Environmental Impact Assessment
Project Number: 49055-003 Document Stage: Draft November 2018
PAK: Hydropower Development Investment Program, Tranche 1
Main Report (Part 1)
Prepared by Hagler Bailly Pakistan for the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization and the Asian Development Bank.
This environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Contents
1. Introduction ...... 1-1 1.1 Project Proponents ...... 1-5 1.2 Project Overview...... 1-6 1.3 Objectives and Scope of the EIA ...... 1-8 1.4 Study Areas ...... 1-9 1.5 Study Team ...... 1-12 1.6 Organization of the Report ...... 1-16
2. Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework ...... 2-1 2.1 Provincial Legislative and Regulatory Framework ...... 2-1 2.1.1 Statutory Framework for Environment ...... 2-1 2.1.2 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act 2014 ...... 2-2 2.1.3 Preparation and Submission of EIA ...... 2-9 2.2 Environmental Standards ...... 2-9 2.2.1 National Environmental Quality Standards ...... 2-9
2.2.2 ✁✂✄☎ Guidelines for Project Emission ...... 2-10 2.3 Other Environmental Laws ...... 2-10 2.3.1 Land Acquisition Act 1894 ...... 2-10 2.3.2 Key Biodiversity Laws ...... 2-17 2.3.3 Other Laws ...... 2-18 2.4 Federal and Provincial Conservation Strategies ...... 2-24 2.5 Institutional Framework ...... 2-25 2.5.1 Environmental Protection Agency ...... 2-29 2.5.2 Environmental Protection Council ...... 2-29 2.6 Asian Development Bank Policies and Guidelines ...... 2-29 2.6.1 ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement 2009...... 2-31 2.6.2 Social Protection Requirements ...... 2-34 2.6.3 Public Communications Policy 2011 ...... 2-34 2.6.4 Gender and Development Policy 1998 ...... 2-34 2.6.5 Climate Change Risk Management Framework ...... 2-35 2.7 International Treaties and Agreements ...... 2-35 2.8 Guidelines ...... 2-41 2.8.1 World Bank Group ...... 2-41
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 ii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
2.8.2 World Commission on Dams 2000 ...... 2-43 2.8.3 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency ...... 2-43
3. Project Description...... 3-1 3.1 Main Component of the Balakot HPP ...... 3-6 3.1.1 The Main Dam ...... 3-6 3.1.2 Powerhouse ...... 3-6 3.2 Project Operation ...... 3-8 3.3 Technical Design Summary ...... 3-8 3.4 Project Requirements ...... 3-11 3.4.1 Materials ...... 3-11 3.4.2 Water ...... 3-11 3.4.3 Land Requirement ...... 3-11 3.4.4 Spoil Disposal ...... 3-12 3.5 Access ...... 3-12 3.6 Regional Hydropower Developments ...... 3-14 3.7 Associated Facilities ...... 3-14
4. Description of the Environment ...... 4-1 4.1 Physical Environment ...... 4-1 4.1.1 Scope and Methodology ...... 4-1 4.1.2 Topography ...... 4-1 4.1.3 Land Use ...... 4-1 4.1.4 Geology, Soils and Seismic Hazards ...... 4-9 4.1.5 Visual Character ...... 4-19 4.1.6 Climate Baseline ...... 4-23 4.1.7 Water Resources ...... 4-35 4.1.8 Ambient Air Quality ...... 4-55 4.1.9 Traffic ...... 4-58 4.1.10 Noise Levels ...... 4-65 4.2 Ecology Baseline ...... 4-70 4.2.1 Objectives and Scope ...... 4-70 4.2.2 Sources of Information ...... 4-71 4.2.3 Study Areas ...... 4-71 4.2.4 Methodology ...... 4-74 4.2.5 Protected Areas or Areas of Special Importance for Biodiversity 4-80 4.2.6 Aquatic Ecology ...... 4-85 4.2.7 Terrestrial Ecology ...... 4-121 4.2.8 Habitat Assessment ...... 4-146 4.2.9 Conclusion ...... 4-155
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 iii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
4.3 Socioeconomic Environment ...... 4-155 4.3.1 Study Area ...... 4-156 4.3.2 Methods of Data Collection ...... 4-158 4.3.3 Socioeconomic Conditions in the Study Area ...... 4-159 4.3.4 River-Dependent Socioeconomic Activities ...... 4-178 4.3.5 Profile of the Affected Villages ...... 4-186 4.3.6 Socioeconomic Conditions of Affected Households ...... 4-186 4.3.7 Social Profile of the Affected Households ...... 4-187
5. Analysis of Alternatives ...... 5-1 5.1 No Project Option ...... 5-1 5.2 Alternative Technologies and Scale for Power Generation ...... 5-2 5.3 Environmental Flow Assessment ...... 5-7 5.3.1 EFlow Assessment Process ...... 5-7 5.3.2 Scenarios Assessed ...... 5-7 5.3.3 Predicted Change in Fish Abundance ...... 5-8
5.3.3.1 Alwan Snow Trout ...... 5-8 ✟✠ ✁✡☛ 5.3.3.2 ✁✂✄ ✁☎✆✝✞ ...... 5-10 5.3.3.3 Kashmir Hillstream Loach ...... 5-12 5.3.4 Impact on Fish Abundance under Alternative Management and Operational Options ...... 5-13 5.3.4.1 Impact of Increasing Protection Levels ...... 5-13 5.3.4.2 Impact of Increasing EFlow ...... 5-14 5.3.4.3 Impact of Baseload vs Peaking Generation ...... 5-15 5.3.5 Net Gain Calculations ...... 5-16 5.3.6 Impact to Power Generation ...... 5-18 5.3.7 Conclusions...... 5-20
6. Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation ...... 6-1
6.1 Regulatory Requirements ...... 6-1 ✓✌✔✕✖✏✌✗✌✍ ✘ ✒ 6.2 ☞✌✍ ✎✌✏✑ ✒ ...... 6-2 6.3 Consultation Methodology ...... 6-2 6.3.1 Stakeholders Consulted ...... 6-2 6.3.2 Consultations Mechanism ...... 6-6 6.4 Summary of Consultations ...... 6-7 6.4.1 Community Consultation ...... 6-7 6.4.2 Institutional Consultation ...... 6-7 6.5 Future Consultations ...... 6-35
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 iv EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
7. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...... 7-1 7.1 Introduction ...... 7-1 7.1.1 Impact Identification and Definition ...... 7-1 7.1.2 Impact Significance Rating ...... 7-4 7.1.3 Mitigation, Management and Good Practice Measures ...... 7-9 7.1.4 Impact Grouping ...... 7-10 7.2 Aquatic Ecology ...... 7-10 7.2.1 Change in the Ecological Integrity of Kunhar River through Implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan ...... 7-11 7.2.2 Loss of Riverine Ecosystem due to Inundation by Balakot Reservoir ...... 7-13 7.2.3 Degradation of the river ecosystem in the low flow segment downstream of the Balakot dam ...... 7-14 7.2.4 Alteration of the River Ecosystem Downstream of the Tailrace ...... 7-15 7.3 Terrestrial Ecology ...... 7-15 7.3.1 Terrestrial Habitat Loss ...... 7-18 7.3.2 Impacts on Biodiversity due to Construction Activities ...... 7-20 7.3.3 Impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity due to Project Operation ...... 7-22 7.4 Ambient Air Quality ...... 7-23 7.4.1.1 Emission Sources ...... 7-24 7.4.2 Identification of High Risk Areas ...... 7-31 7.5 Blasting and Vibration ...... 7-37 7.5.1 Vibration from Construction Activities ...... 7-37 7.5.2 Fly Rock from Blasting ...... 7-49 7.6 Hydrology and Water Quality...... 7-50 7.6.1 Changes to Groundwater Patterns ...... 7-51 7.6.2 Water Resource Depletion ...... 7-54 7.6.3 Contamination of Surface and Groundwater from Construction Activities ...... 7-55 7.7 Construction Noise ...... 7-55 7.7.1 Existing Conditions ...... 7-58 7.7.2 Criteria for Determining Significance ...... 7-58 7.7.3 Impact Analysis ...... 7-59 7.7.4 Mitigation ...... 7-61 7.8 Soil, Topography and Land Stability ...... 7-67 7.8.1 Soil Quality ...... 7-67 7.8.2 Soil Erosion ...... 7-68 7.8.3 Spoil Disposal Areas ...... 7-69 7.9 Aesthetics ...... 7-71
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 v EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
7.9.1 Degradation of Aesthetic Value of the Area due to Construction Activities ...... 7-72 7.9.2 Degradation of Aesthetic Value of the Area due to Low Flow Section ...... 7-73 7.9.3 Permanent Change in Visual Character due to Project Facilities ...... 7-75 7.10 Traffic and Roads ...... 7-79 7.10.1 Project External Roads ...... 7-79 7.10.2 Project Access Roads ...... 7-83 7.10.3 Impact Analysis ...... 7-86 7.11 Livelihood and Well-being ...... 7-89 7.11.1 Employment ...... 7-89 7.11.2 Training and Skill Development ...... 7-90 7.11.3 Enhancement of Subsistence and Recreational Fishing ...... 7-91 7.11.4 Sediment Mining ...... 7-92 7.11.5 Land Acquisition ...... 7-93 7.12 Socio-Cultural Impacts ...... 7-93 7.12.1 Pressure on Social Infrastructure and Services ...... 7-94 7.12.2 Conflicts Due to Provision of Employment to Outsiders ...... 7-94 7.12.3 Conflicting Socio-Cultural Norms ...... 7-95 7.12.4 Graveyard Management ...... 7-95 7.13 Cumulative Impact Assessment ...... 7-99 7.13.1 Major Existing, Under Construction and Planned Hydropower Projects on the Kunhar River ...... 7-100 7.13.2 Ecosystem Services Review ...... 7-103 7.13.3 Priority VECs ...... 7-105 7.13.4 Overview of Changes in Flow and Inundation of Habitats ...... 7-106 7.13.5 Impact on Fish Fauna ...... 7-106 7.13.6 Overall Impact on Ecosystem Integrity ...... 7-113 7.13.7 Livelihoods Related to Recreation and Tourism ...... 7-116 7.13.8 Management Strategy and Measures ...... 7-116 7.13.9 Institutional Arrangements for Implementation ...... 7-119 7.13.10 Options for Financial Management ...... 7-119 7.13.11 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 7-120 7.13.12 Adaptive Management ...... 7-120 7.14 Climate Change Risk ...... 7-120 7.14.1 Introduction and Approach ...... 7-120 7.14.2 Conclusions...... 7-121 7.14.3 Recommendations ...... 7-121 7.15 Impact of Transmission Lines ...... 7-122
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 vi EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
8. Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 8-1
8.1 Grievance Redress Committees ...... 8-1
✆ ✝✞✟✠ ✞✡ ☛✞☞✌ 8.2 ✁ ✂✄☎ ...... 8-2 8.3 Approval and Orientation of GRC Members ...... 8-2 8.4 Dissemination of GRCs ...... 8-3 8.5 Grievance Redress Procedure...... 8-3 8.5.1 Filing of Grievances to Village GRC ...... 8-3 8.5.2 Hearing and Resolution of the Cases by Village GRC ...... 8-3 8.5.3 Hearing and Resolution of the Cases by Project GRC ...... 8-4 8.5.4 Maintenance and Evaluation of Data by PMU ...... 8-5
9. Environmental Management Plan ...... 9-1 9.1 Introduction ...... 9-1 9.1.1 Project Location ...... 9-1 9.1.2 Introduction to the Environmental Management Plan ...... 9-5 9.2 Environmental and Social Management System ...... 9-5 9.2.1 Planning Elements ...... 9-6 9.2.2 Implementation (do) Elements ...... 9-9 9.2.3 Check Elements ...... 9-15 9.2.4 Act Elements ...... 9-18 9.3 Stakeholder Engagement ...... 9-19 9.4 Mitigation and Management Plan ...... 9-25 9.4.1 Environmental and Social Mitigation ...... 9-25 9.4.2 Specific Environment Management Plans ...... 9-76 9.4.3 Frameworks for Spoil and Quarry Management Plans ...... 9-79 9.5 Implementation Plan ...... 9-86 9.5.1 Contractual Requirements...... 9-86 9.5.2 Design...... 9-87 9.5.3 Site Specific Environmental Management Plans ...... 9-87 9.5.4 Site Inspection ...... 9-90 9.5.5 Non-conformance and Incidents...... 9-90 9.5.6 Audits ...... 9-91 9.6 Monitoring Plan ...... 9-91 9.6.1 Specific Monitoring Plan ...... 9-92 9.6.2 Documentation and Reporting ...... 9-92 9.7 Roles and Responsibilities of Key Staff ...... 9-97
9.7.1 PEDO ...... 9-97 ✕✏✖ ✗ ✏✑✑ ✒ 9.7.2 ✍ ✎✏✑✒✓✔ ...... 9-101 9.7.3 Construction Contractor ...... 9-101
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 vii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
9.7.4 Sub-Contractors ...... 9-102 9.7.5 PEDO Personnel ...... 9-102 9.8 Cost Estimate ...... 9-105
10. Conclusion and Recommendation ...... 10-1
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Contents D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 viii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibits
Exhibit 1.1: Balakot Hydropower Project Location ...... 1-3 Exhibit 1.2: Balakot Hydropower Project Facilities Layout ...... 1-7 Exhibit 1.3: Study Areas ...... 1-11 Exhibit 1.4: Study Team ...... 1-12
Exhibit 2.1: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act 2014...... 2-3 Exhibit 2.2: NEQS Applicable to the Project ...... 2-9 Exhibit 2.3: Key Feature of the LAA 1894 ...... 2-13 Exhibit 2.4: Three Key Laws Relevant to the Project ...... 2-17 Exhibit 2.5: Other Laws Reviewed ...... 2-18 Exhibit 2.6: Institutional Responsibilities ...... 2-27 Exhibit 2.7: International Environmental Treaties Endorsed by Pakistan ...... 2-37
Exhibit 3.1: Project Location ...... 3-3 Exhibit 3.2: Project Layout ...... 3-5
Exhibit 3.3: Dam Layout Rockfill ...... 3-1
Exhibit 3.4: Dam Layout Concrete ...... 3-2
Exhibit 3.5: Rockfill Dam Intake ...... 3-3
Exhibit 3.6: Concrete Dam Intake ...... 3-4
Exhibit 3.7: Rockfill Dam Sediment Bypass Tunnel ...... 3-5
Exhibit 3.8: Concrete Dam Sediment Bypass Tunnel ...... 3-6 Exhibit 3.9: Powerhouse Area Layout ...... 3-7 Exhibit 3.10: Salient Features of the Project Design ...... 3-8 Exhibit 3.11: Water and Dam Levels of Balakot Dam ...... 3-11 Exhibit 3.12: Spoil Disposal Zones ...... 3-12 Exhibit 3.13: Access Route ...... 3-13 Exhibit 3.14: Hydropower Projects Planned or Under Construction on the Kunhar River ...... 3-14 Exhibit 3.15: Schematic of Transmission Line ...... 3-15 Exhibit 3.16: Hydropower Projects Planned or Under Construction on the Kunhar River ...... 3-16
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 ix EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.1: Catchment Elevation Distribution ...... 4-2 Exhibit 4.2: Topography of the Kunhar River Basin ...... 4-3 Exhibit 4.3: Land Use Distribution in the Study Area ...... 4-4 Exhibit 4.4: Land Use in the Study Area (km2) ...... 4-5 Exhibit 4.5: Land Use in the Study Area (%) ...... 4-5 Exhibit 4.6: Photographs of Major Land Uses in the Study Area ...... 4-6 Exhibit 4.7: Land Use Classification Example ...... 4-7 Exhibit 4.8: Major Tectonic Faults in Relation to Dam and Powerhouse ...... 4-10 Exhibit 4.9: Summary of Seismic Design Criteria (PGA in g) ...... 4-12 Exhibit 4.10: Seismic Zones, PBC 2007 ...... 4-12 Exhibit 4.11: Seismic Zone Categorization, PBC 2007 ...... 4-13 Exhibit 4.12: Seismic Hazard Map of Paksitan ...... 4-13 Exhibit 4.13: Alternate Bedding of Sandstone and Mudstone/Shale near the Dam Axis ...... 4-14 Exhibit 4.14: Regional Geology ...... 4-15 Exhibit 4.15: Sampling Locations for Soil Quality ...... 4-16 Exhibit 4.16: Soil Sampling Locations ...... 4-17 Exhibit 4.17: Soil Quality Test Results ...... 4-18 Exhibit 4.18: Visual Survey Locations ...... 4-19 Exhibit 4.19: Visual Survey Locations ...... 4-20 Exhibit 4.20: Visual Survey Photographs ...... 4-21 Exhibit 4.21: Details of Balakot Weather Station ...... 4-23 Exhibit 4.22: Seasonal Variation ...... 4-25 Exhibit 4.23: Weather Parameters ...... 4-27 Exhibit 4.24: Mean Monthly Temperatures (°C) ...... 4-27 Exhibit 4.25: Mean Monthly Relative Humidity (%) ...... 4-28 Exhibit 4.26: Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) ...... 4-28 Exhibit 4.27: Mean Number of Rainy Days ...... 4-29 Exhibit 4.28: Mean Monthly Wind Speed (m/s) ...... 4-29 Exhibit 4.29: Wind Frequency Distribution (%) ...... 4-31 Exhibit 4.30: Temperature Extremes in the Study Area ...... 4-33 Exhibit 4.31: Extreme Precipitation Conditions ...... 4-33 Exhibit 4.32: Comparison between Climatic Normal and Recent Data ...... 4-34 Exhibit 4.33: Comparison of Monthly Temperatures (ºC) ...... 4-35 Exhibit 4.34: Comparison of Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) ...... 4-35
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 x EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.35: Kunhar River Catchment...... 4-38 Exhibit 4.36: Kunhar River Bed Elevation ...... 4-39 Exhibit 4.37: Daily Average Flow along Kunhar River ...... 4-39 Exhibit 4.38: Temperature Zones of Kunhar River ...... 4-40 Exhibit 4.39: Flow Exceedance Frequency at Dam Site ...... 4-41 Exhibit 4.40: Flood Frequency ...... 4-41 Exhibit 4.41: Hydrology Parameters of Ecological Importance in Low Flow Section...... 4-42 Exhibit 4.42: Hydrocensus Locations ...... 4-45 Exhibit 4.43: Photographs of Water Resource Infrastructure ...... 4-47 Exhibit 4.44: Summary of Mountain Spring and Borehole Census Results ...... 4-47 Exhibit 4.45: Sampling Locations for Surface and Groundwater Quality ...... 4-50 Exhibit 4.46: Water Quality Sampling Locations ...... 4-51 Exhibit 4.47: Water Quality Test Results ...... 4-53 Exhibit 4.48: Details of Air Quality Sampling Locations ...... 4-55 Exhibit 4.49: Air Quality Sampling Locations ...... 4-56 Exhibit 4.50: Results of Ambient Air Quality Sampling (µg/m3) ...... 4-57 Exhibit 4.51: Traffic Count Locations ...... 4-58 Exhibit 4.52: Traffic Count Locations ...... 4-59 Exhibit 4.53: Two-Way Traffic at each Traffic Count Location ...... 4-60 Exhibit 4.54: Two-Way Traffic at each Traffic Count Location (Non-Season)...... 4-63 Exhibit 4.55: Weekday Hourly Traffic PCU ...... 4-65 Exhibit 4.56: Weekend Hourly Traffic PCU ...... 4-65 Exhibit 4.57: Noise Sampling Locations ...... 4-66 Exhibit 4.58: Noise Sampling Site Photographs ...... 4-67 Exhibit 4.59: Noise Sampling Locations ...... 4-68 Exhibit 4.60: Summary Statistics of Sound Levels during the Survey ...... 4-69 Exhibit 4.61: Hourly Noise Levels ...... 4-69 Exhibit 4.62: Weather Parameters during Noise Sampling ...... 4-70 Exhibit 4.63: Aquatic Study Area ...... 4-72 Exhibit 4.64: Terrestrial Study Area ...... 4-73 Exhibit 4.65: Government Department Staff Observing Field Sampling, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-74 Exhibit 4.66: Sampling Locations for Fish, Macro-invertebrates, Periphyton and Riparian Vegetation ...... 4-76
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xi EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.67: Justification for Selection of Sampling Locations on Main River...... 4-77 Exhibit 4.68: List of Sampling Locations for the Tributaries ...... 4-77 Exhibit 4.69: Sampling Locations for Terrestrial Flora and Fauna ...... 4-78 Exhibit 4.70: Habitat Types for the Terrestrial Sampling Locations ...... 4-79 Exhibit 4.71: Map of Protected Areas ...... 4-81 Exhibit 4.72: Map of Important Bird Areas ...... 4-82 Exhibit 4.73: List of Species Reported from the Kunhar River ...... 4-86 Exhibit 4.74: Photographs of Field Activities ...... 4-87 Exhibit 4.75: Relative Abundance Observed in main Kunhar River and Tributaries, February 2017 Survey ...... 4-91 Exhibit 4.76: Species Richness Observed in main Kunhar River and Tributaries, February 2017 Survey ...... 4-92 Exhibit 4.77: Relative Abundance Observed in main Kunhar River and Tributaries, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-93 Exhibit 4.78: Species Richness Observed in main Kunhar River and Tributaries, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-94 Exhibit 4.79: Fish Fauna Recorded from Study Area in Kunhar River and Tributaries, July 2016, February 2017 and May 2017 Survey ...... 4-95 Exhibit 4.80: Photographs of Fish Fauna Recorded from Kunhar River and Tributaries, July 2016, February 2017 and May 2017 Survey ...... 4-95 Exhibit 4.81: Fish Relative Abundance and Richness, February 2017 Survey ...... 4-97 Exhibit 4.82: Fish Relative Abundance and Richness, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-98 Exhibit 4.83: Comparison of Fish Relative Abundance, February and May 2017 Survey ...... 4-99 Exhibit 4.84: Comparison of Fish Species Richness, February and May 2017 Survey ...... 4-100 Exhibit 4.85: Relative Abundance of Fish Species of Conservation Importance, February 2017 Survey ...... 4-102 Exhibit 4.86: Relative Abundance of Fish Species of Conservation Importance May 2017 Survey ...... 4-103 Exhibit 4.87: Catch per Unit Effort, July 2016, February 2017 and May 2017 Surveys ...... 4-105 Exhibit 4.88: Preferences for Flow Dependent Habitat, Breeding, and Movement of the Schizothorax richardsonii ...... 4-108 Exhibit 4.89: Annual Cycle of Breeding and Growth of the Schizothorax richardsonii ...... 4-109
Exhibit 4.90: Preferences for Flow dependent Habitat, Breeding, and Movement of the Triplophysa kashmirensis ...... 4-109
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.91: Annual Cycle of Breeding and Growth of the Triplophysa kashmirensis ...... 4-110 Exhibit 4.92: Preferences for Flow Dependent Habitat, Breeding, and Movement of the Schistura nalbanti ...... 4-110 Exhibit 4.93: Annual Cycle of Breeding and Growth of the Schistura nalbanti ...... 4-111 Exhibit 4.94: Preferences for Flow-dependent Habitat, Breeding, and Migratory Behavior of the Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ...... 4-112 Exhibit 4.95: Annual Cycle of Breeding and Growth of the Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ...... 4-112 Exhibit 4.96: Threats to Fish Species ...... 4-113 Exhibit 4.97: Macro-invertebrate Abundance and Richness, April 2016 Survey ...... 4-115 Exhibit 4.98: Distribution of Macro-invertebrate Abundance and Richness, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-118 Exhibit 4.99: Vegetation Cover, Plant Count and Diversity in Riparian Habitat Type, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-119 Exhibit 4.100: Phyto-sociological Attributes of Plant Species in Habitats, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-119 Exhibit 4.101: Riparian Habitat ...... 4-120 Exhibit 4.102: Habitat Types for the Terrestrial Sampling Locations ...... 4-122 Exhibit 4.103: Photographs of different habitat types in the Terrestrial Study Area, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-123 Exhibit 4.104: Vegetation Cover, Plant Count and Diversity by Habitat type, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-124 Exhibit 4.105: Phyto-sociological Attributes of Plant Species in Habitats, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-124 Exhibit 4.106: Plant Species in Agricultural Area, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-127 Exhibit 4.107: Plant Species in Scrub Forest, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-128 Exhibit 4.108: Plant Species in Pine Forest, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-130 Exhibit 4.109: Importance Value Index (IVI) ...... 4-133 Exhibit 4.110: Relative Cover (C3) ...... 4-134 Exhibit 4.111: Abundance of Mammal Signs and Sightings, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-137 Exhibit 4.112: Signs/Sightings Data for Mammals (excluding Rodents) Abundance and Diversity by Habitat Type, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-139 Exhibit 4.113: Signs of Mammals, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-139 Exhibit 4.114: Small Mammal Trapping Locations, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-140 Exhibit 4.115: Small Mammal Traps, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-140 Exhibit 4.116: Total Sightings, Density and Diversity by Habitat Type, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-140
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xiii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.117: Bird Species in the Terrestrial Study Area, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-142 Exhibit 4.118: Bird Species in Riparian Habitat, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-144 Exhibit 4.119: Herpetofauna Abundance and Diversity by Habitat Type, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-145
Exhibit 4.120: Herpetofauna Species, May 2017 Survey ...... 4-145
✄✁☎✂ ✆ ✝✞ ✂ ✟ ✠✡☛☞✡✁ ✂ ✌✍ ✎✝✡ ✏✟ ✡ ✁ ✑ ✒✡✍✟✓☎✞ Exhibit 4.121: Discrete Managem ✁✂
Hillstream Loach ...... 4-150
✝✆ ✂ ✟ ✠✡☛☞✡✁✂ ✌✍ ✎✝✡ ✏✟ Exhibit 4.122: ✔☎✍ ✂ ✞ ☎☞ ✕✂☎✝ ✁ ...... 4-151 Exhibit 4.123: Distribution of the Kashmir Hillstream Loach ...... 4-152 Exhibit 4.124: Discrete Management Unit for Alwan Snow Trout ...... 4-154 Exhibit 4.125: Socioeconomic Study Area and Zones ...... 4-157 Exhibit 4.126: Average Size of Surveyed Settlements by Zones...... 4-159 Exhibit 4.127: Average Household Size ...... 4-160 Exhibit 4.128: Migration Trends and Patterns ...... 4-161 Exhibit 4.129: Distribution of Population on Caste Basis ...... 4-161 Exhibit 4.130: Main Languages Spoken in Study Area by Zones % ...... 4-162 Exhibit 4.131: Distribution of Enrolled Population by Education Levels by Zones .... 4-163 Exhibit 4.132: Distribution of Enrolled Population by Gender, Education Levels and Zones...... 4-165 Exhibit 4.133: Percent of Surveyed Settlements Reporting Access to Health Facilities by Zones ...... 4-167 Exhibit 4.134: Reported Incidences of Diseases %...... 4-169 Exhibit 4.135: Roads in Transport Services % ...... 4-171 Exhibit 4.136: Zone-wise Water Supply by Source % ...... 4-172 Exhibit 4.137: Type of Sanitation by Zone % ...... 4-172 Exhibit 4.138: Fuel Sources by Zone % ...... 4-173 Exhibit 4.139: Zone-wise Access to Communication Infrastructure %...... 4-173 Exhibit 4.140: Provision of Police Facilities % ...... 4-173 Exhibit 4.141: Access to Other Facilities % ...... 4-174 Exhibit 4.142: Employment within the Study Area % ...... 4-174 Exhibit 4.143: Sources of Livelihood %...... 4-175 Exhibit 4.144: Household Income Levels by Zones (PKR/month)% ...... 4-175 Exhibit 4.145: Average Land holding by Zones (Kanal) ...... 4-176 Exhibit 4.146: Crops Grown by Season Zone-wise ...... 4-176 Exhibit 4.147: Proportion Sold by Crop by Zone ...... 4-177 Exhibit 4.148: Average Yield by Type of Crop by zone (Mound/Kanal) ...... 4-177
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xiv EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 4.149: Distribution of Livestock by Animal Type ...... 4-177 Exhibit 4.150: Average Value of Livestock by Type of Animal, PKR ...... 4-178 Exhibit 4.151: Average time Spent by Livestock by the River-side by Zone (hours/day) ...... 4-178 Exhibit 4.152: Modes of Transportation of Sediment ...... 4-179 Exhibit 4.153: Sand Mining Methods ...... 4-179 Exhibit 4.154: Sand Mining Statistics ...... 4-180 Exhibit 4.155: Sand Mining Intensity ...... 4-182 Exhibit 4.156: Fishing ...... 4-183 Exhibit 4.157: Fishing Statistics ...... 4-183 Exhibit 4.158: Fishing Areas ...... 4-185 Exhibit 4.159: Village-wise Distribution of Affected Households ...... 4-187 Exhibit 4.160: Settlement-wise Distribution of surveyed AHs and Sex Ratio ...... 4-187 Exhibit 4.161: Castes of Affected Households ...... 4-187 Exhibit 4.162: Literacy Rate of Affected Population ...... 4-188 Exhibit 4.163: Education Level of Affected Population ...... 4-188 Exhibit 4.164: Land Holding Size of Affected Households ...... 4-189 Exhibit 4.165: Occupational Profiles of Affected Population ...... 4-190 Exhibit 4.166: Annual Income of Affected Households ...... 4-190 Exhibit 4.167: Income and Expenditures of Affected Households ...... 4-191 Exhibit 4.168: Income Level and Percentage of Affected Households Above and Below Poverty Line ...... 4-191 Exhibit 4.169: Construction Type of Houses ...... 4-192 Exhibit 4.170: Number of Houses by Size ...... 4-192 Exhibit 4.171: Appliances Owned by Affected Households...... 4-193 Exhibit 4.172: Livestock Owned by Affected Households ...... 4-193 Exhibit 4.173: Vehicles Owned by Affected Households ...... 4-194 Exhibit 4.174: Fuel Sources used by Affected Households...... 4-194 Exhibit 4.175: Serious Illness and Outcome ...... 4-195 Exhibit 4.176: Accidents and Outcome ...... 4-196 Exhibit 4.177: Common Illness ...... 4-196
Exhibit 5.1: Life Cycle Average Cost of Power Generation from the Project Alternatives ...... 5-5 Exhibit 5.2: Comparison of Cost of Power Generation from the Project Alternatives ...... 5-6
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xv EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 5.3: Impact Assessment Scenarios and IDs ...... 5-8 Exhibit 5.4: Alwan Snow Trout Predicted Change in Population ...... 5-9
Exhibit 5.5: Alwan Snow Trout Predicted Change in Population ...... 5-10 ✟✠ ✁✡☛
Exhibit 5.6: ✁✂✄ ✁☎✆✝✞ Predicted Change in Population...... 5-11 ✟✠ ✁✡☛ Exhibit 5.7: ✁✂✄ ✁☎✆✝✞ Predicted Change in Population...... 5-11 Exhibit 5.8: Kashmir Hillstream Loach Predicted Change in Population ...... 5-12 Exhibit 5.9: Kashmir Hillstream Loach Predicted Change in Population ...... 5-13 Exhibit 5.10: Impact of Variation in Protection on Fish Population, Downstream of Tailrace (Baseload Generation with EFlow of 3.5 m3/s) ...... 5-14 Exhibit 5.11: Impact of Variation in Flow on Fish Population, Downstream of Dam with High Protection ...... 5-15 Exhibit 5.12: Impact of Baseload vs. Peaking Operation on Fish Population, Downstream of Tailrace ...... 5-15 Exhibit 5.13: Current Distribution of Fish between River and Tributaries ...... 5-16 Exhibit 5.14: Summary of Net Gain Calculations for Selected Scenarios ...... 5-17 Exhibit 5.15: Net Gain Against BAU Baseline for Selected Scenarios ...... 5-17 Exhibit 5.16: Net Gain Against Low Protection Baseline for Selected Scenarios ..... 5-18 Exhibit 5.17: Power Loss Under EFlow Scenarios ...... 5-18 Exhibit 5.18: Power Loss vs Net Gain Against Business as Usual Baseline ...... 5-19 Exhibit 5.19: Power Loss vs Net Gain Against Low Protection Baseline ...... 5-20
Exhibit 6.1: List of Community Stakeholders Consulted ...... 6-3 Exhibit 6.2: Consultation Locations ...... 6-5 Exhibit 6.3: List of Institutional Stakeholders ...... 6-6 Exhibit 6.4: Summary of Concerns Expressed in Community Consultations ...... 6-9 Exhibit 6.5: Photographs of Community Consultations ...... 6-13 Exhibit 6.6: Summary of Concerns Expressed and Management Measures Recommended ...... 6-18 Exhibit 6.7: Summary of Main Concerns Expressed by Stakeholders and Responses ...... 6-34 Exhibit 6.8: EFlow Consultations at the PEDO Office, Peshawar ...... 6-34 Exhibit 6.9: List of Stakeholders and their Relevance for the EIA and the Project ...... 6-36
Exhibit 7.1: Characteristics Used to Describe Impact ...... 7-3 Exhibit 7.2: Method for Rating the Significance of Impacts ...... 7-7
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xvi EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 7.3: Impact Assessment Template ...... 7-9 Exhibit 7.4: Summary of Net Gain in Abundance of Key Fish Species with Implementation of the BAP, Compared to Pre-Balakot HPP Baseline with Business-as-Usual Protection ...... 7-12 Exhibit 7.5: Zone of Impact and Area of Habitat Loss ...... 7-17 Exhibit 7.6: Inventory of Emission Sources...... 7-25 Exhibit 7.7: Receptors in Risk Areas ...... 7-31
Exhibit 7.8: Zone of Impact Dam Site ...... 7-33
Exhibit 7.9: Zone of Impact Adits ...... 7-34
Exhibit 7.10: Zone of Impact Powerhouse Site ...... 7-35
Exhibit 7.11: Zone of Impact Waste Dumping Sites ...... 7-36 Exhibit 7.12: Criteria for Structural Damage Due to Vibration ...... 7-39 Exhibit 7.13: Approximate Vibration Levels for Various Sources ...... 7-39 Exhibit 7.14: Instantaneous Charge Weight Calculation ...... 7-40 Exhibit 7.15: Calculated PPV as Function of Distance from Blast Site ...... 7-41 Exhibit 7.16: Depth Profile of the Headrace Tunnel ...... 7-43 Exhibit 7.17: Depth Profile of Construction Adit 1 ...... 7-43 Exhibit 7.18: Depth Profile of Construction Adit 2 ...... 7-44 Exhibit 7.19: Vibration Risk Area 1 ...... 7-46 Exhibit 7.20: Vibration Risk Area 2 ...... 7-47 Exhibit 7.21: High Risk Areas for Mountain Springs A ...... 7-52 Exhibit 7.22: High Risk Areas for Mountain Springs B ...... 7-53 Exhibit 7.23: NEQS and IFC Guidelines on Ambient Noise Levels ...... 7-59 Exhibit 7.24: Construction Equipment Noise Ranges (dBA) ...... 7-60 Exhibit 7.25: Predicted Noise Level for Construction Equipment (dBA) ...... 7-61 Exhibit 7.26: Mitigation Measures for Controlling Noise ...... 7-63 Exhibit 7.27: Land Use in Spoil Disposal Zones ...... 7-71 Exhibit 7.28: Comparison of Baseline and Post Project Hydrograph in the Low Flow Section, 1960 ...... 7-73 Exhibit 7.29: Low Flow Section...... 7-74 Exhibit 7.30: Graphical Depiction of a Viewshed ...... 7-75 Exhibit 7.31: Details of the Reservoir and Powerhouse ...... 7-76 Exhibit 7.32: Viewshed of the Reservoir and Dam ...... 7-77 Exhibit 7.33: Transport Route ...... 7-81 Exhibit 7.34: Construction Traffic Volume ...... 7-83
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xvii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 7.35: Site Access Roads ...... 7-84 Exhibit 7.36: Graveyards in the Project Area ...... 7-97 Exhibit 7.37: Study Steps ...... 7-99 Exhibit 7.38: CIA Study Area ...... 7-101 Exhibit 7.39: Locations, Capacities and Status of Major Hydropower Projects on the Kunhar River ...... 7-102
Exhibit 7.40: Cumulative Impact of Planned HPPs on the Population of Alwan
✄ ☎✁✆✝✞ ✟✠✡☛ ✠ ✝☞✌ ✍✁✠✎✏ ✠ ✑ ✒ ✠✌✏✓✔☎ ✕✔✡✡✌✝ ☎ ✖ ✠✓ ✍✁ ✠✎✏ S ✁✂ ...... 7-111 Exhibit 7.41: Definitions of the Present Ecological State (PES) Categories ...... 7-113 Exhibit 7.42: Predicted Ecosystem Integrity in the CIA Study Area with Sequential Implementation of Hydropower Projects ...... 7-115 Exhibit 7.43: Summary of Impacts ...... 7-125
Exhibit 8.1: Members of GRC ...... 8-2
Exhibit 9.1: Balakot Hydropower Project Location ...... 9-3 Exhibit 9.2: Elements of the ESMS for BAHPP ...... 9-7 Exhibit 9.3: Types of Obligations Relevant to the ESMS ...... 9-8 Exhibit 9.4: Key Roles for Environmental and Social Management ...... 9-10 Exhibit 9.5: General Overview of the Relationship between Stakeholder Engagement and the ESMS elements ...... 9-20 Exhibit 9.6: Impacts Assessed during the EIA ...... 9-27 Exhibit 9.7: Design Phase Mitigation Plan ...... 9-29 Exhibit 9.8: Construction Phase Mitigation Plan ...... 9-32 Exhibit 9.9: Operation Phase Mitigation Plan ...... 9-60 Exhibit 9.10: Design and Construction Planning EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-63 Exhibit 9.11: General Construction Site Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-63 Exhibit 9.12: Dam Site Construction Site Manager Additional EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-65 Exhibit 9.13: Powerhouse Site Construction Site Manager Additional EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-65 Exhibit 9.14: Headrace Tunnel Construction Site Manager Additional EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-66 Exhibit 9.15: Workshop Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-66 Exhibit 9.16: Batching Plant Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-68 Exhibit 9.17: Construction Camp Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-69
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xviii EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 9.18: Spoil Disposal Site Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-69 Exhibit 9.19: Transport Fleet Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-71 Exhibit 9.20: Labor Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-73 Exhibit 9.21: Community Liaison Officer EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-74
Exhibit 9.22: Project Environmental Manager EMP Responsibilities ...... 9-75
✁✝ ✞✟✆✠✡☛✆☞✌ ☞✍☞✎☞ ✟✆
Exhibit 9.23: ✁✂✄☎✆ ...... 9-75
✁ ☛✒ ☞☛ ✟✟✑ ✁✝ ✞✟✆✠✡ ☛✆☞✌☞✍☞✎☞ ✟ ✆ Exhibit 9.24: ✄✏☛✟✑☎✆ ...... 9-76 Exhibit 9.25: Supporting Plans ...... 9-76 Exhibit 9.26: Environmental Monitoring Program for Construction and Operation ... 9-95 Exhibit 9.27: Organizational Setup of PEDO for EMP Implementation...... 9-99 Exhibit 9.28: Summary of Cost Estimates for EMP (USD) to be borne by PEDO and EPC Contractor ...... 9-107
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Exhibits D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 xix EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
1. Introduction
The Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) intends to construct a
☎ ✆✝ ✞✟✞✠ ✄ ✟ ✡☛ ☞✌ ✍✌ ☎✄ ✎✏ ✞✑✄✒✌✓ ✞ ✎✔✕ ✖✏✏ ✓✗ ☛✌ 310 megawatt (MW) run-of- ✁✂✄ Balakot, in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The Project site is located on the Kunhar River about 18.6 kilometer (km) upstream of the town of Balakot. Exhibit 1.1 shows the location of the Project.
1
✘✄☛✙ ✁✚✁ ✡✁✌ ✆ ✙✌✛✝ ✆ ✞ ✘ ✌ ☎✄ ✏ ✞✑✄✒✌ ✠☛✙ ✟ ✄✟☛ ✄✝ ✁☞ ✜✢✣✤ ✍✌ ☎✄ ✎✥✦ ✜✢✣✤✓✗✧
✕ The Asian
✓ ✞ ✌ ☎ ✄ ✎ ★✄☞✝ ✄ ✙✓ Development Bank ( ✎ADB ) is evaluating the Project for financing under its Hydropower Investment Development Program. As part of the evaluation of the Project, ADB, on advice of technical consultants, deemed the design proposed in 2013 as unfeasible and had it modified by Aqualogus. Aqualogos proposed and assessed dam site and powerhouse option alternatives and released a draft report of their findings in May 2018. Hagler Bailly Pakistan (Private) Limited (HBP) contributed to the environmental and social assessment of options. ADB has now acquired the services of HBP as Safeguard Consultants to prepare the documents required for ensuring that the project meets the environmental and social safeguards of the ADB, and also conforms to environmental legislation of KP. The complete package of the environmental and social safeguard documents comprises the following: 1. Knowledge Summary (A brief summary of the entire report) 2. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) in three volumes: a. The Main EIA Report (this Report) b. Appendices to the Main Report c. Supporting Studies including Environmental flow Assessment Report and Biodiversity Action Plan 3. Climate Change and Vulnerability Assessment Report (CCVA) 4. Environmental Assessment Review Framework (EARF) 5. Social and Poverty Analysis Report (SPA) 6. Summary of Poverty Reduction and Social Strategy (SPRSS) 7. Gender Analysis Report and Gender Action Plan (GAR) 8. Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan (LARP) 9. Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework (LARF)
1 Mirza Associates Engineering Services (Pvt.) Ltd., Feasibility Study of Balakot Hydropower Project, for Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), December 2013
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Introduction D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 1-1
EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 1.1: Balakot Hydropower Project Location
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Introduction D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 1-3
EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
1.1 Project Proponents PEDO was established by the Government of KP in 1986 as the Small Hydel Development Organization. Its objectives included the following:
To identify and develop hydel potential up to 5 MW.
To construct small hydel stations for isolated load centers.
To operate and maintain off grid small hydel stations. In 1993, it was converted to an autonomous body and renamed the Sarhad Hydel Development Organization which was renamed Pakhtunkhwa Hydel Development Organization (PHYDO) in 2013 following change of the provinces name from Northwest Frontier Province to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan vested full authority to the provinces to develop power projects of any capacity through the public or private sector. Consequently, the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (Amendment) Act 2014 renamed PHYDO to Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization and expanded its mandate to include all types of power generation sources. The key powers and duties of PEDO under the amended Act includes:2 1. Prepare a comprehensive plan for the development and utilization of the power and energy resources of the KP. 2. Frame a scheme, or schemes, for the KP providing for the generation, transmission and distribution of power; and the construction, maintenance and operation of power houses, grids and microgrids, transmission and distribution lines specially in the remote mountainous areas of KP. 3. Act as adviser to the Government on all matters regarding issuance of licenses and joint ventures in the power sector. 4. Have control over the operation of all power houses, grids, transmission and distribution lines in KP constructed by, or transferred to, PEDO 5. Make recommendations to Government for prescribing standards for the maintenance of power houses, grids, microgrids and transmission and distribution lines of the Organization 6. Restrict or prohibit by general or special order, the clearing and breaking up of land in the catchment area of any river; 7. Establish thermal, solar, wind or other alternate renewable energy based power houses, erect test masts, collect wind and solar data for power generation, lay or cause to be laid, pipelines for supply of fuel, establish fuel supply means, engage in transmission, trading, distribution and sale of energy to industries and domestic consumers, manage demand discipline, cause setting of tariff, recover and collect charges, fees and tariffs and do all other
2 The Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization Act, 1993. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Act No. I of 1993. http://kpcode.kp.gov.pk/homepage/lawDetails/30.
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Introduction D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 1-5 EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
things necessary and incidental with power produced or generated by or through the Organization;
1.2 Project Overview The Project is a run-of-river hydropower project (Exhibit 1.2). The proposed site of the dam is 18.6 km upstream of Balakot town, whereas the underground powerhouse will be located in near the village of Barkot, 8.0 km upstream of Balakot town. The dam will be a concrete gravity dam or a rockfill dam with a maximum height of 35 meters (m) from the river bed and dam crest length of 130 m. The dam top elevation will be 1,292 m above mean sea level (amsl). The dam will create a reservoir that will operate between the maximum operating level of 1,288 m and the minimum operating water level of 1,283 m. The reservoir volumes corresponding to the maximum and minimum operating levels are 3.6 million cubic meter (m3) and 2.4 million m3, respectively. The surface area of the reservoir will be approximately 33 hectares (ha) and it will extend 2.8 km upstream of the dam. A headrace tunnels extending 9 km will divert water from the reservoir created by the dam to the powerhouse. The powerhouse will be underground cavern-type powerhouse. A 2.2-km long tailrace tunnel will discharge the water back to the Kunhar River. The total distance between the dam and the outfall of the tailrace tunnel will be about 13.4 km. A 500-kilovolt (kV) switchyard will be constructed on the banks of the river, near the powerhouse access tunnel, from where power will be evacuated to the national grid. The total installed capacity will be 310 MW. The average annual energy generation will be 1,250 Gigawatt-hour (GWh). The mean annual flow at the dam site is 86.8 m3/s. The design discharge is 154 m3/s.
Introduction Hagler Bailly Pakistan 1-6 D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
Exhibit 1.2: Balakot Hydropower Project Facilities Layout
Hagler Bailly Pakistan Introduction D8E03BPK: 11/23/18 1-7 EIA of Balakot Hydropower Project
1.3 Objectives and Scope of the EIA The overall purpose of the EIA is to identify the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed Project and evaluate them following the process which is acceptable to regulatory authorities in Pakistan and the Project lenders. In this process, the EIA identified measures to minimize any anticipated adverse impact of the proposed Project, at least to the level that it meet the national and good international industry practice (GIIP) criteria for evaluation of environmental and social impacts. The specific objectives of this EIA is to: