NORTHERN POWER TRANSMISSION EXPANSION PROJECT

Transcription

1 SEMI-ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT Project Number: Period: July- December 2013 NORTHERN POWER TRANSMISSION EXPANSION PROJECT Prepared by the Local Implementation consultant (LIC) for the Northern Power Project Management Board and the Asian Development Bank.

2 ABBREVIATION ADB Asian Development Bank CEP Certification of Environmental Protection CMC Construction Management Consultants CPC Commune People s Committee CPPMB Central Power Project Management Board DPC District People s Committee DONRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment EM Environmental Monitoring EMF Electromagnetic Field EMP Environment Management Plan IEE Initial Environmental Examination LIC Local Implementation Consultant MONRE Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment NPPMB Northern Power Project Management Board NPT National Power Transmission Corporation PTC Power Transmission Company QCVN Vietnam Technical Standard ROW Right of Way SPS Safeguard Policy Statement (ADB 2009) S/S Substation TCVN Vietnam Standard T/L Transmission line VICA VICA International Consultants Company Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENT ABBREVIATION... 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OVERVIEW Project Background Objectives and Monitoring Approach ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE OF SUBPROJECTS kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L Subprojects kV Bim Son Substation and Connection kV Tuyen Quang Substation and Connection kV Kim Dong Substation kV Thuong Tin Kim Dong T/L Hai Duong 2 S/S STRENGTHENING THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions Recommendations ANNEXES Annex No.1. Detailed construction status of 220kV Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L subproject (as of December 30, 2013) Annex No.2. List of interviewed officials Annex No.3. NPPMB has issued letter to strengthen the environmental management Annex No.4. Outline of the Environmental Compliance Report Annex No.5. Environmental Monitoring Template for 220kV Thanh Hoa- Vinh T/L Annex No.6. Environmental Monitoring Checklist Template for 220kV Tuyen Quang S/s Annex No 7. Environmental compliance monitoring sample for 220 kv Tuyen Quang S/s Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 3

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Northern Power Transmission Expansion Sector project is a 5-year project of Electricity of Viet Nam s (EVN) transmission expansion program, covering 500kV and 220kV transmission lines, and associated substations. The project covers the northern part of Viet Nam which is relatively poor. The project will enable power to be supplied to the planned industrial zones in the region, thereby facilitating employment and income generating opportunities. Thus it will benefit the poor and ethnic minorities living in the project area. To utilize the loan savings the EVN with agreement of ADB has decided to add 3 more subprojects into the Loan 2225-VIE, namely, Kim Dong 220kV s/s, Hai Duong KV s/s and Thuong Tin-Kim Dong 220kV T/L. As such, Loan 2225, has 12 subprojects, namely, (i) Son La Hoa Binh Nho Quan 500kV Transmission Line, (ii) 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh T/L; (iii) Son La - Hiep Hoa 500 kv Transmission Line; (iv) Expansion of 500kV Thuong Tin; (v)extension 220kV Van Tri Substation; (vi)hiep Hoa 500 kv substation; (vii) 220kV Bim Son substation; (viii) 220kV Tuyen Quang substation; (ix) Extension 500kV Nho Quan substation 2nd transformer; (x) Kim Dong 220kV s/s; (xi) Thuong Tin-Kim Dong 220kV T/L; and (xii) Hai Duong KV s/s. Due to the changes of subproject s list and other issues during the project implemention, a corrective action plan was developed to meet the ADB environmental safeguard compliance requirement. To assist in achieving environmental safeguard compliance, NPPMB engaged a local implementation consultant (LIC)- environment in a lump-sum contract for 22 months, starting from March, Since then, on behalf of NPPB, LIC has provided support to VICA consultant to ensure the environmental compliance of the whole VIE-2225 project to ADB SPS 2009 and environmental regulation of the Government. In 2012, two semiannual environmental reports were prepared by LIC with consultation with VICA, NPPMB, CMC, contractors and local communities. Subsequently, these reports were also revised further with constructive comments of ADB Senior Safeguard Specialist (Environment) and were disclosed in the ADB website in conformity with the ADB s Public Communication Policy Upon the time of preparation of this semi-annual environmental monitoring report, covering the period from July to December 2013, 6 out of 12 subprojects have been accomplished. As such, the environmental sport-check was focused on the remaining subprojects, namely, 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh T/L, 220kV Bim Son substation; 220kV Tuyen Quang substation; 220kVKim Dong s/s; 220kV Thuong Tin-Kim Dong T/L and 220 KV Hai Duong 2 s/s. Based on results of the environmental spot check monitoring, it was observed that there are no significant environmental issues. Most of environmental impacts are only localized, reversible and mostly associated with small civil work during the construction time. The contractors complied with the environmental safeguard requirements. The major concerns are the construction of 3.5km section traversing the Nghi Loc protection forest under the Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L. However, the NPPMB has been closely working with contractor as well as concerned parties to ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures and corrective actions would be undertaken as needed. Similar to the last monitoring periods, the safety and environmental sanitation on the construction sites are also the challenges in some subprojects. NPPMB will be strengthening its management role to push the contractor to improve the safety and environmental sanitation. To improve the implementation of the environmental management plan, the consultant has the following recommendations: a. For the 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh transmission line subproject: The site restoration shall be performed for the next works and the sites should be cleaned right after completion. The impacts on traffic and irrigation should be immediately resolved and that regulations on hygiene and environmental protection and work safety should be strictly followed. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 4

5 b. For the Nghi Loc protection forest, the contractor should take into consideration the soil erosion measures, waste management and labor safety. The prohibition of cutting tree, erosion measures. Burning, waste disposal, and hunting in the forest should prohibited. c. The 220Kv Bim Son Substation, 220kV Tuyen Quang Substation and 220kv Kim Dong substation should be closely monitored since these subprojects are under intensive construction. Tuyen Quang S/S needs to take care of the erosion issue since the site is located in the hill. d. Worker camp sanitation and labor safety need to be further taken cared of. NPPMB should issue the letter to ask all contractors to improve their worker camp sanitation and labor safety. e. The environmental management and reporting system should be maintained and the contractors are requested to follow the guidance of the LIC during the construction time. To develop the report, the LIC (local implementation consultant for environment) has worked closely with the NPPMB and local authorities in subproject area to update the environmental compliance of the subprojects and conducted spot-check site visit and public consultation in 220kV Bim Son Substation, 220kv Tuyen Quang Substation, 220kv Kim Dong Substation, 220kv Thuong Tin-Kim Dong T/L, 220kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L and Hai Duong 2 Substation. Especially, having closely worked with the contractors during this period which was a significant progress in terms of environmental safeguard compliance as well as awareness raising. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 5

6 1. OVERVIEW 1.1 Project Background 2. Project Northern Power Transmission expansion sector represents a 5-year time slice of Electricity of Viet Nam s (EVN) transmission expansion program, covering 500kV and 220kV transmission lines, and associated substations. The project covers the northern part of Viet Nam which is relatively poor. The project will enable power to be supplied to the planned industrial zones in the region, thereby facilitating employment and income generating opportunities. Thus it will benefit the poor and ethnic minorities living in the project area. The project will also create the potential for power interconnection between Vietnam and the People s Republic of China. 3. The Project is to (i) strengthen the northern transmission network to improve system s reliability and quality of supply, (ii) facilitate power transmission by removing transmission bottlenecks, (iii) reduce transmission losses, and (iv) facilitate efficient utilization of existing and planned power plants. 4. The Project was approved on 21 December The Loan Agreements were signed on 22 August 2006 and declared effective on 24 November 2006 for a total loan amount of $360 million. Original loan closing date was 31 December 2010 and extended on a one-time basis to 31 December Under the Project, nine subprojects comprising three core subprojects, three non-core subprojects and three replacement subprojects have been implemented in Northern Viet Nam. The three core subprojects are: (i) 500 kv Son La- Hoa Binh and Son La - Nho Quan transmission line, (ii) 220 kv Thanh Hoa-Nghi Son-Vinh transmission line, and (iii) extension of Van Tri 220 kv substation. Three noncore subprojects are: i) Son La - Hiep Hoa transmission line; (ii) expansion of Thuong Tin 500 kv substation; and (iii) Hiep Hoa 500 kv new substation. Three subprojects which replaced originally proposed Ha Tinh-Thach Khe and Quang Ninh - Mong Duong transmission lines are: (i) expansion of the Nho Quan 500 kv substation (2nd transformer), (ii) Tuyen Quang 220 kv new substation and (iii) Bim Son 220 kv new substation. The above three replacement subprojects were decided based on the priority electricity supply requirements. 6. Three additional subprojects have been proposed for implementation utilizing the loan savings of about $29 million. The proposed new projects are: (i) Hai Duong 220 kv new substation; (ii) Kim Dong 220 kv new substation; and (iii) Thuong Tin - Kim Dong 220 kv transmission line. 7. As such, in the VIE-2225 framework, there are 12 subprojects namely (i) Son La Hoa Binh Nho Quan 500kVTransmission Line, (ii) 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh T/L; (iii) Son La - Hiep Hoa 500 kv Transmission Line; (iv) Expansion of 500kV Thuong Tin; (v) Extension 220kV Van Tri Substation; (vi)hiep Hoa 500 kv substation; (vii) 220kV Bim Son substation; (viii) 220kV Tuyen Quang substation; (ix) Extension 500kV Nho Quan substation 2nd transformer; (x) Kim Dong 220kV s/s; (xi) Thuong Tin-Kim Dong 220kV T/L; and (xii) Hai Duong KV s/s. The substations and transmission line under this project is presented in Figure 1 8. NPPMB and CPPMB are two implementing units. Out of the nine approved subprojects, NPPMB is implementing eight subprojects and CPPMB is implementing one subproject which is Hiep Hoa 500 kv new substation. 9. In the implementation progress, International and domestic experts have been assisting NPPMB and CPPMB in environmental management planning and implementation of resettlement plans. 10. VICA Consultants International Company Ltd. (VICA) has been engaged by NPPBM since February 2010 to provide services in preparation of safeguards (environment and resettlement) documents. VICA will also help NPPMB to supervise the environmental compliance of subprojects during the construction and operation until the end of To further assist NPPMB to monitor the safeguard compliance during the project implementation the local implementation consultant (LIC)- environment has been engaged in a lump-sum contract for 22 months, starting from March Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 6

7 12. Figure 1. The substations and transmission line under this project Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 7

8 13. Due to the delay in subproject construction, the ADB and NPPMB have decided to extend the LIC s contract 6 months without change of contract amount. As such, the LIC will have to provide support to NPPMB until by the end of June As of December , of 12 subprojects of the VIE Loan 2225, only remaining six subprojects are currently under construction namely 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh T/L, 220kV Bim Son Substation, 220kv Tuyen Quang substation, 220 KV Kim Dong substation; 220kv Thuong Tin-Kim Dong T/L and 220kv Hai Duong 2 substation which are associated with insignificant environmental issues. The IEEs of these subprojects have already been approved by ADB and VN. The remaining 6 other subprojects are operational and no significant environmental issues of concern. 15. This semiannual environmental monitoring report following the format of previous reports prepared in 2012 and disclosed in the ADB website include: (1) spot check environmental safeguard compliance of sub-projects under VIE Loan 2225 covering the period from July 2013 to December 2013 and (2) recommendations to improve the environmental safeguard compliance in the next monitoring period. 1.2 Objectives and Monitoring Approach 16. Based on the progress of the construction of subprojects, the main objectives of the project monitoring are to implement the environmental monitoring program; assess environment at the construction sites; and strengthen the effectiveness of the environmental monitoring system with the participation of the relevant stakeholders. 17. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, The methodology employed are the following: a. Review of project documents: IEEs, Loan Agreement, Project Documents, Environmental Monitoring Reports, Memorandum of understanding from ADB s missions, ADB s SPS 2009, and ADB s Guideline on environmental assessment, b. Maintain close dialogue with ADB Safeguard Specialists, NPPMB, CPPMB, Vica and LIC social, CMCs, contractors and local authorities. c. Maintain monthly monitoring of the environmental compliance of all subprojects that are under construction. In this regard, the environmental management and reporting system has been created in which all subprojects are requested to report their own environmental compliance during construction. d. Site visits: have been conducted to spot check the environmental compliance of subprojects during construction namely 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh T/L, 220kV Bim Son Substation, 220kv Tuyen Quang substation, 220 KV Kim Dong substation; 220kv Thuong Tin-Kim Dong T/L, Hai Duong 2 substation. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE OF SUBPROJECTS The status of subproject and LIC activities has been briefly presented in the Table 1. More details will be discussed hereinafter. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 8

9 Table 1: Implemented activities in 12 subprojects (As of December 30, 2013) No Subproject Location CEP IEE Status LIC activities SUBPROJECTS UNDER OPERATION kv Son La- Nho Quan- Hoa Binh T/L 8 districts of provinces of Son La Ninh Binh and Hoa Binh. Done Done Construction completed and energized in December LIC has provided support to VICA to undertaken the spot check monitoring on December 2012 and October LIC has reviewed the spot check monitoring reports No 11th prepared by VICA + No further action required in next quarter 2 500kV Son La - Hiep Hoa Transmission Line 19 districts of 5 provinces of Son La, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen and Bac Giang Done Done Construction completed and energized in 31 March LIC has provided support to VICA to undertake the spot check monitoring on December 2012 and October LIC has reviewed the spot check monitoring reports No 11th prepared by VICA + No further action required in next quarter 3 500kV Hiep Hoa Substation Hiep Hoa district of Bac Giang province Done Done Construction completed and energized in 31 March LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on Sep 2012 and LIC has also provided support to VICA to undertake the spot check monitoring on December 2012 and October LIC has reviewed the spot check monitoring reports No 11th prepared by VICA + No further action is required in next Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 9

10 quarter 4 Expansion 500kV Thuong Tin Substation Thuong Tin, Hanoi None None Construction completed and energized in January Expansion of substations occurring in the existing premises, hence, there are no environment impacts to surrounding areas. + No further action is required. 5 Expansion 500kV Nho Quan substation Nho quan district, Ninh Binh prov. None None Completed and has been energized in March Expansion of substation in the existing premises, hence. there are no environment impacts to surrounding areas. + No further action is required 6 Extension 220kV Van Tri Substation Van Tri, Hanoi None None Completed + Expansion of substation in the existing premises, hence, there are no environment impacts to surrounding areas. + No further action is required. SUBPROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION 7 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh Transmission line 10 districts of 2 provinces Thanh Hoa and Nghe An Done Done Under construction + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on June 2013 and December LIC has reviewed monthly reports and provided guidance the environmental compliance to contractors and CMC Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 10

11 8 220kV Bim Son substation Bim Son town, Thanh Hoa province + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on June 2013 Done Done Under construction + LIC has reviewed monthly reports and provided guidance the environmental compliance to contractors and CMC 9 220kV Tuyen Quang substation Yen Son town, Tuyen Quang province Done Done Under construction + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on June 2013 and December LIC has reviewed monthly reports and provided guidance the environmental compliance to contractors and CMC kV Kim Dong Substation Kim Dong district, Hanoi Done Done Under construction + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on June 2013 and October LIC has reviewed monthly reports and provided guidance the environmental compliance to contractors and CMC kV Thuong Tin Kim Dong transmission line Thuong Tin district, Hanoi and 02 districts of Khoai Chau and Kim Dong of Hung Yen province Done Done Under construction + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on October LIC will continue to undertake the spot check monitoring on next quarters in kV Hai Duong 2 Substation Kinh Mon district, Hai Duong prov. Done Done Under construction + LIC has undertaken the spot check monitoring on Sep LIC will continue to undertake the spot check monitoring on next quarters in 2013 Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jun-Dec 2013 Page 11

12 kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L Subprojects Background of 220 kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L 18. Thanh Hoa - Vinh 220 kv Transmission Line was one of three core subprojects of Northern Power Transmission Expansion Project (two others are 500 kv Son La- Nho Quan- Hoa Binh T/L and Van Tri S/s). The line has a length of 147,87km passing through 10 districts of 2 provinces Thanh Hoa and Nghe An. Districts of Thanh Hoa province include Thieu Hoa, Dong Son, Trieu Son, Nong Cong, Tinh Gia. And districts of Nghe An are Yen Thanh, Quynh Luu, Dien Chau, Nghi Loc and Vinh city. 19. Objectives of subproject are: (i) to improve the power grid system of the Middle North area and the National power grid as well; (ii) to transport the electricity from the Nghi Son thermal power plant Phase 1 to the national power grid; and (iii) to promote the safety of the power supply, quality of voltage and reduce the power losses of the system that could make contribution to the socio-economic development in the area. 20. The 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh transmission line will be connected to 03 substations. For the project activities, the feeder bay of all 3 substations would be constructed to expand the substation including (i) 220KV Thanh Hoa Substation, (ii) 220kV Nghi Son Substation, and (iii) 220KV Hung Dong Substation. By the end of this quarter, the constructions of the extension of these three substations have almost been completed. In addition to that, most the tower foundations and associated civil work have also been almost completed. As such, the environmental issues are insignificant Environmental Compliance Findings 21. This subproject has been monitored during the years since 2010 by VICA and by LIC since 2012 and the construction has almost been accomplished. 22. LIC has undertaken the spot check supervision to only some sites of subproject not only last period but also this period from July to December Most of the visited sites are sensitive areas like road crossing, cemetery, river, worker camp, and material storing locations. 23. In particular, during this period, the LIC has paid attention to the section crossing the Nghi Loc protection forest as requested by the ADB. In this regard, the LIC has visited the site and worked with the contractor to learn and provide advice as needed. 24. It was found that; (i) As of December 2013, the civil work has almost accomplished with 381/391 tower foundations have been constructed which equivalent to 97.5% work amount (compared to 95% as previous period); 373/391 towers have been erected which equivalent to 95.4% work amount (compared to 93% as previous period); and more than 88,679km/147km of electric wire has been strung which equivalent to 60% of work amount (compared to 26% as previous period) (see annex 1); (ii) there are not any significant environmental impact due to civil work has almost finished as similar to the previous period; (ii) unlikely to the previous period, the construction of the section from position No160A to No. 169A passing through the protection forest in Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province has been started; (v) the consulted CPCs has agreed and supported the subproject; (vi) some households under the ROW of the T/L has concerned on the electromagnetic field during the operation of the subproject; 25. The monitoring results showed that the contractors complied with the mitigation measures to minimize the impact on the environment and the residents life. In particular, there are some issues as follows; (i) Rehabilitation of the project area upon completion of site work has been mostly conducted by contractors; (ii) Some sections of the existing roads were used as access roads that the contractors have consolidated or repaired after construction completion. (iii) construction material was properly covered and stored and worker camp was rather well organized; (iv) Even the contractors have complied with labor safety regulations by providing to workers protective equipment, especially helmet, safety belt for workers, however some workers are not using boots and gloves at the construction site. Figure 2 illustrated existing environmental situation in the 220 kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L Subproject site. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 12

13 Picture 1: Tower erection No , Nghi Van, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 2: Wire stringing No. Nghi Van, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 3: Tower erection No , Nghi Van, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (first half year 2013) Picture 4: Tower erection No , Nghi Van, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 5: Rehabilitation upon completion of tower foundation No. 102A, Do Thanh, Yen Thanh, Nghe An (first half year 2012) Picture 6: Rehabilitation upon completion at tower foundation No. 181A, Nghi Hoa, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 13

14 Picture 7: Access road has just expanded to the tower No 118, Cong Binh, Nong Cong, Thanh Hoa (second half year 2013) Picture 8: Access road expanded to the tower No. 168A, - Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 9. Construction material was not properly covered and stored, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 10. Construction material is covered and stored, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Figure 2. The existing environmental situation in the 220 kv Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L Subproject site Impact on Nghi Loc Protection Forest 26. For the section passing the protection forest in Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province, there are 9 positions, namely 161A to 169A under the authority of the Nghi Loc protection forest management board. This forest cover the area of more than 1000 ha pine tree. Currently, the pine forest is being grown and extracted turpentine. So far, the Nghe An PPC has agreed to hand over the land area of ROW to NPPMB for construction and the contractor has started construction since November It has been found on the site that, nine foundations are being constructed. It is also observed that the environmental matter has taken into consideration during the construction. Particularly, (i) the contractor has utilized the current management path for its construction; (ii) the contractor has allowed the farmers to cut pine trees before construction; (ii) the workers are prohibited to cut the tree and burn during the construction time; (iii) the disposal materials are reused for the backfilling; (iv) the contractor has reported to NPPMB on the environmental compliance in a timely manner. Figure 3 shows the construction activities in the forest area. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 14

15 Picture 11: Meeting with contractor (second half year 2013) Picture 12: Meeting with contractor (second half year 2013) Picture 13: The existing management path is utilized as the Access road, Position No 165, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 14: Current status of the site (second half year 2013) Picture 15. Construction site with no warning sign Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 16. Soil erosion should be taken care, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 15

16 Picture 17. Worker camp Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Picture 18. Construction material is not properly covered and stored, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Labor Safety: Figure 3. The construction activities in the forest area 220kV Thanh Hoa-Vinh TL 28. As mentioned in the previous Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring report, work safety is especially taken noticed during tower erection. The contractors were reminded on possible objects and workers falling from height. During this period, the LIC has also reminded the contractors about the labor safety requirements. The contractor has complied with work safety regulations by providing labour protective equipment, especially helmet, safety belt for workers but some workers especially local and temporary worker have not used boots and gloves at the construction site. The LIC still reminds all workers and all contractors to seriously take care the safety matters during the future time (Figure 4). Picture 19: Workers wear protective clothing and helmet during tower erection at the tower No. 37 Dong Thang,Trieu Son, Thanh Hoa. (first half year 2013) Picture 20: Workers did not wear protective clothing and helmet during tower erection at the tower No. 189A, Nghi Dien, Nghi Loc, Nghe An (second half year 2013) Figure 4. Safety matters at construction site 220kV Thanh Hoa-Vinh TL Recommendation 29. Although there has not been any accident to local people on the sites, the contractors shall pay attention to having signs and fencing placed fully in order to ensure occupational safety during construction. The site restoration shall be performed for the next works; the sites shall be cleaned right after the construction phase completed; impacts on traffic and irrigation shall be immediately resolved; Continue monitoring the operation of equipments and construction Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 16

17 machines follow the regulations; strictly follow the regulations on hygiene and environmental protection and work safety. 30. To minimize the impact to the Nghi Loc protection forest, the following are recommended: (i) install the warning sign and board on the construction site; (ii) the construction material should be covered to prevent water and air pollution; (iii) the soil erosion should be taken care; iii) the disposal material should be better managed. 31. Since the subproject is still underway, the environmental monitoring should be still undertaken in the next half year period. In addition, the capacity building for stakeholder could be an issue. LIC with support by NPPMB will work closely with contractors to make sure environmental compliance in subproject areas kV Bim Son Substation and Connection Background 32. The proposed Bim Son 220kV substation is located in Bac Son ward, Bim Son town, Thanh Hoa province. Main project features are the 220kV side, the 110 kv side and the 35kV and 22kV side. Main objectives of this subproject are (i) to meet the electricity supply demand for Bim Son town and industry zones strengthen and enhance networks that provide the long-term stability and reliability for 2 provinces Thanh Hoa and Ninh Binh; (ii) To increase stability, operational safety for power network and reduce the loss of electric energy, the loss of power in the grid and contribute to raise the efficiency of electricity production and trading of EVN. The 220kV Bim Son substation will play an important power source for the fast development of load in this area. 33. The subproject area with 4.3 ha has been totally handed over to the contractor Environmental Compliance Findings 34. The civil work has just started during first half year So far, the site clearance has been accomplished 100%. The foundation has been constructed and the building of house and other facilities have also been finalized. The drainage has been accomplished by 75%. 35. The LIC has visited the site and discussed with the contractors the entire environmental safeguard requirement during the construction. In general, there is no significant change compared to previous period. The following were observed (i) material on the truck had been covered to prevent air pollution; (ii) constructor had sprayed water to control dust during construction time; (ii) construction material was properly covered and stored; (iii) soil erosion control was taken cared during the rainy season; sign and warning board were supplied more on the construction site; (iv) labor safety was maintained throughout the construction time; (v) Slope is stabilized by grass and concrete. (See figure 5) Picture 21: Worker covering the material to prevent air pollution during transportation (second half year 2013) Picture 22: Water used for dust control (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 17

18 Picture 23: Truck covered to prevent air pollution (second half year 2013) Picture 24: Water is being sprayed on the site (second half year 2013) Picture 25: Slope is stabilized with grass and concrete (second half year 2013) Picture 26: Material was well organized in terms of categories (second half year 2013) Figure 5 Environmental compliance at construction site 220kV Bim Son SS Recommendations 36. To improve the environmental compliance, the following were agreed: (i) watering to control dust throughout the construction time; (ii) construction material should be properly covered and stored; (iii) soil erosion control will be taken cared during the rainy season; sign and warning board will be supplied more on the construction site; (iv) labor safety will be maintained throughout the construction time. 37. LIC will work closely with NPPMB and contractor to continue monitoring the environmental compliance during the construction kV Tuyen Quang Substation and Connection Background 38. Subproject of Tuyen Quang 220kV substation is proposed in order to meet capacity transmission for Tuyen Quang Provincial load in particular and for Northern Vietnam region in general; enhance reliability and safety of power supply and power quality for Tuyen Quang s and Northern Vietnam region s power network. The project creates combination among regions in Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 18

19 Northern Vietnam s mountainous power system that is an important basis to operate system more stably and reduce the loss of capacity of the system. The proposed Tuyen Quang 220kV substation is located on low hill area planted with eucalyptus and tea in Kim Phu Commune, Yen Son District, Tuyen Quang Province. The substation is 8km far from Tuyen Quang city and cover the area of m Environmental Compliance Finding 39. The civil work has been started last half year period. As of December 2013, the civil work has been almost accomplished. So far the site clearance has been 100% accomplished. The foundation construction has been completed. Operating building as well as other facilities has not been constructed. 40. The LIC has visited the site and discussed with the contractors on the environmental safeguard requirement during the construction. In general the contractor has complied with the environmental protection like in previous monitoring periods. The followings were observed: (i) the location is far from the residential area and rather favorable for construction; (ii) the waste was kept right on the construction site; (iii) construction material was stored on the construction site; (iv) the worker camp is temporally located on the site just only for taking a break since a local residential house was rented for living quarters during the construction ; (v) water channel is constructed to prevent water pollution; (vi) slope was well stabilized; (vii) truck has not been covered to prevent air pollution on site; (v) workers were not wearing the protective clothes; (viii) the sign board was observed on the site (Figure 6). Picture 27: Sign board on the site (first half year 2013) Picture 28: Sign board on the site (second half year 2013) Picture 29: Waste was collected and stored on site (first half year 2013) Picture 30: Waste was collected and stored on site (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 19

20 Picture 31: Worker camp and construction material were on site (first half year 2013) Picture 32: Construction material are properly managed (second half year 2013) Picture 33: Water channel was constructed to prevent water pollution and slope was well stabilized (first half year 2013) Picture 34: Water channel was constructed to prevent water pollution and slope was well stabilized (second half year 2013) Picture 35: Local worker not wearing the protective clothes; (irst half year 2013) Picture 36: Worker wearing the protective clothes (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 20

21 Picture 37: Soil erosion should be taken care ; (second half year 2013) Picture 38: Temporary worker not wearing the protective clothes; (second half year 2013) Figure 6. Environmental compliance at construction site 220kV Tuyen Quang SS Recommendations 41. To improve the environmental compliance, the followings were agreed: (i) watering to control dust throughout the construction time, truck should be properly covered during transport of construction material to prevent air pollution; (ii) construction material is properly covered and stored; (iii) soil erosion control will be taken cared during the rainy season; (iii) more sign and warning board will be supplied on the construction site; (iv) labor safety will be seriously taken cared. 42. LIC will work closely with NPPMB and contractor will continue to monitor the environmental compliance during the construction kV Kim Dong Substation Background 43. Subproject of Kim Dong 220kV substation is proposed in order to meet capacity transmission for Hung Yen Provincial load in particular and for Northern Vietnam region in general; enhance reliability and safety of power supply and power quality for Hung Yen s and Northern Vietnam region s power network. The project creates combination among regions in Northern Vietnam s mountainous power system that is an important basis to operate system more stably and reduce the loss of capacity of the system. The proposed Kim Dong 220kV substation is located on the rice field in Toan Thang commune, Kim Dong district, Hung Yen province. The substation covers the area of m Environmental Compliance Findings 44. The civil work has started since first half of year Compared to previous period, the construction has made substantial progress. Most of the items are being finalized. More than 80% of the construction work has been accomplished so far. 45. The LIC has periodically conducted the spot check to the site not only last period but also this half year period. During the site visit the LIC has discussed with the contractors on the environmental safeguard requirement. The following findings are observed (i) the sign board was observed on the site; (ii) water was used to control dust; (iii) construction material was stored on the construction site; (iii) the worker camp is temporally located on the site; (iv) workers wear the protective clothes (see Figure 7). Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 21

22 Picture 39: Sign board on the site (second half year 2013) Picture 40: year 2013) Sign board on the site(second half Picture 41: Water was used to control dust on site (first half year 2013) Picture 42: The final stages of construction works. (second half year 2013) Picture 43: Construction material was temporally stored on the construction site (first half year 2013) Picture 44: Construction material was temporally stored on the construction site (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 22

23 Picture 45: Worker camp on the site (first half year 2013) Picture 46: Worker camp on the site (second half year 2013) Picture 47: Workers wearing the protective clothes (first half year 2013) Picture 48: Workers wearing the protective clothes (second half year 2013) Picture 49: The fence has ben installed (second half year 2013) Picture 50: The operating buidling is being finalized (second half year 2013) Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 23

24 Picture 51: Irrigation canal has been restored. (second half year 2013) Picture 52: Irrigation canal has been built (second half year 2013) Figure 7. Environmental compliance at construction site 220kV Kim Dong SS 46. As mentioned above, the contractor has conducted adequate environmental mitigation measures as specified in the approved EMP/IEE. In addition to that the environmental compliance report has been prepared and submitted to the LIC/NPPMP in a timely manner Recommendation 47. It is recommended that the construction material should be stored neatly on the construction site. In addition to that, labor safety should always be taken cared during the construction time. The subproject still needs to be closely monitored during the next quarter kV Thuong Tin Kim Dong T/L Background 48. Subproject of 220kV Thuong Tin-Kim Dong T/L is proposed in order to meet capacity transmission for Hung Yen Provincial load and Hanoi city in particular and for Northern Vietnam region in general; enhance reliability and safety of power supply and power quality for Hung Yen s and Northern Vietnam region s power network. The project creates combination among regions in Northern Vietnam s mountainous power system that is an important basis to operate system more stably and reduce the loss of capacity of the system. The proposed Kim Dong 220kV substation is located on the rice field in Thuong Tin district of Hanoi city and Khoai Chau and Kim Dong district of Hung Yen province. The T/L is 26.68km length Environmental Compliance Findings 49. The civil work has just been started during this half year. So far 36/81 foundation has been constructed. As of December 2013, only 15/81 towers have been erected. 50. The LIC has conducted the spot check to the site and discussed with the contractors on the environmental safeguard requirement during the construction. The following findings are observed (i) the waste was kept right on the construction site; (iii)construction material was stored on the construction site; (iii) workers were not wearing the protective clothes; (viii) the sign board was not observed on the site (Figure 8). Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 24

25 Picture 53. Foundation is being constructed in No 43-Kim Dong-Hung Yen Picture 54. Material is temporally stored right on the site-kim Dong-Hung Yen Picture 55. Material is temporally stored right on the site in No 65A-Dai Hung- Kim Dong-Hung Yen Picture 56. Foundation is being constructed in No 68-Dai Hung commune-kim Dong-Hung Yen Picture 57. Site clearance in No 49- Dong Ket commune- Kim Dong-Hung Yen Picture 58. Foundation is being constructed in No 48- Dong Ket commune-kim Dong-Hung Yen Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 25

26 Picture 59 Pile driving at the Position No 40 in Tu Dan commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province Picture 60. Tower erection at Position No 68 in Dai Hung commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province Picture 61. Tower erection at Position No 52 in Lien Khe commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province Picture 62. Tower erection at Position No 52 in Lien Khe commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province Picture 63. Tower erection at Position No 75 in Toan Thang commune, Kim Dong district, Hung Yen province Picture 64. Tower erection at Position No 76 in Toan Thang commune, Kim Dong district, Hung Yen province Figure 8. Environmental situation at construction site 22kV Thuong Tin Kim Dong TL Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 26

27 2.5.3 Recommendation 51. To improve the environmental compliance, LIC has advised the contractor and the following are agreed upon: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) the contractor will continue watering to control dust during the construction time, truck should be properly covered during transport of construction material to prevent air pollution; construction material should be properly covered and stored; signs and warnings board will be supplied on the construction site; Labor safety will be seriously taken care 52. LIC will work closely with NPPMB and contractor to continue monitoring of the environmental compliance during the construction. 2.6 Hai Duong 2 S/S Background 53. Subproject of 220kV Hai Duong 2 S/s is proposed in order to meet electricity supply demand for Kinh Mon district, Hoa Phat and Tan Phu Xuan steel factories Phuc Son and Phu Tan cement factories and other industrial sectors of east west area of Hai Duong province and enhance local network that provide the long-term stability and reliability of supplying electricity for Hai Duong province. 54. The proposed 220kV Hai Duong 2 S/s is located on the rice field in of Hue Tri village, An Phu commune, Kinh Mon district, Hai Duong province. Hai Duong 2 substation shall take up an area of 35232m LIC has also been requested by NPPMB to prepare the IEE for 220KV Hai Duong 2 S/S. The revised IEE has also been approved by ADB on September, Figure 9 Condition at the site of Hai Duong 2 220kV substation in An Phu commune, Kinh Mon district, Hai Duong province (previous spot check mission-before construction) Environmental Compliance Findings 56. The civil work has just been started during this half year. As of December 2013, the site has just been cleared for substation construction. In addition to that the 7/7 foundations for the feeders have also been constructed. The LIC has closely worked with the contractors to monitor and provide support to ensure the safeguard compliance during the construction time. The following findings were observed (i) the waste was kept right on the construction site; (ii)construction material was stored on the construction site; (iii) workers were not wearing protective clothes; (vi) the sign board was not observed on the site. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 27

28 Picture 65. Site clearance at Hai Duong 2 SS Picture 66. Site clearance at Hai Duong 2 SS Recommendation Picture 67. Sludge removal at Hai Duong 2 SS 57. To improve the environmental compliance, LIC has advised the contractor and the following were agreed upon: (i) The contractor will continue watering activities to control dust during the construction time; (ii) Construction material should be collected and transported to the permitted landfill; (iii) Signs and warnings board will be supplied on the construction site; (iv) Labor safety will be seriously taken cared. In this regard, LIC will be monitoring the environmental safeguard compliance of these subprojects by next half year period onward. 3. STRENGTHENING THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING 58. In this second half year 2013 period, as advised by LIC, the environmental management and reporting system under the project has been significantly strengthened. In particular, the NPPMB has issued the letter No 1948/AMB-P2 dated May 16 th 2013 (Annex 3) to request all contractors to report the environmental safeguards compliance under each contractor scope of work. To help the contractor could properly prepare the environmental compliance report, the LIC has prepared the outline of the report as well as the environmental monitoring form and provided all these supporting documents to all contractors (Annex 4) 59. Even though the report submission requirement had just been started in this half year period, the feedbacks from contractors were rather positive. 5 out of 8 contractors have submitted the Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 28

29 compliance report. The quality of the report was improved after several rounds of comments provided by LIC and NPPMB. 60. In the coming half year period, the communication with contractors will be prioritized in LIC working agenda. It is needed to collect the report from all contractors. In addition to that, the quality of the report should be improved. 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Conclusions 61. Overall, the contractors have implemented the mitigation measures during the construction phase as proposed in the relevant EMPs kV Thanh Hoa Vinh transmission line subproject has almost completed construction of the tower foundation and tower erection and has started the line stringing. The impact on local environment from subproject activities is unremarkable; site restoration for borrowed land has been done. In addition, the local government has expressed its support to the project implementation. The contractor has undertaken mitigation measures to manage impacts to Nghi Loc protection forest Kv Bim Son, 220kV Tuyen Quang Substation and 220kV Kim Dong Substation have been constructed during the last period. There are no significant environmental issues so far. 64. The environmental management and reporting have been significantly strengthened by closely monitoring and communicating with all contractors. 4.2 Recommendations 65. To improve the implementation of the environmental management plan, the consultant has the following recommendations: a. For the 220kV Thanh Hoa Vinh transmission line subproject: The site restoration shall be performed for the next works and the sites should be cleaned right after completion. The impacts on traffic and irrigation should be immediately resolved and that regulations on hygiene and environmental protection and work safety should be strictly followed. b. For the Nghi Loc protection forest, the contractor should take into consideration the soil erosion measures, waste management and labor safety. The prohibition of cutting tree, burning, waste disposal, and hunting in the forest should be seriously kept during the construction time. c. The 220Kv Bim Son Substation, 220kV Tuyen Quang Substation and 220kv Kim Dong substation should be closely monitored since these subprojects are under intensive construction. Tuyen Quang S/S need to take care of the erosion issue since the site located in the hill. d. Worker camp sanitation and labor safety need to be further addressed. NPPMB should issue the letter to ask all contractors to improve their worker camp sanitation and labor safety. e. The environmental management and reporting system should be maintained while the contractors and LIC should work closely for effective implementation of the EMP during construction. Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 29

30 ANNEXES Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 30

31 Annex No.1. Detailed construction status of 220kV Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L subproject (as of December 30, 2013) # Contractor Tower code Power construction installation Ltd. Company No. 4 (PCC4) Vietnam electricity construction joint stock corporation Number of towers Tower Foundation Tower erection Wire stringing (km) SP(1) / B, 109B Song Da joint stock company No. 11 and Power construction installation Ltd. Company No , 166B,1A-13A, 1B, 14A-27A, 28A-51A, 52A-57A, 58A-64A, 65A-78A, 79A-87A / /47.56 Viet A investment commercial industrial group holdings company 88A-128A /49.28 Mechanical Installation Joint Stock Company (INCO) Electrical Mechanical Installation and Construction Joint Stock Company (IMEC) Commune/District Dong Son district: Thieu Van, Thieu Trung commune Dong Son district: Dong Hoang, Dong Ninh, Dong Hoa commune. Trieu Son district: Khuyen Nong, Dong Tien, Dong Thang commune Nong Cong district: Hoang Son, Trung Chinh commune Nong Cong district: Trung Chinh, Trung Y, Te Thang, Te Tan, Te Nong, Te Loi, Thang Tho, Cong Liem, Cong Chinh, Cong Binh, yen My commune Tinh Gia district: Phu Son, Cat Son commune Tinh Gia district: Phu Son, Phu Lam, Tung Lam, Tan Truong, Truong Lam commune. Quynh Luu district: Quynh Thien commune Quynh Luu district: Hoang Mai, Quynh Vinh commune Quynh Luu district: Mai Hung, Quynh Xuan, Quynh Van, Quynh Thach commune Quynh Luu district: Quynh Hoa commune Quynh Luu district: Quynh Hoa, Quynh My commune Quynh Luu district: Quynh My, Quynh Lam, Quynh Giang commune Dien Chau district: Dien Doai commune Dien Chau district: Dien Doai, Dien Yen commune Dien Chau district: Dien Yen, Dien Thap, Dien Lien, Dien Xuan, Dien Hong, Dien Hanh, Dien Quang, Dien Cat commune Yen Thanh district : Do Thanh commune 129A-154A ,06/49.28 Dien Chau district: Dien Cat, Dien Loi, Dien Tho, Dien Phu commune 155A- 213A(EP), 194B, 201B ,66/49.28 Total / /391 88,679 /147 % completed Dien Chau district: Dien Thinh commune Nghi Loc district: Nghi Hung, Nghi Thuan, Nghi Hoa, Nghi Dien, Nghi Van commune Vinh city: Hung Dong commune Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 31

32 Annex No.2. List of interviewed officials No. Name Position NPPMB Contact number 1. Hoang Dinh Thai Technical specialist- CMC of Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L 2. Hoang Kim Hai Technical specialist- CMC of Thanh Hoa-Vinh T/L 3. Hoang Thuat Technical specialist- CMC of Bim Son Mr.Quân Technical specialist- CMC of Tuyen Quang Vũ Xuân An Technical staff Vũ Mạnh Quân Technical staff Contractors 7. Mr Lê Lời 8. Mr Nam 9. Tran Ngoc Thien Viet Nam Electricity Construction Joint Stock Corporation-VNECO- Thanh Hoa-Vinh contractor Viet Nam Electricity Construction Joint Stock Corporation-VNECO- Thanh Hoa-Vinh contractor Installation and electric construction joint stock company- Thanh Hoa-Vinh contractor 10. Mr Long: PCC1- Contractor of Tuyen Quang Substation 11. Mr Hà 12. Mr Bình 13. Mr Vuong Commune People Committee (CPC) LILAMA 5. JSC- Contractor of Bim Son Substation Power Construction Installation Co. Ltd. No. 4-- Contractor of Kim Dong Substation Installation and electric construction joint stock company- Thanh Hoa-Vinh contractor Le Viet Tuan Chairman of Nghi Van CPC Nguyen Van Khai Vice chairman of the Party of Nghi Hung CPC Hoang Van Thai Land official, Nghi Hung CPC Nguyen Xuan Huy Vice chairman of Dien Cat CPC Nguyen Ba Tinh Chairman of Quynh Lam CPC Dang Ba Kien Vice-chairman, Nghi Thuan CPC Truong Van Thuy Chairman, Dien Xuan CPC Dinh Xuan Loc Land official, Dien Yen CPC Nguyen Duy Thao Chairmain, Quynh Xuan CPC Nguyen Van Xung Vice-chairman, Tung Lam CPC Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 32

33 Annex No.3. NPPMB has issued letter to strengthen the environmental management Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Jul-Dec 2013 Page 33