41614-023: assam power sector enhancement investment ......the proposed assam power sector...

Environmental Monitoring Report

This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Project Number: 41614-023 January 2019 Period: January 2018 – June 2018

IND: Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program - Tranche 1

Submitted by

Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Guwahati

From: [email protected] on behalf of adbworks. aegcl <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 5:22 PM To: Jyotirmoy Banerjee Cc: Michael Gomes Subject: Re: EMR Loan 2592- Critical and Very urgent Dear Sir, As per the observations, the revised environmental monitoring report for the reporting period January to June 2018 for the loan 2592-IND is attached (Modification done in the footer note of page no.4). Regards, ADB Cell, O/o the MD,AEGCL, Bijulee Bhawan, Paltanbazar,Guwahati

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

This environmental safeguard monitoring report is a document of the borrower and made publicly available in accordance with ADB’s Public Communications Policy 2011 and the Safeguard Policy Statement 2009. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff.

Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report

Reporting Period: January - June 2018

Loan No.:2592 - Tranche 1

Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program Prepared by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited for the Asian Development Bank

Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program Loan No. 2592 (Tranche – 1)

Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report January - June 2018

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sl. No. Contents Page No.

Abbreviations iii 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Brief Project Description 1 1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule 3

A. Progress Status 3 B. Implementation Schedule 5

2.0 Compliance to National Regulations 8 3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement 9 4.0 Compliance to Safeguards Management Plan 9 5.0 Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts 15

A. Environmental Monitoring Schedule 15 B. Environmental Monitoring Parameters 15 C. Environmental Monitoring Status 16

6.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from Stakeholders

16

7.0 Institutional Arrangement 17 8.0 Public Consultation and Site Visits Undertaken 17 9.0 Review Meetings 17 10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 17

ANNEXURES Annexure No. Annexure Description Page No.

Annexure1 Photographs of Site Visit 19

LIST OF TABLES Table No. Description Page No.

1.0 Sub-Projects under Tranche 1 2 2.0 Progress Status (Substation) 3 2.1 Progress Status (Transmission Lines) 3 3.0 Package Wise Progress Details 6 4.0 Applicable Acts and Legislations to the Project 8 5.0 Environmental Covenants 9 6.0 Compliance to Safeguards Management Plan (Tranche1 Subprojects) 10 7.0 Environmental Monitoring Schedule for Tranche 1 15 8.0 Environmental Monitoring Parameters 15



iii

ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank

ADH Assam Department of Health AEGCL Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. APCB Assam Pollution Control Board ASEB Assam State Electricity Board

ASI Archaeological Survey of India CPCB Central Pollution Control Board dB Decibels EARF Environmental Assessment and Review Framework EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMA Environment Monitoring Agency EMP Environmental Management Plan

ESMC Environmental and Social Management Cell ESMU Environmental and Social Management Unit GHG Greenhouse Gas GoA Government of Assam

GoI Government of India

GRC Grievance Redressal Committee IA Implementing Agency IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IS Indian Standard Ltd. Limited MFF Multi-Tranche Financing Facility

NO2 Nitrogen dioxide PAP Project Affected Persons PM10 Particulate Matter (Size less than 10 µm) PM2.5 Particulate Matter (Size less than 2.5 µm) PMU Project Management Unit RoW Right of Way S/S Substation SEIA Summary Environmental Impact Assessment SIEE Summary Initial Environmental Examination SO2 Sulphur dioxide T&D Transmission and Distribution

Electrical Terminology V Volt Unit of Voltage kV Kilovolt 1000 volts W Watt Unit of active power kW Kilowatt 1000 watts MW Megawatt 1000 kW MWh Megawatt hour Unit of energy VA Volt ampere Unit of apparent power MVA Million-volt ampere 106 VA Transmission System

400kV, 220kV, 132kV and/or 66kV lines supplying (incoming & outgoing feeder) grid substations (Substation) with primary voltage of 400kV, 220kV, 132kV, or 66kV

LILO Line – in – Line - Out



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1.0 Introduction 1. The Government of India and Government of Assam have requested Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide US$200 million loan funding via a Multi-Tranche Financing Facility (MFF) to support continued investment in power sector in the state of Assam. 2. The project is implemented in three Tranches, namely Tranche 1, Tranche 2 and Tranche 3. The original Loan Agreement (LOAN NUMBER 2592 - IND) for Tranche 1 was signed on 15 February 2010 between Government of India (GoI) and ADB. Subsequently, Loan Agreements (LOAN NUMBER 2677 - IND) for Tranche 2 and (LOAN NUMBER 2800 - IND) for Tranche 3 were signed on 17 January 2011 and 27 February 2012, respectively between GoI and ADB. 3. As per the original Loan Agreement ADB agreed to make GoI the Borrower of the loan on the terms and conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement, but only on the condition that the proceeds of the Loan be made available to the State and through the State [Government of Assam (GoA)] to Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB). ASEB was the Executing Agency (EA) for all the three tranches. The Borrower in its letter of 11 June 2014 informed ADB of the dissolution of erstwhile EA (ASEB) for the Projects and its replacement with successive entities, namely the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) and Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL). The Borrower further requested ADB to accordingly make the relevant change in the EAs as AEGCL for Tranche 1 and 2, and APDCL for Tranche 3. ADB approved the request and communicated to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, GoI on 5 August 2014 for Amendment related to Minor Change in MFF. 4. As per the amendment, GoA and AEGCL are the Executing Agencies (EA); and AEGCL is the Implementing Agency (IA) for Tranche 1 and Tranche 2. For Tranche 3, GoA and APDCL are the EA and APDCL is the IA. 5. The power sector investments are necessary to support continued investment in the state power sector, which is critical for economic growth and poverty reduction. The MFF will partly finance the expansion and augmentation of the transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. The proposed investments are essential to: (i) facilitate increased power transfers to accommodate increased demand and economic growth; (ii) improve supply-side energy efficiency by system de-bottlenecking and reducing technical losses; (iii) reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions via improved system efficiency; (iv) support expanded private sector participation in distribution system operations and other energy services; and (v) facilitate poverty reduction via improved electricity services and economic growth. 6. These environmental safeguards monitoring report provides information pertaining to Tranche 1 for the period January – June 2018. 1.1 Brief Project Description 7. The proposed Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Program which is being processed under ADB’s Multi-Tranche Financing Facility (MFF) would have the following components in Tranche 1. Part A: 220/132 kV Sub-stations Part B: 132/33kV Sub-stations Part C: 220kV Transmission lines Part D: 132kV Transmission line Part E: Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power

compensation Part F: OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)



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Part G: Capacity Development Program Table No. 1.0 presents the details of Sub-Projects under Tranche 1.

Table No.1.0: Sub-Projects under Tranche 1 Sl.No. Name of the Sub-Project

Part A: 220/132 kV sub-stations MVA

1 2x100 MVA 220/132 kV Substation at Rangia 200 Part B: 132/33 kV sub-stations 1 2x40 MVA 132/33 kV Kamalpur grid Substation 80 2 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Nagaon grid Substation 50 3 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Sonari grid Substation 50 4 2x40 MVA 132/33 kV Behiating grid Substation 80 5 2x25 MVA 132/33 kV Rupai grid Substation 50 Part C: 220 kV transmission lines Length (Km)

1 220 kV Double Circuit Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) –Rangia

163.187

Part D: 132 kV transmission lines Length (Km)

1 132 kV Single Circuit Samaguri – Nagaon on Double Circuit Towers 41.923

2 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Rupai from 132 kV Double Circuit Tinsukia – Margherita line 29.662

3 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Kamalpur from 132 kV Double Circuit Rangia – Kahilipara / Sishugram line 0.541

4 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Behiating LILO from 132 kV Dibrugarh – Moran line 0.642

5 132 kV Double Circuit LILO at Sonari from 132 kV Lakwa – Namrup line 4.254

Part E: Augmentation, Extension and refurbishment of existing sub-stations and reactive power compensation

1 220/132 kV Salakati grid Substation – Construction of 220 kV line bays 2 220/132/33 kV Samaguri grid Substation – Construction of 132 kV line bays This Package is complete and Line Bays at both the Substations were commissioned on 30 March 2013. Part F: OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)

Part G: Capacity Development Program Training programmes to enhance the capacity building for EA/IA officials were conducted on 21st November, 2014 at Guwahati and on 12th December, 2014 at Jorhat.



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1.2 Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule

A. Progress Status 8. The updated project progress status of the Substations and Transmission Lines from January - June 2018 under Tranche 1 are given below in Table 2.0 and Table 2.1, respectively:

Table No. 2.0: Progress Status (Substations)

Sl.

No. Name of Sub-Project Status

Construction of new 220/132 kV Substations

(Contractor: M/S ABB Ltd.)

1 Rangia grid Substation.

(3.33 ha of AEGCL barren land acquired)

• This substation was charged on 24thJune, 2013 and is under operation.

2

Construction of new 132/33 kV Substations

(Contractor: M/S Techno Electric & Engineering Co. Ltd.)

A. Kamalpur grid Substation

(1.93 ha of Private land acquired)

• This substation was charged from 29th November 2016 and is under operation.

B. Nagaon grid Substation

(3.06 ha of Govt. land acquired) • This substation charged from 08thMarch 2014 and is

under operation.

C. Sonari grid Substation

(3.33 ha of Govt. land acquired) • This substation charged from 16thFebruary, 2014 and is

under operation.

D. Behiating grid Substation

(6.8ha of Private land acquired) • This substation charged from 16thFebruary, 2014 and is

under operation.

E. Rupai grid Substation

(5.33 ha of AEGCL land acquired)

• This substation charged from February 2015 and is under operation.

Table No. 2.1: Progress Status (Transmission Lines)

Sl.


1.

Construction of new 220kV D/C

Transmission line Salakati

(BTPS) - Rangia –163.187Km (Previous Contractor: M/S Jyoti

Structures Ltd. (Terminated))

Package 1 Pile foundation work at Loc No. 101, 102, 243, 91/0& 244 (M/S Raju Basumatary). Package 2 Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 100 to 105 & 113 to 121 (M/S Abu Bakkar Siddik). Package3Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 170 to

• The original Contract for this work was terminated with M/S Jyoti Structure on 31st October 2017. For the remaining work, the scope was divided into seven (7) small packages with a target date of completion by 31st March 2018.

• The overall progress as on 31st October 2017: Tower foundation work completed (99.22%); erection work completed (98.83%); and stringing activities completed up to 65.18%.

• The overall package-wise progress till this reporting period is: Tower foundation work completed (99.41%); and erection work (99.03%); and stringing activities completed up to 82.7%.



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Sl.


178, 224 to 229 & 240 to 246 (M/S Abu Bakkar Siddik) Package 4 Stringing work at Loc No. 246 to 253, 300 to 309 & 331 to 342 (M/S Abu Bakkar Siddik) Package 5 Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 264 to 295 (M/S Rutul Ali). Package 6 Stringing work at Loc No. 347 to 375 & 381 to 385 (M/S Rutul Ali). Package 7 Stringing work at Loc No. 392 to 431, 482 to 4841, 493 to 496 & 500 to 508 (M/S Rutul Ali).

• Package1: Loc 101, 102, 244 & 91/0 is complete. Work is in progress at Loc. 243.

• Package 2: Loc No. 100 to 105 shall be executed after completion of pile foundation work, tower at Loc 101 erected, Loc 113 to 120, stringing work is complete.

• Package 3: Loc No. 170 to 178 is complete, Loc No. 224 to 229: work yet to commence, Loc No. 240 to 246 shall be executed after completion of pile foundation work at Loc No. 243 & 244.

• Package 4: At Loc No. 246 to 253 stringing is in progress (completed at Loc 249-252). At Loc No. 300 to 309 stringing is in progress, but complete at Loc249-252. At Loc No. 331-342, survey is in progress.

• Package 5: Work yet to commence. • Package 6:Work (75%) is complete. • Package 7: All work complete.

2.

Construction of new 132kV Transmission lines.

(Contractor: M/S ECI Engineering and Construction Company Ltd.)

A.

132 kV Single Circuit

Samaguri – Nagaon on

Double Circuit Towers –

41.923Kms.

• This transmission line charged since December 2013 and is under operation.

B.

132 kV Double Circuit LILO

at Rupai from 132 kV

Double Circuit Tinsukia –

Margherita line - 29.662Km.

• This transmission line charged since 30th June, 2015and is under operation.

C.


at Kamalpur from 132 kV

Double Circuit Rangia –

Kahilipara / Sishugram line

–0.541Km.

• This transmission line is charged since November 2016 and is under operation.

D.


at Behiating LILO from 132

kV Dibrugarh – Moran line –

0.642 Km.

• The transmission line charged since January 2014 and is under operation.

E.


at Sonarifrom 132 kV Lakwa

– Namrup line –4.254Km.

• The transmission line charged since February 2014 and is under operation.

3. Extension, Augmentation and Refurbishment of existing grid Substations.

1 In Previous ESMR (July-December 2017) it was mentioned that jungle clearance is required between Loc. No. 482 to 484. However, the

mentioned statement (Jungle Clearance) does not involve any Reserve Forest or any Protected Areas and thus not require any clearance from the forest statutory body. The word “Jungle Clearance” in the statement given in previous ESMR (July-December 2017) was referred for clearing of the overgrown shrubs and trees on private land for which requisite permission is not applicable. The compensation to the individual land owners has been made in certification to circle officer.



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Sl.


A.

220/132 kV Salakati grid Substation – Construction of 220 kV line bays. • This Package is complete and Line Bays at both the

Substations were commissioned on 30th March 2013. B.

220/132/33 kV Samaguri grid Substation – Construction of 132 kV line bays.

B. Implementation Schedule

9. As per the Tranche 1 work plan, all activities were scheduled to be completed within 36 months from effective date of project approval from ADB. Package wise contract details and progress status are provided below in Table 3.0.



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Table No. 3.0: Package-wise Progress Details

Package No.

Sub projects under this package

Contractor Contract

Award Date

Contact Completion Date

(Revised)

Cumulative % Progress

Remarks

A 220/132kV Rangia S/S M/S ABB Ltd. 22.12.2010 31.03.2013 100% Charged on 24th June 2013

B

132/33kV Nagaon M/S Techno Electric & Engineering Co Ltd

10.02.2011 31.12.2016 (5th Revision) 100%

Charged on 8th March 2014 132/33 kV Sonari Charged on 16th February 2014 132/33 kV Behiating Charged on 16th February 2014 132/33 kV Rupai Charged in April 2014 132/33 kV Kamalpur Charged in November 2016

C 220kV Salakati - Rangia T/L

M/S Jyoti Structures Ltd. 25.11.2010 31.10.2017

(Terminated) 92.49% Contract with M/S Jyoti Structure Ltd was terminated on 31stOctober 2017.

Balance Work for New 220kV Transmission Line (Salakati – Rangia)

Package 1

Pile foundation work at Loc No. 101, 102, 243 & 244

M/S Raju Basumatary 26.12.2017 15.03.2018 98.00% i)Loc 101, 102, 244 & 91/0 is complete.

ii)Work is in progress at Loc. 243.

Package 2

Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 100 to 105 & 113 to 121

M/S Abu Bakkar Siddik 11.12.2017 31.01.2018 60.00%

i) Tower at Loc 101 erected. ii) Loc 113 to 120, stringing work is complete.

Package 3

Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 170 to 178, 224 to 229 & 240 to 246


i) Loc No. 170 to 178 iscompleted ii) Loc No. 224 to 229, work yet to commence. iii) Loc No. 240 to 246, shall be executed after completion ofPile foundation work at Loc No. 243 & 244.

Package 4 Stringing work at Loc No. 246 to 253, 300 to 309 & 331 to 342


i) At Loc No. 246 to 253 stringing is in progress (completed at Loc 249-252) ii) At Loc No. 300 to 309, stringing is in progress. iii) At Loc No. 331 to 342, survey is in progress.

Package 5

Stringing & Tower Erection work at Loc No. 264 to 295

M/S Rutul Ali 11.12.2017 31.01.2018 NIL i) Work yet to commence.



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Package 6 Stringing work at Loc No. 347 to 375 & 381 to 385 M/S Rutul Ali 11.12.2017 31.01.2018 75.03% i) Stringing work is in progress.

Package 7

Stringing work at Loc No. 392 to 431, 482 to 484, 493 to 496 & 500 to 508

M/S Rutul Ali 11.12.2017 31.01.2018 100.00% i) This package is complete in all respects.

D

132kV Samaguri Nagaon T/L M/S ECI

Engineering and Construction Company Ltd

26.11.2010 31.03.2016 (3rd Revision) 100%

Charged in December 2013

132kV Rupai LILO Charged in June 2015 132kV Behiating LILO Charged in January 2014 132kV Sonari LILO Charged in February 2014 132kV Kamalpur LILO Charged in November 2016

E

Augmentation of Existing Substation

M/S PSC Electric Ltd. 16.03.2011 31.03.2013 100%

This Package is complete and Line Bays at both the Substations were commissioned on 30th March 2013.

220/132 kV Salakati grid Substation – Construction of 220 kV line bays. 220/132/33 kV Samaguri grid Substation – Construction of 132 kV line bays.

F OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)

M/S LS Cable & System, Korea

10.11.2011 30.03.2016 (6th Revision) 100% This package completed on 24th June

2016.



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2.0 Compliance to National Regulations 10. The relevant Acts and Legislations applicable to the project are given in the Table No.4.0

Table No. 4.0: Applicable Acts and Legislations to the Project

Act/Rule/Notification Year Objectives Compliance

Status

The Environment (Protection) Act The Environment (Protection) Rules

1986

1986

To protect and improve the overall environment. Complied

Indian Forest Act

Forest (Conservation) Act

Forest (Conservation) Rules

Forest Conservation Rules (Notification)

1927

1980

1981

2003

To consolidate the laws related to forest, the transit of forest produce and the duty levy able on timber and other forest produce. Conservation of Forests, Judicious use of forestland for non-forestry purposes; and to replenish the loss of forest cover by Compensatory Afforestation on degraded forestland and non-forest land. Procedure for submission of the proposals seeking approval for Central Government for diversion of forestland to non-forest purposes.

Not Applicable

No Forest

Land is involved in the project.

Wild Life (Protection) Act

The WildLife (Protection) Amendment Act

1972

2002

To protect wildlife in general and National Parks and Sanctuaries in particulars. To protect wild animals, birds and plants with a view to ensure the ecological and environmental security of the country

Not Applicable

No Wildlife Protected

area is involved in the project.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974

To control water pollution by controlling discharge of pollutants as per prescribed standards

Complied

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981

To control air pollution by controlling emission of air pollutants as per prescribed standards

Complied

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules

2000

2006

To regulate and control noise producing and generating sources with the objective of maintaining the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise

Complied

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remain Act

1958

To provide for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance and protection sculptures, carvings and other like objects.

Not Applicable No ASI site identified so

far

The Electricity Act 2003

Although the Act does not explicitly deal with environmental implications of activities related to power generation, transmission and distribution. However, ASEB integrates environment protection as a part of its project activities.

Complied



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3.0 Compliance to Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement

11. Table 5.0 shows the applicable Environmental Covenants from the ADB Loan Agreement.

Table No.5.0: Environmental Covenants

Product Schedule

Para No.

Description Remarks/Issues

Loan 2592 5 18

The State through ASEB shall ensure that the Subprojects under the Project are undertaken and that all Project facilities are designed, implemented, operated and maintained in accordance with all applicable laws, and regulations of the Borrower, the State, and ADB's Environment Policy 2002, and the EARF. The State shall ensure that all associated projects will be constructed and commissioned in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Borrower.

It is being complied as per ADB's Environment Policy (2002), as set out in the EARF. The EMP is being implemented in accordance with applicable laws and regulations of GoI, GoA, and the ADB guidelines. Further an environment monitoring agency was engaged to carry out the regular environmental monitoring as set out in the EMP. The environmental monitoring has been planned and carried out in all three phases: pre- construction, construction and post construction.

Loan 2592 5 19

For each Subproject, ASEB shall cause the IA to prepare and implement the necessary IEE/EIA as applicable, and EMP (with budget) in accordance with the EARF. For Subprojects, the environmental categorization and assessment procedures defined in the EARF shall be followed. For any environment category A or B sensitive Subproject, a SEIA/SIEE as applicable shall be prepared and made available to the public 120 days before the Subproject is submitted to ADB for approval. ASEB through the IA shall monitor, audit, and report to ADB twice a year on the implementation of the EMPs for each Subproject.

It is being complied with. The project falls under category B and IEE for the subprojects has been prepared accordingly. Consultant supporting ESMU in PMU, is internally monitoring the EMP implementation and submitting quarterly progress reports to PMU. Further an environment monitoring agency is in place, and carrying out environmental monitoring regularly as set out in the EMP for pre- construction, construction and post construction phases.

4.0 Compliance to Safeguards Management Plan

12. Based on the Environmental Management Plan, the compliance status on environmental issues in Tranche 1 subprojects during Construction and Operation & Maintenance phases, has been prepared and presented in Table No. 6.0



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Table No. 6.0: Compliance to Safeguards Management Plan (Tranche 1 Subprojects)

Project Activity Environmental

Issues Management / Mitigation Measures

Responsibility Compliance Status/

Remarks

Planning/ Implementation

Monitoring/ Supervision

Construction Phase

Equipment layout and installation Noise and vibrations

Construction techniques and machinery selection to minimize noise and vibration. Noise to be limited to 70 dB (A) at site boundaries. Environmental and Social Management Cell (ESMC) of Project Management Unit (PMU) to conduct periodic spot checks to confirm compliance.

Construction Contractor

PMU/ESMC

APCB

Environmental and Social Management Cell (ESMC) of PMU conducted periodic spot checks to confirm compliance. Being complied. The noise level monitoring was carried by the environment monitoring agency (ENGECORC, Guwahati) on regular basis.

Physical construction (manual labour)

Disturbance of farming activity

Construction activities on cropping land timed to avoid disturbance of field crops (within one month of harvest wherever possible).


PMU/ESMC

ADEF Being complied. Contractors are avoiding disturbance to field crops.

Mechanized construction

Noise, vibration, and operator safety, equipment wear and tear

Construction equipment to be maintained in accordance with GOI standards for noise exposure to workers. Equipment to be shut off when not in use.


PMU/ESMC

APCB

Being complied. Noise level monitoring was conducted by environment monitoring agency as per monitoring scheduled agreement.

Substation site clearance

Removal of trees and other vegetation

Marking of trees / vegetation to be removed prior to clearance, and strict control on clearing activities to ensure minimal clearance.


PMU/ESMC

ADEF

Being complied. Enumeration of trees / vegetation to be removed prior to clearance, to ensure minimal clearance.

Trimming /cutting of trees within Right-of-Way(RoW)

Fire hazards Temporary loss of vegetation and permanent deforestation

Trees allowed growing up to a height within the RoW by maintaining adequate clearance between the top of tree and the conductor as per transmission design standards. Trees that can survive pruning to comply with vertical and horizontal separation requirements should be pruned instead of cleared. Felled trees and other cleared or pruned vegetation to be disposed of as authorized


PMU/ESMC

ADEF

Being complied. Adequate clearance between the top of tree and the conductor as per transmission design standards being maintained within RoW.



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Remarks



by ADEF

Wood /vegetation harvesting

Temporary loss of vegetation and permanent deforestation

Construction workers prohibited from harvesting wood in the project area (apart from locally employed staff continuing current legal activities).


PMU/ESMC

ADEF Being complied. Contractors are using gas/ kerosene for cooking.

Temporary encroachment into farmland

Temporary loss of agricultural productivity

Use existing access roads wherever possible. Ensure existing irrigation facilities are maintained in working condition. Protect/preserve top soil and reinstate after construction completed. Repair/reinstate any damaged bunds after construction completed.

AEGCL/PMU APCB

Wherever possible existing access roads are being used. Farmers were compensated wherever temporary lands are being encroached. Top soil is being preserved and reused for filling.

Social inequities Compensation for temporary loss in agricultural production as per resettlement plan

AEGCL/PMU ADB Being complied.

Ambient air quality and noise level and Water quality

Dust, exhaust, & noise emissions from construction equipment. Noise impacts on nearby communities& construction workers

Controlled construction activities & maintenance of machineries, timely scheduling of construction activities to avoid nuisance to nearby communities. Construction equipment to meet GOI emissions & noise standards. Water sprays to be used for dust control as necessary.


PMU /ESMC APCB

Being complied. Monitoring of air, water and noise was conducted by the environment monitoring agency as per GoI guidelines.

Storage of chemicals and any hazardous materials

Possible spills resulting in contamination land, water, and air

Fuel and any other hazardous materials will be securely stored to prevent spills. Contractors to provide spill response kit in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals and hazardous materials.


PMU /ESMC APCB

Being complied. Contractors are storing oils and fuels on cemented floor to prevent spills leading to contamination of surface&ground water and land.

Construction equipment maintenance

Industrial waste water from maintenance may cause petroleum and detergent contamination of soil and water

Construction contractor to provide sedimentation and biological treatment if necessary

Construction contractor

PMU/ESMC

APCB

Construction equipment maintenance to prevent soil and water contamination.



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Remarks



Construction schedules Noise nuisance to neighbouring properties

Construction activities only undertaken during the day and local communities informed of the construction schedule.


PMU /ESMC APCB

Being complied. Monitoring of noise levels was undertaken by the environment monitoring agency as per GoI guidelines.

Health and safety Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public

Contract provisions specifying minimum sanitation, health, and safety requirements for construction camps. Contractor to prepare and implement a health and safety plan including worker training and daily/weekly briefings.


PMU/ESMC

APCB, ASSAM DEPARTMET OF HEALTH

Being complied. Contractors are regularly using Personnel Protective Equipment’s during construction time. First aid box and fire extinguisher are kept at work site.

Provision of Sanitary facilities for construction workers

Potential BOD and fecal coli form contamination

Construction workforce facilities to include proper sanitation, water supply, waste disposal facilities, including primary treatment for domestic sewage and secure disposal of domestic solid wastes.


PMU /ESMC APCB

Being complied. Contractors are providing sanitary and waste disposal facilities at construction camp.

Construction waste management

Air, soil, and water pollution due to inadequate management and control

Construction wastes to be managed in accordance with GOI standards & industry best practices. Waste lubricating oils to be disposed or recycled off-site by licensed service companies. Transformer oils to be returned to vendors via existing arrangements for transformer maintenance. Scrap steel & other salvaged materials to be auctioned and disposed / recycled off-site by licensed vendors.


PMU /ESMC APCB

ADB Review Mission

Being complied. Construction waste is being managed properly.

Construction Stage Monitoring

Inadequate Monitoring and Mitigation leading to environmental impairments at and around project sites

Training of AEGCL/PMU/ESMC staff Implementation of effective environmental monitoring and reporting system using checklist of all contractual environmental requirements.

PMU/ESMC and safeguard

consultants APCB

Training of AEGCL/PMU/ESMC staff conducted. Environmental monitoring and reporting being carried out.

Operation and Maintenance Phase



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Remarks



Design and location of substations and transmission towers

Exposure to noise and other safety related risks

Set back of dwellings to overhead line route designed in accordance with transmission design standards Buffer zones and across control at substations. Transmission line design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference from overhead power lines

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMC APCB

Being complied Transmission line designs are of desired standards.

Provision of staff/workers health and safety during operations

Injury and sickness of staff and other workers Soil and water contamination from domestic wastewater and solid wastes

Best design practices will be followed to minimize hazards. Housekeeping and maintenance at substation in accordance with GOI standards and industry best practices. Safety and awareness for staff. Preparation of fire emergency action plan and relevant staff training Provide adequate sanitation, water supply, wastewater control, and solid waste management facilities

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU

APCB, ASSAM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Being complied Sanitation facilities, drinking water and safety facilities are in place. Housekeeping and maintenance also being done as per guidelines.

Electric shock hazards Injury/mortality to staff and public

Careful design using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards Barriers to prevent climbing on/dismantling of transmission towers. Appropriate warning signs on facilities. Electricity safety awareness raising in project areas.

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU

APCB, ASSAM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Substations and transmission towers have been designed by using appropriate technologies to minimize hazards. Electrical safety sign boards are installed. Rubber mats, fire extinguisher, sand buckets and PPE are available in substations.

Fire and explosion hazards

Loss of property and health hazards

Maintaining adequate clearance from conductors and ground vegetation, adequate safety design in substations to avoid fire hazards due to flashovers

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU APCB

Adequate clearance between the top of tree and the conductor as per transmission design standards being maintained within RoW.

Industrial waste generation

Potential soil and water contamination

Waste to be managed in accordance with GOI standards and industry best practices. Waste lubrication oils to be disposed or recycled off- site by licensed service companies.

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU

APCB ADB review Mission

Industrial waste shall be managed properly in accordance with applicable laws.



14




Remarks



Transformer oils to be returned to vendors via existing arrangements for transformer maintenance Scrap steel and other salvaged material to be auctioned and disposed/recycled off site by licensed vendors.

Transmission line maintenance

Exposure to electromagnetic interference

Transmission line design to comply with the limits of electromagnetic interference from overhead power lines.

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU ADEF, APCB Being complied.

Operation and maintenance staff skills

Potential list time accidents and injuries, and possible environmental losses of various types

Adequate training in O&M to all relevant staff of transmission line and substation maintenance crews Preparation and training in the use of O&M manuals and standards operation practices

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU

APCB, other relevant state agencies

Being complied.

Periodic environmental monitoring

Inadequate monitoring may result in diminished ecological and social values

AEGCL/PMU staff to receive training in environmental monitoring of project operations and maintenance activities

AEGCL/PMU/ ESMU

ADB review missions

Pre-construction, construction and post construction environmental monitoring conducted by the environmental monitoring agency.



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5.0 Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts

A. Environmental Monitoring Schedule 13. In order to comply with requirements of Environmental monitoring an external environmental monitoring agency (M/s En Geo Consultancy & Research Centre, Guwahati) was hired by PMU to carry out the environmental monitoring of air and water quality and noise levels during pre-construction, construction and post-construction stages. The primary responsibility of the environmental monitoring agency was to test, analyse, and report the impacts of transmission lines and substation projects on air, ground and surface water, and noise levels. 14. Since the civil construction works under the project are minimal, hence, the environmental monitoring for ambient air and, water quality and noise levels during various stages – pre-construction, construction and post construction was undertaken for Tranche 1 as per schedule. (Refer Table 7.0).

Table No. 7.0: Environmental Monitoring Schedule for Tranche 1

Sl. No.

Parameters Locations Frequency As per IEE

Monitoring Conducted

Construction Period

1 Ambient Air quality monitoring

All substation Sites and selected transmission lines.

Every 6 months, beginning with initial activity, for total of 18 months

At Substations: Twice during construction At Transmission lines: Once during pre-construction; Twice during construction

2 Ambient Noise level monitoring

3 Water quality monitoring

Operation and Maintenance Period

1 Ambient Air quality monitoring

All substations and transmission lines

As necessary based on inspections and complaints

At Transmission lines: Once during post construction

2 Ambient Noise level monitoring

3 Water quality monitoring

B. Environmental Monitoring Parameters 15. The details of parameters for ambient air, water and noise being monitored by external environmental monitoring agency are given below in Table 8.0.

Table No.8.0: Environmental Monitoring Parameters

Sl.

No.

Environmental Parameters Analytical Parameters

1 Air Quality Monitoring PM10, PM2.5 ,SO2, NO2 2 Ground Water Quality Monitoring pH, Turbidity (NTU), Specific Conductance (micro

mhos/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Total Hardness (as CaCO3), Calcium (as Ca), Magnesium (as Mg), Chlorides (as Cl), Sulphates (as SO4), Nitrates (as NO2), Fluoride (as F), Arsenic (as As), Selenium (as Se), Cadmium (as Cd), Copper (as Cu), Lead (as Pb), Zinc (as Zn).

3 Surface Water Quality Monitoring Colour (Hazen Units), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Iron (as Fe), Chlorides (as Cl), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Copper (as Cu), Total Chromium (as Cr), Sulphate (as SO4), Nitrates (as NO3), Fluoride (as F), Total Coliform (MPN/100ml), Cadmium (as Cd), Selenium (as Se), Arsenic (as As), Lead (as Pb), Zinc (as Zn), Chromium (as Cr+6), Phenolic compounds (as C6,H5OH, Oil & Grease).



16

Sl.

No.

Environmental Parameters Analytical Parameters

4 Noise Level Monitoring Day and Night time

C. Environmental Monitoring Status

16. The environmental monitoring for ambient air and water quality and noise levels has been conducted and details are as follows:

Substation: Environmental monitoring was conducted twice during construction stage in November 2013 and April 2014.

Transmission lines: Environmental monitoring conducted once during pre-construction stage between December 2012 and January 2013; twice during construction stage in November 2013 and April 2014, and once during post construction stage (November 2015 to January 2016). 6.0 Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from

Stakeholders 17. There are five (5) circles under AEGCL for substations and T/Ls. One Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) cell at each Circle level has been formed (i) to provide support to affected persons (APs) on problems arising from the environmental activities. (ii) record grievances of the APs and resolve them; and (iii) review grievances involving benefits like compensation for private tree loss and assistance to AP’s. A directive in this regard from Director (PMU), ASEB dated January 19, 2012 have been issued to AEGCL and APDCL, who are the Implementing Agencies of the MFF. GRC at circle levels are formed and Project Authorities are the Chairman of respective circles to comply the grievances regarding environmental activities if any. The GRC constitutes representatives of

i. Concerned Project Authority (IA) Chairman of the committee ii. One official from the o/o the concerned

District Magistrate or SDM (Civil) Member iii. Concerned Circle Officer or his representative Member iv. Concerned Project Manager (IA) Member v. Deputy General Manager (PMU), APDCL Member vi. AGM, Environment & Social Management Unit (ESMU) Member vii. Land Acquisition Officer (LAO), AEGCL Member viii. Affected Person(s)/Gaon Burha Member 18. Grievance Redress Committees (GRC)’s mandate is to monitor subprojects; and the implementation for each subproject affected area. The GRC will determine the merit of each grievance and resolve grievances within an outer time limit of three months of receiving the complaint. The AP has the right to refer the grievances to appropriate courts of law if not satisfied with the redress at any stage of the process. The GRC maintains a system of records keeping, contact details of complainant, date of the complaint received, nature of grievance,etc. if any for the ongoing project and taking the necessary action against the complaint. During this reporting period no formal complaints or grievances were registered. 7.0 Institutional Arrangement



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19. The primary institutions involved in the project are: Government of Assam (GoA), Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd. (AEGCL), Project Management Unit (PMU), Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) at PMU Level and External Environmental Monitoring Agency. 20. For the Tranche-1, the AEGCL and Government of Assam are the executing agency (EA). The AEGCL also functions as the implementing agency (IA) for the project with a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU is assisted by an Environment and Social Management Unit (ESMU) to deal with the environmental and social safeguards issues. 21. The existing ESMU within the PMU/AEGCL, along with other engineering units, is to address all environmental and social issues of Tranche-1. The ESMU is headed by an Deputy Manager, who works closely with other staff of the PMU and assists the PMU in getting all necessary clearances and in the implementation of environmental management plan. The ESMU coordinates safeguard activities both at headquarter and PIU levels. All safeguards activities are managed and supervised by the Deputy Manager based at the Head Office. The ESMU is assisted by designated site engineers who are responsible for the field activities. 22. To support the ESMU the PMU has appointed an Environmental Safeguard Consultant. The Consultant’s responsibilities include advising and assisting the EA/IA in mitigating Social and Environmental issues and administration and implementation of measures in Environmental Management Plan, as required. During the reporting period, the Environmental Safeguard Consultant has been deployed on intermittent basis. 23. An external environmental monitoring agency was hired to carry out the monitoring during various phases of project actives in order to implement the environmental monitoring plan. External monitoring agencies carry out monitoring under supervision of the ESMU.

8.0 Public Consultation and Site Visits Undertaken

24. During this reporting period, a site visit to 220kV Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia Transmission line was carried out in June 2018 to check the progress of work and status of environmental compliance during stringing activity. The photographs and observations of site visit are given in Annexure 1.

9.0 Review Meetings

25. No review meeting was conducted during this reporting period.

10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

26. The scheduled construction of all the substations and transmission lines has been completed except for the 220kV D/C Transmission line Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia. This delay is attributed to the termination of the original contract with M/S Jyoti Structureon 31st October 2017. For the completion of the pending work, the T/L scope was sub-divided into seven packages with a deadline of 31st March 2018. The work is complete for package 7 and in progress for remaining six (6) packages. Because of standing crops and floods, the work is slow. Compliances to National Regulations and to Environmental Covenants as contained in ADB Loan Agreement are being met. The ESMU is monitoring the implementation of environmental safeguards measures being undertaken by the contractor on regular basis. A Grievance Redressal Committee has been constituted with due representation of the people residing near to the project site. The comparative analysis of environmental monitoring reports has been submitted by external environmental monitoring agency to PMU and it has been found out that no major impacts have resulted due to the construction activities undertaken in this project. While the execution of the subprojects meets the technical standards, there is scope for further improvement in areas such as personal safety



18

equipment used by workers, capacity building (safety training) of workers, management of labour camps and material storage. The EA needs to pay further attention to the implementation of EMP so as to comply with environmental regulations of the country and environment covenants of Loan Agreement.



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Annexure 1

Photographs of Site Visit

(220kV Salakati (BTPS) – Rangia)

Completion of stringing work(Tower Location 374)

(Adequate ground clearance for agricultural activity) Completion of stringing work(Tower Location 370)

(Sufficient clearance from trees)

Stringing work in progress (Tower Location 352, 351 and 350)

No tree cutting/pruning involved along the line.

41614-023: assam power sector enhancement investment ......the proposed assam power sector...

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