Layingof 150mm,3km transmisionmains Rehabilitationof existingtank 2 Bawku Redevelopmentand mechanisationof additional5no. existing boreholes Extensionof VRA grid,1Okm Layingof transmissionmains, 200mm(3km), Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 3 April 2004 El~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ coo 0 0 KOVAL HASKONIMO Location ProjectComponent VOLTAREGION - 1 Ho 100mmuPVC mainsextension on Adaklu Road(4km) 100mmuPVC mainsextension to Tsiyikpota(2.5km) 150mmuPVC mainsextension to Kabaka(2.0) 100mmuPVC mainsextension to Kpenoe(2km) 100mmuPVC mainsextension to proposedEP University(2km) 100mmuPVC distributionimprovement at afifekope(2.0km) 100mmuPVC distributionimprovement at Sokode(1.0km) 2 Hohoe relocate 150/250mmAC mainswith 150/250mmuPVC along St. Franciscollege Mainsextension to Bla, WaterWorks road(3km),Kpeme/Gbohome/Lowcost, Wegbe/Lolobi 3 Deneu/Aflao Mainsextension to low cost area-Aflao,and New HopeClinic Area Denu,both 100mm,2km Mains extensionto MarketSquare & Beat 9 Road, 100mm,3.0km Rehabilitationof 90m3GRP tank at Aflao 4 Peki 100mmuPVC mainsextension to PekiAdzokoe(1.Okm) 100mmuPVC mainsextension to Peki Dzake(1.Okm) WESTERNREGION 1 Sekondi/ Mains extensionto Beach road, 100mmuPVC pipe, 1.5km Takoradi Mains extensionto West Anaji, 100mmuPVC pipe,2.0km Mains extensionto Namibia,100mm uPVC pipe,3.0km Mains extensionto Kwesimintsim,100mm uPVC pipe, 1.0kmand other areas Mains extensionto New Kwesimintsim,100mm uPVC pipe, 2.0km Mains extensionto Tadiscodown, and others 100mmuPVC pipe, 10km Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 4 April 2004 ROYALHASKOINIG APPENDIX 4 DEFINITION OF IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The adoption of consistent and robust criteria for assessing significance is an important element of the EIA process. Assessment of significance is important for two reasons: * to focus the attention of the design and implementation teams on measures to mitigate a potential impact during the EIA process; and * to bring the residual impact to the attention of decision-makers and stakeholders in the EIA report. There are a number of factors that are important in considering the significance of an impact. These include: * the magnitude of the impact; * the sensitivity and value of the resource or receptor affected; * compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards; * effects on Government plans or policies; * views of stakeholders; and * likelihood. The policy and legal framework pertinent to the WSRP is outlined in section 2 of the EIA. Relevant Ghanaian legislation and standards, as well as World Bank standards and guidelines for the protection of the environment (and people) were reviewed to identify standards of environmental performance and expectations for ambient environmental quality that could be applied to the project. Where appropriate, they have been used to develop impact significance criteria so that, for example, any predicted breach of a law would be regarded as a Major impact that the design team would then need to take action on to either avoid it or mitigate it to a legally acceptable level. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT METHODS Methods for predicting and evaluating the significance of different environmental impacts cover a spectrum from those that are quantitative in nature, to those that are qualitative. The term 'quantitative' is used in the sense of anything that is capable of being measured or expressed numerically. The term 'qualitative' is used in the sense of anything that requires a subjective description. In the EIA process, qualitative approaches normally involve an expert opinion to predict an impact and evaluate its significance. In an ideal situation, use of quantitative approaches allows a baseline parameter to be measured using a numerical scale and predictions of the impact magnitude to be made using a numerically-based predictive model. This then allows the significance of the impact to be evaluated against an accepted/legal numerical standard. Clearly this approach works very well for an environmental aspect such as noise or air quality. However, there are circumstances where quantitative methods are incapable of addressing the environmental aspect and the use of qualitative methods is necessary. An example of such an aspect is the assessment of impacts on landscape 'quality'. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 1 April 2004 cooo eon KOYALHASKONIMG Although the process of assessing landscape quality can be rigorous and logical, it is still a subjective phenomenon. The following section presents significance criteria for the following topics: * impacts on soils; * impacts on surface water resources; * impacts on groundwater resources; * impacts on climate/air quality; * impacts on biological resources; * impacts on landscape and visual impacts; and * noise impacts. SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA TOPIC BY TOPIC The significance criteria presented below generally apply across the whole WSRP EIA. Significance criteria for physical impacts to soils The significance of impacts on soils is typically evaluated using professional judgement and, where possible, recognised soils science techniques, taking account of the following factors: * the magnitude of the impact, as determined by its intensity, its areal extent in space , duration, and the likelihood of its occurrence; * the vulnerability of the particular soil to the change caused by the impact; and * the ability of the soil to recover from the impact. Significance rating criteria for physical impacts to soil are presented in Table 5. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 2 April 2004 cooo ROYAL HASKONING Table 5 Significance criteria for physical impacts on soils Impact Type Minor Moderate Major Soil erosion = Soil erosion notably higher than under existing conditions, but Sll no nil and gully formation evident Reduced soil Productivity losses productivity | predicted to generally -|| last less than three years after completion of reinstatement (but more than one year for L A arableland) For soil erosion, existing soil characteristics in terms of its erodibility provide the starting point. Potential erodibility for different soils in the project area is based on rainfall, soil structure, texture, permeability and organic matter. Terrain also plays a role, together with other factors such as vegetation cover and human modification. Soil productivity is primarily related to the topsoil and is a function of physical structure, chemistry/mineral constituents, and biological activity. Thickness of the topsoil layer is also a factor. Disturbance during stripping, storage and replacement has an influence on the above factors that varies between soils. Assessing the scale of impact is therefore based on a combination of knowledge of the soils in the project areas and likely recovery periods based on previous experience. Significance criteria for impacts to surface water resources The significance of any potential impact on surface water resources will depend on the present (or designated) use of the resource (e.g. for drinking supply, fishing etc) or its importance to ecology or amenity, together with the nature and magnitude of change caused by the project. During construction activities, there are several generic types of potential impact as follows: * impacts associated with planned discharges of treated wastewater (e.g. at construction camps); * 'disturbance' of watercourses directly through physical works, and indirectly due to run-off containing suspended solids from working and reinstated areas; and * pollution resulting from accidental spillages. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 3 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING Two types of impact criteria are therefore discussed in the following section: * impacts on water quality; * impacts due to physical disturbance of surface water resources. Impacts on water quality The assessment of impacts to water quality may be based on the following principal issues: * compliance with relevant standards and legislation; and * avoidance of aquatic and marine ecological impacts. The last parameter is assessed, with reference to the criteria for ecology (see section 0). For water quality issues, the basic premise is that the standards must be complied with. Non-compliance would comprise a major environmental impact, while full compliance is deemed a minor impact. A comparison of Ghanaian and World Bank effluent standards is presented in Table 6, for a number of key parameters (for a full list, we refer to the applicable Ghanaian and/or World Bank guidelines, demonstrating that the standards are compatible. Table 6 Comparison of Ghanaian with World Bank effluent standards into natural water bodies Parameter Ghanaian guidelines World Bank Guidelines pH 6-9 6-9 Suspended solids 50 mg/l 50 mg/l BOD 50 mg/l 50 mg/l Ammonia 10 mg/l 10 mg/I Oil and grease 5 mg/l 5 mg/l Phosphates 2 mg/l 2 mg/l Significance criteria for impacts to freshwater quality (and secondary impacts to water users) are therefore based largely on compliance with standards, together with the quality of the receiving water and its ability to dilute the effluent. Significance criteria are summarised in Table 7. Table 7 Significance criteria for impacts to freshwater quality Minor Moderate Major - a .: aUO.Uas Ia] Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 4 April 2004 OVYALHASKONING Physical disturbance of watercourses The second generic category of impact (i.e. disturbance of watercourses directly through physical works) does not lend itself to being quantified either in terms of standards or impact prediction, for example: * there are no standards which govern the temporary mobilisation of sediment in a stream during construction works near to or in a watercourse; and * even if there was a standard, predicting the resultant concentration would be an extremely imprecise exercise. Assessing such impacts is therefore an exercise in professional judgement. Table 8 below summarises how this judgement has been applied. Table 8 Significance criteria for physical disturbance to surface water resources Watercourse Quality Disturbance limited Disturbance limited Disturbance' to immediate to within 1km of apparent >1km working area, visible working area, visible downstream, visible sediment predicted sediment predicted sediment predicted in watercourses for in watercourses for in watercourses for less than three longer than three longer than three weeks after weeks but less than months after construction and no three months after completion of obscuration of the completion of construction and bed construction and reinstatement and reinstatement but no obscuration of bed obscuration of bed Highly polluted or I'Moderate polluted receiving water and/or little or no community use/ natural value Slightly polluted Moderate receiving water and/or moderate degree of community use/ natural value High quality Moderate receiving water and/or important community/nature conservation resource Significance criteria for impacts to groundwater resources Significance of impacts to groundwater can be based on a combination of the quality of the resource and the scale of impact or risk to it. Impacts to groundwater are considered Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 5 April 2004 cooo cooo UOYALHASKONING important in the context of impacts to the direct users of the resource. For example, groundwater contamination or excessive abstraction within the vicinity of water abstraction points (boreholes) would cause impacts to humans relying on that water source. Also, groundwater pollution might result in pollution of surface water courses in cases where such resources are connected. Based on the above considerations, assessment criteria for impacts to groundwater have been established taking account of the following combination of factors: * whether the area is in proximity to water abstraction points or surface water courses; and * the nature of activities proposed and potential for, or risk of, different types and magnitudes of impacts occurring. The criteria are set out in Table 9. Table 9 Significance criteria for groundwater resources General Locating construction camps, Large spill of construction storage areas for fuels/chemicals. oil, fuel or activity, trenching Small spill of oil, fuel or chemicals. chemicals or dewatering. Small Construction camp or operational chemicals. temporary or discharge to soakaway. Large, permanent temporary construction phase abstraction. abstraction. Low sensitivity: an unconfined aquifer, and more than 1000 m from any water 9 abstraction point or surface water resource. Moderate Moderate sensitivity: an unconfined aquifer, but within 1000 m of a water abstraction point or surface water resource. High sensitivity: a Moderate confined aquifer, within 1000 m of a water abstraction point or surface water resource.. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 6 April 2004 ROYALHASKONING Significance Criteria for Impacts to Air Quality The WSRP project is required to comply with Ghanaian air quality standards. The primary goal of these standards is to protect human health. The Ghanaian air quality guidelines are similar to common air quality criteria such as those adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as is demonstrated in Table 10. The Ghanaian guidelines for residential areas are generally equal to WHO objectives, where guidelines for industrial areas are more relaxed. Table 10 Comparison of Ghanaian and WHO guidelines for air quality Pollutant Ghanaian guideline - Ghanaian guideline - WHO objective (pg/m3) industrial (pg/m3) residential (pg/m3) Nitrogen dioxide 400 (1 hour) 200 (1 hour) 200 (1 hour) 150 (24 hours) 60 (24 hours) 40 (1 year) Sulphur dioxide 900 (1 hour) 700 (1 hour) 500 (10 mins) 150 (24 hours) 100 (24 hours) 125 (24 hours) 80 (1 year) 50 (1 year) 50 (1 year) Carbon monoxide 100,000 (15 mins) 100,000 (15 mins) 100,000 (15 mins) 60,000 (30 mins) 60,000 (30 mins) 60,000 (30 mins) 30,000 (1 hour) 30,000 (1 hour) 30,000 (1 hour) 10,000 (8 hours) 10,000 (8 hours) 10,000 (8 hours) Where data on background air quality, as well as of typical emissions from sources is available, a quantitative assessment of impact significance is possible. A set of quantitative assessment criteria is presented in Table 11. In the approach presented, provision is made for the fact that no single emission source (or complex) should 'use up' the whole 'allowance' implied by the standard. For this reason, the threshold between a moderate and a major impact is set at 70% of the standard, as opposed to 100%, so that the project, together with other emission sources (e.g. road traffic), is unlikely to contribute to a cumulative breaching of the standard. Therefore a contribution to ground level concentrations of between 10 and 70% would not preclude other development at a give location. Table 11 Quantitative significance criteria for impacts to air quality Minor Moderate Major ______; 10- 70% of the WHO Air = Quality Standard (including =- .--,background concentrations) Where such qualitative data is not available, a second set of significance criteria (see Table 12) may been used to allow a qualitative assessment. The approach in this case considers factors such as the proximity of sensitive receptors, local dispersion characteristics and professional judgement based on previous experience of similar conditions. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 7 April 2004 000 000 ROYAL HASKONING Table 12 Qualitative significance criteria for impacts to air quality Minor Moderate Major Significance criteria for impacts to biological resources Value of Resources Habitats are assessed according to widely accepted criteria of which the most important are naturalness, extent, rarity and diversity; these and others are summarised below in Box 3. Species are similarly assessed according to accepted criteria such as rarity and the extent to which they are under threat. The importance of species to wider ecological communities (e.g. predator/prey relationships) is also considered and the protection of species under international and national legislation is also taken into account. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 8April 2004 ROYALHASKONIEG Box 3 Criteria for the evaluation of the value and sensitivity of affected Habitats and species * The presence of any habitat, plant or animal species that is internationally, nationally, regionally or locally rare, especially species that are protected. * The presence of any habitat, plant or animal communities, which are internationally, nationally, regionally or locally uncommon or suffering serious reduction nationally or locally. * The diversity of the habitats and their individual species richness are important. In general, the greater the total number of species recorded, the greater the conservation interest of the area. The presence of a nationally or locally important population of a particular species; an assessment of whether the habitat is a representative example of special interest or value. * The 'naturalness' of the habitat. Naturalness and diversity can be strongly correlated and recreated habitats tend to be more species poor than their natural or semi-natural equivalents. * The fragility and sensitivity of the habitat and its ability to recover (either naturally or with assistance) from disturbance. This criterion is linked also to size, naturalness and rarity but generally fragile sites are usually highly fragmented, decreasing rapidly in extent and number and are difficult to recreate. * The recorded history of the site. The loss of an irreplaceable biological record would be particularly significant. Such records may also be of cultural and historical value. * Whether at the local level the habitat is an ecological corridor between other isolated habitats of ecological importance. * Whether a species has a seasonally variable vulnerability due, for example, to breeding, critical feeding times or migratory passage. . Whether any species has cultural significance (for example, as a resource utilised by local settlements). * The amenity value of the site. * The research value and education potential of the site. For the purposes of EIA, it is useful to place some sort of value (low, moderate, high) on the resources that might potentially be affected using criteria like those above. Although this is to some extent subjective, expert judgement (and stakeholder consultation) will ensure a reasonable degree of consensus on the intrinsic value of a resource. Magnitude of Impact The assessment of the relative significance of ecological impacts is a subjective judgement and it is often difficult to attach definite levels of significance to impacts in the way that quantitative prediction allows. Criteria that have been used to assess the magnitude of ecological impacts (Source: Duinker and Beanlands, 1986) are presented in Box 4. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 9 April 2004 ROYALHASKGNING Box 4 Assessment Criteria for the Magnitude of Ecological Impacts A High Magnitude Impact affects an entire population or species in sufficient magnitude to cause a decline in abundance and /or change in distribution beyond which natural recruitment (reproduction, immigration from unaffected areas) would not retum that population or species, or any population or species dependent upon it, to its former level within several generations. A major impact may also affect a subsistence or commercial resource use to the degree that the well being of the user is affected over a long term. In the case of fish an impact over one season/generation would be significant. A Medium Magnitude Impact: affects a portion of a population and may bring about a change in abundance and / or distribution over one or more generation*, but does not threaten the integrity of that population or any population dependent on it. Moderate Impacts to the same resource multiplied over a wide area would be regarded as a Major Impact. A short-term effect upon the well being of resource users may also constitute a moderate impact. A Low Magnitude Impact affects a specific group of localised individuals within a population over a short time period (one generation* or less), but does not affect other trophic levels or the population itself. *These are generations of the animal/plant species under consideration not human generations. It should be noted that the reinstatement and recovery potential of an affected habitat also needs to be considered in applying the above criteria. Impact Significance The significance of ecological impacts is then a combination of the conservation value of the habitat/species affected (Box 3) and the magnitude of impact (Box 4). A convenient way of representing the overall significance is through a matrix of magnitude versus sensitivity/value, as is done in Table 13. Table 13 Significance criteria for ecological impacts Low magnitude Medium magnitude High magnitude impact impact impact Low value/ Moderate sensitivity or locally important habitat or flora/fauna Moderate value/ Moderate sensitivity or nationally important habitat or flora/fauna High value/ Moderate sensitivity or internationally important habitat or flora/fauna Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 10 April 2004 ROYAL HASKONING Significance criteria for noise impacts According to World Bank standards, noise abatement for an operating facility should achieve either the levels specified in Table 14 below or a maximum increase in the ambient noise level of 3 dB(A) if background noise levels are already in excess of those in Table 14. The limits are generally interpreted as the noise levels measured outside the nearest residential property in a free-field location. Table 14 World Bank noise standards Maximum Allowable Noise Level LAeq, 1 hour Receptor Daytime Nighttime 07.00-22.00 22.00-07.00 Residential; institutional; 55 45 educational Industrial; commercial 70 70 Guidance on daytime noise levels in community areas during the day have also been proposed by the World Health Organisation. A guideline noise level of 55 dB LAeq, 16 hour is proposed to protect the majority of people from being seriously annoyed during the daytime and evening. A preferred value of 50 dB LAeq, 16 hour is suggested to prevent moderate annoyance. Higher values might be expected to be acceptable at outdoor recreational areas. Finally, the EPA has established standards and guidelines for noise emissions. Table 15 presents guideline values for ambient noise levels, classified per type of occupancy. The values are in line with World Bank and WHO guidelines. Furthermore, the EPA has established regulations for permissible adjustment to noise levels by intermittent noise, such as very much the case in construction works. Table 15 EPA ambient noise level guidelines Zone Description of area Permissible noise level in dB (A) Day (06:00-22:00) Night (22:00-06:00) A Residential areas with negligible 55 48 or infrequent transportation B1 Educational and health facilities 55 50 B2 Area with some commercial or 60 55 light industry C1 Area with some light industry, 65 60 place of entertainment or public assembly and places of worship C2 Predominantly commercial areas 75 65 D Light industrial areas 70 60 E Predominantly heavy industrial 70 70 areas Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 11 April 2004 000 KOVALHASKONING Table 16 Permissible adjustment to ambient noise levels by intermittent noise Cumulative duration per hour Maximum allowable exceedance of ambient noise levels (dB (A) > 15 minutes ±0 5-15 minutes 5 1-5 minutes 10 <1 minute 15 Since impact assessment criteria are required to enable the minor, moderate and major impacts to be identified, it is necessary to determine a lower limit for the minor and moderate impact bands below which noise impacts are unlikely. Effectively this is a level at which no impact is expected. An upper limit is then required for each impact significance category. These limits are based on the considerations set out in the preceding text. Taking the above standards into consideration the noise impact significance criteria used in this EIA are summarised in Table 17 below. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 12 April 2004 I t * ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 000 000 EOYALHASKONIUG Table 17 Noise impact assessment criteria (dB LAeq, 1hour Free-field ) at receptor Minor Moderate Major Residential areas ... Continuous daytime noise levels (06:00 - 22:00) I.-- 50 to 55dB for4 p weeks or more. Night-time noise levels (22:00 to 06:00 hours) 40 to 45 dB for 4 weeks or more. I-- Intermittent noise levels and duration [- within EPA standards Residential areas Continuous daytime with commercial noise levels (06:00 - activities and/or light 22:00) industry - 55- to 60 dB for 4 weeks or more. -- S Nigh-lime noise levels (22:00 to 06:00 hours) = - 45 to 55 dB for 4 --- -U weeks or more. a Intermittent noise _ - levels and duration within EPA standards Industrial areas - Continuous daytime noise levels (06:00 - 22:00) 60 to 70 dB for 4 weeks or more. r Night-time noise levels ---L60to70dBfor4(22:00 to 06:00 hours) IF weeks or more. Intermittent noise - levels and duration - W- ... withinEPAstandards Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 13 April 2004 000 ROYALHASKONIMG Significance criteria for impacts to visual amenity Impacts upon landscape and visual amenity will potentially result from the construction sites and camps, and permanent above-ground structures such as the powerlines. The level of significance of landscape and visual effects depends on the sensitivity of the 5 6 landscape( ) or viewer( ) to change and the magnitude (7) of change. Receptor Sensitivity The sensitivity of the landscape depends on its inherent condition or quality, value and capacity to accommodate change, and on specific values (such as designations) that apply. The sensitivity of viewers depends on their occupation and viewing opportunity. Sensitivity is described as low, moderate or high. The definitions outlined in Table 18 apply. Table 18 Landscape sensitivity definitions Sensitivity Receptor Definition Low Landscape A landscape which is not valued for its scenic quality and is tolerant of change. Visual Viewers with a passing interest in their surroundings, eg motorists or workers. Moderate Landscape A moderately valued landscape, perhaps a locally important landscape, tolerant of some change. Visual Viewers with a moderate interest in their environment such as users of recreational facilities. High Landscape A landscape of particularly distinctive character or one which is nationally valued for its scenic quality. Visual Viewers with proprietary interest and prolonged viewing opportunities such as residential receptors. Impact Magnitude The magnitude of impact on landscape or visual receptors depends on the nature and scale of the development, and the overall impact within a particular view, which may be very small if it is at some distance. The magnitude of impact is described as being imperceptible, low, moderate or high. The definitions outlined in Table 19 apply. (5)Landscape sensitivity is the extentto whicha landscapecan acceptchange of a particulartype and scalewithout unacceptable adverseeffects on its character. (6)Visual sensitivity is the extentto whicha visualreceptor can accept change without unacceptableadverse effects upon the view. (7)Magnitude is the a combinationof the scale,extent and durationof an effect. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft fnal report 14 April 2004 ROYAL HAISKO@NI Table 19 Landscape magnitude definitions Magnitude of Receptor Definition Impact Low Landscape A small change in components of the landscape. Visual Few viewers affected by minor changes in views. Moderate Landscape Moderate changes in landscape components. Visual A moderate number of viewers affected by moderate changes in views. High Landscape A notable change in landscape characteristics over an extensive area. Visual A large number of viewers affected by major changes in view. Impact Significance Impact significance is determined by combining the sensitivity of the landscape or viewer with the magnitude of change expected as a result of the development. Thus a substantial impact will usually occur where both the sensitivity of the landscape or viewer and the magnitude of the impact are high. Each case is assessed on its own merits as other factors also need to be considered (quality or condition of the landscape, landscape value, and its capacity to accommodate development), so the table below is an approximate guide. Professional judgement and experience is used to determine impact significance, definitions of which are set out in Table 20. Table 20 Landscape and visual amenity impact significance criteria Landscape or Magnitude of change in landscape or view viewpoint sensitivity Low: Small changes Moderate: High: Introduction of in the landscape or Introduction of substantial new view noticeable new features into the features into the landscape or view of landscape or view of the site itself, or the site itself, or obstruction of a obstruction of a substantial part or noticeable part or important elements of elements of views views beyond the site beyond the site Low _ Moderate Moea High Moderate This table is a guideonly. Each case is assessedon its own merits using professionaljudgement and experience. Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draftfinal report 15 April 2004 Qoc ROYAL HASKONING APPENDIX 5 COMPLETED FIELD INVESTIGATION FORMS Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 1 April 2004 l l~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~0 ROYALHASKONIUG APPENDIX 6 ANALYSIS OF RECONNAISSANCE LEVEL FIELD VISITS Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 1 April 2004 000 000 ROYALHASKONING APPENDIX 7 OVERVIEW OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS PER PROJECT COMPONENT (Based on the analysis of reconnaissance field visits presented of Appendix 6.) Ghana WSRP EAMP 9P2503 Draft final report 1 April 2004