SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT BLCP POWER · PDF fileSUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT...

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

BLCP POWER PROJECT

IN THE

THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

February 2003

ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank BLCP – BLCP Power Limited EGAT – Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand EIA – environmental impact assessment FGD – flew gas desulfurizers IEAT – Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand OEPP – Office of Environmental Policy and Planning PM-10 – particulate matter of 10 micros and less SO2 – sulfur dioxide TSP – total suspended particulates

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

oC – degree Celsius cm – centimeter dB(A) – decibel average km – kilometer kV – kilovolt m – meter m3 – cubic meter mg – milligram mg/l – milligram per liter mm – millimeter MW – megawatts pH – measure of acidity-alkalinity ppm – parts per million µg/m3 – micrograms per cubic meter

NOTES

(i) The fiscal year of the Government ends on 31 December. (ii) In this report, “$” refers to the US dollars.

CONTENTS

Page I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 8

A. Physical Environment 8 B. Biological Environment 9 C. Sociocultural Environment 10

IV. ALTERNATIVES 11

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 12

A. Physical Environment 12 B. Biological Environment 13 C. Socioeconomic Impacts 14

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 15 VII. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND MONITORING PROGRAM 15 VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 17 IX. CONCLUSIONS 17 APPENDIXES 1. Main Environmental Requirements 19 2. Major Environmental Impact, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Program 20 3. BLCP Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring Committee 30 4. Objectives of the BLCP Tripartite Committee 31

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I. INTRODUCTION 1. In 1994, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) invited independent power producers to submit proposals for the supply and sale of electric capacity and energy to EGAT in specified years. The solicitation was an open competitive bidding process conducted pursuant to the "Guidelines for the Purchase of Power from Independent Power Producers" approved by the Cabinet of Thailand on 31 May 1994. The capacity solicited represented EGAT's estimated capacity needs through 2002 to be provided by independent power producers (IPP). On 20 December 1996, the bid submitted by a consortium of Banpu, Loxley, CRA (now Rio Tinto) and Powergen (BLCP) to build, own, and operate a 1,434 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant at Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province, was selected. Figure 1 shows the project location, and Figure 2, the detailed location of the power plant. 2. The main Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared by the Environmental Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University of Thailand. The Power Technology Centre of Nottingham, United Kingdom, carried out the three-dimensional modeling of the cooling water discharge. BLCP obtained approval for the EIA for the plant from the Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) in January 2001. BLCP also obtained approval for the coal unloading facility EIA from OEPP in February 2002. A community consultation program to fulfill the Thai Government EIA requirements, was conducted at the start of the plant EIA investigation and a series of public consultation meetings were carried out in accordance with Thai practices. The public consultation has been completed and was acknowledged by OEPP in November 2002. On 21 February 2003, BLCP conducted a public consultation meeting on the impact of the completed EIA report on the Project, in accordance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) requirements. 3. The proposed Project is classified by ADB under category A, a project with significant potential impacts if the appropriate mitigation measures are not properly implemented and operated. Thus, this summary EIA is circulated to ADB’s Board of Directors 120 days prior to requested loan approval. The summary EIA is also available on ADB’s web site. The original EIA reports are in Thai. Copies of this summary EIA and its Thai translation are available at the ADB project office and at the project proponent’s office. The main EIA reports are also available on request at ADB’s project office. The EIA and its summary were prepared by BLCP and circulated for comments and suggestions from interested parties. ADB’s evaluation of the Project’s impacts will include comments and suggestions received that are relevant to the Project, and will be included in the loan document submitted to ADB’s Board of Directors.

4. Under Thai law, the transmission lines are exempted from the EIA process if they do not pass through environmentally sensitive areas. EGAT is responsible for planning, designing, and constructing the transmission lines from the Project to the main national grid. EGAT, in consultation with OEPP, has established that an EIA is not required, as the transmission line does not pass through environmentally sensitive areas. The environmental assessment of the transmission lines is included in this summary EIA.

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II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

5. The plant will be a conventional two-unit pulverised coal-fired, steam-electric generating station with a gross output of 717 MW per unit, totaling 1,434 MW. Coal will be used as the primary fuel while light fuel oil will be used for start-up, for flame stabilization and during low load operations. The main plant is arranged within the three interconnected structures—the boiler structures, the turbine building, and the integrated control and electrical building. The site and plant layouts are shown in figures 3 and 4. The main design and operational data for the plant is summarized in the table below. Appendix 1 discusses the main environmental requirements for the Project.

Main Design and Operational Data of BLCP Power Plant

Item Data

Plant location Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate Completion schedule

Commercial operation Unit 1 – October 2006 Unit 2 – February 2007

Construction period 43 months to COD of unit 2 Annual operational time 7,500 h/annum/unit Annual average plant load factor 85% Net heat rate 9567 kJ/kWh Net power generation capacity 673.25 MW/unit Annual net power generation 17,168 GWh Plant concept

Technology Conventional pulverized coal-fired steam plant. No. of pulverized coal-fired boilers 2 No. of steam turbines 2 No. of stacks 1, with two flues

Type of fuel Main fuel High quality bituminous coal Start up and stabilization fuel Diesel fuel oil

Cooling water Total demand for two units 62 m³/sec Maximum temperature rise 7.8ºC Intake Within port of Map Ta Phut Outfall To open sea

ºC = degrees celsius, GWh = gigawatt hour, h = hour, kJ = kilojoule, kWh = kilowatt hour, m³ = cubic meter, MW = megawatt, sec = second.

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Figure 4: BLCP Power Plant Layout

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6. Each of the two steam generation boilers will be fitted with advanced low nitrogen oxide burners and an associated multi stage combustion system capable of burning a wide range of imported coal, and with a seawater flue gas desulfurization plant. The steam turbine will be of well-proven design for extended base load operation, load cycling, and two-shift operations. A process diagram is shown in Figure 5. 7. The plant ancillary systems will include all items necessary to ensure reliable operation of the plant and compliance with agreed environmental commitments, including a wastewater treatment plant, ash conditioning, telecommunications, and lights. Seawater will be used for cooling the main condenser and as auxiliary cooling water for other plant equipment. 8. The net power produced by BLCP will be fed to the plant’s 500 kilovolt (kV) switchyard. EGAT will construct a transmission line from BLCP’s switchyard to the Pluak Daeng substation, which forms part of the national 500 kV grid. The 47 kilometer (km) transmission line, known as the new transmission facilities, will be designed, constructed, tested, commissioned, owned, operated, and maintained by EGAT. EGAT will be responsible for acquiring ownership rights, rights of way, easements, and continued access rights necessary for the construction, operation, maintenance, upgrading, replacement, and removal of the new transmission facilities. The overhead lines between the BLCP switchyard and Pluak Daeng substation will be 500 kV double circuits, which will ensure transmission of the full contracted output even with one circuit out of service. 9. Imported high quality coal from Australia and Indonesia, with a maximum sulfur content of 0.70% per cargo and 0.45% annual average, will be transported by sea to the plant through a coal unloading pier at the plant. The berthing facilities will be designed to accommodate vessels up to 170,000 dead weight tons. The active coal stock and the reserve stockpile are each approximately 350,000 tons, providing a total of approximately 60 days coal supply. Light fuel oil, with a maximum sulfur content of 0.25%, will be trucked to the plant from the adjacent oil refineries and will be stored in two 2,000 cubic meter (m3) tanks. The light fuel oil will be used only for start up, flame stabilization, and low load operation. 10. The ash produced by each boiler will be trucked to an offsite ash storage area if it is not sold as cement replacement, for manufacture of building products, or for construction works. The hauling trucks have a maximum capacity of 20 tons and covers that will ensure that ash will not be dispersed during transportation. The ash storage area will permanently store all unmarketable combustion wastes generated by the station. The waste storage system will be designed, constructed, and operated to comply with all applicable regulations and good environmental management practices. 11. Freshwater will be supplied to the plant by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) mainly to produce high quality water for the boilers, potable water for domestic use, and water for the coal and ash handling systems. IEAT is responsible for providing the infrastructure to the site. IEAT is constructing the road infrastructure necessary for access to the site as well as the requisite water and utility connections. The infrastructure will include a raw water supply to meet BLCP’s needs during construction and operations.

EGga

Figure 5: BLCP Coal-Fired Power Plant - Process Diagram

BoilerFurnaceDeaera

FGD

STACK

LP LP IP HP

Turbine

Generator

Substation

CondenserHotwell

HP

LP

Air

Steam GeneratorMain Steam Line ; T= 5410C ,P = 172 bar G

Coal Pulverizer Coal

FD FAN

ID FAN

Cooling System

700 MW

Coal Stack Yard

Electricity to EGAT Grid System

Stacker / Reclaimer

Coal Ship

Unloader Unloader

LP

500 kV

LP IP HP

Flue Gas

ESPFGD

AT = Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Deaera = Deaerator, ESP = electrostatic precipitator, FD = forced duct, FGD = flue gas desulfurizer, G = ge, HP = high pressure, ID = induced duct, IP = intermediate pressure, kV = kilovolt, LP = low pressure, MW = megawatt, P = pressure, T = temperature.

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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT A. Physical Environment 12. The Project will be at Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province (Figure 1) on the east coast of Thailand, 200 km from Bangkok. Map Ta Phut has been chosen as one of the major industrial and economic centers for future development, as part of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard Development Program. Since its inception, the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate has grown considerably and currently includes a national petrochemical complex, two refineries, several steel processing plants, and a deepwater port. The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will provide the Project with ideal infrastructure and support facilities, which will greatly assist the construction and operation of the Project. 13. The area leased for the Project is within the newly developed outer eastern area at the seaward entrance to the port of Map Ta Phut, and provides a suitable location for the coal handling facility. The site is shown in Figure 2. IEAT has granted a 30 year land-use permit to BLCP. The project site is approximately 3.0 km from the original shoreline. The power plant, associated coal-unloading facility, and coal stockyard area will be on 96.4 hectares of land, that has been partly developed by IEAT with the second stage of the Map Ta Put port development. The National Environment Board approved IEAT’s reclamation September 1996. 14. The sea port and the public channel are 12.5 meters deep and this will be increased to 15-17 meters. The future water depth can accommodate up to 170,000 ton ships with some restrictions of loaded draft, such as those that will be used to transport coal to the project. 15. The siting of BLCP’s power plant in the Map Ta Put industrial estate allows the Project to share infrastructure and support facilities with many other major industrial plants. The location also has space for a bulk cargo berth to be constructed adjacent to the power plant. The power plant will create negligible disturbance to existing land use and minimal adverse impact to the environment and surrounding communities. 16. Seismic surveys have revealed three Cenozoic sedimentary layers overlaying the basement granites. The project area for the power plant and the area nearby are not in an active seismic source zone and are not exposed to the risk of moderate to high intensity earthquakes. The area is located at approximately the limit of the Mercalli scale’s no. III maximum earthquake intensity, which is considered of low intensity. Therefore, the area is relatively safe seismically. 17. The climate of Thailand is influenced by the tropical monsoon winds from the northeast during winter (November to January), and for the rest of the year from the southwest. The temperature inversion is not strong, and only happens during the early morning hours, at a height of up to 50 meters (m). The average temperature varies from 25.0 degrees ceslius (°C) in December to 29.4°C in April. The average rainfall varies from 15.1 millimeters (mm) in December to 263.5 mm at the height of the rainy season in October. Relative humidity varies over the same period from 70.0% to 94.0%. The average seawater temperature is 29°C, the extreme range being 23.0–32.2°C. The highest tidal level is only 3.5 m and the maximum wave height is 3.67 m. 18. The ambient air quality was monitored for 5 consecutive days from 12 to 16 July 1996, at five locations within the air shed. The maximum 24 hr concentration of sulfur dioxide is 43

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micrograms (µg) per cubic meter (m3)1 and the minimum is not detectable; the average is 6 µg/m3. All the nitrogen dioxide concentrations were recorded at one µg/m3 for 1-hour averaging time. The Thai 24 hour ambient standard for sulfur dioxide is 300 µg/m3 and for NO is 320 µg/m3 with 1-hour averaging time. The sulfur dioxide and NO concentration were very low, indicating no evidence of high levels of industrial pollution. The only pollutant of significance was total suspended particulates, which was noted at two sites close to highways where concentrations of 92–417 µg/m3 were noted; the Thai ambient standard is 330 µg/m3 for 24 hour averaging time. Thus, the air quality in the area was still good, but a number of factories and plants are due to open or go to full operation during the coming years, including two oil refineries. These later additions to the air shed were taken into account when modeling for air quality in order to determine the cumulative impacts. 19. Noise levels were monitored continuously at four representative locations, chosen at random, for three days during 7–14 August 1996, from which 24 hour levels were 60.2, 61.7, 55.6, and 56.4 decibels (dBA). These noise levels did not exceed the ambient standard noise level, recommended by Pollution Control Department, of 70 dBA at the nearest sensitive receptor. 20. The power plant will dispose of unmarketable coal ash in landfills. The disposal area is in Tambol Tab Ma, Amphoe Muang, Rayong Province, about 16.9 km from the plant. The disposal area is an old quarry and covers 16 hectares. BLCP completed soil surveys in this area and analyzed groundwater quality. The groundwater in this area was found to be of poor quality. The water was not good enough for consumption because pH values showed a weak acid quality and some heavy metals were present. The water pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.7 compared to the Thai drinking water standard of pH 7.0 to 8.5, manganese varied from 0.164 to 2.608 milligrams (mg) per liter (l) compared with the standard of 0.3 mg/l, and total dissolved solids was 1,260 mg/l compared with the standard of 750 mg/l. Lead was 0.293 mg/l and arsenic 0.062 mg/l, while the standard calls from nondetectable levels for both metals. 21. Seawater and sediment sampling was conducted at three stations around the power plant site. This work revealed that salinity was 30.66–31.58 parts per thousand, dissolved oxygen at a depth of 3.5 m was 95% saturated, and pH was 8.40–8.65. Plant nutrients essential for the growth of marine phytoplankton were found to be at normal levels. The only adverse factor was oil and grease concentrations at the surface, which ranged from 3.0 to 4.2 and were in excess of the 0.5 mg/l standard for seawater in industrial zones. Analysis for trace elements in the water column and bottom sediments indicated that only two elements, mercury and cadmium, were found in some samples to be at higher concentration than the permitted values for an industrial zone. B. Biological Environment 22. Corals at Ko Saket, a small island about 1.8 km from the project site, and at the adjacent Hin-Yai rock, about 2.5 km distant, have been under stress for some time mainly due to sedimentation. The extent of the corals was recorded. Phytoplankton and zooplankton were recorded at all three monitoring stations near the power plant site but no meiobenthic organisms were found in the bottom sediments. Fish larvae were only found at one monitoring station during studies for the coal unloading facility. 1 The Thai air quality and emission standards are based on an air volume at 25°C and 1 atmosphere pressure compared to commonly used standard cum at 0°C and 1 atmosphere pressure.

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23. Onshore studies were arranged in three zones extending from the project site. Almost the entire area extending about 15 km from the site had already been occupied and severely disturbed by development. Only a small mountainous area in the outer zone, 10–15 km from the site, remained largely unoccupied but had been severely disturbed and invaded. The inner zone adjacent to the power plant site is largely allocated Map Ta Phut industrial use. Ko Saket, to the east, is unoccupied and has sparse vegetation. The middle zone contains residential areas, some agricultural activity and plantations, some natural woodland, industry, and (to the northwest boundary of the zone) a small tree-covered hill that is part of the Khao Kra Proak mountain range. According to information and data collected from the study area, no national wildlife reserve exists or endangered species are known in the area. 24. The reclaimed project site contains no vegetation of any kind and comprises compacted sand fill ready for development. 25. The proposed ash disposal pit is a quarry site that is used occasionally for extraction of fill material, but not on the area designated for BLCP’s ash disposal site. The soil and lateritic rocks have been excavated to depth of 6–8 m. The topsoil has been removed and the land is bare of vegetation although algae and mosquito larvae were noted in the ponds that form during the rainy season. 26. The transmission line will pass through farmlands used primarily for rice, corn, sorghum, and cassava. Rubber, bananas, and coconut are also cultivated in the area. C. Sociocultural Environment 27. The project site is in Amphoe Muang, Rayong Province. Rayong is in eastern Thailand and covers 3,522 square kilometers. Amphoe Muang occupies 514.5 square kilometers. The total population of Rayong as of December 1995 was 491,700, of which 105,400 people lived in Amphoe Muang. At that time most of the people were employed in agriculture, only 10% were employed in fisheries, and a growing number were moving into industrial jobs as the planned eastern seaboard development progressed. In 1989, per capita income was B74,294 and by 1993, this had grown to B108,936 as a result of development. 28. The Map Ta Phut area has 25 villages with a total of approximately 30,000 people. Map Ta Phut municipality is the seat of the Rayong provincial governor and staff. Most of the area’s inhabitants are engaged in industries. The extensive industrial complexes are the area’s largest employer since the inception of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in 1984. Only 2 of the 25 villages are involved primarily in fishing-based activities. The nearest village to the BLCP site is Ban Ta Kuan, which is along the coast approximately 4 km away. BLCP’s nearest neighbors are petrochemical complexes. Nevertheless, the Map Ta Phut area does include residences, government buildings, and schools that are relatively distant from the BLCP site and separated from it by industrial facilities. 29. Map Ta Put Port started operations in 1992 and is serving the immediate needs of the growing industrial complex developed in the adjacent hinterland under the Eastern Seaboard Development Programme. The port terminals and industrial estate are owned by IEAT, but the management and operation of the port terminals are assigned to leaseholders for a period of 30 years. Use of the port has steadily increased as industrial activity has developed. National highway 3 provides the main access to the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. A rail link provides some opportunity for the carriage of goods and equipment. The project site is within this well-developed port area and will therefore have very little visual impact on the surrounding area.

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30. Social infrastructure is well established in Rayong Province. At the time studies were carried out the province had 290 schools, 111 pubic health service centers (including 6 community hospitals and 1 general hospital), 9 private hospitals, and 24 dental clinics. 31. Well-developed emergency services exist within the industrial area and all new businesses are required to actively participate in and help to maintain them. Health and safety requirements are given a high priority and this is reflected in the detailed documentation.

IV. ALTERNATIVES 32. No Project. Electricity consumption in Thailand increased at an annual rate of 11.8% in 1992–1999. Despite the economic crisis of 1997, the electricity consumption increased by 3.7% per annum from 1997 to 2001. With economic recovery, the electricity consumption is projected to increase by 6.14% per annum in 2002 to 2006 and 6.28% from 2007 to 2011. Although the present reserve margin ranges from 35 to 40%, by 2007 this is expected to decrease to less than 15% under a medium economic recovery assumption. A 15% reserve margin is necessary to maintain sufficient power when one or two power plants have to undergo maintenance and emergency repair. Insufficient electricity supply will constrain economic development in Thailand. 33. Alternative Fuel. The National Energy Planning Office has prepared a power development plan. Fuel and its sourcing is an important component of the energy development strategy. At present, electricity is generated from power plants using natural gas and hydropower. Small and older power plants operate on fuel oil. Although Thailand has natural gas fields in Erawan and Bongkot, it has to purchase additional gas from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Myanmar. The natural gas supply is used also for the petrochemical complex, fertilizer, and a wide range of high value chemicals. Thailand is also buying electricity from hydropower sources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Hydropower is dependent on rainfall, and droughts can have a serious impact on the power supply. Natural gas and fuel oil prices are determined by international markets, primarily by the supply from the Middle East, and demand, from other industrialized countries in the region, such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. Political instability in the Middle East could constrain fuel oil supply. Thai coal reserve is primarily lignite coal with high sulfur content. Coal imported from Australia and Indonesia provides an alternative energy source whose transport and availability is less affected by the Middle East political conditions. 34. Alternative Location. The location of power plants is determined by the demand and balancing of the capacity in the transmission system. Locating the power plant as close as possible to the regional demand reduces power losses in the transmission line. The Eastern Seaboard Development Area has one of the fastest growing power demands in the country. Thus, EGAT has programmed the development of 1,400 MW in the region, and BLCP as the winning bidder, decided to locate the power plant within the IEAT industrial area for following reasons: (i) utilities, such as water supply and roads are present; (ii) the deepwater port is available for receiving the needed coal; (iii) the area is zoned for heavy industries and the surrounding areas are suitably planned for an environmental buffer zone; and (iv) the land is newly reclaimed by IEAT and does not require any relocation or acquisition of private properties. 35. Alternative Technology. The main alternatives for firing coal to generate electricity are (i) circulating fluidized bed combustion, (ii) pressurized circulating fluidized bed combustion, and (iii) integrated gasification combined cycle. The circulating and pressurized circulating fluidized

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bed technologies are used in small power plants, and the cost per kilowatt is significantly higher than for the large conventional pulverized coal-fired, steam generating plant to be used in the Project. The integrated gasification combined cycle process is not yet fully developed. Thus, the Project will use a conventional pulverized coal-fired process.

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 36. The Project is needed to (i) meet the specific requirements of EGAT for new power generation capacity at an appropriate location on the main 500 kV power transmission network, and (ii) achieve fuel diversity. The location was chosen because it provides the best available arrangements and circumstances to minimize the impact of the power plant on the environment. A. Physical Environment 1. During Construction 37. The site has been contained and partly reclaimed by IEAT. The site is reclaimed using the dredged materials from the deepening of the port and ship passage into the port. The environmental impacts of the reclamation activities are considered part of the background impact that is outside the Project and is covered by a separate EIA of IEAT industrial development. For dredging, BLCP has secured OEPP approval of the EIA of the coal unloading facilities (para. 2). 38. The main impact of the Project during construction is from dust emitted during site excavation and erection of structures, and noise from piling, transport of construction materials, and the construction equipment. Standard engineering practices will be enforced on the construction site, and primarily consist of (i) covering the construction materials or wetting them during storage, (ii) wetting the construction area regularly, and (iii) cleaning the equipment wheels and bodies of equipment that leaves the construction site. Workers will be provided with earmuffs and regularly rotated away from construction areas with high noise levels. The construction area is almost 3 km seaward from the coastline, and 10 km to major residential and institutional areas such as school and public buildings. The construction noise is not expected to affect the residential and institutional areas. 39. Sediment from stored construction materials may be carried with surface runoff during heavy rainfall, and contaminate surface water. The stored construction materials will be covered with canvass, and surface runoff directed to the settling pond on the eastern side of the plant site.

2. During Operation

40. The air dispersion modelling took account of all available emission sources obtained mainly from the OEPP database of the emissions in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate (existing) and future expansion. The model and the emissions inventory was approved by OEPP in reviewing the EIA. The model showed the maximum ground concentration of sulfur dioxide at 452 µg/m3 and of oxides of nitrogen at 368 µg/m3 for 1 hour average time. The model was carried out using 0.95% sulfur in the coal. The Project will use coal with an average sulfur concentration of 0.45% and will include a flue gas desulfurization unit. The industrial estate is still evolving and it is difficult to predict the emissions from the other industries as their sizes, processes and products have not been established. The Project will use low nitrogen oxide burners. The emissions from the Project are estimated at 262 mg/m3 of sulfur dixoide, which is

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lower than the 320 mg/m3 allowable under the Thai standard. Nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions are estimated at 241 ppm and 43 mg/m3 compared with allowable emissions of 350 ppm and 120 mg/m3, respectively. The Project will be provided with an electrostatic precipitator to remove 99.7% of particulate matter from the flue gas. In addition, the Project will be provided with a 200 m stack to disperse the gaseous emissions.

41. Within the Project, the coal stockyard will be provided with water sprays to suppress dust. The water supply will also feed firefighting hydrants. Stockyard management will minimize the risk of overheating and spontaneous combustion of the coal by strictly limiting the time that coal remains uncompacted. Long-term strategic coal stocks will be compacted and sealed. The coal stockyard will be lined with an impermeable membrane to ensure that no percolate can drain in to the sea. All water runoff from the coal stockpiles will be channeled to a collection and settlement basin and will be reused for the coal dust suppression systems, including the stockyard sprays. Any surplus water will be directed to the wastewater treatment plant before discharge to the sea. Most coal conveyors and all transfer points will be fully enclosed to minimize dust problems. Conveyors that cannot be fully enclosed will be fitted with wind guards in accordance with good industry practice. A 6 m wind fence will be provided at the southern end of the site to minimize dust carried out with the wind.

42. The ash will be properly conditioned by the addition of freshwater prior to transportation to the disposal site. The trucks will be covered after loading to ensure that no ash escapes during transportation, and truck bodies and wheels will be cleaned before every journey to minimize the carrying of ash and dust onto the roadways.

43. Buildings housing noisy equipment will be designed and constructed with insulation to reduce the noise. Personnel entering buildings will be provided with the necessary safety equipment including earmuffs.

44. All contaminated water will be treated before discharge from the plant. Oil separators will be provided to filter water from vulnerable areas before further treatment. Surplus water from the coal stockyard, all process wastewater, run off from operating areas and demineralizer wastes will be treated in a wastewater treatment plant using flocculation, clarification, and neutralization processes. An activated sludge system will be provided to treat domestic sewage. The ash disposal area will be lined with impervious material to prevent leachate contaminating the groundwater. All water that comes into contact with the ash will be collected and drained to a settlement and storage pond and will be reused for dust suppression. Any surplus water will be treated before discharge from the site. B. Biological Environment 1. Construction 45. The area has been contained and partially reclaimed by IEAT. Marine organisms in the area have been disturbed by IEAT’s previous reclamation activities.

46. Approximately 43% of the 47 km of the transmission line passes through trees and perennial cropland. Banana plants, rubber trees, and other tall trees will have to be cut. Another 50% of the transmission line passes through annual crops such as cassava, rice, sorghum, and corn. Dislocation of the annual crops will be temporary as the area under the transmission right of way can be replanted with those crops when construction is completed. The tree area, especially the rubber plantation, will be converted to annual crops.

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47. The ecology in the ash disposal site is highly disturbed (para. 26).

2. Operation

48. The potential impacts during operation are primarily due to the hot water discharge from the plant, surface runoff, and abstraction of cooling water. Marine life could be swept with the current induced when the cooling water is pumped into the cooling system. This is minimized by providing a screen at the inlet and constructing the inlet channel with as large cross sectional area as possible to reduce the water velocity to less than 0.3 m/second. Computer modeling has shown that the increase in seawater temperature of more than 3°C rise is limited to the 500 m mixing zone allowed by Thai regulations. Surface runoff is diverted to a settling pond to reduce the dust and particulate matter prior to discharge to the sea. Domestic sewage and process wastewater are treated prior to discharge to the sea. Chemical dosing of the cooling water system will be closely controlled and monitored to ensure that residual chlorine levels are well within permitted limits. Coal unloading operations have been designed to avoid discharges into the sea. Thus, the residual impact on the marine environment will be at an acceptable level.

C. Socioeconomic Impacts 1. Construction

49. The main socioeconomic impact of the Project during construction will be related to increased traffic within the industrial zone and in nearby communities from the movement of workers and equipment. Most of the large equipment will be shipped to the site. As much as possible, trucks hauling construction materials and equipment will be scheduled to pass through built-up areas during off peak hours. The truck drivers and equipment operators will all undergo 1 day training and orientation on proper road courtesies and strict observance of traffic rules and regulations such as the speed limits. While traffic from movement of personnel to and from the construction site might be a negative impact, the community will experience higher employment from the Project. People employed in the Project will have increased disposable incomes.

50. The construction of the transmission lines will involve relocating approximately 25 houses. The houses will be transferred beyond the right of way and within the existing lots. The area traversed by the transmission lines is primarily agricultural and even the designated residential areas have large lot size. Another 42 structures (e.g., barns, storage areas, and sheds) will have to be relocated. EGAT, which is responsible for land acquisition and construction of this component, has set aside B1.69 billion for land compensation and relocation of structures and houses, which is higher than the actual construction cost of the transmission line of B1.52 billion.

2. Operation

51. The Project is to be developed in a designated industrial zone that has been established by the Thai Government as part of its of long-term strategic planning for the nation. The Project fits within this strategy and the systematic arrangements for socioeconomic growth in the area. The Project will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities and power to support continuing industrial, commercial, and domestic development.

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52. The trucks hauling the ash will have to traverse the highway and secondary road. Truck operation will be limited to day time and off-peak hours to reduce the impact on the traffic. The trucks will be covered and the mositure in the ash properly controlled to reduce dust pollution along the hauling route.

VI. ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 53. The Project’s quantifiable costs are (i) capital costs, (ii) operations and maintanace costs, (iii) fuel costs and other utilities, (iv) labor, and (v) administrative costs. About US$ 101 million of total project costs can be attributed to safeguard environmental standards and thereby mitigate adverse effects of the project. The main quantifiable project benefit is the value of steam-generated electricity. Stable power supply is crucial for the continued development of Thailand. BLCP will be in the Map Tap Phut Industrial Estate, one of Thailand’s largest industrial estates. The main client base of the power generated will be the eastern seaboard of Thailand and excess power will be transmitted to the national grid for use in other areas of the country. The availability of energy will stimulate balanced growth in Thailand and offer employment opportunities. The cost for those generating their own electricity is approx. B2.25/kWh, which is effectively 18% higher than average tariffs of larger power plants. 54. Estimated total project costs will be US$ 1.341 billion of that, over US$ 150 million is expected to be invested into Thailand through foreign direct investment from a private sponsor, increasing the unquantified benefits to the country by stabilizing the investment climate. The Project will also be expecting to pay over B 3 billion corporate income tax throughout the life of the Project, and approx. US$ 33 million in value-added tax during the construction period.

VII. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 55. Residual environmental impacts will be systematically monitored and reported during construction and operation of the plant in accordance with arrangements agreed during review of the EIAs. The Project is designed to comply with the Thai air emission, water effluent, receiving water, and noise standards. Considering the existing and planned industries in Map Ta Phut, and sufficient factor of safety, such as using coal with lower sulfur content and including a desulfurizer, the Project is expected to meet the ambient air quality standard. The expected performance of the Project is summarized in the table (page 3). Appendix 2 summarizes the mitigating measures, the monitoring requirements (e.g., parameters monitored), frequency of monitoring, and the parties responsible for compliance and implementation. 56. BLCP will pay close attention at all stages of the Project, to monitor and control environmental performance and to consult regularly with the responsible authorities and the community. BLCP is an active member of the local environmental monitoring committee arrangements that are controlled and managed by IEAT. The plant operations organization will include a specialist responsible for environmental management and monitoring, and training programs will include appropriate environmental management activities for all operational staff. 57. The arrangements for environmental management and monitoring of the BLCP power plant are shown in Figure 6. The duties of the EIA monitoring committee and the tripartite committee are listed in Appendixes 3 and 4. The Thai Government required independent third party membership on the monitoring and tripartite committee. In compliance with ADB’s requirements, BLCP has informed IEAT of its willingness to expand the monitoring committee’s terms of reference to include the whole Project, which is also in line with the terms of reference of the tripartite committee.

Pollution Control DepartmenGovernment Monitoring

Activities

Office of Environmentaand Planning (OE

IEAT = Industrial Estate Authority of Th

Other lines of comm

Lines of direct comm

t EIA Monitoring Committee Chairman:

Chief Engineer IEAT CI

l Policy PP)

In

BLCP Power Ltd.

Independent Specialist Support

Monitoring and Audit

Figure 6: BLCP Power Links With Environmental AuthoritAnd Formal Links With Community

ailand, OEPP = Office of Environmental Policy and Planning.

unication

unication and management

Tri Partite Committee hairman: Director General

ndustrial Works Department Ministry Of Industry

dustrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT)

ies

16

17

VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 58. In any large-scale infrastructure project, the impact on the local communities is significant in terms of employment, environmental issues, area infrastructure demands, and activity levels. BLCP recognized the Project’s potential impact and has made efforts to initiate discussions and establish good relations with the local communities and government officials since 1996, when development of the Project began. The views and concerns of the community have been noted and acted on throughout preparation of the EIA. 59. The formal consultation process has taken place in two stages. During 1996, the fieldwork necessary to formalize and record public opinion about the impact of the Project was undertaken by experts from Chulalongkorn University Environmental Research Institute. The results of that work are recorded in the Project’s EIA. The second stage was carried out in 2001/02 in response to a condition attached to OEPP approval of the main EIA, which was to conduct a public hearing process. 60. BLCP consulted with the Government and the regulatory authorities to establish the most positive and constructive arrangements for the second stage of formal consultations. All parties agreed that a community consultation process would be far more beneficial than arranging a single event within the rigid confines of a formal public hearing. The outcome was development of a community participation project, the detailed arrangements and procedures for which were approved by OEPP. The process and results are recorded in a final report that forms part of the project documentation and is available from BLCP for any interested party. The process was arranged in three parts: (i) provision of updated information to the communities and to arrange and hold meetings to clarify details of the project, answer questions, and note views and concerns; (ii) visits by community groups and officials to a local power plant that includes coal-fired boilers and associated facilities; and (iii) an attitude survey conducted by the Faculty of Mass Communication of Chulalongkorn University. Notice of the arrangements for each stage was provided via normal community channels. The attitude survey concluded that most people support construction of the power plant, but many are concerned about long-term management of its potential environmental impact. BLCP has confirmed that it will closely manage operation of the power plant and will continue to give close attention to the concerns of the community. The report on the Community Participation Project has been reviewed by OEPP and in a letter dated 28 November 2002 it acknowledged completion of the community consultation process. 61. BLCP confirms that all of the documents, illustrations, brochures, and any other material used during the community consultation processes have been presented in Thai and all presentations, discussions, consultative meetings, and informal discussions have taken place in the Thai language. Strenuous efforts have been made to present the facts in a form that can be understood by nontechnical people.

IX. CONCLUSIONS

62. The Project is within a heavy industrial zone, on reclaimed land 3 km from the shoreline. The land was reclaimed using dredged materials or spoils from the development and maintenance of the port facilities. The Project will use the utilities provided for in the industrial zone and will build its own facilities for treating the domestic and industrial wastes. The Project is designed to comply with the environmental standards in Thailand, speciafically those related to air emissions, ambient air quality, wastewater effluent, receiving water quality, and noise.

18

63. The Project will meet the power demand of the industries in the eastern seaboard of Thailand. As part of the national grid, the Project will also supplement the power requirement in other parts of Thailand. The project location will have little interference with human settlements. The Project is in line with the Thai government strategy of diversifying the power source, optimizing the location of power supply with respect to demand, and using modern technologies. 64. The Project’s environmental impacts could be mitigated using established environmental management techniques. An independent committee organized by the Thai government will monitor the environmental impacts and the efficiency of the mitigating measures. The local communities are represented in the monitoring committee.

Appendix 1 19

MAIN ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Item Dimension Project Commitment Thai Standard

Emissionsa NOx ppm 241 350 SO2 ppm 262b 320 CO ppm 94 870 Particulates mg/m³ 43 120 Ambient Air Qualityc NO2

1-hour Average NO2 µg/m³ 230dmax 320 SO2

1-hour Average µg/m³ 452 max 780 24-hour Average µg/m³ 101 max 300 Annual Average µg/m³ 28 max 100

Wastewater Discharge Temperature

°C 40 40

pH n.a. 5 to 9 5 to 9 BOD5 mg/l 20 max 20 COD mg/l 120 max 120 max SS mg/l 150 max 150 max DS mg/l 2000 max 2000 max Sulfide as H2S mg/l 1 max 1 max Cyanide as HCN mg/l 0.2 max 0.2 max Oil and Grease mg/l 5 max 5 max Formaldehyde mg/l 1 max 1 max Phenol and Cresol mg/l 1 max 1 max Free Chlorine mg/l 1 max 1 max Cooling Water Discharge Temperature

ºC 40.0 max 40.0 max

Also < or = 3ºC rise @ 500m

Increase at edge of 500m mixing zone < or =3ºC

Noise at Site Boundary dB(A) 75 n.a.

BLCP = BLCP Power Limited, BOD5 = five-day biochemical oxygen demand, CO = carbon monoxide, COD = chemical oxygen demand, dB(A) = decibel acoustic, DS = dissolved solids, EIA = Environmental Impact Assessment, H2S = hydrogen sulfide, HCN = hydrogen cyanide, mg/l = milligram per liter, mg/m³ = milligram per cubic meter, µg/m³ = microgram per cubic meter, NO = nitric oxide, NOx = oxides of nitrogen, O2 = Oxygen, OEPP = Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, ppm = parts per million, S = sulfur, SO2 = sulfur dioxide, SS = suspended solid, US EPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency. a Emissions quoted at 7% O2. 1 atmosphere. And 25ºC. b At 0.95% Sulfur in coal. OEPP has subsequently set a condition within the main EIA that the maximum sulfur content

of any consignment of coal shall not exceed 0.70% and the annual average shall not exceed 0.45%. c Project figures are ground level concentrations determined using ISC3 US EPA Regulatory model and including all

other known emitters within the airshed. For NO2 BLCP only adds 5.2 µg/m³ to the existing background, and for SO2 it adds only 16 µg/m³ to the 24-hour average.

d Converted from NOx to NO2. Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (power plant).

20 A

ppendix 2

MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, MITIGATION MEASURES AND MONITORING PROGRAM

Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program Responder

1. Physical Resources a. Air Quality i. Construction Phase Dust emitted from construction activities such as site excavation and structure construction.

Follow the Code of Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction and Transportation issued by the Pollution Control Department in 1996, such as, • covering loose materials in the buildings on

the site with canvass during construction. • spraying water on the entrance of the

construction site and material piles in order to protect dust dispersion,

Washing wheels of trucks before they exit the construction site, and Covering construction material during transport.

Assure the contractor follows the Code of Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction and transportation issued by the Pollution Control Department. Monthly monitor for total suspended particulates (TSP) and particulate matter of 10 micros (PM-10) at Wat Ta Kuan 1 day/month during construction period. Cost is about B80,000/year.

Contractor and BLCP Power Limited

(BLCP)

ii. Operation Phase Gaseous pollutants such as NOx and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from power plant, including dust from operation activities such as the emissions from stack and the stock yard as well as the process of conveying coal to the power plant.

Use high quality coal (bituminous coal range 0.27-0.70%, sulfur average 0.45%, sulfur per year, and 10% of ash) imported from Australia and Indonesia. Control dust at the covered conveyor belts, transfer points for coal and ash, and coal piles by spraying water to maintain moisture of coal and installing a 6 meter (m) high wind shield at the downwind of the coal yard.

Check the quality of imported coal used in the project every trip by hiring a third party. The 3-day continuous monitoring of ambient air quality must be done 2 times a year. Two monitoring stations will be at downwind and upwind of the coal stock; another station will be at Wat Ta Kuan. The parameters investigated at the three stations are TSP and PM-10. Total cost is about B100,000/year.

BLCP

BLCP

Install equipment to reduce air pollution such as electro static precipitates (ESP) to collect dust and the sea water flow gas desulfurizers (FGD) to reduce SO2 from the power plant. Install low NOx burner + separate over fire air (SOFA) to reduce NOx. Construct the 200m stack for better air pollutant dispersion.

Implement manual stack testing to cross check with the continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) twice a year. Cost is about B50,000/year. Cost of the installation including the equipment of CEMS, which automatically and continuously monitors emission released from stack, is es,

BLCP

BLCP

Appendix 2

21


about B5 million. Parameters are particulates, velocity, SO2, NOx, temperature, and Oxygen (O2).

Control air emission will meet the standard on an emission flow rate of 1,020 grams per second, which consists of SO2, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and TSP are 262 parts per million (ppm), 241 ppm, and 43 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m³) respectively. These concentrations are lower than the standards, which are 320 ppm of SO2, 350 ppm of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 120 mg/ m³ of TSP. Prepare some vacant space in the power plant for installing air equipment to reduce NOx if necessary. Control dust dispersion from ash transportation between the Project and the provided landfill site by adding moisture into the ash, covering the trucks with canvass and washing the trucks’ wheels every time they exit the site.

Monitor ambient air quality at 4 stations in close proximity to the power plant at Wat Ta Kuan, Map Ta Phut School, Map Ta Phut New Town, and Thailand Petroleum Authority (PTT) housing. Parameters monitored at these stations are SO2, NOx, and TSP (PM-10). At the meteorological station, wind speed and direction must be monitored. The cost for the four stations is B16 million plus B4 million per year for operation. The same parameters and stations will be used to manually cross check. The 3-day continuous monitoring of ambient air quality must be done twice a year. Total cost is about B500,000/year. Mitigation measures for ash transportation will be provided for the land transportation aspect.

BLCP

Contractor and BLCP

b. Noise i. Construction Phase Noise from construction activities such as pile construction, materials transportation, and foundation construction. The impact from noise on workers will occur only in the high noise level areas, such as the pile construction area.

Provide noise protection equipment, such as earmuffs, for workers in high noise level areas. Periodically rotate the workers in high noise level areas to minimize the noise impact. Install warning signs at high noise level areas.

Assure the contractor provides enough noise protection equipment for the workers. 3 day continuous noise monitoring at 1 station in the construction site, every 3 months. Total cost of the monitoring is about B15,000/time, each time.

Contractor and BLCP

BLCP

22 A

ppendix 2


The noise impact will be low since the Project is far from the community. ii. Operation Phase Noise from generator and machine during coal transportation process.

Maintain machine in good condition. Provide noise protection equipment such as earmuffs for workers in high noise level areas. Periodically rotate the workers in high noise impact areas to minimize the impact. Install warning signs in high noise level areas.

Monitor the noise level for 7 continuous days at the two stations at the power plant and Wat Ta Kuan, 4 times and 2 times a year, respectively. Total cost is about B300,000 per year.

BLCP

c. Geology and Mineral i. Construction Phase None

None None

ii. Operation Phase None

None None

d. Surface Water Quality i. Construction Phase Sediment leached from the construction material and the construction are will contaminate the area around the site.

Properly manage the piles of construction materials by covering them with canvas. Prepare a sedimentation pond to collect the water passing through the construction area and prevent sediments from leaching out of the site.

Contractor and BLCP

ii. Operation Phase Some areas have activities that produce wastewater, such as the operating office, production area (e.g., hot water in the boiler), and maintenance section.

Prepare the drainage system to collect the 1,704 cubic meter (m 3) per day of the process and office wastewater and drain them to the treatment plant, which is in the project site, before being discharged from the site.

1 station set up for monitoring the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant twice a year. The parameters are biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solid (SS), Total Phosphorus (Total-P), Total Nitrogen (Total-N), acidity or alkalinity (pH), dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature. The monitoring cost is about B40,000/year.

BLCP

Wastewater collected from the area of the coal management at the conveyer and the coal stock.

Wastewater from the coal unloading and coal pile area will be collected and discharged to the nearby sedimentation pond before being wholly reused in the sprinkler system.

BLCP

Appendix 2

23


Wastewater from the ash landfill site.

reused in the sprinkler system. Install one layer lining at the bottom of the landfill pit to prevent leaching. The sump will collect all leachate and runoff, which will be reused to minimize dust dispersion.

Set the 4 monitoring stations, the first is at upstream sump and 3 are at the downstream sump. Monitor 4 times/year. The parameters are pH, hardness, and heavy metal such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Monitoring cost is about B100,000/year.

e. Water Resources and Hydrology

i. Construction Phase Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate will supply the Project with water used in the construction site by truck.

None None

ii. Operation Phase Consume the sea water 5,382 million m³/day for the cooling system. Consume 4,500 m ³/day of tap water, which is distributed for 3 units as follows: • office and production process

2,179 m ³/day, • ash management: 500 m³/day,

and • activities at coal yard: 1,821

m³/day.

None None

f. Waste Handling and Disposal i. Construction Phase Most of waste is construction material. It will be transported out of the site by truck.

Contract the municipal agency to handle it.

Assure the contractor uses adequate waste handling and disposal management.

Contractor and BLCP

24 A

ppendix 2


ii. Operation Phase Waste produced from the project activities are • general waste (solid and liquid

waste) from the office, • wastewater at the coal yard, and

The management will use the mitigation measures to ensure water quality, e.g., • providing a wastewater treatment system to

receive wastewater from the process, office activities and toilet;

Monitor water quality of the treatment plant’s effluent with the same measures as the surface water quality.

BLCP

• wastewater released from the power plant (e.g., wastewater at cooling system

Ash from coal combustion 960 tones/day or 350,000 tones/year

• installing a sedimentation pond near the coal yard to treat runoff and sprinkled water leach out from the coal pile; (the treated water will be reused for spraying on the coalpile); and

• treating effluent form the FGD at the aeration pond.

Provide the 606-hectare landfill site at Tub Ma, Amphoe Muan, which is about 16.9 kilometers (km) from the power plant and can accommodate about 10 years of ash disposal. The power plant will prepare an additional area and will report in detail to the Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) during the 8 th year of the old landfill operation. Use sanitary landfill management for ash. One layer of lining and a leachate treatment system will be provided at disposal site. Promote the alternative usage of ash with the other company or agency.

Automatic sensor with two probes will be installed at the outfall for the treated FGD effluent and the cooling water effluent. Monitor the parameters, temperature, and pH automatically and send the date signal to the control room. This online system will be useful for improvement water quality as soon as possible. Monitor water quality of the surveillance sumps with the same measures as the surface water quality.

BLCP

BLCP

2. Ecological Resources a. Forest and Wildlife i. Construction Phase None

None None


None None

b. Aquatic Ecology and Sea Water Quality

i. Construction Phase The Project will be constructed on reclamation land and the material will

Use the same mitigation measures as in a. (air quality), such as spraying water on the

Assure the contractor follows the Code of Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction

Contractor and BLCP

Appendix 2

25


reclamation land and the material will be transported by land transportation. Small amounts of fugitive dust could be dispersed into the sea. There is contaminated water from the construction activities.

quality), such as spraying water on the construction site and stockpile. Provide a sedimentation pond to collect wastewater from the construction site and protect the polluted water leach out of the restricted area.

Practice on Dust Suppression for Construction and Transportation issued by the Pollution Control Department (same mitigation measure as for the air quality). Assure the contractor provides the drainage channel and the sedimentation pond in the construction site.

Contractor and BLCP

ii. Operation Phase Sources of the effluent releasing from the power plant are the 5.382 million m³/day of seawater used in the cooling system and the seawater FGD system and the 1,704 m³/day of freshwater releasing from the wastewater treatment plant. There is high temperature seawater releasing from cooling system. Dispersion of dust and ash in the seawater. Direct impact on aquatic life due to the pumping seawater sent to the cooling system and the hot water released from the system.

Wastewater from the sea water FGD will be treated in the aeration pond. The treated temperature will not be higher than 40 degrees celcius (°C) and the pH will be neutral. The temperature, which will not be over 40°C, must also not exceed the 3°C existing temperature of seawater in the area within 500m from the effluent point. Dispersion of dust and suspended solids from the coal will be prevented by compacting the coal pile and spraying water over it. Provide a 17,000 m ³ sedimentation pond near the coal yard to collect runoff run through the coal yard and then reused for spraying. Reduce the losses of aquatic life coming with the intake seawater by designing to enlarge the intake that decreases the velocity to 0.3 m/second. Install screens that will help the organisms to escape from the intake system.

Automatic sensor with two probes will be installed at outfall to analyze temperature and pH. The sensor will automatically send signals to the control room. This online system will be a benefit for water pollution management. Monitoring effluent at outfall 4 times a year. The parameters are Hg, Cd and chlorine. Total monitoring cost is B30,000 per year. The 13 stations for seawater quality monitoring will be distributed within 500m around the effluent point. They will monitor at two depths, the seawater surface and at mid-depth. The monitoring must be reported 4 times/year during construction. The total monitoring cost is about B12,000 each time. Monitor seawater quality in the gulf of Map Ta Put with the parameters: Salinity; DO; pH; transparency; SS; total dissolved solids (TDS); oil and grease; nitrate; phosphate; trace elements; heavy metals - Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr; and quantity and types of plankton. The 3 sampling stations are at the intake, outflow and ship channel. The monitoring must be reported 4 times/year during operation. With monitoring at two depth, the seawater surface and at mid-depth. Total cost of the monitoring is about B30,000 per monitoring exercise or B120,000 per year.

BLCP

3. Human Use Values None None

26 A

ppendix 2


a. Navigation i. Construction Phase None ii. Operation Phase The Project will use its own berth for unloading coal, and have little impact on existing berths.

Provide a safety and emergency response program based on the International Navigation aids program. Join the annual oil spill prevention and combating training course conducted by the Oil Industry Environmental Safety Group (IESG), Harbor Department and Pollution Control Department.

None

BLCP

BLCP

b. Land Transportation i. Construction Phase Increased traffic volume due to the transportation of workers and construction equipment.

Large equipment may be transported by vessels and must not obstruct the existing channel. Construction materials will be trucked to the site during off-peak working hours. Truck speed.

None

Contractor and BLCP

ii. Operation Phase Coal transportation does not affect the road traffic because it is transported by sea.

The project cooperates with the highway police to manage traffic especially during rush hours.

BLCP

A low impact may occur because of office cars and ash loading trucks, which are 50 rounds per day.

Transport ash during daytime and avoid congested traffic period. Control the ash transportation to the landfill site by adding moisture into the ash and cover the trucks. Wash truck wheels before entering and exiting the site. Limit truck speeds to a maximum of 60 kilometers/hour. Limit the loading weight to a maximum of 20 tons/round.

None Contractor and BLCP

Appendix 2

27


tons/round. Maintain trucks in good condition.

c. Soil Characteristic Agriculture and Agro Industry

i. Construction Phase

None None

ii. Operation Phase None None

d. Flood Control & Drainage i. Construction Phase Flooding in construction area.

Use proper construction management and provide sedimentation pond to collect and drain water effectively. Proper design of the drainage system.

None

Contractor and BLCP


None None

e. Power Supply and Transmission

i. Construction Phase Buy electricity from local electricity and the special power producers (SPP) in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate

None None

ii. Operation Phase Improve the service efficiency of the electrical system in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and Eastern area.

None None

f. Land Use i. Construction Phase The Project has been permitted to construct in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. Use land only in the project area.

None None

ii. Operation Phase None None

28 A

ppendix 2


No Impact because the project area is in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. 4. Quality of Life Values a. Socioeconomic i. Construction Phase Social problems such as immigration and conflicts between alien workers and the local people.

Provide enough infrastructure facilities for the workers. Provide safe conditions for workers.

None

Contractor and BLCP

Contractor and BLCP ii. Operation Phase Increase the capacity of electrical service. Positive impact is a major outcome such as a better economic status and job employment, while the negative impact is minor.

None None

b. Public Health i. Construction Phase The impact will directly affect the workers. Equipment and working hazard.

Use proper materials and equipment in the construction activity to decrease the risk of causing accidents. Provide safety protection equipment such as helmets, shoes, glasses, gloves, and ear muffs.

None

Contractor and BLCP

Contractor and BLCP

ii. Operation Phase Emission impact on workers and people around the project area. Impact of dust, SO2, noise, heat, chemicals on workers, and accidents. Usual accident risks during operation of the power plant.

Physical resource management. Enforce the wearing of protective equipment as a standard practice. Install warning signs in the risk areas. Arrange the working time periodically to reduce the exposure time. Cooperate with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) of Map Ta Phut and the Rayong Civil Department for training of emergency

Check the workers’ health annually. Provide emergency responses and cooperate with other agencies. Investigate the environment of the working area to focus on dust, SO2, NOx, noise, and heat.

Appendix 2

29


Civil Department for training of emergency responses.

c. Visual Aspect i. Construction Phase The Project will be constructed in an industrial area.

None None

ii. Operation Phase Impact of the height of structures such as the stack, building, and coal pile.

The power station should be designed in keeping with neighboring industries. Landscape measure such as screen planting for coal piles to reduce the impact. Using landscape measures such as screen planting to reduce the impact.

None

BLCP

Appendix 3 30

BLCP ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MONITORING COMMITTEE 1. The members of Environmental Impact Assessment Monitoring Committee are shown in Table A3.

Table A3: Committee Members

Person Position

1. Chief Engineer, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) Chairman 2. Port Director, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) Committee 3. Representative of Office of Environmental Policy and Planning

(OEPP) Committee

4. Representative of Pollution Control Department (PCD) Committee 5. Representative of Rayong Province Committee 6. Representative of Map Ta Phut Municipal Committee 7. Representative of Harbour Department Committee 8. Representative of Environmental region, Cholburi province Committee 9. Secretary of Sawasdee Foundation Committee 10. Assistant Professor Dr. Voravit Chivaporn Committee 11. Professor Dr. Vipusit Munthajit Committee 12. Chairman, Takuan Aua pradu community Committee 13. Chairman, Map Ta Phut Islamic community Committee 14. Secretary, Takuan Aua pradu community Committee 15. Mr. Vitoon Yutim (IEAT Deputy Port Director) Committee and

secretary 16. Mr. Veerapon Puangpitayavut (BLCP) Committee and

assistant to secretary IEAT = Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, OEPP = Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, PCD = Pollution Control Department. 2. The committee is authorized to

(i.) regulate implementation of the monitoring and mitigation program for the coal unloading facility of BLCP Power Limited on land reclamation Map Ta Phut Phase II, Muang District, Rayong, in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment reports and the conclusions of the expert committees;

(ii.) consult, advise, and coordinate to solve any environmental problems arising during the construction period including, if any, claims from communities due to impact of the project works and other related activities;

(iii.) consider and comment on project activities that might cause environmental impacts, coordinate with relevant parties, and invite officers giving information, advice, or suggestions to attend committee meetings as appropriate; and

(iv.) meet once a month during the construction period and every 3 months during the operation period, with effect from the commencement of dredging works.

Issued on 25 September 2002 by Khun Anchalee Chavanich, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand

Appendix 4 31

OBJECTIVES OF THE BLCP TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE

1. The committee is authorized to

(i.) consider and study details of the Project, any potential pollution problems, and the environmental impact on Map Ta Phut communities;

(ii.) monitor progress of the Project to enable Map Ta Phut community to correctly understanding and follow the project works during construction and operation;

(iii.) organize on behalf of Map Ta Phut communities exchange of their opinions, and knowledge of the BLCP power plant project; and

(iv.) appoint additional members to the committee representing responsible authorities and communities in the Map Ta Phut area, as appropriate.

2. The Committee was effective from 27 September 2002, as authorized by Mr. Suriya Jeungrungruengkit, Minister of Industry.

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