Nador West Med Port Complex Construction Project

Home , Amejjaou, Ihaddadene, Nador, Oriental (Morocco)

PROJECT : NADOR WEST MED PORT COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Team Leader P. S. MORE NDONG, Principal Transport OITC.2/MAFO 7331 Engineer J. P. MEGNE EKOGA, Senior Transport OITC.1/CDFO 6368 Economist J.J. NYIRUBUTAMA, Chief Transport OITC.2 4244 Economist M. KINANE, Principal Environmentalist ONEC-3 2933 Specialist A. MOHAMED MOUSSA, Senior ONEC.2 2867 Financial Analyst Team Members M. YARO, Regional Financial Management ORPF.2/ORNA 2790 Coordinator Project Team V. CASTEL, Chief Country Economist MAFO 7305 MAFO/ORPF. 7320 M. EL ARKOUBI, Procurement Officer 1 S. BAIOD, Consultant Environmentalist ONEC.3 P. H. SANON, Consultant Socio- ONEC.3 5828 Economist Sector Division Mr. Abayomi BABALOLA OITC.2 2525 Manager

Sector Director Mr. Amadou OUMAROU OITC 3075 Regional Director Mr. Jacob KOLSTER ORNA 2065

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Project Name : Nador West Med Port Complex

Country : MOROCCO

Project Number : P-MA-DD0-004

Department : OITC Division: OITC.2

1 Introduction

This document is the Summary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Nador West Med Port Platform Project in the Kingdom of Morocco. The project ESIA was prepared in July 2014.

This summary was prepared in accordance with the country’s environmental requirements and the African Development Bank’s Integrated Safeguards System for Category 1 projects. The summary first presents the project description and rationale, followed by the legal and institutional framework in Morocco. It also contains a description of the project’s main environmental conditions, as well as a comparison of the technical, economic, environmental and social options. The environmental and social impacts have been summarized and the inevitable impacts identified during the port infrastructure preparation, construction and operation phases. Enhancement and mitigation measures to increase benefits and/or prevent or minimize the negative impacts, as well as the monitoring programme have also been proposed. Public consultations held during the ESIA and additional project-related initiatives have been presented. The conclusion indicates the project acceptability for which an Environmental Compliance Certificate has been issued, and the Environmental Surveillance and Monitoring Programme has been posted on NWM company’s and the Moroccan Secretariat of State for the Environment websites.

2 Project Description and Rationale

This project is in line with the Kingdom of Morocco’s national overall transport sector development strategy. Its implementation is expected, in the maritime and port sector, to result in the construction of the Nador West Med industrial and port platform. It is part of the activities of the comprehensive programme for the development of Oriental Region which, today, has the lowest socio-economic development indicators in Morocco. Consequently, the project implementation seeks to: (i) contribute to the fight against regional disparities, especially by accelerating and strengthening the economic and social development of the region through improvement of its attractiveness as well as wealth and job creation; and (ii) increase Morocco’s port services in the western Mediterranean region and use its geostrategic position in the Strait of Gibraltar to attract part of the global maritime activity.

The Nador West Med port platform, located on the Mediterranean coast in the north-east of the Kingdom, should eventually comprise port facilities supported by a commercial, industrial, logistic and tertiary centre covering a surface area of about 1 500 ha in the free zone. The platform’s port facilities have been designed in several functional modules. The construction of the first module is the subject of this project. It is estimated to cost nearly MAD 10 140 000 000 and has the following components:

A. Construction of port infrastructure:

A.1 engineering works for the construction of: (i) a 4 200m-long main breakwater; (ii) a 1 200 m-long secondary breakwater; (ii) a 515m x 840m swinging ellipse at -20mZH; (iii) a 170 ha protected sailing area; (iv) a container terminal with a 1 520 m quay, a depth of 18 m and 75 ha of back-up space, with an option to add a 1 200 m quay; (v) a coal terminal with a 360 m quay and a depth of 16.5 m; (vi) a hydrocarbons terminal with three 20m-deep oil berths; (vii) a 320 m general cargo terminal (a roll-on/roll-off berth and a service quay) with a depth of 16 m; and (viii) fencing, road networks and access road.

Construction works will include: (i) earthworks, dredging and rock breaking; (ii) backfilling of back-up spaces up to 1.5m below the final proposed grade; (iii) development of the access road that will run along the rear limit of the port back-up space.

A.2 works control and supervision, and monitoring of the implementation of environmental protection measures.

B. Land acquisition: Most of the area for the platform construction is found on State land. It will therefore be necessary to acquire some land through expropriation.

C. Project management and coordination services;

D. Auditing of project accounts.

3. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

Morocco has a national and international legal framework, in particular conventions, agreements and treaties, development policies, programmes, plans and strategies, and national environmental and social protection laws and regulations.

3.1 Policy Framework

 Law No. 99-12 on the National Environment and Sustainable Development Charter;

 The Council Charter (2002-2009) which devolves the responsibility of ensuring hygiene preservation, cleanliness and environmental protection on municipal councils;

 International conventions ratified by Morocco.

3.2 Legislative and Regulatory Framework

The Moroccan national regulatory framework is mainly made up of:

 Law No. 11-03 relating to environmental protection and development ;

 Law No. 12-03 on impact assessment and its implementing decrees ;

 Dahir of 25 July 1969 defines natural resource exploitation authorization/prohibition rules;

 Law No. 65-99 on the Labour Code promulgated by Dahir No. 1-03-194 of 11 September 2003;

 Law No. 81-12 relating to the coastline seeks to: (i) preserve biological and ecological balance, natural sites and landscapes, and control erosion; (ii) prevent, control and reduce the pollution and degradation of the coastline and ensure the rehabilitation of polluted or

deteriorated zones and sites; (iii) ensure integrated and sustainable management of the coastline.

 Dahir No. 1-13-22 of 13 March 2013 promulgating Law No. 12-12 to approve the 2004 London International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments;

 Law No. 07-81 relating to expropriation for public purpose and temporary occupancy, and its implementing Decree No. 2-82-382.

 Decree No. 2-09-684 of 17 March 2010 on the creation of Bétoya free export zone.

Other instruments regulate the environmental framework, namely: (i) Law No. 22-80 on the conservation of historic monuments and sites; (ii) Law No. 8-2001 on quarries; (iii) Law No. 13- 03 relating to air pollution control, and its implementing decree; (iv) Law No. 10-95 on water resources, and its implementing instruments; (v) Decree No. 2-04-553 relating to direct or indirect spills, flows, discharges and deposits into surface or ground waters; (vi) Decree No. 2-97-487 laying down the procedure for granting authorizations and concessions relating to public waterways; (vii) Decree No. 2-97-657 relating to the demarcation of protection areas and safeguard and prohibition perimeters; (viii) Dahir of 1914 relating to public property; (ix) Decree No. 2-97-787 on water quality standards and identification of water pollution levels; (x) Law No. 78-00 on the Municipal Charter; (xi) Law No. 65-99 on the Labour Code; (xii) Law No. 12-90 on the Town Planning Code.

The ultimate goals are to ensure that environmental and social problems are considered in decision-making through the establishment of a consultation and information dissemination mechanism, and to facilitate the participation of beneficiaries in the decision-making process. This regulatory framework is consistent with the Bank’s environmental approach, defined within an integrated safeguard system and its operational safeguards 1 to 5 and with the African Development Bank Group’s environmental policy.

3.3 Institutional and Administrative Framework

Environmental management and protection fall under the Department of the Environment, the main coordinating institution, which is part of the Secretariat of State for Water Resources and the Environment (SEEE) attached to the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water Resources and the Environment (MEMEE). The other central services concerned with environmental aspects mainly belong to the following ministerial institutions:

 High Commission for Water Resources and Forestry and Desertification Control, which is mainly responsible for the management of forests and conservation of national parks, as well as the regulation of hunting and fishing and desertification control;

 Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries, which operates in the area of environment and water resources through Regional Offices for Agricultural Development;

 Ministry of Interior, Department of Local Authorities, which exercises oversight authority over local communities and supervises equipment programme planning;

 Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Logistics, particularly the Department of Ports and Public Coastlands, which is responsible for preparing and implementing the Government’s port and maritime policy.

The coordinating agencies are: (i) the Supreme Council for Water Resources and Climate; and (ii) the National Environment Council which is mainly responsible for: (a) preserving the

4 ecological balance of the natural environment; (b) preventing and controlling pollution, and reducing all types of nuisances; and (c) improving the living environment and conditions.

4. Description of the Project Environment

4.1 Project Area

Figure 1 Study Area

The study area covers the geographic area (immediate or extended) that is likely to be influenced or impacted by the project and its various development operations (construction and operation phases). It comprises elements of the environment (physical, biological and socio-economic) that could be positively or negatively affected by the project. The limits that have been adopted for the study area are based on existing and planned developments, as well as related aspects that may be affected by the project. The area comprises the territory for which the environmental impacts have been anticipated by the various project components (breakwater, quay, access, etc.). (Figure 1)

At the administrative level, the NWM project area is part of Iäazanène Municipality in Nador Province, and overlaps to the mouth of Kert Wadi in Amejjaou Municipality in Driouech Province. The direct PA covers the coastline and its immediate vicinity, Iâazanène village and the high erosion risk areas. The socio-economic component of the project will comprise the town of Nador and the Oriental Region, which will benefit from the project infrastructure as an extended area.

4.2 Physical Environment

(i) Climate

The average annual rainfall is about 373.5 mm/year. Rains vary considerably with the season. The total annual sunshine is about 2 404 hours, with a 271-hour maximum in July and a 154-hour minimum in December. The temperature is about 18.4 °C, with a 26.4 °C maximum and an 11.6 °C minimum. The average relative humidity is 71.25%, reflecting quite high humidity in the area.

The dominant winds blow preferentially from the following two sectors: (i) North-East Sector (60°N-90°N): 31% of winds; (ii) West Sector (270°N): 39% of winds. The astronomical tide flowing along the Mediterranean coastline bordering the site is of the semi-diurnal type. The tidal measurements have shown tidal ranges of 0.1 m ZH during neap tides, 0.5 m ZH during spring tides, and an exceptional open sea spring tidal level of 0.66 m.

(ii) Climate fluctuations and changes

A relative drought, more frequent, more intense and longer characterizes the Region. In addition, the distribution of rainfall and heavy rains will be more frequent, which should in the short term, cause significant effects on coastal ecosystems. The first of these being obviously the sea level rise, estimated at about 1 mm per year (UNEP-MAP-RAC / SPA, 2008). This sea level rise is still difficult to predict at the regional level, particularly in the western Mediterranean basin. It could reach 23 to 37 cm by the end of the 21st century according to the IPCC. This rise is not uniform, it was especially evident in eastern Mediterranean basin (Satellite operated by Topex / Poseidon program). The global and regional models, and comprehensive work of Meteo Maroc, the State Meteorological Agency confirms that the country will face a sharp drop in rainfall (down 8% to 14%), higher high ambient temperature (1.6 ° C) and a sea level rise of about 50 cm in the 2110 horizon.

The astronomical tide is compounded by water level fluctuations (high and low) resulting from specific weather (winds, atmospheric pressure) and oceanographic (increase in average level due to water supplies from waves) conditions. In the Mediterranean Sea, the temporary high water levels often reach 30 cm to 40 cm (that is about the magnitude of the astronomical tide), and can reach close to 1 m during very severe storms.

The peak swell taken into consideration will be 5.7m for a propagation time of 12s and a return period of one hundred years. Forecasts place long-term average sea level increase at around 30 cm.

(iii) Bathymetry, current measurement and sediment dynamics

Bathymetry is typical of a bay head. It is regular, and available bathymetric information highlights such relative seabed regularity, with roughly straight N-NE/S-SW isobaths (of equal depth) at the level of the project site. The seabed topography is more complex and more uneven near Bétoya Rocky Points and Négri Point.

Currents in the bay are mainly influenced by north-easterly and south-westerly surface coastal currents. Tidal currents are almost nonexistent in the approaches to the bay (currents at a speed of about 0.02 m/s). Maximum surface currents at maximum flow induced by the westerly and easterly winds are 0.06m/s, 0.16m/s and 0.09m/s respectively.

The sediment dynamics in the area is driven by a sand transit of decreasing intensity moving towards the centre of the bay where the beach is wider at the centre of the bay at the point where opposing currents meet and neutralize each other. Data on coastal erosion (climate change due to the combined phenomena of irregular rainfall and rise in water levels in western Mediterranean) under current “without project” conditions show a trend towards a receding coastline (by 0.5 to 1m/year) between Kert Wadi alluvial cone and the project site. This figure is likely to increase, considering climate change. The coastal dune of State forests managed by forestry services is determined by an artificial forest.

Sea water is of good physical and chemical quality at the surface and at the bottom. Sediment quality measurements have shown the absence of contamination.

(iv) Relief and Hydrology

Seventy per cent of the landform is mountainous, with gentle slopes extending through alluvial plains settled by humans and used for agriculture. It is interspersed with plains and mountain chains: Kert Plain, Guelya Mountain Chain, Gareb and Bou Areg plains and the sand dune forest directly concerned with the port complex site. The river system is made up of two small wadis in the study area, namely Kert Wadi with a 2 600 km² catchment area, and Ighzer N’tya Wadi with a catchment area not exceeding 30 km². Water supplies are limited to periods of heavy rains.

(v) Geology and hydrogeology

The field geology shows formations belonging to the quarternary and tertiary periods characterized by upper and lower pleistoscenes, as well as an upper miocene. The dune belt is based on a pedogenesis bedrock with varying specificities. Jbel Harcha1 and Jbel Harcha2 are the two potential sites capable of supplying the appropriate quantity and quality of all types of rock and pit-run materials. They are located 30 km to the south of Bétoya Bay.

The sea beds are soft. It is possible to find, stretching from the shore seawards, coarse gravel and sand, fine sand, silty sand and, lastly, silt. At Bétoya and Négri Points, the sea beds are rocky, then soft seawards. The marine geology consists of: (i) loamy sand; (ii) clayey silts on marl bedrock and volcanic tuffs; (iii) the transition between sand and marl is at times marked by the presence of sandstone units. There is also a 12 m-thick clayey silt matrix. The surface sandy matrix at a depth of about 3 m is loose; the sandy levels are averagely dense at a depth of between 3 m and 15 m, compared with the natural terrain. The sands are very dense at above 15 m and across sandstone passages. The local available bathymetric information highlights relatively regular sea beds with a NNE/SSW strike at the level of the project site.

Hydrogeology in Iäazanène Municipality comprises a discontinued 18m- to 43m-deep water table, which is the limit of the Kert water table. The aquifer is made up of silt, conglomerates and alluvium. It flows towards the Mediterranean Sea and is supplied mainly by infiltration through the edges of the various mountain ranges that border the plain and its stream, and that of Ntya wadi. The irrigated areas also contribute to replenishing the water table through the return of irrigation water. The southern boundaries comprise fractured limestone and marly-limestone areas, which partly contribute to its water supply.

(vi) Seismicity

On account of its geography, the Bétoya Bay site is part of Zone III (average seismicity) of the Moroccan seismicity classification and, therefore, exposed to seismic hazards.

4.3 Biological Environment

(a)The Land Flora is mainly artificial reforestation of eucalyptus, acacia and the Aleppo pine, which remains predominant; it is covers the port site and colonizes the mild relief sandy dune belts immediately adjoining the project. The natural vegetation is very sparse and comprises Tamarix and Phillyrea, with a few wild olive and carob trees. It occupies less than 5% of the coastal forest area, and is located at the mouth of Kert Wadi.

(b) The Land Fauna It is worth mentioning the absence of rare or threaten species in the project area. The species that may be affected by the project are common species such as: (i) Birds: rock pigeons (Columa livia), which are sedentary and very common in the region, and live in cliffs and caves; wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) which are in the forest area. They are less common than rock pigeons; there are turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) in great numbers as from May. (ii) Mammals: the North African hedgehog (Erinaceus algirus). It is a common species that is becoming scarce due to poaching. However, it is a protected species; the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), a rare species; hares (lepus capensia), common, but fast declining in numbers to poaching; wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), abundant at the edge of forests and open areas;

jackals (Canis anrieus), an abundant species; red foxes (vulpes vulpes), abundant; wild cats (gloved cats) closely linked to forest areas. This species has become rare due to degradation of the natural environment and scarcity of its preys. It is therefore protected; wild boars (sus scrofa barbarus) colonize all environments; (iii) as regards reptiles, only one species has been identified: Spanish pond turtles (Mauremys leprosa)

(c) As regards marine flora, a Cymodocea and eelgrass mixed herbarium is found in the East after the Négri Point located 3 km from the eastern boundary of Bétoya free zone, where protected species have been identified, including Cystoseira sp alguae in the mediolittoral rocky areas (depth of 0-1 m), and two marine phanerogram species (Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera noltii) located to the east of the study area at depths of between 7 m and 13 m. This mixed herbarium is of fairly weak vitality and covers a surface area of 6.82 ha. The remarkable area closest to the project site is the Cape of Three Forks located 16 km to the east of the project, more precisely the planned project mooring area, and 12 km to the east of Bétoya free zone.

(d) Marine fauna is averagely diversified in the various types of habitats in Bétoya Bay, and does not include marine mammals (cetaceans). In addition, no migration route for mammals is located in the port area of influence. The benthic variety comprises: Molluscs, 1 arthropod species, 12 crustacean species, 14 Annelid species, 6 echinoderm species, and 9 sipunculid species. As regards ichthyofauna and fish variety, the main species are the following: (i) in open water: European sea bass, spotted sea bass, Bermuda porgy, sharpsnout seabream, white seabream; white dorade, European eel, blackhead seabream, marble seabream, common turbot, caramota shrimp, red cuttlefish, royal dorade and grey dorade; (ii) In the bedrock: cupped oister, Mediterranean mussel, date mussel, flate oister, octopus; (iii) in the sands and muddy sands: common sole, Mediterranean noble pen shell or fan mussel, clam, razor clam and common seabream in the mud.

Figure 2: Benthnic Distribution

e) Located at about 16 km of project area of direct influence, the SIBE Cape of three forks which became a RAMSAR site in 2005 is a site of biological interest. It includes coastal areas with high productivity, with a wide variety of underwater habitats that are of great importance to the rearing of fish. The coastal waters are home to the site of vulnerable species such as the giant limpet (Patella ferruginea) and black limpet (Patella nigra) both listed on Annex II of the Barcelona Convention. But also loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and Whale (Balanoptera physalus). It also appears that colonies of monks Seals (Monachus monachus) were present, an endangered specy listed on the IUCN Red List. However, according to a survey by the Nador National Fisheries Research Institute on the entire Betoya Bay, no seals were observed over the past 20 years (Omar KADA, IRNH, pers. Comm.). Studies revealed that more than 70% of the turbidity will be localized within a 4 km radius from the mouth of the River (Artelia, 2014) and less than 12% could reach the Cape of Three Forks.

4.4 Human Environment

4.4.1 Demographic Features

The official organizational unit of the population in rural areas is the rural council, which could, moreover, contain an entire tribal fraction or portion of a tribal fraction. The population of Iâazanène Rural Council belongs to Beni Boughafer tribal fraction. It is the population around the Nador West Med port project. According to the 2010 municipal monographs, it is estimated at close to 10 303 people, 5 003 of them women, that is 48.6%. Table 1 shows the features of the population, which comprises 2 322 households; the average number of persons per household is 4.4.

Table1: Population of Iâazanène Rural Council Inhabitants Pers./Househol Douar Households Male Female Total d Ifrane Ouaroui 790 720 1510 333 4.5 Iaazanene 443 398 841 177 4.8 Iâazanène Centre 743 737 1480 345 4.3 Tifassor 565 540 1105 247 4.5 Taghdamia 388 358 746 170 4.4 Chemlala 144 122 266 57 4.7 Ijninaten 302 268 570 129 4.4 Iaâzizaten 350 337 687 153 4.5 Semmar 789 775 1564 373 4.2 Zroura 284 251 535 116 4.6 Bouhamza 137 135 272 58 4.7 Ouled Amer Ou Hammou 199 202 401 92 4.4 Ikasmiouen 166 160 326 72 4.5 Total Iaâzanène Rural Council 5300 5003 10303 2322 4.5

The population distribution shows that the proportion of the young population (< to 15 years) is the same as those of women and men (26% and 26.34%). The working age group (between 15 years and 59 years) is 62.9% for women and 63.6% for men. The percentage of women over 60 years old is slightly above that of men (11.1% for women and 10% for men). This shows that life expectancy is slightly higher for women than among men.

4.4.2 Gender Issues

The adoption and entry into force in February 2004 of the new "Family Code" consolidate gender equality in all areas of life and enhance the rights of women as an integral component of the Moroccan society. The Oriental Region is one of the pockets of poverty, where health and education indicators are well below the national level and the unemployment prevalence rate is high among young men and young women (31%). This situation compounds the prevailing marginalization phenomenon. The project intends to contribute to the development of the Region and the strengthening of social cohesion. As such, women, who make up about 51.7% of the population of the Region, will be the major beneficiaries and also players in the development of the Region driven by national and regional authorities.

4.4.3 Basic Infrastructure and Services

Transport Infrastructure: Iâazanène Municipality has National Road No. 16 (coastal), Provincial Road No. 62-02, and a council road that runs to Kallat beach. Large taxis are the main means of transport. The Municipality has a network of roads linking all the douars. Electrification: Is generalized except for a few households (60 households) that are not connected to the grid, nearly the entire rural municipality is electrified. The connection rate remains satisfactory at about 97%. Electrification is totally managed by ONE. Drinking water supply:

9 water supply is still relatively low because houses are scattered. Only a few houses in the centre of the Municipality are connected to the network. Liquid and solid waste disposal: Only a few houses in the centre of Iâazanène are connected to the sanitation network. The sanitation network connection rate is around 3% because houses are scattered. The septic tank sanitation method is most widely used. With respect to waste treatment, therefore, the Municipality does not have any controlled disposal system. The public garbage dump is a wild, illegal dump with harmful health and environmental effects. In fact, most of the waste is discharged into the wadis, and then swept into the sea. Projects to group municipalities for the organization of waste collection and management are being prepared. Regarding health facilities, there is only one dispensary in the rural council. It is located in the centre of Iâazanène. The dispensary suffers from acute shortage of medical staff, especially a permanent medical officer. The only nurse in the dispensary cannot address the health needs of a population of more than 10 000. There is also no nurse to take care of and follow up pregnant women from the various douars of the municipality. There are 14 midwives for the entire municipality, hence the wide gap in medical coverage. It should also be noted that the distance between the douars and the municipal centre where the dispensary is found is more than 10 kilometres for some douars. The social facilities identified in the rural council are educational, socio-cultural and sport and recreational activities centres, and other public facilities and services.

4.4.4 Socio-economic Activities

Traditional agriculture is the main activity in the area. The main agricultural activities are cereal cultivation (barley for 56.5% of usable farm area) and aboriculture (mostly olive cultivation on close to 22 % of the usable farm area). Traditional agriculture is followed by fishing, an activity carried out in the four main artisanal fishing centres, namely: (i) Chemlala (34 canoes); (ii) Semmar (14); (iii) Imhiaten Bouyafer (6); (iv) Kallat (30). Traditional fishermen are natives from the neighbouring areas, who settle on the coastal sites immediately adjoining their fishing site. In fact, many of the farm owners are migrant workers. Two (2) inn/restaurants and one (1) non- operational hotel are part of Iâazanène’s activity landscape. Extensive stockbreeding is limited, with a sheep-dominated herd. There are a few cattle and goats. The closeness of Melilla enclave has caused trading activities to be largely dominated by the informal sector. Paid employment is virtually marginal.

4.4.5 Civil Society Organizations

There are relatively few associations. In fact, there are only 5 NGOs and one agricultural cooperative. These NGOs operate in areas of small-scale fishing, agriculture and apprenticeship.

2.5 Challenges and Sensitivity Assessment

Table 2 summarizes project sensitivity and challenges, the most important of which are related to: i) its location in a reforested dune area or artificial reforestation area; ii) its relative closeness to the Cape of Three Forks; iii) the suspension and increase of turbidity during sediment dredging and piling works, and its impacts on marine fauna; iv) the noise impacts of works on marine fauna and the neighbouring population; v) marine traffic, its trends and navigation conditions in the bay; vi) dredging works on the port during the two phases: (1) port, navigable channel and port facility construction phase; and (2) port operation and maintenance phase. These dredging operations are a vital activity for continuity of port activity. They are justified by the accumulation of sediments from the sea, and seek to re-establish sufficient draughts to ensure the free movement and safety of vessels.

Table 2 :Environmental and Social Profile Environmental Sensitivity and Social Key Elements Type and Nature Current State No Yes Components Climate Mediterranean Sunshine 2 404 h/year, average humidity 72%, stage: semi-arid with temperate x m winter Rainfall Average rainfall: 373.5 mm/year, with significant seasonal variation x m

Winds Force Moderate (av. 13km/h), occurrence NE (60°N-90°N): 31%, and W (270°N) : 39%

Tide Mediterranean Semi-diurnal, amplitude : 0.40m averagely x so

Landform Land Coastal knoll (dune) with a +60m crest, +25m plateau and hills x m

Bathymetric Regular slope at 12% over 800m and 6% beyond, typical of a bay bottom x so

Hydrography Ground quality Ntya wadi water table, averagely deep with a salinity line x m

Surface quantity Kert wadi to the west of the site (BV 380 km²) with sedimentary supplies, and Ntya x M wadi BV 6 km² emptying into the dock Geological Land Sandy, and silty sand in some areas of the site (land and sea), and rocky and pit-run resources materials at Jbel Harcha 1 and 2, located 30 km to the south of the bay, required x m

features, sufficient quantity Marine Sand, silt x so

Physical Sedimentation Kert Wadi supply Episodic, according to floods in the rainy season x m Environment Currents Coastal surface Coastal (winds) north-easterly and south-westerly converging towards the centre of x so the bay; during maximum flow: 0.06m/s, 0.16m/s and 0.09m/s respectively Tidal x so

Swells 5m on average

siesmicity Intensity Class 3 in Moroccan zoning (serious) x

Soil Nature Sandy coastal beach

Climate Erosion Coastal dune, erodable protection reforestation x so

change Marine erosion trends (0.5 m/year) x M

Wind erosion of coastal dune x M

Atmosphere Dust Very low x m

Noise Low x M

Landscape Visual field High in the north-east and south-east, zero in the north-west directions

Characteristic Coastal beach visible from headlands: ___ and ____ x M element Vegetation Type 95% artificial reforestation on the coastal dune and 5% natural

Identified species Common, varied (Aleppo pine dominant, cypress, eucalyptus , acacia) 95%, and x m Tamarix and Phillyrea 5% Fauna Type Common fauna and avifauna

Biological Identified Common (3 bird species, 8 mammal species, 1 reptile species)

Environment of Importance Low x m the Area Marine flora Marine On 6.82 ha, mixed cymodocea and eelgrass 16.5 km to the east of the project site x m herbarium (Négri Point) Identified 2 protected phanerogams (Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera noltii) x M

Marine fauna Benthic Mollusc (01), Crustacea (12), Annelids (14), Equinoderms (06), Sipunculids (09)

ichthyofauna In open water (11), in rockbed (5), in sand and silt (6)

SIBE Cape of Three Forks located 12 km away from the port is well demarcated with

appropriated signage Population Douars 13 douars with a total of 10 303 people, 5 003 of them women (48.6%), representing x m (Direct PA) 2 322 households (4.5 persons per household) Housing Density and type Averagely dense (in douars), Moroccan type, permanent, high standard x M

Administrative Town Only 1 (Nador) NA

establishments Rural Councils 1 (Iaazanene) municipality of 13 douars x m

Transport Road National road 16, Provincial road 62-02, road to Kalate beach x m

infrastructure Rail Nador Taourirt line, single track NA

Airport 1 in Nador NA

Educational Number and type 7 Koranic schools, 4 primary schools, 00 college, 00 high school x m infrastructure Socio-economic Health Health 1 health centre (dispensary) x m Environment of facilities establishments the Direct Project Hospital 2 public hospitals in Nador x m

Area Agriculture Type Cereals: 56.5% of usable farm area, olive cultivation 22%, vineyard: 08% x - m and livestock Extensive, very few sheep and goats Fisheries Artisanal 84 canoes in 4 centres : Chemlala, Semmar, Bouyafer, Kallat - -

Gender issues x m

Civil Society Associations and 5 associations and 1 cooperative in Iäazanène - - NGOs Activities and Business 1 hotel, 2 inn/restaurants in Iäazanène x m businesses activities Basic services DWS Low connection , water services (ONE ) x M

Sanitation Very low, 3% x M

Electrification Generalized, 97% x m

Key : M : major , m : minor , NA: Not Applicable

5. Project Option Presentation and Selection

5.1 “Without Project” Situation

Morocco intends to use its geographic position to strengthen its positioning in the Mediterranean trans-shipment market and use all the opportunities in the region to boost its economy and create jobs. The “without project” situation is tantamount to leaving Nador region in its current state, particularly the congestion and saturation of the existing port, without any possibility of extending and developing its urban area, with the attendant inconveniences suffered by Nador town dwellers. This situation is compounded by the saturation of Casablanca port and the near saturation of Tangier Med port (2022). It is also tantamount to leaving the population of Iâazanène Municipality in a human development situation that is below the provincial average and far below the national level.

Moreover, the following environmental impacts are visible: (i) marine erosion causing the coastline of Bétoya Bay to recede; (ii) degradation of coastal dune reforestation; and (iii) persistence of limited access.

This situation is not consistent with the policy of the Moroccan Government or with its policy of boosting the economic and social development of Oriental Region. Consequently, the status quo is not in line with the spirit and principles of improving Morocco’s maritime transport system and strategic position.

5.2 Project Alternatives

Three alternative components were explored: (i) infrastructure location; (ii) infrastructure configuration; and (iii) infrastructure cost.

1. The location has considered two sub components: construction technology, and environmental parameters such as use of soil resources (land and marine), swell, geotechnical foundation, sedimentology of the site, water plume contributions of Oued Kert and its impact on siltation / dredging, acquisitions of private land, and the distance to the SIBE of the Cape of Three Forks (50% of the weight) .

2. Infrastructure configuration took into consideration ONE’s energy options for Oriental Region (by 2020) for which Nador town port would become ill-adapted: projected volumes and their nature are not compatible with an urban environment and closeness to the other port activities. Bulk hydrocarbons traffic would therefore be transferred to Nador West Med. (Nador town port would be oriented towards tourism development like the seven cities of Marchica lagoon, while maintaining its ferry links with Europe). The NWM triggering traffic would therefore be: (i) energy (coal, LNG) and (ii) its container trans-shipment capacity (20% of the weight).

3. The cost of infrastructure depends on the type of infrastructure selected, the volume of material needed to build the port and the soil treatment solution for the foundation. To maintain the port design to its optimum configuration and protect reinforcement works at an acceptable depth, the choice was focused on its anchoring limits (30% of weight).

Multi criteria ccomparisons have resulted in the choice of alternative called "middle option" Bay of Betoya. It is synthesized in the following table:

Table 3: selection criteria

Criteria ratio West Option Middle option East Option

Technical 20% 1,45 1,54 1,46 cost 30% 1,20 2,40 1,80

Operation 20% 1,34 1,46 1,20

Disturbance of the 30% 1,61 2,22 1,62 environment

Total 100% 5,60 7,62 6,08

5.3 Selected option

The NWM port comprises facilities with the following features: (A) 5 400 m protection facilities with depths of about -35 m ZH, made up of: (i) a 4 200 ml main sloping breakwater; and (ii) a 1200 ml secondary sloping breakwater. The breakwaters and two pierheads protect a sailing area of about 250 ha, including a swinging ellipse and swinging circle at -22 m ZH. (B) Landing facilities: Two continuous diagram wall East and West container terminals with a cumulative length of 2 960 ml at -20 m ZH. The container terminals are located on both sides of a 500 ml- wide dock. (C) The container wharves have: (i) an East back-up space behind the East container wharf, covering 76 ha; (ii) a West back-up space behind the West container wharf, covering 62 ha; (iii) three oil berths on piles (1 crude and 2 raffined), located along the main breakwater at -20 m ZH. The mooring lengths are 118 ml; (iv) a specialized bulk berth on piles at -20 m ZH; and (v) a 360 ml-long service quay with depths of -7 m ZH.

The sea access to the port is through a 1 400 ml-long SSW-NNE access channel with depths of - 22 m ZH. The operation of the quays requires the installation of the following equipment: (i) Bollards and slip hooks; (ii) ladders, buffers and gantry ‘’ties-down’’; (iii) gantries; and (iv) cranes and loading arms.

It should be noted that the port infrastructure solution and design are driven by environmental compliance and impact minimization. The design takes into account soil treatment, and helps to prevent the discharge into the sea of more than 12 million m3 of mud and the reduction of all types of nuisances from the extraction, transportation and putting in place of land quarry materials. It also includes the reuse of sea dredging and land excavation materiaIs. The types of materials were selected to allow for best match between the materials in place (land and marine) and the need for construction aggregates. As such, more than 40% of materials to be excavated will be redeployed for soil treatment and backfilling of back-up space; 30% of the materials will be reused to construct the platform to the west of the port, and 10% of the materials will be piled at sea in the area identified by NWM.

Figure 3 Alternative Solution Adopted

6. Potential Impacts and Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

6.1 Negative Impacts

Impact identification and assessment are based on the baseline situation and the various activities of the various project phases. Emphasis is laid on environmental impacts for sensitive challenges. They are summarized in Figure 5.

Figure 5:

Construction and Implementation Phase Operation and Maintenance Phase

d earthmoving

Sources ofSources Impact prospectionsPreliminary Expropriation Signaling Site installation Presence of domestic sites and demobilization Transportation of materials and movement of machines Dredging piling and Excavation an Civil works engineering ofDevelopment wadis Final warehouses Landscape rehabilitation integration and of Presence port infrastructure Siltation Solid , liquid wastes and gaseous Traffic generated NWM port for Employment the of population the local Maintenance repairs and Soil

Marine sediments

Surrounding air

Sea water

Surface water

Natural landscape Physical Environment Flora

Fauna

Humid areas/protected areas Biologic al Environ ment Population and housing

Hygiene and safety

Noise environment

Socio-economic activity and

economic economic employment

- Infrastructure and equipment

Archeology and heritage Socio Environment Interrelations Matrix

: Low Negative : Average Negative : Strong Negative : Positive Impact Impact Impact Impact.

The impacts will be analyzed from the following angles: (i) land and marine physical environment; (ii) soil resources; (iii) land and marine flora and fauna; (iv) socio-economic activities, employment and income; (v) landscapes; and (vi) population displacement.

6.1.1 Project Site Phase

During the construction phase, the main negative impacts generated by port infrastructure construction concern:

(a) Physical environment: (i) the construction of an access road to the beach from RN16 will cause the disruption and deviation of vehicle traffic. Earthworks and backfilling will cause dust emissions. Given the short length of the road, the expected impact will be relatively shortlived. (ii) the opening of quarries and nearby crushing/screening facilities will lead to dust emissions and sound nuisances. The movement of transportation machines to and from quarries poses the risk of accidents. Special attention will be paid to traffic rules and road safety; (iii) the risk of irrational use of soil resources in rip-rap borrow areas due to operating method shortcomings and the deposit, through piling at sea, of non-reusable materials in inappropriate sites. (iv) land use: Sammar beach will be occupied by facilities, workshops, depots for materials, prefabrication areas and the service harbour. This will require earthmoving and development works. Barges and machinery for marine works will be conveyed by sea, and will only moor when the service harbour has been set up. (v) pollution risks: drilling and pile driving machinery as well as concrete mixer plants are potential sources of marine and land pollution through the spilling of bentonite and concrete, and of dust emission into the air and chemical products, adjuvants in the soil as well as poor waste management; (vi) site sediment dynamics and currents will be disrupted during the phases devoted to the construction of the initial sections of breakwaters and the service jetty. (vii) water catchments needed for precasting of concrete structures. As a result, back-up boreholes for watering down dust are likely to accelerate the progress of the salinity line in the aquifer, which, moreover, is proportionate to the location of the dock (advance compared with the initial coastline). (viii) extraction of sand and pit-run materials using sand pumps will generate turbidity as well as suspended matters (SMs) around the sites, and pose the risk of attracting itchthyofauna that thrives in sand and silty sand, and is also associated with impacts on biological environment. (ix) soil erosion: risks of erosion are also linked to deforestation of the costal dune during the earth works.

(b) Land and marine biological environment: (i) deforestation of close to 200ha of biologically unimportant (eucalyptus, Allepo pine, cypress) but relief protecting harbour front coastal dune; (ii) the serious noise situation generated by construction, earth works and transportation machines in the bay site and also on the roads leading to quarries, pile drilling machinery and port activities is a source of local disturbance to the marine fauna and avifauna; (iii) noise disturbance on the construction site is likely to attract small crustaceans (although not identified even in the extended area) owing to their inquisitive nature, and expose them to real danger of accident.

(c) Human environment: (i) traffic disruption on RN16 due to congestion by quarry material transportation; (ii) the relocation of close to 70 fishermen with nearly 280 dependents to other equipped shelter sites and business platform; (iii) pressure on water use, which may provoke a sharing conflict with the needs of people living around Iäazanène; (iv) sound nuisances and disturbance of the peace of the douars close to the construction site, as well as the few domestic livestock.

6.1.2 Operation and Maintenance Phase

This corresponds to the operationalization and use of facilities and infrastructure, as well as the maintenance and repair of the various technical project components. The sources of impact for this phase are basically: (i) the presence of port infrastructure: it corresponds to the physical presence of project components, and modifies the visual setting seen from the north and south headlands (breakwaters, buffers, quays, ships, gantries, buildings, container stacking, etc.); (ii) the serious noise and lighting situation created by port activities is a disturbance to marine fauna and avifauna; (ii) siltation and silting of sand are chronic. They are caused by vessel movements and manoeuvres, as well as swells around the intake channel; (iii) black waste and rain water treatment: the operation of facilities and buildings produce black waste and industrial waste water. Furthermore, ships in port carry out the required black waste and sediment compartment pump-outs. (iv) Maritime and road traffic between the international port and the towns of the country will pose the risk of high concentration of suspended matter in the sea (mainly micro-organisms contained in ballast waters and vessel sediments); (v) solid waste management: Port activity will generate a significant daily volume of liquid and solid waste from buildings, vessels, bulk handling and transportation machines; (vi) the other site operation and management activities such as maintenance, repair and upkeep, especially the replacement of deteriorated, corroded or damaged equipment and elements (fenders, bollards, rails, etc.), and also the reinforcement or replacement of filtering or weight loading materials, or dislocated or damaged armours on the breakwaters (due to strong swells). These elements are likely to constitute substantial volumes of inert materials in the long term (or at the end of periodic maintenance).

6.2 Positive Impacts

6.2.1 During the Construction Phase

The project will have positive impacts, in particular: (i) the creation of many jobs primarily for the neighbouring and local populations, as well the intensification of business activities in the neighbouring rural municipalities, especially those of Iâazanène, as well as Amejjaou and Ihaddadene and Nador town. Jobs were estimated using the 0.715 jobs/million Dirhams invested benchmark established on the basis of the Tangier Med port experience. The number of jobs is estimated at 7150 over the site duration, and broken down as follows: 60 for year one, 600 for year two, 1900 for year three, 2 200 for year four, 1 800 for year five and 600 for year six; (ii) increased business and service activities in the neighbouring municipalities, especially in Iâazanène, for the hospitality and catering sector which expects a maximum occupancy rate throughout the year instead of only in the summer season; (iii) the ongoing alignment of town planning instruments conducted by the Nador Town Planning Agency (taking into account the decree establishing Bétoya free zone, as well as the Grand Nador Development and Town Planning Master Plan (SDAU)).

6.2.2 Operation Phase

The positive impacts are mainly due to:

(i) for the physical environment: resilience to the marine erosion phenomenon caused by the combined action of sedimentary movements (supplies and currents) in the balance zone. A build up of beach sand on both sides of the port infrastructure is expected.

(ii) for the biological environment: a new fauna habitat on the external facings and slopes of the main breakwater.

(iii) for the human environment;

(1) the creation of many direct jobs for the operation of port infrastructure. Direct port jobs concern the following activities: port authority and other services, ship services (piloting, towing, mooring, etc.), goods services (terminal operators, freight handlers, etc.), other port services (shipping agencies, refuelling, safety, storage, transit agents, container repairs, etc.). Port activity-related direct jobs are estimated at more than 5 700 by 2034.

(2) in the long term, the business, industrial logistics and tertiary pole to be constructed in several phases in the free zone is deemed to be a potential socio- economic growth initiative through the creation of medium-size enterprises; tax spin-offs for regional authorities; job-creation and use of local labour; increased vocational training to meet the needs of the job market ; decline in unemployment in the region; improvement in the income level of the population; increase in the size and composition of the population; marked urbanization of the project area, leading to improved social services and infrastructure; increased accessibility in Oriental Region; and saving of time through investments in transport under the Med Development Programme (which includes the NWM project). The NWM industrial and port complex is likely to help create 99 000 to 115 000 indirect and induced jobs by 2034. Over the same period, the income generated by the project is estimated at between MAD 8 and 9 billion, that is an annual average income of MAD 80 000 per job. The estimated number of jobs takes into account: (i) direct jobs created by the port activity itself and by industrial and logistics activities established in the free zone, (port authority and services, ship services, goods services), other port services (shipping agencies, refuelling, safety, storage, transit agents, container repairs, etc.; (ii) indirect jobs created in established industrial and logistics activities (sub-contracting, services, etc.) and goods transport; and (iii) induced jobs created through routine direct and indirect job consumption needs (businesses, transport, etc.).

(3) improvement of the living environment of the populations of the neighbouring areas through finalization of town planning instruments by the Nador Town Planning Agency, particularly the Land Use Plan (and its specific derived plans for Iâazanène) and, in the medium term, the status of the Urban Council which will usher in major development prospects like the creation of high standard health centres, secondary schools and high schools, the densification of sanitation networks, as well as through the related roads and railway lines to be developed, thereby aligning the area with the Grand Nador Development and Town Planning Master Plan.

6.3 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

6.3.1 Compensation Measures Linked to the Release of Rights-of-Way

The release of rights-of-way consists in: (i) resettling close to 70 fishermen with about 321 dependents on the Chemlala site equipped with shelters and a business platform; (ii) acquiring land required for access road construction through expropriation and compensation of 20 households comprising 157 persons; (iii) compensation of other 155 households comprising 680 persons through the expropriation of land required to establish the free zone adjoining the planned port. The assets include 325 plots of farmland covering 1 376 ha (93% of which are on State land and 6% on private land). Ninety-five per cent (95%) of the private land is under use (cultivation of cereals, vegetables and fruit trees). Land that is part of the forest estate will be acquired in accordance with the provisions of Dahir No. 1-58-382 of 17 April 1959 on land that is part of the forest estate required for the implementation of public purpose projects, with the conclusion of an agreement between NWM and HCEFLD.

6.3.2 Mitigation Measures during the Construction Phase

The main mitigation measures will focus on the organization of works and on the environmental best practice clauses. They are recommended to contractors in the specifications so as to mitigate general works nuisances. Special measures to be taken are:

(a) physical environment: (i) the development of access roads, particularly the one linking up with RN16, which will be a permanent paved access road, with a roundabout having all the final road signs and information boards. The site will be fenced and under permanent surveillance; (ii) dust emissions and sound nuisances caused by quarries will be mitigated through systematic tarping of transport vehicles. Crushers and screens will have a moisture diffusion system to mitigate dust production (dispersion of fine particles in the surrounding air). The fine particles produced will be collected and used in pit-run material formulations in humid areas. Risks of accidents caused by transport vehicles will be mitigated by sufficient road signs as well as continued surveillance on the quarry/construction site road; (iii) the rational use of soil resources helped to explore the redeployment of close to 40% of excavated materials for soil treatment and backfilling of back-up spaces; 30% of materials will be reused to construct the platform to the west of the port and 10% of materials will be piled at sea; (iv) the selection of the piling site was based on several criteria, in particular: (1) area capable of containing 12 million to 18 million m3; (2) area with the same type of silty substratum; (3) bottom slopes (close Isobaths) with depths of more than 50m Zh; (4) rocky coastlines which do not allow exchange of sediments with the coast. No sign of silting was found on this portion of the coastline; (5) area located west of the port, in relation to swell conditions ; (6) area away from the natural sites of the Cape of Three Forks ; (7) wide continental shelf away from the crossing points for large migratory species in the Mediterranean Sea ; (8) area located less than 5 miles from the port, thereby making piling conditions more economical; (9) the location of Kert wadi estuary between the piling site, the port and the natural sites of the Cape of Three Forks and Marchica acts as buffer or adaptation area for species (virtually permanent presence of the Kert wadi turbidity plume). Suspended matter (SM) drawdown measures have been taken. (iv) possible land and marine pollution through the spilling of betonite, concrete, chemical products and soil adjuvants, as well as poor waste management and dust emission into the air are mitigated through the mastery of operating methods such as: the use of close-circuit water-tight bentonite pipes with storage tanks that can be reused ; (v) concerning the disruption of currents and sediment dynamics on the coastline, and to mitigate site sedimentology deficits, provisional protections (sheet piling) will be deployed and compensatory reloading, if necessary, will complete the deficit in such a way as to maintain sedimentary balance. (vi) water catchments for making concrete will be regulated. The need for water on lodging and office sites is not concerned, as there are arrangements for the hiring of hotel sites during the entire construction period; (vii) during dedicated on-site piling and also during the construction of breakwater underlayers, the propagation of suspended matter will be prevented by establishing sinking screens in smooth waters. Piling operations in rough seas will be prohibited; (viii) soil erosion due to coastal dune deforestation will be limited by systematic reforestation following an earth movement plan, together with the establishment of palisades and the reforestation plan to be jointly defined with the forestry services and HCFLD

On site, a collection of waste at an appropriate frequency will be ensured from collection to disposal in the authorized locations by the relevant departments. This condition will be included in the environmental clauses and specifications in the contractor’s works contract.

(b) Biological environment: (i) deforestation of close to 200 ha (eucalyptus, Allepo pine, cypress, etc.) is compensated for by a reforestation programme jointly prepared by the forestry services and HCFLD, in addition to obtaining the required felling permits. Nador shall submit to the Bank this reforestation programme with the required permits prior to the beginning of the works on the said 200 ha. This reforestation will be implemented in areas jointly selected by the competent authorities (forestry, local, etc); (ii) monitoring of the regrowth of vegetation and fauna surrounding the deforested areas as well as inventories will be conducted in spring and summer so as to be able to react to modifications in infralittoral habitat distributions; (iii) dredging and piling will be prohibited during periods of strong west-easterly currents so as to prevent SMs from impacting the area of the Cape of Three Forks. As mentioned in point 4.3) e), the studies revealed that more than 70% of the turbidity will be localized within a 4 km radius from the mouth of the River (Artelia, 2014) and less than 12% could reach the Cape of Three Forks. Even though this site is relatively far away from the port area, it may be affected in case of inappropriate management of ballast water.

(c) Human environment: (i) a communication and information plan will be implemented prior to start-up of works. It will be based on the observations and opinions of the surrounding populations, which it will integrate in such a way as to determine hours and periods of noisy works, their location and duration, and also for the implementation of noise-reducing measures, in addition to the preservation of the topography of the natural mound (coastal dune) which is a noise barrier. The plan will help the contractor and NWM to comply with the council charter grouping the douars that make up the said rural council; (ii) the closure and regulation of traffic and access to the sites will be observed such that works do not jeopardize the safety of workers and the surrounding and nearby populations; (iii) hygiene, security and safety conditions will be fulfilled through the implementation of a Hygiene, Safety and Health Plan involving the supply and wearing of personal protection equipment (PPE) and diving equipment, the observance of markings, the highway code and road signs, as well as navigation, diving safety and fire protection rules. An equipped ambulance and a decompression chamber will be required on the site. An emergency incident/accident plan will supplement the HSE Plan.

6.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Phase:

The main measures adopted in the operation and maintenance phase include: (i) the integration of the port building and infrastructure into the landscape and architecture. Given that the visual setting is visible from the northern and southern headlands, the option adopted is to go for the same type of gantry (the same design and height), a uniform neutral colour, limitation of the height of container stacking to 4 levels and night lighting directed primarily towards the handling and activity area; (ii) concerning siltation and silting of the port, dredging and piling operations will be periodic and in line with periodic maintenance operations. These operations will require the acquisition or hiring of specialized barges. Piling operations will be reinforced by sinking screens designed to mitigate SMs through drawdown; (iii) black waste and rain water treatment: rainwater drainage has been taken into consideration. The cleaning of sedimentation basins will be periodic and will generate substantial volumes of sludge and sediments which will be linked with solid waste management; (iv) provision has been made for a mechanism for filtration and ultra-violet treatment of ships’ ballast water and sediments for vessels that do not have one. It will be combined with an on-site analysis laboratory; (v) the management of daily volumes of solid wastes will be an important port activity and will comprise a waste treatment centre; (vi) measures to mitigate negative impacts produced by maintenance, repair and site management activities will fall within the scope of the Environmental Management System (EMS) which will, in the long term, require ISO 14000 certification.

6.4. Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are those produced after the implementation of mitigation measures at the end of the port infrastructure construction site. Operation buildings (harbour master’s office, fire fighters, police and customs) and equipment will be added and mounted on port operation which should be gradual, after compilation of the infrastructure homologation file.

In any case, these residual impacts are: (i) landscape aspects resulting from the physical presence of equipment, buildings and ships as well as gantries and lifting and handling appliances; (ii) solid, liquid and gaseous wastes resulting from port equipment operation and handling of bulk products; (iii) siltation and silting produced by swells, and also by ship movements and manœuvres, by water from Kert Wadi, swells and currents in the access channel and in the dock; (iv) concentration of suspended matter, ballast water in marine water resulting from maritime traffic, light and sound emissions, the functioning of the NWM port waste treatment centre which treats a substantial daily volume of solid wastes, but also the production of liquid wastes.

Mitigation measures in the operation and maintenance phase concern the operator, and the NWM port authority has made the commitment, and thus has the obligation to fulfill it. The measures are: (i) the establishment of operation and navigation regulations comprising national and international environmental guidelines contained in IMO recommendations, the MARPOL and Green Awards conventions, etc.; (ii) the commissioning of the sedimentation/decantation, and liquid waste and ships’ ballast water and sediment treatment basin and/or tank; (iii) the integration of equipment and buildings into the landscape; and (iv) fire and polluting spill control equipment.

6.5 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts are those resulting from the combined action of activities linked to the project per se and those of associated actions and/or projects. The main actions consist of: (i) the future location of various activities in the free zone; (ii) transfer of bulk and hydrocarbons traffic transport from the Nador town port to the new port, followed by (iii) the upgrading of this former mole into a passenger and cruise terminal directly linked to the hyper-urban centre of Nador town; and (iv) the planned construction of a rail link to the new port.

Their various environmental impacts are assessed in the Grand Nador Development and Town Planning Master Plan (SDAU). Consequently, the SDAU, which is the updating and alignment of Sector Development Plans (pursuant to the provisions of Law No. 12-90 relating to town planning and its implementing instruments), seeks to: (i) conduct an in-depth diagnosis of the entire study area and its environment; (ii) define a comprehensive vision for town planning and propose sector action plans; and (iii) adopt project factsheets resulting from sector action plans and establish programme contracts.

It would help to adopt an intervention strategy and propose major construction sites which should be simultaneously opened to enable the portion of territory to reach the desired qualification level. It will mainly entail: (i) consolidating its economic base; (ii) controlling its urban growth; (iii) upgrading its basic equipment; (iv) overhauling the road network traffic system; (v) organizing sanitation (liquid and solid) and safeguarding its environment; (vi) creating jobs; and (vii) streamlining management.

Its preparation is being validated.

7 Management of Environmental Risk and Climate Change

7.1 Environmental Risks during the Construction Phase

The major risks concern: (i) accidental spill of pollutants (hydrocarbons, bentonite, oils, concrete and adjuvants); (ii) accidents such as the capsizing and sinking of marine works equipment and machinery, which could be compounded by high swells (rough weather conditions).

The specifications given to contractors require them to prepare Environmental Action Plans (EAPs), a Site Environmental Protection Plan (SEPP), a Navigation Plan comprising movement and extraction graphs and procedures, and a Health, Safety and Environment Plan (HSEP). They will include emergency intervention procedures in each plan.

The detailed SEPP will clearly show fuel storage conditions and all the precautionary measures adopted. This does not exclude risks of run-off of polluting substances into the sea resulting from accidental spill of sludge, betonite, waste oils and fuels or run-off on stored materials.

It is necessary, especially in wooded areas, to prevent the risk of fire breakout and plan its management through a Fire Contingency Plan.

In the steep slope area of the coastal dune, it is necessary to prevent risks of erosion on cuttings and embankments (land and platform embankment collapse and slide) by adopting embankment support and stabilization mechanisms.

Uncontrollable risks will certainly include a seismic event during the construction of breakwaters before the finalization of armours (block layers and acropodes) and capping platform, which may lead to deconstruction of the breakwater’s main hydraulic backfill and its reconstruction.

7.2 Environmental Risks during the Operation Phase

Like Tangier Med, the port will be managed in compliance with the MARPOL Convention which comprises six annexes dealing with: (a) oil discharge; (b) discharge of noxious liquid substances transported in bulk; (c) discharge of harmful substances transported in package form; (d) sewage discharge; (e) garbage discharge; (f) regulations on the prevention of air pollution by ships. Consequently, in Morocco, following its ratification of the Barcelona Convention, and in accordance with Moroccan laws, especially Laws No. 81-12 and No. 67-14, the port authority, pursuant to its operation regulations, will require each ship to: (i) have a Ballast Water Management Plan in accordance with guidelines G4 (resolution MEPC.127(53) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); (ii) record all ballast water operations in a ballast water register. As a result, the future port complex facilities will comprise (iii) an analysis laboratory and will provide; (iv) a mechanism for filtration and UV treatment of the said waters, in return for a fee.

7.3 Climate Change-related Risks during the Construction Phase

As indicated in Section 4.2 (ii), climate fluctuations are prolonged draughts followed by heavy rains, and exceptional high waters (like that of 2008) in Kert Wadi which may lead to floods and, therefore, a very high flow of sediments in the port area. The risk is that an exceptional water rise may occur during equinox tides (in mid-September). Protection of the access road against floods should be envisaged right from its design. Consequently, protection of the shores at the mouth of Kert Wadi should be envisaged in order to prevent high water from eroding the soil and surroundings of the land port infrastructure.

7.4 Climate Change-related Risks during the Operation Phase

Infrastructure design took into account the breakwater and quay height setting margins (1m), as well as the highest swells combined with the highest tides. The probability of such combination occurring is very low. Carbon emissions generated by shipping per ton is minimal in comparison to road traffic for the similar weight. The global trend is a drastic reduction for recent generation of vessels (0.5 gr of CO2 eq / t) and trap particles equipment at the outlet nozzles.

8. Environmental and Social Monitoring Programme

8.1 Responsibility

The project owner will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of project components, as well the implementation of the Environmental Surveillance and Monitoring Programme (ESMP), under the supervision of NWM general management and with the assistance of the experts committee in the port, geotechnology and major project management areas. It will receive assistance from support entities (TMSA, ANP, the Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Logistics).

The NWM Department of Works will steer project implementation and ensure project supervision. It will be assisted by consulting firms recruited for that purpose.

An Environmental Monitoring Committee will be attached to Project Supervision, and will have the required human and material resources for the discharge of its duties (Figure 6).

The Department of the Environment (DE/SEEE) and the relevant authorities in charge of the environment will reserve the right to take samples and conduct analyses with a view to ensuring works compliance with DE prescriptions.

The surveillance and monitoring programme, as well as compensation measures are, however, not final. They may undergo periodic revision to be defined in agreement with DE/SEEE and the relevant authorities (National Environment Observatory (ONEM) and regional authorities of Oriental Province (OREDD), in light of the outcomes achieved. The set-up for monitoring as described enables Nador West Med to bring the skills needed for a successful implementation of environmental and social measures. In addition, the experience gained in the construction of other ports including the one in Casablanca will benefit to this port. If necessary, Nador will make the arrangements to take into account the additional workload that this project will create. This justifies partly the need for the establishment of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) with the necessary resources (see section on complementary initiatives).

Figure 6 : NWM Organization Chart

NWM Board of Directors

Experts Committee - Tanger Med Special Port, Geotechnology and NWM General Support Agency - National Ports Agency Major Project Management Management Entities Delegated - Directorate of Ports/METL Project Manager - DPET/ Nador (Local - DE/SEEE Planning and Environmental - National Environment Coordination and social Observatory - HCEFLD General and Directorate of Works Monitoring Financial and Accounting Administrative Affairs Project Manager Entity TMSA (NWM/TMSA Convention)

Financial Monitoring Detailed Geotechnology Protection Facilities Mooring Facilities Quality Planning and Dredging and Control, Materials Methods Laboratory

Materials Assistance Assistance to DPM Assistance to DPM Assistance to Monitoring and Works Supervision Works Supervision DPM Control and Control Laboratory

International Experts Assistance Experts Assistance International Works Control Experts Works Control Experts 23

Environmental monitoring will be conducted under the same conditions as works control, and reinforced by inspections and measures carried out by specialized consulting firms and the services of the Secretariat of State for the Environment. The goal is to check if the indicators for the various elements of the environment are found in the parameters established by the relevant legislation of Morocco or, where such legislation does not exist, by those of financial partners and/or by international convention guidelines, and if these indicators follow a positive environmental (natural and social) improvement trend.

Besides the preparation of EAPs, SEPPs and HSEPs, works implementation contracts will contain a description of the penalties to be applied to contractors in case of failure to comply with specific environmental and social technical prescriptions.

Periodic reports on the surveillance and monitoring of environmental measures (Table 3), the effectiveness of these measures and the solutions to unforeseeable environmental problems will be submitted to the Department of the Environment.

8.2 Surveillance Programme

The works environmental surveillance programme will be part and parcel of the environmental and social reports of the Project Manager and contractors. These contractors will refer to environmental assessments to mitigate or offset risks run by the biophysical and human environment. The Bank’s annual supervision missions will help to assess the quality of project environmental and social monitoring.

Table 4: Required Surveillance Documents

Surveillance Phase and Responsable Surveillance Documents and Indicators Schedule Objectives Entity Verification prior to start-up of works Knowledge of Attestation and commitment in the contractor’s bid During bid Contractor environmental clauses submission presentation Appointment of an 1 month before start environment/health and Job offer comprising job description and duties NWM of works safety officer Submission by the contractor of: • Works implementation programme • Plant lay-out • ESMP of the site comprising an environmental action 1 month before start plan and its specific plans: Contractor Start-up meeting: approval of works Site Protection Plan of the contractor’s works HSE Plan implementation Programme Fire Protection Plan Accident Contingency Plan Compliance notice concerning standards and measures 3 weeks before start prescribed in the environmental clauses, and minutes of the NWM of works start-up meeting Standards and measures in force: intervention method, 1 month before start Contractor Contingency plan in case of warning system, information and documentation of works accidental oil spill 3 weeks before start Contractor/ Compliance notice of works NWM Inspection during start-up of works Knowledge of Availability of ESMP and specific plans on the site and During the first Contractor/ environmental clauses specific training for site officials month of works NWM

Posting of job vacancies in offices of the council, in the Town and at the site entrance Work force: recruitment, Status of work contracts, staff social coverage and social work contracts, insurance During the first Contractor/ qualification with respect to month of works NWM quality, health, safety and • Wearing of PPE environmental issues • Presence of first-aid kits • Presence of emergency equipment at strategic areas of the site. Contractor/ Compliance notice At works start-up NWM Availability of sanitary facilities (minimum of 1 washroom per 20 employees). Oil storage and supply facilities in a secured and fenced area,

double-membrane retention tank with a capacity above 10% Compliance of facilities of the reservoir. with the works Contractor/ Indication of speed limits for machines and vehicles, and At works start-up implementation programme NWM other appropriate signs on the roads used by trucks and heavy machines within or outside the construction site. Properly fenced site and regulated access Waste and debris storage area, and presence of leak-proof bins and containers Verification during works implementation (environmental surveillance responsible entity) Implementation of mitigation measures, Periodic inspection report Regular inspection Manager laws/regulations Verification at the end of works Before works Acceptance of facilities Environmental inspection report NWM acceptance

8.3 Monitoring Programme

The monitoring indicators will serve as basis for preparing specific reports, assessing the effectiveness of corrective measures taken, and proposing any new measures. The matrix of measures attached as annex summarizes the environmental and social indicators, the monitoring of which will determine the project environmental trends and the effectiveness of all the protective, corrective and compensatory measures recommended for the environmental integration of the NWM port project as well as its sustainable operation (Table 5).

Table 5 : Required Monitoring Elements Category Monitoring Parameter Frequency Data Recording Remarks

Annuel sampling of temperature, pH, CE, phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals, Record of sampling dates and Insert in the Marine water Annual hydrocarbons, coliforms and faecal laboratory analysis forms annual report streptococcus

Mesurement of aerosols, MPS, PM10, Record of sampling dates and Insert in the Air quality Annual ETM, NOx, SOx, CO2 laboratory analysis forms annual report

Monthly sampling of pH, temperature, CE, nitrates, phosphates, suspended Record of sampling dates and Waste water Insert in the matter, DBO, DCO, dissolved oxygen, Monthly preparation of laboratory discharges annual report oils and fats as well as coliforms and analysis forms faecal streptococcus

Corrective measures will be Characterization of facility sound adopted to reduce equipment Insert in the On-site noise levels, possible identification of sources Monthly sound levels in case they are annual report of noise of above 75 dBA exceeded

In case of failure, it is Accidental pollution Monthly inspection of tanks (reservoirs) necessary to describe the type Insert in the and spilling of and drums containing dangerous Monthly of substance spilled, the annual report dangerous substances substances quantities, the cause and the cleaning method used

- Conduct an annual inventory of the natural land and marine environment Monthly and Make recommendations for Insert in the Biodiversity (fauna annually preservation and improvement annual report and flora) - Assessment (trends) every four years

- External audit of ISO 9001 and ISO 140001 or OHSAS 18001 certification Normative registrations Occupational safety - Maintenance audit Insert in the and health (OSH) Annually Audit reports annual report conditions - Job status per financial year (annually) Fiscal balance sheets

- Conduct an assessment (trend) every four years

Based on the roles and responsibilities of Ministries, agencies, the promoter, contractor, laboratory, etc., Nador West Med company undertakes to comply with the coordination mechanism and the regulatory procedures governing the implementation of the various environmental surveillance and monitoring programme activities, especially as concerns: (i) the information sharing channel and the interfaces between stakeholders; (ii) the notification, approval and decision-making procedures; (iii) warning trigger, implementation of corrective measures, warning notice; (iv) assessment, control, etc. procedures. NWM is fully responsible for any harm to the environment caused by its activities, in accordance with the laws in force in Morocco. The relevant authorities will carry out inspections, samplings and analyses to ensure compliance of project activities with EIA findings, as well as environmental surveillance and monitoring programmes. In case of non-fulfilment of its commitments, NWM will be liable to the sanctions laid down in the statutory instruments relating to environmental protection and may face legal proceedings in accordance with the provisions of Sections 15 to 18 of Law No. 12-03. The environmental surveillance and monitoring programme is posted on the website of the Secretariat of State for Water Resources and the Environment.

8.4 Surveillance and Monitoring Programme Costs

The mitigation measures of the installation and works phases specified in the environmental surveillance and monitoring programme (ESMP) will be included in the specifications of the bidding contractors and Control Commission for implementation. They comprise measures for preserving soil, marine water and human perceptions. The costs of environmental and social measures included in the ESMP are taken into account in the total cost of works. They amount to about MAD 99.6 million. Specific costs of environmental measures amount to MAD 57.3 million. These include the following plans: i) waste management; ii) fire fighting; iii) Hygiene, Health and Safety as well as trainings in line with the said plans and insurance (table 6).

Table 6: Cost of environmental protection measures

Environmental protection measures Cost in MAD Cost in Euro Physical environment 6 230 000 566 364 Soil 2 240 000 203 636 Ambient air 960 000 87 273 Water 30 000 2 727 Marine sediment 3 000 000 272 727 Biological Environment 4 750 000 431 818 Flora and fauna 1 750 000 159 091 Marine/wetlands and protected areas 3 000 000 272 727 Human Environment 46 320 000 4 210 909 Population and housing 7 030 000 639 091 Hygiene, Health Safety and working conditions 27 590 000 2 508 182 HSE 6 000 000 54 5455 Fire fighting 6 750 000 61 3636 Waste management 6 000 000 54 5455 Trainings 1 500 000 13 6364 Professional insurance 1 000 000 9 0909 Ambient noise 700 000 63 636 Socioeconomic activities and employment 2 000 000 181 818 Infrastuctures and public utilities 7 000 000 636 364 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 2 000 000 181 818 Total specific measures 57 300 000 5 209 091

The share of costs relating to environmental surveillance and monitoring activities will be borne by Control Missions attached to NWM Project Management and account for MAD 4.05 million exclusive of taxes. Total ESMP cost stands at close to MAD 160.95 million or EUR 16.4 million, that is 1.6% of the project amount, exclusive of taxes and physical contingencies and price escalation (Table 7).

Table 7: Monitoring and surveillance cost, exclusive of taxes and contingencies

Costs Environmental Costs Description in MAD in EUR in MAD in EUR Ratio

Total works, excluding facilities 9 304 582 434 838 250 670 99 592 300 8 972 279 1.07%

Sub-total specific measures 57 300 000 5 209 091 57 300 000 5 209 091 100.00%

Facilities (including Site Protection Plan, 558 274 946 50 295 040 27 913 747 2 514 752 5.00% Contingency Plan and Fire Plan)

Works control and supervision 197 257 148 17 770 914 4 931 429 444 273 2.50%

10 117 414 188 849 Total, exclusive of taxes 911 525 715 17 060 426 1.87% 528 819

8.5 Report Schedule and Drafting

The Environmental Monitoring Committee attached to the Department of Works (NWM Project Manager) will: (i) prepare a weekly project brief comprising the most relevant information relating to site safety; (ii) prepare a monthly environmental and social control report. An assessment of the actions carried out (preventive control, field visits and training activities) will be presented in the monthly report, accompanied by all documents illustrating and justifying environmental control; (iii) prepare a brief six-monthly environmental and social audit report on project works. The report will be drafted according to the standard content set out in the environmental surveillance and monitoring programme (ESMP) to which NWM is committed; and (iv) prepare the final environmental and social monitoring report. At project completion, a comprehensive project environmental monitoring summary report will be prepared.

9. Public Consultations and Dissemination of Information

The preparation of the environmental and social impact assessment, as well as the socio-economic study and the preliminary design study (APS), was based on information from the population and consultation with various project stakeholders. The public ceremony at Iâazanène Rural Council (Nador province) to sign the agreements on financing and management of the future Nador West Med integrated, industrial, energy and business port complex was chaired by His Majesty King Mohamed VI. An information campaign comprising posters, information handouts and social mobilization on the project and its content was launched during the ceremony. In accordance with Decree No. 2 -04-564 of 4 November 2008 defining conditions for organizing and conducting public inquiries on projects subject to environmental impact assessments, the Governor of Nador, at the request of Nador West Med SA, conducted a public inquiry from 15 September to 5 October 2014 in Arabic and French in Iâazanène and Amejjaou rural councils. A public consultation was conducted on the plot inquiry for the release of the right-of-way of the port access road (from 8 October to 10 December 2014) and for the free zone (December 2014). There are plans to also conduct a public consultation on the release of the right-of-way of the free zone (usable area for the first phase). The project implementation phase will also use the participatory approach. As Project Manager for all the phases, NWM is required to inform, sensitize and mobilize all stakeholders.

Gender mainstreaming was conducted during preparation of the design studies to define the content of the project and its socio-economic impacts on the population. Public consultations to inform and mobilize the local population allowed women and youths to express their points of view and expectations. This approach will continue in the subsequent phases. The jobs that will be created during the works and operation phases, as well as the training of skilled manpower that will be required for optimum operation of the port and industrial and port complexes, will benefit both men and women, and undoubtedly promote the youths.

To that end, Nador West Med has developed a "a Stakeholder Engagement Plan" which covers the actions of public consultation and information dissemination and applies to the Project as a whole and in its various stages of implementation. This plan is available on its website http://www.nadorwestmed.ma/fr/documentation-publique-form

The information and consultation activities undertaken to date by the project towards the public and relevant stakeholders have taken three types:

Public inquiry conducted according to the laws and regulations relating to the ESIA

Future arrangements

Under the stakeholders engagement plan it is envisaged the preparation and implementation of a communication plan to support not only the implementation of the Full Resettlement Action Plan (FRAP), but also the entire project. The participatory approach will be adopted to involve the entire population concerned, particularly household heads, as well as professional associations, civil society and local authorities at all stages of the project.

It plans to develop:

i) the establishment of an information desk and project management in the locality of Iaazanene and the establishment & operation of the partnership and dialogue units, consultation and negotiation with all stakeholders. These bodies will be able to help the governing bodies of the project to make decisions regarding the management of the project as a whole, expropriation / compensation, enhancement measures in favor of local residents of the project. This action can be either individual or collective;

ii) information campaigns of local residents about the project, its development and progress. In this context the project will use the media (written and oral) and other interactive media;

iii) awareness campaigns and education of local populations and PAP on specific topics to better identify risks or prevent adverse impacts of the project as: Prevention STI-HIV / AIDS; Preventing violence against women; immigration; Preventing accidents related to work; Port security; Environmental protection etc. Targeted discussions with-focus groups, public meetings, campaigns, surveys, etc. may be used in this context.

It should be noted that vulnerable people will be assisted by a competent firm to support them in the context of management of their conditions vis-à-vis the project and its consequences.

The project implementation phase will also follow a participatory approach, based on informing, sensitizing and mobilizing all stakeholders.

10. Additional Initiatives

Section 6.3.1 provides for expropriation compensation for the population affected by the spatial occupation of the coastline, access road and free zone rights-of-way. To that end, NWM has prepared the expropriation file for compensation of project-affected persons and property, given that almost all the property is not dwelling houses. The file has several objectives: (i) minimize land acquisition as

29 much as possible by exploring viable alternatives in project design (demarcation of the free zone); (ii) involve affected persons at all the crucial stages of the compensation implementation process; (iii) ensure that compensation generates sufficient resources for project-affected persons to be able to share in the benefits. Public land in reforestation areas will be acquired in accordance with the provisions of Dahir No. 1-58-382 of 17 April 1959 with respect to land that is part of the forest estate required for the implementation of public purpose projects, with the conclusion of an agreement between NWM and HCEFLD. The indicative budget allocated for implementation of the expropriation plan (PIR) stands provisionally at MAD 263 628 300. NWM will be supported in the implementation of the plan by external service providers such as land and real estate experts, land agencies, bailiffs and regional and local authorities. The implementation of the plan will be entirely the responsibility of NWM. Funds intended to cover plan expenses will come from its budget. It will be assessed at the end of the rights-of-way release phase in the form of an external audit. The various expropriation plans will be deposited at the land registry service for registration in a public register for administrative inquiry purposes. The public registers, as well as DUP acts, will be open for consultation at NWM. Nador will prepare an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) in line with the relevant national requirements and international best practices (ISO 14001 and OHSAS 1800) 11. Conclusion The main themes of the environmental analysis and assessment have been examined, and appropriate measures likely to mitigate or reduce the identified impacts have been proposed. The impacts identified are mainly on the public property of the State. Considering the impacts and measures identified, the project is deemed environmentally and socially acceptable. The project has an environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of the Environment of the Secretariat of State for Water Resources and the Environment (DE/SEEE). 12. References and Contacts - Nador West Med Port Hydrology and Sedimentation Study Report.

- Report on the Diagnosis Study and Forest, Coastal and Marine Environmental Assessment.

- NWM Project EIA Report.

- Environmental Surveillance and Monitoring Plan (ESMP) Report.

- Nador West Med Project Socio-economic Study Report.

- Link to publications http://www.nadorwestmed.ma/documentation-publique-form

For further information, please contact:

- Mr Kurt LONSWAY, Environment and Climate Change Division, e-mail : [email protected]

- Mr Pierre MORE NDONG, Transport Division 2, e-mail : [email protected] - Mr Modeste KINANE, Environment and Climate Change Division, e-mail : [email protected]

- Mr Salim BAIOD, Environment and Climate Change Division, e-mail : [email protected]

- Mr Pierre Hassan SANON, Environment and Climate Change Division, e-mail : [email protected].