Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project

Initial Environmental Examination April 2014

Lao PDR: Northern GMS Power Transmission Project Prepared by Electricity Du Laos for the Asian Development Bank.

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS as of 31 March 2014

Currency unit – KN

KN1.00 = $0.00012 $1.00 = KN8.045

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank AP affected person DAFO District Agricultural and Forest Office DEPP Department of Energy Policy and Planning DPF district protection forest EDL Electricity Du Laos FCC forest clearing committee EMU environmental management unit EO EDL Environmental Office FM family GOL government of Lao PDR GWh gigawatt hour GMSNPTP GMS Northern Power Transmission Project HH household IEE initial environmental examination IPP independent power plant KEXIM Korea Exim Bank KM kilometer kV kilovolt Lao PDR Lao People’s Democratic Republic MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MEM Ministry of Energy and Mines MW megawatt MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MVA megavolt ampere NBCA national biodiversity conservation area PAFO Provincial Agricultural and Forest Office PC public consultation PEMC project environmental management committee PIC project implementation consultant PMU project management unit RAP resettlement action plan RoW right of way SCDT single circuit on double tower SCST single circuit on single tower SLI SNC Lavalin International TL transmission line USD united states dollar UXO unexploded ordinance WREA water recourses and environment administration

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

km (kilometer) – 10,000 meters kV(kilovolt) – 1,000 volts mw(megawatt) – 1,000 watt gWh(gigawatt-hour) 1,000,000 watt-hour mva(megavolt ampere) 1,000 amperes

GLOSSARY

The Project – This refers to the GMS NPTP Contract 1-ADB – This is the ADB financed portion of the project and consists of

transmission lines and associated components from Nonhai substation, Vientiane province to Paklay substation, Xayabury province.

Contract 2-KEXIM – This is the KEXIM financed portion of the project and consists of: (i) transmission line and associated components from Paklay substation, Xayabury province to Kenthao substation, Xayabury province; (ii) transmission line and associated components from Paklay substation, Xayabury province to Kenthao substation, Xayabury province; and (iii) transmission line and associated components from Boun Neua substation, Phongsaly province to Namo switching station, Oudoxay province.

Module 1- Contract 1- ADB

– Transmission Line and associated components from Nonhai Substation, Vientiane, Province to Paklay substation, Xayabury Province.

Module 1- Contract 2 - KEXIM

– Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay substation, Xayabury Province to Kenthao substation, Xayabury Province.

Module 2 - Contract 2 - KEXIM

– Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay substation, Xayabury Province to Xayabury substation, Xayabury Province.

Module 3 - Contract 2 - KEXIM

– Transmission Line and associated components from BounNeua substation, Phongsaly Province to Namo switching station, Oudomxay Province.

Right-of-Way(RoW) – This is the 25 m wide strip of land that will contain the transmission line. This is the standard width for Lao PDR.

Corridor – This is the 25 m wide strip of land that will contain the transmission line; it is the same as aRoW. This is the standard width for Lao PDR

Affected Person – This is a person who is impacted because they are living in the RoW or possess assets, such as land, in the RoW. Similarly, there are affected households, affected villages, etc.

Resettlement – This refers to moving an Affected Person out of the 25 m RoW.

Stakeholders – This means Individuals, groups, organizations interested in and potentially affected by the project or having the ability to influence a project.

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government of Lao PDR ends on 30 September. “FY” before a calendar year denotes the year in which the fiscal year ends, e.g., FY2011 ends on 30 September 2011.

(ii) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Line Initial Environmental Examination

Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission

Project

Initial Environmental Examination

Asian Development Bank Electricité du Laos

Final Report – March 2014


Final Report – March 2014 Page ii

Greater Mekong Sub region Northern Power Transmission Line Project (GMS NPTP)

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

Final Report – March 2014


Final Report – March 2014 Page iii

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................................ix

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... xiii

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS REPORT ...................................................................................... 2

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 4

2.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................... 4

2.2 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................................. 4

2.3 EXECUTING AGENCY ..................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT .............................................................................. 5

2.5 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................... 5

2.6 OVERALL MAP OF PROJECT ......................................................................................................... 5

2.7 PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................................................. 11

2.8 SOURCES OF POWER FOR THE 4 TRANSMISSION LINES ........................................................ 14

2.9 NEED FOR THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................ 14

2.10 PROJECT ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................. 17

2.11 PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 17

2.12 PROJECT COST ............................................................................................................................. 17

2.13 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ...................................................................................... 17

2.14 THE POWER SECTOR OF LAO PDR ............................................................................................ 18

3 POLICY & LEGAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................. 21

3.1 ADB’s ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS .................................................................. 21

3.1.1 Environment Safeguards ................................................................................................. 21

3.1.2 Involuntary Resettlement Safeguards ............................................................................ 23

3.1.3 Indigenous Peoples Safeguards ....................................................................................... 26

3.2 KEXIM BANK’s ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS ................................................... 29

3.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND TARGETS FOR LAO PDR ............................ 29

3.4 DIRECTIVES & TASKS OF THE 7th FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LAO PDR (2011-2015) ................................................................................................................................ 29

3.5 MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE 7th FIVE YEAR SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLAN ........................... 34

3.6 APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL LEGISLATION ...................................................... 34

3.8 OTHER POLICIES, DECREES & REGULATIONS ......................................................................... 38

3.8.1 GoL’s Resettlement Policy (1997) ................................................................................... 38


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3.8.2 National Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Hydropower Sector in Lao PDR (2005) ................................................................................................ 39

3.8.3 Prime Minister’s Decree No. 164/1993 and Prime Minister’s Decree No. 163/PM on National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) ................................................ 39

3.8.4 Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage .................... 40

3.8.5 Amended Environmental Protection Law, (No.29/NA, dated 18 December) .............. 41

3.8.6 PM Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement (2005) ................... 41

3.8.7 Prime Minister’s Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment in the Lao PDR (No: 112/PM dated 16 February 2010) ......................................................................... 42

3.8.8 Lao PDR & International Conventions ............................................................................ 45

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 46

4.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................... 47

4.1.1 Topography ....................................................................................................................... 47

4.1.2 UXO Conditions in the Project Area ................................................................................ 47

4.1.3 Geology & Seismicity ........................................................................................................ 48

4.1.4 Water Resources ............................................................................................................... 49

4.1.5 Soils.................................................................................................................................... 49

4.1.6 Climate............................................................................................................................... 50

4.2 ECOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................ 50

4.2.1 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) & National Protection Forests (NPF). ................................................................................................................................ 50

4.2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats ......................................................................................... 52

4.2.3 Terrestrial Ecology Status ............................................................................................... 54

4.2.4 Geography of the Study Area ........................................................................................... 55

4.3 PROVINCIAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................... 55

4.4 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................ 58

4.5 QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES ......................................................................................................... 59

4.5.1 Land Use & Livelihood ..................................................................................................... 59

4.5.2 Poverty .............................................................................................................................. 62

4.5.3 Access to Basic Infrastructure & Facilities ..................................................................... 62

5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................... 63

5.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................. 63

5.1.1 Potential Impacts on Vegetation, Habitat and Wildlife ................................................. 66

5.2 METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ........................................ 67

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ........................................ 67


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5.3.1 Construction Activities ..................................................................................................... 67

5.3.2 Impact on Water Resources ............................................................................................. 68

5.3.2.1 Mitigation .......................................................................................................................... 69

5.3.3 Impact on Ambient Air quality and Noise Level ............................................................ 69

5.3.4 Impacts on Vegetation and Wildlife ................................................................................ 70

5.3.5 Impact of the TLs on Avi-Fauna ...................................................................................... 71

5.3.6 Impacts on Erosion & Siltation ........................................................................................ 72

5.3.7 Impacts on Other Infrastructures ................................................................................... 72

5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING OPERATION & MAINTENANCE .................................. 72

5.4.1 Impacts on Vegetation, Habitats & Wildlife.................................................................... 72

5.4.2 Impacts on Land Use & Settlements................................................................................ 73

5.4.3 Impacts of Encroachment on Paddy Field/Farmland & Crops ..................................... 73

6 SOCIAL IMPACTS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GMS NPTP .................................. 74

6.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 74

6.2 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................................... 76

6.3 CORRIDOR CHANGES (OPTIMIZATION) DURING DETAILED DESIGN ................................... 77

6.4 METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL IMPACT ........................................................... 77

6.5 RESULTS OF THE SOCIAL DATA COLLECTION AND IMPACT STUDY ..................................... 78

6.6 SOCIAL IMPACTS & COMPENSATION ......................................................................................... 81

6.6.1 Impact Types ..................................................................................................................... 81

6.6.2 Impacts on Land Use and Resettlement ......................................................................... 82

6.6.3 Impacts on Cultural and Heritage Sites .......................................................................... 83

6.6.4 Impacts on Health and Safety .......................................................................................... 83

7 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND PROCEDURES ...................................................... 85

7.1 INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ARRANGEMENTS .................................................... 85

7.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................. 86

7.3 COMMITTEES .............................................................................................................................. 87

7.4 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................................ 87

7.5 EDL's ROLE IN PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ................................................. 88

7.5.1 Structure & Activities of the Environmental Office (EO) within EDL ........................... 88

7.5.2 Roles & Responsibilities of the EO .................................................................................. 89

7.5.3 EDL Project Manager ........................................................................................................ 91

7.5.4 EDL Construction Program Manager .............................................................................. 92

7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT UNIT (EMU) ...................................................................... 92


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7.6.1 EDL Community Relations Officer................................................................................... 93

7.6.2 EDL Land Acquisition and Management Officer ............................................................ 93

7.6.3 EDL Environmental Program Manager/Environmental Liaison Officer(s) ................. 93

7.7 MONRE (MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT) .................................. 94

7.8 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT (PIC) .................................................................. 94

7.9 CONTRACTOR .............................................................................................................................. 95

7.10 OVERALL PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION ............................. 96

The overall project environmental management organization is illustrated in the following figure. ........................................................................................................................................... 96

7.11 PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (PEMC) ....................................... 96

The PEMC is required for each line route soon after the commencement of implementation. The PEMC for each line route will consist of representatives of the different concerned authorities such as Ministry of Energy and Mines (Cabinet), Provincial (Vice Cabinet of PoNRE, Land office, Industry and Commerce, Forestry, and Security), Deputy General Manager of EDL, EDL Technical Committee (Manager), Vice District Governor (concerned districts) and Village Head men (concerned villages). The Committee will have subcommittees such as Environmental Management Committee, Forest Clearing Committee, Grievance Redress Committee and Compensation Committee. .......................... 96

7.12 PROJECT GRIEVANCE REDRESS COMMITTEE (PGRC) ............................................................ 97

7.12.1 Grievance Procedure ........................................................................................................ 97

7.12.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism and Process .................................................................. 98

8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN ............................................ 99

8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PLAN ..................................................................................... 99

8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................. 103

8.3 NUMBER OF WORKERS ............................................................................................................ 112

8.4 CONTROL AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR MONITORING PLAN ....................................... 112

8.5 MONITORING SCHEDULE BUDGET & RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................... 116

8.5.1 Monitoring Schedule ...................................................................................................... 116

8.5.1.1 Weekly Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 116

8.5.1.2 Monthly Monitoring ....................................................................................................... 116

8.5.1.3 Quarterly Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 116

8.5.1.4 Semi-Annual (Six-month) Monitoring .......................................................................... 116

8.5.1.5 Quarterly, Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), Evaluation & Capacity Building ........................................................................................................................... 117

8.5.2 Level of Effort & Budget for Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) ............ 117

8.5.2.1 ECM Monitoring by EDL & PIC ...................................................................................... 118


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9 PUBLIC CONSULTATION & INFORMATION DISCLOSURE................................................. 129

9.1 RATIONALE, OBJECTIVE & SCOPE ........................................................................................... 129

9.2 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................ 130

9.2.1 Central GoL Bodies ......................................................................................................... 130

9.2.2 Provincial/District GoL .................................................................................................. 130

9.2.3 Village Leaders & Affected People................................................................................. 130

9.3 PARTICIPATION PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 131

9.3.1 Involvement of GoL ........................................................................................................ 131

9.3.2 Consultation with Affected People and Villages & Local Communities ..................... 131

9.3.3 Villages, Districts and Provincial Public Consultations ............................................... 135

9.3.3 Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP ....................................................................... 135

9.4 RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES ................. 138

9.4.1 Issues Raised in Consultation Meetings........................................................................ 138

9.4.2 Comments & Feedbacks of Affected Villages and People During the Consultation Meetings ......................................................................................................................... 139

10 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................... 146

10.1 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 146

10.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................... 147

1 - Effective Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) during construction is needed to meet the requirements of the IEE, PEMP, CEMP and ADB Safeguards. ................................ 147

2 - PIC's existing budget for assistance to, and initial capacity building for EDL prior to construction has been sufficient. However because of the current unavailability of trained monitors at EDL, additional resources and funding are urgently required to enable the PIC to provide the capacity building and assistance with ECM necessary during construction. .................................................................................................................. 147

3 - The staffing, TOR and budget for the enhanced level of effort required are identified in this revision of the IEE and an additional budget for ECM capacity building and effective implementation should be requested by PIC in a Contract Variation submitted to ADB in April 2014. ................................................................................................................................. 147

REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 148

ANNEX 1: UXO Maps For Vientiane, Xayabury, Oudomxay and Phongaly Provinces .................................................................................... 150

ANNEX 2: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Oudomxay Province. ................................................................................................... 153

ANNEX 3: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Vientiane Province. ..................................................................................................... 162


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ANNEX 4: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Xayabury Province. ..................................................................................................... 172

ANNEX 5: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Phongsaly Province. .................................................................................................... 181

ANNEX 6: Overall Budget on Environmental Monitoring and RAP for PEMC for Year 2014, Approved by EDL’s EO and Project Director ........................................................................................ 189

ANNEX 7: Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). ................................................ 191

1.1.1 at 20 degree C, 5 days ..................................................................................................... 260

1.1.2 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 260

1.1.3 Total Coliform ................................................................................................................. 260

1.1.4 Bacteria ........................................................................................................................... 260

1.1.5 Coliform ........................................................................................................................... 260

1.1.6 Bacteria ........................................................................................................................... 260

1.1.7 MPN/100 ml ................................................................................................................... 260

1.1.8 5000 ................................................................................................................................. 260


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ABBREVIATIONS

ADB Asian Development Bank AP(s) Affected Person(s) DAFO District Agriculture and Forestry Office DEPP Department of Energy Policy and Planning DPF(s) District Protection Forest(s) EDL/EdL Electricité du Laos FCC Forest Clearing Committee EMU Environmental Management Unit EO EDL’s Environmental Office FCC Forest Clearing Committee FMs Families GOL/GoL Government of Lao PDR GWh Gigawatt hour GMSNPTP Greater Mekong Sub region Northern Power Transmission Project HHs Households IEE Initial Environmental Examination IPP Independent Power Plants KEXIM Korean EXIM Bank km Kilometer kV Kilovolt Lao PDR Lao People’s Democratic Republic MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MEM Ministry of Energy and Mines MW Megawatt MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MVA Megavolt Amperes NBCA(s) National Biodiversity Conservation Area(s) PAFO Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office PC Public Consultation PEMC Project Environmental Management Committee PIC Project Implementation Consultant PMU Project Management Unit RAP Resettlement Action Plan RoW Right-of-Way SCDT Single Circuit on Double Tower SCST Single Circuit on Single Tower SLI SNC-Lavalin International TL(s) Transmission Line(s) USD United States Dollars UXO Unexploded Ordnance WREA Water Resources and Environment Administration


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List of Tables TABLE 2-1: HIGHLIGHTS OF POWER SECTOR IN LAO PDR. ............................................................................................... 18 TABLE 2-2: EXISTING POWER PLANTS IN LAOS ................................................................................................................... 19 TABLE 3-1: SUMMARY OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION AREAS IN LAOS .................................... 40 Table 4-1: Mammals Species in Nam Pouy NBCA Area .......................................................................................... 53 Table 4-2: Reptiles and Amphibian Species in in Nam Pouy NBCA Area ....................................................... 53 Table 4-3: Bird Species in Species in in Nam Pouy NBCA Area .......................................................................... 54 TABLE 4-4: COMPARATIVE HDI OF LAO PDR AND THE REGION ...................................................................................... 58 TABLE 4-5: IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN LAO PDR ............................................................................. 59 TABLE 4-6: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT STATUS IN STUDY PROVINCES ................................................................................ 59 TABLE 5-1: ENVIRONMENT IMPACT MATRIX .................................................................................................................... 63 TABLE 6-1: AFFECTED VILLAGES, MODULE,CONTRACT , ADB,NONHAI TO PAKLAY (17 VILLAGES) ..................... 74 TABLE 6-2: AFFECTED VILLAGES,MODULE 1,CONTRACT 2, KEXIM,PAKLAY TO KENTHAO (22 VILLAGES) .......... 74 TABLE 6-3: AFFECTED VILLAGES,MODULE 2,PAKLAY TO XAYABURY ............................................................................. 75 TABLE 6-4:AFFECTED VILLAGES - MODULE 3 – CONTRACT 2 – KEXIM BOUNNEUA TO NAMO .............................. 76 TABLE 6-5: SUMMARY OF THE AFFECTED VILLAGES AND LAND USE FOR THE GMS NPTP – VARIANT 1 ................. 79 TABLE 6-6: SUMMARY OF THE AFFECTED VILLAGES AND LAND USE FOR THE GMS NPTP – VARIANT 2 ................. 80 TABLE 6-7: FOUR CATOGORIES OF IMPACTS AND COMPENSATION IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY ....................................... 81 TABLE 7-1: PROJECT COMMITTEES REPRESENTATIVES ..................................................................................................... 87 TABLE 7-2: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 87 TABLE 8-1: ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PLAN ............................................................................................................... 98 TABLE 8-2: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN .......................................................................................................... 103 TABLE 8-3: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & MONITORING PLAN FOR THE GMS NPTP ................................... 104 TABLE 8-4: CONTROL AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR MONITORING PLAN................................................................ 112 TABLE 8-5: PIC ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING BUDGET FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 ........................................ 118 TABLE 8-6: OVERAL PEMC MONITORING BUDGET FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 .................................................... 119 TABLE 8-7: PEMCS MONITORING BUDGET FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 OF EACH PROVINCE .............................. 120 TABLE 9-1: CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED VILLAGE, MODULE 1, CONTRACT 1, ADB, NONHAI TO PAKLAY ... 127 TABLE 9-2: CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED VILLAGE, MODULE 2, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, PAKLAY TO

KENTHAO ............................................................................................................................................................ 127 TABLE 9-3: CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED VILLAGE, MODULE 2, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, PAKLAY TO

XAYABURY 9-4: CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED VILLAGE, MODULE 3, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, BOUNNEUA TO NAMO TABLE 9-5: SUMMARY OF VILLAGE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING WITH PROVINCIAL LINE

AGENCIES DURING THE COURSE OF IEE FOR GMS NPTP........................................................................ 130 TABLE 9-6: SUMMARY OF COMMENT & FEEDBACK OF AFFECTED VILLAGES AND PEOPLES DURING THE

VILLAGE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING DURING THE COURSE OF IEE FOR GMS NPTP (MODULE 1, CONTRACT 1, ADB, NONHAI TO PAKLAY .................................................................. 134

TABLE 9-7: SUMMARY OF COMMENT & FEEDBACK OF AFFECTED VILLAGES AND PEOPLES DURING THE VILLAGE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING DURING THE COURSE OF IEE FOR GMS NPTP (MODULE 2, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, PAKLAY TO KENTHAO .......................................................... 135


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TABLE 9-8: SUMMARY OF COMMENT & FEEDBACK OF AFFECTED VILLAGES AND PEOPLES DURING THE VILLAGE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING DURING THE COURSE OF IEE FOR GMS NPTP (MODULE 2, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, PAKLAY TO XAYABURY ..................................................................... 136

TABLE 9-9: SUMMARY OF COMMENT & FEEDBACK OF AFFECTED VILLAGES AND PEOPLES DURING THE VILLAGE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING DURING THE COURSE OF IEE FOR GMS NPTP (MODULE 3, CONTRACT 2, KEXIM, BOUNNEUA TO NAMOR ....................................................... 138


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List of Figures Figure 1-1: Pre-survey Activity ............................................................................................................... 1 Figure 1-2: Training the Survey Teams .................................................................................................. 2 Figure 2-1: Map of Project Location ........................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2-2: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation to Nonhai Substation, Meun District,

Vientiane Province to Paklay Substation, Paklay District, Xayabury Province (Module 1 – Contract 1 – ADB) .............................................................................................................. 7

Figure 2-3: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Kenthao, XayaburyProvince(Module 1 – Contract 2 – KEXIM) ............................................................ 8

Figure 2-4: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Xayabury Substation, Xayabury Province – (Module 2 – Contract 2 – KEXIM) ................................... 9

Figure 2-5: Transmission Line from BounNeua Substation, Phongsaly Province to Namo Substation, Oudomxay Province (Module 3 – Contract 2 –KEXIM) ................................... 10

Figure 2-6: Layout of Paklay Substation/Switchyard ............................................................................ 12 Figure 2-7: Layout of BounNeua Substation/Switchyard. ..................................................................... 13 Figure 2-8: Existing Power System Diagram, Year 2013. ....................................................................... 15 Figure 2-9: Planned Power System Diagram to Year 2020. ................................................................... 16 Figure 3-1: Applicable Laws & Guidelines ............................................................................................... 34 Figure 4-1: Study Areas ........................................................................................................................... 46 Figure 4-2: UXO-NRA Map of Lao PDR.................................................................................................. 47 Figure 4-3: Geological Map of Study Area ............................................................................................... 48 Figure 4-4: Seismic Hazard Map, SE Asia Region .................................................................................... 49 Figure 4-5: Soil Erosion from Heavy Slash and Burn Practice in Phongsaly Province. ....................... 49 Figure 4-6: Map Showing NBCAs and the GMS NPTP Line Routes ........................................................ 51 Figure 4-7: Map Showing the Nearest Point of RoW to Nam Pouy NBCAs .................................................... 52 Figure 4-8: Slash & Burn for Cassava/Rubber in the Project area. .................................................. 55 Figure 4-9: Photo of Xayabury (Right Bank) and Vientiane (Left Bank) .......................................... 57 Figure 4-10: Lao PDR’s HDI .................................................................................................................... 58 Figure 4-11: Poverty in Study Area ........................................................................................................ 62 Figure 7-1: Structure of the EDL’s Environmental Office (EO) Structure of the EDL’s

Environmental Office (EO) .................................................................................................... 86 Figure 7-2: GMS NPTP PROJECT ORGANIZATIONAL .................................................................................... 88 Figure 7-3: Proposed Institutional Arrangement of PEMC for the GMS NPTL ..................................... 95 Figure 7-4: Proposed Grievance Redress Procedure for the NPTP ....................................................... 97 Figure 8-1: Relationships among Organizations and Personnel Involved in the Environmental

Compliance Monitoring (ECM) During Construction Phase ....................................... …… 118 Figure 9-1: Consultation with Affected People during IEE Survey at Village Level ……………… 138 Figure 9-2: Village and District Public Consultation with with Provincial Line Agencies ................. 131


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

The Greater Mekong Sub region Northern Power Transmission Project (GMS NPTP) will expand the electrical grid in northern Lao PDR making possible the further electrification of the country and facilitating the sale of electricity to Thailand. The Project will consist of 4 separate 115 kV Transmission Lines (and associated components) having a combined length of 375.5 km. Also, 6,625 households will be connected to their local electrical grids.

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION (IEE)

Four primary purposes of this IEE report are to: • Identify and describe general environmental and social resources of the areas in

and adjacent to the proposed transmission line routes. • Identify potential adverse impacts that could occur from project development. • Perform an initial examination of the magnitude, scale, and significance of any

identified potential adverse impacts. • Recommend preliminary mitigation measures required to avoid or minimize any

potential adverse impacts.

PROJECT LOCATION

The Project is located in northern Lao PDR in the provinces of Vientiane, Xayabury, Phongsaly and Oudomxay and the districts of Kenthao, Sanakham, Meun, Xayabury, Phieng, Paklay, Boun Neua, Boun Tai, Namo,

ORGANIZATION AND FINANCING OF THE GMS NPTP

EDL is the Executing Agency of the GMS NPTP as well as the Project Owner. The Project will be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Korea EXIM (KEXIM) Bank, and Electricité du Laos (EDL). The Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) is SNC-Lavalin International (SLI). The contractor for the ADB-funded portion of the Project has been selected using International Competitive Bidding and ADB's Single-Stage: Two-Envelope bidding procedure. The successful contractor is KEC International Limited and the contract thereof was signed on 28 June 2013. As of December 2013, the bidding procedure for the KEXIM portion of the project remains ongoing in evaluation stage. The successful contractor will be selected using KEXIM’s procedures and only South Korean companies are eligible. The two main contractors will select subcontractors according to their needs.


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CONTRACTS

Since there are two main financiers of the project, there are two Contracts as follows:

Contract 1 - ADB: this is the ADB-financed portion of the Project and consists of the following:

• Transmission Line and associated components from Nonhai Substation, Vientiane, Province to Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province.

Contract 2 - KEXIM: this is the KEXIM financed portion of the Project and consists of the following:

• Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Kenthao Substation, Xayabury Province.

• Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Xayabury Substation, Xayabury Province.

• Transmission Line and associated components from Boun Neua Substation, Phongsaly Province to Namo Switching Station, Oudomxay Province.

PROJECT COMPONENTS

The Project consists of Transmission Lines, Substations and Distribution Components as described below:

Contract 1-ADB (Xayabury Province) • 115 kV Transmission (89.9 km):

o 89.9 km Paklay to Nonhai single circuit on double tower (SCDT) transmission

• 115/22 kV Substations: o Paklay: 30 MVA new substation o Nonhai: existing substation - extension o Xayabury: existing substation - extension

Contract 2-KEXIM (Xayabury, Vientiane and Phongsaly Provinces)

• 115 kV Transmission (285.6 km): o 92.6 km Namo to Boun Neua Single Circuit on Double Tower (SCDT)

transmission o 121.6 km Paklay to Xayabury Single Circuit on Double Tower (SCDT)

transmission line. o 71.4 km Paklay to Lao-Thai border near Kenthao Single Circuit on Single

Tower (SCST) transmission line.

• 115/22 kV Substations: o Boun Neua: 30 MVA new substation o Namo: existing switching station – extension


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• Associated MV (528.6 km 22 kV feeders) and LV Distribution (6,625 HH): o 128.2 km 22 kV feeders from Paklay Substation o 20.0 km 22 kV feeders from Nonhai Substation o 39.5 km 22 kV feeders from Xayabury Substation o 23.9 km 22 kV feeders from Vang Vieng Substation o 196.0 km 22 kV feeders from Boun Neua Substation o 121.0 km 22 kV feeders extensions from existing Thailand substations o 2,505 households to be supplied from Paklay substation o 32 households to be supplied from Nonhai substation o 501 households to be supplied from Xayabury substation o 198 households to be supplied from Vang Vieng substation o 2313 households to be supplied from Boun Neua substation o 1,076 households to be supplied from existing Thailand substations

NEED FOR THE PROJECT

The high-voltage electrical grid of Lao PDR is not complete at the time of this report and a key component of the GMS NPTP is to improve this grid. In keeping with the Government of Lao PDR’s strategy to get off the list of least developed nations by the year 2020, investment in Hydropower is necessary to bring in much needed income to the country as stated in the Country’s National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy. To distribute this hydro-generated electricity, the strengthening of the nation’s high-voltage electrical grid is necessary, and this improved grid will facilitate the sale of electricity to Thailand.

GMS NPTP will also make possible the electrification (or improvement of electrical service) for many villages in the northern part of the country, as yet un electrified or under electrified; approximately 6,625 households are slated to be connected by the project. Access to electricity is necessary to improve the economy and standard of living for these rural villages.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The GMS NPTP is one of a collection of projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) which is a natural economic area bound together by the Mekong River, covering 2.6 million square kilometers and having a combined population of around 326 million. The GMS countries are Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (PRC, specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. In 1992, with assistance from ADB, the six countries entered into a program of sub-regional economic cooperation, designed to enhance economic relations among the countries (Source: ADB). With support from ADB and other donors, the GMS Program helps the implementation of high priority sub-regional projects in transportation, energy, telecommunications,


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environment, human resource development, tourism, trade, private sector investment, and agriculture.

PROJECT COST

The total cost of the GMS NPTP is US $65.319 million.

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

The Project is expected to be completed in approximately two years. Originally, the entire Project, including construction, is scheduled to be completed by December 2014 with the operation phase starting in 2015. The grant closing date has since been extended to 30 June 2015.

SCOPE OF IMPACTS

Currently as of this date: December 2013, 107 villages would be affected by the current design/alignment of the work; this means that the 25m RoW would go through some part of 107 villages. The actual impact in terms of land affected, number of houses affected and compensation cost, depends on the final alignment of the 4 Transmission Lines of the Project.

PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

The main alternative to land acquisition, resettlement and compensation is to redesign the transmission line corridor so as not to affect any residents in the project area. These alternatives are being addressed as follows:

A) Current Alternatives Studied – There are currently variants to the existing transmission line corridor.

B) Detailed Design Alternatives - During the detailed design, if the Contractor determines that a high value asset is in the transmission line corridor, they must investigate moving the transmission line 15m to either side of the home or asset. The 15m is to be measured from the edge of the existing structure to the center of the new proposed corridor.

EXECUTING AGENCY

EDL is the Executing Agency (EA) for the Project. Project detailed design, including detailed transmission line surveys, preparation and evaluation of tenders, and construction supervision, will be carried out by consultants/contractors in accordance with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, MONRE and EDL according to EDL’s Regulations and Guidelines. Management of the project will be the responsibility of the General Manager of EDL, with day-to-day implementation carried out by EDL’s Project


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Management Unit (PMU). Environmental and socio-economic aspects of the project will be the responsibility of EDL’s Environmental Management Unit (EMU).

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT

Mr. Gilles Allard, Project Director SNC LAVALIN International Inc. c/o EDL Office 4th Floor. Transmission & Substation Development Department. Lao-Thai Friendship. Road, Thongkang Village. Sisatanak District, Vientiane Capital. Tel & Fax: +856 21 316 092.

CONCLUSIONS

1 - The environmental impacts of the GMS Northern Power Transmission Project can be reduced to acceptable levels through implementation of cost effective and practical measures normally associated with internationally recognized good engineering practices. Moreover, the relatively minor environmental impacts will be offset by the significant economic and social benefits from the Project.

2 - Natural habitats along most of the transmission line alignments are largely degraded due to long term over-exploitation of the natural ecosystems by logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, commercial plantations, paddy farming and human settlement.

3 - The transmission line routes and substation sites have been chosen to avoid or minimize encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, villages, settlements and religious and cultural/heritage sites.

4 - The corridors do not encroach upon any National Protected Area.

5 - The encroachment of the transmission lines on agricultural land has been avoided as much as possible.

6 - Compensation for losses of land, residences and crops due to the transmission line construction will be paid to project affected people according to GoL regulations.

7 - Low voltage distribution lines will follow existing road rights-of-way to ensure that environmentally sensitive areas will not be affected

8 - A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be implemented during construction. This identifies the environmental impacts arising from the project, provides specific mitigation measures to reduce the impacts, and includes institutional


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arrangements for implementing the Plan including the specific responsibilities of the contractor to protect the environment.

9 - The project will have a net benefit to the quality of life in the rural areas of northern Lao as villages which currently do not have electricity will have access to a relatively inexpensive and uninterrupted source of energy.

10 - This IEE and the annexed CEMP are considered sufficient to meet the EA requirements for the GMS Northern Power Transmission Project. Therefore an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1 - Effective Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) during construction is essential to meet the requirements of the IEE, PEMP, CEMP and ADB Safeguards.

2 - While PIC's existing budget for assistance to, and initial capacity building for EDL prior to construction has been sufficient; because of the current unavailability of trained monitors at EDL, additional resources and funding are urgently required to enable the PIC to provide the required capacity building and assistance with ECM during construction.

3 - The staffing, TOR and budget for the enhanced level of effort required has been identified in this revision of the IEE and an additional budget for ECM capacity building and effective implementation is being requested by PIC in a Contract Variation to be submitted to ADB in April 2014.


Final Report – March 2014 Page xix

ບດສະຫລບຫຍ� ໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP) ແມ�ນໂຄງການທຈະຂະຫຍາຍຕາຂ�າຍໄຟຟ�າ ຢ�ພາກເຫນອຂອງ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ ເຮດໃຫ�ສາມາດຂະຫຍາຍໄຟຟ�າພາຍໃນປະເທດໄດ�ເພມຂນ ແລະ ອ�ານວຍຄວາມສະດວກໃນການຂາຍໄຟຟ�າໃຫ�ປະເທດໄທ. ໂຄງການຈະປະກອບດ�ວຍ ເສນສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ 115 kV ທງໝດ 4 ເສນ (ພ�ອມອງປະກອບຕ�າງ) ທມຄວາມຍາວຮວມກນທງໝດ 375.5 ກໂລແມດ ແລະ ນ�າໃຊ�ຫລກເສາໄຟທງໝດ 1,157 ເສາ. ໂຄງການນ ຈະເຮດໃຫ�ປະມານ 6,625 ຄອບຄວ ໄດ�ຮບການເຊອມຕ�ເຂາກບຕາຂ�າຍໄຟຟ�າໃນທ�ອງຖນຂອງພວກເຂາເຈາ. ການປະເມນຜນກະທບເບອງຕນ ມສຈດປະສງພນຖານຂອງບດລາຍງານການປະເມນຜນກະທບເບອງຕນ:

• ເພອສະແດງ ແລະ ອະທບາຍໂດຍທວໄປກ�ຽວກບພນທຊບພະຍາກອນທ�າມະຊາດ ແລະ ສງແວດລ�ອມໃນແລວຂອງສາຍສງກ�ານດໄວ�.

• ເພອສະແດງໃຫ�ເຫນບນດາຜນກະທບອາດເກດຂນຈາກການພດທະນາໂຄງການ. • ປະຕບດການປະເມນຜນກະທບເບອງຕນທໃຫ�ເຫນ ຂະໜາດ, ຂອບເຂດ ແລະ ຜນກະທບທສ�າຄນທ

ອາດເກດຂນ. • ສະເໜແນະມາດຕະການຫລດຜ�ອນຜນກະທບທຈ�າເປນເພອຫລກລ�ຽງຜນກະທບທອາດຈະເກດຂນ.

ທຕງຂອງໂຄງການ ໂຄງການດງກ�າວຕງ ຢ� 4 ແຂວງໃນເຂດພາກເຫນອ ຂອງ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ: ແຂວງວຽງຈນ, ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລ, ແຂວງອດມໄຊ ແລະ ແຂວງຜງສາລ. ເມອງຕ�າງໆທສາຍສງຜ�ານມ: ເມອງໝນ, ເມອງຊະນະຄາມ, ເມອງປາກລາຍ, ເມອງແກ�ນທ�າວ, ເມອງພຽງ, ເມອງໄຊຍະບລ, ເມອງນາໝ�, ເມອງບນໃຕ� ແລະ ເມອງບນເຫນອ. ອງການຈດຕງ ແລະ ການເງນຂອງ ໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP) ໂຄງການນ ແມ�ນບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ ເປນເຈາຂອງ. ໂຄງການຈະໄດ�ຮບທນຈາກທະນາຄານເກາຫລ (KEXIM), ທະນາຄານພດທະນາອາຊ (ADB) ແລະ ບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ (EDL). ບ�ລສດທປກສາໃນການຈດຕງປະຕບດໂຄງການ (PIC) ແມ�ນ ບ�ລສດ SNC Lavalin ສາກນ. ຜ�ຮບເຫມາສ�າລບກ�ສ�າງໂຄງການ ຍງບ�ທນໄດ�ຖກຄດເລອກເທອ (ມາເຖງວນທ 13 ພະຈກ 2012 ນ). ຜ�ຮບເຫມາໃນສ�ວນຂອງທນຈາກ ທະນາຄານພດທະນາອາຊ (ADB) ຈະໄດ�ຮບການຄດເລອກ ໂດຍວທນ�າໃຊ�ການປະມນແຂ�ງຂນສາກນ ແລະ ຂນຕອນດຽວ ຂອງ ADB: ຂນຕອນການປະມນ ແບບສອງຊອງ. ຜ�ຮບເຫມາໃນສ�ວນທນ ຂອງທະນາຄານ KEXIM ຈະໄດ�ຮບການຄດເລອກນ�າໃຊ�ວທການຂອງທະນາຄານ KEXIM ເອງ ແລະ ມແຕ�ບ�ລສດເກາຫໃຕ�ເທານນ ທມສດໄດ�ຮບ. ຜ�ຮບເຫມາຫລກທງສອງ ຈະຄດເລອກເອາຜ�ຮບເຫມາລກ ຕາມຄວາມຕ�ອງການຂອງເຂາເຈາເອງ. ສນຍາຕ�າງໆ ເນອງຈາກວ�າ ມສອງທະນາຄານ ທຈະລງທນໃຫ�ໂຄງການ, ສນຍາຈງມສອງສະບບ ດງຕ�ໄປນຄ:


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ສນຍາສະບບທ 1: ແມ�ນສ�ວນທນຂອງ ADB ທລງທນສ�າງໂຄງການ ແລະ ປະກອບມດງຕ�ໄປນ: ສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ ພ�ອມດ�ວຍອງປະກອບທກ�ຽວຂ�ອງ ເລມຈາກສະຖານໂນນໄຮ ແຂວງວຽງຈນ ໄປຫາ ສະຖານປາກລາຍ ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລ. ສນຍາສະບບທ 2: ແມ�ນສ�ວນທນຂອງ KEXIM ທລງທນສ�າງໂຄງການ ແລະ ປະກອບມດງຕ�ໄປນ: ຂອງໂຄງການ ແລະ ປະກອບມດງຕ�ໄປນ:

• ສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ ພ�ອມດ�ວຍອງປະກອບທກ�ຽວຂ�ອງ ເລມຈາກສະຖານປາກລາຍ, ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລໄປຫາ ສະຖານແກ�ນທ�າວ ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລ;

• ສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ ພ�ອມດ�ວຍອງປະກອບທກ�ຽວຂ�ອງ ເລມຈາກສະຖານປາກລາຍ, ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລໄປຫາ ສະຖານໄຊຍະບລ ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລ;

• ສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ ພ�ອມດ�ວຍອງປະກອບທກ�ຽວຂ�ອງ ເລມຈາກສະຖານນາໝ�, ແຂວງອດມໄຊ ໄປຫາ ສະຖານບນເໜອ ແຂວງຜງສາລ.

ອງປະກອບຕ�າງໆຂອງໂຄງການ ໂຄງການປະກອບດ�ວຍເສນສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ 115 kV, ສະຖານໄຟຟ�າ ແລະ ອງປະກອບການກະຈາຍໄຟຟ�າ ດງອະທບາຍຢ�ລ�ມນ: ສນຍາສະບບທ 1: ADB (ແຂວງໄຊຍະບລ):

• ສາຍສງ115 kV (89.9 ກໂລແມດ): o 89.9 ກໂລແມດ ປາກລາຍ ຫາ ໂນນໄຮ ລະບບສາຍສງ ວງຈອນດຽວ ໂດຍລະບບເສາໄຟຄ�

(SCDT) • ສະຖານໄຟຟ�າ 115/22 kV:

o ປາກລາຍ: 30 MVA ສະຖານໃຫມ� o ໂນນໄຮ: ສະຖານທມຢ� - ຂະຫຍາຍເພມ o ໄຊຍະບລ: ສະຖານທມຢ� - ຂະຫຍາຍເພມ

ສນຍາສະບບທ 2: KEXIM (ໄຊຍະບລ, ອດມໄຊ ແລະ ແຂວງຜງສາລ):

• ສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງ 115 kV (285.6 km): o 92.6 ກໂລແມດ ນາໝ� ຫາ ບນເໜອ ລະບບສາຍສງ ວງຈອນດຽວ ໂດຍລະບບເສາໄຟຄ�

(SCDT) o 121.6 ກໂລແມດ ປາກລາຍ ຫາ ໄຊຍະບລ ລະບບສາຍສງ ວງຈອນດຽວ ໂດຍລະບບເສາໄຟຄ�

(SCDT) o 71.4 ກໂລແມດ ປາກລາຍ ຫາ ຊາຍແດນລາວ - ໄທ ໄກ�ແກ�ນທ�າວ ລະບບສາຍສງ ວງຈອນດຽວ

ໂດຍລະບບເສາໄຟຄ� (SCDT) • ສະຖານໄຟຟ�າ 115/22 kV:

o ບນເໜອ: 30 MVA ສະຖານໄຟຟ�າໃໝ� o ນາໝ�: ສະຖານແຈກໄຟຟ�າທມຢ� - ຂະຫຍາຍເພມ


Final Report – March 2014 Page xxi

• ອງປະກອບທກ�ຽວຂ�ອງ MV (528.6 ກມ 22 kV feeders) ແລະ LV Distribution (6,625 ຄອບຄວ): o 128.2 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຈາກສະຖານປາກລາຍ o 20.0 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຈາກສະຖານໂນນໄຮ o 39.5 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຈາກສະຖານໄຊຍະບລ o 23.9 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຈາກສະຖານວງວຽງ o 196.0 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຈາກສະຖານບນເໜອ o 121.0 ກມ 22 kV feeders ຂະຫຍາຍຈາກສະຖານຂອງໄທ ທມຢ� o 2,505 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານປາກລາຍ o 32 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານໂນນໄຮ o 501 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານໄຊຍະບລ o 198 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານວງວຽງ o 2,313 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານບນເໜອ o 1,076 ຄວເຮອນ ຈະໄດ�ຮບໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກສະຖານຂອງໄທ ທມຢ�ແລ�ວ

ຄວາມຕ�ອງການຕ�ໂຄງການດງກ�າວ

ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ ແມ�ນນອນຢ�ໃນບນຊປະເທດດ�ອຍພດທະນາ ຂອງອງການສະຫະປະຊາຊາດ (UNDP) ແລະ ຍງມຊຢ�ໃນບນຊຂອງປະເທດກ�າລງພດທະນາທບ�ມທາງອອກສ�ທະເລ. ປະຊາຊນຈ�ານວນຫາຍໃນ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ ແມ�ນມລະດບຊວດການເປນຢ�ລ�ມເສນຄວາມທກຍາກ. ລດຖະບານແຫ�ງ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວໄດ�ນ�າສະເໜແຜນການຂອງຕນເພອໃຫ�ຫລດພນຈາກບນຊລາຍຊ ຂອງປະເທດດ�ອຍພດທະນາໃນປ 2020 ໂດຍໄດ�ກ�າວໃນຍດທະສາດການຂະຫຍາຍຕວຂອງຊາດ ແລະ ການລບລ�າງຄວາມທກຍາກ. ການແຈກຢາຍໄຟຟ�າ ຈາກເຂອນໄຟຟ�າໄປທວຕາຂ�າຍໄຟຟ�າຂອງປະເທດ ແມ�ນມຄວາມຈ�າເປນ; ຕາຂ�າຍໄຟຟ�າທໄດ�ຮບການປບປງນ ຈະອ�ານວຍຄວາມສະດວກຮບການປບປງ ຈະສະດວກໃນການຂາຍໄຟຟ�າໃຫ�ປະເທດໄທ ແລະ ຍງເຮດໃຫ�ມການຂະຫຍາຍໄຟຟ�າໄປສ�ຫລາຍໝ�ບ�ານໃນພາກເຫນອຂອງ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວໄດ�. ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ ຍງຫວງເພອຫ�ດຜ�ອນການເພງພາອາໄສ ຕ�ເຊອເພງ ແລະ ໂຄງການນຈະເຊອມຕ� 6,625 ຄອບຄວ ເຂາກບຕາຂ�າຍໄຟຟ�າໃນທ�ອງຖນໄດ�ອກ.

ອງກອນຮບຜດຊອບຈດຕງປະຕບດໂຄງການ

ບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ ແມ�ນອງກອນທຈະປະຕບດໂຄງການນ ໃນນາມເຈາຂອງໂຄງການ. ການອອກແບບລະອຽດກ�ຽວກບໂຄງການ, ລວມທງການສ�າຫວດແລວສາຍສງຢ�າງລາຍລະອຽດ, ການກະກຽມ ແລະ ການປະເມນຄວາມ ເໝາະສມ ຂອງຜ�ປະມນການກ�ສ�າງ, ແລະ ການຕດຕາມຄວບຄມການກ�ສ�າງ ແມ�ນຈະດ�າເນນໄປ ໂດຍທປກສາ ເພອໃຫ�ສອດຄ�ອງກບລະບຽບການ ແລະ ຂ�ແນະນ�າປະຕບດ ຂອງກະຊວງພະລງງານ ແລະ ບ�ແຮ�, ກະຊວງຊບພະຍາກອນທ�າມະຊາດ ແລະ ສງແວດລ�ອມ ແລະ ບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ ໂດຍນ�າໃຊ�ລະບຽບການ ແລະ ຂ�ແນະນ�າປະຕບດຂອງບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ.

ການຄ�ມຄອງໂຄງການ ແມ�ນຈະເປນຄວາມຮບຜດຊອບຂອງຜ�ຈດໃຫຍ�ບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ, ໂດຍການດ�າເນນການຈດຕງປະຕບດແບບວນຕ�ວນ ໂດຍທມງານຄ�ມຄອງໂຄງການ ຂອງບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ, ພາຍໃຕ�ການຊນ�າຂອງຜ�ບ�ລຫານການແຈກຈ�າຍໄຟຟ�າ. ວຽກງານດ�ານສງແວດລ�ອມ ແລະ ເສດຖະກດສງຄມຂອງໂຄງການຈະແມ�ນໜ�າທຮບຜດຊອບ ຂອງຫນ�ວຍງານຄ�ມຄອງສງແວດລ�ອມ (EMU) ຂອງບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວ.


Final Report – March 2014 Page xxii

ຄວາມເປນມາຂອງໂຄງການ

ໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP) ເປນຫນງໃນໂຄງການໜງ ໃນເຂດລ�ມແມ�ນ�າຂອງ ທແມ�ນຂງເຂດເສດຖະກດທ�າມະຊາດ ທກ�ຽວພນກນກບແມ�ນ�າຂອງ ຊງກວມເອາພນທ 2.6 ລ�ານຕາລາງກໂລແມດ ແລະ ມພນລະເມອງລວມປະມານ 326 ລ�ານຄນ. ບນດາປະເທດ ໃນເຂດລ�ມແມ�ນ�າຂອງ ແມ�ນມ ກ�າປເຈຍ, ສ.ປ. ຈນ, (ໂດຍສະເພາະ ແຂວງຢນນານແລະ ເຂດປກຄອງຕນເອງກວາງຊ ສວງ), ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ, ມຽນມາ, ໄທ, ແລະ ຫວຽດນາມ. ໃນປ 1992, ໂດຍການຊ�ວຍເຫອຈາກທະນະຄານ ADB, ປະເທດທງ 6 ປະເທດ ແມ�ນໄດ�ເຂາຮ�ວມໃນໂຄງການຮ�ວມມດ�ານເສດຖະກດໃນພາກພນ, ໂດຍແນ�ໃສ�ເພອເສມຂະຫຍາຍການພວພນເສດຖະກດລະຫວ�າງປະເທດຂອງ (ແຫງຂ�ມນ ADB). ໂດຍການສະຫນບສະຫນນຈາກທະນາຄານ ADB ແລະ ຜ�ໃຫ�ທນຈາກປະເທດຕ�າງໆໆເຊນ: ທະນາຄານ KEXIM ຂອງປະເທດເກາຫລໃຕ�, ໂຄງການ GMS ຊ�ວຍຈດຕງປະຕບດ ຫລາຍໂຄງການບລມະສດສງ ໃນເຂດພາກພນ ໃນການຂນສງ, ພະລງງານ, ຄມມະນາຄມ, ສງແວດລ�ອມ, ການພດທະນາຊບພະຍາກອນມະນດ, ການທ�ອງທ�ຽວ, ການຄ�າ, ການລງທນໃນພາກເອກະຊນ ແລະ ການກະສກ�າ. ມນຄ�າຂອງໂຄງການ

ຄ�າໃຊ�ຈ�າຍທງຫມດ ຂອງໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP) ແມ�ນ 65 ລ�ານໂດລາສະຫະລດ. ກ�ານດເວລາໃນການກ�ສ�າງໂຄງການ ການກ�ສ�າງໂຄງການຄາດວ�າຈະໃຫ�ສ�າເລດໃນໄລຍະປະມານສອງປ. ໂດຍສະເພາະ, ໂຄງການທງຫມດ, ຊງລວມທງການກ�ສ�າງ, ຖກກ�ານດໃຫ�ສ�າເລດໃນເດອນທນວາ 2014 ແລະ ໄລຍະການເລມດ�າເນນງານໂຄງການນຄວນຈະເລມຕນໃນປ 2015. ຂອບເຂດຜນກະທບ

ມາເຖງປດຈບນ ເດອນພະຈກ 2012, ລວມມທງໝດ 107 ບ�ານແມ�ນຈະໄດ�ຮບຜນກະທບ ຈາກການອອກແບບ ແລວສາຍຂອງ PIC ໃນປດຈບນ; ນຫມາຍຄວາມວ�າ ໃນແລວສາຍສງທມຄວາມກ�ວາງ 25 ແມດ (RoW) ແມ�ນຈະໄປຜ�ານພນທສ�ວນຫນງຂອງ 107 ຫມ�ບ�ານ. ຜນກະທບຕ�ເນອທດນ, ເຮອນ, ແລະ ມນຄ�າການຊດເຊຍ ແມ�ນໄຟຕາມແລວສາຍທໄດ�ກ�ານດໄວ�ທງສແລວຂອງໂຄງການ. ລາຍລະອຽດແມ�ນມຢ�ໃນພາກທ 3 ຂອງບດລາຍງານ.

ທາງເລອກຂອງໂຄງການ

ທາງເລອກທສ�າຄນ ໃນການຂ�ນ�າໃຊ�ກ�າມະສດທດນ, ການຍກຍ�າຍຈດສນ ແລະ ການທດແທນຄ�າເສຍຫາຍ ແມ�ນການອອກແບບແລວສາຍສງໄຟຟ�າແຮງສງຄນໄໝ� ເພອຫລດຜ�ອນຜນກະທບ ຕ�ຊບສນຂອງປະຊາຊນໃນພນທຂອງໂຄງການ. ທາງເລອກເຫານແມ�ນໄດ�ຮບການແກ�ໄຂດງຕ�ໄປນ:

ກ) ການສກສາທາງເລອກໃນປະຈບນ - ບ�ລສດໄຟຟ�າລາວກ�າລງສະເຫນທາງເລອກໃນການ PIC ສງໄຟຟ�າທມຢ�ແລ�ວເສນທາງເສນ; ເຫານແມ�ນໄດ�ສະແດງໃຫ�ເຫນຢ�ໃນເອກະສານຊ�ອນຂອງບດລາຍງານນ.


Final Report – March 2014 Page xxiii

ຂ) ການອອກແບບທາງເລອກຢ�າງລະອຽດ - ໃນຂນຕອນການອອກແບບລະອຽດ, ຖ�າຜ�ຮບເຫມາພບວ�າມນຄ�າຊບສນຢ�ໃນແລວສາຍສງທຈະຖກກະທບນນສງ, ຕ�ອງໄດ�ສກສາຫາວທຫຍບຍ�າຍ ແລວສາຍສງ ໃຫ�ຫ�າງຈາກເຮອນ ຫ ຊບສນຕ�າງໆຫ�າງຈາກເສນໃຈກາງຂອງແລວສາຍ ອອກຂ�າງໃດໜ�ງຢ�າງໜ�ອຍ 15 ແມດ. ໄລຍະຫ�າງ 15 ແມດ ແມ�ນໃຫ�ວດແທກຈາກຂອບເຮອນ ຫລ ຊບສນຕ�າງໆ.

ເຈາຂອງໂຄງການ ແລະ ບ�ລສດທປກສາທດ�າເນນໂຄງການ

a) ເຈາຂອງໂຄງການ ລດວສະຫະກດໄຟຟ�າລາວ (ຟຟລ) ລດວສະຫະກດໄຟຟ�າລາວ ເປນບ�ລສດຂອງລດ ຊງມໜ�າທດ�າເນນການຜະລດໄຟຟ�າຂອງປະເທດ, ກ�ສ�າງສາຍສງ ແລະ ແຈກຈ�າຍໄຟຟ�າ. ທຢ�: ຖະໜນມດຕະພາບ ລາວໄທ, ບ�ານທງກາງ, ເມອງສສດຕະນາກ, ນະຄອນຫລວງວຽງຈນ, ສປປ ລາວ, ຕ� ປ.ນ 2392 ເວບໄຊ: www.edlgen.com.la

b) ບ�ລສດທປກສາທດ�າເນນໂຄງການ SNC-Lavalin International Inc. ທຢ�: 1801 McGill College Ave, 8th Floor Montreal, Quebec Canada, H34 2N4 ໂທລະສບ: (514) 393-8000, ແຟກ: (514) 334-1446 ອເມວ: [email protected] ເວບໄຊ: http://www.snclavalin.com

ຂ�ສະຫລບ

1 – ຜນກະທບດ�ານສງແວດລ�ອມ ຂອງໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP), ສາມາດຫ�ດຜ�ອນໄດ� ໃນລະດບທສາມາດຮບຮອງເອາໄດ� ໂດຍການຈດຕງປະຕບດ ນ�າໃຊ�ງ�ບປະມານທມປະສດທພາບ, ນ�າໃຊ�ມາດຕະການຕວຈງຢ�າງປກະຕ ສມທບກບ ພາກປະຕບດຕວຈງດ�ານວສະວະກ�າ ທຮບຮອງຈາກສາກນ. ຍງໄປກວ�ານນ. ຍງກວ�ານນ, ຜນກະທບທບ�ສ�າຄນ ທເປນສ�ວນນ�ອຍນນ ຈະຖກທດແທນໂດຍ ຜນປະໂຫຍດອນສ�າຄນ ດ�ານເສດຖະກດ ແລະ ສງຄມ ຈາກໂຄງການ.

2 – ແຫລ�ງທຢ�ອາໃສຂອງສດປ�າຕາມທ�າມະຊາດ ຕາມແລວສາຍສງ ຈະຖກລດລງ ເນອງຈາກການສະແຫວງຫາປະໂຫຍດໃນໄລຍະຍາວ ທາງລະບບນເວດທ�າມະຊາດ ເຊນການຕດໄມ�, ການຖາງປ�າເຮດໄຮ�, ການປກຕນໄມ�ອດສາຫະກ�າ, ການກະສກ�າ ແລະ ການຕງຖນທຢ�ອາໃສ.

3 - ແລວສາຍສງ ແລະ ທຕງຂອງສະຖານໄຟຟ�າ, ໄດ�ຖກຄດເລອກ ເພອຫລກລ�ຽງ ຫລ ເຮດໃຫ�ມການກະທບໜ�ອຍທສດ ຕ�ພນທໆອ�ອນໄຫວທາງດ�ານແວດລ�ອມ, ເຂດທພກອາໃສ ແລະ ເຂດອານລກທາງທ�າມະຊາດ ແລະ ສາດສະໜາ.

4 - ເຂດເຊອມຕ�ຂອງແລວສາຍສງ ບ�ໄດ�ລ�ວງລ�າເຂາ ເຂດປ�າສະຫງວນແຫ�ງຊາດ ຫລ ເຂດອານລກຊວະ

http://www.edlgen.com.la/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/srch/wtchr.do?lang=eng&prtl=1&estblmntNo=328419340000&link=http://www.snclavalin.com


Final Report – March 2014 Page xxiv

ນາໆພນແຫ�ງຊາດ.

5 - ການລ�ວງລ�າຂອງແລວສາຍສງ ເຂາເຂດດນກະສກ�າ ແມ�ນໄດ�ພະຍາຍາມຫລກລ�ຽງ ເທາທສາມາດເຮດໄດ�.

6 - ການທດແທນມນຄ�າເສຍຫາຍ ເນອງຈາກການສນເສຍທດນ, ທພກອາໃສ, ຜນລະປກທເກດຈາກການກ�ສ�າງສາຍສງ, ຈະໄດ�ຈ�າຍໃຫ�ຜ�ທຖກກະທບຈາກໂຄງການ ໂດຍອງຕາມລະບຽບຫລກການ ຂອງລດຖະບານ.

7 - ແລວສາຍສງແຮງດນຕ�າ ແມ�ນອະນຍາດໃຫ�ກ�ສ�າງ ລຽບຕາມແລວທາງທມຢ�ແລ�ວ, ເພອຮບປະກນບ�ໃຫ�ມຜນກະທບຕ� ຕ�ພນທໆອ�ອນໄຫວທາງດ�ານແວດລ�ອມ.

8 – ແຜນຄ�ມຄອງສງແວດລ�ອມ ສ�າລບການກ�ສ�າງ ແມ�ນໄດ�ກະກຽມສ�າເລດແລ�ວ ແລະ ຈະໄດ�ຖກຈດຕງປະຕບດ ໃນໄລຍະກ�ສ�າງໂຄງການ. ບນດາຜນກະທບຕ�ສງແວດລ�ອມ ທເກດຈາກໂຄງການ ຈະມມາດຕະ ການສະເພາະ ເພອຫລດຜ�ອນຜນກະທບ, ເຊງລວມມ ການສ�າງຕງຄະນະກ�າມະການຕ�າງໆ ເພອຈດຕງປະຕ ບດແຜນດງກ�າວ ພ�ອມທງຄວາມຮບຜດຊອບສະເພາະ ຂອງຜ�ຮບເຫມາ ເພອປກປກຮກສາສງແວດລ�ອມ.

9 - ໂຄງການດງກ�າວ ມຜນປະໂຫຍດຕ�ຄນນະພາບຊວດ ຢ�ເຂດຊນນະບດພາກເໜອຂອງ ສປປ ລາວ, ໂດຍທບນດາໝ�ບ�ານຕ�າງໆ ເຊງປດຈບນບ�ທນມໄຟຟ�າໃຊ� ຈະສາມາດເຂາເຖງແຫລ�ງພະລງງານ ທມລາຄາຖກ ແລະ ໝນຄງ.

ຂ�ສະເໜແນະ ບດສກສາຜນກະທບສງແວດລ�ອມເບອງຕນ ແລະ ແຜນຄ�ມຄອງສງແວດລ�ອມ ສ�າລບການກ�ສ�າງ ໄດ�ມການສກສາ ຢ�າງພຽງພ� ເພອບນລຄວາມຕ�ອງການ ດ�ານການປະເມນຜນກະທບຕ�ສງແວດລ�ອມ ຂອງໂຄງການສາຍສງພາກເໜອ (GMS NPTP). ສະນນ, ການປະເມນຜນກະທບຕ�ສງແວດລ�ອມແບບລະອຽດນນ (EIA), ຖວ�າບ�ຈ�າເປນ.


Final Report – March 2014 Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

The Greater Mekong Sub-egion Northern Power Transmission Project (GMS NPTP) will expand the electrical grid in northern Lao PDR making possible the further electrification of the country and facilitating the sale of electricity to Thailand. The Project work will consist of 4 separate 115 kV Transmission Lines, new or upgraded substations, distribution components and other associated hardware (having a combined length of 375 km). Also, 6,625 households will be connected to their local electrical grids.

Four primary purposes of this IEE report are to:

1) Identify and describe general environmental and social resources of the areas in and adjacent to the proposed transmission line routes.

2) Identify potential adverse impacts that could occur from project development.

3) Perform an initial examination of the magnitude, scale, and significance of any potential adverse impacts.

4) Recommend preliminary mitigation measures required to avoid or if not possible, minimize any adverse impacts.

The preparation of IEE employed the following methods:

• Identification & Review of existing environmental & social information on Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Xayabury and Vientiane provincial areas.

• Pre-survey to identify key contacts, administrative boundary of project areas, and list of villages and households located near to the transmission line corridors.

• Intensive technical training

for the survey teams (surveyors / enumerators) both at Head Office in Vientiane and at Project sites.

Figure 1-1: Pre-survey Activity



• Detailed field survey to gather social and scientific data that included interviews, field work, meetings and consultations with key stakeholders in the project sites.

Figure 1-2: Training the Survey Teams

In the field, the collection of detailed social and scientific data was conducted within the selected corridor, and beyond, wherever sensitive biophysical or social environmental components were intersected by the corridor boundaries.

1.1 TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS REPORT

A) Contract: there are two Contracts for the GMS NPTP:

Contract 1– ADB: this is the ADB-financed portion of Project and consists of the following: • Transmission Line and associated components from Nonhai Substation,

Vientiane, Province to Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province.

Contract 2– KEXIM: this is the KEXIM financed portion of the Project and consists of the following: • Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury

Province to Kenthao Substation, Xayabury Province. • Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury

Province to Xayabury Substation, Xayabury Province. • Transmission Line and associated components from BounNeua Substation,

Phongsaly Province to Namo Switching Station, Oudomxay Province.

B) Module: there are three Modules for the GMS NPTP as follows:

Module 1 – Contract 1 - ADB:

Transmission Line and associated components from Nonhai Substation, Vientiane, Province to Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province. Module 1 – Contract 2 - KEXIM: • Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury

Province to Kenthao Substation, Xayabury Province.



Module 2 - Contract 2 - KEXIM: • Transmission Line and associated components from Paklay Substation, Xayabury

Province to Xayabury Substation, Xayabury Province. Module 3 - Contract 2 - KEXIM: • Transmission Line and associated components from BounNeua Substation, Phongsaly

Province to Namo Switching station, Oudomxay Province.

C) The Project – this refers to the GMS NPTP

D) Right-of-Way (RoW) – this is the 25m wide strip of land that will contain the transmission line. This is the standard width for 115 kV Power Transmission Line in Lao PDR.

E) Corridor - this is the 25m wide strip of land that will contain the transmission line; it is the same as a RoW. This is the standard width for 115 kV Power Transmission Line in Lao PDR.

F) Affected Person – this is a person who is impacted because they are living in the RoW or possess assets, such as land, in the RoW. Similarly, there are affected households, affected villages, etc.

G) Resettlement/Relocation – this refers to moving an Affected Person out of the 25 m RoW.

H) Stakeholders – means Individuals, groups, organizations interested in and potentially affected by the project or having the ability to influence a project.



2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT

EDL is the Executing Agency of the GMS NPTP as well as the Project Owner. The Project will be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Korea EXIM (KEXIM) Bank, and Electricité du Laos (EDL). The Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) is SNC-Lavalin International (SLI). The contractor for the ADB-funded portion of the Project has been selected using International Competitive Bidding and ADB's Single-Stage: Two-Envelope bidding procedure. The successful contractor is KEC International Limited and the contract thereof was signed on 28 June 2013. As of December 2013, the bidding procedure for the KEXIM portion of the project remains ongoing in evaluation stage. The successful contractor will be selected using KEXIM’s procedures and only South Korean companies are eligible. The two main contractors will select subcontractors according to their needs.

2.2 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

No Build Alternative

If the works associated with the GMS NPTP are not commenced and completed, the lives of villagers in the area of the 25 meter TL corridor would not be disrupted and there would be no environmental damage. However, because the Project works will generally be completed in rural areas there will be a minimal impact to residents. Additionally, since the Project must be constructed according to the Laws and Regulations of both Lao PDR and ADB, there should not be any significant effect on environment or society in the Project area. The benefits of the sales of electricity to neighboring countries, such as Thailand, as well as providing electricity to Lao PDR residents outweighs any potential negative impacts of Project works.

Corridor Alignment

The existing alignment of the transmission lines as of the date of this report can be changed to avoid any high value assets, especially houses. This will be finalized in the detailed design of the project. Note that it is EDL’s policy to always avoid any resettlement of households unless absolutely necessary.



2.3 EXECUTING AGENCY

EDL is the Executing Agency for the Project. Project detailed design, including detailed transmission line surveys, preparation and evaluation of tenders, and construction supervision will be carried out by consultants/contractors in accordance with the Ministry of Energy and Mines, MONRE and EDL according to EDL’s Regulations and Guidelines.

Management of the project will be the responsibility of the General Manager of EDL, with day-to-day implementation carried out by EDL’s Project Management Unit (PMU). Environmental and socio-economic aspects of the project will be the responsibility of EDL’s Environmental Management Unit (EMU).

2.4 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT Mr. Gilles Allard Project Director SNC LAVALIN International Inc. c/o EDL Office 4th Floor. Transmission & Substation Development Department. Lao-Thai Friendship. Road, Thongkang Village. Sisatanak District, Vientiane Capital. Tel: & Fax: +856 21 316 092.

2.5 PROJECT LOCATION

The Project is located in Northern Lao PDR in the provinces of Vientiane, Xayabury, Phongsaly and Oudomxay and the districts of Kenthao, Sanakham, Meun, Xayabury, Phieng, Paklay, BounNeua, Boun Tai, Namo.

2.6 OVERALL MAP OF PROJECT

On the map below the 4 transmission lines are labeled “Proposed 115 kV Power Transmission Lines”; their location within the country is shown.



Figure 2-1: Map of Project Location



Figure 2-2: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation to Nonhai Substation, Meun District, Vientiane Province to Paklay Substation, Paklay District, Xayabury Province ( Module 1 – Contract 1 – ADB)



Figure 2 -3: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Kenthao, XayaburyProvince(Module 1 – Contract 2 – KEXIM)



Figure 2-4: Transmission Line from Paklay Substation, Xayabury Province to Xayabury Substation, Xayabury Province – (Module 2 – Contract 2 – KEXIM)



Figure 2-5: Transmission Line from BounNeua Substation, Phongsaly Province to Namo Substation, Oudomxay Province (Module 3 – Contract 2 –KEXIM)



2.7 PROJECT COMPONENTS

The Project consists of Transmission Lines, Substations and Distribution Components as described below:

Contract 1-ADB (Xayabury Province)

• 115 kV Power Transmission (89.9 km):

o 89.9 km Paklay to Nonhai Single Circuit on Double Tower (SCDT) transmission

• 115/22 kV Substations:

o Paklay: 30 MVA new substation o Nonhai: existing substation - extension o Xayabury: existing substation - extension

Contract 2-KEXIM (Xayabury, Vientiane, Phonsaly and Oudomxay Provinces)

• 115 kV Power Transmission (285.6 km):

o 92.6 km Namo to BounNeua Single Circuit on Double Tower (SCDT) transmission o 121.6 km Paklay to Xayabury Single Circuit on Double Tower (SCDT) transmission o 71.4 km Paklay to Lao-Thai border near Kenthao Single Circuit on Single Tower

(SCST) transmission • 115/22 kV Substations:

o BounNeua: 30 MVA new substation o Namo: existing switching station – extension

• Associated MV (528.6 km 22 kV feeders) and LV Distribution (6,625 HH):

o 128.2 km 22 kV feeders from Paklay Substation o 20.0 km 22 kV feeders from Nonhai Substation o 39.5 km 22 kV feeders from Xayabury Substation o 23.9 km 22 kV feeders from VangVieng Substation o 196.0 km 22 kV feeders from BounNeua Substation o 121.0 km 22 kV feeders extensions from existing Thailand Substations o 2,505 households to be supplied from Paklay Substation o 32 households to be supplied from Nonhai Substation o 501 households to be supplied from Xayabury Substation o 198 households to be supplied from VangVieng Substation o 2313 households to be supplied from BounNeua Substation o 1,076 households to be supplied from existing Thailand Substations

The layout of two new substations to be built at Paklay & BounNeua are shown below.



Figure 2 -6: Layout of Paklay Substation/Switchyard



Figure 2 -7: Layout of BounNeua Substation/Switchyard.



2.8 SOURCES OF POWER FOR THE 4 TRANSMISSION LINES

In order to optimize the technical and economic aspects of the electricity supply, meet future demand for electricity and fulfill the GoL’s strategic development goals, EDL is planning to enhance the Lao Transmission network with both 115kV a n d 230kV transmission interconnections. The global objective is to electrify 90% of country households by 2020.

Presently, power to the Xayabury substation comes from the Luang Prabang Substation. Power to the Paklay Substation will come from the Nonhai or Xayabury Substations. Power to the BounNeua Substation comes from the Namo Substation. During normal operation all power will come from the EDL network. The GMS NPTP is a stand-alone transmission network project connecting to the existing EDL grid and not to any single power source.

The goals of the GMS NPTP remain as follows: Extend the T&D system of Electricité du Laos (EDL) to Oudomxay, Phongsaly

and Xayabury provinces and the western part of Vientiane province; Reduce reliance on high-cost, off-grid power supplies for consumers that

currently do not have access to electricity through an efficient and reliable connection with the EGAT (Thailand) system;

Directly contribute to the Government of Laos’ (GoL) goal of rural electrification by 2020 by increasing household (HH) electrification rates in the main Project area from 29% to 79%.

The TLs will expand the overall Power Grid of the country. Refer to Figure 2-8 and Figure 2-9 to see the existing and planned TLs for Lao PDR’s Power Grid.

2.9 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

The high-voltage electrical grid of Lao PDR is not complete at the time of this report and a key component of the GMS NPTP is to improve this grid. In keeping with the Government of Lao PDR’s strategy to get off the list of least developed nations by the year 2020, investment in Hydropower is necessary to bring in much needed income to the country as stated in the Country’s National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy. To distribute this hydro-generated electricity, the strengthening of the nation’s high-voltage electrical grid is necessary, and this improved grid will facilitate the sale of electricity to Thailand.

GMS NPTP will also make possible the electrification (or improvement of electrical service) for many villages in the northern part of the country, as yet un or under electrified; approximately 6,625 households are slated to be connected by the project. Access to electricity is necessary to improve the economy and standard of living for these rural villages.



Figure 2 -8: Existing Power System Diagram, Year 2013.



Figure 2-9: Planned Power System Diagram to Year 2020.



2.10 PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Key construction activities associated with installing 115 kV Power transmission lines using steel lattice towers, substations and other components will involve at least the following:

• Vegetation clearance where necessary along the Right-of-Way to meet minimum clearance requirements.

• Construction of temporary access tracks to the tower sites. • Vegetation clearance at each tower site and tower construction. • The stringing of the conductors. • Leveling, cutting and backfilling.

Construction of substations will involve the following: • Clearing and grubbing sites. • Constructing the foundation works, buildings and steel supporting structures. • Installing the electrical equipment. • Leveling, cutting and backfilling.

2.11 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The GMS NPTP is one of a collection of projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) which is a natural economic area bound together by the Mekong River, covering 2.6 million square kilometers and a combined population of around 326 million.

The GMS countries are Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

In 1992, with assistance from ADB, the six countries entered into a program of sub-regional economic cooperation, designed to enhance economic relations among the countries. (Source ADB)

With support from ADB and other donors, such as KEXIM Bank for the GMS NPTP, the GMS Program helps the implementation of high priority sub-regional projects in transportation, energy, telecommunications, environment, human resource development, tourism, trade, private sector investment, and agriculture.

2.12 PROJECT COST

The total cost of the GMS NPTP is US $ 65.317 million.

2.13 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

Project Construction includes at least the following:



• Selection of contractors.

• Detailed design performed by contractors.

• Compensation paid to Affected People or resettlement implemented.

• Project is constructed.

• Project begins operation.

The Project is expected to be completed in approximately two years. Originally, the entire Project, including construction, was scheduled to be completed by December 2014 with the operation phase starting in 2015. The grant closing date has since been extended to 30 June 2015. There is no plan for decommissioning of the project.

2.14 THE POWER SECTOR OF LAO PDR

Electricity is generated in Lao PDR by power plants owned by the State and administrated by the Department of Energy Policy and Planning (DEPP) and by Independent Power Plants (IPP) which are monitored by the DEPP. The DEPP operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).

Electricité du Laos (EDL) is a state-owned corporation under the Ministry for Energy and Mines which owns and operates the country's main power generation, as well as transmission and distribution assets in Lao PDR; it also manages electricity imports into its grids and exports from its stations. EDL’s Annual Report of 2012 outlines the current status of the Power Sector in Laos as shown in table below.

Table 2-1: Highlights of EDL Data, 2012

Descriptions 2010 2012 Installed Capacity Generation (MW) 384.74 391.86 Energy Generation (GWh) 1552.73 1,895.92 Energy Import (GWh) 998.98 1,127.33 Domestic Sales Energy (GWh) 2,228.15 2,874.21 Export Sales Energy (GWh) 341.29 320.38 Domestic Sales Revenue Energy (billion kips) 1,244.97 1,787.06 Revenue from Export Sales Energy (billion kips) 112.53 101.08 Transmission and Distribution High Voltage Transmission Lines (km-circuit) 2,588 4,554 Medium Voltage ,35kV,25 kV,22kV,12.7kV (km-circuit) 16,018 21,201 Low Voltage 0.4 and 0.22 kV (km-circuit) 13,180 15,249 Substations 115/22 kV (Quantities) 30 48 Installed Capacity of Substation ( MVA) 1,044 2,190 Distribution Transformers ( units) 13,251 17,835 Installed capacity of Distribution Transformers (MVA) 2,142 2,856



Branches 22 22 Number of Meters ( units) 782,517 962,327 Number of Employees 3,491 3,583 Management Electricity Account Receivable(billion kips) 276.66 375.71 Energy Loss (%) 10.78 10.32 Finance Total Revenues (billion kips) 1,689.55 2,434.53 Total Expenses, (billion kips) 1,568.57 1,555.87 Profit income before tax ( billion kips) 120.98 878.67 Income tax expense ( billion kips) 34.82 -212.35 Net Profit (billion kips) 86.16 666.32 IPP, Dividend from IPP (billion kips) 76.31 43.58 EDL shared with IPPs Installed Capacity Generation (MW) 1,087 1,487 Energy Generation (GWh) 1986.39 4,915.77 Domestic Sales Energy (GWh) 306.22 802.87 Export sales Energy (GWh) 1678.79 2,221.64 Revenue from Domestic Sales Energy (billion Kips) 118.17 284.47 Revenue from Export sales Energy (billion kips) 683.79 487.46 High Voltage Transmission Lines 115 kV Transmission Lines ( km-circuit) 30 30 230 kV Transmission Lines ( km-circuit) 458 458 Substations 230/115/22 kV (Quantity) 3 3 Substation Installed Capacity ( MVA) 133 133

Source: EDL Annual Report of 2012

The commercial electricity produced in Lao PDR is hydropower based. The existing operating Hydropower Projects include the following 12 sites:

Table 2-2: Existing Power Plants in Laos, 2012

No Name Installed Capacity (MW)

Generation (Million kWh)

I EDL Owned 3.86 18.50

1 Nam Ko 1.5 9.90 2 Nam Dong 1 5.74 3 Nam Ngay 1.2 2.25 4 Nam Chier 0.08 0.30 5 Nam Mong 0.08 0.31

II EDL-Gen Owned 388 1,877.42 1 Nam Ngum1 155 1,073.99



2 Nam Leuk 60 186.46 3 Nam Mang3 40 192.54 4 Xeset1 45 155.45 5 Xeset2 76 240.05 6 Selabam 5.04 24.4 7 Nam Song 7 4.53

III EDL Joint Venture 1,487 4,915.77 1 Nam Lik ½ 100 535.21 2 Nam Ngum2 615 2,098.01 3 Theun Hinboun 500 1,740.40 4 Houay Ho 152 542.15 5 Nam Ngum5 120 - Total 1,878.86 6,811.69

Source: EDL Annual Report of 2012.

Figure 2-8 and 2-9 as below illustrate the Existing Power System Diagram, Year 2013 and Planned Power System Diagram to Year 2020 respectively.



3 POLICY & LEGAL FRAMEWORK

3.1 ADB’s ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS

Three of ADB’s key safeguards that were released in Environmental Policy 2002 include: • Environmental safeguards. • Involuntary resettlement safeguards. • Indigenous Peoples safeguards.

Main purposes of the Environmental Policy 2002 ADB’s safeguards are to: • Avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected peoples,

where possible. • Minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the

environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible. • Help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop

the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.

3.1.1 Environment Safeguards

a) Objectives: To ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the Project’s decision-making process.

b) Scope and Triggers: Environmental safeguards are triggered if a project is likely to have potential environmental risks and impacts.

c) Policy Principles: o Use a screening process for each proposed project, as early as

possible, to determine the appropriate extent and type of environmental assessment so that appropriate studies are undertaken commensurate with the significance of potential impacts and risks.

o Conduct an environmental assessment for each proposed project to identify potential direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts and risks to physical, biological, socioeconomic (including impacts on livelihood through environmental media, health and safety, vulnerable groups, and gender issues), and physical cultural resources in the context of the project’s area of influence. Assess potential trans-boundary and global impacts, including climate change. Use strategic environmental assessment where appropriate.

o Examine alternatives to the project’s location, design, technology, and components and their potential environmental and social



impacts and document the rationale for selecting the particular alternative proposed. Also consider the no project alternative.

o Avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate, and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts by means of environmental planning and management. Prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that includes the proposed mitigation measures, environmental monitoring and reporting requirements, related institutional or organizational arrangements, capacity development and training measures, implementation schedule, cost estimates, and performance indicators. Key considerations for EMP preparation include mitigation of potential adverse impacts to the level of no significant harm to third parties, and the polluter pays principle.

o Carry out meaningful consultation with affected people and facilitate their informed participation. Ensure women’s participation in consultation. Involve stakeholders, including affected people and concerned nongovernment organizations early in the project preparation process and ensure that their views and concerns are made known to and understood by decision makers and taken into account. Continue consultations with stakeholders throughout project implementation as necessary to address issues related to environmental assessment. Establish a grievance redress mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the affected people’s concerns and grievances regarding the project’s environmental performance.

o Disclose a draft environmental assessment (including the EMP) in a timely manner, before project appraisal, in an accessible place and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected people and other stakeholders. Disclose the final environmental assessment, and its updates if any, to affected people and other stakeholders.

o Implement the EMP and monitor its effectiveness. Document monitoring results, including the development and implementation of corrective actions, and disclose monitoring reports.

o Do not implement project activities in areas of critical habitats, unless (i) there are no measurable adverse impacts on the critical habitat that could impair its ability to function, (ii) there is no reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species, and (iii) any lesser impacts are mitigated. If a project is located within a legally protected area,



implement additional programs to promote and enhance the conservation aims of the protected area. In an area of natural habitats, there must be no significant conversion or degradation, unless (i) alternatives are not available, (ii) the overall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs, and (iii) any conversion or degradation is appropriately mitigated. Use a precautionary approach to the use, development, and management of renewable natural resources.

o Apply pollution prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international best practices as reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines. Adopt cleaner production processes and good energy efficiency practices. Avoid pollution, or, when avoidance is not possible, minimize or control the intensity or load of pollutant emissions and discharges, including direct and indirect greenhouse gases emissions, waste generation, and release of hazardous materials from their production, transportation, handling, and storage. Avoid the use of hazardous materials subject to international bans or phase-outs. Purchase, use, and manage pesticides based on integrated pest management approaches and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides.

o Provide workers with safe and healthy working conditions and prevent accidents, injuries, and disease. Establish preventive and emergency preparedness and response measures to avoid, and where avoidance is not possible, to minimize, adverse impacts and risks to the health and safety of local communities.

o Conserve physical cultural resources and avoid destroying or damaging them by using field-based surveys that employ qualified and experienced experts during environmental assessment. Provide for the use of “chance find” procedures that include a pre-approved management and conservation approach for materials that may be discovered during project implementation.

3.1.2 Involuntary Resettlement Safeguards

a) Objectives: To avoid involuntary resettlement wherever possible; to minimize involuntary resettlement by exploring project and design alternatives; to enhance, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons in real terms relative to pre-project levels; and to improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups.



b) Scope and Triggers: The involuntary resettlement safeguards covers physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land, or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (loss of land, assets, access to assets, income sources, or means of livelihoods) as a result of (i) involuntary acquisition of land, or (ii) involuntary restrictions on land use or on access to legally designated parks and protected areas. It covers them whether such losses and involuntary restrictions are full or partial, permanent or temporary.

c) Policy Principles:

o Screen the project early on to identify past, present, and future involuntary resettlement impacts and risks. Determine the scope of resettlement planning through a survey and/or census of displaced persons, including a gender analysis, specifically related to resettlement impacts and risks.

o Carry out meaningful consultations with affected persons, host communities, and concerned nongovernment organizations. Inform all displaced persons of their entitlements and resettlement options. Ensure their participation in planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of resettlement programs. Pay particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups, especially those below the poverty line, the landless, the elderly, women and children, and Indigenous Peoples, and those without legal title to land, and ensure their participation in consultations. Establish a grievance redress mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the affected persons’ concerns. Support the social and cultural institutions of displaced persons and their host population. Where involuntary resettlement impacts and risks are highly complex and sensitive, compensation and resettlement decisions should be preceded by a social preparation phase.

o Improve, or at least restore, the livelihoods of all displaced persons through (i) land-based resettlement strategies when affected livelihoods are land based where possible or cash compensation at replacement value for land when the loss of land does not undermine livelihoods, (ii) prompt replacement of assets with access to assets of equal or higher value, (iii) prompt compensation at full replacement cost for assets that cannot be restored, and (iv) additional revenues and services through benefit sharing schemes where possible.

o Provide physically and economically displaced persons with needed assistance, including the following: (i) if there is relocation, secured



tenure to relocation land, better housing at resettlement sites with comparable access to employment and production opportunities, integration of resettled persons economically and socially into their host communities, and extension of project benefits to host communities; (ii) transitional support and development assistance, such as land development, credit facilities, training, or employment opportunities; and (iii) civic infrastructure and community services, as required.

o Improve the standards of living of the displaced poor and other vulnerable groups, including women, to at least national minimum standards. In rural areas provide them with legal and affordable access to land and resources, and in urban areas provide them with appropriate income sources and legal and affordable access to adequate housing.

o Develop procedures in a transparent, consistent, and equitable manner if land acquisition is through negotiate settlement to ensure that those people who enter into negotiated settlements will maintain the same or better income and livelihood status.

o Ensure that displaced persons without titles to land or any recognizable legal rights to land are eligible for resettlement assistance and compensation for loss of non-land assets.

o Prepare a resettlement plan elaborating on displaced persons’ entitlements, the income and livelihood restoration strategy, institutional arrangements, monitoring and reporting framework, budget, and time-bound implementation schedule.

o Disclose a draft resettlement plan, including documentation of the consultation process in a timely manner, before project appraisal, in an accessible place and a form and language(s) understandable to affected persons and other stakeholders. Disclose the final resettlement plan and its updates to affected persons and other stakeholders.

o Conceive and execute involuntary resettlement as part of a development project or program. Include the full costs of resettlement in the presentation of project’s costs and benefits. For a project with significant involuntary resettlement impacts, consider implementing the involuntary resettlement component of the project as a stand-alone operation.



o Pay compensation and provide other resettlement entitlements before physical or economic displacement. Implement the resettlement plan under close supervision throughout project implementation.

o Monitor and assess resettlement outcomes, their impacts on the standards of living of displaced persons, and whether the objectives of the resettlement plan have been achieved by taking into account the baseline conditions and the results of resettlement monitoring. Disclose monitoring reports.

3.1.3 Indigenous Peoples Safeguards

a) Objectives: To design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples’ identity, dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness as defined by the Indigenous Peoples themselves so that they (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits, (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of projects, and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them.

b) Scope and Triggers: The Indigenous Peoples safeguards are triggered if a project directly or indirectly affects the dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, or culture of Indigenous Peoples or affects the territories or natural or cultural resources that Indigenous Peoples own, use, occupy, or claim as an ancestral domain or asset. The term Indigenous Peoples is used in a generic sense to refer to a distinct, vulnerable, social and cultural group possessing the following characteristics in varying degrees: (i) self-identification as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group and recognition of this identity by others; (ii) collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area and to the natural resources in these habitats and territories; (iii) customary cultural, economic, social, or political institutions that are separate from those of the dominant society and culture; and (iv) a distinct language, often different from the official language of the country or region. In considering these characteristics, national legislation, customary law, and any international conventions to which the country is a party will be taken into account. A group that has lost collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area because of forced severance remains eligible for coverage under this policy.

c) Policy Principles:



o Screen early on to determine (i) whether Indigenous Peoples are present in, or have collective attachment to, the project area; and (ii) whether project impacts on Indigenous Peoples are likely.

o Undertake a culturally appropriate and gender-sensitive social impact assessment or use similar methods to assess potential project impacts, both positive and adverse, on Indigenous Peoples. Give full consideration to options the affected Indigenous Peoples prefer in relation to the provision of project benefits and the design of mitigation measures. Identify social and economic benefits for affected Indigenous Peoples that are culturally appropriate and gender and inter generationally inclusive and develop measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples.

o Undertake meaningful consultations with affected Indigenous Peoples communities and concerned Indigenous Peoples organizations to solicit their participation (i) in designing, implementing, and monitoring measures to avoid adverse impacts or, when avoidance is not possible, to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such effects; and (ii) in tailoring project benefits for affected Indigenous Peoples communities in a culturally appropriate manner. To enhance Indigenous Peoples’ active participation, projects affecting them will provide for culturally appropriate and gender inclusive capacity development. Establish a culturally appropriate and gender inclusive grievance mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of the Indigenous Peoples’ concerns.

o Ascertain the consent of affected Indigenous Peoples communities to the following project activities: (i) commercial development of the cultural resources and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples; (ii) physical displacement from traditional or customary lands; and (iii) commercial development of natural resources within customary lands under use that would impact the livelihoods or the cultural, ceremonial, or spiritual uses that define the identity and community of Indigenous Peoples. For the purposes of policy application, the consent of affected Indigenous Peoples communities refers to a collective expression by the affected Indigenous Peoples communities, through individuals and/or their recognized representatives, of broad community support for such project activities. Broad community support may exist even if some individuals or groups object to the project activities.



o Avoid, to the maximum extent possible, any restricted access to and physical displacement from protected areas and natural resources. Where avoidance is not possible, ensure that the affected Indigenous Peoples communities participate in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of management arrangements for such areas and natural resources and that their benefits are equitably shared.

o Prepare an Indigenous Peoples plan (IPP) that is based on the social impact assessment with the assistance of qualified and experienced experts and that draw on indigenous knowledge and participation by the affected Indigenous Peoples communities. The IPP includes a framework for continued consultation with the affected Indigenous Peoples communities during project implementation; specifies measures to ensure that Indigenous Peoples receive culturally appropriate benefits; identifies measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for any adverse project impacts; and includes culturally appropriate grievance procedures, monitoring and evaluation arrangements, and a budget and time-bound actions for implementing the planned measures.

o Disclose a draft IPP, including documentation of the consultation process and the results of the social impact assessment in a timely manner, before project appraisal, in an accessible place and in a form and language(s) understandable to affected Indigenous Peoples communities and other stakeholders. The final IPP and its updates will also be disclosed to the affected Indigenous Peoples communities and other stakeholders.

o Prepare an action plan for legal recognition of customary rights to lands and territories or ancestral domains when the project involves (i) activities that are contingent on establishing legally recognized rights to lands and territories that Indigenous Peoples have traditionally owned or customarily used or occupied, or (ii) involuntary acquisition of such lands.

o Monitor implementation of the IPP using qualified and experienced experts; adopt a participatory monitoring approach, wherever possible; and assess whether the IPP’s objective and desired outcome have been achieved, taking into account the baseline conditions and the results of IPP monitoring. Disclose monitoring reports.



3.2 KEXIM BANK’s ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS

All of the GMS NPTP work which uses KEXIM Bank funding will apply ADB’s Environmental and Social Safeguard policy.

3.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND TARGETS FOR LAO PDR1

The main targets of the 7th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) are:

Macroeconomic:

Ensure GDP growth of not less than 8% per year, with the agriculture and forestry sector to grow by 3.5% annually, equal to about 23% of GDP; industry sector to increase by 15% annually and account for 39% of GDP, service sector to increase by 6.5% annually, to account for 38% of GDP.

Maintain inflation below the economic growth rate, alongside a stable exchange rate; yearly fluctuation of the Kip (Lao currency), should not be more than 5% against foreign currencies.

Strive to ensure debt reduction across the entire State finance system is less than 45% of GDP.

Increase money deposits by 25.6% per year.

Maintain foreign currency reserve levels sufficient at least six months of import in a year.

3.4 DIRECTIVES & TASKS OF THE 7th FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR LAO PDR (2011-2015) Economic Sector

1. Agriculture and forestry:

Explore untapped potential of agriculture by developing 7 priority plans, as well as developing small plans in the north of the country in an appropriate manner to ensure food security and supply raw materials to the processing industry.

On the other hand, integrated agriculture, green agriculture and organic agriculture must be promoted in response to domestic and export demands.

Main targets:

- Food production: by 2015, rice production should reach 4.2 million tonnes with a yield of 4 tonnes per hectare on average in one season, meat production should reach 221.5 thousand tonnes per year and aquatic foodstuff (fish, frogs and shrimp) production should amount to 157.2 thousand tonnes per year.

- Commercial production: 600,000 tonnes of rice to be produced for exports annually.

1 Report of the Directives and Tasks of the Seventh Five Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2011-2015) to

the 9th Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party



- Forestry: Increase forest coverage to 65% of the country’s total area by 2015, rehabilitate 3.9 million hectares of natural forest and reforest 200,000 hectares. Undertake a survey of 60% of forest cover under the three classification types and expand the certified production forest area by 10% in 2015.

2. Agriculture and forestry:

Develop the processing industry so domestic raw material are available for long term supply and place importance on expanding light industry by using raw materials sourced from Laos and other countries to process for domestic consumption and export.

Promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small enterprise in rural areas, and family business; comprehensively promote handicraft products that represent Lao traditions, open trade cooperation and integration with foreign countries and carry out legal obligations as stipulated in international treaties, and actively prepare for entry into the ASEAN Free Trade Area in 2015 and the World Trade Organisation.

Main targets:

- Expand the processing industry by an average 12-13% annually; expand handicraft production by an average of 15% per year.

- Increase trade rate volume by an average of 11% per year.

- Expand retail markets to cover 80% of all village groups, establish rural enterprise units to cover 30% of villages, and establish 2-3 model trade centres and supermarkets in each urban tow.

3. Energy and Mines:

Focus on using and developing hydropower sources; study and use energy from other sources that are both competitive and friendly to the natural environment.

Install high and medium voltage transmission lines; undertake a survey and create a mineral map that identifies the locations of mines and mixture of minerals; and build factories to transform minerals into finished products or semi-finished products to reduce the export of raw materials.

Main targets:

- Expand medium voltage (22 kV) transmission lines and off-grid power into remote areas to ensure the number of households with access to electricity reaches 80% by 2015.

- Establish 8 power plants with an installed capacity of 2,865.3 MW; promote the construction of 10 more hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 5,015 MW and the construction of other small and medium hydropower projects.

- Operate mines and process important minerals to transform them into finished products or semi-finished products before distribution, such as copper plates (86,200 tonnes per year), gold bars (6 tonnes per year), coal (1-



2 million tonnes per year), copper powder (298,000 tonnes per year) and gypsum (600,000 tonnes per year).

4. Land Management and Development:

Promote land use and the use of other natural resources in parallel with preservation measurement to ensure land is used in an efficient, sustainable and fruitful manner, with less impact on the environment and society, enabling Lao people to use it for their livelihoods, housing and agriculture in conformity with the law.

Convert land into capital or otherwise ensure it is a source of prosperity for people and the nation, ensuring laws related to land use and other natural resources are not violated.

Main targets:

- Formulate plans for land allocation at the macro and micro levels as well as complete a land use plan for the whole country.

- Delegate responsibilities regarding land use and management to organisations and individuals in line with the land allocation plan and the national land use plan, laws and regulations.

- Finish issuing one millions land titles.

5. Tourism:

Promote and develop natural, culture and historical tourism as green tourism, ensuring sustainability through the participation of local people.

Main targets:

- Ensure tourist arrivals of about 2.8 million people by 2015 to generate income of about US$350 million per year.

- Build more hotels to reach a total of 300; explore and expand natural, cultural and historical attractions so Laos has two World Heritage Sites and 29 National Heritage sites.

Social Sector

To balance economic development and socio-culture development to improve the livelihoods of people of all ethnic groups both materially and intellectually and to ensure sustainable development, in the next five years the focus will be on specific tasks as below:

Rural Development and Poverty Reduction:

Focus on improving administration and promoting the creation of income for people in rural areas and areas where poor people live through a special promotion policy in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).



Develop the grassroots strongly and continuously in accordance with the four contents and four targets as directed by the Party Politburo, with villages, development village cluster and poor revolutionary areas as the development focus; and then pay attention to building income for households through commercial production based on market potential and local traditions.

Agriculture technique service centres must play a leading role in agriculture production, seed provision and technical assistance to farmers in a practical manner. Another main task is to develop the necessary infrastructure in rural areas that currently lack such facilities. This will enable rural areas to develop sustainably and become new community and development zones that make sustainable use of renewable resources.

Main targets:

- Reduce the proportion of poor households to below 10% nationwide.

- Build 1-2 model villages for development in each district in accordance with the four contents and four targets.

- Merge small villages in rural and problematic areas into larger villages and build new model communities (small towns). Each province should have at least 1-2 such models.

1. Education and Human Resource Development:

Consider education and human resource development as an important factor for development, and ensure education development continuously in both quantity and quality.

Continue national education reform in an active manner, and upgrade vocational training and educational institutions to a higher level to develop human resources in various professions, including skilled workers, technical experts, engineers, administrators, business operators, managers and specialists in agriculture and forestry.

Skills development aims to respond to the real needs of each sector and enable skilled workers to have sustainable jobs and earn higher incomes.

It is important to ensure that education development can accomplish the MDGs.

Main targets:

- Increase the primary school net enrolment rate to 98%, and increase the total enrolment at the secondary level school to 75%.

- Create a favourable environment to reduce illiteracy among citizens aged 15-24 years old so the literacy rate increases to 99%.

- Build at least 3 vocational training schools in towns that have high economic potential and growth.



2. Health:

Follow directives by taking disease prevention and health promotion as the main task and regarding health treatment and health services delivery to most people to ensure the good health of the population and achieve the MDGs.

Main targets:

- Reduce the maternal mortality ratio to 260 per 100,000 live births, reduce the infant mortality ratio to 45 per 100,000 live births, and decrease the under-five child mortality ratio to 70% per 1,000 live births.

- Ensure 80% of the total population has access to clean water, and 60% of the total population has access to latrines.

- Control malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

3. Labour and Social Welfare:

Develop and upgrade the skills, knowledge, ability, experience, vision and principles of the Lao Workforce so they can obtain appropriate jobs, have social protection and better welfare; implement a policy package in gratitude to those served during the revolution and have performed good deeds for the nation; strengthen the social welfare system.

Encourage society at large to participate in assisting disadvantaged people and victims of natural disasters.

Main targets:

- In the five years, about 3.3 million jobs will need to be filled. The agriculture sector will account for about 70%; the processing industry, construction and mining about 7%; and the service sector about 23%. Create jobs for at least 277,000 new entrants to the labour market, maintain the unemployment rate at an average of not more than 2%, build 7 skill training centres at the provincial level.

- Implement a policy package for 71,000 seniors officials who served in the revolution prior to 1954 and accomplished good deeds for the nation; finish building houses for disabled officers.

- Expand the social welfare system to the provinces to ensure that 50% of the total population receives health insurance.

Sustainable Development, Environment Protection and Natural Resource Management:

To achieve sustainable development goals, we must promote a local-intellectual based economy associated with the management and most effective use of natural resources, and sound protection of the environment. In the future, focus must be placed on protecting environmental quality (in relation to water, soil, mining and air) in 25 districts where development projects are ongoing to ensure the environment quality meets the national environmental quality standard.



Main targets:

- Develop Vientiane and six other major districts along the Mekong River, namely Luang Prabang, Houayxai, Xayaboury, Kaysone Phomvihane, Thakhek and Pakse, as environmentally friendly models that are green environment, clean and attractive cities.

- Ensure forest coverage increases to 65% of the country’s total area.

3.5 MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE 7th FIVE YEAR SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLAN

o The government reports the situation concerning the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan and investment plan of the state to National Assembly sessions, and issues Prime Ministerial Decrees on the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan and the investment plan after the resolution of the National Assembly is issued.

o The Ministry of Planning and Investment issues detailed instructions on the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan and the investment plan after the government issues a decree on the implementation of the two plans along with summarizing, assessing and reporting the implementation situation to the government regularly.

o The Ministry of Finance is tasked with managing and following up the distribution and spending of the state budget for the state investment projects of ministries and central and local organizations, along with summarizing the implementation situation and submitting a report to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, for regular reports to the government.

o Ministries, central and provincial organizations have a duty to summarize, conclude and report the outcomes of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan and investment projects financed by the state budget, private, domestic and foreign investments, and overseas grants and loans within their scope of responsibility in each period. Submission of a related report to the Ministry of Planning and Investment is required according to the regulations

3.6 APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL LEGISLATION

The figure below lists the main Lao Laws and Decrees in relation to the preparation of ESIA/IEE etc. There are 16 main laws and decrees and 7 guidelines that are active. Some advanced laws and guidelines were recently promulgated after 2000.



Laws & Decrees:

1) The Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic dated 15th August 1991, amended on the 6th May 2003;

2) The Law on Promotion on Foreign Investment dated 22 October 2004; 3) The Amended Electricity Law, No. 03/NA, dated 20 December 2011; 4) The Amended Law on Environmental Protection, No. 29/NA, dated 18 December 2012; 5) The Water and Water Resources Law, No 02-96/NA, dated 11 October 1996 and the

Presidential Decree promulgating the law, No126/PDR, dated 2 November 1996; 6) The Amended Forestry Law, No 06/NA, dated 24 December 2008; 7) The Wildlife and Aquatic Law, No 07/NA, dated 24 December 2008; 8) The Land Law, No 04/NA, dated 21 October 2003; 9) The Decree on State Land Lease or Concession, No 135/PM, dated 25 May 2009; 10) The Decree on the Compensation and Resettlement of Development Projects, No 192/PM,

dated 7 July 2005; 11) The Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment, No 112/PM dated 16 February 2010; 12) Regulations for Implementing Decree 192/PM on Compensation and Resettlement of People

Affected by Development Projects, No 24322/PMO, dated 11 November 2005; 13) Decision on the Management of Quality Standards for Drinking Water and Household Water

Supply No 1371/MoH, dated 4 October 2005; 14) Agreement on National Environmental Standards, No 2734/PMO.WREA dated 7 December

2009; 15) National Policy on Heath Impact Assessment, No. 54/PM, dated 23 March 2006; 16) Amended Regulation on the Management of National Biodiversity Conversation Areas

(NBCAs), Wildlife and Aquatic Animals (No. 0360/AF.2003, dated 8 December 2003);

GoL Guidelines:

1) Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines, October 2012; 2) Technical Guidelines on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development

Projects, Regulation 699/PMO, WREA March 2010; 3) Technical Guidelines on Public Consultation For EIA Procedure, No. 707/MONRE, dated 05

February 2013; 4) Step-by-Step Environmental Guidelines for Biomass Removal from Hydropower Reservoirs in

Lao PDR, SEM II and EMSP-WREA December 2012; 5) Environmental and Social Operational Manual for the Road Sector, Ministry of Public Works

and Transport, March 2009; 6) National Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Hydropower Sector in Lao

PDR, No. 561/IPC, dated7th June 2005; 7) Health Impact Assessment Guidelines, Ministry of Public Health, 2010.

Figure 3 1: Applicable Laws & Guidelines



3.7 DECREE ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

In 2010, the GoL has released the new Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment. This Decree addresses two types of investment project requiring environmental and social assessment:

• Category 1: Investment projects which are small or create less impact on environment and society, but require initial environmental examination.

• Category 2: Large sized investment projects which are complicated or create substantial impacts on environment and society but require environmental impact assessment.

The Environmental and social assessment principles can be summarized as below:

(1) In relation to investment projects classified in Category 1 and Category 2, including projects provided in Article 6 (2) of this Decree, the project developer must, first, obtain an environmental compliance certificate, before any contract of mining and extracting of mineral substances or constructing can be completed or before any business license can be issued; and before they can start to clear the area, construct or implement the project.

(2) An initial environmental examination or an environmental impact assessment must be conducted only by a Consultant Firm or by a Consultant who is registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration. The initial environmental examination or the environmental impact assessment must be designed with study of several options, so that the best option can be selected: study on impacts on antiquities, culture, and custom-tradition, planning to solve the negative impacts on environment and society, participation of the people who are (will be) affected by the investment project and other stakeholders in discussion process at all levels, and in drawing up budget for those activities.

(3) Ensuring the participation of the public and discussion with local administrations at all levels, with those who are (will be) affected by an investment project and other persons involved in preparation and examination of a report on initial environmental examination or a report on environmental impact assessment.

(4) An individual, legal entity or organization who wishes to render environmental impact assessment services in Lao PDR must comply with the following procedures:

• A domestic Consultant Firm must be licensed and registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration.



• A domestic Consultant must be registered as an Environmental Consultant at the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

• A foreign Consultant Firm or foreign Consultant who has already got a license to render environmental services in a foreign country must register its business with the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

(5) A project developer must be liable for: • The accuracy of the data and information contained in its report on

initial environmental examination or report on environmental impact assessment.

• Every expense incurred in the process of preparing and examining of a report on initial environmental examination, including measures to prevent and minimize impacts on the environment and society or a report on environmental impact assessment, an environmental management and monitoring plan, a social management and monitoring plan, as well as implementing and overseeing the implementation of measures to prevent and minimize the impacts on the environment and society, or an environmental management and monitoring plan, and a social management and monitoring plan.

• In relation to a new investment project which is likely to affect other investment projects, there must be a cumulative impact assessment, in conjunction with the existing investment projects.

• For an investment project which is likely to create impacts beyond the border, a trans-boundary environmental impact assessment must be conducted.

(6) Any organizations involved in examination (or deliberation) of a report on initial environmental examination or a report on environmental impact assessment is obliged to monitor the outcomes of implementation of measures on prevention and minimization of impacts on the environment and society or of an environmental management and monitoring plan of the investment project, whereas local administrations have duties to monitor the implementation of the social management and monitoring plan.

(7) There are two key Lao Governmental agencies in the ESIA Process, MONRE (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and local administrations. Their responsibilities are as follows:

a) MONRE (Former WREA – Water Resources and Environment Administration)



• To issue environmental compliance certificates for approved reports on initial environmental examination proposed by the sector bodies in charge of investment.

• To participate in field inspections and participate in consultation meetings at district level. The Water Resources and Environment Administration may nominate Provincial or Prefectural Water Resources and Environment Divisions to participate on its behalf.

• To coordinate with the concerned sector bodies and issue guidelines on practical implementation.

b) Local Administrations • To issue environmental compliance certificates and certify reports

on initial environmental examination based on the verification of the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

• To cooperate with and facilitate project developers in surveying and collecting information to prepare reports and in organizing consultations with the people who are (likely to be) affected by the investment project and any other stakeholders.

• To cooperate in the information dissemination process, and encourage people who are likely to be affected by an investment project to access the objectives of the project, expected benefits and the environmental and social impacts which might occur from the project.

3.8 OTHER POLICIES, DECREES & REGULATIONS

3.8.1 GoL’s Resettlement Policy (1997)

Under the Electricity Law, the Water Law, and the Road Law, project developers are required to provide the affected population with compensations and/or replacement land for land taken from them as a result of the construction and/or operation of a project. The Draft National Resettlement Policy for Major Projects in Lao PDR delineates a set of regulations for preparing and implementing an involuntary relocation program.

All electricity projects in Lao PDR that fulfill the following criteria are required to develop and implement a full Resettlement Action Plan.

All Electricity Projects involving the necessary relocation 200 or more individuals. All Electricity Projects involving the loss of land, community structures, services and/or livelihood (income) for 200 or more individuals.

All Electricity Projects that result in the loss of housing, land, community structures, resources, habitat and/or livelihood for 100 or more individuals that are



disadvantaged, including vulnerable ethnic groups, isolated communities, households headed by women and the poorest communities.

All Electricity Projects with less than 200 individuals affected (100 individuals from disadvantaged groups, requiring relocation, loss of community structures, services, livelihoods, housing and land) by project activities do not require a separate Resettlement Action Plan, however, resettlement plans for those individuals that fall into this category, shall be included in the Social Action Plan (SAP) and EMP that is required for the Environmental Assessment Process. In doing so the resettlement plans included in the SAP shall incorporate the relevant requirements of the Environmental Management Standard.

3.8.2 National Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Hydropower Sector in Lao PDR (2005)

In recognition of the importance of hydropower as income generation source for Lao PDR, the GoL acknowledges that hydropower must be sustainable. There are three important principles of sustainability: (i.) economic sustainability, (ii.) social sustainability and (iii.) ecology sustainability. This policy is applied for large dams with an installed capacity greater than 50 MW or inundating more than 10,000 hectares of land at full supply level.

This policy includes the following items: (1) Environmental assessment, (2) Identification of project affected people, (3) preparation of a watershed management and conservation plan, (4) arrange consultation, (6) arrange disclosure, (7) Compliance, (7) Revenue, (8) Existing Hydropower Projects, (9) institutionalization, (10) Reporting.

3.8.3 Prime Minister’s Decree No. 164/1993 and Prime Minister’s Decree No. 163/PM on National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs)

The Government of Lao PDR has developed a national protected area system for several years. The program to establish a national biodiversity conservation system2 has been active since 1989. PM’s Decree Nº 164/1993 firstly established 18 NBCAs covering approximately 10% of the land area of the country, a further two (Dong Phou Vieng and Xe Sap) were added in 1995-1996 plus two corridor areas.

Up to 12 August 2012, GoL-MONRE has approved 24 NBCAs with total area of 3,767,680 ha, 49 National Protection Forests with total area of 7,540,136 ha.

2 The Lao term ‘Pa Sa-Nguan Heng Sat’ means ‘national conservation forest’, to distinguish them from

other types of conservation forest, the term ‘National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCA).



In addition to the NBCAs, National protected forests, the provinces and districts have also established a number of Provincial and District Conservation and Protection Areas.

Table 3-1: Summary of Biodiversity Conservation and Protection areas in Laos

Category No. of Total Area (ha)

NBCAs 24 3,767,680

National Protection Forests 49 7,540,136

Provincial Conservation Forests 59 510,000

Provincial Protection Forests 5 141,633

District Conservation Forests 144 500,000

District Protection Forests 85 366,838

Corridors 2 77,170

Total 368 12,903,457

Source: Department of Forest Resources Management, MONRE (August, 2012)

However, as the result of conversion of land use and forest types, most of the land and forests within the project area have been disrupted by human activities (logging, slash and burn cultivation and others), and therefore it is unlikely there would be any forest conservation of any kind still existing.

Additionally, the area is under pressure from logging and hunting activities, continuing patterns of shifting cultivation as well as conversion of forestland for agricultural production purposes. In the more remote and steep areas there are patches of pristine forest especially Dry Evergreen and Mixed Deciduous communities. They are located, however, outside of the project area. These are in areas difficult to access by boat or by foot (more than a day’s walk). Hunting is reduced in areas that are difficult to access on foot.

3.8.4 Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage

It requires that in order to prevent exploitation of relics and antiquities, any person who discovers archaeological relics or a cultural site must inform the provincial and district offices within three days. In addition to the above Lao PDR statutes and regulations, the GoL is also a signatory of the following international conventions that may have a bearing on transmission and distribution projects:

o UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1996) under which Lao PDR agrees to: - Develop a national biodiversity conservation and sustainable use strategy,



- Develop legislation for protecting species and populations that are threatened,

- Integrate conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into national decision making Conduct EA of proposed development projects with a view to minimizing negative impacts.

3.8.5 Amended Environmental Protection Law, (No.29/NA, dated 18 December)

- Assigns the MONRE the rights and primary responsibilities for protection, mitigation and restoration of the environment in Lao PDR.

- Defines the environmental conservation responsibilities of other GOL agencies such as the MEM, MAF, etc.

- States that environmental conservation comes before mitigation and restoration.

- Stipulates that those who generate an environmental impact are responsible for the resulting damage caused.

- Directs that environmental management and monitoring units (EMMUs) be established at all levels of government, with responsibilities to include such things as: establishing and enforcing sector environmental plans; taking action to abate environmental damage; issuing orders to adjust, suspend, remove or close down activities that cause negative impacts.

The Amended Law on Environmental Protection also establishes the GoL or authority to make decree and environmental regulations. To this end, the GoL has enacted the new Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment in the Lao PDR (No: 112/PM dated 16 February 2010). See Section 3.8.7.

3.8.6 PM Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement (2005)

The decree comprises six sections and nineteen articles.

Section I is the general section. It sets out the objective and fundamental principle for compensation and relocation of project affected people. It also provides instructions and measurement procedures for mitigation and compensation for all potential negative impacts on socio-economic and livelihood of the affected people within or in the vicinity of the project areas. It defines and classifies affected groups e.g. the vulnerable and ethnic groups of affected people.

Section II states and defines the right of affected person in receiving compensation

Section III states and defines the compensation requirement and procedure, assistance during the relocation, settlement and livelihood development

Section IV defines resettlement and compensation components which state and emphasize the significance of local culture and tradition, community participation in the process, grievance measure and budgetary considerations.



Section V refers to enforcement procedures for both violator and law-abiding persons.

Section VI sets out the implement procedure as well as the institutional frame work of responsibilities.

3.8.7 Prime Minister’s Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment in the Lao PDR (No: 112/PM dated 16 February 2010)

- Article 1: Objectives:

This Decree has the following objectives:

To disseminate and implement Article 8 of Law Environmental Protection, in relation to Environmental Impact Assessment;

To lay down principles and rules, and adopt measures on establishment, functions, management and monitoring (of the concerned agencies in) environmental impact assessment;

To ensures that all investment projects of the State and private sector, both domestic and foreign, operating in Lao PDR (hereafter called ‘investment projects’) which create or will create adverse environmental and social impacts, are designed with the right and appropriate environmental and social impact prevention and mitigation measures or environmental management and monitoring plans (EMMP) and social management and monitoring plans (SMMP);

To effectively prevent, minimize and resolve adverse environmental and social impacts derived from investment projects;

To contribute to the national socio-economic development, to make it sustainable.

- Article 2: Scope of Application

This Decree is applicable to all investment projects which are divided into two categories, in which the Water Resources and Environment Administration shall review and improve the categorization accordingly from time to time, in collaboration with line ministries:

Category 1: Investment projects which are small or create less impacts on environment and society, but require initial environmental examination;

Category 2: Large-sized investment projects which are complicated or create substantial impacts on environment and society, requiring environmental impact assessment.

- Article 4: General Principles

In assessing the impact on the environment, ones must follow the following principles:

(1) In relation to investment projects classified in Category 1 and Category 2,



including projects provided in Article 6(2) of this Decree, the project developer must, first, obtain environmental compliance certificate, before any contract of mining and extracting of mineral substances or constructing can be concluded, or before any business license can be issued; and then they can start clear the area, construct or implement the project.

(2) An initial environmental examination or an environmental impact assessment must be conducted only by a Consultant Firm or by a Consultant who is registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration. The initial environmental examination or the environmental impact assessment must be designed with study of several options, so that the best option can be selected: study on impacts on antiquities, culture, and custom-tradition, planning to solve the negative impacts on environment and society, participation of the people who are affected by the investment project and other stakeholders in discussion process at all levels, and in drawing up budget for those activities.

(3) Ensuring the participation of the public and discussion with local administrations at all levels, with those who are (will be) affected by an investment project and other persons involved in preparation and examination of a report on initial environmental examination or a report on environmental impact assessment.

(4) An individual, legal entity or organization who wishes to render environmental impact assessment services in Lao PDR must comply with the following procedures:

• A domestic Consultant Firm must be licensed and registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration;

• A domestic Consultant must be registered as an Environmental Consultant at the Water Resources and Environment Administration;

• A foreign Consultant Firm or foreign Consultant who has already got a license to render environmental services in a foreign country must register its business with the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

(5) A project developer must be liable for:

• The accuracy of the data and information contained in its report on initial environmental examination or report on environmental impact assessment;

• Every expense incurred in the process of preparing and examining of a report on initial environmental examination, including measures to prevent and minimize impacts on the environment and society or a report on environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan, a social management and monitoring plan, as well as implementing and overseeing the implementation of measures to prevent and minimize the impacts on the environment and society, or an



environmental management and monitoring plan, and a social management and monitoring plan;

• In relation to a new investment project which is likely to affect other investment projects, there must be a cumulative impact assessment, in conjunction with the existing investment projects;

• For an investment project which is likely to create impacts beyond the border, a trans-boundary environmental impact assessment must be conducted.

(6) Any organizations involved in examination (or deliberation) of a report on initial environmental examination or a report on environmental impact assessment is obliged to monitor the outcomes of implementation of measures on prevention and minimization of impacts on the environment and society or of an environmental management and monitoring plan of the investment project, whereas local administrations have duties to monitor the implementation of the social management and monitoring plan.

- Article 7: Rights and duties of the ones who are affected by an investment project, and of other stakeholders

The people (residents) who are (likely to be) affected by an investment project and other stakeholders have the following rights and duties:

To receive information on development plan of the investment project, the benefits that they will receive and impacts on environment and society which may arise from the investment project.

To give information and data on local environment and society in the area of the project and in the nearby locations, to be used in preparing a report on initial environment assessment, consisting of measures to prevent and minimize the impacts on the environment and society, or in preparing a report on environmental impact assessment, an environmental management and monitoring plan, and a social management and monitoring plan.

To receive information on (contained in) the report initial environmental examination, including measures on prevention and minimization of impacts on the environment and society, or the report on environmental impact assessment, the environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP), and the social management and monitoring plan (SMMP), as well as the report on the progress in implementation of the measures to prevent and minimize the impacts of the investment project.

To participate in the consultation meetings at all levels to deliberate the report on initial environmental examination or the report on environmental impact assessment, the environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP), and the social management and monitoring plan (SMMP).

To participate in discussions on compensation, migration - resettlement, and restoration of the living condition of the people who are (likely to be)



affected by the investment project.

To participate in discussions on implementation of the environmental and social activities, as well as the environmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP), and the social management and monitoring plan (SMMP) of the investment project.

To make a written proposal to solve the environmental and social problems caused by the investment project to the local administrations, at each level, to solve the environment and social problems, or directly to the Water Resources and Environment Administration, in case the problems have not yet been solved.

3.8.8 Lao PDR & International Conventions

Accession: • Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Vienna, 22

September 1988; • Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Montreal,

1 January 1989; • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. New York, 9

May 1992; • Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change. Kyoto, 11 December 1997; • Convention on Biological Diversity. Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992; • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries

Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa. Paris, 14 October 1994;

• Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, Ramsar, 2 February 1971;

• International treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; • The London amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that

Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Ratification: • Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,

Paris, 16 November 1972; • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Stockholm, 22

May 2001; • Convention on Intangible Heritage, accepted 17 October 2003; • Convention on Tobacco Control. New York, 21 May 2003, (S, 29 June

2004); • Convention on Intangible Heritage, accepted 17 October 2003; • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Source: http://www.ilp.gov.la/Database

http://www.ilp.gov.la/Database/I_4_1.htm






















http://www.ilp.gov.la/Database/I_11.htm



4 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The study areas for the GMS NPTP are situated in the provinces of Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Xayabury and Vientiane. The areas of impact considered in the study are the entire 25 meter corridor of each TL as well as every affected village, district and province the TL will run through. See the figure below for a general map of the study area and refer to maps in Chapter 2 of this report (Project Description) for a more detailed explanation of the Project location and study areas.

Figure 4 -1: Study Areas

Study Area



Xayabury-Paklay

Nonhai-Paklay

BounNeua-Namo

4.1 PHYSICAL RESOURCES

4.1.1 Topography

Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Xayabury and Vientiane are the northern and northwestern Lao provinces and are characterized by young landscapes where on-going processes continue to shape the land. The topography is predominantly steeply dissected hill country, ranging in elevation from 330 m in bottom valley areas to over 2,000 m on mountain ridges. Approximately 85% of the provinces are mountainous. However, there is a wide variety of terrain in these provinces from flat plains cultivated with rice paddies, to narrow valleys and rolling hills. The slopes of the lower hill zone tend to be steep where tributaries have down-cut in V-shaped valley bottoms. Upper hill slopes tend to be less steep and more rounded. Large flat areas are rare, occurring occasionally along the Mekong and other major rivers where valleys open up to allow river flood plains to develop.

4.1.2 UXO Conditions in the Project Area

Figure 4-2: UXO-NRA Map of Lao PDR

As illustrated in figure 4.2 UXO contamination is an extensive and very serious problem for the Lao PDR. In addition to the human suffering and loss of life, UXO contamination prevents effective development and resource use over large areas of the country. Thus the National UXO Decontamination Program is an important component in the fight against poverty.

During a ten-year period (1964 to 1973) of Indochina war, the districts located along the Lao-Vietnam border are the most affected by UXO. More than 6,300,000 tons of bombs rained down on Indochina, more than all ordinance dropped on Europe and in the Pacific



theater during World War II.

Lao PDR experienced intense ground battles and aerial bombings. It is estimated that over 500,000 bombing missions were launched over Lao PDR. Of the estimated 2 million tons of ordnance dropped on Lao PDR between 1964 & 1973, about 30% failed to explode leaving large areas of the country littered with unexploded ordnance (UXO). Severe UXO contamination still affects 15 provinces (NGPES, 2004) and over 50% of all agricultural land is compromised (MAF/JICA, 2001).

As illustrated in figure 4.2, UXO contamination is not extensive in the areas through which the proposed transmission lines will be built. Nevertheless EDL will engage a certified contractor to investigate and clear any UXO in the Project area. No construction will begin until the work site has been officially certified as being safe. Please refer to Annex 1 for UXO Maps of Vientiane, Xayabury, Oudomxay and Phongsaly Provinces.

4.1.3 Geology & Seismicity

Figure 4 -3: Geological Map of Study Area

From the geologic map of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Volume 7, Atlas of Mineral Resources of the ESCAP region series, on the scale 1:1,500,000 (www.unescap.org/esd/water/publications/mineral/amrs/vol17), United Nations publication, 1990, the general geology of the project area is covered with soil and rock units ranging from Middle Paleozoic to Quaternary in age, consisting of Sedimentary rocks, Metamorphic rocks and Igneous rocks. The description of each formation, stratigraphically starting from the younger to the older formation is shown in Figure 4.3 above.

http://www.unescap.org/esd/water/publications/mineral/amrs/vol17



Figure 4-4: Seismic Hazard Map, SE Asia

Regarding seismic hazards; while no specific assessment or seismic attenuation relationship has been derived for Lao PDR, and the country has never experienced a major earthquake, the map to the right shows that the Peak Ground Acceleration that might be expected in the study areas in northern Laos is relatively low (yellow area), i.e. a peak ground acceleration of between 0.4 and 1.6 m/s².

4.1.4 Water Resources

The steep terrain of northern Lao PDR is part of an intricate system of streams and rivers that form the Mekong River watershed. Fourth order streams, which have their origins on the upper slopes of mountains, have cut through the soils and weathered bedrock to form high gradient V-shaped watercourses.

Within the project area, these streams feed the larger third order (tertiary) streams and the main secondary rivers that are the principal tributaries of the Mekong. Most villages are located within 1 km of a permanent stream, the primary source for drinking water in these rural areas. The transmission line will traverse the valley side slopes and cross numerous major tributaries and their minor watercourses.

4.1.5 Soils

The steep mountain slopes, with their moderately thin layers of soils are particularly prone to erosion and mass wasting when vegetation is removed and soils are exposed to rainfall and surface water flows. Water quality in the mountain streams and rivers is generally quite high, but can be rapidly degraded when soils that are eroded or wasted from exposed slopes enter streams and increase turbidity, thereby reducing the quality of water for aquatic organisms, and domestic and livestock consumption.

NAFRI estimated soil erosion rates ranged from 1.25 to 3.13 mm year–1. Net erosion rates originating from slash-and-burn cultivation but corrected by deducting the natural erosion rate (measured on the forested slope), were 0-1.88 mm year

Figure 4-5: Soil Erosion from Heavy Slash and Burn Practice in Phongsaly Province.



NAFRI also estimated that the eroded soil had been re-deposited there at a rate of 1.43-3.28 mm year.

4.1.6 Climate

The project area has a sub-tropic climate strongly influenced by the annual southwest monsoon that affects the region from April to October (mean annual rainfall ranging from 1,400 mm to 2,000 mm), when the region receives 85% to 91% of its annual rainfall. During the dry season (October to March) no significant rain may fall for several some months. The hottest months are April and May (31°C to >34°C) and the coolest months are January and February (9 °C to 14 °C). Sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon at the higher elevations during the coldest months of the year.

A recent study undertaken by the Eastham et al. (2008) predicted parameters of climate change for 2030 based on the IPCC’s Scenario A1B. The study made the following predictions:

• A basin wide temperature increase of 0.79°C, with greater increases for colder catchments in the north of the basin.

• An annual precipitation increase of 0.2 m, equivalent to 15.3%, predominantly from increased wet season precipitation.

• An increase in dry season precipitation in northern catchments and a decrease in dry season precipitation in southern catchments, including most of the lower Mekong basin.

• An increase in total annual runoff of 21%, which will maintain or improve annual water availability in all catchments. However, pockets of high levels of water stress will remain during the dry season in some areas, such as northeastern Thailand and Tonle Sap. An increase in flooding in all parts of the basin, with the greatest impact in downstream catchments on the mainstream of the Mekong.

• Changes to the productivity of capture fisheries that require further investigation, although it is predicted that the storage volumes and levels of Tonle Sap, a major source of capture fisheries, will increase.

• A possible 3.6% increase in agricultural productivity but with overall increases in food scarcity as food production in excess of demand reduces with population growth; further investigations are required to take into account effects of flooding and crop damage on these predictions.

4.2 ECOLOGICAL & BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

4.2.1 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) & National Protection Forests (NPF).

According to the Survey, construction activities will not have any impact on any NBCAs or NPFs. See the map below for the location of NBCAs, NPFs and the transmission lines.



Figure 4-6: Map Showing NBCAs and the GMS NPTP Line Routes

While 10km of Production Forest (PF) (dark green in figure 4.6) are crossed by the proposed Transmission Line Corridor; Lao authorities do not consider these as absolute constraints to transmission lines.



2.13km

1.6km

Nam Pouy NBCA

Nevertheless potential impacts on Production Forest (PF) should be identified and avoided or mitigated whenever possible. Prior to construction, feasible, cost effective and site specific environmental protection measures, based on the IEE and CEMP must be developed by the contractors for all DPFs crossed by the TL corridors.

4.2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats

Generally, Lao PDR still harbors rich fauna, with many species’ populations and their habitats less depleted than in many countries of the region. At least 166 species of reptiles and amphibians, 700 bird species, and 100 mammal species occur in Lao PDR. However, virtually all of these are found only in inaccessible areas within existing NBCAs.

The only NBCA in proximity to any of the proposed TLs is the Nam Pouy NBCA. As illustrated in figure 4-7 below the closest the TL comes to this NBCA is 2.13km and 1.6km.

Figure 4-7: Map Showing the Nearest Point of RoW to Nam Pouy NBCAs

The most important species found in the Nam Pouy NBCA are identified in Tables 4-1 to 4-3.



Mammal Species:

Table 4-1: Mammal Species in Nam Pouy NBCA Area

English (Lao) Name (Common Name) Scientific Name

Within Nam Pouy NBCA Area

Classification and Status

IUCN Red List

Mammal Species: Asian Elephant, (Xang: -§É¾¤) Elephas maximus Appearance Prohibited List

Tiger (Suea khong: À¦õºÂ£È¤¤) Panthera tigris Appearance Prohibited List

Gaur (Ngoua ka thing: ¤ö¸¡½êò¤) Bos gauru Appearance Prohibited List

Gaur (Meuy: £¸¾¨¡½êò¤ Íõ À´ó¨) Bos frontalis Appearance Prohibited List

Bear (Mee: Ïó) Ursusthibetanus Appearance Prohibited List

Langur (Kharng: £È¾¤) Trachypithecus francoisi poliocephalus

Appearance Prohibited List

Monkey (Ling: ìó¤) Macaca Spp. Appearance Managed List Redshanked Douc Langur (Khadeng: ¢¾Á©¤)

Pygathrixnemaeus Appearance Prohibited List

Gibbon (Thany: ê½ó) Nomascus leucogenys Appearance Prohibited List

Serow (Gnueang: À õº¤) Capricormis Sumatraensis Appearance Prohibited List

Mole (Toun: ª÷È ) Talpa micrura Appearance -

Bamboo rat or Mole rat (Ohn: ºí) Rhizomys sumatrensis Appearance -

Reptiles and Amphibians Species:

Table 4-2: Reptiles and Amphibian Species in in Nam Pouy NBCA Area English (Lao) Name

(Common Name) Scientific Name Within

Nam Pouy NBCA Area


IUCN Red List

Reptiles Species: Water monitor (Hiaa: À»É¨) Varanussalvattor A Managed List

Yellow Tree Monitor (Len: Áì) Varanusbengalensis A -

(Calotes spp.) Kathang: ¡½êÉ¾¤ Physignathuscocincinus A Managed List

Turtle (Taou: Àª‰¾) Testudo graeca sps A Managed List

Elongate turtle (Tuao phek: Àª‰¾À²ñ¡)

Indotestudo elongata A Managed List

Soft-Shelled turtle (Pafa: ¯¾±¾) Apalone spinifera A Managed List

Reticulated Python (Gnou Leuam: ¤Ñ-À¹ùõº´)

Python reticulates A Prohibited List

King cobra (Ngou Chong Ang: ¤Ñ¥ö¤º¾¤)

Ophiophgus hannah A Prohibited List

Monocled cobra (Ngou Haou: ¤Ñ-À¹‰¾) Naja kaouthia A Managed List

Common Ratsnacke (Ngou Sing: ¤Ñ-¦ò¤)

Ptyas mucosus A -

Indochinese Sand Snake (Ngou Psammophis condanarrus

A -



Xeuak Phat: ¤Ñ-À§õº¡-²¾©)

Green Leaf Snake (Ngou Khieo:¤Ñ-¢¼¸)

Ahaetulla nasuta A -

Amphibian Species: Narrow-mouthed Frog: Khiet Leuang: ¢¼©À¹ùõº¤

Mycrohyla berdmorei A -

Flog (Kob Hin/Kob Dong: ¡ö®¹ó, ¡ö®©ö¤)

Paa microlineata A -

(Khiet Ta Pat Leuang: ¢¼©ª½¯¾©À¹ùõº¤)

Rhacophorus calcaneus A -

(Khiet Ta Pat Tong: ¢¼©ª½¯¾© ¡É¸¨)

Rhacophorus reinwardti

A -

(Khiet Lai/Hin: ¢¼©ì¾¨) Amolops cremnobatus A -

Table 4-3: Bird Species in Species in in Nam Pouy NBCA Area

English (Lao) Name (Common Name) Scientific Name

Within Nam Pouy NBCA

Area


IUCN Red List

Bird Species Oriental Pied Hornbill (Nok Keng: ö¡Á¡¤)

Antracoceros albirostis A Prohibited List

Silver Pheasant (Kaykhoua lang khao: Ä¡ú¢¸¾Íñ¤¢¾¸)

Lophura nycthe-mera A Prohibited List

Grey Pheasant (Kaykhoua lang khao: ö¡-¡¾¤ -¡º©)

Polyplectron bicalcaratum

A Prohibited List

Note: The classification and status of wildlife as identified above is based on the Regulation

of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry No. 0360/MAF, dated 8th Dec. 2003.

4.2.3 Terrestrial Ecology Status

The field surveys revealed that outside of the NBCA and Protected Forests, shifting cultivation is the dominant cropping system in the uplands and mountains of the study area. As many as 200,000 thousand families are engaged in shifting cultivation, or about a million people and 15% of the population.

The total area in the shifting cultivation cycle is difficult to assess, but is roughly estimated at 1-2 million hectares, equal to about 5-10% of the country. The field survey found that much upland shifting cultivation in Phongsaly, and some in Oudomxay, are now being converted into rubber plantations.

Similar change is occurring in Xayabury and Vientiane but the shift is to different cash crops. In Xayabury Province along the GMS NPTP route Paklay-Kenthao, there is extensive heavy slash and burn for conversion to growing cassava. These conversions totally eliminate all natural habitats and any biodiversity over vast areas.



Figure 4-8: Slash & Burn for Cassava/Rubber in the Project area.

4.2.4 Geography of the Study Area

High mountains rising to an average height of 1,500 meters dominate the Northern region. The three highest mountains in the country are all located in the Phou Ane Plateau in Xiengkhouang Province. A couple of decades ago, land locked and mountainous, the study area used to be one of the most remote corners of Asia. The lack of roads, different languages and civil war also added to the isolation. During the second Indochina conflict the infamous Ho Chi Min Trail went through Lao PDR, and it received the dubious honor of having most explosives dropped per capita in the history of warfare. Over 30 years later UXO (unexploded ordnance) remains a major obstacle for development in Laos. However, for the last few years the northern part of the country has opened up to outsiders as much as the infrastructure allows it.

The proposed GMS NPTP transmission line route will be passing through Lao local administrative areas as follows:

• Module 1 – Contract 1 – ADB - Paklay-Nonhai: 1 Province, 2 Districts, 16 Villages, 27,321 inhabitants.

• Module 1 – Contract 2– KEXIM - Paklay-Kenthao: 1 Province, 2 Districts, 21 Villages, 23,742 inhabitants.

• Module 2 – Contract 2 - KEXIM - Paklay-Xayabury: 1 Province, 3 Districts, 46 Villages, 54,746 inhabitants.

• Module 3 – Contract2–KEXIM - Boun Neau-Namo:3 Provinces, 3 Districts, 30 Villages, 12,600inhabitants.

4.3 PROVINCIAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

a) Phongsaly Province

Phongsaly is located in the northern most part of the country. It borders with China and Vietnam. It contains 15 ethnic groups, 542 villages, about 30,000 households and approximately 178,000 inhabitants. About 6,450 of the households are considered poor and 230 of the villages.



The economy of Phongsaly province relies on the agriculture/forestry sector (50.19%) followed by industrial/handicraft (27.13%) and service (22.67%). In the last 2009-2010 economic plan, the province has achieved an average annual economic growth of 8.1%. Rural electrification occurred in 85 villages (or 15.71% of total 542 villages). Key socio-economic development constraints are due to (i) ineffectiveness of public investments; ii) inefficiency of public administration including limited skills and experiences in handling their responsibility; and (iii) the agricultural food production is based on primitive approaches.

b) Oudomxay Province

Oudomxay is divided into 7 districts, with a total of 502 villages, approximately 44,000 households and 397,000 people. The population density is quite low (17 people per km2). The province borders China and Phongsaly Province to the north, Luang Namtha and Bokeo to the west, Xayabury to the south and Luang Prabang to the east. Although Oudomxay has only a short international border with China, it is a transit point between China, Vietnam and Thailand, with a large flow of products. About 14 ethnic groups are present in the province of which the main one is Khmu which makes up 85% of all ethnic groups.

Development in Oudomxay Province is obstructed by poor infrastructure, with more funding required from the government, international organizations and the private sector if the provincial government is to achieve basic poverty alleviation by 2015. The province is striving to reach poverty alleviation targets as fast as possible.

The province is mountainous and it is considered difficult to access remote villages, so infrastructure development is a top priority in the efforts to improve villagers' living conditions. These include provision of sealed roads, electricity, water, more schools and improved health care facilities. Seven districts, Namo, Nga, Beng, Houn and Pakbeng, are on the list of the 47 poorest districts nationwide as listed by the government.

c) Xayabury Province

Xayabury Province is a northwestern province sharing a border with Thailand and is known for its very rugged landscape with forested mountains, and is also known for the production of rice, cotton, peanuts, sesame, maize and oranges. Teak forests cover large parts of the province. Xayabury has a population of about 382,000.

The Xayabury Province comprises 10 districts, of which Xayabury and Xienghone are on the government's list of 47 poorest districts nationwide. Locals have been farming for many centuries and district officials believe combining local knowledge with modern farming techniques is a key for poverty reduction. Of some 6,036 families living in the district, 1,328 are still living below the poverty line. Although, the number of poor families is steadily declining year by year the province cannot achieve basic poverty alleviation this year because some people still live in poor conditions and are waiting for assistance. However, provincial officials are confident they will be able to declare basic poverty reduction by 2012.

A Chinese company also has a concession of about 4,500 hectares to grow rubber trees, which provides local people with employment. It is believed that infrastructure development and teaching new farming methods to poor families



helped them to expand their farming and animal husbandry activities, and are important factors in improving their living standards.

But the provincial government has difficulty getting farmers to move away from using old fashioned techniques that result in low yields, though they continue to educate locals about improved agricultural practices. The average annual income in the province now stands at more than 5 million kip, and is expected to rise in the near future. The government's Poverty Reduction Fund has so far invested 500 million kip in improvements to basic infrastructure.

Source: Photo by Author (2012)

Figure 4-9: Photo of Xayabury (Right Bank) and Vientiane (Left Bank)

d) Vientiane Province

Vientiane Province is located on the left bank of the Mekong River in Central Lao PDR and has a total area of 22,554 square kilometers. The total population is about 493,600 people. Phonehong is its capital city and Sanakham is a border District situated opposite to Chiang Khan District in Thailand.

The Vientiane Province’s Fourth Five-year Social Development Plan (2011-2015) focused on the development of agricultural processing industry, and to create prerequisite factors for rural development in order to make a comprehensive change by focusing all efforts to family, village, and focal villages as centre for development.

Economic development progress in the past five years can be calculated from the increase of average annual per capita from approximately US $330 to over US$750. The value of the province’s exports reached US$30 million, a 24 percent increase over that of five years ago, while imports were valued at US$14 million this year, an increase of 14 percent over the previous year’s same period.

There are now 5,968 poor families in 88 villages of Vientiane Province, accounting for 7.2 percent of the total provincial population. It should be noted that a target has



been set to achieve an average annual per capita income of US$1,400, with an average growth rate of 9 percent for the next five years.

4.4 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT a) Laos - Whole Country HDI

The United Nations identifies Human Development Index (HDI) as the representation of a push for a broader definition of well-being and provides a composite measure of three basic dimensions of human development: health, education and income. Lao PDR’s HDI in 2011 is estimated at 0.524, which gives the country a rank of 138 out of 187 countries in the world with comparable data. The HDI of East Asia and the Pacific as a region increased from 0.428 in 1980 to 0.671 today, placing Lao PDR below the regional average. (Table and Figure below)

Lao PDR’s life expectancy at birth increased by 18.7 years, mean years of schooling increased by 2.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 2.9 years. The Lao GNI per capita increased by about 135.0 per cent between 1990 and 2011 (Table below).

Table 4-4: Comparative HDI of Lao PDR and the Region

Year Lao PD R Medium human development

East Asia and the Pacific

World

2011 0.524 0.630 0.671 0.682 2010 n.a. n.a. 0.666 0.679 2009 0.514 0.618 0.658 0.676 2008 0.507 0.612 0.651 0.674 2007 0.500 0.605 0.642 0.670 2006 0.491 0.595 0.631 0.664 2005 0.484 0.587 0.622 0.660

Source: UNDP 2012

Source: UNDP, 2012 Figure 4-10: Lao PDR’s HDI



Table 4-5: Improvement of Human Development in Lao PDR

Year

Life expectancy

at birth

Expected years of schooling

Means years of

schooling

GNI per capita (PPP$)

HDI value

2011 67.5 9.2 4.6 2,242 0.524 2010 67.1 9.2 4.6 2,126 0.520 2005 64.5 9.0 4.2 1,570 0.484 2000 61.4 8.2 3.9 1,290 0.448 1990 48.8 6.3 2.1 - -

Source: UNDP 2012

b) Human Development Status in Study Provinces

On the average, Vientiane Province has a better status on education, health and safe water (Table below).

Table 4-6: Human Development Status in Study Provinces

Province

Literacy Rate (%)

% of people having 8+ hours

to:

% of people

have safe

water

% of people

have toilet Male Female Hospital Clinic

Vientiane 94 83 0.0 0.0 71 88

Xayabury 88 82 1.2 0.0 58 94

Oudomxay 77 53 5.3 0.0 68 70

Phongsaly 62 44 22.9 6.8 60 31

Source: Lao Department of Statistics, (2009/2010)

4.5 QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES

4.5.1 Land Use & Livelihood

The types of land use employed by the ethnic groups affected by this project include swidden agriculture, paddy agriculture, non-rice cropping and animal husbandry. Some project areas also support plantation agriculture. Swidden is mostly found in the higher altitudes and groups utilizing swidden are often also heavily dependent on forest resources. Agricultural systems and land use patterns are very much tied up with each ethnic group’s cultural identity, and present different vulnerabilities to infrastructure projects.

The household economy is very much linked to the agricultural cycle, with the poor experiencing rice shortages from May/June until the harvest three months later. Because of this, savings tend to be in the form of grain storage or livestock, being a safety net against food shortage rather than a nest egg for future production expansion. The staple of the Lao diet is rice. It is the major crop, occupying about 80% of all land used for agriculture. In Xayabury province farmers grow a mixture of paddy rice and upland rice.

a) Paddy Culture



Lowland paddy culture is typically village-centered, with paddy fields surrounding the houses and the forest beyond. Both village and paddy are situated on flat or terraced land, with the forest beginning on the surrounding hill slopes.

In the project areas, much of the paddy culture is found in the lower hill areas, often the geographic pattern is more linear than nuclear, with villages located close to roads for ease of transportation and access, and paddy fields running up adjacent valleys to take advantage of gentle topography and water for irrigation. The periphery of the forest is utilized.

b) Swidden Culture

Swidden culture is forest-centered rather than the village-centered, the forest providing the resources required to nourish and sustain the people. Indigenous hill dwelling people spend 6 to 9 months of the year in the forest and the swidden. Villages are located away from swidden fields, usually at lower elevations with some access to other villages or transport routes, and an available water supply.

Temporary field huts are built in the swidden and move as the fields complete their useful productive cycles (up to 3 years). In some cases entire villages will move in response to environmental factors, or more recently, government provision of lowland farms. Practitioners of swidden agriculture have proven very adaptable to a change in farming system.

Swidden agriculturalists grow upland rice mixed with root and other field crops, and their diet is heavily supplemented by non-timber forest products, plus protein gained through animal husbandry and hunting. In the upland area of Namo, non-timber forest products available at the road-side market included roots, birds, bats, herbs, ferns, insects and even rats.

The forest regenerates its fertility through fallow periods in excess of 8 years. In the past rice yields from swidden land approached the yields of traditional paddy fields. However, recently the increasing use of high yielding seed varieties in paddy cultivation have increased the latter to the extent that paddy cultivation is several times as productive per hectare than swidden.

There are two types of swidden practice: pioneering and rotational. The former involves groups of families or individuals moving periodically to new locations, typically densely forested, clearing the land by cutting and burning the forest, then utilizing the area for crops until it is no longer fertile, when a new plot is cleared. This type of swidden agriculture is unsustainable since forest regeneration takes many years, and contributes to other environmental problems such as erosion. Pioneering swidden is still very much in evidence in the remoter project areas of Xayabury, north of Paklay.

The second type of swidden agriculture is rotational swidden. This is where a village or individuals shift their cultivation between a number of existing swidden fields, allowing time in between for natural regeneration of fertility. If population factors allow the optimum fallow periods for the land (some areas require as much as 20 years fallow), this is a sustainable agricultural system. Unfortunately as villages grow and become more sedentary with the introduction of social infrastructure, and with growing restrictions on pioneering practices, fallow periods are becoming shorter and yields are dropping.



c) Non-Rice Cropping & Livestock Rearing

A shift away from rice and to plantation agriculture and cash cropping is a fairly recent phenomenon in the project areas, and indicative of how culture and tradition are flexible, not static in these communities. Some examples are chilly farms in the pineapple plantations near Nonhai, plantations of timber and fruit trees (such as mango and oranges) in Xayabury, and fairly extensive maize farming in southern Xayabury.

Much of this produce is destined for export, with maize mostly destined to become animal fodder in Thailand, fruit ending up in regional markets and in Vientiane, and chilies farmed on contract for Chinese entrepreneurs.

Logging is also a very important industry in Xayabury, with trees felled in most cases by hand according to regulation, dragged out to the road sides with elephants during the rainy season, and collected by trucks in the dry season when the roads are navigable. Permanent crops within the project areas include teak, cotton, vegetables, corn, soybean, peanut, agar tree, eucalyptus and fruit plantations. Commercial crops include sugar cane, groundnuts, sesame and cardamom.

Nearly 90% of rural households raise one or more kinds of livestock, including buffalo, cattle, pigs, elephants, goats and poultry, for household consumption, field/forest work and to sell. The sale of livestock is the most important source of cash income in most rural households. The table below summarizes livestock ownership in the Project provinces covered by the Project. On average, a household will maintain approximately 3 buffaloes and 4-5 cattle. In general, buffalo are used as draught animals in rice paddies. Manure from these animals is often the only fertilizer used in the production of rice and other crops. Rural households also raise pigs and poultry such as chicken, ducks and turkeys for their own consumption and for sale. Pig raising is most prevalent in the northern provinces.

d) Fishing & Non-Timber Forest Products

Fishing is a secondary activity for many rural households, with fish often supplying as much as 70% of the protein in the household diet as well as being a source of cash income. Some households maintain fishponds which the majority (70%) fish are from the combination source including rivers and commercial fish cultures.

Most households consume the bulk of fish they catch, but the sale of fresh, salted and dried fish is also a source of household cash income. Many rural households rely on harvesting edible and non-edible (such as resin and boom grass to sell) non-timber forest products to enrich their diets and to compensate for rice shortages. Most people rely on village forest for wild vegetables, mushrooms, nuts and other edibles, as well as meat from hunting. Other important NTFP resources include firewood and medicinal herbs, as well as wood, bamboo, grasses and other materials used for house construction, roofing and fencing.

e) Handicrafts and Home Business

Traditional handicrafts meet practical household needs and generate cash income. Some of these include weaving, particularly among Tai, Leui and other lowland groups; basketry and string bags made predominantly by Mon-Khmer groups; and the embroidery of the Hmong and other Miao-Yao groups. Small home businesses



tend to focus on activities that relate to or complement the agricultural activities of the household. These frequently include rice mills, making or repairing clothes or, adjacent to roads, running a small kiosk selling drinks and fruit.

4.5.2 Poverty

Poverty in the study area is highest in Oudomxay Province followed by Xayabury and Phongsaly. Vientiane Province seemed to be achieving the poverty reduction goal of less than 10% of the total provincial families.

It is noted that poverty and ethnicity in Lao PDR are linked. Geographically, the poorest in Lao are ethnic minorities living in remote villages with limited access to markets, education, financial services and health care.

Figure 4-11: Poverty in Study Area

4.5.3 Access to Basic Infrastructure & Facilities

a) Access to Clean Water

About 35% of all private households in Lao PDR had access to safe water (water from pipes or protected wells/boreholes) in 2005. Almost 53% of households nationally have access to water on their premises and 40% fetch water less than 500 m from the house. The situation was better in 2009/2010 of where 71%, 58%, 68%, and 60% of people in Vientiane, Xayabury, Oudomxay, and Phongsaly, respectively, has access to safe water.

b) Access to Education

Deficiencies in educational achievement are reflected in literacy rates for adults over 15 years of age. The national average of 85% of men and 64% of women is the same as neighboring Cambodia. More significant are the variations in educational achievement across geographic regions in Lao PDR, in urban and rural areas and between sexes that indicate systemic problems regarding access to education. In 2009/2010 literacy rate of people in the study area included 83% in Vientiane, 88% in Xayabury, 53% in Oudomxay and 44% in Phongsaly.

c) Access to Infrastructure and Communication

Infrastructure is relatively undeveloped in the project areas. The 2005 census collected information regarding the village infrastructure in terms of accessibility by road, access to electricity, health, schools etc. About 66.4 % of the villages could be accessed by road which is a basic precondition for social and economic development.



5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS & MITIGATION MEASURES The potential environmental impacts that may arise from project transmission lines and sub-stations are summarized in the table below.

Table 5-1: Environment Impact Matrix

Project Activity Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measure Institutional

Responsibility Implementation Schedule

A) Location and Design (Pre-Construction) Phase Encroachment into precious ecological areas/ Blockage of wildlife passage ways

Potential fragmentation of diminishing wildlife habitat and environmentally sensitive areas

• Avoid siting TLs through environmentally sensitive areas or through mature forest stands. • Site TLs on high points of land such that conductors can be strung over valleys thereby eliminating need to remove trees.

EDL and contractor

Survey and design stage

Encroachment into farmland

Loss of agricultural productivity • Alignment over agricultural land avoided as much as possible • Where unavoidable, compensation for loss of production will be paid to farmers. • Farmers permitted to raise crops along RoW during operation.

EDL and contractor


Impairment of aesthetics Loss of environmental beauty • Towers sited to take advantage of topographic features that hide it from highways • Along long wide valleys, alignment sited along toe of slopes.

EDL and contractor


Noise impacts Disturbance to local residents and wildlife resulting from noise and vibrations from substations and TLs

• Substations sited on outskirts of towns.

EDL and contractor


Interference with drainage patterns/ irrigation canals

Flooding hazards/losses in agricultural production

• Appropriate siting of towers to avoid interference with natural watercourses and irrigation canals.

EDL and contractor


Escape of polluting materials

Soil, surface and groundwater contamination from oil, lubricant or fuel spills

• Only non-PCB transformers permitted • Ensure design and implementation of oil spill containment systems follows IEEE Guidelines 35

•Provision of purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete with spill cleanup equipment. • Provision of adequate substation drainage and sewage disposal systems in accordance with IEEE Guidelines.

EDL Design stage



Explosions/Fire Hazards to life and limb • Design of substations to include modern fire control systems. • Provision of fire fighting equipment to be located close to transformers. • Preparation of fire emergency action plan and training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan.

EDL/Contractor Design stage

B) Construction Phase Project Activity Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measure Institutional


Encroachment into precious ecological areas

Potential for RoW vegetation clearance to remove important wildlife habitat; and potential for removal of plantation forests as part of Lao PDR’s reforestation programe.

• RoW alignment will avoid mature timber and other sensitive ecosystems • RoW will be limited to 25 m width; additional danger trees only removed under close EDL and Department of Forestry monitoring and supervision • In mountainous areas where towers can be located on high points of land, allowing conductors to span valleys such that required safe clearance distances are maintained, only a narrow path will be cleared to facilitate pulling the nylon bull rope between towers to string the conductors; otherwise, vegetation along the alignment will be close-cropped but not grubbed • If secondary forest must be cut, it will be done under close supervision and compensation will be paid according to Lao Forestry Law and regulations for compensatory planting • RoW clearing activities will be strictly defined in the contract specifications and environmental special provisions • Strict prohibition will be implemented against hunting and poaching of wildlife

Contractor Construction stage

Right-of-Way clearance.

Chemical pollution resulting from chemical clearing of vegetation from construction sites

Use of herbicides and other chemicals for vegetation clearance will be strictly prohibited.


Encroachment into farmland and interference with private property including access road construction

Loss of agricultural productivity

• Use existing access roads wherever possible. • Additional temporary access tracks built to facilitate movement of materials to the RoW to be decommissioned at end of construction • Where access required across agriculture lands, temporary access paths will be constructed during dry season when there are no crops; construction will involve placement of geotextile over which aggregates will be placed; access pathways will be decommissioned at end of construction period • In mountainous areas, pack ponies may be used to carry materials to tower construction sites • Where appropriate elephants may be used to carry materials to tower




construction sites • Provide compensation for temporary loss of production. • Careful construction practices to avoid damage to existing facilities • Full reinstatement of land to pre-construction (or better) condition after construction completion • Ensure existing irrigation services are maintained throughout construction period

Uncontrolled erosion/silt runoff

Soil loss; downstream siltation

• Wherever possible use existing tracks to gain access to tower sites • Access tracks not required for permanent use to be decommissioned and land rehabilitated following construction • Use international best practice to assess risks of slope failure and erosion and to prevent and control potential problems • Avoidance of earthworks during the wet season.


Interference with traffic and blockage of access ways

Disruption of services • Properly planned and executed traffic management measures supported by good site supervision.


Improper disposal of construction debris and wastes in worksites and construction camps.

Diminished ecological and social values

• Villagers permitted to remove useful wood/bamboo from RoW clearance activities. • Cleared vegetation to be stacked and burned so as to avoid forest fires and smoke impacts on nearby communities. • Packaging wastes from electrical equipment to be recycled wherever possible otherwise disposed of in nearby landfills/designated waste areas.


Inadequate disposition of borrow sites and quarries

Loss of land values; potential loss of vegetation and wildlife values; loss of aesthetics; soil erosion and diminished water quality downstream

• Use existing quarries and borrow areas to source aggregates

Contractor Construction Stage

Dust and noise Nuisance to nearby properties

Losses to neighboring land uses/values

• Good construction practice to minimize dust and noise nuisance supported by good site supervision and routine environmental monitoring.


Health and safety Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public

• Contractor to prepare and implement a workers’ health and safety plan. • Contractor to ensure adequate sanitation provisions for all work camps • Health and safety training to be provided to workers • Local villagers to receive health education aimed at improved hygiene, and preventing common vector borne and sexually transmitted diseases. • The detailed alignment survey will

involve cutting survey lines through vegetation to enable the cadastral survey crews to take unimpeded readings and measurements along sight-lines with their survey instruments. The tower locations will be marked on the ground along with the centre line of the alignment. EDL is

EDL/Contractor Construction stage



responsible for the clearance of all UXO in any affected areas of the Project area. No work will begin until the work site has been certified, in writing, as safe.

Inadequate construction stage monitoring


• Provision of adequate monitoring with contract payments linked to satisfactory implementation of contractual environmental mitigation measures.


C) Operation and Maintenance Phase Project Activity Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measure Institutional


Maintenance of rights-of-way

Health and ecological hazard if herbicides used to keep vegetation in check

• No herbicides to be used to control vegetation along RoW • Burning of vegetation along RoW prohibited • Local communities contracted to manually cut and clear vegetation along RoW under supervision of EDL

EDL Operation

Inadequate provision of workers health and safety during operations

Damage to workers health/safety

• Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards. • Safety awareness training. • Fire Emergency Action Plan and training given to staff. • Provision of adequate sanitation and water supply facilities.

EDL Design and Operation

Electric shock hazards

Hazards to wildlife humans

• Careful design utilizing appropriate technologies to minimize losses and hazards. • Design and installation of components to conform to internationally accepted safety standards.


Inadequate periodic environmental monitoring


• EDL to monitor environmental and social aspects of project operations and maintenance activities •EDL to provide training to substation and transmission line crews.

EDL Operation

5.1.1 Potential Impacts on Vegetation, Habitat and Wildlife

The clearance of vegetation along the presence of an alignment can lead to fragmentation of already diminishing areas of natural forests and wildlife habitats.

For GMS NPTP, however because the natural habitat is severely degraded over most of the project area due to a long history of exploitation of forest and land resources and because the alignment follows the main road for most of its length the impact on vegetation and wildlife is relatively minor. For the most part because of the proximity to existing roads no new access roads are required. In areas where the alignment at a distance from an existing road, the contractor will be required to use the RoW to move personnel and materials from tower to tower.

This will ensure minimal impact on natural vegetation, habitat and wildlife.

While impacts on natural vegetation, habitat and wildlife will be insignificant patches of secondary forests such as village production and holly forests (plantations) will be traversed by the TLs. In all such cases a detailed pre construction must be carried out to identify potential impacts and develop feasible,



cost effective and site specific environmental protection measures, based on the IEE and CEMP.

All clearing of forest plantations must be done only with prior consultation collaboration and written approval of the relevant Forest Clearing Committee (FCC), local village authorities and EDL’s EMU.

5.2 METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The proposed corridor was studied by a team of environmental / social specialists to identify the impacts that would be caused by the proposed 25 meter wide corridor. During the field work, the vegetation, riparian areas and potential habitats within the 25 meter wide transmission line corridor were observed. All information obtained in the field was recorded. Besides noting the physical and biological characteristics of the corridor the APs were interviewed to obtain local knowledge on any valuable species known to exist in the area.

The data collection and analysis methodology used a three step information process which included:

1. Assembly of a multi-disciplinary assessment team including representatives from provincial and district government.

2. Village consultation including village focal group meetings, representative landscape transect walks and a village debrief to gain an insight into villagers perceptions of the positive and negative impacts of GMS NPTP Project.

3. Data compilation and analysis was then conducted using a number of tools including field data sheets; mapping; GPS coordinates and photos taken of the areas.

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

5.3.1 Construction Activities

In principle, construction of the GMS NPTP will involve the following tasks:

• Vegetation will be cleared to gain access to the alignment and access tracks will be cut from various points along the main roads to which the Transmission Line runs more or less parallel. Where soil conditions dictate, the tracks will be surfaced with suitable road topping material.

• Sites for lattice steel towers will be cleared and grubbed, and holes dug to permit construction of each of the four tower footings. At locations where rock or densely compacted soil is encountered, rock drills will be used to create holes for the tower anchor bolts. In such cases, compressors may be required on site to provide compressed air for the pneumatic drills. Cement and aggregates will be carried to the each tower site to make concrete that will be poured into the holes to serve as the tower footings.

• Steel components and bolts for the lattice steel towers will be carried to each tower site, where the tower will be assembled and erected manually.



• Once the towers are in place, the insulators will be installed and pulling wheels will be hung from each insulator string. Nylon ropes will be run along the centerline of the alignment from tower to tower. Drums of conductor wire will be transported to strategic locations on the alignment, connected to the nylon ropes, which will then be connected to (gasoline) powered winch that is secured further along the alignment. Conductor wire will be secured to the nylon rope, which will be winched in one at a time to string the conductors from tower to tower, through the wheels suspended from the insulators. The conductor wires will be secured to the insulators with the appropriate tension and sag.

• Grounding rods and/or continuous buried “counterpoise” (grounding) wires will be installed as required.

• Temporary equipment stockyards, work camps and field mobile offices will be constructed. The main stockyards will be located near existing towns where advantage can be taken of transportation systems, existing vacant level land and, wherever possible, fenced off secure areas. Work camps along the transmission line will generally consist of temporary tent camps that will be moved as the construction proceeds along the alignment. Camps will house small work crews and will, therefore, not require any significant infrastructure.

• When once construction has been completed, sites that are no longer required (e.g., access tracks, storage and camp sites) will be rehabilitated. This will include removing debris or other contaminants, and returning the site to the same (or better) condition in which it was found. Where it was necessary to gain access to the alignment across agricultural lands, these areas will be reinstated to ensure future productivity.

5.3.2 Impact on Water Resources

i). Use of Local Water Supplies

Local water sources (wells/streams/groundwater) may be tapped during construction to meet the campsite and construction requirements. Conflicts over water use may result between the locals and contractors. While the conflict may be of limited duration it could be significant for local people.

ii). Contamination of Surface Water

Possible contamination of surface water can occur in the corridor where streams run in vicinity of route line.

Assuming good construction practices are followed and the following mitigation measures are implemented and monitored during the construction and operation of



the transmission line the overall significance of project impacts on surface water will be insignificant.

iii) Siltation of Natural Streams and Irrigation Channels

Natural streams may become silted by excavated material carried from construction and storage areas by runoff. The implementation of good construction practices and the following mitigation will minimize the potential for any significant impact on natural streams or irrigation channels.

5.3.2.1 Mitigation

i) Use of Local Water Supplies

The following measures should be carried out to mitigate the project’s potential impact on local water resources:

In areas where potable water is in short supply and critical, the availability of water will be assessed and alternate sources developed for construction if necessary;

Camps will be located at least 500m away from the nearest local settlements and any streams to prevent the contamination of community-owned water resources;

Approval from the local administration will be obtained before using local water resources;

The contractors will be required to maintain close liaison with local communities to ensure that any potential conflicts relating to water / resource utilization are avoided if possible and resolved quickly in the event they occur.

ii) Contamination of surface Water

Good management practices will be adopted to ensure that fuels, chemicals, raw sewage and wastewater effluent are disposed of in a controlled manner to eliminate the risk of contamination. Some general measures are described below.

Construction camps will not discharge waste of any type in the vicinity of any intermittent or perennial stream; and

All wastes from construction areas and activities will be treated and managed so as not to have any effect on local soils, surface or ground water.

iii) Siltation of Natural Streams

The excavation for tower foundations will be managed properly ensuring that excavated materials will not impede or cause siltation of intermittent or perennial streams. Excavated materials and slopes will be protected to eliminate the possibility that runoff or erosion may cause siltation of natural streams.

5.3.3 Impact on Ambient Air quality and Noise Level

i) Ambient Air Quality

Air quality will be affected by dust, and emissions from construction machinery and vehicular traffic during the construction phase. Dust and emissions may be carried



over long distances, depending on wind speed and direction, humidity and atmospheric stability.

The major sources of air pollution during the construction phase are listed below:

Quarry areas that generate fugitive dust during blasting and crushing; Vehicles and machinery emit particulates and gaseous pollutants; Heavy equipment and trucks generate dust, particularly during loading and

unloading processes.

ii) Noise

Noise from construction activities will be emitted from equipment used for the construction of access tracks, clearing of vegetation, construction of supporting towers and associated facilities and rehabilitation.

Noise levels however will be similar to all short term small scale construction projects and are not likely to be significant to local people.

Good construction and maintenance practices and the following mitigation will ensure that the significance of project impacts on ambient air quality and noise are of limited intensity and short duration.

Random noise monitoring in accordance with international standards will be carried out in areas where local residents may be inconvenienced by the noise of construction activities.

iii) Ambient Air Quality

Good environmental, health and safety practices will be used during rock blasting at quarry and tower locations to minimize the impact of dust and noise on local people.

Wherever possible, existing quarries will be used to furnish the required aggregate materials.

Concrete batching plants will be equipped with dust control equipment such as fabric filters or scrubbers to reduce the level of dust emissions.

Vehicles will be maintained to minimize emissions.

International norms must be adopted as standards for emissions generated by construction vehicles, equipment and machinery during construction.

The common method of controlling dust during construction is to spray roads with water. This will be carried out as required in areas wherever residents are likely to be inconvenienced by dust.

Haul-trucks carrying sand, aggregate and other materials will be covered to contain construction materials being transported.

Ambient air quality monitoring will be conducted as necessary in accordance with the accepted international standards.

5.3.4 Impacts on Vegetation and Wildlife

Based on the land use and forest cover map, field reconnaissance and interviews with local villagers the vegetation that will be affected includes some commercial tree species, herbaceous and woody stemmed shrubs and bamboo.



The areas where trees may need to be removed are secondary re-growth or plantation stands and the overall impact of such tree removal is minor as relatively few such areas exist. In some areas it will be possible to only trim trees that overhang the 25 meter ROW if they pose a threat to the integrity of the transmission line.

In the cases where small patches of secondary forest or plantations through which the line must pass because there are no other suitable alternative route, funds will be provided to assist with a program of compensatory planting as per Article 70 of the Forestry Law No. 06/NA, dated 24 Dec. 2007 mentioned that “Entities those have been approved to convert forestland shall be responsible to pay fees for technical services, royalties and conversion fees. In the case of temporary conversion such as: mining exploitation and other production activities, the land must be restored and replant trees”.

The Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) especially Provincial Forestry Section (PFS) together with District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) have the responsibility of implementing compensatory reforestation (if any). However, according to the Lao law, it is only necessary to compensate for trees on private lands that must be cut. RoW clearing will be carried out by a contractor, whose work will be strictly defined by the contract specifications and special provisions.

Lines will be strung under tension to minimize potential damage to vegetation and soils that would be caused by dragging conductor wires over the ground.

A monitoring program focused on RoW clearing will be implemented that involves DAFO, other authorities concerned, village forest organization (VFO), as well as an independent third party. Strict rules against illegal cutting of trees and poaching will be imposed on project staff, workers, and all contractors and penalties levied for violations.

5.3.5 Impact of the TLs on Avi-Fauna

The total length of the new GMS NPTP transmission lines (TLs) is 375.5 km. They are an important addition to the Lao grid but only add less than 1.5% to the total length of the existing Lao PDR high and medium voltage transmission line network.

The biodiversity of vegetation, habitat and species in the vicinity of the new GMS NPTP TL corridor is very low. No ecologically, socially or economically important, rare, endangered, or protected species, or habitats, are found in proximity to the corridor. The closest the corridor comes to any significant habitat along the entire 375.5 km route is 1.6 km, see Fig. 4-7.

With the exception of the common species of birds found throughout urban and agricultural areas of Lao PDR, the corridor is poor in bird-life due to lack of suitable habitat. There are no known rare, endangered, or protected bird species or habitats within the corridor and the transmission line does not cross any known / important migratory fly-ways.

Consequently the impact of the transmission line on bird species and populations will be insignificant.



5.3.6 Impacts on Erosion & Siltation

During construction, the project will involve only minimal excavation and soil disturbance that could contribute to soil erosion and the potential for sedimentation of watercourses. Excavation will be limited to the following:

• Digging four holes for each of the lattice tower concrete support bases (115 kV systems).

• Clearing, excavating and leveling tracks to access the transmission line alignment or tower base construction sites.

• The towers should be located so as to avoid the bank of rivers and streams. This will enable the towers to be sited without having future problems with slope stability and erosion. Most construction will proceed during the dry season. This will avoid difficulties that would otherwise be encountered during the rainy season as well as to avoid soil erosion.

In principle, the number of access tracks used will be limited to approximately one for every three transmission towers (approximately one per kilometer). Access tracks will be located to minimize environmental and social impacts. The tracks will be no wider than 2.5 meters and will be covered with suitable road topping material in areas where moist soil conditions or soil erosion could lead to problems. However, use of existing farm roads/tracks is recommended.

Access tracks not required for permanent use will be decommissioned by re-leveling and seeding surface to encourage rapid re-vegetation. Re-vegetation after construction within the RoW is not necessary due to rapid natural growth in the area, especially during the early part of the rainy season.

5.3.7 Impacts on Other Infrastructures

As transmission line construction, particularly tower erection and conductor stringing, moves from location to location, traffic disruption will be short term and minor. EDL will adhere to its established practices of posting warning signs and controlling traffic to ensure public and worker safety. In the event that stringing conductors presents a risk to traffic on roads or rivers bamboo scaffolds will be constructed to protect vehicles, boats, and the conductor itself from potential damage. In case of overweight vehicles or loads, roads and bridges will be reinforced.

5.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

5.4.1 Impacts on Vegetation, Habitats & Wildlife

EDL will carry out corridor inspection and maintenance of the transmission line at least twice per year to check the condition of towers, conductors, insulators as well as to control vegetation. Any vegetation higher than 3 meters will be trimmed to avoid electrical arching or service interruption. Local people living along routes will be contracted to manually clear and cut vegetation/trees along the RoW under the supervision of EDL technical staff. Use of herbicides or chemical poison along the



RoW which can contribute to contamination of watercourses and threaten people, beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife will not be allowed. Burning to control vegetation along the RoW is also prohibited. Crop cultivation by local people under the transmission line is allowed.

Consequently line operation and maintenance will not have any significant environmental impacts.

5.4.2 Impacts on Land Use & Settlements

Using land for cultivation of crops under the TL along the RoW is allowed as long as not to be higher than 3 meters. Construction of any buildings under the TL will not be allowed but burning of debris from agricultural field development is also prohibited so as to avoid wild fire in the area. Construction of any type of building under the transmission line is prohibited.

5.4.3 Impacts of Encroachment on Paddy Field/Farmland & Crops

There is the potential for damage to crops from maintenance activities especially where TL and/or towers are located on paddy fields. To avoid such impacts, maintenance of the line and towers should be conducted in the dry or non-farming season. In all cases the owners of the properties should be informed and consulted with before any maintenance begins on their land.



6 SOCIAL IMPACTS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GMS NPTP

6.1 INTRODUCTION According to the results of the Environmental Survey of the GMS NPTP, there are 107 villages that would be affected by the current PIC design/alignment (as of this date: 13-11-2012). All the villagers along the RoW were consulted during the social investigations and no major potential impacts were identified. The Villages are listed in the tables below. Note that since three of the TLs join in Paklay some villages are found in more than one Module.

Table 6-1: Affected Villages, Module 1, Contract 1, ADB, Nonhai to Paklay (17 Villages)

VILLAGE DISTRICT PROVINCE

Namsong Paklay (1 Village) Xayabury

Nonsavanh

Sanakham (5 Villages)

Vientiane

Nasak Houaytao Khokkhaodor Khongiew Nonsavanh


Nonhai Namhorn Napaphay Namphern Nayao Naboua Nontong Namhi Vang Donehieng

17 Villages

Table 6-2: Affected Villages, Module 1, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Kenthao (22 Villages)

VILLAGE DISTRICT PROVINCE Namsong

Paklay (14 Villages) Xayabury

Houaylay Houaysaikham Nasavang Sisaatsomphou Xayamoungkhoun Nasak Kengsao Takded Houaytang Pakleng Sivilay Houayhai



DongsaNguane Houaylay Houaypet

Kenthao (8 Villages)

Houaytor Naborn Meuangkao Chomphet Chomkeo Meuangmor

22 Villages

Table 6-3: Affected Villages, Module 2, Paklay to Xayabury VILLAGE DISTRICT PROVINCE Thana

Xayabury (8 Villages)

Xayabury

Thin Donmai Boung Nonsavang Namtone Namliep Phonxay (Lak 18) Kiewkhem

Phieng (25 Villages)

Meuangphieng Dongngern Kang Kok Nongbouaphinong Sibounheuang Nasommai Natan Nongbouathong Nakhem HouayOum Viengjalern Nampouy Phouphamixay Nam Gnap Khounphone Namor Namphone Nalea Vangkham Na Oum Phonthong Nakong Phonsak Nakhayang

Paklay (7 Villages) Phongnam

Hatdai



Souvannaphoum Namlin Khea Namsong

40 Villages

Table 6-4: Affected Villages - Module 3 – Contract 2 – KEXIM, BounNeua to Namo

VILLAGE DISTRICT PROVINCE Phiengdokkham

BounNeua (12 Villages)

Phonsaly

Namyongmai Bormai Phapounkao Sentham Bormang Somboun Xiengpi Yor Deua 66 (Houaykha) Vangdoy Xingxay

Boun Tai (9 Villages)

Namlannoy Phonthong Nawai Nammak Jaluangmai Longnaikao Longnaimai Pangkhai Teuka

Namor (9 Villages) Oudomxay

Phakham NamNgern Khuangkham Nammong Nasavang Mainatao Mixaysamphan Namorneua

30 Villages

6.2 CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES Initially, two alternative alignments were considered. They are referred to as Variant 1 and Variant 2. EDL has selected Variant 2 to implement because that will require the resettlement of only two households. Information justifying the selection of variant 2 provided below.



Variant 1 – this is the existing PIC alignment design and would require the relocation of 29 houses or other structures. The total Environmental and Social Cost of this option would be $ 776,235 USD. The impact would be as follows:

• Affected Industrial Trees: 34,434 trees • Affected Agricultural Land: 32,188 m2 • Affected Fruit Trees: 633 trees • Affected Residential and Community land: 41,305 m² • Affected Cemeteries: 3 • Affected Persons: 4,200 • Affected houses: 29

Variant 2 –With Variant 2 only two houses would have to be moved and compensated for. Therefore, this is the preferred variant as EdL’s policy is to avoid any resettlement. Also, there would be less impact to Residential and Community land. The removal of these two houses is unavoidable because they are in the location of the new BounNeua substation that will be constructed. The cost of Variant 2 would be $ 444,502 USD. The impact would be as follows:

• Affected Industrial Trees: 34,434 trees • Affected Agricultural Land: 32,188 m2 • Affected Fruit Trees: 633 trees • Affected Residential and Community land: 17,969 m² • Affected Cemeteries: 3 • Affected Persons: 4,200 • Affected houses: 2

6.3 CORRIDOR CHANGES (OPTIMIZATION) DURING DETAILED DESIGN To minimize impacts and the need for compensation the contractor may alter the alignment during the detailed design phase prior to construction. If the Contractor determines that a high value asset or particularly difficult / sensitive area is within the corridor they may recommend to PIC / EDL (in writing) that a minor adjustment be made to the centerline.

6.4 METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL IMPACT The proposed corridor was studied by a team of social specialists to identify the impacts that would be caused by the proposed 25 meter wide corridor. During the field work, land use and infrastructure within the 25 meter wide transmission line corridor were noted and the potentially affected people (PAP) were interviewed. All information obtained in the field was recorded. In addition to recording the presence of homes, tree crops, rice paddies, infrastructure etc. the footprints of the towers were identified and the PAP consulted.

The data collection and analysis methodology used a three-step information process which included:

1. Assembly of a multi-disciplinary assessment team including representatives from provincial and district government.



2. Village consultation including village focal group meetings, representative landscape transect walks and a village debrief to gain an insight into villagers perceptions of the positive and negative impacts of GMS NPTP Project.

3. Data compilation and analysis was then conducted using a number of tools including village information sheets; landscapes and livelihood assessments;

4. Mapping; GPS coordinates and photos taken of the areas.

6.5 RESULTS OF THE SOCIAL DATA COLLECTION AND IMPACT STUDY The results of the social data collection and impact study are shown in the tables below.



Table 6-5: Summary of the affected villages and land use for the GMS NPTP – Variant 1

TRANSMISSION LINE MODULE

TL

Rout

e Le

ngth

(km

)

No.

of T

ower

s

Affe

cted

Dis

tric

ts

Affe

cted

Vill

ages

Affe

cted

Hou

ses

Affe

cted

Bui

ldin

gs

Affe

cted

Agr

icul

tura

l Lan

d

Affe

cted

Res

iden

tial &

Com

mun

ity

Land

Affe

cted

Vill

age

Fore

st L

and

Affe

cted

Fru

it Tr

ees

Affe

cted

Indu

stri

al T

rees

Module 3 – Contract 2 – KEXIM BounNeua to Namo 92.6 301 3 30 86,400 1,875 2,212 11,293 291 1,398 100,620 Module 2 – Contract 2 – KEXIM Paklay to Xayabury 121.6 379 3 40 162,000 2,250 4,348 25,788 224 4,629 40,408 Module 1 – Contract 2 – KEXIM Paklay to Kenthao 71.4 236 2 22 - 125 3,599 696 249 1,215 23,081 Module 1 – Contract 1 – ADB Nonhai to Paklay 88.6 262 3 17 64,800 63 3,496 3,527 150 1,581 3,104



Table 6-6: Summary of the affected villages and land use for the GMS NPTP – Variant 2

TRANSMISSION LINE MODULE

TL

Rout

e Le

ngth

(km

)

No.

of T

ower

s

Affe

cted

Dis

tric

ts

Affe

cted

Vill

ages

Affe

cted

Hou

ses

Affe

cted

Bui

ldin

gs

Affe

cted

Agr

icul

tura

l Lan

d

Affe

cted

Res

iden

tial &

Co

mm

unity

land

Affe

cted

Vill

age

Fore

st L

and

Affe

cted

Fru

it Tr

ees

Affe

cted

Indu

stri

al T

rees

Module 3 – Contract 2 – KEXIM BounNeua to Namo 92.6 301 3 30 21,600 1,375 2,212 11,293 291 1,398 100,620

Module 2 – Contract 2 – KEXIM Paklay to Xayabury 121.6 379 3 40 - 1,750 4,348 2,452 224 4,629 40,408

Module 1 – Contract 2 – KEXIM Paklay to Kenthao 71.4 236 2 22 - 125 3,599 696 249 1,215 23,081

Module 1 – Contract 1 – ADB Nonhai to Paklay 88.6 262 3 17 - 63 3,496 3,527 150 1,581 3,104



6.6 SOCIAL IMPACTS & COMPENSATION

6.6.1 Impact Types

There are two broad categories of construction impacts, permanent and temporary.

Permanent impacts are ones within the transmission line Right-of Way (ROW) which have a permanent impact even after the completion of the project. EDL shall be responsible for the cost of permanent impacts. These impacts can include resettlement and acquisition of land at tower locations. See section 6.6.2 for detailed information.

Temporary impacts are those that occur during the construction period. This type of impact is related to access roads, rental of land and access to towers. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of all temporary impacts related to their activities. See section 6.6.2 for detailed information.

The table below shows details of compensation for impacts in the Right-of-Way not requiring resettlement. For access to private land within the ROW, EDL analyzes the land using four Categories as follows:

Table 6-7: Four Categories of Impacts and Compensation in the Right-of-Way

Category Number

Category Description Compensation Implementation

1 Rice paddy land, other Agricultural land, or irrigated land.

Contractor must pay all access road costs such as compensation for temporary impact to plantation areas; EDL will pay for acquisition of land for towers only.

2 Plantation trees/bushes/ plants that do not grow higher than 3 meters at maturity, such as coffee, sugar cane or orange trees.

EDL will pay for the land required for towers and compensate for the impacts to plantation crops required for access roads and work areas. Only land required for construction will be cleared; the rest will remain unchanged. Land will be cleared by the contractor.

3 Plantation trees/bushes/ plants that grow higher than 3 meters at maturity, such as Teak, Rubber, Banana, Coconut, Cultivated Bamboo.

EDL will compensate for all the plantation crop impacts within the 25 meter ROW. All the land will be cleared except for ground cover 30 cm or less in height. Also, plantation trees outside of the corridor which could possibly fall on towers or transmission line will be compensated for by EDL. Land will be cleared by the contractor. Bamboo plants should be completely removed including the root.

4 General non-commercial forest/ unproductive land use.

EDL will pay for the acquisition of land for towers. All the land will be cleared except for ground cover 30 cm or less in height. Bamboo plants should be completely removed including the root. Land will be cleared by the contractor.



EDL will not pay for any incorrect land use within the ROW. Within the ROW the contractor shall follow all guidelines as defined in the bidding document including but not limited to the following:

• ROW will be 25 meters in width. • Make access roads no more than 4 meters wide. • Towers shall be located no closer than 40 meters to a road. • Avoid unnecessary cutting of ground cover species during ROW clearing

so that a competitive ground cover is promoted. • In forested areas remove bamboo plants completely including the root.

Cut other trees down to at least 30 cm. • Avoid clearing on unstable terrain, wherever possible. A detailed

assessment of slope stability shall be undertaken by a qualified terrain specialist where logging or road construction is planned on terrain that has been classified as marginally stable or unstable.

• Respect local communities and understand that whenever possible they will continue their normal activities, such as farming, within the corridor.

• In the ROW clear only a narrow path to facilitate pulling the nylon pull rope between towers to string the conductors.

• Strictly follow the requirements for ROW clearing activities in the CEMP and in the EPPs.

• String conductors under tension to minimize potential damage to remaining ground vegetation.

• Use existing access roads and tracks wherever available. • Carefully supervise the stringing of conductors in the corridor to make

sure local residents are not injured by being too close to dangerous work activities. Also, the EDL Liaison Officer must notify residents in the work area in advance.

After the access road is no longer required site restoration must be performed. If EDL was responsible for the cost of the access road they will be responsible for the cost of site restoration. If the contractor was responsible for the cost of the access road they will be responsible for the cost of site restoration. It is acceptable if the land owner(s) wish to keep the access road but this must be verified and a release signed by the landowner owner(s). This will be facilitated by the EDL Environmental Liaison officer.

6.6.2 Impacts on Land Use and Resettlement

Improperly located TLs will have significant impacts on Land Use and require resettlement. Wherever, possible routes should be selected to avoid crossing villages, houses and other high value assets as much as possible. In case impact cannot be avoided compensation must be implemented based on the Lao PDR Laws and Regulations. Additionally, the transmission line may be set higher by using



taller towers in order to meet the safety standard requirement. In such case resettlement is not required. However, compensation will need also to be considered and will be paid suitably by the Project owner to affected peoples according to the existing conditions and after negotiation between all involved parties.

Consultation with local authority and local villagers is necessary and compensation process will be confirmed before or during the construction. In the event that resettlement is ultimately required the provisions of the Land Law No. 04/NA dated 21 October 2003 and the revised Electricity Law No. 3/NA dated 8 December 2008 as well as the regulation 2432/NA dated 11 November 2005 for implementation of the Prime Minister Decree No. 192/PM, dated 7 July 2005 concerning resettlement and compensation will be strictly followed. The basic principle of compensation for the losses of land is that landowners have their choice between accepting cash payment and compensation by land of equivalent value at another location. Where the transmission lines will across agricultural land, the land on which the tower is to be situated will be permanently acquired.

However, most of the project will be constructed during the dry season, when there will be fewer crops that could be damaged. If crops are damaged, compensation will be paid properly. Likewise, compensation will be paid by the Project owner to farmers for lost value of crops if farmers are prevented in advance from cultivating an affected piece of land because construction is planned to proceed during part of the cropping season.

For other land use types such as tree plantation, fruit trees garden and other crops if any higher than 3 meters will be removed and compensation will be based on the loss of such properties not based on the land value because there is no land acquisition. Likewise, the land compensation for construction of towers is also based on the loss of existing properties on the land that the towers will be situated.

6.6.3 Impacts on Cultural and Heritage Sites

Cultural and heritage sites are national property. Construction of transmission lines in close proximity of an important cultural or heritage feature can reduce the esthetics of the site, as well as its intrinsic value.

6.6.4 Impacts on Health and Safety

To protect worker’s health and safety, the Contractor will be required to prepare and submit a worker health and safety plan for approval, prior to commencement of construction activities. Workers will undergo pre-employment medical screening and be certified as fit for work. Workers will receive health and safety training, including training on the uses of related materials. Workers as well as local villagers will receive public health education that focuses on safety and other diseases as well as hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases.

The construction work force faces the principal risks to health and safety. The main health and safety risks include:

• Inadequate sanitation facilities in worker camps.



• Other epidemic or sexually transmitted diseases introduced by migrant workers.

• Serious injury or death as a result of a fall from a tower. • Serious injury of death resulting from accidental collapse of a tower, or

from being struck by a falling object from a tower. • Hand, eye and foot injuries from falling or falling objects. • Serious injury or death from unexploded ordinance (UXO).

The public may also be at risk from the construction phase of the project, primarily as a result of:

• Objects falling onto or across public roads during tower erection or conductor stringing.

• Spread of epidemic or sexually transmitted diseases (STD) from the migrant work force.

In order to reduce the above impacts the following mitigations were recommended;

• Provide garbage tanks and sanitary facilities for workers and waste in the garbage will be periodically cleared.

• Disposal shall be done only where permitted by the engineer and EDL staff. To the extent possible, avoid disposal on slope greater than 30%. No disposal into gullies or water courses or cultivated and settled areas.

• Provide suitable safety equipment for Project staff and workers at work. • Install speed limit signs to indicate no greater than 30kmh in and around

the construction site.



7 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND PROCEDURES

7.1 INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ARRANGEMENTS EDL, especially the project EMU, will be responsible for implementation of the proposed mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts which could occur during the development. EDL will be responsible for ensuring, on a day-to-day basis, that the mitigation measures and monitoring activities identified in this IEE and the associated CEMP are implemented.

A third party monitor, with international experience in monitoring and supervision of environmental aspects of electricity projects, will be contracted to provide oversight and advice to EDL. In essence, the third party monitor will provide an environmental audit service to ensure Environmental Management and Monitoring is effectively implemented.

EDL will be responsible for the following activities:

• Providing environmental training to Contractors involved in constructing the Project. Training will be focused on: environmental protection laws and regulations; environmental management practices for erosion control, waste disposal, health and safety, and stop work authority.

• Conducting regular monitoring of the Contractors construction activities to ensure that work is carried out in full compliance with the environmental specifications and provisions set out in the construction contract.

• Holding monthly on-site meetings with the Contractor to review work performance relative to environmental objectives of the project; identify areas of satisfaction and shortcomings in the Contractor’s work and provide guidance to resolve areas where the work is deficient.

The third party project environmental monitor must be experienced in environmental assessment and monitoring of transmission line and substation construction projects. This service will be provided by international Consultants familiar with environmental conditions in Lao PDR. The third party monitor will assist EDL with the following tasks:

• Ensuring that the Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) has been established for the project and is functioning as designed.

• Developing monitoring guidelines to be used on the project. • Providing environmental training on best environmental management

practices, monitoring techniques, data gathering methods, health and safety, etc.

• Carrying out periodic environmental audits of Project construction works (both those completed and in progress) to identify potential problems that should be corrected, and providing guidance on how problems might be resolved.



• Providing post-audit briefings to the Project Manager, EDL and EMU staff and the Contractor’s environmental representative.

The Contractor will be required to have a full time environmental monitor on site and prepare a monthly environmental management report to EDL, which identifies the work undertaken over this period and documents the environmental protection measures that have been implemented, the problems encountered, and follow-up actions that were taken (or will be taken) to correct the problems.

7.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES All Contractors and EDL employees have an inherent responsibility for the protection of environmental, socio-economic and heritage values during their work. Members of the EDL Project team and those identified within each Contractor’s organization have professional responsibilities for environmental management.

This section of the IEE and the CEMP describes the roles and responsibilities of EDL, EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer(s), the Contractor, the Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) and various Committees for implementing, inspecting, managing and reporting on the effectiveness of environmental protection and mitigation measures. This section also identifies what reports or documents must be written and the parties responsible for writing the reports.

A schematic showing the organizational lines of communication and reporting for the environmental aspects of the Project is provided in Figure 7.1 below.

Source: CEMP, March 2012

Figure 7-1: GMS NPTP PROJECT ORGANIZATION

COMMITTEES

EDL MANAGEMENT

MONRE

EDL’S ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE

PIC

CONTRACTOR

EDL’S EMU



7.3 COMMITTEES The numerous committees involved in the project are identified in (Table 7- 1).

Table 7-1: Project Committees Representatives Name Members Tasks Environmental Management Committee

1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District MONRE 4) Provincial/Land Office 5) EDL Representatives

1) Project Consultation Meetings

2) Monitoring of environmental issues

Forest Clearing Committee 1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District MONRE 4) Provincial/District

Agriculture and Forestry Officer

5) EDL Representatives

1) Determination of timber value

2) Monitoring of clearing process

Compensation Committee 1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District Land Officer 4) Provincial/District


5) Provincial/District Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)


1) Determination of value of land.

2) Preparation of compensation guidelines.

3) Monitoring of disbursement of compensation payments

Grievance Redress Committee 1) Local Village Head 2) EDL Representatives 3) Provincial/District Cabinets 4) Provincial/District Ministry of

Energy and Mines 5) Provincial/District Land Officer 6) Provincial/District


7) Provincial/District Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)

1) Settlement of complaints about compensation payments or other issues.

7.4 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS The following tables identify the documents that need to be prepared before and during project construction, the group responsible for writing them and when they should be submitted.

Table 7-2: Required Documents Document Name Submission Period



Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) which includes at least the following:

• Compensation Plan or Resettlement Action Plan • Environmental Monitoring Plan • Environmental Management Plan

Oct 2012

Fire Emergency Action Plan Before project construction begins (prepared jointly with Contractor)

Field Report to the EMO Manager concerning Environmental Monitoring

Monthly during Construction Phase

CEMP review Report for EMO, DoE’s Social and Environment Unit (SEU).

Quarterly during Construction Phase

CEMP effectiveness Review Report for PSTEO, DoE

Every 6 months during Construction Phase

7-2-2 Documents Required from Contractor

Document Name Submission Period

Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) as defined in the CEMP

With Bid

Environmental Incident Report (EIR) Construction Phase when there is and Environmental incident.

Workers' Health and Safety Plan Construction Phase Fire emergency action plan Construction Phase (prepared jointly

with EDL) The Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Record (EPOR)

Construction Phase

Hazardous waste materials disposal log Construction Phase Spill reporting Matrix Construction Phase Emergency Contact List Construction Phase Access Plan Construction Phase Clearing Prescriptions Construction Phase Monthly Environmental Monitoring Report Construction Phase

7.5 EDL's ROLE IN PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EDL will be responsible for ensuring that the overall project is implemented in accordance with the conditions of the ADB loan agreement including ADB environmental guidelines and GoL environmental regulations. The following sections identify the responsible personnel and outline their roles.

7.5.1 Structure & Activities of the Environmental Office (EO) within EDL

Environmental and Social management for GMS NPTP are the prime responsibility of EDL’s Environmental Office (EO). The organization and staffing of the EO are illustrated in figure 7.2 below.

Environmental Office Manager

Social Environment Unit

Social Environment Management Team

Office Staff Team

Natural Environment Unit

Natural Environment Management Team



There will be 8 EDL environmental and social experts in the Environmental Office (EO). To guarantee the rapid resolution of potentially significant environmental issues that could affect the progress of construction further assistance to the EO focussed on implementation of mitigation and Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) will be provided by the PIC. This support will include one Senior Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) Team Leader and three Lead Environmental Compliance Monitors. (See Section 8.5.2.1 and Figure 8.1 for details).

The PIC will also provide a Senior International Capacity Building and Implementation specialist whose responsibility is to provide initial ECM capacity building and, during construction, ensure the effectiveness of ECM and provide follow up on the job training as required. (See Section 8.5.2.1 and Figure 8.1 for details).

Note: Support to the EO related to social and resettlement management and monitoring is detailed in the RAP.

7.5.2 Roles & Responsibilities of the EO

The roles and responsibilities of the EO are outlined by EDL in their "Activities & Guidelines of the Environmental Office" document dated December 2007. These guidelines stipulate that the EO is responsible to:

1) Represent EDL in carrying out environmental and social management activities associated with the development of electricity projects.

2) Study and summarize information, policies, laws or legislation relating to environmental and social management activities to be used as references by the EO in the implementation of activities associated with environmental management of each development and management project of EDL.

3) Study, assess and request approval for the procurement of experts or contractors to assess environmental impacts of a project during the study, implementation and assessment phases.

4) Prepare and request approval of environmental compliance certificate for each project from relevant agencies.

5) Actively implement activities that promote the mitigation of environmental and social impacts associated with the development of electricity projects.

6) Coordinate with relevant national and international organizations in the management of environment and social activities associated with the development of electricity projects.

7) Participate in meeting/workshop dealing with environment and social management issues.

8) Prepare annual plans and summarise reports of implemented activities to the Manager of the Department of Power Generation and Project Management.



9) Prepare reports on the implementation of environmental and social management to the management of EDL for onward reporting to relevant agencies.

10) Strengthen the capacity of the EO staff by: a. Communicating policies and regulations of Lao PDR, particularly

regulation of EDL to staff so that staff aware and understand the regulations

b. Monitoring and assessing the implementation outcomes of the assigned work so that improvement can be made to the EO and staff on a regular basis

c. Assessing technical and language training needs of the staff while at the same time supporting, encouraging and developing training conditions to improve the knowledge of the EO staff in both short and long term.

In addition to the above roles and responsibilities, each EO staff member has also been assigned roles and responsibilities. All staff involved must possess adequate experience and skills to perform their duties. The roles and responsibilities of the EO staff members and Units are summarized below.

a) Manager • Leading and inspecting all activities inside the office and various

projects in according to the responsibilities of the office. • Appointing and allocating responsibilities to the office Deputy

Manager and technicians. • Disclosing policies from upper management to the office staff and at

the same time summarizing comments or requests raised by the office staff and onward comments to upper management.

b) Deputy Managers

Responsible for carrying out responsibilities listed in (a) for the work executed on site. • Summarizing and monitoring office activities and reporting to the

Manager.

c) Head of Environment and Social Unit • Leading the implementation of activities of the group in according to

each project natural environment and social plan. • Preparing daily, weekly or monthly work plans using the overall EO

work plan as reference. • Preparing report on implemented activities to the EO Manager. • Proposing modification, change or improvement to the work plan to

ensure that it reflects the current work situation or if deems the modification is reasonable and will improve the effectiveness of the work.



• Review and comment on various draft environment and social documents to the office management committee.

d) Deputy Head of Environment and Social Unit • Carrying out responsibilities listed in (c) in the absence of the Head of

the Unit. • Summarizing and monitoring office activities and report to the

Manager.

e) Environment and Social Team Leader • Carrying out responsibilities listed in (c) in the absence of the Head of

the Unit and Deputy Head of the Unit. • Summarizing and monitoring office activities and report to the

Manager.

f) Environment and Social Team Member

• Implementing responsibilities allocated by the Unit and Office in an effectively manner.

• Requesting modification, change and improvements to the work plan to reflect current work situation during each phase of work or if deems the modification is reasonable and will improve the effectiveness of the work.

• Reviewing and commenting on various draft environment and social documents to the office management committee.

• Conducting site visits and implementing environmental and social activities of the project.

7.5.3 EDL Project Manager

Has overall responsibility for compliance with terms and conditions of regulatory permits, approvals, authorizations and ADB safeguards as reflected in the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), the Project Environmental Management Plan (PEMP) and the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and also:

• Confirms that GoL guidelines and standards are followed. • Delegates authority and communicates requirements, as required, on all

aspects of the Project, including environmental management and environmental monitoring.

• Confirms that the CEMP is finalized and accepted by regulatory agencies. • Evaluates Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) and Contractor’s

environmental record as part of tender evaluations Coordinates review of Contractors’ Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) with EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer(s).



7.5.4 EDL Construction Program Manager • Has overall responsibility for the administration of contracts, including their

environmental requirements. • Oversees technical quality control, adherence to and performance of

engineering requirements of contract specifications, schedules, and costs. • Coordinates construction inspections to evaluate compliance with

engineering specifications and standards. • Facilitates communication links among the construction management team

and the Contractor. • Receives, reviews and processes equitable adjustments from the Contractor. • Issues Advisory Memos which may include measures to implement

environmental requirements. • Seeks input from the Environmental Liaison Officer(s).

7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT UNIT (EMU) The EMU will be responsible for ensuring, on a day-to-day basis, that the Project Environmental Management Plan (PEMP) and the Construction EMPs for Contracts 1, 2 and 3 are properly implemented. This includes the following activities:

• Ensuring that: o environmental clearance or approval is secured from MONRE prior to site

works, o bidding documents include the CEMP as guidance for preparation and

implementation of the EPPs by contractors o PEMP, CEMP and EPP implementation is monitored and results are

reported regularly • Providing environmental training to contractors involved in constructing the

Project. Topics include environmental protection laws and regulations, environmental best management practices for erosion control, fuel handling and spill clean-up measures, waste disposal, health and safety, and stop work authority.

• Carrying out regular monitoring of the contractor's construction activities to ensure that work is carried out in full compliance with the PEMP, CEMPs and EPPs and provisions set out in the construction contracts.

• Monitoring the social conditions associated with the project, including identification of potential problems arising from influx or movement of populations into or out of the project areas as a result of the Project; problems with price speculation; grievances amongst villagers towards Project construction practices, contractor activities, impairment of livelihood due to damage to or loss of crops as a result of construction activities, loss of access, etc.

• Holding monthly on-site meetings with the Contractors to review work performance relative to mitigation of environmental and social impacts; identify areas of satisfaction and shortcomings in the Contractor’s work and provide guidance to resolve related issues.



7.6.1 EDL Community Relations Officer

This person will be responsible for: • Managing communications and stakeholder relations during construction of

the GMS NPTP. • Communicating with landowners, stakeholders and interested parties about

activities and potential disturbances with respect to the GMS NPTP. • Providing an EDL corporate contact for landowners and local residents who

have issues or questions to be addressed. • Distributing updates on scheduled construction activities to stakeholders.

7.6.2 EDL Land Acquisition and Management Officer

This person will be responsible for direct communication with individual property owners on matters directly affecting their property, where required.

7.6.3 EDL Environmental Program Manager/Environmental Liaison Officer(s)

The Environmental Program Manager will serve as EDL’s environmental representative during construction of the Project. The Environmental Program Manager will be supported by Environmental Liaison Officer(s) to inspect and evaluate the work of each Contractor and the Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s). Roles and responsibilities of the Environmental Liaison Officer(s) include the following:

• Communicates CEMP and EPP requirements to Contractor’s staff. • Audits environmental training and orientation sessions delivered to

Contractor’s staff by the Environmental Monitor(s). • Reviews draft and final EPPs for compliance with EDL policies, GoL laws and

the CEMP. • Reviews the Design-build Contractor’s detailed design for compliance with

EDL policies, GoL laws and the CEMP. • Reviews the plan for access developed by the contractor for compliance with

EDL policies, GoL laws and the CEMP. • Develops Clearing Prescriptions (section 9.16) for the Project based on the

preliminary line design. • Provides advice to Clearing Contractors and the Design-build Contractor

during clearing and construction of access roads. • Coordinates with qualified environmental resource specialists to undertake

pre-construction environmental surveys. • Reviews environmental monitoring reports prepared by Contractor’s

Environmental Monitor(s) for completeness, factual accuracy, and for effectiveness of mitigation measures.

• Reports to the EDL Project Manager and the Construction Program Manager on the effectiveness of mitigation measures being implemented, difficulties encountered, and how they are managed.

• Coordinates and communicates with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, as required.

• Verifies that copies of applicable permits/approvals and spill response and emergency procedures are maintained at work site(s) at all times.



• Audits and evaluates compliance of work practices and procedures and effectiveness of mitigation measures with terms and conditions of regulatory approvals, with this CEMP, and with applicable EPPs. The Environmental Liaison Officer(s) would typically schedule site visit auditing activities when work is occurring in environmentally-sensitive areas or when conditions (i.e., rainfall events) could potentially result in adverse environmental effects.

• Provides recommendations to Contractors and their staff to achieve compliance with the CEMP, the EPPs, and with regulatory approvals in consultation with the EDL Construction Program Manager.

• Prepares Monthly Environmental Audit Reports summarizing the results of the Environmental Liaison Officers’ field audit inspections, reviews of the Contractors’ Weekly Environmental Monitoring Reports, and environmental issues tracking in a format suitable for distribution to regulatory agencies.

• Reviews the Environmental Monitoring Completion Reports to be prepared by each Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) for completeness and factual accuracy.

• Assists in emergency situations to minimize adverse environmental effects (see appendix 3 of the CEMP for emergency contact list / template).

• Directs the Environmental Monitor/Contractor to suspend construction activities for non-compliance with the CEMP, contravention of regulatory permits and approvals, and/or if environmental damage outside that anticipated by the Project scope is observed, until a solution can be identified.

7.7 MONRE (MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT) MONRE will be responsible for the review of the updated IEE, EMP and CEMP. The updated documents will be distributed to line agencies, local government authorities and the public. Based on the review and comments the documents will be revised as necessary and / or MONRE will issue an Environmental Approval Certificate with or without conditions.

7.8 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION CONSULTANT (PIC) The Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Ensure that the environmental mitigation, monitoring and reporting requirements in the IEE for the contractors' implementation are included in the bidding documents.

• Ensure that the contractors' contracts require the implementation of the construction environmental management plans (CEMPs).

• Prior to site works, prepare a project EMP (PEMP) which covers pre-construction, construction and operation stages of the work. EMP’s (CEMP) for the Contracts implementation by the contractors. The PEMP and CEMP shall be consistent with the mitigation and monitoring measures, reporting, institutional arrangements and training programs indicated in the IEE. The content of the PEMP and CEMP shall conform to the EMP requirements specified in the ADB Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). The PEMP and CEMP shall be submitted to EDL and ADB for approval.

• Upon completion and approval of Project EMP and Construction EMP’s, assist the EMU in conducting a dissemination workshop on how the PEMP/CEMP



will be implemented at the site. The workshop will make clear to all parties (including EDL, EMU, PIC, contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO) their various responsibilities in implementing the PEMP and CEMP.

• Assist the EMU in training the local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function.

• Review the contractor's detailed field designs to ensure that these are consistent with the mitigation measures specified in the IEE and the CEMP.

• Undertake monitoring of the implementation of the PEMP and CEMP, and prepare quarterly monitoring reports to be submitted to EDL and ADB.

• Assist EDL’s Environmental Management Unit in ensuring that the PEMP and CEMPs are properly implemented.

7.9 CONTRACTOR The Contractor shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the work adheres to GoL guidelines and standards, ADB safeguards, this IEE and the CEMP. Each Contractor prior to commencing work will undertake the following:

• Develop site- and/or activity-specific EPPs consistent with the requirements established in the CEMP and include these in the bid document.

• Identify qualified specialists to undertake pre-construction surveys as specified in the CEMP and include their resumes in the bid documents.

• Develop an Access Plan for the Project which minimizes the environmental impacts of access required for clearing the transmission line corridor based on the preliminary line design

• Develop Clearing Prescriptions for the Project based on the preliminary line design minimizes environmental impacts.

• Identify qualified Environmental Monitors to evaluate and report on compliance of the Contractor’s work procedures and practices with the environmental requirements established by the GOL guidelines and standards ADB safeguards and this CEMP. Include their resumes in the bid documents.

• Verify that field crews and subcontractors are aware of the environmental requirements of the work, and are trained and competent to implement them.



7.10 OVERALL PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

The overall project environmental management organization is illustrated in the following figure.

7.11 PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (PEMC)

The PEMC is required for each line route soon after the commencement of implementation. The PEMC for each line route will consist of representatives of the different concerned authorities such as Ministry of Energy and Mines (Cabinet), Provincial (Vice Cabinet of PoNRE, Land office, Industry and Commerce, Forestry, and Security), Deputy General Manager of EDL, EDL Technical Committee (Manager), Vice District Governor (concerned districts) and Village Head men (concerned villages). The Committee will have subcommittees such as Environmental Management Committee, Forest Clearing Committee, Grievance Redress Committee and Compensation Committee.

While the most important responsibility of the PEMC is to work with local authorities to negotiate and finalize compensation for project affected people, the members of the environmental management subcommittee (of the PEMC) have the added responsibility of reviewing the results of the ongoing environmental management, mitigation and environmental compliance monitoring (ECM) in the field and resolving any issues that cannot be resolved by the EO and EMU.

The budget allocated for Per-Diem / DSC for the members of the PEMC is presented in section 8.5.2.2 and tables 8-6 and table 8-7.

Figure 7-3: Overall Institutional Environmental Arrangements for the GMS NPTP

ADB, KEXIM, EDL

Project Implementation Consultant (PIC)

Resettlement/Compensation Section

Socio-Economic Section

Environment Section

Compensation Committee

Environmental Management

Committee

Social Development Committee

Forest Clearing Committee

Project Environmental Management Committee

(PEMC)

Village Grievance Redress Committee

(VGRC)

Grievance Redress Coordinator (GRC)

District Grievance Redress Committee

(DGRC)

Project Grievance Redress Committee (PGRC)

(Part of PEMC)



7.12 PROJECT GRIEVANCE REDRESS COMMITTEE (PGRC) Some areas of the proposed project transmission line Right of Way (RoW) will temporarily or permanently occupy private lands. These require some mechanism to solve conflicts and/or dissatisfaction that may occur due to the payment process of compensation, rental activities or environmental issues. The grievance redress mechanism and process need to be proposed for the GMS NPTP that may include three steps as discussed below:

7.12.1 Grievance Procedure • Step 1 – At the village level, a householder or group of householders can

be approached to the Resettlement Committee through village chief and present the grievance, and then allows its consideration at the lowest level of resettlement hierarchy. The issues can be resolved through discussions and mediation. If the village level cannot resolve the complaints or if the claimants are not satisfied with the decision, the next step can be used – either by the claimants or the village committees on behalf of the matters.

• Step 2 – At the District level – an official grievance committee has to look after the issues within 15 days to resolve it to: respond the claimant grievance in terms of prior activities to be undertaken; and to ensure that the claims are reviewed within the context of the existing policy, regulations procedures and entitlement limits.

• Step 3 – At the Provincial Court - This is the last assistance to be urgently solved by the developer's company before reaching to the court. At this level, the justice authority at the district also included to clarify for resolving such problems. Presented below is the proposed grievance redress procedure for the Project.



7.12.2 Grievance Redress Mechanism and Process

Figure 7-4: Proposed Grievance Redress Procedure for the GMS NPTP

If Affected People are not satisfied with

R l d C i P

Attempt to Resolve at Village Level –

Examination of Grievance

Appeal to Grievance Redress Committee

Satisfied Not satisfied

Final Decision

District or Provincial Courts



8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN

8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PLAN An Environmental Mitigation Plan and Environmental Monitoring Plan for the GMS NPTP are provided below. These plans identify:

• Potential environmental impacts that could occur during each stage of the project.

• Proposed mitigation measures to address each impact. • Authority responsible for implementing mitigation measures. • Monitoring tasks to ensure mitigation measures have been implemented

effectively during each stage of the project. • Schedule and responsibility for monitoring.

The EMP will be implemented throughout the construction and operation period beginning after the Environmental Compliance Certificate has been issued. Table 8-1: Environmental Mitigation Plan

Project Activity

Potential Impact

Proposed Mitigation Measure

Institutional

Responsibility

Implementation

Schedule

Location and Design (Pre-Construction) Phase

Involuntary resettlement or land acquisition

Social inequities disruption of community cohesion

• Siting of TLs and substations so as to avoid resettlement as much as possible in accordance with alignment principles • Implementation of involuntary resettlement and land acquisition procedures in accordance with a project RAP which adheres to the ADB Policy on Involuntary

l

EDL


Historical/cultural monuments/values

Loss of values

• Historical/cultural/ religious sites are avoided.

EDL and contractor


Encroachment into precious ecological areas / Blockage of wildlife passage ways



EDL and contractor




• Alignment over agricultural land avoided as much as possible • Where unavoidable, compensation for loss of production will be paid to farmers in accordance with RAP. • Farmers permitted to raise crops along RoW during operation.

EDL and contractor




Impairment of aesthetics

Loss of environmental beauty

• Towers sited to take advantage of topographic features that hide it from highways • Along long wide valleys, alignment sited along toe of slopes.

EDL and contractor


Noise impacts

Disturbance to local residents and wildlife resulting from noise and vibrations from substations and TLs

• Substations sited on outskirts of towns.

EDL and contractor



Flooding hazards/ losses in agricultural production


EDL and contractor




• Only non-PCB transformers permitted. • Ensure design and implementation of oil spill containment systems follows IEEE Guidelines 35. • Provision of purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete with spill cleanup equipment. • Provision of adequate substation drainage and sewage disposal systems in accordance with IEEE Guidelines 36.

EDL

Design stage

Explosions/Fire

Hazards to life and limb

• Design of substations to include modern fire control systems. • Provision of firefighting equipment to be located close to transformers. • Preparation of fire emergency action plan and training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan.

EDL /Contractor

Design stage



Construction Phase Encroachment into precious ecological areas

Potential for RoW vegetation clearance to remove important wildlife habitat; and potential for removal of plantation forests as part of Lao PDR’s reforestation program.


Contractor

Construction stage




Contractor

Construction stage




Contractor

Construction stage


Disruption of services

• Properly planned and executed traffic management measures supported by good site supervision.

Contractor

Construction stage






Contractor

Construction stage




Contractor

Construction Stage


Losses to neighbouring land uses/ values

• Good construction practice to minimize dust and noise nuisance supported by good site supervision and routine environmental monitoring.

Contractor

Construction stage

Health and safety including sanitation in work camps

Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public

• Contractor to prepare and implement a workers’ health and safety plan. • Contractor to ensure adequate sanitation provisions for all work camps • Health and safety training to be provided to workers • UXO risk assessment to be undertaken and UXO pathfinder survey and clearance implemented in risk prone areas • Local villagers to receive health education aimed at improved hygiene, and preventing common vector borne and sexually transmitted diseases

EDL/Contractor

Construction stage




EDL /Contractor

Construction stage

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Maintenance of rights-of-way



EDL

Operation





• Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards. • Raising Safety awareness. • Fire Emergency Action Plan and training given to staff. • Provision of adequate sanitation and water supply facilities.

EDL

Design and Operation



• Careful design utilizing appropriate technologies to minimize losses and hazards. • Design and installation of components to conform to internationally accepted safety standards.

EDL

Design and Operation



• EDL to monitor environmental and social aspects of project operations and maintenance activities • EDL to provide training to substation and transmission line crews.

EDL

Operation

Source: CEMP_GMS NPTL, March 2012

8.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Environmental monitoring will consist of routine systematic checking that all mitigation specified in the IEE and the CEMP are effectively implemented during the relevant stage of the project as shown in Table 8-2.

EDL will establish an Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) that will perform monitoring of the project. The EMU will report to EDL’s Project Manager.

Once the IEE has been approved by MONRE and the Project EMP and Construction EMP for Transmission Line part of the GMS NPTP have been prepared by the Project Implementation Consultant, the EMU will arrange a dissemination Work-shop on how the EMP/CEMP will be implemented at the site. The workshop will be supported by the consultant specialist and will make clear to all parties (including EDL, EMU, PIC, the contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO) their various responsibilities in implementing the PEMP/CEMP.

The EMU with support from the PIC will provide training to the local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function. In addition, CEMP monitoring checklists prepared by the EMU will be used by the designated liaison officers and provided to the EMU on a monthly basis for auditing.

The Provincial/Local EDL Environmental Liaison Officers will therefore be responsible for weekly environmental monitoring of construction activities as well as co-ordination with interested parties (contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO).



Table 8-2: Environmental Monitoring Plan

Environmental Monitoring Tasks Implementation Responsibility

Implementation Schedule

Pre-Construction Phase Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm cultural and heritage sites not affected by project

EDL (EMU) in co-ordination with MONRE

Immediately following detailed alignment survey

Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm that no environmentally sensitive areas and mature forest will be affected by proposed alignment



Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm transmission line is sited to minimize intrusion on important view-scapes



Environmental Monitoring Tasks Implementation Responsibility


Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm optimal siting of transmission line towers that will minimise impacts on drainage patterns



Environmental audit of substation designs to ensure compliance with IEEE Guidelines.


Prior to approval for construction commencement.

Environmental audit of bidding documents to ensure the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans have been included.


Prior to issue of construction bidding documents.

Construction Phase Routine environmental monitoring of construction activities to ensure construction-related mitigation measures as specified in the EMP are properly implemented and are effective.


Weekly throughout construction period.

Review Contractor’s worker occupational health and safety (OHS) plan and contractor’s training of its own personnel regarding UXO dangers.


Review of OHS Plan before construction begins; monitor worker OHS training and public health education periodically

Routine inspection of traffic safety and control measures used to protect road infrastructure and ensure public safety


Continuous throughout construction period

Operation and Maintenance Phase Walk transmission lines to inspect status of vegetation growth, threats to system arising from natural processes (slope failure, altered water courses etc) and damage to system

EDL Twice yearly

Regular inspection, cleanout and disposal of any spilled insulating/cooling oils

EDL As per EDL substation systems inspection schedule

Source: CEMP_GMS NPTL, March 2012



Table 8-3: Environmental Management & Monitoring Plan for the GMS NPTP

Issue Mitigation Measure Cost of Mitigation

Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

a) Design & Construction Phases Forest and bushes clearing along the TL ROW and two substations

Trees and bushes clearing shall be disposed to areas permitted by Authorities concerned. No herbicides will be used to control vegetation along ROW. Burning to clear and control vegetation along ROW is also prohibited. No high commercial tree species, before ROW clearing, the detail survey by Forest Clearing Committee, District Forestry Unit and land owners to list and mark big trees or commercial tree species (if any) for felling is needed. Logging and logs selling process will be based on the laws and regulations concerned and conducted by Authorities concerned.

Minor Contractor

Before construction

of TL is started

After construction activities are

completed

Improper disposal of construction debris and wastes

Main waste will be vegetation debris from Substation site and TL’s ROW clearances; debris will be stacked outside area of the ROW and burning off shall not be permitted; wherever possible and where safety is assured, villagers will be permitted to remove vegetation such as bamboo and small trees, that have an economic or practical value; packaging wastes from electrical equipment will be recycled wherever possible (making them accessible to villages, otherwise it will be disposed of in local approved landfills).

Minor Contractor Before construction

of TL is started


completed



Issue Mitigation Measure Cost of

Mitigation Responsible

Party Start Date End Date

b) Design & Construction Phases

Forest and bushes clearing along the TL ROW and two substations

Trees and bushes clearing shall be disposed to areas permitted by Authorities concerned. No herbicides will be used to control vegetation along ROW. Burning to clear and control vegetation along ROW is also prohibited. No high commercial tree species, before ROW clearing, the detail survey by Forest Clearing Committee, District Forestry Unit and land owners to list and mark big trees or commercial tree species (if any) for felling is needed. Logging and logs selling process will be based on the laws and regulations concerned and conducted by Authorities concerned.

Minor Contractor

Before construction

of TL is started


completed

Improper disposal of construction debris and wastes

Main waste will be vegetation debris from Substation site and TL ROW clearances; debris will be stacked outside area of the ROW and burning off shall not be permitted; wherever possible and where safety is assured, villagers will be permitted to remove vegetation such as bamboo and small trees, that have an economic or practical value; packaging wastes from electrical equipment will be recycled wherever possible (making them accessible to villages, otherwise it will be disposed of in local approved landfills).

Minor Contractor Before construction

of TL is started


completed




Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

Site worker camps and other facilities

All site workers will be accommodated in the provided camps. No other accommodation of workers will be permitted. Temporary site worker camps will be located along the

proposed road ROW only. No worker camps will be permitted outside the provided areas or near to the watercourse or streams which can cause impact on water (water pollution). The camp sites and surrounds will be kept in a tidy and clean

manner. Inspections of the camp sites will be carried out weekly. Adequate number of rubbish bins for general litters and rubbish.

Minor Contractor Before and during

construction

After construction is completed

Portable water supply and/or water tank need to be provided to worker. All portable water supply and storage facilities will be secured. Regular waste/rubbish collection will be part of the camp

requirements that needs to be done and this must be taken to a managed waste disposal facility.

Construction of substations, Access Road and steel Towers, including transportation of all materials

Construction must be carried out during dry (non-farming) season; temporary access paths will be decommissioned once construction completed; compensation paid to affected people for any disruption to assets and or production activities. Provide proper drainage system in harmony with natural drain. Dispose of sump oil properly, avoid washed down of oil into

water bodies. Transportation of material is allowed only in daytime (from

7.00AM to 6.00PM). Contractor should adhere to its established practices of posting

warning signs and managing traffic to protect the traveling public and its workers.

Minor Contractor

Before construction

of TL is started


completed




Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

Dust emission At least twice or as necessary water spraying in dry and windy conditions on the local road where the trucks pass through Provide dust protector or mask for workers and on site staff to

avoid dust. Minor Contractor When

construction starts


completed

Noise from (civil works)

Daytime working (from 7.00AM to 6.00PM), avoiding exceeding the noise limit, especially in nighttime. Nighttime, in principle, means from 9.00PM to 6.00AM. Principally, working will not be allowed at nighttime.

Minor

Contractor

When construction

starts


completed

Interference with other infrastructure during construction and transportation of material

Contractor should adhere to its established practices of posting warning signs and managing traffic to protect the traveling public and its workers. In the event that stringing conductor presents a possible risk to

the houses, community center, and to traffic on public roads or rivers, bamboo scaffolds will be constructed across the roads and rivers to protect pedestrians, vehicles, boats (and the conductor itself) from potential injury/damage during conductor stringing. In case of overweight material during transportation, it may be

necessary to temporarily reinforce some of the weaker roads and/or bridges.

Minor

Contractor

Before construction of TL is started

When construction activities are completed




Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

Health and safety; Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public

Contractor will be required to develop a health and safety plan; workers will be subjected to health screening and health and safety training sessions will be provided; public health education will be part of the EDL project plan. Necessary safety tools such as helmets, working shoes, ear

protection, dust filter and others are needed to provide for site workers. Regular spraying of dry soil with water for dust prevention. Offer and perform training sessions for workers within EDL

training Centre.

Minor Contractor

Before construction

of TL is started

When construction activities are

completed

Encroachment into farmland, loss of variety of agricultural lands

Affected farmers/villagers will be properly compensated. Consultation with APs will be conducted by PEMC.

Minor

EDL Before

construction of TL is started


completed

Encroachment into industrial tree plantation areas, loss of planted

Affected farmers/investors will be properly compensated. Consultation with APs will be conducted by PEMC. The proposed formula for calculation of compensation cost can

be applied and consultation with APs is also needed.

The rate of compensation

is based on the number

of trees multiply by the unit cost of each type

of tree as agreed with the affected

HHs

EDL

Before construction

of TL is started


completed




Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

Historical, cultural and archeological property. Encroachment into village properties such as cemetery

In case any historical, cultural or archeological asset in encountered during excavation, the excavation work shall be stopped and the provincial culture and touring Directorate shall be informed thereof. The work will carry on after reaching an agreement. Sitting the TL and Tower away from such areas. If unavoidable

by way of alignment position, sitting of tower should be located outside i.e. at each end. If relocation is required the traditional protocol and spiritual rituals must be observed and followed, (compensation must be paid in order for villagers to conduct traditional or spiritual ceremony).

A suitable amount of

cash will be compensated

to the affected village

cemeteries under the TL as agreed by both parties

EDL Before construction

of TL is started


completed

Electro–magnetic field

Safety Clearance to Live Conductor for 115 kV minimum clearance distance.

Minor Contractor When construction

starts


completed

c) Operation & Maintenance Phase

Forest and bushes clearing for maintenance of ROW and ROW checking

No herbicides will be used to control vegetation along ROW. Burning to clear and control vegetation along ROW is also

prohibited. Rather, local villagers living along routes will be participated

under contract to manually cut vegetation along rights-of-way. Plantation trees and crops with higher than 3 meters will not be

allowed. ROW checking and maintenance of ROW should be conducted at

least once or twice a year

Minor EDL


completed

During Project Life




Responsible Party

Start Date End Date

Health and safety; Injury to villagers

Health and safety plan will be implemented by EDL throughout operation phase of project, including periodic health and safety training and practice drills Sign boards (Warning Signs) need to be placed on every tower as

well as on the conductors where crossing community centers, roads and rivers.

Minor EDL


completed

During Project Life

Inadequate environmental and monitoring

EDL Environmental Management Unit to be responsible for monitoring environmental of project during operations and maintenance activities; EDL will provide training to substation and transmission lines crews. Involvement of local villages in operation and maintenance will be of great socio benefit- employment etc.

Minor EDL


completed

During Project Life

Encroachment into farmland, paddy field ; rice, crops and other agricultural produces will be damaged

Maintenance of TL especially where the TL located in the paddy field or farmlands, should be conducted in the dry season or non-farming season in order to avoid damage to crops and other agricultural produces.

Minor EDL


completed

During Project Life

Note: All items which are noted to be the responsibility of the Contractor will be specified in the bidding document.



8.3 NUMBER OF WORKERS The number of workers required for the project depends on the contractor, but it is estimated to be a maximum of 600 per contract.

8.4 CONTROL AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR MONITORING PLAN The implementation of the project will be managed by the EDL Office. The EMU will be directly responsible for implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) as well as coordination with local authorities and the affected persons. They will act as the first contact for the EMO and the PEMC. They will receive all complaints and grievances arising in the course of the implementation of the EMP.

Upon approval of the IEE by MONRE, the Environment Office in EDL headquarters will arrange one dissemination workshop on how the environmental work will be implemented at the Project site. This workshop shall make clear to all parties on the work to be carried out, time schedule and where budget they can obtain when it needed for mitigation and compensation. So this means that EMU at EdL would prepare a plan to monitor the implementation and the EMO of EDL branches of the two Provinces will implement the plan. For duration, schedule and parties to be involved in the monitoring and evaluation, the following is proposed:



Table 8-4: Control and Corrective Actions for Monitoring Plan

Parameters Location and monitoring equipment

How to monitor and type of monitoring equipment

Time to monitor/ monitoring frequency

Responsibility

Construction Phase:

Tree cutting and Vegetation clearance to remove vegetation

TL ROW construction especially at village cemeteries

Monitor TL ROW clearance to ensure that it is strictly carried out in accordance with proper equipment as specified in contract and ensure strictly conducted only along the TL ROW (not to conduct outside ROW)

Weekly, Continuous throughout construction period

EDL branches in collaboration with Government’ Authorities concerned

Damage to soil or loss of land

TL ROW construction especially at agricultural land or rice paddy field

Monitor selection location, construction and use of access tracks; to ensure minor damage to the soil/land and adherence to or comply with contract specifications

Weekly monitor throughout construction period/daily observation

EDL branches and independent third party monitor

Erosion and sedimentation impacts affecting watercourses (if any)

TL ROW construction especially where the TL crossed rivers and streams

Monitor construction activities visually including excavation work, silt arising from exposed soil surface through construction of bunds and sediment ponds, to ensure erosion and sedimentation control measures are in placed to protect watercourses

Weekly monitor throughout construction period/daily observation

EDL branches and independent Third party monitoring agency

Damage or nuisance to nearby properties

TL ROW construction especially where the TL crossed agricultural land

Monitor and inspect TL construction works especially in paddy field or farmland

Weekly, throughout construction period

EDL branches and Independent Third party Monitoring Agency

Cause impact to water, natural view and environment from throwing or improper disposal of rubbishes

Workers’ camp sites Monitor worker camp sites visually to see rubbishes disposal is complied with provided rule and rubbish bins, to ensure environmental and sedimentation control measures are in placed to protect watercourses and

Weekly, throughout construction period

EDL branches and EDL’ EMU






Responsibility

natural view

Health and safety TL ROW construction Review contractor/construction worker health and safety plan and training activities on health and safety

Minimum of a monthly review of contractor’s health and safety plan before construction is started as well as worker health and safety need also to be monitored periodically

EDL and Independent Third party Monitoring Agency

Interference with road transportation infrastructure

TL ROW construction Monitor and inspect traffic safety and control measures used to protect road and ensure public safety

Weekly, continuous throughout construction period


Dust Local road and village nearby where the truck pass through and construction sites

Monitor and inspect dust condition in areas that are sprayed with water and conducting villagers’ interview on their attitude towards dust pollution


EDL branches an Independent Third party Monitoring Agency (the PIC)

Noise Local road and village nearby where the truck pass through and noisy from the construction sites

Monitor and inspect noisy to ensure working and transportation of material is allowed only in daytime (from 7.00AM to 6.00PM) and conducting villager interviews on their attitude towards noise conditions



Operation Phase:

Trees and vegetation control

Along the TL ROW Inspect the status of tree and vegetation growth that may be able to damage or threaten the integrity of the line.

Local laborers or local villagers along the TL will be contracted with EdL as a contractor to maintain TL and control tree and vegetation growth.

Once or twice a year EDL






Responsibility

Health and safety; Injury to villagers and animals

Towers and tower bases Inspect integrity of the towers in order to maintain and ensure the towers are in good condition and free from stealing. Inspection of Warning Sign Boards are placed well on the towers and on the line where the TL crosses the roads

Once or twice a year EDL

Substation transformer insulating and cooling oils leaks to contaminate water courses or soil/land nearby

Substation site Inspection on leaking of the transformer, cleanout and disposal of any spilled insulating and cooling oils

As per EDL Substation system inspection schedule

EDL



8.5 MONITORING SCHEDULE BUDGET & RESPONSIBILITIES

8.5.1 Monitoring Schedule

8.5.1.1 Weekly Monitoring

The contractor, EDL and PIC will have full time environmental monitors in the field (see section 8.5.2.1 for additional detail). They will use pre prepared checklists based on the IEE and CEMP to monitor environmental compliance and will issue Environmental Non Compliance Citations and stop work orders as required. They will also be responsible for regular ECM reporting to project management and GoL.

8.5.1.2 Monthly Monitoring

EDL’s EO will monitor and evaluate EMP implementation monthly. The main tasks will be:

Consultation with the EDL Branch Liaison Officer (EMU officer) and environmental working committee to see if the EMP is working as expected or not.

• Participate in some field work of the Liaison Officer and Environmental Working Committee.

• Interview with the Project Affected Persons/villagers to get ideas and listen to them on how their feeling about the compensation and mitigation of the project.

• Prepare a field report to the EMU Manager which would be forwarded to MoM and MONRE).

8.5.1.3 Quarterly Monitoring

A joint monitoring and evaluation by EDL’s EMU and Social Environmental Unit (SEU) of the Department of Electricity will be conducted every 3 months with the goals of:

• Working with EDL Branch Liaison Officer and Environmental Working Committee to review of the work progress and to see if the EMP is effective.

• Adjust the EMP if there is a need to make it more effective.

• Consult with villages’ representative and Project Affected Persons to solicit suggestions for improvement of the compensation and mitigation measures.

• Prepare a report to concerned parties.

8.5.1.4 Semi-Annual (Six-month) Monitoring

A joint monitoring and evaluation by MEM, EDL and the two representatives of MONRE will be conducted every 6 months. The main tasks are to:

• Review the recommendations made by the monthly and 3-month monitoring and evaluation reports.



• Consultation with liaison officer, Environmental Working Committee for their opinions.

• Consultation with the Project affected persons/villagers.

• Consider and make change to EMP as necessary to reflect requirements.

• Prepare the site report to concerned parties.

8.5.1.5 Quarterly, Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), Evaluation & Capacity Building

As indicated in the ADB RFP and CEMP the PIC is required to assist EDL with environmental monitoring during construction period. An experienced and qualified International ECM specialist (IECMS) will be engaged by the PIC to conduct ECM capacity building and provide relevant knowledge, skills and tools to the Environmental Compliance Monitoring team members. The ICEMS will also conduct quarterly Quality Assurance and Quality Control missions to audit and report on the effectiveness of the ECM being conducted for the NPTP and to provide supplementary capacity enhancement as necessary to ensure continual improvement in the ECM. The tasks to be carried out during quarterly missions by the ICEMS from PIC include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the EMU in conducting a dissemination workshop on how the PEMP/CEMP will be implemented • Assist the EMU in training local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function. • Review the contractor's detailed field designs to ensure that these are consistent with the mitigation measures specified in the IEE and the CEMP. • Assist EDL’s Environmental Management Unit in ensuring the PEMP and CEMPs are properly implemented. • Undertake field monitoring of the implementation of the CEMP, and prepare quarterly monitoring reports to be submitted to EDL and ADB. • Determine if CEMP provisions are being implemented properly by all concerned. • Recommend corrective actions if environmental mitigation / safeguard measures are not sufficient • Examine the monitoring program designed for the construction phase to determine adequacy • Recommend revisions and/or additions as needed • Examine evolving ECM capacity and recommend changes in personnel • Evaluate information management system and make recommendations, as necessary • Make recommendations to redress areas that may not conform to ADB safeguards & GoL regulations.

The cost of quarterly ECM Monitoring, Evaluation & Capacity Building during construction is indicated in the following section and table 8-5.

8.5.2 Level of Effort & Budget for Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM)

This section identifies the key staff involved in Environmental Management and Monitoring, the level of effort required by each individual, a description of their roles during construction and the budget allocated by the PIC for this work.



8.5.2.1 ECM Monitoring by EDL & PIC

The contracts with the Prime contractors and their sub-contractors require that they fully implement and pay the entire cost of all environmental mitigation during construction as specified in the IEE, EMP and CEMP. Their contracts also require that they are to employ a full time environmental monitor(s) to ensure environmental management, protection, mitigation and enhancement measures are implemented as specified in the IEE, EMP and CEMP.

In addition to the above, full time Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) will be conducted by EDL and PIC monitoring personnel on all transmission lines and associated infrastructures throughout the construction period to ensure the contractor and the contractors' environmental monitor(s) are effectively implementing and verifying that the mitigation and monitoring requirements of the IEE, EMP and CEMP are fully met. Figure 8-1 below illustrates the "fail safe staffing" required in the present context to ensure effective Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) during construction and the relationships among the organizations and personnel involved in the ECM during construction.

While PIC's existing budget for assistance to, and capacity building for, EDL prior to construction has been sufficient, an additional budget required for PIC Environmental Compliance Monitoring during construction is presented in Table 8-5. This is being requested in a Contract Variation to be submitted to ADB in April 2014.

As shown in figure 8-1 the ECM team will be led by the ECM Team Leader (TL) who is an experienced environmental professional, familiar with the management of small teams, information collection and reporting required for effective environmental compliance monitoring. The ECM Team Leader will also have an EDL counterpart (co- ECM TL) who will assist him and learn ECM on the job.

The co-ECM Team Leaders will be supported by three experienced environmental specialists in the field as Lead ECM Field Monitors. Following the Capacity Building scheduled for April 2014, these individuals will become responsible for implementing ECM on one of the three transmission lines (or modules) and therefore must possess knowledge, skills and tools to conduct ECM during the construction period.



FIG. 8-1 Environmental Compliance Monitoring Team / Organization

While the proposed ECM TL is already PIC staff, finding suitable individuals for the three positions of Lead ECM Field Monitor is more challenging. Candidates are presently being identified and invited to participate in the ECM capacity building in April 2014.

Subsequent to Capacity building and before construction begins, three individuals who have demonstrated capacity to; assimilate the knowledge, develop the skills, and use the tools needed to conduct ECM independently in the field will be hired by PIC to act as Lead ECM Field Monitors during construction.

The individuals selected must substantially meet the following criteria:

1) available to attend every capacity building activity; 2) able to participate in, contribute to, and learn from the capacity building

activities; 3) capable of implementing ECM activities and directing contractors in the field; 4) able to speak, read and write English and Lao; 5) capable of using a PC and word and Excel to complete simple ECM reports;

EDL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE (EO)

EDL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT UNIT (EMU)

ECM TEAM LEADER (PIC) ECM TEAM LEADER (EDL)

SOCIAL & RESETTLEMENT

MONITORING TEAM

TRANSMISSION LINE #1 • LEAD ECM FIELD MONITOR (PIC) • ASSIST. ECM FIELD MONIT. (EDL)

TRANSMISSION LINE #2 • LEAD ECM FIELD MONITOR (PIC) • ASSIST. ECM FIELD MONIT. (EDL)

TRANSMISSION LINE #3 • LEAD ECM FIELD MONITOR (PIC) • ASSIST. ECM FIELD MONIT (EDL)

International ECM expert



6) proactive, self- reliant, motivated and dynamic; 7) willing to relocate to and work in the field for extended periods during the

construction period; 8) provide good references.

As indicated in figure 8-1 suitable EDL personnel from district offices will be assigned by EDL to work as Assistant Environmental Compliance Monitors (AECM) to assist and learn (on the job) from the Lead ECM Field Monitors and the ECM Team Leader. The budget for their salaries transportation and per diem will be covered by the relevant EDL District offices.

An experienced and qualified Senior International Environmental Specialist (SIES) will be engaged by the PIC to conduct ECM capacity building and provide relevant knowledge, skills and tools to the Environmental Compliance Monitoring team members. The SIES will also conduct quarterly Quality Assurance and Quality Control missions to audit and report on the effectiveness of the ECM being conducted for the NPTP and to provide supplementary capacity enhancement as necessary to ensure continual improvement in the ECM.

The TOR for the members of the ECM team are provided below and the proposed budget for the ECM Team leader (from the PIC), the three Lead ECM Field Monitors and the Senior International Environmental Specialist is indicated in the following table 8-5.

DETAILED TOR FOR THE ECM TEAM LEADERS (From PIC and EDL) • Develop a comprehensive and detailed understanding of GMS NPTP construction activities

related to environmental permits, approvals, reporting and documentation. • Develop a comprehensive and detailed understanding of all mitigation, safeguards, and

monitoring requirements in the IEE, EMP and CEMP • Conduct monthly review & supervision of ECM activities in the field • Ensure the ECM field monitors have appropriate knowledge, equipment and conditions • Ensure the work of ECM field monitors is adequate in all regards. • Provide feed-back to Field ECM monitors to improve their performance • Assist contractor with environmental training / orientation of work crews. • Provide all ECM documentation and reporting to EDL on time • develop and maintain an ECM information / data base • Assist EDL in communicating with regulatory agencies & key stakeholders. • Inform EDL of serious environmental NCR and the need to suspend work • Prepare environmental completion report at completion of construction

DETAILED TOR FOR ECM FIELD MONITORS

(Lead from PIC and Assistant from EDL) • Report directly to ECM Team Leaders • Study and understand contractor EPPs and monitor their implementation • Study / understand the mitigation & monitoring requirements in the IEE, EMP and CEMP • Conduct daily Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) • Conduct environmental sampling as required • Document Environmental Compliance in ECM check list, field notes and Photographs. • Participate in PIC and contractors meetings as necessary. • Prepare and provide weekly ECM reports to ECM team leaders • Prepare / provide Non Compliance Reports (NCR) to ECM team leaders • Prepare / provide (NCR) follow up reports to ECM team leaders • Provide technical assistance on environmental matters to construction personnel.



• Provide recommendations for modifying and/or improving environmental mitigation measures, as necessary.

• Complete inspection checklists for each monitoring visit. • Report spills of hazardous materials and other environmental incidents

DETAILED TOR for the INTERNATIONAL ECM SPECIALIST (IECMS)

(From PIC)

As indicated in the ADB RFP and CEMP the PIC is required to assist EDL with environmental monitoring during construction period. An experienced and qualified International ECM specialist (IECMS) will be engaged by the PIC to conduct ECM capacity building and provide relevant knowledge, skills and tools to the Environmental Compliance Monitoring team members. The ICEMS will also conduct quarterly Quality Assurance and Quality Control missions to audit and report on the effectiveness of the ECM being conducted for the NPTP and to provide supplementary capacity enhancement as necessary to ensure continual improvement in the ECM. The tasks to be carried out during quarterly missions by the ICEMS from PIC include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist the EMU in conducting a dissemination workshop on how the PEMP/CEMP will be implemented • Assist the EMU in training local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function. • Review the contractor's detailed field designs to ensure that these are consistent with the mitigation measures specified in the IEE and the CEMP. • Assist EDL’s Environmental Management Unit in ensuring the PEMP and CEMPs are properly implemented. • Undertake field monitoring of the implementation of the CEMP, and prepare quarterly monitoring reports to be submitted to EDL and ADB. • Determine if CEMP provisions are being implemented properly by all concerned. • Recommend corrective actions if environmental mitigation / safeguard measures are not sufficient • Examine the monitoring program designed for the construction phase to determine adequacy • Recommend revisions and/or additions as needed • Examine evolving ECM capacity and recommend changes in personnel • Evaluate information management system and make recommendations, as necessary • Make recommendations to redress areas that may not conform to ADB safeguards & GoL regulations.



TABLE 8-5 PROPOSED STAFFING & BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION & CAPACITY BUILDING DURING CONSTRUCTION



8.5.2.2 Monitoring Budget for Project Environmental Management Committees (PEMC)

While the budget allocated to the Project Environmental Management Committees (PEMCs) is summarized in the following tables 8-6 and 8-7, the composition and function of the PEMCs have been previously described in section 7.11of this report.



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I

1 App. 01 DSA for Field work of PEMC Committee 6,300,000 2,700,000 18,300,000 4,800,000 32,100,000

2 App. 02 DSA for Filed Work of PEMC Committee on their Minutes with PAPs

12,300,000 3,300,000 2,400,000 5,100,000 23,100,000

3 App. 03 DSA for Field Work of Environmental Staff 11,040,000 4,800,000 25,440,000 7,680,000 10,080,000 3,840,000 19,200,000 6,720,000

144,000,000

II

1 App. 04 Office Stationery 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 7,347,000

2 App. 05 Gasoline 7,007,143 5,142,857 3,857,143 1,928,571 1,071,429 19,007,143

3 App. 06 Fee for Environmental Certificate 3,500,000 3,500,000

29,854,143

173,854,143

17,385,414

191,239,557

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I

1 App. 01 DSA for Field work of PEMC Committee 6,300,000 2,700,000 18,300,000 4,800,000 32,100,000

2 App. 02DSA for Filed Work of PEMC Committee on their Minutes with PAPs 12,300,000 3,300,000 2,400,000 5,100,000 23,100,000

3 App. 03 DSA for Field Work of Environmental Staff 11,040,000 4,800,000 25,440,000 7,680,000 10,080,000 3,840,000 19,200,000 6,720,000

144,000,000

II

1 App. 04 Office Stationery 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 612,250 7,347,000

2 App. 05 Gasoline 7,007,143 5,142,857 3,857,143 1,928,571 1,071,429 19,007,143

26,354,143

170,354,143

17,035,414

187,389,557

378,629,114 47,328.64

BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015I. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2014

No Appendix No. DescriptionMonth of Year 2014

Total (Lao Kip)

Total (Lao Kip)

Budget Plan for Environmental Management and Monitoring (IEE)

Budget for PEMC Committee and Environmental Staff

88,800,000 Total 48,960,000 39,840,000

Subtotal IAdministration Expenses

Subtotal II

Total Budget for Environment ( I+II)

II. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2015

88,800,000 Total 48,960,000 39,840,000

Subtotal I

Contingency 10%

Grand Total for 2015 Buget for PEMC

Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in US$ (Remark: 1 US$=8000 Lao Kip)

Contingency 10%


Administration Expenses

Subtotal II

2015 Total Budget for Environment ( I+II)

Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in Lao Kips




Table 8-6: OVERALL PEMC MONITORING BUDGET FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015

Table 8 7: PEMC



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I

1 App. 01 DSA for Field work of PEMC Committee 6,300,000 6,300,000


5,100,000 5,100,000

3 App. 03 DSA for Field Work of Environmental Staff 11,040,000 10,080,000

32,520,000

II

1 App. 04 Office Stationery 612,250 612,250 612,250 1,836,750

2 App. 05 Gasoline 7,007,143 7,007,143

3 App. 06 Fee for Environmental Certificate

8,843,893

41,363,893

4,136,389

45,500,282

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I


2 App. 02DSA for Filed Work of PEMC Committee on their Minutes with PAPs 5,100,000 5,100,000


32,520,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 7,007,143 7,007,143

8,843,893

41,363,893

4,136,389

45,500,282

91,000,564 11,375.07


Contingency 10%


Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in Lao Kips Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in US$ (Remark: 1 US$=8000 Lao Kip)

Total (Lao Kip)



21,120,000 Total 11,040,000 10,080,000

Subtotal II




II. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2015 (Phongsaly)



21,120,000 Total 11,040,000 10,080,000


Subtotal II


Contingency 10%

BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 (PHONGSALY PROVINCE)

I. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2014 (Phongsaly)


Total (Lao Kip)

MONITORING BUDGETS FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 FOR ALL 4 PROVINCES



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I



2,400,000 2,400,000


13,740,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 5,142,857 5,142,857


6,979,607

20,719,607

2,071,961

22,791,568

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I



2,400,000 2,400,000


13,740,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 5,142,857 5,142,857

6,979,607

20,719,607

2,071,961

22,791,568

45,583,136

5,697.89


Contingency 10%


Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in Lao Kips


BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 (OUDOMXAY PROVINCE)

I. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2014 (Oudomxay)


Total (Lao Kip)



8,640,000 Total 4,800,000 3,840,000


Subtotal II


Contingency 10%

Subtotal II


II. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2015 (Oudomxay)


Total (Lao Kip)




8,640,000 Total 4,800,000 3,840,000



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I



12,300,000 12,300,000

3 App. 03 DSA for Field work of Environmental Staff 25,440,000 19,200,000

75,240,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 1,928,571 3,857,143 5,785,714


7,622,464

82,862,464

8,286,246

91,148,711

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I




75,240,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 1,928,571 3,857,143 5,785,714

7,622,464

82,862,464

8,286,246

91,148,711

182,297,421

22,787.18 Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in Lao Kips



Subtotal II


Contingency 10%




44,640,000 Total 25,440,000 19,200,000

II. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2015 (Xayabury)


Total (Lao Kip)




44,640,000 Total 25,440,000 19,200,000


Subtotal II

Total Budget for Invironment (I+II)

Contingency 10%

BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 (XAYABURY PROVINCE)

I. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2014 (Xayabury)


Total (Lao Kip)



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I



3,300,000 3,300,000


22,500,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 1,071,429 1,071,429

3 App. 06 Fee for Environmental Certificate 3,500,000 3,500,000

6,408,179

28,908,179

2,890,818

31,798,996

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

I




22,500,000

II


2 App. 05 Gasoline 1,071,429 1,071,429

2,908,179

25,408,179

2,540,818

27,948,996

59,747,993

7,468.50 Grand Total (Budget for Year 2014 and 2015) in Lao Kips



Subtotal II


Contingency 10%




14,400,000 Total 7,680,000 6,720,000

II. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2015 (Vientiane)


Total (Lao Kip)




14,400,000 Total 7,680,000 6,720,000


Subtotal II


Contingency 10%

BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN FOR YEARS 2014 AND 2015 (VIENTIANE PROVINCE)

I. Budget Plan For Environmental Management and Monitoring, For Year 2014 (Vientiane)


Total (Lao Kip)



9 PUBLIC CONSULTATION & INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

9.1 RATIONALE, OBJECTIVE & SCOPE The GMS NPTP has conducted a number of public consultation meetings. Public involvement for the project was performed at the village, district and provincial levels. The project consultants in cooperation with the project developers are responsible for all consultation meetings, including all expenditures such as transportation for participants, accommodation, and payment for those attending the meeting.

The purposes of consultation are to introduce the proposed project to stakeholders, inform them as it develops, and identify their views and concerns. This approach fosters stakeholders’ engagement and contribution to the project, enhances its acceptability and encourages realistic expectations as to what the project will deliver to them.

The consultation program aims to: • Identify problems, concerns and needs • Inform stakeholders about the project • Obtain feedback • Learn from local knowledge and understanding • Evaluate alternatives • Promote ownership and enhance social acceptability • Avoid or resolve conflicts • Demonstrate commitment of the project proponent in addressing issues

raised during consultations Scope of consultation will focus on three main components:

• Information Collection - involving collecting information on the environmental and social baseline conditions of the study area to determine key sensitive receptors.

• Information Dissemination - involving disclosure of information about the intended activity, project objectives and their outcomes in order to enable meaningful consultation.

• Participation-defined as a voluntary process in which stakeholders and project proponents come together to share, negotiate and control the decision-making process in project design and management. It builds on the consultation component.

The consultation process will involve, but will not be limited to:

• Formal meetings with government authorities, institutions, individuals, specialists and any NGOs identified.

• Meetings with opinion leaders, community representatives (village committees or councils).



• Household survey questionnaires, aimed at the local population within the project area.

The survey questionnaires are a fundamental component of both the environment and social aspects as they provide the basis for identifying impacts and developing management and mitigation measures that are specific to the local conditions.

9.2 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS

9.2.1 Central GoL Bodies

The central government authorities concerned with power development can be listed as follows:

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; • Ministry of Energy and Mines; • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; • Ministry of Planning and Investment; • Ministry of Finances; • Ministry of Public Health; • Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare; • Ministry of Information and Culture; • Any other relevant departments identified in consultation with EDL.

9.2.2 Provincial/District GoL

Similar to those at the national level, the provincial and district administration and related key authorities include:

• Provincial/District Cabinet Offices; • Provincial/District Energy and Mines Offices; • Provincial/District Natural Resources and Environment Offices; • Provincial/District Agriculture and Forestry Offices; • Provincial/District Planning and Investment Offices; • Provincial/District Public Health Offices; • Provincial/District Labor and Social Welfare Offices; • Provincial/District Information and Culture Offices;

9.2.3 Village Leaders & Affected People

Some experience for hydropower and TL development in Lao PDR showed that Project impacts come to the villages especially those who are the project affected people including village leaders and vulnerable group of people.

• Village heads in each of the Project affected villages; • Key village informants, including village teachers, village elders, spiritual

leaders and health-care workers;



• Directly and indirectly affected families in the project area; • Gender and vulnerable groups (including ethnic minority group); • Key village interest groups including landowners, land users, identified

vulnerable groups, guardians of cultural and spiritual sites etc; • Non-Governmental Organizations:

o Lao Women’s Union; o Lao Front for National Construction; o Lao Youth Association;

9.3 PARTICIPATION PROCESS

9.3.1 Involvement of GoL

Participation with GoL stakeholders will involve a series of formal meetings and discussions. The purpose of the interviews at national, provincial and district levels will be to inform the stakeholders of the proposed project, to discuss the associated environmental and social issues as well as to gather any relevant secondary data.

The meetings with district and provincial stakeholders will also discuss the most practical and feasible mitigation measures in the opinion of these stakeholders. Consultation at these levels is an important step in the protocol of working in the local area. It is a courtesy to inform the relevant government bodies and leaders of the intention to conduct surveys and interviews in the Meun Sanakham, Kenthao, Pak Lay, Phieng, Xayabury, Namo, Boun Neua, and Boun Tai districts.

9.3.2 Consultation with Affected People and Villages & Local Communities

Consultation with members of the communities in the vicinity of the project area was undertaken through village meetings, interviews with representatives of the local villages and as part of the household surveys. The survey was used to develop a baseline socio-economic profile of the local communities and sought information on the level of awareness of the project, concerns and expectations of the project. Individual household interviewees, social dialogues were used to document the profile of communities, the range and extent of impacts both at the household and community level. Specifically the Village level consultations were held for the following purposes:

• To gather information on the profile of the community and the possible social impacts of the project on community structure, local resources and livelihood patterns. Some specific “focus group” was also conducted in some village;

• To identify key environmental and social effects that may be created by the GMS NPTP project development.

A number of visiting, meetings, discussion, briefing, have been organized with affected people and village authorities as part of the IEE process.

Details of the Consultation with affected people in all villages, districts and provinces during the course of IEE for GMS NPTP, were organized during April to June 2012.



The tables as below shown the Consultation with affected people in all villages, districts and provinces located nearby the ROW’s GMS NPTP.

Table 9-1: Consultation with Affected Villages, Module 1, Contract 1, ADB, Nonhai to Paklay

No. Date Name of Village District Province 1 30/05/2012 Namsong Paklay

(1 Village) Xayabury

2 13/05/2012 Nonsavanh


Vientiane

3 15/05/2012 Nasak 4 24/05/2012 Houaytao 5 23/05/2012 Khokkhaodor 6 25/05/2012 Khongiew 7 23/04/2012 Nonsivilay

Meun (11 Villages)

8 24/04/2012 Nonhai 9 25/04/2012 Namhorn

10 27/04/2012 Napaphay 11 29/04/2012 Namphern 12 02/05/2012 Nayao 13 03/05/2012 Naboua 14 04/05/2012 Nontong 15 04/05/2012 Namhi 16 08/05/2012 Vang 17 09/05/2012 Donehieng

17 Villages

Table 9-2: Consultation with Affected Villages, Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Kenthao

No. Date Name of Village District Province 1 30/05/2012 Namsong

Paklay (14 Villages)

Xayabury

2 31/05/2012 Houaylay 3 02/06/2012 Houaysaikham 4 01/06/2012 Nasavang 5 04/06/2012 Sisaatsomphou 6 05/06/2012 Xayamoungkhoun 7 06/06/2012 Nasak 8 07/06/2012 Kengsao 9 08/06/2012 Takded

10 09/06/2012 Houaytang 11 11/06/2012 Pakleng 12 12/06/2012 Sivilay 13 13/06/2012 Houayhai 14 14/06/2012 DongsaNguane 15 22/06/2013 Houaypet

Kenthao (8 Villages)

16 23/06/2013 Houaytor 17 21/06/2013 Houaylod 18 24/06/2013 Naborn 19 26/06/2013 Meuangkao 20 27/06/2013 Chomphet 21 26/06/2013 Chomkeo



22 27/06/2013 Meuangmor 22 Villages

Table 9-3: Consultation with Affected Villages, Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Xayabury

No. Date Name of Village District Province 1 11/05/2013 Thana

Xayabury (8 Villages)

Xayabury

2 15/05/2013 Thin 3 13/05/2013 Donmai 4 16/05/2013 Boung 5 17/05/2013 Nonsavanh 6 18/05/2013 Namtouane 7 19/05/2013 Namliep 8 22/05/2013 Phonxay (Lak 18) 9 23/05/2012 Kiewkhem

Phieng (25 Villages)

10 24/05/2012 Meuangphieng 11 26/05/2012 Dongngern 12 25/05/2012 Kang 13 28/05/2012 Kok 14 29/05/2012 Nongbouaphinong 15 30/05/2012 Sibounheuang 16 31/05/2012 Nasommai 17 -----o----- Natan 18 -----o----- Nongbouathong 19 -----o----- Nakhem 20 -----o----- HouayOum 21 06/06/2012 Viengjalern 22 12/06/2012 Nampouy 23 07/06/2012 Phouphamixay 24 08/06/2012 Nam Gnap 25 09/06/2012 Khounphone 26 12/06/2012 Namor 27 14/06/2012 Namphone 28 15/06/2012 Nalea 29 18/06/2012 Vangkham 30 15/06/2012 Na Oum 31 20/06/2012 Phonthong 32 21/06/2012 Nakong 33 23/06/2012 Phonsak 34 22/06/2012 Nakhayang

Paklay (7 Villages)

35 27/06/2012 Phongnam 36 26/06/2012 Hatdai 37 28/06/2012 Souvannaphoum 38 27/06/2012 Namlin 39 27/06/2012 Khea 40 2/06/2012 Namsong

40 Villages



Table 9-4: Affected Villages - Module 3 – Contract 2 – KEXIM, BounNeua to Namo No.

Date Name of Village

District Province

1 02/03/2012 Phiengdokkham

Boun Neua (12 Villages)

Phongsaly

2 12/03/2012 Namyongmai

3 15/03/2012 Bormai

4 16/03/2012 Phapounkao

5 19/03/2012 Sentham

6 20/03/2012 Bormang

7 22/03/2012 Somboun

8 24/03/2012 Xiengpi

9 24/03/2012 Yor

10

28/03/2012 Deua

11

29/03/2012 66 (Houaykha)

12

30/03/2012 Vangdoy

13

2/04/2012 Xingxay

Boun Tai (9 Villages)

14

5/04/2012 Namlannoy

15

24/04/2012 Phonthong

16

25/04/2012 Nawai

17

30/04/2012 Nammak

18

26/04/2012 Jaluangmai

19

28/04/2012 Longnaikao

20

28/04/2012 Longnaimai

21

29/04/2012 Pangkhai

22

01/05/2012 Teuka

Namor (9 Villages) Oudomxay 2

3 01/05/2012 Phakham

24

02/05/2012 NamNgern



25

03/05/2012 Khuangkham

26

03/05/2012 Nammong

27

04/05/2012 Nasavang

28

04/05/2012 Mainatao

29

05/05/2012 Mixaysamphan

30

05/05/2012 Namorneua

30 Villages

9.3.3 Villages, Districts and Provincial Public Consultations

Figure 9-1: Consultation with Affected People during IEE Survey at Village Level

A number of visits, meetings, discussions, and briefings have been organized with provincial and district authorities as part of the IEE process.

Details of the Public Consultations with affected people in all villages, districts and provinces during the course of IEE for GMS NPTP, were organized during April to June 2012.

The tables as below shown the Village and District Public Consultation with affected people in all villages, districts and provinces located nearby the ROW’s GMS NPTP.

9.3.3 Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP

A number of Village and District Public Consultation Meetings have been organized with affected villages, districts, and provinces as part of the IEE process.

The tables as below shown the Village and District Public Consultation Meetings located nearby the ROW’s GMS NPTP.

Table 9-5: Summary of Village and District Public Consultation Meetings with



Provincial Line Departments during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP.

No. Date Activities Participants

I. Oudomxay Province

1 09 June 2013 Visiting and Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies of Oudomxay Province

- Chairman: Mr. Bounthanh Vannachay, Director General of Provincial Industry and Commerce Department;

- Number of Participants: 25

II. Vientiane Province

2 10 September 2013

Visiting and Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line agencies of Vientiane Province

- Chairman: Mrs. Singkham Khongsavanh, Vice-Governor, Vientiane Province;


III. Xayabury Province

3 25 September 2013

Visiting and Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies of Vientiane Province

- Chairman: Mr. Nganngong Sipaseuth, Vice-Governor, Xayabury Province;


IV. Phongsaly Province

4 9 July 2013 Visiting and Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies of Vientiane Province

- Chairman: Mr. Angfou Aly, Vice-Governor, Phongsaly Province;


Details of the Village and District Public Consultation Meetings with Provincial Line Agencies during the course of IEE for GMS NPTP, were held from June to September 2013, are as follows:

• Discussed the Results of IEE Report for 115kV GMS NPTP, and impacts by the project;

• Discussed the Compensation program and methodology; • Details compensation rates and sample of compensation rates in provinces; • Measures to mitigate impacts by project; • Provincial Committee to support GMS NPTP activities in province;

Please refer to Annex 2 to Annex 5 for the Minutes of Village and District Public Consultation Meetings with Provincial Line Departments of each Province.

Figure 9-2: Village and District Public Consultations with with Provincial Line Agencies



Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies At Oudomxay Province, on 09 June 2013

Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies At Vientiane Province, on 10 September 2013

Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies At Xayabury Province, on 25 September 2013



Village and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Agencies At Phongsaly Province, on 9 July 2013

9.4 RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES

9.4.1 Issues Raised in Consultation Meetings

The main problem cited by the villagers in the Project Area is very similar including: lack of electricity.

In respect of the GMS NPTP, there was support from all the villages for the Project. In general it is recognized the project will facilitate growth and development in Sanakham and Meune Districts of Vientiane Province; in Paklay, Kenthao, Phieng and Xayabury Districts of Xayabury Province; in Namor District of Oudomxay Province; and also in Boun Neua and Boun Tai Districts of Phonsaly Province as well.

The main positive impacts of the Project are as follows:

Opportunity for employment by the Project during the construction and the operation phases;

Opportunity to sell small goods and/or provide food for the workers at the camp;

Benefits from an improved road–increased and all-year access;

Availability of electricity and the opportunity to expand into small home businesses as well as improving everyday life; and

Access to training and technical programs delivered by District Government (improved access to agricultural extension services).

The participants in the village meetings also discussed possible negative or adverse effects from the Project; these covered a range of issues, including:

Concerns about road safety issues as a result of increased trucks during the construction phase;

Noise and dust will cause a nuisance for the people living along the access road;

Social problems (including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other problems) will come with the influx of workers into the area;



Village land will be lost for the upgrading of the access road and for the RoW’s Corridor;

9.4.2 Comments & Feedbacks of Affected Villages and People During the Consultation Meetings

There were no serious objections to the GMS NPTP. Almost all affected village and people fully support the Project’s development. However, during the consultation with affected villages and peoples, the following was requested:

• Fair compensation for all temporary or permanent land use; • Provide Electricity with Concrete Pole to Village; • Improve Access Road to Village; and also • Help rebuilding/building infrastructure, such as, schools, bridges, village

offices, clean water facilities, etc.



Table 9-6: Summary of Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People during the Village and District Public Consultation Meeting during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP. (Module 1, Contract 1, ADB, Nonhai to Paklay)

Module 1, Contract 1, ADB, Nonhai to Paklay Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People Full support of

affected villages and people on the

Project’sdevelopment

Fair compensation

for all temporary or

permanent land use

Provide Electricity

with Concrete Pole to Village

Improve Access Road to Village

Improve Access Road to

Agriculture Land of

Villagers

Relocate Corridor

Line from Cemetery

Area

Developer should employ young

people to work with the Project

No. District/Province Name of Village

1 Paklay/Xayabury Namsong 2

Sanakham/Vientiane

Nonsavanh 3 Nasak 4 Houaytao 5 Khokkhaodor 6 Khongiew 7

Meune/Vientiane

Nonsivilay 8 Nonhai 9 Namhorn

10 Napaphay 11 Namphern 12 Nayao 13 Naboua 14 Nontong 15 Namhi 16 Vang 17 Donehieng



Table 9-7: Summary of Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People during the Village and District Public Consultation Meeting during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP. (Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Kenthao)

Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Kenthao

Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People Full support of affected

villages and people on the

project‘s development

Fair compensation


permanent land use

Provide Electricity



Improve Access Road

to Agriculture Land of

Villagers

Relocate Corridor

Line from Cemetery

Area

Developer should employ

young people to work with the Project


1

Paklay/Xayabury

Namsong 2 Houaylay 3 Houaysaikham 4 Nasavang 5 Sisaatsomphou 6 Xayamoungkhoun 7 Nasak 8 Kengsao 9 Takded

10 Houaytang 11 Pakleng 12 Sivilay 13 Houayhai 14 DongsaNguane 15

Kenthao/Xayabury

Houaypet 16 Houaytor 17 Houaylod 18 Naborn 18 Meuangkao 20 Chomphet 21 Chomkeo 22 Meuangmor



Table 9-8: Summary of Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People during the Village and District Public Consultation Meeting during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP. (Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Xayabury)

Module 2, Contract 2, KEXIM, Paklay to Xayabury Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People Full support of affected

villages and people on

the project’s development

Fair compensation


permanent land use

Provide Electricity



Improve Access Road

to Agriculture

Land of Villagers

Relocate Corridor

Line from Cemetery

Area




1

Xayabury/Xayabury

Thana 2 Thin 3 Donmai 4 Boung 5 Nonsavanh 6 Namtouane 7 Namliep 8 Phonxay (Lak 18) 9

Phieng/Xayabury

Kiewkhem 10 Meuangphieng 11 Dongngern 12 Kang 13 Kok 14 Nongbouaphinong 15 Sibounheuang 16 Nasommai 17 Natan 18 Nongbouathong 19 Nakhem 20 HouayOum 21 Viengjalern



22

Phieng /Xayabury

Nampouy 23 Phouphamixay 24 Nam Gnap 25 Khounphone 26 Namor 27 Namphone 28 Nalea 29 Vangkham 30 Na Oum 31 Phonthong 32 Nakong 33 Phonsak 34

Paklay/Xayabury

Nakhayang 35 Phongnam 36 Hatdai 37 Souvannaphoum 38 Namlin 39 Khea 40 Namsong



Table 9-9: Summary of Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People during the Village and District Public Consultation Meeting during the Course of IEE for GMS NPTP. (Module 3, Contract 2, KEXIM, BounNeua to Namor)

Module 3, Contract 2, KEXIM, BounNeua to Namor

Comment & Feedback of Affected Villages and People Full support of Affected

villages and people on the

project’s development

Fair compensation


permanent land use

Provide Electricity

with Concrete

Pole to Village


Improve Access Road

to Agriculture

Land of Villagers

Relocate Corridor

Line from Cemetery

Area




1

Boun Neua/Phongsaly

Phiengdokkham 2 Namyongmai 3 Bormai 4 Phapounkao

5 Sentham 6 Bormang 7 Somboun 8 Xiengpi 9 Yor

10 Deua 11 66 (Houaykha) 12 Vangdoy 13

Boun Tai/Phongsaly

Xingxay 14 Namlannoy 15 Phonthong 16 Nawai 17 Nammak 18 Jaluangmai 19 Longnaikao 20 Longnaimai 21 Pangkhai



22 Namor/Oudomxay

Namor/Oudomxay

Teuka 23 Phakham 24 NamNgern 25 Khuangkham 26 Nammong 27 Nasavang 28 Mainatao 29 Mixaysamphan 30 Namorneua



10 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

10.1 CONCLUSION 1 - The environmental impacts of the GMS Northern Power Transmission Project can be

reduced to acceptable levels through implementation of cost effective and practical measures normally associated with internationally recognized good engineering practices. Moreover, the relatively minor environmental impacts will be offset by the significant economic and social benefits from the Project.

2 - Natural habitats along most of the transmission line alignments are largely degraded due to long term over-exploitation of the natural ecosystems by logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, commercial plantations, paddy farming and human settlement.

3 - The transmission line routes and substation sites have been chosen to avoid or minimize encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, villages, settlements and religious and cultural/heritage sites.

4 - The corridors do not encroach upon any National Protected Area.

5 - The encroachment of the transmission lines on agricultural land has been avoided as much as possible.

6 - Compensation for losses of land, residences and crops due to the transmission line construction will be paid to project affected people according to GoL regulations.

7 - Low voltage distribution lines will follow existing road rights-of-way to ensure that environmentally sensitive areas will not be affected

8 - A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be implemented during construction. This identifies the environmental impacts arising from the project, provides specific mitigation measures to reduce the impacts, and includes institutional arrangements for implementing the Plan including the specific responsibilities of the contractor to protect the environment.

9 - The project will have a net benefit to the quality of life in the rural areas of northern Lao as villages which currently do not have electricity will have access to a relatively inexpensive and uninterrupted source of energy.

10 - This IEE and the annexed CEMP are considered sufficient to meet the EA requirements for the GMS Northern Power Transmission Project. Therefore an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.



10.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

1 - Effective Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) during construction is needed to meet the requirements of the IEE, PEMP, CEMP and ADB Safeguards.

2 - PIC's existing budget for assistance to, and initial capacity building for EDL prior to construction has been sufficient. However because of the current unavailability of trained monitors at EDL, additional resources and funding are urgently required to enable the PIC to provide the capacity building and assistance with ECM necessary during construction.

3 - The staffing, TOR and budget for the enhanced level of effort required are identified in this revision of the IEE and an additional budget for ECM capacity building and effective implementation should be requested by PIC in a Contract Variation submitted to ADB in April 2014.



REFERENCES EPD. 2011. Department of Energy Promotion and Development ADB. 2011. http://www.adb.org/countries/gms. accessed Nov 2012 ADB. 2003. Environmental Assessment Guidelines ADB. 2002. Environmental Policy 2002. ADB. 2010. GMS Northern Power Transmission Project. Project Administration Manual. EdL. 2010. Annual Report 2010. Prepared by EdL StatisticsPlanning Office, Business Finance Department.web: www.edl.com ( accessed 27December2011) Eastham, J, et al. 2008. Mekong River Basin Water Resources Assessment: Impacts of Climate. Change. CSIRO: Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship Harnpattanapanich and Luddakul.2011. Seismic Hazard of the Khorat Plateau: Preliminary Review, International Conference on Geology, Geo-technology and Mineral Resources of Indochina (GEOINDO 2011)1-3 December 2011, KhonKaen, Thailand Lao Department of Statistics.2012. Population Statistics Muansell.2009. Initial Environmental Examination, ADB TANº4816-LAO Preparing the Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project NAFRI .n d. Estimation of Erosion and Erodibility of Soil in a Slash-and-Burn Cultivation Area of Northern Laos Boun Neau District.2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Boun Tai. 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Ken thao District. 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Meun District.2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Namo District.2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012.

http://www.adb.org/countries/gms.%20accessed%20Nov%202012

http://www.edl.com/



Oudomxay Province.2011/12. Provincial Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Paklay District. 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Phieng District. 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012.

PhongsalyProvince.2011/12.Provincial Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Sanakham District. 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Vientiane Province. 2011/12. Provincial Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Xayabury District . 2011/2012. District Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012. Xayabury Province. 2011/12. Provincial Economic and Social Development Plan 2010-2012.



ANNEX 1: UXO Maps For Vientiane, Xayabury, Oudomxay and Phongaly Provinces



ANNEX 2: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Oudomxay Province.



Lao People's Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

--------------------------

Oudomxay Province Ref. No.: 1316/EDL.ODX Governor Date:09 Jul 2013

MINUTE OF THE MEETING

Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting on IEE Report And Identification of Compensation Rate for Environmental and Social

Effected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project

According to the Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment, No 112/PM dated 16 February 2010;

According to the Regulations for Implementing Decree, No 192/PM on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development Projects, dated 07 July 2005;

According to Agreement of Provincial Governor of Oudomxay on Establishment of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Ref. no 776/Gov.ODX, dated 22/04/2011.

The Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting has officially organized at 8.00 am, on 05/07/2013 at Mittaphab Hotel, Oudomxay Province, Chaired by Mr. Bounthanh Vannachay, Provincial Standing Party Committee Member, Director General of Provincial Department of Industry and Commerce, Member of the Provincial Steering and Coordination Committee. Participants to the meeting compose of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Representatives from Provincial and District line department/division agencies, Representative from Villages, Representative from EDL and Project Management members on behaft of Project ownor, and from NCG (see participant list).

The objectives of the meeting are to consult at Villages and District levels, to present the IEE Report and to Identify of compensation rate for environmental and social affected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project. The meeting also addressed on the survey results and data collection on the environmental and social impact by the project within the transmission line corridors, by installing of the transmission line’s pole where cover 9 villages belong to Namo district, Oudomxay province.

In the meeting, Chairperson has indicated the importance of the project on the socio-economic development of the province and lead the people to eradicate from poor condition. By supplying electricity in compliance with goverment policy such as from 85% in 2005 to 90% in 2020. As the government project development, therefore, it must be carefully consulted with local people.

Additional, Chairperson of the meeting, also mentioned on the potential impact by the project that can be redressed and the province also has experinces on these issues. He also



requested all the participants to carefull follow during course of the meeting and provided comments and suggestions to the project in order to identify together the best measurements to minimize the impacts.

Then, on behalf of EDL, Mr. Vilaphone Vixounnarath, Deputy Director of Transmission line and Substation Department, has explaned about role and obligation of EDL to supply electricity for social serving and to develop the National socio-economic. EDL has Power sector development plan for Lao PDR and confirm that the 115kV GMS NPTP Project has been included in this development plan. The project will bring and efficiency supply more electricity.

After that, the Project Manager has presented on the background and progress of the 115kV GMS NPTP project, implementation plan of the project. Part for environmental and social impact assessment has been presented by NCG, which included methodology and process of data collection, identification of measurements, consultation with village and people and institutional arrangement to redress the impacts.

Throughout the meeting, the presentation and information on the impact in the project area, principle and procedure of the environmental and social matters of the project, consultation and identification of rules and policy on compensation rates in order to find best practices on project implementation and rules and regulations of Lao’s PDR.

At meeting, based on consultation and sharing experiences, all participants have agreed in the following issues:

1) The meeting has followed the reports from EDL and NCG and agreed that the 115kV GMS NPTP Project has some progress and has conduct the IEE in details upon Lao’s laws and regulations. Environmental and social impacts as well as impact on properties are minors and can be mininized. The participants have agreed with the IEE study and measurement for mitigation of the impacts.

2) Oudomxay province has some experiences on the implementation on environment and social issues from many projects. The meeting has agreed in using the compensation rate for rubber tree as defined by Phongsaly province, Ref. no. 419/Gov.PSL, dated 15/02/2011for Urban Development Project in Boun Neua district, as the basis for 115kV GMS NPTP Project. While other compensation rates, the meeting has agreed to use the compensation rates from Namthung-Luangnamtha-Namo Project, Ref. no. 419/Gov.ODX, dated 14/02/2012 as the basis for the project.

3) The meeting has assign EDL to summary and improve all the comment, suggestion and agreement of the meeting.

Finally, the Chairperson of the meeting has concluded all the consulted topics and request to EDL and NCG to improve the IEE report and propose to approve the compensation rates. The meeting has closed at 12.15 of the same day.

Therefore, this minute will be the evident for next stage of implementation.



Chairperson of the Meeting: Recorded by:

(Signed and sealed) (Signed)

Mr. Bounthanh Vannachay Souksavanh Vonmany



ANNEX 3: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Vientiane Province.




--------------------------

Vientiane Province Ref. No.: ......../Gov.VT Governor Date:10 Sep 2013


Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting on IEE Report And Identification of Compensation Rates for Environmental and Social



According to Agreement of Provincial Governor of Vientiane on Establishment of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Ref. no.0297 /Gov.VT, dated 18/02/2012;

According to EDL Letter to Organize the Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting on IEE Report and Identification of Compensation Rates for Environmental and Social Effected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project.

The Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting has officially organized at 8.00 am, on 19/08/2013 at the Meeting hall of EDL’s Vientiane branch, Vientiane Province, Chaired by Mme. Singkham Khongsavanh, Provincial Standing Party Committee Member, Vice-Governor of Vientiane Province, Chairperson of the Provincial Steering and Coordination Committee. Participants to the meeting compose of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Representatives from Provincial and District line department/division agencies, Representative from Villages, Representative from EDL and Project Management members on behaft of Project ownor, and from NCG (see participant list).

The objectives of the meeting are to consult at Villages and District levels, to present the IEE Report and to Identify of compensation rate for environmental and social affected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project. The meeting also addressed on the survey results and data collection on the environmental and social impact by the project within the transmission line corridors, by the transmission line’s pole where cover 16 villages belong to Meun district, Vientiane province.

On behalf of EDL, Mr. Bounmy Phanthalansy, Deputy Director of Transmission line and Substation Department, has explained the importance of the 115kV GMS NPTP project in order to develop Provincial Socio-economic and lead the people to eradicate from poor condition. By supplying electricity in compliance with goverment policy such as from 85% in 2005 to 90% in 2020. He also stated about role and obligation of EDL to supply electricity for social serving and to develop the National socio-economic. EDL has Power sector development plan for Lao PDR and confirm that the 115kV GMS NPTP Project has been



included in this development plan. Benefit from the project will bring and stability and efficiency supply more electricity.





5) Adequated presentation of the results from environmental and social impact assessment;

6) The compensation rate of Mak Deuay and other annual crops would be based on local market and should be included in the list of compensation rates;

7) After improving, have to proceed for approval by Provincial Governor before project implementation stage;

8) Agreed to nominate the Village and District Committees to support the Provincial Committee;

9) Agreed to nominate the related committees at each level such as 3 organizations from villages and districts to work on idealization purpose;

10) The list of compensation rate, should be included only the affected properties and crops;

11) If possible, should prepare manual or calculating formula to use for committee or technical staff to work at project site;

12) The meeting has agreed in using the compensation rate for annual crops as defined for 230kV Hineheup-Luang Prabang Power Transmission Line Project, Ref. no. 0528/Gov.VT, dated 29/03/2011, as the basis for 115kV GMS NPTP Project.


Finally, the Chairperson of the meeting has concluded all the consulted topics and request to EDL and NCG to improve the IEE report and propose to approve the compensation rates. The meeting has closed at 12.00 of the same day.






Mme. Singkham Khongsavanh Somphamh Souvannalath



ANNEX 4: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Xayabury Province.




--------------------------

Xayabury Province Ref. No.: ......./Gov.XY Governor Date: 25 Sep 2013






According to Agreement of Provincial Governor of Xayabury on Establishment of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Ref. no 400/Gov.XY, dated 30/03/2011;

According to Consultation Meeting on Compensation Rates, dated 09/08/2013. The Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting has officially organized at 8.00

am, on 09/08/2013 at the Meeting hall of EDL’s Xayabury branch, Xayabury Province, Chaired by Mr. Yanyong Sipaseuth, Provincial Standing Party Committee Member, Vice-Governor of Vientiane Province, Chairperson of the Provincial Steering and Coordination Committee. Participants to the meeting compose of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Representatives from Provincial and District line department/division agencies, Representative from Villages, Representative from EDL and Project Management members on behaft of Project ownor, and from NCG (see participant list).

The objectives of the meeting are to consult at Villages and District levels, to present the IEE Report and to Identify of compensation rate for environmental and social affected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project. The meeting also addressed on the survey results and data collection on the environmental and social impact by the project within the transmission line corridors, by installing the transmission line’s pole where cover 60 villages belong to 4 districts: Xayabury, Phieng, Paklay and Kenthao districts.

On behalf of EDL, Mr. Viraphone Vixounnarath, Deputy Director of Transmission line and Substation Department, has explained the importance of the 115kV GMS NPTP project in order to develop Provincial Socio-economic and lead the people to eradicate from poor condition. By supplying electricity in compliance with goverment policy such as from 85% in 2005 to 90% in 2020. He also stated about role and obligation of EDL to supply electricity for social serving and to develop the National socio-economic. EDL has Power sector development plan for Lao PDR and confirm that the 115kV GMS NPTP Project has been



included in this development plan. Benefit from the project will bring and stability and efficiency supply more electricity.





15) Requet the project developer to resurvey for the Pou Lan Cultural forest area in Kenthao district, and NBCA in Paklay district and Teak wood tree plantation area;

16) The meeting has agreed in using the compensation rates as defined for Hongsa Thermal Power Plant Project, Ref. no. 163/Gov.XY, dated 03/02/2010 and Agreement on Compensation rates for 115kV Hongsa-Luang Prabang Power Transmission Line project, dated 157/Gov.LPB, dated 01/12/2011, as the basis for 115kV GMS NPTP Project.


Finally, the Chairperson of the meeting has concluded all the consulted topics and request to EDL and NCG to improve the IEE report and propose to approve the compensation rates. The meeting has closed at 4.30 pm of the same day.




Mr. Yanyong Sipaseuth Ole Douangdy



ANNEX 5: Minutes of Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting with Provincial Line Departments at Phongsaly Province.




--------------------------

Phongsaly Province Ref. No.: 38/Gov.PSL Governor Date: 9 Jul 2013






According to Agreement of Provincial Governor of Phongsaly on Establishment of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Ref. no 212/Gov.PSL, dated 15/03/2012;

According to EDL Letter to Organize the Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting on IEE Report and Identification of Compensation Rates for Environmental and Social Effected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project. The Villages and District Public Consultation Meeting has officially organized at 9.00

am, on 03/07/2013 at the Meeting hall of EDL’s Phongsaly branch, Phongsaly Province, Chaired by Mr. Angfou Aly, Provincial Standing Party Committee Member, Vice-Governor of Vientiane Province, Chairperson of the Provincial Steering and Coordination Committee. Participants to the meeting compose of Provincial Committees and Coordination for 115kV GMS NPTP Project, Representatives from Provincial and District line department/division agencies, Representative from Villages, Representative from EDL and Project Management members on behaft of Project ownor, and from NCG (see participant list).

The objectives of the meeting are to consult at Villages and District levels, to present the IEE Report and to Identify of compensation rate for environmental and social affected by 115kV GMS NPTP Project. The meeting also addressed on the survey results and data collection on the environmental and social impact by the project within the transmission line corridors, by installing the transmission line’s pole where cover 21 villages belong to Boun Tai and Boun Neua districts.

In the meeting, Chairperson has indicated the importance of the 115kV GMS NPTP project in order to develop Provincial Socio-economic and lead the people to eradicate from poor condition. By supplying electricity in compliance with goverment policy such as from 85% in 2005 to 90% in 2020. As the government project development, therefore, it must be carefully consulted with local people. Additional, he mentioned that the project will affect on environment and social but it’s minor and Phongsaly province have experiences on this from previous projects.



After that, on behalf of EDL, Mr. Viraphone Vixounnarath, Deputy Director of Transmission line and Substation Department, has explained about role and obligation of EDL to supply electricity for social serving and to develop the National socio-economic. EDL has Power sector development plan for Lao PDR and confirm that the 115kV GMS NPTP Project has been included in this development plan. Benefit from the project will bring and stability and efficiency supply more electricity.

Then, the Project Manager has presented on the background and progress of the 115kV GMS NPTP project, implementation plan of the project. Part for environmental and social impact assessment has been presented by NCG, which included methodology and process of data collection, identification of measurements, consultation with village and people and institutional arrangement to redress the impacts.




19) The meeting has agreed in using the compensation rates as defined for Nam Ou 6 Hydropower Project, Ref. no. 931/Gov.PSL, dated 12/08/2011 and Agreement on Compensation rates for Boun Neua Urban development Project, dated 419/Gov.PSL, dated 15/02/2011, as the basis for 115kV GMS NPTP Project.


Finally, the Chairperson of the meeting has concluded all the consulted topics and request to EDL and NCG to improve the IEE report and propose to approve the compensation rates. The meeting has closed at 12.00 pm of the same day.


Chairperson of the Meeting Recorded by:


Mr. Angfou Aly Ole Douangdy



ANNEX 6: Overall Budget on Environmental Monitoring and RAP for PEMC for Year 2014, Approved by EDL’s EO and Project Director



ANNEX 7: Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).



LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION NORTHERN POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECT

CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (CEMP)

March 2012



NOTE ON THE CEMP

This document is the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) of the GMS NPTP. Mitigation measures and site-specific details will be refined during the detailed design phase based on the results of pre-construction surveys and additional information obtained from reviewers. USE OF THE CEMP This CEMP was prepared for the exclusive use of EDL and its contractors working on the GMS NPTP and outlines performance-based environmental requirements, mitigation measures and standard protocols to be implemented during construction of the GMS NPTP. The contract signed with the successful bidder will require the contractor to commit to all EDL environmental policies, GoL environmental laws and regulations as well as the requirements specified in the CEMP.



Table of Contents ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the CEMP 1.2 Living Document and Continuous Improvement 2.0 Institutional Framework (Relevant Policies, Legislation, Safeguards and Guidelines) 2.1 Relevant Legislation 2.2 Relevant Government Decrees 2.3 Relevant Government Standards 2.4 International Conventions and Agreements 2.5 Best Management Practices 3.0 SUMMARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION 4.0 SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL DESCRIPTION 4.1 Physical Resources 4.2 Ecological / Biological Resources 4.3 Protected Areas 4.4 Socio Cultural and Economic Development 4.5 Quality of Life Values 5.0 PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION and MONITORING 5.1 Impact Types 5.2 Details of impacts and compensation in the Right-of-Way 5.3 Details of access road impacts and compensation outside of the Right-of-Way 5.4 Environmental Mitigation Plan 5.5 Environmental Monitoring Plan 5.5.1 Monthly Monitoring 5.5.2 Quarterly Monitoring 5.5.3 Bi-annual Monitoring 5.6 Field Orientations and Meetings 5.7 Pre-Job Meetings 5.8 Pre-Work Orientation Meetings 5.9 On site Meetings 5.10 Pre-construction Surveys 5.11 Environmental Incidents 5.12 Final Inspection Monitoring 5.13 Resettlement, Social and Environmental Safeguards 6.0 CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 6.1 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) 6.2 Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) 6.2 Public Consultations 7.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 Committees 7.2 Required Documents 7.3 EDL 7.3.1 EDL Project Manager 7.3.2 EDL Construction Program Manager 7.4 EMU 7.4.1 EDL Community Relations Officer 7.4.2 EDL Land Acquisition and Management Officer 7.4.3 EDL Environmental Program Manager / Environmental Liaison Officer(s) 7.5 MONRE



7.6 PIC 7.7 CONTRACTOR 7.7.1 Work Practices 7.7.2 Reporting 7.7.3 Incidents 7.7.4 Environmental Monitor 7.8 Conflict Resolution 8.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTORS EPPs 8.1 Air Quality and Dust Control 8.1.1 Slash Burning 8.1.2 Fugitive Dust 8.1.3 Greenhouse Gases 8.2 Noise Management 8.3 Sediment and Erosion Control 8.4 Water Quality Management 8.5 Spill Prevention and Emergency Response 8.5.1 Spill Prevention 8.5.2 Spill Response Equipment 8.5.3 Spill Response Procedures 8.6 Material Storage, Handling and Waste Management 8.6.1 General Construction Wastes 8.6.2 Hazardous Construction Waste Material Management 8.6.3 Food Waste 8.6.4 Hydrocarbon Products 8.6.5 Concrete and Concrete Products 8.6.6 Contaminated Materials Management 8.6.7 Records Management 8.6.8 Oil-filled Equipment Management 8.6.8.1 Fuelling, Fluid Handling, and Transfers 8.6.8.2 Transportation 8.6.8.3 Disposal 8.6.8.4 Temporary Storage of Oil Filled Equipment and Tanks 8.6.9 SF6 8.7 Fish Habitat Protection and Mitigation 8.7.1 Timing Windows 8.8 Ecosystems and Vegetation Management 8.9 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Protection and Mitigation 8.10 Site Restoration 8.11 Agricultural Site Access and Reclamation 8.12 Forest Fire Emergency Response Plan 8.13 Archaeological Impact Management 8.14 Communications 8.15 Access 8.16 Clearing Prescriptions 8.17 UXO Clearance 9.0 LIST OF REFERENCES



Appendices 1-1: Project Description 1-2: Environmental and Social Description 1-3: Emergency Contact List 1-4: Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life 1-5: Spill Reporting Matrix 1-6: Environmental Pre-work Orientation Record Template 1-7: Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report Template 1-8: Hazardous Waste Materials Disposal Log 1-9: SF6 Handling Guidelines List of Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank BMP Best Management Practice BOQ Contract bill of quantities CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan DAFO District Agriculture and Forestry Office DOE Department of Energy DPRA Development Project Responsible Agency EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIR Environmental Incident Report EM Environmental Manager EMO Environmental Management Office EMMP Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan EMU Environmental Management Unit EMP Environmental Management Plan EPP Environmental Protection Plan EPPs Environmental Protection Plans ERP Emergency Response Plan ESIA Environmental & Social Impact Assessment GMS NPTP Greater Mekong Sub-region Northern Power Transmission Project GoL Government of Lao PDR HPP Hydroelectric Power Project IEE Initial Environment Examination MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment NBCA National Biodiversity Conservation Areas PAFO Provincial Agriculture & Forest Offices PIC Project Implementation Consultant PIU Project Implementation Unit PWREO Provincial Water Resources & Environment Office RAP Resettlement Action Plan ROW Right-of-Way SIA Social Impact Assessment SMMP Social Management and Monitoring Plan WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WMP Watershed Management Plan



1.0 INTRODUCTION

Environmental protection through adherence to applicable legislation, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) Commitments and Assurances is an important component of the overall development and implementation of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Northern Power Transmission Project (GMS NPTP). Proper planning and implementation of an Environmental Management Program contributes to ongoing environmental protection and greatly reduces potential for adverse environmental effects through implementation of mitigation measures, including delineation of environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, establishment of communications and reporting protocols, and implementation of environmental compliance monitoring and reporting programs. The overall Environmental Management Program for the project will consist of the Project Environment Management Plan (PEMP) and the CEMP prepared by the EDL, and a site or activity-specific Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) that will be prepared by the Contractors (as part of their bids). The EPP is actually a collection of 37 smaller Environmental Action Plans (EPPs) and are described in Chapter 8. The reports that must be completed by the Employer (EDL) or the Contractor are listed in Table 7-2 of this Appendix.

1.1 Purpose of the CEMP The purpose of the CEMP is to assist EDL and its Contractors in adhering to applicable environmental legislation and effectively implementing the mitigation measures identified in the IEE by providing performance-based environmental requirements, standard protocols, and mitigation measures which will reduce the potential for adverse environmental effects during the construction of the Project. The CEMP provides performance-based environmental requirements to be met by the Contractor in conducting work in accordance with regulatory approvals, BMPs and engineering specifications. The CEMPs also provide the basis for the development of the Environmental Protection Plans to be prepared as part of the contractors bids prior to the commencement of construction activities. The EPPs will provide prescriptive details on how the contractors will carry out specific construction activities in compliance with the CEMP, regulatory approvals, and BMPs. This document is the CEMP for a Transmission Line Contract which is part of the GMS NPTP. 1.2 Living Document and Continuous Improvement of the CEMP As an adaptive management strategy, this CEMP is a “living” document that will be reviewed and updated prior to and during construction. The initial draft of the CEMP will be distributed to appropriate regulatory agencies, local governments, for review and input. Mitigation measures, and site specific details will be refined during detailed design based on the results of pre-construction surveys and additional information obtained from local authorities and regulatory agencies. The CEMP review process will be used to revise and improve the CEMP and other environmental management plans. The CEMP will be reviewed during construction to verify that environmental management is conforming to project commitments, regulatory approvals, and legislative requirements. The CEMP mitigation and monitoring requirements will be re-evaluated during construction, with a view to addressing deficiencies and improving environmental management and protection. This iterative process will continue throughout the construction period.



2.0 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK SUMMARY (LEGISLATION, RELEVANT POLICY, SAFEGUARDS AND GUIDELINES)

2.1 Applicable Legislation The following is a summary of legislation and supporting regulations (promulgated or in draft) now in force in Lao PDR that will ensure that environmental and socio-economic issues are addressed during the design, construction, and operation of the GMS NPTP. This is not a complete reference and the contractor will be responsible for following all laws, regulations, decrees, guidelines, standards, etc : The Lao Constitution (1991) - this acknowledges the need for environmental protection in Lao PDR and requires that Environmental Assessment give particular attention to the assessment of potential positive and negative socio-economic impacts of project development and to the prevention and/or mitigation of harmful impacts. Law on Environmental Protection (03 April 1999) does the following:

• Assigns the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) the rights and primary responsibilities for protection, impact mitigation and restoration of the environment in Lao PDR.

• Defines the environmental conservation responsibilities of other GoL agencies such as the Department of Electricity, Department of Forestry, etc.

• States that environmental conservation comes before mitigation and restoration.

• Stipulates that those who generate an environmental impact are responsible for the resulting damage caused.

• Directs that environmental management offices / units (EMO/Us) be established at all levels of government, with responsibilities to include such things as: establishing and enforcing sector environmental plans; taking action to mitigate environmental damage; issuing orders to adjust, suspend, remove or close down activities that cause negative impacts.

The Law on Environmental Protection also establishes the authority to make environmental regulations. To this end, the GoL has enacted the Regulation on Environment Assessment in the Lao PDR (Nº: 1770/STEA dated 3/10/2000). Key features of the Regulation include:

• All project proposals are submitted to a Development Project Responsible Agency (DPRA) by the project owner.

• The DPRA must circulate the project proposal document to relevant government sectors and local authorities, and must consider their comments in its environmental screening decisions. Line ministries may specify additional information to be required in project descriptions and in their internal EA procedures.

• For those projects found by screening to be exempt from further EA, MONRE must issue an environmental compliance certificate. There are two types of certificates; one with conditions and another without conditions. Those projects determined to be non-exempt from EA must proceed to conduct IEE.

• For foreign investment projects, the IEE report must be written in Lao and English. Line ministries in their internal EA guidelines may set additional requirements for the contents of IEE reports and the number of copies of reports that are to be submitted.

• If the IEE report concludes that no EIA is needed an EMP must be developed within the IEE report, which must have the following contents:



o measures to prevent and minimise environmental impacts.

o programmes for environmental control and monitoring.

o responsibilities, organisation, schedule and budget for the implementation of the EMP and other issues that the DPRA may deem necessary for the protection of the environment.

• During the IEE process, if it is found that the project needs an EIA, the IEE report must contain

Terms of Reference for the scoping of a subsequent EIA.

• The IEE report and the IEE’s EMP must receive approval from the DPRA before MONRE can issue the environmental compliance certificate to the project owner. For projects requiring an EIA, the project owner must, during the detailed design phase, prepare the detailed EMP based on the general EMP of the IEE already approved by MONRE.

• The project owner is directly responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the EMP. The central government DPRAs are responsible for the inspection of the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation for the project environment where projects are approved at the central level.

• In order to ensure the effective implementation of the EMP, the project must establish an

environmental unit. The members of such a unit may come from the company itself, hired staff, from an outside organisation or be entities working on contractual basis.

• The project owner of the Environmental Unit must prepare monthly reports on project environmental monitoring to be sent to the concerned agencies, which are: MONRE and/or Provincial, Municipal or Special Zone Science, Technology and Environment Offices, and the Environment Management and Monitoring Units (EMMUs) of the concerned line ministries for information and supervision.

• MONRE and/or provincial, municipal or special zone Science, Technology and Environment Offices and the responsible line agency Environmental Management and Monitoring Unit retain authority to directly control project activities, in order to ensure that project owners carry out their environmental protection duties effectively and regularly.

The Electricity Law (1997) requires that:

• Electricity projects, including transmission and distribution projects, be licensed by the GoL, and as a precondition to the granting of a license, the project demonstrate that national socio-economic development objectives will be satisfied, and that there will be no detrimental environmental impacts.

• The licensee (in this case EDL) is responsible for ensuring that the environment is protected or

damages paid for environmental degradation, and that residents are compensated in cash or in kind for lost property, diminished living conditions, or relocation, inspection and enforcement be carried out for project activities. In accordance with the EIA provision of the Electricity Law (12 April 1997), the Law on Environmental Protection (03 May 1999), the Environmental Protection Law Implementation Decree (04 June 2001), and the Regulation on Environmental Assessment in the Lao PDR (November 2011), the GoL enacted the Regulation on Implementing Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects in Lao PDR (Nº: 447/MIH, dated 20 November 2001). The following noteworthy information is contained in the Regulation regarding development and review of an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) for electricity projects:

o The Ministry of Energy & Mines, under which the Department of Electricity resides, is required to ensure that environmental assessment is included in its decision to approve, finance or undertake any type of electricity project in Lao PDR.



o Upon receiving a description of an electricity project from the project owner (i.e., EDL or its consultants on behalf of EDL) the Department of Environment (DoE), which resides within the Ministry of Energy and Mines, has 30 days to complete project screening to determine whether an IEE or more exhaustive EIA is required. MONRE has an additional 15 days to signify its concurrence with this decision, after which DoE has 7 days to provide the screening decision to the project owner. The content of an IEE is determined through the screening process.

o An IEE is prepared by the project owner, and submitted to the DoE for review and

decision making. Within 7 days of receiving the IEE, the DoE must circulate the report to other line agencies, local government authorities, and the public that may be affected by the project to comment on the IEE. Government agencies and the concerned public have 30 days to provide their comments.

o Within 40 days of acting on the IEE report (i.e., from the date the report was submitted to the DoE by the project owner), DoE must provide a written decision on the IEE to MONRE. DoE may recommend that: a) the IEE and its conclusions be revised; b) the IEE be accepted and the project approved; c) the EMP be revised; or d) terms of reference be developed for an EIA. Within 10 days of receiving the IEE, MONRE must approve the IEE and issue an Environmental Compliance Certificate, agree with DoE that an EIA is required, or indicate in writing to DoE that MONRE disagrees with the DoE decision.

The GoL has also enacted five additional legislative instruments (one policy and four standards) for managing environmental affairs in the power sector of Lao PDR. The first of these is the Power Sector Environmental Policy (Nº 581/MIH.DoE, dated 04 October 2001), which requires the power sector to assist the GoL in meeting its social and economic objectives by managing its activities in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes requiring appropriate environmental assessment and that management be undertaken to international standards. The environmental management standard addressing Environmental Management Documents for the Department of Electricity (Nº 582/MIH.DoE, dated 04 October 2001) establishes the process for developing various environmental management documents, including environmental management standards and guidelines. This standard also identifies such things as the requirements for authorising standards, consultation, and document control. The environmental management standard addressing Department of Electricity Environmental Records Management (Nº 583/MIH.DoE, dated 04 October 2001), requires that an environmental records management system be established within the Department of Electricity. The standard identifies the types and formats of environmental records that will be kept, requires that a database be created and that records be stored in one central, easily accessible location, such as the Environmental Management Unit’s main office, and that records be available for borrowing during working hours. The environmental management standard addressing Environmental Management Plans for Electricity Projects (Nº 584/MIH.DoE, dated 04 October 2001), sets out the requirements for preparing EMPs for electricity projects. The standard indicates that: an EMP is to be part of a Project Screening Report, IEE report and EIA report, whichever is determined to be required for a project.

An EMP must cover all environmental management measures that are to be implemented during the project’s pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning, and is to address all significant environmental issues identified in the Project Screening, IEE or EIA, including a Social Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) or resettlement action plan (RAP), if required. The EMP must be prepared so it can be used as a stand-alone document for use in Implementation. A two-stage public involvement process is to be developed and implemented. The first stage is the process established for Screening, IEE or EIA, when the EMP is under development. The second stage is the process for implementation of the EMP.



The environmental management standard addressing Environmental Impact Assessment for Electricity Projects (Nº 585/MIH.DoE, dated 04 October 2001), sets out the requirements for EIA For Electricity Projects in Lao PDR, the following noteworthy information is provided in the standard:

• An EIA cannot proceed without an Environmental Screening and an IEE being first carried out. The extent of the EIA and its content depend on the project’s Environmental Screening and IEE, with the screening and IEE determining the content and terms of reference of the EIA.

• The contents and requirements of an EIA for an electricity project, including requirements for public involvement and development of an EMP, are specified. Regarding public involvement, the standard indicates that the process for public involvement for any follow-up EIA that may be required by a decision rendered by MONRE, is scoped during the IEE. Otherwise, public involvement for an IEE is limited to the DoE requesting comments on the IEE from project affected persons.

Forestry Law (2008) consists of 130 articles and some highlights are copied below:

• Article 1: Objectives

This Forestry Law determines the basic principles, regulations and measures on sustainable management, preservation, development, utilization and inspection of forest resources and forestland, promotion of regeneration and tree planting, and the increase of forest resources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic aiming to maintain a balance of nature, making forest and forestland stable sources of living and use for the people, ensuring a sustainable condition and protection of the environment, water resources, protection from soil erosion and maintenance of soil quality, protecting plants, tree species wildlife and aquatic life, as well as contributing gradually to national socio-economic development.

• Article 2: Forest Forest is a precious natural resource of the nation and its specific ecology consists of biodiversity, water resources and forestland with various tree species growing naturally or planted in the protection forest zone, conservation forest areas and production forest areas.

• Article 4: Ownership of forest and forestland

Natural forest and Forestland is the property of the nation community and the State manages through centralization and unity throughout the country. Trees planted by people or planted by an organization in the areas designated with their labor and/or funds within recognition of the Forest and Forestland Management Organization shall become the property of such individuals or organizations.

• Article 6. Principles of protection, development and utilization of forests and Forestlands

Protection, development and utilization of forests and Forestlands shall be implemented according to the following principles: 1. Ensuring the central management by the State throughout the country.

2. Ensuring the relevance with the socio-economic development plan, duties of national defence and security, forestry strategy, and master plan and plans of forest and Forestland utilization.



3. Ensuring protection, regeneration, development of forests and Forestlands, water resources, biodiversity and the environment to abundance with people’s participation. 4. Ensuring benefits to the State, organizations and individuals engaged in protection, development of forests and Forestlands according to the laws and regulations. 5. Ensuring effective, efficient and sustainable utilization of forests and Forestlands without negative impacts on the environment. 6. Linking the forestry development strategy of Lao PDR with regional and international.

• Article 9: Forest categories Forests in Lao PDR are classified into three categories for the purpose of preservation and development as follows: 1. Protection Forests 2. Conservation Forests 3. Production Forests

• Article 16: Forest classification and management planning Forest classification and management planning is to define the areas of Protection Forest, Conservation Forest, Production Forest areas based on the data collected from the field survey. Forest classification planning shall follow these principles: 1. To be according with the socio-economic development plan, national defence and security, forestry strategy Forest and forestland use plan. 2. To ensure the unified formulation of plans for forest preservation and forest development. 3. To ensure sustainability of logging, use of timber and forest products as well as natural regeneration of trees and NTFP. 4. To unsure the construction of infrastructure such as hydropower dams, roads and so on.

• Article 20: Management of vehicles and machinery for logging, processing, log hauling and transportation

The State allows the import, distribution, management, inspection, and registration of all kinds of logging, processing, log hauling and transportation vehicles and machinery. Import of vehicles specified for hauling logs and logging machinery shall obtain the permission from the concerned ministries with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Possession of logging machinery shall be registered with the agriculture and forestry authorities. Logging machinery, vehicles for log hauling and transportation involved in projects approved by the government shall operate in accordance with specific regulations. Import, distribution, possession and use of all kinds of timber processing machineries shall require the permission from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce as prescribed in the Processing Industry Law.

Wildlife and Aquatics Law, No 07/NA (Dec. 2007) Determines principles, regulations and measures related to wildlife and aquatic life and promotes

husbandry and breeding; specifies utilization of wildlife and aquatic life in sustainable manner, without harmful impact to natural resources and habitats; restricts the decrease and extinction of wildlife and aquatic life; encourages people to understand and recognize the value and significance of wildlife. The law requires the management, monitoring, conservation, protection, and utilization of wildlife and aquatics in a sustainable manner in order to guarantee the



sustainable balance of the ecological system, and to contribute in upgrading the livelihoods of the people while pursuing national economic development.

Land Law (2003) establishes that:

o Land within Lao PDR is the property of the national community, and individuals are assigned to effectively use the land, but not treat it as a tradable commodity.

o Rights of those who have been allocated land, including the right to transfer that land, are protected by the State.

o Individuals have a duty to preserve land in good condition. o A District may grant the right to use agricultural land and forest land within its jurisdiction

for other land uses. o An individual’s right to use land can be terminated if the State expropriates the land to use in

the public’s interest, but the State must pay appropriate compensation damages. Road Law (1999) establishes that:

o Environmental protection is required during road activities. o National and provincial authorities of the Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and

Construction are responsible for environmental protection on road projects. o Reasonable compensation must be paid to individuals whose land is expropriated for road

rights-of-way, relocation of replacement structures, and loss of trees and crops. Water and Resources Law (1997) does the following:

o Classifies all catchment areas for various uses. o Promotes protection and rehabilitation of forests, fishery resources and the environment.

o Suggests that EIA should be carried out on large-scale water development projects, and

requires that funds be provided for protecting and enhancing catchment area resources, and for resettlement compensation.

Amended Lao PDR Labour Law, 2007

The Labour law has 77 articles and the contractor is responsible for following all of them, one of the most important is below:

Article 3: Principles Relating to Labour

Principles relating to labour are as follows:

1. Work must be conducted under an employment contract between the employee and the employer; 2. Work shall ensure that the employer and employees receive mutual benefit, without discrimination as to race, nationality, gender, age, religion, beliefs, and socio-economic status; 3. Employers must use labour in accordance with the abilities of employees; 4. Employers must ensure safe labour conditions, payment of salary or fair compensation and implement social security for employees; 5. Employers must use Lao workers[;] if it is necessary to use foreign workers, approval from the labour administration authority must be obtained; 6. Employers must acknowledge and facilitate employees to participate as members of lawful mass organisations, and other social organisations within its labour unit;



7. Employees that wish to go abroad shall receive training in the necessary general knowledge and obtain permission from the labour administration authority; 8. Employees shall observe rules of work and strictly comply with labour regulations; 9. Labour disputes between employees and employer shall ensure fairness in accordance with the employment contract, laws and regulations; 10. It is prohibited to use the labour by any form of force; 11. The use of labour shall simultaneously build and develop labour skills; 12. Building and development of labor skills shall be consistent with the socio-economic plan and the demands of the labour market.

2.2 Relevant government decrees

• Decree Nº 164 of 1993 established eighteen protected areas and required that the government develop management plans for each area. Three additional protected areas, referred to now as National Biodiversity and Conservation Areas (NBCAs), have since been added.

• Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage requires that in

order to prevent exploitation of relics and antiquities, any person who discovers archaeological relics or a cultural site must inform the provincial and district offices within three days. In addition to the above Lao PDR statutes and regulations, the GoL is also a signatory of a number of international conventions that may have a bearing on transmission and distribution projects. These include: the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species (CITES)

• PM Decree No. 102/PM on the Implementation of the Environmental Protection Law

(2001) specifies that: Development projects and all development activities that are related to the environment shall be conducted as follows: All development projects, including State and private owned, shall have an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before the establishment and operation of those projects. They shall also have environmental protection or mitigating measures to protect social and natural environment that can be approved by the government. The owners of the development projects shall have an obligation to bear the cost occurred in any process of EIA.

• PM Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement (2005)

The decree comprises six sections and nineteen articles: Section I sets out the objective and fundamental principles for compensation, and relocation of project affected people. It also provides instructions and measurement procedure for mitigation and compensation for all potential negative impacts on socio-economic and livelihood of the affected people within or in the vicinity of the project areas. It defines and classifies affected groups e.g. the vulnerable and ethnic groups of affected people. Section II states and defines the right of affected person in receiving compensation. Section III states and defines the compensation requirement and procedure, assistance measure during the relocation, settlement and livelihood development. Section IV defines resettlement and compensation components which states and emphasizes the significance of local culture and tradition, community participation in the process, grievance measure and budgetary consideration. Section V refers to enforcement procedures. Section VI sets out the implementation procedure and the institutional frame work of responsibility.

2.3 Relevant government standards



Agreement on the National Environmental Standards (No 2734 /PMO.WREA Vientiane Province, dated 7 Dec 2009)

This standard defines the ambient level of pollutants and substances and the maximum acceptable levels of their concentration. It also describes the implementation of the Standard including the responsibilities of groups within the Lao PDR government, methods of enforcement and rewards and sanctions of individuals or groups affecting the environment. Several of the articles are listed below

• Article 1: Objective This Agreement defines the National Environmental Standards as the basis for environmental monitoring and pollution control on water, soil, air and noise.

• Article 10: Rights and Duties of Provincial Level Organizations

10.1 Water Resources and Environmental Office in Vientiane Capital and all

provinces shall be a focal point to coordinate with other divisions and other local authorities to implement the administration and monitoring activities in respect of environment within their authority and jurisdiction.

10.2 Other sectors at provincial have duty of responsible to monitor and review

the technical standards related to its responsibility in order to ensure the implementation of the National Environmental Standards.

• Article 11:Rewards The Individuals, consumers, producers and other related organizations thatfacilitate or provide any services in good compliance with this agreement will be commended and will receive the compliment certificate from Water Resources and Environmental Administration.

• Article 12: Sanctions Individuals, consumers, producers and other related organizations violating theprovision of this agreement will be warned, be fined or subject to criminal punishment, depending on the severity of the violation.

2.4 International conventions and agreements UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1996) under which Lao PDR agrees to:

• Develop a National biodiversity conservation and sustainable use strategy. • Develop legislation for protecting species and populations that are threatened.

• Integrate conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into GoL decision making.

• Conduct EIA of proposed development projects with a view to minimising negative impacts.

Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage under which Lao PDR agrees

to take appropriate steps to identify, protect, conserve and rehabilitate designated heritage sites in Lao PDR.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered species (CITES)

Lao PDR ratified this convention in early 2004. Prior to the ratification, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) issued a regulation (MAF 0360) that banned all hunting for trade. Hunting for consumption was still allowed. This is a signal that GoL is now committed to increasing efforts to halt the extensive trade in wildlife from Lao PDR to neighboring countries.

2.5 Best Management Practices



Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Best management practice guidelines, industry standards and other documents used to develop this CEMP include:

• A Field Guide to Fuel Handling, Transportation and Storage (Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. [MWLAP] and MoFR 2002).

• ADB 2003: Environmental Assessment Guidelines • ADB 2009: Safeguard Policy Statement. • ADB 2010: Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project. Project

Administration Manual. • BC Approved Water Quality Guidelines (Ministry of Environment [MoE] 2006a). • Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Environmental Quality Guidelines for

the Protection of Aquatic Life. • CCME Environmental Code of Practice (Update) for Above Ground Storage Tanks Systems

Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products (1994) • Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Developments in British

Columbia (MoE 2006b) • DFO Operational Policy Statements for Clear Span Bridges, Overhead Line Construction and

Temporary Ford Stream Crossings (DFO 2007 • Forest Practices Code of BC Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook (MoFR 2002) • Guidelines for the Use of Explosives In or Near Fisheries Waters (Wright and Hopky 1998) • Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (Fisheries and Oceans Canada

[DFO] 1993) • Maunsell, 2008: Preparing the Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project.

Initial Environmental Examination • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2003: Environmental Management

Standard for Electricity projects • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Power Sector Environmental

Policy • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Environmental Management

Plans for Electricity Projects • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Regulation on Implementing

Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects in Lao PDR • MoFR Engineering Manual (MoFR 2010) • Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) Stream Crossing Planning Guide (OGC 2004) • Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works (MWLAP 2004a) • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)



3.0 SUMMARY OF PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This section summarizes the need for, and the physical and technical aspects of the project. The project description is provided in Appendix 1 of the CEMP. Lao PDR has no integrated national grid. In the northern provinces of Bokeo, Luangnamtha and Phongsaly only 16% of houses are electrified, a rate much lower than the national average of 47% and one of the lowest rates in Southeast Asia. These Northern provinces are also among the poorest in Lao PDR as over 58% of their households are poor compared with 4.4% in Vientiane Municipality. The GMS NPTP is a National priority and will greatly facilitate and expedite improvements in the quality of life for people in the Northern region of the country. The GMS Northern Power Transmission Project is an electricity transmission and distribution improvement project involving the construction of new 115 kV transmission lines, associated substations and distribution lines. This Contract is for a Transmission Line to be run in the Xayabury and Vientiane provinces and is part of the GMS NPTP. The Transmission Line will go from Paklay in Xayabury Province, Lao PDR to Nonhai in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR; sub-stations will also be constructed. The detailed project components of this contract are defined in Part 2, section 6 of the bidding document. The project has been classified by ADB as an Environment Category “B” project; (The proposed project’s potential adverse environmental impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category “A” projects. Key construction activities associated with 115 kV transmission lines using steel lattice towers will involve vegetation clearance where necessary along the Right-of-Way to meet minimum clearance requirements, construction of temporary access tracks to the tower sites, vegetation clearance at each tower site and tower construction. This is followed by stringing of the conductors. Construction of substations will involve clearing and grubbing sites, constructing the foundation works, buildings and steel supporting structures, then installing the electrical equipment.



4.0 SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DESCRIPTION This section summarizes the environmental and social aspects of the project area. A more detailed description is provided in Appendix 2 of the CEMP. 4.1 Physical Resources The northern and northwestern Lao provinces are characterised by young landscapes where on-going processes continue to shape the land. The topography is predominantly steeply dissected hill country, ranging in elevation from 330 m in valley bottom areas to over 2,000 m on mountain ridges. Approximately 85% of the provinces are mountainous. However, there is a wide variety of terrain in these provinces from flat plains cultivated with rice paddies, to narrow valleys and rolling hills. The slopes of the lower hill zone tend to be steep where tributaries have down-cut in V-shaped valley bottoms. Upper hill slopes tend to be less steep and more rounded. Large flat areas are rare, occurring occasionally along the Mekong and other major rivers where valleys open up to allow river flood plains to develop. The underlying geology of the northern provinces of Lao PDR comprises inter-bedded layers of shale, mudstones and sandstones, with occasional beds of massive limestones that form underlying ridges. These beds are strongly folded, with NNE-SSW trending syncline and anticline axes. The climate of northern Lao is subtropical and strongly influenced by the annual southwest monsoon that affect the region from April to September or October (mean annual rainfall ranging from 1,400 mm to 2,000 mm), when the region receives 85% to 91% of its annual rainfall. During the dry season (October to March) no rain may fall in some months. The hottest months are April and May (31°C to >34°C) and the coolest months are January and February (9 °C to 14 °C). Sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon at the higher elevations during the coldest months of the year. The steep terrain of northern Lao PDR is part of an intricate system of streams and rivers that form the Mekong River watershed. Fourth order streams, which have their origins on the upper slopes of mountains, have cut through the soils and weathered bedrock to form high gradient V-shaped watercourses. Within the project area, these streams feed the larger third order (tertiary) streams and the main secondary rivers that are the principal tributaries of the Mekong. Most villages are located within 1 km of a permanent stream, the primary source for drinking water in these rural areas. The transmission line will traverse the valley side slopes and cross numerous major tributaries and their minor watercourses. The steep mountain slopes, with their moderately thin layers of soils are particularly prone to erosion and mass wasting when vegetation is removed and soils are exposed to rainfall and surface water flows. Water quality in the mountain streams and rivers is generally quite high, but can be rapidly degraded when soils that are eroded or wasted from exposed slopes enter streams and increase turbidity, thereby reducing the quality of water for aquatic organisms, and domestic and livestock consumption. 4.2 Ecological / Biological Resources Rice paddy, vegetables and other cash crops are cultivated in the valleys or flat land with swidden agriculture and plantations of various sorts on the steeper terrain interspersed with isolated patches of regeneration forest, disturbed forest, and primary forest. The net result of these activities is that the natural environment through which the transmission lines will be aligned is highly disturbed. There is little primary forest evident within several hundred metres of the roads except in occasional narrow gorges. Field observations confirmed that the 115 kV transmission lines will mainly cross land uses and forest types such as Unstocked Forest, grass land, tree plantation (mainly rubber and teak plantation),hay, rice paddy and other agricultural land. Owing to the highly disturbed nature of the natural environment along the transmission line alignment due to human activities such as hunting, shifting cultivation, infrastructure development, logging etc, the majority of significant wildlife have been eliminated from the project area. On this basis it is unlikely that the project will have a significant impact on rare, threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna.



4.3 Protected Areas Based on the IEE construction activities will not have any impact on any National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCA). This must be confirmed for the PIC during the PIC preconstruction ROW surveys. District Protection Forests (DPF) are established by local District authorities for the purpose of protecting water resources, soils, and environment. District Protection Forests (DPF) are crossed by the proposed Transmission Line Corridor. While Lao authorities do not consider DPFs as absolute constraints to transmission lines, potential impacts on them should be identified and avoided or mitigated whenever possible. DPF locations in the vicinity of all PIC corridors should be identified during the preconstruction ROW surveys so feasible cost effective protection measures can be implemented. When the TL Corridor is contained within a District Protection Forests Lao PDR authorities should be consulted. 4.4 Socio Cultural and Economic Development In Lao PDR 72.8% of the citizens live in rural areas and 27.1% live in urban areas. The predominantly rural nature of Lao means population densities are very low. The national average of 24 persons / km2 was the lowest among the countries of Southeast Asia. The regional population density in the northern rural areas is 18 persons /km2. There are approximately 50 major ethnic groups in Lao, which are often grouped into Lao (lowland Lao, mainly but not exclusively settled in lowland valleys and flatlands), Kmou (Midland Lao, mainly but not exclusively settled in mid-level areas), and Hmong (Upland Lao, settled mainly at higher altitudes). The major distinguishing characteristic of the ethnic groups is linguistic, with the languages spoken in Lao PDR belonging to four principal linguistic families: Tai-Kadai, Austro-Asiatic, Hmong-Mien, and Tibeto-Burmese. Within the project area 27 ethnic groups were identified. The types of land use employed by the ethnic groups affected by this project include swidden agriculture, paddy agriculture, non-rice cropping and animal husbandry. Some project areas also display plantation agriculture. Swidden is mostly found in the higher altitudes and groups utilising swidden are often also heavily dependent on forest resources. Swidden is also more likely to be shifting in nature, whereas paddy is mostly sedentary. Agricultural systems and land use patterns are very much tied up with each ethnic group’s cultural identity, and present different vulnerabilities to infrastructure projects. The household economy is very much linked to the agricultural cycle, with the poor experiencing rice shortages from May/June until the harvest three months later. Because of this, savings tend to be in the form of grain storage or livestock, being a safety net against food shortage rather than a nest egg for future production expansion. The staple of the Lao diet is rice. It is the major crop, occupying about 80% of all land used for agriculture. In the provinces Vientiane and Xayabury the main crops are lowland and upland rice. Paddy rice is predominant only in the southern provinces due to the reliance on irrigated land. Approximately 15% of all agricultural land cultivated in 2005 was cleared the previous year, with the northern provinces having the highest rates of slash and burn cultivation in upland areas. Due to insufficient water during the dry season, farmers generally grow only one rice crop per year in the Project areas, during the rainy season. Traditional handicrafts meet practical household needs and generate cash income. Some of these include weaving, particularly among lowland groups; basketry and string bags made predominantly by Mon-Khmer groups; and the embroidery of the Hmong. Small home businesses tend to focus on activities that relate to or complement the agricultural activities of the household. These frequently include rice mills, making or repairing clothes or, adjacent to roads, running a small kiosk selling drinks and fruit. In some instances, one or more members of a household may be exclusively engaged in a more substantial household business, such as a garage or a small restaurant. There are few large-to- medium scale industries in the project area. Small-scale industrial activities in the project area include garment factories, furniture factories, agro-processing facilities and service industries.



4.5 Quality of Life Values Poverty is a widespread phenomenon in the Lao PDR with 29% living below the national poverty line of US$ 1.50 a day and nearly 77% on less than USD 2 a day. Poverty and ethnicity in Lao PDR are linked. Geographically, the poorest in Lao are ethnic minorities living in remote villages with limited access to markets, education, financial services and health care. Infrastructure is relatively undeveloped in the project areas. About 66.4 % of the villages could be accessed by road which is a basic precondition for social and economic development. In urban areas of Lao PDR 90% of households have access to electricity from the national grid, while Access to electricity in rural areas varies from 11 to 43% and is correlated to road access. Access to electricity varies between provinces from 95% in Vientiane to 12 % in Phongsaly. Rural households in Lao use a combination of traditional, intermediate and modern energy resources and technologies. In areas where there is no electricity, the principal source of energy for cooking, heating and process activities is firewood and in others bottled gas but rarely electricity. According to the information collected during the IEE preparation there are no areas of cultural, historical or archaeological significance in the project area that may be affected by the project.



5.0 PROJECT IMPACTS, COMPENSATION, MITIGATION and MONITORING

5.1 Impact Types

There are two broad categories of construction impacts, permanent and temporary. Permanent impacts are ones within the transmission line Right-of Way (ROW) which have a permanent impact even after the completion of the project. EDL shall be responsible for the cost of permanent impacts. These impacts can include resettlement and acquisition of land at tower locations. See section 5.2 for detailed information.

Temporary impacts are those that occur during the construction period. This type of impact is related to access roads, rental of land and access to towers. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of all temporary impacts related to their activities. See section 5.2 for detailed information. 5.2 Details of impacts and compensation in the Right-of-Way This chart shows details of compensation for impacts in the Right-of-Way not requiring resettlement. For access to private land within the ROW, EDL analyzes the land using 4 Categories as follows: Category Number

Category Description Compensation Implementation

1 Rice paddy land, other Agricultural

land, or irrigated land. Contractor must pay all access road costs such as compensation for temporary impact to plantation areas; EDL will pay for acquisition of land for towers only.

2 Plantation trees/bushes/plants that do not grow higher than 3 meters at maturity, such as coffee, sugar cane or orange trees.

EDL will pay for the land required for towers and compensate for the impacts to plantation crops required for access roads and work areas. Only land required for construction will be cleared; the rest will remain unchanged. Land will be cleared by the contractor.

3 Plantation trees/bushes/plants that grow higher than 3 meters at maturity, such as Teak, Rubber, Banana, Coconut, Cultivated Bamboo.

EDL will compensate for all the plantation crop impacts within the 25 meter ROW. All the land will be cleared except for ground cover 30 cm or less in height. Also, plantation trees outside of the corridor which could possibly fall on towers or transmission line will be compensated for by EDL. Land will be cleared by the contractor. Bamboo plants should be completely removed including the root.

4 General non-commercial forest / unproductive land use.

EDL will pay for the acquisition of land for towers. All the land will be cleared except for ground cover 30 cm or less in height. Bamboo plants should be completely removed including the root. Land will be cleared by the contractor.

EDL will not pay for any incorrect land use within the ROW. Within the ROW the contractor shall follow all guidelines as defined in the bidding document including but not limited to the following:

• ROW will be 25 meters in width. • Make access roads no more than 4 meters wide. • Towers shall be located no closer than 40 meters to a road.



• Avoid unnecessary cutting of ground cover species during ROW clearing so that a competitive ground cover is promoted.

• In forested areas remove bamboo plants completely including the root. Cut other trees down to at least 30 cm.

• Avoid clearing on unstable terrain, wherever possible. A detailed assessment of slope stability shall be undertaken by a qualified terrain specialist where logging or road construction is planned on terrain that has been classified as marginally stable or unstable.

• Respect local communities and understand that whenever possible they will continue their normal activities, such as farming, within the corridor.

• In the ROW clear only a narrow path to facilitate pulling the nylon pull rope between towers to string the conductors.

• Strictly follow the requirements for ROW clearing activities in the CEMP and in the EPPs. • String conductors under tension to minimise potential damage to remaining ground vegetation. • Use existing access roads and tracks wherever available. • Carefully supervise the stringing of conductors in the corridor to make sure local residents are

not injured by being too close to dangerous work activities. Also, the EDL Liaison Officer must notify residents in the work area in advance.

After the access road is no longer required site restoration must be performed. If EDL was responsible for the cost of the access road they will be responsible for the cost of site restoration. If the contractor was responsible for the cost of the access road they will be responsible for the cost of site restoration. However, it is acceptable if the land owner(s) wish to keep the access road but this must be verified and a release signed by the landowner owner(s); this will be facilitated by the EDL Environmental Liaison officer.

5.3 Details of access road impacts and compensation outside of the Right-of-Way: The contractor will be responsible for all costs of access roads outside of the ROW.

5.4 Environmental Mitigation Plan An Environmental Mitigation Plan and Environmental Monitoring Plan for the GMS NPTP are provided in Tables 5-1 and 5-2. They identify:

• Potential environmental impacts that could occur during each stage of the project. • Proposed mitigation measures to address each impact. • Authority responsible for implementing mitigation measures. • Monitoring tasks to ensure mitigation measures have been implemented effectively during each

stage of the project. • Schedule and responsibility for monitoring.

The EMP budget includes costs for EDL environmental management staff, MONRE review and approval of the project, and environmental training. The EMP is based on a 24 month programme which would commence after the IEE has been submitted to MONRE and the Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Project has been issued; it would carry through to the completion of construction. The costs of the third party / independent environmental training are based on accepted ADB practices and recent experience of MONRE on similar projects in Lao PDR.

Table 5-1: Environmental Mitigation Plan

Project Activity Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibility


Location and Design (Pre-Construction) Phase



Involuntary resettlement or land acquisition

Social inequities disruption of community cohesion

• Siting of TLs and substations so as to avoid resettlement as much as possible in accordance with alignment principles • Implementation of involuntary resettlement and land acquisition procedures in accordance with a project RAP which adheres to the ADB Policy on Involuntary Resettlement.

EDL Survey and design stage

Historical/cultural monuments/values

Loss of values • Historical/cultural/religious sites are avoided.

EDL and contractor


Encroachment into precious ecological areas / Blockage of wildlife passage ways



EDL and contractor




• Alignment over agricultural land avoided as much as possible • Where unavoidable, compensation for loss of production will be paid to farmers in accordance with RAP. • Farmers permitted to raise crops along RoW during operation.

EDL and contractor


Impairment of aesthetics

Loss of environmental beauty

• Towers sited to take advantage of topographic features that hide it from highways • Along long wide valleys, alignment sited along toe of slopes.

EDL and contractor


Noise impacts Disturbance to local residents and wildlife resulting from noise and vibrations from substations and TLs

• Substations sited on outskirts of towns. EDL and contractor



Flooding hazards/ losses in agricultural production


EDL and contractor




• Only non-PCB transformers permitted

• Ensure design and implementation of oil spill containment systems follows IEEE Guidelines35

• Provision of purpose-built oil, lubricant and fuel storage system, complete with spill cleanup equipment. • Provision of adequate substation drainage and sewage disposal systems in accordance with IEEE Guidelines36 .

EDL Design stage

Project Activity Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Measure Institutional Responsibility


Explosions/Fire Hazards to life and limb • Design of substations to include modern fire control systems. • Provision of fire fighting equipment to be located close to transformers. • Preparation of fire emergency action plan and training given to staff on implementing emergency action plan.

EDL /Contractor Design stage



Construction Phase Encroachment into precious ecological areas

Potential for RoW vegetation clearance to remove important wildlife habitat; and potential for removal of plantation forests as part of Lao PDR’s reforestation programme.







Encroachment into farmland and interference with private property including access road construction


• Use existing access roads wherever possible. • Additional temporary access tracks built to facilitate movement of materials to the RoW to be decommissioned at end of construction • Where access required across agriculture lands, temporary access paths will be constructed during dry season when there are no crops; construction will involve placement of geotextile over which aggregates will be placed; access pathways will be decommissioned at end of construction period • In mountainous areas, pack ponies may be used to carry materials to tower construction sites • Where appropriate elephants may be used to carry materials to tower construction sites • Provide compensation for temporary loss of production in accordance with RAP • Careful construction practices to avoid damage to existing facilities • Full reinstatement of land to pre-construction (or better) condition after construction completion • Ensure existing irrigation services are maintained throughout construction period









Disruption of services • Properly planned and executed traffic management measures supported by good site supervision.









Contractor Construction Stage


Losses to neighbouring land uses/values

• Good construction practice to minimise dust and noise nuisance supported by good site supervision and routine environmental monitoring.


Health and safety including sanitation in work camps

Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public

• Contractor to prepare and implement a workers’ health and safety plan. • Contractor to ensure adequate sanitation provisions for all work camps • Health and safety training to be provided to workers • UXO risk assessment to be undertaken and UXO pathfinder survey and clearance implemented in risk prone areas • Local villagers to receive health education aimed at improved hygiene, and preventing common vector borne and sexually transmitted diseases





EDL /Contractor Construction stage

Operation and Maintenance Phase Maintenance of rights-of-way



EDL Operation





• Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimise hazards. • Safety awareness raising. • Fire Emergency Action Plan and training given to staff. • Provision of adequate sanitation and water supply facilities.




• Careful design utilising appropriate technologies to minimise losses and hazards. • Design and installation of components to conform to internationally accepted safety standards.




• EDL to monitor environmental and social aspects of project operations and maintenance activities • EDL to provide training to substation and transmission line crews.

EDL Operation

5.5 Environmental Monitoring Plan Environmental monitoring will consist of routine systematic checking that the above mitigation measures have been implemented effectively during each stage of the project as shown in Table 5-2. EDL will establish an Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) that will perform monitoring of the project. The EMU will report to EDL’s Project Manager. Once the IEE has been approved by MONRE and the Project EMP and Construction EMP for Transmission Line part of the GMS NPTP have been prepared by the Project Implementation Consultant, the EMU will arrange a dissemination Work-shop on how the EMP/CEMP will be implemented at the site. The workshop will be supported by the consultant specialist and will make clear to all parties (including EDL, EMU, PIC, the contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO) their various responsibilities in implementing the PEMP/CEMP. The EMU with support from the PIC will provide training to the local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function. In addition, CEMP monitoring checklists prepared by the EMU will be used by the designated liaison officers and provided to the EMU on a monthly basis for auditing. The Provincial/Local EDL Environmental Liaison Officers will therefore be responsible for weekly environmental monitoring of construction activities as well as co-ordination with interested parties (contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO).



Table 5-2 Environmental Monitoring Plan

Environmental Monitoring Tasks Implementation Responsibility Implementation Schedule

Pre-Construction Phase Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm cultural and heritage sites not affected by project



Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm that no environmentally sensitive areas and mature forest will be affected by proposed alignment



Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm transmission line is sited to minimise intrusion on important view-scapes



Environmental Monitoring Tasks Implementation Responsibility Implementation Schedule

Monitor detailed alignment survey to confirm optimal siting of transmission line towers that will minimise impacts on drainage patterns



Environmental audit of substation designs to ensure compliance with IEEE Guidelines.


Prior to approval for construction commencement.

Environmental audit of bidding documents to ensure the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans have been included.


Prior to issue of construction bidding documents.

Construction Phase Routine environmental monitoring of construction activities to ensure construction-related mitigation measures as specified in the EMP are properly implemented and are effective.


Weekly throughout construction period.

Review Contractor’s worker occupational health and safety (OHS) plan and contractor’s training of its own personnel regarding UXO dangers.


Review of OHS Plan before construction begins; monitor worker OHS training and public health education periodically

Routine inspection of traffic safety and control measures used to protect road infrastructure and ensure public safety


Continuous throughout construction period

Operation and Maintenance Phase Walk transmission lines to inspect status of vegetation growth, threats to system arising from natural processes (slope failure, altered water courses etc) and damage to system

EDL Twice yearly

Regular inspection, cleanout and disposal of any spilled insulating/cooling oils

EDL As per EDL substation systems inspection schedule

5.5.1 Monthly Monitoring Once per month EDL’s EMU will send staff to monitor and evaluate the overall implementation of the EMP. The main tasks of the EMU’s monthly monitoring visit will be:



• Consultation with EDL Branch liaison officer and interested parties (contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFO) to ascertain whether or not the EMP is working as expected

• Participation in field monitoring activities of the liaison officer • Conducting some interviews with project affected persons to find out how they are feeling about

the compensation and mitigation of the project • Preparing a field report to the EMU Manager who would report the findings to Department of

Electricity, Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM). The above tasks of the EMU will require about 5 days /month at the project site. 5.5.2 Quarterly Monitoring According to an agreed schedule, a joint monitoring and evaluation mission between EDL’s EMU, DoE’s Social and Environment Unit (SEU) will visit the site every three months to:

• Review the work progress with EDL’s Branch Liaison Officer and assess the effectiveness of the CEMP.

• Recommend amendments to the CEMP as necessary. • Consult with project affected persons on their suggestions for improvement in the compensation

and mitigation measures. • Prepare a field report for concerned parties.

The above tasks of the EMU will require about 5 days / 3 months at the project site. 5.5.3 Bi-annual Monitoring A joint monitoring and evaluation mission including PWREO, DoE and EDL is proposed to assess the effectiveness of the CEMP. The main tasks will be to:

• Review the status of recommendations made during the quarterly monitoring and evaluation reports

• Consult with the EDL Liaison Officer and interested parties (PAFO, DAFO) • Consult with project affected persons • Recommend amendments to the CEMP as necessary • Prepare a site visit report to interested parties.

The above tasks of the EMU will require about 5 days / 6 months at the project site. 5.6 Field Orientations and Meetings It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that their staff and subcontractors are appropriately trained and competent to implement the requirements of the CEMP and of the site-specific EPPs. All staff members working on construction sites shall be appropriately trained in the following:

• Sediment and erosion control. • Working within environmentally sensitive areas including riparian areas, at watercourse

crossings, within and near wetlands, and within sensitive wildlife habitats. • Working on unstable slopes, ravines, gullies, and in areas of potential rockfall, landslide, and

avalanche hazards. • Emergency response including spill response training and incident reporting. • Hazardous materials management, including the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information

System (WHMIS). • Fire safety and response.

The Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) shall provide additional and site-specific environmental information and background at pre-job, work orientation meetings and crew meetings, described below.



The Environmental Monitor(s) when on site shall work to help raise awareness and understanding of environmental matters. 5.7 Pre-Job Meetings Pre-job meetings shall be held between the Contractor, the EDL Project Manager or designate and the EDL Environmental Liaison Officers. The environmental portion of this meeting shall include, at a minimum, the following: • A review of the EDL Environmental guidelines and all environmental specifications of the Contract,

including the CEMP. • Transfer of further relevant information or precautions that EDL’s EMU is aware of, and which

pertain to the contract. • Procedures for notifying and managing potential changes to the scope or specifications of work. • Consequences of non-compliance with Contract specifications. • Procedures for reporting of environmental incidents and emergencies. • The Contractor shall communicate to all field supervisors, subcontractors and work crews; the work

specifications, environmental requirements and information provided during the pre-job meetings and notify the EDL Environmental Office in writing when they have been completed.

5.8 Pre-Work Orientation Meetings Pre-work orientation meetings with field crews shall be held prior to the initiation of work at each new site so that they are aware of the site-specific environmental requirements of work at that location. The Environmental Monitor(s) shall provide the environmental information necessary and record the meeting on the Contractors Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Record (see Appendix 7 of the CEMP ). When new Contractor field staff come onto a site, the Contractor’s supervisor shall inform the Environmental Monitor and subsequent orientation meetings shall be provided by the Environmental Monitor prior to that person undertaking any work. Contractors’ staff shall sign and date the Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Record confirming that they have received the indoctrination materials and presentation from the Environmental Monitor. Signed Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Records shall be submitted to EDL with weekly environmental monitoring reports. 5.9 On site Meetings Field crew meetings shall be held prior to the commencement of work and at regular intervals thereafter, as required by the nature of the work. These meetings will be used to review environmental requirements of the work and environmental precautions, as necessary. All field meetings, including subjects discussed pertaining to environmental management and protection, shall be documented by the Contractor, and provided to EDL’s Project Manager or Environmental Liaison Officer(s) upon request. 5.10 Pre-construction Surveys Pre-construction surveys shall be undertaken by qualified environmental resource specialists under the direction of EDL representatives. Results of these surveys shall be used to review the corridor routing, tower placement and to provide input to EPPs to be prepared by the Contractor. Surveys for the following features shall be conducted by appropriately trained personnel during boundary marking undertaken by the contractor:

• Significant Wildlife habitat. • Natural features such as watercourses (with classification such as dry, flowing, width, swamps,

wetlands (with dimensions and classification). Site-specific assessments of the integrity and capacity of drainage structures within existing roads that

would be used as Project access roads shall be conducted to verify that they will not be damaged by the project. The contractor will be responsible for conducting the drainage assessments for all access roads to ensure existing drainage will not be impeded.

The Contractor will be responsible for conducting drainage assessments for all stream crossings to ensure any existing structures will not be damaged by the project and that the banks, water quality and flows of



any streams to be crossed, with or without temporary structures, will not be affected by construction activities. A detailed terrain assessment shall be undertaken by a qualified terrain specialist where:

• crossings of slopes greater than 20% are required • construction has been planned on terrain classified as marginally stable • there is a risk to workers, public safety, or environmental values during construction and/or

there is a natural risk to the Project or where Right-of-Way (ROW) clearing may increase the risk of slope failure or avalanche risk to the Project and/or highway infrastructure.

Conducting Terrain Assessments will be the responsibility of the contractor for all access roads and for the clearing required to meet the preliminary line design. Terrain Assessments include an assessment of terrain adjacent to the ROW that, in the event of a failure caused by construction activities, could affect the transmission line or associated infrastructure. An assessment of terrain conditions further upslope may be required if hazard areas cannot be avoided or where slope stabilization measures are required. Mitigation plans for ROW clearing, road construction, and transmission line construction would be developed based on the results of the terrain stability assessment and would include plans to control surface water runoff. 5.11 Environmental Incidents An environmental incident is one that has caused, or has the potential to cause, one or more of the following:

• Environmental damage. • Adverse effects to fish, wildlife or other environmental resources. • Adverse publicity with respect to the environment. • Legal action with respect to violation of statutes or environmental damage.

Examples of environmental incidents include, but are not limited to:

• Spills of oil, fuel, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) or other hazardous chemicals. • Discharges of deleterious substances into fish-bearing water bodies. • Landslides, erosion, or floods with the potential to adversely affect environmental quality • Harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of aquatic or terrestrial habitat without prior

written approval and authorization from MONRE or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction.

• Forest fires related to construction activities. • Unauthorized release of air pollutants (such as from open burning)

The contractors environmental monitor or the first monitor to arrive at the site where the incident occurred, shall be responsible for compiling the information required and submitting an Environmental Incident Report (EIR) to the EMU within 24 hours following an incident. The incident report shall be distributed by EMU appropriate but at least to:

• All Contractors. • EDL Project Manager. • EDL Environmental Liaison Officer. • EDL Environmental Program Manager. • EDL Construction Program Manager. • EDL Community Relations Coordinator.

In addition to the formal written reporting, the EDL Project Manager and the Environmental Liaison Officer shall be notified as early as possible after any incident occurs via telephone/fax/email, as appropriate. It shall be the responsibility of the Environmental Monitor (or their designate) to undertake this notification.



Relevant information needed for the Environmental Incident Report (EIR) is outlined below. The EIR report will characterize and document the:

• Cause and nature of the incident • Approximate magnitude and duration of release and area or habitat affected • Aquatic, terrestrial and/or cultural resources affected • Actions taken to control or limit the activity causing the incident • Additional proposed remedial or corrective actions recommended • Communications with regulatory agencies

The Environmental Incident Report shall include appropriate photo documentation of the incident, mitigation measures taken to control or limit the activity causing the incident, and any remedial or corrective actions undertaken. Depending on the nature of the environmental incident, collection of water samples may be required to characterize the extent and nature of the release into aquatic habitats. 5.12 Final Inspection Monitoring Final inspections of work sites shall be initiated by the EMU upon completion of construction activities for the Project. An EDL Environmental Liaison Officer shall, with the assistance of other appropriate professionals, evaluate the effectiveness of site restoration activities that took place during construction and would confirm that the required commitments and terms of permits and approvals were met. A professional Agronomist should work together with the Environmental Liaison Officer in evaluating restoration in accordance with site-specific Agricultural Site Access and Reclamation Plans. The Environmental Liaison Officer shall, at a minimum, evaluate:

• Success of erosion control practices implemented along the ROW. • Success of re-vegetation and seeding. • Success of protection of wildlife habitat. • Photo documentation and a report describing overall stability and re-vegetation success shall be

submitted to EDL following the final inspections. Where restoration planting is deemed not to be successful, the physical and biological conditions would be assessed and remedial works would be designed and initiated. The form of remedial works would depend on the reason for the failure and the physical condition of the planted areas. 5.13 Resettlement, Social and Environmental Safeguards The contactors are required the read the entire Bidding Document carefully to determine the total cost of all Resettlement, Social and Environmental Safeguards/Management mitigation requirements in this the Bidding Document. At a minimum the Contractor is responsible for:

1) Thoroughly reading and understanding all information and expenses relating to Resettlement, Social and Environmental Safeguards/Management costs in the Bidding document that are the contractor’s responsibility.

2) Calculating the cost of implementing the Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) as described in the CEMP.

3) Determining the cost of following all Relevant Lao PDR Policies, Legislation, Safeguards and Guidelines.

4) Determining the cost of any staff required for Resettlement, Social and Environmental Safeguards/Management.

5) Determining the cost of all temporary impacts such as those described in the CEMP. 6) Determining the cost of the Environmental Mitigation Plan in the CEMP.

The total cost of these expenses shall be included in the bidding prices of the contractor.



6.0 CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This section describes the purpose, content, and structure of the overall Construction Environmental Management Program, including the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) prepared by EDL and the Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) prepared by the Contractor. An outline of the requirements for the EPPs to be prepared by the contractors during the final design phase is also provided in the following sections. 6.1 The Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) This CEMP provides EDL Contractors with performance-based environmental specifications for the protection of important biophysical, cultural, archaeological and socioeconomic values within the Project area. The CEMP will assist EDL Contractors in preparing their EPPs and constructing the Project in accordance with EDL, Lao Regulations, ADB Safeguards and BMPs. The CEMP also describes how environmental risks are to be managed during construction and in the event of an environmental incident, how emergency response procedures, mitigation measures, and reporting protocols are to be implemented. In general, the CEMP:

• Describes the environmental management responsibilities for the work. • Describes the necessary organizational lines of reporting and communication. • Outlines applicable legislation • Provides environmental mapping of the Project corridor. • Describes the requirements for additional pre-construction environmental surveys. • Provides necessary precautions, and mitigation measures • Identifies the requirements of the Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) the contractors must

develop and cost as part of their bids This CEMP will be used during detailed design of the Project to guide / inform the selection of tower locations, road alignments, and footprints of temporary facilities such as equipment storage and laydown areas, that minimize environmental impacts associated with construction footprints. The Contractor’s detailed design and EPPs will be reviewed by the EDL engineers and the EDL Environmental Office prior to finalization to evaluate compliance with the CEMP, with EDL Component Plans, and commitments. Environmental monitoring will be carried out by the Contractor’s on site environmental monitor, EDL’s EMU, and a third party environmental monitor periodically throughout the construction period to inspect, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of work practices and environmental mitigation procedures, and to recommend and oversee improvements as necessary. Environmental monitoring and reporting requirements are described in section 8 of the CEMP. 6.2 Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) In their bid documents each Contractor will be required to prepare EPPs providing site and activity-specific details of planned work procedures and the necessary environmental mitigation measures to be implemented during construction to achieve compliance with the CEMP, EMP Component Plans, and regulatory approvals for the Project. EPPs may be prepared as components of an overall EPP or may be prepared as a series of standalone documents. Contractors should consider hiring qualified professionals to prepare EPPs. Contractors shall prepare EPPs based on their work procedures to be signed off as their commitment to undertake their work in an environmentally responsible manner. The EDL EMU will review and comment on each Contractor’s EPPs to ensure they meet the requirements of the CEMP and other regulatory and BMP requirements. The EPPs may need to be revised during construction in response to changes in such things as: Project design; Construction procedures and methods; Construction schedule; Mitigation measures; and/or, Site conditions.



The required scope and contents of the EPPs to be included in the contractor’s bids are outlined in Chapter 8 of this CEMP

6.3 Public Consultation and Disclosure Communication with affected people is an important part of the project implementation. The project’s Environmental Committee is responsible for announcing, organizing, conducting and documenting consultation meetings with affected individuals, villages, community organizations, and local NGOs in the project area. The main purposes of consultation are to inform them about potential project environmental impacts and obtain views of the local people concerning the CEMP. The CEMP and grievance procedures will be discussed. The comments and feedback will be recorded in the minutes of meeting.

The above committees will also be responsible for disclosing the CEMP to the affected villagers. The approved CEMP will be placed in the public location such as at the EDL Branch Office for reviewing by the interested people.



7.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES All Contractors and EDL employees have an inherent responsibility for the protection of environmental, socio-economic and heritage values during their work. Members of the EDL Project team and those identified within each Contractor’s organization have professional responsibilities for environmental management. This section of the CEMP describes the roles and responsibilities of EDL, EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer(s), the Contractor, the Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) and various Committees for implementing, inspecting, managing and reporting on the effectiveness of environmental protection and mitigation measures. This section also lists what reports or documents must be written and which party is responsible for writing the reports (EDL or the Contractor). A schematic showing the organizational lines of communication and reporting for the environmental aspects of the Project is provided in Figure 7.1 below. Figure 7.1 – Project Organizational Chart



7.1 Committees Below are the committees for the Project (Table 7- 1). Table 7-1: Project Committees Representatives new table

Name Members Tasks

Environmental Management Committee

1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District MONRE 4) Provincial/Land Office 5) EDL Representatives

1) Project Consultation Meetings

2) Monitoring of environmental issues

Forest Clearing Committee 1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District MONRE 4) Provincial/District Agriculture

and Forestry Officer 5) EDL Representatives

1) Determination of timber value

2) Monitoring of clearing process

Compensation Committee 1) Provincial/District Cabinets 2) Provincial/District Energy and

Mines Dept. 3) Provincial/District Land Officer 4) Provincial/District Agriculture

and Forestry Officer 5) Provincial/District Ministry of

Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)


1) Determination of value of land.

2) Preparation of compensation guidelines.

3) Monitoring of disbursement of compensation payments

Grievance Committee 1) Local Village Head 2) EDL Representatives 3) Provincial/District Cabinets 4) Provincial/District Ministry of

Energy and Mines 5) Provincial/District Land Officer 6) Provincial/District Agriculture

and Forestry Officer 7) Provincial/District Ministry of

Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)

1) Settlement of complaints about compensation payments or other issues.

7.2 Required Documents Below are the documents that need to be written before and during project construction, the group responsible for writing them and when they should be submitted.



Table 7-2: Required Documents

7-2-1 Documents Required from EDL

Document Name Submission Period Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) which includes at least the following:

• Compensation Plan or Resettlement Action Plan

• Environmental Monitoring Plan • Environmental Management Plan

Oct 2012

Fire Emergency Action Plan Before project construction begins (prepared jointly with Contractor)

Field Report to the EMO Manager concerning Environmental Monitoring

Monthly during Construction Phase

CEMP review Report for EMO, DoE’s Social and Environment Unit (SEU).

Quarterly during Construction Phase

CEMP effectiveness Review Report for PSTEO, DoE Every 6 months during Construction Phase

7-2-2 Documents Required from Contractor

Document Name Submission Period Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) as defined in the CEMP

With Bid

Environmental Incident Report (EIR) Construction Phase when there is and Environmental incident.

Workers' Health and Safety Plan Construction Phase Fire emergency action plan Construction Phase (prepared jointly with

EDL) The Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Record (EPOR)

Construction Phase

Hazardous waste materials disposal log Construction Phase Spill reporting Matrix Construction Phase Emergency Contact List Construction Phase Access Plan Construction Phase Clearing Prescriptions Construction Phase Monthly Environmental Monitoring Report Construction Phase 7.3 EDL EDL will be responsible for ensuring that the overall project is implemented in accordance with the conditions of the ADB loan agreement including ADB environmental guidelines and GoL environmental regulations. The following sections identify the responsible personnel and outlines their roles.

7.3.1 EDL Project Manager

Has overall responsibility for compliance with terms and conditions of regulatory permits, approvals, authorizations and ADB safeguards as reflected in the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), the



Project Environmental Management Plan (PEMP) and the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and also:

• Confirms that GOL guidelines and standards are followed. • Delegates authority and communicates requirements, as required, on all aspects of the Project,

including environmental management and environmental monitoring. • Confirms that the CEMP is finalized and accepted by regulatory agencies. • Evaluates Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) and Contractor’s environmental record as part

of tender evaluations Coordinates review of Contractors’ Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) with EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer(s).

7.3.2 EDL Construction Program Manager

• Has overall responsibility for the administration of contracts, including their environmental requirements.

• Oversees technical quality control, adherence to and performance of engineering requirements of contract specifications, schedules, and costs.

• Coordinates construction inspections to evaluate compliance with engineering specifications and standards.

• Facilitates communication links among the construction management team and the Contractor. • Receives, reviews and processes equitable adjustments from the Contractor. • Issues Advisory Memos which may include measures to implement environmental requirements. • Seeks input from the Environmental Liaison Officer(s).

7.4 Environmental Management Unit (EMU) The EMU will be responsible for ensuring, on a day-to-day basis, that the Project Environmental Management Plan (PEMP) and the Construction EMPs for Contracts 1, 2 and 3 are properly implemented. This includes the following activities:

• Ensuring that: o environmental clearance or approval is secured from MONRE prior to site works, o bidding documents include the CEMP as guidance for preparation and implementation of

the EPPs by contractors o PEMP, CEMP and EPP implementation is monitored and results are reported regularly

• Providing environmental training to contractors involved in constructing the project. Topics

would include environmental protection laws and regulations, environmental best management practices for erosion control, fuel handling and spill clean-up measures, waste disposal, health and safety, and stop work authority.

• Carrying out regular monitoring of the contractor's construction activities to

ensure that work is carried out in full compliance with the PEMP, CEMPs and EPPs and provisions set out in the construction contracts.

• Monitoring the social conditions associated with the project, including identification of potential

problems arising from influx or movement of populations into or out of the project areas as a result of the project; problems with price speculation; grievances amongst villagers towards project construction practices, contractor activities, impairment of livelihood due to damage to or loss of crops as a result of construction activities, loss of access, etc

• Holding monthly on-site meetings with the Contractors to review work performance relative to

mitigation of environmental and social impacts; identify areas of satisfaction and shortcomings in the Contractor’s work and provide guidance to resolve related issues.



7.4.1 EDL Community Relations Officer This person will be responsible for:

• Managing communications and stakeholder relations during construction of the GMS NPTP. • Communicating with landowners, stakeholders and interested parties about activities and

potential disturbances with respect to the GMS NPTP. • Providing an EDL corporate contact for landowners and local residents who have issues or

questions to be addressed. • Distributing updates on scheduled construction activities to stakeholders.

7.4.2 EDL Land Acquisition and Management Officer This person will be responsible for direct communication with individual property owners on matters directly affecting their property, where required. 7.4.3 EDL Environmental Program Manager / Environmental Liaison Officer(s) The Environmental Program Manager will serve as EDL’s environmental representative during construction of the Project. The Environmental Program Manager will be supported by Environmental Liaison Officer(s) to inspect and evaluate the work of each Contractor and the Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s). Roles and responsibilities of the Environmental Liaison Officer(s) include the following:

• Communicates CEMP and EPP requirements to Contractor’s staff.

• Audits environmental training and orientation sessions delivered to Contractor’s staff by the Environmental Monitor(s).

• Reviews draft and final EPPs for compliance with EDL policies, GoL laws and the CEMP.

• Reviews the Design-build Contractor’s detailed design for compliance with EDL policies, GoL laws and the CEMP.

• Reviews the plan for access developed by the contractor for compliance with EDL policies, GoL laws and the CEMP.

• Develops Clearing Prescriptions (section 9.16) for the Project based on the preliminary line design.

• Provides advice to Clearing Contractors and the Design-build Contractor during clearing and construction of access roads. • Coordinates with qualified environmental resource specialists to undertake pre-construction

environmental surveys. Reviews environmental monitoring reports prepared by Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) for completeness, factual accuracy, and for effectiveness of mitigation measures.

• Reports to the EDL Project Manager and the Construction Program Manager on the effectiveness

of mitigation measures being implemented, difficulties encountered, and how they are managed.

• Coordinates and communicates with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, as required.

• Verifies that copies of applicable permits/approvals and spill response and emergency procedures are maintained at work site(s) at all times.



• Audits and evaluates compliance of work practices and procedures and effectiveness of mitigation measures with terms and conditions of regulatory approvals, with this CEMP, and with applicable EPPs. The Environmental Liaison Officer(s) would typically schedule site visit auditing activities when work is occurring in environmentally-sensitive areas or when conditions (i.e., rainfall events) could potentially result in adverse environmental effects.

• Provides recommendations to Contractors and their staff to achieve compliance with the CEMP,

the EPPs, and with regulatory approvals in consultation with the EDL Construction Program Manager.

• Prepares Monthly Environmental Audit Reports summarizing the results of the Environmental

Liaison Officers’ field audit inspections, reviews of the Contractors’ Weekly Environmental Monitoring Reports, and environmental issues tracking in a format suitable for distribution to regulatory agencies.

• Reviews the Environmental Monitoring Completion Reports to be prepared by each Contractor’s

Environmental Monitor(s) for completeness and factual accuracy. • Assists in emergency situations to minimize adverse environmental effects (see appendix 3 of the

CEMP for emergency contact list / template).

• Directs the Environmental Monitor/Contractor to suspend construction activities for non-compliance with the CEMP, contravention of regulatory permits and approvals, and/or if environmental damage outside that anticipated by the Project scope is observed, until a solution can be identified.

• 7.5 MONRE (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)

MONRE will be responsible for the review of the updated IEE and CEMP. The updated documents will be distributed to line agencies, local government authorities and the public. Based on the review and comments the documents will be revised as necessary and / or MONRE will issue an Environmental Approval Certificate with or without conditions. 7.6 Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) The Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Ensure that the environmental mitigation, monitoring and reporting requirements in the IEE for the contractors' implementation are included in the bidding documents.

• Ensure that the contractors' contracts require the implementation of the construction environmental management plans (CEMPs).

• Prior to site works, prepare a project EMP (PEMP) which covers pre-construction, construction and operation stages of the work. EMPs (CEMP) for the Contracts implementation by the contractors. The PEMP and CEMPs shall be consistent with the mitigation and monitoring measures, reporting, institutional arrangements and training programs indicated in the IEE. The content of the PEMP and CEMP shall conform to the EMP requirements specified in the ADB Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). The PEMP and CEMP shall be submitted to EDL and ADB for approval.

• Upon completion and approval of Project EMP and Construction EMPs, assist the EMU in conducting a dissemination workshop on how the PEMP/CEMP will be implemented at the site. The workshop will make clear to all parties (including EDL, EMU, PIC, contractor, PWREO, PAFO, DAFEO) their various responsibilities in implementing the PEMP and CEMP.

• Assist the EMU in training the local EDL liaison officers on how to undertake the PEMP and CEMP monitoring and co-ordination function.

• Review the contractor's detailed field designs to ensure that these are consistent with the mitigation measures specified in the IEE and the CEMP.

• Undertake monitoring of the implementation of the PEMP and CEMP, and prepare quarterly monitoring reports to be submitted to EDL and ADB.



• Assist EDL’s Environmental Management Unit in ensuring that the PEMP and CEMPs are properly implemented.

7.7 Contractor The Contractor shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the work adheres to GoL guidelines and standards, ADB safeguards and this CEMP. Each Contractor prior to commencing work will undertake the following:

• Develop site- and/or activity-specific EPPs consistent with the requirements established in the CEMP and include these in the bid document.

• Identify qualified specialists to undertake pre-construction surveys as specified in the CEMP and include their resumes in the bid documents.

• Develop an Access Plan for the Project which minimizes the environmental impacts of access required for clearing the transmission line corridor based on the preliminary line design

• Develop Clearing Prescriptions for the Project based on the preliminary line design minimizes environmental impacts.

• Identify qualified Environmental Monitors to evaluate and report on compliance of the Contractor’s work procedures and practices with the environmental requirements established by the GOL guidelines and standards ADB safeguards and this CEMP. Include their resumes in the bid documents.

• Verify that field crews and subcontractors are aware of the environmental requirements of the work, and are trained and competent to implement them.

7.7.1 Work Practices

• Implement appropriate work procedures, instructions and controls to prevent and/or reduce adverse Environmental effects.

• Adhere to requirements established in this CEMP and to terms and conditions of the EAC and all other permits and approvals.

• Commit to and implement EPPs. • Contact the EDL Environmental Liaison Officer should the scope or schedule of work change. • Identify the Timing, limits of the construction zone, and changes in conditions of the

environment or construction practices • Restore disturbed sites to a safe, clean, and environmentally acceptable condition as per Site

Restoration Plans. 7.7.2 Reporting

• Establish and maintain effective environmental reporting protocols. • Include weekly environmental monitoring reports (appendix 7 of the CEMP) from Environmental

Monitor(s) with progress reports to the EDL Construction Program Manager. • Distribute Environmental Incident reports.

7.7.3 Incidents

• Respond to emergencies and incidents immediately. • Notify environmental agencies of spills of deleterious substances and other emergencies. • Undertake corrective and preventative measures in response to non-conformance with

regulatory approvals, the CEMP and/or applicable EPPs. 7.7.4 Contractor’s Environmental Monitor During construction, the Contractors’ full time Environmental Monitor(s) have the primary responsibility to confirm that environmental management measures, controls, and specifications are implemented in accordance with the EPPs to comply with the terms and conditions of regulatory permits and approvals for the Project. Roles and responsibilities of the Contractor’s Environmental Monitor(s) include, but are not limited to, the following:



• Develop EPPs applicable to the work and/or conduct applicable pre-construction environmental

surveys (if qualified). • Develop an understanding of all aspects of the GMS NPTP as they relate to regulatory permits and

approvals and Project environmental management documentation. • Prepare and deliver environmental training and orientation sessions to work crews. • Participate in construction meetings, as necessary. • Report to EDL Environmental Liaison Officer(s) with respect to issues that may require. • Communication with regulatory agencies and key stakeholders. • Provide technical assistance on environmental matters to construction personnel. • Provide recommendations for modifying and/or improving environmental mitigation measures,

as necessary. • Document construction activities, mitigation measures, and environmental incidents by field

notes and Photographs. • Suspend construction activities that are causing, or potentially causing, risk of environmental

damage. • Complete inspection checklists for each monitoring visit. • Prepare weekly environmental monitoring reports (appendix 7 of the CEMP) summarizing

activities and actions taken to minimize potential effects. • Prepare an environmental completion report at the conclusion of construction activities. • Report spills of hazardous materials and other environmental incidents.

7.8 Conflict Resolution Any conflict complaints or disagreements raised by the affected people that cannot be solved by the village/district authorities will be resolved by the Project Grievance Committee. In case of a professional disagreement between the Environmental Monitor or other members of the Project team and the Contractor’s staff on the interpretation of requirements in the CEMP or other environmental matters related to the conduct of the work that cannot be resolved, it will be referred for resolution to the lowest organizational level possible as follows, in order of preference: 1) Refer to the EDL Environmental Liaison Officer. 2) Refer to the EDL Environmental Program Manager. 3) Refer to the EDL Construction Program Manager. 4) Refer to the EDL Project Manager



8.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR EPPs The overall Environmental Protection Plan is actually a collection of 37 Environmental Protection Plans or EPPs. These EPPs are described in this section; there are 37 EPPs. The EPPs specify the mitigation measures and other environmental requirements to be implemented during the construction phase of the Project and are first submitted as part of the Bidding process. These requirements are applicable to all Contractors working on the Project. In some instances, it may not be possible, necessary or desirable to implement certain mitigation measures specified in this section. This is reflected in the terms "where appropriate", "where practical" or "where possible" language in the CEMP. It also may be necessary to adjust general setbacks, timing windows or other mitigation measures to reflect site-specific conditions or regulatory approvals. Mitigation measures shall be implemented in all applicable instances as specified in the CEMP unless the Contractor provides an appropriate rationale for not implementing or for altering the mitigation measure. The Contractor cannot proceed unless the decision and rationale is approved by EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer. The procedure used, the rationale, and confirmation that approval was received shall be documented in the Contractor's Environmental Monitoring Report and EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer's Monthly Environmental Audit Report. The following sections describe the EPPs. 8.1 Air Quality and Dust Control Along with the other EPPs the Contractors shall prepare an Air Quality and Dust Control Plan which outlines the methods to be used during all phases of construction to minimize air emissions and control dust. It is anticipated that the majority of air emissions generated during the construction of the GMS NPTP would be due to the operation of heavy equipment, generators to power the construction camps, power tools, and slash burning. During construction, the primary air emissions are anticipated to be:

• Fugitive dust – traffic along gravel roads, construction activities; • Particulates – Slash burning to clear the transmission line ROW, and access roads; • Odours – Burning of fossil fuels, operation of diesel equipment and • Greenhouse gases – Operation of light duty and heavy duty diesel equipment.

The Air Quality and Dust Control Plan to be prepared by the contractor during the design phase and before construction shall address, at a minimum, the following mitigation requirements related to slash burning, control of fugitive dust, and management of greenhouse gas emissions: 8.1.1 Slash Burning

• Burning only organic matter such as tree stumps, roots, shrubs, and branches. • Burning material more than 100 metres from residences or businesses and more than 500

metres from sensitive receptors such as hospitals, or schools. • Controlling open burning so that it does not pose a visibility hazard. • Ensuring satisfactory control and feeding of the fire. • Details of the process to make decisions related to the burning of organic matter. • Measures to prevent and react to the potential spread of fire.

8.1.2 Fugitive Dust

• Dust shall be controlled for the duration of the work by spraying water or an alternate dust suppressant approved by the Agreement on the National Environmental Standards, No2734 /PMO, WREA - 7 Dec 2009.

• Oil shall not be used as a dust suppressant. • Implementing and enforcing speed limits to reduce generation of fugitive dust emissions.



• Covering fine grained material vehicle loads, especially on windy days, to minimize wind-blown

dispersal.

• Using blasting mats and water as appropriate during blasting activities to reduce dust generation (in addition to reducing noise impacts).

8.1.3 Greenhouse Gases

• Ensuring vehicles and equipment are maintained according to manufacturers’ guidelines. • Vehicles and equipment shall be inspected on a regular basis by the contractor and maintained,

as required. • Environmental Monitors shall inspect equipment for presence of emission control measures. • Using modern machinery and commercially available low sulphur fuels • Minimizing engine idling. • Optimizing trucking loads to reduce the number of trips between the source and destination.

8.2 Noise Management The Contractors shall prepare a Noise Management Plan which provides guidelines and procedures to be implemented to minimize noise generation during construction of the GMS NPTP. It is anticipated that the majority of noise generated during construction would be by heavy equipment, power tools, generators, and truck and helicopter traffic. Noise reduction techniques shall include:

• Prohibiting the use of engine brakes in residential areas. • Maintaining equipment in good working order • Implementing standard construction practices and use of “Best Available Control Technologies”

for noise control on construction equipment such as mufflers and silencers. • Informing local residents and other stakeholders in advance of construction activities

8.3 Sediment and Erosion Control Construction of the GMS NPTP including vegetation clearing, soil excavation, access road construction, and use of heavy equipment, has the potential to result in erosion and mobilization of fine grained material. If not controlled, eroded soil has the potential to degrade areas downslope through sediment loading. Eroded soil carried into watercourses or wetlands can degrade water quality and aquatic habitat through increased suspended sediment in the water, and deposition of sediment in the bed of the watercourse or water body. The Contractors shall prepare a Sediment and Erosion Control Plan which addresses, and commits to the following requirements:

• Identify the type and location of silt fences, berms, swales, ditches, check dams, settling ponds, and other sediment and erosion control facilities, as required. Effective sediment and erosion control measures shall be installed before starting work to minimize potential for introduction of sediment into watercourses.

• Contingency supplies of sediment and erosion control materials shall be maintained at each work site and workers shall be sufficiently trained in their appropriate installation and maintenance.

• Regular inspection of sediment and erosion control measures by the Environmental Monitor. • Sediment and erosion control measures shall be adapted or revised, as appropriate, and

necessary repairs shall be conducted in a timely manner. • These facilities shall be maintained until construction is completed and the affected areas are

sufficiently stabilized and re-vegetated so there is minimal risk of erosion or sedimentation at the site as a result of construction activities.

• Storage and disposal of construction wastes, overburden, soil, or other substances in such a manner as to minimize potential for entry into any streams or watercourses.

• No materials shall be stockpiled within 15 metres of the top of bank of any watercourse or wetland. Soil stockpiles shall be bermed, sloped and seeded, or tarped to minimize erosion, wherever possible.



• Erosion protection for steep slopes, stockpiles, and disturbed areas. Erosion control methods shall be applied where there is potential for erosion due to rainfall or snowmelt. It is important that sediment does not leave the site, and preventing erosion at the source reduces the potential environmental risk. Erosion protection methods include:

o Minimizing the length and steepness of bare, exposed slopes. o Stabilizing slopes by maintaining ground cover or using materials such as

geotextiles/erosion control cloth. o Minimizing construction activities that cause major soil disturbances, where practical,

during periods of high erosion potential. o Identifying natural drainages that occur within cleared areas and incorporating

appropriate sediment and erosion control measures into site planning. o Incorporating perimeter channels, as required, to catch and transport site runoff from

new substation sites and equipment staging areas. o Installing water bars to direct road surface runoff away from access roads in a safe

manner and, where required, installing appropriately sized culverts to reduce road failure through erosion.

o Maintaining ditches along access roads, as required, to control surface runoff and sediment transport.

o Designing clear-span bridges to avoid encroachment below the ordinary high water mark.

o Conducting construction work within riparian areas (i.e. 15 metres from top of bank) of any existing watercourse or wetland in favourable weather and low water conditions and in accordance with Project regulatory approvals and the recommendations of the Environmental Monitor.

o Operating machinery on land above the high water mark in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the banks of watercourses.

o Removal of sediment control measures, such as plastic sheeting and silt fencing, when no longer required as determined by the Environmental Monitor(s).

o Restoring areas disturbed during work to a stable vegetated condition as soon as possible.

• Where possible, re-establishment of ground cover shall be scheduled to allow adequate vegetative growth prior to the onset of rainfall events. If this is not possible, alternate erosion control measures shall be provided.

8.4 Water Quality Management The Contractors shall prepare a Water Quality Management Plan which specifies water quality sampling points to be monitored upstream and downstream of work areas. The water quality monitoring program shall specify water sampling parameters, frequencies, and criteria threshold limits consistent with provincial water quality guidelines. Where these are not available initial water quality samples will be taken from a representative section of the water course before construction and water quality sampling shall be carried out weekly during construction to ensure this level of water quality is maintained during and after construction The Environmental Monitor(s) shall conduct water quality monitoring for turbidity plumes (visual and with a turbidity meter), hydrocarbon sheens from oil and grease (visual), and iron bacteria/ochre (visual) during all work in the vicinity of any watercourse or wetland and monitor pH during concrete works within 30 metres of any watercourse or wetland. A water quality monitor that provides real-time temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity shall also be available on site. 8.5 Spill Prevention and Emergency Response



The Contractors shall prepare a Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan specific to their work activities. Spill Prevention and Emergency Response requirements shall be communicated to all field crews at the start of work (at the pre-work orientation meeting) and thereafter at regular intervals throughout the Contract, and will be strictly enforced. Contractors will be instructed to post Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Plans in conspicuous locations at each site location. The Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan shall address, at a minimum, the following requirements: 8.5.1 Spill Prevention

• Specific instructions on how to reduce the risk of spills. • Storage, handling and labelling of fuels and other hazardous materials. • Equipment refuelling and servicing procedures. Machinery shall only be serviced, refuelled and

washed in designated areas, located at a minimum 30 metres from any watercourse or wetland. • Incorporation of drip containment measures for fuel dispensing equipment to maximize fuel

containment. • Monitoring of vehicles and equipment for leaks on a daily basis. If the operation of construction

vehicles is necessary within riparian areas, vehicles and equipment shall arrive on site in a clean condition and be maintained free of fluid leaks.

8.5.2 Spill Response Equipment

• Details on the contents and size of spill containment kits for vehicles and fuel dispensing stations and how they will be deployed in the event of an environmental emergency or exercise.

• Inspections to compare current contents of spill kits with required contents at Project start-up and whenever a new piece of equipment comes onto site.

• Locations and nature of clean-up materials and equipment. • Appropriate training of workers in the appropriate use of spill response equipment, including

distinguishing between grey absorbent pads used for water soluble chemicals and white pads used for petroleum products.

8.5.3 Spill Response Procedures Spill reporting and notification procedures consistent with the Spill Response Plan outlined below:

• Response, reporting and notification procedures for environmental incidents. • Spills and other environmental incidents shall be reported according to the Environmental

Incident. • Reporting procedures outlined in Section 8.2. • Containment, recovery and clean-up procedures and training.

Contact information for persons and organizations to be notified in the event of spills, forest fires, or other

environmental emergencies. If a spill of fuels, oils, lubricants or other harmful substances occurs, the following procedures shall be implemented: 1. Make the area safe

• Evaluate risk to personal/public, electrical and environmental safety. • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). • Never rush in, always determine the product spilled before taking action. • Warn people in the immediate vicinity • Verify that no ignition sources are present if the spill is a flammable material

2. Stop the flow (when possible and safe to do so)

• Act quickly to reduce the risk of environmental impacts. • Close valves, shut off pumps or plug holes/leaks. • Stop the flow or the spill at its source.

3. Reporting

• Notify EDL’s Project Manager and Environmental Liaison Officer

4. Secure the area



• Limit access to the spill area. • Prevent unauthorised entry onto the site.

5. Contain the spill

• Prevent spilled material from entering drainage structures (ditches, culverts, drains). • Use absorbent material to contain the spill. • Use a dyke or any other method to prevent any discharge on site. • Make every effort to minimize contamination.

6. Notification • Within 24 hours of discovery, determine appropriate EDL internal and regulatory notification

obligations and notify appropriate personnel.

7. Clean-up • Determine cleanup options. • Mobilize recovery equipment and cleanup crew and direct cleanup activities. • Dispose of all equipment and/or material used in clean up (e.g. used sorbent, oil containment

materials, so as to protect sources of potable water, groundwater and water courses. • Replenish spill response kits and equipment.

8. Spill report

• Provide the required information to the EDL EMU. (See appendix 5 of the CEMP ) 8.6 Material Storage, Handling and Waste Management Materials used in the construction of the Project may pose an environmental risk if not managed effectively. Contractors shall make every reasonable effort, using reduction, re-use and/or recycling, to reduce the amount of material disposed of. If wastes are generated by Contractors in the course of the work, the wastes shall be disposed of in compliance with appropriate environmental waste management procedures, guidelines and legislation. In any event so as to protect sources of potable water, groundwater and water courses and not create a safety or health risk or aesthetic issue. The Contractors shall prepare a Material Storage, Handling and Waste Management Plan which considers, at a minimum, the preceding principles and the following requirements: 8.6.1 General Construction Wastes

• The Contractor shall not dump, burn, or allow others under its control to dump or burn garbage, or any other construction wastes, associated with the work. Should construction wastes related to the work be dumped, the Contractor shall immediately act to clean up and remove the waste material to an approved location.

• The Contractor shall not dispose of garbage such as food wrappings, bottles and cans, and

sanitary wastes onsite or within any water body.

• The Contractor shall arrange for disposal of construction-related wastes in a manner acceptable to local authorities having jurisdiction and in any event so as to protect sources of potable water, groundwater and water courses and not create a safety or health risk or aesthetic issue.

• Costs of clean up and removal of construction wastes shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

• The Contractor shall establish regular clean up and disposal programs so as to prevent the

unnecessary accumulation of construction wastes.

• The Contractor's work area shall have a recycling and waste management program in place.

• Clearly labelled garbage bins with lids and recycling containers must be made available for food waste and Recyclable office waste.



• Details on how different types of construction wastes will be handled (i.e., recycled, reused,

disposed of in landfill, etc.) shall be provided.

• The Contractor shall contain all garbage and construction wastes related to the work and dispose of it at an approved disposal facility, in compliance with applicable legislation and regulations of all authorities having jurisdiction and in any event so as to protect sources of potable water, groundwater and water courses and not create a safety or health risk or aesthetic issue.

• Sanitary facilities in the form of portable toilets shall be provided for the use of workers. Sanitary

facilities shall be secured so they do not fall over, and shall be located at least 30 metres from top of bank of any water-body.

8.6.2 Hazardous Construction Wastes Materials Management

• Hazardous materials of all kinds used during the construction of the Project shall be stored and handled to avoid loss and to allow containment and recovery in the event of a spill in accordance with all applicable legislation. These include, but are not limited to, explosives, fuels and oils required for construction.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that site personnel are adequately trained in the

handling and transportation of hazardous materials of all kinds used during construction.

• During final design of the Project, the Contractor shall supply copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any “hazardous materials” which are proposed to be used during construction. By reviewing the MSDS information to be supplied and submitted by the Contractor, EDL shall in no way assume responsibility or liability for the “hazardous materials” to be used during construction.

• Hazardous Waste generated in the course of construction activities shall be disposed of in

compliance with all applicable legislation and the Hazardous Waste Regulation under the Environmental Management Act. Hazardous Wastes include, but are not limited to asbestos, oils, greases, lubricants, solvents, batteries, PCBs, paints and used spill cleanup materials.

• Hazardous materials including, but not limited to, fuels, bitumens, cement, paints, solvents,

cleaners, dust suppressants, used fuel and oil filters, and other construction materials shall be stored and handled to minimize loss and allow containment and recovery in the event of a spill.

• Onsite areas required for the transfer and limited temporary storage of hazardous and

potentially hazardous materials and wastes shall be designated, clearly labelled and appropriately controlled.

• EDL may inspect designated area(s) at any time and may require the prompt removal of any

“Dangerous Goods” or “Controlled Products” which are not in active use. 8.6.3 Food Waste All food waste and domestic garbage from all work and access areas shall be collected and placed in appropriate receptacles daily, and be disposed of in an appropriate and safe manner. All food wastes shall be stored and disposed of in a manner that does not attract nuisance animals. 8.6.4 Hydrocarbon Products

• Locate storage, handling, fuelling and equipment maintenance and repair sites on flat, stable ground, away from environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and riparian areas.



• Store all tanks, barrels, and containers greater than 23 L (5 gallons) containing hydrocarbon products within impermeable containment area(s) designed to contain 110% of the volume of the largest container.

• Impermeable containment is required for stationary fuel storage as well as mobile fuel storage (i.e. fuel trucks) when remaining on site overnight.

• Operate storage area(s) so that containment systems remain effective during wet weather.

• Sites shall have a written Spill Contingency Plan with required actions specified and including the

names of those to be contacted.

• Plastic containers used to carry petroleum products shall be designed for that purpose, and cannot be more than 5 years old.

• Containers shall be clearly labeled as to contents, shall not leak, and shall be sealed with a proper

fitting cap or lid.

• Containers that are 23 litres (5 gallons) or less shall be stored and transported in an equipment box of a vehicle that is capable of containing the total quantity of fuel in the container(s) should it leak or spill.

• Containers greater than 23 L (5 gallons), including 205 L (45 gallon) drums, must be transported

upright and secured to prevent shifting and toppling.

• Transportation of all hydrocarbons to and within construction areas shall be in conformance with all applicable legislation.

• Refuelling of equipment, refilling of small field containers and transfers of fuel shall be carried

out a minimum of 30 metres from any water-body.

• Vehicles and equipment, including their hydraulic fittings, shall be inspected daily to verify that they are in good condition and free of leaks.

8.6.5 Concrete and Concrete Products Concrete, cement, mortars, grouts and other Portland cement or lime-containing construction materials are basic or alkaline and are highly toxic to fish. Isolation of concrete works is needed so that the pH value in any surrounding water-bodies does not become more alkaline during construction. During concrete work within 30 metres of any watercourse or wetland, pH shall be monitored in any surrounding water-bodies and best practices shall be implemented to meet the requirements of applicable legislation:

• Use pre-cast concrete structures, where feasible.

• Do not deposit, directly or indirectly, concrete, cement, mortars and other Portland cement or lime-containing construction materials into or near any watercourse or wetland. So that concrete materials remain inside formed structures, all forms shall be examined by the Environmental Monitor prior to concrete pours to verify they are tight.

• Keep a carbon dioxide (CO2) tank with regulator, hose and gas diffuser readily available during

concrete work within 30 metres of any watercourse or wetland. The tank shall be used to release CO2 gas into an affected area to neutralize pH levels should a spill occur. Workers shall be trained in the use of the tank.

• Provide containment facilities for the wash-down water from concrete delivery trucks, concrete

pumping equipment, and other tools and equipment.



• Report any spills to water of sediments, debris, and concrete fines, wash or contact water immediately to EDL. If possible, the materials should immediately be removed from the water and emergency mitigation and clean-up measures should be implemented.

• Completely isolate all concrete work from any water.

• Where work occurs within 30 metres of any watercourse or wetland, frequently monitor the pH

immediately downstream of the work site until completion of the concrete work. Emergency measures shall be implemented if downstream pH has changed more than 1.0 pH unit, measured to an accuracy of +/- 0.2 Ph units from the background level, or is recorded as below 6.0 or above 9.0 pH units.

• Prevent any water that contacts uncured or partly cured concrete during activities like exposed

aggregate wash-off, wet curing, or equipment washing from directly or indirectly entering any water-body.

• Maintain complete isolation of cast-in-place concrete and grouting from fish-bearing waters for a

minimum of 48 hours.

• Isolate and hold any water that contacts uncured or partly cured concrete until the pH is between 6.5 and 8.0 pH units, and the turbidity is less than 25 NTU measured to an accuracy of +/- 2 NTU.

8.6.6 Contaminated Materials Management The Material Storage, Handling and Waste Management Plan shall outline the general procedures to be followed if suspected contaminated materials are encountered during construction based on observation of visual staining or odors. The Plan shall include instructions and requirements for the following:

• Contractor and consultant roles and responsibilities. • Regulatory requirements. • Health and safety. • Soil and groundwater sampling and handling requirements. • Excavation stockpiling and sampling protocols. • Groundwater handling and sampling protocols. • Options for re-use, on-site remediation and off-site disposal. • Documentation requirements.

8.6.7 Records Management Where construction activities involve the handling, storage, and removal of hazardous wastes, the Contractors shall maintain the following records:

• Inventories of types and quantities of wastes generated, stored, or removed. • Manifests identifying waste haulers and disposal destinations. • Disposal records (a Hazardous Waste Disposal Log template is provided in Appendix 8 of the

CEMP ). 8.6.8 Oil-filled Equipment Management The following measures are applicable to work involving oil-filled equipment. Also refer to the sections above for general requirements related to Material Storage, Handling and Waste Management. 8.6.8.1 Fuelling, Fluid Handling and Transfers In a documented tailboard meeting and prior to the commencement of any equipment fluid transfers, the Contractor shall review the CEMP and applicable EPPs with all staff involved in the transfers. Any fuel transfer points and equipment servicing shall be sited at locations approved by the EDL Environmental Liaison Officer, and contained within an impermeable dike, liner or containment system.



All fuelling and fluid transfers shall take place a minimum of 30 metres from any water body. If fluid transfers must be conducted within this limit, the Contractor shall contact the Environmental Liaison Officer for approval of mitigation measures prior to start of work. The fluid transfer system shall contain an accepted overflow preventer which will cut off fuel delivery prior to the tank becoming completely full. All fuel transfers shall be attended by qualified staff who are familiar with Spill Response Procedures, are adequately trained in their respective duties, and are present and fully alert at all times. A spill kit with a variety of sorbent materials shall be kept available at all areas where fuelling occurs in preparation of any possible spill scenario. If fuels are pumped to storage tanks through pipes or hoses from road accessible locations, all piping shall be adequately supported, and properly joined to prevent displacement and leakage. The following steps shall be followed during oil transfer from/to transformers and other oil filled equipment:

• Inspect all temporary and permanent oil storage tanks to verify there are no potential leaks prior to, during and after filling.

• Wrap hose connections with sorbent material to catch any leaks and drips during oil transfer

to/from the storage tanks.

• If a leak is observed from any equipment while on-site, stop the equipment and place drip trays and/or sorbent matting under the leak immediately. Repair the leak.

• Do not fill tanks to the top. Leave adequate head-space so that overfilling does not occur.

8.6.8.2 Transportation Contractors shall inspect all equipment prior to transportation to verify it is free of waste oil. They shall provide fully stocked Spill Kits adequate to deal with emergencies on the road, including provision of Spill Kits within vehicles used for the transport of equipment, waste and hazardous materials. An experienced / licensed waste contractor shall transport Hazardous Wastes such as Waste Oil. Both the shipper (consignor) and the carrier (driver) of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Wastes should be qualified, experienced and/or certified. 8.6.8.3 Disposal All relevant EDL, GoL requirements, guidelines and Legislation for disposal of waste materials shall be followed. All used insulating oil, if generated, shall be sent to an approved location for recycling. Oil destined for recycling and/or waste oil is considered Hazardous Waste, and should have an appropriate Hazardous Waste Manifest and labelling. The Contractor shall properly contain, label and secure all materials being transported for offsite disposal. 8.6.8.4 Temporary Storage of Oil Filled Equipment and Tanks If oil filled equipment and/or tanks must be temporarily stored on-site, they shall be stored in designated areas where oil containment is already provided or in temporary storage areas constructed with a heavy-grade, ultraviolet resistant polyethylene liner adequately bermed at the sides to provide containment. Containment areas shall be protected from weather by covering with a tarp to avoid rainwater accumulation. All containment basins shall be inspected daily for leaks and wear points. Containment basins shall be cleaned regularly and any accumulated water shall be removed. Contaminated water shall be removed via pump truck or other means which meet the water quality guidelines contained in this CEMP. Where leaks and/or wear points are found, they shall be repaired promptly to restore full containment. 8.6.9 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Management



Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) may be present in circuit breakers and transformers at substations. It is well known that (SF6) is a greenhouse gas and can be an environmental and health hazard if released accidentally. In the event any of the equipment to be altered or installed at the sub stations contains (SF6) special procedures may be needed to manage toxic decomposition products hazardous to human health. Guidelines for shipping, handling, and installation of equipment containing SF6 gas are provided in Appendix 9 of the CEMP ). 8.7 Fish Habitat Protection and Mitigation Construction of the GMS NPTP including clearing, construction of access roads, and use of heavy equipment, has the potential to encroach on fish habitat including creeks, rivers, wetlands, flooded rice fields and ponds. The Contractors shall prepare a Fish Habitat Protection and Mitigation Plan which provides details on the areas and types of aquatic habitat with the potential to be affected due to the construction of the project, as well as mitigation measures and BMPs proposed to minimize, avoid, or offset, these potential effects. The Fish Habitat Protection and Mitigation EPP shall reference other applicable EPPs such as the Water Quality Management Plan, Sediment and Erosion Control Plan and Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan. The Fish Habitat Protection and Mitigation EPP shall consider, at a minimum, the following:

• Avoid construction and installation of transmission structures, substations, and associated infrastructure (i.e. anchors, guy wires) below the high water mark of any watercourse, where practical.

• Avoid riparian areas (within 15 metres of the top of bank of any watercourse or wetland), where

possible, or minimize disturbance of riparian areas through:

o Selection of structure sites to maximum conductor ground clearance, thereby allowing for

higher retained vegetation in riparian areas. o Minimizing removal and disturbance of low-growing shrub, herb or grass species. o Avoiding grubbing. o Modifying riparian vegetation by hand, where practical. If machinery must be used, it shall be

operated from outside of the riparian areas (between 15 and 30 metres from the High water Mark of any fish-bearing stream, a minimum of 30 m from a fish pond or wetland, and 15m from any classified non fish-bearing stream) and in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the banks of the water-body.

o Directional falling of trees away from the water-body. o Preserving root structure and stability of topped trees located on the bank of a water-body to

help bind soil and encourage rapid colonization of low-growing plant species. o Design and install culverts, bridges, or temporary fords according to current industry best

practices for all watercourse crossings where machinery requires permanent, seasonal, or temporary access during construction or maintenance.

o Construct clear-span bridges or, for smaller crossings, single log sill short span bridges at all locations where road crossings of fish-bearing watercourses are required.

o Avoid in-stream work on fish-bearing watercourses during construction of access road crossings and transmission line crossings, where feasible. Make reasonable efforts to avoid instream work on non-fish bearing watercourses.

o Monitor water quality for suspended solids upstream and downstream of the crossing location during Construction.

o Design and construct clear-span structures to avoid placement of materials such as abutments and rip rap below the high water mark of any watercourse.

o Design and construct bridges so that storm-water runoff from bridge decks, side slopes, and approaches is directed into a retention pond or vegetated area to remove suspended solids, dissipate velocity and prevent sediment and other deleterious substances from entering watercourses.

o Only ford watercourses if an existing crossing at another location is not available or practical to use and if machines are using biodegradable hydraulic fluid. If fording is required it shall



be limited to a one-time event and adhere to appropriate fisheries timing windows for fish-bearing streams.

o Use existing roads, trails, or cut lines, where practical. o Locate alignments to avoid or minimize the number of watercourse crossings required o Adjust Project footprints to avoid particularly sensitive habitats, where possible o Do not use explosives within 500m of any fish bearing water body. o Install effective sediment and erosion control measures and conduct construction activities in

a manner which minimizes potential for siltation into water bodies. o Remove waste material from work sites and prevent debris from entering watercourses. o Avoid the deposition of deleterious substances into aquatic environments.

In addition, the EPP shall include the following:

• A plan for isolation of work areas from flowing water, where required. • Fish and amphibian salvage procedures (if required). • Rainfall shutdown procedures and guidelines • Procedures for handling camp sewage including measures such as filtration, treatment, and

discharge to a land environment away from fish-bearing streams. If replacement rock reinforcement/armouring is required to stabilize eroding inlets and outlets of a culvert, the following measures shall be incorporated:

• Adhere to fisheries timing windows. • Place appropriately-sized, clean rocks into the eroding areas associated directly with the inlet or

outlet. • Do not obtain rocks from below the high water mark of any watercourse. • Avoid the use of rock that fractures and breaks down quickly when exposed to the elements. • Install rock at a similar slope to maintain a uniform stream bank and natural stream alignment. • Do not place rock where it interferes with fish passage or constricts the channel width.

8.7.1 Timing Windows Fish habitat can be adversely affected by in-stream work that occurs during certain periods in their life history or at certain life stages. Life history periods or life stages susceptible to disturbances from in-stream construction work include the following:

• Spawning and egg incubation. • Movements to or from spawning areas. • Egg and newly hatched fry. • Timing construction to avoid sensitive life history periods or life stages is an effective means of

mitigating potentially adverse effects. All in-stream activities should be conducted during a timing window of least risk to fish and fish habitat in fish bearing streams as well as tributaries that have a risk of depositing sediment into fish bearing streams. This is particularly important in nationally or provincially protected areas along the transmission line corridor. Streams lacking available inventory information shall be assumed to contain fish.

8.8 Ecosystems and Vegetation Management The Contractors shall conduct their operations and operate their equipment in such a manner that the destruction, scarring or defacing of trees, the native shrubbery and other plants is kept to a minimum. Clearing shall be undertaken according to the Clearing Prescriptions (section 9.16). Trees which are not deemed to be hazardous along the ROW shall be retained. Contractors shall access portions of the ROW to perform the work by using existing access roads and upgrading or preparing new access as specified in the Contract Specifications. The Contractors shall follow the Contract specifications explicitly. The Contractors shall prepare an Ecosystems and Vegetation Management Plan which considers, at a minimum, the following requirements:

• Soil management within valued and protected areas to reduce compaction and provide sufficient



coverage for subsequent seeding and/or transplants. This includes matting or erosion-control, where required.

• Identification of particularly effective rehabilitation techniques in valued and protected areas

• Procedures and protocols for salvaging and transplanting red listed plants, if required, and

collection and storage procedures of plants to be used for site remediation.

• Procedures and methods for the disposal of non-merchantable cleared vegetation. Depending on site conditions, methods may include slash burning on-site, chipping, slash and scatter, or transport to an approved disposal location.

• Minimize the accumulation of dry fuel and the corresponding risk of fire along the ROW. The

Ecosystems and Vegetation Management Plans shall contain details of the process by which a decision to burn vegetative material is made.

8.9 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Protection and Mitigation The Contractors shall prepare a Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Protection and Mitigation EPP which includes mitigation measures and procedures relating to protection of terrestrial habitats and wildlife during construction of the project. Issues such as revegetation, restoration, construction timing windows, wildlife collisions with construction vehicles, wildlife encounters, and the development of wildlife enhancement strategies shall be addressed. The Wildlife Resource and Habitat Protection and Mitigation Plan shall consider, at a minimum, the following general requirements:

• Minimize permanent habitat loss by carefully flagging and restricting clearing to those areas required for construction and the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line, except where danger or hazard tree removal is required.

• Avoid construction activity within identified important habitat areas outside the Project footprint through delineation with flagging, signage, fencing, and/or other measures.

• Minimize riparian vegetation clearing, and retain wildlife trees when possible • Re-plant disturbed areas with appropriate shrub or grass species. • Prohibit employees from engaging in fishing, harvesting or hunting of aquatic and terrestrial

animal species, or gathering of plants, while performing their activities for the Project or while in and around the ROW as a result of performing these activities.

• Implement human-wildlife conflict management measures and prohibit the feeding of wildlife. • Food scraps and garbage from construction sites shall be removed or stored in animal proof

containers for proper disposal. • Work crews shall be prohibited from hunting and fishing. • Minimize wildlife vehicle collisions and mortalities • Educate work crews in wildlife safety and human safety and promote an understanding of

recommended wildlife mitigation measures and procedures identified in the construction CEMP and EPPs.

• Minimize habitat degradation due to stream siltation and possible chemical spills (hydraulic fluid and fuel).

8.10 Site Restoration The Contractors shall prepare site-specific Site Restoration Plans which provide instructions and procedures to revegetate and restore temporarily disturbed areas in a matter that is environmentally sound, reduces erosion and transport of sediment-laden water, and is consistent with the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line. Site Restoration Plans shall address, but not be limited to:

• Removal of surplus materials and wastes from the work site(s), and subsequent disposal in appropriately authorized facilities.

• Procedures for backfilling excavations for structure footings starting with the subsoil and finishing with topsoil, where practical.

• Procedures for soil salvage, soil storage, and reapplication of salvaged soil.



• Grading and re-contouring of sites to their original condition, wherever possible. • Ripping or scarifying of soils in areas that have been compacted by heavy equipment use or

vehicle use to reduce surface compaction. • Re-establishment of ground cover on disturbed areas as soon as possible • Training of equipment operators on how to identify and segregate surface soil from subsoil and

how to handle sensitive soils. • Local storage of salvaged soils and protection (through seeding or physical cover, if necessary)

for future use in restoration activities. • Locating and flagging stockpiled soils during periods of longer storage so they would not be

disturbed until required for reclamation. Geotechnical stability and the appropriateness of storage areas shall be considered if the volume of soil is large.

• Restoration of soils and drainage characteristics within agricultural areas, including replacement of topsoil to maintain agricultural productivity.

• Restoration of identified sensitive and listed ecosystem areas. • De-commissioning of temporary access roads/trails including grading and cross-ditching to

minimize erosion. Restoration of disturbed riparian areas shall be undertaken as soon as practical following construction to minimize the potential for invasive species to establish. Riparian prescriptions for site restoration shall be developed by qualified professionals consistent with EDL’s long term requirements for transmission line maintenance . 8.11 Agricultural Site Access and Reclamation Site-specific Agricultural Site Access and Reclamation Plans shall be prepared by Professional Agronomist(s) retained by the Contractors for all agricultural properties potentially affected by the Project. Where appropriate, the Plans shall include procedures and recommendations for:

• Minimizing traffic, disturbance, and use of large pieces of equipment. • Reclamation and revegetation of disturbed areas in consultation with the farmer • Preventing unauthorized access to private lands and environmentally sensitive areas. • Minimizing the length of access routes through agricultural land. • Minimizing the footprint of construction sites. • Salvaging topsoil and subsoil separately and appropriate storage to enable full retrieval of soils. • Appropriate backfilling of excavations. • Ripping of compacted soils. • Avoiding disturbance to any drainage, irrigation or watering equipment. • If livestock are present in areas that must be accessed during construction, installing gates and

fencing, as necessary, to control livestock movement. Any fencing which is removed or damaged during transmission line construction activities shall be replaced or repaired.

• Work timing windows to minimize disruption to farming activities. • Avoiding soils which are more susceptible to compaction

8.12 Forest Fire Emergency Response Plan The Contractors shall prepare a Forest Fire Emergency Response Plan which will address:

• Fire prevention and suppression requirements. • Specific instructions for a low fire risk work site and rapid response to fires including contact

names and telephone numbers. • Work related fire initiation such as sparks, catalytic converters, mufflers and cigarettes. • Natural events such as lightning. • Fuel management considering petroleum product transportation, transfer, storage and use,

accumulations of wood waste, and other flammable materials. • Firefighting equipment (e.g. shovels, brush cutters, hand-tank pumps, and fire extinguishers) that

will be kept at work sites. The location and content of required firefighting equipment is to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

• Specific techniques for debris management, cutting, piling, chipping, hauling, and other



vegetation clearing activities to minimize fire risk. • Appropriate training of all workers with respect to fire emergency responsibilities. • Regular fire suppression equipment inspections and maintenance • Periodic fire preparedness and response drills. • Fire emergency response protocols and notification procedures

8.13 Archaeological Impact Management

• An Archaeology Impact Management Plan shall be prepared by qualified professionals to be retained by the contractor which identifies and describes measures to mitigate potential effects of the GMS NPTP on any archaeological sites or artifacts discovered during the work. The EPP shall consider, at a minimum, the following requirements:

• Provisions for archaeological monitoring / assessment during construction. • Identify the appropriate procedures to be implemented should undiscovered sites be

encountered during construction of the GMS NPTP • If an undiscovered heritage site is uncovered during construction of the project the first step is

to immediately stop work and report the discovery to the EDL EMU. If finds are made during construction activities, monitoring and/or further archaeological work may be required.

8.14 Communications EDL shall develop and implement a Communications Plan that details how the public and key stakeholders will be notified regarding major construction activities, scheduling of such activities, and environmental management of potential issues associated with these activities. EDL is committed to ongoing communications with the public and stakeholders during construction of the GMS NPTP. EDL will have a Community Relations Coordinator for the construction phase of the Project who will communicate with individual property owners as required. The Contractors shall contact EDL’s Community Relations Representative immediately regarding any issues which may affect their work. 8.15 Access The contractor shall develop an Access Plan for the Project which identifies access required for clearing the transmission line corridor based on the preliminary line design. The Access Plan will identify:

• Existing access to be used for the clearing phase and where new roads will be constructed. • Which roads will be temporary and which ones will be retained for access during operations

and maintenance of the Project. The Plan shall consider the following specifications:

• Base roads used for inspection and maintenance of the transmission line on existing roads, wherever practical.

• Minimize disturbance to wetlands through avoidance or limiting access roads to wetland margins, where practical.

• Minimize the number of access road crossings on fish-bearing watercourses. • Minimize loss or disturbance of riparian vegetation. • Minimize disturbance of water sources, including seepage ponds, groundwater springs, and other

surface water features • Implement a regular inspection program for road drainage facilities. • Design creek crossings for roads using culverts or bridge structures according to industry best

practice • Retain vegetation, where practical, between the ROW and the road

8.16 Clearing Prescriptions



The Contractor shall develop Clearing Prescriptions for the work. These shall consider the following specifications:

• Determine the vegetation to be cleared to provide the line security in accordance with line voltage conductor height, sag and swing, vegetation height and growth rates, and ground slope.

• Mark the boundaries of the areas to be cleared. • Access portions of the ROW to perform the work by using existing access roads and upgrading or

preparing new access as specified. • Contractors shall follow the Contract specifications explicitly. • Implement procedures which avoid or minimize vegetation removal and disturbance in riparian

areas, wetlands, and valued and listed ecosystems. • Avoid unnecessary cutting of ground cover species during ROW clearing so that a competitive

ground cover is promoted. • Use low ground pressure equipment or hand methods to minimize the degree of ground

disturbance in areas of sensitive soils. • If feasible, in specific locations where clearing may impact visual quality objectives, clear ROW

vegetation so that stumps and disturbed areas are not visible from selected viewpoints. • Implement standard operating procedures for vegetation clearing and management within

sensitive habitats.

8.17 UXO Clearance The employer is responsible for the clearance of UXO and issuing a clearance certificate when an area is deemed free of UXO. The Contractor is responsible to develop an EPP that will include a UXO risk assessment. Due to concerns for UXO dangers, survey crews will be accompanied by a UXO pathfinder, who will proceed ahead of, and work closely with, the survey crews to ensure their safety. UXO specialists shall carry out surveys of sites that are to be excavated, and will remove and destroy any UXO encountered. Areas that have been given the “all-clear” for construction will be clearly demarcated. No work will begin until the work site has been certified, in writing, as safe by the employer. Nevertheless, in the event UXO (or suspected UXO) is discovered by work crews the contractor’s site supervisor will be responsible for following the UXO procedure described below.

1) If there is a discovery of UXO all work will cease and the discovery will be reported to the site

supervisor. The immediate area will be cordoned off and no one will be allowed to approach the UXO until the employer’s UXO contractor has examined the UXO, rendered it harmless and removed it from the site.

2) Under no circumstances will any UXO (or suspected UXO), be moved or in any way disturbed

subsequent to discovery. 3) Any accidents attributable to UXO will be immediately reported to the contractor’s field supervisor and

the EDL EMU. 4) Any UXO discovered will be rendered harmless only by professional UXO technicians engaged by the

employer. 5) The contractor will ensure all personnel are informed to beware of UXO and trained to follow the

appropriate procedures in the event one is discovered. 6) Failure to develop and implement an appropriate UXO management plan may result in the removal of

the responsible party from the site.



9.0 REFERENCES

• A Field Guide to Fuel Handling, Transportation and Storage (Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. [MWLAP] and MoFR 2002).

• ADB 2003: Environmental Assessment Guidelines • ADB 2009: Safeguard Policy Statement. • ADB 2010: GMS Northern Power Transmission Project. Project Administration Manual. • BC Approved Water Quality Guidelines (Ministry of Environment [MoE] 2006a). • Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Environmental Quality Guidelines for

the Protection of Aquatic Life. • CCME Environmental Code of Practice (Update) for Above Ground Storage Tanks Systems

Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products (1994) • Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Developments in British

Columbia (MoE 2006b) • DFO Operational Policy Statements for Clear Span Bridges, Overhead Line Construction and

Temporary Ford Stream Crossings (DFO 2007 • Forest Practices Code of BC Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook (MoFR 2002) • Guidelines for the Use of Explosives In or Near Fisheries Waters (Wright and Hopky 1998) • Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (Fisheries and Oceans Canada

[DFO] 1993) • Maunsell, 2008: Preparing the Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project.

Initial Environmental Examination • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2003: Environmental Management

Standard for Electricity projects • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Power Sector Environmental

Policy • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Environmental Management

Plans for Electricity Projects • Amended Lao PDR Labor Law, 2007 • Ministry of Industry & Handicrafts Department of Electricity, 2001: Regulation on Implementing

Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects in Lao PDR • MoFR Engineering Manual (MoFR 2010) • Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines. • Lao People’s Democratic Republic, National Assembly No.6/NA, Vientiane Capital, Date: 24 Dec

2007, FORESTRY LAW • Lao PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, National Assembly No. 04 /NA, LAND LAW, 21 October

2003. • Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Prime Minister’s Office,Water Resources and Environment

Administration, No2734 /PMO.WREA Vientiane Province, dated 7 Dec 2009, Agreement on the National Environmental Standards

• Agreement on the National Environmental Standards • Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) Stream Crossing Planning Guide (OGC 2004) • Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works (MWLAP 2004a) • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)



CEMP APPENDICES



APPENDIX 1-1

PROJECT DESCRIPTION OF THE GMS NPTP

1.0 Type and Category of Project The GMS Northern Power Transmission Project is an electricity transmission and distribution improvement project involving construction of new 115 kV transmission lines and associated substations in Northern Lao PDR. The project has been classified by ADB as an Environment Category B project. 1.1 Need for the Project Only 47% of Lao households have access to electricity, one of the lowest rates in Southeast Asia. The country has no integrated national grid. In the northern provinces of Bokeo, Luangnamtha and Phongsaly Provinces only 16% of houses are electrified, a rate much lower than the national average. These northern provinces are also among the poorest in Lao PDR as over 58% of their households are poor compared with 4.4% in Vientiane Municipality. 1.2 Project Components The detailed project components for the Transmission Line part of the GMS NPTP are defined in the Bidding Document outside of this CEMP. 1.3 Construction Construction of 115 kV transmission lines using steel lattice towers involves the following activities:

• Vegetation clearance from 25 m wide right-of-way includes trimming and or removal of trees and shrubs to provide adequate clearance between vegetation and conductors. Vegetation clearance will not entail the use of chemicals or herbicides

• Cut access tracks to alignment from various points along roads and highways which run more or less parallel to line route

• Tower sites cleared and grubbed, holes dug for tower footings • Cement and aggregate carried to tower sites along with water (if not available on site) to make • concrete that will be poured into holes for tower footings • Steel components for lattice towers carried to each tower site where tower will be assembled and

erected manually • Once towers are in place insulators will be installed and pulling wheels hung from each insulator

string. Drums of conductor wire will be transported to strategic locations. Winches will be used to pull conductors through pulleys from tower to tower. Conductor wires will be secured to insulators with the appropriate tension and sag.

Construction of substations will involve clearing and grubbing sites, constructing the foundation works, buildings and steel supporting structures, then installing the electrical equipment. Temporary equipment stockyards will be constructed, along with work camps and field mobile offices. The main stockyards will be located near existing towns where advantage can be taken of transportation systems, existing vacant level land and, wherever possible, fenced off secure areas. Work camps along the transmission line will generally consist of temporary camps that will be moved as the construction proceeds along the alignment. Camps will house small work crews and will, therefore, not require any significant infrastructure. Once construction has been completed, sites that are no longer required (e.g., access tracks, storage and camp sites) will be reinstated. This will include removing debris or other contaminants, and returning the site to the same (or better) condition in which it was found. Where it was necessary to gain access to the alignment across agricultural lands, these areas will be reinstated to ensure future productivity. 1.4 Operation



Operation of the transmission and distribution system will involve the following tasks: • Twice-yearly inspection of the transmission lines. This consists of walking the line to check the

status of vegetation within the right-of-way and growing up the towers; physical processes that may be threatening the line (e.g., slope failures, or watercourses that threaten tower integrity); and damage that may have occurred to the system

• Annual vegetation maintenance along the 25 m wide rights-of-way. Bamboo growth along the • corridors is the most problematic vegetation, as it grows fast and can cause problems of electrical

arcing or service interruptions if it grows up into the live phase wires. Vegetation clearance will not entail the use of chemicals or herbicides

• Regular scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs to substations.



APPENDIX 1-2

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

This appendix is based upon information contained in the IEE and is to be updated as additional information specific to the corridor becomes available.

1. Physical Resources 1.2 Geology and Seismicity The underlying geology of the northern provinces of Lao PDR comprises inter-bedded and folded layers of shales, mudstones, sandstones, and limestones. Strike-slip faults are oriented in a NW-E direction and extend for many kilometres across the folded beds, but are apparently inactive. The river drainage system that consists predominantly of entrenched meanders with tributaries that are strongly bedrock controlled (FAO-ADB 1998 in Lao PDR and IUCN, 2000a). 1.3 Topography The relief of the western part of Vientiane Province and the southern part of Xayabury Province is predominantly flat with rolling hills. Most other parts of Northern Laos are mountainous areas. Much of the proposed Transmission Line in the Contract area will pass parallel to the road through a variety of terrains - from towns surrounded by broad, flat plains cultivated with rice paddies (flat terrain), through narrow valleys and rolling hills (rolling terrain), and through mountain ridges (mountainous terrain). The field reconnaissance carried out by the international and local consultants for the Contract confirmed that there are significant areas of flat land being cultivated for rice and lowland cropping systems at Feuang and Xanakham in Vientiane Province and Paklay district in Xayabury Province. 1.4 Soils The soils of northwest Lao PDR remain largely unmapped, and detailed data is not available. In general however lowland soils vary from hydromorphic types with medium clay content to lighter, loamy soils. The rich alluvial clays of wide river valleys are ideal for wetland rice paddies. Loamier, more porous soils tend to be found in the smaller watersheds. Upland soils are of two main kinds. The first is made up of reddish-brown laterite, more deeply weathered and only slightly acidic. Though not very fertile it is stable and capable of retaining water and permitting swidden agriculture. The second type is a medium to heavy-textured, reddish-yellow pod-sol that is derived from acid parent rock. This soil has poor water retention, low fertility and little organic content. These soils are easily eroded, and cultivation on these slopes yields little success. Soil depths vary depending on location, slope, and the extent to which they have been subjected to forces of erosion. Upland soils that have been deforested are easily eroded. 1.5 Climate The climate of northern Lao is subtropical and strongly influenced by the annual southwest monsoon rains that affect the region from April to September or October (mean annual rainfall in Xayabury Province is around 2,000 mm and 1,400 mm respectively). The monsoon rains are variable from year to year, resulting in recurring years with weak monsoon systems (Lao PDR and IUCN 2000a and 2000b). The hottest months are April and May (>34°C), and the coolest months are January and February (10 -12 °C). Sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon at the higher elevations during the coldest months of the year. 1.6 Water Resources The steep terrain of northern Lao is part of an intricate system of streams and rivers that form the Mekong River watershed. Fourth order streams, which have their origins on the upper slopes of mountains, have down cut through the colluvial soils and weathered bedrock to form high gradient V-



shaped watercourses. Within the project area, these streams feed the larger third order (tertiary) streams and the main secondary rivers that are the principal tributaries of the Mekong. Most villages are located within 1 km of a permanent stream, the primary source for drinking water in these rural areas. The transmission lines for the Contract will traverse the valley side slopes and cross over numerous major tributaries and their minor watercourses. The steep mountain slopes, with their moderately thin layers of soils are particularly prone to erosion and mass wasting when vegetation is removed and soils are exposed to rainfall and surface water flows. Water quality in the mountain streams and rivers is generally quite high, but can be rapidly degraded when soils that are eroded or wasted from exposed slopes enter streams and increase turbidity, thereby reducing the quality of water for aquatic organisms, and domestic and livestock consumption. Many villagers supplement their diets with fish, freshwater crabs, and other aquatic organisms caught from these streams. During the field reconnaissance, no significant wetland areas were encountered, aside from the Net-work of streams and rivers noted above. However, many villages relay on ponds and small wetlands for producing fish, ducks and water plants for consumption. 2. Ecological / Biological Resources 2.1 General Description According to the report on the assessment of Forest and Land Use during 1992 -2002 (Department of Forestry, MAF, July 2005), in 2002, the forested area in Lao PDR covers about 71.6% (17 million ha) of the total national land area and includes: 1) Current Forest1 which is relatively rich and has canopy density of 20% or more, covers 41.5% (9.8 million ha) of the total land area; 2) Bamboo Forest covers 2.3% (0.5 million ha); 3) Temporary Unstocked Forest covers 25.6% (6.1 million ha), and 4) Fallow Forest or past shifting cultivation area covers 2.2% (0.5 million ha). For the northern Lao provinces, 27.8% of the total northern land area is covered by Current Forest, while 54.3% is covered by Potential Forest Area. Xayabury PAFO reported that forest cover accounts for 50 percent of its total area (16, 389 km2), and that 15% of the forest cover is primary forest. There was no information available on forest and land cover for Vientiane Province. Based on the field survey, within the areas of the provinces where the proposed transmission line will pass, the forests have been highly disturbed. The transmission line will traverse mainly areas whose natural quality has been highly degraded due to shifting cultivation, paddy fields, plantation forests and for other agricultural purposes. 2.2 Vegetation Cover along the Proposed Transmission Line Route According to the information from the Forestry Inventory and Planning, Department of Forestry, the Lao Land Use and Forest Type Map was last issued in 2000. Therefore, it is not suitable for use in 2007, since the forest and land cover may have changed significantly due to the reforestation policy of the GoL and the use of land for other agricultural purposes. However, based on the field survey, it was observed that the various proposed 115 kV transmission alignments will mainly cross forest use and land types such as Unstocked Forest, Grass Land, tree plantation (mainly rubber and teak plantation), Hay, Rice Paddy and Other Agricultural Land, but not Dry Evergreen Forest nor Mixed Deciduous Forest. 2.3 Definition of Forest Use and Land Types: 2.3.1 Dry Evergreen Forest (DE): The Dry Evergreen Forest type has a lower proportion of evergreen trees than the Evergreen type, 50% -80%. There is very little bamboo. Soil is usually deep. The forest consists of a considerable number of species of which 2 to 3 species tend to be predominant. 2.3.2 Upper Dry Evergreen Forest (UDE): This type of Forest is located at an altitude above 200 m. Some characteristic species of this type are Mai Khen (Hopea spp), Mai Dou (Pterocarpus pelatus), Mai



Nhang (Dipterocarpus alatus), Mai Peuay (Lagerstroemia spp) and Mai Bak (Anisoptera spp). The height of upper and second storey is usually less than in LDE. 2.3.3 Lower Dry Evergreen Forest (LDE): This type of forest is located at an altitude below 200 m. The second storey is usually dense and the height, varying from 10-30m, is usually quite even within the stand. 2.3.4 Mixed Deciduous Forest (MD): In the Mixed Deciduous Forest type the deciduous tree species represent more than 50% of the stand. The forest storeys are not as dense as those of evergreen types and most of the seedlings and saplings are deciduous trees. Most often bamboo occurs in this type of forest. 2.3.5 Upper Mixed Deciduous Forest (UMD): This type of forest is located at an altitude above 200 m. In moist areas there might be a lot of climbers, and it could be difficult to distinguish this forest type from the Dry Evergreen type. In dry regions the difference can be clearly seen. The type appears quite open with a considerable amount of bamboo and undergrowth. 2.3.6 Lower Mixed Deciduous Forest (LMD): This type of forest is located at an altitude below 200 m. 2.3.7 Unstocked Forest (T): Unstocked Forest Areas are previously forested areas in which the crown density has been reduced to less than 20% because of logging, shifting cultivation or other heavy disturbance. Old hay in which seedlings, sapling and trees cover more than 20% of the area should be classified as some type of Current Forest. 2.3.8 Grass Land (G): Unfertile or degraded land on which no trees or shrubs grow. 2.3.9 Hay (HA): Hay is an area where the forest has been cut and burnt for temporary cultivation of rice and other crops. The area should be classified as HA from the time of clear cut until one year after it has been abandoned. 2.3.10 Other Agricultural Land (OA): Agricultural land being used for other agricultural purposes than agricultural crop cultivation, i.e. grazing of cattle, should be classified as Other Agricultural Land, unless the tree cover exceeds 20%. In that case it should be classified as some type of Current Forest depending on the tree species composition. 2.3.11 Rice Paddy (RP): Areas permanently being used for rice cultivation. Old paddy that has been abandoned and not been in use for more than one year should not be classified as Rice Paddy. 2.4 Wildlife and Aquatic Animals Within the Project Area, wildlife conditions were assessed by visual observations, interview with village chiefs, local citizens, district key informants and secondary data gathered primarily from the studies of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other environmental assessments. According to the data gathered from all sources, the only significant habitats remaining within the broader Contract project area occur on the steep inaccessible areas of Phou Khor -Phou Ngnai DPF located in Vientiane Province between Xanakham and Paklay and in remote areas of the Nam Phouay NPA. As noted above PAFO has no accurate maps of the DPFs so that the distance of the Phou Khor-Phou Ngai DPF from the Contract alignment is difficult to estimate, however it is understood that the DPF is located far away from and will not be affected by the transmission line alignment. Elsewhere the majority of significant wildlife species have been eliminated from the project areas due to hunting, shifting cultivation, infrastructure development and other human activities. In addition, some rural people in villages located near forest areas depend on hunting small animals such as squirrels, wild pigs, small birds, deer, rats, snakes and lizards for a significant portion of their protein needs. These wild food sources are especially important where there are rice deficits for several months of the year.



2.5 Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Resources NTFPs make up a significant portion of both the subsistence needs and sources of income for local villagers. There are different NTFPs available in different seasons, making NTFP collection a year-round job. Many of the NTFPs people rely on for their daily needs and commercial harvest will only grow under continuous forest cover and are therefore mostly located outside of the project area. Common foods from the forest include wild taro, bamboo shoots, rattan shoots, mushrooms, wild tree fruits, wild herbs and an assortment of wild vegetables. NTFPs of commercial value include bamboo, rattan, tree fruit, broom grass, tree resins, and medical plants. Some of the most important commercial species are cardamom (Mak Neng), palm fruit (Mak Tao) and the bark of a vine which known as Peuak Meuak. 2.6 Protected Areas The GoL has established 21 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas, now referred to as NBCAs. The legal and policy framework for protected areas and conservation management in Lao PDR is embodied primarily in the National Forest Law of 1996. The Law established five forest categories, including conservation and Protection Forest, and outlined management objectives for each. Protected and conservation areas are set aside to protect biodiversity, which is assessed as valuable based on historical, cultural, tourism, environmental, educational and scientific considerations. Areas classified as Protection forest are set aside for the protection of water resources, soil erosion, natural disasters, natural environment and for national defence purposes. The Transmission Line does not pass through NBCAs but it does pass through two Protection Forests. During the detailed surveying of the alignments, the specific location of protection forests and remaining naturally vegetated areas, and areas of secondary species-rich vegetation cover will be confirmed and the alignments will be sited so as to avoid these areas, wherever possible. Meetings with local government officials to finalise the alignments will provide the opportunity to confirm which areas must be avoided. 2.7 Socio-Cultural and Economic Resources 2.7.1 Socio-cultural Conditions The demographic, ethnic, socio-economic and cultural conditions within the overall project area have been documented using a variety of primary and secondary sources. 2.7.2 Population and Demographics The national average for life expectancy at birth is 63 years for women and 59 for men. This means that the population is young, with more than 39 % aged less than 15 years. The household dependency ratio, (ratio of number of children and elderly to adults aged 15-64 years), is 0.9. In Lao PDR 72.8% of Lao lived in rural areas and 27.1% lived in urban areas (NSC, 2005).The rural village is the basic social unit of the country. According to the 2005 census, there were 10,552 villages in Lao. The predominantly rural nature of Lao means population densities are very low. In 2005, the national average of 24 persons / km2 was the lowest among the countries of Southeast Asia. The average population density in rural areas was 21 persons /km2 and in urban areas, 27 persons/km2. The northern regions are significantly less populous than the national average. Within the project area, the average household size among all beneficiaries is 5.8 persons. 2.7.3 Ethnic Composition The Lao national census recognises almost 50 major ethnic groups in Lao, which are often grouped into Lao (lowland Lao, mainly but not exclusively settled in lowland valleys and flatlands), Kmou (Midland Lao, mainly but not exclusively settled in mid-level areas), and Hmong (Upland Lao, settled mainly at higher altitudes). The major distinguishing characteristic of the ethnic groups is linguistic, with the languages spoken in Lao PDR belong to four principal linguistic families.



The GMS Northern Power Transmission Project socio-economic survey picked up 27 ethnic groups and sub-groups. 2.7.4 Socioeconomic Conditions. 2.7.4.1 Indigenous Land Use The types of land use employed by the ethnic groups affected by this project include swidden agriculture, paddy agriculture, non-rice cropping and animal husbandry. Some project areas also support plantation agriculture. Swidden is mostly found in the higher altitudes and groups utilising swidden are often also heavily dependent on forest resources. Agricultural systems and land use patterns are very much tied up with each ethnic group’s cultural identity, and present different vulnerabilities to infrastructure projects. The household economy is very much linked to the agricultural cycle, with the poor experiencing rice shortages from May/June until the harvest three months later. Because of this, savings tend to be in the form of grain storage or livestock, being a safety net against food shortage rather than a nest egg for future production expansion. The staple of the Lao diet is rice. It is the major crop, occupying about 80% of all land used for agriculture. In Xayabury province farmers grow a mixture of paddy rice and upland rice. Paddy rice is predominant only in the southern provinces due to the reliance on irrigated land. Approximately 15% of all agricultural land cultivated in 2005 was cleared the previous year, with the northern provinces having the highest rates of slash and burn cultivation in upland areas. Due to insufficient water during the dry season, farmers generally grow only one rice crop per year in the Project areas, during the rainy season. 2.7.4.2 Paddy Culture Lowland paddy culture is typically village-centred, with paddy fields surrounding the houses and the forest beyond. Both village and paddy are situated on flat or terraced land, with the forest beginning on the surrounding hill slopes. In the project areas, many of which are in the lower hill areas, often the geographic pattern is more linear than nuclear, with villages located close to roads for ease of transportation and access, and paddy fields running up adjacent valleys to take advantage of gentle topography and water for irrigation. The periphery of the forest is utilised, but in many areas,villages remain uncertain of the forest and its occupants, citing damage to crops by elephants and other wild animals that live within. 2.7.4.3 Swidden Culture Swidden culture is forest-centred rather than the village-centred, the forest providing the resources required to nourish and sustain the people. Indigenous hill dwelling people spend 6 to 9 months of the year in the forest and the swidden. Villages are located away from swidden fields, usually at lower elevations with some access to other villages or transport routes, and an available water supply. Temporary field huts are built in the swidden and move as the fields complete their useful productive cycles (up to 3 years). In some cases entire villages will move in response to environmental factors, or more recently, government provision of lowland farms. Practitioners of swidden agriculture have proven very adaptable to change in farming system. Swidden agriculturalists grow upland rice mixed with root and other field crops, and their diet is heavily supplemented by non-timber forest products, plus protein gained through animal husbandry and hunting. In the upland area of Namo, non-timber forest products available at the road-side market included roots, birds, bats, herbs, ferns, insects and even rats. The forest regenerates its fertility through fallow periods in excess of 8 years. In the past rice yields from swidden land approached the yields of traditional paddy fields. However recently the increasing use of high yielding seed varieties in paddy cultivation have increased the latter to the extent that paddy cultivation is several times as productive per hectare than swidden.



There are two types of swidden practice: pioneering and rotational. The former involves groups of families or individuals moving periodically to new locations, typically densely forested, clearing the land by cutting and burning the forest, then utilising the area for crops until it is no longer fertile, when a new plot is cleared. This type of swidden agriculture is unsustainable since forest regeneration takes many years, and contributes to other environmental problems such as erosion. Pioneering swidden is still very much in evidence in the remoter project areas of Xayabury, north of Paklay. The second type of swidden agriculture is rotational swidden. This is where a village or individuals shift their cultivation between a number of existing swidden fields, allowing time in between for natural regeneration of fertility. If population factors allow the optimum fallow periods for the land (some areas require as much as 20 years fallow), this is a sustainable agricultural system. Unfortunately as villages grow and become more sedentary with the introduction of social infrastructure, and with growing restrictions on pioneering practices, fallow periods are becoming shorter and yields are dropping. 2.7.4.4 Non-Rice Cropping and Animal Husbandry A shift away from rice and to plantation agriculture and cash cropping is a fairly recent phenomenon in the project areas, and indicative of how culture and tradition are flexible, not static in these communities. Some examples are chilli farms in the pineapple plantations near Nonhai, plantations of timber and fruit trees (such as mango and oranges) in Xayabury, and fairly extensive maize farming in southern Xayabury. Much of this produce is destined for export, with maize mostly destined to become animal fodder in Thailand, fruit ending up in regional markets and in Vientiane, and chilies farmed on contract for Chinese entrepreneurs. Logging is also a very important industry in Xayabury, with trees felled in most cases by hand according to regulation, dragged out to the road sides with elephants during the rainy season, and collected by trucks in the dry season when the roads are navigable. Permanent crops within the project areas include teak, cotton, vegetables, corn, soybean, peanut, agar tree, eucalyptus and fruit plantations. Commercial crops include sugar cane, groundnuts, sesame and cardamom. Nearly 90% of rural households raise one or more kinds of livestock, including buffalo, cattle, pigs, elephants, goats and poultry, for household consumption, field/forest work and to sell. The sale of livestock is the most important source of cash income in most rural households. The table below summarises livestock ownership in the Project provinces covered by the Project. On average, a household will maintain approximately 3 buffaloes and 4-5 cattle. In general, buffalo are used as draught animals in rice paddies. Manure from these animals is often the only fertiliser used in the production of rice and other crops. Rural households also raise pigs and poultry such as chicken, ducks and turkeys for their own consumption and for sale. Pig raising is most prevalent in the northern provinces. 2.7.4.5 Fishing and Non-Timber Forest Products Fishing is an important secondary activity for many rural households, with fish often supplying as much as 70% of the protein in the household diet as well as being a source of cash income. While some households maintain fishponds, the majority (70%) fish from rivers, streams, lakes and seasonal floodplains using simple casting nets. Most households consume the bulk of fish they catch, but the sale of fresh, salted and dried fish is also a source of household cash income. Many rural households rely on harvesting edible and non-edible (such as resin and boom grass to sell) non-timber forest products to enrich their diets and to compensate for rice shortages. Only 8% of household agricultural holdings in Lao PDR include forest land; therefore most people rely on community forest land for wild vegetables, mushrooms, nuts and other edibles, as well as meat from hunting. Other important NTFP resources include firewood and medicinal herbs, as well as wood, bamboo, grasses and other materials used for house construction, roofing and fencing. 2.7.4.6 Handicrafts and Home Business Traditional handicrafts meet practical household needs and generate cash income. Some of these include weaving, particularly among Tai, Leui and other lowland groups; basketry and string bags made predominantly by Mon-Khmer groups; and the embroidery of the Hmong and other Miao-Yao groups.



Small home businesses tend to focus on activities that relate to or complement the agricultural activities of the household. These frequently include rice mills, making or repairing clothes or, adjacent to roads, running a small kiosk selling drinks and fruit. In some instances, one or more members of a household may be exclusively engaged in a more substantial household business, such as a garage or a small restaurant. 2.7.4.7 Industrial Activities Small-scale industrial activities in the project area are limited to small numbers of various types of factories with less than 10 people each. 2.7.5 Quality of Life Values 2.7.5.1 Poverty Poverty is a widespread phenomenon in Lao with 29% living below the national poverty line of US$ 1.50 a day and nearly 77% on less than USD 2 per day. Poverty is also commonly linked to health problems in Lao. Ill health reduces the productive capacity of households and often involves large financial costs for treatment. If ill health, land problems, lack of an animal or sufficient labour to work the field impact upon food production and an insufficient crop is produced, poor families enter an annual cycle of debt. Cash must be raised to service debts, usually through sale of assets, hiring out of their labour or collection of forest products. The latter two often divert labour, once again, from agricultural activities, further depleting the family’s productivity. The north of Lao PDR has experienced an annual rate of poverty reduction of 2.1% - compared to Vientiane municipality at 13.9%.In addition to isolation, however, a lack of education and language issues are also contributing factors. 2.7.5.2 Access to Safe Water About 35% of all private households in Lao PDR had access to safe water (water from pipes or protected wells/boreholes) in 2005. Almost 53% of households nationally have access to water on their premises and 40% fetch water less than 500 m from the house. Accessibility of water on the premises has almost doubled in Lao PDR since 1995. In rural areas the proportion of households that uses a proper toilet was 27% compared to 76% in urban areas. According to census data, the proportion of villages with piped water is only 6%. For the whole country, only about 8% of villages have their own health centre. 2.7.5.3 Educational Achievement and Literacy Deficiencies in educational achievement are reflected in literacy rates for adults over 15 years of age. The national average of 85% of men and 64% of women is the same as neighbouring Cambodia. More significant are the variations in educational achievement across geographic regions in Lao PDR, in urban and rural areas and between sexes that indicate systemic problems regarding access to education. Education is one of the areas prioritised by the GoL and according to the Population and Housing Census 2005, 80% of villages had a primary school located in that area, out of which 36% had complete primary schools. 2.7.6 Energy Consumption Rural households in Lao use a combination of traditional, intermediate and modern energy resources and technologies. In areas where there is no electricity, the principal source of energy for cooking, heating and process activities is firewood. 2.7.7 Access to Electricity Almost 50% of households have access to electricity through the national grid and another 10%



have their own generator or car battery. Thus, about 40% of households have no access to any electricity supply. Large achievements have been made during the past 10 years. However, urban areas are far better off compared to rural areas. In urban areas 90% of households have access to electricity from the national grid, while 43% and 11 % have similar access in rural areas with and without road, respectively. Accessibility to electricity varies between provinces from 95% in Vientiane to 12 % in Phongsaly. 2.7.8 Infrastructure and Communication Infrastructure is relatively undeveloped in the project areas. The 2005 census collected information regarding the village infrastructure in terms of accessibility by road, access to electricity, health, schools etc. About 66.4 % of the villages could be accessed by road which is a basic precondition for social and economic development. 2.7.9 Tourism The diverse ethnic cultures of the region and the natural surroundings are resources of both intrinsic value and potential tourism revenue. Local attractions include forests, waterfalls, and sites of cultural and archaeological interest. No significant tourist sites will be affected by the project. 2.7.10 Cultural Heritage Consultations with village and district officials during the field surveys indicated that the transmission alignments for all Contracts would not intrude on or affect any known area of historical cultural, religious or archaeological significance.



APPENDIX 1-3

EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST (TEMPLATE)

CONTRACT EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST

Contact Name Office# Mobile/Home#

EDL EDL GSM NPTP PROJECT MANAGER

EDL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM MANAGER

EDL’S EMU ENVIRONMENTAL LIAISON OFFICER

LAND ACQUISITION and MANAGEMENT OFFICER

EDL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER

OTHER MONRE PIC CONTRACTOR’S FIELD SUPERVISOR

CONTRACTOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR

NB: Relevant contacts to be added until complete



APPENDIX 1-4

WATERQUALITY MONITORING GUIDELINES

Below is the table of surface water quality standards for Lao PDR. These must be maintained. The complete set of standards for water (and other substances) is listed in the document: Agreement on the National Environmental Standards, Water Resources and Environment Administration, No2734 /PMO.WREA, Lao PDR.

Surface Quality Water Standards

No

Substances

Symbol

Unit Standard

Value Method of

Measurement 1 Colour, Odour and

Taste - - N -

2 Temperature t °C N’ Thermometer

3 Potential of Hydrogen pH - 5-9 Electronic pH Meter 4 Dissolved Oxygen DO mg/l 6 Azide Modification 5 COD COD ml/l 5 Potassium

permanganate 6 BOD5 BOD5 mg/l 1,5 Azide Modification

1.1.1 a

1.1.2 1.1.3 Total

1.1.5

1.1.7 M

1.1.8

Multiple Tube Fermentation 8 Faecal Coliform

Bacteria Faecal

Coliform MPN/ 100 ml 1000

9 Nitrate-Nitrogen NO3-N mg/l <5.0 Cadmium Reduction 10 Ammonia-Nitrogen NH3-N mg/l 0.2 Distillation

Nesslerization 11 Phenols C6H3-OH mg/l 0.005 Distillation, 4-Amin

anti-pyrenne 12 Copper Cu mg/l 0.1

Atomic Absorption Direct Aspiration

13 Nickel Ni mg/l 0.1 14 Manganese Mn mg/l 1.0 15 Zinc Zn mg/l 1.0 16 Cadmium Cd mg/l 0.005 17 Chromium, Hexavalent Cr 6+ mg/l 0.05 18 Lead Pb mg/l 0.05 19 Mercury Hg mg/l 0.002 Atomic Absorption

Cold Vapour



APPENDIX 1-5

SPILL REPORTING MATRIX

EDL SPILL REPORTING MATRIX

SUBSTANCE QUANTITY RESPONSIBLE PERSON/PARTY at EDL

RESPONSIBLE PERSON AT GOL

OIL AND WASTE HYDROCARBONS

EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

OIL WITH > 50 PPM PCB EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

FUEL EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

TOXIC/CORROSIVE WASTE

EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

HAZARDOUS WASTE EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

PESTICIDE/HERBICIDE EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

EXPLOSIVES EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer

OTHER EMU/Environmental Liaison Officer



APPENDIX 1-6

CONTRACTOR ENVIRONMENTAL PRE-WORK ORIENTATION RECORD (EPOR) The Environmental Pre-Work Orientation Record (EPOR) shall be completed for all work involving an environmental component. The contractor’s Environmental Monitor is responsible for ensuring that the environmental requirements of the work are reviewed with the workers before work is started, and that a record of the discussion is documented on the EOR. This form must be signed by the Environmental Monitor and the contractor’s crew supervisor. By signing the EOR, the contractor indicates they have been advised of the environmental requirements of the contract. The EOR shall be filed with the contract documents and will be audited by EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer. _________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 1 Project Information Project Title Project Description Project Location 2 Contractor Information Company Name Company Address Site Contact/Representative Name Phone # Cell # E-mail 3 Key Environmental Issues and Requirements Review the environmental issues and requirements of the work as specified in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and other environmental requirements (e.g. Contract clauses). Have the environmental requirements been reviewed with the contractor and the contractor’s staff? (Use the checklist below to guide discussion) Yes NA 4 Environmental Issues Environmental Protection Requirements Discussed Air quality and dust control Noise Sediment and erosion control Spill prevention and emergency response Generation and disposal of waste Contaminated soil management Fuel and flammable storage Generation and disposal of hazardous substances Concrete works Fish habitat protection and mitigation Ecosystems and vegetation management Wildlife and wildlife habitat protection and mitigation Metal leaching / acid rock drainage Forest fire emergency response Disturbance to Heritage Resources / Archaeological Sites Communication protocols Access and property considerations Clearing specifications Visual Impacts / Noise Concerns Disruption of Recreation Use Public Safety Concerns Do the tools and equipment meet the requirements?



5 Permits and Approvals Information: Ensure the necessary environmental permits and approvals relating to the work have been obtained prior to starting work. List applicable regulatory requirements and permit reference numbers: Have the permits, licenses and approvals obtained and / or checked? Yes NA 6 Emergency Response Plan / Oil and Chemical Spill Response Plan Has the Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan been discussed? Yes NA Are there spill kits available on location? Yes NA Where are the spill kits located? 7 Environmental Incident Reporting Ensure Contractor is aware of BCH EIR system. Environmental Incident Reporting Procedures discussed? Yes NA 8 Environmental Competency Demonstrated applicable environment training for appropriate crew members/supervisors Yes NA Site environmental monitor to be on-site in lieu of training Yes NA The undersigned has been briefed on the environmental requirements of the work as detailed above Signed: Date: Additional Comments: Return completed and signed form to EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer.



APPENDIX 1-7

GMS NPTP WEEKLY ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT TO EDL: DATE: CC: FROM: EMAIL: Re: GNS NPTP LOCATION; WEEK ENDING NAME OF MONITOR _________________________________________________________________________________ 1.0 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION AT SITE Provides a brief description and attaches labelled photos 2.0 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES 2.1 Communications Provides a summary of communications and meetings with contractor personnel and local people. (names, dates, subjects). 2.2 Inspections and findings Provides the date, location and nature of environmental monitoring site visits undertaken during the reporting period. The sub-sections below provide a summary of mitigation measures and key findings related to various aspects of environmental protection and management. 2.2.1 Sediment and Erosion Control 2.2.2 Water Quality 2.2.3 Oil Spill Prevention and Emergency Response 2.2.4 Waste Management 2.2.5 Air Quality and Noise Management 2.2.6 Environmental Resource Protection 3.0 EMERGING ISSUES Provides a description of any new environmental issues identified during the reporting period. Emerging issues would be incorporated into the following issues tracking table for subsequent reporting periods. The issues tracking table would be maintained for the duration of construction activities and would track ongoing and resolved environmental issues on a continual basis. 4.0 OUTSTANDING ISSUES See the attached issues tracking table for the status of ongoing environmental issues.



NO.ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE

DATE IDENTIFIED

DATE RESOLVED

DESCRIBE RESOLUTION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TRACKING TABLE



APPENDIX 1-8

HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS DISPOSAL LOG The Contractor shall keep a current inventory of the hazardous waste generated on site consistent with the Hazardous Waste Materials Disposal Log. The Contractor shall maintain records indicating dates and times of removal, disposal carriers used, waste manifest number and the final destinations of the wastes and recyclable materials. This information shall be filed with the Contractor, and shall be available for inspection by EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer. The Contractor must not make any variations to this Plan without written permission from EDL’s Environmental Liaison Officer. The Contractor shall provide all waste disposal documentation applicable to the Contract in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Materials Disposal Log.

NO.# Date Carrier or Type of Weight and Final Hazardous Waste Completed Certificate Initialsand Shipper Material Quantity Destination Manifest No. Manifest of Disposal AuthorizedTime Received Received

HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS DISPOSAL LOG



APPENDIX 1-9

Environmental Guidelines for Shipping, Handling, and Installation of Equipment Containing SF6 Gas

EDL is committed to managing SF6 in an environmentally sound and responsible manner. In summary, the main principles for managing SF6 that are relevant to this project are:

• SF6 will be used and handled to minimize risks to human health and the environment. • Contractors will be familiar with all procedures related to the way they have to handle or use

SF6 in the course of their duties. • Intentional venting of SF6 will be minimized, except for small amounts needed to do gas

sampling or to protect human life in an emergency. • SF6 will be handled and used to minimize contamination with air, moisture, oil, or other

unwanted substances. • When equipment is maintained or decommissioned, as much SF6 as possible will be

recovered for reuse or reclaiming. • Contaminated SF6 will be stored until there is a way to separate the SF6 from the

contaminants. • SF6 that cannot be separated from contaminants will be treated in a way that destroys the

SF6 and removes environmental concerns associated with it.

Greater Mekong Subregion Northern Power Transmission Project

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