Multitranche Financing Facility Socialist Republic …...Multitranche Financing Facility Socialist...

Power Transmission Investment Program (RRP VIE 42039)

Initial Environmental Examination Project Number: 42039-034 November 2011

Multitranche Financing Facility Socialist Republic of Viet Nam: Power Transmission Investment Program

500 kv/220 kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (29 August 2011)

Currency unit - dong(D) D1.00 - $0.000048 $1.00 - D20,820.00

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank CHSP – Community health and safety plan CPE – Commitment to Protect the Environment DoNRE – Department of Natural Resources and Environment DOT – Department of Industry and Trade EA – Executing Agency EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment EMF – Electromagnetic field EMoP – Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP – Environmental Management Plan EVN – Electricity of Viet Nam GDP – Gross Domestic Product GOV – Government of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam IA – implementing Agency ICB – International Competitive Bidding IFC – International Finance Corporation IEE – Initial Environmental Examination MFF – Multi-tranche Financing Facility MIT – Ministry of Industry and Trade MOC – Ministry of Construction MoNRE – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment NPPMB – Northern Power Project Management Board NPT – National Power Transmission Corporation PECC4 – Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4 PPE – Personal Protective Equipment REA – Rapid Environmental Assessment ROW – Right-of-Way SPS – ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) WHO – World Health Organization

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

0C – Celsius (centigrade) ha – hectare km – kilometer km2 – square kilometer kV – kilovolt m – meter m2 – square meter m3 – cubic meter m3/day – cubic meter per day m/s – meter per second mm – millimeter mm/kV – millimeter per kilovolt MW – megawatt MVA – megavolt-ampere t – ton

NOTE

In this report, “$” refers to US dollars.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 2

I. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................13

A. Purpose of the Report ......................................................................................................13

B. Approach to IEE Preparation ............................................................................................14

C. Structure of the Report .....................................................................................................14

C. Definition of Study Area ...................................................................................................15

II. Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework .....................................................................16

A. ADB’s Environmental Policies ..........................................................................................16

B. Viet Nam Environmental Policies .....................................................................................17

1. Environment Protection ...............................................................................................17

2. Other Related Laws and Regulations ..........................................................................18

3. Legal Documents and Approvals Required for the Project ..........................................19

4. The EIA Process and Requirements in Viet Nam ........................................................20

III. Description of the Project ...............................................................................................22

A. Location..........................................................................................................................22

B. Project Components .......................................................................................................24

1. 500kV Pho Noi Substation ..........................................................................................24

2. Access Road ...............................................................................................................26

3. 500kV Connection Lines to the Substation ..................................................................26

4. 220kV Connection Lines to the Substation ..................................................................27

5. 22kV Transmission Line for Auxiliary Power Supply ....................................................27

C. Implementation Program .............................................................................................27

1. Pre-Construction Phase ..............................................................................................27

2. Construction Phase .....................................................................................................29

3. Operational Phase ......................................................................................................29

D. Project Proponent .......................................................................................................29

IV. Description of the Environment .......................................................................................30

A. Physical Resources ........................................................................................................30

1. Geography ..................................................................................................................30

2. Topography.................................................................................................................30

3. Geology ......................................................................................................................30

4. Climate .......................................................................................................................31

5. Water Resources ........................................................................................................32

6. Air and Noise Quality ..................................................................................................33

B. Biological Resources ......................................................................................................33

7. Forest .........................................................................................................................33

8. Flora ...........................................................................................................................33

9. Fauna .........................................................................................................................34

C. Socio-economic Conditions .........................................................................................34

1. Population and Affected Communities ........................................................................34

2. Health Services ...........................................................................................................35

3. Education ....................................................................................................................35

4. Economy .....................................................................................................................35

5. Infrastructure Facilities ................................................................................................36

6. Transportation .............................................................................................................36

7. Land Use ....................................................................................................................37

8. Power Sources and Transmission ...............................................................................39

9. Communication ...........................................................................................................39

V. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...............................................40

A. Pre-Construction Phase Impacts and Mitigation Measures .............................................40

1. Loss of Property and Agricultural Land .......................................................................40

2. Encroachment into Areas of Cultural/Historical Significance .......................................40

3. Encroachment into Ecologically Significant Areas .......................................................41

4. Impact on Aesthetics ...................................................................................................41

5. Impact on Drainage and Flooding ...............................................................................41

B. Potential Impacts During the Construction Phase .............................................................42

1. Impact on Vegetation ..................................................................................................42

2. Impact of BOrrow Sites ...............................................................................................42

3. Soil Erosion and Flooding ...........................................................................................42

4. Impacts on Water Quality ............................................................................................43

5. Impacts on Air Quality .................................................................................................43

6. Noise ..........................................................................................................................44

7. Generation of Construction Wastes ............................................................................44

8. Movement of Construction Vehicles Along Access Roads ..........................................45

9. Occupational Health and Safety ..................................................................................45

10. Community Health and Safety .................................................................................45

C. Impacts During the Operational Phase .............................................................................46

1. Occupational Health and Safety ..................................................................................46

2. Community Health and Safety ....................................................................................47

3. Management of Hazardous Waste ..............................................................................48

4. Emergency Preparedness at Substation .....................................................................48

5. Management and Control of Vegetation at Transmission Line ....................................48

V. Analysis of Alternatives ......................................................................................................50

A. No Project Alternative.......................................................................................................50

B. Alternatives for Interconnection ........................................................................................50

C. Alternatives for Location of Substation .............................................................................50

C. Alternative for Power Transmission Line ..........................................................................51

VI. Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation ..................................................52

VII. Grievance Redress Mechanism ......................................................................................54

VIII. Environmental Management Plan ...................................................................................58

A. Mitigation Plan ................................................................................................................58

B. Monitoring Plan ..............................................................................................................65

C. Institutional Arrangements and Responsibilities ..........................................................67

1. Organizational Structure within NPPMB ........................................................................67

2. Institutional Capacity Building .......................................................................................70

D. Environmental Management Plan Budget ...................................................................70

IX. Conclusion and Recommendation ..................................................................................71

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................73

Appendices ...............................................................................................................................74

FIGURES Figure 1: Overview of Project Components ...............................................................................22

Figure 2: Location Map ............................................................................................................23

Figure 3: Site Development Plan of Substation ........................................................................25

Figure 4. Land Use Map ...........................................................................................................38

Figure 5: Grievance Redress Procedure during the Pre-Construction Phase ............................55

Figure 6: Grievance Redress Procedure during the Construction and Operational Phases ......57

Figure 7: Organizational Structure of NPPMB ..........................................................................69

TABLES

Table 1: Environment Protection Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam ........................................17

Table 2: Power Network Protection Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam ....................................18

Table 3: Land and Construction Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam .........................................19

Table 4: Legal Documents Required for the Project ..................................................................20

Table 5: Permanently Affected Land Area by Proposed 500kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines Project ..........................................................................................................28

Table 6: Affected Land along ROW of Substation and Connection Lines .................................28

Table 7: Geological Condition of Project Site ...........................................................................31

Table 8: Summary of Affected Plants in the Project Area .........................................................34

Table 9: Land Area, Population, and Population Density in the Districts of Project Area ..........34

Table 10: Households, Persons per Household, and Ethnicity of the Affected Communities in the Project Area ........................................................................................................................35

Table 11: Comparison of Alternatives 1 and 2 in Siting the Substation .....................................51

Table 12: Environmental Management Plan .............................................................................58

Table 13: Environmental Monitoring Plan .................................................................................66

Table 14: Estimated Budget for Environmental Management and Monitoring ..........................70

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Environmental Categorization ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendix 2: Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist ........... Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendix 3: Certificate of Registration of Environmental Protection Commitment for 500/220kV Pho Noi substation and connection lines project ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendix 4: Minutes of public consultation…………………………………………………….. Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendix 5: Photographs of the site……………………………………………………………. Error! Bookmark not defined.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Government of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (GOV) has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide financing for the development of the 500 kV/220 kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines project. The National Power Transmission Corporation (NPT) of Viet Nam will be the Executing Agency (EA) while the Northern Power Project Management Board (NPPMB) will be the Implementing Agency (IA) of the project. 2. The 500 kV/220 kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines project is one of the subprojects proposed for financing by NPT under Tranche 1 of the Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF). 3. The proposed project aims to:

(i) meet the demand for power of Hung Yen and other neighboring provinces and create close linking among zones in the northern electric system;

(ii) create Pho Noi - Dong Anh - Hiep Hoa 500kV ring circuit and supply power to the center of Ha Noi Capital;

(iii) transmit power from Hai Phong 3 switchgears and other switchgears in Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and in the future in Quang Ninh to the national power network in order to meet the projected increasing power demand in the northern region; and

(iv) reduce power losses in the transmission system. 4. The project includes the following components:

(i) construction of 500kV/220 kV Pho Noi substation including control room and other related facilities;

(ii) construction of 2,496m access road to Pho Noi substation from Provincial Road No. 38;

(iii) construction of 500kV double circuit connection lines connecting the substation to the Connection Line No. 1 in Thuong Tin with length of 662m and Connection Line No. 2 in Quang Ninh with length of 568m;

(iv) construction of 220 kV 4-circuit transmission lines connecting to the substation composed of two routes, namely, Transmission Line No. 1 to Pha Lai, Gia Loc and Transmission Line No. 2 to Pho Noi, Thuong Tin, and Kim Dong; and

(v) construction of 22kV single circuit auxiliary transmission line to prevent overload of Nhan Vinh intermediate substation.

5. Based on Viet Nam Decree No. 21/2008/ND-CP, the project is required to prepare and submit a Commitment Report to Protect the Environment (CPE) to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) of the district where the project is located. A Certificate of Registration on Commitment to Environmental Protection for the project was issued by the People’s Committee of Van Lam District (Document No: 52/CKMT-UBND) on 29 October 2008 (Appendix 3). A separate IEE was prepared for the project in February 2011 by the Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4 (PECC4) for submission to ADB.

6. Based on ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS), the proposed substation and connection lines project is categorized as “Category B” project which requires an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). The preparation of this IEE is guided by ADB’s SPS (2009). Information in the IEE is based on the Feasibility Study and IEE prepared by PECC4, secondary

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7. data from other agencies, field inspection and information gathered during community and stakeholder consultations. The objectives and scope of the environmental impact assessment are to (i) establish current environmental conditions; (ii) identify key environmental issues; (iii) assess magnitude of impacts and provide mitigating measures; (iv) integrate the environmental issues in the project planning and design stage; and (v) develop an updated environmental management plan for implementation, monitoring and reporting of the environmental mitigation and enhancement measures. 8. Consultations with affected communities within the proposed site of the substation and along the alignment of the connecting lines have been carried out by NPPMB and PECC4 team on 25 to 28 January 2011 at the communes of Viet Hung, Cam Hung, Luong Tai, Nghia Dao, and Ngoc Lien (Appendix 4). During the consultation meetings, the representatives from the communes requested the project’s construction contractor to report the number of workers coming to the locality to avoid conflicts between local residents and construction workers. The stakeholders raised their concern about the impact of the project construction on transportation and living conditions of the local residents. The stakeholders asked that the contractor should be responsible in environmental protection and in the management of impacts to the local residents. 9. The evaluation of the pre-construction, construction, and operational phases of the project components indicates that the project will generate minor adverse impacts to the environment that can be reduced to acceptable levels through the implementation of mitigation measures associated with internationally recognized engineering practices. 10. There are no significant sensitive areas that will be affected by the proposed construction of the 500kV/220kV Pho Noi substation, access road, and connection lines (Appendix 5). The sites were selected to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, settlements, forests, and cultural/heritage sites. The vicinity is generally characterized as agricultural land used for planting rice and other crops. The project is based mostly on agricultural land covered by three provinces: Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Duong. The project affected areas include a few graves and some bushes. No temples and protected areas were identified. 11. The impact of the project on agricultural land comprises the loss of 182,110 m2 of flat, agricultural land that is being used to plant rice and other crops. Compensation for the loss of agricultural production will be paid to the affected households according to the Resettlement Action Plan. 12. The impacts of the project during the construction phase are limited to the immediate surrounding area and can be readily mitigated. The adverse impacts likely to occur during the construction phase are considered temporary in nature and could be mitigated through proper design and implementation of the proposed mitigation measures. The impacts during the construction of the project are primarily due to the clearing of the existing vegetation, earth filling at the substation site to prevent inundation, and construction safety. These are briefly described in the following:

(i) The substation will be located in an area that is flood-prone, hence, will require earth-filling to raise the elevation of the site. Borrow materials for earthfilling will be sourced from permitted quarry sites only. Likewise, the design of the drainage plan will be taken into consideration for a potential increased runoff and soil erosion from the site. Engineering controls for erosion protection measures such as silt traps and sedimentation ponds will be integrated in the management plan.

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(ii) There will be water pollution, sanitation, and health hazards due to the presence of

workers’ camp. Adequate water supply and toilet facilities will be established at the existing construction camp.

(iii) A construction health and safety plan shall be required from the contractor, including

provision of first-aid facilities to provide measures and procedures in addressing occupational health and safety at the construction site.

(iv) The movement of construction vehicles along the access roads would contribute to the

increase in ground level concentration of total suspended particulates (dust) and noise levels. This could also result to accidents and hazards to communities living along the access roads. Measures such as limiting of construction hours and deliveries to the site at night and imposition of speed limit to vehicles will be implemented.

(v) Impacts related to community health and safety such as construction traffic, transport of

materials, fires, emergency spill of materials, and unauthorized entry by the villagers into dangerous working areas will be mitigated through the development of a Community Health and Safety Plan (CHSP) that incorporates good international practice and recognized standards that includes fencing of construction area, posting of warning signs in Vietnamese, emergency response and preparedness procedures, communication systems and protocols, interaction with local and regional emergency and health authorities, provision of emergency equipment and facilities such as fire truck, emergency service vehicles, and fire drills will be established.

13. The impacts during the operational phase include the concern about electromagnetic field (EMF) and management of hazardous wastes at the substation and connection lines. The community and workers will be protected against electrocution hazards as a result of contact with high voltage electricity through the provision of signs, barriers, and gates/posts surrounding the towers, particularly in built-up areas. 14. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared and will be implemented during all phases of project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental impacts from the project and includes the institutional arrangements for its implementation to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness. 15. The project will provide positive impacts to the community because the substation and connection lines will improve reliability and security of power supply that would allow NPPMB to meet the power demand of Hung Yen and other neighboring provinces in the northern region. It is also expected to contribute positively to the economic development of the northern region through the improvement of the northern power grid. 16. NPPMB will hire the service of consultants to assist the company in overseeing the implementation of the EMP. There is no environmental unit handling the EMP and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP). To increase the capacity of NPPMB to properly implement the EMP or EMoP, an institutional strengthening program is developed for NPPMB. The training program will include the following: addressing work safety; preparation and review of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); EMP implementation, inspection and corrective action; proper handling and disposal of spoils; protection of local vegetation and water resources; and avoiding impacts on local population from noise and dust-generating activities.

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17. A grievance redress mechanism was established to receive and facilitate resolution of affected people’s concerns, complaints, and grievances about the project, particularly on compensation policies. The grievance resolution of the project for compensation during the pre-construction phase was established based on the provisions in Article 63, 64 of the Decree No. 84/2007/ND-CP dated 25 May 2007 entitled “Amendment on grant of land use right certificate, land acquisition, land use right implementation, compensation, allowances, resettlement sequences and procedures as the State acquires land and in solving grievance of land,” and is discussed in the RAP.

18. The grievance redress mechanism to respond to people’s complaints about environmental concerns during construction and operation of the project will be supervised by the NPPMB and the decision will be based on the district and provincial level committees. For cases, wherein the complaint cannot be resolved at the district and provincial levels, the final decision will be decided at the People’s Court.

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I. INTRODUCTION 19. The National Power Transmission Corporation (NPT) of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (GOV) has requested funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to partly finance the medium-term power transmission expansion program which is included in the Master Plan of Power Development of Viet Nam No. VI, covering the period 2006–2015, with projections to 2025. The plan includes the establishment of transmission lines and substations throughout Viet Nam to increase reliability and safety of power supply. A Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) is the proposed financing modality of the program. 20. The proposed 500kV/220 kV Pho Noi substation and connection lines project, located in the northern part of Viet Nam, is one of the subprojects proposed for financing under Tranche 1 of the MFF. Under the medium-term power transmission expansion program, power network improvement of Hung Yen province is proposed through the construction of the 500kV Pho Noi substation and connecting lines project. The project will create the Pho Noi – Dong Anh – Hiep Hoa 500kV ring circuit and transmit power from Hai Phong 3 switchgears and other switchgears in Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and in the future in Quang Ninh to the national power network. Through the installation of the substation and connection lines, the subproject is foreseen to meet the power demand for the northern region and the national power system.

21. The substation and connecting lines project will be developed by the Northern Power Project Management Board (NPPMB).

A. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT 22. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) assesses the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the proposed 500 kV Pho Noi substation and connection lines. The report aims to describe the proposed project, its location, and assess the potential impacts of the project with the existing environment, including its impact to the adjoining community. The IEE attempts to provide a proposal on the mitigating measures to minimize any adverse environmental impacts during the construction and operation of the project. 23. The IEE is intended to meet the requirements for Category B projects of ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), June 2009. 24. The objectives of the IEE are to:

(i) assess the existing environmental conditions in the project area including the identification of environmentally sensitive areas;

(ii) assess the proposed location, design, construction and operation activities to

identify and evaluate the potential impacts, and determine their significance;

(iii) develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that will prevent or minimize adverse environmental impacts to acceptable levels; and

(iv) develop an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP), including an institutional plan that will sustain the monitoring of significant environmental parameters of the

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project.

B. APPROACH TO IEE PREPARATION

25. The information used in the IEE was based on data from the previous Feasibility Study and IEE prepared by Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4 (PECC4), site visits, secondary sources, and information gathered from community and stakeholder consultations previously undertaken for the project. Information about the project components and design were provided by NPPMB. 26. The Environmental Categorization Form and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) checklist from SPS were used for environmental categorization purposes and for screening of environmental impacts of the proposed project.

C. STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT 27. This report is structured as follows:

Executive Summary - Summarizes critical facts, significant findings, and recommended actions.

Chapter I Introduction - Introduces the project, IEE report purpose, and approach to IEE preparation.

Chapter II Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework - Discusses the environmental assessment, legal and institutional frameworks and requirements of ADB and the Government of Viet Nam.

Chapter III Description of the Project - Describes the project location, key components and implementation phases.

Chapter IV Description of the Environment - Describes relevant physical, biological, and socio-economic conditions within the project area of influence.

Chapter V Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures - Describes the environmental impacts predicted to occur as a result of the project and identifies suitable mitigation measures.

Chapter VI Analysis of Alternatives - Presents an analysis of alternatives to the project.

Chapter VII Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation - Describes the process undertaken during project design and preparation for presenting the project to stakeholders; summarizes concerns raised and actions taken to address concerns; and describes planned information measures for carrying out consultation with affected people during project implementation.

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Chapter VIII Grievance Redress Mechanism - Describes the project grievance redress framework for resolving complaints.

Chapter IX Environmental Management Plan - Presents the Environmental Management Plan, including required construction and operation phase environmental mitigation measures, an environmental monitoring plan, and occupational and community health and safety requirements.

Chapter X Conclusion and Recommendation - Presents conclusions drawn from the assessment and the recommendations to be considered in project implementation.

Appendices - Provides references and supporting documentation and information.

C. DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA 28. The environmental impacts of the proposed project have been analyzed within the primary impact zone encompassed by and adjacent to the substation, connection lines, and access road of the project.

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II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

A. ADB’S ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES 29. All ADB financed projects are required to undergo an environmental impact assessment. The SPS (2009) clarifies the rationale, scope and content of an environmental assessment. This is supported by technical guidelines as outlined in the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (2003). 30. Projects to be financed by ADB are initially screened to determine the level of assessment that is required according to the following four project categories:

(i) Category A projects normally cause major environmental or social impacts that are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented such as in hydroelectric dams. An EIA is required for this project.

(ii) Category B projects for which minor impacts are expected and can be mitigated. An IEE is required for this project.

(iii) Category C projects do not pose environmental or social impacts. No environmental assessment is required but environmental implications need to be reviewed.

(iv) Category FI projects involving investment of ADB funds to or financed through a Financial Intermediary (FI).

31. The SPS introduces emphasis on the effective implementation of environmental safeguards. The objectives of ADB’s safeguards are to:

(i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible;

(ii) minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and

(iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.1

32. The SPS contains a number of operational principles that includes the requirement to ensure that the measures identified during the impact assessment are included in the EMP and were implemented in agreement with the borrower. 33. Under ADB’s SPS (2009) the project has been evaluated considering the completion of the Environmental Categorization Form (Appendix A) and REA (Appendix B). Based on the screening of environmental impacts, the identified adverse environmental impacts of the project are considered site-specific and reversible. Therefore, it has been classified as Category B.

1Asian Development Bank. June 2009. Safeguard Policy Statement, enforced January 2010.

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B. VIET NAM ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES 34. The policies on environment protection, EIA and its process and requirements, power network protection, and land and construction in Viet Nam are presented in this section. Legal documents and approvals required for the project, issued by the national and local governments, are also included.

1. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION 35. National laws and regulations for environment protection applicable to the project are presented in Table 1. The Environment Protection Law is the main governing law on environmental management in Viet Nam. The implementation of this law was subsequently guided by implementation guidelines, amendments, regulations on impact assessments, sanctions on administrative violations, incentives and support, regulations on waste management, and national technical regulations on quality of environmental media. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is the governing body in-charge of the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law in Viet Nam.

Table 1: Environment Protection Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam Laws and Regulations Description

Environment Protection Law 52/2005/QH11 Date issued: 29/11/2005

Regulates environmental protection activities; policies, measures and resources for protection of the environment; and the rights and obligations of organizations, family households and individuals with respect to protection of the environment.

Decree 80/2006/NĐ-CP Date issued: 09/08/2006

Detailing the guidelines in the implementation of a number of articles of the Environmental Protection Law regarding environmental standards; strategic environmental assessment; environmental impact assessment and environmental protection commitments; environmental protection in production, business and services; hazardous waste management; and disclosure of environmental information and data.

Decree 21/2008/ NĐ-CP Date issued: 28/02/2008

Amending and supplementing some articles of Decree 80/2006/NĐ-CP detailing the guidelines in the implementation of Environment Protection Law.

Decree 29/2011/ NĐ-CP Date issued: 18/04/2011

Regulation on the strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental protection commitment.

Decree 117/2009/ND-CP Date issued:31/12/2009

Regulation on sanctioning administrative violations in environmental protection

Decree 04/2009/ND-CP Date issued:14/01/2009

Incentives and support for environment protection activities

Decree 59/2006/ND-CP Date issued: 09/4/2007

Regulation on solid waste management

MoNRE Circular 05/2008/TT-BTNMT Date issued: 08/12/2008

Guiding strategic environment assessment, environmental impact assessment, and environment protection commitment.

MoNRE Circular No. 12/2011/TT-BTNMT Date issued: 14/14/2011

Regulation on hazardous waste management

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MoNRE Decision No. 16/2008/QĐ-BTNMT Date issued: 31/12/2008

National Technical Regulation on environment regarding surface water quality (QCVN 08: 2008/BTNMT), underground water quality (QCVN 09: 2008/BTNMT, and domestic wastewater (QCVN 14: 2008/BTNMT), among others.

MoNRE Circular No. 16/2009/TT-BTNMT Date issued: 07/10/2009

National Technical Regulation on air quality (QCVN 05: 2009/BTNMT) and hazardous substance in ambient air (QCVN 06: 2009/BTNMT)


National Technical Regulation on hazardous waste threshold (QCVN 07: 2009/BTNMT), among others.


National Technical Regulation on Noise (QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT) and Vibration (QCVN 27:2010/BTNMT), among others.

2. OTHER RELATED LAWS AND REGULATIONS

36. Power Network Protection. The governing laws and regulations for power network protection are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Power Network Protection Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam

37. Land and Construction. Implementation guidelines for the Land Law; amendments to the law; stipulations on land use; and details on compensation, support and resettlement were detailed in succeeding government decrees and ministry circulars. Further, regulations on construction management in investment projects and labor safety in the construction phase are described in detail in Table 3.

Laws and Regulations Description Electricity Law 28/2004/QH11 Date issued: 03/12/2004

Prescribes the electricity development planning and investment; electricity saving; electricity markets; rights and obligations of organizations and individuals conducting electricity activities and also on the use of electricity; protection of electric equipment and facilities, electricity works and electrical safety.

Government Decree 105/2005/NĐ-CP Date issued: 17/08/2005

Detailing the regulations and guidelines in the implementation of a number of articles of the Electricity Law


Detailing the guidelines in the implementation of a number of articles of the Electricity Law regarding the safety protection of high-voltage power grids.


Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Government Decree No. 106/2005/NĐ-CP () detailing the guidelines in the implementation of Electricity Law on safety protection of high voltage power grid works.

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) Circular 06/2006/TT-BCN Date issued: 26/09/2006

Implementation of a number of provisions of the Government Decree No. 106/2005/NĐ-CP detailing the guidelines in the implementation of a number of articles of the Electricity Law regarding the safety protection of high-voltage power grid works

MIT Circular 03/2010/TT-BCT Date issued: 22/01/2010

Providing for a number of requirements on safety protection of high-voltage power grid works

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Table 3: Land and Construction Laws and Regulations in Viet Nam Laws and Regulations Description

Land Law No: 13/2003/QH11 Date issued: 26/11/2003

Governs the powers and responsibilities of the State as owner of land and representative of the entire people for uniform administration of land and the rights and obligations of land users

Government Decree No: 181/2004/ND-CP Date issued:26/11/2004

Guidelines for the implementation of Land Law 13/2003/QH11()


Amending and supplementing some articles of the decree guiding the implementation of Land Law 13/2003/QH11

Government Decree No: 197/2004/ND-CP Date issued: 03/12/2004

Regulation on compensation, support, and resettlement on land recovered by the State


Stipulating the grant of land use right certificates, recovery of land, exercise of land use rights, order and procedures for compensation, support and resettlement upon land recovery by the State, and settlement of land related complaints


Providing for land use planning, land pricing, land recovery, compensation, support and resettlement.

Government Official Dispatch No: 181/DC-CP Date issued: 23/10/2009

Correcting the Government Decree No. 69/2009/ND-CP (which additionally provides for land use planning, land prices, land recovery, compensation, support, and resettlement

MoNRE Circular No: 14/2009/TT-BTNMT Date issued:01/10/2009

Detailing the compensation, support, resettlement and the order of and procedures for land recovery, allocation, and lease


Regulation on management of investment projects related to construction

Ministry of Construction (MOC) Circular No: 22/2010/TT-BXD Date issued: 03/12/2010

Provides labor safety in work construction; construction and installation of equipment which are newly built, repaired, renovated, relocated, embellished or restored; dismantling of works; and warranty for and maintenance of works.

3. LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND APPROVALS REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT 38. The project was approved by the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, the NPT, the People’s Committee of the provinces of Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen and the district of Van Lam where the project substation is located, and related offices approving the height of project building and connection lines. A Certificate of Registration on Commitment to Environmental Protection for the project was issued by the People’s Committee of Van Lam District (Document No: 52/CKMT-UBND) on 29 October 2008. The list of the legal documents and approvals required for the project are shown in Table 4.

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Table 4: Legal Documents Required for the Project

Documents and Approvals Description

Document No: 1920/TTg-CN Date issued: 05/12/2005

Decision of the Prime Minister on the basic design of the grid project

National Power Transmission Corporation Decision No: 762/QĐ-NPT Date issued: 20/09/2010

Approval of the construction of the investment project

Hung Yen Province People’s Committee Document No: 653/UBND-KTTH Date issued: 29/04/2008

Unified position for the project

Hai Duong Province People’s Committee Document No: 144/UBND-VP Date issued: 06/02/2009

Uniform direction of the 220-kilovolt (kV) lines to the Pho Noi 500 kV substation

Bac Ninh Province People’s Committee Document No: 290/UBND-CN Date issued: 26/02/2009

On the agreed direction for the 220-kV connection lines, passing Bac Ninh Province to the Pho Noi 500 kV substation

Van Lam District People’s Committee Document No: 52/CKMT-UBND Date issued: 29/10/2008

Certificate of Registration on Commitment to Environmental Protection of the project

Ministry Staff Document No: 656/BTM-QLĐHB Date issued: 30/03/2009

Agreement on the building height for the project. The project area is not affected by both the Gia Lam Airport (23 km from the site) and highest building at 62 m, and is not covered by the application of land defense of the Air Force and Defense Management.

Combat Department Document No: 1289/TG1-QC Date issued: 28/05/2009

Approval on the alignment and line height of the project

Hung Yen Province Military Commanders Document No:703/BCH-TaH Date issued: 04/05/2009

Agreement on the location and height clearance in the project

Hung Yen Province Decision No:25/2010/QD-UBND Date issued: 22/12/ 2010

Regulation on land prices in Hung Yen Province for 2011

Hai Duong Province Decision No:30/2010/QD-UBND Date issued: 20/12/ 2010

Regulation on land prices in Hai Duong Province for 2011

Bac Ninh Province Decision No:162/2010/QD-UBND Date issued: 23/12/ 2010

Regulation on land prices in Bac Ninh Province for 2011

Source: PECC 4. Feasibility Study for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. 4. THE EIA PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS IN VIET NAM 39. EIA Process: Based on Decree No. 21/2008/ND-CP, the project is required to only prepare a Commitment Report to Protect the Environment (CPE). The report is prepared by the investor and submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) of the district, where the project is located. The required report is a simpler form of EIA report. The project is not required to:

(i) be assessed by a Review Committee;

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(ii) measure environmental condition; and (iii) conduct Public Consultation

40. The duration for processing of the submitted report is five working days. Once approved, a Certificate of Registration on Commitment to Environment Protection is released for the project. 41. Under the guidance of Decree No. 21/2008/ND-CP, Circular 05/2008/BTNMT, investors only need to obtain the said certificate. An environmental clearance is not needed. 42. Just recently, the Decree No. 29/2011/ND-CP was issued on 18 April 2011 as an amendment of the EA process. The new decree outlines the regulation on strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental protection commitment and will take effect in September 2011. There are changes in the required document and processing duration between the decree No 21/2008 and No 29/2011. The categorization is now based on the voltage capacity of the transmission line, wherein projects located in more than one province and with voltage capacity greater than 110kV are now required to submit an EIA report to MoNRE. In addition, projects not implemented or constructed within 36 months from issuance of the CPE or EIA will be required to submit a new application. 43. Since the CPE for this project was issued in October 2008, the CPE will be considered expired in October 2011. Under this new regulation, the proposed substation and connection lines project will now be required to submit a full-scale EIA report to MoNRE. 44. EIA Requirements. The following are the required documents for EIA report:

(i) description of the project (project name, capacity, etc.); (ii) documents between the Government, ADB, Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN), and

the Acceptance Letter; from the provinces covered by the transmission lines; (iii) project investment and highest and lowest height of the line; (iv) map of monitoring sampling points/areas; (v) map of the routes covered by the transmission lines; and (vi) indexes (climate, socio-economic information, etc.)

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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 45. The project consists of the construction of the following major interrelated components:

(i) 500kV Pho Noi substation, including facilities such as control room and related facilities in an area of 127,080 m2 (square meter);

(ii) Access road from Provincial Road No. 38 to Pho Noi substation with total length of 2,496m and land area of 55,030 m2;

(iii) 500 kV double circuit Connection Line No. 1 to Thuong Tin with a length of 662m

and Connection Line No.2 to Quang Ninh with a length of 568m;

(iv) 220kV 4-circuit transmission lines connecting the substation to Transmission Line No. 1 to Pha Lai, Gia Loc with a length of 5,107m and Transmission Line No. 2 to Pho Noi, Thuong Tin, Kim Dong with a length of 4,578m; and

(v) 22kV single circuit auxiliary transmission line to prevent overload of Nhan Vinh

intermediate substation with length of 2,423m.

Figure 1: Overview of Project Components

A. LOCATION

46. The 500 kV/220 kV Pho Noi substation will be constructed in an agricultural area in the villages of Dong Chung and Sam Khuc in the Viet Hung community. The area is within the territorial jurisdiction of Van Lam District in the province of Hung Yen. The communities traversed by the project components are presented in the location map (Figure 2).

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Figure 2: Location Map 47. The substation site is adjoined on the north by rice paddies of Sam Khuc village; on the south by rice paddies of Dong Chung village; on the east by rice paddies in the administrative boundary of the province of Bac Ninh; and on the west by rice paddies of Dong Chung village. The substation site covers a total area of 127,080m2 and is approximately centered by geographic coordinates 20o59’01”N and 106o06’24”E. It is located about 28 km away from the City of Ha Noi in the north-eastern direction.

48. The proposed access road with a length of 2,496m to Pho Noi substation will be constructed from the Provincial Road No. 38. The access road will traverse the territories of Dong Chung and Me Dau villages, within the Viet Hung community, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province.

49. The 500kV Connection Line No. 1 from the substation with a length of 662m and the 500kV Connection Line No. 2 with a route length of 568m will be built to connect to the existing 500kV double circuit transmission line from Quang Ninh to Thuong Tin. The ending point of the connection lines is the 500 kV support tower of the proposed 500kV Pho Noi substation.

50. The 200kV connection line to the substation to Pha Lai and Gia Loc with a route length of 5,107m will start from a newly erected pole in the middle of Pole Nos. 68-69 of the existing 220kV double circuit transmission line of Pha Lai – Pho Noi – Thuong Tin and will end at the 200kV support tower of the proposed 500kV Pho Noi substation.

51. The Connection Line No. 1 will traverse the communities of Viet Hung (Van Lam District, Hung Yen province), Nghia Dao (Thuan Thanh District, Ban Ninh province), and Cam Hung (Cam Giang District, Hai Duong province). The 200 kV Connection Line No. 2 to Pho Noi, Thuong Tin, and Kim Dong with a route length of 4,578m will traverse the communes of Ngoc Lien (Cam Giang, Hai Duong province), Luong Tai and Viet Hung (Van Lam District, Hung Yen province). This will start from the middle of pole nos. 73-74 of the existing 220 kV double circuit

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transmission line of Pha Lai – Pho Noi – Thuong Tin and will end at the 220 kV gantry tower of the 500 kV Pho Noi substation.

52. The 22 kV auxiliary transmission line for auxiliary power will have a route length of 2,423m and will be constructed starting from pole no. 136 of the 22kV transmission line and end at the 22(35)/0.4kV-560kVA auxiliary substation within the Pho Noi substation. The 22kV auxiliary transmission line will pass through the community of Viet Hung.

B. PROJECT COMPONENTS 1. 500KV PHO NOI SUBSTATION 53. The Pho Noi substation will occupy a land area of 124,730m2 while the control room, accommodation and guard house will have an area of 2,350 m2. The substation will have a capacity of 2 transformers 500/220/35kV – 600 MVA and 220/110/22kV – 125 MVA, respectively. The major components of the substation (Figure 3) are:

(i) At 500 kV side – using single line diagram “3/2”, including 2 transformer bays and 10 transmission line bays;

(ii) At 220 kV side – using the single line connection diagram, including two busbar systems with coupling breaker, composed of 3 transformer bays, 1 coupling breaker, 6 transmission line bays, and 7 spare bays;

(iii) At 110kV side – using the connection diagram, including two busbar systems

with coupling breaker composed of 1 transformer bay and 10 spare bays; and

(iv) At 35 and 22kV side – Block diagram will be designed. Equipment will be installed outdoor to supply power for self-services via the auxiliary transformer of the substation.

54. Control and Protection System. The substation will be equipped with computerized control system structured at the load dispatch center, control room, and cubicles of incoming bays and equipment. The protection system for controlling elements inside the substation shall be designed to comply with the regulations specified by Viet Nam Electricity. The main relays of the protection system shall be of digital relays with micro processors and interfaced with computerized control system and SCADA system. 55. Auxiliary Power Supply. The AC auxiliary power shall be supplied from two auxiliary transformers 35/0.4kV – 560kVA to receive power from equipotential winding of two transformers 500/200/35kV. The DC auxiliary power shall be supplied from two Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery system with capacity of 300Ah, voltage level of 220vDC. The battery system shall operate under regime of regular recharge and surcharge via two rectifiers with input voltage of 380VAC, output voltage of 220VDC. 56. Earthing and Grounding System. The rod-wire combination earthing system using galvanized steel earthing rod with diameter of Φ22 and 5m length will be used within the substation range. The main earthing wire and radial earthing wires shall be of galvanized steel wires with diameter of Φ14. Electric welding shall be applied for connection between earthing rods and bars. The earthing for equipment supports shall be of M120 copper wires, earthing

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Figure 3: Site Development Plan of Substation

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wires, and earthing grid connected by cad-welding.

57. The substation shall be protected from direct lightning strikes by lightning rods installed on independent lighting poles-earthing, with wires installed on support towers of 500kV, 220kV, and 110kV switchgears. Surge arresters shall be installed to protect from atmospheric voltage transmitted from the transmission lines to the substation. 58. Lighting System. The substation will have 40W neon lamps for the control house lighting and 75W incandescent lamps for emergency lighting. Outdoor lighting in independent lightning protection poles shall use 400W beacon lights. There will be 70W bulb lamps installed on 3.4m high poles for lighting the surrounding area of the substation.

59. Foundation System. The substation will be located on rice paddy fields which has a flood inundation level of +3.35m during the rainy season. To protect the substation from inundation, embankment and filling shall be undertaken above current ground level. The following are the substation grading and embankment requirements:

(i) Overburden removal (0.15m thick) : 26,595 m3 (ii) Quantity of excavated soil : 13,254 m3 (iii) Quantity of soil embankment : 288,206 m3 (iv) Quantity of boulder stone masonry : 9,643 m3.

60. Water Supply. Domestic water supply for the substation will be from two proposed drilled wells. 61. Fire Prevention and Fighting System. One Φ150 steel tube system supplying water from the pumping station to the substation will be provided. Hydrants, hoses, and hand-held nozzles will be provided at the site. The pumping station will be equipped with one electric pump and a booster pump. Other fire fighting devices such as CO2 gas tanks shall be installed at the substation.

2. ACCESS ROAD 62. The proposed access road to the 500kV substation will be connected from the Provincial Road No. 38 at Km 13+360. The access road will have a length of 2,496m and a width of 5.5m. The shoulder width shall be 1m. The road shall be paved with asphalt overlay. 63. The access road shall have one bridge crossing at Cam Giang River. The bridge shall be designed with a load bearing capacity suitable for highway loading for bridges, including one-span of pre-stress concrete with span length of 33m. The entire bridge crossing to the end of the abutment is 64.10m while the width of the bridge is 8.0m. The cross-section of the span includes four I-beams of pre-stressed reinforced concrete with a height of 1.65m.

3. 500KV CONNECTION LINES TO THE SUBSTATION 64. The 500kV double circuit connecting lines to the 500kV Pho Noi substation shall cross through the territory of Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province. Connection Line No. 1 with a length of 662m shall start from Pho Noi substation and connect to the existing 500kV Quang Ninh-Thuong Tin transmission line. Connection Line No. 2 with a length of 568m shall start from Pho Noi substation and connect to the existing Quang Ninh-Thuong Tin transmission line. 65. The 500kV connection lines will be made of galvanized steel and double circuit pylon,

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independently erected and connected by bolts. Cast-in-place reinforced concrete slab foundation shall be used for each pylon.

4. 220KV CONNECTION LINES TO THE SUBSTATION

66. The 220 kV connection lines from the Pho Noi substation shall cross the territory of Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province; Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province; and Cam Giang District, Hai Duong Province. Connection Line No. 1 will have a length of 5,107m while Connection Line No. 2 will have a length of 4,578m. Both connection lines will tap to the existing 220kV Pha Lai-Pho Noi-Thuong Tin transmission line. 67. The 220kV connection lines will be composed of four (4) circuits, glass or porcelain materials for electric insulator, anti-lightning wires, and anti-vibration damper suitable with transmission lines.

5. 22KV TRANSMISSION LINE FOR AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLY

68. The 22kV single circuit transmission line shall be constructed with a length of 2,423m. The 22kV transmission line aims to prevent overload of Nhan Vinh intermediate substation. The route of the transmission line will start from pole no. 136 at 22kV Lac Dao-Dai Dong transmission line and will pass through Cam Giang River, through rice paddies, inter-commune road and inter-hamlet road in Dai Dong and Viet Hung to connect to the proposed 500kV Pho Noi substation. 69. The transmission line towers will have a height of 10.5m and made of centrifugal spun reinforced concrete column. Tower foundation will be cast-in-place reinforced concrete.

C. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 1. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE 70. Survey and Design. The detailed design of the substation and connection lines was undertaken through site investigation, soil testing, and survey of sites of towers. Cadastral survey was undertaken to determine the site boundaries and the route for the development of connecting lines. Soil investigation is necessary to determine the subsurface conditions at the site of the substation and the towers. The result of the subsurface investigation will provide the designers with the construction design parameters for the foundation. 71. Land Acquisition and Compensation. The construction of the project will require the acquisition of land for the substation, access roads, and towers for the connection lines. A survey of affected land use and ownership, vegetation and other structures was undertaken to assess the implication on land acquisition and compensation. A Resettlement Plan is being prepared separately. Compensation of affected land shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of ADB and the GOV. 72. Based on the land requirements of the project, a total of 200,754m2 of land will be permanently affected by the project shown in Table 5. The project will require land acquisition of an about 127,080 m2for the substation, 55,030 m2 for the access road, and 16,246 m2 for the

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tower foundations2. All of these areas are currently utilized as rice land. Along the access road to the substation, the affected structures include three graves/cemetery and an irrigation canal.

73. There are 13 houses/structures and one piggery house along the ROW but land acquisition will affect about 213 households who are tilling the land. These affected households will have limited use on the land to ensure clearance from the line. Under the Decree No.106/2005/ND-CPdated17 August 2005 of the Electricity Law on protection and safety in high-voltage power grid, the houses along the ROW will not be relocated but will be compensated because of the restrictions on the use of land.

Table 5: Permanently Affected Land Area by Proposed 500kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines Project

Project Component Quantity, m2 500kV Substation 182,110

Area for substation 124,730 Area for control house 2,350 Access road to substation 55,030

500kV Connection Lines (pole foundation) 5,514 220kV Connection Lines (pole foundation) 12,976 22kV Auxiliary Line (pole foundation) 154 Total land to be permanently acquired 200,754

Number of HHs permanently affected 213 Number of persons permanently affected 1065

Source: Resettlement Action Plan, 500kV Pho Noi Substation 74. The substation, control house, and access road will be located entirely in Viet Hung commune, Van Lam district in the Hung Yen province (Table 6). The ROW for the 500kV connection line is 32m; 220kV connection line is 22m; and the 22kV auxiliary line is 6m. The 500kV connection line will also be entirely located in the rice lands in Viet Hung commune. The ROW of the 220kV Connection Line No. 1 will be mostly located (95%) in the Van Lam district (Hung Yen province), Cam Giang district (Hai Duong province), and Thuan Thanh district (Bac Ninh province).The remaining 6% of the ROW will affect the crop land in Cam Hung commune in Cam Giang district, Hai Duong province. The 220kv Connection Line No. 2 will affect rice lands in Van Lam and Cam Giang districts while the auxiliary line will be entirely located in Van Lam district.

Table 6: Affected Land along ROW of Substation and Connection Lines Project Component Length (m) Area (m2) Permanent

acquisition area (m2) 500kV PHO NOI SUBSTATION 182,110 Hung Yen province 182,110 500kV CONNECTION LINE 1,230 39,360 5,514 Hung Yen province 1,230 39,360 5,514 220kV CONNECTION LINE 9,685 213,070 12,976 Hai Duong province 4,648 102,256 6,496 Hung Yen district 3,667 80,674 4,565 Bac Ninh province 1,370 30,140 1,915 AUXILIARY SUPPLY LINE 2,423 14,538 154

2Resettlement Action Plan, Pho Noi 500kV Substation and Connection Lines, PECC4.

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Project Component Length (m) Area (m2) Permanent acquisition area (m2)

Hung Yen province 2,423 14,538 154 TOTAL 266,968 200,754

2. CONSTRUCTION PHASE 75. The overall construction and installation works for the substation, connection lines, and access road are scheduled to be implemented in 2012 to 2013. The activities that will be implemented are:

(i) Topographic and relocation survey. (ii) Soil investigation. (iii) Construction of access road. (iv) Site preparation including clearing of vegetation, leveling and removal of cut soil. (v) Backfilling of substation area. (vi) Foundation works. (vii) Procurement of equipment. (viii) Installation of equipment (ix) Wiring to connect to control building. (x) Testing, adjustment and commissioning of substation, connection lines, and

equipment.

76. There will be about 260 workers that will be employed during the construction of the substation. The workers will be mainly sourced from qualified local workers with some technical personnel to be assigned by the main contractor.

3. OPERATIONAL PHASE

77. During the operational phase, routine inspection, tests and maintenance works on equipment will be undertaken. Along the transmission line route, the routine inspection and maintenance activities include trimming of trees if above 3m high and checking of nuts and bolts to ensure structural stability. The regular maintenance and trimming of vegetation within the ROW is necessary to prevent damage to overhead power lines and towers.

78. During the operational phase, there will be 22 workers to be assigned at the 500kV substation.

D. PROJECT PROPONENT 79. The NPT will be the Executing Agency (EA) and the (NPPMB) will be the Implementing agency (IA) and owner of the project. Project detailed design, including detailed transmission line surveys, preparation and evaluation of tenders, and construction supervision, will be undertaken by consultants in coordination with the NPPMB. 80. The construction of the project will be contracted out under International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures. Management of the project will be carried out by NPPMB’s project management team.

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

81. Baseline information on the relevant physical, biological, and socio-economic conditions of the existing environment of the project area is described in this section. Aspects on various environmental parameters which are likely to be affected (direct or indirect) by the proposed 500kV/220 kV Pho Noi Substation and Connection Lines Project are discussed. Current and proposed development activities within the area of influence of the project, including those not directly connected to the project are also presented.

A. PHYSICAL RESOURCES

1. GEOGRAPHY

82. The substation is located in Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province. The connection lines traverse the provinces of Hung Yen (Van Lam District), Bac Ninh (Thuan Thanh District), and Hai Duong (Cam Giang District). All provinces are located in the Red River Delta Region of the northern part of Vietnam. Van Lam District (Hung Yen) is bordered by Thuan Thanh District (Bac Ninh) and Gia Lam District (Ha Noi City) to the north, Van Giang District (Hung Yen) and Gia Lam District (Ha Noi City) to the west, Cam Giang District (Hai Duong) to the east, and by Yen My and My Hao districts (Hung Yen) in the south.3

2. TOPOGRAPHY

83. Located in the central Delta, the terrain of Hung Yen Province is relatively flat and with no hills;4 specifically, Van Lam District has flat and uneven low terrain that slopes from northwest to southeast at an average height of 3–4 m.5 This is quite similar to Bac Ninh Province that is also relatively flat but with slopes mainly from north to south and from west to east as reflected by the flow of the Duong River and Thai Binh River. Though there are hilly areas in Bac Ninh Province, it does not include Thuan Thanh District in which the connection lines traverse.6 In Hai Duong Province, the connections lines will traverse Cam Giang District which is mainly flat plain.7

3. GEOLOGY

84. Based on the field exploratory drilling performed up to a depth of 10–35m, the

3Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4 (PECC4). Initial Environmental Examination for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. 4People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Land and Terrain. http://hungyen.gov.vn/vi-vn/Pages/Article.aspx?ChannelId =276&articleID=7598 5People’s Committee of Van Lam. Van Lam District - Development Resources. http://hungyen.gov.vn/vi-vn/ vanlam/Pages/Article.aspx?ChannelID=1&articleID=15 6People’s Committee of Bac Ninh. Natural Conditions. http://www.bacninh.gov.vn/Intro/3.html 7People’s Committee of Hai Duong. Natural Conditions - Social. http://www.haiduong.gov.vn/ vn/thongtin/Pages/Thongtintongquan.aspx

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subsurface structure comprises of quaternary aged alluvium composed of unconsolidated sediments that range from clay to sand. Drilling results further showed that the groundwater is stored in the soft plastic clay and sand layers and appeared to stabilize at depths from 2.5 –6.5m.The soft plastic clay in the area can be a critical subsurface problem in the foundation in addition to the high and fluctuating water table in the area.8

Table 7: Geological Condition of Project Site

Site Province Geological Condition

Layer Thickness (m) Characteristics

Pho Noi 500kV Substation

500 kV, 220 kV, 22kV Connection lines.

Hung Yen Bac Ninh Hai Duong

1

3 – 10 Dark brown and white gray silty sand, little dark gray and yellow brown mica flakes, water saturated.

2 11 – 35 Mixed sediments alternating grip: - White gray and soft plastic clay mud, - Reddish brown and yellow patchy clay,

moderate to hard plastic, - Silty sand, dark brown fine-grained

sandy, plastic. Source: PECC4 85. According to the Global Physics Institute, Van Lam District in Hung Yen Province has a recorded earthquake acceleration at 0.0748 g (gravity) which was at a seismic level of VII MSK-64 scale. Both districts of Luong Tai in Bac Ninh Province (0.1316 g) and Cam Giang in Hai Duong Province (0.1223 g) similarly recorded a seismic level of VIII MSK-64 scale.9

4. CLIMATE

86. The three affected provinces are influenced by the tropical monsoon climate in the region. Climate data presented in the succeeding sections were taken from the People’s Committee of each of the provinces. 87. Hung Yen Province. An annual average temperature of 23.2oC is quite evenly distributed in the province. In a span of 19 years, the average temperature during summer was 27.3oC and 1oC in winter. The total annual average rainfall ranges from 1,500 -1,600 millimeter (mm); slightly lower at 1,176mm for Van Lam District.10 During the rainy season, rainfall intensity averages 1,200–1,300mm (80–85% of total annual rainfall) and during dry season at 200–300mm. Hot season occurs from May to October with about 1,080 -1,100 hours of sunshine while the cold weather happens from November to April at 500–520 hours. Highest recorded monthly sunshine was 268 hours in May 1974 while the lowest was reported at 6.8 hours in February 1988. Total average evaporation for several years is 8,730mm, where absolute maximum was at 144.9 mm (July 1961) and minimum at 20.8 mm (February 1988).

88. The annual average humidity in the province ranges from 80% to90% (maximum in

8Footnote 3. 9Footnote 3. 10Footnote 5.

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February; minimum in November and December). There are two prevailing winds: the northeast from September to March (winter monsoon) and the southeast from March to July (summer monsoon). Maximum wind speed recorded was at 40 m/s blowing in the southwest direction (May 1978). Hurricane and tropical storm do not directly hit Hung Yen but the coastal provinces. Rainfall caused by storm events accounts for 15% to 20% of the total annual rainfall in Hung Yen. Associated rainfall from storms usually occurs from February to November and is concentrated from May to September.

89. Historical data (1971) revealed that the substation area was inundated at an elevation of 3.35m due to heavy rain. The water of the nearby Cam Giang River rose and caused the flooding in the rice paddies. The leveling and grading with soil and sand fill embankment in the project location will be necessary to avoid inundation of both substation ground and access road.11

90. Bac Ninh Province. The province has an annual average temperature of 23.3oC and a temperature difference of 15–16oC in summer and winter. Temperature record of highest monthly average is 28.9oC (July) and minimum of 15.8oC (January). Rainy season occurs from May to October (accounts for 80% of total annual rainfall) and dry season from November to April. Annual average rainfall is at 1400–1600 mm.

91. The number of hours of sunshine per year is at 1530–1776 hours. There are more hours of sunshine in July and least in January in Bac Ninh province.

92. There are two prevailing winds in the province: the northeast monsoon (October to March) and the southeast monsoon (April to September). The average relative humidity is 79%.

93. Hai Duong Province. The province has an annual average temperature of 23.3oC and highest temperature of 24oC during summer. The annual average sunshine in the province is 1,524 hours. The annual average rainfall is at 1300–1700 mm and average humidity at 85–87%.

5. WATER RESOURCES

94. Surface Water. Surface water sources in the project area are irrigation systems which are prevalent due to the paddy fields planted with rice and other crops. In Van Lam District where the substation is located, the irrigation system flows into and out of the Cam Giang River. The river is 1.5 km away from the project substation.12 95. Hung Yen Province has main rivers such as Hong River (27 km) and Luoc River (25 km) and tributaries such as Ke Sat, Chanh, Cuu An, Tam Do, Dien Bien rivers.13 Bac Ninh on the other hand has three main river systems such as Duong, Cau and Thai Binh rivers. There are also internal river systems such as Dan, Bui, Dong Khoi, and Ngu rivers. Total amount capacity of surface water in Bac Ninh Province is estimated at 177.5 million m3. The river systems are crucial resources for economic development in the area. As for Hai Duong


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Province, some rivers are the Gie, Kinh Thay, Lach Tray, Kinh Mon, and Thai Binh rivers.14 96. Underground Water.. Results of the investigation in some areas showed layers with massive amount of underground water in Hung Yen Province. In Bac Ninh Province, groundwater has a good quality and has a yield of 400,000 m³/day reserve. Water fielding stratum is about 3–5m from the ground surface. Both underground water sources are exploited for domestic use and production.15 In Hai Duong Province, the aquifer has sufficient potential for large-scale water supply.16

6. AIR AND NOISE QUALITY

97. There are no activities contributing to air quality and noise that disrupt the activity or balance in the daily life of the villagers, except in the brick production areas. There are two brick factories, near the boundary between the provinces of Hung Yen and Bac Ninh where the connection line passes heading to G5A. 98. The brick areas are about two kilometers away from the project substation and are not expected to affect the project due to distance and contrary wind direction. Furthermore, in order to protect the high voltage insulator lines from air pollution (particulate matter, salt content, etc.) in the area, a creepage distance of 20(mm/kV) is to be applied in the design. These insulator lines are designed according to the Electrical Equipment Standard 11TCN-19-2006.17

B. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

7. FOREST 99. Hung Yen and Hai Duong provinces are located in the delta region which has no forest. For Bac Ninh province, the total forest area is 661.26 ha. These areas are located in Que Vo District (317.9 ha) and Tien Du District (254.95 ha).18 The project will not have a significant effect on any forest in the area.19

8. FLORA

100. There are no rare plant species found in the affected areas of the project. Vegetation is mainly rice and crops in farmlands. Plants such as longan (Dimocarpus longan), lychee (Litchi chinensis), and legumes are abundant in the area. However, only those affected by the project are the rice and crops in the paddy fields and several lychee trees.20 The land area of the

14Footnote 7. 15Footnote 3. 16T.N. Thanh. 2003. Arsenic Pollution in Groundwater in the Red River Delta. In: Simmons R.W. and Bakker. P (Eds.) Selected Papers of the UN-ESCAP/IWMI Seminar on Environmental and Public Health Risks Due to Contamination of Soils, Crops, Surface and Groundwater in South-East Asia. Viet Nam. 10–12 December 2002. 17Footnote 3. 18Footnote 3. 19Footnote 3. 20Footnote 1.

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paddy fields and the number of lychee trees affected are all accounted for. Presented in Table 8 is the summary of the affected plants based on the survey performed on the substation area and on the routes of the connection and transmission lines.

Table 8: Summary of Affected Plants in the Project Area Project Unit Rice and crop fields (m2) Lychee tree (number) 500kV Substation 182,110 0 500kV Connection line 5,988 0 220kV Connection lines 55,442 76 22kV Transmission line for Auxiliary Power

3,737 0

Total 247,277 76

Source: PECC4. Resettlement Action Plan for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. 9. FAUNA

101. Based on the survey performed and interviews with key informants, there are no rare animal species found living in the project area.21 The vicinity is highly disturbed by community activities.

C. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

1. POPULATION AND AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

102. The location of the substation is in Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province and the connection lines traverse the provinces of Hung Yen (Van Lam District), Bac Ninh (Thuan Thanh District), and Hai Duong (Cam Giang District). Van Lam District has a small land area of 74.4 km2 and has the highest population density of the affected districts of the project. The most populated of the affected districts is the Thuan Thanh District (Table 9).

Table 9: Land Area, Population, and Population Density in the Districts of Project Area

Province District Land Area (km2)

Population (number of people)

Population Density (number of people/km2)

Hung Yen Van Lam 74.4 97,519a 1,248

Hai Duong Cam Giang 109.0 128,163b 1,176

Bac Ninh Thuan Thanh 116.0 136,000 1,172

Source: PECC4. Resettlement Action Plan for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. a Data as of 2003. b Data as of 2009.

103. Survey was performed to determine specific details on the affected communities. Viet Hung Community, the location of the substation in Van Lam District, has the most number of affected persons with 8,753 persons from the 2,245 affected households. The ethnicity of all the affected persons is Viet (Kinh) (Table 10). Majority of the Vietnamese people belong to the Kinh

21Footnote 3.

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ethnic group.

Table 10: Households, Persons per Household, and Ethnicity of the Affected Communities in the Project Area

Province District Commune Households Persons Ethnicity Hung Yen Van Lam Viet Hung 2,245 8,753 Viet (Kinh)

Luong Tai 1,964 8,214 Viet (Kinh)

Hai Duong Cam Giang Cam Hung 1,464 6,480 Viet (Kinh) Ngoc Lien 2,261 8,307 Viet (Kinh)

Bac Ninh Thuan Thanh Nghia Dao 1,771 7,342 Viet (Kinh)

Source: PECC4. Resettlement Action Plan for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines.

2. HEALTH SERVICES

104. The nearest medical center to the substation is at a distance of 2.5km. This is within Viet Hung commune, Van Lam District. Communities in the project area have medical stations and all maintain national standards in health services. Medical staff in the medical stations performs first aid, vaccination, immunization, and coordination with other groups and sectors for inspection on environmental sanitation and food safety. These medical stations are open 24 hours to attend to the medical needs of the people.22

3. EDUCATION

105. Communities in the project area have schools from primary to secondary. All communes have achieved universal primary education standards. High schools are located mostly in the district centers. Both public and private school systems are available for high schools.23

4. ECONOMY

106. Hung Yen Province. The province is located in the business district of northern Viet Nam. In recent years, its economic growth rate, along with Bac Ninh, have been higher than the average of the whole northern area. There are several industrial zones in the province such as Pho Noi A, Pho Noi B, Thang Long II, Nhu Quynh, and Minh Duc, among others. The economic goals of the province are to increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 12.8% per year and create job opportunity for 23,000 people. 107. Communities in the project area are mainly rural. Economic activities are agricultural production and trading of products. Products of the communities are rice, crops, vegetables and fruits that are usually sold in markets in the province or nearby provinces such as Ha Noi and Bac Ninh.24

108. Bac Ninh Province. The province has several industrial zones such as Dai Dong–Hoan


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Son, Que Vo I, Que Vo II, Yen Phong I, and Thuan Thanh. The economic goals of the province is to have a yearly increase of 15.5% in GDP, 3.5% in agriculture; 14.5% in construction; and 14.6% for services. It also aims to create job opportunity for 26,000 people25 109. Hai Duong Province. There are quite many industrial zones in Hai Duong. In Cam Giang District, where the 220 kV Connection Lines 1 and 2 will pass, there are two industrial zones; namely, Nam Sach and Tan Truong Industrial Zones, with areas of 87 and 200 ha, respectively.26 110. In 2008, provincial GDP increased by 10.5%; and the production value of agriculture, forestry and fishery rose by 3.9%. The value of industrial production and construction increased by 13.0% while the production value of services increased by 13.5%.The value of exports reached $420 million, up 73.6% over the same period in 2007; while imports reached $440 million, up 47.9% over the same period in 2007. The province has planned 10 industrial parks with a total area of 2,719 ha. It has attracted many investors in industrial zones. By the end of 2008, it attracted $350.2 million of direct foreign investments, including investment certificates to 37 new projects and increased to 39.2% in the same period in 2007. Estimated investment capital of projects implemented in 2008 reached $300 million, up by 27.6% from 2007.27

5. INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

111. Water Supply. Surface water is the direct water source for production and daily life in Hung Yen Province.28 Still, some households use drilled wells to tap groundwater source. Specifically in Van Lam District, only 92% of households have access to potable water.29 For the substation, domestic water will be obtained from groundwater via the planned drilled wells (2 wells at 70 m depth) in the area30.

112. Fire Prevention and Fighting System. The substation will have its own water pumping station, water tanks, steel tube system, spraying system, hydrants, hoses and hand-held nozzles, CO2 gas tanks, and other ordinary firefighting equipment in accordance with the current standards.31 The substation will not rely on Van Lam District’s fire fighting station.

6. TRANSPORTATION 113. The transport system in the three affected provinces consists of roads, railway, harbors and waterways. 114. Hung Yen Province. The road network of national highways, provincial roads, district roads, urban and village roads in the province are well-developed and are distributed rationally

25Footnote 3. 26Vietnam Investment Network Corporation. Hai Duong. http://industrialzone.vn/Desktop.aspx/IZ/Hai-Duong/ 27Footnote 7. 28People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Administrative Map. http://hungyen.gov.vn/vi-vn/Pages/Article.aspx?ChannelId =276&articleID=7601 29Footnote 5. 30Footnote 3. 31Footnote 3.

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in all communities, wards, and towns.32 The project transmission lines will pass through existing inter-commune roads. Roads are made of asphalt and some are partly concrete. Access road (length - 2495.89 m; width - 5.5 m) to the project substation will be constructed starting from Provincial Road No. 38 at Km 13 + 360 passing through the territories of Dong Chung and Me Dau village in Viet Hung Commune, Van Lam District. Provincial Road No. 38 runs along the community and is connected to the National Road No. 5A.

115. The Hanoi–Hai Phong railway, a 17-km route, passes through the town of Quynh Luong Tai, Van Lam District. In addition, a network of rivers and canals facilitate water transport development in the Hung Yen Province. The two main river systems, the 57-km Red River by Hung Yen and the 25-km Hung Yen Luoc, pass along a wharf for cargo ships.33

116. Bac Ninh Province. The province is considered as the gateway of the capital Ha Noi to the northeast. It is the bridge between Hanoi and the mountainous provinces in the north and the main exchange locations with China. There are national highways such as Highway 1A, New Highway 1B, Highway 18, Highway 38, and the Ha Noi–Lang Son Expressway. Highway 18, after completion of road rehabilitation, will be a very convenient passage to the Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi and to the sea port of Cai Lan in Quang Ninh Province. There is also the Trans-Vietnam railway to China.34

117. Bac Ninh also has convenient waterway connections with the surrounding area, such as Hai Phong Seaport and major economic centers in the north. Waterways such as the Duong River, Cau River, and Thai Binh River are very convenient mode of transportation of goods and people.35

118. Hai Duong Province. The transportation system of the province has created good foundations for economic exchanges between the province and other areas nationwide and worldwide. There are four national highways (National Highways No. 5, 18, 38, and 37) at 99-km total length. These are Grade-I roads with four lanes. The Hanoi–Hai Phong Railway route passes through Cam Giang District and satisfies the local demand for passenger and goods transportation. In addition, the province has 400-km waterway of rivers including 16 major river routes; enabling travel of 500 ton-ships. The Cong Cau Port has an annual capacity of 300,000 t (ton) and has satisfactory wharfs and grounds that make waterway more convenient.36

7. LAND USE

119. Consultations and agreements had been made with the local authorities about the direction of routes in order to ensure the least impact on houses, land, and people. The direction of routes is approved by the People’s Committee of Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Duong provinces. The project mainly passes through paddy fields.

32People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Administrative Map.http://www.hungyen.gov.vn/vivn/Pages/ Article.aspx?ChannelId=375&articleID=9232 33Footnote 3. 34People’s Committee of Bac Ninh. Introduction to Security North. http://www.bacninh.gov.vn/Trang/ gioithieutinh.aspx?gt=Vi%E1%BA%BFt%20v%E1%BB%81%20B%E1%BA%AFc%20Ninh 35Footnote 6. 36Footnote 7.

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Figure 4. Land Use Map

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8. POWER SOURCES AND TRANSMISSION

120. Hung Yen Province. In Van Lam District, electricity transmission lines of medium voltage have been gradually upgraded. To date, 100% of rural households have electricity.37

121. Bac Ninh Province. There is 100% coverage of electricity in the province due to connection from the national electricity grid.38

122. Hai Duong Province. There is one thermal power plant (Pha Lai) with the capacity of 1040 megawatt (MW) located in Hai Duong Province. The power supply network in the province ensures the safety and stability of the five transformer stations of 110/35 kV, with total capacity of 197 MVA (megavolt-ampere) and 11 transformer stations with a total capacity of 35/10 kV. These stations are evenly distributed in the province. The 110 kV and 35 kV power networks satisfy power demand for domestic use and production.39

9. COMMUNICATION 123. Mobile phone networks, radios, and postal services are available across all the project communes.40 Specifically in Van Lam District, the postal and telecommunications network are developing.

37Footnote 5. 38Footnote 3. 39Vietnam Investment Network Corporation. Hai Duong. http://industrialzone.vn/Desktop.aspx/IZ/Hai-Duong/ 40Footnote 3.

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V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

124. This Chapter presents the potential environmental impacts of the project and the recommended mitigating measures to address adverse environmental impacts. The environmental impacts are structured into the (i) pre-construction phase of the project; (ii) construction phase of the substation, connection lines, and access roads, and (iii) operation phase of the entire project. Mitigating measures are recommended to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts.

A. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

125. The potential impacts during the design and pre-construction phase of the project are related to the siting and survey of the substation site, road and connection line alignment. There is potential for the substation, access road and connection line alignment to affect houses, irrigation canals, agricultural land, the Cam Giang River, and village roads. The construction of the towers may also have visual impacts for local residents.

1. LOSS OF PROPERTY AND AGRICULTURAL LAND 126. There are no permanent or temporary buildings on the site of the substation and access road. Thus, the substation and access road will not result in any loss of property or have any impact on human habitation but will require the permanent loss of 182,110 m2 of agricultural land. In addition, the construction of the foundation for the connection lines will affect 18,644 m2 of land. These affected land are primarily used for planting of rice and other crops. 127. There is a section of the 220kV connection line which will affect 12 households with 12 houses and one auxiliary house. There is also one piggery house along the ROW. The affected houses and structures will be impacted in terms of the limited use of the land to ensure safe clearance from the power lines. However, based on GOV’s Land Law, these households will not be relocated but should be provided with lightning arresters and other safety requirements.

128. The NPPMB will design and provide an appropriate land acquisition and compensation plan for the affected area of the substation and ROW of the connection line and access road in accordance with the national requirements.

2. ENCROACHMENT INTO AREAS OF CULTURAL/HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 129. The construction of the access road will affect three village graves/cemeteries. These sites are culturally important for the community and would need to be compensated and relocated. There are no historical sites within the affected area of the project.

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3. ENCROACHMENT INTO ECOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS 130. The substation site, access road, and connection lines are located in an agricultural area which has been under cultivation for many years. The sites do not encroach on any significant ecological areas. There are no protected areas, primary forest, wetlands, swamp forest, mangroves, estuarine areas, and areas identified as having special ecological significance or identified cultural heritage sites affected by the 500kV substation and connection lines. 131. The nearest known forest areas are located in Que Vo and Tien Du districts which are located at a minimum distance of 317.9 km from the substation site.

132. The NPPMB and consultants of the project selected the sites for the project components through site investigation and coordination with the local government authorities, the Provincial People’s Committee of Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Bac Ninh. Suggestions and approval of the authorities were secured in selecting the sites. The project also took into consideration the location of historical and cultural relics, natural preservation areas, and populated areas to avoid displacing houses and community structures. The areas close to roads were also selected for easy transport of materials and to avoid significant disturbance of land.

4. IMPACT ON AESTHETICS 133. The impact of the project on aesthetics has not been identified as a significant issue in the local context. There is already an existing 500kV transmission line in the vicinity and the construction of the new substation will not have a significant effect to the aesthetic of the project area.

5. IMPACT ON DRAINAGE AND FLOODING 134. The substation area and ROW of the connection lines are located in a low-lying area that is vulnerable to inundation. Flooding has been reported in the vicinity of the substation site at a level of +3.35m above ground level. The construction of the substation and tower foundations will require the establishment of a raised platform to ensure adequate protection from flooding. 135. The existing drainage system associated with the surrounding agricultural land is composed of network of irrigation and drainage canals within and around the substation site. The design of the substation will ensure that the existing drainage system will be protected and where necessary additional drainage diversion structures will be included in the works. This is to ensure that the construction and operation of the substation will not have adverse impact on the existing drainage system.

136. The construction engineers and designers will also consider the inundation levels in the vicinity in the design the embankments, soil filling, and foundation of the substation and the connection lines.

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B. POTENTIAL IMPACTS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

1. IMPACT ON VEGETATION 137. The construction of the project will affect 247,277 m2 of agricultural land and 76 lychee trees. In accordance with ADB policy on land acquisition, a resettlement plan has been developed for the project such that the current users of the affected land as well as the affected trees will be compensated. 138. From the point of view of environmental impact, the impact on rice land is insignificant considering that rice farming and trees below the required 8 m clearance may still be allowed when the project is completed. There will be insignificant impact on vegetation considering that only the areas where the tower foundations will be built will be affected. The area of the substation and the ROW of the connection lines were selected to avoid high value plantation trees and forest areas. 2. IMPACT OF BORROW SITES 139. The establishment of an elevated substation platform will be necessary due to its location in a flood-prone area. Suitable fill materials amounting to approximately 288,206 m3 of soil embankment from quarry or borrow pit will be required to establish the platform. 140. There are a number of potential impacts associated with the establishment of quarry/burrow pits. These include the loss of land values, potential loss of vegetation and wildlife, loss of aesthetics, soil erosion, and impact of the downstream water quality.

141. The contractor will be required to source the fill materials only from Government-approved borrow areas and to observe proper mitigating measures to avoid soil erosion that would affect downstream water quality. 3. SOIL EROSION AND FLOODING

142. The access road will pass through a river crossing in Cam Giang River and an irrigation canal. The river is located approximately 1.5km at the southern section of the substation site and is also likely to be the receiving point of potential runoff from the substation. The irrigation canal is located about 700m on the south and is bordered by rice land areas. The irrigation canal and the agricultural land in the immediate vicinity will also likely be impacted to some extent by runoff from the project site and from frequent movement of vehicles to the substation site during the construction phase. Appropriate mitigating measures to prevent soil runoff will be required during the construction of the access road.

143. Timing is also one of the critical factors involved in erosion and sedimentation control in construction sites. Careful scheduling of construction operations can minimize the exposed area during the rainy season. Site clearing, earthworks, and other civil works should be scheduled during the dry season. 144. In order to prevent flooding, erosion and runoff of sediments, silt traps or temporary

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sedimentation facilities should be set-up to trap and settle out runoff from the construction area. Likewise, temporary barriers and trenches should be constructed around the stockpiles of materials to control surface runoff. In combination with the provision of silt traps, the contractor can also implement other best practices methods to control erosion such as:

(i) scheduling of clearing and grading during the dry season; (ii) clearing only of areas necessary for construction; (iii) locating potential sources of pollution away from steep slopes, water bodies or other

critical areas; and (iv) Cover and stabilize stockpile of topsoil with tarpaulins when not in use and at the end of

the working day at all times. (v) Cover and stabilize disturbed areas through replanting or other means after completion

of construction works.

145. The effect of sedimentation during project construction is only temporary. Upon completion of the construction stage, exposed surfaces will be concreted while other areas will have trees and plants as part of the landscaping plan.

4. IMPACTS ON WATER QUALITY 146. The construction of the project facilities will have impacts on the water quality of Cam Giang River. Potential sources of water pollution are from the domestic sewage from construction workers, spillage of oil and other lubricants, disposal of construction wastes, and wastewater from washing of construction equipment and vehicles. These wastewaters will potentially pollute the nearby Cam Giang River, including the drainage and irrigation canals.

147. During the construction of the project, the contractor will be required to implement measures to prevent the discharge of wastewater from entering directly into the drainage channels and irrigation canals. Measures to mitigate impacts on water quality include:

(i) Provision of adequate on-site sanitation facilities with septic tanks to prevent untreated sewage from being channeled into the drainage canals, irrigation canals, and river.

(ii) Implementation of appropriate solid waste and construction waste collection and disposal system, with provision for waste segregation.

(iii) Designation of areas for equipment services, refueling, and wash down. The maintenance area should be provided with oil and grease traps to prevent oil from being washed into the offsite drainage canals.

(iv) Preparation of an oil spill emergency response plan.

148. Proper implementation of the above measures will help ensure that the potential water quality impacts during construction will be insignificant. 5. IMPACTS ON AIR QUALITY 149. The construction of the project will potentially result to the following impacts on air quality:

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(i) Dust arising during excavation and transport of materials (ii) Air pollution due to exhaust gases from operation of construction equipment and

transport vehicles.

150. The construction activities will be undertaken in a relatively low population density rural area. The main dust generating activities will be associated with periodic transport of materials to the site. The potential for significant noise, dust nuisance and air pollution on nearby communities from these activities will be minimal and periodic in nature. Good construction practices to minimize these impacts shall be specified in the terms of reference with the contractor. Environmental monitoring will also be strictly implemented to ensure that temporary noise, dust and exhaust gases to nearby communities are at acceptable concentration limit. 6. NOISE 151. The major sources of noise are movement of vehicles transporting construction materials and equipment to the site and from the operation of construction equipment such as generators, excavators, and concrete mixers. 152. Noise produced during construction within the substation site will have negligible impact on the community because the villages are located far from the site to be affected by construction noise. However, noise due to the movement of vehicles along the village access road may potentially result to nuisance. The contractors should not allow transport of materials at nighttime to avoid noise-related complaints from the community. 7. GENERATION OF CONSTRUCTION WASTES 153. The construction of the substation will generate excavated soils during the site clearing and laying of the foundation for the equipment and control house. Construction activities will also generate debris such as discarded construction materials, cement bags, wood, steel, lubricants, fuels, and vegetation debris. Domestic solid wastes will also be generated from the construction camp. 154. Solid wastes will also be produced when the substation equipment and electrical parts are delivered at the site for installation. This will primarily include packaging materials which could consist of wooden pallets, plastic, foam, and cardboard boxes. 155. The generated wastes during construction, installation of equipment and dismantling of temporary transmission line have the potential to contaminate land and water resources. Air pollution will also be generated when practice of burning wastes is undertaken by workers. 156. With proper collection and disposal procedures, the generation of construction wastes will have minimal impact on the environment. Construction materials and stockpiles of soils should be covered to reduce material loss. The stockpiles, lubricants, fuels, and other materials should be located away from steep slopes and water bodies while solid wastes should be disposed of properly in a designated disposal area within the construction site. All domestic solid wastes need to be segregated at source into biodegradable and non-biodegradable for disposal at designated solid waste disposal site.

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8. MOVEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES ALONG ACCESS ROADS 157. Access to the site will be along the Provincial Road No. 38 with a proposed access road constructed from the said road to the substation. The hauling of materials to the construction site will result to frequent movement of heavy equipment and construction vehicles along the village access road. Aside from the generation of noise and dust on hauling routes, the movement of construction vehicles will disrupt normal traffic patterns and expose the villagers to risk of injury or accidents.

158. NPPMB will ensure that established practices of posting warning signs and managing traffic to protect the travelling public and its workers will be properly implemented. NPPMB will also ensure that access to adjacent agricultural fields and nearby residences will be ensured throughout the construction period 159. To alleviate such impacts to local settlements, the contractor should closely coordinate with the local communities and engage good practices for traffic management. The contractor should require its drivers to maintain speed of not more than 30 kph (kilometer per hour) when passing through built-up areas.

9. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 160. Construction activities may cause harm and danger to the lives and welfare of workers. The wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety gloves, ear mufflers, and other materials should be strictly imposed. A construction health and safety plan needs to be prepared and implemented by the contractor. 161. The existing health services near the substation site are located in the community area. The community health service may not be able to accommodate any additional patients from the construction workers. Therefore in the construction phase, the contractor will be required to provide first-aid facilities for the workers and at least one trained first-aider should be available at the construction camp. 10. COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 162. The project construction will result to moderate impacts associated with community health and safety such as construction traffic, transport of materials, fires, emergency spills of materials, and unauthorized entry by the villagers into dangerous working areas. 163. To mitigate these potential impacts, the civil works contractor will be required to develop a Community Health and Safety Plan (CHSP) that incorporates good international practice and recognized standards. The CHSP should include emergency response and preparedness procedures to be developed in close consultation with potentially affected communities and local authorities. The plan should include specific emergency response procedures, communication systems and protocols, interaction with local and regional emergency and health authorities, provision of emergency equipment and facilities such as emergency service vehicles.

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164. The CHSP should also include a plan for fencing of the entire construction area and procedures for posting warning signs as required protecting local community members from dangerous work areas. The warning signage should be printed clearly in Vietnamese language for better understanding of the villagers. In order to minimize risks from construction traffic, all delivery vehicles will be required to observe the speed limit when passing through built-up areas.

C. IMPACTS DURING THE OPERATIONAL PHASE 165. There are no significant adverse environmental impacts during the operational phase of the 500kV substation and connection lines. The expected adverse impacts during the operational phase are confined within the project area. These are generally related to the occupational health and safety issues as well as management of residual wastes. The impacts are reversible, manageable, and can be mitigated with proper engineering and management controls. 1. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 166. The occupational health and safety issues inherent to the operation of the transmission line and substation include hazards due to exposure to live power lines and high voltage systems, working in heights and risks of accidents, and potential exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Accidents that may occur include electrocution, fires, and explosion. 167. Exposure to Live Power Lines and High Voltage Systems. Workers may come in contact with live power lines during the maintenance of the facilities and electrocution from direct contact with high-voltage electricity. Electrocution is a hazard directly related to power transmission lines and facilities.41 168. The NPPMB and contractor should be guided by the “Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines – Electric Power Transmission and Distribution” (IFC) dated 30 April 2007 when working at the transmission and substation facilities. Some of the prevention and control measures when working with live power lines are:

(i) Restricting access to electrical equipment by workers only trained and certified to work on electrical equipment

(ii) Adherence to electrical safety standards (iii) Proper grounding and deactivation of live power distribution lines during maintenance

work or if working in close proximity to the lines (iv) Provision of PPE for workers, safety measures, personal safety devices, and other

precautions (v) Observe guidelines to minimum approach distances for excavations, tools, vehicles,

pruning, and other activities when working around power lines and the substation. (vi) The entrance to all buildings, vaults, rooms, or enclosures containing exposed live parts

or exposed conductors should be kept locked unless such entrances are under the observation of a qualified person at all times.

41 International Finance Corporation (IFC), Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines – Electric Power Transmission and Distribution. 30 April 2007.

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(vii) Switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized should be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards.

169. Working in High Elevation. Accidents may happen when working in high elevation. However, a worker safety plan may be implemented to reduce risks that include testing of structural integrity prior to proceeding with the work and the use of fall protection measures. 170. Worker Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Electric utility workers have higher exposure to EMF than the general public because of working in close proximity to electric power lines. The occupational EMF exposure should be minimized through the implementation of an EMF safety program42 that includes:

(i) Identification of potential exposure levels in the work area including surveys of exposure levels and establishment of safety zones

(ii) Limit access to properly trained workers and those equipped with appropriate PPE when entering safety zones.

(iii) Utilization of personal monitors during work activities (iv) Posting of safety signages and warning signs.

2. COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 171. Electrocution. The community may also be exposed to electrocution hazards as a result of direct contact with high voltage electricity or from contact with tools, vehicles, or other devices that come in contact with high-voltage electricity. To prevent these hazards, NPPMB needs to implement the following improvements:

(i) Provision of signs, barriers and gates/posts surrounding transmission towers particularly in built-up areas

(ii) Grounding of conducting objects such as fences or other metallic structures near power lines.

172. Exposure to EMF. The transmission frequency commonly used in transmission systems ranges from 50–60Hz which is considered as extremely low frequency43, with impacts becoming low with distance. The electric fields become shielded by trees, buildings, and other materials that conduct electricity. In general, the electric fields are strongest close to the source and diminish with distance. 173. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there is still weak evidence about substantive long-term health issues related to low frequency electric fields at levels generally encountered by members of the public. The potential health effects associated with exposure to EMF is not well-established due to lack of empirical data demonstrating adverse health effects. However, the public should be warned about the safety distances from the transmission system and power lines through warning signages.

42 Footnote 41 43 Footnote 41.

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3. MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE 174. Chemicals that are commonly handled in the transmission lines and substation are mineral oil in transformers and other electrical components and liquid petroleum fuel. There are also potential hazardous materials and oil spills associated with the operation of equipment and retrofitting/maintenance works. 175. Storage facilities of liquid petroleum fuels for the generator sets and for vehicles and other equipment are potential sources of accidental spills. Oil leak or accidental spills of hazardous materials could give rise to contamination of soil and water 176. The transformers and equipment should meet international standards and regular maintenance and inspection program should be undertaken to check leaks. The areas around the substation transformers and oil storage areas should be provided with secondary containment with impervious bund capable of holding the oils, fuels, and hazardous wastes in the area. Discharges from these spill bunds with the potential to be contaminated with oil should be directed to the oil-water separators. These are particularly necessary within the substation site and at the maintenance yard. 177. Other chemical and oil spill prevention measures that need to be implemented are emergency spill response procedures, clean-up, and remediation of contaminated soil.

4. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AT SUBSTATION 178. There are several risks that could occur with the operation of the transmission line and substation. Among these are the likelihood of cable being damaged, corrosion of the towers over time which could compromise its structural integrity, potential fire events, explosion of equipment, and being hit by lightning. 179. Lightning arresters are provided along the transmission line and should be provided at strategic locations in the substation. There should also be provision for ensuring security of the cable and substation to avoid vandalism. Regular inspections of the line and the facilities would help identify missing or corroded parts. 180. In case of fire events, explosion, and other related situations, a fire management strategy which may be included in the emergency preparedness and response plan of the project should be developed. Sufficient number of fire protection equipment and fire water tank should be available to address the emergency requirements of the substation. 181. Workers should be trained on emergency preparedness and response procedures and a manual on safety and emergency procedures should be prepared and disseminated to workers like fighting oil fires, e.g. from transformer.

5. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF VEGETATION AT TRANSMISSION LINE 182. One of the regular programs to maintain the integrity of the transmission line is the trimming of tall trees and vegetation along the ROW. This is being done to maintain the necessary conductor clearance of the line. In addition, the presence of vegetation along the

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ROW provides habitat for birds. With reduced vegetation growth along the ROW, the risk of bird collision on the transmission line will be prevented. 183. The vegetation maintenance activities may cause minor disturbance to local people. This can be mitigated by limiting use to already existing roads or tracks to reach the transmission lines and informing the locals in advance through the village heads on the schedule of the maintenance works. Care should be observed to avoid encroachment into rice or crop land of villagers by workers who will undertake vegetation trimming. 184. NPPMB does not allow the use of herbicides and pesticides to control vegetation growth. Burning to control vegetation along the transmission ROW is also prohibited. 185. To minimize the impacts associated with the removal of vegetation, such activity will only be allowed within the designated width of the ROW and up to the extent of achieving the required clearances. Chain saws and other heavy equipment will not be allowed for the removal of trees. Only manual or hand tools will be used for trimming.

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V. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 186. The following presents the considerations made during the design of the substation and connection lines.

A. NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE 187. A No Project alternative is not acceptable because the proposed project is an important component of the Master Plan of Power Sector Development of Viet Nam No. VI. Without the project, the load demand in the northern region and in general, the national load will not be met. This would lead to ongoing operating losses for power generation. The present situation will not improve and the reliability and safety of power supply in the northern region will not be attained.

B. ALTERNATIVES FOR INTERCONNECTION 188. There were two alternatives considered in the design of the connection. The first alternative is to build the 500kV Pho Noi substation at Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province to be connected to the existing Quang Ninh- Thuong Tin 500kV transmission line. This alternative requires the completion of the 500kV power network until 2020 which includes the following:

(i) 2x600MVA Pho Noi 500 kV substation; (ii) 500kV double circuit transmission line, approximately 1.34km from Pho Noi substation to

Quang Ninh – Thuong Tin transmission line; (iii) 500kV transmission line with approximate length of 58km to connect Hai Phong 3

Thermal power complex; (iv) 500kV transmission line with approximate length of 60km to connect Thai Binh 500kV

substation to Pho Noi 500kV substation; and (v) 500kV transmission line with approximate length of 35km to connect Dong Anh 500kV

substation to Pho Noi 500kV substation.

189. Alternative 2 calls for the connection of the 500/220 kV Bac Ninh 2 – Pho Noi transmission lines. This transmission line project is also proposed for funding by ADB as a subproject under Tranche 1 of the MFF. 190. The feasibility study and calculations of power load shows that Alternative 1 has lower investment cost. Both alternatives however can help meet the long term power development plans until 2020 and would result to less power losses.

C. ALTERNATIVES FOR LOCATION OF SUBSTATION 191. Three alternative sites were considered for the Pho Noi 500kV substation, as follows:

(i) Alternative 1: An agricultural land in the hamlets of Dong Chung and Sam Khuc in the commune of Viet Hung, district of Van Lam, province of Hung Yen.

(ii) Alternative 2: An agricultural land in the hamlet of Nhuan Tranh, commune of Duong Quang, district of My Hao, province of Hung Yen,

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(iii) Alternative 3: An agricultural land in the hamlet of Pho Moi, commune of Nhan Hoa,

district of My Hao, province of Hung Yen for the expansion of the existing 220kV Pho Noi substation.

192. The PECC4 surveyed the existing conditions at the sites. Alternative 3 was found to have several limiting factors. The 220kV Pho Noi substation cannot be expanded since the area is not sufficient for the requirement of the 500kV substation. The surrounding areas of the existing substation are industrial zones and residential areas which would not be convenient for connecting the 500kV transmission line to the substation. The length of the transmission line will also be longer and the occupied ROW is very large. 193. A comparison of criteria was used to assess Alternatives 1 and 2 to determine the preferred location of the substation as presented in Table 11. Both sites were both found to be suitable in meeting the national electricity development master plan. The sites are located in agricultural land and quite far from residential areas. However, in terms of investment cost, Alternative 1 presented a better option than Alternative 2 because of the infrastructure requirements associated with the option.

Table 11: Comparison of Alternatives 1 and 2 in Siting the Substation Criteria Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Location Dong Chung and Sam Khuc Hamlet Nhuan Tranh Hamlet

Master Plan implementation Suitable Suitable Topography, geology Flat land, Good Flat land, Good Meteorology, hydrology Experience inundation Experience inundation Infrastructure requirements Advantageous Disadvantageous Connection capability Good Good Development capability Good Good Environmental impacts Minor Minor Total investment (D billion) 1,190.52 1,416.24 194. The location of Alternative 1 was agreed in writing by the People’s Committee of Hung Yen province.

C. ALTERNATIVE FOR POWER TRANSMISSION LINE 195. With the recommended location of Pho Noi 500kV substation, the PECC4 investigated, surveyed, and designed the 500kV, 220kV transmission lines, and the 22kV transmission line for auxiliary power supply in one optimum alternative. The routes of these transmission lines were agreed in writing by Provincial People’s Committees of Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Bac Ninh. The routes avoided houses to the extent possible and resettlement of households.

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VI. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION

196. This Chapter presents the public consultation process that was undertaken for the project, the results of the surveys and consultation meetings, and the concerns raised by the stakeholders. 197. Public consultation meetings were initiated by NPPMB with the affected communes of Viet Hung, Cam Hung, Luong Tai, Nghia Daoi, and Ngoc Lien on 25 to 28 January 2011. The meetings aim to present the proposed project to the stakeholders and to determine their concerns and issues about the proposed substation project. 198. At the Viet Hung commune, the pertinent issues raised by the stakeholders included the following:

Survey and inventory of the affected area and adequate compensation of affected households and land that will consider market prices. The requirement for land acquisition is small and difficult to cultivate. The area around the substation must support policies to compensate people according to the law.

The affected parties must be involved in the environmental impact assessment. There should be a report on the number of people to be hired during the construction of

the project. Contractors and construction units must ensure the protection of the environment as well

as the management of impacts that may affect the lives of the local people Planning must consider the village traffic conditions.

199. At the Cam Hung commune, the stakeholders raised their support to the project, provided that measures to carefully manage the affected area and households must be implemented. The representatives from the Cam Hung commune are concerned about the effects of electromagnetic fields to their health. They also mentioned about the noise from high voltage power stations and that measures to reduce the noise should be undertaken. The stakeholders also suggested that the position of the connection in the local plan may have an effect to the long-term plan of the commune and that the location of the three columns should be to the north-east direction because the route has an existing 500kV power line. There should also be funding support for the construction of infrastructures in the commune. 200. The Luong Tai commune residents said that there should be proper compensation for the land, buildings, and rice production. There should be a need to disseminate the regulations on work safety in the corridor area for the safety of the local people. Investors and stakeholders must also comply with the commitments made in the report of the EIA and the environmental management plans. The people of Luong Tai disagree with the location of the access road to the project site because of its effect to the people’s daily life, traditions, and rice production.

201. At Nghia Dao commune, the people agreed with the plan to construct the substation. However, they cautioned that the construction works should be done after the harvest of rice. There should also be rules for safety of the people and that the NPPMB should comply with the mitigation measures and commitments made in the report of the environmental assessment. The contractor should comply with the safety measures during the construction at the

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intersection of roads and at low-voltage power lines. 202. The stakeholders from Ngoc Lien commune also recommended that construction should start after harvest to allow them to gather their crops and avoid substantial losses. The stakeholders asked for adequate and proper compensation of affected households and lands in accordance with the law. They are also concerned about the rules on safety of people.

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VII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 203. A grievance redress mechanism will be established to address concerns of the stakeholders during the project implementation. The grievance redress procedure will comply with the requirements of ADB’s SPS 2009 in addressing people’s concerns and complaints in a timely and effective manner.

A. Pre-Construction Phase 204. During the pre-construction phase of the project, the most likely grievances that may be encountered involve land acquisition and compensation. A Resettlement Plan will be prepared to describe in detail the land acquisition and compensation process. The mechanism shall comply with Article 63, 64 of the Decree No. 84/2007/ND-CP dated 25 May 2007 entitled “Amendment on grant of land use right certificate, land acquisition, land use right implementation, compensation, allowances, resettlement sequences and procedures as the State acquires land and in solving grievance of land”. 205. In general, the grievance redress mechanism of the project during the pre-construction phase shall observe the following steps and as outlined in Figure 5:

Step 1: The project affected person can submit a complaint to the People’s Committee at the district level within 90 days from the date when the chairman of the People’s Committee has decided on land management as stipulated by Article 162 of Decree No. 181/2004/ND-CP. Step 2: If the affected person does not agree with the administrative action or decision of the People’s Committee at the district level, the affected person can elevate the complaint to the People’s Committee at the provincial level within 45 days since the date when the decision on the complaint was issued by the People’s Committee at the district level. Step 3: If the affected person is still not satisfied with the decision of the People’s Committee at provincial level, the complaint is sent to the People’s Court. The decision of the People’s Court becomes the final legal basis for the implementation of the compensation.

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Figure 5: Grievance Redress Procedure during the Pre-Construction Phase

B. Construction and Operational Phases 206. Grievances during construction may also include impacts related to physical construction works on the towers and substation and the site clearing activities. During the operational phase of the project, the complaints that may be anticipated are related to maintenance activities of the connection lines and facilities. 207. For complaints received about the construction and maintenance works, the NPPMB will involve the contractor or maintenance personnel. When these are not resolved, any complaints are then facilitated by the General Manager of the NPPMB. The following steps describe the grievance redress procedure during the construction and operational phases of the project Figure 6.

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Step 1: A complainant may send his/her concerns about the construction or operation of the project to NPPMB or the construction contractor and the head of the commune. Immediate action on the complaint is expected from the contractor or the NPPMB on the concern raised by the complainant. The resolution of the complaint should be done within two weeks. Step 2: When the complainant is not satisfied with the action or decision of the NPPMB or the contractor, the complainant can inform the head of the commune about the matter. The commune head/authority through the Commune People’s Committee will then call a meeting of the complainant, NPPMB, and contractor to resolve the complainant. Step 3: When the complainant is not satisfied with the action or decision on the complaint, it the then elevated to the district level for resolution. Step 4: Complaints not resolved at the district level is elevated to the People’s Committee at the provincial level for resolution. Step 5: When the complaint is not resolved at the People’s Committee at the provincial level, the complaint is then elevated to the People’s Court. The decision of the People’s Court becomes the final legal basis for the decision on the complaint.

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Figure 6: Grievance Redress Procedure during the Construction and Operational Phases C. Legal Guarantee for Complaints and Grievances 208. Under the regulations in Viet Nam, affected persons having complaints or grievances will not be responsible for paying any administrative and legal fees in filing their complaints. Also, site clearing is not allowed while the resolution of the complaint is still pending. 209. In cases where the affected person is illiterate, the affected person can ask assistance from one representative of his household who can then write all the complaints and grievances to be submitted for resolution. 210. Under the law, all meetings to resolve complaints and grievances should be documented and the minutes of meetings should be disclosed and posted at the Commune People’s Committee.

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VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 211. This chapter presents the mitigation measures to address adverse environmental impact as well as the environmental monitoring plan, budget and institutional arrangements.

A. MITIGATION PLAN 212. The construction and operation phase mitigation measures identified in Chapter 5 are summarized in Table 12, together with the schedule, estimated cost and responsible entity for implementation.

Table 12: Environmental Management Plan Potential

Environmental Impact

Mitigating Measures Schedule Estimated Cost (US$)

Responsible Entity

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Changes in hydrology and flooding

Design of appropriate drainage plan with provision for soil erosion control and temporary drainage measures during construction Careful scheduling of site clearing, excavation, and other earthwork activities during dry season.

Before contract signing

Part of design cost

NPPMB

Location of construction camp

Provision of adequate sanitation facilities (toilets with septic tank, water supply, etc.) as part of the overall plan for the construction camp

Before contract signing

Part of design cost

NPPMB Contractor

Project Disclosure Meetings and consultations with community will be held to discuss the project design and any changes (if applicable)

Upon completion of detailed design

Operational requirement

NPPMB

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Flora and Fauna Cutting of Vegetation/Trees

Cut trees and bushes shall be disposed in areas permitted by authorities concerned.

Before and during construction

Included in construction cost

Contractor

Loss of vegetation Identification and During construction Included in NPPMB

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Potential Environmental

Impact Mitigating Measures Schedule Estimated

Cost (US$) Responsible

Entity

inventory of affected trees Landscaping of project site

design cost

Construction Wastes

Generation of wastes

Solid waste will include vegetation debris at substation site, excavated soil, other residual construction materials and packaging wastes from equipment. Excavated materials will be used as fill material. Residual cut soil and other construction debris will be disposed in an approved site by the village authorities. Packaging wastes from electrical equipment will be recycled or will be disposed of in local approved landfills.

Before and during construction


Contractor

Water Pollution Erosion, sedimentation and flooding

Temporary drainage canal should be constructed to block flow of silt into the drainage system. Soil erosion devices such as silt traps should be installed. Temporary barriers and trenches should be constructed around the mounds of materials to abate spread of spoils through surface runoff. Schedule grading and clearing during the dry season. Cover and stabilize stockpile of topsoil.

To be implemented during before and during project construction. The mitigating measures to control soil runoff will be incorporated in the design and bid documents.


Contractor

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Entity

Cover and stabilize disturbed soil after construction works.

Wastewater from the worker’s camps.

The workers’ camp should be provided with temporary toilet facilities with septic tanks.

To be implemented prior to start of project construction.


Contractor

Air Pollution Generation of dust or particulate matter.

Water sprinkling of the gravel access road near communities should be done to reduce the occurrence of airborne dust particularly during dry and windy conditions.

During project construction


Contractor

Emissions from movement of heavy equipment and construction vehicles.

Regular maintenance of construction vehicles. Water sprinkling when road become dry and dusty.

During project construction.

Contractor

Noise and Vibration

Noise pollution from the operation of construction equipment

Simultaneous use of equipment should be checked. All heavy equipment will be checked and maintained to control noise. Noise generating construction work and deliveries will be scheduled during daytime hours. Guidelines will be issued on prohibition of construction work or deliveries at night.

To be implemented during project construction.


Contractor

Traffic Contractor should adhere to established practices of posting warning signs/advisories and managing traffic to protect public and its workers Require drivers to slow down and maintain speed

During project construction


Contractor

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Entity

of not more than 30kph when passing through built-up areas.

Occupational Health and safety

Increase in the incidence of diseases

Conduct training and orientation of workers on construction health and safety management. Require the wearing of PPEs by workers within the project site. Strictly require the contractor and its workers to follow construction health and safety program. Provide first-aid facilities for workers. All site workers will be accommodated in the provided construction camps unless they are recruited from nearby communes. The construction camp site and surrounding areas will be kept clean. Inspections of the camp sites will be carried out weekly. Adequate number of rubbish bins will be provided. Portable water supply and/or water tank will be provided for workers. All potable water supply sources and storage facilities will be secured. Regular collection of waste/rubbish at the camp to be taken to a managed waste disposal facility. Conduct

During construction Included in construction cost

Contractor / NPPMB Contractor / NPPMB Contractor / NPPMB Contractor Contractor / NPPMB Contractor / NPPMB Contractor / NPPMB NPPMB

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Entity

seminar/workshop for community on health and safety during construction.

Community Health and Safety

Emergency spills of materials, fires, accidents

Develop a Community Health and Safety Plan that integrates good international practice and recognized standards on community safety. Provide procedures for emergency response, communication systems and protocols, interaction with local and regional emergency and health authorities, provision of emergency equipment


Contractor / NPPMB

Unauthorized entry by villagers into dangerous working areas

Fencing of entire construction area Posting of warning signs in Vietnamese language for better understanding of locals.


Contractor / NPPMB

Electro-magnetic field

Provision of safety clearance to live conductor.

To be implemented during construction period

Part of project design cost

NPPMB

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Flora and Fauna Trimming of trees and bushes for maintenance of ROW

Herbicides shall not be used to control vegetation along ROW. Burning to clear and control vegetation along ROW will be prohibited. Local villagers living along routes of the TL will be invited to participate under contract to manually cut vegetation along ROW Plantation trees and

During project life Operational requirement

NPPMB

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Entity

crops within the ROW shall be ensured that the distance from the highest part of trees and crops to the lowest part of conductors is not less than 4m for 220kV level and 6m for the 500kV level. ROW checking and maintenance of ROW will be conducted every three months. Conduct training on environmental performance monitoring with workers and community representatives

Occupational Health and Safety

Health and safety; injury to workers

Health and safety plan will be implemented throughout the operation phase. Conduct training/seminar on occupation health and safety Periodic health and safety training and practice drills Preparation of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Restricting access to electrical equipment by workers only trained and certified to work on electrical equipment Provision of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers, safety measures, personal safety devices, and other precautions

Part of the operations plan.


NPPMB

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Entity

Working in heights Testing of structural integrity prior to proceeding with the work Use of fall protection measures



NPPMB

Worker exposure to EMF

Identification of potential exposure levels in the work area including surveys of exposure levels and establishment of safety zones Limit access to properly trained workers and those equipped with appropriate PPE when entering safety zones. Utilization of personal monitors during work activities Posting of safety signages and warning signs.


US$2,000 for monitoring devices

NPPMB

Community Health and Safety

Provision of signs, barriers, and gates/posts surrounding transmission towers particularly in built-up areas Signboards (Danger Warning Signs) need to be put on every tower as well as on the conductors where crossing community centers, roads and rivers. Grounding of conducting objects such as fences or other metallic structures near power lines. Conduct orientation seminar on community health and safety programs



NPPMB

Hazardous Waste Management

Provision of secondary spill containment for fuel storage facilities, areas around substation



NPPMB

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Entity

transformers, and at maintenance yard. Direct discharges contaminated with oil from spill bunds into oil-water separators. Implementation of approved disposal options for all waste transformer oil, equipment maintenance, residually contaminated soils, and scrap metal.

Management and Control of Vegetation at Transmission line

Access already existing roads or tracks to reach the transmission lines Inform locals in advance through the village heads on the schedule of maintenance and trimming works Avoid encroachment into rice or crop land of villagers. Do not allow the use of herbicides and pesticides to control vegetation growth.



NPPMB

B. MONITORING PLAN 213. The actual implementation of the project will be managed by NPPMB. An Environmental Office (EO) will be established for project monitoring and coordinating purposes. The EO will be responsible for implementation and monitoring of the EMP and the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) as well as coordination with local authorities and the affected persons. The EO shall work closely with the contractor during the construction phase and will be the first contact on the ground directly for NPPMB. It shall receive all complaints and grievances arising in the course of the implementation of the EMP and the EMoP. 214. The proposed monitoring plan, duration and schedule and responsible entities to be involved in the monitoring and evaluation is shown in Table 13. The EMoP focuses on mitigation implementation compliance monitoring of the EO of NPPMB.

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Table 13: Environmental Monitoring Plan Parameter Location and

Method of Monitoring

Activities Monitoring Frequency

Responsibility

Construction Phase

Clearing of vegetation

Site inspection at substation

Monitor tree cutting activities

During site clearing

Project contractor

Erosion and sedimentation

Site inspection at substation

Site inspection of excavation works, silt arising from exposed soil surface, condition of sedimentation ponds

Quarterly throughout construction period

Project contractor

Damage or nuisance to nearby areas

Site inspection at substation site

Monitor and inspect construction works especially impact to communities, creek, and irrigation canal.


Project contractor

Impact to water, natural view and environment due to improper disposal of rubbish

Workers’ camp sites

Inspection of worker camp site condition to check proper solid waste disposal


Project contractor

Health and safety Substation construction

Review contractor/construction worker health and safety plan and training activities on health and safety

At least monthly review of contractor’s health and safety plan

Project contractor

Interference with road transportation infrastructure

Substation construction

Monitoring and inspect road condition and measures used to protect road and ensure public safety


Project contractor

Dust Local road and village nearby where trucks pass through and construction sites

Monitor and inspect dust condition in areas that are sprayed with water. Conduct interviews with villagers on comments on dust pollution


Project contractor

Noise Local road and village nearby where trucks pass through as well as at various construction sites

Monitor noise during delivery of materials is allowed only at daytime hours (7:00AM to 6:00PM) Conduct interviews with villagers on concerns about noise.


Project contractor

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Parameter Location and Method of Monitoring

Activities Monitoring Frequency

Responsibility

Operation Phase Trees and vegetation control

Along the ROW Inspect the status of tree and vegetation growth that may damage or threaten the integrity of the lines.

Monthly NPPMB

Health and safety; injury to workers and villagers

Towers and tower bases

Inspect integrity of the towers in order to maintain and ensure good condition Inspect Warning Signs/Boards if placed well on towers and on the line where the TL crosses roads

Monthly NPPMB

Substation transformer insulating and cooling oil leaks that may contaminate water courses or soil.

Substation site Inspection of leaks on transformer, cleanout, and disposal of any spilled insulating and cooling oils.

Weekly/Monthly NPPMB

215. Reporting. Regular reporting on the implementation of mitigation measures and on monitoring activities during construction and operation phases of the project are required by ADB and GOV. Semi-annual monitoring reports are to be submitted to ADB during the construction phase and on an annual basis for a period of two years during the operational phase. Monitoring reports to DoNRE are to be submitted quarterly based on the requirements of the approved CPE of the project. Reporting is the responsibility of NPPMB.

C. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE WITHIN NPPMB 216. The NPPMB as the IA of the project will have the overall responsibility for the planning, design, construction, and operation of the project. The NPPMB will also be responsible for the implementation of environmental management, mitigation, and monitoring measures outlined in the EMP. During the design phase, the NPPMB commissioned PECC4 to undertake the feasibility study, IEE, and the Resettlement Action Plan. 217. During the construction phase, the NPPMB will require a construction contractor who will be responsible for the detailed design and construction of the project. NPPMB will ensure that the appropriate mitigating measures to address potential environmental impacts are incorporated in the terms of reference with the contractor. Specifically, the NPPMB shall dispatch and manage the project implementation, including environmental management during the construction phase of the project which includes among others, the following:

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(i) Assign an environment staff to monitor and manage the implementation of the EMP (ii) Ensure that the project implementation is in accordance to the requirements of the GOV

and ADB on environmental management and protection (iii) Manage and monitoring the activities of construction contractors, particularly in the

implementation of the EMP (iv) Act on complaints by communities related to the environment (v) Prepare environmental monitoring reports for submission to NPT and ADB.

218. In addition, a Project Implementation Consultant will be commissioned to assist NPPMB in the overall project management, including the supervision of implementation of environmental mitigating measures. 219. The construction contractor will be responsible in implementing the mitigation measures which are recommended during the construction phase. The contractor is also required to submit regular reports on the implementation of the mitigation measures to NPPMB. 220. The NPPMB has a Technical Monitoring Unit which is responsible for the monitoring of performance of contractors which also includes periodic environmental monitoring in the project area. The unit will be involved in the conduct of public consultation meetings to gather feedbacks from local residences on environmental problems arising during the construction phase, the results of which are forwarded to the NPPMB. 221. During the operational phase, the NPPMB will be in-charge of the implementation of the EMP and will carry out the monitoring and reporting activities.

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Figure 7: Organizational Structure of NPPMB

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2. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING 222. Capacity Development of NPPMB. Within the current organization of NPPMB, there is no person or staff who handles matters on environmental management throughout the project phase. Currently, the environmental monitoring reports are prepared by consultants commissioned by NPPMB. To strengthen the capacity of NPPMB to assess the environmental impacts of its projects and in implementing the EMP and EMoP, training of NPPMB personnel and contractors on best international environmental construction practices, implementation of the EMP and EMoP, and on occupational health and safety will be designed.

223. The capacity building and training activities will be delivered prior to the start of the construction activities and should be followed-up prior to the commissioning of the project.

D. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN BUDGET 224. The costs for many of the EMP and EMoP measures are part of engineering, construction, and procurement costs and are not included in the EMP budget. EMP costs are mainly included in the EPC package and PIC costs, based on two years of construction (Table 14). 225. The costs for implementing the mitigation measures during the construction phase of the project include the management of soil runoff, dust, and construction wastes, and the training and orientation of workers and community on the health and safety management plan. 226. The NPPMB shall contract a Project Implementation Consultant for one person-month to conduct training on environmental management, occupational health and safety and community health and safety/awareness. 227. During the operational phase, the cost of the EMP are also integrated in the operations cost of the substation and transmission line. Capacity building, field monitoring, and procurement of monitoring devices for the operational phase are also outlined.

Table 14: Estimated Budget for Environmental Management and Monitoring Activity Unit No. Unit Cost (US$) Total (US$)

1. Establishment of Environmental Unit (a) Month 24 2000 48,000.00 2. Environmental monitoring and inspection(b) Month 24 300 7,200.00 3. Acquisition of EMP monitoring and GPS Lump sum 2,000.00 4. Training and Capacity Building(c)

Environmental management and monitoring

Occupational health and safety

Day 5 2,500 12,500.00

5. Community health, safety and environmental awareness for communes

Commune 5 1,000 5,000.00

Sub-Total 74,700.00 Contingencies (15%) 11,205.00

TOTAL 85,905.00 (a) includes hiring of consultants to assist the Power Transmission Company in environmental monitoring, supervision, and reporting (b) Includes transportation and per diem (c) Includes hiring of national consultant and training expenses. Cost of training to be co-shared to Bac Ninh2-Pho Noi Transmission Line project

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IX. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 228. The proposed 500kV/220 kV Pho Noi substation and connection lines project will generate only minor environmental impacts that can be reduced to acceptable levels through the implementation of practical mitigation measures normally associated with internationally accepted good engineering practices. 229. There are no significant sensitive areas that will be affected by the proposed 500kV substation, access road, and connection lines. The sites were selected to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, settlements, forests, and cultural/heritage sites. The vicinity is generally characterized as agricultural land used for planting rice and other crops. 230. The impact of the project on agricultural land is limited and comprises the loss of 182,110 m2 of flat, agricultural land that is being used to plant rice and other crops. There are no plantation trees in the affected land. Compensation for the loss of agricultural production and some trees will be paid to the affected households according to the resettlement plan. 231. The impacts of the project during the construction phase are limited to the surrounding area and can be readily mitigated. The adverse impacts likely to occur during the construction phase are considered temporary in nature and could be mitigated through proper design and integration of the proposed mitigation measures. The impacts during the construction of the project are primarily due to the clearing of the existing vegetation, earth filling at the substation site to prevent inundation, and construction safety. These are briefly described in the following paragraphs:

(i) The substation will be located in an area that is flood-prone, hence, will require earth-filling to raise the elevation of the site. Burrow materials for earthfilling will be sourced from permitted quarry sites only. Likewise, the design of the drainage plan will take into consideration the increased runoff and soil erosion from the site. Engineering controls for erosion protection measures such as silt traps and sedimentation ponds will be integrated in the management plan.

(ii) There will be water pollution, sanitation, and health hazards due to presence of workers camp. Adequate water supply and toilet facilities will be established at the construction camp.

(iii) A construction health and safety plan shall be required from the contractor, including

provision of first-aid facilities to provide measures and procedures in addressing occupational health and safety at the construction site.

(iv) The movement of construction vehicles along the access roads would contribute to the

increase in ground level concentration of total suspended particulates (dust), noise, and could also result to accidents and hazards to communities living along the access roads. Measures such as limiting of construction hours and deliveries to the site at night and imposition of speed limit to vehicles will be implemented.

(v) Impacts related to community health and safety such as construction traffic, transport of

materials, fires, emergency spills of materials, and unauthorized entry by the villagers into dangerous working areas will be mitigated through the development of a Community Health and Safety Plan that incorporates good international practice and recognized

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standards that includes fencing of construction area, posting of warning signs in Vietnamese language, emergency response and preparedness procedures, communication systems and protocols, interaction with local and regional emergency and health authorities, provision of emergency equipment and facilities such as emergency service vehicles will be established.

232. The impacts during the operational phase include the concern about EMFs and management of hazardous wastes at the substation and connection lines. The community and workers will be protected against electrocution hazards as a result of contact with high voltage electricity through the provision of signs, barriers, and gates/posts surrounding the towers, particularly in built-up areas. 233. An EMP has been prepared and will be implemented during all phases of project implementation. The EMP identifies the potential environmental impacts from the project. It also includes the institutional arrangements for implementing the EMP to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness. 234. The project will provide positive impacts to the community because the substation and connection lines meet the power demand of Hung Yen, other neighboring provinces in the northern region.

235. Based on the analysis conducted in this assessment it is concluded that overall the project will result in significant positive socio-economic benefits, and those potential negative environmental impacts that have been identified are small-scale and localized, and can be minimized adequately through good design and the appropriate application of mitigation measures. It is therefore recommended that the project be supported by ADB, subject to the implementation of the commitments contained in the EMP and allocation of appropriate technical, financial and human resources by implementing agencies to ensure these commitments are effectively and expediently implemented. It is therefore concluded that this IEE is sufficient and that no further environmental assessment is warranted.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Asian Development Bank. 04 March 2010. Operations Manila Bank Policies (BP) OM Section F1/BP. Safeguard Policy Statement. Manila

Asian Development Bank. June 2009. Safeguard Policy Statement. Manila

International Finance Corporation. April 30, 2007. Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines Electric Power Transmission and Distribution. World Bank Group

People’s Committee of Bac Ninh. Introduction to Security North. People’s Committee of Bac Ninh. Natural Conditions People’s Committee of Hai Duong. Natural Conditions - Social People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Administrative Map People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Land and Terrain People’s Committee of Hung Yen. Rivers, Hydrology People’s Committee of Van Lam. Van Lam District - Development Resources

Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 3. Initial Environmental Examination of Bac Ninh 2 – Pho Noi 500/220 kV Transmission Lines. Unpublished.

Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4. Initial Environmental Examination for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. Unpublished.

Power Engineering and Consulting Joint-stock Company No. 4. Resettlement Action Plan for the Pho Noi 500 kV Substation and Connection Lines. Unpublished.

T.N. Thanh. 2003. Arsenic Pollution in Groundwater in the Red River Delta. In: Simmons R.W. and Bakker. P (Eds.) Selected Papers of the UN-ESCAP/IWMI Seminar on Environmental and Public Health Risks Due to Contamination of Soils, Crops, Surface and Groundwater in South-East Asia. Viet Nam. 10–12 December 2002.

Vietnam Investment Network Corporation. Hai Duong.

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APPENDICES

1. Environmental Categorization Form 2. Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist 3. Environmental Compliance Certificate for IEE 4. Minutes and List of consultation meetings with stakeholders 5. Photographs of the site

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Appendix 1: Environmental Categorization ENVIRONMENT CATEGORIZATION

A. Instructions (i) The project team completes and submits the form to the Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by RSES Director, and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). OM F1/OP on Safeguard Review Procedures (paras. 4-7) provides the requirements on environment categorization. (ii) The classification of a project is a continuing process. If there is a change in the project components or/and site that may result in category change, the Sector Division submits a new form and requests for recategorization, and endorsement by RSES Director and by the CCO. The old form is attached for reference. (iii) In addition, the project team may propose in the comments section that the project is highly complex and sensitive (HCS), for approval by the CCO. HCS projects are a subset of category A projects that ADB deems to be highly risky or contentious or involve serious and multidimensional and generally interrelated potential social and/or environmental impacts.

B. PROJECT DATA

COUNTRY/PROJECT

NO./PROJECT TITLE : 500KV/220 KV PHO NOI SUBSTATION AND CONNECTION

LINES

DEPARTMENT/ DIVISION : SOUTHEAST ASIA DEPARTMENT / ENERGY DIVISION

PROCESSING STAGE :

MODALITY : [ ] Project Loan [ ] Program Loan [ ] Financial Intermediary [ ] General Corporate

Finance

[ ] Sector Loan [ √] MFF [ ] Emergency Assistance [ ] Grant

[ ] Other financing modalities:

C. Environment Category (please tick one category based on the set of criteria in OMF1 (paras. 6-7)) [ √ ] New [ ] Recategorization ― Previous Category [ ]

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category FI

D. Basis for Categorization/ Recategorization (please. attach supporting documents):

[√ ] REA Checklist

√

76

[√ ] Project and/or Site Description [√ ] Other: Initial Environmental Examination

E. Comments Project Team Comments

RSES Comments

F. Approval

Proposed by:

Endorsed by:

Project Team Leader, {Department/Division} Director, RSES

Date: Date

:

Approved by:

Endorsed by:

Highly Complex

and Sensitive

Project Director, {Division} Chief Compliance Officer

Date: Date

:

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Appendix 2: Rapid Environmental Assessment Checklist Instructions: (i) The project team completes this checklist to support the environmental classification of a project. It is

to be attached to the environmental categorization form and submitted to Environment and Safeguards Division (RSES) for endorsement by Director, RSES and for approval by the Chief Compliance Officer.

(ii) This checklist focuses on environmental issues and concerns. To ensure that social dimensions are

adequately considered, refer also to ADB's (a) checklists on involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples; (b) poverty reduction handbook; (c) staff guide to consultation and participation; and (d) gender checklists.

(iii) Answer the questions assuming the “without mitigation” case. The purpose is to identify potential

impacts. Use the “remarks” section to discuss any anticipated mitigation measures.

Country/Project Title:

Sector Division:

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks

A. PROJECT SITING IS THE PROJECT AREA ADJACENT TO OR WITHIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS?

√

� CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE √

There are three (3) temples/cemetery that will be affected by the proposed access road to the substation. There are not declared as heritage sites but are culturally important to the community. Compensation will be designed by NPPMB.

� PROTECTED AREA √

There are no protected areas, primary forest, wetlands, swamp forest, mangroves estuarine areas, areas identified as having special ecological significance within the substation, access road and connection lines alignment. The closest protected forest to the project is in Que Vo and Tien Du districts, located about 317.9km away.

� WETLAND √

There are no wetlands in close proximity to the project site.

� MANGROVE √

There are no mangroves in close proximity to the project site.

� ESTUARINE √

There are no estuarine in close proximity to the project site.

500 kV PHO NOI SUBSTATION AND CONNECTION LINES

Energy Division

78

Screening Questions Yes No Remarks � BUFFER ZONE OF PROTECTED AREA √

There are no buffer zones of protected areas in close proximity to the project site.

� SPECIAL AREA FOR PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY

√

The sites are not designated as special areas for biodiversity protection.

B. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WILL THE PROJECT CAUSE…

� encroachment on historical/cultural areas, disfiguration of landscape and increased waste generation?

√

Compensation will be made by NPPMB on the affected temple/cemetery.

� encroachment on precious ecosystem (e.g. sensitive or protected areas)?

√

The project will not encroach on sensitive or protected areas.

� alteration of surface water hydrology of waterways crossed by roads and resulting in increased sediment in streams affected by increased soil erosion at the construction site?

√

The access road will pass through Cam Giang River and irrigation canal. Mitigating measures to avoid runoff of sediments into these water bodies will be designed.

� damage to sensitive coastal/marine habitats by construction of submarine cables?

√

There are no submarine cables to be installed by the project.

� deterioration of surface water quality due to silt runoff, sanitary wastes from worker-based camps and chemicals used in construction?

√

This will be avoided or minimized through proper implementation of mitigating measures.

� increased local air pollution due to rock crushing, cutting and filling?

√

This will be avoided or minimized through proper implementation of mitigating measures.

� risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational health and safety due to physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards during project construction and operation?

√

To minimize potential risks an Occupational Health and Safety Plan (OHSP) will be developed and Implemented.

� chemical pollution resulting from chemical clearing of vegetation for construction site?

√

No herbicides will be used during the construction phase.

� noise and vibration due to blasting and other civil works?

√

Minor noise impacts will occur during movement of construction vehicles along access road.

� dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people?

√

The substation, connection lines, and access roads were designed to avoid houses and buildings and the dislocation of households. There will be norequirement to relocate people and houses.

� disproportionate impacts on the poor, women and children, Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups?

√

Not likely. Social Impact Assessment process is being undertaken separately.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks � social conflicts relating to inconveniences in living

conditions where construction interferes with pre-existing roads?

√

Road closures are not anticipated to be necessary. Construction activities and the transport of materials including aggregate may cause some damage to roads and other local infrastructure. Any damaged infrastructure will be repaired to at least the same standard and condition on completion of the Project. A survey will be done at the commencement of the Project to determine the initial condition of such infrastructure.

� hazardous driving conditions where construction interferes with pre-existing roads?

√

Existing access roads are suitable for construction activities, and no hazardous driving conditions are anticipated.

� creation of temporary breeding habitats for vectors of disease such as mosquitoes and rodents?

√

International good construction practices will be implemented. Areas of ground disturbance will be restored to prevent creation of ponds and mosquito breeding areas.

� dislocation and compulsory resettlement of people living in right-of-way of the power transmission lines?

√

The project location was designed to avoid houses.

� environmental disturbances associated with the maintenance of lines (e.g. routine control of vegetative height under the lines)?

√

It is anticipated that the maintenance of trees and vegetation within the ROW will create minor disturbance. Majority of existing vegetation are riceland.

� facilitation of access to protected areas in case corridors traverse protected areas?

√

The substation, connection lines, and access roads were aligned to avoid protected areas.

� disturbances (e.g. noise and chemical pollutants) if herbicides are used to control vegetative height?

√

The use of herbicides will not be allowed.

� large population influx during project construction and operation that cause increased burden on social infrastructure and services (such as water supply and sanitation systems)?

√

Temporary worker camps will be small, and will be required to be provided with appropriate sanitation facilities, including water supply, and washing facilities, temporary toilets, and waste containers. The worker camp sanitation facilities should be developed in consultation with relevant local authorities and should have all required local, province and national approvals.

� social conflicts if workers from other regions or countries are hired?

√

Hiring of workers from outside the locality may cause concerns among local communities. To mitigate against this, it will be necessary to communicate about employment opportunities with the commune and provide employment priority to qualified workers in the commune.

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Screening Questions Yes No Remarks � poor sanitation and solid waste disposal in

construction camps and work sites, and possible transmission of communicable diseases from workers to local populations?

√

Contractors should be required to provide adequate sanitation facilities in the workers’ camps.

� risks to community safety associated with maintenance of lines and related facilities?

√

Risk from line maintenance is very low. A Community Health and Safety Plan will be developed so as to minimize any potential threats.

� community health hazards due to electromagnetic fields, land subsidence, lowered groundwater table, and salinization?

√

The connection lines have been carefully routed and substations carefully sited to ensure that final alignment avoids to the maximum extent possible sensitive locations such as houses and schools. The project design follows WHO and IRPA guidelines. In addition, during operation monitoring will be undertaken to ensure EMFs are within national and international standards/guidelines. Land subsidence and lowered groundwater table is not anticipated.

No salinization is anticipated.

� risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during construction and operation?

√

Good international practices will be adopted regarding the storage and handling of fuel, oil and hazardous materials, and occupational and community health and safety plans will be developed and implemented.

� community safety risks due to both accidental and natural hazards, especially where the structural elements or components of the project (e.g., high voltage wires, and transmission towers and lines ) are accessible to members of the affected community or where their failure could result in injury to the community throughout project construction, operation and decommissioning?

√

Community safety risks with power linesand substations include unauthorized access. Safety and warning signs will be installed. The towers will be fitted with anti-climbing devices and substations will have a security fence and full-time security personnel on site.

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Questions The following questions are not for environmental categorization. They are included in this checklist to help identify potential climate and disaster risks.

Yes No Remarks

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� Is the Project area subject to hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, tropical cyclone winds, storm surges, tsunami or volcanic eruptions and climate changes (see Appendix I)?

√

The substation site has been reported to experience inundation during heavy rainfall events. Soil filling and embankments will be designed to protect the substation from flood. The site is located in a relatively flat land. The potential for landslides in unlikely but erosion of sediments from construction activities will be controlled through the adoption of good international construction practice erosion control measures.

� Could changes in precipitation, temperature, salinity, or extreme events over the Project lifespan affect its sustainability or cost?

√

Not likely.

� Are there any demographic or socio-economic aspects of the Project area that are already vulnerable (e.g. high incidence of marginalized populations, rural-urban migrants, illegal settlements, ethnic minorities, women or children)?

√

Not likely.

� Could the Project potentially increase the climate or disaster vulnerability of the surrounding area (e.g., increasing traffic or housing in areas that will be more prone to flooding, by encouraging settlement in earthquake zones)?

√

No.

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Appendix 3: Certificate of Registration of Environmental Protection Commitment for 500/220kV Pho Noi substation and connection lines project

Van Lam District People Committee

Ref No 52/CKMT-UBND

Socialist Republic of Vietnam Independence - Freedom - Happiness

Van Lam, 29/10/2008

CERTIFICATE of Registration of Environmental Protection Commitments for 500/220 kV Pho Noi substation and connections project

------------------------ The Chairman of Van Lam District People Committee

CERTIFIES Article 1: On 20 October 2008, the Project Owner, Northern Power Project Management Board, submitted Official Letter 01/CV-CCMT dated 16/10/2008 to register environmental protection commitments for the 500/220kV Pho Noi substation and connections project at Viet Hung commune, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province

Article 2: The Project Owner has responsibilities to fully implement the content of the stated environmental protection commitments.

Strictly abide by the following criteria: TCVN 6772:200 (level III) on municipal wastewater, Noise has follow TCVN 5949:1998, TCVN 5941:1995 on soil protection, TCVN 4086:1995 on electrical safety standards in construction. Article 3: The environmental protection commitments of the Project constitutes the basis for environmental state management agencies to supervise, control and inspect the implementation of environmental protection content of the Project. Article 4: This Certificate is effective from the date of issuance. Recipients: - Project Owner; - Division of Natural Resources

and Environment; - Archival:VT;

On behalf of Van Lam District People Committee

Vice Chairman

(signature and stamp) Nguyen Tuan Keo

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Appendix 4: Minutes of Public Consultation Meetings THAM VẤN CỘNG ĐỒNG Ngày họp: 25/1/2011 Xã Việt Hưng Đo đạc các diện tích bị ảnh hưởng, kiểm kê và đền bù thiệt hại thỏa đáng theo giá thị trường. Diện tích thu hồi nào nằm trong phạm vi nhỏ, khó canh tác phải thu hồi hết. Diện tích xung quanh trạm cũng phải có chính sách hỗ trợ đền bù cho người dân theo đúng quy định của pháp luật Quá trình lập hồ sơ môi trường phải cho các bên bị ảnh hưởng tham gia. Báo cáo cho địa phương số lượng người tham gia thi công Nhà thầu và đơn vị thi công phải đảm bảo về môi trường và các ảnh hưởng khác đến cuộc sống của dân địa phương Quy hoạch phải phù hợp với hiện trạng giao thông thôn xã, đường đi phải phục vụ sản xuất Meeting date: 25/1/2011 Viet Hung commune Measuring the affected area, inventory and adequate compensation at market prices. The area of land acquisition which is small, difficult to cultivate must be fully acquired. The area around the station must also support policies to compensate people according to law. Affected parties must be involved in environmental document preparation Report to the local number of people participating in the construction Contractors and construction units must ensure the protection of environmental and other impacts effected to the lives of local people Planning must be consistent with the village traffic conditions, road must serve for the production Ngày họp: 28/1/2011 Xã Cẩm Hưng Ủng hộ việc thực hiện dự án nhưng cần: Đo đạc kỹ diện tích đất bị ảnh hưởng của từng hộ dân Đánh giá lại ảnh hưởng của điện từ trường với sức khỏe người dân Giảm thiểu tiếng ồn từ điện cao thế Vị trí điểm đầu nối trong quy hoạch của địa phương có ảnh hưởng đến các vị trí quy hoạch lâu dài của xã, cần chuyển vị trí đấu nối 3 chân cột lệch lên phía Đông Bắc vì tuyến đó đã có đường điện 500 KV. Xã có ảnh hưởng nhiều các công trình quốc gia, không quy hoạch lớn đối với các vùng công nghiệp, tiểu thủ công nghiệp Hỗ trợ kinh phí cho xã xây dựng cơ sở hạ tầng Meeting date: 28/1/2011 Cam Hung commune Supported the project but should: Measure carefully the affected area for each household Assess the effects of electromagnetic fields with people's health Reduce the noise from high voltage Position of the connector in the local plan have affect to the position of long-term plan of the commune, need move the location of three column to north-east direction because that route had 500 KV power line.

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Commune impact to many national projects, therefore no big plans for industrial zones, handicraft. Funding support for construction of infrastructure of the commune Ngày họp: 28/1/2011 Xã Lương Tài Tuân thủ đúng quy định của pháp luật Việt Nam về bồi thường phần đất thu hồi, bồi thường các công trình nhà cửa, sản xuất đúng và đầy đủ. Có kế hoạch hỗ trợ người dân bị ảnh hưởng Phổ biến các quy định về an toàn công trình trong khu vực hành lang an toàn cho người dân. Chủ đầu tư và các bên liên quan phải tuân thủ những cam kết trong báo cáo đánh giá tác động môi trường, kế hoạch quản lý môi trường Hạn chế ảnh hưởng đến môi trường Người dân thôn Lương Tài không nhất trí với con đường giao thông dẫn vào dự án vì nó ảnh hưởng đến đời sống dân sinh, đời sống tâm linh, phong tục tập quán và sản xuất. Meeting date: 28/1/2011 Luong Tai commune To comply with the regulations of Vietnam law on compensation for land acquisition, compensation for the buildings, production, reasonable and adequate. Have plans to support people affected. Dissemination of the regulations on work safety in the corridor area safe for people. Investors and stakeholders must comply with commitments made in the report of environmental impact assessment, environmental management plans Limited the environmental impact People of Luong Tai commune disagreeing with roads leading to the project because it affects people's daily life, spirituality life, traditions and the production. Ngày họp: 28/1/2011 Xã Nghĩa Đạo Đồng ý theo phương án của đơn vị tư vấn Tuân thủ đúng quy định của pháp luật về bồi thường thiệt hại Thi công sau thời gian thu hoạch Phổ biến các quy định về an toàn cho người dân Chủ đầu tư và các bên liên quan phải tuân thủ những biện pháp giảm thiểu và cam kết trong báo cáo đánh giá tác động môi trường Tuân thủ các biện pháp an toàn khi thi công những đoạn giao cắt đường giao thông, đường điện hạ thế Meeting date: 28/1/2011 Nghia Dao commune Agreed with the plan of consulting unit To comply with the law on compensation Construction after harvest Common rules on safety for people Investors and other stakeholders must comply with mitigation measures and commitments made in the report of environmental impact assessment Comply with safety measures during the construction at the intersection of roads, low-voltage power lines

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Ngày họp: 28/1/2011 Xã Ngọc Liên Thi công sau thời gian thu hoạch Tuân thủ đúng quy định của pháp luật về bồi thường thiệt hại Tuân thủ các biện pháp an toàn khi thi công những đoạn giao cắt đường giao thông Meeting date: 28/1/2011 Ngoc Lien commune Construction after harvest Comply with the law on compensation Common rules on safety for people Comply with safety measures during the construction at the location of road crossings

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Appendix 5: Photographs of the site

Site of proposed 500kV Pho Noi Substation

Site of the proposed access road

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Existing 500kV transmission line in the vicinity

Existing unpaved road going to the substation site.

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