44462 POWER CELL, POWER DIVISION MINISTRY OF POWER, ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES GOVERNMENT OF BANGLADESH
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF WORLD BANK
Public Disclosure Authorized FINANCED 2 x 150 MW GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT AT SIDDHIRGANJ Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
FINAL REPORT VOLUME 1: MAIN REPORT
Public Disclosure Authorized Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC) Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka
December 2007
POWER CELL, POWER DIVISION MINISTRY OF POWER, ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES GOVERNMENT OF BANGLADESH
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF WORLD BANK FINANCED 2 x 150 MW GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT AT SIDDHIRGANJ
FINAL REPORT (Revised December 2007) VOLUME 1: MAIN REPORT
Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC) Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka
December 2007
Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
In order to increase the capacity of electricity production, the Ministry ofPower, Energy and Mineral Resources, GOB has planned to establish a 2x150 MW Gas Turbine Peaking Power Plant at Siddhirganj with the financial assistance of the World Bank. According to the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules 1997 (GOB, 1997), construction of a power plant project falls under the RED category. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) followed by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) including Environmental Management Plan are required for these types of projects for getting environmental clearance fiom the Department of Environment (DOE).According to the World Bank (1999) operational policy OP 4.01, this project is classified as an Environmental Category A project, requiring an Environmental Assessment for the construction and operation of the project with recommendations for appropriate mitigation and management measures. Since a detailed environmental assessment of the proposed project is being carried out, the DOEhas exempted the IEE of the project in response to the request by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Limited (EGCB). Thus, as a regulatory requirement set forth in the Environment Conservation Rules 1997 and as a requirement by the project financier, a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been carried out for the proposed 2x150 MW gas turbine peaking power plant project at Siddhirganj Power Station, Narayanganj.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Project Location The Siddhirganj power generation complex is located on the western bank of Sitalakhya river, just outside and to the east of metropolitan Dhaka, and north of Narayanganj. The complex is located in Siddhirganj pourashuva under Narayanganj Sadar upuzila within Latitude 23’41’14” to 23’40’45” North and Longitude 90’30’50” to 90’31’47’’ East. The entire complex is completely enclosed, covers an area of about 88 acres and is owned by the Power Development Board (PDB). Surrounding localities of Siddhirganj Power Plant Complex include Siddhirganj, Adamjee Nagar and Sumil para. The location of the Siddhirganj power generation complex, including the location of the proposed 2x 150 MW peaking plant is shown in Figure E 1.
The major existing infiastructures within the Siddhirganj complex include: (i)A 210 MW steam turbine power plant; (ii)A 50 MW steam turbine power plant. The Government has already planned to replace it with 2x 120 MW Gas Turbine Plant with ADB financing; (iii) Two 132 KV Sub-stations; (iv) Gas reducing main station; (v) A water treatment plant; (vi) Residential complex for almost 3000 people; (vii) A school located close to the site of the proposed 2x150 MW plant; (viii) A mosque; (ix) A hospital, and (x) Shops and some other common facilities.
E-1 Figure El: Satellite image showing location of proposed 2x 150MW plant within the Siddhirganj power plant complex
Equipment and Processes General components of the proposed peaking power plant project include the following: (i) Plant facility comprising 2 gas turbines, generators and ancillary plant; (ii)High voltage switchyard comprising high voltage transformers and switchgear; (iii)Security fencing and gatehouse; (iv) Generator and Substation Control room, administration, amenities, and workshop facility if necessary; (v) Fire protection tank, water tank and septic tank; (vi) Sedimentation pond and associated earth bund and diversion drain; (vii) Air compressor plant; (viii) Switch room; (ix) Emergency generator and transformers; (x) Evaporation pond to accommodate waste water discharges from the evaporative air inlet cooler; (xi) Internal roads.
The proposed peaking plant at Siddhirganj is a gas turbine based generator, which would evacuate power to the existing 132 KV transmission line already existing or to the under construction 230KV transmission line through the grid substation owned by the Power Grid Company Bangladesh. The gas supply to the proposed peaking power plants can be tapped at present from the existing gas line coming from the gas gnd junction at Narsingdi, which is connected with the Ashuganj-Monohardi line and also with the Demra-Rupganj line from Bakhrabad. If the gas availability from these gnd lines are found to be inadequate, construction of the proposed gas lines from Ashuganj to Meghnaghat from Bakhrabad and Ashugnaj to Aminbazar through Monohordi and Dhanua should be expedited and completed before the completion and commissioning of these peaking plants at Siddhirganj. This is also necessary for the Meghna Ghat Phase 2 power station and any further expansion of Haripur Power Station in the near future.
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Physical Environment Climate, Geology, Soil The region has a tropical climate. There are two marked seasons: the rainy season from May to October, during which more than 85% of the total annual rainfall occurs and the dry season from November to April. The mean annual rainfall in the area is about 2200 mm, with peak rainfall occurring during June to August. Maximum annual average temperature is around 30°C and minimum annual average temperature is 2 1"C. Maximum relative humidity for the project area is found as 94.8% in the month of September, whereas minimum relative humidity is 68.4% in the month of February. From November to February, the wind direction is from north to northeast and from March to October it is
E-2 from south to southeast. The maximum wind speed prevails during the month of October, which is 1157 km/day. Flooding of the existing power plant complex is not yet a major concern.
The geology of the study area consists of Quaternary deltaic sediments, which have been strongly influenced by tectonic movements on deep-seated faults. The area lies on a tectonic block, which has been uplifted relative to the surrounding areas. The soil profile ofthe study area consists of about 12m thick clay deposit followed by sand, clay and progressively coarser sand as depth increases. With specific reference to the proposed power plant project site, the soil is light to medium gray, fine sandy to clayey silt.
As part of the baseline study, soil samples were collected from three different locations within the site at shallow depth and analyzed for concentration of 7 heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg). The heavy metal concentrations of the soil samples were found well within the usual ranges for natural soils. A grab sample of the bed sediment from Sitalakhya river was collected and was analyzed for these 7 heavy metals. The heavy metal contents of the bed sediment were well below those of the same soil samples collected from the proposed site.
Air quality Ambient concentrations ofNO, and SO2 are significantly lower compared to the national air quality standard. Available air quality data of February 1998 and 2006 at Haripur, which is near the project site, also shows that except for particulate matter (SPM and PMlo), the other air quality parameters (NO,, SO2 and CO) are within the national standard. Air quality measurement carried out in this study shows that the concentrations of SO,, NO, and CO in vicinity of the proposed site are relatively low and below the national ambient air quality standard, while concentrations of SPM and PMlo are higher than the national standards.
Noise As a part of EIA, baseline noise level measurements were carried out at different locations within the Siddhirganj complex. Noise level measured near the school located close to the proposed site shows that noise level exceeded 80 dI3(A) a number of times during working hours; the mean and median sound levels were 70.7 and 68.3 dB(A), respectively with standard deviation of 7.45 dB(A). The Equivalent Noise Level (Leq-lHr)was estimated to be 77.44 dB(A) during school hours at current operating conditions.
Water Quality Analysis of groundwater carried out in this study shows that the concentrations of the measured parameters satisfy the corresponding Bangladesh drinking water standards and the WHO guideline values. High concentrations of ammonia, BOD5 and COD in the water sample from Sitalakhya river probably indicate that it receives organic pollutant from domestic and industrial sources. High concentration of sulfate and TDS is probably due to discharge ofuntreated textile dyeing waste.
Ecological Environment The project site is located in a peri-urban area. During the EIA process, a baseline study of the aquatic ecosystem was undertaken. According to fishermen, there is virtually no fish in the river Sitalakhaya during the dry season. Most fishermen mentioned that discharge oftoxic wastes from the industries into the river is responsible for decline of fishes. A small-scale macro-invertebrate sampling campaign was conducted near the intake and the outfall of the
E-3 Siddhirganj power plant to assess the ecological health of the stretch of the river under consideration. The study, which was conducted during monsoon, showed that the ecological health of the river with respect to macro-invertebrates is “fair”. However, the situation may become worse during the dry season.
Socio-economic Environment Household number and population in the study area within 5 km radius of the proposed plant location have been estimated and projected for 2006 taking census of 1991 and 2001 as base years. Total household and population of the study area have been estimated to be 133,235 and 590,982, respectively for the year 2006 with average household size 4.4, which is lower than the national average of 5.4. Overall sex ratio (Male / Female x 100) of the area is 118, which is higher than the national average. Most of the population is Muslim; Hindus are the second largest community, but way below in terms of percentage. The literacy rate in the study area is not very high, varying from 25.2% in Rupganj to 52.3% in Demra. The main occupation in the study area is service and commerce. The project area is a semi urban industrial area and a number ofpolluting industries are located in the study area.
The proposed site is located very close to the Dhaka-Chittagong National Highway connecting eastern part of the country with the rest. The average annual daily traffic on the roadway exceeds 60000 PCU, which is dominated by large bus and trucks. The volume of traffic is expected to increase at the rate ofmore than 7 percent each year.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATORY MEASURES Construction Phase Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Water and soil quality will be affected mainly by project activities such as mobilization of equipment and personnel (e.g., solid and liquid waste from labor sheds), site preparation, and possible construction of gas pipeline across Sitalakhya river. Possible gas pipeline construction activities will have adverse impact on the river water quality. However, since such activities will cover only a small stretch ofthe river, the overall negative impact of such activities is likely to be “short-term” and of“moderate” intensity.
The human wastes at the labour sheds should be appropriately disposed of through construction of sanitary latrines connected to appropriately designed septic tank system (consisting of septic tank and soakage pit). Wastewater generated from different construction activities is not likely to be significant and should be disposed of by draining them in shallow pits (1 to 1.5 m deep) dug in the ground at appropriate locations, and filling them up with sand at the end ofthe construction phase.
Project construction activities will result in generation of considerable amount of inert solid wastes, including lumber, excess concrete, metal and glass scrap, and empty containers used for non- hazardous substances. Management of these wastes will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Typical management practices include recycling, proper temporary storage of waste and debris, and house keeping of work areas. The wastes left after recycling will be transported to disposal site in municipal land fill area. No part of this type of construction waste should be mixed with the domestic solid waste generated within the Siddhirganj complex.
E-4 Traffic The negative impact of the traffic flow resulting from increased movement of vehicles carrying construction materials and personnel to the site and construction debris away from the site would be mostly concentrated primarily within the Siddhirganj plant complex, affecting people in residential areas and the school located close to the project site.
Traffic hazard during construction will increase and need to be carefully managed for the safety of school going children and industrial workers of the surrounding area. An alternate route should be used for bringing construction materials to the project site.
Air Quality Deterioration of air quality during construction phase may result from increased concentration of particulate matter in the air from construction activities such as stone (aggregate) crushing, vehicular movement and wind-blown dust. Construction materials at the site should be properly covered while hauled and stored, roads properly cleaned and water sprayed in order to minimize concentration of dust in air. Vehicle movement to and from the site should be properly managed to ensure that it does not significantly aggravate the traffic problem and air pollution. Stone (aggregate) crushing activities should not be allowed within the Siddhirganj plant complex.
Noise Level For assessment of impact of increased noise level during the construction phase, the project activities were divided into two major classes - (i)general site and plant construction, and (ii) access road construction. Results of the assessment show that both the general site and plant construction and road construction activities would generate significant noise and would produce some adverse impacts. The cumulative noise near the school boundary caused by heavy truck, excavator and the pile driving activity for general site and plant construction is expected to be about 84.6 &A, exceeding the acceptable level of noise. Therefore, the combined effect of these activities is likely to cause annoyance and physical discomfort if someone is exposed to the higher level of noise for a prolonged period. Similarly, the cumulative noise caused by the heavy trucks, excavator and the concrete mixer operating simultaneously during the construction of the access road is about 85.5 &A, well above the acceptable limit. However, since the class rooms of the schools are located about 30m away from the access road and the trees and boundary walls will have some damping effect, the noise level is expected to come down to tolerable level in the school premises. The adverse effect ofproject activities on noise level has therefore been categorized as “short term” and of “moderate” intensity. To mitigate adverse impact of noise during construction phase, it is suggested that adequate boarding be provided on top of the school boundary walls facing the project site.
Aquatic Environment There will be little or no impact on the aquatic environment of the Sitalakhya river from the proposed 2x150 MW power plant project. Gas pipeline construction activities, if undertaken during the proposed project, may destroy the benthic communities and obliterate the spawning and nursery grounds for fish. However, if the type of sediment remains the same, a rapid re-colonization by the same type of benthic community is expected. Mobile biota, such as fish, are the least affected, as they are capable of avoiding a disturbed area. Since the disturbances due to gas pipeline construction will only affect a small section of the entire river, there is little risk of hampering fish migration. Macro-invertebrate community may however be temporarily affected due to the construction of gas pipeline. Therefore, impacts
E-5 ofproject activities on fisheries, micro-invertebrates and aquatic plants have been categorized as “short-term” and of “moderate” intensity.
Public Health, Employment The project activities during construction phase will have some adverse impact on public health and well being due to increased noise pollution and vibration, and local air pollution within and around the project site. Some beneficial effect of “low” intensity will come from job opportunities to be created for labors for construction ofthe proposed project.
Operation Phase Effect of project activities during operation phase on physico-chemical environmental parameters will be mostly of “low” intensity. The noise level at the school boundary resulting from the air condensers during the operational phase is expected to be below the Bangladesh Standard of 75 dBA at daytime.
During the operational phase, exceedingly high level of noise is expected to be generated within the confines of the turbine and generator installations. Prolonged exposure to such high level of noise may cause permanent hearing loss. Therefore, proper protective measures should be adopted during the operation and inspection of these equipment. Under no circumstances the operators should be allowed to enter these installations without proper protective gears such as ear muffs.
Some adverse impact during the operation phase of the plant will come from thermal emission and NO, emission from the power plant. Modeling study, carried out using SCREEN3 and AUSPLUME air quality models, suggests that the effect of increased NO, in the ambient air will not be very significant. Presence of excess particulate matter in the air may adversely affect the operation of the gas turbine power plant through reduction of air filter life. Hence efforts should be made to make sure that industries around the project site comply with national air quality standards. Restrictions may also be imposed on installation of industries in the area that emit significant amount ofparticulate matter. Assistance of DOE may be sought in this regard.
To reduce these adverse impacts of emission, especially thermal emission, within the power plant complex, plantation of indigenous species of trees should be undertaken around the project site, especially along the boundary ofthe school and residential areas located close to the project site.
The project will mostly have beneficial impacts on socio-economic parameters during operation phase. National economy will be benefited by the availability of additional supply of power to industrial sectors. Since the power plant is located in an industrial zone, the industries will benefit from additional and uninterrupted power supply from this proposed plant. New industries will also come up, which will in turn increase socio-economic growth ofthe region; employment is also likely to increase in the industrial sector.
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES As part of the EL4 process, alternative site and technology options for the proposed 2x150 MW gas turbine peaking power plant were assessed. A comparative site assessment was carried out between the Siddhirganj power generation complex (proposed site) and an alternative location at Aminbazar, which was considered for the power plant in an earlier feasibility study. The assessment shows that the Siddhirganj site is much more advantageous,
E-6 especially with respect to a number of important aspects including land acquisition, land development, gas transmission line, and time of implementation. Analysis of alternative technology options suggests that considering the nature of peaking demand, the proposed technology seems to be the most suitable option.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION Group discussions were held with interested groups or their representatives, representatives of Union Parishad, fishing communities, workers at power plants both male and female, mixed groups of farmers, businessmen, laborers, shop keepers, rickshaw pullers, van drivers, unemployed youths, different women’s groups, and students. In order to facilitate the discussions, tools like information on the project, certain socio-economic survey information, and illustrative maps and diagrams were used. A total of 10 group discussions were organized; participants in the discussions varied from 10 to 15. Withn the study area, 9 key informants were interviewed who expressed their views and opinions on different aspects of the proposed project.
In addition, a Consultation Workshop on the environmental assessment of the proposed project was organized on 17 March 2007 and representatives of EGCB, WB, DOE, Power Cell, Siddhirganj Power Station, LGED, DPHE, PDB, local NGOs, Siddhirganj Pourashava, local business community, and local school teachers were invited to attend the workshop. The workshop was attended by 40 participants, where a full presentation of the EA study was given. In the discussions that followed, the participants expressed their view of different aspects of the proposed power plant project and suggested mitigation measures to reduce certain adverse impacts.
The key findings of the public consultations and consultation workshop can be summarized as follows:
Baseline Situation
Noise pollution is high. There are not much fish in the river. . Surrounding air appears to be hot. Soil quality ofsurrounding agricultural land is good. . Homestead trees are few. Communication facilities are well developed. There are number ofindustries. Health facilities are rather poor. Drinking water supply is less and quality is poor. . People face load shedding. There is no storm water drainage system. There is problem ofwater logging during heavy rain.
Possible Impacts
There will be no impact on river and other aquatic bodies. There will be no impact on fisheries. w There will be no impact on soil and crops. There will be no impact on vegetation. . Income will increase.
E-7 . There will be increase in traffic during construction. . There will be more employment opportunities. . Load shedding will reduce. The project will benefit the country. Mitigation Measures . Alternate route should be constructed for project traffic. . The existing road connecting Dhaka should be widened to accommodate increased and heavy duty traffic during construction works. . Proper residential facilities should be developed for increased number ofemployees.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) clearly laid out: (a) the measures to be taken during both construction and operation phases of the project to eliminate or offset adverse environmental impacts, or reduce them to acceptable levels; (b) the actions needed to implement these measures; and (c) a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures employed. Environmental management and monitoring activities for the proposed power plant project could be divided into management and monitoring: (a) during construction phase, and (b) during operation phase.
The environmental management during the construction phase should primarily be focused on addressing the possible negative impacts arising from: (a) Generation and disposal of sewage, solid waste and construction waste, (b) Increased traffic, (c) Generation of dust (particulate matter), (d) Generation of noise, and (e) Deterioration of water quality and disturbance of river bed ecosystem from possible gas pipeline construction. The environmental management should also focus on enhancing the possible beneficial impacts arising from employment oflocal workforce for construction works.
Table El summarizes the potentially significant environmental impacts during construction phase, the measures needed to eliminate or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts.
The environmental management during the operation phase should primarily be focused on addressing the following issues: (a) Emission from the power plant, (b) Generation of noise, and (c) Waste generation at the plant.
Table E2 summarizes the potentially significant environmental impacts during operation phase, the measures needed to eliminate or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts.
Table E3 and Table E4 provide a summary of the proposed monitoring schedule for the construction and operation phases, respectively. An “Environmental Management Unit” has been recommended to be established (details in Chapter 11) at the power plant complex in order to implement the EMP.
E-8 Table El: Potentially significant environmental impact during construction phase and mitigation measures
ActivityDssues Potentially Significant Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible Impacts Measures Parties Influx of Generation of sewage 0 Construction of sanitary latrine and Contractor workers and solid waste septic tank system (Monitoring 0 Erecting “no litter” sign, provision of by EGCB) waste binsfcans, where appropriate 0 Waste minimization, recycle and reuse Proper disposal of solid waste
Possible spread of Clean bill of health a condition for disease from workers employment Regular medical monitoring of workers Transportation Increased Scheduling of deliveries during non- Contractor of equipment, traffichavigation school hours and after regular working (Monitoring materials and Generation of noise, hours by EGCB) personnel; especially affecting the School going children should be storage of nearby school and protected from traffic hazard during materials residential areas construction phase, with installation of proper traffic sign and warnings Speed reduction to 10 km per hour within the Siddhirganj complex
Deterioration of air Keeping vehicles under good condition, quality from increased with regular checking of vehicle vehicular movement, condition to ensure compliance with affecting people in the national standards surrounding areas Wind-blown dust from Watering unpaveddusty roads material (e.g., fine Sprinkling and covering stockpiles aggregate) storage Covering top of trucks carrying materials areas to the site and carrying construction debris away from the site
Construction Generation ofnoise Use of noise suppressors and mufflers in Contractor activities, from construction heavy equipment (Monitoring including activities (general Avoiding, as much as possible, by EGCB) operation of plant and access road construction equipment producing construction construction), excessive noise during school hours and equipment especially affecting the also at night nearby school and Avoid use of noisy equipment such as residential areas stone crusher at the project site Avoiding prolonged exposure to noise (produced by equipment) by workers Creating a buffer zone between the school and construction site to reduce disturbance to normal schooling and to protect school children from health hazard Deterioration of air Not using equipment such as stone quality from wind- crushers at site, which produce blown dust and significant amount of particulate matter possible use of Immediate use of construction spoils as equipment, such as filling materials stone (aggregate) Immediate disposalkale of excavated crushers materials Continuous watering of bare areas
E-9 h and safety briefing
water contamination
Table E2: Potentially significant environmental impact during operation phase and mitigation measures~~~~.~~~.- ActivityLssues Potentially Significant Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Responsible Impacts Measures Parties Power Emission from the Using tall stack EGCB Generation power plant Using low nitrogen oxide burners Installation of stack emission monitoring equipment for major pollutants Planting of indigenous trees around the project site, especially along the boundary ofthe school and residential areas located close to the project site Restrictions may also be imposed on installation of industries in the area that emit significant amount of particulate matter. Generation of noise Provision of silencers for generators and turbines Planting of indigenous trees around the project site Regular plant maintenance Regular noise monitoring, especially at the school and residential quarters located close by Use of ear-muffs and ear-plugs by plant personnel working in the generator and turbine facilities of the plant Water Depletion of Regular monitoring of groundwater level EGCB Consumption groundwater resources
E-10 Activity/Issues I Potentially Significant I Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement I Responsible I Impacts Measures I Parties Inappropriate disposal Good housekeeping-- I EGCB generation of sewage causing Proper construction and maintenance of environmental wastewater disposal system for the plant pollution premises Generation ofsolid Ensuring proper storage, treatment, and waste including sludge disposal of all solid waste from demineralizer. Hazardous waste Ensure proper storage, treatment and EGCB generation generation, e.g., disposal of hazardous waste during transmissiodlubrication overhauling oil, sealant, wash fluid Scrap metals, cables, etc. should be recycled operation Scrap metals, cables, or properly disposed of etc. Non-hazardous solid wastes should be collected and transported to solid waste disposal site. Non-hazardous solid
POWER PLANT RISKS ASSESSMENT The process of electricity generation from gas is by no means risk free because of high temperature and pressure conditions within the plants, rotating machineries and high voltages involved. Apart from risks associated with emissions, noise generation, solid waste, hazardous waste and wastewater disposal as a result of construction and operation, the gas fired power plants put human beings and the environment inside and outside of the plant to a certain degree ofrisk of accident and sometime loss of life. It is therefore essential that a risk management plan be devised in order to both reduce risk of accident and to take the correct action during accidents. Important risks of accidents in thermal power plants leading to disasters or emergency situations may occur during the following events:
Risks during emergency 9 Fire 9 Explosion 9 Oil/acid spillage 9 Toxic chemical spillage 9 Electrocution Risks due to natural disasters 9 Flood 9 Cyclone 9 Earthquake 9 Storm 9 Lightning Risks due to external threats 9 Sabotage 9 War situation 9 Watedfood poisoning
E-11 Issue Parameters Monitoring Frequency Ambient air quality CO, SOZ, NO, and PMlo PMlo twice a month; CO, SO2 and NO, once every two months River water Water temp., DO, BODS,COD, Once a month Oil and Grease and heavy metals
Groundwater Groundwater level Once every two months during October to May Soil quality Cr, Cd, Pb and Oil and Grease Twice during the construction phase
Noise level Noise at different locations Every week, particularly during operation of heavy equipment Process waste Solid waste Every week Health Health status of school children Once every 3 months by Siddhirganj Power Station Health Center
Table E4: Monitoring plan during operational phase of the project
Issue Parameters Monitoring Frequency Meteorological Wind direction and speed, Continuous monitoring by installing measurements temperature, humidity and appropriate instrument precipitation. Atmospheric emissions CO, SOz, NO,, PMlo, oxygen content Once a month and temperature Ambient air quality NO,, SO2, PMlo, temperature Once a month
River water Water temperature and DO, BODS, Once a month during March-May and COD, Oil and grease October-December Soil quality Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb, Oil and Grease Once a year around maintenance workshop Groundwater pH, Color, Turbidity, TDS, Ammonia, Twice a year Nitrate, Phosphate, As, Fe , Mn and Coliforms; Groundwater level Noise level Noise at different locations Once every three months River morphology River cross-section Once a year during design life of the plant Health Health status of school children Once every 3 months by Siddhirganj Power Station Health Center for one year after construction period
E-12 Several strategic areas within the power plant can be identified as places of potential risks during plant operation:
Areas prone to explosion are: 9 Boiler area P Turbine hall Premises prone to fire and electrocution are: 9 Electrical rooms 9 Transformer area 9 Cabletunnel Premises where people can be exposed to toxic chemicals include: 9 Storage facilities for chemicals In power plants, accidents can occur at two different levels. First, these may occur due to fires, explosions, oil or chemical spillage and spontaneous ignition of inflammable materials. In such events, operators working inside the plant and at various strategic hazard locations will be affected. Second, risks are also associated with external threats of sabotage. Failure of automatic control/warning systems, failure of fuel oil storage tanks and chemical release from acid and alkali stores and handling also pose great degree of associated risks.
Managing the Risks As mentioned earlier, in order to reduce the risks associated with accidents, internal and external threats, and natural disasters, a risk management program is essential. Risk management planning can be done during design and planning stage of the plant as well as during plant operation. While risk management is mainly preventive in nature during the plant operation stage, the design and planning stage of the plant can incorporate changes in basic engineering to include safety design for all processes, safety margins for equipment, and plant layout. The following steps among others are important in managing the risks mentioned.
The power plant should be located on a reasonably large plot of land giving ample space to locate all units whilst maintaining safe distances between them. The plant layout should provide roads of adequate width and service corridors so that no undue problems arise in the event offires or other hazards. Gas storage is to be designed with adequate precautions in respect of fire hazard control. Storage of hazardous substances such as acids and alkalis should be sited in protected areas. With respect to plant operation, safe operating procedures should be laid down and followed to ensure safety, optimum operation and economy. A fire fighting group with adequate manpower and facilities such as water tank of sufficient capacity, COz tank, foam tank, portable fire extinguishers should be provided and facilities located at strategic locations e.g., generator area, high voltage panel, control rooms, and fuel tank area. Regular checks on safe operating practices should be performed.
In order to achieve the objective of minimizing risks at the Siddhirganj power plant complex, in addition to Environmental Management Unit for the complex, an emergency response cell with adequate manpower and facilities for the complex must be in place. The cell will be
E-13 trained to act in a very short time in a pre-determined sequence to deal effectively and efficiently with any disaster, emergency or major accident to keep the loss of life, human injury, material, plant machineries, and impacts on the environment to the minimum.
Emergency Response Plan Emergency response plans are developed to address a range of plausible risk scenarios and emphasize the tasks required to respond to a physical event. The emergency response plan (ERP) for the proposed power plant has been developed listing various actions to be performed in a very short period of time in a pre-determined sequence if it is to deal effectively and efficiently with any emergency, major accident or natural disaster. The primary objective of the plan is to keep the loss of life, material, machinery/equipment damage, and impacts on the environment to a minimum.
It is highly recommended that an Emergency Response Cell (ERC) adequately equipped with highly trained manpower and appropriate gears is established within the power plant complex in order to effectively implement the emergency response plan. The ERC headed by a trained Manager should establish an Emergency Control Room with links to all plant control rooms and all other services.
The Senior Environmental Engineer ofthe proposed Environmental Management Unit for the Siddhirganj Power Plant Complex with adequate skills of facing emergency situation can act as the Emergency Manager of ERC. The Emergency Manager shall have the prerogative of shutting down the relevant units or the complete plant, which are affected or may further deteriorate damages, in case of an emergency. The EM however, shall have to report to the Chief Engineer ofthe complex ofsuch an event without any delay.
The team will be responsible for preparing and executing a specific emergency response plan for the power plant complex. The team should meet at regular intervals to update the plan, based on plant emergency data and changes in support agencies.
The team should undertake some trial runs, e.g., fire drill, in order to be fully prepared and to improve upon the communication links, response time, availability and workability of emergency gears and other critical factors.
CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Neither EGCB nor BPDB has yet developed any corporate environmental policy. It is important that EGCB develops its own environmental policy which will provide an overall sense of direction and set the principles of action for electricity generation. A tentative environmental policy statement for EGCB could be as follows. EGCB however, should review this carefully and make an appropriate policy statement accordingly.
“Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh strives to achieve “low environmental impact” generation of electricity. EGCB is committed to generate electricity in compliance with relevant existing environmental laws and regulations. 8 It further strives to minimize environmental, health and safety riskr to its employees and the communities in which it operates.
E-14 The company proactively addresses environmental concerns resulting from any EGCB operation and provides appropriate environmental training and educates employees to be environmentally responsible on the job and at home. EGCB will make every effort to minimize emissions, creation of wastes, particularly hazardous wastes, and dispose of wastes through safe and responsible methods. EGCB will support research aimed at enhancing knowledge of the environment and minimizing environmental impacts of power generation. EGCB will communicate openly with those who live or work in the vicinity of its power generation complex to ensure their understanding of power plant’s operations
and EGCB s understanding of their concerns. ”
The EGCB makes this policy available and accessible to all its employees and publishes it for the public.
EnvironmentalManagement by EGCB The environmental policy that EGCB would establish must clearly reflect the environmental objectives required to be achieved. Once the direction is set through the establishment of the environmental policy, the next step is to develop a strategic plan to guide EGCB in accomplishing that policy. Identification of key environmental issues that EGCB would need to address constitutes the first element of the strategic plan. Implementation of the strategic plan, assessment and further improvement are the basic elements of an environmental management system that must be outlined in an environmental management manual. The manual will be used to ensure that the electricity generating plants at the Siddhirganj Power Complex as well other power generating facilities managed by the EGCB are operated with minimum environmental impact.
It is beyond the scope of this environmental assessment study to develop an Environmental Management Manual for EGCB for application at its electricity generating plants. However, some important aspects are mentioned below that need to be clearly delineated in the manual for effective environmental management of the plant site. One of the first steps is to identify the key environmental aspects that EGCB will need to address for all its power generating facilities including the proposed 2x150 MW gas fired peaking power plant. Important environmental aspects are:
Waste generation and disposal e Cooling water abstraction and discharge 0 Air emissions Noise level e Occupational health and safety 0 Emergency response
These aspects are the results of operation and maintenance of the plants on the environment. Objectives and targets are then set for addressing each of these high priority issues. Other important aspects that need to be included in the environmental manual for its effective implementation are:
Work plans and schedule Emergency response plan Resources, implementation and training
E-15 Work plans and schedules are prepared for each of the key environmental aspects identified. These include management procedures, personnel requirements and responsibilities, appropriate equipment and time plan.
Environmental Management Unit Environmental Management Units should be established at all power generating facilities under the EGCB. For instance, environmental management system at Siddhirganj Power Complex will need an Environmental Management Unit headed by a Senior Environmental Engineer with adequate training and executive responsibilities and who shall be responsible, among others, for the followings:
0 Ensuring that environmental protection procedures are followed Coordinate environmental monitoring 0 Act as liaison with the public, local organizations and government 0 Ensure and supervise record keeping, data storage and management for follow up actions 0 Monitoring hazardous materials storage and handling Promoting environmental awareness
The senior environmental engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the environmental management plan is effective and that the environmental standards outlined in this environmental assessment and Bangladesh environmental regulations are adhered to.
Environmental Training Environmental training will be required to effectively implement the environmental management and monitoring plan in each of the facilities managed by the EGCB. However, training could be organized centrally by the EGCB involving relevant staff from all its electricity generating facilities. Important training needs include:
General environmental awareness training 0 Specific training for staff working in sensitive areas Training on environmental regulations and standards Staff training on environmental monitoring
Integrated Environmental Management at Siddhirganj Power Complex Siddhirganj power generation complex houses several plants ofvarying generation capacities employing different technologies. The proposed World Bank financed 2x150 MW peaking power plant when operational will be only a part of the whole complex. Most of the environmental impacts will therefore, be cumulative and can not be attributed to any individual plant.
While it is possible to monitor emissions of individual plants, monitoring ambient environment will require a comprehensive monitoring program to be designed for the entire power station. It is therefore, important that EGCB develops a comprehensive environmental management manual considering existing and new plants within the area of Siddhirganj power plant complex. The Environmental Manager of each plant will be responsible for the environmental monitoring and compliance at each plant, communicate with the
E-16 Environmental Management Unit of the complex, and apply changes in environmental control when required for achieving overall environmental compliance within the complex.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions In this study, the impacts of the project activities on physico-chemical, ecological and socio- economic (i.e., human interest related) parameters have been identified, predicted and evaluated, and mitigation measures suggested for both construction and operation phases of the proposed power plant. The important physico-chemical environmental parameters that are likely to be affected by the project activities include air and noise pollution.
The study suggests that most of the impacts on the physico-chemical environment are of low to moderate intensity and therefore, could be offset or minimized if the mitigation measures are adequately implemented. Since the project site is located in a developed area that does not appear to be very sensitive ecologically, the impact of project activities on most ecological parameters (e.g., wetlands, homestead vegetation, forest cover, bushes and trees, wild life, species diversity) are mostly insignificant.
Noise level has been identified as a significant potential impact of the proposed power plant during both the construction and operation phases. The noise generated from construction activities during the construction phase might become a source of annoyance at the school located close to the project site. However, since the class rooms of the schools are located about 30m away from the access road and the trees and boundary walls will have some damping effect, the noise level is expected to come down to tolerable levels within the school premises. The workers should not be exposed to the noise produced by the construction equipment for a prolonged period to prevent permanent hearing loss. A rotational work plan is advised for the workers and operators of these equipment. During the operational phase, high level of noise is likely to be generated within the confines of the turbine and generator installations. Prolonged exposure to such high level of noise may cause permanent hearing loss. Therefore, proper protective measures should be adopted during the operation and inspection ofthese equipment.
Some adverse impact during the operation phase of the plant will come from thermal emission and NO, emission from the power plant. However, modeling study, using SCREEN3 and AUSPLUME models, suggests that the increased NO, concentrations in the ambient air due to emission from the proposed power plants (i.e., 2x150 MW and 2x120 MW) will not be very significant.
During operation phase, no significant negative impact is anticipated on socio-economic environmental parameters. Significant positive impacts are expected due to improvement in power supply. This will reduce load shedding in Dhaka city and contribute to the national economy. Well being of the surrounding population, especially Dhaka city, will be significantly improved due to generation of electricity during peak hours.
Recommendations The environmental assessment carried out for the proposed gas turbine power plant at Siddhirganj Power Generation Complex, suggests low to moderate scale of adverse impacts, which can be reduced to acceptable level through recommended mitigation measures as mentioned in the EMP. It is therefore recommended that the proposed 2x150 MW gas turbine
E-17 peaking power plant may be installed at the Siddhrganj Power Plant Complex, provided the suggested mitigation measures are adequately implemented. It is also recommended that the environmental monitoring plan be effectively implemented in order to identify any changes in the predicted impacts and take appropriate measures to off-set any unexpected effects.
It is also highly recommended that the EGCB develops a corporate environmental policy of its own following the outline given in this report. In order to ensure implementation of its environmental policy, an “Environmental Management Unit” is to be instituted by the EGCB. The unit will be responsible for implementation of the environmental management and monitoring plan developed for this proposed project.
E-18 Consulting Services for Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) ofthe Proposed Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
BETS Consulting Servi Ltd,, Bangladesh House-10, Rwd-135, Gulshcm-1, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh 9889923-24, FUX 880-2-9 E-mall : [email protected]
Environmental Impact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiruanj Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
ADB Asian Development Bank AER Agro-Ecological Region AQM Air Quality Management BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BCAS Bangladesh Centre for Advance studies BETS Bangladesh Engineering and Technological Services Ltd. BMD Bangladesh Meteorological Department BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board CGS City Gate Station CSMC Construction Supervision and Monitoring Consultant DAE Department of Agricultural Extension DC Deputy Commissioner DOE Department of Environment DOF Department of Fisheries DTW Deep Tube Well ECA Ecologically Critical Area ECR Environment Conservation Rules 1997 EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EPZ Export Processing Zone GIS Geographic Information System GOB Government of Bangladesh GPS Global Positioning System GSTP Gas Sector Development Programme GTCL Gas Transmission Company Limited IEC Important Environmental Component IEE Initial Environmental Examination IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources or the World Conservation Union JMB Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge KI I Key Important Informant LGED Local Government Engineering Department NDT Non Destructive Testing NGO Non-governmental Organization NWMP National Water Management Plan PAP Project Affected Person PCP Project Concept Paper SDC Study and Design Consultant SRDl Soil Resource Development Institute TBS Town Border Station TOR Terms of Reference UNDP United Nations Development Programme
Abbreviation Page-I
Environmental ImDact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhimani Gas Transmission PiDeline Proiect
Environmental Impact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
TABLEOF CONTENT mmmw . List of Abbreviation ...... i . Glossary ...... 1-2 - Executive Summary 1-12
CHAPTER-01: INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Objective of the Project...... 1 1.3 Purpose ...... 1 1.4 Scope ...... 2 1.5 Methodology ...... 2 1.6 Limitations ...... 1.7 Structure of the Report ...... 4 1.8 Acknowledgement ...... 6 1.9 EIA Team ...... 7 1.10 References ...... 7
CHAPTER-02: POLICY AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 8 2.1 Introduction ...... 8 2.2 Relevant National Policies and Legislation...... 8 2.2. I National Conservation Strategy (NCS) 1992 ...... 8 2.2.2 National Environmental Management Plan (NEMAP) 1995 ...... 8 2.2.3 Fifth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002)...... 9 2.2.4 Forest Policy (1994) ...... 9 2.2.5 The Bangladesh Forest Act 1927 ...... IO 2.2.6 Industrial Policy (1999) ...... 10 2.2.7 National Water Policy (1999) ...... 10 2.2.8 National Tourism Policy (1992) ...... 11 2.2.9 Energy Policy (1995)...... 11 2.2. IO Petroleum Policy (1993)...... 1 1 2.2. I1 Petroleum Act (1974) ...... 11 2.2.12 Environmental Policy (1992) ...... 12 2.2.13 Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Act (1973; Amended in 1974)...... 13 2.2.14 Environmental Conservation Act (1995. Amended in 2000 & 2002) ...... 13 2.2.15 Environmental Conservation Rules (1997) ...... 14 2.2.16 Mineral Gas Safety Rules 1991 (Amendment 2003) ...... 14 2.2.17 East Bengal Protection and Conservation of Fish Act (1950) ...... 15 2.2.18 The Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules (1985) ...... 15 2.2.19 The Penal Code (1860)...... 15 2.2.20 Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Ordinance (ARIPO 1982)...... 15 2.3 Compliance with WB Environmental Assessment (EA) Process ...... 16 2.4 World Bank Policy OP 4.12 on Resettlement and OP 4.1 1 on Cultural Resources ...... 16 2.5 Compliance with DOE EIA Guidelines...... 19 Table of Content Page-i Environmental ImDact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhimani Gas Transmission PiDeline Project
2.6 Compliance with International Requirements...... 20 2.6.1 Rio Declaration ...... 20 2.6.2 Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro. (1992) ...... 20 2.6.3 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat. Ramsar (1971) ...... 20 2.6.4 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Montero Bay. (1982) ...... 21 2.6.5 Others ...... 21 2.7 Gas Transmission pipeline project compliance with Statutory Regulations ...... 26
CHAPTER-03: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 27 3.1 Project Location...... 27 3.2 Present Plans and Status of the Project ...... 27 3.3 Project Category...... 27 3.4 Need and Justification for the Project...... 28 3.4.I Major Components of the Project Activities ...... 28 3.4.I . 1 Pre-construction Phase ...... 28 3.4.I .2 Construction Phase ...... 29 3.4.1.3 Operation and Maintenance Phase ...... 31 3.5 Salient Features of the BKB-SG Gas Transmission Pipeline ...... 32 3.6 Proposed Schedule of Implementation ...... 33 3.7 Project Data ...... 37 3.8 Operational and Safety System of the Project...... 40 3.8.I Satellite Image of Proposed Alignment ...... 40 3.8.2 Operational System of the Project Design ...... 40 3.8.3 Safety System of the Project Design ...... 40
CHAPTER-04: BASELINE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 41 4.1 Introduction ...... 41 4.2 Study Area ...... 41 4.3 Physical Environment...... 41 4.3.I Climate ...... 41 4.3.2 Topography and Geology ...... 43 4.3.3 Digital Elevation Model ...... 43 4.3.4 Seismicity ...... 43 4.3.5 River system ...... 43 4.3.6 Air Quality ...... 43 4.3.7 Surface Water ...... 44 4.3.7.1 Water Course Systems ...... 44 4.3.7.2 Description of Rivers ...... 44 4.3.7.3Agricultural Activities ...... 44 4.3.8 Groundwater ...... 45 4.3.9 Noise ...... 45 4.3.10 Land Types ...... 45 4.3.1I Soil Types ...... 46 4.4 Biological Environment...... 46 4.4. I Introduction ...... 4.4.2 Wetland Habitat ...... 47 4.4.3 Terrestrial Habitat ...... 47 4.4.4 Fisheries ...... 47 4.5 Socio-Economic Environment ...... 47 4.5.I Population and Demography ...... 47 Table of Content Page-ii Environmental ImDact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission PiDeline Proiect
4.5.2 Statistical Analysis of Demographic. Socio-Economic and Community Health Data ...... 48
CHAPTER-05: PUBLIC CONSULTATION...... 50 5.1 Public Consultation ...... 5.2 Methodology and Output ...... 5.2.I Focus Group Discussion ...... 50 5.2.2 Checklist Used for Public Consultation ...... 51 5.3 Findings from Focus Group Discussion ...... 52 5.4 Expectations of the People ...... 52 5.5 Public Consultation Results ...... 53 5.5.I Consultation with Project Affected Person ...... 5.5.2 Summary of Public Consultation ...... 5.5.3 Discussion Relating to Public Property ...... 5.6 Response to Gas Pipeline ...... 54 5.7 Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 54 5.7.1 Conclusion ...... 54
CHAPTER-06: ANALYSIS OF SUITABILITY FOR ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ...... 56 6.1 Route Selection Factors ...... 56 6.2 Location of Selected Routes ...... 56 6.3 Comparative Analysis ...... 57 6.3.I Major Environmental Features along different options ...... 57 6.4 Findings ...... 58 6.5 Conclusion ...... 59
CHAPTER-07: IDENTIFICATION. ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 60 7.1 General ...... 60 7.2 Identification of Impacts ...... 60 7.3 Analysis of Impacts and Suggested Mitigation Measures...... 61 7.3.I Air Quality ...... 61 7.3.2 Natural Gas Emission ...... 7.3.3 Socio-Economic ...... 62 7.3.4 Noise and Vibration...... 63 7.3.5 Land and Soil ...... 64 7.3.6 River Crossing...... 64 7.3.7 Surface and Groundwater ...... 64 7.3.8 Floral and Faunal ...... 65 7.4 Summary of Findings ...... 65
CHAPTER-08: ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 66 8.1 Introduction ...... 66 8.2 Mitigation Measure of Project Impacts ...... 66 8.2.I Air Quality ...... 70 8.2.2 Mitigation Plan for Land Use ...... 70 8.2.3 Mitigation plan for Noise and Vibration...... 71 8.2.4 Soil Erosion and Fertility Control Plan ...... 71 8.2.5 Surface and Ground Water- Mitigation Plans...... 72 8.2.6 Mitigation Plans for Biodiversity ...... 72 8.2.7 Mitigation plan for Historical and Archaeological Resources ...... 73 Table of Content Page-iii Environmental lmDact Assessment for Construction of Eakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission PiDeline Proiect
8.2.8 Mitigation plan for Socioeconomic Impact ...... 73 8.2.9 Budget for Mitigation and Monitoring Measures...... 73
CHAPTER-09: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 75 9.1 General...... 75 9.2 Development of the EMP...... 76 9.3 Identification of Pipeline Alignment ...... 76 9.4 Project Affected Physical Features...... 76 9.5 Scope of EMP...... 79 9.6 Environmental Policy of GTCL ...... 79 9.7 Organizational Aspects ...... 79 9.8 Health, Environment & Safety Management Plan ...... 9.9 Environmental Management Costs ...... 96 9.10 Environmental Monitoring Plan...... 97 9. IO. I Monitoring Parameters ...... 98 9.1 1 Pre-Construction Phase ...... 98 9. I I . I Road Blockage & Disturbance from Traffic...... 98 9. I I . 2 Presence of Survey Team and Migrant Workers ...... 98 9.11.3 Restoration and Protection Measures for Physical Features ...... 99 9.12 Construction Phase ...... 99 9.12. I Erosion ...... 99 9.12.2 Air Quality Monitoring ...... 99 9.12.3 Noise Monitoring ...... 99 9.12.4 Emission ...... 100 9.12.5 Health and Safety Monitoring ...... 100 9.12.6 Water Quality Monitoring ...... 100 9.12.7 Waste Management...... 9.12.8 Camp Waste Management ...... 102 9.12.9 Construction and operation Waste Management ...... 102 9.12. IO Hazardous Material Handling and Storage ...... 102 9.12. I I Monitoring Schedule ...... 105 9.12.12 Reporting ...... 107 9.13 Safety and Hazard Mitigation Plan ...... 108 9.14 Responsibility of the Contractor...... 112
CHAPTER-10: EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 113 10.1 Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan...... 113 IO. I . 1 Six Steps in Emergency Response ...... 114 10.2 Emergency Response Planning ...... 114 10.3 Assessment of Environmental Risks and Potential Hazards for Various Scenarios of Chemical Emergency during Pipeline Operation...... 115 10.3.1 General Approach to Risk Assessment ...... 115 10.3.2 Chemical Hazards ...... 116 10.3 Specialized Equipment...... 117 10.4 Training ...... 117 10.5 Safety Orientation ...... 118 10.6 Approach to Emergency Response...... 10.7 Guidelines for Disaster Management ...... 121 10.7.I Introduction ...... 121 IO. 7.2 Disaster Management & Gas Pipeline Construction & Operation ...... 121 Table of Content Page-iv Environmental lmoact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhimani Gas Transmission PiDeline Project
IO. 7.3 Level of Incidents ...... 121 IO. 7.4 IncidentdAccident Investigation & Reporting System ...... 122 IO. 7.5 Preparedness ...... 122 IO. 7.6 Response ...... 122 IO. 7.7 Resources and Implementation ...... 123 11.1 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) ...... 123 I I.1. i General Requirements...... 123 I I.1.2 Workplace Environmental Quality ...... 124 I I.1.3 Health Hazards ...... I26 I I.1.4 Remedial measures ...... 126 I I.1.5 Safety...... 126 I I.I. 6 Work in Confined Spaces...... 127 I I.I. 7 Record Keeping and Reporting ...... 128 I I.1.8 Pipeline and Plants Construction...... 128 I I.1.9 Pipeline and Plants Operation ...... 128 I I.1. IO Noise ...... 128 I I.I. I I Hazardous Substances...... 128 12.1 Storage Facilities for Chemicals, Fuel, Oil and Grease ...... 128 12.1.1 Oil Storage Facilities ...... 128 12.1.2 Oil/Condensate Leaks and Drainage Systems ...... 129 13.1 House Keeping...... 130 CHAPTER-I 1 : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 131 11.I General ...... 131 11.2 Conclusions ...... 132 11.3 Recommendations...... 132 List of Tables: Table-2.1 : Bangladesh Standards for Ambient Air Quality Table-2.2 : Bangladesh Standards for Noise Table-2.3 : Bangladesh Standards for Odor Table-2.4 : Bangladesh Standards for Sewage Discharge Table-2.5 : Bangladesh Standards for Industrial and Project Effluent Table-2.6 : Bangladesh Standards for Industrial and Project Emissions Table 3.1 : Project Data of the BKB- SG Gas Transmission Pipeline Project Table41 : Climatic Data of Comilla for the year 2003 Table-4.2 : Bangladesh Standard of Noise Level Table-4.3 : Divisions and Zilawise Distribution of Agriculture Land Types Table-4.4 : Characteristics of General Soil Types Table-4.5 : Aquatic flora Table-4.6 : Terrestrial Planted Flora Table-4.7a : Terrestrial Fauna Reptiles Table-4.7b : Terrestrial Fauna Mammals Table-4.7~ : Terrestrial Fauna Birds Table-4.8 : Population and Demographic Characteristics Surrounding the Project Area Table-4.9 : Statement on Demographic Statistics along the Route Table410 : Summary of Segment wise Land Structure and Tree Loser PAPS Table4.lla : Details of Road etc -Muradnagar, Comilla Table-4.1 1b : Details of Road etc Daudkandi, Comilla Table41IC : Details of Road etc.-Gozaria, Munshigonj Table-4.1Id : Details of Road etc.-Sonargaon, Narayanganj
Table of Content Page4 Environmental ImDact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission PiDeline Proiect
Table4.lle : Details of Road etc.-Bondor, Narayanganj Table-4.12 : Composition of the Household Members Table-4.13 : Age and Sex Distribution of the affected Household Members Table-4.14 : Distribution of the Households by Their Religion Table-4.15 : Educational Status of the Household Members Table-4.16 : Occupations of the Household Members Table417 : Monthly Income Pattern of the affected Households Table-4.18 : Residential House Pattern Table-4.19 : Sources and Use of Water Table-4.20 : Types of Latrines Used by the affected Households Table-4.21 : Main Health Service Facilities of the Area Table-5.1 : Details of Participants and their Classification in Different Public Consultation Sites during Stage-1 Field Survey along the Route between June, 2007 & July, 2007 Table-5.2 : Focus Group Discussion at Vatipara, Sonargaon Table-5.3 : Focus Group Discussion at Bhaber Char, Munshiganj Table-5.4 : Focus Group Discussion at Gozaria, Munshiganj Table-5.5 : Focus Group Discussion at Gozaria, Munshiganj Table-5.6 : Focus Group Discussion at Daudkandi, Comilla Table-5.7 : Focus Group Discussion at Muradnagar, Comilla Table-5.8 : Focus Group Discussion at Daudkandi, Comilla Table-5.9 : Focus Group Discussion at Muradnagar, Comilla Table-5.10 : Focus Group Discussion at Muradnagar, Comilla Table-5.11 : Public Consultations Table-5.12 : Details of Participants and their Classification in Different Public Consultation Sites during Stage-2 Plot to Plot Field Survey along the route between December 2007 & January 2008 Table-5.13 : Summary of Participants with Classification in Different Public Consultation Sites during stage-1 & 2 of the consultation process. Table-5.14 Different Types of Unconditional/ Conditional Response to Acquisition/ Requisition Received from Land and Structure losing PAP Table-5.15 : Details of PAP Requested Compensation in the form of Land for Land Table-5.16 : Miscellaneous Other Conditions Cited by the 18 Land and Structure Losing PAPS. Table-5.17 : Summary of PAP Response to Gas pipeline Construction Table-6.1 : Comparative analysis of salient features of alternative routes Table-7.1 : Project Activities and Potential Negative Impacts Table-8.1 : Analysis and Description Mitigation Measures Table-8.2 : Summary of Estimated Budget for Environmental Monitoring Table-8.3 : Estimated Budget Based on Values Claimed by PAP Table-8.4 : Estimated Budget Based on GOB Values Table-8.5 : Estimated Budget Based on Market Values Table-8.6 : Summary of Estimated Budget for RAP Table-9.1 : Summary of Segment wise Land Structure and Tree Losers Table-9.2 : Summary of affected plots of PAP with Trees, Structures, Rivers, Khals, Roads & Pond (Muradnagar, Daudkandi, Gozaria, Sonargaon, Bondor) Table-9.3 : Management Actions and Responsibilities Table-9.4 : Estimated outsourcing cost for monthly environmental monitoring during construction and operation phases. Table-9.5 : The price of different environmental monitoring equipments Table-9.6 : Cost estimate for training during construction and operational phase Table-9.7 : Types and sources of domestic wastes Table of Content Page-vi Environmental imoact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhimani Gas Transmission Ploeline Project
Table-9.8 : Monitoring plan during construction and operation phase of the project Table-9.9 : The Tentative Plan for Environmental Reporting Table-9.1 0 : Safety Hazard: Mitigation Control Measures
Table-10.1 : General requirements for workers’ health and safety according to the labour law 2006 (Bangladesh).
List of Figures: Figure-A : The Environmental Assessment Process Figure-B : Steps Involved in Environmental Clearance Following DOE Guidelines Figure-C : Key Route Map Figure-D : Regional Geological Map of the Project Area Figure-E : Digital Elevation Model Showing Proposed Gas Line Figure-F : Scimic Map of Bangladesh Figure-G : River System Map of Project Area Figure-H : General Regional Land Type Figure-I : Soil Type Map of Project Area Figure-J : Alternative Route for the Pipeline Figure-L : Project Activity Schedule Figure Climatic Chart: Comilla Figure-9.1 : Segment wise Route Map Figure-9.2 : Existing Organizational Set-up of GTCL Figure-9.3 : Institutional Arrangement showing Interlinks between GTCL Technical Staff the EPC Contractor and the Environmental Specialist of the Owner’s Engineer. Figure-9.4 : Waste Management flow diagram for the EPC contractor to be followed up to segregation Figure-I0.1 Illustrates an example system approach to gas pipeline construction & operations. Figure-10.2 : Beamed Containment facility Figure-10.3 : Conceptual drawing for the separation of spillage
List of Annexes: Annex-1 : Statistical Analysis of Demographic, Socio-Economic and Community Health Data Annex-2 : Questionnaires Annex-3 : Terms of Reference (TOR) Annex-4 : List of References Annex-5 : Photographs Annex-6 : Handouts Annex-7 : Hazard Report Form Annex-8 : Maps of the Report
Table of Content Page-vii
Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
1.O Any Introduction?
1.1 What’s the Background of the Project? Natural gas is a significant national resource of Bangladesh. It is playing the key role by substituting it for imported fuel and thus saving hard earned foreign currency. The Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh has attached high priority to the overall socio-economic development of the country through maximum and judicious utilization of its hydrocarbon resources. Its use in the power generation and industrial development sectors is gradually increasing and particularly about 85% of the electricity is, in fact, being generated from natural gas.
1.2 Who has planned for executing?
In appreciation of the great demand for natural gas to fulfill the growing need for industrialization and generation of power in the south-eastern region of the country, Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) - a company of Petrobangla (PB) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power Energy and Mineral Resources has planned for executing a 30” diameter 60 km High Pressure Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj (BKB-SG) Gas Transmission Pipeline project with Regulating and Metering stations at SG and Meghnaghat (MGN) under the SG Peaking Power Project and with financing from the Word Bank (WB). It is expected that implementation of both SPPP and BSGTP will play an important role for the development of national economy.
1.3 What are the Objectives to Achieve? The main objective of this gas transmission project with the pipeline from BKB to SG is to establish a sustainable Gas Grid and to meet gas demand of the power plants in SG, Haripur (HPR), MGN and surrounding areas. GTCL has also taken up this project in consideration of the existing situation and future higher demand of gas from domestic, commercial and different industrial consumers including meeting demand of the CNG stations of the region and the surrounding areas.
In fine, the objective of the project is as follows:
i) To establish a sustainable Gas Grid and ensure gas supply to the South-East Region of the country particularly SG-MGN area and the ones adjacent to the city of Dhaka and its peripheral load centers. ii) To supply Natural Gas to the proposed power plants under PDB and fulfill industrial, commercial and domestic gas demand thereby reducing use of imported fuel and destruction of trees as firewood and iii) To ensure overall economic development through increased production in the industrial and commercial sectors.
1.4 What’s the Purpose of this EIA Report?
Gas Transmission Company Ltd. (GTCL) has intended to conduct the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environment Impact Assessment EIA) and Resettlement Action Plan
Executive Summary Page- 1 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
(RAP) of the Project. In fact, as per the criteria of DOE, the project falls under the Red Category and hence requires both IEE and EIA prepared in accordance with the DOE guidelines for the Red category industrial project for issuing the site clearance and Environmental clearance respectively for the project.
Since, IEE report has already been prepared and submitted to DOE and DOE has in turn accorded Site Clearance for the Project to GTCL with certain conditions for fulfillment and inclusion in the EIA report. Accordingly, in order to develop a full-scale EMP and other issues and conditions set forth by the DOE while approving the IEE, this EIA report has been prepared as per the TOR of GTCL and the guidelines of the ECA ‘95 and ECR ’97 of DOE.
1.5 How World Bank Get in to it?
The project has some environmental impacts and since these are of lesser degree as would be revealed from the subsequent chapters, it falls in the category “B” under the guidelines of the World Bank (WB) and as such, unlike DOE it does not require any Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), but it still needs the Environmental Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies along with preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) report.
Since the project is being financed by WB, it was keenly felt necessary to have investigated about the qualitative and quantitative impact of the project on each and every project affected person (PAP), their surrounding community, public amenities and the environment and as such, this EIA report in terms of ESlA is also the requirement of WB as ESlA Vol.-1 so far as EA is concerned where as the report on RAP has been separately submitted as ESlA V0l.-2.
1.6 What Guidelines have been followed in Preparing the Report?
This EIA report has been prepared basically following the EA and Cultural Recourses related WB guidelines OP 4.01 & OP 4.11. Further, since Involuntary Resettlement is involved in executing this project, WB guidelines OP 4.12 with further references made in the foregoing Operational Policies has also been closely taken in to consideration in addition to the relevant GOB ordinance ARIPO 1982 and guidelines of DOE.
1.7 Who has Prepared it and for whom?
Upon assignment from GTCL and the TOR so provided for, BETS Consulting Services Ltd. House No.10, Road No. 135, Gulshan-I, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh has prepared this EIA (ESIA Vol.-1.) report. A multidisciplinary team comprising Senior Gas Pipeline & Environmental Specialists, Hydro-Geologist, Socio-economist and a Resettlement Specialist was assisted by Field Engineers and a number of enumerators during different phases of field survey, public consultation, data entry, compilation and analysis in developing and preparation of this report.
This EIA report is intended for submission to GTCL for DOE as well as World Bank and includes a broad coverage of the environmental, socio-economic, health and safety impacts etc and its mitigation, management and monitoring plans.
1.8 What does the Report Contain?
This report, presents the assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed project on the basis of physical, biological and socio-economical information on baseline condition so obtained through plot to plot survey of the ROW consisting of the homesteads, agricultural lands, natural canals, rivers and roads etc. on private and public assets along the strip alignment and the secondary data about environmental conditions in the project area, proceedings on public consultation, mitigation measures with overall management and Executive Summary Page- 2 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Project monitoring plan including estimated budget and the structural set ups as to how the project proponent GTCL organizes to implement these plans.
1.9 What’s the Location of the Project?
The proposed gas transmission pipeline project is a 60 km high pressure gas transmission pipeline from BKB to SG via Comilla, Munshiganj and Narayanganj and passing through Muradnagar, Daudkandi, Gazaria, Sonargaon and Bandar Upazila of these districts. Various options were considered in selecting the route and the choice of the final one was influenced, decisively after having discussions with PDB and PGCB, by the fact that it is the shortest one and would therefore; minimize both total costs, execution time and the absolute level of environmental and social impacts.
1.10 How its Components are described?
The broken down components of the project consists of construction of 508 mm Le. 30 inch 57 km high pressure transmission pipeline; 5500 meter HDD crossings for 5 rivers i.e. Gomoti- Meghna, Kojla, Meghna, Old Brahmaputra and Sitalakkha, 3 Regulating and Metering Stations (RMS) including 1 City Gate Station (CGS) at Meghna Ghat, Haripur, Siddhirganj as well as interface SCADA, Civil works and other ancillary works.
1.11 Why the Project is needed for?
This project has been taken-up primarily to supply additional gas required in the region for feeding the 2 x 150 MW peaking power plants 2 x 120 MW peaking power plants and lx210 MW thermal power plant at Siddhirganj; 360 MW power plant at Haripur, and the 450 MW Phase-ll, 450 MW Phase-Ill and 450 MW Phase-IV power plants at Meghna Ghat. Moreover, this will meet the demand of gas to the existing and upcoming industries, CNG stations, commercial and domestic in project and surrounding areas.
In fact, due to absence of natural gas, investors are reluctant to establish mills and factories in this region. Though arrangement for gas supply to the divisional city of Dhaka is already in existence, execution of this project would reinforce the supply situation and to cover additional areas and apart from supporting industrialization of the region, would reduce the air pollution. Further, the achievable savings in fuel cost as well as reduced destruction of trees for fire wood are yet other steps towards fulfillment of the environmental friendly objectives.
2.0 How the Project is going?
GTCL is now at work since July, 2007 to construct the aforementioned BKB-SG 60 km high pressure natural gas transmission pipeline with 5 valve stations and 1 city gate station with regulating and metering stations and completing the system including its testing and commissioning by June, 2010.
2.1 Is the Selection of Pipeline Route Finalized?
Selection of the pipeline route has been finalized considering alternative routes through satellite image study, field checking and discussion with PDB and PGCB. The various options so considered presented almost similar environmental impacts in nature. The factors that were taken into consideration included access to the pipeline from the main road, avoidance of major roads, river, canals, railway and high way crossings and the local habitats etc. as much as possible and most importantly the length of the pipeline. The choice of the final route was influenced, decisively, by the fact that the chosen route is the shortest one and would therefore minimize both total costs and the absolute level of environmental and social impacts. Executive Summary Page- 3 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
2.2 Any Physical Intervention yet?
No physical intervention has yet been under taken. Preparation of the route map and associated design for inviting tenders for the pipeline construction work is in progress now. Physical interventions will follow after obtaining due clearances from the concerned authorities including DOE. According to GTCL, the GOB approval of the project and financing provision of same under the loan granted by WB are being firmed up.
2.3 How about Engaging Consultant & Contractors?
The process of engaging expatriate and local consultants for bid evaluation, HDD crossings and civil works, regulating and metering stations, CP, QA & QC etc. are in progress. Environmental studies and Resettlement action plans are also being prepared for DOE and other clearances. GTCL is also working for engaging consultant for the design, construction, supervision, environmental management, quality control, testing and commissioning of the pipeline system. Preparation for engaging EPC contractor and materials for the project is also on the desk too.
2.4 What are the Major Components of the Project Activities?
The over all activities of the project are usually classified under three distinct phases e.g. pre- construction phase, construction phase and the operation & maintenance phase The major components of activities involved in this project are stipulated as below:
Pipeline Routes Survey; Land Acquisition and Requisition Social Impact Management & Resettlement Actions Clearance from DOE; Detail Drawing and Design; Clearance from Concerned DC’s; Procurement of Materials; Temporary Storage and Stack Yard Appointment of EPC Contractor Site Camps & Equipment ,Vehicle and Crew Mobilization Pipeline Construction & Special Crossings Valve Stations, City Gate and Regulating & Metering Stations Quality Control & Quality Assurance Tie-in, Testing, Pigging and Commissioning Operation & Maintenance Environmental Impact Management, Mitigation & Monitoring
How about Impact Mitigation Plans?
What’s the Concept Working Behind?
Pipeline construction and operation, in general, has mostly temporary bio-physical environmental impact compared to that of the other industrial projects. However, certain socio- economic aspects might have some permanent residual impacts though. As such, among other topics, identification of potential impacts with mitigation measures with an environment Executive Summary Page- 4 Environmental lrnpact Assessment for Constmction of Bakbrabad-SiddbiraaniGas Transmission PiDeline Project
and social management plan is to there to indicate management response in implementing the mitigation measures and resettlement action plans.
This may be achieved through use of best management and monitoring practices as well as mitigation procedures and controls which will minimize the adverse social and environmental impacts and thereby lead to a satisfactory level of environment friendly execution of the project.
3.2 What are the Key Features of the Existing Bio-Physical Environment?
In order to assess the base line condition in preparing the EIA and RAP reports, a detail topographical survey has been conducted to identify the proposed pipeline route with assistance from the survey organization of GTCL. The study team has then compiled the required data to establish a comprehensive database on the bio-physical baseline conditions existing within the project area. This includes information on parameter such as surface and ground water, air quality, metrology, soils, noise and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.
Key features of the existing biophysical environment are described below: . The region is characterized by high rainfall partially in the months of June to October. rn The main rivers of the study areas are, Gomoti - Meghna, Kajla, Meghna, Old Brahmaputra and Sitalakkha. Some Streams and natural canal exists in the areas. rn One Major Dhaka-Comilla High way is to be intercepted in the project area. rn The major sources of emission in the project area are road dust, motor vehicles, construction dust, wind blown dust from agricultural lands, biomass burning and brick kilns etc. . The major habitats present within project area are cultivated land, homestead vegetation, road side vegetation, ponds, wetlands, etc. rn Most of the study area is comprised of agricultural land and wetlands for fisheries . Main crops grown in the study area are Aman and lrri paddy in the main two seasons of the year. Besides these, potatoes, vegetables, maize, wheat, mustard, etc. are also cultivated in the project area. Fruits like mango, jack fruit, lemon, water melon, blackberry etc are also produced. . The major employment activity in the project area is Agricultural production with wage laborers. rn The dominant religion in the area is Islam, with some areas of Hindu. A very few numbers of Christian & Buddhist communities are also there in the areas (Though none were found in the affected strip alignment of the project. rn The majority of the roads in the area are unpaved.
3.3 What are the Mitigation Measures for the Impacted Key Bio-Physical Issues?
3.3.1 Air Quality
The project has the potential to contribute some greenhouse gases to the atmosphere through two avenues:
rn Emission of Con and NOn from combustion of petroleum product by project staff, vehicles and generators etc. . Fugitive emission of CH4 from leakage of natural gas from the pipeline system Mitigation measures will be implemented to reduce the potential impacts to appropriate level. These include: . Regular weekly maintenance of project vehicles to reduce particular emissions Executive Summary Page- 5 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Constructionof Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pioeline Proiecf
. Reducing travel distance and fuel consumption where possible. . Generator use should be kept to a minimum. . Continuous vigilance over the pipeline system to prevent leakages, if any. 3.3.2 Surface Water & Groundwater
Potential impacts on local surface water and groundwater quality may arise in different phases of the project, which include impacts from the field camps for construction crews, RMS & CGS plants and potential discharges of waste in the local area. Selected mitigation measures for ameliorating impacts on surface and groundwater in and around the study area include: . Construction of pipeline is to be executed during dry season. . Groundwater used for potable water by the construction crew will be tested to ensure that it meets the minimum environment standards of Bangladesh for safe drinking water. . Containment of sanitary waste should be adequately disposed of avoid surface and ground water contamination. . Safe disposal of drilling fluids & lube oil waste during HDD . Monitoring of effluent quality from the plants and the pipeline dewatering activities. 3.3.3 Soil
The main potential impacts on soils expected as part of the project will arise from erosion and sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation are likely to occur during river and stream crossing, during trenching activities and when discharging water under sedimentation during directional drilling, hydrostatic testing, pigging etc. Top soil shall be segregated from the other soil and shall be put to top during re-instatement works. Adequate bank protection has to be ensured.
3.3.4 Noise Impacts on the local area from noise emission will be different through out the different sections of the project area. High intensity sound such as that emitted by equipment and machines used for excavating earth and welding pipes for long periods of time is potentially disturbing to nearby human population and wildlife. The following mitigation measures are to be taken: . All operations are to be performed at day time . Selection of low noise plant and equipments . All generators and equipment must be maintained periodically . A muffler in good working order shall have to be attached to the engine to reduce the level of noise so emitted. 3.3.5 Waste The generation of waste product during construction of pipeline will be one of the most significant potential impacts of the project; the improper disposal of waste has the potential to cause environmental harm though contamination of surface and groundwater, soils, atmosphere etc. Indicative mitigation measure for the management of waste throughout the project includes: . Project staff shall not throw away any waste product, solid, liquid or otherwise, during the construction work rather shall be kept in the designated place. . All waste products shall be carried out during construction work and disposed of appropriately at the designated place. . Sanitary waste shall not discharge on or near to any waterway or body of water. . No machinery vehicle maintenance is to be carried out on site. It should be done at a designated workshop. . Hazardous wastes will be specially handled, transported and disposed off. Executive Summary Page- 6 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhirclani Gas Transmission Pbeline Project
3.3.6 Biodiversity
It is recognized that the activities within the project area have the potential impact upon the flora and fauna of the area. As such a number of specific mitigation measures are suggested in order to reduce the potential impact upon the biodiversity of flora and fauna to appropriate levels. These include: . The level of noise made by crews during the work shall be kept to a minimum . The use of vehicle horns to be avoided whist near colonies of birds or other wildlife . Minimum vegetation should be removed during clearing ROW . Prompt reinstatement of disturbed ground will be ensured to facilitate re-growing. 3.3.7 Agriculture and Cropping
When clearing the ROW and the requisitioned areas for the movement of equipment, vehicles etc. and construction of pipeline, the crops are damaged. This crop damage shall be properly compensated as per GOB rules, WB guidelines and the RAP. Elected representatives from local communities and the PAP should be allowed to join the committee to ensure justice and transparency during payment of compensation to crop damage. The Compensation Determination Committee (CDC) and Grievance Redress Committee will play their due role.
3.4 What are the Key Existing Socio-Economic Features?
The key existing socio-economic features as revealed from the data base prepared and analyzed following segment wise socio-economic survey conducted over the project affected area along the strip alignment of pipeline route has been summed-up and highlighted below:
3.4.1 Composition of Household Members The field survey data shows that only 906 out of 91 1 PAP Le. 99.45% of sample household is comprised of the male heads, where 0.55% of the sample house holds are maintained by female head. 3.4.2 Age Sex, Religion & Education Distribution
Age Sex distribution that children of age groups 1 to 14 is about 32.97%, household members of age groups 15 to 60 (main work force) is 64.1 I%, those of age group above 60 is about 2.93% . 96.49% are Muslims, 3.51% Hindus. The educational status reveals that about 13.64% is totally illiterate (who cannot read and write), about 5.38% can read and write without any formal education, primary level is 28.26%, secondary level is 24.08%, and also graduate and above is about 1.71%.
3.4.3 Main Occupation of the Household Members 9.34% is engaged as farmer, 26.80% in housework activities, 25.02% as students, 3.94% in service, 1.78% in small trade, 11.09% are children of less than 5 years and 3.60% are unemployed.
3.4.4 Monthly Income Patterns 17% of the house hold is Tk. 3000-5000, where 49% of them earn 5001-10000. 20% earn 10,001-15,000 and 8% have 1,001-20,000. 3.4.5 House Ownership 69.81% of the houses are Katcha (straw and bamboo roof with earthen wall/ earthen wall reinforced by sheet of woven cane & bamboo), 25.80% are Semi-Pucca (CI sheet roof with brick wall) and 4.06% are Pucca (reinforced concrete roof with brick wall) buildings.
Executive Summary Page- 7 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Proiect
3.4.6 Sources and Use of Water by Purpose
96.71% of the households drink tube wells water, around 3.29% of the households drink water from other source. The pond water is unsafe and is mostly used for bathing and cattle washing purposes.
3.4.7 Sanitation
63.45% of the project affected households have sanitary latrines. Among the remaining 30.95%, 3.84% use pits and hanging systems and 1.76% use open space or bushes for defecation.
3.4.8 Main Health Service Facilities of the Area
14.47% of them goes to the Govt. Hospital.l2.29% of them go to the Union Health Clinic, 27.30% goes to Quack, followed by about 22.98% to private doctors, 4.06% to Private Hospital and 18.49% to Pharmacy.
3.4.9 Cultural Aspects
People residing in the surrounding areas of the project location are of different religions; Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Buddhist, etc. Besides the general culture and heritage of the area, culture also differs due to the difference of the communities built-up by these religions in different locations of the project. The Muslims pray in the mosques and observe their religious festivals like Eid, the Hindus observe their Pujas (Durga puja, Kali puja, etc.) in the temples and the Christians observe their prayer in the church and observe Christmas. There are special gatherings among the villagers where cultural events are performed
4.0 How about Consultation with the Stakeholders and the PAP?
Consultation with parties and persons interested in or affected by project activities, forms a critical part of best practice project planning and environmental impact assessment. Early and participative engagement of stakeholders in the project planning phase increases the likelihood of approval by regulatory authorities and the smooth implementation of project activities. Community participation in the event of exigencies has to be encouraged and ensured. Further, formation of strategic alliance with local administrations, health centers, and fire brigades is always helpful.
4.1 What were the methodology and Tools?
During field survey in June July, 2007, FGD meetings were conducted in 9 different locations of the 3 districts and leaflets were distributed explaining the details of execution of the project and its probable impacts on the HH and the community around the strip alignment of the pipeline route. Again a plot to plot survey was conducted during December2007- January, 2008 to gather socio-economic details interview of all the homestead land, structure and tree owners. 759 Questionnaires were responded by owners themselves while 152 were responded by owner’s relatives found present in HH during the survey.
4.2 What is the range of impact of the Project on the PAP?
Despite the fact that there was no marking on the proposed alignment as of the day of the latest surveying along the route in January, 2008, it appeared that 911 PAP will be both permanently and temporarily affected as pipe line will pass through their 1443 plots. Some of them have more than one entitlement. Out of these 91 1 PAP, all private land owners, 10 PAP are losing Structure, Land & Trees and 27 PAP are losing Land, & Trees. Out of the PAP
Executive Summary Page- 8 Environmental impact Assessment for Construction of 6a~~ra~ad-Sidd~iraaniGas Transmission PiDeline Project losing land, 1 is losing a part of his pond and another 1 is losing a part of his poultry farm. Structures of 17 PAP and 561 trees will have to be permanently removed.
4.3 What will be the Nature of Disturbance?
The temporary nature of disturbances in the project area will occur during construction, and the permanent impact shall be on long-term basis which will continue through the operation stages as well. Most of the agricultural lands encountered along the route were low lying ones and there have been some paddy fields which were said to be used for culturing fish during the rainy reason. Pipeline is also not crossing through any forest area any where along its alignment
4.4 Any Squatters, Tenants, Indigenous Groups or Tribal Communities Found?
Efforts have been made to identify and to look into the interest of squatters, indigenous people and tribal communities, but none such PAP was found on the alignment. Some vulnerable groups and some tenants have been found in the localities that would be affected. However, if any squatters, indigenous people and tribal communities or some more vulnerable groups and tenants are found during execution period, they would call for due compensation and resettlement as applicable.
4.5 How about Impacts on Vulnerable Groups & Severely Affected Households?
The socio-economic baseline study identified some categories of people who will feel the adverse impacts of the project more forcefully than others, or be rendered particularly vulnerable due to the project, either due to their present economic situation, excessive land loss relative to others or their age/disabilities. Segment wise detail analysis has been made on their socio-economic condition and quantum of loss vis-a-vis over all impact on their lively hood has been placed in the report.
The PAP who have been found to be losing over 20% of their assets or other wise determined Vulnerable or SAH may deserve special consideration in the form of cash grant, relocation allowance, skill training, microfinance, employment to them and/or their wards etc under the income restoration strategy as per provision of the GOB rules and the WB OP 4.12 besides due compensation payment for the loss of their assets etc. These issues have also been further detailed in the RAP doc. prepared for the project
4.6 What about the Attitude of the PAP towards the Project?
363 Le. about 40 % of 911 PAP have expressed positive attitude toward the project without any specific condition beyond normal compensation or resettlement provision as per rules and 548 Le. 60 % of them has also shown same positive attitude, but with certain conditions of proper compensation, providing job, providing land for land etc. 2 PAP suggested finding out alternative GOB land to pass through but none of the PAP had any negative views. In fact, all of the PAP including the ones asking land for land has offered a price / compensation for their assets so affected.
4.7 What about Organizational & Monitoring Aspects of RAP?
Organizational Responsibilities and Monitoring and Evaluation have to be initiated and performed by GTCL to be assisted by a Resettlement Specialist and the Environmental Specialist. This would be ensured with due promptness and pragmatic approach so that the implementation of RAP is achieved through establishing the proposed RIU offices, due
Executive Summary Page- 9 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Construction of Bekhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission PiDeline Project
grievance mechanism and a fully operational MIS system conforming to the organizational set up as outlined in the RAP report.
4.8 Any Concern Expressed by the Members of the Public?
The salient features of the opinions expressed by the participants of different profession in focus group discussion (FGD) meeting have revealed in general that they are concerned with due compensation and rehabilitation wherever any damage is done and providing gas in their localities on priority basis as and when feasible. Some of them have also expressed concerns relating to water pollution, air pollution, noise, river bank erosion, disposal of wastes and impact on public property.
However, in general, the pipeline project has been appreciated by them. In their opinion, as a development work of the country, it will help setting up industries, generate employment and its nature of impact would be usually temporary. But note of caution was there from them that, apart from promptly compensating the PAP, the work should be done carefully to avoid any accident in future and proper reinstatement along the alignment has to be done and promptly as the pipe laying works would be progressing in their localities.
4.9 Any Implementation Schedule worked out for RAP?
It is expected that implementation of RAP would involve a good deal of continuous work directly dependent on payment of compensation etc. Resettlement work will be carried out on a 8 month time-base as stipulated during the period between July, 2008 & June2009 subject to extension as required by the project authorities. Since the work on the project would continue until June, 2010, the post evaluation of RAP is also to be scheduled for completion by that period.
5.0 How about the Environmental Management Plan?
A detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been proposed for this project. The EMP is designed as a practical guide to the implementation of the environment and social mitigation measures. It is intended to set out the finer details of what is required “in the field” including the “what, who, how, when and what cost” factors are associated with these measures.
This EMP will also form the primary mechanism for management, accountability and reporting on the project’s social and environmental performance. It has been stressed in the EMP that the mitigation measures identified and management actions recommended there in, particularly addressing the specific public concerns, are to be implemented with due importance.
5.1 What is the Institutional Arrangement Proposed for the EMP? The organizational set up and the institutional arrangement as proposed in the report for due implementation of the mitigation, management, monitoring of and reporting on the environmental impact aspects of the project has been endorsed by GTCL. Accordingly, the Project Director, through a Project Implementation Team, will be responsible for the over all implementation of the EMP. Technical Staff of GTCL and the Environmental Specialist (ES) of the Owner’s Engineer will supervise, manage and monitor the works of the EPC contractor so far as the environmental impact issues of the project are concerned.
Executive Summary Page4 0 Environmental Impact Assessment for Construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission PiDeIine Project
5.2 Any Budget worked out for Environmental Monitoring?
As experienced in executing different projects of similar dimension and magnitude and as opined by GTCL management during discussions with them, the environmental impact of execution of this project does not necessarily call for application of any substantial monitoring arrangements and procurement of specialized tools for measuring the qualities of different environmental elements impacted during the construction and operation phases.
Still then, it has been agreed with the GTCL management that they will, at the recommendation of ES, outsource undertaking the monitoring activities to a vendor who can do the monitoring periodically as and when deemed fit. Accordingly, for reference purpose, details of estimated cost of Tk. 981,000.00 for outsourcing monthly environmental monitoring during construction and operation phases and TK. 1,362,800.00 for procurement of equipments for environmental monitoring have been provided in the report.
5.3 Any Training recommended?
Yes. Training is essentially required for the officials to be assigned particularly to operate the in-house monitoring activities relating to HSE issues. This being an integral part for successful completion of this project as well, specialized low profile training on Safety and occupational health and Environmental management system has been recommended for a total of 4 persons at an estimated cost of Tk. 800,000.00 under the EMP of the project.
A tailor-made pre-project occupational health, safety & environmental management / refreshers training from local industrial safety institution(s) has also been recommended for the professionals to be posted to the project activities.
5.4 What are the Factors taken in to Account in Preparing this Report?
The report has incorporated environmental mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and in fulfilling the conditions imposed by DOE while according site clearance for the project. It is a live document which has detailed how the potential impacts will be managed at the same time a fully defined procedure for integrated implementation of the EMP.
6.0 What about the Emergency Response Plan and Disaster Management Plans?
The need for drawing the emergency response plan (ERP) and disaster management plan (DMP) for the project of such dimension & magnitude and to be executed over a long period of time has been duly recognized in preparing the report. Accordingly, the outline with essential details of ERP & DMP has been included for establishing and operating the same. An assessment of environmental risk and potential hazards as well as the base line of the current emergency set-up and resources of GTCL has been presented in the report.
The provision of Emergency Response cell as proposed in the project set-up is in line with the existing one operating from their regional HQ at Demra. In fact, this regional ER Center will look after the ER issues of the BKB-SG pipeline as well after its completion.
7.0 Any Concluding Remark?
In view of foregoing presentations, it is believed that the present EIA Report has been prepared as per guide lines of DOE and as such, has fulfilled the conditions of the TOR of
Executive Summary Page4 1 Environmental lmpact Assessment for Constnrction of Bakhrabad-Siddhiraani Gas Transmission Pipeline Project
GTCL. Further, since the project is being financed by the World Bank, the WB guidelines have also been duly taken care of. So, it is expected to meet the requirements of the WB as well so far as ESlA is concerned.
It is therefore recommended that the Department of Environment may issue necessary Environmental Clearance in favor of Gas Transmission Company Limited for execution of this 30” diameter 60 km High Pressure Bakhrabad - Siddhirganj Gas Transmission Pipeline project with associated facilities including Regulating and Metering Stations at Siddhirganj and Meghnaghat, - a priority project of national importance.
Executive Summary Page4 2 GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
MINISTRY OF POWER, ENERGY & MI~E~~RESOURCES
March 2008 Dhaka
Submitted by:
Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services A public trust under the Ministry of Water Resources
House 6, Road 231C. Gulshan-1I Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. Tel: 8817648-52, Fax: 880-2-8823128
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...... vii Acknowledgement ...... xi Abbreviation ...... xii Chapter 1 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Background ofthe Study ...... 1 1.2 Objectives of the EIA ...... 1 1.3 Scope of Work ...... 2 1.4 Limitations ...... 2 1.5 The EL4 Team ...... 2 1.6 Structure ofthe Report ...... 3 Chapter 2 Policy and Legislations ...... 5 2.1 Overview ...... 5 2.2 Procedure for Obtaining SiteEnvironmental Clearance ...... 5 2.2.1 Requirement for Initial Environment Examination (IEE) Report ...... 5 2.2.2 Procedure for getting ‘Site clearance’ ...... 6 2.2.3 Procedure for getting ‘Environmental clearance’ ...... 6 2.3 Compliance with World Bank Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines ...... 8 2.4 Organization related with Enforcement of Environmental Standards ...... 8 2.4.1 Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) ...... 8 2.5 Relevant National Policies and LegislationRelevant to Environment ...... 9 2.5.1 ‘&Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Order (1973;an~dedtoActm1974) ...... 10 2.5.2 The National Forest Policy (1994) ...... 10 2.6 Policy Related with Energy Development...... 10 2.6.1 The Electricity Act, 19 10 ...... 10 2.6.2 The Power Policy, 1995 ...... 10 2.6.3 The Energy Policy (1996) ...... 11 2.6.4 The Industrial Policy (1999) ...... 11 2.7 Compliance with InternationalRequirements ...... 11 2.7.1 Rio Declaration ...... 11 2.7.2 Convention on Biological Diversity, (1992) ...... 11 2.7.3 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, Ramsar (197 1) ...... 11 2.7.4 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Montego Bay, (1982) ...... 12 2.7.5 Others (Conventions and Agreements) ...... 12 2.8 Building Construction (Amenctment)Act, 1990 and Building Construction Rules‘1996 ...... 12 2.9 Land Acquisition Rules and Regulations: ...... 13 Chapter 3 Methodology ...... 15 3.1 Overall Approach ...... 15 3.1.1 Project Design and Description ...... 16 3.1.2 Environmental and Social Baseline ...... 16 3.1.3 Scoping ...... 16 3.1.4 Bounding...... 16 3.1.5 Major Field Investigation ...... 17 3.1.6 Impact Assessment and Possible Computation ...... 17 3.1.7 Impact Quantification and Evaluation ...... 17 3.1.8 Environmental Management Plan...... 17 3.1.9 EL4 Report Preparation ...... 17 3.1.10 SIAMPReport Preparation ...... 17 Chapter 4 Description ofthe Project...... 19 4.1 Major Components of the Project ...... 19 4.2 Project Category ...... 19
... CZGBS 111 4.3 Project Location...... 19 4.3.1 Proposed Transmission Line...... 21 4.3.2 Proposed Sub-stations ...... 22 4.4 Physical Features ofthe Transmission Lines...... 23 4.5 Physical Features ofthe Sub-stations ...... 23 4.6 Component ofthe Construction Works ...... 24 4.7 Construction Equipment ...... 26 4.8 Work Schedule ...... 27 Chapter 5 Description of Environmental Baseline ...... 29 5.1 Atmosphere and Water resources ...... 29 5.1.1 Climate ...... 29 5.1.2 Water level I flooding ...... 32 5.1.3 Water Quality ...... 33 5.1.4 Air Quality ...... 33 5.1.5 Ambient Noise ...... 34 5.1.6 Natural Hazards ...... 34 5.2 Land Resource ...... 36 5.3 Agriculture resources ...... 36 5.3.1 Land use ...... 36 5.3.2 Crop production ...... 37 5.3.3 Agricultural input and Intercultural operation ...... 37 5.4 Ecosystem ...... 41 5.4.1 Terrestrial ecosystem ...... 41 5.4.2 Aquatic ecosystem ...... 44 5.5 Socio-economic baseline ...... 46 Chapter 6 Identification and Analysis of Environmental Impacts ...... 47 6.1 Identification of Important Environmental Components (IECs) ...... 47 6.2 Potential Environmental Impacts...... 49 6.3 Analysis of Alternatives ...... 58 Chapter 7 Public Consultation and Disclosure ...... 59 7.1 Public Consultation ...... 59 7.2 Methodology...... 59 7.3 Results ofPublic Consultation ...... 62 7.4 Consultation with Govt. Organizations, Industries and Real Estate Companies ...... 64 7.5 Disclosure Plan ...... 64 Chapter 8 Environmental Management Plan...... 65 8.1 Introduction ...... 65 8.2 Mitigation Plan ...... 65 8.2.1 Mitigation measures for loss ofcrop production ...... 65 8.2.2 Mitigation measures for interruption in intercultural operation...... 65 8.2.3 Mitigation measures for Soil erosion ...... 65 8.2.4 Mitigation measures for impact due to dismantling and construction waste at tower and sub-station sites ...... 65 8.2.5 Mitigation measures for potential impact due to electromagnatic field...... 66 8.2.6 Mitigation measures for impact due to hazardous waste handling and disposal ...... 66 8.2.7 Mitigation measures for impact due to gaseous emission (SF6) from Gas Insulation System in SIS ...... 66 8.2.8 Mitigation measures for impact on domestic wastewater discharge at tower sites .....66 8.2.9 Mitigation measures for impact on ambient air quality ...... 66 8.2.10 Mitigation measures for impact on vegetation ...... 66 8.2.11 Mitigation measures for impact on wetland and pond...... 66 8.2.12 Mitigation measures for impact on habitat for wild lives ...... 66 8.3 Enhancement Plan ...... 67 8.3.1 Vegetation ...... 67 8.4 Compensation Plan ...... 67 8.5 Institutional Requirements and Monitoring Plan.... , . , . , . , ,. , . , ...... 67 8.6 Institutional Arrangement for EMP ..... , , . , , .. ., ...... 7 1 8.7 Budget for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP)...... 72 Chapter 9 Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 75 9.1 Conclusion...... 75 9.2 Recommendations ...... 76
Appendix - A: ‘Site Clearance’ obtained from the Department of Environment (DOE) Appendix - B: List of participants in public consultation sessions Appendix - C: Letter to Dhaka WASA regarding land for Sub-station Appendix - D: Letter to Local Government Office regarding public consultation List of tables
Table 4.1 : Main Components of the Project ...... 19 Table 4.2: Area covered by the Siddhirganj - Maniknagar T/L ...... 21 Table 4.3: Physical features oftransmission lines ...... 23 Table 4.4: Physical features ofthe proposed sub-stations under this project...... 23 Table 5.1 : Water Levels ofriver Lakhya for different return periods ...... 32 Table 5.2: Number ofPonds and Canals along the ROW ...... 33 Table 5.3: Standards of ambient air quality ...... 34 Table 5.4: Land use of230 kV transmission lines as Right ofWays area ...... 36 Table 5.5: Annual Agricultural production and net return ofthe Transmission lines (right ofway) in the project area ...... 37 Table 5.4: Dominant plants in the ROW...... 42 Table 5.5: Terrestrial wildlife ofthe study area ...... 43 Table 5.6: Macrophytes ofthe wetlands in the study area ...... 45 Table 5.7: Wetland dependent wild fauna ofthe study area...... 45 Table 6.1: Rationale of selecting environmental components ...... 47 Table 6.2: Overall Assessment ofEnvironmental Impacts ...... 50 Table 6.3: Specific Environmental Impacts in Each Tower Site ...... 52
List of figures Figure 2.1 : DOEEnvironmental Clearance Procedures ...... 7 Figure 3.1 : Process followed in the EL4 study ...... 15 Figure 4.1 : Location ofthe project in the context ofDhaka ...... 20 Figure 5.1 : Monthly Average Temperature (Source: BMD) ...... 29 Figure 5.2: Average Relative Humidity in Dhaka (Source: BMD)...... 30 Figure 5.3: Monthly Average Evaporation (Source: BWDB, Station- Narayanganj) ...... 30 Figure 5.4: Monthly Average Rainfall (Source: BWDB, Station- Narayanganj) ...... 31 Figure 5.5: Monthly Average Wind Speed ...... 31 Figure 5.6: Hydrograph ofRiver Lakhya (Source: BWDB, Station- Narayanganj) ...... 32 Figure 5.7: Earthquake Zones ofBangladesh ...... 35 Figure 5.8: Image of the ROW of Siddhirganj - Maniknagar T/L ...... 38 Figure 5.9: Major Landuse in the ROW of Siddhirganj - Maniknagar T/L ...... 39 Figure 5.1 1: O/H transmission lines cross fallow land ...... 41 Figure 5.12: Abundance of different species ofplants in the study area ...... 43 Figure 5.13: Wetlands in Maniknagar S/S ...... 44 Figure 5.14: O/H transmission lines cross wetland sites ...... 44 Figure 7.1 : Consultation with affected people (Tower 5 - 8) at Mij-Miji, Siddhirganj ...... 60 Figure 7.2: Consultation with affected people (Tower 9 - 13) at Painadi New Mahalla, Siddhirganj . 61 Figure 7 . 3: Consultation with affected people (Tower 14 - 16) at Nurbag, Siddhirganj ...... 61 Figure 7.4: Consultation with affected people (Tower 17 - 21) at Bamail, Dogair...... 61 Figure 7.5: Consultation with affected people (Tower 22 - 42) at Matuail...... 62 Figure 8.1 : Institutional Set up for EMP...... 71 Executive Summary
With a view to meet the electricity demand of the consumers, PGCB is planning to construct transmission line facilities under the project “ Siddhirganj - Maniknagar 230 kV transmission line project” to extract power from the proposed 2 x 150 MW Siddhirganj Peaking Power Plant. The total length of the line will be about 11 km with two new sub-stations. The existing 132 kV transmission lines will be replaced by the new transmission lines. PGCB wants to construct new 230 kV transmission line replacing the existing old 132 kV line along the same route because the Siddhirganj area is densely populated and therefore getting new ROW is difficult. That’s why PGCB has chosen the existing ROW. But people all along the route of the transmission lines expressed reservations about the alignment. People urged that they are losing their land value, benefit from making multistoried buildings and living with risk although they were settled in the area after construction of the existing transmission line. They suggested that the existing transmission line should be removed and the proposed new transmission line may be constructed over the DND canal or underground along the road. But these options are not suitable as there are limitation of funds and construction of towers on the DND canal, which is use for water intake canal ofSSWTP. Hence, the existing ROW is suitable for the proposed transmission line. However, people recognize the fact that they will not get electricity directly from the transmission lines. Their main consideration is that the overall development in the power sector would contribute to the national development. As requested by PGCB, the environmental and social impact assessment study has been carried out for the proposed transmission line, to be drawn over the existing alignment, without considering any alternative options. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) was duly performed for the proposed project and ‘Site clearance’ for the project has been obtained from the Department of Environment (DOE).In keeping with the recommendations of the IEE report, DOEand World Bank, a full-fledged Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA)/ Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) study has been undertaken. In this regard, PGCB assigned CEGIS to undertake the EIA study for the proposed transmission lines. Hence, this EIA report has been prepared. The transmission lines will be double circuit, made of Alluminium Alloy conductor materials. The line sporting towers will be steel towers, which are of two types - Tension and Suspension. Tension towers will be installed in the angles and suspension towers will be installed along path ofthe lines as load bearing support. Disc type insulators will be used in the towers to bear the wires. The project is located in the eastern part of Dhaka and Narayanganj district covering Demra, Sabujbagh and Narayanganj upazilas. The transmission lines will be drawn on the alignment of the existing 132 kV lines, which come from the power plant to the Maniknagar 132 kV sub-station. One new 230 kV sub-station will be constructed at the Siddhirganj power plant premises and another one will be set up near the existing Maniknagar sub-station on the land ofDhaka WASA. The land for the new sub-stations will be taken from Dhaka WASA and Siddhirganj power plant. The proposed transmission lines will pass through agricultural and non-agricultural lands. The Right of Way (ROW) of the line is 50m, which covers about 60 ha. Under the existing conditions, agriculture accounts for 27.5% of the total land use covering about 16.5 ha. The agricultural lands Executive Summay
occur mainly on the northwestern part of the study areas, mainly on the soils of the Madhupur Tract. These agricultural lands are used only for the single crop of Boro (HYV) in the dry season and fish farming in the monsoon season. At present the area is seasonally flooded to a depth of 5 to 6 feet by both river and rainwater. Inside the DND areas, most of the agricultural lands are converted to settlements, roads, shops, markets etc. Before commissioning of DND project, the area was deeply flooded and used for agricultural crops. At present the area is shallowly flooded by rainwater and partly used for the high yielding variety ofBoro crops. The alignment of the Siddhirganj - Maniknagar transmission line falls under the greater Dhaka district, where the typical monsoon climate prevails as elsewhere in the country. Along the ROW from Shiddirganj to Maniknagar, there are a few permanent ponds, canals and seasonal water bodies. During dry season the seasonal water bodies remain fully dry and in the monsoon they are filled by seasonal rainfall and flood water from Lakhya River. The air, water and noise quality are not tested, as this would not be affected significantly. Natural hazards like storms, earthquakes and erosion are not prominent in the area but seasonal flooding due to rainfall causes inundation in most ofthe area. The high yielding variety (HW) of Boro crop is practiced here, which includes BRRI 29. The yield of Boro crop is about 5.6 todha. About 92 tons of paddy are produced in the right ofway areas. The net return from the agricultural sector is about Taka 4,52,100 per year. The settlements along the transmission alignment and its adjoining areas are dominated by coconut (Narikel), mango (Aam), koroi, banana (Kola), mahogany, jackfruit (kanthal), neem, guava (peyara) trees, etc. Ecologically important unrecognized shrubs and herbs are also found in the settlements area. The roadside vegetation is dominated by Shishu, Acacia, herbs, etc. The fallow lands are covered with varieties ofherbs and grasses. The average height of some trees crosses the existing height ofthe tower (30 ft). The trees, for instance coconut, mango, mahogany, koroi, etc. those fall along the ROW, need to be trimmed or cut down in size for safety measures. So, this activity will have some adverse impacts on the local ecosystem. These plants have some commercial and ecological value. The wetlands in Maniknagar receive wastewater from the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant and runoff from the adjoining agricultural lands. Local people cultivate fish in the perennial seasonal water bodies. Since a separate Social Impact Assessment (SIA)/ Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been prepared for the proposed Siddhirganj - Maniknagar transmission line project, the socio-economic baseline condition ofthe affected persons in the tower sites and in the ROW is not repeated in this report. The proposed transmission line project will increase the electricity supply to residential, commercial and industrial sector of Dhaka city and surroundings. The degree of benefit is not accounted but necessity to fulfill electricity demand got priority. The proposed transmission lines might not have any irreversible negative impact on the environment. Minor negative impacts will be felt due to loss of crop production, cutting of vegetation, dismantling and construction waste disposal, disturbance to domestic waste water discharge, deterioration of ambient air quality, disturbance to wetland, ponds and habitat for Wild lives during implementation of the project. These problems would be overcome by avoiding crop land or trees as much as possible, paying compensation and bringing back these lands to their original form before handing them over to the owners after the construction is over. Spaying water will be needed to minimize local air pollution (SPW dust) in the tower construction sites. Materials should be transported at night and kept with
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temporary fencing at the construction sites. The domestic wastewater disposal sites should be relocated during construction period, Construction and dismantling wastes should be disposed off safely so that agriculture land, pond and wetlands can be restored quickly. There is the potential of electrocution by high voltage power line, waste transformer oil disposal that contain PCB materials and SF6 gas emission from GIS system in the substations. Safe distance of the structures should be maintained to avoid electrocution. Proper disposal method should be applied for waste transformer oil disposal. SF6 gas leakage from GIS system should be monitored and controlled. Sand and concrete works should be done in non-agriculture land to avoid disturbance to productivity of agriculture land. The project is not likely to have any major negative impact. So major mitigation is not required. The minor impacts ofincrease in noise and traffic will be within the existing level experienced normally. The erection and installation should be done under expert supervision. The contractor should be under specific orders to provide PPE to the workers engaged for the job. Local people along the transmission line alignment will be benefited, as the project will generate some employment opportunities for them during the pre-construction and construction phases. A monitoring plan, if properly implemented during the pre-construction, construction and post- construction and operation phases will ensure taking corrective measures. The proposed project will have no residual adverse impact on the environment or on the eco-system. The selection of season for carrying out the work should be made by adjusting with the cropping season so as to inflict minimum damage to field crops. The construction labour camps should be provided with water supply and sanitation facilities. The workers should be apprised of hygienic practices. The transportation of heavy equipment should be done by river crafts where wheeling is not feasible. The stores and equipment yards should be properly guarded so that all equipment remains safe. The sub-stations should be fully equipped with fne fighting equipment. Adequate precautionary measures like nets should be kept over the crossing points of roads while stringing up the wires. Danger signs and public awareness would be also required. Sanitary waste disposal sites should be prepared for construction wastes at the tower and sub-station sites during the construction period. Adequate hygienic conditions should be maintained at the waste disposal sites. After the construction of the towers and transmission lines, proper measures should be taken to dismantle labor sheds and leveling fields in the usual manner and to clear the fields. Common properties like playgrounds, ponds and open spaces should not be disturbed. About TK. 15,00,000.00 is estimated for implementing the Environmental Management Plan, which includes costs for training professionals, waste disposal, public awareness and reporting etc. As there is a separate RAP study for this project, the compensation estimates for asset loss have not been included in the EMP budget. ,Allenvironmental impacts should be minimized through suggested mitigation measures and the EMP should be implemented properly.
A separate SWRAP study has been accomplished. It is necessary to implement the RAP so that negative impacts on project-affected households are mitigated. Other measures suggested in SIA report against social impacts are also to be implemented as per recommendation. All these are required to address the social issues, disturbance to human dwellings and infrastructure at the tower sites and the ROW as well as access roads to the tower sites. Executive Summay
The proposed project will have no residual adverse impact on the environment or on the eco-system. Finally, upon proper examination it is recommended that the proposed project can be implemented safely and in an environment friendly manner. So the project may be cleared to proceed with its activities.