PAK BENG HYDROPOWER PROJECT

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

September 2015

 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 1‐1
1.1 Project Need and Rationale........................................................................................................................ 1‐1
1.2 Project Location ................................................................................................................................................ 1‐2
2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ....................................................................... 2‐1
2.1 Policy Framework ............................................................................................................................................ 2‐1
2.2 Institutional Framework for EMMP .......................................................................................................... 2‐1
2.3 Legal Framework ............................................................................................................................................. 2‐2
2.4 Institutional Framework ................................................................................................................................. 2‐3
2.5 Relevant Laws ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐6
2.6 Decrees, Regulations and International Conventions................................................................... 2‐8
2.7 Best Practice ...................................................................................................................................................... 2‐11
2.8 MRC and Hydropower Planning in the Mekong Basin ....................................................................... 2‐12
3 PAK BENG HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECT COMPONENTS .............................................................. 3‐1
3.1 Project Description ........................................................................................................................................... 3‐1
3.2 Complex Layout .................................................................................................................................................. 3‐1
3.3 Construction Area ............................................................................................................................................... 3‐4
3.4 Access Road .......................................................................................................................................................... 3‐5
3.5 Size of Functional Area ..................................................................................................................................... 3‐6
3.6 Hazardous Materials ........................................................................................................................................... 3‐8
3.7 Quantity and Quality of Waste Products Generated by the Project .................................................... 3‐8
3.8 Executive Agency ............................................................................................................................................ 3‐10
4 MITIGATION MEASURES OF CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION ........................................................... 4‐1
4.1 Construction Phase ........................................................................................................................................... 4‐1
4.2 Operation Phase ................................................................................................................................................... 4‐8
4.3 Mitigation of Cumulative and Trans-boundary Impacts ..................................................................... 4‐11
5 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ......................................... 5‐1
5.1 Institutional Arrangements .......................................................................................................................... 5‐1
5.2 Work Plan of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ................................................ 5‐9
5.3 Further Assessment for Improving Environmental Performance ............................................ 5‐12
6 MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION ................................................. 6‐1
6.1 Construction Phase Components.................................................................................................................... 6‐1
6.2 Impacts and Mitigation Measures for each Component ......................................................................... 6‐2
6.3 Compliance Monitoring .................................................................................................................................... 6‐2
6.4 Environmental Management Information System.................................................................................... 6‐2

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6.5 Training Capacity Building ............................................................................................................................. 6‐3

7 CONTROL AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR EMMP ........................................................................... 7‐1
7.1 Non-Compliance Detection, Correction and Prevention ........................................................................ 7‐1
7.2 Environmental Records ..................................................................................................................................... 7‐2
7.3 Environmental Auditing .................................................................................................................................... 7‐2
7.4 Senior Management Environmental Review ............................................................................................. 7‐2
8 SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES ................................................................. 8‐1
9 Annex A: EMMP Sub-Plans ....................................................................................................................................... 9‐1
10 Annex B: Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works’ Contracts ............................................... 10‐1

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LIST OF TABLES
Tables Title Page

TABLE 1: SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ........................................................................................... 2‐4

TABLE 2: BASIC SPECIFICATIONS OF DAM ..................................................................................................................................... 3‐2
TABLE 4: WORK SCHEDULE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN (EMMP).................. 5‐11
TABLE 5: SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING .................................................................................................................. 8‐1

LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Title Page

FIGURE 1: PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 1‐2

FIGURE 2: PROJECT LAYOUT OF MEKONG PAK BENG HPP ...................................................................................................... 3‐4
FIGURE 3: PROPOSED ACCESS ROAD ................................................................................................................................................ 3‐5
FIGURE 4: NAVIGATION LOCK LAYOUT .......................................................................................................................................... 3‐5
FIGURE 5: SLUICE GATE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3‐6
FIGURE 6: POWERHOUSE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3‐6
FIGURE 7: GOL/COMPANY’S ORGANIZATION CHART FOR THE PROJECT EMMP IMPLEMENTATION ............................ 5‐1
FIGURE 8: STRUCTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT SECTION. .......................................................................................................... 5‐3

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Abbreviations
ADB Asia Development Bank
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
BDP Basin Development Plan
CA Concession Agreements
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CEMMP Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan
CIA Cumulative Impact Analysis
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
DAFEO District Agriculture and Forestry Extension Office
DNREO District Natural Resources and Environment Office
DOE Department of Energy
DPRA Development Project Responsible Agency
ECCD Early Childhood Care for Development
EFO Environmental Field Officer
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EM Environmental Manager
EMO Environmental Management Office
EMMP Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
EP Environmental Programme
EPL Environmental Protection Law
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMI Environmental/Social Monitoring and Inspection Unit
ESO Environmental Safety Officer
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GMS Greater Mekong Sub-region
GoL Government of Lao PDR
HIV/STD Human Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HPP Hydroelectric Power Project
IEE Initial Environment Examination
MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
MEM-DoE Ministry of Energy and Mines-Department of Electricity
masl meters above sea level
MIH Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts
MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

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MOH Ministry of Health

MPWT Ministry of Public Work and Transport
MRC Mekong River Commission
MW megawatts
NBCA National Biodiversity Conservation Areas
NES National Environmental Strategy
NESMC National Environment and Social Management Committee
NGPES National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy
PEC Provincial Environmental Committee
PES Provincial Environmental Strategy
PESMC Provincial Environment and Social Management Committee
PNREO Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office
PMF Probable Maximum Flood
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PRP Preliminary Resettlement Plan
RAP Resettlement Action Plan
RCC Reinforced Concrete Cement
SDP Social Development Plan
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SIA Social Impact Assessment
SMMP Social Management and Monitoring Plan
WCD World Commission on Dams
WMP Watershed Management Plan
WREO Water Resources and Environmental Office
WUP Water Ultilisation Plan

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1 INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) has been developed as a tool for the
project proponent (the developer of Mekong Pak Beng Hydroelectric Power Project) to implement a
series of control measures aimed at the mitigation of the main impacts of the project. The main
objectives of measures outlined in this EMMP are:

(1) To restore the environmental conditions of the affected environmental resources/values to be

the same as or improved upon as compared to their previous conditions.

(2) To ensure effective implementation of mitigation, management and monitoring measures

during the construction and operation stages of the project.

(3) To integrate the EMMP of the Pak Beng HPP into the GoL's environmental management
policy; particularly those of watershed management, poverty reduction and environmental
sustainability.

This Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) has been devised for the Mekong
Pak Beng Hydroelectric Power Project according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines - Department
of Energy (MEM-DoE), Environmental Management Standard No. 05/year 2000.

This is considered an integral part of the Final Environmental Assessment process. It is needed for
project implementation. Consequently, the construction contractor(s) will be required to develop their
construction EMMP for approval by the developers.

1.1 Project Need and Rationale

Lao PDR is a land-locked country with an agricultural economy and is classified as a “least developed
country” where the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of the country in 2008 was only
US$ 810. Most of the population lives in the countryside and have very little income with only basic
health care. In 1996, at the sixth Party Congress, the GoL set a national poverty reduction program
(now changed to the National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy (NGPES) with a goal of
lifting the country from the list of least developed countries by 2020. NGPES emphasizes that the
social and economic development of the country must occur in a sustainable and environmentally
sound fashion.

Achieving and securing sustainable and environmentally sound economic development of the country
can be facilitated through developing environmentally, socially and economically sound hydropower
as less than 2% of the potential capacity of some 26,000 MW (excluding the mainstream of the
Mekong River) has been developed.

The Mekong Pak Beng HPP will not only contribute to the national growth and poverty eradication
strategy of the government but it will also make a significant contribution to the reduction of global
green house gas production. Furthermore, the direct and indirect benefits for the local communities
and the nation resulting from the proposed project include the following:

(1) General improvement of road access to the project area.

(2) Creation of employment opportunities for local people during the construction and operation.
(3) A social action plan to improve livelihoods and foster wealth creation in the project area.
(4) Facilitation of improvements to rural electrification, health care and education facilities.

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(5) Establishment of water supply and irrigation to the villages.

(6) Promotion of tourist businesses in the area.
(7) Promotion of trade and services of small and medium businesses.

1.2 Project Location

The Mekong Pak Beng HPP is located on the mainstream of the Mekong River. It is located in the
upper reaches of the Mekong River in Pak Beng County in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos. The
dam site is approximately 14 km upstream of Pak Beng County, about 157 km from Muang Xai, the
capital of Oudomxai Province, which is 575 km and 112 km by road from Vientiane and China border,
respectively. National highway No.13 crosses Vientiane to northern Laos and links through Muang
Xai to Mohan Town in China.

Figure 1: Project Location

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2 POLICY, LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Policy Framework
The environmental policies of the GoL are clearly presented in the Political Report of the Lao
People's Revolutionary Party, as follows:

To promote the capacity and potential of the country and the regions alike, our Party continues to
implement the policies of establishing agroforestry economy, closely linking it to industry and
services. We will consider agriculture and forestry as fundamental while focusing on some urgent and
potential industrial activities. On the other hand, we will strongly promote the services sector,
corresponding to the modern trend.

In materializing the policies of building the infrastructure for these economic sectors, our Party
considers the socioeconomic development of the regions as important, and it continues to encourage it.
We will be able to appropriately determine the production force for all parts of the country, and
exploit the rich natural resources of each region in the most efficient manner. Simultaneously, efforts
will be made to protect and rehabilitate them to become the wealthy assets and heritage of the nation.

Further, the Lao Constitution of 1991 states that environmental protection is the responsibility of
everyone, and that it is against the law to degrade natural resources that are in principle owned by the
State.

The Government's intention is very clear: The Lao PDR Government will take the necessary actions
to protect the environmental and natural resources in the process of economic development.

Besides the above policies, the GoL has set up strategies for managing development, natural resources
and environmental protection as follows:

(1) The National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy (NGPES).

(2) The National Environmental Strategy (NES) with the National Environment Action Plan.

(3) The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

(4) The National Biodiversity Education and Awareness Strategy and Action Plan

(5) The Provincial Environmental Strategy (PES).

(6) National Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Hydropower Sector in Lao
PDR.

(7) etc.

2.2 Institutional Framework for EMMP

These needs are outlined in Requirement 4 of the Environmental Management Standard and set the
regulatory framework and administrative needs that the project must comply with and outlines
jurisdiction of the agencies involved. It includes references to the following:

(1) National Policies and Environmental Regulations of the GoL.

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(2) The jurisdiction of agencies involved such as line ministries or departments at the national,
provincial and district levels and any NGOs.

(3) The organizational framework and the enforcement regime of the project.

(4) Any International Treaties (e.g. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) or Agreements of which Lao PDR is a
signatory and are applicable).

(5) Details set out or established during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

The principal institutions involved include:

(1) GoL agencies at all levels including Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)
and MEM-DoE, and any Advisory or Steering Committee or Independent Panel of Experts
(POE).

(2) The Mekong Pak Beng HPP or its representatives such as a project - established
Environmental Management Office (EMO) operating on its behalf.

(3) Consulting Engineer’s representative or Environmental Advisor.

(4) Various Environmental Officers associated with the main Contractors.

All these parties’ roles and responsibilities as executing agencies will be allocated for the entire
EMMP. Measures for monitoring and managing potential environmental and socio-economic impacts
have been developed based on Lao PDR legislation, regulations, decrees, standards and guidelines.
The following legislation now in force, and supporting regulations (promulgated or in draft), in Lao
PDR is relevant to ensuring that environmental and socio-economic issues are addressed during the
design, construction, and operation of the project.

2.3 Legal Framework

The promulgation of the Environmental Protection Law (EPL) in 1999 has advanced the
implementation of the above policies. Environmental protection measures in the form of requirements
for EIAs are outlined in Part II, Chapter 1, Article 8, of the Law as follows:

(1) The Science, Technology and Environment Administration must issue general rules regarding
a regime and a methodology for environmental impact assessment;

(2) Sectors related to development projects and activities related to these sectors must issue rules
regarding a regime and a methodology for environmental impact assessments based upon
overarching general rules issued by the Science, Technology and Environment Administration;

(3) Before establishing development projects and other activities that are seen to have an impact
on the environment, an environmental impact assessment drafted in compliance with the
prescribed regulations in clause one and clause two of the Environmental Protection Law
must be submitted to an environmental management and inspection agency assigned to
consider and issue environmental certificates.

Based on the provision in the Environmental Protection Law that development projects and activities
that have the potential to affect the environment shall require an EIA, the GoL has issued EIA

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regulation for Lao PDR (2010) No.112/PM. This regulation specifies the overall principles for the
EIA effort and prescribes the thematic issues to be covered and the outputs expected at the different
stages of the EIA process.

WREA has also instructed the Ministries to develop sectoral guidelines for the project categories
within their respective area of responsibilities. The Ministry of Mines and Energy responded promptly
to this request and have issued the following guidelines for power and transmission line projects:

(1) Decree on Environment Assessment No.112/PM, (2010)

(2) Regulation on Implementing Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects in Lao PDR,
No. 447, 20.11.2001

(3) Power Sector Environmental Policy, No. 581, 4.10.2001

(4) Environmental Management Documents for the Department of Electricity, No. 582,
4.10.2001

(5) Department of Electricity Environmental Records Management, No. 583, 4.10.2001 .

(6) Environmental Management Plans for Electricity Projects, No. 584, 4.10.2001.

(7) Environmental Management Standard for Electricity Projects, No.0366/ MIH.DOE, 2003

(8) National Environmental Standard of WREA 2009.

The environmental management standard which addresses Environmental Management and

Monitoring Plans for Electricity Projects (No.584/MIH.DOE, dated 04 October 2001), sets out the
requirements for preparing EMMPs for electricity projects. The standard indicates that the following:

(1) An EMMP is to be part of a Project Screening Report, IEE report and EIA report, whichever
is determined to be required for a project.

(2) An EMMP must cover all environmental management measures that are to be implemented
during the project's pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning, and is to
address all significant environmental issues identified in the Project Screening, IEE or EIA,
including a social action plan or resettlement action plan, if required.

(3) The EMMP must be prepared so as to be able to be used as a stand-alone document for use in
implementation.

(4) A two-stage public involvement process is to be developed and implemented. The first stage
is the process established for Screening, IEE or EIA, when the EMMP is under development.
The second stage is the process for implementation of the EMMP.

2.4 Institutional Framework

Because of the cross-sectoral nature of environmental issues, various Ministries and Agencies are
involved in environmental affairs.

The Government Agencies most concerned with environmental protection and natural resource
management are as in the Table 1 below:

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Table 1: Specific Environmental Government Agencies

Agency Responsibility

Ministry of Natural Resources and Overall coordination; oversight of environmental

Environment (MNRE) affairs; environmental management (setting policy
and regulatory framework; setting standards;
monitoring state of the environment and
compliance with policies and regulations)

Ministry of Energy and Mines Electricity/industrial environmental management;

mineral resource management

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Forest resource management; biodiversity

conservation; soil resource management; water
resource management

Forest Resource Conservation Division under Forestry/wildlife/watershed management and

Department of Forestry, MAF conservation

Ministry of Public Work and Transport Management of communication infrastructure

(MPWT)

Ministry of Health (MOH) Population's health management

2.4.1 Environment Protection

The Lao PDR has a well integrated and comprehensive system of laws to protect the environment.
Many of them impinge upon big water resource use projects, such as the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower
Project. The basic legal framework is laid down in the Environmental Protection Law of 1999, which
was approved by the implementation decree of 2002. The law includes provisions for EIA for projects
and activities that might affect the environment, and regulations for all enterprises for the control of
pollution and compliance with environmental quality standards. According to the Law:

Environmental protection shall be the priority consideration. Environmental mitigation and restoration
are considered to be less preferable, but necessary if protection is not possible.

(1) All social-economic development plans shall include provisions to protect the environment
and national resources.

(2) All persons and organizations residing in the Lao PDR have an obligation to protect the
environment.

(3) Whoever damages the environment is responsible under the law; and will be sanctioned.

(4) Natural resources, raw materials and energy shall be used conservatively, minimizing
pollution and waste, and promoting sustainable development.

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The Environmental Protection Law is executed by MNRE, which is also charged with reviewing EIAs.
MNRE has developed specific guidelines for the content and process of environmental assessment,
including the preparation of environmental management plans.

MNRE has the mandate to co-ordinate all government activities in the environmental sector. Central
line Ministries are responsible for environmental management and monitoring within their respective
sector - five ministries have established separate environmental monitoring units.

At provincial level, the policy body is the Provincial Environmental Committee (PEC) under the
chairmanship of the Vice-Governor in each province. The responsibility for national policy
implementation has been devoted to the provincial governments, and these responsibilities are
undertaken through the Provincial Water Resources and Environmental Office, (WREO).

2.4.2 Nature Conservation

Amended Forestry Law, No. 06/NA (Dec. 2007) outlines general provisions for the management of
all forest related resources, including all plants, wildlife, and watercourses. The Department of
Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has the overall responsibility for its enforcement. The
GoL is responsible for allocating and determining the use to which forest land and forest resources be
put. Forests are grouped into the following five categories: Protection, Conservation, Production, Re-
generation, and Degraded, and each has a specific management policy. In 2005, the forestry strategy
for the period 2005 -2020 was completed.

2.4.3 Water Management

The Law on Water and Water Resources of 1996 is intended to ensure sustainable use of water,
whether it be small medium or large in scale. The legislation prescribes the rights and permit
procedures controlling water use. The development of all large-scale user projects will require the
preparation of an EIA. The Water Resources Coordination Committee in the Prime Minister's Office
has the responsibility for administering the Water Law.

2.4.4 Mekong River Commission

Lao PDR is one of the four signatories to the 1995 Agreement on the Co-operation for Sustainable
Development of the Mekong River Basin and is a member of the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
The Commission succeeded the Mekong Committee, which, among other things, was instrumental in
the planning of Nam Ngum, the first large hydropower project in Lao PDR. They were also
instrumental in early investigations related to the hydropower project. Whereas the Committee was
primarily focused on hydrology, navigation and hydropower, the mandate of the Commission's focus
is more on co-operation for the promotion of sustainable development, utilization, management and
conservation of water and related resources in the Mekong River Basin.

The primary purpose of the Agreement is to promote the economic and social well-being of people in
all the riparian countries. This is to be achieved - in part by the protection of the environment,
improvement of navigation and the cooperation in the maintenance of flows and intra-and inter-basins
diversions. The MRC has initiated several basin-wide planning and research programmes, including
the Water Utilization Plan (WUP), the Environmental Programme (EP), the Basin Development Plan
(BDP) and the Fisheries Programme.

2.4.5 ASEAN Membership

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Lao PDR became a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. In
1985, ASEAN adopted an agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, which
was ratified by only three countries, and is therefore not in force. ASEAN has provisions which assist
member countries to establish trans-boundary nature reserves.

2.4.6 Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) initiative

In 1992, with the assistance of the Asia Development Bank (ADB), Cambodia, the Lao PDR,
Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Yunnan Province in the People's Republic of China, entered into a
program of sub-regional economic cooperation, designed to enhance economic relations among the
countries. The program has contributed to infrastructure development, and a better use of the resource
base in the sub-region.

2.4.7 International Conventions and Treaties

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Lao PDR became a signatory to the CBD in 1992, following up the ASEAN Agreement of the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, which was signed in 1985. The policy and legislative
obligations to the CBD have been fulfilled with the establishment of the national protected areas.

Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage

This convention was ratified by GoL in 1987. The convention addresses the protection of cultural and
natural objects, as well as sites of high national and international value.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered species (CITES)

Lao PDR ratified this convention in early 2004. Prior to the ratification, the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry (MAF) issued a regulation (MAF 0360) that banned all hunting for trade. Hunting for
consumption was still allowed. This is a signal that GoL is now committed to increasing efforts to halt
the extensive trade in wildlife from Lao PDR to neighboring countries.

2.5 Relevant Laws

The following Lao laws are pertinent to the Mekong Pak Beng HPP:

(1) The Lao PDR Constitution (1991) acknowledges the need for natural forests as well as
environmental protection in Lao PDR and requires that Environmental Assessment give
particular attention to the assessment of potential positive and negative socio-economic
impacts of project development and to prevention and/or mitigation of harmful impacts.

(2) The Environmental Protection Law No.02/99/NA, (1999) assigns to the Science,
Technology and Environmental Agency (now MNRE) the rights and primary responsibilities
for protection, mitigation and restoration of the environment in Lao PDR. The law defines the
environmental conservation responsibilities of other GoL agencies such as the Department of
Electricity, Department of Forestry, etc. It directs that environmental management and
monitoring units (EMMUs) be established at all levels of government, with responsibilities to
include such things as: establishing and enforcing sector environmental plans; taking action to
mitigate environmental damage; issuing orders to adjust, suspend, remove or close down
activities that cause negative impacts. The overriding principles promulgated by the law are
that:

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a. Environmental conservation comes before mitigation and restoration.

b. Those who generate an environmental impact are responsible for the resulting damage
caused.

(1) The Water and Water Resources Law (1997) classifies all catchment areas for various uses
and promotes protection and rehabilitation of forests, fishery resources and the environment.
It suggests that EIA should be carried out on large-scale water development projects, and
requires that funds be provided for protecting and enhancing catchment area resources, and
for resettlement compensation.

(2) The Electricity Law (1997) provides the basis for developing a concession agreement to
construct and operate a hydropower project (Article 11), and provides the requirements for
construction of transmission lines. In both cases, the Electricity Law provides for minimal
damage to the environment that is to be monitored by the Environmental Management Unit
(EMU) in the Hydropower Department of the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts (MIH).
The law requires that EIA’s be prepared, particularly for large-scale hydropower projects
(Articles 6, 12). The EIA is required to incorporate mitigation measures and provide for
compensation for damages to the environment, people’s livelihoods and if necessary,
relocation of affected people (Articles 14, 18).

(3) The Amended Forestry Law, No 06/NA (Dec. 2007): determines basic principles,
regulations and measures on sustainable management, preservation, development, utilization
and inspection of forest resources and Forestland, promotion of regeneration and tree planting,
and increase of forest resources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic aiming for
maintaining the balance of nature, making forest and Forestland a stable source of living and
use of people, ensuring sustainable preservation of water sources, prevention of soil erosion
and maintenance of soil quality, conserving plant and tree species, wildlife species as well as
environment and contributing to the national socio-economic development.

(4) The Wildlife and Aquatics Law, No 07/NA (Dec. 2007) determines principles, regulations
and measures on wildlife and aquatic life and promotes husbandry and breeding; specifies
utilization of wildlife and aquatic life in sustainable manner, without harmful impact to
natural resources and habitats; restricts the decrease and extinction of wildlife and aquatic life;
encourages people to understand and recognize the value and significance of wildlife. The
law requires the management, monitoring, conservation, protection, and utilization of wildlife
and aquatics in a sustainable manner in order to guarantee the sustainable balance of the
ecological system, and to contribute in upgrading the livelihoods of the people while pursuing
national economic development.

(5) Land Law (1997) Land within Lao PDR is the property of the national community, and
individuals are assigned to effectively use the land, but not treat it as a tradable commodity.
The law sets out the rights of those who have been allocated land, including the right to
transfer that land, and is protected by the State.

(6) Road Law (1999) Environmental protection is required during road activities. National and
provincial authorities of the Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction
are responsible for environmental protection on road projects. Reasonable compensation
must be paid to individuals whose land is expropriated for road rights-of-way, relocation of
replacement structures, and loss of trees and crops.

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2.6 Decrees, Regulations and International Conventions

The following are relevant to the Mekong Pak Beng HPP:

(1) Prime Minister’s Decree No. 164/1993 established eighteen protected areas and required
that the government develop management plans for each area. Two additional protected areas,
referred to now as National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs), have since been
added and now one more additional NBCA, Nam Kkan NBCA, has been established making
the total 21 NBCAs nationwide. The current area totals 3.4 million hectares or 14.3% of the
country’s area. In addition, provinces and districts have also designated their own
conservation areas and protection forests bringing the overall national total to 5.3 million
hectares or 22.6% of the total land area.

(2) Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage requires that in
order to prevent exploitation of relics and antiquities, any person who discovers
archaeological relics or a cultural site must inform the provincial and district offices within
three days.

(3) PM Decree No. 102/PM on the Implementation of the Environmental Protection Law
(2001) specifies that:

Development projects and all development activities that related to the environment shall be
conducted as follows:

a. All development projects, including State and private owned, shall have an
environmental impact assessment (EIA) before the establishment and operation of
those projects. They shall also have method and protecting or mitigating measures to
protect social and natural environment that can be approved by the government.

b. The owners of the development projects shall have an obligation to bear the cost
occurred in any process of EIA.

(1) PM Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement (2005)

The decree comprises six sections and nineteen articles:

a. Section I is the general section sets out the objective and fundamental principle for
compensation, and relocation of project affected people. It also provides instructions and
measurement procedure for mitigation and compensation for all potential negative
impacts on socio-economic and livelihood of the affected people within or in the vicinity
of the project areas. Defines and classifies affected groups e.g. the vulnerable and ethnic
groups of affected people.

b. Section II states and defines the right of affected person in receiving compensation.

c. Section III states and defines the compensation requirement and procedure, assistance
measure during the relocation, settlement and livelihood development.

d. Section IV defines resettlement and compensation components which states and

emphasizes the significant of local culture and tradition, community participation in the
process, grievance measure and budgetary consideration.

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e. Section V refers to enforcement procedures for both violator and complier.

f. Section VI sets out the implementation procedure as well as sets out the institutional
frame work of responsibility.

All electricity projects in Lao PDR that fulfill the following criteria are required to develop and
implement a full Resettlement Action Plan (RAP):

a. All Electricity Projects involving the necessary relocation of 200 or more individuals.

b. All Electricity Projects involving the loss of land, community structures, services and/or
livelihood (income) for 200 or more individuals.

c. All Electricity Projects that result in the loss of housing, land, community structures,
resources, habitat and/or livelihood for 100 or more individuals that are disadvantaged,
including vulnerable ethnic groups, isolated communities, households headed by women
and the poorest communities.

All electricity projects with fewer than 200 individuals affected (100 individuals from disadvantaged
groups, requiring relocation, loss of community structures, services, livelihoods, housing and land) by
project activities do not require a separate RAP, however, resettlement plans for those individuals that
fall into this category shall be included in the Social Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) and
Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) that is required for the Environmental
Assessment Process. In doing so the resettlement plans included in the SMMP shall incorporate the
relevant requirements of the Environmental Management Standard.

(2) MAF Regulation Nº 0360/MAF.2003, on Management of National Biodiversity

Conservation Areas, Aquatic Animals and Wildlife provides guidelines on NBCA
establishment and zoning and also on restricted activities and development fund establishment
and the rights and duties of state agencies in NBCA management.

(3) Decree on Protection Forest No. 333/PM (2010) specifies in article 29 that:
All state and private enterprises that are approved to use the protection forest either directly or
indirectly shall have an obligation to protect and implement any development as follows:
a. Follow the rules and regulations concerning protection forests.
b. Rehabilitate, maintain and enrich the protection forest.
c. Protect the environment, catchment/watershed, non-timber forest product, aquatic and
wildlife.
d. In the case of mining, hydropower, road, reservoir, tourism and other development
projects will have to contribute to the management of the protection forest.
e. Pay the royalty tax based on regulation.

The conversion of Protection Forests into other land use requires the following:

a. Conversion of national and provincial protection forests should be approved by the

parliament.
b. Conversion of district and municipality protection forests should be approved by the
government; it should be proposed by National Land Management Authority and in
agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

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c. Conversion of village protection forest should be approved by Provincial authorities, and

Vientiane capital authorities as proposed by the land management authority of provinces
and the Vientiane Capital with agreement by provincial and the Vientiane capital
agriculture and forestry departments.

(4) Regulation on Environment Assessment No: 1770/WREA dated 3/10/2000

Each Development Project Responsible Agency (DPRA) must ensure that any development
project in the Lao PDR carries out an Environmental Assessment in accordance with the
content determined in this Regulation, and any regulation of its own line ministry.
The Environmental Assessment must include at least a Project Description to enable DPRA to
perform a project environment screening under Article 7 of this Regulation. If the project is
not exempt under Article 8 of this Regulation, the must include an Initial Environment
Examination (IEE) as specified in Article 9 of this Regulation. For some projects, through the
findings of the IEE, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required as specified in
Articles 11, 12, 13, and 14 of this Regulation.

(5) Regulation on Implementing Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects No.

447/MIH, dated 20th November 2001
The following noteworthy information is contained in the Regulation regarding development
and review of an IEE for electricity projects. The Department of Electricity is required to
ensure that environmental assessment is included in its decision to approve, finance or
undertake any type of electricity project in Lao PDR.

(6) Prime Minister Decree No. 112 dated 16/02/2010 on Environmental Impact Assessment
(2010) This decree of the prime minister provides an update of the GoL environmental
assessment study and approval process. In parallel with this decree, WREA issued a decision
notice that lists the types of development projects that must prepare and submit IEE and EIA
reports for their approval. According to this decree the Mekong Pak Beng HPP is required to
prepare a full EIA.

(7) The Environmental Management Standard for Electricity Project No.0366/ MIH.DOE,
(2003) states that:
Environmental screening is a preliminary assessment of a project’s potential environmental
impact. It is normally completed at a project identification stage. Screening is used to decide
whether a project’s impacts are of a significant nature to warrant further environmental
assessment. The IEE will determine the scope of the EIA. This will include the scope and
plan for conducting the study to meet the requirements of an SIA. The IEE shall identify the
expected social impacts of the project, and a plan to obtain the necessary information for
determining the magnitude of the impact and the potential measures to avoid, minimize,
mitigate or compensate for the effects.

The IEE shall include the following information related to SIA:

a. Discussion of consistency with governmental regulatory requirement.

b. Brief description of the social conditions in the project area including an estimate of the
number of people to be relocated, distribution of population in project area, a brief
discussion of the local economy and primary source of income, the presence of significant

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cultural and infrastructure facilities that will be affected and a list of issues to be
discussed in the SIA relative to the social conditions.
c. Preliminary plan for relocating the affected persons (Preliminary Resettlement Plan-PRP).
The PRP may provide budget and technical feasibility proposals (availability of
relocation sites, etc.) for more than one technical design.
d. A preliminary assessment of land acquisition requirements and a determination of
whether the land required for the project fall into forest/tribal or other special areas.
e. Description of indigenous groups in the project area (if any) to include status of the
population from the perspective of the GoL, significant unique characteristics of the
cultural tradition of the groups, special economic resources of the group.

In the case of the Mekong Pak Beng HPP, screening carried out at the time of the project
identification indicated that a full EIA would be required, together with an EMMP, SIA, SMMP, and
RAP. Further, individual IEEs are required by MNRE and MIH-DOE to cover the transmission line
and access road and bridge.

2.7 Best Practice

World Commission on Dams (WCD) – Criteria and Guidelines

The World Commission on Dams, having considered the multiple and diverse impacts and interests in
dams, have identified five critical decision points within dam planning as having the strongest
influence on the performance of projects. These points are strategic in nature, and not directly
applicable to the current status of the Mekong Pak Beng HPP. However, in regard to other similar
projects in the pipeline, the WCD suggests that projects should be reviewed for social aspects such as:

(1) Stakeholder analysis based on risks and rights and resulting in the formation of a
stakeholder forum.
(2) Supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged stakeholders to participate in an informed
manner.
(3) Understand the distribution of costs and benefits across stakeholders.
(4) Agree on measures to promote development of, and ensure benefits to project affected
and displaced people.
(5) Include recourse and compliance mechanisms.

Good Dams and Bad Dams: Environmental Criteria for Site Selection of Hydropower Projects

The World Bank concludesi that the most effective environmental mitigation measure is good site
selection, and that in general, the best sites are those on upper tributaries. While focusing on physical
and biological environmental considerations, the paper also notes the following:

(1) Impacts due to displacement and the need for participatory decision making with
resettlers and hosts, and for income restoration assistance in contributing to successful
resettlement.
(2) The importance of determining downstream releases and, among other factors, managing
disease vectors and maintaining downstream human uses.
(3) The role of access roads in facilitating major land use changes (positive and negative),
and hence the need for locating them in the least environmentally and socially damaging
corridors.

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With respect to the Mekong Pak Beng HPP, a Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA) has been carried out
to estimate the relative impacts of the Mekong Pak Beng HPP and other hydropower projects in the
Lower Mekong region. As of this writing, there are over 130 major dams that exist, are under
construction, or planned in Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The CIA compares these
projects based on World Bank indicators to screen in very general terms the environmental impacts of
different types of dams. According to the cited WB paper, the indicators that are most useful for
comparison are “Reservoir Surface Area (ha) per MW” and “Number of displaced people per MW”.

Lao PDR Policy on Watershed Protection

A Watershed Management approach was endorsed in 2002 by the National Agriculture and Forestry
Conference. The approach complements the national planning framework by improving the
understanding of the natural resource base and socio-economic situation in a given watershed and
agreeing among the key stakeholders at the local level to more effectively address poverty alleviation,
and future conservation and development of upland watersheds.

The strategic vision for watershed management is similar to the National Poverty Eradication
Programme. The aim is to bring more collective and collaborative efforts across concerned line
agencies and with the provinces in order to ensure that the action plans and resource allocations are
harmonized and are focused to agreed target areas. The Government commitment to develop and
implement a major watershed management component is part of its overall land use zoning and
planning approach. All districts are required to develop watershed plans either by themselves or
together with neighboring districts depending on the biophysical boundaries of the watershed.

2.8 MRC and Hydropower Planning in the Mekong Basin

The Mekong River Commission’s (MRC) Agreement on Cooperation for the Sustainable
Development of the Mekong River Basin (1995) includes a number of articles that will apply to the
Mekong Pak Beng HPP including the following: Article 3 – on the need to protect the environment
and natural resources; Article 5 – requiring prior notification to and approval by the MRC’s Joint
Committee; Article 6 – relating to changes in natural flows; Article 7– specifying the need to avoid,
minimize and mitigate harmful effects on the environment, especially on water quantity and quality,
the aquatic (ecosystem), and ecological balance of the Mekong River system.

The Mekong River Commission has indicated the following general principles for planning
Hydropower development in the Mekong Basin:ii

(1) Development must be equitable and sustainable

(2) Hydropower development in the Basin should be seen in the context of the regional
energy sector, in particular realistic future energy demands.
(3) Fisheries and navigation are integral elements of hydropower dams, it is necessary to find
the optimal solution to conjunctive hydropower generation, navigation lock operation and
fish migration.
Mainstream Dams: While the 1995 Mekong Agreement does not preclude mainstream dams, their
impacts must be environmentally and sociologically acceptable. The MRC should act as the main
dialogue facilitator to promote cooperation and best practices. There must be agreement to prioritize
mainstream dams and fisheries issues.

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The MRC position on mainstream dams can be found in the MRC Initiative on Sustainable
Hydropower (ISH) on their web site at this internet address:
http://www.mrcmekong.org/ish/ish.htm (Accessed 1 May 2011). The MRC position on proposed
mainstream hydropower dams as stated on their web site is as follows:

At least 12 hydropower schemes are currently being studied by private sector developers for the
mainstream of the Mekong. The 1995 Mekong Agreement requires that such projects are discussed
extensively among all four countries prior to any decision being taken. That discussion, facilitated by
MRC, will consider the full range of social, environmental and cross-sector development impacts
within the Lower Mekong Basin. So far, one of the proposed projects has reached the stage of
notification and prior consultation required under the Mekong Agreement. MRC's position is that it
supports sustainable hydropower development implemented within the framework of the 1995
Mekong Agreement and which serves the joint interests of its member countries. MRC has already
carried out extensive studies on the consequences for fisheries and peoples livelihoods and this
information is widely available, see for example a report of an expert group meeting on dams and
fisheries. MRC is undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the proposed
mainstream dams to provide a broader understanding of the risks and opportunities of such
development. Dialogue on these planned projects with governments, civil society and the private
sector is being facilitated by MRC and all comments received will be considered.

The SEA was released in late 2010. The SEA reports are available at the MRC web site at this internet
address: http://www.mrcmekong.org/ish/SEA (Accessed 1 Jan 2011).

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3 PAK BENG HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECT COMPONENTS 
3.1 Project Description 
The Pak Beng Hydroelectric Power Project is Laos’ first hydropower development scheme for the
Mekong River is mainly for power generation that will also be of benefit to river navigation and fish
pass. The Pak Beng HPP is a river-run-off dam type. Major structures include water retaining
structures, 14 sluice gates, power house, 500 t navigation ship lock, fish pass. Normal water level is
340 m msL, dam crest level is 346 m msL, dam height is 69 m and dam crest length is 894.5 m. Total
power installation is 912 MW, with average annual energy output is 4,846 GWh. There are 16
turbines of 57 MW each.

The dam site is located on Mekong River, 14 km in the upstream of Pak Beng County. The mountain
top elevation along both banks of the dam site is generally 400m-500m. The relative elevation
difference is 100m-200m. The river water level elevation in dry season is about 310m, and the river
surface width about 200m. There is a overbank on right bank (R/B) of the dam site with El. 310m-
320m, width 280m-460m, and length over 1,000m. The landform above the terraces along both banks
is 20°-35°. The hillside on left bank (L/B) is relatively gentle.

The main electricity produced is proposed to be transmitted to Thailand power grid through 500 kv
transmission line to Mae Moh Substation in Thailand, which is 230 km away from Pak Beng HPP and
a single circuit of 230 kv outgoing transmission line to local substation of about 110 km in distance.

The project will create reservoir capacity of 780 million m3 at normal water level 340 m msL. The
inundated area will cover about 97 km long in Lao PDR and part of Nam Ing River in upper part of
reservoir in Thailand.

The fish pass will be designed for fish pass facility at the dam to connect the migratory pathway. The
baffled fish pass proposed for the project is composed of an entrance, fish pass pond, resting pond,
flood gate and a maintenance gate at the entrance and exit.

The estimated construction cost of the Pak Beng Hydropower Project is approximately 2,150 million
USD and implementation time will be divided into 3 periods, preparation (20 months), construction
(25 months) and project completion (18 months) which 63 months of the total all period.

3.2 Complex Layout

It is important to note the Pak Beng HPP is to be operated as a Run-off River (ROR) scheme. The
maximum surface area of the upstream pond, at 430 meters above sea level (masl), during operation,
average low water levels downstream will be (on average) 0.3% lower than without the project during
the dry season (between the months of December and May). This will have relatively insignificant
physical, biological and social impacts. The Major structures planned are water retaining structures,
14 sluice gates, a power house, a 500 ton navigation ship lock and a fish pass. The normal water level
will be 340 masl with a dam crest level of 346 masl; the dam height will be 69 m with a dam crest
length is 894.5 m. The installed capacity should be 912 MW with an average annual energy output of
4,846 GWh. There are 15 turbines of 57 MW each in the design.

The powerhouse dam section is arranged on the main river channel on the left of the riverbed. The 16
x 57 MW bulb turbine generating units are in the main powerhouse. The span of the main powerhouse

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is 22.5 m and the distance between units is 20.5 m. The unit intake bottom elevation is 288.9 m; the
unit installation elevation is 297.2 m and the generator floor elevation is 317.2 m. The auxiliary
powerhouse is located at the downstream side of the main powerhouse.

The navigation structure is a one-way, one-step ship lock, to be arranged on right bank bottom land
and to the right side of the discharging sluice gates. It will consist of a ship lock and access channel.
The ship lock chamber’s effective dimension is 120 m x 12 m x 4 m (L x W x H).

The working head of the ship lock is as high as 32.55 m. Water conveyance galleries are set along
both side walls and a decentralized water conveyance system is constructed on the bottom of bay. The
ship lock is designed to accommodate the maximum tonnage of a navigable ship of 500 tons. The
annual tonnage of ships passing this ship lock should be 1.5 million tons per year.

The fish pass will be arranged to mitigate the block of migratory fish pathway. The clapboard step
fish ladder (or partitioned plate step fish ladder) is adopted for the passing fish facility. It is arranged
on the left bank with a bottom slope of about 2.5%. The fish pass dimension is 5 m x 1,800 m. (W x
L). The basic specifications of the main features are shown in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Basic specifications of Dam

No. Item Unit Quantity Remarks

I Hydrology
Catchment area
1 Catchment area of whole basin km2 79.5
Catchment area above dam site km2 21.8
2 Mean annual runoff m3
Mean annual discharge m3/s 3160
3 Long term average flow m3/s 3160
Design flood standard &discharge (p=0.2%) m3/s 27,000
Check flood standard & discharge (p=0.05%) m3/s 30,200
Sediment
Annual mean suspension load discharge 103 t 37.99x106
4
Annual mean sediment concentration kg/m3 0.38
Annual mean bed load discharge 103t 1.034x106
II Reservoir
1 Reservoir level
Approved channel length of reservoir Km 97
Check flood level (p=0.05%) m 343.81
Design flood level (p=0,2%) m 341.34
Normal water level m 340
Dead level m 334
2 Backwater length at normal pool level km 97
Reservoir volume
3
Total reservoir storage (natural) 106 m3 780x103
III Discharge and corresponding downstream level
Maximum discharge at design flood m3/s
Downstream water level at design flood discharge m 341.34
Downstream water level at check discharge flood m 343.81
Corresponding downstream level m 320.16
Discharge at unit operating under full load m3/s 6,022.5
IV Power benefit
1 Total installed capacity MW 912
2 Firm output (P=90%) MW 357
3 Annual mean energy production kW.h 4,846

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No. Item Unit Quantity Remarks

I Hydrology
4 Designed standard fleet t 500
5 Total ton of ship passing ship lock t/year 1.5x106
6 Improve navigable waterways km
V Population migration (inundated population) Persons 1010
VI Main structure
Dam
Dam type
Designed earthquake intensity Degree Vii
1
Dam crest elevation m 346.00
Maximum dam height (powerhouse section) m 69
Dam crest length m 894.5
2 Water release structure
2.1 Sluice gate
Floor elevation of sluice gate inlet m 317m/313m
Opening dimension and number (WxH) m2 14-15x23
2.2 Sediment flushing outlet
Floor elevation of inlet m 285.6
Opening dimension and number (WxH) m2 7-2.5x6
3 Powerhouse
3.1 Powerhouse dimension (L×W×H) m 311.5x22.5x53.3
3.2 Design available discharge m3/s 6,022.5
3.3 Switchyard model GIS
4 Navigation lock
4.1 Effective dimension of navigation lock m 120x12mx4m
4.2 Maximum working head m 32.55
4.3 Maximum tonnage of ship passing ship lock t 500
4.4 Total tonnage of ship passing ship lock t/year 1.5x106
4.5 Maximum lift of navigation lock m
4.6 Daily water consumption of lock m3/s
5 Fish ladder
5.1 Width m 5
5.2 Type
5.3 Size of fish ladder section m
5.4 Area of fish passage holes m2
5.5 Longitudinal slope % 2.5
5.6 Overall length of fish ladder m 1800
VII Main E&M equipment
1 Turbine (GZ709-WP-730)
1.1 Number set 15
1.2 Rated output MW 58.16
1.3 Rated head m 16
1.4 Rated discharge m3/s 401.5
2 Generator (SFW55-72/)
2.1 Capacity MW/each 57
2.2 Transmission line voltage kV 500/230
3 Number of outgoing line loops 1/1
3.1 Voltage kV
3.2 Number of circuits circuit
VIII Construction Works
Main works items
Overburden excavation m3
Rock open excavation m3 7.498x106
1
Concrete m3 2.31x106
Reinforcing bars t
Steel materials and steel bars t 89x103

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No. Item Unit Quantity Remarks

I Hydrology
River diversion
2 Riverbed closure with cofferdam for water passage through flood
Method
releasing and sand flushing sluice
Construction period
Preparation month 20
3
First unit generation month 45
Total construction duration month 63

3.3 Construction Area

The land area in the vicinity of dam site on the both the left and right bank will be used for
construction camps, office and living facilities, warehouses, E & M equipment assembly yard, auto
and machinery repair workshop, machinery depot, concrete batching plant, quarry sites disposal areas,
switchyard and roads (Fig. 2).

Figure 2: Project Layout of Mekong Pak Beng HPP

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3.4 Access Road

There are three sections both new access road and upgraded existing road will be reconstructed with
the total length of 8.5 km. It needs to be reinforced or rebuilt to meet the transportation requirement.

Section A and B are the new access road starting from the existing highway downstream to the slag
pit on the left bank connect to the dam crest on the left bank shall be built following the technical
standard of Class IV dedicated highway for external traffic of hydropower project, and the
calculated driving speed shall be 20km/h. The minimum plane curve radius is generally 30m, and
the limiting minimum plane curve radius is 15m.

Figure 3: Proposed Access Road

Figure 4: Navigation Lock Layout

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Figure 5: Sluice Gate

Figure 6: Powerhouse

3.5 Size of Functional Area

Sites for project activities should be prepared during the early phase of construction. Areas that need
to be cleared are for the main dams, cofferdams, diversion tunnels, power houses, quarry areas,
temporary yards, access roads, disposal areas, office, worker camps, waste storage, chemical house,
and waste treatment and disposal systems.

Construction procedures of the main power facility would be in this order:

(1) Construction of the new road (to reach the outlet of the diversion tunnel),
rehabilitation/expansion of existing road, construction of labor camp, and
administration facilities and lay-down area.

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(2) Excavation of the diversion tunnel from the outlet toward inlet.
(3) Banking of gravel and soil to construct the pre-coffer dam.
(4) Construction of inlet structure of diversion tunnel and river flow diversion.
(5) Construction of the coffer dam using Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) with the
appropriate foundation treatment.
(6) Constructions of navigation lock structures and equipments.
(7) Construction of fishpass.
(8) Excavation of dam foundation and abutment. Construction of temporary roads,
batching plant and crashing plant.
(9) Placing consolidation/curtain grouting for dam foundation.
(10) Placing dam concrete. Clearing major trees in the proposed reservoir area with the cut
and burn method.
(11) Installation of turbines, generators, penstock, discharge valve, intake structure,
spillway gates and other related facilities once the placement of the dam concrete
reaches appropriate elevation. Construction of transmission lines.
(12) Installation of transformer and switching facility.
(13) Impoundment by closing the inlet gate of diversion tunnel.
(14) Placement of concrete in diversion tunnel at the dam axis.
(15) Performance test.

Construction work on the project is to be carried out at the dam sites and at other locations such as the
spillway, rock fill quarry, clay and gravel borrow areas, and road works around the dam sites. Since
the dam structure is planned for the Mekong River, a river diversion channel is proposed at the main
dam and Tributary dam. After diversion, the river bed area should be dry and construction of the dam
wall could begin. Foundation preparation consists of two major activities: removal of pockets and
seams of weak material, and grouting. The purpose of grouting is to fill open cracks in the rock
foundation on which the dam is to be built, so water would not leak from the reservoir after the dam is
finished. Grouting involves drilling holes (often to quite great depths, equal to the height of the dam in
some cases), and then pumping these holes full of cement grout (a mixture of cement and water).

Once the foundation preparation is complete, the construction of the dam wall itself can commence by
hauling, dumping and compacting construction materials such as clay and rock fill. A typical
construction sequence for a fill dam is as follows:

Stage 1: Excavate diversion tunnel and build coffer dams.

Stage 2: Strip dam foundation of overburden. Carry out foundation treatment and
grouting. Excavate and haul the fill construction materials from their sources,
and place and compact the materials in the dam embankment. At the end of
this stage, the diversion channels are closed to start the storage of water in the
dam reservoir. Excavation of the spillway is also underway during this stage.

Stage 3: Complete outlet works, spillway and all other parts of dam project.

The materials used for the RCC could be limestone powder/cement for the consolidation, mineral
admixtures (phosphorous slag/fly ash) to reduce the adiabatic temperature rise of concrete and also
reduce costs. It would help improve durability, chemical admixtures (air-entraining and water-
reducing admixtures/set-retarding admixtures) to contain higher volume of paste and extend the time

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up to which the concrete lift should remain unhardened, reducing the risk of cold joints with the
subsequence lift, and aggregates.

The total man-days of this project is 3,838,000 and the number of construction personnel in peak
period is 5,103; especially during the second year of construction.

An administration office of the EPC contractor and an owners’ office are to be located in the
construction area. Management staff of both the EPC contractor and the owner will be stationed
within the construction area. Heavy equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, excavator, truck
cranes, and drilling machines, would be brought in and temporary facilities such as the crushing plant,
batching plant and base camp would be constructed.

3.6 Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials such as explosives, construction chemicals, fuel and oil will be stored under
secure and safe facilities following appropriate regulations and good practice.

3.7 Quantity and Quality of Waste Products Generated by the Project

According to the design of the Project and site survey, the majority of wastes generated from the
project would mainly be from:

(1) Vegetation Clearances from the dam site, powerhouse area, operation villages surge tank,
access roads and along the 500 kV and 230 kV transmission line rights-of-way. However,
some of these "wastes" will not be without usefulness. Apart the local nearby villagers
living in the vicinity who can make use of some of these wastes; for example, for
firewood, raw materials for charcoal production, fencing components, materials for farm
buildings and animal pens. In the case where forests contain a significant quantity of
commercial timber with trees more than 20 cm in diameter the trees, the trees will be
identified, logged, and as part of the environmental protection procedure will be sold off
by the sectors concerned prior to the clearing taking place. In order to protect the
surrounding forests and other natural resources burning off is not permitted.
(2) Excess Soil as a result of the excavation and preparation for construction of all the civil
works need to be handled correctly so that adverse impact to the surrounding environment
is minimized. Because of the rugged terrain the access roads alignment will involve a
huge quantity of earthwork and cut and fill, most of the excess soil can be used in the
construction of the access roads.
(3) Rock Excavation Spoil resulting from both surface and underground works excavation etc.
According to design, some of these spoils will be reused in the construction of the dam
hence posing no adverse impact to the surrounding environment.
(4) The other waste materials anticipated from the project is excess soil excavated during the
construction of tower foundations of the 500 kV and 230 kV transmission lines. It is
estimated that there will be approximately 3 m3 to 4 m3 of soil excavated for each tower.
However most of these soils will be used as back fill materials for the foundation; only
minor portions will be left behind. The excess soil will be spread around the tower bases
to facilitate natural re-vegetation and or used as fill in nearby depressions so as to
minimize sedimentation of nearby watercourses. Overall the generated wastes are of
minimal quantities, therefore will not have any adverse impact to the environment.
(5) Organic waste waters from worker camps - sewage and cooking wastes. These will be
treated on site with appropriate waste water treatment facilities

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(6) Waste oils from vehicle maintenance facilities. These will be collected and disposed of in
accordance with regulations covering construction sites and good practice.

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3.8 Executive Agency

Datang International Power Generation Co., Ltd. (DTP) Company is the Executing Agency for the
project covering, project detailed design, including detailed surveys (dam, powerhouse, headrace
tunnels, substation, and transmission line), preparation and evaluation of tenders, and construction
supervision. All construction will be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Energy and Mines
and EDL's regulation and guidelines.

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4 MITIGATION MEASURES OF CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION 
4.1 Construction Phase

4.1.1 Mitigation of Construction Impacts on Physical Environment 

(1) Climate and Air Quality

Most of the air quality issues are easily controllable through good practice and the impacts
will be temporary (i.e. during the construction period) and of limited significance, considering
that the dam site is located several km from the nearest village. Mitigation measures may
include:

a. Water spraying of access roads and key transport routes to minimize dust for adjacent
local communities.
b. Water spraying of working areas during the dry season will be the primary protection
measure against dust.
c. Stabilization of spoil areas by herbaceous vegetation will reduce the risk of fugitive
dust during any windy days of the dry season.
d. Smoke emission from engines can also be controlled by regular maintenance and
adjustment of engines.

(2) Noise and Vibration

The noise and vibration from heavy machinery will be largely confined to the dam site area,
and will be somewhat reduced by the distance to the nearby villages. Whilst some night work
is to be expected, activities such as blasting should be restricted to daylight hours. Noise
suppression systems may need to be fitted to equipment while ear protection should be
provided for site workers.

The noise level during the construction will vary but will not exceed 85 dBA and it is
predicted that the noise level from the sources, or within 1 km of them, should be
approximately 45-49 dBA; two km from the source the level should be about 40-43 dBA.
According to the IFC guidelines, the noise level may create some nuisances to people living
within 1 km. Because the construction site is located in a strategic and remote area which is
thinly populated, the noise impact may not significant. However, to prevent and minimize
noise impacts during construction and comply with national and IFC noise level guidelines,
some applicable measures shall be identified and implemented including the following:

a. Identify the noisiest equipment and activities.

b. Schedule suitable working time for nosiest equipment and trucks.
c. Limit working time and speed of transport and allow only necessary equipment on
construction sites.
d. Regularly perform inspections and maintenance of
e. Equipment and trucks.
f. Provide baffles and noise insulating material for specific equipment as necessary.
g. Provide mufflers or ear plugs for employees who work in a high level of noise.
h. Position any high pressure or noisy equipment far from villages or employee camps;
equipment such as generators, air compressors, etc.

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i. Reduce noisy activities, especially at night time.

j. Avoid transporting materials past villages.

(3) Geology and Seismicity

There is no obvious evidence of earthquake activity in the last 553 years, although there are
several faults running NNE; also, there is no historical record about a strong earthquake
greater than 6 magnitudes. Thus, from the regional geological tectonics and crustal activity
point of view, Mekong Pak Beng HPP site is a relatively stable region.

If necessary, areas of rock and soils that may be loosened by the filling of the reservoir should
be identified and artificially released to minimize landslides during impoundment.
(4) Soils

Earthmoving activities should be carried out in such a way as to minimize the run off carrying
sediments into the river. Much of the earthmoving at the dam site will be carried out within
the coffer dams and so be limited. Care should be taken to manage earthwork close to streams
and rivers to minimize sediment run-off.

The alluvial top soils are richer than the soils further up the slopes. These should be stored
separately and used for landscaping the final dam site.

To minimize the potential impact on soil from the activities of the stone quarries, cofferdam
quarries, and borrow pit material extraction, an environmental protection point of view will be
used along with economical rationality and quality guarantees.

Borrow pit material extraction will be undertaken in sections with rehabilitation undertaken in
stages to minimize erosion. Rehabilitation shall include the following:

a. Regrading slopes to minimize erosion.

b. Replacing stockpiled soil cover.
c. Replanting grass, shrubs, and trees.
d. Installing sediment runoff control devices.
e. Providing ongoing erosion monitoring.

Impacts on temporarily acquired land will be minimized by comprehensive rehabilitation

work. Soil erosion and siltation will be minimized by preventive measures implemented on a
case-by-case basis, such as planting shrubs and grass and appropriately engineered storm-
water diversions. Construction of the access road could result in increased soil erosion, which
will be minimized by appropriate road engineering, including appropriate road compaction
and runoff design. Soil contamination will be prevented by installing oil separators at wash-
down and refueling areas, and installing secondary containment at fuel storage sites. The
largest potential negative impact is related to waste rock disposal and materials mining.
Excavated rock and aggregate will be used during construction to the maximum extent
possible.

8.350×106m3 of spoil will require disposal. Two sites have been selected where the catchment
area is minimal, landslide potential is low, and flooding is not expected. Sites will be covered
with soil, and planted with shrubs and grasses.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

(5) Solid Waste Materials

To minimize impacts on the environment, the Mekong Pak Beng HPP developer plan
and arrange five spoil disposal areas for the disposal of construction solid waste materials
and domestic waste. In accordance with topographical conditions on both banks, three
disposal areas are arranged on Left Bank and two on Right Bank as follows:
a. Left Bank No. 1 disposal area with a floor area of 490,300 m2
b. Left Bank No. 2 disposal area
c. Left Bank No. 3 disposal area
d. Right Bank No. 1 disposal area
e. Right Bank No. 2 disposal area
Spoil disposal areas should be arranged far away from the exit or entrance of any possible
debris flow gullies or cultural relic areas. Any waste slag stored in the reservoir area should
be far away from water inlets during the construction period and should not occupy the main
channel during the flood period.

All these off-site disposal areas should be constructed according to the best practices of solid
waste management and approved by the government authorities. No on-site landfills shall be
developed.

Hazardous waste will be collected and stored on-site in approved facilities according to
relevant standards. Hazardous waste will then be removed from the site to approved
hazardous waste disposal facilities.

(6) Hydrology

The filling of the reservoir is anticipated to start by the end of year 5 as soon as the dam wall
is high enough. From an environmental point of view, the seasonal patterns of the flows
downstream should be maintained as far as possible, even if the actual flow rate is
considerably reduced. Minimum wet season flows are approximately 1/3 of the average.
Releases downstream should be modified according to the season, so that the peak flows are
reduced to one third of average monthly flow rates. The environmental flows assessment
recommended during preconstruction should provide a hydrological model for filling the
reservoir that maintains environmental integrity.

(7) River Water Quality

Most of the sources of water pollution should be controllable by good practice on site, for
example:

a. Installation of waste water treatment plant for worker camps.

b. Safe disposal of vehicle maintenance oils.
c. Safe storage of chemicals and disposal of used containers.
d. Attention to concrete shuttering to prevent accidental spillage of wet cement into
water courses, and prevention or washing cement mixing equipment in water courses.
e. Attention to good earth moving practice when working near water courses.
f. Removal of surplus vegetation in the reservoir area prior to impoundment.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Worker camps will need to be provided with potable water and adequate sanitation facilities
and waste water treatment installed. In order to avoid water pollution caused by rubbish and
waste, regular waste collection will be part of the camp requirements. Solid wastes should be
taken to a managed waste disposal facility. The location of the temporary and permanent
camps and water and waste treatment facilities will be determined during detailed design after
discussions with contractor and stakeholders.

Downstream villages that rely upon river water as their main water source should be provided
with tube wells.

(8) Reservoir Water Quality

During and immediately after impoundment, the break-down of vegetation left in the
reservoir area has the potential to cause reductions in water quality, especially creating
biological oxygen demand, oxygen depletion, and release of hydrogen sulfide and methane. It
is recommended that the bulk of the vegetation in the reservoir area is cut, cleared and burnt.

The objectives of the pre-impoundment preparation will be:

a. To maximize income to the province from commercially viable timber.

b. To minimize adverse impacts of high initial oxygen demand.
c. To control nutrient concentrations and risk of eutrophication during initial filling.
d. To create a suitable area for fish.
e. To allow reservoir navigation and artisanal and commercial fisheries.
f. To create stable lake shorelines.
g. To minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

The Provincial Government will be requested to adjust its regional logging plan to give
precedence to commercial logging of the reservoir area according to Forestry Law and
Regulations. On completion of the commercial logging operation, contracts will be let for
timber salvage operations that remove timber of marginal use from the inundated area. Both
the Provincial and District government will be asked to collaborate with the Environmental
Management Office (EMO) to ensure that these operations are constrained to the reservoir
area. District government will also be asked to promote the collection of all NTFPs as well as
bamboo from the reservoir area prior to clearing and burning. Specific expenses incurred by
the government as a result of conducting these operations, will be reimbursed by the
developer.

The final slashing and burning of the reservoir area will commence at the dam wall and
progress upstream over three years. The clearing operation will avoid removing stumps as
disturbed soil may release far more nutrients in water. This requirement favors the use of
manual labor as heavy machinery tends to push over the standing timber and attached stumps.
The work will be largely undertaken by hand, but heavy machinery will be used as necessary
where remnant timber is too large to be effectively cleared this way and after burning where
remnant large timber needs to be restacked and burnt. The most extensive cleanup of residual
burnt vegetation in the upper reaches of the reservoir where the water depths are shallowest
and could cause the greatest hindrance to navigation and fishery operations.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

The clearing operation will maintain a 100 m wide buffer zone of vegetation around the
perimeter of the reservoir so that the intact root structure of the trees will help bind the soil
and reduce shoreline erosion and wave erosion. Along the major tributaries, this buffer zone
could be reduced to 20 m along each bank to control sediment movement.

A monitoring program will be implemented that involves District Agriculture and Forestry
Extension Office (DAFEO), other concerned authorities, the Village Development Committee,
and an independent third party contracted by the developer, who will audit the clearing
operation and compensatory replanting operations.

Guidance on clearance operations might include:

a. Removal of maximum commercially viable timber except in some designated buffer

zones. Since evacuation of logs from the reservoir area may be difficult, costly and
impacting for surrounding forest areas (because it would require the creation of
access roads), transformation on site with portable sawmills and removal of logs by
flotation during the filling phase should be considered.

b. Cut, clear and burn a maximum of the remaining vegetation. Experience from other
projects shows the possibility of relying on hand clearing in areas inaccessible by
heavy equipment. This social approach is also in line with the request of major
funding agencies to have this major project to generate benefits not only to the
Government but also to local communities.

c. Avoid removing stumps as soil disturbed may release faster more nutrients in water.

d. Haul as much as possible of the burnt vegetation residual from the reservoir area.

In order to reduce the intrusion into areas outside the reservoir area (which will be cleared),
strict rules against logging outside the approved construction areas, and against poaching will
be imposed on the project staff, workers, and all contractors engaged to the Project; there will
be penalties levied for anyone cutting down trees, collecting NTFPs or burning forest outside
approved areas. The developer shall be directly responsible for the dissemination of all
necessary regulations and information to its staff and employees as well as for any
misconduct made by its staff and workers.

(9) Ground Water Hydrology and Quality

Apart from monitoring the ground water hydrology and quality, no particular mitigation
measures are anticipated.

Sediment Transport

Select proper design of gated structure to flush sediment under flow condition of the Mekong
River in this part and/or dredging sediment deposits. Measures to reduce the sediment inflow
into the reservoir area should be started as soon as possible as part of watershed management.
During earthmoving, attention should be paid, to minimize sediment discharge into the river
downstream, and this aspect should be monitored regularly.

4.1.2 General Mitigation of Construction Impacts on Biological Environment 
(1) Vegetation and Land Cover

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The project area lies within the provincial protection forest especially along the two sides of
the Mekong River. The description of land use, forest and vegetation types in this section is
mainly focused on the areas that are covered by the proposed reservoir area that will be
inundated including the dam site and powerhouse.

The vegetation cover and land use in the construction site and the reservoir area will change
completely, and the existing areas of mixed deciduous and unstocked forests will be lost. As a
form of compensation for the losses of the less disturbed forest, it is recommended that areas
within the watershed be identified and be the focus for conservation measures. Most areas
along the two sides of Mekong River were covered by mixed deciduous forest (MD) and
unstocked forest including shrub and bamboo forests. Some cover by swidden areas and other
land use types including tree plantation as well as other agricultural land especially where the
areas are quite flat and easy to access not only along the rivers but on the upper areas as well.

However, it is similar to the latest satellite image map (land use and forest cover map) which
is indicated that the Mixed deciduous forest with very low canopy density is covered about
6.4%, while the Unstocked forest and shrub covers about 4.9% and grassland covers about
2.8%. The rest is the agri-cultivation area which covers about 0.8% including cropping area
and the other land use types 19.8%. The waterbody mainly Mekong river covers a largest
portion which is about 65.6% of the total reservoir area.

A contract will also be let by the developer to undertake compensatory regenerating and
planting as per Article 15 of the Forestry Law (1996) for the logged area of the reservoir and
also where temporary access roads will need to be constructed. A subcommittee of the EMU
which includes Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) has responsibility to
monitor the implementation of the program.

The areas for compensatory regeneration will partly constitute the planting of woodlots for
the resettlement villages and replacement of areas of degraded forest i.e. the Mixed deciduous
forest and un-stocked forest areas. Some areas may be used as a trial modification of the
traditional slash and burn technique by villagers; it would be changed to an operation which
incorporates a managed regeneration of cultivated areas using a species composition that
could be slashed and sold as pulp wood on the next rotation.

(2) Terrestrial Habitats and Fauna

The loss of wildlife habitats at the construction site and through inundation is an unavoidable
loss, for which there is no mitigation possible. Compensation may be made through the
allocation of funds for improved management of the habitats, including conservation of
existing forest areas and regeneration of other areas within the catchment area. This would
form part of the Watershed Management Plan.

In the higher areas around the construction site, where some natural habitats and fauna still
remain, there will be disturbance, which may be limited through application of measures such
as:

a. In order to reduce such impacts of noise and disturbance by construction activities,

excessively noisy activities such as blasting should be restricted to daylight hours.

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b. Strict rules against wildlife hunting and poaching will be imposed on project staff,
workers, and all contractors engaged to the Project, with penalties levied for anyone
caught carrying and using firearms, or using animal snares and traps.
c. The sale of wildlife and NTFP products by local people to construction workers and staff
will be banned.
d. The developer shall be directly responsible for dissemination of all regulations and
information concerned to its staff and/or employees as well as for any misconduct made
by its staff and workers.

(3) Aquatic Habitats and Fish

To prevent fish deaths due to water pollution downstream of the construction site, appropriate
good practice measures must be taken to limit pollution coming from the construction site,
and to reduce the risk of accidental spillage of contaminants into the water courses. The
vegetation clearance in the reservoir should be carried out to minimize the risks of poor
quality water being discharged from the dam site, both during impoundment and after
operation starts.

To prevent degradation of aquatic habitats and loss of ecosystem integrity during the filling
period, it is essential that a seasonal flow pattern that resembles the normal flow regime in the
river downstream of the dam site is maintained. Environmental flow studies should be carried
out during the first two years of the construction period to develop knowledge about
appropriate flow regimes necessary to maintain the health of the river, its ecosystems and its
productivity. This should be agreed between the developer and provincial authorities in
consultation with local communities dependent upon the river.

The release of the agreed seasonal flow regimes during the filling period should be facilitated
through variation of the flows through the bottom release outlet and through the diversion
tunnels.

The project component will include a fishpass facility; therefore, the impact of the barrage to
fish migration will be minimized. No design is considered to be a viable answer to the issues
regarding fish migration as there is no known type of fishpass that could possibly cope with
the large number of Mekong fish species that would need to use it during the critical time
periods when fish need to move. The maintaining of downstream flows and upstream
migration is crucial to the sustainability of fish populations.

A fishery research station at the project area should be set up near the project area. Many
activities will be related to the breeding of indigenous fish species for release to the Mekong
River. A fish transport mobile unit with a large container and an aeration system will be used
to move collected fish from downstream or the fishpass pond to an upstream location.
Adoption of aquaculture within the headpond area would be a partial solution to the loss of
migratory species.

(4) Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

It is difficult to quantify the extent of the pressure on NTFPs, but experience from worker
camps in similar situations indicates that many NTFPs and wildlife species virtually disappear
from the vicinity unless strict measures are taken to:

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a. Limit the sale of NTFPs and wildlife to worker camps.

b. Outlaw the sale of NTFPs and wildlife in temporary restaurants that are established to
serve the workforce and staff.
c. Ban hunting and fishing for recreational purposes by the workers.
d. Remove guns, snares etc. from workers.
e. Establish strict control to manage explosive theft.

According to the laws and regulations concerned, logging outside the approved construction
areas and wildlife hunting and poaching within the area will be strictly enforced on project
staff, workers, and all contractors engaged to the Project, with penalties levied for anyone
caught carrying and using fire arms, or using animal snares and traps. Project staff and
workers will not be allowed and have no right to hunt wildlife and cut any tree except for
fallen or dead ones. Even the use of firewood by worker camps can be minimized by the
Contactor providing bottled gas or kerosene to workers for cooking as an alternative to fuel-
wood. The developer shall be directly responsible for dissemination of all regulations and
information concerned to its staff and employees as well as for any misconduct made by its
staff and workers. These requirements will be stipulated in the contract document. These
issues need to also be stated in the Environmental Management Statement prepared by the
Contractor.

(5) Existing Management and Conservation Measures

Although the project area does not adjoin any NBCAs, it lies within a proposed provincial
protection forest and it covers some important habitat areas, village conservation forests and
special spirit pool forests that are unique geological sites. Due to the steepness of these areas
and the pattern of settlement concentrating on more accessible land, some vegetation has
remained relatively intact; some inaccessible areas, especially above the reservoir, provide
important habitat for a range of species.

4.2 Operation Phase

4.2.1 Mitigation of Operation Impacts on Physical Environment

(1) Climate and Air Quality

The humidity within the reservoir area will be slightly increased during the dry season. No
mitigation required.

(2) Contribution to Climate Change

There is a potential for increase in releases of methane from the decaying vegetation in the
reservoir after impoundment. The clearance of the vegetation prior to impoundment should be
carried out as planned to limit the release of methane and other green-house gases.

(3) Evaporation

The evaporation from the reservoir area will slightly increase water losses from the run-off in
the Mekong River, marginally reducing the volume of water available. No mitigation possible.

(4) Geology and Seismicity

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After initial impoundment, there should be no increase in seismicity in an already

geologically stable area. No mitigation necessary.

(5) Soils

There is potential for soil erosion in the watershed area as a result of increased agricultural
usage, either as a result of increased rotation rate of swidden agriculture, or through
development of agro-forestry. The watershed management plan should pay particular
attention to issues of soil erosion and take measures to minimize the risk.

(6) Hydrology

a. Reservoir

The levels in the reservoir will vary depending upon the season and usage of the water for
power generation. It is not expected to reach the Minimum Draw Down Level (MDDL) under
normal operation even in dry years. Management of the levels is part of the operational
management regime and no additional mitigation will be required.

b. Diurnal Changes in Flows downstream

The diurnal changes in flow will be felt most in the section of the river between the dam and
Pak Beng town. In this stretch of river the flows will vary during power generation. This
could result in variation in height of the river levels at Pak Beng town of about 1 - 2 m during
the day. There can be no mitigation of this effect, but recognizing that diurnal variations can
cause serious problems for river users, a public information network should be set up to
advise river users when to expect these diurnal variations. The network should also be used to
warn river users of any changes in the patterns of discharge such as artificial flood releases
and discharges of excess water over the spillway when the reservoir is full.

c. Seasonal flows and floods

Under the basic design of operations, run-off during the early part of the wet season will be
used to fill the dam which will then be drawn down during the dry season. The flood events
that occur naturally during the early wet season would be largely eliminated and discharge of
the excess waters over the spillway would occur at least one month later than occurs naturally
e.g. in September compared to July/August.

As has been shown, the migratory fishery in particular is dependent upon the early flood
events which act as triggers for the migrations. Late flood events would either not trigger the
migrations in the same way or if the fish do migrate to spawn upstream the eggs laid may
hatch too late in the season to be able to take advantage of food availability. The result would
be a much reduced recruitment of new fish stock and populations would decrease.

It is recommended that the first short natural flood event (around 3 to 5 day duration) should
be released early in the wet season, coinciding with rainfalls in the catchment, i.e. mimicking
natural flows, in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the river and the fish migration
triggers. It is important that such flood events are made during dry years as well as normal
and wet years.

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Floods occurring later in the wet season when the reservoir is full and the water is discharged
over the spillway will be transmitted downstream as before (as if the dam were not there).
However, because the water has been held back during the refilling of the reservoir in the
early wet season, recharge of the floodplain will not have occurred to the same extent. It is
therefore likely that in some years the recharge of the floodplain groundwater will be less than
before and that there will be some shrinkage of the floodplain itself over the years. This effect
cannot be mitigated and the shrinkage of the floodplain and loss of its productivity is accepted
as an unavoidable loss. The extent of this could be a part of the environmental flow
assessment.

d. Water Quality

During the initial impoundment and stabilization period (about 5 years) the water quality in
the reservoir will be lowered by the decaying vegetation. This is mitigated by the removal of
as much vegetation as possible before impoundment.

After the reservoir has stabilized, water quality will be improved, although there still exists
the possibility that deoxygenated and colder water will be released downstream. This will be
less of a problem with the water passing through the turbines, which will receive some
oxygenation, but releases from the bottom gates, e.g. during maintenance or to create artificial
floods, will contain colder, deoxygenated water.

e. Ground Water Hydrology and Quality

The probable increase in the water table downstream of the dam due to seepage, is not
anticipated to be a problem, but requires monitoring, both for the level of the water table and
quality.

f. Sediment Transport

Sediment transport into the reservoir should be controlled through improved watershed
management. This would form part of the Watershed Management Plan.

The sediment transport downstream of the dam will be reduced due to collection within the
reservoir. No bed load will be transmitted downstream, as well as a reduced Suspended Solids
loading. Signs and indicators of any impacts from discharging "sediment hungry" waters
downstream, such as bank and channel erosion, will be monitored regularly.

4.2.2 Mitigation of Operation Impacts on Biological Environment

(1) Pressure on Biological Resources - Wildlife and Forest Products (NTFPs)

The pressure on the natural resources has been discussed above under terrestrial habitats and
fauna. The pressure from both within the resettled communities and from outsiders needs to
be managed as part of both the Resettlement Action Plan and the Watershed Management
Plan:

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a. Ensure that resettlement plans consider access to forestland for sustainable NTFP
collection for household consumption, and make allowances for losses in economic
benefits from NTFPs in livelihood development schemes for resettled communities.
b. Include management of wildlife and NTFP collection as part of the watershed
management plan, and include provision for monitoring and policing the wildlife
trade.

Management and Conservation Measures

The Mekong basin contains a number of other important tributaries. There may be other
tributaries that can be identified for conservation that can continue to provide for migratory
fish and other aquatic biodiversity. These should be dedicated as "Conservation Rivers" and
further development on them limited.

This mitigation measure is especially urgent in the light of the number of the other Projects
being considered before all the options for Conservation Rivers are closed. The government
should consider establishing an Integrated River Basin Management Plan for the Pak Beng
area to coordinate hydropower, fisheries and conservation objectives for the basin. This could
be done under the auspices of a Mekong River Basin Organization.

4.3 Mitigation of Cumulative and Trans-boundary Impacts

With the development of schemes similar to the Mekong Pak Beng HPP either on tributaries or the
Mekong mainstream, there exists an opportunity for coordination and management of the waters and
of the watershed in the basin as a whole. Without such planning there is a real possibility that any
individual facility on the Mekong could result in shortages of flow at certain times followed by
excessive flows at other times. Coordination can add greater value to the environmental flood flows of
each individual Mekong River dam site and be used to maintain ecosystem services such as
recharging groundwater in the flood plain and triggering fish migrations.

Coordination in watershed management can develop a more consistent application of management

techniques, provide a shared learning experience and spread the economic benefits over the whole
basin rather than on isolated sections of the watershed. Also, co-operation in addressing the issues of
an even greater loss of the river fishery should exist between all of Mekong River development
projects as this will be more productive than individual initiatives.

The cumulative effects from the Mekong Pak Beng HPP will be felt downstream in Cambodia down
to the Tonal Sap and even down to the delta in Vietnam. Migratory fish have been shown to come
from both of these parts of the river in to the upper Mekong system.

There is no easy answer to mitigating these cumulative and trans-boundary impacts. However, in
dealing with impacts in other countries, it is necessary to show active management of the resources in
such a way as to maintain the ecosystem services that they expect from a trans-boundary river.

The formation of the Mekong River Basin Organization to manage these resources and to coordinate
the Mekong schemes is recommended to the Government of Lao PDR to demonstrate the best practice
and efforts to maintain ecosystem services. The sharing of information about flows and developments
on the Mekong should be one of the functions of the Mekong River Basin Organization with
counterparts in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam through the Mekong River Commission.

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To have adequate information and analysis for discussion and decision for the individual project, each
mainstream hydropower project on the Mekong mainstream requires conducting specific CIA and
trans-boundary impacts

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5 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL 
MANAGEMENT 
5.1 Institutional Arrangements 
The Mekong Pak Beng Hydroelectric Power Project (Mekong Pak Beng HPP) is intended to conform
to the environmental/social management policies and regulations of the GoL. The EIA and SIA have
been prepared according to current legislation, policies, directives and procedures. Institutional issues
on the Mekong Pak Beng HPP are centered upon the GoL’s role in instituting mitigation measures
and monitoring their effectiveness. The GoL’s responsibilities will be primarily in the area of human
issues and public participation and involvement. These roles for GoL will be provided through
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) by establishing an Environmental
Management Unit (EMU) in accordance with the Environmental Protection Law with the authority to
monitor Company’s and the Project’s compliance with the environmental measures, standards, and
permits.

With the main aim to develop procedures and plans ensuring that the environmental mitigation and
enhancement measures and monitoring requirements addressed in the EIA will actually be carried out
in subsequent stages of the project development. The project requires two types of organization,
company and GoL, to be set up to run the project environmental and social mitigation and
enhancement tasks.

The following diagram, Figure 7, shows the proposed ideal GoL/Company’s organization chart for the
project EMMP implementation.

National Environment & Social

Management Committee (NESMC)

MNRE Company
Provincial Environment &
Social Management

Environment Coordination SMU SMO

Committee EMU EMO

District Village
Environment Committee Environment Committees

Figure 7: GoL/Company’s organization chart for the project EMMP implementation

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5.1.1 Project Company Organization

The project proponent will provide adequate budget, staff and efficient management system for the
implementation of project EMMP. The proposed company organizations to be established for the
project are as follows:

(1) Company shall establish and maintain an Environmental Management Office (EMO). The
company’s EMO shall commence operation from the effective Date of the Concession
Agreements (CA) and shall continue operation throughout the concession period. The
Company shall staff the EMO with a sufficient number of management and professional staff
to ensure that the company will fully, effectively and in a timely fashion meet all of its
environmental commitments with the GoL. The EMO will be responsible for all environmental
obligations of the Company. The staff of the EMO will be drawn from the permanent full-time
staff. The major responsibilities of the EMO are to ensure the mitigation measures and
monitoring programs are carried out as agreed to in the concession agreement between GoL
and the project owner.
(2) The EMO shall be responsible for providing MNRE with the information and reporting
required.
(3) The EMO shall ensure that the relevant environmental commitment is adequately reflected in
the project documents including construction contracts.
(4) Prepare plans for mobilizing subcontracts for studies that will need to be undertaken by the
company.
(5) Hold discussions with the Government Authorities participating in the Project such as,
provincial/district authorities, MNRE and the GoL’s Environmental Management Unit (EMU)
so as to develop procedures for interagency coordination and reporting.
(6) Ensure that the construction phase activities include appropriate environmental monitoring and
surveillance.
(7) Assist the EMU to plan and manage an environmental public consultation and information
program to keep the Lao public informed of the Project activities.
(8) Provide any necessary background information to the EMU to allow it to respond to any public
comments, complaints and inquiries in relation to the environmental commitment.
(9) During the construction/operation phases, the EMO shall be responsible for implementing and
monitoring environmental commitment which includes the following:
a. Implementing or causing to be implemented the environmental mitigation measures of the
EMMP and other related environmental action plans.
b. Developing and implementing the monitoring program.
c. Liaising and cooperating in good faith, with the Government Authorities given
responsibility for implementing the EMMP.
d. Preparing work and cost schedules for the monitoring program.
e. Carrying out any appropriate testing to ensure that the environmental commitments have
been effectively addressed.
f. Arranging for adequate reporting on a regular basis to be undertaken of the results of the
monitoring program.
g. Undertake all necessary record keeping functions and make periodic reports to the
company and to the EMU.
h. Create and implement programs for all of the budgeting and financial reporting for the
operation of the EMO.

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i. Undertake such internal and external audits as may be necessary to comply with the CA
and the procedures of the company.
j. Assist the GoL in conducting public consultation programs, documenting the feedback
and incorporating that feedback into program planning.

As the project is in the Mekong mainstream, it seems reasonable to adopt an acceptable environmental
management system. In this regard, the company shall prepare and implement its Environmental
Management Information System in compliance with the 2009 Lao National Environment Standard
which will also meet all the requirements of ISO 14001: 2004 and obtain ISO 14001 certification.
This will be explained further in the EMU section later in this document.

(1) Environment Section

The major tasks of the Environment Section Figure 8 is the monitoring of all baseline data and
information concerning the environment, such as fish and fishery, hydrology, water quality, river bank
erosion as well as any implementation of the mitigation measures that have been mentioned in EMMP.
The Environment Section may be divided into two teams as follows:

a. Environmental Monitoring Team

 Establish baseline data on the environment status of the project area in the watershed,
upstream, dam site and downstream area.
 Carry out daily, weekly or monthly as planned schedule for monitoring of the environmental
changes.
 Report to the Environment Working Group for the timely management of the environment
status in the Project area.

b. Construction Monitoring Team

 Make a details plan to follow up with the contractors in different construction site including
access road.
 Ensure the contractors to provide the environmental management for the site works.
 Monitoring of the safety issues of the workers in the work site.
 Draft Environmental Instruction for environment management for the Environment Working
Group and EMU for consideration to further instruct to contractors.

Environment Section

Construction Environmental
Monitoring Team Monitoring Team

Figure 8: Structure of the Environment Section.

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5.1.2 Government of Laos Organization

On behalf of the Government, there is some level of organization to be established for implementation
of the Environment and Social Management Plan of Mekong Pak Beng HPP.

(1) National Environment and Social Management Committee

It is not always possible for the developer to recognize indirect social and sometimes
environmental impacts arising from the projects implementation and its social-environmental
mitigation plan. Accordingly, community consultation and consultations with government
agencies constitute an important component of the plan. The planning of this project will be
undertaken in consultation and with the advice of the district, provincial, national
governments. It is proposed to establish of the National Environment and Social Management
Committee (NESMC).

The major scopes of works of the NESMC are to provide guidance and to direct
implementation of the Social Development Plan and the Resettlement Action Plan.

The operational costs of the Mekong Pak Beng HPP NESMC will be supported by the project
proponent. To avoid conflicts of interest, no member of the NEMSC will be contracted to
implement any part of the Environmental Management Plan, Resettlement Action Plan or
Watershed Management Plan and any others.

National Environmental and Social Management Committee may consist of the following at
the ministerial level:

a. Minister/Vice Minister of MNRE.

b. Minister/Vice of Energy and Mines.
c. Agriculture and Forestry Permanent Secretary Office.
d. And any other relevant Ministerial personnel.

NESMC may conduct a meeting every 3 months to evaluate the overall progress of the project,
and if required may organize a special meeting at any time to solve any issues or emergencies
that require a quick decision.

(2) Provincial Environment and Social Management Committee

Following precedents set by earlier projects the developer proposes that a Provincial
Environment and Social Management Committee (PESMC) will be composed of officials
from relevant Departments and Sectors of each provincial government chaired possibly by
either the Provincial Governor or Vice governor. Representatives from the District
government may include:

a. Provincial Governor
b. Provincial Cabinet Officer
c. District Governor
d. Environmental Manager
e. Provincial Energy and Mines Officer
f. Provincial Forestry Officer
g. Provincial Land Officer
h. Lao Woman's Union representative

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i. And other concerned authorities

The Mekong Pak Beng HPP, PESMC will meet regularly, maybe once a month. The
committee will have its inaugural meeting at least 1 month before the start of the Project and
will operate for the construction stage and few years after to monitor post impoundment
impacts and take action as necessary.

(3) Environmental Management Unit

MNRE will establish an Environmental Management Unit (EMU) in accordance with the
Environmental Protection Law with the authority to closely monitor the Company’s and
Project’s compliance with environmental measures, standards, and permits. One of the
EMU’s major tasks will be to act as secretary to the NESMC with the major task of preparing
all relevant Mekong Pak Beng HPP implementation policies and directions for approval by
the NESMC. The EMU has the full right to inspect all the implementation of the EMMP,
SMMP and RAP of the Project.

During preparation of the Concession Agreement (CA) of the project, many obligations of the
GoL and the Mekong Pak Beng HPP including the environment and social management
conditions are to be discussed. The EMU will be set up to see that Mekong Pak Beng HPP has
fulfilled those requirements and obligations during the implementation phase of the project.
The complete EMU operational budget will be fully supported by project proponent.

The EMU may be headed by Director/Vice Director General of the ESIA Department, they
will regularly report to MNRE and NESMC as representative of the GoL on environment and
social management and development of Mekong Pak Beng HPP.

The EMU will have the following responsibilities:

a. Assisting MNRE with reviewing and approving subject to conditions.

b. Coordinating with Government Authorities in relation to the implementation of the
Environmental Objectives of the GoL and the Company.
c. Monitoring and inspecting the implementation and compliance of the Environmental
Obligations of both the GoL and the Company.
d. Conducting field monitoring and inspections of the Company’s compliance with its
environmental obligations.
e. Advising MNRE and the Government Authorities on the adequacy of proposed
environmental mitigation measures and recommending amendments following findings
from project monitoring.
f. Setting set up a process to record all monitoring data compliance, management decisions
and corrective actions taken.
g. Setting up the Environmental Management Information System; this is described in detail
in section 6.4 and 7.2 of this document.
h. Liaising with external organizations in relation to environmental issues relating to the
Project, which include the following:
 Coordinating the resolution of issues which arise among the various Government
Authorities and the company relating to the environmental measures.
 Developing and updating work schedules for the monitoring and inspections of
the EMU.
 Managing its financial and manpower resources.

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 Procuring technical assistance or other services or goods.

 Advising the GoL through MNRE using periodic reporting on the performance of
the Environmental Measures, including the performance of the financial aspects
of the Environmental Measures.
 Coordinating any necessary interfaces between the Company or the EMO with
any of the government authorities with respect to environmental issues.
 Working with the Independent monitoring agencies in order to periodically assess
the performance of Environmental Measures.
 Following the provision of any required input from the EMO, responding to any
public comments, complaints and inquiries in relation to the environmental
measures.
 Assisting MNRE with giving instructions to the company regarding compliance
with its environmental obligations.
 Assisting MNRE with issuing non-compliance notifications to the company and
sanctioning the company in cases of non-compliance.

Since the GoL monitoring task is considered very important, the MNRE will establish an
Environmental/Social Monitoring and Inspection Unit (ESMI) within its organization. The
ESMI shall be under the direction of MNRE to monitor and inspect the compliance with the
environmental and social measures of the GoL and the company. The ESMI’s responsibilities
in terms of monitoring and inspection of environmental and social measures shall be
addressed in the CA. The ESMI will have the following responsibilities:

a. Assisting GoL with reviewing the EMMP and any revisions or detailed plans thereof.
b. Conducting monitoring and field inspections of the social measures of the Company and
the GoL with respect to compliance with the environmental and social obligations of the
Company and the GoL.
c. Assisting GoL with the following:
 Issuing instructions to the company regarding compliance with its social obligations
including the law of the Lao PDR.
 Issuing non-compliance notifications/enforcement notices to the company.
 Solving problems for the Company in cases of non-compliance.
a. Advising relevant government authorities on the adequacy of proposed social measures
and recommending amendments following findings from project monitoring.
b. Periodic reporting on the performance of the environmental and social measures,
including the performance of the financial aspects of the environmental and social
measures.
c. Developing and updating work schedules for the monitoring and inspections of the
ESMU.
d. Managing its financial and manpower resources.
e. Procuring technical assistance or other services or goods including the following:
 Assist GoL with reviewing all documents related to the social measures.
 Monitoring and auditing funds for social obligations that are earmarked by the
company for GoL activities.
 Report to GoL about monitoring findings.

(4) Village Development Cluster

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A Village Development Cluster has been established in districts according to decree

No.09/PMO dated 07/05/2008 on Village and Village Development Clusters and will serve as
counterparts to the EMU. The actual type and number of staff will be determined upon a
detailed needs assessment prior to implementation. District staff involvement in EMU
implementation will be primarily task-based. In some cases provincial and district staff will
be involved in implementation arrangements when district staff is not available or adequately
qualified. In some programs, such as consultations, both provincial and district staff have
been members of project proponent teams. The Project will arrange for capacity building for
social development for these keys staff for a long term management. The tasks of the Village
Development Clusters will be to:

In collaboration with the EMU team, provide technical input to the Resettlement Action Plan
and Social Development Plan and participate in capacity building for village facilitators - at
times as trainers and at other times as trainees.

Provide human resource and informational input to infrastructure and livelihood activities, as
required and assist with training activities.

(5) Village-Level Organizations

In each relocated and adjacent village it will be necessary to delegate to an existing

organization the responsibility for formulating village policy on resettlement, overseeing the
resettlement process, recruiting head village coordinators, and leading the community
participation process and other identified tasks. This key person will create the link between
several project working groups and the EMU. Several assistant coordinators may need to be
established to help.

The village coordinators will receive a regular honorarium for their work and will have funds
to engage a secretary to ensure that all delegated issues are tracked and addressed. The head
village coordinators should act as the formal contact point and have the responsibility for
selecting and supervising the assistant village coordinators, as well as representing the village
in inter-village meetings to discuss, monitor and evaluate progress.

5.1.3 Auditor or Third Party Monitoring

(1) The project monitoring group will be composed of staff members from each of the
Resettlement, Social Development and Environment groups. The members of each group will
monitor their own group according to the requirements laid out in the RAP, SDP and EMMP.
The Monitoring Unit should include the following specialists:
(2) A project monitoring Specialist with a strong background in mathematics or statistics and a
relevant social or natural science plus experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and
evaluating resettlement plans or projects to international standards on large hydropower
projects, and preferably with relevant experience in Lao PDR or elsewhere in the region.
(3) Lao National Resettlement Specialists or Social Development Specialists with strong
backgrounds in relevant social sciences and demonstrated experience in organizing and
managing socioeconomic data collection and analysis, PRA, group facilitation, and with
relevant experience in the Project area.
(4) Surveyors with demonstrated experience in household surveys, data input and analysis and
participatory rapid appraisal techniques, and group facilitation will be used. Surveyors and
monitoring team leaders should have an equal gender mix and local language skills.

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(5) An Ethnic and/or Gender Specialist who will probably be a member of the social
development team and will assist the monitoring unit to ensure that Ethnic and Gender issues
are included in the various monitoring programs.

Good practice in resettlement requires continuously incorporating the learning that takes place in
programs using a variety of implementation strategies and institutional models, allowing the Social
Development Plan (SDP) to evolve as needed. Monitoring provides the mechanism by which to do
this. Monitoring and evaluation of the SDP will occur as part of the overall RAP Monitoring and
Evaluation Plan. Participatory self-monitoring by affected people will be essential to accurate
monitoring of the SDP. For example, the monitoring of the effectiveness of the health team in
providing access to health services will be undertaken by individual resettled people through their
own personal assessment of the community's access to health services. The monitoring team will
simply undertake an abbreviated social assessment every 6 months.

Questions the monitoring team will be asked to answer through such assessments will include as a
minimum the following:

(1) Have any people used the grievance redress procedures? What were the outcomes?
(2) Have any intra-community conflicts been reported? How were they resolved?
(3) Were special measures for ethnic peoples implemented?
(4) What changes have taken place in key social and cultural parameters relating to living
standards?
(5) What changes have occurred for vulnerable groups?
(6) Are people able to access schools, health services, cultural sites and activities?
(7) What is the extent and quality of participation in community groups?
(8) Has access to cultural sites and events been restored?
(9) Have perceptions of "community" been restored?
(10) Do people believe local spiritual needs are being met?
(11) Have people achieved any replacement of key social and cultural elements?
(12) Have people reported incidents of corruption?
(13) Are women taking increasing roles in public decision making?

In addition, to answering these questions through appropriately designed survey questions, specific
data will also be collected based on a set of indicators of both the state of social development and the
state of the livelihood system. Quantitative data on the level of social development attained will
include, but will not be limited to the following: school attendance, Early Childhood Care for
Development (ECCD) center attendance, teacher attendance (ensuring all schools have sufficient
teaching staff assigned and active), number of classrooms with adequate learning materials,
participation rate in adult literacy classes, village literacy rate, ratio of women to men on village
committees, etc. All of the above data will be disaggregated by sex.

Quantitative Indicators of the system of livelihood for each family include:

(1) Paddy yield in tones per ha.

(2) Vegetable crop yields.
(3) Fish production (spawning and nursing survival rates, yield by weight and by cash value).
(4) Animal production: the animal weight and the survival rate after disease control.
(5) Design, making and marketing for women's products.

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(6) Whatever overall socio-economic well-being indicators that Mekong Pak Beng HPP selects as
measures of the attainment of livelihood targets, income/poverty levels at both household and
village level.

Monitoring of community management and benefit distribution will also be undertaken and will have
its own indicators which will be decided upon by the communities themselves.

It is not possible to accurately define cost when the level of impact is not known. The Mekong Pak
Beng HPP needs to characterize the existing situation accurately, and then closely monitor what
actually happens when the dam's effects begin to be felt. A contingency budget has been established
for livelihood improvement in the upstream villages in case fisheries monitoring shows a significant
impact on the fishery by the Mekong Pak Beng HPP. The budget is by no means meant to be used
equally for each village. The amount to be used will depend on the impact, the size of the village, the
importance of fishing and cost of livelihood activities (crop and livestock production) for each
specific village.

5.1.4 Construction Contractors and Subcontractors

The developer will appoint a contractor to implement the physical components of the RAP including
the construction of housing. The Contractor will in turn appoint subcontractors to manage specific
aspects of the Resettlement, e.g. removals and relocation, construction of infrastructure, and
construction of housing. Certain aspects of the resettlement could be contracted out to government
agencies - e.g. agricultural extension, land development. The RAP Contractor will appoint a Social
Manager who will speak and write fluently in English. The EMU will execute monitoring tasks and
report to the Environmental Manager (EM). The EM will coordinate implementation of the RAP with
subcontractors.

Other RAP Contractor Personnel with responsibilities in relation to implementing the RAP will
include the Resettlement Site Foremen and a Medical Officer with supporting staff. The Resettlement
Site Foremen will ensure that social protection measures are implemented and utilized as documented
in the RAP.

The Medical Officer and supporting staff will implement the Projects Occupational Health & Safety
Plan in the EMMP which will also apply to implementation of the RAP.

5.2 Work Plan of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 
An outline of the proposed schedule for the implementation of the EMMP is given in Table 4 below.
The preconstruction phase will last approximately one year. The construction phase will last 5 years.
The post construction phase will involve site rehabilitation and establishment of an operating plan for
environmental optimization. During this time there will additional baseline data collected to augment
the information compiled during the EIA for incorporation into the watershed management plan and
design of the dam where certain design operations have been left open. Such information will also be
used to modify the project EMMP, particularly in relation to the design of the construction camp and
facilities and controls on the workforce. The TOR for the watershed management unit will also be
drafted in consultation with provincial and local government authorities with some national
participation as required. It will be necessary to start the RAP at least one year before reservoir filling
commences.

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There is also a need to establish the viability of the fishery upstream of the dam for detailed planning
of the resettlement and to implement the Watershed Management program as soon as construction
begins. A number of monitoring activities will be undertaken as in the preconstruction phase to
provide baseline data for this plan and also to provide further design inputs into the dam construction
and operational plan.

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Table 3: Work Schedule of Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)

Activities Operation Phase

Pre- Construction Construction Phase
(Whole Concession Period)
Year 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Pre-construction
Community Consultations
Establishment of Watershed Management Unit
Social assessment in watershed and downstream
Resource assessment/Baseline Monitoring
Construction
Clearing of Reservoir
Implement Watershed Management Plan
Implement Construction EMMP
Clearing of Transmission Line
Filling of Dam
Resettlement
Payment of compensation to all PAPs
Preparation of Detailed RAP
Implementation of RAP
Monitoring of Implementation of RAP
Environmental Optimization
Water quality downstream
Changes in Flows downstream
Fishery (Upstream)
Fishery downstream
Operational Monitoring

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5.3 Further Assessment for Improving Environmental Performance 
Immediately after the Project has been assessed as feasible including the implementation of
resettlement according to the policies of the Lao government, the developer should support a number
of studies and programs aimed at improving the environmental and social performance of the project.
This program of activities will involve the collection of additional baseline data across the whole of
the watershed that can only be obtained at reasonable expense once access to the project area has been
improved.

The construction of access roads to the Mekong Pak Beng Hydroelectric Power Project site will
facilitate vehicle access and facilitate these activities during the preconstruction phase. Activities to be
conducted include the drafting and implementation of a watershed management plan, widespread
community consultations, social assessment and additional resource assessment and baseline
monitoring.

(1) Watershed Management Plan (WMP) –

The objectives of the framework watershed management plan will be:
a. Protection and rehabilitation of forest cover.
b. Biodiversity conservation and protection.
c. Capacity building at the local and provincial government levels to the extent that the
watershed management authority will be eventually integrated into the local government
function.
d. Assist livelihood improvement, poverty reduction and sustainable development of the
watershed.
e. Assist with land use planning for the watershed.

The EMU will co-ordinate production of the framework WMP. Forest and Land Use management
planning will be undertaken at the villages and local government level, consistent with the Provincial
Forestry and Land Use Management Plan and may provide some inputs into the latter, especially
when Agro-industry Developers submit proposals seeking access to the land resources of the
watershed.

The EMU will help promote a balanced integrated approach to the management of the watershed and
the opportunities afforded by the reservoir including its use for transport and recreation and the
promotion of tourism. It will help with the management of areas worthy of protection including buffer
zones along the edge of the reservoir where deemed necessary. Special protection measures will be
needed to control access and protect the NBCA (for details see WMP separately).

(2) Resettlement Action Plan

A program of community consultations will be undertaken in the detailed design phase in relation to
the following:

a. Detailed Resettlement planning which will determine which villages partially affected by
the reservoir could be resettled upslope providing suitable land is also available.
b. Layout, size and ethnic composition of villages in the resettlement area.
c. Villagers desire or dislike of relocating to new locations.

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d. Detailed consultations will also be required of residents of surrounding villages in relation

to their views concerning the relocation of other villages and District incorporating the
Local government center, to this area.

Location of Workers Facilities: It is proposed that the workers camp will be a closed community.
However, it is recognized that villages near the dam site could see the influx of workers as an
opportunity for increasing their own incomes; another issue is that in the past residents have objected
to construction projects with workers camps located in isolated areas because of the associated loss in
economic opportunities to local villages. It is also recognized that workers will need recreation
facilities and that a large influx of workers into the town seeking recreation could cause social
problems. Extensive community consultations will be undertaken prior to the planning of the workers
facilities so that local communities might benefits from the presence of these temporary residents with
minimal negative impacts.

Integration of Regional Development Strategy and Related projects; There are other projects
undergoing feasibility studies in the Mekong Basin including rubber and teak plantations. There are
also plans to increase trade between the provinces with neighboring countries like China and Thailand,
these projects have the potential to influence the community development programs and accordingly
need to be integrated into the Pak Beng Watershed Management Plan. Extensive consultations will
need to be undertaken with Provincial authorities, local communities and other project developers on
how this integration is to precede; also, the future labor and skill needs in the province and the extent
to which the resettled community might be involved in meeting these needs to be understood.

Social Assessment of Watershed and Downstream Populations

Studies should be ongoing regarding effects of the project on livelihood strategies. This will help to
identify how the livelihood systems might best be improved in the watershed. Issues could include the
relative importance of low lying areas and upland areas as sources for various NTFPs, the importance
of river bank gardens, the relative merits of access via river/reservoirs and roads, the wildlife and pest
management, the potential for raising certain wildlife species commercially so as to meet the
insatiable demand for wildlife meat in the Lao PDR and elsewhere.

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6 MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION

The main contractor(s) will be responsible for implementing a Construction Environmental
Management Plan as part of the construction contract. The Developer will apply certain principles in
establishing this construction EMMP seeking to undertake best practice construction management
giving full consideration to all environmental matters in connection to major construction activities,
and attribute high consideration to the preservation of biodiversity and natural resources, to the
prevention of pollution, to the public safety and to respect local communities.

The Developer will seek a commitment from its Construction Contractors to be certified according to
ISO Standard 14001 or be working towards certification and to respect the following principles during
the whole period of the construction activities:

(1) To protect the environment and to minimize construction impacts, by employing the best
control
(2) Mechanisms, procedures and processes within the limits of their economic feasibility.
(3) To comply with Developers EMMP, Lao environmental legislation and to undertake self-
monitoring to ensure compliance and contract consults to undertake regular audits of
performance.
(4) To respect internationally recognized good practices in environmental management and
health and safety issues.
(5) To provide training and awareness programs to construction staff in order to achieve
continual progress in health safety and environmental protection performance.
(6) To protect the environment on site and downstream by effective pollution control, minimum
clearing of land, respect of local communities and their culture and where possible protect
the forest and wild life therein.
(7) To implement efficiently measures outlined in the EMMP and regularly monitor relevant
activities and results.
(8) To measure environmental performance by conducting regular environmental audits.

6.1 Construction Phase Components

There are number of project components containing similar activities with similar potential
downstream impacts and mitigations to be implemented during the construction phase. These
components area:

Surface Excavations and Construction which includes construction of the power house, the dam the
water intake structure, the spillway chute the coffer dams, the penstocks the tail race canal and the
switchyard.

(1) Underground excavations consisting of the construction of two diversion tunnels.

(2) Construction of Roads and access which can impinge on local communities
(3) The Construction Camp consisting of accommodation block, garages workshops and storage
areas and buildings.
(4) The reservoir and transmission line which involves clearing and removal of large areas of
vegetation.

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6.2 Impacts and Mitigation Measures for each Component

The environmental impacts associated with each activity undertaken in each of these project
components are similar and so too are the mitigation strategies. A total of seventeen socio-
environmental impact mitigation plans associated with construction activities have been drafted,
referred to as Environmental Management sub-Plans. These sub-plans are common to most
construction projects and can be applied to each of the above project components and subcomponent
activities. There are some sub-plans that are more specific to a particular project component than
others.

6.3 Compliance Monitoring

The Construction Contractor will be responsible for ensuring his own activities are monitored on a
day to day basis and that mitigation measures are fully implemented with construction activities. Each
Environmental Field Officer (EFO) will conduct routine inspections of sites and activities in their area
of responsibility to evaluate compliance with commitments defined in this EMMP. Compliance will
be reported on standard forms.

The EM with the assistance of the staff of the EMU will ensure that monitoring results provided by
the Construction Contractors are true and correct comprehensive picture of the current environmental
situation and efforts at site level. To this end the EMU will implement a global environmental
monitoring program that will indicates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Construction
EMMP at all project sites.

6.4 Environmental Management Information System

To respond effectively to matters raised by the Environmental Management Committee and to

effectively manage the environmental performance of the Project, the EMU will set up an
Environmental Management Information System to process and record all monitoring data
compliance, management decisions and corrective actions taken.

Anticipated documentation to be filed includes:

(1) Active and obsolete printed versions of the EMMP, sub-plans and site plans.
(2) All site plans as approved by the developer.
(3) All communications with environmental implications.
(4) All environmental monitoring reports from EMU and the Contractor staff.
(5) Quarterly Reports.
(6) Complaints register.
(7) Training materials.
(8) Training attendance registers.
(9) Non-compliance special reports
(10) Lao environmental legislation.
(11) Permits, legal documents and authorizing letters.
(12) Monthly site meeting minutes.
(13) Occupational Health and Safety reports.
(14) Medical reports.
(15) Disciplinary procedures.

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6.5 Training Capacity Building

Both general training at induction and job specific training will be implemented through the
contractor. This worker induction program will include training on the following:

(1) Worker's obligations regarding basic environmental and social protection measures.
(2) General measures to follow throughout the construction period, such as the prohibitions on
hunting and poaching of wildlife, purchasing wildlife meat, fishing, gathering and harvesting
medicinal or valued plants and trees, and possessing firearms, snares, traps and other hunting
equipment.
(3) Housecleaning and waste management in worker camps, in construction sites, along roads,
nearby villages.
(4) Pollution control during construction activities.
(5) Ban of all kind of narcotic drugs for all employees of developer and contractor.
(6) Attending works while under the influence of alcohol.
(7) Measures for preserving health and the dissemination of vectors and transmissible diseases,
including basics on hygiene.
(8) Disciplinary consequences for violation of the measures presented as part of the
Environmental Awareness Program. The consequences will be important to add
accountability to the EMMP.
(9) General Occupational Health and Safety issues will be addressed under the implementation of
the OH&S Plan. The issues addressed under the awareness program will complement those in
the OH&S Plan and will focus particularly on basic hygiene practices, vector control and
AIDS/STD.
(10) The developer is aware of the risk of development of AIDS and STD among the
workforce, as most of the workers will live far from family, for a significant period. In order
to reduce the risk of transmission, a specific awareness program will be implemented during
the project construction. The program will address all employees, with special attention for
groups presenting higher risks such as truck drivers.
(11) The program will include:
(12) Information workshops for all workers on AIDS and STD transmission and protection
measures.
(13) Readily available supply of prophylactics in the medical centers.
(14) Use of information posters to be posted in workers camps and in medical facilities
buildings
(15) Leaflets and information stickers.

Training activities will be organized as workshops, focusing on the presentation, content and
application of specific procedures and measures included in the EMMP. Training will be
supplemented using posters and signs in the workplace depicting the various steps of relevant
procedures (explosive management, fuelling vehicles, spill response, etc).

Each participant in the general training program will be given supporting paper text and graphic
documentation in his/her language. Videos for refresher courses will be prepared. Posters, in relevant
languages will be posted around the site reminding workers of key aspects of their training in
environment health and safety.

For supervisors and foremen, as well as staff working on environmentally critical activities, additional
specific environmental training will be provided.

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The developer will ensure that the staff of the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring
Unit will have appropriate educational and technical backgrounds according to the level of
responsibility being undertaken. Staff implementing the monitoring program will be given job-
specific training.

The Contractor will ensure that the Environmental Manager (EM) will have an appropriate practical
background to provide foremen and subcontractors with advice on how to implement the Construction
EMMP. The Environmental Field Officers are to be trained as necessary at the contractor's expense to
undertake the monitoring of operations. The Contractors contract will specify that suitably qualified
personnel are required to assist the EM to implement the EMMP.

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7 CONTROL AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR EMMP

The objective of EMMP monitoring activities is to ensure that mitigation measures listed in the ESIA
and EMMP are implemented and are effective in minimizing or preventing negative environmental
and social impacts.

Specific objectives of monitoring should include:

(1) At Construction EMU monitoring level, ensuring on a day to day basis that mitigation
measures are fully implemented with construction activities, and that results observed comply
with the contractual obligations, national laws and regulations and Developer's requirements.
(2) Ensuring that monitoring results are true and correct, and providing the necessary
environmental coordination and interface between the Construction Contractors.
(3) Provide the Developer with a comprehensive picture of the current environmental situation
and efforts at site level.
(4) Conducting routine inspections of sites and activities in their area of responsibility to evaluate
compliance with commitments defined in this EMMP.

Results of field observations, either documenting compliance or non-compliance with environmental

requirements should be reported on standard forms. The use of these standard forms should help
ensure that compliance-related observations are recorded in a consistent manner and in a standard
format. As such, the information can be entered into the database that should be used to track the
status of and allow analysis of non-compliance situations.

7.1 Non-Compliance Detection, Correction and Prevention

An important element of the internal communication process is the organized relay of non-
conformance information. To prioritize management attention on the most important issues, non-
compliance observations should be separated into three levels on the basis of importance, and
communications requirements for the observations should be commensurate with the severity of the
non-compliance situation.

The three levels of non-compliance situations are:

(1) Non-Compliance Level I

Definition: A non-compliance situation not consistent with EMMP requirements, but not
believed to represent an immediate or severe threat to people or to the environment. Repeated
Level I concerns may become Level II concerns if left unattended.

(2) Non Compliance Level II

Definition: A non-compliance situation that has not yet resulted in clearly identified damage
or irreversible impact, but which potential significance requires expeditious corrective action
and site-specific attention to prevent severe effects. Repeated Level II concerns may become
Level III concerns if left unattended.

(3) Non Compliance Level III

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Definition: A critical non-compliance situation, typically including observed significant

damage on people or the environment or a reasonable expectation of very severe impending
damage. Intentional disregard of specific prohibitions is also classified as a Level III concern.

7.2 Environmental Records

To effectively manage the environmental performance of the Project, the EMU function should
include a process to document and track non-compliance observations, decisions on situation
resolution, corrective actions taken, and the observed results of those corrective actions in the
Environmental Management Information System; this is also defined in section 6.4 of this document.
The EMU should use a database to track and allow analysis of this information. The database should
likely be capable of generating a variety of reports sorted by key fields which may include non-
compliance situation level, non-compliance type, date range, location, etc. Topics of these reports
would likely include:

(1) Comprehensive listings of all non-compliance situations observed.

(2) Summaries of non-compliance situations observed.
(3) Status of non-compliance situation resolution based on last monitoring observation.

7.3 Environmental Auditing

The Developer should initiate scheduled audits of the Project activities, construction sites and
contractors against the requirements established in this EMMP and relevant sub-plans.

The Audit Schedule anticipates one Internal Audit every year. Additional audits may be programmed
should a system non-conformance indicate significant areas of concern. Non-conformances or
observations identified during audits should be subject to the provisions of corrective action.

Audit findings should be reported to the Developer and discussed with the EMU. An Action Plan for
corrective action required from the audit should be prepared by the EMU, submitted to the Developer
for non-objection and then implemented in a timely manner. Follow up monitoring should be
undertaken to verify implementation of approved corrective actions and their effectiveness in
preventing recurrence.

At the end of construction activities for each main Contractor a Post-Construction Environmental
Audit should be carried out. This will establish the success or otherwise of Mitigation and
rehabilitation work. An Action Plan for any outstanding issues should be developed by the EMU.
Release of the final payment to the Contractor(s) should be tied to verification of site condition by the
audit.

7.4 Senior Management Environmental Review

Senior management from the Developer should review annually the EMMP implementation to ensure
its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness regarding the project construction progress, and
the Developer's commitment to continual improvement.

The review should utilize information collected by the EMU carrying out monitoring specified above,
and results of audits. The EMU is responsible for ensuring that relevant information is collected for
the Senior Management Environmental Review.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

The review should address any need for changes to the environmental policy and objectives, and to
the environmental activities and practices of the EMMP, in light of the audit results, of changing
circumstances and of the commitment to continual improvement.

The Senior Management review should be documented and the results communicated to the EMU
involved in the EMMP implementation.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

8 SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ACTIVITIES

(see Table 5 below)

Responsible Parties:

ESM = Environmental & Social Manager (from EMU)

ER = Environmental Regulatory officer (from EMU)

SR = Social Regulatory officer (from EMU)

CC = Complying Contractor (The contractor that the responsibility has been assigned to)

Table 4: Specific Environmental Monitoring

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification

Water quality management & pollution control

Visual inspection of
ER Weekly Cleanliness of system, etc
treatment facilities

Visual inspection of Location, distance to

water sources ER Monthly pollution sources, fencing, 2 or 3 3
protection information signs

Weekly
monitoring of
Water quality potable water
Monitoring in
ER Color, odor, free chlorine 1 or 2 2 or 3
residence and main Once a month,
worker camps full
Analysis
Drinking water
Water quality Weekly
random monitoring ER monitoring of Same as above
in temporary camps potable water

Visual inspection of Cleanliness of facility,

treatment facilities maintenance register review,
ER Bi-monthly 1 or 2 2 or 3
and water protection availability of chemicals &
sources spare parts

Review CC Compliance with design

ESM Bi-monthly 2 or 3 3
monitoring data criteria (WHO)

Random sampling,
main camps and ESM
Monthly Color, odor, free chlorine, FC 2 or 3 3
temporary camps /ER
when required
Routine sampling of weekly Temperature, pH, Suspended
Effluents treated effluents by ER monitoring of Solids (SS), DO, Faecal
operating CC treated Coliforms

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
effluents
Cleanliness of station,
drainage of sludge and
Weekly
Visual Inspection ER screenings storage area, total 1 or 2 2 or 3
inspection
infiltration of treated effluent

Weekly
Review of inspection by Compliance with effluent
ESM 2 2 or 3
monitoring data ESM design criteria

Discharge, temperature, pH,

Random sampling
ER Monthly Suspended Solids (SS), Fecal 1 or 2 2 or 3
of treated effluents
Coliforms , DO
Date & volumes of
Registration of When movements: from station to
ER 1 or 2 2 or 3
sludge movements required disposal area and from septic
tanks to station
Date & volumes of
Review of sludge
movements; Cross check
movements ER Once a month 1 or 2 2 or 3
with landfill reception
registration
records
Routine Cleanliness of camps and
ESM
maintenance and Weekly maintenance of drainage &
/ER/SR
monitoring of CC sanitation facilities
Registration of
When Date of maintenance &
septic tank emptying ER 1 or 2 2 or 3
required facility concerned
Worker camps operations
(main) General cleanliness of camp,
Visual Inspection of
collection and drainage of all
camps waste water ER/
Bi-weekly water from sanitary facilities 1 or 2 2 or 3
and rainstorm water ESM
and canteens; stormwater
drainage
drainage;
Review of septic
Date of maintenance &
tank emptying ER Once a month 1 or 2 2 or 3
facility concerned
operation register
Routine Cleanliness of camps and
ESM
maintenance and Weekly maintenance of drainage &
/ER/ SR
monitoring of CC sanitation facilities
Registration of When
Workers ER Toilets regularly maintained 1 or 2 2 or 3
maintenance required
Camps
Appropriate system
(temporary) Visual inspection of
ER Bi-weekly Condition of toilet 1 or 2 2 or 3
facilities and camps
Defecation around camp
Review of Date of maintenance &
ER Once a month 1 or 2 2 or 3
maintenance register facility concerned
Refuelling
Visual inspection of
pollution control ER/
Daily/weekly area and practice Temporary
measures ESM
storage of chemicals
implementation
Temporary storage of wastes
Construction Sampling of
areas drainage water at ER Weekly SS, oil and fuel, FC
area outlet
Review of SS, oil and fuel, Fecal
ESM Monthly 1 or 2 2 or 3
monitoring data Coliforms
Random sampling
ER Monthly pH, SS, Temperature 1 or 2 2 or 3
of stormwater outlet
Maintenance Visual inspection of Refueling area and practice
ER/
areas pollution control Daily/weekly Bunded storage for HM as
ESM
(workshops, measures waste engine oil, grease,

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
garages) implementation hydraulic oil
Stormwater design (hydro-
carbon separation pit)
Presence of equipment
Ensure presence and
according to standard
maintenance of spill
Procedures posted in the
response equipment ER Weekly 2 or 3 3
premises
kit according to
Emergency response team
products stored
identified & trained
Daily
registration by
Registration of used
garages and
waste generated ER Date & volumes 1 or 2 2 or 3
workshops as
concerned

Hydrology
Ensure spoil
disposal areas As required Design and effective
located & designed ESM when delineation of disposal site
in accordance with /ER delineating compared on map photo or
hydrological disposal site GPS control
Requirements
Register claims
from communities Location
SR As required
regarding flooding Type of problem
Spoil Disposal
etc
and Drainage
Ensure natural
drainage respected
ESM
or mitigated during Weekly Visual observation 1 or 2 3
/ER
earthworks and site
development
Bi-weekly 3
Monitor spoil areas ER Visual inspection 2 or 3
inspection
Record presence of
impeded drainage Bi-weekly
ER Visual inspection 2 or 3 3
and ponding or inspection
velocity increases
Soil Conservation
Ensure
implementation of ESM Visual observation Design
Weekly
erosion control /ER documentation
measures
Erosion Ensure
Control implementation of
ER Weekly Visual observation 1 or 2 3
Measures sediment transport
reduction measures
Monitor stormwater
drainage from ER Bi-Monthly Suspended Solids 1 or 2 2 or 3
concerned areas
Ensure top soil Weekly
properly managed during large
Visual observation Design
and preserved for ER excavation
documentation
Top soil eventual use in works As
protection restoration requested later
Monitor application
ER/
of design standards Bi-weekly Visual observation 1 or 2 2 or 3
ESM
for erosion control

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
and topsoil
protection

Biodiversity Conservation
Daily
Ensure demarcation observation
& tree marking for ESM during
No. of trees
clearing and respect /ER clearing by
of clearing limits Forestry
Department
Ensure log
Clearing
evacuation ESM
Weekly Visual observation
completed before /ER
work starts
Monitor clearing
operations by CC to ESM According to Project design
As required 3
ensure no trees /ER and Clearances given
felled
Ensure re-vegetation As needed,
Species used not considered
Re-vegetation done with native ER control site 1 1 or 2
as exotic invasive
species and nursery
Check species used ESM As needed Species used are suitable 1 1 or 2
Control at check-points the
transport of any dead or alive
Ensure hunting ban ESM Daily wild animal
respected /ER/ SR observation Presence of hunting gear
Workers cooking wildlife
meat
Delineate sensitive
natural areas to be ESM Random Direct observation of non
3
avoided and inform /ER observation avoidance by contractor staff
Wildlife
by flagging
Conservation
Random
Ensure all staff observation
At least 80% workers on site
attended ESM and review of
at any time attended 1 2 or 3
environmental /SR training
awareness program
awareness program attendance
register
Number of non-compliance
Monitor
Direct random observed including persons
conservation ER 1 2 or 3
observation having not attended
efficiency
awareness program
Chemicals and Waste Management
Visually inspect &
evaluate with
emphasis on review
ER Weekly Design criteria
on clay or/and
synthetic liner
permeability
Non-
Monitor Access restricted, waste
Hazardous
maintenance and ER/ compacted, absence of
Waste Landfill Weekly 1 or 2 2 or 3
management of ESM Hazardous waste, pest control
landfill effectiveness,
Visual inspection of
ER Rainy season Pollution indicators 1 or 2 2 or 3
leachate leakage
Random sampling Absence of pollution
ER Seasoning 1 or 2 2 or 3
of wells water & indicators

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
stormwater
Monitor landfill site
ER/
cleanliness and Monthly Visual inspection of facility 1 or 2 2 or 3
ESM
management
Monitor slope
ER Weekly Visual inspection 1 or 2 3
stability of disposal
Ensure regular
Visual inspection and
collection of ER Weekly
organization of unit
garbage
Garbage Visual inspection during site
collection Monitor visits regarding equipment
effectiveness of ER Bi-weekly and presence of uncontrolled 1 2 or 3
garbage collection waste dumping sites along
roads
Ensure temporary
Containers, labels, collection
storage sites comply ESM Weekly site
register, drainage water
with safety /ER inspection
control, etc
obligations
Registration, design of
Hazardous storage area (bunded and
Ensure appropriate
Waste fenced area), containers
HW registration &
quality, labeling, spill
disposal in ER Weekly 2 2 or 3
response kits, safety
accordance with
procedures posted, workers in
obligations
charge trained and PPE
available
Inspection of
Bi-weekly to
temporary and main ER Same criteria as above 1, 2 or 3 3
monthly
HW disposal sites
Registration, design of
Ensure appropriate storage area (bunded and
Hazardous material fenced area), containers
registration, storage ESM quality, labeling, spill
Weekly
& handling in /ER response kits, safety
accordance with procedures posted, workers in
safety regulation charge trained and PPE
Hazardous
available
Chemicals
Inspection of
Hazardous material ER Monthly Same criteria as above 1, 2 or 3 3
management
Eventual safe
According to HP State
disposal of
ESM As required pollution Control Board and 2 or 3 3
Hazardous Waste &
national specifications
Chemicals
Cultural Properties
Ensure no cultural
site notified prior to
ESM Documentation review and
works is disturbed As needed 3
/SR site visit
without community
agreement
Notification to Owner
Ensure procedure Effective application of
ESM
implemented if As justified decisions on site 3
/SR
heritage discovered Temporary fencing of zone
and signs posted
Monitor appropriate Daily to Effective suspension of
procedure monthly (risk works Temporary fencing of
SR 3
implementation if based) checks zone and signs posted
heritage discovered at identified Subsequent conservation

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
sites measures implemented
Access to Site and Road Safety
Ensure
implementation of ESM Daily
Compliance with design
road signs & speed /ER observations
reduction bumps
Ensure respect of
Register non-compliances on
signs & speed limits Daily
ER project roads and on public 1 2 or 3
& parking areas by observations
roads
project drivers
Check road signs
Direct observation
and respect of speed Daily
ER Number of non-compliances 1 2 or 3
limits & parking observations
observed in a month
areas
Daily
Ensure trucks & Non-conformity observed on
observation &
vehicles the road
registration of
appropriately ER Register of truck/car 1 or 2 2 or 3
vehicles
maintained (engine, maintenance for sub-
Road safety service
breaks, tires, lamps) contractors
maintenance
Ensure truck load
Non-conformity observed on
not overweight, Daily
ER the road registered with No. 1 or 2 2 or 3
stabilized and observation
of plate & driver name
covered if bulk
Daily Direct observation
observation Systematic control regarding
Monitoring of traffic ESM
Random truck condition & load and 1 or 2 2 or 3
safety /ER
control point absorption of alcohol or
once a month drugs by drivers
Ensure watering of
roads is provided in
Daily Visual observation
residential areas and
ER observation in Number of waterings/day 1 or 2 2 or 3
in dangerous/dusty
dry season Number of watering trucks
road sections to
limit dust emission
Ensure all areas of
works and
Barriers contractor ER/ SR Weekly Visual inspection 1 or 2 2 or 3
compounds are
adequately fenced
Worker Health
Ensure any worker
ESM Registration of training
attended awareness Weekly
/SR attendance
Health program
awareness Bi-weekly to
Review training
program ESM monthly At least 80% of staff at any
register to confirm 1 2 or 3
/SR depending on time has received training
employee training
turnover
At least 80% of staff at any
time has received induction
course, Posters printed and
STD and AIDS
Ensure program posted, Leaflet printed and
prevention SR Bi-monthly
implemented distributed, Prophylactics
program
available and number
distributed

Pre- Ensure pre- Number of pre-employment

employment employment and checks Number of routine
SR Monthly
and annual routine annual annual checks
medical medical checks for Statistics of disease incidence

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
checks all staff, with
particular check for
respiratory and
STDs

Number of medical checks

Review registers ESM Quarterly compared to number of staff 1 2
recruited
Ensure medical
Staff & equipment available
facilities
ESM per facility
implemented, Monthly
/SR Number of consultations
equipped and
registered
appropriately staffed
Medical
Visual observation
facilities
Monitor efficiency Inspection of medical
and cleanliness of supplies and sterile
SR Monthly 1 or 2 2 or 3
medical facilities procedures

Camps inspection for hygiene

Awareness posters posted in
Ensure measures camps and on working places
implemented in Medicine for treatment
SR Weekly
worker camps and in available to staff
construction sites Prevalence statistics
Vector control

Visual observation from

Monitor
camps inspection
enforcement of SR Monthly 1 or 2 2 or 3
Review of medical register
control and effects
Ensure water-borne
diseases and food-
Number of cases and events
borne illness
Implementation of sanitation
reporting,
and waste management
investigation and SR Weekly
practices
Hygiene remediation
Observation of good personal
related disease procedures,
hygiene practices
control implemented and
effective
Visual observation from
Monitor
ESM camps and canteens
enforcement of Quarterly 1, 2 or 3 2 or 3
/SR inspection Review of medical
control and effects
register
Occupational Safety
Registration of personnel
Ensure Foremen and
attending training and
key personnel of "at
ESM subsequent job affectation
risk" activity Monthly
/SR Ensure responsible staff for
received First Aid
explosive, chemical and
First Aid Training
hazardous waste management
Training and
has attended training
Field
Ensure First Aid
Implementa- Review of equipment and
Kits available and SR Weekly 1 or 2 2
tion location
fully supplied
Visual observation of
Monitor First Aid
ESM equipment, Review register
equipment and Quarterly 1 or 2 2 or 3
/SR of First Aid training
capacity
attendance
Injury/Illness Verify SR Monthly Register and compile injuries

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
reporting implementation of and illness (occupational)
occupational injury
and illness reporting
procedure

Review register of
Review OH&S Occupational injuries &
ESM Quarterly 1 or 2 2 or 3
efficiency illness % of change from
previous quarter
Visual observation of
Verify availability
procedure posters in key
and use of
ESM sites: Harzardous material
appropriate Monthly
/SR/ ER storage, explosive storage,
equipment and
construction sites, garages,
procedures
sticker in trucks, etc
Verify adequate
Safety signage and
Daily during
procedures barricades in ER/ SR Visual observation 1 2 or 3
field visits
hazardous
construction zones
Visual observation and
Review OH&S questioning of workers
accident prevention ESM Quarterly during site inspection 1 or 2 2 or 3
activities Number of non-compliance
detected and trend
Community Relations (Project Issue - Not Directly CC Responsibility to Implement)
Ensure participation
of
Regular contact with
community/leaders ESM
Bi-monthly individuals and community
in all monitoring /SR
leaders recorded
activities directly
Community
affecting them
liaison
Ensure PAP are given the
opportunity to provide labor
Check employment
SR Monthly or services to the Project if
opportunities
they so wish monitored
through community liaison
Ensure function of Grievance Redress Cell
ESM
grievance redress Weekly available and at least twice a
/SR
mechanism week
Grievance
Ensure all grievances
Redress
Check Grievance recorded have been subject to
SR Weekly
Register a prompt response

Ensure all funds and actions

for compensation have been
Ensure disbursement
Compensation SR Bi-Monthly disbursed/executed by the
of funds
Project by liasing with
communities
Inspect police reports of
project related security
Check police
Security SR Bi-Monthly issues. Ensure that women's
records
security is adequately catered
for.
Working/Living Conditions
Ensure no child labor is
Check eligibility SR Weekly utilized by inspection of site
Migrant
and employment records
Labour
ESM Ensure living conditions of
Monitor dependents Weekly 1 or 2 3
/SR dependents are acceptable to

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Contractor non
compliance level*
Category & Frequency of
Monitoring action Resp. Monitoring criteria
topic monitoring
First Multiple
notification notification
the Project by site inspection

Check CC is
providing wood or
Visual inspection of camps
kerosene to workers Weekly and
Fuel SR Inspection of CC fuel
and their families Monthly
purchase

Ensure no un-authorized
indigenous materials are used
for building by visual
Check quality of
ESM inspection and check of CC
Shelter accommodation at Bi-monthly
/SR purchase orders
camps
Ensure provision of separate
single and married quarters
by visual inspection
Ref. water quality parameters
above.
Check for presence
Ensure no washing and
of acceptable
bathing directly in water
Facilities sanitation, washing ER/ SR Monthly
courses or discharge of
and bathing
wastewater directly to
facilities
streams etc.
Visual inspection
Visual inspection to
determine use of proper
Personal Ensure all workers
ESM footwear, hard hats,
Safety adequately equipped Daily
/ER/ SR goggles/masks, gloves etc
Equipment with PPE.
where required.
Ref OH&S Sub-plan

1. Non-Compliance Level I: A non-compliance situation not consistent with EMP requirements,

but not believed to represent an immediate or severe threat to people or to the environment.
Repeated Level I concerns may become Level II concerns if left unattended.
2. Non Compliance Level II: A non-compliance situation that has not yet resulted in clearly
identified damage or irreversible impact, but which potential significance requires expeditious
corrective action and site-specific attention to prevent severe effects. Repeated Level II
concerns may become Level III concerns if left unattended.
3. Non Compliance Level III: A critical non-compliance situation, typically including observed
significant damage on people or the environment or a reasonable expectation of very severe
impending damage. Intentional disregard of specific prohibitions is also classified as a Level
III concern.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

9 Annex A: EMMP Sub-Plans

I. Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

Design and implementation of erosion and sediment controls

SP1.01 Erosion and Sediment Control Design Plans will be prepared prior to the commencement of EMU to verify completion of plans Sub-Plan 4
works which will contain details of the following: prior to commencement of
construction
Conceptual design of erosion and sediment controls to be implemented on-site in accordance
with the requirements of this sub-plan.

Water quality monitoring points in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 –
Water Quality Monitoring Plan (as required).

Erosion and Sediment Control Plans will be included in the Site Specific Plans prepared for
each construction site.

SP1.02 The erosion and sediment works will be implemented prior to the commencement of any EMU to verify implementation of -
construction works on the site. erosion and sediment works prior to
the commencement of construction

Measures to minimize erosion

SP1.03 The extent of areas to be cleared will be minimized as far as practical. Visual observation by EMU during -

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

site inspection

SP1.04 The use of existing cleared areas will be maximized. Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection

SP1.05 All areas required to be disturbed will be clearly identified and the boundaries marked on the Visual observation by EMU during -
ground site inspection

SP1.06 Areas not required to be disturbed will be retained in their original condition. Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection

SP1.07 ‘Sensitive erosion areas’, are defined as follows: - -

i. Areas with slopes > 30%

ii. Areas within 30m of a bank of a natural watercourse
iii. Cut and fill slopes in areas of slope instability or erodible geology

SP1.08 The location of works in sensitive erosion areas will be minimized. Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection

SP1.09 Where possible, works in sensitive erosion areas will be restricted to the dry season. Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

SP1.10 Clearing of sites will be undertaken in the sequence that sites are required for construction. Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection

Stockpile management measures

SP1.11 Temporary topsoil stockpiles will be developed in accordance with the following: Visual observation by EMU during -
site inspection
1. Stockpiles will be constructed with smooth slopes and free draining patterns
2. Stockpiles will be located in existing cleared areas
3. Stockpiles will be located at least 50m from any watercourse or drainage line and not
located in identified floodways
4. Stockpiles will be deep ripped to provide for moisture retention and re-growth
5. Stockpiles will be located on land with a gradient of < 20%
6. Stockpile height should not exceed 3m and batter slopes will not exceed 1.5:1. The
criteria may be evaluated considering the nature of the material.
7. In windy conditions, watering of stockpiles will be carried out if excessive dust
generation is evident
8. Diversion banks will be constructed uphill of stockpiles where there is a potential for
run-off to erode the base of the stockpile
9. Silt fences will be constructed downstream of stockpiles to control runoff where
necessary

SP1.12 Topsoil removed from the site will be stockpiled and saved for use in future revegetation and Visual observation by EMU during
rehabilitation activities. site inspection

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

SP1.13 Long term spoil placement sites will be managed in accordance with the requirements of Refer Sub-Plan No. 2 – Spoil Sub-Plan No.
Sub-Plan No. 2 – Spoil Disposal and Management Sub-Plan Disposal and Management Sub- 2
Plan

Design specifications for erosion and sediment control measures

SP1.14 All erosion and sediment controls will be designed to cater for a minimum of a 2 year ARI EMU to verify Erosion and -
flood event Sediment Control Plans

SP1.15 Runoff velocities will be reduced by minimizing the length of flow paths, constructing any EMU to verify Erosion and -
channels with gentle gradients and providing rough lining for steeper channels. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.16 Rip-rap, or similar, will be installed at the inlet and outlet of all culverts to prevent scour EMU to verify Erosion and -
erosion. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.17 Retention of existing vegetation along watercourses will be maximized to reduce flow EMU to verify Erosion and -
velocities and act as a sediment filter. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.18 ‘Clean’ runoff from undisturbed areas will be diverted away from the construction site and EMU to verify Erosion and -
into established watercourses. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.19 Runoff from disturbed areas will be directed into sediment trapping or filtering devices EMU to verify Erosion and -
Sediment Control Plans

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

SP1.20 Sediment trapping or filtering devices such as sediment fences, sediment basins or traps will EMU to verify Erosion and -
be constructed to capture and treat sediment laden runoff from all disturbed areas. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.21 Sediment collection devices (including sediment basins, silt fences and sediment traps) will EMU to verify Erosion and -
be cleared when basin capacity is reduced by a maximum of 50%. Sediment Control Plans

A marker will be installed in sediment collection basins to show when the basin is 50% full
and requires emptying.

SP1.22 Sediment collection devices will be sized to collect and treat run-off from the site as EMU to verify Erosion and -
appropriate. Sediment Control Plans

SP1.23 Release of discharge will only occur after monitoring as required to meet the requirements of EMU to verify Erosion and Sub-Plan No.
Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring. Sediment Control Plans 4

All discharge from sediment collection devices will pass through a vegetative or silt filter,
prior to release to an established watercourse.

SP1.24 Trash racks will be provided at the outlet of all main drainage points entering watercourses. EMU to verify Erosion and -
Trash racks will be inspected and cleared daily and waste disposed off in accordance with the Sediment Control Plans
requirements of Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management.

Maintenance and inspection of erosion and sediment controls

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

SP1.25 All erosion and sediment controls will be visually inspected at least once a week during the ESO and EMU to monitor daily -
dry season and every 24 hours during the wet season to ensure their ongoing effectiveness. during wet season and weekly
Any required remediative or replacement works will be undertaken within 24 hours of during dry season.
detection.

SP1.26 At least one month prior to the anticipated commencement of the wet season, a review of the EMU to verify review findings -
effectiveness and adequacy of the existing erosion and sediment controls will be made and
any necessary modification and/or augmentation of controls carried out.

Revegetation of disturbed areas

SP1.27 Progressive revegetation of exposed areas will take place as soon as practical following Visual observation by EMU during Sub-Plan 10
completion of construction works in that area. Reference will be made to Sub-Plan No. 10 in site inspection
relation to suitable species for revegetation works.

SP1.28 If construction works are temporarily stopped in an exposed area (for longer than 30 days), Visual observation by EMU during Sub-Plan 10
temporary stabilisation of exposed surfaces will be undertaken. site inspection

Used of designated access roads

SP1.29 Access to and within construction sites will be limited to designated access roads and EMU during site inspection Sub-Plan 15
internal haul roads.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Links to Sub-
No. Description of Measure Monitoring
Plans

In-stream works

SP1.30 In-stream works will be carried out in low-flow conditions where possible. When required EMU during site inspection -
and where flow conditions allow it, silt-curtains will be installed to protect against sediment
transport during in-stream works.

Wastewater from tunnelling works

SP1.31 Wastewater generated during tunnelling works either from rain infiltration or groundwater EMU during site inspection -
seepage will be collected in a sediment basin prior to discharge.

Maintenance areas

SP1.32 In any construction areas where equipment or vehicle maintenance or refuelling takes place, EMU during site inspection Sub-Plan 4
the following measures will be implemented:

i. Construction of area with sealed floor, bunding and roof cover for all maintenance
and refuelling activities
ii. Installation of grease trap for treatment of runoff prior to discharge
iii. Installation of hydrocarbon separation pit for treatment of runoff prior to discharge

II. Spoil Disposal Planning and Management Plan

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Principles for spoil placement activities

SP2.01 The spoil placement area will be developed in accordance with the following requirements: Visual inspection by Environmental Sub-Plan 10
Unit (EMU)
i. Constructed with smooth slopes and free draining patterns
ii. Located in existing cleared areas, where practical
iii. Stockpiles will be located as far as practical from any watercourse
iv. Located on land with a gradient of < 10%
v. Height will not exceed 6 m and a 2m berm will be provided at a height of
approximately 3m, and batter slopes will not exceed 1.5:1. The criteria may be
evaluated considering the nature of the material.
vi. Temporary seeding of stockpiles will be undertaken until the permanent revegetation
works identified in Sub-Plan No. 10 – Landscaping and Revegetation have been
established
vii. In windy conditions, watering of stockpiles will be carried out if excessive dust
generation is evident
viii. Diversion banks will be constructed uphill of stockpiles where there is a potential for
run-off to erode the base of the stockpile
ix. Silt fences will be constructed downstream of stockpiles to control runoff
x. Not located in identified floodways or flood storage areas

Design of spoil disposal area and establishment activities

SP2.02 All spoil from the PCA component of the works will be placed in within the general Visual inspection by EMU -
boundaries of the spoil disposal area identified in the relevant site specific plans. Spoil

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

placement in other areas will not be permitted.

SP2.03 Prior to any placement of spoil, the detailed engineering design of the spoil disposal area will EMU to verify design -
be completed. The design will provide details of the staged development of the spoil disposal
area and will include details on the final landform to be achieved. The design will incorporate
the following principles:

i. Spoil placement activities will be contained within designated boundaries

ii. Spoil placement activities will be staged with progressive revegetation of areas as
they are completed
iii. Natural drainage patterns will be avoided where possible
iv. Where natural drainage lines are affected, they will be reinstated following
completion of the spoil placement
v. The final landform will be stable, adequately drained and suitable for long term use
vi. The final landform will be compatible with the existing and surrounding landforms
and designed to minimize visual intrusion

SP2.04 Prior to the placement of any spoil, a detailed Erosion and Sediment Design Plan will be EMU to verify Erosion and Sediment Sub-Plan 1
prepared for the spoil disposal area. The Erosion and Sediment Design Plan will be prepared Control Plan
in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control.

SP2.05 Prior to any placement of spoil, the boundaries of the spoil disposal area will be marked with Visual inspection by EMU -
temporary fencing or similar.

SP2.06 Vegetation from the spoil disposal area will be cleared in accordance with the requirements of - Sub-Plan 11

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Sub-Plan No.11 – Vegetation Clearing Management.

SP2.07 Topsoil from the spoil disposal area will be cleared prior to the commencement of spoil Visual inspection by EMU -
disposal activities and stored for subsequent rehabilitation activities.

Transport of spoil

SP2.08 Vehicles transporting spoil to the spoil disposal area will abide by the management - Sub-Plan 15
measurements identified in Sub-Plan No. 15 – On-site Traffic and Access Management.

Temporary stockpile management

SP2.09 All temporary topsoil and spoil stockpiles that are required during the spoil placement - Sub-Plan 1
activities will be managed in accordance with the requirements identified in Sub-Plan No. 1 –
Erosion and Sediment Control.

Dust control

SP2.10 Dust control measures will be implemented as identified in Sub-Plan No. 7 – Dust Emissions - Sub-Plan 7
and Control.

Water quality monitoring

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP2.11 Water quality monitoring from the spoil placement area will be carried out in accordance with - Sub-Plan 4
the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring Plan.

Revegetation measures

SP2.12 Revegetation of the site will occur progressively as spoil placement activities are completed - Sub –Plan 10
in each component of the spoil disposal area. The site will be revegetated in accordance with
the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 10 – Landscaping and Revegetation Plan.

III. Quarry and Control Layout Management Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Detailed Site Layout Plan

SP3.01 Prior to the commencement of any construction works, detailed site layout plans will be EMU to verify plans prior to -
prepared for each site. The site layout plans will include details of the areas of disturbance for commencement of construction
the activities and all infrastructure and equipment required for the activities, including erosion
and sediment controls, and will be based on the following principles:

i. Clearing of vegetation will be minimized and the use of existing cleared areas will be
maximized
ii. The separation distance between dust generating activities and villages, construction

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

camps will be maximized as far as practical to reduce noise and dust impacts
iii. No components will be located within 30m of a watercourseiii, and all construction
work within 100m of a watercourse will be minimized. In case of the components are
needed to be located within 30 m of the watercourse, an appropriate environmental
protection facilities must be provided.
iv. All infrastructure and equipment will be sited to maximize screening from public
vantage points

Clearing and disposal of vegetation

SP3.02 Vegetation clearing will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan 11 – Refer Sub-Plan 11 Sub-Plan 11
Vegetation Clearing Plan

SP3.03 Clearing of vegetative groundcover will be restricted to that area required for test material EMU to inspect extent of clearing
excavation, internal access road development, establishment of the crushing plant and other
required site infrastructure.

SP3.04 All vegetation cleared from the sites will either be mulched on-site for re-use in landscaping Refer Sub-Plan 12 Sub-Plan 12
or ground stabilization works, burnt on-site or disposed of in accordance with Sub-Plan 12
Waste Management. Any burning of vegetation on-site will be undertaken in accordance with
the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 7 – Dust and Emissions Control. Refer Sub-Plan 7 Sub-Plan 7

Topsoil management and erosion and sediment control

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP3.05 Topsoil from the sites will be cleared and stockpiled for use in the ultimate site rehabilitation EMU to inspect establishment and
activities. maintenance of stockpiles

SP3.06 Erosion and sediment controls will be designed and implemented for the sites in accordance Refer Sub-Plan 1 Sub-Plan 1
with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control.

SP3.07 Notwithstanding the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control, EMU to verify site layout plan prior -
sediment basins of adequate size to cater for all contaminated runoff from the site will be to commencement of works
implemented at each of the sites as practical.
EMU to verify implementation of
erosion and sediment controls prior
to commencement of works

Quarry face stability

SP3.08 The risk of quarry face instability and failure quarry will be stabilised using appropriate EMU to inspect quarry face stability -
methods such as: measures

i. Implementation of slope drainage measures

ii. Benching of slopes
iii. De-scaling of excess material

The proposed measures will be detailed in the site layout plan for the quarry.

Air quality management

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP3.09 Dust suppression measures will be implemented on exposed areas during windy conditions, EMU to inspect use and effectiveness Sub-Plan 7
or when visual inspection indicates excessive dust generation. Dust suppression measures will of dust suppression measures
be implemented in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 7 – Emissions and Dust
Control Plan and will include:

i. Watering of exposed surfaces and crusher operation

ii. Covering of stockpiles

SP3.10 All construction vehicles and equipment will maintain in accordance with the requirements of Refer Sub-Plan 14 Sub-Plan 14
Sub-Plan No. 14 – Traffic and Access Plan.

SP3.11 Access to and from and within the sites will be along designated routes as required by Sub- Refer Sub-Plan 14 Sub-Plan 14
Plan No. 14 –Traffic and Access Plan.

Internal access roads

SP3.12 Internal access roads within the quarry sites will be designed in accordance with the Refer Sub-Plan 14 Sub-Plan 14
requirements of Sub-Plan No. 14 – Traffic and Access Plan.

Waste management

SP3.13 Waste from the sites will be managed in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. Refer Sub-Plan 12 Sub-Plan 12

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

12 – Waste Management and Disposal Plan.

SP3.14 An adequate number of pit latrine toilets will be provided at the sites for the use of Refer Sub-Plan 12 Sub-Plan 12
construction personnel (1 toilet for every 20 people). Waste from the toilets will be treated in
accordance with the requirements of the Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management and Disposal
Plan.

Noise and blasting controls

SP3.15 Noise generated by activities at the sites will be managed in accordance with the requirements Refer Sub-Plan 8 Sub-Plan 8
of Sub-Plan No. 8 – Noise Control Plan.

SP3.16 General construction works (excluding blasting) within a distance of 1km from villages, EMU to verify compliance with Sub-Plan 8
construction camps, will be carried out between 06.00 and 18.00. Construction in all other construction hours
areas may be undertaken 24 hours a day subject to suitable safety and lighting measures being
implemented.

SP3.17 Blasting activities within a distance of 2km from villages, construction camps, will be carried EMU to verify compliance with Sub-Plan 8
out between 06.00 and 18.00. Blasting in all other areas may be undertaken 24 hours a day construction hours
subject to suitable safety and lighting measures being implemented.

SP3.18 All construction personnel working in the vicinity of noisy construction activities (defined as EMU to verify PPE available and in Sub-Plan 8
those activities generating noise levels greater than 80 dB(A)), or any construction personnel use
who requests hearing protection, will be provided with hearing protection. Training will be

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

provided to personnel in relation to the need for hearing protection to be used.

Water quality management

SP3.19 Prior to release, effluent discharged from the crushing plant will be monitored in accordance Refer Sub-Plan 4 Sub-Plan 4
with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring Plan.

SP3.20 Effluent from the sediment basins will be regularly monitored in accordance with the Refer Sub-Plan 4 Sub-Plan 4
requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring Plan. Discharge will be
immediately stopped if the quality is not conforming to the requirements.

Sub-camp construction

SP3.21 The design of the construction work sub-camps will be carried out in accordance with the Refer Sub-Plan 16 Sub-Plan 16
requirements of Sub-Plan No. 16 – Construction Work Camps Plan.

Use of quarry materials

SP3.22 Materials, other than waste materials, which are sourced from the sites will only be used for - -
the construction of the project.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

IV. Water Quality Monitoring Plan

No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Water quality monitoring schedule

SP4.01 Water quality monitoring will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements contained EMU review of monthly reports -
in an EIA report.

Water quality criteria

SP4.02 Water quality criteria for the works are included in an EIA report. EMU review of monthly reports -

Water quality monitoring locations

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

SP4.03 The Erosion and Sediment Design Plans referred to in Sub-Plan No. 1 Erosion and Sediment EMU verify design plans Sub-Plan 1
Control Management Plan will include details of upstream and downstream water quality
monitoring locations, as required by an EIA report. Upstream and downstream monitoring
locations will be identified using the following criteria:

i. Monitoring locations will be located within 50m upstream and downstream of the
relevant discharge point, where practical
ii. If more than two discharge points are located within less than 100m of each other,
only one upstream and one downstream monitoring location will be required for the
combined discharges monitoring the upstream monitoring location will be located
within 50m of the most upstream discharge, and the downstream monitoring location
will be located within 50m of the most downstream discharge.
iii. Where access is available, monitoring locations will be located mid-stream

Notification of risks to humans or environment

SP4.04 Based on the results of water quality monitoring, EMU and Owner will be notified within 48 -
hours of the discovery of a condition that could cause harm to humans or the environment.

Reporting requirements

SP4.05 The results of water quality monitoring will be reported monthly. Monitoring will include EMU review monthly reports -
comparison of monitoring results of downstream locations and discharge outlet and potable
water.

Groundwater monitoring

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

SP4.06 The presence of any groundwater wells or tube wells downstream of the waste disposal areas EMU review of monthly reports -
will be identified. If any wells are present, monthly monitoring of faecalcoliform levels will
be undertaken and reported in accordance with the above requirements.

V. Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan

No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP5.01 Safe Storage & Handling for Explosives EMU to visit sites on a weekly basis Sub-Plan 13
to ensure explosive is stored in safe
Explosives will be stored in facilities located underground or sufficiently protected by bunding conditions, facility is locked
and will be located close to areas for use. Only explosive needed for one week will be stored permanently with watchman.
in these facilities.
Control of explosive register in each
Site storage facilities will be kept locked, and access limited to authorized staff. The facilities storage facility to check if document
will be located at least 50 m from camps. Log book at each facility will register movements of is filled and up-dated
explosives: quantity, name of user and date.
Check presence of posters and if fire
Explosive boxes will be labelled with “Explosive sign” and Explosive sign posters will be fighting equipment is appropriate and
dispatched at each site storage facility. Fire fighting equipment will be kept available next to operational
each storage facility.

Prevention of Pollution by Hazardous Materials

SP5.02 Selection of safer chemical types EMU to review list of products to be Sub-Plan 17:
imported on site and provide advice to Project
Chemicals to be stored and use on construction site will be selected as much as possible in CC Construction Manager Personnel
accordance with general good practices recommendations for environmental conservation. Health Program
Pesticides for vector control (mosquitoes) and for vegetation control will be selected in

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

accordance with the list of recommended pesticides provided by EMU.

SP5.03 Storage of Hazardous Materials Weekly monitoring by EMU

All fuels and oils are stored in a 6 m container that has a full perimeter bund 500mm deep. The to check conditions of bunded areas, SP 6:
volume of the bund is in excess of 110% of the volume of the largest single container within of fuel/oil separators on storm water Emergency
the bund. Diesel is stored in a 2,000 l maximum storage tank within the container. Waste oil drainage system, of container Plan for
within the container is stored in a 1,000 l tank. conditions, Hazardous
Materials
All areas concerned by the storage or the use of Hazardous Materials (Workshops, Garages & to record incidents observed during
storage areas) have their storm water drained and collected in hydrocarbon separator week SP 12: Waste
basins/pits before discharge. Management &
All employees working with Disposal Plan
Acids, coagulants and flocculants are all stored within a separate container that may comprise chemicals shall also perform the
the water treatment facility. A similar bund is constructed around the perimeter to contain a following; SP 13:
spill if it were to take place. Acids are also stored at batching plant sites where they are used to Environmental
buffer plant effluents before discharge in a stream. Conduct regular inspections of valves, training for
pumps etc, Worker Plan
Concrete accelerators, chemical resins and cement grouts will be stored together and will be
protected from the weather. The storage location will be within a safe area of the sites, as such Carry out preventative maintenance
any spill would be easily contained and out of flooding occurrence. Fire fighting if appropriate
Waste oil and other liquid Hazardous Materials waste will be collected by a liquid waste Stop substances escaping to the
removal tanker and will be disposed of at a safe temporary disposal area for Hazardous Waste, environment in the event of a spill
as described in the Waste Management and Disposal Plan No. 12.

SP5.04 Registration of Hazardous Materials SP 6:

Emergency
All chemicals and waste considered as potentially Hazardous Materials will be registered in Weekly monitoring by EMU, to check Plan for
order to follow up type, quantities stored, quantities used or generated. Movements from if Hazardous Materials register Hazardous

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

storage and to waste disposal site will be registered. appropriately filled and up-dated Materials

Information will be available from a register, open in each Hazardous Materials storage area.A SP 13:
register of fuel dispensed will be kept, along with the records of fuel deliveries to reconcile the Environmental
quantities used. training for
Worker Plan

SP5.05 Labeling of Hazardous Materials Weekly monitoring of EMU SP 13:

Environmental
Containers of hazardous chemical or waste must be labeled with: training for
i. the words “Hazardous Waste” Worker Plan
ii. name of the CC user or generator SP 17: Project
iii. the date of storage of chemical or initial date that waste accumulation began in the Personnel
container Health Program
iv. the name of the material and its physical state (solid or liquid)
v. the hazard characteristics of the waste (ignitable, corrosive, toxic, reactive)
vi. main danger for user (poison, burning, dangerous for eyes, skin, lungs, etc)

SP5.06 Handling Safety Procedures and Personal Protective Equipment Safety procedures applicable Visual observation of EMU during SP 13:
to the handling and use of Hazardous Materials will be established and become a part of the site inspection Environmental
training program. Safety rules will be translated in Lao languages and printed on posters to be training for
posted on the walls of the dedicated buildings where Hazardous Materials are to be used; Worker Plan
Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to concerned workers and their use will be
enforced

SP5.07 Refuelling procedures Weekly monitoring by EMU, to check SP 13:

refueling procedures implemented, Environmental
Fuel will be stored in a secure area in a steel tank supplied and maintained by the fuel particularly in the tunnel area training
suppliers. An adequate bund wall (110% volume) will provided for fuel and diesel areas to

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

accommodate any spillage or overflow of these substances. Drainage water is collected and for Worker
oil/petrol collected in oil trap before storm water released in stream. Plan

Fuel tanks are protected from accidental dislodgement by plant vehicles or natural causes.
Tanks and tankers to be fitted with a screw fitting connection. Tanker to be equipped with auto
shut off valve to prevent overfilling. Appropriate service vehicles are dedicated to the
refueling of heavy equipment and machinery.

Tanker driver to be made aware of the need to take precautions to prevent harm of the
environment. Issue is covered in SP13 Environmental Training for Worker Plan

For safety purpose, fuel storage in the tunnel is limited to daily requirements.
Safety procedures regarding fire and accidental spill management are posted on site. Non
smoking label & posters posted in each place where fuel is handled or stored.

SP5.08 Spill Response Kits Fortnightly monitoring by EMU SP 6:

Emergency
Spill response kits will be used to contain any spills to ground that may occur as a result of to check presence of spill response Plan for
servicing or through other means. The spill response kits will be located at the workshop kits and operational condition of Hazardous
where the servicing will take place and also at the refueling point. equipment, Materials
All personnel involved with refueling and with the servicing of equipment will be familiar SP 13:
with the use of the spill response kits and will be trained in the emergency procedures as Environmental
described in the Emergency Response for Hazardous Materials Sub Plan. To request new equipment where and
when considered necessary training for
Worker Plan

SP5.09 Selection, handling & Application of Pesticides Weekly monitoring by EMU SP 13

Environmental
Pesticides for vector control (mosquitoes) and for vegetation control will be utilized in To check pesticide selection is in training
accordance with: accordance with authorized list,

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

i. Authorized pesticides, in accordance with the list approved by EMU To check labeling and precautionary for Worker
ii. Labelling and storage of pesticides will satisfy measures SP05.3/4/5 of this sub-plan information for users Plan
iii. All information related to toxicity of pesticide, and instruction for users will be
translated in Lao language To check availability and enforcement
iv. Safe handling of pesticides will rely on training of users, on the basis of a specific for pesticides users
training program and supporting communication materials and on the supply of To ensure users have received training
appropriate. on pesticides use
v. Ref to “ESCAP/ARSAP Safety Guide for Pesticides Users”

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

VI. Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials

No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Hazardous Materials Register

SP6.01 At each construction site where hazardous materials are used, a Hazardous Materials EMU to verify Register -
Register will be prepared detailing the following:

i. Identification of all hazardous materials used on-site

ii. Amount of each hazardous material stored on-site EMU inspection
iii. Nature of each hazardous material (solid, liquid, gas)
iv. Hazardous characteristics of each material (e.g. ignitable, corrosive, toxic, reactive)
v. Main dangers posed by each material (poison; burning; danger for eyes, skin, lungs;
environmental pollution)
vi. Detailed emergency response procedure to be implemented based on the
requirements of this sub-plan

A copy of the MSDS for each material will be attached to the list.

A copy of the register will be provided to EMU and the relevant local emergency authorities

Storage of hazardous materials

SP6.02 Hazardous materials will be stored on-site in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan Refer Sub-Plan 5 Sub-Plan 5
No 5 Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan.

Spill response procedures

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP6.03 In the event of a spill of any hazardous material, work will be ceased in the immediate EMU review post clean-up report -
vicinity and the area will be cleared of all construction personnel except those involved in
the clean-up activities. The detailed emergency response procedures contained in the
Hazardous Materials Register will be implemented.

SP6.04 In the event of a spill of any hazardous material, the following response hierarchy will apply EMU review post clean-up report -
and will be used in the development of the detailed emergency response procedures:

i. First priority is to seek medical attention for any injured personnel

ii. Second priority is to prevent further injury to personnel
iii. Third priority is to prevent environmental damage
iv. Fourth priority is to clean-up spill
v. Fifth priority is to remediate area of spill
vi. Sixth priority is to complete reporting requirements

SP6.05 For spills of solid materials, emergency response procedures will be developed in EMU to verify register Sub-Plan 5
accordance with the guidelines contained in the MSDS and the following principles: Sub-Plan 12

i. The need to temporarily cover the spill to avoid dust generation will be considered
ii. Containment barriers will be installed as required to stop the spilt material
spreading
iii. Suitable equipment will be used to pick-up the spilt material and place it in a
suitable receptacle which conforms to the requirements pf Sub-Plan No 5 –
Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan and Sub-Plan No 12 – Waste
Management and Disposal Plan.
iv. Waste material to be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan
No 12 – Waste Management and Disposal Plan.

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

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v. Potential for contamination of the spill area to have occurred and the need for site
remediation (e.g. removal of topsoil, capping of area) will be determined

SP6.06 For spills of liquid materials, emergency response procedures will be developed in EMU to verify register Sub-Plan 12
accordance with the guidelines contained in the MSDS and the following principles:

i. Containment barriers will be installed as required to stop the spill spreading,

particularly in the vicinity of watercourses or drainage channels
ii. In the case of a small or shallowly spread spill, absorbent materials, such as sawdust
or clean rags, will be used to soak as much of the spill as possible
iii. In the case of larger or deep spills, pumping equipment will be used to collect the
spilt liquid
iv. Materials to buffer acidic or alkaline spills will be added as required
v. Sodden absorbent materials or pumped liquid waste will be disposed of in
accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No 12 – Waste Management and
Disposal Plan.
vi. Potential for contamination of the spill area to have occurred and the need for site
remediation (e.g. removal of topsoil, treatment of watercourses) will be determined

SP6.07 For accidental releases of gaseous materials, emergency response procedures will be EMU to verify register -
developed in accordance with the guidelines contained in the MSDS and the following
principles:

i. The extent of any evacuations required will be determined

ii. The need for ventilation equipment to be used to disperse the release will be
considered

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP6.08 Spill response kits will be available in each construction sites where hazardous materials are EMU inspection -
used and will be relevant for the materials used on that site and the appropriate emergency
response procedures. Skill response kits will contain appropriate PPE and spill response
equipment. The condition and availability of the spill response kits will be checked on a
monthly basis.

SP6.09 Portable spill response kits will be available throughout the construction area for use in the EMU inspection -
event of a release from a vehicle or other source not located at a construction site.

Emergency contact details

SP6.10 At each construction site, information on emergency response procedures, emergency EMU inspection -
contact numbers and communication and reporting procedures to be implemented in case of
an emergency situation will be clearly displayed.

Training of personnel

SP6.11 At each construction site where hazardous materials are used, and there is a potential for a EMU inspection of training register Sub-Plan 13
spill, there will be at least two employees on-site at all times who are trained in appropriate
emergency response procedures and communication and reporting procedures to be
implemented in case of an incident (refer Sub-Plan No. 13 – Environmental Planning for
Workers Plan)

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP6.12 All construction personnel will be trained in basic emergency response procedures including EMU inspection of training register Sub-Plan 13
communication and reporting procedures to be implemented in case of an emergency
situation.

Emergency incident communication processes

SP6.13 In the event of an accidental release or spill of a hazardous material, the following EMU review post clean-up report -
communication processes will be implemented:

i. ESO immediately notifies EMU

ii. EMU immediately notifies emergency response team
iii. EMU immediately notifies external emergency authorities (if required)

Communication will initially be verbal, with written communication as soon as practical.

SP6.14 The communication processes identified in SP6.12 will include the following information in EMU review post clean-up report -
relation to accidental releases or spills:

i. Location
ii. Nature of material spilt
iii. Amount of material spilt
iv. Clean-up processes to be implemented
v. Any injuries to personnel
vi. Need for emergency or external assistant
vii. Any safety/evacuation requirements to be implemented on the construction site

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No. Description Of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP6.15 Within 48 hours of the completion of a spill clean-up, a report will be submitted to the EMU review post clean-up report -
Owner. The report will be used to identify any required corrective pr preventive actions and
emergency response procedures and training programs will be modified accordingly.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

VII. Emissions and Dust Control Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

Minimization of dust generation

SP7.01 Exposed areas will be minimized as far as practical and progressive revegetation of disturbed EMU inspection -
areas will be carried out.

SP7.02 All vehicle movements will be confined to designated access routes and haul roads. EMU inspection -

SP7.03 Management of short term and long term materials stockpiles will be carried out in EMU inspection Sub-Plan 1
accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control
Management Plan.

Dust suppression measures

SP7.04 Watering of exposed surfaces will be implemented in the following situations: EMU inspection -

i. During windy conditions

ii. When visual inspection indicates excessive dust generation
iii. When dust generating activities are being carried out within 100 m of a village or
construction work camp
iv. During period of heavy traffic use on unsealed haul roads
v. In response to complaints by external parties

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

SP7.05 If high dust levels are evident in the vicinity of the crushing plant on a regular basis within EMU verify actions re installation of -
the first three (3) months of the construction works, water sprayers will be installed on the water sprayers
plant if feasible.

Vehicle maintenance

SP7.06 A maintenance program for the construction vehicle fleet will be implemented which will Refer Sub-Plan 15 Sub-Plan 14
include consideration of the following issues:

i. General condition and safety of vehicles

ii. Check of vehicle brakes and tires
iii. Vehicle exhaust emissions (no visible fumes for > 10 seconds)
iv. Vehicle noise emissions

Each construction vehicle in the fleet will be inspected at least every 6 months and a written
certificate provided by a qualified mechanic as to its fitness for service (refer Sub-Plan No.
14 – Traffic and Access Plan).

Burning of waste

SP7.07 The burning of waste materials will only take place under the following conditions: EMU inspection Sub-Plan 12

i. Only those materials identified as Group A1 waste (combustible solid waste) in Sub-
Plan No. 12 – Waste Management will be burnt.
ii. Burning will only be undertaken in the presence of a trained fire protection officer. EMU record when burn to occur
iii. Prior to any burning, the EMU will be notified.

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iv. Burning will not be undertaken during severe wind conditions

v. Appropriate fire protection equipment will be available on-site during the burn.
vi. Burning will be undertaken at a safe distance from vegetated areas.
vii. Burning will not be undertaken within 5km of a village.
viii. Following completion of the burn, the trained fire protection officer will inspect and
certify that the fire has been extinguished

Odour control

SP7.08 Measures to reduce odour from the waste disposal area will be implemented in accordance EMU inspection Sub-Plan 12
with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management and Disposal Plan.

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

VIII. Noise Control Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Minimize noise generation at source

SP8.01 For any particular construction activity, the quietest vehicles and/or equipment, which are EMU to inspect equipment used on -
suitable for use for the construction activity, will be selected for use. site

SP8.02 All equipment and vehicles will be maintained in good mechanical condition and will be EMU to inspect equipment used on Sub-Plan 14
fitted with appropriate silencers, mufflers or acoustic covers. site

EMU to review vehicle maintenance

register and certificates required under
Sub-Plan 14

SP8.03 Construction equipment and vehicles will be subject to regular inspections to check noise Refer Sub-Plan 14 Sub-Plan 14
emissions and noise control equipment in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No
14 – Traffic and Access Plan

Reduce transmission of noise to receivers

SP8.04 Stationary noise sources will be sited as far as possible from villages, construction camps EMU to verify site layout plans for Sub-Plan 3
and settlement areas. quarries (refer Sub-Plan 3), spoil
disposal area (refer Sub-Plan 2) and Sub-Plan 2
construction camps (refer Sub-Plan Sub-Plan 16

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Plans

16)

SP8.05 Where possible, topographic features will be used to provide shielding between stationary EMU to verify site layout plans for Sub-Plan 3
noise sources and villages and construction camps. quarries (refer Sub-Plan 3), spoil
disposal area (refer Sub-Plan 2) and Sub-Plan 2
construction camps (refer Sub-Plan Sub-Plan 16
16)

SP8.06 All construction personnel working in the vicinity of noisy construction activities (defined as EMU to monitor availability and use Sub-Plan 13
those activities generating noise levels greater than 80dB(A)), or any construction personnel of PPE
who requests hearing protection, will be provided with hearing protection. Training will be
provided to personnel in relation to the need for hearing protection to be used. EMU to monitor training register

SP8.07 No construction worker will be exposed to noise levels of 80dB(A) or above for more than 8 EMU to monitor exposure of workers -
hours within any 24 hour period.

Construction hours

SP8.08 General construction works (excluding blasting) within a distance of 1km from villages, EMU to verify compliance with -
construction camps, will be carried out between 06.00 and18.00. Construction in all other construction hours
areas may be undertaken 24 hours a day subject to suitable safety and lighting measures
being implemented.

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP8.09 Blasting activities within a distance of 2km from villages, construction camps, will be EMU to monitor compliance with -
carried out between 06.00 and 18.00. Residents will be provided with at least 24 hours notice construction hours
that blasting is to take place and given information on the likely timing and number of blasts.
Blasting in all other areas may be undertaken 24 hours a day subject to suitable safety and
lighting measures being implemented.

SP8.10 The movement of vehicles to and from the construction site and within the construction site EMU to verify compliance with -
will only take place subject to the restrictions identified in SP8.08. construction hours

Response to complaints about noise generation

SP8.11 If complaints are received about excessive noise levels in the vicinity of villages, the EMU EMU to verify complaints actioned -
will consult with the complainant to identify appropriate additional mitigation measures (e.g.
additional shielding, change of equipment type, restriction of construction hours in particular
area) to be implemented.

SP8.12 Monthly reports will be prepared identifying any complaints received in relation to EMU to review reports -
construction noise and documenting the actions that were undertaken to resolve such
complaints.

IX. Cultural Resource Plan

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Sub-Plans

Avoid impacts on significant cave network

SP9.01 Construction activities will be undertaken in a manner to avoid any Physical effect on EMU inspection of protection Sub-plan 13
known sites of cultural and religious significances. measures

Definition of physical cultural resources

SP9.02 Physical cultural resources will be defined as: - -

i. remains left by previous human inhabitants (for example, shrines)

ii. unique natural environmental features

Training of construction workers

SP9.03 ESOs will be trained to identify potential sites or items of cultural significance. EMU review of training register Sub-Plan 13
Construction workers will be trained in the appropriate reporting and communication
procedures to be followed if they identify any potential sites or items and the importance of
implementing these procedures.

Steps to be implemented if sites identified

SP9.04 The following steps will be implemented to protect any previously unidentified sites of EMU review of potential site -
potential cultural significance: notification form

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Sub-Plans

i. If a construction worker identifies a potential site or item of cultural significance,

he/she will immediately notify the ESO.
ii. The ESO will determine whether the site/item has potential significance
iii. If the site/item is considered to have significance, the ESO will immediately cease
work within a 50m radius of the site
iv. The ESO will immediately notify the EMU
v. The EMU will notify the Owner of the potential site as soon as practical
vi. The report will be completed within 24 hours of a potential site being identified.

SP9.05 Temporary fencing or similar will be used to mark a 50m radius from the site. EMU site inspection -

Directions from Owner

SP9.06 No work will be carried out within a 50 m radius of a potential site until directed by the EMU site inspection
EMU.

SP9.07 Any directions or requirements from the EMU in relation to measures to protect the site will EMU site inspection -
be recorded and communicated by the EMU to the construction workforce. All such
requirements will be strictly adhered to. EMU review of site notification form

X. Landscaping and Revegetation Plan

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Progressive revegetation of sites

SP10.01 All disturbed areas will be progressively revegetated using temporary revegetation and/or EMU to carry out visual inspection -
permanent revegetation methods.

Species list to be prepared

SP10.02 A qualified horticulturist will develop a species list to be used for temporary and permanent EMU to verify species list prior to -
revegetation works. commencement of revegetation

Collection and storage of seeds and seedlings

SP10.03 During the construction activities, collection of seeds and seedlings of plant species to be EMU to verify suitable facilities for -
used in the permanent revegetation works will be carried out. Seeds and seedlings will be collection and storage of seeds and
maintained and stored in suitable conditions until required for use in the revegetation seedlings
works. Horticultural advice will be sought on suitable propagation and storage methods
EMU to monitor collection activities

Initial revegetation works

SP10.04 Initial revegetation methods will be used: EMU to monitor implementation of -

temporary revegetation works
i. When the disturbed area will be disturbed again at some time in the construction
works

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ii. When the disturbed area will be permanently revegetated in the future but
permanent works cannot be undertaken immediately (i.e. prior to commencement
of wet season, unsuitable growing conditions)
iii. When the disturbed area to be revegetated is small and/or will be easily revegetated
by natural processes
iv. In areas where construction works are temporarily stopped for more than 14 days

SP10.05 Temporary revegetation works will involve seeding of disturbed areas using fast-growing, EMU to monitor implementation of -
sterile grass species as defined in the species list. Hand or mechanical seeding methods will temporary revegetation works
be used depending on the size of the area to be covered. The seeded area will be covered
with weed-free, locally obtained straw or similar mulching product to enhance seed growth.
Adequate watering will be applied to the seeded areas to enhance seed growth.

SP10.06 One month after the completion of temporary revegetation of a disturbed area, a visual EMU to carry out visual inspection -
inspection of the effectiveness of seeding will be carried out. If seeding of the area has been
unsuccessful (i.e. continued erosion, lack of growth), additional seeding will be carried out.

Permanent revegetation works

SP10.07 Permanent revegetation will be used: EMU to monitor implementation of -

permanent revegetation works
i. When the area to be revegetated will not be disturbed by future construction
activities
ii. When the area to be revegetated is not identified for use as agricultural land use

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 Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP10.08 Permanent revegetation will involve the following steps: EMU to monitor implementation of -
permanent revegetation works
i. Reinstatement of original land contours and drainage patterns, including filling of
local depressions
ii. Temporary fencing of area to be revegetated
iii. Removal of weeds and/or temporary seeded vegetation using manual methods or
herbicides
iv. Spread topsoil taken from site during clearing activities
v. Establish under-storey and over-storey vegetation using a combination of manual
and mechanical planting methods
vi. Application of mulch and fertilisers to enhance growth
vii. Watering of vegetation as required to enhance growth

SP10.09 Fencing will be maintained around the area of permanent revegetation to exclude people EMU to monitor implementation of -
and animals until the vegetation is well-established and construction works in the fencing
immediate vicinity of the area have ceased.

SP10.10 At monthly intervals for the first 12 months and thereafter at 3 monthly intervals, visual EMU to carry out visual inspection -
inspection of the revegetated areas will be undertaken to evaluate the condition of the
vegetation. Based on the results of the inspection, appropriate maintenance activities will be
identified and implemented. If necessary, a horticulturist or botanist will be consulted to
identify suitable maintenance activities.

Avoidance of weed spread

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SP10.11 To avoid the spread of non-endemic species between different areas of the construction site, EMU visual inspection -
topsoil and vegetation (for mulching) removed from an area during site-clearing activities
will as far as practical only be re-used on that area.

Restoration of other land uses

SP10.12 Land that was used for agricultural activities prior to disturbance from construction EMU visual inspection at completion -
activities will be restored to a condition that will allow the agricultural land use to continue. of works in relevant areas
This will include, as necessary:

i. Re-spreading of topsoil
ii. Installation of drains, channels etc
iii. Erection of fencing or other structures

XI. Vegetation Clearing Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

Identification of vegetation to be cleared

SP11.01 A plan will be prepared which will include: EMU to verify mapping prior to -
commencement of construction
i. Mapped boundaries of vegetation to be cleared, including identification of which

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clearing will be undertaken by the Forestry Department and which will be

undertaken by the project.
ii. Any areas of ‘sensitive vegetation’ located on-site which require specific
protection (e.g. vegetation adjoining drainage channels).
iii. Any required temporary timber storage sites for placing prior to its removal from
site.

SP11.02 No clearing of vegetation outside of those areas identified in the plans will take place. EMU to inspect extent of clearing -

SP11.03 Where possible, corridors or tracts of vegetation will be left intact to form connections to EMU to verify mapping of -
larger areas of un-cleared vegetation to allow dispersal of fauna during clearing activities. vegetation to be cleared prior to the
commencement of construction

SP11.04 All areas of vegetation to be cleared and the boundaries of ‘sensitive vegetation’ areas will EMU visual inspection -
be marked with temporary fencing or similar (using different colours or types for each).

SP11.05 No construction works, storage of materials/equipment or access by construction personnel EMU visual inspection -
will be permitted in ‘sensitive vegetation’ areas.

Clearing methods

SP11.06 Vegetation clearing will be undertaken by a combination of manual, mechanical and EMU to monitor use of clearing -
chemical methods, in accordance with the following principles: methods

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No chemical clearing methods (i.e. use of herbicides, defoliants) will be used within 50m
of any areas of vegetation not to be cleared including areas of ‘sensitive vegetation’

No mechanical clearing methods (i.e. bulldozers or other equipment) will be allowed

within 5m of an area of ‘sensitive vegetation’.

SP11.07 Burning will not be used as a clearing method and burning of waste vegetation will only EMU to monitor use of clearing Sub-Plan 7
take place in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No 7 Emissions and Dust methods
Control Plan.

Use of herbicides

SP11.08 Herbicide use and management will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Refer Sub-Plan 5 Sub-Plan 5
Sub-Plan No 5 Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan.

Retention of large trees

SP11.09 As required by Sub-Plan No 16 Construction Work Camps Plan, the retention of existing Refer Sub-Plan 16 Sub-Plan 16
vegetation, especially large trees to provide shade and improve visual amenity and
vegetation along drainage lines, will be maximized.

Erosion and sediment controls

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Plans

SP11.10 Erosion and sediment controls as required by Sub-Plan No 1 Erosion and Sediment Control Refer Sub-Plan 1 Sub-Plan 1
Management Plan will be in place prior to the commencement of any vegetation clearing
works.

Tree cutting

SP11.11 Only authorised agent will be permitted to cut the tree EMU to verify compliance with -
clearance permit

Storage and disposal of timber products

SP11.12 Any required temporary timber storage sites will be designed to ensure that they are stable EMU visual inspection -
and protected from the risk of fire.

SP11.13 Timber products that are not to be removed from site will be disposed of in accordance Refer Sub-Plan 12 Sub-Plan 12
with the requirements of Sub-Plan No 12 Waste Management and Disposal Plan and
Forestry Department guideline.

Impacts on agricultural land use

SP11.14 All works will be designed and implemented in a manner that minimizes the impact on EMU visual inspection -
agricultural land use and apple orchards.

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XII. Waste Management and Disposal Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

General requirements

SP12.01 Non-hazardous wastes will be collected and disposed of at one or more central waste EMU inspection -
disposal areas.

SP12.02 Hazardous wastes will be stored at a single, central hazardous waste storage area. EMU inspection -

Location and design of waste facilities

SP12.03 Prior to the commencement of any construction works, the location of waste disposal EMU to verify location of waste -
site(s) and the hazardous waste storage area will be finalised. disposal areas and hazardous waste
storage area
The rapid assessment checklists will be used for the identification of the waste disposal
areas and hazardous waste storage area.

The location of the waste disposal areas and hazardous waste storage area will be approved
by the EMU.

SP12.04 Prior to the commencement of any waste disposal activities, a waste disposal area plan(s) EMU to verify waste disposal area -
will be prepared which will contain the following details for each waste disposal area(s): plans

i. Site boundaries and layout

ii. Details of membrane type to be used
iii. Placement schedule for waste, including details of progressive covering and

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rehabilitation of waste cells

iv. Plans for the final landform of the completed waste disposal area
v. Location of any groundwater monitoring wells

SP12.05 Prior to the commencement of any construction works, a hazardous waste storage area EMU to verify hazardous waste -
plan will be prepared. The plan will contain details on: storage area plan

i. Site boundaries and layout

ii. Construction details including bunding and provision of smooth, hard, non-porous
floors with no cracks or spaces that might allow spilled wastes to fall into
inaccessible areas
iii. Emergency protection equipment to be provided

Implementation of waste management hierarchy

SP12.06 All construction activities will be undertaken in a manner that minimizes the generation of EMU inspection -
waste as far as practical. This concept will be incorporated into all construction site
planning and activities. Examples of measures that could be implemented include:

i. Minimizing spoil generation and maximizing cut and fill balance

ii. Minimizing amount of vegetation clearance
iii. Installing water efficient plumbing and toilet facilities

Review of the records required will be used to assist in the identification of waste
minimization practices.

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Plans

SP12.07 Opportunities to maximize the reuse and recycling of waste products will be identified and EMU inspection -
maximized as part of all construction activities. Specific opportunities that will be
considered include:

i. Reuse of grey water for dust suppression or watering of landscaping works

ii. Reuse of construction debris/overburden for landfill stabilisation and covering
iii. Reuse of spoil for development of construction platforms for project components

Review of the records required and will be used to assist in the identification of such
opportunities.

Waste separation and provision of facilities

SP12.08 Solid waste will be separated into the waste streams. EMU inspection -

SP12.09 Workers will be trained in the requirements for waste separation as documented in Sub- EMU review of training register Sub-Plan No. 13
Plan No. 13 – Environmental Training for Workers Plan.

SP12.10 At each construction site, the following facilities will be provided: EMU inspection -

i. Bin(s) for general domestic litter and rubbish

ii. Storage area for combustible solid waste
iii. Storage area for non-combustible, non-putrescible solid waste
iv. Storage area for non-combustible, putrescible solid waste
v. Temporary storage area for hazardous wastes

The size of the storage will be calculated based on the nature of construction activities and

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Plans

the number of construction workers. All storage areas will be constructed with
impermeable bases and bonding to divert runoff from the storage area. Where feasible,
bins or waste receptacle will be used in preference to storage areas on the ground. The
storage areas will be protected from the weather to minimize ingress of rain.

All storage areas/receptacles will be clearly marked in Lao and English.

Schedule of waste removal

SP12.11 The CC will be required to make a schedule of waste removal EMU inspection of schedule and --
waste removal activities

Group A1 Waste

SP12.12 Only Group A1 – Combustible Solid Waste will be burnt. Refer Sub-Plan 7 Sub-Plan 7

All burning of waste on-site will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of
Sub-Plan No. 7 – Emissions and Dust Control Plan.

If the conditions for burning contained in Sub-Plan No. 7 – Emissions and Dust Control
Plan cannot be met, the waste will be treated as Group A2 – Non-combustible, Non-
Putrescible Waste.

Group A2 and Group A3 wastes

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SP12.13 Group A2 and Group A3 waste will be removed from construction sites and transferred to EMU inspection -
the nearest waste disposal area.

SP12.14 The form will be used to record the amount of Group A2 and A3 waste removed from EMU inspection -
construction sites.

SP12.15 A standard will be used at each waste disposal area to record the cumulative amounts of EMU inspection -
waste placed in the waste disposal area.

SP12.16 Group A2 and Group A3 waste will be placed in the waste disposal area in an orderly EMU inspection -
manner in accordance with the sequence identified in the waste disposal area plan.

Where practical, Group A2 and Group A3 waste will be placed separately in the disposal
area.

Compaction of waste will occur as necessary.

SP12.17 Covering and rehabilitation of the waste disposal area will be undertaken in a progressive EMU inspection Sub-Plan No. 10
manner as defined in the waste disposal area plan.

When parts of the waste disposal area are full, they will be covered by a minimum depth of
1.5 m of soil, and then re-vegetated according to relevant requirements included in Sub-
Plan No. 10: Landscaping & Re-vegetation Plan.

SP12.18 Prior to covering and rehabilitation of sections of the waste disposal area, temporary EMU inspection -
covering (using plastic sheets or similar) will be used as required to control vermin and

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

odours and reduce generation of polluted runoff (for Group A3 waste in particular) and
control dust generation (for Group A2 waste in particular).

Group B1 waste

SP12.19 The composition of Group B1 waste at each construction site will be recorded prior to its EMU inspection -
transfer to the Hazardous Waste Storage Area.

SP12.20 Group B1 waste will be transported in covered vehicles to the Hazardous Waste Storage EMU inspection -
Area.

SP12.21 The following requirements will be met at the Hazardous Waste Storage Area: EMU inspection Sub-Plan 5

i. There will be no sources of ignition permitted within 50m of the perimeter of the Sub-Plan 6
storage area (such as heat, sparks, flames).
ii. Within the storage area, liquid wastes will be stored in leak proof, securely sealed
containers.
iii. Solid wastes will be stored in covered receptacles or bins.
iv. Wastes will be separated to allow easier disposal, e.g., keep oils and solvents
separate.
v. Storage containers will be checked periodically for signs of leakage or damage.
vi. Containers will be adequately and legibly labelled “Hazardous” (also see SP05).
vii. All waste chemical movements to the storage site will be recorded on the Waste
Chemical Register in order to track and reconcile quantities (refer Sub-Plan No. 5
–Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan.
viii. All waste chemicals stored in the storage area will be accompanied by their

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Plans

material safety data sheet (MSDS) where one exists

ix. Unused commercial products containing a hazardous substance will not be
discarded and all reasonable effort should be made to use them until their
container is completely empty;
x. Spill kits will be located at the storage location in case of a spill. Refer to SP6:
Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Sub-Plan

SP12.22 A standard form will be used to record all waste received at the Hazardous Waste Storage EMU inspection -
Area.

SP12.23 During the pre-start-up phase investigations will be undertaken to identify a suitable EMU to verify results of investigation -
hazardous waste treatment facility for disposal and treatment of hazardous waste generated
by the project.

Training of workers

SP12.24 All workers responsible for handling hazardous waste will receive appropriate training in EMU to review training register Sub-Plan 13
accordance with Sub-Plan No. 13 – Environmental Training for Workers Plan

Wastewater treatment

SP12.25 Wastewater generated at the construction sites (excluding domestic wastewater generated Refer Sub-Plan 1 Sub-Plan 1
at the construction camps) will be treated in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan
No 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plan.

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Plans

SP12.26 A sewage treatment plant will be deal with in accordance with the requirements contained Refer Sub-Plan 16 Sub-Plan 16
in Sub-Plan No. 16 – Construction Work Camps Plan.

SP12.27 Septic tank systems will be installed at each construction work camp in accordance with Refer Sub-Plan 16 Sub-Plan 16
the requirements contained in Sub-Plan No. 16 – Construction Work Camps Plan.

SP12.28 The effluent from any septic tank system that requires emptying will be transported off-site EMU inspection -
to a suitable treatment facility.

SP12.29 Monitoring of the effluent quality from the wastewater treatment plant will be undertaken Refer Sub-Plan 4 Sub-Plan 4
in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring Plan.

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XIII. Environmental Training for Workers Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring

SP13.01 All workers will complete the training programs EMU monthly review of training register.

SP13.02 Participants in job-specific training will be identified as required on the basis of their skills and EMU monthly review of training register.
capacity to undertake the training.

SP13.03 All training sessions will be conducted in Lao language for Lao personnel and as appropriate for EMU inspection of training materials/ courses
foreign staff. All written materials will be provided in Lao language and other languages as
appropriate.

SP13.04 A training register will be maintained that will contain details of the following: EMU monthly review of training register.

i. Name of training session

ii. Date of training session
iii. List of attendees and signatures
iv. Name of trainer

SP13.05 At completion of each relevant training course, each participant will be issued with a certificate of EMU random review of employment files.
successful completion. A copy of the certificate will also be placed on each participant’s
employment file.

SP13.06 The EMU will implement a rolling program of refresher courses in environmental and health and Review of training register
safety awareness issues through the use of ‘tool-box’ sessions at construction sites. The program
will aim to visit every construction site for a 2-hour session at least one time within a 6-month

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No. Description of Measure Monitoring

period.

SP13.07 During audits of the construction areas, workers knowledge of environmental, health and safety EMU review of audit reports.
issues will be examined.

SP13.08 Workers who have undergone job-specific training will be examined every 6 months in relation to EMU monthly review of training register
their knowledge and skills and subject to re-training as required. Records of examination results
and any re-training will be kept as part of the training register.

SP13.09 All new employees will complete relevant training prior to commencement of any activities on the EMU random review of employment files.
construction site.

SP13.10 The key messages from the training sessions will be produced in poster and leaflet form in Lao EMU visual inspection of construction camps
language. Posters will be displayed prominently in construction work camps and construction and construction areas
areas and leaflets will be distributed to staff on a regular basis.

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XIV. Traffic and Access Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

Road signage and speed limits

SP14.01 All roads within the construction area will be signposted with the following information in Lao EMU visual inspection -
and English:

i. Speed limit
ii. Any applicable load limit
iii. Road features that may affect driving conditions (crests, hidden accesses etc)
iv. Identification of road
v. Direction to construction areas

SP14.02 Traffic speed regulation devices, such as speed humps, and signage will be installed at sensitive EMU visual inspection -
locations including in the vicinity of villages, construction camps and at busy intersections. A
speed limit of 25km/hour will apply in all these locations.

Maintenance of construction vehicles

SP14.03 A maintenance program for the construction vehicle fleet will be implemented which will include EMU monthly review of -
consideration of the following issues: vehicle certificates

i. General condition and safety of vehicles

ii. Check of vehicle brakes and tires
iii. Vehicle exhaust emissions

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iv. Vehicle noise emissions and noise control measures

Each construction vehicle in the fleet will be inspected at least every 6 months and a written
certificate provided by a qualified mechanic as to its fitness for service.

Traffic movements on internal roads

SP14.04 Visual inspection of traffic movements within the construction area will be carried out. If there is EMU visual inspection -
evidence that congestion is occurring on roads. If traffic congestion is found to be occurring,
appropriate management measures will be implemented. EMU to approve management
measures

SP14.05 Movement of construction vehicles and traffic on-site will be confined to the designated access EMU visual inspection -
road network. No movement of vehicles outside the designated access road network will be
permitted.

Parking areas

SP14.06 Off-road parking areas will be provided at each construction site. Parking areas will be marked EMU visual inspection -
with temporary fencing or the like. Parking areas will be located in existing cleared areas within
the designated construction area. No on-road parking will be permitted.

Traffic movements on public roads

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SP14.07 Prior to the movement of special loads on public roads, including hazardous materials or large EMU to be notified -
items of construction equipment, the EMU will be notified. All reasonable and practical measures
required by the EMU will be implemented to ensure that the risk of harm to the community and
environment is minimized during transportation of special loads.

SP14.08 Construction activities on public and internal roads should be marked by safety fencing and EMU to verify surveys and -
appropriate warning signs in Lao and English. details of remediative works

Site access

SP14.09 Access to the construction site will be controlled as detailed in the Site Security Plan. - -

Training

SP14.10 Traffic safety issues and site access and traffic regulations will be included in the training plan Refer Sub-Plan 13 Sub-Plan 13
for construction personnel (refer Sub-Plan No. 13 – Environmental Training for Workers Plan).

Borrow areas for road construction

SP14.11 Any borrow areas that are required to be developed for the road construction works will be EMU to review and approve -
subject to evaluation using the Rapid Assessment Checklist. The EMU will approve the location checklists
of any identified borrow areas prior to their establishment.

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Plans

SP14.12 Notwithstanding the above, material for construction of the roads should utilize construction
spoil if possible.

XV. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Survey and Disposal Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

Appropriately qualified organisation to undertake work

SP15.01 An appropriately qualified organization will be engaged to undertake survey and disposal of EMU to verify qualifications -
UXO in areas where project activity are to take place, prior to the commencement of any of organisation
construction works on-site.

Planning for survey and disposal work

SP15.02 The organisation engaged to carry out the UXO survey and disposal works will submit the EMU to verify information -
following information to the contractor prior to the commencement of survey or disposal works: and complete form

i. Mapping showing confirmation of area to be subject to UXO survey and disposal

ii. Detailed methodology of survey and disposal works including shallow and deep search
methodologies
iii. Schedule of works consistent with schedule of construction works

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iv. Quality Control (QC) Plan for the survey and disposal works
v. Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Plan for the survey and disposal works
addressing inclusion of medical staff and facilities as part of the project team and
procedures for emergency evacuation from the project site
vi. Staff Training Plan for the survey and disposal works

Vegetation clearing for UXO works

SP15.03 Vegetation clearing required for the UXO survey activities will be undertaken in accordance with Refer Sub-Plan 11 Sub-Plan 11
the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 11 – Vegetation Clearing Plan

Requirements for survey and disposal

SP15.04 The first priority method for disposal of UXO should be in-situ explosion. Where this is not EMU to review site clearance -
possible, due to potential danger to personnel or nearby population or damage to infrastructure, reports and six-monthly report
alternative proven methods of disposal may be implemented.

SP15.05 Where disposal of UXO may cause physical damage to infrastructure, protective measures such EMU visual inspection
as sandbagging, burial and trenching will be undertaken.

SP15.06 Storage and handling of explosives will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Refer Sub-Plan 5 Sub-Plan 5
Sub-Plan No. 5 – Chemical Products and Spillage Management Plan

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Marking of cleared areas and clearance reports

SP15.07 All cleared areas will be semi-permanently marked with concrete posts or similar. Within 14 days EMU to review site clearance -
of completion of the clearing work at a site, a clearance report will be prepared and will contain reports and six-monthly report
the following information:
EMU visual inspection of
i. Description (using GPS coordinate system or similar) and mapping of boundaries of the cleared areas
cleared area – area identifiers will be in keeping with the overall identification process
used for engineering design drawings
ii. Description of the survey, disposal and QC processes that were implemented on the site
iii. Description of UXO located, UXO destroyed and amount of scrap metal recovered
iv. Report of any medical or environmental incidents occurring during site clearance
v. Certification that the area has been cleared of UXO and is suitable for its intended
purpose

Construction worker training

SP15.08 As part of the construction worker training program contained in Sub-Plan No. 13 – Refer Sub-Plan 13 Sub-Plan 13
Environmental Training for Workers Plan, construction workers will be trained in the potential
risks associated with disturbance of UXO and procedures to be followed if potential items of
UXO are identified during construction activities.

Notification of local communities

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Plans

SP15.09 A UXO consultation and notification program will be implemented in communities that are EMU to review six-monthly -
located in the vicinity of survey and disposal works at the time that the survey and disposal works report
are being undertaken. The UXO Awareness program will include the following:

i. Consultation with local communities regarding the purpose and process of the proposed
survey and disposal activities prior to the commencement of works.
ii. Notification of local communities of the commencement and likely duration of UXO
disposal activities in their area and any likely precautions that should be taken.
iii. Information to communities about the location of cleared areas and the meaning of the
cleared area marking – i.e. delineation between cleared and un-surveyed areas.

Reporting requirements

SP15.10 Six monthly reports will be prepared which contain the following information about activities EMU to review six-monthly -
during the period: report

i. Summary of all survey activities – areas, methods etc.

ii. Summary of all clearing activities – UXO located, UXO destroyed etc
iii. Summary of QC and OH&S Plan activities
iv. Identification of all certified cleared areas
v. Report of any medical or environmental incidents occurring
vi. Summary of UXO awareness training activities carried out in local communities

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XVI. Construction Work Camps Plan

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links toSub-

Plans

Use of camps

SP16.01 All workers who are based on the construction site will be accommodated in either construction EMU Inspection -
camps or other approved accommodation

SP16.02 The sanitation facilities will be designed to meet the effluent requirements. EMU monitoring Sub-Plan 4

Construction work camp design

SP16.03 All construction work camps will include the following components: EMU to verify site layout Sub-Plan 17
plan
i. Residential accommodation for workers comprising one bed and 0.5m3 of personal
storage space per person
ii. Canteen and kitchen Sub-Plan 12
iii. Shops to supply basic food, toiletries and personal items
iv. Recreational areas
v. Medical facilities (refer Sub-Plan No. 17 – Project Personnel Health Program)
vi. Potable water supply infrastructure including pumping facilities and water storage areas
vii. Sanitary facilities comprising a septic tank system with adequate capacity to treat
wastewater from the ultimate camp population
viii. Waste collection and management facilities (refer Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management
and Disposal Plan)
ix. Suitable lighting for security and amenity
x. Internal roads of at least 4m width with gravel surface

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xi. Emergency protection equipment including fire protection

xii. Temporary erosion and sediment controls during construction and storm water drainage to
minimize mosquito breeding

Construction work sub-camp design

SP16.04 All construction work sub-camps will include the following components: EMU to verify site layout Sub-Plan 12
plan
i. Residential accommodation for workers comprising one bed and 0.5m3 of personal
storage space per person
ii. Canteen and kitchen
iii. First-aid station
iv. Potable water
v. Pit latrine toilets to cater for the expected PCA workforce, with one toilet for every 20
workers
vi. Waste collection and management facilities (refer Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management
& Disposal Plan)
vii. Suitable lighting for security and amenity
viii. Emergency protection equipment including fire protection
ix. Erosion and sediment controls during construction and ongoing operation of sub-camp

Preparation of site layout plans

SP16.05 A site layout plan will be prepared prior to the commencement of construction of Residence and EMU to verify site layout -
the construction camps and sub-camps. The plan will include information on the location of the plan

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components and will be based on the following principles:

i. The use of cleared areas for locating construction camps will be maximized
ii. The retention of existing vegetation, especially large trees to provide shade and improve
visual amenity and vegetation along creeklines, will be maximized
iii. Measures to minimize the potential for disease transmission within the constructions
camps will be taken into account including provision of suitable drainage, water supply
and sewage disposal methods
iv. No components will be located within 10m of a watercourse iv, and all construction work
within 30m of a watercourse will be minimized
v. Residential and medical facilities shall be located a suitable distance from waste
management and sanitary facilities
vi. Buildings shall be sited within the existing topography to maximize screening of the
camps from public vantage points

Disease control, health and safety issues

SP16.06 Buildings in Residence camps and sub-camps will be made ‘mosquito-proof’ as far as possible EMU to verify site layout -
through ensuring adequate sealing of doors and windows, provision of suitable ventilation and as plan
necessary, installing mosquito-nets and other prevention devices.
EMU visual inspection

SP16.07 Medical, sanitary and disease prevention measures for each camp will be implemented in Refer Sub-Plan 17 Sub-Plan 17
accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 17 – Project Personnel Health Program.

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SP16.08 Pesticide use in the camps and sub-camps will be carried out in accordance with the requirements Refer Sub-Plan 17 Sub-Plan 17
of Sub-Plan No. 17 – Project Personnel Health Program.

SP16.09 Waste generated at the construction camps will be managed in accordance with the requirements Refer Sub-Plan 12 Sub-Plan 12
of Sub-Plan No. 12 – Waste Management and Disposal Plan.

SP16.10 The camp sites and surrounds will be kept in a tidy and clean manner. Inspections of the camp EMU monthly review of site -
sites will be carried out weekly. condition forms

SP16.11 Construction workers will be trained in health and safety issues relating to the camps in Refer Sub-Plan 13 Sub-Plan 13
accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 13 – Environmental Training for Workers Plan

Camp access

SP16.12 Access to construction camps will be controlled in accordance with the requirements of the Site EMU inspection of site -
Security Plan. In general, access to the camps will be restricted to construction workers and access register
visitors with an authorised access pass.

Potable water supply

SP16.13 All potable water storage facilities will be secured with access limited to authorised personnel. EMU inspection -
Local rivers will be used as the source of the potable water supply. The intake for the potable
water storage will be located a suitable distance upstream of any wastewater discharge point.

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Plans

SP16.14 Water quality monitoring of the potable water storage in camps and sub-camps will be carried out Refer Sub-Plan 4 Sub-Plan 4
in accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 4 – Water Quality Monitoring Plan.

Camp rules and regulations

SP16.15 A set of rules and regulations applicable to camps and sub-camps will be developed. The rules EMU to verify documented -
and regulations will include: rules

i. Prohibitions on hunting and poaching of wildlife, purchasing wildlife meat, fishing,

gathering and harvesting medicinal or valued plants and trees, and possessing firearms,
snares, traps and other hunting equipment
ii. Access restrictions for non-construction personnel
iii. Housecleaning and waste management requirements
iv. Prohibitions
v. Measures for preserving health and the dissemination of vectors and transmissible
diseases

SP16.16 Residents of the camps shall be provided with written information and training on camp rules and EMU visual inspection -
regulations. Camp rules and regulations will be prominently displayed in the camp areas.

Landscaping and erosion and sediment control

SP16.17 Landscaping works for each camp will be developed and implemented in accordance with Sub- Refer Sub-Plan 10 Sub-Plan 10
Plan No. 10 – Landscaping and Revegetation Plan.

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SP16.18 The erosion and sediment controls implemented during construction will be developed in Refer Sub-Plan 1 Sub-Plan 1
accordance with the requirements of Sub-Plan No. 1 – Erosion and Sediment Control
Management Plan

XVII. Project Personnel Health Program

No. Description of Measure Monitoring Links to Sub-

Plans

SP17.01 The “Health and Safety Manual” will be distributed to the personnel attending health and safety EMU inspection of manual Sub-Plan No. 13
training in the language used by the workers during trainings. It contains the following contents:

Health:
Safety Engineer monitoring
i. Anti malaria precautions of rule compliance
ii. HIV / AIDS and other venereal diseases precautions
iii. Diarrhoea precautions
iv. Symptoms of other diseases typical of the area (such as dengue fever)
v. Recommendations regarding proper disposal of all wastes
vi. Use of proper drinking water
vii. Use of appropriate toilets

Safety:

i. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

ii. Use of specific equipment according to the safety procedure
iii. Use of appropriate clothing

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iv. Use of appropriate ladders

v. Use of appropriate slinging
vi. Attention to signals of danger
vii. Attention to suspended weights
viii. Attention to unprotected pits
ix. Attention to buried cables
x. Attention to overhead power cables
xi. Attention to all inflammable items
xii. Procedure for fire extinguishing
xiii. Etc.

SP17.02 First aid teams will be specifically trained and assigned in groups of two to three persons to the EMU to inspect training and Sub-Plan No. 13
different sites keep contact detail

SP17.03 Medical facilities sufficient EMU monitoring Sub-Plan No. 13

SP17.04 The Site Doctor available EMU monitoring Sub-Plan No. 13

SP17.05 In the event of a spill of any hazardous material, actions and responses will be taken according Referred to Sub-Plan 06 Sub-Plan 06
to Sub-Plan No. 06 – Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials.

SP17.06 Control of mosquito and pests through EMU inspection

effective storm water drainage system to avoid stagnant water
keeping storm water drain and borrow pit free of vegetation
minimizing presence of containers full of water
removal of discarded items that could contain water
providing mosquito nets to buildings
safe application of pesticides when necessary

SP17.07 Solid waste that might attract pest such as domestic rubbish and food waste shall be managed EMU monitoring Sub-Plan 12

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properly

SP17.08 Water supply and sewage system especially in camp sites will be maintained in a good condition EMU monitoring Sub-Plan 04
through regular monitoring according to the required standards
Sub-Plan 16

SP17.09 Control of pest by pesticide will be limited to only necessary cases. Selection of pesticide will be EMU monitoring Sub-Plan 05
according to following Owner Requirements:

i. Have negligible adverse human health effects

ii. Effective against target species EMU monitoring
iii. Have minimal effect on non-target species and natural environment.
iv. Safe for inhabitants and domestic animals as well as personnel applying hem
v. Use and handling of pesticides will be conducted on the appropriate manners

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10 Annex B: Environmental and Social Clauses for Civil Works’

Contracts

The Mitigation Measures of the EMMP provide general and specific guidance on protection and
mitigation of potential environmental damage. The EMMP is attached to the Technical Specifications
and shall be considered as binding on the Contractor. All necessary measures on protection of the
environment shall be carried out by the Contractor in accordance with the order of competent
authorities, the EMMP, and instructions of the Engineer (MFCB Engineer).

1. Obligations of the Contractor

The general environmental and social obligations of the Contractor within this Contract, without
prejudice to other official provisions in force, include the following:

 Respecting and abiding by the environmental, health, safety and labor regulatory provisions
in force in Lao PDR (including those announced during the execution of the works if imposed
by the Engineer), the contractual provisions of this Contract as well as the conditions fixed by
the various authorizations or approvals required;
 Respecting and abiding by national and international labor codes, including the ILO
Conventions ratified by Lao PDR and ensure that it and its sub-contractors make available
employment opportunities for both men and women and ensuring a gender-sensitive work
environment;
 Assuming full responsibility for the consequences of its choices and actions; in particular, and
without prejudice to the regulatory provisions in force, it guarantees, if necessary, the repair at
its cost and according to the most appropriate technologies and deadlines, notably with regard
to the level of sensitivity of the site concerned, of damage caused to the environment and
residents by failure to respect regulatory and/or administrative provisions and/or the
applicable technical specifications, as well as the payment of fines, damages or other penalties
which may be incumbent upon it;
 Agreeing with the Engineer and implementing technical approaches and solutions to the
design of the Mekong Pak Beng HPP where the Project will encroach on private or communal
lands. Preference shall be given to the technical solutions that do not require taking or
demolition of temporary and permanent properties. In case the taking or demolition of
property cannot be avoided the Contractor shall notify the Engineer and cease the works in
that particular section of the Project. Construction activities may only proceed with approval
of the Engineer.
 Taking all measures to ensure the environmental quality of operations which are the subject
of this contract and not disrupt the quality of life of the adjacent villages, in particular by
applying the applicable specifications and provisions. The Contractor shall consider the
execution of works or the implementation of environmental and social provisions as an
integral part of the operations relating to the general construction program of the works;
 Providing appropriate information and training for Contractor personnel, including
management staff, with regard to the environmental and social quality of operations;
 Informing the local authorities (village heads, district governor) and the affected population
on planned construction activities, sites and schedule at least 2 weeks in advance of any
planned construction activities (including signage);

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 Holding information meetings at least 2 weeks before entering any village area for planned
construction activities, to inform and consult with the villagers regarding the nature of the
forthcoming works, their duration and all effects such as dust, smoke, or noise that will be felt
in the village, the mitigation measures that will be applied, and provide villagers with
opportunities to ask questions and express concerns;
 Providing a medium for ongoing communication with villagers, including a point of contact/
liaison to address any potential issues during construction with the physical works or with
subcontractors, and provide a plan for mediation of any problems that arise in relation to the
works under this Contract and documenting concerns and resolution of these.
 Refraining from destroying, removing or clearing trees, timber, scrub, crops and other flora to
any extent greater than is approved by the Engineer as being necessary for the execution of
this Contract and shall take such measures as may be necessary to prevent its employees from
hunting, disturbing, capturing or destroying stock, crops and such flora as may be protected
by relevant statutes;
 Sitingborrow pits or other similar excavations as well as waste accumulation and disposal
sites only in locations approved by the Engineer;
 Controlling pollution, noise and nuisances generated by the works;
 Re-using materials available on the existing site each time the technical and financial
conditions allow for this in a satisfactory manner from the point of view of the Engineer.
Recycling and reuse of wastes (e.g. lubricants, plastic bottles, paper) is encouraged where
appropriate. Strictly banning the use of fire for clearing and grubbing and cleaning sites,
except for the treatment of organic waste as approved by the Engineer;
 Preserving to the maximum extent possible natural resources and the minimizing the use of
space, soil and vegetation, in particular by minimizing cleared and stripped surfaces, by the
passage of blades at a high level (5 cm above the natural ground level) each time that a simple
clearing or a provisional storage of material is required, by controlling logging, including any
tree removals, by the appropriate management of the topsoil, by driving and working the
machines perpendicular to the slope, by the maintenance on the sites of naturally grassed
areas, and by the control of site erosion;
 As appropriate, systematically stripping topsoil of all work sites unless (with prior consent of
the Engineer) the soil structure of the surface, predominantly organic matter ("topsoil" or
mud), does not exist or has a thickness less than the working height adjustment of the blade of
the excavator or machine used, taking into account the state of the terrain (eroded soil, gravel,
soil with rocks that prevent the passage of the machine, etc.);
 Respecting, for the whole of its site (including borrow sites and disposal areas, quarries and
installations) the zones, areas, elements and periods which are environmentally sensitive,
including, but not limited to locations and areas identified in the EMMP. In the project areas
adjacent to specially protected areas, machinery shall not go beyond the work zone as
approved by the Engineer; there shall be no waste accumulations and waste disposal sites in
the same areas; and there shall be no use and storage of explosives and toxic and chemical
substances.
 Discharging or disposal of used water, mud, grout, bituminous products, pollutants of any
kind, etc. into wells, boreholes, surface water or groundwater, water courses, natural streams,
drains, ditches, etc. is strictly forbidden;
 Not creating a dam or altering a permanent or temporary watercourse for the requirements of
the site (unless otherwise specified in the Design), without authorization of the Engineer;

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 Ensuring that all construction vehicles shall travel at low speed (as specified in Lao PDR
regulations) within 100 m on either side of any areas around villages where children are
present;
 Controlling health risks relating to the works and personnel of the Contractor, in particular the
adoption of minimum hygiene rules at the work sites and camps and for the benefit of
residents in the affected communities, the control of dust emissions in populated areas and the
control of stagnant waters as specified in the EMMP;
 Exercising every reasonable precaution to protect persons or property from injury. The
Contractor shall erect and maintain all necessary temporary fencing, barricades, barriers,
signs and lights and provide fire alarm, fire extinguishing and fire fighting services at
strategic points on the Site. The Contractor shall also be responsible for erecting and
maintaining structures for storage and containment of hazardous materials or liquids. The
Contractor shall adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary, desirable
or proper to safeguard the public, all persons engaged in the work and its supervision. The
Contractor shall be responsible for the flagging and control of traffic and he shall comply with
the requirements of the Engineer and competent authority in these matters. The Contractor
shall keep clear and in good working order all temporary access road structures, bridges,
culverts, drains and other waterways necessary for the execution of the works during the term
of the Contract;
 Providing for the safety of its personnel as well as nearby residents during blasting operations.
This will include appropriate signage, fencing, or other means to keep the blasting area secure,
and a warning system to ensure that its personnel and nearby residents are aware that a blast is
about to occur.
 Ensuring, in as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its
personnel including those of its subcontractors and of all other persons on the Site or crossing
the site. The Contractor shall provide protective clothing and equipment to workers that are
appropriate to the workers’ tasks. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for ensuring
necessary first aid services to its staff and workers, including transport for injured personnel
to hospital or other appropriate accommodation as and when required. The organization of the
construction sites and work places, and the Contractor’s approach to the aspects listed below,
shall be included in the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMMP) to be
prepared by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.
 Cleaning, restoring and then, if necessary, providing for the appropriate rehabilitation or
redevelopment of work sites, camps, quarries and borrow pits released by the Contractor as
the work progresses. This obligation, which includes possible drainage of stagnant water and
the completion of compensatory tree plantations (if envisaged by the Design), is a condition
of the acceptance of the works;
 Taking appropriate sanctions against personnel violating the applicable specifications and
provisions on environmental and social matters;
 Checking, by regular inspection, that all stipulated environmental and social provisions are
being adhered to;
 Systematically and in a timely manner informing the Engineer of each incident or accident,
damage or degradation caused to the environment, workers or residents or their assets, in the
course of the works. Contractor shall also take appropriate measures, as approved by the
Engineer, to address the incident or accident in timely fashion; and
 Providing environmental and social monitoring of the works and the writing of corresponding
monthly reports.

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2. Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan

The Contractor shall establish a Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMMP) in order to
meet his obligations concerning this matter; the CEMMP shall include in particular the following:

 Management Acknowledgements.
 Organization & Staffing.
 Communications and Reporting.
 Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions.

The Contractor shall prepare and submit for the Engineer’s approval a CEMMP within 30 days of the
commencement date. The Engineer may require periodic reviews, including updating of the CEMMP
during the Works.

2.1 Management Acknowledgement

(i) Certification and Commitment

The CEMMP submitted by the Contractor shall provide a signed statement from the Contractor’s
Managing Director(s) attesting to a commitment that all environmental protection, safety, and
occupational health aspects of the Contract will be given highest priority in the discharge of
contractual obligations and certifying a commitment to the provisions in the EMMP and CEMMP as
approved by the Engineer.

(ii) Statutory Understanding and Compliance

The Plan shall provide a statement attesting the firm’s understanding of, and means of ensuring due
compliance with, the statutory regulations relating to construction work in Lao PDR, specifically in
regard to compliance with:

(a) All safety and occupational health legislation including, without limitation, the Rules
and Regulations of Lao PDR and the authorities having jurisdiction.

(b) All current environmental laws and regulations, including both national and local
regulations, related to the following, but not limited to the following:

 Noise.
 Vibration.
 Air pollution.
 Water contamination.
 Solid and hazardous waste disposal.
 Liquid waste disposal.
 Sanitary conditions (water supply, sewerage, etc.).
 Use of explosives.
 Protection of public traffic.
 Historical, cultural and archaeological monuments/sites,.
 Resettlement, land acquisition, servitude, temporary use of land and compensation.
 etc.

(iii) Availability of Documents

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The Plan shall state where copies of safety and occupational health regulations and documents will be
available on the construction site and verify that all regulations and documents have been or will be
available.

(iv) Management of Subcontractors

The requirements of this and related sections and obligations therein shall be required for execution of
parts of the Works by the approved subcontractors while the Contractor shall:

Provide subcontractors with copies of the CEMMP, incorporate such provisions into all sub-contracts,
and ensure compliance with such plan under the Contract.

Require all subcontractors to appoint a safety representative who shall be available on the site
throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract and ensure as far as is practically
possible that staff and employees of subcontractors are conversant with appropriate parts of the
CEMMP and the statutory regulations.

2.2 Organization and Staffing

(i) Organization Chart

The Plan shall include an organization chart identifying (by job title and by the name of the individual)
the personnel to be engaged solely for environmental protection, health, safety and traffic control. The
chart and the supporting text shall identify participants and their areas of responsibility and contact
details.

(ii) Appointment of Environmental Safety Officer (ESO)

The Contractor shall submit for approval the name and details (full CV) of its proposal for an ESO to
the Engineer within 14 days of the commencement date. The ESO shall be responsible for day-to-day
issues of environmental management for the duration of the Contract. The Contractor shall obtain
approval of such person being appointed, who shall be in position to carry out his duties prior to
Works activities commencing on site except as may be agreed in exceptional circumstances in writing
with the Engineer. The ESO will not be removed from the site without the express written permission
of the Engineer. Within fourteen (14) days of any such removal or notice of intent of removal, a
replacement ESO will be nominated for approval by the Engineer.

The ESO shall be empowered to instruct employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors to cease
operations and shall take the appropriate action as is necessary and within his limits of delegation by
informing others as may be appropriate to prevent unsafe working practices or other infringements of
the Plan or the statutory regulations. The ESO shall maintain a daily site diary comprehensively
recording all relevant matters concerning site environmental management, safety and traffic control,
inspections and audits, related incidents and the like. The site diary shall be available at all times for
inspection by the Engineer and his staff.

2.3 Communication and Reporting

The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Engineer for his approval monthly progress reports on
compliance with implementation of EMMP and CEMMP. It is expected that these reports will
include information on:

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 Environmental, social, health, and safety management actions/measures taken, including

approvals sought from local or national authorities;
 Problems encountered in relation to environmental, social, health, and safety aspects
(incidents, including delays, cost consequences, etc. as a result thereof);
 Lack of compliance with contract requirements on the part of the Contractor;
 Changes of assumptions, conditions, measures, designs and actual works in relation to
environmental, social, health, and safety aspects;
 Observations, concerns raised and/or decisions taken with regard to environmental, social,
health, and safety management during site meetings;
 Chance historical, cultural and archaeological finds;
 Follow-up on the status and efficacy of remedial measures and/or corrective actions identified
in Incident Reporting Forms included in EMMPs or otherwise; and
 Follow-up, including remedial measures, status of measures and their efficacy, related to lack
of compliance with contract requirements.

2.4 Environmental, Health and Safety Management Provisions

The CEMMP should include, as a minimum, the methodology and resources to meet the requirements
of these Technical Specifications including but not limited to the following:

 Stakeholder communication (including nearby affected residents) and mechanism for

documenting public concerns in relation to the works under this Contract and resolution of
these.
 Relevant staff training;
 Maintaining farmers’ access to irrigation water if the works are implemented during the
irrigation season;
 Maintaining vehicle access to the communities;
 Pollution control (including spill prevention, dust abatement, noise, etc.);
 Provision of potable water and washing/toilet facilities to workers;
 Provision of lodging and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to workers as appropriate;
 Provision of health care to workers and treatment for injuries and infections; and providing
workers with access to condoms;
 Assessing importance of, and reporting and investigating, chance historical, cultural and
archaeological finds;
 Inspection and monitoring.

2.5 HIV-AIDS provisions

The Contractor shall:

 Require its personnel to attend the HIV Awareness Program provided by the UNAIDS and/or
the National Committee for the Control of AIDS (NCCA) which has developed and launched
the National Strategic and Action Plan on HIV/AIDS/STI 2006-2010. Attendance shall be in
the course of their employment and during their normal working hours or any period of
overtime provided for in the relevant employment contracts and uses all reasonable endeavors
to ensure this instruction is followed;
 Deliver to all employees an HIV/AIDS leaflets available through UNAIDS and/or the NCCA.

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 Give all reasonable cooperation to the UNAIDS and/or the NCCA office on providing the
HIV Awareness Program. if any planned, by providing suitable space for delivery of the
Program and do nothing to dissuade the personnel from attending the Program;
 Encourage voluntary HIV/STD testing.

The Contractor shall not be required to undertake or pay for treatment or medication for personnel
found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS. Such personnel shall not be discriminated against however
(including discrimination in employment opportunities, employment retention, treatment, etc.)

i Latin America and Caribbean Region ‐‐ Sustainable Development Working Paper 16, “Good
Dams and Bad Dams: Environmental Criteria for Site Selection of Hydroelectric Projects”,
November 2003, by George Ledec and Juan David Quintero

ii http://www.mrcmekong.org/download/programmes/hydropower/
presentations/6.2%20‐
%20Summary%20of%20national%20hydropower %20consultations.pdf#search=%22mai
nstream%22 (Access 1 May 2011)

iii As measured from the nearest bank.

iv As measured from the nearest bank.

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