Environmental and Social Monitoring Report Samoa: Power ... · EPC agreed and redesign system to...

Environmental and Social Monitoring Report

Number 1: Semestral Report July, 2015

Samoa: Power Sector Expansion Project

Prepared by Electric Power Corporation for the Government of Samoa and the Asian Development

Bank

This environmental and social 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.

Telephone: (685) 65400

Facsimile: (685) 23748

E-mail: [email protected]

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Electric Power Corporation

Semi Annual Safeguard Monitoring Report

Period: January - June 2015 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samoa: Power Sector Expansion Project

July 2015




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This continual six months safeguard report is prepared by the Electric Power

Corporation for the Government of Samoa and the Asian Development bank.

This 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.




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Table of Contents

ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................................... 4

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

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 6

SITES DESCRIPTIONS...................................................................................................................... 7

Afulilo Micro Bubble Technology…………………………………………………………………7

PROJECT DESCRIPTION…………………………………………………………………………………………7

Afulilo Micro Bubble Technology…………………………………………………………..…7-8

OTHER TASKS…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…8

Afulilo and Taelefaga……………………..…………………………………………………………8-9

Storage………………………………………………………………………………………………..………9

SAFETY, SOCIAL and RE-SETTLEMENT .................................................................................... 9

SITE ISSUES and GRIEVANCES……………………………………………………………………………..

Fiaga Water Booster Pumping System………………………………………………………..

kv Fuluasou to Apia wharf Underground Power Cable Works……….………

SCADA………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Hospital Feeder Stage …………………………………………………………………………..…

GRIEVANCE REDNESS MECHANISM……………………………………………………………….. -12

CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 12




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ACRONYMS

ADB - Asian Development Bank

ADF - Asian Development Fund EMMP - Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

EPC - Electric Power Corporation

ESU - Environment and Social Unit

H2S - Hydrogen sulfide gas IEE - Initial Environmental Examination

JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency

JBIC - Japan Bank for International Cooperation

PMU - Project Management Unit

PSEP - Power Sector Expansion Project

SCADA - Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition




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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Project Management Unit (PMU) during this period, advertised for interest Bidders who

can install a Micro bubble technology to be applied at Afulilo reservoir; finalized the

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and Initial Environmental

Examination (IEE) for the Upgrading of Afulilo Reservoir and Taelefaga Hydro Station ; finalized the EMMP and IEE for the Energy Storage System ; and investigated and

addressed all complaints received by the Corporation in relations to PSEP projects and

subprojects.

There were no environment issues raised by members of the public and other

stakeholders.

There were also no safety issues or reports of any injuries or near miss during this

period.




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INTRODUCTION

The Power Sector Expansion Project (PSEP) is an 8 year commitment, from 2008 to

2016 for the implementation of various improvements to the power sector to improve

the supply of electricity in Samoa and Electric Power Corporation (EPC) financial

capacity.

System improvements include: construction of new power station to increase

generating capacity to meet current growing demands and future, increasing capacity of

transmission and distribution power lines, reduce line loss, improve efficiency of

operation, new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to closely

monitor and remotely control generators and other equipment, substations and

National Control Center, underground of backbone transmission and distribution lines,

conversion to prepayment meters from current induction/readable meters, etc.

EPC is in need of improving its collection performance; remove transmission obstacles

to improve reliability and quality of electricity supply; and capacity requirements to

meet growing peak demands. The long term objective is to reduce Samoa s reliance on imported fuel by promoting clean and renewable energy using hydro, sun, wind, biogas

and waste to energy generation.

Project is funded by the Asian Development Fund (ADF), Asian Development Bank

(ADB) loan, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) loan, Government of

Australia grant, Samoa Government and EPC.

The Project Management Unit was established for the management and implementation

of the Power Sector Expansion Project. This includes project planning, design,

construction, project and construction management, monitoring, reporting,

procurement, evaluation, cost and quality control. The Environment and Social Unit

(ESU) under the PMU is responsible for managing land acquisition, resettlement, social

and environmental impacts.




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Afulilo

Reservoir

Afulilo

Dam

Taelefaga

Hydro Station

SITES DESCRIPTIONS

Afulilo - Micro Bubble Technology

Afulilo Dam and Reservoir is located on the North East of Upolu Island, approximately

317meters above sea level in full capacity. The hydro station is situated 200meters

from the Fagaloa Bay, 35meters from the Primary school and 22meters from the nearest

residence.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Below are some of the subprojects that ESU is closely involved with to identify all social

and environment impacts and address them, so as to ensure no delays are encountered

during implementation phase.

Afulilo - Micro Bubble Technology

Afulilo Dam was constructed in 1990 and Taelefaga station is Samoa s only storage

hydro-power station that is fed by the Afulilo reservoir. Over the years, the people of

Taelefaga (where the powerhouse is located, near the North East coast) complained regarding foul smell from EPC s hydro station at their village. They threatened the

Corporation that they will shut down the operation of this hydro station if foul smell

continues and no resolution is implemented.

EPC is presently using a compressor to pump oxygen into deep part of the dam

(Aeration system) to mitigate generating of Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) which causes

smell when discharge from power station at Taelefaga. H2S often results from the

Map source: SMEC report 2011 – Afulilo Environmental Enhancement Project.




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bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, mainly at the Reservoir.

PMU with the assistance of Dr. Seiichi Tanaka (a Japan International Cooperation Agency

- JICA volunteer) are investigating mitigation measures to solve the offensive smell; and

currently we are looking into the use of a micro bubble technology.

This technology has been successfully implemented in Japan and the United States of

America. The aim of this technology is to clear the color and the odor of the water

discharged from the reservoir. Micro bubbles are created from pressuring water into a

nozzle where air is sucked in, and the outlet flow is twisted so that air bubbles become

really small.

Latest progress: January - June 2015

EPC advertised the installation of Aeration and Micro-bubble systems for responsible

bidders. 2 companies applied (see figure 4 for pre-bid meeting);

Technical Evaluation Committee consists of Attorney General s Office, Ministry of Finance and EPC will review bids and provide report.

OTHER TASKS

Afulilo & Taelefaga EMMP and IEE for the Upgrading of Afulilo Reservoir and Taelefaga Hydro Station were finalized; The Taelefaga power station is located near the coast and discharges water

from Afulilo reservoir to the Fagaloa bay. These projects were commissioned in 1993,

space, tailrace and penstock for a third generator is already there, now EPC is proposing

to install a 2MW generator. EPC will also soundproof the powerhouse door to avoid

noise impacts on neighbouring properties. Construction of a pipe to divert water from

the powerhouse to the bay, upgrading of the aeration system, installing of a micro

Figure 4: (L-R) Fonoti Perelini (EPC Project

Manager), Dr. Seiichi Tanaka (JICA

Volunteer), Moetuasivi Asiono (EPC Public

Relations and Community Officer), and

Aoyama Hideo (RINKAI Construction Co Ltd -

Tokyo Japan). Photo on Monday 13 April

2015. 10:20am.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen




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bubble system and installing of a floating intake at Afulilo reservoir will help solve the

effects of H2S to Taelefaga community.

Areas surrounding the site have been mainly used for plantations and cattle farms.

There is no settlement in the vicinity of the Afulilo reservoir and no households will

need to be resettled. Areas near the Taelefaga hydro station are mixed use (plantations,

residential buildings, cattle farm and a Primary school). Minimum compensation will be

required for only land and crops that will be occupied by the pipeline. There are no

other significant cultural sites or conservation areas that will be affected by the

developments.

Other mitigation measures have been proposed to avoid any interference with

neighbouring properties, pollution of the bay and stream, and to ensure that all

constructions are carried out using best practices.

Storage EMMP and IEE for the Energy Storage System were finalized. The proposed

development includes the construction of a storage system building and its accessories.

The installation of this Energy storage system will be able to provides grid operational

support, maintain good power quality and reliability and allow higher percentage of

integration from intermittent renewable energy sources.

Areas surrounding the proposed site have been mainly used for plantations and cattle

farms. There is no settlement in the vicinity of the 97 acres and no households will need

to be resettled. No compensation will be required for this project. There are no other

significant cultural sites or conservation areas that will be affected by the development.

Mitigation measures have been proposed to address and avoid any interference with

neighbouring properties, environmental pollutions, and to ensure that all constructions

are carried out using best practices.

SAFETY, SOCIAL and RE-SETTLEMENT

There were no issues on the Environment. Minor land grievances were addressed by

EPC and compensation of affected crops were made during this period.




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SITE ISSUES and GRIEVANCES

Below were the 4 minor issues with the following subprojects.

1. Fiaga Water Booster Pumping System.

This subproject involves building 4 booster pumping stations to pump water from

Samoa Water Authority water system at a lower elevation to Fiaga Power Station. In

January 2015, Mr. Ututaaloga Charlie Ulia, a tenant in Aleisa, requested if the first booster pump station could be relocated from the EPC s proposed location so that his concrete blocks and drain pipes business would not be affected.

Addressing Grievances

EPC agreed and redesign system to relocate first booster pump station in question

100 meters up the road, away from the area tenant had requested to leave for his

concrete business.

2. 22kv Fuluasou to Apia wharf Underground Power Cable Works.

Work has been completed for a while, but there were two late grievances received by

EPC related to construction of this subproject which affected their properties:

a. Mr. Raymond Voigt, a resident of Lepea village, complained that EPC s hired contractor excavating trench to lay underground cables accidently damaged

and lost a corner survey peg to his family property adjacent to the road. Voigt

wants the survey peg restored. This requires a certain amount of resurveying of Voigt s property which EPC agreed to do.

b. Mr. Si utaulalovasa Galumalemana of Vailoa Faleata requested compensation

for his crops and ornamental plants that were affected and removed resulting

from underground of 22kv and 33kv cable works along Tulaele Road adjacent

to Fuluasou Substation.


Regarding Voigts complaint, EPC agreed to hire a surveyor to resurvey property in order to locate and build a new survey peg on Voigt s property. All expenses

will be covered by EPC. PMU is calling bids for this survey work.

EPC already settled and paid compensation for crop damages to Galumalemana.

Full amount for crop damage was paid in January 2015.




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3. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.

No complaints received but only an issue related to a family in Vaigaga village cutting

a tree on their property and fell on EPC overhead fiber optic cable to EPC s Vaitele Power Distribution and Store breaking the cable attachment and cable fell to the

ground. Fortunately the fiber cable was not damaged. EPC reattached cable to the

pole. EPC s telecommunication system using this cable was not affected. Eventually,

EPC will underground this fiber ones road extension is completed. Fiber conduits

are laid as part of road extension work. Furthermore, families are asked to contact

EPC if they have any trees close to power lines and fiber cable to be cut down. EPC

offers to cut them down at no cost to families.

4. Hospital Feeder Stage 2

There are more and more developments for township improvements in Apia. vEPC

was consulted by Samoa Land Transport Authority (LTA) of their plan to build new

road drainage along section of road where EPC already laid power and fiber optic

cables. This is area in Savalalo and Fugalei. There were some of underground fiber

and power cables affected from these road improvements.


The contractors for these new developments in Apia township had being informed

that before they execute any civil works, it is priority that their working environment

is safe, electricity cables have no second option for anyone, and so they must first

request EPC for a representative to identify EPC services that maybe available in

their vicinity of work. EPC will also make sure to lay future cables at right depth

below road, which is 2.5 meters, to minimize being affected in future road

improvement work.

GRIEVANCE REDNESS MECHANISM

EPC have enquiry boxes at each office centre and outlet where the public can submit

complains or suggestions. There is also the assistance from the customer complaint

center which opens 24 hours whereby the public is advised to contact if ever complaints

arising regarding any aspect of electricity services and projects especially during

afterhours and busy business hours. The call center numbers 65500 and 65502 have

also been advertised on media and EPC website for public awareness.

PMU has a Grievance Redress Mechanism to address complaints regarding PSEP

projects as well as EPC Projects. All records of complaints and responses are kept and




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will be documented continually for future reference especially with regards to lawsuit

cases. The mechanism is equipped with a step-by-step procedure to receive, register

and track all grievances concerning environment and social issues. A grievance form

has been created and will be used to address complaints for each PMU projects.

Complaints can be filed in person, via email or via a letter to EPC.

The public communication officer is responsible for receiving complaints, facilitating,

tracking and reporting on grievances and their resolutions.

CONCLUSIONS

PMU/ESU concludes that no health, social, safety or environmental issue has been

witnessed or occurred during this period.

All the necessary mitigation measures were followed by in addressing safeguard issues

and are compiled for references with the exception of the issue with the family peg lost

from works related to underground, which ESU had issued to contractors persuading

them that EPC will be paying for this task upon completion.

PMU continue to oversee and highly prioritize concerns from the public in relations to

PSEP projects, and act as soon as practical to address, minimize and solve the nuisances.

Prepared by Environment and Social Unit

Reviewed and endorsed by:

Fonoti Perelini S. Perelini

Project Manager

Project Management Unit

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