environmental monitoring report · o construction of new (220/132/11kv) gas insulated substation...

Environmental Monitoring Report Semi-annual Report Project Number: 50059-002 Loan/Grant Number: L3542 Period covered: Jul-Dec 2019

NEP: Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project Prepared by Nepal Electricity Authority Submission date:15 January 2020

This Environmental Monitoring Report is documents owned by 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 geographical are in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgement as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report Semi-annual Report From July, 2019 to December, 2019

NEPAL: POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Loan: 3542

Submitted To: Asian Development Bank Nepal Resident Mission Metropark, Kathmandu

Submitted By: Nepal Electricity Authority Project Management Directorate Matatirtha, Kathmandu Prepared By: Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Jade Consult Pvt. Ltd. Project Supervision Consultant

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

Semi-Annual Report July-December, 2019 Environmental Safeguard Monitoring Report

PTDEEP i NEA-PSC

Currency Equivalents

31 December2019

Currency unit – Nepalese Rupee (NRs) NRs. 1.00 = $ 0.0087443162 US $ 1.00 = NRs. 114.36


PTDEEP ii NEA-PSC

Executive Summary

Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency

Enhancement Project (PTDEEP) to enhance the transmission and distribution system and

improve reliability and quality of electric supply in the Kathmandu valley. This project is loaned

project of ADB and the project commissioning date is December 2021. Nepal Electricity Authority

(NEA) will serve as the Executing Agency (EA) and will implement all the activities under the

Asian Development Bank loan through its Project Management Directorate (PMD). The project

will contribute to Nepal’s distribution system strengthening in the Kathmandu Valley and other

major urban centers by scaling up distribution system efficiency and reliability, facilitating

adequate power supply to meet ever-growing energy needs of the valley, increasing service

reliability of the utility and building capacity for the overall distribution system development.

The Investment component and activities to be included in the project are:

Sub-project 1: Kathmandu Valley Transmission Capacity Reinforcement project Construction of new (132/22/11 kV GIS) substation at Mulpani Construction of new (132/22/11 kV GIS) substation at Phutung Construction of new (132/22/11 kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation at

Chapagaun Sub-project 2: Lapsiphedi and Changunarayan Substation Construction Project

o Construction of new (220/132/11kV) gas insulated substation (GIS) at Lapsiphedi. o Construction of new gas insulated substations (132/11kV) at Changunarayan o Construction of new (220 kV GIS) at substation Barhabise

Sub-project 3: Enhancement of Distribution networks in Kathmandu Valley

o Enhancement of Distribution networks in Central and Northern Region of Kathmandu Valley

o Enhancement of Distribution networks in Eastern and Southern Region of Kathmandu Valley

o Enhancement of Distribution networks in Western Region of Kathmandu Valley

Sub-project 4: Delivery of Distribution Transformers

Sub-project 5: Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers of Nepal o Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers in Eastern Region of Nepal o Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers in Western Region of

Nepal o Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers in Central Region of Nepal

Under the provision of Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1996, Environmental Protection Rules

(EPR), 1997 of Government of Nepal (GoN) and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009 Initial

Environmental Examination (IEE) has been conducted for the substations of subproject 1 and 2

and approved by the concern authorized body. After the approval of environmental assessment

i.e. IEE, subproject 1 and 2 of the project entered in the implementation phase. Land acquisition

has been completed except Chapagaun substation. However, Compensation for Mulpani SS,

Changunarayan SS and Lapsiphedi SS are under progress (major part completed). Land

acquisition for the Chapagaun substation is in the process of land price negotiation. Due to the

problems encountered during land acquisition for Chapagaon SS and alternate site at Harsiddhi,


PTDEEP iii NEA-PSC

location of the substation is likely to be shifted to 11kV Thimi Switching substation. Counter

survey, site levelling has been completed for Changunarayan, Mulapani and Phutung SS. But site

levelling work is ongoing for Lapsiphedi SS.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared to avoid, minimize and mitigate

potential negative impacts of the project and will be implemented in all stages (pre-construction,

construction and operation & maintenance) of the project. Currently project activities are in

different stages of document related prerequisites, land acquisition process, design and survey

work, contour survey, site leveling works and approval of design drawing. All the project activities

will be carried out in compliance with Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Compliance status

will be updated on further reports with the progress on construction activities. Regular monitoring

work will be carried out in order to make effective implementation. Environmental safeguard

related project activities are in compliance with covenants as regular follow up actions are being

taken.

The Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) have been established in different subprojects of PTDEEP and few grievances from affected population have already been recorded. The project manager forms GRC at district level for major grievances and project contractor and engineer address minor grievance at project site. Till date, thirteen grievances regarding environmental and social issues have been recorded. So far, 2 grievances are resolved and 1 grievance is partially resolved. Resolution of the 8 grievances is under process. However, remaining 2 grievances are basically unfeasible demand by the affected persons (APs).

Monitoring work should be carried out in time. GRC is formed at all subproject sites. Project to

ensure recording of grievances and respond as soon as possible.

The report intends to measure and demonstrate the compliance of various project activities with

EMP and applicable regulatory framework.


PTDEEP iv NEA-PSC

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AP Affected People

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

CBO Community Based Organization

DoED Department of Electricity Development

EMP Environmental Monitoring Plan

EMR Environmental Monitoring Report

EHSMP Environmental Health and Safety Management Plan

FGL Formation Ground Levelling

FY Fiscal Year

GIS Gas Insulated Substation

GoN Government of Nepal

GRC Grievance Redress Committee

GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism

Ha Hectare

HH Household

HIV Human Immune deficiency Virus

IEE Initial Environment Examination

kV Kilo Volt

KVDA Kathmandu Valley Development Authority

NEA Nepal Electricity Authority

NGO Non-governmental Organization

NPR Nepalese Rupees

OHS Occupation Health and Safety

OPGW Optical Ground Wire

PM Project Manager

PMD Project Management Directorate

PTDEEP Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project

RoW Right of Way

RP Resettlement Plan

R&R Rehabilitation and Resettlement

SF6 Sulphur Hexafluoride

SPS Safeguard Policy Statement

SS Substation

US United States


PTDEEP v NEA-PSC

Tables of Content Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... ii

Tables of Content ........................................................................................................................ v

List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. v

List of Figure ............................................................................................................................... v

List of Annex: ............................................................................................................................. vi

1. Background ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Project Description ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2. Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule ................................................ 2

1.2.1. Progress Status .................................................................................................... 2

1.2.2. Implementation Schedule ..................................................................................... 5

2. Compliance to National Regulations ................................................................................... 7

3. Compliance to Environmental Covenants from ADB Loan Agreement ................................ 7

4. Compliance to Environmental Management Plan ................................................................ 7

5. Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts ...............................................10

6. Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from Stakeholders .............................................................................................................................24

6.1. Grievance Redress Mechanism ..................................................................................24

7. Major Issues ......................................................................................................................26

7.1. Lapshiphedi, Changunarayan Substation Construction Project ...................................26

7.2. Kathmandu valley Transmission Line Reinforcement Construction Project .................26

7.3. Khimti-Bahrabise 200/400 kV Transmission Line Substation Project ..........................26

8. Conclusion and Recommendations ....................................................................................26

8.1. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................26

8.2. Recommendations ......................................................................................................27

List of Tables Table 1. 1: Details of Sub-projects and its components .............................................................. 1 Table 1. 2: Project progress status ............................................................................................. 2

Table 1.3: Progress status of Substation .................................................................................... 5 Table 1. 4: Implementation Schedule ......................................................................................... 6 Table 4. 1: Compliance status to Environmental Management Plan ........... Error! Bookmark not

defined.

Table 5.1: Activities and mitigation measures during Pre-construction Phase…………………...10 Table 5. 2: Construction activities and theri mitigation measures Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 6. 1: Environmental related recorded Grievances ............................................................24

List of Figure Figure 1: Monthly PM2.5 for 2018-19 ..........................................................................................10

Figure 2: Air Pollution Data of Kathmandu for 2019-12-22 ........................................................11


PTDEEP vi NEA-PSC

Figure 3: Air quality index map for Project Areas March 15, 2018 at 10:00AM ..........................11 Figure 4: Legend of Air Quality Index Map ................................................................................12

List of Annex: Annex 1: Status of compliance with loan and grants covenants Annex 2: Status of environmental safeguards during planning stage Annex3: Status of environmental safeguards during implementation stage


PTDEEP 1 NEA-PSC

1. Background

The Government of Nepal (GoN) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) negotiated the loan on

19th May, 2017 for Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project

(PTDEEP) and loan agreement was signed on 29th June 2017. The project is expected to be

completed by December 2021. The project will contribute to Nepal’s distribution system

reinforcement in the Kathmandu Valley and other major urban centers by scaling up distribution

system efficiency and reliability, facilitating adequate power supply to meet ever-growing energy

needs of the valley, increasing service reliability of the utility and building capacity for the overall

distribution system development.

The main aim of the Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project

(PTDEEP) is to enhance the distribution capacity and improve reliability and quality of electricity

supply in the Kathmandu valley by reducing distribution system overloads and technical and

commercial losses. This will be done through strengthening of the transmission grid capacity,

increase capacity, rehabilitating the distribution network in the project area and enhancing

operational and financial performance of NEA distribution centers.

1.1. Project Description

The project activity comprises (i) construction of six new substations, (ii) upgrading and burial of

distribution lines and other network components to the maximum extent possible, (iii) upgrading

of overhead distribution lines where burial is not possible, (iv) delivery of distribution transformers,

and (v) replacement of conventional meters with smart meters.

The PTDEEP project as a whole is categorized in five components. The details of project components along with its associated substation/ Distribution centers are mentioned in Table 1.1.

Table 1. 1: Details of Sub-projects and its components SN Sub-projects Components Substations/ Distribution

center

S1 Kathmandu Valley

Transmission Capacity

Reinforcement project

o Construction of 3 gas insulated

substation (132/11kV) at:

Mulpani

Phutung

Chapagaun & 1 GIS at

SS1: Mulpani SS

SS2: Phutung SS

SS3: Chapagaun SS

S2 Lapsiphedi and

Changunarayan

substation construction

project

o Construction of new (220/132/11kV) gas insulated substation (GIS) at Lapsiphedi. o Construction of new gas insulated substation (132/11kV) at Changunarayan o Construction of new (220kV) substation at Barhabise

SS1: Lapsiphedi SS

SS2: Changunarayan SS

SS3: Barhabise SS


PTDEEP 2 NEA-PSC

1.2. Project Progress Status and Implementation Schedule

1.2.1. Progress Status

Currently, the project has entered the implementation stage. The progress made in the safeguard implementation under different PTDEEP subproject components are summarized on Table 1-2:

Table 1. 2: Project progress status

Sub-project

Sub Components

Works Completed by December, 2019

Level of Fulfillment of Plan

Works for the first half of 2020

S1 Kathmandu Valley Transmission Capacity Enhancement Project

SS1

Mulpani Substation

The contour survey and soil investigation works has been completed at Mulpani S/S site. Major equipment drawings like power transformer, GIS equipment has been approved. Dispatch of power transformer is under process.

Site leveling works is carried out. Boundary wall not started yet. Design of foundations for different equipment/ control room building/ GIS hall to be submitted.

Completion of civil works.

SS2

Phutung Substation

The contour survey and Soil investigation work has been completed. Site leveling work is carried out. Major equipment like power transformer, GIS equipment drawings has been approved. Dispatch of power transformer is under process.

Site leveling works is carried out. Boundary wall not started yet. Design of foundations for different equipment/ control room building/ GIS hall to be submitted.

Completion of civil works.

S3 Enhancement of

Distribution Networks

Kathmandu Valley

o Central and Northern Region of

Kathmandu Valley

o Eastern and Southern Region of

Kathmandu Valley

o Western Region of Kathmandu

Valley

DC1: Ratanpark

DC2: Maharajganj

DC3: Kuleshwor

DC4: Kritipur

DC5: Baneshwor

DC6: Balaju

DC7: Jorpati

S4 Delivery of Distribution

transformers

o Delivery of Distribution

transformers

S5 Enhancement of

Distribution Networks in

Major Centers of Nepal

o Eastern Region of Nepal

o Central Region of Nepal

o Western Region of Nepal


PTDEEP 3 NEA-PSC

Sub-project

Sub Components




SS3

Chapagaon Substation

Clearance of site for Handing over of 3rd Substation site to Pinggao is under progress.

Project Construction phase has not begun.

Site location will be handover to contractor.

S2 Lapsiphedi and Changunarayan substation construction project

SS1

Lapsiphedi Substation

Contour survey and Soil Investigation works (except plate load test) have been completed. Site levelling work is partially completed (cutting part). Survey of road approach has been completed.

Site leveling under progress. Boundary works not started yet. Survey of access road completed but design drawing yet to be submitted.

Construction of leveling works, boundary wall, retaining wall, and access road. Completion of foundation works.

S2 Changunarayan Substation

Site Leveling and contour survey works have been completed. Soil Investigation works at Changunarayan S/S has also been completed. Construction of retaining wall is almost completed.

Construction of retaining wall is almost completed and Gabion wall is under process.

Construction of retaining wall, drainage works, retaining wall, and access road. Completion of foundation works.

S3 Barhabise SS

Survey works and Geotechnical Investigation Completed.

Commencement of site leveling works, boundary wall and retaining wall

Complete the site leveling, access road, boundary wall and retaining wall.

S3 Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Central and Northern Region of Kathmandu Valley

Central and Northern Region

Detailed Survey work completed.

GPRS Survey and

construction material

testing is under

progress.

Initiate the field works, fix the line route for executing works. Completion of soil investigation works

Eastern and Southern Region

Detailed Survey work completed.

GPRS Survey and

Material testing is

under progress.

Initiate the field works, fix the line route for executing works. Completion of soil investigation works

Western Region Evaluation report sent to ADB for concurrence.

Project Construction phase has not begun

S4 Delivery of Distribution Transformers


PTDEEP 4 NEA-PSC

Sub-project

Sub Components




Supply of Distribution Transformers

Technical evaluation is under process

Project Construction phase has not begun

S5 Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers of Nepal

Eastern Region (Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari)

GIS mapping completed.

Demand Forecast, system studies and DPR preparation is under process

Demand Forecast, system studies and DPR preparation

Central Region (Janakpur, Hetauda, Birgunj, Kalaiya, Jitpur-Simara, Bharatpur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur)

GiS Mapping Completed, Demand load forecasting for Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Bharatpur is completed. Load Flow analysis for Bhaktpur is completed

Draft DPR for Bhaktpur is submitted Demand Forecast, system studies and DPR preparation for balance urban center is under process

Demand Forecast and DPR preparation

Western Region (Pokhara, Lekhnath, Butwal, Tulsipur, Gorahi, Nepalgunj and Dhangadi)

GIS Mapping Completed.

Demand Forecast, system studies and DPR preparation is under process

Demand Forecast and DPR preparation


PTDEEP 5 NEA-PSC

Table 1.3: Progress status of Substation

1.2.2. Implementation Schedule

The implementation schedule for the commissioning of this project is presented in below.

Sl. No.

Name of the Substation

Types of Land & Area (acre/ ha.)

No. of

APs

Status of Compensation disbursement (No. of APs)

Status of Possession

Remarks

Govt. Private R&R benefit Land cost

1 Mulpani SS NA 0.5960 ha 21

R&R benefits shall be provided as per the provisions given in the approved entitlement Matrix of Resettlement Plan. Disbursement of R&R benefit shall be started shortly.

NPR 206967520

Compensation under process

3 APs have yet to receive the compensation amount.

2 Phutung SS NA 0.8123 ha

10 NPR 218,618,750

Completed All compensation has been paid

3 Chapagaon SS 31 NA Compensation is not distributed yet

Problems encountered during land acquisition and location of substation is likely to be shifted to 11kV Switching substation.

4 Barhabise SS NA 7.1593 ha 50 NPR 132,649,218.75


2 APs are yet to receive payment of compensation.

5 Lapsiphedi SS 0.174 ha 9.507 ha 44 NPR 390009375


5 APs have not cleared their ownership of land and disbursement of their payment is in process. In the last six month, 1 AP received the compensation amount.

6 Changunarayan SS 0.0715.28ha 3.937 ha 49 NPR 316926562.5


4 APs are yet to receive payment of compensation. .


PTDEEP 6 NEA-PSC

Table 1. 4: Implementation Schedule


PTDEEP 7 NEA-PSC

2. Compliance to National Regulations

According to Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1996 and Environmental Protection Rules (EPR), 1997 of Government of Nepal (GoN) and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009, Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required for the substation project which requires the private land for the project activities. However, if the transmission line passes from protected areas (national park, wildlife reserves, conservation areas including Chure region), environmental impact assessment (EIA) is mandatory according to schedule 2 of EPR 1997.

Moreover, considering National Energy Crisis Alleviation and Electricity Development Decade concept note, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has issued "IEE and EIA Working Procedures for Hydropower and Transmission Line Project, 2073 BS" effective from 2073 Kartik 4 (20 October 2016) to simplify and expedite environmental assessment approval process by assigning authority to Department of Electricity Development (DoED).

The preparation of IEE had been completed for the Lapsiphedi and Changunarayan substations from another project (Tamakoshi-Kathmandu TLP) and achieved approval from the authorized body. IEE study doesn't need to be prepared for Mulpani Substation, Phutung Substation & Chapagaun Substation under the subproject Kathmandu Valley Transmission Capacity Enhancement Project. As this project is under category B according to ADB policy, combined IEE for all 6 substations has been prepared which is enough for this project. According to Environmental Protection Rule 1997, if the substation area lies in conservation area, protected area, and its buffer zone, substation area needs to acquire 10 to 50 hectares of forest area in hilly region and if the construction of 220 kV of greater than 220 kV substation, it requires IEE study to be conducted.

3. Compliance to Environmental Covenants from ADB Loan Agreement

Environmental safeguard related project activities are in compliance with covenants as given in Annex 1.

4. Compliance to Environmental Management Plan

The EMP has been developed as part of the environmental assessment to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential negative impacts of the Project. The EMP comprises routine environmental monitoring to support proactive mitigation of any potential impact from construction and operations.

The environmental safeguard consultant from project supervision is regularly visiting the project sites to monitor the environmental compliances and is conducting regular meeting with project officials.

The EMP will be implemented in three stages of the project: i. Pre-construction, ii. Construction, iii. Operation and maintenance. Overall Environmental Compliance will be followed as the construction work begins. Currently, design, survey and soil test is under progress at Mulpani and Phutung substation. Status of environmental safeguards during planning stage and implementation stage is attached in Annex 2 and 3 respectively.

Based on the approved EMP, the EHSMP report prepared by LCSCP contractor has been reviewed by PSC and observations/suggestions shared with NEA.

Details of compliance to environmental management plan are provided in Table 4-1.


PTDEEP 8 NEA-PSC

Table 4-1: Compliance status to Environmental Management plan Activity Environmental Issues Compliance Status Remarks

Pre-construction Stage

Regulatory clearance and Permitting

Impacts on potentially sensitive sites: potential loss of productive agricultural

Being Complied with: Land acquisition process has been completed in Phutung. In other s/s (except Chapagaun S/S) compensation distribution is completed to most of APs. For the restoration of income generation, training will be conducted in line with RP.

Regulatory clearance is not applicable.

Environmental Monitoring

Impact on Air Quality at project sites

Complied with: Pre-project level air quality monitoring had been carried out.

Baseline of air quality monitoring in pre project phase is given in section 5.

Construction Phase

Construction stage environmental monitoring

Inadequate/ unsafe working condition Environmental impairment at project sites

Status to be incorporated after construction related work progresses

Compensatory clearance

Impact on Environmentally sensitive site potential loss of productive agricultural and trees

Being Complied with: Land acquisition process has been completed in Phutung. In other s/s (except Chapagaun S/S) compensation distribution is completed to most of APs. For the restoration of income generation, training will be conducted in line with RP.

Physical construction: manual labor and mechanized construction

Worker/ Operator and local safety (Noise) Equipment wear and tear


Health and safety

Injury and sickness of workers and members of the public Potential BOD and Fecal coliform contamination


Construction equipment maintenance

Waste water from maintenance may cause soil and water contamination



PTDEEP 9 NEA-PSC

Activity Environmental Issues Compliance Status Remarks

Physical construction: manual labor and mechanized construction

Dust, exhaust, and noise emissions from construction equipment


Storage of chemicals and any hazardous materials

Possible spills resulting in contamination of soil, water, and air


Construction waste management

Localized soil and water pollution due to inadequate management and control


Environmental monitoring

Inadequate/unsafe working conditions Environmental impairment at project sites, Impact in air quality at project sites.


Spoil Management

Inadequate and unsafe for the construction

Not complied in all substation. It is in the process for compliances.

As noted by International Expert during site visit on October 22 and 23, 2019

Drainage Management

Unsafe working conditions Environmental impairment at project sites

In Changunarayan site, temporary arrangement made for rain water drainage. In other substation sites, drainage management is to be done.

As noted by International Expert during site visit on October 22 and 23, 2019

Operation and Maintenance Phase

Routine operations and maintenance

Potential disturbance to other utility functions and vehicular traffic.

Status to be incorporated after Operation and Maintenance Phase commence

Electric shock Injury or death to the workers and public


Oil spillage Contamination of land/nearby water bodies


SF6 management

Fugitive emissions Status to be incorporated after Operation and Maintenance Phase commence


PTDEEP 10 NEA-PSC

5. Safeguards Monitoring Results and Unanticipated Impacts

The monitoring works begins along with construction activities. Currently, design work is in progress for all the substation sub projects (except Chapagaon where land acquisition is still under process). Contract has been awarded for smart meters. Procurement process is underway for distribution transformer. The result of pre project air quality monitoring is given below.

The concentration of PM2.5 of Kathmandu valley was measured in 2018-2019 and illustrated in graph below. The monthly average concentration of PM2.5 was found comparatively higher in winter (Nov 2019) 171 µg/m3 and lower in monsoon season 16µg/m3 (Oct2019). Detail is in figure 1.

The average hourly concentration of PM2.5 was recorded maximum between 7AM to 12AM peaking at 10AM to 11AM (148.99 µg/m3) and minimum in between 12PM to 6PM with extreme minimum concentration recorded at 3PM to 4PM (15.66 µg/m3). The graph also indicate that concentration of PM2.5 was found quit fluctuating in between 10PM to 3AM.Detail is in below figure 2.

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

WHO 24 Hour Mean µg/m³ WHO Annual Mean µg/m³

Figure 1: Monthly PM2.5 for 2018-19 Source link: http://aqicn.org/city/nepal/kathmandu/ratnapark/


PTDEEP 11 NEA-PSC

Figure 2: Air Pollution Data of Kathmandu for 2019-12-22 Source link: http://aqicn.org/city/nepal/kathmandu/ratnapark/

Based on the legend of Air Quality Index Map, the air quality of project area measured on March 15 was found ranging from 151 to 300 indicating unhealthy to very unhealthy in air pollution level.

Figure 3: Air quality index map for Project Areas March 15, 2018 at 10:00AM


PTDEEP 12 NEA-PSC

Figure 4: Legend of Air Quality Index Map


PTDEEP 13 NEA-PSC

The project construction works will be carried out under these baselines and to reduce further environment quality degradation adequate mitigation measures have been suggested in IEE study report.

Table 5-1: Construction activities and their mitigation measures

SN Sub Components

Activities Mitigation Measures Remarks

S1 Kathmandu Valley Transmission Capacity Enhancement Project

SS1 Mulpani

Substation

Land Acquisition Fair compensation and R&R benefits are paid as per applicable regulations to affected land owners in transparent way.

Land acquisition process is nearing completion. NPR 206967520 has been distributed to affected families and 3 AP have not received the compensation amount.

Land Leveling and Clearing

Restoration Works, Drainage, Soil Disposal, Tree Cutting

Restoration works, soil disposal and tree cutting is not applicable. Drainage work is under process.

Access Road Up gradation

Leveling, Drainage, Stabilization

Project construction phase has

commenced. The mentioned

mitigation measures are

planned. Design of foundations

for major equipment / control

room building/ GIS Hall etc. are

yet to be submitted.

Foundation and Equipment Installation

Drainage, Leaching of Soil Prevention, Location of Access Road

Setting up of Workers Camps, Waste and Hygiene

Provision of Toilets, Drinking Water Facility, Drainage, Soak Pits, First Aid Kits, Waste Disposal and Cooking Gas,

Facility Setup, Air, Noise and Chemicals Issue

Storage Location minimum 50m away from water source, National Air and Noise Standards

Foundation, footing and Reinforced Cement Concrete Works

Prevention of leaching/ leaking by soil runoff and oil leakage from digging machine by periodic maintenance checks


PTDEEP 14 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components


Civil Construction works on foundation, Pathways, Control Room, Cable Trays

Clearing up of concrete, wooden waste and metal scrap after each day’s work and disposal in compliance with government environmental regulation. Inclusion of Fire Control Equipment

Switchyard earthing and structures, civil work foundation

Solid Waste Management and adequate drainage to prevent stagnation of water

Unloading and erection of transformers

Access road width to be maintained to accommodate vehicles transporting

Erection of Substation Components, transformers bays, line bays, incoming outgoing lines, terminating gantries

OHS Compliance. Adequate Survey to minimize the use of adjacent agriculture land requirement for incoming and outgoing lines. Also adequately compensated

Control Room, Transformer oil filling and storage battery as well as hazardous chemicals, SF6 leakage

Proper drainage facilities and impervious areas with storage Capacity of 110% spare oil. Together with SF6 Leakage prevention and detection equipment. Inclusion of firefighting equipment

Charging Power Transformer, Auxiliary Power Supply

To prevent leakage of transformer oil and sparking, concrete lined pits are to be erected to contain them and firefighting equipment are to be maintained

Communication, Power line Carrier Communication

Adequate safety measures to be included during installation of communication equipment


PTDEEP 15 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components


Connecting terminating lines to substation

Soil slopes to be restored. Human environment, health and safety matters to be taken into consideration.

SS2 Phutung

Substation

Land Acquisition Fair compensation and R&R benefits as per applicable regulations paid to all affected land owners in transparent way.

Land acquisition is completed. NPR 218,618,750 has been distributed to all (10) Affected families.



Access Road Upgradation







planned. Design of foundations

for different equipment / control

room building / GIS Hall, etc.

are yet to be submitted.






Prevention of leaching / leaking by soil runoff and oil leakage from digging machine by periodic maintenance checks






PTDEEP 16 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components




Access Road having erosional and stability issues and cannot accommodate such vehicles without retention intervention










Soil slopes to be restored. Human environment, health and safety matters to be taken into consideration

SS3 Chapagaun Substation

Land Acquisition Fair compensation and R&R benefits as per applicable regulations shall be paid to all affected land owners in transparent way.

The problem encountered during land acquisition so location of substation is likely to be shifted to 11kV Switching Substation at Thimi.


PTDEEP 17 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components




Project construction phase has not commenced.






Provision of Toilets, Drinking Water Facility, Drainage, Soak Pits, First Aid Kits, Waste Disposal and Cooking Gas











Erection of Substation Components, transformers bays, line bays, incoming



PTDEEP 18 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components


outgoing lines, terminating gantries









S2 Lapsiphedi and Changunarayan Substation Construction Project

SS1 Lapsiphedi Substation


Land acquisition for Lapsiphedi SS is nearing completion. 39 APs have been compensated (NRs 390009375) and 5 APs are in the process of compensation.




PTDEEP 19 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components




In relation to this 3 km, locals have demanded supportive funds for another 15km road in the village in addition to support for local skill development, installation of 2 drinking water tanks, local health facilities, jobs and monastery.



Project construction phase has commenced. The mentioned mitigation measures are planned.








Clearing up of concrete, wooden waste and metal scrap after each day’s work and disposal in compliance with government environmental regulation. Inclusion of Fire Control Equipment’s






PTDEEP 20 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components







To prevent leakage of transformer oil and sparking concrete lined pits are erected to contain them and firefighting equipment are maintained


Adequate safety measures included during installation of communication equipment



SS2 Changunarayan Substation


Land Acquisition Almost in complete stage. Out of 49 APs, 4 APs are yet to receive payment of compensation. NPR 316926562.5 has been disbursed.




PTDEEP 21 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components









planned. Construction of

Retaining wall has been

completed and Gabion wall is

under progress.
















PTDEEP 22 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components


Transformer oil filling and storage battery as well as hazardous chemicals, SF6

leakage








S3 Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Central and Northern Region of Kathmandu Valley

Under procurement Process

Fixing of Distribution Transformers and Accessories

Safety and distance from human reach to be maintained. Lines through private and cultivated land need to be avoided. Ensure physical and cultural resources are not adversely affected.

Planned to mitigate.

Boring holes vertically and horizontally

Occupational Safety to be maintained, leakage of machine oil to soil to be avoided. Barricading and traffic diversion to the work zone to be maintained. Noise and vibration to avoid close to sensitive sites. Soil Management with minimal dust in the ground to be worked with. Spraying of Water three times a day.

Planned to mitigate.


PTDEEP 23 NEA-PSC

SN Sub Components


Restoration of excavated site

Warning Sign and covering of exposed areas. Planned to mitigate.

S4 Delivery of Distribution Transformers

Under procurement Process

Under procurement Process. Project Construction phase has not begun

Fixing of Distribution Transformers and Accessories

Safety and distance from human reach to be maintained. Lines through private and cultivated land need to be avoided. Ensure physical and cultural resources are not adversely affected.

Boring holes vertically and horizontally

Occupational Safety to be maintained, leakage of machine oil to soil to be avoided. Barricading and traffic diversion to the work zone to be maintained. Noise and vibration to avoid close to sensitive sites. Soil Management with minimal dust in the ground to be worked with. Spraying of Water three times a day.

Restoration of excavated site

Warning Sign and covering of exposed areas.

S5 Enhancement of Distribution Networks in Major Urban Centers of Nepal

Not applicable as this component does not involve any physical activity


PTDEEP 24 NEA-PSC

6. Implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanism and Complaints Received from Stakeholders

6.1. Grievance Redress Mechanism

The project level Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) will be established to receive, evaluate and facilitate the resolution of affected people’s concerns, complaints and grievances about the environmental and social issues arising out of the project implementation.

A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be formed to ensure that affected peoples (AP) grievances are addressed and to facilitate timely project implementation. Members to be included in the GRC includes representatives from the district level line agencies (Land Revenue Office, Land Measurement Office, Municipality or Village Development Committee, District Development Committee, District Agriculture Office, District Forest Office, and etc.), Community Based Organizations (CBOs)/NGOs in the districts, representatives of affected/ vulnerable households including women, local representatives (e.g. school teachers, health workers, businessmen, local resource persons and etc.), local leaders and other relevant persons.

The Project Manager (PM) of NEA’s PMD, will form the GRC at district level to address major grievances and minor grievances will be redressed at the site level through the concerned project engineer and contractor failing which the case will be referred to the GRC.

The Grievance Redress Committees (GRC) have been established in different subprojects of PTDEEP and few grievances from affected population have already been recorded. Some of them are also resolved through meaningful consultations and some are in the process of resolving. The details grievances recorded during reporting period along with the responses of the project proponent are presented in below table.

Table 6. 1: Environmental related recorded Grievances

SN Submitted Grievances/Requests Response Status

Changunarayan Substation

1 Protection of irrigation canal and

plants/trees near the entrance location

to the substation site (March 2016).

The project has ensured to protect

private and public properties.

Besides, the protection of irrigation

canal is remaining in dispute land.

Partially resolved

2 Demand for the distribution line by the

locals.

The Project has provided the cost for

the construction of distribution line to

the distribution department of NEA

and they are constructing the

distribution poles.

Resolved

3 Construction of access road nearby

the substation for the locals to easily

access to temple.

The project has assured to provide

certain percentage of cost for the

construction of access road based

on the estimate provided by the

locals.

Under Process

4 Demand of small road access to the

field side

The project assured to consider in

the construction period.

Under process


PTDEEP 25 NEA-PSC

Lapsiphedi Substation

1 Widening and improving the existing

road linking the project site and main

road at Jarsingpauwa (Jan 2016)

The project shall ensure widening

and improving the existing road

linking to main road. The scope of

this activity is defined to contractor.

- Detailed survey of approach road

completed. Construction of access

road not yet started

Under process

2 Enhancing the existing drinking water

supply system brought from about 2

km above the Lapsiphedi (Jan 2016)

The estimate has not been provided

by the local for the enhancement of

existing drinking water supply.

Under process

3 (a)Providing the compensation of the

lands per Ana 300000,

(b)in case of no document of the

affected land should provide

compensation according to the field

book,

(c)provide the shares 5000 per

affected household,

(d) providing the job according to skills,

(a) Compensation has been fixed

through committee

(b) In case, No document for the land

is available with AP. Matter shall be

taken up with Govt. of Nepal and

appropriate compensation, as

approved shall be provided

(c)Not applicable as this is not Hydro

generation project as referred by

APs

(d) However local manpower will be

given preference according to skill

through contractor.

Not feasible.

Under process

Not feasible.

Resolved

4 Murali Tiwari and others has

demanded for the compensation of the

land which is been using for the more

than decades and haven’t got any sort

of compensation till the date they

demanded to provide the amount from

the social security fund from the

project.

No document for the land is

available with AP. Matter shall be

taken up with Govt. of Nepal and

appropriate compensation, as

approved shall be provided

Under process

Phutung Substation

1 Local Inhabitant Request for Vehicle

Access Road (useful for both the

project and the Local inhabitant).

NEA has taken up the matter with

Tarkeshwor Municipality to execute

work in combine. The meeting with

concerned authority is remaining.

Under process

Mulpani Substation

2 Adjust existing electricity distribution

lines: in some places as local people in

the area has been suffering due to

hazard risk of life casualty (Feb 2016)

The project will consider this issue

during the project implementation

phase.

Under process


PTDEEP 26 NEA-PSC

7. Major Issues

7.1. Lapshiphedi, Changunarayan Substation Construction Project

Commencement of civil work (boundary wall, retaining wall and gabion wall drawings already available) at Laphsiphedi site.

Delay in construction of Retaining and Gabion wall along with soil erosion and land instability is likely to impact site and nearby areas.

Incidence of overburden flowing into the nearby field and houses as noticed and reported during visit of Environment/Social safeguard expert in contravention of EMP provisions.

Delay in construction of approach road at Laphsiphedi substation. Construction of labor camps with basic requirements for the workforce.

7.2. Kathmandu valley Transmission Line Reinforcement Construction Project

Progress is seriously affected due to delay in submission of foundation design / drawings by the Pinggao Group.

Finalization of sub vendor for Control and Relay Panel. Entry point and associated approach road for Phutung Substation could not be finalized

due to objections raised by land owner. Temporary site approach is washed away by rains.

Handing over of site for 3rd station (Chapagaon/alternate) to Pinggao.

7.3. Khimti-Bahrabise 200/400 kV Transmission Line Substation Project

Due to presence of natural spring, there is issue on soil stability.

8. Conclusion and Recommendations

8.1. Conclusion

The power transmission and distribution efficiency enhancement project (PTDEEP) is funded by the ADB and the project commissioning date is December 2021. The PTDEEP enhances the distribution capacity and improve reliability and quality of electricity supply in Kathmandu valley. The project comprises five components. Environmental assessment i.e. IEE of the subproject 1 and 2 has been completed and just entered into the implementation phase. Land acquisition of Mulpani and Phutung substation has been completed and land price is under negotiation at Chapagaun substation. Land acquisition has been completed in Phutung SS whereas it is under process at Mulpani, Changunarayan and Lapsiphedi SS. 3 AP out of 21 in Mulpani SS, 4 APs out of 49 in Changunarayan SS and 5 APs out of 44 in Lapsiphedi SS are yet to be compensated. Counter survey, site levelling and soil investigation works have been completed in Changunarayan SS, Mulpani SS and Phutung SS. Contour survey and soil investigation works(except plate load test), site levelling and survey road approach have been completed on Lapsiphedi SS.Land acquisition work of Chapagaon SS is under process. Due to the problem faced during negotiation with land owners, alternate site at Harisiddhi, Lalitpur was explored. However, the cordial solution at Harisiddhi also did not materialize.

Environmental management plan has been developed to minimize potential negative impacts of the project activity. The project activities will be done in compliance to the EMP. Monitoring works should be carried out with construction activities as per EMP. The GRC is established in different subprojects. The main aim of forming GRC is to address grievances of affected peoples and facilitate timely implementation of the project activities. Till date, thirteen grievances regarding


PTDEEP 27 NEA-PSC

environmental and social issues have been recorded. So far, 2 grievances are resolved and 1 grievance is partially resolved. Resolution of the 8 grievances are under process. However, remaining 2 grievance is basically unfeasible demand by the affected persons (APs).

8.2. Recommendations

This report recommends to carry out project activities in time and meet the targets of first half of 2020. All the project activities at the phase of pre-construction, construction and operation and maintenance should be in compliance with EMP. Regular monitoring of the project activities should be carried out in order to make effective performance and minimize adverse impacts. GRC should collect grievances and respond to their grievances with meaningful consultations.


Annex 1: Status of Compliance to Environmental Covenants from ADB Loan Agreement

Covenants Responsible Agencies

Status of Compliance

Loan 3542

(a) The Borrower shall ensure, and cause NEA to ensure, that the preparation, design, construction, implementation, operation and decommissioning of the Project comply with: (i) all applicable laws and regulations of the Borrower relating to environment, health, and safety; (ii) the Environmental Safeguards; and (iii) all measures and requirements set forth in the respective IEE and EMP, and any corrective or preventative actions set forth in a Safeguards Monitoring Report.

(b) The Borrower shall ensure, and cause NEA to ensure, that (i) no proceeds of the Loan are used for Works located within the core and buffer zones of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites with potential adverse impact; and (ii) the Department of Archeology of the Borrower participates in the supervision of Works to ensure no adverse impact to the protected heritage sites.

(FA-Schedule 5, para 9)

NEA/GoN

a. Complied

b. To be Complied for enhancement of Distribution Network

Human and Financial Resources to Implement Safeguards Requirements

The Borrower shall make available, and NEA to make available, necessary budgetary and human resources to fully implement the EMP and the RP. (FA-Schedule 5, para 13)

NEA/GoN

Being Complied

Safeguards- Related Provisions in Bidding Documents and Works Contract

The Borrower shall ensure, and cause NEA to ensure, that all bidding documents and contracts for Works contain provisions that require contractors to:

(a) Comply with the measures and requirements relevant to the contractor set forth in the IEE, the EMP and the RP (to the extent they concern impacts on affected people during construction), and any corrective or preventive actions set out in a Safeguards Monitoring Report;

(b) Make available a budget for all such environmental and social measures;

(c) Provide the Borrower with a written notice of any unanticipated environmental, resettlement or indigenous peoples risks or impacts that arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the IEE, the EMP or the RP;

(d) Adequately record the condition of roads, agricultural land and other infrastructure prior to starting to transport materials and construction; and

(e) Fully reinstate pathways, other local infrastructure, and agricultural land to at least their pre-project condition upon the completion of construction.


NEA/GoN

Being Complied


Covenants Responsible Agencies

Status of Compliance

Safeguards Monitoring and Reporting

The Borrower shall clause NEA to do the following: (a) Submit semi-annual Safeguards Monitoring Reports to ADB and

disclose relevant information from such reports to affected persons promptly upon submission;

(b) If any unanticipated environmental and/or social risks and impacts arise during construction, implementation or operation of the Project that were not considered in the IEE, the EMP or the RP, promptly inform ADB of the occurrence of such risks or impacts, with detailed description of the event and proposed corrective action plan; and

(c) Report any actual or potential breach of compliance with the measures and requirements set forth in the EMP or the RP promptly after becoming aware of the breach.


NEA

a. Complied

Prohibited List of Investments

The borrower shall ensure, and cause NEA to ensure, that no proceeds of the Loan are used to finance any activity included in the list of prohibited investment activities provided in Appendix 5 of the SPS. (FA-Schedule 5, para 16)

NEA/GoN

Labor Standards, Health and Safety

The Borrower shall ensure, and cause NEA to ensure, that the core labor standards and the Borrower’s applicable laws and regulations are complied with during Project implementation. The Borrower shall include specific provisions in the bidding documents and contracts financed by ADB under the Project requiring that the contractors, among other things (a) comply with the Borrower’s applicable labor law and regulations and incorporate applicable workplace occupational safety norms; (b) do not use child labor; (c) do not discriminate workers in respect of employment and occupation; (d) do not use forced labor; and (e) disseminate, or engage appropriate service providers to disseminate, information on the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to the employees of contractors engaged under the Project and to members of the local communities surrounding the Project area, particularly women. The Borrower shall strictly monitor compliance with the requirements set forth above and provide ADB with regular reports. (FA-Schedule 5, para 17)

NEA

Being Complied

Sem

i-Annual R

eport

July

-Decem

ber, 2

019

Enviro

nm

enta

l Safe

guard

Monito

ring R

eport

A

nn

ex 2

: Sta

tus o

f En

viro

nm

en

tal S

afe

gu

ard

du

ring

pla

nn

ing

sta

ge

S. N.

Nam

e o

f Pro

ject

or

Sub

pro

ject

Environmental screening is carried out? (Yes or No)

Environment category of the project / subproject (A/B/C/FI)

EARF is prepared (if applicable) (Yes/No)

EIA/IEE/DDR with EMP is prepared (Yes/No)

ADB approved EIA/IEE with EMP (Yes / Under Review / Not Yet Due/Over

Due)

Government approved EIA/IEE with EMP (Yes / Under Review / Not Yet Submitted)

Safeguard monitoring and coordination mechanism established (Yes/No)

GRC is established (Yes/No)

Automated safeguard monitoring system customized (Yes/No)

EMP cost in approved document is included in BOQ as an individual item (Yes/No)

Rem

ark

s

1

220 k

V

Lapsip

he

di S

S

and 1

32 k

V

Chan

gun

ara

yan

S/S

Yes

B

No

Y

es

Yes

Yes

No

Y

es

No

N

o

2

Desig

n, S

upp

ly

and In

sta

llatio

n o

f 132kV

GIS

S

ubsta

tion in

K

ath

ma

ndu

Valle

y

Yes

B

No

N

o

Yes

No

N

o

No

N

o

No

3

Pro

cure

ment o

f P

lants

for G

as

Insula

ted 2

20kV

B

arh

abis

e

Substa

tion

(Desig

n, S

upp

ly

and In

sta

ll)

Yes

B

No

Y

es

Yes

Yes

No

N

o

No

N

o


Note: EIA- Environmental Impact Assessment; IEE- Initial Environmental Examination; DDR- Due Diligence Report; EMP- Environmental Management Plan; GRC- Grievance Redress Committee; BOQ- Bill of Quantity


Annex 3: Status of Environmental safeguard during implementation phase S

ub

pro

ject

Compliance to Environmental Management Plan* Grievances

Co

rre

cti

ve A

cti

on

Pla

ns a

re p

rep

are

d a

nd

imp

lem

en

ted

(Y

/N)

En

v c

om

pli

an

ce r

ep

ort

ing

is m

ain

tain

ed

(Y/N

)

Rem

ark

s

Physical Biological Socio-economic

Sp

oil

Man

agem

ent

Com

plia

nce

in %

)**

Lan

dsl

ide

pro

tect

ion

(co

mpl

ianc

e in

%)*

*

Dra

inag

e M

anag

emen

t (c

ompl

ianc

e in

%)*

*

Oth

ers

as p

er E

MP

(

spec

ify)

Compensatory Plantation

Fir

ewo

od

is u

sed

fo

r co

oki

ng

an

d h

eati

ng

(Y/N

)

Oth

ers

as p

er E

MP

(sp

ecify

)

Occupational Health and Safety

Community structures

are compensate

d / reconstructed (progress in

% of total estimated work)***

Oth

ers

as p

er E

MP

(sp

ecify

)

No

s o

f g

riev

ance

s d

ocu

men

ted

No

of

gri

evan

ces

reso

lved

No

of

gri

evan

ces

un

der

pro

cess

ing

Tar

get

(N

os.)

Rep

lan

ted

(Nos

.)

Saf

ety

Gea

rs

are

suff

icie

nt

and

use

d

(Y/N

)

Lab

ors

are

insu

red

(Y

/N)

Lab

or

and

wo

rk c

amp

s

are

hea

lth

y

and

hav

e

san

itar

y

faci

litie

s (Y

/N)

Co

mm

un

ity

Str

uct

ure

1

Co

mm

un

ity

Str

uct

ure

2

220kV Lapsiphedi SS and 132kV Changunarayan S/S

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Foundation Works are not started yet.

132kV GIS Substation in Kathmandu Valley

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


220kV Barhabise Substation (Design, Supply and Install

- 50 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Photo Plate


Preventive measure adopted against damage due to drain at right side of Access Road of Changunarayan SS.

Indication of Boundary at Lapsiphedi SS

Construction of drainage at access road of Chanugunarayan SS Indication of Boundary at Lapsiphedi SS


Construction of drainage at access road of Chanugunarayan SS Damage on agricultural land due to diversion of drainage for the

construction of drain at left side of access road of Changunarayan SS.


Discussion on environmental and social issues with NEA personnel after site visit

Construction of drainage at access road of Chanugunarayan SS

Household survey with affected person in Changunarayan area Affected Person of the Mulpani SS area

Formal Consultation with the affected APs and ward chief of Mulpani SS

Formal Consultations with the affected APs in Mulpani SS

Site Vist among Consultant team and Contractor to observe site progress /issues at Phutung site

Household survey at Changunarayan area


Household survey in Changunarayan area Household survey in Mulpani area

Household survey in Mulpani area Household survey in Changunarayan area


Public Consultation in Changunarayan Area Affected Person in Public Consultation in Changunarayan Area

Stakeholders Participating in Public Consultation in Changunarayan Area

Household Survey in Phutung Area


Excavated soil falling down towards the road as well soil erosion at Lapsiphedi S/S

Soil erosion and incursion of sludge to cultivated fields and houses in Changunarayan Substation area.