Initial Environmental Examination April 2011 PNG: Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Sector Project Prepared by the borrower for the Asian Development Bank. PNG Department of Works Bridge Replacement For Improved Rural Access Project Initial Environmental Examination Sepik Highway ADB TA-7594 (PNG) May 2011 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. ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development Bank AP Affected person/s B&C Bid and Contract Document CAP Community Awareness Program CEMP Contractor’s Environmental Plan (prepared by contractor) CLO Community Liaison Officer DE Design Engineer (attached to PIU, responsible for pre-construction design supervision) DEC Department of Environment and Conservation DoW Department of Works EA Executing Agency EARF Environmental and Review Framework EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EO Environmental Specialist EHS Environmental Health and Safety Officer ERP Emergency Response Procedure ESS Environmental Safeguards Specialist GoPNG Government of Papua New Guinea IA Implementing Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination LLG Local Government MSDS Material safety Data Sheet NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit PAM Project Administration Memorandum PE Project Supervising Engineer (employed by SC, responsible for construction supervision) PM Project Manager (PIU) PIU Project Implementation Unit PPTA Project Preparation Technical Assistance QMP Quarry Management Plan RP Resettlement Plan RoW Right of Way SC Supervising Consultant SCD Social and Community Development Specialist SE Site Engineer (Contractor’s representative) SEHSO Site Environmental Health and Safety Officer (Contractor’s representative) WS Work Statement TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECutive summary ................................................................................................. 1 II. introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 A. Overview ................................................................................................................... 3 B. Objectives and Scope of the IEE ............................................................................... 6 C. Report Structure ........................................................................................................ 6 III. policy, legal and administrative framework ................................................................ 6 A. ADB Policies.............................................................................................................. 6 B. PNG Requirements ................................................................................................... 6 C. The Department of Works (DoW) .............................................................................. 7 D. Other PNG Legislation ............................................................................................... 8 E. Relevant PNG Planning Documents .......................................................................... 8 1. Papua New Guinea Development Strategy Plan (DSP) 2010-2030 ............................... 8 2. The National Transport Development Plan (NTDP) ........................................................ 9 F. International Agreements........................................................................................... 9 IV. description of the sub-project ................................................................................... 10 A. Technical Description .............................................................................................. 10 V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 15 A. Physical Environment .............................................................................................. 15 1. Topography Geology and Soils .................................................................................... 15 2. Climate ........................................................................................................................ 16 3. Water Resources ......................................................................................................... 17 B. Biological Environment ............................................................................................ 18 1. Flora ............................................................................................................................ 19 2. Freshwater Aquatic system .......................................................................................... 19 3. Wildlife ......................................................................................................................... 19 4. Rare and Endangered Species .................................................................................... 20 5. Conservation Areas ..................................................................................................... 20 6. Invasive Alien Species ................................................................................................. 20 C. Socio-economic Conditions ..................................................................................... 20 VI. anticipated ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............ 22 A. Impacts on the Physical environment ...................................................................... 22 1. Design- adequacy of hydraulic capacity ....................................................................... 22 B. Impacts on the Biological Environment .................................................................... 22 1. Work in the stream channel - construction ................................................................... 22 C. Impacts on the socio-economic environment ........................................................... 23 1. Road safety - operation and design.............................................................................. 23 VII. Analysis of alternatives ............................................................................................ 23 1. Alternatives to Location ................................................................................................ 23 2. Alternatives to Technology ........................................................................................... 23 3. Alternatives to Design .................................................................................................. 23 4. Alternatives to Operation .............................................................................................. 24 5. The “no project” alternative .......................................................................................... 24 6. Reasons for selection of the proposed sub-project ....................................................... 25 VIII. information disclosure, consultation and participation .............................................. 25 A. Results of Consultations .......................................................................................... 25 1. Formal Consultation ..................................................................................................... 25 2. Community Consultation and Participation ................................................................... 26 3. Conclusions and Further Consultation ......................................................................... 26 4. Disclosure .................................................................................................................... 27 IX. grievance redress mechanism ................................................................................. 27 1. During construction: ..................................................................................................... 28 2. During Operation .......................................................................................................... 29 3. Comments on the DEC grievance mechanism ............................................................. 29 X. environmental management plan ............................................................................. 31 A. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during the Design/Pre- Construction Phase ................................................................................................. 31 B. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during Construction ........ 34 C. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Needed during Operation ............ 44 D. Monitoring ............................................................................................................... 44 E. Implementation Arrangements ................................................................................. 45 1. Implementation Schedule ............................................................................................. 45 2. Institutional Arrangements ........................................................................................... 45 3. Environmental Assessment of Subsequent Projects: ................................................... 48 4. Capacity Building ......................................................................................................... 48 5. Budget ........................................................................................................................