Maritime and Waterways and Safety Project · FPIC Free, Prior and Informed Consent GCLS Gender,...

Initial Environmental Examination September 2017

Maritime and Waterways and Safety Project

Pre-Installation Assessment Report for Navaids package 1

Prepared by National Maritime Safety Authority for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This Initial Environmental Examination (or Pre-Installation Assessment) is a document of the Borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’ 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 judgements as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

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Project Number: 44375-13 Loan Number: 2978-PNG

September, 2017

Papua New Guinea: Maritime and Waterways Safety Project

Pre-Installation Assessment Report for Contract Package No.1 (Milne Bay and Central Provinces)

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The Government of Papua New Guinea (the Government) has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide further assistance in the maritime sector through replacement of existing or previously evident coastal navigational aids (navaids) as well as installation of new navaids. The project was initially scoped to include 132 navaids including replacement (99) and new navaids (33), and for which site surveys and assessments are being undertaken to refine requirements and suitability. The Maritime and Waterways Safety Project, was prepared in 2012 with the project executing agency and implementing agency being the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA). 2. It is anticipated by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the NMSA that the navaid project will be undertaken through three (3) separate contract packages. Contract Package 1 will involve a total number of 48 navaid installations in Milne Bay and Central Provinces distributed over seven (7) sites. Contract Package 2 navaids will involve a total of 20 navaid installations in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARB), New Ireland, East New Britain and West New Britain Provinces distributed over twelve (12) sites. 3. Contract Package 3 navaids locations will be validated based on future assessments. Separate PIAs for navaid locations under each of these contract packages are required to be prepared and submitted after the conduct of pre-installation site assessments. The preparation of this PIA is for Contract Package1. 4. The Pre-installation Assessment (PIA) addressed navaid locational requirements for engineering and marine safety, and environmental protection perspectives; habitat and bottom type identification for navaid installation and for setting of anchors to determine specific locations to minimize environmental damage; and pre-installation community awareness. This activity for Contract Package 1 navaids locations took place intermittently from July 31 to September 10, 2015. 5. A Pre-Installation Assessment Checklist had been prepared covering the minimum requirements provided in the EARF. The habitat and bottom type identification involved diving and underwater photography, subject to safe sea and environmental conditions. The pre-installation community awareness preparations have been based from the NMSA’s Community Engagement Program but followed the PIUs process ultimately, including particularly the FPIC process that also involved representatives from the Provincial Government, Districts, and the Department of Lands staff. Community awareness meetings resulted in signed FPIC forms that are considered significant outcomes under this PIA because it confirms community agreement and acceptance of the project and permission by the community for the installation of the navaids in advance of the finalization of an appropriate mode of land acquisition (purchase or lease agreement). 6. Majority of the proposed navaids under Contract 1 will be monopiles type installations ranging in size of from 355mm to 610mm in diameter and driven into the substrate extending a focal plane height of 6-7m above mean sea level (msl). The exception shall be in the Cannac Islet which will likely be a fiberglass or other modular type fabricated lighthouse. Signal light, solar power panels, radar reflectors as necessary and day or top marks and related devices will be installed atop the pile which may be wrapped or otherwise protected in order to extend their useful life in the harsh seawater environment. A program of inspections and maintenance will be developed.

7. Throughout the Milne Bay Province, and the Central Province, environmentally sensitive areas that may be jeopardized by installation operations include corals and seagrass beds which abound in some identified sites. However, there are always available sandy patches within the radius from the identified GPS coordinates that present opportunities from which to place the navaids. Nevertheless, it is important to adhere to

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precautionary principles and judiciously prepare and implement a work method statement and environmental management plan during installation. No mangroves will be affected by the navaid installations. 8. The PIA indicates that the installation of the replacement and new navaids in the Milne Bay and Central Provinces will result in unavoidable and permanent loss of very small areas of habitat during their lifetime. This physical loss however will be offset by the monopiles becoming habitats themselves for various marine organisms. In addition, this physical loss will be offset by the avoidance of vessels running aground on reefs with the potential of extensive environmental damage, as well as loss of human lives. Where sea conditions allow for safe underwater inspections, the PIU managed in all sites to actually inspect and identify sand or rubble areas so that particularly sensitive habitats, especially vigorous coral reefs, are not impacted. 9. The NIC will be required to prepare a work method statement, and an installation environmental management plan to properly manage the required pre-installation and installation processes and ensuring the avoidance or minimization of negative environmental impacts to the navaid locations. The NIC is expected to provide a Marine Ecologist in its installation team. 10. The PIA concludes that potential adverse environmental impacts arising from replacement of existing or previously evident coastal navigational aids, and installation of new navaids in these provinces can be minimized to insignificant levels by selecting a NIC that will fully comply with the environmental requirements of the project.

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Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 2

ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................................... 6

List of Tables and Figures ..................................................................................................................... 7

List of Plates .......................................................................................................................................... 8

I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 9

A. Project Overview .................................................................................................................................. 9

A.1 Scope of the Pre-installation Assessment ...................................................................................... 9

A.2 Structure of the Report .................................................................................................................... 11

A.3 Schedule ............................................................................................................................................ 12

A.4 Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA) Team ...................................................................................... 12

B. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework ................................................................................. 13

B.1 ADB Environmental Safeguards .................................................................................................... 13

B.2 PNG Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 13

B.3 The National Maritime Safety Authority ........................................................................................ 15

B.4 Other PNG Legislation ..................................................................................................................... 15

B.5 International Agreements ................................................................................................................ 16

II. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................. 16

A. Physical Environment ........................................................................................................................ 17

A.1 Climatic Conditions .......................................................................................................................... 17

A.2 Seismic Activity ................................................................................................................................. 20

B. Biological Environment...................................................................................................................... 20

B.1 Biological environmental condition of the navaid locations observed during the pre-installation

assessments ............................................................................................................................................ 21

B.2. Marine Protected Areas and Important Species ......................................................................... 43

C. Socio-economic Environment .......................................................................................................... 43

C.1 Central Province ............................................................................................................................... 44

C.2 Milne Bay Province .......................................................................................................................... 45

III. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS OF THE INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES AND MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................................................................................. 48

A. Anticipated Impacts on the Physical Environment ........................................................................ 48

A.1 Meteorology and Climate ................................................................................................................ 48

A.2 Rainfall ............................................................................................................................................... 48

A.3 Temperature ...................................................................................................................................... 48

A.4 Climate Change ................................................................................................................................ 48

A.5 Seismic Activity ................................................................................................................................. 48

A.6 Noise .................................................................................................................................................. 49

A.7 Flashing Lights .................................................................................................................................. 49

A.8 Aesthetics .......................................................................................................................................... 49

B. Anticipated Impacts on the Biological Environment ...................................................................... 49

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B.1 Anticipated Impacts on Rare and Endangered Species ............................................................. 51

B.2 Barging Positioning and Stabilization ............................................................................................ 51

C. Anticipated Impacts on the Socio-Economic Environment .......................................................... 52

IV. CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL-AND LOCAL LEVEL GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITIES .................................................................................................................... 52

A. Stakeholder Consultation .................................................................................................................. 53

B. Preparation of Awareness Material .................................................................................................. 54

C. Community Awareness ...................................................................................................................... 54

D. Field Trip Programme ........................................................................................................................ 54

E. Decision Making Processes in Melanesian Communities ............................................................ 55

F. Gender .................................................................................................................................................. 55

G. Land Acquisition and Resettlement (LAR) ..................................................................................... 56

H. Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) ........................................................................................ 56

I. Findings in Different Communities ..................................................................................................... 56

V. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ....................................................................................... 63

A. During construction ............................................................................................................................ 63

B. During Operation ................................................................................................................................ 65

XIV. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................ 65

A. Institutional arrangements and responsibilities for EMP implementation .................................. 66

B. Pre-Installation Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 67

C. Community Consultation and Land Acquisition............................................................................. 68

C.1 Community Consultation and Interaction ...................................................................................... 68

D. Pre-Installation Assessment and Reporting .................................................................................. 68

E. Installation Phase Activities and Mitigation Measures ................................................................. 69

E.1 Manoeuvring and Stabilizing the Work Barge .............................................................................. 70

E.2 Pile Installation .................................................................................................................................. 70

E.3 Debris Removal and Clean up ....................................................................................................... 71

E.4 Management of Waste and Hazardous Substances ................................................................... 71

E.5. Post installation inspection and audits ......................................................................................... 72

F. Operations Phase Activities .............................................................................................................. 72

VII. MONITORING AND REPORTING................................................................................................ 72

VIII. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................. 90

IX. LIST OF ANNEXES ...................................................................................................................... 92

ANNEX 1: PIA CHECKLISTS ......................................................................................................................... 92

ANNEX 2: UNDERWATER AND ABOVE WATER PHOTOGRAPHS ................................................................ 92

ANNEX 3: SCHEDULE OF PENALTIES AS PER THE PNG ENVIRONMENT ACT OF 2000 ............................... 93

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ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank ARB Autonomous Region of Bougainville CAM Community Awareness Meeting CAMM Community Awareness Meeting Minutes CDD Community Development Department (within NMSA) CLC Community Lighthouse Committee CLCO Community and Lands Coordinator CP2 Contract Package 2 CSMA Community Security and Monitoring Agreement CEPA Conservation and Environment Protection Authority EA Executing Agency EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EMP Environmental Management Plan EO Environmental Officer (of NMSA’s PIU) EP Environmental Permit ES Environmental Specialist (International) of NMSA’s PIU FPIC Free, Prior and Informed Consent GCLS Gender, Community and Lands Specialist GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IEMP Installation environmental management plan IERM Installation Environmental Management Report LIR Land Investigation report MPA Marine Protected Area NMSA National Marine Safety Authority NPW Notification of Preparatory Work NIC Navaid Installation Contractor NGI New Guinea Islands PIA Pre-Installation Assessment PIAR Pre-Installation Assessment Report PIU Project Implementation Unit PLC Provincial Lighthouse Committee PM PIU Project Manager PNG Papua New Guinea QPR Quarterly Progress Report SPS ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) TL Team Leader of NMSA’s PIU WMA Wildlife Management Area

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of 18 September 2017) Currency unit – kina (K) K1.00 = $0.31

$1.00 = K3.20 NOTE

In this report, "$" refers to US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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List of Tables and Figures

Tables: Table 1 Distribution of Sites and Navaid Locations for Contract Package 1 ............................ 9 Table 2 Pre-installation Assessment (PIA) Schedule Contract Package 1 ............................ 12 Table 3 Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA) Team for Contract Package 2 ............................ 12 Table 4 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for Gurney Weather Office ............................... 18 Table 5 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for Misima Weather Office ............................... 18 Table 6 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for Kupiano Weather Office ............................. 19 Table 7 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for Port Moresby Weather Office .................... 19 Table 8 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Dawson Strait ........................................... 22 Table 9 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Kiriwina and Kitava Islands .................... 27 Table 10 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Budibudi Islands .................................... 30 Table 11 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Deboyne Lagoons ................................. 32 Table 12 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in the Jomard Passage ............................. 36 Table 13 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in China Strait ............................................ 38 Table 14 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in the McFarlane Harbour ........................ 41 Table 15 Economic Breakdown for Central Province ................................................................ 44 Table 16 Economic Breakdown for Milne Bay ............................................................................ 45 Table 17 Estimated Annual Market income/person ................................................................... 47 Table 18 General Findings on Demography/Descriptions for sites in Milne Bay .................. 58 Table 19 General Findings on Demography/Descriptions for sites in Central Province. ..... 62 Table 20 EMP (Near-shore/off-shore Navaids Installations) .................................................... 74 Table 21 EMP (Land-based Navaids Installations) .................................................................... 81

Figures: Figure 1 Location of Navaids in Dawson Strait ........................................................................... 22 Figure 2 Location of Navaid at Losuia, Kiriwina Island .............................................................. 29 Figure 3 Location of Navaid in Kitava Island ............................................................................... 30 Figure 4 Location of Cannac Islet and Tamaris Reef (Budibudi Islands) ............................... 32 Figure 5 Location of Navaids in Deboyne Lagoon ..................................................................... 33 Figure 6 Location of Navaid in Jomard Passage ........................................................................ 36 Figure 7 Location of Navaid in China Strait ................................................................................. 38 Figure 8 Location of Navaids in McFarlane Harbour/Marshall Lagoon ................................... 41 Figure 9 District Profile for Abau. .................................................................................................. 44 Figure 10 District Profile for Esa’ala. ............................................................................................ 46 Figure 11 District Profile for Kiriwina Goodenough. ................................................................... 46 Figure 12 District Profile for Samarai Murua. .............................................................................. 47 Figure 13 Flow Chart Outlining Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................. 64

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List of Plates:

Plate 1. Above water and under water photos of Gigipwala Point ...................................... 23 Plate 2. Above water and under water photos of Sebulugomwa Point ............................... 24 Plate 3. Above water and under water photos of Dobu Island N-End ................................. 24 Plate 4. Above water and under water photos of Waiope Island (Oayabe) ........................ 25 Plate 5. Above water and under water photos of Cape Doubtful S-end (Sarubwaina) ........ 25 Plate 6. Above water and under water photos of Yadayadala ............................................ 26 Plate 7. Above water and under water photos of Cape Doubtful N-end ............................. 26 Plate 8. Above water and under water photos of Sanaroa Island W-end ........................... 27 Plate 9. Above water photos of Losuia Piles ...................................................................... 28 Plate 10. Above water and under water photos of Kitava Island Location .......................... 29 Plate 11. Above water photo of Cannac Islet ..................................................................... 31 Plate 12. Above water and under water photos of Tamaris Reef ....................................... 31 Plate 13. Above water photo of Hobwaiwala 2 ................................................................... 33 Plate 14. Above water photo of West Passage North (Lenana Reef) ................................. 34 Plate 15. Above water photo of West Passage South (Manaloin Reef or Mahawan) ......... 34 Plate 16. Above water photo of Redlick Passage/Rara Island............................................ 35 Plate 17. Above water photo of Redlick Passage/Holuga .................................................. 35 Plate 18. Above water photo of Jomard Entrance - North Cardinal Mark ........................... 36 Plate 19. Above water photo of Jomard Entrance – South Cardinal Mark .......................... 37 Plate 20. Above water photo of Jomard Entrance .............................................................. 37 Plate 21. Above water photo of Jomard Entrance .............................................................. 37 Plate 22. Above water photo of Suina Point, Gadogadowa Island ..................................... 39 Plate 23. Above water and underwater photos of Kwato Island 1 ...................................... 39 Plate 24. Above water and underwater photos of Kwato Island 2 ...................................... 39 Plate 25. Above water and underwater photos of the site at Gesila ................................... 40 Plate 26. Above water and underwater photos of Iguali Island Location ............................ 40 Plate 27. Above water and underwater photos of McFarlane Harbour No. 1 ...................... 42 Plate 28. Above water photo of McFarlane Harbour No. 3 ................................................. 42 Plate 29. Above water photo of McFarlane Harbour No. 2 ................................................. 42 Plate 30. Above water photo of McFarlane Harbour No. 5 ................................................. 43

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Project Overview

1. The Government of Papua New Guinea (the Government) has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide further assistance in the maritime sector through replacement of existing or previously evident coastal navigational aids (navaids) as well as installation of new navaids. The project was initially scoped to include 132 navaids including replacement (99) and new navaids (33), and for which site surveys and assessments are being undertaken to refine requirements and suitability. The Maritime and Waterways Safety Project, was prepared in 2012 with the project executing agency and implementing agency being the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA). 2. It is anticipated by the PIU that the navaid project will be undertaken through three (3) separate contract packages. Contract Package 1 will involve a total number of 48 navaids installations in Milne Bay Province and Central Province distributed over the following sites1 as shown in Table 1:

Table 1 Distribution of Sites and Navaid Locations for Contract Package 1

Source: PIU NMSA. Kiriwina and Kitava Islands have been considered as one site.

3. Of these total number, 21 are replacement installations while 27 are new installations. Under the 21 replacement installations 7 are actual replacement of pre-existing piles whist the others will involve rehabilitation works (painting and re-numbering) done to 14 existing beacons at Kiriwina. Most of the replacement installations will be placed within the same 10-15m radius from the identified GPS coordinates to minimize negative environmental impacts. 4. Contract Packages 2 and 3 navaids locations will be validated based on future assessments. Separate PIAs for navaid locations under each of these contract packages are required to be prepared and submitted after the conduct of pre-installation site assessments. Hence the preparation of this PIA is for Contract Package 1.

A.1 Scope of the Pre-installation Assessment 5. The Pre-installation Assessment (PIA) addressed navaid locational requirements for engineering and maritime safety, and environmental protection perspectives. This included pre-installation community awareness and identification of the type of sea bed material for both navaid installation and anchor points to determine specific locations that will minimize environmental damage.

1 Under the Project, ‘sites’ refer to the general area in which navaids will be located/installed, several navaids can be clustered or located within one site. For sector project purposes a site is a subproject and can include up to 30 navaid locations (EARF).

Province and Sites No. of Sites

No. of Navaid Locations

Replacement Installations

New Installations

Milne Bay Province: 6 44 18 26

Dawson Strait 8 0 8

Kiwirina and Kitava Islands 19 17 2

Deboyne Islands 6 0 6

Jomard Passage 4 0 4

China Strait 5 1 4

Cannac Islet & Budibudi Island 2 0 2

Central Province: 1 4 3 1

Marshall Lagoon 4 3 1

Total 7 48 21 27

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6. During the inspections, a handheld GPS was used to accurately determine the site location coordinates for plotting on the relevant maritime chart. Post inspection, plotting of the identified positions was undertaken and minor corrections, were made in consultation with the NMSA Senior Geographical Information Officer. In the Navigation Aids Review and Site Investigation Report and Recommendations, the type and light characteristics of the navaid are determined in accordance with the IALA (A) Buoyage system (please refer to separate report). 7. A Pre-Installation Assessment Checklist was prepared to identify the minimum requirements provided in the Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF). Duly accomplished and signed PIA Checklists for each of the navaid locations form part of this report (Please refer to Annex 1). Community awareness activities comprised land acquisition and resettlement screening which incorporated documentation for Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) was also conducted during the PIA activities (please refer to separate CD team report). The signed FPIC forms are considered significant outcomes under this PIA because they confirm community agreement and acceptance of the project together with community permission for installation of the navaids prior to the finalization of an appropriate mode of land acquisition (purchase or lease agreement). 8. The habitat and sea bed type identification involved diving and underwater photography, subject to safe sea and environmental conditions. Various sea conditions were encountered during the voyages to the proposed navigational aid locations and these conditions ranged from relative calm to the presence of large swells and currents. Safety of the team was of utmost consideration during the assessment. This was given emphasis and importance where each member of the PIA Team were given briefing on Cardno’s Project HSEQ Plan and associated Safe Work Method Statements for the field trip and diving activity. 9. The proposed navaid locations assessed are the most suitable locations based on the following considerations:

The locations and proposed aids to navigation provide the safest outcome for passing

marine traffic, both large vessels and those of the workboat and dinghy fleets.

The locations and proposed aids to navigation direct marine traffic away from areas

of danger such as outlying reefs and shoal areas.

The locations and proposed aids to navigation provide the best arc of visibility for

marine traffic passing the aid in either direction.

Particular attention was paid to aids to navigation to be sited on corners in open water

channels whereby the corner would be well marked for marine traffic travelling in each

direction passing the aids to navigation.

Ease of access to ongoing maintenance.

Distance from the low water mark on the shore was also considered with a view to

the prevention of vandalism.

Material types for pitching and driving of piled navaids.

Engineering purposes (i.e. lower wave energy where possible, shallower areas to

reduce need for larger beacons.

Avoidance and/or minimization of impacts to terrestrial vegetation/habitats.

10. More justifications are provided in the report on Navigation Aids Review and Site Investigation Report & Recommendations (see separate report). 11. The pre-installation community awareness preparations followed NMSA’s Community Engagement Program but followed the PIU’s process ultimately, including particularly the FPIC process that also involved representatives from the Provincial Government, Districts, and the Department of Lands staff. This is fully described in a separate report.

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A.2 Structure of the Report 12. The preparation of this PIA Report is guided by the requirements contained in the Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (EARF) agreed between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) in May 2015. To the extent possible, information provided complies with the EARF if these are readily available from site assessments and secondary sources. Otherwise, these are indicated as gaps requiring further work before actual installation activities by the NIC. 13. The PIA Report includes the following:

I. Introduction. This provides brief information about the project, scope of the pre-installation assessment and schedule, identification of the Team, and the description of the structure of this report.

II. Baseline Environmental Condition. This provides the general description of the sites

and detailed description of the proposed navaid locations which incorporate engineering and marine safety locational assessment; and secondary information from various sources and attributed as appropriate.

III. Anticipated Impacts of the Installation Activities at each location. This identifies the

anticipated impacts to the physical and biological environment of the sites based on information gathered during the assessment as well as secondary information.

IV. Consultations with the Community. This incorporates results of community

engagement and consultations during the community awareness meetings conducted for each of the communities that were visited.

V. Grievance Redress Mechanism.

VI. Environmental Management Plan. This discusses the mitigation and management measures to be taken during project implementation prepared as the IEMP based on the template provided in the EARF and updated accordingly by being less prescriptive to allow NIC the flexibility to use appropriate equipment and work methodology that will achieve the desired positive environmental outcomes.

VII. Monitoring, Reporting and Disclosure Requirements.

VIII. Conclusion and Recommendations.

IX. Annexes. These pertain to the PIA Checklists, Site Photographs (Underwater and

above water) and the Schedule of Penalties as per the PNG Environment Act of 2000.

14. The report structure generally responds to the EARF requirements, and builds on secondary information readily obtainable from the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) which was prepared for two sites under the PPTA. This secondary information includes physical and biological environments, environmental management plan, and many more relevant information required for the pre-installation assessment. These are used generously with editing where appropriate, and updated with location-specific baseline environmental conditions.

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A.3 Schedule

15. The assessment of the proposed navaid locations in Milne Bay and Central Provinces were conducted on the following actual dates:

Table 2 Pre-installation Assessment (PIA) Schedule Contract Package 1

Sites Dates

1. Milne Bay Province

Dawson Strait

31 July – 08 August 2015

Kitava Island

Deboyne Islands

Jomard Passage

China Strait

Kiwirina (Losuia) 24 September 2015

Cannac Islet & Budibudi Island 21 September 2015

2. Central Province

Marshall Lagoon 10 September 2015 Source: PIU NMSA.

A.4 Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA) Team 16. The PIA Team is composed of both International and National Specialists of the PIU-NMSA as shown in the table below:

Table 3 Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA) Team for Contract Package 2 Sites Dates Members of the PIU-NMSA

Assessment Team

Milne Bay Sites 31 July – 02 August 2015

Eric Petrus – PIU Project Manager

Scott Keane – Team Leader

John Ellyett – Maritime Safety Specialist

Claudia Strier – Gender and Community Lands Specialist

Marion Kila – Community and Lands Coordinator

Alex Warren – Community and Lands Coordinator

Priscilla Piandi – Environment Officer

Cannac Islet and Budibudi Island

21 September, 2015 Eric Petrus – PIU Project Manager



Central Province;

Padana Nahua Passage

8 September 2015

John Ellyett – Marine Safety Specialist;

Joselito Losaria – Environment Specialist


18 September 2015 Claudia Strier – Gender and Community Lands Specialist


Marshall Lagoon 10 September 2015 Daniel Ngala – PIU Project Accountant

John Ellyett – Marine Safety Specialist

Claudia Strier – Gender and Community Lands Specialist

Joselito P. Losaria – Environment Specialist



Source: PIU-NMSA.

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B. Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

B.1 ADB Environmental Safeguards 17. This Pre-installation assessment builds on information from the IEE that has been previously carried out to ensure that potential adverse environmental impacts are addressed according to the SPS. The objectives of the SPS are to ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. Environmental safeguards are triggered if a project is likely to have potential environmental risks and impacts. 18. ADB uses a classification system to reflect the significance of a project’s potential environmental impacts. A project’s category is determined by the category of its most sensitive component, including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts in the project’s area of influence. Each proposed project is scrutinized as to its type, location scale, and sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. Projects are assigned to one of the following four categories:

o Category A. A proposed project is classified as Category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger that the sites ort facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required.

o Category B. A proposed project is classified as Category B if its potential adverse

environmental impacts are less adverse than those of Category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE) is required.

o Category C. A proposed project is classified as category C if it is likely to have

minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental assessment is required although environmental implications need to be reviewed.

o Category FI. A proposed project is classified as category FI if it involves investment

of ADB funds or through a FI. 19. The purpose and objectives of the SPS have been applied to classify the subproject as a category B project, which requires development of an IEE for identified subprojects, and the EARF to guide subprojects prepared during project implementation.

B.2 PNG Requirements 20. Environmental impact assessment and management in PNG is addressed by the Environment Act of 2000, the Environment (Amendment) Act of 2002, their accompanying regulatory instruments including the Environment (Prescribed Activities) Regulation of 2002, and the Guideline for Conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment and Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, 2004. These Acts and regulations are administered by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), previously the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). CEPA was established under the Conservation and Environment Protection Act 2014 (CEPA Act) and takes over the role formerly undertaken by the DEC as PNG’s environmental regulator. The objective of the Environment Act and amendments is to enhance the sustainable management of biological and physical components of the land, air, and water resources of the country. 21. The CEPA is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Environment Act and its regulatory structure. As the government’s environmental management agency, the

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mission statement of CEPA is: “To ensure PNG’s natural resources are managed to sustain environmental quality, human well-being and support improved standards of living.” The department consists of three divisions:

Environment Protection, responsible for environmental approvals;

Sustainable Environment Management; and

Policy Coordination and Evaluation 22. The Environment Protection Division is the government entity to which NMSA must submit Notifications of Preparatory Work (NPW) concerning the 48 new navaid locations to determine whether EPs will be required. 23. PNG’s Environmental (Prescribed Activities) Regulation of 2002 (Section 48) requires parties intending to carry out preparatory work in relation to Level-2 or Level-3 activities to register that intention with the Director of Environment. “Preparatory Work” is defined as work associated with:

Undertaking a feasibility study, or

Carrying out other studies relevant to environmental issues, or

Applying for approval under the Investment Promotion Act 1992 to carry out an activity, or

Applying for an approval or a permit or license under another Act in relation to a proposed activity.

The NPW consists of 15 required components:

Name of the proponent

Name of proponents authorized contact and spokesperson

Address of principal address in PNG DEC Corporate Plan 2009-2012.

Company registration details

Site address: address where the proposed activity will be conducted

Details of site ownership

Statement concerning whether the proponents has negotiated and signed an agreement with GoPNG in relation to the proposal

Other government departments or statutory bodies approached

Other formal government approvals that are required

Status of negotiations with relevant landowner/resource owner groups

Estimated cost of works (in Kina)

Scope and description of the proposed activity or works

Description of project site

Applicant’s assessment of whether proposed activity is a Level 2 or Level 3 activity

Timeline or schedule for the proposed activity 24. While NPWs are generally required for only larger or more intrusive projects (defined as Level-2 and Level-3 Projects), as described by PNG Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2002 (See References) which excludes the navaid program from inclusion in the more intrusive categories, the PIU previously sought a confirmation advise from Mr. Pawa Limu, Environmental Expert, NMSA, as was previously recommended during the Technical Assistance for this project. The NMSA then submitted NPW for new construction locations under Contract Package 1 for which Contract Package 2 is similarly conditioned. The CEPA had responded to this submission in its letter of acknowledgement indicating that the works contemplated under this project is not a prescribed activity. 25. Despite the above procedures, the NMSA or the Contractor may require, depending upon the specific nature of their equipment, facilities and operational procedures, waste

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disposal permit(s) from the CEPA, which may include offshore disposal of collected sewage as well as land disposal of waste and scrap. The CEPA (then DEC) has issued several guidelines, including the Guideline for submission of an application for an environmental permit to discharge waste, GL Env/03/2004. The Contractor selected for this work will be required to obtain permits relevant to solid wastes, sewage and gray water discharges, and other wastes the operation will be reasonably anticipated to generate. 26. CEPA operates at the national level from its office in Port Moresby. It does not have offices or personnel in the provinces. All environmental approval is currently centralized. As part of the GoPNG’s decentralization policy, it is incumbent on CEPA to work in close consultation with provincial governments through the respective provincial administrations to ensure implementation of environmental legislation at the provincial level. Some environmental management and monitoring functions are delegated to provincial administrations if and when they have adequate resources and capacity to conduct these activities. 27. The Environment (Prescribed Activities) Regulation of 2002 provides a protocol for determining whether a project must be classified as a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 category. Levels 2 and 3 require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Any activity not explicitly defined as Level 2 or Level 3 is by default categorized as Level 1, which requires no EIS. The Project is defined as a Level 1 activity, and therefore does not require an EIS under PNG statutes and regulations. As per the requirements of the EARF any IEEs or in this case the Pre-installation assessment report prepared for sites will be submitted to CEPA, along with ADB, for review.

B.3 The National Maritime Safety Authority 28. The NMSA was established by an Act of the PNG Parliament in 2003, and it began operations in January 2006 as a not-for-profit public body on a self-sustaining basis, reporting to the NMSA Board and the Minister for Transport. The General Manager runs day-to-day operations through a corporate structure of divisions headed by Executive Managers, who report directly to him. 29. NMSA’s mandate is to ensure:

(i) Compliance with Maritime Safety Standards (ii) Marine Pollution Prevention and Coordination of Cleanups (iii) Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination

30. As a result of NMSA’s mandate to ensure that maritime safety risks are effectively monitored and controlled, NMSA will be the lead PNG agency for this project. NMSA will be responsible for Contractor monitoring and assuring compliance with the EMP.

B.4 Other PNG Legislation 31. The following legislation will also apply to the project:

(i) The Employment Act, 1978. An act relating to employment of nationals and non-citizens. The act covers recruitment and conditions of employment, as well as health and safety issues. It is administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DLE). Conditions of the Act are relevant to the health and safety of workers employed during construction.

(ii) The Public Health Act (1978) Chapter 368 protects the general public by regulating

and controlling the unplanned disposal of any environmental contaminants such as

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domestic or industrial waste and/or refuse that has the potential to impact the lives of people.

(iii) Drinking water quality standards for both freshwater and marine aquatic life

protection are provided in the Environment (Water Quality Criteria) Regulation 2002, and are listed in Table 1 of Act, Sec. 133(2); Reg., Sec. 2. Ranges of criteria are provided for some parameters including turbidity.

B.5 International Agreements 32. Papua New Guinea is a signatory to the following international agreements with environmental and conservation implications:

International Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro, 1992

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

UN Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

Basel Convention on the Control of Trans boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

Convention to Ban the Importation into Forum Islands Countries of Hazardous Wastes and Radioactive Wastes and Control the Trans-Boundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within the South Pacific Region (Waigani Convention)

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Waste and Other Matter (London Convention)

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS)

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL)

International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, Brussels, 1969

RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially Waterfowl Habitat, 1971

Convention on the World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage, 1972

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

International Convention on the Conservation of Nature in the South Pacific, Apia, 1972

Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region and related Protocols (SPREP, 1986)

Protocol on Biosafety (Cartagena Protocol)

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs Convention)

Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam

Convention)

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985)

II. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 33. The following discussion describes general baseline information of Milne Bay and Central Provinces; as well as the baseline information of the sites and navaid locations based on pre-installation assessments conducted for the candidate locations. In addition, site

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descriptions are supplemented with secondary information as applicable including the general description of the marine environment where the navaids may be located during its entire operational life.

A. Physical Environment 34. Milne Bay Province is one of the provinces of Papua New Guinea comprised of four (4) districts, namely: Alotau, Esa’ala, Kiriwina-Goodenough, and Samarai-Murua. Its major island groups are the following: a) The D'Entrecasteaux Islands including Goodenough (Nidula), Fergusson (Moratau), Sanaroa, Dobu and Normanby (Duau); b) The Trobriand Islands, including Kiriwina, Kaileuna, Vakuta and Kitava; c) The Amphlett Islands; d) Woodlark Island (Muyuw, Murua); e) The Louisiade Archipelago, including Rossell (Yela), Tagula (Sudest, Vanatinai), Misima; f) Samarai; g) Kwato, Deka Deka Islands, Logea, Saliba, Basilaki, and Sideia; and h) The Engineer Islands, including Tubetube and Kwaraiwa. The proposed navaids are distributed within these island groups with the exception of the Amphlett Islands. 35. Milne Bay has been described in the Project entitled “Community-based Coastal and Marine Conservation in Milne Bay Province” previously implemented by the United Nations Development Program, as Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) largest maritime Province, with a sea area of approximately 110,000 km2 that contains some 32% of the country’s total reef area (Munro, 1989; Dazell & Wright, 1986). The Province embraces the mountainous south-eastern-most tip of mainland New Guinea, 10 relatively large islands and over 150 smaller islands of less than 10 km2 (Mooney, 1997), and includes examples of all six types of Pacific islands - continental, volcanic, atoll, raised reef, coral cay and makatea2. 36. Central Province is one of the provinces of Papua New Guinea and is located in its southern coast. It occupies the southern side of the Owen Stanley Ranges and the area of coast from Bereina in the north to Gaire Village in the south. It is comprised of five (5) districts, namely: Abau, Goilala, Kairuku, Hiri, and Rigo. The proposed navaids are located within the Abau (Marshall Lagoon); and Kairuku-Hiri Districts (Padana Nahua Passage). 37. “The province geographically extends along the south coast of the country sharing common provincial boundaries with, Gulf to the west, Milne Bay to the east, Morobe to the north, and Oro to the northeast. The major land features of the province includes rugged mountainous escarpments and rolling peaks in the hinterlands, while the coastal lowlands are flat and intercepted by the lowland ridges.” (Central Provincial Educational Plan 2007 – 2016). The major marine features includes the Papuan coastal lagoon which covers a surface area of some 200 sq. km. and borders the open ocean (Coral Sea) by a discontinuous coralline barrier reef, referred to as the “Papuan Barrier Reef” on the narrow continental shelf (Genolagani. undated)3. The Papuan Barrier reef allows for formation of several lagoons including the Marshall Lagoon in Kupiano.

A.1 Climatic Conditions 38. This presents information about the physical environment of the provinces where the sites and navaid locations of Contract 1 Package are located.

A.1.1 Rainfall

39. Summary rainfall information were acquired from two Weather Offices in Milne Bay Province (Gurney and Misima), and two Weather Offices in Central Province (Port Moresby

2 Raised coral limestone reef. 3 John Mark G. Genolagani, National Parks Service, Office of Environment and Conservation, Papua New Guinea, An Assessment on the Development of Marine Parks and Reserves in Papua New Guinea (undated).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Entrecasteaux_Islandshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trobriand_Islandshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trobriand_Islandshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlark_Islandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiade_Archipelagohttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rossell_Island_%28Yela%29&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanatinaihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misima_Islandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaraihttps://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Deka_Deka_Islands&action=edit&redlink=1https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sideia&action=edit&redlink=1

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and Kupiano) of the National Weather Service of Papua New Guinea. The recording period for these stations vary from 1990 – 2015 for the Milne Bay Province, and from 1965 – 1983 for both Kupiano (Marshall Lagoon) and 1990 – 2015 for Port Moresby. The information indicated variabilities in rainfall amount and periodic distribution between and within provinces. 40. The mean annual rainfall recorded in the Gurney Weather Office from 1990 to 2015 was 2,320.50 mm with a highest mean of 260.2 mm recorded for the month of June while the lowest mean of 131.1 mm was recorded for December. The highest annual rainfall recorded was 5,502.90 mm while the lowest annual rainfall was 489.2 mm. Historical highest rainfall were recorded for the months of October and November (690.6 mm and 628.4 mm, respectively) while the lowest is December (12.2 mm). The rainfall summary for this station is presented in Table 4 below.

Table 4 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for the Period 1990 – 2015 (Gurney Weather Office)

Stat Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

Mean Rainfall

155.1 163.8 210 222.9 220.2 260.2 184 164.1 193.4 191.5 224.2 131.1 2,320.50

MaxT 32.5 32.5 31.8 30.8 29.8 28.6 28 28.3 29.1 30.3 31.3 32.3 30.4

MinT 23 23.1 22.9 22.8 22.4 22.1 21.3 20.6 21.2 21.7 22.3 22.8 22.2

Lowest Rainfall

49.2 44.2 93.6 22 67.6 72.8 26 22.8 2.6 23.2 53 12.2 489.2

MaxT 31.1 30.5 30.4 29.2 28.5 27.6 27.2 27.2 28.1 29.2 30.2 31.5 29.2

MinT 20.9 22.2 21.2 21.8 20.5 19.8 19.9 18 18.5 19.3 20.5 21.9 20.4

Highest Rainfall

330.7 274.8 465.4 346.4 510.6 526.4 427.2 512.2 479.8 690.6 628.4 310.4 5,502.90

MaxT 34.1 33.7 32.9 32.9 30.9 29.5 29.1 29.3 30.4 31.6 33.2 33.1 31.7

MinT 24 23.6 23.9 23.5 23.7 23.3 22.5 22.8 22.7 23.1 23.5 23.6 23.4

Source: National Weather Service, Papua New Guinea.

41. On the other hand, the mean annual rainfall recorded in the Misima Weather Office for the same period was 2,697.0 mm with a highest mean of 309.1 mm recorded for the month of April while the lowest mean of 107.2 mm was recorded for August. The highest annual rainfall recorded was 6,535.0 mm while the lowest annual rainfall was 526.6 mm. Historical highest rainfall were recorded for the month of November (736.0 mm) while the lowest is July (17.0 mm). The rainfall summary for this station is presented in Table 5 below.

Table 5 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for the Period 1990 – 2015 (Misima Weather Office)


Mean Rainfall

238 292.1 295.3 309.1 261.6 219.9 122.6 107.2 177.9 214.1 240 219.2 2,697.00

MaxT 31.2 31.1 30.7 30.2 29.4 28.7 28.1 28.2 28.9 29.6 30.4 31 29.8

MinT 24.7 24.4 24.3 24.7 24.6 24.3 23.8 23.6 24.2 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.4

Lowest Rainfall

50.2 85.6 111.6 38 73.6 16.8 17 6.4 28.8 20.6 44.4 33.6 526.6

MaxT 29.9 30.2 29.8 29 28 27.7 27.1 27.2 27.8 28.6 29.4 29.8 28.7

MinT 24.2 23.5 23.6 24.1 23.8 23.7 21.8 20.9 22.7 23.6 23.9 23.5 23.3

Highest Rainfall

499 466.2 756.2 724.6 497 517.6 434.2 329 557.4 596.8 736 421 6,535.00

MaxT 32.1 32 31.3 31.3 30.4 30 29.2 29.3 30.4 30.7 31.6 32.1 30.9

MinT 25.4 25.3 24.6 25.7 25.5 25.1 24.7 24.6 25.1 25.2 25.5 25.6 25.2

Source: National Weather Service, Papua New Guinea

42. The mean annual rainfall recorded in the Kupiano (Marshall Lagoon) Weather Office from 1965 to 1983 was 1,631.90 mm with a highest mean of 228.7 mm recorded for the month of May while the lowest mean of 70.9 mm was recorded for November. The highest annual rainfall recorded was 4,757.10 mm while the lowest annual rainfall was 252.6 mm. Historical

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highest rainfall were recorded for the month of June (799.4 mm) while the lowest is September (0.0 mm). The rainfall summary is presented in Table 6 below.

Table 6 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for the Period 1965 – 1983 (Kupiano Weather Office)


Mean Rainfall

133 85.6 153.6 162.8 228.7 217.7 177.3 123.5 81.1 112.4 70.9 85.3 1,631.90

MaxT 34 32.3 31.8 28.8 28.4 31.1

MinT 23.9 23.6 24.1 22.1 23.4

Lowest Rainfall

59.1 43.5 2.4 37.3 46.2 10 25 7.6 0 13.6 2.6 5.3 252.6

MaxT 33.3 32 31.8 28.4 28.4 30.8

MinT 23.8 23.5 24.1 22 23.4

Highest Rainfall

288.2 190.2 327.4 569.1 666.9 799.4 544.8 381 190.5 280.2 271.2 248.2 4,757.10

MaxT 34.8 32.6 31.8 29.1 28.4 31.3

MinT 24.2 23.7 24.1 22.1 23.5

Source: National Weather Service, Papua New Guinea. 43. On the other hand, the mean annual rainfall recorded in the Port Moresby Weather Office for the same period was 1,194.70 mm with a highest mean of 235.7 mm recorded for the month of March while the lowest mean of 22.6 mm was recorded for August. The highest annual rainfall recorded was 3,587.4 mm while the lowest annual rainfall was 258.6 mm. Historical highest rainfall were recorded for the month of June (456.2 mm) while the lowest are for the months of May, July, August, October and November (0.0 mm). The rainfall summary is presented in Table 7 below. Table 7 Rainfall and Temperature Summary for the Period 1990 – 2015 (Port Moresby Weather Office)


Mean Rainfall 205.3 172.8 235.7 146.7 82.7 62.9 23.2 22.6 25.6 30.9 76.2 110.1 1,194.70

MaxT 32.2 31.9 31.5 31.3 31 30.4 29.9 30.1 30.9 31.7 32.3 32.6 31.3

MinT 23.6 23.6 23.5 23.5 23.4 23.1 22.6 22.5 22.9 23.4 23.8 24 23.3

Lowest Rainfall 78.8 69 49.8 48 0 0.6 0 0 0.2 0 0 12.2 258.6

MaxT 31 30.8 30.5 30.3 30 29.1 28.8 29 29.4 30.6 30.7 31.6 30.2

MinT 21.1 22.1 22.2 21.6 20.9 21.2 21 19.8 20 20.7 22.9 23.2 21.4

Highest Rainfall 420.4 303 414 325.6 403.6 456.2 111.8 99.2 92.4 169 433.2 359 3,587.40

MaxT 33.4 33.1 32.3 32.2 31.9 31.6 31.9 32.1 32.4 32.7 33.5 33.6 32.6

MinT 24.5 24.8 24.5 24.9 25.1 24.4 23.7 24.2 24.4 24.6 24.8 24.7 24.6

Source: National Weather Service, Papua New Guinea.

A.1.2 Temperature 44. Based from the summaries provided in Tables 4, 5 and 6 above, mean annual temperatures also varies but not significantly with mean maximum ranging from 30.40C (Gurney Station), 29.80C (Misima Weather Office), 31.10C (Kupiano Weather Office), and 31.30C (Port Moresby Weather Office; and mean minimum ranging from 22.20C (Gurney Weather Office), 24.40C (Misima Weather Office), 23.40C (Kupiano Weather Office), and 23.30C (Port Moresby Weather Office. Comparatively however, temperatures are relatively higher in Central Province than in Milne Bay Province.

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A.1.3 Climate Change 45. Climate change information specific for Milne Bay and Central Provinces have not been accessed. The Pacific Climate Futures project however has projected minimum temperature increases of 1.1°C by mid-century for PNG. Globally, emissions are tracking at the upper emissions scenarios. The location of PNG near the Equator and its landforms contribute to high levels of variation in climate among various regions of the country. This climate variation means that accurate assessments of potential climate change impacts in PNG require regional context. However, at the national level, recent studies indicate that PNG’s climate is indeed changing. For example:

(i) Annual and seasonal ocean and land surface temperatures have increased by 0.6°C

to 1.0°C since 1910; (ii) Since the 1970s, decadal average temperature has increased by 0.3°C to 0.5°C; (iii) Significant increases have been observed in the annual number of hot days and

warm nights, with significant decreases in the annual number of cool days and cold nights.

A.2 Seismic Activity 46. The Milne Bay Province is one of the areas in PNG that have islands containing volcanic fields. According to the PNG National Disaster Centre, it is one of the provinces prone to earthquakes together with East and West New Britain, ABG, Morobe, Madang, East and West Sepik, Southern Highlands, and Oro Provinces.

B. Biological Environment 47. The information about the biological environment in the country presented in this section has been adopted from the PNG State of the Coral Triangle Report (PNG SCTR 2013). Baseline biological environment conditions of the project sites are discussed separately based on pre-installation assessments conducted by the PIU. 48. Papua New Guinea is located in the Coral Triangle region that is known to be the world’s hot spot for marine biodiversity. The country is vested with complex marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, sand and mud shore and intertidal flats, barrier dunes and their associated lagoons like the rocky shorelines, reef walls and drop-off areas. Marine organisms are associated with this array of habitats and therefore are important components of the rich marine biodiversity of Papua New Guinea (PNG Marine Program on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, 2010-2013). 49. PNG’s principal marine and coastal ecosystems include 13,840 km2 of coral reefs, 4,200 km2 of mangrove swamp forests, and extensive seagrass beds. The country is home to at least 500 species of stony coral, 1,635 reef-associated fish species, 43 mangrove species, and 7 seagrass species. 50. Most of PNG’s coral reefs are of the fringing or patch type, with extensive barrier reefs occurring only along the country’s southern coast (e.g., the Motuan coastline), the Louisiade Archipelago, and around the East Cape on the eastern coast. Fringing and patch reefs predominate along the northern coast (e.g., Madang) and the New Guinea islands. (PNG SCTR 2014). 51. Milne Bay. Milne Bay’s coastal and marine environments are amongst the world’s most ecologically diverse and pristine. The chief habitats include an extensive and complex system of submerged and emergent coral reefs, including fringing reefs, platform/patch reefs, barrier reefs and atolls, as well as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, lagoons and mud, sand, rubble and rocky sea bottoms (Conservation International, 1998).

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52. With over 429 coral species, 945 molluscan species, approximately 199 reef fish species and seabird rookeries, Milne Bay’s coastal and marine environments are amongst the world’s most ecologically diverse and pristine. The chief habitats include an extensive and complex system of submerged and emergent coral reefs, including fringing reefs, platform/patch reefs, barrier reefs and atolls, as well as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, lagoons and mud, sand, rubble and rocky sea bottoms (Conservation International, 1998). 53. Central Province. Most of the Central Province coastline is surrounded by the Papuan Barrier Reef and Lagoon proposing great diversity of habitat and microhabitats. Barrier reef, fringing reefs, coastal lagoon, and mangrove habitat provide habitats for hawksbill turtles, reef fishes, corals, and marine invertebrates. 54. Previous studies done on the marine biodiversity of the nearby and adjacent sea waters of Central Province reported many diverse lifeforms dwelling in these waters. Some of these were reported in a report titled ‘The Marine Biodiversity and Ecology of the Kupiano Region’ by Mungkaje. The following were taken from that report.

Marine mammals. Whales, dolphins and dugongs. Sightings of whales are very few

and not properly recorded. In 2012, there was a carcass of a dead whale that was washed ashore Barakau beach. Dolphins are more common around PNG sea waters including waters of the Marshall Lagoon. Dugongs are known to be harvested as food proteins by local communities of the central coast and as such the population is now almost close to depletion.

Marine Reptiles. Turtles and salt water crocodile. The hawksbill and green turtle are

the main species of turtles common to this area. Saltwater crocodiles though not common still can be sighted in the coastal mangrove areas.

Palagic fish. Tunas, rainbow runners, mackerels and barracudas. Caught by both

subsistence and artisanal fishermen along the Central Province coast and various species of these groups are very common at the city fish markets at Koki and Rainbow. With the pelagic fish there are numerous residential reef fishes such as Damselfishes/ Wrasses; Parrotfishes; Surgeon fishes; Butterfly fishes and Angelfishes that dwell in the habitats provided by the extensive reef systems of the area.

Marine Invertebrates. Echinoderms and crustaceans. Echinoderms including sea

urchins, starfishes and sea cucumbers with crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, prawns and crayfish occur on coral reefs and coastal waters all throughout the seawaters of Central Province.

B.1 Biological environmental condition of the navaid locations observed during the pre-installation assessments

B.1.1 Dawson Strait Navaid Locations

55. The Dawson Strait is located between eastern Fergusson and western Normanby Islands in the D'Entrecasteaux island group of Milne Bay Province. It contains a volcanic field with several volcanic centers that define a possible partly submerged caldera. There have been no historical eruptions from this center, but morphology suggests an extremely young age for some lava flows, and the area displays vigorous thermal activity. The most prominent volcanic centers are Mounts Lamonai and Oiau, located about 10km apart on the SW tip of Fergusson Island (http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/dobu.html).

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56. A total of eight (8) navaids will be installed within this strait. Their individual locations are presented in Table 8 and indicated in Figure 1. Underwater and above water photographs are provided for reference as shown following each location description and in Annex 2.

Table 8 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Dawson Strait

S.N. Site Name

Location Name

Water Depth

Substrate type

AtoN Description

1

Dawson Strait

Gigipwala Point

2.0 m Sand Monopile in water, white, north cardinal 6 nm

2 Sebulugomwa Point

2.0m Sand and rubble

Monopile in water, white, south cardinal 4 nm

3 Dobu Island N-end

4.0m Sand Monopile in water, white, north cardinal 4nm

4 Waiope Island 3.0m Rubble Monopile in water, white north cardinal 4 nm

5 Cape Doubtful S-end

4.0+m Rubble and sparse coral

Large Buoy with a three point mooring system

6

Yadayadala 4.0+m Rubble/ sand and sparse coral

Monopiles in water, white, east cardinal 4 nm

7 Cape Doubtful N-end

3.0m Sand/ Coral Monopile in water, white, east cardinal 6 nm

8 Sanaroa Island W-end

4.0m Sand Monopile in water, white, west cardinal 6 nm

Source: PIU Pre-installation Assessment, 31 July to September 2015.

Figure 1 Location of Navaids in Dawson Strait Source: Chartlet – NMSA GIS; AtoN locations and arc of light representation: PIU Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA), July to September 2015.

57. These locations are described as follows:

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58. Gigipwala Point. Gigipwala Point lies to the north of Normanby Island. The location marks the inner corner within Dawson Strait and will be clearly visible to marine traffic travelling in either direction. It is situated approximately 20 to 30m from the shore at low tide and will be approximately 50m offshore at high water. The bottom substrate is mostly sand with some debris scattered over the sandy seafloor. 59. The sandy substrate extends to the point where there is a steady drop. There is not much marine life or activity found on this sandy substrate except for the presence of a few sea worms. Seagrass species of the genera Halophila appear in small patches across the shallow waters towards the shore but are not found around the site towards the drop. The species Enhalus acoroides also occupy the calmer shallow waters close to the community some 100m away from the beach end where the point lies. The water depth at the location is about 2.0m. The above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 1. Above water and under water photos of Gigipwala Point

60. It was noted during the assessment that nearby to this location in the deeper part of the reef, giant clam shells can be found. These giant clam attract tourists who come to dive the reef to see the clams. However, the area known to have these clam shells is not in close proximity to the navaid location but is further away in deeper waters. As the community is located close to the point, the light from the beacon may present a nuisance. Light screens may be put in place to reflect light going to the community, or the light sector towards the community may be blanked. 61. Sebulugomwa Point. Sebulugomwa Point is located at the outermost part of the point that is protruding into the Dawson Passage. It is approximately 500m offshore with a water depth of about 2m at low tide. The bottom substrate was observed to be a mixture of sand and coral with coral rubble. There were live corals seen all throughout the reef with schools of small fish occupying the edge of the reef towards the drop. A patch of area that was sandy and rubble combined was chosen as the site. 62. This sandy rubble site is about 3m2 in area and has corals in close proximity of between 3-4m all around. A good young colony of Acropora corals are present at about 15m from the site. The stretch of corals also extends all the way back to the shallow waterfront areas towards the shore. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

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Plate 2. Above water and under water photos of Sebulugomwa Point

63. This coral re-growth site will have to be avoided when selecting barge anchorage site and when manoeuvring the barge for stabilization. Sea stars known as feather stars were also observed on the reef flat. However, these are not known to be endangered or in the IUCN red list but nonetheless the area around Sebulugomwa Point is also known for conservation activities. The local community is cautious about the bêche-de-mer in their waters becoming endangered and are closely monitoring tourists that come into the area. 64. Dobu Island N-end. The point where the navaid is proposed to be located marks the extremity of the reef about the northern end of Dobu Island for small craft operating in the vicinity. It is adjacent to a high rock face and positioned approximately 100m from the rock face in approximately 4.0m of water at low tide. The selected location is directly opposite the unmarked reef extending to the south east from Sebulugomwa Point. 65. The chosen location comprises a sandy substrate with a few patches of corals and rubbles all around it. Corals with schools of small fish were observed surrounding the proposed navaid location. About 6m from the preferred location there is a mass of brain coral approximately 3m wide. During installation, care must be taken to ensure that physical impacts during barge manoeuvering and stabilization to this coral is avoided. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 3. Above water and under water photos of Dobu Island N-End

66. The mountain on the island is known to be a dormant volcano. There is a hot spring at the shore about 200m from the location and sulphur can be smelled all over the area. Dobu Island is one of 3 volcanic centres of the Dawson Strait Group.

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67. Waiope Island (Oayabe). The proposed navaid in the island marks the north eastern extremity of a reef extending seaward from Oawabe Island where heavy surf breaks upon the reef. The selected location is protected by a further reef upon which the waves break heavily. The substrate chosen for the navaid installation is mainly made up of rubbles and consolidated rubbles. The proposed light will be approximately 700m from the shore in a water depth of 3 m at low tide. The reef poses a high risk to ships passing through this area. There have been several incidents of ships and small boats running aground onto this reef over the past years. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 4. Above water and under water photos of Waiope Island (Oayabe)

68. Cape Doubtful S-end (Sarubwaina). The location and aid to navigation marks the south eastern end of a large reef extending from Cape Doubtful Southern End. It is exposed to heavy weather with a reportedly high swell occurrence for many months of the year. Distance from the closest shoreline is approximately 2km. Water depth at the location is greater than 4m at low water. An area identified to be of coral rubbles was chosen as the location for the navaid installation. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 5. Above water and under water photos of Cape Doubtful S-end (Sarubwaina)

69. Yadayadala. Yadayadala Island is located adjacent to Cape Doubtful S-end. The navaid was initially proposed to be placed at the opposite Taulu Islet but was moved to this location instead due to the lack of traffic rounding the south western corner of Sanaroa Island and that the area is in uncharted/unsurveyed. The chosen navaid location has sand and rubbles where the depth is approximately 4.0m near low water and distance to the shore is about 1 km. The above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

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Plate 6. Above water and under water photos of Yadayadala

70. Cape Doubtful N-end. The proposed location is positioned on the northern tip of the mainland reef surrounding Cape Doubtful. A small sandy substrate among corals was chosen as the site for installation where the water depth at the site is approximately 3.0m at mid-tide height and the distance to the shore is approximately 1.5 km. There is an extensive coral cover over the reef surrounding the site. Therefore, precautionary measures need to be taken when anchoring and manoeuvring the barge. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 7. Above water and under water photos of Cape Doubtful N-end

71. Sanaroa Island W-end. This proposed location marks the port side of the northern entrance to Dawson Strait and forms the opposite side to the ‘gate’ from the Cape Doubtful N-end aid to navigation. It is situated on the south western tip of the reef surrounding Sanaroa Island W-end. This is the most western part of the reef and forms the natural eastern side of the entrance ‘gate’. It is approximately 1.5 – 2.0 km from the nearest point of land and in about 4.0m of water at mid-tide. 72. The substrate on the reef constitute mainly of sand, rubbles and corals. A sandy substrate with few rubbles was selected as the installation location. Live corals were observed to be present all over the reef zone. There is a good extent of mangrove forest around Sanaroa Islands with mud flat areas all along the shore. These will not be directly affected by the installation activities. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

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Plate 8. Above water and under water photos of Sanaroa Island W-end

B.1.2 Kiriwina and Kitava Islands Navaid Locations Kiriwina and Kitava Islands are two of the four main islands of the Trobriand Islands. Kiriwina is 40 kilometers long but only 3.2 to 12.8 kilometers wide, and the other islands are much smaller. Except for Kitava, where cliffs rise sheer for 90 meters, the islands are relatively flat, crosscut by swampy areas, tidal creeks, and rich garden lands that abut rough coral outcroppings. Reefs may extend up to 10 kilometers offshore; anchorage is often dependent upon high tides and careful navigation. Its main station is Losuia. Kitava is one of the Trobriand Islands, an archipelago of coral atolls off the eastern coast of New Guinea. It is located about 25 km from Kiriwina. 73. A total of five (5) new navaids will be installed within the waters off Kiriwina and Kitava Islands. Their individual locations are presented in Table 9 and indicated in Figures 2 and 3. Apart from the new installations that have been surveyed there will also be rehabilitation work done on 14 existing beacons at the main passage into Kiriwina wharf. Underwater and above water photographs of the new locations are provided for reference as shown following each location description and in Annex 2.

Table 9 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Kiriwina and Kitava Islands

S.N. Site Name

Location Name

Water Depth

Substrate type

AtoN Description

1

Kiriwina Island

Lousia Pile No. 2

3+ m Sand Monopile in water, red, port lateral 3 nm

2 Lousia Pile No. 3

3+ m Sand Monopile in water, green, stbd lateral 3 nm

3 Lousia Pile No. 4

3+ m Sand Monopile in water, red, port lateral 3 nm

4 Lousia Pile No. 14

3+ m Sand Monopile in water, red, port lateral, 3 nm

5 Kitava Island

Nuratu Island 3.0m Sand Monopile in water, white, north cardinal 10 nm

Source: PIU Pre-installation Assessment, 31 July to September 2015. 74. These are described as follows:

75. The Losuia Pile 2 (Port hand beacon) marks the effective entrance to the Losuia Channel which provides a deep water approach to the town jetty and boat landing area. It forms the pair of entrance beacons and is essential to guide maritime traffic into the critical part of the channel to ensure the ship is lined up correctly for the remainder of the inward passage. This navaid will be installed in sandy substrates in approximately 3m depth of water.

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76. Losuia Pile 3 (starboard lateral) as it is shown on the NMSA GIS chartlet, this marks the northern end of a shoal area which has, apparently, been a grounding spot for many of the local small vessels with loss of cargo and boats. This navaid will be installed in sandy substrates in approximately 3m depth of water. 77. Losuia Pile 4 (port hand) marks the narrow access waterway. This navaid will be installed in sandy substrates in approximately 3m depth of water. 78. Losuia Pile 14 (port hand) marks the northern side of the channel at its narrowest part and is considered essential to keep the passing marine traffic off the shallows immediately adjacent to the north of the navaid. This navaid will be installed in sandy substrates in approximately 3m depth of water.

Plate 9. Above water photos of Losuia Piles

Source: PIU Pre-installation Assessment, 31 July to September 2015.

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Figure 2 Location of Navaid at Losuia, Kiriwina Island Source: Chartlet – NMSA GIS; AtoN locations: PIU Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA), July to September 2015.

79. Kitava Island. The proposed navaid is located about 400m from the beach at the northern end of Nurato Island. This marks the northern extremity of the reef where the depth is approximately 3.0m. The substrate of the surrounding reef area consists of sand, rubbles, live corals and algae. A sandy patch was identified and chosen as the preferred location for the navaid. Sparse live corals were observed within the 400m2 area of the navaid location. Strong current ran in between the two islands of Nuratu and Kitava. The navaid location is about 400 m away from the beach. There also extends a good seagrass bed along the beach. Three species of seagrass were identified, Syringodium, Thalassia hemprichii and the lesser Enhalus acoroides. This seagrass bed is about 400m from the proposed navaid location. Above water and underwater photographs for the location are shown below.

Plate 10. Above water and under water photos of Kitava Island Location

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Figure 3 Location of Navaid in Kitava Island Source: Chartlet – NMSA GIS; AtoN locations and arc of light representation: PIU Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA), July to September 2015.

B.1.3 Cannac Islet and Budibudi Island Navaid Locations 80. Budibudi (Laughlan) Islands are located on the far north-eastern sea of Milne Bay towards the Solomon Sea next to Woodlark Island. Several small low lying islands group together to form an arc. A very big open passage lies between Woodlark and Budibudi where the only marker guiding the community travelling from Woodlark to Budibudi is a rock in the middle of the sea. The rock identified as Cannac Islet is approximately 10 nautical miles from Budibudi islands and approximately 30 nautical miles from Woodlark Island. This marks the big open passage lying between these two groups of islands and which serves as their main navigation guide. The proposed location shall be atop the bare rock of about 5m above sea level. 81. Two (2) navaids are proposed to be installed in this site. The first shall be located approximately 10 nautical miles from Budibudi and at a key local navigational feature, Cannac Islet while the other shall be located in Tamaris Reef as shown in Table 10 below and indicated in Figure 4.

Table 10 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Budibudi Islands S.N. Site

Name Location Name Water Depth Substrate

type AtoN Description

1

Budibudi Islands

Cannac Islet On-land pile Rock Modular (GRP or similar) construction of a small tower, on a concrete footing

2 Tamaris Reef*

3 – 4 meters Hard reef and sand

Monopile in water, white light, isolated danger mark, 10 nm

Source: PIU Pre-installation Assessment, 31 July to September 2015. *Included based on request from the local community. 82. The Cannac Islet navaid will provide greater safety for people transiting between Woodlark and Budibudi whereby Cannac Islet can provide certainty of direction and without such could result in people being lost at sea. The light location on the relatively flat top of Cannac Islet will provide good vision for approximately 10nm in all directions. Above water photographs are provided for reference as shown following the location description and in Annex 2.

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Plate 11. Above water photo of Cannac Islet

83. The surrounding marine environment of the islet for anchoring the barge delivering materials for the construction of the lighthouse was not assessed due to unavailability of boats but a fly-by via helicopter indicates presence of a reef of undetermined depth. Sand areas on the lee from weather should be readily available. 84. A navaid installed at Tamaris Reef in Budibudi Islands would assist seafarers in navigating the small low-lying islands in the group. This which would also mark the passage from the local reefs to the shore where the community settlement can be found. The location on the reef where the navaid will be established is made up mostly of sand and hard reef substrate with an estimated water depth of 3-4 metres. Above water and underwater photographs are provided for reference as shown following the location description and in Annex 2.

Plate 12. Above water and under water photos of Tamaris Reef

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Figure 4 Location of Cannac Islet and Tamaris Reef (Budibudi Islands)

Source: Chartlet – NMSA GIS; AtoN location: PIU Pre-Installation Assessment (PIA), July to September 2015.

B.1.4 Deboyne Lagoon Navaid Locations 85. The Deboyne Lagoon is on a group of large reefs and islands situated on the northern side of the Louisiade Archipelago. The group's main islands include: Panaeati, Panapompom, Brooker and Ware. A total of six (6) navaids will be installed within the Deboyne Lagoon. Their individual locations are presented in Table 11 and indicated in Figure 5. Underwater and above water photographs are provided for reference as shown following each location description and in Annex 2.

Table 11 List of Navigational Aids for Installation in Deboyne Lagoons

S.N. Site Name

Location Name Water Depth

Substrate type AtoN Description

1

Deboyne Lagoon

Hobwaiwala (2) Unable to

confirm Reef Patch with sand*

Monopile in water, red, port lateral 6 nm

2 Hobwaiwala Monopile in water, green, stbd lateral 6 nm

3 West Passage North (Lenana)

0.2m Coral Reef Monopile in water, red, port lateral 6 nm

4 West Passage South

0.2m Coral reef Monopile in water, green, stbd lateral, 6nm

5

Maritime and Waterways and Safety Project · FPIC Free, Prior and Informed Consent GCLS Gender,...

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