Initial Environmental Examination

Project No. 44382 August 2014

SOL: Broadband for Development Project (Additional Financing)

Prepared by Solomon Oceanic Cable Company for the Asian Development Bank. This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Project information, including the draft and final IEE, will be made available for public review and comment as per ADB Public Communications Policy 2011. The IEE, or a summary of it, will be uploaded to ADB website and will be disclosed locally. This is an updated version of the draft originally posted in July 2012 available on {http://www.adb.org/projects/xxxxx-xxx/documents}. i

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 12 August 2014)

Currency unit – Solomon Islands dollar/s (SBD)

$1.00 = SBD$7.25163 SBD$1.00 = $0.13790

ABBREVIATIONS – ACMA Australian Communications and Media Authority ADB – Asian Development Bank AP – affected persons BMH – beach manhole BU – branching unit CLS – cable landing station ECD – Environmental and Conservation Division (within MECDM) EMP – environmental management plan EPBCA – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (in Australia) HDD – horizontal directional drilling IAIA – International Association for Impact Assessment ICT – Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology IEE – initial environmental examination IPP – indigenous people’s plan LW – lightweight LWP – lightweight protection MECDM – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology MID – Ministry Infrastructure Development MNES – Matters of Environmental Significance MOFT – Ministry of Finance and Treasury NGO – nongovernment organization OADM – optical add-drop multiplexer PDMC – Pacific developing member country PER – public environmental report PPC – PIPE Pacific Cable ROV – remotely operated submersible vehicle RP – resettlement plan SIA – social impact assessment SOCC – Solomon’s Oceanic Cable Company SPS – Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) STL – Solomon Telekom Limited TCSL – Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands TOR – terms of reference UXO – unexploded ordnance

NOTE In this report, "$" refers to US dollars.

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Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

1. Introduction 1 1.1. Project Overview 1.2. Purpose and Objective of Initial Environmental Examination 1.3. Scope and Structure of the Initial Environmental Examination

2. IEE Methodology 4 2.1. Introduction 2.2. Overview and Approach to the IEE 2.3. Regulatory and Legislative Framework 2.4. Limitations of the Study Report

3. Description of the Solomon Islands Cable System 20 3.1. Description of proposed works 3.2. Design phase 3.3. Construction Phase – Cable Placement Methods 3.4. Operation Phase 3.5. Alternatives Considered

37 4. Description of the Environment 4.1. Location, Setting and Review of Existing Information 4.2. Physical Environment 4.3. Biological Environment 4.4. Natural Hazards

5. Assessment of Potential Environmental Impacts 57 5.1. General 5.2. Physical Environment 5.3. Biological Environment 5.4. Natural Hazards 5.5. Additional Potential Impacts

6. Environmental Management Plan 63 6.1. General 6.2. Institutional Assessment to Undertake Impact Management 6.3. Grievance Management Procedure 6.4. Environmental Management Plan 6.5. Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms 6.6. Equator Principles 6.7. Conclusions and Recommendations

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Executive Summary

1. Background. Under the Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connectivity Project, the government of the Solomon Islands is seeking assistance through Asian Development Bank (ADB) to part finance the Solomon Islands Broadband for Development Project (the project). Part of this support is required for the construction of the international submarine cable system that will link to an existing regional cable, and two domestic spurs within the Solomon Islands.

2. The project was approved by the ADB Board on 25 September 2012. The assumption was that the international cable would connect to the Pipe Pacific Cable 1 (PPC1) which was laid between Sydney and Guam in 2009. The project’s primary plan was to connect to the existing PPC1 at the closest point of approach to the Solomon Islands, which was identified as a beach landing site approximately 2km west of the center of Honiara. The project experienced significant delays in finalizing international connectivity arrangements due to difficulty negotiating with PIPE Networks. The alternative option to connect via existing Branching Unit 3 on PPC-1 (near Port Moresby) connecting the Solomon Islands to the submarine cable network in partnership with Independent Public Business Corporation of Papua New Guinea also did not materialize due to lack of response from PIPE Networks in carrying forward this option.

3. The proposed additional financing project. The preferred option now, for international connectivity, is to build a cable directly between Sydney and Honiara. The landing point of the international cable on Honiara is changed to a new location, a site owned by a SOCC shareholder, Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. There are no substantive changes to the previously selected routes and landing points for the domestic cable systems. In light of the new international cable route, the existing safeguards and social assessments need to be updated to identify and assess any additional environmental and social issues according to the requirements of ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS).

4. The cable system will comprise an international cable from Sydney, Australia to Honiara, Solomon Islands and two domestic spurs from Honiara to Noro (Western Province) and Auki (Malaita Province). The international cable is proposed to originate from Sydney and be delivered directly to Honiara at an identified beach landing site approximately 0.5 km from the central telecommunication building. Domestic distribution will be via a single cable departing Honiara to be split into two separate cables, one to Western Province, and one to Malaita. The cable to Western Province will terminate in Noro on New Georgia Island, approximately 400 km from its departure point from Honiara. The cable to Malaita will land in Auki, running approximately 140 km from Honiara.

5. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework. The project shall comply with requirements of the Environment Act 1998 and the Environment Regulations 2008 which require that for prescribed activities, a development consent must be obtained from the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management. A development consent application must include an environmental assessment which complies with Environment Act and Environment Regulations requirements.

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6. The project will also comply with the requirements of the SPS. Government environmental clearance and development consent (and other permits) must be obtained before any works commence.

7. The most significant change associated with this project is the environmental requirements for the cable to connect to Sydney, Australia. With the exception of identifying, on a preliminary basis, the laws and requirements that will apply, the Australian landing site aspect of the potential project is not covered under this study (this will be Solomon’s Oceanic Cable Company responsibility and will be completed when the third party (service provider in Australia) is determined).

8. Safeguards due diligence. This report has been prepared to update the initial environmental examination (IEE) prepared in 2012 to provide additional environmental information pertaining to the changes made to the proposed delivery of a submarine telecommunication cable (international and domestic) to the Solomon Islands. The basis of this report is the approved IEE and the original information and format have been retained and supplemented where necessary. Specific changes relate to the environmental procedures required for a new international cable to be sourced directly from Sydney, Australia to the Solomon Islands and the inclusion of marine and coastal environmental profile assessments to address minor location changes to the three domestic landing sites (Honiara, Noro and Auki). This report should also be read in conjunction with the updated social assessment and the resettlement plan.

9. Categorization The subproject is classified as Category B in accordance with ADB's SPS, as the project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed readily. The IEE was carried out in July and August 2014 and results of this IEE and the environmental management plan (EMP) will be updated as required following survey and detailed design.

10. Anticipated environmental impacts. The project will impact a corridor about 0.3-0.5 m wide on the sea floor, and in some locations up to 0.75 m beneath the sediment. The cable, 2- 5cmm in diameter, will be either sitting on the floor of deep ocean or buried as it passes through the natural marine environment of the Solomon Islands. This will reduce interference with coastal fishing equipment and reduce the risk of damage from severe storms.

11. Cable routes, including the beach landings, can vary depending on the coastal processes, geomorphology and geology of the proposed alignments. At this stage, several options are being considered and will be determined based on this IEE, the desktop study and marine route surveys to be completed during the detailed design phase. Final construction methods for the cable routes will be determined during the detailed design phase which will undertake detailed surveys of the coastal processes, and the enviornmental assessment and EMP will be updated at this time.

12. The installation of an offshore, inshore and coastal submarine communications cable together with its supporting terrestrial infrastructure will have a small environmental footprint and in many respects is benign in nature. Nonetheless, its linear extent encompasses a considerable range of marine environments which will incur impacts that need to be mitigated.

13. Grievance redress mechanism. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be established to receive, evaluate and facilitate the resolution of affected people’s concerns, complaints and grievances about the environmental and social performance of the project.

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14. The GRM is based on accepted practices in Solomon Islands including previous experience on ADB projects and provides an accessible, time-bound and transparent mechanism for the affected persons to voice and resolve social and environmental concerns linked to the project

15. Consultation and disclosure. Some 18 government and public/community stakeholders were consulted both as part of the original assessment and this updated IEE to gather information and to provide project details. The stakeholder consultation process disseminated information to the general public, project affected communities and key environmental stakeholders. Information was provided on the scale and scope of the Project and the expected impacts and the proposed mitigation measures through consultation with government departments, local authorities and the general public in meetings. The process also gathered information on relevant concerns of the local community for the Project so as to address these in the project design and implementation stages.

16. The IEE will be disclosed as per the requirments of ADB Public Communications Policy 2011 and Solomon Islands’ Environment Act.

17. Conclusion. The conclusion is that the potential impacts can be readily mitigated and managed during the pre-construction, construction and operation phases of the project resulting. No impacts have been identified that cannot be avoided or reduced to low or negligible levels with appropriate mitigation. Provided that the environmental management plan is properly implemented, the impacts will be only minor, short-term and site-specific.

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I. INTRODUCTION

1. Project Overview

1. The approved project. Through the Pacific Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connectivity Project, the government of the Solomon Islands (the government) is seeking assistance through Asian Development Bank (ADB) to part finance the Solomon Islands Broadband for Development Project (the project). Part of this support is required for the construction of the international submarine cable system that will link to an existing regional cable, and two domestic spurs within the Solomon Islands.

2. The project will assist the Solomon Islands to develop a capability to support a submarine fibre optic cable network that will enable the Solomon Islands to provide affordable and high capacity international bandwidth options. The project will enable the population of the Solomon Islands to access lower-cost broadband internet and other communications services, thus contributing to its socioeconomic development.

3. The project was approved by the ADB Board on 25 September 2012. The assumption was that the international cable would connect to the Pipe Pacific Cable 1 (PPC1) which was laid between Sydney and Guam in 2009. The project’s primary plan was to connect to the existing PPC1 at the closest point of approach to the Solomon Islands, which was identified as a beach landing site approximately 2km west of the center of Honiara. The project experienced significant delays in finalizing international connectivity arrangements due to difficulty negotiating with PIPE Networks. An alternative option - to connect via existing Branching Unit 3 on PPC-1 (near Port Moresby) connecting the Solomon Islands to the submarine cable network in partnership with Independent Public Business Corporation of Papua New Guinea - also did not materialize due to lack of response from PIPE Networks in carrying forward this option.

4. Proposed additional financing component. The preferred option now is to build a cable directly between Sydney and Honiara for its international connectivity. The landing point of the international cable on Honiara is owned by a SOCC shareholder, Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. There are no substantive changes to the previously selected routes and landing points for the domestic cable systems. In light of the new international cable route, the existing safeguards and social assessments need to be updated to identify and assess the additional environmental and social issues according to the requirements of the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS).

5. The proposed system will comprise an international fibre optic submarine cable from Sydney, Australia to Honiara, Solomon Islands and two domestic spurs from Honiara to Noro, Western Province and Auki, Malaita Province. The international cable is proposed to originate from Sydney, Australia and be delivered directly to Honiara at an identified beach landing site approximately 0.5 km from the nation’s central telecommunication building. The domestic distribution will be via a single cable departing Honiara to be split into two separate cables, one to Western Province, and one to Malaita. The cable to Western Province will terminate in Noro on New Georgia Island, approximately 400 km from its departure point from Honiara. The cable to Malaita will land in Auki, running approximately 140 km from Honiara.

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6. Background and context. The Solomon Islands introduced the second mobile operator in 2010 and opened all telecommunications services for competition in April 2011. Competition is expected to lower prices and improve the quality, especially for internet services. The Solomon Islands is fully dependent on satellite connectivity, which is very expensive and inadequate to meet growing demand.

7. Total demand for international bandwidth is projected to increase from the 2010 level of about 100 Mbps up to over 400 Mbps by 2020, driven primarily by increased demand for fixed and mobile broadband services. Satellite dependency will constrain competition since new market entrants will have to obtain satellite links or lease capacity from existing operators.

8. The purpose of the project is to support the Solomon Islands in developing a submarine fibre optic cable to provide a more affordable, high capacity international bandwidth solution. Improved services and lower cost of international connectivity through the submarine cable will stimulate competition and increase demand for broadband Internet. In turn, this will lower the cost of retail telecommunications services, especially broadband internet.

9. Faster and cheaper connectivity is expected to have numerous positive development impacts, including reduced transaction costs for business, government and household communications; new business opportunities, i.e. investments in e-commerce and business process outsourcing facilities; improved public service delivery, in particular to support e- education and e-health services which are of great interest to the government.

2. Purpose and Objective of the Assessment

10. The ADB requires due diligence of all potential investments. An important element of the due diligence process is to understand the nature of the safeguards that will apply to a project. In 2012 an IEE was prepared and cleared to ensure that the subsequent project would comply with the environmental safeguard requirements of the SPS and to identify the requirements of the country safeguard systems that would also need to be complied with.

11. This report has been prepared to update the IEE prepared in 2012 to provide additional environmental information pertaining to the changes made to the proposed delivery of a submarine telecommunication cable (international and domestic) to the Solomon Islands.

12. The basis of this report is the approved IEE and the original information and format have been retained and supplemented where necessary. Specific changes relate to the environmental procedures required for a new international cable to be sourced directly from Sydney, Australia to the Solomon Islands and the inclusion of marine and coastal environmental profile assessments to address minor location changes to the three domestic landing sites (Honiara, Noro and Auki). This updated IEE presents the results of additional environmental assessment undertaken July – August 2014. The original IEE undertook the fieldwork during April – June 2012.

3. IEE Approach and Methodology

13. The IEE has been completed based on a review of relevant primary and secondary information sources and based principally on the first IEE for this project, site visits, and consultations to determine the existing environment conditions surrounding the proposed cable routes and landing sites.

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14. This was completed in order to carry out a detailed analysis of environmental impacts of the proposed activities. The following is an outline of the broad activities undertaken for the project scoping:

 Information provided by the ADB project team;   Meetings with the Solomon’s Oceanic Cable Company (SOCC);   Site visits and data collection at the marine and coastal environments of the three specific landing sites which included the inspection of landing sites at Honiara (sometimes referred to as the “old G Club”),Noro, and Auki;  Discussions about the modified proposal with relevant stakeholders;   Consultation with community and other stakeholders (Section VI and Appendix G);  Desktop searches to identify or determine: project’s influence area; marine protected areas; baseline data in the project influence area; review of applicable laws; and review of applicable ADB requirements;  Update the 2012 IEE by addressing the requirements of SPS to identify, assess and minimize impacts of the project on the environment.  4. Limitations of the Study Report

15. This report has been prepared utilizing readily available data and information sourced and assessed as above. In addition to the site visits undertaken, numerous and extensive stakeholder engagement has formed a key part of this study, including representatives from the Solomon’s Islands ministries and provincial governments in Honiara, Auki and Noro, Solomon Islands Telekom and the overall project team.

16. Detailed shallow water marine and coastal site assessments have been undertaken at each of the proposed cable landing sites (Honiara, Auki and Noro) and discussed in Appendix D. However detailed assessments of the deeper water marine benthic ecosystems associated with the waters of the Solomon Islands and international waters including Australia associated with the cable alignment have not been conducted as part of this study.

17. The environmental assessment undertaken for this report has been based on the latest information on the cable system - proposed location of cable routes/landing sites/land based cable routes and a range of installation methodologies detailed in the original IEE and up dated information provided to the consultants by SOCC. In the next phase of the project these details will need to be confirmed in order to determine roles and responsibilities in relation to the environmental management plan (EMP), and associated costs for implementing the monitoring, mitigation and management measures outlined in this IEE.

18. Data gaps that have been identified, namely, sediment composition of the seabed substrate, exact positions of ship and aeroplane wrecks and extent of rock or coral reefs, will be completed during the marine route survey phase of the project. Accordingly, all gaps identified as part of the IEE process will be closed out in due course as part of the overall scope of the project.

19. The detailed surveys and design will reflect the selected cable laying methodology to be adopted by the contractor.

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II. POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

20. The following is an outline of legislative, institutional and regulatory frameworks for the Solomon Islands that are relevant to this project. It is understood that SOCC will be obtaining legal advice regarding the relevance of the regulatory and legislative framework during the preceding phases of the project including Solomon Island and Australian requirements.

21. The project will comply with the relevant Solomon Island legislation, subject to the normal formalities of securing necessary approvals, satisfying reporting requirements, and adhering to the rules and regulations established under law and international agreements which will be the responsibility of the SOCC.

22. This section also summarises relevant environmental protocols and requirements for telecommunication cables entering Australia. With the exception of identifying, on a preliminary basis, the laws and requirements that will apply, the Australian landing site aspect of the potential project is not covered under this study. It will be the responsibility of SOCC to complete requirements to comply with Australian law when the third party (service provider in Australia) is determined).

1. Environmental Legislation in Solomon Islands

23. Environmental management and protection in the Solomon Islands is provided through the Environment Act 1998 and the accompanying regulatory instrument, the Environment Regulations 2008. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is the institution that administers this Act. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) within MECDM implements the Environment Act and Environment Regulations which stipulate the type of activities for which development consent must be sought and which propose developments require environmental assessment. The ECD is the government agency responsible for reviewing and clearing development consent applications and environmental assessments on behalf of the government.

24. Environment Act. The Environment Act 1998 provides for the protection and conservation of the environment, through the establishment of the ECD and an Environment Advisory Committee (although the Committee has never been formally established). The core objectives of the Act are as follows:

 To provide for and establish integrated systems of development control, environmental impact assessment and pollution control;   To prevent, control and monitor pollution;   To reduce risks to human health and prevent degradation of the environment by all practical means, including the following: (i) regulating the discharge of pollution to the air, water and land; and (ii) regulating the transport, collection, treatment, storage and disposal of wastes;  Promoting recycling, re-use and recovery of materials in an economically viable manner; and  To comply with and give effect to regional and international conventions and obligations relating to the environment. 

25. The Act is divided into four sections:

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 Part I which provides the Act with considerable power including Article 4.1 which states that in the event of conflict between the Environment Act and other legislation, the Environment Act shall prevail;  Part II establishes and defines the powers and role of the ECD;   Part III establishes the requirements for environmental assessment, review and monitoring. This provides for an environmental assessment to consist of either a public environmental report (PER) or if the development is shown to be of such a nature as to cause more serious impacts then the developer is required to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) to the MECDM; and  Part IV details requirements for pollution control and emissions (noise, odor and electromagnetic radiation) and requirements to permits for the discharge of waste. Noise (restrictions on emitting unreasonable noise) is covered in Article 51(1).   26. The project is required to comply with the Environment Act in order to obtain development consent.

27. Environment Regulations. The Environment Regulations 2008 establish the procedures for undertaking the environmental assessment of any projects categorized as ‘prescribed activities’. The developer is required to first submit a development application following which the ECD determines whether: (i) no further assessment is required; (ii) a PER is required, (a PER is roughly equivalent to IEE and therefore this document also meets government’s requirements; or (iii) where major projects are considered such as logging, large agricultural developments, mining, and large scale tourism developments and infrastructure projects, an EIS is required which includes detailed technical, economic, environmental and social investigations.

28. Both the PER and EIS require public consultation. Following review and clearance of the PER or EIS by the ECD, a development consent is issued either with or without conditions.

29. Environmental standards are not provided in the Regulations, however the MECDM requires the use of World Health Organization standards. Although the regulations provide for licenses to discharge waste or emissions, the enforcement of these will be difficult without defined standards.

30. Communications Act. The Communications Act 2009 provides the regulatory framework for the telecommunication sector and establishes the Telecommunication Commission. The Act repeals the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 115) and the Solomon Telekom (Limitation of Liability) Act (Cap. 114) and related matters.

31. The principle objective of the Communications Act is to enhance long-term wellbeing of the population of the Solomon Islands, the inclusiveness and fairness of its society and the productivity of its economy by improving the availability, affordability, quality of service and kinds of telecommunications services in the Solomon Islands.

32. This act is relevant to the proposed development as this will continue to ensure provision of adequate, sustainable and efficient telecommunication services in all sectors of development, and also this could put in place a reliable telecommunications infrastructure and ensure service inter-connectivity nationally and internationally. It is understood that confirmation of applicability of this Act will be carried out through legal counsel with SOCC.

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33. Other legislation that could be relevant to the project is presented in Appendix A.

2. Summary of Australian Environmental Legislation

34. As the international cable will be landing in Australia it will be subject to Australian state and federal laws in respect of safeguards, planning controls, and development clearance. With the exception of identifying, on a preliminary basis, the laws and requirements that will apply (as indicated below), the Australian landing site aspect of the potential project is not covered by this assessment. SOCC and its commercial partner will be responsible for completing all assessments and requirements complying with relevant Australian law when the third party (service provider in Australia) is determined. The level of assessment and stringency of the permitting and approval process is dependent on whether: (i) the proponent is a licensed Australian carrier; and (ii) the cable entry point to Australia is within (or not) a gazetted protection zone. Most importantly, should the proponent not be a licensed Australian carrier they will not be permitted to construct and operate a submarine cable in Australian waters.

35. A permit is required from the Australian Commonwealth if the proponent is a licensed Australian carrier and wishes to lay the submarine cable within existing gazetted protection zones. This permit exempts the carrier from state government development and approval processes, but does not exempt the carrier from Commonwealth approval processes. The proponent will be required to submit a referral to the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBCA) 1999 for determination as to whether or not the project constitutes a controlled action as defined under the Act. The level of assessment and information required for the EPBCA referral is project and location specific.

36. Should the proponent wish to lay a submarine cable in Australian waters outside of a gazetted protection zone, the proponent will be subject to the full array of state, local government and other assessment and permit approval processes with no exceptions. Additionally, the Commonwealth will still require referral (and approval) of the project under the provisions of the EPBC Act prior to any state and local government approvals being given. This also includes formal cultural heritage and Native Title studies, negotiations and settlement with traditional owners.

37. The terminology used in the Australian legislation is defined in Appendix B1.

38. Commonwealth requirements. The Australian government has introduced legislation designed to project submarine cables in Australian territorial waters the Telecommunication and Other Legislation Amendment (Protection of Submarine Cables and Other Measures) Act 2005. The legislation allows the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) to declare submarine cable protection zones in Australian waters over submarine cables. Within these protection zones, activities that could damage submarine cables will be prohibited or restricted. The legislation also provides for the ACMA to issue permits through Schedule 3A of the Telecommunication Act 1997 for the installation of submarine cables either within submarine cable protection zones, or outside of submarine cable protection zones (other than in coastal waters which are controlled by the state).

39. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA) is administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage, and amongst other things provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places defined in the Act as matters of national environmental significance.

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40. There are nine matters of national environmental significance under the Commonwealth jurisdiction in relation to project approval and assessment.

 World heritage properties  National heritage places  Wetlands of international importance (or 'Ramsar' sites)  Nationally threatened species and ecological communities  Migratory species  Commonwealth marine areas  The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park  Nuclear actions (including uranium mining)  A water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development.

41. As the Australian landing site and cable in Australian waters will potentially impact on three of the matters: (i) nationally threatened species and ecological communities; (ii) migratory species; and (iii) commonwealth marine areas the proponent will have to make an application to the Commonwealth under the provisions of the EPBC Act for a determination as to whether the construction of the submarine cable constitutes a ‘controlled act’ (i.e. likely to have an impact on one or all of the matters identified). Should the Commonwealth make the determination that the cable construction constitutes a ‘controlled action’, the Commonwealth will then ask for further detailed information upon which to make an assessment. An EPBC referral and determination/approval process may take between nine months and 18 months to complete. The results and outcomes of the EPBC approval must be submitted with the permit application for the submarine cable under the Telecommunication Act.

42. State requirements. Should the submarine cable not be co-located within a protection zone, then the state legislative requirements of the New South Wales government would apply to that section of cable within state coastal waters extending from the mainland to a point 3 nautical miles seaward. The applicability of state legislation will vary depending on the coastal zone management plans in place for the proposed cable. Within the Sydney region there are multiple management plans in place, all with specific requirements to be met in terms of desired management outcomes for the coastal zone within that plan area. The precise legislative requirements are thus locality specific, however a number of broad requirements under various legislation will be required to be addressed should the cable be located outside of a protection zone. These are listed in Appendix B2.

43. Sydney protection zones. In July 2007, the ACMA declared two submarine cable protection zones off the Sydney coast which have been in effect since 1 October 2007. The declared protection zones have been developed around two cables that are regarded as nationally significant: (i) the Southern Cross Cable—which links Australia’s communications network with New Zealand, Fiji and the United States, and (ii) the Australia Japan Cable—which links Australia with Guam, Japan and Asia.1

1 The Northern Sydney Protection Zone extending from Narrabeen beach to 40 nautical miles off shore covering northern branches of the Australia Japan Cable and Southern Cross cable, including the area between these two cables. The Southern Sydney Protection Zone extending from Tamarama and Clovelly beaches and extending 30 nautical miles off shore covering the southern branches of the Australia Japan Cable and Southern Cross cables, including the area between these two cables.

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44. Permits required. Protection zone permits under schedule 3A of the Telecommunication Act 1997 are required for a proposed installation within a declared protection zone, which extends from the low-water mark out to a point corresponding to a water depth of 2000m. Carriers that obtain a permit to install cables within protection zones will be exempt from certain state and territory laws.

45. Before applying to the ACMA for a protection zone permit, the applicant must apply for and obtain an Australian carrier license (if the applicant is not already a carrier). It is also recommended that an applicant:

 Apply for and obtain all permits or approvals required under the EPBCA;  Apply for and obtain all relevant state/territory permits or approvals required under relevant state or territory laws, including the protection of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage; and  Complete a desktop or hydrographic survey outlining the proposed route of the cable installation

46. Applicants should be aware that the requirements of the EPBCA continue to apply. The ACMA strongly recommends applicants contact the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) before submitting a permit application to the ACMA. The information required to be submitted for permit applications (both within and outside of protection zone) is set out in Appendix B3.

3. ADB Safeguard Policies

47. The ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 has the objectives to (i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people; (ii) where possible; minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and (iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. The environment safeguard requires due diligence which entails addressing environmental concerns, if any, of a proposed activity in the initial stages of project preparation.

48. Under the environment safeguard, ADB uses a classification system that focuses on a project’s most environmentally sensitive component, including; direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts. Each proposed project is scrutinized as to its type, location, scale, and sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential environmental impact.  49. The project is classified as category B because it will have site-specific impacts, few if any are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be readily designed to reduce or avoid the impacts. This IEE is submitted as the appropriate level of assessment for the project.  4. International Treaties and Agreements

50. The Solomon Islands is a signatory to a number of International environmental agreements including those for regional agreements; chemicals, waste and pollution; biodiversity and climate. The names of these agreements and the date of ratification are provided in Appendix C.

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5. Equator Principles

51. Following best practice for development of international telecommunications projects, the following is an overview of applicability of the Equator Principles - a financial industry benchmark for determining, assessing and managing social and environmental risk in project financing. Those principles addressed are outlined below:

 Principle 1: Review and categorization (ADB SPS);  Principle 2: Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (this report and associated documents);  Principle 3: Applicable Social and Environmental Standards (assessed in accordance with ADB SPS);  Principle 4: Action Plan and Management System (Section VII of this report);  Principle 5: Consultation and Disclosure (Section VI of this report; and  Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism (Section VI of this report and associated documents).

52. At this stage, based on the findings of the IEE the project would be classified as a Category B under the Equator Principles. Please note though that data gaps have been identified in this IEE which need to be addressed during the additional desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design phases of the project. Based on the outcomes of these phases, the Category for the project would be confirmed.

53. Principles 7–10 (Principle 7: Independent Review; Principle 8: Covenants; Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting; Principle 10: Reporting) will be undertaken in subsequent stages of the project and will be the responsibility of SOCC. At the time of completing this IEE, consultation with SOCC indicated that the likely process for these remaining Equator Principles would be as follows:  Principle 7: Independent Review – SOCC will engage a third party to undertake this task.  Principle 8: Covenants – SOCC will ensure compliance with this Principle and this could likely be verified during the Independent Review.  Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting – SOCC will engage an appropriately qualified specialist to undertake independent monitoring and reporting at the completion of cable installation.  Principle 10: Reporting – SOCC will ensure the EPFI reporting is undertaken based on the review, monitoring and reporting outlined in previous Principles.

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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

54. The phases of the development that are described in this section are also followed for the presentation of the impact assessment. A summary of technical detail on submarine fibre- optic cables and cable-laying is included in this section and concludes with a brief discussion of qualifying criteria for an acceptable route and considers an alternative landing site proposed early in the design phase (if required).

55. It is understood that this assessment feeds into the overarching project plan. Prior to detailed design of the cable alignment, further investigations will need to be undertaken along the proposed routes. In the deeper water areas associated with the Solomon Islands, these site investigations are likely to include surveying operations and may comprise (where necessary) side-scan sonar survey, seismic survey and drilling of borehole(s) to confirm bathymetry and geotechnical conditions along with any existence of iron and steel hulled shipwrecks, aeroplane wrecks and unexploded ordnances. Similar investigations will also need to be carried out on the inner shore and terrestrial areas that the cable will pass through. In areas of oceanic deep waters surveying operations will be required using side-scan sonar and seismic surveys are required to identify benthic profiles including sea mounts and deep sea vents This IEE will be updated following completion of these investigations. The overall responsibility of this task will be with SOCC.

1. Description of Proposed Works

56. SOCC has proposed to construct a fibre-optic submarine cable system linking Honiara, in Guadalcanal Province, with Sydney, Australia by commissioning a new fibre-optic cable. Previous negotiations to connect Honiara to a branching unit associated with the existing Sydney – Guam cable line PPC-1 was unsuccessful. It is envisaged the base system will be a repeatered system with one or two fibre-pairs, using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology. The size of the submarine cable will vary from 17 mm to 36 mm depending on water depth and therefore the degree or cable armouring applied.

57. Three cable routes have been proposed as part of this project: (i) Sydney, Australia to Honiara West; (ii) Honiara – Noro; and (iii) Honiara – Auki.

58. One international cable will service Honiara and two separate domestic cables servicing (branching from a single cable from Honiara) Noro and Auki have been proposed. The domestic cable that will be branched to service the two domestic sites will have a base implementation arrangement that involves the inclusion of additional unrepeatered pairs in the Honiara shore end cable to a full fibre-routing BU approximately 30 km (yet to be finalized) from Honiara from which the cable will be divided. The cable will be divided into a stud cable servicing Noro in the Western Province and Auki on Malaita. Under this scenario, there will be additional 2-6 fibre- pairs, which will be unrepeatered. The design capacity for the system will be a minimum of 320 Gbit/s per fibre pair, with a possible initial capacity of 10 Gbit/s. This system is shown in the schematic diagram (Figure 3.1) below.

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Figure 3.1: Overview of Solomon Islands Proposed Submarine Cables

59. The landing points and cable stations are described below. A description of the range of cable types, applications and features likely to be used in this project are shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Variety of Cable Types, Applications, and Features

Cable Type Features Application Lightweight (LW) Core cable with polyethylene  Best used in areas where the seabed is insulation for electrical smooth and the cable can be confidently installation but no additional installed in full compliance with the seabed external protection contours  Typically used in water depths 2000-8000m Lightweight Protected Metallic tape and polyethylene  Areas of non-uniform or potentially abrasive (LWP) or Special outer jacket applied over core seabed or where the cable requires extended Applications (SPA) with additional abrasion handling and use in rocky areas with protection and hydrogen moderate abrasion and/or attack by marine sulphide protection life  Ideal for depths up to 6500m Light-wire armored (LWA) Light single armor wire layer  Best for aggressive seabed in water depths or Single armor Light (SAL) applied to core cable up to 2000m or areas in which the cable is to be buried.  Ideal for depth up to 2000m Single armored (SA) Heavy armor wire layer applied  Best in rocky areas or where the cable is at to core cable risk from external aggression and cannot be buried  Ideal for depth up to 1500m

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Cable Type Features Application Double Armoured (DA) Two armour wire layers applied  Best for use in shallow water (<800m) where to core cable the cable is at risk from environmental or external aggression and cannot be buried.  Ideal for depth up to 800m Double Armoured High Two heavy armour wire layers  Best for use in rocky terrain high likelihood of Abrasion (DA-HA) applied to core cable trawler damage and high abrasion risk  Ideal for depth up to 800m Rock Armoured (RA) Short-lay armour wire layer  Best for use in rocky terrain with high risk of applied over SA cable abrasion and risk of crushing  Ideal for depth up to 200m

60. Sydney to Honiara cable route. The international route is now Sydney to Honiara rather than Honiara to connect with the Pipe PPC-1 network. The Sydney landing will likely utilise the existing infrastructure including sea duct, beach manhole and possibly sea earth at Tamarama Beach and existing land duct from the beach manhole to the Landing Station in Paddington. The location of the cable alignment will be finalized during the design and survey assessment phase of the project, however it will be brought from Australian waters to the Solomon Islands taking a similar path of the existing Sydney to Guam cable (PPC-1).

61. This cable route is approximately 3,000 km in length and will utilise existing communication sea ducts associated with the continental shelf of Australia and be laid directly on the surface of the sea floor for the majority of the cable alignment. It is noted that the submarine cable should be buried to a depth of 500m by ploughing or jetting mechanism to protect against snagging, anchors and wave action. A summary of the associated proposed cable types, length and depth range for this cable route is shown in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Proposed Cable Type, Length and Depth Range for International Cable

Cable Length (km) Cable Type Depth Range (m) Comment 0 - 2.132 Double 0–150 Shore end section. Articulated pipe to 25m Armoured then plough burial 2.132–6.274 Single Armoured 150–500 Plough Buried to 1m below seabed 6.274–41.508 Single Armoured 500–1,050 Surface laid to domestic BU 41.508–3,000 Single Armoured 1,050–Plus Surface laid deep water – may require high strength LWP for deploying BU)

62. Honiara landing site. A single landing (Figure 3.2) is proposed in Honiara that is located on the property that is commonly known as the “old G Club”. The town ground property (formally owned by SMI Limited) (PN191-014-38 and PN 191-014-27) is owned by a SOCC shareholder, Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF). The cable will be landed through a single articulated duct that will be pinned to the fringing reef (reef flat, edge, crest and slope) and enter a shore based man hole that will deliver the trenched cable along the properties western boundary (just inside the fence) to the main highway (Tandai) and continued underground some 350 meters to the west where it will terminate at Solomon Telecom building that will house the landing station. The single domestic cable servicing both Noro and Auki will follow the same path as the incoming cable line and utilize the same trenches and cable duct both on land and in the water.

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63. The land based works associated with the Honiara site are estimated to take 3-5 weeks. The delivery of the cable from the landing site to Solomon Telecom Limited building will utilize an existing cable duct that runs adjacent to the landing site property along the main road that runs directly to Telecom, the proposed cable installation site (9º25.849’S 159º57.133’E). The previous IEE inspected this station and identified that approximately 12 m2 of available equipment suite space should suffice for a repeatered system, this was confirmed during the recent assessment. From the site inspection, it is understood that the cable route on land will be adjacent to the main road as shown in Figure 3.2 with a corridor of approximately 2 m.

Figure 3.2: Honiara Landing Site and Cable Alignment

64. Noro landing site. This domestic cable commences at Honiara and follows the western international cable route until the BU before branching north towards Noro (as shown in Figure 3-1). This cable route is approximately 400 km in length. The cable type suggested for this cable route is shown in Figure 3.3 and a summary of the associated proposed cable types, length and depth range for this cable route is shown in Table 3.3. It is noted that submarine cable will be buried into to seabed to a depth of 500 m by ploughing and/ or jetting to protect against snagging, anchors and wave action.

65. Western Province is foreseen as a particular demographic and tourism growth area for the Solomon Islands. Gizo and the surrounding islands are significant and growing tourist areas. Noro is a deep water port, approximately 12 km northwest of Munda Airport, which has the potential for significant development. Munda airport has recently been upgraded and within the foreseeable future will be able to receive larger jets and international flights. These three locations are currently all linked by existing microwave systems with a new terrestrial fibre-optic cable planned between Munda and Noro.

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Figure 3.3: Proposed Cable Type for Honiara – Noro

Domestic Portion Common Portion

Burial Burial

Noro DA SA LWP* LW LWP SA SA DA Honiara BMH 0.301 41.616 77.957 190.039 42.065 3.393 39.376 2.132 BMH 0.000 0.301 41.917 119.873 309.912 351.977 355.370 394.746 396.878

* Includes final splice allowance

Table 3.3: Proposed Cable Type, Length and Depth Range for Honiara - Noro

Cable Length Cable Depth Range Comment (km) Type (m) 0 - 2.132 Double 0–150m Honiara shore end section. Articulated pipe to 25m Armoured then plough burial 2.132– 6.274 Single 150–500 Plough Buried to 1m below seabed Armoured 6.274 – 41.508 Single 500–1,050 Surface laid to domestic BU Armoured 41.508– 44.901 Single 1,050–1,152 Surface laid (BU Stub cable) Armoured 44.901– 86.966 Lightweight 1,152–1,497 Transition to deep water Protected 86.966 – 277.005 Lightweight 1,497–1,833 Deep water surface laying 277.005– 352.461 Lightweight 800–1,833 Transition to shallow water Protected 352.461– 374.206 Single 500–800 Surface laid single armour Armoured 374.206– 394.077 Single 25–500 Plough Buried to 1m below seabed Armoured 394.077– 394.378 Double 0–25 Noro shore end section protected in Articulated Pipe Armoured to landing point 66. As shown in Figure 3.4, the proposed submarine cable route to Noro will pass through deep waters of Iron Bottom Sound exiting the Sound through the Savo-Buena Vista Strait continuing on to pass adjacent to the Russell islands before going through the “slot” to Noro and this location deep protected channel and associated port facilities. At the Noro landing site, the cable will pass through the inner landing zone that consists of a well-developed coral reef (at the beachfront).

67. The proposed landing point for the cable is located to the north east of the center of Noro, the land located adjacent to Markworth area. The cable station is located at the STL station which is approximately 3 km from the landing site. It is believed that the existing station has sufficient space to house the terminal equipment for the unrepeatered cable and has the advantage of being co-located with STL’s microwave terminal feeding Munda and Gizo. It is also the proposed terminating point for a planned terrestrial optical fibre cable to Munda. The cable will be laid along an unsurfaced and surfaced road with dense vegetation on either side for most of the route. This vegetation consists mostly of beach morning glory, vines and grasses. Further inland the vegetation consists mostly of native wetland plants.

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68. The proposed Noro landing point is characterised by hard coral flats and the area is subjected to tidal changes. At the low tidemark, a portion of the reef flats is exposed and at high tide they are covered. The beach manhole is proposed to be located at an elevation of approximately 10 m above mean sea level on the hill at the back of the proposed site at the fence junction.

Figure 3.4: Domestic Cable Alignment and Landing Site in Noro

69. The original IEE highlighted that information exchanged with landowners and Provincial government representatives advised that parts of the Western Province (including the proposed site) are subjected to periodic subsidence, and subsequently inundation since the 2007 earthquake. This subsidence and associated inundation will need to be considered during detailed design phase.

70. The underwater cable will pass through a well-developed coral reef that is in relatively good condition (refer to Section IV and Appendix D) before coming ashore onto a narrow beach that is dominated by hard rocky substrate. The beach is narrow because of low energy wave action from the calm lagoonal waters in the area resulting from double protection from the distant island of Kolombangara and the nearby island of Kohinggo. These environmental conditions provide for a renowned safe and protected port. Immediately behind the beach is a large flat area of bushland, which the cable will pass through. Within this area there is a small parcel of crown land that measurers 40m wide and extends from the beach inland to the hill and includes the public access road that will be used to trench the cable to the Telekom station in town.

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71. Auki landing site. This domestic cable commences at Honiara and follows the western international cable route until the BU before branching east towards Auki (as shown in Figure 3.1). This cable route is approximately 140 km in length. The cable type suggested for this cable route is shown in Figure 3.5 and a summary of the associated proposed cable types, length and depth range for this cable route is shown in Table 3.4.

Figure 3.5: Proposed Cable Type for Honiara – Auki

Burial Burial

Honiara DA SA LWP* SA DA Auki

BMH 2.155 72.165 47.194 18.033 3.237 BMH

2.155 74.320 121.514 139.547 142.784

* Includes 3.5km final splice allowance

Table 3.4: Proposed Cable Type, Length and Depth Range for Honiara - Auki

Cable Length Cable Type Depth Range (m) Comment (km) Double Honiara shore end section. Articulated pipe to 0–2.155 0–165 Armoured 25m then plough burial to 1m below seabed 2.155–18.351 Single Armoured 165–400 Plough Buried to 1m below seabed 18.351–74.320 Single Armoured 400–1,000 Surface laid SA (to enable future burial) Lightweight 74.320–118.014 1,000–1,602 Transition to deep water Protected 118.014–134.649 Single Armoured 500–1000 Surface laid single armour 134.649–136.047 Single Armoured 237–500 Plough Buried to 1m below seabed Double Auki shore end section buried to 15m water depth 136.047–139.284 0–237 Armoured then protected in Articulated Pipe to landing point

72. It is noted that submarine cable will be buried into to seabed to a depth of 500 m by ploughing and/ or jetting to protect against snagging, anchors and wave action.

73. From the Honiara landing point, the cable will pass through the deep waters of the Iron bottom Sound and Sealark Channel, before traversing the depths of the Florida-Malaita strait then on to Auki. At the Sealark Channel the cable will pass close to the island of Nughu, which is towards the Eastern side of Small Gela. The area is known to have a number of shallow submerged reefs and varied sea floor which will need to be assessed by sonar during the design and construction phase of the project.

74. The proposed landing point for the cable is located to the north of the center of Auki (Figure 3.6). The cable alignment will be trenched parallel to existing vehicle and walking tracts for approximately 1 km where it will then follow an unsealed road directly to the cables terminal location. The cable station is located at the STL station (co-ordinates 8º14.163’S 157º11.939’E), which is approximately 1.6 km from the landing site and is situated in the center of Auki town. It is believed that the existing station has sufficient space to house the terminal equipment for the unrepeatered cable and has the advantage of being co-located with STL’s microwave terminal feeding Munda and Gizo.

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Figure 3.6: Domestic Landing Site and Cable Alignment (Auki)

2. Design Phase

75. Prior to the construction phase, the project ideally undergoes a four-step design process comprising of:

 An initial feasibility study, route selection and project scoping (already completed);  An environmental examination (this study) for project preparation and initial approval and clearance;  Desktop study and terrestrial and marine route survey; and   Detailed design and updating of the IEE/EMP based on information from above and the detailed surveys to be undertaken.   76. The initial route selection and project scope are based on available information sufficient to scope and specify the proposed development with enough accuracy for costing and calling for tenders for components of the construction phase that follows. In addition, it provides the basis for the environmental examination, which makes up the second design component.

77. The environmental examination examines the project’s interaction with the environment, considers potential impacts and determines mitigation measures necessary to eliminate or minimize negative effects on the natural and social environment. This report is the product of the environmental examination.

78. Desktop study. Having determined the cable landing sites and proposed cable routes, a review of pertinent available information will be undertaken in order to refine the most efficient and secure routes for the cable.

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79. Desktop studies are generally conducted by an experienced team who will gather all available hydrographic and geologic information about the intended route. It is understood that this will be carried out in the next phase of the project. The desktop study will also consider fishing, other maritime activities and practices in addition to identifying the permitting required and consider the location and history of existing infrastructure and other obstructions. A comprehensive desktop study will provide an optimal route design that can be scheduled for a detailed ‘marine route survey’. The desktop study will generally determine the detailed design of the cable landing i.e. – how it enters the littoral zone from the deep sea, crossing of any reef systems and the beach, positioning of the beach manhole and linking to existing cable landing stations.

80. Marine route survey. The marine route survey will need to be conducted along the optimized route to gather specific data that has not been identified in the IEE and/or the desktop study such as:

 Possible hazards e.g. active submerged volcanoes;   Environmentally significant zones that may not have previously been identified; Water depth/confirmation of bathymetry;   Seabed topography along with sediment type and thickness; and   Shipwreck locations, existing cables and other anthropomorphic submerged objects.   81. A marine route survey commonly covers a band of seabed from 0.2 to 10 km (depending on water depth) wide with repeat passes where necessary. The width of the survey corridor can be adjusted largely in response to the expected complexity of the seabed, and the depth to which these complete surveys are conducted will be based on local hazards, particularly bottom trawl fishing if present and shipping activities, which may require the cable to be buried.

82. There exists a number of ways to carry out these surveys. Data acquired during such surveys are constantly monitored and reviewed in real-time so that if an unexpected hazard, cable obstruction, or benthic community is identified, the route can be adjusted to avoid any hazardous or ecologically sensitive areas.

83. The end goal of these phases (desktop study and marine route surveys) will be to precisely define a viable cable route and identify the natural and human activities that could conflict with the cable. This information aids the detailed cable design, manufacture and installation planning in order for the appropriate level of armoring and cable placement to be identified for specific conditions along the routes. The IEE can be updated based on the findings of the surveys, The consultant understands that the overall responsibility of this task will lie with SOCC.

84. Detailed design. The information collected in the route survey will provide input to the detailed design phase of the submerged cable and repeaters, if required. During this process decisions will be made on the cable route, types and quantities with the extra information from the previous phases.

85. The cable landings on each coast will also be finalised. This includes the method of cable lay/depth of burial as it emerges from the sea, any additional armoring, conduit design, and whether to terminate the sea cable at a manhole junction or connect directly to the landing station.

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3. Construction Phase

86. Once the design phase is complete, it is intended that the cable-laying will begin from Honiara and the cable will be laid away from the Solomon Islands towards Australia. At this stage of the project the proposed cable installation methods are as follows:

 Articulated piping is proposed for cable protection across the reef areas immediately offshore of the landing points. This would be pinned to the seabed (if conducive) typically at 5-10m intervals to prevent movement during storms such as that sourced high energy wave action which would in turn minimise impacts on the reefs. The piping would extend from the landing point to 15m to 25m water depth depending on conditions and reef habitat at each of the three landing locations.  Cable burial is proposed to 500m off Honiara, Noro and Auki; and is proposed to 400m off Honiara for the Honiara – Auki cable, in order to afford the cable some protection against snagging from small vessel anchors and any future bottom fishing activity that may develop. Although such activities may not currently pose a threat to the cable, with a design life of 25 years, it is pertinent to consider likely potential for such developments within this timeframe.  Burial of cable, especially across Iron Bottom Sound will clearly be subject to feasibility from a seabed sediment perspective and have regard to unexploded ordnance (UXOs). If found to be necessary / feasible, it is likely that burial would be achieved by cable plough to a target burial depth of 0.6-1.0m.

87. Notwithstanding this, the contruction methodology will be assessed further during the marine route survey and confirmed once the final design is known. Typically the cable is installed using a purpose built cable laying vessel (‘cable ship’). The entire segment is loaded onto this vessel and payed out slowly until the cable reaches the seabed. This is the touchdown point. The ship can then increase its laying speed up to a practical maximum of about 5-6 knots, periodically slowing down to allow repeaters to pass through the cable-handling machinery that controls cable tension and pay-out speed. Once a steady state is achieved, the cable pay-out speed should be approximately the ship’s speed plus 2–3%, assuming the seabed topography is fairly constant.

88. Laying operations undergo constant and accurate monitoring. The ship’s position and speed over the ground are measured by differential GPS, and the water depth by precision echo-sounders and seabed mapping systems (from the marine route survey), whereas cable pay-out speed and length are recorded by a rotometer. On board, the cable engineer, with the assistance of computer modelling software, will scrutinize laying progress with constant reference to the engineered route plan, making adjustments if necessary.

89. Cables are commonly buried across the continental shelf, typically 0–130 m deep, and even down to depths of 1000–1500 m where there is risk of damage from bottom-trawling. Where burying is undertaken, the most effective method is by sea plough, towed behind the cable ship. As a cable approaches the seabed, it is fed through the plough, which inserts the cable into a narrow furrow. Burial disturbs the seabed along the path of the cable. When towing a sea plough, the ship carefully controls its operations so that cable slack is kept to a practical minimum as it enters the plough. The aim is to lay the cable with near-zero slack. In areas where the cable crosses another cable, the plough must be either recovered or ‘flown’ over the crossed section and then re-deployed on the opposite side.

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4. Operation Phase

90. The design life of the cable, the repeaters and the system as a whole is typically 25 years. Once the cable is installed, there is generally no requirement to access the cable. All regular maintenance needed for the satisfactory operation of the optical fibre system is expected to be confined to activities at land-based cable station sites. However, on rare occasions it may be necessary to retrieve the cable from the seafloor, in the event of the need for repair of the cable. Recovery of the cable should only be necessary in the event of damage from some external source (most commonly fishing trawls and lines, ships anchors, and, infrequently, natural events). Recovery generally entails the use of a specialist cable ship for:

 Location of the cable and, if a repair is required, identification of the faulted section;   Retrieval of the cable with specially designed grapnels deployed from the repair vessel (or with the assistance of an ROV); and   Lifting to the surface for removal or repair.   91. It is important to note that since the position of the as-laid cable will be accurately known (to +5 m in depths less than 200 m, and +20 m in depths greater than 2000 m); the grappling activity can be closely controlled.

5. Alternatives Considered

92. There are a number of different cable placement methods and cable type. The decision will be made following award of contract. The actual methodology and cable type selected by the contractor will be subject of updated environmental assessment and EMP provisions.

93. Directionally controlled horizontal drilling. The purpose of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be to construct a conduit facilitating the shore crossing and landing of submarine cables, where traditional cable landing methods are not possible or desirable. HDD conduits are typically installed where:

 Trenching operations are not possible due to the bathymetry;  Environmental concerns;  Inshore obstructions (shore based industry/development, rocks or surf); and  Areas prone to erosion or where there is a high risk of external recession along the shoreline.   94. HDD is a process by which a drilling tool is steered along a predetermined path while drilling is in progress. It is often used for the installation of cables or pipelines under obstacles such as rivers, roads, railways and the like. The process involves a small diameter hole that is directionally drilled from one side of the obstacle to the other. Directional “steering” of the drill head is effected by rotating a small bend (less than 1degree) which is close to the drill head. The drill pipe will have an outside diameter of approximately 100 mm and will be left in place to serve as the conduit for the cable. The internal diameter of the drill pipe will be 95 mm. A typical entry angle of between 8º and 20º to the horizontal will be adopted onshore subject to detailed design of the drill path. The exit angle at the seabed is generally restricted by the bending radius of the cable and will be expected to be about 6º.

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95. Drilling fluids will be used in the drilling process to lubricate the drill string and borehole, cool the drill bit and downhole instruments, provide the motive force for any downhole motor, and carry the cuttings out of the borehole back to the surface. The drilling fluid will comprise water and additives. The main additives will be bentonite (clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash) and various polymers. The mix of additives will be dependent on factors such as ground and seabed conditions which will be established by a prior geotechnical investigation.

96. Marine trenching and beach landing. Trenching is a method commonly used for the inner shore marine end of cable lay operations and beach landing in order to protect the cable in high energy coastal environments (water depth <15m). Depending on the extent of trenching required and sediment type to be trenched, there several options available, including use of a backhoe or excavator with a rock saw or rock breaker (usually available locally. This equipment could be utilised to the low water mark. In the event that trenching is required beyond the low water mark, a marine rock trencher (e.g. Gator or Travocean TM03) could be used. Often these are not available locally and will need to be mobilised to the site.

97. Burial through ploughing. The ploughing method can normally achieve burial depths of up to 1.5 m in the sediment subject to the nature of the seabed. Specialised equipment can achieve burial depths of up to 3 m. Ploughing can be used to bury the cable below the seabed in the sandy or muddy sediments from approximately 15-20 m water depth out to 2000 m water depth after which ploughing is impractical and unnecessary. Ploughing the cable to a nominal target depth of 0.6-1 m normally affords good protection against most forms of fishing activity. To ensure safe plough and cable handling during ploughing operations, the achievable course changes and acceptable seabed gradients are restricted.

98. The ploughing operation will take place during the actual laying of the cable onto the seafloor. The cable will be threaded through the cable plough which is lowered to the seafloor and then pulled along by the cable ship as it lays the cable.

99. The plough cuts a narrow trench approximately 200 mm wide into which it positions the cable and then partially reburies the cable. In shallower water depths, less than about 80 m, the trench will become in-filled and reconsolidated over time by natural sedimentary processes under wave and current action. Below this depth a localised depression along the cable route may exist for some time.

100. Burial through jetting. Post-lay burial by a remotely operated submersible vehicle (ROV) using high pressure water jetting techniques is typically used in areas where ploughing could damage existing cables or pipelines. Jetting techniques could be used to bury the cable approximately 600-1500 mm below the seabed. Jetting could also be used to bury the cable in areas from 1200 to 2000 m water depth. The jetting equipment will either be fitted to an ROV which is deployed and controlled from a support vessel, or be manually operated by divers (maximum depth of 30 m owing to the additional safety restrictions which apply at greater depths). The cable ship will lay the cable on the seabed in advance of the jetting.

101. The high pressure water jets of the jetting equipment will liquefy the sediments around the cable so that the cable sinks into the seafloor under its own weight. In relatively shallow water depths, i.e. below 80 m, the localized depression in the seabed caused by the jetting action will become in-filled and reconsolidated over time by natural sedimentary processes under wave and current action. In water too shallow for vessel support, diver hand-held jetting can usually achieve some cover in soft cohesive sediment or loose sand.

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102. Cable direct on seabed. This method of placement involves laying the cable directly on the seabed. This method is ideal for water depths greater than 2000 m (or in water depths greater than the limit of required cable burial). However, may also be a method utilized in shallow waters.

103. Articulated pipe and stapling. Use of articulated pipe and stapling usually involves the fitting of a split cast iron piping around the cable which is then stapled or clamped to the seafloor using stainless steel fixtures in order to provide minimal impact on the surface in which the cable is being laid and to provide shallow water abrasion and impact protection to the cable. The tasks for this installation method usually comprise the following:  Survey swim to confirm status of cable prior to installation;   Fixing of cast iron articulated half shell pipe sections to the cable;   Bolting of sections using nuts & bolts (nominal one set every 5-10m);   Stabilization of the articulated pipe using saddle clamps pinned into bedrock (nominal spacing 25m); and   Survey swim of completed works.   104. A pre-installation survey swim is usually performed at the start of operations to determine local seabed conditions along the route. Following the survey, the area(s) of the cable to be protected by the articulated pipe will be confirmed by the supervising representative on site. The survey is used to identify possible locations for the saddle clamps to be fitted and any areas of coral, where pinning into the seabed must be avoided.

105. In areas where attachment of articulated pipe is applied and coral is present, the cast iron pipe sections are lowered to the seabed in a manner that avoids damage to the coral. Pipe sections are fitted in one direction (from BMH seawards) such that there are no gaps in the protection in the areas identified by the survey. Each pipe section is checked to ensure that it is interlocked correctly before fitting the next section. Sections of pipe are fixed in place by fitting self-locking stainless steel nut and bolt sets which are fitted at nominal intervals of 5-10m.

106. Usually following the completion of the works a video survey is performed to demonstrate that the articulated pipe has been fitted correctly and that the seabed has been cleared of any waste associated with the works.

107. Other options for laying cable. A number of alternate methods exist for cable laying in situations where the seafloor material is too hard for cable burial by jetting and ploughing techniques, due to existence of rock or stiff clay or coral reefs. These methods include:  Placement of a rock berm over the cable;   Draping of a prefabricated flexible concrete mattress over the cable; and   Laying of the cable directly on the surface of the hard material.   108. The requirement for such specialist methods will only be known after the survey. During the detailed design phase the proposed route may also be modified to avoid hard material, particularly rock reef. Should this not be possible, it is envisaged that a method involving placement of suitably armored cable directly on the hard surface will be employed.

109. The former and current consultant teams were informed that the proposed method of construction will be to surface-lay the pipe in the shallow water approaches to the landing site. The pipe will also be surface-laid along the deep water route.

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110. The consultants were also informed that the RPL indicates burial to 500 m water depth as a precaution at this stage pending more detailed desktop study into the risks to the cable at each shore landing site. The IEE has been based on these assumptions.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

111. The Solomon Islands is made up of hundreds of coral atolls and volcanic islands congregated to form an archipelago stretching approximately 1,600 km across the South- western Pacific Ocean. The total land area is approximated to be 28,300 km2. The unique geography and scattered nature of islands has given rise to a heritage of considerable environmental and ecological diversity, which is evident at the three cable landing sites.

112. The following section outlines the physical and biological environmental and natural hazards associated with the project area of influence. This includes a shallow water marine and coastal assessment at each of the three landing sites detailing the habitat and possible environmental impacts that may occur associated with the cable project. These assessments were not part of the original IEE.

113. It should be noted that as part of the original scope of works, a social assessment and resettlement plan (RP) were also prepared covering the two main phases of the project – the construction phase and the operations phase. Social impacts were identified and described for both these phases of the project and at the writing of this report was being reviewed in line with the small changes associated with the cable alignment.

1. Location and Setting

114. The Solomon Islands rise steeply from the deep ocean floor and have very little underwater shelf area. Coral reefs characteristically surround the islands, either close to the shore (fringing reef) or further offshore (barrier reef). The coastal lagoon is enclosed between the shore and barrier reefs. The total length of the Solomon Island domestic cable routes is approximately 800 km, including the international cable entering the nation and the two domestic cables servicing Noro and Auki. The three cable routes will traverse through various offshore terrains including; seismically and volcanically active areas of irregular relief containing; deep depressions and high ridges. Seismic and volcanic activity is common and sub-sea slope failures and turbidity flows have been recorded previously within Solomon Island waters.

115. From literature it is understood that most coral reef shelves in the Pacific are at a level close to low tide, and since the maximum tidal range is 1-2 m, it follows that the waves reformed from broken waves passing over the reef will rarely exceed 2 m in height.

116. The three proposed landing sites are located in three separate islands, and as a result, the coastal geology and coastal processes are distinctly different at each location. During the site visit the three proposed landing sites were inspected and a shallow water marine assessment undertaken. A summary of the observations made during the first IEE project are described in the following relevant sections along with a description of the environment based in and around the area of influence for the proposed development.

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2. Physical Environment

117. It is noted that a review and discussion of the deep water benthic substrate associated with the cable delivery from Australia to the Solomon Islands has not been included. This was outside the scope of the current IEE review, however this will be detailed in subsequent design phase. Nevertheless much of the information detailed below is pertinent.

118. Bathymetry of EEZ Waters to Honiara. The profile for the proposed international cable route entering Solomon waters to Honiara is shown in Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1: International Cable Route Profile

119. The seabed appears to gradually deepen to about 40 m once the cable has left the beach manhole at Honiara. General geological setting of the route seems to be complex and is characterized by the existence of volcanic features and tectonic faulting. Twenty Kilometres offshore the seabed drops off steeply to a depth of approximately 700 m. A high point in the bathymetry is encountered at Savo Volcano, approximately chainage Km 75 from Honiara.

120. Savo volcano is surrounded by concentric spurs and furrows. The volcano is bounded on its eastern side by a N-S fault identified on the seismic profiles that cuts the central part of the basin. Savo Island and its associated geology is possibly due to the present of this fault. Additionally, this route passes through the Iron Bottom Sound, where numerous ship wrecks are known to be located. This portion of the route requires accurate survey data to identify location of all wrecks and any exploded ordnance.

121. Past Savo Island, the route appears to follow a deep depression reaching a maximum depth of about 4500 m. For much of the remainder of the route the depth ranges between 2000 and 3500 m in general

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122. Honiara to Noro. The route from Honiara to Noro using a domestic cable follows a similar route as the international cable, departing the Honiara landing site and travelling a distance (yet to be determined) before a branch will split the line into two. One line traveling northwest to Noro and the second east to Auki (describe below). The Noro line will travel past Savo Island, before continuing northwest into New Georgia Sound. New Georgia Sound appears to be undulating yet grading gradually down to approximately 1800 m before gradually inclining to 600 m as the route turns South West into Noro (Figure 4.2).

Figure 4.2: Noro – Honiara Route Profile

123. Honiara to Auki. The route from Honiara to Auki using a domestic cable follows a similar route as the international cable, departing the Honiara landing site and travelling a distance (yet to be determined) before a branch line will split the line into two. One line traveling northwest to Noro, the second east to Auki. The Auki line will pass through the Sealark Channel were the water depth drops to 1500 m and follows the Indispensable Strait before ascending towards Auki, to the south of Alite Reef. Coral reefs are present just offshore of the Auki landing point.

124. Offshore and inner shore substrate. Knowledge of seabed conditions and sediment types are a key component of submarine cable installation projects as the nature of seabed sediment and existence of reef may impose constraints on cable placement methods and result in unnecessary impacts on the local environment. There is little information available on the distribution of seabed sediments and associated morphology throughout the Solomon Islands for both the offshore and inner shore coastal zones along any of the proposed routes. This will need to be detailed and assessed later in the project during the benthic survey (refer Section 5 for details).

125. Hydrothermal vents and seamounts. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents form as a result of volcanic activity on the ocean floor. Water seeps through cracks in the earth's crust, dissolving metals and minerals as it becomes super-heated from nearby magma. Active hydrothermal vent and seamount fields have recently been discovered at Grove Seamount in the San Cristobal Arc and Starfish Seamounts in the northern New Hebrides arc in the eastern Solomon Islands

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126. The arc-related vent field discoveries in the eastern Solomon’s are associated with quite localized, gas-rich hydrothermal plumes (methane and carbon dioxide). The figure below (Figure 4.3) shows the locations of some known hydrothermal vents and seamounts. It is believed that the location of these vents and seamounts, along with others, will be picked up during the marine survey. Hydrothermal vents in the Solomon Islands are common in parts of Marovo, Vellalavela, Simbo and Kavachi in the Western Solomon’s and also in Santa Cruz and Savo.

Figure 4.3: Location of Some Known Hydrothermal Vents and Seamounts

127. Waves, currents and tides. The coastal zone is generally defined as the interface between the land and the sea and includes the relevant components of the adjacent terrestrial and marine area. The wave environment of the Solomon Islands is generally made up of four major components:

 Prevailing northeast to southeast seas and swell waves associated with prevailing easterly trade winds;   Periods of westerly seas generated by westerly gales during the wet season in equatorial regions;   Short-term, large seas and swell waves from variable directions generated by tropical storms and cyclones; and 

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 Seasonal north and south swell waves generated by mid-latitude storms in both the north and south Pacific Ocean.   128. It is understood that on eastward-facing coastlines, such as Honiara, local seas and swell waves generated by trade winds are generally persistent and form the dominant component of the local wave environment. Typical current strength in the region has been measured to be around 4 knots. 129. The tidal gauge at Honiara indicates that the tides are usually diurnal, i.e. one high and one low tide each day. This is a common occurrence for the Solomon Islands. The tide levels between mean lower low water (MLLW) and mean higher high water (MHHW) ranges between 0.3 and 0.8 m for Honiara. It is clear that the tidal ranges are relatively small. The relevant tidal ranges for the sites are summarized below Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Tidal ranges at sites

MHHW MLHW MHLW MLLW

(m) (m) (m) (m) Honiara 0.8 - - 0.3 Henderson* 0.8 - - 0.3 Noro (Hathorn Sound) 0.8 - - 0.3 AukiHarbour 1.4 1.1 0.6 0.4 * Assumed based on Honiara data Source: Hydrographic charts provided to original IEE (2012)

130. Data sourced from the Integrated Global Ocean Services System, demonstrate that the sea level for Honiara is usually higher from November to March. This is believed to be a seasonal effect due to fluctuations in temporal and spatial wind patterns from nearby cyclones. It is also understood that sea level variations occur annually depending on the strength of the EI Nino - Southern Oscillations (ENSO). Another local phenomenon occurs when the sea level drops to its lowest level around the month of June and this phenomenon is typically referred to as ‘dry reef’. This phenomenon impacts the beaches with low lying coral reefs and hardstand features such as Honiara, Noro and Auki.

131. Volcanoes. The volcanoes of the Solomon Islands form a north-west – south-west trending chain continuing along to the Bougainville Island chain (which is also part of Papua New Guinea) as seen in Figure 4.4 (with BU5 cable configuration shown). The islands belong to a volcanic arc caused by the subduction of the oceanic crust of the small Solomon Plate under the Pacific Plate. New Georgia Sound constitutes the junction between the New Georgia- Kolombangara-Vella Recent volcanic province and the older Choiseul Cretaceous-Early Tertiary basaltic platform. The main observed faulting is NW-SE. It is understood that this area is tectonically complex, marked by the interaction of several closely spaced oceanic micro-plates separated by subduction zones and short spreading centres, such as one extending from SE New Guinea to Kavachi volcano

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Figure 4.4: Volcanoes in the Solomon Islands

132. It is understood that four volcanoes in the Solomon Islands have been active in recent history. They are Savo, Kavachi, Cook and Tinakula. Kavachi is a submarine volcano which erupts frequently. Cook is also a submarine volcano however there are doubts of its level of activeness. Both Savo and Tinakula are island volcanoes that have erupted frequently in recent history and have been responsible for considerable damage to surrounding areas of the islands resulting in high death tolls.

133. The most recent and devastating earthquake was the 2007 earthquake that took place on 2 April 2007. Its magnitude was calculated by the United States Geological Survey as being at 8.1 on the moment magnitude scale. The tsunami that followed the earthquake killed 52 people and resulted in extensive damage to the natural environment. According to the USGS, the focus was 10 km deep and 40 km South South-East of Gizo township on New Georgia Islands. There were numerous aftershocks, the largest of which had a magnitude of 6.2. 134. A summary of relevant geological information for the three cable routes and landing sites is outlined below:  Volcanoes are located at proximity to the proposed international route arriving from Australia through the Solomon Islands EEZ and arriving at the Honiara landing site. These are located on Mborukua Island and also Kavachi Submarine Volcano.   Honiara is located on Guadalcanal Island. The landing sites will be on alluvium soils. Volcanoes have been identified on the Northern end of the island. The cable will be at a safe distance away from these volcanoes.   On the proposed route from Honiara to Noro, there exists at least one volcano on the island of Savo.   Noro is located on the New Georgia Islands which has a number of active volcanoes scattered around the island. Based on the geological maps, the geology of the island comprises mainly of volcanic rock such as Andesite.

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Limestone raised reefs are located offshore of the landing site at Noro. In the interest of protecting the submarine cable from abrasion it is best to minimise the reef areas where the cable may be placed and/or ensure appropriate armouring for both the protection of the cable and the reef substrate.   The proposed route from Honiara to Auki does not appear to traverse near any extreme geological features; however the proposed route does pass through Sealark Channel.   Auki is located on Malaita Island and shallow rocky reefs surround the landing point. Malaita Island comprises of Miocene Sediments. No volcanoes have been identified on this island. 

135. The volcanoes in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands are listed in the Table 4.2.

Table 4.2: Volcanoes in the Solomon Islands

Type of Volcano / Name of Volcano Current Status Location Nonda Stratovolcano - Dormant Solomon Islands, -7.67°S /156.6°E

Kolombangara Stratovolcano - Dormant Western Province, Solomon Islands, -7.95°S / 157.08°E Cook Submarine volcano – Western Province, Solomon Islands, -8.25°S / Dormant(Last eruption 1991) 157.06°E Simbo Stratovolcano – Dormant (Last Simbo Island, Solomon Islands, -8.28°S / eruption ~1910) 156.52°E Kana Keoki Submarine volcano – Dormant Western Province, Solomon Islands, -8.75°S / 157.03°E Coleman Seamount Submarine volcano - Dormant Western Province, Solomon Islands, -8.83°S / 157.17°E Unnamed Submarine volcano - Dormant Western Province, Solomon Islands, -8.92°S / 158.03°E Kavachi Submarine volcano – Dormant Solomon Islands, -9.02°S /157.95°E (eruptions in the last 20 years - 2007, 2004, 1999-2003, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1991) Savo Stratovolcano - Dormant Central Province, Solomon Islands, -9.13°S / 159.82°E Gallego Volcanic field - Dormant Guadalcanal Province, Solomon islands, - 9.35°S / 159.73°E Tinakula Stratovolcano – Restless Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands, -10.38°S (eruptions in the last 20 years- / 165.8°E 2012, 2008-2011, 2006-07, 2002, 2001-02, 2002-2001, 1999, 1995,1989-90)

136. Earthquakes and tsunami. It is understood that the tsunamis experienced in the Solomon Islands originate from earth quakes occurring in the following locations: locally; elsewhere in the Solomon Sea (near Bougainville); or other parts of the Pacific Rim. Most of the tsunamis recorded in the past have been generated by submarine earthquakes.

137. The damage and impacts from tsunamis to the coastal zone in the areas of interest have not been well documented, with the exception of the 2007 tsunami associated with the earthquake that occurred on 2 April 2007.

138. Tsunamis are caused by vertical displacement of seabed fault lines during earthquakes, or by other processes such as a volcanic eruption, volcanic collapse or submarine landslide.

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Tsunami-generating earthquakes tend to be shallow and of relatively-large magnitude (i.e. greater than Richter Magnitude 7), hence the occurrence of a large, shallow earthquake located beneath the ocean will more often than not produce a tsunami, providing there is vertical offset of the sea floor. Currently, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii provides tsunami warning advice for the Pacific Island Countries, including the Solomon Islands.

139. Tropical cyclones. The Solomon Islands lies in the area prone to tropical cyclones (Figure 4.5). A number of tropical low pressure systems occur each year over the Solomon Islands at times when the equatorial trough is in the vicinity; however few of these develop into tropical cyclones. Average frequency of cyclone occurrence is between one and two per year, tending to increase southward. Tropical cyclone season in the Solomon Islands is generally considered to extend from November to April. However, there have been cyclones such as Cyclone Namu and Cyclone Ida that have occurred in mid-May, 1986 and late May-early June 1972 (Figure 4.6).

Figure 4.5: Average Annual Number of Tropical Cyclones for Australia/Pacific Region

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Figure 4.6: Tropical Cyclone Tracks from 1986–2006 for the Pacific Region

140. Tropical cyclones will naturally result in abnormally high ocean tides which may rise up to 3-6 m above the regular tide. This is due to the pooling of sea water by the frictional effect of very strong winds persistently gusting on shore as the cyclone approaches a shallow coastline. This can result in inundation of low lying coastal plains which in turn impacts on beach profile change/seasonal beach oscillation (at some areas as much as 0.5-1 m in beach elevation and 5-10 m in beach width). Figure 4.7 shows historical cyclone racks in relation to the cable proposed landing sites.

Figure 4.7: Historical Cyclone Tracks for the Solomon Islands

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141. Sea level rise. Historical rates of local sea-level change in the Pacific region are variable and dependent on both local and regional factors. In addition changes in sea level can also be associated with non-climatic change processes such as movements in tectonic regimes; and "abnormal" conditions associated with El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events (such events have occurred in 1972, 1977/78, 1982/83, 1987, and a recent prolonged moderate event from 1990-1994). The South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project is an initiative to establish a regional network to monitor the sea level and the possible impact of climate change. The project was developed by the Australia Government in response to concerns raised by the member countries of the South Pacific Forum on the potential impacts of the enhanced greenhouse effect on climate and sea levels in the region. Monitoring stations in the Pacific have only recently been setup and hence the available records cover 10-20 years of data only. The sea level rise predictions gathered during the literature review indicate various and ranging records of both increasing and decelerating sea level rise.

142. Coastal zone and coastal erosion. Coastal erosion is already evident at several of the landing sites for this project. There is both anecdotal evidence and observations on site that demonstrate coastal erosion, such as the undermining of trees. Typically, the shore-normal position of a beach profile fluctuates 5-20 m over ten years. From the literature review it is apparent that only a few coastal areas in the South Pacific have been surveyed or mapped often enough to develop consistent and reliable data on shoreline changes and rates of change. Furthermore, no information is available on the magnitude of storm surges associated with cyclones, nor does there appear to be high resolution contour data. The landing sites for this project have not been monitored previously and hence this lack of basic information impedes the carrying out of any detailed coastline erosion assessment, storm bite prediction, and quantitative analysis of flooding and inundation risk.

143. Coastal conditions of Honiara landing site. The Honiara (the “old G Club”) site shoreline can be broadly described as a mix of rocky reef and coral rubble/sandy beach and is characterized by low energy processes (Figure 4.8). The beach is narrow (3-5m) with a vertical height of 1.5 meters and is boarded by a previously cleared parcel of land that is covered in grass and several trees established within the area.

Figure 4.8: Honiara landing site coastline

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144. The parcel of land has been highly modified. Beach sediments consist of pebbles and broken coral approximately 1-5 cm in length. The coastal foreshore during inclement weather periods is subjected to high-energy waves resulting in erosion. It is noted that considerable rubbish accumulates along this section of coastline, resulting from the urban population of Honiara.

145. Coastal conditions of Noro site. The Noro site shoreline and beach is composed predominantly of hard limestone coral substrate interspersed with small amounts of sand and loose coral fragments that are derived from the nearby reef (Figure 4.9). The surface of the hard limestone substrate consists of sharp karst like features that makes it uncomfortable to walk on. This area is characterized by low energy processes however during periods of inclement weather water currents associated with the channel are reportedly to be considerable.

146. Waves due to the location of the site are not large, however clearly increase erosion along the coast in this area. The beach is narrow (2-4m wide) consisting of a gentle slope towards the reef flat, with a vertical height of less than 1.5 meters boarded by coastal vegetation. The landing site has been modified in the past however vegetation has regrown. A storm water drain is located in close proximity to the landing site. Localized erosion was identified near the storm water discharge outlet.

147. The original IEE report identified through consultation with local stakeholders that this area of the Western Province is prone to a seasonal tidal range called ‘dry reef.’ ‘Dry reef’ occurs over period of several weeks, during which, the tidal range differs enough that the majority of the approximate 45 m of reef flat is exposed.

Figure 4.9: Noro landing site coastline

148. Auki landing site. The Auki site shoreline and beach (Kelakwai beach) is composed predominantly of a mixture of fine sand (30%), coarse sand (35%) and medium-large coral pebbles (35%) derived from the nearby reef and include shell fragments, coral fragments, remnants of calcareous algae and invertebrate exoskeletons (Figure 4.10).The beach is an approximate grade of 1:7, gently sloping towards the sea and measured around 7-10m wide bordered by coastal vegetation.

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Figure 4.10: Auki landing site coastline

149. This area is characterised by low energy processes however during periods of inclement weather periods is subjected to high-energy waves resulting in erosion. It is noted that numerous logs and tree stumps were observed along the beach and in the inner shore area. The landing site has been highly modified in the past, both on the land and shallow intertidal areas. An intertidal groyne, which is located in close proximity to the landing site, remains.

150. This was constructed for the local logging industry and operated in the 1970-1980’s and has not been in use since. Vegetation has regrown and the surrounding area behind the beach is of relatively low gradient and will need to be considered when identifying appropriate locations for the BMH. The sediment along the cable route is predominantly compacted sandy clay with some shell and pebble content. Storm water culverts were identified along the cable route adjacent to the freshwater lake.

151. A detailed description of physical and ecological conditions of the landing sites can be found in Appendix D.

3. Biological Environment

152. Coral reefs. The Solomon Islands has one of the highest coral diversities in the world and is part of the Coral Triangle Initiative; with 494 species were recorded (485 known species and nine unknown species, which may be new species). Coral reefs in the Solomon Islands have one of the richest concentrations of reef fishes in the world with a total of 1,019 fish species identified. The coral reefs are mainly fringing and intermittent around islands and occur along most shallow coastlines where the water is clear and warm and maintains a constant level of salinity.

153. Coral reefs support extraordinary diversity of species by providing food, shelter, nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species and crustaceans. The reefs protect coastal areas from storms and erosions by forming natural break waters. Furthermore, Solomon Islanders depend on the coral reefs for subsistence fishing.

154. Seagrass meadows. Seagrass meadows are a significant coastal habitat and contain high biodiversity value in the Solomon Islands. The seagrasses grows fully submerged and

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rooted in soft bottom estuarine and marine environments can be found in habitats extending from the intertidal zone to sub tidal, along mangrove coastlines, estuaries, shallow embayments and also coral reef, inter reef and offshore islands. In the Solomon Islands there are ten species of seagrass identified and Malaita Province has been identified in having the most extensive meadow, including one that is more than 1,000 ha in size.

155. Mangroves. Mangroves are a significant coastal habitat and contain high biodiversity value in the Solomon Islands and are located through the nation. According to a report by the Nature Conservancy, there are 20 species and two hybrids of mangrove found in the Solomon Islands. They include: Heritieralittoralis, Aegicerascorniculatum, Sonneratiaalba, S.caseolaris, S. gulngai, Osborniaoctodonata, Lumnitseralittorea, Rhizophoraapiculata, R. stylosa, R. lamarckii, R mucronata, Bruguieragymnorrhiza, B. parviflora, B. sexangula, Ceriopstagal, Excoecariaagallocha, Xylocarpusgranatum, X. mekongensis, Avicennia alba, A. marina, Scyphiphorahydrophyllacea and Nypafruticans.

156. Shallow water reef assessments at each of the three Solomon Island landing sites was undertaken and are reported in Appendix D of this report.

157. Beach ecology and vegetation at Honiara site. At the Honaira site, the site has been used as a commercial parcel of land for many years and subsequently has been highly modified resulting in all natural vegetation removed and the site has been cleared and levelled.

158. Terrestrial ecology – Noro. The bushland has secondary plant growth indicating that the surrounding area had been cleared during the past year or so. This area of flat land extends around 1km inland before entering the base of the adjoining hills. There are no villages or human settlements anyway near the cables area of influence. Bordered (ten metres away) on the western side of the bushland and extending in a straight line from the beach to the hill, is a large fenced property owned by Markwarth shipping company. This property is undeveloped and has only one permanent building where the caretaker resides.

159. The eastern side of the landing site the area is also uninhabited however it has been reported that the land had previously been allocated for use, but nothing has occurred. The area is not fenced and is still accessible to the public through a motor able dirt road that connects from the plywood factory access road (on a hill) and terminates on an old disused logging jetty. This jetty is located approximately 0.5km to the west of the landing site. The plywood factory’s landing jetty is located further west at approximately 1km from the cable landing site. The factory itself is located another 0.5km inland from their landing jetty.

160. As shown in the photos in Figure 4.11, the beach flora observed around the beach landing site is typical of beaches in the Western Province and other parts of the Solomon Islands. A significant landmark at the landing site is an old Calophyllum tree (Calophylluminophyllum) whose branches extend out over the reef. Other plants observed at the site include: Pandanusspp, Terminaliacatappa, Scaevolataccada, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Nypa palm and others.

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Figure 4.11: Typical Terrestrial Vegetation (Noro)

161. Terrestrial ecology – Auki. The Auki cable landing site and area of influence supports established vegetation. The beach vegetation at the proposed landing site consisted of coastal littoral vegetation including Willastoniabiflora, Barringtoniaasiatica, Hibiscus tiliaceus, beach sunflower, associate vines and grasses. Further in land at the proposed beach manhole area, vegetation included a number of very few young coconut trees and grasses and along the cable route the dominant plant is the swamp taro (Cyrtospermamerkusii), sago palm, pandanus, and coconut trees other associated wetland plants.

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Figure 4.12: Typical Terrestrial Vegetation (Auki)

162. Lagoons and estuaries. Lagoons, estuaries and other inshore marine waters are exceptionally fertile ecosystems, and have high levels of biological productivity. They are home to a diverse combination of species and ecosystems. These ecosystems can serve as sinks for terrestrial run-off and sediment and pollutant traps, which can damage the fragile offshore ecosystems.

163. Fauna. Cetacean species are common in Solomon waters and their habitat is usually major rivers, mangroves and open ocean environments such as oceanic islands, oceanic fronts and upwelling, seamounts, canyons, deep-sea trenches and the water column itself. As one of the few equatorial regions worldwide where hemispherical oceanic exchange of a wide variety of marine life occurs, The Nature Conservancy conducted a survey in 2006 to trace movements of these cetaceans. According to a survey, cetacean movements between the South Pacific and North Pacific are known or suspected (depending on the species) to occur through the major island passages of the Solomon Islands’ archipelago, such as Indispensable Strait, Bougainville Strait - separating the Solomon Islands from Papua New Guinea (PNG), Manning Strait and New Georgia Sound. These areas have been classified as the migratory corridor for these marine mammals. There is no known readily available information on their seasonal migrations.

164. Sharks and crocodiles. Sharks and crocodiles are found throughout the Solomon Islands and sightings/attacks are common. Sightings of saltwater crocodiles are common in the Western Province, especially in parts of Noro and Munda. A crocodile attack was recorded in May 2012, within the Noro-Munda area in Western Province where a boy was killed by a crocodile whilst in his canoe. In Auki, the lake located in the vicinity of the cable route, is crocodile habitat however there are no records of crocodile attacks to date.

165. In regards to shark bites, sharks have been known to attack submarine cables as they seem to be attracted by low frequency vibration from the power fed cable. Research indicates that sharks confuse the electrical cable with natural prey therefore triggering instinctive response. Sharks are usually found in the depth range from the surface to 2,500 m water depth.

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166. Marine protected areas and community managed areas. There are a total of 22 marine protected areas in the Solomon Islands and one designated marine conservation area (Arnavon Marine Conservation Area), as shown in Figure 4.13.

Figure 4.13: Marine Protected Areas in Solomon Islands

167. A number of marine conservation areas have been established by communities in Marau Sound, Ngella, Marovo Lagoon, Tetepare, Roviana Lagoon and Gizo. Similar areas are likely to be established for marine resource management in the Shortland Islands, Russell Islands, Three Sisters Islands, Leli Island, Lau Lagoon, Suafa Bay, Langalanga Lagoon, Are’Are Lagoon and Small Malaita, Northern Isabel and Northern Choiseul (Figure 4.14).

168. The other marine protected areas are informally designated and include the customary management areas established in Roviana and Vonavona Lagoons. These two lagoons have high marine diversity and are important nurseries for bumphead parrotfish and humphead wrasse. They form part of the Bismarck Solomon Seas Ecoregion, an ecoregion defined by WWF. A list of these areas is presented in Appendix E.

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Figure 4.14: Community Marine Managed Areas in Solomon Islands

169. Terrestrial protected areas. There are 17 formal or informal terrestrial protected areas in the Solomon Islands including four in Western Province, two in Malaita and two in Guadalcanal province. None of the protected areas are located in the vicinity of the landing sites. Appendix E presents details of the sites.

170. Threatened and protected species. As with other Pacific Nations, there is currently little understanding of threatened and protected species knowledge in the Solomon Islands. There are no regional resource documenting the types of species that exist and/or are threatened in the Solomon Islands or the Pacific region. Data is often dispersed, taxonomic expertise is absent, and nomenclature and classification systems can be disputed for various species.

171. The International Union for Conservation of Nature an Natural Resources (IUCN) undertakes a global assessment to classify species at varying risk of global extinction. The 2008 IUCN Red List provides the most up-to-date collated information for the Solomon Islands. It identifies and assesses the list of threatened species which includes 245 bird species, 19 amphibians, 75 fishes, 60 plants, 75 mammals, 522 invertebrates and 6 reptiles (Appendix F).

172. Two species of bird have been declared Extinct in the Solomon Islands – the Thick-billed Ground Dove,Gallicolumbasalamonis and the Choiseul Pigeon, Microgourameeki.

173. Turtle species found in the Solomon Islands are listed as protected and include; Dermochelyscoriacea (Leatherback turtle), Eretmochelys imbricate (Hawksbill turtle), Cheloniamydas (Green turtle), Lepidochelysolivacea (Olive Ridley turtle) andCarettacarreta (Loggerhead turtle). The eight identified nesting sites for the turtles in Solomon Islands include two islands in Western Province (Rendova and Tetepare), these sites are not located close to the cable landing sites.

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4. Socio-economic Resources

174. Physical cultural resources. The cable approach to the Honiara landing through the Savo Sound, is known as the Iron Bottom Sound. The region contains numerous shipwrecks and airplane wrecks as illustrated in Figure 4.15 and is considered by some government agencies (including the US Navy) as sacred waters from World War II which took place in the Solomon Islands between 1942 and 1943.

Figure 4.15: Map of Shipwrecks Near Honiara

175. Land use and acquisition. Land access will be achieved through negotiated agreement and no compulsory acquisition is anticipated. The RP has been updated. The RP contains the final, general locations of the cable landing points, cable termination stations, and cable duct routes. In all three sites, there will be no physical displacement. Lease agreements would need to forged with potentially two registered owners for alienated land (beachfront in Honiara and in Auki Malaita) and with the Aisisiki tribe.

176. Honiara. The current plan only has one cable landing point located in the beach fronting the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NIPF) fenced-off compound that hosts the offices of the Ministry of Rural Development and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The consequence of this change is that SOCC need not enter into agreements with a number of landowners. A major uncertainty is that the beach fronting the SINPF compound has been purportedly registered in the name of a private party.

177. Noro. The route will pass through the fences of the Markworth fuel depot/storage area in Noro. From there, the route will utilize the government road reserve under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) until it reaches the STCL termination station. The utilization of the government road reserve avoids the necessity of opening a new road or cutting through the trees as proposed in the initial design. It avoids affecting informal settlers using the land for vegetable gardening and livestock raising.

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178. Auki. In Auki Malaita, the modified design extended the cable route but limited its passage to one instead of two customary landholdings. The extended route also avoided passing clusters of residential houses and will instead use the government road reserve where existing STCL ducts are located. The new route will also cut across and near land planted to coconut, swamp taro, sago palm and vegetable gardens near Lilisiana Village in Auki. Some coconut trees, swamp taro, sago palm, bananas, and vegetable gardens will be affected. The trees and crops will be compensated as per the provisions of the RP.

V. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

179. General. This section outlines the potential environmental impacts of the project to the physical environment, biological environment (including the shallow water marine assessment surveys at each of the three cable landing sites) and environmental impacts affecting communities (socio-economic) in a generic manner. This is to identify the types of impacts that will require to be assessed in detail once construction methodologies – including type of cable to be used and cable laying method – to be adopted by the contractor have been determined.

180. It should be noted that the social assessment and RP have also been updated and these two documents comprise other details. Social impacts were identified and described for both these phases of the project and at the writing of this report was being reviewed in line with the small changes associated with the cable alignment. A summary of impacts identified in the social assessment and RP is included.

1. Impacts on the Physical Environment

181. Bathymetry. The placement and maintenance of the cable will not in any way affect bathymetry (water depths) for any of the proposed cable routes. Bathymetry may restrict the method of cable placement especially in shallow near shore areas. This will need to be considered during the detailed design phase of the project.

182. Substrate – Offshore and Inner-shore. During the original IEE the consultants through stakeholder consultation indicated that seismic survey and extraction of sediment cores will be undertaken during the marine survey. This survey will provide information relating to seabed sediments and associated morphology along the proposed cable routes in the offshore zone. A similar measure may also be required for the inner shore coastal zone in order to understand the sediment types and morphology at each of the landing sites. This data gap will be addressed during the pre-construction phase in the marine route survey, and any potential impacts identified will be mitigated during detailed design.

183. Waves, currents and tides. Placement and maintenance of the cable will not affect the wave climate, tides and currents for any of the proposed cable routes. Wave climate has the potential to be a constraint during construction. Prevailing wave conditions, especially near the shore, may be too rough for construction activities (placement and maintenance). Depending on their magnitude, currents have the potential to affect cable laying operations and expose buried cables. Where a cable is exposed to currents, forces could act on the cable possibly causing it to move and disturb the seabed and/or abrade the protective armouring. This will be assessed and addressed during the pre-construction phase in the desktop study and marine route survey and any potential impacts identified will be mitigated during detailed design.

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184. Coastal processes. Placement and maintenance of the cable will not affect the coastal zone processes at any of the proposed cable landing sites. Impacts on/from coastal processes predominantly occur in the active portion of the coastal zone which extends from the upper beach profile out to the active zone limit. The upper beach profile is subject to waves and storm surge. At the active zone limit, mobilization of sediment from tide, current and wave energy dissipates. Determination of preferred cable laying method and the depth of installation will need to consider the impacts of the active coastal zone in order to minimise the risk of the cable being exposed during operation. In addition, impacts of coastal erosion and storm surge will need to be understood to determine the location of the beach man holes at each site, in order to avoid inundation and undermining.

185. This data gap will be addressed during the pre-construction phase through the marine route survey, and any potential impacts will be mitigated during detailed design.

186. Effects on hydrothermal vents and seamounts. Geologically, the placement and maintenance of the cable will not affect hydrothermal vents and seamounts geologically for any of the proposed routes. Consideration may be required to ensure that the cable routes are at an appropriate distance (2 kilometers) from these geological features during both cable laying and cable operations. This will be addressed during the pre-construction phase through the marine route survey, and any potential impacts will be mitigated during detailed design.

187. Natural hazards. There is potential for project activities to influence and be influenced by the natural hazards that occur in the Solomon Islands. Temporal management of the cables deployment outside of known time periods of natural hazards will greatly reduce potential impacts whilst ensuring efficiency of the operation.

188. Geological hazards. During the preparation of the desktop study, details of geological features/processes (magnitudes and potential extent of damage) should be considered. These factors may influence the survey and cable placement method. Considerations as to how these geological features/processes could impact cable installation or operation of the cables will need to be assessed in subsequent stages of the project (i.e. detailed design phase). The placement and maintenance of the cable will not in any way affect the geological features/processes (volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis) for any of the land and/or marine environments proposed routes.

189. Climate related hazards. The high wave energy and wave run-up resulting from a cyclone and its associated storm surge can cause coastal damage and erosion of shorelines. The influence of cyclone damage and changes in sea level on beach profile, will need to be considered during the detailed design phase for each of the cable landing site and associated installation methods at the sites. This is most important for Honiara and Auki, as these beaches are subjected to inclement weather conditions and are considered unconsolidated and therefore subject to erosion.

190. Project activities, such as the placement and maintenance of the cable, will not in any way affect the climatic processes (tropical cyclones and sea level rise).

2. Biological Environment

191. Coral reefs. Reefs are recorded along the proposed cable route within the Solomon Islands however the most lie outside the area of influence of the cable. Inshore shallow reef

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systems directly associated with the each of the three landing sites are within the area of influence. Small, localized and short lived impacts are anticipated at each landing site associated with the construction and deployment of the cable.

192. Appendix D provides information pertaining to the reef assessments undertaken at each of the three landing sites, including specific biological and locational information. In summary, the shallow reef systems located within the area of influence of the cable at each of the three sites are healthy and is in good condition with substantial live coral coverage and associated healthy and diverse populations of marine plants. Populations of invertebrates (e.g. mollusc, echinoderms, crustaceans, polychaetes) and vertebrates (e.g. fin fish) recorded low numbers at all sites, especially those species targeted for subsistence harvesting. The Honiara and to a slightly lesser degree Auki landing site showed low numbers of these subsistence food and income generation marine organisms. The low numbers recorded are attributed to the sites close proximity to the largest and second largest towns within the nation.

193. It is recommended that the cable be attached directly to the hard substrate through a ducting system at all shallow water sites and trenched when departing the upper reef flats entering the beach zone terminating in the land based man hole. The proposed construction methods will likely have a minimal short-term and very localized impact on the reefs at these sites. Damage to reef benthos may be due to the use of articulated pipe and pinning of the cable where it is laid on the reef. It is expected that this will occur only along a very small footprint over which the cable is laid. Impacts of cables being laid on reefs are minimal and of short nature as reefs readily recolonize on and over the cable once in place. There is no long term or accumulative effects expected. This will be addressed during the pre-construction phase and marine route survey, and any potential impacts will be mitigated during detailed design.

194. In the event that the marine route survey identifies deeper water reef systems along the proposed route appropriate mitigation measures will need to be implemented during the detailed design phase. Avoidance of these structures is encouraged in terms of minimising potential environmental impacts and easy of cable deployment.

195. Seagrass meadows. Seagrass communities were located within the area of influence only at the Auki landing site. The sea grass meadow at this is part of a large coastal meadow dominating the shallow water intertidal reef flat in this area. The sea grass located within the area of influence is identical to the sea grass biological communities either side.

196. The proposed construction methods will likely have a minimal short-term and very localised impact on the sea grass directly impacted by the construction of the cable. Damage to the sea grass (uprooting and loss of biomass) may be due to the use of articulated pipe and/or localized trenching of the cable where it is laid. It is expected that this will occur only along a very small footprint over which the cable is laid. Impacts of cables being laid on and/or through sea grass beds are minimal and of short nature as sea grass readily recolonise on and over the cable once in place. There is no long term or accumulative effects expected.

197. Mangroves. There are no mangroves in the vicinity of the project area of influence at any of the three landing sites and therefore no impacts will occur. Individual mangrove trees and small stands are located along the coastlines outside the cable areas of influence at all three sites. These mangroves and the ecosystems associated with them will not be impacted by the cable deployment nor its operation.

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198. Lagoons and estuaries. There is one lagoon located within the vicinity of the cable route at Auki, however it is outside the area of influence of the cable and therefore no impacts to this area is expected. Nevertheless due diligences and measures will need to be implemented to ensure this area is not impacted in any way during construction. No additional lagoons or estuaries have been recorded in the vicinity of the project area.

199. Inner-shore and beach ecology. In the event that the cable placement occurs via ploughing or jetting, minor re-suspension of sediment and disturbance to the benthos could occur. It is expected that benthos will be expected to recover in less than two months and the re-suspension of sediment will be rapidly diluted and dispersed by ocean currents at all sites. The proposed development is likely to have minimal if any impact on beach ecology.

200. This is expected to be of a short-term nature and localized. It is not considered a significant environmental impact. Appropriate mitigation measures will need to be devised during the detailed design phase.

201. Sharks and crocodiles. Sharks have been known to attack submarine cables. The placement and maintenance of the cable need to consider the risks associated with potential shark bite of the cable during the pre-construction phase. Furthermore new telecommunication cables that do not use copper have significantly less threat. Precautionary measures will need to be considered when working in areas where crocodile sightings are common in order to manage the risk of crocodile attacks on humans.

202. Terrestrial ecology. At each of the three sites the terrestrial vegetation is of low conservation or biodiversity value due to the modified nature of the habitat. The plants and trees have some productive value and this has been identified in the RP and will be compensated to mitigate this livelihood impact.

203. No terrestrial protected areas (either formally designated or informal) will be affected by the project.

204. Marine Protected Areas and Community Managed Areas. There are no known marine protected areas or community managed areas within the project area of influence. Therefore there will be no impacts.

205. Threatened and Protected Species. It is unlikely that the proposed development will have an impact on threatened and protected species. Nevertheless, appropriate monitoring and mitigation measures will be required during the marine route survey and cable lay activities to ensure that the proposed works do not have an impact on threatened and protected species. Monitoring and mitigation measures are proposed in the EMP in order to avoid potential impacts.

3. Socio-economic Impacts

206. Health and safety impacts. Impacts of potential workforce are fully addressed in the social assessment as part of the overall scope of works and should be referred for additional information. Through stakeholder discussion during both IEE assessments SOCC anticipates a workforce of 10-15 workers will be required at each site. The majority of the workforce will be sourced locally, with an additional two to three specialists or supervisors sourced from Honiara for the sites at Noro and Auki. There will be no temporary or construction sites required. The crew is very small and will be either on a barge or accommodated in existing facilities/quarters

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(hotel, guest house etc) in the Honiara, Noro and Gizo when working landside. It is anticipated that there will be no workforce related environmental impacts generated by the project. 207. The project has the potential to generate limited local employment during construction. The social assessment considers there was neither potential for risk of spread of communicable diseases nor potential for conflict associated with this project and therefore was not considered an issue. 208. Once built, the cables will require little or no maintenance, and therefore no ongoing operational workforce impacts are anticipated.

209. Noise and dust. As identified in the projects social assessment, cable construction will be achieved manually with little use of heavy machinery. This means that the project will only generate intermittent noise, which will quickly dissipate into the ambient noise. It is predicted that during construction there will be temporary noise and dust impacts to residents along the cable routes at each of the three landing sites. There are no noise standards in Solomon Islands to be applied to the project.

210. Land use and acquisition. There will be no physical displacement and land use impacts will be minimised through implementation of the RP which requires lease arrangements with land owners and compensation for affected crops and trees of land users.

1. Impacts on physical cultural resources. The proposed cable routes have been selected with the intention of avoiding all shipwrecks and airplane wrecks. However, there is a lack of information surrounding the exact locations of these wrecks and other WWII relics. Accordingly, it is possible that the proposed cable routes may intersect wreck sites. Specific cable alignment will be finalized during the marine route survey (sonar) and due diligence needs to be undertaken in all areas of the Solomon Islands for the presence of unexploded munitions and wreckage from WWII.

211. Appropriate mitigation measures are proposed in the EMP in order to avoid impacts to the airplane and shipwrecks.

VI. CONSULTATION, PARTICIPATION AND DISCLOSURE

212. Activities to date. During the original project assessment (May and June 2012) and the current assessment (August, 2014) the project consultants met with representatives of Solomon Islands Ministries and Provincial Government at Honiara, Noro and Auki in order to discuss the main issues of the project and the potential environmental and social impacts with appropriate representatives of all relevant stakeholders. All Ministries and Provincial Governments were supportive of the project (refer Appendix B for list of stakeholders consulted for the IEE). 213. In addition, both assessments teams met with identified landowners and users to better understand them and their relationship to the land. The consultations also sought to inform them of the project and ascertain their attitudes to the proposals. They were pleased to know the developments taking in place in the two provinces. No issues were raised related to environment which requires follow-up meetings or consultations. 214. Consultations with potentially affected landowners have commenced, initiated by STL under the auspices of SOCC. STL has contacted land owners in Honiara, Noro and Auki, and consulted with local Land Officers and government officials.

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215. Importantly, these consultations and investigations included informal gardeners in Noro, who, as a consequence of project rerouting will no longer be impacted by the project. Subsequently, STL has advised these gardeners and the provincial government that they will no longer need to relocate their gardens as a result of the project.

216. Additional consultations. Whilst preliminary discussions have been initiated in Auki and Honiara, future consultations will focus on detailed notification and negotiation. The notification process will differ between private and customary land, as guided by the Land and Titles Act and Telecommunications Act. In advance of notification, SOCC will formally identify land owners and verify their ownership (existing legal title, or valid basis for claiming an interest).

217. Notification. Official notifications will be provided to land owners outlining the nature of the project and the land access requirements relevant to their land parcels. The notification will indicate the nature of the agreement sought, the timeline for the project and the agreement, that the notification represents the date for cut-off of eligibility for any compensation, and the proposed process for negotiation. The notification will also advise owners of their entitlement to, and suggestions for accessing impartial legal advice, explain the process for negotiation, and seek commencement of the negotiation process. At notification, relevant information from the RP will be provided to land owners, adjacent communities (in the case of Auki) and relevant local government officials.

218. In the case of private land, this notification will be provided to registered land owners. In the case of customary land, the notification must be issued to all members of the group, and also made known to local members of the community. The notification will include advertisement of a public meeting and set this as the date for raising any claims relevant to the site. A public meeting will be held, and all issues raised will be recorded. The validity of any claims to the land must be established. In the case of Auki, the formerly contested claims over the subject land have been resolved through the Malaita Local Court in 1989, as would not currently be considered valid. If no petitions are raised, then the negotiation process will be commenced.

219. Disclosure of project information. Project information, including the draft and final IEE, will be made available for public review and comment as per ADB Public Communication Policy 2011. The IEE, or a summary of it, will be uploaded to ADB website and will be disclosed locally.

220. The RP will be endorsed by executing agency and implementing agency, disclosed to affected persons and stakeholders, and posted on ADB before appraisal of the additional financing component. The RP will be made available in English in accessible public locations. SOCC will also arrange to interpret and explain the key provisions of the RP in local language as needed. Brochures summarizing the RP in English and Solomon Islands Pidgin are to be provided.

VII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

221. Details of the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) as also outlined in the RP, will also be accessed for any person wishing to make a complaint or grievance or raise a project-related issue.

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222. GRM as outlined in the RP. The RP describes the inclusion of an independent third party in land access negotiations to provide for an independent advisor to land owners. Should land owners not be satisfied that SOCC is progressing with fair and reasonable intentions, it will be the independent parties role to represent the land owners interests in identifying and/or raising this as an issue with SOCC and seeking resolution.

223. The Land and Titles Act does not include grievance redress mechanisms for negotiated agreements (be they transfers, leases or easements) where these are not under the auspices of the Commissioner of Lands. However the Telecommunications Act requires service providers to advise land owners as to how they can access impartial legal advice, with this advisory service pre-empting a grievance redress requirement, as the negotiation is not underpinned by default compulsory acquisition.

224. Records of all negotiations activities will be prepared by SOCC. Terms of Reference for the third party validator have been included in the RP. The third party validator’s report will be submitted to MoFT and ADB for approval before implementation of agreements and entry to land. These two approaches will be adopted to counter the otherwise asymmetrical relationship between the two negotiating parties, where SOCC is likely to otherwise have greater access to information, services, advice and experience. These approaches provide the opportunity for land owners to avail services to counter this imbalance.

225. Construction stage. During the construction and to a lesser extent, operation of the project it is possible that people may have concerns with the project’s environmental performance. Given the nature of this project it is likely that concerns may arise more during construction than during operations phase of the project. In order to capture and address these concerns the grievance management procedure will allow affected persons to register their complaints and provide the project an opportunity to resolve them.

226. The grievance management procedures places ultimate responsibility for grievance resolution with SOCC, however on site the construction supervisor can directly address complaints.

227. If the complaint is straightforward then the site supervisor will resolve the complaint immediately. If the complaint is complicated and outside the control of the site supervisor, it will then be referred to the SOCC Manager or equivalent of that in Auki, Noro or Honiara who will then have two days to resolve the complaint and communicate the outcome to the affected person.

228. If the affected person is not satisfied with the complaint resolution, they may be able to take the complaint to the SOCC Head Office or the Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands. If the affected person is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the National Court, which will initially be at their own cost.

229. All complaints arriving are to be documented in a register that will be maintained at the local SOCC Office or equivalent of that. Details of the complaint should be recorded by date, name, contact address and reason for the complaint. A duplicate copy of the entry will be given to the affected person for their record at the time of registering the complaint and another copy of the complaint to be attached to SOCC’s monthly report.

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230. Complaints are to be responded to within the first 24 hours and then further updated if required to be provided every two days, until the complaint is resolved. Complaints resolution will be free of charge to the affected person. The complaints register will show a record of who has been directed to deal with the complaint and the outcome of the complaint. The register will also record other details such as the date and time when the action was commissioned, complaint was resolved, when and how the affected person was informed of the decision. The register is then signed off by the person who is responsible for the decision and dated. The register is to be kept at the front desk of the SOCC Offices or equal of that near the project sites and is a public document.

231. The contractor will be required to maintain a grievance register, this will be the subject of monitoring.

232. Operation stage. Very few complaints are expected to arise during operations. It is anticipated that complaints during operations will be mainly about cable vandalism, unlikely incidences where anchors or fishing gear might be caught in the cable and potential environmental impacts during cable maintenance works.

233. During this phase complaints will be directed to SOCC, which will follow the same resolution procedure as outlined for issues raised during construction stage.

VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. General

234. The EMP contains a number of components crucial to effective management within the project, and these include:

 Institutional arrangements and environmental responsibilities;   Recommendations for mitigating, monitoring and managing potential impacts – both those identified in this IEE and those identified in the SIA; and  Monitoring and reporting mechanisms.  235. As with the original IEE details of the project as a whole are yet to be determined. These include: (i) confirmation of cable installation methods. This will need to be determined at a later stage of the project, and environmental impacts outlined herein confirmed and/or revised prior to construction by a suitably qualified environmental representative. This will be the responsibility of SOCC; and (ii) roles and responsibilities for each stage of the project and associated existing environmental capacity. This will be the responsibility of SOCC and will be determined at a later stage of the project. In particular, it will be necessary to have an appropriate environmental specialist involved in the detailed design and construction phase of the project to ensure compliance with recommendations made in this IEE and EMP and the environmental that is assessment updated based on the detailed surveys and design.

2. Institutional Arrangements

236. This section briefly outlines the institutional framework responsible for executing the environmental monitoring, mitigation and management strategies. It is understood that the overall responsibility of the IEE and associated EMP (i.e. this Section) will lie with SOCC. The following organizations will be primarily involved in ensuring that the project complies with the Solomon Islands environmental protection laws and regulations and the ADB safeguards:

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 Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) in the Solomon Islands;  The Solomon Oceanic Cable Company (SOCC);  Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands; and  Environment and Conservation Department (within MECDM). 

237. Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The MOFT will be the executing agency of the Project. It will be responsible for the overall supervision and co-ordination of the project with other government agencies as required.

238. Solomon Oceanic Cable Company. The overall responsibility of developing and implementing the environmental management plan will rest with SOCC and will include overseeing that environmental considerations are addressed in the pre-construction, construction and operation phases. In order to fulfil these responsibilities SOCC will have to undertake the following tasks:

 Prior to project implementation/construction SOCC will engage legal services to seek legal advice on the appropriate legislations;    Prior to construction, SOCC will ensure that environmental considerations (addressing data gaps and implementing mitigation measures where possible prior to construction) are implemented during the pre-construction phase (i.e. during desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design);   Supervise the construction contractor and ensure that environmental considerations as outlined in the EMP as undertaken; and   Implement the grievance management procedure.

239. Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands. The role of Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands is to regulate the telecommunications sector in the Solomon Islands, allow competition in the sector, which will result in availability of diverse and affordable services.

240. Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. The MECDM is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Environment Act 1998 and its regulations. The department consists of one corporate division and four technical divisions: (i) Environment and Conservation, 13 staff; (ii) Climate Change, 6 staff; (iii) Disaster Management 18 staff and; (iv) Meteorology which has more than 60 staff.

241. The MECDM operates at the national level from its office in Honiara. Personnel from the Meteorology are in some provinces. Certain environmental management and monitoring functions can be delegated to provincial administrations if and when they have the resources and capacity to conduct these activities. MECDM is a key stakeholder in the project and will provide environmental clearance of the project by review of the IEE (or PER) and issuing development consent, when the assessment is updated based on the detailed surveys and cable laying method has been determined.

3. Environmental Management Plan

242. This section describes the mitigation and management measures recommended in this IEE. Table 6.1 summarizes the environmental management recommendations based on the

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environmental assessment set out in Section V. The recommendations are grouped under the headings physical environment, biological environment and natural hazards as they have been assessed in this report and relate to the phases of the project- pre-construction, construction and operation. It is important to note that during the course of this IEE, data and information gathered has given light to gaps in the data that will be required for the detailed design phase of the project and are required to complete the environmental assessment. Accordingly, these are outlined in Table 6.2 for completeness with recommendations made for subsequent stages of the project.

1. Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Physical Resources

243. Hydrothermal vents and seamounts Geologically, the placement and maintenance of the cable would not in any way affect hydrothermal vents and seamounts for any of the three proposed routes. Consideration may be required for finalisation of the cable routes to ensure that the cable routes are at an appropriate distance from these geological features during both cable laying and cable operations.

244. Wave, currents and tides. The placement and maintenance of the cable would not in any way affect the wave climate, tides and currents for any of the three proposed cable routes. Depending on their magnitude, currents have the potential to affect cable laying operations and expose buried cable.

245. In the case that a cable is exposed to current, loads could be placed on the cable possibly causing it to move and disturb the seabed and/or abrade the protective armouring. This would need to be further assessed during the desk top study, detailed design and construction.

246. Coastal erosion and storm surge. Coastal erosion is already evident at several of the landing sites for this project. The placement and maintenance of the cable would not in any way affect coastal erosion and storm surge processes at any of the three proposed cable landing sites.

247. Impacts from coastal erosion and storm surge predominantly occur along the coastal zone where the mobility of the seabed occurs in shallower depths and further inshore to the upper beach profile. Determination of burial method and depth would need to consider the impacts of this active coastal zone on both construction activities and cable operation and the likelihood of exposure during storms. In addition, impacts of coastal erosion and storm surge would need to be understood in determining the location of the beach man holes at each site in order to avoid inundation.

248. Accordingly, it is advised that the construction methodology for the inshore areas, cable burial depth (if cable burial is the preferred installation method) and locations of the beach man holes be established in the detailed design phase. In addition, a detailed survey of the sites should be carried out as part of the marine route survey or the detailed design phase.

2. Mitigation Measures for Impacts on Ecological Resources

249. Reefs. Preference is for cables to not be laid across reefs however where it is not possible to avoid reefs (e.g. immediately offshore of landing sites), the impact of laying cable is understood to be short-term, localized, non-cumulative, re-colonization very high and within a short period of time and overall almost insignificant to the ecosystem functions associated with the cable area of influence. It is proposed that articulated pipe be used and the pipe be pinned

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to the reef to both protect the cable across reef areas and to minimize the impact of the cable moving and causing abrasion to the reef. If additional reefs are identified along the route it is suggested that the route be altered, where possible to avoid them. This will be determined during the pre-construction phase in which the desktop study and marine route survey is undertaken.

250. Seagrass meadows. The cable area of influence at the Auki landing site will pass through a small area of sea grass situated in the shallow water intertidal reef flat. The sea grass is part of an extensive meadow that is located along the intertidal reef flat in this area.

251. The impact of laying cable is understood to be short-term, localized, non-cumulative, re- colonization very high and within a short period of time and overall almost insignificant to the ecosystem functions associated with the cable area of influence. It is proposed that the cable be trenched in this area (reef derived sediments most likely covering a harder reef substrate) to both protect the cable across reef areas and encourage re-colonization of sea grass.

252. Lagoons and estuaries. Any activities located within the vicinity of the lagoon at Auki (outside the direct area of influence of the cable) will need to minimize runoff and associated water quality issues resulting from minor sediment disturbances during cable laying. The use of sediment traps along the trench boundaries should be considered.

253. Impacts on terrestrial areas. The following mitigation measure is recommended to manage potential impacts associated with terrestrial areas:  Minimize runoff and associated water quality issues resulting from sediment disturbances during cable laying, trenching and construction of the beach man hole.   All sediment that is disturbed during the trenching process will be restored as trenches are backfilled.   Avoid clearing of vegetation beyond the landing site and cable corridor. 

254. Sharks and crocodiles. The following mitigation and monitoring measures should be implemented during construction: vessel crews and hired workers should keep watch when laying cable in areas where there are possible occurrences of crocodiles, particularly associated with marine and coastal activities. Any citations should be reported including date and location, identification and description. In regards to cable protection from possible shark bite it is recommended that appropriate cable armoring protection be considered during the design phase to a water depth of 2,500 m.

255. Threatened and protected species. By implementing the following monitoring and mitigation measures during the marine route survey and cable lay operations, the proposed development is highly unlikely to have an impact on these threatened and protected species:  Vessel crews should keep watch when laying cable in areas where there are possible occurrences of dolphins, whales, turtles and dugongs. Any citations should be reported including date and location, identification and description; and   Should there be any sightings of any of the marine mammals in the vicinity of the work area, the vessel will execute measures to avoid collisions or disturbances.

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3. Measures to Mitigate Socio-Economic Impacts

256. Land use and acquisition. The RP will be implemented to minimize and/or mitigate impacts on land use or livelihoods.

257. Physical cultural resources. During the marine route survey, any wrecks and unexploded ordnance will be identified. In the event that the proposed cable routes traverse over wrecks, the cable route should be modified, based on the results of the survey in order to avoid laying cable through, over or immediately adjacent to any wrecks. If required, a qualified maritime archaeologist should review the findings of the marine geophysical survey and assist the marine geophysicists to choose a suitable cable route that will avoid identified cultural material. The archaeologist will also assess the impact of the finalized route on the cultural significance of the submerged heritage sites.

258. If, during cable laying operations, a wreck is encountered, measures should be undertaken to lay the cable around the wreck, where possible. If a wreck is disturbed, measures will need to be undertaken to minimize the impacts, inform the appropriate authorities, keep records of the impact and notify a qualified maritime archaeologist, where required.

Table 6.1: EMP Actions Required to Mitigate Potential Environmental Impacts

Type of Impact Project Timing to Timing of Environmental (either Suggested Measure for Mitigation or Implement Potential Issue Consideration environmental, Management Mitigation or Impact cable or both) Management Physical Environment Offshore Wrecks and Potential impact on Cable approach to the During marine route survey, UXOs will be identified. Pre-construction cable lay Unexploded the environment Honiara landing through In the event that the proposed cable routes traverse (desktop study, Ordnance (ship wrecks and the Savo Sound, also over wrecks, the cable route should be modified, marine route survey based on the results of the survey. If required, a (UXOs) airplane wrecks) known as the Iron Bottom and detailed design) marine geophysical survey and choose a suitable and construction and cable (UXOs) Sound, contains cable route that will avoid identified UXO. If, during numerous shipwrecks and cable laying operations, a wreck is encountered, airplane wrecks and measures should be undertaken to lay the cable associated UXOs, around the wreck, where possible. If a wreck is however the exact disturbed, measures will need to be undertaken to locations of these are minimize the impacts, inform the appropriate authorities, keep records of the impact and notify a unknown. qualified maritime archaeologist, if required.

Biological Environment Land based Terrestrial Potential impact Laying of the cable The following mitigation measures should be Pre-construction cable lay areas on the (various construction adopted where necessary: (desktop study, environment methodologies) at all sites • minimize runoff and associated water quality marine route survey has the potential to issues resulting from sediment disturbances and detailed design) minimally impact flora and and Construction. fauna in terrestrial areas. during cable laying, trenching and construction Monitoring plan (if of the beach man hole. required) to be • all sediment that is disturbed during the prepared as part of trenching process will be restored as trenches EMP update – based are backfilled. on outcomes during • avoid clearing of vegetation. the desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design. This will be the responsibility of SOCC to prepare. Inner shore Sea grass Potential impact on Proposed construction It is proposed for the Auki shallow water reef flat Pre-construction Cable lay meadow the environment method will have a area the cable reinforced and be trenched ensuring (marine route survey minimum short term maximum protection of the cable whilst ensuring and detailed design impact on the individual sea grass colonies, very rehabilitation of sea grass. and construction) limited impact on the meadow or ecosystem

Type of Impact Project Timing to Timing of Environmental (either Suggested Measure for Mitigation or Implement Potential Issue Consideration environmental, Management Mitigation or Impact cable or both) Management

Inner-shore Reefs Potential impact on Reefs have been It is proposed in the inner shore areas/landing sites Pre-construction cable lay the identified around the where reef is known to exist, that articulated pipe be (desktop study, environment project area of influence at used and the pipe be pinned to the reef to both marine route survey Noro, Auki and Honiara. protect the cable across reef areas and to minimize and detailed design) There include rocky the impact of the cable moving and causing and construction intertidal reef abrasion to the reef. Flats, and shallow fringing coral reef at three landing Where additional reefs are identified it is suggested sites. Proposed that if feasible reefs are to be avoided and the route construction methods will altered. have a minimal short-term Impacts on these reefs. Offshore Threatened and Potential impact on There is potential during Preparation of a plan to minimize disturbance to Pre-construction cable lay protected the the marine route whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs may be (desktop study, species environment survey and cable lay appropriate. marine route survey (whales, operations for disturbance and detailed design) dolphins, to whales, dolphins, turtles and Construction. turtles, dugongs) and dugongs, in particular for whales during Monitoring plan (if migration season. Care required) to be should be taken during prepared as part of cable laying as there is a EMP update – based small risk of collision on outcomes during and/or entanglement. the desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design. This will be the responsibility of SOCC to prepare

Land based Lagoons and Potential impact Laying of the cable Any activities located within the vicinity of the Pre-construction cable lay Estuaries on the (various construction lagoon at Auki will need to minimize runoff and (detailed design) and environment methodologies) adjacent associated water quality issues resulting from construction to the lagoon at Auki has sediment disturbances during cable laying. the potential to minimally impact this environment if not managed appropriately.

Type of Impact Project Timing to Timing of Environmental (either Suggested Measure for Mitigation or Implement Potential Issue Consideration environmental, Management Mitigation or Impact cable or both) Management Inner-shore / Crocodiles Potential impact Sightings of saltwater Safety measures should be put in place in areas Pre-construction intertidal on the crocodiles are common in where crocodile sightings are common and there (desktop study, marine route survey cable lay cable the Western Province, is the potential for work to be undertaken in these and detailed design) especially in parts of Noro areas in order to minimize risk. and Construction and Munda. Crocodile Emergency attacks have been response recorded plan to be prepared as part of EMP update prior to Construction. This will be the responsibility of SOCC to prepare. Operation Shark bite Potential impact Sharks have been known Appropriate cable armouring protection may need Pre-construction on the to attack to be considered during the design phase to a (desktop study, cable submarine cables as they water depth of 2,500 m to minimize this risk. marine route survey seem to be and detailed design), attracted by low frequency Construction and vibration from the power Operation fed cable up to a water depth of 2,500 m. Socio-economic Environment Pre- Land use and Environment Impacts on land owners Implement approved RP and negotiate leases for Pre-contractor construction access (communities) and land users access to landing sites access to sites Offshore Physical cultural Potential impact on Cable approach to the During marine route survey, any wrecks will be Pre-construction cable lay resources the environment Honiara landing through identified. In the event that the proposed cable (desktop study, the Savo Sound, also routes traverse over wrecks, the cable route should marine route survey be modified, based on the results of the survey. If known as the Iron Bottom and detailed design) required, a qualified maritime archaeologist should and construction; Sound, contains review findings of the survey and assist marine numerous shipwrecks and EMP to include geophysicists to choose a suitable cable route that chance find plan and airplane wrecks, however will avoid identified cultural material as much as procedures the exact locations of possible, and assess the impact of the finalized these are unknown. route on the cultural significance of the underwater cultural heritage. If, during cable laying operations, a wreck is encountered, measures should be

undertaken to lay the cable around the wreck, where possible. If a wreck is disturbed, measures will need to be undertaken to minimize the impacts, inform the appropriate authorities, keep records of the impact and notify a qualified maritime archaeologist, if required.

Table 6.2: Outline of Data Gaps to be Addressed in Order to Identify and Mitigate Potential Environmental Impacts

Suggested Action to Address Type of Impact (either Project Timing of Environmental Data Gaps and Project Timing to environmental, cable Issue Potential Impact Consideration any associated Mitigation Address Data Gaps or both) Measures (if required) Physical Environment Cable lay and Substrate Potential impact on Currently, the extent of data Further investigations (as part of Pre-construction Operation cable and information available on the marine route (desktop study, substrate (seabed survey and extraction of marine route survey sediments and morphology) sediment cores) are to and detailed design) of the proposed cable routes be conducted along the is not sufficient. This proposed routes to includes offshore areas confirm bathymetry, seabed where geological sediment types, features such as morphology, location of hydrothermal vents, geological features for seamounts and reefs are both the offshore areas and inner present and the shore/beach inner-shore/beach landings. landings. This will mitigate the threat that geological features pose to the cable prior to cable lay. Cable lay and Currents Potential impact on the Presently, the extent of data Further investigations (as part Pre-construction Operation environment and the and information available on of the desk top study and (desktop study, cable currents in the vicinity of the marine route survey) to marine route survey proposed cable routes is not minimize the risks associated and detailed design) extensive. Currents pose with currents may be required potential threat to cable to confirm current magnitudes laying construction and in the vicinity of the cable cables during operation (currents have the potential routes. Note this issue could be to expose buried cables addressed during detailed causing it to move design instead. and possibly catch/abrade on geological features causing impacts to the substrate/ecological environment and/or damage the cable) Cable lay and Coastal Erosion Potential impact on the Coastal erosion is already Further investigations (as part Pre-construction Operation and cable evident at several of the of the desk top study and (desktop study, Storm Surge landing sites for this project. marine route survey) to marine route survey Anecdotal information and a minimize risk may be required and detailed design) couple of to confirm extent of coastal

Suggested Action to Address Type of Impact (either Project Timing of Environmental Data Gaps and Project Timing to environmental, cable Issue Potential Impact Consideration any associated Mitigation Address Data Gaps or both) Measures (if required) reports were available to erosion and storm surge at the qualitatively describe the beach landings. rate or erosion and impact Note this issue (coastline from storm surge at the erosion assessment, sites. However there is a storm bite prediction, lack of basic information that quantitative analysis of impedes the carrying out of flooding and inundation risk) any detailed coastline also could be addressed during erosion assessment, storm detailed design. prediction, quantitative analysis of flooding Biological Environment Cable lay and Hydrothermal Potential impact of the Currently, the extent of data Further investigations (as part Pre-construction Operation vents and environment and information available on of the desk top study and the (desktop study, seamounts hydrothermal vents and marine route survey) are to be marine route survey seamounts and their conducted along the proposed and detailed design) associated ecological routes and will confirm extent of environments along the any hydrothermal vents and proposed cable routes is not seamounts in the project area extensive; however there is of influence. In the event that general consensus that hydrothermal vents and these environments are seamounts are identified in the ecologically sensitive. project area of influence the cable route should be altered in order to be at an appropriate distance from these ecological features. Natural Hazards Cable lay and Geological Possible impact of the Risk to construction Further investigations (as part Pre-construction Operation hazards cable activities and cable of the desk top study and (desktop study, (volcanoes, operation may stem from marine route survey) to marine route survey earthquakes, natural hazardous minimise risks associated with and detailed design) tsunamis) events. The proposed cable geological hazards may be routes traverse required to confirm location and tectonically active areas and historical trends in the vicinity of the project the cable routes. Note this issue area of influence includes could be addressed during active volcanoes. detailed design instead. Cable lay and Climatic Possible impact of the Risk to construction Further investigations (as part Pre-construction Operation hazards cable activities and cable of the desk top study) to (desktop study, (tropical operation may stem from minimise risks associated with marine route survey

Suggested Action to Address Type of Impact (either Project Timing of Environmental Data Gaps and Project Timing to environmental, cable Issue Potential Impact Consideration any associated Mitigation Address Data Gaps or both) Measures (if required) cyclones, sea natural hazardous climatic hazards may be and detailed design) level rise) events. The Solomon required to understand the Islands lies in an area potential impacts including prone to tropical cyclones those on operation of including formation of the cables along the beach tropical cyclones and are landings. Note this issue could low-lying, therefore prone to be addressed during detailed impacts of sea level rise. design instead.

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4. Summary of Social Assessment and Mitigations

259. Tables 6.3 and 6.4 presented below present the summary of the mitigation measures and categorizes them into the key strategies.

Table 6.3: Summary of Social Impacts

Project Impact Status of Impacted Site Impact Timing Rating Impact and Parties Land Access Issues Proposed cable duct along private road on Project Medium Neutral Auki – Customary Customary land Planning owners Three other claimant groups dispute the customary Project Medium Negative Auki – Project, other ownership of the land, which pose a risk to the Planning unregistered claimants project Workforce Impacts Potential to generate local employment in Noro, Construction Low Positive Honiara, Auki and Noro Auki and Honiara – Local Communities Traffic Safety and Access Issues Temporary disruption to local traffic along the road Construction Low Negative where construction of cable ducts is proposed Temporary disruption to RAMSI depot traffic in Construction Low Negative Honiara Henderson Noise and Dust Issues The project will generate temporary noise and dust Construction Low Negative Honiara, Auki and Noro – Local Communities and private property owners Impacts on Commercial Fishing Temporary disruption to commercial fishing vessels Construction Low Negative All project area – during survey and cable laying commercial fisheries Possibility of fishing gear being entangled into the Operations High Negative All project area - cable SOCC Impacts on Subsistence Fishing Possible temporary disruption to subsistence Construction Low Negative Honiara, Auki and Noro fishers during cable laying – Local Fisheries Impacts on ADB Safeuards – Involuntary Resettlements Anticipated land access negotiation iwith customary Project Medium Neutral Auki – Customary owners in Auki for proposed cable duct along Planning owners private road on Customary land Impacts on ADB Safeguards – Indigenous People No impacts on indigenous people Impacts on ADB Safeguards – Gender Issues No impacts on gender issues

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Table 6.4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Impact Impacted Sites Suggested Mitigation Measures Key Management Strategies Land Access Issues Seek legal advice for all land RP access negotiations Proposed cable duct along Auki The Project will have to engage in RP private road on Customary further consultations and land Stakeholder land legally registered in single access negotiations (including Consultation Plan ownership compensation negotiation) with the customary owners - Mr Jonathan Malai who is the leader of the Aisisiki group; and Three other claimant groups Auki To avoid excluding the other three Stakeholder dispute the customary (unrecognized) claimants of the Consultation Plan ownership of the land, which land called the GST group, it is pose a risk to the project recommended that separate consultations and information sessions are held with them. This will help to minimize group conflicts therefore minimize the risk to the project. Workforce Impacts Potential to generate local Honiara, Auki Convey project conditions to the Stakeholder employment in Noro, Auki and and Noro construction contractor of Consultation Plan Honiara maximizing local employment Traffic Safety and Access Issues Temporary disruption to Honiara Consult with property owner and EMP RAMSI depot traffic in Honiara Henderson regular road users in particular the Stakeholder Henderson residents and the two schools and Consultation Plan RAMSI depot in Honiara Henderson to determine best possible access and traffic management during construction; Provide signs, notifications and other appropriate safety features to road users to inform them of changed traffic conditions and indicate construction works are being undertaken. Inform local communities through notifications and key informants about dates of project construction activities; and Provide safe access across the work sites for all road users. Noise and Dust Issues The project will generate Honiara, Auki Limit construction activities from EMP temporary noise and dust and Noro Monday to Saturday. No Stakeholder construction activities will be Consultation Plan undertaken on Sundays; Grievance Management Limit construction activities to day Procedure time, all construction activities to be prohibited from 7pm to 6am; Any noise generating machinery to be maintained in good working order; and If any noise and dust related complaints arise they will be to be dealt with as per the grievance procedure.

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Impact Impacted Sites Suggested Mitigation Measures Key Management Strategies Impacts on Commercial Fishing Temporary disruption to All project area It is suggested that additional Stakeholder commercial fishing vessels consultations are held by the Consultation Plan during survey and cable laying Project planning team with the EMP Department of Fisheries, Maritime Operations Officer in Honiara, Harbor Masters’ for Honiara, Noro and Auki to provide them with project specific information such as dates of the survey work and cable lying, so that they can further convey notificaitons to commercial fishing vessels and other vessels expected in the vicinity at the time Possibility of fishing gear being All project area Inform the Maritime office of the Stakeholder entangled into the cable cable location so it is issued as a Consultation Plan notice to mariners and is mapped EMP on future marine charts. Impacts on Subsistence Fishing Possible temporary disruption Honiara, Auki Inform Department of Fisheries Stakeholder with to subsistence fishers during and Noro the intension that they will further Consultation Plan cable provide notifications and advice laying local subsistence fisheries about the dates of project construction activities and measures to avoid fishing in the project footprint for the duration of construction; and Inform local communities through notifications of dates of construction activities. Impacts on ADB Safeguards–Involuntary Resettlements Proposed cable duct along Auki private road on Customary land legally registered in single ownership. Anticipated land access negotiation with customary owners in Auki Impacts on ADB Safeguards - Indigenous People No impacts on indigenous people Impacts on ADB Safeguards - Gender Issues No impacts on gender issues

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5. Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms

260. To address ADB’s safeguard requirements SOCC will be responsible for environmental management and monitoring through the pre-construction, construction and operations phases of the project. Parameters to be monitored will be stipulated in the EMP to be updated following detailed surveys and design. Monitoring will also include supervision and monitoring of its sub- contractors and ensuring compliance with the approved EMP and any conditions attached to the development consent issued by ECD.

261. The contractor will provide monthly progress reports to SOCC which will also report to its Board of Directors. The contractor’s reporting will cover EMP compliance and will record compliance and shortfalls with the environmental management strategies. These progress reports will be consolidated and submitted to ADB by SOCC on a quarterly basis. Semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports will also be prepared by SOCC and submitted to ADB.

262. Monitoring and reporting of environmental safeguards will also occur through the third party involvement and their reporting mechanisms which will be established through their Terms of Reference.

IX. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

263. The IEE has assessed the potential environmental impacts of this project from a physical, ecological and natural hazards perspective and has concluded that potential impacts are relatively minor in nature. Impacts are able to be monitored, mitigated or managed through the implementation of strategies at the three stages of the project – pre-construction, construction and operation.

264. Recommendations for monitoring, mitigation and management of these impacts are presented in the EMP above. The EMP will be updated based on outcomes in the desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design. This will be the responsibility of SOCC.

265. The IEE has also identified numerous data gaps. It is envisaged that these issues will be addressed in the proceeding stages of the project, such as the desktop study, marine route survey and detailed design prior to construction.

Appendix A 63

OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

Fisheries Act. The Fisheries Act 1998 provides the framework for fisheries management and development, including licensing of fishing vessels and processing plants. It also lists prohibited fishing methods and provides for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the preparation of coastal management plans. The Act regulates the utilisation and conservation of marine resource. At the writing of this IEE a new draft Fisheries Act has been written and has been tabled several times with the Solomon Island parliament for adoptions. It is understood that the confirmation of applicability of this Act will be carried out through legal counsel with SOCC. Shipping Act. The Shipping Act 1998 consolidates and amends the laws relating to shipping and seamen to control the registration, safety and manning of ships, and to give effect to certain international maritime conventions, and other related purposes. During the construction phase it may be necessary to consider the Shipping Act. It is understood that confirmation of applicability of this Act will be carried out through legal counsel with SOCC. Continental Shelf Act. The Continental Shelf Act (Cap 94) makes provision for the protection, exploration and exploitation of the Continental Shelf of Solomon Islands, the prevention of pollution in consequence of works in connection with the continental shelf and for matters incidental to and connected there-in. It is likely that the proposed cable development may need to have consideration for the Continental Shelf Act. Accordingly, the relevance of this Act will be determined through legal counsel to SOCC. Provincial Government Act. The Provincial Government Act 1997 gives power to the provinces to make their own legislation including environment and conservation. Schedule 3 of the Act provides a list of activities for which the provinces have responsibility to pass ordinances. One of the activities includes Cultural and Environment - protection of wildlife, coastal and lagoon shipping. Protected Areas Act. The Protected Areas Act 2010 provides for the declaration and management of protected areas or areas where special measures need to be taken to conserve biological diversity and the regulation of the biological diversity and prospecting research and for related matters. Safety at Work Act. The Safety at Work 1996 states that it is the duty of every employer to provide a safe workplace and to ensure the health and safety of employees under his control. This Safety At Work Act is relevant during the construction phase of the Project. Bio-Security Bill. The Bio-Security Bill 2013 is to prevent the entry of animal and plant pests and disease to Solomon Islands; to control their establishment and spread in Solomon Islands, to regulate the movement of animal, plant pest and diseases and of animals and plants and their products; to facilitate international cooperation in respect of animal and plant diseases and related matters.

Appendix B 64

AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

B1 TERMINOLOGY USED

Australian waters is defined in Schedule 3A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to mean:  the waters of the territorial sea (within the meaning of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973) of Australia  the waters of the exclusive economic zone of Australia  the sea above that part of the continental shelf of Australia that is beyond the limits of the exclusive economic zone.

‘Carrier’ is defined in the Telecommunications Act 1997 as ‘the holder of a carrier license’.

‘Coastal waters’ is defined in Schedule 3A of the Act to mean the waters covered by the Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 or the Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980. Coastal waters are generally the first three nautical miles of the territorial sea adjacent to each state and the Northern Territory, plus (in the case of Western Australia) some title areas landward of the territorial sea baseline but external to the state.

‘Non-protection zone permits’ refers to permits for carriers to install submarine cables in Australian waters outside a protection zone and outside coastal waters (which are within the jurisdiction of states and territories).

Protection zone permits’ refers to permits for carriers to install submarine cables in a protection zone.

B2 OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATON

Environment Planning and Assessment Act. In New South Wales, there are a number of different systems for the assessment of development proposals. These assessment systems are specifically tailored to cater for varying size, nature and complexity of different project types. These factors will determine which assessment system applies to a particular development. The assessment systems are all set out in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPAA).

The EPAA is the key legislative mechanism for obtaining approvals of the submarine cable within NSW state coastal waters and is administered by the NSW Department of Planning. The EPAA incorporates a tiered system of State and Local levels of assessment significance, and requires the relevant planning authority to take into consideration the impacts to the environment (both natural and built) and the community of proposed development or land-use change. Most development requires a Statement of Environmental Effects detailing the impacts to both natural and human environments, which should be taken into consideration by the regulatory authority while larger projects require a more thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and greater public scrutiny.

Appendix B 65

A development application is required to be made to the Department of Planning detailing the proposal, with the Department making a determination as to nature of the development. Generally, major submarine cable projects have been determined to be “Designated Development” as defined in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. For designated development:  applicants need to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) with the development application. The EIS will provide a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of your proposal. Prior to preparing an EIS, applicants must consult with the Secretary of the Department of Planning & Environment and, in completing the EIS, must have regard to the Secretary's requirements in relation to the form, content and public availability of the EIS.  the application will be advertised for 30 days so that the public can comment  if someone objects to the proposal, in writing, and the application is approved, that person can appeal against the decision to the Land and Environment Court. Coastal Protection Act. This Act makes provisions relating to the use and occupation of the coastal region in order to preserve and protect these areas whilst encouraging sustainable use of the areas. The Act also facilitates the carrying out of certain coastal protection works. In particular permits will be required under the Act for the area where submarine cable comes ashore for the construction and maintenance of the associated infrastructure. The permit will be for the approval of operational works within a coastal zone. Marine Parks Act. This Act is jointly administered by the Minister for Primary Industries, the Minister for Regional Infrastructure and the Minister for the Environment. This Act provides for the protection and management of marine areas. The Act has an effect on the following activities in marine parks: aquaculture; mining; and development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Construction of the submarine cable constitutes assessable development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and this is subject to this act for any areas of state marine parks that may be traversed by the cable. An EIS level of assessment is required as part of the development approval

B3 REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR PERMITS UNDER AUSTRALIAN LAW

A. Required information for Permit Application within a Protection Zone

Applicants details: under the TA only carriers may apply to the ACMA for a protection zone permit (Clause 51 of Schedule 3A). A carrier is defined as ‘the holder of a carrier licence’ under the Act. Applicants are requested to provide details and specify the date the carrier licence was granted.

Technical Information:  Location, including geographic co-ordinates and geodetic datum.  The point at which the cable will come ashore.  Hydrographic or desktop survey of the route  Information on how installation will connect with onshore facilities.

Appendix B 66

Dates:  Commencement date of proposed installation.  Duration of the actual construction.  Date of completion of the installation.

Technical and associated economic aspects:  design capacity of proposed installation  proposed depth and burial of installation, including the proposed width of any trench surrounding the installation(s)  any additional measures designed to minimise future damage to the cable  compliance with international best practice recommendations—through reference to relevant International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) recommendations  does the proposed installation cross existing cables or pipelines?  identification of the party or parties responsible for the installation of the proposed cable  name of party or parties responsible for the maintenance and repair of the proposed installation.

Optimization of cable within the Protection Zone: technical information on whether the installation route has been planned to locate as close as practicable with existing cables.

Consultation with other cable owners within the protection zone: details on communication and consultation with other cable owners with which this cable will be co-located within the protection zone need to be supplied.

Evidence of referral and referral decision under the Commonwealth EPBC Act:  the carrier has approached the Department of Environment and Heritage about the proposed installation (with approximate dates)  an approval was or was not required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999  the date at which the approval (or permit) was granted by the Department of Environment and Heritage.

B. Permits for installing a cable outside the Sydney Protection Zone

For a permit application for the installation of a cable outside of a PZ the information requirements are more onerous. All of the above information is required to be supplied, with additional information as follows:

How does the proposed installation further the supply of efficient, modern and cost- effective carriage services to the public?

Appendix B 67

Applicants are requested to provide information about whether the proposed installation will:  benefit (for example, by providing lower cost services) Australian end-users (or, a company or other entity)  advance the delivery of reliable services to Australian end-users (or, a company or other entity)  facilitate competition.

Are there any identified listed international agreements (as defined in clause 2 of Schedule 3A of the Telecommunications Act 1997) that may apply to, or affect the installation, maintenance, or operation of, the proposed cable?

An applicant is requested to (briefly) indicate that it has checked whether any listed international agreements (as defined in clause 2) apply to the proposed installation, and if so, if there is any foreseeable impact of the installation on such an agreement(s).

Indicate whether the installation, maintenance or operation of the submarine cable could have an adverse effect on:  a listed threatened species or threatened ecological community, or impede the recovery of a listed threatened species or ecological community  a listed marine species  the environment, including the environment within a Commonwealth marine area  cetaceans  a listed migratory species  the National Heritage values of a place included in the National Heritage List  the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland  the world heritage values of a declared World Heritage property  a place that Australia is required to protect by the terms of a listed international agreement  an area that, under the law of the Commonwealth, a state or a territory, is reserved wholly or principally for marine conservation purposes (however described)  an area that under a law of the Commonwealth, state or territory, is protected from significant environmental disturbance.

Is the proposed installation to be installed at or near an area or thing that is of particular significance to Aboriginal persons, or Torres Strait Islanders, in accordance with their traditions?  the extent to which any native title rights as recognised by the Native Title Act 1993 are affected by the proposed installation  whether the proposed cable route is within or in close proximity to an area or thing that is of particular significance to Aboriginal persons or Torres Strait Islanders  (if yes) a brief description of when these areas were established to be of such significance to Aboriginal persons or Torres Strait Islanders.

Does the proposed installation involve co-location with another submarine cable or cables?

Appendix B 68

Are there agreements in place between or with other sea/seabed users (such as a memorandum of understanding) in relation to the proposed location of the cable(s)?

Has the applicant sought and/or received permits or approvals from relevant state or territory bodies in relation to the proposed installation?

The installation of a submarine cable outside a protection zone does not exempt a carrier from any state and territory laws. Within coastal waters up to three nautical miles from shore that are outside a protection zone, carriers will still be required to comply with state and territory laws applicable to the installation of submarine cables.

Appendix C 69

SUMMARY OF INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS

Convention/Treaty Status Purpose/Aim Agency Responsible

Regional Multi-Lateral Agreements

Pollution Protocol for Dumping Ratified Prevention of pollution of the South Marine Div/ECD 10/9/98 Pacific region by dumping Natural Resources & Ratified Protection of natural resources and ECD Environment of South 10/9/98 environment; management and Pacific Region (SPREP development of the marine and Convention) coastal environment in the South Pacific Region. Waigani Convention on Ratified Bans the importation of hazardous ECD Hazardous & Radioactive 7/10/1998 and radioactive wastes into FICs and Wastes 1995 to control the trans-boundary movement and management of hazardous wastes within South Pacific Chemicals, Wastes and Pollution

Liability for Oil Pollution Ratified Strict liability of ship owner for Marine Div Damage pollution damage to a coastal state Marine Pollution Convention Ratified Prevention of marine pollution by ECD/Foreign Affairs (London) dumping of wastes and other matter.

Biodiversity World Heritage Convention Acceded Protection of sites of Outstanding Museum/ECD 10/6/1992 Universal Values. Solomon Islands currently has East Rennell Island as a World Heritage site.

Convention on Biological Ratified Conserve biological diversity through ECD Project: Diversity (UNCBD) 3/10/1995 the sustainable use of its National Capacity components and the fair and Self-Assessment equitable sharing of the benefits (NCSA); arising out of utilizing genetic resources. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP);

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention. Part V – Article 65 (Marine Mammals) - requires states to cooperate with a view to the conservation of marine mammals and in the case of cetaceans shall in particular work through the appropriate international organization for their conservation, management and study. This provision also applies to coastal state’s EEZ and the high seas under article 65 and article 120 respectively. Part VI article 79 (submarine cables and pipelines at the continental shelf) provides relevant provisions necessary for laying of submarine cable in the continental shelf.  All States are entitled to lay submarine cables and pipelines on the continental shelf.

Appendix C 70

 Subject to its right to take reasonable measures for exploration of the continental shelf, the exploitation of its natural resources and the prevention, reduction and control of pollution from pipelines, the coastal State may not impede the laying or maintenance of such cables or pipelines.  The delineation of the course for the laying of such pipelines on the continental shelf is subject to the consent of the coastal State.  Nothing in this Part affects the right of the coastal State to establish conditions for cables or pipelines entering its territory or territorial sea, or its jurisdiction over cables and pipelines constructed or used in connection with the exploration of its continental shelf or exploitation of its resources.  When laying submarine cables or pipelines, States shall have due regard to cables or pipelines already in position. In particular, possibilities of repairing existing cables or pipelines shall not be prejudiced. Part VII article 122 (Right to lay submarine cables and pipeline) has two provisions which provides that All States are entitled to lay submarine cables and pipelines on the bed of the high seas beyond the continental shelf, and Article 79, paragraph 5, applies to such cables and pipelines. Part VII article 113 (Breaking or injury of a submarine cable or pipeline) outlines that every State shall adopt the laws and regulations necessary to provide that the breaking or injury by a ship flying its flag or by a person subject to its jurisdiction of a submarine cable beneath the high seas done wilfully or through culpable negligence, in such a manner as to be liable to interrupt or obstruct telegraphic or telephonic communications, and similarly the breaking or injury of a submarine pipeline or high-voltage power cable, shall be a punishable offence. This provision shall apply also to conduct calculated or likely to result in such breaking or injury. However, it shall not apply to any break or injury caused by persons who acted merely with the legitimate object of saving their lives or their ships, after having taken all necessary precautions to avoid such break or injury. Part VII article 114 (Breaking or injury by the owners of a submarine cable or pipeline of another submarine cable or pipeline). This allows any state to adopt the laws and regulations necessary to provide that, if persons subject to its jurisdiction who are the owners of a submarine cable or pipeline beneath the high seas, in laying or repairing that cable or pipeline, cause a break in or injury to another cable or pipeline, they shall bear the cost of the repairs. Part VII article 115 (Indemnity for loss incurred in avoiding injury to a submarine cable or pipeline) Provides that every State shall adopt the laws and regulations necessary to ensure that the owners of ships who can prove that they have sacrificed an anchor, a net or any other fishing gear, in order to avoid injuring a submarine cable or pipeline, shall be indemnified by the owner of the cable or pipeline, provided that the owner of the ship has taken all reasonable precautionary measures beforehand. Part XII provides for the Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment. Article 192 provides a (general States to have the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment), Article 194 (measures to prevent, reduce and control of marine pollution), Article 199 (Contingency plans against pollution), Article 204 (monitoring of risks or effects of pollution) and Article 206 (assessment of potential effects of activities). Part XVI, Article 303 (Archaeological and historical objects found at sea) highlights states have the duty to protect objects of an archaeological and historical nature found at sea and shall cooperate for this purpose.

Appendix D 71

MARINE ASSESSMENT AND DESCRIPTION OF EACH LANDING SITE

D1 - Inshore Marine Field Assessment of the Three Solomon Island Landing Sites

An in water visual field assessment and benthic profile of the shallow water marine environment and key indicator species associated with the proposed telecommunication cable landing sites for Honiara, Noro and Auki was undertaken during the month of July, 2014. The area assessed included the inshore marine environments located within an extended area of influence of the cable at each site location. This included the shoreline, tidal and subtidal reef flat, reef crest, edge and upper and lower slope. The assessment took a systematic approach collecting biological and environmental information at each site highlighting key biological and environmental issues. Information obtained from the marine assessment provides a holistic appreciation of the natural reef system and resources associated with the cable landing location to gauge potential environmental impacts that would need to be considered and mitigated against during the deployment and operation of the cable within this reef ecosystem. The marine assessment utilised standard and acceptable international marine biological methods (English et al., 1997) and was performed by the project Solomon Islands local biological team. Free diving (snorkelling) scientific visual survey method was employed to assess and provide a general description of the reef systems and benthic habitats/sea floor in close proximity to the proposed cable landing site. Data collected included water depth, percent live coral cover, reef condition, dominant benthic forms, dominant hard coral genus and morphological forms, marine algae (turf, macro), sediment types and physical description including water movements/currents. Digital photos were taken of key biological features (biotic and abiotic) for the three assessments sites. In summary the shallow reef systems located within the area of influence of the cable at each of the three sites are healthy and is in good condition with substantial live coral coverage and associated healthy and diverse populations of marine plants. Populations of invertebrates (e.g. mollusc, echinoderms, crustaceans, polychaetes) and vertebrates (e.g. fin fish) recorded low numbers at all sites, especially those species targeted for subsistence harvesting. The Honiara and to a slightly lesser degree Auki landing site showed low numbers of these subsistence food and income generation marine organisms. The low numbers recorded are attributed to the sites close proximity to the largest and second largest towns within the nation. The proposed construction methods will likely have a minimal short-term and very localized impact on the reefs at these sites. Damage to reef benthos may be due to the use of articulated pipe and pinning of the cable where it is laid on the reef. It is expected that this will occur only along a very small footprint over which the cable is laid. Impacts of cables being laid on reefs are minimal and of short nature as reefs readily recolonise on and over the cable once in place. There is no long term or accumulative effects expected. This will be addressed during the pre- construction phase and marine route survey, and any potential impacts will be mitigated during detailed design. Site locations of each of the three landing sites and detailed descriptions of the assessment finding are presented below.

Appendix D 72

Figure D1 - Honiara landing site in relation to the marine shallow water assessment

.

Figure D2 - Noro landing site in relation to the marine shallow water assessment

Appendix D 73

Figure D3 - Auki landing site in relation to the marine shallow water assessment

D2 - Honiara Landing Site Marine Assessment Sand/Coral Rubble Beach. The beach is primarily made up of coral sand interspersed with large coral fragments from the reef. The beach is narrow (3-5m) wide consisting of a gentle slope towards the reef flat (plates D1 and D2).

Plates D1 and D2

Intertidal Reef Flat. This is the shallow reef platform that extends shoreward from the reef crest, ranging from 25-30m width and 0-<1m water depth. Low tide the reef flat is 80% exposed and characterized by small sandy pockets and scattered loose rubble. Live coral cover is less than 5% with the area dominated by a veneer of macroalgae (Dictyota spp, Padina spp).

Appendix D 74

The reef flat is dominated by hard limestone substrates with grooves that are inhabited by sea urchins (Echinometra mathaei) interspersed by coral fragments and sand (plates D3 and D4). The rubbles and sand are in pocket of vertical relief. Few lollyfish sea cucumbers (Holothurea atra) are seen.

Plates D3 and D4

Reef Crest. The reef crest is the area of the reef that received breaking waves from the ocean swells. The zone is often almost exposed during very low tide and has a depth range of 1-2m during high tide and a width of around 6-10m. The proportion of live hard coral cover is around 35-40% with predominantly vertical compressed digitate and foliose forms (Porities sp), plates D5 and D6. These are resilient and fast growing live coral communities that thrived during the calm season but are destroyed by strong waves during stormy seasons. The other 70% cover is dominated by coralline algae growing on hard substrate, macro-algae, Halimeda spp, Dictyota algae, Gracillaria, and green algae. Hard coral recruitment is ongoing in this zone.

Plates D5 and D6

Appendix D 75

Upper Reef Slope. A gentle sloping reef that begins from the edge of the reef crest at 4-5m depth and extends 50m seaward to a depth of 10-15m characterizes this zone. The zone has a high proportion of live coral cover 60-65% in spite of low visibility and high sediment load observed associated with the foreshore waters and its location within the main township of the nation’s capital. Live corals are dominated by massive Porities sp. colonies and interspersed with patches of branching Acropora sp (Plates D7 and D8). The other 35% cover composed of soft corals, sponges, Macro-algae Halimeda sp, Gracillarian algae and patches of green algae. Schools of algae feeding finfish (parrot and surgeonfish) observed are very wary of divers. Visibility is low from sediment load.

Plates D7 and D8

Lower Reef Slope. From the 10-15m depth, the slope extends a further 40-60m outward to a depth of around 20-30m. The proportion of live coral cover is 70-80% cover and dominated by massive Porites colonies that expand both at the vertical and horizontal dimensions giving a vertical relief and more complex feature compared to the previous zones (plates D9 and D10). Few macro-algae are found in this zone.

Plates D9 and D10

Appendix D 76

Summary. The international cable coming into this landing site will approach Guadalcanal off Cape Esperance before entering the Savo-Visale passage and into the Iron Bottom sound then to the Honiara Landing site. The domestic cable departing Honiara will use the same shall water areas and therefore during cable line construction both lines need to be considered. It is recommended that the cable be attached directly to the hard substrate for this landing site to ensure maximise protecting and security of the cable whilst minimising environmental impacts. Trenching from the intertidal reef flat through the manhole should be considered. At Honiara landing site, the cable will have to pass through the inner landing zone, which consists of a well-developed coral reef with a high proportion of hard coral. The substrate in this environment is 100% rocky and permanently under 2-40m of water. Some live corals will inevitable be removed or damaged during the cable deployment operation. Similarly, it is expected that increased suspended sediments resulting from the cable deployment will be localised and quickly dispersed through natural water current and tidal movement. These anticipated impacts on the reef ecosystem are almost negligible resulting in no long term effects on the biological systems at this site. Moving landward from the upper reef slope, reef crest, reef flat and on to the beach, the substrate is dominated by hard rocky substrate and consolidates rubble. The cable will need to be directly attached to the substrate in this area. Due to the very low live percentage of coral it is expected to have almost no environmental impacts due to the cable construction. There are no conservation areas or marine management areas anywhere near the cables area of influence nor are there any protected or endangered species located during the assessment. For safety reasons, crocodiles are frequently seen in this area with fatalities reported in the area further east from that site.

D3 - Noro Landing Site Marine Assessment Rocky Beach. The beach is composed predominantly of hard limestone coral substrate interspersed with little amount of sand and loose coral fragments that are derived from the nearby reef (Plates D11 and D12). The surface of the hard limestone substrate consists of sharp karst like features which makes it uncomfortable to walk on. The beach is only (2-4m) wide consisting of a gentle slope towards the reef flat.

Plates D11 and D12

Appendix D 77

Intertidal Reef Flat. The reef-flat consists entirely of hard substrate that extends 20m from the edge of the beach to the reef-crest (plates D13 and D14). During low tide, the reef-flat is completely exposed, which renders the zone uninhabitable by most mega flora and fauna.

Plates D13 and D14

Reef Crest. Reef crest is the area of the reef that received breaking waves from incoming swells. The zone is permanently submerged during low tide and has a depth range of 1-1.5m during high tide and a width of around 7-10m. Waves from the zone are observed to be small and of low energy. This is expected as the reef area is protected by the adjacent island of Kohingo and distant Kolombangara from open ocean swells. The substrate on the reef crest is dominated by 35% loose and 65% consolidated dead coral rubble (plates D15 and D16). There is less than 1% live coral or algal cover. Consolidated rubble is covered with encrusting coralline algae.

Plates D15 and D16

Upper Reef Slope. This zone occupies the largest area of the reef and is characterized by a gentle sloping reef beginning at the edge of the reef crest at 0.8m depth and extends 40m seaward to a depth of 3-4m, marked by a clear change in substrate composition and coral cover.

Appendix D 78

At the 0.8m mark the substrate composed of 90% consolidated rubble and 8-10% live coral cover that are dominated by small colonies of Porites sp. The middle zone the % live coral cover increased to around 55% with hard substrate 35% and 10% dead rubbles. Porites in the massive form being the dominant live coral species. Many sea urchins (Diadema savignyi) are seen in the middle zone. The edge (40m) the percentage of live coral cover had increased to around 65% with a greater diversity in coral species composition (Pocilliopora sp), Brain coral (Symphyllia sp), Cluster coral (Stylophora sp and soft coral (Sinularia sp) being represented (plates D17 and D18). Plates D17 and D18

Lower Reef Slope. The lower reef slope which is around 6-9m deep. This slope which follows the shape of a smooth knife edge curve gradually extends to around 15m before dropping off steeply to more than 30-40m depth. Luxuriant growth of diverse healthy coral communities (70- 85% cover) are observed at the start to middle of the lower reef slope. A big school of large size rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) and baitfish that are not very wary of divers is observed here. Refer Plates D19 and D20. Plates D19 and D20

Appendix D 79

Summary. From Honiara the cable will be branched before passing through the deep waters of the Iron bottom Sound and exiting the sound at the Savo-Buena Vista straight. From here the cable will pass off the Russell islands before going through the ‘slot’ to Noro. At the Noro landing site, the cable will pass through the inner landing zone, which consists of a well-developed coral reef. A combination of cable trenched and/or attached to the hard substrate is recommended for this landing site to ensure maximize protecting and security of the cable whilst minimizing environmental impacts. At Noro landing site, the cable will have to pass through the inner landing zone, which consists of a well-developed coral reef with a high proportion of hard coral. The substrate in this environment is 100% rocky and permanently under 2-40m of water. Some live corals will inevitable be removed or damaged during the cable deployment operation. Similarly, it is expected that increased suspended sediments resulting from the cable deployment will be localized and quickly dispersed through natural water current and tidal movement. These anticipated impacts on the reef ecosystem are almost negligible resulting in no long term effects on the biological systems at this site. Moving landward from the upper reef slope, reef crest, reef flat and on to the beach, the substrate is dominated by hard rocky substrate. The cable will need to be directly attached to the substrate in this area. Due to the very low live percentage of coral it is expected to have almost no environmental impacts due to the cable construction. There are no conservation or marine management areas near the cables area of influence nor are there any protected or endangered species located during the assessment. For safety reasons, crocodiles are frequently seen in this area with fatalities reported in the area further east from that site.

D4 - Auki Landing Site Marine Assessment Beach. The beach is gently sloping towards the sea and measured around 7-10m wide. The substrate consists of a mixture of fine sand (30%), coarse sand (35%) and medium-large pebbles (35%). Most of the substrate materials are derived from the nearby reef. Reef derived sediments include shell fragments, coral fragments, remnants of calcareous algae and invertebrate exoskeletons (plates D21 and D22). Plates D21 and D22

Appendix D 80

Intertidal Reef Flat. The reef flat is much wider compared to the landing sites in Honiara and Noro (measuring more than 100m in width). This area is covered with seagrass meadows (30- 75% cover) at a depth of 40-60cm during high tide. The dominant seagrass species at this habitat is Halodule uninervis and Cymodocea rotundata. At the middle of the flat the substrate is dominated by coarse sand and consolidated rubble (plates D23 and D24). The dominant seagrass species growing at the middle zone is Thalassea hemprichii with a percentage cover of 15-65%. Small patches of the seagrass species Halophila ovalis (less than 5%) are observed throughout the flat. The outer zone of the flat is dominated by consolidated rubble and coarse sand. This zone is dominated by the macroalage Sargassum sargassum, Padina australis and small patches of Thallassia hemprichii these combined, provides a cover of 60-75%.Hard and soft coral species are very sparse in this zone. Plates D23 and D24

Reef Crest. The reef crest is a well-defined zone measuring around 20m wide. It is where breaking waves from incoming oceanic swells are received. This is a high energy zone that is permanently submerged and is covered under more than 1.5m of water during high tide. The substrate is 100% hard rock with consolidated boulders which are covered with macro-algae (mainly Sargassum sargassum, Padina australis, Turbanaria sp) at 60-90% cover. The proportion of either hard or soft coral coverage is very low.

Plates D25 and D26

Appendix D 81

Upper Reef Slope. Behind the reef crest is the upper slope. This zone starts at a depth of around 2m during high tide and extends outward forming ridges and channels to 20-30m before plunging steeply to more than 30-40m. The substrate is 100% hard rock interspersed with 10- 25% live coral cover which diminishes with depth. The forms of live corals found in this zone are short-digitate and encrusting corals, which are typically adapted to surviving in high energy areas (plates D27 and D28).

Plates D27 and D28

Outer Reef Slope. The outer slope begins where the upper slope ends and extends further outwards to increasingly deeper waters with steep drop-off after 20-30m wider channels and a higher relief/complexity. The substrate is hard rock with less than 5% coral cover (plates D29 and D30). Plates D29 and D30

Appendix D 82

Summary. From Honiara landing point, the cable will pass through the deep waters of the Iron bottom Sound and Sealark Channel, before traversing the depths of the Florida-Malaita straight then on to Auki. At the Sealark Channel the cable will pass close to the island of Nughu, which is towards the Eastern side of Small Gela. The area is known to have a number of shallow reefs that may need to be inspected when the cable is deployed. A combination of cable trenched and/or attached to the hard substrate is recommended for this landing site to ensure maximise protecting and security of the cable whilst minimising environmental impacts. In Auki landing site, the cable will have to pass through the inner landing zone, which consists of a well-developed coral reef (at the beachfront). A combination of cable trenched and/or attached to the hard substrate is recommended. The substrate in this environment is 100% rocky and permanently under 2-40m of water. Some live corals will inevitable be removed or damaged during the cable deployment operation. Similarly, it is expected that increased suspended sediments resulting from the cable deployment will be localised and quickly dispersed through natural water current and tidal movement. These anticipated impacts on the reef ecosystem are almost negligible resulting in no long term effects on the biological systems at this site. Moving landward from the outer reef flat to the middle and inner reef flat, the dominant substrate is sand and rubble with seagrass being the dominant cover. It is recommended that the cable be trenched. As a result it is expected that isolated stands of seagrass would be disturbed and up rooted during the cable deployment process however due to the small area of influence of the trencher and expanse of sea grass in this area only very small isolated (only in the trenching zone) areas of sea grass will be impacted. It is expected the areas of sea grass impacted will quickly re-establish themselves and recover swiftly. There are no conservation or marine management areas anywhere near the cables area of influence nor were there any protected or endangered species located.

Appendix E 83

PROTECTED AREAS

E1 - Potential Terrestrial Protected Areas

Potential Details of Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) Province Protected Size Flora Fauna Areas Western Marovo lagoon 70000ha 5 principle forest types. Lowland 52 species of land and fresh forest, small island and barrier water birds were recorded and island forest, mangrove forest, 9 species are endemic to the montane forest and heaths. lagoon. 10 species of Sea and shorebirds. Kolombangara All forest 12 principle species of forest Richest avifauana with 80 above trees. Moss covered montane species recoded. 2 species 460m. forest caps(Less, 1990) are confined to montane forest The and are unique to the island. island (Less, 1990) is 70000ha Rendova The Common Montane forest trees Support unique white eye island species are Casuarina papuana, species Zosterops rendova. is lower altitude forest Crocodiles are evident in lakes 40000ha predominance of Camnosperma and lagoon. Two species of revipetiolatum, Others include frogs have been recorded from mosses, palms, pometia pinnata, Rendova (Less, 1990) pterocarpus indicus. (Less, 1990) Faoro island, - Dominated by akwa Pometia Best nesting sites for turtles. Shortland pinnata, Vasa Vitex cofassus and Presence of Skink Triblonotus islands Canarium salomonense. Smaller ponceleti known from only tree trees include Myristica sp, laelae specimen, two from Celtis phillippnensis, Crytocarya sp Shorthlands and one from Litsea spp (Less, 1990). Bouganville (Less, 1990). Choiseul Mt Maetambe 22500ha Dominate tree species akwa and Seven spp of frogs, one Vasa. These two trees and Laelae endemic spp. Two rare are characteristics of valley butterfly spp. Presence of bottoms, on ridge crest Eugenia three giant rats, two of which spp, buni and kaumau Calophyllum are new record. 26 bird spp are common. (Less, 1990) species. 6 are endemic spp. (Less, 1990) South Choiseul 30000ha Different forest composition Crocodiles are evident. Has from Ysabel and Guadacanal significant nesting beach for growing on ultra-basic rock. turtles. Forest growing on Forest is species poor with an ultra-basic rock noticeably has open canopy and straggling low bird numbers. 35 bird spp, emergent trees over dense 11 spp are endemic. (Less, undergrowth of pandanus, gingers, 1990) ferns and climbers. Mangrove forest found Ologholata in the north of the proposed reserve(Less, 1990) Mt Televodo The features are closely similar to The features are closely the description given for the similar to the description limestone forest cover occurring in given for the limestone forest Mt Maetabe (Less, 1990) cover occurring in Mt Maetabe (Less, 1990) Isabel North Western 120000ha Peninsula dominated with kekete Crocodiles were evident. It Ysabel (Campnosperma contains 65% of nesting sites brevipetiolata) indicating exposed of green and

Appendix D 84

Potential Details of Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) Province Protected Size Flora Fauna Areas to prevailing high winds and hawksbill turtles. Sea eagles, cyclones. Akwa, vasa, andoa, lu Brahminy kite, osprey and usi are also found on ridges that terns are also evident. run through the peninsula. Where Migratory birds use the islands slopes are fa alo, bamboo, gingers and tidal flats as resting and and Macaranga spp. Akwa is feeding area during November common in lowland forest. Smaller to January eg whimbrel trees include Agaia spp, ai aasila Numenius phaeopus (Less, Neoscortchhinia forbesii, laelae, 1990) Myristica sp, palms and pandanus. Patches of beach forest containing 5 species of trees (Less, 1990)

Mt Kubonitu Supports montane forest with Meeks Iory Charmomosyna ailumu Dacrydium xanthandrum, meeki, white rumped swiftlet akiri Ochrosia spp, koadila Collocalisa spodiopygia, pigmy pemphis acidula and Eugenia spp. parot Micorspitta finschii, (Less, 1990:124) Melanisian gray bird Coracina caledonica and the golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis.(Less, 1990) Casuarina 2500ha Dominated with hardy malasalu swape Casuarina papuana and Dacryduim xanthadrum. On swapy grounds Calophyllum vexans, bou Fagrea gracilipes and gwarogwaro Calophyllum vitiense. Ferns and Savanna (Less, 1990) Guadalcanal Lauvi lake 200ha Floating meadows include three Outstanding habitat for species eg Cyperaceae. Extensive crocodiles. Wetland birds and areas of pandanus. Beach side around the lake was the dominated with fu’u Barringtonia Australian dabchick which was asiatica. Other species are also a new record for the Solomon common in the community eg islands. About 40 bird spp are Hibiscus tiliaceus. Thus, found, 9 are endemic spp in there are also many other species the Solomon islands(Less, growing around the areas (Less, 1990). 1990) Itina 30000ha 6 spp of pioneer trees were found Habitat for many animals Popomanaseu on gravel beds of braided river including four bird species sites eg salu Casuarina endemic to Gaudalcanal. equisetifolia. On slightly higher Gaudalcanal endemic giant ground 5 species of trees are rats. 1990 Australian common eg Akwa. Evident at the Museum mammal survey of Mt ultra-basics are mudi Dillenia Makarakomburu found a new crennata. Common in montane spp of bat along with nine forest are trees of non-flowering other bat spp, four frog and plant family, Podocarpaceae. 3 spp eight reptile spp. Thirteen bird are found. Myrtle family, 5 spp spp were recorded including are found. The four epiphytic rare Guadalcanal honeyeater rhododendrons that are unique to Guadalcanaria inexpectata. Solomon islands are all found on Mt Popomanaseu is only peaks of the proposed protected place in the Solomon where area. Also terrestrial mollusc have endemic is mountain shrub, generated endemic montane Vaccinium (Less, 1990). spp. Restricted to these mountain include arboreal Placostyllus selleersi and

Appendix D 85

Potential Details of Biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) Province Protected Size Flora Fauna Areas undescribed spp Helixarion and Trochomorpha. Birds of the Itina River proposal area recorded 44 bird spp, 13 are known to be endemic spp in the Solomon islands (Less, 1990). Makira Central 35000ha Akwa dominate lowland forest and Several of Makira’s endemic Makira lower hill slopes. 8 spp of trees are spp are restricted to the mossy – also common in the zone eg cloud forest of the highest Bauro Rosswood. ridges eg Keea (Makira highlands Above the zone where akwa is mountain tail), waisure (Makira predominant 6 spp of trees are ground trash), ghoghoharighi common eg abalolo. Common (shade warbler) and the dusky small trees are Myritica spp and fantail are found in these forest aisubu Pimeliodendron and nowhere else in the world. amboinicum. 49 Birds recorded, 5 endemic Above 700m 5 spp of trees are to Solomon and 5 endemic to common eg aitootoo (surukakahu) Makira (Less, 1990). Weinmannia blumei, Cyathea tree ferns and palms are also common. At highest altitude montane forest is found with 8 different spp of trees. Forest floor is covered with moss (Less, 1990). Western 2500ha A tall mixed swamp forest featuring wetlands dafa Terminalia brassii and rufa Eugenia tierneyana on wet land edges. In the wetted parts of the swamps pandanus, bamboo and ferns form a complete cover one to three meters high (Less, 1990). Malaita Central 12500ha Common in the lowland forests are 57 bird spp are recorded, 9 Malaita 4 spp of trees eg akwa rosswood endemic to Solomon islands, highlands and vasa. On lower riverine 13 endemic to Malaita (Less, terraces 3 species are also 1990). common eg lamilami, liki and akwa(Less, 1990). Maramasike 15000ha Large figs and 11 tree species eg Excellent habitat for Are’are akwa are common at the end of the crocodiles. About 60 bird spp maramasike passage. The hill are recorded, 7 endemic to forest behind both Maramasike and Solomon islands and 10 Are’are commonly features endemic to Malaita (Less, 7 of the species mention above 1990). together with 5 other spp eg Cryptocarya spp (Less, 1990). Temotu Kauri reserve 200ha Kauri Agathis macrophylla in the Solomon islands is found only in Temotu Province(Less, 1990).

Appendix E 86

E2 - List of Marine Protected Areas2

Designation* Date Total Area MPA Site Name Designation Status 2 International Designated (km ) Arnavon Islands Marine Conservation Area Designated 1995 82.70 Barasipo Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 3.533 Baraulu/Bule Lavata Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2002 1.032 Barivuto Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 1.622 Buni Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 1.428 Dunde Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 1.046 Ha’apai Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 1.231 Iriri Pasapasa Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 0.421 Kekehe Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2004 2.721 Kida Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 0.725 Kinamara Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 1.363 Kindu Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 0.764 Koqu Rua Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2005 0.359 Kozou Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2002 0.452 Lodu Hokata Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2005 0.335 Nazareti Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 2.120 Niumala Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2005 3.114 Nusa Hope Mangrove Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2005 0.884 Nusa Hope/Heloro Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2002 1.138 Nusa Roviana Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 2.017 Olive Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 1.567 Saika Marine Protected Area Informally designated 2003 1.602

2 UNEP-WCMC & WWF. www.mpaglobal.org

Appendix F 87

LIST AND MAPS OF THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES

F1 - Globally Threatened Avifauna in Solomon Islands

Species Category Beck's Petrel Pseudobulweria becki CR Heinroth's Shearwater Puffinus heinrothi VU Sanford's Sea-eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi VU Imitator Sparrowhawk Accipiter imitator VU Makira Moorhen Gallinula silvestris CR Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis VU Yellow-legged Pigeon Columba pallidiceps VU Santa Cruz Ground-dove Gallicolumba sanctaecrucis EN Chestnut-bellied Imperial-pigeon Ducula brenchleyi VU Palm Lorikeet Charmosyna palmarum VU Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis VU Black-faced Pitta Pitta anerythra VU Malaita Fantail Rhipidura malaitae VU Santa Cruz Shrikebill Clytorhynchus sanctaecrucis EN Sombre Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus amoenus VU Ranongga White-eye Zosterops splendidus VU Splendid White-eye Zosterops luteirostris EN White-eyed Starling Aplonis brunneicapillus EN Guadalcanal Thrush Zoothera turipavae VU

Source: Birdlife International. www.birdlife.org

F2 - List of Threatened Fishes for Solomon Islands

Family Species FishBase name Threat Category Occurrence

Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus longimanus Oceanic whitetip shark Vulnerable (VU) native

Rhinobatidae Glaucostegus granulatus Granulated guitarfish Vulnerable (VU) native

Rhinobatidae Glaucostegus typus Giant shovelnose ray Vulnerable (VU) native

Syngnathidae Hippocampus kuda Spotted seahorse Vulnerable (VU) native

Lamnidae Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin mako Vulnerable (VU) native

Rhincodontidae Rhincodon typus Whale shark Vulnerable (VU) native

Scombridae Thunnus obesus Bigeye tuna Vulnerable (VU) native

Appendix F 88

F3 - Geographic Positions of Marine Mammal Encounters in Solomon Islands

Source: Solomon Islands Dolphin Project–Interim report SPWRC–revised June 2011 F

Appendix G 89

LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED FOR THE IEE

P Date Person Consulted Organization Phone

e 02.07.2014 Robin Russell CEO, SOCC r s Senior Environment Officer-Ministry 11.07.2014 Debra Kereseka 23031 o of Environment & Conservation

n 28.07.2014 Bendrick Phillip Officer in-Charge–Noro Telekom 74 65305

C 29.07.2014 oDavid Mamupio Town Clerk -Noro 61212 n 02.08.2014 sMike Selaga Manager – Auki Telekom 74 94660 u 04.08.2014 lJimmy Nange Telekom Officer – Auki Telekom 7495607

t e Spokesperson –Aisisiki Landowning 04.08.2014 Jonathan Malai d Group (Auki)

Simion Gregorio 14.08.14 ADB Consultants Hugh McGarry

08.05.2012 Robin Russell CEO, SOCC 7495922

09.05.2012 John Standingford Socio-Economic and Poverty 7645888

Specialist for the Project

09.05.2012 George Ngaingeri Head of Operations, Solomons 7494005

Telekom, Honiara

09.05.2012 and Harry Waitara Ministry of Lands, Housing and 7471320

17.05.2012 and Survey, Honiara

14.06.2012

09.05.2012 Nester Maelanda Ministry of Lands, Housing and 7613552

Survey, Honiara

10.05.2012 Edward Honiwala Deputy Director Offshore Fisheries, 7428098

Ministry of Fisheries, Honiara

10.05.2012 John Misitee Ministry of Rural Development and 7475435

Indigenous Development

11.05.2012 David Riapitu Mamupio Office of Special Duties, Western 7466485

Province Government, Noro

11.05.2012 Steven Kwalemanu Noro Lands Officer -

11.05.2012 Drelly Lianga Officer Incharge, Solomon 7470015

Telekom, Noro

11.05.2012 Chris Sade Harbour Master, Noro -

14.05.2012 Mike Salaga Solomon Telekom Manager, Auki -

14.05.2012 and Jonathan Malai Aisisiki Group Leader and 7484851

Appendix G 90

15.06.2012 Landowner Auki Site

14.05.2012 Augustine Falionica Provincial Secretary, Malaita -

Provincial Government, Noro

14.05.2012 Alick Maealag Deputy Premier, Malaita Provincial -

Government, Noro

14.05.2012 Jimmy Namoriu Minister of Education, Noro -

14.05.2012 Fuiramo Ganita Physical Planner, Auki -

15.05.2012 Douglas Billy Geologist, Ministry of Mines -

(Geology)

15.05.2012 David Hiriasia Director of Meteorology -

15.05.2012 Capt. Brian Aonima Maritime Operations Officer, 7559162

Honiara

15.05.2012 Scott Mcnamara Ausaid, Honiara -

15.05.2012 Jonathan Tafiariki Natural Disaster Council of -

Solomon Islands

16.05.2012 Harry Rini Deputy Director Policy Planning, 7475559

Ministry of Infrastructure

Development, Honiara

16.05.2012 Varonica Wale Honiara City Council, Honiara 8666424

16.05.2012 and Bernard Hill Commissioner, 7496906

14.06.2012 Telecommunications Commission

of the Solomon Islands, Honiara

Throughout project Robin Russell SOCC -

Nogendra Sapkota,

Jean Williams Ninebeth Carandang

Sibesh Bhattacharya