Semi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report

Project No. 42378-016 Semestral Report (July-December 2020) January 2021

Bangladesh: Power System Expansion and Efficiency Improvement Investment

Program - Tranche 2

Construction of Five 132/33/11kV Substations in DESCO Area

Prepared by Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) for the Asian Development

Bank.

This semi-annual environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, 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 a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the

Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status

of any territory or area.

8th Environmental Monitoring Report

on

Construction of five 132/33/11kV Sub-stations in DESCO Area

Acknowledgements

The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), a public Trust under the Ministry of Water Resources, expresses its gratitude to the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) for entrusting CEGIS with the responsibility of conducting for Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR) of “Construction of five 132/33/11kV (Kilo Volt) Grid Sub-stations in DESCO Area”.

CEGIS is indebted to Brig. General Md. Shahid Sarwar, NDC, PSC, (Retd.), Managing Director of DESCO for giving opportunity to work with DESCO. CEGIS is grateful to Engr. Jagodish Chandra Mandol, Executive Director (Engineering) DESCO for his contribution of the study formulation. CEGIS is also grateful to Engr. Md. Rashidur Rahman, Superintending Engineer and Project Director (Grid), DESCO and Engr. Md. Abdul Latif Miah, Deputy Project Director (Grid), DESCO for their kind support, co-operation and guidance.

Members of the EMR Team were impressed with the spontaneous response received from the DESCO concerned office and local people in providing information. Their contribution is gratefully recognized by CEGIS wholehearted thanks are extended to those people who had given time to respond to the different types of Consultation Meetings and Group Discussions.

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Table of Content

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................. i

List of Tables ..................................................................................................... iv

List of Figures ................................................................................................... iv

Abbreviations and Acronyms .............................................................................. v

Unit Conversion Table ...................................................................................... vii

Executive Summary ......................................................................................... viii

1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Background .............................................................................................. 1

1.2 Objectives ................................................................................................ 1

1.2.1 Broad Objective .................................................................................. 1

1.2.2 Specific Objective ............................................................................... 1

1.3 Project Location ........................................................................................ 2

1.4 Scope of Works ......................................................................................... 4

1.5 Monitoring Policy Standard ......................................................................... 4

1.6 ADB Loan Covenants with DESCO ............................................................... 8

1.7 Implementation Arrangement ..................................................................... 8

1.8 Environment............................................................................................. 8

1.9 Project Reviews ........................................................................................ 9

2. Approach and Methodology ....................................................................... 10

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 10

2.2 Overall Approach .................................................................................... 10

2.3 Study Mobilization ................................................................................... 10

2.4 Team Mobilization ................................................................................... 11

2.5 Methodology........................................................................................... 11

2.5.1 Physical Environment ........................................................................ 12

2.5.2 Biological Environment ...................................................................... 12

3. Monitoring Results .................................................................................... 14

3.1 Physical environment .............................................................................. 14

3.1.1 Ambient air quality ............................................................................ 14

3.1.2 Noise level ....................................................................................... 15

3.1.3 Waste management .......................................................................... 16

3.2 Monitoring Results .................................................................................. 18

4. Institutional arrangement for Monitoring and compliance......................... 21

5. Site Specific Environmental Management Plan .......................................... 22

5.1 HSE implication ...................................................................................... 22

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5.2 Training and Meeting at the Project Site for Safety ...................................... 22

5.3 Environmental Protection ......................................................................... 22

5.4 In-house Rules and Regulations ................................................................ 22

5.5 Responsibility General Site Safety & Environmental Guidelines ..................... 23

6. Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................ 24

References ....................................................................................................... 26

Appendix-1: Terms of Reference (ToR) ............................................................ 28

Appendix-2: Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) .................................. 32

Appendix-3: Base Map of the study area .......................................................... 34

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List of Tables

Table 1.1: Location of the Substations ...................................................................... 2

Table 1.2: Selected IESCs and Parameters .............................................................. 8

Table 2.1: The Composition of the Main Team ........................................................ 11

Table 2.2: The Composition of the Multi-disciplinary Field Team ............................... 11

Table 3.1: Work Progress Status .......................................................................... 14

Table 3.3: Average Noise Level Reading of substation locations ............................... 16

Table 3.4: Standards of noise levels for different zones of Bangladesh ...................... 16

Table 3.4: Matrix of Monitoring Results ................................................................. 18

List of Figures

Figure 1.1: Map of DESCO Distribution Area of Proposed 132/ 33/ 11kV SSs ................ 3

Figure 2.1: Overall process of the compliance monitoring study ................................ 10

Waste Management at Tongi Substation Site (September) ....................................... 17

Figure 3.3: Tongi Substation Site .......................................................................... 17

Figure 4.1: Institutional Arrangement for ComplianceMonitoring ............................... 21

iv

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ADB Asian Development Bank

ANSI American National Standards Institute

BECR Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules

BECA Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

CEGIS Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services

CDA Chattogram Development Authority

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

DESCO Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited

DO Dissolved Oxygen

DoE Department of Environment

DPDC Dhaka Power Distribution Company

DPHE Department of Public Health and Engineering

ECA Environmental Conservation Act

ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate

ECR Environmental Conservation Rule

EARF Extractive Area Rehabilitation Fund

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMR Environmental Monitoring Report

EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction

ESMPs Environmental and Social Management Plans

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GoB Government of Bangladesh

GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear

GPS Global Positioning System

HSE Health, Safety and Environment

IESC Important Environmental and Social Component

KDA Khulna Development Authority

KII Key Informant Interview

kV Kilo Volt

PAM Project Administration Manual

PAP Project Affected Peoples

pH Potential of Hydrogen

v

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

P&D Planning & Development

RAJUK Rajdhani Unnyan Kartipakkho

RDA Rajshahi Development Authority

RoW Right of Way

RP Resettlement Plan

RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal

SAE Sub-Assistant Engineer

SCC Site Clearance Certificate

SPM Suspended Particulate Matters

SPS Safeguard Policy Statement

SSs Sub-Stations

ToR Terms of Reference

TL Transmission Line

vi

Unit Conversion Table

General Units 1 meter = 3.28 ft

1 kilometer = 0.621371192 mile

1 square mile = 640 acre = 2.590 km2

1 nautical mile = 1.852 kilometer

1 bigha = 33 decimal

1 katha = 1.65 decimal

Energy Units 1 kV = 1000 Volt

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Executive Summary

In continuation to the earlier monitoring, this eighth monitoring has been conducted in US Embassy nearby area and Tongi substation sites following ADB safeguard’s policy, the laws and the National policies of Bangladesh and Loan covenants between ADB and Bangladesh in December 2018. Construction works at the aforementioned sites are in progress and majority of the construction works of Tongi substation are almost completed except some minor works.

Based on the prepared checklist, the monitoring team observed the physical and environmental (Waste management, Noise etc.) condition, ecosystem and biodiversity status of the construction sites (US Embassy nearby area and Tongi) following both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

According to the air quality analysis report, the air quality of Dhaka is not good as unregulated heavy urbanization activities are going on over the entire city, which cause high level of Suspended Particulate Matters in air. Moreover, as the data has been collected in dry period, it is also one of the supporting factors behind this high level of pollutants in the nearby air shed. In addition to that, as Tongi substation is located in an industrial area, the smoke from nearby cotton mills have further deteriorated the air quality at Tongi. Furthermore, as the construction work of transmission line is going on in both the locations, that is another reason for air quality deterioration in the nearby airsheds. The EPC contractor has been advised by CEGIS monitoring team to cover the construction materials with polythene and to spray water regularly on the construction sites to avoid SPM spreading by wind.

The noise levels were measured during daytime at the entrance and at the construction area of US Embassy nearby area and Tongi substation sites. The noise level in both case was found within the standard of BD. The measured values along with BD and other standard values in tabular form are placed in chapter 3 of this report for reference. Noise level was measured at the entrance and at the construction sites in US Embassy nearby area and Tongi substations. The noise level in both case was found within the standards of BD and Others.

During this monitoring visit, waste management and use of PPEs for health and safety were not found satisfactory at the substation area but underground cable trenching construction sites (especially at the US embassy nearby area) at the said areas and the management authority did not seem to take necessary initiatives based on the suggestions of CEGIS monitoring team. Moreover, negligence in handling solid waste and kitchen waste has also been observed in both the sites.

At Tongi substation site, major construction works have been completed by maintaining the health safety regulations for COVID-19 of the Ministry of Health workers are working at the construction site and they are not allowed to go outside from the site. There is a cook who goes outside for nearby market place (Bazar) to buy food and necessary other things for the workers. For the outsiders they are sanitized first then get in to the construction site. Temperature of every worker is checked in the morning. Soaps and hand wash are kept for them to wash their hands properly. Moreover, a feat washing facility has been observed at the Tongi substation area. Use of mask and gloves and other PPEs are must for all the staffs and the workers.

viii

Executive Summary

At the US embassy nearby area, the workers did not seem to care about the current pandemic situation. As they were not noticed or observed following and maintaining the protocols of COVID-19 as well as occupational health and safety.

As per the findings, there are no more problems due to the project implementation as green belt will be developed after the completion of project works. Gardening in empty space, if available, is also recommended by the CEGIS monitoring Team. With the few above, observations at construction site of Tongi Substation and Underground cable trenching are satisfactory.

ix

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Electrical Power is the most useable form of energy as well as one of the major inputs for development of a country like Bangladesh. Sustainability in its Generation and supply is a pre-requisite for socio-economic development. In this regard, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has given top most priority took a vision to develop Bangladesh as middle income country with a commitment of providing electricity to all by 2021 and as a developed country by 2041 through rapid industrialization, urbanization etc. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and its adjacent areas are currently facing electricity demand tremendously for the rapid industrialization, urbanization and increased population.

Considering this fact, the Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO), hereinafter called “the proponent”, has taken an initiative to modernize the existing old distribution system and intended to construct the 132/33/11kV five (5) underground grid sub-stations under its command area at Uttara 3rd Phase, Aftabnagar, Banani, Purbachal and Tongi in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur Districts with a total land area of about 489.56 decimals for the proposed five Sub Stations. Additionally, to construct underground distribution line of 132 kV underground cable from Rampura Grid Substation to Gulshan-1 UGSS, which are further sub divided to the Installation of 132/33/11 kV substation equipment (Transformer, Circuit Breakers etc.), installation of 132 kV underground power cable, manhole cable, construction of substation buildings, Installation of Electrical facilities, installation of interconnecting switch. The proposed UGSS is going to be built in Gulshan-1(round at South of Baridhara link road, North of PGCB and DESCO establishment, and West of Road-134 and East of Malancha shop) and underground line is from Rampura (PGCB’s Substation) to Gulshan-1 UGSS.

The proponent has already obtained Site Clearance Certificate (SCC) and received necessary approval based on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EMP reports as well. Afterwards, DESCO engaged HYOSUNG as EPC contractor for the construction and Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) for conducting the environmental compliance monitoring as the complementary part of the project regarding EMP and ADB’s social safeguard policy and the loan covenants between ADB and Bangladesh.

1.2 Objectives

1.2.1 Broad Objective

The broad objective of this project, both at the Substation areas and at all the locations of the Underground distribution line, is to monitor whether the work of the EPC Contractor relating to environment, social, health, and safety are in line with the requirements and guidelines of Department of Environment (DoE), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the EMP provided.

1.2.2 Specific Objective

There are some specific objectives in relation to the broad objective of this study. The specific objectives of the environmental monitoring are to:

• To analyze water and air quality in pre-construction and construction phases.

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Introduction

• To analyze Noise level in this two stages of the project;

• To explore Land Characteristics in the project sites;

• To analyze the waste management system of concerned authority or EPC Contractor;

• To monitor working condition and occupational health safety of workers throughout monitoring period;

• Provide Environmental Compliance Monitoring Reports at the end of every six-month (Ongoing).

1.3 Project Location

The location of the substation areas is shown in Figure 1.1. The locations of Sub-stations are given in the Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Location of the Substations

SI. No

Proposed grid name

Location description and address

Land area (decimal) Remarks

1 Aftabnagar 132/33/11 kV sub-station

Plot no -32/M, Road no -17, Avenue-13, Sectoe-3, Jahurul Islam City, Aftabnagar, Dhaka GPS: N 23°46’11.65’’ E 90°27’24.02.’’

60 *Construction work has already been completed

2

Tongi 132/33/11 kV sub-station (Mill gate)

Tongi-3, Sub-station area, Mill gate, Tongi, Gazipur GPS: N 23°53’47.22’’ E 90°23’48.23.’’

82 (about)

*DESCO area (Tongi-3, 33/11kV Old sub-station) *Old sub-station Site cleaning work is done, New Sub station’s *Construction work is almost Completed. *Demolition work of some old structures has been done but cleaning of the demolition site is ongoing.

3 Purbachal 132/33/11kV sub-station

Purbachal New city project area, Sector-2, Road no 210 and 305(close to corner plot), Rupganj, Narayanganj GPS: N 23°49’57.01’’ E 90°30’23.49.’’

103.3 *Construction work has already been completed

4

Uttara third phase 132/33/11 kV sub-station

Plot no 103, Avenue-3 and West avenue, Sector-18, Uttara third phase, Uttara, Dhaka GPS: N 23°51’31.53’’ E 90°20’59.23.’’

198 *Construction work has already been completed

5 Banani 132/33/11kV sub-station

Plot no 31, Road no 5, Block – I, Banani, Dhaka GPS: N 23°47’18.8’’ E 90°24’17.97.’’

46.26

*Construction work has already been completed. *Some works including welding, electrical connection checking are ongoing.

Source: PD office, DESCO

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Introduction

Figure 1.1: Map of DESCO Distribution Area of Proposed 132/ 33/ 11kV SSs

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Introduction

1.4 Scope of Works

The EIA report provides information on the baseline environmental condition (physical, soil and agricultural, biological and social environment) of the project area. Following DoE guidelines, the EIA report identified potential impacts of the proposed project activity on the environmental components of the project area. It includes the Terms of Reference (ToR) (Appendix 3) for the EIA and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) against adverse impacts. The EMP also includes an Environmental Monitoring Plan, cost and institutional arrangements for future monitoring.

In line with the aforementioned objectives, the scope of the services should cover the following:

• Monitoring ambient air quality of the project site and its adjoining area before construction stage;

• Review of environmental management and environmental monitoring plan suggested in the EIA report in line with the action plan proposed by ADB;

• Upgrade (if required) the environmental monitoring framework and work plan specifying the indicators, method, location, time, frequency of monitoring provided in the EIA that shall be followed by the EPC contractor;

• Monthly monitoring of construction activities to overview their compliance with national environmental and social regulations, and ADB’s performance standards on social and environmental sustainability;

• Physical observation (monthly) to assess that all mitigation measures are carried out or in place in conformity with the EMP and action plan;

• Monthly monitoring of implementation of environmental monitoring activities as specified in the environmental monitoring plan;

• Monthly monitoring of different activities of EPC contractor regarding analysis of air quality, water quality, soil texture and quality, soil and land erosion, noise measurement, waste management, etc. in connection with the environmental monitoring plan;

• Monthly monitoring of socio-economic issues like community safeguard due to pollution, hazards and employment opportunity;

• Suggestion of pollution prevention and mitigation measures to ensure environmental safeguard, to ensure compliance with national environmental and social regulations;

• Keeping close liaison with the project implementation office (Project Director), and EPC contractor; and

• Providing a monitoring report at the end of every six (6) months in line with the reporting requirement of ADB satisfying equator principles.

1.5 Monitoring Policy Standard

The Environment Conservation Rules place construction of substation into the Red category. The site clearances based on IEE and for environmental clearance certificate have been obtained from Department of Environment (DoE). As per the Bangladesh Govt. policy standard, environmental compliance monitoring is one of the important part that would be

4

Introduction

initiated following the Environmental compliance monitoring guidelines by DoE and the agreement between ADB and Bangladesh Govt. based on the ADB loan covenants. DESCO has taken initiative to expand its infrastructure of the distribution system through construction of new lines, installation of new substations and rehabilitation of existing substation in order to provide new connections to the incoming consumers. Now, the purpose of the environmental monitoring is to monitor whether the construction activities are performing based on the EMP or is creating any environmental impacts or any adjustment is required in safeguard measures.

Compliance with National Environmental Laws

The environmental legislation of GoB gives importance to reduce the negative impacts of infrastructure development projects, and give priority for the enhancement of positive impacts due to the project implementation. It conforms the National Environmental Policy 1992 based on the Agenda 21 of Rio Conference and subsequent enactments of the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act (BECA) 1995 and Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (BECR) 1997.

National Environmental Laws Compliance Requirement Performance of DESCO Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act (BECA) 1995 and Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Rules (BECR) 1997.

To develop EIA report to get site clearance and environment clearance from DoE for the project including Banani site.

• The environmental clearance (valid for 1 year) for the project was obtained from the DoE on 06.04.14. The processing for renewal is ongoing as per the Government rules.

• Banani Substation site has been relocated and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) study including EMP report submitted to DoE for Environmental Clearance Certificate.

Bangladesh Government Regulation and compliance monitoring

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act of 1995 (ECA, 1995) is the key legislation in relation to environment protection in Bangladesh. Recently, the ECA 1995 has been amended whereas the project for substation construction is under the orange B category. This Act is promulgated for environment conservation, standards, development, pollution control, and abatement. It has repealed the Environment Pollution Control Ordinance of 1977.

The main objectives of the Act are:

• Conservation and improvement of the environment; and

• Control and mitigation of pollution of the environment.

The main strategies of the Act can be summarized as:

• Declaration of ecologically critical areas and restriction on the operations and processes, which can or cannot be carried/initiated in the ecologically critical areas;

• Regulations in respect of vehicles emitting smoke harmful for the environment;

• Environmental clearance;

• Regulation of the industries and other development activities’ discharge permits;

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Introduction

• Promulgation of standards for quality of air, water, noise and soil for different areas for different purposes;

• Promulgation of a standard limit for discharging and emitting waste; and

• Formulation and declaration of environmental guidelines.

The ECA, 1995 specified that no industrial unit or project should be established or undertaken without obtaining Environmental Clearance from Director General in a manner prescribed by the Rules. The project promoter must obtain Environmental Clearance from the Director General of Department of Environment (DoE). An appeal procedure of DoE exists for those promoters who fail to obtain clearance. Failure to comply with any part of this Act may result in punishment of imprisonment or fine or both. The DoE executes the Act under the leadership of the Director General.

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2000 focuses on: (1) ascertaining responsibility for Compensation in cases of damage to ecosystems, (2) increased provision of punitive measures both for fines and imprisonment and (3) fixing authority on cognizance of offences.

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2002 elaborates on: (1) restriction on polluting automobiles, (2) restriction on the sale and production of environmentally harmful items like polythene bags, (3) assistance from law enforcement agencies for environmental actions, (4) break up of punitive measures and (5) authority to try environmental cases.

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (Amendment), 2010 introduces new rules & restriction on: a) Ensure proper management of hazardous wastes to prevent environmental pollution and Health Risk, b) No remarked water body cannot be filled up/changed; in case of national interest; it can be done after getting clearance from the respective department; and c) Emitter of any activities/incident will be bound to control emission of environmental pollutants that exceeds the existing emission standards (d) Government may declare any ecosystem as “Ecologically critical area” if it appears to be degraded or expected to be degraded and take all precaution measures to protect that ecosystem. In addition, government shall stop any ongoing activities and will not allow any new developments in the ecosystem after declaration of “Ecologically Critical Area”.

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules, 1997 is the first set of rules, promulgated under the ECA 95 (so far there have been three amendments to this set of rules – February and August 2002 and April 2003). The Environment Conservation Rules of 1997 has provided categorization of industries and projects and identified types of environmental assessments needed against respective categories of industries or projects.

Among other things, these rules set (i) the National Environmental Quality Standards for ambient air, various types of water, industrial effluent, emission, noise, vehicular exhaust etc., (ii) the requirement for and procedures to obtain environmental clearance, and (iii) the requirement for IEE and EIA’s according to categories of industrial and other development interventions.

The proposed project, according to the DoE, is considered under the “Orange B” of the Environmental Conservation Rules, 1997.

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Introduction

Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006gives the authority to all the Union Councils, Paurashava, City Corporations, City Development Authority (i.e. RAJUK, CDA, KDA, RDA etc.) to mark off the areas under their jurisdiction as silent, residential, mixed, commercial or industrial. They should also put signs to mark those areas. The act also describes the approved standard limit of sound in the added schedule 1 and 2. In the schedule 1, silent area means area up-to a radius of 100 meters around hospitals or educational institutions or special institutions/ establishments identified/to be identified by the government. In the silent area, it is prohibited to use any kind of horns of vehicles, audio signals and loudspeakers. According to this act, daytime is counted from 6 am to 9 pm whereas night-time is counted from 9 pm to 6 am.

The Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1983 stated to impose a penalty of maximum two hundred taka for those vehicles that are emitting smokes that poses health hazard in the public places. It also restricts the passenger from smoking in public service vehicles and in any other vehicles with notice of not smoking. This ordinance is enforced occasionally but a regular enforcement would be helpful to reduce air pollution in big cities including Dhaka. However, it is to be noted that amount of the penalty is very low which may be revised as well.

The Environment Court Act, 2000 provides for the establishment of environment courts and matters incidental thereto. This act also provides the jurisdictions of environment court, penalty for violating court’s order, trial procedure in special magistrate’s court, power of entry and search, procedure for investigation, procedure and power of environment court, authority of environment court to inspect, appeal procedure and formation of environment appeal court.

Compliance with DoE’s Guidelines

As mentioned above, the project activities fall under the ‘red’ category according to the Environment Conservation Rules, 1997. For projects under this category, it is mandatory to carry out IEE and subsequently EIA including Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and where necessary develop a Resettlement Plan for getting environmental clearance from the DoE. The DoE has issued EIA Guidelines for Industries and addresses the IEE and EIA for several industrial sectors and activities. Each Project Proponent shall conduct an IEE or EIA and is expected to consult and follow the DoE guidelines. The provisions of the environment legislations and the EIA guidelines of the DoE have been reviewed under this study. The DoE has issued application procedure for obtaining site/environmental clearance.

Environmental quality standards for air quality, noise, odour, sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and industrial project emissions for Bangladesh.

The Environment Conservation Act, 1995 and the Environment Conservation Rules, 1997 are the main legislative base in Bangladesh for protection and conservation of natural environment. The Environment Conservation Rules (1997) place activities of power plant into the Red category. However, the Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) of Asian Development Bank has also been reviewed since ADB is financing the project in partnership with the GoB. As per the ADB categorization, the sub-station construction activities are under the category B considering the significance of the project’s potential environmental impacts. Therefore, the EMP is prepared based on the combination of both the national and the ADB.

The environmental standards are determined in the Environmental Conservation Rules. The standards for air, water, sound, odour and other components of the environment is started to monitor in accordance with the standards specified in Schedules - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The Bangladesh standards, in general, are less stringent compared to the developed countries.

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Introduction

This is in view to promote and encourage industrialization in the country. The Bangladesh standards are not for any specific period. There is no provision for partial compliance too. For this reason, monitoring is based on the national standards unless there is absence of clear standards; only then, ADB’s standard is being considered.

Following IESCs and parameters are selected for monitoring in DESCO’s five grid sub-station areas, which have presented in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2: Selected IESCs and Parameters

IESCs Parameters Air Suspended Particulate Maters (SPM), Sulphur dioxide, Carbon Monoxide,

Oxides Nitrogen Waste Waste generation and proper waste disposal Noise dBA(daytime only)

Water (if any) DO, pH, BOD, Arsenic whether water is usable for irrigation or by fisheries Biodiversity Habitat conversion and fragmentation

Health & Safety Risk of electrocution, safety measures within the construction site, emergency plan.

The results of the monitoring are needed to compare the established benchmarks/baseline and compliance status and help to identify the areas where adverse environmental and social adverse impacts are still occurring. It would be helpful to formulate the corrective actions accordingly and in a timely manner.

1.6 ADB Loan Covenants with DESCO

According to the Loan Covenant Article (II), section 2.01, DESCO should carry out the project, with the due diligence and efficiency and in conformity with sound administrative, financial, engineering, environmental and power sector practices. For the execution of project following criteria should be followed.

1.7 Implementation Arrangement

DESCO should ensure the project implementation in accordance with the detailed arrangements set forth in the PAM. Besides, it is the responsibility of DESCO to ensure their project management staffs that have the qualification to undertake necessary tasks of procurement, construction, supervision, inspection, and testing of equipment, payments to contractors, monitoring, environmental and social safeguards due diligence and reporting of progress relevant to the components under their responsibility.

1.8 Environment

DESCO should ensure that the preparation, design, construction, implementation, operation, and decommissioning of the project and all project facilities comply with

• All applicable laws and regulations of the relating to environment, health and safety

• The environmental safeguard

• The EARF

• All measures and requirements set forth in the respective IEE and EMP and any corrective or preventive actions set forth in a safeguard monitoring report

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Introduction

1.9 Project Reviews

a. The project progress would be reviewed by the ADB with necessary midcourse corrections

b. The Assistance should be provided by the Executing Agency (i.e. DESCO).

The environmental monitoring will assess the compliance that has been suggested under the Bangladesh Govt. laws, policies and national standards (i.e. air, noise and water quality) and ADB loan covenants. As there is no involuntary resettlement and ethnic minority issues, therefore, this monitoring assessment of the environmental and social safeguard issues are in accordance with the Govt. laws and ADB loan covenants like the above-mentioned ways.

The results of the monitoring will be compared with the established benchmarks/baseline and compliance status and help to identify the areas where adverse environmental and social adverse impacts are still occurring. It will help to formulate the corrective actions accordingly and in a timely manner.

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2. Approach and Methodology

2.1 Introduction

This chapter includes methodology following which the environmental compliance monitoring of various physical, biological, and socio-economic components was carried out. This study considers five components, which are likely to be affected due to construction and operation of the substations such as water, soil, social and economic issues and ecology. In the following sections, these components along with indicators, tools and techniques are discussed.

2.2 Overall Approach

The Figure 2.1 shows overall process of environmental monitoring of construction of five 132/33/11kV Sub-Station project. For the monitoring study, a number of activities have been carried out during the preparation phase of the Project (i.e. information gathering, checklist preparation, service scoping and bounding, assigning field investigators etc.). Field level data collection, monitoring of environmental and social compliance have also been carried out.

Figure 2.1: Overall process of the compliance monitoring study

2.3 Study Mobilization

A roadmap for environmental monitoring was prepared with detailed approach and methodology in the Inception Phase, which has been followed by the monitoring team along with necessary tools for data collection, while visiting the project sites and collect relevant data for observing the compliance status.

A comprehensive checklist on environmental monitoring such as required guidelines for construction activities, necessary suggestions for probable hazards and risks at construction work place etc. has been prepared based on the selected physical and biological indicators according to the EMP included in the EIA report. Accordingly, the suggested measures have been ensured for the overall environmental protection and social security. Equator Principles have been also followed in the preparation of checklist.

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Approach and Methodology

2.4 Team Mobilization

CEGIS has mobilized a core group of highly skilled professionals as proposed in the technical proposal. Initiatives have been taken for accomplishing the study within the expected period through formulating an action plan, setting up of the office in Dhaka, forming the multidisciplinary field team and providing all necessary logistics and technical supports to perform required investigations.

The Consultant, CEGIS is working under the overall supervision of the Project Director, DESCO and maintaining close liaison with DESCO offices (both field and head offices). As per the ToR directives, a multidisciplinary expert team has been formed with suitable allocation of time for each professional. According to the Team Leader’s guidance and direct supervision, this working in field as well at the office to achieve the goal of the study. The progress of the study is reviewed in weekly progress review meeting for successful completion of the study on time. Team members has collected data from field and prepared the monitoring report, accordingly, the Team Leader has reviewed carefully and done necessary corrections (if any).

Table 2.1 presents the composition of the main study team with their designation and Table 2.2 presents the multi-disciplinary team mobilized for collecting data from the field.

Table 2.1: The Composition of the Main Team

Sl. No. Name of Professional Position Assigned 1. Dr. Kazi Md. Noor Newaz Environmental Expert

2. Engr. Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury Environmental Expert/ Transmission Line (TL)/ Power Plant Expert

3. Dr. Dilruba Ahmed Socio-economic an livelihood expert 4. Mr. Subrata Kumar Mondal Economist 5. Md. Maqb –E- Elahi Geology Specialist 6. Md. Mushfiq Ahmed Ecology Specialist

Table 2.2: The Composition of the Multi-disciplinary Field Team

Sl. No. Name of Professional Position Assigned 1. Md. Shofiqul Islam Sociologist, Project Leader 2. Deeba Farzana Moumita Electrical and Electronics Engineer 3. Bilkish Sultana Electrical Engineer 4. Uzzal Kumar Saha Ecologist 5. Hasin Ahmed Civil Engineer

2.5 Methodology

The compliance monitoring of the project has been carried out following important Environmental and Social Component during field investigation. Methodology for the investigation of each component is given below.

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Approach and Methodology

2.5.1 Physical Environment

Ambient Air Quality

To assess the baseline condition of the ambient air in the project areas, the air has been sampled and analyzed at spots, using machines and experts. Ambient air quality has been continuously monitored for CO, SOX, NOX, and Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and Suspended Particulate Matters (SPM) following the standard method.

Ambient Noise Level

The ambient noise level has been monitored monthly at nearby sensitive receptors around the construction site (including substation site) of this project. Noise level was measured at the daytime for each project site. Each time, noise level was recorded for a 15 minutes’ time span by using portable ANSI Type II noise level meter. Depending on the site condition and acoustic environment, the noise meter was set up and calibrated each time following the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Water quality and Hydrological assessment

Water quality parameters were selected depending on ambient water use and potential polluting agents from the Project sites. Standard practices were maintained during sampling and analysis of the collected samples. The water quality parameters included relevant parameters. All samples were tested through the standard procedure from DPHE as well as from CEGIS Laboratory.

Waste Management

Waste materials like including garbage, kitchen waste, construction materials, wires etc. are generated due to construction works as well as development activities, which may have the potential to cause adverse environmental impacts during generation, storage, transportation and disposal. Waste management procedures based on EMP were suggested in the EIA Report and are monitored monthly in order to maintain minimal potential impacts to the environment.

2.5.2 Biological Environment

Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation

Proposed substation sites are situated in urban area, so urban ecosystem as well as vegetation and wildlife are major components for this environmental monitoring.

Terrestrial Vegetation

Project site-specific data (i.e. Cocos, Psidium, Cynodon, Scorpia, Croton, Leucas, Cyperus, Chan grass) were collected through visual observation. Additionally, local people were interviewed about biodiversity and ecosystem through stakeholder consultation, KII, FGD and RRA. Currently, ecosystem biodiversity is monitored quarterly through consultation with stakeholders and local people.

12

Approach and Methodology

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna of all sites were observed through regular field visit. The impact of project implementation (i.e. Labor and vehicle movement, as well as waste management) on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and local urban birds have been identified in depth through observation and consultation with relevant stakeholders according to the prepared checklist.

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3. Monitoring Results

The monitoring reports prepared based on the monitoring information of July –December 2020. In the ongoing monitoring period (July 2020 to December 2020), monitoring information was collected over telephonic discussion in the month of July and August 2020. Afterwards, from September 2020 the monitoring field visit were conducted regularly. On the current monitoring period, the monitoring team visited the Tongi substation and the underground cable line where construction works were ongoing. Table 3.1 shows the status of work at the Tongi substation.

Table 3.1: Work Progress Status

Substations Name Activity details Status

Tongi Sub-station

• Civil work for installation of electrical components like transformer • Completed

• Other civil works including Building construction, boundary construction activities etc.

• Completed

• Column and Beam slab and carpeting • Completed • Piling • Completed • Preparation of the basement and casting

work • Completed

• Installation of the Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) • Completed

• Safety activities in the Project Area • Ongoing Source: Monthly field visit from July–December, 2020

3.1 Physical environment

3.1.1 Ambient air quality

Air quality at Tongi Substation and the location of underground cable trench at Madani Avenue, Gulshan 2, measured in the month of December 2020. The air quality had been monitoring for 4 hours continuously. It was found that the levels of concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 were much higher than the Bangladesh Standard. During the winter season, the air remains dry. As a result, the suspended dust particles in the air observed at higher level. The major source of dust particle were road transport, local building construction and industrial smoke. Construction activities were responsible for the exceedance of the level of dust particles in the air at both the construction site and the locations of underground cable trenching.

On the other hand, construction activities at the underground cable trenching locations use heavy-duty vibrators, mechanical blades, powerful generators (to facilitate the construction work) which enhanced the relative amount of particulate matters within the project area. Additionally, vehicular movement found as another source of concentration.

14

Monitoring Results

Figure 3.1: Air Quality Monitoring at Tongi Substation Site and Underground Cable Trenching Location (December 2020)

On the other hand, Tongi Substation is located in the Industrial Zone, hence, the smoke of the industries containing shoot is one of the major contributor of dust particles. Heavy vehicular movements at the nearby highways, local construction works and construction of Metro Rail are also major source of dust particles.

Figure 3.1 and Table 3.2 show the pictures and the results of air quality monitoring at Tongi Substation and the underground cable trenching location.

Table 3.2: Results of air quality monitoring of the project area

Sl Project Site Name Concentration Present of DESCO project area

PM1 (µg/m3)

PM2.5 (µg/m3)

Respirable (µg/m3)

PM10

(µg/m3) Total Mass

Concentration 1 Tongi substation 350 355 359 381 430

2 Underground cable trenching location, Gulshan 2, Madani ave) 350 358 380 364 365

Bangladesh Standard** (For 24 hrs) - 65 - 150 IFC/World Bank Standard (For 24 hrs) - 75 - 150

Source: Monitoring Result of CEGIS at Project sites, December 2020

3.1.2 Noise level

The average noise levels measured during daytime only at the entrance of Tongi Substation and different locations (where the underground cable trenching work was ongoing). This field visit conducted at Bashundhara Residential Area, Kuril Bisshaw Road site, Notun Bazar (Progati Shwarani), Gulshan 2 (Madani ave). Most of these activities were limited during the daytime only.

The construction work was running during the month of September 2020. However, the noise level near the Tongi Substation was unstable, but the measured noise level was observed within the standard limit (see table 3.4).

The sources of noise were industrial activities and heavy vehicular movement nearby highways. Because of that, excessive level of noise increased some times. Noise produced at construction sites found as low in comparison with other noise sources.

On the other hand, the noise occurred at the trenching area due to cable trenching activities (i.e. excavation of soil beneath, the road cutting). These activities require the Heavy-duty vibrators, mechanical blades, and powerful generators etc., which sometimes become responsible to generate noise temporarily. In this regard, noise exceeds the DoE standard limit for a short time. Figure 3.1 show monitoring of noise level at the construction site of

15

Monitoring Results

underground work. The average noise level of the project sites shown in Table 3.3 and Standards limits shown in Table 3.4.

Figure 3.2: Acoustic Environment Monitoring at the Bashundhara R/A near IUB

Table 3.3: Average Noise Level Reading of substation locations

Sites Locations Month-wise Average Noise level (dBA)

Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Tongi Entrance - - 58.4 60.3 55.8 48.8

Construction - - - - - -

Underground cable trenching work at different locations of Boshundhara Residential Area, Kuril Bisshaw Road

Roadside - - 65.4 67 58.5 71.5

Beside Generator

- - 86.5 88.0 92.4 89.7

Beside Mixer machine/ vibrator

- - 89.3 78.9 80.8 -

Source: CEGIS field visit, 2020

Table 3.4: Standards of noise levels for different zones of Bangladesh

Serial No. Category of areas Standards determined at dB unit

Day Night

1 Silent zone 50 40

2 Residential area 55 45

3 Mixed area (mainly residential area, simultaneously used for commercial and industrial purposes)

60 50

4 Commercial area 70 60

5 Industrial area 75 70 Source: E.C.R. ’2006

3.1.3 Waste management

Regular kitchen was open at that month and a cook was appointed for cooking for labours resides at the labour shed. In the month of October and November, about 2-3 labours were conducting minor construction works. The workers brought their food from their home and after eight working hours, they left the site.

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Monitoring Results

The cleanliness aspect of this site was found unsatisfactory. The place was very untidy as garbage and dirt was observed here and there during the field visit in the month of September and October 2020.

In addition, cigarette smoking inside the site premises was also observed. However, in the month of December 2020, it was observed that, scrap materials generated during construction activities are piled up at the designated place beside the construction storage area so that, these scraps are not harmful. At a certain stage these scraps will be sell out to the vendors.

Unplanned dumping of wastage

Cigarrate buds and wastes at the labour room

Workers using dirty water from the drum

Waste Management at Tongi Substation Site (September)

Unplanned dumping of wastage in October

Organized dumping of scrap materials in November and December

Figure 3.3: Tongi Substation Site

The waste management condition at the Gulshan Lake (cable trench) area was very unsatisfactory as soils are being dumped along the bank of Gulshan Lake. One of the representative from contractor site informed that soil would be collected through DNCC (Dhaka North City Corporation) vehicle and there is no fixed dumping station for soil dumping. A few dumping locations are at Jatrabari, Khilkhet, Bashundhara R/A, Delwar Market and etc.

Figure 3.4: Maintaining Safety Protocols for COVID-19 at Tongi Substation

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Monitoring Results

Figure 3.5: Underground Cable Trenching

Figure 3.6: Cable Joining Works

3.2 Monitoring Results

A matrix under monitoring results has been prepared based on the ongoing activities due to construction at the project site. Based on the ongoing issues potential impacts were identified and corresponding monitoring measures as well as corrective action plan has been mentioned in the following table (Table 3.5).

Table 3.5: Matrix of Monitoring Results

Environmental and Social

Components Potential impacts Monitoring

Measures Status Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

Ambient air quality

Spread of fugitive dust in air due to construction activities at project site. These may cause human respiratory problem.

Spraying water for suppressing dust particles in the construction site

Partially complied at all sites. Water spraying is carried out twice in a day at 7:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs

Water suppressing might be conducted also at 13:00 hrs.

Construction materials (sand/ soil) to be kept covered

Complied at all site

Construction site should be fenced and covered the excavated soil by tarpaulin/ polythene to avoid dust spreading.

Emission of gaseous pollutants from the construction

Modern and efficient machineries

Complied in all sites

Switch off engines that are not in use

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Monitoring Results

Environmental and Social

Components Potential impacts Monitoring

Measures Status Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

machineries may contaminate ambient air.

should be used at the construction activities.

Noise level

Disturbance to workers at worksite due to welding and other relative activities of the proposed project site.

Using modern, low noise generating machineries with silencers.

Complied in all sites

The contractor has been advised to cover the machine with noise proof hood to make the area free from noise hazard.

Providing ear plug/muffler to the workers

Provided by the authority but not being used regularly

Workers should be first advised followed by warning and then half day salary cut for noncompliance of safety regulations

Waste management

An inefficient municipal waste management system may create serious negative impacts like spread of infectious diseases, land and water pollution, obstruction of drains and loss of bio diversity.

Using bins at specified dumping place for all waste disposal. Temporary sanitary latrine to be constructed near worker’s shed and at work place. Sweepers should be engaged for daily cleaning.

Provided by the authority but not being used properly

Workers should be first advised followed by warning and then half-day salary cut for noncompliance of waste management. Train up the workers how to use the dustbins properly. The contractor has been advised to rearrange the construction waste in respective specific places at Tongi site. Specific waste management plan should be ensured.

Safety Issues

Explosion caused due to poor maintenance of oxyacetylene cylinders or due to using faulty cylinders; fire caused by mechanical/ electrical failure of generators, short circuit or from kitchen

Keep Fire Extinguisher, sand and water buckets near kitchen, keep Fire Extinguisher at every floor of the construction building. Training on “Fire extinguisher use” should be given to all workers every three months.

Kept in specific places suggested by the consultant. Extinguishers were found good.

Sufficient Fire Extinguisher must be kept in required places where fire hazard or explosion may occur.

Health and Safety Issues

Workers may have infected by COVID 19

Maintaining precautionary measures for COVID-19 as per Bangladesh health

Complied in all sites. Soap and hand wash

The contractor has been advised to encourage the workers to use of PPEs at the work place, maintain a

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Monitoring Results

Environmental and Social

Components Potential impacts Monitoring

Measures Status Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

department, use of PPE and other standard safety procedures.

are kept at the entrance of the site. Use of mask and hand gloves have been strictly maintained for both the workers as well as the staff

certain distance from each other at the construction site; use mask and change those after an interval of time; learn how to wash and clean hands and face within a certain time interval.

Source: CEGIS, July- December 2020

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4. Institutional arrangement for Monitoring and

compliance

The organogram provided by the DESCO is responsible to monitor environmental compliance during the project construction. The sub divisional engineer (electrical & civil), assistant manager, assistant engineer (electrical) and sub assistant engineer are working under supervision of the deputy project director for the environmental compliance monitoring for the construction of five 132/33/11 kV grid substation in DESCO area. The project director is responsible to supervise and guide the whole work of environmental compliance monitoring. The following Figure 4.1 shows the institutional arrangement of those who are responsible for ensuring monitoring of compliance in accordance with Govt. laws, rules regulations and ADB’s loan covenants.

Figure 4.1: Institutional Arrangement for ComplianceMonitoring

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5. Site Specific Environmental Management Plan

The HYOSUNG CORPORATION has been appointed by the proponent as EPC contractor who are responsible for Environmental compliance of EMP provided in EIA Report and other safeguard policies relevant to the workplaces. Accordingly, CEGIS has been appointed to monitor any deviation of work of EPC contractor based on the ESMPs including health and safety issues. Although the location of the five substations are different, but the nature of work and the local environments are, more or less identical accept Tongi and Banani Substations. Tongi substation is in the industrial area and Banani is in enclosed residential area. Others are in semi commercial or semi residential area. Therefore, the ESMPs of all these five substations are homogenous except a few issues of the aforementioned two substations.

5.1 HSE implication

Safety is a joint venture of all employees, visitors, managers etc. The main target of EPC contractor is to complete the work without any accident. To achieve the target, it is the responsibility of the site managers to provide the below mentioned trainings to the workers and others.

5.2 Training and Meeting at the Project Site for Safety

a) To conduct tool box meeting daily;

b) To arrange monthly discussion meeting;

c) To provide specific safety trainings required for the employees;

d) To arrange Mock Drills for fire and safety and other emergencies at the sites in every 3-4 months.

5.3 Environmental Protection

Industrial Wastes

a. Only licensed disposal contractor will collect and carry the disposals;

b. All wastes including hazardous materials, liquids or chemicals will be segregated and kept in designated bins at predetermined place;

c. Hazardous materials will be disposed of as per the DoE regulations;

d. Other wastes will either be sold to the relevant contactors or will be disposed of at designated municipal places.

5.4 In-house Rules and Regulations

In-house rules and regulations are

Smoking is only allowed at designated Smoking Points;

Use of any band items is fully prohibited;

Photography within the prohibited areas are not allowed without permission from the competent authority.

Always Be Proactive:

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Site Specific Environmental Management Plan

a. To manage the risk during operations;

b. To identify and eliminate hazards before they become a HSE problem.

c. To upgrade employee and contractors’ work competency.

5.5 Responsibility General Site Safety & Environmental Guidelines

a. The Code of Practices according to the rules and regulations of the Government of Bangladesh should be strictly followed;

b. Emergency assembly points for evacuation and immediate contact numbers for respective authorities should be marked at the workplaces;

c. Emergency First Aid box should be kept at the designated places and the location should be displayed;

d. First Aider should have medical background;

e. Safety Awareness including tool box talk should be provided to all the workers;

f. Caution boards like "NO SMOKING" etc. should be displayed;

g. Firefighting facilities like sand bucket, fire extinguisher should be provided at the workplaces;

h. Nobody is allowed to work without PPEs;

i. Ambulance facility should be provided for emergency use;

j. Adequate lighting facilities such as hand lights and area lighting should be provided at the worksite.

k. Daily manpower report, accident reports should be submitted to the authority;

l. Medical Report or Fitness certificate along with national ID should be kept before engaging any worker;

m. Safety audit compliance should be prepared by contractor regularly.

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6. Conclusion and Recommendations

The overall performance of EPC contractor in relation to compliance of environmental issues detailed in EMP of the EIA report of the” five substations” projects are satisfactory except Tongi substation where the EPC is to address a number of waste disposal and safety issues discussed in chapter-3 monitoring result. Civil works in Tongi sub-station are completed and construction work of underground cable trenching are ongoing at different locations on the alignment. Based on time to time observations and suggestions of CEGIS monitoring team, the EPC contractor has taken necessary steps like providing hygienic accommodations to workers, fire extinguishers in fire vulnerable places, displaying government regulations like smoking in designated areas only, providing drinking water facilities adjacent to worker’s shed and work place etc. EPC contractor has been advised to provide filters in the drinking water tank. Since there is no firing of fossil fuel in these project areas, issue of air pollution other than generation of SPM during construction period is redundant, EPC has taken rightful action of water spraying to reduce the fugitive dust. Waste management is another major environmental issue. During this monitoring session, in the month of July and August the monitoring team observed that the substation work is temporarily stopped. Most of the workers have left the site and the kitchen is closed and the collected kitchen waste was very little or negligible. However, in September construction works started and kitchen was open for that month only. Safety management was comparatively poor as workers were unwilling to use PPEs while working. On the contrary, COVID management was satisfactory in all the project sites. The monitoring team has explained the importance of the issues and actions to be taken in detail to workers and the EPC personals. The outcome will be observed in the next monthly monitoring visit.

The environmental and social monitoring team recommended the following guidelines for Environmental Management System and Occupational Health and Safety, which should be strictly followed by the workers and the EPC contractors.

Care should be taken that all workers, office personnel, visitors, drivers etc. strictly maintain health department’s directives for COVID-19 precaution.

Employees to be trained through mock drill on Emergency preparedness and response plan; fire prevention, protection and control plan activities;

With respect to physical environment, the environmental and social monitoring team considered that air quality was found good in all respect except SPM. EPC contractor is advised to keep construction material covered with polythene and continue with more water spraying;

The observed noise level was found within the standard level of BD and other standards. However, the EPC contractor is advised to provide ear plugs to all the workers and make it mandatory for them to use;

There is enough dustbins at the site but no specific waste disposal site is marked. Hence, a particular place for waste disposal should be earmarked for maintaining ambient environmental neatness.

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Conclusion and Recommendations

The level of safety for workers must be enhanced with comprehensive enforcement on PPE usage, and regular (at least four times a day) health and safety supervision should be carried out.

The sanitation system for labor must be improved up to a healthy and desirable level especially at the Tongi site.

Daily toolbox meetings on health and safety, as well as the other governing environmental and social issues should be maintained.

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References

Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics 2017, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) 2017. Ministry of Planning, Agriculture Wing, ParishankhyanBhaban, E-27/A, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207.

SRDI (Soil Resource and Development Institute), 1997. Guideline for Land and Soil Resources Utilization. Thana Nirdeshika, Farmgate, Dhaka-1212.

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Appendix

Appendix

Appendix-1: Terms of Reference (ToR)

Terms of Reference

For

Environmental Compliance Monitoring of “Construction of Five 132/ 33/11kV Grid Sub-Stations”.

A. Background

The Government of Bangladesh has given top priority to the development of power sector considering its importance in overall development of the country. In that regards Government has made a vision and policy statement for power sector development and set the goal of providing access to affordable and reliable electricity to all by 2021. Dhaka is the capital of the country and its demand of electricity at present is 900 MW, considering 12% load growth, it will be 1130 MW during 2015. However, as per Government vision, DESCO shall have to provide 1500 MW of electricity during 2015 and 2000 MW by 2020. To meet up this increasing demand and government vision DESCO has taken an initiative to expand its infrastructure of the distribution system through construction of new line, installation of new substations and rehabilitation of existing substation in order to provide new connections to the incoming consumers. The ongoing DESCO project is one of the steps towards achieving the goal. The project has already obtained the site clearance certificate and the approval from DoE and has started its construction work.

As per the ECR 1997 and the requirement of loan provider, Asian Development bank (ADB), the project should be constructed in compliance with all the applicable Environmental and Social Rules and Regulations of Bangladesh as well as the Environmental and Social Management Plan and Monitoring plan described in the EIA report. The proponent has engaged CEGIS as environmental Consultant for environmental compliance monitoring of the project under construction.

B. Objective

The environmental monitoring program will show the path for taking precautions during and after the contractions of the transmission line and sub-stations so that necessary steps can be taken to rectify defects or deficiencies. The Overall objective of the monitoring consulting service includes:

Monitoring the environmental compliance of the project construction activities to:

• Environmental and Social Safeguarding Laws and policies of Bangladesh

• Environmental and Social Management, and Monitoring Plan described in the EIA reports as well as in the action plan ( schedule-5) in line with ADB’s requirements and the applicable IFC’s performance standards on social and environmental sustainability

• Provide environmental compliance monitoring report

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Appendix

C. Location

The proposed Sub-Stations are located in the DESCO area in Bangladesh. The location is shown in the following Map 1.1.

Map 1.1: Proposed DESCO distribution area 132/33/11kV Grid Sub-stations Location

D. Scope of Work

In line with the aforementioned objectives, the scope of the services should cover the following:

i. Monitoring ambient air quality of the project site and its adjoining area before construction stage;

ii. Review of environmental management plan and environmental monitoring plan suggested in the EIA report in line with the action plan proposed by ADB;

iii. Upgrade (if required) the environmental monitoring framework and work plan specifying the indicators, method, location, time, frequency of monitoring provided in the EIA that shall be followed by the EPC contractor;

iv. Monthly monitoring of construction activities to see their compliance with national environmental and social regulations, and IFC’s performance standards on social and environmental sustainability;

v. Physical observation (monthly) and assess that all mitigation measures are carried out or in place in conformity with the EMP and action plan;

vi. Monthly monitoring of implementation of environmental monitoring activities as specified in the environmental monitoring plan

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Appendix

vii. Monthly monitoring of different activities of EPC contractor regarding analysis of air quality, water quality, soil texture and quality, soil and land erosion, noise measurement, waste management, etc. in connection with the environmental monitoring plan;

viii. Monthly monitoring of socio-economic issues like community safeguard due to pollution, hazards and employment;

ix. Suggestion of pollution prevention and mitigation measures to ensure environmental safeguard, to ensure compliance with national environmental and social regulations;

x. Keep close liaison with the project implementation office (Project Director), and EPC contractor;

xi. Provide a monitoring report at the end of every six (06) months in line with the reporting requirement of ADB satisfying equator principles.

E. Methods of Monitoring

The monitoring activities shall be carried out once in a month for a period of 36 months. At each month, the monitoring team will visit the construction site to monitor environmental compliances through in-depth observation and Key Informant Interview (KII). If the construction activities would extend over the 30 months’ period, the monitoring activities would be extended as per requirement of ADB and subjected to both parties’ negotiation.

F. Monitoring Study Period

The duration of the overall study shall be 30 months. However, if the construction activities take time longer than 30 months the study period shall also be extended.

G. Stuff Requirements and responsibilities

The environmental compliance monitoring team should consist of multidisciplinary environmental professionals to ensure the standard of the monitoring as per the requirements of equator principle. The team should include a team leader (Environmental Specialist), an occupational health and safety specialist, and one environmental compliance officers (for field activities). However, the total man-months should not exceed 50 man-months, which will be finally decided during the evaluation. The specific tasks of the individuals are briefly mentioned below:

Sl. No. Position Responsibilities 1. Environmental

Expert/Power Plant Expert/Team Leader

The Specialist will prepare monitoring methodology, and monitoring checklist in line with the requirement of ADB. The specialist will be responsible for overseeing the monitoring activities of the environmental compliance officers. The specialist will keep close communication with the project director. The specialist will responsible for providing monitoring report to ADB quarterly on the basis of monthly monitoring of environmental compliance officers.

2. Occupational health and Safety Specialist (OHS)

The OHS specialist will be responsible to prepare checklist and methodology for OHS monitoring in line with the IFC’s environmental performance standard and environmental action plan that will be followed by the environmental compliance officers.

3. Environmental Inspector/Environmental Compliance Officers

The environmental compliance officers shall be responsible for physical monitoring of activities with the aim of environmental compliance monitoring. The environmental compliance officers will visit field once in a month.

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Appendix

Sl. No. Position Responsibilities 4 Research

Associate (s) Junior team for respective discipline will be needed for the monitoring activities

D. Reporting requirements and Deliverable

The compliance monitoring reports should be prepared based on monthly monitoring and submitted to the project director at the end of six months (Half yearly). However, an interim report will be submitted at the end of every three months. An inception report within one month from the date of signing the contract. Submission of monitoring report of first quarter at the end of three (3) months from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 1stmonitoring report (1st month) from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 2nd monitoring report (6th month) from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 3rd monitoring report (12th month) from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 4thmonitoring report (18th month) from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 5th monitoring report (24th month) from the date of signing contract;

• Submission of 6th monitoring report (30th month) from the date of signing contract;

All report shall be submitted to the project director in five (5) hard copies and a soft copy on CD.

31

Appendix

Appendix-2: Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC)

Appendix

33

Appendix

Appendix-3: Base Map of the study area