Initial Environmental Evaluation · 5.1 Project Location 19 5.1.1 Impact Assessment and Mitigation...

Initial Environmental Evaluation

The Initial Environmental Evaluation Report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do n ot n ecessarily r epresent t hose of A DB’s B oard of D irectors, Ma nagement, or s taff, and m ay be preliminary in nature.

Initial Environment Evaluation Report Document Stage: Draft Project Number: 38456-03 July 2009

PAK: MFF for Power Distribution Enhancement Program (Tranche 2)

Construction of Warsak Road 132 kV Grid Station and Associated Transmission Line

Prepared by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), Governent of Pakistan for the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN

Pakistan - Power Distribution Enhancement Program (ADB TA Loan No. 2178-PAK)

ADB MFF Tranche 2 Subproject No. 7.1.1

CONSTRUCTION OF WARSAK ROAD 132 kV GRIDSTATION AND ASSOCIATED

TRANSMISSION LINE IN

PESHAWAR -PESCO INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

SUBMITTED TO

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Peshawar Electric Power Company (PESCO) GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN

JULY 2009

Power Transmission Enhancement Multitranche Financing Facility – Tranche 2- 132KV WARSAK ROAD DGS and TXL

Initial Environmental Examination

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Overview 1

1.2 Scope of the IEE Study and Personnel 1

2. POLICY AND STATUARY REQUIREMENTS IN PAKISTAN 3 2.1 Statutory Framework 3

2.1.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 3 2.1.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA

Regulations, 2000 3 2.1.3 National Environmental Quality Standards 5 2.1.4 Other Relevant Laws 5

2.2 Structure of Report 5

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 7 3.1 Type of Project 7

3.2 Need for the Project 7

3.3 Location and scale of Project 9

3.4 Proposed Schedule for Implementation 11

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 12 4.1 Project Area 12

4.1.1 General Characteristics of Project Area 12 4.1.2 Affected Administrative Units 12 4.1.3 Topography, Geography, Geology, and Soils 12 4.1.4 Groundwater and Water Supply 13 4.1.5 Surface water 13 4.1.6 Air Quality 13 4.1.7 Noise and Vibration 14

4.2 Ecological Resources 14 4.2.1 Wildlife14 4.2.2 Terrestrial Habitats, Forests and Protected Species 15 4.2.3 Protected areas / National sanctuaries 15

4.3 Economic Development 15 4.3.1 Agriculture, Industries, and Tourism 15

4.4 Social and Cultural Resources 17 4.4.1 Population Communities and Employment 17 4.4.2 Education and Literacy 18 4.4.3 Health Facilities 18

4.5 Cultural Heritage and Community Structure 19



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5. SCREENING POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 19 5.1 Project Location 19

5.1.1 Impact Assessment and Mitigation 19 5.1.2 General Approach to Mitigation 20 5.1.3 Cultural Heritage, Mosques, Religious Sites, and Social Infrastructure 21

5.2 Potential Environmental Impacts in construction 21 5.2.1 Encroachment, Landscape and Physical Disfiguration 21 5.2.2 Cut and fill and waste disposal 21 5.2.3 Trees, Ecology and Protected Areas 22 5.2.4 Hydrology, Sedimentation, Soil Erosion 23 5.2.5 Air Pollution from earthworks and transport 23 5.2.6 Noise, Vibration and Blasting 23 5.2.7 Sanitation, Solid Waste Disposal, Communicable Diseases 24

5.3 Potential Environmental Impacts in operation 24 5.3.1 Air pollution and noise from the enhanced operations 24 5.3.2 Pollution from oily run-off, fuel spills and dangerous goods 25

5.4 Enhancement 26

6. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 27

7. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 31 7.1 Approach to Public Consultation 31

7.2 Public Consultation Process 31

7.3 Results of Public Consultation 31

8. CONCLUSIONS 32 8.1 Findings and Recommendations 32

8.2 Summary and Conclusions 33



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Figures and Maps Figure 1.1 Pakistan EIA Process Figure 2.1 Jurisdiction map of PESCO Figure 2.2 Location of Warsak Road GS

Attachments Attachment 1 Environmental Management Plan (matrix) Attachment 2 Monitoring Plan (matrix) Attachment3 Warsak Road TL inventory Attachment 4 Preliminary program for design, construction and commissioning Attachment 5 Site Photographs Attachment 6 Typical Bunds for Transformers Attachment 7 Public consultation Attachment 8 Sub Project Location and Line Route Name Initials Date Prepared by Nadeem Ahmad Authorised by Javed Rashid PESCO



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ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank Warsak Road SP Warsak Road 132kV grid substation and transmission line

subproject COI Corridor of Influence CSP Country Strategy Program DoF Department of Forests DFO Divisional Forest Officer DIZ Direct Impact Zone EA Environmental Assessment EARF Environment Assessment Review Framework EIA Environment Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan GDP Gross Domestic Product GOP Government of Pakistan GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan Leq equivalent sound pressure level MPL maximum permissible level NEQS National Environmental Quality Standards NGO Non Governmental Organization PC public consultation PEPA Punjab Environmental Protection Agency PEPAct Pakistan Environment Protection Act 1997 (as regulated and amended) PPMS Project Performance Monitoring System REA Rapid Environmental Assessment SIA Social Impact Assessment S-P subproject SR Sensitive Receiver TOR Terms of Reference TXL transmission line Rupee, PKR Unit of Pakistan currency. $US approx R82



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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview 1. This document is the Initial Environmental Examination for the Tranche 2 132kV substation Warsak Road substation sub-project proposed by the Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO), (Figs 1.1 and 1.2) . The sub project is to be financed under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) , Power Distribution and Enhancement Multi-trance Finance Facility (PDEMFF). Under ADB Guidelines the substation and distribution line are to be taken as one integral subproject and the guidelines require environmental assessment of all components of subprojects whether financed by ADB, governments or other co financiers.

2. Government of Pakistan (GoP) has requested ADB to provide the PDEMFF to facilitate investments in power distribution and development of networks of eight independent distribution companies (DISCOs) that distribute power to end user consumers. The funding from ADB is expected to be released in stages (tranches). The Power Distribution Enhancement (PDE) Investment Program is part of the GoP long term energy security strategy. The proposed ADB intervention will finance new investments in PDE and assist capacity building of sector related agencies. The investment program will cover necessary PDE development activities in secondary transmission / distribution networks of eight DISCOs. The PDEMFF activities include extension (additional transformers) and augmentation (replacement of transformers with higher capacity) distribution line extensions, new and replacement distribution lines, additional substations, transformer protection and other non network activities such as automatic meter reading, construction equipment and computerized accounting. New distribution lines to and from various network facilities and some of the above activities will also be included in the later trenches. The proposed PDEMFF facility has been designed to address both investment and institutional aspects in the electrical power sector.

3. This IEE presents the results and conclusions of environmental assessment for the 132KV Warsak Road substation subproject proposed by PESCO, and are submitted by Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) on behalf of PESCO. PEPCO has been nominated by Ministry of Water and Power (MOWP) to act as the Executing Agency (EA) with each DISCO being the Implementing Agency (IA) for work in its own area. PEPCO‟s role in the processing and implementation of the investment program is that of a coordinator of such activities as preparation of PC-1s and PFRs, monitoring implementation activities; that includes submission of environmental assessments for all subprojects in all trenches of the PDEMFF under ADB operating procedures. An IEE has been carried out to fulfill the requirements of ADB Guidelines (May 2003). This IEE study report is used to complete the Summary Initial Environmental Examination (SIEE) for disclosure by ADB if necessary.

4. The environmental assessment requirements of the GoP for grid stations and power distribution subprojects are different to those of ADB. Under GoP regulations, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2000) categorizes development subprojects into two schedules according to their potential environmental impact. The proponents of subprojects that have



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reasonably foreseeable impacts are required to submit an IEE for their respective subprojects (Schedule I). The proponents of subprojects that have more adverse environmental impacts (Schedule II) are required to submit an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Distribution lines and substations are included under energy subprojects and IEE is required for sub transmission / distribution lines of 11kV and less and large distribution subprojects (Schedule I). EIA is required by GoP for all subprojects involving sub transmission / distribution lines of 11kV and above and for DGS substations (Schedule II). 2.3

2 Initial subproject classification was carried out in 2009 and the Category is B. Most of the construction impacts will take place with only local impacts and there are no potential significant environmental impacts associated with the T2 (tranche one) sub-subproject construction. Initial environmental reconnaissance and REA carried out by consultants under ADB guidelines in April 2009 indicated that all the T2 sub-subprojects will be Category B 3 Environmental Assessment Guidelines (ADB May 2003 . Category A subprojects that are deemed by ADB's chief compliance officer to be environmentally sensitive for the purposes of (i) the 120 day rule, and (ii) the environmental management plan requirement could involve subprojects that are near or in environmentally sensitive areas. At this stage no component of the T1 sub-subprojects under consideration is actually within a critical area and therefore the MFF tranche as a whole is Category B.



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5. Clarification has been sought from Pakistan EPA on the requirements for environmental assessment for certain energy subprojects and for sub transmission / distribution lines. A Framework of Environmental Assessment (FEA) on power extensions and augmentation subprojects was prepared by consultants and submitted to the Pakistan EPA, after hearings with provincial EPAs. In response to the FEA submitted by NTDC to the Pakistan EPA3 it has been clarified that all proponents must follow section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act for all subprojects. Pakistan EPA has also assumed that all proponents will consult with the relevant provincial EPAs (PEPA) and follow their advice. In 2006 Punjab EPA requested disclosure of the scope and extent of each subproject in order that the Director General of PEPA can determine if additional land is required and the need for IEE or EIA. A review of the need for EIA/IEE for submission to GoP is therefore required by the relevant environmental protection agency, in this case the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency.

1.2 Scope of the IEE Study and Personnel

6. The Study Area included the identification of irrigation facilities, water supply, habitable structures, schools, health facilities, hospitals, religious places and sites of heritage or archaeological importance and critical areas (if any) within about 100m of the Grid Station (DGS) boundary .The works are generally envisaged to involve the Construction of DGS and 88.8km double circuit transmission line .Construction of the bases, foundation pads and towers to support the distribution line will be carried out also under the same subproject by PESCO and supervised by the PESCO management.

7. The field studies were undertaken by the subproject‟s environment team with experience of environmental assessment for power subprojects in Pakistan.Mr. Nadeem Ahmad conducted preliminary scoping, survey and assessment activities, coordinated the field sampling and analysis, and were also responsible to supervise collation of information and co-ordinate the various public consultation activities. The team conducted preliminary scoping, survey and assessment activities, and carried out the report writing .. The environmental team also benefited from technical support and other information on the impacts of the proposed power works provided in feasibility summaries prepared with PESCO by expert consultants of BPI dealing with engineering, power distribution, socio-economic, re-settlement and institutional aspects.

8. A scoping and field reconnaissance was conducted on the subproject site, during which a Rapid Environmental Assessment was carried out to establish the potential impacts and categorization of subproject activities. The methodology of the IEE study was then elaborated in order to address all interests. Subsequently primary and secondary baseline environmental data was collected from possible sources, and the intensity and likely location of impacts were identified with relation the sensitive receivers; based on the work expected to be carried out. The significance of impacts from construction of the DGS was then assessed and, for

3 Letter dated 29th June 2007 – Ref 2(1)2004-W/KCP-DD from Pak EPA Sajjad Hussein Talpur, Dy Director (EIA/Mont) to NTDC, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Subproject Director PPTA, NTDC, WAPDA House, Lahore.



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those impacts requiring mitigation, measures were proposed to reduce impacts to within acceptable limits.

9. Public consultation (PC) was carried out in May,2009, in line with ADB guidelines. Under ADB requirements the environmental assessment process must also include meaningful public consultation during the completion of the draft IEE. In this IEE the PC process included verbal disclosure of the sub-subproject works as a vehicle for discussion. Consultations were conducted with local families and communities around and 132 kV substation Warsak Road SP site and staff of the subproject management. The responses from correspondents have been included summarized in Section 6 of this IEE.



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2. POLICY AND STATUARY REQUIREMENTS IN PAKISTAN

10. Direct legislation on environmental protection is contained in several statutes, namely the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (1997) the Forest Act (1927) the Punjab Wildlife Act (1974). In addition the Land Acquisition Act (1894) also provides powers in respect of land acquisition for public purposes. There are also several other items of legislation 7 and regulations which have an indirect bearing on the subproject or general environmental measures.

2.1 Statutory Framework 11. The Constitution of Pakistan distributes legislative powers between the federal and the provincial governments through two „lists‟ attached to the Constitution as Schedules. The Federal List covers the subjects over which the federal government has exclusive legislative power, while the Concurrent List contains subjects regarding which both the federal and provincial governments can enact laws. “Environmental pollution and ecology” is included in the concurrent list, hence both the federal and the provincial governments can enact laws on this subject. However, to date, only the federal government has enacted laws on environment, and the provincial environmental institutions derive their power from the federal law. The Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1996 is now superseded by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (1997). The key environmental laws affecting this subproject are discussed below.

2.1.1 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

12. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 is the basic legislative tool empowering the government to frame regulations for the protection of the environment. The act is applicable to a wide range of issues and extends to air, water, soil, marine, and noise pollution, as well as to the handling of hazardous wastes. The key features of the law that have a direct bearing on the proposed subproject relate to the requirement for an initial environmental examination (IEE) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) for development subprojects. Section 12(1) requires that: “No proponent of a subproject shall commence construction or operation unless he has filed with the Federal Agency an initial environmental examination [IEE] or, where the subproject is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an environmental impact assessment [EIA], and has obtained from the Federal Agency approval in respect thereof.” The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency has delegated the power of review and approval of environmental assessments to the provincial environmental protection agencies, in this case the Punjab EPA. (Fig 1.1)

2.1.2 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2000

13. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (PEP Act) provides for two types of environmental assessments: initial environmental examinations (IEE) and environment impact assessments (EIA). EIAs are carried out for subprojects that have a potentially „significant‟ environmental impact, whereas IEEs are conducted for relatively smaller subprojects with a relatively less significant impact. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA



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Regulations, 2004 (the „Regulations‟), prepared by the Pak-EPA under the powers conferred upon it by the PEP Act, categorizes subprojects for IEE and EIA. Schedules I and II, attached to the Regulations, list the subprojects that require IEE and EIA, respectively.

14. The Regulations also provide the necessary details on the preparation, submission, and review of IEEs and EIAs. The following is a brief step-wise description of the approval process (see also Attachment 1):

(i) A subproject is categorized as requiring an IEE or EIA using the two schedules

attached to the Regulations. (ii) An EIA or IEE is conducted as per the requirement and following the Pak-EPA

guidelines. (iii) The EIA or IEE is submitted to the concerned provincial EPA if it is located in the

provinces or the Pak-EPA if it is located in Islamabad and federally administrated areas. The Fee (depending on the cost of the subproject and the type of the report) is submitted along with the document.

(iv) The IEE/EIA is also accompanied by an application in the format prescribed in Schedule IV of the Regulations.

(v) The EPA conducts a preliminary scrutiny and replies within 10 days of the submittal of a report, a) confirming completeness, or b) asking for additional information, if needed, or c) returning the report requiring additional studies, if necessary.

(vi) The EPA is required to make every effort to complete the IEE and EIA review process within 45 and 90 days, respectively, of the issue of confirmation of completeness.

(vii) Then the EPA accords their approval subject to certain conditions: (viii) Before commencing construction of the subproject, the proponent is required to

submit an undertaking accepting the conditions. (ix) Before commencing operation of the subproject, the proponent is required to obtain

from the EPA a written confirmation of compliance with the approval conditions and requirements of the IEE.

(x) An EMP is to be submitted with a request for obtaining confirmation of compliance. (xi) The EPAs are required to issue confirmation of compliance within 15 days of the

receipt of request and complete documentation. (xii) The IEE/EIA approval is valid for three years from the date of accord. (xiii) A monitoring report is to be submitted to the EPA after completion of construction,

followed by annual monitoring reports during operation.

15. Distribution lines and grid substations of 11 kV and above are included under energy subprojects in Schedule II, under which rules EIA is required by GoP. Initial environment examination (IEE) is required for distribution lines less than 11 kV and large distribution subprojects (Schedule I). A review of the need for EIA/ IEE submission is therefore required by the relevant EPA, in this case the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as the proposed subproject will be located in Punjab.

16. There are no formal provisions for the environmental assessment of expanding existing distribution lines and grid substations but Punjab EPA have

4 The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000



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requested disclosure of the scope and extent of each subproject in order that their Director General can determine if additional land is required and the need for statutory environmental assessment1. The details of this subproject will be forwarded to the Punjab EPA, in order to commence the local statutory environmental assessment process.

2.1.3 National Environmental Quality Standards

17. The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) were first promulgated in 1993 and have been amended in 1995 and 2000. The following standards that are specified in the NEQS may be relevant to the Tranche 1 subprojects:

18. Maximum allowable concentration of pollutants (32 parameters) in municipal and liquid industrial effluents discharged to inland waters, sewage treatment facilities, and the sea (three separate sets of numbers)

19. Maximum allowable concentration of pollutants (2 parameters) in gaseous emissions from vehicle exhaust and noise emission from vehicles.

2.1.4 Other Relevant Laws

20. There are a number of other federal and provincial laws that are important in the context of environmental management. The main laws potentially affecting subprojects in this MFF are listed below.

21. The Punjab Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 empowers the government to declare certain areas reserved for the protection of wildlife and control activities within in these areas. It also provides protection to endangered species of wildlife. As no activities are planned in these areas, no provision of this law is applicable to the proposed subproject.

22. The Forestry Act, 1927 empowers the government to declare certain areas reserved forest. As no reserved forest exists in the vicinity of the proposed subproject, this law will not affect to the proposed subproject.

23. The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of Pakistan‟s cultural resources. The Act defines „antiquities‟ as ancient products of human activity, historical sites, or sites of anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments, etc. The Act is designed to protect these antiquities from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful excavation, trade, and export. The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of a protected antiquity and empowers the Government of Pakistan to prohibit excavation in any area that may contain articles of archaeological significance. Under the Act, the subproject proponents are obligated to ensure that no activity is undertaken in the proximity of a protected antiquity, report to the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan, any archaeological discovery made during the course of the subproject.

2.2 Structure of Report 24. This IEE reviews information on existing environmental attributes of the Study Area. Geological, hydrological and ecological features, air quality, noise, water quality, soils, social and economic aspects and cultural resources are



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included. The report predicts the probable impacts on the environment due to the proposed subproject enhancement and expansion. This IEE also proposes various environmental management measures. Details of all background environmental quality, environmental impact / pollutant generating activities, pollution sources, predicted environmental quality and related aspects have been provided in this report. References are presented as footnotes throughout the text. Following this introduction the report follows ADB guidelines and includes: Description of the Subproject Description of Environmental and Social Conditions Assessment of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Environmental Monitoring Plan Public Consultation Recommendations and Conclusions



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3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 3.1 Type of Project

25. The Warsak Road substation and Transmission Line Subproject comprises 132 kV Warsak Road Grid Station and 8.8Km long double circuit transmission line. PESCO currently supplies electric power to the Warsak Road area from the existing Shahi Bagh 132kV grid station which is already overloaded. The villages and small industrial units along Warsak Road have long been suffering from poor voltage and frequent breakdowns in power supply and complaining for the same since early 1990s. In response, WAPDA had planned to construct a new 132kV grid station at Warsak Road and feed it from the existing Shahi Bagh 132kV grid station. Accordingly, WAPDA acquired 60.7 kanals of land situated on Warsak Road in Palosai Atozai village, Peer Bala Union Council, Peshawar, and prepared line profile for a new 5 km long transmission line in mid-1990s. But then it could not implement the plan because of lack of financial resources. The new grid station will now be connected to the existing 132kV transmission line (between its Tower Nos 17 and 18) connecting Shahi Bagh 220kV grid station to Shahi Bagh 132kV grid station, by means of 8.8 km long (instead of 5 km) 132kV double circuit transmission line. It will involve the construction of 42 towers, of which 33 towers will be placed in productive farmlands belonging to 39 landowner farmers, and the remaining 9 towers will be placed on unproductive lands.

Categorization of the Project

26. Categorization is based on the most environmentally sensitive component of a sub project. The aspects of the subproject with potential for significant environmental impacts need to be assessed in detail and this environmental assessment has therefore focused on the significant impacts possible from the construction activities of the sub project.

27. 132KV Warsak Road Grid Station is categorized as a Category „B‟ sub-project under ADB 1.3 requirements and this IEE report is based on that assumption.

3.2 Need for the Project

28. The conditions of the power transmission system in Pakistan are inadequate to meet rapidly growing demand for electrical power. This situation limits national development and economic growth. To cope with the constraints, the existing power transmission infrastructure has to be improved and upgraded. The overall contribution of power infrastructure also requires institutional arrangements and capacity that support strategic management of the sector, and planning and management of investments. Overall the proposed PDE-MFF facility has been designed to address both investment and institutional aspects in the electrical power sector.

29. The city of Peshawar has been expanding in all possible directions. In the city there is an expansion and development of housing schemes. Currently a dozen of housing colonies are being developed in the city. So the domestic, commercial and industrial power demands in the Warsak Road area of Peshawar jurisdiction (Fig.2.1) have increased rapidly, especially in summer months, so that the existing DGS are unable to cope up with the increasing demands of the domestic,



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commercial and industrial sectors. Due to the increased power demand of the area the existing grid stations has become overloaded and insufficient to meet the increased demand. There is need to improve the power supply of the area. For this purpose PESCO is planning to construct new grid station in this area named Warsak Road 132kV Grid Station.

Figure 2.1: Jurisdiction Map of PESCO



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3.3 Location and scale of Project

30. This IEE has included field reconnaissance of the site and surroundings of the Warsak Road SP and TXL. The Warsak Road DGS is located within PESCO jurisdiction Fig 2.2 and Attachment 8 presents the location of the substation. Substations site location is determined by a committee , comprising of professionals from : planning ; design ; construction ; operation ; and social, formations of the DISCO . The committee selects the best site based, from a number of alternatives, on the following considerations : Least cost technically and socially acceptable alternative ; least social impacts ; soil; and atmospheric conditions that are not likely impose a higher cost or damage the planed facilities ; acceptable living conditions for staff members (health, education , water etc.); reasonable access conditions to allow movement of heavy equipment; reasonable access conditions to allow incoming and outgoing transmission lines right of way . 31.The Warsak Road, Peshawar 132kV Subproject involves the construction of a new grid station on Warsak Road, and a 8.8 km long 132kV double circuit transmission line from the existing 132kV transmission line linking Shahi Bagh 220kV grid station with Shahi Bagh 132kV grid station. Some 60.7 kanals of land was acquired for the grid station and a proper brick boundary wall was constructed by WAPDA in 1995, and transferred as such to PESCO in 1998. The construction of new transmission line will temporarily affect crops and trees.

Figure 2.2: Location Warsak Road DGS



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Alternatives

31. This IEE has been conducted based on the assumptions available in late May 2009 when the preliminary designs for the DGS and TXL were completed and the overall requirements for installation of the equipment had been identified.The detailed designs are currently being progressed by PESCO. At this stage, the construction activities under the SP are expected to include the usual localized civil works such as excavation and concreting of foundations for the new transformers, capacitor banks, cable trays and terminal tower (within the DGS compound), installation of the transformers, equipment and fittings, erection of the towers, cabling, construction of the control rooms and installation of allied equipment, and construction of the offices and residences. Impacts from construction of the Warsak Road SP are envisaged to be minor, since no additional land needs to be acquired for construction of the DGS and TXL, the works for the construction of DGS will be on the land previously owned by Warsak Road and donated to PESCO voluntarily.



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32. The connecting line from Warsak Road SP to the network will involve erection of 42 poles that will be strung with the new DGS. The designs for the Tranche 2 (T2) subprojects will be developed under the subproject support component of the MFF. This IEE , however, is based on detailed line route surveys (which includes alternative routes and the route which minimizes the social impacts is chosen) . The line route is then submitted to the design formation which determines the line profiles and tower locations, these towers are then located on ground . The IEE is , therefore based on line design which is final (baring any unforeseen occurrence ) and only is changed at implementation stage if so warranted by new developments .The line design is based on the following parameters .

3.4 Proposed Schedule for Implementation

33. Designs of the DGS and TXL equipment layout, review of environmental management and construction processes could take several months .When the detail designs are completed, tendering and award will take place over about three to six months .The construction period will follow and best estimates indicate about eighteen months to two years. App3endix 4 presents the sub project implementation schedule. The tranche 2 implementation schedule is presented as follow

Permissible Conductor Clearances at 650CClearance

Sr. No.Description m

1 Cultivated land traversed by vehicles 6.72 Roads and Streets 7.93 Communication and power lines

power lines up to 66 kV 2.7power lines up to 33 kV 2.7

4 Highways 7.95 Railroads 7.96 Electrified railroads trolley wire 3.857 River at high flood 9.18 places accessible to pedestrians only 7.99 Building roofs not accessible to people 5.2

10 Tops of trees (Orchards) 511 Canals 9.1

1 2 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IVLoan ProcessingLoan negotiation ADB EAD

Tranche 2 Approval ADB EAD

Loan Effectivity EAD ADB

Bidding Documents

Bidding Documents Preparation PEPCO DISCOs

Evaluation PEPCO DISCOs

Contract Awards PEPCO DISCOs

Construction

Delivery of equipment Contractor

Construction & Installation Contractor

Testing & Commissioning Contractor

Loan Closing ADB PEPCO

TIME SCHEDULE - TRANCHE 2 - DISTRIBUTION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Year 2011 Year 2012Responsibility Year 2015 Year 2016Year 2009 Year 2010 Year 2013 Year 2014



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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Project Area

4.1.1 General Characteristics of Project Area

34. The site for Warsak Road 132kV grid station, 60.7 kanals of land, was originally acquired and possessed by WAPDA in 1995 on Warsak Road, out of Peshawar City . Upon taking the possession of land through District LAC, Peshawar, WAPDA had also constructed a proper boundary wall to protect it from encroachments. Since then, WAPDA kept its possession intact, and subsequently passed it on to PESCO upon its creation in 1998. There is no buildings or social infrastructure and other transmission lines that are located within 100m of Grid Station. There are no locations where the line is immediately adjacent to any residential or school property based on the alignment provided by PESCO.

35. Erection of each of the tower may require working room of up to 500m2 However there is plenty of room in the proposed grid station for the towers needed to support the line and in the existing PESCO there is no tree or vegetation within the existing boundary of the proposed 132kV DGS. Access to the substation will be from the existing roads in Warsak Road. There should be no need to disturb any infrastructure based on the current alignment subject to reconfirmation after detailed designs are complete

4.1.2 Affected Administrative Units

36. For the purpose of this study the Warsak Road SP has been assumed to affect local people and interviews have been conducted with the public from all along the DGS site and TXL corridor.

4.2 Physical Resources

4.1.3 Topography, Geography, Geology, and Soils 37. Peshawer District is a fertile plain . There is small hilly area in the south-east which is the part of the main Khattak Range . The highest point is at Tarakai with a height of about 700 meters it is approximately 1173 feet (358meters) above sea level

38. The central part of the district consists of fine alluvial deposits .The cultivated tracts consists of rich , light and porous soil, composed of a pretty even mixture of clay and sand which is good for cultivation of wheat , sugar cane and tobacco .

Climate and Hydrology 39. The climate of Peshawar district is extreme . the summer season persist from May to September , June is extremely hot and dry . the mean max. temp. than rises to over 40ºC while the mean minimum is over 25ºC . July to September are the monsoon months . the months of July and August are hot and humid . the water vapor contents of the atmosphere show its maximum record . the turn of season comes in September and up to mid November it is cool and pleasant.



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40. From December to mid February it is cold . the mean maximum and minimum temperature for January ,to coldest month has been recorded as low as 18.35ºC and 4.00ºC respectively . The spring comes somewhere around the middle of March which is the most pleasant period of the year . 41. Rainfall is received both in winter and summer . The winter rainfall ,due to western disturbances ,shows a high record in a month of February , March and April. The highest winter rainfall has been recorded in the month of March while the highest summer rainfall in the month of August . The average winter rainfall is higher than that of summer .

4.1.4 Groundwater and Water Supply 42.The main source of irrigation in the district are canals and tube wells. lift irrigation and well irrigation are also practiced to a limited extent .Wells have been the main source of irrigation in the past , many people have installed electric pumps on open wells which are providing sufficient water for the irrigation purposes . More than 100 tube wells are also operating in the district for providing drinking water to the people in addition to the number of open wells. SOURCE OF WATER

Sr. Source Area in Hectares 1 Canals 53208 i)Government 24578 ii)Private 28630 2 Tube wells 353 3 Wells 977 4 Other sources 1547 Total 56085

.

4.1.5 Surface water Rivers and Tributaries

43. The Kabul river , enters the district at Warsak and flows in a south–eastern direction in the upper northern half of the district . On entering the Peshawar plain it is divided into several channels . The two main channels are the Adezai or Hajizari in the north and the Naguman in the south. The Adezai river flows in the district along the boundary with Charsadda district .Another Channel branching from the right bank of the Naguman river, is the Shan Alam which flows parallel to it and again merge with Naguman river further in the east . The Bera river enter the district south of Jamrud fort and flows in the south - eastern direction through the district into Nowshera district where it joins the Kabul river from south and west the country slope towards Kabul river which takes practically whole drainage of the tract .The plain of Peshawar district is very fertile and famous for agriculture crops.

4.1.6 Air Quality 44. Air quality in most of the project area appears good based on observation during the study period. Emissions should be controlled at source under the EMP. There



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will be a few items of powered mechanical equipment to be used in the construction of the transmission line works that may give rise to many complaints about dust and other emissions, however there should be well dissipated. The major sources of complaint will likely be any necessary earthworks and local soil compaction. In comparison domestic sources of air pollution, such as emissions from wood and kerosene burning stoves as well as small diesel standby generators in some households, are minor.

45. No industrial pollution sources are present in the vicinity of Warsak Road SP. The project area is distant from major sources of air pollution like industries or urban type traffic, domestic sources such as burning of wood and kerosene stoves, etc. or fugitive sources such as burning of solid wastes. Air quality in the project area appeared very good during the study period . Air quality measurements in major urban centers , carried out by Pak-EPA , revealed that CO, SO2 and NO levels were in excess of the acceptable levels in some areas but the average levels were found below WHO standards . Air quality testing by DISCOs (average values are : TSP 1.09 mg/m3 , CO 634 ppb , SO2 24.34 ppb, NO2 23.73 ppb ) through various consultants has reveled that most sub stations have NO2, CO2 and CO values below international standards although TSP levels at some locations was higher than international standards .

46. There should be no source of atmospheric pollution from the project. In the operational phase the industrial facilities with fuel powered mechanical equipment will be the main polluters. All such emissions will be very well dissipated in the open terrain and there will be no cumulative effect from the project.

47.The other major source of air pollution is dust arising from construction and other ground or soil disturbance. Near the access roads, when vehicles pass, dust levels will increase. Dust levels are elevated when vehicles pass intermittently over the roads based on field observations and may be high enough to obscure vision significantly based on observations in August and September 2006.

4.1.7 Noise and Vibration 48.Noise from vehicles and other powered mechanical equipment is intermittent. There are also the occasional calls to prayer from the PA systems at the local mosques but there are no significant disturbances to the quiet rural setting. However the construction from the proposed power expansion will use powered mechanical equipment. Subjective observations were made of background noise and also of individual vehicle pass by events. Based on professional experience background daytime noise levels are probably well below 55dB (A) L90. DISCOs have carried out noise level measurements at various sub stations and transmission line locations within the system .These analyzed to calculate Leq values have resulted in Leq values much below the 85 dBA limit prescribed under the NEQs established by the EPA or the 75 dBA used by DISCOs/NTDC/PEPCO in the equipment specifications . Typical values were : average 46.21 dBA ; high 63.14 dBA ; and low 34.35 dBA .

4.2 Ecological Resources

4.2.1 Wildlife 49.Wild life department NWFP ,Peshawar is working for protection and conservation of wild life through declaring protected areas wild life sanctuaries and national parks . it help to rehabilitate wild life species that are threatened or extinct The common



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wild life found in the district are grey partridge , black partridge chakur partridge and see -see etc.

4.2.2 Terrestrial Habitats, Forests and Protected Species

Vegetation cover and trees

50.The common trees are mesquite , ber, acacia and jhand . The common shrubs are spynda , akk , small red poppy , spera camel thorn paighambari gul and drab grass all kind of roses , gul-e-dawoodi, chamba , ramble nargis, kasmalo ganderi , mori and other seasonal flowers are planted and sown in the district. Project area, which is not dry, is dominated by urban suburbs and with various productive fields of monocultures that now dominate the agro-ecosystems present in the project area. Common floral species with rooted vegetation are also present in most of the water bodies of the area.

51. The substation will be within the existing grid station boundary on vacant space, where there in no vegetation.

Protected and Religious Trees 52.There is no tree within the proposed DGS boundary and along the RoW. In general permission should be sought from the local tree owners for the felling of any trees. The LARP may make provision for compensation of local people for the loss of trees, if needed after detailed study. The works must deal with trees that need to be lopped or removed for safety reasons with the necessary permissions.

4.2.3 Protected areas / National sanctuaries 53.In Pakistan there are several areas of land devoted to the preservation of biodiversity through the dedication of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. There are no protected areas near the near proposed DGS and transmission alignment.

4.3 Economic Development

4.3.1 Agriculture, Industries, and Tourism

54.Agriculture: Peshawar valley is famous for its fertility and densely cultivated lands/soil . The district is famous for producing both food and cash crops . The main food crops are wheat maize and barley . the main cash crop is sugar cane . Early, mid and late season varieties of fruits have been introduced for commercial plantation among the growers . trivet an apricot variety , flordason , early grande florida king among peaches , anna an apple variety have been recently selected and approved for commercial cultivation . new varieties of apple such as summer red chief , stark crimson on dwarf and semi dwarf root stock have been released to the farmers .protein riched products from soyabean , canned products and bottled squashes and syrups from fruits have been successfully prepared and popularized amongst the masses. The main crops in the subproject area during winter are tobacco; Mutter (peas) wheat and sesamum comprise 531, 489, 51 and 32 thousand hectares respectively. Mung, Barley, Masoor and Rape-seed seem to be less cultivated as compared to the other crops.



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Horticulture:

55.The district is famous for fruits . there are many fruit orchards along the grand Trunk road entering into the Peshawar district . during late winter an early spring Peshawar valley is a bloom with fruit blossoms . the principal fruits are plump , peach , pear , apricot, water melon , musk melon , apple , guava , mango persimmon and loquat

56.The principal vegetables grown in the district are turnip carrot spinach tomato , cauliflower , cabbage , peas ,radish and lady finger Potato, carrot, lady finger, chilies, onion and cauliflowers are grown on 4131, 601, 259, 250 and 220 hectares respectively. The production of coriander is very prominent. Bitter gourd, turmeric and garlic are grown to meet the public demand. Other vegetables i.e. Radish, Tinda, Bringal is also grown. Major fruits grown are; citrus, guava, mango watermelons, banana and peach.

57.Industry:Peshawar district is comparatively developed area in NWFP.Khazana sugar mill and a number of small industrial units at Kohat road. Jamrud road , Kharkhano market are functioning which are manufacturing hosiery , small arms ,leather and foot wear ,garments , ghee ,soap etc . match factories , flour mills and steel re-rolling units are also operating in the district. There are other cottage industries which are manufacturing pottery , peshawari chapal and Kullah by the skilled artisans .

Transportation and communication: 58. Peshawar district has a good network of roads . The main road namely Shahra-e-Pakistan enters the district at Tarnab bridge and old Bara river and leaves at Bab-e-Khyber in Khyber agency .The road passes through the middle of the city from east to west .All other major and minor roads are linked with this road at different places in all. There are about 8584.03 kilometers black topped roads while 4434.25 are shingled thus making the total of 13018.28 km in length is linked with the rest of the country by air, rail and road. It lies on the Ground Trunk road or the Shahrah-e-Azam, which connects Kabul with Calcutta. The road was originally built by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century.

Pakistan Motorway: 59. For rapid and sustained socio-economic progress a well developed road that is motorway between Peshawar and Islamabad section M1 has been completed and connected with Islamabad -Lahore section M2 .There is a complete network of roads in the district. All major villages are connected with the district headquarters hrough metal led roads.

60.Railway: The main Karachi-Peshawar railway line enters the NWFP at Attock and Peshawar district at Akbar pura and ends at Landi Kotal ,Khyber agency. This line runs parallel to the main GT.Road. The total length of railway line in the existing Peshawar is 20 Km which plays a pivotal role in overcoming the deficiency of public transport .The railway facility runs up to Karachi crossing the three provinces of NWFP, Punjab and Sindh



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61.PIA: The Peshawar airport falls at a distance of 3 km from the city., there is a beautiful modern International airport. PIA and other air companies operate regular flights from Peshawar to other parts of the country as well as on international routes. 62.Post Office: The country wide /international postal services are available in the district, which is further boosted up by telex, telefax, telegraphs . 63.PTCL and other mobile companies has further added to the communication in the district. 64.Tourism: There are many places of interest those attract tourists and promote tourisms e.g. Qila Bala Hissar, Mahabat Khan‟s Mosque , Shaji Ki Dheri , Peshawar University and Islamia college Peshawar Energy Sources 65.The transmission lines for electrical power run to a main grid substation at the existing 132 Kv Grid Station owned by PESCO transmits power to the load centers.

66.Reserves of fossil fuels the main sources of energy in Pakistan. Others are derived from hydropower. In the study area there is no source of hydropower and other energy sources are progressively more common further away from the major towns. The biomass sourcing is concentrated on home garden production of fuel wood, the extraction of wood from forests, woodland, crop plantations and agricultural residues. The other significant energy sources in the area are kerosene and LPG. There are numerous petrol stations and LPG dealers in the district.

4.4 Social and Cultural Resources

4.4.1 Population Communities and Employment 67.The total population of Peshawar district was 2019 thousand as enumerated in March, 1998. As emerged from 1998 Census the population of district is predominantly Muslim, i.e. 98.57 per cent. The next higher percentage is of Christians with 0.94 percent followed by Ahmadis 0.36 per cent. While other minorities like Hindu (Jati), Scheduled Castes etc. are very small in number. The proportion of population of Muslims in rural and urban areas is 99.50 and 97.60 percent respectively. Christians are mostly living in rural areas representing 0.13 per cent as compared to 1.79 per cent in urban areas. Ahmadis in urban areas are 0.39 per cent and rural areas 0.34 per cent. The Hindu (Jati) is very small number in rural area. Also scheduled castes and others are in very small numbers. Pashto is the predominant languages being spoken in the district, representing 85.62 per cent of the population, followed by Balochi ,Sindhi and Siraiki spoken by 0.02, 0.03 and 0.18 percent. The people speaking Urdu and Punjabi constitute 2.76 percent and 2.63 percent respectively of the total population. 68. The total economically active population of the district among the population aged 10 years and above to the total population comprises about 393000 souls . 92.51 per cent male and 7.49 percent female were registered as employed in 1998. The remaining 80.56 percent economically inactive population consist of 32.07 percent children below 10 years , 31.14 percent domestic workers including 64.23 percent female amongst the total female and 1.26 percent male workers amongst the total males . The students share is 13.03 percent while all other categories



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constitute 4.31 percent in total economically inactive population of the district . Nearly 33.22 per cent were self employed, 60.24 per cent working as private employees and government employees. Un-paid family helpers were recorded as 4.38 per cent. In 1998 of the total employed persons. 69.The main occupation of women in rural areas of Peshawar district is house-keeping which includes attending to the cattle, extracting butter and Ghee from milk, weaving and sewing of family clothes. In city women are house-wives or work as professional‟s doctors, nurses, teaching and in offices. 70.There are many important cultural or archeological sites in Peshawar as mentioned above, but no cultural and archeological site is located near the DGS site and in the RoW of Warsak Road subproject.

4.4.2 Education and Literacy 71.The literacy ratio in the district has increased from 25.72 per cent in 1981 to 41.79 per cent in 1998. The literacy ratio for males is 55.97 per cent as against 25.85 per cent for females. 72.The government has established many educational institutions that is universities, colleges, home economics institutions, technical education, schools, maktab schools and mosque schools in the district. There are many primary schools and high schools, more than five colleges for boys and girls and one university for general studies. There is one university for engineering and technology , Khyber medical college , Agriculture university .The most important Educational institutions are Islamia college , Edward college and government college . Number of educational institutions and their enrolment 1997-98 is given in the table below:-

Educational Institutions by Level of Education, 1997-98

Name of Institute

Total Male Female

Primary 1032 648 384 Middle 689 648 41 High/Secondary 89 65 24 Higher Secondary (Class XI-XII)

17 11 6

Commerce college

1 1 -

Polytechnic colleges

2 1 1

Degree Colleges 7 4 3 Government Vocational

1 - 1

Total 1838 1378 460 Source:Directorate of Education NWFP 1998-99 .

4.4.3 Health Facilities 73. Medical and health facilities are available in the Peshawar Metropolitan Corporation area and its suburbs. Among the prominent hospitals are Lady reading



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hospital, Khyber teaching hospital , Hayatabad medical complex. Besides, a number of private medical practitioners, Hakims and Homeopathic doctors are also practicing in the city. Table 3.2 presents number of health intuitions in the district Table 3.2 Number of Health Institutions,1998

Institution Number Hospital 10 Dispensary 77 Rural Health Centre 3 Basic Health Centre 50 T.B. Clinic 4 Leprosy clinic 1 M.C.H. Centres 19 Total 64

4.5 Cultural Heritage and Community Structure 74.There are no official heritage sites or historic, religious or archeologically important sites located in the Subproject works areas. There are no major historic or archaeological feature of note but there a few places of worship i.e. mosques within about 500m of the works.

5. SCREENING POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 Project Location 5.1.1 Impact Assessment and Mitigation

75.ThisTranche2 subproject will involve the construction of 132KV DGS and 8.8 km double circuit transmission line, implying an expansion of both outside and within the existing boundaries of Warsak Road grid station. DGS will be constructed on land presently owned by PESCO . There are no sensitive receivers close to the DGS which could be possibly affected by certain activities of the SP works. The TXL will cross roads, Nullahs and could require the removal of trees but there are no other sensitive receiver on its route, which could be affected by the works.

76.The location and scale of the works are very important in predicting the environmental impacts. This process of impact prediction is the core of the IEE process and it is critical that the recommendations and mitigation measures are carried out according to with reference to the conditions on the ground in the affected areas in the spirit of the environmental assessments process. In this section the potential environmental impacts are reviewed. Where impacts are significant enough to exceed accepted environmental standards, mitigation is proposed in order to reduce residual impact to acceptable levels and achieve the expected outcomes of the project being implemented. Therefore, it is essential that a proper analysis is carried out during the project planning period. In this regard, the impact prediction plays a vital role as these predictions are used for developing mitigation measures and any alternative options, if appropriate. When the detailed designs are completed the impacts and mitigation measures will need to be further reviewed to take account of how the contracts are set up and in the light of any fine tuning of the Subproject proposals.



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77.The environmental management plan (Section 5 and EMP matrix Attachment 1) has been reviewed based on the EMP and shall be reviewed in due course at project inception and through construction in order to feed back any significant unpredicted impacts. It is based on the analysis of impacts, primarily to document key environmental issues likely to arise from Subproject project implementation, to prescribe mitigation measures to be integrated in the project design, to design monitoring and evaluation schedules to be implemented during Subproject project construction and operation, and to estimate costs required for implementing Subproject mitigation measures. The EMP plan must be reviewed in the Subproject inception by the project management and approved before any construction activity is initiated, to take account of any subsequent changes and fine tuning of the proposals.

5.1.2 General Approach to Mitigation

78.Based on experience on some projects contractors have put emphasis on the financial compensation for nuisances. This may be acceptable for some social impacts where evacuation is necessary or where houses have been accidentally damaged, however it is not best international practice to accept payment for environmental impacts. An approach whereby the subproject contractor pays money for nuisances rather than control impacts at source will not be acceptable. This practice should not be allowed and financial compensation shall not be allowed as mitigation for environmental impacts or environmental nuisance.

79.During the preparation for the Subproject construction phase the future contractors must be notified and prepared to co-operate with the executing agency, project management, supervising consultants and local population in the mitigation of impacts. Furthermore the contractor must be primed through bidding stages and the contract documentation to implement the EMP in full and be ready to engage trained environmental management staff to audit the effectiveness and review mitigation measures as the project proceeds. The effective implementation of the EMP will be audited as part of the loan conditions and the executing agency (PESCO) must be prepared for this. In this regard the PESCO must fulfill the requirements of the law and guidance prepared by FEPA on the environmental aspects of power projects and the recommendations already made for Subproject in this IEE and under Pakistan‟s PEP Act law.

80.The location of the residences, mosques, schools, hospitals and civic, cultural and other heritage sites has been reviewed in Section 3. Residences or schools are not to close enough to the subproject on which there could be some potential impacts in the construction stage from disturbance and significant noise and dust. The TXL (8.8km) has no human settlements and structures.

81.Work on the tower sites could cause some generation of air borne dust, but any nuisance from this is likely to be very localized and temporary. Other project activities, e.g. movement of heavy vehicles on unpaved tracks during the works, could generate considerable dust. Water is available in the study area, although surplus water may not always be available to suppress dust at vulnerable locations in the dry season. Therefore as a general approach it is recommended that where works are within 15m of any residential sensitive receivers, the contractor should install segregation between the works and the edge of the sensitive receivers. The segregation should be easily erectable 2.5m high tarpaulin sheet and designed to



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retain dust and provide a temporary visual barrier to the works. Where dust is the major consideration the barrier can take the form of tarpaulins strung between two poles mounted on a concrete base. These can be moved along from tower base to tower base as the work proceeds.

82.Noise from the construction of the towers should not be a major consideration unless very close to schools or hospitals where construction should be avoided at sensitive times. In addition to the physical effect of mitigating dust and noise with barriers installation of such measures should be discussed with the local population and serve as a vehicle for further public consultation at the implementation stage to assist in public relations.

5.1.3 Cultural Heritage, Mosques, Religious Sites, and Social Infrastructure

83.The location of mosques and other cultural and other heritage SR sites has been reviewed in Section 3. There are no mosques or other religious sites close to the DGS site. The new DGS and line will also not affect or disturb any such site.

84.The nearest clinic / hospital is more than 500m from the edge of the Subproject or TXL route, and the nearest houses at about 50m from the DGS. The TXL will also cross some road and Nullahs. Apart from these features, there will be sufficient buffer distance between the works and any other SRs, so that no significant impacts should be expected. Public consultation should be undertaken at the implementation stage to ensure nuisances are not allowed to escalate for the SRs close to the DGS sites.

5.2 Potential Environmental Impacts in construction 5.2.1 Encroachment, Landscape and Physical Disfiguration

85. No significant landscape impacts are expected from construction of the Warsak Road SP.

5.2.2 Cut and fill and waste disposal

86.Disposal of surplus materials must also be negotiated through local authority approvals prior to the commencement of construction. The Subproject work should not involve any significant cutting and filling but minor excavations (down to 4m) and piling may be required to create the foundations for the new transformers and for some towers . It is envisaged (depending on the mode of contract) that the surface under the towers will need to be scrabbled to remove unstable materials, or to stockpile topsoil.

87.Mitigation measures must focus on the minimization of impacts. In order to allow the proper functioning of the settlement sites (access to villages) during construction it is recommended that consideration be given to erect temporary hoardings immediately adjacent to the nearest houses and shops if they are within 15m of the power distribution line tower construction.

88.If surplus materials arise from the removal of the existing surfaces from specific areas, these should be used elsewhere on the subproject before additional soil, rock, gravel or sand is brought in. The use of immediately available material will



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generally minimize the need for additional rock based materials extraction from outside.

89.The subproject detailed designers have so far estimated that no substantial additional materials will be required subject to confirmation at the detailed design stage.

90.At this stage no areas require removal of woodland. However if specimen trees of religious plantations are affected the owners should be given the resources and opportunity to reinstate the woodland long term and a plantation compensation plan should be drawn up to replant the woodland/trees. In the event that the land is not suitable for plantation then other areas should be identified to replace the cut trees and sufficient areas should be identified to allow plantation of trees at a rate of say 3:1. The replacement ratio should allow for a high mortality rate among the newly planted trees in the dry environment or otherwise as based on advice from the forest authority.

91.Contractual clauses should be included to require each contractor to produce a materials management plan (one month before construction commences) to identify all sources of cement and aggregates and to balance cut and fill. The plan should clearly state the methods to be employed prior to and during the extraction of materials and all the mitigation measures to be employed to mitigate nuisances to local residents. Financial compensation shall not be allowed as mitigation for environmental impacts or environmental nuisance. Mitigation measures shall seek to control the impacts at source in the first place. The engineer shall be responsible to update the subproject cut and fill estimates and create Materials Master Plan to facilitate materials exchange between the different contract areas along the power line and sub-contractors on the power line and to provide an overall balance for materials and minimize impacts on local resources.

5.2.3 Trees, Ecology and Protected Areas

92.There are no Reserved or Protected Forests or trees near the DGS site or TXL alignment. The proposed line will require the installation of 42 towers, of which 33 towers will be placed in productive farmlands belonging to 39 landowner farmers, and the remaining 9 towers will be placed on unproductive lands. The TXL route disclosed by PESCO wood trees(poplar) and Fruit trees (Berri / zizaphus). In case of removal of all the trees on private or forest land during the works, written permission should be sought.

93.If for some unforeseen reason or change of alignment, any trees with religious significance or other trees need to be removed, written permission should be obtained from the forest authority and the owner after written justification by PESCO. Trees shall be planted to replace the lost trees with three trees planted to replace every cut tree (3:1) or more as agreed with the authority.

94.A requirement shall be inserted in the contracts that no trees are to be cut on the Warsak Road DGS and TXL site or outside, without the written permission from the supervising consultant who may permit the removal of trees if unavoidable on safety / technical / engineering grounds after written justification by PESCO and to the satisfaction of the forest authority and the owner.



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5.2.4 Hydrology, Sedimentation, Soil Erosion

95.The drainage streams en-route of the subproject should not be impeded by the works. The scale of the works needs hydrological monitoring.

5.2.5 Air Pollution from earthworks and transport

96.Field observations indicate that ambient air quality is generally acceptable and that emissions from traffic and other powered mechanical equipment in the area are rapidly dispersed. There will be a few items of powered mechanical equipment to be used in the construction of the distribution line works that may give rise gaseous emissions. However these should be well dissipated. The major sources of complaint will likely be any necessary earthworks and local soil compaction.

97.Earthworks will contribute to increasing dust, and the foundation earthworks for the transformers and the line poles will generate dust and the following mitigation measures are needed:

98.Dust suppression facilities (water sprayers / hosepipe) shall be available where earth and cement works are required.

99.Areas of construction (especially where the works are within 50m of the SRs) shall be maintained damp by watering the construction area.

100.Construction materials (sand, gravel, and rocks) and spoil materials will be transported trucks covered with tarpaulins.

101.Storage piles will be at least 30m downwind of the nearest human settlements.

102.All vehicles (e.g., trucks, equipment, and other vehicles that support construction works) shall be well maintained and not emit dark, smoky or other emissions in excess of the limits described in the NEQS.

103.The need for large stockpiles should be minimized by careful planning of the supply of materials from controlled sources. Stockpiles should not be located within 50m of schools, hospitals or other public amenities such as wells and pumps and should be covered with tarpaulins when not in use and at the end of the working day to enclose dust.

5.2.6 Noise, Vibration and Blasting

104.It is anticipated that powered mechanical equipment and some local labor with hand tool methods will be used to construct the subproject works. No blasting is anticipated. Powered mechanical equipment can generate significant noise and vibration. The cumulative effects from several machines can be significant. To minimize such impacts, the contractor for subproject should be requested by the construction supervision consultants (engineer) to provide evidence and certification that all equipment to be used for construction is fitted with the necessary air pollution and noise dampening devices to meet EPA requirements.

105.A criterion of 70dB(A)Leq (exterior, boundary of DGS) has been used for assessment in previous IEE studies. Any noisy equipment should be located within



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DGS as far from SRs as possible to prevent nuisances to dwellings and other structures from operation.

106.Noise from construction of the power distribution lines and improvements to substations is not covered under any regulations however in order to keep in line with best international practice it is recommended that no construction should be allowed during nighttime (9 PM to 6 AM) and 70dB(A)Leq should be the criterion at other times during the day measured at the boundaries of land from which construction noise is emitted. A criterion of 70dB(A)Leq (exterior, boundary of DGS) has been used for assessment in previous IEE studies. Any noisy equipment should be located within DGS or as far from SRs as possible to prevent nuisances to dwellings and other structures from operation.

107.Vibration from construction of piles to support pads may be required for some tower construction and may be a significant impact but this should be short duration. Where vibration could be come a major consideration (within say 100m of schools, religious premises, hospitals or residences) a building condition survey should take place prior to construction. The physical effect of piling should be assessed prior to construction and measures should be discussed with the local population as well as timing of the works to serve as a vehicle for further public consultation at the implementation stage and to assist in public relations. At nearby schools, the contractor shall discuss with the school principals the agreed time for operating these machines and completely avoid machine use near schools during examination times, if such a need arises.

5.2.7 Sanitation, Solid Waste Disposal, Communicable Diseases

108.The main issues of concern are uncontrolled or unmanaged disposal of solid and liquid wastes into watercourses and natural drains, improper disposal of storm water and black water and open defecation by construction workers.

109.In order to maintain proper sanitation around construction sites, access to the nearby DGS lavatories should be allowed or provision of temporary toilets should be made. Construction worker camps will not be necessary, based on the scale of the works needed. If for some unforeseen reason a larger workforce is needed any construction camp should not be located in settlement areas or near sensitive water resources and portable lavatories or at least pit latrines should be provided.

110.Wherever water is allowed to accumulate, in temporary drainage facilities, due to improper storm water management, or improper disposal of wastewater generated from the site, it can offer a breeding site for mosquitoes and other insects. Vectors such as mosquitoes may be encountered if open water is allowed to accumulate at the Warsak Road SP site. Temporary and permanent drainage facilities should therefore be designed to facilitate the rapid removal of surface water from all areas and prevent the accumulation of surface water ponds.

5.3 Potential Environmental Impacts in operation 5.3.1 Air pollution and noise from the enhanced operations

111.The subproject works will extend the power distribution lines but no houses, mosques or schools will be close to the new DGS in the operational phase. The



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DGS will be constructed at already selected site with boundary wall and the extended level of operation of the facility is not likely to cause any appreciable increase in the noise level already generated by the existing equipment. However, it is recommended that an acoustical check be made on the detailed design to determine of any noise barriers are required. There should be no source of atmospheric pollution from the subproject. In the operational phase any nearby industrial facilities with fuel powered mechanical equipment will be the main polluters. All such emissions will be very well dissipated in the open terrain and there will be no cumulative effect from the subproject.

112.Noise impacts from the operation of the DGS equipment should be reviewed at the detailed design stage. There are/not national noise standards in Pakistan for power distribution noise emissions that would apply in the operational stages. A criterion of 70Db (A) Leq (exterior, boundary of DGS) has been used for assessment in previous IEE studies. It is recommended that a check be made on the likely acoustical performance based on makers specifications of the installed equipment at the detained design stage

5.3.2 Pollution from oily run-off, fuel spills and dangerous goods

113.No significant impacts from oily residues such as transformer oil and lubricants are expected to arise in this subproject. However control measures will be needed for oily residues such as transformer oil and lubricants in the case of accidental or unexpected release. Transformer oil is supplied in drums from an imported source and tap tanks are topped up as necessary on site. There are facilities in some subproject DGS maintenance yards for recycling (dehydrating) oil from breakers. However the areas upon which these recycling facilities are located have no dedicated drainage which can capture run-off. Oily residues and fuel and any contaminated soil residues should be captured at source and refueling and maintenance should take place in dedicated areas away from surface water resources. Contaminated residues and waste oily residues should be disposed at a site agreed with the local authority.

114.The DISCO procedures for handling PCB need to be strengthened the maintenance of transformers need to be based on the manufactures instructions. There need to be performance evaluation procedure prescribed and followed for each power transformer. In working areas where PCBs are handled, it is necessary to monitor the levels of chlorinated solvents. In case of emergencies the first step is to attempt to control the spread of the liquid, this is especially relevant during transportation. In case of spills emergency measures need to be taken by personal specially trained and wearing protective clothes. Oil absorptive materials are a useful tool and needs to be spread over the spill. All equipment and surfaces exposed to the spill need to be washed with solvent. The best international procedures and guidelines need be followed; one such guideline is the UNEP PCB transformers and capacitors – Form Management to Reclassification and disposal, May 2002. This however, is not relevant as this IEE is related to the development and construction if a new sub station and PEPCO/DISCOs have already banned the use of any equipment that uses PCB.

115.PESCO already prohibits use of PCBs in new power transformers, there is however need to prepare an inventory of any PCB carrying equipment in the system and all such equipment be replaced. The maintenance instructions



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prepared by the Technical Services Group needs to be reviewed and revised to add PCB based equipment maintenance and a procedure for handling any PCB spills. Such procedures, however, these need to be reviewed and upgraded in light of best international practice. This would include provision of special clothing availability of oil absorptive solvents, availability of steel containers. Training to staff on oil spills and special care during transportation of equipment using PCB‟s.

5.4 Enhancement 116.Environmental enhancements are not a major consideration within the Warsak Road subproject site. However it is noted that it is common practice at many such sites to create some local hard and soft landscaping and successful planting of fruit trees and shrubs has been accomplished in many sites. This practice should be encouraged as far as practicable. Other opportunities for enhancements can be assessed prior to construction and proposed enhancements should be discussed with the local population to serve as a vehicle for further public consultation at the implementation stage and to assist in public relations. Trees removed for construction purposes should be replaced as compensation in line with best practice at ratio of three replaced for one removed however additional trees should be planted as enhancements where there is space in the DGS and along the TXL.



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6. INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

117.In this section, the mitigation measures that are required for the Warsak Road SP Tranche 2 subproject, to reduce residual impact to acceptable levels and achieve the expected outcomes of the project, are discussed. The Environmental Management Plan is based on the type, extent and duration of the identified environmental impacts for the Warsak Road SP Tranche 2 subproject. The EMP has been prepared following best practice and by reference to the ADB Environmental Assessment Guidelines 2003.

118.It is important that the recommendations and mitigation measures are carried out according to the spirit of the environmental assessment process and in line with the guidelines. The EMP matrix is presented as Attachment 1. The impact prediction (Section 4) has played a vital role in reconfirming typical mitigation measures and in identifying any different approaches based on the feasibility and detailed design assumptions and any alternatives available at this stage.

119.Prior to implementation and construction of the subprojects the EMP shall be amended and reviewed by the PESCO in due course after detailed designs are complete. Such a review shall be based on reconfirmation and additional information on the assumptions made at this feasibility stage on positioning, alignment, location scale and expected operating conditions of the subprojects. For example, in this case if there are any additional transmission lines or extension of the substation boundaries to be included, the designs may be amended and then the performance and evaluation schedules to be implemented during project construction and operation can be updated and costs estimates can be revised. The IEE and EMP should than be revised on a subproject by subproject basis.

120.The IEE and EMP plan must be reviewed by the project management and approved by the PEPA before any construction activity is initiated. This is also an ADB requirement in order to take account of any sub-sequent changes and fine tuning of the proposals. It is recommended that, before the works contract is worked out in detail and before pre-qualification of contractors, a full extent of the environmental requirements of the project (IEE/EIA and EMP) are included in the bidding documents. Professional experience indicates that past environmental performance of contractors and their awareness of environmentally responsible procurement should also be used as indicator criteria for the prequalification of contractors.

121.In order to facilitate the implementation of the EMP, during the preparation for the construction phase the PESCO must prepare the future contractors to co-operate with all stakeholders in the mitigation of impacts. Furthermore the contractor must be primed through the contract documentation and ready to implement all the mitigation measures. PESCO will need to engage at least one trained environmental management staff and the staff should audit the effectiveness and review mitigation measures as the subprojects are rolled out. The effective implementation of the EMP will be audited as part of the mid term review of loan conditions and the executing agency must prepare for this at the inception stage.



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122.The details of EMP given in the Attachment 1 are for the Warsak Road subproject. The EMP matrix will have much in common for many other future (Tranche 2) substation and line projects that have a similar scale of works and types of location but will be different for more complicated substation and line projects that involve impacts to land outside the existing substations and for lines traversing more sensitive land. In all cases separate dedicated IEEs must be prepared.

123.The impacts have been classified into those relevant to the design/preparation stage, construction stage and operation and maintenance stage. The matrix provides details of the mitigation measures recommended for each of the identified impacts, time span of the implementation of mitigation measures, an analysis of the associated costs and the responsibility of the institution. The institutional responsibility has been specified for the purpose of the implementation and the supervision. The matrix is supplemented with a monitoring plan (Attachment 2) for the performance indicators. An estimation of the associated costs for the monitoring is given with the plan. The EMP has been prepared following best practice and the ADB environmental assessment guidelines 2003.

124.Prior to implementation of the subproject the PESCO needs to comply with several environmental requirements, such as submitting and EIA/IEE to PEPA and obtaining PEPA clearance (“No Objection Certificate” compiling acceptable EMP and Clearance Certificate) under PEPAct (guidelines and regulations 2000) and any other permissions required from other authorities. PESCO will also need to confirm that contractors and their suppliers have complied with all statutory requirements and have appropriate and valid licenses and permits for all powered

Initial Environmental Evaluation · 5.1 Project Location 19 5.1.1 Impact Assessment and Mitigation...

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