initial environmental examination...currency equivalents (as of 22 dec 2017) currency unit – kip k...
TRANSCRIPT
Initial Environmental Examination
Project Number: 41444-013 December 2017
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Second
Northern GMS Transport Network Improvement
Project
Subproject: 9km-Section Road Improvement Subproject
Prepared by
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT)
This report has been submitted to ADB by the Ministry of Public Works and transport (MPWT) and is made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s public communication policy (2011). It does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB. This initial environmental examination report 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. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
Initial Environmental Examination(IEE)
Revision
December 2017
Grant No. 0234-LA Second Northern GMS
Transport Network Improvement Project (ADB/12)
9km-Section Road Improvement Subproject
Lao PDR
Prepared for
Government of Lao PDR
&
Asian Development Bank
NOTE
In this report, "$" refers to US dollars unless otherwise stated.
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.
CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of 22 Dec 2017)
Currency Unit – kip K
R1.00 = $0.00012 $1.00 = K8,275
ABBREVIATIONS
DED: - Detailed Engineering Design DoF: - Department of Forestry
DPRA: - Development Project Responsible Agency DPWT: - District Public Works and Transport Office
DNREO: - District Natural Resource and Environment Office EA: - Environmental Assessment EIA: - Environment Impact Assessment
ECA: - Environmental Compliance Audit ECC: - Environmental Compliance Certificate ECO: - Environmental Control Officer EMP: - Environment Monitoring Plan
EMMU: - Environment Management and Monitoring Unit ESD: - Environment and Social Division ESIA: - Environment and Social Impact Assessment ESO: - Environmental Site Officer
EA: - Executing Agency EWEC: - East West Economic Corridor
FDI: - Foreign Direct Investment FGD: - Focus Group Discussion
FS: - Forest Strategy FYSEDP: - Five Year Socio Economic Development Plan
GDP: - Gross Domestic Product GMS: - Greater Mekong Sub-Region GoL: - Government of Lao PDR
IA: - Implementing Agency IEE: - Initial Environmental Examination
IUCN: - International Union for Conservation of Nature IWRM: - Integrated Water Resource Management
Lao PDR: - Lao People’s Democratic Republic LFA: - Land and Forest Allocation
LWU: - Lao Women Union MAF: - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MAF: - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MIC: - Ministry of Information and Culture MIH: - Ministry of Industry and Handicraft MoU: - Memorandum of Understanding MoF: - Ministry of Financial
MONRE: - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MPCTC: - Ministry of Post, Construction, Transport and Communication MPWT: - Ministry of Public Works and Transport
MPI: - Ministry of Planning and Investment MRF: - Material Recovery Facilities MRC: - Mekong River Commission
NAPA: - National Adaptation Plan of Action NBSAP: - National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NGOs: - Non-Government Organization NLMA: - National Land Management Authority
NPA: - National Protected Area NSEDP: - National Socio Economic Development Plan
NTA: - National Tourism Authority NTFP: - Non-Timber Forest Product NUSS: - National Urban Sector Strategic O&M: - Operation and Maintenance
PAFO: - Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office PES: - Project Environment Specialist PEI: - Poverty Environment Initiative PIC: - Provincial Information and Cultural Office PIU: - Project Implementation Unit
PMU: - Project Management Unit PCU: - Project Co-ordination Unit
PNREO: - Provincial Natural Resource and Environment Office PLMO: - Provincial Land Management Office
PPI: - Provincial Planning and Investment Office PPH: - Provincial Public Health Office PPA: - Provincial Protected Area PPP: - Public Private Partnership PTO: - Provincial Tourism Office
PWREO: - Provincial Water Resources and Environment Office RBC: - River Basin Committee REA: - Rapid Environment Assessment TSS: - Total suspended solids SEC: - Socio-Economic & Culture
UDAA: - Urban Development and Administration Authority UXO: - Unexploded Ordnance
Table of Contents
A. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................1
B. Description of environment ........................................................................................................................ 2
C. Anticipated environmental mitigation measure.......................................................................................... 2
D. Information Disclosure ............................................................................................................................... 4
E. Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................................................................................... 4
F. Environmental Management Plan.............................................................................................................. 6
G. Conclusion and Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 7
II POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ......................................................................... 10
III. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT.............................................................................................................. 17
IV. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Physical environment.................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Topography, Geology, and Soils .................................................................................................. 20
4.3. Surface water and ground water ...................................................................................................20
4.4 Air quality and Noise Level ........................................................................................................... 21
V S O C I A L E C O N O M I C A N D C U L T U R A L S E T T I N G S .......................................................25
VI. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS.............................................................................................28
VII. M itigation Measures for construction Phase ..................................................................................... 34
VIII. Information disclosure and consultation participation ................................................................... 49
IX Grievance Redress mechanism.................................................................................................... 51
X Environmental Management Plan................................................................................................. 53
XI. Conclusion and Recommendations .............................................................................................. 57
List of Tables
Table 1 Environmental Protection Law ............................................................................................... 14
Table 2: water quality of Laos PDR ........................................................................................................21
Table 3: Noise standards inLaos ................................................................................................... …… 22
Table 4 : stock in Two districts .........................................................................................................…. 28
Table 5: Step for Grievance Redress Mechanism ................................................................................ 52
Table 6: Ambient water quality.............................................................................................................. 54
Table 7: Noise standard in Lao PDR ..................................................................................................... 54
Table 8: Air quality parameter ................................................................................................................ 55
List of Figures
Figure-1: Road Map…………………………………………………………………………….8
Figure-2: Typical Cross section……………………………………………………………….9
Figure-3: Temperature in viengxai……………………………………………………………19
Figure-4: Rainfalls in viengxai 2015………………………………………………………….20
Figure5: Protected areas in Lao PDR………………………………………………………...23
List of Appendixes
Appendix 1: Summary of environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measure
Appendixes 2 Photographs of public consultation
Appendixes 3: Public consultation, Comment, recommendation
Appendixes 4: Attended lists of Participants
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IEE REPORT (A). Executive Summary of the Project
1. Review Mission (the Mission) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited Lao PDR
during 23 January 2nd February 2017 to review Grant 0234-LAO: Second Northern
Greater Mekong Sub region Transport Network Improvement Project ADB12. The
Mission also visited 9 Km of road section from junction of route 6A to Viengxai that is
not included in the civil work contract of package 6 and found that its road surface
is being deteriorated caused by heavy trucks. DOR has verbally proposed to
improve this road section to allowing the unimpeded flow of traffic after completion
of package 6. In connection with this road section, the Mission advised that an
official request with some justifications for improving this 9 km section needs to
be submitted to ADB for consideration and approval, DoR Agreed and will submit the
request to ADB.
2. The project is classified as category B for environment. The Initial Environmental Examination
(IEE) was approved and disclosed on ADB website in November 2010, an updated EMP was
approved by ADB in June 2013 but not disclosed. The IEE and EMP include all three
subprojects: National Road 6a (NR6A), 60.62km from Hanglong to Sopbao; (ii) North Road 6B
(NR6B) 26.10km from Sopbao to Pahang, on the local Vietnamese border; and (iii) North Road
(NR6-1) 55.33km from Viengxay to Namsoi, on the international Vietnamese border.
3. Improvement of the existing road section 9km connecting between NR6A and Viengxay District. This was discuss since previous grant review Mission- it was also agreed that, this work shall be procured through a contract variation procedures. However, it is necessary that its(i) initial environmental examination(IEE) and land acquisition and compensation Plan(LACP) are prepared and accepted by ADB and in the event, there are compensation cases, they must be provided, prior to commencement of the works. The mission suggests the contract amendment be prepared paralleled with that of IEE and LACP- so to avoid construction delayed once IEE and LACP are approved.
4. In Houaphan Province. The rehabilitation and upgrading of R6-1 and R6A will involve some alterations to the width by 1-2m in some places on either side to improve road geometry within the ROW of 25m either side of the centerline; however the works are not expected to extend beyond 7m at the furthest from the centerline. (i) There will be a need for limited resettlement and the resettlement plan will be accomplished by the PMU and local authorities, who will also carry out the required social interventions in due course.(ii) The construction of the improvements to NR6-1 should be straightforward and detailed designs for these works had been upgraded. The road is mainly located in well-populated valleys near V i e n g x a y District. (iii) In this section the terrain is undulating with o n e N a m N u a river crossing including Belay Bridge. The start of this section is identified at Starting point of NR6A to NR6-1 with length of approximately 9km, in Viengxay district, Houaphanh Province Lao PDR. (iv) For purposes of the conceptual design it is assumed that upgrading of 9km road section will generally follow the existing road alignment, therefore, the excavated materials seem to be moderate volume material cutting. Therefore, spoil disposal will not be significant and other construction negative impacts can be avoided for a road improvement project.
5. One bridge in this section namely Nam Nua river will be reconstructed with concrete bridge. For this subproject the PMU will engage a detailed design consultant/project supervision consultant and there will be a conventional International competition Bid ICB or National Competition Bid (NCB bidding to secure contractors for upgrading the existing one and still has not decided if the Nam Nua bridge will either be upgraded or reconstructed of . The
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target date for completion of this subproject is by the end of 2018. (B). Description of the Environment
6. The climate is subtropical and the area is subject to heavy rainfall between April and October.
The road R6-1 is mainly undulating from the border to Viengxay remittent mountainous
section about 1km nearest the Viengxay District. The minimum altitude of R6-1 to NR6A is
600 masl and the maximum 1200 masl. In the surrounding zone, people live at altitudes up to
about 1500masl. The existing road condition is rated as poor in most places and as fair at
some locations. The earthen shoulders are also in poor condition.
7 . There are deep ruts owing to movement of heavy loaded vehicles and little road
maintenance. The biological environment is dominated by agriculture. Rice is the staple food but only a limited portion of the land area is suitable for wet-paddy cultivation. Rain-fed rice fields are also common and slash and vegetable and cash crops are produced as a substitute for rice deficiencies in many areas. The crops include soya beans, cassava, green beans, peanuts, sesame, corn, and a variety of fruit trees.
8. People maintain vegetable gardens and generate cash income by growing cabbages, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, chilly eggplants, and pumpkins. Only about 4% of the total land area is classified as arable.
9. The forested land area has declined significantly since the 1970s as a result of commercial logging and slash and burn farming. Cash crops, mainly coffee and tea, are also grown. There are a few M e d i u m trees that will need to be avoided in the detailed designs but if cut, Compensatory tree planting will take place. The province is famous for its Limestone Mountains and caverns. The province is home to the Vieng Xai caves. The Nam Et-Phou Louei and Xam Tai protected areas are in Houaphanh province but are more than 50 km from the project roads at the nearest point. These protected areas have good ecotourism potential and are the subject of ecotourism development research.
10. Houaphan province has a mixed population of 280,000 people with twenty-seven (27)
different ethnic groups that are generally well integrated into the local economy. More than 94% of the population lives in rural areas. The average population density of less than 20 persons / km2 is relatively low in Asia.
11. Strong agricultural pressures constrain the opportunities for people living in these area.
Income levels are generally very low and the project area has some of the most disadvantaged district in Lao PDR. There are a few exceptions and a detailed description of the resettlement Action plan will enclosed in separately report.
12. After the DMS team survey There are two smalls schools away from existing road alignment
about 150m, These two schools may temporarily be affected during the construction stage, especially from air pollution and noise caused by operation of construction equipment. There are two graves nearby the road and the design consultant will shift alignment to right side and there are no affected. There are no hospitals, temple, near the road. There are no sites of historical or cultural significance found near this new 9-km proposed road of Project road.
(C). Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 13. The potential environmental impacts will require mitigation measures to minimize the
impacts in the design, construction and operational phases. The main issues relate to planning design of road structures and drainage and control construction impacts such as spoil and waste disposal, traffic interruption, noise and dust during construction. The buffer
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distance between the works on the Project site and the nearest residential sensitive receivers is ample in most cases, given the scale of works expected. There should only be moderate disturbance to the surrounding areas from the works providing the environmental management plan is implemented fully.
14. In the detailed design and preconstruction phases MPWT will use the qualified Environmental officer(s) and with the assistance of the project design and supervision consultants undertake environmental management and training in preparation to: (i) disclose the final design of this 9km section of the road to DoNRE of Houaphan and ADB; (ii) check that the Project site works boundaries correspond with those disclosed in this IEE; (iii) The Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is approved and disclosed on ADB website, an EMP is updated and environmental requirements are incorporated in in the bid document; (iv) ensure environmentally responsible procurement and the acceptability of sufficient borrow sites for rock based materials agreed with DONRE prior to bidding; (v) plan spoil and waste disposal (vi) plan to preserve and avoid road side trees and compensate for trees that will be removed; (vii) confirm hydrological and drainage impacts of the Project and ensure detailed bridge and culvert designs take account of a 100 year return rain storm event; (viii) plan to minimize disturbance of vehicular traffic and pedestrians during construction (ix) Plan worker and public safety and (x) plan for the contractor to engage capable staff to be responsible for the environmental management at the working level. The Project Management Unit (PMU in DOR) will also make a reassurance check with the responsible authority that there is no potential threat from unexploded ordinance (UXO) before works commence. Construction impacts will mainly be from works to reconstruct the road base, renewing bridges and culverts across streams, providing better crossing drains in embankments and repairing road embankment base courses, and surfacing works. The location for construction works will be well away from most of the nearest residential sensitive receivers (SRs) that are outside the corridor of impact ROW and in principle this should allow ample. Buffer distance to attenuate many potential nuisances from the road works.
15. The Contractor(s) will be required to produce and commit to implementing a Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) that will include the construction phase mitigation proposed in the EMP including but not limited to several management plans for: (i) waste management and spoil disposal; (ii) temporary drainage; (iii) temporary traffic management; (iv) materials management; (v) erosion control and site runoff, (vi) noise and dust control; reconnection of utilities; and (vi) worker and public safety. The SEMP will be based on the EMP matrix presented in this IEE, updated as necessary in response to the detailed designs.
16. The Contractor(s) will need support from environmental consultants to prepare the SEMP in a timely manner. The PMU and Project Supervision Consultant will ensure that the Contractor(s) trains all staff as necessary to implement the construction mitigation measures in the SEMP and monitors the implementation of mitigation measures. The contractors will obtain environmental clearances for all necessary activities from the local Provincial Nature Resources and Environment Office (DoNRE) at the district or provincial level as required by MONRE. Unsuitable soils spoil and construction waste will be disposed of at sites approved by DoNRE, agreed with local authorities and disposal will be monitored. Waste will not be burned.
17. The acceptability of the borrow sites for fill materials will be agreed with and approved by DoNRE and local authorities prior to signing of contracts. Building materials will be obtained from sites approved by DoNRE using local sources as much as practicable to minimize transportation and stockpiling of building materials. Noise and dust will be controlled at source and no work will be carried out during the night. The Temporary Traffic Management plan (TTMP) will be developed, reviewed by PMU/DOR and agreed with and approved by local authorities Resources from the Contractor(s) and PMU/DOR will be provided as per the plan before construction commences.
18. A worker and public safety plan, particularly for pedestrians and children, will be properly resourced before construction commences and a qualified safety officer will be identified by the Contractor(s) before construction commences. Facilities for workers and public safety, construction site offices and worker camps will be regulated in line with the Labour Law of Lao PDR. Complaints will be monitored and investigated and mitigation measures will be
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revised and the SEMP will be updated as necessary if unexpected impacts occur. (D). Information Disclosure and Participation 19. The stakeholder consultation process has disseminated information in advance on the
upgrading works and the expected impacts and the proposed mitigation measures. The process also gathered information on relevant concerns of the community so as to address these in the project implementation stages.
20. The results indicated the main environmental concerns were noise and dust. Other responses mainly concerned the wish for further consultation between the local people and the Project authorities as well as concern that compensation for land to be acquired by DOR should be fair. The environmental concerns can all be controlled and minimized by thorough implementation of the SEMP.
(E). Grievance Redress Mechanism
Purpose of the Mechanism
21. The grievance redress mechanism (or, the mechanism) is meant for persons seeking satisfactory resolution to their complaints on the environmental performance of the
Subproject.
22. The mechanism will ensure that: i) the basic rights and interests of every person affected by poor environmental performance of a Subproject are protected; and ii) their concerns arising from the poor environmental performance of a Subproject during the conduct of pre-construction, construction and operation activities are effectively and timely addressed.
Access to the Mechanism
23. Any person who has complaint regarding the environmental performance of the Subproject
during pre-construction, construction and operation phases shall have access to the mechanism free of charge. The Project Management and Implementation Unit (PMIU) through its Grievance Point Person (GPP) shall ensure that the: mechanism, including names and contact details of responsible persons in the affected villages, PMIU, ,and DPWT, is publicly disclosed, and posted in the offices of the affected villages and in strategic places of the Project’s area of influence ;Mechanism is accessible to all segments of affected villages;
The Grievance Redress Mechanism 24. Grievances raised on environmental impacts are critical to the health and wellness of APs.
Hence, prompt responses/actions are critical to avoid prolonging the misery of affected persons (APs). Prior to the public disclosure of the mechanism, the PMIU shall have engaged/designated a Grievance Point Person (GPP) to handle environmental grievances lodged prior to construction, during construction and during operation. The GPP will be under the supervision of the Environmental Engineer of the PMU. Sufficient support system, i.e., communication facilities, recording, and reporting system and funds, among others, shall have been set up to sustain the effective implementation of the mechanism. During operation, the GPP will liaise with the Vienxay District (operator) for the management of the mechanism until loan closure.
25. Informally, an AP can approach or call the village heads, Contractor, Viengxay or DPWT to
raise his/her complaints/concerns. Complaints may be acted on immediately by the responsible party. However, it shall be made a policy that all informally lodged and acted on complaints shall have to be registered with the PMIU as soon as possible for record purposes. If informally lodged complaint is not acted on promptly, or if AP is not satisfied with the resolution undertaken, he/she can then avail of the formal mechanism, as follows:
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Step 1 Lodging complaint 26. It is possible that APs lodge complaints to any of the following: i) village officers; ii) Contractor,
during construction; iii) concerned sector agency, DPWT iv) PMIU, through its GPP, or v) third parties, e.g., NGO, religious groups.
Step 2 Grievance Documentation/Registration 27. The GPP and the concerned sector agency (CSA) will be responsible for documenting
and registering complaints received during construction and operation, respectively. Other potential complaint recipients shall make sure that the received complaints are directed to, documented by, and registered with, the GPP/CSA as soon as possible. The GPP/CSA shall make sure that documented/registered. Complaints are acknowledged, duly referenced.
Step 3 Screening of complaint
28. The AP shall immediately be informed if the grievance is within, or outside, the purview
of the mechanism. If it is outside the scope, AP shall be directed to the proper institution and/or proper mechanism for the complaint.
Step 4 Reviews, Investigation and Discussion
29. If it is covered by the mechanism, the AP shall be informed/reminded of the expected action t imel ines as set forth in the established mechanism. If both of the AP and Contractor/CSA are available, the complaint shall be immediately reviewed, investigated and discussed. If not, the review, investigation and discussion should immediately take place on the next day. The discussion will center on the measures to implement based on the review and investigation.
Step 5 Action/Resolution
30. If complaint is minor, the Contractor/CSA shall immediately act on the complaint. Minor
complaint will be those impacts/issues that would not require thorough review and investigation and will be easy to resolve. If impact/issue will need thorough review and investigation, more work to be done, and/or supplies/parts to be procured, to resolve, the Contractor/CSA shall immediately provide the most suitable interim measure to reduce the magnitude of the impact; and to start work on the final measure not later than 5 days from the day discussion meeting is held.
Step 6 Acceptance of Resolution
31. If, according to the AP, the impact has been resolved satisfactorily, GPP/CSA shall obtain a
written confirmation of satisfaction from the AP, which will form part of the grievance documentation.
Step 7 Monitoring and Evaluation
32. For at least a week after closure of grievance (that is, when action implemented has been
satisfactorily confirmed in writing by the complainant), the GPP/CSA shall monitor the effectiveness of the resolution. Monitoring and evaluation shall be properly documented and included in the Project Environmental Monitoring Report of the PMU.
Step 8 Lodging of Appeal by Dissatisfied APs
33. In the event the issue/impact persists, AP can lodge an appeal to his/her village head (VH).
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The VH shall immediately: (i) record the appeal; (ii) contact the GPP, Contractor/CSA and provide them with copy of the appeal; and (iii) call for a meeting to review the history of the grievance and discuss the appeal and quick resolution of the issue. If the agreed on action/measure has not started within 5 days from the time of formal lodging of the appeal, or if the issue still persists despite the second action, AP can seek assistance from VH to raise the grievance to the District Court. It is highly unlikely that grievance redress process will reach the level wherein APs need to go through the “appeal” stage.
Public Disclosure of the Mechanism
34. At the latest, one month prior to the award of contract for civil works, the mechanism shall
have been disclosed to affected villages and communes by the GPP in coordination with
the concerned village heads (VHs). It may be disclosed during all preparation and IEC
campaign, or preferably, during an independent IEE disclosure. The information to be
disclosed/ explained shall, at least, include: i) the objective/purpose of the grievance redress
mechanism; ii) who can raise grievances; iii) what grievances are within the scope of the
Subproject mechanism; iv) what potential grievances are outside the scope of the Subproject
mechanism and should be directed to established mechanisms outside the Subproject; v) no
cost involved on the part of complainants; vi) the benefits from/advantages of using the
grievance redress mechanism, as opposed to an informal resolution approach (e.g., rights
and protection guaranteed, etc.); vi) the step-by-step procedure; vii) the entities involved in
the mechanism, their respective designated liaison and grievance persons, their contact
numbers and addresses; (Contractor shall have a grievance action team that should be
introduced to the villages & communes during construction mobilization); viii) the types of
immediate response that complainants will expect from the entities when they lodge complaint,
which will vary depending on the time (daytime or nighttime), day (weekday or weekend),
weather (fine or stormy), and magnitude of impact complained about (minor or major), among
others.
(F). ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 35. The environmental management plan (EMP or the “Plan”) will be the framework for the
environmental management of the Project that will commence from detailed design phase through to operation. It recommends: i) measures that will mitigate potential environmental issues, concerns and impacts; ii) environmental monitoring activities to undertake to ensure the environmental performance of the Project; iii) the institutional arrangements for the environmental management of the Project; iv) emergency response procedures; and v) indicators to measure the overall environmental performance of the Project. The draft EMPs for the three Subprojects is featured herein as These will be finalized by the PMIU based on the detailed design, with technical assistance from the Environmental Specialist of the Project Management and Implementation Assistance (PMIS) Team. The Plan will be carried out by the Detailed Design Consultant, PMIU, and Contractor for civil works, and the Viengxay Urban Development Administration Authority.
Implementation Arrangements and Responsibility 36. The project’s executing agency will be the MPWT and DoR together with the DPWT of
Houaphan province who will be the implementing agencies. For the overall management of the project, a National Steering Committee and a Regional Steering Committee will be set up
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1) Ministry of Public Works and Transports (MPWT) who is the executing agency (EA) of the subproject; 2) the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport (PDPWT) Houaphanh province who is the implementing agency (IA) of subproject; 3) a project management unit (PMU) formed by the IA to oversee implementation of the subproject in road of 9km upgrading project The project has designated an Environmental Control Officer (ECO) in the PMU responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and verifying compliance with the EMP by the construction contractor. The construction contractor will nominate an Environmental Representative (ER) as the focal point for all environmental matters and routinely on-site for the duration of the construction works. The Construction Supervision Consultant will be responsible to ensure that the Contractor implements the EMP during the Contract Period, to establish monitoring programme, review the EMP, and supervise its implementation. During the construction phase, the Contractor will generally be responsible for implementation of the mitigation measures as specified in the mitigation plan and the CSC will supervise the implementation.
(G) Conclusion and Recommendations
37. The Project construction is restricted to areas within the defined 50m wide Row. This IEE
study was carried out when the upgrading work was at the initial stage of design during the
project design consultant. Secondary data and preliminary observations were used to assess
the scale of environmental impacts and public consultation and site reconnaissance were
carried out in order complete the environmental assessments in a Comprehensive manner and
recommend suitable mitigation measures. The potential Environmental impacts were
assessed in a comprehensive manner. The impacts from construction and operation will be
manageable and no insurmountable impacts are predicted, provided that the EMP is included
in the contract documents, the EMP is updated in the SEMP and implemented and monitored
to its full extent. In the event that any Design details change the locations or scope of the
proposed works the environmental assessment and EMP shall be reviewed and revised
accordingly. PMU shall ensure that the EMP is included in the contract documents.
Figure 1: Road Map
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Figure -2: Typical cross section
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II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
National Environmental Laws, Strategies, and Policies.
38. Lao PDR’s national framework for the governance of environmental matters includes a comprehensive set of environmental and natural resources related laws and regulations. Several government agencies are involved in environmental management. From mid-2011 there has been change through the establishment of the new Ministry for Natural Resources and the Environment (MONRE), formerly the Water Resources and Environment Administration (WREA). The policies, laws relevant to environmental protection are listed below.
39. Detailed descriptions of the laws, policies, and regulations related to environmental protection,
including the national environmental assessment procedure are found in Appendix A. Laws ,Degree and regulations for environmental assessment in Lao PDR are as follows:
(i) Constitution of the Lao PDR People’s Democratic Republic (1991, amended 2015)
(ii) Environmental Protection Law (2013) Revised version)
(iii) Water and Water Resources Law 24/Dec-2007
(iv) Lao Forestry Law (amended 24-Dec-2007)
(v) Wildlife and Aquatic Law (24 Dec-2007)
(vi) Land Law (2003)
(vii) Decree on Land Lease or Concession (2009)
(viii) Road Law (1999)
(ix) Strategy for climate change No. 37/PM, 12 March 2010
(x) Prime Ministerial Decree No. 112/PM on Environmental Impact Assessment (2010)
(xi) Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Initial Environmental Examination of the
Investment Projects and Activities. No. 8029/MONRE, 17 December 2013
(xii) Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
of the Investment Projects and Activities. No. 8030/MONRE, 17 December 2013
(xiii) Ministerial Agreement on the Endorsement and Promulgation of List of Investment
Projects and Activities Requiring for Conducting the Initial Environmental Examination
or Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. No. 8056/MONRE, 17 December
2013
The technical and procedural aspects of above regulations and directives were recently combined
into the UNDP-UNEP supported and MONRE-sponsored Environmental Impact Assessment
Guidelines for Lao PDR (2012), which has been followed by the draft IEE guidelines (2013).1 The
2012 EIA and 2013 draft IEE guidelines support the recently promulgated Decree of
Environmental Impact Assessment (2010).
The IEE requirements of the ADB SPS (2009) more than satisfy the current draft IEE guidelines for
Lao PDR. Briefly, similar to SPS process, a project is assigned the requirement for either an IEE or
EIA depending on project size or complexity. The Lao PDR EIA and IEE process by design is
1 MONRE 2012, 2013
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essentially the same but differs by the required level of investigation, and that an EIA requires a
formal Scoping and TOR for the EIA be prepared similar to World Bank EIA process. The Lao and
ADB IEE follow the same major steps and consist of the same major components. However, the
scope of the follow-up environmental and social management plan differs. The EMP of the ADB
IEE equals the scope of the ESMMP2 required of the Lao PDR EIA. Thus, while similar in process
the ADB IEE provides more comprehensive assessment and follow-up management.
The Lao PDR’s environmental assessment process does not dictate a formal timeline for the
approval process for a project IEE/EIA, only the series of process steps. MONRE confirmed that
there is not a formal timeline for the preparation and approval of an IEE or EIA3, but that the
normal timeline for the approval of an IEE or EIA as well as a RP and IPP after documents
submission to MONRE is approximately 45 days.
Environmental Protection Law No.29/NA , 18 Dec-2012
of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Investment Projects
and Activities No. 8030/MONRE, dated 17 December 2013;
Law on Public roads No.04/99/NA, 3 April 1999
Law on Industry No. 01/99/NA (1999)
Law on Hygiene, Prevention and Health Promotion No.01/NA (2001)
Law on Water and Water Resources (1996)
Law on Land (2003)
Amended version Law No.203/PSD, 05 Dec 2016
Law on Forestry (2007)
Law on Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage (2005)
Law on Fisheries (2010)
Strategies, Plans, Policy
The 7th National Social and Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) (2011-2015)
National Forestry Strategy to 2020 (FS2020)
National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 & Action Plan to 2010 (NBSAP)
Urban Master Plan (2001) No. 58/PM
National Water Resources Strategy and Action Plan [draft]
Strategy on Climate Change (2010)
National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA) (2009)
Strategic plan on disaster risk management in Lao PDR (2020, 2010) and Action Plan (2003-2005)
National Environmental Assessment Procedure & Directives
PM Decree No. 102/PM on the Implementation of the Environmental Protection Law (2001)
Development projects and all development activities that are related to the environment
shall be conducted as follows:
All Development State and private projects shall have an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before the establishment and operation of those projects. They shall also include appropriate protection and mitigating measures to minimize impacts on the social and natural environment that will be adequate and approved by the government.
2 Environmental & Social Management and Monitoring Plan
3 4-Nov-13. Mr. Sakounsit, Mekong Secretariat, MONRE, during kickoff meeting of fact finding mission,
Vientiane
IEE for 9km
12
The owners of the development projects shall have an obligation to bear all costs occurred for the EIA and implementation of its recommendations.
40. Each Development Project Responsible Agency (DPRA) must ensure that any development
project in the Lao PDR carries out Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the
requirements of this Regulation, and any regulation of its own line ministry.
41. The Environment Assessment must include a Project Description which is sufficiently detailed
to enable DPRA to perform a project environment screening under Article 7 of this Regulation.
If the project is not exempt under Article 8 of this Regulation, the EA must provide an Initial
Environment Examination (IEE) as specified in Article 9 of this Regulation. For some projects
based on the findings of the IEE, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be required
as specified in Articles 11, 12, 13, and 14 of this Regulation.
42. Ministerial Agreement on the endorsement and promulgation of List of Investment Project No.8056/MoNRE, 17 Dec 2013,
43. Ministerial Instruction on the process of IEE of the Investment Project and Activities No.8029/MoNRE, 17, Dec 2013
44. Ministerial Instruction on the process of Environmental and Social Impact ssessment of the Investment Project and Activities No.8030/MoNRE, 17 Dec 2013.
International Agreements
Lao PDR has participated in the following environmentally-related international agreements:
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC),
Convention on Biological Diversity,
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO),
United Nations Development Program Country Cooperation Program,
United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Natural World Heritage Sites Membership,
International Plant Protection Convention,
Plant Protection Agreement for Southeast Asia and the Pacific,
Agreement for Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin and International Union for Conservation of Nature and natural Resources (IUCN),
Membership in the World Conservation Union as well as cooperation with numerous government organizations, NGO’s, and lending institutions.
Government’s Requirement on IEE/EIA approved in Lao PDR
Important Note: The procedures discussed in this section are currently in the process of being updated by MoNRE. 1. According to the Regulation on Environmental Assessment in the Lao PDR, the IEE of the
Project is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Nature Resources and Environment (MoNRE) for approval through the issuance of an environmental certificate prior to the project commencement (no civil work is allowed prior to the approval). Therefore the Project Developer, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is required to consider the following conditions and timing on the approval.
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2. The project proponent after reviewing the IEE document will submit it to the Environmental Impact Assessment Division (EIA) of MoNRE for its review and for its decision. Within 40 days of completing the IEE report or receiving from the project owner (MAF) (which in this case is also the Development Project Responsible Agency (DPRA)) must give to MoNRE a written record for its decision concerning its review of the IEE report. Within 10 days of receiving the DPRA’s record of decision,MoNRE will either issue an environmental compliance certificate for the project with or without conditions for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) measures and implementation (all conditions attached to the environmental compliance certificate will be the legal obligation of the project owner).
3. In case MoNRE rejects the IEE or advice the project owner to conduct an EIA. MoNRE will
notify the DPRA of its decision. In case an EIA is further recommended for the project, within 30 days after receiving the draft TOR for the EIA, MoNRE will notify the project owner/DPRA of its decisionindicating whether the TOR is approved or further improvement to the TOR is required. Where the TOR needs further improvement, the project owner must revise the TOR according to suggestions provided by MoNRE prior to resubmission for approval.
4. The project owner/DPRA must submit full and summary EIA reports, in 10 copies to MoNRE.
Within 60 days of receiving the EIA reports, MoNRE will complete its review of the EIA report and take one of the following actions: i) approve the EIA report and general EMP with specific conditions that must be followed during the project detailed design phase; ii) undertake additional study to clarify specific issues (responsibility of Project owner); and repeat review and approval procedures for the revised EIA report; or iii) reject the EIA report and recommend that the DPRA cancel the development project for the following reasons: (a) the project activities will not comply with Lao PDR’s laws or international treaty obligations or natural resource usage plans for land, forest and other resources related to project activities; (b) not enough data is available to determine the impacts of the project; or (c) the proposed mitigation measures will not adequately prevent or reduce severe environmental impacts.
5. MoNRE may extend the timeframe for consideration of project environmental submissions,
including the IEE report, TOR for the EIA, and the EIA report, if necessary, to allow for adequate public involvement to be obtained for subprojects. No construction or other physical activities will be undertaken at a project site until MoNRE has issued an environmental compliance certificate for the project.
6. ADB Safeguard Policy
45. The ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (ADB 2009) clarifies the rationale, scope and content of
an EA and is supported by technical guidelines (e.g., Environmental Assessment Guidelines
2003). Projects are initially screened to determine the level of assessment that is required
according to the following three environmental categories: Category A for projects that
normally cause significant or major environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse or
unprecedented such as hydroelectric dams (an Environmental Impact Assessment is
required); Category B projects which have potential adverse impacts that are less adverse
than those of category A, which are site-specific, largely reversible, and for which mitigation
measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects (an Initial Environmental
Examination is required); and Category C projects that are likely to have minimal or no
negative environmental impacts. An environmental assessment for Category C projects is not
required but environmental implications need to be reviewed.
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Table -1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS
Law or Decree Article Relating To Content
Constitution of the Lao PDR People’s Democratic Republic (1991, amended 20015) 17
Environment in general
“All organizations and citizens must protect the environment and natural resources: land, underground, forests, fauna, water sources and atmosphere.”
Environmental Protection Law (2013) Revised version)
5
Environmental Protection Policy(s) (new)
The State promotes protection and rehabilitation of social and natural environment through dissemination of regulations and Environmental information, building of awareness and knowledge, training and conducting campaigns for individuals and organizations; both domestic and international, to recognize importance of social and natural environment in daily livelihoods and in strictly implement the Environmental protection regulations, methods and measures.
10
Impact on Social Environment (new)
An impact on social environment is an adverse impact on human life and health, properties and livelihoods, including shelters of people, and on cultural and historical heritages.
11
Impact on Natural Environment (new)
An impact on natural environment is an adverse impact on natural ecological fundamentals, natural resources, biodiversity, arable land, water sources, climate change and natural heritages.
13
Environmental Protection Practices (new)
Environmental protection consists of these key following practices: (i) Environmental prevention(ii) Pollution control(iii) Toxic chemical control and waste disposal (iv) Environmental certification and permission (v) Promotion and public participation
14
Environmental Prevention (revised)
Environmental prevention is an action of safeguarding and preventing against any natural or manmade events, which may possibly happen, are happening or already happened, leading to damages or depletions of social and natural environment
19
Strategic Environmental Assessment (new)
A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is a process of anticipating an impact that may affect social and natural environment, while developing policies, strategic plans, and programs, including considerations towards impacts of climate change. This impact assessment shall determine methods and measures to avoid or mitigate impacts on social and natural environment in order to accomplish sustainable development goals. While developing the policies, strategic plans, and programs, particularly of energy and mining, agriculture and forestry, industry and commerce, public works and transportation, post-telecommunication and communication, information-culture and tourism sector, a strategic environmental assessment shall be conducted, except a plan, which applies to uses of small-scale areas and subject to the Integrated Spatial Plans.
IEE for 9km
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21
Initial Environmental Examination (new)
Initial Environment Examination (IEE) is a data examination, exploration and analysis to anticipate possible minor environmental impacts, while identifying appropriate methods and measures to prevent, avoid or mitigate environmental impacts from investment projects or activities including considerations of climate change.
22
Environmental Impact Assessment (revised)
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) shall be a process of addressing an issue in order to anticipate impacts that may affect the environment, society and nature, derived from investment projects or activities, along with considerations related to climate change in Lao PDR, and development of reports. Apart from reporting, there shall be development of Environmental Social Management and Monitoring Plans. Both the report and the plan shall be approved by MONRE prior to functioning investment projects and activities. The process of assessing impacts from the investment project and the activity on the environment, society and nature, shall comply with the specific regulations.
29
Pollution control (revised)
Pollution is a chemical substance, radiation, dust, smoke, including noise, light, odour, vibration and heat mixing in the air, soil, and water with concentration exceeding the National Environmental Quality Standards or National Pollution Control Standards, as the results of manmade or nature, affecting human life and health, animals, plants, other living creatures and ecosystem
32
National Pollution Control Standards (new)
The National Pollution Control Standards are identification of pollutant concentrations emitted by persons, legal entities and organizations with permission, from any sources into the air, soil or water. The Government shall identify the National Pollution Control Standards based on the proposal from MONRE upon coordinating with line sectors.
36
Toxic Chemical Control
The natural resources and environmental sector is directly responsible in coordinating with other line sectors for inspection and endorsement of toxic chemical lists, which are under periodical Management by the sector.
38
Waste Disposal (new) Disposal of general wastes, particularly rubbish, shall be separation for different purposes such as recycle, reuse, reprocess as new products and elimination with methods and techniques within identified areas based on regulations.
55
Responsibilities in Environmental Rehabilitation (new)
Persons, legal entities or organization implementing investment projects or activities, which create environmental and social impacts, shall correct, improve, rehabilitate and remunerate damages within the affected areas.
Environmental Protection Fund (revised)
The State promotes establishment of the Environmental Protection Fund used in environmental researches, prevention, correction, and rehabilitation. Implementation and performance of the EPF shall be stipulated by the specific regulations.
4 Rights to use water resources
Defines rights, obligations, and procedures to gain approval for use of water resources
18 Permission for use Stipulates that medium and large scale uses require
feasibility studies, EIAs, and mitigation plans, before
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Water and Water Resources Law May 2017
permission is granted for use of the resource
22
Principles in water resource development management
Stipulates that water resource development must be consistent with national and sector plans, must ensure preservation of the natural beauty of the resources, and must protect against harmful effects of water
Lao Forestry Law ( amended 24-Dec-2007)
5
Policy on forest and forest land
The GOL has the policy to preserve, regenerate, and develop forests and forest land to help preserve the environment, water resources, biodiversity, and people’s livelihoods.
9 to 13 Forest types Classify the various types of forests according to use, including forests for village use
26
Preservation of water resources in forest zones
Stipulates the preservation of water resources in forest zones for those areas where waterways originate and flow, including strict management and regulations to control logging, shifting cultivation, and destructive forest uses
70 Conversion of forestland
Stipulates that forestland can be converted to other land type if it brings a high level of benefits to the nation and to livelihoods of the people, and is included in the national development plan
71 Types of converted forestland
Stipulates that for uses such as dam construction, the timber and forest resources to be harvested in those areas are property of the State
Wildlife and Aquatic Law 24 Dec(2007)
31 Use for Household purposes
Allows use by village households of wildlife and aquatic species in the common and general category list in particular seasons or permitted areas, using tools or equipment that do not adversely affect habitats or compromise the species population.
32
Customary Use Allows use of wildlife or aquatic species in the common and general category list by village households for “necessary cultural beliefs.”
52 Prohibitions Prohibits taking of wildlife, including parts of the animals, from their habitats; tormenting wildlife and aquatics; illegal catching, hunting, trading and possession; catching aquatic and hunting in conservation zones, in breeding season, or when pregnant; devastation of habitats and feeding zones.
Land Law (2003) 6
Protection of Land and Environment
Declares that all individuals and organizations are obliged to protect the land from degradation,
14 Changes in Land Category
Land use can be changed if it does not cause social or environmental harm and if prior approval is obtained from the authorities.
Decree on Land Lease or Concession (2009)
39
Obligation of Person or Legal Entity Who Leases or Obtains Concession
The person or legal entity that leases land or obtains a concession is obligated, among other things, “not to cause any damage to the quality of land and negative impact to the natural environment and the society.”
Law on Public roads
3, April 1999 15
Public Road Construction
Public road construction refers to the building of various public roads as defined in Article 5 of this law. The public road contractor shall perform the work in accordance with design documents, and shall ensure quality, safety and environmental protection
16
Maintenance and Repair of Public Roads
Maintenance of public roads means to follow up, control, and check on the conditions of public roads in order to provide regular maintenance, such as: grass cutting, road surface cleaning, sewage draining, and cleaning of bridges and other road appurtenances. Repair of public roads means to maintain, repair
and reinstate damaged roads in compliance with
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the design, including routine repairs, periodic
repairs and urgent repairs.
19
Compensation for Land Acquired for Public Road Activities
If, in the construction of various kinds of public roads, it is necessary to use land that is legally owned by a private person or by an organization, the owner of the expropriated land used for public road construction shall receive reasonable compensation.
43.
Criminal Sanctions Any person breaching any provision of this law, such as: serious violation of principles relating to public road activities, or to the maintenance, repair, or use of public roads; destruction of road appurtenances, road structures, delimitation areas, or safety-limit areas; falsification of registration and business documents; violation of construction principles causing damage to the public, or to the life, health or property of other persons; and abuse of position for personal interest; shall be subject to criminal prosecution and shall compensate for damage caused by him.
MoNRE Ministerial Instruction on the
process of environmental and social
Impact Assessment for investment
project No.8030/MoNRE, 17 Dec
2013.
Stipulates the need for Environmental Impact Assessment
Stipulates rights of those affected by projects, and need for participation. Outlines the process of conducting the EIA, preparing environmental management and monitoring plans, social management and monitoring plans, issuing environmental compliance certificates, monitoring compliance with the various plans, establishing the institutional framework including grievance procedures.
III. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
46. Review Mission (the Mission) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited Lao PDR
during 23 January 2nd February 2017 to review Grant 0234-LAO: Second Northern
Greater Mekong Sub region Transport Network Improvement Project ADB12. The
Mission also visited 9 Km of road section from junction of route 6A to Viengxai that is
not included in the civil work contract of package 6 and found that its road surface
is being deteriorated caused by heavy trucks. DOR has verbally proposed to
improve this road section to allowing the unimpeded flow of traffic after completion
of package 6. In connection with this road section, the Mission advised that an
official request with some justifications for improving this 9 km section needs to
be submitted to ADB for consideration and approval, DoR Agreed and will submit the
request to ADB.
47. The project is classified as category B for environment. The Initial Environmental Examination
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(IEE) was approved and disclosed on ADB website in November 2010, an updated EMP was
approved by ADB in June 2013 but not disclosed. The IEE and EMP include all three
subprojects: National Road 6a (NR6A), 60.62km from Hanglong to Sopbao; (ii) North Road
6B (NR6B) 26.10km from Sopbao to Pahang, on the local Vietnamese border; and (iii) North
Road 6-1 (NR6-1) 55.33km from Viengxay to Namsoi, on the international Vietnamese border.
48. The Improvement of the existing road section 9km connecting between NR6A and Viengxay
District was discussed during previous grant review Mission. It was agreed that, this work
shall be procured through a contract variation procedures. However, it is necessary that its (i)
initial environmental examination(IEE) and land acquisition and compensation Plan (LACP)
are prepared and accepted by ADB and in the event, there are compensation cases, they
must be provided, prior to commencement of the works. The mission suggested the contract
amendment be prepared in parallel with that of IEE and LACP- so to avoid construction
delayed once IEE and LACP are approved There will be reconstruction of about 9 km of the
road from Junction of road 6A to Ban Longkou which is te location of the n starting point of
road NR6-1 in Houaphan Province. The rehabilitation and upgrading of R6-1 will involve some
alterations to the width by <1m in some places on either side to improve road geometry within
the ROW of 25m either side of the centerline. However the works are not expected to extend
beyond 7m at the furthest from the centerline. There will be a need for limited resettlement
and the resettlement plans will be accomplished by the PMU and local authorities, who will
also carry out the required social interventions in due course.
49. The construction of the improvements to R6-1 should be straightforward but as yet there is no
detailed design for this works. The road is mainly located in well-populated valleys near
Viengxay district. In this section the terrain is undulating with Nam Nua river crossing. The
start of this R6 section is identified at Viengxay . For purposes of the conceptual design it is
assumed that R6-1 will generally be widened on the uphill side creating a requirement to
excavate moderate of spoil but there are limited opportunities to use this material as fill.
Therefore spoil disposal will be moderate; but other construction impacts should avoid
negative impacts for a road improvement project. This road of 9km upgrading project is not
Major earthwork excavation, the surplus excavated material dumping generally limited,
therefore, all spoil wastes disposal areas will transport to designated dumping area, It is
doesn’t significant impacts. The road work will include: (i) excavation and reconstruction of the
embankments; (ii) reconstruction of one carriageway (5.5m wide) plus hard shoulders; (iii)
repair and reconstruction of bridge; (iv) ensuring drainage and access near villages and at
other key areas is unimpaired by extension of numerous culverts; (v) upgrading road drainage
and (vii) Installing slope stabilization and bioengineering measures, landscaping and
accessories. Compensatory planting will also be required for any trees that are removed
although this is not expected to be a major task. There will also be limited spoil waste
disposal. Mitigation of any risks of sediment runoff will be achieved by (i) the Contractor
site supervisor being on site for all excavation work, (ii) confining excavation operations to
the dry season (iii) use of silt traps where warranted, according to instructions from the
construction supervisors and supervising agency and (iv) disposal of spoil from excavation
works at sites approved by the construction supervising agency. Surplus spoil should be
used as fill, for example backfilling of culvert walls, wherever possible. Works are generally
expected to take place within approximately 7m of the center line subject to detailed design.
However the corridor of impact has been defined as 7m either side in order to allow flexibility
in curve design at the detailed design stage. The upgrading of existing bridge will construction
of a 15 m reinforced bridge across Nam Nua river. The bridge deck shall be 6,5m of
carriageway with 0,5m extending of both sides for walking for a total bridge deck width of
7,5m.
50. During this IEE preparation period, the supervision consultant is being conducted topography
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survey within existing road alignment and this work will be completed within two (2) months, but this improvement road of 9km is not proceed by the ADB for Variation Order (VO) yet. The PMU will engage a detailed design for road upgrading of 9km and Construction supervision consultant. PMU/DoR and it will be a conventional ICB bidding to secure contractors for upgrading this 9km road and reconstructed concrete bridge. The target date for completion is by the end of 2018. .
IV. DECRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
4.1. Physical Environment
1. Meteorology and Climate
51. The climate in the Houaphan Province is sub-tropical climate and influenced by South West
monsoon. There is clear cut distinction between the dry and the wet monsoon months. The dry season starts from November and continues till the March and the wet season starts from the April and continues till end of the October. During the wet season it is relatively hot and humid. Meteorological data for year 2015 was collected from the Meteorology Station in Viengxay District Houaphanh Province. The maximum temperature of 29,70C was recorded in July and also a minimum temperature of 8, 5 0C was recorded during the month of the December 2015. The relative rainfall in 2015 maximum of 296.7 mm in June and Minimum of February 5.9mm.
Figure3- Temperature in Viengxay District
Figure 4: Rainfall level in Viengxay 2015
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Min 8.9 11.8 12.4 18.7 21.3 21.7 20.4 20.1 19.4 17.2 13.8 8.5
Max 13.3 22.4 25.8 23.4 29.4 29.2 29.7 29.2 27.1 24.9 24.9 17.2
Temperature in 2015 Viengxay Station
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4.2. Topography, Geology, and Soils
52. The topography of Laos is largely mountainous, with elevations above 500 meters typically characterized by steep terrain, narrow river valleys, and low agricultural potential. This mountainous landscape extends across most of the north of the country, except for the plain of Vientiane and the Plain of Jars in Xiang Khoang Province. Together, the alluvial plains and river terraces cover only about 20% of the land area.
53. The NR6-1 and NR6A areas in the highlands of Lao PDR are biophysically diverse. The countryside is not tectonically active and there is no record of recent volcanic activity in the mountains or earthquakes. The steep mountainous slopes, with their moderately thin layers of soils are particularly prone to erosion when vegetation is removed and soils are exposed to rainfall and surface water flows. Thus, water quality in the mountain streams and rivers can be rapidly degraded when soils are eroded and flushed in to them.
54. The resulting increased turbidity reduces water quality for aquatic life and domestic and livestock consumption. Heavy rainfall is responsible for deteriorated sections of national and rural roads. The NR6 and NR6A roads pass through sedimentary limestone material. In between these karst ridges and slopes are recently deposited gravels and silts in narrow river valleys.
55. The biological environment is dominated by agriculture. Rice is the staple food but only a limited portion of the land area is suitable for wet-paddy cultivation. Rain-fed rice fields are also common and swidden rice cultivation is also practiced and vegetable and cash crops are produced as a substitute for rice deficiencies in many areas based on shifting cultivation. The crops include soya beans, cassava, green beans, peanuts, sesame, corn, and a variety of fruit trees. People maintain vegetable gardens and generate cash income by growing cabbages, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, chilly eggplants, and pumpkins.
4.3 Surface and Groundwater
56. The mountainous area Houaphan Province provides the catchment for the Nam Ma river system and NR6A runs alongside the Nam Ma at a distance of at least 50m for most of the way from Sop Hao to Sop Bao. Other smaller rivers Nam Keng, Nam Huo run alongside the R6A before the confluence with Nam Ma at Sop Hao. The Nam Pouh River runs alongside the R6 most of the way from Vieng Xai to Nam Soi.
24.1 5.9
163.3
85.6 109.5
296.7 269.6 270.7
219.2
55.6 27.2
11.8 1 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
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56. The rivers and streams are an important resource to the people in the project area. River flows are the highest from April to October. Most of the streams and creeks discharge all year around carrying high sediment loads, depositing large quantities of gravels and sands in the lower reaches. During the wet season some of the bridges and culverts are regularly inundated, cutting off roads and villages. The area around Viengxay has limestone caves and subterranean rivers travel through the rock formations.
57. The area provides a wide range of aquatic resources for subsistence and trade, as well as water for drinking, bathing, and crop irrigation. In addition, these rivers form local transportation routes and have potential for local small hydropower stations. There are no navigable rivers in the project area and local and international transportation is reliant on the roads. None of the rivers near the NR6, and R6A roads are subject to industrial pollution but there is a new pulp factory at Sop Bao on the west bank of the Nam Ma that will affect the water quality in future. The nearest other industry is the Phoulek Iron Ore Project some 15km north from the R6A at Hang Long.
59. Baseline water quality in Lao PDR consists of the following table 2.
Table2: Water quality in Lao PDR
Parameters
Units
Standard Value1
Lao PDR pH 5-9
Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.0 >6.0 -
BOD5 mg/l 1.5
Total coliform bacteria MPN/ml 5,000
Total faecal coliform
MPN/ml
1,000
4. 4 Air Quality and Noise Levels
60. Noise from vehicles is not a concern in the areas around the Project road of 9km at present as
traffic is confined to occasional vehicles. There is no criterion for road traffic noise in Lao PDR . The Lao noise ambient standard of Leq 45dB (A) for residential areas, hospital, schools Leq 45dB and commercial service of Leq 50dB .The criterion of Leq45dB(A)1hour can be used for nighttime. However there is a general presumption that there will be no night time working except in exceptional circumstances.
61. The noise level along the 9km of road project corridor presents very minor disturbance , as
there is not much traffic loads on this upgrading road of 9km. The occasional movement of tractors and pick up are the only vehicles which add to the noise levels due to a lack of equipment and technical expertise there has been no historic collection of data on air and water quality in Viengxay In the meantime reports on pollution remain anecdotal. At the present time air quality is good in the Viengxay district. Air quality monitoring is still not a routine practice in Lao PDR and no information on the concentrations of air pollutants in this road generally the air quality appears to be good. There are almost no industries and traffic volumes are currently low by international standards. Nevertheless localized pollution does occur and the incidences are likely to increase with increased urbanization unless action is taken to prevent or mitigate them. In some areas pollutions include:
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Uncontrolled incineration of garbage
Decaying deposits of uncollected garbage
Wind-blown dust and debris resulting from solid waste transportation
Dust caused by traffic along unsealed roads
Exhaust from vehicles and motorcycles – exacerbated by poor traffic management 62. The air quality in the subproject area was qualitatively good. Noise and dust is limited to the
light vehicle traffic along the roads, along with sound generated from the few homesteads along the road. Quantitative air quality data was available by the DONRE for the area.
63. While fill from cut operations at steep sections will generate fill for flat road sections, it is anticipated that some fill will be need to be sourced from borrow pits. Viengxay district has several DONRE approved borrow-pits and limestone quarries situated within 9 km of the proposed road upgrading that will be assessed for suitably during IEE/EMPs updating. If needed, additional borrow pits will be established at locations approved by DPWT and DONRE. A similar approach will be taken to determining locations for disposal sites for spoil, if needed.
64. Noise emission and ambient noise levels shall be in compliance with the Lao National Environmental Standard for noise
65. . Lao PDR Noise Standards
Table 3: Noise standard in Lao PDR
Standards Method of Measurement
Maximum Sound Level (Lmax) should not exceed 115 dB(A) Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) from Fluctuating Noise
Leq 24 hour not exceeding 70 dB(A) Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) from Steady Noise
Type of Area
Standard Value in dB(A)
6.00-18.00 18.00-22.00 22.00-6.00
Quiet areas: hospitals, libraries, treatment
places, kindergarten and schools
50
45
40
Residential areas: hotels and houses 55 55 45
Commercial and service areas 70 70 50
Small industrial factories located in
residential areas
70 70 50
66. National Environmental Standards No.2743/PMO.WREA dated 7 Dec 2009, Noise from 22:00-
6:00 in area hospital, school 40dB(A), residential, Hotel, houses 45dB(A) and Commercial services 50dB(A) and small industrial located in residential areas 50dB(A). .
B Biological Environment
(1) Agriculture
67. Rice is the staple food of the Lao People but in the cultivated areas around the Project road
there is only a limited portion of the land area suitable for wet-paddy cultivation due to the project area’s terrain. Large wet-paddy areas are found in many of the project areas but rain-fed rice fields are also common. Rice is the staple food but only a limited portion of the land area is suitable for wet-paddy cultivation. Rain-fed rice paddies are also common and upland field rice cultivation is also practiced and vegetable and cash crops are produced as a substitute for rice deficiencies in many areas based on shifting cultivation. In addition to rice cultivation, a number of vegetable and cash crops are produced on a more commercial basis and as a substitute for rice deficiencies. In some cases, these are produced based on shifting cultivation. These crops include soya beans, cassava, green beans, peanuts, job’s tear, sesame, corn, teak, mulberry fiber, and a variety of fruit trees.
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68. People maintain vegetable gardens near streams and riverbanks and plant fruit trees near their house to supplement diets and to generate cash income. A variety of vegetables are grown such as cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, chilly eggplant, and pumpkin. Some of the valleys have good agricultural potential. Despite these significant areas of good agricultural potential, income levels are very low and people are vulnerable to and degradation, declining crop yields and low incomes limit the capacity of households to obtain food.
(2) Forestry
69. Consultations with the local forestry officers in Viengxay and Sam Nua Districts confirmed that
all the land outside settlements for 25m either side of the Project Road centerline is declared as the ROW. There is no National Park or Nature Reserve or Protection Forest near the Project Roads and none of the land in the ROW is production forest or protected forest. The local forestry officers in Sam Nua could not provide any information on the location or species composition of the nearest production forest or protected forests. However the nearest protection forests have been identified from central records in Vientiane and are well away from the road. No other records of the species Composition or the boundaries of the forests could be identified but the local officials Indicated that much of the standing crop is bamboo and other small trees and shrubs. The local Production Forests are managed by the Provincial Office of Agriculture and Forests (POAF) according to the instructions and quotas for cutting and planting. The Chief PAFO indicated that the forests just outside the ROW are degraded and not that densely vegetated with mature trees but mainly small-diameter trees, bamboos and shrub trees. . Bamboo cutting is regulated by the villages under quotas. There is good cooperation locally with the villages and the forest authority is notified of sales and the authorities levy charges for the forest products that are cut. A number of small and medium sizes of plots, the largest plot are small area found in the east of the district. However, the project area is not part of the forest habitat nor is it a refuge for wildlife given its urban characteristics.
(3) Protected Areas and Rare and Endangered Species
70. There are no protected areas or sensitive habitats in the Viengxay subproject area.
Although many bird species are present in Viengxay area there are no IBAs in or immediately around the subproject area. No rare or endangered terrestrial or aquatic species of flora or fauna are recorded in the subproject area.
71. Many bird species are present in Viengxay district; however, there are no IBAs in or immediately around the subproject area. Mixed deciduous and evergreen forests are important habitat for some mammals including civets, wild pigs, a number of reptiles etc. Most wildlife found is quite far away to the north of the town. No sensitive habitats or rare or endangered terrestrial species of flora or fauna are recorded in subproject
Figure 5 . Protected Area in La o P DR
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4. Aquatic Ecology 72. The main aquatic ecosystems around Viengxay district are found in the Nam Nua ,
Namsim and Nam Neer Rivers, its tributaries and various streams as part of the small catchment area of these rivers. The most extensive knowledge of aquatic resources is related to fish while other aquatic resources such as amphibians, reptiles, molluscs, crustaceans, and water insects have not been well researched.
73. Fish species found in the the a b o v e m e n t i o n e d r i v e r s a r e mostly Panin (Tilapia), Panai (Nile Tilapia), Pakheng (Cirrhinus sp.). Occasionally, they are more fish species found in the area, migrating up the streams and canals in wet season including Pakhao (Akysis bantamensis), Padouk (Clarias batrachus), Pakho (Channa striata,), Pakha yang (Cirrhinus sp), Pakadeut, Pakhao, Pasiew etc. None of the fish species are rare or endemic. Aquatic animals and amphibians are also found in the area and many associated with paddy fields. No sensitive habitats or rare or endangered aquatic species of flora or fauna are recorded from the project area.
V. Socio-Economic and Cultural Setting
a) Demographic Characteristics
74. Houaphanh province is situated in the northeast of Laos sharing a border with Viet Nam. It is enclosed by Viet Nam to the north, east and south-east, the provinces of Xieng Khouang to the south-west and Luang Prabang to the west in Lao PDR. Total area of the province is 16,500 square kilometers. The province has a population of 280,000 people giving a population density 20 persons per sqkm. Twenty-seven (27) different ethnic groups including Khmu, Tai Daeng, Yao, Tai Kao, Tai Meuay, Tai Neua, Phu Noi, and Khmu live in Houaphanh. More than 94% of the population lives in rural areas.
75. Houaphanh has abundant natural resources and a rugged landscape that led the Lao People’s Party to select the area as its base during the Indochina War years. The province is famous for its Limestone Mountains and caverns, with over one hundred caves in the area. The Nam Et - Phou Louei National Protected Area has good ecotourism potential, with its high numbers of tigers and other large wildlife species and low human population. The Wildlife Conservation Society is in the process of researching ecotourism development in the area that would provide income to local communities in support of conservation of tigers and other threatened species. The Viengxay district is also located several caves, an extensive network of caves used by the Pathet Lao, and the Hintang Archeological Park, one of the most important Pre-historic sites in northern Laos. The province has spectacular scenery and fine textile traditions. Houaphanh is famous for its intricate Lao silk and cotton weavings. Textiles from this region are recognized to be among the finest in Asia.
76. The average population density of 19.4 persons per km2 is relatively low especially in Asia. About 68% of the total population lives on the lowlands and the Mekong river valley mainly in urban areas. The Lao Theung live on the lower mountainous slopes, and make up about 22% of the population. The Lao Soung are highlanders who usually live in areas 1000 meters or more above sea level. They make up about 10 percent of the total population, retain their traditional languages and culture and inhabit extremely remote areas. Viengxay d i s t r i c t is divided into 22 villages. There are 1089 households and a district population of 6,855 of which 3,458 are female.
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(i) Cultural and historical sites 77. There are no sites of cultural significance found near Project road. There are two places of
worship nearby in Longkou and Nathen villages. There are graves located along the road edge about 15m outside the existing road corridor and more than 15m from the centerline and a modest distance away from where the rehabilitation and upgrading works would need to take place.
78. Schools are located along the proposed 9km section of the road to be upgraded.. The
boundaries of the school playgrounds and gates are generally near to the road (within50 m) but the noise sensitive facades of the school buildings are generally set well back from the Project road by more than 30m; outside the corridor of impact. Some land acquisition will be required in places and relocation of some properties or resettlement. Land acquisition requirements are in the Resettlement Plan.
(ii) Power supply
79. Electrical power is supplied in Viengxay District the grid in Vietnam. The low voltage
distribution network runs on poles adjacent to the Project road and will need to be protected during the works.
(iii) Fisheries
80. Fish constitute a significant portion of the protein in the average house hold diet in most of
the villages in the project area. Villages located far from the water courses. The villagers get fish during the monsoon months. The fish cached during the wet season is often dried or smoked and used during the dry seasons. Number of villages has fish ponds. The paddy fields also yield good quantities of aquatic resources like fish, frog, snails, crabs, shrimps, and eels. However survey has not been conducted in the area to know about the catch details.
b) Economic Development
1. Industries:
75. There are only small and medium scale industrial activities in Viengxay District. The industries comprise of small scale saw mills, drinking water factories, rice mills, ice making, distilleries, meat processing, print shops, TV/radio repair shops, watch repair, garages, and small scale river sand extraction, drinking water factories and gravel extractions. The officials at the district are looking forward for the implementation of this corridor, so that they can have number food processing industries.
2. Water Supply
81. People in the urban area Ban Longkou village of Viengxay District use water from Nampapa Lao Company The project road will mostly run through the rural residential areas/ Nathen village in which most people still use water from rivers and streams, for bathing and washing. This section has not carried out the ambient water quality measurement.
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3. Tele-communications
82. The project districts have domestic and international telephone services. In ViengXai three companies are operating in the district. They are used Laotel, ETL, M-Phone, Unitel and Bee line Next works. The Viengxay District has internet facility provided but some time very low network connection.
4. Transport
83. The project of 9km upgrading road serves as the main land route connecting from SamNua to Viengxay. During the site visit and fact finding it was noted that traffic along the road was light and generally dominated by motorbikes and some trucks and tourist bus to visit historical Viengxay caves.
5.. Agricultural production
5.1 Rice Cultivation
84. Lao PDR is an agricultural economy and this sector is contributing more 50% to the National GDP. Rice is the staple food for the local population and it is predominantly grown during the monsoon months in the district of Viengxay Rice production was based on a system of minimum inputs. The traditional varieties of rice are grown in all the irrigated areas. The fertilizer inputs are bare minimum and the pesticide use at negligible level. The data obtained about the rice cultivation and other plantation.
6. Vegetable and Cash Crop Cultivation
85. In addition to the rice cultivation, vegetables and commercial crops are also grown in the project area. Among the agricultural products often produced as cash crops are mung-beans, oybeans, peanuts, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, corn, white sesame and tea. Mostly the commercial crops are grown for exporting to Vietnam. The fruit trees most found in the area are banana, orange, mango, longan, jack fruit, tamarind, guava and pineapple. People grow vegetable gardens near streams and river banks and near their houses to generate income. A variety of vegetables are grown such as cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, chilly eggplant and pumpkin.
7. Tourism
86. There are number of tourist place surrounding the project area by developing the project road the accessibility to the tourist spots will become much easier. The tourism in this area will also pick up in the coming years. Main tourism site of Viengxay District are waterfall, natural sources and National historical caves.
8. Public health 87. The health officials contacted at all the Viengxay district to get the information. The qualified
doctors are there in the district headquarters but the number is very limited. The small hospitals at the Viengxay district are manned by the paramedical staff or nurses. The hospital is badly equipped and doctors to check patients. The traditional medicine is still practiced in the villages. The infant mortality is quite high. The hospital details are given in the table presented below for all the three districts. The details collected clearly show inadequacy of staff at the district levels.
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88. The poor access to medical care lack of clean drinking water, and poor sanitation facilities are the major cause of concern for the public health. Severe poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, superstition, non-hygienic lifestyles and opium growing are other causes for low utilization of public health services. Poverty leads to health problems, and health problems lead to further poverty.
9. Education
89. The primary schools and secondary schools and technical collage are very limited in the project area. The local feel once they get a good road more number of children can go to the school. The major problem countered in the school is the inadequacy of the teaching staff.
10. Livestock and poultry
90. Rural households raise pigs, goats, cows, and poultry such as chicken, ducks, and turkeys and develop fish ponds. Buffalos are used to plough the agricultural land. The households will maintain 3 buffaloes that are used as drought animals in paddy lands. Livestock’s mainly rely on natural resources for their living. Animals are released in the fallow after harvest. Pigs and poultry are kept for scavenging. These animals are not given any supplementary feed only sometimes they are given the rice barn. Chicken are the main type of poultry though some ducks and turkeys are present as well in the village. The animals are sold in the village, district markets. The animal also provides additional income to the local population. The details of the district poultry and livestock details are given below.
Table: 4 Livestock details of the two (2) Districts
Districts
Sam Neua Viengxay
Poultry 94,761 170,917
Buffalo 11,044 5916
Cow 13,372 8136
Pig 14,089 10,197
Goat 2,994 831
Prawn 0 0
Horse 321 38
Fish 86,854
332,126
Source: Department of Agriculture & Forests
VI. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 91. This section discusses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Improvement
and upgrading of 9km additional section of the road, and identifies mitigation measures to minimize the impacts in the design, construction and operational phases. The main physical issues relate to impacts such as earthworks, erosion control, obtaining rock based construction materials, noise, dust, spoil disposal, disposal of other waste, and water quality. The rocks materials used for this 9km section of additional road upgrading will be sourced either from the contractor of NR6-1 or from existing local supplier. However, the local supplier has the proper blasting management Plan in place and approved by DoNRE. The method statement for blasting procedures include followings: (i) The contractor shall be provide sufficient tools or safety device (ii) Project Design will be review requirement for
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blasting at the detailed design (iii)Contractor shall submit Method Statement of rock blasting if required (iv)Blasting will be carried out as per Lao regulations and follow regulation of MoNRE (v)Blasting plan will be included in SEMPs (vi)No blasting will take place without condition survey of the building within 500m (vii)People living near blasting sites will be informed of blasting times prior to the blasting (viii) Warning sirens will be sounded before blasting (ix) Pre-splitting should be undertaken (x)Blasting will not be undertaken at night (xi)Worker at blasting sites will be trained prior to blast operations and provided with safety equipment used.
92. The construction for the civil works will create dust, noise and vibration and the prevention of
landslides must be addressed. The main social and biological issues relate to acquisition of household properties near the roads where curve improvements will take place, agricultural land, impacts to rivers and removal of occasional trees in the works areas. There is no issue of interference with sites Protected for their biodiversity as the Project roads are several kilometers from the nearest nature reserve. There will be no interference with protected forests as the works will be within the ROW. The social and human impacts to village life and impacts to social infrastructure will be of short duration and these have been subject to detailed assessment in the Resettlement Plan (RP).
93. The potential environmental impacts in the design, construction and operational phases are
assessed below. Where impacts are significant enough to exceed accepted environmental standards, mitigation is proposed in order to reduce residual impact to acceptable levels and achieve the expected outcomes of the project. The criteria for assessment are in line with ADBs SPS, or if the GOL standard is stricter, the national standards and criteria set by GOL. Where GOL has not set a standard or guideline criterion the standards given in World Bank’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines4 are used.
A Design / Pre-Construction Phase 94. The proposed project involves upgrading of a single carriageway existing road. As the
existing alignment of the road will be followed, route selection is established but there may be some later adjustment of alignment for curves. There is a number of mitigation Measures that will need to be carried out by the project detailed design consultant engineers to avoid construction impacts by good design to minimize operational environmental impacts. Detail design consultant engineer will be engaged by the PMU/DOR. Detailed design will be required to ensure that the upgraded road can cope with flooding from a 100year return storm event. In line with ADB policy on environmentally responsible procurement, opportunities to provide environmental enhancements will also be identified in the detailed design as well as routine matters such as avoiding unnecessary removal of trees and compensatory and enhancement planting. The opportunities for design, construction and operational enhancements have been included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). However as the detailed designs will be completed later, the IEE (together with the EMP) will be updated by the Detail design consultant engineer during the detailed design phase, or a new environmental assessment report will be undertaken for submission to ADB if there are any changes to Project design that would result to Environmental impacts or risks that are not within the scope of the current IEE.
Design update and project disclosure
95. The detailed design team in cooperation with PMU will update designs to address the
requirements below including but not necessarily be limited to the following Acquisition of
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agricultural land will be minimized for temporary facilities (if needed) by selecting preferred locations in detailed designs for construction yards and asphalt plant on barren or marginal land and agree terms with local Community.
96. Potential solution spaces to ensure sufficient disposal space for cut surface spoil materials and to avoid fly-tipping will be identified in advance by the PDC/PMU and approved by PMU/DOR and the local community before bidding. Arrangements will be made to facilitate the timely production and supply of rock and bitumen based materials for construction and to avoid impacts due to Unnecessary stockpiling near the Project roads. Extensions and improvements drainage culverts under embankments for the Project roads will be designed to account for increased rain due to a once in 100 year return storm event and included in detailed designs.
97. Hydrological and drainage impacts during construction will be minimized by early phasing of replacement of culverts and other infrastructure. Preliminary designs will be included in contracts by the PDC. Disruption to current facilities for water supply will be avoided and facilities will be retained or re-provisioned before construction works commence; provisions will be made to preserve the operation of current facilities for water supply and other utilities in sufficient quantity in agreement with the local community. Disruption to current power supply will be avoided and movement of power lines will be planned well in advance. Power distribution circuitry will be re-provisioned before construction works commence; provisions will be made to preserve the operation of current facilities for power supply in sufficient quantity in agreement with the local power supply company.
98. Plans to minimize disturbance of vehicular traffic and pedestrians during construction will be included in the detailed designs. Phasing for construction will retain a passing lane along part of the road during construction in detailed designs programming and avoid community severance. Plans will be made to provide enhancements under ADB policy on environmentally responsible procurement and avoid negative impacts due to unnecessary removing of trees. The roads requiring improvement are part of the existing road corridor and although the ROW is wide enough for the upgrading there are some encroachments and there will be some requirement for resettlement. This will be subject to confirmation at the detailed design stage and these requirements are presented in the Resettlement Plan (RP) report.
99. The final alignment will be disclosed to MoNRE and DoNRE and a check will be made at the detailed design stage that the road alignment has been designed as planned. The IEE and EMP will be reviewed, updated by the PMU/DOR if necessary in response to detailed designs and resubmitted to ADB, incorporating any recommendations and requirements from the MoNRE /DoNRE. Prior to preparation of the updated or new environmental assessment report, the proposed Project changes shall be screened by ADB for potential environmental impacts and risks to determine the appropriate extent and type of environmental assessment to be undertaken. During Project implementation if any unanticipated environmental risks and impacts arise, either an updated IEE, an updated EMP or a new environmental assessment report shall be submitted to ADB for clearance. The appropriate document for submission shall be determined by ADB. A separate IEE shall be prepared for the rural road component based on the EARF. PMU will also prepare to establish the Grievance Redress Mechanism at this stage before site works commence. The residential of threes (3) villages Namely Ban Samphanxay, Ban Bak and Ban Nathen receivers near the Project road alignments are set back sufficiently for traffic fumes to be dispersed and road traffic noise will not be sufficient to affect the sensitive receivers. Noise and dust in construction will need to be controlled. The alignments will run through rural residential areas but the alignment is subject to detailed design and some property owners may need to be resettled. Therefore the assessment will need to be updated at the detailed design stage when alignment and the relative locations of the SRs are known. There are no
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medical facilities near the Project road. The roadside two cemeteries are located left and right side of road corridor away 50m. There are two schools along the Project road far away from existing road about 100m. There are far enough from the road, so that during construction stage, will impact can be avoid or minimized.
100. The contractor will be primed by including the updated EMP and IEE in the bidding and contract documentation. Prior to bidding the PDCL will produce a series of draft management plans that the contractor(s) will subsequently be required to update and include in their method statements or Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP). The broad content of the method statements is included in the construction mitigation section of this IEE. The SEMP or method statements will demonstrate the Contractor will implement the mitigation measures specified in the EMP.
101. The following method statements shall be drafted by the project detail design consultant the preconstruction stage for updating by the contractor before construction commences based on the EMP:
Waste Management and Spoil Disposal Plan (SWMP) for handling, storage, treatment, transport and disposal of solid and liquid wastes, hazardous wastes and excavation spoils.
Materials Management Plan (MMP) detailing arrangements to be made to facilitate the timely production and supply of construction materials to avoid impacts due to unnecessary stockpiling outside the Project site.
Drainage Management Plan (DMP) to ensure that construction works will not cause ponding/flooding within the Project site and adjacent areas.
Erosion Control Plan (ECP) to ensure that construction works will not permit excessive runoff and siltation of adjacent waterways within the Project site, minimize hydrological impacts, flooding and erosion of river banks and adjacent areas and to protect the works under construction;.
Temporary Transport Management Plan (TTMP) to minimize disturbance of vehicular traffic and pedestrians during construction.
Access arrangements for vehicles accessing the Project area will be formulated such that this will avoid community disturbance and severance and will at least retain a passing lane along all roads used during construction.
Utilities and Irrigation Provisioning Plan (UIRP) to minimize interruption to power, water supply telecoms and irrigation system;
Noise and Dust Control Plan (NDCP) to minimize impacts to sensitive receptors (residential areas, schools, hospitals, etc.) due to construction works, sourcing and transport of construction materials, and other project-related activities.
Workers and Public Safety Plan (WPSP) to identify interfaces between the works and public and ensure worker and public safety and prevent accidents due to the construction works.
Environmentally responsible procurement. All the above plans will be agreed in advance with DOR/PMU in the project preparation phase and included in contract documentation.
The requirements in the contract will include full implementation of the EMP. 102. The contractor will also be required in the contract(s) to engage capable and trained staff
or site agents to take responsibility for the environmental management at the working level and to audit the effectiveness of the contractor’s SEMP and review mitigation measures as the project proceeds. The effective Implementation of the SEMP will be audited by the DOR as part of the loan conditions and the executing agency (MPWT) will be prepared for this.
Unexploded ordinance (UXO)
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103. In order to avoid the risks from unexploded ordinance and avoid accidents the
PMU/DOR assisted by project detail design consultant will contact independent and international mines advisory groups and agencies at the design stage to identify if UXO is a potential threat to works in the project area. project detail design consultant will reconfirm if there is a potential threat or if it is insignificant before detailed designs are completed and inform PMU in writing one month before the detailed designs are completed.
B Construction Phase
a) Common potential impacts of construction phase
104. The potential environmental impacts of the 9 km upgrading road project in Viengxay
District is dominated by the construction phase of the additional subproject component. Common potential impacts arising from civil and earthworks will consist of for example, reduced and/or blocked public access, disrupted business and recreation, noise, dust and air pollution from NOx, SOx, & CO caused by increased truck traffic and heavy equipment use, soil and surface water pollution caused by equipment operation and maintenance, public and worker accidents, increased traffic accidents, land erosion and surface water sedimentation, drainage and flooding problems, solid waste and domestic pollution from worker camps workshop management, operation of concrete batching Plant, crushing plant, quarries and Borrow pits management, social disease and community problems caused by migrant workers. These short-term impacts will occur at different levels of magnitude depending on the activity at all construction areas of the road project.
b) Common mitigation measures
105. Management measures to mitigate potential common impacts associated with the
construction phase of the infrastructure developments are exemplified below. The mitigation measures are detailed further in the EMPs. Care must be taken to ensure that sites for earthworks (e.g., excavations, trenches) that are suspected to have unexploded ordnance should be surveyed by the GoL prior to construction. If such ordnance is detected clearing work will need to be commissioned prior to undertaking civil works. Open excavations should be fenced, and trenches covered where public walkways or vehicles must cross.. A chance find management plan must be in place for cultural artifacts and property.. Regular use of wetting agents should be employed at construction sites to minimize dust.
106. All construction vehicles and equipment should be maintained in proper working order, and not operated at night if possible to minimize noise.. Speed limits should be posted and adhered to by all construction vehicles.. Where possible construction vehicles should use different roads or dedicated lanes of roads shared by the public.. Trees and other vegetation at all construction sites, along road corridor,, and at WWTP sites should be protected.. Present and past land use should be reviewed to assess whether excavated soils are contaminated of spoil.
107. Contaminated spoil should be disposed at a landfill or a location approved by DoNRE.. Berms and/or silt curtains should be constructed around all excavation/trench sites and along all surface waters to prevent soil erosion and surface water sedimentation. Local workers should be used as much as possible to prevent or minimize influx of migrant workers, and incidence of social disease and community unrest..
108. Worker camps must have adequate domestic waste collection facilities and sufficient pit latrines that are located away from public areas and surface waters.. Dedicated fuel
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storage areas must be established away from public areas and marked clearly. To minimize the impact of construction on the public, and workers the World Bank Environment, Health, and Safety Guidelines (2007) that govern the safe and orderly operation of civil works should be followed.. Aggregates (e.g., sand, gravel, rock) that are transported by truck should be covered.. Prolonged use of temporary storage piles of file should be avoided, or covered, or wetted regularly to prevent dust and erosion. Sand extraction in rivers for road embankment fill should be done at licensed areas only.. Storage of bulk fuel should be on covered concrete pads away from the public and worker camp. Fuel storage areas and tanks must be clearly marked, protected and lighted. Contractor should be required to have an emergency plan to handle fuel and oil spillage, worker’s camp and warehouse or workshop, concrete batching plant, crushing plant and disposal site Quarry areas shall not be located in productive land, forested areas and near water courses such as rivers, streams, etc. Topsoil shall be properly removed, stockpiled and preserved for later use during restoration of the site and provision of vegetation cover to minimize erosion. Provide adequate drainage during borrow site operation to avoid accumulation of stagnant water. It is preferable to avoid or reduce the sections of quarry sites located on river bed. If it is not possible to locate quarries out of river beds, quarry sites lying on small rivers and streams shall be avoided. Upon completion of extraction activities, quarry and borrow pits shall be dewatered and fences shall be installed, as appropriate, to minimize health and safety risks. Ensure borrow pits are left in a tidy state with stable side slopes and proper drainage in order to avoid creation of water bodies favorable for mosquito breeding. Restoration and rehabilitation of quarry sites and borrow pits after use. The separate distance between batching plant and community, labour camps, school, temple, and national park will be maximized as far as practical to reduce dust impact Regular maintenance of transportation vehicles and equipment to control exhaust emission. Stockpile of aggregate shall be protected from wind or using cover material, regular water spraying to suppress dust loading and unloading of raw materials have to be carried out in closed area to control dust dispersion The exhaust of the dryer heater and particulate matter(dust) generated within the rotary drums is collected and routed to treatment unit such as bag house for emission control. Bitumen storage container has to be free from leakage to control emission of volatile organic compound into atmosphere.
109. Project construction supervision consultants (PSC) will be engaged by the PMU in line
with ADB policy on environmentally responsible procurement. The PSC will train and supervise the contractors to carry forward the environmental mitigation measures and enhancements identified in the detailed designs. On behalf of PMU the PSC will require contractors to prepare updates of the management plans prepared at the design stage and a detailed method statement including a standalone Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP). The SEMP will be the benchmark for monitoring and reporting. This will include as a minimum all the mitigation measure in this IEE and the EMP .and any more mitigation measures included in the EMP as a result of the IEE reviewed at the detailed design stage by PDC. The EMP will be forwarded to ADB for acceptance prior to the commencement of construction. Contractor(s) and their suppliers comply with all statutory requirements for permits from DONRE with regard to use of mechanical equipment, establishment and operation of construction plants such as asphalt plant, concrete batching plant, rock crusher, etc.
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c) Water Quality Impacts
110. If complaints are received from the incidents and possible sources of water supply disruption will be investigated and where the complaint can be substantiated, water samples should be taken up and downstream of the nearest point on the river to the active works and analyzed based on the baseline monitoring results in the preconstruction stage. Samples will be taken as soon after the complaint as possible and analyses immediately and again two weeks after the complaint to determine if water quality has been restored.
d) Water Resources
111. The drainage system and water resources on surrounding lands will be affected by construction activities as follows: a) local water supplies will need to be tapped to meet campsite and construction requirements, so bringing project based water use into competition with local use; b) surface and subsurface water resources in the selected sections could be contaminated by fuel and chemical spills, or by solid waste and effluents generated by the kitchens and toilets at construction campsites; c) Natural streams and irrigation channels may become silted by borrow material (earth) in the runoff from the construction area, workshops and equipment washing-yards.
112. Ample water should be available and local water resources could be used because sufficient yield is generally available. Other measures to mitigate the adverse impact on water resources and surface drainage patterns have been incorporated into the other drainage mitigation measures.
113. The contractors will incorporate the following design features into the CEMP after review of the detailed design to minimize alterations in the project corridor’s surface drainage patterns as far as possible:
VII. MITIGATION MEASURES FOR CONSTRUCTION ARE SUMMARIZED BELOW:
1. Community Facilities (power lines, irrigation canals, etc.)
a. Lay out the new utilities lines prior to transfer so that interruption of services
will be at the minimum. b. Replacement structure (e.g., canals) should be constructed prior to the
demolition/removal of the existing structure. c. coordinate with utility companies and local officials d. inform affected parties in advance if there will be interruption of services
2. Noise
a. For receptors such as schools, places of worship and medical facilities,
provide prior notification to the community on schedule of construction activities.
b. Vehicles and equipment will be fitted with emission controls and silencers to meet Lao noise standard, will be well-maintained and will be checked by the contractor every day to ensure compliance.
c. Only vehicles and equipment that are registered and have necessary permits will be used for the Project.
d. Whenever possible, completely enclose noisy equipment which can significantly reduce noise levels.
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e. Position any stationary equipment that produce high noise levels (e.g., portable diesel generators, compressors, etc.) as far as is practical from sensitive receptors.
f. As much as possible, noisy construction activities will be limited to daytime when within 200 m of a settlement. Otherwise, prior notification and consultation shall be made with affected people and local officials, and suitable noise attenuation measures shall be implemented.
g. When necessary, suitable noise control barriers (e.g., solid walls, earth barriers, noise-reflective panels) will be used to reduce construction and equipment noise levels to acceptable levels in the vicinity of houses, schools, temples, medical facilities, and other sensitive receptors.
h. During examination periods, noisy construction activities will be avoided near schools. The contractor will closely coordinate with the school administration on construction schedules to ensure that noise from site works will be adequately mitigated so as not to be disruptive during school hours.
i. Avoid noisy construction activities in the vicinity of sensitive receivers (e.g., residential areas) during night time or other sensitive periods (e.g. during school hours in vicinity of schools). Suitable noise reduction measures (e.g., noise barriers or equipment enclosures) shall be installed by the contractor if construction activities will be disruptive during normal school hours and/or during night time in residential areas.
j. Impose speed limits on construction vehicles to minimize noise emission along areas where sensitive receptors are located.
k. To minimize noise and nuisance, construction traffic routes will be defined in cooperation with local communities and traffic police.
l. Asphalt plants, concrete batching plants and crushing plant shall be located at least 500 meters away from inhabited areas and other sensitive
3. Air quality (dust and gaseous emissions)
a. Ensure that vehicles and equipment are well maintained and in good condition prior to mobilization.
b. Ensure that asphalt plants, quarries, borrow areas, concrete batching plants, casting yard and other facilities to be used for the Project are duly licensed and have all the necessary environmental approvals.
c. All construction vehicles and equipment shall be tested for compliance with the relevant emission standard and shall be properly licensed.
d. All vehicles, while parked on the site, will be required to have their engines turned off.
e. All equipment and machinery on the site will be regularly maintained and will be repaired as necessary to ensure compliance with safety and emission standards.
f. Undertake water spraying on roads, work areas and other construction-related facilities near sensitive receptors (houses, schools, medical facilities, temples, market place, shops, etc.) to minimize dust emission caused by the Project. Install dust barriers as necessary.
g. For storage areas of construction materials such as sand, gravel, cement, etc., provisions will be made to prevent materials from being blown away towards sensitive receptors.
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h. Tightly cover trucks transporting construction materials (sand, soil, cement, gravel, etc.) to avoid spills and dust emission.
i. Regularly clean roads to remove tracked in mud, cement, etc. from construction works.
j. Stockpiling of spoils near sensitive receptors shall be prohibited. k. Equip asphalt plants, concrete batching plants and crushing plants with dust
suppression devices such as water sprays, dust collectors, covered conveyor, etc.
l. Impose speed limits on construction vehicles to minimize dust emission along areas where sensitive receptors are located.
m. Burning of all types of wastes generated at the construction sites, work camps and other project-related activities shall be strictly prohibited.
n. Areas within the project where there is a regular movement of vehicles shall have an acceptable hard surface and be kept clear of loose surface material.
o. Stockpiles of sand and aggregate greater than 20 m3 for use in concrete mixing shall be enclosed on three sides, with walls extending above the pile and two meters beyond the front of the piles. Water sprays shall be used during the delivery and handling of all raw sand and aggregate, and other similar materials, when dust is likely to be created and to dampen all stored materials during dry and windy weather to avoid impacts to sensitive receptors.
p. Cement and other fine-grained materials delivered in bulk shall be stored in closed containers.
q. Conveyor belts shall be fitted with wind-boards, and conveyor transfer points and hopper discharge areas shall be enclosed to minimize dust emission
r. Weigh hoppers shall be vented to a suitable filter. s. Wheel washers shall be provided in active construction sites so that
haul/delivery trucks can be cleaned of mud and dirt as they exit the work area.
t. Smoke belching vehicles and equipment shall not be used for the project. 4. Vibration
a. Whenever possible, reroute fully loaded trucks away from roads that go
through heavily built areas. b. Operate heavy equipment away from vibration sensitive areas.
c. Avoid simultaneous activities like demolition, ground impacting activities and
earthmoving since vibration is considerably less if these activities do not occur at the same time.
d. Use alternative equipment if conditions allow. e. Avoid use of vibrating rollers near vibration sensitive structures.
5. Erosion and Sedimentation 114. The Project will involve only minimal excavation, since it is a 9km roadway improvement
project and involves the construction of only a limited number of new road segments or realignments. Therefore, it is not anticipated that the Project will cause major erosion and silt runoff. However, during the construction phase, there might be some erosion and silt runoff stemming from construction activities, and these will be mitigated by the following measures:
115. Avoid constructing detours in areas with steep slopes. Minimize major earthworks during the rainy season, to the extent feasible. At the end of the construction phase, re-vegetate cut
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slopes where ever is feasible. Catch and retain material moving over the surface. Amour the surface against the erosion and abrasion by intercepting raindrops. Support the slope by propping from the base Reinforce the soil profile by increasing its shear resistance.
116. Drain the soil profile by drawing water out through the roots and releasing it to the air by transpiration. Facilitate infiltration of water through the soil profile, thereby reducing the proportion of water flowing over the soil surface. Grasses can effectively limit surface erosion. Shape the slope surface for maximum seedling survivability. Choose the right varieties, according to the soil type, climate, ease of maintenance, and desired engineering function. Local varieties are always preferable. Right season should be preferred for planting the saplings. Intercepting ditches at the tops and bottoms of slopes. Gutters and spillways are used to control the flow of water down a slope, Terraced or stepped slopes to reduce the steepness of a slope. A bream is level section between slope faces. Riprap, or rock material embedded in a slope face, sometimes combined with planting
117. Retaining structures such as gabions, cribs, or other types of wooden barricades and grid work, usually battered back against the slope. Reinforced earth embankment walls built up as the earth fill is placed, with anchors compacted in to the fill material. Geo textiles, generally more expensive options with specific applications. These are some of the engineering options and other options which can be adopted based on the site condition for erosion control. The Proposed Project design includes a number of measures to address potential erosion and sedimentation impacts, including the use of drainage facilities, sedimentation basins, slope stabilization and monitoring/maintenance. Implementation of additional standard erosion and sedimentation control measures include: Providing enhanced erosion and sediment control measures for construction at local
waterways, including bridge and other drainage crossing structures. Specific
measures may include the use of temporary coffer dams and related facilities to
redirect flows around construction areas, and the use of silt curtains and
erosion/sediment control devices (e.g., silt fences and fiber rolls) to minimize the influx
of sediment into surface waters, especially for locations with severe erosion risk (15-20
ton/rai/yr.) and extremely severe (>20 ton/rai/yr.).
Restricting grading during the rainy season to the maximum extent feasible,
particularly in areas of steep topography and/or adjacent to water courses. Using
phased grading schedules to limit the area subject to erosion at any given time to the
maximum extent feasible. Implementing erosion control and stabilizing measures such
as geotextiles, mats, fiber rolls, chemical soil binders, or temporary landscaping in
disturbed areas and on graded slopes.
Using sediment controls to protect the site perimeter and prevent off-site sediment
transport, including measures such as temporary inlet filters, silt fences, fiber rolls,
gravel bags, check dams, street sweeping, energy dissipators, stabilized construction
access points/sediment stockpiles, and use of properly fitted covers for sediment
transport vehicles.
Preparing and implementing enhanced erosion and sediment control plan during the
rainy season, including measures such as providing appropriate training2 for personnel
responsible for erosion and sediment control; storage of erosion/sediment control
devices on-site to provide ready access; conducting appropriate monitoring and
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maintenance efforts1 (e.g., after storm events) to ensure proper function and efficiency
of erosion and sediment control efforts; and implementing remedial measures as
necessary.
6. Spoil and Construction Waste Disposal Plan
118. Construction project generate solid waste and it will be in enormous amounts. It should be properly disposed off at the identified locations. The waste is generated from the construction activities and from the construction camps should be systematically disposed off. Some of the measures are as follows: A waste disposal site should be away from human settlement, because of incidence of
health hazards. Generally barren lands are preferable for this purpose. A disposal site should be away from water streams. The place should be away from any archaeological and historical monuments It should
be easily accessible from the main highway. A preliminary environmental and social study will help in taking proper precautionary
measures for selecting a location for waste disposal. No dumping on private property is carried out without written consent of the owner. No dumping should be allowed on wetlands, forest areas, and other ecologically
sensitive areas. The truck used should be spill proof as they move through settlements. There should be direction showing boards to the disposal site. All the workers working at the disposal yard should be provided with safety attire. The waste carrying trucks should be properly covered by tarpaulin. The worker working at this area should be given proper training regarding the health
hazards associated with the work.
7. Spoils Disposal
a. Immediate transport of spoils to disposal sites approved by local authorities. b. Temporary spoils stock pile near rice paddies or aquaculture ponds shall
have bund or silt fence around it. c. Temporary spoils stockpiles that are planned to be held in place or stored
longer than six months shall be sodded. d. Height of spoils stockpile shall be limited to minimize windblown dust.
8. Soil and Groundwater Contamination
a. Provide maintenance shops, fuel and oil depot with impermeable flooring
with sump where wash water and sludge can be collected for proper disposal.
b. Refueling and servicing of equipment should only be carried out in specified areas adequately equipped to avoid leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and water resources.
c. Only minimal chemicals, hazardous substances and fuel will be stored on site, within an enclosed and covered secure area that has an impervious floor and impervious bund around it (with capacity at least 120% of the total capacity of the tank/s). The storage area will be located away from water-courses, flood-prone areas, work camps, and danger areas.
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d. Oil stained refuse such as oily rags, spent oil filters and used oil should be collected and disposed of through recyclers / authorized waste handlers and disposal in authorized waste facilities.
e. Ensure availability of spill clean-up materials (e.g., absorbent pads, etc.) specifically designed for petroleum products and other
f. Hazardous substances where such materials are being stored and used. If
spills or leaks do occur, undertake immediate clean up. g. Train relevant construction personnel in handling of fuels/hazardous
substances and spill control procedures. h. Ensure all storage containers are in good condition with proper labeling. i. Regularly check containers for leakage and undertake necessary repair or
replacement. j. Store hazardous materials above flood level. k. Equipment maintenance areas and fuel storage areas shall be provided with
drainage leading to an oil-water separator that will be regularly skimmed of oil and maintained to ensure efficiency.
l. Discharge of oil contaminated water into the environment shall be prohibited. m. Store waste oil, used lubricant and other hazardous wastes in tightly sealed
containers to avoid contamination of soil and water resources. Transport and off-site disposal of such wastes shall comply with applicable laws and regulations.
n. Restoration of temporary work sites shall include removal and treatment or proper disposal of oil contaminated soils.
9. Water Availability
a. The contractor shall provide temporary canals/irrigation channels to prevent
disruption of water supply requirements to farmlands.
10. Solid Waste
a. Provide garbage bins and facilities within the project site for temporary
storage of construction waste and domestic solid waste. b. Separate solid waste into hazardous, non-hazardous and reusable waste
streams and store temporarily on site in secure facilities with weatherproof flooring and roofing, security fencing and access control and drainage/wastewater collection systems.
c. Ensure that wastes are not haphazardly dumped within the project site and adjacent areas.
d. Undertake regular collection and disposal of wastes (by contractor or authorized third-party) to sites approved by local authorities.
e. Prohibit dumping of wastes into watercourses, agricultural land and surrounding areas.
11. Borrow Pits
a. Borrow areas shall not be located in productive land, forested areas and
near water courses such as rivers, streams, etc.
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b. Topsoil shall be properly removed, stockpiled and preserved for later use during restoration of the site and provision of vegetation cover to minimize erosion.
c. Provide adequate drainage during borrow site operation to avoid accumulation of stagnant water.
d. It is preferable to avoid or reduce the sections of quarry sites located on river bed. If it is not possible to locate quarries out of river beds, quarry sites lying on small rivers and streams shall be avoided.
e. Upon completion of extraction activities, quarry and borrow pits shall be dewatered and fences shall be installed, as appropriate, to minimize health and safety risks.
f. Ensure borrow pits are left in a tidy state with stable side slopes and proper drainage in order to avoid creation of water bodies favorable for mosquito breeding.
g. Restoration and rehabilitation of quarry sites and borrow pits after use.
12. Traffic Management
a. Provide signs advising road users that construction is in progress,
particularly in areas where the Project alignment crosses existing roads and where construction related-facilities are located.
b. Employ flag persons to control traffic when construction equipment is entering or leaving the work area.
c. Post traffic advisory signs (to minimize traffic build-up) in coordination with local authorities
d. Provide sufficient lighting at night within and in the vicinity of construction sites.
e. Regularly monitor traffic conditions along access roads to ensure that project vehicles are not causing congestion.
f. Define and observe schedules for different types of construction traffic trips (e.g., transport of pre-cast sections, haulage of spoils, delivery of construction materials, etc.).
g. As much as possible, schedule delivery of construction materials and equipment as well as transport of spoils during non-peak hours.
h. Implement suitable safety measures to minimize risk of adverse interactions between construction works and traffic flows through provision of temporary signals or flag controls, adequate lighting, fencing, signage and road diversions.
i. Project vehicles shall not be allowed in busy highways during peak hours in the morning and afternoon. This measure shall be among the conditions that shall be included in the traffic management plant that the Contractor shall be required to prepare prior to construction. Traffic management should include among others, strategy for coordination with the provincial traffic management office; alternative routes / traffic diversion routes; alternate routes for project vehicles.
13. Accidental Discovery of Artifacts
a. Contractor shall immediately cease operations on road section where
artifacts/archaeological finds are unearthed and immediately inform the DDIS and CIPM.
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b. CIPM to notify Ministry of Culture and Information (MCI) to obtain advise regarding the next steps
c. Contractor to recommence work only after MCI has provided official notification accordingly
14. Occupational Health and Safety
a. Conduct orientation for construction workers regarding health and safety
measures, emergency response in case of accidents, fire, etc., and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other related diseases
b. Workers at the bridge site shall be provided with life vests/buoyancy devices at all times. Stable footpaths/access with sturdy guardrails to the bridge work sites shall be provided.
c. As part of navigation safety and as applicable, the Contractor should comply
with the waterway traffic safety during construction. Before construction, d. The contractor will be required to prepare a waterway safety plan for
submission and approval by the agencies in charge. e. Provide first aid facilities that are readily accessible by workers. f. Provide fire-fighting equipment at the work areas, as appropriate, and at
construction camps where fire hazards and risks are present. g. Provide adequate drainage in workers camps to avoid water
logging/accumulation of stagnant water and formation of breeding sites for mosquitoes.
h. Provide adequate and clean housing and sanitation facilities for all workers at the workers’/construction camps. Separate sleeping quarters shall be provided for male and female workers.
i. Provide reliable supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing purposes at the workers’ camps.
j. Provide separate hygienic sanitation facilities/toilets and bathing areas with sufficient water supply for male and female workers
k. Ensure that all wastewater emanating from workers camps, construction camps and other project-related activities and facilities are treated consistent with national regulations.
l. Ensure proper collection and disposal of solid wastes within the workers’/construction camps consistent with local regulations.
m. Provide sturdy fencing on all areas of excavation greater than 2 m deep. n. Provide personnel with appropriate safety equipment such as safety boots,
helmets, gloves, protective clothes, breathing mask, goggles, ear protection, etc. and ensure that these are properly worn as required.
o. Ensure reversing signals are installed on all construction vehicles. p. Implement fall prevention and protection measures whenever a worker is
exposed to the hazard of falling more than two meters, falling into operating machinery or through an opening in a work surface. Based on a case-specific basis, fall prevention/protection measures may include installation of guardrails with mid-rails and toe boards at the edge of any fall hazard area, proper use of ladders and scaffolds by trained employees, use of fall prevention devices, including safety belt and lanyard travel limiting devices to prevent
q. Access to fall hazard, fall protection devices such as full body harnesses, etc.
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r. Implement precautions to ensure that objects (e.g., equipment, tool, debris, pre-cast sections, etc.) do not fall onto or hit people, vehicle, and properties in adjoining areas.
15. Public Safety
a. Barriers should be installed to keep pedestrians away from hazardous areas
such as constructions sites and excavation sites. b. Signage should be installed at the periphery of the construction site to warn
and direct traffic and pedestrians. c. Provide security personnel in hazardous areas to restrict public access. d. Strictly impose speed limits on construction vehicles along residential areas
and where other sensitive receptors such as schools, hospitals, and other populated areas are located.
e. Educate drivers on safe driving practices to minimize accidents and to prevent spill of hazardous substances and other construction materials during transport.
f. If necessary, provide safe passageways for pedestrians crossing the construction site.
16. Flora and Fauna
a. Monitoring and marking of vegetation that will be removed agreed with forest
authority prior to commencement of construction. b. Implement replacement or balling of cut trees to compensate for cleared
trees. c. Clearing of trees will be limited to areas that are only necessary based on
the Project design and as approved by the forestry department. d. Prohibit cutting of trees for firewood and for use in Project. e. During replanting/revegetation works, new alien plant species (i.e., species
not currently established in the country or region of the project) shall not be used unless carried out with the existing regulatory framework for such introduction. Invasive species shall not be introduced into new environments.
f. Prohibit workers from hunting wild animals. g. As much as possible, bridge works will be scheduled in dry season to
minimize adverse impacts to fishery, river water quality and other aquatic resources.
h. Contractors shall not buy or use wood from illegal sources (that come from the illegal logging)
i. No construction camps, asphalt mixing plants, material storage sites and other construction facilities are to be located in the national park and forest areas.
j. Contractors will take all precautions necessary to ensure that damage to vegetation is avoided due to fires resulting from execution of the works. The Contractors will immediately suppress the fire, if it occurs, and shall undertake replanting to replace damaged vegetation.
17. Contractor’s Worker Camps facilities
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119. Environmental monitoring will cover (i) compliance monitoring, to ensure that mitigation specified in the EMP is carried out to an adequate standard, (ii) community feedback to obtain views and information on relevant environmental parameters and (iii) water quality testing. Water quality testing is necessary to detect any deterioration of water quality and it is inevitable that some scheme users will use the water in the river source as a supplementary source of domestic water supply, to ensure that it is not dangerous for that purpose. Testing against drinking water quality standards is therefore not warranted. In order to determine the safety of the water, it should be tested for levels of coliform bacteria, chemical and biological oxygen demand. The following parameters and limits are recommended:
Parameters Maximum Value
Ph 5.5 - 9
Faecal Coliforms <1,000 per 100 ml
Biological Oxygen Demand (20oC) <25 mg/l
Chemical Oxygen Demand <35 mg/l
Samples should be taken prior to, during and after construction and taken to an appropriate laboratory for analysis. 120. The contractors will adopt good management practices to ensure that fuels and
chemicals, raw sewage, wastewater effluent, and construction debris/scarified material is disposed of in controlled conditions to reduce the risk of contamination. The proposed measures include:
(i) Worker camp location and facilities located >500m from residential or river or
stream courses and agreed with local authorities concerns and facilities approved by Resident engineer and PMU to minimize impacts.
(ii) Workers camps will be established in areas with adequate natural drainage channels in order to facilitate flow of the treated effluents.
(iii) Hire and train all workers residing in the camp and educate the work force about HIV/AIDS and launch awareness campaign among the work force.
(iv) Portable lavatories (or at least pit latrines in remote areas) shall be installed and open defecation shall be discouraged and use of lavatories encouraged by cleaning lavatories daily and by keeping lavatory facilities clean at all times.
(v) Wastewater effluent from contractors’ workshops and equipment washing yards will be passed through gravel/s and beds and all oil/grease contaminants will be removed before discharging it into natural streams. Oil and grease residues shall be stored in drums awaiting disposal in line with the agreed Waste Management Plan.
(vi) Predictable wastewater effluent discharges from construction works shall have the necessary permits from DoNRE and local authorities before the works Commence
(vii) Borrow pits and natural depressions with pre-laid impervious liners will be used to dispose of scarified/scraped asphalt, and then covered with soil. This wills check potential groundwater contamination. Options for completely or partially recycling scraped scarified materials will also be taken into account. Food shall
(viii) Wastewater generated from the each camp consists of wastewater from office building, staff houses, the maintenance workshop and washing plant. They are accounted for 80% of total water consumption. Wastewater is divided into 2 types
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namely wastewater from activities of staff in office building and staff houses, and wastewater from maintenance and washing plant.
(ix) The total wastewater volume is approximately 40x0.25 x0.80 = 8 cu.m/d. The estimation is based on total number of staff in these areas not more than 20 persons and water consumption rate of 200 lpcd. (Guideline Preparation of Public health for Housing, Community Service Wastewater from maintenance shop varies at all-time depends on the intense of activities. The construction camp should have three or four toilet rooms that proper for 30 persons.
(x) The estimation is based on toilet use rate of 30 persons per unit (The Ministry of the Interior of Lao announced for labor protection and welfare, 2008). The wastewater treatment units for toilet in both camps are the septic tank-seepage pit.
(xi) Wastewater is collected and diverted directly to the on-site treatment plant(Oxidation pond) while wastewater from the canteen and the maintenance workshop and washing plant are collected and passed through oil interceptors to separate grease and oil before flowing into earth drain of 30x30 cm along the both camps perimeter.
(xii) Oil and grease will be removed from interceptor regularly. Oil and grease from canteen wastewater will be collected and disposal by special contractor. Aside from the oil and grease separator no other equipment/process are included to treat wastewater from workshop and washing plant while wastewater from canteen after passing oil and grease separator will flow to septic tank and seepage pit for further treatment.
(xiii) Provide maintenance shop, fuel and oil depot, where wash water and sludge can be collected for proper disposal. Refueling and servicing of equipment should only specified area, to avoid leakage and spills Only minimal chemical, hazardous substances and fuel will be stored on site.
(xiv) The storage will be located away from water courses, flood-prone areas. Ensure availability of spills clean-up materials, if spills or leaked do occur, undertake immediately clean-up. Regularly check container for leakage and undertake necessary repair or replacement Store hazardous material above flood level.
(xv) Equipment maintenance areas and fuel storage shall be provided with drainage leading, oil, greases and fuel will be regularly skimmed of oil to ensure efficiency Discharge of oil contamination water into the environment shall be prohibited. Store waste oil, used lubricant and other hazardous waste shall comply with National law or regulations. Restoration of temporary work site shall include removal and treatment or proper disposal of oils contaminated soils
18. Reaction, Fire, and Explosion Prevention
121. Reactive, flammable, and explosive materials should also be managed to avoid ` uncontrolled reactions or conditions resulting in fire or explosion. Recommended ` prevention practices include:
Storage of incompatible materials (acids, bases, flammables, oxidizers,
reactive chemicals) in separate areas, and with containment facilities
separating material storage areas.
Provision of material-specific storage for extremely hazardous or reactive
materials.
Use of flame arresting devices on vents from flammable storage containers.
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Provision of grounding and lightning protection for tank farms, transfer stations,
and other equipment that handles flammable materials.
Selection of materials of construction compatible with products stored for all
parts of storage and delivery systems, and avoiding reuse of tanks for different
products without checking material compatibility.
Storage of hazardous materials in an area of the facility separated from the
main production works. Where proximity is unavoidable, physical separation
should be provided using structures designed to prevent fire, explosion, spill,
and other emergency situations from affecting facility operations.
19. Hazardous Waste Management
122. Hazardous wastes should always be segregated from nonhazardous wastes. If generation of hazardous waste cannot be prevented through the implementation of the above general waste management practices, its management should focus on the prevention of harm to health, safety, and the environment, according to the following additional principles:
Understanding potential impacts and risks associated with the management of
any generated hazardous waste during its complete life cycle.
Ensuring that contractors handling, treating, and disposing of hazardous waste
are reputable and legitimate enterprises, licensed by the relevant regulatory
agencies and following good international industry practice for the waste being
handled.
Ensuring compliance with applicable local and international regulations.
20. Water Quality
123. Drinking water sources, whether public or private, should at all times be protected so that they meet or exceed applicable national acceptability standards or in their absence the current edition of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. Air emissions, wastewater effluents, oil and hazardous materials, and wastes should be managed according to the guidance provided in the respective sections of the General EHS Guidelines with the objective of protecting soil and water resources. Where the project includes the delivery of water to the community or to users of facility infrastructure (such as hotel hosts and hospital patients), where water may be used for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathing, water quality should comply with national acceptability standards or in their absence the current edition of with WHO Drinking Water Guidelines. Water quality for more sensitive well-being-related demands such as water used in health care facilities or food production may require more stringent, industry-specific guidelines or standards, as applicable. Any dependency factors associated with the delivery of water to the local community should be planned for and managed to ensure the sustainability of the water supply by involving the community in its management to minimize the dependency in the long-term.
21. Life and Fire Safety (L&FS)
124. Fire prevention addresses the identification of fire risks and ignition sources, and measures needed to limit fast fire and smoke development. These issues include:
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Fuel load and control of combustibles
Ignition sources
Interior finish flame spread characteristics
Interior finish smoke production characteristics
Human acts, and housekeeping and maintenance
22. Emergency Response Plan
125. An Emergency Response Plan is a set of scenario–based procedures to assist staff and emergency response teams during real life emergency and training exercises. This chapter of the Fire and Life Safety Master Plan should include an assessment of local fire prevention and suppression capabilities.
23. Drainage /water quality
126. Implementation of measures to control/contain contaminant discharge, including efforts such as:
• Restricting paving operations during wet weather and using sediment control devices downstream of paving activities. Properly containing and disposing of paving wastes and slurry (e.g., by use of properly designed and contained concrete washout areas).
• Minimizing the amount of hazardous materials used and stored on-site, and restricting storage/use locations to areas at least 30 m from storm drains and surface waters.
• Using raised (e.g., on pallets), covered, and/or enclosed storage facilities for all hazardous materials. Using mobile fueling/maintenance units for construction equipment whenever feasible to avoid/reduce on-site fuel/lubricant storage.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date written inventories and labels for all stored hazardous materials. Using berms, ditches, and/or impervious liners (or other applicable methods) in material storage and vehicle/equipment maintenance and fueling areas to provide containment and prevent discharge in the event of a spill, and restricting these uses to areas at least 30 m from storm drains and surface waters. Placing warning signs in areas of hazardous material use or storage and along drainages and storm drains (or other appropriate locations) to avoid inadvertent hazardous material disposal.
• Properly maintaining all construction equipment and vehicles. Implementing solid and septic system waste management efforts, such as proper location, containment and disposal of construction debris and construction worker camp trash (e.g., use of watertight dumpsters and weekly trash collection/removal), and appropriate location (at least 30 m from drainage courses or other sensitive areas) and containment of portable septic systems facilities and operations to ensure proper working order.
24. Archaeological and cultural artifacts. 127. Lao PDR has a rich archaeological heritage and although no major archaeological site is
known near the Project road the area is small scale area. Therefore the contractor will take the following precautions to avoid disturbance of any as yet undiscovered archaeologically valuable artifacts.
i) Site agents will be instructed to keep a watching brief for relics in excavations.
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ii) Should any potential items be located, the project Supervision Consultant (PSC) will immediately be contacted and work will be temporarily stopped in that area.
iii) If the PSC determines that the item is of potential significance, an officer from the Department and Information and Culture (DIC) will be invited to inspect the site and work will be stopped to allow time for inspection.
iv) Until DIC has responded to this invitation work will not re-commence in this ocation until agreement has been reached between DIC and PMU/MPWT as to any required mitigation measures, which may include structured excavation.
Procedures for Grievance/Complaints and Redress Mechanism 128. The Grievances/Complaints can be made in relation to the design, the implementation
and the maintenance of the project activities including the misuse of funds, resettlement and environmental issues. The procedures for Grievance/Complaints and Redress Mechanism as below described:
Stage 1: 129. The Grievance/Complaints can be made by an individual household or as a community
depending on the type of complaint that they are facing. First the complainant must go to meet the village chief to explain their problem. The Village Head will then review the complaint and either redress it at village level or refer to a higher authority if a solution cannot be found. The Village Chief will provide and assist to fill in the Project. Complaint Register Form by clearly statement or describing the causes of the problems and possible/preferable settlement of the problems. The results of the settlement will be put in writing and signed by both parties.
Stage 2: 130. After completing the Project Complaint Register Form one copy will be filed at Village
Chief Office, one copy for the individual complainant or representative of the complainants and each will be submitted to the District Task Force and Project Management Unit. Within 15 working days after receiving the official complaint, the District Task Force, Village Chief and the project management unit and including the related field of specialist, will visit the complainant at his village to find out the cause of problems and agree up on the solution. This solution will be signed by all concerned parties.
Stage 3: 131. In case the complainant is dissatisfied with the District Task Force and Project
Management Unit in settling the complaints/grievance, the Official Complaint will be Submitted to Provincial Task Force and the DoF Task Force to settle the complaint within 10 Working days. This solution will be signed by all concerned parties.
Stage 4: 132. In case of the final settlement or solution of Grievance/Complaint is not Acceptable to
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the dissatisfied complainant, the next step, will be submitted to the People’s Court at each level. This implies that as this is now a judicial matter the Applicable Lao PDR Laws will be applied. However, at this stage, the responsibility will be with the courts and not with the Project Management Unit, District and Provincial task Force
Grievance/Complaints will not be taken into consideration 133. The following Grievance/Complaints will not be included for considerations:
(i) The Grievance/Complaint is not related to project’s activities. (ii) The Grievance/Complaint is related to policy matters like, the mobilization of project
fund from varies Donors including the counterpart fund and (iii) The Grievance/ Complaints are related to individual personal information or conflict.
If the complainant is unidentified.
a. Local roads that will be used by the project shall be upgraded prior to use and shall be
repaired and fully restored at the end of the project. b. The contractor shall immediately repair any damage caused by the Project to properties
(houses, farmlands, aquaculture ponds, irrigation canals, etc.), community facilities such as water supply, power supply, communication facilities and the like.
c. Access roads damaged during transport of construction materials and other construction-related activities shall be repaired and maintained to ensure that these remain in passable condition to motorists and pedestrian.
C Operational Phase 134. It is assumed for purposes of this IEE that during the operational phase of the Project
the executing agency (EA) will be MPWT and the implementing agency will be the Department of Roads.
135. The improvement of the hard shoulders on the Project roads and the introduction of the DBST surfaced rural roads can be expected to reduce traffic noise generated from the road surface and air pollution from dust. The improvement of the Project roads will be within the existing corridor keeping vehicles away from sensitive receivers and at this stage it is difficult to see that any residences or commercial premises or schools will still be close enough to the Project roads to be affected by noise and dust so as to exceed the assessment criteria
a) Noise
136. Noise from vehicles is not a concern in the areas around the Project road of 9km at Present as traffic is confined to occasional vehicles. There is no criterion for road traffic noise in Lao PDR . The Lao noise ambient standard of Leq 45dB (A) for residential areas, hospital, schools Leq 45dB and commercial service of Leq 50dB .The criterion of Leq45dB(A)1hour can be used for nighttime. However there is a general presumption that there will be no night time working except in exceptional circumstances.
b) gaseous Emissions
137. Vehicle emissions (gaseous) as indicated concentration of oxides of nitrogen will be the Main air pollution sources during operation. There will be few other sources of emissions near the Project roads other than from domestic fuel burning. Sensitive
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receivers are set far enough back from the Project roads to allow adequate dispersion that there will be no significant impacts at the sensitive receivers.
c) Particle Emissions
138. Vehicle emissions (particulate contamination) such as dust and fumes will also be air
pollution sources during operation however toxic residues from vehicle emissions near the Project roads are unlikely to accumulate or create significant impacts under the local conditions. Dust from the existing road will be reduced due to the better bitumen surface for the new road. Therefore the project is believed to be sustainable in terms of gaseous and particulate emissions and no operational mitigation measures are required
d) Soil Erosion
139. Soil erosion will be prevented by developing a comprehensive suite of engineering
Controls in the detailed designs to prevent and maintain erosion. A system will be devised and engineered to control erosion and flooding on either side of the embankments in case of heavy rains. This would otherwise cause natural streams and irrigation channels to become silted. Measures will also be taken during the operational phase to ensure that storm drains and highway drainage systems are periodically cleared to maintain clear drainage to allow rapid dispersal of storm water flow. An adequate system of monitoring, reporting and maintenance will be developed in the detailed design stage.
e) Water Resources
140. Experience suggests that the population of Houaphan may persist with complaints
about the contractor. Therefore provision is included to monitor water quality impacts after the completion of construction and into the maintenance phase if necessary in order to quantify if complaints about water impacts from the road are justified and if there have been significant impacts on water resources based on the criteria in the National Environmental Standards 2010. These standards will be referred to for water quality monitoring of all the Project roads.
f) Driving Conditions and Community Safety
141. The rehabilitation and widening of the Project roads is likely to increase the vehicle
Speeds. Increases in traffic flow indicate additional future traffic should be moderate and unlikely to create many community safety issues. The improvements to the Project roads will be monitored and the road safety authority will be included to monitor in the operational phase and conduct awareness campaigns. Overall the condition of the road facilities will be enhanced and driving conditions should improve. Routine safety measures, signage and road markings will be improved to reduce driving risk further in accident prone areas and provide enhancements to driving conditions near the Project road.
VIII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION 142. Public consultation was held on Viengxay conference room from 11 July 2017
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Viengxay District. It was chaired by Mr. E n g s o n e N a m m a n i n i n Governor of Viengxay Dstrict. Detail of the public consultation, including Project Information, Comments and Recommendations from participants, Attendance Sheet and Photo-documentation are attached as Appendix 1 .
143. The attendees of the public consultation were composed of representatives from t h e D i s t r i c t G o v e r n o r , c o n c e r n e d l o c a l government agencies of Viengxay district, village leaders, and affected households along the projects‟
144. The V ieng xay G over no r officially initiated the public consultation and welcomed the participants to the consultation activities. The objective was to introduce the road cons t ruc t ion o f add i t i ona l r oad 9k m project. The background information and description of the Project impacts and benefits to be generated were presented and discussed. The participants were also informed of the compliance of the project to the environmental and safeguards policy of the ADB as well as to the IEE procedures and requirements for the approval of the Project IEE Report and send it to ADB approval. Other topics mentioned and clarified during the consultation included:
a) grievance redress mechanism;
b) Roles and responsibilities of concerned government agencies for
Implementation of mitigating measures and monitoring activities; and c) Community participation during implementation of the project. The participants were
also informed that future public consultations will be held for the detailed design and implementation of the project.
The main activities of the public consultation were:
Disseminating information with project information ; Discussing the opinions, perceptions, and suggestions of the project- affected
villagers; Clarifying loss of their land for sub-project implementation; identifying issues related to project environmental impacts on the community; identifying levels and scope of community participation in project
implementation; and .Understanding of the overall goals and benefits of the project
145. The participants were encouraged to give or raise their comments, issues,
clarifications and suggestions about the proposed road improvement works, road design and implementation. A synthesis of the comments, issues, clarifications and suggestions of the participants are provided below. See Appendix-1
146. The Director of PWT office of Viengxay district stated that the project will improve local economic conditions by facilitating transport of agricultural products from the
district to the Sam Neua City and increasing opportunities for income generation for the villagers. He encouraged all villages living adjacent to the road for support and assistance to the project, and to help resolve issues arising from potential negative impacts during project implementation. He also encouraged the conduct of educational awareness to all villages to ensure understanding of the project.
147. Representatives of Environment Unit office of Viengxay district expressed appreciation of donor support and assistance, and acknowledged that the project will bring more opportunities to the local people in terms of safer and faster transportation. Some Concerns and recommended actions were raised such as: a) installation of safety measures, e.g. guard rails on all sharp curves, to avoid accidents; b) installation of proper drainage system in the central town of Viengxay
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district to avoid flooding and stagnant waters 148. Representatives of concerned Local Government Agencies expressed support for the
road construction project and acknowledged its importance in improving the transportation network connection and in contributing to economic growth in the region. The project will bring more opportunities for trade between local communities and neighboring countries.
149. Representative of women Un i t o f f ice of V iengxay d is t r ic t expressed appreciation of the project of the Lao Government and ADB support in upgrading this road as the project will facilitate transportation, access to market and lower the costs of bringing local products, esp. domestic product and other vegetable products, to the Central market.
150. Village Chiefs and Representatives of the Villages acknowledged that the project will spur economic development in the region. They expressed hopes that the road improvement will lead to poverty reduction, food security, income generation opportunities, access to market and medical care, and other secondary benefits such as electricity, water supply, irrigation, support for non-formal education and other improvements in quality of life. They also recognized potential income that can be generated from increased tourism. They encouraged the conduct of information education and communication to all village members to ensure awareness and understanding of the project objectives and activities, and speedy resolution of issues on loss of land or other properties associated with the project.
151. The following suggestions/recommendations raised by the participants during the
Public consultation were considered and are added into the proposed mitigations and monitoring plan of NR 6-1:
Improvement of drainage system to prevent water ponding and flooding;
Control of land slide, erosion and deposition along the road by constructing retaining walls or gabions; and,
Installation of traffic safety measures such as barricades or guard rails, and road widening in sharp curves.
152. In line with ADB‟s Public Communications Policy, relevant information (whether positive or negative) about social and environmental safeguard issues will be made available in a timely manner, in an accessible place, and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected people and to other stakeholders, including the general public, so they can provide meaningful inputs into project design and implementation. M P W T w e b s i t e . w w w . m p w t . g o v . l a
153. The Initial Environmental Examination Report and the Environmental
Management Plan (EMP); and Public consultation/meeting report and the Environmental Monitoring Reports submitted during project implementation upon receipt.
IX. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
154. Prior to commencement of site maintenance works or other project activities, the
P r o j e c t Manager and the Contractor will institute a system that will allow for receiving/recording and immediately responding to any project-related complaints. The field office of the Contractor shall serve as the office to receive the complaints of the project-affected person or group of persons and the members of the communities along
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the project road maintenance. At road maintenance sites, the Contractor will install notice boards to publicize the name and telephone numbers of the Contractor.
155. The Contractor, in coordination with the environmental officer, will record and document
all the complaints received by the Contractor’s field office. The Contractor and the environmental officer shall immediately process and resolve the complaints, disputes or questions received about the road maintenance. Any individual, household or organization can lodge a complaint against the Contractor if her/his or their properties/life/ business/health are compromised or damaged by the maintenance activities. The existence of the Contractor’s field office shall not impede the complainant’s access to the Government’s judicial or administrative remedies. Resolution of issues under the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) shall consist of the following steps:
Table 5: Step for Grievance Redress Mechanism
Grievance Resolution Step Process
Receiving a Complaint A complaint may be made verbally or in written form and shall be filed in
the field office of the Contractor. A grievance letter can also be sent to the
DPWT office with a copy to the local government units. If the complainant
does not know how to send a grievance letter, the assistance of third-
parties, such as media or local government officials, can be tapped to
send this letter to the contractor and/or to the DPWT.
Receive and Register a Complaint Once a complaint has been received, it is registered by the DPWT with local officials and all concerned parties notified properly. Within a maximum 5 calendar days a reply in written form from the DPWT or contractor will be sent back to the complainant with a copy to the local officials.
Screen for Eligibility and Assess the
Complaint
DPWT officer, in close coordination with Contractor, should determine if
the complaint is attributable to the Project and if it is within the scope of
the Grievance Redress Mechanism. It then identifies who will conduct the
assessment of the problem. This may include technical officers from the
Project team or its consultants and contractors.
Assess the Problem Caused by the
Project maintenance activities
In case the complaint is related to the Project activities, representatives
of the DPWT and the chosen assessment unit will visit the complainant
and the site where a problem is reported. The assessment should be
implemented with participation of the complainant and witnesses, such as
local officials and the results of the assessment should be agreed upon
and signed by the complainant, representatives of project
owner/contractor, DPWT, assessment unit and local officials. If one side
is not satisfied with the assessment results, they can propose another
method or another assessment unit to re-assess the impacts until the
assessment satisfies both sides.
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Select Grievance Resolution
Approaches
Resolution of the grievance may be approached several ways. Some common approaches are as follows:
a. The complainant proposes a solution, based on their self-evaluation of their impact or damages;
b. The project owner/contractor proposes a solution, based on the legal regulation and their assessment of the damages;
c. The complainant and project owner/contractor negotiate; or
d. The two sides defer to a third party (local mediating committee), government agencies with the participation of environmental management units. In case resolution is not achieved by these bodies, both sides may request a court to decide.
Compensate Damages Caused by the Project Activities and Communicate Back to All Parties Involved
After arriving at an agreement, the contractor will immediately compensate the complainant, if appropriate. The compensation may be in money and/or in kind (for example land, construction materials, house, etc.) depending on the agreement between the two sides or by decision of courts. Compensation also includes restoration of the damaged environment caused by the project activities, if the complainant requires.
Closure A documentation of the process is prepared and signed by the complainant, representatives of the project owner/contractor and local
PC and distributed. The process may be monitored by Community officials/organizations.
X. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
156. This section addresses the need for mitigation and management measures for additional road section NR6. Information includes: (i) mitigating measures to be implemented, (ii) required monitoring associated with the mitigating measures, and (iii) institutional arrangement for implementation.
157. To ensure funds will be allocated and made available for the implementation of the EMP, provisions in the bid documents should include the cost of implementing the EMP to be borne by the Contractor. Likewise, the Contractor’s contract document should also contain the bid prices.
(A) Environmental Monitoring 158. The monitoring plan focuses on the three phases of the project implementation
including design/ Construction, phases), a s w e l l a s o n monitoring locations, frequency, method of data collection, and responsible institutions. It a l s o includes the estimated costs. The purpose of the monitoring plan is to determine the effectiveness of the impact mitigations, and to document any unexpected negative environmental impacts of the project.
159. The environmental parameters to monitor the project’s compliance to the environmental regulations and standards of the GoL. These environmental standards and parameters are prescribed in the National Environmental Standards Order No.2734/PMO.W REA (2009).Environmental data for noise, air and water quality will be complied by the project at the required location. The collected data will be compared with the baseline data and with Lao National Environmental Standard., and shall be monitored
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by the DoNRE, Environmental Officer of the DPWT and representatives from the local villagers.
(B) Reporting 160. The monitoring plan spans the project cycle from design/pre-implementation,
maintenance works and operational phases of the projects. The EA will be in charge of project and shall oversee the implementation of the monitoring plans by the provincial PWTs with support provided by the project/construction supervision consultant.
161. The project construction supervision consultant is responsible for preparing and
submission of the quarterly reports on the evaluation and results of the monitoring activities to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Department of Roads (DoR) will provide cover letter for submission to ADB. The quarterly reports will include compiled monthly reports submitted by the contractors, and environment specialists.
162. Water quality testing is necessary to detect any deterioration of water quality and it is inevitable that some scheme users will use the water in the irrigation system as a supplementary source of domestic water supply, to ensure that it is not dangerous for that purpose. Testing against drinking water quality standards is therefore not warranted. In order to determine the safety of the water, it should be tested for levels of coliform bacteria, chemical and biological oxygen demand. The following parameters and limits are recommended:
Table 6: Ambient Surface Water Quality Parameters and Standards
Parameters
Units
Standard Value1
Lao PDR
CA – Annex C
Standard2
pH 5-9 Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 6.0 >6.0 - BOD5 mg/l 1.5 1.5 -
Total coliform bacteria MPN/ml 5,000 5,000 -
Total faecal coliform
MPN/ml
1,000 1,000 -
Source: Updated Environmental Impact Assessment for Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project May, 2014
Table 7 presents the noise standards for different type of areas with the required standard values and time duration for each area. Noise emission and ambient noise levels shall be in compliance with the Lao National Environmental Standard for noise
Table.7. Noise Standards in Lao PDR
Type of Area Time & Standard Value in
dB(A)1
WHO Guideline2
in
dB(A) 6:00-18:00
18:00-
22:00
22:00-
6:00
Indoor
Outdoor
Quiet Areas:
Hospitals, treatment places and schools
50 45 40 #1-35 55
Residential Areas: Hotels and Houses 55 55 45 30-35 45
Commercial & Service Areas 70 70 50 70-85 70-85
Small Industrial located in residential areas 70 70 50 70 70
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SOURCE: Updated Environmental Impact Assessment for investment Project May, 2014
dB (A) 1
Lao PDR noise standards
Table.8 presents air quality standards and the parameters to monitor. Air emission and ambient air levels shall be in compliance with the Lao PDR’s National Environmental Standard (2009) for ambient air quality. Table 8 Air Quality Parameters and Standards
Parameters/ Symbol Average Time Unit1 (hr.)
1 hr. 8 hr. 24 hr.
Carbon monoxide / CO 30 10.26 -
Nitrogen dioxide / NO2 0.32 - -
Sulphur dioxide / SO2 0.78 - 0.30
Total suspended Particulate / TSP
-
-
0.12
Particulate Matter less than 10 microns / PM-10
-
-
0.12
Source: Updated Environmental Impact Assessment for investment Project
163. Currently, the air quality of 9km upgrading road project from junction Hanglong to Viengxay is good. The gaseous pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide from vehicular traffic is well dispersed in the open terrain and with adequate dispersion in the wide streets of the villages and towns. Dust arises as traffic passes over unsealed shoulders of roads. This road condition is a common observation along segments of the proposed road project corridor. The areas near the towns also have potential sources of air pollution mainly from domestic sources. These areas are more polluted due to some significant town development as well as emissions from a few low industrial establishments but these are not yet significant to cause impacts on air quality based on observation.
164. The other source of air pollutant is dust arising from the ground and soil disturbance. Based on observation and as experienced during the environmental assessment, dust concentrations from the shoulders of the road as vehicles pass will be higher within a distance of 10m. However, the level of concentrations is not high enough to significantly obscure the visibility along the road.
A. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
165. At the feasibility stage the primary management framework overseeing the
implementation of the environmental management plan (EMP) will be defined by the: 1) Ministry of Public Works and Transports (MPWT) who is the executing agency (EA) of the subproject; 2) the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport (PDPWT) Houaphan province who will be the implementing agency (IA) of subproject; 3) a project management unit (PMU) formed by the IA who will oversee implementation of the subproject in NR6A and NR6-1 and 4) the project implementation team (PIT) established in Houap han w i l l coordinate project activities at the district level.
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166. A Detailed Design and Supervision Consultant (DDSC) will assist with detailed designs
of the subproject, and will update the EMP to ensure EMP meets the final subproject designs. The ADB is responsible for monitoring to ensure subproject meets the environmental safeguards of the SPS (2009).
1.
The responsibilities of the EA/PMU are summarized below: Overall responsibility for project implementation and coordination of project activities;
2. Supervise the activities of the Project Implementation Teams organized within the
District Authorities;
3. Undertake procurement of goods, works and services including recruitment of
consultants for project management support, capacity development and training,
independent audit and safeguards monitoring;
4. Develop and adapt a project performance management system in monitoring project
activities using indicators and parameters in the design and monitoring framework;
5. Obtain necessary approvals and clearances of environment and resettlement from
MONRE prior to awarding of civil works contracts;
6. Manage separate project financial records and accounts, and prepare financial reports;
7. Supervise the implementation of social and environmental safeguards and including
timely disclosure of safeguards documents;
8. Supervise the implementation of the Consultation and Participation Plan, Gender Action
Plan, and Stakeholder Communication Strategy;
9. Supervise the implementation of the resettlement plans including adequate measures to
mitigate adverse resettlement impacts;
10. Ensure that environment management plans and gender considerations are incorporated in the detailed engineering designs and included in the civil works contracts;
11. Undertake regular quality control inspection of project facilities; Manage the handover of project facilities to agencies responsible for operation and maintenance;
12. Prepare and submit quarterly and annual physical and financial progress reports to the EA; and
13. Undertake monitoring of compliance of social and environmental safeguards.
1.
The responsibilities of the PIT are summarized below: Coordinate the implementation of project activities at the district level;
2. Ensure the implementation of the approved work plans and program of activities;
3. Prepare and submit regular quarterly and annual physical and financial progress reports
to the PMU; 4. Ensure the implementation of social and environmental safeguards and including timely
disclosure of safeguards documents; 5. Ensure the implementation of the Consultation and Participation Plan, Gender Action
Plan, and Stakeholder Communication Strategy; 6. Ensure implementation of resettlement plans including adequate measures to mitigate
adverse resettlement impacts; 7. Coordinate implementation of environmental management plan, and submit regular
monitoring reports to the PMU; 8. Coordinate the updating of the resettlement plans and monitor implementation of
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resettlement activities; and Undertake monitoring of project activities based on the indicators and parameters in the DMF and prepare regular reports to the PMU on project achievements.
XI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
167. The upgrading of 9km road offers a robust option for the enhancement of the existing road network. Several actions are required during the detailed design stage to minimize impacts to acceptable levels. The negative environmental impacts from the rehabilitation will mostly take place during the construction stage. The construction impacts should be very predictable and manageable and with appropriate mitigation few residual impacts are likely. Additional human and financial resources will be required to improve environmental capability and to progress and achieve necessary statutory compliance and environmental clearance certification for the Project works or associated activities that also require environmental assessment and environmental permits under the environmental laws of Lao PDR
168. Whereas the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures during the construction period will be assigned to the contractors, experience suggests that contractors may have little impetus or interest to deal with environmental problems in the absence of performance linked criteria. Therefore, the required environmental mitigation must be clearly described in the contract documents at the bidding stage and environmental performance and the completion of mitigation should be linked to payment milestones in the contracts
169. The construction is restricted to the existing road corridor and as far as can be ascertained at this stage the will be some small areas of land required where there road geometry is improved but these areas will generally be small and there is not likely to be any significant additional land required to complete the construction. However, it is possible that some additional land may be required at the detailed design stage. A resettlement plan and resettlement framework have been prepared to establish policies and procedures for payment of compensation to affected people for lost or damage assets. The scope of land acquisition impacts, where they occur, will be limited to the areas of the road where the geometry needs to be adjusted and in road upgrading of 9km there will be some displacement of housing and affected people will experience small losses of crops, trees, fences or other secondary structures
170. This IEE, including the EMP, will be used as a basis for an environmental compliance program in a regular programme of environmental monitoring and auditing. In addition, any conditions included as part of the environmental compliance from the GOL (MoNRE/DONRE) will also be included as a basis for the environmental monitoring and compliance program. Therefore, continued monitoring of (i) the implementation of mitigation measures, (ii) the implementation of the conditions of environmental compliance and will be carried out and reported at least quarterly as part of the project performance report and bi-annually to ADB
171. The IEE report is prepared based on the preliminary designs for rehabilitation and upgrading proposals along the specified route. At the implementation stage PMU will make arrangements to monitor the schedules of mitigation measures and monitoring programs provided in the IEE report (including Environmental Management Plans and Monitoring Plan). With these measures in place environmental impacts of the Project should be manageable and will not result in any residual impacts which are above accepted
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environmental standards. No further or additional impact assessment is considered necessary at this stag
172. The R a p i d E n v i r o n m e n t A s s e s s m e n t ( REA) Checklist developed by ADB for roads and highways sector was used to categorize the priority road maintenance project under the Lao PDR Road Maintenance Project. The results of the assessments indicate that the project is classified as Category “B” project. Similarly, under the Lao PDR EIA system the project is classified under Category „B‟ project as it is minor and doesn’t create s ignif icant impacts on the environment and society. It therefore requires only an IEE Report with associated management of impacts and a monitoring plan. The road project is classified as Category “B” project and will not be subjected to a full EIA study.
173. The following Institutional arrangement is proposed as a recommendation for the Implementation of the EMP and monitoring plan. The project’s executing agency will be the MPWT and DoR and the DPWTs in Houaphanh will be the implementing agencies. For the overall Management of the project, a National Steering Committee and a Regional Steering Committee will be set up and staff from the MPWT‟s Division of environmental Management under the Public Works Transport Institute (PTI) will be involved in the Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation, together with the Provincial and District offices of DPWT.
174. The Contractor of the road u p g r a d i n g s h a l l have the responsibility to implement the mitigation measures identified in the EMP. The DPWT staff shall have the duty and responsibility to coordinate with the Environmental Inspecting agencies to conduct environmental inspections and with the Provincial DoNRE for compliance monitoring of the Projects. It is concluded that the future Project will feature successful implementation that will generate both direct and indirect benefits for many people and as the project continues, to bring about poverty reduction an important goal of both the Government of the Lao PDR and of the ADB.
List of Appendices
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Appendix-1: Minute of Meeting
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity
Minute of Meeting
Road Upgrading Project of 9km from Viengxay – Junction Houaykhai
On 11 July 2017 at 8:30am conducting public consultation meeting main objectives is discussing about
road upgrading of 9km project which starting from Viengxay district to junction Houaykhai, the meeting
was held in Viengxay conference meeting room, the meeting was chairman by Mr. Engssone
Nammaninon Governor of Viengxay district, the meeting were participated from the consultant of ADB12,
NR6A, and all organization concerns of Viengxai district such as Army division office, electric company in
Viengxay district, Nampapa lao, and related government office in Viengxay district ,in totally of 35, 7
women
Mr. Engsone NAMMANININ governor of Viengxay district express that the public consultation
meeting, this project very useful for all staff in Viengxai district. This project will more benefit of the
commercial exchange. It is important for economic growth in this region especially vegetable product
to the market and easy access to public health and education facilities. The following comment raised
during the consultation meeting is below:
1. All participants agreed with the central government of Lao PDR that this project important for
investment and brings a good infrastructure in this region and hope that the project will be
implementation in timely and strong support and assistance to be achieve soon, and
understanding main objective and goals of the project with length of 9km.
2. All participants agreed that all organization concerns should involve and fully provide facility
appropriate and conduct the educational to villages understanding the objective of the 9km road
improvement project.
3. Propose project coordination of ADB12 set up the resettlement team for investigation site survey
actual affect to peoples and public facility may affect for this project.
4. The public consultation meeting agreed that the project should start construction as soon as
possible, because this road will congratulations anniversary of 50 year Viengxay district coming
soon in earlier next year.
5. Any implementation works and other construction activity should closely coordination with local
Authority concerns. Finally, the Public consultation meeting closed 10:30am
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Chairman recorded by
Aengsone NAMMANININ Mr. Some xay Phatmixay
Viengxay Governor
Signature Signature
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Appendies-2: Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation measures
Appendix-2
Summary of Environmental Impacts and its Mitigation Measures
Activities Environmental impacts Mitigation Measures
Design Stage
Design Erosion and instability of cut faces and borrow pits
1. Design cut slope to minimize instability 2. Use structural stabilization measures such as retaining
walls and gabions. 3. Use adequate design, sitting, and sizes of drainage
structures.
Erosion of Lands below the roadbed receiving concentrated outflow carried out by the drainage structures
1. Site drainage structures so as to avoid a cascade effect and to ensure that runoff is conveyed into natural drainage lines with controlled velocities
2. Line the receiving areas with stones or concrete to protect soils at outflow areas
3. Incorporate sufficient number of drainage outlets such that flow from any individual outlet is not excessive.
Loss of riverside vegetation and habitat through road widening realignment of right-of-way
1. Where road alignment is close to the rivers, widening or re-alignment will be on the side not adjacent to the river.
2. Road cuts will be sited and designed with care so as not to undercut banks supporting forest vegetation.
Impacts on wildlife through interruption of migratory routes and other habitat disturbances.
1. Road cuts will be sited and designed with care so as not to undercut banks supporting forest vegetation
Encroachment on irrigation structures from road widening and realignment adjusting
1. Use appropriate drainage structures to replace those presently used in irrigation systems.
2. Avoid encroachment on irrigation systems in use. If unavoidable, consult with relevant organization for appropriate solution.
3. Consult with relevant organization on planned area for irrigation. Incorporate culverts into road design where planned irrigation across the road.
Encroachment on water supply systems from road construction activities
1. Road engineers will work with the Lao Water Supply Company in each province during the detailed design phase to identify places where there are existing and planned water pipes and to find appropriate ways to manage working around water pipes.
2. Culverts will be incorporated into road design where water systems are planned.
3. Detailed design will include plans for avoidance of damage to water systems and replacement/repair of water systems where avoidance is not possible. Coordination with the water Supply is necessary.
Destruction of agricultural land through road widening and realignment
1. Minimize realignment through agricultural land. 2. Do not site borrow pits or dispose of cut spoil on
agricultural land. 3. Ensure appropriate compensation for loss of
agricultural lands
Encroachment on Sacred Trees 1. Design road alignment to avoid Sacred Trees (Consult with local people to identify such trees). If unavoidable, compensate for spirit ceremony for cutting the Trees.
Encroachment on known cultural and historical sites.
1. Do not damage to any newly discovered heritage sites. 2. Regular consult with local people on road widening,
realignment or other activity that would encroach on graveyard sites. Compensate for tombs moving ceremony in case affected.
Construction Stage
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Mobilization of equipment and workforces
Accident risks from mobilizing construction equipment
1. To the extent possible, avoid the mobilization of heavy equipment at night.
2. Over-width and over-length vehicles should display adequate warnings such as flashing lights, signs, and flags on extending parts of equipment.
Impact on health and Social Well-being of Local Communities
Negative impact on the health and social well-being of local population due to the introduction of workforce from other places
1. Conduct special briefing or on-site training on environmental, occupational safety and health requirements of the project workers.
2. Strictly supervise workers not to interfere with local affairs or quarrel with local people.
3. In case of complaints from local people on the issues caused by workers and complains will be solved as soon as possible, under collaboration of Environmentalist.
Impacts on Local Wildlife by Workforce
1. Carry out awareness-raising campaigns on wildlife value for workers
2. Any worker conduct haunting, or buy wildlife from local people, will be dismissed from job
3. Supply workers with sufficient foods from outside the Project.
Accident risk from mobilizing The followings for safety will be provided to workers. 1. Warning and/or Precaution Signs on safety. 2. Helmets. 3. Instruction on health and safety. 4. Establishment of all relevant safety measures required
by law and good engineering practices. 5. provision of first aid facilities at the construction sites.
Outbreak of disease 1. The Contractor will have all his workers undergo a regular medical check on their arrival on Site.
2. Necessary vaccinations should be given to the workers. 3. Site construction camps at least 50 m far away from
rivers and as far as possible from local communities. 4. Provide enough water supplies for workers, and ensure
sufficient sanitation for the camp: the proper drainage systems, and the proper location for solid waste disposal.
5. Make medical treatment available for workers. Provide workers mosquito nets and malaria-prevention medication.
Depletion of natural resources through demand for building materials, fuel, and food for workers
1. Do not harvest wood resources within provincial and district protected area.
2. Where local materials must be used, make agreements with local communities about the areas or the volume that can be harvested without significant impact.
3. Support community development by paying an adequate price for any local resources used.
4. All supplies for building camps will be brought from outside the area.
Earthworks and operating of quarries and borrow pits
Erosion and instability of cut faces and borrow pits
1. No contour will be permitted in areas with steep slopes. 2. Minimize major earthworks during the rainy season, to
the extent feasible. 3. Pile topsoil from digging of borrows pits carefully to one
side, where it can be later used for reclamation. 4. During construction, employ erosion prevention
measures such as the use of hay bales. 5. At the end of the construction phase, re-contour borrow
pit walls, replace topsoil, and re-vegetate. 6. At the end of the construction phase, grow vegetation in
cut slopes where ever it is feasible.
Destruction of agricultural land through spoil and construction waste
1. Do not dispose cut spoil and construction waste at agricultural land.
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disposal
Erosion from disposal of cut spoil.
1. Dispose of spoil only where permitted by Resident Engineer, Environmentalist and Local Authorities. To the extent feasible, avoid disposal on slopes greater than 30%.
2. Where spoil disposal in vegetated sites cannot be avoided, select areas with scrub, bamboo, or herbaceous growth over areas of healthy forest.
3. No disposal into gullies or watercourses. 4. No disposal in or adjacent to cultivated areas (unless
such areas lie within the road reserved width, in which case owners will be compensated under the Resettlement Plan.
5. No disposal by direct tipping of spoil down slope. 6. Plantation will be developed on spoil dumps to maintain
the soil stability.
Loss of riverside vegetation
1. To the extent possible, avoid clearing riverside vegetation during road construction. vegetate riverbanks where clearing is unavoidable.
Loss of vegetation from detour construction
1. Keep one side of the road for the free movement of the vehicles during the construction.
2. Remove the base soil of any detours and re-vegetate after road construction is over.
3. Where realignments are being built, use the existing roadway for traffic to pass.
4. Where detours are unavoidable, as in areas where bridges are being built, limit the length of each detour to minimum.
5. Limit the width of detours to a minimum so as to vehicle can pass with out any problem.
Loss of vegetation and habitat through road widening, realignment of right-of-way, quarries and borrow pits
1. High care will be observed where ever it is necessary. 2. There will be no new quarries within provincial and
district protected areas. 3. Do not cut trees outside of the construction zone. 4. In case of new quarries operation, the quarries will be
approved by the Environmental monitoring Authorities.
Impacts on wildlife through interruption of migratory routes and other habitat disturbances
1. Strict monitoring in this area will be used to prevent opportunistic “salvage” logging or illegal timber harvest.
Encroachment on water supply systems from road construction activities
1. Contractors will pay a fee to villagers for damage to water systems, perhaps based on number of days without water until the system is fixed. Fees might be specifically targeted towards women or women’s groups, since they are usually the ones who will have the main burden of carrying water when the system is down.
Encroachment on previously unidentified cultural heritage sites
1. Alert local authority upon discovery of any objects of possible archaeological significance that may be discovered during construction.
2. Construction activity will be stopped till a proper identification is made by a qualified archaeologist
3. Do not damage to any newly discovered heritage site.
Dust/air pollution
1. Maintain all construction vehicles to minimize toxic vehicle emission.
2. Appropriate, scheduled road maintenance will be needed to retain a sealed surface, continuing the improved situation.
3. sprinkle water on the road surface to prevent dust emission at residential areas.
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Creation of stagnant water bodies in borrow pits, quarries
1. Incorporate adequate drainage and fill in borrow pits and quarries. Before doing this activity the local concern should be considered. The village authorities should also be consulted.
2. Maintain borrow pits and quarries by landscaping them after operation by growing the native species.
Noise and vibration
1. All construction vehicles will have working mufflers and they will be properly maintained.
2. Blasting activities should not disrupt the local population activities.
3. People should be well informed about the activity of road surfacing before using the rollers near to the settlement area.
Accidental risks by traffic
disruption during construction
1. Employ “flag men” to regulate the traffic flow at every construction area.
2. Allow traffic to continue on old alignments till the completion of the new alignment.
3. Where ever possible provide enough space for one-way traffic flow.
4. In mountainous areas, build one-half of the roadbeds at a time, leaving the other half open for traffic.
Visual impact of road cut, spoil disposal, borrow pits, and quarries
1. Where feasible, quarries will be sited away from the road. Blasting and construction of crushing plants will be done away from the road. The plants will not be placed very near to the human settlement.
2. In sites where quarries must be close to the road, trees and other vegetation will be left between the quarry/crushing plant sites and the road.
3. screens will be provided to prevent the dust emissions.
Ground and water contamination by oil, grease, fuel, bitumen, etc.
1. Collect, store and dispose of materials in accordance with local law or standard acceptable practice.
Construction/traffic related dust and noise impacts in villages areas
1. Limit construction works between 6 a.m and 10.p.m in or near villages
2. Avoid use of vehicles with excessive exhaust or noise emission, install and maintain equipment silencers
3. Regularly sprinkle water on road surfaces in village areas during dry season, maintain the speed of the vehicles and maintain construction vehicles, cover haulage trucks with tarpaulins to prevent spillage.
4. The speed regulations should be strictly observed at the schools and at the settlement areas.
5. Pave roads through villages as soon as possible. It should be taken as a priority.
Removal of unused structures and pavement
Construction waste
1. Select areas with scrub or bamboo for disposal. 2. Dispose only where permitted by Environmentalist and
Local Authorities. To the extent feasible, avoid disposal on slopes greater than 30%.
3. No disposal into gullies or watercourses. 4. No disposal in or adjacent to cultivated and settled
area.
Environmental and Social disruption from construction Camp
1. Hire as many local people as possible and train them 2. Site construction camp should minimize adverse
impacts by better management practices. 3. Implement malaria control, HIV/AIDS education 4. Plan and carry out post construction site clean-up.
Setting up and operating an asphalt plants, bitumen operation area
Water pollution by oil, grease, and fuel around gas stations and parking areas
1. Locate storage areas for diesel and bitumen at least 500 meters from watercourses and from human settlement.
2. Employ safe practices in filling bitumen distributor tanks and in heating bitumen. Do not allow smoking or fire of any kind in the vicinity of bitumen and kerosene blending tanks. Provide a carbon dioxide fire
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extinguisher at the bitumen tank site for fire-fighting. 3. Collect and recycle all lubricants and take precautions
to prevent accidental spills. 4. Stop road asphalting activities during rainfall. 5. Develop and implement plans for safe storage of all
toxic and potentially toxic materials into construction planning and design.
Operation of construction camps
Solid waste from the construction camps
1. Provide garbage tanks and sanitary facilities for workers. Waste in the specific tanks should be cleared regularly so that vector borne infections can be prevented.
2. The waste water from the construction camps should be settled and treated prior letting it out. The wastewater should not be let down into near by surface waters.
3. Garbage will be collected in a tank and be disposed of periodically.
4. Special attention will be paid to the sanitary condition of camps.
Impact from extraction of construction materials
1. Balance cut and fill quantities as far as possible 2. Re-contour walls of borrow pits, reduce depth or fill in if
required, spread with topsoil and re-vegetate with native species or return it to productive use, alternatively pits may be reshaped and left flooded for water storage or fishponds. Conversion borrow pits to fish ponds should be done in concurrence with the local population.
Increased vehicular traffic Accidental risk of toxic materials spills
from increased vehicular traffic and commerce
1. Incorporate plans for safe storage of all toxic and potentially toxic material into traffic planning.
2. Regulate transport of toxic materials. 3. Set and enforce speed limits, especially near schools
and settlement areas.
Accidental Risk of Injury or Loss of Life to People and Livestock from Increased Traffic Volume and Speed
1. Install appropriate signs warning drivers to slow down in settled and livestock areas.
Operation Stage
Impacts of wildlife through increased pressure from illegal trade
1. Strengthen enforcement of wildlife regulations prohibiting trade in endangered species, achieved through stronger implementation of the regulation, by increasing PAFO and DAFO staffs with providing those facilities and training on the implementation of the regulation.
Loss of cultural resources and tradition
1. Support well-planned eco-tourism that involves solicitation of continuous feedback from both local residents and travellers.
2. Support the development of village cultural preservation groups, as already occur in several villages along the Project Road
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Appendixes 3: Public Consultation, Recommended, suggestion
Public Consultation, Recommended, suggestion
1. Mr. keophet Norlintha, the Director of PWTO Viengxay district report that, the widening of
National road this project only used based on contract Design and contract cost estimate.
Allow existing alignment only. It’s useful this road and achieve implementation as much as
necessary to involved from local community to implement effectiveness For any impact due
to local peoples and or publicity concerns we need to join all organization including effected
person and resettlement committee to achieve the goals. He will propose the project design
to consider of the road widening at risk places and sensitive community and traffic safety
installation.
2. Mr. Syvilai Phantila, the Head of cabinet of Viengxay feel that the project very appreciates
and satisfied, it will get major benefit to the village in such easy to Samnua city market, and
the children can able to go to school nearby easily. Some segment of the road need to
construct widening for Bust stop or communities group market, therefore, that section will
extension of width and traffic safety installation, to avoid accident.
3. Mrs. Duangsy Khamsavanh Representative of Nathen village reported that for this project
very important for this region for the economic growth, transportation network connection and
also she proposed the following issued:
- Traffic signs along the risk places
- Sharp curve to be widening and traffic signs install properly
- During construction pass through vicinity communities should watering at least two times
per day to avoid dust dispersing affect to local peoples.
4. Mr. Somphet Thephavong, Deputy Head of the electricity of Viengxay satisfied and strongly
support, need to be improved. In addition, he requested that this project should clarify all
electric poles along the road corridor.
5. Mr. Amphay Phounmanolat representative of Forest Unit of Viengxay district feel that the
project should sustainability to improve vegetable from local community to sell their product
and more benefit for this region.
6. Mr. Vanchon ,the representative of techno Unit office of Viengxay feel that the project
should consider of minimizing dust dispersing to local community living near road alignment
and suggested the project to widening some sharp curve along the additional road section
7. Mr. Aivong chandaseng, Representative of Young Union of Viengxay feel that this project
useful for infrastructure development, He proposed during construction stage should consider
of safety of workers and construction signboards installation at construction area and villages
located. In addition, he reported that the contractor(s) should carry out the Waste
Management Plan (WMP), Solid waste treatment and public safety.
8. Mr. Vuenphone Thamavongxay , Ban.Longkou Leader Village expressed hopes that
improvement of the Road would lead to poverty reduction, food security, income generation
opportunity with it secondary benefits such as electricity, water supply, irrigation, a s, access
to market and medical care, and other improvement in quality of life and for resettlement
need to be investigation which how many household affected for his road corridor.
9. Mrs. Duangsy khamsavanh of Nathen village agreed with the project, she will cooperation
with their villagers to strong support and assistance with contractor to achieve and sole any
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problem as soon as possible. therefore, she suggested that if possible should install
drainage system to ensure water flow smoothly.
10. Mr. Veunphone, the Leader village of viengkham , expression of idea that this project very
appreciate useful, for the economic growth and many things of villages will easy sell their
product in such cassava production transport to Vietnam.
11. Mr. Nuan Thong, the Deputy head of Energy and Mine of VIENGXAI district, expression about road construction there will be increase in the economic boost in the village, the contractor should submit all permission in such construction camp, spoil waste disposal, borrow pit and other material use
12. Mrs. Naly sommany, the representative of women Union of Viengxay district that the road operation will brings to local peoples in central of Viengxay village will earned more benefit of their produced product and will improve living conditions in this villages and surrounding area nearby. In addition, she mentioned that, in the road improvement should consideration with the following main issues:
- Coordination and collaboration with relevant authorities including provincial and
district levels , Division of Nature Resources and Environment to conduct meeting in village
- Organization of meeting at village levels to disseminated information about the propose the project including the potential benefit and environmental/social impacts that may be generated by the Project;
- Solid waste management - Drainage system should provide properly - Wastewater treatment - Washing facilities
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Appendixes -4: Photographs attended for Public Consultation meeting
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Appendix -5: Attended List of Participants
No Name and Surname Come from/Position Held Contact No.
1 Mr. Phengphouvanh Educational of Viengxay 98922237
2 Mr. Bounma singchaleun Security unit of Viengxay 5463 2481
3 Mr.Aloun Bounluexo Security unit of Viengxay 4794 4451
4 Mr. Khamlon Phanvongsa Environment Unit of Viengxay 5621 4540
5 Mr.Khaivong chandaseng Young Union of Viengxay 56060749
6 Mr.Amphay Phoummanolouth Forest Unit office in Viengxay 55764700
7 Mrs. Sengkeo Sensavath Viengxay Hospital 55595071
8 Mr. Veunphone Thamavongxay Head of Longkou village 58311575
9 Mr. Mingvongxay Longkou village staff -
10 Mrs. Duangsy Khamsavanh Nathen village 99224355
11 Mrs. Phuangkham Khamkeola Longkou village staff 50899600
12 Mr. Sengchanh Neohomphone Nathen village staff 9922 4940
13 Mr. Phonephet Nathen village staff 5227 1330
14 Mr. Vongxaykham Phengmixay Police Unit of Viengxay 55333319
15 Mr. Khoutthong Phomphet Public health sector in Viengxay 55764750
16 Mr. Singphone Soutiphanh Cabinet office of Viengxay 55721048
17 Mr.Phoumxay souvongxay Financial Unit office in Viengxay 55558754
18 Mrs. Ten Thounviharn Women Union of vienngxay 030 9327288
19 Mr. Vongbout Tounlasy Commercial Unit office 5566 4891
20 Mr. Phayvanh Sisombath Control Unit office 55502052
21 Mr. Vanhlone Technology Unit 55210905
22 Mr. Nuanthong Energy and Mine Unit 55551740
23 Mr. Keophet Norlintha Public work and Transport Unit 55220176
24 Mr. Phansy Phipnamy Justice Unit 55882612
25 Mr. Engthong Vongsompheng Veterans Unit of Viengxay 98928312
26 Mr. Syvilay Phantila Cabinet office 23844434
27 Mr. Syphounkham Planning Unit office 5576 5051
28 Mr. Phengsamai Interior Unit office 5812 1783
29 Mr. Singphone Culture and Information office 5588 2087
30 Mr. Somphet Phetphavong Electricity office 2234 6339
31 Mr. Khamlik Sysavanh Water supply Unit 5427 8999
32 Mr. Phoutkham Inthavong Trade Union Unit 55552343
33 Mrs. Nali Sommany Culture and Information office 5683 6933
34 Mr. Linnorsy Bounxay Culture and Information office 5830 8171
35 Mrs. Lai Longkou village -
36 Mr. ThipdavanVongxay Consultant 55698 966
37 Mrs. Pho Ban Samphanxay village 98088508
38 Mr. Khamphouy Head of samphanxay village 030 9123751
39 Mr.Engsone Nam ma nee nin Governor of Viengxay 55882431
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Appendixes -6: Rapid Checklist
Instructions: (i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is to be
attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by the Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer. (ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists. (iii) Answer the questions assuming the ―without mitigation‖ case. The purpose is to identify potential impacts. Use the ―remarks‖ section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.
Country/Project Title: Laos PDR, Grant No. 0234-LA Second Northern GMS Transport Network Improvement Project (ADB/12)
Sector Division: Additional road NR6
Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. PROJECT SITING IS THE PROJECT AREA
DENSELY POPULATED? √
The proposed project area is just close to densely populated areas
HEAVY WITH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES?
ADJACENT TO OR WITHIN ANY ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS?
CUTURAL HERITAGE SITE
√
PROTECTED AREA √
WETLAND √
MANGROVE √
ESTUARINE √
BUFFER ZONE OF PROTECTED AREA √
SPECIAL AREA FOR PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY √
BAY √
B. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WILL THE PROJECT CAUSE…
Impacts on the sustainability of associated sanitation and solid waste disposal systems and their interactions with other urban services.
√
Inadequate management of solid waste and aggregate during construction will result in these clogging nearest existing urban drains. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP
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Deterioration of surrounding environmental conditions due to rapid urban population growth, commercial and industrial activity, and increased waste generation to the point that both manmade and natural systems are overloaded and capacities to manage these systems are overwhelmed?
√
Viengxay District will continue to grow at its current or projected rate even without the development project.
Degradation of land and ecosystem(e.g. loss of wetland and wild land, coastal zones, watersheds and forests) ?
√
Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people?
√
Disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, indigenous peoples or other vulnerable group?
√
Degradation of cultural property and loss of cultural heritage and tourism revenues?
√
Occupation of low-lying land, floodplains and steep hillsides by squatters and low-income groups and their exposure to increased health hazards and risks due to pollutive industries?
√
Water resource problems (e.g.
depletion/degradation of available water supply, deterioration for surface and ground water quality, and pollution of receiving waters?
√
Air pollution due to urban emissions?
√
No air pollution is expected from the development project.
Risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational health and safety due to physical, chemical and biological hazards during project construction and operation?
√
The project will not provide any risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational health and safety due to physical, chemical and biological hazards during project construction and operation. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP.
Road blocking and temporary flooding due to land excavation during rainy season?
√
Road blocking during the project construction is expected. However, this is just temporary and short period of time. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP.
Noise and dust from construction activities? √
Dust/suspended particles and noise will be generated from construction activities. They will be more salient during the construction period. These impacts will be temporary but, if not mitigated, will have potentials to result in long-term consequences in the health of the nearby households and the construction workers. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP.
Traffic disturbances due to construction material √ Traffic disturbances due to construction, material transport and wastes is expected
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transport and wastes? but it is just temporary and short period of time. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP.
Temporary silt runoff due to construction? √
Hazards to public health due to ambient, household and occupational pollution, thermal inversion, and smog formation?
√
Water depletion and/or degradation? √
Overpaying of ground water, leading to land subsidence, lowered ground water table, and salinization?
√
No ground water is used for the project construction.
Contamination of surface and ground waters due to improper waste disposal?
√
Pollution of receiving waters resulting in amenity losses, fisheries and marine resource depletion, and health problems?
√
Large population influx during project construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?
√
There might have minor population influx not during the project construction but operation period. However, this might not put a burden on social infrastructure and services.
Social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are hired?
√
Priority in labour employment will be provided to local residents while outsiders will be considered in case of lack in labour
Risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and construction?
√
No transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of hazardous materials such as explosives, and other chemicals during construction and operation is expected
Community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?
√
Working conditions at construction site will be secured. Only workers and project staff will be allowed to enter the construction and operation sites. Mitigating measures have been included in the IEE/EMP