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KIRIBATI GRID CONNECTED SOLAR PV POWER STATION PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Prepared for the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities of

the Republic of Kiribati and the World Bank

Prepared by:

TRAMA TECNOAMBIENTAL TTA (BARCELONA, SPAIN)

6th Revision

August 30th, 2012

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Environmental Impact Assessment for Kiribati Grid Connected PV Solar Power Station Project 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 3

II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .................................... 10

A. WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICY ............................................................ 10

B. KIRIBATI’S ENVIRONMENTAL ACT............................................................. 10

C. ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS ....... 10

D. OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATIONS ............................................................. 12

E. OTHER RELEVANT COUNTRY-BASED LEGISLATION .................................... 13

F. LEGISLATIVE OBLIGATIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ....... 14

III DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................... 15

A. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 15

B. THE EXECUTING AGENCY ........................................................................... 16

C. THE IMPLEMENTING AGENCY .................................................................... 17

D. THE OPERATING AGENCY .......................................................................... 17

E. PROJECT RATIONALE ................................................................................. 18

IV DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................. 19

A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................... 19

B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................... 24

C. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ............................................................. 28

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........ 33

A. DESIGN/PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE ........................................................ 34

B. CONSTRUCTION PHASE ............................................................................. 36

C. OPERATION PHASE .................................................................................... 40

VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................ 41

VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION .......... 43

VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ............................................................. 45

IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .......................................................... 47

A. OVERVIEW ................................................................................................. 47

B. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................... 47

C. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ....................................................... 53

D. INSTITUTIONAL IMPLEMENTATION AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS .... 53

X. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................ 54

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 56

ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................. 57

ANNEXES ............................................................................................................. 58

ANNEX 1 - ENVIRONMENT LICENSE APPLICATION FORM .................................... 58

ANNEX 3 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING 110926 SCHOOLS .................................... 61

ANNEX 4 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING 110928 KIT ............................................. 64

ANNEX 5 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING 110928 SPORTS COMPLEX ....................... 67


ANNEX 6 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING 110928 HOSPITAL ................................... 69

ANNEX 7 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING PRELIMINARY REPORT PRESENTATION -

11102011 ............................................................................................................ 72

ANNEX 8: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) ...................................... 77

ANNEX 9: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ................................................. 87

ANNEX 10: FIELD MONITORING CHECKLIST ........................................................ 92

ANNEX 11: MINUTES OF FINAL CONSULTATION MEETING ON EIA_EMP 6 July 2012 100


I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The proposed Kiribati Grid Connected Solar PV Power Station Project objective is to evaluate the

technical/economic/social and environmental feasibility in order to install a maximum of 900kWp PV

solar power directly connected to the electricity grid of South Tarawa. A low to high cost options have

been ranked in order to facilitate the capital costs evaluation. Technically speaking a total of 49 solar

PV basic units can be installed in five locations distributed over the island. The project will be build on

best practices in designing and implementing grid connected solar power plants and civil works by

implementing physical investments and capacity building.

2. Following the World Bank’s safeguard policies, the presented Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) aims to assure the proposed project's environmental and social soundness and sustainability.

Potential project impact at short-, middle- and long term will be predicted and the quality of the

impact (positive, neutral or negative) will be assessed. Concomitant potential risks of the

implementation will be evaluated and mitigation measures will be proposed. The objective of the EIA

is to prevent, minimize or mitigate adverse impacts, where the preference lays on preventive

measures, and to enhance the positive project impacts. Social and environmental aspects will be

assessed in an integrative way taking into account different levels (local, regional, national, global).

3. According to the World Bank’s operational policies, the present Environment Management Plan

(EMP) as integral part of the EIA consists of a set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional

measures, to be applied during the design, implementation and operation phase in order to eliminate

or minimize adverse environmental or social impacts. Prior to implementation of the project, and

upon completion of the detailed design, the EMP should be reviewed and updated to ensure that it

complies with the proposed final design and any additional changes made at the design stage (e.g.

location, scale, materials, safety, etc.) and which will have an impact on the environment.

4. The applied methodology of the Social and Environmental Impact Assessment consists of the

revision of existing studies, especially from WB, ADB and other official sources, site visits, meetings

and consultations with local stakeholders. The findings will be presented in the report. Protocols of the

meetings will be annexed as well as other relevant documents.

Environmental aspects

5. The Republic of Kiribati and specially the southern part of the atoll Tarawa is extremely vulnerable

to effects of climate change, as they are the raising sea level or droughts, to changes of the fragile

ecosystem, as coastal erosion or salinity of the freshwater lens, and to hazardous events like oil spills.


6. The major environmental threats on this island are directly or indirectly linked with climate change,

population growth and unsustainable urbanization processes. The main risks are related to soil

(erosion of coastal areas due to raised sea level and coral mining), waste (waste disposal on beaches,

polluted lagoon, poor waste management) and fresh water (scarcity of fresh water, poor quality of

well water). The pollution of lagoon, wells and groundwater as well as the lack of sanitary installations

leads to problems of public health (high infant mortality due to diarrhea and respiratory diseases).

7. The proposed Project is committed to contribute to an infrastructural improvement, to have a

positive environmental impact on the island, and not to cause or increase environmental problems on

the island. The Environment Management Plan (see Annex 6 for details) proposes the following

measures, amongst others, in order to fulfill this commitment:

No use of gravel from the beaches (avoiding coral mining)

Predominantly use of imported timber for support structure if requested(avoiding waste and

later need of scrap metal recycling)

Enable rainwater harvesting (as an added value to power generation)

Selection of near-by material suppliers in order to shorten transport ways and minimize

transport needs (also assuring the regional availability of spare parts and technical service)

Adequate waste management and recycling during construction phase (avoiding pollution)

Reduction of dust and noise during construction work

Recycling plan for construction material (local use, storing, shipping out)

Recycling plan for old parts (avoiding waste and assuring recycling during and after the

operation period of the PV system)

8. The proposed project is expected to have the following environmental impact:

a) The PV Solar plant (considering a maximum installed capacity of 900kWp) will save up to

6.98% of the needed fuel for diesel generators during a maximum period of 20 years (yearly

about 396.300l)

b) The PV Solar plant will save up to 6.98% of CO2 emissions during a maximum of 20 years

(about 1000t CO2 yearly)

c) Kiribati becomes more independent from external fuel imports, using local and renewable

energy sources that are environmentally friendly, save and “for free”


d) Less fuel transport by vessel and fuel transfer will be needed: There will be a saving of 6,98%

of heavy oil, of CO2 emissions, and a reduced risk of oil spills

e) Reduced fuel transport on road from Betio to Bikenibeu (estimated yearly savings of 200-300l

diesel, about 268.000 kg CO2 emissions saved)

f) Reduced risk of road accidents with fuel trucks (saving of about yearly 1000 km of road

transport)

g) Rainwater collection will be possible from all PV surfaces with a total of about 11.000 square

meters. All roofs where systems are to be mounted are still equipped with rainwater

harvesting systems; the new-to-built supporting structures (4.200 square meters) can be also

used for this purpose.

h) The new-to-built PV support structures will provide about 4.200 square meters of shading,

providing an additional space for meetings and outdoor activities.

i) The PV plants with its maximum extension will cover about 6.800 square meters of roof-top;

they will have a cooling effect on the indoor climate.

9. There is no adverse impact on soil, groundwater, air, coastal area, ocean, lagoon, local flora, local

fauna expected by the implementation of the project. No trees need to be cut off; no medicinal plants

will be affected.

10. The temporal environmental impact during the construction work (disturbance through noise,

dust, transport, waste) will be minor, reversible and manageable if the mitigation measures as

proposed in the EMP are properly implemented. The effective implementation of the EMP will be

audited as part of the grant conditions. The Implementing MPWU/PUB, with the support of a Technical

Assistant, will guide the Contractors in the implementation of the EMP.

11. No hazardous waste (as defined in the Basel Convention) will be generated during implementation

and operation.

Social aspects

12. South Tarawa is suffering an extremely high and still increasing population density (the census

2005 counted 2557.8 persons per km², 40.311 persons on 15.76 km²). Especially the islet of Betio is

one of the most crowded areas in the world (2005: 10.400 persons per km², 12.509 persons in 1.2

km²), (Kiribati National Statistics Office, 2005).

13. The next census will be realized in November 2011, but according to the annual growing rate of

4.4% since 2005 (ADB, 2011) we can estimate the actual number of inhabitants of South Tarawa of


about 50807 people with a population density of 3224 persons per km². In Betio, the estimated

actual number of inhabitants is 16.197 persons with a density of 13.497 persons per km². Figures

should be revised after the next census.

14. This increasing number of inhabitants leads to an increasing demand of such scarce resources as

they are fresh water and electricity that can’t be met by the actually existing supply system.

15. About 60% of all formal job opportunities are in South Tarawa; this is one of the main reasons of

the migration pressure from Outer Islands. As the private sector is at an early stage of development,

almost 80% of all formal jobs are in the public sector. There is a high unemployment rate (2005 in

South Tarawa 32.6%), especially between young people (2005 in South Tarawa 61.5%) and women

(2005 in South Tarawa 40.6%) (Rallu, undated).

16. The economic development of Kiribati is constraint by a shortage of skilled workers, inefficient

management, weak infrastructure, and geographic remoteness. The PDP per capita (PPP) for 2010 is

estimated in 6.100 US$.

17. There is no gender equality of job opportunities and political influence.

18. The proposed Project is committed to offer qualified job opportunities during implementation and

operation of the PV Solar system. Professional training for PUB staff will be provided in order to

assure efficient operation and maintenance of the solar system. The Contractor will elaborate an

Operation Manual, wherein the necessary procedures of operation and maintenance of the PV system

will be explained to local staff in a comprehensive manner.

19. The solar energy plant will be the first experience of a grid connected PV Solar system. In

addition to its contribution of the local power supply, there will be several added values: Solar energy

has a predominantly positive image as “green” or “clean” energy. Innovative technology will be used

for generating power from a local renewable resource – the sun. In this sense, Kiribati with a relative

stable radiation of about 6kWh/m²/day (NASA) is a very resourceful country. Renewables are

worldwide seen as the energy sources of the future; the visibly installed solar energy system in

Kiribati can be recognized as a symbol of progress showing that the capital of Kiribati forms part of a

modern society. The new PV-systems, installed in public places, can form part of local awareness

rising programs dealing with “clean” energy, the importance of a rational use of energy, the relation

between energy and climate change and the general role of energy in environment, society and

development.

20. The PV plants as real-world examples can be used for educational purposes; they can be included

as a test field for teaching, investigation, monitoring in secondary schools and technical institutes as


the Kiribati Institute of Technology. For this purpose, different institutes and public organizations

could cooperate, e.g. creating a common training program on solar energy. Professional training

courses for future local “solar engineers” can be developed.

21. The PUB staff will gain experience with PV grid connected systems and their skills on operation

and maintenance of the PV plant will increase due to appropriate training and information provided by

the Contractor. This pilot experience can be used to prepare a second step towards decentralized

grid-feeding solar systems in the future.

22. During the construction of the support structures an implementation of the solar plants, there will

be created some job opportunities for local construction workers providing them an income and

probably some new skills on civil works. This will be a short term impact of the project.

23. We assume that for the proper operation and maintenance of the PV plants, the utility in charge –

PUB – will need to increase its staff and create some additional jobs for operators, mechanics and

electricians. The creation of new work places would be a middle or long term impact of the project.

24. As PUB, through the implementation of solar power generation in its grid, will increase slightly its

independence from price fluctuations of the international fuel market and from governmental

subsidies, it becomes easier for the utility to keep the electricity price stable for costumers. The saved

money from fuel (yearly about 500.000 AUD) can be used to cover part of the gap between the actual

cost of produced kWh (0.52 AUD) and the price of sold kWh (0.40 AUD for private customers).

25. The proposed project is not expected to cause any adverse social impact.

26. All selected locations are either on Government leased land or reclaimed land. As leasing

contracts are long term contracts and the use of the land doesn’t change substantially, no conflicts

with landowners due to modified or additional land use are expected.

27. All implementations are planned at public buildings or institutions and all benefits will be shared

by the whole population. Therefore, there are no conflicts of interests with or between neighborhood

communities expected. There will be no interferences in private properties (land or other assets).

28. No interferences between the project and any religious or cultural values have been detected.

There is no impact on areas of cultural heritage or religious interest on the island.

29. There will be no involuntary resettlements necessary, except the eventual necessary two-day

evacuation of hospital patients during the replacement of the roof and the implementation of the PV

modules. The Government of Kiribati, according to the Hospital indications, should be responsible for

organizing and operating the patient’s evacuation into a pre-foreseen site. In the past already


occurred patient evacuation, as mentioned during the meeting at the Tengaru Central Hospital, so the

Hospital/Government is the best actor to be responsible for this. An external Project Supervision

Engineering service (PSE) will be in charge for evacuation supervision as responsible of the fulfillment

of the EMP. To be discussed if PUB or the Hospital or both should cover evacuation costs. If no

evacuation of the operating theatre can be undertaken to the satisfaction of the hospital, as noted

during final consultations, then the PSE will identify suitable alternative location(s) for the panels

within the defined project area.

30. The Environmental Management Plan foresees some measures to minimize the impact of

construction work on surrounding neighborhoods (like noise, material transport, material storage, and

waste disposal).

31. All locations will need some additional security measures against theft and vandalism, like

security fences, cages surrounding the inverters or the service of security staff.

32. The EMP foresees procedures for conflict solving or for dealing with upcoming complaints in a

culturally sensitive way in accordance to and respecting local traditions.

33. The EMP contains the following recommendations regarding the implementation and operation of

the planed system:

a) In each PV plant structure should be equipped with a rainwater collection system. As this

equipment is not foreseen in the budget of the proposed project, we propose to create links with

another WB funded ongoing project dealing with water (KAP III) and to look for possible

synergies.

b) The implementation process should be supervised on ground by a Technical Assistance (TA) to

which this document refers as “Project Supervision Engineering” in the person of an International

Environmental Management Expert, who assures the fulfillment of the requirements of the EMP by

the contractor.

c) Technical assistance for Operation and Maintenance will be provided during the first three years,

to PUB.

d) It would be useful to include also staff from the Solar Energy Company Ltd. and from the Kiribati

Institute of Technology in the professional training, in order to exchange the existing expertise

and to contribute to a broader local capacity building. Maybe there are potentials for future

cooperation between the institutions that can be detected.


e) The waste and recycling management plan as described in the EMP should be planned and

prepared before the arrival of material and the start of civil works.

34. Several information and consultation meetings with local stakeholders were realized (see

protocols of the meetings in the annex 3,4,5,6,7):

a) Presentation of the Inception Report to the MPWU staff at 21st of September 2011

b) Information and consultation of local stakeholders from the five selected sites about the proposed

project design (four sessions) at 26th and 28th of September 2011

c) Presentation of preliminary findings of the feasibility study (common meeting with all stakeholders)

at 5th of October 2011

35. The objective of the consultation sessions was to obtain the stakeholders’ expression of no

objection to the proposed project. Questions were raised and clarifications were made (for details se

protocols). The institutions presented their own plans of future constructions and the team was

looking how to integrate the projections of both sides in an acceptable compromise for all parties. As

a result, all parties agreed to continue with the proposed project and to stay in touch for further

information.

Changes in Version 6

35a. The following changes have been made between version 5 and version 6 of the EIA, following final public consultation:

(i) A requirement that the solar panels and associated equipment should be made from non-toxic materials or appropriate mitigation measures should be put in place, to prevent contamination of drinking water collected from the

roofs where the equipment will be installed. Updates to the EMP section and

Annex 8 and 9.

(ii) An agreement that another site will be used for the installation of panels if the relocation of patients and / or the operating theatre of the Tungaru Central Hospital cannot be undertaken without undue disruption or risk. Updates to the executive summary and Annex 8.

(iii) Clarifications regarding roof upgrades / replacements and the ownership of the energy generated. Updates to Section III.

(iv) The solar PV installations will be on a subset of the sites, as approved by the Government of Kiribati, for which the EIA was conducted. The project now involves only four sites: (1) Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere (roof-top installations on 9 existing buildings); (2) Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) in Betio (one roof-top installation on existing building and

two installations on the proposed new buildings following construction); (3)

Betio Sports Complex in Betio (one roof-top installation on existing building); and (4) King George V Secondary School in Bikenibeu (five roof-top installations on existing buildings). All installations are to be on existing roofs except at Tungaru Central Hospital and King George V Secondary School, where some roofing is to be replaced where the roofs show signs of rust prior to the solar PVs being installed.

(v) A new Annex 11: Minutes of the Consultation meeting of 6 July 2012.


II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE

FRAMEWORK

A. World Bank Safeguard Policy

36. The EIA has been carried out to ensure that potential environmental impacts are addressed

according to the World Bank Safeguard Policy Statement from May 2011, updated in August 2011,

including the Operational Policies OP 4.01 Environmental Assessment from January 1999, revised in

February 2011, with Annex A – Definitions, Annex B - Content of an Environmental Assessment

Report for a Category A Project, and Annex C - Environmental Management Plan, and OP 4.12 on

Involuntary resettlement from December 2001, revised February 2011. The World Bank’s Safeguard

Policy Statement has been used to classify the project as a Category C project which doesn’t requires

an EIA.

B. Kiribati’s Environmental Act

37. The country’s statutory framework requiring compliance to the Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) System for all projects is embodied in the Environment Act 1999 (No. 9 of 1999), “Act to

Provide for the Protection Improvement and Conservation of the Environment of the Republic of

Kiribati and for Connected Purposes”.

38. According to the Amended Act 2007, environmental impact assessment of all public or private

development projects is a legal requirement under Part III of the Act, Development Control,

Environmental Impact Assessment, Review and Monitoring, of the Kiribati Environment Act of 1999.

The present document was accepted by the lead agency for administering the Act (MELAD) as

requirements for the safeguard clearance process.

39. The Amendment includes lessons learnt in the implementation of the Environment Act since it

entered into force in March 2000 and to allow for its application in a more effective and functional

manner. In addition, it contains legislative provisions necessary for the implementation of the

following international agreements: the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and

National Heritage, the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of Wastes and

Other Matter, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

C. Environmental Legislation, Regulations and Institutions

(Source: Government of Kiribati. 2004. Kiribati’s IWP, POPS, NBSAP-Add on and NBP Projects –

Information Paper Review of Kiribati Laws. Tarawa.)


1. Kiribati Constitution Act

40. The Kiribati Constitution Act is the basis of all laws in Kiribati. Some references are made in the

constitution to environment related matters:

(i) Preamble: The natural resources of Kiribati are vested in the people and their Government. The

customs and traditions of Kiribati shall be cherished and upheld.

(ii) Section 8: Some exemptions to the protection from deprivation of property relate to the need to

protect human health; impose town or country planning requirements; carry out works of soil

conservation or the conservation of other natural resources, carry out agricultural development or

improvement works which the owner has refused to undertake; acquire property which is injurious to

the health of human beings, animals, and plants; and allow prospecting and mining of minerals.

(iii) Section 9: The guaranteed protection for privacy of home and other property does not prevent

the entry into a home for any proposed related to public health, town and country planning and the

development of mineral resources.

(iv) Section 14: The guaranteed protection of freedom of movement does not prevent laws applying

restrictions on movement or residence which are in the interests of public safety or public health and

relate to environment conservation or the fulfillment of international treaty obligations.

2. Environmental Legislation

41. Environmental impact assessment of all development projects whether public or private is a legal

requirement under Part III of the Environment (Amendment) Act 2007 (Obligations), Division 2:

Environmentally-Significant Activities.

42. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Land and

Agricultural Development (MELAD), will decide if the Kiribati PV Solar Grid Connected Power Station

Project requires a basic environmental impact assessment.

3. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD)

43. The MELAD is constitutionally responsible for the formulation and management of government

policies in relation to lands acquisition, environmental and conservation matters, and agricultural

development. The Minister, acting in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, is responsible for the

administration and implementation of the Environment Act.

4. Environment and Conservation Division

44. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) is a mandatory authority for the Government

of Kiribati to safeguard the natural environment; air, water, land – upon which life depends, and to

protect human health (Source: http://www.environment.gov.ki/).


45. The Environment Act 1999 (Amendments 2007) assigns various functions to the ECD including

the following:

(i) Protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment of Kiribati, balanced against the need

to promote sustainable development;

(ii) Develop, establish and administer systems of prevention and control of pollution in both the

industrial and non-industrial sectors, and to monitor through environmental auditing;

(iii) Assist in developing legislation for systems of environmental planning at national, provincial and

local level, and the development of national, provincial and local environment plans;

(iv) Collaborate with relevant public authorities in assisting in the conservation and management of

areas of national and international significance;

(v) Promote the participation of the community in environmental decision making;

(vi) Ensure freedom of and access to information on environmental matters, and in particular to

ensure that the community has access to relevant information about hazardous substances arising

from, or stored, used or sold by any industry or public authority, private person or private enterprise

or any other person;

(v) Conduct public education and awareness programs about the environment;

(vi) Promote the study of the environment through research, surveys, listing and classification;

(vi) Comply with and give effect to regional and international conventions and obligations relating to

the environment.

D. Other Relevant Legislations

1. Land Planning Ordinance 1972 (Amended 1973, 1974, 1977, 1979, 1980 (2

amendments), 2000

46. The objective is to apply controls over land use and developments within designated areas. Land

use planning has important implications on environmental management and must be considered in

the context of other development controls such as those applied under EIA requirements. Some

reference to environment related matters include:

(i) Section 11: The Central Land Board must arrange for the preparation of a General Land Use Plan

for each designated area. These may be single plans or a series of plans. Village representation is

required when plans are prepared.

(ii) Section 10: Provisions is made for the public scrutiny of plans. Plans may be approved under this

section.

2. Local Government Act 1984


47. Section 45. The functions listed in the Schedule and which may be vested in Local Government

Councils include some environment related responsibilities relevant to the civil works required in the

project.

(i) Regulating the erection, construction, demolition, conversion, alteration, repair, sanitation and

ventilation of buildings and structures

(ii) Providing for building lines and layouts of buildings

(iii) Prescribing conditions for the siting of buildings

(iv) Providing for the demolition of dangerous buildings

(v) Regulating the making of bwabwai-pits and other excavations

(vi) Regulating the use of natural building materials

(vii) Preventing the erosion of land

(viii) Engaging in and promoting land reclamation

(ix) Carrying out sanitary services dealing with rubbish and excreta and prohibiting acts detrimental

to the sanitary condition of the area

(x) Providing for public water supplies

(xi) Preventing water pollution

(xii) Regulating the storage of inflammable and offensive materials

(xiii) Preventing and removing public nuisance

(xiv) Making and maintaining roads, paths, bridges, drains and watercourses

(xv) Regulating the planting and destruction of vegetation along the roads or in public places

(xvi) Providing for the owners and occupiers of land to maintain it, clear it and keep it free of

vegetation and rubbish

(xvii) Preserving and controlling the removal of any antique artifacts

3. Penal Code (Cap. 76 1977)

48. Some offences in the Code are relevant to the environment and to its enforcement. These

include:

(i) Trespassing on burial places – section 125

(ii) Polluting or obstructing watercourses - section 172

(iii) Posting placards – section 173

(iv) Fouling the air – section 179

E. Other Relevant Country-Based Legislation


49. Other legislation that has implications for resource development and management include the

following:

Act Date Main Objectives

Marine Pollution Prevention Bill 2000 To implement the provisions of the MARPOL Convention and to make comprehensive provision for matters relating to marine pollution and responses to marine pollution incidents.

Wildlife Protection 1975 To provide for matters related to the conservation of wildlife. Prohibition of hunting, killing or capturing are applied during the closed seasons. So too can prohibitions against possessing, acquiring, selling or giving any which have been unlawfully killed or captured,

or any part or product of them.

Recreational Reserves Act 1996 To make provision in relation to recreation reserves. This is one of a series of laws in Kiribati related to land reserved for public purposes.

Public Health Ordinance 1926 To make provision in relation to matters of public health. Regulations for the purpose of protecting and advancing

public health, and specifically relating to among others, latrines, dustbins, and drains; scavenging, cleaning and disinfecting; removal and disposal of night-soil and house refuse; abatement of nuisances injurious to public health.

Public Health Regulations 1926 All premises and land must be kept clean; no stagnant water may lie on land for more that 24 hours; no person

may deposit or cause to be deposited any empty bottle or other receptacle in any street, road or public

Table 1: Other legislations

F. Legislative Obligations under International Conventions

50. The following conventions, protocols and regional agreements are relevant and to apply in

Kiribati:

(i) The Convention on Biological Diversity

(ii) Cartagena Protocol

(iii) World Heritage Convention

(iv) Framework Convention on Climate Change

(v) Regional Seas Convention

(vi) Convention to Combat Desertification

(vii) The Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances

(viii) Basel Convention and Waigani Convention to control the trans-boundary movements and

disposal of hazardous wastes

(ix) CITES (International trade in endangered species)

(x) WTO and GATT

(xi) PICTA an PACER (Pacific trade agreements)

(xii) Stockholm Convention


III DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Introduction

51. The proposed Kiribati Grid Connected Solar PV Power Station Project involves the installation of a

grid-connected PV system with a maximum PV capacity of 800 kWAC (900 kWp), in order not to

cause negative impact on grid stability and operation. This PV capacity will be distributed in 49 Solar

PV basic units at five different locations (this number is according to the preliminary design but still

pending of confirmation by the WB and the GOK). The number of decentralized locations should not

exceed five in order to assure an efficient installation and maintenance.

52. The MPWU has identified previously some candidate locations taking into consideration land

ownership, which can become a critical issue for infrastructure projects in small island states, as well

as the projected new load growth.

53. As a result of the feasibility study, the following sites in South Tarawa have been identified as

suitable for the installation of the components and selected to form part of the project:

a) Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere (roof-top installations on 9 buildings)

b) Kiribati Institute of Technology KIT in Betio (one roof-top installation and one free-standing

PV structure)

c) Betio Sports Complex in Betio (one roof-top installation and two free-standing PV structures)

d) Temaiku Primary School in Temaiku (two roof-top installations and one free-standing PV

structure)

e) King George V Secondary School in Bikenibeu (two roof-top installations and one free-

standing PV structure)

54. The overall size of the installed PV capacity will be determined by either the limit of PV capacity

that can be connected to the grid without negatively impacting grid stability and operation, or the

available funding. A technical suitable maximum power of 900kWp (800 kW AC) has been defined.


Figure 1: Project area

55. All solar PV basic units are decentralized systems, independently if they are roof-top-

implemented or installed on free-standing structures.

56. The technical feasibility study carried out in order to determine the locations took into account the

impact on cost, maintenance, impact on grid stability, proximity to loads and other relevant factors.

57. The EIA took into account the environmental and social implications of the proposed project; its

findings are reflected in this report. Preliminary environmental and social reports prepared by the WB

team and other available relevant sources were consulted and taken into account while considering

the site selection. The findings of the EIA are expected to be used as the basis for determining the

need for further social and environmental studies to adhere to national laws and standards and World

Bank safeguard policies.

57a. Building roofs will be replaced or upgraded where necessary in order to avoid the removal solar

panels and equipment for roof repairs in future.

57b. The output from the solar installations will be owned by the PUB and then sold to the consumers

at standard tariff rates.

B. Grant Agreement

58. The Grant Agreement for the project will be the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management

(MFEM).

The Project Management Unit (PMU) in the MFEM will be responsible for the Fiduciary Supervision.


C. The Implementing Agency

59. The Implementing Agency will be PUB. It is recommended that they received assistance from a

TA (the PSE) for the supervision of the procurement, installation and commissioning and in

cooperation with the MPWU on day to day technical management. During the project implementation,

the PSE will supervise the contractor according to the approved final project design, supervising on

ground the compliance of relevant legislations and of the requirements of the EMP.

D. The Operating Agency

60. After implementation, the Public Utility Board (PUB) will be in charge of operation and

maintenance of the PV solar systems. Under the contract framework it is foreseen that during the first

three years of operation, PUB will receive support and supervision from a “post commissioning

services assistance” contracted firm. After the initial operation period of three years, the installation

will officially hand over to the PUB. Since commission till decommission, the PV solar system will form

part of the assets of PUB.

1. Public Utility Board (PUB)

61. All electrical power generation and supply plus piped water and sewage services are provided on

South Tarawa by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), a Government owned company established in 1978

under the Public Utilities Ordinance (CAP 83).

PUB only operates on South Tarawa as it is the only island with a commercial grid based electrical

supply. In the proposed project, PUB’s responsibilities regarding water and sewage are not of

concern, only its energy services. A stated goal of the PUB is to provide South Tarawa with an

efficient, affordable and sustainable electricity supply and the concept of increasing the generation

from solar energy fits into that goal.

62. The PUB is governed by a Board of Directors who are appointed by a panel of three ministers

which includes the Minister of Public Works and Utilities as chairman. The other two ministers are

appointed by Cabinet. The Secretary for Public Works and Utilities acts as the Secretary to the

ministerial panel. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PUB in turn reports to the Board of

Directors and is appointed by the Board on a three year renewable contract basis.

63. For electricity supply management, directly under the Chief Executive Officer is the Power

Engineering Manager who is responsible for power generation and distribution, the Finance Manager

who is responsible for accounting and finance, and the Human Resources Manager who handles

administration and personnel.


64. The PUB has a staff of around 170 persons with nearly half of those focusing on support functions

in Finance and Administration. In 2000, the PUB was given autonomy for personnel matters and has

its own conditions of service.

E. Project Rationale

65. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has indicated support following a request from the

Government of Kiribati (GOK), for grant financing under its Medium Size Project (MSP) window for a

“Grid Connected Solar PV Power Station Project” on the South Tarawa grid system of the Public

Utilities Board (PUB). Additionally, grant co-financing for the proposed project investment and TA is

likely to be sourced from the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF).

66. The proposed project responds to a systemic issue in the electricity sector with significant

economy-wide implications for Kiribati. The Kiribati economy is marked by an overarching near-total

dependency on one energy source, oil. About half of the imported oil (Automotive Diesel Oil or ADO)

in Kiribati, is used for electricity generation on PUB’s electricity grid system in South Tarawa atoll. The

expenditures of fuel represent actually 66% of PUB’s budget.

67. The electricity grid system’s operational performance coupled with the high cost of diesel

generation (0.52 AUD/kWh) adds up to the high cost of energy supply service for households and

businesses. PUB’s retail electricity tariffs (domestic rate 0.40AUD/kWh, commercial rate

0.55AUD/kWh, industrial rate 0.70AUD/kWh) have not been sufficient to recover all operating costs,

thereby imposing a fiscal burden on the GOK.

68. The Government has so far managed the situation by a combination of substantial direct budget

subsidy transfers to the sector as well as significant amounts of indirect subsidies.

69. Restoring fiscal sustainability of the national budget within the medium-term is a top national

priority of the GOK. A significant contribution to lowering the fiscal burden is lowering the ADO

dependence in the electricity grid system, by implementing lower cost generation alternatives to the

maximum extent feasible.

70. The use of indigenous and renewable energy sources to reduce the amount of imported fuel for

electricity generation is considered the main goal this project is focused on.

71. The proposed PV solar plant will be the first grid connected plant in Kiribati. Although there

existing experiences with solar plants on Outer Islands (EDF8 Project Solar Energy for Outer Islands),

operated by the Solar Energy Company Ltd., this PV plant will represent a new step, with much more

complex technology and with completely different requirements on the operation and the

maintenance side. As a lesson learnt from the former project, the regular and proper maintenance of

the installations is crucial for its operation.


72. The proposed project will invest in local capacity building, offering to PUB staff, but also to other

interested entities professional training and the opportunity to obtain new skills.

IV DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Physical Environment

1. Location and Geography

73. Kiribati is composed of 32 small coral atolls and one raised limestone island with a total surface

of 811km², scattered over 3.55 million km² in the Central Pacific Ocean, 4.200km from East to West

and 2.000km from North to South. The country is located between Longitude 170 degrees East and

150 degrees West on both sides of the Equator at the intersection of the International Dateline and

the Equator. Only 18 of the 33 islands are inhabited. All islands are surrounded by an extensive reef.

Figure 2: Location of Kiribati (Source: United Nations Development Assistance Framework, 2002)

74. The islands are divided into three groups, the Gilberts, the Line and the Phoenix. The Gilbert

Group is comprised of 17 islands and has a total land area of 286 square kilometres. Tarawa, an atoll

in this group, is the home of the Kiribati government in Ambo, the port of entry in Betio, and the

international airport in Bonriki. The national capital Bairiki is located on the Tarawa atoll. Eight

inhabited islands and atolls constitute the Phoenix Group. The Line Islands consists of a total of 8

islands and atolls covering an area of 497 square kilometres, including Kiritimati with a land area of

384.5 square kilometres, which is the largest atoll in the world. Except Banaba (78m asl), none of the

islands raises more than 3 meters above sea level.


Figure 3: Tarawa Atoll (Source: United Nations Development Assistance Framework, 2002)

2. Climate

75. Due to its geographical location, Kiribati has predominantly hot dry equatorial climatic conditions

with prevailing South Easterly trade winds most of the year. A gentle breeze from the easterly

quarter is predominant. Temperature varies between 25°C and 33°C with a maximum annual

sunshine of 4134 hours. During the wet season from December to May humidity is high. Occasional

gales occur on the islands, even though they lie outside the tropical hurricane belt.

Table 1 below displays the average monthly temperature in Tarawa (1°35”S, 172°93”E, 4m asl)

based on 8 years of historical weather readings.

Table 2: Average monthly temperature in Tarawa (Source: ADB Road Rehabilitation Project. IEE

2010)

76. The rainfall differs from year to year and from island to islands. Near the equator, annual rainfall

averages 1.020mm, and in the extreme north and south, it averages 3.050mm. The islands also

face the possibility of severe droughts. Prolonged drought periods were encountered in 1988 to

early 1989 and followed by another in 1998 extending into mid-1999 and resulting in the loss of

many valuable food crops including coconuts (Cocos nucifera) and breadfruits (Artocarpus sp.).


3. Soils

77. Like other coral atolls and islands, the nature of the soil is derived from limestone which has been

formed as a result of coral formation over thousands of years. The soil is alkaline and therefore it

does not support the growth of certain plants and trees. The poor and infertile nature of the soil is

due to its alkalinity, porosity and lack of essential elements which makes it unable to support plant

life. Consequently, it is incapable of supporting intensive agricultural activities.

78. The topsoil which is composed of decaying or composted organic matter mainly decaying leaves

and plant materials is thinly spread over most of the area with plant cover and other areas covered

with wild bushes. Due to their ability to withstand the harsh atoll conditions, the predominant plant

species that survive are coconuts (Cocos nucifera), pandanus or screw pine (Pandanus tectorius), salt

bush (Scaevola sericea), and other tolerant indigenous plants and trees. Only 2.74% of the territory

is arable land, half of it used for permanent crops.

4. Water Resources

79. Freshwater resources exist underground as water lenses floating on seawater. These are derived

from the infiltration of rainwater into the water table below the ground. The lens resembles the

appearance of a convex lens which is thickest at the center and thinnest on the sides facing the ocean

or lagoon throughout the length of the atoll or island. The lens is formed where the width of the island

is sufficiently wide so as to reduce the outward flow of the accumulated underground lens. The

freshwater lenses in low coral atoll and islands are extremely vulnerable to occasional environmental

influences.

80. Shallow groundwater (te ran) is the principal source of fresh water in Kiribati. Urban or South

Tarawa water supply originates from water wells located in water reserve areas with restricted use

and access in the villages of Bonriki and Buota. Well water is pumped from wells and conveyed

through a system of pipes to consumers. Chlorination without preliminary treatment of urban water

supply is carried out at the source.


Figure 4: Cross section through a small coral atoll showing the freshwater lens (Source: White, 2010)

81. Climatic conditions have a major influence on fresh water resources in Kiribati. For example,

underground freshwater lenses are recharged by rainfall and households frequently use rainwater

catchments to supplement other water sources. Thus for many reasons, prolonged periods of low or

zero rainfall (i.e. droughts) have serious implications for human well-being. The droughts associated

with well-developed La Niña conditions are clearly evident. During La Niña the Intertropical

Convergence Zone moves away from the equator, reducing rainfall in most parts of Kiribati. It is not

yet possible to make consistent predictions about the future nature of La Niña events, or of the

opposite warm event, the El Niño.

5. Sea level

82. A long term trend of increasing sea level is evident. The observed long term trend in sea level for

Betio is 5mm/yr (National Tidal Centre, Australian Bureau of Meteorology). This is greater than the

estimated range of global sea-level rise over the past century, namely 1 to 2mm/yr. As Tarawa has a

maximum of 3m asl, the raising sea level represents a serious environmental threat for the island.


Graph 1: Daily sea level for Betio (1993 to 2005), relative to mean sea level. Also shown is the linear trend in sea level over the same period (5 mm/yr). (Source: ADB 2006)

Figure 5: Effect of raising sea level in Eita, South Tarawa (Photo: M. Fisk)

Long-term elevation of the surrounding sea level due to climate change is a serious concern for whole

Kiribati, which reportedly has already lost two uninhabited islands.

6. Coastal Processes

83. The coastal process regime (waves, tides, currents, sediment transport) of South Tarawa varies

considerably between different islet shorelines and between the ocean and lagoon. It is important to

recognize such differences in the assessment of coastal change (erosion and accretion) and flooding.


84. Tidal flow is an important mechanism of water exchange between the open ocean and lagoon.

The tidal characteristics of Tarawa lagoon are semi-diurnal (2 high tides every 24 hour period) with

the tidal range (difference in tidal elevation between low and high tide) ranging from 2.4m under

spring tide conditions to 0.5m under neap tide conditions. Notably there is considerable difference in

the height of successive high tides.

85. The wind regime is important in forcing surface currents in atolls; wind also plays a major role in

the generation of waves that can affect shorelines (Kench et al., 2006). Incident ocean swell at the

ocean reef edge is generated by wind systems in the Pacific Ocean. These waves are the largest (1-

3m) to impact the atoll on the ocean reef and have a long period (10-14seconds). The interaction of

wind with the lagoon surface generates local wave energy. These waves are typically lower than

ocean waves and have a shorter period. In Tarawa the wind regime is dominated by winds from the

easterly quarter.

86. Coral reefs are working as a filter of incident waves and control the energy that leaks on to reef

platform surfaces. At the reef edge, waves are breaking and the energy of the incident swell can be

reduced up to 97%. Despite dramatic energy losses at the reef edge, residual wave energy still leaks

onto reef flat surfaces. Transmission of this energy onto reef surfaces and toward shorelines is

strongly influenced by tidal stage, being greatest at higher tidal stages (Brander et al., 2004).

87. The coastal process regime in South Tarawa represents a synthesis of the wind, wave and current

processes that are able to influence the coastline transport of sand and gravel, causing coastal

erosion or coastal accretion (land building). The reef platform at Tarawa is considered to be elevated;

it is exposed at lower tidal stages and is efficient at breaking incident wave energy.

B. Biological Environment

1. Coastal Resources

88. The coastal areas of Kiribati are characterized by white sandy beaches, reef flats, reef patches,

lagoons, mangrove forests, extensive reef mud flats and sea grass beds. These areas contain a

variety of habitats, numerous eco systems and marine organisms. The coastal areas support fishing,

recreation, trade and communication. With constant mining of beach sand and gravel for construction

purposes, the coastal areas are greatly threatened. The European Union (EU) is currently funding a

project on Environmentally Safe Aggregates for Tarawa (ESAT) Project, implemented by SOPAC. The

ESAT project aims to protect the vulnerable beaches of South Tarawa from damage caused by

aggregate mining and provide an alternative supply of material through environmentally safe lagoon


dredging. However, the earliest implementation of the ESAT Project is expected to be December

2011.

89. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) is responsible for the management of

marine resources including production of aggregates and sand from the coastal areas. Preventing the

destruction of marine resources including coral reefs is necessary. Therefore, the project will ensure

that material to be used for the ground will not cause significant adverse environmental impact on the

coastal and marine environment. The proposed project will not use the reef mud from the EU funded

project, but instead will import construction material (pre-fabricated concrete blocks, sand for

concrete) from Nauru, Fiji Islands or elsewhere abroad. As the project doesn’t include the

construction of new buildings, the environmental impact of construction works will be minimal.

Nevertheless, the project will take any necessary precautions to ensure that the construction

activities will not pollute the lagoon environment.

2. The Coral Reef

(Source: National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration, 2008)

90. All atolls are surrounded by an extensive reef. Coral reefs are tremendously important economic

and environmental resources. They provide habitat to a number of fish and marine species,

supporting a complex and bio-diverse community. Reefs protect harbors and beaches from the heavy

wave action of coastal storms, keeping shorelines from being washed away and creating safe

anchorages for boats. In Kiribati, people use coral reefs for fishing and collecting seafood during low

tides.

Figure 5: Atoll: Circular-shaped reef that form on the rim of a submerged volcanic island (Mann,

1982; Source: NOAA)

91. Coral reefs are extremely vulnerable to environmental impacts, naturals or human-made, and

suffer degradation from a variety of causes, including climate change, pollutants, over fishing,

physical disturbances, and oil spills.

Certain types of stressors, such as increased sea surface temperatures or toxic exposures to oil, can

cause coral polyps to lose their pigmented zooxanthellae, or to "bleach." Bleaching can damage or kill

corals.


92. Climate change detrimentally impacts coral in several ways. Levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide

are increasing, causing rises in sea surface temperature (SST). The rise in SST, in turn, increases the

frequency and severity of coral bleaching. Levels of carbon dioxide are also increasing in seawater,

resulting in weaker coral skeletons, reduced coral extension (growth) rates, and an increased

susceptibility to erosion on reefs. Climate change is also linked to greater frequencies of severe

storms, which are a major cause of physical damage to reefs.

93. Land based runoff, including excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments, can harm coral,

particularly when these impacts are ongoing. Especially the patch reef of Tarawa’s lagoon is

threatened by land runoff and pollution (waste disposal at the beach).

94. Oil can kill corals, depending on species, life stage, and exposure. Branching corals are more

sensitive to oil impacts than are massive or plate-like corals. The time of year when a spill occurs is

critical, because coral reproduction and early life stages are particularly sensitive to oil. Longer

exposure to lower levels of oil may kill corals, as well as shorter exposure to higher concentrations.

Chronic oil toxicity impedes coral reproduction, growth, behavior, and development. Fish and

invertebrates that live in and use the reef may also be impacted by oil. In addition to toxic impacts

from spilled oil, vessel accidents can hurt coral reefs in other ways, including groundings and other

physical impacts, anchor damage, and release of ballast water or hazardous materials.

95. One of the proposed project’s impacts is the saving of about 7% of fuel. Therefore, 7% less fuel

transport, 7% less heavy oil for the vessel is needed, and the risk of a ship accident or an oil spill will

be reduced by 7%. Maybe, the impact of this project is small, but it can be seen as a first step in the

right direction, towards less fuel imports and fuel consumption in Kiribati.

3. Forest Resources

96. Except for a few uninhabited islands in the Northern Line Islands and the Phoenix Group, where te

buka (Pisonia grandis) and other wild trees grow, there are no natural forests of major significance in

terms of size, age and biological diversity. Forests in the Lines and Phoenix are resting and nesting

places for long distance flying migratory birds all the year round.

97. Mangrove forests also exist on muddy shores and coastal beaches where water is calm and in

areas that are protected from waves and strong currents. Mangrove rehabilitation is undertaken by

the Government under the World Bank funded project, Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP II and KAP

III). It includes planting of mangrove seedlings in selected areas prone to coastal erosion and in


areas to protect causeways in Tarawa and Outer Islands. Mangroves, although considered a 'soft'

option when compared to seawalls, contribute to the building of coastlines and can be one of the most

effective forms of coastal protection.

Several types of the mangroves are found in Kiribati namely the white mangroves (Sonneratio alba),

te tongo buangui (Bruguiera gymnorhiza), te aitoa (Lumnitzera littores), and the red mangrove

(Rhizophora stylosa).

98. The selected sites for the proposed the project are located inside built up areas with no natural

vegetation. There is no forest area located nearby and no mangrove will be adversely affected by the

proposed project.

4. Wildlife

99. Kiribati has a very rich marine wildlife, with abundant fishing grounds, especially tuna.

100. Wildlife is prolific in the islands of Line and Phoenix groups where are nesting and feeding

grounds for 19 species of wild sea birds (18 species of tropic seabirds and 1 endemic species of land

bird native to Kiritibati). Large numbers of migratory wild birds are also seen on the islands during

September to May. Nesting turtles and crabs (coconut crabs, hermit crabs & land crabs) are found in

large numbers.

101. Kiribati has declared the creation of Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) at the 2006

Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Brazil. In January 2008 Kiribati

formally adopted regulations for PIPA that more than doubled the original size to make it the largest

marine protected area in the world. PIPA conserves one of the Earth's last intact oceanic coral

archipelago ecosystems, consisting of eight coral atolls and two submerged reef systems in a nearly

uninhabited region of abundant marine and bird life. The 410.500-square-kilometre protected area

also includes underwater mountains and other deep-sea habitat for 120 species of coral and 500

species of fish. Phoenix Island Protected Area also supports an extensive bird colony and nesting

habitat.

102. Kiritibati Island is a sanctuary and breeding ground in the Pacific for seabirds, supporting 18

different species of birds, including the endemic Christmas Island Warbler. The island is also home,

and a population stronghold, to the endangered Phoenix Petrel and the White Throated Storm Petrel.

Nine protected zones are designated to support the breeding and nesting of the various bird species.

103. According to a 2006 report issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and

Natural Resources (IUCN), threatened species in Kiribati include five species of birds, one type of


reptile, four species of fish, and one type of mollusk. Endangered species included the green sea

turtle, the coconut crab, the giant grouper, the tiger shark, the pygmy killer whale, and the mukojima

boning honeyeater.

104. The Wildlife Conservation Ordinance, Chapter 100, revised edition 1977, provides legal

protection to Kiribati’s wildlife, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and

Agricultural Development.

105. The proposed project will be realized in urban areas of South Tarawa and will not affect Kiribati

wildlife.

C. Socio-Economic Environment

1. International relationships

106. The Republic of Kiribati became an independent state in July, 12th of 1979. Before, the Gilbert

Islands were a British colony since 1915.

107. Kiribati was admitted to the United Nations (UN) on 14 September 1999 and is a member of

several non-regional specialized agencies, including the FAO, ICAO, the World Bank, IMF, IFC, ILO,

UNESCO, and WHO. The country participates in the Asian Development Bank, the ACP Group, the

Pacific Island Forum, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). The nation is also part of the

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In environmental cooperation, Kiribati is part

of the Basel Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the London Convention, the Kyoto

Protocol, the Montréal Protocol, and the UN Conventions on the Law of the Sea, Climate Change, and

Desertification. (Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations. 2007)

2. Population

108. 98.8% of the Kiribati population belongs to the Micronesian ethnic group. The last census at

November, 7th of 2005 enumerated a population of 92.533 people: 45.612 males and 46.921

females. This is an increase of 8.039 persons in 5 years compared to the 2000 census (84.494) with

an annual rate of growth of 1.8%. In July 2011, the estimated number of inhabitants was 100.743

persons. Kiribati’s population has steadily increased since the 1930s when the first census was

conducted. With a population of just under 30.000 people in 1931, 56.000 people in 1978, and over

90.000 in the year 2005, the Kiribati population more than tripled in size during the last 80 years.

109. Population growth varied extensively by island and island groups. While the overall growth rate

of Kiribati was 1.8% per annum, the Gilbert Group grew only at a rate of 1.4% while the Line and

Phoenix Group grew at a very rapid rate of 6.7% per annum. Islands that experienced significant


population increase include: South Tarawa (3.594), Kiritimati (1.684), Tabuaeran (782); Makin (694),

Abemama (262), and North Tabiteuea (235).

110. The census 2005 counted a total 13.999 private households with 88.644 household members,

which are 6.3 persons per I-Kiribati household on average. In South Tarawa 7.5 persons share a

household on the average. Almost a third (26.798) of all persons that live in private households live

in households with 10 persons or more, and 7.191 persons live in households with 15 persons or

more.

111. The life expectancy of the total population is 64.39 years, 62.03 years for men and 66.88 years

for women. The population is very young, with an average age of 22.5 years; 33.9% are under 14

years and only 3.7% is over 65 years old.

112. Religion plays an important role in the Kiribati society: everybody belongs to any of the Church

communities. 55% of the I-Kiribati is catholic; 36% is protestant and 9% belongs to other religious

groups as Mormons or Baha’i (census 2005).

113. 44% (40.311 persons in 2005; estimated 50.000 persons in 2011) of the I-Kiribati population

lives in an urban environment in South Tarawa. The highest population density is found in Betio with

12.509 persons in 2005, estimated 16.000 persons in 2011, living in a little islet of 1.2km². The

annual growth rate is 4.4% (ADB, 2006). The next census will be carried out in November 2011;

these figures should be revised and actualized with the official numbers.

Graph 2: Population density in South and North Tarawa, 2000 and 2005 (Source: Rallu, undated)

114. The migration pressure from Outer Islands to South Tarawa is high because the majority of

remunerated income opportunities, education and health services are located here. Due to this


overcrowding effect, South Tarawa faces serious environmental and social problems, as pollution of

ground water, polluted lagoon and beaches, scarcity of freshwater and high unemployment.

115. The long term trend of migration to South Tarawa has eased. The 2005 census data show a net

flow of people from the Gilbert Group Islands towards the Line Islands during the inter-census period

2000-2005. These figures should be revised after the new census 2011.

Graph 3: Population in Kiribati and South Tarawa (Source: Kiribati National Statistics Office)

3. Economy

116. The country's economy is predominantly subsistence, with copra, seaweed and fisheries being

the main source of foreign exchange earnings. Except abundant fish grounds, Kiribati has very few

natural resources; the only phosphate deposit on Banaba was exhausted before getting the national

independence in July 1979. The estimated GDP per capita (PPP) is US$ 6.100; the total GDP for the

country is estimated in US$ 618 Mio. (2010). Revenues from the licensing of foreign vessels in the

Kiribati Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) contribute some US$ 2-3 Mio. per annum. Tourism plays a

fairly modest role in the Gilbert but in the Northern Line Islands, especially Kiritimati, tourism is high

and contributes with more than 20% to the GDP.

117. About 60% of formal jobs are located in South Tarawa, about 80% most of them in the public

sector. The average wage is about AUD 200 per fortnight.

118. Economic development in Kiribati is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak

infrastructure, inefficient management and remoteness from international markets. The proposed


project will provide professional training and management skills for PUB staff and other interested

institutions. The proposed PV-installation will provide yearly saving of about AUD 500.000 for the

national economy that can be used to decrease the subsidies of energy supply.

119. Private businesses are in the early stages of development. Foreign financial aid from the EU, UK,

US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UN agencies, and Taiwan accounts for 20-25% of GDP.

Remittances from seamen on merchant ships abroad account for more than US$ 5 Mio. every year.

Kiribati receives around US$ 15 Mio. per annum for the government budget from an Australian trust

fund.

4. Infrastructure, Public Services and Utilities

120. The infrastructure of Kiribati is generally rudimentary. There are only two paved roads on South

Tarawa and Kiritimati. A program to construct causeways between North and South Tarawa was

completed in the mid-1990s. In 2008 the road in Betio and Bairiki was improved with Japanese aid. A

new ADB and WB funded Kiribati Road Rehabilitation Project involves the rehabilitation of an

estimated 27.5 kilometers of main road and approximately 6 kilometers of principal feeder and access

roads on South Tarawa, from Bairiki to Tanaea. The implementation of this project is supposed to

start in early 2012.

121. Kiribati has 21 airports; two of them (Bonriki and Kiritimati) served by international flights, only

four of them with paved runways. The country has two small CASA airplanes to serve domestic

flights.

122. Per each 1000 inhabitants there are 0.297 physicians (2006) and 1.8 hospital beds (2008)

available. In 2004, the under-five child mortality rate was 65 per 1000 live births, mostly caused by

diarrhea and respiratory diseases, while in the Western Pacific Region, it was 31 (WHO, 2006). For

2011, the estimated infant mortality rate (under one year) is 38.89 per 1000 live births (The World

Fact Book, 2011). There are currently sixteen doctors providing specialized medical care in Kiribati,

with sixteen more scheduled to join them. Cuban doctors have reportedly provided a dramatic

improvement to the field of medical care in Kiribati, reducing the child mortality rate in the country by

80%.Cubans have also offered training to I-Kiribati doctors. In December 2010, thirty-one I-Kiribati

were studying medicine in Cuba. (wikepedia.org, 25.09.2011)

123. 62% of the whole population (77% of urban and 50% of rural population) has access to an

improved drinking water source (2000). Only 33% (47% of urban and 22% of rural population) has

access to an improved sanitation facility.


124. The existing public water supply system is operated by Public Utilities Board (PUB) for about

50.000 people in South Tarawa. The supply system is in poor condition. An estimated fresh water

demand for South Tarawa is 3.500 – 4.000m³/day whereas PUB is currently extracting 1.900 m³ per

day from its Bonriki gallery. Buota gallery normally produces 350m³/day but currently awaits major

renovations. The water resource issue of shortage of clean water of 1.500 – 2.000m³/day is

compounded with the rapid increase in population on South Tarawa and the numerous water leakages

in the reticulated system. There is also the need to explore fully the potential of rainwater harvesting

to provide alternate source of drinking water and thereby reducing the use of well water that is often

of poor quality and becomes a threat of public health. Therefore, the project recommends and

enables by technical design the rain water collection of all PV systems, whether installed on roof-top

or on a free-standing roof structure.

125. PUB is responsible for the electricity supply on South Tarawa. There are 6.331 households

connected to grid with a contracted power per household of about 500 to 700 watts. The average

monthly consumption of electricity lays between 150 and 200kWh; with monthly bills for electricity of

AUD 60 to 80 per household. Taking into account an average weekly income of 100 AUD and the high

unemployment rate, electricity, even subsidized, is fairly expensive for the customers. The number of

illegally connected households is not known; PUB is just planning an investigation. Beside the

domestic connections, there are 897 commercials and 408 industrial companies connected to the

grid. Yearly there are 10 to 12 black-outs, caused by technical problems and with an average

duration of 1-2 hours. In addition, costumers suffer eventual short shutdowns of the energy supply,

caused by failures of the distribution system, the poor state of wiring or the deficient internal

electrical installation. The proposed project will have a positive impact on the energy supply in South

Tarawa as there were made some recommendations in order to increase general grid stability.

5. Education

126. The Government of Kiribati has gradually taken over control of primary education from the

missions. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. I-Kiribati

receive seven years of primary education and five years of secondary education. The net enrolment

ratio at secondary level is 68%, and gross enrolment ratio for all levels combined 75% (2005). The

pupil-teacher ratio for primary is 25:1 and secondary 17:1 (2005). 93% of the I-Kiribati is literate in

his/her own language.


127. In the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT), (formerly known as Tarawa Technical Institute;

TTI), 32 teachers offers courses in technical and vocational subjects for 257 fulltime students, that

finish their studies with a certificate. The Marine Training Centre (MTC) runs 18-month courses in

deck, engine-room and catering work on merchant-shipping lines; it trains about 200 students each

year. There is also the Kiribati Teachers College (KTC) based in South Tarawa, offering training for

primary teachers. Kiribati is a partner in the regional University of the South Pacific, which has its

main campus in Suva, Fiji Islands, and a campus in Tarawa, Kiribati, with some 3.000 students,

enrolled for a wide range of courses using the university's distance learning facilities.

128. The Ministry of Education, Training and Technology (METT) collaborates with civil society, and

particularly the churches, towards delivering universal basic education. It has identified some key

areas for improvement: early childhood development and non-formal education; primary teacher

education; upgrading schools and classroom resources; and literacy and numeric.

(www.commonwealth-of-nations.org, 2011)

129. The proposed project will provide professional training regarding the operation and maintenance

of the PV solar system to PUB staff and other interested institutes and companies as KIT and SEC. As

part of the PV solar system will be installed in educational institutes (Temaiku Primary School, King

George V Secondary School, KIT), these institutes can include the system in their teaching plans, e.g.

as a monitoring field.

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND

MITIGATION MEASURES

130. Safeguard measures have been incorporated in the project as follows:

(i) Design-Preconstruction Phase, the period before the actual project implementation when

designs are being prepared (Section A). This allows the designers to incorporate the Environmental

Management Plan (EMP) in the project design, technical specifications and contract documentations;

(ii) Construction Phase, the period since the “Notice to Proceed” is given to the Contractor until the

issuing of the “Certificate of Completion” (Section B). The Contractor will implement the project

following the design and technical specifications of the EMP; and

(iii) Operation and Maintenance Phase, the period starting with the issuing of the “Certificate of

Completion” issued by the MPWU until the end of the 20 year lifetime of the project (Section C).


A. Design/Pre-Construction Phase

1. Protection of Sensitive and Ecologically Important Areas

131. The proposed project will not traverse any environmentally sensitive areas, and no adverse

irreversible or enduring impacts caused by the implementation of the PV solar systems are

anticipated. However, during the preparation of the detailed design for the project, attention will be

given to protect potential environmental sensitive areas and to minimize negative impacts on

sensitive ecosystems, or the natural environment. Suggested measures to achieve this objective are:

Identify environmentally sensitive or ecologically fragile areas (if any);

Ensure construction personnel are aware of locations and importance of the sensitive areas and

avoid disturbing them;

If the proposed construction is located close to these areas, take necessary measures to

avoid/minimize disturbance.

2. Environmentally Sound Design

132. The proposed project is committed to have a positive environmental impact on the island and

not to cause or increase environmental problems on the island. In order to fulfill this commitment,

the following measures are proposed to be taken into account in the project design:

No use of gravel or sand from the beaches, avoiding coral mining and soil erosion. Consider

possible alternatives for construction materials (aggregates) that should be imported from

abroad, from Banaba or from other save locations

In case of usage of free standing structure, a proper structural design that is environmental

friendly and requires less maintenance is suggested. In order to avoid waste and later need of

scrap metal recycling after finishing the system’s lifespan, the predominantly use of timber as

material for support structures is proposed if the project will require it.

Enable rainwater harvesting from all installations as an added value to power generation. A

separate project, Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP III), financed by the World Bank is dealing with

issues of freshwater supply for the inhabitants of in South Tarawa. The two projects should seek

to coordinate the implementation of the rainwater harvesting equipment to maximize the synergy

from the Projects.

Selection of material suppliers in order to shorten transport ways and minimize transport needs

(also considering availability of spare parts and technical service).


Choice of the location that gives the best economy in terms of excavation and fill in order to avoid

or minimize soil erosion during excavation works for the construction of the stand-alone PV

structures

3. Cultural Heritage

133. Historical sites from the World War II consisting large canons and bunkers are located along the

beach in Betio area. However, these sites are located outside the project area. No specific cultural

archeological sites have been identified inside or around the selected project locations. However, in

case a cultural/historical heritage site is identified during the construction, the Contractor will be

asked to stop work immediately and notify the MPWU supervision consultant who in turn will notify

the relevant Government agencies.

4. Social or Community Concerns (Pre-Construction)

134. Because the project is concentrating on the installation of PV solar grid connected systems, little

concern regarding its negative effects is expected.

135. Solar energy has a predominantly positive image as “green” or “clean” energy from a local

renewable resource – the sun. Renewable are worldwide seen as the energy sources of the future;

the visibly installed solar energy system in Kiribati can be recognized as a symbol of progress

showing that the capital of Kiribati forms part of a modern society.

136. During the preliminary phase of the project 5 location sites were selected in order to guarantee

space availability enough for installing the maximum PV capacity according to technical grid limitation

(900 kWp). All the selected site locations are included in Government Leased Land, except Temaiku

School, which is on a reclaimed area. No need of additional land is required by the project execution

so all the lease arrangement currently in place are covering the project needs.

Therefore, no conflicts with landowners due to modified or additional land use are expected.

138. All implementations are planned to be implemented at public buildings or institutions and all

benefits will be shared by the whole population. Therefore, there are no conflicts of interests with or

between neighborhood communities expected.

139. There will be no interferences in private properties (land or other assets) of surrounding

neighborhood communities, like additional shading, covered views, noise, increased traffic, during

operation of the systems.

140. There will be no involuntary resettlements necessary, except the eventual necessary two-day

evacuation of hospital patients to a near-by hospital owned mwaneaba (local meeting house) during

the replacement of the roof and the implementation of the PV modules.


141. The project has no need of land acquisition and compensation of loss of crops so no measures to

minimize the social impact for this scope are requested.

B. Construction Phase

During this phase the PSE in the person of the International Environment Management Expert (IEME)

will be responsible to supervise that the Contractor’s works follow the EMP procedures and overall

recommendation indicated in this document and approved by the WB/GOK.

1. Social or Community Concerns (Construction)

142. The objective is to minimize social disturbance and maximize community benefits from the

Project. Measures to achieve this objective are:

Inform local neighborhood community before construction activities start about planned civil

works how they could be affected by them;

Avoid or minimize disturbances by construction activities in near living areas, e.g. avoiding works

at nighttime, minimizing transports of material, noise control;

Apply adequate waste management and avoid run-off of waste, e.g. littering off packaging

material;

Offer employment and training opportunities for local people. The general practice is that

Contractors employ workers from the communities. The clan leaders (unimwane) will be

consulted when recruiting workers for the Contractors;

Include women and other community groups in project activities whenever there is any

opportunity;

143. Neighborhood communities are not directly affected by project implementation; indirect

disturbances due to construction works will be minor and temporary. The Contractor will make

appropriate arrangements during the construction period to minimize them.

2. Soil Erosion

144. Proper application of mitigation measures will ensure that impacts of surface erosion are

temporary and minimized to acceptable levels. Measures to achieve these objectives are:

Minimize work areas;

Keep vegetation clearing at the necessary minimum;

Keep vehicles on defined tracks;

Construct the necessary temporary/permanent control structures;

Encourage re-vegetation as soon as the construction activities finish, or plan to immediately

rehabilitate the disturbed sites after use.


3. Controlling Sediment

145. Implementation of proper mitigation measures will ensure that the impacts are temporary and

minimized to acceptable levels. The proposed mitigation measures are:

Installing silt traps or other control structures at the outset of the construction

Preparing all disturbed areas for re-vegetation or for natural re-vegetation;

Phasing and limiting ground disturbance to areas of a workable size;

Scheduling construction to limit disturbance of large areas of soil during wet seasons;

Avoid discharging of contaminated water to the lagoon.

4. Controlling Storm Water

144. The objective to control storm water is to minimize the impact of contaminated run-off water.

Implementation of proper mitigation measures will accordingly ensure that impacts can be minimized

to acceptable levels. Measures to achieve the objective are:

Pass storm water run-off from construction areas through rocks or hay traps to remove soil and

petroleum-based organic pollutants before disposal;

Store oil and bituminous products at a contained location away from drainage ditches.

5. Management of Stockpiles and Spoil-heaps

145. To minimize dust and sediment run-off, material stockpiles and spoil heaps (if any) require

proper management. Suggested measures are:

Discuss dumping locations with the government officials and local landowners including plans for

future use of the spoil materials;

Include all drainage provisions suggested for construction sites in the site plans;

Choose the locations of waste spoil piles to avoid blocking surface run-off or drainage ditches;

Cover all spoil heaps or stockpiles during rainy season to prevent erosion and sediment run-off;

6. Air Quality and Dust Control

146. Dust problems created civil works or transport of materials can be a nuisance but not a very

critical issue. However, to control unnecessary dust, the Contractor will:

Spray water on spoil-heaps if there are dust generating materials accumulated during dry periods

especially near schools, hospitals, rural communities, etc.;

Cover all dust generating loads carried in open trucks. This is overall due in the Tungaru Central

Hospital site where patients’ conditions requires special attention. Specific arrangements should

be defined with the Hospital personnel (doctors, etc.).


7. Noise Control

147. Noise mainly affects urban areas, villages, hospitals, schools, etc. In order to minimize noise

during construction works, the suggested measures for the contractor to follow and supervised by the

PSE, are:

Use modern and well-maintained equipment (with mufflers where appropriate);

Use noise screens or mounds near residential areas, when appropriate;

Carry out noise construction activities and transports during normal working hours, never at night

time or Sundays.

Negotiate with schools/hospitals a schedule of noisy work, taking into account the needs of

students/patients.

Inform previously, when there will be unusual or unavoidable noise.

8. Aggregate Management

148. Aggregate for the ground construction is not necessary for the project but, just to take into

account this possibility, they should be sourced considering potential environmental impacts which

are:

Avoid overloading trucks and cover trucks to minimize dust and loss of load from trucks during

transportation;

Use water sprays or covered chutes to reduce dust emission during loading and unloading of

materials from barges;

Maintain crushing and mixing plants in good working condition so as to reduce emission from the

plant;

As far as possible, plan truck trips during low traffic hours;

Implement safety procedures during transport to reduce the potential for road accidents in village

or urban areas;

149. The Contractor will have to obtain the requisite permits and clearances from the ECD prior to

starting the construction work.

9. Off-site and Waste Management

150. The objective of waste management is to avoid contamination from solid wastes and sewage.

The Contractor is required to minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful

waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations. Among others, the

Contractor is recommended to:

Store wastes with respect for health and environment and being responsible for their recycling;

Contain all stored wastes within construction sites, avoid littering and runoff;

Use recycled or renewable building materials (e.g. timber) where possible;


Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mix of different waste and minimize waste disposal

into the landfill;

Not produce hazardous waste;

Shipping out hazardous waste.

Sort waste according to its type and origin. Store selected materials in safe place in order to

avoid contamination, especially if they will be shipped out for recycling;

Encourage the recycling of waste. Follow the hierarchy: Prefer local recycling or reuse before

shipping out for recycling, in case the recycling in Tarawa is not feasible, before waste disposal in

the landfill;

Properly dispose of all used fuel and lubricant oils in environmentally sound manner, either by

recycling or for other use such as fuel for hot mix plant, etc.;

Crush and bury all inorganic solid waste in an approved solid waste disposal area;

After construction has finished, remove all disabled machinery and waste from the project area;

Utilize, if available, public toilets at construction sites;

Compost all green or organic wastes or use as animal food.

10. Safety and Health

151. Occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks of construction works can be limited by clearly

defining procedures for handling construction materials, operating heavy equipment, installing PV

material etc. The providers of equipment and materials shall provide information about the proper

handling and safety of their products. The Project Supervising Engineering (PSE), contracted to

support the Implementing Agency for project implementation supervision, will supervise the

requirements for OH&S and personal protective equipment (PPE) outlined by the contractor. The

Contractor is responsible for the implementation of safety and health protection measures. The PSE is

responsible for the supervision of the proper implementation of the measures.

“As an example for OH&S requirements on construction sites, see the standards of European Agency

for Safety and Health at Work (http://osh.sm.ee/legislation/construction.stm).

An example for PPE requirements (Australian standards) can be found under http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/policies/personal_protective_equipment_guidelines.”

The PSE will be called to list specific equipment and training needed to:

Ensure all occupational health and safety requirements are in place on construction sites (The PSE

should indicate also how to monitor the respect of these measurements).

Understand the use of (PPE) and make sure that it is used properly;

Install lights and cautionary signs in hazardous areas;

http://osh.sm.ee/legislation/construction.stm


Ensure safety and inspection procedures;

Safe handling of toxic materials and other hazardous substances;

Implement a system of penalties for violation of rules and regulations to be included in the EMP;

152. General Health and Safety Awareness for construction workers will include:

• Introduction to health and safety issues in construction sites by the Contractor;

• Education on basic hygienic practices to minimize spread of tropical diseases, including information

on methods of transmission and protection;

• Prohibition of drugs, kava and alcohol on construction sites;

• Assure availability of medical assistance in emergency or non-emergency situations and availability

of other health-related assistance.

11. Site De-commissioning

153. To minimize ongoing impacts after construction is completed, the Contractor will be responsible

for the proper decommissioning of the temporary construction sites. Suggested measures to achieve

this objective are:

Assure all waste and remaining material for recycling has been removed from the construction

site;

Rake or loosen all compacted ground surfaces;

If necessary, implement revegetation / rehabilitation of the construction sites involving, where

possible, local women’s and community groups.

C. Operation Phase

1. Safety

154. The proper protection of the installations is very important in order to avoid accidents, damaging

or unauthorized removal of the technical equipment. The contractor will be responsible for

implementation and PSE for monitoring of proper safety measures. In order to meet safety

requirements, the following protection measures are proposed:

Inhibit unauthorized access to the PV modules on roof-top or at the free-standing structures by

construction design and eventually necessary technical protection measures (fences, gates,

locks);

Cover inverters with a locked metal cage firmly attached to the wall in order to avoid

unauthorized manipulation (especially by playing children with the risk of accidents) or theft;

Mark sites with comprehensive and visible signs (pictograms) indicating danger and no-go-areas;

Put the wiring underground in order to avoid accidents and damage (accidentally or intentioned

by vandalism);


Advice to the public institutions where the PV installations are implemented about special risks

and security needs (security fence, safeguard at nighttime);

Inform the administration of the public institutions where the PV installations are implemented

that they should report immediately to the PUB any case of damage of any component of the PV

system.

2. Maintenance and repairs

155. Only few maintenance activities on site will be necessary (See chapter 192 for a detailed

description of required maintenance).

During the first three years, PUB will get advice and trained from the Post Commissioning Services

responsible experts contracted for training and O&M support program. The Contractor will provide the

necessary knowledge and skills for proper maintenance and repairs of the system, in form of a

Operational Manual and professional training. The PUB itself will ensure that there is sufficient funding

available to carry out periodic maintenance and repairs of the PV installations. This will be addressed

by a technical assistance activity to be done under the project.

VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 156. Prior to the feasibility study, the Government of Kiribati has had selected several candidate sites

for the possible implementation of the project. All candidate sites were visited and checked taking

into account the following selection criteria:

a) Site location: the location has been characterized by specific practical qualities as well as some

qualities related to the land property, that is whether the land is government owned (reclaimed

land), government leased with an existing government building or facility (school, offices, etc.),

government leased without any building or activity, or private land. This includes also the

accessibility of the site for inspection and maintenance by PUB staff.

b) Electrical characteristics of the site location: This includes the distance to the transformer as

connection point to the grid, as well as transformer technical properties, among other aspects to

evaluate.

c) Photovoltaic properties: The size of the available surface is the main aspect to consider here For

this initial introduction to grid connected PV systems operated by PUB it is preferable to have few

larger sites rather than many distributed sites.

d) Added value: A set of site locations properties has been selected in order to give to the added

value of each site a weight in the final decision, e.g. the expected social and environmental


impact/benefit for each site as well as security aspects. For instance if a site has already some

activity or it is guarded there is less risk to suffer damage or theft.

After a preliminary data gathering visit done by the consultants, the sites have been characterized

and evaluated according to the scores. An evaluation matrix with a ranking of sites was developed

during the inception phase in order to select the most suitable.

Location Name Location

Installable PV A-Si (kWp)

PV AC rated Power A-Si (kW)

Electrical properties

PV properties

Added Value

TOTAL PV Sum

Betio Sport Complex rooftop 7 145 130 11,7 27,65 6 52 145

Temaiku Primary School 5,75 176 159 9 29,8 6 51 321

Tungaru Central Hospital 7 225 203 10,5 26,95 6 50 546

Betio Sport Complex Field 7 443 399 11,7 24,5 6 49 989

Kiribati Institute of Technology 4,5 218 196 9 25,2 4 43 1207

King George V Secondary School roof-top 6 308 277 9,9 20,5 6 42 1515

Bikenibeu Power Station 7 98 88 10,8 19,6 4 41 1613

King George V Field 3,5 689 620 7,5 24,5 5 41 2302

TAMOA Place 4 81 73 3,9 20,3 5,5 34 2383

Table 3. Prioritization of the selected candidate site locations

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Betio S

port

Com

ple

x

rooftop

School

Sate

llite

Hospital

Betio S

port

Com

ple

x

field

Technolo

gy

Cente

r

Kin

g

Georg

e V

Secondary

Bik

enib

eu

PS

Kin

g

Georg

e V

Fie

ld

TA

MO

A

Pla

ce

Added Value Usage

PV carcterization

Electrical Caracterization

Location Characterization

Graph 4. Prioritization of the selected candidate site locations

157. In case one or two of the selected sites would drop out due to any yet unforeseen reason, the

project designers could have a look on rejected sites if they would be suitable for the project, but

having in mind that they will not be the best choice. As well, in cooperation with GoK, a new

screening of potential candidate sites could be made.

158. If necessary, due to financial, technical or administrative constraints, alternatives regarding the

design of the PY system, the design of the support structures or the selection of materials could be

considered. All implications of the alternative solution (cost, technical details, environmental and

social impact, etc.) should be evaluated. There are some examples for possible alternatives: The PV

capacity to be installed could be reduced easily thanks to the high modularity of the design. This just


considering a lower number of solar PV basic Units (the maximum capacity of 900 kWp cannot be

increased);

Alternative suppliers for technical equipment (PV modules, inverters, etc.) can be selected, taking

into account technical, financial and environmental specifications;

The design of the support structure can be modified (e.g. height, floor, water-proof structure

under the PV arrays);

Alternative materials can be selected for the civil works (e.g. gravel instead of concrete floor, the

free standing poles can be fixed directly into the ground without concrete block as basement).

159. The proposed project is supposed to have a general positive technical, financial, social, and

environmental impact on South Tarawa (see details in chapter III and IV). Without the

implementation of the project, the situation will remain as it is now: PUB will remain without new

assets and new skills, PUB will not get a financial benefit of yearly about AUD 500.000. The demand

imported fuel will probably increase in the future; more money will be spent on fuel. Probably, PUB

will be forced in the future to increase the tariff of sold electricity. There will be no additional training

and teaching opportunities for schools and institutes, as well as no professional training for PUB staff.

South Tarawa will not enjoy the benefits of the modern PV technology.

VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION,

AND PARTICIPATION

160. As required by the World Bank Safeguards Policies, information and consultation meetings were

held with the local stakeholders and Ministries during the preparation of EIA.

161. Preliminary consultations were undertaken between 16th and 30th of September 2011 during the

field visit to South Tarawa.

162. Several information and consultation meetings with local stakeholders, including representatives

from the involved institution, the Ministries and the utility, were realized (for details, see Minutes of

the Meetings in Annex 3,4,5,6, and 7):

a) Meeting with the Energy Planning Unit of MPWU: Presentation of the Inception Report at 21st of

September 2011. First approach, key points and findings were presented, discussed and approved

between WB, GOK and TTA. In particular the site prioritization was agreed as well as the technical PV

maximum capacity installable into the grid. The methodology, work plan and work schedule were

confirmed during these meetings and approved by the stakeholders (Please refer to the Inception

Report for more details).


b) Information and consultation meetings with local stakeholders from the five selected sites (four

sessions with a total of 22 assistants) at 26th and 28th of September 2011 with the following agenda:

1. Welcome and introduction (purpose of the meeting)

2. Institutional and personal introduction of assistants

3. Presentation of the purpose of the feasibility study and preliminary results

4. Presentation of plans for a possible implementation of a solar system into the building complex

5. Discussion and presentation of possible alternatives

6. Clarification of open questions from all parties

7. Feed-back: Expression of No-Objection to the proposed implementation

8. Outlook: How to go on, what will be needed?

9. Final statement and closure

The objective of the consultation sessions was to obtain the stakeholders’ expression of no objection

to the proposed project. Questions were raised and clarifications were made (for details see protocols

(MoM, Annex 1 to 4). The institutions presented their own plans of future constructions and the team

was looking how to integrate the projections of both sides in an acceptable compromise for all parties.

As a result, all parties agreed to continue with the proposed project and to stay in touch for further

information.

c) Presentation of preliminary findings of the feasibility study (common meeting with all stakeholders)

at 5th of October 2011 with 14 assistants.

162. As all selected sites are inside public institutions and no major irreversible adverse impact on the

surrounding communities are expected by the implementation of the proposed project, there was no

need for additional public consultations.

163. The EMP will be disclosed to the public and will be available locally to the interested public at the

MPWU office.

164. Beneficiary consultations will be conducted during the preparation and construction phases, and

records of environmental and social issues raised and complaints received during consultations, field

visits, informal discussions, formal letters, etc., will be followed up and the records will be kept in the

project office at MPWU.


VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

Taking into account the fact that the implementation of the project is not expected to affect lands,

trees or the social community in general, it is reported here a mechanism which should be followed in

case of any concerned were raised by the people. This procedure should be discussed with the MPWU

prior to start the executive part of the project. In the operational phase of the project it is

recommended that the Implementing Agency inform local neighborhood and community about this

mechanism for registering comments, suggestions or grievances, for example publishing and exposing it

at each of the selected site locations.

165. The Local Environmental Expert named by MPWU project to follow EMP, will receive and

document issues and concerns that the local people and stakeholders will raise regarding to the

project and its implementation. Resolution of these issues and concerns will be undertaken

expeditiously in order to minimize any adverse impact that may affect the project implementation.

166. The following process will be followed to address the issues and concerns that stakeholders and

Affected Person/People (AP) may raise regarding the proposed development:

The first step towards resolution of issues and concerns relevant to project is the filing of a formal

notice/complaint by the AP with the MPWU – Energy Planning Unit.

For minor complaints such as excessive dust, noise, safety violation, the Project Supervising

Engineering (PSE) in the person of the International Environmental Expert, assigned to supervise

environmental and social aspect, will respond within 96 hours of lodging the complaint and a

resolution will be conveyed to the AP within 8 working days.

For more substantial complaints about land occupation, damage by Contractor’s equipment, etc.

the PSE will respond within 96 hours and set up, with Implementing Agency support, further

discussion / meetings with the complainant to reach a satisfactory resolution acceptable to all

parties within ten working days

The MPWU in the person of the Local Environmental Expert will maintain a register where all

complaints are logged by: date, name and contact address and details of the complaint. A

duplicate copy of the register entry will be given to the AP for their record. The AP may, if so

desired, discuss the complaint directly with the PSE or his representative at a mutually convenient

time and location.


If the complaint of the AP is dismissed, the AP will be informed of his/her rights in taking the

complaint to the next step. However, every effort will be made to resolve the issue to the mutual

satisfaction of both the parties.

Should the AP be not satisfied with the decision of the MPWU, the AP may file a written complaint

with the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities. The time horizon for the

investigation and resolution of the complaint will vary and is dependent on the investigating

officer of the MPWU.

Till this step, the MPWU will take over the costs of grievance procedures (protocols, meetings with

AP, responses). The reparation costs for damages will be duly evaluated. A percentage of the

project's budget will be destined to a funds in order to cover these costs. The amount of the fund

has to be determined.

In case the responsibility of the Contractor for the damages has been proven, the MPUW can seek

costs of the grievance redress mechanism from the Contractor.

• Should the AP still be not satisfied with the decision of MPWU, the AP may then take the

grievance to the Kiribati Judicial System. This will be at the AP’s cost, but if the court shows that

MPWU have been negligent in making their determination, the AP may seek costs.

167. For any concern or complaint, where a community is involved, it is recommended to search for a

culturally sensitive solution, according to I-Kiribati culture and traditions. E.g., the complaint could be

raised in a community meeting in the mwaneaba (local meeting house) and the unimwane (old men)

could be asked for advice.

The affected community should present their complaints to the Local Environmental Expert (LEE). If

required for cultural sensitivity, a female LEE should be available. Affected persons may take a

supporter, and if a complaint is upheld and requires legal redress, will be entitled to legal

representation at no cost to them. The LEE will discuss the issue within the MPWU/PUB/Contractor

and PSE. The PSE will be the coordinator of conflict resolving measures, like a meeting between the

community representatives and the contractor. Community should be informed by the implementing

agency about this mechanism.

The costs of these procedures should be covered from the grievance fund, mentioned in paragraph

166. This advice should be taken into account for the conflict solution, if possible.


IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

A. Overview

168. There are no specific risks expected by the implementation and operation of the proposed

project, aside from possible minor disturbances to the adjoining areas caused by the construction

work. Possible impacts were detailed above and will be mitigated by appropriate measures during the

design/pre-construction, construction, and operation phases, as summarized in the Environmental

Management Plan (EMP).

169. According to the Kiribati Government’s Environmental Act, 2007, An Act to Amend the

Environment Act 1999, the project does not require the preparation of a Basic Environmental Impact

Assessment, which is equivalent to the World Bank’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

According to the Act, MPWU will need to comply with environmental requirements as detailed in the

EMP.

170. The Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed installation of grid connected PV solar

system in South Tarawa led to the conclusion that any adverse impact of construction and operation

will be minor, reversible and manageable if the mitigation measures as given in the EMP are properly

implemented. The EMP (Annex 6) is based on the type, extent and duration of the identified

environmental impacts. The EIA has been prepared by close reference to best practices and in line

with the World Bank’s safeguard policies.

171. The effective implementation of the EMP will be audited as part of the Grant conditions. In this

regard, the PSE will guide the PUB (the Implementing Agency), and the Contractors on the

implementation of the EMP. For this reason the PSE must include in its structure the International

Environmental Management Expert.

172. Prior to implementation of the project, and upon completion of the detailed design, the EMP will

be reviewed by the PSE contracted to support PUB to ensure also that it complies with the proposed

design and any additional changes made at the design stage (e.g., location, scale, source of

materials, safety, etc.) and which could have any impact on the environment as reflected in the EMP.

B. Environmental Management Plan

173. The findings and proposed mitigation measures have been compiled into an EMP. It summarizes

all the anticipated environmental impacts and its associated mitigation measures during the design,

construction and operational phases. It makes reference to the relevant law and contract documents,

approximate location, time-frame, mitigation costs (in US$), and the responsibility for its

implementation and supervision.


174. The recommendations and proposed mitigation measures will be attached to the Project Bidding

Documents and subsequently the Contractors’ contracts. There are no additional environmental

mitigation costs as these are incorporated in the civil work design and included in Contractor’s

contract. Many of the mitigation measures will be incorporated as part of the standard design and

construction practices and as such their costs will be included in the construction cost. This will be

refined during the detailed design stage.

1. Design/Pre-Construction Phase

175. Experience shows that inadequate application of the EMP by the Contractor may occur due to

weak linkages of the EMP with the contract documents. The EMP is a part of the work program and its

fulfillment is part of the Grant agreement, and as such it must be addressed by the Contractor and

carried out as required.

176. In the Bid and Contract section “Special Conditions of Contract”, the Project Supervision

Engineering (PSE) will, prior to the tender being called, revise and update the EMP as it is forming

part of the Bid and Contract document. The Contractor will use this document to cost his compliance

with the EMP.

177. During the bid evaluation and selection of Contractor, the Contractor will be required to provide

a short statement confirming that:

Costs to fulfill conditions of EMP have been included into the bid price;

Contractor has experience of working with an EMP;

Contractor counts with a qualified and experienced person on its team who will be responsible for

the environmental compliance of requirements of the EMP.

2. Construction Phase

178. During the construction phase, the Contractor will work according to the requirements of the

EMP. Supervision and monitoring activities will be undertaken as follows:

(i) The Contractor has the initial responsibility for implementing the EMP as part of the works

contract.

(ii) The Project Supervising Engineering in the person of the International Environmental Management

Expert will direct the Contractor with regard to compliance with the EMP.

(iii) The Project Supervising Engineering will carry out independent monitoring of the work and can

issue Defect Notices to the Contractor.

(iv) The Project Supervising Engineering will report to the MPWU regarding the work progress and

fulfillment of the EMP.

(v) The Contractor will have his own representative on site – the Site Engineer (SE) - who will be

responsible for implementing the contract and complying with the EMP.


179. Before starting the construction work, the Contractor will assign a Site Engineer who is

responsible for the fulfillment of EMP during the construction work.

180. The PSE will supervise the construction works and give advice to the Site Engineer. It will have

regular meeting with the SE.

181. Preparation of site and establishment of Contractor’s facilities: this applies to all of the

Contractor’s facilities, storage areas, workshops, labor camps (when needed), concrete batching

areas, etc. Before starting the work, the contractor should arrange meeting and briefing with

MPWU/PUB through Local Environmental Expert to facilitate and guide the project staffs to be aware

and respect local culture and customs. The location and development of the Contractors’ facilities will

be approved by the PSE. The sites will be selected following these criteria:

they must not interfere with the environment and social well-being of the surrounding

communities with noise, dust, vibration, etc.;

the size of Contractor’s facilities is limited to absolute minimum to reduce unnecessary clearing of

vegetation;

sanitary waste and grey waters, if any, have to be treated before release into surface water

systems;

fuel storage areas are not located within 20m of a water course;

the Contractor’s facilities are to be protected by adequate security measures and adequately

indicated (comprehensive and visible signs (pictograms, Gilbertese and English language)

indicating danger and no-go areas).

182. Clearing of sites and removal and disposal of vegetation:

• The area to be cleared should be limited and excessive machine disturbance of the topsoil should be

avoided.

• Cleared material is to be piled into manageable sized heaps according to disposal or re-use

requirements.

183. Prevention of soil erosion on construction site: The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring

that the erosion is contained by appropriate soil conservation protection methods. This is particularly

important since the work location is close to the lagoon. The Contractor will:

Limit the extent of excavation to reduce soil erosion potential;

Apply soil conservation protection methodology to susceptible areas to prevent / minimize storm

water runoff carrying eroded materials off-site;

Avoid excavation and operating machinery in wet ground conditions;


Upon completion of works, the Contractor will ensure that all excavated areas are properly

stabilized. This includes the rehabilitation of all disturbed areas by the most appropriate and

effective method.

184. Storage and handling of construction materials, fuel and lubricants: Construction materials will

include cement for concrete manufacture, timber posts, steel and other construction materials, fuel

and lubricants, etc.

Fuel will be stored in bounded areas at least 20m away from the lagoon areas;

Not recyclable material (oil) should be removed from Tarawa at contractor’s costs.

All workshops would be provided with oil and water separators;

Vehicles and machinery will not to be refueled within 20m of the lagoon;

The Contractor must have trained personnel who are competent in fuel handling procedures and

for cleaning up accidental spills;

Any major spill in the vicinity of the lagoon will be reported to MELAD;

Waste oil, oil and fuel filters will be collected and recycled- If recycling is not possible, they should

be removed from Tarawa. These materials are not allowed to be disposed in landfill areas;

At the closure of the site, all contaminated soil will be excavated, removed and replaced with

fresh topsoil.

185. Noise and vibration: This applies to night works for all machinery, vehicles and construction sites

where noise and vibration may affect susceptible receptors. The Contractor will be responsible for

ensuring that noise and vibration does not affect the adjacent communities. While it is unlikely that

noise and vibration will be an issue due to the large distances between the activities and the

communities the Contractor will confine all work to daylight hours (6am to 6pm).

186. Dust management: During construction, when dust may be generated, the Contractor will

monitor the work-site conditions and apply dust control measures, which include reducing

construction traffic movements and spraying water on exposed areas.

187. Community safety from increased vehicle movements: This applies to all vehicles and

particularly to material transporting trucks that pass through villages. The Contractor will ensure that

all vehicles which pass through villages are operated safely without endangering these communities.

The Contractor is to ensure that:

All trucks and equipment are maintained in a safe operating condition;

All drivers and machinery operators are properly trained and act responsibly;

All loads are secured and all loads with potentially dust generating materials will be covered with

tarpaulins;


The Contractor will immediately remove any driver that ignores any of the community safety

requirements.

188. Safety and Hazard: Before starting construction work, the Contractor will be required to identify

potential hazards and, if necessary, prepare an emergency response plan to address serious accidents

and nominate a person who will be immediately contacted in case an accident occur. The emergency

response plan will be submitted to the PSE and PUB for approval one week prior to starting work.

The Contractor will be required to keep the construction site free of drugs, kava and alcohol;

The Contractor will be required to provide a safe work environment and provide safety measures

and protective equipment to all workers including; hand, head, eye and ear protection and safety

footwear. The PSE will assure that the personal protection equipment will be utilized correctly;

The Contractor will provide first aid facilities on-site and employ a trained first aid person;

The Contractor will provide potable water, toilets and wash water to the workers, or lease these

facilities from institution at the construction site.

189. Disposal of waste materials: all construction waste materials including packaging material, cable

cutoffs, cement bags etc. are to be suitably disposed of, by the contractor under the PSE supervision

(see below). If these cannot be recovered for reuse or scrap value these materials should be taken to

an approved landfill sites for safe disposal.

189a. Alternatives to moving patients and / or the operating theatre: If it is not practical to safely

relocate patients from the operating theatre at the Tungaru Central Hospital site for the duration of

construction, the PSE shall find an alternative site or sites to install the solar panels, within the

existing project area, and with all of the necessary approvals.

190. Clearance and rehabilitation of construction sites and removal of Contractor’s facilities: It is the

Contractor’s responsibility to address site clean-up.

This includes the removal of all waste materials, machinery and, in case, any contaminated soil;

All construction sites and work areas will be rehabilitated so that these can be returned as close

as possible to their previous uses. This includes the stabilization and landscaping of the

construction site, if necessary;

No waste will be left on site after the work is completed. Should the Contractor fail to remove the

waste, the MFEM is entitled to withhold payment, arrange the clean-up and deduct the cost of the

clean-up and appropriate administrative charges from the final payment.

3. Operational Phase

191. People Safety: During operation, the following safety measures should be taken in order to avoid

accidents or damage to the system:


Protect PV modules from unauthorized access by appropriate technical and non-technical

protection measures (fences, gates, locks, safeguard);

Cover inverters with a locked metal cage firmly attached to the wall or protect the inverter area

with a secure enclosure in order to avoid unauthorized manipulation (especially by playing

children with the risk of accidents) or theft;


Control the state of wiring in order to avoid accidents and damage;



Inform the administration of the public institutions where the PV installations are implemented

that they should report immediately to the PUB any case of damage of any component of the PV

system.

192. The following maintenance activities on site should be realized on a regular base by staff of PUB

as Operating Agency:

Under normal climate conditions with regular rainfall, the slope of the installation will enable the

self-cleaning of PV modules by rinsing rainwater. During droughts, the dust of the panels should

be removed twice a year. The cleaning can be made easily with a hose pipe;

Adjacent trees or shrubs should be trimmed in order to avoid shading over the panels or damage

by falling fruits (especially coconuts);

Wiring should be revised once a year in order to make sure that there is no damage (e.g. rotten

cables, damages by rats). This activity should be carried out by authorized PUB staff only;

Inverters should be revised regularly to assure their perfect operation (replacement of rusted

components). This activity should be carried out by authorized PUB staff only;

Security measures should be revised regularly (e.g. replacement of rusty locks, closing of fence

holes);

The state of all installations should be revised by PUB staff after special climate events, as heavy

rainfalls, storms or floods in order to detect damages on the support construction or on the PV

installation itself;

The institution where the PV installation is installed should immediately report any damage on the

structure to the PUB Staff in order to assure repairs or replacement of damaged components;

All repairs or manipulation of the PV system should be carried out exclusively by authorized staff

of PUB that previously has got instructions and training.

The maintenance protocol should be revised by the Contractor and PUB before the Operational

Phase is starting.


C. Environmental Monitoring Plan

193. An Environmental Monitoring Plan for the proposed project (Annex 9) has been prepared,

including the following components:

Environmental issue to be monitored and the means of verification;

Specific areas, locations and parameters to be monitored;

Applicable standards and criteria;

Duration, frequency and estimated monitoring costs;

Institutional responsibilities for monitoring and supervision.

194. A Field Monitoring Checklist has been prepared based on the EMP and Environmental Monitoring

Plan (Annex 10). The Field Monitoring Checklist will be used by the PSE in the person of the

“International Environment Management Expert” (IEME). The signed checklists will be provided to the

MPWU in the person of the “Local Environmental Expert” (LEE) who will be responsible for the

appropriate follow-up and compliance reporting. The IEME, according to the MPWU and LEE

suggestions and recommendations, will be responsible for taking potential corrective actions if some

are requested to meet EIA/EMP requirements.

195. The PUB/MPWU, in the person of the LEE will maintain a Complaints Database, which will contain

all the information on complaints received from affected persons, communities or other stakeholders.

This would preferably include: Short description of the complaint, location, time, actions to address

this complaint, acceptance of the proposed solution.

D. Institutional Implementation and Reporting Arrangements

1. Project Implementation

196. PUB is the Implementing Agency for the proposed project and will be responsible for the

implementation and compliance with the EMP and Monitoring Plan. Day-to-day implementation and

compliance will be the task of PSC.

2. Reporting Arrangements

197. The findings of the regular monitoring activities, as specified in the Monitoring Plan (Annex 9)

and following the Monitoring checklist will be included in the quarterly PSE progress reports. The

person assigned for environmental and social affairs of the PUB/MPWU (Local Environmental Expert)

will be responsible for distributing the reports to ECD (MELAD) and for the reviewing of Environmental

Safeguard sections of the quarterly progress reports. This will include an overview of the status of the

implementation of the EMP and compliance to the national environmental regulations. The progress

reports will be submitted for information to MPWU-Energy Planning Unit and the World Bank.


3. Budget

198. The budget for the Environmental Management Plan is shown in Table 4. The Environmental

Management Plan shows that there are no environmental mitigation costs, since this is incorporated

in the civil work design and included in Contractor’s contract. Costs that are shown are for national

and international staff for a two-year project implementation period. Total costs, including a 10%

contingency, amounts to US$50.500. The budget should be revised before starting the project.

In order to guarantee the correct execution of this Plan, as mentioned previously through this

document, it is recommended that the PUB foresees to include in its team a local expert (Local

Environmental Expert) who is responsible for following all the phase of the activities of the Plan and

to be the reference person for the International Environmental Management Expert. This last expert

should be included in the contracted PSE expert responsible for super visioning the EMP.

item Rate

(US$/Month)

Year 1 Year 2 Total

International

Environmental

Management Expert

(PSE)

20.000 20.000 10.000 30.000

Local Environmental

Expert (PUB/MPWU)

4.000 4.000 2.000 6.000

International travel

and support costs

6.000 6.000 12.000

Local travel and

support costs

1.000 1.000 2.000

Contingencies 10% 3.100 1.900 5.000

Table 4: Environmental Management Costs

X. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

199. During the implementation of the project, the construction works can cause minor reversible and

temporary environmental disturbances (e.g. noise, dust, waste, increased traffic) that will be

mitigated by operational procedures following the Environmental Management Plan. The fulfillment of


the EMP will be supervised by the PSE and monitored by the Local Environmental Expert

(PUB/MPWU).

200. No involuntary resettlement, no acquisition or leasing of land is needed; no interferences in

private land and properties are expected for the project.

201. There are no environmental risks or negative impact expected during the operation of the

system.

202. The balance between social and environmental risks and benefits is clearly positive. The project

will have a positive environmental, social, technical and financial impact, as described in detail in

above, e.g.:

- PUB can save up to AUD 500.000 per annum;

- Fuel, transport and emissions can be saved;

- New opportunities for professional training will be created;

- Creation of short term employment during construction work;

- Creation of new jobs in PUB (long-term impact);

- New opportunities for teaching and awareness rising;

- Added value by second use of the PV structures (meeting place, outdoor activities, shade, rainwater

harvesting, indoor climate improvement etc. …).

202. The EMP concludes that any adverse environmental or social impact can be managed and kept

within an acceptable level following the mitigating measures described above. No further detailed

study or Environmental Impact Assessment will be needed. The EMP needs to be revised and

actualized after defining the final project design. Provisions will be made in the Project Budget to

cover the environmental mitigation and monitoring costs.

203. The EMP contains the following recommendations regarding the implementation and operation of

the planed system:

In each PV plant structure should be equipped with a rainwater collection system. As this

equipment is not foreseen in the budget of the proposed project, we propose to create links with

another WB funded ongoing project dealing with water (KAP III) and to look for possible

synergies.

The procurement, implementation and commissioning process should be supervised permanently

on ground by a technical assistant (indicated in this document as PSE), who assures the

fulfillment of the requirements of the EMP under the profile of the International Environment

Management Expert (IEME).

Support for Operation and Maintenance will be provided during the first three years.


It would be useful to include also staff from the Solar Energy Company Ltd. and from the Kiribati

Institute of Technology in the professional training, in order to exchange the existing expertise

and to contribute to a broader local capacity building. Maybe there are potentials for future

cooperation between the institutions that can be detected.

The waste and recycling management as described in the EMP should be planned and prepared

before the arrival of material and the start of civil works.

References

ADB (2006). Technical Assistance Consultant’s Report. Project Number: 38031.December 2006.

Mainstreaming Environmental Considerations in Economic and Development Planning Processes in

Selected Pacific Developing Member Countries. Climate Risk Profile for Kiribati.

ADB (2010). Road Rehabilitation Project (RRP KIR 44281). Initial Environmental Examination. August

2010.

Brander, R.W., Kench, P.S. and Hart, D. (2004). Spatial and temporal variations in wave

characteristics across a reef platform, Warraber Island, Torres Strait, Australia. Marine Geology, 207:

169-184. Stephenson, W. and Brander, R.W. (2004). Coastal geomorphology. Progress in Physical

Geography, 28 (4): 1-12.

Government of Kiribati (2004). Kiribati’s IWP, POPS, NBSAP-Add on and NBP Projects – Information

Paper Review of Kiribati Laws. Tarawa.

He, C., 2001. Assessment of the vulnerability of Bairiki and Bikenibeu, South Tarawa, Kiribati, to

accelerated sea-level rise. SOPAC Technical Report 322.

Kench, P.; Brander, R.; Parnell, K.; McLean, R. (2006). Wave energy gradients across a Maldivian

atoll: Implications for island geomorphology. Geomorphology, Vol. 81, Issues 1-2: 1-17.

Lovell, E. (2011). Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the ESAT Dredging Project. Suva, Fiji,

July 2011.

Rallu, J.L. (undated). Urban drift, urban growth, urban youth. UNFPA Suva.

The World Fact-book at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html (last

update 27.09.2011)

World Bank (2011). E2766 Kiribati Adaptation Programme – Phase III. Environmental Management

Plan. February 2011.

White, I. (2010). Tarawa Water Master Plan. Te ran – Groundwater. Kiribati Adaptation Programme –

Phase III. December 2010.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html


Abbreviations

asl – above sea level

AUD – Australian Dollar

ECD – Environment and Conservation Division

EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP – Environmental Management Plan

GoK – Government of the Republic of Kiribati

KIT – Kiribati Institute of Technology

KOIL – Kiribati Oil Company Ltd.

kWp – Kilowatt Peak

MELAD – Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development

METT - Ministry of Education, Training and Technology

MISA – Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs

MPWU – Ministry of Public Works and Utilities

MTC – Marine Training Centre

PUB – Public Utility Board

SEC – Solar Energy Company Ltd.

SOPAC - Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission

US$ - US Dollar


ANNEXES

Annex 1 - Environment License Application form

Office Use only

GOVERNMENT OF KIRIBATI

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT LANDS AND AGRICULTURAL DVELOPMENT

P.O. Box 234, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati

Tel. No. (686) 28000/28425 Fax: (686) 28334

Email: [email protected]

Environment License Application Form

1. Contact Information

Name of applicant _______________________________________________________

(must be an individual person, corporation or government body)

Contact Address

_______________________________________________________________________

Telephone ____________ Mobile _____________ Fax ____________

Email: _________________________________________________________________

2 Background Information

Name of project (ESA)______________________________________________

Project No.

Date of receipt

RR number

Review date

Site visit date

Status


Type of project

(government/private/commercial) ___________________________________________

Location of the project ______________________________________________

(attach site plan if applicable)

Proposed implementation date ______________________________________________

3. Site description detailing the state of the environment

4 Project Description

Purpose of the project (attach supplement information if available) _______________________________________________________________________

Size of the project (design specifications to be provided if applicable) ________________________________________________________________________

Persons or contractors who will undertake the activity ____________________________

5. Specify activity/activities below if they are going to involve or be part of this proposed

Project.

Activities Tick below

Activities involving significant coastal and marine impact

extraction of aggregates, minerals, stones or shingles, sand, reef mud and beach

rock—

clearance of live corals, mangroves and sea grass

construction work below the high water mark

construction of seawalls

land reclamation

establishment of boat channels

dredging

Activities requiring significant materials

brick manufacture

land filling

Activities involving significant waste products

operation of waste disposal plants including recycling and collection systems

operation of drainage, disposal or sewerage systems


chemical treatment of timber

Other Activities – Refer to ESA

list

Specify if any

Activities using

significant natural

resources

Activities involving

harmful chemicals

Activities involving a

significant alteration of

the environment

I certify that the above information is true.

Signature ________________________

Name of person (providing information)_______________________

Date________________

Note: It is an offence under section 30 of the Environment Act 1999 to provide false or misleading information

Attach any other relevant information (in the form of Project document, Study report, etc.)

Lodgment Requirements/Conditions.

1. 1.For seawall and mining activities (sand and gravel, reef mud dredging), please

obtain license forms from Land Management Division(LMD) before applying for an

Environment License.

2. Application fee of $10.00


Annex 3 - Minutes of the Meeting 110926 schools

Date: 26 of September 2011, 10:15 am to 12:00 am

Location: Sacred Heart Secondary School, Bikenibeu, Tarawa

Assistants: Mr. KaureBabo,Project Officer of Ministry of Education ([email protected])

Mrs. Zita Lopez, Principle of Sacred Heart Secondary School (Host)

([email protected])

Mrs. RuutaTekeraoi, Deputy Principle of King George V Secondary School, ([email protected]), Bikenibeu

Mrs. KittieMangkia, Principle of Temaiku Primary School,Temaiku

([email protected])

Mr. Matteo Briganti, Team coordinator

Mr. Wolfgang Meike, Electrical engineer

Mr. Matt Fisk, Civil and Structural engineer

Mrs. Claudia Villalobos Montoya, Social and Environmental expert

Agenda:










Purpose of feasibility study:

Contracted by the World Bank and in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities of Kiribati, this team is carrying out a feasibility study for a future WB-funded project with the goal to install several solar energy systems in South Tarawa.

Purpose of the meeting:

- Inform all relevant parties about the possible project and the possible involvement of their

institutions

- Clarify doubts and exchange information

- Obtain the expression of No-Objection to the proposed measures from the responsible part

Results of the meeting:

- Clarification: The solar systems will feed the grid, not supply directly the school.

mailto:[email protected]



- Plans for KGV School:

o Modules on the roof-top of 5 buildings

o Impact on indoor climate (cooling by air flow between modules and roof)

o Roof structure is OK, no need for modification

o Need of installation of inverters and cables

o Suggestion: Replacement of metal structure, because roof should carry the solar

modules during 25 years

o Roof will have the similar color, but probably not the same shape

o There is one gardener. We recommend keeping trees short in order not to shade the

modules.

o School will still pay the bills, but the solar systems help to keep price for energy low

(less fuel, the produced energy will be cheaper)

o Advantages for the school: modernized roofs (material) and knowledge about solar

energy, educational aspect (non-material)

o Cable Internet in offices

o Security fence, movement sensors, recommended

o Relative save surroundings, about 20 households, neighbors mostly GOK employed

- Temaiku Primary School:

o Use the roof of two buildings and the central free-standing structure

o A need of mwaneaba as meeting place

o Roof structure should be rainwater-proof and protected from downstairs

o 4m high roof, place for meetings and outdoor games

o Request: concrete floor under the roof

o Sloped roof, in the middle 4m, in the end 3m high

o 300 students + 10 teachers must fit under the rainproof roof

o Center area: 6x12m rainproof roof with concrete floor

o Kids should not climb at posts

o Cable internet in offices

o No save place, isolated, there is a need for more protection, security fence, security

lighting recommended

o In Temaiku, Solar energy will stabilize the grid, benefit for all residents of Temaiku


o Use the store room for inverters (18 in total), one wall in one room would be enough

o Conflictive neighbors, high unemployment rate, thefts of construction material

- Data of solar system in a computer (WIFI connection) for educational purposes

- Land leasing contract for KGV (Tameiku School is on a Government reclaimed area): addressed

by Government, no problem in case of increasing leasing rates would request by the owner for

land different use.1

Final comments:

- Mrs. Zita: nice project, hopefully the price of energy will decrease, energy is expensive

(80$/month/household). School has 2 panels for the water pump. School uses well water,

water quality is good; after 3 weeks it becomes brackish.

- Our Thanks to Mrs. Zita for being our host and offers the premises, food and drinks!!! Korabwa!

- Mr. Kauri: It’s a good start. No objection to proposed actions.

- Mrs. Ruuta: No comments, no objection to actions.

- Mrs. Kittie: She agrees; no objection to proposed actions.

This Protocol has been elaborated by:

Claudia Villalobos Montoya, 26.09.11

1 This was mentioned because of the possibility that the owner would require to re-arrange the leasing rate. This possibility is not realistic at the moment.


Annex 4 - Minutes of the Meeting 110928 KIT


Location: Kiribati Institute of Technology, Betio, Tarawa

Assistants: Mrs. AkkaRimau, Ministry of Labor ([email protected])

Mr. Antoine Barnaart, Principal of KIT ([email protected])

Mr. RokobatiTearo, Deputy Principal of KIT ([email protected])

Mr. Philip Hutchinson, Lecturer of KIT ([email protected])

Mr. Philip Brooks, Facilities Manager of KIT ([email protected])

Mrs. Miriam Tikana, Assistant Energy Planner of Ministry for Public Works and Utilities ([email protected])

Mr. Kiriati Birita, Power Engineering Manager, Public Utility Board ([email protected])

Mr. Matteo Briganti, Team coordinator ([email protected])

Mr. Wolfgang Meike, Electrical engineer ([email protected])

Mr. Matt Fisk, Civil and Structural engineer ([email protected])


([email protected])

Agenda:











Contracted by the World Bank and in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities of

Kiribati, this team is carrying out a feasibility study for a future WB-funded project with the goal to install several solar energy systems in South Tarawa.



institutions








- Presentation of the proposed design (solar modules on top of the roof)

- Search for additional space for installation

- Criteria for selection:

o Ownership of land

o Electrical power limit 300 kW/installation

o Available surface on roofs, orientation of roof

- Training possibilities for KIT on demonstration site

- New buildings are planned

- Introduction of PV in Kiribati, feeding the grid in a second step

- Next step: WB will have the tender at 3rdquarter 2012

- Represent best practice: visibility of the operating, training opportunities, teaching unit

- Request: a small wind turbine (200W) could be included in the project?

- No weather station at KIT

- Fit the design of the new buildings with the requirements of the solar installation

- Request: Backup system for PCs, sewage pumps

- 100 kW power are expected to be installed in KIT

- 4 units on the existing building roof (73kWp)

- 2nd installation of 30kWp to be introduced in the new building roof, to fit with the master plan

- Presentation of proposed design

- More class rooms, more student capacity, raised to 500 (actual 340)

- Master plan: extension on the technology block, 4 new class room buildings and a mwaneaba,

funded by AusAid, Start October 2012

- Matt will calculate the capacity of the 4 class room buildings

- Move planned capacity from Sports Centre to KIT?

- KIT wants a traditional mwaneaba, no installation is possible

- Roof in additional space with a gym under it? Height 10m

- Installation on new building roofs will be suitable

- No plans for additional independent solar systems


- KIT is at the end of the energy supply grid, an additional transformer is planned, change internal

installation to bring it to Australian standard

- Impact of solar roof on indoor climate, cooling, preference to teaching buildings

Final comments:

- To prepare a report for next week, present as preferred option the installation on the new

building roofs

- “We are excited.” No objection to proposed project.

- Thanks to our host

This protocol has been elaborated by:



Annex 5 - Minutes of the Meeting 110928 Sports Complex


Location: Sports Centre, Betio, Tarawa

Assistants: Mr. DepwehKanono, Secretary of Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs ([email protected])

Mr. Kautu Temakei, Program Manager of the Sports Program (Kiribati Community Club) ([email protected])

Mr. Bokai Kaitu, BCC Coordinator ([email protected])

Mr. Willy Uan, Sports Development Officer ([email protected])






Mrs. Claudia Villalobos Montoya, Social and Environmental expert ([email protected])

Agenda:














institutions









- Presentation of the idea related to the Sports complex (roof-top installation and 2 free-standing

installations at east and west side)

- Roof-top installation was accepted

- Proposal: to put more panels on the side wings of the roof

- An extension of the side wing over the parking area is not possible as it would reduce the

number of parking places

- West-side pergola: in this area, new office buildings are planned, but not as large in surface as

the proposed pergola

- East-side pergola: in this area, a new building complex is planned, with meeting rooms and

dormitories for the soccer federation and meeting places for the Kiribati National Olympic

Committee.

- Request: to put a roof under the solar panels in order to collect rainwater and to build the

needed rooms and assembly space under the solar roof, combining both projects

- A slightly sloped (5-10°) roof structure for the panels was presented and were well accepted.

- There are problems of security (vandalism, thefts); therefore, the Management of the Sport

Complex will hire a Security company for 24h.

- Recommendation: security fence

- Request: Build a high structure that solar panels are not visible from outside the court (no

target for stones)

Final comments:

- The new design options will be presented at the next meeting at 05.10.11

- No objections to the proposed project


Claudia Villalobos Montoya, 28.09.11 (reconstructed version)


Annex 6 - Minutes of the Meeting 110928 Hospital

Date: 28 of September 2011, 2:15 pm to 3:30 pm

Location: Tungaru Central Hospital, Nawerewere, Tarawa

Assistants: Mr. RiwataObetaia, DS ([email protected])

Mrs. Agnes Yeeting, SAS ([email protected])

Dr. TuriaTekaai, AgDHS ([email protected])






Mrs. Claudia Villalobos Montoya, Social and Environmental expert ([email protected])

Agenda:














institutions







- Added value of solar installation, benefits for all inhabitants of South Tarawa (y saving fuel the

energy prices can be kept stable, makes the energy grid more stable), but there is no direct

influence on the energy bills of the Hospital

- Selection of sites:

o Orientation of roofs, surface

- Except one building, they have no problem of water leaking

- Roofs of ten buildings were selected. Recommend to replace the roof as it is 20 years old and is

must last almost 25 years longer

- Roofs are used for rainwater collection. Quality and quantity of rain water will not decrease

through the solar system.

- Some roofs are rusty, in the future there will be to be replaced

- Maintenance for the roof is funded? For the first years, the new roof will not need so much

maintenance. Panels will protect roof structure from climate impact

- The replacement of the roof will be part of the project and the implementing company will do

it.

- Maintenance of the Solar Panels by PUB

- Roof will be of a good material in order to last

- Inverters with display, propose to put them on an external wall, 3 inverters and a meter at each

building.

- Better to protect inverters from vandalism, or put them inside any store room.

- Fenced cage around it, in order to avoid damage.

- Solar energy will not supply the hospital, it will feed the grid in order to save diesel

- In a future next step, solar energy can be installed and the producer itself could feed into the

grid

- Advantage for the hospital: backup for the hospital to save diesel from the backup generator.

- How long will last the construction in order to replace patients?

- The hospital beds are always full (30 beds per building)

- Hospital should work out an evacuation plan

- Implementer should provide provisional shelter (tent?)

- Selected buildings include sensitive areas (operating theatre, emergency unit)

- How to organize the construction:


- A big mwaneaba, part of the hospital, can be used to evacuate patients, capacity for 30 beds

and power supply available

- Work at night, week-ends, half roof…

- Construction work will start in October/November 2012

- Bring in temporary facilities, there is an open space (extended ward area)

- Two or three days buildings should be unoccupied, about one week per house (rolling shifts:

mayor work, minor work, solar installation, wiring)

- Some buildings are only used during working hours and at daytime, at night and at week-ends

they are unoccupied

- The 6 at bottom line are with beds, 24h occupied

- Noise from the construction work will have to be addressed

- The system will not directly influence in the energy bills, but it helps to keep all the bills low

- Further discussion with the secretary from the Ministry needed

Final comments:

- No objection to proposed project

- The design of the project will be presented and described in the report

- Comment of Mr. Riwata:

(a) In general MHMS sees the proposal as good however further discussions of the proposal with our Secretary and rest of Senior Management team will be made with our feedbacks conveyed to your team and MPWU, who is coordinating the proposed project.

(b) A meeting next week at MPWU may involve us being invited to share our final views and concerns (if any).




Annex 7 - Minutes of the Meeting Preliminary Report Presentation - 11102011

Date: 5th of October 2011, 10:15 am to 12:30 pm

Location: Ministry of Public Works and Utilities MPWU, Betio, Tarawa

Assistants: Mrs. Matereta Raiman, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities

([email protected])

Mrs. Bintonga Even, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities ([email protected])

Mr. Rota Onorio, General Secretary, Kiribati National Olympic Committee ([email protected])

Mr. Erta Metai, Ministry of Works ([email protected])

Mr. Antoine Barnaart, Principal of Kiribati Institute of Technology ([email protected])

Mr. Philip Brooks, Facility Manager of KIT ([email protected])

Mr. Rokoboti Tearo, Deputy Principal of KIT ([email protected])

Mr. Kiriati Birita, Power Engineering Manager, Public Utility Board PUB ([email protected])

Mr. Kautu Temakei, Program Manager, Kiribati Community Sport Clubs Program, MISA

([email protected])

Mr. Kevin Rouatu, CEO of PUB ([email protected])

Mr. Kaure Babo, Project Officer, Ministry of Education ([email protected])

Mr. Willy Uan, Sport Development Officer, MISA ([email protected])

Mrs. Agnes Yeeting, SAS, MHMS ([email protected])

Mrs. Miriam Tikana, Energy Planning Unit, MPWU ([email protected])

Mr. Matteo Briganti, Team coordinator

Mr. Wolfgang Meike, Electrical engineer


Agenda:

37. Welcome and introduction

38. Presentation of the preliminary findings of the feasibility study

39. Discussion of findings, questions

40. Closure


- Inform all relevant parties about the preliminary findings of the feasibility study

- Clarify doubts and collect comments


- Welcome by Mrs. Matereta Raiman, Secretary of MPWU

- Introduction by Mr. Matteo Briganti










Wolfgang Meike: Electrical considerations (for details see presentation)

- When the grid is off, the PV plant is off, too

- The maximum of PV power that will not interfere in the stability of the actual grid is 800 kW AC

- Response time of the operator is lower than the response time of the PV system when clouds

are passing,

- Max. 900kWp; 300kWp installed in one geographic area

- In order to increase the capacity of the PV system further, additional technical adjustments are

needed (not part of our project)

- Question (Q): How could more PV power be introduced in the grid?

- Answer (A): It is technically possible, but it needs further investment and technical adjustment,

which are not part of our project. The project is a first step towards grid-connected PV systems,

to be increased in next steps in the future.

- Q: How to improve the communication between the two power stations?

- A: We propose to introduce monitor screens to see what’s happening, see the total load, there

would be no need to talk, just to see from both sides.

- Q: From where are the fuel savings coming?

- A: It’s a simulation tool for all 4 generators, without PV, only improving the efficiency of the

generators.

- Q: Old generators and new PV systems. The cost of fuel will be the same?

- A: Solar will decrease the fuel consumption, it gives “energy for free”. The generators will need

more and more fuel when they get old, there are overhauls needed. As longer you leave the

services, the more fuel is needed. Also black outs, independently from the solar, can occur.

With the solar plant, 2 generators will run fewer hours, but not so much less.

- Q: Replacement of diesel generators is foreseen in the project?

- A: We will not supply new generators, only the PV plant forms part of the project.

- Q: If there would be an additional generator, will it interfere with the PV-plant?

- A: There more load you have, there more PV you can connect to the grid. If load goes up, you

will have no problems with PV.

- Q: What about wind energy?

- A: The wind profile of Tarawa is not brilliant, it can be done, but not very efficient, we have not

made the calculations. Offshore turbines would bring environmental issues.

- Q: The wind speed in Tarawa is 4m/s. Is it enough for a small wind turbine?

- A: small wind turbines start at 2-3m/s. But commercial turbines run at 3,5 m/s.


It’s a problem of trees, space, maintenance, but we have not done a detailed feasibility study

on wind energy.

- Q: If later would come another source of energy, cost efficient of other new sources?

- A: WB will only finance the solar plant, but not additional technical investment. I can

recommend you some measures, make some estimation for you.

- Q: Training for staff will be needed; will it be included in the project?

- A: Yes, training for staff is foreseen.

- Q: I am very interested in wind energy.

- A: We will not make a feasibility study for wind.

Matteo Briganti: Equipment, civil works, financial data (for details see presentation)

- Max. capacity of 900 kWp in normal conditions

- About 300 kW AC (340kWp) for one site

- Technical and financial constraints (the proposed design is made for the maximum of power),

WB will decide about the implementation of the project or possible modifications, adjustments.

- Selection of PV sites and criteria of selection

- Meteorological data

- PV component selection: small size inverter for flexible design and easy maintenance, sealed for

marine environment, regional technical support available, previous experiences in the Pacific

region; PV modules compatible with inverters, PV Basic Unit (approx. 25m x8m)

- Betio Sports Centre: 20 basic units

- Temaiku Primary School: 8 basic units

- Tungaru Central Hospital: 9 basic units roof-top, recommended replacement of tin roof cover

- KIT: 6 PV units roof-top

- King George V Secondary School: 6 basic units roof-top, recommend the replacement of the tin

roof cover

- Total: 49 basic units, 903kWp, 147 inverters

- Project costing: Total costing 11,77 Mio. AUD (57% of civil works, 30% PV generator, it is a

preliminary cost which will need to be revised in the next step.

- Current diesel generation cost: 0.52 AUD/kWh

- Saved fuel 396,312 l/yr, saved 503,316 AUD/yr, that can be used for cover the gap between cost

of produced and sold kWh (0,40 AUD/kWh)

- Leveled electricity cost (LEC) to be provided in a next step


Q: Total cost per installed kWp PV?

A: It is quite high, about 13 AUD/Wp. We made a special design for the structure, the remoteness of the island and other factors. But, still, we need to get back on the preliminary cost and double-check them once back to the office.

Q: I know from my experience that the cost in other projects is about 4AUD/Wp.

A: The total cost includes also the ground mounted structure, civil work for it, which is, quite expensive; the PV only would cost about 3 AUD/Wp.

Constraints for the project: space, financing, stability of the grid. Space was the main constraint, complicate to find places (good orientation, no shadow, Gov. owned land, big surfaces).

PV is expensive, but there are additional benefits. It’s a proposal, WB will decide if they are modifications needed.

Q: What are the expected costs for operation?

A: All the savings are diesel fuel. We cannot save at this stage running hours, oil, or maintenance of

the generators. This would be possible with further technical adjustments.

Q: Average wind speed is 8m/s.

A: Uncertain at what height the wind speed was measured. One event in the last 100 years (peak of 32m/s). Wind turbines will bring more instability into the grid. On the causeway would be the location for wind power, not between the houses. Good equipment needed for harsh climate, environmental issues expected.

Q: Maintenance requirements of the solar panels?

A: If it rains often, the rain will wash the dust away. The slight slope of the structure makes that the rain washes away the dust. There is no air pollution (sticky dust), here is fairly clean air. During periods of drought, you have to wash the panels twice the year. But even unwashed they will not lose

very much efficiency.

Q: No solar energy can be stored?

A: No, there is no storage system (batteries) foreseen, it feeds directly into the grid. In a stand-alone system there is a battery included, in the grid connected system not.

Claudia Villalobos: Environmental and social aspects (for details see presentation)

Q: Solar energy should be included in the awareness raising program.

Q. Is there a possibility of private users to have a grid connected solar system?

A: The savings would be only for the consumer. PUB would save diesel, but PUB is only paid for the consumed kWp, not for its infrastructure. If the customer would produce enough PV energy for its demand, PUB will not get paid for the infrastructure (wires), even if the customer uses the PUB grid.

Fixed costs should be included in the monthly bill, not only variable costs (consumed kWh). If the

solar power is paid at the same rate as grid power (1-1 rate), it is technically easy to calculate the balance with one energy meter going fore-and backwards. There is a more detailed study of impact of private PV-system feeding the grid needed.

A rules and laws set is requested to be analyzed, discussed and introduced by the GOK in order to promote and regulate the private solar PV home system connected to the grid for distributing generation.

Q: What’s about warranties of the PV plant?

A: Most of solar panels come from the supplier with 20-25 years warranty, the inverters come with 1-2 years warranty, the structure’s warranty depends on the contractor. Almost two years will be foreseen in the contractual agreements.

Q: What would be the correct rate?

A: It should be calculated.

Q: Can the panels contaminate the harvested rainwater?

A: No. The surface is made of glass, the panel inside is sealed, it is totally safe.

Q: We have a big problem with water. Rainwater tanks will be included in the project?

A: No. But just know a new WB funded project has started in Kiribati dealing with water problems (KAP III). Maybe it is possible to link both projects and to look for synergies with the KAP III project.

Q: Traditional maneabas look very different from your proposed structures, the new structure is not traditional.


A: This was a big concern of the team. The steep slope of the maneaba is not suitable for PV. We

proposed this structure as a compromise, in order to provide a roof for shading, a place for meetings, but suitable for the PV-system. The compromise was accepted be the local stakeholders. Maybe, we should not call it “maneaba” in order to not cause confusion, but name it “Multi purpose complex” (proposal of Kevin) instead of maneaba.

Q: You should include in the project education tools for kids to respect the PV structure as it would be a maneaba.

Q: No gravel and no sand will be used for the civil works?

A: For the ground of the central part of the free standing structure at Temaiku School will be used concrete. In all other places, prefabricated concrete from abroad will be used, no gravel and no sand. Materials will come from over-seas. The local ground is good, it will be opened for the works, after the material will be refilled in the ground and the concrete blocks will be put on top. No need for local material.

Q: The PV plant will be a good opportunity for capacity building, for professional training, for monitoring.

A: It would be a good opportunity for cooperation between involved institutions and organizations.

Q: Speaking about the space constraint, have you considered Temaiku area for the installation of the PV plant?

A: Yes, it was supposed to be the main area when the study has started. But, as we learnt that the whole area should be lifted up, WB refused this option due to the environmental impact. The civil cost

would be very high, and we would take away future land for other purposes.

Q: There are possibilities for upgrade the IT-system of PUB?

A: Not through this WB project.

Q: Electronic mapping of the network?

A: No.

Q: What about the replacement of the equipment?

A: In case that panels will be destroyed (e.g. by vandalism), they must be replaced. We have chosen

small inverters that are easy to replace. The inverters should be protected from vandalism, but also for the security of persons. They will be surrounded by cages.

Q: In case MISA would have plans for new buildings or double-stored buildings for get more beds, what will happen with the PV-plant?

A: It would be the responsibility of the Ministry. If there would be concrete plans now, we would take this building out of our plans.

Q: The Betio Sports Complex is the only space for sports; we have to be careful using the space. Can be a gym installed under the new roof?

A: Offices are foreseen to be installed under the roof, a gym would also fit, it has a normal roof. The lowest point is 4m, the highest point 6m. You can build walls and ceiling inside as in any normal building.

Q: There is a special need for safety of the PV panels in the Betio Sports Complex?

A: Dropping soccer or tennis balls cannot break the panels. Thrown stones can break them.

If somebody wants to destroy the plant, he will find a way to do. There is no absolute security possible.

Closure of the meeting by Mrs. Matereta Raiman, Secretary of MPWU.

Thanks MPWU to be the host of the meeting.

Thanks to all participants to take your time to come and to have a very fruitful exchange.

All participants will receive a copy of this MoM protocol and a copy of the PowerPoint- presentation by Email.

We are looking forward to cooperate with you again!

Korabwa, tiabo ao tekeraoi!

This Protocol has been elaborated by Claudia Villalobos Montoya, 5th of October, 2011


Annex 8: Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Note: The mitigation measures should be revised and actualized after final project design.

Environmental Issue & Objective Mitigation Measures Locations Timeframe Estimated

Costs

Implementer(

s)

Supervisor(s)

DESIGN / PRECONSTRUCTION PHASE

Protection of Sensitive and Ecologically Important Areas

To minimize negative impacts on sensitive ecosystems, or the natural

environment.

Identify environmentally sensitive or ecologically fragile areas (if any);

Ensure construction personnel is aware of locations and

importance of the sensitive areas and avoid disturbing

them;

If the proposed construction is located close to these areas, take necessary measures to

avoid/minimize disturbance.

In all implementation sites and surroundings

During project preparation and design.

Minimal (part of standard design practices).

PUB, Contractor (Site Engineer [SE], Project

Supervising Engineering

[PSE] (International Environment Management Expert)

MPWU, and World Bank

Environmentally Sound Design

To have a positive environmental

impact and not to cause or increase environmental problems on the island.

Panels and other equipment procured for the project shall be made with non-toxic materials;

No use of gravel or sand from the beaches, avoiding coral mining;

Consider alternatives for construction materials;

Environment-friendly structural design for support structure,

that requires less maintenance

Predominantly use of wood as material for support structures

Enable rainwater harvesting (use synergy with KAP III)

Selection of material suppliers in

In all implementation sites and

surroundings

During project preparation

and design.

Within contract documents.

Minimal (part of standard

design

practices).

PUB, Contractor (Site Engineer

[SE],

Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International Environment

Management Expert)



order to shorten transport ways and minimize transport needs

Choice of the location that gives

the best economy in terms of excavation and fill

Cultural Heritage

To protect and preserve cultural,

historical and religious sites

To ensure project staff respect local culture and custom

If cultural/historical heritage site is identified during the construction, the Contractor will be asked to stop

work immediately and notify the PSC who will inform the relevant Government agencies.

Arrange briefing with MPWU/Local

Environmental Expert [LEE]


surroundings

During project preparation

and design.

Mobilisation


design practices).

No

incremental cost

PUB, Contractor (Site Engineer

[SE], Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International

Environment

Management Expert) Local

Environmental Expert [LEE]


Environmental Issue & Objective Mitigation Measures Locations Timeframe Estimated Costs

Implementer(s)

Supervisor(s)

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Social or Community Concerns

To minimize social disturbance and maximize community benefits from the project.

Inform local neighborhood community before construction activities start about planned

civil work show they could be affected by them;

Avoid or minimize disturbances by construction activities in near living areas, e.g. avoiding works

In all implementati

on sites and surroundings

During whole construction work.


design practices).

Contractor (Site Engineer [SE],

PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World

Bank and Project

Supervising Engineering [PSE]


at nighttime, minimizing transports of material, noise control;

Apply adequate waste management and avoid run-off of waste, e.g. littering off

packaging material; Offer employment and training

opportunities for local people. The general practice is that

Contractors employ workers from the communities. The clan leaders (unimwane) will be consulted when recruiting workers for the Contractors;

Include women and other

community groups in project

activities whenever there is any opportunity.

Inform local neighborhood and community about mechanism for registering comments, suggestions or grievances

(International Environment Management

Expert)

Patient safety and hospital operations

If it is not practical to safely relocate patients from the

operating theatre at the Tungaru Central Hospital for the duration of construction, the PSE shall

find an alternative site or sites to install the panels, within the existing project area, and with all of the necessary approvals.

Tungaru Central

Hospital

During construction

phase

Moderate, but unlikely

(to be determined if required)

PSE PUB, World Bank

Public Safety

To avoid accidents and meet safety

requirements

Mark construction impact areas with comprehensive and visible signs (pictograms, Gilbertese

and English language) indicating danger and no-go areas

During whole construction

work.


design practices).

Contractor (Site Engineer [SE], support

from LEE for adaptation and translation to local

language).


Soil Erosion

To ensure that impacts of surface

erosion are temporary and minimized to acceptable level.

Minimize work areas; Keep vegetation clearing at the

necessary minimum;

Keep vehicles on defined tracks; Construct the necessary

temporary/permanent control

structures; Encourage re-vegetation as soon

as the construction activities finish, or plan to immediately

rehabilitate the disturbed sites after use.


surroundings



design practices).

Contractor (Site Engineer [SE])


Bank and Project Supervising

Engineering [PSE] (International Environment

Management Expert)

Controlling Sediment

To ensure that the impacts are temporary and minimized to acceptable levels.

Installing silt traps or other

control structures at the outset of the construction;


Preparing all disturbed areas for re-vegetation or for natural re-

vegetation if requested; Phasing and limiting ground

disturbance to areas of a workable size;

Scheduling construction to limit

disturbance of large areas of soil during wet seasons;


In all

implementation sites and

surroundings

During whole

construction work.

Minimal

(part of standard

design practices).

Contractor

(Site Engineer [SE])

PUB (Local

Environmental Expert), World

Bank and Project Supervising Engineering [PSE]

(International Environment Management Expert)

Controlling Storm Water

To minimize the impact of

contaminated run-off water to acceptable levels.

Pass storm water run-off from

construction areas through rocks or hay traps to remove soil and petroleum-based organic pollutants before disposal;

Store oil and bituminous products at a contained location away from drainage ditches.

In all

implementation sites and surroundings

During whole

construction work.

Minimal

(part of standard design

practices).

Contractor

(Site Engineer [SE],

PUB (Local

Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project

Supervising Engineering [PSE]

(International Environment


Management Expert)

Management of Stockpiles and Spoil-heaps

To minimize dust and sediment run-off.

Discuss dumping locations with the government officials and/or local landowners including plans

for future use of the spoil materials;


Choose the locations of waste spoil piles to avoid blocking surface run-off or drainage

ditches; Cover all spoil heaps or

stockpiles during rainy season to prevent erosion and sediment run-off.


surroundings



design practices).



Bank and Project

Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International Environment Management

Expert)

Air Quality and Dust Control

To avoid and to control unnecessary dust nuisance.

Spray water on spoil-heaps if there are dust generating materials accumulated during dry periods especially near schools, hospitals, etc.;

Cover all dust generating loads carried in open trucks.



Minimal (part of standard design practices).


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project Supervising Engineering


Noise Control

To minimize noise during construction works.


Use noise screens or mounds

near residential areas, when

appropriate; Carry out noise construction

activities and transports during normal working hours, never at


surroundings



design practices).


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and

Project

Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International


night time; Advise schools, hospitals,

churches, etc., when there will

be unusual or unavoidable noise.

Environment Management Expert)

Aggregate Management

To minimize potential environmental impact.

Avoid overloading trucks and cover trucks to minimize dust

and loss of load from trucks during transportation;

Use water sprays or covered chutes to reduce dust emission during loading and unloading of materials from barges;

Maintain crushing and mixing plants in good working condition

so as to reduce emission from the plant;


Implement safety procedures during transport to reduce the potential for road accidents in

village or urban areas.

In all implementati

on sites and surroundings


work.

Minimal (part of

standard design

practices).

Contractor (Site Engineer

[SE],

PUB (Local Environmental

Expert), World Bank and


Management Expert)

Offsite and Waste Management

To avoid contamination from solid wastes and sewage

To minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations.

Store wastes with respect for health and environment

Support, when practical, recycling of waste;



Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mix of different waste and minimize waste disposal into the landfill;

Not produce hazardous waste; Sort waste according to its type

and origin. Store selected

materials in safe place in order to avoid contamination,


surroundings



design

practices).


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and


Management Expert)


especially if they will be shipped out for recycling;

Encourage the recycling of

waste. Follow the hierarchy: Prefer local recycling or reuse before shipping out for recycling

before waste disposal in the landfill;

Properly dispose of all used fuel and lubricant oils in

environmentally sound manner, either by recycling or for other use such as fuel for hot mix plant, etc.;

Crush, burn, and bury all

inorganic solid waste in an approved solid waste disposal

area;




Safety and Health

To minimize occupational health and

safety risks of construction works.

To raise general health and safety

awareness.

Ensure all occupational health and safety requirements are in place on construction sites;

Understand the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) and make sure that it is used properly;


Ensure safety and inspection procedures;

Safe handling of toxic materials and other hazardous substances;


surroundings



design practices).



Bank and Project Supervising Engineering

[PSE] (International



Implement a system of penalties for violation of rules and regulations

Introduction to health and safety issues in construction sites by the Contractor;

Education on basic hygienic practices to minimize spread of tropical diseases, including information on methods of

transmission and protection measures for sexually transmitted diseases;

Prohibition of drugs, kava and alcohol on construction sites;

Assure availability of medical

assistance in emergency or non-

emergency situations and availability of other health-related assistance

Site De-commissioning

To minimize ongoing impacts after construction is completed.

Assure all waste and remaining

material for recycling has been removed from the construction site;


If necessary, implement revegetation / rehabilitation of

the construction sites involving, where possible, local women’s and community groups.

In all


After

construction work is completed.

Minimal

(part of standard design practices).

Contractor


PUB (Local

Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project Supervising

Engineering [PSE]


Environmental Issue & Objective Mitigation Measures Locations Timeframe Estimated Costs

Implementer(s)

Supervisor(s)

OPERATION PHASE

Safety Inhibit unauthorized access to

the PV modules on roof-top or at In all implementati

During whole operation

Minimal (part of

PUB, during the first three

MPUW-, and World Bank


To avoid accidents, damaging or unauthorized removal of the technical

equipment. To meet safety requirements.

the free-standing structures by construction design and eventually necessary technical

protection measures (fences, gates, locks);

Cover inverters with a locked

metal cage firmly attached to the wall in order to avoid unauthorized manipulation (especially by playing children

with the risk of accidents) or theft;


Put the wiring underground in

order to avoid accidents and damage (accidentally or intentioned by vandalism);



Inform the administration of the

public institutions where the PV installations are implemented that they should report immediately to the PUB any case

of damage of any component of the PV system.

on sites time of the system (20 years).

standard design practices).

years supported by Post

Commissioning Services Contracted

Company.

(during the first two years)

Maintenance and repairs

To ensure the correct and efficient operation of the system.

To avoid technical failures and accidents.

To avoid impacts on the quality of

Under normal climate conditions with regular rainfall, the slope of

the installation will enable the self-cleaning of PV modules by

rinsing rainwater. During droughts, the dust of the panels should be removed twice a year. The cleaning can be made easily with a hose pipe;

PV modules and equipment shall

In all implementati

on sites

During whole operation

time of the system (20

years).

Minimal (part of

standard design

practices).


years supported by

Post Commissioning Services Contracted Company.




drinking water.

be maintained so that there is no risk to drinking water collected from the roof and panels.

Adjacent trees or shrubs should be trimmed in order to avoid shading over the panels or

damage by falling fruits (especially coconuts);

Wiring should be revised once a year in order to make sure that

there is no damage (e.g. rotten cables). This activity should be carried out by authorized PUB staff only;

Inverters should be revised once a year to assure their perfect

operation (replacement of rusted

components). This activity should be carried out by authorized PUB staff only;

Security measures should be revised once a year (e.g. replacement of rusty locks,

closing of fence holes); The state of all installations

should be revised by PUB staff

after special climate events, as heavy rainfalls, storms or floods in order to detect damages on the support construction or on

the PV installation itself; The institution where the PV

installation is installed should immediately report any damage on the structure to the PUB Staff in order to assure repairs or

replacement of damaged

components; All repairs or manipulation of the

PV system should be carried out exclusively by authorized staff of PUB that previously has got


instructions and training.

Annex 9: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Note: The estimated costs should be revised and actualized after final project design.

Environmental Issue & Objective Ways of Verification Locations Standards/

Criteria

Duration, Frequency, Estimated Costs

Implementer(s)

Supervisor(s)

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Social or Community Concerns

To minimize social disturbance and to maximize community benefits from the project.

To ensure culturally appropriate avenues of grievance redress are

Registration of verbal

or formal complaints Project progress

reports

In all

implementation sites and surroundings.

World Bank

Renewable Energy Tool kit: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt

Continuous

(Minimal costs as part of standard supervision).

Contractor

(Site Engineer [SE] and as required, MPWU via their Local Environmental Expert,

including a female officer if necessary for gender sensitivity

PUB (Local

Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project Supervising Engineering [PSE]



available, especially for women

Soil Erosion

To ensure that impacts of surface erosion are temporary and minimized to

acceptable level.

To minimize sediment losses.

Visual check for sediment load and waste management procedures

Verbal or formal

complaints

All construction sites where groundwork is required.

Construction material and waste should be controlled and protected.

Continuous (Minimal costs as part of standard

supervision).


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project

Supervising Engineering



To ensure that the impacts are temporary and minimized to acceptable levels.

Visual checks and field inspections

Verbal or formal complaints

All construction sites where

groundwork is required.

Erosion should be controlled.

Continuous (Minimal

costs as part of standard

supervision).


[SE],


Expert), World Bank and Project

Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International Environment Management Expert)


To minimize the impact of

contaminated run-off water to acceptable levels.

Visual checks for water and drainage management

All construction sites where groundwork is

required.

No increase of drainage problems or water logged

areas.

Waste can only be disposed of in approved sites.

Continuous (Minimal costs as

part of standard supervision).



Bank and Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International

Environment

Management Expert)

Management of Stockpiles and Visual checks, field

In dumping Construction Continuous Contractor PUB (Local


Spoil-heaps


inspections. Verbal or formal

complaints

areas. material and waste should be controlled and

protected. Waste can only be disposed of in

approved sites.

Waste should be properly selected and stored.

(Minimal costs as part of

standard supervision).


Environmental Expert), World Bank and

Project Supervising Engineering

[PSE] (International Environment Management

Expert)

Air Quality and Dust Control

To avoid and to control unnecessary

dust nuisance.

Visual checks, field inspections.


In all construction

areas.

Local Government Act 1984, Section

45;

UK Environmental

Health Services: Guidance for the control of noise and pollution from demolition and

construction sites,

Corbitt, R.A. (1999) Standard Handbook for

Environmental Engineering. 2nd ed. New York:

McGraw-Hill.

Continuous (Minimal

costs as part of



[SE],



Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International


Noise Control

To minimize noise during construction works.

Visual checks, field inspections.


In all construction

areas.

Local Government Act 1984, Section

45;

UK Environmental Health Services: Guidance for the control of noise and pollution from demolition and

Continuous (Minimal

costs as part of



[SE],



Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International

Environment


construction sites;

Corbitt, R.A. (1999) Standard

Handbook for Environmental Engineering. 2nd

ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Management Expert)


To minimize potential environmental impact of aggregate transport and

processing.

Visual checks, field inspections

Formal and verbal complaints

In areas where groundwork is required.

Local Government Act 1984, Section 45;

UK Environmental Health Services:

Guidance for the control of noise and pollution from demolition and construction sites;

Corbitt, R.A. (1999) Standard

Handbook for Environmental

Engineering. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Continuous (Minimal costs as part of standard

supervision)

.


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project

Supervising

Engineering [PSE] (International Environment Management Expert)

Offsite and Waste Management

To avoid contamination from solid wastes and sewage.

To minimize the environmental impact

of its work by adopting respectful waste

management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations.

Visual checks, field inspections

Formal and verbal complaints

In all implementation sites and surroundings;

In dumping areas

Waste Management Plan.

WB EHS Guidelines for Waste Management

Continuous (Minimal costs as part of standard supervision)

.


PUB (Local Environmental Expert), World Bank and Project Supervising

Engineering



Safety and Health

To minimize occupational health and

safety risks of construction works.

Ensure maximum safety of construction personnel, local staff and residents.

Avoid disturbance by the construction workers.

To raise general health and safety awareness.

Registry of work accidents

Registry of rule

violations and applied measures

Verbal and formal

complaints Field inspections

In all implementation sites, work

camps, and surroundings

WB Environmental, Health and Safety

Guidelines (2007);

Public Health

Ordinance 1926

Continuous (Minimal costs as

part of standard supervision)

.



Bank and Project Supervising

Engineering [PSE] (International Environment

Management Expert)


To minimize ongoing impacts after construction is completed.

Visual checks, final field inspection

Verbal and formal

complaints

Documentation of re-vegetation measures

Involvement of local communities in re-vegetation activities

In all implementation

sites and surroundings

Assure the proper cleaning, removal

of waste, remaining

materials and tools.

Address all adverse environmental impacts of construction work

(soil, water,

ground)

After completion

of implementa

tion work (Minimal costs as part of standard supervision).



Bank and

Project Supervising Engineering [PSE] (International Environment Management

Expert)

Environmental Issue & Objective Ways of Verification Locations Standards/

Criteria

Duration, Frequency,

Estimated Costs

Implementer(s)

Supervisor(s)

OPERATION PHASE

Safety

To avoid accidents, damaging or unauthorized removal of the technical equipment.

Regular inspections Additional checks after special

climate events (heavy rainfall, storm)

Verbal and formal complaints

In all implementation sites

As listed in the EMP; Additional information of contractor

and suppliers

Regular after implementation (Minimal

costs as

PUB, during the first three years supported by Post

Commissioning

MPUW-, and World Bank (during the first two years)


To meet safety requirements. part of standard supervision)

.

Services Contracted Company.


To ensure the correct and efficient operation of the system.

To avoid technical failures and accidents.

To avoid contamination of drinking water.

Regular checks (Registry of maintenance work)

Additional checks after special climate events (heavy rainfall,

storm) Verbal and formal complaints

In all implementati

on sites

As listed in the EMP

Maintenance protocol as

part of the Operation Manual provided by the contractor

Regular after

implementation

(Minimal costs as part of standard supervision).


years supported by

Post Commissioning Services Contracted Company.



Annex 10: Field Monitoring Checklist

NAME OF THE INSPECTOR:

ORGANISATION:

DATE OF INSPECTION:

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:

RESULTS WILL BE SHARED WITH:

Environmental Issue & Objective

Mitigation Measures Locations Timeframe Level of Achievement

(0 – No,

1 – Partly,

2- Yes)

Detected problems and potentials of Improvement

Recommendations, proposed measures

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Social or Inform local neighborhood community

before construction activities start about In all



Community Concerns

To minimize social disturbance and maximize community

benefits from the project.

planned civil work-show they could be affected by them;

Avoid or minimize disturbances by

construction activities in near living areas, e.g. avoiding works at nighttime, minimizing transports of material, noise

control; Apply adequate waste management and

avoid run-off of waste, e.g. littering off packaging material;

Offer employment and training opportunities for local people. The general practice is that Contractors employ workers from the communities. The clan leaders (unimwane) will be consulted when recruiting workers for the Contractors;

Include women and other community

groups in project activities whenever there is any opportunity.


work.

Soil Erosion

To ensure that impacts of surface erosion are

temporary and minimized to acceptable level.

Minimize work areas; Keep vegetation clearing at the necessary

minimum; Keep vehicles on defined tracks; Construct the necessary

temporary/permanent control structures; Encourage re-vegetation as soon as the

construction activities finish, or plan to immediately rehabilitate the disturbed

sites after use.




work.


To ensure that the impacts are

temporary and minimized to acceptable levels.

Installing silt traps or other control structures at the outset of the construction;


Preparing all disturbed areas for re-vegetation or for natural re-vegetation;

Phasing and limiting ground disturbance to areas of a workable size;

Scheduling construction to limit

disturbance of large areas of soil during wet seasons;


surroundings





To minimize the impact of contaminated run-off

water to acceptable levels.

Pass storm water run-off from construction areas through rocks or hay traps to remove soil and petroleum-based organic pollutants before disposal;

Store oil and bituminous products at a contained location away from drainage

ditches.



Management of Stockpiles and

Spoil-heaps


Discuss dumping locations with the government officials and/or local

landowners including plans for future use of the spoil materials;


Choose the locations of waste spoil piles to avoid blocking surface run-off or drainage ditches;

Cover all spoil heaps or stockpiles during rainy season to prevent erosion and sediment run-off.




work.

Air Quality and

Dust Control

To avoid and to control unnecessary dust nuisance.

Spray water on spoil-heaps if there are

dust generating materials accumulated

during dry periods especially near schools, hospitals, etc.;

Cover all dust generating loads carried in open trucks.

In all

implementation


During whole

construction

work.

Noise Control

To minimize noise

during construction works.


Use noise screens or mounds near

residential areas, when appropriate; Carry out noise construction activities and

transports during normal working hours, never at night time;

Advise schools, hospitals, churches, etc., when there will be unusual or unavoidable




noise.


To minimize potential

environmental impact.

Avoid overloading trucks and cover trucks to minimize dust and loss of load from trucks during transportation;

Use water sprays or covered chutes to reduce dust emission during loading and

unloading of materials from barges; Maintain crushing and mixing plants in

good working condition so as to reduce emission from the plant;


Implement safety procedures during transport to reduce the potential for road

accidents in village or urban areas.



Offsite and Waste

Management

To avoid

contamination from solid wastes and sewage

To minimize the environmental impact

of its work by adopting respectful

waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations.

Store wastes with respect for health and

environment Support, when practical, recycling of

waste;



Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mix of different waste and minimize

waste disposal into the landfill; Not produce hazardous waste; Sort waste according to its type and origin.

Store selected materials in safe place in order to avoid contamination, especially if they will be shipped out for recycling;

Encourage the recycling of waste. Follow the hierarchy: Prefer local recycling or reuse before shipping out for recycling before waste disposal in the landfill;

Properly dispose of all used fuel and lubricant oils in environmentally sound manner, either by recycling or for other

use such as fuel for hot mix plant, etc.;

In all


During whole

construction work.


Crush, burn, and bury all inorganic solid waste in an approved solid waste disposal area;




Safety and Health

To minimize occupational health

and safety risks of construction works.

To raise general health and safety awareness.

Ensure all occupational health and safety requirements are in place on construction sites;

Understand the use of personal protection

equipment (PPE) and make sure that it is used properly;


Ensure safety and inspection procedures; Safe handling of toxic materials and other

hazardous substances;

Implement a system of penalties for violation of rules and regulations

Introduction to health and safety issues in

construction sites by the Contractor; Education on basic hygienic practices to

minimize spread of tropical diseases, including information on methods of

transmission and protection measures for sexually transmitted diseases;

Prohibition of drugs, kava and alcohol on construction sites;

Assure availability of medical assistance in emergency or non-emergency situations

and availability of other health-related assistance


surroundings



Assure all waste and remaining material for recycling has been removed from the construction site;


After construction work is


To minimize ongoing impacts after

construction is completed.


If necessary, implement revegetation /

rehabilitation of the construction sites involving, where possible, local women’s and community groups.

surroundings completed.

Environmental Issue & Objective

Mitigation Measures Locations Timeframe Level of Achievement

(0 – No,

1 – Partly,

2- Yes)

Detected problems and

potentials of Improvement

Recommendations, proposed

measures

OPERATION PHASE

Safety

To avoid accidents, damaging or unauthorized removal

of the technical equipment. To meet safety

requirements. To avoid contamination of drinking water.

Inhibit unauthorized access to the PV modules on roof-top or at the free-standing structures by construction design and eventually necessary technical protection measures (fences, gates,

locks); Cover inverters with a locked metal cage

firmly attached to the wall in order to avoid unauthorized manipulation

(especially by playing children with the risk of accidents) or theft;

Mark sites with comprehensive and visible

signs (pictograms) indicating danger and no-go-areas;

Put the wiring underground in order to


During whole operation time of the system (20 years).


avoid accidents and damage (accidentally or intentioned by vandalism);

Advice to the public institutions where the

PV installations are implemented about special risks and security needs (security fence, safeguard at nighttime);

Inform the administration of the public institutions where the PV installations are implemented that they should report immediately to the PUB any case of

damage of any component of the PV system.

The collection of drinking water shall cease until the panel(s) is / are replaced or fixed. Contaminated water shall be treated as hazardous waste.


To ensure the correct and efficient

operation of the system.

To avoid technical

failures and accidents.

Under normal climate conditions with regular rainfall, the slope of the installation will enable the self-cleaning of PV modules by rinsing rainwater. During droughts, the dust of the panels should be removed

twice a year. The cleaning can be made easily with a hose pipe;

Adjacent trees or shrubs should be trimmed in order to avoid shading over the panels or damage by falling fruits

(especially coconuts); Wiring should be revised once a year in

order to make sure that there is no damage (e.g. rotten cables). This activity should be carried out by authorized PUB staff only;

Inverters should be revised once a year to assure their perfect operation

(replacement of rusted components). This activity should be carried out by

authorized PUB staff only; Security measures should be revised once

a year (e.g. replacement of rusty locks, closing of fence holes);

The state of all installations should be

revised by PUB staff after special climate


During whole operation time of the system (20 years).


events, as heavy rainfalls, storms or floods in order to detect damages on the support construction or on the PV installation itself;

The institution where the PV installation is installed should immediately report any damage on the structure to the PUB Staff

in order to assure repairs or replacement of damaged components;

All repairs or manipulation of the PV system should be carried out exclusively

by authorized staff of PUB that previously has got instructions and training.


ANNEX 11 MINUTES OF THE FINAL CONSULTATION MEETING OF THE DRAFT EIA / EMP 6 JULY 2012

Kiribati Grid Connected Solar PV Project Consultation Minutes

Held on Friday, 06 July 2012 in Ministry of Public Works and

Utilities Boardroom at 1005 hours

Present: Mr Kevin Rouatu, PUB CEO Chairman

Mr Eita Metai, Secretary – MPWU,

Mr Rokobati Tearo, Principal, KIT,

Ms Teea Tiira, ADB,

Mr Rekenibai –AUSAID,

Mr Teurakai Ukenio-NGO,

Mrs Miriam I Toatara, Energy MPWU,

Mr Mike Foon-OB Climate Change,

Mr Puta Tofinga-ECD-MELAD,

Ms Iaona Kanimako-MOE,

Ms Banny Teuea-MHMS,

Mr Tiaon Aukitino, Energy MPWU,

Mr Kiriati Birita, Power Engineering Manager, PUB

In attendance: Ms Kirita Aaron, PUB – Secretariat

The meeting was opened with short prayer by the Chairman, Mr Kevin Rouatu and opening remarks by the Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works and Utilities, Mr Eita Metai.

1.0 BACKGROUND

The consultation began with an over view explanation of the project and its purpose which is to

help PUB financially. The project which involved the incorporation of solar energy into PUB power grid was regarded the best choice based on the fact that it is clean; it increases capacity, uses

less fossil fuel and is proven to be long lasting, approximately 20 years. Other factors that contributed to opting to this project was the use of Government existing buildings. With this, the complications of landowner consultation and other related issues are avoided. Mounting these solar panels on these buildings would be a saving to Government regarding roof replacement for the selected buildings accounted for in the project.

The selected Government buildings include Kiribati Institute of Technology, KGV & EBS, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and Sport Complex. The solar panels on these four buildings would inject into PUB power grid additional capacity of 516 kW without increase in fossil fuel

consumption.

For sustainability, stakeholders were informed that Kiribati Institute of Technology would provide

necessary training package and other capacity building requirements of both PUB and Solar Energy Staff to ensure sustainability of the project.

Stakeholders and members of the public represented were informed that the project would be handed over to PUB when completed.


2.0 EIA and EMP.

Stakeholders and participants were informed that the assessments carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development had gone into every detail to ensure adverse

impact that may exist are avoided as much as possible. And if there are, it would be minimal. At the same time stakeholders and public represented at the consultation were informed that plans were already in place to minimize hazards and disruptions to the public and environment during the process of installation and progress of the project.

3.0 Concerns Raised

After the detailed explanation of EIA and EMP, some issues were raised. Concerns that arose included the following:

1. Safety of Substance Use in Solar Panels

The fact that the solar panels would be on roofs whose rainwater is used for drinking, raised a

concern. A question was raised on the safety of the substances used in the solar panel in case

the panels break open or corrode away from sea spray (particularly at MOH and KGV) and

leakage from the panels eventuates.

Despite explanations that panels would withstand impacts of heavy falling objects and the fact

that corrosion from sea spray are already taken into consideration in the initial state of the

project to avoid corrosion, the public still demand that they be given assurance that the

substances used in solar panels are certainly safe.

Given the value of the project and the need to sustain it, an awareness team would be organized and mobilized in advance to change the mindset of public to responsible and active in looking after public properties. The awareness program should also stress citizens’ duty of care.

2. Difficulty to Relocate Operating Theatre

Representative from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services raised a concern on the

relocation of a patient in the medical theatre based on the fact that there is only one operating

theatre.

Given the validity of the concern raised, the team agreed that a consultation with the Ministry

of Health and Medical Services is necessary for replacement plan especially for an operating

theatre. The World Bank may be approached for this. The sooner; the better.

3. Private Installation of Solar Panels at private home and selling of surplus to Operator

As a means to help increase capacity, private householders requested if they be allowed to run own solar system and be also allowed to sell their surplus to PUB. PUB CEO said that as yet they do not have the capacity to do that but when PUB has capacity to take this on board, it will do it. The recent project would be good exercise to build capacity of PUB staff to

venture in buying surplus energy from private solar operators. The idea though had been incorporated in the plan.

4.0 Comments Invited

4.1 Ministry of Environment, Land and Agriculture Development –


The Environment Division had studied and is now satisfied with the document made.

4.2 Correction of Figure in Page 53

An error was noted on the budget for the Environmental Plan as shown in Table 4, page 53. Contingency costs for Year 1 should be 3100 instead of 250 and for Year 2 should be 1900 instead of 250. Therefore total contingency cost should be 5,000 instead of 50,500. With amendments made, the EMP was adopted.

4.3 Work on License - Outstanding

It was noted that the license had not been submitted to Environment yet. Given the urgency

and important role of the license to support the project, PUB was asked to speed up work on license. CEO undertook to do complete the application form and submit it as soon as practicable.

There being no further issue to discuss, the meeting ended at 12.30 pm.

Confirmed by: Mr Kevin Rouatu, CEO, PUB and meeting Chairman

Date: 6 July 2012

DISCLOSURE PRIOR TO CONSULTATIONS

The Environmental Impact Statement and the Environmental Management Plan, and a Project Information Bulletin (in English and Gilbertese) were disclosed at the following locations prior to the consultations:

Public Utilities Board, Betio

Energy Unit/Ministry of Works and Public Utilities, Betio

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development, Bikenibeu

Kiribati Institute of Technology, Betio

Betio Sports Complex, Betio

Tungaru Central Hospital, Nawerewere

King George V Secondary School, Bikenibeu