SFG1585 Environmental Management Plan Document Stage: Final Project Number: P131250 October 2015 Kingdom of Tonga: Upgrade of Grid in Preparation for Renewables (Tongatapu) Prepared by Tonga Power Ltd. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (As of 21 August 2015) Currency Unit = Tonga: pa'anga (TOP) T$1.00 = US$ 0.46 US$1.00 = T$ 2.17 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS O C Degrees centigrade ABC Aerial Bundle Cables CFC Chlorofluorocarbon dB(A) A-weighted decibels - an expression of the relative loudness of sounds in air as perceived by the human ear DG Diesel generator ECR Environmental Complaints Register EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan FI Financial Intermediary GDP Gross Domestic Product GFP Grievance Focal Point GHG Green House Gas GOT Government of Tonga GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism hr Hour HSE Health, Safety and Environment HV High Voltage km Kilometres kV Kilo Volt kWh Kilo Watt Hour MEIDECC Ministry of Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Energy and Climate Change MLSN Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources MW Megawatt NZ New Zealand O&M Operations and Maintenance OHS Occupational Health and Safety OP Operational Policy PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls PV Photovoltaic RE Renewable Energy SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride sq.km Square kilometres TERM Tonga Energy Road Map TERM-C Tonga Energy Road Map Committee TERM-IU Tonga Energy Road Map Implementation Unit TOP Tongan Pa'anga TPL Tonga Power Limited V Volt WB World Bank 1 NOTES (i) The fiscal year (FY) of the Government of Tonga ends on 31 December. FY before a calendar year denotes the year in which the fiscal year ends, e.g., FY2012 ends on 31 December 2012. (ii) In this report, "$" refers to US dollars 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 B. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 6 1. The GOT Environmental Laws and Regulation 6 2. Environmental Assessment Process in Tonga 7 3. World Bank Safeguard Policy Requirements 7 4. Extent of EMP 7 C. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 8 1. Project Background 8 2. Project Components and Activities 12 3. Local Infrastructure Required 13 4. Implementation Arrangement and Schedule 14 5. Project Benefits and Justification 14 D. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 14 1. Physical Resources 14 2. Socio-economic Conditions 16 E. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 17 1. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Due to Pre-installation Activities 17 2. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Due to Installation Activities 17 3. Impacts and Mitigation Measures from Operation 19 4. Impacts and Mitigation due to Decommissioning 20 5. Cumulative Impacts 20 F. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 21 G. CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 21 1. Stakeholder / Community Consultations 21 2. Information Disclosure 22 H. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 22 1. Grievance Redress Mechanism 22 2. Grievance Focal Points, Complaints Reporting, Recording and Monitoring 22 I. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 23 1. Introduction 23 J. SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1. Implementation Arrangement 29 2. Environmental Management Budget and Resources 29 K. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 29 APPENDIX 1: PHOTOGRAPHS (FIELD) 30 3 A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM) Institutional and Regulatory Framework Strengthening Project (P131250 funded by the World Bank) has two components. Component 2, ‘Preparing TPL for Renewable Energy Supply’ (the Project), will assist Tonga Power Ltd (the Company) and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga (GOT) in efforts to maximize renewable energy penetration levels and reduce the fuel consumption of the existing diesel power plants. 2. The scope of the Project includes upgradation of existing power distribution lines from (i) Popua Power Station to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau and ‘Alaivahamamama’o By-pass Road (ii) intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and Vaha’akolo Road at Tofoa to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road connecting Taufa’ahau Road and Loto Road in Pea and (iii) the intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road that leads to Longoteme Village to the intersection of Taufa’ahau roads and Tuku’aho Road in Malapo. The proposed Project will introduce new grid assets (cable, poles and switchgear). 3. This is the Environment Management Plan (EMP) prepared for the line construction and operation on Tongatapu Island proposed under the Project. Based on GOT’s law and WB’s World Bank’s (WB’s) Safeguard Policy OP4.01 Environmental Assessment, the proposed Project is categorized as environmental Category ‘B’, impacts are site specific and readily mitigated. This EMP meets the requirements of the Tonga’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2003 and complies with the WB’s Safeguard Policies. The scope of this EMP is limited to the sites of the proposed interventions. 4. The proposed Project will capitalize on the results of the study commissioned by TPL and carried out by AECOM NZ Ltd, the scope of which is to (i) carry out power system modelling to determine the most cost effective way to diversify energy generation, with a focus on achieving a high long-term renewable and distributed energy penetration; and (ii) design and specify upgrades to monitor, control, and protect systems to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy through the electricity system with high levels of renewable energy generation. To maximize the amount of solar and wind electricity generation that can be installed on Tongatapu, this Project will upgrade the existing power distribution grid. It will minimize power distribution outages as a result of high intermittent renewable energy penetration and therefore in turn will promote the introduction of more renewable energy generation that will reduce the fuel consumption at the existing diesel power plants. The added value of the proposed project is to demonstrate that combining deployment of renewable power generation and power distribution upgrade is an appropriate strategy to optimize existing energy matrixes and reduce their carbon output. Additional electricity from renewable resources will contribute to power security, create sustainable livelihoods and reduce environmental pressure. 5. The project will install new grid equipment i.e. cable, poles, and switchgears along the same route as the existing grid system. The existing grid system is mainly located on flat to undulating terrain and land use is mostly mixed of residential and open areas with thin plantations. There are no sensitive areas on and around these existing grid systems. There is no physical infrastructure or archaeological/ religiously important sites in and around the existing grid systems. Table 1 presents the summary of existing features and proposed interventions on Tongatapu. Table 1: Summary of Existing Features and Proposed Interventions Parameter Targeted Island – Tongatapu Island Group Tongatapu Total Geographical Area of 260 the Island (sq.km.) Approximate Number of 322 Households in Project Area Approximate Population in 1288 the Project Area 4 Parameter Targeted Island – Tongatapu Geographical Location At the edge of Nuku’alofa urban area. Land Use Mixed (residential and open) Terrain Plain to undulating Existing Grid Overhead HV and LV (11 kV and 240V) distribution system managed by TPL Proposed Interventions Upgrade of cable, poles, and switchgears: Replacement of some poles, and installation of 7.5km of new 11kv cable, poles and switchgears to create a ring typology in the grid. Location of proposed sites Road reserve along the following route: for interventions (i) Popua Power Station to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau and ‘Alaivahamamama’o By-pass Road (ii) intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and Vaha’akolo Road at Tofoa to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road connection Taufa’ahau Road and Loto Road in Pea and (iii) the intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road that lead s to Longoteme Village to the intersection of Taufa’ahau roads and Tuku’aho Road in Malapo. Ownership of proposed land GOT Land requirement No additional land requirement 6. The re–enforcement of existing grid assets will not have any significant long term adverse environmental impacts. The main environmental impacts are short-term and will be created during the installation stage. The main environmental impacts will be during removal of existing poles and installation of new poles and cables. Short term impacts from management and disposal of discarded material i.e. old poles are anticipated. However these impacts will be minimized as the discarded material will be recycled and reused within TPL system. There will also be impacts from noise and dust emissions due to increase in traffic for transportation of equipment and construction material as well as operation of construction machineries such as bucket trucks, cranes etc. However these will be short-term (approximately 2-3 days in each location to change out the assets). Impacts associated with the replacement of cables and poles are mostly related to change in local topography and visual impacts. However, these impacts will not be significant as the cables and poles already existing and they will be replaced at existing locations. Operational impact includes management of used equipment i.e. poles, batteries etc. Similarly after decommissioning of the grid system, cables, switchgears, will be dismantled and handled by TPL. All these impacts are manageable by implementing mitigation measures proposed in the environmental management plan. Although emission of halogenated gases such as SF6 (Sulphur hexafluoride) from switchgears and transformers are very minor, it will be checked and controlled by well installed SF6 equipment and routine checking of all such equipment. 7. Local communities and stakeholders were involved in the process of preparing the EMP through discussions. As the Project will have minor environmental impacts, local communities and community leaders support the Project. The EMP is available on TPL’s website and at TPL’s head office and will be disclosed to a wider audience via the WB website. The consultation process will be continued and expanded during the project implementation to ensure that stakeholders are fully engaged in the Project and have the opportunity to participate in its development and implementation and understand that there is a process in place for them to air any grievances or complaints. 8. The interventions proposed under the Project will not cause any significant or lasting adverse environmental impacts during construction, operation and decommissioning. In terms of environmental impacts, the Project will bring about benefits by reducing gaseous emissions (CO2) through allowing more renewable electricity generation to be introduced and reducing dependence on existing diesel generator (DG) sets which use imported fossil fuels. Only minor and transient environmental disturbances will be experienced at the project sites during construction and operation, and these can be minimized and managed through implementation of the EMP. Due to 5 the limited and manageable nature of impacts this EMP is adequate to comply with the EIA Act of Tonga and WB’s Safeguard Policies and therefore further environmental analysis of the Project is not required. B. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 9. Environmental assessment of the proposed project has been carried out in compliance with the World Bank Safeguard Policies and the government’s legislation and requirements. 1. The GOT Environmental Laws and Regulation 10. Some of the important laws relevant to the Project focusing on environmental assessment are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Summary of Relevant Environmental Laws and Regulations of Tonga Environmental Year Objective Legislation Passed Environmental Impact To provide for the application of environmental impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2003 assessment to the planning of development in Tonga. 2003 Environmental Impact To regulate major development projects and the applications of Assessment (EIA) 2010 notification consistent with the EIA Act 2003. Regulations 2010 Waste Management To manage and oversee the function of the Waste 2005 Act 2005 Management Board. 1976 To provide for the establishment of Parks and Reserves Parks and Reserves (amended Authority and for the establishment, preservation and Act 1976 in 1979 & administration of Parks and Reserves. 1988) To regulate living modified organisms and the applications of modern biotechnology consistent with Tonga’s obligations and Biosafety Act 2009 2009 rights under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartegena Protocol. To regulate the use of ozone depleting substances and to Ozone Layer implement the provisions of the Convention for the Protection 2010 Protection Act 2010 of the Ozone Layer and the Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and for related purposes. To provide for the regulation and proper management of Hazardous Wastes hazardous wastes and chemicals in accordance with accepted and Chemicals Act 2010 international practices and the International Conventions 2010 applying to the use, transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous substances and for related purposes. 2008 Renewable Energy Act To regulate the use of renewable energy in the Kingdom and (amended 2008 related matters. in 2010) To establish the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change to Environment 2010 ensure the protection and proper management of the Management Act 2010 environment and the promotion of sustainable development. Source: Ministry of Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Government of Tonga (www.mecc.gov.to) 6 2. Environmental Assessment Process in Tonga 11. Under the Tongan regulatory framework (the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2003 and the EIA Regulations 2010), all development activities must be referred to the Minister of Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Energy and Climate Change (MEIDECC). With this notification, the proponent must complete a Determination of Category of Assessment Form, providing an overview of the proposed development and a number of details in relation to the existing environment and potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures. The Secretariat and the Minister determine whether the proposed development is a minor or major project, and advises the proponent within 30 days. If it is a major project, the proponent then submits a full Environmental Impact Assessment for review by the Secretariat. The Secretariat makes recommendations to the Environmental Assessment Committee. The Minister receives an assessment report and issues the approval (with or without conditions), a request for further information, or a rejection. 12. Under the EIA Act, a Schedule lists the projects considered as major projects. Electricity Generating Stations is listed as one of the major projects however; electricity distribution and energy efficiency projects such as this project have not been stated in this Schedule. However, this EMP provides the information required for the MEIDECC to undertake its assessment process as required under the regulations as any Major Project. Numerous projects of a similar nature undertaken by TPL have received a classification of a ‘minor project’ in the past. 3. World Bank Safeguard Policy Requirements 13. This environmental assessment is carried out in compliance with World Bank Safeguard Policy OP4.01 Environmental Assessment and OP4.12 Involuntary Resettlement so as to ensure that potential adverse environmental and impacts are identified, avoided where possible and managed or addressed. 14. As per OP4.01 the objective of Environmental Assessment is to ensure the environmental soundness and sustainability of projects and to support the integration of environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. Under OP4.01 the World Bank categorizes projects into categories A, B, C, and FI according to the significance of likely impacts. 15. Based on OP4.01 the interventions proposed in the Project are categorized as category ‘B’ project based on the most sensitive component. Accordingly this EMP is prepared to meet the requirements of a Category B project under OP4.01. 16. There are no other World Bank policies triggered. 4. Institutions 17. The principal national agency charged with environmental protection is the Ministry of Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Energy and Climate Change (MEIDECC). The role of MEIDECC is to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The environmental assessment for development projects is also approved by MEIDECC. It is also the agency required to respond to any complaints from the public about environmental issues. 5. Extent of EMP 18. The interventions proposed under Component 2 the TERM Institutional Strengthening Project (P131250) are located on Tongatapu. This EMP is prepared for the upgrade works on the Tongatapu grid, in preparation for more renewable energy generation. The purpose of this EMP is to assess and manage potential environmental, health, safety and social impacts of the proposed construction and operation of the network upgrade. 7 19. This EMP study is conducted based on primary data from field surveys (including consultations) and secondary information collected from various sources. During the consultations the town officers for the specific villages impacted by the proposed works had discussions with various village residents and local executive powers for their opinions on the Project. The results of the consultations with village/town members have been incorporated into this assessment. C. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 1. Project Background 20. Like other Pacific islands countries, Tonga is highly vulnerable to increasing oil prices, affecting the affordability of food, goods, electricity, and transportation. Its dependency on imported fossil fuels consequently affects the economic growth of the country. The proposed Project will capitalize on the results to be achieved under the WB’s TERM Institutional and Regulatory Framework Strengthening Project, the scope of which is to (i) carry out power system modelling to determine the most cost effective way to diversify energy generation, with a focus on achieving a high long-term renewable and distributed energy penetration; (ii) design and specify upgrades to monitor, control, and protect systems to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy through the electricity system with high levels of renewable energy generation; (iii) develop standards and procedures for connection to the power system by independent power producers; and (iv) develop (in conjunction with TERM-Implementation Unit (IU) and to be approved by TERM-Committee) a power system plan for a period of five years focusing on specific renewable energy technology projects such as solar, wind, biomass and biofuel, but also covering energy storage options and demand side. 21. The project initiated with a study that determined the technical limits of the electricity grid on Tongatapu to withstand high levels of renewable energy penetration, conducted by AECOM. The results of the study are the basis of the proposed network upgrades and subject of the EMP. 22. The scope of the Project includes the upgrade of 7.5km of distribution grid assets along existing routes. There are currently two options for upgrades: • New overhead poles and wires; or • Underground cables The preferred option will be decided once the procurement tendering is complete. Both have benefits for resilience and efficiency, however there will be a cost difference and minor differences in construction and operational impacts. 23. Location of Project: All the physical components included in the Project are located in Tongatapu Island of Tonga. Tongatapu Island, which is the largest island group among the Kingdom’s four major groups located in southern part of the country and covering a total land area of 260 sq. km. As per 2011 census1, total population of Tongatapu is 75,416 and 10,583 households. 24. The proposed location for the new lines is within road reserve (under GOT control) in suburban Nuku’alofa. The exact alignment (i.e. which side of the road) will be determined once it is known whether the infrastructure will be poles and wires or underground cables It is likely to follow the same route as the existing line, but located on the other side of the road. 25. Adjacent land uses include residential dwellings, empty lots and small to medium sized businesses. There are no natural habitats, forests or physical cultural resources. The road boundary along the proposed alignment will surveyed by Lands and Survey Department of the Government of Tonga and an easement created. Any issues with the survey of the road boundary raised by adjacent property owners are addressed by Lands and Survey and resolved prior to 1 Tonga National Population and Housing Census, 2011, Statistics Department Tonga 8 construction. No works will be required in private or community owned land; therefore no land acquisition is required. 9 26. Figure 1 shows the location map of the project facilities. Figure 1: Locations of Project Areas on Island (Tongatapu) Map 10 Figure 2: Close up Maps of areas where 7.5 kM in total of new HV line will be constructed. From Popua to H01714 (approximately 4.5 km) From H01664 to H01352 (approximately 1 km) From H01167 and H00499 (approximately 2 km) 11 2. Project Components and Activities 27. As part of the Project, existing distribution grid assets will be re-enforced with new and efficient grid assets in Tongatapu Island. The existing grid system in Tongatapu Island is operated and managed by TPL and consists of overhead cables / open conductors, poles (mostly wooden), distribution transformers and switchgears. The existing grid assets are mostly located on GOT land and follows the development pattern of the Island i.e. mostly along the existing roads. Land use is mixed type dominated by residential/built up area followed by open land. 28. Under this Project some of the poles and cables on the existing grid will be replaced. In addition, 7.5km of new line (either over head or underground) will be installed. The purpose of the three new sections of line is to create more stability in the grid by creating a ‘ring’ to allow energy to flow either way around the grid. Without the ring formation as part of the foundation of the grid, the renewable energy generation penetration will remain low. The new line will follow the same route as the existing line, but likely be located on the other side of the road. This separation of the lines provides some resilience to cyclones and other hazards by reducing the likelihood of both lines being knocked down in the same event. 29. The lines will either be buried underground or put onto new poles on the opposite side of the road to existing poles and wires. Poles and wires are preferred where there are not many trees or other obstacles hanging over the road reserve. Undergrounding is preferred in areas where there are many trees near the road reserve, to avoid the ongoing tree maintenance required and to avoid potential issues with land owners from tree trimming. 30. Underground cables are buried in a trench 800mm deep by 300mm wide. Underground wires are very resilient to natural hazards, vandalism or other damage and require little to no maintenance. 31. Poles and cable are most likely to be ‘Aerial Bundle Cables’ or ABC (Refer image in Figure 1). This includes one wire connected to a pole without the need for cross bars. This design is less obtrusive than the multiple wire cross bar design, more resilient to high winds, requires less vegetation clearance, and can be located closer to road boundary and is therefore less intrusive. During maintenance, tree trimming may be required. By law, TPL can trim parts of trees that overhang the road reserve without compensation or approval from tree owners. The utility must have land owner approval to remove trees on private land and compensate for loss of trees in accordance with the schedule of compensation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 32. The final design decisions (underground or above ground poles and wires) will be made during the preparation of the specifications and detailed costing, following procurement. This EMP covers the impacts of both designs. 33. Table 3 below summarizes grid details and summary of existing features and proposed interventions on targeted island. Table 3: Summary of Existing Features and Proposed Interventions Parameter Targeted Island –Tongatapu Island Group Tongatapu Approximate Number of Households 322 in the project area Existing Grid (11 kV and 240V) distribution system managed by TPL Proposed Interventions Upgrade of cable, poles, and switchgears: Replacement of some poles, and installation of 7.5km of new 11kv cable, poles and switchgears to create a ring typology in the grid. Sites of proposed interventions Road reserve along the following route: (i) Popua Power Station to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau and 12 Parameter Targeted Island –Tongatapu ‘Alaivahamamama’o By-pass Road; (ii) intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and Vaha’akolo Road at Tofoa to the Intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road connection Taufa’ahau Road and Loto Road in Pea; and (iii) the intersection of Taufa’ahau Road and the road that leads to Longoteme Village to the intersection of Taufa’ahau roads and Tuku’aho Road in Malapo. Figure 3 Example of a ‘cross bar pole with multiple cables’ on the left, and ‘ABC’ pole and cable on the right of the road in the photo (Photo source: AECOM). This also shows the typical land use and road type along the proposed 7.5km route. 3. Local Infrastructure Required 34. The local infrastructures required for the Project are the roads, wharf, existing/planned generation units and the pre-existing distribution grids. 35. The roads and wharf will be needed to transport necessary materials and equipment during installation. It is estimated that maximum 5 trucks will be moving daily for a maximum 3-4 days during peak construction time. 36. The enhanced grid system will be connected to the existing generation units which will feed energy to it. 13 4. Implementation Arrangement and Schedule 37. The EMP will be implemented by TPL. TPL has key hands-on expertise in network upgrades and EMP implementation, and will nominate staff with adequate capacity in engineering and power system planning, finance, environment, and social areas. TPL will also carry out the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the network. 38. It is envisaged that construction will take approximately 3 months. The materials tendering process should begin in September 2015 and expected to be completed in February 2016. According to this time line, bid evaluation and contract should be awarded in February 2016. Installation work is expected to start in June 2016. 5. Project Benefits and Justification 39. The successful implementation of the Project will change the topology of the distribution network from a ‘radial’ topology to a ‘ring’ topology. This means that electricity will be able to flow clockwise and anti-clockwise around the network. As a result the network system will be able to handle more intermittent renewable generation. Without this flexibility, high levels of intermittent renewable generation can cause reliability of supply to suffer, potentially increasing black outs.. D. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Physical Resources 1.1 Physiography, Land use and Demography 40. The Kingdom of Tonga (Tonga) is a group of small islands located in the Central South Pacific. It lies between 15º and 23º30' South and 173º and 177º West. Tonga has a combined land and sea area of 720,000 km². It is an archipelago of 172 named islands covering an area of 747 km2 of which 36 islands (covering an area of 649 km2) are inhabited. Tonga had a total population of 103,036 (2011 census) compared to 101,991 at the census of 2006, an increase of 1,045 people over the 5 years. 41. Tonga consists of four clusters of islands extended over a north-south axis: Tongatapu (260 km2); ‘Eua (87 km2) in the south; Ha’apai (109 km2) in the centre; Vava’u (121 km2) in the north; Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu (72 km2) in the far north. Tonga’s archipelago is situated at the subduction zone of the Indian-Australian and the Pacific tectonic plates and within the Ring of Fire where intense seismic activities occur. 42. Table 4 present the physiographical features of the islands that form the Project a. Table 4: Demographic and Physiographical Features of the Proposed Sites Parameter Targeted Island - Tongatapu Total Geographical Area (sq.km.) of the 260 Island Approximate Number 322 of Households in Project Area Approximate 1,288 Population in Project Area Land Use Mixed (residential and open) Sensitive Ecosystems / No protected areas or sensitive habitats. All work will be carried out on road edges, in road Flora / Fauna reserve. Highly modified environment in mixed land use (residential and semi-rural). 14 Parameter Targeted Island - Tongatapu Terrain Plain to undulating Ownership of Government proposed land Land requirement No additional land requirement 1.2 Meteorology and Climate 43. The climate of Tonga is tropical. It lies within the south-east trade wind zone of the South Pacific. Wind speed over its surrounding oceans averages around 12 knots. Strong winds are not common except during tropical cyclone passages in summer (November- April) and gales from eastward migrating high-pressure systems during winter (May-October). Rainfall is moderate, with high relative humidity. Tonga’s annual rainfall is defined by two seasons, the Wet and Dry seasons. 44. Temperature variations throughout the country show an increase in daily and seasonal variations with increasing latitude. Mean annual temperatures vary from 270C at Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu to 240C on Tongatapu. Diurnal and seasonal variations can reach as high as 60C throughout the island group. During the Hot Wet Season (November-April), the average temperature ranges from 27-290C whereas at Dry Cool Season (May-October), the average temperature ranges from 20-240C. 45. Tonga has seen an increasing trend in the occurrences of tropical cyclones. There is also evidence that the intensity of cyclones has increased since the 1980’s in Tonga. Since the 1960’s many cyclones have severely affected Tonga. To name but a few; Cyclone Flora in March, 1961 affected Vava’u and Ha’apai districts, Cyclone Isaac in March, 1982 affected Ha’apai and Tongatapu and Cyclone Waka in December, 2001 affected the northern group of Niua, Cyclone Tam in 2006, Cyclone Renee in 2010 severely affected Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai groups, a combination of Cyclone Cyril and swiftly followed a week later by Cyclone Jasmine heavily impacted Tongatapu in February 2012 and Cyclone Ian caused catastrophic damage to the Ha’apai islands in January 2014. All of these cyclone events caused severe damages to crops and food supply, infrastructures, tourist resorts, the environment, buildings and disrupt essential services and the wellbeing of the people of affected community for a prolonged period of time. 46. Tongatapu also has semi-tropical climate with mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 27.90C and 210C respectively. Average annual rainfall is 2700 mm, and prolonged droughts occur, on average, every 7 years. In most years, a dry spell of 1–2 months can be expected in the period June–September. This is more marked in eastern areas where rainfall tends to be lower. 47. A climate risk profile for Tonga2 indicates that the main impacts of climate change are expected to be high sea levels, extreme winds, and extreme high air and water temperatures. Best estimates of long-term, systematic changes in the average climate for Tonga indicate that sea level is likely to have increased by 36 centimeters and the frequency of severe short sea level rise resulting from storm surge (2.2 meters above mean sea level) will increase from a one in 580-year event to a one in 5-year event by 2050. The project will provide grid assets with resilience to climate change through compact and preassembled systems resistant to marine environments. 1.3 Geology, Soils and Mineral Resources 48. The soils of Tonga are derived from a mixture of volcanic ash and coral. Because island groups are isolated from each other, and are physically and economically different, the country is 2 Climate Profile of Tonga prepared by Asian Development Bank in 2008 15 described in four parts. Most of the islands of Tonga have a soil layer overlying coral limestone. While soils vary from island to island, they are mainly derived from volcanic ash (andesitic tephra) deposited by a series of volcanic eruptions from emergent volcanoes such as Tofua and Kao and from submarine volcanoes to the west. Other soils include coral and lagoon sands and mud. 49. The main islands of the Tongatapu group originated from raised coral. They have a characteristic terraced silhouette and appear to be 3-tiered. Tongatapu, the largest island, has a maximum elevation of 63 m. The soils in the project area are developed largely on a substantial mantle of volcanic ash overlaying the coral limestone. 1.4 Water Resources 50. The freshwater resources of Tonga consist of groundwater in the form of freshwater lenses. Freshwater lenses form on top of seawater in many of the islands due to the difference in density of the two fluids. The freshwater lenses in the project areas are expected to be at least 7m in depth and project related excavation are not expected to reach freshwater at any time. 2. Socio-economic Conditions 3.1 Demography The population of Tonga is 106,036 distributed over 36 of its 172 islands. Since 2006 the average annual population growth has been 0.2%, and is not expected to increase. Due to steady migration (urban drift) to the capital of Nuku’alofa, with a population growth of 0.8%. The official poverty line in Tonga has been established at $2586 per person per year in 2009. According to the Bureau of Statistics, 22% of people in Tonga are viewed as living below the poverty line. The number of households and total population in the project area are estimated in Table 4. 51. In the consultation process, town officers were sent a letter outlining the project given the opportunity to comment on the proposed works and the EMP. At the time of compiling the EMP no comments were received on the proposed works however further follow up is to take place with the officers. 3.2 Economic Development 52. The economy of Tonga is largely based in agriculture and fisheries. Subsistence agriculture plays an important role for many families. In addition, remittances sent from relatives working abroad play a significant part in the Tongan economy as a whole, and in the economy of individual households. The global financial crisis in recent times has impacted on this economic flow, increasing the level of hardship experienced by many families in Tonga. The agriculture sector is the main contributor, in terms of GDP, to the economy of Tonga from 2000–2009. This is closely followed by public administration and services. If we aggregate the data to the sectoral level then the services sector is revealed to be the highest contributor to the GDP. This indicates a gradual diversification from the agricultural sector to the services sector. During consultation for other TPL projects is has been reported that about 15-20% of monthly household income goes to the electricity consumption3. 53. Life in Tonga revolves around strong values of family and the Church, and has a well- developed historic and contemporary national identity. 3.3 Historical and Cultural Values 54. The proposed project locations and the surrounding areas are for mainly residential and open land use, and have no important historical or cultural sites. There are no records of archeological findings in the project areas. 3 TPL and Ministry of Finance and National Planning. 2015. Kingdom of Tonga Outer Island Energy Efficiency Project (Energy Efficiency Work in Vava’u Island). 16 E. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Due to Pre-installation Activities 1.1 Physical Environment 55. The existing grid assets which are to be upgraded will be installed on the GOT land in the road reserve, therefore proposed project facilities do not encroach any privately owned or occupied land or the environmentally sensitive areas. Also there are no sites of any archaeological importance in and around the project facilities. The ABC and underground cabling have small footprints. Therefore impacts associated with project siting on physical environment are negligible. 56. Climate risk profile for Tonga indicates that the main impacts of climate change are expected to be high sea levels, extreme winds, and extreme high air and water temperatures. Best estimates of long-term, systematic changes in the average climate for Tonga indicate that sea level is likely to have increased by 36 centimetres and the frequency of severe short sea level rise resulting from storm surge (2.2 meters above mean sea level) will increase from a one in 580-year event to a one in 5-year event by 2050. The project will provide equipment and assets with resilience to climate change and natural hazards through compact and preassembled systems resistant to marine environments and high winds. 1.2 Biological Environment 57. There will be requirement for cutting the trees and vegetation that overhang the road reserve for the project activities. Although Tonga has a large protected area network, none of these areas is located in the impact area of sites proposed for the interventions (grid assets upgrade) under the Project. Therefore there will not be any impacts on any protected fauna or flora. 1.3 Social Environment 58. The impacts on the social-economic environment will be mostly positive, by providing more certainty and resilience to the grid network and also to enable future development of renewable energy generation. However, during details engineering design, if there are any adverse impacts on socio-economic aspects of the communities are identified, appropriate mitigation measures would be implemented. The impacts of land acquisition and relocation due to project are not anticipated. 2. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Due to Installation Activities 2.1 Physical Environment 59. Impacts on topography due to installation of grid assets will be insignificant. The distribution lines and poles will be replaced at existing location at equal numbers. Therefore in installation phase there will be no impact on soil quality of the area. 60. Minor visual impacts are anticipated due to replacement of poles, cables and handling, storage and transportation of discarded and new materials and also from the movement of equipment and machinery. This will be minimized by the selection of suitable storage areas for materials or discarded with minimum visibility from residences and roads with screening where necessary. Both the ABC poles and the underground cabling have minimal visual impact, and are part of the typical suburban / semi-rural landscape. 61. Impacts on water resources are not anticipated as there will not be any storm water or wastewater generation from the project activities and no interference with surface or ground water bodies. . 17 62. The Project will involve only minor civil works such as digging of holes for poles or trenches for cabling. Mechanical and electrical works will take place at various locations along the route. Clearing of vegetation and trimming of trees may be required during the installation work. There will be no change in the drainage pattern. The transportation of construction materials and project equipment will require about 5 truck trips per day during the working period of 8 hours. It will mean there will be a minor increase in traffic, particularly heavy traffic, on the road than usual. Since the work will be undertaken along existing roads, temporarily disruption in local traffic in anticipated. Necessary traffic diversion arrangement will be made during installation phase. Traffic level will return to normal after the installation work on the particular road is completed. 63. Considering the nature and scope of the construction works and the ecological insensitivity of the Project site, it is certain that only minor and manageable environmental disturbances will be created during installation, with minimum impact on nearby communities. Environmental disturbances during installation will be minor and transient, such as dust, noise, incremental traffic loads on the roads, and gaseous emissions created by trucks and heavy construction equipment. Some of these impacts will not be noticeable above the baseline of typical daily road activity. 64. The impacts associated with civil works activities will be controlled by adapting suitable mitigation measures such as: • Selection of installation techniques and machinery seeking to minimize ground disturbance and noise vibrations. • Proper maintenance and operation of construction equipment. • Discarded material disposed of at designated places. • Fuel and other hazardous materials securely stored above high flood level. • Construction activities only undertaken during the day and local communities informed of the construction schedule. No work will be carried out on Sundays. • Safe handling and disposal of phased out equipment. • Environmental, health and safety training sessions for all workers. • Putting signage and barriers around work areas to prevent health and safety risks to bystanders. 2.2 Biological Environment 65. The project does not require the clearing of large areas of vegetation. During installation work, clearing of small land area for the footing of the poles and trimming of trees near the conductors may be required, and some trees that overhang the road reserve may be trimmed. However impacts on environment due to these activities will be insignificant4. In case clearing of vegetation and trimming of trees is required, it will be undertaken in coordination with local offices of the Lands and Surveys Department, and tree owners. No impacts on fauna are anticipated due to contraction activities. Following mitigation measures will be implemented by TPL:- • Marking of trees or vegetation to be removed within the road reserve (if any) prior to trimmed and strict control on clearing activities to ensure minimal clearance. • TPL to ensure that there is no illegal felling of trees. 3.3 Social Environment 66. The installation work will require not more than 20 local workers, all of which work for TPL and who do not need accommodation. 67. The Department of Lands and Survey will survey the road reserve boundary before work begins. Therefore TPL will ensure that the infrastructure is located in the road reserve. 4 Refer to the following section for impacts and mitigation for tree owners. 18 68. Vegetation overhanging road reserve can be trimmed ‘as of right’ under law. Any removal of trees / vegetation on non-road reserve to facilitate infrastructure investment will require consultation with the tree owner and if the require trimming or removal the tree owners will be compensated in accordance with rates prescribed under law. 69. The nature of the construction works indicates that no toxic or hazardous materials will be used, apart from fuel oils for vehicles, which will be properly stored at the TPL depot. Construction wastes will be sorted out by TPL for recycling and disposal at the landfill. 70. Following additional mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure health and safety of local communities and construction workers. • Construction activities only undertaken during the day time and local communities informed of the construction schedule. • Construction workers will use the TPL depot for sanitation, water supply and storage of materials. • Protect /preserve topsoil and reinstate after construction completed. • Provide personal protection gear. • TPL with otherwise implement their Business Continuity Plan health and safety plan including safety manual and training requirements. 71. Since there are no cultural resources near the project sites, there will be no impacts on physical cultural resources through the implementation of the project components. 3. Impacts and Mitigation Measures from Operation 2.1 Unlike power generation projects, the operation of the distribution system will have negligible environmental impact during operation. There will be no waste products, no requirements for cooling, no moving parts, no noise, and no impact on significant habitats, flora and fauna. Tree trimming will be an ongoing maintenance issue, along with the potential for the escape of polluting substances from switchgears and transformers. 3.1 Physical Environment 72. The possible impact could be during maintenance of lines and replacement of poles. However these impacts will be very insignificant. Waste will be recycled or disposed at landfill. 73. All the Tongan islands are vulnerable to the tropical cyclones and hurricanes. To mitigate these impacts, the footing of poles and fixing of cables system will be designed to withstand powerful cyclones and hurricanes, which will limit the probability of power supply interruption as well as reducing any potential hazard of poles and cables being lifted up and blown onto adjacent properties. If budget allows, cables will be buried to avoid cyclone damage or disruption. 74. Some switchgear that may be installed may contain SF6. TPL will prioritise non-SF6 equipment if possible during the tender process. Typically losses of the SF6 gas are very minor in the operational phase but it is noted that all halogenated gases can potentially accrue “greenhouse gas effects” if they are released in significant quantities. However well installed SF6 equipment should not leak significant amounts of gas and in leakage is checked routinely from all such equipment. Six monthly reports should be made in case there is a need for SF6 to be topped up. The maintenance of the equipment should be geared to achieve a gradual reduction in SF6 usage (leakage) which can therefore be monitored to slowly eradicate any such impacts. If SF 6 leakage becomes excessive the respective plant will be overhauled to reduce eradicate the leakage. 75. If there is a suspicion that there has been a leak of sulphur hexafluoride or by products at any location the immediate surrounding locations should be evacuated, the controlling engineer must be informed, pending investigation by an authorized person. Thus atmospheric environmental impacts from SF6 can be mitigated and are not expected to be significant. 19 3.2 Biological Environment 76. No significant impacts anticipated on biological environment due to operation of distribution grid. Since cables will be used instead of bare conductors, impacts on fauna species such as birds, bats etc. due to accidents with live lines are not anticipated. 3.3 Social Environment 77. TPL’s emergency response plan (Business Continuity Plan) including occupational health, safety and environment plan covers emergency situations during the operation period. Workers are trained to deal with the emergency situations. 78. Trimming of overhanging trees and other vegetation is an ongoing maintenance task by TPL. Tree trimming on road reserve can be done ‘as of right’ under law. Any requirement to remove or trim trees and other vegetation from privately owned land will be negotiated with the land owner before work is carried out. 79. The upgrades will reduce the potential for black outs in the grid, providing more resilience and reliability of energy to households and businesses. Supply security and reliability has downstream benefits for economic development. 4. Impacts and Mitigation due to Decommissioning 80. The Project’s assets are expected to have an economic life of 15-30 years. The suppliers will accept the decommissioned assets particularly switchgears for recycling based. Dismantling of the switchgears will be handled by suppliers that offer the best price for used switchgears in the future. To control these possible impacts, it is proposed that the disposal of the switchgears and transformers will be handled by suppliers and TPL. 5. Cumulative Impacts 81. The grid assets under the Project will be upgraded along the route of the existing grid. This will not result in disruption to any new areas. 82. Impacts due to logging of forests for wooden poles may result in adverse impacts on environment. However, the Project will procure wooden poles only from GOT authorized suppliers such as Tonga Forest Products Limited. 83. The Project will enable more renewable energy (RE) generation developments on the Tongatapu grid, which will have cumulative long term benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy network by substituting diesel generation. The RE investments are not yet defined to the extent that it is possible to assess the actual cumulative positive and negative benefits of the individual investments. 84. The network will continue to be upgraded and expanded: 1) to allow for further development of renewable energy generation, 2) meet the needs of a growing economy and population, and 3) as infrastructure is renewed at the end of its useful life. This Project is not dependent on any other works in the network to be completed in order for the benefits to take effect. There are no other planned upgrades or expansions that depend on this work being completed. Therefore there are no directly-related projects where the cumulative impacts can reasonably be assessed. It is noted under Component 1 of the TERM Institutional Strengthening Project that consultants will produce Environmental and Social Management guidelines for the Energy Sector in Tonga. These guidelines will have a cumulative and positive influence on the environmental and social outcomes of development, operations and maintenance of networks and generation. 20 F. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 85. With and without project alternative were analyzed and it is found that Tonga would continue to pay heavy price for diesel import and losses incurred due to the limitations on the amount of renewables that can be introduced due to the current arrangement of the distribution network. Implementation of the Project will bring positive economic, social and environmental benefits. Economic benefits will be from the increased reliability and resilience of the network and reduction in import of diesel for power generation. Social benefits will be from sustainable and more reliable and resilient electricity supply to the consumers and environmental benefits will be from the reduction in waste and emissions from DG sets by reducing diesel and oil transport, storage, spills, disposal of waste oil and emissions. 86. Alternative sites have not been selected as the objective of the project is to upgrade the existing grid network. However there are two alternative designs being considered: above ground ABC-type poles and wires and underground cables. These alternatives differ in terms of cost, resilience, operations and maintenance requirements, and visual amenity. Underground cables are more resilient and require less operations and maintenance, but are likely to be more costly and require more land disturbance during installation. The Project’s technical team is reviewing the technical aspects of the existing distribution system and assets to be upgraded and best and efficient assets that would meet desired technical requirements (within the proposed budget) will be selected. G. CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 1. Stakeholder / Community Consultations 87. As part of the environmental assessment, stakeholders consultations were carried out by TPL staff. The details of such consultation carried out during reconnaissance field visits are presented in Table 7. Five town officials from the villages that are most likely to be affected were consulted in writing, and followed up by phone call / visit. 88. Consultation with local communities will continue during the project implementation stage, prior to construction. Media will be used to inform residents and businesses about the works in their area. They will be directed to the TPL website for more information, and to view the EMP. Feedback will be encouraged and any concerns will be addressed prior to civil works commencing, or at any time they are raised throughout the Project period. Table 7: Summary of Stakeholder/ Community Consultation Undertaken During Site Visits Date / Method Issues discussed / remarks 18 August 2015/ Information about the project and its scope, issues and concerns related to Letters delivered to electricity supply, status of existing grid assets, presence of environmental Town Officers sensitive areas on the Island. detailing the planned project works Public As of 16 October 2015 no issues have been raised by the town officers or the Notification/TPL villagers whom the town officer has raised this issue with. and WB Websites 21 2. Information Disclosure 89. All environmental documents are subject to public disclosure, and therefore will be made available to the public. The EMP is disclosed on TPL’s and WB’s websites, and a hard copy is available at the reception of TPL’s office. TPL will ensure that meaningful public consultations, particularly with project affected persons, if any, continue to be undertaken prior to construction and that information is readily available on the website and at TPL offices throughout out the Project. H. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 1. Grievance Redress Mechanism 90. In order to receive and facilitate the resolution of affected peoples’ concerns, complaints, and grievances about the project’s environmental performance an Environmental Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is proposed for the Project. When and where the need arises, this mechanism will be used for addressing any complaints that may arise during the implementation and operation of the Project. The grievance mechanism is scaled to the risks and adverse impacts of the Project. It addresses affected people's concerns and complaints promptly, using an understandable and transparent process that is gender responsive, culturally appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the affected people at no costs and without retribution. The mechanism is not impeding access to Tonga’s judicial or administrative remedies. TPL will appropriately inform the affected people about the mechanism before commencement of any civil works. 2. Grievance Focal Points, Complaints Reporting, Recording and Monitoring 91. The process for solving environmental complaints that may arise in the Project is the Grievance Redress Mechanism, which is already established as a ‘business as usual’ practice at project level by TPL, the process is described below: 92. Environment complaints will be received through the Grievance Focal Point (GFP); these will be designated personnel from within the community who will be responsible for receiving the environmental complaints. In general the GFP is the town officer. TPL will record the complaint in the onsite Environmental Complaints Register (ECR) in the presence of the GFP. The GFP will discuss the complaint with TPL and have it resolved. 93. If TPL does not resolve the complaint within one week, then the GFP will bring the complaint to the attention of TPLs Senior Manager – Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager – Mr. Ajith Fernando. The HSE Manager will then be responsible for coordinating resolution of the issue. 94. Complaints may also be received via TPL’s consumer complaints phone number 21-400. They will be directed from the customer services personnel to the HSE Manager to coordinate resolution of the issue. 22 I. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 1. Introduction 95. This section provides the mitigation and monitoring procedures for implementation throughout the life-cycle of the Project. 96. Throughout implementation of the Project, the GOT (via TERM IU) and World Bank will monitor the implementation progress and impacts of the Project. Overall, the EMP will be implemented by TPL. TPL will prepare quarterly reports on the implementation of the EMP, performance monitoring, issues resolution, and corrective action plans to the TERM-IU and the World Bank. TERM-IU and the World Bank will supervise the EMP implementation. 97. Table 9 provides the Environmental Management Plan and Table 10 provides the Environmental Monitoring Plan outlining parameters and the frequency of monitoring. 2. Social Management Plan 98. During the process of carrying out final surveys for line construction, certain trees within private property may be identified as needing trimming/removal as they would encroach into the electricity lines or would damage the electricity lines if they were to be blown over or did collapse for any reason. TPL will endeavor to make contact with the registered owner of the property to see if they would be supportive of the removal of such trees. If they are not supportive then TPL will only trim the trees back as far as the road reserve. If the land owner is supportive of the removal then TPL will proceed to discuss adequate compensation for the trees to be removed. 99. The fair compensation for the tree being removed is negotiated with the land owner based on the estimated value of the particular type of tree to be removed as provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Department of Environment (MEIDECC) and the Department of Natural Resources (MLSN). This must reflect replacement value. TPL must manage the cost that they can reasonably pay for the removal of the tree within the project budget and the company’s objectives for sustainably affordable electricity supply as any significant costs for tree removal will be reflected in the non-fuel portion of the electricity tariff. If the cost to remove a tree even after negotiation is unreasonable and too high then TPL will resort back to trimming within the road reserve which is within its reasonable rights. 23 Table 9: Environmental and Social Management Plan Project activity Potential impact Proposed mitigation measure Mitigation Cost Institutional Implementation /stage responsibility schedule A. Pre-construction Location Encroachment into non- Dept of Lands and Survey survey and Project Cost TPL and Dept of Detailed design Government / private land confirm road reserve to ensure that the Lands and location for assets will be on GOT land. Surveying Climate Change and Creating safety hazards, black Provided switchgears with resilience to Project cost TPL Detailed design natural hazards outs and waste from damaged climate change through compact and assets. preassembled systems resistant to marine environments. Design of pole footings and cable system to withstand powerful cyclones and hurricanes, which will reduce any potential hazard of panels being lifted up and blown onto adjacent properties. Equipment Release of toxic chemicals and PCBs should not be used in transformers Project Cost TPL Detailed design specifications and gases in receptors (air, water, and other project facilities or equipment. design parameters land) Processes, equipment and systems not to Tendering use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including process SF6, halon, and their use, if any, in existing processes and systems should be phased out and to be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of GOT. B. Installation Location Encroachment into non- No work to commence until Dept of Lands Project Cost TPL and Dept of Prior to civil Government / private land and Survey have completed their survey Lands and work and confirmed extent of road reserve. No Surveying construction works to be carried out within non- Government / private land. Prior to work starting Health and safety issues with Consult with households and businesses Project cost TPL Prior to civil 24 Project activity Potential impact Proposed mitigation measure Mitigation Cost Institutional Implementation /stage responsibility schedule bystanders and neighbours, in the project area prior to works starting. TERM IU to work nuisances from traffic diversions Use TPL website and radio support construction or access to houses or announcement. Provide information on businesses. the EMP, grievance mechanism, and how they can stay safe during the works. Address any individual concerns prior to work starting. Dismantling of Pollution from inadequate Separate and store various wastes at the Project cost TPL During civil work existing grid assets treatment or unsafe disposal. TPL depot prior to recycling / disposal. construction i.e. poles, cables, Recycling and reuse of materials where switchgears possible. (Scrap metal, oil recycling, reuse poles). Disposal of all remaining solid waste, including treated timber, at Tapuhia landfill. Installation of Grid Unsafe and unsightly work Use TPL depot for storage of materials, Project cost TPL During civil work Assets and areas and otherwise store materials tidily on the construction movement of road reserve. vehicles Construction debris Pollution of water bodies due to Provision of adequate drainage system Project Cost TPL During civil work and wastewater disposal of stormwater or debris including controlled collection and construction (earthworks / trenching) preliminary treatment of stormwater (if required). No dumping of debris in water ways. Movement and Dust and particulate emission - Truck wheels cleaning Project Cost TPL During land operation of from movement of construction - Road cleaning (sweeping) and watering clearing and construction vehicles transporting equipment of exposed soils during windy weather. civil work equipment and and construction material. construction materials Clearing / trimming Loss of vegetative covers - Trimming of only those trees which are Project Cost TPL During land of tree branches and Loss of income generating necessary. clearing and Trimming of trees on road reserve can civil work 25 Project activity Potential impact Proposed mitigation measure Mitigation Cost Institutional Implementation /stage responsibility schedule vegetative cover assets for adjacent land owners occur as of right. construction Seek consent, and pay compensation for, removal of trees or vegetation from non- GOT land. Compensation to be paid replacement value. - Prohibiting illegal feeling of trees by construction workers for domestic uses. - Avoid trimming removing trees from non- GOT land where negotiations with tree owners fail. Occupational Health Impacts on workers’ health due - Work in accordance with Business Project Cost TPL During land and Safety to working with trucks and piling Continuity Plan incorporating occupational clearing and cranes, Building construction, health, safety and environment plan civil work high voltage work - Provide a specific Safety Plan for the construction project. - Supervision and Inspection - Protection gear Bystander health Electrocution or other safety Put up signs and barriers around working Project Cost TPL During land and safety incident areas. clearing and Check for bystanders before undertaking civil work work. construction Let households know when working in their area. C. Operation and Maintenance Location of poles, Exposure to safety related risks Setback of dwelling to overhead line O&M Cost TPL During cables and routes designed in accordance with operation and transformers permitted level of power frequency. maintenance Tree trimming Removal of income generating Tree trimming on road reserve can occur O&M Cost TPL During trees / crops. as of right. Removal of trees from non- operation and road reserve must be negotiated and maintenance compensation paid at replacement value. Equipment Release of chemicals and Processes, equipment and systems using O&M Cost TPL During specifications and gases in receptors (air, water, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including operation and 26 Project activity Potential impact Proposed mitigation measure Mitigation Cost Institutional Implementation /stage responsibility schedule design parameters land) SF6, halon, should be phased out and to maintenance be disposed of in a manner consistent with the requirements of the GOT. Natural Disasters Damage from hurricanes and Maintenance of assets to fix any O&M cost. TPL During cyclones. deterioration in the strength and capacity operation and to withstand high winds and rain. maintenance Implement TPL Business Continuity Plan immediately following event. Recycle, reuse or dispose of damaged assets following natural hazard event (refer below for waste management). Health and Safety Health hazards in the event of Implement TPL Business Continuity Plan O&M Cost TPL Emergency accidents (cyclones, hurricanes) (incorporating occupational health, safety during operation and emergency and environment plan). and maintenance Disposal and Impacts from used transformers Store waste inside TPL depot prior to O&M Cost TPL During management of (oil) and switchgears disposal. Metal at scrap metal traders, operation and transformers and waste oil at waste oil traders and all other maintenance switchgears waste to Tapuhia Landfill. D. Decommissioning Dismantling of Impacts from disposal of Contract agreements with transformer Maintenance TPL Post operation cables, poles, discarded assets. and switchgear suppliers for dismantling cost transformers and and disposal. Metal at scrap metal switchgears traders, waste oil at waste oil traders and all other waste to Tapuhia Landfill. 27 Table 10: Environmental Monitoring Plan Environmental Monitoring Responsible party Aspect to be Monitored Time and Frequency of Monitoring Location Features Cost for Implementation Construction stage Compliance with All aspects of Table 9. Visual Project site Project Site Project Cost TPL EMP inspections. Weekly Keep records Occupational As specified in Project Safety Project site Project Site Project Cost TPL Health and Safety Plan. Weekly Keep records Compliance with All aspects of implementation of At least two times during construction Project Site and TPL Project Cost TERM IU EMP the EMP. Visual inspections and period. offices inspections of documentation. Keep records. 28 3. Implementation Arrangement 100. The main institutions that will be involved in environmental management activities are the TERM IU as the executing agency (EA) of the TERM Institutional Strengthening Project, Tonga Power Limited (TPL) as Implementing Agency (IA) of Component 2 and project managers with support from the consultant (AECOM). 101. TERM IU has overall responsibility for all aspects of the TERM Institutional Strengthening Project. TPL, through support of AECOM, will be responsible for day to day management of Component 2, the works of which are subject to this EMP. AECOM will provide training to TPL’s staff on managing the environmental issues associated with the Project, including implementation of this EMP. TERM IU will ensure the environmental management and monitoring budgets are available and utilized as necessary for timely implementation of EMP. Cost of capacity building is included in the capacity building component of the Project. 102. TPL will be required to have one staff with experience in environmental management on the Project. This staff will be responsible for implementing the TPL Business Continuity Plan; occupational health and safety plan, and day to day implementation of EMP. 4. Environmental Management Budget and Resources 103. The cost of all compensation and rehabilitations works will be an integrated part of the overall Project cost, which will be borne by the Project. There are no additional expense items as all of the implementation tasks are part of ‘business as usual’ for TPL and are already captured in the construction and operational budgets either funded by the Project or by TPL. J. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 104. The environmental impacts associated with proposed grid rehabilitation activities have been assessed and described in the previous sections of this document. The findings establish that the project site is not located in sensitive ecosystems, and have no historical and cultural value. This nature of the project site ensures that the Project will not cause any significant, lasting environmental impacts during construction, operation and decommissioning. Only minor and transient environmental disturbances would be experienced at the project location during installation and operation, and they will be avoided or minimized through implementation of the EMP. The EMP will be updated in case of any change in project design followed by detailed engineering design stage. It is therefore recommended that the Project be considered environmentally feasible, and that this EMP is adequate to justify environmental feasibility of the Project. There is no need for further analysis and this environmental assessment of the Project is considered complete. 105. It is concluded that the Project, when implemented, will fully comply with WB’s safeguard policies and GOT requirements. 29 APPENDIX 1: PHOTOGRAPHS (FIELD) A. Photographs (Site Conditions) [ 30 31 B. Photographs (Stakeholder and Community Consultations) P.O BOX 429, NUKU’ALOFA, Tel: (676) 21-400 Fax: (676) 23-047 18 August 2015 Tevita Manu Fasi ‘Ofisa Kolo ‘o Kolofo’ou, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu Tangata’eiki, ‘Oku ou tomu’a tuku ha fakamalo ki he Tamai Hevani ‘i he ‘ene kei fakahaofi mai ‘etau mo’ui ‘o tau a’usia mai ai ‘a e ‘aho ko eni. ‘Oku makatu’unga e fakahoha’a ni ‘I he faka’amu ke fakahoko atu ki he feitu’u na, ‘a e ngaue ‘oku lolotonga palani ‘e he Kautaha ‘Uhila ‘o Tonga ke fakahoko ‘i he feitu’u ‘oku fua fatongia faka’ofisa kolo ai ‘a e feitu’una. Ko e ngaue ‘oku fokotu’utu’u ke fakahoko, ko hono fakalelei mo hono fakalahi ‘a e ngaahi laine tufaki ‘uhila volota ma’olunga (11,000 V). Taumu’a ‘o e ngaue ki he Volota Ma’olunga Ko e fakalelei mo e fakalahi ‘oku mau faka’amu ke fakahoko, ‘oku makatu’unga ia ‘I he ola ‘oe fekumi na’e malava ke fakahoko, tu’unga ‘ihe angalelei moe tokoni fakapa’anga mei he Pangike ‘a Mamani (World Bank). Ko e fekumi na’e fakatefito ia ‘i he fiema’u ke ‘ilo pe ko e ha ‘a e ngaahi ngatangata’anga fakatekinikale ‘o e ngaahi laini tufaki ‘uhila ‘o e kautaha, ‘i hono fakahoko mo tau ki ai ‘a e ngaahi fa’u ‘anga ‘uhila mei he ngaahi ivi fakanatula, hange ko e Solar mo e Havili ‘o hange ko e faama solar Mata ‘o e La’a. Kuo mahino mai mei he fekumi nae fakahoko, kuo pau ke fai ‘a e liliu ki he founga ‘o hono tufaki ‘a e ‘uhila ‘I he volota ma’olunga, koe‘uhi kae malava ‘a hono toe fakalahi ‘a e ngaahi fa’u ‘anga ‘uhila fakanatula. Ko e ngaue kuo pau ke fakahoko, ko hono liliu mei he founga tufaki ‘uhila volota ma’olunga ‘radial’ ki he founga tufaki ‘uhila volota ma’olunga ‘ring’. Kuo toe angalelei foki mo e Pangike ‘a Mamani ken au fakapa’anga ‘a hono kamata’I ‘a e ngaue ko eni. Taimi ‘oku taumu’a ke fakahoko ai ‘a e ngaue ‘I he taimi ni ‘oku lolotonga taketi ‘a e ngaue ke fakakato ia ki he kuata hono tolu ‘o e 2016. ‘Oku fakaa’u atu ‘a e tohi ni ‘i he taimi ni koe‘uhi ko e ngaahi fiema’u ‘a e Pangike ‘a Mamani (World Bank) ke fakapapau’I pe ‘oku ‘I ai ha ngaahi me’a ‘e tokanga ki ai ‘a e komiuniti ‘I he feitu’u ‘oku taumu’a ke fakahoko ki ai ‘a e ngaue ni. Ko e ngaahi ‘elia ‘e fakahoko ai ‘a e ngaue 32 Ko e ngaue ko ia ‘e fakahoko ‘e fakahoko pe ia i ha ngaahi pou mo e laine tufaki ‘uhila voloto ma’olunga (11,000 V) ‘a ia ‘oku tu’u ‘I he tafa’aki ‘o e hala pule’anga. Ko e ngaahi ‘elia lalahi ‘e 3 ‘oku taumu’a ke fakahoko ki ai ‘a e ngaue. 1. Mei he vaha’a ‘a e falemisini Popua, ‘I ‘Anana, ki he manga 4 fetaulaki‘anga ‘a e Hala ‘Alaivahamama’o mo e Hala Taufa’ahau (Round-about ‘oku tu’u ai ‘a e Lords Mobile). 2. Mei he vaha’a ‘a e manga 4 fetaulaki‘anga ‘a e Hala Vaha’akolo mo e Hala Taufa’ahau (Sipa’ila ‘I Tofoa) ki he Sipa’ila ‘I Pea. 3. Mei he mangatolu fetaulaki ‘anga ‘a e Hala Taufa’ahau mo e hala ‘oku kolosi ki Longoteme, ki he Siapa’ila ‘I Malapo. 33 Tokoni fekau’aki mo ha ngaahi fehu’i pe fiema’u ‘ilo ki he ngaahi ngaue ‘e fakahoko Ko e ‘uhinga ‘a hono ‘oatu ‘a e ngaahi fakaikiiki ko eni fekau’aki mo e ngaue ‘oku palani ke fakahoko ko e ‘uhi ke malava ke ke feme’a’aki mo e kainga ‘I ho’o kolo. Ko e faka’amu ke nau mea’I pe ‘a e palani ke fakahoko ‘a e ngaue pea nau ‘omi ha ngaahi tefito’I me’a ‘oku nau faka’amu ke fakatokanga’I fekau’aki mo e atakai ‘e fakahoko ai ‘a e ngaue. ‘Oku mau lolotonga ngaue ki he palani ke malu’I ‘aki ‘a e ‘atakai ko ia ‘oku palani ke fakahoko ai ‘a e ngaue (Environment Management Plan). Ko e palani ko eni ‘e malava pe ke ma’u ia mei he’emau website www.tongapower.to pea kapau ‘e fiema’u ke me’a ‘a e kainga ‘I he kolo ki ha tatau ‘o e palani ko eni tenau lava pe ‘o me’a mai ki he’emau ‘ofisi ‘I loto kolo (fetaulaki’anga ‘a e hala Taufa’ahau mo e Hala Mateialona) ke nau sio ki he palani. Kuo pau pe ke mau to e fetu’utaki atu fekau’aki mo e ngaue ‘oku palani ke fakahoko ‘o fakatatau pe ki he ngaahi fanongonongo angamaheni ‘oku fa’a ‘oatu ma’u pe fekau’aki mo e ngaue ‘I he laine volota ma’olunga. ‘E ‘oatu ‘a e fonongonongo ko eni ‘I he taimi ‘e toe ofi ofi atu ai ki he taimi pau ‘a e ngaue. ‘Oku ou faka’amu pe moe ‘amanaki ‘oku mahino atu pe ‘a e fakahoha’a kuo fakahoko atu, pea kapau ‘oku ‘I ai mo ha ngaahi me’a ‘oku fiema’u ke toe fakaikiiki atu, pea ‘oku ‘ataa pe ke mou fetu’utaki mai ‘I he fika telefoni ko e 21-400 pe ko e 7863213 pe ko e meili mai ki he tu’asila ko e nfonua@tongapower.to . Faka’apa’apa atu, Nikolasi Fonua Strategic Development Manager Tonga Power Ltd 34