Initial Environmental Examination · CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 31 January 2014) Currency unit –...

Initial Environmental Examination

January 2014

NEP: Second Small Towns Water Supply and

Sanitation Sector Project- Letang Town Project

Prepared by Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, Ministry of Urban Development for the Asian Development Bank.

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 31 January 2014)

Currency unit – nepali rupees (NPR)

NPR1.00 = $0.0099 $1.00 = NPR100.501

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank amsl – above mean sea level CMA – Community Medical Auxiliary DI – ductile iron Dia. – diameter DSC – Design and Supervision Consultant DWSS – Department of Water supply and Sewerage EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment EMP – Environmental Management Plan EPA – Environment Protection Act EPR – Environment Protection Rule GI – galvanized iron GoN – Government of Nepal HDPE – high density polyethylene pipe HHs – households IEE – Initial Environmental Examination lpcd – liter per capita per day lps – liters per second MOUD – Ministry of Urban Development NDWQS – National Drinking Water Quality Standard NEA – Nepal Electricity Authority NGO – Non Government Organization Nrs. – Nepali Rupees O&M – operation & maintenance OD – outer diameter PMC – Project Management Consultant PMO – Project Management Office TDF – Town Development Fund VAT – Value Added Tax VDC – Village Development Committee WHO – World Health Organization WSSDO – Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office WUSC – Water User’s and Sanitation Committee

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government of Nepal and its agencies ends on 15 July. “FY” before a calendar year denotes the year in which the fiscal year ends, e.g., FY2011 ends on 15 July 2011.

(ii) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars unless otherwise stated. This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. 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.

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Urban Development

Department of Water Supply and Sewerage

Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Project Management Office Panipokhari, Kathmandu

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Submitted To:


Government of Nepal

Singhdurbar, Kathmandu

Jan - 2014

Submission Information Sheet

Name of Project Second Small Town Water supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Batch/ Package Batch II, Package IV

Town Project Letang

Project Executing Agency Ministry of Urban Development (MOUD)

Project Implementation

Agency

Project Management Office (PMO),

Second Small Town Water supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Department of Water Supply and Sewerage,

Panipokhari, Kathmandu

Financing Agency Asian Development Bank , [ Grant 0157: SSTWSSSP ]

Project Commencement

Date

15 Jan 2012

Consultant Engineer Building Design Authority ( BDA) – Plush Engineering &

Architects ( PEA) – (JV)

Team Leader Er. Dhruba Raj Sharma

Submission Information

Name of the report

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)

of

Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

No. of Volumes 1

Version No. 2

Date of Submission Jan 2014

Copies produced 15

Report written by 1.Dr. Subodh Sharma -Environmental safeguard Specialist

2.Mr.Indra Kumar Paudyal - Sr. Engineer, BDA -PEA JV

Report reviewed and

checked by Mr. Dhruba Raj Sharma – Team Leader, BDA-PEA JV

Initial Environment Examination (IEE) of Letang Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

BDA-PEA (JV) i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS …………………………….…………………………………………………………….….iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Nepali)………………………………..............................……………….………..iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (English)…....……………………………………….……………………………..vi

A. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 1

1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTION PREPARING THE REPORT ............................................ 1

a. Name of the Proposal .................................................................................................................................... 1

b. Name and Address of the Proponent ............................................................................................................. 1

2. BASIS AND EXTENT OF IEE STUDY ..................................................................................................................... 1

a. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 .................................................................................................... 2

b. National Laws, Policies, Acts, Regulations, Standards and Guidelines ...................................................... 3

c. Objectives and Scope of the Environmental Study ........................................................................................ 6

d. Relevancy of the Project ................................................................................................................................ 7

e. Approach and Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 9

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................ 11

1. EXISTING WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION AND DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................. 11

a. Water Supply ................................................................................................................................................ 11

b. Existing Sanitation Situation ....................................................................................................................... 11

c. Drainage and Waste Management .............................................................................................................. 11

2. TYPE, CATEGORY AND NEED OF THE SUBPROJECT .......................................................................................... 11

3. SIZE AND MAGNITUDE OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................. 12

4. PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF IMPLEMENTATION .................................................................................................... 13

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECTS ................................................................................................................. 13

a. Project Components ..................................................................................................................................... 15

b. Project Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 23

C. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 27

1. PHYSICAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................................................... 27

a. Geophysical Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 27

2. ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 28

a. Forest ........................................................................................................................................................... 28

b. Flora ............................................................................................................................................................. 28

c. Fauna ............................................................................................................................................................ 29

3. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................... 29

a. Population and Communities ...................................................................................................................... 29

b. Ethnic Composition ...................................................................................................................................... 29

c. Health Facilities and Sanitation .................................................................................................................. 30

d. Educational Facilities .................................................................................................................................. 30

e. Physical and Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................................... 31

f. Employment ................................................................................................................................................... 31

g. Distribution of Monthly Income Levels ....................................................................................................... 32

4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH ............................................................................. 33

a. Land Use ...................................................................................................................................................... 33

b. Infrastructural Facilities.............................................................................................................................. 33

c. Economic Development ................................................................................................................................ 34

D. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...................... 36

1. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS AND AUGMENTATION MEASURES ................................................................................. 36

a. Construction Phase ...................................................................................................................................... 36

b. Operation and Maintenance Phase ............................................................................................................. 37

2. ADVERSE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................ 38

a. Pre-construction Phase ................................................................................................................................ 38

b. Construction Phase ...................................................................................................................................... 38

c. Operation & Maintenance Phase ............................................................................................................... 41

d. Resettlement, relocation and compensation issue ....................................................................................... 42

3. IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................... 47


BDA-PEA (JV) ii

a. Project Design .............................................................................................................................................. 47

b. Project Contract ........................................................................................................................................... 47

c. Bill of Quantities .......................................................................................................................................... 47

E. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES WITH AND WITHOUT PROJECT ................................................. 48

1. ALTERNATIVE IN DESIGN .................................................................................................................................. 48

2. ALTERNATIVE IN PROJECT SITE/ LOCATION ..................................................................................................... 48

3. ALTERNATIVE IN TECHNOLOGY, IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE AND RAW MATERIALS ............................... 48

4. NO PROJECT OPTION ......................................................................................................................................... 49

F. INFORMATION DICLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ......................... 50

1. PUBLIC CONSULTATION .................................................................................................................................... 50

2. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE .............................................................................................................................. 50

G. GRIEVANCES AND REDRESS MECHANISM ............................................................................ 51

H. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN .................................................................................................. 53

1. ENVRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................... 53

2. MITIGATION AND MONITORING ........................................................................................................................ 53

2. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING COST ............................................................................................................. 57

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES AND INSTITUTIONS ........................................................................................ 58

4. REPORTING PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................... 59

5. PROCUREMENT PLAN AND COST ESTIMATES ................................................................................................... 60

6. PROJECT IMPLEMENTAION SCHEDULE .............................................................................................................. 60

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................. 62

ANNEXES Annex 1: Approved Terms of Reference

Annex 2: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA)

Annex 3: Public Notice

Annex 4: Deed of Inquiry (Muchulka)

Annex 5: Water quality test report

List of Figures: Fig1: Project Area ……………………………………………………………….. ……………… 13

Fig 2: Pipe line system ……………. …………………………………………….. ……………… 22

Fig 3: Location of Letang in Nepal ……………………………………………….. ……………… 27

Fig 4: Grievance Redresss Mechanism ………………………………………….. ……………… ..51

Fig 5: Implementation Schedule of the Project ……………… ……………………………………61


BDA-PEA (JV) iii

ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank

amsl above mean sea level

DDC District Development Committee

DSC Design and Supervision Consultant

DWSS Department of Water Supply and Sewerage

EIA Environnemental Impact Assessment

EMP Environnemental Management Plan

EMAP Environmental Management Action Plan

EPA Environmental Protection Act

EPR Environmental Protection Rules

GoN Government of Nepal

GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism

HH Household

lpcd litres per capita per day

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

MPPW Ministry of Physical Planning and Works

MoUD Ministry of Urban Development

NEA Nepal Electricity Authority

NDWQS National Drinking Water Quality Standard

NWSC Nepal Water Supply Corporation

PMO Project Management Office

REA Rapid Environmental Assessment

RP Resettlement Plan

SSTWSSSP Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

TDF Town Development Fund

WUSC Water User and Sanitation Committee

VDC Village Development Committee

ES Environmental Specialist of DS

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of Letang Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

vi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

The Project Management Office (PMO) of Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS) is the

proponent of the current project. The sub-project is a part of the second phase of the Small Town Water

Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (SSTWSSSP) of the Government of Nepal which aims to

construct/extend drinking water supply systems, drainage and sanitation facilities as well as provide

sanitary health education to the community in the small urban towns of the country. The project embraces

the community managed demand responsive approach and is being implemented under ADB finance. The

proposed project will facilitate the wards 1 to 9 of Letang VDC of Morang District.

Purpose off IEE, ADB policy, GoN Acts and Rules

The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is to examine the environmental implication

of proposed project and its activities to ensure that it will not damage the environment and to provide

measures to remove or reduce those impacts into acceptable limits.

Both the Nepali law and ADB policy require that the environmental implications of individual

developments are taken into account in the planning and decision making process.

The statutory requirement of the Government of Nepal, that has to be adhered to for the proposed project,

is the Environmental Protection Act, 1996 and Environmental Protection Regulation, 1997 (and

amendments 2007). The present IEE study fulfils the requirements pertaining to Rule 3, Annex G of

Schedule 1 of EPR, 1997 (including amendments). Similarly, as per ADB Safeguard Policy Statement

(SPS) 2009, the project is classified Environment Category B and IEE is required as per the checklist

suggested by ADB.

Components of the project

The proposed Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project’ has conjuctive use of sub surface water

from river and ground water from deep tubewell. The project comprises of two major components-Water

supply and Sanitation. The water supply part comprises of three subsystems . Two new deep tubewells

and one dugwell / infiltration well in the bank of Bhuwa river (a perrenial river) will be used as source.

The system also consists of water treatment facilities, ground and elevated reservoirs from where water

will be distributed through distribution pipe lines. The second component is sanitation services. There has

been proposal to construct a public toilet and sludge drying bed.

Baseline information

Part of the project area, mainly market area have piped water supply system. The existing water supply

system is delivering water to the consumers to 30% of popultation through 901 private taps and 133

community taps. Some of the community taps are shared by 33 households. Other households of the

community rely upon streams, rivers and open well. Manual well boring in the project area is not

possible due to the hard geological strata. Majority of households are thus depending on contaminated ,


vii

biologically unsafe water. All the schools in the project are have latrines. About 26% households have pit

latrine, 53% ventilated and 21% have pour flush type.

The socio-economic condition of the area is moderate. Majority of the people depend on agriculture,

service, business and foreign jobs for their source of income. The community has good ethnic

diversity.Though Brahmin / Chhetri are in majority people from various ethnic groups living together.

The project area is surrounded by forest and also the area has seven community forests.

Environmental impacts, mitigation and monitoring

No remarkable significant adverse environmental impacts have been predicted and the anticipated

negative impacts are of local in nature and low in magnitude. The main environmental concern for water

supply system is related to construction activities such as digging of boreholes for ground water intake

and distribution line such as unsettling of street surfaces due to excavation and trenches which could lead

to soil erosion and silt run off. The mitigation measures are precautionary types such as proper back

filling of the excavated trenches and avoiding cutting of vegetation. The main issues related to the

sanitation component are during the operational phase such as nuisance due to blocked water and health

hazard due to mosquito breedings. The mitigation measures are related to the periodic maintenance,

cleaning and flushing.The locations of major structures have been acquired in consultation with the user

committee and no households or community have been displaced or resettled. Therefore there are very

less possibilities of adverse impacts on the biological and socio economical environment of the project

area.

Monitoring is necessary to check the implementation of mitigation measures and a detailed monitoring

schedule has been designed specifying the regular and periodic monitoring activities during the project

construction and operation phase. Before the operation of the project, PMO will develop detailed work

plan for implementing mitigation measures and monitoring plans based on Environmental Management

Plan which will be incorporated into the construction and operation contracts.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Considering the nature of the project; environmental and socio-economic situation of the area and based

on the detailed field survey and consultation with the relevant stakeholders, it can be concluded that the

proposed project will have only minor negative impacts on the area. The impacts are mostly local in

nature and can be easily and cheaply mitigated with suitable mitigation measures and regular monitoring

schedules. Implementation of the project will benefit the local people with safe and sufficient supply of

drinking water and improved sanitary situation thereby raising the living standard of the people in Letang.

If the project is properly implemented and environmental issues are duly considered, there will be a

significant improvement in the health of the environment and people. Hence, IEE is sufficient and

proposed project is suitable for implementation.


1

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Name and Address of the Individual Institution Preparing the Report

a. Name of the Proposal

01. The name of the proposal is ‘Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of Letang Water Supply

and Sanitation Sector Project’ in Morang District.

b. Name and Address of the Proponent

02. The project proponent Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

(SSTWSSSP) under Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) will be the responsible

agency for the implementation of the proposal. The name and address of the proponent is given

below.

Name of the Proponent:

Project Management Office

Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project



Government of Nepal

Address of the Proponent:

Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone: 977 1 4423848, 977 1 4412348

Fax: 977 1 4413280

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sstwsssp.gov.np

2. Basis and Extent of IEE Study

03. Government of Nepal has prepared a fifteen years development plan to implement the water

supply and sanitation programmes in emerging towns or small towns in order to improve the

health and the quality of life of the people living in the project towns by constructing and

extending water supply system, drainage and sanitation facilities and providing health and hygiene

education programmes. The project follow the community managed demand responsive approach

where the community will be involved from planning phase to construction, implementation and

operation and maintenance phases. The project, ‘Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector

Project, STWSSSP’ is the outcome of that effort. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been

providing the financial assistance to implement the project in both the phases (first and second).

Department of Water Supply and Sewerage (DWSS) is the implementing agency whereas Ministry

of Urban Development (MoUD) is the executive agency of the project.

04. Both the Nepali law and ADB policy require that the environmental implications of individual

developments are taken into account in the planning and decision making process and that action

is taken to reduce the impacts to acceptable levels. This is carried out through environmental

assessment process, which has become an integral part of lending operations and project

development and implementation worldwide.

05. The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is to examine the proposed

infrastructure components and ensure that they will not damage the environment. The IEE will


2

also provide guidance for their planning, construction and operations of the Project. In the

assessment, potential environmental impacts are identified; their significance assessed; and

strategies devised to avoid negative impacts or reduce them to an acceptable level.

06. These strategies (called “mitigation measures”) are then carried forward into the Environmental

Management Plan (EMP). The EMP assigns responsibilities; indicates timescales; and measures

performance for each mitigation measure – to make sure that they are implemented and not

ignored. An environmental monitoring plan is also added to help provide progress on project

implementation. This nominates protocols and responsibilities for checking the operation of the

project, to a range of relevant and agreed performance indicators.

a. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009

07. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 is to consider environmental issues in all aspects of the

Bank’s operations. ADB requires environmental assessment of all project loans, program loans,

sector loans, sector development program loans, financial intermediation loans and private sector

investment operations.

08. The nature of the assessment required for a project depends on the significance of its

environmental impacts, which are related to the type and location of the project, the sensitivity,

scale, nature and magnitude of its potential impacts, and the availability of cost-effective

mitigation measures. Projects are screened for their expected environmental impacts and are

assigned to one of the following categories:

Category A: A proposed project is classified as category A if it is likely to have significant

adverse environment impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts

may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental

impact assessment (EIA) is required.

Category B: A proposed project is classified as category B if its potential adverse

environmental impacts are less adverse than those of category A projects. These 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. An initial environmental examination is

required.

Category C: A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have minimal or no

adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although

environmental implications need to be reviewed.

Category FI: A proposed project is classified as category FI if it involves investment of ADB

funds to or through FI (Financial Intermediaries).

09. The Bank has classified this sub project as of Category B and following normal procedures for

project loans and accordingly an IEE has been conducted.

10. The subprojects comprise of water supply and sanitation improvement works. An initial Rapid

Environmental Assessment (REA) (Annex 2) was undertaken and the Project classified by ADB as

Category B and following normal procedures for project loans, an IEE was conducted.

11. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) affirms that environmental and social sustainability is a

cornerstone of economic growth and poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific region. Therefore,


3

ADB’s Strategy 2020 emphasizes assisting developing member countries (DMCs) as they pursue

environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth. In addition, ADB is committed to

ensuring the social and environmental sustainability of the projects it supports. The goal of the

Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 is to promote the sustainability of project outcomes by

protecting the environment and people from potential adverse impacts of projects. ADB addresses

the following objectives in its safeguard policy:

• To avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; • To minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and

affected people when avoidance is impossible; and • To help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to

manage environmental and social risks.

12. ADB’s SPS sets out the policy objectives, scope and triggers, and principles for three key safeguard areas: • Environmental safeguards, • Involuntary resettlement safeguards, and • Indigenous Peoples safeguards.

13. A project’s environment category is determined by the category of its most environmentally

sensitive component, including direct, indirect, induced, and cumulative impacts. Each proposed

project is scrutinized as to its type, location, scale, sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential

environmental impacts. The level of detail and comprehensiveness of the EIA or IEE are

commensurate with the significance of the potential impacts and risks.

b. National Laws, Policies, Acts, Regulations, Standards and Guidelines

i. Policy Measures

14. The current policies of government of Nepal (GoN) stress the importance of environmentally

sound economic development and growth through economic liberalization. The proposed Water

Supply Project is in line with these policy measures to the extent possible. Some of these policies

relevant to the proposed project are described below.

• Second Three Year Interim Plan, 2068-2071 BS (2011-2015 AD)

15. The interim plan provides the most recent guidance on urban sector priorities highlighting, in

particular, the need to address the effects of rapid urbanization on service levels, water quality and

scheme maintenance. It proposes the full integration of sewerage, on-site sanitation and solid

waste management in all urban schemes and specially endorses cost recovery from consumers.

Local authorities are responsible for overseeing project implementation but with private sector

organizations playing increasing roles.

• Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063 BS (2007 AD)

16. The interim constitution of Nepal realized environmental protection as the policy of the state.

Clause (4) of Article (35) of the constitution states that ‘The State shall, while mobilizing the

natural resources and heritage of the country that might be useful and beneficial to the interest of

the nation, pursue a policy of giving priority to the local community’. The Clause (5) states that

‘The State shall make necessary arrangements to maintain the natural environment. The State shall

give priority to special protection of the environment, and rare wildlife, and prevent further

damage due to physical development activities, by increasing awareness of the general public

about environmental cleanliness. Provision shall be made for the protection of the forest,

vegetation and biodiversity, their sustainable use and for equitable distribution of the benefits

derived from them’.


4

• National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Policy, 2066 BS (2009 AD)

17. It was formulated to provide the overall policy support and guidance towards achieving equity in

service delivery by ensuring that the financially marginalized households within the system areas

are mainstreamed as valid customers of service through design and implementation of financial

incentives where so required. It aims to ensure that the roles and responsibilities of central and

local government bodies, external development partners, private sector including NGOs and user

groups are clearly defined in scheme implementation and regulation and performance management

in accordance with national decentralization policy

• National Policy on Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, 2004

18. Provides guidance on water and sanitation service provision in rural areas using community led

participatory approaches. While partially relevant in the urban context, particularly around the

integration of inputs and local capacity building, it generally fails to address the complex

operational challenges to be faced by Municipal authorities in implementing and managing urban

services.

ii. Acts and Regulations

• Child Labor Prohibition and Regulation Act, 2001

19. The section 3 of the act prohibits a child from engaging in work, sub clause 1 of the clause 3 states

“Nobody shall engage in work a child who has not completed fourteen years of age as a labor and

sub clause 2 states “Nobody shall engage a child in a risk full occupation or work set forth in the

Schedule”. The section 4 states “Child not to be engaged in work against his will by temptation or

fear or pressure or by any other means”

• Local Self Governance Act, 1999 & Local Self Governance Regulations, 2000

20. The Act empowers the local bodies for the conservation of soil, forest and other natural resources

and implements environmental conservation activities. It also describes about the user group

formation to implement the programs in the local areas. The Regulation has provisions for Village

Development Committee (VDC), District Development Committee (DDCs) and municipality to

coordinate and implement development projects/programs and to provide approval or clearance of

the proposed project.

• Water Resources Act, 1992 & Water Resources Regulation, 2000

21. Water Resource Act is an umbrella act governing water resource management. It declares the order

of priority of water use; vests ownership of water in the state; prohibits water pollution; and

provides for the formation of Water User Association and system of licensing. The Regulation sets

out the procedure to register a WUA and to obtain a license and sets out the rights and obligations

of WUA and license holders.

• Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1997 & Environmental Protection Regulations (EPA),

1999 (and amendments)

22. EPA and EPR have several provisions to institutionalize environmental consideration in

development projects. Section (5) of EPA stipulates that ‘a proponent who is desirous of

implementing any proposal shall have to submit such a proposal, accompanied by the report on

Initial Environmental Examination or Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposal, to the

concerned agency for the approval of such a proposal. The EPR elaborates provisions to prepare

and submit the scoping report, Terms of Reference (TOR), and IEE/EIA report for approval and

includes public consultation processes. As per the EPR, the Environmental Assessment report, in

general, should include detail information on impacts and environmental protection measures,

including implementation plan, monitoring and evaluation and environmental auditing. Public

consultation is a pre-requisite in all the prescribed projects.


5

• Drinking Water Regulations, 1998

23. Regulates the use of drinking water and deals with the control of water pollution and maintenance

of quality standards for drinking water. It also sets out the conditions of service utilization by

consumers.

• Forest Act, 1993 & Forest Regulations, 1995 (including amendments)

24. Since forest has an important role in managing water resources, Forest Act has many provisions

effecting the integrated water resources management of the country. The basic objective is

developing and conserving the forests of the country. The government can provide parts of any

type of forest for the implementation of national priority plan with the assurance that it does not

adversely affect the environment. The Regulation further elaborate legal measures for the

conservation of forests and wild animals.

• Labor Act, 1992

25. The Act emphasizes on occupational health and safety of workers and stipulates provision of

necessary safety gears and adopting necessary precautionary measures against potentially

hazardous machine/equipment in the workplace. It also stipulates to make arrangements such as

removal of waste accumulated during production process and prevention of dust, fume, vapor and

other waste materials, which adversely affect the health of workers

• Nepal Water Supply Corporation Act, 1989 (and amendments) & Water Supply Management

Board Act, 2006 & Water Supply Tariff Fixation Commission Act, 2006

26. These acts facilitate the improved management of water and sanitation services. They establish the

legal basis for private sector management of schemes and independent fee setting and regulation

applicable to all urban schemes.

• Solid Waste Management and Resource Mobilization Act, 1987 & Solid Waste (Management

and Resource Mobilization Rules), 1990

27. As solid waste has direct impact on water supply system, discharge of solid waste in either public

or private places have been prohibited under this Act. The rules entrusts Solid Waste Management

and Resource Mobilization Centre, established under the Act, to provide necessary service to

individual or institution in managing solid waste. As such any water resource projects may obtain

such service and maintain the water resource clean.

• Town Development Act, 1988

28. The Act has provisions about the formation of town development committee in any town area to

implement town planning and in carrying out the developmental and reconstruction work of that

town.

• Land Acquisition Act, (2034 BS) 1977 & Land Acquisition Rules, 1969

29. These are two main legal instruments that specify procedural matters of land acquisition and

compensation. Under these, the Government is allowed to acquire any private land paying

reasonable compensation to the affected party for any public purposes or for operation of any

development project initiated by government institutions and the water resources laying and

originating within such acquired area is spontaneously acquired under this process.

• Water Tax Act, 1966

30. Under the Act, the water user who use water through a tap distributed by the government is

obliged to pay water tax as fixed by prevalent laws and charges are levied if the tax is not paid

within the time as fixed by the law.


6

iii. Standards and guidelines

• National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) and Directives, 2005

31. Provides details of the water quality standards to be applied to all water supply schemes. These set

out the water quality parameters, which the water suppliers should adhere to. The directives also

ensures that the water sampling, testing and analysis procedures used to certify that the drinking

water supplied or to be supplied conforms to the NDWQS and also sets the monitoring and

surveillance procedures to certify that the quality of supplied water conforms to the standards.

• Water Resource Strategy, 2002

32. Provides a systematic framework for water resource development and identifies action plans to

avoid and resolve conflicts and achieve water related development objectives. It has identified the

need to integrate and coordinate all the uses of natural resources within the catchment basis and

has laid emphasis on the development and management of water resources in a holistic, systematic

manner, relying on integrated water resources management.

• National EIA Guidelines, 2050 BS (1993 AD)

33. In the process of implementing National Conservation Strategy (NCS) in 1990, the government of

Nepal in collaboration with The World Conservation Union - IUCN developed a locally suitable

environmental assessment guideline. Although National EIA guidelines are procedural guidelines,

it substantially encouraged the proponent to prepare an EIA report of the prescribed development

projects and programmes and serves as the primary source of integrating environmental aspects in

major development projects. The National EIA Guidelines contains objectives, methods of

screening projects requiring the level of environmental assessment (IEE or EIA), scoping, impact

identification and prediction, report review, monitoring and evaluation and impact auditing

ensuring public participation during the preparation of the IEE/ EIA report.

c. Objectives and Scope of the Environmental Study

34. IEE is a tool for incorporating environmental concerns at the project level and is carried out as a

part of the detailed study. The objectives are:

• provide information about the general environmental settings of the project area as baseline

data; • provide information on potential impacts of the project and the characteristic of the impacts,

magnitude, distribution, affected groups and duration • provide information on potential mitigation measures to minimise the impact including

mitigation costs • assess the best alternative project with most benefits and least costs in terms of financial,

social and environmental aspects • provide basic information for formulating management and monitoring plans

35. The present IEE has been conducted for the water supply and sanitation subproject proposed for

Letang Town Project of Letang VDC , Morang District. It discusses the environmental impacts

and mitigation measures relating to the location, design, construction and operation and

management of the scheme.

36. The scope of the study is to study and prepare IEE report as per the format indicated by EPR 2053

BS (1997AD) together with the instructions provided by the project management office. The task

during the preparation of this report included description of the project with reference to the

physical, biological and social environment, and identification of potential impacts, mitigation

measures and monitoring plan and related topics. However, the study does not limit itself only

here, but has strived to completeness and objectiveness. The proposed sub-project is classified as


7

environment Category B project as per the ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009, an

Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has to be carried out.

37. However, after the enforcement of GoN's Environmental Protection Acts 1997 and Environmental

Protection Regulation (EPR) 1997 (including amendments 1999), all projects under consideration

are required to fulfill either IEE or EIA applications. The screening criterion for the application of

IEE or EIA is clearly mentioned in the schedule 1 and schedule 2 of EPR. The points of the

schedules determine whether the project should undergo IEE or EIA.

38. On the basis of the desk study of the various related literatures, the structural components of Sub-

Project including the source ( surface source of Bhuwa river and deep tubewells ) , and reservoirs

will be located at the land procured by the WUSC. Transmission mains and distribution network of

the proposed project passes along the existing road tracks. As a whole, the project does not fall in

any restricted areas, places of cultural, historical and archaeologically important/monuments,

conservation areas, wildlife national parks, and other places where the law of the land prohibits

any construction activities. Also the scale of human settlement or human lives affected because of

project activities is quite insignificant.

39. In this way, all the criteria lie within the range of schedule 1 of EPR. As per the ADB's

Environmental Assessment Requirements and Environmental Guidelines for selected

infrastructure Development Projects and GoN's Environmental Protection Regulation, 1997, Initial

Environmental Examination (IEE) is sufficient for the proposed project.

40. The current studies have been conducted as per the TOR approved by MoUD . The environmental

issues identified by the TOR have been looked into in detail by this study and EMP and has been

designed to address these issues.

41. The impacts of providing infrastructure in the areas have been assessed and the Initial

Environmental Examination (IEE) Reports and Environmental Monitoring Plans produced. Studies

were conducted according to ADBs Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 and GoNs Environmental

Protection Rules (1997) and amendments.

d. Relevancy of the Project

42. As per the TOR, it is stated that the project needs to be studied from the environmental point of

view as per EPA 1996 and EPR 1997(Amendments 1999 and 2007). The proposed water supply

and sanitation project is an extension and rehabilitation of the existing district water supply and

sanitation system which is meant primarily for the market area but has also been supplying a part

of the proposed service area. It is expected that on implementation of the project the users of the

area will be able to avail of adequate amount of safe drinking water and need not resort to use of

unsafe open well and streams to fulfill their water needs. The project needs to go through IEE

process as stipulated in EPR 1997(Amendments 1999 and 2007). The proposed project shall be

using ground water sources. The treatment capacity of the proposed units is more than 25 lps. The

Project does not involve construction of any tunnels; relocation of people or households, there is

no need to settle any households above the gravity source, and construction of river training works

(more than 1 km) is not required. The project shall benefit more than ten thousand persons in the

area with higher and better water services.

43. As the proposed project falls within the definitions provided in the EPR 1997(Amendments 1999

and 2007) Annex 1 (G) for drinking water projects; only an IEE should be done. The regulation

stated in Annex 1 (H) shall only be applicable, if the proposal does not fall under categories (A)

through (H) of Annex 3.

44. Table 1 compares the status of the project point by point against the conditions defined by

Environment Protection Act 1997 and Environment Protection Regulation 1997 (and its

amendments 2007) for which a drinking water would require IEE or EIA.


8

Table 1: Criteria for Requirement of IEE and/or EIA for Drinking Water Supply Projects

as per Annex 1 and Schedule g and Annex 3 Schedule h of EPR, 1997 Amendment 2007

Compared with the Situation of the Project

S.N Condition described in

the Act and Regulations

IEE Required as

per the Regulation

Annex 1 g

EIA Required as

per the

Regulation Annex

3 h

Conditions in this Project

1 River Control (training) Up to 1 kilometer Over 1 kilometer NA

2

Channeling Water from

one Watershed to

Another

Applicable Applicable NA

3

Rain Water Collection

and Use of Spewing

Wetland

Up to 200 hectares More than 200

hectares

NA

4

Supply of Water in Dry

Season from Surface

Water Source with a safe

yield of

Up to 1 cusec and

utilizing up to 50 %

of the available

quantity

More than 1 cusec

and utilizing the

total available

quantity

NA

5 Ground Water Recharge Up to 50 % of total

aquifer

More than 50 % of

aquifer

NA

6 Water Treatment More than 25 litre

per sec

More than 25 litre per sec

7 Construction of Tunnel

for Channelling Drinking

Water

Tunnel construction Not constructed ( NA)

8 Water Resource

Development which

displaces People

Permanent Residents)

25 to 100 people Over 100 people Not done

9 Settlement of People

Upstream of Water

Source

Settlement of up to

500 people

Settlement of

above 500 people

Not done

10 Supply of water to a

population of

5,000 to 50,000 Over 50,000 Within 50,000

11 Connection of New

Source to Supply Water

to existing water supply

system for a population

of

10, 000 - 100, 000 More than 100,

000

Population within 50,000

12 Extraction of ground

water from sources

which are located at

point and non-point

sources of biological and

chemical pollution and/or

their influenced areas.

Not done Done No non point and point

sources of pollution in the

vicinity of the water source

13 Operation of water

supply project included

in a multipurpose project

utilizing a source of 25

liter per sec water.

(Construction of Multiple

Purpose Reservoir

Required)

Not operated Operated This is not a multipurpose

project and is solely for

water supply


9

e. Approach and Methodology

45. The present Initial Environmental Examination report has been prepared based on the Terms of Reference

(TOR) approved by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Nepal. The study has followed the

provisions outlined in the Environmental Protection Act, 1996 and Environmental Protection Regulation,

1997 and Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The major activities

undertaken during the preparation of IEE are outlined below.

i. Desk Study

46. Existing secondary data relevant to the proposed project was collected from various published and

unpublished sources from different governmental and non-governmental organizations. All the

related maps, aerial photographs, newspaper articles were gathered and studied. The engineering

report of the project and other relevant documents were thoroughly reviewed. Policies, legislations

and guidelines relevant to the project were also refereed.

47. The desk study also involved the preparation of questionnaire/checklists/matrices for detailed field

study to collect the primary data within the Zone of Influence (ZOI). In order to specify the area

that would be covered by the assessment, the geographical boundary of the influence area was

delineated on the topographical map. Depending upon the nature and extent of the expected impact

area, the Zone of Influence (ZOI) was categorized into Direct Impact Zone (DIZ) and Indirect

Impact Zone (IIZ).

• Direct Impact Zone (DIZ)

48. The project directly affected by the project activities are demarcated as Direct Impact Zone. DIZ

can also be said to be the project area. The areas bounded by Morangi Khola in the east Budhabare

in the west, Bhuwa River in the North and forest are in the South were delineated as Direct Impact

Zone. Chisang River flows across the DIZ.

• Indirect Impact Zone (IIZ)

49. The area around the DIZ that could be indirectly affected due to project construction and

implementation activities such as mobility of people, equipment, vehicles, noise, dust, vibration

are demarcated as the Indirect Impact Zone.

ii. Field Work

50. A detailed field investigation was carried out during February, 2013 to collect baseline information

on the physical, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area. The local

communities were consulted to understand the social and physical nature of the area. A walkover

survey was carried out to identify the environmental structures and to gather relevant baseline

information on physical, biological and socio- economic spheres.

• Physical Assessment

51. Existing physical attributes of the project area were studied through topographical map and site

observation, complemented by secondary source of information from reports and interviews.

Information on the location, topography, land use, geology, and soil hydrology were collected

during field work and from the reports obtained from different institutions.

• Biological Assessment

52. The ecological attributes of the area was gathered during the field survey. Information on

vegetation pattern, wildlife, parks and reserves, sensitive habitats were collected. Identification of

wild flora and fauna, rare and endangered species were done during field observation and by


10

questionnaire survey. The scientific names of the flora and fauna were later recorded referring

secondary data/books.

• Socio-economic Assessment

53. Socio-economic and cultural environment of the project such as population, community structure,

distribution of income and sources of livelihood, and expected water users obtained through

various secondary and primary sources of data. These included literature review, questionnaire

survey, focus group discussion, and the suggestions and comments obtained from all relevant

stakeholders though public notice and consultation process.

iii. Data processing

54. The information obtained from the desk study and field works were processed in a standard format

to maintain consistency. The data were tabulated and maps were interpreted. The mitigation and

monitoring measures were then proposed based on the impacts identified during the study.

iv. Consultation and Information Dissemination

55. Public consultation and information dissemination process has been necessary to inform the local

people and concerned agencies about the project and to obtain their concern, issues and

suggestions. The methods adopted for conducting public consultation included holding meetings

with district officials, concerned departments, institutions and NGOs. Focus Group Discussions

(FGDs) and meetings were also held with the stakeholders within the Zone of Influence (ZOI).

56. Similarly the information about the project was disseminated through publication in national

newspaper giving details about the project and by inviting any comments and concerns (Annex 3).

A copy of the publication was also displayed in the VDC office, health institutions and other

public area in the project and the deed of inquiry was collected (Annex 4). The final IEE report,

after incorporating the comments from concerned department and ADB, will be made available in

their respective websites and will be made available to anyone interested upon request.


11

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

1. Existing Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Infrastructure

a. Water Supply

57. The present Water Supply and Sanitation situation for most of the project area is not satisfactory.

The existing water supply project covers wards 1 to 6 and 9 of Letang VDC, which supplies water

through 901 private taps and 133 community taps. Some of the community taps are shared by 33

households. In Phadani area 7 community taps of drinking water were constructed covering ward

7 and 8, source by taping Morchunge khola with the aid of Gorkha Welfare Scheme, Indian

Embassy to Nepal. Lime scaling is reported in the reservoir of Morchunge Khola which may be

due to calcareous sandstone. However, coverage is only 30% of the total population of VDC.

Other households of the community rely upon streams, rivers and open wells. Manual well boring

in the project area is not possible due to the hard geological strata.

58. The quality of water delivered through the existing system in the project area is not satisfactory.

As indicated by sample water quality tests, the physical quality of water delivered in the area is

more or less satisfactory for household usage but its bacteriological quality is poor .Total coliform

is in ranges of 40-50 CFU/100mL and Faecal Coliform in ranges of 6 to 36 CFU/100mL. Similarly

iron content is also on higher side ranging from 0.11 to 1.06 mg/L. A report on water quality of

existing drinking water test samples of the project area is presented in Appendix V.

59. Average consumption of the household is found to be as low as 20.72 liters. People of ward no 4

are found to consume as low as 6.07 liters where as people living in ward no 6 have the

opportunity to use 37.5 liters of water in a day. This depicts the scarcity of drinking water in

Letang.

b. Existing Sanitation Situation

60. All the community schools and private schools have toilet facilities. There is no public toilet

within the project area. People are found urinating behind bushes and road side land. However,

Letang is the first VDC of Morang District to become Open Defecation Free. It is observed that

almost 99.7% of the households have toilet facilities only 0.3% of the household do not have. Few

organizations like NEWAH, ECCA, PLAN International etc are found working in the sector of

community development, sanitation & hygiene.

61. There have been 260 cases of community people suffering from water borne diseases in last year.

No death case reported in the household survey. The project area has one health post.

c. Drainage and Waste Management

62. Storm water drainage constructed of stone masonry is existing in core market area both ways,

length being 1.6 km. Rest of the service area does not have surface drainage facility.

63. Letang bears rural setting and people are found to dispose their waste by making pit in their

garden. In the market area, solid waste is generated in a small quantity and is found to dispose

inside the drain.

2. Type, Category and Need of the Subproject

64. This proposed project falls in category B of ADB environmental categorization. It is a mixed use

of gravity and groundwater based pumping system, treatment plant, reservoirs at ground level and


12

a elevated one and piped system to provide house connection to the majority of the household and

institutions.

65. The service area is a part of Letang VDC (ward# 1-9) and lies 9 km north of East-West highway. It

is quite famous for agricultural products like potatoes.

66. The existing water supply system is providing drinking water to the community from the twenty

years and although is comparatively in good condition. It is observed that the system has

outreached its design capacity only 30% households are covered, and is not able to cover more

areas. It has stopped providing additional connections. Other households have been depending on

open wells, streams. Due to the sub-standard quality of water withdrawn from these sources, the

consumers are vulnerable to epidemics of water borne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery,

jaundice, etc.

67. Therefore the locals are highly enthusiastic about installing of a regular piped water supply system

to supply adequate quantity of for the whole township and are ready to bear the cost and work for

its construction and eventually run it. They have already formed a Drinking Water Users Group

and have collected the required fund to contribute their share.

3. Size and Magnitude of Operation

68. The scheme is designed for design year population of 30,441 in 6,004 households (in the year

2030). There will be 2 deep tube wells and one sub surface source from Bhuwa River. Water will

be drawn at 12 lps and 15lps respectively from Bhuwa river and each deep tubewell giving rise to

altogether 42 lps.

69. The Letang Town WSP has been designed as a piped water supply system considering conjunctive

use of surface water and ground water as sources with overhead tank and ground reservoirs for

distribution. Part of the proposed project is under operation. Similarly some structures like ground

water tanks (375 m3), roughing filter and slow sand filter having capacity of 12 lps are in good

operating condition. These existing structures are to be utilized. Considering topography , location

of existing structures , settlements the Town Project is divided in following four subsystems :

i.) Bazar area : This will cover the main bazaar area. Storage reqyirement for this subsystem

will be provided through existing 375 m3 ground based stone masory and 200 m

3 proposed

ground based tank.

ii.) Upper Kheruwa area: For upper Kheruwa region OHT is required and thus OHT of 225 m3

is proposed to distribute the water. For the both Bazar and this subsystem sub surface soure of

Bhuwa river and ground water from deep tubewell are proposed catering (12+15=) 27 lps.

Exisitng conventional treatment plant will be used fro treating subsurface water and

multigrade filter has been proposed for treating ground water.

iii.) Phadani/ Budhbare/ Kritiman area: This will are cover the area located at right bank of

the Chisang River. A separate deep tubewell, ground reservoir tank of 200 m3 capacity and

multigrade filter is proposed.

70. Length of transmission pipe has been estimated as 4.42 km including 2.75 km existing. Similarly

that of distribution pipe network is proposed to be 90.85 including 4.8km of existing network.

71. The cost of the Project is estimated at NRs 279,992,480 (water supply component only) and NRs

6,988,557 for sanitation component.


13

4. Proposed Schedule of Implementation

72. The work will be contracted to a contractor, the standard procedure for selection and tendering will

be followed as per the norms of the Fiscal Act and Regulations. These will comprise of • tendering and approval of contract; • presentation of security performance, • field mobilization of workers, technicians, and professional of the contractor; • procurement and transportation of materials, • installation of structural works, mechanical works, pipe works and finishing works.

5. Description of the Subprojects

73. The Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project has been conceptualized as a piped

water supply system based on conjunctive use of ground water and subsurface water as the

source with ground and overhead tank for distribution. The system has been formulated for a

reliable continuous 24 hours drinking water supply in adequate quantity and quality to the

consumers of the service area at the desired service level. The project area with subsystems is

given in Figure 1 for easy conceptualization.

Figure 1: Project Area


14

Table2: Salient Featurs of Letang Town Project.

S.NO. Items Description

1 Name of the Project Second Small Town Water Supply & Sanitation

Sector Project, Letang Town Project

2 Type Gravity & Pumping Scheme

3 Study Level Detailed Engineering Design Report

4 Location Area

Region Eastern Development Region

Zone Koshi

District Morang

VDC/Municipality Letang VDC

Ward 1 to 9

5 Available Facilities

Road East-West Highway/ Kanepokhari to 6 #

Budhabare Main Road.

Water Supply System Existing Piped system & stream, springs

Electricity Available

6 Source Characteristics

Source Name Bhuwa Khola Stream ( Infiltration / dug well )

Deep tube well : 2 nos

Source Type Subsurface & Ground water

Source Location Ward # 9 Letang VDC

Tapped yield (lps) Bazaar subsystem & Upper Kheruwa Subsystem

: 12 lps from Surface source &

15 lps from Deptubewell

Phadani subsystem : 15 lps

7 Project Components

Storage Tank Existing 375 m3 ground reservoir

Additional 200 m3 ground reservoir

Existing 100 m3

Additional 225 m3 (OHT) ( for Upper Kheruwa)

Additional 200 m3 (Ground ) ( for Phadani)

Infiltration wells 1 No/ 6.5 meters deep ( 2.75 m diameter)

Pumps 3 Nos. 20 HP each

Valve Chamber (Nos.) 65

Community Stand Posts nil

Household Connection (Nos.) 2691 for base year 2012

Total Length of pipe (Km) Transmission : 4.418 Km ( repaired & new)

Distribution : 90.85 Km

Electrical Generator-2, Transformer-2, Other electrical-2 set

Treatment Unit Existing Conventional Treatment Plant with

Sedimentation, SSF and Chlorination ( with 15 lps)

& Pressure treatment Plant-2 #

8 Social Status

Present Population (2012) 20,393

Base Year Population (2015) 21,974

Design Year Population (2030) 30,441


15

S.NO. Items Description

Adopted Growth Rate % 2.3 (Average)

Household Numbers (2012) 4020

Average Family Sizes 5.07

9 Total Water Demand

Base year 2015 (m3/day) Total 2114.37

Design year 2030 (m3/day) Total 3166.55

10 Total Cost of the Project (NRs.) 286,981,038.47 with contingencies & VAT

Water Supply Sector NRs 279,992,480.66

Sanitation Sector NRs 6,988,557.81

Sanitation Components

a)Public Toilet - 100 users

b) Sludge Drying bed & Sludge

Suction Tanker mounted on trailer

c) Tractor with Trailer

11 Cost Sharing Arrangement for water

supply component (NRs)

279,992,480.66

1) GoN / ADB @ 50% 139,996,240.33

2) WUSC Contribution

a) upfront cash contribution @ 5% 13,999,624.03

b) Users Contribution (in cash) @ 10% 27,999,248.07

c) Loan through TDF @ 35% 97,997,368.23

13 Tariff Rs. / Cum

0-10 Cum / month 30

11- 20 Cum / month 45

>20 cum / month 53

14 Economic / Financial

FIRR 3.84 %

EIRR 47.67 %

AIEC 43.89

AIFC 33.77

15 Environment

ADB Category Category B

IEE finding No adverse effect, IEE required

16 Project Status

Started January 2012.

Completion December, 2015.

a. Project Components

i. Water Supply System

• Water Source

74. Among the available surface water source Bhuwa River is more reliable than others for proposed

town project. The river is perennial. Existing water supply system has been collecting water from

Bhuwa Khola since long time. Settlement upstream of intake is scattered and has no settlement

upto 3 km from proposed intake. It is advisable to collect subsurface water for drinking water

project.


16

a. Analyses of aquifer

75. The available data and prevailing condition of the Bhuwa River valley floor ie, thickness and

aerial extent of the bed material (aquifer) and sub-surface water level below the river bed revealed

that the installation of dug well has favorable hydrological features. The alluvial deposits in the

valley floor (i.e river bed) are coarse boulder having 6 to 9 m or more deep below the river bed.

76. As the ground water floor is concerned not only the area occupied by the dug well, the whole river

basin along the course in the valley floor will be recharging the well i.e. there will be continuous

flow towards the collectors / dug well. In other aspects Bhuwa river is perennial source having

minimum river discharge of 0.25 m3/ sec in the month of April 2012 (measured by BDA-Plush

Engineering survey team) which is moderately big amount and is recharge source of the valley

floor.

b. Source Location:

77. The designated source to serve the service area is proposed dug well / infiltration well to be

located at the bank of Bhuwa River, a tributary of Chisang Khola. This well is expected to yield 12

lps of water and gravitates to the collection chamber. One tube well is also proposed as

Laxmisthan north of bazaar area in left bank of Chisang River. This tube well is designed to

produce 15 lps. These two sources will collectively provide water to the Upper Kheruwa and Main

Bazaar subsystem.

78. For Phadani subsystem a separate tubewell yielding 15 lps of water is proposed at the right bank of

Chisang river.

c. Source Yield:

79. As discussed above upper Kheruwa and Main Bazaar subsystems will have conjunctive sources of

water. One being subsurface water from Bhuwa river and next ground water. One number of

infiltration well (depth 6.3 m from bed level) has been proposed to meet the requirement of 12 lps

of yield . The infiltration well is circular having diameter of 2.75 meter. The outlet pipe is of 200

mm diameter and will be located in a manner so that at least 2 m head is available. The Bhuwa

khola as such has a surface flow of 0.25 m3 per second in the month of March 2012 as measured

by the survey team. This is a perennial stream and the stream bed consists of boulders, gravel and

coarse sand which are fully saturated with water and therefore subsurface water can be extracted.

80. There is one 150mm diameter tube well (N26 42.188, E 87 29.161) installed in the compound of

crusher plant, Phadani (Right bank of Chisang river) which yields more than 6 lps of water by

using submersible pump. This tube well is supplying water to few household of ward no.1 since

4years.The well is found to be located at 218m from msl. The tube well is 60m deep and has

100mm diameter 18m slotted MS screen (40m-58m). Based on experiences of similar zone

tubewells with stainless steel screen with effective opening of 30 % shall be made. Tube well of

size of 250 mm casing and 150mm screen with screen length of 20m is expected to yield 15 lps of

water.

• Borehole Platform

81. A RCC borehole platform will be constructed at each borehole with GI pipe gantry for the

installation and removal of pumps from boreholes, if required. All the required fittings have been

estimated which will be installed on the top of the boreholes.

• Treatment Facilities

82. Water quality assessment of the existing source Bhuwa river and existing borewell located at the

right bank of Chisang river revealed that iron content is above Nepal Drinking Water Quality

Standard ( NDWQS) value. Total coliforms and Fecal coliforms are found significant in the

Bhuwa river sample. Arsenic is not detected in both the samples. Refer Annex for the water

analysis report.


17

83. Capacity of existing roughening filter and slow sand filter has been analysed and found to be able

to treat 15 lps of water. This filter unit will be utilized to treat subsurface water from infiltration

well of Bhuwa river which discharges 12 lps.

84. For treating next source ie ground water multigrade filter with the capacity of 15 lps has been

provided.

85. Both type of filter passes through aerobic process, and disinfection processes. For disinfection

chlorination is employed for killing of pathogens. Although pressure filter removes coliforms to

certain extent, the effluent of the pressure filter might still contain coliforms which might be

harmful to human health. These coliforms are killed by disinfection process and make the water

safe. The disinfection is proposed by the addition of bleaching powder in the reservoir. Bleaching

powder is to be dosed from chlorine dosing tank through a doser. The chlorine dose of 1 mg/l is

proposed.

• Ground Level Reservoir / Overhead Tank

86. The total storage requirement for the project area at the end of design period i.e. 2030 is

calculated as 1100 m3

for Letang. There already exists ground water tanks 1- 375 m3

+ 1 – 100

m3

tanks= 475 Cum. Additional reservoir required to cater the demand of 2030 is given in the

table below:

Table 3: Required Reservoirs

S.No Subsystem Reservoir

Sizes (m3 )

Type

Remarks

1 Bazaar 375 Ground Based

stone masonry

Existing in good

condition

200 Ground Based Proposed

2 Upper

Kheruwa

100 Ground Based

RCC

Existing

225 OHT Proposed

3 Phadani/

Budhbare

200 Ground based Proposed

TOTAL 1100

87. Water will be pumped from tubewell, filtered then stored to ground reservoir. And again pumped

from ground reservoir to OHT.

88. Location of reservoir of Phadani subsystem is well above 30 m from the distribution and thus

ground reservoir is proposed.

• Electrical / Mechanical works

89. Electrical Facilities/ Pumps: The 11KV line is available near the existing reservoir site, and there

exists a 440 volt connection. However a separate 11/0.4 KV- 50 KVA step down transformers

have been provided to cater the need of the proposed project. A three -phase power line shall

connect the control panel, which will distribute power to different power load points. Generator

facility system is also included.

90. Submersible pumps of design capacity have been provided for lifting the water from GWT to the

OHT in the Upper Kheruwa Subsystem. Accordingly in other subsystems submersible pumps for

pumping from deep tube well to treatment unit & GWT have been provided.


18

Table 4: Electro Mechanical Facilities

• Transmission Mains and Distribution Network

91. DI pipes are proposed for conveyance of water from source /deep tube-well to the treatment

plant/overhead tank (OHT).

92. Distribution pipeline network of 90.85 Km pipeline has been designed for this system. The

distribution system comprises of a pipe network consisting of mainly loops and branches. The

network predominantly contains HDPE pipes. For pipe sizes of 200 mm or more DI pipes have

been used.

• House Connections

93. The system has been designed, predominantly as house to house connections for design year 2030.

However, initially during construction phase, only 2690 new house connections and 1330 new

hole changes will be provided to fulfill the need for the base year population.

• Fire Hydrants

94. Altogether 6 numbers of fire hydrants have been proposed to cater the fire demand.

• Other System Appurtenances

95. These will primarily comprise of valve chambers or connector boxes to house in flow control

valves for controlling flow in the pipeline and connections to the community taps etc. Altogether

125 valve chambers and connection chambers are expected in the system. Some extra connection

chambers has been initially provided so as to facilitate for less road cuttings during the operational

phase.

• Pump House

96. Permanent pump houses have not been provided. As submerged type of pumps is to be used they

shall be kept in the open. Electrical panels’ however will be housed inside the generator house.

• Generator/Operator House

97. A permanent generator house to accommodate the generator will be constructed. A permanent

space to accommodate the pump operator will be provided in this generator house.

• Office building

Systems Generator Pumps

Electrical

Panels 11 KV line and

transformer

1. Bazar System

New Proposed

50 KVA at

Reservoir site

Proposed

18.5 KW - 1 #

7.5 KW- 1#

New one set at

Existing

reservoir

premises

For lighting

and pumps

New-1 set 50

KVA

Transformer

2. Upper

Kheruwa System

3. Phadani

System New Proposed

30 KVA 7.5 KW- 1 #

Proposed 1set

for lighting &

pumps

New-1 set 50

KVA

Transformer


19

98. As WUSC does not have its own office building, hence one office building will be constructed to

accommodate staffs and for revenue collection. One meeting room has also been designed within

the office building.

ii. Sanitation and Drainage

99. The sanitation component (hard ware part) has not been included in the project as the WUSC

would like to cut the cost of the whole project and concentrate upon water supply only at present.

It is envisaged that WUSC would be doing the sanitation improvement activities independently

side by side during the construction phase of the project.

• Surface Drain

100. Some linear storm water drainage exists in the market area. Users and VDC are constructing drain.

However, WUSC and VDC are not demanding drain and thus surface drain is not included in this

town project.

• Public Toilet

101. There is no public toilet in the project area. Organizations like UNESCO, Rotary Club and Ecca

Nepal are also contributing toward the toilets in community school. As discussed with WUSC a

public toilet is proposed within buspark area. Cost is estimated to be Rs 1.876 million.

• Waste Water Management

102. People are found to manage the waste water by collecting in the pit and using in irrigation purpose

for kitchen garden. Even in the bazaar area waste water is managed in their backside of house in

the pit. Within years to come, however in the bazaar area management of waste water may be

required. But still for some years to come a simple sludge drying bed will be better. Brick masonry

structure with gravel packing is proposed. Gravel packing will enhance to percolate moisture and

dry sludge faster. Dried sludge can be sold to the farmers as organic fertilizer. A suction tank

(trailer mounted) is also proposed. Cost of sludge drying bed and trailer mounted suction tank is

estimated to be Rs 3.710 million.

• Solid Waste Management

103. The project does not have any concrete component for solid waste management. It has only a

program to conduct a number of training and awareness generating programs. This software

program is envisaged to help to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste from the households. The

major sub-components of the project are described below.


20

Table 5: Components of Subprojects

Infrastructure Function Description Location

Infiltration well /

Dugwell (1 number)

Source of water for the

project

The well is design for

drawing 12 lps of water.

Depth will be 6.5 m and

2.75m in diameter.

At the left bank of

Bhuwa river. Located at

north tip of project area

,ward # 9 of Letang

VDC)

Deep wells (2

numbers)

Source of water for the

project

The wells are designed

for drawing water at 15

l. p. s. The depth will be

around 150 m, the size

of the casing is to be

200 mm ID and pump

housing diameter will

be of 300 mm diameter

At Phadani and

Laxmisthan ( left and

right bank of Chisang

river) in a distance of

400 m.

Borehole platform For protection of the

source from

contamination

GI pipe gantry for the

installation and removal

of pumps from

boreholes

At each well

Treatment facilities (3

sets) ( one

conventional existing

and two sets

proposed)

For bringing the quality

of water to Nepal

standard of drinking

water

a) Conventional has

Roughing and Slow

Sand Filter (capacity 15

lps)

b) Multigrade has

Aeration chamber

followed by pressure

filter and chlorine

dosing (each of capacity

15 lps)

Before each service

reservoir within the

OHT compound.

Existing Ground

Reservoir

Service reservoir Rectangular stone

Masonry of 375 m3

Existing

Proposed Ground

Reservoir

-do- Circular 200 m3 capacity

Proposed to be

constructed at Phadani

(Right Bank of Chisang

river)

Overhead Tank For water supply at the

required pressure

RCC, designed as Intze-

type (225 m3 )

supported on RCC

columns of 12 meters

height which are braced

together

Within existing

reservoir compound at

Kheruwa

Submersible pumps (2

nos.)

For drawing water from

deep wells to treatment

plants

18 H.P. Fitted in the deep wells

Submersible pump (1

no.)

For lifting filtered water

to OHT

12 HP Between the Ground

level storage tank and

the OHT

Step Down

transformer and

transmission line,

switching system

For supplying power to

the pumps

1300 m transmission

line of 11 KV from

supply point and a step

down transformer of

11/0.4-100 KVA ,

From the supply point

to the pumping site at

ward # 1(Phadani) and

Laxmisthan (left bank

of Chisang river)


21


switching system and

distribution to different

equipment

Generator As standby for the time

during power cut

3 phase of 50 KVA

capacity

At the electric power

supply house.

Transmission mains To transmit water from

wells to the storage tank

and subsequently to the

storage tanks through

treatment system

Ductile Iron of

a)Existing from Bhuwa

river will be repaired by

200mm dia

b)150 mm Diameters

for deep tubewell to

treatment units

Between wells to

treatment plant

Distribution pipeline

(90.85 km)

For connecting from the

storage tanks to ultimate

users through a network

DI (300 and 200 mm)

and , HDPE pipes (160

to 50 mm) for

secondary road

From service reservoir

to the points for house

connections throughout

the service area

House/Yard

connections

For connecting to the

consumers from service

points

Pipes connections from

the service points near

to consumers

Throughout the service

areas

Community stand

posts, 6 in the base

year and to be

reduced to nil in the

design year

For consumers who

cannot afford to have

individual connections

At locations in the

project area where the

ultra poor are settled.

Non domestic

connections

For non domestic

consumers

Throughout the service

area of the project

Other system Appurtenances

Valve

chambers/connector

boxes

To house flow control

valves

Different Locations At different locations in

the distribution pipe

network

Generator house For accommodating the

generator

The operator of the

electric equipment will

be given a room in the

generator house.

In the OHT compound

near to the pumps

Pump house/

Operator/Guard

Quarter/office

To accommodate the

operator/s, guard and

office including

administration and

revenue collection

A main building for

accommodating

different persons related

to the O & M, security

of the water supply and

sanitation system for the

service area will be

required.

In the OHT tank

premises , Kheruwaa.

Water Test laboratory For monitoring the

treatment system and

the quality of water

supplied by the system.

A laboratory for

conducting basic tests

for monitoring the

treatment system

including chlorine

dosing of water just

prior to entering the

storage tanks for

distribution,

In the building for other

personnel for operation

of the system.


22


Pipe support block To provide support to

the distribution pipe at

crossing.

Different Locations Wherever the

distribution pipe needs

support.

Three phase

electricity line

extension

For connection of the

electric supply

Power supply to the

water supply system

will be connected to the

existing transmission

line by this extension.

From the point where

the electric power will

be tapped to the OHT

compound.

Fencing work of

compound

For the security of the

system infrastructure

and the property of the

system.

The reservoir compound

will have all the

infrastructure for

drawing water from the

source, treatment, water

storage and supply,

persons and materials

for O & M. These need

to be safeguarded from

vandalism and theft.

The OHT compound in

Ward # 1,Phadani

And existing reservoir

premises at Kheruwa

Sanitation and Drainage

Public Toilet For public sanitation 50 users capacity public

toilet with male and

female sections

Buspark

Sludge drying bed For drying sludge

obtained from private

septic tanks

Masonry structure with

gravel packing

South of bus park near

community forest

Design of low cost

latrines

Sample of preliminary

drawings of toilets

Solid waste

Management

Trainings and

awareness campaign

To the local people

Figure 2: Pipe line system layout


23

b. Project Requirements

i. Land Area

104. Location of proposed components especially for borewells, ground & overhead tank including

pump house, and treatment facilities for all the subsystems has been procured by WUSC.

105. No additional land is required for construction of any other structures of the project. No temporary

land is likely to require during the project execution. The construction camp will be located within

the compound wall of the land owned by the project.

106. The project, especially during distribution, will not entail relocation of any existing public and

private facilities such as power lines, communication lines, water supply and sewerage pipelines,

canals, foot-trails etc. The desire of the community was to have pipe lines on both sides of main

roads especially black topped roads. This will prevent frequent trench digging on this black topped

road for service connection.

107. Additional electricity line, stretching around one kilometer, for Laxmisthan boring site and

Phadani is necessary in order to pump water . The additional electricity line will not entail

disruption of any public utilities as the adjacent area has no settlement and cultivation.

ii. Materials Required

108. The following Table 6 gives the main materials required during construction and operation of

Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project. The source of the materials are:

Aggregate- Crusher at Chisang Khola located in the Letang VDC.

Sand- Depot at Chisang and Londra Khola , Letang VDC

HDPE Pipes- 86.0km , sizes ranging from 180mm to 50mm to be procured.

DI Pipes- 4.8 Km , sizes ranging from 300mm to 200mm to be imported

Table 6: Materials Required

Particulars Unit Quantity

Reinforcement M. Ton 80

Cement Bag 3143

Bricks Nos. -

Aggregate Cu m 540

Sand Cu m 1241

Wood Cu m -

Stone Cu m 472

iii. Electricity requirement

109. The power supply is basically required for the following applications:

(a) Light and power to the office building,

(b) Light and power to the generator/pump control room,

(c) Light and power to the treatment plant/shed,

(d) Light to the compound/site, such lighting to be provided by fitting an arm to the PCC poles

or Poles provided solely for compound light.

110. In general, each well and reservoir site is considered provided with;


24

(a) One guard house,

(b) One guard/operator house,

(c) Treatment plant

(d) Pump house and

(e) Outdoor lighting for the compound.

111. Office building is propsed at Kheruwa , ward # 3 Letang

112. The electrical load demand of such facilities is assessed assuming lighting loads in the Guard

House and Office Building for average 6 hours a day, Diesel Generator/Pump control room,

Treatment plant shed and premises illumination for average 8 hours a day, while all pumps are

considered operated as per the optimum schedule.

113. At wells and reservoir sites, the power supply will be availed by extending NEA 3 -phase 11 kV

feeder line from the main-road, where a NEA distribution transformer is located on the H-pole

structure. The extended 11 kV line will be tapped at the sites .Each of the sites will be provided

with an H-pole structure for mounting a distribution transformer of adequate capacity. The

capacity of each transformer is determined on the basis of the average operational loads of the

respective sites

114. The line extensions will use 30 sq. mm. (Weasel) ACSR conductors on PCC poles with cross-arms

as per the accepted norms and practices of NEA. The PCC poles will be of 11 m. long Type for 11

kV lines and 9 m. long Type for LV lines and both these poles will be of NEA standard.

iv. Human Resource

115. The following table gives the details of human resource (skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labor)

required during the construction and operation and maintenance of the project.

Table 7: Human Resource

S.N Activities

Type of Labour required (Quantity )

Unskilled labor Semi-Skilled

Labor

Skilled

Labour

Construction work

1. Earthwork 1880 10

2. PCC work 24 8.4

3. Form work and scaffolding 38 16

4. Concrete admixture and water

proofing work

1 0.50

5. Reinforcement work 114 96

6. Brick work 24 7.5

7. Door and window work 6.506 65.06

8. Cement and Plaster 125 98

9. Floor and wall tiles 34.50 28

10. Painting work 23.80 32.80

11. Railing work 24.52 11.47

12. HDPE piple laying and jointing(butt

welded joint) including fitting

22 11 10.53

13. GI pipe laying and jointing (Socket

joint) excluding fittings.

16.50 11 6.70

14. Ductile Iron Pipe Laying & Jointing

(Tyron joint) excluding fittings.

56.50 12.25 12.25

15 Miscellaneous works 146.859 0.21 58.693


25

Operation and Maintenance work

S.N. Personnel (monthly) Number

1. Engineer/Manager 1

2. Administrator Chief/ Accountant 1

3. Plant / Supervisor/ Mechanical

Overseer 2

4 Plant Operator/ Pump Operator 2

5 Office assistants, meter readers 4

5. Plumber 2

6 Junior Office Assistants, Cashiers,

Helpers 2

7. Meter readers 4

6. Watch man/peon 2

v. Project Activities

116. The following table gives the details of the project activities during the construction and operation

and maintenance phases of the project.


26

Table 8: Project Activities

S.

N.

Description

Construction Phase

A Preliminary and General Requirements

1. Work related to transportation facility, survey equipment and filed assistance

B Civil work

1 Land Development

2 Operator / Guard House

3 Office building

4 Boundary Wall (260 m) with 1# of Gate for Office Complex with Treatment facility and 144

m barbed wire fencing

5 Overhead Water Tank (225 cu m)

6 Multigrade Water Treatment Plant -2 # ,each 15 lps

7 Bore hole platform

9 Bore hole drilling ,well development and pumping Test works

10 Pump House

11 Shed for Generator

13 Concrete Valve Chamber (600 x 600 x 1000)

14 House connection

15 Pipe Trench

16 Pipe laying & joining

17 Pipe laying across bridge crossings

18 Fire Hydrant

C Pipe & Fitting Works

1 Cost of Distribution Pipe (90.8 Km)

2 Cost of Transmission Pipe (2.992 Km)

3 Pipe fittings

4 Tools & Plants

D Electrical Work / Mechanical

1 Total Electrical Work

2 Pumping main work including pumps with installation cost

3 Generators

F Environmental Mitigation Work

Supply, plantation and caring of different species of flowers and plants (As per layout of the

reservoir/OHT premises) and other measures as described in environmental management plan

of the project and as directed by engineer

O&M Phase

Operation and Maintenance activities including operating the system and managing personnel,

energy, chemicals, office and water safety plan.


27

C. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Physical Resources

a. Geophysical Profile

i. Topography

117. The proposed Letang Town Water Supply Project is located at the Letang VDC in Morang district

of Koshi zone. The location is 260 45’ North Latitude and 87

0 30’ East Longitude and lies north of

the East West Highway. The proposed service area of the project covers ward numbers 1 to 9 of

Letang VDC. The project area lies besides the Chisang river , Morangi river area and has southern

slopes and altitude varying from 207m to 282m above msl. This VDC is situated in the lap of

Chure foothills range.

Figure 3: Location of Letang in Nepal

ii. Geology and Soils

118. The service area is situated on upper terai region of the indogangetic plains with the Siwalik hills

to the north. The Terai plain of Letang belongs to the southern tectonic division of Nepal known as

Indogangetic Plain. The area is composed mainly of gravel and boulder along with sand.

119. Geologically, Letang is divided in the Quaternary, Lower and Middle Siwalik. It has Quaternary

recent deposit of alluvial, boulders gravel, sand and clay in the flat part to the present market. The

north of the Letang market is the lower Siwalk with fine grained sandstone. Area west of Chisang

river and south of Bazaar is composed of silty loamy soil, which is highly fertile.

iii. Climate

120. The climate is tropical with average yearly minimum and maximum temperatures being 6.5oC and

36oC, respectively. The mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures are 9

oC and 34

oC. It


28

receives an average annual rainfall of 2100 mm. Almost 80 % of the rainfall occurs during

monsoon (June to September).

iv. Air quality

121. The air quality of the area can be considered to be fairly less polluted. Very few numbers of

vehicles passes through the area. There is a crusher plant about 3 km south of Bazaar which will

also emit some extent of particles to the atmosphere. However the number is limited and the

topography of the area does not prevent free exchange of gases to the surrounding area.

v. Surface and Ground Water

122. The proposed project area is situated in the banks of three rivers ( Chisang Khola, Bhuwa and

Morange Khola). Chisang and Bhuwa rivers are of perennial type, their sources being high

mountains. Dhobi khola, Murchunge, Suntale etc are other smaill sources of water available in the

project area.

123. Ground water is available in the area. There is one 150mm diameter tube well (N26 42.188, E 87

29.161) installed in the compound of crusher plant, Phadani (Right bank of Chisang river) which

yields more than 6 lps of water by using submersible pump. This tube well is supplying water to

few household of ward no.1 since 4years.The well is found to be located at 218m from msl. The

tube well is 60m deep and has 100mm diameter 18m slotted MS screen (40m-58m). Similarly a

dug well (N26 44.487, E87 31.517) which is constructed around 40-45 years ago is in the flood

plain of Morange Khola , serving few household of ward no.4. The water level of the dug well

was found 1.5m below ground level and the elevation is 241m in the month of April 2012.

2. Ecological Resources

a. Forest

124. Deforestation has decreased the vegetation of the project area. Most of it has been turned into

agricultural farm lands. Since the concept of community forests was introduced, seven

Community Forests (CF) have been formed and are listed below:

Table 9: Project Activities

S.No Name of the Community

Forests

Ward

No

1 Mahabarat Community Forest 9

2 Tribeni Community Forest 3,4,5

3 Janasewa Community Forest 6

4 Namuna Community Forest 2

5 Kamalpur Community Forest 1

6 Kirtiman Community Forest 7

7 Chisang Community Forest 8

b. Flora

125. The most common floral species found in the forest are Shorea robusta (sal); Acacia catechu

(khayar)-Dalbergia sissoo (sisau), other riverine forests and grasslands.

126. The Shorea robusta forest is dominated by the Shorea robusta species with common associates of

Terminalia tomentosa (Asna), Adina cordifolia (karma), Anogeissus latifolia (bud dhayera),


29

Lagerstroemia parvifolia (botdhaiyero), Dillenia pentagyna (Tantari), Syzygium cumini (jamun)

and Semicarpus anacardium (bhalayo), etc.

127. The Acacia catechu-Dalbergia sissoo forest is found on newly deposited alluvium, often gravelly

along streams and rivers. The other riverine forest consists of tropical evergreen forest dominated

by Syzygium cumini (black plum) tropical deciduous forest usually dominated by Bombax ceiba

(simal), Holoptelia integrifolia (chepte pagro) and Trewia nudiflora (pindar) species.

128. Medicinal plants of significance found in the area are Sikakai (Acacia concinna), Assuro

(Adhatoda vasica), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), Kureelo (Asparagus racemosus), Harro (Terminalia

cheberia), Barro (Terminalia belerica) and Amala (Emblica officinalis), etc.

c. Fauna

129. Wild life has decreased to a considerable extent in the area. Common monkey ( Rhesus Macaque,

Bonnet Macaque), common langue (Presbytis entellus) are commonly fouond. Other wild animals

like wild boar (Susscrofa cristatus), deer (Axis axis), porcupine (Hystrix indica) along with other

animals are found. Ploceidae passer, Pava cristatus, Corovous corone, Diurnilis neophron and

Gallus gallus are some of the bird species seen in the area.

3. Social and Cultural Resources

a. Population and Communities

130. Table below indicates that the total number of population in the project area is 20,393 (in 2012

AD). Average size of the households is 5.01. The table below depicts the presence of 1.19 % of

temporary population.

Table 10 : Household and Population Structure

Ward

No.

No. of

HHs

Population ( permanent) Population

(Temporary) Female Male Total

1 349 1000 881 1881 17

2 670 1621 1640 3261 37

3 221 595 534 1129 58

4 525 1375 1397 2772 19

5 426 1112 1124 2236 47

6 606 1441 1426 2867 19

7 488 1228 1254 2482 17

8 467 1215 1176 2391 12

9 268 658 716 1374 18

Total 4020

10245

(50.24%)

10148

(49.76%)

20393

(100.00%) 244 Source: Field Survey, BDA/PEA JV, 2012

b. Ethnic Composition

131. As in other towns of Nepal, Letang is also observed as a heterogeneous town regarding the

composition of caste and ethnicity. The caste and ethnic groups of the project area mainly

comprises of Brahman/Chhetri, Janjati, Dalit and others.


30

Table 11: Distribution by caste and ethnicity

Ward

No.

Brahman /

Chhetri

Janajati Dalit Others Total

1 449 1330 102 0 1881

2 1290 1830 141 0 3261

3 335 664 130 0 1129

4 1440 1070 262 0 2772

5 1020 820 140 0 1980

6 723 1514 402 230 2869

7 1392 971 121 0 2484

8 1170 1050 50 121 2391

9 147 1069 158 0 1374

Total 7966

(39.6%)

10318

(51.2%)

1506

(7.4%)

351

(1.8%)

20141

(100.0%)

Source: Field Survey, BDA/PEA JV, July 2012

132. The above table exhibits Janajati is predominant in Letang covering 51.2% of population followed

by Brahmin / Chhetry holding 39.6%.

c. Health Facilities and Sanitation

133. Most of the diseases are occurred due to poor quality of drinking water. Such diseases as diarrhea,

dysentery, skin disease (scabies), worms (roundworm, whipworm, tapeworm and guineworm),

fever (typhoid), malaria and jaundice are most common in the area. These diseases, in fact, are the

outcomes of deteriorating water quality, unsanitary conditions and lack of personal hygiene.

134. There have been 348 cases of community people suffering from water borne diseases in last year.

No death case reported in the household survey.

135. There is one health post in the project area. People are found to visit Biratnagar, Dharan of Nepal

and even Siligurhi of India for receiving health treatment.

d. Educational Facilities

136. There are 11 Government and 15 private schools and one college run by the Government. They

are enlisted below:

Table 12: List of Education Institutes

S. N. Schools/Campus Cluster- Ward

numbers Status

1. Shree Krishna Primary School Phadani-1 Government

2. Shre Nawajyoti Bal Bikash

Kendra Phadani-1 Private

3. Shree Primary School -2 Government

4 Bal Bikash Kendra 2 Private

5 Galaxy Secondary Boarding

School 2 Private

6 Minaruwa Secondary Boarding

School 2 Private

7 Aawashiya Secondary School 2 Private

8 Shree Public Primary School 3 Private


31

9 Shivashakti Bal Bikash Kendra 3 Government

10 Shree Surya Primary School 4 Government

11 Guransh English Boarding School 4 Private

12 Letang Aawashiya Boarding

School 4 Private

13 Little Flower Boarding School 4 Private

14 Sunrise Boarding School 4 Private

15 Shree Shikshya Bikash Ma. Vi, 5 Government

16 Shree Karambote Primary School 5 Private

17 Letang Campus 5 Community

18 Shree Shanti Bhagawati Higher

Secondary School 6 Government

19 Green Valley Academy Boarding

School 6 Private

20 Purwanchal Alvametre Home

Boarding School 6 Private

21 Shree Laxmi Ma. Vi. 7 Government

22 Prabhat Namuna Bal Bokash

Kendra 7 Government

23 Shree Himchuli Primary School 8 Private

24 Jana Chahana Bal Bikash Kendra 8 Government

25 Siddhartha Bal Bikash Kendra 8 Government

26 Shree Mahabharat Ma. Vi. 9 Government

27 Public English Boarding School 9 Private

Source: Field Survey, BDA/PEA JV, 2012

e. Physical and Cultural Heritage

137. Letang does not have numerous Physical and Cultural heritage sites. However the settlers who

have migrated here have established few religious spots and temples, mosques and churches. The

Hindu Temples of some significance are Radhakrishna Temple ward # 7 and 2, Kirateswor Temple

in Ward # 5, Ganesh temple in Ward # 4, several Shiva Temples in ward No. 6-9; a mosque in

ward # 3 and a church in ward #3.

f. Employment

138. Table below shows the occupation structure of people living at Letang. Of the total population in

the Project area, among the many occupational groups, the agriculture constitute the largest

occupational group 70.6% . Accordingly business and services are found to be adopted by 13.3 %

and 6.3 % respectively. People are also found attracted toward foreign empoyment. 7.7% are

found associated with this occupation.


32

Table 13: Distribution of Population by Occupation

S.No Occupation Population %

1 Agriculture 70.6

2 Business 13.3

3 Service 6.3

4 Industry/ factory/mill 0.2

5 Foreign Employment

/ Remittance 7.7

6 Wage 1.5

7 Other 0.4

Total 100 Source: Field Survey 2012

g. Distribution of Monthly Income Levels

139. Almost 71% of the household surveyed falls in the higher income slot i.e above Rs 15,000.00 per

month followed by 17.3% in the slot of Rs 10,001-15,000.00. Monthly income having less than Rs

6,000.00 is found only 1.8%. Table below depicts the distribution of income.

Table 14: Distribution of HHS in percentage by Monthly Income Levels (in Rupees)

Monthly

Income

Levels

Ward

No. 1

( %)

Ward

No. 2

( %)

Ward

No. 3

( %)

Ward

No. 4

( %)

Ward

No. 5

( %)

Ward

No. 6

( %)

Ward

No. 7 (

%)

Ward

No. 8

( %)

Ward

No.9

( %)

Total

( %)

Up to Rs

4000

0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 0.3

Rs 4001 -

6000

0.0

0.0 2.6 1.9 2.7 0.0 0.0 2.2 7.2 1.5

Rs 6001 -

10000

5.7

0.0 2.6 9.6 10.8 0.0 17.0 15.2 39.3 9.8

Rs 10001

– 15000

31.4

3.6 13.2 21.2 16.2 2.0 27.7 19.6 32.1 17.3

Above Rs

15000

62.9

96.4 81.6 67.3 70.3 98.0 55.3 60.8 21.4 71.1

Total

100.0

0

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

0

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Field Survey 2012

140. Avereage monthly household is estimated to be Rs. 24,347.00 which is quite good figure in the

context of the Country.

141. Letang is quite famous for cash crops like potatoes, ginger, cardamom, Amriso, Madagascar

pepper (commonly known as Akbare Khorsani in Nepal) and are widely grown. That could be

main reason for having good income inspite of agriculter being main occupation.


33

4. Economic Development and Prospects for Growth

a. Land Use

142. Major chunk of land is used for agricultural purpose. The service area is surrounded by fertile land

and is good for cultivation of many crops. In Bazaar area grid pattern roads are found. Further no

planned land use has been observed.

143. No specific area has been designated for industries. There are a few small scale industries as rice

mills and furniture making. Agriculture is the main characteristics, the main product being paddy,

maize and wheat. Cash crops like potatoes, ginger, cardamom, Madagascar pepper, Amriso are

also widely cultivated. Horticulture and livestock rising including poultry is practiced but not in a

commercial scale. The people of this area have been also been attracted towards foreign work

providing remittances.

b. Infrastructural Facilities

i. Transportation

144. Letang lies in the 9 km north of East-West Highway. There is network of roads going in all

directions in the VDC. It is also linked by earthen roads to other areas. Road connecting East-West

highway (from Kanepokhari) to 6# Budhabare passes through Letang Bazaar.

ii. Drinking Water Supply

145. The existing Letang Water Supply System was constructed under ODA/UK/DWSS in 2040 B.S (

1983 AD). Then constructed intake at Bhuwa river was damaged by earthquake in BS 2045 and

washed away by heavy flood. The water supply system in ward no 1(partially) – 7 & 8 was

constructed by District Water Supply Office and was handed over to WUSC on 2049/10/20 BS

(Jan 1992 AD). The WUSC was reconstituted in 2054 (1997AD) and operating the system

onwards. WUSC has been operating both these systems as per their local knowledge and practice.

146. The existing stone masonry reservoir (375 m3) , slow sand filter and roughing filters are in good

operating conditions. It has been observed that the system has outreached its design capacity, and

is not able to cover more areas.

iii. Surface Drainage, Sanitation & Sewerage

147. About 1.6 km of lined storm water drains exist in market place and other areaa have only earthen

drain. There is no sewerage system in place in the project area. Many inhabitants lead the sewers

to pits in their backyard or wherever convenient. Latrines are found in (99.7 %) of the households.

Most of HH dispose their solid waste in pits. Few houses in the market area dispose it

haphazardly.

iv. Electricity

148. Letang VDC has electricity facilities and is connected to the 132 KV sub-station.

v. Communication

149. The project area is found to have good facilities of telephone and cell phone.


34

c. Economic Development

i. Industry and commerce

150. No large scale industry is found within the project area. One organized small scale factory

producing bottled water is in operation since 2011. Other small scale work shops, rice mills are in

operation and are enlisted below.

Table 15 : List of workshop, factories

S. No. Decription Ward No

1. Yonjan Rice Mills 1

2. Juddha Rice Mills 1

3. Om Crusher Industries 1

4 Raja Rani Kutani Pishani Mill 2

5 Koirala Kutani Pishani Mill 2

6 Mahalaxmi Furniture 2

7 Umesh Furniture 2

8 Nagendra Rice Mill 3

9 Poudel Rice Mill 3

10 Dhakal Rice Mill 4

11 Unnamed rice mill 4

12 Pitha Kote Kutani Pishani Mill 5

13 Lamsal Kutani Pishani Mill 5

14 Suraj Rice Mill 6

15 Shrestha Furniture Industry 6

16 Hari Rice Mill 7

17 Subedi Rice Mill 7

18 Ishwori Rice Mill 8

19 Mana Kumar Rice Mill 8

20 Chemjong Rice Mill 9

21 Letang Makalu Aqua Pvt. Ltd. 9

Source: Socio-Economic Survey 2012

151. Three lodges are found in operation. These are given in table below.

Table 16 : List of Hotels and lodges

S.No Name of Hotels / lodges Address ( Ward /

Cluster)

1 Arati sweets and lodge Bazaar

2 Kanchan lodge Bazaar

3 Koseli lodge Bazaar

Source: Socio-Economic Survey 2012


35

ii. Agriculture development

152. Agriculture is the largest source of income with around 70% of the people in the project area

depending on agriculture as their major occupation. As discussed earlier cash crops like potatoes,

cardamom, ginger, Madagascer pepper, Amriso etc are widely cultivated. The expenditure of the

inhabitants of the service area is on procurement of agricultural materials.

iii. Mineral development

153. Mineral development activities are non-existent in the project area.

v. Development institutions and Government offices

154. Training Centre of Agriculture Development Bank is located in this VDC. One development bank

and 11 cooperative organizations are serving the people of project area. Apart from them, Police

unit, Military unit are also present within the project area.


36

D. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES

155. The potential impacts of the proposed Letang town water supply and sanitation project are

physical, biological, and socio-cultural in nature. They can occur at various phases of the project

such as preconstruction, construction and operation and maintenance phases. The magnitude of the

impacts can be small, moderate, or high depending upon its severity, and can be temporary or long

term, reversible or irreversible, local or wide. The impacts need not necessary limit to negative but

can be positive as well. The objective to Environment Management is to attempt to augment

positive impacts and to minimize negative impacts by sustainable mitigation measures.

156. The quality of the raw water from the boreholes and surface source is also crucial. Water quality

assessment of these sources revealed that iron and manganese is above Nepal Drinking Water

Quality Standard (NDWQS) values. Similarly pH, Ammonia, Iron and Total Coliform do not

meet NDWQS values. Arsenic content is found only from one well and is fairly below NDWQS

values ( found 0.006 mg/l where as allowable limit is 0.05 mg/l). Refer Annex 5 for the water

analysis report. This component which is considered to pose a grave risk in the terai region is not

a risk for this project. Treatment system has been accordingly designed.

1. Beneficial Impacts and Augmentation Measures

a. Construction Phase

i. Employment Generation and Increase in Income

157. One of the major direct beneficial impacts of the water supply and sanitation project at

construction stage is the creation of employment opportunity to the local community. The amount

of money that is earned by the wages will directly enhance various economic activities and

enterprise development with multiplier effect in Letang.

158. In order to augment the impact, the local people particularly poor; dalit (occupational caste), ethnic

minority and women will be given priority for employment and on job trainings, whenever

required, will be provided.

ii. Skill Enhancement

159. Although many people in the project area are found unskilled at present, the construction of the

water supply system and the distribution network is likely to enhance their skills in plumbing,

fittings and other construction works. Furthermore, the project will also give on job practical

training to the workers which will enhance their technical skills. The skill and knowledge acquired

from the project during construction will enhance employment opportunities of local people who

can earn livelihoods from similar project in future.

160. Workers especially pipe laying persons will be given on the job training on plumbing bathroom

fittings, and other construction activities in order to augment the impact.

iii. Enterprise Development and Business Promotion

161. During construction period, different types of commercial activities will come into operation in

order to cater the demand and requirement of workers. As money flow begins, they will regularly

demand different food items, beverage and other daily needs. To meet these demands, small shops

and restaurants around the vicinity of the construction sites are likely to come. Various farm based

enterprises including wide range of agricultural and livestock products will also gain momentum

as a result of increased demand by labors during construction period.This will increase local trade

and business in the area.


37

b. Operation and Maintenance Phase

i. Improvement in health and saving of time

162. After the water supply and sanitation project is complete, the people living within the project area

will benefit from the supply of sufficient quantity and good quality water and improved sanitary

conditions. Women and girl child will be directly benefited as they have to spend less time in

fetching water and thus have more time for study, other household and income generating

activities.

163. The impact will be augmented through regular maintenance of the water supply and sanitation

system by the users group (WUSC)

ii. Development of Market center

164. The availability of good supply of drinking water will accelerate the rate of development of

Letang as a leading market centre.

165. In order to promote development of market centre, VDC shall ensure planned growth with

required infrastructure facilities for healthy and hygienic environment in the market areas and

regular operation and maintenance of the water supply and sanitation system will be ensured.

iii. Appreciation of Land Value

166. One of the major benefits of the project is that the land price will increase due to the availability

of reliable safe drinking water and sanitation system. Letang has fertile land and has irrigation

facilities too. The unavailability of good drinking water could be one of the reasons for some

persons to opt out for conducting their business in the project area. Upon completion of the present

project, migration from nearby hills is expected.

167. In order to promote the land development in the area, the local people will be made aware that

high value lands are acceptable to the banks and microfinance institutions to provide loans for

them to start their own economic/social ventures.

iv. Women Empowerment

01. Women and girls in particular will largely benefit from this project, as they are the ones who spend

a great deal of time in fetching water. With the operation of the water supply scheme, this time will

be saved. As contaminated water can lead to infection by several diseases the women of the family

also have to spend a good deal of their time to care for the sick family member. With the

improvement of water supply, there will be marked reduction in the occurrence of infectious disease

in the area. This will provide more time to spend on other economic and social activities leading to

empowerment.

168. In order to augment the impact, the water supply system will be regularly maintained so that it

operates smoothly and health and awareness programmes will be given to the local people

v ) Quality of Life Values

169. The project is not expected to adversely affect any cultural or recreational resources but will

increase the existing quality of life values due to improvement in personal, household and

community hygiene practices and health.

170. The project may help to enhance the life quality of people by many ways, like by providing

opportunities for jobs, providing good quality water, improved sanitation etc.


38

2. Adverse Impacts and Mitigation Measures

a. Pre-construction Phase

• Damage to Utility lines, community services, and infrastructure

171. Electric power supply infrastructure such as switching system, transmission lines, transformers etc

can be disturbed during connecting to High Tension line causing inconvenience to the public.

Similarly road connecting to East West highway and 6# Budhabare running through the project

area, and other network of internal roads can be damaged/disturbed while excavating for laying

pipelines.

172. In order to mitigate the possible damage to utilities, services and infrastructure due to particular

location of the project structure, as far as possible, the location of the project structures will avoid

electric poles and power supply structures. It will also avoid irrigation canal, storm drains along

the roads and wherever there is no alternative for distribution lines to cross storm drains, it will

pass through culverts or hume pipes. In such situation, permissions from concerned authorities

users group will be obtained, agreements will be done and the locals will be notified well ahead of

the construction time.

02. As legal obstructions may result in delay of work, legal requirements, such as Letters of Approval

and agreement for (i) acquisition of land and properties, (ii) disruption of water supply, and

irrigation canals and digging of roads will obtained as and when needed from relevant authorities.

• Risk of pollution of the raw water (deep tube well water)

173. There is possibility that the consumers will be at a risk of getting polluted water due to inadequate

measures to protect the system.

174. To mitigate the risk of pollution of raw water supply (deep tube well water), safe intake sites with

minimum risk of pollution will be selected and distribution pipes will be located away from drains

(to avoid permeation of drain water).

175. Adequate source and intake protection measures will be provided for e.g. the well point will be

located at a slightly higher elevation from drainage point of view; and the annular space between

the drilled hole and well casing will be sealed off and provision for grouting the well casing will

be made. The deep well bored will be well protected with a concrete platform so that surface water

does not enter the well. Furthermore, once the boring is completed, the well will be chlorinated

according to the standards so as to disinfect the pipes and screen that have been placed

underground.

• Impact due to ground water abstraction

176. The excessive abstraction of the ground water can deplete aquifer thereby affecting the surface

wells and ultimately cause ground subsidence.

177. To avoid the impact due to excessive abstraction of the ground water, a program for yield

monitoring will be developed to monitor the abstraction percentage and the project will be

redesigned with alternative water sources if the proposed abstraction rate exceeds sustainable

yield.

b. Construction Phase

i. Physical Environment

• Erosion and land surface disturbance

178. Excavation and digging of trenches during construction has the potential to cause erosion and

caving thereby causing soil erosion, silt runoff, and unsettling of street surfaces. Unorganized


39

disposal of the excavated earth can disturb the street surface and decrease the value of the area

where it is disposed. The activity as such will be a nuisance and discomfort to the road users and

inhabitants.

179. However, since most of the project area is level ground without erosion prone spots there is less

risk of landslides or erosion while digging trenches for the distribution lines.

180. During construction, precautionary measures will be taken, proper backfilling of excavated

trenches will be done and the excavated soil will be placed against erosion. Construction activities

will be, as far as possible, avoided during the rainy season and temporary diversions and sign

boards for pedestrians will be provided.

• Damage to the Existing Facilities

181. During the construction time, while excavating the earth, existing water supply distribution pipe

lines are may get damaged in few places particularly in bazaar area in spite of great care. A repair

team consisting plumber will be kept standby so that immediate repair can take place.

182. To avoid damage to telephone/ telecom line coordination with the office will be setup. Layout

drawing if possible will be received from concerned office to avoid possible damage.

• Air and Noise pollution

183. The construction activity will comprise of construction of dug well in Bhuwa River, drilling of

deep wells, lying of pipes, construction of storage tanks, intake pipes, transport and installation of

pumps. Other do not involve heavy machines except while drilling of boreholes and constructing

dugwell which will produce some noise for short time. There will be some activities such as

transportation, loading/unloading of construction materials such as sand and aggregates, quarrying

operations and operation of crushers, stockpiling of construction waste and construction materials

and earthworks. These will cause some deterioration of air quality due to dust generation and

vehicular emission as well as noise pollution.

184. The construction works can cause vibrations causing structural damage to buildings and structures

in the locality. Use of power horns and movement of heavy vehicles at speed can cause a serious

disturbance to the community, educational institutes, hospitals/health posts, residences etc.

185. Mitigating measures to reduce air and noise pollution are:

- Provide information to the public about the work schedule

- Fit mufflers in vehicles to control noise.

- Limit the speed of vehicles.

- Ban the use of power horns in vehicles.

- Regular maintenance of equipment and vehicles.

- Prohibit the operation of plants and construction vehicles between 7 PM to 6 AM in residential

areas.

- Compensate the damages caused by vibration to structures if caused by construction activities.

- Avoid working at sensitive times (during religious festivals in the area)

- Increase the work force in sensitive areas so as to finish the work quickly

• Impact due to quarrying

186. The construction intake well, treatment plant, tanks and other structures of the project will require

river bed materials, boulders, and other construction materials. The extraction of these materials

from inappropriate places or in excessive amount can cause damage to the local environment and

accelerate erosion, landslide, disturb drainage pattern and cause water logging and water pollution.

It can also change the morphology of the rivers and scar the environments.


40

187. In order to mitigate the impact from quarrying activities, construction materials will be obtained

from quarries approved by the DDC; borrow pits will be leveled so as to suit the aesthetics of the

area and to restore it to its original state after the project is complete. Quarrying/mining activities

in river/streams for extraction of construction materials will not be done so as to change the river

cross sections and longitudinal profiles.

ii. Biological Environment

• Loss of vegetation

188. The biological environmental issues identified during TOR preparation, environmental screening

and field survey are project related changes on biodiversity. Maintenance of biological diversity

has a long-term benefit to the human beings. Since, the proposed project will have less or on

impacts on biodiversity biological environmental issues in relevance with the baseline

environment conditions are briefly dealt in the following table in terms of type of impacts (long,

medium and short term) significance of impacts (high, medium and low ) and initiation of impacts

( construction and operation phase).

Table 17 : Biological Environmental Issues and Impacts

Issue Impacts Direct /

indirect

Extent Duration Magnitude Initiation

Population • Resettlement • Relocation

D Local Short L C

Forest/

Vegetation • Loss of vegetation from

clearance of structure

sites, water supply

transmission and

distribution lines.

D Local Short and

Medium

L C & O

Terrestrial

fauna and

habitat

• Loss of terrestrial fauna

and habitat due to

project sitting and

related activities

D Site Short L C

Aquatic

ecosystem

and life

• Loss of aquatic life and

habitat due to untreated

wastewater discharge

into rivers.

D Regional Medium L C

Note: D= Direct impacts I= Indirect Impacts L= Low Impacts

M= Moderate Impacts H= High impacts C=Construction Phase

O= Operation (Commissioning) Phase

189. The parts of the project area where construction activities will take place do not lie within forest

area. The project components require a very small area of land for implementation; environmental

impacts on the vegetation and natural ecosystem do not seem to be significant.

iii. Socio-economic Environment

• Disturbance to the community activities

190. The socio-economic impact during the construction of the project structures include disturbance to

the community activities, festivals and social event. The free movement of vehicular traffic and

pedestrians will be affected. Noise produced due to the operation of machines and labors may

affect the peace and serenity, health and sleep time in the neighborhood of construction areas.


41

191. In order to minimize the disturbance to the community activities, a detailed Traffic Management

Plan will be developed for areas along the construction works to minimize traffic flow interference

from construction activities. Advance local public notifications of construction activities,

schedules, routings, and affected areas including road closures will be made. Signage in Nepali

and English languages will be erected. The residents will be consulted and informed about the

disturbances in advance.

• Social Dispute and Dissatisfaction

192. There is possibility of influx of outside workforce and with them money from the construction

work and unwanted communities can cause some strife with the local community. Local

population may not get employment benefit from the project causing dissatisfaction and conflict in

the area. There is possibility of social dispute in the community due to irresponsible behavior of

the workers such as gambling and alcoholism

193. An employment policy will be prepared so that the local people may not be deprived of the

employment opportunities. The local people and women above the age of 16 will be given

preference for employment. Wages will be settled based on DWEC (District Wage Evaluation

Committee) with the list of employees.

• Occupational health and safety (OHS)

194. Life and health of workers particularly of those involved in concreting, trench cutting, formwork

and rebar fixing in overhead tank is of prime concern. To mitigate or minimize the hazards

adequate safety instructions should be provided to the contractor and monitor from the project

side.

195. Health and hygiene in the camp site (against unsafe working conditions, accidents, transmission of

communicable diseases etc.) will be given top priority. Regular health checkups, proper sanitation

and hygiene, health care will be provided. Awareness programs concerning human trafficking and

the possibility of spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS will be launched using brochures, posters, and

signboards. Available personal protection equipment (PPE) to all construction workers will be

provided. The loss of life or any type of injuries will be compensated and insurance to the workers

will be provided. First aid kits, ambulance, and fire extinguishers will be provided in camp sites.

196. To avoid risks from accidents on site due to the movement of public and workers, the health and

safety measures of the contract will also prohibit entry at construction sites to the public and the

area will be barricaded and warning signs will be placed.

c. Operation & Maintenance Phase

• Risk of contaminated water in the distribution system

197. There is risk of contamination of water to be distributed to the user due to inadequate operation

and maintenance of the system thereby threatening the health of the whole population consuming

the water.

198. The risks of contaminated water in the distribution system will be mitigated by developing water

safety plan and providing training to operational human resources.

• Impact on aquatic life

199. Haphazard disposal of effluents and sludge from the treatment plant will not only be nuisance to

the public but also affect the aquatic life by eventually finding its way to nearby rivers and

streams.


42

200. To avoid the impact to the aquatic life, the effluent and sludge should be disposed off only in

designated areas and regular monitoring of the river or stream water quality should be done.

• Toxic chemical hazard

201. Chlorine and Bleaching Powder are toxic to humans and the workers will have to deal with it

during operation of the system. Ingestions, inhalations, application to body parts, especially to

such parts as eyes nose mouth are of extreme hazard to the workers handling chlorine and

bleaching powder.

202. The storage, in-plant handling and dosages of chlorine (bleaching powder) will be addressed.

Procedures and guidelines will be developed for its handling and first aid measures will be

introduced for emergencies. Training on handling and on dosage of the chemicals will be given to

the system staff.

• Nuisance due to blockage in drainage line

203. There are also possibilities of blockage of drains in dry season. It will also create nuisance odor.

Therefore periodic cleaning & flushing of the drain lines will be done and local people will be

educated not to dump solid waste on the drain lines.

d. Resettlement, relocation and compensation issue

204. The project does not require resettlement of households or relocation. The major structures are to

be constructed in the land possessed by WUSC. Similarly, the system network for the distribution

of water will follow with in public property line. Therefore resettlement or relocation is not

required.


43

Table 18: Evaluation of Anticipated Environmental Impacts

Project

Stage Anticipated Impacts

Significance of the Impacts

Type Magnitude Duration

Water Supply Component

Pre

-con

stru

cti

on

Ph

ase

Damage to utility lines, community services

and infrastructure

local Significant permanent

Risk of pollution of raw water (deep tube well

water)

local small permanent

Risk of inadequate yield of the aquifer;

excessive abstraction could deplete aquifer

and cause ground subsidence and shortage of

well water

local

small

permanent

(during dry

seasons)

Con

stru

ctio

n P

ha

se

Physical Environment

Erosion and land surface disturbance local moderate Temporary

Damage to Existing Facilities local moderate temporary

Air and Noise pollution local moderate temporary

Impact due to quarrying local significant permanent

Biological Environment Loss of vegetation local significant permanent

Socio-economic Environment Disturbance to community activities local moderate temporary

Social dispute and dissatisfaction local moderate temporary

Occupational Health and Safety local significant temporary

O &

M P

hase

Physical Environment Risk of contaminated water in the distribution

system

local significant permanent

Biological Environment Impact on aquatic life regional small permanent

Socio-Economic Environment

Toxic chemical hazard local significant permanent

Repairs to pipe networks will disrupt business

and will be a nuisance to the public

local small temporary

Sanitation Component

Con

stru

ctio

n

Ph

ase

Physical Environment

Erosion and land surface disturbance local moderate temporary

Biological Environment

Loss of vegetation local significant permanent

Socio-economic Environment Occupational Health and Safety local significant temporary

Op

erati

on

an

d

Ma

inte

na

nce

Ph

ase

Physical Environment Blocking of storm water drainage local small temporary

Nuisance due to transportation of solid waste local moderate permanent

Biological Environment

Impact on aquatic life due to discharge of

effluents

regional small permanent

Socio-economic environment Health hazard to workers due to cleaning of

toilet, septic tank

local significant permanent


44

Table 19: Overview of Environmental Impacts and Augmentation/Mitigation Measures

Project Stage Anticipated Impacts Impact Augmentation/ Mitigation

Measures

Responsible

Institution

Mitigation

Cost (NRs)

Beneficial Impacts

Co

nst

ructi

on

ph

ase

Employment generation

and increase in income

-Priority to local people particularly

unprivileged group will be given

- On job training will be given

whenever necessary

Contractor No extra cost

Skill enhancement - On job training especially on

plumbing, bathroom fittings, and

other construction activities will be

given


Enterprise development

and business promotion

- Training programmes on skill

augmentation and entrepreneurship

development

- Promotion of cooperatives and

linkages with bank and other

financial institutions will be done

PMO 50,000

Op

era

tio

n a

nd

Ma

inte

na

nce

Ph

ase

Improvement in health

and saving of time

- Regular operation and

maintenance of the water supply and

sanitation system

WUSC No extracost

Development of market

centre

- Regular operation and maintenance

of the water supply and sanitation

system

WUSC,

Municipality

No extra cost

Appreciation of land

value

- Awareness programmes to the local

people

WUSC, PMO No extra cost

Women empowerment - Health and awareness programmes

to the local people

WUSC, PMO and

NGO

50,000

Adverse Impacts

Water supply Component

Pre

-co

nst

ructi

on

Ph

ase

Damage to utility lines,

community services and

infrastructure

- The location of project structures

will avoid electric poles, power

supply structures and infrastructures

- Letter of approval and agreements

will be obtained

DSC, DWSS No extra cost

Risk of pollution of raw

water (deep tube well

water)

Properly protected intake and storage

tanks will be constructed and

distribution pipe will be located

away from drains (to avoid

infiltration of drain water)

DSC No extra cost

Risk of inadequate yield

of the aquifer; excessive

abstraction could

deplete aquifer and

cause ground

subsidence and shortage

of well water

- A yield monitoring program, will

be developed, especially for the

abstraction percentage during dry

season flow

- Project will be redesigned with

alternative water source if the

proposed abstraction rate exceeds

sustainable yield.

DSC, DWSS No extra cost


45

Co

nst

ructi

on

Ph

ase

Erosion and land

surface disturbance

-Precautionary measures will be

taken during construction to avoid

caving

-Excavated soil will be placed

against erosion

-Reuse of excavated soil and

backfilling of trenches will be done

-As far as possible construction

activities will be avoided in the rainy

season.

-Temporary diversions and

signboards will be provided for the

pedestrians

Contractor Covered in

BOQ

Air and Noise pollution -Construction materials will be

transported only when require and

temporary storage will be avoided

-Tarpaulins/plastic sheets/jute bags

will be used to cover the desilted

material during transport.

-Dust suppression at the site will be

done by sprinkling water at regular

intervals.

-Use of old and worn out equipments

and vehicles, low quality fuel will be

prohibited to reduce the noise and air

pollution


Impact due to quarrying -Unstable and erosion prone sites

will be avoided and only approved

quarrying sites will be used

-Quarrying activities from

rivers/streams will not be done so as

to change the river cross sections and

longitudinal profiles

-Quarry site will be levelled to suit

the local landscape after extraction is

complete

Contractor, DSC Covered in

BOQ

Loss of vegetation - Prohibit the use of fuel wood and

timber collection.

-Prohibit illegal collection of NTFPs

and trade.

-Provide LPG/kerosene to the

workforce.

-Plant shrubs and trees wherever

possible

Contractor Covered in

BOQ

Disturbance to

community activities

-Traffic Management Plan will be

developed and work will be

conducted as quickly as possible to

minimize disturbance

-Residents will be consulted and

informed about the disturbances in

advance


Social dispute and

dissatisfaction

-Local people will be given priority

for the employment

- All the workers will be instructed

to act in a responsible manner

Prohibition of alcohol, gambling

Local people will be employed as far

as possible



46

Co

nst

ructi

on

Ph

ase

Occupational Health

and Safety

-A site health and safety plan

including safety measures such as

provision of mask, helmet, hand

globes and rubber boots to workers

will be prepared and implemented

-First aid will be kept at hand in

working area

-General public will be excluded

from all construction sites

-Insurance will be provided to the

workers

Contractor 100,000

( Covered in

BOQ)

Op

era

tio

n a

nd

Ma

inte

na

nce

Ph

ase

Risk of contaminated

water in the distribution

system

-Regular testing and maintenance of

the aeration plant, pressure filter and

chlorinator and testing of residual

chlorine will be done on a routine

basis and recorded

-Regular water quality monitoring of

water of the distribution system

-System staff will be trained and

supervised

WUSC

PMO

100,000

Impact on aquatic life -Regular monitoring of river water

quality

WUSC 50,000

Toxic chemical hazard -Usage, handling and storage of

chlorine will be prescribed and

guidelines developed

-First aid measures will be located in

emergencies

WUSC 50,000

Sanitation Component

Co

nst

ructi

on

Ph

ase

Erosion and land

surface disturbance

-Disposal against erosion and re-use

of excavated soil

-Sprinkling of water to avoid dust

-Temporary diversions and

signboards will be provided to the

pedestrians

Contractors No extra cost

Loss of vegetation -Provision of minimization of

vegetation clearing and careful

cutting of ground vegetation

-Plantation of tree and shrub where

ever possible

Contractor

WUSC

No extra cost

Occupational Health

and Safety

-A site health and safety plan will be

prepared and implemented


Op

era

tio

n a

nd

Ma

inte

na

nce

Ph

ase

Blocking of storm water

drainage

-Periodic flushing of the drain lines

will be done

-Providing awareness to local on not

to dump waste on drainage

WUSC No extra cost

Nuisance due to

transportation of solid

waste

-Waste sorting and disposal will be

managed

Proper transportation systems will be

provided (waste will be properly

covered in the vehicle)

WUSC

PMO

No extra cost


47

3. Implementation of Mitigation Measures

205. Most of the mitigation measures specified are part of contractual obligation during the project

constructions and therefore will be integrated into project design and tender documents. By

including mitigation measures in the contract of in specific items in the Bill of Quantities,

monitoring and supervision of mitigation implementation will be covered under the normal

engineering supervision provisions of the contract. The mitigation measures implementation

elaborated in Table 18 will be monitored through direct observation, records of contractors,

consultation with people etc weekly or daily as required.

a. Project Design

206. For most of the adverse environmental impacts likely to occur during project construction and

operational phase, mitigation measures will be integrated in the design of the project itself so as

to strengthen the benefits and sustainability of the project. This will enhance the mitigation

measures in terms of specific mitigation design, cost estimation of the mitigation measure, and

specific implementation criteria. The proponent will ensure that the mitigations measures are

included in the design of the project

b. Project Contract

207. The project contract will clearly specify the mitigations measures that are part of the project

construction and the contractor will be bound by the parameters identified in the environmental

assessment pertaining to specific mitigation measures. The proponent will ensure the compliance

of the proposed measures from the contractor and the final acceptance of the completed work

will not occur until the environmental clauses have been satisfactorily implemented.

c. Bill of Quantities

208. The tender instruction to the bidders will explicitly mention the site-specific mitigation measures

to be performed, the materials to be used, labor camp arrangements, and waste disposal areas, as

well as other site specific environmental requirements.


48

E. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES WITH AND WITHOUT PROJECT

209. The alternatives analysis of the project in terms of project location, technology, implementation

procedures, and the raw materials used have been studied and analyzed. Similarly, comparison

between with and without project or the "No action option" is also studied and analyzed.

1. Alternative in Design

210. The proposed project has been formulated to provide reliable and continuous drinking water

supply in adequate quantity and quality to the consumers of the service area. The project has

been design using subsurface source of Bhuwa river and ground water from deep tubewell.

There are few small surface sources (Murchunga stream, Suntale jaruwa etc) in the vicinity of

project area. These are ruled out due to their available discharge in dry season. The nearby

available perennial river Bhuwa was selected for gravity flow. For additional water required

ground water was selected for next subsystem (Phadani subsystem).

211. The project area is situated in Terai belt in the Eastern Development Region on the southern

portion of the Churia Hill Region of Nepal. The area comprises of gravel sand and clay.

212. Geologically, Letang is divided in the Quaternary, Lower and Middle Siwalik. It has Quaternary

recent deposit of alluvial, boulders gravel, sand and clay in the flat part to the present market.

The north of the Letang market is the lower Siwalk with fine grained sandstone. The present

intake area (Bhuwa Khola) of Letang water supply is in the middle Siwalik where fine to

medium grained sandstone outcrop can easily be visualized (Geological Map Eastern Nepal,

Department of Geology).The net effect of the wide area occupied is that aquifer percentage and

permeability are high. As per lithological log of these tube wells, the permeability layer is 22-

36% and the average depth drilled is 68-140m. The aquifers encountered are confined to semi

confined in nature. Transmissibility ranges from 4,900-14,000 m3/ day.

213. The present project is designed with due consideration of these aspects and thus the proposed

design has no alternative

2. Alternative in Project Site/ Location

214. No significant adverse environmental impacts are found with present location of project. The

deep well and reservoir site have been proposed in consultation with the user group at a location

where no or minimum environmental effects will be seen. The alignment of pipelines is also

fixed with minimum impacts on environment.

215. The intake in the Bhuwa river is of infiltration well /dugwell type. Water gravitates to existing

reservoir sites. Additional source to serve the service area is the two numbers of deep tube wells

located at both banks of Chisang River. The location of the new drill sites were finalized on the

basis of geo-hydrological requirements.

216. The location of structures especially the intake, elevated and ground reservoirs, boreholes, and

distribution pipe line will be retained as decided during interaction with WUSC and

beneficiaries. Therefore, the proposed location of the project has no alternatives

3. Alternative in Technology, Implementation Procedure and Raw Materials

217. Most of the technologies proposed in the project are labor intensive. Minimum mechanical

equipments will be used during construction work. Drilling well and Pipe line excavation and

refilling work are some of the major components of project. All those work will be done by

labor force without any mechanical equipment except in the case of deep well drilling.

Obviously, this action will produce minimum environmental impacts. During drilling period


49

noise pollution may occur which will adversely affect the workers and operator exposed to

drilling machine. Precautions will be taken and adequate protective measures will be applied for

the working persons at and nearby the drilling site. Remaining other work is labor intensive.

218. The working procedures proposed are participatory one. In each and every activities of the

project, the beneficiaries will be participating actively. The project will use the local raw

materials as far as possible. Except for some mechanical equipment necessary for pipe fitting

materials, most of the construction materials will be local. The sand, stones and labors are some

of the examples.

4. No Project Option

219. The analysis has also been done with and without project scenario. Implementation of proposed

project will create lot of positive impacts on health and hygiene of people, public environment

and improve socio-economic status of community as well. Provision of good quality water and

sanitation facilities will help to enhance the quality of life of the people in the project area. The

project will also help to create job opportunities to considerable number of people. The

Implementation of the proposed project will produce only negligible and insignificant

environmental impacts.

220. On the other hand, if the project is not implemented, the people of the project area will have to

continue to suffer from various problems they are facing currently. There is deficiency of

drinking water in project site. People are forced to use the ground water using hand pumps and

shallow dug wells. This water contains biological impurities. Due to polluted water and

unhygienic environment, the community is facing high level of diarrhea incidence every year.

Apart from unsanitary conditions and related diseases, the socio-economic status of the people

will also not enhance if the project is not implemented.


50

F. INFORMATION DICLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND

PARTICIPATION

1. Public Consultation

221. In order to ensure the public involvement, the following procedures were followed during IEE

report preparation:

222. A 15 days public notice (Annex 3) was published on 26 Magh 2069 BS ( 8 Feb, 2013 AD) in

the Nagarik Daily , a national daily newspaper seeking written opinion from concerned VDC ,

DDC, schools, health posts and related local organizations and concerned people. A copy of the

public notice was also affixed in the notice boards of the above mentioned organizations in the

project area and deed of enquiry (muchulka) was collected. (Annex 4)

223. IEE team also discussed with the local communities and related stakeholders like Village

Develoment Committee, WSSDO Morang etc during field survey to collect their concerns and

suggestions.

224. A meeting was held in Letang in regarding the project activities in 069 Falgun 14.

2. Information Disclosure

225. Draft IEE will be kept at the information centre of Letang VDC , Morang for public disclosure.

Information will also be disseminated through person to person contacts and interviews and

group discussions. Available institutions at the local level will also be informed through notice

distribution or pasting on notice boards of the concerned ward offices , school, health posts and

public places. The approved IEE report will be accessible to interested parties and general public

through websites www.sstwsssp.gov.np. Following offices will get the IEE report: • Letang Village Development Committee, Letang , Morang • Water Supply and Sanitation Divison Office ( WSSDO), Biratnagar, Morang • Ministry of Urban Development, Kathmandu • Asian Development Bank, Nepal Resident Mission


51

G. GRIEVANCES AND REDRESS MECHANISM

226. The projects also aim to facilitate a grievance and redress mechanism to address the

environmental and social concern of the community who are affected by the project activities.

The proposed project doesn’t involve resettlement of any community, and a Resettlement Plan

that addresses the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is not necessary. However, all the

stakeholders are to be made aware of the project-specific GRM so that there is an appropriate

channel of communication and a formalized procedure to settle dispute.

227. The process requires a GRM committee to be established as a local level to assure accessibility

to the Affected Person or Stakeholder. The committee should consist of members with sufficient

knowledge about the project, with technical know-how and expertise and someone aware about

the socio-cultural dynamics of the community. The GRM requires that issues and comments are

first lodged with the local level GRM committee for handling of grievances at project site. The

GRM committee should conduct their meeting within 3 weeks of receipt of complaint and

solution needs to be provided at meeting or within 3 weeks.

228. If the grievance cannot be solved at the project level, the GRM committees need to submit it to

the PMO. The PMO with assistance from Environmental Specialist and WUSC experts should

resolve the grievance. If the grievance cannot be solved by the PMO, it will be referred to the

Letang VDC and WSSDO, Morang.

229. In case the WSSDO, Morang could not resolve the issues it will be referred to the relevant court

of law.


52

Figure 4: Grievance Redress Mechanism

Affected

Person

GRM Committee

PMO

Grievance /

Complaint

WUSC

Safeguards

Specialists

Municipality +

RSMO / DWSS

Court of Law

Redress

Grievances


53

H. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Envronment Management Plan and Objective

231. The basic objectives of the EMP are to: • to ensure that all mitigation measures and monitoring requirements will actually be carried

out at different stages of project implementation and operation - pre-construction,

construction and operation and maintenance;

• recommend a plan of action and a means of testing the plan to meet existing and projected

environmental problems;

• establish the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the project’s environmental

management;

• describe mitigation measures that shall be implemented to avoid or mitigate adverse

environmental impacts and maximizing the positive ones;

• ensure implementation of recommended actions aimed at environmental management and its

enhancement; and

• ensure that the environment and its surrounding areas are protected and developed to meet the

needs of the local people, other stakeholders and safeguard the interests of the common

people.

232. A Safeguard Unit within the project should be established and be headed by a senior

environmental expert, a sociologist and a legal expert with adequate support staff.

2. Mitigation and Monitoring

233. The Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) shall be implemented in such a way that the

contractor is monitored during the construction phase. The mitigation measures required are

given above of this report. The EMP also requires regular monitoring of the actual

environmental impacts during project operations over the years following project completion.

These impacts that have been monitored should be compared with the anticipated impacts at the

time of the preparation of the project and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures taken.

234. In order to promote monitoring activities as an integral part of the project, types of monitoring

its indicators schedules and responsible agencies are given below:

Baseline monitoring

Compliance monitoring

Impact monitoring

235. Baseline monitoring aims to identify collect and verify the additional environmental base line

data, which is scientific or sociological in nature and needed to augment information on baseline

conditions initially generated during IEE. In case of Water Supply sub-project most of the

baseline data has already been collected and there is very little chance for its change till the

implementation phase. Hence it will not be necessary to conduct it unless some striking new

scenarios in terms of physical or socioeconomic conditions emerge.

236. Compliance monitoring is essential in order to encourage and promote the proponent to comply

with the requirements as listed in the mitigation measures and any condition set forth during the

project approval. Hence it is desirable to ensure the integration of mitigation measures in the

document, if any, which should fully reflect environment obligation to be complied with by the

proponent or the contractor.


54

237. Impact monitoring is necessary in order to know the actual level of impact in the field during the

construction and operation of the project in the alignment as the environmental impacts are

predicted based on value judgment through with some valid assumptions.

238. The Monitoring Plan will be designed in a way that the contractor is monitored to ensure that the

mitigation measures are followed during the construction period. It also requires regular and

periodic monitoring of the actual environmental impacts during the project operation over the

years following project completion. A detailed monitoring plan giving the mechanisms of

monitoring for the environmental impact and the mitigation measures are given in the following

table.


55

Table 20: Water Supply: Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures –

Pre-Construction Environmental Monitoring Plan

Predicted

Impacts

Indicators Location Monitoring

Method

Monitoring

Frequency

Responsibilit

y

Physical Parameters

Pollution in

intake

Defecation

around intake

Water ponding

near by intake

Uopreach of

Bhuwa river

intake

Tube well

sites

Water quality

monitoring reports

of the

source/intake

water

(Safe intake sites

with minimum

risk of pollution

shall be selected.

Intake protection

measures shall be

take)

Once before

final design

and

construction;

once a year

(every dry

season)

WUSC,

WSSDO, DSC

Over pumping

of ground

water

More drawdown Tube well

sites

A program for

yield monitoring

shall be designed.

Record

monitoring

Extraction of the

new well shall be

limited to 15 l/s.

This way the

interference with

the existing tube

wells will not be a

serious concern.

Further all wells

shall not be

operated at the

same time.

Once before

final design

and

construction;

once a year

(every dry

season)

WUSC, DSC

infiltration of

drain water due

to ponding etc

Water ponding

near by intake

Tube well

sites and

along the

distribution

pipelines

Checking

ponding,

Leakage

Water quality

monitoring reports

of the water in the

network as per the

National Drinking

Water Quality

Standards (2062

B.S.)

Once before

final design

and

construction;

monthly

WUSC,DSC


56


Construction Period Environmental Monitoring Plan

Predicted

Impacts


Method

Monitoring

Frequency

Responsibilit

y

Physical Parameters

Disturbance to

the land system

and soil

erosion

Excavation

technique

Soil disposal area

Stacking of soil

Construction

site

Direct observation

and record

inspection

Daily during

construction

Contractor

DSC

Surface and

ground water

quality

Water quality

(Dissolved

oxygen, BOD,

Turbidity etc)

Laboratory Record inspection Monthly DWSS

DSC

Quarrying Quarrying

activity

Local aesthetics

Quarry site Direct

observation and

contractor records

Once DWSS

DSC

Air and Noise

pollution

Use of

equipments and

vehicles

Quality of fuel

Sprinkling of

water

Use of mufflers

Construction

and

Operation

site

Record inspection Weekly DWSS

DSC

WUSC

Biological Parameters

Loss of

vegetation

Cleared area

No of

trees/shrubs

planted

Construction

site

Observation and

record inspection

Weekly Contractor

WUSC

Impact on

aquatic animals

Quality of

effluent

Construction

site and

outlet of

treatment

plant

Record inspection Monthly WUSC

DWSS

Socio-economic Parameters

Problems from

outside

workforce

Behaviour of the

workers

Uses of alcohol

Records of fights

Project area Record inquiry

Local survey

Communication

with people

Monthly and

as needed

Contractor

WUSC


57

Disturbance to

the local

people

Use of

signboards, notice

board

Disposal area

Project area Record inquiry

Communication

with people

Weekly Contractor

WUSC

Occupational

Health and

Safety

Type and number

of accidents

First aid and

emergency

services

Construction

site

File record Daily DWSS


Operation and Maintenance Environmental Monitoring Plan

Predicted

Impacts


Method

Monitoring

Frequency

Responsibilit

y

Physical Parameters

water quality

problems -

Training and

operational

supervision of

system staff

Water quality

tests,

Complaint of

water borne

deseases

Treatment

plants and

household

taps

Check if O&M

manuals are

followed; regular

updating of staff

on the

requirements

(Regular O&M of

chlorinators -

Regular water

quality monitoring

of water in the

distribution

system -

Immediate action

in case of water

quality problems -

Training and

operational

supervision of

system staff )

As needed WUSC

Water leakages

for pipes

Water leak in

streets or other

places

Streets,

distribution

camp etc

Frequent and

regular walk

away survey,

Complain from

users

Weekly , as

and when

required

WUSC

2. Environmental Monitoring Cost

239. Monitoring cost has been estimated for two years of construction period. The monitoring will be

conducted on physical, biological and socio-economic aspects. So the cost has covered all these

parameters.


58

240. During post construction phase, monitoring will be done on water quality, maintenance system

and outbreak of diseases.

241. Most of the monitoring cost for the proposed project is related to the expenses for experts for

observation and monitoring during construction and operation phases of the project. The

following monitoring costs are to be incurred by the project.

Table 23: Monitoring Costs

Item Duration

(Month)

Rate Cost

Environmental Management

Specialist

2.5 75,000 187,500

Sociologists 1.5 50,000 75,000

Support Staff 2 20,000 40,000

Cost for monitoring by MoUD /

DWSS

LS 250,000

Transportation LS 40,000

Miscellaneous LS 30,000

Total 622,500.00

3. Environmental Procedures and Institutions

242. Institutions have a crucial role to play during monitoring. There should be firm institutional

commitment by the agencies responsible for monitoring. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) is

in charge of environmental control and management for all sector agencies. The Ministry of

Urban Development ( MoUD) will have overall responsibility for environmental monitoring of

all water supply and sewerage projects. In case of an EIA, it has to be finally approved by MOE.

In case of an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), the final approval lies with MoUD .

243. The different agencies involved in the Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project are as

explained in the following table.


59

Table 24: Institutions Involved in the Proposed Project

S.N Organization Roles and Responsibilities

1. Ministry of Urban Development

(MoUD)

It is the executive agency for the implementation of Second

Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (

SSTWSSSP). It is responsible for monitoring of project

design, construction and operation activities according to the

approved IEE report. It is also responsible for approving the

Terms of Reference (TOR) for the IEE and approving the IEE

studies.

2. Department of Water Supply and

Sewerage (DWSS)

DWSS is the implementing agency for the SSTWSSSP. It is

responsible for ensuring that all the environmental measures to

be adopted during different phases of project implementation

and operation have been fully adhered to. It is also responsible

for water quality monitoring.

3. Project Management Office (PMO) PMO under DWSS implements the project. It ensures that all

the mitigation measures prescribed by approved IEE have

been fully adopted. It acquires permits and approval for

project construction and assists WUSC on source registration

and transfer of land ownership. It also ensures that

responsibilities of other stakeholders are incorporated as per

agreements.

4. Town Development Fund (TDF) TDF provides funding to the WUSC. It ensures that necessary

environmental screening and assessments have been carried

out during the funding decisions.

5. Water User and Sanitation

Committee (WUSC)

WUSC is responsible for forming member based water user

group and registering it. It is responsible for ensuring the

implementation of environmental measures recommended

especially during the construction and operation phase.

Activities such as public awareness on sanitation and

maintaining record of the water quality data are some of its

responsibilities.

6. Design and Supervision Consultant

(DSC)

DSC is responsible for conducting the feasibility study and

detailed design and construction supervision. It ensures that all

the mitigation measures are incorporated in the final design of

the system and the environmental prescriptions are being met

by the construction contractor.

7. Contractor It is responsible to ensure that the mitigation measures are

specified during the construction

244. Apart from the above mentioned agencies, there are other institutions that are directly and

indirectly involved in the project and during the IEE studies. Local bodies such as District

Development Committee and Letang VDC help in disseminating information about the project

to local people and related stakeholders and in giving permits to conduct the IEE studies.

4. Reporting Procedure

245. The contractor has a crucial role in ensuring that the mitigation measures are implemented

during project construction phase. The contractor will develop an Environmental Mitigation

Execution Plan (EMEP) based on EMP. The contractor has to report weekly about the progress

of its work together with day-to-day practical aspect of project implementation to the DSC. It is

suggested that a team comprising of WUSC member and contract workers be established at the

onset of the project to make periodic reporting to the DSC.

246. The DSC then is responsible for ensuring that all the procedures and final design that includes

the mitigation measures are followed. DSC is responsible to check the weekly progress report of

the contractor and field verify whether the implementation of mitigation measures have been

conducted as decided in the EMEP or not.


60

247. DSC then will prepare an environmental monitoring report based on the weekly progress report

of the contractor. DSC will report the status of the project and the monitoring report to the PMO

for its review. PMO will then forward the monitoring report to review by the Environmental

Specialist of the DSC. 10 copies of the reports will be submitted to PMO every month, which

will be distributed to the responsible agencies for review. The Environmental Specialists of the

DSC will then review the comments and suggestions from the various authorities and act

accordingly.

248. Monthly progress reports, including bi-annual and annual reports on the implementation of EMP

will be produced on a regular basis. The report will contain information of all the activities

conducted within the given time including the cases of non-compliance. A feedback mechanism

of reporting will be developed and based on the results of monitoring, the Environmental

Management Plan will be adjusted accordingly.

5. Procurement Plan and Cost Estimates

249. The cost for the recommended mitigation measures and monitoring activities are described in

Table 20-23. Cost of mitigation measures directly linked to the construction activities (such as

erosion control measures) are not included in the cost estimates as most of these are already

included in the construction and operation and maintenance cost of the project.

6. Project Implementaion Schedule

250. During the design phase PMO and the consultant will ensure that mitigation measures are

included in the design and contract documents in compliance with Environment Protection Act

and Regulations.

251. During the construction phase the parties involved will ensure that all mitigation measures and

precautions that are required to be taken by the contractor are written explicitly SPSC and

WUSC will be responsible to see that works carried out by the contractor are according to the

contract documents and mitigation measures are taken accordingly with the overall guidance of

the DWSO and the PMO.

252. During the operation phase, DWSO, and WUSC will monitor the system for leakage, water

quality, pump maintenance and disease outbreak etc. and prepare a monthly report to be sent to

DWSS via the Regional Directorate.

253. The EMP implementation schedule is given in following figure for a period of 18 months.


61

Figure 5: Implementation Schedule of the Project

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Tendering + Award of Contract

Presentation of Security Performances

Field Mobilization

Procurement of Materials

Transportation of Materials

Structural Works

Installation Works

Piping Works

Mechanical + Electrical Works

Finishing Works

Months

ActivitiesT

en

de

rin

g +

A

pp

rov

al

of

co

ntr

ac

tC

on

str

uc

tio

n /

Pro

cu

rem

en

t


62

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

254. It is expected that the planned water supply and sanitation project for Letang VDC will have

only minor adverse impacts on the environment which can be easily and cheaply mitigated

through adequate mitigation measures and regular monitoring during the design, construction

and operation phases.

255. Because of this Project, there will be significant improvement in personal, household and

community hygiene practices, and environmental sanitation thereby increasing the quality of life

and community health.

256. From this IEE, it can be seen that no adverse or harmful impacts of any significance are

expected and a full scale EIA is not required. The project lies under Category B (no major

environmental impacts expected) for which only an IEE is required.


ANNEXES

Annex 1: Approved Terms of Reference

Government of Nepal



Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project

Project Management Office Panipokhari, Kathmandu

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

FOR

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

LETANG TOWN

WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION PROJECT

MORANG DISTRICT

November - 2012

SSTWSSSP ( Letang Town) TOR for IEE

P a g e | 20 Nov - 2012

Table of Contents

Acronyms

1. Organisation Preparing the Terms of Reference .................................................................. 1

2. Description of the project . ..................................................................................................... 1 2.1 General . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 1 2.2 Component of Town Project . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 2 2.3 Salient Features of the proposed Project . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 6 2.4 Physical Environment of the Project area . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 8 2.5 Resettlement ,Relocation and Compensation Issue . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 9 2.6 Relevancy of the project proposal: . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 9

2.6.1 Threshold Limits for Conducting IEE ................................................................................ 9

3. Approach and methodology to be adopted while preparing the report: . ............................ 10 3.1 Public Consultation Program and Public Notice: . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 11 3.2 Data Analysis and Report Preparation: . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 11

4. Policies, laws, rules manuals to be considered while preparing the report: ...................... 11

5. Time Schedule for IEE Study: . ........................................................................................... 12 5.1 Resource Persons : . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 12

6. Anticipated Impact of the Project : . ..................................................................................... 12 6.1 Physical Impacts . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 13 6.2 Biological Impacts . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 13 6.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 13

7. Analyses of Alternatives to the Proposed Project: .............................................................. 14

8. Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................. 14

9. Matters to be Monitored while Implementing the Project .................................................... 15 9.1 Environmental Management Plan . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 15 9.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 15 9.3 Information Disclosure, Public Consultation and Participation . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 16 9.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 16

10. IEE Report Contents/ Format: . ＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮＮ 17

Annex- Drawing : Project Area & Subsystem Delineation

SSTWSSSP( Letang Town Project) TOR for IEE

Nov- 2012

ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development Bank CI Cast Iron Cum Cubic meter DDC District Development Committee DI Ductile Iron DMA District Metering Area DSC Design & Supervision Consultant DWSS Department of Water Supply and Sewerage EIA Environmental Impact Assessment GI Galvanized Iron HDPE High Density Polyethylene Pipe GoN Government of Nepal IEE Initial Environmental Examination LPCD Liter Per Capita Per Day m3 meter cube (cubic meter) MoUD Ministry of Urban Development MPPW Ministry of Physical Planning and Works NGO Non-Governmental Organization NDWQS Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards OHT Over Head Tank PAC Public Awareness Campaign PMO Project Management Office PPTA Project Preparation Technical Assistance PPM Parts Per Million RT Reservoir Tank SSTWSSSP Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project TDF Town Development Fund TM Transmission Main TOR Term of Reference VDC Village Development Committee WHO World Health Organization WSSDO Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office WUSC Water Users and Sanitation Committee


P a g e | 1 Nov - 2012

1. Organisation Preparing the Terms of Reference

1. The Environmental Protection Regulation 1997 ( amended in 2007) mentions that a Terms of Reference (TOR) for an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required.

2. This Terms of Reference (TOR) has been prepared in order to carry out an IEE for Letang Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Morang District. The proposed proponent is the Project Management Office (PMO) , Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (SSTWSSSP) of Department of Sanitation & Sewerage , Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Nepal is responsible for the preparation of IEE report. Name and address of the proponent is given below:

Name of the Proponent: Project Management Office Second Small Town Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Ministry of Urban Development Government of Nepal Address of the Proponent: Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: 4423848, 4412348 Fax: 4413280 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sstwsssp.gov.np

2. Description of the project

2.1 General

3. The Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (SSTWSSSP) has been

designed with the principles of community management, making it demand responsive and adopting a participatory approach. The project is being implemented under ADB financing in about 20 small towns where inadequate water supply and sanitation have adversely affected the health and quality of life of the people.

4. The Water Users and Sanitation Committee (WUSC) plays a major role in the implementation of the project. WUSC contributes 50% of project cost of which 5-15% will be in the form of up front cash and 35-45 % will be in the form of a loan from the Town Development Fund (TDF). 50% of the project cost will be contributed by Nepal Government.

5. The proposed Letang Town Water Supply Project is located at the Letang VDC in Morang district of Koshi zone. The location is 26

0 45’ North Latitude and 87

0 30’ East Longitude and lies 9 Km north of the

East West Highway. The proposed service area of the project covers ward numbers 1 to 9 of Letang VDC. The project area lies besides the Chisang Khola, Morangi khola area and has southern slopes and altitude varying from 207m to 282m above msl. This is one of the growing VDCs of Morang district situated in the lap of Chure foothills range. Refer figure in Annex for location of the project area.

6. The project area is partly covered by piped water supply system (Ward no 1, partial - 6 and 9). The present drinking water supply system was implemented on BS 2040 by British Government grant under ODA/UK/DWSS. Then constructed Intake at Bhuwa Khola was damaged by earthquake in BS 2045 and washed away by heavy flood. The water supply system in ward no 1(partially) – 7 & 8 was constructed by District Water Supply Office. WUSC has been operating both these systems. Presently, its design limits have been exhausted and there is a demand for its rehabilitation and extension in terms of quality


P a g e | 2 Nov - 2012

and quantity. Further more the water needs treatment to qualify with Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) guideline values.

2.2 Component of Town Project

7. Letang Water Supply Project has been conceptualized as a piped water supply system considering

conjunctive use of sources from subsurface flow of Bhuwa river and ground water from deep tube well . For distribution, part of the system will be from existing 375 m

3 ground reservoir as permitted by the

ground level. For higher elevation an over head tank (OHT) has been proposed. Because of the topography, lay out of the land, the settlement patterns and its existing system, the project has been sub divided into three separate distribution systems. The three subsystems comprise of

I) Bazaar area: Part of this system is presently operating. Water will be distributed from existing

375 m3 and additional 200 m

3 ground reservoir to cater the design demand.

II) Upper Kheruwa area: This portion lies in the relatively higher altitude than the Bazaar one and

thus one 225 m3 OHT is proposed to cater this portion.

III) Phadani Area: This subsystem is situated across the river and covers ward 1(partly) ,7 and 8. A

200 m3

ground reservoir is proposed to cater the need, source being deep tube well in the right bank of Chisang River.

2.2.1 WATER SOURCE

a. Source Location, type and required yield :

8. Bazaar and Upper Kheruwa subsystems will have source from Bhuwa river and deep tubewell. From Bhuwa river 12 liter per second (lps) will be tapped as present. Remaining water will be extracted from ground source. Thus one number of infiltration well (depth 6 m) has been proposed to meet the requirement. The infiltration well is circular 3.75 meter in diameter and 6m deep. The outlet pipe will be located in a manner so that at least 2 m head is available. Such an infiltration well is expected to provide a 12 lps flow. For Phadani sub system a deep tube well is proposed expecting discharge of 15 lps.

Table: Expected yields of proposed sources S.No Subsystems Source Expected

discharge (lps) 1 Bazaar Area Sub Surface water

(infiltration well) + Deep tubewell

12

2 Upper Kheruwa 15

3 Phadani Deep tubewell 15

9. Bhuwa khola is a perennial stream and the stream bed consists of boulders, gravel, and coarse sand which are fully saturated with water and therefore subsurface water can be extracted.

10. Presently no intake structure is found in the Bhuwa River. With the help of temporary channel water is collected in a temporary chamber and then transported through existing transmission pipe to filter / reservoir to distribute.

Refer – Figure: Project Area and Subsystem Delineation included here within Annex for schematic layout of the sub-systems.

Major components of the water supply scheme are briefly described below: b. Reservoir / Overhead Tank

11. The total storage requirement for the system at the end of design period i.e. 2030 is calculated as 1100 m

3. The provision of this quantity has been fulfilled by providing additional reservoirs as mentioned below

in the table.


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Table: Required Reservoirs

c. Transmission mains

12. The existing 150 mm CI transmission line is damaged due to land slide in few places and at some

stretches replaced by GI / HDP pipes of 125 to 110 mm sizes. All these have contributed to low hydraulic characteristics and have effected to design flow requirement. Other section of the pipes are found in good operating condition. Thus these damaged portions will be replaced by 150mm DI pipes.

13. Similarly DI transmission pipes are used in borewell - treatment units - reservoirs. Following table

summarizes the use of transmission pipes.

Table : Transmission pipeline sizes S.No Subsystem Description Diameter

(mm) Existing (length) m

Proposed ( length) m

Total (length) m

1 Upper Kherwua / Main Bazaar subsystem

Dugwell to existing Collection Chamber

200 250 250

2 Borewell -Treatment unit - Reservoir

150 775 775

3 Existing Collection Chambers to Treatment unit

150 2751 562 3313

4 Phadani Borewell -Treatment unit - Reservoir

150 80 80

TOTAL 2751 1667 4418

d. Treatment facilities

14. Existing Slow Sand Filter with roughening filter has capacity to treat 15 lps of water and will be used for treating Bhuwa khola subsurface water.

15. For treating Ground water pressure treatment plants will be used treating ground water for all the subsystems

16. Comparison of test samples both Bhuwa river source and Bore hole sources with NDWQS guideline is presented below .

S.No Sub system Reservoir Sizes (m

3)

Type Remarks

1 Bazaar 375

Ground reservoir

Existing in good condition

200 Ground Based proposed

2 Upper Kheruwa 100 Ground Based RCC

Existing

225 OHT Proposed

3 Phadani 200 Ground Based

Total

1100


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17. Test results of the both of the samples meet the most of the requirements of NDWQS values except for

Aluminium , Iron, and Total Coliform. Similarly to make the water safe from bacteria considerations, disinfecting or killing of pathogenic bacteria is required, and therefore chlorination has to be done.

f. Electrical Facilities/ Pumps

18. The 11KV line is available near the existing reservoir site, and a there exists a 440 volt connection. However a separate 11/0.4 KV- 50 KVA step down transformers have been provided to cater the need of the proposed project. A three -phase power line shall connect the control panel, which will distribute power to different power load points. Generator facility system is also included. Detailed Design of the electrical system has been done and a schematic diagram is presented in Drawings Volume. Submersible pumps of design capacity have been provided for lifting the water from GWT to the OHT in the Upper Kheruwa Subsystem. Accordingly in other subsystems submersible pumps for pumping from deep tube well to treatment unit & GWT have been provided.

Table : Water Quality of Proposed Sources, Letang Town

S.No. Parameter Unit Bore Hole-

Phadani Subsystem

Bhuwa Khola- Main Bazaar and Upper Kheruwa

Subsystem

NDWQS 2062

1 Temperature oC 29.0 27.3

2 pH 7.2 8.0 6.5-8.5

3 Electrical Conductivity µc/cm 167 254 1500

4 Colour TCU <5 <5 5

5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 80 125 1000

6 NH3-N mg/l 0.63 0.49 1.5

7 NO3-N mg/l 0.09 0.13 50

8 Chloride mg/l <1 2 250

9 Total Hardness mg/l 76 124 500

10 Calcium mg/l 56 106

11 Total Alkalinity mg/l 70 112

12 Iron mg/l 0.61 0.54 0.3 (3)*

13 Manganese mg/l ND ND 0.2

14 Arsenic mg/l ND ND 0.05

15 Zinc mg/l ND ND 3

16 Copper mg/l ND ND 1

17 Lead mg/l ND ND 0.01

18 Chromium mg/l ND ND 0.05

19 Cadmium mg/l ND ND 0.003

20 Aluminum mg/l 0.72 0.68 0.2

21 Total coliforms cfu/100 ml 0 992 0

22 Fecal coliforms cfu/100 ml 0 653 0


P a g e | 5 Nov - 2012

Table : Electro Mechanical Facilities

g. Distribution Main

19. The distribution system comprises of pipe network, which consists of mainly loops and branch. The entire system has been designed using Ductile Iron (DI) High Density Polythene (HDP) and Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes. For pipe sizes 200 mm or more DI pipes are used. GI pipes are used only in exposed part eg, bridge crossing etc. Pipe diameters ranging from 50 mm to 315 mm diameter have been used. Existing 4.3 km of pipes are also integrated in this system. New pipe length will be 90.84 km. The total pipe length of the proposed system is about 95.14 Km.

h. House Connections

20. The system has been designed, predominantly as house to house connections. Presently 901 households are having piped water. Initially during construction phase, additional 2691 house connections will be provided to satisfy the need for the base year population.

i. Community / shared taps

21. Community/ shared taps are provided not exceeding 16 numbers. The location of the shared taps will be finalized during construction phase.

j. Appurtenances

22. These will primarily comprise of valve chambers or connector boxes to house in flow control valves for controlling flow in the pipeline and to the community taps etc. Altogether 110 valve chambers are expected in the system. Some road crossing has been initially provided. This will also facilitate for less road cuttings during the operational phase.

k. Pump house

23. Permanent pump houses are not provided but are kept in open as the pumps are of submerged type. Electrical panels’ however are housed inside generator house.

l. Generator/Operator house

24. A permanent generator house to accommodate the generator shall be constructed. In case of failure of power supply the generator shall be used to supply power to the pumps. A permanent area to accommodate the pump operator will be provided in this generator house.

Systems Generator Pumps

Electrical Panels 11 KV line and

transformer

1. Bazar System New Proposed 50 KVA at Reservoir site

Proposed 18.5 KW - 1 #7.5 KW- 1#

New one set at Existing Pani Tanki

For lighting and pumps

New-1 set 50 KVA Transformer

2. Upper Kheruwa System

3. Phadani System New Proposed 30 KVA 7.5 KW- 1 #

Proposed 1set for lighting

New-1 set 50 KVA Transformer


P a g e | 6 Nov - 2012

m. Store and Laboratory Building

25. A chemical store and laboratory building to house in requisite stores and small testing laboratory has been included in the project. These facilities are provided under overhead tank, with an intention of cost reduction.

2.2.2 CAPITAL COST OF WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES

26. The total project cost (water supply component only) for the proposed water supply project has been estimated as Rs. 276,151,418.06. Contingency @15% and VAT @13% are all included. The cost has been based on district rate of Morang (FY 069/70). 2.2.3 SANITATION IMPROVEMENT

27. The sanitation situation of the project area is satisfactorily. In Letang , about 99.7% communities of the

households have latrines. a. Public Toilet

28. There is no public toilet in the project area. Organizations like UNESCO, Rotary Club and Ecca Nepal are also contributing toward the toilets in community school. As discussed with WUSC a public toilet is proposed within buspark area. A 50 users public toilet is proposed. Cost is estimated to be Rs 1.876 million. b. Waste Water management

29. People are found to manage the waste water by collecting in the pit and using in irrigation purpose for kitchen garden. Even in the bazaar area waste water is managed in their backside of house in the pit. Within years to come, however in the bazaar area management of waste water may be required. But still for some years to come a simple sludge drying bed will be better. Brick masonry structure with gravel packing is proposed. Gravel packing will enhance to percolate moisture and dry sludge faster. Dried sludge can be sold to the farmers as organic fertilizer. A suction tank (trailer mounted) is also proposed. Cost of sludge drying bed and trailer mounted suction tank is estimated to be Rs 3.710 million.

2.2.4 CAPITAL COST FOR SANITATION IMPROVEMENT

30. Rs. 8,064,392.56 (including VAT) is estimated for the construction of drain and providing a tractor with trailer.

2.3 Salient Features of the proposed Project

• Project title : Letang Town Water Supply Project (LTWSP) • Technical design parameters : System – 24 hours supply, looped network : Minimal Residual Head – Service Nodes – 7m

: Pipes – DI and HDP • Source Name : Bhuwa River & Ground water • Source Type : Infiltration /Dug Well • Tapped Discharge : (12+15+15=42lps) • Treatment Unit : Conventional Treatment Plant with Slow Sand Filter (SSF) ,

chlorination & pressure filter


P a g e | 7 Nov - 2012

• Storage Tank: : Bazaar Kheruwa 375 cum –existing ( ground reservoir) 200 cum - Proposed (ground reservoir)

Upper Kheruwa 225 cum - proposed (OHT) 100 cum - existing (ground reservoir) Phadani system 200 cum – proposed (ground reservoir)

• Total length of pipe : Transmission- 4.42 km, Distribution- 95.4 km • Household Connection : 4282 # for base year 2015 • Design year population : 30,441 –Design year 2030 • Water demand : 3166.55 m3/ day for design year 2030

Project Funding : Water Supply: GON : 50% Users cash : up to 15% including upfront cash 5% Town Development Fund Loan: 35% -45 %

• Cost of the water supply project : Rs. 276,151,418.06. • Cost of the sanitation Improvement : Rs. Rs. 8,064,392.56

31. Project Funding: Project funding and cost sharing arrangements are presented in the table below:

Table : Project Funding

S. No Particulars Rs (million)

Percentage

A Water Supply

GoN Grant 138.076 50

Users a) up front cash

13.808 5

Users b) Cash 27.615 10

TDF Loan 96.653 35

Sub Total 276.151 100% B Sanitation and

Drainage

ADB/GoN 6.8544 85

Local Body (Municipality, VDC & others)

1.2096 15

Sub Total

8.064 100%

C.

Total project (A+B) 284.215


P a g e | 8 Nov - 2012

2.4 Physical Environment of the Project area

i. Geophysical profile

Topography, Geology and Climate: 32. The proposed project area lies in Terai belt in the Eastern Development Region on the southern portion

of the Churia Hill Region of Nepal. The elevation of the project area is 207-282m above mean sea level. The topography has gentle slope towards south. The area comprises of gravel sand and clay. Tropical type of climate persists; summer is hot while winter is cool. Annual precipitation is about 2000mm.

33. Geologically, Letang is divided in the Quaternary, Lower and Middle Siwalik. It has Quaternary recent

deposit of alluvial, boulders gravel, sand and clay in the flat part to the present market. The north of the Letang market is the lower Siwalk with fine grained sandstone. The present intake area (Bhuwa Khola) of Letang water supply is in the middle Siwalik where fine to medium grained sandstone outcrop can easily be visualized.

Surface and Ground Water:

34. The proposed project area is situated in the banks of two streams ( Chisang Khola and Morange Khola). These river/streams are of perennial type, their sources being high mountains. There exists an old piped water supply system which provides drinking water to about 62 percent of the HHS and the rest use stream/ irrigation channel and other spring sources.

Geo Hydrology

35. The proposed project area lies in terai plain and foothill of the mountains and is composed of thick alluvium deposits which consist of alternative layer of sand, gravel and clay layer of Pleistocene. These permeable layers are in different horizons are considered as a huge ground water basin. Geologically the whole project area known as Bhawer zone consists of coarser sediments (boulder, cobble, gravel and sand).

ii. Ecological Profile

Flora, Fauna and Protected Areas: 36. Deforestation has decreased the flora of the project area but since the concept of community forests has

been introduced, there has been an improvement in the forest cover. Tropical Deciduous Forest area is on the south, west and north east portion of the Project area, and predominantly consists of Sal (Shorea robusta ,Acacia mangium), Sisau (Dalbergia sisoo), Karma (Syzygium aromaticum),Shag ( Carya ovate), Jhamun (Mangifera indica) and Teak (Tectona grandis) . Most of the project area is now the agricultural farm lands.

37. Both large and small mammals including Leopard ( Panthara pardus) , Indian Fox ( Vulpus bengalensis), Chitals (Axis axis), Deers ( Cervidae), Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa), Langoor Monkeys ( Trachypithecus francoisi), Common Mongoose ( Herpestes javanicus) , Squirrel ( Sciuridae) etc are some common names that are found in the area. In addition globally threatened bird species also inhabit vicinity of the area. Long Billed Vulture (Gyps indicus), White Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), etc are also resided besides wet land birds.

38. There are no protected areas in Letang.

iii. Human and Economic Development Population, Communities and Occupation: 39. The population of the project area is 20,393 with the total number of households as 4,020 . Existence of

the ethnic groups and Janajati are in remarkable numbers accounting 51.2 % . Brahmin and Chhetri also holds about 39.6% share in population . The principle occupation of this area is agriculture where 70.8 % of households are engaged. 13.3 % people are engaged in business. Only about 7.7 % of households are found to be dependent on remittances.


P a g e | 9 Nov - 2012

Health and Sanitation: 40. 99.7% of the household surveyed depicts to have latrines. All the community and private schools

possess latrines. Masonry lined storm water drainage can be observed only in the main bazaar. The service area doesnot have sewerage system. The general communicable diseases are found common.

Economic Characteristics: 41. No specific area has been designated for industries. There are a few small scale industries as rice mills

and hotels/ restaurants, shops. Agriculture is the main characteristics. Letang is very famous for cash crops like cardamom, Amriso, ginger, potatoes etc. Cereals like rice, maize and wheat are also produced. Horticulture and live stock raising including poultry is practiced but not in a commercial scale. The people of Letang VDC have also been found attracted towards jobs in foreign country.

Infrastructural Facilities: 42. Letang Town Water Supply & Sanitation Project lies in the foothills of the Chure range and is the

gateway to 6# Budhbare. The project area is linked with earthen/ gravel roads all over. Most of the institutions and some private owners have telephone connections. The project area has electricity facilities and is connected to the national grid. There are 13 schools, 34 government/ non government offices and 1 health post in the service area.

iv. Land use Planning 43. The project area does not have specific land use plan. No planned land use has been observed.

2.5 Resettlement ,Relocation and Compensation Issue

44. Pipelines will be carried on primarily on public rights of way, Government owned or vacant land will be utilized for the project. Similarly for the other structures to be constructed land under WUSC ownership will be used.

2.6 Relevancy of the project proposal: 45. Any development project have some environmental implication, whether beneficial or adverse.

Therefore, it is pertinent to identify the complications/changes apparent in the environmental condition along with the favorable or adverse impacts resulting from the activities associated with the project over the physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area. Similarly the assessment of the magnitude of the impacts is also equally important. The assessment techniques and methods to be adopted may however vary depending upon the nature of the project.

46. In recent years, environmentally sustainable development has become one of the major challenges

faced by different development institutions. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, GoN has introduced a variety of instruments into the country’s development activities. IEE is one of the tools for the environmentally sustainable development.

47. Taking in view of the statutory requirement of GoN, adhered to for the environmental assessment of any

development projects under EPA-2053 & EPR-2054, an IEE study is necessary and thus TOR is prepared. The Schedule – 1 of EPR states to conduct IEE Study:

2.6.1 Threshold Limits for Conducting IEE

48. For Drinking Water Supply Project ,according to Environmental Protection Guidelines, 2054 BS, First Revised (2055 BS) Schedule -1 (Clause G. Drinking Water), IEE is required for following condition :

Particulars Status for proposed Letang Town Project

1) Collection of rain- water in not more than 200 hectares, and use of water sources (springs and wetlands) located within the same area.

Not applicable


P a g e | 10 Nov - 2012

2) Surface water sources with not more than 1

cubic ft. safe yield and supply of not more than 50 percent of the water during the dry season.

Not applicable

3) Processing of water at the rate of 10 to 25 liters per second.

Within limit

4) Recharging up to 50 percent of the total aquifer for the development of underground water source.

Not applicable

5) Construction of not more than one kilometer long tunnels for carrying water

Not applicable

6) Displacement of not more than 100 persons for operating a water supply scheme.

Not applicable

7) Settlement of not more than 500 persons on the upper reaches of water sources

Not applicable

8) Supply of drinking water to population ranging between 2000 and 20000

Within limits

9) Supply of drinking water to a population ranging between 10,000 and 100,000 upon connecting new sources.

Within Limits

10) Installation of more than 20 kilometers long electricity transmission lines for pumping or processing water and consumption of more than one MW of electricity.

Not applicable

11) River training and diversion activities over an area of more than one kilometer.

Not applicable

49. For Drinking Water Supply Project: IEE is required for the water supply scheme having population

between 10,000 – 100,000. Population of the project falls in the strata. Further this is an extension of existing system. Service areas have been added and new sources are to be tapped. Further no people will displaced with the construction / operation of the project. Thus the IEE study has to be carried out.

3. Approach and methodology to be adopted while preparing the report:

50. Initial Environmental Examination report will be based on this Terms of Reference to be approved by the

Ministry of Urban Development, GON. The general methodology to be used in the preparation of IEE report will be as follows:

• Impact Identification 51. In order to to identify the impact a preliminary exercise to solicit information from planners, policy

makers, project components, concerned authorities and the user community will be conducted. 52. Similarly, the reports on hydrology and geo-hydrology, meteorology, geology and others related to the

environment will also be reviewed. • Impact Prediction

53. The consultant shall address the impact details by furnishing information on environmental Physical, Biological, Socio-economic and Cultural Environments. A description of relevant parts of the project, using maps with appropriate scale and photographs and aerial photographs, where necessary, including


P a g e | 11 Nov - 2012

the following information: location, alignment, alternatives, design, standards, pre-construction, construction and post -construction activities, work schedule, staffing and support facilities and services shall be determined. • Impact Evaluation

54. To evaluate the occurrence of the impact, information on mitigation; costs associated with construction activities ( during design , construction and operation and maintenance activities) shall be included.

3.1 Public Consultation Program and Public Notice: 55. Public consultation program in the project area will be organized to inform the broader communities and

to collect the feedbacks and suggestions regarding the issues. This program mainly focus on the awareness about the project plans and programs, building of mutual consensus about the implementation of the project, identification of the key issues to be considered during IEE study and project design.

56. The proponent will affix a notice in the office of Letang VDC and other ward offices, Office of the DDC,

schools , hospitals, health post requesting the concerned authorities and individuals to offer their written opinion and suggestions within fifteen days with regard to the possible impact of the implementation of the proposal on the environment. The notice will also be published in the national daily newspaper. Deeds of the fixing of notice from the concerned offices will be collected and included within the report.

3.2 Data Analysis and Report Preparation: 57. The data collected shall be analyzed to identify both the negative and positive impacts of the project on

the existing environment. During this stage, the socio-economic profile prepared by the NGO shall also be considered for further verification before finalization and identifying and predicting the possible impacts both the adverse and beneficial. The consultant will submit the IEE Draft report within 45 days after approval of TOR. The draft IEE report will be presented to WUSC, local body representative etc. The consultant will incorporate the comments and suggestion made by PMO and WUSC. The consultant will submit the final IEE report within 7 days after receiving comments from PMO.

58. The proponent shall submit fifteen copies of the proposal to the concerned Ministry (MoUD) in accordance with Rule 10 of the EPR, 1997 for the approval of the proposal.

4. Policies, laws, rules and manuals to be taken into account while preparing

the report: 59. The IEE should also be conducted in compliance with the following Policies, laws, Acts, Regulations ,

Standards and Guidelines : Policies:

i) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation National Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2060 B.S. (2004 AD)

ii) Water Supply and Sanitation National Policy and Strategy 2060 B.S. (2004 AD) iii) Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Policy 2066 B.S. (2009 AD) iv) ADB's " Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) " 2066 BS ( 2009 AD)

Acts and Regulation:

i) National Park and Wild Life Conservation Act 2030 BS (1974 AD) ii) Land Acquisition Act 2034BS (1978 AD) iii) Soil and watershed Area Conservation Act 2039 BS ( 1983 AD) iv) Labour Act 2048 BS ( 1992 AD) v) Water Resources Act, 2049 BS (1992 AD) vi) Forest Act 2049 BS (1992 AD) vii) Forest Regulations 2050 BS ( 1993 AD)


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viii) Environmental Protection Act, 2053 BS (1996 AD) ix) Environmental Protection Regulation, 2054 BS (with Amendment) x) Local Self Governance Act 2055 BS (1999 AD) xi) Aquatic Animals Protection Act 1961 and First Amendment 2055 BS (1999 AD) xii) Local Self Governance Regulations 2056 BS (2000 AD) xiii) Child Labour prohibition and Regulation Act 2056 BS ( 2001 AD) xiv) Water Supply and Sanitation Regulation 2062 BS (2005 AD)

Standards and Guidelines • National EIA Guidelines 2050 B.S. (1993 AD) • National Drinking Water Quality Standards 2062 B.S. (2005 AD) • Water Resources Strategy , 2055 B.S. (2002 AD)

5. Time Schedule for IEE Study: 60. Time schedule envisaged for the IEE study is as follows

Duration: Within Two months of the approval of TOR. Proposed Schedule of work for IEE Report Preparation

S.No Activities / Week 1 wk 2 wk 3 wk 4 wk 5 wk 6 wk 7 wk 8 wk

1 TOR Approval

2 Public Notification

3 Field investigation, experts view / focus group session and collection of public opinion

4 Preparation and submission of Draft Report

5 Collection of comments and suggestions

6 Preparation and submission of Final Report

Budget: Estimated budget for this IEE study is Rs.2,00,000.

5.1 Resource Persons : 61. Following inter-disciplinary human resources will be engaged with the co-ordination of team leader. The

team mainly consists of :

a. Environmental safeguard specialist b. Water Supply Engineer c. Sociologist. d. Geo-hydrologist e. Botanist

6. Anticipated Impact of the Project :

62. A distinction shall be made between the potentially significant positive and adverse impacts and immediate and long term impacts. Impacts that are unavoidable or irreversible shall be identified. Where ever possible, the significant impacts shall be quantified in terms of environment costs and benefits.

63. The impacts shall be identified mainly for the activities pre-construction and post construction (O&M) phase on the existing physical, biological and socio-economic resources.


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64. As a part of the study, enhancement of the positive impacts shall also be carried out. The potential impacts that shall be assessed are grouped into three major impacts as follows:

6.1 Physical Impacts 65. Land: The possible changes in the land use pattern of the area shall be studied giving focus to

landslide, erosion, and environmental aesthetics degradation.

66. Water: The possibility of negative impacts on surface water, ground water, wastewater problems and obstruction to natural drainage shall be studied carefully. Apart from this, the study shall also focus on the source dispute and water use conflicts if exist.

67. Air & Noise: The deterioration in the ambient air quality and noise & vibration disturbance during the construction and operation phases shall be studied to recommend the mitigation measures.

68. Soils & Geology: The degradation in the soils and geological status of the project area due to the

project and its associated activities shall be studied. The consequences of the erosion and landslides due to the project shall also be studied.

69. Hydrology: The modification that will be brought by the implementation of the project in the river

hydrology will be studied along with the consequences (adverse or positive) resulted from the project. In addition, the riparian flow as well as minimum discharge of the river /water source after abstraction of the design flow will be studied in accordance with the requirements of the environmental flow envisaged by the acts and regulations.

70. Others: Other parameters, if any, such as: quarry site impact, spoil disposal impact, waste materials disposal impact etc., identified during the study shall be incorporated in the report. In addition to this, cumulative impacts shall also be considered during the identification of the impacts of the project on the natural settings of the environment.

6.2 Biological Impacts 71. Flora (Forest & Terrestrial Vegetation): Change in forest cover/forest clearance, extinction of rare and

endangered species of floral species, timber exploitation, firewood extraction etc. due to the project shall be studied to assess the losses to the vegetation and to suggest suitable mitigation measures.

72. Wildlife and Terrestrial Fauna: Change in the terrestrial wildlife, avi-fauna and aquatic life including

fish, extinction of rare and endangered species, loss of habitat, sensitive habitat, migratory routes, construction disturbances, hunting and poaching by workforce, destruction of spawning and rearing of ground of fish, impact on fishermen etc. due to the project shall be suitably incorporated in the IEE report.

73. Others: Other parameters, if any, such as permanent disturbances to the vegetation coverage, local wildlife etc. identified during the study shall be incorporated in the report along with their cumulative effects on the environment.

6.3 Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts 74. The socio-economic and cultural impacts can be wide ranging in their nature. So the study shall

incorporate the factors like; occupational health and safety impact, Health and sanitation impact, land acquisition and compensation impact, Impact on women and vulnerable, impact on local economy, migration problem, resettlement & rehabilitation problems, change in land use pattern, change in nearby land values, slum creation hazard, impact on education, encroachment of cultural sites, law and order problem, generation of employment, impacts due to influx of workers and resulting cultural differences hazards.

75. While preparing the report any issues / impacts found relevant will be included in the report, besides the

issues /impacts mentioned in this TOR


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7. Analyses of Alternatives to the Proposed Project:

76. The alternative analysis of the project shall be conducted during the study to minimize the possible negative environmental impacts. Alternative measures to the proposed project to meet the same project objectives will have to be described in following aspects: • Project Location (setting) • Design • Technology choice • Construction techniques • Operation and Maintenance.

77. Alternatives in terms of potential environmental impacts, capital and operating costs and institutional training and monitoring requirements should be described. Costs and benefits of each alternative should be quantified (wherever possible); incorporating the estimated costs of any associated mitigation measures.

8. Mitigation Measures

78. Suitable, cost effective and environmentally friendly mitigation measures shall be recommended during the preparation of IEE report for all the perceived impacts to minimize the environmental impacts of project implementation. In general the following area shall be covered while preparing mitigation measures:

i. Project design and preparation Phase

ii. Project construction phase

iii. Project operation and maintenance phase

79. In general the following impacts are expected, which will be addressed in IEE report in detail.

1. Environmental problems relating to project sitting/ project location phase:

- Encroachment to private/ public property - Disturbance of cultural resources, historic sites, vegetation, wetland, surface draining,

and wildlife - Land use or location conflicts - Conflicts in water allocation - Conflicts due to inadequate compensation if private land is use.

2. Environmental problems relating to project planning and design phase:

- Degradation of areas through repeated access and increased use - Securing physical access to site - Demolition and disposal of existing structures - Degradation of surface waters by soil erosion from distributed areas - Discharge of drilling slurries and produced waters - Waste equipment servicing and sanitary and domestic wastes - Taking of test borings within proposed rights of way - Clear cutting and disposal of vegetation - On-site transport of materials and storage of materials and supplies - Controlling over-extraction of groundwater and runoff damages - Adequacy of primary water treatment plants installation - Quality of water pipes laid down in distribution system - Securing safe water and planning of adequate excess drainage discharge system.

3. Environmental problems relating to project construction phase: - Runoff and sedimentation from grading for track roads and alteration of hydrological

patterns due to maintenance roads


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- Loss of land use and population relocation disturbances due to placement of pipes, construction materials and substations

- Secondary development of shops, temporary sheds and trails during construction generating waste in surrounding area.

4. Environmental problems relating to project operation phase:

- Increased demands on services and facilities in local communities - Social and cultural conflicts concern with water distribution, excess water discharge and

maintenance - Use of local surface water or groundwater - Contamination of groundwater and detection of water borne diseases - Detection of chemical contamination such as Arsenic, Iron, Nitrate etc. in water causing

additional costs incurred in the removal of hazardous chemicals.

80. Concerned agencies like SSTWSSSP, DWSS, WSSDO and local agencies, local administration office shall be consulted during the implementation of mitigation measures.

9. Matters to be Monitored while Implementing the Project

9.1 Environmental Management Plan 81. The project proponent has to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to systematically manage all the

perceived environmental impacts of the project. It shall be therefore based on the mitigation measures for the project induced impacts. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has a dual purpose. It is designed to monitor the contractor's work during project implementation. It helps to check contractual compliance with specified mitigation measures. It also helps in making periodic checks on the actual environmental impacts of the Project over the years following completion of the works, and compares these with those impacts anticipated at the time of Project appraisal. The EMP therefore provides the necessary feedback required for correcting potentially serious Project deficiencies, and for planning of other projects.

82. The EMP shall include the responsibilities of different stakeholders based on preliminary plans and schedules. This program shall include measures required during the project design, construction and operational phases and shall include recommendations on allocation of components of the EMP to the various parties involved. Feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent/mitigate/reduce significant negative impacts should be recommended in an Environmental Management Plan. The impacts and costs associated with implementing the measures will have to be detailed. The EMP will include proposed work programs, budget estimates, schedules, staffing and training requirements, and other support services to implement the mitigating measures.

9.2 Environmental Monitoring Plan

83. The project will develop Environmental Monitoring Program for the pre-construction, construction and post construction activities of the project. The program will evaluate: (i) the extent and severity of the adverse environmental impacts as compared to what was predicted, (ii) how effective the mitigating measures were and compliance with the regulations and (iii) overall effectiveness of the EMP.

84. The environmental monitoring of the project includes field supervision and reporting of project activities prior to and during the project construction and operation in order to ensure that the works are being carried out in accordance to the approved design and that the environmental mitigation measures are fully implemented in accordance with the EMP.

85. The DSC will prepare progress reports on EMP implementation and submits to relevant agencies on regular basis. The WSSDO Morang will supervise the environmental monitoring activities undertaken by DSC.

86. Monitoring of the mitigation measures during the construction and operation phase will be mainly considered the

impacts of followings :


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a) Construction Phase: Soil erosion, sedimentation and slope stabilization; spoil-tip protection and

management; stock taking of species of urban vegetation during vegetation clearance along pipeline

alignments and re-plantation; change in hydrology and morphology of streams and rivers; water, air and

noise (vibration) pollution; solid waste; land intake and compensation; reinstatement of damaged

structures and services; crime and community stress; health, safety and sanitation of the work force and

camps; archaeological and cultural sites and chance finds; and traffic management.

b) Operation Phase: Discharge of water during plant maintenance, leakage, backwash, treatment

operations; silt disposal; quality of drinking water supplies; pipe flushing.

87. Monitoring mechanism: The monitoring mechanism during construction will be of regular type whereas baseline monitoring, compliance monitoring and process monitoring shall have to be done during the operation and maintenance phase. The monitoring team shall visit the project site and monitor the effectiveness of the implementation of mitigation measures.

9.3 Information Disclosure, Public Consultation and Participation

88. Public consultation is the process of exchanging information with those persons and organizations with a legitimate interest in a project and/or who are likely to be affected by the project (stakeholders). It is a two-way process that informs and involves the community in developing a project, and informs the proponent about issues and concerns, which can then be addressed in project design. Information disclosure involves stakeholders in monitoring the development and implementation of a project and fosters openness in decision-making by presenting documents and other project materials for public scrutiny.

89. The consultation and disclosure involves consultation with stakeholders at an early stage of project preparation, and throughout project implementation. As a minimum, stakeholders will be consulted regarding the scope of the environmental study before work has commenced in earnest, and should then be informed about the likely impacts of the project and proposed mitigation once the draft IEE report is under preparation. The report should record the views of stakeholders and indicate how these have been taken into account in project development.

90. Information is disclosed through public consultation and more formally by making documents and other materials

available in a form and at a location in which they can be easily accessed by stakeholders. This normally involves making draft reports available (in the local language) at public locations in the community and providing a mechanism for the receipt of comments and making documents available more widely.

91. Public consultation and involvement should be given highest priority in the implementation of mitigation

measures. Public consultation should take place and on the basis of decision of the consultation meeting, implementation of mitigation measures should be prioritized and should be carried out with the involvement of the local people.

92. Monitoring is one of the components of EMP. The results of monitoring should also be disclosed in the form of demonstration, charts, figures, graphs, and samples, etc.. to the local people, school students and other interested stakeholders. In the process of compliance monitoring of the project construction, local people and construction workers should be consulted.

9.4 Grievance Redress Mechanism

93. The WSSDO Morang will be responsible to address the issues and problems raised by the local communities regarding the loss of assets, water and sanitation etc. during the implementation of the project. The WSSDO shall ask the Environment Specialist of the DSC to assist in the handling of grievances and the community level stakeholders should be encouraged to help in the handling of grievances at the project sites.

94. The affected person / community will submit grievances / complaints to the Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office (WSSDO). The WSSDO will try to solve the grievance at the project level. If the grievance cannot be solved at the project level, WSSDO will forward it to Director General (DG)'s Office at Kathmandu through SSTWSSP.


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10. IEE Report Contents/ Format:

95. IEE report shall be prepared as per this TOR and shall be submitted to MoUD through SSTWSSSP. The basic format of the report will be in accordance with the EPR, 1997 and National EIA Guidelines, 1993. Land use map of location sites, letters obtained from the stakeholders in response to public notification, and the newspaper cut piece of public notification and no objection letter from district office will be included in the IEE report. Similarly, wherever applicable maps, photographs, tables and matrix shall be presented. The format for the IEE report should include, but not limited the following:

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Purpose of the Report

2. Basis and extent of the IEE study a. ADB Policy

b. National Act and Rules

c. Policies and Legal Framework of KUKL

d. Objectives and Scope of the Environmental Study

e. Approach and Methodology

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

1. Existing Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Infrastructure

a. Water Supply

b. Sanitation

c. Drainage

2. Type, category and need of the Subprojects

3. Size or magnitude of operation

4. Proposed schedule for implementation

5. Description of the Subprojects

Table: Components of Subprojects



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C. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Physical Resources

Topography Geology and soils, seismology Climate and air quality Water Resources Surface water and quality

Groundwater and quality Ecological Resources National Parks and protected areas Forests (including rare or endangered species)

Flora Fauna

Fisheries/aquatic biology

3. Social and cultural resources Population and communities Health facilities

Educational facilities

Socio-economic conditions (community structure, family structure, social well-being)

Physical or cultural heritage

Employment Slums and Squatter Settlements

6. Economic Development and Prospects for Growth

Land Use Infrastructure

Transportation Drinking Water Supply

Surface Drainage, Sanitation & Sewerage Electricity

Communications Economic Characteristics

Industries Agricultural development

Mineral development Tourism development

Development organisations Major Environmental Problems Health and Sanitation


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D. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

1. Pre-construction Phase

a. Environmental impacts due to project design

2. Construction Phase

a. Environmental impacts due to project construction

i.Physical Environment ii.Biological Environment iii.Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment

Compensation and rehabilitation as per the Resettlement Plan (RP)

Reinstatement of damaged community services and infrastructure Influx of outside workforce, money and unwanted activities Health and safety a. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

b. Community Health and Safety Dislocation of archaeological artifacts Traffic management 3. Operational Phase

Residual Impacts

Potential Environmental Enhancement Measures

Trans-boundary and Cumulative Impacts

E. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES WITH AND WITHOUT PROJECT SITUATIONS

F. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION

G. GRIEVANCE AND REDRESS MECHANISM

H. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

H1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OBJECTIVES H2 MONITORING & MITIGATION PLAN H3 IMPLENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

a. Environmental Procedures and Institutions b. Reporting procedures c. Procurement plan & environmental monitoring & mitigation cost estimates d. Project Implementation Schedule

I. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

96. While preparing the report any issue / impacts found relevant will be included in the report, besides the issues /impacts mentioned in this TOR

97. The proponent shall submit fifteen copies of the final IEE Report of this project to the concerned Ministry (MoUD) in accordance with Rule 10 of the EPR, 2054 (1997)

ANNEX : DRAWINGS

Annex 2: Rapid Environmental Assessment

SSTWSSSP- Letang Town Project

REA- 1

Water supply

RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLISTS


REA- 2

Water supply

RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST

Instructions: (i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is

to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by the Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.

(ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.

(iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential

impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title: Sector Division:

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

A. Project Siting Is the project area…

Densely populated? No Population density is about 15.50 per hectare.

Heavy with development activities?

No No such development activity except road surface improvement programme.

Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas?

• Cultural heritage site

No No remarkable sites

• Protected Area

No No protected area

• Wetland

No No Wetlands.

• Mangrove

No Found in the forest but not within project area

• Estuarine

Not Applicable

• Buffer zone of protected area

No No buffers zone of protected area

• Special area for protecting biodiversity

No No such area.

• Bay

No NA

Small Town Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Project

Water Supply


REA- 3

Water supply


B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause…

pollution of raw water supply from upstream wastewater discharge from communities, industries, agriculture, and soil erosion runoff?

No Scattered settlement is about 3 Km upstream of proposed sub surface source, The tubewells will be located in isolated land. The distributed water is to comply with the National Drinking Water Quality Standards.

impairment of historical/cultural monuments/areas and loss/damage to these sites?

No Not expected

hazard of land subsidence caused by excessive ground water pumping?

No To avoid ground subsidence and over exploitation, pump tests will be carried out and the results will control the abstraction rate

social conflicts arising from displacement of communities ?

No No displacement required

conflicts in abstraction of raw water for water supply with other beneficial water uses for surface and ground waters?

No This is a rehabilitation and extension project of the existing one.

unsatisfactory raw water supply (e.g. excessive pathogens or mineral constituents)?

No The raw water quality in the area meets the National Drinking Water Quality Standards. Only disinfection will be required before distribution.

delivery of unsafe water to distribution system?

No Water will be disinfected to meet the National Drinking Water Quality Standards.

inadequate protection of intake works or wells, leading to pollution of water supply?

No Fencing and other protection works of water intakes to prevent pollution of water supply, and will be accessible only to authorized persons. The water will also be regularly monitored to ensure only treated water is distributed.

over pumping of ground water, leading to salinization and ground subsidence?

No Pump tests will be carried out and the results will control the abstraction rate.

excessive algal growth in storage reservoir?

No Storage reservoirs are only for treated water. The water will be chlorinated and the reservoirs covered to prevent algal growth

increase in production of sewage beyond capabilities of community facilities?

No Regular septage pumping is planned and will be dried in the sludge drying bed to be constructed by this project.

inadequate disposal of sludge from water treatment plants?

No Disposal of sludge to be done at designated sites as per the EMP.


REA- 4

Water supply


inadequate buffer zone around pumping and treatment plants to alleviate noise and other possible nuisances and protect facilities?

No Noise impacts to be monitored. Furthermore, the tubewells will be located in an isolated area away from the settlement.

impairments associated with transmission lines and access roads?

Yes Expected during pipe-laying but impacts will be temporary and short in duration. Traffic density is very low. A section-wise approach will also limit impairments to traffic and businesses during construction.

health hazards arising from inadequate design of facilities for receiving, storing, and handling of chlorine and other hazardous chemicals.

No Main dealing chemical is clorine. Rubber Gloves, boots , mask are provided and training will be provided for proper handling and storage of chlorine.

health and safety hazards to workers from handling and management of chlorine used for disinfection, other contaminants, and biological and physical hazards during project construction and operation?

No Personal protective equipment will be provided to workers. Regular training will also be conducted to ensure that workers are aware of the health hazards of chemicals.

dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people?

No Tubewell and reservoir complex belongs to WUSC, no involuntary resettlement is required.

disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups?

No The subproject will not affect indigenous peoples or other vulnerable groups. It will be beneficial to women and children as water will be available in their home and fetching water will no more be a problem. The contractor will be encouraged to engage from the local labor force.

noise and dust from construction activities?

Yes Expected but impacts will be temporary and short in duration. Water sprinkler will be used for mitigation of dust.

increased road traffic due to interference of construction activities?

yes Expected but impacts will be temporary and short in duration, as present traffic density is very low

continuing soil erosion/silt runoff from construction operations?

No Quick backfilling will prevent the soil erosion

delivery of unsafe water due to poor O&M treatment processes (especially mud accumulations in filters) and inadequate chlorination due to lack of adequate monitoring of chlorine residuals in distribution systems?

No Any distributed water to comply with the National Drinking Water Quality Standards and addressed in the EMP.

delivery of water to distribution system, which is corrosive due to inadequate attention to feeding of corrective chemicals?

No The O&M manuals to be developed and will be addressed in O & M manual.


REA- 5

Water supply


accidental leakage of chlorine gas?

No Chlorine gas will not be used instead calcium hypochlorite will be used in the chlorination process.

excessive abstraction of water affecting downstream water users?

No No surface water is extracted. Subsurface water of 12 lps and 15 *2 lps from bore wells is abstracted.

competing uses of water?

No Approval has been received to use 27 lps from concerned Authority. (only 12 lps has been proposed to use).

increased sewage flow due to increased water supply

No Population density is low. Increased sewage will be easily managed within the individual house by making pit.

increased volume of sullage (wastewater from cooking and washing) and sludge from wastewater treatment plant

No Bazaar has good drainage system with adequate slope. Regular maintenance of the drains will mitigate the increased volume. In other parts settlement is still rural setting and can be easily managed within backyard of house.

large population influx during project construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?

No Priority in employment will be given to local residents. Construction contractors will be required to provide a worker’s camp, with basic facilities.

social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are hired?

No Local people will be given priority for employment

risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during operation and construction?

No Construction will not involve use of explosives and chemicals. Excavation ,trenching will be done manually.

community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

No Construction areas will be clearly demarcated and access controlled. Only workers and project staff will be allowed to visit operational sites.


REA- 6

Water supply

* Hazards are potentially damaging physical events.

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Questions The following questions are not for environmental categorization. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks.

Yes No Remarks

• Is the Project area subject to hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, tropical cyclone winds, storm surges, tsunami or volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I)?

Not applicable

Could changes in temperature, precipitation, or extreme events patterns over the Project lifespan affect technical or financial sustainability (e.g., changes in rainfall patterns disrupt reliability of water supply; sea level rise creates salinity intrusion into proposed water supply source)?

Not applicable

Are there any demographic or socio-economic aspects of the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g.,high incidence of marginalized populations, rural-urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)?

No Not applicable

Could the Project potentially increase the climate or disaster vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g., by using water from a vulnerable source that is relied upon by many user groups, or encouraging settlement in earthquake zones)?

No Not applicable

Annex 3: Public Notice

Annex 4: Deed of Inquiry

Annex 5: Water Quality Test Report

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