KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

Nation Religion King

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCE AND METHODOLOGY

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

ADB Loan No 3289-CAM

CAMBODIA:

UPLANDS IRRIGATION AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SECTOR PROJECT, CAMBODIA

For (MOWRAM/ICB–CW09) – Improvement of O Tracheak Chit

Reservoir and Pertinent Canals and Structures in Battambang

Province – (Package 3)

ENVIRONMENT CATEGORIZATION REPORT

Phnom Penh, July 2018

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Table of Content Table of Content ........................................................................................................................ 1

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. 1

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 1

ABBREVIATION ........................................................................................................................ 2

A. Background ........................................................................................................................ 3

B. Sub-project Description....................................................................................................... 3

C. Assessment Method and Environmental Category ............................................................. 7

D. Environment Categorization ................................................................................................ 7

List of Tables Table 1: Summary Scope of Work ............................................................................................. 3

List of Figures Figure 1: Prek Chik Core Sub-project ................................................................................................... 4

Figure 2: Location of O Tracheak Chit Reservoir ................................................................................ 4

Figure 3: Photo of the Existing O Tracheak Chit Reservoir and Pertinent Canals ......................... 6

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ABBREVIATION

ADB Asian Development Bank

EA Executing Agency

EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

FDERP Flood Damage Emergency Reconstruction Project

GoC Government of Cambodia

GPS Global Positioning System

IA Implementing Agency

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

MEF Ministry of Economy and Finance

MoE Ministry of Environment

MOWRAM Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology

NR National Road

PDOE Provincial Department of Environment

PDWRAM Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology

PMU Project Management Unit

PIU Project Implementation Unit

PPTA Project Preparation TA

REA Rapid Environmental Assessment

RP Resettlement Plan

SPS ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009)

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ENVIRONMENT CATEGORIZATION REPORT

For (MoWRAM/ICB–CW09) – IMPROVEMENT OF O TRACHEAK CHIT

RESERVOIR AND PERTINENT CANALS AND STRUCTURES IN

BATTAMBANG PROVINCE – (Package 3)

A. Background

1. The main purpose of the study is to conduct rapid assessment on environmental concerns for environment category of the proposed improvement of O Tracheak Chit Reservoir and pertinent canals and structures in Battabamg province; called Package 3 of Prek Chik Irrigation Scheme (MoWRAM/ICB–CW09). The command area of Package 3 is situated within two communes namely: Prek Chik commune, and Prey Trolach commune, Rokhak Kiri district, Battambang province.

2. This package will be loaned by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Cambodia through Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology as Executive Agency.

3. This report provides the result of the rapid assessment of impacts for proposed construction of Package 3 of Prek Chik Irrigation Scheme.

B. Sub-project Description

4. Two main purpose of this proposed Package 3 are (i). Supplementary Water Supply to Prek Chik Main Canal, (ii). Irrigated water to new command area where is located in Prek Chik and Preh Tralach commune. During dry season, water source of Bassac reservoir is insufficient to supply water to main canal of Prek Chik. Therefore, O Tracheak Chit reservoir is the supplementary water source to Prek Chik Main Canal. In the meantime, local people who are living in Prek Chik and Prey Tralach commune normally can product one crop per year. Therefore, the secondary canal (4 canals) and tertiary canal (2 canals) has been proposed to irrigate the new command area (1,800 ha).

5. Package 3 location is shown in Figure 1 that consists of; (i). Rehabilitate the two reservoirs (main reservoir and sub reservoir), (ii). Two feeder canals, (iii). Four secondary canals, and (iv). Two tertiary canals. All the proposed rehabilitate the reservoir and canals are located in the existing canal. This system is composed of 14,477 m length of Feeder canals, 13,254 m length of SC and 3,173 m of TC (See Figure 2). The command area of this system is 1,800 ha and the scope of work is show in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary Scope of Work

No. Description Unit Length

1 Reservoir m 5,520

1.1 Main Reservoir m 4,020

1.2 Sub reservoir m 1,500

2 Feeder Canals m 14,477

2.1 Feeder Canal 1 m 5,150

2.2 Feeder Canal 2 m 9,327

3 Secondary Canals - SC m 13,254

3.1 SC-A m 2,469

3.2 SC-B m 778

3.3 SC-C m 4,797

3.4 SC-D m 5,210

4 Tertiary Canals - TC m 3,173

4.1 TC-A m 1,593

4.2 TC-B m 1,580 Source: PMIC, 2018

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Figure 1: Prek Chik Core Sub-project

Figure 2: Location of O Tracheak Chit Reservoir

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6. Summary of Environmental Condition

a. Climate. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1,200 mm to 1,300 mm, with peak rainfall occurring in September – October and the lowest rainfall in January. Temperature is lowest in December – January with an average minimum temperature of 26 0C and the highest in April with an average maximum of 34 0C. The wind direction during the rainy season is prevalent from south-west to north-east and from the south-west during the dry season.

b. Water Quality. According to IEE of Prek Chik Main Canal, no surface water quality for the sub-project areas water bodies currently exist. For the ground water quality of Prek Chik Main Canal, coliform counts are in excess of drinking water standard, but suitable for animals and washing. Water is very alkaline and “hard”. There are no detectable heavy metals or pesticide residues. Nitrites and nitrates are elevated, but within standard, and may be a result of excessive fertilizer applications. Salinity is low. For Package 3, secondary data on water quality is not available.

c. Air Quality and Noise. Based on IEE, 2015, as a result of ambient noise levels were sampled and recorded for locations along the Prek Chik main canals. The results show typical rural environmental noise levels for minimum measurements. Maximum noise levels are a result of trucks traveling. It was observed that the maximum noise level is the same Prek Chik main canal.

d. Flora and Fauna. The sub-project site is located more than >25 km away from protected areas; Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary and Central Cardamom Mountains National Park. The sub-project areas have been intensive farmed and irrigated for generations. No natural terrestrial or aquatic habitats exist and natural biodiversity comprises only common wildlife living among humans in agricultural regions, domesticated animals and feral pests and rodents. The vegetation comprises cultivated crops, agricultural weeds and tree plantations along road, canal banks and dam of main reservoir. There will be no significant loss of native flora and fauna as a result of the package 3. Figure 3 shows the conditions of the existing canals.

e. During the consultation with local authority, two forestry communities were existed where is located >5 km far from the project site. The project command area is not encroach to community forestry.

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(a). Feeder Canal 1 (b). Tertiary Canal – TC-A (c). Tertiary Canal – TC-B

(d). Secondary Canal – SC-A (e). Secondary Canal – SC-D (f).Overview of Main Reservoir

Figure 3: Photo of the Existing O Tracheak Chit Reservoir and Pertinent Canals

f. Population and Occupation. The command area of Package 3 covers five villages which three villages is in Prek Chik commune and other two villages is in Prey Tralach commune. The main occupation of the people is wet paddy crop (one crop per year due to lack of water at dry season). During wet season, people could start the long term crop which is from June to November whenever the rain water is available.

Table 2: Villages and Communes in the Command Area

Districts Communes #Villages #Households

Rukh Kiri Prek Chik Khach Ormpor 345

Chhorkeal Khaim Bross 331

Prek Tavain 651

Prey Tralach Chug Por 72

Rog 426

1 District 2 communes 5 villages 1,825

Source: Commune Data Book, 2015

g. Chemical and Organic Fertilizer Using. As stated in Commune Database Book, 2015 farmers in Rukh Kiri district using chemical fertilizer for rice crop in order to kill the insect and grass is 82.6% in Prek Chik commune and 76.31% in Prey Tralach commune. Table 2 shows the percentage of families using chemical and organic fertilizers in covered communes.

Table 3: Percentage of families using chemical and organic fertilizers

Districts Communes % of Families

Rukh Kiri Prek Chik 82.60%

Prey Tralach 76.31%

1 districts 2 communes

Source: Commune Data Book, 2015

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C. Assessment Method and Environmental Category

7. Package 3 is subjected to environmental screening process using ADB’s Classification System. Based on SPS 2009, a project category is evaluated by the category of its most environmentally sensitive component, including direct, indirect, cumulative, and induced impacts in the project’s area of influence. The subprojects are classified according to the following Categories:

a. 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 than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required.

b. 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.

c. 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.

8. In order to categorize the project impact, environmental specialist conducted; (i).transect walk through the proposed sub-project location and using environmental check list of ADB (check list for Irrigation Project) – See Appendix 1: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist (ii).consultation meeting with local authority and people who are living in two communes. Factors considered in the field and in desktop review included: the expected level and magnitude of impacts; effects on protected areas, critical habitats, natural habitats, and ecologically sensitive areas; and potential water use conflicts.

D. Environment Categorization

9. Based on the rapid environmental assessment conducted, sensitive areas such as cultural heritage site, protected area, wetland, mangrove, estuarine and buffer zone of protected area are not adjacent or within the project command area. During construction, impacts on surface water quality, occupational health and safety, noise and vibration, hazardous driving conditions, poor sanitation and solid waste disposal are expected, however, these are expected in short period (12 months of construction phase) and minimal which mitigation measures can be readily formulated and be implemented. Therefore, Package 3 (MOWRAM/ICB-CW09) is classified as Category B, and the other requirement is following:

a. Environmental Management Plan with proposed budget for implementing the mitigation measure will be prepared and integrated in the bidding document.

b. The awarded contractor is required to prepare construction environmental management plan – CEMP and seeking for approval from PMU before the construction starts.

c. The project information, environmental impact, mitigation measure will be disclosed in local communities as well as post on the project website.

d. GRM will be established and inform to local people, and other stakeholder on how to deal with complaint on the project.

10. Climate Risk Screening. Since the sub-project is one package of Prek Chik Irrigation Scheme, the result of preliminary climate risk screening is assigned a medium risk project. The checklist of climate risk screening was prepared in IEE report of Prek Chik Irrigation Scheme.

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Appendix 1: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Checklist

Instructions: (i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a

project. It is to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by the Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.

(ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social

dimensions are adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.

(iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify

potential impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title: Sector Division:

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

A. Project Siting

Is the Project area adjacent to or within any of the following environmentally sensitive areas?

Protected Area

The sub-project site is located more than >25 km away from protected areas; Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary and Central Cardamom Mountains National Park.

Wetland

There is no wetland nearby the project site.

Mangrove

The project site is not coastal area where no mangrove forest area is identified.

Estuarine No estuarine in this area

Buffer zone of protected area

The project area is not within any buffer zone of protected area.

Special area for protecting biodiversity

No special area for protecting biodiversity within the project area based IBAT screening.

B. Potential Environmental Impacts

Will the Project cause…

CAM (44328): Uplands Irrigation and Water Resources Management Sector

Project

SEER

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

loss of precious ecological values (e.g. result of encroachment into forests/swamplands or historical/cultural buildings/areas, disruption of hydrology of natural waterways, regional flooding, and drainage hazards)?

Works are confined to rehabilitation/ modernization within existing sites for irrigation infrastructure and will not encroach on new sites.

conflicts in water supply rights and related social conflicts?

Farmer Water User Community (FWUC) will be organized and trained during project operation.

impediments to movements of people and animals?

The existing canal currently is used as access road for people going to their rice field and house. Therefore, some disruption of movement of people and animals is expected during construction phase.

potential ecological problems due to increased soil erosion and siltation, leading to decreased stream capacity?

The sub-project will improve on the existing stream capacity in order to supply water to Prek Chik Main Canal. Bank protection will be applied to protect soil erosion and siltation.

Insufficient drainage leading to salinity intrusion?

The project will not cause insufficient drainage leading to salinity intrusion because the project purpose is to increase capacity of the existing feeder canals.

over pumping of groundwater, leading to salinization and ground subsidence?

The water source of the subproject is surface water where is from Bassac reservoir and other catchment area of highland (mountain).

impairment of downstream water quality and therefore, impairment of downstream beneficial uses of water?

The subproject will improve the feeder canals (2 canals) which will help to improve water quality downstream.

dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people?

The sub-project will rehabilitate the existing reservoirs, secondary and tertiary canal within the existing Right of Way (RoW) of the canal. Based on resettlement report of CW-09, there is no encroachment on beneficiary landholdings, no affected households and no land acquisition required for this project intervention.

disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups?

The sub-project will work on public land and as consulted with local authority, there is no indigenous people who are living the subproject vicinity.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

potential social conflicts arising from land tenure and land use issues?

The sub-project will work on public land (Right of Way), therefore, the sub-project will not cause potential social conflicts arising from land tenure and land use issues.

soil erosion before compaction and lining of canals?

No major impact expected. Mitigation measures include: (i) diversion drains and bunds, and temporary silt traps/ponds; and (ii) stockpiling of soil in flat areas and far from drainage routes

noise from construction equipment?

Noise from construction equipment will be increased. Construction schedule should be subjected to discuss with local authority and people. All construction vehicles and equipment must be well maintained. Contractor is required to prepare the construction environmental management plan before civil work start.

dust during construction? Dust from construction activity will be increased. The mitigation measures will be proposed to minimize the impacts such as (i) regular watering of exposed areas; (ii) covering all trucks carrying dispersible materials to and from the site; (iii) and agreement with the local community on the schedule and duration of construction works.

waterlogging and soil salinization due to inadequate drainage and farm management?

The sub-project will not cause water logging. Moreover, FWUC capacity building will be strengthen to ensure that system will be operated and managed properly.

leaching of soil nutrients and changes in soil characteristics due to excessive application of irrigation water?

The sub-project will not cause leaching of soil nutrients since soil quality will be tested before using.

reduction of downstream water supply during peak seasons?

No reduction of downstream water supply because the sub-project will improve the stream capacity and the SC and TC of Prek Chik Irrigation System were designed to distribute the water.

soil pollution, polluted farm runoff and groundwater, and public health risks due to excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides?

More than 50% of people of two communes where is in project’s command area are using fertilizers and pesticide. The project will provide IPM training program to FWUCs to ensure soil pollution, polluted farm runoff due to excessive application of fertilizers will be eliminated.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

soil erosion (furrow, surface)? During construction, the soil will be eroded in short period if there is no any mitigation measure. The mitigation measures of soil erosion will be proposed in EMP.

scouring of canals? During construction, it is likely affected in short period.

clogging of canals by sediments?

O&M team in FWUC will be appointed to rehabilitate.

clogging of canals by weeds? During operation, FWUC will set the schedule for O&M to clean up.

seawater intrusion into downstream freshwater systems?

The sub-project is not located in coastal area.

introduction of increase in incidence of waterborne or water related diseases?

During construction, sanitary toilet and facilities will be provided at campsite to prevent water pollution.

dangers to a safe and healthy working environment due to physical, chemical and biological hazards during project construction and operation?

- During the sub-project construction, contractor will prepare the construction environmental management plan (CEMP), which the health and safety will be included.

- During operation, the traffic sign will be installed to alert people.

large population influx during project construction and operation that causes increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?

During construction, local labor is to be recruited as much as possible. For migrate worker, the training about health and safety, and conflict will be provided.

social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are hired?

Workers will be hided in Cambodia country.

risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during construction and operation?

Rehabilitation work is unlikely to result in significant risks. Specific provision in the bidding documents and contracts together with monitoring of EMP implementation will be ensuring minimizing such risks.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project (e.g., irrigation dams) are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

Community health and Safety will be specifically identified in construction environmental management plan. In an addition, mitigation measure on community health and safety also propose such as installation of warning sign board, project information disclosure and etc.

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Appendix 2: Pictorial of Site Environmental Screening

Meeting with local authority (20 June 2018)

Meeting with local people at Prey Tralach Commune (21 June 2018 at 8:30 pm)

Meeting with local people at Prek Chik Commune (21 June 2018 at 2:00 pm)

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Screening Activity (20&21 June 2018)

Kindergarten at Prey Tralach Commune Kindergarten at Prek Chik Commune

Social & Resettlement Specialist interviewed with local people

Informal discussion with people who are living at Main Reservoir about the project benefit

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Appendix 3: List of Participants and Minute of Meeting of Public Meeting with Local Authority and People

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