Department of Energy Royal Government of Bhutan Dagachhu Hydropower Project Environmental Assessment (EA) Report July 2006 Section I - Main Report Bhutan Consultants & Research (BHUCORE) Consultants in Engineering, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Changlam Plaza, Room No 56, Chang Lam, P.O. Box 955 Thimphu, Bhutan Telephone: +975 1760 - 1111, Fax: +975 2 326594 E-Mail: [email protected], [email protected] Table of Content ACRONYMS................................................................................................................................................................I BHUTANESE TERMS..............................................................................................................................................II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................................... III 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.1 Objectives of the Project .............................................................................................................................. 2 1.2.2 Location of Project....................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.3 General Layout of Project Facilities............................................................................................................ 2 1.2.4 Main project Data........................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2.5 Study of Alternatives .................................................................................................................................... 6 1.2.5.1 Project Selection Alternatives.............................................................................................................................6 1.2.5.2 Site Selection Alternatives..................................................................................................................................8 1.2.5.3 Technological Alternatives.................................................................................................................................8 1.2.5.4 Do Nothing Alternatives...................................................................................................................................10 1.2.6 Access Roads.............................................................................................................................................. 10 1.2.7 Power Transmission Line........................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.8 Quarry Sites ............................................................................................................................................... 10 1.2.9 Staffing and Support System for Construction and Operation ................................................................... 10 1.2.10 Project Cost and Funding Agency............................................................................................................ 11 1.2.11 Implementation plan and Schedule .......................................................................................................... 13 1.3 SCOPE OF EA ............................................................................................................................................... 13 1.4 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 14 1.4.1 Literature Review....................................................................................................................................... 14 1.4.2 Preparation of Working Map ..................................................................................................................... 14 1.4.3 Data Collection through Structured Questionnaires ................................................................................. 15 1.4.4 Public Consultation.................................................................................................................................... 15 1.4.5 Data Collection through Structured Format.............................................................................................. 15 1.4.6 Equipment Used ......................................................................................................................................... 15 1.4.7 Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 1.5 EA REPORT STRUCTURE.............................................................................................................................. 17 2 REVIEW OF POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK.............................................. 19 2.1 REVIEW OF POLICY FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................................ 19 2.1.1 Overview of Policy Framework related to Hydropower ............................................................................ 19 2.1.2 Bhutan 2020 ............................................................................................................................................... 20 2.1.3 Water Resources Management Plan 2003 ................................................................................................. 20 2.1.4 Hydropower Master Plan (updated) 2003 ................................................................................................. 20 2.1.5 The Environmental Strategy 1998.............................................................................................................. 20 2.2 REVIEW OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................................. 20 2.2.1 Overview of Legal System in Bhutan.......................................................................................................... 20 2.2.2 EA Act 2000 ............................................................................................................................................... 20 2.2.3 Forest and Nature Conservation Act 1995................................................................................................. 21 2.2.4 Mines and Minerals Act 1995 .................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.5 Bhutan Electricity Act 2003 ....................................................................................................................... 22 2.2.6 Land Act 1979 ............................................................................................................................................ 22 2.2.7 Road Act 2004............................................................................................................................................ 23 2.2.8 Rules and Regulation on Explosives .......................................................................................................... 23 2.2.9 Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchung Chatrims and Geog Yargay Tshogchung 2002...................................... 23 2.3 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................................... 25 2.3.1 Overview of Government Structure in Bhutan ........................................................................................... 25 2.3.2 National Environment Commission............................................................................................................ 25 2.3.3 Department of Energy................................................................................................................................25 2.3.4 Department of Forest ................................................................................................................................. 25 2.3.5 Department of Geology and Mines ............................................................................................................ 25 2.3.6 Department of Roads.................................................................................................................................. 26 2.3.7 Bhutan Power Corporation........................................................................................................................ 26 2.3.8 Dagana Dzongkhag.................................................................................................................................... 27 3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION & ANALYSIS ........................................................... 28 3.1 OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING IN BHUTAN ................................................................................ 28 3.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF PROJECT SITE................................................................................................