DOI : 10.17577/IJERTV10IS010203
- Open Access
- Authors : Hussain Etemadi , Marzia Hussaini , Mohammad Amin Etemadi , Sathyanarayanan S, Reza Khodadadi
- Paper ID : IJERTV10IS010203
- Volume & Issue : Volume 10, Issue 01 (January 2021)
- Published (First Online): 01-02-2021
- ISSN (Online) : 2278-0181
- Publisher Name : IJERT
- License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
A Case Study of Environmental Social Impact Assessment Methodology – Kajaki Hydropower Plant Project, Helmand, Afghanistan
Hussain Etemadi
CEO, Omran Geotechnic Company, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Mohammad Amin Etemadi
Environmental expert, Omran Geotechnic Company, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Reza Khodadadi
Environmental expert, Omran Geotechnic Company, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Marzia Hussaini
Social Expert, Afghanistan Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Sathyanarayanan S Undergraduate, Govandi, Mumbai, India.
Abstract Construction activities in general have adverse effects on the surrounding environment. One of the efforts to keep the impact on the environment on check is Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The most convincing definition of ESIA is a comprehensive document of a projects potential environmental, social risks and impacts (IFC 2012). This paper aims to delineate the process involved in assessing the impacts of one such construction, a construction of a powerhouse in Kajaki Dam, Afghanistan. This powerhouse was constructed next to pre-existing powerhouse which comprises of three units. Along with the construction of a powerhouse an emergency spillway was also constructed and the penstock (4.9- meter diameter) was installed from the existing concrete plug in the tunnel to the powerhouse. This paper aims to identify and assess the impacts and also provide the mitigation measures by providing Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) which was involved in this construction activity.
KeywordsEnvironmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Social Management Systems.
INTRODUCTION
The Kajaki Dam was built in the 1950s by the American firm Morrison-Knudsen on contract with the then Afghanistans Royal Government. Two 16.52 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric turbines were installed by USAID in 1975, along with 110 volt (v) transmission lines and substations that distributed the generated energy to the region.The dams power station has space between the two existing turbines (One and Three) for a third turbine (Turbine Two), which was not installed before the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 1979 following the communist coup and subsequent Soviet military intervention. The Kajaki Dam is a 90-m high embankment dam with an uncontrolled open channel spillway, which was constructed on the Helmand River in Afghanistan in the early 1950s to provide river control and irrigation benefits Fig. 2.1. A 33 MW powerhouse was added to the project in 1975. An
additional 18.5 MW turbine was recently added to the existing powerhouse. Work on the planned service spillway radial gates, emergency spillway alternative, and raising the dam crest commenced during the late 1970s but construction activities ceased during the Soviet occupation and these facilities were never completed. Consequently, the reservoir has never been impounded to its design level of 1045 m.
The Kajaki Dam was built in the 1950s by the American firm Morrison-Knudsen on contract with the then Afghanistans Royal Government. Two 16.52 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric turbines were installed by USAID in 1975, along with 110 volt (v) transmission lines and substations that distributed the generated energy to the region. The dams power station has space between the two existing turbines (One and Three) for a third turbine (Turbine Two), which was not installed before the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 1979 following the communist coup and subsequent Soviet military intervention. The Kajaki Dam is a 90-m high embankment dam with an uncontrolled open channel spillway, which was constructed on the Helmand River in Afghanistan in the early 1950s to provide river control and irrigation benefits Fig. 2.1. A 33 MW powerhouse was added to the project in 1975. An additional
-
- MW turbine was recently added to the existing powerhouse. Work on the planned service spillway radial gates, emergency spillway alternative, and raising the dam crest commenced during the late 1970s but construction activities ceased during the Soviet occupation and these facilities were never completed. Consequently, the reservoir has never been impounded to its design level of 1045 m.
FIGURE 2.1 SATELLITE IMAGE OF THE KAJAKI DAM
Category B: Projects with potential less adverse environmental impacts on human surrounding environment. 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.
Category C: A proposed project is classified as Category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Usually, ESIA investigation for these kinds of projects is very limited.
Category FI: A proposed project is classified as Category FI if it involves investment of Bank funds through a financial intermediary, in subprojects that may result in adverse environmental impacts. Table 3.1 contains the risk summary of the Environmental and Social impacts of the project.
FIGURE 2.2 PROJECT FOOTPRINT AREA
Methodology:
The key objectives of the ESIA are to assess the potential environmental and social impacts associated with the construction and operation of Kajaki Dam Phase I and to identify measures that can be adopted to avoid, minimize or offset adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts.
With reference to the level of impacts of a project on its surrounding environment, the World Bank classifies a proposed project into four different categories as Category A, B, C and FI as follows :
Category A: Projects with likely significant negative impacts those are sensitive, diverse or unprecedented. For this category, the borrower needs to develop a comprehensive and detailed ESIA.
EVALUATION OF RISK
Physio-Chemical Impacts
Potential Impact Category: Water Quality
Table 3.1 Risk Summary of Environmental and Social
Potential Impact (Outcome/Receptor) Consequence Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Solid waste leading to waterlogging and blockage of drainage lines Minor Low Low Liquid waste and contaminated stormwater leading to pollution of soil, surface, and groundwater Minor Medium Low Solid and liquid waste mismanagement leading to the risk of disease transmission Moderate Medium Low Clearing and grubbing activities leading to soil erosion Minor Low Low Impacts
Potential Impact Category: Air Quality
Potential Impact (Outcome/ Receptor) Consequ ence Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Off-site (residential, institutional, educational) human health impacts from construction noise
Minor Low Low Off-site (industrial, commercial) human health impacts from construction noise
Minor Low Low General nuisance (non- health impact) from construction noise Low Low Low Potential Impact (Outcome/ Receptor)
Consequen ce Level
Impact Significance
Impact Significance with Mitigation
Human health impacts from combustion gas emissions and dust
Minor
Medium
Medium
Localized ambient air quality degradation
Minor
Medium
Medium
Regional ambient air quality degradation
Minor
Low
Low
Potential Impact (Outcome/ Receptor) Consequen ce Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Human health impacts from combustion gas emissions and dust Minor Medium Medium Localized ambient air quality degradation Minor Medium Medium Regional ambient air quality degradation Minor Low Low Potential Impact Category: Noise
Potential Impact Category: Landscape and Visual
Potential Impact (Outcome/Recept or) Consequence Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Short-term quality of life impacts from alteration of the existing landscape Low Low Low Long-term quality of life impacts from alteration of the existing landscape Minor Low Low Potential Impact Category: Downstream
Potential Impact (Outcome/Rece ptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Rapid fluctuations in downstream flow Moderate High Medium Potential Impact Category: Sedimentation
Potential Impact (Outcome/Rece ptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Massive earth moving within the river flood plains and sections of the adjoining riverbanks and lands Major Medium Medium Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Potential Impact (Outcome/Re ceptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significan ce Impact Significance with Mitigation Fish may encounter potential impacts from the proposed project activities. Major Likely High Impact on water flow
and power generation
Low low low Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Potential Impact (Outcome/Re ceptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significan ce Impact Significance with Mitigation Fish may encounter potential impacts from the proposed project activities. Major Likely High Impact on water flow
and power generation
Low low low Potential Impact Category: Climate Change
Biological Impacts
Potential Impact Category: Impacts on Flora and Fauna
Potential Impact Category: Fish
Socio-Economic Impacts
Potential Impact Category: Transport Impacts
Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequen ce Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Short-term destruction of habitats and displacement of fauna Low Low Low Long-term destruction of habitats and displacement of fauna Low Low Low Short-term destruction of flora Low Low Low Long-term destruction of flora Low Low Low Irreversible impacts to ecological systems or functions Low Medium Low Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Public health and safety impacts from vehicles moving at high speeds and accidents Moderate Likely Medium Vehicle noise impacts for the surrounding community and on-site workers Minor Likely Medium Human health impacts from vehicle exhaust and fugitive dust Minor Likely Medium Road congestion and nuisance issues for the surrounding community Low Likely Medium Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequen ce Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Short-term destruction of habitats and displacement of fauna Low Low Low Long-term destruction of habitats and displacement of fauna Low Low Low Short-term destruction of flora Low Low Low Long-term destruction of flora Low Low Low Irreversible impacts to ecological systems or functions Low Medium Low Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significance Impact Significance with Mitigation Public health and safety impacts from vehicles moving at high speeds and accidents Moderate Likely Medium Vehicle noise impacts for the surrounding community and on-site workers Minor Likely Medium Human health impacts from vehicle exhaust and fugitive dust Minor Likely Medium Road congestion and nuisance issues for the surrounding community Low Likely Medium Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Migrant labour force could disturb the privacy of the local population. High Likely High The influx and accommodati on of workforces will result in increased concerns for the safety of women and children.
Minor Unlikely Low Due to the movement of vehicles elderly people, women and children will be more exposed to dangerous situations; Moderate Likely Low Potential burdens for the local population, especially for elderly people
Moderate Likely Low Human health impacts from construction noise, vibration, and air pollution Minor Unlikely Low Human health impacts from improper management of solid and liquid wastes Minor Unlikely Low Human health and safety impacts from release or mismanageme nt of hazardous materials
Moderate Unlikely Medium Safety risk associated with security breach and targeting by anti- government groups
Major Unlikely Medium Vulnerable individuals and groups in the affected communities being differentially or disproportiona tely affected by the project because of their disadvantaged or vulnerable status Moderate Unlikely Medium Human health impacts from construction noise, vibration, and air pollution Minor Unlikely Low Human health impacts from improper management of solid and liquid wastes Minor Unlikely Low Human health and safety impacts from release or mismanageme nt of hazardous materials
Moderate Unlikely Medium Safety risk associated with security breach and targeting by anti- government groups
Major Unlikely Medium Vulnerable individuals and groups in the affected communities being differentially or disproportiona tely affected by the project because of their disadvantaged or vulnerable status Moderate Unlikely Medium Potential Impact Category: Labor Influx
Potential Impact Category: Public Health and Safety Impacts
Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Potential Impact (Outcome/Rec eptor) Consequenc e Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Potential Impact Category: Employment Impacts
Potential Impact (Outcome/Receptor) Conse quence Level Impact Significanc e Impact Significance with Mitigation Health and safety impacts from improper Moder ate Medium Low management of labor camps Adverse social and health-related impacts from the influx of outside workers Minor Unlikely Low Impacts/stress on local public service systems (health centers, food markets, etc.)
Moder ate Very unlikely Low management of labor camps Adverse social and health-related impacts from the influx of outside workers Minor Unlikely Low Impacts/stress on local public service systems (health centers, food markets, etc.)
Moder ate Very unlikely Low Environmental Issue Air Quality Impact Source Operation of heavy machinery and transport vehicles Overall construction activities
Potential Impacts Air Quality Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Cover stockpiles and loads to avoid fugitive dust emissions Minimize idling of vehicles and operation of combustion machinery and equipment to the greatest extent possible
Hard pack or spray access roads and driveway areas to reduce dust generation
Place washed stone at site exit to minimize off-site tracking of soil and debris
Generators and vehicles will be kept in good working order to minimize exhaust emissions
Fugitive dust emissions will be minimized by appropriate methods, such as spraying water on soil, where required
Environmental Code of Practice (ECP) 8 will be implemented
Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation
Site Management Team (Operator/contractor) Environmental Issue Air Quality Impact Source Operation of heavy machinery and transport vehicles Overall construction activities
Potential Impacts Air Quality Impacts Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures Cover stockpiles and loads to avoid fugitive dust emissions Minimize idling of vehicles and operation of combustion machinery and equipment to the greatest extent possible
Hard pack or spray access roads and driveway areas to reduce dust generation
Place washed stone at site exit to minimize off-site tracking of soil and debris
Generators and vehicles will be kept in good working order to minimize exhaust emissions
Fugitive dust emissions will be minimized by appropriate methods, such as spraying water on soil, where required
Environmental Code of Practice (ECP) 8 will be implemented
Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation
Site Management Team (Operator/contractor) Table 4.1 ESMP for Construction phase:
Potential Impact Category: Occupational Health and Safety Impacts
Potential Impact (Outcome/Recept or) Conse quenc e Level Impact Significa nce Impact Significance with Mitigation Construction health and safety risks resulting in injury or death Major High Medium Construction health and safety risks resulting in impairment or long-term health issues Mode rate Medium Medium ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN:
The objectives of this ESMP are to:
- Collate and describe all mitigation measures and actions identified in the ESIA process to enhance positive benefits and to eliminate/reduce key environmental, socio economic and health impacts to acceptable levels
- Identify and describe the monitoring required to ensure compliance with reporting commitments
- MW turbine was recently added to the existing powerhouse. Work on the planned service spillway radial gates, emergency spillway alternative, and raising the dam crest commenced during the late 1970s but construction activities ceased during the Soviet occupation and these facilities were never completed. Consequently, the reservoir has never been impounded to its design level of 1045 m.
The ESMP includes environmental and social requirements that are common to most construction projects, as well as specific environmental and social initiatives unique to this project. Table 4.1 contains the Environmental and Social Management plans which addresses the mitigation measures to counter the Impacts.
| Environmental Issue | Noise |
| Impact Source | Overall construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Noise Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Set and enforce standard daytime working hours, recommended to be 06:00 to 21:00
Maintain equipment and use low noise equipment and methods where feasible ECP 9 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| of any spill.
The bottom of any soak pit or septic tank shall be at least 10 m above the groundwater table. The distance may be reduced, based on soil properties, if that distance will not result in contamination of groundwater. |
|
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Soil Erosion |
| Impact Source | |
| Potential Impacts | Land clearing, excavation, tunnel boring, and other construction activities may loosen the top soil in the Project area resulting in loss of soil and possible acceleration of soil erosion and landslides, especially in the wet season. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Vegetation loss will be limited to the demarcated construction area;
Areas such as muck disposal area, batching plant, labor camp and quarry sites shall be covered with grass and shrubs after project completion. Slope stabilization measures will be adopted, for example adequate vertical and horizontal drains, drainage along roadsides, cross drainage and retaining walls. Slope movements will be monitored around excavation work areas. Local species shall be selected for planting to restore the biodiversity of the area in consultation with local stakeholders. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Soil Quality |
| Impact Source | |
| Potential Impacts | Accidental release of solvents, oils and lubricants can potentially result in the contamination of soil and consequent deterioration of groundwater and surface water quality. Soil contamination may also reduce the soil fertility reducing suitability for agriculture. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Fuel tanks will be appropriately marked by content and will be stored in safe areas where storage capacity is 10% greater than the fuel tank. The area will be lined with an impervious base.
Grease traps will be installed on site, wherever needed, to prevent the flow of oily water. Spill cleaning kit (shovels, plastic bags, absorbent materials) will be available near fuel and oil storage areas. An emergency plan for spill management will be prepared, all staff will be trained in the plan for the case |
| Environmental Issue | Groundwater Quality |
| Impact Source | Wastewater Discharges
Fueling of heavy machinery and transport vehicles Storage, handling and disposal of solid waste Storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste |
| Potential Impacts | Water Quality and General Environmental
Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Recycle waste to the maximum extent, provide for the proper temporary staging and storage of waste and debris on-site, implement good housekeeping in work areas
Transport, or oversee the subcontract for transport, of non-recyclable waste to the municipally-approved disposal site and periodically verify delivery. Segregate domestic waste in appropriate receptacles and dispose at municipally-approved disposal site, manage sanitary waste systems in a manner protective of human and environmental health. Minimize erosion, grade and replant disturbed areas. Protect against accidental releases of hazardous materials through training, spill prevention measures, recycling and if necessary, timely cleanup and disposal. Enforce Chance Find Procedures and cease work if historic/ archeological finds are encountered. Design, construct, operate, and decommission the structural elements or components of the project in accordance with good international industry practice, taking into consideration safety risks to third parties or affected communities. Environmental Code of Practice (ECP) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Biological Environment |
| Impact Source | Land clearance Construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Impacts on Flora, Habitat loss, Noise disturbance
Increased exposure to atmospheric pollutants Protected fish species |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Use fencing, flagging and site boundary controls during construction to minimize disturbance to off-site habitats;
ECP 10, 11, and 12 will be implemented. Minimize removal of vegetation and replant disturbed areas using native plant species, The security management plan is in place; Traffic safety rules have been implemented in the scope of the HSE plan |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Traffic |
| Impact Source | Transportation of construction equipment to Project site |
| Potential Impacts | Transport Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Manage haulage routes to avoid sensitive establishments and use barriers as appropriate.
Maintain vehicles in good working condition. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team/Human Resource |
| Environmental Issue | Traffic |
| Impact Source | Transportation of construction equipment to Project site |
| Potential Impacts | Transport Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Manage haulage routes to avoid sensitive establishments and use barriers as appropriate.
Maintain vehicles in good working condition. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Labour Influx |
| Impact Source | Employment of international workers for the Project
Goods and services received from the locals |
| Potential Impacts | Disturbance of Social Cohesion Indirect job opportunities Contribution
to the local businesses |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Alcohol and Drug Policy is in place Disciplinary Action Procedure is in place
Local procurement plan will be developed. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Local Employment |
| Impact Source | Employment of Afghan nationals during the construction phase |
| Potential Impacts | |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Follow a transparent hiring process to help the community understand strategic staffing decisions and avoid conflict over hiring with the local communities.
Develop a training and skills program to impart best practice when training local people for construction and operational jobs. Encourage Contractors to provide apprenticeship opportunities to local people, encourage supply chain partners to recruit local people. Establish a local job readiness program and encourage the construction supply chain to continue to invest in workers. Establish a local employment brokerage that will publicize job vacancies and put in place initiatives to ensure employment opportunities for hard-to-reach groups. ECP 13 will be implemented. |
| Environmental Issue | Labour and Working Conditions |
| Impact Source | Employment of multinational groups |
| Potential Impacts | Employment Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Consult with local authorities on hiring local workers and enforce a transparent no-gatekeeping policy.
Manage construction work camps (if used) according to WB PS2 guidelines, processes and standards. Provide workers with clear, understandable documentation explaining workers rights and refrain from harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. Enforce Human Resource policies specifically outlawing underage workers and forced labor. Implement employee grievance policy for on-site workers as part of the workers rights program. Ensure proper security protocols and staff are in place throughout construction to provide security and safeguard property. ECP 13 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Landscape |
| Impact Source | Construction activities and borrow area. |
| Potential Impacts | Visual amenity |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Landscaping of the site when construction is complete. This will mitigate the visual impact and reduce soil erosion during heavy rains and flood periods. Soils excavated during construction (borrow material) may be used for landscaping if suitable. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Public Health and Safety |
| Impact Source | Project site |
| Potential Impacts | Public Health and Safety Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Road signage will be fixed at appropriate locations to reduce hazards associated with project-related vehicular traffic. Project drivers will be trained on defensive driving. Vehicle speeds near/within the communities will be kept low, to avoid hazards and dust emissions. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Borrow Area and Borrow Materials |
| Impact Source | Borrow Site |
| Potential Impacts | Soil Erosion |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Reduce the volume of material requiring disposal as far as possible. Remaining material will be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner Disposal sites will be properly filled, shaped and reworked and where feasible planted with trees. Borrow material should be obtained (as much as possible) from licensed quarries and borrow areas. Where necessary, appropriate restoration of the borrow area such as recontouring should be carried out, and no deep ditches should be left behind. ECP-7 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Cultural Heritage |
| Impact Source | Construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Impacts/disturbance to unforeseen cultural heritage through project activities. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Procedures shall be developed in the event that cultural heritage is discovered during the project construction.
ECP 14 will be implemented. If cultural resources are found during construction follow the cultural heritage law of Afghanistan using the chance find procedure to identify and analyze the heritage and archeological resources during construction |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Cultural Heritage |
| Impact Source | Construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Impacts/disturbance to unforeseen cultural heritage through project activities. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Procedures shall be developed in the event that cultural heritage is discovered during the project construction.
ECP 14 will be implemented. If cultural resources are found during construction follow the cultural heritage law of Afghanistan using the chance find procedure to identify and analyze the heritage and archeological resources during construction |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Borrow Area and Borrow Materials |
| Impact Source | Borrow Site |
| Potential Impacts | Soil Erosion |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Reduce the volume of material requiring disposal as far as possible. Remaining material will be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner Disposal sites will be properly filled, shaped and reworked and where feasible planted with trees. Borrow material should be obtained (as much as possible) from licensed quarries and borrow areas. Where necessary, appropriate restoration of the borrow area such as recontouring should be carried out, and no deep ditches should be left behind. ECP-7 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Public Health and Safety |
| Project site | |
| Potential Impacts | Public Health and Safety Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Road signage will be fixed at appropriate locations to reduce hazards associated with project-related vehicular traffic. Project drivers will be trained on defensive driving. Vehicle speeds near/within the communities will be kept low, to avoid hazards and dust emissions. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Landscape |
| Impact Source | Construction activities and borrow area. |
| Potential Impacts | Visual amenity |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Landscaping of the site when construction is complete. This will mitigate the visual impact and reduce soil erosion during heavy rains and flood periods. Soils excavated during construction (borrow material) may be used for landscaping if suitable. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Labour and Working Conditions |
| Impact Source | Employment of multinational groups |
| Potential Impacts | Employment Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Consult with local authorities on hiring local workers and enforce a transparent no-gatekeeping policy.
Manage construction work camps (if used) according to WB PS2 guidelines, processes and standards. Provide workers with clear, understandable documentation explaining workers rights and refrain from harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. Enforce Human Resource policies specifically outlawing underage workers and forced labor. Implement employee grievance policy for on-site workers as part of the workers rights program. Ensure proper security protocols and staff are in place throughout construction to provide security and safeguard property. ECP 13 will be implemented. |
| Environmental Issue | Local Employment |
| Impact Source | Employment of Afghan nationals during the construction phase |
| Potential Impacts | |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Follow a transparent hiring process to help the community understand strategic staffing decisions and avoid conflict over hiring with the local communities.
Develop a training and skills program to impart best practice when training local people for construction and operational jobs. Encourage Contractors to provide apprenticeship opportunities to local people, encourage supply chain partners to recruit local people. Establish a local job readiness program and encourage the construction supply chain to continue to invest in workers. Establish a local employment brokerage that will publicize job vacancies and put in place initiatives to ensure employment opportunities for hard-to-reach groups. ECP 13 will be implemented. |
| Environmental Issue | Labour Influx |
| Impact Source | Employment of international workers for the Project
Goods and services received from the locals |
| Potential Impacts | Disturbance of Social Cohesion Indirect job opportunities Contribution
to the local businesses |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Alcohol and Drug Policy is in place Disciplinary Action Procedure is in place
Local procurement plan will be developed. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Traffic |
| Impact Source | Transportation of construction equipment to Project site |
| Potential Impacts | Transport Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Manage haulage routes to avoid sensitive establishments and use barriers as appropriate.
Maintain vehicles in good working condition. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team/Human Resource |
| Environmental Issue | Traffic |
| Impact Source | Transportation of construction equipment to Project site |
| Potential Impacts | Transport Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Manage haulage routes to avoid sensitive establishments and use barriers as appropriate.
Maintain vehicles in good working condition. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Biological Environment |
| Impact Source | Land clearance Construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Impacts on Flora, Habitat loss, Noise disturbance
Increased exposure to atmospheric pollutants Protected fish species |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Use fencing, flagging and site boundary controls during construction to minimize disturbance to off-site habitats;
ECP 10, 11, and 12 will be implemented. Minimize removal of vegetation and replant disturbed areas using native plant species, The security management plan is in place; Traffic safety rules have been implemented in the scope of the HSE plan |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Groundwater Quality |
| Impact Source | Wastewater Discharges
Fueling of heavy machinery and transport vehicles Storage, handling and disposal of solid waste Storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste |
| Potential Impacts | Water Quality and General Environmental
Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Recycle waste to the maximum extent, provide for the proper temporary staging and storage of waste and debris on-site, implement good housekeeping in work areas
Transport, or oversee the subcontract for transport, of non-recyclable waste to the municipally-approved disposal site and periodically verify delivery. Segregate domestic waste in appropriate receptacles and dispose at municipally-approved disposal site, manage sanitary waste systems in a manner protective of human and environmental health. Minimize erosion, grade and replant disturbed areas. Protect against accidental releases of hazardous materials through training, spill prevention measures, recycling and if necessary, timely cleanup and disposal. Enforce Chance Find Procedures and cease work if historic/ archeological finds are encountered. Design, construct, operate, and ecommission the structural elements or components of the project in accordance with good international industry practice, taking into consideration safety risks to third parties or affected communities. Environmental Code of Practice (ECP) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Soil Quality |
| Impact Source | |
| Potential Impacts | Accidental release of solvents, oils and lubricants can potentially result in the contamination of soil and consequent deterioration of groundwater and surface water quality. Soil contamination may also reduce the soil fertility reducing suitability for agriculture. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Fuel tanks will be appropriately marked by content and will be stored in safe areas where storage capacity is 10% greater than the fuel tank. The area will be lined with an impervious base.
Grease traps will be installed on site, wherever needed, to prevent the flow of oily water. Spill cleaning kit (shovels, plastic bags, absorbent materials) will be available near fuel and oil storage areas. An emergency plan for spill management will be prepared, all staff will be trained in the plan for the case |
| Environmental Issue | Soil Erosion |
| Impact Source | |
| Potential Impacts | Land clearing, excavation, tunnel boring, and other construction activities may loosen the top soil in the Project area resulting in loss of soil and possible acceleration of soil erosion and landslides, especially in the wet season. |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Vegetation loss will be limited to the demarcated construction area;
Areas such as muck disposal area, batching plant, labor camp and quarry sites shall be covered with grass and shrubs after project completion. Slope stabilization measures will be adopted, for example adequate vertical and horizontal drains, drainage along roadsides, cross drainage and retaining walls. Slope movements will be monitored around excavation work areas. Local species shall be selected for planting to restore the biodiversity of the area in consultation with local stakeholders. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| Environmental Issue | Noise |
| Impact Source | Overall construction activities |
| Potential Impacts | Noise Impacts |
| Proposed Mitigation and Enhancement Measures | Set and enforce standard daytime working hours, recommended to be 06:00 to 21:00
Maintain equipment and use low noise equipment and methods where feasible ECP 9 will be implemented. |
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
| of any spill.
The bottom of any soak pit or septic tank shall be at least 10 m above the groundwater table. The distance may be reduced, based on soil properties, if that distance will not result in contamination of groundwater. |
|
| Responsibility for Mitigation Implementation | Site Management Team |
RESULT:
Many factors were considered for the environment and social impact. The consequence and impact significance are also considered along with impact significance along with the mitigation measures. Likelihood of the impact also proves to be of great significance in the impact matrix. The category of the impacts was classified only based on rough estimation. Numerical data is not available for this construction activity and hence numerical analyses are not provided in this study.
Local impacts and mitigation measures which are negligible are not mentioned in this paper for which mitigation measures were provided then and there. Data from Environmental safety Impact Assessment (ESIA) report submitted by Green Tech Construction and Engineering was only considered in preparing this paper.
This paper however delineates the application of Environmental safety Impact Assessment (ESIA) and how mitigation measures are provided through Environmental Social Management System (ESMS) in a construction activity.
Data Availability:
Some or all data, models, or code used during the study were provided by Green Tech Constructions and Engineering, Kabul, Afghanistan. Direct request for these materials may be made to the provider as indicated in the AcknowledgmentsIdentify the Headings
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