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ELCTRICITY GENRATING AUTHORITY OF THAILAND

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF

LAM TA KHONG PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT

FINAL REPORTVOLUME 1-2:Summary Report

Prepared by:

KNON KARN UNIVERSITYM11rh 1992 L li -

VO)L.UME=S C>MPEFlI S I1NC; T H IS piE3..E

I-I : Summary Report (in Thai)

I-2 : Summary Report (in English)

II Environmental Impact Assessment

III-1 : Recommended Environmental Impact Mitigation Plan and

Monitoring Program (in Thai)

III-2 : Recommended Environmental Impact Mitigation Plan and

Monitoring Program (in English)

IV : Environmental Economics Analysis

V Appendices

-i i-

Our Ref.: 0504.7/ 1787

Khon Kaen UniversityKhon Kaen 40002.

March 9, 1992

General ManagerElectricity Generating Authority of ThailandNonthaburi 11000

Dear Sir:

It Is our pleasure to submit with this letter the final reportof the Environmental Impact Assessment of Lam Ta Khong PumpedStorage Project.

The report was prepared in seven volumes:

Volume I-1 : Summary Report (in Thai)Volume I-2 : Summary Report (in English)Volume rr : Environmental Impact AssessmentVolume III-1: Recommended Environmental Impact Mitigation

Plan and Monitoring Program (in Thai)Volume III-2: Recommended Environmental Impact Mitigation

Plan and Monitoring Program (in English)Volume IV : Environmental Economics Analysis (in English)Volume V : Appendices (in English)

We would like to again, express our gratitude for yourselection of Khon Kaen University to conduct this study. Wecan ascertain that our expertise In the various disciplineshad been utilized to the fullest extent in the course of thestudy. And we do hope the results of the work would besatisfactory and provide sufficient data for the continuingscheme on your part.

Yours Sincerely,

Nopadol TongsopitPresident

-iii-

Throughout the eithteen-month study period of this project

multidisciplinary data and information have been collected

from various sources, both in the project vicinity and in

Bangkok offices, by the various members of this study team.

Cooperation and hospitality rendered by all of the following

concerned offices to the study team are hereby gratefully

acknowledged.

- The Royal Irrigation Department

- Lam Ta Khong Irrigation Office

- Regional Irrigation Office 6

- Climatology Division, The Meteorological Department

- Nakhon Ratchasima Highway District

- Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Health Office

- Si Khiu District Health Office

- Pak Chong District Health Office

We also owe deep appreciation to the EGAT's staff, without

which the study would have been Inadequate.

-ivr-

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r3 STAFF

rroject Management r

Vanasri Bunyaratpan, M.Eng. Project Director

Supachal Suetrong: M.Agri.Econ. Deputy Project Director

Jirasak Jindarojana, H.S.C.E. Project Manager

Suparerk Sinsupan, M Eng. Project Coordinator

Technical Core Team

Jlrasak Jindarojana, M.S.C.E. Environmental Engineer/

Task Leader

Varasri Bunyaratpan, M.Eng. Sanitary Engineer

Suparerk Sinsupan, M.Eng. Environmental Engineer

Supachai Suetrong, M.Agri.Econ. Agricultural Economist

Kitti Akamphon, M.Sc. Envlronmental Biologist

Alk Vathana, M.Sc. Ecologist (Preliminary

Stage)

Surface Water Hydrology

Wirote Chaiyadhuma, Ph.D. Water Resources

Engineer/Task Leader

Groundwater Hydrology

Chalong Buaphan, M.Sc. Scientist/Task Leader

Surface and Ground Water Quality

Vanasri Bunyaratpan, M.Eng. Sanitary Engineer/Task

Leader

Samran Ruangsri, M.Sc. Public Health Scientist

Paibool Bunyakanjana,Dip.in Sanltary Engineer

San.Eng.

Chutima Kukusamude, M.Sc. Scientist

-vii-

Meteorology

Wirote Chaiyadhuma, Ph.D. Water Resources

Engineer/Task Leader

Atmospheric Quality

Jlrasak Jindarojana, M.S.C.E. Environmental Engineer/

Task Leader

Suparerk Sinsupan, M.Eng. Environmental Engineer

Soil Fertility Erosion and Sedimentation

Charat Mongkolsawat, Dr.Eng. Soil Scientist/Task

Leader

Geology Seismology and Mineral Resources

Winit Youngme, H.Sc. Geologist/Task Leader

Aquatic Biology

Kitti Akamphon, M.Sc. Environmental Biologist/

Task Leader

Aik Vathana, M.Sc. Ecologist

Sam-ang Homchuen, M.Sc. Biologist

Fisheries

Prapast Chalorkpunrut, M.Sc. Fishery Specialist/Task

Leader

Pnrnehai Jaruratjamorn, M.Sc. Fishery Specialist

Parasitology

Smarn Tesana, N.Sc. Parasitolocist/Task

Leader

-viii-

Forest Wildlife and Rare Species

Aik Vathana, M.Sc. Ecologist/Task Leader

Kitti Akamphon, M.Sc. Environmental Blologist

Sam-ang Homchuen, M.Sc. Biologlst

Irrigation

Maitree Juangpanich, M.Sc. Water Resources

Engineer/Task Leader

Water Supply

Suparerk Sinsupan, M.Eng. Environmental Engineer/

Task Leader

Palbool Bunyakanjana, Dip.in Sanitary Engineer

San.Eng.

Samran Ruansri, M.Sc. Public Health Scientist

Water Pollution and Control

Jirasak Jindarojana, M.S.C.E. Environmental Engineer/

Task Leader

Flood Control

Wirote Chalyadhuma, Ph.D. Water Resources

Engineer/Task Leader

Water Balances

Wirote Chaiyadhuma, Ph.D. Water Resources

Engineer/Task Leader

Landuses and Dedicated Area Uses

Charat Mongkolsawat, Dr.Eng. Soil Scientist/Task

Leader

- ix-

Aquaculture

Pornchal Jaruratjamorn, M.Sc. Fishery Specialist/

Task Leader

Prapast Chalorkpunrut, M.Sc. Fishery Specialist

Reforestation

AIk Vathana, M.Sc. Ecologist/Task Leader

Agriculture

Kanha Bunpromma, M.Sc. Agronomist/Task Leader

Highway Railway and Navigation

Pongrid Klungboonkrong, M.Eng. Civil Engineer/Task

Leader

Electricity Generation and Transmission

Supawadee Swatdiponphallop, K.Sc. Electrical Engineer/

Task Leader

Phongsak Binsomprasong, M.Sc. Electrical Engineer

Recreation Development

Thada Sutthitham, M.Arch. Architect/Task Leader

Weerawan Sitisara, M.Arch. Architect

Socio-Economics and Institution

Supachai Suetrong, M.Agri. Agricultural Economist/

Econ. Task Leader

Paitoon Kachmart, M.Sc. Agricultural Economist

Juckrit Hormchan, Ph.D. Soil Scientist

Piansak Pakdee, M.Sc. Agricultural Economist

-x-

Resettlement Relocation and Compensation

Supachai Suetrong, M.Agri. Agricultural Economist/

Econ. Task Leader

Paitoon Kachmart, M.Sc. Agricultural Economist

Piansak Pakdee, M.Sc. Agricultural Economist

Public Health and Public Safety

Theera Ruttaworn, H.P.H. Public Health Specialist/

Task Leader

Thirapong Thiramanus, M.S. Public Health Specialist

Historical and Archaeological Values

Surapol Natapintu, M.Sc. Archaeologist/Task Leader

Thada Sutthitham, M.Arch. Architect

Aesthetic Values

Weerawan Sitisara, M.Arch. Architect/Task Leader

Thada Sutthitham, M.Arch. Architect

Environmental Economics

Vute Wangwacharakul, Ph.D. En';ironmental Economist/

Task Leader

Mitigation Plan Development

The Technical Core Team

Buares Prachaiyo M.S. Forestry Management

Specialist

Boonsri Prabnasak M.A. Public Relation

Specialist

-xi -

Editorial Staff

The Technical Core Team

Woralap Sangvatanachai, Dip.Higher Technical Writing

Ed. Expert/Task Leader

Sasi Jungsatitkul, M.Sc. Technical Writing Expert

Report Preparation

Sopa Sakcharoen Typist

Vallapa Phomkul Computerized Graphic

Operator

Wiriya Klumrienthong Draft Technician

-xii-

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

OF

LAN TA KRONG PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT

FINAL REPORT

VOLUME 1-2: SUMMARY REPORT

Table of Contents

Page

Frontispiece

Letter of Transmittal i£

Acknowledgements iv

EIA License v

Confirmation Statement vi

Project Staff vii

Table of Contents xiii

Glossary and Abbreviations xv

Conversion Table xviii

1. INTRODUCTION I

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 8

2.1 PROJECT SITE AND OBJECTIVIES 8

2.2 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS 8

3. PHYSICAL RESOURCES 14

3.1 SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY 14

3.2 GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY 14

3.3 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY 16

3.4 METEOROLOGY 18

3.5 ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY 18

3.6 SOIL FERTILITY, EROSION, AND SEDIMENTATION 20

3.7 GEOLOGY, SEISMOLOGY, AND MINERAL RESOURCES 20

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 22

4.1 AQUATIC BIOLOGY 22

4.2 FISHERY 24

-xiii-

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Page

4.3 AQUATIC PARASITERS 24

4.4 FOREST, WILDLIFE, AND RERE SPECIES 25

5. HUMAN USE VALUES 26

5.1 IRRIGATION 26

5.2 WATER SUPPLY 26

5.3 WATER POLLUTION AND CONTROL 29

5.4 FLOOD CONTROL 32

5.5 WATER BALANCE 32

5.6 LAND USE 33

5.7 AQUACULTURE 33

5.8 REFORESTATION 35

5.9 AGRICULTURE 35

4.10 HIGHWAY, RAILWAY, AND NAVIGATION 36-

5.11 ELECTRICITY 37

5.12 RECREATION DEVELOPMENT 38

6. QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES 39

6.1 SOCIO-ECONOMICS AND INSTITUTION 39

6.2 COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMENT 39

6.3 PUBLIC HEALTH 41

6.4 HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUES 41

6.5 AESTHETIC VALUES 41

7. INTEGRATED IMPACT ASSESSMENT 43

7.1 LAND 43

7.2 WATER 46

7.3 SOCIO-ECONOMICS 49

7.4 IMPACT ON THE WATERSHED AREA CLASS 1A 51

8. ENVIRONIENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION AND MONITORING 54

8-.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION 54

8.2 MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL 55

9. ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 60

-xiv-

C31J ASE;Pln ANX:ND ABE3REC V IALT ION-S

A Amphoe, district.

AADT Annual average daily traffic

Alka Alkalinity, mg/l as CaCO

AMC Antecedent soil moisture

As Arsenic

Avg Average

B Ban, village

BOD Biochemical oxygen demand

Co Degree Celcius

C Concentration, crop management factor

Ca Calcium

CaCO3 Calcium carbonate

CBOD Caboneteous biochemical oxygen demand

Cd Cadmium

C1 Chloride

cm Centimeter

cms, CMS, cu m/sec Cuble meter per second

CN Cyanide

CN Curve number

Cu Copper

cu mid, CMD, ma/d Cubic meter per day

cu m/mo Cubic meter per month

DO Dissolved oxygen

DOH Department of Highway

EGAT Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

ELEV, elv Elevation

f Photoperiod

F Forage fish, accumulate infiltration

Fe Iron

g Gram

gm/fr3fd Gram per square meter per day

g/rai Gram per rai

H Spatial average of water depth

ha Hectare

Hard Hardness, mg/l as CaCO3

-xv-

Hg Mercury

hr, HR Hour

I. Surface light intensity

Ia Initial abstraction

JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency

K Soil erodibility factor

KKU Khon Kaen University

Km Kilumeter

KV Kilovolt

kw Kilowatt

K cal/cm2 Kilo - Calorie per square centimeter

Lat Latitude

Long Longitude

LS Slope factor

n2 Square meter

no, CU.M Cubic meter

m2 /d Square meter per day

me/hr, cu m/hr Cubic meter per hour

m 3 /min Cubic meter per minute

-ax Maximum

Mcm Million cubic meter

MCM/yr Million cubic meter per year

meq Milliequivalent

mg Magnesium

mg/l Milligram per liter

min Minimum

ml Milliliter

mm Millimeter

Mn Manganese

MPN Most probable number

MPN/100 ml Most probable number/100 milliliterMSL, msl Mean sea level

MW Megawatt

in meter

m/d Meter per dayNEB The National Environment Board

NH3-N Ammonia nitrogen

Ni Nickel

-xvi-

N03-N Nitrate nitrogen

NTU Nephelometric turbidity unit

Org-N Organic Nitrogen

P Total rainfall, phosphorus

Pb Lead

Phy Phytoplankton

P0 4 Phosphate

a Runoff volume, outflowR Rating scale, rainfall factorS Potential maximum retention time from SCSSCS Soil Conservation ServiceSecc Secohi disc depth

sq m, m2 Square meter

T Temperature

T Coliform Total coliform

Turb Turbidity, NTU

T/ha/yr Ton per hectare per year

u Induced water current velocity

ug/1 Hicrogram per literus Micro Siemen

USLE Universal Soil Loss Equation

V Water volume

W Weighting scale

WQI Water quality index -

Zn Zince

-xvii-

CONVSSION TASLE

1 inch 2.54 cm1 inch 25.4 mm

I uL le 1.6093 km1 km 0.6214 milesI ft 0.3048 m1 m 3.28 ft1 va 2 m1 ft 2 0.0929 l 2

r2e 10.7584 ft 2

1 hectare 6.25 rais1 acre 2.53 rais1 klm2 100 hectares1 rat = 1,600 n2

1 ngan 400 l 2

1 ft 3 0.0283 ma

1 Vs = 35.31 ft2

1 mcm = 1,000,000 m3

1 cfs 0.0283 cms1 cms 35.31 cfs1 HkWh = 1,000,000 kWh1 GWh - 1,000,000 - kWh

1 MW - 1,000 kW

= 't11000,000 W

1 kg 2.205 pounds1 ton = 1,000 kg

ENVIRONMTAIRL nMPACT ASSESSMENT

OFLAN TA KEONG PUMED STORAGE PROJECT

FINAL REPORTVOLUME 1-2: SUMARY REORT

1 . ThI]I.CTI O

BACKGROUND

The Environmental Impact Assessment of Lam Ta Khong Pumped

Storage Project represent another continual attempt of the

Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in its

routine undertaking to preserve national environment and to

enhance its development project benificial to the nation

development.

The Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project is a hydro-electric

power project, located at the border line between Si Khiu and

Pak Chong Districts, Nakhon Ratchasima. The major components

of the Project include an upper reservoir; an underground

power house, tunnels, a switchyard and transmission lines.

The existing Lam Ta Khong reservoir, at present under the

responsibility of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will

be used as the lower reservoir. An upper reservoir will be

constructed on top of a mountain so that water from the lower

reservoir can be pumped up and stored in the upper reservoir.

The stored water will be released with pressure to generate

power during the peak demanding period.

The Project will Inevitable involve certain environmental

aspects, namely the requirement of an area for the

construction site and the use of the former Lam Ta Khong

reservoir as the lower reservoir. These two points can

possibly cause impacts on the environmental resources/values.

This is particularly true with the construction site which

covers an area of three sq km being located in the area

categorized under the watershed classification 1B. A detailed

t9\1r.t.. SM2TO- -L--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~LGN

KEY AND LOCATION MAP

Location Map of Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project

-2-

environmental impact study must be carried out in order that

the Project can be taken under the consideration of the

National Environment Board (NEB).

Khon Kaen University (KKU) was assigned the task to carry

out this environmental Impact study during an 18-month

period from Auguse 1990 to February 1992.

OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF STUDY

The ultimate purpose of the study was the preparation of the

environmental impact assessment (EIA) which was closely con-

formed with NEB guidelines and associated documents for

government approval of the Project.

Specific objectives of the study were as follows:

1) To define the study area which would be

directly and indirectly affected by the deve-

lopment of the proposed Project.

2) To describe the existing characteristics and

quality of all environmental resources and

values of the study area.

3) To characterize the physical, biological, and

socio-economic aspects that would affect the

project and/or alternate the Project design,

the Project cost and benefits.

4) To identify the principal changes of the

environment that may possibly be expected as a

result of the Project development.

5) To examine the effect, evaluate and predict the

short and long term impacts of the proposed

Project upon the environmental resources and

values, including also the degree of signifi-

cance and magnitude of the predicted impacts.

6) To recommend practical approaches and means in

developing the proposed project that would con-

form with governmental criteria regarding the

-3-

water resources and landuse management

designated for the classified watershed.

7) To recommend short and long term guidelines for

the prevention or mitigation of the adverse

effects and/or the maximization of the positive

results of the proposed project.

8) Based on the findings of the study, to recom-

mend the appropriate environmental monitoring

program with the relevant manpower estimate for

the proposed project.

scope

The study involves collectlon, analysis, and interpretation

of literature, existing data, and data collected during the

study period that allow accurate evaluation and prediction

of impacts of the Project upon the environmental resources/

values as well as for development of recommendations for

mitigation and compensation/resettlement plannings, and the

environmental monitoring programs.

SETHODOLOGY

Two aspects of study were predetermined; the first aspect to

be one of the normal EIA conforming with NEB guidelines and

the other aspect to enable appropriate selection of the upper

reservoir site.

The determination of the scope and study areas was achieved

through an ecological analysis in which the elements of the

system, land, water, and human were taken into consideration.

Thus, five areas were selected according to the relationships

between the ecological system and the Project, namely:

Area I: Lan Ta Khong reservoir tad its vicinity including

water ecological system and the living conditions of the

community around the reservoir.

-4-

/E - //x/ I - -

I Lam Ts Khong Reservoirand viclnity

II Right bank alternativesite for upper reservoirand waterway

E\ &fi//E// / / -/ \ /III Left bank alternativesite for upper reservoir

IV Downstream irrigation area-/ ' / V Nakhon Ratchasima urban

area and districts In thevicinity

Spatial Extent and SubdivisLon for EIAof Lam Ta Ihong Pumped Storage Project

I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Area I:: The proposed right bank alternative sites for upper

reservoir including three alternative sites for upper

reservoir.

Area II:I The proposed left bank alternative site for upperreservoir bearing similar characteristics as the second area

and was chosen as the comparative study area.

Area IV: Downstream lrrigation area which requires water from

the existing Lam Ta Khong reservoir for lrrigation.

Area V: Nakhon Ratchasiua urban area and districts in the

vicinity where the rate of population and industrial growths

were high, demandlng water from Lam Ta Khong reservoir.

The environmental Impact assessment study was conducted onthe four major environmental resources and values as

stipulated by NEB, namely: 1) physical resources, 2)

ecological resources, 3) human use values, and 4) quality

of life values. The study covered all of the above areas

according to their direct and Indirect environmental

relationships with the Project. In addition, environmental

economics were analyzed.

In carrying out the study, personnel from various discipllnes

were asked to participate according to their areas of

expertise. A technical core team was appointed in order that

the study was coherent and in unity.

ORDER OP PRESENTATION

This report consists of the following topics which were

concluded from the results of the study:

1. Introduction. This topic deals with the back-

ground of the Project, its scope and objectives,

methodology and order of presentation.

-6-

2. Project Description. This topic presents the

characteristics of the Project and the activities

related to the environment.

3. Physical. resources/ 4. Ecological resources/ 5.

Mumn Use values/ 6. Quality of life values.

These four topics present the conclusion of the

results of study on the present conditions,

trends, and envirornmental assessment classifled

by the environmental resources and values In that

order.

7. Integrated Impact Assessment. This topic presents

the assessment of the environmental impacts which

had been Integrated Into three parts of an ecolo-

gical system: land, water, and human. Then

necessary mitigation and environmental develop-

ment plans are identified.

S. Environmental Impact Mitigation and the Moni-

toring Program. This topic deals with the

preventive and development plans which Include

preliminary plan, plan during construction

period, long-term plan, and the environmental

monitoring during the implementation period.

9. Environmental Economic Analysis. This presents

the conclusion of the environmental economics

analysis by taklng into account the cost and

benefits of the Project, on the basis of

engineering as well as environment.

-7-

2.1 PROJECT XITE AND OBJECTIVES

Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project is a hydropower project

situated on the border line between Si Khiu and Pak Chong

Districts, Nakhon Ratchasima. The distances from Muanq

District, Saraburi, and Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima are

82 km and 70 km respectively. The Electricity Generation

Authority of Thailand was supported by Japan International

Cooperation Agency to conduct the feasibllity study of the

Project. This study was conducted on the primary

appropriateness in terms of engineering, economics, and

environmental and was completed in 1991. The operation of

the Project will comprise two phases: the first is the

installation of two 250 MW generators, totalling a capacity

of 500 MW, and the second phase is the installation of other

500 MW generators. Thus, the total capacity will be 1,000 MW.

The objectives of Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project is to

generate electricity as a supplement for the generation

during peak period of demand. This will reduce the

investment cost for the increase of generation capacity

because the cost per unit of production of this system is

relatively low.

2.2 PROJECT CEARACTERISTICS

The Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project consists of

constructions of a reservoir on a mountain, an underground

power house, underground tunnels, switchyard, and trans-

mission lines joining the project with the existing system.

Brief characteristics of each of the Project components are

as follows:

-8-

Reservoir. The reservolr Is of rockfill type with an asphalt

facing to prevent water from seeping out. The dam crest hight

of the reservoir is 60 m. The volume of rocks used in

constructing the basin is 6.2 mil cu m the reservoir can

store water up to the height of 660 m (MSL) and the volume

of 10.3-mul cu m, with the water surface area of 0.34 sq km.

Underground Powerhouse. The underground powerhouse Is 300 m

below the ground surface with a width of 22 m a length of 117

a and a height of 45.7 m. The generators will be installed

In two phases.

Phase 1 2 x 250 MW generators

Phase 2 2 x 250 MW generators

Penstock. The penstock joins the upper reservoir with the

underground powerhouse with an inner diameter of 5.8-2.6 m

and a length of 690 m.

Tailace Tunnel. The water tunnel joins the underground

powerhouse and Lam Ta Khong reservoir. It has an inner

diameter of 4.9-6.6 a and a length of 1,470 m.

Transmission Line. During the first phase, transmission

lines capacity of 230 KV for 4 circuits are used to connect

with the existing 230 KV lines from the Saraburi substation

2 and the Nakhon Ratchasima substation 2. The connected

distance is 15 km. As for the second phase, double-circuit

230 KV lines are used to connect with Tha Lan substation 3

for a distance of 95 km.

Uvitcbyard and Control Building. The area of the switchyard

and the control building is 40 m wide and 110 rA long. Gas

Insulated Switchgears (GIS) are used.

-_9-

7

P!I,R��ERVOIR

LOWER RESERVOIRTOCK (LAW TA RHONO RESERVOIR)

WITCHYARDPOVERHOUSE TAILRACE TUNN

ob LRACE OUT ET

STORAGE-PROJEC, "T.

General Project Description of Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage

Project.

Components Unit Phase I Pbase II

RESERVOIR:

Type _ Rock fill with _

Asphalt Facing

Height 60

Crest Length ..HSL 2,210 _

Voluse lol .3 6.2

Normal High Vater m.HSL 60b

Level (NHRL)

Low Water Level m.HSL 620 _

Total Storage Capacity 10° *3 10.3

Effective Storage Capacity loll 3 9.9

StrrfacL Area at NRHL km2 0.3

INTAKE:

Type Horning-glory

Inner Dianeter h 18.0-5.8

Length . 51.0

Number 2

PENSTOCK:

Type Inclined Sbaft

Embedded Steel

Inner Diameter a 5.e-2.6

Length 690

TAILRACE TUNNEL:

Type Concrete Lined

Pressure Type

Inner Diameter a 4.90-6.60

Length m 1,470

(To be continued)

-11-

. ~~~

General Project Description of Lan Ta Khong Pumped Storage

Project. (Continued)

Components Unit Phase I Phase II

POWER HOUSE:

Type _ Underground Type

Size - width n 22.0

- Length a 117.0

- Height o 45.7

TURBINE/GENERATOR:

Turbine:

Type _ Vertical Sbaft Fra is type reversible

pump-turbine

Number Unit 2 2

Hsaxiuu Gross Head o 357.0 357.0

Haximuu Poaer Discharge - u3 /sec 85 85

Rated Output MV 255 255

GENERITOR:

Type _ 3-Phase AC Synchron us Generator-Motor

Number Unit 2 2

Frequency Hz 50 50

Revolving Speed rpm 375 375

IRANSHISSION LINE:

Connection To Sarsburi-Nakhon atchasima Existing

230 KV line

Nominal Voltage KV 230 230

Number of Circuit ect 4 2

Length km 15 95

POWER GENERATION:

Max. Power Discharge m3 /sec 2x82.5 4x82.5

Normal Effective Head a 375 375Installed Capacity Nv 2x250 4x250

(lo be continued)

-12-

General Project Descrlptlon of Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage

Project. (Continued)

Components Unit Phase I Phase II

Annual Operating Hours brs 800 400

Generating Capability of hrs 8 8

Continuous Operation

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD: yr. 3 yr 9 mo. 3 yr

Comoissioning 1997 1999

-13-

:3. PHEYE ICLAL~ I] S3CLl1

3.1 SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY

The Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project was dubious of its

relation with the surface water hydrology due to Its usage of

the Lam Ta Khong reservoir as the lower reservoir, its

construction of intake and outlet structures and its

construction of the upper reservolr on the top of a mountain

whose surface area is 0.34 sq km. Two areas will be required

for muck disposal which will be on the mountain and at the

edge of the lower reservoir. Rehabilitation will be

undertaken along with landscaping of the Project areas. The

topography of the present Project areas is mainly

deteriorated forest land, with no big trees. The upper

reservoir construction area will be small and will be located

on the highest contour line. There is no watershed area on

the upper reservoir except for the direct receiving of rain

on its surface with the capacity of 500 cu m per mm. If no

construction is carried out, half of this amount i.e., 250

cu m per mm will flow to the lower reservoir while the

other half will flow to other areas. Thus, this construction

will not interfere with the surface water hydrology.

3.2 GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY

Due to the construction of the upper reservoir on the

mountain top, groundwater hydrology of the concerned areas

required an investigation before the Project commencement.

From the study, groundwater in the areas occurs inconsolidated sedimentary rocks of Korat Group, which consist

of sandstone, siltstone in unconfined and confined aquifer.

The depths of groundwater are from less than 10 m to nearly

50 m below the land surface. The amount of groundwater is

relatively small in these aquifers except for the fractures,

cracks, joints, bedding planes where yields are moderate.

The upper reservoir construction site has the groundwater

depths between 14 to 48 m from the ground surface. During

-14-

the heavy rain in October 1990, the grQund-water levels rose

about 5-30 m from the original levels. The Project cons-

truction will affect the groundwater hydrology by loweringabout 36 m of the underlay water level from the normal level

aSt the center of the reservoir or about 10 m under the

reservoir base.

3.3 URFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALI

The Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project pumps the water from

Lam-Ta Khong reservoir to storage in the upper reservoirduring low-demanding period. This amount of water is used to

operate the generator during peak periods. The water from

the generator will flow into the lower reservoir. Such

operation will bring about an impact on the quality of water

and so a study was required. Eight surface water sample

collection sites were determined, seven of which were

scattered in Lam Ta Khong reservoir, and the otehr in Lam Ta

Rhong river upstream. There was also a groundwater collectionsite at the groundwater well of Wat Khao Noi. Six collections

were carried out during the period from October 1990 to

August 1991. The samples were analyzed for their physical,

chemical, and biological characteristics. In addition, water

and sediment from seven sites in 1am Ta Khong were collected

and analysed for pesticides three times during the course of

study. The results of the analysis are shown hereunder:

Surfacs Water Quality

Physichl Characteristics. Water turbidity fluctuated

according to seasons, reaching the highest value in the rainy

season (1,960.NTU). When there was no rain the value was

between 2.6 and 53 NTU. Temperature also varied with the'

seasons, the highest value being 27.9 °C in the summer and

the lowest being 22.0 oC in the winter.

Chemical Characteristics. In general, the chemical charac-

teristics of the water remained more or less the same

-16-

throughout the year. In the rainy season, the quality of

water degraded slightly for a short period.

Biological Characteristics. The highest bacterial areas In

the rainy season were at the inflow points. Less bacteria

were detected in other zones. At the sampling site near

Nakhon Ratchasima water supply intake point, the highest

amount of bacteria detected was 13 MPN/100 ml, which showed

that the biological quality of water was very good.

Pesticidal Characteristics. Organochlorine pesticide was

detected In the upstream area of the reservoir in October,and in the central part of the reservoir in December, 1990.

However, the amounts recorded at the two sampling points were

very low, less than 0.1 and 0.2 ug/l respectively. No

detection of the pjesticide was reported in other areas and

very little amount could be observed in the sediment.

Groundwater Quality

Physical Characteristics. Turbidity was the evident

fluctuating physical characteristic of the groundwater.

After heavy rain turbidity was found to increase. In other

seasons there was not much diffarence in turbidity levels.

Chemical Characteristics. It was found that groundwater

contained high amounts of total dissolved solids, alkalinity,

and conductivity throughout the year.

Conclusion

The quality of surface water and groundwater in the Project

area, in terms of physical, chemical, biological, and

pesticidal characteristics, was within the fresh water

standard of ONEB.

The Project impacts on the water quality would be in terms of

its physical characteristics. Turbidlty would increase

-27-

during the construction perlod, which ls only short-term.

During the Project operation, which is a long term, turbidity

changes will be only slight and do not affect the raw water

used by Nakhon Ratchasima Waterwork. This Is because the

intake point is 4.5 km fat from the outlet point. As far as

the chemical characteristic of the water Is concerned, the

amount of dissolved oxygen will lessen slightly at the outlet

point due to the pumping up samall living organisms, e.g.

fish into the tunnel and killed and the dispersion of

sediment at the releasing point. This, however, will not

last for a long period due to the action of strong winds in

the area which result in the motion of surface water. Thus,

the amount of oxygen in water can increase rapidly. The

biological characteristic of the water will remain the same.

It can therefore be expected that this Project has no impact

on the quality of water.

3.4 METEOROLOGY

The study of meteorology in the Project area was aimed at

obtailing basic data for the analysis of environmental

impacts. The study revealed that in the area the general

amount of rainfall ranged from 7LO to 1,200 mm per year, the

highest amount was found from August to October. The lowest

average temperatures were in December and January, about

14 oC. The highest average temperatures were in April, about

34 oC. The lowest relative humidity of about 65% was recorded

in March, while the highest value of 75% was detected in

September. The average annual evaporation rates were in the

range of 1,500-1,900 mm per year. The area in general is

deteriorated forest land where villagers grow crops for

their subsistence. As the upper reservoir will cover an area

of only 0.34 sq km no impacts can be anticipated on this

basis.

3.5 ATMOSPHERIC QUALITY

The study of the atmospheric quality was conducted only at

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the construction site and the surrounding area emphasizing

the adverse effects which might occur durlng the

construction.

At present, the general atmospheric condltions are normal.

Air pollution found In the area Is caused from Mittraparp

Highway along Lam Ta Khong reservoir, where traffic volumes

are high. The pollution is from noise as well as vehicle

exhausts. However, since the area is an open land area with

good ventilation, air pollution cannot be said to exist.

During the construction of the Project, the quality of air in

the area may be affected because of vehicle exhausts, dusts,

smoke, and vibration from different activities carried out on

the surface construction slte, as shown underneath:

Construction Site Activities Air Pollution/Violence VJ

Exhaust Dust Noise Smoke Vibration

Upper reservoir -Digging, hauling 1 4 2

-Concrete work - 2 2 -

-Asphalt work - 2 2 3

-Maintenance of 1 - 2 - -

machinery

-Transportation 2 2 2 - 2

Switchyard -Tunnelling - 3 4 - 4

Intake-outlet -Construction - - 2 - 2

disposal area -Rock filling 2 4 2 - 2

LJ Violence 1 - very low 2 - low 3 -moderate 4 - high

-19-

3.6 SOIL FERTILITY, EROSION, AND SEDIKENTATION

The Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project environmental Impact

assessment on the basis of soil fertility, erosion, and sedi-

mentation was conducted in order to evaluate the soil

fertility level and the severity of soil erosion in the

Project site, and the level of impacts from sedimentation on

water resources particularly Lam Ta Khong reservolr.

The study showed that the soil in the construction area is

low in fertility. Soil loss from erosion has a wide range of

severity, from 0.64 tons/hectare/year to more than 800 tons/

hectare/year, depending mainly on the slope of ground

surface.

The suspended load in the reservoir was investigated from

Landsat imagery taken In November, 1990. The result shows

that the suspended load near the dam site was lower than that

of the upstream area, and the suspended load on the left side

of the reservoir was lower than that on the riqht side.

The Project construction site Is located on low fertile land,

and so no damage will occur. Nevertheless, during the

construction period soil erosion severity and sedimentation

In water resources may increase. After the completion of the

construction and when reforestation is undertaken, the

severity will be lessened.

3.7 GEOLOGY, SEISMOLOGY, AND MINERAL RESOURCES

The construction involved in the pumped storage project is a

large scale one which includes not only the reservoir

construction on the mountain but the installation of under-

ground tunnels as well as an underground powerhouse. The

Project, the first one of its kind in Thailand, therefore

required a study on geoloy, seismology and mineral resources

in order to obtain adequate information for the planning. The

study showed that the Project area is located at the

-20-

southwest margin of Khorat plateau. The bedrock consists of

sandstone, siltstone, shale, and claystone, white to reddish

brown in color. The layers of rocks are In the horizontal

north-east direction. The rocks are of the Jurassic age. No

evidence of large-scale movement was observed in the area

whlch will obstruct the construction. The site is In a stable

seismic region with the recorded earthquake intensity not

exceeding 5 in intensity of Marcalli scale (less than 4.5

Richter). The potentiality that an earthquake may happen is

very little.

The characteristics of rock layers in the area, the

measuremenat of radioactive elements, and the under water

sediment analysis do not reveal any commercially valuable

minerals.

-21-

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOJ3zE3

4.1 AQUATIC BXOLOGY

The study of the aquatic biology In Lam Ta Khong reservoir

was a general aquatic biological study aiming at collecting

basic Information on the conditions of living organisms In

the water which had an Important role In the ecology of the

water source and fi.hery resources.

This study detected six phyla and 33 species of plankton

which consisted of four phyla and 22 species of phytoplankton

and two phyla and 11 species of zooplankton. In the cold and

dry season, plankton density was relatively high whereas in

the rainy season it was rather low. Primary productivity and

chlorophyll a content were in the range of 121-2,866 mg

Clm3ld and 0.017-1.339 mg/n3, respectively. In the cold and

dry seasons these two parameters became apparently higher

than ln the rainy season. Ten famllies and 14 species of

aquatic weeds were found, most of which were submerged

species. The dominant species found were Potamogeton crispus,P. polygonlf'olIus, and Hydrille vertlcillat3. Two benthicanimal species were observed, wlth Corbicular sp. being the

dominant species. In an overall view, the production

potential was higher in the upper reach than in the lower

reach of the reservoir. The impact from the construction

will be.of a short duration and will affect only a limited

area. The impact likely to occur during the operational

perlod is the loss of plankton when the water is being pumped

through the intake tunnel. However, the pumping of water can

bring a good result, i.e., nutrients overturn will enhance

the growth of plankton. The degree of impact from the Project

operation upon the plankton population depends largely on the

percentage of water volume in the lower reservoir belng

pumped up. During the rainy season where the water level in

the lower reservoir is high, less impact will be taken place.

On the contrary, the impact increases when the water level

decreases in the dry season.

-22-

4.2 PI8HERY

Lam Ta Khong reservoir is one of the major fishery sources of

the population of Pak Chong and Si Khiu Districts. This

stud'y was aimed at investigating the fishery resources and at

anticipating the potential impacts from the Project's

activities.

The inspection of fish samples in the reservolr by seining

method and by collection from fishermen in the area from

December 1990 to August 1991 revealed 24 species of flsh.

Twenty two species were native species while the other two

were specles added from other sources. These could be

classified into 14 families and 19 genera, with Cyprinids

ranking first in number, i.e., 7 species. Then classified

according to their feeding habits, 13 species were forage

fish and eleven were carnivorous fish. Eight species were of

commercial values. Six were classified as abundant species.

During the study period, six species were found at their

ovary resting stage. The average standing crop of fish was

2.83 kg per rai and the average forage/carnivorous fish ratio

(F/C) was 1.49.

The Increasing water turbidity and the interference of their

thriving places during the construction period would bear a

small impact on the fish population. However, the

operational period is likely to bring about some effects on

the fishery resources. Fish population and their fingerlings

living and feeding at the intake point will be especially

disturbed or killed by being pumped into the hiyjh-pressure

tunnel.

4.3 AQUATIC PARASITES

Infections from a large number of parasites were spread

through mollusks. The most widespread disease found among

the North-east population Is the liver fluke disease. The

study investigated mollusk population and the annual rate of

-24-

carriers, from October 1990 to May 1991. The Investigation

by manual collection in the rainy season showed dead shells

of three species of clams, and 4 species of snails. In the

cold season and summer two species of alive clams were found

together with five species of snails. Mollusk population and

their sizes increased in the summer. No parasitic infection

was detected among the sampled mollusks.

4.4 FOREST, WILDLIFE, AND RARE SPECIES

The environmental impact assessment study of a project would

not be complete without adequate information on flora and

fauna in the Project areas of- concern. This information

would be used to appropriately determine the values of those

areas. The study emphasized the ecological conditions of

animal and plant lives so as to anticipate the potential

impacts of the Project.

The study revealed that the Project site would cover the

areas on the mountain where forest conditions have already

been deteriorated. Only seasonal weeds and few timber

species were found. Few small animals could be observed. No

big game Aammals were at all found.

Since the ecological values of the agricultural land on the

mountain where the Project site will be situated are fairly

low, the impacts will also be very little.

-25-

HUA S VALUES

5.1 IRRIGATION

The study of the amount of irrigation water was aimed at

finding the amount allocated for different crops in the

downstream areas during the dry and the rainy seasons, both

at present and in the future. The results of the study would

help improve the efficiency of the allocation of water for

other activities.

Lam Ta Khong Irrigation Project supplies water to the

irrigation areas through the eleven diversion dams. In the

rainy season, irrigated land covers an area of 127,540 rai.

During the dry season, the Project can supply water to only

some parts of the areas due to the amount left after the

rain. Usually, 1,800 rai of land near the reservoir is

irrigated for second paddy, 36,070 rai is irrigated for mung

bean growing, 360 rai for soybean, 6,565 rai for peanut, and

3,500 rai for vegetable cropping. When the Project pumps

water up to generate electricity, no impact is anticipated to

occur to the former irrigation project or to future

operation. This is because in the rainy season the amount

from the reservoir demanded by the Project is already low;

the irrigated areas turn to use rain water, or water from the

.downstream instead. In the dry season, the supply is not

affected either because the Project is circulating water.

When the water level is lower than the level to supply to the

lower reach, the Project can still operate.

5.2 WATER SUPPLY

The environmental impact study of Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage

Project required a consideration of the amount of water

consumption in the communities downstream which depends on

raw water from Lam Ta Khong reservoir. This was in order to

assess the demand for water of these communities, and other

activities, which could affect the allocation of water at

-26-

present as well as In the future. the sample communities

were divided into six groups, namely: (1) Nakhon Ratchasima

municipality (2) districts and sub-districts located in

sanitary districts (3) governmental units, (4) vlllages with

waterworks, (5) village relying on Lam Ta Khong, and (6)

Outskirt factories.

The study disclosed the present consumptive amount of 22.597

million cu m per year gr it is equivalent to 7.8 % of the

effective storage (290 MCM), as shown hereunder:

Consumptlon Rate

Consumer groups Million cu m/year

1) Nakhon Ratchasima munlelpality 13.632

2) Amphoe and tambon located In 1.729

sanitary districts

3) Governmental units 3.035

4) Village with waterwork 0.560

5) Village relying on Lam Ta Khong 0.843

6) Outskist factories 2.798

Total 22.597

The environmental impact assessment showed that the above

figures would not cause any impacts during the constructionof the Project. Long-term impact when the Project is inoperation is also little since the amount of water required

by the power plant is only 3.41 % of the reservoir effectivestorage (290 million cu i). In addition, water can be pumped

from the dead storage zone. The maximum demand for watersupply activities evaluated from the future consumption of

ten years (1991-2000) is 57.712 million cu a, or 20% of the

effective storage of Lam Ta Khong reservoir. This amount

will not disturb the reservoir water capacity. The amount

pumped up to storage in the upper reservoir will not affect

-28-

water demand downstream either. However, as water in Lam Ta

Khong is used for many activities, problems that may arise

can be alleviated by well-planned management program.

5.3 WATER POLLUTION AND CONTROL

The study of water pollution and control was carried out in

order to evaluate the pollution conditions, and the present

and future pollution control related to the Project. The

impacts from the Project were also investigated and

controlling measures were recommended as appropriate.

The study involved two water bodies, namely Lam Ta Khong

reservoir which will be used as the lower reservoir, and the

lower reach river from Lam Ta Khong Dam passing Nakhon

Ratchasima to the Moon river, totalling a distance of 110 km.

In the study, physical and hydrological data were collected

as well as the discharge of waste from various sources.

These, together with information obtained from field surveys

were compiled in order to develop mathematical models for the

analysis and decision of means to control pollution. The

results are as follow:

Lam Ta Khong Reservoir

From the investigation of physical characteristics and the

biochemical changes of the. water, it can be concluded that

the reservoir is not very deep. Good mixing and seasonal

changes could be observed due to inflow-outflow and other

external factors which enhance the seasonal changes of the

physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

The analysis of ecological conditions in the reservoir was

conducted by means of the mathematical models developed. The

relationships among the main components were revealed, which

included zooplankton, fish, and nutritnts. The results of the

analysis showed that in general the water conditions are

good. The biological conditions and fish products are low

because of low inflow of nutrients.

-29-

During the Project construction, slight impact could occur

due to erosion and sedimentation at the construction site in

the rainy season. Long-term impacts may arise from the

dally pumping and releasing of water which could destroy some

of the fish and plankton. The mathematical models showed

that impact on plankton is little, but could reduce fish

population to a great extent because the rate of replacement

of fish is rather low. However, if fish can be prevented

from being pumped into the tunnel, the impact will be

lessened. The severity of Impact on fish and plankton also

depends on the annual storage volume of the reservoir. The

severity will be higher in the year with low water. For

other water qualities, no impact can be anticipated from the

Project.

Lam Ta Ihang River

The survey conducted during the low-flow period, which was

the critical period of the dry season of 1990 showed that the

conditions of the river in the 90 km reach from the dam to

the area before reaching Nakhon Ratchasima municipality were

good. When the river received wastes from the city, It

became polluted all through its lower reach. This happened

for a period of about six months (Jan - Jun).

The major cause of the pollution was the dumping of sewage

and garbage from thie communities into the river. The

Municipality of Nakhon Ratchasima was in the progress of

solving this problem by installing sewers and a treatment

system which have been in operation since 1991. The

sanitation in the community has also been improved. The

analysis by mathematical models, based on a two-alternatLve

management comparison of the dry season increase of flow and

the reduction of pollution loading, was conducted. It turned

out that the possible and suitable means to approach this

problem should be an implementation toward the reduction of

pollution loading by reducing garbage and waste discharge by

Nakhon Ratchasima communities. This can be achieved through

-30-

the expansion of the service area of the sewerage system.

Garbage dumping should also be controlled. The operation of

the Project ltself does not have any impact on the pollution

in Lam Ta Khong river, whether it ls long-term or short-term.

5.4 FLOOD CONTROL

The aim of this study was to investigate how Lam Ta Khong

Pumped Storage Project would affect the flood controlling

operation of Lam Ta Khong reservoir.

The study revealed that the reservoir could control flood

problems if the water volume does not exceed 0o%. Water

could be released without causing any problem in the

downstream, no matter whether it is durlng construction or

operation period. However, If the water level is high, flood

could occur in the downstream areas. This was calculated

from the 400 year flood, and so is unlikely to happen.

5.5 WATER BALANCE

The study of water balance was aimed at analyzing the water

management and water balance in Lam Ta Khong reservoir at

present. Then the future means for water balancing in

relation with the operation of the pumped storage project

were lnvestigated.

The study of the ten-year consumption of water using the

inflow rates in 1963-1972 cart be concluded as follows:

In the period of project operation, the water level will

fluctuate between 0.811 and 0.118 meters when the level in

the lower reservoir is 261-277 a. This means an increase of

1.10-0.40t loss if the water level is 268.5-277 m. This

problem can be solved by gate operation. Due to the presence

of the upper reservoir, evaporation loss during the first

year of operation is lessened because of the initial water

volume. In the following year, the reverse will be true. In

-32-

the long run, the presence of the upper reservoir will cause

an average of 0.25% increase of evaporation loss.

In the future when water demand Increases, waterwork and

industry should lay a good plan for their water consumption

in order to be able to approach a problem that may arise.

Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project will not be the only

cause of such problem as this used to happen before In the

past.

5.6 LAND USE

The study of land use covered a wide area using satellite

imagery as its basic information source. In the study,

patterns of land use and land utilization were classified so

as to evaluate the impact from the pumped storage project

more accurately.

The majority of land was used for field crops and fruit

trees. Field crops include maize and cassava, while fruit

trees Include cashew nut and jackfruit. Native species were

rarely found. Grass was found to cover the areas while no

valuable species could be detected.

The change of land use patterns from the presence of this

Project does not bear any impact on other environmental

factors.

5.7 AQOUCULTURE

The irrigated areas in Lam Ta Khong river has a high

potentiality for developing aguaculture especially fish.

This study was to survey aqaculture patterns and their

potentiality in the areas. In Lam Ta Khong reservoir and the

vicinity fish farmers could be divided into two groups. The

first group breeds fish for subsistence and so the adoptedmethod is an integrated fish-farm system where crops aregrown and animals are reared in the fish ponds. The second

-33-

is better than the first group. The farmers would rear fish

demanded by the market in Nakhon Ratchasima, e.g., Thai catfish Claries macroceppalus, African cat fish C. gariepinus,

and their hybrlds.

It Is anticipated that Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage Project

will not have any impact on aquaculture practised in Lam Ta

Khong areas.

5.8 REFORESTATION

Big trees are rarely found in the Project area. The general

conditions are not suitable for animals to live.. It Is

therefore necessary to improve this area by planting more

trees which would enhance the scenic values and at the same

time maintain soil ercc ,n protection. From the study,

reforestation on Kao Tian - Kao Kuan Lan should include soil-

improving species for animals and birds to feed. Beautiful

flower trees and temperate garden flowers should also- beplanted to increase the bea't

As a result, the ecological conditions of the area will be

better, the soil and river sources will be improved.

5 .9 AGRICULTURE

Irrigated areas in Lam Ta Khong lower reach covers 127,540

rai. 104,735 rai can be irrigated to grow rainy season crops.

98,855 rai of this is used for paddy fields, and 5,880 rai

for vegetables. In the dry season, second paddy and

vegetables can be grown in areas not exceeding 5,000 rai

because of the lack of irrigated water. Most of the land is

paddy field with well-drained fertile sandy clay, loam, and

black paddy soil. The second crop grown by farmers is

usually mung bean.

-35-

5.10 HIGHWAY, RLILWAY, AND NAVIGATEON

The study of the Project impacts on communication was divided

into three parts based on communication routes, namely

highway, railway, and navigation. The objectives were to

study the conditions and traffic volume of these routes and

to assess the future trends. The results are as follow:

Highway National Highway No.2 (Mittraphap) is the main route

linking to the constructlon slte and the areas on the edges

of Lam Ta Khong reservoir by access roads A, B, and C. The

details are shown as follows:

Route Conditions Vidth Length Traffic Increase

(D) (m) Volume rate/year

vehicles/day

MIttraphap Asphaltic . 7.00 - 9,832-13,776 llX

A (right side) Asphaltic 3.00 3.50 81

B (right side) Asphaltic p.00 9.50 156

C (right side) Asphaltic+ 6.00 11.00 2,955

lateritic+

earth

Railway There are four railway stations on the left slde of

Lam Ta Khong reservoir. Eleven trains pass and stop at these

statlons.

Navigation The boats sailing in the reservoir are small and

are used for fishery purposes. There are altogether about 30

boats.

Since the traffic volume on Mittraphap Highway is small and

the routes is under improvement, the impacts on communication

on this road can be both long-term and short-term. The

Lmprovement in progress will not be completed until 1993.

When completed, the problems of treffic congestion,

-36-

accidents, and damage of road surface will be lessened to a

great extent. Therefore, it could be said that the traffic

volume during the Project construction and the period

imediately after the construction will cause few problems to

the traffic there. Nevertheless, during periods of high

traffic volume, potential vehicles in the construction stage,

particularly heavy trucks could have some impacts on tha

traffic on this route at the turning points to the

construction site on the mountain and to the disposal area on

the edge of the reservoir. On access Road B, the traffic

will be small because this route is only leading to the

Project site. The traffic flow estimated to be created by

the construction activities during construction and early

post construction periods will not cause any congestion on

this route. However, the surface conditions of this road are

bad, and so with the anticipated traffic of heavy trucks, the

surface conditions will rapidly deteriorate and may be a

cause of accldents. Hence, it is essential that the running

surface of this road is improved.

5.11 ELECTRICITY

The future demand of electlcai power was the reason behind

the initiation of this Project. The daily peak period demand

which could not be met by the present power supply. Capacity

could be supplemented by another 1,000 KW from this new

Project through transmission lines that link to the existing

system.

To date, the Northeast Electricity Generation Authority can

generate 380.-06 MW of electricity. This amount will be

increased to 1,856.06 MM in 1996. 249 MW of this energy

output will be supplied from EGAT Project to be completed in

1994. Another 1,255 MW will be supplied from the future

projects. The present transmission lines total 4,154 km in

length, comprising lines of 230 KV, 115 KV, and 69 KV. The

transmission lines to be installed to the Project is 230 KV,

and 15 km long. This will be linked to the existing lines

-37-

from the sub-station, which links between Saraburi and Nakhon

RatchasJma. The result of the construction of this Project

will increase the power supply in the future and it will be

used In an emergency case.

5,12 RECREATION DEVELOPMENT

The study on tourism activities In Lam Ta Khong reservoir

area and the Project construction area had as its objective

to determine the tourism potential and the changing trends of

these activities when the Project is completed. Questionnaire

was used in the study. It was found that' tourists stopped for

their meals and for viewing the scenes of the reservolr

during public holidays. The majority of tourists came on

Songkran day. The scenic views of the reservoir and the

surrounding areas were the important atracting points. 92% of

the samples recommended development of tourism elements such

as landscaping, public parks, forest plantation along the

highway. In addition, suggestiors were given on the

establishment of sourvenir shops, camping grounds, and

salling in the reservoir. 25% of the samples reported that

they have seen the views from the top of mountain. 3^%

believed that this Project would enhance the aesthetic

values of the area.

The Project has no impact on the scenic values, both in the

construction period or in the long run. On the contrary, the

Project will promote tourism activities in the area.

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C5. * QLIAL n orF IC rIFE VALUArEMS

6.1 SOCIO-ECONOKZCS AND INSTITUTION

The construction of the upper reservoir of the pumped storage

Project will bring about certain direct impacts on two groups

of forest communities (1,393.-75 Rais) which are situated in

the National Conserved Forest area, Kao Yal Tiang, Group 6,

Klong Pal Subdistrict, Si Khiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima,

and Kao Tlan - Kao Kuan Lan. Field crops and fruit trees are

generally grown on these areas, e.g., maize, cassava, cashew

nut, and jackfruit. The average size of subsistence land is

34.3 rai per household. On the most part, the farmers are

allocated an average of 14.5 rai per household for farming.

The crop produce is relatively low due to low-quality soil

and drought. No paddy and vegetable farming is practised? in

these areas. Commercial domestic animals include beef cattle.

The average income, expense and debts per household per year

are Bht 80,518.30, Bht 78,233.40, and Bht 12,409.40 respec-

tlvely. The major problems in occupation are low-quality

soil, drought, prlces of products being low and unstable,

whereas the costs of production elements rise continuously.

On the survey date, 81.5% of the villagers agree with the

Project construction.

6.2 COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMEWT

The loss of assets of the population from the Project

includes agricultural land of about 223 hectares or 1,393.75

rai. About 45 households are estimated to receive

compensation payment. The total compensation cost Is Bht

27,303,231 which is the figure estimated from 1990 price

values. Compensation costs can be classified into two

categories:

1) Land compensation 22,996,875 Baht

2) Compensation for fruit 4,306,356 Baht

trees and perennia±s

-39-

Besides the above-me-itioned compensation cost, plans should

be set up to assist some of the villagers in terms of

occupation. This can be the promotion of beef cattle raising

which produces good yields as far as marketlng and rates of

return are concerned. In addition, EGAT-should take part in

the development of the ways of living of the people ln the

construction area. For instance, the existing water resource

can be improved so that water is available for every

household and livestocks for the year round.

6.3 PUBLIC HEALTH

ITe study conducted on publlc health showed that the healthand hygeine of the people In Nakhon Ratchasima are in good

conditions on the most part. In the construction area of theProject, the population still face some health problems which

are-not severe.

6.4 HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL VALUES

The investigation of the archaeological and historical sites

on Kao Yai Tiang revealed that the place is on a high

elevation and so was not suitable for any permanent human

settlement. Thus, there are no traces of archaeological

objects or structures in the area. These objects are found

in the areas far from the Project slte where they have beenwell maintained and protected.

6.5 AESTEBTIC VALUES

In Lam Ta Khong reservoir area, its vicinity, and the upper

reservoir area on Kao Yai Tiang mountain, the scenery is

beautiful for the whole year with varying characteristics of

each season. The travellers on Mittraphap Highway east of

the reservoir and on the railroad west of the reservoir can

view the scenery of the reservoir which has the water as the

main element and the mountains and sky as the background.

This scenery can also be viewed from the points on the upper

reservoir area.

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7-. I NrE3T IMPACT ASSESS?C'IT

The environmental impacts were summarized using the

ecological system analysis approach. The ecology was divided

into three parts--land, water, and socio-economics.

7.1 LAND

Affected Areas

The areas that were affected by the Project consist of

- Areas on Thao Tian-Khao Khuanlun for construction

reservoir, switchyard, tunnels, and vicinity

- Disposal areas consisting of the areas in theeast and south of the upper reservoir and along

the edge of the Lam Ta Khong reservoir

- Areas for road construction and vicinity

Impacts During Project Construction

Impact causing activities:

1) Construction of the upper reservoir. The cons-

truction area is in the watershed area Class 1B

2) Construction of water way. The distance where

the tunnel will be lald is set to be the

shortest and avoid the watershed area Class 1A

by excavating the tunnel deeply below the area

3) Construction of the powerhouse and switchyard.

The powerhouse is built underground while the

entrance and switchyard are built above ground

outside of the area 1A

4) Disposal of the muck. There are two areas for

soil and muck disposal--around the upper reser-

voir and along the edge of the reservoir below

-43-

-~~ '. . -- -

pht 4n *A... * . .

I ~~~~~~~~w 416

~~t, ~ _ .WL off1de

//)2,~~~~~~P )\ - -- - I~~~~~~~~~L 9EIS51 Aw.

_LEGN ITNHDOAS1Aj~U~O)UPPER RESERVOIR IT -- %..-I \ a , '-POaCMV-DCASU FATNDMY AR

* LII~RE Z.2'...-.CrAEAOLN0R

*- --- *? ')M" 'y4r1 ~'I~~ (~i'!kII/v Wtershed Classificationl In the Project Area

5) Road improvement and traffic increase. This dis-

turbs the ecology of the land in the area.

6) Transmission line installation. Transmission

lines will be installed along all of the

highways.

Environmental impacts:

1) Impacts on land use and soil erosion. The cons-

truction area was a low-yield agriculatural area

with low soil fertility. Thus, it is expected

that there will be very little Impact on land

use. However, the severity of the soil erosion

varies according to the steepness of the areas.

It is necessary that there be a good mitigation

soil conservation measurp.

2) Impacts on forest, wildlife, and rare species.

The construction area is mainly area for

agriculture. No wildlife or plants that are rare

or endangered were found. The existing plants

and animals will be affected by the construction

activities and pollution. The impact, however,

will be small because the construction covers a

small area and will be over in a short time.

Impacts During Project Operation

Impact causing activity:

Traffic increase. Increase of traffic volume due

to transportation of equipments and materials.

Environmental impacts:

Impacts on land use and soil erosion. After the

construction the severity of the impacts will

-45-

gradually decrease as a result of the reforestation

plan and suitable soil erosion protection.

Impacts on forest, wildlife, and rare species. It

is expected that an increase In traffic will

produce a small impact on tfe ecosystem of the

area. Besides, in the long run, the ecology should

be able to balance itself.

7.2 WATER

Affected Areas

Two areas will be affected by the Project:

1)'Lam Ta Thong reservoir

2) Lam Ta Khong river and irrigation system in the

lower area of the Lam Ta Xhong reservoir.

Impacts During Project Construction

Impact causing activities:

1) Earth work involving excavating and embanking

soil. These activlties cause soll erosion,

sedimentation suspension particles,and transport

into the water in the rainy period

2) Underwater work. In adjusting the bed of the

Lam Ta Khong reservoir around the pumping-

discharge point, it is necessary that a coffer

dam be built into the reservoir which will

disturb the habitat of the living things In the

reservoir.

Environmental impacts:

Impacts expected to occur during this period are:

-46-

1) The quallty of the water in the affected areas

will be lowered due to turbidity and Impurities

that flow into the water source.

2) Living organisms in the water will be disturbed

by the lowered quality water and the disturbance

to their habitat during construction.

Impacts During Projact Operation

Impact causing activities:

Daily water pumping and releasing The daily volume

of 9.9 million cubic metres that ls pumped and

released can cause a variatlon in the water levels

from 0.28 metre per day at NHWL (277 m msl) to 2.20

metres per day at LWL (261 m msl). The area that

results from the decrease in water level ranges

from 0.75 sq km at LWL to 1.55 sq km at NHWL and

LWL.

Tlurnover period. The turnover period of the water

in the Lam Ta Khong reservoir varies from 2.0 days

at LWL to 31.3 days at NHWL.

Environmental izpacts:

1) Restriction of water availability. When the

water level is near the LWL, the amount of water

that can be used will be limited to the water

need of 9.9 million cubic meters.

2) Plankton and fish destruction. The increased

pressure in the water tunnel due to the daily

pumping and discharge of water will kill

plankton and fish in the water. The severity of

the impact varies inverselly with the water

volume in the Lam Ta Khong reservoir, that is,

the impact will be severe In the year when water

is not abundant.

-48-

7.3 BOCIO-ECONOEZCES

Affected Areas

The affected areas are those on Khao Tlan-Khao Khuanlun, and

around the Lam Ta Khong reservoir.

Impacts Durlig Project Construction

Negative results:

1) Loss of 1,394 rai of agriculture land in 45

households the mojority of which will per-

manently lose their land and a annual Income of

22,232 baht from agriculture.

2) Those whose houses are near the construction

area will suffer from noise and dust.

3) There will be more incidents of accidents,

diarrhea, and hookworms due to the large amount

of people working in the area.

Positive results:

1) There will be more work for local people and

those from outside.

2) There will be more money in circulation

Improving -the overall economy of the area and

vicinity, which will eventually be beneficial to

the economy of the country as a whole.

XIpacts During Project Operation

Negative results:

1) There will be 45 households who will permanently

lose their land and income.

-49-

AS

Positive results:

1) The development of the tourist spot at the Lam

Ta Khong reservoir (the disposal area) will

increase Income for local people and those in

the vicinity

2) The road that passes Rhao Yaithiang village will

be much better than the present condition.

3) The environmental, in general, will be improved

and revived.

7.4 I3PACT ON THE WATERSHED AREA CLASW IA

From the Project feasibility study, the upper reservoir has

been located on the mountain which is the watershed area

class 1B. Tunnels for the waterway, powerhouse, transmission

lLne, and access way have been located deep underground of

the watershed area class 1A. This Is to avoid any

disturbance to the protected forest area.

This environmental assessment study, can prove that the

Project construction will not cause anly disturbance to the

1A area. Thus, the Project will certainly conform with the

resolution of the carbinet (B.E. 2531) concerning the

watershed classification (Moon-Chi basin).

The assessment can be concluded as follows:

1) The construction under the 1A area is 100-300 m

deep from ground surface. The geologic

formation of the area is so stable that the

construction will not cause any effect to the

upper environmental resources of the 1A area;

i.e., soil, forest and wildlife will not be

affected.

2) The vibration from blasting during .the Project

construction can be controlled such that the

geological condition will not be affected.

-51-

3) The tunnel excavation will slightly affect

groundwater pressure in deep zone. However this

effect will not cause any significant environ-

mental impact.

4) Noise, dust, smoke, and other air pollutants to

be emitted from the construction outside the 1A

area; e.g., upper reservoir, tunnel portals, etc

will cause some short-term impacts to the forest

and wildlife in the 1A area. However, the

Impacts are estimated to be fairly small.

-52-

8 . EKNVXIRONM14VZEXNTrAL. IXkA=CT MXI T IQ T ICN

AUNID4 MONrI T OERI NC;

8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION

The aforementioned impacts necessitate measures to mitigate

the negative impacts, and to improve-revive the environment,

so that Impacts from the Project are kept to a minimum, while

at the same time, promoting as many positive impacts as

possible. These measures are:

Prolilinary Measures

1) Public relations to bring good and clear

understanding as well as creating positive

attitudes toward the project.

2) Compensatlon payment.

Measures During Project Construction

1) Measures to reduce soil erosion

2) Measures to decrease nuisances from dust, noise,

and vibrations.

3) Measures to control traffic to prevent accidents

4) Measures on health and hygiene, and safety

Long-term Measures

1) Rehabilitating and developing the Project area

after construction.

2) Conserving fishery resource in Lam Ta Khong

reservoir.

3) Managing water resource in Lam Ta Khong

reservoir in accordance with Project operation

and water needs. in other activities.

-54-

8.2 MONITORING OP TRB ENVIRONMENT

The monitoring of the environment Is carried out as a measure

to efficiently recover and develop the environment In the

Project areas. There will be a close follow-up evaluation.

In order for the operation to achieve Its goals and to be

able to solve problems as soon as they occur, there are three

monitoring plans.

1) Monitoring of the forest and the soil erosion of

the area

2) Monitoring of the environment and fishery

resource in Lam Ta Khong reservolr.

3) Monitoring of socio-economics.

-55-

Sumary of Mitigation and D.valopment

Operation Plans Operation Areas Procedure Operation Periods Budget

1. Primary plans

1.1 Pubilo relations Generation locations - Establishing PR units - Project preparation 10 mill.baht

In Nakhon Ratchasima for the project periodi,2 months (excluding salaries)

and Bangkok - Carrying out PA - Project proposal

activities periods 2 months

JI - Post-project approval

* period: 8 months

1.2 Conponsation Upper reservoir - Paying compensation 3 months after project 27.3 mill.baht

payment, living construction area for land, costs of approval

condition and on Khao Tian - Khao fruit trees and per-

occupationaL Khuanlun ennials

development

Summary of Mitigation and Development (Continued)

Operation Plans Operation Areas Procedure Operation Periods Eudget

2. Plans durfng

construct i on

2.1 Environmental Project construction - Prevention of moIl - To be determined by

mitigation areas an the mountain erosion EGAT

during construction and areas around Lam - Prevention of atr - To be determined by

Ta Khong reservoir and noise pollution, EGAT

and vibrations

- Prevention, rectifi- - To be determined by

cation, and develop- BOAT

ment of traffic

- Preparation for health - To be determined by

and hyglenne of project ECAT

employees

Summary of Mitigatlon and Development (Continued)

Operation Plans Operation Areas Procedure Operation Periods Budget

3. Long-term plans

3.1 Recovertng and - Project areas on - Planting suitable trees Approximately 5 years 50.84 mil1.baht

developing environ- Khao Tian - Khao and land soaping

ment of the Project Khuanlun around Lam

area Ta Khong reservoir,

and along Hittraphap

Highway

3.2 Conserving Lam Ta Khong - Installing fish-guard Approximately 7 years 10.75 mill.baht

0 Efishery resource reservoir and equipment,

vicinity

3.3 Vater resource Lam Ta Khong - Heightening the LVL Continued operation -

management Irregation project to 2 meters, adjusting

control of watergate In

accordance with daily

water increase-decrease

levels resulting from

water pumping and

releasing undor EGAT

and RID. Co-operation

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I:,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Wterrsore aa

I-,,.,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Pbi ral

l~~~~~ C -g,\ #t;'2;ompe; nsarvtion Lp|ymentR

|l\V\t ) |' 5w515 .rlshery resource conservationtJI -rz(ANui J f.15 L >re

l~~~~~~~~~~1 finhstalltion of fish

V protck 9-*ti a T hng equm rid5 ad Dvlpment tlkfc

9 __ ~~~~~ ~~~ '7oE !tb *72 179~~~~~~~~an rehabolltatLan

9 . 3E2NWIFNMvEE3NTrAL. ]ECX:CtC)OHIC ANUAL.I

The main objective of the environmental economic analysis of

Lam Ta Khong Pumped Storage project is to incorporate the

environmental impact of the Project into the benefit cost

analysis of the Project. AlSo analysed here is the spill-

over effect of the Project in the regional economy.

The financial analysis of the Project conducted by JICA and

finalized by EGAT is used as a base for the study. Using

conversion factors, financial cost and benefit are adjusted

to economic ones. Fisheries, water and land resources are

major affected resources. In addition, construction of the

reservoir disposes of substantial soil, which necessitate

land rehabilitation. These environmental impacts of the

Project are quantified and included in the economic analysis

of the Project.

While the majority of the Project costs include construction,

operation and maintenance as well as environment, the

important benefit of the Project is electricity. In this

case, the cost saving of an alternative electricity

generator. Using project analysis criteria--NPV, B/C at

discount rates of between 8% to 16%, and IRR, the results

show that the Project is highly beneficial. TNPV of the

Project ranges from more than 450 million to as high as 4.4

billion baht. B/C of the Project is between 1.06 to 1.37 and

the IRR is 19%.

Besides a high economic yield, the Project could also induce

substantial spill-over effect to the regional economy. Using

the input-output approach, it is estimated that during the

construction period, the Project could induce an average of

more than 637 million baht of output per year, and 250

million baht of income to the people in the region. During

the operation and maintenance periods, more than 160 million

baht worth of output, and more than 86 million baht of income

-60-

could be generated. Of the total income, about one-thirdwould be in the form of wages and salaries.

.*