Bangladesh: Power System Expansion and Efficiency ...

Environmental Monitoring Report

Project No. 42378-016 Semestral Report (January- June 2021) July 2021

Bangladesh: Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment Program - Tranche 2 Augmentation and rehabilitation of distribution system in DESCO area

Prepared by Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) for the Asian Development

Bank.

This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

9th Environmental Monitoring Report on

Augmentation and Rehabilitation of Distribution System in DESCO Area

Period: January - June 2021

Prepared by Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO)

1

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank BECA Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act BECR Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules BPDB Bangladesh Power Development Board CEGIS Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services CO Carbon Mono-oxide DESCO Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited DoE Department of Environment DoHS Defense Officers Housing Society DBH Diameter at Breast Height ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate ECR Environmental Conservation Rule EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EMR Environmental Monitoring Report EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction ERF Extracting area Rehabilitation Fund GoB Government of Bangladesh IEE Initial Environmental Examination PM Particulate Matters PMU Project Management Unit SPM Suspended Particulate Matters SPS Safeguard Policy Statement SPT Standard Penetration Test SCC Site Clearance Certificate SEMP Specific Environmental Management Plan

2

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

Bigha= 33 Decimals

1 Katha= 1.65 Decimals 1 Acre= 0.404686 Hectare

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ......................................................................................... 1

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ....................................................................................................... 2

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ 4

LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. 5

I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 6

A. BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 6

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ........................................................................... 6

C. OBJECTIVES OF THE MONITORING ....................................................................... 6

D. PROJECT LOCATION ............................................................................................... 7

E. SCOPES OF THE STUDY ......................................................................................... 9

F. MONITORING LAW AND POLICY STANDARD ......................................................... 9

II. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY .................................................................................. 17

A. OVERALL APPROACH ............................................................................................ 17

B. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................... 17

III. MONITORING RESULTS ................................................................................................... 19

A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................... 19

B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................. 22

IV. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM. ............ 23

A. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT .......................................................................... 23

B. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM.................................................................... 24

V. SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...................................................... 25

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................... 37

A. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 37

B. RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................ 38

APPENDIX 1: ENVIRONMENTAL CLARENCE CERTIFICATE ................................................ 39

APPENDIX 2: LABORATORY TEST REPORTS ...................................................................... 41

APPENDIX 3: FIELD PHOTOS ................................................................................................. 44

APPENDIX 4: MONITORING CHECKLIST ............................................................................... 45

4

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Projects Location and Implementation Status ............................................ 7

Table 1.2: Compliance Status against the National Regulations ............................... 12

Table 1.3: Compliance Status against the National Regulations ............................... 14

Table 1.4: Compliance Status against the ADB Loan Covenants with DESCO ........ 15

Table 3.1: Results of 9th Air Quality Monitoring of the Project Area ........................... 20

Table 3.3: Average Noise level of the project sites (June 2021) ............................... 21

Table 5.1: Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) ................................. 26

Table 6.1: Corrective Action Plan and Implementing Plan for Non Compliance Issues ................................................................................................................................. 37

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Location Map of the Proposed 24 (Twenty Four) 33/11kV Substations in DESCO Area .............................................................................................................. 8

Figure 4.1: Institutional Arrangementof DESCO for Compliance and Monitoring ...... 23

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The 9th EMR prepared based on the activities performed during the month of January 2021-June 2021. The compliance monitoring conducted based on a) Bangladesh National Environmental Policy Standards b) Safeguard Policy Statement of ADB and c) loan covenant between the ADB and the GoB for this Project.

Based on the selected parameters of air quality, the results of the air quality were checked whether it is satisfactory or not regarding the national standard. Besides, how this construction activity is related with the air quality has been observed through field visit when the construction activities were ongoing. During the environmental monitoring, air quality was monitored by an air quality monitoring machine at the project sites as well as through visual inspection. CEGIS used dust track aerosol monitor model 8533EP which is an air quality monitoring machine. Based on the air quality results, air quality were checked at the project sites. It was observed that air pollutants emitted from the construction sites didn’t have any impacts on the air quality, but external sources were responsible to make impact on the surrounding area. However, construction debris kept in a project location and cleared regularly. No dust particles emitted from the debris because of regular cleaning. The noise levels measured during day time at different project sites. The recorded noise levels showed that the level exceeds because of external sources. Local people didn’t face noise related because of the project construction. The project sites were cleaned as the debris was sent to the disposal site. No odor related problem found in the construction phase. The EPC contractor followed the Covid 19 protocol of ADB and WHO to tackle the coronavirus. They maintained social distancing, made specific point for hand washing and ensure masks of the labors. The proposed new substation locales included with ragged vegetation with low densities of common herbs and shrubs in urbanized environment. In the substations, there was some space accessible for the plantation that may improve the natural surroundings of wildlife. Thinking about the general condition, there were no negative effect on the current vegetation and wildlife. No threatened wildlife species were observed where the construction activities were ongoing. Special initiatives were taken to plant trees ensuring the green environment within the project area. Overall, no major environmental issues found because of the construction activities under this project. Therefore, the findings of environmental monitoring compiled and suggested the corrective action plan for further improvement on non-compliance status. Finally, an implementation plan based on Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and recommendations were suggested in this environmental monitoring report.

6

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND

1. Bangladesh Government has the target to ensure electricity for all by 2021. This target is acknowledged as Vision 2021. In this regard, it is required to scale up the priority to strengthening the electricity production, transmission, and distribution to meet the target. Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh. With the expansion of city, and increased population, it becomes essential to strengthen the capacity of electricity Distribution Company for ensuring quality electricity for city dwellers. Considering all aspects, the Dhaka Electricity Supply Company (DESCO) has set their priority to ensure quality electricity strengthening its capacity. The project titled “Augmentation and Rehabilitation of Distribution System in DESCO Area” started in 2017 and ended in 2021. There are twenty four (24) substations constructed under this project. Th e SIEMENS India appointed as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for implementing this project. CEGIS was entrusted by the Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) and a multidisciplinary team was functional to conduct the EMR. This monitoring was started in 2017 and ended in 2021. Previously (July-December 2020), the 8th Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR) was prepared and submitted to the ADB. However, all construction activities completed except some finishing activities. As a follow up monitoring study, the 9th

EMR prepared based on the activities performed during the month of January 2021-June 2021. Additionally, the comprehensive compliance status during the construction phase of the project.

2. The compliance monitoring conducted based on a) Bangladesh National Environmental Policy Standards b) Safeguard Policy Statement of ADB and c) loan covenant between the ADB and the GoB for this Project.

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

3. Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) implemented the Project titled “Augmentation and Rehabilitation of Distribution System in DESCO Area” for providing quality electricity for Dhaka City Dwellers. Under this project, a total of 24 (twenty-four) substations were constructed (15 nos. constructed newly and 9 nos. were renovated from the existing sub-station).

C. OBJECTIVES OF THE MONITORING

Main Objective

4. The main objective of the environmental monitoring was to monitor how the suggestions of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and how n a t i o n a l and international standards complied in the construction phase of the project.

Specific Objectives

5. The specific objectives of the environmental monitoring were to: • Monitor the air quality in pre-construction and during construction phases of

the Project; • Monitor the noise at the construction phase of the Project; • Monitor the waste management system;

7

• Monitor the compliance status as per the National environmental Laws and Policies,

• Monitor the compliance status according the ADB policy and ADB and Bangladesh loan covenant;

• Explore the implementation status of EMP of IEE & EIA; • Provide Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for achieving the better compliance

status;

D. PROJECT LOCATION

6. Table1.1 presented the locations of the proposed twenty four (24) 33/11kV substations in the DESCO area.

Table 1.1: Projects Location and Implementation Status S.No. Substation Name Location Implementation Status

01. ADA Existing 33/11KV DESCO substation, Kawla, Airport. Completed

02. Baunia Existing 33/11KV DESCO substation, Baunia Bazar, Uttara Completed

03. Mirpur DOHS Existing 33/11 kV substation, at the end of road 10, DOHS, Mirpur 12. Completed

04. Mirpur DOHS 2 Mirpur DOHS, 3rd phase, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka Completed

05. Barua Plot#13, Road #11, Block #A, Sector 1, Swarnali Properties, Mouza: Borua, Thana: Dakshinkhan

Completed

06. Lake City Concord Joarshahara, Khilkhet, Lake City Concord Completed

07. CAAB Existing 33/11 kV substation, Left from Jashimuddin, Uttara sector 1 Completed

08. Mirpur 6 Existing 33/11KV substation of DESCO, Mirpur 6 Kacha bazar. Completed

09. Agargaon 2 Existing 33/11KV DESCO S&D Completed 10. Tongi 27 Tilarghati, sataish (27) Tongi, Gazipur Completed 11. Merul Badda Beside Brac campus, Badda Completed 12. Uttara 14 Plot 67, road 14, sector 14, Uttara, Dhaka. Completed 13. Uttarkhan Promy agro food limited, Uttarkhan Dhaka Completed

14. Satarkul 1 Plot 4, road 317, sector 3, Satarkul union, Badda, Dhaka Completed

15. Solahati Uttara Third Phase, (Sector-15) Block G, Plot 109, Road-2 Completed

16. Rakeen City Block D, section 15, Rakin city, Mirpur Housing, Mirpur, Dhaka Completed

17. Ahsania Mission Kamarpara Road, Ahsania Mission Cancer hospital premises Completed

18. Bashundhara Block I Plot 2776, Block I extension, Bashundhara Completed

19. Kazipara 740/B West Kajipara, Mirpur(Beside the mosque of west kajipara Bus station) Completed

20. Tongi 1 BSCIC I/A Completed 21. Tongi BSCIC Near BPDB’s 80MW power station, Tongi BSCIC I/A Completed 22. Tongi 2 Cherag Ali, Beside Tongi S&D division of DESCO Completed

23. Eastern Housing Plot J8 and J10, Road N13, Pallabi phase 2, Eastern Housing, Dhaka. Completed

24. Mohakhali DOHS Eusuf road, Mohakhali DOHS, Cantonment Completed

Source: PMU office, DESCO, 2021

8

Figure 1.1: Location Map of the Proposed 24 (Twenty Four) 33/11kV Substations in DESCO Area

9

E. SCOPES OF THE STUDY

7. In line with the aforementioned objectives the scope of the services includes:

• Monitor ambient air quality of the project site and its adjoining area before construction stage;

• Review of environmental management and environmental monitoring plan suggested in the EIA report in line with the action plan proposed by ADB;

• Upgrade (if required) the environmental monitoring framework and work plan specifying the indicators, method, location, time, frequency of monitoring provided in the EIA that shall be followed by the EPC contractor;

• Conduct monthly monitoring of construction activities to see their compliance with national environmental and social regulations, and ADB’s performance standards on social and environmental sustainability;

• Provide suggestion on pollution prevention and mitigation measures to ensure environmental safeguard, to ensure compliance with national environmental and social regulations;

• Keep close liaison with the project implementation office (Project Director), and EPC contractor;

• Provide an interim monitoring report at the end of every three (3) months in line with the reporting requirement of DESCO/ ADB satisfying equator principles;

• Provide a monitoring report at the end of every six (6) months in line with the reporting requirement of ADB satisfying equator principles.

F. MONITORING LAW AND POLICY STANDARD

8. The Environment Conservation Rules (ECR), 1997 placed construction of power sector development works into the Red category. The site clearances based on Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) obtained from the Department of Environment (DoE). As per the GoB policy standard, environmental compliance monitoring is one of the important parts that needs to be initiated following the Environmental compliance monitoring guidelines by the DoE and the agreement between the ADB and the GoB (based on the ADB loan covenants). DESCO has taken initiatives to expand its infrastructure of the distribution system through construction of new lines, installation of new substations and rehabilitation of existing substation in order to provide new connections to the incoming consumers. In this regard, during carrying out the EIA study for the proposed twenty-four (24) 33/11kV Substations, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was prepared following the national guidelines of Bangladesh and policies of the ADB. Now, the purpose of the environmental monitoring is to monitor whether the construction activities are performed or not as per the EMP prepared during the EIA stage.

Compliance with National Environmental Laws

9. The environmental legislation of the GoB gives importance to reduce the negative impacts of infrastructure development projects, and give priority to the enhancement of positive impacts due to the project implementation. It conforms the National Environmental Policy 1992 based on the Agenda 21 of Rio Conference and subsequent enactments of the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act

10

(BECA), 1995 and Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (BECR), 1997. The BECR, 1997 placed activities of power sector development into the Red category during the time of the EIA study. However, with the amendment made in 2017, all substations projects are categorized as ‘Orange B’ category. In this study, all compliances are addressed regarding the policy standard set during the EIA stage and the monitoring of this project is completed following this way.

Bangladesh Government Regulation and Compliance Monitoring

10. The BECA, 1995 is the key legislation in relation to environment protection in Bangladesh. This Act is promulgated for environment conservation, standards, development, pollution control, and abatement. It has repealed the Environment Pollution Control Ordinance of 1977. The Act has been amended in 2000, 2002, 2007 and 2010.

11. The objectives of the Act are to:

• Conservation and improvement of the environment; and

12. Control and mitigation of pollution of the environment. The main strategies of the Act can be summarized as:

• Declaration of ecologically critical areas (ECA) and restriction on the operations and processes, which can or cannot be carried out/initiated in the ECAs;

• Regulations on vehicles emitting smoke deemed harmful for the environment;

• Environmental clearance;

• Regulations on industries and other development activities discharge permits;

• Promulgation of standards for quality of air, water, soil and noise for different areas for different purposes;

• Promulgation of a standard limit for discharging and emitting waste; and

• Formulation and declaration of environmental guidelines.

13. The ECA, 1995 specified that no industrial unit or project shall be established or undertaken without obtaining an environmental clearance from the Director General (DG) of the DoE in a manner prescribed by the Rules, 1997. The Project proponent must obtain Environmental Clearance from the DoE. An appeal procedure does exist for those who fail to obtain clearance. Failure to comply with any part of this Act may result in punishment of imprisonment or fine or both. The DoE executes the Act under the leadership of the DG.

14. The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2000 focuses on: (1) ascertaining responsibility for Compensation in cases of damage to ecosystems, (2) increased provision of punitive measures both for fines and imprisonment and (3) fixing authority on cognizance of offences.

15. The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2002 elaborates on: (1) restriction on polluting automobiles, (2) restriction on the sale and production of environmentally harmful items like polythene bags, (3) assistance

11

from law enforcement agencies for environmental actions, (4) break up of punitive measures and (5) authority to try environmental cases.

16. The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2010 introduces new rules and restriction on: a) Ensure proper management of hazardous wastes to prevent environmental pollution and Health Risk, b) No remarked water body cannot be filled up/changed; in case of national interest; it can be done after getting clearance from the respective department; and c) Emitter of any activities/incident will be bound to control emission of environmental pollutants that exceeds the existing emission standards (d) Government may declare any ecosystem as “Ecologically Critical Area” if it appears to be degraded or expected to be degraded and take all precaution measures to protect that ecosystem. In addition, government shall stop any ongoing activities and will not allow any new developments in the ecosystem after declaration of “Ecologically Critical Area”.

17. The BECR, 1997 is the first set of rules, promulgated under the BECA,1995 (with subsequent amendments up December 2017). The BECR, 1997 has provided categorization of industries and projects and identified types of environmental assessments needed against respective categories of industries or projects.

18. Among other things, these rules set (i) the National Environmental Quality Standards for ambient air, various types of water, industrial effluent, emission, noise, vehicular exhaust etc., (ii) the requirement for and procedures to obtain environmental clearance, and (iii) the requirement for IEE and EIA’s according to categories of industrial and other development interventions.

19. The proposed project, according to the DoE, was under the “Red” category according to the Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997 but recent amendment in 2017 made this project an “Orange B” category project.

20. Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 gives the authority to all the Union Councils, Paurasabhas, City Paurasabhas, Corporations, City Development Authority (i.e. RAJUK, CDA, KDA, RDA etc.) to mark off the areas under their jurisdiction as silent, residential, mixed, commercial or industrial zones. They should also put signs to mark those areas. The Rules also describes the approved standard limit of sound in the added Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. In Schedule 1, silent area means area up-to a radius of 100 meters around hospitals or educational institutions or special institutions/ establishments identified/to be identified by the government. In the silent area, it is prohibited to use any kind of horns of vehicles, audio signals and loudspeakers. According to this Rules, daytime is counted from 6am to 9pm whereas night-time is counted from 9pm to 6 am.

21. The Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1983 stated to impose a penalty of maximum two hundred taka for those vehicles that are emitting smokes that poses health hazard in public places. It also restricts the passenger from smoking in public service vehicles and in any other vehicles with notice of prohibited smoking. This ordinance is enforced occasionally but a regular enforcement would be helpful to reduce air pollution in the big cities including Dhaka.

12

22. The Environment Court Act, 2000 provides for the establishment of environment courts and matters incidental thereto. This act also provides the jurisdictions of environment court, penalty for violating court’s order, trial procedure in special magistrate’s court, power of entry and search, procedure for investigation, procedure and power of environment court, authority of environment court to inspect, appeal procedure and formation of environment appeal court.

Table 1.2: Compliance Status against the National Regulations

Environmental Act Compliance Requirement

Relevance for the Project

Compliance Status

The Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act (BECA), 1995. Amended in 2000, 2002, 2007 and 2010.

- Conservation and improvement of the environment;

- Environmental clearance

- Maintenance of quality of air, water, soil and noise for different areas for different purposes;

- Maintenance of standard limit for discharging and emitting waste

It is required to manage and minimize the impact on environment due to

the construction activities

- This project taken initiatives to make a green environment through plantation

- Environmental Clearance taken conducting the EIA

- Taken measures to manage environmental pollution

Compliance with DoE Guidelines

23. As mentioned above, the project activities fall under the ‘red’ category according to the BECR, 1997. For projects under this category, it is mandatory to carry out an IEE and subsequently an EIA including Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and where necessary, develop a Resettlement Plan (RP) for getting environmental clearance from the DoE.

24. The DoE has issued EIA guidelines for industries and addresses IEE and EIA for several industrial sectors and activities. Each project proponent shall conduct an IEE or an EIA and is expected to consult and follow the DoE guidelines. The provisions of the environment legislations and the EIA guidelines of the DoE reviewed under this study. The DoE issued application procedure for obtaining site/environmental clearance.

25. Environmental quality standards for air quality, noise, odor, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and industrial project emissions for Bangladesh.

26. The BECA, 1995 and the BECR, 1997 are the main legislative base in Bangladesh for protection and conservation of natural environment. The BECR, 1997 placed activities of power sector development into the Red category during the time of the EIA study. However, with the amendment made in 2017, all substations projects are categorized as ‘Orange B’ category. In this study, all compliances are addressed

13

regarding the policy standard set during the EIA stage and the monitoring of this project is completed following this way.

27. The Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) of the ADB has also been reviewed as the ADB is financing the Project in partnership with the GoB. As per the ADB categorization, the substation construction activities are under the ‘Category B’ considering the significance of the project’s potential environmental impacts. Therefore, the EMP is prepared based on the combination of both the GoB and the ADB requirements.

28. As mentioned above, the project activities fall under the ‘red’ category according to the BECR, 1997. For projects under this category, it is mandatory to carry out an IEE and subsequently an EIA including Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and where necessary, develop a Resettlement Plan (RP) for getting environmental clearance from the DoE.

29. The DoE has issued EIA guidelines for industries and addresses IEE and EIA for several industrial sectors and activities. Each project proponent shall conduct an IEE or an EIA and is expected to consult and follow the DoE guidelines. The provisions of the environment legislations and the EIA guidelines of the DoE reviewed under this study. The DoE issued application procedure for obtaining site/environmental clearance.

30. Environmental quality standards for air quality, noise, odor, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and industrial project emissions for Bangladesh.

31. The BECA, 1995 and the BECR, 1997 are the main legislative base in Bangladesh for protection and conservation of natural environment. The BECR, 1997 placed activities of power sector development into the Red category during the time of the EIA study. However, with the amendment made in 2017, all substations projects are categorized as ‘Orange B’ category. In this study, all compliances are addressed regarding the policy standard set during the EIA stage and the monitoring of this project is completed following this way.

32. The Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) of the ADB has also been reviewed as the ADB is financing the Project in partnership with the GoB. As per the ADB categorization, the substation construction activities are under the ‘Category B’ considering the significance of the project’s potential environmental impacts. Therefore, the EMP is prepared based on the combination of both the GoB and the ADB requirements.

33. The environmental standards are determined in the BECR, 1997. The standards/ limits for air, water, sound, odour and other components of the environment are started to monitor in accordance with the standards/ limits specified in Schedule 2 through Schedule 8. The Bangladesh standards, in general, are less stringent compared to the developed countries. This is in view to promote and encourage industrialization in the country. The Bangladesh standards are not for any specific period of time. There is no provision for partial compliance either. For this reason, monitoring is based on the national standards unless there is any

14

absence of clear standards; in such cases, only then the corresponding ADB standards are being considered.

34. The results of the monitoring are needed to compare the established benchmarks/ baseline and compliance status and help to identify the areas where adverse environmental and social adverse impacts are still occurring. It would be helpful to formulate the corrective actions accordingly and in a timely manner.

Table 1.3: Compliance Status against the National Regulations

Environmental Policy/Rules

Compliance Requirement

Relevance for the Project

Compliance Status

Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (BECR), 1997

- IEE/EIA including the EMP

- Implementation of the EMP in the construction phase

It is required to manage and minimize the impact on environment due to the project activities

This project categorized as orange B, therefore, it is required the ECC from the DoE and renewal of the ECC every year. The PMU suggested EPC contractor to implement the EMP at the construction phase

The ADB Loan Covenants with DESCO

35. According to the Loan Covenant Article (II), Section 2.01, DESCO should carry out the Project, with the due diligence and efficiency and in conformity with sound administrative, financial, engineering, environmental and power sector practices. The following criteria should be followed for the execution of this Project.

Implementation arrangement

36. DESCO should ensure the project implementation in accordance with the detailed arrangements set forth in the PAM. Besides, it is the responsibility of DESCO to ensure their project management staff who have the qualification to undertake necessary tasks of procurement, construction, supervision, inspection, and testing of equipment, payments to contractors, monitoring, environmental and social safeguards due diligence and reporting of progress relevant to the components under their responsibility.

Environment

37. DESCO should ensure that the preparation, design, construction, implementation, operation, and decommissioning of the project and all project facilities comply with;

• All applicable laws and regulations of the relating to environment, health and safety

• The environmental safeguard (i.e. Air quality, noise quality, and waste management, and conservation of ecological resources)

• All measures and requirements set forth in the respective IEE and EMP and

15

any corrective or preventive actions set forth in a safeguard monitoring report

Project Reviews

• The project progress would be reviewed by the ADB with necessary midcourse corrections

• The assistance should be provided by the Executing Agency (i.e. DESCO).

38. The environmental monitoring assessed the compliance according to the GoB laws, policies and national standards (i.e. air, noise and water quality) and the loan covenants with the ADB. As there is no involuntary resettlement and ethnic minority issues, thus, this monitoring assesses the environmental issues in accordance with the GoB laws and the ADB loan covenants like the above-mentioned ways.

Table 1.4: Compliance Status against the ADB Loan Covenants with DESCO

Serial no. and name as per Loan

Agreement Program Specific

Covenants Compliance Status Remarks

(1) Implementation Arrangement

Ensure their project management staff who have the qualification to undertake necessary tasks

Qualified staff undertaken the tasks and visited the

construction site to monitor the compliance

status

(2) Environment - Ensure compliance Laws and regulations of the relating to environment, health and safety

- Ensure the environmental safeguard

- All measures and requirements set forth in the respective IEE and EMP and any corrective or preventive actions

- The EPC contractor follow the SEMP to implement the EMP - Regularly water sprayed to decrease the pollution - The EPC contractor mitigate the sound to avoid the sound pollution -Debris sent to the specific location in a regular basis

(8) Safeguard Monitoring &

Reporting

Conduct a semiannual EMR by a third party

- Semiannual Report prepared and submitted regularly

(10)Labor Standards, Health

and Safety

Provide good working condition

Awareness program about the HIV and human trafficking

Provide equal wage

- Provided Labor shed with proper water and sanitation

- Provided tool box training about the health safety issue

- Details on Labor standard illustrated

in the Social Safeguard Report

particularly - Because of the

pandemic situation due to covid 19, no

tool box training held from January 2021-June 2021

(12) Project Reviews - The project progress

would be reviewed by the ADB with necessary midcourse corrections

- Project status reviewed and provided midcourse action which is also complied by the PMU

16

Serial no. and name as per Loan

Agreement Program Specific

Covenants Compliance Status Remarks

- The assistance should be provided by the Executing Agency

- -

17

II. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

A. OVERALL APPROACH

39. For this monitoring, the monitoring team collected data from the construction sites and analyzed data from the previous reports and documents. However, in this phase (9th Monitoring Report) CEGIS team visited each sites (two sites were being constructed) and analyzed the compliance status applying different social techniques. Besides, previous reports on EMR reviewed to prepare a comprehensive report.

B. METHODOLOGY

Literature Review

40. The ADB Safeguard Statement 2009, national policy documents, Environmental Monitoring Report (1st to 8th EMR) reviewed for conducting this EMR. Besides, the loan covenant between Bangladesh Govt. and ADB reviewed to understand the compliance issues for the construction stage of the project.

Ambient Air Quality

41. Ambient air quality data is usually measured to ascertain the current quality of air. The aim is to develop the baseline air quality data and to compare the same with the air quality data during project activities to check if there is any high air pollution developed due to the construction activities and to design adequate mitigation measures, as applicable. In summer the heavy shower cleans the air to a great extant, but in winter the pollutant level particularly PM levels increase to a great extant due to the dry weather condition. Dispersal of these pollutants greatly depends upon factors like prevailing wind direction and other weather conditions, atmospheric stability, height of the source.

42. CEGIS used dust track aerosol monitor model 8533EP which is an air quality monitoring machine to conduct air quality test in the project sites. The test was carried out for 1 hour at and around the project sites.

43. This Dust track monitor is continuous, real time, laser photometer that measures mass fraction concentrations. The parameters were PM1, PM2.5,PM10 and other particles measured for air quality monitoring.

Noise level

44. Noise monitoring is important for a kind of construction activities. As excessive noise may create disturbance to the wild life, indigenous species, fragile ecosystems, communal stability in case of sudden intrusion and workers due to construction activities and subsequent increased traffic movement, therefore, Noise level at the project sites observed and analyzed based on the national standards. Ambient noise level was monitored monthly at nearby sensitive receptors around the construction site (including substation site) of this project. Each time, noise level recorded using portable noise level meter for a 2 (two) minutes time span at 5 (five) minutes interval

18

depending on the site condition. Noise level is recorded at day time only as the construction works held only at daylight hours.

Waste Management

45. The waste management facilities and sanitation system of every project site were monitored through visual observation and interviewing the workers and project personnel working at the project sites. During this monitoring, how this waste disposal system operated asked and status of waste management system was identified. Based on the monitoring, some of the suggestions were carried out if there was any mismanagement found regarding the issue of waste management during the construction phase of the project.

Terrestrial Vegetation

46. Vegetation clearance ensured through visual observation of the green coverage and denuded areas of the construction sites and the status was compared in different monitoring tiers. The status of plantations and the species composition of planted areas also confirmed through physical observations.

Flora and Fauna

47. Information on wildlife disturbance due to excess lighting, movement path blocking had been observed by direct observations and KII with substations’ officials and construction workers. Bird nesting and roosting habitats were also sighted during the field visit to detect any changes occurred due to the project intervention.

19

III. MONITORING RESULTS

48. In this section, status of indicators on physical and biological environment analyzed accumulating all results from 1st monitoring to 9th monitoring on 24 substations. Results from 1st to 8th monitoring analyzed reviewing the 8 nos (2017-2020) EMR and findings from the 9th environmental monitoring during the phase of January 2021-June 2021.

A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ambient Air Quality

49. The Environmental Monitoring started in January 2017 when the construction works were started. A total of 8th Air quality monitoring completed till December 2020. It was evident that there were no sources of air pollution from the construction sites. Sulpher, Nitrogen and Carbon related gases were generated from external sources mostly due to vehicular movement and industrial activities adjacent to the substations.

Air Quality Monitoring at the Project Sites

50. According to the table 3.1, it was found that the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 is

higher than the Bangladesh standard limit (65 µg/m3 and 150 µg/m3 respectively; Ambient Air Quality Standard, 2005).

51. In comparison with the last monitoring held in December 2020, the overall particle count of this inspection is lower due to the seasonal variation. During rainy season, the air is comparatively cleaner due to heavy shower and monsoon wind blow. The air pollution levels compared with the Bangladesh Ambient Air Quality Standard (2005). In the substations and its closely adjacent vicinity, there were no significant sources of air pollution observed during the construction phase of the project. However, the overall air condition of Dhaka city is polluted by dust and other metals for which the air qualities of the adjacent project sites are also alike. The main reasons of air pollution in Dhaka city are the big constructions like metro rail project, elevated express facility, WASA pipeline establishment, newly road construction, and other building constructions such as private and public houses, bridge construction etc.

20

Table 3.1: Results of 9th Air Quality Monitoring of the Project Area

Sl Project Site Name

Concentration Present of DESCO project area (Existing Substation Area)

PM1 (µg/m3)

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

Respirable (µg/m3)

PM10 (µg/m3)

Total Mass Concentrat

ion 1 Mohakhali DoHS 103 104 105 108 111 2 Ahsania Mission 202 210 212 217 225 Bangladesh Standard** (For

24 hrs) - 65 - 150

IFC/World Bank Standard (For 24 hrs) - 75 - 150

Source: Air quality monitoring, CEGIS June 2021

Noise Level

52. The Environmental Monitoring started in 2017. A total of eight successful monitoring phases completed till December 2020 and the field findings of the 9th quarter of environmental monitoring provided in Table 3.3.

53. The noise level was addressed as ‘AMBIENT DECIBAL (dBA),’and it was compared with the ENVIROMENTAL CONSERVATION RULE ’06 (ECR06). Based on the criteria (silent zone, residential zone, industrial zone, commercial zone and mixed zone) provided in the ECR’06, most of the DEESCO substations fall under Residential Zone and Industrial Zone. A few of the substations were within the commercial zone.

Noise Monitoring at the Project Sites

54. It was evident that noise generated significantly with the increase in construction work but it didn’t make problem for the surrounding communities. The earthwork was conducted using mechanical excavator that produced noise to some extent during the 2nd phase of the monitoring. Later on, foundation work contributed to generate sounds during the 3rd phase. But no sound related problems rose for the

21

local communities and no complain found from the localities. In addition, vehicular movement for carrying construction materials and their loading- unloading also created noise. This gradual increment continued till the 5th phase of the monitoring when framework of the superstructure formation with reinforced cement casting was conducted. The overall noise level started to decrease from the beginning 6th phase with the beginning of brick work and gradually reduced with the reduction of construction work volume. However, the recent field visit indicated that external vehicular movement often raised the decibel level of noise near the entrance of substations. The overall noise reading near the entrance was high due to the operation of hospital generator and increasing vehicular movement than the construction activities. The impact of this noise level was considered as insignificant and temporary. The reading found consistent in both Ahsania Mission and Mohakhali DoHS sites. No sources of noise pollution found from the construction sites.

Table 3.3: Average Noise level of the project sites (June 2021)

Sl. No. Name of the substations

Noise Level (dBA) Project Status Entrance Inside

Substation 1 Mohakhali DoHS 55.1-73.8 59.1-62.9 Completed 2 Ahsania Mission 63.7-66.2 61.2-63.8 Completed

Waste Management

55. Waste management system at project sites was relatively moderate. The main building of both Ahsania Mission and Mohakhali DOHS substation has been finished. Although the sites have not been handover yet, the inner space of the substations was found as clean. Everyday a lorry came to the sites for cleaning the debris. The site in charge was proactive to clean both solid and kitchen waste.

56. The scenario of waste management has changed with respect to the work volume. At the beginning of construction phase, workers used to live within the project area and kitchen as well as latrine wastes were generated on a regular basis. During earlier field visit (2nd and 3rd phase) it was observed that workers were recruited at large number for which the amount of organic waste was generated at large quantity. Besides, non-perishable inorganic construction wastes were also generated at large volume. Waste related mismanagement has been found and contractors and authorities have been suggested to take measures accordingly. Later on, work volume reduced and number of workers also declined which lead to lower organic waste generation. During 5th and 6th phase of construction, workers started to live outside the project area and the organic waste generation dropped sharply. During this period, only construction wastes were generated which were kept at a designated location.

Health, Safety and Hygiene

57. The EPC contractor had the protocol (following the ADB guidelines and WHO) to continue activities under the pandemic situation due to Covid 19. In this consideration, the EPC contractor maintained the safety and hygiene issues within the project area. However, every day they have to enter measuring their temperature. Following the ADB protocol, they were trying to maintain the social

22

distancing, use sanitization and take measures for hand washing for tackling the situation because of Cocid 19.

Safety Measures taken at project site for Covid -19

B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Terrestrial Vegetation

58. Natural states of all the substations are practically unexceptional. The development work of the current substation locales finished. Because of development exercises, all the current vegetation's are tidied up forever in the substation's grounds.The proposed new substation locales included with ragged vegetation with low densities of common herbs and shrubs in urbanized environment. In the site of Ahsania mission sites shows little hamper of vegetation by the dumping of construction materials. In addition, Mohakhali DoHs area had some additional clearing of vegetation due to dumping construct material outside the project site. The damaged vegetation can be named as common grasses. In terms of wildlife, Bengal Fox was observed in Bashundhara L Block substations sites. As the night shift construction activities have been completed properly, there is no chance of disturbing their roaming and roosting activities especially the habitat. Local birds and some wetland bird are rarely seen roaming in all newly substation area. Small mammals such as mouse and shrew have relocated at the nearest places due to the construction activities in most of the sites at the beginning of construction activities.

Flora and Fauna

59. In all substations, no threatened wildlife species were observed. The observing groups found that all the national standards and guidelines for protecting natural assets have been considered during the development works in these locales. In any case, this investigation additionally found that the 'local species' tree ranch program has not been started at this point because of the continuous exercises in these destinations. The EPC contractor had taken initiatives for planting trees within the project area to ensure a green environment

23

IV. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM.

A. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

60. The organogram (provided by the DESCO) is responsible to monitor environmental compliance and monitoring during the project construction. The Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Assistant Manager, and Sub-assistant Engineer are working under the supervision of the Deputy Project Director for monitoring of augmentation, rehabilitation of distribution system in DESCO area. The Project Director is responsible to supervise and guide the whole work following the prepared checklist on the compliance status. The following Figure 4.1 shows the institutional arrangement those who are responsible to ensure monitoring and compliance in accordance with the GoB laws, rules regulations and the ADB’s loan covenants.

Figure 4.1: Institutional Arrangementof DESCO for Compliance and Monitoring

Table 4.1: Contact address of Safeguard personnel in the Project Name Designation & Organization Email Address Contact no.

Engr. Jyotish Chandra Roy

Superintending Engineer Augmentation and Rehabilitation of Distribution System in DESCO Area Project

[email protected]

01713443032

Engr. Golam Rabbani

Assistant Engineer Augmentation and Rehabilitation of Distribution System in DESCO Area Project

[email protected]

01730794831

24

B. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

61. At this stage, there is no Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) to address the grievance redress but the Executing Authority (EA, i.e. DESCO) assist the grievance redress mechanism through their institutional arrangement. But there is some complaint box where people can submit their complains based on the project activities. The team working for GRC made their concern and opens the complaint box, but there is no complain still found at this stage of environmental monitoring.

62. Presently, with the starting of construction activities, a sub-assistant engineer is playing the key role to understand the people’s problems (if any related to the project activity) and visited all ongoing constructed sites. In addition, there are phone numbers attached in each station to get compliant and emergency response during the construction activities

25

V. SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

63. The site-specif ic Environmental Management plan is suggested by the EPC contractor (i.e. Siemens Ltd). In their plan, Siemens India has the plans to manage environmental issues during the construction phase of the project. Based on the following Table 5.1, Siemens Ltd started the construction work at the three locations whereas the construction activities continued based on this specific environmental management plan. All construction activities, the Siemens Ltd (EPC contractor) is trying to maintain the following SEMP plan for the successful completion of this project. Based on the SEMP, current status is described in the below table 5.1

26

Table 5.1: Specific Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)

Sl. Environmental Issue Proposed Mitigation Measures Implementation Plan by Siemens Current Status

Actions for Noncompliance or partially complied

issues

1. Topsoil

• Ensure the topsoil excavated from the proposed construction site not be dumped or stockpiled anywhere.

We will label all uneven land and excavated topsoil will immediately spread in between site working area.

Complied

N/A

• Confirm the sediment-laden runoff must be prevented from entering into nearby water courses, if erosion occurs from stockpiles due to their location in drainage paths.

Stockpiles will be planed and located such way (away from water courses) so that sediment-laden cannot runoff into nearby water courses.

N/A

2. Fauna (W ildlife)

• Make sure that project workers and employees should not disturb, catch, fish, hunt, kill, trade and consumption of birds and wild animals available in natural environment around the project site.

We will provide official instruction (written, verbal and signboard) to all workers and employees to do not disturb wildlife. Also from management sites we will keep monitoring it throughout projects.

Complied

N/A

27



issues

• Establish and enforce daily site clean-up procedures, including maintenance of adequate disposal facilities for construction debris.

One clear system under waste management will be established for daily clean of construction area.

Complied

N/A

3. Solid Waste

• Establish daily cleaning through adequate collection and storage of solid waste produces at project site because of various activities throughout the work site, construction yard and labour camp.

Sufficient number of workers will be trained on cleaning to maintain cleaning activities of site areas. Besides this separate waste bin with color code and labeling would be provided to collect and segregate different types of waste.

Complied

N/A

28



issues

• Ensure adequately safe handling

and transportation, with no dropping from waste carrier, of the solid wastes to the disposal sites.

Under waste management training all site personnel and assigned cleaner would be instructed and trained on handling and transporting of waste. Standard tools will also provide to carry and transport waste.

Complied

N/A

• Establish an order that under no

circumstances dispose any materials in environmentally sensitive area

Buckets, places and area will be placed or allocated far away from any environmentally sensitive’s area. Proper barricade will be provided along with billboard or signage to restricted waste and create awareness.

Complied

N/A

29



issues

4. Drainage Congestion

• Confirm an effective system for smooth draining of storm and rain water, and resulting no water logging (for rain and flood water in the monsoon).

Proper drainage system includes rain water drain, water pits sloping in the surface will be constructed/provided for smooth draining of storm and rain water and ensuring no water logging during monsoon.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure no congestion in the

drain(s) resulting blockage of water passing.

To avoid blockage drain would be clean periodically. Complied

N/A

5. Noise level

• Control sound pollution from construction equipment and machineries installed in the construction site.

Sound level for several heavy equipment and machineries and generator will be measured individual during their operation and record will be maintained properly.

Partially complied

The EPC contractor would control the sound of machineries and heavy equipment to avoid sound pollution

30



issues

• Maintain noise levels associated with all machineries and equipment at or below 90 decibel (dB), in particular for nearby community facilities.

Air plug will provide all site personnel who are working near the noisy area.

Partially complied

The EPC contractor ensure the availability of earmuff for the labors

• Fully avoid use of hydraulic horns to project vehicles.

Hydraulic horn (if any exist) of each and every project vehicle will be replaced by non-hydraulic horn.

Complied

N/A

• Control sound pollution from generation.

We will ensure Installation of soundless generator. If not, generators will be placed in the closed room having barricaded from all sides, which will restrict sound level.

Complied

N/A

31



issues

• Regulate use of horns of

project vehicles as much as minimum, especially in night.

Strict instruction will be given to the flagman and drivers of project vehicles (motor cycle, car, truck, etc.) for use of horns as much as minimum.

Complied

N/A

6. Air quality& Dust

• Ensure uses of dust-masks by all personnel in areas prone to dust emissions throughout the period of construction.

Proper dust mask will be provided and monitored by site management and EHS officer in the construction area.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure minimum dust emission

in places where earth and cement work is done.

We will prepare and maintain proper HIRA (Hazard Identification & Risk Assessments) and implement SWMS (Standard work method system) to ensure minimum dust emission during earth and cement

Complied

N/A

32



issues

work. Also regular water will be sprayed all over those area to restrict dust emission.

7. Setting of construction camp

• Ensure health facilities for the workers and employees at camp site.

Standard camp along with proper sanitation and fresh drinking water and safe area will be provided to ensure proper health facilities for workers.

Complied N/A

• Ensure safe disposal of wastewater from the labor camp and causing no pollution of nearby ponds and watercourses.

Proper drainage system including a temporary septic tank will be setup to avoid any pollution of nearby ponds and watercourses.

Partially complied

- EPC contractor made contact with the municipalities to take waste regularly

- Taken initiatives to shift the Solid waste and debris by the truck in a regular basis

33



issues

• Confirm maintenance of all camp facilities in a safe clean and/or appropriate condition throughout the constructed period.

A routine cleaning would be ensured to maintain safe, clean and appropriate labor camp.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure hygienic toilet facility (with constant water supply system) at residence of the workers in the camp area.

At least one water closet toilet will be constructed and pro Complied vided to each 25 workers.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure hygienic urinal facility (with constant water supply system) at residence of the workers in the camp area and its usage.

At least one urinal facility will be constructed and provided to each 25 workers.

Complied

N/A

• Confirm appropriate usage of

the toilet and urinal facilities for all workers and personnel.

Signage and billboard will be provided to create awareness and also site management will strictly monitor of using it.

Complied

N/A

34



issues

• Ensure safe water supply system for bath, cook and other essential use in camp and their usage by workers.

Tube well, submergible pump (if necessary) will be provided to ensure safe water supply.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure no accident from fire at camp, residence/quarter.

Fire extinguisher will be setup in camp and other important areas.

Complied

N/A

• Ensure immediate

troubleshooting and maintenance of facilities.

Maintenance of all facilities will be done in time as scheduled for keeping the things in a safe, clean and appropriate condition throughout the constructed period.

Complied

N/A

8 Cutting Trees1 • Avoid tree cutting as many

as possible.

SIEMENS will not involve in any kinds of cutting trees and activities which will cause of it.

Complied N/A

11) The species shall be identified in consultation with officials of forest department and/or local community, giving due importance to local flora,

preferably same species as cut.

35

2) Recommended to plant mixed species in case of both avenue or cluster plantation.

3) Plantation must follow availability of water during dry season.

4) Plants must be protected at initial stage of growth.


• Confirm replantation of double number of trees against tree cutting. Taken initiatives to plant trees Complied

• Ensure additionally replantation of

1072 numbers of trees along the access road slopes.

Taken initiatives to plant trees ensuring green environment Complied

• Strictly prohibit collection of any kind of

construction material from within the natural habitat.

No materials for construction, cook, fire, etc. will be collected from within the natural habitat. Complied

• When removing vegetation from right of ways, workspaces etc. feather edge the cut to ensure that line of site and cover (both security and thermal protection) issues are addressed.

N/A

9 Natural Habitat3 • Prohibit disposal of construction waste

within the natural habitat.

It will be strictly monitored and controlled by supervising and raising awareness through training and meeting.

Complied

36


• Restrict any disturbance to water resource within the natural habitats.

All site personnel will be clearly instructed to avoid any disturbance to water resources within the natural habitats.

• Prevent human disturbance and ecosystem impacts on sensitive areas adjacent to projects by using temporary fencing or flag off area to restrict travel to construction zones, RoW and workplace.

Temporary fencing or flag will be provided to avoid any disturbance of human by traveling or moving inside construction zones, RoW and workplace. Also at least one security guard will be placed to ensure unauthorized personnel movement on sites and maintain site security during project execution.

2The EIA/EMP report suggested for planting 107 trees along the access road slops commonly for each of six specific substations. 31) The species shall be identified in consultation with officials of forest department and/or local community, giving due importance to local flora,

preferably same species as cut. 2) Recommended to plant mixed species in case of both avenue or cluster plantation. 3) Plantation must follow availability of water during dry season.

3) Plants must be protected at initial stage of growth.

37

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. CONCLUSIONS

The compliance status of physical and biological environment was monitored with due diligence. However, this environmental monitoring analyzed the status of previous results of monitoring (1st to 8th), and the status of environmental issues from January to June 2021. Based on the findings of the EMR, it is found that the EPC contractor supplied the safety equipments but sometimes, labors were not aware on this issue, and not taken properly because of their habitual facts. Besides, status of air pollution measured and found that no sources of pollutant occurred by the project related activities. Additionally, wastes were generated by the kitchen was not managed properly because of lack knowledge, practice and bins keeping them covered. No accidental case registered during the construction phase of the project. The safety officer at the construction sites were found active and functional. Regular safety assessments were carried out by the safety officer and registered accordingly. The PMU team played active role for suggesting different issues based on their findings of regular visits. A log book was maintained at each construction sites whereas the suggestions were written down and the EPC contractor worked accordingly. Therefore, the monitoring team found that this project tried so far to comply with the national and ADB safeguard standards. No major environmental issues found because of this project implementation.

Table 6.1: Corrective Action Plan and Implementing Plan for Non Compliance Issues

Environmental and social

components Current Status

Corrective Action

Plan (CAP)

Implementing Period

Responsible Agency

Remarks

Noise Level Some of the project areas have such noisy condition because of the drilling and other noise generation activities

It is suggested to allocated available ear muffs and make labors compatible to use this properly.

During the construction period

EPC contractor

This will be monitored in the next phase of monitoring.

Health, Safety and Hygiene

Safety issues are not maintained properly. Labors are found working without any safety measures.

Safety issues should be taken well taken care of. Labors must wear safety shield during work period; Follow the ADB protocol strictly to get protection from the coronavirus

During the construction period and operation phase until Covid situation are not in control.

EPC contractor and PMU

This will be monitored in the next phase of monitoring.

38

Environmental and social

components Current Status

Corrective Action

Plan (CAP)

Implementing Period

Responsible Agency

Remarks

B. RECOMMENDATIONS

Following recommendations are suggested to do better compliance in construction phase of the project:

• A environmental unit should be functional at the PMU to monitor the environmental issues during the phase of operation;

• EPC contractor should be aware using the ear muffs; • Construction materials (i.e. sand, cement etc) should be covered by polythene and

accumulated within the project boundary; • EPC contractor should train the local labors to abide all safety guidelines

according to national and international standards; • A test regarding the safety issue should be taken before recruitment; After passing

the test, labors would be appointed by the third party contractors; • A monitoring officer should be appointed from the EPC contractor to monitor and

ensuring quality PPE (hand gloves, safety shoes, helmet etc) to the workers • Kitchen waste should be covered properly to avoid the hygiene related problem; • Construction materials are kept uncovered, and it is suggested to cover these

material with polythene to avoid pollution; • Proper safety measures should be taken to avoid accidental cases; • Toolbox training should be arranged properly to brief the regular safety issues; • The Grievance should be taken care by the Grievance redress team; • The PMU should monitor the environmental issues at the operation phase of the

project;

39

APPENDIX 1: ENVIRONMENTAL CLARENCE CERTIFICATE

41

APPENDIX 2: LABORATORY TEST REPORTS

44

APPENDIX 3: FIELD PHOTOS

45

APPENDIX 4: MONITORING CHECKLIST

Category Description of potential impact Measures/Indicators

Com

plie

d

Not

C

ompl

ied

Rem

arks

Monitoring Component: Physical Environment & Biological Environment

Noise Level

Disturbance to local communities, ecosystem and workers at worksite due to construction activities of the proposed plant site.

Use modern low noise producing machineries. ✓

Switching off machines which are not in use. ✓

Develop temporary corrugated/Tarja fencing around the project boundary

✓

Provide hearing protection for the workers

Follow mandatory regulations in case of night shift operations.

Maintaining noise level 45 dBA at the residential area and 55 dBA at day light hour

Partially Complied

90%

Employ effective silencing measures for equipment and other abatement techniques to minimize construction site noise.

✓

Ensure that all equipment is in good repair and operated in the correct manner.

✓

Consult with local people /residents and building owners to address community concerns

Air Quality

Emission of particulate matter due to construction activity and from construction machineries.

Water spraying system to control fugitive dusts

Restricting excavation activities such as top soil removal during period of high winds

✓

Locating stockpiles away from the sensitive receptors

✓

Carrying out progressive rehabilitation of cleared land

✓

Locating contractor’s compounds away from residential areas

restricting the burning of waste

minimize exhaust emissions from construction equipment through the regular

✓

46


Com

plie

d

Not

C

ompl

ied

Rem

arks

maintenance of all construction machinery and vehicles Construction materials (sand/soil) to be kept covered with polythene

Provide broad fence/ barrier to restrict wind current

✓

Introduce vehicle speed limit

Use good engine quality machines/vehicles ✓

Ensure that emissions from on-road and off-road vehicles should comply with Schedule 6 (Standards for emissions from motor vehicles) of ECR 1997

✓

Waste Management

An efficient municipal solid waste management system may create serious negative impacts like infectious diseases, land and water, pollution, obstruction of drains and loss of bio diversity.

Specific sites for waste disposal

Quantification of solid wastes

Sanitation system Location of backfilling stockpile in safe area ✓

Measures to control odor problems

Excavated material unsuitable for fill should be disposed in an environmentally safe manner.

✓

Ensure that the waste management measures (collection, sorting, and disposal) are correctly implemented on the project site

Ensure that correctly signed waste containers are available at convenient locations for the disposal of wastes

Dispose of all used oil and fuel filters in a secure landfill, unless they can be recycled

✓

Ensure that an adequately sized area is made available for the safe storage of wastes prior to collection

Partially 90%

Ensure that all on-site wastes are suitably

Partially 90% Suggested

to take

47


Com

plie

d

Not

C

ompl

ied

Rem

arks

contained and prevented from escaping into

measures for

compliance Neighboring fields, properties, and waterways, and that the waste contained does not contaminate soil, surface, or groundwater, or create unpleasant odors for neighbors or workers

Ensure the site is regularly cleaned and waste material appropriately removed, i.e., to a landfill in accordance with regulations

✓

Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation

Bird’s habitat loss, damages of herbs, shrubs and degradation of ecosystem and biodiversity due to construction works.

No disturbance on wildlife movement ✓

Limiting the use of night light

No plantation of non-native species ✓

The removal of vegetation shall be restricted to the development footprint, which should encompass areas that are already relatively disturbed in preference to clearing vegetation

Any additional clearing for construction will compound the impacts, so ancillary facilities outside the footprint shall be avoided

✓

The construction footprint shall be clearly demarcated. The clearing boundaries are to be shown to machinery operators with the instruction that machinery is not allowed to operate outside the boundaries. The area is then cleared to minimize disturbance to adjacent areas

The boundary will be fenced and the area cleared in such a way that the footprint shall not be extended during clearing works.

✓

If the area is to be re-

48


Com

plie

d

Not

C

ompl

ied

Rem

arks

vegetated, preference should be given to naturally occurring species that are recognized as non-invasive species.

Bangladesh: Power System Expansion and Efficiency ...

Documents

Transcript of Bangladesh: Power System Expansion and Efficiency ...