Adb - Frup4 - Prelim Env Examintn - Nabouwalu to Dreketi Road - 2005

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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONNABOUWALU DREKETI ROAD

Supplementary Appendix to theReport and Recommendation of the President

to the Board of Directors

on the

FOURTH ROAD UPGRADING (SECTOR) PROJECT

REPUBLIC OF THE FIJI ISLANDS

This Report was prepared by theBorrower and is not an ADB document

September 2005


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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONNABOUWALU DREKETI ROAD

A. INTRODUCTION

1. The Government of Fiji (GoF) has requested assistance from the AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB) to support the development of a balanced and integratedroading network and to improve rural access. This project is referred to as the Fourth FijiRoading Upgrade Project (FRUP IV). This report presents an Initial EnvironmentAssessment (IEE) of one of the proposed upgrade areas: a section of the NabouwaluRoad in the south-west of Vanua Levu. The overall purpose of the upgrade is to improvean important arterial road link from eastern and northern parts of Vanua Levu to the portof Nabouwalu and its Ro-Ro ferry services; and, to provide better access to thehinterland, markets, employment opportunities and social facilities contributing toeconomic growth and poverty reduction for communities on and adjacent to the road..

2. Vanua Levu is the second largest island in the Fiji Group covering 5,538km2

. Theisland hosts three provinces, these are: Macuata in the north-west, Cakaudrove in thesouth-east and Bua in the south-west. The northern town of Labasa is Vanua Levuslargest town and its administrative and business centre. The Nabouwalu road is one oftwo links between Labasa and Viti Levu, with a ferry service at Nabouwalu town in theSouth. The road is subjected to commercial vehicle loading, particularly as it servesareas of forestry and farming. It also provides a connection to villages and settlementsthroughout the area as well as beyond Nabouwalu in the south-west of Vanua Levu.

3. The project is categorized as environmental category C (unlikely to have adverseenvironmental effects) and the work involved is primarily improving and upgrading theexisting road. The area the road passes through is a highly modified environment that is

primarily used for agriculture and pine forestry. The road passes through a number ofvillages and settlements. In many cases houses and sometimes graves are locateddirectly adjacent to the road. There are some relatively small areas of mangrove andfreshwater wetland alongside the road that will need to be protected from severeimpacts. However, the restrictions, mitigation measures and monitoring requirementsrecommended in this report are likely to ensure that the environmental impacts of thecivil works proposed by the project will not be significant. These measures andrecommendations should be implemented during the construction phase through anenvironmental management and monitoring plan (EMMP).

B.

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

4. The Nabouwalu Road runs down the western side of Vanua Levu. Vanua Levu isthe second largest island in Fiji, however it hosts only 18% of Fijis total population and isrelatively undeveloped. Its main industries are sugar, copra, rice and pine as well as asmall but growing tourism industry. The Nabouwalu Road is the main access road forthe western side of the island. It connects the northern town of Labasa with the port ofNabouwalu from which goods, vehicles and people are transported between Viti Levuand Vanua Levu. The road passes through two provinces: Bua in the South andMacuata in the North.

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Figure 1: Location of the Nabouwalu-Dreketi Sub-project Road, Vanua Levu

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5. The Bua and Macuata Provinces have a high potential for tourism development. Inaddition, a joint project between the GoF and the two major timber growing andprocessing companies in Fiji (Fiji Pine Ltd and Tropikwoods) is scheduled to beimplemented in the Bua Province in 2005. The project will install a new mill and port forwoodchip export and the domestic transport of lumber. The GoF also plans to eventuallydesignate the site as an international port of entry. This project will be located adjacentto the road upgrade area1. The current condition of the road is a detriment to existingactivities and an impediment to development. Low-lying sections of the current road aresubject to storm flooding. In addition the coastal strip which spans the last 2.8 km of thesouthern end of the upgrade area is subject to storm tidal surges.

6. The project area is the section of the Nabouwalu Road from 200 metres south ofthe Dreketi Health Centre (designated chainage 0.00) to the junction to the Nabouwaluferry jetty at chainage 69.26 km. The proposed horizontal and vertical road alignmentclosely follows the existing alignment. However, improvement will be necessary in someplaces to ensure compliance with geometric design criteria. This will involve improving

the radius of horizontal curves and road crest and sag curves to increase sight distancesto levels appropriate to the speed environment of the road. The road is part of thenational Main Road network and a pavement width of 7.3 m with two 1.5m shoulders willbe constructed. The existing road bed will require some widening to accommodate theincreased pavement width and associated side drains. For much of the road, this will beaccommodated within the existing 20m road reserve. The road will receive a double coatbituminous seal and shoulders will also be sealed on steep grades and on both sides ofsuperelevated sections.

7. A design speed of 70kph has been adopted in preliminary design for the majority ofthe road length. The design speed over this section is limited by the vertical geometry ofthe crest curves where improvement to a higher design speed tandard would be

uneconomic. Over the last 10kms or so, the road passes through a hilly section wheredesign speeds of 50 60 kph have been adopted where significant improvement ofexisting horizontal and vertical geometry is not warranted.

8. There are fourteen existing single lane bridges on the section of the road that is tobe upgraded. All of these bridges are to be replaced with two-lane structures. Thesereplacement bridges will in most cases be located on the same site as the existingbridges. During construction, temporary bridges will be installed alongside the existingbridges. This will probably not be feasible at the 90m long Nasorowaqa bridge where anew structure will be constructed alongside (either upstream or downstream). Theexisting culverts will be extended with the construction of new headwalls thoughreplacement will be necessary where detailed design phase inspections show significantdeterioration or damage.

9. DNR Divisional engineers have indicated that seasonal flooding occurs in some flatareas near to Nabouwalu. In these areas the road level will be increased by up to 2.5metres and additional culverts installed to ensure that upstream retention of storm flowsdoes not occur. In addition, in order to reduce wave action damage to the road structure,rip-rap pavement and embankment protection will also be installed over this length,along with large rock packed rip-rap wave protection on the seaward side. Rocks,weighing approximately 250kg or more (depending on potential wave intensity to beestimated during the detailed design phase) will be required for the outer armour . Later

1Bua Integrated Port Project, Environmental Impact Assessment Final, May 2005. Prepared by

Erasito Beca Consultants Ltd. for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Government of Fiji.

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stages in the design process may identify that additional improvements or culverts inother parts of the road are necessary.

10. The construction activities will entail: vegetation removal from the constructioncorridor (varying between 15m and 35m depending on the extent of requiredearthworks); excavation and disposal of unsuitable materials from cuttings; placementand compaction of road pavement materials; culvert extensions; demolition of existingbridges; construction of new bridges; the diversion of traffic during the bridge and roadconstruction work; and the possible relocation of structures directly alongside the road.

11. The road upgrade will require base and sub-base materials. Potential sources ofthese materials have been identified within and near to the project area. A total of 23existing and potential gravel and borrow quarries were located and inspected during theFRUP 3 feasibility study. An average haulage distance of 5 km is expected for theimported material. In order to minimize the quantity of processed pavement materials, itis envisaged that a selected subgrade layer will be constructed both in the base ofcuttings and to cap embankments. This material is expected to comprise of rotten rock

or similar material having engineering characteristics that are significantly better thancommon soil. Alternatively, a subgrade layer may be created using lime or cementstabilization techniques though costs of this latter option may be prohibitive.The requiredthickness of the subgrade layer will depend on the strength of the existing subgrade andthe quality of the imported fill. It is expected that a select fill layer will be required for themajority of the length of the road. Appendix 3 includes a description of the potential sitesbased on a preliminary survey.

12. Separate environmental consents will be required for the use of materials in off sitelocations. The contractor will therefore be required to identify which of the materialssources he wished to use at an early stage in order to be able to seek approval in atimely manner.

13. The design and construction supervision of the road will be undertaken by theDepartment of National Roads (Ministry of Works and Energy) or its consultants. Theroad will be constructed by contractors.

C. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Physical Resources

14. The Nabouwalu Road runs along the south-western side of Vanua Levu. The road

runs south from Dreketi to the junction to the Nabouwalu ferry jetty.

15. The topography of the country from Dreketi to the west side of the Lekutu River(chainage 0 to 30 km) is gently rolling, becoming flat where the major valleys are crossed.A section of steeply rolling to hilly terrain is present between the Lekutu Valley and Bua(chainage 30 - 45km) on the west coast. Then the coastal road from Bua to Nabouwalu(chainage 45 - 75 km) is once again gently rolling. These topographical changes haveassociations with the underlying geology and drainage regimes.

16. The study road is underlain by two broadly defined soil types, these are: mainlylateritic residual soils found in the sloping terrain that are almost all derived from Tertiary

volcanic rocks, they are predominantly silty, slightly sandy clays of intermediate plasticity;and, alluvial deposits associated with the river and coastal flood plains, which are a softerclay that is considered a weak substrate for road construction. The road cuttings and

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natural slopes on the existing alignment do not show any signs of significant instability.The topography is characterised by deep weathering and hard rock is unlikely to beencountered in cuttings of less than 6-8m depth. The current road has been formed, byplacing river gravels over the in situ clay materials. The depth of gravel varies between 40and 250 mm.

17. The landscape surrounding the road upgrade area consists mostly of pasture land,pine forest, and degraded open country grasslands (characterised by Nokonoko hardwoodtrees, Casuarina eqisetifoliaand Usi shrubs, Dodonaea vicosa ). There are also somerelatively small areas of mature vegetation and of mangrove directly adjacent to the roadwhich are described in more detail in Section 2 below. In a number of locations ricepaddies or small crops of pineapple, coconut, rice, root crops or other local produce arelocated directly adjacent to the road. Appendix 2 provides details of the location of thesedifferent areas.

18. The road crosses fourteen rivers and steams, some of these are large rivers. As aresult much of the upstream storm water drains under the road in major channels rather

than via culverts. There are some low-lying areas adjacent to the roads that are used forrice growing which are prone to flooding. These areas are located at chainage 16.0-16.2km and 62.6 km.

19. The project is located in the intermediate rainfall zone of Vanua Levu, with a meanannual rainfall of 2600 mm. The climate of the area is characterised by a dry season fromMay through to December. The prevailing wind is from the east or southeast. On thewestern side of Vanua Levu, day-time breezes also blow in across the coast. The west ofthe island is also the most exposed region to potential cyclone damage.

20. The soil classification for the land use adjacent to the road is predominantly marginalaccording to discussions with the Department of Agriculture2. Productive agriculture is

limited to pockets of fertile soil which are generally indicated by existing cultivation plots(refer Appendix 2).

2. Ecological Resources

21. The ecological character of the general road upgrade area is highly modified. Theroadside vegetation is not representative of what would have been the original vegetativecover which would have been dry forest. Gallery forest remains alongside the waterwaysthat the road crosses and while there are native floral elements in this vegetation it is

dominated by introduced species, especially the rain tree Paraserianthes saman.Remnant patches of coastal forest and back of the mangrove vegetation are encounteredin places where the road follows the shoreline. Areas with vegetation of conservationsignificance are those associated with mangrove, and in certain few discrete roadsidelocations with Kuta reed ponds, which are culturally important wetlands.

22. The riverside vegetation that the road passes through is either mature stands ofmangrove or, in purely freshwater areas, a combination of introduced and native species.

23. Banks of shoreside tiri can also be found bordering the road for much of the last fourto five kilometres of road leading into Nabouwalu. Tiri can provide significant protection tobanks and road batters. Tiri provides an important habitat for coastal fish stocks as well as

2Atish Prasad, Land Classification Unit, Department of Agriculture, Nabua, 3 August 2005.

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a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic fauna, and supplys ecological services such asfiltration of storm water prior to its entry into waterways and foreshores. Tiri has importanttraditional uses for village communities.

24. There are three locations along the road where Kuta reed (Eleocharis dulcis) can befound growing in freshwater wetlands alongside the road

25. These small wetlands represent relatively unique and sensitive ecosystems. Kutareed is cultivated and harvested in these ponds by women in the village communities ofBua and Macuata for the production of fine mats which are used for both traditional andpractical purposes, including trade. Appendix 2 provides detail about the location ofsignificant kuta ponds that were sited alongside of the road in July 2005.

26. In some cases there are patches of mature vegetation adjacent to the road , howeverthese are strongly dominated by introduced vegetation (Raintree, Mango, Leucaena), with

native elements such as Vua, Vadra and Balabala. While these plant species do not havehigh conservation significance in themselves, they provide a habitat for fauna and stabilisethe creek banks.

27. At three sites, there are lone, mature, native trees situated alongside the roadthat may be considered character trees. These are Ivi Inocarpus fagiferusand Baka treesFicus spp. (Table 1). If it becomes necessary to remove these trees, there should befurther consideration and discussion between the road designers and the local community.

28. The road crosses approximately 23 rivers, creeks and streams. Many of thesewaterways are located close to settlements. In two instances the rivers run alongside theroad for a several kilometres (refer Table 1 for chainage). In many cases these areas are

bordered by mangrove. The waterways are important habitats as described in Section 22(including those that do not support tiri). They also have practical significance toneighbouring communities for clothes washing and in a few cases water supply andtransport to the sea.

29. The road passes through or adjacent to no site listed on the Preliminary Register ofSites of National Significance (IUCN and GoF, 1993). A listed area of Buabua forest(Fragraea gracilipes) is located roughly 10km from the beginning of the study area(chainage 0.0). The forest is situated at Rokosalase. While the construction and operationactivities at the road site itself will not have any significant impact on the forest, it will beimportant to ensure that the extraction of borrow or gravel and the disposal of constructionwaste or spoil does not have any adverse impact on this area.

SitesLocation inrelation to

RoadChainage (km)

Mature riparian vegetation adjacent to the road(characterised by Raintrees; Mango Trees and

freshwater species).

In many cases other species noted included:Vau; Vadra; Balabala; Coconut; Banana;

Gasau; Breadfruit; Gasau ni valagi; Bamboo;

Voivoi; Dalo, and Duruka.

Alongside

1.3; 11.24; 11.8; 11.2 to 11.7;12.0-12.5; 19.7; 24.8; 25;26.5; 29.1; 42; 46.7; 48.8;

51.6; 53.5; 56.6

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Mature vegetation adjacent to the road(characterised by Raintrees and Mango Trees).

Alongside 15.3; 341

Alongside12.6 - 12.75 (right); - 12.9

(left); 59.4; 64.5-65; 66.5-68.5

5-10m 13.9 15; 36.8

Mangroves (Tiri)

In some cases Tavola and Ivi trees alsopresent back of the mangrove vegetation.

20m 59.1

Riparian Ivi trees Alongside 6.7; 64

Ivi tree (character tree ?) Alongside 12.9; 62.2

Baka tree (character tree ?) Alongside 31.6

Riparian Vadra Alongside 8.2

Old vegetation and freshwater swamp area Alongside 12.8

Kuta Ponds Alongside 12.9; 16.4; 20.7

Kuta Ponds1-2 km from

road33.3; 51.5

Rovorovo Lake 250m 33.0

Alongside 10m

13.8 15

10-20m 24.8River/creek runs alongside road

20-30m 41.1

1.This site had a dense covering of Wabosucu Mikania micranthaand Merremia peltatavine.

Table 1: Location of Wetlands and Sensitive Vegetation.

30. While 23 potential local sources of base and sub-base material (gravel and borrow)have been identified, it is yet to be confirmed which sites may be used (refer paragraph11). Once the extraction sites have been selected it will be necessary to request consentfrom the Department of Environment (DoE) prior to performing any works in these areas.DoE may require an EIA prior to gravel or borrow extraction from these sites. From anecological perspective, preference should be given to existing quarries or pits rather thanundisturbed sites.

3. Sites of Cultural Significance

31. There are two sites nearby to the road that have cultural and possibly archaeologicalsignificance. One of these sites is located at chainage 12.8 km. It is an area of flat land

that supports mature vegetation, it has been allocated as a tabu site by Nabouwalu Village.This site faces on area of mangrove forest on the other side of the road. The second siteis located at chainage 13.9 km. It is the site of a fortified village which sits on a smallhillock directly adjacent to the road. This site faces the Nasarowaqa Postal Agency on theother side of the road behind which runs a section of the Sarowaqa river bordered bymangroves.

32. If there is likely to be any disturbance to these tabu areas, their cultural andarchaeological significance will need to be established through consultation with therelevant communities and with the Fiji Museum. Agreement will need to be reached onwhether this disturbance is acceptable and if so what mitigation measures will benecessary.

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4. Socioeconomic Conditions

33. The road provides access to a number of villages, farming settlements and estateswithin the proposed section of the upgrade works and significantly more via the feederroads that connect with the project area. The villages, settlements and schools comprisingthe subproject area and their approximate distance from the road are shown in Table 4.

The villages are generally set well back from the road, but two of the villages as well as 5schools and 18 settlements are immediately adjacent to the road.

34. The farming settlements along or nearby to the road are listed in Tables 3 and 4.Table 4 also provides the location of roadside settlements that are not listed in the nationalcensus or on maps. The occupiers of the recognised and unrecognised settlements aregenerally farmers involved in the cultivation of subsistence and cash crops such as rice,copra and pineapple. Their produce is sold either at local stores or the Labasa andNabouwalu markets. Some farmers supply the Rewa Rice Mill located at the DreketiIrrigation Scheme.

35. Population figures from 1996 census figures are shown in Table 3. The total

population of the area immediately adjacent to the road and its feeder roads isapproximately 3840 of whom 66.7% were Fijian and 32.6% Indo-Fijian. Other ethnicgroups comprised less than one per cent of the population. The total population in 2005 islikely to be significantly higher, particularly as much of the settlements located alongsidethe road are not named in the 1996 census data. There are two district medical centresthat service the areas surrounding the study road, these are: Bua and Nakadrudru MedicalCentres. These centres reported to ECF in July 2005 that they respectively service apopulation of 5,300 (roughly 2/3 Fijian and 1/3 Indian) and 1,500 ( Fijian and Indian)within their districts.

36. The subproject road is the sole arterial road for the districts of Bua and Vuya in BuaProvince and all inhabitants of these districts are more or less dependent on the road. The

total population of these districts is over 11,100 as summarised in Table 2.

Fijian Indo-Fijian Others Total

District Popn. HHs Popn. HHs Popn. HHs Popn. HHs

Bua 3521 637 3034 613 66 14 6621 1265

Vuya 4246 709 255 52 77 20 4578 781

Total 7767 1346 3289 665 143 34 11199 2046

Table 2: Population of Bua and Vuya Districts, Bua Province (source: 1996 Census)

37. Many of the current settlements alongside the road were not listed in the 1996census. The road survey conducted for this report identified: around 12 independentfarmsteads; two cases of groupings of around four houses; as well as six small unnamedsettlements. In most cases, this accommodation was either alongside or within 20 metresof the road. Appendix 2 provides details of the chainage and approximate distance fromthe road of each of these.

38. 14 schools are located along the route, which are listed in Table 4. Five of theseschools are located directly alongside the road, while the others are located on feederroads. Many of the pupils attending the schools use the road for walking to the schools.

39. There are four places of worship located within 10 m of the road and two others at agreater distance. Table 4 lists the location of these temples and churches.

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40. Other facilities of note along the road are the Nakadrudru (26 km) and Bua (41.7 km)Medical Centres. The Nakadrudru Medical Centre has a doctor and two nurses. The Buamedical centre has one nurse. There are also a number of government extension officesfor the Department of Primary Industries located alongside the road at Nakadrudru (26km). The Nabouwalu Petrol station is located alongside the road at the end of the studyarea (68.9 km). In a number of locations, telephone poles are located directly alongsidethe road (52.4; 62.2; 66.5 km) and in some cases poles have fallen (66.5 km). There arethree locations where graves were sighted directly alongside the road (28.7; 67.8 and 53.8km).

VILLAGE/ SETTLEMENT 1996 CENSUS

FijianPopulation Households

Nasorowaqa 67 9Nasorowaqa village 96 21Namuavoivoi 147 27

Votua 304 53Nawailevu 197 36Bua 181 40Tiliva 61 15Dalomo n/d n/dKorokadi 8 1Kavula (feeder road) 143 18Banikea (feeder road) 123 21Naruwai 440 82Dama 189 38Wagadoa n/d n/dTavalomo Village 130 25Nagadoa 152 23Nawaca 170 29Wairiki 62 13Nadawata Settlement n/d n/dWaiganama Settlement n/d n/dRaviravi Settlement 95 15Subtotal Fijian 2565 466

Indo-FijianDraunivuya n/d n/d

Nasorowaqa 443 88Naruwai 2 1Dreketi Irrigation Scheme n/d n/dKorokadi 339 79Nakadrudru n/d n/dDelainasau n/d n/dBua Indian Settlement n/d n/dVunivau settlement 468 101Vatureba settlement n/d n/dWailele Settlement n/d n/dWaiganama Settlement (Fijian) n/d n/dNamau and Qereqere settlement n/d n/dNamulomulo settlement n/d n/dSubtotal Indo Fijian 1252 269

Other ethnicityNasarowaqa 16 5 n/d

Votua village 3Kavula village 3 1

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Banikea village 1 n/d

Subtotal other ethnicity 23 6

Total 3840 741

Table 3: Estimate of the Size and Ethnicity of the Population Residing Adjacent or

Close to the Subproject road (Source: 1996 Census).

Village/School Chainage(km)

Distance from Subproject Road

Villages

Nasarowaqa 11.8One house is adjacent to road, the rest of

the Village is 1.5 kmNamuavoivoi 16.6 Turnoff (17.5 km)

Votua 23.9 Turnoff (1 km)

Nawailevu 33.3 Turnoff (1 km)Bua 42.1 Turnoff (2 km)Tiliva 42.1 Turnoff (1.5 km)

Dalomo 42.1 Turnoff (1.25 km)Kavula (feeder road) 33.3 Turnoff (7.5 km)Banikea (feeder road) 34.0 Turnoff (8 km)

Naruwai 51.4 Turnoff (2 km)Dama 51.5 Turnoff (1.75 km)

Wagadoa 53.6 Turnoff (2 km)Tavalomo Village 53.6 Turnoff (1.5 km)

Nagadoa 53.6 Turnoff (2 km)Nawaca 56.8 Between 5-10mWairiki

159.7 10m

SettlementsDreketi Irrigation Scheme 6.1

Turnoff(first house located at >15 m)

Small unnamed settlement 11 11.25 AlongsideDraunivuya 11.8 Turnoff (1 km)

Nasarowaqa2

13.3 15.3 AlongsideKorokadi 22.7 Houses begin at 1 km

Nakadrudru3

26-27 AlongsideDelainasau 27.5 Turnoff (1 km)

Small Fijian Settlement 31.6 AlongsideSmall Indian settlement

(Nakorovou?)42.1- 44.6

House adjacent to road(most structures 20-30m)

Bua Indian Settlement 42.1 Turnoff (2.5 km)

Vunivau settlement 45.2 Turnoff (1 km)Vatureba settlement 47 Turnoff (1 km)

Small settlement surrounding BuaCollege,

53.6 -55.5 Alongside

Wailele Settlement 58.8 Turnoff (500m)Nadawata Settlement 59.3 Turnoff (2.5km)

Waiganama Settlement (Fijian) 62.1 AlongsideSmall settlement (Indian)

Houses62.9

20m

Small rice mill 5m

Power poles 1mNamau settlement 63.3-6 Alongside

Qereqere settlement 63.3 Turnoff (1km)

Small settlement (Raviravi?) 66 10mNamulomulo settlement 67.3 10m

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Schools

Muanidevo Indian School 3.5 Turnoff (1.5 km)Nasarowaqa School 15.2 Turnoff (500 m)

Lekutu Bhartiva School (Korokadi) 22.7 Turnoff (3 km)Lekutu Secondary School

- First structure and playing field23.9 >5

Waibunabuna Primary School 28.7 AlongsideNawailevu Village School 33.3 Turnoff

Bua District School 41.7 Turnoff (500 m)Bhartiya school 45.2 Turnoff (1 km)

Naruwai Village School 51.4 TurnoffDama School 53.1 Turnoff (500 m)

Bua Central College 53.9 Alongside

Nawaca/Wairiki Village School 56.9 TurnoffNamau Primary School 63.3 Alongside

Wainisevu Methodist Circuit School 68.4 Alongside

Places of worship

Lekutu Mosque 24.6 Alongside

Hindu temple, Nakadrudru 26.5 AlongsideNawailevu Village Church 33.3 Turnoff

Hindu temple 43 10 mChurch 43.7 15/20 m

Namau temple 63.3 AlongsideNamulomulo church 67.3 10 m

Notes: 1. Corrugated iron bus stations on roadside2. The Nasorowaqa Postal Agency sits alongside the road at chainage 13.9 km with theriver directly behind and a 3-5m hillock lies on the other side with an archaeological site atits crest.3. Location of Bua District Fiji Pine Station, Lekutu Post Office, Government extensionoffices, stores as well as houses. Nakadrudru is a centre for fish sales that

aretransported to the area by the river.

Table 4: Proximity of Villages, Settlements and Schools Located Close to theSubproject road

D. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTSAND MITIGATION MEASURES

41. The Nabouwalu Road has been in existence for many years, hence most of thesignificant adverse effects associated with its construction have already occurred. Thesignificant environmental impacts of the proposed upgrade that have been identified are ofa temporary nature and are associated with the construction activities. Adequateenvironmental mitigation measures with regular monitoring, including specific inspections,will ensure that such impacts are contained and minimised under project work.

1. Direct Effects

42. There is potential for the construction activities to generate sediment that could bedischarged to the local waterways. The main potential sources of discharge are anyexcavation works on slopes above the river, down-slope fills and from spoil disposal areas.This potential for sediment discharge can be minimised by: avoiding the construction ofdown-slope fills; not allowing the side-casting of excavated material in the vicinity of active

creeks or streams; the use of cut-off drains and other sediment control measures such assilt fences and grit traps; and effective stormwater control on site.

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43. Special care will need to be taken in the vicinity of sensitive wetland sites, specificallythe areas of tiri and kuta reed ponds. Sediment laden discharge can be especiallydamaging to both wetland types and special management measures will need to beintroduced. In addition to sediment laden discharges, the kuta ponds can be impacted bychanges in drainage regimes or flooding brought about by the road upgrade, and againspecific attention will need to be paid to drainage design and road level changes in thevicinity of the ponds.

44. The prevention of sedimentation and the maintenance of the current drainage regimewill be necessary in order to keep the ponds in good health. It may prove necessary orpreferable to relocate one or more of the ponds.

45. The construction materials for the upgrade of the road are to be taken from a varietyof locations nearby to the road. The road designers have identified 23 potential sources.Some of these locations are existing sources whereas others are currently undisturbed.Information is not currently available for each of the sites on the current level of extraction

and its impacts or on what a sustainable extraction rate might be. If the extraction of rivergravels or borrow from rock outcrops proves necessary, this undertaking will need tominimise negative impacts and be in compliance with the Environment Management Act(2005). If the Department of Environment determines that an EIA is required, this will needto be undertaken by the contractor. The construction phase EMMP will detail theenvironmental management procedures for gravel or borrow extraction, includingextraction areas and volumes. The design of the EEMP will be derived from the EIA,DNRs existing Code of Environmental Practice, and the outline EMMP (appendix 1).

46. The construction activities are likely to lead to a temporary increase in noise levels.The potential adverse impact of noise can be reduced by: ensuring compliance withconstruction noise standards; making sure construction equipment is kept in a good state

of repair; and undertaking particularly noisy activities when they will have the least impact.For example, noisy operations near schools should occur outside of teaching times.

47. Dust is already a major nuisance problem to the users and residents of theNabouwalu Road. The potential for the generation of additional dust during theconstruction process can be minimised by the use of water carts and by limiting the area ofdust generation by working on discrete sections of the road at any one time.

48. The use and storage of fuel and hazardous substances in the construction area hasthe potential for accidental discharges of these substances to the environment withassociated adverse impacts particularly on the aquatic environment. Fuel and hazardoussubstances will need to be stored and filled into machinery at least 20 metres away fromwaterways and other ecologically sensitive areas.

49. Many parts of the Nabouwalu Road are used by school children walking to and fromschool. The construction activities have the potential to place children at risk. This increasein risk can be avoided by ensuring specific measures are undertaken to protect thechildren. Such measures include: timing works to avoid the periods when children are onthe road; and using stop/go men to control and regulate the movement of children throughconstruction areas. The construction phase will also need to install speed retarders (forexample traffic humps) and warning signs around schools and roadside residential areas.

2. Indirect Effects

50. There appear to be few, if any, potential indirect adverse impacts associated with theroad upgrade, but the potentially positive ones are considerable. Improved access may

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increase both legal and illegal gravel extraction, logging and other natural resourceextraction. More likely is the improved economic environment as a result of improved traveland access, in addition to the well being of residents living close to the road.

E.

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS ANDENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

51. Under recent road sector projects assisted by international funding agencies, somecivil works contractors have been required to prepare a detailed EnvironmentalManagement and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the construction stage. The purpose ofthese EMMPs is to implement mitigation measures identified through an IEE or EIAprocess. These plans have to be approved by DNR, DoE and the international fundingagency prior to implementation. The project supervisor is then required to include a statusreport of compliance with the EMMP in the projects periodic progress reports. Theproposed Nabouwalu Road upgrade project will follow such requirements. In

circumstances where the supervisor and the contractor are the same organisation, anindependent review of compliance with the EMMP should be undertaken.

52. Prior to the commencement of construction, the contractor will develop the outlineEMMP included in Appendix 1 into a detailed construction phase EMMP. This will includea monitoring and reporting programme. An Environment Management Unit (EMU) will beset up within DNR (as required by the recently enacted Environment Management Act,2005). The EMU will be responsible for supervision of the EMMP through regular spotchecks and periodic inspections of construction-related activities. The EMU, with DoEsendorsement, will ensure that the construction phase EMMP is adequate. The supervisingengineer (PMU/DNR) will ensure that adequate and timely remedial actions are taken bythe contractor. Local communities will have access to the supervising engineer regarding

project-related concerns or problems. Any construction-related problems, along withfollow-up actions undertaken, will be reported by the supervising engineer to DNR andADB on a quarterly basis. Responsibilities for environmental monitoring and managementduring project implementation are summarised in Table 5.

53. The EMU will require domestic consultant support during the first year of thecontract but should be able to undertake its environmental management duties for theremainder of the project thereafter.

54. Monitoring and management of the upgraded road when operational will be theresponsibility of DNR.

Nature ofImpacts

ProjectStage

ResponsibleOrganisation

Monitoring Responsibilities

Contractor As detailed in the EMMPConstruction

Supervising Engineer As detailed in the EMMPDirect

Operation DNRNational road network supervision

and maintenance

ConstructionRelevant Government

DepartmentsDoE levels and sustainability of

gravel and borrow extraction;

IndirectOperation

Relevant GovernmentDepartments

DoE levels and sustainability ofgravel extraction;

National Roads Safety Council

road safety

Table 5: Summary of Responsibilities for Environmental Monitoring

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F. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND ENVIRONMENTALDISCLOSURE

55. The proposed project upgrade was discussed with DoE and the ProvincialAuthorities as a component of the initial screening to determine any specific requirementsfor the locality. Comprehensive consultation has been undertaken with all the villages,settlements, farmers and other stakeholders during the Social Assessment undertaken atthe same time as this IEE. The consensus is of major support for the proposed upgrade.

G. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

56. The Nabouwalu Road upgrade project will improve an existing road. There ispotential for adverse environmental impacts, particularly during the construction phase,however these will be mitigated by the preparation and implementation of an EMMP.

57. Once the road is constructed there will be significant benefits to residents in thevicinity of the road due to the elimination of the dust problem and a reduction in road noise.Improving the road may also increase and diversify development in the area, for instancetourism operation will become more feasible as will the transport of produce into and out ofthe area.

58. Stretches of the road immediately adjacent to the open sea (chainage 66.7 to 69.2)will require a specific design report to determine appropriate road levels, batter design,armouring requirements and tiri management, in respect of storm and cyclonic wave and

surge conditions.

59. There are a number of sensitive sites along the road that will require carefulconsideration during the road design phase. There are two sites of cultural and potentiallyarchaeological significance which face areas of tiri on the opposite side of the road. Areasof tiri and kuta reed ponds alongside the road will need to be treated with special careduring the construction phase and disturbed areas will need to be rehabilitated on thecompletion of the construction phase. There are also three roadside trees that potentiallyqualify as character trees. Measures to manage these issues need to be documented inthe EMMP.

60. In a number of cases, structures and crops are located directly alongside the road.

The structures include: schools; places of worship; government offices; stores; graves; andhomes. The preliminary engineering design confirms that the relocation of structures willbe unnecessary. If the disturbance or relocation of crops proves necessary, the ownerswill need to be consulted and appropriate compensation provided based on the existingpolicy of the Government of Fiji.

61. Gravel extraction locations have yet to be finalised. There are some ecologicallysignificant areas in the surrounding landscape that may be impacted by this exercise.Hence, the extraction sites will need to be approved by DoE. The EMMP will need todetail how the environmental impacts of gravel and fill extraction will be mitigated to anacceptable level in accordance with the findings of any EIAs required by DoE, and PWDsCodes of Environmental Practice for Road Construction.

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62. It is recommended that the design of the upgrade, where practical, avoids the needto create any down slope fills. In addition, it is recommended that the contract shouldspecifically prohibit the side casting of excavated material on slopes above activewaterways.

63. It is recommended that, prior to the commencement of construction works, a trafficawareness programme be delivered to school pupils who walk along the road to and fromschool. The traffic awareness programme would need to cover construction activities andthe use of the road once upgrading is completed. The speed of traffic will increase as aresult of the upgrade and the pupils need to be made aware of this hazard.

H. CONCLUSIONS

64. The overall finding of this IEE is that the proposed works will not cause significantadverse environmental impacts, provided that adequate mitigation measures areimplemented. The proposed mitigation measures are prescribed conceptually in thisreport, as an outline EMMP. This will be developed by the contractor into a detailedEMMP. Supervision of the implementation of the EMMP will be performed by DNRs EMU,which will act on behalf the GoF and will periodically report to the ADB and DoE/DNR.

65. The newly-formed EMU will require domestic consultant support for training andup-skilling at the beginning of the project period.

66. Adequate budget has been provided under the loan for the preparation,implementation, and monitoring of the construction phase EMMP.

I. REFERENCES

IUCN The World Conservation Union and Government of Fiji (1993) The NationalEnvironment Strategy: Fiji

Erasito Beca Consultants Ltd. (2005) Bua Integrated Port Project, Environmental ImpactAssessment Final, May 2005, prepared for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry,Government of Fiji.

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16

APPENDIX 1

PROPOSED OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MONITORING

PLAN


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OUTLINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MONI

PotentialImpacts

Mitigation Measures Responsibilities Significance EffectivenessIndicators

MeaVerif

DirectA. Sedimentdischarge fromconstructionactivities

a. No down slope fillsor side casting ofexcavated material

b. Use of silt fencesfor works adjacentto rivers andstreams

c. Use of grit traps forstormwaterdischarges fromdisturbed areas

d. Cut of drainsaround disposalareas and cutsgreater than 4m

e. Limit the area ofground which isdisturbed

f. Revegetatedisturbed areas asquickly aspracticable

g. Regularmaintenance ofsediment control

a. Designerb. Contractorc. Contractord. Contractore. Contractorf. Contractorg. Contractor

Minor a. No spoil downslope ofconstructionactivities

b. Silt fencesobserved priorand during

discharge eventsc. Site inspection

during rain eventsd. Site inspection to

determine cut offsestablished

e. No more than30% of routeunderconstruction atany one time

f. Areasrevegetatedwithin 6 monthsof constructioncommencing

g. Regularinspections

DesigndocumentWeekly insspot checkReports toDNR

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PotentialImpacts


MeaVerif

measures particularly after

rainfall events

B. Adverseeffects on graveland borrowextraction sites

a. Select sites that aredetermined to havethe leastenvironmentalimpact, avoid rivergravel orundisturbed sites ifpossible

b. Review proposed

extraction sites andprovide approval ifappropriate

c. No gravelextraction fromactive riverchannels

d. Acceptableextraction volumesdetermined prior toextractioncommencing

e. Extraction spread

out over a numberof differentextraction locations

a. Designerb. GoF, DoEc. Supervisord. Designere. Designer

Minor Monitor condition ofextraction sitesMonitor downstreameffects of extractingfrom or nearby to ariver

DesigndocumentWeekly insspot checkReports toDNR

C. Loss of highvalue or

a. Identification ofappropriate

a. Designerb. Contractor

minor No loss of valuable orecologically significant

Inspectionof area

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PotentialImpacts


MeaVerif

ecologically

significant landfor spoil disposalareas

disposal areas in

contract documentsb. No disposal of

material withoutapproval ofengineer

c. Approval ofdisposal sites priorto use

c. DoE land Design

documentWeekly insspot checkReports toDNR

E. Nuisance dustdischarges fromconstructionworks

a. Minimising area ofdisturbance

b. Using water cartsto suppress dust

c. Sealing section

under constructionas quickly aspracticable

a. Designerb. Contractorc. Contractor

minor Number of dustcomplaints per week

DesigndocumentWeekly insspot checkReports to

DNR

F. Noise fromconstructionactivities causinga nuisance

a. Timing works tocause the leastdisturbance

b. Ensuring plant isin a good state ofrepair

a. Contractorb. Contractor

Minor Number of complaints DesigndocumentWeekly insspot checkReports toDNR

G. Discharges offuel or

hazardoussubstances tothe environment

a. Secure storageaway from

sensitive areasb. All fuel stored in

double skinnedtankers with bund

c. No fueling within

a. Contractorb. Contractor

c. Contractord. Contractor

Minor Number of incidents Inspectionas part of

compliancDesigndocumentWeekly insspot check

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PotentialImpacts


MeaVerif

20 m of a water

wayd. Spill kits available

Reports to

DNR

H. Damage tocrops orstructuresalongside roadincluding:homes, stores,graveschurches, sitesof archaeologicalsignificance,tabu sites,

character treesand kuta reedponds

a. Agreement withowners onwhether the cropsor structuresshould berelocated orsubject tocompensation

b. Consultation withowners and FijiMuseum on sites

of potentialarchaeologicalsignificance todetermineappropriatetreatment of site

c. Implementation ofrelocation ormitigationmeasures

d. Compensation ofowners accordingto existing policy

of GoF

a. Designerb. Contractorc. DoEd. Fiji Museum

minor Consultation withcommunity afterimplementation ofmeasures indicatestheir satisfactionand/or that GoF policyhas been adequatelyimplemented

Consultaticommunitand afterimplemenmeasures

I. Damage toecologicalimportant orsensitive areas

Particular emphasison the mitigationmeasures for theimpacts identified as

Same parties asidentified underimpacts A, C, Eand G

moderate Same indicators asidentified underimpacts A, C, E andG.

Same as iunder impand G.

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PotentialImpacts


MeaVerif

including:

mangroves; kutareed ponds;maturevegetation andriparian zones

A, C, E and G.

J. Constructionactivities posinga risk to childrenwalking to andfrom school

a. Use stop go mento control traffic

b. Timing of worksc. Use of signd. Traffic awareness

talk given to allschools

a. Contractorb. Contractorc. Contractorsd. Engineer

Moderate Observation ofchildrens behaviour,traffic incident reports

Weekly insspot checkReports toDNR

K. Speedingcars on newroad posing riskto schoolchildren androadsideresidents

a. Install speedretarders (e.g.traffic humps) andwarning signs onroad alongsideschools androadsideresidential areas

a. Design Moderate Traffic incident report Reports toDNR

IndirectUnsustainablegravel extractionfrom surrounding

rivers

EIA and/or Extractionmanagement plan

a. GoFb. Contractor

moderate Monitor river DocumRevised

lice


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APPENDIX 2NABOUWALU ROAD SURVEY RECORD

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Nabouwalu Road Survey Record18-20 August, 2004

Kolinio Moce, Nicola Thomson

DescriptionChainage(km) Left (heading south) Right

0.00Area prone to flooding

Bush Pasture, grazing cattle

1.30Bridge over Nabiti River MangrovesRoad has been built up (after bridge, before hill)HillBush starts

2.00Telephone line crosses roadHouse (20/30m)Pine Forest Some distance from Road terrain

declines to a plain which is the location ofthe Dreketi Rice Irrigation Scheme:Large settlement (approx. 2000 people)Government Offices (Department ofPrimary Industries)Rewa Rice MillAgricultural training centreDefunct fisheries project (whitebait)Muanidevo Indian School

2.3Feeder Road to Dreketi IrrigationScheme, Houses start 250 m from road

2.73-4 HousesGrasslands

(view of Tiri at Coast line >20km)Dust Covering side plants

2.75 Pine starts

3.5

Feeder road to Dreketi Irrigation Scheme.This road leads directly to MuanidevoSchool.Houses alongside feeder road 15-20mfrom Nabouwalu road.

4.1Water supply for government station (2tanks) within 20m of road

Raised sides (6m cut) for 1kmFlats beginTrees: Vadra, Nokonoko

Patches of Pine4.2 Water tanks x 2 within 20km5.4 Becomes a ridge (view of Dreketi Irrigation Scheme lake and rice mill)

Water tanks x2

6.1Feeder road (may lead to a nearbyhouse)

Dreketi Irrigation Scheme Road (RHS)

6.2 HouseRoad sides rise up

6.65Unusual Rock formation in roadside cutblocks

6.7BridgeMolomolau Creek

IviHill climbsGrasslands with patches of bush Bush and grassland

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Flat pasture land

8.0

Jiresh Farm, South Pacific AgriculturalDevelopment Ltd.812 577

HQ in Suva 3385 341Pineapples, dahl, sheep.Pineapple plot alongside road

Small creek, Sovani Creek, Vadra Trees

8.3

Houses, Managers House for JireshFarm.Pineapple plots alongside road.Small patch of Pine.

Grassland/Pasture/Flat. Cows grazingHouses/Settlement and cultivation (justbefore and after the bridge)

Just before the bridge there is a hillockand a line of mature vegetation.

11.24 Bridge, Vunisea CreekPatches of mature bush

11.8Feeder Road to Nasarawaqa Village (justone house on the left hand side at thebeginning of the Feeder Road)

Mature bush (Raintrees)12.6 12.7 Bridge, Sarawaqa stream/river, Tiri

River swamp Tiri extends12.75(appro

x)Tiri stops. Hill begins

12.8

Possible archaeological site directlyalongside road.

Old vegetation/flat area, just after hill.Followed by more swampy area (no Tiri).Followed by Kuta Ponds. All within a 1km stretch directly alongside the road.

12.9(approx)

Tiri ends, Ivi Tree.Flat grazing land begins

Rice Paddies

Nasarowaqa settlement (Indo-Fijian) begins.Coconut palms.Houses directly beside road.

13.3First house is at this point.

13.8Hillock, site of fortified village. More than20m from road (including hill climb).

Sarowaqa River runs alongside theroad, including Tiri, 5-10m from road.Does this for 2.75 km

13.9Nasarowaqa Postal Agency directlybeside the road, with river andmangroves directly behind.

3-5m Hill directly beside road

ADD 13.8from now on

14.9River 5-10m from road2-3km20/30mTiri to left down hill Houses alongside RoadCoconut PalmsDelta/Valley

15.3 Farm with possible crusher

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End of Nasarawaqa SettlementRaintree and Mango alongside road going up hillPine forest starts after hill

15.9 House

Nasarawaqa crops: Pineapple, Rice, Banana (alongside road)Some Pine Forest (behind crops)Potential Flooding area (Rice paddies)1-2 km

16.4 Kuta Ponds16.45 Pine16.6 Namuavoivoi Village Turnoff 17.5km

Hilly grasslands (Nokonoko, Usi shrub)Valley (road drops away)Rice paddiesPineNokonokoManmade creek

Hilly grasslands (Nokonoko, Usi)19.7 Bridge, Vicolailai Creek

Riparian - Pine Riparian Vau, Vadra, Balabala, Mango(Add 14.5from now

on)Pine

Grasslands/NokonokoKuta PondsDryed wetland/Riparian vegNasau ni valagi

Pine (both sides)

Rolling grasslads, pasture, scrappypines, Nokonoko, Vadra

22.7 Korokadi RoadPine

23.4 Coconuts, bananas, culvert

23.9Teachers teitei Lekutu Secondary School

Rolling grassland, Pasture, Cows

24.6 Lekutu Mosque

24.8Bridge, Namatatoka Creek, Raintrees,FW trees, no TiriCreek runs alongside road (within20m), Big old trees Mango, rain tree,FW trees

House just after bridge

Hills begins to climb Pine (both)After hill Valley/Delta to right, still Pinealongside Road.

Creek/Culvert Raintrees and Nasauni vulagi Big and old (both sides)Nakadrudru settlement, either side ofbridgeLekutu Post Office,Fiji Pine Bua StationHouses

26.5Bridge, Lekutu RiverRaintrees, Nasau, Coconut, Banana,

CasavaFishing Centre for Bua Ministry of fisheries office

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Fish sales Other government officesLekutu Medical Centre 5,300 people 1/3Indian 2/3 Fijian, no phone, once a weektransport comes to take them on their

rounds, generator.Pine and Grasslands (both sides)

26.5 Houses (both) Hindu templePine and grasslands

28.7 Waibunabuna Primary School House and cemetery alongside road

29.1Bridge, Nawailevu riverVaivai, mango, FW trees, RaintreesPine

31 Plantation: Voivoi, Dalo, Banana (5m)

31.6Small Fijian settlement, housesalongside roadBaka tree

Bolaniniu Track

Pine (both)Coconuts

33.0 Rovurovu Lake (250m)

33.3

Nawailevu Village, school and church(Road leading off to left)Feeder road to Kuvula (7.5km) andBanikea (15.5) villages

33.5 Dalo and Voivoi (2m)Grassy hills and pine PineMango and Raintrees, Wabosucu vineover everythingFlatGrass

Mango

Drops away to terraces

Young bush (both)Yago Yagona, Nokonoko, somediversityRoad drops a little on either sideThe rises either sideCau trees, some bush, grass patches,then pine and nokonoko

36.8Coconut plantation either sideOld mangroveBanana, Voivoi

37 End of plantation, House (LHS)

37.2

Big drop for a few metres (20m),

Coconuts

Pine forest

Bush with patches of coconut and pine

41.1Creek runs alongside road 20/30mBua River tributary, Mango Trees

41.7Bua District School Road (1m up theroad)Bua Nursing Station (10m)Serves a population of 1,500, 50/50Indian/Fijian; No phone, solar power,travels to village to use phone, usescarriers to do rounds.

Bridge, Nawi Creek (10/15m high)Raintree, coconut, breadfruit (bothsides)

1.5 km from Bua Village (2 km)

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bridge Dalamo Village (1.25 km)Tiliva Village (1.5 km)

42.1 House on road after bridge Bele plantation, pawpawPine

House 20/30m from road (side?)

42.8

Indian settlement (Nakorovousettlement?)House (30m)Dwarf coconut plantation (2m)

Young pine43 House (2m) House, water tank (30/40m)

Few moremetres

Hindu temple (10m)House just after (30m)

Pasture land (both)43.7 House (20m)43.7 Christian Church and house 15/20m

Scrub (both)

44.6Small settlement (20/30m)Coconuts and banana alongside roadThen scrub and grassland

45.1Up on hill to rightWater reservoirPossible bore

45.2Vunivau settlement and Bhartiya school(1km)

45.4 House 25/35mscrub Rice and grazing

46.7CreekRaintrees, Coconut, Bamboo

47 House (20m), Vatureba settlement?,mostly 1km from road)

47.3House (10m)Grassland (both sides)The pine after 1-2km

47.8House (5/10m)Pine

48.8CreekVoivoi, Dalo, raintrees, duruka, ccnutPine

51.4 Naruwai Village and school (2km)Fiji Pine accommodation/office (10m)

51.6Bridge, Vunidawa creekRaintree, ccnut, bamboo, bananaCreeping vine

51.5 Dama Village (2km)

51.7Banana plot, copra dryer House and pineapple plot (15/20m)

Vanuavou settlementReservoir up on hillFiji Pine Trust Station

52.4Telephone pole alongside road beginning of FEA line to Nabouwalu

52.6Government station (15m)Shed (5m)

Poles leave road after the shed

53.1 Cassava, dalo, pineapple alongside roadRoad to Dama School (500 m)House (10m)

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Bridge, Dama RiverBamboo, Dalo, raintree

53.6GardenTurnoff to Tavulomo village (1.5 km)

Houses (5m)Turnoff to Wagadoa Village (2km)

Driti RoadTar seal startsHouses and School (5/10m)Coconut palms

Casava

53.8 Graves alongside road (5m)

53.9Shop (5m) with cylinder shedBua Central CollegePine

55.5 Settlement, 4 houses (5m) Coconut plantationsBush and Coconut (both)

55.8 Creek/culvert used for washingCoconut Grove Voivoi, cassava plots

Coconut grove56 House (10m) Dalo plot Coco cropCoconut (both)DaloHouse (5m)Road (1/2km) up to a few houses and alarge bureBikai settlement?Bridge, Nawaca CreekUsed for washingMango, RaintreeCassava plots

56.8 Nawaca Village (starts at 10m)

House (5m) Yam and cassava crops (1m)Houses and Coconuts Old Mango treesRolling grasslands with scrappy pine,coconut, nokonoko (both)Nawaca Wairiki Village School turnoff

Pine begins58.8 Wailele settlement (500m)59.1 Coconut Grove Tiri begins (20m)59.3 Road to Nadawat settlement (2.5km)59.4 Bridge

Coconut, climber, vutu Tiri, Tavola, Bamboo, Ivi59.7 Wairiki Village

Dalo plots, BananaHouses (10m)2 corrugated iron bus stationsPineBush Drop

Coconut grove61.8 Bridge, Creek, Bamboo, Dalo

Dalo plts (1m)

62.1Waiganama Settlement (Fijian) 15/20m, 8 houses

House (5m)

Banana, CassavaTelephone line (1m)

Wet area, Ivi, Balabala Coconut

After the hill from the Wairiki Village,

Flat area prone to flooding62.6 Rice paddies

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62.9

SettlementPower pole (2m)Rice Mill (5m)Houses (after 20m)

63.3Road to Namau Primary School,Namau settlement and Qereqeresettlement. Houses 20/30m

Rice

63.6 Settlement continues (5-10m)

64Bridge, clothes washing, Mulu Creek,Dalo Bamboo, IviCoconut Grove (both)Hill Level with sea

Swamp with Coconuts and creeper64.5 Hill Tiri begins (1m)

Hill with bush and mango trees Coconuts, Tiri drops back

66Coconut (both)Raviravi SettlementHouses (10km sic? From road) Yams, citrus, copra (1m)Creek Vudi, Dalo, PawpawHill Coconuts and bush, flat to sea

66.5 Hill Mangos Tiri (1m)FEA line (down)


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APPENDIX 3POTENTIAL SOURCES OF BASE AND SUB-BASE MATERIAL FOR THE

NABOUWALU ROAD UPGRADETHIRD ROAD UPGRADING PROJECT FIJI

ROUGHTON INTERNATIONAL

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Sources of Base and Sub-base Material

Table 8.11.6.7 lists pits and quarries which have been identified as potential sources of baseand sub-base for upgrading the study road. These material sources have been graded into

primary and secondary sources following an appraisal of material quality; resource size;processing costs; haulage distances ; and environmental considerations.

A brief review of the major pavement material sources is given in the followingparagraphs.

Naua Pit

At the time of the field investigations a large resource of sandy gravel and cobbles waspresent in the Naua River about 18 km east of Dreketi. However, this deposit was beingheavily exploited to supply base and sub-base materials for the Transinsular Road and isalso the likely source of pavement materials for the upgrading of the Naravuka to Dreketisection of the Nabouwalu road. Given the very heavy demands to be made on this source itis considered that it cannot be relied upon to supply significant quantities of pavementmaterial for the study road.

Potential Apia Quarries

About 6 km east of Dreketi Health Centre, near Apia village, two potential quarry sites havebeen identified that could exploit strong moderately jointed basic andesite/basalt to producecrushed stone pavement materials.

Apia/Cascade Quarry is located 700 m east of Nakata Bridge and about 6.2 km east ofDreketi Health Clinic. This potential quarry site has been studied during material searches

for the Naravuka to Dreketi upgrading project (Roughton 1992 & 1995). Laboratory testingundertaken during this investigation indicated its potential as a roadbase course aggregate.At the site, which is adjacent to the Nabouwalu road, fresh strong rock is well exposed alongthe bed of a stream cascade for a distance of more than 300 m. Typical overburdenthickness on the slope is expected to be 1.5 to 2.5 m and the extensive size of the resource(>200,000 m3) is indicated by the outcrop of similar rock at Matasawalevu Junction 300 m tothe east. Quarry development would probably involve a benched excavation into the slopeand care would need to be taken to minimise long term environmental impact.

At Matasawalevu Junction a large exposure of bear rock forms a steep slope adjacent to theroad. This slightly weathered to fresh, moderately jointed, basic andesite appears the sameas that in the cascade. However, due to the presence of negligible overburden in the area

and the slightly more favourable topography, this site is considered to be the better quarrysite. For preliminary quantities estimation it is assumed that Apia/Matasawalevu Quarry willsupply crushed stone base and sub-base from km 0.0 to km 15.0.

Naiselesele Quarry and River Bed Deposits

A nearly horizontal basalt lava flow about 21 m thick has been exposed in a waterfall on theNaiselesele River about 400 m downstream from the Naiselesele Bridge (km 20.9). Thestrong fresh basalt exposed exhibits well developed columnar jointing in two zones. Thereis an upper zone of small columns with an average diameter of 150 mm and a lower zone ofmassive columns with diameters reaching 1.8 m and averaging 1.2 m.

Laboratory testing indicates that this rock would be suitable for the supply of crushedpavement materials. However, development of a quarry exploiting the rock exposed in the

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waterfall is not considered acceptable on environmental grounds. The falls constitute abeauty spot of considerable character and scientific interest.

Nevertheless, since the flow forms a hard horizontal structure (sandwiched between weakertuffs, mudstones and sandstones) careful geological mapping in the vicinity of the falls isexpected to locate a viable quarry site. The development of such a quarry may involvesignificant overburden stripping but this is expected to be acceptable due to the high qualityof the rock and the favourable jointing which will aid extraction. It is therefore recommendedthat detailed geological mapping of the area forms a part of the detailed investigations.

The bed of the Naiselesele river downstream of the falls is filled with cobbles and bouldersof basalt derived from the outcrop. It is estimated that more than 15,000 m3 of crushedpavement material could be obtained from this source. Also, if a crusher is set up atNaiselesele, cobble and gravel deposits noted in the Sarawaqa and Tavua creeks could beprocessed at this site.

For preliminary quantities estimation it has been assumed that about 110,000 m3 of crushed

pavement material will be produced from a crushing plant at Naiselesele and that about40,000 m3 of this aggregate will be processed from river "spalls" and about 70,000 m3 will bederived from a hard rock quarry. This aggregate would be used between km 15 and km 50.

Lekuto Quarry

About 2 kilometres west of the Lukuto Bridge hard rock outcrops in a hill on the right handside of the road at km 30.3 (200 m from the road). Examination revealed this rock to bestrong, widely jointed to massive, volcanic agglomerate.

Agglomerates (or breccias) are accumulations of airborne debris which has been blown froma volcano during an explosive eruption. They comprise angular fragments of rock in a finer

grained tuff (ash) matrix. The suitability of agglomerate deposits for production of highstrength crushed pavement aggregates may be controlled by the strength of the fragmentsor the matrix. The rock at this potential quarry site comprises strongly cemented fragmentsof strong basalt and andesite.

Lack of natural fractures would make extraction relatively expensive. However, if the rock issound then its favourable location may encourage quarry development. A single very largequarry at Lekuto could supply crushed pavement aggregates from the start of the Projectroad to km 50 (maximum haul 30 km) and this might be attractive to some Contractors.Detailed investigation of this resource is therefore recommended during final design studies.In particular, the occurrence of secondary mineralisation should be investigated in arepresentative selection of clasts and matrix material.

Bua River Upstream Pit

The upper reaches of the Bua River are located in the pine forests on the right hand side ofthe study road at about km 44, offset about 1.5 to 2 km. At the time of this materialsinvestigation the access road to this source of coarse river gravel was blocked. Detaileddesign studies should include this material search.

Dama/Nagadoa Pit

The bed of the Dama River (km 59) is estimated to contain an exploitable gravel and

cobble source of at least 80,000 m

3

, if exploited over a length of about 4 km upstream anddownstream of the existing Nagadoa Pit. Deposits become increasingly coarse upstream of

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Nagadoa. The finer gravels are suitable for production of sub-base material by washing andscreening. The coarse gravel and cobble deposits in the higher reaches of the river couldprovide crushed roadbase course aggregate.

For Preliminary design quantities estimation it is assumed that base and sub-base materialsfrom the Dama River will be used between km 50 and the end of the Road at Nabouwalu(km 75).

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Sources of Sealing and Concrete Aggregate

The potential hard rock sources at Apia (km 0) and Naiselesele (km 20) are both expectedto provide crushed aggregates suitable for use in sealing and high quality concrete works.Crushed rock from the Lekuto agglomerate quarry (km 30) will comprise fragments of

various rock types and would therefore require thorough investigation to establish itssoundness and suitability.

The cobble and boulder deposits of the Sarawaqa (km 17), Tavua (km 17), Naiselesele (km20) and Dama (km 59) Rivers appear sufficiently strong and durable for production of highquality sealing and concrete aggregates. However, all these potential sources areessentially volcanic in origin so soundness needs to be confirmed during detailed designstage material investigations. This testing should be supplemented by secondary mineralanalysis of any suspect materials.

Sources of Selected Subgrade Fill

"As-dug" selected subgrade fill materials with a CBR strength of not less than 15 % are notreadily available along the project road. Outcrops of "rotten rock" are rare due to the deeptropical weathering profile exhibited by the volcanic deposits and fine to medium coarse rivergravel deposits are only associated with the Dama River (where they are too valuable assources of pavement aggregate to be used as selected subgrade fill - SSG).

Selected sandy clay materials derived from cut are expected to supply SSG with a CBRstrength of not less than 8%. Marls and weak fine sandstones ("soapstones") outcropping inthe Nasarowaqa area (km 15 - 17) will certainly supply "as-dug" SSG with compacted CBRstrengths exceeding 8 % and detailed investigation may show that selected "soapstones"can be relied upon to give CBR strengths of greater than 15 %.

"Rotten rock" (weathered conglomerate) has been observed in several cuttings between theDama River and Nabouwalu and as a result two potential SSG sources are proposed nearTavulomo (km 60) and Ndelainavi (km 66). It is anticipated that rippable deposits fromgreater than 2.5 - 3.5 m depth will provide compacted CBR strengths of greater than 15 %.

Adb - Frup4 - Prelim Env Examintn - Nabouwalu to Dreketi Road - 2005

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Transcript of Adb - Frup4 - Prelim Env Examintn - Nabouwalu to Dreketi Road - 2005