Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Kabeli ‘A’ Hydroelectric Project E2836 V7 REV KABELI ENERGY LIMITED Buddha Nagar, Kathmandu, Nepal Public Disclosure Authorized Kabeli-A Hydroelectric Project ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized July, 2013 (Updated October 2013) i Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Kabeli ‘A’ Hydroelectric Project TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. E-1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... I-1 1.1 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................... I-1 1.2 PROJECT PROPONENT ....................................................................................................................................... I-1 1.3 INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE DOCUMENT ........................................................................ I-2 1.4 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT ................................................................................................................................ I-2 1.5 STATUARY ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENT ................................................................................................... I-3 1.6 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA STUDY ......................................................................................................................... I-3 1.7 EIA STUDY METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................... I-4 1.7.1 Literature Review and Consultation with the Stakeholders ..................................................................... I-4 1.7.2 Field Study ............................................................................................................................................... I-5 1.7.3 Impact Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... I-5 1.7.4 Public Consultation and Public Hearing ................................................................................................... I-5 1.8 SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES AND REPORT FINALIZATION .................................................................................. I-7 CHAPTER II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................... II-1 2.1 PROJECT LOCATION .......................................................................................................................................... II-1 2.2 PROJECT ACCESS .............................................................................................................................................. II-1 2.3 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................... II-3 2.4 PROJECT COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................................... II-4 2.4.1 Headworks .............................................................................................................................................. II-6 2.4.2 Waterways .............................................................................................................................................. II-7 2.4.3 Surge Shaft and Outlet Portal ................................................................................................................. II-7 2.4.4 Penstock Pipe .......................................................................................................................................... II-7 2.4.5 Powerhouse ............................................................................................................................................ II-8 2.4.6 Draft Tube and Tailrace Canal ................................................................................................................ II-8 2.4.7 Switchyard .............................................................................................................................................. II-8 2.5 PROJECT SUPPORT FACILITIES .......................................................................................................................... II-8 2.5.1 Access Roads ........................................................................................................................................... II-8 2.5.2 Construction Power................................................................................................................................. II-8 2.5.3 Employer’s Camp, Contractor’s Camp and Labor Camp ......................................................................... II-9 2.5.4 Quarry Site ............................................................................................................................................ II-10 2.5.5 Batching Plants, Aggregate Crushing Plants and Construction Material Storage ................................ II-11 2.5.6 Spoil & Muck Disposal Area .................................................................................................................. II-11 2.6 CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................... II-12 2.6.1 River Diversion during Construction ..................................................................................................... II-12 2.6.2 Civil Works ............................................................................................................................................ II-12 2.6.3 Construction Traffic .............................................................................................................................. II-14 2.7 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................................. II-15 2.7.1 Construction Materials ......................................................................................................................... II-15 2.7.2 Land Requirement ................................................................................................................................. II-15 2.7.3 Human Resources Requirement ............................................................................................................ II-16 2.8 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ....................................................................................................................... II-16 2.9 PROJECT OPERATION MODALITY .................................................................................................................. II-17 2.10 PROJECT COSTS .............................................................................................................................................. II-17 CHAPTER III: LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ................................... III-1 3.1 PLANS, POLICIES AND STRATEGY OF GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL ................................................................. III-1 3.1.1 Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 ...................................................................................................... III-1 3.1.2 Thirteenth Three Year Plan, 2013-2016 ................................................................................................. III-1 3.1.3 Hydropower Development Policy, 2001 ................................................................................................. III-1 3.1.4 National Forest Policy, 1998 (Revised 2000) .......................................................................................... III-2 3.1.5 Nepal Biodiversity Strategy, 2002 .......................................................................................................... III-2 3.1.6 National Water Strategy (2002) and National Water Plan (2005) ........................................................ III-2 3.2 ACTS AND RULES/REGULATIONS ................................................................................................................ III-3 ii Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Kabeli ‘A’ Hydroelectric Project 3.2.1 Environment Protection Act 1997, Environment Protection Rules, 1997 & as amended (1999, 2007, 2009 and 2010) ............................................................................................................................................................. III-3 3.2.2 Electricity Act, 1992 and Electricity Regulation, 1993 ........................................................................... III-4 3.2.3 Water Resource Act, 1992 and Water Resource Regulations, 1993 ...................................................... III-5 3.2.4 Soil and Watershed Conservation Act, 1982 .......................................................................................... III-5 3.2.5 Aquatic Animal Protection Act, 1961 ..................................................................................................... III-6 3.2.6 Forest Act, 1993 and Forest Regulation, 1995 ....................................................................................... III-6 3.2.7 Land Acquisition Act, 1977 ...................................................................................................................