Considering Climate and Environmental Impacts on Infrastructure Projects in the US and Developing Countries

Transcription

1 Considering Climate and Environmental Impacts on Infrastructure Projects in the US and Developing Countries Dana Spindler and Michael Savonis ICF International TRB Conference on Resiliency September 16,

2 Overview Executive Order Project Examples DAWEI, Myanmar Song Bung Hydropower Plant, Vietnam CEQ Draft Guidance of December 2014 Project Example Tongue River Railroad, Montana 2

3 Executive Order Climate- Resilient International Development Section 1. Policy Section 2. Incorporating Climate Resilience into International Development Section 3. Enhancing Data, Tools, and Information for Climate Resilient International Development Section 4. Working Group on Climate- Resilient International Development Section 5. Implementation and Reporting of Progress Section 6. Climate-Change Mitigation Section 7. Definitions Section 8. General Provisions. 3

4 Executive Order Policy "Even with increased efforts to curb these [GHG] emissions, we must prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change." "Consideration of current and future climate-change impacts will improve the resilience of the Federal Government's broader international development programs, projects, investments, overseas facilities, and related funding decisions." "This order requires the integration of climate-resilience considerations into all United States International development work to the extent permitted by law." "Collectively, these efforts will help to better optimize broader international development work and lead to enhanced global preparedness for and resilience to climate change." Text pulled from E.O , emphasis added. 4

5 Asia Region Field Support Environmental and Climate Impacts Examination of 6 projects, $1 Billion+, for USAID Environmental benefits and concerns Social impacts Environmental and social commitments Climate change projections Potential climate impacts Adaptation options Monitoring and evaluation 5

6 Dawei Seaport and Industrial Zone, Burma, $8.6 Billion Dam Construction: Transition Wall and Slap Casted Progress (Source: ITD, 2013). Project Components Deep seaport Small port 132 km highway Rail links Oil and gas pipelines Industrial complex Residential housing Coal-fired powerplant Dam and reservoir 1040 MW hydropower project 6

7 Dawei Seaport and Industrial Zone Environmental and Social Concerns Loss of 35 km 2 of mangrove forests reducing protection from wind and wave action Habitat fragmentation and forest degradation, with negative consequences on the Thai-Burma Tenasserim Biodiversity Conservation Corridor Strained water resources, especially the Dawei River in the dry season Massive resettlement of local residents, possibly affecting over 30,000 people from 20 villages 7

8 Dawei Seaport and Industrial Zone Climate Change Projections Precipitation: Increase in total rainfall during the rainy season by Temperature: Up to 1.7 to 3.7 C by 2080 Average daily maximum could reach 40 C in April by end of century Sea-level rise: 36% of population in Burma lives in coastal areas that face flood risk. 15 cm rise by 2030 and 45 cm rise by Average Monthly Temperature and Rainfall at Dawei from (left) and from (right) (Source: World Bank 2013) 8

9 Dawei Seaport and Industrial Zone Potential Climate Impacts on the Project Increased Temperature Extreme heat damaging paved surfaces and metal structures Increased pests, rust, mold leading to spoilage of foods Increased demand for energy and potential for outages Safety risks for workers Increased Heavy Precipitation Coastal flooding expedite facility deterioration Riverine flooding disrupt transportation Reduced visibility of port operations Damage of stored goods Sea Level Rise and Tropical Cyclone Intensity Coastal facility inundation Damage and destruction of facilities 9

10 Dawei Seaport and Industrial Zone Adaptation Options Backup generators Heat-appropriate materials Increased quality checks for perishable goods Increase availability of refrigeration, cooling, insulation, ventilation systems Update design and construction practices to incorporate future conditions (including flooding and sea level rise) Move critical infrastructure out of low-lying areas Insulate water-sensitive appliances Small port as of June 15, 2013 (Source: ITD, 2013). 10

11 Song Bung Hydropower Plant in Vietnam Project Components Dam Reservoir 156 MW hydropower plant on the Bung River Relocation of affected people 11

12 Song Bung Hydropower Plant Environmental and Social Concerns Reservoir will flood 142 ha of the Song Thanh Nature Reserve Loss of 30 km of river habitat Loss of long-distance migratory species (e.g., Angulla marmorata) Loss of settlements and economic resources by flooding 4 villages inundating houses, agricultural land, most fish ponds, and 50% of the grazing ground Relocation 12

13 Song Bung Hydropower Plant Climate Change Projections Precipitation: End of century dry season decrease by 14.2% and 12.1% increase during wet season Runoff: Anticipated to be reduced during the dry season and increased during the wet season Temperature: Up to 2.8 C by end of the century for June to August (high emissions) 13

14 Song Bung Hydropower Plant Potential Climate Impacts on the Project Flooding Damage to dam and auxiliary infrastructure Overtopping erosion of structure and catastrophic downstream flooding Increased runoff sediment build-up Variable Flows Evaporation and Increased Temperatures Could decrease potential output and profits 14

15 Song Bung Hydropower Plant Adaptation Options Construction of the Song Bung 4 Hydropower Plant (Source: ADB, 2013). Upgrade project assets to protect from damage Increase frequency of routine tests and maintenance identify problems and maintenance needs early Adjust production expectations to fit available supply Monitor and adjust operations to lessen environmental stresses downstream during the dry season (low flow) 15

16 CEQ Guidance, December 2014 Agencies should consider the implications of climate change for the environmental effects of a proposed action. Includes climate change impacts: On a proposed project from sea level rise, increased heat, drought, and extreme events such as intense rainfall, and storm surge, and On the environment affected by the proposed project (habitat loss, endangered species, etc.) Time horizon: Expected project lifespan 16

17 Tongue River Railroad Corporation (TRRC), Montana TRRC filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board to construct and operate a new rail line in southeastern Montana Purpose is to transport low-sulfur, subbituminous coal from mine sites to be developed in Rosebud and Powder River Counties, Montana TRRC would construct and BNSF would operate the rail line 17

18 TONGUE RIVER RAILROAD SPUR DRAFT EIS Study Area Facilities associated with operation of the rail line include: Rail road and associated infrastructure access roads telecommunications towers railway signs and signals. Affected environment includes: primary watersheds crossed by the build alternatives and a corridor matching the width of biological, water, land, cultural and historical resources, and geology and soils used in the EIS Source: Draft EIS,

19 TONGUE RIVER RAILROAD SPUR DRAFT EIS Findings - Damage and service disruptions from: Increased flooding: Changes in precipitation in the Tongue River, Otter Creek, and Rosebud Creek basins could lead to flooding and damage the rail line, wash out ballast, cause scour at water crossings and culverts, place debris in ROWs, and disrupt service along the railway Landslides and increased soil erosion: Changes in precipitation could affect the likelihood of soil slumping and landslides Increased frequency of wildfires: Increased temperatures and drier conditions in summer could increase the likelihood of wildfires Higher extreme temperatures: Could lead to increased risk of rail buckling and worker heat exhaustion 19

20 TONGUE RIVER RAILROAD SPUR DRAFT EIS Findings Affected Environment Altered landscapes EIS impacts on vegetation, habitat loss and degradation, wildlife displacement could be exacerbated by contributing to soil erosion, and increasing stress to migrating species through more intense snow events and higher temps Water depletion and degradation Impacts on water quality (degradation and depletion) could be increased by drought and higher water temperatures further stressing terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and vegetation Spread of invasive species and noxious weeds Increased spread of invasive species and noxious weeds could be exacerbated by warmer winter temperatures, higher summer temperatures, and drier summer conditions 20

21 Additional Information Executive Order -- Climate Resilient International Development CEQ Revised Draft Guidance on GHG Emissions and Climate Change in NEPA Reviews ghg_guidance_searchable.pdf Contact Information Dana Spindler Michael Savonis (206) (202)