Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report...Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report July–December 2013 AFG: Qaisar to Laman (Ring Road) Project ... Leveling and regulation of surface

Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report

July–December 2013

AFG: Qaisar to Laman (Ring Road) Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Public Works, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for the Asian Development Bank.

This report does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB or the Government concerned, and ADB and the Government cannot be held liable for its contents.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATION…………………………………..………………………………………………………3

1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 4

2 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND CURRENT COMPLIANCE STATUS ............... 8

2.1 Environmental Reporting ................................................................................................ 9

2.2 Construction activities during the reported period ........................................................ 10

2.3 Results of environmental inspections ........................................................................... 10

2.3.1 Disposal of excavated material ............................................................................. 10

2.3.2 The loss of trees and vegetation ........................................................................... 12

2.3.3 Recommendations for reforestation and planting of trees ..................................... 12

2.4 Social issues ................................................................................................................. 13

2.5 Dust generation and air pollution .................................................................................. 13

2.6 Impacts to flora and fauna ............................................................................................ 13

2.7 Impacts to water quality ................................................................................................ 13

2.8 Waste management and housekeeping ....................................................................... 14

2.9 Borrow pits operations .................................................................................................. 14

3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................... 14

ANNEXES 1 Environment Compliance Monitoring Chart ............................................................. 1

Figure 1 Project Location

Map ………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..8

Tables:

Table 1 Main construction activities in this Quarter ………………………………………………....………...10

Table 2 the material disposal sites with some environmental issues…….………………………..…………12

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ABBREVIATIONS

AASHTO American Association Standards for Highways and Transportation Officials

ADB Asian Development Bank

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIAP Environmental Impact Assessment Policy

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPMMP Environmental Protection Monitoring and Management Plan

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

IRA Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

GOA Government of Afghanistan

km kilometer

MPW Ministry of Public Works

NTR Notice to Proceed

PM Project Manager

PMO Project Management Office

ROW Right of Way

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PART I

INTRODUCTION

This document is a biannual environmental monitoring report prepared by EMJV. Preparation of environmental monitoring reports is a part of supervision duties as stipulated in Initial Environmental Examination and Contract documents. By Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) definition environmental monitoring reports should include environmental monitoring activities undertaken, details of monitoring data collected, analysis of monitoring results, recommended mitigation measures, environmental training conducted, and environmental regulatory violations. This report covers the environmental monitoring activities for the period from Jul1, 2013 through Dec 30, 2013 and briefly describes the environmental issues appeared since the commencement of Construction. The findings and recommendations of this report are based on the review of available Contract information, monthly progress reports, previous environmental reports prepared by EMJV and observations from environmental inspections to the construction site undertaken in January–June, 2013.

1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project includes detailed design of all roads, bridges and miscellaneous works and construction of the project road from Qaisar at km 343+000 to Laman km 110+000 (233km) (Figure 1). The scope of the works under the Contract shall include, but not be limited to the following: Detailed designs for road, bridges/Community Development works/small structures, Site clearance, Earth works to widen existing embankment having substandard shoulder width, Leveling and regulation of surface to suit designed finished road levels with granular sub base material, Clearance of mines and unexploded Ordnance from temporary and permanent works sites, Granular Sub-base, Aggregate Base, Asphalt Concrete Base Course, Asphalt Concrete, Wearing Course, Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST), Plain/Reinforced Cement Concrete, Open Foundation, Deep Foundation, Protection works, Concrete Lined Drains, Making up shoulders with double bituminous treatment DBST to same level as adjacent carriageway, Road Furniture's and other miscellaneous works.

Construction activities will include:

Clearing and grubbing;

Earthworks;

Laying of pavement;

Temporary and permanent slope protection and erosion control;

Construction of small structures, culverts, retaining walls, etc.;

Bridge and causeway construction; and

Installation of guardrails, signage and traffic control devices.

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There are 23 bridges along the road to be constructed, the volume of the works include all as per approved design and construction drawings including excavation and construction.

Project construction commenced during the fourth quarter of 2012 and will last for approximately four years. Project operation is planned to be continuous and future road maintenance and upgrades will be planned as required. Project activity from the pre-construction until operation stage may cause significant and important impacts on the physical-chemical and biological components in the project area environment. Other major impacts that may occur are related to socio-economic, socio-cultural and public health components.

PART II

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

IEE provides detailed description of the environmental conditions of the project area. This section of report gives only the brief review of the main environmental features along the project which may be affected or affect the project implementation.

The natural vegetation, understood as the original or possible potential vegetation without anthropic conditioning factors (human) is mainly represented by herbaceous formations and some forest formations in locations with moist soils such as river valleys.

The potential dominant vegetation series are listed below:

- Cultivated fields and patches with trees including willows (Salix sp), poplars (Populus sp) and rosebays (Nerium oleander).

- Ephemeral Wormwood and wormwood - tragacanth steppe. (Gen Artemisia, Astragalus)

- Juniper schrubs. (Gen Juniperus)

- Schrub steppe vegetation with Artemisia and Astragalus

- Ephemeral mixed herbaceous-wormwood steppe with patches of fruticose vegetation.

- Medium herbage ephemeroid vegetation.

- Juniper woods and shrubs with roses.

The river’s flood plains are not dominated either by notable river-side vegetation or trees and are mainly occupied by farming crops.

Apart from the areas dedicated to farming (fruits, vegetables, cereals, almonds tree, etc.) and the few trees that pop up along the route, the more representative vegetations are associated to the steppe ecosystem, represented by fruit-producing xerophile and criophile pastures and shrubs adapted to the difficult climatic conditions of the region. Altogether, including the cold deserts, they conform the denominated eco-region Paropamisus Xeric Woodlands. There are some small Arboreal examples, with coniferous light forests of the Juniperus sort.

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Overgrazing has allowed weedy plants and spiny shrubs to replace the original meadow plants traditionally found in the open woodlands common to this eco-region. Native meadow plants grow in some areas away from human influence, including species such as mints, plantains, gentians, small reeds, sedges, and rushes. In areas where snowmelt accumulates, willows, sea buckthorn, and shrubs beneficiate of the available moisture. The vegetation of this eco-region is opportunistic and adapted to the hard conditions of these dry and mountainous areas.

In terms of environmental risks, activities such as hunting, wildlife trade, and habitat conversion are, for the most part, currently unregulated and causing species losses. Forests and woody plants are being lost near villages to satisfy human’s needs. Forests and woody plants are being lost near villages to satisfy the need for fuel and charcoal. And the livestock paths that cross the hills of this eco-region are causing serious erosion and preventing plant regeneration. The grazing of domestic animals is one of the most serious threats to the eco-region because it degrades the habitat and causes the replacement and alteration of natural vegetation.

Safid Koh was once heavily forested with pistachio now devegetated to mere 30 percent, and it was noticed that up to 5 km on each side of the alignment there no sign of the pistachio forest that once existed. With merciless deforestation due to prolonged conflict and drought due to global climate change 70 percent of the forested area in Afghanistan is lost and this causes a major environmental concern.

The large vertebrates of the entire area have been severely decimated by centuries of human activities, which has intensified during the last decades. For example, the Turanian tiger and the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) have been totally eradicated. Populations of leopards, onagers, tugay deer (Cervus elaphus bactrianus), gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa), and highland dwellers like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), ibex, and mountain sheep are now very low, most surviving only in preserves and are under threat of extinction.

Many birds, especially hunting species, have suffered a similar fate: the pheasant Phasianus colchicus, the partridge Francolinus caccabis chookar, and species of such grouse genera as Tetraogallus and Pterocles. Populations of the large predators, like eagles (Aquila chrysaetus and Halioeetus leucoryphus), falcons (Falco cherrug and F. pelegrinoides), and vultures (Gypaetus; Gyps himalayensis), are also seriously diminished, as are those of the desert bustard (Chlamydotis undulatus), and the woodpecker (Picus squamosus). Desert reptiles, for example, the lizard Varanus griseus and the snakes Naja oxiana and Ptyas mucosus are also declining in numbers.

Despite these declining trends, many vertebrates are still common. Particularly numerous are mammals such as the wolf, foxes, the polecat, the desert shrew, the hedgehog, the hare, and many rodents, including ground squirrels, gerbils and jerboas. In the mountains there are marmots, Citellus relictus, and several species of pika and vole and at high altitudes Alticola. There are also rather few fishes in Murghab and Hari Rud rivers

The conservancy NGO, the "International Birdlife", has considered the existence in Afghanistan of 17 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of which two are found rather next to the project area:

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- Hari Rud Valley (Code: AF011, with 35,000 hectares). It occupies a section of Hari Rud River, between Herat and Obeh. Minimum distance between this IBA and the Project road is about 6. 50 mile (10.50 km), near Herat.

- North-western Steppe (Code: AF006. with 80.000 ha) located on the West of Qaleh-ye- Now, from the bottom of Paromamisus Mountains to Turkmenistan border, with Iran on the West. This IBA is about 10 miles (16.00 km) from the Project road.

The plantation within these two important Areas are pine-Niagara, cedar, Judas, acacia, willow, poplar and pistachio. The Sub District Governor of Karukh has noted the enforcement of protection of habitats for birds such as eagle, falcon, partridge and migratory ducks as well as wildlife such as deer, fox, wolf, and wild cats like krugar in the project area during and after construction. A directive from the Government of Afghanistan to safeguard many of these birds and wild animals, whose specification is outside of the objectives and necessities of this study, is in place against poachers and hunters to ensure minimal little disturbances to their habitats. There has been arrest made for illegal hunting and trading of a protected species eagle from Bala Murghab to Karukh.

In the village of Khawja Charshanba there is a pass, called Ganga Pass according to local inhabitants, with a significant amount of historical remains. Just as it is indicated in the chapter of foreseen preventive measures of impact, these historical remains will be protected avoiding the realization of works in their sorroundings. It is necessary to remember that, as it is specified in the construction project, the works are located basically on the existent route, being avoided the occupation of other surfaces.

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Figure 1 Project Location Map

2 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND CURRENT COMPLIANCE STATUS

In accordance with ADB policy all funded activities are subject to environmental procedures. These procedures vary by scope depending on determined project category. ADB classified this Project as Category B project for environment with potential adverse impacts less adverse then Category A, which are mainly site-specific and may be mitigated. Such projects require preparation of the IEE. The Afghanistan’s Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (EIAP) in 2007 requires applying of EIA procedures to the provincial highways and roads with the cost over $800,000.

The following particular requirements in respect to Environment were monitored:

Fuel and chemical Storage: Any fuel and chemical storage shall be sited on impervious bases within a bund and shall be secured by fencing. The storage area shall be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. Fueling and refueling shall be strictly controlled. All valves and trigger guns shall be locked when not in use. The contents of any tank or drum shall be clearly marked.

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Water Quality: The subcontractor shall prevent any interference with, or pollution of, the supply or abstraction of water, arising from the construction of the works. The subcontractor shall protect all watercourses and waterways adjacent to the works from pollution, silting, flooding or erosion. The subcontractor shall not discharge or deposit any matter arising from the Works into any watercourse.

Air Quality / Dust Prevention: The subcontractor shall employ effective measures to control dust. Water shall be sprayed during the delivery and handling of materials when dust is likely to be created. Stockpiles of material shall be sited in sheltered areas away from residential or other sensitive are materials. Where appropriate stockpiled material shall be sprayed with water to prevent dust pollution. Vehicles used for transporting potentially dust producing material shall have properly fitting side and tail boards and the materials shall be covered with a clean tarpaulin. Works shall not be carried out in windy conditions when this would cause nuisance.

Air Quality / Exhaust Emissions: Construction vehicles and machinery shall be kept in good working order and engines turned off when not in use. Measures shall be taken to limit particulate exhaust emissions from construction vehicles and equipment. The location of generators and other permanent equipment shall be governed by considerations of exhaust emission taking into account predominant wind direction.

Noise: The subcontractor shall take all necessary measures to ensure that operation of all mechanical equipment and construction processes on and off the site shall not cause any unnecessary or excessive noise. Generators and other standing equipment near residential area (including site offices and camps) should be silenced. When operating close to residential, medical facilities, or other similar locations, the subcontractor’s hours of working should be limited to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Borrow areas, Spoil tips and quarries: Borrow pits and quarries shall be operated to minimize the impact on the environment, taking into account the requirements in respect of drainage and erosion. Borrow areas and quarries shall be reinstated to smooth contours, shall be re-soiled and re-vegetated with matching ground cover. Spoil arising from the works shall be disposed of to the requirements of the local planning agency.

2.1 Environmental Reporting Per the approved Environmental Management Plan the Environmental Monitoring is undertaken with completion of weekly Environmental Monitoring Check-lists (Annexes 3) by EMJV inspectors. The monthly evaluation of environmental impacts and mitigation measures is performed in cooperation with responsible representative of the subcontractor and summarized in monthly environmental check-lists (Annexes 2).

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PART III

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

During the reporting period EMJV undertook several field environmental monitoring inspections. The results of inspections were summarized in environmental check-lists and monthly environmental reports. Summaries of observed environmental are included in the Monthly Progress reports. The environmental issues were discussed at the weekly meetings with PMSC and responsible representatives of subcontractor.

This section overviews the environmental compliance of the site activities and discusses the observed environmental impacts and mitigation:

2.2 Construction activities during the reported period The activities observed during the reporting period included the following:

Table 1 Main construction activities in this Quarter

Activity Road segment

Comments

Cutting and filling for road widening 110+000 – 115+000 115+000 – 117+560 125+000 – 128+000 132+000 – 136+500 136+500 – 138+000

Construction of subcontractor labor camp 111+800 116+200 123+200 135+000 136+500 142+920

Crusher Plant and Asphalt Plant 134+000 147+000 169+000

2.3 Results of environmental inspections This sub-section overviews the observed environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures. During environmental inspections the segments of alignment from Km 110+000 to Km 144+000 were visited. No significant environmental impacts from the project activities were observed. However a number of minor environmental implications were identified during inspections and reported on the inspection form.

2.3.1 Disposal of excavated material The disposal of unsuitable spoil material is a serious environmental issue identified during the environmental inspections to the site. The improper disposal may cause the water pollution and dusting. In rainy season this dumps may become a reason of flood and accelerate erosion and silting.

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Within several sections the dumping of excavated material near to the river bed was observed. The most illustrative examples are disposal of material at the sections of 112+000 and 112+500. Significant part of this material is not easily erodible and according to the subcontractor will be used for masonry and for needs of local population which may significantly reduce potential environmental impacts. The leveling of material may be allowed in some locations with the proper compaction and maintenance of the slope.

On the whole the management of the material disposal is inadequate and requires improvement.

The Table 2 presents the summary of observed disposal sites along the project alignment with environmental issues:

Table 2 the material disposal sites with some environmental issues

Road station

Type of disposal and

impacts

Photo Recommended mitigation

Km 152+000-154+000

Making derange for the existence road 3

No water discharge for the road to protect the road form flood.

Km 135+600-136+000

Oil Spill Need to clean up oil spill from work location and it done

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Road station

Type of disposal and

impacts

Photo Recommended mitigation

Km 127+250-127+400

Soil disposal close to water discharge

Need to remove the excess soil from close to the water discharge and avoid placing material on water discharges in future

Km 130+000

131+000

Big water dam along the river, which is near the community

We told them not allowed to block the water way, and we opened.

3.1.1 The loss of trees and vegetation Deforestation is one of the major environmental problems in Afghanistan and should be addressed properly. Although the natural forest is absent in the zone of project many of trees and high shrubs are growing in vicinity or within the ROW.

Several trees directly adjacent to the project alignment will have to be removed for the road widening. A detailed Vegetation and Plantation Plan has been submitted to MPW to address the re-vegetation of the impacted areas.

The trees designated for removal are marked and counted. Care should be given to the trees which are not subject to removal.

3.1.2 Recommendations for reforestation and planting of trees The planting of trees is included in the Bill 8 (Environmental works) of BOQ.

The main objectives of planting are:

Integrating of highway in the landscape; Avoiding of process of erosion in the slopes Protection of surrounding habitat

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In addition the plantation may positively impact the environment and recreation value of the area. The following recommendations may be taken into consideration for preparation of trees planting program for different sections of the road alignment:

The Km 112+000 -114+000- may be suitable for pinus or pinus wallichiana trees. The road runs parallel to the irrigation channel diverted from the river. Local communities successfully planted some pinus sapling along the channel. This positive experience might be adapted by EMJV for future plantation and re-vegetation activities.

Km 124+000-125+000 where the road passes along the riverbed has good capacity for planting of ficus carica and cericis siliquastrum.

Only local species of trees adjustable to the surrounding ecosystems should be planted. At the Km 130+000 +132+000 any tree planting can make a sense if proper treatment and watering will be provided.

At certain sections along the alignment there are signs of severe deforestation. The native species of pinus, deodar and juniper may be recommended for the reforestation of slopes.

3.2 Social issues The timely and efficient public communication is necessary prerequisite for mitigation and prevention of social impacts resulted in the project implementation. EMJV has a community development team that coordinated all issues related to the local community and villagers.

3.3 Dust generation and air pollution Dust generation from the project activities is noticeable. The routine watering which was undertaken in the previous time is not sufficient anymore. The severe dusting is observed both in the spots of excavation and along the all alignment due to traffic movement.

During inspections no actual measurements of the levels of emissions from the working machinery were undertaken, No open burning or other activities adversely affected the air quality were observed during the reporting period.

3.4 Impacts to flora and fauna During the field inspections no wild animals were noticed. Subcontractor did mention observing the occasional snake in their work area. Insignificant impact was caused to the riverside vegetation. The vegetation near the road is presented by ephemeral grasses and low shrubs. The shrubs are actively collected by the local population as firewood and should be distributed to the local communities before the site clearance.

3.5 Impacts to water quality Project construction activities caused no significant impacts to water quality. The minor impacts as increase in turbidity could occur during the earth excavation transportation and dumping of material. However the surface water in the project area is turbid by natural reasons and is not used for drinking purposes.

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Ground water table at the area is fragmental and occurs mainly as the springs at the lower parts of the valley mostly discharging directly to the stream.

3.6 Waste management and housekeeping Until this time the construction activities has not caused the generation of considerable amount of garbage. However the garbage generated in the labor man camps need to be managed properly and disposed of properly.

3.7 Borrow pits operations EMJV has selected several locations as borrow sources. These locations have been signed off by the Badghis Region National Environmental Protection Agency. All borrow pit operations are being monitored to ensure that all activities are carried out in a manner to minimize the impact to the Environment.

4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

During the reporting period no significant environmental impacts resulted from the project implementation activities. However there are some violations and areas of non-compliance from the side of the subcontractor which require attention and corrective actions.

The regular Environmental Monitoring inspections and control of construction activities were undertaken by the EMJV staff.

In order to ensure environmental compliance of the remaining part of the project the following measures are recommended:

1. All soil stockpile areas are to be inspected and approved by EMJV prior to usage. No permanent material disposal is allowed near the trees and closer than 4 meters to water bodies.

2. The cutting of trees and damage to vegetation along the alignment should be minimized. 3. The subcontractor should considerably improve the housekeeping practices at the works

places and accommodation. The lavatories and trash bins should be set up in sufficient amount at the work sites and accommodation areas

ANNEXES 1 Environment Compliance Monitoring Chart

The Chart/Table below is a part of Monthly Progress Report and demonstrates the updated status of Environmental Compliance of Contractor’s activities for issues identified by EMP and mitigation measures undertaken during the reporting period.

Construction of Qaisar to Laman Ring Road Project Contract No. MPW/441 & 800/ADB/ICB

Monitored activity/item Observed Environmental (safety) issue

Recommended Mitigation Compliance Status

SAFETY ISSUES

1 Sufficiency and proper use of safety tools such as goggles, gloves, shoes , etc. by construction workers engineers

The significant improvement was noticed. Most of laborers at the construction operations were properly equipped. However , some workers still do not wear protective hats and gloves

To enforce the responsibility for non-compliance in accordance with Safety Plan.

N/E

2 Availability of the temporary signs and signals for construction works

The warning signs are available for road diversions. The proper diversions are not always properly maintained.

Subcontractor provide necessary signage and build proper diversions

N/E

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CONSTRUCTION CAMP

3 Adequate water supply for construction camp Adequate sanitation for construction camp

Kitchen and dining facilities

Adequate accommodation space in the camp

Water is supplied from storage tanks. Bottled water is used for drinking.

Toilets are provided for the workers.

Kitchen is provided for cooking.

Living facilities are provided for the workers for resting and sleeping.

Inspect and Monitor the labor camps on a weekly basis.

N/E

4 Availability of first medical aid

Lack of first aid kits in construction machinery.

Emergency contact during unexpected incident

Full time Doctor and Assistant on site

N/E

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5 Availability of firefighting equipment

Fire extinguishers present on site and at Labor Camp and on the site.

Immediate placement of firefighting equipment’s so that it can be visible and in case of any emergency, it can be utilized. Personnel shall be trained to use Fire extinguishers

N/E

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

6 Quarry/ Borrow Pits management

Material removal from borrow pits are being monitored.

Material Collection

Compliance with environmental Law, 2006

Payment of Royalty for extracting natural resources for commercial purposes.

Necessary approval from NEPA has been obtained.

Preparation of a plan for required and available quantity supported by survey data and profiling of the quarry at the material collection point.

Collect permission from NEPA, M/O Mine and Local authority (if any) for extraction of stone from quarry.

Pay royalty for borrow and Quarry materials obtained as applicable as per the Rule of law of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Specifying of borrow pit dimension with pegs handled and safety tabs.

N/E

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Material stacks Stock Pile

Loss of top soil during excavation operation on site construction

Maintenance of stockpile height to a maximum of 4 meter

Avoid Traffic over material stacks

The depth of excavation for topsoil

stripping should be carefully controlled

Encircle the topsoil stock with safety tabs

N/E

7 Disposal of excess cut(unsuitable) material

Stockpiling of material near the river bed was observed. Unplanned hill cutting and disposal of spoil earth and debris materials will lead the erosion of hills and will deposit the eroded soil on the road side

Need monitoring

Maintain necessary slope on the hill cutting area and staged disposal of spoil earth from hill cutting with adequate compaction and erosion protection measures to prevent all kind of soil movement on the constructed road, Valleys, agriculture lands and river/Stream Courses.

N/E

8 Erosion and flood control Insignificant erosion and sedimentation of excavated material caused by heavy raining have been observed at the several sections.

Need monitoring N/E

9 Pollution due to improper workshop and domestic

Garbage just piled at several locations within the construction

The contractor is required to deliver the necessary amount of containers for trash collecting to the construction site. The collected

N/E

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waste management. camp.

Disposal of waste to nominated project dump site using nonhazardous methods.

Camp scraps should piled up on the fixed point and then be cleared and transported in specify location.

garbage should be disposed at approved location. Contractor should prepare a waste dumping place at the site camp, office etc. Burring of wastes into the ground away from human being locations

10 Accidental spills of oil and hazardous materials

They spills oil on constriction area we clean the area and remove the soil disposed in save place

Need monitoring N/E

11 Loss of trees All destruction of plant, trees and vegetation

were counted

EMJV has submitted a Vegetation Plan and all trees removed will be compensated by planting additional trees

Restrict vegetation clearing to acquired ROW and narrow strips needed for development and safety of operations.

Obtain necessary government permits for cutting trees.

Ensure that valuable trees are

N/E

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handed over to NRDCL and only marked trees are felled within right of way.

sapling plant should start and distribution of saplings should start at the first half of spring.

12 Dust generation by transport and equipment movement

The watering of alignment by the subcontractor’s water tank was insufficient during the reporting period. The excessive generation of dust from the construction activities was noticed at the several sections.

Resulting from construction activities and construction traffic.

Dust pollution raised during construction work

Subcontractor was requested to undertake proper watering of alignment especially in the dusty and windy weather.

N/E

13 Noise protection No excessive noise issues or complaints were reported.

The contractor is encouraged to continue the proper scheduling of works.

Control of timing of noise emissions by informing local community and controlling on-site operation of activities and carrying timely maintenance and repair of

N/E

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equipment.

For noise reduction measure should be implemented in all construction equipment such as installation of muffler

Regular spraying of water to mitigate dust pollution and increase the number of water tanker on construction site

14 Endangered species No endangered species encounter was reported.

No action is required. Subcontractor is notified about prohibition of hunting and careful treatment of wildlife

N/E

15 Historical and archeological findings

Some potential historical items were found in Station 112+300 to 112+500 and stolen by unauthorized personnel

Loss of existing and known or discovered historic relics during construction work

Stealing of historic heritage by local’s

Damage to monuments due to recklessness.

EMJV notified NDS and local Governor

N/E

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16 Topsoil losses due to improper storage and handling

Earthworks will impact the fertile top soils that are enriched with nutrients required for plant growth or agricultural development

Whole alignment the section-1 of the road

The Contractor shall

- Strip the top soil to a depth of 15 cm

-store in stock piles of height not exceeding 2m and with a slope of 1:2

- Spread the topsoil to maintain the physic-chemical and biological activity of the soil. The stored top soil will be utilized for covering all disturbed area and along the proposed plantation sites

- Topsoil stockpiles will be monitored and should any adverse conditions be identified corrective actions will include:

• Anaerobic conditions - turning the stockpile or creating ventilation holes through the stockpile;

• Erosion - temporary protective silt fencing will be erected;

N/E

17 Construction waste generation alongside the RoW :

- excess soil and rock, demolished structures, packaging materials etc.) - Concrete and metal constructions

Agree with Government landfill management and municipalities and transport the spoil (excessive rock

N/E

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and soil) to the landfill

Use it to as cover material for closing the landfill. This is proposed actin.

In more general terms: Assess and, if required, develop spoil and rock disposal plan Use spoil and excess rocks for construction of embankments and dike with riprap revetment.

Provide for disposal facilities agreed with local municipalities; Allow local communities to utilize any excess rock, which may be left following reuse.

Transport any further material to the nearest spoil disposal sites agreed with the NEPA. The main purpose is not to damage valuable landscapes or soil deposits and other ecological sensitivities.

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Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report

ANNEXES 2 the completed environmental impacts monitoring Check-lists for July, August, Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec 2013

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Environmental Impact Monitoring Check-list for July 2013

Road section 1 2 3 4 5

KM chainage 112+00-113+200

126+500-128+000

133+500-134+500

155+000-155+500

164+000-164+500

Level of satisfaction HS s NS HS s NS HS s NS HS s NS

1. Earthworks and soil conservation

1.1 disposal of debris and spoil √ √ √ √ √

1.2 Protection of agriculture areas √ √ √ √ √

1.3 Protection of ground cover vegetation √ √ √ √ √

1.4 Borrowing of the earth √ √ √ √ √

1.5 Erosion control √ √ √ √ √

1.6 Quarry operations

2.water pollution

2.1 Protection of water sources √ √ √ √ √

2.2 Prevention of water quality √ √ √ √ √

2.3 No siltation of water bodies √ √ √ √ √

2.4 No alteration of drainage paths √ √ √ √ √

2.5 Precaution for contamination of water form construction materials

√ √ √ √ √ √

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2.6 Locating sanitation & waste disposal in constriction

√

2.7 Adequate facilities for disposal of sewerage & soil west

2.8 No impact to the public or community water supply

√ √ √ √

3. Air pollution

3.1 Effective management of dust √ √ √ √

3.2 Delivering material effectively covered while transporting

√ √ √

3.3.Vehicle speed limit which control the dust emission

√ √ √ √ √

3.4 Watering of constriction & transportation sites √ √ √ √

3.5 Immediate cleaning of debris, dust & other material from the road

√ √ √ √

3.6 Level of emissions from construction √ √ √ √

Vehicles ,equipment &machinery

3.7 Regularly serviced machinery from material extraction sites √ √ √ √ √

3.8 level of air emission from material extraction sites √ √ √ √ √

4. Noise pollution and vibration

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4.1 level of noise from vehicles, plants & equipment √ √ √ √ √

4.2 Level of vibration from machineries & equipment √ √ √ √ √

5. Impact on flora and fauna

5.1 Minimize loss or damage of tree √ √ √ √ √

5.2 No destruction of other flora √ √ √ √ √

5.3 No removal of tree protected area √ √ √ √ √

5.4 No impact to wild fauna and their habitats √ √ √ √ √

6. Accidents and risks

6.1 prevention and control of vector based diseases √ √ √ √ √

6.2 Provide proper safety appliances to worker helmets, goggles, masks, wears.

√ √ √ √ √

6.3 Adequate warning signals √ √ √ √ √

7. Health & safety


7.2 No vector breeding sites in the vicinity of labor camps √ √ √ √ √

7.3 Adequate actions for workers health and safety √ √ √ √

14

7.4 First aid facility 3√ 4 √ 6 7√ 8 √ 9√

7.5 Adequate bathing, latrine facilities for labor camps Bathing and latrine facilities are available on the camps

7.6 No affect to adjacent watercourses sewerage system No affect but needs continued monitoring

7.7 Garbage disposed √ √ √

8. Environmental enhancement

8.1 Road-said landscape √ √ √ √ √

8,2 Re-plantation of tree re-plantation of other plants

Re-plantation and re-vegetation has not started case of construction works

8.3 Reconstruction of removed utilities such as water, electricity. telephone

No utilities were removed during the reporting period

15

Environmental Impact Monitoring Check-list for August 2013


KM chainage 112+00-113+200

126+500-128+000

133+500-134+500

154+500-155+500

165+500-166+00









2.water pollution






√ √ √ √ √ √

16


√



√ √ √ √

4. Air pollution



√ √ √ √


√ √ √ √ √

3.4 Watering of constriction & transportation sites

√ √ √ √


√ √ √ √





17












√ √ √ √ √


7. Health & safety



18


7.4 First aid facility 3√ 4 √ 6 7√ 8 √ 9√










19

Environmental Impact Monitoring Check-list for August 2013


KM chainage 112+00-113+200

126+500-128+000

133+500-134+500

152+000-153+500

166+000-166+500









2.water pollution





20


√ √ √ √ √ √


√



√ √ √ √

5. Air pollution



√ √ √


√ √ √ √ √

3.4 Watering of constriction & transportation sites √ √ √


√ √ √




21













√ √ √ √ √


7. Health & safety


22



7.4 First aid facility 3√ 4 √ 6 7√ 8 √ √










23

Environmental Impact Monitoring Check-list for September 2013


KM chainage 112+00-113+200

126+500-128+000

133+500-134+500

154+000-155+500

164+000-166+00









2.water pollution






√ √ √ √ √ √


√


24


√ √ √ √

9. Air pollution 3.1 Effective management of dust √ √ √ √


√ √ √


√ √ √ √

3.4 Watering of constriction & transportation sites √ √ √


√ √ √



3.7 Regularly serviced machinery from material extraction sites

√ √ √ √ √






25








√ √ √ √ √


7. Health & safety



26


7.4 First aid facility √ √ √ √ √










27

Photo No: 1 photo No: 2

Annex 3: pictures

Deep excavation inside the river along section-1 Water contamination hazard during construction work

28


Insertion of temporary pipe instead of demolished once for irrigation

Deep excavation beneath the gabion

29


Photo No: 5 Photo No: 6

Top soil stock pile close to the road way Main camp clinic equipped with all medical requirements

Documents

Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report...Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report July–December 2013 AFG: Qaisar to Laman (Ring Road) Project ... Leveling and regulation of surface