OFFICE NATIONAL DE L’EAU POTABLE) - The...

KINGDOM OF MOROCCO

NATIONAL POTABLE WATER AUTHORITY (OFFICE NATIONAL DE L’EAU POTABLE)

REGIONAL POTABLE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS PROJECT

Environmental Assessment

Prepared by: Dr. Abdelmourhit Lahbabi & Dr. Khalid Anouar

Environmental Consultants

June 23, 2010

E2271

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abbreviations and Acronyms................................................................................................. 4

Summary................................................................................................................................. 6

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 13

2. Administrative, legal and sectoral Framework.................................................................. 14

2.1 Institutional and administrative framework .............................................................. 14 2.2 Legal framework for the sector ................................................................................ 14 2.3 World Bank safeguard policies ................................................................................ 16

3. Description of the project necessitating the preparation of an EIA and analysis of alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 17 3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................17 3.2 Project components.....................................................................................................17 3.3 Project performances indicators ............................................................................... 20 3.4 Project alternatives and justification ..........................................................................20

4. Initial status of the environment........................................................................................ 21

4.1 SIBEs located in project intervention areas……. ………………………………..21 4.2 Water component..................................................................................................... 24 4.3 Conclusion on environmental sensitivity ................................................................. 27

5. Environmental impacts analysis......................................................................................... 27

5.1 Identification of impacts sources ............................................................................. 27 5.2 Impacts analysis ...................................................................................................... 28

6. Public consultations ............................................................................................................ 39

7. Environmental and Social Management Plan .................................................................. 40

7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 40 7.2 Environmental management and coordination.......................................................... 41 7.3 Mitigation of project negative impacts……………………………………………42 7.4 Environmental monitoring plan ............................................................................... 45 7.5 Environmental capacity building ............................................................................. 54

8. Analysis of project activities in relation to the World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies ............................................................................................................... 56

8.1 Policy OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment ............................................................ 56 8.2 Policy OP 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement ............................................................... 56 8.3 Other Safeguard policies ………………………………………………………....57

9. Estimated budget for ESMP implementation…………………………………………..59 References ............................................................................................................................... 61

Annexes ................................................................................................................................... 66

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ANNEXES

ANNEX A : NADOR/DRIOUCH SUB-PROJECT IMPACTS MATRIX

ANNEX B : ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR ERRACHIDIA SUB- PROJET

ANNEX C : IMPACTS MATRIX FOR THE SAFI/YOUSSOUFIA/SIDI BENNOUR

SUB-PROJECT

ANNEX D : ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING DATA GATHERING FORM – SANITATION COMPONENT

ANNEX E : PROJECT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ABHOR: Oum Er Rbia Hydraulic Basin Agency (Agence du Bassin Hydraulique d’Oum Er Rbia)

AFD: French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) AM:

Aide Mémoire

Cd: Cadmium

CHS: High Service Canal (Canal Haut Service)

CR: Rural Municipality (Commune Rurale) CT: Total Coli form Cu: Copper

DAE: ONEP’S Sanitation and Environmental Department (Direction de l’Assainissement et de l’Environnement)

DEP: ONEP’s Department for Access to Potable Water (Direction centrale de généralisation de l’Eau Potable)

DGH: General Department for Hydraulics (Direction Générale de l’Hydraulique)

DTI: ONEP’s Technical and Engineering Department (Direction Technique et Ingenierie)

EA: Environmental Assessment

EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment ESMP: Environmental and Social Management Plan

FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization FC: Fecal Coli form Fe: Fer (Iron) GEP: Universal Water Access Program (Programme de Généralisation de

l’Eau Potable) HC: Household Connection IS: Individual Sanitation KDh: One Thousand Dirhams MDh: Million of Dirhams

MEMEE: Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment (Ministère de l’Energie, des Mines, de l’Eau et de l’Environnement )

MMDh : Milliard de Dirhams (Billion of Dirhams)

Mn: Manganese

Ni: Nickel

ONEP: National Potable Water Authority (Office National de l’Eau Potable)

OP/BP: Operational Policy – Bank Procedure

PAD: Project Appraisal Document

Pb: Lead

PIWS: Potable and Industrial Water Supply

RADEEJ: Régie Autonome d’Eau et d’Electricité d’El Jadida

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RADEES: Régie Autonome d’Eau et d’Électricité de Safi

REUD: Réseau d'Eaux Usées Décantées (Decanted Used Water Network)

RS: Rural Sanitation

SAR: Sodium Absorption Ratio

SF: Streptocoques Fécaux (Fecal Streptococci)

SIBE: Site d’Intérêt Biologique et Ecologique (Site of Biological and Ecological Interest)

SMT: Equipe de Mobilisation Sociale (Social Mobilization Team)

SP: Standpipe (Public)

WHO: World Health Organization

WSS: Water Supply and Sanitation

WTP: Station de Traitement (Water Treatment Plant)

WWTP: Station d’Epuration (Waste Water Treatment Plant)

Zn: Zinc

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SUMMARY

The Government of Morocco has requested support from the World Bank for the financing of the second tranche of the Universal Access to Potable Water Program (Programme de Generalisation de l’Eau Potable –GEP) in the Provinces of Safi, Youssoufia, Sidi Bennour, Errachidia, Driouch and Nador. The proposed project aims at strengthening the supply of potable water (Alimentation en Eau Potable –AEP) in a sustainable manner in the targeted provinces, insuring appropriate management of grey water, promoting hygiene practices in order to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and improving rural people quality of life. The project includes a first component that comprises the construction of drinking water plants and/or drillings, as well as regional water transport systems in the above-mentioned provinces. In the case of Nador, Driouch, Safi, Youssoufia and Sidi Bennour provinces, the works also include the installation of "branch pipes" on regional water supply systems to provide water to surrounding ‘douars’ (villages), with regulatory and storage reservoirs, pumping stations, water supply pipes, and supply of potable water (AEP) through standpipes (SP ). A second component deals with grey water management systems, and rural sanitation pilots. This component includes the design, implementation, and supervision of appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of negative impacts on users’ health, linked to the increase of grey water. A third component is about institutional strengthening and the provision of support for project implementation. This component is designed to build ONEP’s capacity to implement the project, and to provide support to rural communities and users’ associations, including for the development and sustainable management of water supply through individual connections (HC).

According to the World Bank’s safeguard policies and operational procedures, the supply of potable water (AEP) in rural and urban areas project is classified as a category B project, and its implementation must include an Environmental Assessment (EA), as well as an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The purpose of this consultancy is to perform an EA, and to develop an ESMP, in accordance with Bank’s procedures. The water and environmental sectors institutional, legal and regulatory framework is presented in paragraph 2 of this report while the natural environment of the regions targeted by the project is described in paragraph 4 of the said report. The project environmental assessment in paragraph 5 was developed according to the following three-level approach, including:

Â An analysis of the project’s intervention areas natural environment, particularly in order to assess their environmental sensitivity and vulnerability ;

Â An evaluation of project activities based of project documents, technical studies, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) regarding the three subprojects (Nador/Driouch, Safi/Youssoufia/Sidi Bennour, and Errachidia), and the outcomes of public consultations and visits to some douars;

Â An environmental assessment based on an analysis of the type of planned activities, and on an evaluation of their potential impacts on the environment as well as their positive socio-economic consequences for the beneficiaries.

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Public consultations were also held in three regions of project intervention, in order to inform the public and stakeholders about project activities, involve them in assessing potential impacts on the environment, and give them the opportunity to make comments and proposals. Public consultations were not organized in Errachidia province, because, in this region, the project is essentially about the renewal of water supply pipes already in place, without the development of new rural water supply standpipes. According to the assessment performed, the proposed regional potable water supply in rural and urban areas has very positive effects in improving inhabitants’ hygiene and quality of life in targeted areas. Indeed, access to safe water and sanitation services play a vital role in the human development of rural underserved populations. This access is now recognized as a fundamental human right, and is part of the Millennium Development Goals adopted by 189 UN member countries in year 2000. One of these goals is to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation. Among the positive environmental and socio-economic impacts expected from the project, we should mention the following:

Â Increased availability of potable water, a vital resource for rural populations’ human

development; Â Reduced pressure on groundwater with a beneficial effect on groundwater levels; Â Improved quality of water supplied to households resulting in a decrease in

waterborne diseases, especially among children; Â Easier access to potable water resulting in less time spent in fetching water; Â Increased involvement of women in community-based associations; Â Creation of local jobs and contribution to the control of rural-urban migration through

the improvement of rural populations living conditions; Â Increased level of environmental awareness among rural people, especially in relation

to wastewater; Â Promotion of sustainable practices in rural sanitation; Â Development and dissemination of rural sanitation (RS) equipment adapted to the

local rural environment; Â Contribution to the formation of a RS market, and professionalization of the sector

with regard to the provision of services, works and supplies.

The environmental assessment of the project helped determine potential negative impacts of project activities on the environment, and specify mitigation measures that could reduce or even eliminate them. The main adverse effects that could be generated by the project relate to:

Â Increased pressure on surface water resources due to additional demand for potable water;

Â Generation of wastewater, and soil and water resources pollution risk;

Â Risk of increased concentrations of pathogens in groundwater;

Â Increased risk of waterborne disease resulting from stagnation of untreated used water or reused as such;

Â Temporary and localized nuisance due to the performance of works;

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Â Additional consumption of electrical energy. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is proposed within this EA. Its purpose is to integrate environmental protection concerns into project design, planning, management and implementation. The Environmental and Social Management Plan includes in paragraph 7 of this report the following four components: (i) Environmental management and coordination; (ii) Project negative impacts mitigation; (iii) Project environmental performance monitoring and surveillance plan; and (iv) Environmental capacity building program. With the exception of the sanitation component, the Environmental Assessment confirmed that the project negative impacts on the environment range from minor to moderate. No major negative and irreversible impact has been identified. Particular attention has been given in the report to rural sanitation as a project component. The analysis of used water impact on the environment linked to potable water supply in rural areas has identified two categories of douars:

• The douars that are supplied through SP or HC, the impacts of which will be controlled under the support program provided as part of the project;

• The concentrated douars posing saturation risks, with illegal wastewater discharge in

case of HC and / or are located in sensitive areas (near a protected area, or vulnerable water resources, etc.).

For the first category of douars, the project provides an integrated support program for the creation of a provincial IS market, stakeholders awareness and capacity building (CRs, equipment suppliers, local construction enterprises, services providers, etc.), and dissemination of successful RS experiences. The program also calls for the implementation of improved or standardized high standing IS pilot projects, and shared (semi-collectifs) orcollective appropriate systems. Regarding the second category of douars, despite their relatively small number, it remains that without the provision of adequate sanitation services, they have the potential to generate major negative impacts on the environment, and, consequently, be considered ’black spots’ on the project.

The proposed mitigation measures of potential negative impacts for this category of douars involve the use of a screening tool designed to identify them as a condition to project’s implementation. Once identified, these douars should be subjected to a specific sanitation study in order to determine the appropriate sanitation system. WS through individual connections (HC) for these douars should be conditional on the adoption of the recommended sewerage system. The screening tool and the rationale for determining the selection criteria for the douars, according to the impact of greywater on the environment, are presented in the report.

The proposed approach allows to overcome the constraints related to the diversity of douars, particularly in terms of habitat, and to propose differentiated mitigation measures. It is

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expected that the environmental impact of generated greywater will be reduced and localized, with the implementation of the RS component associated program, and the use of the screening tool to identify the douars and deal with potential impacts on the environment that they may present, as well as strengthen the project RS environmental monitoring component. The proposed accompanying program will support the initiation of RS solutions adapted to the local conditions, and consistent with ONEP’s current mandate. It is also hoped that the ongoing initiatives of the other concerned public entities will soon allow the adoption of a national strategy for RS development, with a wider mandate for ONEP to provide optimized and integrated support for RWS and sanitation projects. Such a strategy will build on the project achievements in order to insure RS systematic incorporation in WS projects. Furthermore, project activities have been analyzed to determine their compliance with the World Bank environmental and social safeguards policies. The diagnosis performed confirms that the project is a B category project, and its compliance with all the Bank’s applicable operational policies. In summary, the environmental impacts analysis shows that the project has obvious positive impacts on the concerned populations in terms of social, economic, and health matters. With the implementation of the ESMP proposed solutions, especially those recommended for an appropriate management of generated greywater, these benefits are sustainable and will improve the living standards of the populations targeted by the project. The following table summarizes the positive and negative impacts, and presents mitigation, surveillance and monitoring measures.

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SUMMARY OF IMPACTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES

Negative impactsPositive impacts

Source of theimpact

Environment/affected element

Nature of the impact Intensity Nature of the impact Intensity

Easy access to Drinking Water, includingincreased quantity and better quality: socio-economic, health and economic impacts arevery positivewith a clear improvement inthequality of life of the rural people served

MajorMobilizing andusing waterresources

Water

Increased pressure on adepleting resource

Mitigation: Awareness-raising of thepublic on waterconservation

Average

Preservation of groundwater resources Average

Risk of soil and water resources pollution throughmud.Mitigation: Sludge treatment and disposal of treatedsludge in controlled landfills

Average

Water treatment Water and soilRisk of accidental pollution by waste water oruncontrolled chemical products.Mitigation: Developing a plan to prevent risks ofaccidental pollution.Monitoring: WTPs Environmental audits after thefirst year of operation.

Moderate

Water purification Major

Supply works, andspecial constructionworks

Water, soil and air

Dust, noise, hydrocarbon emissions and waste oildischarge, solid waste, and road traffic disruption.Mitigation: best management practices regardingconstructional works. ONEP requirements formanaging environmental and social projects.

Weakimpact,

localizedand

transient

Jobs creation (local workers aresolicitedfor the works ) - tertiary sectordevelopment

Weak

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1 See paragraph 7.4.4. 4 for douars classification in CI and CII

Negative impacts Positive impactsSource of the

impact

Environment/affected element Nature of the impact Intensity Nature of the impact Intensity

Used waterDouars CI

1 Water and soil

Risk of saturation and illegal discharge ofwastewater - Risk of increased concentrations ofpathogens in water and soil - Risks of waterbornediseases.Mitigation: Identification through screening process -specific RS studies, and HC conditionality:implementation of appropriate treatment systemrecommended by thestudies.Monitoring:• Adoption of aperformance indicator for

specific RS project activities;• Monitoring water quality in pilot douars;• AR component evaluation study after second

year of program activity.

Major

Used waterDouars CII2 Water and soil

Risk of soil and water contamination. Risk ofwaterborne diseases.Mitigation: Identification through screening andsupport for the implementation of improved or high-standing IS solutions

Monitoring:

• Adoption of a specific performance indicatorfor RS project activities.• Monitoring of water quality in the pilot douars.• Evaluation study of the RS program componentafter the second year of program activity.

Moderate

• Contribution to the implementation ofthe national RS strategy (inpreparation).

• Development and implementation ofRS solutions adapted to rural areas.

• Creation of a RS market• RS stakeholders awareness-raising

and capacity building (Ruralmunicipalities, households, suppliers,construction and transport enterprises,etc.).

• Creation of stable jobs for skilledworkers.

• Contribution to the reduction ofwaterborne diseases due to lack of AR

Major

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The implementation cost of the support and capacity building program and the monitoring plan, recommended by the ESMP, were estimated at 30 MDH. The project environmental protection cost represents less than 2.5% of total project activities implementation costs.

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1. Introduction With access rates of about 60% for water supply (WS) in rural areas at the end of 2004 and 35% for rural sanitation2, Morocco has one of the lowest access rates to safe water and sanitation in rural areas in the MENA region. Thus, the Government of Morocco has decided to accelerate the pace of investment in WS in rural areas, in order to achieve an access rate of 92% by 2010. In January 2004, the government has designated ONEP as the main agency in charge of implementing a Universal Water Access Program (Programme de Generalisation de l’Eau Potable -GEP). Technically, the approach relies mainly on developing a distribution network by tapping on ONEP’s existing or projected regional pipes, from which will be serviced a large number of villages and douars through standpipes (SP ) or Individual Connections (HC). This report includes a consolidated environmental assessment relating to regional drinking water supply in urban and rural areas. One of the priorities of the Government of Morocco (GM), as presented in its Rural Development Strategy 2020, is the improvement of living conditions in rural areas by increasing access to basic infrastructure and social services. The project objective aims at strengthening and rehabilitating Tafilalet water supply, in the province of Er-Rachidia; and at developing production, supply and distribution infrastructures, in the rural provinces of Safi, El Jadida and Nador. Given the importance of the project, a request for support was addressed by the Government of Morocco to the World Bank on October 29, 2008, for urgent funding of the project. Since then, several World Bank missions were sent to identify and evaluate the technical, economic, financial and environmental components of the project3.

According to the World Bank operational procedures, an environmental assessment is required at the stage of project design to determine if it is in compliance with the Bank’s safeguard policies, and if the environmental dimension is taken into account. The objective of this consultancy is to analyze the environmental impact of project activities, and to propose mitigation measures in relation to identified adverse impacts, as well as an Environmental Management Plan for the project (EMP). It should be noted that the project was the subject of three of Environmental Impacts Studies (EIS), part of the technical studies, in relation to the major components included in the project4. The main EIS results have been included and consolidated in the current environmental assessment.

2. Institutional and legal framework

2.1 Institutional and administrative framework ONEP's main mandate is potable water planning and supply in the kingdom of Morocco. As such, it is the main planner and operator in the drinking water sector of the country, with a

1 In Morocco, the basic level of service in rural areas for access to potable water is defined as 20 liters per capita per day, and the maximum distance from any household to nearest water point is 500 meters 3 World Bank missions aides-memoires [1], [2], [3] et [4]. 4 EIS performed for Errachidia, Safi/El Jadida and Nador sub-projects, with references [5], [6], and [7].

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central role in drinking water production and supply. The Community Charter (Charte communale) states that potable water distribution and sewerage services are municipal responsibilities [20]. However, municipalities can either manage these activities directly or assign the task to an autonomous administrative entity (régie autonome), to ONEP, or to a private sector operator. Thus, ONEP ensures through delegation to rural communities the distribution of potable water, and sanitation activities, in the case of several secondary centers/districts. Operational management of project activities is provided by ONEP’s Regional Directorates. Under the supervision of the Department for Access to Potable Water (Direction centrale de généralisation de l’Eau Potable --DEP) and the Technical and Engineering Department (DTI) the regional departments are responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of distribution equipment (pumping stations, treatment plants, reservoirs, standpipes) within their “action zone”.

2.2 Legal framework for the sector The Water Law (Law 10-95) was enacted on August 16, 1995. Its objective is the establishment of a national policy for water based on a vision that takes into account both changes in resources, and national water needs. The law provides legal provisions for rationalization of water use, generalization of access to water, interregional solidarity, reducing disparities between urban and rural areas to ensure water safety for the entire territory of the Kingdom. One of the innovative aspects of the law has to do with water resources management within a geographical unit, the river basin. This is an important innovation that makes it possible to design and implement decentralized water management systems. The Water Law is also contributing to improving the environmental situation of water resources given that it creates protection and exclusion zones (périmètres de sauvegarde et d'interdiction), and requires prior authorization and the payment of fees for waste discharge (Decree No. 2-04-553 of 01/24/2005). However, achieving this goal depends on the adoption of standards that define the levels of pollution for liquid discharges.

Moreover, since the establishment of the Department of the Environment, currently attached to the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and the Environment (Ministère de l’Energie, des Mines, de l’Eau et de l’Environnement --MEMEE), the kingdom legal arsenal for environmental protection has been developed and strengthened in response to the sustained deterioration of the quality of natural resources and their depletion. The main laws and regulations part of the general legal framework for environmental protection in Morocco relevant to project activities are presented in the following table:

Relevant laws and regulations part of the legal environmental framework

Instrument Date Title Law N° 11-03 05-12-2003 Law about environmental protection and development

Law N° 12-03 05-12-2003 Law about Environmental Impact Studies and its implementation decrees

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Law N° 10-95 07-15-1995 Law about water management et its implementing provisions Law N°28-00 July 2006 Law regarding solid waste management and elimination Law N°13-03 06-19-03 Law about air pollution control

Law N°7-81 1983 Law about expropriation for public utility and temporary occupation

Dahir 07-25-1969 Dahir regarding soil protection and improvement Order 03-03-2006 Order concerning autonomous sanitation Decree N°2-04-553 of law N°10-95

01-24-2005 Decree regarding discharges, flows, rejects, direct or indirect depositions in surface or subterranean waters

Master Plan Draft Law

1994 Master Plan for Protected Areas in Morocco Draft Law concerning Protected Areas

Law 12-03 about environmental impact studies promulgated by Dahir No. 1-03-60 of 10 Rabii I 1424 (May 12, 2003), lists the projects that need studies, and specifies their consistency (consistance des études d'impact). The law also establishes a national committee for environmental impact studies chaired by the Minister of the Environment. The committee’s role is to decide, on the basis of the results of the impact study, if the projects are environmentally acceptable. Law 12-03 has recently been strengthened by the adoption of two decrees:

• Decree No. 2-04563 on the mandate and operations of the national committee and the regional committees for environmental impacts;

• Decree No. 2-04-564 determining how to organize and conduct public inquiries

relating to the projects subjected to an environmental impact study. It should be noted that water supply projects activities are not on the list of those projects subjected to the environmental impact procedure governed by Law 12-03. Project activities are exempted from the environmental impacts study according to Moroccan law. However, project activities relating liquid sanitation are part of the list of projects subjected to an EIA, according to an annex to Law 12-03. In addition, prior to project approval and implementation, proposed project activities must be analyzed for compliance with all World Bank safeguard policies (see next paragraph). With regard to liquid sanitation, Morocco has promulgated a Decree concerning specifically autonomous sanitation: Decree No. 2-05-1533 dated 15 Safar 1427 (March 16, 2006). This Decree concerns discharges, flows, rejects, and direct or indirect depositions in surface or subterranean waters; particularly:

• discharges from scattered rural homes; • discharges from rural towns, with populations below a threshold to be set by decree; • discharges from rural towns with populations greater than or equal to the above-

mentioned threshold, where discharged wastewater has been treated by officially approved autonomous sanitation systems.

The provisions of this decree stipulate that notification to the town’s technical department must be made for any such activity performed by the autonomous sanitation system in rural areas.

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2.3 World Bank safeguard policies Safeguard policies used by the World Bank prevent it from funding any project that may cause irreversible impacts on the environment. These policies relate to environmental assessment, pest management, protection of natural habitats and forests, physical cultural resources, indigenous peoples, dam safety, involuntary resettlement, and projects on international waterways and in disputed areas.

Operational Policies Environmental assessment (OP 4.01)Natural habitats (OP 4.04)Forests (OP 4.36)Pest management (OP 4.09)Physical Cultural Resources (OP 4.11)Indigenous peoples (OP 4.10)Involuntary resettlement (OP 4.12)Safety of Dams (OP 4.37)Projects on international waterways (OP 7.50)Projects in disputed areas (OP 7.60)

The compliance analysis of project activities in relation to World Bank operational policies was performed on the basis of the project description documents, site visits, and results of the environmental impact studies of Project activities. The results of this analysis are presented in paragraph 8 of the present report.

3. Description of the project necessitating the preparation of an EIA and analysis of alternatives

3.1 Introduction The Moroccan Government has solicited the World Bank support for the financing of the second tranche of the Universal Access to Potable Water Program in the Provinces of Safi, Youssoufia, Sidi Bennour, Errachidia, Driouch and Nador. The proposed project aims at increasing access to potable water supply (WS) for selected local communities in the targeted provinces, insuring appropriate management of grey water, promoting hygiene practices in order to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and improving quality of life of the concerned rural people. 3.2 Project components The project to be financed by IBRD includes three components. The proposed Project would increase sustainable access to potable water supply in selected urban and rural municipalities of Safi, Youssoufia, Sidi Bennour, Errachidia, Driouch and Nador provinces. This program is based on provincial master plans carried out after

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exhaustive village surveys. They identified technical solutions to supply each city and village with sustainable potable water supply, along with investment and development costs. Its final objective is to provide sustainable access to potable water supply to about 340,000 people in 1,000 villages and 300,000 people in medium and small cities. It will finance the delivery of water supply to medium size cities and villages through the construction of new water production facilities (water treatment plants or deep wells), regional trunk lines, storage tanks, pumping stations and a web of lateral mains. This “large web” approach is justified in the project area by the lack of local quality groundwater resources, the availability of surface water from existing irrigation schemes and dams within respective water basins, and by the objective of limiting the number of water sources to better ensure the quality of the water supplied. Component 1a: Development of access to potable water supply in urban and rural areas of Nador and Driouch Provinces

Introduction and background

1. Located North-East of Morocco Kingdom between the Rif mountains region and the Mediterranean Sea, Nador and Driouch provinces had a population of 728 600 inhabitants in 2004 (last census)5, 49% of which live in rural areas.

2. The project area is characterized by a lack of good quality underground water resources which are brackish with a salinity varying between 4 and 16 g/l. The water supply of the Nador and Driouch provinces is therefore ensured by surface water mobilized through the Mohammed V and Mechraa Hammadi dams, with the exception of (i) 9 municipalities in the northwest part of the province supplied from Al Hoceima, and (i) the Ras El Ma municipality fed from Saidia resources.

3. The Zaio center benefits from its own treatment plant (50 l/s). The rest of the province’s potable water is produced in a regional treatment plant (Nador Water Treatment Plant) with a present capacity is 840 l/s. This treatment plant feeds two regional systems:

• The Northern system supplies the municipality of Nador, the urban centers of Al Aroui, Selouane, Taoumia, Zeghanghane, Ihaddaden, Jaadar, Beni Ansar, Had Bni Chiker, Farkhana, Kariat Arkmane;

• The Western system towards Midar supplies the urban centers of Al Aroui, Tiztoutine, Driouch, Midar, Tafersit, Ben Taieb, Dar Kebdani and 40 villages along the trunk line.

4. The province is facing huge touristic developments along the Mediterranean coast. New industrial areas are also being developed in the cities of Al Aaroui and Selouane, accompanied by the development of new cities built as per the Ministry of Housing’s policy.

5. The rural water supply in the Southern part of Driouch province is lagging behind the national average, and ONEP has engaged in an important RWS scheme which calls for the doubling of the western regional trunk pipeline along the Nador-Midar route and the construction of lateral conveyance mains (piquages), storage tanks, and pumping stations.

5 Figures for Nador province as per the old boundaries

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Water demand

6. The peak day water demand is summarized in the following table (in l/s):

Year 2010 2015 2020 2025

Northern System Including - Nador city - Touristic area

612

274 0

906

308 150

1,089

344 200

1,326

372 300

Western System 193 213 246 275

Zaio System 83 91 103 110

TOTAL 888 1,210 1,438 1,711

7. In view of the above table and in order to satisfy the potable water demand until 2020, an increase of the production capacity by 560 l/s is required.

Description of the Project

8. The Nador/Driouch urban and rural integrated project will enable to secure and reinforce the existing water supply system and to construct new facilities benefitting to 12 rural districts representing an additional population of 146,000 people, including 50,000 rural dwellers.

9. The project include the following facilities:

• Extension of the raw water pumping station by 620 l/s;

• Laying of a new 800 mm pre-stressed concrete raw water pipe on 4.5 km.

• Extension of Nador’s treatment plant capacity from 840 l/s to 1,400 l/s.

• Doubling of the existing trunk regional pipeline to increase the conveyance capacity by 250 l/s including lateral mains to Dar El Kebdani, Ben Taieb, Tafersit and Tssaft-Azlaf ;

• 6 independent distribution systems, controlled by one or several semi-buried storage and regulation tanks for the following small centers and villages:

o Neighboring villages located in Tiztoutine, Driouch and Ait Mait CR.

o Ouardana and Ait Mait.

o Iferni and Tafersit.

o Amejjaou located along Nador’s system northern line

o Ouled Settout and Oulad Daoud Zkhanine located south of Nador treatment plant.

o Afsou, Ouled Boubker and Hassi Berkane.

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Sub-Component 1.b: Development of access to potable water in rural areas of Safi, Youssoufia and Sidi Bennour provinces

10. The proposed Component would cover three priority provinces on the Atlantic coast. These provinces are lagging behind the national average due to: (a) a significantly lower access rate to potable water supply and (b) a large rural population.

11. In Safi and Youssoufia provinces, the RWS is particularly critical due to the decrease of underground table. According to socio-economic surveys realized during the Master Plan for Safi province rural water supply, the major part of the rural dwellers is supplied through individual or collective rainwater harvesting ponds (“metfias”). Also, some small urban municipalities are supplied by RADEES through a treatment plant located in Sidi Aissa (40 l/s) that will soon be saturated.

12. To develop access to a reliable drinking water source in the Northern part of Safi and Youssoufia provinces and the Southern part of El Sidi Bennour province, ONEP has designed a regional urban and rural water scheme supplied by a treatment plant to be built on Doukkala High Service Canal.

13. This component will finance the first phase of this scheme and will permit access to potable water supply for 260,000 inhabitants in 800 villages and will improve and secure the supply of the three municipalities supplied by RADEES (Jamat Shaim and Sebt Ghzoula) representing a population of 33,000 in 2007.

14. It includes the construction of the following facilities:

• A potable water treatment plant on Doukkala High Service Canal at PK 75 for a capacity of 500 l/s (2 units of 250 l/s).

• A trunk regional pipeline for Safi/Youssoufia system (75 km, 500 to 700 mm)

• A trunk regional pipeline for 215 villages in Sidi Bennour province (34 km, 400 mm to 75 mm)

• Eleven (11) lateral mains from the regional trunk lines (piquages), storage tanks, and SP for the supply of 525 villages in Safi and Youssoufia provinces (Lots S1, S2 and S3)

• Four (4) lateral mains for the supply of Sidi Bennour villages.

15. The second phase of works will permit the supply of 390 additional villages from DHSC treatment plant in Sidi Bennour and El Jadida provinces and will reinforce the production capacity of ONEP’s centers in Youssoufia, Chemaia and Tnine Ghiat (100,000 inhabitants) and RADEEJ centers in Sidi Bennour, Sidi Smail, Zmamra and Oualidia (65,000 inhabitants).

16. ONEP has planned to mobilize the funding of the second phase of works before the end of 2010 for a commissioning of the works by the end of 2013.

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Sub-Component 1.c: Reinforcement and rehabilitation of Errachidia water production capacity and Tafilalet trunk regional pipeline

Introduction and background

17. The project area is located South-East of Morocco Kingdom and South of Atlas mountains and includes the cities of Errachidia, Erfoud, Moulay Ali Cherif (Errissani) and Jorf, small rural centers (Aoufous and Alnif) and ksours (villages) from Ziz valley and Tafilalet plain coming under 11 rural municipalities. Its population is estimated to 275,000 inhabitants and is slightly growing with an annual growth rate of 0.4%.

18. About 146,000 people in the urban centers and 92,000 in the villages currently have access to potable water either through house connections (81 %) or public stand pipes (19 %). The present potable water production and distribution is ensured by ONEP through four (4) bore wells located down Hassan Addakhil dam which have a total capacity of 340 l/s. The water quality is compliant with Moroccan standards.

19. The regional trunk pipe has a length of 100 km. Its route is characterized by an uneven profile with very limited space for laying a new line between BC1 and Aoufous. This trunk pipe is becoming flimsy in some parts of its route due to the corrosion and the repetitive mechanical constraints on its sections located besides a heavy traffic road. Actually, since its commissioning in 1986, the pipeline was broken 163 times including 34 breaks between 1986 and 1989.

20. Errachidia is equipped with a wastewater collection network (pseudo-separate system) supplying 50% of the population. The remaining part of the city uses infiltration wells. Waste water is treated before being discharged in Oued Ziz.

The Proposed Project

21. The production and transmission system of Tafilalet valley is now nearly saturated and needs to be reinforced and partially rehabilitated. The project will finance the construction of the following facilities:

• The equipment of three new bore wells located upstream Errachidia to increase the production capacity by 105 l/s;

• The tanks and connection pipelines between those bore wells and the main pipeline;

• The reinforcement of the adduction capacity between PK 16,1 and PK 47,4 (Aoufous), including two boosting stations (310 and 290 l/s) and a 1000 m3 tank;

• The replacement of the corroded pre-stressed concrete pipe section between Aoufous and Arfoud.

• The doubling of the pipeline between Arfoud and Errissani.

22. In view of the soil aggressiveness in some sections, 24 km of the pipe line will be protected by cathodic protection (pre-stressed concrete) or passive protection with polyethylene sleeves (ductile iron).

23. The total estimated cost of the project is DH 200 Millions. Construction is scheduled to start in December 2009 and to be completed in August 2011.

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Component 2: Mitigation of Environmental Impacts – Greywater management

24. This component aims to mitigate the environmental impacts related to increased grey water flows resulting from the rural population demand for individual House Connections.

25. Consistent with the Environmental Assessment and its Environmental Management Plan, potential negative impacts of added household water supply will be mitigated based on a methodology for multi-criteria sorting of villages in 2 categories:

• Category I villages (expected to be the vast majority) feature habitat, soil and environmental characteristics such that potential water stagnation/discharge impacts may be mitigated by household level grey water drainage and/or on-site sanitation solutions.

• Category II villages (expected to be a small minority) feature dense habitat, impermeable soils and otherwise sensitive environments calling for more structured solutions than household-level drainage and on-site sanitation, including small networked sewerage.

26. Studies realized by ONEP within the frame of the Project’s preparation in Nador and Driouch provinces showed that future beneficiaries of individual HC in rural areas are aware that their present infiltration wells are not necessarily designed to evacuate an increased grey water discharge. It is therefore anticipated that households will ask for upgraded grey water collection facilities in parallel with the individual HC.

27. In this frame, the Project will help structuring, in each one of the Project’s provinces, a private sector market for improved on-site sanitation. The pilot activities will include:

• The construction, in partnership with OFPPT (Professional Training and Work Promotion Board), of show-rooms to present compliant individual sanitation facilities. These show-rooms will be used as tools for training on these techniques.

• The organization of targeted communication and advertising campaigns.

This approach would be piloted in Nador and Driouch for the first year and then developed in Safi, Youssoufia and Sidi Bennour.

Where no acceptable on-site sanitation solutions can be applied, the project has included a provision of 36 million DH to allow for the construction of grey water collection networks. Component 3: Implementation Support and Capacity Building 28. This component will provide technical assistance (TA) to ONEP’s project implementation, as well as capacity building (CB) to ONEP’s overall RWS program. Under this component, the two most critical tasks for project implementation will be financed by IBRD, for a total of MAD 67.5 million. The remaining tasks, valued at MAD 17.8 million, will be implemented subject to the mobilization by ONEP of the corresponding funds. 29. Bank-funded resident TA for project implementation is to: i) enable efficient project management & monitoring, ii) strengthen participatory approaches to service provision including helping communities opt and organize for either SP-service or HC-service, iii) facilitate effective integration of hygiene and wastewater management into the provision of improved water supply services, iv) screen and specify the need for improved greywater

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management solutions in case of HC-service selection. This will cover all aspects related to the technical studies of collection and treatment solutions for the pilot projects, financial, environmental and social monitoring and evaluation, including customer surveys. Separate specialized TA will be funded to increase ONEP’s capacity to design and implement outsourcing contracts for HC-service operations and maintenance by small domestic private sector providers in project areas. Other capacity building needs identified by ONEP will include i) the development of feasibility studies and designs for village HC distribution systems and eventual greywater drainage systems, and ii) the implementation of pilots for the promotion of improved on-site sanitation systems in Nador, Driouch, Safi, Youssoufia and Sidi Bennour. 30. Under this component ONEP will also seek to increase its capacity to effectively manage the overall GEP program and to improve the performance of RWS SP-service and HC-service operations. Specific CB tasks identified by ONEP will include i) new information systems to track RWS project implementation and operation, ii) staff training programs, iii) technology watch activities and study tours, iv) the upgrade of ONEP’s customer service information systems to accommodate specific rural HC-service needs, and v) the implementation of a RWS cost-recovery study. 3.3 Project performance indicators The Project will be monitored through the following performance indicators:

• Number of people in villages of project areas with access to potable water through standpipe or HC service,

• Number (or percentage) of people in villages of project areas served by HC

• Average volume of water supplied through HCs

• Average volume of water supplied through stand-pipes

• Average volume of water supplied through the Tafilalet trunk line

The detailed list of indicators as well as their targeted values for the five years project’s period is included in Appendix E. A specific indicator has been included to monitor the progress of the rural sanitation component as recommended by the present EA (see para. 7.4.4.1). 3.4 Project alternatives and justification:

The Project is well justified because of the need to provide access to drinking water to douars that were unserved up to now, and thus increase the access rate to drinking water in rural areas in the provinces of Safi , Youssoufia, Sidi Bennour, Driouch and Nador. The Project also responds to the urgent need to increase potable water production, transmission capacity and reliability in urban and rural areas in the provinces of Safi, Youssoufia, Sidi Bennour, Errachidia, Driouch and Nador. Access to drinking water is essential to promote social and economic development in rural areas, especially for the poor and vulnerable. These social groups suffer the most from the lack of WS, in particular from the prevalence of waterborne diseases, lack of hygiene, and the time wasted by children and women in the chore of fetching water.

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In terms of implementation, the project will benefit from ONEP’s well-established technical expertise with regard to RWS, and the lessons learned from previous projects, especially PAGER. This project implemented by DGH, within the Ministry of Equipment, was based on the development of small water supply systems from local resources (water or groundwater sources) serving a maximum of ten douars. These systems were managed by users’ associations. This approach was rejected because perennial groundwater of good quality is scarce in the project area, and, on the other hand, because of the mixed results obtained in terms of quality of service when drinking water production is left to users’ associations. The approach adopted by this project entrusts the production of drinking water to a professional and skilled entity (ONEP) to supply douars from safe sources through branch pipes (piquages) connected to its regional supply systems which primarily serve urban centers. Depending on the demand and the communities’ willingness to pay, the distribution of drinking water to douars will be carried out through either a standpipe managed by individuals or through networks and HC to be developed by cooperatives, small private, or operators to be subcontracted by ONEP.

4. Initial status of the environment Environmental issues identified for the proposed urban and rural regional water supply relate mainly to water and soil components. Indeed, the project does not concern any forest or wetland areas, and subprojects intervention areas are located outside identified Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest (Sites d’Intérêt Biologique et Ecologique -SIBE) (see next paragraph). Water resources could be affected in terms of quantity and quality (through the discharge of used waters). The following paragraphs summarize the initial state of water resources in project intervention areas, and summarize the composition of used waters, including afterwards in outfall sewers (émissaires).

Soils can also be affected by water pollution from domestic used water. Moreover, the type of soils and especially their permeability play an important role in the migration of underground water, and as such are an important factor in selecting and determining the size of treatment facilities for domestic used water. It should be emphasized here that there is a lack of information and data on the permeability of soils in project intervention areas, and that it is necessary to determine ad hoc measures in the technical studies regarding douars supply, especially for sub-projects that include HCs.

4.1 SIBEs located in project intervention areas The EIA for the three sub-projects ([5] [6] and [7]) identified four SIBEs located in the Nador region subproject: Marchika (Nador lagoon), Cap des trois fourches, Jbel Gourougou and the mouth of the Moulouya river.

The SIBE in the Nador lagoon area, called Marchika, or Sebkha Bou Areg, is the only large lagoon on the Mediterranean coast, and is situated in the Nador province. It includes the Nador lagoon, the Southeast and Northwest cords, and the Kariat Arkmane salt marshes. The size of the proposed area is 14 000 ha, and the coastal dunes are in the public domain. The lagoon communicates with the sea via a narrow channel. It is surrounded by three cities:

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Nador, the port of Beni Ensar, and Kariat Arkmane. The lagoon is currently used for eels fishing (and other fish), collecting clams, and fish farming.

The ecological value of the site lies in its rich flora (Zostera and Posidonia seagrass, sansouires, etc.) and its remarkable fauna (about 80 species of fish, aquatic invertebrates and reptiles, etc.). The Cap des trois fourches is an 8000 hectares public domain area (two thirds of which are considered maritime domain) and is located in the Nador province, under the management of the Eastern Region Directorate of Waters and Forests (Direction Régionale des Eaux et Forets de l’Oriental). The site vegetation is constituted primarily of matorral shrublands dominated by the mastic tree. The site has been classified SIBE in order to protect a small population of monk seals considered an endangered species.

The ‘trois Fourches’ SIBE is part of a rural commune called Ferkhana. The site is currently used for agriculture, grazing, and fishing. Jbel Gourougou is a volcanic mountain about 900 meters high located near the Nador lagoon. The site is poor in natural vegetation but has been restocked with Aleppo pines and eucalyptus. It is located near Beni Ensar, overlooking plains and the Moroccan coast. The SIBE area extends from the top of the mountain to mid-slopes where the sylvatic vegetation stops. The SIBE in the Moulouya river mouth area extends from the riverbanks (Ain Zerga

swamps) to the mouth of the river, with the Cherarba marshes and dunes on both sides of the area. The dunes are part of national forests system. The area is used for agriculture and grazing. The river is used for eels, “cibelles”, and recently shad fishing. Hunting is prohibited in the SIBE and a permanent reserve of 10,000 hectares has been established. According to a bird study performed as part of the MedWestCoast project, the Moulouya mouth has an outstanding nesting and migratory avifauna, and is one of the best sites for wintering water birds on the Mediterranean coast [30]. The map below shows the sites location and the area of project intervention. The proposed project intervention area is located outside the protected SIBEs. It should be mentioned however that pollution problems linked to untreated used water and illegal dumping of solid waste in the SIBEs of the Nador Lagoon, the Moulouya mouth and Jbel Gourougou, have been reported. Particular attention should be given to the use of water treatment in the region.

4.2 Water component Nador province: The project intervention area in the Nador province main morphological characteristic is that it is almost completely surrounded (from the South West, South and South East) by mountains (Gourougou, Kebdana, etc.). Runoff from these mountains provides much of the recharge to Kerte, Gareb, and Bouareg, with groundwater flowing northward toward the Mediterranean Sea. These groundwater tables (mainly Gareb and Bouareg, and to a lesser extent Kerte) present piezometric levels that fluctuate between 5 and 50 m deep. Areas less than 5 m deep are located in the north and northeast. The average permeability values are 10-5 m/s.

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The quality of this groundwater is considered poor because of high levels of salinity that exceed 5 g / l in some places. However, groundwater is used to compensate the lack of surface water distributed through the canal Rive Gauche fed from the Mohammed V and MachrâaHommadi dams.

In the area object of the study, water quality is also affected by used water discharges from the major centers. This is true of the towns of Tistoutine, Midar, Driouech, etc. The supply of drinking water to the Nador province is provided by the dams mentioned above in the amount of 13 million m3 per year. Safi and El Jadida Provinces: These provinces are located in the basin of Oum Er Rbia river, which covers a 48 070 km2 area, representing 7% of the Kingdom territory. Hydraulic schemes are located in the Doukkala, Tadla, Tessaout and Haouz areas. Currently, the volume mobilized by 15 dams and 7 large transfer systems allows irrigating large plots: Beni Amir (28 500 ha), Beni Moussa (69 500 ha), Tessaout Downstream (48 600 ha), Tessaout Upstream (30 000 ha), Doukkala (96 000 ha) and Haouz central (35 400 ha). The downward trend in rainfall in the basin is particularly significant as shown in the table below:

Source reference [29] The analysis of the evolution of the inputs of the five main dams shows that surface water resources, assessed at 4 640 Mm3/year over the 1949-1968 period, represented only 2 450 Mm3/year in the 1980 -- 2000 period. This denotes an average loss of 70 Mm3/year. It should be noted here that it is in the Doukkala area that the reduction in water input is the most significant:

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Water input evolution by the Oum Er Rbia river to the Al Massira dam. Source: Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II.

Groundwater resources in the project area have a mobilisable potential of 142 Mm3/year (Beni Moussa: 55 Mm3/year, Bahira 44 Mm3/year, Doukkala: 43 Mm3/year). Water balance sheets for Beni Moussa shows a surplus (+16 Mm3/year), while Bahira shows a slight loss (-1 Mm3/year), and Doukkala is in equilibrium. However, for Oum Er Rbia river catchment area, the results for all groundwater show a substantial deficit (-86 Mm3/year).

Because of reduced rainfall and groundwater over-exploitation, lower piezometric levels are occurring at a rate of 1 to 3 m / year. This situation may lead in the short to mid-term to the drying up of wells and boreholes used for drinking water and irrigation. In the Safi region, limited groundwater resource, particularly in the project area, poses a problem for WS. Wells have very low water yields, and water quality is poor and salt levels are high. Rural populations are supplied by tanker trucks in some areas. A cubic meter of water is thus 10 to 20 times more expensive than the one supplied by ONEP. The map below shows the underground tables location in the Oum Er Rbia river basin.

Location of groundwater tables in Oum Er Rbia hydraulic basin

Source : reference [29]

SAFI

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Errachidia Province: Groundwater resources in Errachidia Province include groundwater tables along the valleys, and are characterized by their small size and their depth. They are divided from north to south in three well delineated hydrogeological units: High Atlas,Boudnib-Errachidia-Tinghir Cretaceous basin, and Anti Atlas. The intensive exploitation of water resources coupled with rainfall deficit is the reason for general decline of the piezometric level for most aquifers in the province. This decrease ranges from 4 to 5 m, and can reach 8 to 10 m in the cases of Errachidia and Tinjdad tables. Oued Ziz water quality is good upstream, but becomes occasionally polluted downstream from cities, because of urban rejects. However, Oued Rheris water quality is good. Groundwater is generally good except in areas around Ain El Atti.

Dams, diversion structures, and groundwater levies can mobilize an annual volume of about 433 million Mm3, of which 10 million Mm3 are used to supply drinking water.

4.3 Conclusion on environmental sensitivity

According to the environmental analysis of project areas, a special attention should be given to the following:

• Water resources scarcity and vulnerability;

• Existence of protected areas classified as SIBEs;

• Some pollution in rivers and soils by used water and solid waste;

• Areas of unstable terrain, especially in the northern region.

5. Environmental impact analysis The analysis of project impacts on the environment is based on a study addressing the type of activities promoted by the said project, and on an environmental sensitivity analysis, as well as on the identification and characterization of expected changes deriving from project activities that may have an effect on all the ecosystem components in the project influence area. The Environmental Analysis (EA) concerns the rural and urban WS, and is divided into three sub-projects (Errachidia- Safi/El Jadida and Nador). Each of the three sub-project has undergone a specific EIA ([5] [6] and [7]), carried out according to ONEP’s methodological guide for water supply and sanitation projects environmental assessment [16]. In addition to the impacts that are usually caused by temporary works listed in detail in ONEP’s methodological guide, which has been used in the EIA reports, this EA includes the main impacts considered average to major.

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5.1 Identification of the sources of impacts Analyzing the effects of project activities allows identifying the impacts on the environment during the various implementation phases (works phase and operation phase). The potential sources of project impact on the environment, identified through this approach are presented below: Resources mobilization: Additional demand for water to meet WS needs. Water treatment for potable water production: Noise disturbance, untreated water discharges, sludge generation, solid waste, pollution from chemical reagents, and energy consumption. Supply: Linear structures, and occasional works (supply, tanks, pumping stations, drilling) Distribution: Linear structures Use: Generation of wastewater The various sources of environmental impacts originating from the project should be analyzed for both the construction and the exploitation phases.

5.2 Impacts analysis As stated above, subprojects impacts have been analyzed in detail in the EIA specific to every subproject. The main impacts, considered average to major, are presented below.

5.2.1 Access to drinking water

According to the WHO, about 8 million people, 50% of them being children, die each year worldwide, as victims of diseases such as typhoid, malaria, cholera or diarrhea, due to water unfit for human consumption.

Access to safe water and to sanitation services is essential, and is now recognized as a fundamental human right. It is one of the Millennium Development Goals adopted by 189 UN member countries in 2000. One of those goals is to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation [26].

In relation to the RWS project environmental impacts analysis, one should first assert the human right of access to clean water, with its obvious social, health, and economic benefits for the concerned people. With appropriate solutions for managing generated used water, these benefits will be sustainable. They will improve in a sustainable manner the living standards of the people targeted by the project. On the health front: In most cases, the quality of water wells in rural areas can be characterized as poor due to non compliance with protection perimeter requirements. This results in pollution from pathogens, responsible for waterborne diseases. Access to potable water improves hygiene and reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases while contributing to the reduction of child mortality, particularly in rural areas. Thus, with

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the supply of potable water in rural areas, Morocco has experienced a marked regression in waterborne diseases.

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Waterborne diseases in Morocco

Year 2007

Source: N. Chaouki, 2009 [27]

The implementation of the proposed regional rural and urban WS contributes to the reduction of the frequency, and, eventually, the eradication of the causes of waterborne diseases

On the social level: the project will primarily benefit the poor and vulnerable without access to clean water, especially those women and children who usually bear the burden of water transport.

Project activities will also have positive social impacts in terms of job creation, including for the youth, in construction and sanitation systems maintenance. These activities will also contribute to strengthen social cohesion, encourage the emergence of community activities, and improve living conditions in rural areas, thus countering the attraction of cities to the rural poor.

On the economic front: Contrary to popular myth, poor people who lack access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas, pay a higher price for water. This is the case even without including indirect costs related to health, labor, lost economic opportunities, etc. Thus, in some douars, the direct price of water can reach 40 Dh/m3.

It should be noted that in addition to direct costs, the time spent by the vulnerable group comprising children and women means that many opportunities in terms of school attendance and income generating activities are being skipped.

Through the promotion of Individual Sanitation (AI) systems, the project aims at creating a market for rural sanitation in the targeted Provinces, organizing marketing networks for the required equipment, and building capacity for the provision of professional services (works and other services), adapted to the local conditions.

WATER BORNE DISEASES Morocco (1990-2004)

90 91 92 93 94 95 96Typhoïde 4243 3672 3411 4517 4138 3026 2650Choléra 375 3579 6195 788 819 2121 609HVE 2357 2286 2586 2502 3411 2162 2155

WATER BORNE DISEASES Morocco (1990-2004)

6000

7000

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06

Typhoïde

Choléra

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5.2.2 Pressure on hydric resources

Morocco’s rural population represents 45% of the kingdom’s total population (2004 census). The rate of access to drinking water is 70% (2005). This means that the remaining 30% are supplied mainly from groundwater through wells, boreholes, and springs. People who live in douars far from water points are supplied by tankers, and pay about 25 Dh per m3, depending on their distance from the water point. Water is in most cases non-compliant with quality standards because it comes from irrigation canals or from wells contaminated with germs. Morocco’s potential in terms of natural water resources is estimated, in an average year, at about 20,653 million m³: 17,881 Mm ³ of surface water and 2,772 Mm ³ of natural renewable groundwater. This represents about 691 m³ / year per capita. The threshold for water stress for a country is 600 m3/ year per capita. Water scarcity is felt more acutely as a result of drought that occurs with greater frequency and is now considered as a structural phenomenon.

By way of illustration, the following table shows changes over time in relation to established and predictable water resources.

Evolution of water resources in some Mediterranean countries in m3/capita/year

Year ... Country

1955 1990 2025

Greece 7 406 5 228 4 840

Turkey 8 509 3 262 2 186

France 4 260 3 262 3 044

Spain 3 801 2 849 2 733

Morocco 2 763 1 117 590

Source : Direction Générale de l’Hydraulique

The following table provides an outline of the above-mentioned pressure at the horizon of 2020, and shows water resources negative balances (with withdrawals exceeding natural inputs), not only for the area covered by the study but also with regard to all the tables in the Kingdom.

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Water resources balance by basin towards year 2020 (Mm3/year)

Water demand 2020 Basins Regulated

surface water

Usable underground

water PIWS Irrigation Balance

Loukkos, Tangerois, and coastal Mediterranean

558 91 164 594 -109

Moulouya, Figuig, Kert, Isly and Kiss

718 421 108 1 092 -61

Sebou 2 621 1 000 281 3 757 -417

Bou Regreg and Chaouia 313 114 417 148 -138

Oum Er Rbia and El Jadida 2 160 405 165 3585 -1 185

Tensift and Ksob-Igouzoulen

472 404 111 1 341 -576

Souss-Massa and Tiznit-Ifni

549 329 96 1 151 -351

Guir, Ziz, Rhéris and Drâa 839 303 54 1 518 -430

Sahara 3 27 24 -49

TOTAL 8 230 3 069 1 405 13 210 13 030

Source: Oubalkace M. [28]

Groundwater resources are usually the least expensive to exploit, and have been fully mobilized. The volume of groundwater currently used is estimated at 3 710 Mm ³ per year, and is higher than exploitable resources estimated at 3 069 Mm³, a difference of 641 Mm ³ per year. The saturation of groundwater resources lead to the systematic use of surface water. A practice that became predominant since 1983. With population growth in the areas concerned by the project, drinking water needs have also increased, inducing a growing pressure on water resources. According to ONEP’s previsions, water demand in rural areas would amount to 166 million m3 in 2010, and 245 million m3 in 2020. While WS generalization increases the pressure on a scarce resource, the fact remains that it is vital for the human development of the concerned populations. In any event, the overall use of water is shared at 10% for PIWS (potable and industrial water supply) and 90% for irrigation, which is by far the largest consumer. Efforts to preserve the resource should be geared primarily towards managing irrigation water demand, and protecting the environment through appropriate treatment of used water and

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solid waste. It should be noted also that the populations affected by the project are currently supplied from water points or through mobile water tanks, fed by groundwater in most cases. It has been established that population growth on the horizon of the study and the reduction in groundwater resources that began several years ago (drought and overuse) lead to the worrying scenario of groundwater reserves depletion in the provinces concerned by the project. The implementation of the regional rural and urban WS supply project would mitigate the current downward trend in groundwater levels. The project will contribute to meet the target of 50% reduction in water use from groundwater by 2015.

5.2.3 Water treatment plants

Two water treatment plants are concerned by the project: • The construction of a new tranche of 560 l / s for the Nador potable water treatment plant. • The construction of a new treatment plant of 500 l / s (two lines of 250 l / s) to supply the

provinces of El Jadida and Safi.

The treatment line is designed by ONEP based on the quality and composition of raw water. It includes the following main steps:

• Raw water intake screenings; • Screening of algae that may be present in raw water; • Acidification, which, according to ONEP, will be implemented only during the final

phase of project implementation; • Pre-chlorination; • Coagulation upstream de-sludging; • De-sludging; • Coagulation-flocculation; • Decanting (Décantation raclée);• Rapid sand filtration; • Calcium-carbonate balance of treated water; • Chlorine-based final disinfection of treated water.

In order to reduce impacts on the environment, the treatment plant (WTP) will incorporate a sludge treatment unit. Sludge treatment will be achieved by thickening sludge after sludge settling and filtration, and previously homogenized and conditioned by adding polyelectrolyte. The sludge thickened at 30 gm / MIS /L is dewatered using a drainage system under sand and gravel, and dried by evaporation on drying beds.

Furthermore, the water used for washing filters, representing about 2% of the water produced, and generally loaded with aluminum hydroxide, and iron and manganese, will be decanted and treated. Clear water from filtration is recycled at the head of the plant, and sludge is transported to the sludge treatment plant.

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Dried sludge, with an estimated volume of about 5 t / d (dry-matter basis) for each of the two stations, will be buried in a landfill site or reevaluated. Treatment plants (WTPs) have a stock of potentially dangerous reactive chemicals that can cause accidental pollution. The WTP laboratory and storage warehouses must be designed to minimize these risks. Mitigation measures related to Nador and CHS WTPs identified in the EIS carried out ([6] [7]) will be taken into account in the design of these two sub-projects and incorporated in their Bidding Documents 6.

Thanks to the measures proposed for sludge treatment, including the control of liquid waste and accidental pollution risks by chemical reagents, the WTPs Residual impact on the environment are expected to be localized and minor.

5.2.4 Construction works: water supply and occasional works

The project includes several sub-projects to strengthen regional water supply, rural water supply, douars supply, and occasional works (see paragraph 3.2). In analyzing these sub-projects impacts on the environment, it is necessary to distinguish linear works from occasional works, as well as the impacts of the construction phase from those of the operation phase. The works are mainly related to the construction of treatment plants for raw water, networks of buried pipelines under pressure, and water pumping stations at the head of the network, storage construction and water metering equipment. The construction phase will include pumping stations, storage tanks, and the expansion of treatment plant for raw water. These works will have little nuisance impacts but could still generate solid waste (cement bags, and other types of packaging, waste materials from drinking water networks, domestic waste (from the workers), etc.), and cause disruptions of road traffic near the stations located close to rural roads, as well as pollution from various vehicles and machinery (dust, noise, emissions, and oil and waste oils spills). As shown in the three EISs impacts matrix ([5] [6] and [7]) in Annexes A, B and C, almost all identified impacts and mitigation measures recommended at this level are in fact good management practices for work sites. Indeed, these impacts are not permanent. They come to an end when the works are completed. However, their effects may persist (including those related to solid waste and oil and grease spills from the various machines) if the works and their closure are not performed according to appropriate procedures to protect the environment. The Methodological Guide for environmental assessment for water supply and sanitation projects prepared by ONEP [16] includes procedures designed to provide project managers with comprehensive tools for managing environmental projects and monitoring the works. These procedures have thus led to the revision of the construction phase specifications, to include provisions relating to environmental and social management ([17]).

6 See the impacts matrix for the three sub-projects in annexes A, B and C.

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The mains new pipelines routes will follow existing infrastructures (roads, trails, drinking water canals, etc.), and the new secondary pipelines will be buried to cross agricultural land. Thus, according to the EISs, these works don’t concern directly any forest, protected area or area of biological interest. The impact of the works on natural areas is considered very low. The construction phase will also include linear trenches designed to bury the pipelines. The impact on the landscape will be temporary because the stripped land will be put back in place. The construction phase may require the use of borrowed materials from quarries in the project area. Some works (pipelines, pumping stations and storage structures) may require clearings of right-of-way to be able to construct on public and private lands. The acquisition of these small plots of land (about 10 to 20 m2 for the works, and 3 m / ml for the pipelines) is usually negotiated amicably with the concerned owners or municipalities. The legal framework for expropriation for public use and compensations exists, and can be applied in cases of dispute or when negotiations fail. This issue is dealt with in a separate report on the Terms of Acquisition of Land for occasional construction works [33]. Furthermore, the construction phase will undeniably generate socio-economic benefits through job creation (with the local workforce being sought to perform the works), and the development of the tertiary sector.

5.2.5 Used water

5.2.5.1 Introduction The Douars’ WS, particularly for individual connections (HC), is expected to cause an increase in wastewater generated at the household level. The diagnosis made during our mission and the EISs conducted for the sub-projects show that liquid sanitation in the project intervention areas remains precarious. The lack of sanitation has direct negative impacts on human health, on soil, and surface water and groundwater.

In fact, sanitation deficit concerns solid waste as well, and is not specific to project intervention areas. According to the survey on households’ consumption and expenditures conducted in 2000-2001, the access rates to a sanitation system or an improved type of sewage disposal (septic tank, latrine) in rural areas are respectively 1.6 and 42.7% in Morocco [32]. Thus, over half the rural population lacks adequate sanitation and resorts to simply dumping used water into archaic catch pits or on the soil and / or discharge it into oueds where it is often diluted only when there is a flood (for long periods during the year, the only runoff is from used water).

5.2.5.2 Rural sanitation implementation framework

Morocco has made significant progress in WS for rural populations in the course of the past 20 years. The access rate to drinking water increased from 14% in 1990 to 50% in 2004. During that year, the Government had decided to accelerate investments in RWS and appointed ONEP as the sole implementing agency for the Drinking Water Generalization

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program (PG). This program aims to achieve an access rate to drinking water in rural area of 92% by 2010. The sanitation sector has unfortunately not received the same attention and resources that were provided for the mobilization and distribution of drinking water. In fact, one of the reasons for the delay in the provision of sanitation services is the lack of a clear sanitation mandate to ONEP, in order to implement integrated WS and liquid sanitation projects, within the framework of the Generalization program. It should be noted with regard to this issue that under the provisions of the 2002 Communal Charter (Charte Communale de 2002) updated in 2009 [21], the WS and liquid and solid sanitation are within the remit of Rural Communes (CR). The CR council manages these services directly (Régie directe) or through an operator (Régie Autonome, ONEP, Water Users Associations, or a private operator). In fact, CRs financial capacity and technical resources are a major constraint to the development of RWS and sanitation projects.

5.2.5.3 Constraints to rural sanitation

Despite the lack of a specific mandate, ONEP has made substantial efforts as the GEP implementing agency in order to ensure appropriate conditions for the development of adequate rural sanitation (AR) services in support of RWS projects. Thus, in the course of the last five years, significant efforts have been made by ONEP to prepare and implement RS pilot solutions. Practical guides for the design, sizing, implementation, construction and operation of small systems for collecting and treating used water, have been developed. A number of technical experts have been mobilized to identify appropriate rural sanitation systems, and to raise stakeholders’ awareness and assist in capacity building. ONEP has the necessary expertise for the integration of rural sanitation solutions adapted to RWS individual connections sub projects. However, as it was pointed out by Al Mahraz [24], the development of appropriate sanitation solutions in rural areas represents a challenge not only in technical and financial terms, but also institutional, management, legal and regulatory, socio-economic and socio-cultural; all related to habitat structure and nature. Furthermore, the above-mentioned author stresses in the study about the RS project component that a consensus seems to exist on the value on managing jointly water supply and sanitation, because there are numerous synergies and economies of scale. This is also recommended in the current study. [24]. In fact, from an environmental point of view, there shouldn’t be separation between WS and liquid sanitation projects. To ensure sustainability of the program and its benefits, WS projects must include the study of RS appropriate solutions, and proceed with their implementation. Thus, the combination of water supply and sanitation management, as recommended, would certainly contribute to resources optimization. In addition, this would allow to compensate for wasted time in relation to RS development.

5.2.5.4 RS component of the project

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The project was launched while there was general awareness on the part of government actors about the need to develop appropriate RS solutions, adapted to local conditions. Thus, an ambitious national sanitation program has been adopted and a study is underway to define a national strategy on used water, particularly in rural areas. Coordination meetings were held between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and the Environment, and ONEP. ONEP for its part initiated several measures in relation to RS that fit within its mandate. Thus, an organizational review and cost recovery study for rural sanitation has been performed [24], and technical expertise mobilized for the identification of RS pilot projects [19]. The organizational review helped clarify the constraints for AR, and propose management schemes adapted to the local context, and propose mechanisms for costs recovery. Moreover, the RS technical solutions study [19] has identified two pilot projects to be implemented within the Nador sub-project:

• High-end individual sanitation; • Settled Sewage Network connected to an existing treatment plant.

The study also proposes the implementation of a major program to support the project, including:

• Gathering and dissemination of good practices from the area of project intervention in the Nador province;

• Stakeholders awareness raising and capacity building (rural communes, households, suppliers, construction and transport companies, etc.);

• Creation of an RS market through a variety of interventions aimed at stakeholders (household awareness, training of local construction companies, provision of RS equipment, provision of drain services, etc.).

The proposed accompanying program will provide solutions adapted to local conditions, and consistent with ONEP’s current mandate.

5.2.5.5 RS impacts analysis

The evaluation of the various project activities has confirmed that special attention should be given to rural sanitation, particularly regarding individual connections (HC). Indeed, in rural areas, volumes of used water produced depend on the source of the water supplied. These volumes are considered ‘low’ when water supply comes from a well or spring (approximately 5 to 10 l / day / per capita), ‘average’ from a standpipe (about 15 to 20 l / d / per capita), and ‘high’ in the case of individual connections (about 35 to 50 l / day / per capita). It is nevertheless useful to clarify that, as shown in the figure below, the increased volume of used water generated by access to drinking water will be mainly composed of gray water. [19]

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Source [19] It should be noted that in its current state, the project involves a HC and SP distribution of about 8% and 90% respectively. However, given the strong demand for HC, particularly in the case of Nador, HC rate is expected to grow rapidly. In designing the project, ONEP has considered two allocations (50 l / person / day for HC, and 20 l / person / day for SP ), and a gradual increase of the HC rate, from 0% currently to 100 % in 2030.

Recommended water allocation evolution

Year 2008 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Allocation (l/per capita day)

20 38 44 49 49 50

Source [19]

In any event, piping design for the project was sized based on an allocation of 50 liters per capita per day by 2030. The environmental impact of used water generated due to rural populations WS depends on several factors, particularly the following:

• Type of connection, SP or HC; • Consumption habits; • Type of existing sanitation; • Type of habitats; • Housing density des habitations ; • Topography; • Soil permeability; • Proximity to water supply sources; • Existence of groundwater and water tables depth; • Environmental sensitivity.

Thus, the intensity of used water impacts depends mainly on the quantities of water generated (connection type, water consumption habits), habitat density (scattered, grouped or concentrated habitats), soil permeability, and environmental sensitivity. Indeed, WS applicant douars are very diverse in terms of their typology, habitat density, physical environment, water needs and consumption habits, capacity to organize, and payment ability, etc. This diversity makes it difficult to assess RWS environmental impacts.

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However, an analysis of these impacts based on observations made during field visits (type of habitat, RS systems used in douars already supplied, and environmental sensitivity) shows that:

• For most douars supplied through SP or HC, the impact of used water would be localized and of average importance. The implementation of an accompanying program, part of the project, and designed for the promotion and creation of favorable conditions for the use of an enhanced or high-end AI, will contribute to improving water treatment effectiveness and reducing environmental impacts of most WS scattered or grouped douars projects.

• For the concentrated douars that experience used water saturation and may be exposed to wild discharges risks in case of HC, the impact of used water on the environment would be of major importance.

Despite the fact that the latter type of douars constitutes a minority 7, it remains that without the provision of adequate sanitation services, they have the potential of becoming the black spots and jeopardize the project’s achievements. It is therefore essential for the project to identify them, and provide solutions ensuring quality treatment. The recommendations relating to the identification of these douars, and for mitigation measures of potential impacts on the environment, are presented in the following section:

5.2.6 Impacts analysis conclusion

The analysis of project impacts on the environment has highlighted the vital benefits of the project on the concerned rural people human development. The analysis has also identified some negative impacts on the environment that could potentially undermine project’s benefits and sustainability. Mitigation measures and recommendations, elements of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the project, are likely to control negative impacts, and thus insure sustainability of its beneficial results.

6. Publics consultations

Public consultation on the project environmental aspects took place during the workshops of July 15, 2009 in El Jadida, July 23, 2009 in Nador, and July 27, 2009 in Safi. This public consultation allowed informing the public and stakeholders on project activities, and involving them in assessing possible effects on the environment, while providing them with an opportunity to make comments and proposals. With regard to Errachidia Province, public consultations have been conducted at this stage of project progress given that the works envisaged for the regional supply of Tafilalet consist of a renewal / enhancement of the existing pipe, essentially along sections of existing pipelines. Specific consultations are nevertheless expected later for new sections of the regional supply system.

7 Douars with concentrated housing concern primarily the Nador sub-project.

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Thus, in addition to meetings conducted during the field visits, three consultation workshops were organized in the province of Nador, Safi and El Jadida. Overall, more than 60 people involved in the project have been consulted in the areas of project intervention. In general, people join the project and see it as an opportunity to improve their living conditions. Several advantages of project activities were highlighted during discussions. Thus, according to those consulted, the project will:

9 Induce a reduction in the use of their wells; 9 Improve water quality; 9 Allow to make better use of time, previously spent in collecting water; 9 Improve revenues through lower price of the m3 provided by ONEP, and contribute to

lower spending on health care; 9 Contribute to improving vulnerable populations’ health (infants, children and elderly).

Regarding the project's potential impacts on the environment, no negative impact has been cited by those present at the consultations. Indeed, most habitats are summarily equipped with infiltration wells improperly called septic tanks. The workshops were used to sensitize participants on the need for an adequate used water treatment system. Concerns raised during the public consultation campaign include:

• Project implementation time: people have stressed the urgency of the project and the need for its speedy implementation;

• The issue of the poorest people participation in financing.

The workshops have also confirmed the strong demand for HC.

7. Environmental and Social Management Plan

7.1 Introduction An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) aims at integrating the environmental and social dimensions in project design, planning, management, and implementation. An ESMP helps anticipating possible nuisances related to project activities, and determining procedures and measures to mitigate their impacts on the environment and the affected population. The proposed ESMP below incorporates the results of the project activities analysis, their impacts on the environment as well as the structures and procedures for managing and implementing the project. It includes four components:

9� Environmental management and coordination; 9� Project negative impacts mitigation measures; 9� Project environmental performance monitoring plan; 9� Environmental and social capacity building Program.

7.2 Environmental management and coordination

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The project environmental management objective is to ensure EA recommendations implementation and monitoring (mitigation measures and ESMP), in accordance with the World Bank safeguard policies and the country’s environmental regulations; as well as to prepare the necessary elements for post-project evaluation based on the project environmental indicators monitoring and measurement. Human Resources must be allocated to achieve these objectives. Experience has shown that the technical teams in charge of monitoring the implementation of the project cannot in addition assume responsibility for its environmental aspects (because of inadequate qualifications, busy schedules, conflicting mandates, etc.). Project management and supervision at the local level lies within the competence of ONEP’s Provincial Directorates or the Agence Mixte in the case of Sidi Bennour. Project technical supervision is ensured by a consulting firm selected through invitation to tender.

Environmental management is ensured by ONEP Rabat, more specifically by its Environment Division within the Department for Sanitation and the Environment (DAE). The latter has a staff of 70 people, including 51 managers, 11 technicians and supervisors, and 8 agents. The Environment Division provides environmental procedures for project monitoring.

The DAE has developed several guides and reference documents specific to environmental management for water supply and sanitation projects. These documents are made available to suppliers and service providers as a reference, to standardize the environmental management approach, and facilitate the integration of environmental aspects in project implementation and ONEP’s projects environmental monitoring. These documents include:

• Methodological Guide for Environmental Assessment of water supply and sanitation projects [16].

• Requirements for Environmental and Social Management in construction phase (draft) [17].

• Methodological Guide for the establishment of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) (planned) [18]

• Guides for surveillance and environmental monitoring (planned) [18] • Environmental Audit Protocol for used water treatment plants [31].

At this level, it is recommended to finalize the development of the guides, and consider the development of two other guides for water treatment stations. In addition, project environmental management and monitoring requires that an ONEP’s Environment Division executive be assigned to perform the following tasks related to environment:

Â Management, coordination and supervision of all project environmental activities;

Â Implementation of ESMP recommended activities, particularly the measures designed to mitigate negative impacts;

Â Implementation of the proposed program for project stakeholders environmental capacity building;

Â Monitoring and evaluation of all project activities environmental performance;

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Â Environmental monitoring of construction sites for compliance with ONEP’s Environmental and Social Management requirements and Bidding Documents environmental specifications;

Â Preparation of the project annual report on the environment;

Â Provide environmental reporting to project management, the central directorate, and project partners international institutions.

Â Programming and supervision of environmental assessment audits and missions.

Â Preparation of documentation, reports and records concerning the project environmental aspects.

Technical Assistance should be involved in project environmental management efforts through the appointment of an expert in charge of environmental aspects. In addition to being in charge of the environmental monitoring program, the expert must be associated in the selection of contracting companies and in acceptance of completed work. Technical Assistance will allow to better integrate the environmental protection component into project activities selection, design and implementation; and ensure compliance with environmental standards; thus contributing to mitigating project activities impacts on the environment.

7.3 Mitigation of project negative impacts This section of the ESMP describes the measures that should be taken to eliminate, reduce, or offset any project environmental impact considered severe or critical during the previous evaluation. Reduction measures to be proposed within this framework are based on experts on environmental protection advices, taking into account current practices and available technologies. The proposed measures are based, on the one hand, on an analysis of the current state of the environment in project intervention areas and its vulnerabilities, and, on the other hand, on an analysis of predicted impacts of the various project components and implementation phases. The assessment and analysis of project impacts made it possible to identify mitigation or compensation measures summarized in the following paragraphs:

7.3.1 Demand management

It is expected that the volumes of water currently being consumed increase after SP and HC commissioning. Despite the fact that used water volumes are relatively smaller in rural than urban areas, there is a need to educate users about water scarcity, the real costs of water, and the importance of efficient use of resources.

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Current modes of water supply to rural people require the adoption of measures to optimize the use of available volumes of water. Consumption habits favorable to rationalizing water use are already acquired in rural areas, and awareness campaigns for more efficient water use must be scheduled before the implementation of the project, and during the operational phase. These campaigns should aim at preserving and strengthening the habits already acquired to avoid behavioral changes.

7.3.2 Construction phase impacts mitigation

The impacts generated in the construction sites by WS-related activities such as laying the supply and distribution pipelines, drilling, and occasional construction works (treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, etc.) were considered of low importance as well as local and temporary. Most of these activities are concerned by good management practices for work sites that are detailed in ONEP’s methodological guide for environmental assessment of water supply and sanitation projects [16]. Similarly, mitigation measures relating to specific work sites are identified in each of the three projects’ EIS [5] [6] [7]. Bidding Documents will specify that contractors will be held to good management practices as per ONEP’s Environmental and Social Management guidelines [17] and to site specific Environmental and Social Management Plan mitigation and reporting requirements, consistent with specific environmental assessments developed for each of the three main subprojects in component 1.

7.3.3 Operation phase : water treatment

The project concerns two water treatment plants:

• Construction of a new tranche of 560 l/s in Nador potable water treatment plant;

• Construction of a new water treatment plant of 500 l/s (two units of 250 l/s) to supply the provinces of Safi, Youssoufia and Sidi Bennour.

The analysis of the treatment plants impacts on the environment has been presented in paragraph 5.2.3 of the report. Mitigation measures concerning Nador and CHS treatment plants identified in the EISs ([6] [7]) will be taken into account in the design of these two sub-projects, and incorporated in their Bidding Documents. An on-site sludge treatment unit will be incorporated in the plant. In addition, water used for washing filters will be recycled and used water discharge will be limited. The main additional mitigation recommendations are:

• Burial in a landfill site or recovery of dried sludge; • Conducting an environmental audit of the two stations after the first year

of operation; • Accident risks management manual for storage and handling of chemicals

used in water treatment plants.

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Thanks to the measures proposed for sludge treatment, the control of liquid waste and of accidental pollution by chemical reagents, the residual impact of WTPs on the environment will be localized and minor.

7.3.4 Operation phase: used water

The analysis of used water impacts on the environment linked to rural populations WS 8 leads to distinguishing two categories of douars:

• The douars supplied through SP or HC whose impacts will be controlled and contained through the accompanying program included in the project;

• The concentrated douars that are at risk of saturation, with used water illegal discharge

in case of HC, and / or are located in a sensitive environment (protected area, close to vulnerable water resources, etc.).

For the first category of douars, the project provides an integrated support program to launch a provincial IS market, and conduct stakeholders awareness raising and capacity building (CRs, household equipment suppliers, local construction companies, service providers, etc.), and for the gathering and dissemination of successful RS experiences. The program is also concerned by the implementation of improved IS pilot, or high-standard appropriate semi-collective or collective systems. The accompanying program for the RS component of the project will be subject to a strengthened environmental monitoring effort within EMP, in order to ensure that IS systems are implemented, especially for douars equipped in HC, and that generated greywater environmental impacts are controlled.9

Regarding the second category of douars, despite their relatively small number, the fact remains that without the provision of appropriate sanitation services, these douars have the potential to generate major negative impacts on the natural environment.

The mitigation measures proposed for this category of douars involve the use of a screening tool to identify negative impacts. Once impacts are identified, the douars should be subject to a specific sanitation study in order to determine the appropriate sanitation system. The screening tool and the rationale for douars segregation criteria according to the importance of greywater impacts on the environment are presented in the following paragraph.

The proposed approach allows overcoming the constraints related to the diversity of douars, in particular in terms of habitats, and proposes differentiated mitigation measures. With the implementation of the program accompanying the RS component, the application of the screening tool for the identification and management of douars that may have major impacts on the environment, and strengthening the environmental monitoring component of the RS project, the environmental impact of greywater generated will be small and localized.

7.3.5 Social risks management

8 See paragraph 5.2.5 9 See the surveillance and monitoring plan in paragraph 7.4

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The impact analysis results revealed that project activities have indisputable positive impacts on the hygiene and public health of the beneficiaries (see par. 5.2). Easier access to sufficient and good quality water will undoubtedly enhance the social and economic conditions of the beneficiaries. However, project activities have also minor social risks as they relate to non-equitable access by the poor to the benefits of the project and the potential cause of discord among the communities in case of insufficient participation or communication. Those risks will be managed by the ESMP through the implementation of a social mobilization plan, the selection by the community of the level of service (SP/HC), credit facilities, traditional solidarity approaches to share with the poor and the adoption of a frequent communication policy with the populations targeted by the project.

7.3.6 Summary of the environmental and social negative impacts mitigation plan

The following table summarizes the environmental and social negative impacts mitigation plan, as presented in the previous paragraphs:

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SUMMARY OF IMPACTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES

Negative impactsPositive impacts

Source of theimpact

Environment/affected element

Nature of the impact Intensity Nature of the impact Intensity

Eased access to Drinking Water, includingincreased quantity and better quality: socio-economic, health and economic impacts arevery positivewith a clear improvement inthequality of life of the rural people served

MajorMobilizing andusing waterresources

Water

Increased pressure on a depleting resource

Mitigation: Awareness-raising of the public on waterconservation

Average

Preservation of groundwater resources Average

Risk of soil and water resources pollution throughmud.Mitigation: Sludge treatment and disposal of treatedsludge in controlled landfills

Average

Water treatment Water and soilRisk of accidental pollution by wastewater oruncontrolled chemical products.Mitigation: Developing a plan to prevent risks ofaccidental pollution.Monitoring: WTPs Environmental audits after thefirst year of operation.

Moderate

Water purification Major

Supply works, andspecial constructionworks

Water, soil and air

Dust, noise, hydrocarbon emissions and waste oildischarge, solid waste, and road traffic disruption.Mitigation: best management practices regardingconstructional works. ONEP requirements formanaging environmental and social projects.

Weakimpact,

localizedand

transient

Jobscreation (local workers aresolicitedfor theworks ) - tertiary sectordevelopment

Weak

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10 Seeparagraph 7.4.4. 4 for douars classification in CI and CII

Negative impacts Positive impactsSource of the

impact

Environment/affected element Nature of the impact Intensity Nature of the impact Intensity

Used waterDouars CI

10 Water and soil

Risk of saturation and illegal discharge ofwastewater - Risk of increased concentrations ofpathogens in water and soil - Risks of waterbornediseases.Mitigation: Identification through screening process -specific RS studies, and HC conditionality:implementation of appropriate treatment systemrecommended by thestudies.Monitoring:• Adoption of aperformance indicator for

specific RS project activities;• Monitoring water quality in pilot douars;• AR component evaluation study after second

year of program activity.

Major

Used waterDouars CII2 Water and soil

Risk of soil and water contamination. Risk ofwaterborne diseases.Mitigation: Identification through screening andsupport for the implementation of improved or high-standing IS solutions

Monitoring:

• Adoption of a specific performance indicatorfor RS project activities.• Monitoring of water quality in the pilot douars.• Evaluation study of the RS program componentafter the second year of program activity.

Moderate

• Contribution to the implementation ofthe national RS strategy (inpreparation).

• Development and implementation ofRS solutions adapted to rural areas.

• Creation of a RS market• RS stakeholders awareness-raising

and capacity building (Ruralmunicipalities, households, suppliers,construction and transport enterprises,etc.).

• Creation of stable jobs for skilledworkers.

• Contribution to the reduction ofwaterborne diseases due to lack of AR

Major

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7.4 Surveillance and environmental monitoring plan 7.4.1 Project environmental monitoring and reporting arrangements

ONEP’s Department for Sanitation and Environment (DAE) will be responsible for the sanitation component, environmental screening, environmental assessment and environmental monitoring of project activities with the support in the field by experts provided by the Technical Assistance consultant. The environmental monitoring actions proposed for the project are specified in the following paragraphs. The results of all environmental monitoring and environmental performance evaluation activities will be documented and archived. They will be included in an annual environmental monitoring report. In addition, corrective actions concerning the constraints and deficiencies linked to ESMP implementation will be included. In addition to annual environmental monitoring reports to be generated for the Project, ONEP will include information on safeguards policies application and monitoring in its periodic progress reports to the Bank, including those related to the implementation of site-specific ESMP specified in construction bidding documents.

7.4.2 Environmental conformity of construction works

Construction work activities do not require borrowing materials from quarries. All materials (cement, sand, bricks, reinforcing bars, etc.) will be brought to the site11.

Monitoring the implementation of recommendations to mitigate the construction phase impacts includes the verification of compliance by the contractors of the contract’s special conditions (Cahiers de Prescriptions Spéciales), and ONEP’s Environmental and Social Management requirements for the works phase12 [17].

This verification will focus on the sites location, the organization of solid waste collection, the maintenance of site accommodation, machinery maintenance, etc. This activity will be supervised by the environmental manager assisted by technical experts.

The environmental manager is also involved in the acceptance of the work carried out procedure (réception des travaux). Indeed, the CPSs must include a provision about construction site cleaning at the end of the work carried out. All acceptance of work carried out must include a note describing the cleaning work performed, and the site conditions afterwards. The Minutes of the acceptance of work must include a provision concerning environmental compliance in line with ONEPs requirements for environmental and social management. Copies of these minutes should be directed to the project environmental manager.

11 If it is really necessary to operate a new carry to meet the project works needs, the construction company should submit an application for approval and perform an EIE of the quarry in accordance with the laws in force in Morocco. The works cannot start before obtaining permission to operate the quarry. 12 Under preparation.

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7.4.3 Treatment plan environmental monitoring

ONEP conducts rigorous monitoring of the quality of treated water for drinking water production. In addition to monitoring activities, part of WTPs internal procedures, it is necessary to ensure WTPs environmental monitoring and verify that the mitigation measures proposed by the EIAs have been effectively implemented. It is recommended for this purpose to conduct an environmental audit of the project WTPs at the end of the first year of operation. Particular attention should be paid during the audit to sludge treatment, residual sludge fate, solid and liquid waste from WTPs, procedures for managing risks of accidental pollution and hazards associated with storing and handling chemicals, etc. A copy of the environmental audit report should be addressed to the project environmental manager, who will discuss with the plant’s technical managers and the consultancy firm responsible for environmental auditing the corrective measures recommended to address any identified shortcomings.

7.4.4 Environmental monitoring and surveillance of the project’s RS component

The environmental monitoring and surveillance of the project AR’s component will include four complementary actions:

• Adoption of a project performance indicator specific to project RS activities; • Monitoring of water quality in pilot douars;• Evaluation study of the RS program component after the second year of program

activities; • Screening tool for identifying douars whose environmental impacts are potentially

important.

7.4.4.1 AR performance indicator

To ensure better monitoring of the RS component it is recommended to provide the project with a specific indicator. An example of indicator is provided below:

• At least 70% of HC beneficiaries are provided with adequate facilities for the management of greywater.

7.4.4.2 Monitoring pilot douars water quality

Given the importance of the sanitation component and the potential impacts of greywater, especially in highly populated douars supplied through HC, it is necessary to monitor the quality of water points in pilot douars. It is thus suggested to implement a water quality monitoring plan, in order to monitor the evolution of chemical and biological water pollution (surface and groundwater) in pilot douars.

It should be noted that ONEP benefits from a well-established expertise in water quality monitoring; with a laboratory with more than 200 staff members, including fifty executive; and technical equipment for gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption; and mobile laboratory units.

ONEP’s regional laboratories mission is:

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• quality monitoring of the water produced and distributed; • testing and analysis relating to the design of WS and sanitation projects; • pollution control of the water that could be used for human consumption.

ONEP’s regional laboratories mission extends to developing and monitoring the implementation of the strategy for monitoring water quality in rural areas and the provision of technical assistance services to third parties (prestations d’assistance technique aux tiers). The plan for monitoring pilot douars water quality of the village may be implemented in line with the monitoring programs developed by ONEP laboratories. It is suggested to select a sample representing 5% of the douars supplied with HC. As the number of douars supplied by HC will not exceed 200 douars located mainly in Nador Province, it is recommended to select 10 douars in this province. Selected HC supplied pilot douars should be representative of the diversity of project HC supplied douars. The screening tool criteria can be adopted for selecting a representative sample of douars: density, soil permeability, proximity and vulnerability of water resources, proximity to a protected area, etc. (see below). The underground water quality monitoring plan in selected douars will include 5 to 10 spots per douar, based on the number sources of water available in the area. Overall, the water quality monitoring plan will include around 60 water points. The environmental indicators selected for monitoring the quality of water points should include, among others, the following key parameters:

¾ Faecal coliform, total coliform, faecal streptococci

¾ BOD5, COD, Dissolved oxygen, Oxydability, Nitrates, Phosphorus, anionic detergents

Monitoring will concern both water points located in the hydraulic downstream of douars and those located upstream. The latter will be used as a reference for comparing and analyzing groundwater quality evolution.

It is important to perform the characterization of the reference by carrying out at least two measurement campaigns in the pilot douars before starting project activities. The proposed monitoring plan should thus be implemented to characterize the initial state of the project environment before starting the works. Then, it will be adopted to accompany the project operational phase of the.

Regarding the frequency of measurement, it is recommended to carry out campaigns at least on a bi-annual basis, to take account of seasonality and its effect on water resources.

The data collected after the implementation of the monitoring plan will be included in biannual reports. Copies of these reports must be forwarded to the project environmental manager, who will synthesize the data, establish the environmental indicators evolution trends for pilot water points; and calibrate the monitoring network, sampling frequency, and the elements to analyze. Based on the results of the analysis campaigns, it is recommended to maintain the analysis for at least two years following the start of network operation.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR SAMPLE WATER POINTS(INITIAL STATE AND OPERATION PHASE)

Resource Indicators Frequency Observations ObjectivesBiological parameters(FC, CT, SF) : Min

MaxAv

Organic parameters(DBO, DCO,Dissolved oxygen,oxydability) : Min

MaxAv

Chemical parameters(Nitrates, phosphorusand anionicdetergents) : Min

MaxAv

Physical parameters(pH, CE, T°C) : Min

MaxAv

1. In comparison with the standard. Ifexceeded, explain the likely cause:

2. Provide historic trend : increase -reduction - stagnant

Piezometric level Interpret fluctuations in relation to rainfallhistory and evolution of the samplings at thescale of the water table.

Underground water- Piezometric level- Sample flow rate(Débit prélevé)- Quality

Sample flow rate(Débit prélevé)

Twice a year to reflect theeffect ofseasons on the resource

Interpret the reasons for solicitinggroundwater resources.

¾ Impact on groundwater quality:% of water points withbacteriological pollution

¾ Impact on groundwater quality:% of water points with organicpollution

¾ Impact on groundwater quality:% of water points withchemical pollution

¾ Evolution of groundwatersolicitation: % of volumes ofwater taken from the table inrelation to the volumes ofwater taken from thenetwork.

¾ Evolution of the Piezometricsurface: % of the Piezometricsurface between 5 and 10meters in relation to the soil–average yearly fluctuation inmeters

7.4.4.3RS achievements assessment study

Implementation of the RS component, and mitigation measures of the environmental impacts of greywater generated particularly by HCs, depend primarily on the success of the project accompanying program. It is therefore essential to monitor the project’s RS achievements by assessing its results. It is thus recommended to conduct an evaluation of the accompanying program, after the second year of project activity, and the weaknesses and constraints should be identified and relevant measures to overcome them must be clearly specified in the subsequent report.

7.4.4.4Douars environmental screening

The tool proposed for environmental screening allows, at the Preliminary studies stage, to identify the concentrated douars that are supplied through HCs, whose used water has the potential to generate major environmental impacts. Using this tool will allow to include most rural douars in the RS accompanying program (see paragraph 5.2.5.5), and not in the sanitation technical studies or the EAs. The proposed tool is therefore a means of dividing the applicant douars for WS, in ‘common system’ douars (régime commun), included in the ESMP, and ‘special arrangements’ douars (régime particulier) requiring specific RS solutions. The following paragraphs present and justify the criteria used by the proposed environmental screening tool. Screening criteria : The analysis of RWS projects environmental aspects shows that the criteria ‘type of connection’ is the first critical ranking parameter (paramètre critique d’hiérarchisation) of douars according to their potential impacts on the environment. Indeed, in rural areas, the volumes of used water are produced according to the type of water supply. These volumes are low in the case of supply from a well or spring (approximately 5 to 10 l / day / inhab.), average from a standpipe (about 15 to 20 l / d / inhab.) and high in the case of individual connection (about 35 to 50 liters / day / pers.) Under these conditions, the environmental impacts of RWS projects that include standpipes are generally low and can be categorized as common system (régime commun) projects with low impacts. In the RS project environmental analysis, the second level for prioritizing environmental impacts is housing density. The douars requesting WS present are significantly diverse in terms of type and housing density, which determines the type of sanitation system: individual sanitation for used water from a single house or a group or collective system. Housing density, and the number of people concerned are the two most important parameters for the selection of individual, group, or collective systems.

The third level of RWS projects environmental impact analysis relates to the natural environment vulnerability, and especially water resources and soils infiltration capacity. Environmental impacts will therefore dependent on soil permeability, aquifers structure (faults, karstic) and the water-table Piezometric level. Individual sanitation systems consist of simple dry wells or septic tanks (treatment cases). Septic tanks have three functions: (1) decantation, (2) storage of solids decanted for two years or more, and (3) digestion (liquefaction). Anaerobic digestion is a beneficial consequence of sludge storage. When all the dissolved oxygen is consumed, anaerobic bacteria decompose organic compounds, transforming them into soluble compounds and gases, including H2, CO2, NH3, H2S and CH4. The septic tank is therefore uses to liquefy and mineralize effluents, to prepare them for infiltration. If the septic tank allows the reduction of DBO5 and MES, it has no effect on the load of pathogens. However, soils treatment capacity is important: a 2 meter distance in an unsaturated soil is usually sufficient to eliminate pathogens. With regard to saturated soils (not cracked), they also allow for elimination of pathogens, but over longer distances (10 to 20m).

Thus, RS technical solutions that can be adopted (individual or collective) are based in their design on the self-cleaning properties of soils (see table below). In this case, soil nature and structure, and the characteristics of the unsaturated area, determine the effectiveness of natural treatment by soil.

Type of soil Infiltration capacity, settled effluent (l/m2/d)

Coarse to medium sand 50

Fine sand, loamy sand 33

Sandy silt, silt 25

Porous silty mud and porous silty clay loam 20

Compact silty loam, compact silty clay loam, and non-swelling mud (Argile non gonflante) 10

Swelling mud (Argile gonflante) <10 Source : Guide d’assainissement pour le technicien d’association, WHO-ONEP, [34].

In the case of waterproof soil, the filtering trenches can reduce bacterial pollution loads. The waters treated in such a way are discharged into the natural environment. However, they must meet the project requirements (standards) for direct discharges. Groundwater level, soils self-cleaning properties, and discharge of liquid effluents after treatment (for projects developed on low permeability soil) are the three major environmental criteria governing the classification of RWS projects according to their potential impacts on the environment. Screening approach: As stated above, the screening tool should allow douars classification according to their potential impacts on the environment, divided in ‘common system’ douars which are dealt with in the consolidated ESMP, and ‘special arrangements’ douars requiring RS solutions and specific EA studies.

The screening form presented in Annex D is used to collect the information needed to characterize the natural environment and to provide a description of project components. Its objective is the classification of RWS projects according to their likely impacts on the environment. The classification resulting from the use of this screening form helps to identify CI projects labeled ‘special arrangements’, which are likely to have significant environmental impacts and must be studied further, including an RS technical study. Other projects classified CII and labeled ‘common system’, will most likely have little impact on the environment, and can be dealt with in the consolidated ESMP program in its entirety. It is worth noting that the screening form is intended to be used in Preliminary technical studies of RWS projects by executives who are not necessarily experts in environmental issues. The screening form was designed to serve the twin purposes of simplicity and effectiveness, for quick and accurate identification of projects with high potential impact on the environment. Alternatively, the task of collecting data and information may be entrusted to the environmental manager. Furthermore, it should be noted that the characterization and classification douars require local permeability measurements. This parameter is very important for determining the appropriate sanitation system. It is therefore recommended to carry out soil permeability measurements for each douar during the Preliminary technical studies. Projects classification is based on four criteria to characterize projects potential environmental impacts:

• Type of connection • Housing density • Infiltration capacity • Environmental vulnerability

The decision tree diagram for projects classification based on these four criteria is presented below:

Type de branchement BI Non CII

Oui

Densité de l'habitat Dispersé Mixte ConcentréDh Dh > DL Dl < Dh < DL Dh < Dl

CII CI

Capacité d'infiltration Forte infiltration Faible infiltrationCi Ci > 10 l/m2/j Ci < 10 l/m2/j

CII

Vulnérabilité du milieuMilieu sensible

Non

CII

Ressources en eauvulnérables-Milieu sensible

CI Oui

It should be noted that the density criterion is based on two limit values of dispersed habitats and habitats in cluster (habitats dispersés et groupés) characterization: DL et Dl. These values are not fixed at this stage of the EA study. They must take into account the results of the current RS and be validated on the basis of the list of douars targeted by the RWS project. These values will be defined later for the final version of the screening form based on the validation results.

Regarding Cl projects, it should be noted that douars in this category may not be equipped with collective sanitation and treatment systems in one WWTP. Intermediate solutions exist with semi-collective systems or decanted used water networks systems (Réseaux d'Eaux Usées Décantées -REUD) [19] connected to existing plants. In fact, the proposed RS system will take into account existing facilities to optimize the cost of treatment.

Examples of criteria for characterizing environmental sensitivity are presented below:

• Proximity of a particular ecosystem; • Proximity of an exploited or exploitable groundwater table; • Proximity of rivers; • Nearby sources and water points; • Near a water table; • Area located on main traffic routes feeding the catchment; • Area near a water catchment facility, and in a karstic medium (abundant limestone); • Steepland; • Floodplain or area below sea level; • Polluted soil; • Saline soil or soil containing gypsum (sulfate-reducing conditions, which are harmful

to the environment and source of biological or chemical dissolution of rocks); • Quarry area.

The CI classified douars will benefit from sanitation technical studies undertaken by ONEP to define an appropriate and optimized treatment method. These douars will be subjected to individual connection conditionality by ONEP. Since ONEP has no explicit mandate to support the supplied douars, the Ministry of the Interior, Rural Communes, and users should ensure funding of the douars’ sanitation projects. The implementation and supervision of RS technical projects may be delegated to ONEP according to regulatory arrangements to be specified. Finally, the screening grid (mouture de la grille de tamisage) proposed in this report should be adapted as needed during RWS projects implementation, taking into account the experience gained by ONEP in terms of AR.

7.5 Environmental capacity building

An assessment of environmental capacity should be conducted for every ONEP Regional Directorate involved in it, before the launching of the project. In addition, an awareness and training program on environmental impacts assessment and mitigation will be provided to the managers of the concerned ONEP’s technical departments, and the consulting firms involved in the sector. ONEP’s methodological guide for Environmental Assessment of water supply and sanitation projects will be used as educational support material for this training program

(workshop) [16].

Moreover, ONEP has recently developed a manual regarding the requirements of Environmental and Social management during construction phase [17]. This manual can be used for construction companies’ capacity building, which could achieved in organizing a workshop on environmental management during construction phase. Similarly, a workshop on projects environmental surveillance and monitoring will be provided to stakeholders. ONEP’s guides in project related environmental surveillance and monitoring can be used in these workshops. Moreover, RS is an important component of projects’ environmental management. Several guides exist and can be used for capacity building purposes of the actors involved in AR. The project accompanying program related to RS includes also awareness-raising, demonstration and training activities aimed at the actors involved on the ground. Within this context, it is necessary to provide awareness-raising and training workshops for each category of stakeholders: ONEP’s technical executives, service providers, suppliers, CRs, households. Thus, five types of targeted workshops can be organized. The summary of the proposed capacity building program is presented below:

Subject Target Support

ONEP concerned technical staff

EA for WS projects Technical staff intervening in the sector

ONEP’s EA Guide [16]


Environmental Management during the construction phase

Technical staff from construction companies intervening in the sector

Instructions for Environmental and Social management in construction phase (ONEP) [17]


Projects Environmental Monitoring

Technical staff from construction companies intervening in the sector

Planned ONEP Guides relating to environmental monitoring

ONEP concerned technical staff Suppliers AR Service providers Concerned CRs

Greywater management and rural sanitation practice

Households

FAO/ONEP Guides

The proposed capacity building workshop will be conducted by experts in environmental management and protection; environmental surveillance and monitoring; and design and implementation of sanitation projects in rural areas.

8 Analysis of project activities in relation to the World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies

The regional rural and urban WSS project being financed by a loan from the World Bank, the activities planned under the project should be analyzed to determine compliance with the Bank’s environmental and social safeguards policies. All project components have been extensively examined within the context of this EA, to verify compliance with these policies. The main results and conclusions of this review are presented below:

8.1 Policy OP 4.01: Environmental Assessment

Rural and urban WSS regional supply project activities have been subjected to an environmental assessment that includes, among others, the identification of potential impacts on the environment, and appropriate mitigation measures. The development of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is also included, in order to take into account environmental protection concerns in the design and implementation of project activities.

The results of the analysis of project impacts on the environment, as explained in paragraph 5, confirm the absence of critical and irreversible negative impacts. With the exception of the RS components, the project's impacts on the environment are considered weak and localized. The RS component has been the subject of special attention in the project EA. The mitigation approach proposed in the ESMP and the environmental monitoring plan (see paragraph 7) contributes to reducing used water impacts on the environment to a degree deemed acceptable.

Given the critical impact of WSS on human development of the rural people involved, most project impacts are positive and they outweigh the few negative impacts identified. According to the results of this environmental assessment, the classification of this project as a category "B" project by the World Bank is justified because of the numerous environmental and social benefits generated, and the manageable environmental impacts.

8.1.1 Policy OP 4.12 : Involuntary Resettlement Policy The project will not finance sub-projects that involve involuntary displacement of populations. However, land acquisition and temporary occupation will take place for the construction works financed by the project, and therefore policy OP 4.12 does apply.

Land plots required for the project collective works area small. They must be obtained through an amicable agreement with the owners or the municipality. In case of dispute or disagreement, the expropriation for public procedure use will be applied. The provisions of Law No. 7-81 on expropriation for public utility and temporary occupancy are presented in a separate report dealing with conditions of land acquisition for the project [33]. A master plan has been developed concerning the possible expropriation of land

required to build collective facilities and infrastructure as part of the project, in compliance with the provisions of this law and the policy requirements of the World Bank, [33]

8.1.2 Other Safeguard Policies

The project environmental assessment project has also confirmed that the eight other safeguard policies do not apply to project activities:

• OP 4.04 : Natural Habitats Policy. According to available information and in reference to the master plan for protected areas in Morocco, the project intervention areas do not support concern areas and / or sites of biological and ecological interest (SIBE)13. Accordingly, this policy does not apply to this project.

• OP 4.36 : Forest Policy. Morocco has developed and adopted in 1999 the National Forest Program (Programme Forestier National -PNF) which defines the priority functions of the Moroccan forest and actions to undertake in that regard Project activities in rural areas don’t take place in forest areas, but in or around villages (douars). Accordingly, the project will not impact on health, on the management and use of forests, or on forest users. The provisions of the Forest safeguard policy OP 4.36 does not for that reason apply to project activities.

• OP 4.09: Pest Management Policy. The Project will finance neither the purchase nor the use of chemical pesticides. Project activities won’t therefore contribute to the increase in the use of chemical pesticides in the areas of project intervention. Consequently, the policy on pest management does not apply to this project.

• OP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples Policy. "Indigenous group" means a social group with a specific social and cultural identity, distinct from the dominant social group, and is consequently vulnerable and disadvantaged, particularly in relation to the development process. On the basis of available information and data, there are no indigenous groups in project intervention areas. Accordingly, this policy does not apply to this project.

• OP 4.11: Physical Cultural resources. ONEP’s RWS project includes occasional construction works (water treatment plants, pumping stations, tanks, etc.) that may pose a risk to cultural heritage. Under Moroccan law (Law 22-80 on Cultural Heritage and Law No. 11-03 relating to the protection and enhancement of the environment (Article 8)), all facilities and infrastructure that will be built as part of this project will have to be located outside archaeological sites and away from classified sites and monuments. It should be noted that the requirements for Environmental and Social Management refer to compliance with both national and donor legal requirements [17]. Moreover, these requirements also stipulate that when objects or relics that may have an artistic, archaeological, historical or religious character are excavated, the contractor must notify the contracting authority and other concerned authorities, according to existing regulations. The contractor cannot move these objects or remains without the

13 Voir paragraphe 4.1

authorization of the contracting authority, and must keep them safely when they have been accidentally detached. [17]

• OP 4.37: Safety of Dams. This project doesn’t include financing the construction of dams or other types of surface water catchment; consequently this policy is not applicable to this project. .

• OP 7.50: Projects on International Waterways. This project won’t affect any international waterway; therefore this policy is not applicable.

• OP 7.60: Projects in Disputed Areas. Project intervention areas are not disputed; therefore this policy is not applicable.

In summary, project activities are concerned by two World Bank environmental and social safeguards policies: OP 4.01, and OP 4.12. The EA has confirmed that environmental impacts of project activities are mostly positive. The proposed Environmental Management Plan designed to accompany the implementation of the project will mitigate the minor to moderate negative impacts. No major negative and irreversible impact has been identified. In conclusion, the environmental assessment of the RWS modernization project confirms the project as a category B, and its compliance with all the Bank’s applicable operational policies.

9 Estimated budget for ESMP implementation

The summary of the estimated budget required to implement the training program and the project ESMP monitoring plan is summarized in the table below: Heading Unit Number Unit cost (KDh Total cost (KDh __________________________________________________________________________________________ Development of two guides 2 180 360 Treatment plant environmental audit 2 150 300 Appraisal of the accompanying programme for rural sanitation (AR) 1 200 200 Workshops organization 24 50 1 200 AR accompanying programme 10 500 Technical assistance: environment component Month 15 100 1 500 Measurement programmes Number of water points to monitor 800 Frequency of measurements 12 Cost (analyses + travel) 9 600 1, 5 14 400 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Total 28 460 Contingencies (5%) 1 423 “Environment” Total Expenditures 29 883

Note that at this stage the estimated budget summary presented above is indicative. A more accurate assessment should be done once the RS accompanying program activities are determined, and the scope of the measurements programs better specified.

The amount of the budget required for ESMP implementation is about 30 MDh, representing less than 2.5% of the overall project budget.

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

[1] Aide-memoire of the preparation mission for the Urban and Rural WS Regional Supply project, World Bank, November 2008.

[2] Aide-memoire of the preparation mission for the Urban and Rural WS Regional Supply

project, World Bank, February 2009. [3] Aide-memoire of the preparation mission for the Urban and Rural WS Regional Supply

project, World Bank, April 2009. [4] Aide-memoire of the preparation mission for the Urban and Rural WS Regional Supply

project, World Bank, June 2009. [5] Etude d’alimentation en eau potable de la ville d’Errachidia et Centres avoisinants.

Mission II : Evaluation Environnementale- Mora Etudes- Septembre 2008.

[6] Etude d’Alimentation en Eau Potable des populations rurales de la Province de Safi et d’El Jadida. Mission II : Evaluation Environnementale. CID-Décembre 2006.

[7] Etude d’Evaluation Environnementale des projets d’Alimentation en Eau Potable des Communes Rurales relevant de la Province de Nador. Water Management Consulting. Juillet 2009.

[8] Urban and Rural Water Systems – Draft of the Project Appraisal Document PAD – World Bank – June 2009.

[9] Rural drinking water supply and sanitation project – Project Appraisal Document (PAD)

– World Bank – December 8 2005. [10] Becher, Stephan, Rheinischer Gemeindeunfallversicherungsverband, Heyestrasse 99,

40625 Düsseldorf. [11] Steinberg, Ralf, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohleforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz, 45470

Mülheim. [12] Rieger, Monika, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Gaußstrasse 20, 42097 Wuppertal,

Germany [13] El Guamri Y., Contamination des eaux usées du réseau d'assainissement liquide par les

oeufs d’helminthes parasites (cas de la ville de Kénitra, Maroc), Rev. Microbiol. Ind. San. Et Environn., N°1, p : 44-59 (2007)

[14] Bricha S. (2007), Etude de la qualité physicochimique et bactériologique de la nappe

phréatique M’nasra (Maroc), Afrique SCIENCE 03(3) (2007) 391 - 404 [15] Ndiaye M.L., (2006), Impacts des eaux usées sur l’évolution microbiologique des sols :

étude de cas à Pikine Dakar- Sénégal, Agrosolutions Vol 17 N°1.

[16] Guide méthodologique d’évaluation environnementale des projets d’alimentation en eau potable et d’assainissement – ONEP- 2000

[17] Prescriptions pour la Gestion Environnementale et Sociale en phase des travaux, ONEP,

Version provisoire, Juin 2009. [18] Fiche projet pour l’élaboration d’un guide méthodologique pour l’établissement d’un

Plan de Gestion Environnementale et Sociale (PGES) et finalisation des guides de surveillance et suivi environnementaux. ONEP, Février 2009.

[19] Elaboration de la composante assainissement rural du projet des Adductions Régionales

d’Alimentation en Eau Potable du milieu Urbain et Rural (sous projet Nador-Midar) - Rapport de mission 1 : Identification de la consistance de la composante d’assainissement rurale du sous projet de Nador-Midar - Identification des projets pilotes- Ecopsis- Juillet 2009

[20] Guide pour l'assainissement liquide des douars marocains, Derko Kopitopoulos, 2005 [21] Charte Communale de 2002 (revue et modifiée en 2009) - dahir N°1.02.297 relatif à

l’organisation communale- Dahir N°1-08-153 relatif au financement des collectivités locales.

[22] Décret N° 2-05-1533, relatif à l’assainissement autonome, en date du 15 Safar 1427 (16

Mars 2006). [23] Décret N°-04-553 du 24.1.2005 relatif aux déversements, écoulements, rejets, dépôts

directs ou indirects dans les eaux superficielles ou souterraines, bulletin officiel du Royaume du Maroc, Février 2005.

[24] Assainissement rural assistance technique au programme de developpement de

l’alimentation en eau potable rurale et en assainissement - Etude organisationnelle et de recouvrement de coûts de l’assainissement en milieu rural- note de synthèse- M. El Mahraz, FAO- Juin 2009.

[25] Wastewater engineering, treatment and reuse. Metcalf and Eddy, Mc Graw Hill, 2003. [26] United Nations Millennium Declaration adopted by the General Assembly of the United

Nations - 6 to 8 September 2000. [27] Atelier sur les changements climatiques / Changements climatiques et santé,

Chaouki N., 2009, [28] Oubalkace M., Suivi des progrès et promotion de politiques de gestion de la demande en

eau – Rapport national du Maroc, Gestion de la demande en eau en Méditerranée, progrès et politiques, Zaragoza, 19-21 Mars 2007.

[29] Agence du Bassin Hydraulique de l’Oum Er Rabia, Débat National sur l’eau, 2006. [30] Projet MedWestCoast : Phase du diagnostic du volet Ornithologie, sites de

l’embouchure de l’oued Moulouya, Sebkha Bou Areg, Massif des Béni Snassen, Cap des

Trois Fourches, Jbel Gourougou ; El Agbani, M.A. & Qninba, A. janvier 2002-mai 2003.

[31] Protocole d’Audit Environnemental des stations d’épuration des eaux usées –

ONEP- 2003. [32] Enquête Nationale sur la Consommation des Ménages 2000-2001. Direction des

Statistiques. [33] Projet d’alimentation en eau potable et d’assainissement en milieu rural – Plan Cadre

relatif à l’Acquisition de Terrains pour la réalisation des ouvrages ponctuels du projet. Dr Abdelmourhit Lahbabi et Dr. Khalid Anouar. Rapport préparé pour l’ONEP et la Banque Mondiale – Août 2009..

[34] Guide d’assainissement pour le technicien d’association, OMS-ONEP, 2005.

ANNEXES

ANNEX A NADOR/DRIOUCH SUB-PROJECT IMPACTS MATRIX

Source reference [7]

Source référence [7]

ANNEX B ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR ERRACHIDIA SUB- PROJET

ERRACHIDIA SUB-PROJET ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Source -reference [5] : Potable water supply study for the city of Errachidia and surrounding Centres. Mission II : Environmental assessment- Mora Studies- September 2008. The project is designed to supply drinking water to the E-Rachidia, Arfoud, and Erissani centers as well as the surrounding rural communes, and therefore meet the local populations’ drinking water needs. Thus, the WS project has an undeniable positive impact by contributing to the improvement of the concerned populations’ living standards through the supply of quality water to the above-mentioned centers and communes. The likely negative impacts of the project on the cities of E-Rachidia, Erfoud, and Erissani as well as the surrounding rural communities rank from average to low in importance, and are mostly related to the works phase. They will be greatly mitigated by the measures proposed by the WSS projects.

During the works phase

- Risk of accidents during road construction, or works performed in urban areas.

- Risk of soil and water pollution linked to the rejection of waste (materials, oils and gas from various machines, and bags, packages and containers from the utilities, etc.).

- Possible reluctance of owners or residents during the expropriation processes, or disturbances caused by various nuisances (noise, dust, etc.).

During the operation phase

During WS pipe operation, the risk of negative impacts on the cities of E-Rachidia, Erfoud, Erissani, and the surrounding rural communities are of average to low importance. These risks are often very localized (South-atlas fault, sanding up in the region). In order to limit the negative impacts of the proposed WS, environmental mitigation and monitoring measures have been proposed. They consist essentially in crisis simulation for staff training, and the development of an emergency plan.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The purpose of this environmental assessment is to address the current shortage in WS drinking water experienced by the cities of E-Rachidia, Arfoud, Erissani, and the surrounding rural communes and douars.

Sector 1: The pipe runs in large part along the main road connecting Midelt to Er-Rachidia. In the beginning the pipe crosses a rugged landscape, with steep slopes or FKDkEDWV��vulnerable to water erosion (due to marly formations in the region), with soil fluction (solifluction) during rainy years. In addition, the pipe runs through parts of the town of Er-Rachidia where accidents may occur, and special attention will be required when the works are performed. Moreover, dust emissions may be generated during construction works. However, during the operational phase, no important impact has been determined to occur.

Sector 2 :

A landscape of hills and low dry and stony terraces will be crossed by the pipe from “point SS2” to Aoufous. During construction works, at the level of Aoufous, traffic may slow down, and dust emissions and landslides may occur. The natural environment will not suffer negative consequences (flora and fauna will be spared, or minimally affected). The risks of negative impacts of the WS project for the cities of E-Rachidia, Erfoud, Erissani, and surrounding rural communes are of medium to low importance The course of the pipe of the selected alternative does not cross the river, which may impose some environmental constraints (rivers often present ecological conditions that favor the presence of certain wildlife species). The FKDDEDWV crossed by the pipe route are temporary watercourses that are dry when it doesn’t rain, and do not harbor particular biotopes. Near some sparsely populated small douars, with palm-tree or olive-tree plantations (and other trees) will not be affected by the project works.

Sector 3: The only difficulties that may arise are: - The narrowness of the area in which the works will be performed in the localities of Erfoud and Er-Rissani may cause serious delays and traffic accidents during the works phase. This situation may also produce disturbances for local residents. - Risks of noise and dust during construction. - The project has no other negative environmental impact of high or medium importance beside the risks mentioned above.

According to its environmental policy, which is within the framework of sustainable development, ONEP puts all the resources necessary to complete the implementation of its projects according to Moroccan and international donors environmental legal requirements.

ANNEX CIMPACTS MATRIX FOR THE SAFI/YOUSSOUFIA/SIDI BENNOUR

SUB-PROJECT

Source - reference [6] : Rural populations’ potable water supply in Safi and El Jadida provinces. Mission II: Environmental Assessment. CID- December 2006.

.

Summary of impacts and mitigation measures

Assessment of the importance of the impact Mitigation measures Element affected

Impact description Sensitivity Intensity Extent Duration Importance Ordinary Specific

R impact

Drainage ditch (Colatured’assainissement)

Modification of the ditch hydrological regime. Medium Low Local Longue Minor 1,2,3 1,2,3 Low

Flora /fauna Destruction of flora at some sections of the drain.

Low Low Local Short Minor 5,6 5, 6 No impact

Urban space Perturbation of urban centers during works (earthworks, transport, and traffic). Waste water spillage risks if pipes are clogged during operation phase.

Medium Low Specific Short Minor 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24

During operation phase insure appropriate maintenance of the network in order to reduce nuisances linked to malfunctions.

No impact

Agricultural area Treatment plant Collector will use land that is not exploitable by farmers.

Low Low Local Longue Minor 4,7,29,30,31,32,33,34,35

7,8,9 No impact

Agricultural area bordering the ditch

Treatment plant Mobilization of 300 x 400 m2 of farming lands.

Low Medium Local Longue Minor 4,7,29,30,31,32,33,34,35

Compensation of owners. No impact

Air quality and noise climate

Treatment plant Malfunctions may result in noise nuisances

Low Low Local Longue Minor 8, 9, 10 Noise protecting roofing for the concerned units.

No impact

Health/ populations’hygiene

Sludge is potential source of sanitary risks if hygiene requirements are not respected. The re-use of used water can also be a source of sanitary risks.

Medium Low Local Medium Medium 2,10,11,12,13,14, 15, 16,17

Monitor branch connections (SLTXDJHV) for used water to reduce sanitary risks.

No impact

Source- reference [6]: Rural populations’ potable water supply in Safi and El Jadida provinces. Mission II : Environmental Assessment. CID- December 2006. The numbers of the mitigation measures refer to the numbers of the ordinary and specific measures in the Methodological guide for environmental assessment of potable water supply and sanitation projects (Guide méthodologique d’évaluation environnementale des projets d’alimentation en eau potable et d’assainissement) – ONEP- 2000- [16].

ANNEX D ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING DATA GATHERING FORM

– SANITATION COMPONENT

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING FORM FOR THE USED WATER COMPONENT

This form concerns the project preliminary environmental assessment at the screening phase for categorization purposes according to the following environmental categories :

Â�C-I, potentially important negative impact on the environment, need for RS and EA specific technical studies

Â�C-II potentially minor impact on the environment, can be dealt with within the

framework of the project consolidated ESMP.

General information Date :………………………………………………………………………………………… Form filled by:………………..Phone……... Mobile………………Email:………………. Agency…………………………………………………………………………………… Form filled by:………………..Phone……... Mobile………………Email:………………. Agency……………………………………………………………………………………

Project identification Project number………………………………………………………………………… Project title:…………………………………………………………………………. Localization: Commune………..............……….Province…………...........................… Project duration:………………………………………………………………………….. Estimated project cost:…………………………………………………………………..

Project description and main components Brief description of project components/activities:……………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Types of connection envisaged ………………………………………………………….. Number of connections envisaged ………………………………………………………….. Rated flow envisaged: ……………………………………………………………………… Type of management system proposed…………………………………………………… Available studies :

Technical studies about distribution ……�Oui �Non Sanitation studies……………………..�Oui �Non Environmental assessment study …….�Oui �Non

Proposed sanitation :

� Individual system (Single pit latrine, double-pit latrine, or vented pit latrine; flush lavatory, septic tank) � Collective system (Sewage system, collective or semi-collective septic tank; treatment and evacuation facilities) �Not yet determined

Lavatory water and grey water, separated or not ................................................................ Other type of project (to be specified)……………………………………..…………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Douar…………………………………. ………………………………………….……

Beneficiary population ………………………………………………………………

Number of beneficiary families …………………………………………………………

Number of homes concerned by the project……………………………………….

Area of project intervention …………………………………………….

Housing density………………….

Habitat type : …………………………………………………………………………….

Habitat characteristics: �Scattered �Non-scattered

Project location Region………………………………………………………………………………………. Province……………………………………………………………………………………... Commune……………………………………………………………………………………. Brief description of the project area (river basin, geography, human activities, agricultural activities, etc.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Description of the water table (stratigraphy, confined groundwater, unconfined groundwater, circulation along faults (circulations par failles), depth of the water table, etc.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Give an indication of soil permeability …………………………………. Soil infiltration capacity ……………l/m2/d………………………………………. Project area situated in :

• Protected area • Wooded area • Presence of oueds • Presence of wetlands

Additional remarks on the area’s environmental sensitivity and vulnerability ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Project Categorization

Type de branchement BI Non CII

Oui

Densité de l'habitat Dispersé Mixte ConcentréDh Dh > DL Dl < Dh < DL Dh < Dl

CII CI

Capacité d'infiltration Forte infiltration Faible infiltrationCi Ci > 10 l/m2/j Ci < 10 l/m2/j

CII

Vulnérabilité du milieuMilieu sensible

Non

CII

Ressources en eauvulnérables-Milieu sensible

CI Oui

The information in the form should be used to classify the project as a category CI or CII, according to the above decision-tree diagram procedure.

��C-I: The project has the potential to cause important negative impacts on the environment. It requires a more detailed examination including a specific sanitation technical study and an environmental assessment.

��C-II : Potential impacts on the environment are likely to be low. The implementation

of the project does not require specific action on environmental issues. They are part of the program consolidated ESMP.

Filled by: Verified by: _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Date…………………………………….. Date…………………………………

ANNEX E PROJECT PERFORMACE INDICATORS

Target Values Data Collection and Reporting Component 1.a: Nador/Driouch

Project Outcome Indicators

Baseline 2010

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Frequency and Reports

Data Collection Instruments

Responsibility for Data Collection

People with access to water through SP or HC

People in project areas served by HC Average volume of water supplied through SP (lpcd) Average volume of water supplied through HC (lpcd)

0

0

0 0

0

0 0

0-

0

0 0 0

35,000

30%

10

30

75,000

50%

10

35

76,000

70%

10

40

Every 6 months Every 6 months Every 6 months Every 6 months

Project M&E database Project M&E database Project M&E database Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP) ONEP (DP-DEP) ONEP (DP) ONEP (DP-DEP)

Intermediate Outcome Indicators

% of villages visited

0% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% Every 6 months Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP) + TA

% of rural communities that signed the co-financing agreement

0 % 25% 75% 100% 100% 100% Every 6 months Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP) + TA

% of rural communities (and population) that paid the initial up-front fee


ONEP (DP-DEP) + TA

% of villages for which O&M arrangements are in place


ONEP (DP-DEP) + TA

% of households served by individual HC that have adequate grey water collection facilities

0% 0% 0% 30% 50% 70% Every 6 months Progress Reports TA

Component 1.b: SafiYoussoufia/Sidi Bennour


Baseline (2010)




People with access to water through SP or HC People in project areas served by HC Average volume of water supplied through SP (lpcd) Average volume of water supplied through HC (lpcd)

0 0

0 0

0

0

0 0

0

0

0- 0

0

0

0 0

180,000

25%

10

30

260,000

50%

10

35

Every 6 months Every 6 months Every 6 months Every 6 months

Project M&E database Project M&E database Project M&E database Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP) ONEP (DP-DEP) ONEP (DP) ONEP (DP-DEP)

Intermediate Outcome Indicators

% of villages visited


ONEP (DEP) + TA

% of rural communities that signed the co-financing agreement

0 % 40% 100% 100% 100% 100% Every 6 months Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP) + TA

% of rural communities (and population) that paid the initial up-front fee


ONEP (DP-DEP) + TA

% of municipalities for which O&M arrangements are in place


ONEP (DP-DEP) + TA

% of households served by individual HC that have adequate grey water collection facilities

0 0 0 0 20% 50% Every 6 months Progress Reports TA

Component 1.c: Errachidia


Baseline (2010)




Additional average volume of water supplied through the Tafilalet trunk line

0

0

0

+5%

+15% +20% Every 6 months

Project M&E database

ONEP (DEP)

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