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LAC-IEE-17-27

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE)

ENVIRONMENTAL THRESHOLD DECISION

Activity Location: Haiti

Activity Title: Reforestation Project

Activity Number: Multiple

Life-of-Activity Funding: $40 million

Life-of-Activity: FY 2017- FY 2022

IEE Prepared by: Ashley Fox and Jim Jolley, USAID GEMS Project

Julia Kennedy, FTF Coordinator, USAID/Haiti

Date Prepared: December 15, 2016

Recommended Threshold Decision: Categorical Exclusion Negative Determination with Conditions

Bureau Threshold Decision: Concur

1. Purpose and Scope of IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the activities under the USAID/Haiti Reforestation Project and on this basis, to recommend determinations and, as appropriate, attendant conditions, for these activities. Upon final approval of this IEE, these recommended determinations are affirmed as 22 CFR 216 Threshold Decisions and conditions become mandatory elements of project/program implementation.

This IEE also documents the results of the Mission’s Climate Risk Management process.

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The project directly contributes to the achievement of Development Objective (DO): Food Security Increased under Pillar B: Food and Economic Security of the Post-Earthquake USG Haiti extended Strategy: Toward Renewal and Economic Opportunity.

2. Background

The goal of the Reforestation PAD is to restore the provision of environmental services in targeted forest areas in support of food security and/or resilience. The project comprises three proposed activities that will contribute to a shared purpose: to “improve sustainable management of natural resources in targeted areas”. The other two interventions are smaller scale and will a) implement community priorities related to the environment and food security defined through a participatory process, and b) support innovative approaches that can add to the significant chain of lessons learned through reforestation initiatives in Haiti, and provide new avenues to address a complex issue with deep roots.

The sub purposes of the reforestation project are as follows:

1. Threat of Deforestation reduced 2. Resilience to economic and natural shocks improved3. Tree cover increased in target areas through increased farmer investment in long-term

agroforestry and soil conservation practices4. Environmental governance and coordination improved

3. Summary of Environmental Threshold Decisions

The summary of the Environmental Threshold Decisions is presented below. The full Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is attached, which includes more detail and background information, responsibilities, and requirements for amendments.

A Categorical Exclusion is issued because no environmental impacts are expected as a result of these activities. These fall under the following citations from Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation 216 (22 CFR 216), subparagraph 2(c)(2) as classes of activities that do not require an initial environmental examination:

(i) Activities involving education, training, technical assistance or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.);

(iii) Activities involving analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings;

(v) Activities involving document and information transfers;

(xiv) Studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries to engage in development planning, except to the extent designed to result in activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.).

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For specific activities, Categorical Exclusions are issued, per the above, for:

1. Study on how wood-fuels market is impacting deforestation to determine strategies to reduce environmental pressure

a. GIS analysis of tree canopy coverb. Market surveyc. Survey of consumer’s wood-based fuel use and fuel preferences

2. Building community or institutional adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change a. Training/education on the linkages between natural resource management and

climate change

A Negative Determination with Conditions is issued, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii) for reforestation project activities that have the potential for negative environmental impacts, specifically:

1. Reducing wood-fuel production from targeted standing forests, reducing demand for wood-fuels particularly from industrial-scale consumers, and increasing demand for alternative fuel sources (including alternative charcoal sources)

a. Introduction of LPG and household biogas cookstoves 2. Supporting livelihoods diversification, such as small-scale animal husbandry and small-

scale aquaculture3. Supporting access to credit to support alternative sources of income 4. Introducing new agricultural technologies5. Increasing access to high-quality tree seedlings

a. Tree seedling survival surveys 6. Linking farmers practicing agroforestry to markets

a. Survey of livestock management methods in targeted areas 7. Limiting open grazing of livestock in targeted areas 8. Greenhouse and related water catchment systems

a. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures and pesticide use in greenhouses9. At the national level, engaging with coordinating groups on protected areas, climate

change and reforestationa. Participating and supporting any resulting coordination platforms that emerge on

watershed development, woods-fuel energy reform and reforestation 10. At the local level, supporting local governance and community institutions to enforce

natural resource protection policies, regulations and laws

4. Conditions and Requirements

All of the conditions and requirements of this Environmental Threshold Decision document and the attached IEE will be fully implemented.

For all the activities listed above as a Negative Determination with Conditions, each implementing partner shall fulfill the following conditions:

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1. Prepare an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) which will identify the negative environmental impacts, propose corresponding mitigation measures, and monitor their effectiveness. All EMMPs will be submitted to the Contracting/Agreements Officer Representative (COR/AOR) for approval by the Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) and the Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) prior to implementation. EMMPs must be consistent with “USAID's Sectoral Environmental Guidelines.” http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm.

2. Follow the recommendations of the USAID/Haiti mission-wide PERSUAP: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/47191.pdf

3. In addition to USAID Reg. 216 requirements, also comply with Government of Haiti (GoH) environmental regulations and obtain all required permits from the appropriate GOH institutions.

Responsibilities

Each activity manager or Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR) is responsible for making sure environmental conditions are met (ADS 204.3.4). In addition, COR/AORs are responsible for ensuring that appropriate environmental guidelines are followed, mitigation measures in the IEE are funded and implemented, and that adequate monitoring and evaluation protocols are in place to ensure implementation of mitigation measures.

It is the responsibility of the Development Objective (DO) Team to ensure that environmental compliance language from the ETD is added to procurement and obligating documents, such as activity-related Development Objective Grant Agreements (DOAGs) and Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs).

The Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) will conduct spot checks to ensure that conditions in the IEE and this ETD are met. These evaluations will review whether guidelines are properly used to implement activities under this ETD in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner according to USAID and applicable U.S. Government policies and regulations.

USAID will ensure that the implementing contractor or partner assigns a qualified environmental expert to be responsible for environmental compliance and ensure that all activities conducted under this instrument comply with this ETD. Also, through its regular reporting requirements, a section on environmental compliance (e.g. mitigation monitoring results) will be included.

5. Amendments

Amendments to Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) shall be submitted for LAC Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) approval for any activities not specifically covered in the IEE, which include:a. Funding level increase beyond ETD amount,b. Time period extension beyond ETD dates (even for no cost extension), or

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http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/47191.pdf

http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm

c. A change in the scope of work, such as additional activities resulting from the initial strategic evaluation, or activities subject to Foreign Assistance Act sections 118 and 119 (e.g. procurement of logging equipment), among others.

Amendments to IEEs may require the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and its approval by the LAC BEO could require an annual evaluation for environmental compliance.

Signed:

_____________________ ______________________Diana Shannon Date Bureau Environmental OfficerBureau for Latin America & the Caribbean

Copy: Distribution within USAID/HaitiEnvironmental Compliance Database

Attachment: Initial Environmental Examination (LAC-IEE-17-27)

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LAC-IEE-17-27

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Activity Location: Haiti

Activity Title: Reforestation Project

Activity Number: Multiple

Life-of-Activity Funding: $40 million

Life-of-Activity: FY 2017 – FY 2022

IEE Prepared by: Ashley Fox and Jim Jolley, USAID GEMS Project

Julia Kennedy, Feed The Future Coordinator, USAID/Haiti

Date Prepared: December 15, 2016

Recommended Threshold Decision: Categorical Exclusion Negative Determination with Conditions

1. BACKGROUND AND ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the activities under the USAID/Haiti Reforestation Project and on this basis, to recommend determinations and, as appropriate, attendant conditions, for these activities. Upon final approval of this IEE, these recommended determinations are affirmed as 22 CFR 216 Threshold Decisions and conditions become mandatory elements of project/program implementation.

This IEE also documents the results of the Mission’s Climate Risk Management process.

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The project directly contributes to the achievement of Development Objective (DO): Food Security Increased under Pillar B: Food and Economic Security of the Post-Earthquake USG Haiti Strategy: Toward Renewal and Economic Opportunity.

1.2 Background and Activity Description

The goal of the Reforestation PAD is to restore the provision of environmental services in targeted forest areas in support of food security and/or resilience.1 The environmental services, or functions and services, of a healthy forest are critical to the long-term development of any community, particularly those in Haiti which rely heavily on the natural resources base for their livelihoods. The services and functions USAID seeks to restore include slope stabilization and soil conservation, wildlife habitat, regulation of the hydrologic cycle, carbon sequestration, timber and non-timber forest products, and recreation and cultural value.

The project comprises three proposed activities that will contribute to a shared purpose: to reduce the threat of deforestation in priority areas and increase tree cover in and around those intervention areas, particularly those with an impact on the Three Bays National Marine Park. The principal intervention is a five-year, up to $40 million cooperative agreement that aims to address a number of the core drivers that limit large-scale increases of tree and perennial vegetative cover and threaten Haiti’s remaining forests. The other two interventions are smaller scale and will a) implement community priorities related to the environment and food security defined through a participatory process, and b) support innovative approaches that can add to the significant chain of lessons learned through reforestation initiatives in Haiti, and provide new avenues to address a complex issue with deep roots. The small-scale interventions could potentially include reducing the threat of deforestation (including of mangrove forests) within protected areas.

Illustrative activities within the reforestation project include:

Sub-Purpose 1: Threat of Deforestation reduced



2. Reducing wood-fuel production from targeted standing forests, reducing demand for wood-fuels particularly from industrial-scale consumers, and increasing demand for alternative fuel sources (including alternative charcoal sources)”

a. Introduction of LPG and household biogas cookstoves

Sub-Purpose 2: Resilience to economic and natural shocks improved1 USAID defines resilience to recurrent crisis as “the ability of people, households, communities, countries, and systems to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from shocks and stresses in a manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth.”

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1. Supporting livelihoods diversification, such as small-scale animal husbandry and small-scale aquaculture

2. Supporting access to credit to support alternative sources of income 3. Building community or institutional adaptive capacity to address the impacts of climate

change a. Training/education on the linkages between natural resource management and

climate change

Sub-Purpose 3: Tree cover increased in target areas through increased farmer investment in long-term forestry, agroforestry and soil conservation practices

1. Introducing new agricultural technologies2. Increasing access to high-quality tree seedlings



a. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures and pesticide use in greenhouses

Sub-Purpose 4: Environmental governance and coordination improved

1. At the national level, engaging with coordinating groups on protected areas, climate change and reforestation

a. Participating and supporting any resulting coordination platforms that emerge on watershed development, woods-fuel energy reform and reforestation

2. At the local level, supporting local governance and community institutions to enforce natural resource protection policies, regulations and laws

1.3 Locations Affected

The reforestation project will focus the majority of its resources in the Northern development corridor. This region corresponds to USAID/Haiti’s existing strategies, GOH priorities, and several of the most vulnerable watersheds identified in the 2007 Environmental Vulnerability report (specifically cited in the congressional directive). The region provides the opportunity to work within a protected area (Three Bays) on mangrove protection and restoration, as well as on forest protection and tree cover increase in the densely forested or highly vulnerable watersheds in the region. This area also provides the opportunity to build on current and former USAID activities, such as DEED, AVANSE, and Lokal+, many of which helped organize communities to better manage natural resources. Finally, there are far fewer actors working in the environment sector in this area so USAID’s investment would be filling a significant gap. The Haiti-Dominican Republic border area of the Northern development corridor will be given significant attention as the Congressional Directive has clearly flagged this area as a zone of interest.

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By focusing the bulk of this Project’s investment in the North through a single activity, we hope to achieve impact at scale. However, the governance and coordination focus of the cooperative agreement will have national implications, and the activity to provide small grants to community organizations will allow USAID to support innovative and effective approaches anywhere they are taking place.

The following description of the potentially affected environment is taken from the AVANSE Programmatic Environmental Assessment (Nov 2015):

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

TOPOGRAPHY

As one follows a north to south axis, the Northern corridor watersheds and extension zones move from a flat coastal plain to hilly and mountainous terrain. The extent of the plain and the upland areas varies by watershed. Slopes in the coastal plain are generally flat. Slopes in the upland areas can generally be divided into three categories: gentle (5-12%), moderate (13-30%), and steep (31-60%). Valleys are not uncommon in the hilly and mountainous regions; most valleys are found at an elevation of less than 300 m (Oxfam Québec and CATIE, 2011).

GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The underlying geology of the Northern corridor is divided fairly evenly between sedimentary and igneous formations. About 60% of the geologic material is sedimentary with a limestone or alluvial base, while the remaining 40% of the material is igneous.

Soils can be divided into two broad categories: those found in the lowland coastal plain and those found in the upland areas. In general, soils in the coastal plains are alluvial, often with significant organic matter, and are considered to be good to excellent. In the uplands, the soils are derived from igneous rock (basalt, andesite, etc.) or sedimentary limestone and tend to be eroded and poor.

WATER RESOURCES

The Northern corridor area spans across 6 watersheds and two extension zones. Moving from east to west the watersheds are: Jassa, Marion, Trou du Nord, Grande Rivière du Nord, Haut du Cap, Limbé, Port-Margot and Borgne. Each of these watersheds is drained by a river of the same name.

One of the major constraints preventing proper assessment of the hydrology and the climate in the region is the lack of current flow and climate information. Inferences are made based on historical data and the estimated land use changes in the watersheds. Hydrometric information is fundamental in agriculture and for flood defense. It is essential to establish a network of automated meteorological and hydrological stations as has been recommended by the IDB and other development organizations.

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All of the rivers and their tributaries flow from the mountains in the southern region of the project area, down to the sea in the north. The flow in the rivers, like the precipitation in the project area, is bi-modal with high flows in the two rainy seasons occurring from September to January and April to June and low flows in drier periods from December to March and from July to August. Due to deforestation and soil degradation, floods that were once rare, are now annual events and the flows in the dry season have become significantly lower (Haggerty 1991, Smucker et al. 2007, Posner et al 2010). With the overall reduction in sustained flow, many rivers may flow torrentially in the highlands, but dwindle to meandering streams in the lowlands due to evaporation and infiltration, and may not even reach the sea (USACE 1999), so that rivers that once flowed year round have become intermittent (Posner et al 2010). This has already had a significant impact on aquatic flora and fauna, an impact that may increase in the future as demand for water increases (Posner et al. 2010).

Many of the rivers in the project area used to have gauging stations, but all of these have long disappeared. The only period for which there seems to be measured flow data is from 1920 through 1940 (Ménanteau & Vanney 1997, Oxfam-Catie 2011). Very little flow data is reported in the literature, and much of that is contradictory. All report, however a significant difference between average annual flow and minimum daily flow (drier season).

No water quality information was found for the surface waters in this area.

One major lake is in the project area (Lagon-aux-Boeufs).

The major source of groundwater in the project area is the unconfined alluvial aquifer which lies under the northern plain. This aquifer is composed primarily of sands and gravels that have washed down out of the mountains and onto the plains for millions of years. The aquifer grows in thickness from south to north, reaching nearly 300 meters near the ocean. It also flows from south to north. It is recharged from rainfall in the mountains, but possibly even more so from the biannual floods when they spread out on the plain. The aquifer is quite productive. The estimated sustained yield of the aquifer has been estimated to be 684,932 m3/day (about 8 m3/s).

BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The vast majority of this target area is composed of land already converted to agricultural use. The reforestation project does not plan to expand into non-agricultural land for agricultural or construction projects. There are some natural areas near or downstream from the potential target areas. Detailed information on these areas can be found in the Feed the Future North AVANSE Programmatic Environmental Assessment.

North and northeastern Haiti have a wide variety of ecosystems that provide critical habitats for numerous rare, threatened and endangered species including several endemics.

In northern Haiti some of the most important biological hotspots include the montane forests in the upper portions of the Jassa, Marion and Grande Rivière du Nord watersheds, the wetlands of the Lagon aux Boeufs in Jassa, and the mangrove, coral reef and seagrass marine ecosystems of the recently designated Parc National des Trois Baïes Marine Protected Area (PN3B).

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There are 26 threatened or endangered bird species in the northern region of Haiti. Nine of these are endemic to Hispaniola: one is critically endangered, three are endangered and five are threatened. Of the 17 threatened or endangered non-endemic species, 15 are breeding residents – of these, one is critically endangered, two are endangered and 12 are threatened; there is also one threatened breeding visitor and one threatened non-breeding visitor. Of the 26 species, 11 are found exclusively in upland forested areas, six are found in any forested habitat, six are associated with wetlands and coastal areas and three are restricted to lowland areas of scrub and open woodland. By any measure, these levels of endemism and degree of threat in such a limited geographical area are of international significance (DAI, 2014b).

The data available of the reptilian and amphibian fauna of northern Haiti is less comprehensive than that for birds. Nevertheless, there are several species that have been reported from the AVANSE area and some are extremely rare and potentially threatened.

Two native land mammals are known to still survive in Haiti: of the two, the Haitian Solenodon, Nez long (Solenodon paradoxus) is still believed to be found in northeastern Haiti (IUCN 2014). It is considered endangered with a dwindling range.

1.4 National Environmental Policies, Procedures and Regulations2

Chapter II of the Constitution of Haiti Republic, in its articles 253, 254, 255, 256, 257 and 258 states the following:

ARTICLE 253: Since the environment is the natural framework of the life of the people, any practices that might disturb the ecological balance are strictly forbidden. ARTICLE 254: The State shall organize the enhancement of natural sites to ensure their protection and make them accessible to all. ARTICLE 255: To protect forest reserves and expand the plant coverage, the State encourages the development of local sources of energy: solar, wind and others. ARTICLE 256: Within the framework of protecting the environment and public education, the State has the obligation to proceed to establish and maintain botanical and zoological gardens at certain points in its territory. ARTICLE 257: The law specifies the conditions for protecting flora and fauna, and punishes violations thereof. ARTICLE 258: No one may introduce into the country wastes or residues of any kind from foreign sources.

In compliance with these articles stated above, Haiti encompasses two major undertakings: the elaboration and the validation of the multi-donors funded National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) and the issuance of the General Decree on environment funded by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB). The NEAP includes all the facets and major issues of Haiti’s environmental degradation. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for overall coordination of environmental activities in Haiti including implementation of the NEAP.

2 Excerpt from LAC-IEE-16-43: Health and Nutrition Status of the Haitian Population Improved: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/48281.pdf

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The General Decree on Environment (Décret Cadre sur l’Environnement) prepared by the Ministry of Environment was approved by the Interim Government (November 2005) and promulgated to the Official Journal of the Haitian State, Le Moniteur, on January 26, 2006 (161 Year, Number 11). The approval of this Decree represents, in theory, a major step in terms of prospects to solve jurisdictional conflicts in environmental management in the country.

The initiative, which represents the legal foundation of the national policy of environment and provides regulation guidance for a responsible behavior of Haitian citizens in terms of sustainable development, will serve as a legal umbrella strategy for all sectors of the environment in Haiti, including biodiversity.

The General Decree on Environment contains specific Chapters dealing with:

Biological Diversity (art 135 – 139). Art 136 stipulates: Authorities in the country should ensure in situ and ex situ biological diversity conservation.

Environmental Planning (Chapter 2, art 29.4, 29.5), Land Use Planning (Chapter 3, Section related to Common regulations: art 33.b, art

34; Section 4 talking about protection of the natural and cultural heritage: art 43-art 47), Protected Areas (Chapter 3: in fact it should be Chapter 4: art 48 – art 55), Environmental Evaluation (art 56 – art 61), Environmental Surveillance (Chapter 5: art 62 - art 67), Environmental Education (Chapter 6: art 74 – art 76), Environmental Funds (Chapter 7: art 77 – art 79), Technical and Scientific Research (Chapter 9: art 87 – art 88), Common Norms (Title 4 and Chapter 1: art 89-art 93), Soils and Terrestrial Ecosystems (Title 4 and Chapter 2: art 94 – art 105), Fossils and Mineral Resources (Title 4 and Chapter 3: art 106), Continental Waters (Title 4 and Chapter 4 art 110, 111, 112,115, 116, 117.6, 121), Marine Waters and Associated Resources (Title 4 and Chapter Title 4 and Chapter 5 art

126 – art 132).

The Executive Order on mangroves exploitation prohibits any construction in mangroves areas. The same restriction also applies for cutting, sale and use of tree species forming the "Mangrove". Furthermore, the Order also prohibits fishing and hunting in those same areas.

Additional policies instruments that govern natural resources and environment in Haiti are as followed:

● The executive order creating the Three Bay Marine Protected Area (Parc des trois Baies), promulgated to the Official Journal of the Haitian State, Le Moniteur, (As of December 2013)

● The Rural Code of François Duvalier of 1962, which, among others, strictly controlled access to forest resources as well as activities in forest reserves.

● The Watershed Management Policy of 1999 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural resources and Rural development.

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The GOH has recently launched the first Bureau National d’Evaluation Environnementale (BNEE) whose role is to ensure that all plans, programs, projects and activities are implemented under clear environmental compliance rule and regulation.

2. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT POTENTIAL

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Cookstoves

Energy efficient biomass cook stoves supplant traditional 3-stone fires or, on occasion, charcoal stoves. They are not targeted to—and are generally not attractive to—households that can afford to cook with kerosene, gas, or electricity. As such, deployment of such stoves reduces demand for firewood. By burning more cleanly and burning less total fuel, they also improve indoor air quality. Thus, provision and promotion of energy efficient biomass cookstoves presents no environmental concerns. Provision and use of solar cookers and dryers likewise present no concerns. Production of cook stoves and solar cookers and dryers, particularly at commercial scales, can present environmental and occupational health concerns—as does any manufacturing operation. The small scale of production being supported at widely separated locations minimizes these concerns, and the materials used in mud stoves present minimal concerns. Production of fired-clay cook stoves does present potential concerns with respect to (1) sourcing of clay (e.g., streambed mining); and (2) sourcing of firing fuel (local deforestation).

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Reforestation/Natural Resources Management

Forests are essential sources of ecosystems services, providing a variety of resources upon which communities rely for subsistence and livelihoods. Improper forestry management threatens to significantly reduce biodiversity through the degradation or loss of habitats for an array of flora and fauna. Such improper management is largely driven by a combination of economic pressures facing communities coupled with traditional, unsustainable practices and limited or non-existent political will to enforce effective management and oversight of forest resources.

Tree planting and watershed restoration activities that use inappropriate species can reduce diversity, alter ecosystem services, and negatively impact the robustness of native species. Additionally, use of inputs (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers) in watershed restoration activities, such as tree planting, also poses a risk of polluting water and soil, potentially impacting human and ecological health. Furthermore, these activities may have inadvertent impacts on ecosystem dynamics, causing shifts that impact plant and animal diversity and reduce the system’s adaptive capacity. Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Small-Scale Agriculture

Overall, the set of technologies and practices to be promoted in sub-purpose 3 are specifically intended to be not simply more productive and profitable in the near term, but more sustainable than the typical, current practices they seek to replace or augment. However, a number of technologies present inherent risks that must be managed:

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Introduction of crop, agro-forestry and cover species new to a given ecological zone presents risks that the species will be disruptive or invasive.

Integrated pest management (IPM)-based pest management typically includes the use of pesticides. While IPM is intended to result in the minimum necessary use of least-toxic pesticides, any use of pesticides poses risks, particularly in an environment such as Haiti where farmer knowledge of pesticides and safer use principles is poor and appropriate equipment often lacking. These concerns and risks are detailed in the existing relevant mission-wide PERSUAP.

Use of fertilizers presents risks to surface and groundwater quality and can accelerate soil acidification, lead to build-up of heavy metals, and have adverse effects on soil biology.

Irrigation presents a set of risks, including over-extraction of water, salinization/permanent degradation of irrigated soils, and contamination of surface and groundwater with agro-chemicals.

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Small-Scale Aquaculture

Small-scale inland aquaculture typically presents slight to moderate risks, controllable with appropriate siting and operating practices. Principal among these are: disruption of sensitive habit (e.g., locating ponds near lakeshores or creation by damming small streams), overdraw of water sources, and sediment-laden and high-BOD discharge to receiving surface waters.

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Small-Scale Animal Husbandry

Adverse impacts of livestock are associated with overgrazing and use of marginal lands, soil erosion and compaction, land degradation and diversification. Intensification of livestock production can also promote a system of mono-cropping for feed production. Additionally, the following categories of impacts could occur:

Water pollution may occur if nutrients from manure enter the water table because they are either improperly used or disposed of. Water pollution can also be associated with improper processing and disposal of dead animals that release nutrients into the ground water as they decompose.

Air pollution. Livestock production can increase greenhouse gas emissions from enteric fermentation, from livestock manure and burning of animal carcasses.

Social issues. When policies do not consistently address the land tenure issue for farmers and pastoralists, livestock keepers may potentially increase animal stock beyond land carrying capacity, thus contributing to enhanced competition for resources and, eventually, to conflicts that can become violent.

Loss of biodiversity. Breed has a strong influence on disease susceptibility and therefore on disease management. Systematic livestock production may result in loss of genetic diversity in livestock species and subsequent susceptibility to disease outbreaks.

Chemical pollution. A variety of chemicals are used in animal production including animal pharmaceuticals that are used for control of diseases. Pesticides are often used for control of vectors, parasites and predators and are applied directly to animals, used in housing structures or dipping vats. The impact of veterinary chemicals on the

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environment will depend on a number of factors such as their properties and conditions under which they were administered. Once released the impact of veterinary chemicals will depend on soil type, climate, ecotoxicity and other factor. Pharmaceuticals and pesticides used for treatment of livestock have the potential to contaminate soils, ground and surface water, sediment and affect all live organisms including people.

Animal transmitted diseases. A zoonotic disease is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals).

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Credit Support

Lack of access to credit is a major constraint in moving rural populations towards sustainable livelihoods. Village-level schemes place the nexus of capitalization, lending, and collection in the hands of participants and bring decision making to a local or even neighborhood level. However, access to capital may create scenarios where financing is used to pursue livelihoods or implement NRM practices that run counter to broader project objectives. Such “failure modes” include, for example, the use of locally available credit to purchase firearms or ammunition for bush meat hunting, pesticides or other potentially harmful inputs for agricultural production, or chainsaws or other equipment for timber harvesting and charcoal production.

Potential Adverse Environmental Impacts of Technical Support to Environmental Governance and Coordination

The activities described in Sub-Purpose 4 are intended to have beneficial impacts on forest management, resilience to climate change, and water resources management. However, forestry/NRM policies and strategy can have significant adverse impacts when, e.g. they result in or facilitate the unconsidered introduction of exotic species, unsafe use of agrochemicals on tree plantations, or community displacement. Similarly, poorly conceived water management policies may alter traditional water usage arrangements, increase irrigation impacts, reduce stream flow and water quality, and/or increase the amount of water withdrawn in water-limited regions of the country.

The final content of national policy, including agricultural, Forestry/NRM and water policy, is the responsibility and determination of the government of Haiti. However, USAID’s responsibility reasonably extends to assuring that TA for policy development or reform seeks to avoid or mitigate the known, typical “failure modes” for such policy – e.g. the adverse social impacts on communities that can result when strengthened management of forests reduces community access to forest resources. Policy that is sound in principal can result in adverse environmental or social impacts when policy implementation is poor or incomplete. For example, a policy reform might promote livelihoods from non-timber forest products to stem deforestation and uncontrolled land conversion. But failure to adequately support implementation, including monitoring and enforcement, could easily result in non-sustainable extraction of these products. Further, supporting decentralized forest management without strengthening overall monitoring and coordination can result in local NRM management regimes that are not consistent with national policy or sustainable use principles. Similarly, strengthening

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the administrative apparatus of land management without rooting this apparatus in sustainable management risks reinforcing poor management choices.

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2.1 CLIMATE RISK SCREENING AND MANAGEMENT

Projected Weather and Climate Change in Haiti:3

As noted in the USAID Haiti Climate Vulnerability Profile, “The most significant climate-related hazards in Haiti include flooding, drought, intense rainfall, landslides, severe soil erosion, salt water intrusion, and hurricanes.” Furthermore, the Profile provides the following projections:

Temperature: The pattern of decreased frequency of cold days and cold nights and the increased frequency of hot days and hot nights is projected to continue. The temperature is expected to rise by 0.5-2.3°C by 2060.

Precipitation: Average annual rainfall in Haiti has decreased by 5 mm per month per decade since 1960. Climate models project that rainfall will continue to decrease during June-August, while projections for the remainder of the year are less definitive.

Sea Level Rise: Sea level rise projections for Haiti’s coast are uncertain. However, the Caribbean is projected to experience a rise in sea level between 0.13 and 0.56 m by 2090 relative to the 1980-1999 baseline.

Extreme Events : Future projections of hurricane frequency and intensity in the Atlantic also vary. The U.S. Climate Change Science Program states that increases in hurricane rainfall, wind speeds, and storm surge are likely to occur in conjunction with a rise in sea temperature.

Climate Risk Screening

The climate risk assessment for this IEE is based on the USAID Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool for Project Design. The assessment was conducted in a manner “fit for purpose;” in other words, detailed enough to inform decision-making but not overly costly or burdensome. The results of the climate risk screening are summarized in Table 1 below:

3 USAID Haiti Climate Vulnerability Profile: Annex to USAID Agency Sustainability Plan and Agency Adaptation Plan, October 2012.

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Table 1: Climate Risk Management Summary Table

Defined or Anticipated Project Elements

Climate Risks Risk Rating

How Risks are Addressed at Project Level

Further Analysis and Actions for Activity Design/ Implementation

Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience

Sub-Purpose 1: Reduce the threat of deforestation.

Perform study - including GIS analysis, market survey, and consumer survey - on how wood-fuels market is impacting deforestation.

N/A Low N/A N/A Include climate risk related questions in the surveys. Use data from study, in particular the consumer survey, to design climate risk training for local farmers.

Reduce wood-based fuel production from targeted standing forests. Decrease demand for wood-based fuel, particularly from industrial scale consumers. Increase demand for alternative fuels (Introduction of LPG, propane, and biogas cook stoves).

Delivery of imported alternative fuels and access to such fuels may be limited by flooding, and more frequent storm events.

Medium Procure alternative fuels from different providers to provide diversity of delivery systems. Encourage development of local biogas systems.

Consider further study of reliable sources of alternative fuels and delivery systems. Consider further study of biogas system development in Haiti.

Develop and provide training for alternative fuel providers on climate change resiliency.

Sub-Purpose 2: Improve resilience to economic and natural shocks.

Support livelihoods diversification, such as small-scale animal husbandry and small-scale aquaculture.

Increased incidence of disease in livestock/fish and heat stress in livestock due to increase in temperature. Availability of food and fodder may be limited

Low N/A N/A Incorporate climate risk management training in technical assistance to farmers.

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due to decreased precipitation.

Increase access to credit for targeted farmers to support alternative sources of income.

N/A Low N/A N/A

Build community or institutional adaptive capacity to address the impacts of climate change.

N/A Low N/A N/A

Sub-Purpose 3: Increase tree cover in targeted areas through increased farmer investment in long-term agroforestry and soil conservation practices.

Introduce new agricultural technologies.

TBD TBD TBD TBD To be formulated based on details of technologies to be introduced.

Increase availability of high-quality tree seedlings (via tree seedling survival surveys).

N/A Low N/A N/A

Link farmers practicing agroforestry to existing markets.

N/A Low N/A N/A

Limit open grazing of livestock in targeted areas.

N/A Low N/A N/A

Construct greenhouses and related water catchment systems.

Increases in temperature may limit viability of certain high value crops in

Low N/A N/A

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greenhouses.

Sub-Purpose 4: Strengthen environmental governance and coordination.

At the national level, engage with coordinating groups on protected areas, climate change and reforestation. Participate in and support any resulting coordination platforms that emerge.

N/A Low N/A N/A

At the local level, support local governance and community institutions to enforce natural resource protection policies, regulations and laws.

N/A Low N/A N/A

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3. RECOMMENDED DETERMINATIONS AND MITIGATION ACTIONS

Based on the analysis presented in Section 3.0, this IEE recommends threshold decisions and conditions for implementation of USAID/Haiti’s reforestation project activities.

A Categorical Exclusion is recommended because no environmental impacts are expected as a result of these activities. These fall under the following citations from Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation 216 (22 CFR 216), subparagraph 2(c)(2) as classes of activities that do not require an initial environmental examination:

(i) Activities involving education, training, technical assistance or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.);

(iii) Activities involving analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings;

(v) Activities involving document and information transfers;

(xiv) Studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries to engage in development planning, except to the extent designed to result in activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.).

For specific activities, Categorical Exclusions are recommended, per the above, for:



2. Building community or institutional adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change a. Training/education on the linkages between natural resource management and

climate change

A Negative Determination with Conditions is recommended, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii) for reforestation project activities that have the potential for negative environmental impacts, specifically:

1. Reducing wood-fuel production from targeted standing forests, reducing demand for wood-fuels particularly from industrial-scale consumers, and increasing demand for alternative fuel sources (including alternative charcoal sources)

a. Introduction of LPG and household biogas cookstoves 2. Supporting livelihoods diversification, such as small-scale animal husbandry and small-

scale aquaculture3. Supporting access to credit to support alternative sources of income 4. Introducing new agricultural technologies5. Increasing access to high-quality tree seedlings


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a. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures and pesticide use in greenhouses9. At the national level, engaging with coordinating groups on protected areas, climate

change and reforestationa. Participating and supporting any resulting coordination platforms that emerge on

watershed development, woods-fuel energy reform and reforestation 10. At the local level, supporting local governance and community institutions to enforce

natural resource protection policies, regulations and laws

Significant adverse environmental impacts are not foreseeable from the implementation of these activities with implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. Partners are responsible for assessing environmental impacts and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures for activities through the EMMP process. Partners will be required to submit for USAID review and approval site-specific EMMPs in relation to the subject activities.

Mitigation measures implemented by partners will address threats described in USAID Forest Sector Environmental Guidelines. General descriptions of potential mitigations that could be implemented by partners are below:

Invasive Species: Partners will assess the risk of utilizing non-native species which are not already established in Haiti to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Loss of Local Biodiversity, Including Loss of Local Niche Species: Partners will account for diversity when selecting species for reforestation activities. When possible and appropriate, partners will select native species, including niche species, and ensure a high degree of biodiversity.

Conversion of Natural Forests to Tree Plantations: Partners will not convert natural forests to tree plantations and will utilize site appropriate planting patterns and species distribution to simulate natural forests when possible and practical.

Disruption of Local Communities Current Land Use: Partners will consult with local communities, government, and civil society to identify current land use patterns. Partners will utilize information from consultations to plan reforestation activities to minimize disruption to current local land use patterns and maximize environmental benefits to target communities.

4. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For all the activities listed above as a Negative Determination with Conditions, each implementing contractor or partner shall fulfill the following conditions:

1. Prepare an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) which will identify the negative environmental impacts, propose corresponding mitigation measures, incorporating the conditions identified in this IEE, and monitor their effectiveness. All

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EMMPs will be submitted to the Contracting/Agreements Officer Representative (COR/AOR) for approval by the Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) and Regional Environmental Advisor (REA) prior to implementation. EMMPs must be consistent with “USAID's Sectoral Environmental Guidelines.” http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm.

2. USAID/Haiti will follow the recommendations of the USAID/Haiti mission-wide PERSUAP: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/47191.pdf

3. In addition to USAID Reg. 216 requirements, also comply with Government of Haiti (GoH) environmental regulations and obtain all required permits from the appropriate GOH institutions.

Responsibilities

Each activity manager or Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR) is responsible for making sure environmental conditions are met (ADS 204.3.4). In addition, COR/AORs are responsible for ensuring that appropriate environmental guidelines are followed, mitigation measures in the IEE are funded and implemented, and that adequate monitoring and evaluation protocols are in place to ensure implementation of mitigation measures.

It is the responsibility of the Development Objective (DO) Team to ensure that environmental compliance language from the ETD is added to procurement and obligating documents, such as activity-related Development Objective Grant Agreements (DOAGs) and Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs).

The Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) will conduct spot checks to ensure that conditions in the IEE and this ETD are met. These evaluations will review whether guidelines are properly used to implement activities under this ETD in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner according to USAID and applicable U.S. Government policies and regulations.

The implementing contractor or partner will assign a qualified environmental expert to be responsible for environmental compliance and ensure that all activities conducted under this instrument comply with this ETD. Also, through its regular reporting requirements, a section on environmental compliance (e.g. mitigation monitoring results) will be included.

Amendments

Amendments to Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) shall be submitted for LAC Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) approval for any activities not specifically covered in the IEE, which include:

o Funding level increase beyond ETD amount,

o Time period extension beyond ETD dates (even for no cost extension), or

o A change in the scope of work, such as additional activities resulting from the initial strategic evaluation, or activities subject to Foreign Assistance Act sections 118 and 119 (e.g. procurement of logging equipment), among others.

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Amendments to IEEs may require the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and its approval by the LAC BEO could require an annual evaluation for environmental compliance.

IEE Annex: ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN (EMMP) - Guidelines and Template for Implementing Partners

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Annex

ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN (EMMP)Guidelines and Template for Implementing PartnersWhat is an EMMP? An Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) is a document that identifies the potential environmental impacts of some USAID-funded activities, as well as measures required to be taken to mitigate those impacts. It also serves as a monitoring and reporting tool for both USAID and its implementing partners. EMMPs are legally required before certain USAID-funded activities may proceed. Why are EMMPs required? All projects funded by USAID must comply with its Environmental Procedures. These procedures are legally required under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 216), which are further explained in USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS 204). You can access these regulations and rules online.4 USAID’s Environmental Procedures ensure that the environmental consequences of USAID-funded activities are identified and considered before deciding to proceed with the activities, and that appropriate safeguards are adopted to mitigate potential environmental effects. EMMPs are one way to accomplish this goal.

When is an EMMP required? According to USAID’s Environmental Procedures, each activity must first have an approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) in place. Sometimes the IEE is specific to the activity, while other times it is more general and covers several activities or groups of activities. Either way, the IEE provides an initial analysis of the possible environmental effects of the activity or activities. It also includes an Environmental Threshold Decision (ETD). The ETD specifies what activities can proceed without further environmental review, what activities can proceed with environmental mitigation measures in place, and what activities require more detailed environmental analysis before a final decision can be made. Generally, the ETD in an IEE might include the following determinations for certain activities:4 22 CFR 216 is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216. ADS 204 is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/204.pdf.

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https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/204.pdf

https://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/22cfr216

Categorical Exclusion – This means no further environmental review is necessary.

Negative Determination – This means no further environmental review is necessary.

Negative Determination with Conditions – This means that activities can only proceed if environmental mitigation measures are in place. If there is a Negative Determination with Conditions, then an EMMP will be required.

Positive Determination – This means that activities require further detailed environmental analysis in what is called an Environmental Assessment (or a Programmatic Environmental Assessment). Many times an Environmental Assessment results in a determination that some activities can proceed only if specific environmental mitigation measures are in place, so often an EMMP will be required here, too.

Again, an EMMP is usually required if there is (1) a Negative Determination with Conditions, and/or (2) a Positive Determination (but only because the Positive Determination first requires an Environmental Assessment, and that assessment might in turn require an EMMP). However, you have to read the IEE to be sure! You can access all approved IEEs online.5

Can activities begin before an EMMP is completed and approved? If an IEE or Environmental Assessment requires an EMMP for certain activities, those activities cannot begin before an EMMP is approved by the USAID Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (C/AOR), the USAID/Haiti Mission Environmental Officer (MEO), and the USAID Regional Environmental Advisor (REA). It is best to develop an EMMP as early as possible in the program cycle to avoid implementation delays.

What is required after the EMMP is completed and approved? Once the EMMP is complete and approved, it is the implementing partner’s responsibility to implement it, monitor environmental effects, and report on all of this to the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative. It may be necessary to modify the EMMP if it is not working or can be improved. Generally, implementing partners should include a section on the EMMP within all performance reports, such as quarterly reports. You can do this simply by including Table 3 of the EMMP, and adding a narrative summary if needed.

How do I develop an EMMP? An EMMP template follows. It includes detailed guidance and tips for completing an EMMP, but you are free to adapt the EMMP if needed. The EMMP template includes four sections:

Narrative – Activity Description, Environmental Baselines, Summaries of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures, and Special Considerations

Environmental Screening Table (Table 1) – This serves as a quick checklist to assess possible environmental effects

5 USAID’s searchable environmental compliance database, which includes approved IEEs, is available at: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/.

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http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/

Environmental Mitigation Table (Table 2) – This provides a detailed overview of specific activities, what their possible environmental effects are, and mitigation measures

Environmental Monitoring Table (Table 3) – This provides a list of mitigation measures, as well as monitoring and reporting information to ensure those measures are implemented

What are Sector Environmental Guidelines? In general, USAID Sector Environmental Guidelines can serve as a good starting point for populating information in an EMMP. These guidelines provide background on possible environmental effects for projects in individual sectors. You can access the guidelines online.6

Are there additional requirements to address in an EMMP? You should read your IEE, and any Environmental Assessment or Programmatic Environmental Assessment that was developed to cover your projects. Contact your Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative if you don’t’ have these as these documents often include specific requirements or environmental mitigation measures that must be incorporated into your EMMP.

Still have questions? You can email the USAID/Haiti Environmental Compliance Team at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representatives on all communications.

6 USAID Sector Environmental Guidelines are available at: http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm.

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mailto:[email protected]


ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION and MONITORING PLAN (EMMP)

Program, Project, and/or Activity Title: _______________________________________________ Award Number: ________________________________________________________________

Implementing Partner(s): _________________________________________________________

IEE Number: ___________________________________________________________________ Funding Period: FY______ - FY______ Funding Amount (US$): ___________________________ Report Prepared by: Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________ Notes/Comments: ______________________________________________________________

Note to Implementing Partner(s) If an EMMP is required, NO activities may be implemented until this EMMP is

approved by USAID All mitigation measures in this EMMP must be implemented and monitored Implementing partners are required to report on this EMMP by submitting

updated versions of Table 3 and any relevant narrative in all performance reports that are required in the relevant agreement. Generally, this includes quarterly and annual performance reports.

USAID Approval of EMMP (for internal use):

__________________________________________________ _________________Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative Date

__________________________________________________ _________________

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USAID/Haiti Mission Environmental Officer Date

__________________________________________________ _________________USAID/Caribbean Regional Environmental Advisor Date

Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Narrative 1. Background, Rationale and Results Expected: Briefly summarize the program, project, and/or activity so the reader understands the overall purpose, scope, and goals. Be concise, but complete. 2. Activity Description: In plain language, provide a detailed description of what activities will be implemented so that the reader understands what will be done. Be concise, but complete. Provide both quantitative and qualitative information about actions needed during the activity (e.g. specific actions of construction-size, location, and type of materials to be used), types of agriculture production (full till mechanized, organic etc.), how the intervention will operate, and any connected activities that are required to implement the primary activity (e.g., road to a facility, need to quarry or excavate borrow material, need to lay utility pipes to connect with energy, water source or disposal point or any other activity needed to accomplish the primary one but in a different location). If various alternatives have been considered and rejected because the proposed activity is considered more environmentally sound, explain these. Example: New construction of a 900 square meter youth center located in XXX town within 40 meters of the River XXX. Construction will be of block and cement with rebar reinforcing. Construction will include a new two stall toilet and sinks using town water source from pipes. A 20 square meter biodigester will be used to capture waste and methane gas piped to the youth center kitchen for use as cook fuel. Biodigester will be underground and built of concrete by molds. Electrical wiring for the youth center will be installed with the power source by solar panels on the zinc roof and batteries/electrical circuits located attached to the center in a closed and locked storage room3. Environmental Baselines: Briefly describe the area in which the program, project, and/or activity will take place so that the reader understands what the current environmental conditions are like. Be concise, but complete. As applicable, provide information on the existing land uses, ecosystem conditions, sensitive areas such as wetlands or forests, infrastructure, roads, agricultural systems, air quality, water resources, surrounding activities, occurrence of wildlife, weather patterns and expected climate changes, gender dynamics, etc. Include maps, pictures, or video links as appropriate. Succinctly describe location, site details, and surroundings.

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4. Potential Environmental Impacts: Based on the activities you described in in the Activity Description and the environmental conditions you described in the Environmental Baselines, describe the potential environmental effects or impacts. These can be provided in a list form, or you can describe them in narrative, or both. Be complete, but concise. These should then be used as part of the basis to complete Table 2 later on in this EMMP. They should track each other. As appropriate, explain direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on various components of the environment (e.g., air, water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, aquatic resources, historic, archaeological or other cultural resources, people and their communities, land use, traffic, waste disposal, water supply, energy, climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, etc.). Indicate positive impacts and how the natural resources base will be sustainably improved.For example, any activity that increases human presence in an area, even temporarily, will increase noise, waste, and the potential for hunting, timber harvesting, etc. 5. Environmental Mitigation Measures: Based on the list or description of Potential Environmental Impacts you provided above, provide a list or description of environmental mitigation measures that will be implemented to reduce or prevent those impacts. These should then be used as part of the basis to complete Table 2 later on in this EMMP. They should track each other. You will also have to complete Table 3, which will document your specific plan for implementing and monitoring these mitigation measures. 6. Gender:While gender considerations are not directly an environmental concern, they are required in USAID planning and programming. Therefore, please describe how gender considerations have been incorporated into the activity. 7. Climate Change Integration:Please describe the possible impact of climate change on the program, project, and/or activity, as well as how the program, project, and/or activity might impact climate change. Demonstrate how both are considered and addressed within this program, project, and/or activity. This is required under Executive Order 13677 “Climate-Resilient International Development.”

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Environmental Screening Form (Table 1)

This Environmental Screening Form is used to screen activities to ensure that an EMMP is the most appropriate method for addressing environmental

concerns. It allows USAID to screen for additional or different environmental effects that may not have been considered fully in previous reviews of the

program, project, and/or activity. Anything listed as “High Risk” will be further investigated by USAID before a determination on how to proceed is finalized.

Column AColumn B

(answer if you checked “yes”)

YES NOHigh Risk

(difficult to mitigate impact)

Medium Risk

(can be properly

mitigated)

INFRASTRUCTURE (Buildings, roads, WASH, etc.)

1 Will the intervention involve construction and/or reconstruction/rehabilitation of any type of building? For new construction, if less than 1,000 m2 = medium risk, if greater than 1,000 m2 = high risk.

2 Will the intervention involve building penetrating roads, road rehabilitation and maintenance or other road related infrastructure (drainage, bridges, etc.)? If penetrating road construction/rerouting = high risk2, if repair/rehabilitation (improving drainage, resurfacing of existing roads) = medium risk.

3 Will the intervention involve construction or rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure (irrigation systems, potable water, water harvesting, septic systems etc.)? Potable water systems require testing for bacteria, arsenic and other heavy metals.

4 Will the intervention involve construction or rehabilitation of any other infrastructure such as landfills, incinerators, energy infrastructure, etc.

5 Will the intervention involve any kind of construction at all and/or engineering design? If YES, then a USAID Engineer must approve designs per USAID/Haiti Mission Order #36.

6 Does the intervention require adherence to national building code or other regulatory standards? Mitigation measures in Table 2.

N.A. N.A.

7 Does the intervention require local or national planning permissions (i.e. zoning, building permits, etc.)

N.A. N.A.

BIOPHYSICAL

8 Will the intervention involve the use of pesticides of any kind?

9 Will the intervention involve changes in water quality (pollution, sedimentation, stagnation, salinization, temperature change, etc.)

10 Will the intervention affect surface or groundwater quantity

11 Will the intervention involve training and/or implementation of agricultural practices/production including animal husbandry?

12 Will the intervention involve aquaculture systems?

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13 Will the intervention involve the use or disposal of hazardous materials (used engine oil, paint, varnish, lead-based products, fluorescent light bulbs/mercury, batteries, asbestos or other hazardous or special management waste)? Consider effects to both the biophysical environment and human health.

14 Will the intervention involve implementation of timber management, extraction of forest products, clearing of forest cover, and/or conversion of forest land by cutting of trees >20cm diameter at base height (DBH)?

15 Is the intervention in or near (within 50m) any sensitive terrestrial or aquatic areas including protected areas, wetlands, critical wildlife habitat (including nesting areas), and threatened or endangered species?

16 Will the interventions proposed generate airborne particulates (dust), liquids, or solids (i.e. discharge pollutants) or potentially violate local air standards?

17 Will the intervention create objectionable odors?

18 Will the intervention occur on steep slopes (greater than 15%)?

19 Will the intervention contribute to erosion?

20 Will the intervention change existing land use in the vicinity?

21 Is the proposed intervention incompatible with land type (i.e., annual crops on steep slopes, infrastructure on poorly drained soils)?

22 Will the intervention affect unique geologic or physical features?

23 Will the intervention have potential effects to inhabitants, natural landscapes, or flora/fauna downstream from the intervention site?

24 Will the intervention have a direct or indirect effect, or include actions with mangroves, coral reefs and other marine/coastal ecosystems?

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

25 Are interventions or outcomes vulnerable to changes in the weather or climate such as changes in precipitation patterns, increased temperatures or sea level rise?

26 Does the intervention exacerbate climate change vulnerabilities (i.e., drought, flooding, decrease water supply)?

27 Will the intervention create greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, burning of organic matter, or use of fossil fuels etc. (consider duration and scale)

SOCIO ECONOMIC

28 Will the intervention contribute to displacement of people, housing or businesses?

29 Will the intervention affect indigenous peoples and/or unique cultural or historical features?

30 Will the intervention expose people or property to flooding?

ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

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31 Will the intervention create conditions encouraging an increase in illness, diseases, or disease vectors (waterborne, STDs or other)?

32 Will the intervention generate hazards or barriers for pedestrians, motorists or persons with disabilities?

33 Will the intervention involve the use, storage, handling or disposal of syringes, gauzes, gloves and other biohazard medical waste?

34 Will the intervention expose workers to occupational hazards?

35 Will the intervention increase existing noise levels?

GENDER

36 Does the intervention inhibit the equal involvement of men and women?

37 Do the intervention results disproportionately benefit/impact men and women?

OTHER

38 Does the intervention/activity involve a sub-award component? N.A. N.A.

39 Is an operations and maintenance plan required? (generally applies to infrastructure, equipment, road rehabilitation, or water and sanitation action = Yes)

N.A. N.A.

RECOMMENDED ACTION (Check Appropriate Action): (Check)

(a) The intervention has no potential for significant effects on the environment. No further environmental review is required.

(b) The intervention includes mitigation measures and design criteria that if, applied will avoid a significant effect on the environment. EMMP Required.

(c) The intervention has potentially significant adverse environmental effects; therefore, an Environmental Assessment is required to gather additional analysis before implementation may begin. NOTE: This may apply if any potential effects listed above are marked as “High Risk.”

(d) The intervention has significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated. Proposed mitigation is insufficient to eliminate these effects and alternatives are not feasible. The intervention is not recommended for implementation.

*For sub awards, do not fund.

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Environmental Mitigation Table (Table 2)

Enter the Question/Row # of the potential negative impacts with check marks in Column A (Table 1) and complete table below for mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the issue. In the Sub-Activity or Component Column, list the main actions to be implemented. Under each action, list the tasks (Steps) that are needed to implement this action.

# of the question from Table 1

Action or component with the different tasks required to implement the action.

Description of Impact Environmental Mitigation Measures*

1 Component – e.g., Construction and maintenance of latrine

Step 1- design

Step 2- location

Step 3- purchase of materials

Step 4- build latrine

Step 5- site clean-up/disposal of construction waste

Step 6- use of latrine/operations and maintenance

9 Component – e.g., Purchase and construction of a water storage system

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Etc.

* Indicate which mitigation measures will be used from the USAID Sector Environmental Guidelines or other pertinent guidelines, see http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm. Details on exact monitoring plan are illustrated in Table 3.

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Environmental Monitoring Table (Table 3)REPORTING NOTE: Implementing partners are required to report on this EMMP by submitting updated versions of Table 3 and any relevant narrative in all performance reports that are required in the relevant agreement. Generally, this includes quarterly and annual performance reports.

Program, Project, and/or Activity:Award Number:Monitoring Period or Quarter: Date:

#Description of

Mitigation Measure (same as in Table 2)

Responsible Party for

implementing and

monitoring mitigation measures

Monitoring MethodsEstimated

Cost of implement-

ing mitigation measures

and monitoring

Results

Recommended Adjustments

Indicators of

implementation

Methods FrequencyDates

MonitoredProblems

EncounteredMitigation

Effectiveness

1 1

2

3

4

2 1

2

3

36

4

3 1

2

3

4

4 1

2

3

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