South Tarawa Water Supply Project (RRP KIR 49453) Environmental Assessment Document Project No.: 49453-002 Date: August 2019 Status: Draft Final Kiribati: South Tarawa Water Supply Project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment This environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) report complies with the country safeguard system requirements of Kiribati with additional elements as required to also comply with the safeguard requirements of the Asian Development Bank and World Bank. This report does not constitute an EIA for category A projects as per the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 or World Bank OP 4.01. For this project the EIA is an assessment commensurate with the risks and impacts of a category B project. This ESIA is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Board of Directors, Management, or staff, of the Asian Development Bank and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to any particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank or World Bank do not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Table of Contents Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... iii Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................... v Section 1 – Introduction and background to the project ......................................................................1 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Location .............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.3 Background to Bonriki and Buota water reserves .............................................................................. 3 1.4 Project purpose and objectives .......................................................................................................... 5 1.5 Need for the project ........................................................................................................................... 6 1.6 Profile of the project proponent ........................................................................................................ 8 1.7 Contact details for the proponent ...................................................................................................... 8 Section 2 – Policy and legal framework...............................................................................................9 2.1 National, regional, provincial or customary laws and regulations ..................................................... 9 2.2 Multilateral environmental agreements .......................................................................................... 10 2.3 Health, safety, hazard and risk management standards .................................................................. 11 2.4 Environmental policies of financing institutions involved in the project ......................................... 11 Section 3 – Description of the baseline environment ........................................................................ 13 3.1 Climate .............................................................................................................................................. 13 3.2 Topography, geology and soils ......................................................................................................... 14 3.3 Water ................................................................................................................................................ 15 3.4 Marine............................................................................................................................................... 15 3.5 Coastal flora and fauna ..................................................................................................................... 17 3.6 Marine flora and fauna ..................................................................................................................... 17 3.7 Terrestrial flora and fauna ................................................................................................................ 20 3.8 Land tenure, zoning and use............................................................................................................. 21 3.9 Human communities......................................................................................................................... 21 3.10 Local and national economy ........................................................................................................... 25 Section 4– Project description and justification................................................................................. 27 4.1 Project components.......................................................................................................................... 27 4.2 Analysis of alternatives ..................................................................................................................... 44 4.3 Project benefits................................................................................................................................. 47 i Section 5 – Risk assessment ............................................................................................................. 49 5.1 Component 1: Improvement of water supply services .................................................................... 49 5.1.1 Pre-construction and design phase............................................................................................ 49 5.1.2 Construction phase .................................................................................................................... 52 5.1.3 Operation phase......................................................................................................................... 64 5.2 Component 5.1: sanitation pilot ....................................................................................................... 74 Section 7 – Environmental and social management .......................................................................... 77 7.1 Institutional arrangements for environmental management .................................................... 78 7.2 Environmental management framework.................................................................................... 83 7.4 Grievance redress mechanism .................................................................................................. 103 Section 8 – Local community, stakeholder engagement and consultation ........................................ 106 8.1 Dates, types and methods of engagement and consultation, and outcomes to date ................... 106 8.2 Key findings from engagement and consultation........................................................................... 107 8.3 Future engagement and consultation activities ............................................................................. 109 8.4 Negotiation and agreements with directly affected persons and land/resource owners ............. 109 8.5 Information disclosure ........................................................................................................................ 109 Section 9 – Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 110 References .................................................................................................................................... 112 Appendices.................................................................................................................................... 114 Appendix 1: MELAD response to Environmental License Application Appendix 2: Land Options for Desalination Plant Appendix 3: Water Supply Infrastructure - Summary of Proposed Upgrades Appendix 4: Minutes of Community Consultations List of Figures Figure 1.1 - Location map of Republic of Kiribati ....................................................................................... 2 Figure 1.2 - Tarawa Atoll ............................................................................................................................ 3 Figure 3.1 - Seaward reef front perspective .............................................................................................. 16 Figure 3.2 - Pollution level along the coastal areas of South Tarawa ......................................................... 17 Figure 3.3 - Population of Kiribati and South Tarawa 1930 – 2010 ............................................................ 22 Figure 4.1 - Proposed location of the desalination plant.......................................................................... 28 ii Figure 4.2 - Proposed site layout of the desalination plant ........................................................................ 29 Figure 4.3 - Site plan for the desalination plant.......................................................................................... 30 Figure 4.4 - Direction of brine from desalination plant .............................................................................. 34 Figure 4.5 - Betio sewage outfall pipeline route ......................................................................................... 35 Figure 4.6 - Existing water network diagram .............................................................................................. 38 Figure 4.7 – Proposed location of the solar PV power plant ...................................................................... 39 Figure 5.1 - Plume elevation profile and dilution ....................................................................................... 66 Figure 7.1 - Organizational structure for environmental management…………………………………………………..80 Figure 7.2 - Stages in the grievance resolution process ........................................................................ 102 Figure 7.3 - Levels of responsibility for GRM during construction ........................................................ 103 List of Tables Table 1.1 - Number of households on South Tarawa and source of drinking water ................................. 7 Table 3.1 - Betio subtidal reef flat substrate and benthic categories ...................................................... 18 Table 3.2 - Betio reef crest substrate and benthic categories ................................................................. 19 Table 3.3 - Betio reef slope substrate and benthic categories ................................................................... 19 Table 4.1 - Feed water quality .................................................................................................................... 30 Table 4.2 - Brine flow rate ........................................................................................................................ 33 Table 4.3 - Combined brine and sewage discharge volume and salinity ................................................. 33 Table 4.4 - Proposed sites for the desalination plant .............................................................................. 44 Table 5.1 - Impact assessment ratings for pre-construction phase ......................................................... 52 Table 5.2 - Impact assessment ratings for construction phase .................................................................. 62 Table 5.3 - Model parameters..................................................................................................................... 66 Table 5.4 - Impact assessment ratings for the operation .......................................................................... 73 Table 5.5 - Impact assessment ratings for the sanitation pilot ................................................................ 76 Table 7.1 - Institutional responsibilities for environmental management …………………………………………… 82 Table 7.2 – ESMP - design and pre-construction ........................................................................................ 86 Table 7.3 – ESMP - construction ................................................................................................................. 88 Table 7.4 – ESMP - operation ...................................................................................................................... 97 Table 7.5 - Summary of the water quality monitoring cost ...................................................................... 100 Table 8.1 - Summary of meeting participants ........................................................................................... 104 Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank CCP Consultation and communications plan (of the project) CESMP construction environmental and social management plan CSS country safeguards system DBO Design-build-operate ECD Environment and Conservation Division (within MELAD) EIA environmental impact assessment report (as per the CSS) iii ESIA environmental and social impact assessment report EHSG Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines (of the World Bank Group) ESMP environmental and social management plan ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation HDD horizontal direct drilling KAPII Kiribati Adaptation Project Phase II KAPIII Kiribati Adaptation Project Phase III MELAD Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development MFED Ministry of Economic and Finance Development MHMS Ministry of Health and Medical Services MISE Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy NIWA New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere PEO Principal Environment Officer (of ECD) PMU Project Management Unit PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Assistance PUB Public Utilities Board PV Photovoltaic PVC Polyvinyl chloride RO Reverse Osmosis SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme STSISP South Tarawa Sanitation Improvement Sector Project SWRO Salt Water Reverse Osmosis UXO Unexploded Ordinance WASH Water, Sanitation, and Health WB World Bank WHO World Health Organization WWII World War Two iv Executive Summary Introduction The proposed South Tarawa Water Supply Project (the project) is committed to supplementing existing water shortages and infrastructure improvements, by offering an opportunity for all residents on South Tarawa access to safe water. The project is being co-funded by the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB and WB are also supporting the Government of Kiribati by providing technical assistance through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) and Public Utilities Board (PUB) to prepare the project. The project will be transitioned to and managed by the PUB, once the infrastructure is fully installed and rehabilitation works are completed. Part of this assistance is the due diligence of environmental and social safeguard issues through this environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and social safeguards documents including a resettlement framework and resettlement plan.1 The project is located in South Tarawa on the island republic of Kiribati. Located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, Kiribati is one of the smallest, most remote, geographically dispersed, and climate change vulnerable countries in the world. The water issues faced in Tarawa atoll are amongst the most complex, vital and varied in the world. They will continue to be exacerbated by the future impacts of climate change, population growth and development. Currently, water is supplied from fresh groundwater reserves extracted from a total of 28 galleries in Bonriki and Buota. Water is rationed, with residents having access to PUB potable water for only two hours every second day. The main issues related to insufficient potable water in South Tarawa include: unacceptably high rates of preventable deaths, illnesses and social and economic impacts due to water-borne diseases, particularly among infants; large, wasteful, and expensive losses of treated freshwater from the reticulation system, especially the domestic supply system; growth in demand for water; and a range of institutional and management issues. The project is committed to supplementing existing water shortages, undertaking infrastructure improvements, and improving public health by offering an opportunity for all residents on South Tarawa to have access to safe water. The project reflects the complexity of the water problem in South Tarawa and uses a mix of approaches to provide additional water, reduce water leakage, institutional strengthening and a behavioral change program. The project comprises of two main approaches, changes to physical infrastructure and behavioural change through a water, sanitation and health (WASH) program. Policy and legal framework This ESIA examines the potential environmental and social impacts of proposed project activities and identifies mitigation measures to avoid adverse impacts. The ESIA has been prepared in accordance with 1 The resettlement plan has been prepared to inform the land access process, consistently with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement. This will be updated once detailed designs have been completed. To support integrated management of land access issues for this co-financed project, this RP is referred to in the present ESIA. v the safeguards policy requirements of the development partners (ADB and WB), with the country safeguards system (CSS) as per Environment Act 1999, Environment Act (Amended) 2007, and other requirements of the Republic of Kiribati. Furthermore, it was prepared in accordance with Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines as outlined in the SPREP publication Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessment: Guidelines for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Description of the baseline environment Tarawa has a maritime tropical climate with rainfall that varies widely due to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). El Niño is generally associated with above-normal rainfall and strong westerly winds, while La Niña is associated with below-normal rainfall and the risk of drought. While Tarawa lies outside the main cyclone belt, it is susceptible to storm surges and to droughts, particularly during La Niña events. Climate change is predicted to increase rainfall, temperature, sea surface temperatures, and the frequency and strength of extreme events. As with most low-lying atolls, sea-level rise is also of great concern. Tarawa is an atoll formed as coral reef formations around a volcano which has since sink sunk below sea level. The soils are derived from limestone and do not support the growth of certain plants and trees. There are no fresh surface water resources available on South Tarawa. Shallow groundwater is the principal source of fresh water in Kiribati. South Tarawa’s water supply originates from the water reserve areas in the villages of Bonriki and Buota where water is extracted and reticulated through a water supply system. Coral reefs surrounding the atoll and within the lagoon provide habitat to reef fish species and other marine species, including turtles, supporting a complex and bio-diverse community. However, indigenous flora and vegetation of Kiribati is among the least diverse and poorest on earth and the natural habitat of South Tarawa has been highly modified by the built environment and the densely populated community. From the 2015 Population and Housing Census, the total population of Kiribati is 110,136. The ethnic composition of Kiribati is primarily people of Kiribati descent (I-Kiribati) who make up 96% of the population. Ancestral shrines and te maneaba (meeting house) are the two important cultural resources on land. In the ocean, fishing traps are of equal importance. Health services are provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. On South Tarawa there are several clinics and two hospitals. Water issues significantly impact the health of the population. During the period 2014–2016 there were 80,000 reported health cases relating to deficiencies in water supply and poor sanitation on South Tarawa. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Kiribati has a high literacy rate with about 97% of both the male and female population able to read and write. Poverty in South Tarawa is the highest in Kiribati with around 22.4% of the population below the basic needs poverty line. The existing public water supply system is operated by PUB for the entire population on South Tarawa. PUB is also responsible for the electrical power supply on South Tarawa. The natural resources of Kiribati provide a narrow production base, consisting largely of subsistence agriculture, copra and fish. The public sector dominates the Kiribati economy. Some tourism takes place and the current government is trying to focus more on tourism. The economy of South Tarawa reflects its function both as the nation’s capital and the main sea and international airport. The service sector accounts for most employment and 80% of jobs are with the public sector. vi Project description and components The proposed Project will have five main components and nine subcomponents: • Component 1: Improvement of water supply services o Subcomponent 1.1: Increase in water production capacity o Subcomponent 1.2: Expanded and modernized water supply network o Subcomponent 1.3: Solar photovoltaic power plant • Component 2: Institutional strengthening and project management o Subcomponent 2.1: Support to desalination plant O&M o Subcomponent 2.2: Support to water supply system O&M o Subcomponent 2.3: Technical assistance and vocational training o Subcomponent 2.4: Project management and sector strengthening • Component 3: Water, sanitation and hygiene awareness • Component 4: Project management • Component 5 Sanitation pilot and water reserves management o Subcomponent 5.1: Sanitation pilot o Subcomponent 5.2: Water reserves management The physical work components of the project involve the installation of a salt water reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination facility that will supplement existing water shortages (Subcomponent 1.1), installation of a solar photo-voltaic (PV) system that will provide extra energy to the existing power grid to compensate for the energy consumed by the desalination plant (Subcomponent 1.3) and the rehabilitation and renewal of the water supply network and associated infrastructure on South Tarawa (Subcomponent 1.2). The proposed desalination facility will be designed to accommodate a seawater reverse osmosis system that can produce up to 6000 m3/day, sufficient to meet the estimated water demand in 2031. It is anticipated that the project will provide significant public health benefits such as consistent service of and access to potable public water and reduced public health risks from contamination. It will also have socio-economic benefits such as from the generation of new jobs, vocational training opportunities and improvement of the economic situation through reduced absenteeism. Environmental benefits associated with the project include water conservation and the use of renewable energy which will reduce the use of fossil fuels. Additional benefits include, improved planning, management, and sustainability of future water supply, improved development planning, and increased tourism potential. The project will also increase the resiliency of the water infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. Risk assessment Identified environmental risks and impacts of the project during design and pre-construction include the survey and clearance of unexploded ordinances (UXO), climate change and natural hazards risks and resettlement impacts. The significance of the impacts from the pre-construction phase are expected to be low or very low, provided that the proposed mitigations are implemented. The exception is the significance of the risks from climate change and natural hazards which is still considered a medium risk vii even with mitigations because of the extent of the potential impact (Island) and the consequences of the impact (massive). Identified environmental risks and impacts during construction of the project include the short-term impacts from noise and nuisance, solid waste, dust, and disruption. Other impacts include site clearance impacts, and encroachment onto private property and permanent use of sites. The significance of the impacts from the construction phase are expected to be low or very low, provided that the proposed mitigations are implemented. The exception is the significance of the risks from impacts associated with encroaching onto private property and permanent use of site which are assessed to be medium significance even with mitigation measures because the impacts are long-term. The impacts from the operation of the desalination plant include the impacts on marine water quality and ecosystem from the brine disposal and the use and disposal of chemicals. Further risks to the project include the risk of the new infrastructure failing and the impacts of sludge disposal from the proposed sanitation units. Identified social impacts include the impacts of resettlement, land access and encroachment onto private property. The significance of the impacts of operation were assessed to be low or very low provided that the proposed mitigations are implemented. The exception is the significance of the risks to the quality of the fresh groundwater reserves from waste disposal practices, which remains high even with mitigations because the consequences of the impact remain major. The proposed WASH and sanitation campaigns are being implemented in order to address those risks. Impacts from the sanitation pilot include short term impacts during construction, the impacts of sludge disposal, risks of plant failure and the risks associated with social / cultural practices such as barriers to good sanitation and hygiene practices. The significance of the impacts from the sanitation pilot were assessed to be low or very low, provided that the proposed mitigations outlined are implemented. The exception is the significance of the risks from impacts associated with social/cultural practices which are assessed to be medium significance even with mitigation measures because the associated behaviours may continue to persist. The risks of cumulative impacts occurring was assessed and no significant cumulative impacts from the project are expected, provided the identified mitigation measures are implemented. Environmental management The environmental and social management plan (ESMP) prepared as part of this ESIA identifies: (i) institutional arrangements for environmental management; (ii) mitigation measures to avoid, minimise, rehabilitate or compensate for negative impacts; and (iii) monitoring . The pre-construction period measures relate to planning items to prevent impacts to the community, longevity of infrastructure, and cultural and heritage important sites. The contractor is also obliged to produce a construction environmental and social management plan (CESMP) that is based on the ESIA report and ESMP. During the construction period, environmentally responsible construction practices and management of all wastes will be mandatory. Likewise, social issues will be addressed appropriately, and it is obligatory that consultation is undertaken with people concerned, specifically where private land access/usage and livelihood are involved. During the operation phase, monitoring is the responsibility of PUB. The integrity of the Betio outfall should be monitored to ensure maximum dilution of wastewater effluent. It is viii recommended that monitoring of salinity level at and adjacent areas to the outfall is carried out monthly. Regular testing on the quality of water produced by the RO desalination and pumped from the water reservoirs is also recommended. Maintenance of the installed and upgraded infrastructure should be ongoing. Local community, land/resource owner and wider stakeholder engagement and consultation During project preparation, formal consultations took place with participants from Betio, Bonriki and few other villages on South Tarawa through community workshops. Further updates will be provided following detailed design. Issues raised at meetings related to the existing situation caused by the poor state of the water supply system, to impacts of construction, and other concerns. The lack of a reticulated water supply system in some areas, and increased salinity of the well-water in Bonriki, were the main concerns with the existing water supply system. Concerns with construction impacts were: (i) effects of excavation on trees/permanent structures, and the newly completed tar sealed road; (ii) effect of drilling boreholes on ground stability; and (iii) labor recruitment process. Further concerns raised were: (i) effects of brine disposal on the marine ecosystem; (ii) effect of pumping feed water from boreholes on the freshwater lens; (iii) concern for cost of water produced by the desalination plant; and (iv) community participation in maintenance, and the poor repair and hence sustainability of infrastructure. The Project will establish continuous and ongoing consultation with stakeholders, all head of households as well as affected persons, as per the project’s consultation and communication plan (CCP). During the pre-construction and construction phases, the contractor will disclose information on the location and duration of construction operations, as well as the grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The contractor will assign a liaison officer at each site, who will be responsible for receiving, and acting on complaints. On completion of the works, when the infrastructure is handed over to MISE and PUB. The PUB, is responsible for infrastructure service delivery, will be required to receive and act on complaints relating to the operation and maintenance of the desalination plant, water supply infrastructure and solar PV system. A complaints register will be maintained. Conclusion The ESIA has found that no major short-term or cumulative environmental or social impacts are likely to occur from the South Tarawa Water Supply Project, provided that the environmental and social management plan (ESMP) is updated, implemented and monitored and the resettlement documentation is updated and implemented. The overall environmental, health and socio-economic benefits of the project more than outweigh any low-medium and largely temporary adverse environmental and social impacts that will occur. ix Section 1 – Introduction and background to the project 1.1 Introduction This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was prepared in July – August 2018 and assesses the environmental and social impacts of the South Tarawa Water Supply Project (the project). The project is being co-funded by the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project will be transitioned to and managed by the Kiribati Public Utilities Board (PUB), once the infrastructure is fully installed and rehabilitation works are completed. The executing agency for the project is the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) and the implementing agency is the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) and Public Utilities Board (PUB) for the operations and maintenance (O&M) stage. The ESIA is a tool to guide and to assist the MISE in preparing for the environmental management of the project. It examines the potential impacts of proposed project activities and identifies mitigation measures to avoid adverse impacts. The ESIA has been prepared in accordance with the safeguards policy requirements of the development partners (ADB and WB) as found in Appendix 1, with the country safeguards system (CSS) as per Environment Act 1999, Environment Act, Amended, 2007, and other requirements of the Republic of Kiribati. Furthermore, it was prepared in accordance with Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines as outlined in the SPREP publication “Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessment: Guidelines for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories”. More detail is provided in Section 2 – Policy and Legal Framework. This section of the report covers the background to the project, the projects purpose and objectives, and provides justification for the project. 1.2 Location The project is located in South Tarawa, on the island republic of Kiribati. The Republic of Kiribati consists of 32 low-lying atoll islands and one raised limestone island located in three main island groups, the Gilbert, Line and Phoenix Islands. The islands are scattered over a large area (3.5 million sq. km) of the central and western Pacific (Figure 1). Most of the islands are small (less than 2 km wide) and little more than 1.8 meters (on average) above sea level. Kiribati is one of the smallest, most remote, geographically dispersed, and climate change vulnerable countries in the world. 1 Figure 1.1- Location map of The Republic of Kiribati Source: www.climate.gov.ki Twenty-one of the 33 islands are inhabited. The bulk of the Kiribati population resides in the Gilbert Islands, which have a land area of 286 sq. km and contains the capital on Tarawa Atoll. About 47% of the total Kiribati population of around 120,000 live in the capital, South Tarawa. South Tarawa is located approximately 150km north of the equator and is composed of a number of isolated islands that are connected by causeways. South Tarawa has high population densities of up to 10,000 people per sq. km in some villages. It adjoins North Tarawa to form Tarawa Atoll (Figure 1.2). 2 Figure 1.2 - Tarawa Atoll South Tarawa is the main atoll in the Republic of Kiribati and is the government and economic centre. It is made up of many small islets joined to form a long, thin atoll with elevations less than 5 m of current sea level. The geographical characteristics of South Tarawa, coupled with it having one of the highest population densities in the world, make water shortages an ever-present threat for its inhabitants.2 1.3 Background to Bonriki and Buota water reserves The water issues faced in Tarawa atoll are amongst the most complex, vital and varied in the world. They will continue to be exacerbated by the future impacts of future climate change, population growth and development. The Tarawa Master Water Plan 2010-2030 (TWMP) concluded that are no simple solutions. Instead a mix of approaches is required based on an analysis of the current situation.2 Currently in South Tarawa, fresh reticulated water is supplied from fresh groundwater reserves 2 Rios Wilks, Anna. March 2015. 2 White, I. 2010. 3 extracted from a total of 28 galleries in Bonriki and Buota. The total sustainable yield from the groundwater lenses is 2,010 m3/day. However, the population in South Tarawa is rapidly growing and the available yield from fresh groundwater sources alone is not enough to sustain the growing population. South Tarawa is a magnet for internal migration from the outer islands as it provides opportunities for cash employment and consumption, as well as access to higher education and specialist social services not available elsewhere in Kiribati. The main issues in South Tarawa include: unacceptably high rates of preventable deaths, illnesses and social and economic impacts due to water-borne diseases, particularly among infants; large, wasteful, and expensive losses of treated freshwater from the reticulation system, especially the domestic supply system; growth in demand for water; and a range of institutional and management issues3. Currently, reticulated water is rationed in South Tarawa, with residents having access to Public Utility Board’s (PUB) potable water for only 2 hours every second day. Although rainwater is harvested by residents, this is not enough to augment supplies from the reticulated system in South Tarawa, particularly during droughts. The limited availability of potable water for the residents has been linked to poor sanitation, hygiene and public health issues such as water-borne, food-borne and skin diseases, besides other socio-economic impacts. Water shortage is one part of the problem in South Tarawa. Further problems are related to water quality. The principal pollution threat to household wells, whether closed or open, and human health is from faecal contamination. There are two sources of faecal contamination in Tarawa, humans and animals (including birds)4. Tarawa oscillates rapidly between having too much water and being in major drought. With too much water, there are few incentives to conserve water until the onset of drought when it is often too late for conservation. Short duration community awareness campaigns appear to have very limited effectiveness. A long-term coordinated and continuing program is needed, starting with the earliest aged school children and involving the church and community groups to bring about behavioural change and the recognition that all will benefit from cooperative, community-focused actions.5 Climate change and variability are additional threats to water security in South Tarawa. Climate change has the potential to influence both future demand for water as well as the availability of freshwater in Tarawa.5 The groundwater reserves drawn on for the PUB water supply are vulnerable to periodic droughts linked to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles. Studies carried out under Kiribati Adaptation Program Phase Two (KAPII) showed that inundation as a result of sea level rise could reduce groundwater yields from Bonriki and Buota reserves by about 20% by 2030. However, the situation is complex and subsequent studies have highlighted that whilst inundation events could have short-term impacts on groundwater yield the freshwater lens has an ability to recover and is more particularly 3 White, I. 2010. 4 White, I. 2010. 5 White, I. 2010. 5 White, I. 2010. 4 vulnerable to drought and extraction. What these studies do highlight is the vulnerabilities of the current supply and the need for alternative water supplies that are more resilient to climate influences. The current water reserves at Bonriki and Buota are vital for supply treated freshwater for South Tarawa. It has been assumed here that they will continue to be viable until 2030. Past groundwater reserves in South Tarawa have had to be abandoned due to the encroachment of settlements on the reserves. Encroachment on the reserves at Bonriki and Buota is increasing. Maintaining the water reserves at Bonriki and Buota requires commitment by government and the involvement of local communities.6 1.4 Project purpose and objectives The government recognises the magnitude of the limited water resource and associated socio-economic impacts and has taken the initiative to work with various International Development Agencies/Donors, such as the ADB and WB to address the water supply and sanitation situation in Kiribati through the project. The project is committed to supplementing existing water shortages, undertaking infrastructure improvements, and improving public health by offering an opportunity for all residents on South Tarawa to have access to safe water. The project reflects the complexity of the water problem in South Tarawa and uses a mix of approaches to provide additional water, reduce water leakage, institutional strengthening and a behavioral change program. The project comprises of two main parts, changes to physical infrastructure and behavioural change through a water, sanitation and health (WASH) program. The five main components of the project include: 1. Improvement of water supply services (US$41m) including a desalination plant in West Betio, an expanded and modernized water supply network, and a Solar photovoltaic power plant; 2. Institutional strengthening and project management (US$8m) including support, technical assistance, vocational training and project management; 3. Water, sanitation and hygiene awareness projects ($2m); 4. Project management ($2m); and 5. A sanitation pilot and water reserves management ($2m). More detail is provided in Section 4– Project description and justification. The main outcomes of the project will be: • To improve access to safe potable water supply services in South Tarawa. • To increase resilience of the services to climate change. • To improve the operational efficiency and financial viability of the PUB. • To improve health and sanitation practices for the residents of South Tarawa. 6 White, I. 2010. 5 1.5 Need for the project I-Kiribati have always recognised that freshwater is a vital and limited resource.7 For the past 4,000 years I-Kiribati have faced major natural challenges and have adapted to large variations in climate with limited supplies of freshwater. However, over the last 50 years, demographic and socio-economic factors have changed dramatically, particularly in the urban parts of Tarawa.8 These have propelled residents in South Tarawa from a largely low-density, subsistence lifestyle to a high-density, urban situation and one in which traditional adaptation strategies are largely ineffective in coping with the demands of a highly urbanised society living under a highly variable climate.9 Water management in Kiribati is amongst the most complex and challenging in the world. Not only because of the pressures on the physical resource itself in terms of water quality and quantity, but also because of the increasing social pressures applied to the resource. Water resources are fragile, and vulnerable to drought, over-extraction and contamination. This is further complicated by issues of land ownership and water rights, and in the urban area of South Tarawa, a rapidly increasing population. Many of the issues related to WASH in Kiribati are centered on South Tarawa. The population in South Tarawa is projected to continue to increase at a rate between 1.1-2.3%, which for a high growth scenario, represents approximately 160% increase between 2015 to 2040 to almost 90,000 people. Even without the projected population growth, as a result of high physical losses in the system (estimated at 67%), the average available per capita water supply from the piped water system operated by the PUB is 11 L/day. This is far less than the actual estimated demand of between 57 and 112 L/day and, in the context of disaster response, is considered the absolute minimum quantity required for basic drinking, cooking and personal hygiene needs. Consequently, people are required to use unsafe alternative water sources, with a high proportion of the South Tarawa population using contaminated well-water for bathing (82% in 2015 census). There are a total of at least 25 WASH sector initiatives currently being undertaken in South Tarawa.10 The WASH program included in this project is designed to expand on and align with these existing programs. The existing water supply in South Tarawa is sourced from infiltration galleries located at Bonriki and Buota, from which water is abstracted and treated with a chlorination and aeration system and distributed along the island. Due to high production and non-revenue water (NRW) losses and the limited supply, customers are provided with water intermittently i.e. for a few hours every 2-3 days. This inadequate water supply is compounded by other challenges of climate change and variability, urban encroachment, poor infrastructure management, high non-revenue water, little-no cost recovery, low institutional capacity and funds. South Tarawa is also strongly influenced by the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles and during La Nina periods often experiences dry or drought conditions. There are 7,877 households on South Tarawa and the average household size is seven people. As illustrated in Table 1.1, in 2015, 36% of the households got their drinking water from the PUB reticulated 7 White, I. 2010. 8 White, I. 2010. 9 White, I. 2010. 10 GHD, 2017c 6 water, 49.5% depend on rainwater, and about 12% are still relying on groundwater, where 6% of these households are in Betio. Table 1.1 - Number of households on South Tarawa and source of drinking water Area Total number of PUB Pipe system Well or Ground Rainwater Other Households (undefined) Water Sth. Tarawa 5,584 1,672 28 895 2,949 40 Betio 2,293 1,252 12 60 952 17 Source: GOK, 2015 In addition to these sources, seawater is also used for bathing, washing clothes and flushing toilets. The three public reticulated sewerage systems in South Tarawa all use seawater for toilet flushing because of the scarcity of freshwater in South Tarawa.11 The future availability of water supply and the demand for water is also influenced by climate change. Previous climate studies carried out under Kiribati Adaptation Program Phase Two (KAPII)12 had indicated that the main impact of climate change on South Tarawa water supply would be a 20% reduction in the size and sustainable yield of the Bonriki and Buota lenses from approximately the year 2030. Further analysis as part of the ADB PPTA - Climate Risk Vulnerability Study project determined a more nuanced situation: that future sea overtopping and/or droughts, rendered far more probable by climate change, could lead to a sudden, significant but temporary reduction in the freshwater available from the lenses. The analysis undertaken as part of the project preparation also validated two pathways through which projected climate change affects water demand: • Rising temperatures will lead to higher per capita demand, rising by an estimated 2 liters per capita per day; • Climate change will contribute to projected higher population growth on South Tarawa (relative to the national average growth), contributing an estimated incremental increase of 2,114 persons by 2040. An additional source of water for South Tarawa is urgently needed at an affordable cost and it needs to have the capacity to expand to meet population increases. The TWMP examined the ability of rainwater, groundwater and other sources to supply the projected freshwater demand in Kiribati.13 The Tarawa Water and Sanitation Roadmap 2011-2030 also undertook an assessment of the available water resource (groundwater and rain water).14 Both the TWMP and the Tarawa Water and Sanitation Roadmap 2011- 2030 concluded that SWRO is the most practical and affordable long-term option for supplementing the water supply. 11 White, I. 2010. 12 NIWA, 2010 and White, I. 2010. 13 White, I. 2010. 14 Fraser Thomas Partners, 2011. 7 1.6 Profile of the project proponent The government as project proponent plans to implement the project with assistance from the ADB and the WB. The ADB and WB are supporting the government by providing technical assistance through the MISE and PUB to prepare in implementing the project. Part of this assistance is to address environmental and social safeguard issues documented in this report. In addition, both ADB (through the Asian Development Fund) and the World Bank have each committed US$15.0 million. Furthermore, the pending submission for additional financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is hoping to provide access to a further US$20 million. This will further strengthen the GOK’s position to be able to implement this important project. 1.7 Contact details for the proponent Government of Kiribati Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) Kiribati Institute of Technology, Betio, Kiribati +686 751 26192 registry@mise.gov.ki 8 Section 2 – Policy and legal framework 2.1 National, regional, provincial or customary laws and regulations Kiribati Constitution and Environment Act The constitution of the Republic of Kiribati vests the natural resources of Kiribati in the people and Government, who through various ministries and agencies provide the protection to public health, the health of animals and plants and the conservation of the environment. The country safeguard system (CSS) requires compliance with the environmental assessment regulations for all projects is embodied in the Environment Act 1999 (No. 9 of 1999), which states it is an “Act to Provide for the Protection Improvement and Conservation of the Environment of the Republic of Kiribati…”. The Environment Act was amended in 2007 to reflect the needs of better appraising, monitoring and to provide the means for the inclusion of the Environmental (General) Regulations of 2009 (which repeals previous regulations to the Act). Activities are ‘scheduled' according to their environmental significance. Activities that are considered to create a significant environmental impact require application for environmental license. Some activities further require an EIA report. The decision to grant the license and the provision of conditions are set out in Section 38 of the Environment Act 2007, are made according to the principles of sustainable development and with any international obligations or agreements to which Kiribati is bound, and any other prescribed requirements. Following review of the application submission, an EIA report is required by the Principal Environment Officer (PEO) of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) for the project (Appendix 1). The EIA requested is similar in content to the previous CSS requirement of a Basic EIA where the impacts of a project are site-specific, few (if any) are irreversible and mitigation measures can be designed more readily. Other relevant legislation Other legislation that is relevant to this Project include: (i) the Public Utilities Ordinance of 1977, which vests responsibility for the protection and security of water resources in the Public Utilities Board, and includes regulations for the protection of water reserves, (ii) the Public Health Ordinance of 1926, (iii) Public Health Regulations of 1926, both of which provide for public health measures including sanitation, solid waste collection and drainage, (iv) the Foreshore and Land Reclamation Ordinance of 1969, which regulates extraction of material such as sand, gravel, reef mud and rock, (v) Land Planning Ordinance 1972 (amended 1973, 1974, 1977, 1979, 1980 (2), 2000), the objective of which is to apply controls over land use and developments within designated areas; (vi) the Local Government Act, 1984 which empowers local government bodies to issue bylaws relating to environmental protection, and (vii) Penal codes (Cap 76 1977) having some offences in the Code that are relevant to environmental protection and enforcement. Kiribati has ratified the International Labour Organisation Minimum Age Convention 1973 (no.138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention 1999 (No.182). The Employment and Industrial Relations Code 2015 includes provisions supporting these two ratifications including the definition of a child meaning “a person under the age of 18 years”. 9 Administrative framework for safeguards implementation Requirements of the CSS are set out in the Environment Act of 2007 and Environment (General) Regulations, 2009. The act assigns primary responsibility for undertaking environmental assessment of projects to the project developer. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD), under the direction of the Principal Environment Officer (PEO), is responsible for review and approval of environmental assessment reports, prescription of requirements for publication and disclosure environmental assessment reports, issuance of environment licenses, and prescription of any conditions to the licenses. Environment licenses are required from the MELAD, for all activities that are deemed environmentally significant. These include activities to be undertaken by the Project, including installment and operation of a desalination systems and solar PV system, and rehabilitation of the existing water supply system that may require land clearance and excavating activities. The Act requires the applicant for the environment license (in this case the MISE) to submit an application with an application fee to the PEO. On consideration of the application, the PEO determines whether to issue an environment license or require an EIA or refuse the application. Appendix 1 provides the PEO decision and what is required in the EIA report for this project. If an EIA report is required, the applicant undertakes the assessment according to the required format and is required to hold public consultations. This is compatible with the development partners’ requirements, which requires that consultation is meaningful, commences early in the project preparation cycle, provides timely disclosure of relevant and adequate information that is understandable and readily accessible to affected people, is inclusive of the views of women, men, and vulnerable groups, and is carried out in a non-coercive manner. Once the EIA report is received by MELAD, the PEO will determine the appropriate form of its publication and disclosure to interested parties, and the deadline for receipt of comments. Comments received must be shown to the applicant and taken into consideration. Concurrently the report is also reviewed by the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD), where regional and international expert views may be sorted. In accordance with ADB policy, revisions should be made in response to comments. On receipt of comments, the PEO decides whether to grant a license and if a license is to be granted, whether it will include any conditions. Conditions may include duration, location, prescribed methods, emission limits, monitoring and reporting requirements, lodgment of bonds and payment of fees, and preparation of plans and specific mitigations. The ECD is responsible to monitor the activity’s progress to ensure compliance with the license conditions. 2.2 Multilateral environmental agreements In addition to local regulations, the following conventions, protocols and regional agreements are relevant to Kiribati: (i) Convention on Biological Diversity (ii) Cartagena Protocol (iii) World Heritage Convention, 10 (iv) Framework Convention on Climate Change (v) Regional Seas Convention (vi) Convention to Combat Desertification (vii) The Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances (viii) Basel Convention and Waigani Convention to control the trans-boundary movements and disposal of hazardous wastes (ix) CITES (International trade in endangered species) (x) Stockholm Convention International, (xi) Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and National Heritage. 2.3 Health, safety, hazard and risk management standards The Kiribati Occupational Health and Safety Act 2015 intends to achieve the intended purposes inherent in the Occupational Safety and Health Convention 1981, the 2002 Protocol on Occupational Safety and Health, and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2008. The 2015 Occupational Health and Safety Act set the country’s first comprehensive framework for occupational safety and health standards for the workplace. The Ministry of Labor and Human Resources Development is responsible for enforcing the standards. Employers are liable for the expenses of workers injured on the job. By law workers may remove themselves from situations that endanger their health or safety without threat to their employment.15 2.4 Environmental policies of financing institutions involved in the project ADB and WB safeguards policies The project is being co-financed by the ADB and WB and therefore in addition to the CSS, the safeguard requirements of the ADB and WB will also be complied with. They are outlined following Asian Development Bank The objectives of ADB’s safeguards are to: (i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; (ii) minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and (iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks. Through its Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS) ADB establishes policy objectives, scope and triggers, and principles for three key safeguard areas of environment, involuntary resettlement, and Indigenous People. The SPS sets out the process to be applied from screening, through due diligence and assessment to monitoring and reporting. The SPS requires project screening and categorization at the earliest stage of project preparation. Screening and categorization is undertaken to (i) reflect the significance of potential impacts or risks that a project might present; (ii) identify the level of assessment and institutional resources required for the safeguard measures; and (iii) determine disclosure requirements. ADB uses a classification system to 15 United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, 2017 11 reflect the significance of a project’s potential environmental impacts. A project’s category is determined by the category of its most environmentally sensitive component. Each proposed project is scrutinized as to its type, location, scale, and sensitivity and the magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. Projects are assigned to one of four categories. The category determines the level of assessment required. ADB's safeguard due diligence emphasizes planning, environmental and social impact assessments and safeguard documentation. Through such due diligence and review, ADB will confirm (i) that all key potential social and environmental impacts and risks of a project are identified; (ii) that effective measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for the adverse impacts are incorporated into the safeguard plans and project design; (iii) that the borrower/client understands ADB’s safeguard policy principles and requirements and has the necessary commitment and capacity to manage the risks adequately; (iv) that, as required, the role of third parties is appropriately defined in the safeguard plans; and (v) that consultations with affected people are conducted in accordance with ADB's requirements. World Bank The WB has operational policies relating to environmental and social safeguards. OP 4.01 – Environmental Assessment, states that the WB requires environmental assessment of projects proposed for WB financing to help ensure that they are environmentally sound and sustainable. Like ADB SPS, OP4.01 sets out the process to be applied and commences with environmental screening which is undertaken to determine the appropriate extent and type of environmental assessment. WB uses the same classification system for projects as the ADB with Category A projects having the greatest potential for significant environmental impacts (i.e. that are sensitive, diverse or unprecedented) and an environmental assessment report must be prepared by the borrower. Category B projects have potential impacts that are site-specific, less adverse than Category A and likely reversible, and mitigation can be provided readily. The scope of environmental assessment for Category B projects is less than Category A (but the level of detail will vary from project to project based on what is potentially at risk). Category C projects are unlikely to have any adverse environmental impact and no further environmental assessment is required. WB appraises and, if necessary, includes components to strengthen the capabilities of the implementing agency to a) screen sub-projects, b) obtain the necessary expertise to carry out EIA, c) review all findings and results of EIA for individual sub-projects, d) ensure implementation of mitigation measures and e) monitor environmental conditions during project implementation. Other World Bank Operational Policies that are relevant to this project include OP 4.04 Natural Habitats, OP. 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR), and OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement.  OP 4.04 Natural Habitats This policy aims to support the protection, maintenance and rehabilitation of natural habitats and promotes the conservation of natural habitats for long-term sustainable development through a precautionary approach.  OP. 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) addresses physical cultural resources which are defined as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, and natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, 12 or other cultural significance. This policy aims to assist countries to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on physical cultural resources from development projects that it finances.  OP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement - This policy aims to restrict the involuntary taking of land or any form of economic displacement of populations affected by or participating in World Bank financed activities; and where displacement is unavoidable, to assist persons to improve (or at least restore) their incomes and standards of living; and to identify and accommodate the needs of vulnerable groups. Land related issues are managed by the Resettlement Framework and Resettlement Plan which have been prepared for the project. Social safeguards and social and gender assessment Social Safeguards Due Diligence as part of the ADB PPTA projects research and analysis culminated in a series of social assessment documents pertaining to the circumstances in Kiribati with particular reference to project impacts. The prepared documents included: 1. The poverty and social assessment (PSA); 2. A gender action plan (GAP) 3. Stakeholder analysis, participation plan and communication strategy and consultation and communications plan (CCP); 4. A resettlement framework (RF); 5. A resettlement plan (RP); and 6. The summary poverty reduction and social strategy (SPRSS). Public consultation For all projects the borrower consults affected groups and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) during the EIA process about the project’s environmental aspects and takes into account their views. Consultation is initiated as early as possible. Disclosure To facilitate meaningful consultation, the borrower provides relevant materials in a timely manner and in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to groups being consulted (see also Section 8.5). Section 3 – Description of the baseline environment 3.1 Climate Current climate Tarawa has a maritime tropical climate. Two seasons occur, characterised mainly by the wind patterns but also by rainfall. Between October and March, easterly trade-winds predominate, and rainfall is generally higher, while between April and September, more variable winds occur including westerlies, which can be strong, and rainfall is lower. Temperatures generally vary between 28°C and 32°C, averaging 31°C, though monthly averages remain very constant between 26°C (February) and 28°C (September). Rainfall averages 2,027 mm annually. However, this varies widely, between 398mm and 4,333mm. The main reason for this variability is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). 13 Many Kiribati islands lie within the equatorial waters that warm significantly during an El Niño event and cool during a La Niña event. While Tarawa lies outside the main cyclone belt, it is susceptible to storm surges and to droughts, particularly during La Niña events. As a result, rainfall is much higher than normal during an El Niño event and much lower during a La Niña event. Maximum air temperatures tend to be higher than normal during El Niño years, driven by the warmer oceans surrounding the islands, while in the dry season minimum air temperatures in El Niño years are below normal. El Niño is generally associated with above-normal rainfall and strong westerly winds, while La Niña is associated with below-normal rainfall and the risk of drought. Prolonged drought periods were encountered in 1988 to early 1989 and followed by another in 1998 extending into mid-1999 and resulting in the loss of many valuable food crops including coconut (Cocos nucifera) and breadfruit (Artocarpus sp.). Unlike many other Pacific islands, Tarawa rarely experiences cyclones. Climate change Climate change is a longer-term phenomenon and will result in landform changes which may become unstable or untenable for communities. Using the 18 Global Climate Model data obtained from the International Coupled Model Inter-Comparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) experiments, Pacific Climate Change Science Program reports that over the course of the 21st century, mean rainfall, air temperature, sea surface temperature and the frequency and strength of extreme events are likely to increase. As with most low-lying atolls, sea-level rise is of great concern. Average sea-level rise around Kiribati has been on the order of 1–4 mm per year since 1993, gradually encroaching on shoreline properties.16 Mean sea-level is also projected to continue to increase during the 21st century. With the increase in mean sea level South Tarawa could lose 25 to 54% of its land mass by 2050. Furthermore, according to a study carried out under Kiribati Adaptation Project Phase Two (KAPII) in 2008 the groundwater yields from Bonriki and Buota reserves are expected to be reduced by about 19% by 2030. 3.2 Topography, geology and soils The Tarawa atoll developed from a volcano which appeared between 55 million and 65 million years ago (during the Paleocene geologic epoch). Over time, the peak of the volcano sank below sea level due to subsidence of the ocean floor. The island surface is formed by successive coral deposits around the old and now submerged volcano. Atolls originate as coral reef formations at the tidal level at the rim of the original volcano, these formations rise in successive layers of dead coral. The atolls of North and South Tarawa, and surrounding reef delineate the edges of the lagoon which occupies the site of the former volcanic core. Most of the land is less than 3 meters above sea level, with an average width of only 430450 meters Like other coral atolls and islands, the nature of the soil is derived from limestone which has been formed due to coral formation over thousands of years. The soil is alkaline, porous and lacks essential elements and therefore it does not support the growth of certain plants and trees. The topsoil which comprises decaying or composted organic matter mainly decaying leaves and plant materials is thinly spread over most of the area with plant cover and other areas covered with wild bushes. 16 Rios Wilks, Anna. March 2015. 14 3.3 Water There are no fresh surface water resources available on South Tarawa. Shallow groundwater is the principal source of fresh water in Kiribati. South Tarawa’s water supply originates from the water reserve areas in the villages of Bonriki and Buota where water is extracted and reticulated through a water supply system. Climatic conditions have a major influence on fresh water resources in Kiribati. Underground freshwater lenses are recharged by rainfall and households frequently use rainwater catchments to supplement other water sources. Thus, for many reasons, prolonged periods of low rainfall or even droughts have had serious implications in the past. The droughts associated with welldeveloped La Niña conditions are evident. As discussed in Section 1.3 Background to Bonriki and Buota water reserves, further problems are related to water quality. The principal pollution threat to household wells is from faecal contamination. There are two sources of faecal contamination in Tarawa, humans and animals (including pigs). Shallow groundwater systems are also vulnerable to seawater intrusion.17 3.4 Marine Coastal erosion, inundation, storm surges As mentioned in Section 3.1 Climate, although Tarawa lies outside the main cyclone belt, storm surges and seawater inundations do occur, particularly during El Niño–Southern Oscillation events. Storm surge impacts include the loss of coral reefs, the loss of land due to coastal erosion, and the loss of land and infrastructure due to inundation. Seawater inundations have been recorded for 2014 and 2002 in Tarawa, the former led to evacuation and 44 houses being damaged, the later was estimated to cost around USD 50,000 (approx. 60,000 AUD) in damage.18 Bathymetry Figure 3.1 provides a perspective view of the reef/intertidal platform to the reef slope, typical of reef front in Kiribati atoll islands. 19 The reef/intertidal platform is the section located between the beach shoreline to the reef margin with the distance ranging between less than 10 meters to more than a kilometer. 17 White, I. 2010. 18 Rios Wilks, Anna. March 2015. 19 Zann, L.P.1986. 15 Figure 3.1 - Seaward reef front perspective Source: Zann, L.P.1986 Ocean currents A 2015 study shows that the direction of the nearshore ocean current changes to an eastward direction according to the tide, but currents are generally moving in a westward direction.20 The currents velocity measured at different depth, 15m, 25m and 30m was variable, depending upon tidal conditions, the velocity ranges between 0.2 – 1.0 m/s. Wind driven set-up on the windward ocean reef and wind stress on the surface are also the driving mechanism of water circulation and flushing.21 The dredged ship and boat channels over the reef also contribute to the magnitude of water movement at the reef intertidal zone around the atoll islands.23 The main shipping channel at Betio is located about 6.5 km from the outfall pipeline. Marine water pollution The coastal area of South Tarawa is polluted and littered with rubbish due to illegal rubbish disposal, open defecating practices, and animal wastes. The Environmental Health and Laboratory Units under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services have facilities to test water quality. Currently they have a program established to undertake water quality measurements. The capacity of the Water Division under the MISE is limited to some features of water quality only such as salinity, by the type of machine and testing probes currently available on hand. The coastal water quality on South Tarawa was tested by the New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) in 2014 and shows varying degrees of pollution (Figure 3.2 - ).22 20 SMEC 2015. 21 Callaghan, D.P. et al. 2006. 23 Lelaurin, J. 2000. 22 NIWA 2014. 16 Figure 3.2 - Pollution level along the coastal areas of South Tarawa Source: NIWA, 2014 3.5 Coastal flora and fauna Mangrove and coral ecosystems have high ecological significance. Mangroves occur on reef mud flats at the lagoon margins at certain areas and provide a coastal protection function as well as an important habitat for marine organisms. Mangroves have been subject to depletion, but mangrove forest areas are being rehabilitated by the government under the World Bank funded Kiribati Adaptation Program – Phase 3 (KAP III). Seagrass beds, which provide an important habitat for shellfish and other organisms, occur extensively within the lagoon particularly toward the southeast. No mangroves or seagrass are located within the vicinity of the sewerage outfall to be used for Brine Disposal, as the outfall is located on the ocean side reef flat. 3.6 Marine flora and fauna Coral reefs surrounding the atoll and within the lagoon provide habitat to reef fish species and other marine species, including turtles, supporting a complex and bio-diverse community. Common fish species found at the site include surgeon fish (Acanthurus lineatus, A. triostegus, A. xanthopterus), soldier fish (Myripristis species), parrot fish (Scarrus species), and Red snapper (Lutjanus gibbus). L. bohar (known to be ciguatoxic) are also commonly caught by local residents fishing in the area. 17 The marine life assessment survey completed at the Betio Outfall site in 2015 found the substrate and algae that is representative of the outer 100m of the intertidal reef flat is comprised of negligible sand, with about 70% cover of turf algae. On the reef flat adjacent to the Betio outfall pipeline route (where brine from the desalination plant is to be discharged) the odoriferous and fast growing red macro-algae, Hypnea sp. is predominant. Table 3.1, extracted from the marine life assessment survey report completed at the Betio Outfall site, gives the average percent cover for substrate and benthic categories on the subtidal reef flat. All invertebrates other than coral and zoanthids are absent. The survey found that whilst there is no baseline comparison available for this outfall, it is likely that the low coral cover, lack of coralline algae, high turf algae, and the high rubble, debris, and rock cover across the reef flat, crest, and slope can be attributed to both the 2009 Crown-of-Thorns sea star infestation and to nutrient loading conditions since the outfall pipes broke in the shallows a half decade ago. The heavy siltation combined with limited variety in coral growth forms is consistent with the transition towards an algae-dominated reef. Table 3.1 - Betio subtidal reef flat substrate and benthic categories Source: STSISP - Fellenius Consultants/Maritime Constructions Inc, 2017 The marine life assessment survey also found that coral cover on the outer reef crest is less than 5% to the east and about 15% to the west of point 14 of the Betio sewerage outfall pipeline (Figure 4.5). It is mainly H. coerulea with some encrusting varieties. There was also less silt than was observed on the subtidal reef flat. There are slightly less turf algae at 50% cover, consistent with lower energy on the crest than on the subtidal reef flat yet with a significant nutrient load. Fleshy coralline algae are present at 15%. Crustose coralline algae are absent. Table 3.2 and Table 3.3 extracted from the post-installation survey report completed at the Betio Outfall site23 give the average percent cover for substrate and benthic categories on the reef crest and reef slope, respectively. The crest has the same 65% undesirable algae and 10% coral cover as for the subtidal reef flat. The slope has less of both, although blue-green algae are at 10%. In contrast with the subtidal reef flat, the positive attributes of the reef crest are that it has less turf algae and more coralline algae, 23 Fellenius Consultants/Maritime Constructions Inc., 2017 18 albeit the fleshy variety. It has more submassive coral, but with limited species richness beyond H. coerulea. The negatives include that it has less rock and more rubble, and therefore less-stable surfaces available for re-growth. Table 3.2 - Betio reef crest substrate and benthic categories Source: Fellenius Consultants (2017) In contrast with the reef crest, the positive attributes of the reef slope are that it has less turf algae. The negatives are that it has less rock and more debris, and therefore minimal stable surfaces available for re- growth. This is in part mitigated by the lower energy environment. Table 3.3 - Betio reef slope substrate and benthic categories Source: Fellenius Consultants (2017) The nearest diffuser (discharge point) for the sewage, that will also be used for brine disposal, is located at a depth of 30 meters and is about 47 meters away (south) from the shallower and nearest live coral (Hypnea coerulea). Corals near the ocean outfalls on South Tarawa, including Betio outfall, were studied more specifically by a monitoring team in 2005. The team used a line intercept transect methodology, which involves placing a tape along a contour on the sea floor and noting the substrates beneath the tape and length at which they change. Transects were taken 100 m either side of each outfall opening and at a control site. The 19 results showed a greater coverage of dead coral and of macro algae at the sites near the outfalls, compared with the control site. Nearer the outfalls themselves, reduced diversity of coral species was observed.24 Protected and conservation areas While Kiribati has several protected areas, there are currently no actively managed conservation areas in the Gilbert Islands. There have, however, been efforts in the recent past, including the North Tarawa Conservation Area which was officially established in 1996 and the North Tarawa lagoon was also proposed as a key biodiversity area due to its habitat for endangered species; Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), Big Eye Tuna (Thunnus obesus), Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulates), Giant clam (Tridacna gigas). Mangrove, coral, and sea-grass ecosystems, which occur around South Tarawa, are of conservation significance. Mangroves of the species Rhizophora stylosa, and Brugulera gymnorhiza occur predominantly at the eastern corner of South Tarawa lagoon. Replanting of the mangroves along the coastal areas in Kiribati including South Tarawa is on-going as part of the KAP III project. Corals occur adjacent to the Betio outfall. The 90 species in Kiribati that are classified on the IUCN Red List as threatened species include 72 corals, nine marine fish, two turtles, a giant clam and a mammal. 3.7 Terrestrial flora and fauna Terrestrial flora Indigenous flora and vegetation of Kiribati is among the least diverse and poorest on earth. In the Gilbert Islands, including Tarawa, and some locations in other inhabited islands, this flora has been severely modified or removed. Generally, terrestrial vegetation in Kiribati is limited to coastal strand vegetation, mangroves and coastal marsh vegetation (limited), inland forest, and pinnacle vegetation on limestone escarpments. The vegetation on South Tarawa is substantially influenced by human habitation and has little biodiversity conservation significance. The selected sites for the proposed the project are located at areas with varying degrees of disturbance to natural vegetation but is dominated by ferns, coconut palm, saltbush, breadfruit and te ango (Permna serratifolia), pandanus (Pandanus fanning enosis) and starbuck island daisy (Bidens kiribatiensis). Terrestrial fauna There are no endemic mammals or avifauna (birds) on Tarawa. Two avifauna species are included in the 90 species classified on the IUCN Red List as threatened species. Species of seabird that are commonly sighted on South Tarawa include a black tern (Anous minutus morcusi) and white tern (Gygis microrhyncha). The sparse number of avifauna may be influenced by the high population on South Tarawa and probably the impact of the invasive ship rat (Rattus rattus). The rat is a nuisance in almost every household on the island. 24 Tonganibeia, K. 2005. 20 3.8 Land tenure, zoning and use There are two main types of land tenure in Kiribati – private ownership and state ownership. 95% of land is under traditional private ownership, while 5% is State-owned. State lands in South Tarawa are predominantly confined to Temaiku Bight, an area of reclaimed land of approximately 200 hectares at the apex of the island between South and North Tarawa. The remaining lands in South Tarawa are privately owned, except for small parcels of land that have been reclaimed from the sea. Women as well as men can inherit or own land in i-Kiribati tradition Property rights relating to the water reserves This section provides an overview of property rights issues in South Tarawa. Land related issues associated with the project are managed by the project Resettlement Framework. There is a complex legal position regarding property rights of land owners over whose land the water reserves are established. The Bonriki and Buota water reserves were not “acquired” as state land in terms of the State Acquisition of Lands Act 95B – as was the case for the Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu (township) acquisitions prior to independence in 1979. Although the existing landowners in Buota and Bonriki held ownership property rights over strips of land (lagoon to ocean) they did not, at the time of the water reserves were established (Bonriki – 1969, Buota – 1974) have all their land converted to State land, only the designated water reserve area was created, and they did not enter into the same lease payment arrangements as occurred in the case of acquisitions under Cap 95B. They did receive “one-off” compensation. Subsequently (LMD 2014), the Bonriki and Buota landowners pressed for additional compensation and access to the water reserves. This resulted, in the late 1990’s, in a decision (raised in Parliament, approved by Cabinet) that the landowners would be treated as lessors and be paid annual “lease” payments in the same way as lessors created under the State Acquisition of Lands Act. This practice continues. In addition, the right to occupy the ocean and lagoon fronts for a depth of up to 50 meters was established, a road was constructed around the perimeter to mark the 50 meter boundary and survey beacons erected to mark this boundary. As is the case with “state land” acquisitions in South Tarawa, the Bonriki and Buota landowners regard themselves as holding the absolute title to the land while the government has acquired temporary or lesser rights. Accordingly, people use the land and the produce thereof (water from wells, coconuts from trees, etc.) gathered as the “land belongs to them”. In these circumstances, it is likely that measures will be required, either as incentives or disincentives to cooperation, to secure a sustainable method of management of the reserves. Disincentives have proved very difficult to enforce or police in Kiribati generally and in South Tarawa in particular. 3.9 Human communities Population From the 2015 Population and Housing Census, the total population of Kiribati is 110,136 comprising 21 54,096 males (49%) and 56,040 females (51%). The ethnic composition of Kiribati is primarily people of Kiribati descent (I-Kiribati) who make up 96% of the population. The remaining population report themselves as being of mixed I-Kiribati descent with others being immigrants from Tuvalu as well as a smattering of other ethnic groups (i.e. Australians, British, etc.). South Tarawa mirrors the national norm, with 96% of its population being I-Kiribati. 56,388 (51%) people live in urban areas in South Tarawa, with the other 53,548 (49%) living in rural areas throughout the country. Females make up 52% of the urban population. Life expectancy at birth in 2013 was 64 for males and 69 for females, the second lowest in the Pacific. South Tarawa is densely populated, with inhabitants originating from islands throughout the group as well as South Tarawa itself. Even between the main urban areas of Bonriki, Bikenibeu, Bairiki and Betio, land is almost entirely taken up by residential, commercial and communal buildings and their surrounding compounds. According to the 2015 census the population stands at some 56,388 people representing an average population density of around 2,772 people per square kilometer (km2) over less than 15 km2 of land area. Within the urban areas, such as Betio, it reaches 10,377 people/km2 which is very high among Pacific capitals. While measures were taken in the past to encourage migration to outlying atolls, at present extensive in-migration occurs and the population of South Tarawa is growing by 4.4% per year (Figure 3.3). Figure 3.3 - Population of Kiribati and South Tarawa 1930 – 2010 Source: GOK-MFED, 2012 In 2015, at the time of the last census, the population of South Tarawa represented some 51.2% of the total population of Kiribati. The average household size is large, at seven people per household and households with 15 or more inhabitants are not uncommon. Due to this overcrowding effect, South Tarawa faces serious environmental and social problems, pollution of ground water, polluted lagoon and beaches due to open defecating, scarcity of freshwater and high unemployment. 22 Social/cultural resources and heritage Ancestral shrines and te maneaba (meeting house) are the two important cultural resources on land. Fishing traps, typically built on the reef flat on the ocean side of the island, by overlaying reef boulders and stones, are of equal importance. None of these structures are present at the proposed project sites. Tarawa was the scene of significant combat between Japanese and American forces during WWII. The large guns and bunkers installed by Japanese forces remain in place and provide a strident reminder of the events in the 1940s. Unexploded ordinance (UXO) is a public concern as several UXO have been found buried underground at several locations on South Tarawa (i.e. Betio). Health In Kiribati, health services are provided by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The Ministry has three core departments, the Health (Curative) Services, Public Health and Nursing Services. On South Tarawa there are several clinics and two hospitals, Tungaru Central Hospital and Betio Hospital providing health services to the public. Amongst several duties of the Public Health Department one of its responsibility under the Environment Health Section is to monitor the quality of water from the well-water, rain water, PUB reticulated water, ocean water and lagoon water. Samples of water sources are collected and tested once every 8 weeks from the specified established sites. PH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, Turbidity, Temperature, Chemical test (nitrate/nitrite, chlorine, lead) are tested on site or at the mini lab while micro-biological testing (Coliform and Faecal Coliform) is done in the hospital laboratory. Testing of water from private water sources can also be arranged. However, there is currently no systematic monitoring of the quality of local, household well water quality.25 Over the period 2014–2016 there were 80,000 reported cases relating to deficiencies in water supply and poor sanitation on South Tarawa. The cases include diarrhea, dysentery, conjunctivitis, and fungal infections including ringworm. In 2016 alone, there was an excess of 10,000 reported cases across South Tarawa. Also, numerous cases of other water related disease such as scabies, tinea corpis, tinea versicolor and worm infections have been reported and have continued to increase over the 2014 – 2016 indicating people are using unsafe water for bathing. However, the actual number of cases could be more as it is estimated that many cases go unreported. To address this situation, a range of interventions focusing on the immediate water supply infrastructure improvements, improvement of a water treatment system, and a continuous awareness to encourage practice change to better hygiene and sanitation practices and management of free roaming animals (dogs and pigs) are required. The project’s WASH program will contribute to an improvement in the health of South Tarawa community. Education Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. I-Kiribati receive seven years of primary education and five years of secondary education. On South Tarawa, 9 primary schools and 10 secondary schools provide primary and secondary education. 2014 data from the Kiribati Ministry 25 White, I. 2010. 23 of Education indicate that in 2013, gross secondary school enrolment rates of 86% for junior secondary school students (Forms 1 to 3), and 44% for senior secondary school students (Forms 4 to 7). The overall (weighted) gross secondary school enrolment rate (with 7,038 junior students and 4,745 students in that year) is estimated at 69.1%.26 Kiribati has a high literacy rate with about 97% of both the male and female population able to read and write.29 A total of 71% (72,237) of the population over the age of 3 years old answered “yes” to the literacy question in the 2015 Census (whether this person could read and write in English). Of those, 48% were female, the remaining 52% were male.27 Kiribati is the home of several tertiary institutions, the Institute of Technology, (formerly known as Tarawa Technical Institute), The Marine Training Centre, and the Kiribati Teachers College based in South Tarawa offering training for primary teachers. Kiribati is a partner in the regional University of the South Pacific, which has its main campus in Suva, Fiji Islands, and a campus in Tarawa, Kiribati, with a wide range of courses using the university's distance learning facilities. Poverty and marginalized groups Poverty in South Tarawa is the highest in Kiribati with around 22.4% of the population below the basic needs poverty line. Food poverty was estimated to be around 5 per cent of the population.28 Poverty in Kiribati is linked to a number of trends including the exclusion of certain groups e.g. people with disabilities and unemployed youths. The Economic Costs of Poor Water and Sanitation South Tawara study conducted by the ADB in 2014, found that female children have a higher likelihood of suffering from diarrhea and dysentery than males, and that age influences the likelihood of suffering from these diseases.32 The study goes on to state that women, children, the elderly, vulnerable and disabled bear a disproportionate share of the burden of inadequate water and sanitation services in South Tarawa.29 Infrastructure, public services and utilities Transport There are only two paved roads in Kiribati, on South Tarawa and Kiritimati. A program to construct causeways between North and South Tarawa was completed in the mid-1990s. The road throughout South Tarawa (except Tanaea) has been rehabilitated to a quality standard with funding support from ADB and World Bank. The causeway connecting the rest of South Tarawa to the main shipping port located at Betio is being rehabilitated with completion scheduled to beginning of 2019. Kiribati has 21 airports; two of them (Bonriki and Kiritimati) served by international flights, only four of them with paved runways. The country has domestic fleets to serve the outer islands. 26 GHD, 2017b. 29 ADB, 2016. 27 GHD, 2017b. 28 GHD, 2017b. 32 GHD, 2017b 29 GHD, 2017b. 24 Water supply The existing public water supply system is operated by Public Utilities Board (PUB) for the entire population on South Tarawa. Overall the water supply infrastructure is in poor condition with numerous water leakages in the reticulated system. Fresh water is supplied from fresh groundwater reserves extracted from a total of 28 galleries in Bonriki and Buota, with a total sustainable yield from the groundwater lenses of 2,010 m3/day. An estimated fresh water demand for South Tarawa by 2020 is 3,735 m3/day projected under the high population growth and conservative leakage control scenario. Although rainwater is harvested by residents, this is not enough to augment supplies from the reticulated system in South Tarawa. Supplementing water supply by Seawater Reverse Osmosis as proposed in this project will provide a sustainable freshwater supply to meet the growing demand. Electricity supply PUB is responsible for the electrical power supply on South Tarawa. There are approximately 6,331 households connected to grid with a contracted power per household of about 500 to 700 watts. The average monthly consumption of electricity lays between 150 and 200kWh; with monthly bills for electricity of AUD 60 to 80 per household. The number of illegally connected households is not known; PUB is just planning an investigation. Beside the domestic connections, there are 897 commercials and 408 industrial companies connected to the grid. Yearly there are 10 to 12 black-outs, caused by technical problems and with an average duration of 1-2 hours. In addition, customers suffer eventual short shutdowns of the energy supply, caused by failures of the distribution system, the poor state of wiring or the deficient internal electrical installation. The addition of a solar PV system in this project will have a positive impact on the energy supply in South Tarawa to increase general grid stability. 3.10 Local and national economy The economy of Kiribati reflects the extreme distances between its islands (the two gaps between the three island groups are both approximately 1,000 km), scarcity of natural resources and distances to international markets. The natural resources of Kiribati provide a narrow production base, consisting largely of subsistence agriculture, copra and fish. Pelagic fish form an important part of the local economy, both through commercial fishing activities and game fishing, focusing on tuna. Fishing activity focuses on areas known to be abundant and these occur throughout Kiribati waters and include several favored sites around Tarawa, usually distant to the coast. For lagoon and coastal fisheries, overpopulation pressures in South Tarawa are threatening the sustainability of these fisheries through overfishing.30 The very limited natural resource base and infertile soil of atoll islands constrain agricultural development. Kiribati does, however, possess abundant ocean resources – principally fish, seaweed, manganese nodules and cobalt-rich crusts. Fishing licenses, copra and seaweed provide some international revenue. The maritime and fisheries sector offers strong employment opportunities for IKiribati. In addition, I-Kiribati are developing expertise and reputations as merchant seafarer with over 600 employed abroad.31 30 Campbell B, Hanich Q. 2014. 31 GOK 2014. 25 The public sector dominates the Kiribati economy. 34% of the paid labour force is employed by government and the government sector accounts for almost 31% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture and fishing account for 25% followed by real estate with 12% of the GDP (real GDP in 2006 prices. 32 Some tourism takes place and the current government is trying to focus on tourism. War relicts from World War II (WWII) on South Tarawa in particular Betio, game fishing and the millennium islands, (whose proximity to the international dateline provides them with the distinction of being the first to celebrate each New Year) encourage some visitors. Visitors number between 3,000 and 4,000 each year and bring some significant revenue. The economy of South Tarawa reflects its function both as the nation’s capital and the main sea and international airport. The service sector accounts for most employment and 80% of jobs are with the public sector. 32 GOK 2014. 26 Section 4– Project description and justification The ADB and WB are preparing the Project, which will focus on improving water services and strengthening the water and sewerage services provider PUB to improve the sustainability of services. The estimated total project cost is US$59 million, parallel financed by a IDA Grant (US$15 million), and ADB grant (US$15 million) and a Green Climate Fund (GCF) grant (US$28 million) to be secured by ADB. The Project will be implemented over a period of eight years to allow sufficient time for successful achievement of the project’s development objectives, given the country’s limited capacity to sustain high implementation pace. The lending instrument will be based on the modality within each institution which is flexible and suitable to incorporate financing for a broad range of activities, including several specific investments, technical assistance, and capacity enhancement measures. 4.1 Project components To achieve the objectives, the proposed Project will have five main components and nine subcomponents: • Component 1: Improvement of Water Supply Services (US$41m) o Subcomponent 1.1: Increase in water production capacity o Subcomponent 1.2: Expanded and modernized water supply network o Subcomponent 1.3: Solar photovoltaic power plant • Component 2: Institutional strengthening and project management (US$7m) o Subcomponent 2.1: Support to desalination plant O&M o Subcomponent 2.2: Support to water supply system O&M o Subcomponent 2.3: Technical assistance and vocational training o Subcomponent 2.4: Project management and sector strengthening • Component 3: Water, sanitation and hygiene awareness ($2m) • Component 4: Project management ($2m) • Component 5 Sanitation pilot and water reserves management ($2m) o Subcomponent 5.1: Sanitation pilot o Subcomponent 5.2: Water reserves management These components are described in more detail in the following section. Component 1: Improvement of water supply services This component will aim to improve access to safe water supply services in South Tarawa and resilience of the services to climate change. It will include three subcomponents: Subcomponent 1.1: Increase in water production capacity This subcomponent will support the construction and operation of a desalination plant and ancillary infrastructure in Te Makin, West Betio (Figure 4.1). 27 Figure 4.1 - Proposed location of the desalination plant The seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant will have an initial capacity of 4,000 m3/day. This will cover about two thirds of water supply needs of South Tarawa up to 2030, while the rest is to be met with water abstracted from the groundwater lenses of Bonriki and Buota. Design criteria include selected provisions to enable its expansion up to 6,000 m3/day total capacity in the future (which would be deemed sufficient until at least 2040), without the need to upgrade supporting infrastructure. Brine will be discharged through the nearby sewerage submarine outfall, currently being upgraded under STSISP, to diffuse sewage 30 meters deep, beyond the reef edge. The water produced at the SWRO plant will be pumped to the Betio main water reservoir where it will be distributed using the existing water supply network. The proposed production capacity accounts for the increasing threat of sea overtopping and drought to these lenses, which are among the main pathways by which the water supply on South Tarawa is vulnerable to climate change. Considering the remote island context in which a longer lead-time is needed for spares, chemicals and specialist support, plant design criteria favor robust engineering designs, including partial or full standby items for all processes and an extensive stock of critical spares to be held on site. A design-build-operate (DBO) contracting approach will ensure that design and 28 construction activities are undertaken with knowledge of accountability for the operation and maintenance over the following five years. This will foster the selection of a robust design incorporating careful consideration of the challenging environment presented by the remoteness of South Tarawa. The proposed site layout of the desalination facility is shown in Figure 4.2. Figure 4.2 - Proposed site layout of the desalination plant Bores within property boundary Source: GHD, 2017a The desalination plant (shown within the red dashed lines) and the borehole locations (red dots) will be located within an area currently used by Dai Nippon Construction Company (Betio-Bairiki causeway contractor) (green outline). Figure 4.3 shows the layout plan and the area needed for the desalination system (approximately 36.4 m by 23 m). 29 Figure 4.3 - Site plan for the desalination plant Source: GHD, 2017a Source of feed water and conveyance The feed water to the plant will be sourced from 12 constructed bore wells which will be located within the proposed boundary of the desalination plant (Figure 4.2). Each well will be drilled approximately 20 - 30 meters apart and to a depth of approximately 35 meters. This depth is within the Pleistocene limestone with high salinity groundwater (see Section 3). Sourcing the feed water at this depth was selected because it will not impose adverse impact on the overlying freshwater lens that is used by the local community. There will be seven wells needed for the initial four desalination reverse osmosis systems with two additional wells that will provide spare pumping capacity. Another three wells will be required to allow for two future SWRO systems planned. The locations of these three wells are not shown in Figure 4.2. The feed water obtained from wells below the aquifer are naturally filtered and has more constant solute and impurity levels. The quality of feed water adopted for the preparation of SWRO concept design is shown in Table 4.1. Water quality testing is required during the next stage of the project to verify actual water quality. Table 4.1 - Feed water quality Parameter Units High salinity Low salinity pH 8.2 8.2 Sodium mg/L 11,002 9,169 Potassium mg/L 399 333 Calcium mg/L 426 355 Magnesium mg/L 1,325 1,104 30 Strontium mg/L 13 11 Parameter Units High salinity Low salinity Chloride mg/L 19,796 16,496 Sulphate mg/L 2,764 2,303 Bromide mg/L 68 56 Carbonate mg/L 30 25 Bicarbonate mg/L 148 124 Fluoride mg/L 1 1 Borate mg/L 28 23 TDS mg/L 36,000 30,000 Source: GHD, 2017a Pre-treatment Media filtration is proposed to attain a quality of feed water with turbidity less than 1 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) or as close to 0.1NTU as possible, and silt density Index (SDI) of less than 5. The media has dual media beds with anthracite as the top layer and silica sand as the lower layer. Ten filters are proposed so that the full production of 4,000m3/day can be achieved if one filter is out of service. To contain filtered feed-water it is proposed that a 50m3 filtrate tank is installed downstream of the media filter and a low pressure forwarding pumps is installed upstream of the high-pressure reverse osmosis pumps. To allow for the tank overflow, an overflow pipe is proposed to run in parallel to the brine line and the sewage outfall pipe and terminate at the tidal reef flat close to the beach. Regular backwash occurring once every 24 hours to remove captured suspended solids from the filters is essentially required. To achieve the backwash process two backwash pumps are required operating at duty/standby configuration. Cartridge filter From the low pressure forwarding pump, the filtered water then passes through the cartridge filter (nominal filtration to 5 microns) to remove any fine contaminants that might be present downstream of the media filtration system. The cartridge filters are to be installed on each of the reverse osmosis skids. Reverse osmosis system All equipment associated with a 1000m3/day reverse osmosis system will be installed on a skid that can be easily transported by a 40ft container and installed on a plinth constructed as part of the floor slab in the building. Each skid will have the following; low pressure forwarding pump, cartridge filter, antiscaling dosing pump, high pressure pump, pressure vessel rack containing reverse osmosis elements, energy 31 recovery device, booster pump for the energy recovery device, high pressure and low-pressure piping, manual and automated valves, instrumentation and remote IO cubicle. The water is fed into the reverse osmosis system after the filtration process by the high-pressure pump. To maintain the setpoint permeate production of 1,000m3/day and system recovery of 43% an automated control system will be installed to automatically adjust pump speed and hence the inlet pressure to the reverse osmosis membrane. The energy requirement to operate the RO system is high. However, there are currently available technologies that are being used to conserve energy in the reverse osmosis operation. In seawater reverse osmosis, the formation of calcium carbonate scales over the membrane is inevitable reducing its performance over time. For this project, it is proposed that a central storage tank housing the anti-scalant with a dosing pump be installed on each reverse osmosis skid. The anti-scalant is a phosphate- based chemical used on a continuous basis for injection into the feed stream to the reverse osmosis system. The estimated dose rate is 2 mg/L. Additionally, regular chemical cleaning of each reverse osmosis system is also required three times per year to maintain high performance. The chemical to be used depends on the type of fouling and therefore cleaning that is required: • Citric acidic cleaning to remove metals and salts (carbonates) precipitates. Usually the concentration used is 2%; • Alkaline detergent cleaning to remove fouling caused by organics, colloids or biofouling. The chemical used is sodium lauryl sulfate and usually applied at 0.025% concentration. The estimated time between cleaning operations is 1 month; and, • Biocide cleaning to remove fouling from bacteria, yeast and fungi. Usually this cleaning is very unlikely to be applied. The final selection of chemicals will be decided by the supplier of the reverse osmosis systems. It is not expected that there will be significant changes to the ones identified. Flushing of the membrane by fresh water produced from the system is also required for normal shutdown to displace saline feed water and to flush cleaning solution from the system after the chemical cleaning process. Where the RO system will not be required due to low demand, recirculating of a 1% sodium bisulphite solution within the system is needed to preserve the membrane. The waste from the chemical cleaning process will be discharged to a 40m3 sump to be located within the desalination plant compound (exact site to be determined in detail design by contractor). Post-treatment Based on the Concept Design Report33, the quantity of the chemicals required in the remineralisation process is considerably high. 90 kg of 90% purity hydrated lime and 96 kg/day of carbon dioxide which are not readily available in Kiribati and must be imported on a continuous basis. Further, the above quantity will add 37 mg/l of total dissolved solids (TDS) to the final drinking water. It is therefore 33 GHD, 2017a. 32 proposed not to include any form of remineralisation in the desalination facility. The reticulation systems are predominantly plastic piping with few concrete structures that will be impacted by this level of CCPP. However, treating the permeate with chlorine will still be applied. Chlorination is based upon the use of gaseous chlorination as currently practiced in South Tarawa. The recommended dose is 3 mg/L. Brine disposal The maximum volume of brine flow rate for each of the reserve osmosis rack is 7,953 m3 per day (Table 4.2 - ) when all the six racks are installed. For the four racks that will be installed in the proposed Project, the maximum flow rate is 5,302 m3 per day or 61.37 L/s. Table 4.2 - Brine flow rate Number of Volume of brine produced Brine Flow (L/s) operating racks per day (m3) 1 1326 15.34 2 2651 30.68 3 3977 46.03 4 5302 61.37 5 6628 76.71 6 7953 92.05 Source: GHD, 2017a At a recovery of 43%, the brine will be 1.75 times the concentration of the feed water. In addition to the brine, which is the major component of the total waste flow from the desalination system, the other components include; • Backwash and maturation flow from the filter backwash sequence with an estimated daily volume of 290 m3. • Neutralized water from chemical cleaning sump which will be discharged intermittently at approximately monthly interval. The expected quantity is about 20m3 per cleaning operation. • Seawater flush in the final stage of chemical cleaning operation. The flow rate is about 27m/s for a period of about 10 minutes. Table 4.3 shows the expected salinity level of the combine effluent once the brine is combined with the raw sewage. Table 4.3 - Combined brine and sewage discharge volume and salinity Operation Drinking water Brine flow rate Brine salinity production m3/day mg/L m3/day 33 Normal 3000 5,705 54,800 Peak 4000 7,030 56,350 Future 6000 9,681 58,200 Source: GHD, 2017a. The total waste to be disposed will be routed from the desalination facility directly to the existing outfall pipeline at the outfall pump station. This is located across the road where it will be combined with raw sewage and subsequently discharged to the ocean through the existing DN 300 PE outfall pipeline. To allow the brine to be discharged through the sewage outfall pipeline the existing gravity flow system will be converted to a pressurized system. The works required to change the system include: • Installation of a new sump downstream of the existing screen to accept screened effluent; • Procurement of two additional submersible pumps that will pressurize the system; • Mechanical and electrical installation of the submersible pumps in the new sump; • Control system to maintain controlled flow from new pumps, irrespective of the brine flow rate; • Modification of existing outfall piping to accept sewage inflow from pumping station and brine from desalination plant; and • Connection of brine into the modified outfall pipeline. Figure 4.4 shows brine from the desalination plant (blue arrow) and the additional work (enclosed in green box) required at the outfall pump station to change the system from gravity to pressure feed. The outfall is equipped with a diffuser system that has 12 outlet ports located at a depth of between 25 to 30 meters. 34 Figure 4.4 - Direction of brine from desalination plant Source: GHD, 2017a The alignment and location of the Betio outfall is shown in Figure 4.5. 35 Figure 4.5 - Betio sewage outfall pipeline route Source: Fellenius Consultants/Maritime Constructions Inc, 201738 Power supply The desalination plant will be run on the exiting PUB power grid, supported by a new solar PV plant, with a backup generator provided. It is expected that PUB will install two additional high-speed electrical generators at its PUB sites in Betio with constant power supply adding more stability to electricity source. Summary In summary, the main activities involved in construction of the desalination plant are: • Construction of the building that will house the desalination plant and a raised platform within the building for each of 1000 m3 RO skids; • Drilling of boreholes and well construction; • Construction of a 40m3 sump to store the wastewater from the chemical cleaning process; • Installation of chlorination and chemical cleaning facility as part of the desalination plant;  Installation of standby generator and electrical components of the desalination system; 38 Fellenius Consultants/Maritime Constructions Inc., 2017 • Pipe connection between the different components of the desalination system; 36 • Trenching activities for construction of transmission pipe of permeate to the storage tank located at the existing PUB water storage tank in Betio; • Trenching activities for construction of transmission pipe of brine to the existing outfall pipeline; and • Upgrade work on the existing outfall system. Subcomponent 1.2: Expanded and modernized water supply network This subcomponent will support the significant upgrade to, and expansion of, the water transmission and distribution networks to achieve full service coverage across South Tarawa through piped water connections. The system will be upgraded to have adequate capacity to meet water demands up to year 2040. The works will include: (i) implementation and upgrades of primary pumping systems at the Buota and Bonriki groundwater lenses, and at the desalination plant in West Betio; (ii) implementation of additional ground storage, replacement and upgrades of reticulation networks in communities across South Tarawa; (iii) networks expansions to the currently unserved areas or Bonriki North and Buota. Although most works on the distribution system will entail the replacement of existing infrastructure, the future system will follow the same general hydraulic architecture consisting in a succession of distribution zones gravity-supplied by head tanks, which are connected to the transmission main running between the desalination plant and the Bonriki water production system. The project foresees the creation of sixteen district metered areas and the installation of metered house connections, which will allow for detailed and continuous non-revenue water assessment. Implementation of the distribution network will be carried out in part by PUB with the help of community labor for earthworks, building on KAP-III successful experience in the three pilot villages. This component is expected to benefit the entire population of South Tarawa outside of the KAP-III pilot areas, where infrastructure is already being upgraded. Water supply infrastructure A full list of the water supply infrastructure within the supply network on South Tarawa and Betio that requires upgrading can be found in Appendix 3. In summary, the main activities involved include; (i) upgrading of the chlorination storage facility from an open ventilated facility to an international compliance standard and the chlorination gas cylinder from the existing direct injection to flow paced; (ii) renewal of a water transmission main at Temwaiku village from the existing DN100 to DN200 PE100 capacity; (iii) installation of a new DN160 PE100 transmission main at Buota village; (iv) installation of new 22kl ground tank at Buota with a booster pump; (v) installation of new ground water tanks of varying capacities with appropriate booster pumps to serve 2040 demand at existing locations of overhead storage tanks on South Tarawa; 37 (vi) installation of a new water reticulation network at Buota and expansion of the network at Bonriki to area that currently has no reticulated supply; (vii) Installation of new PE pipelines and meters to replace the existing reticulation network at Temwaiku, Hospital at Nawerewere, Bangantebure, Eita, Tebunia, Ambo, Banraeaba, Antemai, Teaoraereke and Bairiki. Figure 4.6 illustrates the supply network and existing water storage infrastructure along the island. Note that some of the upgrading works will be undertaken through Kiribati Adaptation Program Phase Three (KAP III) which is addressing non-revenue water in South Tarawa. 38 Figure 4.6 - Existing water network diagram Subcomponent 1.3: Solar photovoltaic power plant This subcomponent will include the construction of a 2500kW ground mounted, fixed centralized solar photovoltaic (PV) array with a 2000 kW solar smoothing energy storage (SSES) system to be connected to the grid. The power supply to the desalination facility when it is operating at peak production will be around 500 kW. The PV array will offset around 98% of the demand of the entire system, including the desalination plant and water supply pumping systems. The proposed works also include an upgrade to the existing 11 kV power network to cater for the additional energy demand associated with the desalination plant. The PV Solar will be installed at the Bonriki water reserve area. The exact location of the array will depend on a number of considerations (land use, technical, community consultation etc) however will 39 be located within the overall reserve area. Early investigations indicate the area identified in Figure 4.7 may be appropriate however this will be validated (and adjusted as necessary to ensure the various considerations are met/optimized) during project implementation. Figure 4.7 – Proposed location of the solar PV power plant The total land area required is approximately 3 hectares (30,000 m3). Land related aspects will be managed during implementation by the project Resettlement Framework and updated Resettlement Plan.. Proposed implementation schedule and workforce component Following the approval of the project’s detail design and the completion of bidding documents toward mid-2019, implementation of construction is expected to commence shortly after the contractor/s is or are identified. The workforce will be small-scale. It is expected that most of the skilled labor force (90%) will be sourced locally, with expatriates filling the supervisory, skilled plant operation and management positions. 40 Component 2: Institutional strengthening and project management This component is designed to contribute to the sustainability of water-related investments funded under Component 1 and to help improve the operational efficiency and financial viability of PUB. It will include four subcomponents: Subcomponent 2.1: Support to desalination plant O&M This subcomponent will support the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the desalination plant over a five-year period by a private contractor, which will have previously carried out plant design and construction through a DBO contract. The O&M component of this contract will include specific performance targets for operation and maintenance, such as energy efficiency. In addition to ensuring reliability of the plant and water supply over that period, this component will be designed to help build the capacity of PUB to undertake the plant’s O&M independently in the future: a mentoring and capacity transfer role will be outlined as a key component in the scope of the DBO contractor’s services. It is envisaged that, as the O&M component of the contract and STWSP approach completion, PUB will review their internal capacity to independently undertake the plant’s O&M and assess whether to continue with outsourced support (if so, likely at a smaller scale, given capacity development to be achieved throughout the five-year contract). Subcomponent 2.2: Support to water supply system O&M This subcomponent will support the O&M of the water supply network, storage infrastructure and pumping systems over a five-year period by a private O&M contractor. The O&M contractor will also be responsible for supervising the construction of these infrastructure, as foreseen under subcomponent 1.2. Performance targets are expected to include areas such as continuity of service, non-revenue water, energy efficiency and water quality compliance. Similar to the objectives of the O&M contract for the desalination plant, the network O&M contract will play a key role in building PUB capacities to undertake preventive, predictive and breakdown maintenance of the network, to ensure sound asset management and availability of spares and equipment in-country, which is critical for remote islands with long lead-times for spares. Mentoring and capacity transfer role of the private contractor will be outlined as a key component in the scope of the firm’s services. The objective will be to ensure that PUB acquires the required capacity to over operation and maintenance of all assets at the end of the 5-year contracts. Subcomponent 2.3: Technical assistance and vocational training This subcomponent will support the delivery of technical assistance to PUB over customer service and billing, human resources, financial management and asset management. This subcomponent will support the delivery of vocational training to administration and technical staff, and mentoring and training to managers in PUB. This will include activities such as: (i) training to technical staff in water industry operations and associated English language, computing and foundation skills to attain qualifications per internationally recognized competence standards; (ii) training to electrical technicians to meet on-the-job requirements for a Certificate in Electrotechnology; (iii) training and mentoring targeted at PUB and MISE managers with a view towards developing whole of project management skills, including contract management and procurement skills; and (iv) training in customer services for administration staff. 41 Subcomponent 2.4: Project management and sector strengthening This subcomponent will support MISE in project management, design and supervision activities. This includes hiring consulting services to undertake (i) surveys to facilitate detailed design of project infrastructure; (ii) detailed design of water supply network infrastructure; (iii) procurement support to MFED, MISE and PUB, including preparation of bidding documents, bid evaluation and contract award; (iv) supervision of works; (v) safeguards support and community engagement in preparation for project activities; and (vi) sector studies such as a review of water and sewerage sector regulation, in particular in the areas of tariff setting and provision of Community Service Obligations. The subcomponent will also finance the operating costs of a project management unit (PMU), responsible for the overall implementation of the STWSP including the day-to-day project activities, compliance with the provisions of the grant and project agreements and government policies and guidelines, project administration, preparation of grant withdrawal applications, and the implementation of environment and social safeguards within the project, including the GAP. A project implementation assistance (PIA) consultancy firm will be hired to support the PMU in project management and supervision, including management and coordination of safeguards. The TOR and selection of the PIA firm will place a strong emphasis on capacity transfer. Component 3: Water, sanitation and hygiene awareness This subcomponent involves the implementation of a comprehensive and intensive 5-year ‘WASH Awareness Program (WAP)’ in South Tarawa by an international NGO (INGO) supported by local civil society organizations (CSOs) at the community level. The WAP is seen as critical to support significant transformations in population’s water use and behavior key to project success, such as: a) restoring confidence towards PUB and the quality of its supplied water; b) deterring further use of unsafe water sources for consumptive use; c) paying for water according to metered consumption; d) conserving water despite its apparent abundance at the tap. Three programs are proposed to form the WAP: (a) Part A ‘Water for Life’: A water focused communication and engagement program that expands on the PUB’s existing information, education and communications program and extends across all of South Tarawa. ‘Water for Life’ will focus on the implementation of the new water supply system, user pays, and 24-hour metered supply to facilitate a smooth transition by households to the new conditions. It will be led by PUB with support from MISE. Objectives include ‘enhancing water conservation understanding and practice’, and ‘enhancing customer best use and maintenance practices for the service’ to improve water demand management and encourage the community’s ownership of the project. Further, the objectives surrounding ‘strengthen trust in the service and provider’ and ‘create acceptance and demand for the PUB safe and reliable water service’ are highly relevant to climate mitigation, given current practices surrounding burning kerosene to boil water. In the event that the lens supply is not available, and rationing is implemented, awareness raising and community outreach through this activity will be essential to ensure public acceptance and participation in rationing strategies; (b) Part B ‘WASH Community Partnership’: A broader WASH behaviour change campaign with a focus on tackling behaviours linked to climate change adaptation, climate mitigation benefits, water security and safety, sanitation, hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, and solid waste management. 42 This program will expand on and align with the STSISP community engagement program. This program will be led by an INGO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS); (c) Part C ‘Walk the Talk’ – A program focused on strengthening the enabling environment (including policy, regulations, institutional capacity and leadership) required for comprehensive and sustainable adaptation to climate change, behaviour change, and effective sector coordination. This part will be led by MISE. Component 4: Project management Staff from MISE/PUB as well as individual consultants will staff the project management unit housed within MISE. In the selection of PMU consultants and their Terms of Reference (TOR), a strong emphasis will be placed on capacity transfer and mentoring. The PMU will be the core unit responsible for the overall implementation of the STWSP including the day-to-day project activities, compliance with the provisions of the grant and project agreements and government policies and guidelines, project administration, preparation of grant withdrawal applications, and maintenance of records. Component 5: Sanitation pilot and water reserves management This component has two subcomponents: Subcomponent 5.1: Sanitation pilot This subcomponent will finance the implementation of pilot sanitation models to upgrade current sanitation services and provide an acceptable alternative to a costly expansion of sewerage systems across all of South Tarawa beyond the areas targeted by the current ADB financed project. The models will be recommended by the NZ MFAT study now initiated as part of donor collaboration under the project. Sanitation activities will focus in priority on (but not be limited to) the three KAP-III village pilots (representing about 280 households) where 24/7 water supply is being introduced early 2018. The activities include: (i) investments in sanitation infrastructure; (ii) technical assistance and training to support community-based organizations and their supporting structures. The goal of the overall Sanitation activity is for improved water, sanitation and hygiene leading to a healthier, resilient, and prosperous Kiribati. Subcomponent 5.2: Water reserves management This subcomponent will support improvement in aquifers quality monitoring by enhancing MISE’s capacity (skills, instrumentation, procedures) to continuously watch for signs of groundwater pollution in various points of the reserves. A more detailed hydrogeological assessment of aquifer vulnerability to anthropogenic pollution across the reserves will inform measures proposed under Recommendation 2. The subcomponent will also develop and implement sustainable management plans (SMPs) for the Buota and Bonriki water reserves through public participation and community engagement. This approach is similar to the KAP III 2014 initiative to put in place SMPs and establish a system for management of the two water reserves but excludes resettlement of households on the reserves prior to or as part of the SMP preparation process. SMPs objectives and actions are to be defined through the facilitation of a consultative process with key stakeholders aiming by, for example: (i) determining prohibited, allowed and “protective” uses to reduce impacts of reserves occupants, (ii) developing education and awareness programs, (iv) providing low cost, low maintenance physical protection of the reserves, agreeing on community involvement in reserves management and in policing access / uses, in 43 complement to a framework of formal policing, penalties and incentives, (iii) identifying revenue generation potential and how this can be leveraged to improve reserves management, and (v) possibly improving policy, law and regulation to strengthen SMPs’ legal basis. 4.2 Analysis of alternatives Alternative to the desalination plant The alternative supplementary sources of water were assessed in the Tarawa Water Master Plan 2010203034 report and were also addressed in the environmental assessment that accompanied the South Tarawa Water Supply Options Assessment Desalination Feasibility Study.35 The water sources included: bulk importation by ship, constructed rainwater catchment, recycling, the construction of island for groundwater collection and pumping, and construction of a SWRO water plant. The Master Plan assessment concluded the following: • Bulk importation is extremely expensive and might only be suitable to emergency only, • Rainwater catchment is constrained by vulnerability to prolonged drought, shortage of space, high costs, and difficulties with keeping the water free of contamination. • The scope of water recycling is limited as extensive recycling of water sourced from household wells already occurs throughout Tarawa. • The construction of an island for ground water collection is capital intensive and would pose several environmental problems associated with the substantial amount of aggregates needed to create such an island • The saltwater reverse osmosis option was adopted as the most economical means to augment water supply on South Tarawa, provided it can be effectively maintained throughout 10 years and more. The system can be containerized and hence tested for workability according to design preference and performance before shipment, located in area of highest demand and direct connection to the existing water supply network, limited land area requirement, producing high quality of water, and that the system can incorporate an energy recovery system that reduces the amount of energy used by the plant. Alternative location of desalination plant and brine disposal Twelve different sites (Table 4.4) were proposed and considered for the location of the desalination plant. More detail on the 12 site options considered is provided in Appendix 2. Table 4.4 - Proposed sites for the desalination plant Site # Description 1 Vacant land opposite the Parliament in Ambo 2 Abaokoro on the ocean side in Ambo 34 White, I. 2010. 35 GOK & ADB. 2012. 44 3 Land to the west of the Nanikai landfill site 4 Land on the eastern end of the Bairiki causeway 5 Land in Betio, on the ocean side between the WW2 heritage artifacts and Taiwan Park 6 Land in Betio, eastern area used by Nippon Causeway contractor, Betio 7 Some of the land currently occupied by the meteorological office, Betio 8 Land currently occupied for container storage, Betio 9 Land in Betio, western area used by Nippon Causeway contractor 10 Location on Bonriki Water Reserve 11 PUB Water Yard up to and including McConnell Dowell site/MPWU Civil yard 12 Bairiki end of Dai Nippon Causeway (South) currently occupied by Ferris wheel In summary, the lands with private ownership (sites 1 and 2) were eliminated due to complications with land procurement. Identification of landowners involves court proceeding that can last for more than a year. Sites 3 and 5 are zoned as open space and therefore were eliminated based on social sensitivity of the area. A transmission tower is located on Site 4 and would create limitations on land area with significant impact on site layout. Furthermore, the site is not ideal for sourcing feed water from the bores. Site 10 at Bonriki is not ideal as a major portion of the land is swampy and is not ideal for construction, bores will be remote from desalination plant and require their own electrical power system. A new water transmission pipeline from Bonriki will also be required possibly connecting to the existing pipeline around Ambo. Strategically, it is preferable to have two water supply systems located at either end of South Tarawa with the SWRO plant located at Betio where population density is highest and located furthest from the Bonriki groundwater reserve. Site 12 at Bairiki was considered as it is also close to Betio. However, the site is too sandy and there may be a need to improve soil bearing capacity. It is located in close proximity to residential area and the church, so the noise level was also considered. Additionally, the area is prone to destructive waves during extreme westerly bad weather event thus a coastal protection structure would be needed bearing additional cost. Site 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11 are all located at Betio and are mostly suitable for the desalination plant. Site 11 was eliminated as PUB will be relocated to the site. Even if the site is available the total length of pipeline required for brine discharge is around 2.8 km running through the residential area. Site 6, 7 and 8 are also ideal locations but extra distance is needed to run the brine discharge to the ocean to miss the cemetery and residential buildings. The preferred location selected is site 9. It is preferred because it is located more than 100 meters from the shoreline and therefore will not be exposed to coastal wave events which might cause local inundation. The ocean outfall pump station that can provide a means of brine disposal is located across the road, saving approximately more than US$2 million from building an independent outfall system for the plant. Furthermore, the site is already significantly disturbed so additional construction activities will not significantly impact flora or fauna. 45 Alternative to desalination design Seawater desalination can be achieved through reverse osmosis and distillation. Distillation is a phase separation method whereby saline water is heated to produce water vapor, which is then condensed to produce freshwater. The various distillation processes used to produce potable water, including MultiStage-Flash, Multiple Effect, Vapor Compression, and Waste-Heat Evaporators, all generally operate on the principle of reducing the vapor pressure of water within the unit to permit boiling to occur at lower temperatures, without the use of additional heat. Distillation units routinely use designs that conserve as much thermal energy as possible by interchanging the heat of condensation and heat of vaporization within the units. The major energy requirement in the distillation process thus becomes providing the heat for vaporization to the feed water. However, the methods require high levels of technical input for operation and maintenance. Reverse osmosis, a preferred design, does not require the need to vaporize the water, but only the use of membranes with controlled pore size, separating water from the saline solution. Alternative to feed-water sources The alternative feed water sources are the underground blackish water and the coastal seawater. Although the underground blackish water has lower salinity and therefore reduced energy requirements for desalination, it is polluted with variable concentration of solutes that can lead to operational difficulties. The coastal seawater on the other hand tends to contain variable solutes and it is a highly turbid environment requiring more effort to filter. The feed water obtained from bore holes below the aquifer are naturally filtered and has more constant solute and impurity levels. Alternative to brine delivery pipeline Apart from the preferred alternative, where a simple excavation across the road is done to provide sufficient work space to lay the transfer pipeline for brine discharge from the desalination plant to sump at the ocean outfall pump station, construction using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is another option. The HDD is used to bore through the ground and involves a GPS-guided drill head creating a bore hole from the surface at the outlet of the desalination, to a few meters below the surface under the road to the desire location at the pump station. The technique can maneuver the drill head horizontally and vertically to maintain the required angle and route. The technique will enable the placement of the borehole through the ground and feeding the brine transfer pipe through the borehole, avoiding the need to dig trenches which would damage the newly completed tar sealed road surface at which the pipe can be laid. Horizontal directional drilling is done with the help of a viscous fluid known as drilling fluid. It is a mixture of water and, usually, bentonite or polymer continuously pumped to the cutting head or drill bit to facilitate the removal of cuttings, stabilize the bore hole, cool the cutting head, and lubricate the passage of the product pipe. The drilling fluid is sent into a machine called a reclaimer which removes the drill cuttings and maintains the proper viscosity of the fluid. Drilling fluid holds the cuttings in suspension to prevent them from clogging the bore. A clogged bore creates back pressure on the cutting head, slowing production. For environmental compliance, the viscous fluid must be recovered for proper disposal. 46 The method is constrained by the availability of freshwater, a scarce resource on the island. The use of HDD is further constrained by the fact that it works best with solid rock. Most of the ground materials on the atoll island a few meters below surface is sand. The existing underground utilities are also vulnerable to damage and repair may require trenching. Excavating across the road is preferred as only compacting and resurfacing of the small excavated road surface area is required. The existing machinery used on the road project which will be used by Dai Nippon Construction to rehabilitate the Bairiki-Betio causeway can be used for the work. Location alternatives for PV solar system The proposed site is located within the Bonriki water reserve area away from the public and therefore there will be no social disturbance during the construction and operation of the installment. Clearing of trees (coconut trees, pandanus trees and scrubs) will be minimal and should be contained within the recommended area to install the PV modules and other appurtenances required. The area is accessible by unpaved dirt road. An alternative to this site is the use of roof tops of several government and Church owned high school buildings. This alternative will mean that the system will be installed in small units due to the area restrictions of the roof top adding to the complication of installation, operation and future maintenance. The ‘no project’ alternative The no-project scenario is a continuation of the status quo, with continued reliance on contaminated harvested rainwater and on the limited groundwater resource in Bonriki/Buota, supplemented by continued use of contaminated shallow groundwater supplies in inhabited areas elsewhere. Without the project, the per capita water supply becomes increasingly restricted due to population growth and the effects of climate change, while contamination risks increase and public health outcomes worsen. The main implications of the no project alternative are that the current water shortage problem will worsen in the immediate future. Additional demand on the existing water reserves will increase to the level that it will no longer be able to sustainably supply potable water, if the current extraction rate continues from the freshwater lens source. The health risks that are related to insufficient and poor quality of water will increase. Additional climate change associated increases in sea level rise and the frequency of inundation events may catastrophically impact the present system of infiltration galleries, where groundwater is extracted for the current water system, as seawater inundation would render the shallow groundwater non-potable. 4.3 Project benefits The project uses a mix of approaches to increase the quantity, quality and availability of safe water in South Tarawa. A mix of approaches, including physical infrastructure and “soft” approaches such as behavioural change programs, is appropriate due to the complexity of the water issues faced in South Tarawa. The overall benefits of the Project will be increased access to potable safe water, and improved health and sanitation practices for the residents of South Tarawa. 47 Public health benefits The project will provide new infrastructure to increase the supply of safe water to consumers on South Tarawa by 4,000 m3 per day from 2022-2030, and by a further 2,000 m3 per day from 2030 onwards. The project will provide a continuous (24/7) potable water supply to all consumers at acceptable pressure and will ensure that residents have access to at least 57 lcd (litres per capita per day) of safe water, through 2040. The additional clean water from the desalination plan and rehabilitated water infrastructure proposed in this project will ensure that the wider community have access to safer water and that the recommended 50 liters per person benchmark for ensuring low levels of health concern is achieved, limiting negative health issues that are related to poor water quality and insufficient quantity. The public health outcomes will be substantial as morbidity and fatalities from water borne disease in South Tarawa will be reduced. 24/7 access to piped water will ensure residents do not have to resort to using contaminated groundwater supplies, and households have sufficient water available to meet needs for consumption, personal and food hygiene, laundry and bathing. This will in turn result in a reduction of waterborne disease, reducing the burden on the health system. The primary beneficiaries are communities in South Tarawa, particularly women and children. The Project will implement long-term coordinated and continuing behavioural change programs. It will work with the communities to improve sanitation practices and protection of the water reserve. It will increase community understanding of responsible water use, conservation and protection of water sources. Better health and education will result. It will also upgrade current sanitation services and provide an acceptable alternative to a costly expansion of sewerage systems across all of South Tarawa. Public awareness activities targeted at women are likely to improve children’s health and behavior, such as encouraging the use of hand-washing. The WASH awareness program will address household water treatment and safe storage as well as access to appropriate hygiene facilities for women and girls (such as hand washing facilities with soap and water and private menstrual hygiene management facilities) at home, at school and in clinics. Proper hygiene facilities will play an important role in enabling improved attendance for girls and female teachers in schools. Socio-economic benefits For small islands, the major challenges with RO are the production costs and the difficulty of finding and maintaining trained personnel36. The issues faced in managing water in Tarawa are complex, wideranging and diverse, but there are very few adequately trained people to deal with them37 More vocational training and professional development opportunities will build capacity on the island and will reduce the financial risks of installing new infrastructure. Jobs will also be generated during project implementation and preference for employment in the project will be given to affected people or members of their families. Improvement in health of individuals will also result in improved economic situation through people being more productive and reducing absenteeism. Furthermore, the project will reduce economic and 36 White, I. 2010. 37 White, I. 2010. 48 social exclusion of poor and vulnerable groups by improving access to safe and reliable water supply in South Tarawa, where around 24% of the population is below the basic needs poverty line. The primary beneficiaries are communities in South Tarawa, particularly women and children. Women will benefit from improved water supply via (i) reduced burden of collecting water from other sources and treating it through boiling; (ii) improved productivity with reduced incidence of sickness and disease among household members. Additional socio-economic benefits include, improved planning, management, and sustainability of future water supply, improved development planning, and could result in increased tourism potential. Environmental benefits The project will incorporate a renewable energy component with the installation of the new Solar PV plant which will offset the energy requirements of RO and avoid additional greenhouse gas emissions as most energy in South Tarawa is produced from diesel. The project will also lead to increases in water conservation, both through reduced water losses and also through increased water conservation measures. The project will also increase the resilience of the services to climate change by installing a system to provide freshwater to local residents, even if the freshwater aquifer becomes contaminated due to salt water inundation and by locating the new infrastructure at a suitable elevation above the current high tide level. Section 5 – Risk assessment This section of the ESIA identifies, describes, and assesses the potential environmental and social impacts of the physical components of the proposed project. The method used is based on the Risk Assessment Methods outlined in the SPREP publication “Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessment: Guidelines for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories”. This method was used to examine the consequences, probability of occurrence, and relative significance of the identified potential negative impacts associated with the main project components described in Section 4. 5.1 Component 1: Improvement of water supply services This component will aim to improve access to safe water supply services in South Tarawa and resilience of the services to climate change. 5.1.1 Pre-construction and design phase Survey and clearance/disposal of UXO Prior to commencement of any construction activities, a survey for UXO (unexploded ordinances) will be undertaken. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the survey (and disposal) will be prepared by the supervision consultant supporting the PMU. Should UXO be identified, these will be disposed of following established government and police protocols and procedure. Risk assessment of UXO Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Long-term Moderate Possible Low Low 49 Mitigation measures: • Survey • Secure disposal With Local Medium Short-term Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts of establishing working areas Available space on South Tarawa is limited and laydown sites to store containerized building materials may be required outside the project sites. In such event, the use of GOK-leased land or state land should be arranged, or negotiation with land owners if private land is to be utilized. Separate approval may be required by the ECD and needs to be sorted and cleared prior usage of any land. Risk assessment of establishing working areas Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Long-term Moderate Possible Low Medium Mitigation measures: • Use of GOK leased land or state land where possible • If private land is to be used, obtain separate approval from ECD With Local Medium Short-term Minor Improbable Very Low High Climate change and natural hazards risks Planning for the potential impacts of climate variability, and natural hazards, will help to mitigate against potential impacts which may include sea water inundation resulting in failure of water and electrical systems infrastructure, and subsequent loss of public water supply. The risks that are associated with climate change and variability are related to sea level rise, sea surge risks, temperature rise, decreases in rainfall (whether long term or in terms of extreme dry years or season) and storm severity. The main vulnerabilities faced by the people of Tarawa can be summarized as: • Sea-level rise which exacerbates the severity of sea surges, increased rates of coastal erosion and heightened risks to public and private infrastructure; • More intense and more frequent storms which increase risks of damage from sea surges, high winds and strong inundation on public and private infrastructure; and • More frequent and longer periods of drought: which cause both intense short-term difficulty and, of greater concern, long term damage to the freshwater lenses that exist beneath the islets. In addition, the energy consumption from the desalination facility presents a risk to enhancing climate change through increased energy consumption and resulting increased greenhouse gas emissions. Risk assessment of climate change and natural hazards risks Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Island or High Long-term Massive Probable Very high High national 50 Mitigation measures: • Planning new infrastructure at a suitable elevation above the current high tide level (utilizing accurate topographic survey); • Ensuring new infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events, such as sea water inundation; • Selection of renewable system (solar PV) in the design of power supply to support desalination facility; and • Design system to provide treated, safe water to reduce the requirement for consumers to boil water for treatment using green-house gas emitting heating sources. With Island or Medium Medium term Major Possible Medium High national Land and Resettlement impacts As identified in Section 3.8 Land tenure, zoning and use, there are two main types of land tenure in Kiribati – private ownership and state ownership. 95% of land is under traditional private ownership, while 5% is State-owned. The project is expected to have minimal involuntary resettlement (IR) impacts. The desalination plant will be constructed on government long-term lease land, leased until 2040. In all cases government land has been sought for location of the storage tanks and booster pump stations. Where government land was not available, private lands have been identified as potential sites for some of the storage tanks and booster pumps. No relocation of housing or settlements or income restoration will be required. A detailed Resettlement Framework (RF) has been prepared which defines a process to promote impact minimization and (where impacts cannot be avoided) the process and documentation requirements for subsequent resettlement plans (RPs) that have not been prepared yet. In addition to an RP for the solar array (once the location is confirmed during implementation), RPs will also be prepared/updated for other Project components such as the water supply pipe network. . Risk assessment of resettlement impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Locate project on government land whenever possible; • Preparation of resettlement plan;  Compensation of APs; and • Undertake consultation with APs. 51 With Wider Low Medium term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Summary In summary, the significance of the impacts from the pre-construction phase are expected to be low or very low, provided that the mitigations outlined in this section and Section 7 – Environmental and social management are followed. The exception is the climate change and natural hazards risks which are still considered a medium significance risk even with mitigations because of the extent of the potential impact (Island) and the consequences of the impact (massive). The risks for the pre-construction phase, before and after mitigation are summarized in Table 5.1. Table 5.1 - Impact assessment ratings for pre-construction phase Impact Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Survey and clearance of UXO Moderate Possible Low Low With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts of establishing working areas Moderate Possible Low Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Climate change and natural hazards risks Massive Probable Very high High With mitigation Major Possible Medium High Resettlement impacts Moderate Possible Low Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High 5.1.2 Construction phase Subcomponent 1.1 Increase in water production capacity - specific impacts Well construction impacts Subcomponent 1.1 will include boring and construction of 12 wells, in phases, for plant feed water and has the potential to contaminate the fresh water lens with high saline water. Adequate planning for well-depths below the freshwater lens, and proper procedures for well-casing installation, will prevent lens contamination. Monitoring of freshwater lens salinity levels, near the well-field should be planned for. Erosion and sedimentation control plans should be developed for the plant site and for pipeline construction alignment to the pump station, to avoid impacts to marine waters. Risk assessment of well construction Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Planning for well-depths below the freshwater lens; • Proper procedures for well-casing installation; • Monitoring of freshwater lens salinity levels; and • Erosion and sedimentation control plans. 52 With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Aggregate and construction materials impacts The pipes that are associated with the desalination plant will be prefabricated and purchased by the project and will be either stainless steel or plastic, to be decided by the contractor. However, the plant will require some concrete for the pouring of a facility base and the plinth needed for all the reverse osmosis skids. Risks include lack of available materials, and the possibility of weeds and invasive species. Depending on the design specification and contractor’s decision the local aggregates if required can be sourced from Te Atinimarawa Company Limited, the GOK aggregate company. No additional mining for aggregate will be conducted by the project. Risk assessment of impacts from aggregate and construction materials Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Source aggregates from Te Atinimarawa Company Limited • With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Subcomponent 1.2 Institutional strengthening and project management - specific impacts Impacts associated with brine disposal pipe, permeate delivery and upgrading of reticulation system The installation of pipeline requires excavation and may potentially affect underground power cables, tar sealed main road, concrete private driveways, permanent structures and living plants. Risk assessment of brine disposal pipe, permeate delivery and upgrading of reticulation system Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Contractor to appoint experienced site supervisor for each works site; • Contractor to undertake a condition survey prior to any works and planning works to avoid damage to property and plant to the extent practicable. At the start of works the contract supervisor will file a checklist confirming that necessary pre-planning was completed; • Refurbishing of road and disturbed ground to original status. Apart from the road, disturbed ground resulting from earth works will be refilled, vegetation and trees removed along the trenching route will be replaced where necessary. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Probable Low High catchment 53 Impacts associated with upgrading of outfall for disposal of brine The existing sewage outfall pipeline will be utilized for brine disposal, therefore no impacts to the coral reef, fish, and other marine fauna and flora are anticipated from the Project construction phase. The brine discharge as per sewer outfall pipeline route will follow the recommended alignment to minimize impacts to the lagoon marine ecology.38 Likewise upgrading the sewage system at the outfall pump station from gravity feed to a pressurized system will pose no effect on the biological environment around the pumping station as there are no fruit bearing trees on the site. However, overflow and spillage of raw sewage from the sump at the outfall pump station could occur during the upgrading work when the brine pipeline is linked with the sewage outfall pipe. Risk assessment of upgrading of outfall for disposal of brine Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures:  Accounting for the likely overflow and spillage problems in the CESMP; and  Having qualified personnel on site to oversee the upgrading work. With Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Improbable Low High catchment Impacts from water infrastructure improvements Risks include impacts from erosion and sedimentation during construction. Erosion and sedimentation control plans should be developed for the alignment of water reticulation to be rehabilitated, and water storage tanks sites, to avoid impact to terrestrial habitat and marine waters. Risk assessment of risks of water infrastructure improvements Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Minor Probable Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Erosion and sedimentation control plans; and • Stormwater best management practices (BMPs). 38 Fellenius,K. and Hess, D.2015. 54 With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts associated with encroaching onto private property and permanent use of site Work on upgrading the reticulated water supply network will take place within the existing alignments and therefore will not encroach significantly on private property. However, excavation work and the installation of components as well as vehicle movements, present some risk where access is restricted. The locations of permanent ground water tanks could also encroach on private properties. Risk assessment of encroachment onto private property and permanent use of site Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Long-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Consultation with and written approval from land owners for access when intrusion on to private properties is inevitable; and • Formulation of lease agreements in cases where the sites are not leased by Government. With Wider Low Long-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Subcomponent 1.3 Solar photovoltaic power plant - Specific Impacts Site clearance impacts While there are no trees at the proposed location for the desalination plant, some trees will be affected when installing the solar PV system at that site. A few coconut and pandanus trees will be cleared to make space for the PV module array. To minimize the effect, tree clearing will be marked on survey drawing or plan and removal will be restricted to the identified trees/vegetation. All trees that are affected will be compensated for in accordance with local policy. Consultation with the community will be undertaken before the trees are cleared in order to determine compensation arrangements (if required). GOK has a pricing list for all tree crops and other plants to be cleared. This guide the consultation process and compensation will not be lower than the Government rates. This consultation will also include engagement regarding burial and other cultural heritage sites to ensure these areas are avoided in site/route selection. No impact on the burial sites of Bonriki water reserves is expected. The CESMP will include chance-find procedures to manage any impacts associated with encountering unknown or unidentified cultural heritage sites or items. The PIU and supervision team will use the survey plans, government rates, negotiation documentation and consultation outcomes to regularly monitor effective implementation. 55 Earthworks associated with the project have the potential to result in increased sediment runoff entering the coastal marine environment, impacting marine water quality. Earthworks will be required for the construction of the water plant and rehabilitation and replacement of pipeline sections for water systems. Minor earthworks will be associated with the PV electrical system improvements, such as possible power pole replacement. Risk assessment of site clearance impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Use of sediment retention fencing, berms, and sandbags around excavations to restrict the release of sediment from the construction site; • Use of siltation curtains to contain the site area around trenching works on the near shore reef to prevent the release of sediment onto the surrounding reef area; • Immediately re-vegetate and/or stabilize exposed surfaces and stockpiles of excavated materials; and • Monitor water quality for near shore waters adjacent to land base earthworks With Local Low Short-term Minor Probable Low High General risks associated with all construction activities Climate change impacts Construction vehicles, equipment, and generators will emit greenhouse gases during the period of construction but will not be a significant contributor to overall greenhouse gases. Risk assessment of climate change impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Low Short-term Minor Probable Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Construction vehicles, equipment, and generators will be serviced regularly to reduce emissions. • locating construction plant and equipment inland away from the shoreline is required to minimise risk of loss or damage from ocean inundation With Wider Low Short-term Minor Probable Low High catchment 56 Noise impacts Noise will be generated from all constructions sites (desalination plant, upgraded water supply infrastructure, solar PV) during site preparation, delivery, trenching, and work procedures that are required for each component such as metal works, welding, and general carpentry work. Risk assessment of noise impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Highly Medium High catchment probable Mitigation measures:  Restricting the working hours to between 0800 hrs. and 1700 hrs. from Monday to Friday, or Saturday if there is a need to work on the weekend, this is important, especially in areas where residential dwellings are located adjacent to the construction area, as in the desalination construction area and the upgraded water supply infrastructure;  Use of vehicles, plant and equipment, that comply with international standards for construction equipment noise emission, such as Part 204 of US Federal Regulations-Noise Emission Standards for Construction Equipment (40 CFR 204)). Verification of such compliance from the country of origin is required;  The CESMP will include measures to meet the requirements of the WB’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG); and  Maintenance repair should also be routinely performed during the construction phase and making the record available whenever needed to the concerned authority. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High catchment Dust generation and nuisance impacts Dust will be generated on all construction sites during the hauling, delivery, excavation operations, trench refilling and compaction works. To ensure that emissions from diesel generators, vehicles and other machinery are kept within acceptable measures, the Contractor will be required to provide equipment that conforms to international emission standards, verified by emission test certificates and maintenance records, as in the case of control of noise emissions. Risk assessment of dust generation and nuisance impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence 57 Without Wider Low Short-term Minor Probable Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Daily spraying/wetting of the access roads, sites (including excavated trenches for water supply network upgrades) material and stockpiles; • Locations for stockpiles of materials or waste materials will be approved by the PMU/supervision consultant and by the ECD if required; • Loose materials hauled to/from sites will be secured with a tarpaulin to prevent debris; • Ensure emissions are minimal through standardized site management such as dust watering or stockpile covers; • Removal of spoil to stockpile sites or use as refill material; and • Contractor will provide equipment that conforms to international emission standards, verified by emission test certificates and maintenance records, as in the case of control of black smoke emissions. With Local Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High Impacts on terrestrial ecology Land-based earthworks for the subprojects, will not have significant impacts on the existing topography, geology, and soils, or significant terrestrial habitat. The project design proposes that site works will be in the same footprint as the existing water, and electrical infrastructure. The terrestrial ecology has already been extensively modified by the built environment and introduced species, in all areas. There are no protected sites in the project area. The majority South Tarawa community area is a built environment. Observed fauna consists mainly of introduced species such as dogs, cats, and rats. Resident and migratory shorebirds are common along the fringing reef, though typically found away from the residential areas. No surface water resources, or associated flora and fauna, exist on South Tarawa. Construction noise and dust will not have impact on any terrestrial habitat of value, and no mitigation is necessary. Clearing planting sites may cause permanent or temporary disturbances to vegetation. While no known protected flora species have been identified on the project sites, disturbance of vegetation should be minimized. The project will not introduce any alien species that are not yet established in the region of the Project or promote species that are known to be invasive in the given environments. All vessels carrying equipment and materials to the Project will be subject to inspection by agriculture quarantine inspectors and may be refused entry into Kiribati if they are known or suspected of being infected or infested with disease or pests. For sub-project 1.2, erosion and sedimentation control plans should be developed for the alignment of water reticulation to be rehabilitated, and water storage tanks sites, considering the vicinity of works near marine waters. For sub-project 3, vegetation clearing should be kept to the minimum required for PV plant construction and operation, to avoid additional impact to terrestrial habitat. 58 Risk assessment of impacts on terrestrial ecology Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Low Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Prohibition of burning vegetation and residual bushes and grasses when clearing planting sites; • Only cutting flora which are a direct obstacle to project infrastructure works; and • All vessels carrying equipment and materials for the project will be subject to inspection by agriculture quarantine inspectors. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Ecological impacts associated with hazardous materials spills The underground freshwater lens at the project sites could be contaminated from fuel and lubricants leakages. Risk assessment of ecological impacts associated with hazardous materials spills Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider High Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Regular checks for leaking oil or fuel from machinery; • Ensuring that any leaks are promptly repaired and/or parts replaced within two days as part of maintenance of vehicles and equipment to international standards; and • Contractor will implement the measures identified to mitigate the impacts from storage and spillage of hazardous substances and other chemicals and materials. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts from solid waste Limited quantities of solid waste will be generated during the construction period by the contractors. If not properly secured or dispose of the solid waste could cause litter and marine pollution. The contractor is required to minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations. Risk assessment of impacts from solid waste Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence 59 Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Prepare a solid waste management plan; • Separate and store wastes with respect for health and environment. Identify any waste that can be reused or recycled; • Contain all stored wastes in secure receptacles within construction sites and the compound, avoiding littering and runoff; • No waste is to be burned; • Workers will be advised that littering will not be permitted. Waste generated by construction activities at sites will be cleared and disposed of as per the above; • Use recycled or renewable building materials (e.g. timber) where possible; and • Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mixing of different waste and minimize waste disposal into the approved dumping area or landfill. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts associated with hazardous materials Fuels, paints and lubricants will be used, which pose a soil contamination risk if leaked or spilled accidentally. Existing asbestos concrete pipelines may be encountered during excavation works and pose a hazard to human health. Risk assessment of impacts of hazardous materials Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures:  All hazardous materials will be stored at secure and managed sites (bunded and concreted floor and walls), identified by the contractor and approved by the PMU/supervision consultant;  Fuel and oil to be stored in bunded and concreted areas with 110% capacity;  All chemicals will be clearly labelled;  Spill kit, appropriate to the hazardous materials being used, to be kept on-site and workers to be trained in its deployment;  Regular checks for leaking oil or fuel from machinery;  Ensuring that any leaks are promptly repaired and/or parts replaced within two days as part of maintenance of vehicles and equipment to international standards;  Any surplus hazardous materials shall be removed from the island when the contractor demobilizes. 60 The contractor’s workshop will have clearly marked waste disposal bins to store filters, rags and waste oil, for disposal at the landfills; and  All asbestos concrete pipe disposal will be supervised by a competent person, trained in asbestos abatement. Pipe sections will be wrapped and marked with the cautionary statement “Danger Asbestos-Containing Material”. The pipe sections will be buried at an authorized location. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts from materials and plant haulage The haulage of plant and materials to and from works sites and need to relocate services/utilities (and therefore dig up roads and accessways) will create temporary traffic disruptions and pose a potential risk to pedestrian safety. Risk assessment of impacts from materials and plant haulage Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Probable Medium High catchment Mitigation measures: • Contractor to prepare a traffic management plan (TMP) for the duration of civil works as part of the CESMP; and • Advance notification (through radio and newspaper) to advise road closures, detours and the like to facilitate work activities. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High catchment Social conflict impacts Social conflict between expatriate and local workers could arise due to cultural differences. In order to minimize this risk is essential that expatriates are provided with information on Kiribati culture, including dressing code, sexually transmitted diseases, and other essential social factors. The contractor will be required to prepare a code of conduct for bid submission consistent with World Bank bid document requirements and the employer’s environmental, social, health and safety policy. The agreed code of conduct will be applied at all times. The proposed code of conduct is detailed in Table 7.3 in Section 7 – Environmental and social management Risk assessment of impacts from social conflict Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Island, Medium Short-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium national 61 Mitigation measures: • Contractor to provide information on Kiribati culture (obtained from PMU) to the expatriate workers; and • Develop and enforce code of conduct. With Island, Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High national Occupational and community health and safety impacts Work on the desalination plant, upgrade of water supply infrastructure and installation of the solar PV system will pose some potential hazards to both workers and the public, resulting from construction works, excavation, vehicle movements and the use of electrical power. In order to minimize these risks, all health and safety requirements will comply with the EHSG. The EHSG plan is detailed more in Section 7 – Environmental and social management, specifically in Table 7.3. Risk assessment of impacts from occupational health and safety Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Develop EHSG plan; and • Monitor compliance with EHSG. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Impact on underground service utilities and other disruptions During construction, service outages may be necessary or occur due to accidental damage of underground service utilities and disruptions to the public due to impacts to local traffic. Whilst accidental damage cannot be entirely controlled the risk can be mitigated by ensuring the contractor has access to all information from PUB on underground service locations. Furthermore, any planned interruptions where services are required to be relocated or temporarily stopped during construction for safety of workers, consultation of local residents is required prior to commencing works. The contractor must also put in place measures to control traffic movement to avoid congestion. Risk assessment of impacts on service utilities and other disruptions Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment 62 Mitigation measures:  Ensure contractor has information on underground service locations; and  Contractor puts in place measures to avoid congestion. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Summary In summary, the significance of the impacts from the construction phase are assessed to be low or very low, provided that the mitigations outlined in this section and Section 7 (Tables 7.2 – 7.4) are followed. The exception is the risks from impacts associated with encroaching onto private property and permanent use of site which are assessed to be medium significance even with mitigation measures because the impacts are long-term. The risks for the construction phase, before and after mitigation are summarized in Table 5.2 - Impact assessment ratings for construction phase. Table 5.2 - Impact assessment ratings for construction phase Impact Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Well construction impacts Moderate Possible Low Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Aggregate and construction materials impacts Moderate Possible Low Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Brine disposal pipe, permeate delivery and Moderate Probable Medium Medium upgrading of the reticulated system impacts With mitigation Minor Probable Low High Impacts associated with upgrading of outfall for Moderate Possible Low Medium disposal of brine With mitigation Moderate Improbable Low High Impact Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Impacts from water infrastructure improvements Minor Probable Low Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts from encroaching onto private property Moderate Probable Medium Medium and permanent use of site With mitigation Moderate Probable Medium Medium Site clearance impacts Moderate Probable Medium Medium With mitigation Minor Probable Low High Climate change impacts Minor Probable Low High With mitigation Minor Probable Low High Noise impacts Moderate Highly-probable Medium High With mitigation Minor Possible Very Low High 63 Dust generation and nuisance impacts Minor Probable Low High With mitigation Minor Possible Very Low High Impacts on terrestrial ecology Moderate Possible Low High With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Ecological impacts associated with hazardous Moderate Possible Low Medium material spills With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts from solid waste Moderate Possible Low High With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts associated with hazardous materials Moderate Possible Low High With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impacts from materials and plant haulage Moderate Probable Medium High With mitigation Minor Possible Very Low High Social conflict impacts Moderate Probable Medium Medium With mitigation Minor Possible Very Low High Occupational and community health and safety Moderate Possible Low High impacts With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High Impact on underground service utilities and Moderate Possible Low High other disruptions With mitigation Minor Improbable Very Low High 5.1.3 Operation phase Impacts on physical environment Risk of increase of greenhouse gas emissions from operation of desalination plant Desalination plants are an energy intensive process and hence contribute to global warming due to the greenhouse gasses emitted from the fossil fuels used to drive the system. The generators running on diesel fuel will still be utilized in the proposed desalination plants. However, to compensate for the energy used, a solar PV system will also be installed to offset the energy consumed by the desalination plant. The use of solar PV system will reduce dependence on fossil fuel and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Furthermore, provision of safe, treated water to customers also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the requirement for boiling water using greenhouse gas emitting fuels as the energy source. Risk assessment of increase of greenhouse gas emissions Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Regional Medium Long-term Major Probable High Medium or global 64 Mitigation measures: • Install solar PV system; and • Reduce the need of burning of fossil fuels to boil unsafe water. With Regional Low Short-term Moderate Improbable Low Medium or global Risk associated with the failure of the solar plant Failure of the solar plant could result in an increased requirement of diesel fuel to run the desalination plant while the solar plant is out of commission. These risks can be reduced with regular inspection and maintenance. Risks of failure can also be reduced if proper protection of the installations are adopted to avoid accidents, and the damaging, or unauthorized removal of the technical equipment. It is proposed that unauthorized access be limited by fences and regular inspection and maintenance takes place. The building contractor should also be obligated to provide a relevant training program to the operators. The training will ensure that the infrastructure is operated according to the intended safe procedure, and that preventive and corrective maintenances are undertaken appropriately. Risk assessment of failure of the solar plant Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Regular inspection and maintenance;  Install locked gates; and • Building contractor provides training program for operators. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Risks from generated wastes Wastes from the desalination plant include spent filters and general office wastes. If not properly stored and disposed of, these could contribute to litter and marine pollution. The operator of the desalination facility is required to minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations. Spent filter cartridges and other solid wastes from the desalination plant will be disposed at the Betio landfill through routine collection by the Betio Town Council or by PUB whenever needed. Secure on-site waste bins will be provided. Risk assessment of generated wastes Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence 65 Without Wider Low Long-term Moderate Probable Medium High catchment Mitigation measures: • Minimize waste; • Regular disposal of waste at Betio landfill; and  Securely store on-site waste in bins provided. With Local Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High Risks to marine water quality from brine outfall Risks to marine water quality are related to the discharge of brine, if it is not properly disposed of. The Project’s use of the new outfall pipeline for brine discharge is not expected to impact coastal marine water quality, especially in the near shore. Effluent from the desalination plant is a combination of brine representing about 99% of the effluent, while the rest is backwash water, maturation rinse, and the neutralised waste from the chemical cleaning process. The waste brine will be combined with the sewage effluent immediately after the outfall pump station prior to discharging. There is no sewage treatment facility at the pump station, so the brine will not interfere with any biological treatment process as the sewage is raw. The combined effluent will exhibit an estimated salinity greater than seawater, thus making the effluent discharged at the Betio outfall denser than the ambient seawater level. The effect of brine and associated sewage plume on the marine environment depends on the dilution factors attained when discharged. The brine waste from the proposed SWRO plant is predicted at 7,030 m3 per day and peak operation at 9,681 m3 per day in future operation. However, it is expected that there will be very rapid dilution due to the small volume of output and use of diffusers. The model parameters used to calculate this predication are shown in Table 5.3 Table 5.3 - Model parameters Parameter Value Justification Port Diameter 100mm Diameter of each diffuser port Number of ports 12 Betio outfall has 12 diffuser ports elevated at 30o Depth of outfall 30m Maximum depth of end of diffuser pipe 66 Current speed 0.2m/s Current speed at Betio outfall at 30m, 25m and 15m according to 2015 SMEC study ranges between 0.2 m/s to 1m/s. Lowest velocity is used. Even in calm water, current speed at the outfall is within that range due to tidal movement which is further influenced by the adjacent ship channel. Effluent discharge rate Value for producing Based on projected combined discharge from Betio 6,000 m3 is used sewerage system Concentration of fecal 100,000 MPN/ 100 mL Based on tests undertaken for preparation of the coliform SAPHE project and used in the STSISP project Effluent Salinity Value for producing The salinity level at maximum capacity of Desalination 6,000 m3 is used plant is used Ambient seawater 35 ppt Typical value for seawater salinity Effluent temperature 30oC Assumed Ambient seawater 29oC Measured temperature of seawater at 30m depth temperature Based on the parameters used an indication of plume elevation and dilution are shown in Figure 5.1. A dilution factor of about 100 is attained 6 meters from the point of discharge when the current velocity used in the UM3 model is 0.2m/s. The point of discharge of effluent at Betio outfall is a well mix area prone to wave surge and currents providing a good environment for diluting the high salinity effluent. Figure 5.1 - Plume elevation profile and dilution The proposed outfall discharge will provide for rapid dilution of effluent with ocean water, both immediately on release and incrementally as the effluent disperses in the form of an expanding plume. The dilution of effluent will be maximized by ensuring that release occurs at a depth of 30 meters beneath the water surface (compared to the previous situation where release of sewage occurs near the surface, within the intertidal zone), the fitting of a diffuser at the outfall opening which causes effluent to be released in a series of small jets, increasing near field dilution. Prompt dilution of the effluent is 67 expected once discharged due to presence of the diffuser ports and how the ports are oriented to the direction of the current. Salinity testing of marine waters in proximity to the brine outfall discharge could define the influence of the brine discharge, and distance required for waters to reach ambient levels. Risk assessment of brine outfall on marine water quality Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider High Long-term Major Highly High Medium catchment probable Mitigation measures: • Dispose of brine at 30m depth so there are lower levels of nutrients and organic matter; • Upgrade sewage outfall including 12 diffuser ports to allow more rapid mixing;  Disposal in high energy environment; • Alignment of the pipeline; and  Salinity testing. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Possible Low High catchment Impacts on biological environment Risks of brine disposal to the marine ecosystem Brine effluent is known to have adverse effects on benthic ecosystem. Due to higher concentration of salt levels the effluent is denser and tends to sink to the bottom when discharged, directly impacting the benthic organisms around the discharged location. Brine discharge, associated with SWRO plants, has been found to alter the benthic community and reduce the diversity of organisms, including sea grass. High salinity can also influence water turbidity, disrupting primary production through the extinction of plankton species39. The results of experimental exposure of corals to high salinity varies widely depending on the species, the ambient salinity in experimental settings from which they were collected and the exposure period. Available information suggests that salinity tolerances in coral species depend on several factors including the speed, magnitude and duration of salinity increase, ambient salinities before the change, individual species tolerance levels, acclimatization abilities and whether salinity changes are occurring simultaneously to other stressors such as temperature and turbidity fluctuations.40 Beyond the demersal environment (i.e. close to the sea floor), concentrations of nutrients and particulate organic matter progressively decrease although the brine effluent with sewage plume provides a localized zone where salinity is higher and concentrations of nutrient from plume are higher 39 Munke, Frank: April 2008 40 RPS Environment & Planning Pty Ltd. 2009. 46 Fellenius,K. and Hess,D.2015. 68 than in surrounding waters. Fish are known to have acute chemical sensing capabilities and are therefore likely to perceive concentrations of soluble nutrients and higher salinity water. While it is not possible to predict what behavioral responses to these will be, fish can avoid the plume and saline water if it is perceived as harmful. At the depth of the outfall opening (30 m) coral cover was found to be less than 5%, and most of the surface is comprised of sand and rock outcrops. No seagrass habitat is present.46 Under the South Tarawa Improvement Sector Project, the upgrading work on the Betio sewage outfall will be completed in mid-2018. Part of the upgrading is the addition of 12 diffuser ports at 30 m depth. The ports will alter the way in which the effluent is introduced into the ocean water and level of dilution. The relevant changes include: (i) more rapid mixing of effluent from the outfall with seawater, and (ii) introduction of effluent from the sewer systems at depth so there is lower levels of nutrients and organic matter than close to the surface that will prompt eutrophication. Project design for the discharge of brine from the SWRO plant via the newly constructed wastewater outfall pipeline at Betio, considered the recommendations of the marine benthic habitat surveys, of the existing and proposed wastewater outfall pipelines, conducted for the prior wastewater improvements project. The surveys determined that overall reef health is impacted by sedimentation, macroalgae cover, and lack of suitable substrate for coral recruitment. This project is not expected to have further negative impact on marine ecology. Risk assessment of brine disposal on the marine ecosystem Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Highly Medium High catchment probable Mitigation measures:  Dispose of brine at 30m depth so there is lower levels of nutrients and organic matter;  Upgrade sewage outfall including 12 diffuser ports to allow more rapid mixing; and  Disposal in high energy environment. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Possible Very low High catchment Risks associated with the failure of the desalination plant Failure of the desalination plant, especially the desalination membranes or post treatment system, will result in the discharge of seawater and chemicals entering the water distribution system. Furthermore, the failure of the brine disposal transfer pipeline will affect the local salinity of the aquifer in the area directly affecting the local plants, especially fruit bearing plants. 69 The failure of chlorination system can also affect the quality of reticulated water. Water leakage is another long-term problem that is often associated with the water supply system on South Tarawa. These risks can be reduced with regular inspection and maintenance. Risks of failure can be further reduced if the installations are properly protected to avoid accidents, and the damaging, or unauthorized removal of the technical equipment. It is proposed that unauthorized access to the RO plant (as well as the PV modules structures and exposed water supply infrastructures) is prohibited by means of fences with lockable gates, lockable manholes for underground water valves, and that visible signs indicating danger and no-go-areas are displayed visibly to the public. Risk assessment of failure of the desalination plant Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low High catchment Mitigation measures: • Regular inspection and maintenance; • Install locked gates, lockable manholes to restrict unauthorized access to the plant PV modules structures, and exposed water supply infrastructures; • Install visible “danger” signs and no-go areas; and • Building contractor to provide a relevant training program to the operators. With Wider Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High catchment Impacts associated with the water quality supplied by the plant The quality of water produced from the desalination plant and extracted from the water reserve must still be routinely tested for consumption suitability to assure public health. In Kiribati, the salinity of the drinking water should not exceed 600 mg/L and should be free of pathogens as per the World Health Organisation guideline for pathogens41 that is normally adopted as a national guideline. Samples from all storage tanks should be taken monthly for testing. PUB may also liaise regularly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on their routine water sampling and testing program to ensure that the results are shared. Where negative results are attained, PUB will promptly provide remedy to rectify the salinity of the reticulated water. Further, the public will be promptly informed to boil water when the chlorination system fails and the presence of pathogen is detected. Risk assessment of impacts of water quality supplied by the plant Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider High Short-term Moderate Possible Low High catchment 41 WHO. 2008. 70 Mitigation measures: • Regular inspection and maintenance; • Regular testing of the salinity of the drinking water from the plant to ensure it is safe for consumption; • PUB and Ministry of Health and Medical Services liaise on routine water sampling and testing; • Promptly provide remedy to rectify the salinity of the reticulated water; and • Inform public to boil water if chlorination system fails and the presence of pathogen is detected. With Wider High Short-term Moderate Improbable Low High catchment Socio-economic Risks Risk associated with local solid/waste disposal practices on fresh groundwater resources Although the project will improve the supply of water to the public, contamination of the ground freshwater lens will persist, and perhaps worsen over time, if open defecating practices, animals (dogs and pigs) are still allowed to roam, and illegal rubbish dumping continues. The WASH community program incorporated in the Project to encourage community participation in solving the problem will assist to address and provide remedy to this continuing and urgent issue during and beyond the project’s life. Risk assessment of solid/waste disposal practices on fresh groundwater resources Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider High Long-term Major Highly High High catchment probable Mitigation measures:  Implement WASH campaign; With Wider Medium Long-term Major Probable High Medium catchment Impact of additional water supply on existing wastewater systems Given the proposed water supply upgrade is to provide water to a single tap located outside of the household, the impact of additional water supply is not expected to be significant, at least in the initial years. The basis of this premise is that: • Existing wastewater fixtures (such as toilets, wash basins, kitchen and laundry troughs), where currently used, will continued to be used in a similar fashion as they are now. This is because water has to be carried from the source point (rainwater tank, groundwater well or new PUB supply from the house hold tap stand) and the inconvenience of not having running water available at the wastewater fixture will preclude additional use. • Water from the new PUB supply will have a cost attached to it which is likely to result in other free water sources continued to be preferentially used for wastewater fixture (such as toilets, 71 wash basins, kitchen and laundry troughs) and the PUB supply being used for consumption (drinking and cooking). • In the three sewered areas of Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu saltwater and secondary source water are used for toilet flushing. The saltwater toilet flushing component makes up the largest component of the wastewater flow to the existing wastewater system. Risk assessment of additional water supply on existing wastewater systems Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Low Long-term Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Encourage that wastewater plumbing in all households are connected to the sewerage system where available; • Ensure that all households in the non-sewered area have proper drainage system for the bathroom, laundry, kitchen and toilet to the septic tank or designated disposal location; and • Ensure that septic tanks are emptied by vacuum truck and disposed at a nearby sewage outfall at appropriate intervals. With Wider Low Long-term Moderate Improbable Low Medium catchment Risks associated with chemical use and disposal As detailed in Section 4.1 Project components, anti-scaling agents and cleaning chemicals such as citric acid and alkaline detergent will be used in the desalination plant. Chlorine gas will also be used to treat water from the Bonriki water reserve and desalination plant. Although the chemicals to be used are applied in small doses when applied into the system proper handling should be practiced to minimize health risks to workers and the public. Hazardous chemicals should be adequately labelled, stored safely and handling procedures should be visibly displayed at appropriate locations. Staff should be trained on how the chemicals are handled safely, specifically chlorine gas cylinders. The wastewater from the chemical cleaning process will be discharged to a new 40m3 sump. It is proposed to hold the spent cleaning solution in the sump and slowly bleed the neutralized solution into the continuous flow of brine so that the pH of the blended stream complies with environmental requirements. The brine does exhibit good buffering capability because of the high alkalinity and it is expected that the pH will not change significantly.42 Risk assessment of chemical use and disposal Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence 42 GHD, 2017(a) 72 Without Wider Medium Mediumterm Moderate Possible Low Medium catchment Mitigation measures: • Proper handling practices e.g. lifting chemicals on ladders or temporary platforms is not permissible.  Proper chemical labelling; • Safe storage practices e.g. in lockable sealed building; • Signs showing correct procedures; • Staff handling training; • Store chemical wastewater in sump; and • Slowly discharge neutralized solution into the brine so that discharge complies with environmental requirements. With Wider Low Mediumterm Moderate Improbable Low High catchment Noise impacts Noise associated with the high-pressure pump in the desalination plant will be a nuisance to nearby residences if noise is not contained within the plant. Noise reduction or acoustic packages are recommended and should be installed to reduce noise emitted from the plant. Workers will be required to wear proper hearing protection. No noise generation is expected from the operation of the solar plant. Risk assessment of noise impacts Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Long-term Moderate Highly Medium High probable Mitigation measures:  Install noise reduction or acoustic packages; and  Workers required to wear hearing protection. With Local Low Long-term Moderate Possible Low High Summary In summary, the significance of the impacts from the operation of the desalination plant and the PV solar plant are assessed to be low or very low, provided that the mitigations outlined in this section and Section 7 – Environmental and social management are followed. The exception are the risks to the quality of the fresh groundwater reserves from waste disposal practices, which remains high even with mitigations because the consequences of the impact remain major. The risks for the operation of the plants are summarized in Table 5.4. Table 5.4 - Impact assessment ratings for the operation stage Impact Consequence Probability Significance Confidence 73 Risk of increase of greenhouse gas emissions from Major Probable High Medium operation of desalination plant With mitigation Moderate Improbable Low Medium Risk associated with the failure of the Solar plant Moderate Possible Low High With mitigation Minor Improbable Very low High Risks from generated wastes Moderate Probable Medium High With mitigation Minor Possible Very low High Risks to marine water quality from brine outfall Major Highly probable High Medium With mitigation Minor Possible Very low High Risks of brine disposal to the marine ecosystem Moderate Highly probable Medium High With mitigation Minor Possible Very low High Risks associated with the failure of the desalination Moderate Possible Low High plant With mitigation Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts associated with the water quality Moderate Possible Low High supplied by the plant With mitigation Moderate Improbable Low High Risk associated with local solid/waste disposal Major Highly probable High High practices on fresh groundwater resources With mitigation Major Probable High Medium Impact of additional water supply on existing Moderate Possible Low Medium wastewater systems With mitigation Moderate Improbable Low Medium Risks associated with chemical use and disposal Moderate Possible Low Medium With mitigation Moderate Improbable Low High Noise impacts Moderate Highly probable Medium High With mitigation Moderate Possible Low High 5.2 Component 5.1: sanitation pilot This component will finance the implementation of pilot sanitation models to upgrade and expand current sanitation services and provide an acceptable alternative to a costly expansion of sewerage systems across all of South Tarawa. Sanitation activities will focus in priority on three KAP-III village where 24/7 water supply is being introduced. The general risks of this project have been identified. The specific risks cannot be defined at this time as the exact activities under this component are still to be defined. Broadly the component will include: (i) investments in sanitation infrastructure; (ii) technical assistance and training to support communitybased organizations and their supporting structures. However, it is likely that impacts will 74 occur from general construction activities from infrastructure installations, risks from sludge disposal and social impacts such as impacts associated with encroachment onto private property. Impacts from solid waste generated during construction Limited quantities of solid waste will be generated during the construction period by the contractors. If not properly secured or disposed of the solid waste could cause litter and marine pollution. The contractor will be required to minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful waste management behavior and fulfilling national norms and regulations. Risk assessment of impacts from solid waste generated during construction Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Short-term Minor Possible Very Low Medium Mitigation measures: • Prepare a solid waste management plan; • Separate and store wastes with respect for health and environment. Identify any waste that can be reused or recycled; • Contain all stored wastes in secure receptacles, avoiding littering and runoff;  No waste is to be burned; • Workers will be advised that littering will not be permitted. Waste generated by construction activities at sites will be cleared and disposed of as per the above; • Use recycled or renewable building materials (e.g. timber) where possible; and • Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mixing of different waste and minimize waste disposal into the approved dumping area or landfill. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts associated with encroaching onto private property and permanent use of sites Installation of sanitation infrastructure as part of the sanitation pilot could permanently encroach on private property due to lack of space available for the facilities and the sludge disposal. Risk assessment of encroachment onto private property and permanent use of site Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Long-term Moderate Possible Low Medium Mitigation measures: • Consultation with and written approval from land owners for access when intrusion on to private properties is inevitable; and • Formulation of lease agreements in cases where the sites are not leased by Government. With Local Low Long-term Moderate Possible Low Medium 75 Impacts of sludge disposal The groundwater table in South Tarawa is very high. Therefore, the impact of the sludge disposal must be carefully considered to ensure that it does not adversely affect the quality of the fresh water lens. Risk assessment of impacts of sludge disposal Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Moderate Mediumterm Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Mitigation measures:  Sludge disposal must be managed in a manner that protects groundwater resources. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Risk associated with the failure of the infrastructure due to poor maintenance or vandalism Failure of the infrastructure could result in it being out of commission. These risks can be reduced with regular inspection and maintenance. Risks of failure can also be reduced if proper protection of the installations are adopted and the local communities are educated on how to properly use the systems. Risk assessment of failure of the infrastructure Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Local Medium Short-term Minor Possible Very Low High Mitigation measures:  Regular inspection and maintenance; and  Community education. With Local Low Short-term Minor Improbable Very low High Risks associated with social/cultural practices Although the project will improve access to sanitation services, social and cultural barriers such as a low appreciation of good sanitation and hygiene practices, and cohabitation with animals (pigs) may continue to persist. The WASH community program incorporated in the project to encourage community participation in solving the problem will assist to address and provide remedy to this continuing and urgent issue during and beyond the project’s life. Risk assessment of social/cultural practices Mitigation Extent Intensity Duration Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Without Wider Medium Long-term Major Highly High High catchment probable Mitigation measures:  Implement WASH campaign. 76 With Wider Low Long-term Moderate Probable Medium Medium catchment Summary In summary, the significance of the impacts from the sanitation pilot are assessed to be low or very low, provided that the mitigations outlined in this section are followed. The exception is the risks from impacts associated with social/cultural practices which are assessed to be medium significance even with mitigation measures because the behaviours may continue to persist. The risks to the sanitation pilot are summarized in Table 5.5. Table 5.5 - Impact assessment ratings for the sanitation pilot Impact Consequence Probability Significance Confidence Impacts from solid waste generated during Minor Possible Very Low Medium construction With mitigation Minor Improbable Very low High Impacts associated with encroaching onto Moderate Possible Low Medium private property and permanent use of site. With mitigation Moderate Possible Low Medium Impacts of sludge disposal Moderate Probable Medium Medium With mitigation Minor Improbable Very low High Risk associated with the failure of the infrastructure due to poor maintenance or Minor Possible Very Low High vandalism With mitigation Minor Improbable Very low High Risks associated with social/cultural practices Major Highly probable High High With mitigation Moderate Probable Medium Medium Section 7 – Environmental and social management The mitigation and monitoring activities recommended in this ESIA are summarized in this Section. A draft environmental and social management plan (ESMP) has been prepared which includes the proposed mitigation measures to avoid, minimise, rehabilitate or compensate for negative impacts, and the monitoring and reporting requirements. The ESMP contains the components crucial to effective environmental management of the project including: i) organizational responsibilities (for various aspects of ESMP implementation); ii) consultation and information disclosure (explained in Section 8 and reflected in the ESMP); iii) GRM; iv) plan for mitigation of impacts (during pre-construction, construction and operation); and, v) monitoring and reporting. An ESMP is developed to achieve the following objectives: 77 • To reflect the environmental and social issues and impacts identified during project preparation; • To implement and monitor mitigation measures within the construction areas; and • To comply with the laws and regulations of the country and with international standards and best practice guidelines. 7.1 Institutional arrangements for environmental management Implementation of environmental safeguards including environmental management provisions and requirements is a joint responsibility between the MISE and PUB and DBO contractor. The MFED will be the executing agency and will have the overall responsibility for ensuring that the project activities comply with the project agreements and covenants. The MISE and PUB, on behalf of MFED, will implement the project, including managing consultants and the contractor, according to the requirements. The supervision consultant will include an environmental specialist to support the PMU. The overall organizational structure for environmental management for the project is shown in Figure 7.1. Ministry of Infrastructure & Sustainable Energy and Public Utilities Board The MISE and PUB will be the implementing agencies and will have responsibility for subproject related activities including inter-ministry coordination. MISE retains responsibly for the environmental management and monitoring tasks of the project. MISE will exercise its functions through the PMU and is responsible for the project delivery and day-to-day project management activities. It is expected that the supervision consultant will be appointed for project implementation, to undertake environmental monitoring. MISE will be responsible for ensuring that the contractor does not start construction activities until requisite approvals have been received from MELAD-ECD, as required by the contract and by law. After the completion of construction, PUB will be responsible for operations and ongoing maintenance of all assets. Figure 7.1 – Organizational structure for environmental management 78 Project Management Unit The PMU will undertake environmental management and oversee monitoring tasks during the development and delivery of the project. The PMU specialists will assist in all aspects of implementation of the environmental assessment and permits as required. The PMU, supported by the supervision consultant, will: • Prepare the ESIA as required to meet the requirements of the Environment Act and prepare the application for environmental license; • Ensure the updated ESIA including ESMP and any conditions of the environmental license are integrated into the project’s bid and contract documents; • Participate and facilitate, as per the project’s CCP, consultations to advise affected communities of the scope and scheduling of the work; • Depending on the environmental management experience of the contractor, prior to the preparation and submission of the construction ESMP (CESMP), provide induction whereby the details of the CESMP are confirmed, and the contractor informs the community of the schedule of works; 79 • Review the CESMP prepared by the contractor and provide recommendations for revision or strengthening as required. Upon receipt of the CESMP that can be approved, advise the Supervision/Resident Engineer that approval for commencement of works can be issued; • Undertake regular site visits to independently inspect and audit the contractor’s compliance with the approved CESMP and the supervision consultant’s monitoring; • Should non-compliant work or activities be identified, this will be raised to the Supervision/Resident Engineer who will issue a defect notice or corrective action request. All notices and requests will be recorded and reported; and • Prepare and submit i) inputs to quarterly progress reports and ii) semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports. Supervision consultant The supervision consultant supporting the PMU will include an environmental specialist to work closely with safeguards staff of the PMU. The supervision consultant will support the PMU to deliver the subprojects and assist in undertaking all tasks identified above. The DBO contractor The DBO contractor will be responsible for translating the ESMP in the bid documents into their CESMP that reflects the methodology they will use to deliver the works. The CESMP will include all site specific and sub-plans as required. The contractor will engage a full-time environment, health and safety officer (EHSO) who will be responsible for implementing, and reporting implementation of, the approved CESMP. The supervision consultant will review and approve the CESMP, upon advice from the PMU before any physical works are undertaken. The environmental management responsibilities of the contractor include: • Recruiting a suitably qualified and full-time EHSO; • Preparing and submitting for review and approval the CESMP. Coordinating with PMU and supervision consultant for updating the CESMP as/when required; • Implementing the approved CESMP including addressing and resolving corrective action requests issued by the Supervision/Resident Engineer; • Undertake noise measurements and establish the noise baseline for subsequent monitoring; • Recruiting an approved service provider to deliver the STI/HIV/AIDS briefings and awareness and prevention program; • Coordinating with PMU and supervision consultant in respect of continued community consultation, implementation of the GRM and information disclosure; • Applying for permits/licenses as required for new materials sources and preparing and submitting extraction and management plans; 80 • Ensuring that all imported material and equipment is subject to quarantine clearance and receives appropriate phyto-sanitary certificates; • Participating in joint inspections with PMU and supervision consultant as required; • The EHSO will maintain a site diary and GRM register (including actions taken to resolve the issue and close-out dates); and • Including status of CESMP (including issue and response to corrective action requests), consultation activities and GRM implementation in the monthly reports. Environment and Conservation Department The ECD is required to review the ESIA and environment license application and assist in monitoring construction activities against environment license conditions. The ECD has been provided with capacity building and technical assistance programs, which have provided extensive policy and legislative improvements, practical training, mentoring and capacity building in all aspects of environmental assessment, monitoring and compliance. This has resulted in improved staff capacity to manage the roles and responsibilities and implement the CSS. Nevertheless, insufficient staff numbers (in the EIA section) and resources hamper capacity for enforcement and monitoring. It is therefore recommended that the supervision consultant provide mentoring and capacity building to the ECD as opportunities arise. A summary of various parties’ responsibilities for environmental management in the project is provided in Table 7.1. Table 7.1 – Environmental management responsibilities Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency Feasibility PMU Review designs prepared as part of ongoing project and complete studies, detailed detailed design. design & review Update feasibility study including safeguards due diligence as and project required. Update ESIA and ESMP based on detailed design. approval Format ESIA as per CSS and submit environmental license, include updated ESMP and environmental license conditions in bid and contract documentation. ADB, WB Review all feasibility study documentation (incl. ESIA). Prepare documents package for Board review (incl. TORs and project conditions, covenants in project agreement). Board approval of project. Assist government to recruit supervision consultant. 81 Pre-construction PMU, Include environmental specialist as part of supervision consultant Supervision team. consultant Assist PMU to implement the project’s CCP. Ensure updated ESMP and any conditions of environmental license are included in the bid and contract documents. Include TOR for DBO contractor’s ESHO. Prior to works commencing ensure the baseline conditions are benchmarked and recorded—including noise—as required by the ESMP for subsequent monitoring. Provide inputs to the bid evaluation in respect of contractor’s response to the ESMP requirements including the suitability of the EHSO proposed as part of the contractor’s team. Provide induction training to the contractor prior to the preparation and submission of the contractor’s CESMP and as required work Responsible Project stage Responsibilities agency with the contractor’s EHSO to identify appropriate construction methodologies and detailed site-specific mitigations. Review and approve the contractor’s CESMP and advise supervision consultant Engineer of approval to trigger “no objection” to commencement of activities/works. ADB, WB Review and clear updated safeguards documents. Provide comments on the CESMP and proposed monitoring checklists. DBO contractor Recruit suitably qualified EHSO. Prior to any works commencing, prepare CESMP including the sitespecific plans, work method statements and construction methodologies and GRM. Submit CESMP to CPIU and supervision consultant for review and approval (revising as necessary if required). Identify materials and equipment sources and apply for BMP for new sources and clearance consents and compliance certificates for imported materials and equipment. Provide pre-mobilization induction on CESMP (incl. OHS) to employees. Recruit approved service provider to provide STI/HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training for workers and community. Construction DBO contractor Inclusion of EHSO as part of core team. Provide ongoing training, awareness and “tool box” sessions for workers. Implementation of CESMP. Implementation of CCP and GRM as pertains to construction. Reporting of CESMP and GRM implementation in monthly reports. Implementation of corrective actions as requested by Engineer. 82 PMU, Supervise, monitor and report on contractor’s implementation of supervision CESMP and all other contractual obligations. consultant Enforce contractual requirements. Audit construction phase through environmental inspections and review monitoring reports and data. Submission of quarterly progress reports and semi-annual monitoring reports. Work with contractor EHSO for provision of awareness/training to workers and information transfer to contractor as required. ADB, WB Undertake regular review missions. Review monitoring reports. Disclose project information as required. ECD Ensure compliance with government requirements. Review complicated issues, if any, arising from the project. Participate in monitoring. Operation PUB Provide budget to undertake maintenance activities and operation stage environmental monitoring as required by ESMP. Maintenance Undertake environmental monitoring and prepare bi-annual contractor reports. Prepare maintenance reports to adaptively manage environmental risks related to operations (per ESMP). 7.2 Environmental management framework ESMP - mitigation measures In the ESMP tables (Table 7.2), the recommended mitigation measures are defined, starting with the actions required during the design or pre-construction period (Table 7.2), followed by the construction period (Table 7.3), and finally the operating period of the desalination plant, water supply infrastructures, and solar PV system (Table 7.4). The pre-construction period measures relate to planning items to prevent impacts to the community, longevity of infrastructure, and cultural and heritage important sites. During pre-construction, measures to facilitate compliance with environmental regulations and provide environmental and social protection and monitor the same will be implemented. During the construction period, mitigation actions should be undertaken, all related to the construction and installment of the SWRO desalination plant and solar PV system, trench for the main pipelines and large storage tank and waste management. The safety of workers and the public is also addressed. In the operation stage, the environmental management obligations become the responsibility of the proponent, MISE, and the operator, PUB. Monitoring The ESMP tables (7.2 – 7.4) also list the actions to be undertaken to monitor effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures and to record compliance by the contractor. The monitoring actions are aligned with the mitigations. The process is important to ensure safeguards are implemented and any unexpected impacts are responded to swiftly and appropriately. The monitoring cost is summarized in Table 7.5. 83 Monitoring during construction will focus on inspecting work sites to confirm construction, waste and fuel management is according to specifications and acceptable standards specified in the contractor’s country of origin (if Kiribati standards do not exist), and that the safety of the workers and the public is upheld. Both compliance and effects monitoring actions as defined in Table 7.2 should take place as part of day to day construction supervision, and will be the primary responsibility of the contractor, supervised by the Supervising Engineer. During the operation phase, monitoring is the responsibility of PUB, the operator of the newly installed and upgraded infrastructure. The objectives of monitoring are to (i) quantify that sufficient dilution of the disposed waste brine is attained through a well maintained and functioning diffuser after construction and over time, (ii) maintain the performance of the infrastructures at prime level to reduce potential environments impacts and safeguard issues that could arise from the failing systems, (iii) ensure workers adhere to correct and safety operation procedures (iv) ensure wastes generated during the operation are disposed safety (v) water generated from the desalination plant and pumped from the water reservoirs is safe for consumption and (vi) understand the contribution of the improved water quality to waterborne diseases, and trends in relations to reduce use of unsafe water. The salinity level should be monitored monthly to take account of variation in season, tides, currents and any other factors that affect the performance of the outfall. The salinity level should be taken at seabed level and mid depth, at point of discharge, 10m, 20m and 50m on either side of the point of discharge parallel to the reef edge and identified as offshore sites; at 5m from the reef edge at mid- depth perpendicular to the offshore sites; and two locations mid-way between the shore and the reef edge along the outfall pipeline route. Obtaining feedback from local communities on fishing catch from and adjacent to the outfall site will form the baseline data on fishing effort and catch of the area. The Fisheries Department has done a lot of work on social economic surveys related to arsenal fisheries, their involvement will be paramount in the success of data collection and analysis. Reporting The reporting will be undertaken at all levels. The contractor will prepare monthly reports and these will include status of implementation of the approved CESMP and be submitted to the PMU. These reports will contain a summary of corrective action requests issued by the Supervising Engineer. The PMU will prepare quarterly progress reports (QPR) which will include a section on safeguards implementation. The PMU will also prepare and submit to MFED and ADB/WB the semi-annual safeguards monitoring reports which will summarize results of inspections, contractor monthly reports and the QPR. The semi- annual safeguards monitoring reports will be disclosed. 84 Table 7.2 – ESMP - design and pre-construction Project activity or Mitigation and Management Monitoring environmental Mitigation Measures/Parameter Implementation Verification Timing/ Responsibility issues Responsibility Frequency Implementation Oversight Environmentally Land acquisition and lease issues resolved, and PMU/GOK Land DDR cleared; Prior to works PMU MISE, responsible agreements reached. Provisions for land access and (compensation/leas Environmental commencing - ADB/WB procurement compensation mechanisms for clearing of fruit bearing e payment and ECD); once license; trees, vegetables and if permanent structures are Supervising Bid & contract damaged or removed should be addressed adequately; engineer; Contractor documents; All subprojects will pass through the CSS. The ESIA report Contractor’s staff will be prepared on behalf of the executing agency and contracts – fulltime reviewed by the ECD within MELAD and the development works’ supervisors partners. and ES/EO Obtaining plans from the PUB showing the locations of recruited; utilities and infrastructure (power, telecom, other) and consultation with residents and/or landowners on the Approved CESMP relocation of utilities prior to commencing excavation operations. Ensure ESIA and updated ESMP incorporated into bid and contract documents. Require Project ESMP as basis for CESMP to be prepared by contractor and reviewed and cleared by PMU; ECD issues environmental license for the project; Contractor to recruit environmental specialist/officer (ES/EO) and prepare CESMP for PMU clearance prior to commencement of works; Contractor will appoint an experienced site supervisor at each works site; If required, PMU to provide support to contractor during CESMP preparation. The project ESMP will be updated based on the detail design and integrated into the bidding documents. UXO survey and Survey for UXO will be undertaken. The TOR for the PMU + UXO Survey; Prior to any PMU (specialists MISE, clearance/disposal survey (and disposal) will be prepared by the supervision specialist team as TOR; works as required); ADB/WB consultant supporting the PMU; required commencing Results of UXO Police monitoring; – as required 85 Should UXO be identified, these will be disposed of Records of following established government and police protocols munitions/ and procedure; explosives The construction sites will be scanned by a qualified awareness safety briefing munitions/UXO field support team to evaluate the presence of MEC and determine the appropriate level of MEC support requirements; UXO monitoring performed concurrent with ongoing construction works. The primary method of support would be provided by a UXO technician in the field during construction works who would scan ahead of the clearing/grubbing and excavations to identify areas of avoidance containing potential munitions/explosives; Supervisors will conduct a munitions/explosives awareness safety briefing for all construction personnel. Use of land Laydown sites to store containerized building materials PMU/GOK Land DDR cleared; Prior to works PMU; MISE, (temporary) outside may be required outside the project sites - use of GOK (compensation/ Environmental commencing Contractor ADB/WB lease area – working leased land or state land should be arranged, or lease payment and license; – as required and laydown areas negotiated with land owners if private land to be utilized; ECD); Signed The project RF and draft RP includes provisions for this Supervising lease/agreements temporary use and will need to be complied with by engineer; Contractor contractors; Separate approval may be required by the ECD and needs to be sorted and cleared prior usage of any land. Climate change and Planning new infrastructure at a suitable elevation above PMU Surveys; During detail PMU (specialists MISE, natural hazards risks the current high tide level (utilizing accurate topographic Design reports design period as required) ADB/WB survey); Ensuring new infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events, such as sea water inundation; Selection of renewable system (solar PV) in the design of power supply to support desalination facility; and Design system to provide treated, safe water to reduce the requirement for consumers to boil water for treatment using green-house gas emitting sources. 86 Table 7.3 – ESMP - construction Project activity or Mitigation and Management Monitoring environmental risk Mitigation Measures/Parameter Implementation Verification Timing/ Responsibility Responsibility Frequency Implementation Oversight Subcomponent 1.1 Increase in water production capacity - Specific Impacts Well construction Planning for well-depths below the freshwater lens; Contractor; Well logs As required PMU/supervision MISE, Proper procedures for well-casing installation; Supervising Engineer throughout consultants ADB/WB works period Monitoring of freshwater lens salinity levels; and Develop erosion and sedimentation control plans. Obtaining Local aggregates if required can be sourced from Te Contractor; Contract for local As required PMU/supervision MISE, construction Atinimarawa Company Limited; Supervising Engineer materials; throughout consultants ADB/WB materials and need Quarantine clearance to be obtained from the concerned Phytosanitary works period for aggregates – risk authority for any imported aggregates and plant; clearances for of introduced alien imported materials Pipes that are associated with the desalination plant will species and plant be prefabricated and purchased by the project and will be either stainless steel or plastic; No additional mining for aggregate or other materials will be conducted by the project. Earthworks and Ensure survey of proposed locations of desalination plant, PMU/supervision Approved report; Prior to works PMU/supervision MISE, vegetation clearance solar PV system and water supply infrastructure identifies consultant; Marked survey commencing consultants ADB/WB - impact on and avoids important sites and minimizes footprint to Contractor plan and trees to – as required terrestrial reduce requirement for vegetation clearing (vegetation to be retained clearly ecosystems be retained/protected clearly marked) marked on site Subcomponent 1.2 Institutional strengthening and project management - Specific Impacts 87 Installation of brine Contractor will appoint an experienced site supervisor at Contractor; Works supervisors During PMU/supervision MISE, disposal pipe, each works site; Supervising Engineer appointed; installation consultants ADB/WB permeate delivery, Undertaking condition survey prior to any works and Condition survey; and upgrading of the planning to avoid damage to property and plant; Completed reticulated system At the start of the works the contractor will file a checklist checklists; causing damage to property and plant confirming that necessary pre-planning was completed; Sites rehabilitated and disturbing Site rehabilitation upon completion - refurbishing of road to agreed standard residents and disturbed ground to original status. Apart from the road, disturbed grounds resulting from earth works will be refilled, vegetation and trees removed along the trenching route will be replaced where appropriate. Use of outfall for Installing a by-pass pipe to allow continuous outflow of PMU; Design report and Prior to and PMU/Supervising MISE, brine disposal - the sewage while desalination waste pipeline is connected Contractor technical during works Engineer ADB/WB overflow and spillage to the sewage outfall; specifications for of raw sewage from Accounting for the likely overflow and spillage problems pipe upgrading; sump at the outfall in the CESMP; CESMP pump Having qualified personnel on site to oversee the upgrading work. Impacts from water Erosion and sedimentation control plans should be PMU; Design report; During detail PMU/supervision MISE, infrastructure developed; Contractor; CESMP design period consultants ADB/WB improvements – prior to Use of stormwater best management practices Supervising Engineer installation (BMPs). Encroachment on Consultation with and written approval from land owners Contractor Signed agreements Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, private property or for access when intrusion on to private properties is and/or leases as construction Engineer ADB/WB permanent use of inevitable; required as required site. Formulation of lease agreements in cases where the sites are not leased by GOK. Subcomponent 1.3 Solar photovoltaic power plant - Specific Impacts 88 Site clearance Use of sediment retention fencing, berms, and sandbags Contractor; On-site sediment During works PMU/Supervising MISE, impacts around excavations to restrict the release of sediment Supervising Engineer control measures; Engineer ADB/WB from the construction site; CESMP; Use of siltation curtains to contain the site area around Re-vegetation; trenching works on the near shore reef to prevent the Records of water release of sediment onto the surrounding reef area; quality monitoring Immediately re-vegetate and/or stabilize exposed (visual) surfaces and stockpiles of excavated materials; and Monitor water quality for near shore waters adjacent to land base earthworks. General risks associated with all construction activities Climate Change Construction vehicles, equipment, and generators will be Contractor; Maintenance Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, impacts e.g. serviced regularly to reduce emissions. Supervising Engineer records construction Engineer ADB/WB greenhouse gas Locating construction plant and equipment inland away Site inspections as required emissions from from the shoreline is required to minimise risk of loss or vehicles damage from ocean inundation 89 Noise nuisance from Restricting the working hours to between 0800 hrs. and Contractor Workers allocated Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, construction 1700 hrs. from Monday to Friday, or Saturday if there is a and wearing PPE; construction Engineer ADB/WB need to work on the weekend, this is important, Complaints especially in areas where residential dwellings are located register; adjacent to the construction area, as in the desalination Vehicle and plant construction area and the upgraded water supply maintenance infrastructure. records Use of vehicles, plant and equipment, that comply with international standards for construction equipment noise emission, such as Part 204 of US Federal RegulationsNoise Emission Standards for Construction Equipment (40 CFR 204)). Verification of such compliance from the country of origin is required. The CESMP will include measures to meet the requirements of the WB’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG). Maintenance repair should also be routinely performed during the construction phase and making the record available whenever needed to the concerned authority. Dust generation and Daily spraying/wetting of the access roads, sites (including Contractor Designated Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, nuisance excavated trenches for water supply network upgrades) stockpile areas construction Engineer ADB material and stockpiles; approved; Locations for stockpiles of materials or waste materials Workers allocated will be approved by the PMU/supervision consultant and and wearing PPE; by the ECD if required; Dust plumes; Loose materials hauled to/from sites will be secured with Complaints a tarpaulin to prevent debris; register; Ensure emissions are minimal through standardized site Vehicle and plant management such as dust watering or stockpile covers. maintenance Removal of spoil to stockpile sites or use as refill material; records Contractor will provide equipment that conforms to international emission standards, verified by emission test certificates and maintenance records, as in the case of control of black smoke emissions. 90 Localized impacts Identify trees and vegetation to be removed on survey Contractor Phytosanitary Prior to and PMU/Supervising MISE, on terrestrial plan, plan will be approved by Supervising Engineer; Supervising Engineer clearances for during Engineer ADB/WB ecology - clearance vegetation cleared Mark trees and vegetation to be removed (with imported materials works and and/or affected fluorescent paint or tags) as per plan; and plant; earthworks during construction Only trees and vegetation marked on plan to be removed. Survey plan and All trees and vegetation removed, and any others affected protected trees during the installation of the solar PV system and marked on-site; excavation work will be compensated in accordance with Compensation paid GOK schedules; for productive Prohibition of burning vegetation and residual bushes and trees removed grasses when clearing planting sites; Only cutting flora which are a direct obstacle to project infrastructure works; All vessels carrying equipment and materials for the project will be subject to inspection by agriculture quarantine inspectors. Ecological impacts Regular checks for leaking oil or fuel from machinery, Contractor CESMP; Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, associated with ensuring that any leaks are promptly repaired and/or Secured storage construction Engineer ADB/WB spillage of hazards parts replaced within two days as part of maintenance of area (concerted material during and bunded); vehicles and equipment to international standards; and construction Contractor will implement the measures identified to Spill kit and worker mitigate the impacts from storage and spillage of training records hazardous substances and other chemicals and materials. 91 Generation of Prepare a solid waste management plan as part of the Contractor Solid waste Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, wastes and waste CESMP; management plan works Engineer ADB/WB management as part of CESMP; Separate and store wastes with respect for health and environment. Identify any waste that can be reused or recycled; Contain all stored wastes in secure receptacles within construction sites and the compound, avoiding littering and runoff; No waste is to be burned; Workers will be advised that littering will not be permitted. Waste generated construction activities at sites will be cleared and disposed of as per the above; Use recycled or renewable building materials (e.g. timber) where possible; Optimize and reduce waste production. Avoid mix of different waste and minimize waste disposal into the approved dumping area or landfill. 92 Transport, storage Contractor prepare plan as part of CESMP; Contractor, CESMP; Throughout PMU/supervision MISE, and use of All fuels or other potentially hazardous materials will be Supervising Engineer Secured storage works period consultants ADB/WB hazardous materials stored at secure and managed sites (bunded and area (concerted concreted floor and walls), identified by the contractor and bunded); and approved by the PMU/supervision consultant. Spill kit and worker Fuel and oil to be stored in bunded and concreted areas training records; with 110% capacity; Records of safety All chemicals will be clearly labelled. briefings Spill kit, appropriate to the hazardous materials being used, to be kept on-site and workers to be trained in its deployment; Regular checks for leaking oil or fuel from machinery, Ensuring that any leaks are promptly repaired and/or parts replaced within two days as part of maintenance of vehicles and equipment to international standards; Any surplus hazardous materials shall be removed from the island when the contractor demobilizes. The contractor’s workshop will have clearly marked waste disposal bins to store filters, rags and waste oil, for disposal at the landfills; All asbestos concrete pipe disposal will be supervised by a competent person, trained in asbestos abatement. Pipe sections will be wrapped and marked with the cautionary statement “Danger Asbestos-Containing Material”. The pipe sections will be buried at an authorized location. Materials and plant Contractor to prepare a traffic management plan as part Traffic Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, haulage - traffic of the CESMP; management plan construction Engineer ADB/WB disruption and Advance notification (through radio and newspaper) to as part of approved pedestrian safety advise road closures, detours and the like to facilitate CESMP; risk work activities. Traffic control measures implemented; Signage and barriers installed as required 93 Foreign and non- Contractor to provide information on Kiribati culture Contractor Agreed code Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, Tarawa workers - (obtained from PMU) to the expatriate workers; of conduct; construction Engineer ADB social conflict Contractor Code of Conduct to be agreed and GRM register; implemented at all times. A satisfactory code of conduct Meetings and will contain obligations on all project staff (including sub- information contractors and day workers) that are suitable to address brochures to the following issues: community;  Compliance with applicable laws, rules, and Records of workers regulations of Kiribati – hours and wages  Compliance with applicable health and safety paid (by aged and requirements (including wearing prescribed personal sex); protective equipment, preventing avoidable Records of delivery accidents and a duty to report conditions or practices of STI/HIV/AIDS that pose a safety hazard or threaten the awareness and environment) prevention training  The use of illegal substances  Non-Discrimination (for example on the basis of family status, ethnicity, race, gender and religion)  Interactions with community members (for example to convey an attitude of respect and non- discrimination)  Sexual harassment (for example to prohibit use of language or behavior that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning or culturally inappropriate)  Violence or exploitation (for example the prohibition of the exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex)  Protection of children (including prohibitions against abuse, defilement, or otherwise unacceptable behavior with children)  Sanitation requirements (for example, to ensure workers use specified sanitary facilities provided)  Avoidance of conflicts of interest (such that benefits, contracts, or employment, or any sort of preferential treatment or favors, are not provided to any person 94 with whom there is a financial, family, or personal connection)  Respecting reasonable work instructions (including regarding environmental and social norms)  Protection and proper use of property (for example, to prohibit theft, carelessness or waste)  Non retaliation against workers who report violations of the Code, if that report is made in good faith. Occupational and Contractor to prepare health and safety plan, complying Contractor Health and safety Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, community health with the EHSG, as part of CESMP; plan as part of construction Engineer ADB and safety impacts approved CESMP; 95 Works sites and contractor’s office and compound to be Site and works securely fenced and access only permitted to workers and yard security and authorized people; fencing; For i-Kiribati workers, comply with Kiribati laws on PPE provided to employment and health and safety and observe Kiribati workers; statutory holidays; Meetings and Under no circumstances, allow children to enter the works information sites, contractor’s office and compound; brochures to Provide sufficient light coverage during night construction. community; Any light used during night construction is not to affect Records of workers neighboring residences; – hours and wages Designate a full-time, experienced/qualified Health and paid (by aged and Safety Officer within contractor’s staff. Allocate sex); responsibility for safety inspections to Health and Records of worker Safety Officer; training; Regularly training of workers in safety precautions, for Records of delivery themselves and others and for implementing emergency of STI/HIV/AIDS procedures; awareness and Engage an approved service provider to deliver a prevention communicable diseases awareness and prevention training; program including sexually transmitted infections (STI) GRM register; and HIV/AIDS. The program will be conducted regularly First aid kits in for works and the community; vehicles and at Provide PPE (at no cost) to workers appropriate to the work sites; activities they undertake (including any activities at Signage and traffic height); control measures; Ensure that vehicle and equipment operators are properly Accidents/ licensed and trained; incidents register Arrange for provision of first aid kits in all vehicles and facilities with trained staff on call at the contractor’s office or compound/works yard; Illegal drugs and alcohol will not be permitted on any works site and any worker intoxicated while at work will be dismissed; Establish emergency and medical evacuation procedures and provide time for workers to undertake training and drills in the procedures; 96 97 Provide regular safety checks of vehicles and equipment; Identify hazard zones and provision of hazard warning signs at the construction sites; Provide temporary fencing/barriers around potential hazards such as pipe trenches and any excavations 1m or deeper to ensure there is no hazard to the workers or public; Maintain register of incidents and accidents detailing date, circumstances, severity, action taken at the time or subsequently, outcomes and actions/measures to prevent future incidents/accidents; and Implement the relevant elements of the GRM and maintain a complaints/grievance registry. Arrange access for workers to sanitation facilities prior to work commencing at worksites. These arrangements will be either (i) arrangements with nearby homes or institutions that are connected to the sewer system or (ii) use of portable toilets which are emptied daily into manholes within the sewer system. Munitions and explosives and UXO are a concern to the public and workers, given the war history of South Tarawa. The following procedure will be put in place by the contractor: The construction sites will be scanned by a qualified munitions/explosives/UXO field support team to evaluate the presence of munitions/explosives and determine the appropriate level of munitions/explosives support requirements. UXO monitoring would be performed concurrent with ongoing construction works. The primary method of support would be provided by a UXO Technician in the field during construction works who would scan ahead of the clearing/grubbing and excavations to identify areas of avoidance containing potential munitions/explosives. Supervisors will conduct a munitions/explosives awareness safety briefing for all construction personnel. 98 All asbestos concrete pipe disposal will be supervised by a competent person, trained in asbestos abatement. Pipe sections will be wrapped and marked with the cautionary statement “Danger Asbestos-Containing Material. The pipe sections will be buried at an authorized location. Impact on Obtain plans from the PUB showing the location of Contractor Service and utility Throughout PMU/Supervising MISE, underground service underground service utilities (power, telecom, other) and location plans; construction Engineer ADB utilities and services consultation with residents and/or landowners on the Relocation plans as required relocation relocation of utilities prior to commencing excavation agreed with PUB operation 99 Table 7.4 – ESMP - operation Project activity or Mitigation and Management Monitoring environmental risk Mitigation Measures/Parameter Implementation Verification Timing/ Responsibility Responsibility Implementation Oversight Frequency Operation Stage Use of fossil fuel and Installation of solar PV system to compensate for the PUB/MISE Records of During ECD (MELAD) GOK greenhouse gas energy used by the desalination system; performance operations emission Provision of safe, treated water to customers that reduces levels, e-coli and requirement for boiling water and associated greenhouse chlorine residuals gas emissions. Impacts associated Fences with lockable gates. PUB/MISE Lack of failure and During PUB/MISE GOK with the failure of Regular maintenance (preventive and corrective) complaint from the operations the solar plant public The building contractor should be obligated to provide a relevant training program to the operators. The training will ensure that the infrastructure is operated according to the intended safe procedure, and that preventive and corrective maintenances are undertaken appropriately. Generated waste Minimize wastes, where possible. PUB Record of disposal During PUB/MISE Spent filter cartridge and other solid wastes from the date and volume operations desalination plant will be disposed at the Betio landfill per waste category through routine collection by the Betio Town Council or by PUB whenever needed. On site waste bins will be provided. Impact of brine Dispose of brine at 30m depth so there are lower levels of PUB/MISE Ambient salinity During PUB/MISE GOK disposal on marine nutrients and organic matter; level is attained operations water quality and Upgrade sewage outfall including 12 diffuser ports to near the reef and marine ecosystem on the reef flat allow more rapid mixing; Disposal in high energy environment; Alignment of the pipeline; and Salinity testing. Salinity level monitoring at the outfall location to detect possible loss of performance of the diffuser fitting and leakage 100 Impacts associated Fences with lockable gates, lockable manhole for PUB/MISE Lack of failure and During PUB/MISE GOK with the failure of underground water valves and visible signs indicating complaint from the operations the desalination danger and restricted areas are displayed visibly to the public plant public; Regular maintenance (preventive and corrective) The building contractor should be obligated to provide a relevant training program to the operators. The training will ensure that the infrastructure is operated according to the intended safe procedure, and that preventive and corrective maintenances are undertaken appropriately. Quality of drinking Regular inspection and maintenance PUB/MISE Reduce trend in During PUB/MISE GOK water produced Water testing for salinity and harmful pathogens; disease related to operations through desalination unsafe water Inform the public to boil water when chlorination system fails or presence of harmful level of pathogens is detected in the system Impact of WASH program incorporated in the project will assist to PUB Trends of pollution During MISE/MELAD/OB/ GOK solid/waste disposal address and provide remedy to this continuing and urgent level on coastal operations Min. of Health problem during and beyond the project’s life and ground water and Medical Services Impact of Encourage that wastewater plumbing in all households are PUB/MISE Records. During PUB/MISE GOK additional water connected to the sewerage system where available; operations supply on existing Ensure that all households in the non-sewered area have wastewater proper drainage system for the bathroom, laundry, systems kitchen and toilet to the septic tank or designated disposal location; and Ensure that septic tanks are emptied by vacuum truck and disposed at a nearby sewage outfall at appropriate intervals. 101 Chemical use and Proper handling practices e.g. lifting chemicals on ladders PUB/MISE Number of During PUB/MISE GOK disposal or temporary platforms is not permissible. accidents operations Develop a manual for the storage and handling of chemical cleaning products. Proper chemical labelling; Safe storage practices e.g. in lockable sealed building; Signs showing correct procedures; Staff handling training; Store chemical wastewater in sump; and Slowly discharge neutralized solution into the brine so that discharge complies with environmental requirements. Nuisance & noise Desalination warehouse is installed with acoustic PUB/MISE Record of public During PUB/MISE GOK packages (noise reducing materials) complaints operations Occupational health Develop an OHS manual for the operation of the PUB/MISE Number of During PUB/MISE GOK and safety desalination plant and chemical cleaning process; accidents operations 102 South Tarawa Water Supply Project (RRP KIR 49453) Capacity of proponent and operator - monitoring PUB and MISE are obligated to ensure all monitoring needs are undertaken as expected in accordance with the assigned schedule. Establishing a safeguard post within PUB to implement all safeguard measures or assigning the duty to an existing staff member that will implement the measures after the construction phase and beyond is essential. Training should be incorporated as part of the project. The proposed monitoring plans identified and summarized in Table 7.4are within the capacity of PUB except for the visual inspection of the outfall and diffuser ports which requires SCUBA diving for inspection. There are several certified SCUBA divers on the island who can carry out the inspection work with a cost ranging from $6,000 - $8,000 per year. The cost includes boat hire, fuel cost, hire of SCUBA gears, and inspection fee. The indicative cost of water quality monitoring by PUB and MHMS is provided in Table 7.5. Table 7.5 - Summary of the water quality monitoring cost Impact to be Means of Operation monitored Monitoring Frequency Responsible Agency Indicative annual cost (USD) Water Quality Laboratory testing 12 tests annually PUB but testing to 13,200 of water quality in be undertaken by the distribution MHMS network Salinity test for Regular for drinking PUB 5,000 brine dilution and water and monthly drinking water. for testing of brine Cost of testing dilution at outfall machine and probe monitoring sites Socio-economic Annual PUB in 2,000 survey on arsenal collaboration with fisheries impacts Fisheries Department Implementation of Recruitment of new PUB 10,000 safeguards staff and training Whilst a capacity needs assessment for ECD/MELAD has not been conducted as part of this ESIA, as ECD is responsible for monitoring the work progress to ensure compliance with the license conditions it is recommended that any monitoring capacity development activities for monitoring for the PUB are also extended to include ECD and ensure collaboration between the ECD and PUB. 7.4 Grievance redress mechanism The project will establish a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) for any matters related to project design, construction and operation. From a safeguards perspective, members of the public may perceive risks to themselves or their property or have concerns about the environmental performance of the project. These issues may relate to construction and operation and therefore they will have rights to file complaints for the contractor, PUB and the MISE to address promptly and sensitively, and for complaints to be made without retribution. During construction, the contractor will be required to comply with the Project ESMP and the approved CESMP, including any issues relating to noise, dust nuisance, accidental damage to property/utilities and exhaust emissions. The contractor will appoint one staff member as a liaison officer for each worksite to receive complaints and initiate corrective action as appropriate. This name will be made available to the Supervising Engineer. Further, the name and contact details of the contact person for each site will be presented on a notice board at work sites and at the MISE. The notice board will also state (i) that members of the public with a grievance or concern have the right to register complaints (verbally or in written form) and for appropriate and reasonable action to be taken to address any valid complaint and (ii) that complaints can be made to the individuals concerned either verbally, in person, or in written form and that (iii) a written response will be provided within 48 hours. The contractor will maintain a complaints book on site, containing complaint forms that are filled out in duplicate, with one copy provided to the complainant. The forms will record date, time and nature of the complaint and information on the rights of the complainant and process to be followed for assessing and acting on the complaint. The forms will allow space for anonymous complaints to be registered. Registering and resolving a complaint will be at no cost to the complainant. The contractor will then address the complaint and take corrective action agreed to with the complainant. For minor complaints, such as noise or dust nuisance, or disregard of safety procedures, immediate corrective action will be taken. For more serious issues requiring guidance or further discussions, the contractor will raise the issue with the Supervising Engineer. A written response will be prepared, stating either (i) the nature and duration of action that has been taken, (ii) where an issue is not readily addressed by direct action on site, the steps that have been taken for resolution or (iii) complaint is considered invalid, an explanation as to why. In each case, the complainant will be informed as to their rights for the next step. The response will be handed to the complainant or made available for them to collect, within 48 hours of the complaint being received. The stages in the grievance resolution process are shown in Figure 7.2. Figure 7.2 - Stages in the grievance resolution process 104 Should the complainant remain dissatisfied with the action taken or the explanation received, the matter/complaint file will be forwarded to the Supervising Engineer. The Supervising Engineer will have assigned a member of staff with the role of community liaison. The name of this individual will be provided on the complaints registration form, with contact details and notice that this individual can be approached for follow up in respect of the complaint and that this may be done in person, by phone or in written form. The Supervising Engineer will consult with MISE and on their behalf review the complaint and the response of the contractor, then make a decision to be referred to the complainant within a maximum of two weeks. If the complainant remains dissatisfied with the Supervising Engineer’s decision, the grievance may be filed with the Magistrate’s Court, which under normal conditions involves a registration fee. The Magistrate’s ruling will be binding on all parties. The levels of responsibility for grievance management during construction are shown in Figure 7.3. Figure 7.3 - Levels of responsibility for GRM during construction 105 On completion of the works, and when the contractor’s defects liability period has passed, the infrastructure is handed over to MISE and PUB. The PUB, is responsible for infrastructure service delivery, will be required to receive and act on complaints relating to the operation and maintenance of the desalination plant, water supply infrastructure and solar PV system. A complaints register will be maintained. The contractor will maintain a register of all complaints and grievances received either on site or at the office. The register will include: date of the complaint, the name of the complainant (and their contact details), name/title of person receiving the complaint, nature of complaint, any actions taken to immediately resolve the complaint and any future actions required, and close-out date when the complaint was satisfactorily resolved. The register will be subject to inspections during audits and monitoring. Section 8 – Local community, stakeholder engagement and consultation 8.1 Dates, types and methods of engagement and consultation, and outcomes to date Public consultations During project preparation, formal consultations took place with participants from Betio, Bonriki and few other villages on South Tarawa through community workshops. The workshops were held at a range of venues including community and religious maneabas, community meeting areas, houses and clinics, at times considered most convenient for stakeholders. Meetings at each of the community halls to disclose information on the project, including descriptions of the project, potential environmental impacts, and to seek feedback relating to the project and any concerns, were held between 3rd and 11th February 2018. Minutes of meeting, highlighting key questions raised is included as Appendix 4 and attendance records show a total of 190 people attended ranging from 15 people in Bairiki through to 50 people in Bangantebure (Table 8.1). Table 8.1 - Summary of meeting participants 106 Village Date No. of participants Male Female Total Betio (Temanoku) 3 Feb 2018 8 10 18 Betio (Temakin) 6 Feb 2018 15 30 45 Bairiki 9 Feb 2018 9 6 15 Teaoraereke 7 Feb 2018 13 18 31 Bangantebure 11 Feb 2018 15 35 50 Bonriki 11 Feb 2018 21 10 31 Total 81 109 190 Source: PPTA consultations, 2018 Key stakeholder consultations Consultation was undertaken as part of the socio-economic surveys. In addition to this, individual meetings were held with potentially affected households (AHs) identified during the assessment process as well as institutional partners (i.e. Church of the Latter Day Saints). The project objectives and processes as well as the anticipated requirement for the proposed project infrastructure leading to land acquisition were explained. The community was advised of the likely project scope and the rationale for acquiring private land. The project compensation matrix was referenced and compensation entitlements were clarified. The AHs were informed of the project GRM to be put in place should any unforeseen issues arise, or should there be any cause for grievance. Questions raised by the AHs were addressed by the PPTA team during the socio-economic survey, particularly related to the future project stages involving detailed design, at which time land requirements would be formalized. The outcome of the consultation was that households taking part in the socio-economic survey verbally agreed to allow the project to acquire their land subject to the safeguards established by the RF. 8.2 Key findings from engagement and consultation Summary of issues raised At the consultation meetings, the public were informed of the main components of the project that includes installation and operation of a RO desalination plant and solar PV system, and the upgrading of the water supply system on South Tarawa. The activities involved and proposed locations for each component were presented including the reasons why these locations were chosen. For the desalination plant information on the production capacity, source of feed water, how the brine will be disposed, potential environmental impacts of brine on the marine and terrestrial ecosystem were disclosed. Other environmental and social issues that could arise during the construction were discussed specific issues related to (i) land access, (ii) effect of encroaching onto private properties, (iii) excavation works and related impacts on trees and permanent structures removals, noise, dust, increased traffic that would cause nuisance during construction, destruction of the newly completed tar-sealed road and impacts on traffic. Mitigation measures for each impact, and the benefits associated with the implementation of the project, formed parts of the discussion during the consultation meeting. Issues raised at these meetings, related to the existing situation caused by the poor state of the water supply system, to impacts of construction, and some further concerns. Issues relating to the state of 107 water supply system were (i) some areas in Bonriki and along the lagoon side at Bangatebure and Eita are not connected to the reticulated water supply system, and (ii) freshwater extraction from Bonriki water reservoir has increased the salinity level of water in the village and could worsen if the existing extraction rate continues. Concerns over construction were (i) removal of trees/permanent structures and destruction of the newly completed tar-sealed road where excavation took place to lay pipes and other components of the reticulated water supply system, (ii) effect of drilling boreholes on the ground stability, and (iii) labor recruitment has been observed with the on-going and past projects was based on “who knows who” without following national guideline for recruitment – there were elements of favoritism observed by the community. It was suggested that the number of laborers needed should be divided equally between and recruited from all communities on South Tarawa. No concern was expressed over temporary effects of construction. Further concerns raised were (i) effects of brine disposal on the marine ecosystem, (ii) effect of pumping feed water from boreholes on the freshwater lens, (iii) concern of cost increase for water to compensate high production cost from the desalination plant and request that cost of reticulated water be kept at minimum level, (iv) fabricating water pipe connections by individuals causing damage to the reticulated system, poor repair and hence sustainability of infrastructure. The effect of brine disposal on the marine ecosystem and pumping feed water from boreholes on the freshwater lens were also the two major issues raised during the WASH consultation meetings for undertaken as part of other PPTA activities.43 A few suggestions were raised during the meeting and include; (i) the production of salt from the brine wastes, (ii) Government to create a reserve fund that can be used to compensate landowners for having their land disturbed during the excavation work to lay pipelines, and (iii) increase the compensation amount per tree (trees supporting livelihood) from the current level. All interviewed landowner representatives were in favour of the project acquiring their land, with the proviso that in the case of reclaimed land, access to the lagoon for fishing is still possible. The interviewees also expressed interest in being considered for potential work on the project. Means of addressing issues raised The issues of main concern, namely the effects of the current state of the infrastructure, will be addressed by the proposed infrastructure improvements. The water reticulation system will be installed at Bonriki and other areas not connected to the system. Salinity level of wells in Bonriki is anticipated to improve as water extraction will remain unchanged overtime. Concern over the removal of vegetation and structures during construction will be limited to sites where individual items of equipment or damaged sections of pipe need to be replaced. However, the need to avoid the removal of or damage to trees during excavation, and replanting as required, is included in the ESMP. Likewise, a resettlement plan is in place to address issues on removal of structures. The effect of feed water extraction on ground stability and freshwater lens is negligible. Effects on fish populations and coral reef were examined and was also found to be negligible, as dilution of the brine effluent is expected over a short distance from the point of discharge. The ESMP includes a monitoring 43 GHD, 2017c 108 process that will track changes the salinity level over and adjacent to the point of discharge. Risks of damage to vegetation and salinity level of ground freshwater lens from leaks in the brine disposal system and failure of the desalination plant will remain but will be mitigated by improvements in the management and implementation of improved maintenance that is expected to result from capacity building and maintenance support components of the project. The government is to deal with labor issues and compensation to land owners over disturbed land. The production of salt from the brine is an option, however chemical wastes associated with the brine would render the salt unsafe for consumption. 8.3 Future engagement and consultation activities Consultation The Project will establish continuous and ongoing consultation with all stakeholders, beneficiaries and directly affected people. Ongoing consultation will be guided by the project’s CCP. During the preconstruction and construction phases, the contractor will disclose information on the location and duration of construction operations, as well as the GRM. The contractor will assign a liaison officer at each site, who will be responsible for receiving, and acting on complaints. The project’s communications and consultation plan will be updated by the PMU/supervision consultant during the design and pre-construction stage, this plan will guide the process (means, methods, frequency, documentation etc.) for all communications about the project. 8.4 Negotiation and agreements with directly affected persons and land/resource owners The RP details the outcomes of the consultations with affected landowners and key stakeholders. Where government land was not available, private lands have been identified as potential sites for some of the storage tanks and booster pumps. Affected landowners expressed their verbal consent for the Project to acquire their land. No relocation of housing or settlements or income restoration will be required. Final confirmation will be achieved by signing the compensation and entitlement forms to be prepared by the MELAD. Land ownership certificates will be required to prove land ownership. The planning of compensation and mitigation measures has been prepared based on the IOL. The preliminary budget estimates the cost of the compensation for fixed assets at $1875.56. The budget will be updated when the RP is updated based on detailed measurement survey. 8.5 Information disclosure Project information will be disclosed to stakeholders as per the project’s CCP. Disclosure will follow the requirements of the ADB Public Communications Policy 2011, the World Bank safeguard and communication requirements, and any laws of GOK. This will include uploading of the environmental assessment and other safeguard due diligence documents on the ADB and WB websites and making these documents available for local disclosure. Draft and final version safeguards documents will be disclosed locally (including summaries in i-Kiribati) and by the ADB and WB on their websites. 109 Section 9 – Conclusion The water issues faced in Tarawa atoll are amongst the most complex, vital and varied in the world. The proposed South Tarawa Water Supply project reflects the complexity of the water problem in South Tarawa and uses a mix of approaches to provide additional water, reduce water leakage, provide institutional strengthening and behavioral change programs. Using two main approaches, changes to physical infrastructure and behavioural change programs, the project will generate significant environmental and health benefits that more than outweigh any adverse environmental impacts incurred during construction and operation. The project will build new and rehabilitate existing water and electrical infrastructure and implement a WASH program in South Tarawa. It is anticipated that the project will provide significant public health benefits such as consistent service of and access to potable public water and reduced public health risks from contamination. This will in turn result in a reduction of waterborne disease, reducing the burden on the health system. The primary beneficiaries are communities in South Tarawa, particularly women and children. The project will also have socio-economic benefits such as from the generation of new jobs, vocational training opportunities and improvement of the economic situation through reduced absenteeism. Environmental benefits associated with the project include water conservation and the use of renewable energy which will reduce the use of fossil fuels. Additional benefits include, improved planning, management, and sustainability of future water supply, improved development planning, and increased tourism potential. The project will also increase the resiliency of the water infrastructure to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards. The natural habitat of South Tarawa has already been highly modified by the built environment and the densely populated community. Identified environmental risks and impacts of the project include the short-term impacts from noise and nuisance, solid waste, dust, and disruption during construction. The impacts from the operation of the desalination plant include the impacts on marine water quality and ecosystem from the brine disposal and the use and disposal of chemicals. Further risks to the project include the risk of the new infrastructure failing and the impacts of sludge disposal from the proposed sanitation units. Identified social impacts include the impacts of resettlement, land access and encroachment onto private property. All risks were assessed to be very-low, low or medium significance provided that the mitigations outlined in this ESIA are implemented. The exceptions are the significance of the risks to the quality of the fresh groundwater reserves from waste disposal practices which remains high. The proposed WASH campaigns are being implemented in order to address those risks. The projects key environmental and social management and mitigation measures include the development, implementation and monitoring of an ESMP. The ESMP addresses the impacts and risks associated with construction and operation of the SWRO desalination plant, solar PV system, and water supply infrastructure and will be updated and further developed as a CESMP by the contractor. To mitigate the social impacts the project will be located on government land whenever possible. A Resettlement Plan (RP) was prepared to address potential impacts on land and/or assets due to the desalination plant, water storage/booster pumps and the installation of the PV. This outlines the proposed consultation and compensation of APs. Where possible, government owned or leased land has been identified for siting of project infrastructure. In conclusion, the ESIA has found that no major short-term or cumulative environmental or social impacts are likely to occur from the Project, provided that the ESMP is updated, implemented and 110 monitored and the RP is implemented. The overall environmental, health and socio-economic benefits of the project more than outweigh the adverse environmental and social impacts that will occur. 111 References ADB, 2016. Gender Statistics in the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Manila: Asian Development Bank. Callaghan, D.P. et al, 2006. Atoll lagoon flushing forces by waves. Coastal Engineering 53, 691-704. Campbell B, Hanich Q. 2014. 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GOK - MELAD. 2013. Kiribati Biodiversity Area Report (South Tarawa, Kiribati). GOK-MFED, 2012. Kiribati 2010 Census. Volume 2: Analytical Report Lelaurin, J. 2000. Hydrodynamic simulation with MIKE21 of Abaiang atoll, Kiribati. SOPAC Training Report 87. NIWA, 2010. Kiribati Adaptation Programme. Phase II Climate Information for Climate Risk Management: Sea-levels, waves, run-up and overtopping. Released 2008, updated 2010. Hamilton, New Zealand: New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). [Online] Available from: www.climate.gov.ki NIWA, 2014. Water Quality Report Card Kiribati 2014. NZAID/GOK 112 Munke, Frank, April 2008: Ecological and economic analysis of seawater desalination plants - Diploma Thesis. Matri. No.: 1157140 Karlsruhe Philip JW, Roberts PJ and Tian X, 2004. New experimental techniques for validation of marine discharge models. Environmental Modelling & Software 19 (7-8): 691-699 Raventos, N., Macpherson, E. & Garcia-Rubies, A. 2006. 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Identification of the mixing process in brine discharges carried out in Barranco del Toro Beach, South Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). Desalination, 139, 277 – 286 Tonganibeia, K. 2005. Impacts assessment of Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu Sewage Outfalls on Coral Reef. Report prepared for PMO and Steering Committee, SAPHE. Trama Tecnoambiental TTA. 2012. Kiribati Grid Connected Solar PV Power Station Project Environmental Impact Assessment (prepared for MPWU and WB) United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, 2017. Kiribati Human Rights Report, 2017. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 White, I. 2010. Tarawa Water Master Plan 2010-2030. Ministry of Public Works and Utilities/Kiribati Adaptation Programmes Phase II Water Component 3.2.1, World Bank. AusAID, NZAID. WHO, 2008. Drinking Water Guideline - 3rd Edition (incorporating the first and second addenda, Vol 1 Recommendations). Geneva. www.health.gov.ki (visited November 2017) World Bank, 2000. Cities, Seas and Storms: Managing Change in Pacific Island Economies. Vol IV. Adapting to Climate Change, World Bank, Washington. Zann, L.P., 1986. The Marine Ecology of Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Republic of Kiribati. Coastal Zone Surveys on Sedimentation, Erosion, Pollution Problems in Kiribati. CCOP/SOPAC Technical Report 23. 113 South Tarawa Water Supply Project (RRP KIR 49453) Appendices Appendix 1 - MELAD response to Environmental License Application Appendix 2 - Land Options for Desalination Plant Appendix 3 - Water Supply Infrastructure - Summary of Proposed Upgrades Appendix 4 - Minutes of Community Consultations 113 Appendix 1: MELAD response to Environmental License Application . Appendix 2: Land Options for Desalination Plant Current Situation. Drinking water supply in South Tarawa is currently limited to water pumped through the PUB distribution system which is augmented with collected rainfall, when available. The source of potable water is from the fresh water lens at Bonriki. The volume of water pumped from Bonriki to supply all consumers in South Tarawa is approximately 2 ML/day. The direction that government is taking towards future water supply is based upon having a pressurised water supply to consumers that will be available 24 hours per day. This will require another source of drinking water to be established. Previous studies have identified that the only viable means of supplying large quantities of additional drinking water is desalination of seawater. Desalination System. The expected capacity of the desalination plant to meet current demand is approximately 3 ML/day, ultimate capacity is expected to be approximately 6 ML/day. Hydraulic Considerations. Preliminary hydraulic studies on the capacity of the existing water transmission line that runs from Bonriki to Betio have shown that the pipeline does not have the capability to transfer this additional water from a desalination facility located at Bonriki. To maintain future water supply throughout South Tarawa in the existing pipeline will require a desalination facility located in the Western end of South Tarawa, preferably in Betio which has a large bulk storage tank and a large population centre. A desalination facility located at Bonriki will require a new larger pipeline running the majority of the length of South Tarawa will be required which will incur very high cost and cause considerable disruption. A possible connection point to the existing pipeline is around Ambo. Strategically it is preferable to have a water source at either end of South Tarawa. Operational Considerations. The desalination plant will be a strategic asset for supply of additional drinking water to South Tarawa to meet current and future water demand. From an operational consideration, there are significant benefits to the PUB in locating the desalination facility on a single site, as opposed to having multiple small sites located in the western portion of South Tarawa. A single site would allow the capacity of the plant to be upgraded without future land issues. Area Requirements. The area required for a desalination plant located on a single site to meet current and future water demand is 2400 m2, preferably a site with dimensions approximating 80 m by 30 m. The overall land requirements if multiple sites for desalination plants are required would be significantly greater than 2400 m2. This is because balance of plant requirements, such as water storage tanks, are required at each plant site. Water Supply. Saline water will be supplied to the desalination plant from a series. It is anticipated that nine bores will be required at 25 to 30 metre spacing. Land will be required for the bore headworks. Brine Discharge. The environmental and social constraints relating to brine discharge are common throughout South Tarawa and are not specific to a specific plant site. Potential Sites. The potential sites identified are shown in Table A2.1. Table A2.1 – Potential Sites for Desalinization Plant Site Description 1 Vacant land opposite the Parliament in Ambo 2 Abaokoro on the ocean side in Ambo 3 Land to the west of the Nanikai landfill site 4 Land on the eastern end of the Bairiki causeway 5 Land in Betio, on the ocean side between the WW2 heritage artifacts and Taiwan Park 6 Land in Betio, eastern area used by Nippon Causeway contractor, Betio 7 Some of the land currently occupied by the meteorological office, Betio 8 Land currently occupied for container storage, Betio 9 Land in Betio, western area used by Nippon Causeway contractor 10 Location on Bonriki Water Reserve 11 PUB Water Yard up to and including McConnell Dowell site/MPWU Civil yard 12 Bairiki-end of Dai Nippon Causeway (south) currently occupied by Ferris wheel Table A2.2 sets out the existing ownership and use and identifies any issues. An image of each location with the land required for the desalination plant is shown in the following plates. The desalination plant boundary and bores are also shown for indication purposes only. The actual position may be changed to suit any specific requirements. Table A2.2 – Description of Potential Sites and Issues Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering 1 Assumed to be Vacant site Close to population center in active Potential noise issue to local Not ideal from hydraulic residential community. residences but this can be consideration because the site is Bores will have to be installed outside managed by building design not on the western end of South this area within residential areas Tarawa Close to water transmission line Close to 11 kV power line Brine discharge close to the reef Minimal area for construction laydown will make construction difficult Not ideal from consideration of water supply from bores 2 Unknown, land use No residential or Remote from residential centres Undisturbed site in highly Not ideal from hydraulic assumed to be industrial activity Land occasionally used by community modified area consideration because the site is residential groups Will require construction of a not close to the western end of causeway for vehicle access South Tarawa Considerable disturbance to land Not close to water or in construction phase transmission line Brine discharge close to ocean, will need to cross road Will require construction of a causeway for vehicle access Area available for construction laydown Site acceptable for installation of a series of bores 3 Unknown, land use Site currently Remote from residential centres No Disturbed site Reclaimed land, will require assumed to be Open occupied by shipping social amenity activity, apart from Environmental noise not a major geotechnical investigation Space - Recreation containers landfill, nearby issue Close to water transmission line Close to 11 kV power line Brine discharge close to ocean, will need to cross road Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering Area for construction laydown available Long site that is acceptable for installation of a series of bores Not ideal, but workable site, from hydraulic consideration of continuous pressurised water supply 4 land use assumed to Transmission tower is Close to a residential area Disturbed site Close to water transmission line be Non-residential present on the site Some bores might need to encroach Potential noise issue to local and 11 kV power line institutions – into residential areas residences but this can be Brine discharge close to ocean Government managed by building design. Presence of transmission tower Buildings will probably create limitations with significant impact on site layout Construction laydown area available Not ideal from consideration of water supply from bores 5 assumed to be Open Vacant but vegetated Close to Taiwan Park and WWII Vegetated site A preferred location for Space - Recreation heritage artifacts Need to reduce community noise discharge of drinking water into Bores will be presents in Taiwan Park levels because of proximity to the transmission line from a and WWII heritage area. Taiwan Park hydraulic consideration Industrial building close to used social Close to water transmission line amenity and 11 kV power line Limited area for construction laydown Some bores would have to be installed outside this area, possibly encroaching onto adjacent areas or sourced from land on lagoon side Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering 6 land use assumed to Currently used by Residential area around the site Most Disturbed site Ideal location for plant control, be Non-residential Contractor for of the site is required for the Need to consider community desalination plant will interface institutions – causeway/road desalination plant noise levels because of proximity with Betio main storage tank Government project to residential area Route for drinking water Buildings Bores will have to be installed pipeline to Betio main storage outside this area in tank needs to be considered nonresidential area through residential areas Brine discharge to ocean side, will need to run along the road to miss the cemetery Close to 11 kV power line Minimal area for construction laydown Remote borefield 7 Non-residential Currently used by Residential area around the site Brine discharge to ocean side, Ideal location for plant control, institutions – Office of Meteorology will need to run along road to desalination plant will Government miss the cemetery interface with Betio main Buildings Vegetated site currently being storage tank Route for used by a government agency drinking water pipeline to Need to consider community Betio main storage tank needs noise levels because of proximity to be considered through to residential area residential areas Brine Borefield could possibly affect discharge to ocean side, will local groundwater table need to run along the road Close to 11 kV power line Area for construction laydown, but considerable interface issues with Office of Meteorology Potential to install all bores within this area 8 Assumed to be Currently used for Residential area to the north of the Disturbed site Ideal location for plant control, industrial storage of shipping site Need to consider community desalination plant will interface containers Not all of the site is required for the noise levels because of proximity with Betio main storage tank desalination plant to residential area Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering Borefield could possibly affect Route for drinking water local groundwater table pipeline to Betio main storage tank needs to be considered Large site available, not all of which is required for final installation Good area for construction laydown Site sufficient to possibly install all bores 9 Assumed to be Currently used by Residential area to the north of the Disturbed site Ideal location for plant control, industrial Contractor for site Need to consider community desalination plant will interface Causeway Contract Not all of the site is required for the noise levels because of proximity with Betio main storage tank desalination plant to residential area Route for drinking water Borefield could possibly affect pipeline to Betio main storage local groundwater table tank needs to be considered Large site available, not all of which is required for final installation Good area for construction laydown Site sufficient to possibly install all bores Area not ideal unless some of the existing building on site are removed 10 Unknown Currently used for Residential area Environmental assessment will Major portion of the land is multiple activities Not all of the available land is required be required when site identified swampy and not ideal for Large portions of land for the desalination plant construction, this limited are not available Desalination plant might encroach on available areas because of other land being considered for future Bores will be remote from activities, for example residential requirements desalination plant and require fish farming their own electrical power system Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering New water transmission pipeline from Bonriki will be required, possibly connecting to the existing pipeline around Ambo Strategically it is preferable to have two water supply systems locate at either end of South Tarawa From water quality consideration, it is advantageous to blend reverse osmosis water with Bonriki ground water 11 Assumed to be Currently used by PUB Surrounded by Residential areas and the Disturbed site Ideal location for plant control, industrial for 2 ML reservoir, school Need to consider community noise desalination plant will interface elevated tank for water Not all of the available land is required levels because of proximity to with Betio main storage tank reticulation, storage for for the desalination plant residential area Large site available, not all of pipes and the site Desalination plant might encroach on Borefield could possibly affect local which is required for final offices. land being considered for future groundwater table installation MPWU use part of the residential requirements Good area for construction area for heavy plant laydown storage, soil laboratory Site sufficient to possibly install all and site offices. bores if Macdow area can be Currently surrounded by made available residential areas, school Area not ideal unless some of the and site offices. existing building on site are removed 12 Assumed to be Currently used by There are residential buildings to the Disturbed site The current site is too sandy and industrial overseas contractor and south and the church to the east. The Need to consider community noise there may be a need to improve the Ferris wheel land is thought to be owned by private levels because of proximity to soil bearing capacity. landowners but these need to be residential area Large site available, not all of confirmed by Lands Management Bore-wells could be located on the which is required for final Division of MELAD. beach. installation Site Land Issues Tenure/Ownership Use/status Social Environmental Engineering Desalination plant will prevent viewing Good area for construction of the causeway from the Church site. laydown Site sufficient to possibly install all bores along the beach. Area not ideal unless some of the existing building on site are removed Site 1- Opposite Parliament building in Ambo Site 2 – Abaokoro (ocean-side in Ambo) Site 3 - Land to the west of the Nanikai landfill site Site 4 - Land on the eastern end of the Bairiki causeway Site 5 - Land in Betio (ocean side - east of WWII heritage artifacts) Site 6 - Land in Betio, Eastern area used by Nippon Causeway contractor Bores will need to be located remote from this site with bore collector main and independent power supply. Communication with plant site required. Site 7 - Land in Betio, meteorological site Bores within property boundary Site 8 - Land in Betio, currently used for shipping container storage Bores within property boundary Site 9 - Land in Betio, Western area used by Nippon Causeway contractor Bores within property boundary Site 10 – Bonriki Water Reserve Area Site 11 – PUB Water Yards to McConell Dowell area Site 12 – South of Bairiki end of Dai Nippon Causeway Site 12 South Tarawa Water Supply Project (RRP KIR 49453) Appendix 3: Water Supply Infrastructure - Summary of Proposed Upgrades Table 3.1 - Water Supply Infrastructure - Summary of Proposed Upgrades Infrastructure Description Existing Proposed Upgrade Size/Capacity HEADWORKS - BUOTA AND BONRIKI Bonriki - chlorination Gas cylinder direct injection 300 g/hr 3.7 mg/L (av.) Upgrade so that the dosing rate is flow paced Bonriki – chlorine storage Open ventilated storage of cylinders New compliant storage facility HEADWORKS – BETIO DESALINATION PLANT (PROPOSED) Betio – on-ground storage Concrete tank split into two portions 2 320 kL KAPIII project proposed rehabilitation spot repairs as required Betio headworks – pumping N.A. (new) New pumping facility (desal. water to transmission main) station (PS) PIPELINES Temaiku distribution main – Existing pipeline too small for future DN100 DN200 PE100 transmission main requirements Buota distribution main – New – to provide water to an area that currently N.A. (new) DN160 PE100 transmission main has no reticulated supply CHLORINE DOSING STATIONS Betio - chlorination Gas cylinder direct injection 1.1 mg/L Replaced by new disinfection process part of desalination plant DISTRIBUTION AREAS – STORAGES AND BOOSTER PUMPING STATIONS Buota - tank New – area currently has no reticulated supply N.A. (new) 22 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Buota - booster PS New – area currently has no reticulated supply N.A. (new) Booster Pumps No. and configuration to be determined Bonriki - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bonriki – on-ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 158 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Bonriki – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Temaiku – on-ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 158 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands 139 Infrastructure Description Existing Proposed Upgrade Size/Capacity Temaiku – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Hospital – on-ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 148 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Hospital – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined McKenzie – on-ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 84 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands McKenzie – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Bikenibeu KGV - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bikenibeu KGV – on-ground Existing - concrete roofed structure 210 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank. Bikenibeu KGV – tank (disused) Existing - concrete tank in-ground 220 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bikenibeu KGV – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (New) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Bikenibeu OH - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bikenibeu OH – in-ground tank Existing - concrete tank in-ground 220 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bikenibeu OH – tank (disused) Existing - concrete tank in-ground 220 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bikenibeu OH – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (New) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Bangantebure - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bangantebure – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 130 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Bangantebure – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Eita - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Eita – on-ground (three) tanks Existing - concrete tanks 3 x 22 kL (66 kL) KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage. Eita – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 42 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Eita – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Tebunia – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 111 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Tebunia – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Ambo - elevated tank Existing - Reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Infrastructure Description Existing Proposed Upgrade Size/Capacity Ambo – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 127 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Ambo – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Banraeaba - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Banraeaba – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 94 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Banraeaba – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Antemai - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAPIII proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Antemai – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 152 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Antemai – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Teaoraereke - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Teaoraereke – on-ground ( Existing - concrete tanks 5 x 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Teaoraereke – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 39 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Teaoraereke – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (new) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Nanikaai - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Nanikaai – on ground tank Storage to meet peak demand of distribution area N.A. (new) 67 kL on ground tank to serve 2040 demands Nanikaai – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (New) Booster pumps number and configuration to be determined Bairiki - elevated tank Existing - reinforced concrete tank 22 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bairiki – in-ground tank Existing - concrete tank in-ground 220 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bairiki – in-ground tank Existing - concrete tank in-ground 220 kL KAP III proposed rehabilitation of existing tank to rectify leakage Bairiki – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (New) KAP III - booster pumps proposed as part of upgrade. Betio – booster PS Boosts supply pressure within distribution area N.A. (New) KAP III - booster pumps proposed as part of upgrade. DISTRIBUTION AREAS - RETICULATION NETWORK Buota New – area currently has no reticulated supply N.A. (New) New PE pipelines and service connections and meters Bonriki New – expand to none-reticulated supply area New reticulation in the north/north east of the island Infrastructure Description Existing Proposed Upgrade Size/Capacity Temaiku Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Hospital Existing reticulation (installed in 1986) New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) McKenzie Existing reticulation (installed in 1986) Detailed design part of KAP III Bikenibeu KGV Existing reticulation (installed in 1986) Detailed design part of KAP III Bikenibeu OH Existing reticulation (installed in mid 1980s) Detailed design part of KAP III Bangantebure Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Eita Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Tebunia Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Ambo Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Banraeaba Existing reticulation New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Antemai Existing reticulation (minor installation 2004) New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Teaoraereke Existing reticulation (minor installation 2004) New PE pipelines, service connections and meters (replace existing) Bairiki Existing reticulation (installed in mid 1980s) Detailed design part of KAP III Betio Existing reticulation. Detailed design part of KAP III Note: Kiribati Adaptation Program - Phase Three (KAP III), under the auspices of the Office of Beretitenti, is addressing non-revenue water in South Tarawa. Appendix 4: Minutes of Community Consultations Member of consultation team; Iannang Teaioro, Environment Safeguards, Taboia Metutera, Water Engineer and Deputy Team Leader Venue and attendance; meeting with the communities is arranged prior every meeting through the community or church leaders. Six maneaba (meeting halls) were visited between 3rd and 11th February 2018 during the disclosure and consultation meetings. Two at Betio and one at Bairiki, Teaoraereke, Bangantebure and Bonriki. Summary of the attendance is provided in Table A4.1. Table A4.1. Summary of attendance Village Date of meeting Male Female Total Betio (Temanoku) 3 Feb 2018 8 10 18 Betio (Temakin) 6 Feb 2018 15 30 45 Bairiki 9 Feb 2018 9 6 15 Teaoraereke 7 Feb 2018 13 18 31 Bangantebure 11 Feb 2018 15 35 50 Bonriki 11 Feb 2018 21 10 31 Total 81 109 190 The participants were informed of the main components of the project that includes installation and operation of a RO desalination plant and solar PV system, and the upgrading of the water supply system on South Tarawa. The activities involved and proposed locations for each component were presented including the reasons why these locations were chosen. For the desalination plant information on the production capacity, source of feed water, how the brine will be disposed, potential environmental impacts of brine on the marine and terrestrial ecosystem were disclosed. Other environmental and social issues that could arise during the construction were discussed in particular: (i) land access, (ii) effect of encroaching onto private properties, (iii) excavation works and related impacts on trees and permanent structures removals, noise, dust, increased traffic that would cause nuisance during construction, destruction of the newly completed tar-sealed road and impacts on traffic. Mitigation measures for each and the benefits associated with the implementation of the projects formed parts of the discussion during the meeting. 143 Table A4.2 Feedback from each community and response. Feedback Response from PPTA Team 1. Betio - Temanoku 1.1 Ground stability will not be affected 1.1 Effect of drilling on ground stability 1.2 Freshwaters will not be affected as the water will be pumped 1.2 Effect of feed water extraction n from a depth of 30-35m, well below the freshwater lens freshwater lens 1.3 Dilution of brine will be attained within 10 m from the point 1.3 Effect of brine on marine ecosystem. of discharge. 2. Betio - Temakin 2.1 Effect of drilling on ground stability 2.1 Ground stability will not be affected 2.2 Effect of feed water extraction on 2.2 Freshwaters will not be affected as the water will be pumped freshwater lens and level of underground from a depth of 30-35m, well below the freshwater lens. A water drawback on underground water level of about 10-30 mm will be 2.3 Effect of brine on marine ecosystem 2.4 noticeable at the extraction point but diminishes to zero once Location – why the desalination plant is not you reach 20 meters away from the borehole. located over the seawater instead of on 2.3 Dilution of brine will be attained within 10 m from the point land of discharge. 2.4 Cost to construction seawall or separate island over the reef is not feasible due to costs and vulnerability to storms waves 3. Bairiki 3.1 Effect of excavation on vegetation and 3.1 Effect should be minimized where possible. However, structure replanting, resettlement plan to address the issue, and 3.2 Convert brine to salt instead of compensation are the mitigation measures provided. disposing it 3.2 Not feasible due to chemicals used in the desalination 3.3 Sourcing feed water from the ocean process and would contaminate the salt if produced from the 3.4 Government to create a reserve fund brine that can be used to compensate 3.3 Ocean water has more suspended solids in it and would landowners for having their land disturbed require more effort and hence cost to remove during the excavation work 3.4 Will raise the matter to Government through MISE 3.5 Community to have equal share of labor 3.5 Will raise the matter to Government through MISE recruited to the project during construction. Favoritism has been observed in the past and ongoing project where recruitment is based on whom you know. 4. Teaoraereke 4.1 Cost of water, will it be increased after 4.1 Government is considering different options the completion of project? 4.2 Study is underway and there will be monitoring activities to 4.2 Suggested that a study should be be undertaken to ensure impacts are minimized. undertaken to ensure there is no impact of desalination on the marine and terrestrial ecosystem. 5. Bangantebure 5.1 Are the water consumers expected to 5.1 It is expected that the consumers will be charged pay for the water after completion of 5.2 Yes Government is considering different options project 5.3 Efforts will be taken to ensure the newly tar-sealed road is 5.2 IF paying for water then request that not affected. However, if affected the contractor is responsible cost is kept at minimum level to resurface the excavated road to original status 5.3 Effects of pipe installation on the newly 5.4 WASH will address the issue with the community the completed tar-sealed road importance of having the system and effects when damage and Feedback Response from PPTA Team 5.4 Fabricating water pipe connections by encourage the community to participate in maintaining the individual causing damage to the reticulated system. Management and implementation of improved system. Concern over poor repair and maintenance that is expected to result from capacity building and hence sustainability of infrastructure maintenance support components of the project 5.5 No reticulated water supply system on 5.5 This will be addressed by the project the lagoon side of the road. Will the project install the system for the concerned residences? 6. Bonriki 6.1 Rely on expert to provide appropriate 6.1 Impacts on the marine is expected to be minimal mitigation measures towards impact on the 6.2 Will raised the matter to Government through MISE marine ecosystem as most of them are not 6.3 This will be address by the project expert and would not have any clues on 6.4 It is expected that current extraction rate will be maintained what will happen except that there will be and expected to decrease overtime due to the installation of a happy with more water from the project desalination plant. 6.2 Concern that trees will be affected during the installation of solar PV system, and therefore requesting if the amount of compensation can be increased from the current level 6.3 No reticulated water supply system in Bonriki village. Request for one. 6.4 Freshwater extraction from Bonriki water reservoir has increased the salinity level of water in the village and could worsen if the existing extraction rate continues