E830 November 10, 2003 SRI LANKA: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Environment Assessment and Management Framework Prepared by Project Management Unit Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project Ministry of Rural Economy November 10, 2003 Environment Assessment and Management Framework SRI LANKA: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Table of Contents Environment Assessment and Management Framework 1.0 Purpose .................................................3 2.0 Project Description ..................................................5 3.0 Preliminary Environmental Assessment of Activities that may be included in Village Development Plans .9 4.0 Government of Sri Lanka Environmental Regulations and Procedures .............. I 1 5.0 Environment Review .............. 14 Annexes 1. List of the Projects falling under the "Prescribed Projects" by the Central Environmental Authority ................................................. 16 2. Negative List - Projects not eligible for Funding ............................ 21 3. Checklists for Rapid Environmental Assessment of Community Projects ................................................ 24 4. Potential Environmental Issues and Mitigation Measures .............. 31 5. Pest Management Plan .46 6. Dam Safety Plan .48 2 Environment Assessment and Management Framework COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 1.0 Purpose The Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project (the Project), to be financed by IDA, aims to enable the rural poor to improve their livelihood and quality of life. The main objective of the project is to support GOSL' s strategy of reducing rural poverty and promotion of sustainable and equitable rural development through better access of the poor to basic social and economic infrastructure and services and support for productive activities, using the CDD approach. The empowerment activities under the project seek to deepen the partnership with civil society, increase the role of local governments to allocate resources for community development in the context of strengthened accountability, enhance financial transparency, and mainstream gender considerations in all anti-poverty efforts. The experiences of the community-driven development approach will be used to scale up the role of poor communities participating in the growth process. The projects development objectives will be achieved through: (a) empowering communities to manage sustainable investments and build accountable and self-governing local institutions; (b) working with local governments which have proved to be more responsive and accountable to increase the size and quality of public expenditures that would be delivered in a community driven and accountable manner; and (c) working with federations of village organizations, private sector and NGOs on economic empowerment to increase size and diversity of livelihood, increased-credit flow, private sector investment in community activities and value added in agriculture. Projects and Programs financed with IDA resources need to comply with World Bank Operational Policies. Therefore, sub-projects and components eligible for funding under this project will be required to satisfy the World Bank's safeguard policies, in addition to conformity with environmental legislation of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL). The proposed project is classified as Category B by the World Bank, which means that the project is not expected to have any significant and/or irreversible adverse environmental impacts. In fact, it is expected to be beneficial from an environmental and social perspective. Further, investments are expected to be small, very localized, labor intensive and largely of a rehabilitation or small rural enterprise development nature. No significant impacts are expected on any critical ecosystems or culturally or socially sensitive areas. Any potential impacts are expected to be readily manageable with proper planning and oversight arrangements. World Bank policies and guidelines, pertaining to environmental safeguards, that may require consideration under this project are as follows: 3 Environment Assessment and Management Framework * OP/BP/GP 4.01 Environmental Assessment * OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams * OP 4.09 Pest Management However, based on the experience of the on-going VSHLI initiative upon which this project is based, and the sub-project eligibility criteria agreed with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), the most likely safeguard policy to be triggered under this project will be OP/BP/GP 4.01 on Environmental Assessment and OP 4.09 Pest Management. The Safety of Dams safeguard policy listed above will considered to ensure minimal adverse environmental impacts due sub-projects, that may involve rehabilitation of existing tanks that include a dam. Particular attention is needed during preparation of village development plans to ensure that the Forestry and Natural Habitats safeguard polices are not triggered since the Southern and Uva Provinces contain large extents of land that are under forestry and natural habitats. However, all such environmentally sensitive areas have been declared as "protected areas" under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and the Forestry Ordinance. Therefore, development activities are not permitted under protected areas in Sri Lanka, except under exceptional circumstances with the prior concurrence of either the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) or Conservator General of Forests. There will be no activities supported under this project that will be within designated protected areas, therefore, the forestry and natural habitats safeguard policies are not being triggered under the project. Considering the demand driven nature of the project, specific sub-projects to be funded under the Project will be identified by rural communities as part of their village development plans. Therefore, specific environmental assessments on village development plans cannot be conducted at this stage. However, an environmental assessment was conducted on all possible sub-projects that could be undertaken in the two provinces. The list of sub-projects was comprehensive. Thereafter, based on a survey of the development needs participating communities, activities most likely to be funded under the project have been identified from the general environmental assessment conducted. Activities that were identified in the EA to have significant environmental issues and/or above the financial threshold for funding a village development plan, are listed as activities that will be ineligible for funding under the Project. A list of activities that are ineligible for funding is identified in Annex 2. An Environmental Assessment and Management Framework (EAMF) has been prepared, based on potential sub projects that will most likely be included in village development plans by the respective rural communities in the two selected provinces. The EAMF will be used to identify potential environmental impacts of activities/sub-projects identified in the respective village development plans and be used to integrate mitigatory measures into the sub-project designs. Therefore, the resulting village development plan would have integrated environmental mitigatory measures into the designs of sub-projects. A plan for monitoring environmental conditions will be developed for each village development plan as part of developing indicators for overall project monitoring. This document describes the Environmental Assessment and Management Framework, which will be used as a template, for identification and mitigation of environmental impacts for 4 Environment Assessment and Management Framework activities/sub-projects that will be included in village development plans. These documents have been prepared in lieu of a project specific EA to appraise the environmental aspects of the project. It has also been made available for public review and comment in appropriate locations in Sri Lanka and in IDA's Public Information Center in accordance with BP 17.50 requirements of disclosure. The EAMF will be used by respective rural communities with technical assistance from service providers of the communities' choice, to integrate environmental concerns and include mitigatory measures in the village development plans. The service providers could be Government Officials, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), academia or the private sector. 1.0 Project Description The Sri Lanka Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project will include the following four components: (A) Village Development; (B) Institutional Strengthening; (C) Innovation Seed Fund; and (4) Project Management. Component A - Village Development: This component consists of the following three sub-components: (i) Formation, development and strengthening of community based organizations; (ii) Community Sub-projects; and (iii) Inter-village Roads. Al: Formation, Development And Strengthening Of Community Based Organizations: The goal of this subcomponent is to develop self reliant, self managed and sustainable people's organizations for community development and livelihood improvement in the rural areas. Activities to be financed under the sub-component will include: (a) facilitation support by the Divisional Facilitation Team; (b) support by resource persons, NGOs and other institutions with expertise in CBOs' capacity building; (c) Workshops and trainings to community members, CBOs, and facilitators on institutional building, preparation of Village Development plans, preparation and appraisal of sub projects, community monitoring, general principles of financial management, environmental management and community procurement and so on; (d) Capacity building of para-professionals; (e) Support to set up and manage Community Learning Centers; (f) support to set up and manage companies. A2. Community Sub Projects: This sub-component will finance four main activities: (i) Capacity Building Fund; (ii) Community and Social Infrastructure Activities and Services; (iii) Income Generating Activities, and (iv) Incentive Fund. (i) Capacity Building Fund. The Fund consists of 10% of the amount for community sub projects. Funds are transferred directly to CBOs on receipt of the proposals. The objectives of this sub-component are to encourage a paradigm shift from supply driven to demand driven capacity building inputs and to ensure communities' access to financial resources to actively plan and manage their development plans (including partnerships with the private sector). It is designed for communities to maintain a cadre of facilitators to assist them in developing participatory and inclusive Village Plans and in managing their own organizations; to secure services from a wide range of service providers, to ensure technical soundness and feasibility by accessing technical services; to access 5 Environment Assessment and Management Framework experts in the field of enterprise development and market linkages, and to enhance the skills base of para-professionals and CBOs' office bearers in areas like book keeping, financial management, community procurement, environmental management, sub-project planning and implementation. (ii) Community and Social infrastructure Activities and Services . The objectives of this sub-component are to ensure inclusive and participatory processes in the identification, prioritization and planning of community infrastructure and social services; to empower the communities to manage execution of the identified infrastructure activities; and to expand the scope of social services already accessible to the communities. It is designed to facilitate communities to identify their priority needs for improving quality of their lives. This process of identification and prioritization calls for community cohesion, participation of all the members and sensitivity to the needs of the poorest and the vulnerable. The communities will also be made aware of the project appraisal process so that their sub- projects will meet appraisal criteria. Communities will also be assisted in assessing environmental impacts of sub projects. This sub-component will finance identification of priority needs through a participatory approach and selection of interventions which meet the principle of equity, sustainability and productivity; formulation of sub projects on community and technically and financially feasible social infrastructure activities and services; appraisal of sub projects by the provincial appraisers; and execution and monitoring of sub projects by CBOs. (iii) Income Generating Activities. The objective of this component is to develop sustainable micro-finance institutions at the community level able to meet their members' credit requirements and to assist them in taking up a wide range of income generation activities. The sub-component will finance the following activities: (a) preparation by CBOs and appraisal by the Provincial Appraisal Teams of sub projects for accessing the community investment fund for building micro finance institutions; (b) technical support by the National Core Team to expand income generation opportunities; and (c) the establishment by the District Coordination Committee and the National Core Team of linkages with formal financial institutions (Commercial banks in the Government and private sector) to meet the growing credit demand of the rural poor. (iv) Incentive Fund. This Fund is assigned to those villages that follow truly participatory and inclusive processes in their identification and prioritization of development activities. The objective of this component is to ensure that communities do not exclude the most vulnerable and voiceless groups(members of lower castes, women- supported households, refugees, alcohol-addicted, disabled, and so on) from the development process. A3. Inter-village Roads (Rural Roads). The objective of this subcomponent is to improve the network of inter-village roads to secure better access of project villages to main roads and market places. Main activities to be financed by the sub-component include the following: (i) Identification of the inter-village roads to be taken up; (ii) Work estimates by Pradeshiya Sabha Technical Officers; (iii) Appraisal of proposals; (iv) 6 Environment Assessment and Management Framework Agreement between Pradeshiya Sabhas and the Project on works' execution and release; and (v) Roads' execution and maintenance by Pradesiya Sabhas. Component B: Institutional Strengthening: The objective of this component is to encourage the establishment of highly sensitized and pro poor and responsive Project teams, Government agencies, Pradeshiya Sabhas, NGOs and Private sector, with capacities to promote community driven development. This component consists of the following three sub-components: (i) Capacity Building of National, District and Divisional Project teams; (ii) Capacity Building of Support Organizations and Service Providers; and (iii) Monitoring and Learning. Bi. Capacity Building of National, District and Divisional Project Teams. The objective of this sub-component is to develop a shared vision and build required competences among project teams at national, district and divisional levels to enable them to perform their respective roles. This will be achieved by promoting experiential learning, exposure to the organized communities to demonstrate their strength and develop sensitivity to their needs. The project will identify the mix of skills, attitude, and orientation required for the project teams, the line agencies, Pradeshiya Sabhas, NGOs and private sector to respond to the needs of the rural communities. The focus shall be on the role these agencies can meaningfully play to nurture and empower rural communities. Project teams will receive intensive training on social mobilization, community participation, social capital, community based organizations, micro finance institutions, village development plans, environment management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The line departments will receive training on how to give space to the CBOs in the development agenda and on improving the quality of services to be provided to the rural poor. The Pradeshiya Sabhas will be facilitated to actively participate in the program and their capacities will be built to gradually replace the project teams and take over management of the program (2nd phase). B2. Capacity Building of Support Organizations and Service Providers. The objective of this sub-component is to facilitate the active participation of NGOs and the private sector to expand livelihoods options of the poor. The project would invest in building their capacities to so as mould them to forge linkages with the rural communities. The project will identify the NGOs with considerable experience in nurturing community driven development and organize their exposure to project initiatives and facilitate their interaction with CBOs to establish linkages. Similarly, the private sector will be exposed to CBOs. B3. Monitoring and Learning. The objective of this sub-component is to monitor performance (including implementation of the Environmental Management Plans) and progress of the project and to disseminate it among all stakeholders to enable them to effectively address project implementation issues. The sub-component will finance establishment and strengthening of a Monitoring and Learning system that will serve the needs of project agencies at all levels. The information will flow from community members to the Project Director through the Divisional Coordinator interfacing with Divisional Secretaries and service providers. The format for monitoring records will be 7 Environment Assessment and Management Framework designed with the participation of various stakeholders. Participatory techniques like beneficiaries' self assessments, focus groups and key informant discussions will particularly be used for process monitoring, on issues related to the evolution of sub- projects, their inclusiveness, transparency and the level of participation in project benefits and in decision-making processes. Process monitoring will be carried out by an external agency. The Monitoring and Learning Coordinator from the project team will anchor all related activities, such as Baseline survey, MIS, process monitoring, follow up studies, impact evaluation and community monitoring. Component C. Innovation Seed Fund: The objective of this component is to conduct and possibly replicate pilots on innovative ideas with the potential to expand livelihood options of the rural poor. The component consists of the following three sub-components: (i) Private Sector Linkages; (ii) Product Development/Test Marketing; and (iii) Information Technology Linkages. Cl. Private Sector Linkages. The objective of this sub-component is to promote partnership with private sector so to widen the livelihood options for the poor and to promote micro enterprises. This subcomponent will finance the promotion of: (a) partnerships with the private sector to develop innovative enterprises; and (b) demand driven vocational training facilities to link up job opportunities for educated youths. Care would be taken to ensure that these linkages do not become a channel for exploitation of the unorganized and scattered small producers. C2. Product Development/Test Marketing. The objective of this sub-component is to invest in some well-defined research studies to explore new opportunities in processing and value addition initiatives. This sub-component will finance the piloting of new micro enterprises and research in areas relating to post-harvest methodologies and non- timber forest produce and the development of new economic activities with value added products for livelihood improvement. The project's interventions include measures to reduce the risks and production costs for CBO members, improve their productivity, timely access to quality inputs, better prices for outputs, marketing tie-ups etc. Financial institutes would be encouraged to come up with special pro-poor rural credit packages with in-built insurance. Rural people need small shops set up by them with products tailored to their needs. The project would support large retail chains to train women in logistics and back and front-end operations. C3. Information Technology Linkages. The objective of this sub-component is to secure communities' access to emerging technologies to expand livelihoods options for the poor. It will finance activities leading to communities' access to Information and Communication Technologies among others. Component D: Project Management: The main objective of this component is to take care of the overall co-ordination and management of the project at national and divisional levels. 8 Environment Assessment and Management Framework 3.0 Preliminary Environmental Assessment of Activities that may be included in Village Development Plans Considering the activities to be supported under the Project, as identified in Section 2, it appears that environmental issues will arise largely under Components A and C. Under Component A, sub-components of Community and Social Infrastructure Activities and Services; Income Generating Activities; and Inter-Village Roads most likely will result in sub-projects with adverse environmental impacts. The Product Development and Marketing sub-component under Component C may comprise activities with environmental impacts. Based on a survey conducted in selected villages in all 5 districts eligible to participate in the project, six areas of likely activities were identified by the respondents. The activities were: (i) improvements in basic infrastructure in relation to services, such as connectivity through rural roads, community markets or economic centers and community halls in rural villages; (ii) improvements in basic infrastructure to ensure water availability by construction or renovation of small irrigation tanks and minor irrigations systems, rural water supply and sanitation systems; (iii) improvements in the efficiency of agricultural production with activities such as crop diversification, animal husbandry and dairy development; (iv) exploring more effective ways of income generation while utilizing existing land resources such social or community forestry and small scale aquaculture; (v) improving markets for their agricultural produce and other products which includes the construction of rehabilitation of rural roads, access to timely market information and access to new markets; and (vi) possibility of changing the existing land uses to maximize incomes such as use of poor agricultural land for low technology cottage industries. The environment and ecology in Moneragala, Hambantota and Badulla Districts are considered good elephant habitat. In its role as a megaherbivore, elephants range over a large area with home ranges. Studies conducted in Sri Lanka, have shown that the home range for a female elephant is in the range of 30-160 square kilometers while the home range for a male elephant is approximately 53-346 square kilometers. Of the 11,500 sq. km that comprise the Moneragala, Hambantota and Badulla districts, studies have shown that elephants were found in 7923 sq. km, which comprises approximately 69% of the total area in the three districts. Of the area with the presence of elephants, 31% or 3600 sq.km are designated protected areas. Another 5367 sq. km or 47% of the land area comprises mixed land uses which are not clearly definable as elephant or human and contains small extents of permanent cultivation, sparse human settlements, chena lands and uncultivated scrub jungle. The balance 2533 sq. km or 22% comprise exclusive human habitat with landuses such as high density human settlements, contiguous permanent cultivation and well developed areas. Therefore, in the area of elephant presence, the dominant landuse was mixed landuse where human and elephant use of the environment overlap. The result being conflicts between human and elephants, particularly in this area. Considering this, it is impossible to assume that the Project activities will not be affected by the human elephant conflict (HEC), if no preventive measures are taken. 9 Environment Assessment and Management Framework . Mitigatory methods that can be undertaken by local communities on HEC * Communal crop protection * Employment of 'psychological' barriers * Chasing of crop raiding elephants * Use of crops that elephants do not utilize The surveys conducted during preparation of the project, indicate that probable sub- projects that may be proposed by communities for funding under the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project would most likely be the following: * Drinking water supply projects for rural communities * Minor irrigation rehabilitation of canals and tanks * Inter-village or rural roads * Construction of community markets and community halls * Construction of small tanks and minor irrigation systems * Sanitation facilities * Cultivation of cash crops under special irrigation methods such drip irrigation * Animal husbandry and dairy development * Small scale aquaculture * Agro processing and value addition products * Community forestry * Cottage industries * Activities undertaken to prevent or reduce crop raiding by elephants and HEC As seen from the list above, the project will support small sub-projects or investments at the village level. Because of the relatively small size of the investments, most investments are not expected to have a significant impact on the environment. In the unlikely event that any potential adverse impacts are identified, its is expected that it could be readily managed with proper planning and oversight. As specific project investments will be determined through a village planning process on a rolling basis after the commencement of the project, as simple management system will be established to enable effective screening of the evolving plans for environmental conformity. The intention of this management system is to (i) prevent the execution of a sub-project that might cause significant and irreversible environmental impacts; (ii) integrate identified environmental mitigation measures through modifications to sub-project design, location or execution; (iii)prevent or mitigate cumulative impacts of small scale investments; (iv) enhance positive environmental impacts of the sub-projects; and (v) prevent additional stress on environmentally sensitive areas. Checklists for conducting rapid environmental assessments of the types of community based sub-projects that may be included in Village Development Plans (VDP) have been developed and are attached (Annex 3). 10 Environment Assessment and Management Framework Typical environmental impacts that may arise as a result of the types of sub-projects identified above as well recommended mitigation measures are listed in Annex 4. As identified above, a negative list of projects have been identified (Annex 2). This list includes the following: (i) Projects or activities listed under Part I of the "Prescribed Projects List" and; (ii) Projects or activities listed under Part II of the "Prescribed Projects List". Any sub-project or activity that falls within designated "environmentally sensitive areas" as defined in Part III of the "Prescribed Projects List" will be required to obtain environmental clearance from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the World Bank prior to being eligible for funds from under the Project. In order to obtain CEA clearance, an EIA needs to be conducted and reviewed by the CEA. For obtaining World Bank clearance, the EIA has to conform to the Bank's OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment Safeguard Policy, including its public disclosure requirements. The "Prescribed Projects List" is contained in Gazette (Extraordinary) 772/22 - 1993 (Annex 1). A "generic" Pest Management Plan has been developed for the Project, which will be used as a guide to address issues related to pest management under Village Development Plans. The detailed plan is in the EA document, while a summary is contained in Annex 5. A Village Dam Safety Plan has been developed for the Project which will be used as a guide to address issues related to dam safety. The detailed plan in the EA document. Based on the sub-projects, if relevant, a specific dam safety plan will be prepared and included in the Village Development Plans. 4.0 Government of Sri Lanka Environmental Regulations and Procedures In 1981 GOSL passed the National Environmental Act (NEA) and in 1982, created the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) as a regulatory and enforcement agency. The CEA's statutory and enforcement powers were strengthened significantly in 1988, by an amendment to the NEA. A cabinet level ministry to handle the subject of environment was created in 1990, with the appointment of a Minister of Environment to ensure that environmental issues will be given the required attention. GOSL also developed the Environmental Protection License (EPL) Scheme, with the CEA as the enforcing agency, as a regulatory instrument to set industrial pollution standards and control their discharges. Under provisions of Part IV C of the NEA No. 47 of 1980 as stipulated in Gazette (Extra Ordinary) No. 772/22 dated June 24, 1993 GOSL made Environmental Assessment (EA) a legal requirement for a range of development projects. The list of projects requiring an EA are prescribed in the above Gazette notification. In addition, the Gazette notification includes a list of line ministries and agencies that are designated as Project Approving 11 Environment Assessment and Management Framework Agencies (PAA). With the change of government in August 1994, and the resulting re- allocation of Ministries, a new list of PAAs were specified under subject area rather than with the name of the Ministry, as listed originally in Gazette (Extra Ordinary) No. 859/14 dated February 13, 1995. The prescribed projects list is composed of 3 parts. Part I has a list of activities that have been identified based on its potential to create adverse environmental impacts as a result of its magnitude. Some examples relevant to this project are: (a) All river basin development and irrigation projects excluding minor irrigation works; (b) Reclamation of land or wetlands exceeding 4 ha; (c) All ground water extraction projects of capacity exceeding 0.5 million cubic meters per day; etc. No sub-projects that fall within this category, will be eligible for funding under this Project. Part II comprises a list of industrial activities that require EA clearance regardless of magnitude or location. Examples are (i) Iron and steel; (ii) Non ferrous basic metal; (iii) Tanneries and leather finishing, etc. Once again, no activity that falls into this category, will be eligible for funding under the Project. Part III identifies a list of environmentally sensitive areas that require EA clearance regardless to the magnitude of the activity. Examples are (i) Within 100 meters form the boundaries of or within any area declared as a sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance; (ii) 60 meters from the bank of a public stream as defined in the Crown Lands Ordinance (Chapter 454) and having a width of more than 25 meters at any point in its course; (iii) Any archeological reserve, ancient or protected monument as defined or declared under the Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188), etc. While the likelihood is small, there is a possibility that some sub-project activities may fall under this category. Any sub-project activity to be funded under this project that falls within Part III of the list of prescribed projects will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). According to GOSL procedure, all prescribed development activities listed in Gazette (Extraordinary Ordinary) No. 772/22 dated June 24, 1993 require environmental clearance. In order to obtain such clearance, the project proponent has to fill in a Basic Environmental Information Questionnaire. The questionnaire requires information from the project proponent to enable the CEA to determine the level of environmental analysis required prior to providing approval for the project. Upon reviewing the questionnaire, the CEA determines whether the project requires an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), or an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). No. 772/22 dated June 24, 1993 4.1 The EIA Procedure In the event that an EIA is required, the PAA in consultation with CEA, is responsible for subjecting the preliminary information to environmental scoping, in order to set the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIA. The TOR is prepared by a Technical Committee (TC) comprising experts in the relevant field, appointed by the PAA. In developing the TOR, the regulations provide for the PAA to consider the views of state agencies and the public. 12 Environment Assessment and Management Framework Upon submission of the EIA by the proponent, the PAA is required to determine whether issues referred to in the TOR have been addressed and notify the proponent of any inadequacies within 14 days. In the event any inadequacies are identified, the proponent is required to make necessary amendments and resubmit the report. Once accepted, in addition to the EIA being forwarded to the CEA by the PAA, notice is also placed in the Government Gazette and in a national newspaper published daily in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages inviting the public to make written comments, if any, to the PAA within 30 days. The notification would specify the times and places at which the EIA would be available to the public. As a minimum the report would be available at the CEA, PAA and in a GOSL agency in the locality of the proposed project (Generally in the Divisional Secretariat of the proposed project location). The environmental regulations have provisions for public hearings on the project although it is not mandatory. The PAA is required to forward all comments, either written or raised during any public hearing, to the project proponent for review and response within 6 days of completion of the public comment period. The proponent is required to respond to all such comments in writing to the PAA. The TC appointed by the PAA would then evaluate the EIA and require the project proponent to respond to any queries raised by the TC. The TC would also evaluate the adequacy of the proponent's response to any comments raised during the public comments period. Upon completion of the evaluation of the TC, the PAA with the concurrence of the CEA, would grant approval for the implementation of the proposed project subject to specified conditions or refuse approval for implementation of the project, with reasons for doing so. The notification must be made within 30 days of the receipt of responses from the proponent. The PAA is required to specify a period within which a the approved project should be completed. In the event the proponent is unable to complete the project within the specified period, written permission for an extension has to be obtained from the PAA, 30 days prior to the expiration date. The PAA is responsible for forwarding a report which contains a plan for monitoring the implementation of the approved project, to the CEA, within 30 days from granting approval. It is also the responsibility of the PAA to publish in the Government Gazette and in one national newspaper published in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages, granting approval for the project. It is mandatory that the project proponent inform the PAA of any alterations to the project as approved and/or the abandonment of the project. The PAA shall, where necessary, obtain fresh approval in respect of any such alterations that are intended to be made to the approved project. The PAA in consultations with the CEA, would also determine the scope and the format of the supplemental report required to be submitted for such alterations. 4.2 The IEE Procedure Upon review of the preliminary information provided by the proponent, if the PAA determines that the project would have no long term adverse environmental impacts, an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) would be considered adequate. Under such circumstances, the proponent will be required to submit a detailed IEE for review and 13 Environment Assessment and Management Framework approval by the PAA. The IEE will identify potential environmental and social issues and the complexity of possible remedial actions. Upon reviewing the IEE, if the TC identifies any substantial environmental issues that may arise as a result of the proposed project, the proponent will be required to undertake a detailed EIA. In the event the IEE is considered adequate, then the project proponent is requested to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), to address any potential environmental and social issues as well as incorporate the PAA/CEA's approval conditions. The IEE review process is similar to the EIA review process, except for the level of detail and analysis involved, which is proportionate to the anticipated environmental and social impacts. The CEA has developed an IEE questionnaire for development activities, which is designed to capture environmental issues specific to proposed project. This answers on this questionnaire is used by the CEA/PAA to determine whether the potential project results in long term irreversible or complex environmental and social issues and if so, it warrants an EIA. If no EIA is required, the proponent is required to prepare an EMP which contains remedial measures to address adverse environmental and social issues. 4.3 Environmental Assessment and Management Review of Community-Based Development Sub-Projects that may be Funded under the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project All sub-projects that will be identified by communities participating in the above Project, will be included in the respective Village Development Plans. All sub-projects will be screened for environmental impacts based on checklists contained in Annex 3. Mitigation actions listed in Annex 4 will be used to integrate the mitigation measures into the sub-project design and thereafter will be included in each Village Development Plan (VDP). The VDP will contain specific environmental monitoring indicators to assess the impacts of the specific sub-projects included in the VDPs. 5 Environmental Review Any activities proposed for funding under the Project that fall under Part III of the "Prescribed Projects List" of the Gazette (Extraordinary) 772/22 - 1993 will require a mandatory EIA undertaken in accordance with CEA's requirements. In addition it has to satisfy the World Bank's OP/BP 4.01 on Environmental Assessment. Activities that fall under this category require prior CEA and World Bank approval prior to being considered for eligibility for funding under the Project. Sri Lanka has a history of 10 years of EIA The CEA has been taking the lead in EIA review and has developed a good track record of effective EIA evaluation. The CEA has the in-house technical capacity to undertake this task successfully. However, it must be noted that it is most unlikely that any sub-projects will fall within this requirement. All other subprojects will be subjected to the environmental checklist to identify potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures identified in Annex 4 will be used to integrate environmental concerns into the sub-project design. The service providers will be assisting the village communities in addressing environmental issues in the sub- projects that will be included in Village Development Plans. Based on the guidance 14 Environment Assessment and Management Framework provided in the EAMF, it should be possible for communities and service providers to effectively assess and mitigate environmental impacts of the sub-projects in the Village Development Plans. The Village Development Plans will be evaluated for funding eligibility by Provincial Appraisal Committee, which will have technical expertise to appraise the technical, financial and environmental soundness of the plan. The technical experts will be retained by the Project Management Unit and will be responsible with the other members of the Provincial Appraisal Committee for the quality of the plan and its eligibility for funding under the Project. The CEA has a Divisional Environmental Officer stationed all Divisional Secretariats in the country and will assist in reviewing the environmental aspects of the Village Development Plans as well. An Environmental Monitoring Plan with monitoring indicators - output and outcome - indicators will be developed for each Village Development Plan. Monitoring indicators should be identified at the Village Development Plan appraisal stage and be included as a condition for fund disbursement. The environmental staff of the PMU will be responsible for ensuring that the monitoring plan ins being adhered to by the village communities. 15 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 1 LIST OF THE PROJECTS FALLING UNDER 'PRESCRIBED PROJECTS' BY THE CENTRAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY. PRESCRIBED PROJECTS: PART I 1. All river basin development and irrigation projects excluding minor irrigation works (as defined by the Irrigation Ordinance Chapter 453) 2. Reclamation of land, wetland are exceeding 4 hectares 3. Extraction of timber covering land area exceeding 5 hectares 4. Conversion of forests covering an area exceeding 1 hectare into non forest use 5. Clearing of land areas exceeding 50 hectares 6. Mining and Mineral Extraction a. Inland deep mining and mineral extraction involving a depth exceeding 25 meters b. Inland surface mining of cumulative areas exceeding 10 hectares c. All off shore mining and mineral extractions d. Mechanised mining and quarrying of aggregate, marble, limestone, silica, quartz and decorative stone with 1 kilometer of any residential or commercial areas 7. Transportation Systems a. Construction of national and provincial highways involving a length exceeding 10 kilometers b. Construction of railway lines c. Construction of airports d. Construction of airstrips e. Expansion of airports or airstrips that increase capacity by 50% or more 8. Port and harbor development a. Construction of ports b. Construction of harbors c. Port expansion involving an annual increase of 50% or more in handling capacity per annum 9. Power generation and transmission a. Construction of hydroelectric power stations exceeding 50 Megawatts b. Construction of thermal power plants having generation capacity exceeding 25 Megawatts at a single location or capacity addition exceeding 25 Megawatts to existing plants c. Construction of nuclear power plants d. All renewable energy based electricity generating stations exceeding 50 Megawatts 16 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 1 10. Transmission lines a. Installation of overhead transmission lines of length exceeding 10 kilometers and voltage above 30 kilovolts 11. Housing and Building a. Integrated multi development activities consisting of housing, industry, commercial infrastructure covering a land area exceeding 10 ha. 12. Resettlement a. Involuntary resettlement exceeding 100 families other than resettlement effected under emergency situations 13. Water supply a. All ground water extraction projects of capacity exceeding l/2 million cubic meters per day b. Construction of water treatment plants of capacity exceeding l2 million cubic meters 14. Pipelines a. Laying of gas and liquid (excluding water) transfer pipelines of length exceeding 1 kilometer 15. Hotels a. Construction of hotels or holiday resorts or projects which provide recreational facilities exceeding 99 rooms or 40 hectares as the case may be. 16. Fisheries a. Aquaculture development projects or extent exceeding 4 hectares b. Construction of fisheries harbors c. Fisheries harbor expansion projects involving an increase of 50% or more in fish handling capacity per annum 17. All tunneling projects 18. Disposal of waste a. Construction of any solid waste disposal facility having a capacity exceeding 100 tons per day b. Construction of waste treatment plants treating toxic or hazardous waste 19. Development of all industrial estates and parks exceeding an area of 10 hectares 20. Iron and Steel Industries a. Manufacture of iron and steel products of production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day using iron ore as raw material b. Manufacture of iron and steel products of production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day using scrap iron as raw material 21. Non Ferrous Basic Metal Industries a. Smelling of aluminium or copper or lead of production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day 22. Basic Industrial Chemicals a. Formulation of toxic chemicals or production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day b. Manufacture of toxic chemicals of production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day 23. Pesticides and Fertilizers 17 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 1 a. Formulation of pesticides of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day b. Manufacture of pesticides of combined production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day c. 24. Petroleum and Petrochemical a. Petroleum refineries producing gasoline, fuel oils, illuminating oils, lubricating oils and grease, aviation and marine fuel and liquefied petroleum gas from crude petroleum b. Manufacture of petro-chemicals of combined production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day from raw materials obtained from production processes of oil refinery or natural gas separation. 25. Tyre and tube industries a. Manufacture of tyre and tubes of combined production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day from natural or synthetic rubber 26. Sugar Factories a. Manufacture of refined sugar of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 27. Cement and Lime a. Manufacture of cement b. Manufacture of lime employing kiln capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 28. Paper and Pulp a. Manufacture of paper or pulp of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 29. Spinning, weaving and finishing of textiles a. Integrated cotton or synthetic textile mills employing spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing operations together of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tones per day 30. Tanneries and leather finishing a. Chrome tanneries of combined production capacity exceeding 25 tones per day b. Vegetable (bark) of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tones per day 31. Industries which involve the manufacture storage or use of radio active materials as defined in the Atomic Energy Authority Act NO. 19 of 1969 or Explosives as defined in the Explosives Act No. 21 of 1956 excluding for National Security reasons. 18 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 1 PART II (32) All projects and undertakings listed in Part I irrespective of their magnitudes and irrespective of whether they are located in the coastal zone or not, if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III. (32 (a) Construction of all commercial buildings as defined by the Urban Development Authority law No. 41 of 1978 and the construction of dwelling housing units, irrespective of their magnitudes and irrespective of whether they are located in the coastal zone or not, if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III The following industries if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III * Iron and steel * Non-ferrous basic metal * Basic industrial chemicals * Pesticides and fertilizer * Synthetic resins, plastic materials and man-made fibres * Other chemical products * Petroleum and petro-chemical products * Tyres and tubes * Manufacturing and refining of sugar * Alcoholic spirits * Malt liquids and malt * Cement, clinker and lime * Non metallic mineral products * Paper, pulp and paperboard * Spinning, weaving and fining of textiles * Tanneries and leather finishing * Shipbuilding and repairs * Railroad equipment * Motor vehicles * Air craft 19 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 1 PART III 1. Within 100 m from the boundaries of or within any area declared under a. National Heritage Wilderness Act No. 3 of 1988 b. The Forest Ordinance (Chapter 451) c. Coast Conservation Act No. 57 of 1981 2. Within the following areas whether or not thee areas are wholly or partly within the costal zone a. Any erodable areas declared under the Soil Conservation Act (Chapter 450) b. Any Flood Area declared under the Flood Protection Ordinance (Chapter 449) and any flood protection area declared under the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Act 15 of 1968 as amended by Act No. 52 of 1982. c. 60 meters from the bank of a public stream as defined in the Crown Lands Ordinance (Chapter 454) and having a width or more than 25 meters at any point of its course d. Any reservation beyond the full supply level of a reservoir e. Any archeological reserve, ancient or protected monument as defined or declared under the Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188) f. Any are declared under the Botanic Gardens Ordinance (Chapter 446) g. Within 100 meters from the boundaries of or within any area declared as a Sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Chapter 469) h. Within 100 meters from the high flood level contour of or within a public lake as defined in the Crown Lands Ordinance (Chapter 454) including those declared under section 71 of the said Ordinance 20 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 2 NEGATIVE LIST - PROJECTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING (PARTS I AND II OF THE PRESCRIBED LIST OF THE CEA). PART I 1. All river basin development and irrigation projects excluding minor irrigation works (as defined by the Irrigation Ordinance Chapter 453) 2. Reclamation of land, wetland are exceeding 4 hectares 3. Extraction of timber covering land area exceeding 5 hectares 4. Conversion of forests covering an area exceeding 1 hectare into non forest use 5. Clearing of land areas exceeding 50 hectares 6. Mining and Mineral Extraction a. Inland deep mining and mineral extraction involving a depth exceeding 25 meters b. Inland surface mining of cumulative areas exceeding 10 hectares c. All off shore mining and mineral extractions d. Mechanised mining and quarrying of aggregate, marble, limestone, silica, quartz and decorative stone with 1 kilometer of any residential or commercial areas 7. Transportation Systems a. Construction of national and provincial highways involving a length exceeding 10 kilometers b. Construction of railway lines c. Construction of airports d. Construction of airstrips e. Expansion of airports or airstrips that increase capacity by 50% or more 8. Port and harbor development a. Construction of ports b. Construction of harbors c. Port expansion involving an annual increase of 50% or more in handling capacity per annum 9. Power generation and transmission a. Construction of hydroelectric power stations exceeding 50 Megawatts b. Construction of thermal power plants having generation capacity exceeding 25 Megawatts at a single location or capacity addition exceeding 25 Megawatts to existing plants c. Construction of nuclear power plants d. All renewable energy based electricity generating stations exceeding 50 Megawatts 10. Transmission lines a. Installation of overhead transmission lines of length exceeding 10 kilometers and voltage above 30 kilovolts 11. Housing and Building 21 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 2 a. Integrated multi development activities consisting of housing, industry, commercial infrastructure covering a land area exceeding 10 ha. 12. Resettlement a. Involuntary resettlement exceeding 100 families other than resettlement effected under emergency situations 13. Water supply a. All ground water extraction projects of capacity exceeding l million cubic meters per day b. Construction of water treatment plants of capacity exceeding 1/2 million cubic meters 14. Pipelines a. Laying of gas and liquid (excluding water) transfer pipelines of length exceeding 1 kilometer 15. Hotels a. Construction of hotels or holiday resorts or projects which provide recreational facilities exceeding 99 rooms or 40 hectares as the case may be. 16. Fisheries a. Aquaculture development projects or extent exceeding 4 hectares b. Construction of fisheries harbors c. Fisheries harbor expansion projects involving an increase of 50% or more in fish handling capacity per annum 17. All tunneling projects 18. Disposal of waste a. Construction of any solid waste disposal facility having a capacity exceeding 100 tons per day b. Construction of waste treatment plants treating toxic or hazardous waste 19. Development of all industrial estates and parks exceeding an area of 10 hectares 20. Iron and Steel Industries a. Manufacture of iron and steel products of production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day using iron ore as raw material b. Manufacture of iron and steel products of production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day using scrap iron as raw material 21. Non Ferrous Basic Metal Industries a. Smelting of aluminum or copper or lead of production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day 22. Basic Industrial Chemicals a. Formulation of toxic chemicals or production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day b. Manufacture of toxic chemicals of production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day 23. Pesticides and Fertilizers a. Formulation of pesticides of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day b. Manufacture of pesticides of combined production capacity exceeding 25 tons per day 22 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 2 24. Petroleum and Petrochemical a. Petroleum refineries producing gasoline, fuel oils, illuminating oils, lubricating oils and grease, aviation and marine fuel and liquefied petroleum gas from crude petroleum b. Manufacture of petro-chemicals of combined production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day from raw materials obtained from production processes of oil refinery or natural gas separation. 25. Tyre and tube industries a. Manufacture of tyre and tubes of combined production capacity exceeding 100 tons per day from natural or synthetic rubber 26. Sugar Factories a. Manufacture of refined sugar of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 27. Cement and Lime a. Manufacture of cement b. Manufacture of lime employing kiln capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 28. Paper and Pulp a. Manufacture of paper or pulp of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tons per day 29. Spinning, weaving and finishing of textiles a. Integrated cotton or synthetic textile mills employing spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing operations together of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tones per day 30. Tanneries and leather finishing a. Chrome tanneries of combined production capacity exceeding 25 tones per day b. Vegetable (bark) of combined production capacity exceeding 50 tones per day 31. Industries which involve the manufacture storage or use of radio active materials as defined in the Atomic Energy Authority Act NO. 19 of 1969 or Explosives as defined in the Explosives Act No. 21 of 1956 excluding for National Security reasons. 23 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 2 PART II (32) All projects and undertakings listed in Part I irrespective of their magnitudes and irrespective of whether they are located in the coastal zone or not, if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III. (32 (a) Construction of all commercial buildings as defined by the Urban Development Authority law No. 41 of 1978 and the construction of dwelling housing units, irrespective of their magnitudes and irrespective of whether they are located in the coastal zone or not, if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III The following industries if located wholly or partly within the areas specified in Part III * Iron and steel * Non-ferrous basic metal * Basic industrial chemicals * Pesticides and fertilizer * Synthetic resins, plastic materials and man-made fibres * Other chemical products * Petroleum and petro-chemical products * Tyres and tubes * Manufacturing and refining of sugar * Alcoholic spirits * Malt liquids and malt * Cement, clinker and lime * Non metallic mineral products * Paper, pulp and paperboard * Spinning, weaving and fining of textiles * Tanneries and leather finishing * Shipbuilding and repairs * Railroad equipment * Motor vehicles * Air craft 24 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 CHECKLISTS FOR RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS These checklists provide a basis for understanding the environmental consequences of projects that will be prepared for funding in a variety of fields. . Rural Water Supply Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Siting Is the Project area Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland * Mangrove * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area _ * Special area for protecting biodiversity * Bay B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Pollution of raw water supply from upstream wastewater discharge from communities, industries, agriculture and soil erosion runoff Impairment of historical monuments/areas and loss/damage to these sites Hazard of land subsidence caused by excessive ground water pumping Social conflicts arising from displacement of communities Unsatisfactory raw water supply (eg. excessive pathogens or mineral constituents) Inadequate protection of intake works or wells leading to pollution of water supply Over pumping of ground water leading to salinisation and ground subsidence Noise and dust from construction activities Continuing soil erosion and runoff from construction activities Excessive abstraction of water affecting downstream water users Competing uses of water Increased waste water flow due to increased water supply 25 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 Irrigation/Village hydro power schemes Screening Questions Yes No Remarks C. Project Siting Is the Project area Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland * Mangrove * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area * Special area for protecting biodiversity * Bay D. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Loss of precious ecological values (eg. result of encroachment into forests/swamplands or historical/cultural areas, disruption of hydrology of natural waterways, regional flooding and drainage hazards Conflicts of water supply rights and related social conflicts Impediments to the movements of people and animals Potential ecological problems due to increased soil erosion and siltation, leading to decreased stream capacity Insufficient drainage leading to salinity intrusion Over pumping of groundwater leading to salinisation and ground subsidence Impairment of downstream water quality and therefore impairment of downstream beneficial uses of water Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people Potential social conflicts arising from land tenure and land use issues Soil erosion before compaction and lining of canals Noise from construction equipment Dust Clogging of canals by sediments Seawater intrusion into downstream fresh water systems Introduction or increase in incidence of waterbome or water related diseases 26 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 Rural Roads Screening Questions Yes No Remarks A. Project Siting Is the Project area adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland =__ * Mangrove = * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area * Special area for protecting biodiversity * Bay B. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Encroachment of historical areas: disfiguration of landscape by road embankments, cuts, fills and quarries Encroachment of precious ecology (eg. sensitive or protected areas) * Impact on wetlands * Impact on fish and wildlife * Impact on threatened and endangered spp. * Impact on flood plains * Impact on rivers, waterways and canals * Impacts on the coastal zone Alternation of surface water hydrology of waterways crossed by roads resulting in increased sediment in construction site Deterioration of surface water quality due to silt runoff Increased local pollution due to rock crushing, cutting and filling works Noise and vibration due to blasting and other civil works Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people Other social concerns relating to inconveniences in living conditions in the project areas that may trigger causes of stress Poor sanitation and solid waste disposal in construction camps and work sites and possible transmission of communicable diseases Creating of temporary breeding habitats for mosquito vectors of disease Increased risk of water pollution from oil, grease, fuel spills and other materials from vehicles using the road 27 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 Fisheries/Aquaculture Screening Questions Yes No Remarks Project Siting (Is the Project area) Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland * Mangrove * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area * Special area for protecting biodiversity * Bay E. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Overexploitation of fish stocks and long term degradation of resource base Capture non-target species and habitat damage through loss of destructive fishing methods and gears Accidental damage to coral reefs by fishing vessel anchors Conversion of coastal wetlands for construction of fish ponds Social problems resulting from conflicts with other site users Downstream water pollution from discharge of pond effluents with drain water Reduction of water supplies for competing uses Restriction of water circulation, obstruction to navigation by fish cages and reduction of stream capacity from siltation . Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people Social problems due to land tenure and use conflicts Soil erosion and siltation during construction = Noise and dust from construction Reduction of water table to downstream users during peak seasons Pollution of nearby aquatic environments by pond drainage water and inadequate farm management Depletion of local fish populations by stocking of wild fingerlings in ponds Spread of disease and parasites from exotic cultured species or escape of pond fish to the wild Increased public health risks due to the increased incidence or introduction of waterbome or water related diseases 28 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 Forestry Screening Questions Yes No Remarks F. Project Siting Is the Project area Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland * Mangrove * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area * Special area for protecting biodiversity _ * Bay G. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Increase in soil erosion and siltation Increase in peak flood flows Impairment of ecological and recreational opportunities Impairment of beneficial uses of traditional forests Any loss of precious ecology Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people _ Loss of downstream ecological and economic functions due to any construction of social infrastructure (road, building etc.) Displacement of people or reduce their access to forest resources Uncontrolled immigration with opening of roads to forest area and overloading of social infrastructure Unnecessary loss of ecological value and decreased biodiversity by replacement of natural forest with plantation with limited number of species Technology or land use modification that may change present social land economic activities Ecological problems due to land clearance prior to reforestation (eg. soil erosion, disruption of hydrological cycle, loss of nutrients, decline in soil fertility) Social problems and conflicts related to land tenure and resource use rights 29 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 3 Agro industrial Screening Questions Yes No Remarks H. Project Siting Is the Project area Adjacent to or within any environmentally sensitive areas * Cultural heritage site * Protected area * Wetland * Mangrove * Estuarine * Buffer zone of protected area * Special area for protecting biodiversity * Bay I. Potential Environmental Impacts Will the Project cause Ecological disturbances arising from the establishment of a plant or facility complex in or near sensitive habitats Eventual degradation of water bodies due to discharge of wastes and other effluents from plant or facility complex Serious contamination of soil and groundwater = Aggravation of solid waste problems in the area Public health risks from discharge of waste and poor air quality, noise and foul odour from plant emissions Short term construction impacts (eg. soil erosion, deterioration of water and air quality, noise and vibration from construction equipment) Dislocation or involuntary resettlement of people Environmental degradation (eg. erosion, soil and water contamination, loss of soil fertility, disruption of wildlife habitat) from intensification of agricultural land use to supply raw materials for plant operation and modification of natural species diversity as a result of the transformation to monoculture practices Water pollution from discharge of liquid effluents Air pollution from all plant operations Gaseous and odour emissions to the atmosphere from processing operations Accidental release of potentially hazardous solvents, acidic and alkaline materials Uncontrolled in migration with opening roads to forest area and overloading of social infrastructure Occupational health hazards due to fugitive dust, materials handling noise and other process operations Disease transmission from inadequate waste disposal 30 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND MITIGATION MEASURES RURAL ROADS Actions affecting Damages to the Recommended feasible environmental resources environment protection measures and values Land clearing Loss of vegetation, fauna Proper site selection and and flora site preparation. Avoid Soil erosion & silt runoff- sensitive areas. Make sure impairment of downstream that minimum damages water quality caused to the existing vegetation. Reclamation of wetlands Alteration of stream flow Avoidance of wetlands as Loss of fauna and flora much as possible. If this is Changes in water quality inevitable, replacement of and availability wetlands at suitable Sedimentation and flooding locations Encroachment into Loss of these values Careful site selection to historical/cultural values avoid these losses Filling of land Alteration of stream flow Follow the instruction for Loss of fauna and flora land excavation land filling Changes in water quality given previously. Use clean and availability fill material. Replanting to Sedimentation and flooding compensate for the loss of land. Replanting can be done in the reservations of the road using suitable species. Excavation Soil erosion Follow the instruction for land excavation land filling given previously. Drilling and Blasting Construction noise and Keep the noise low as vibration much as possible. Where possible, those with low noise type should be used. Proper maintenance on the equipment. Use noise barriers if appropriate. Position the equipment as far as practical from noise sensitive areas. Dredging Changes in water quality 31 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 RURAL ROADS - Continued Actions affecting Damages to the Recommended feasible environmental resources environment protection measures and values Use and Transport of Depletion of construction Use construction material construction material (eg. material (eg. gravel) from permitted quarries gravel) Air pollution only; use of non polluting Waste accumulation material Bring the material in covered vehicles to avoid air pollution Proper waste disposal Compaction Noise, vibration and dust Have time restrictions; no night work Culverts and bridges & Impediment to the natural Use culverts with adequate Embankments water movement if capacity diameter to allow free flow is small of water thus allowing free movement for local aquatic conditions, flow regimes and fish movement and human use. Embankments to accommodate swales with traps for spillage, erosion control. Minimise the no. of water crossings affected. At the construction stage in Dust, pollution of water Damping the material to general bodies ..reduce dust Washing dusty vegetation at frequent intervals To protect the appearance of bodies, damping down of fill material before placement, maintenance of construction machinery in good conditions not to permit oil leaks, use of earth-retaining nets near water/land fill interfaces. 32 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 SMALL DAMS AND RESERVOIR PROJECTS INCLUDING REHABILITATION OF EXISTING TANKS. Actions affecting Damages to the Recommended feasible environmental resources environment protection measures and values Better access to the Increased sedimentation, Better watershed protection upstream catchment loss of habitats, water pollution due to land clearance and settlements Higher water levels in the Increased water table, river due to the backwater water logging, salinisation, from the reservoir problems with the latrines Disconnection from the downstream river Inundation of land due to Resettlement of oustees, Careful planning reservoir construction, loss of biodiversity and Finding suitable areas for creation of a large water habitat loss & resettlement body fragmentation, effect on Reduced outflow to the the water quality Leave adequate area for the downstream river buffer zone Downstream habitats affected Establish adequate reserves to offset loss land Planning for optimal/multipurpose reservoir use Downstream community Downstream water uses Maintain adequate water in water supply affected the downstream river Downstream aquaculture, Downstream habitats forestry/wildlife reserves affected leading to loss of Recreation habitats and biodiversity Additional considerations for hydropower projects 33 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 SMALL DAMS AND RESERVOIR PROJECTS INCLUDING REHABILITATION OF EXISTING TANKS - Continued Actions affecting Damages to the Recommended feasible environmental resources environment protection measures and values Multipurpose management Opportunity to optimize Integrated multipurpose need overall project benefits reservoir management Rural electrification Improving quality of life Careful for rural poor planning/design/monitoring Transmission lines to minimize and offset loss of forest resources problems a. encroachment on precious ecology Impairment of wildlife b. Impairment of values wildlife movement c. Impairment of Loss of scenic beauty environmental aesthetics Depreciation of water d. Soil erosion from quality and land values construction and areas left exposed 34 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 AGRICULTURAL INTENSIFICATION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO USING AGROCHEMICALS: Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Heavy use of synthetic Vanishing of valuable * Identify pests and pesticides for control of creatures including birds natural enemies, cultural pests and crops and reptiles practices, resistant varieties etc. necessary for IPM. * Build institutional support for sustainable pest management systems based on 1PM approach. * Training of officers and farmers as farmer trainers of IPM. * Training of farmers in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on 1PM. Health and environmental Damages to people on their * Legal framework on hazards pathways pesticides Damages to food chain of * Cost reduction by people and animals minimum use of pesticides * Educating children through school curricula on handling of pesticides, toxicity through food chain and other path ways * Introduction of environment friendly community based Integrated Crop Management (ICM) * Use of safe pesticides(Botanical) 35 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 INTENSIVELY MANAGED FLORICULTURE / FOLIAGE HORTICULTURE PROJECTS Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Site selection Loss of valuable prime land Loss of resources with Relocate unique scientific value Loss of unique scenery Relocate Conflict with adjacent land Relocate use Site development Change in topography Cannot be mitigated Loss of vegetation Cannot be mitigated; consider alternative location or site Loss of species Select an alternative site, arrange to conserve same species elsewhere Land leveling & land Soil erosion Provide terrace Development embankments with non slip gradients; project terraces with suitable vegetative hedges: Establish grass hedge rows Siltation of streams Same as above; maintain effective stream reservations Exposure of subsoil Design terraces according to land slope to minimize the soil cut; Save the cut surface soil and spread over after leveling Embankment slips Design terraces with non- slip gradients & minimize the difference in level between adjacent terraces 36 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INVOLVING LAND CLEARING FOR SPECIAL CROPS (MONOCULTURE) OR RAIN FED ARABLE CROPS Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Site selection Project viability Land use planning; Assess the suitability of the site for the project Land clearing Accelerated soil erosion Clear across the slope; Retain ground surface cover Siltation of down stream Retain ground surface cover water bodies to reduce soil erosion & soil transport Blocking of normal Disposal of plant materials drainage away from the natural drainage way Lay the scraped earth on the contour Increased flood hazards in Retain good surface cover the down stream to reduce runoff: Reduced recharging of Create recharging fields ground water supplies where possible Loss of source of potable Include plans to provide water for local population potable water to the local Drinking water wells run population in the dry neighborhood Loss of Bio-diversity Conserve endangered species elsewhere 37 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 PROJECTS ON FLOOD CONTROL, DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT AND LAND RECLAMATION PROJECT Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Reduction in wildlife Plan to establish suitable conservation areas Loss of forest lands Assess reserve and conserve necessary the minimum forest area for long term benefits to the region Encroachments & loss of Assist Conservator of Forests adjacent forest land to protect adjoining forest reserves Loss of forest fauna and Plan to conserve elsewhere flora Loss of wildlife habitat Cannot be mitigated; Expand reserves elsewhere; Develop buffer zones plan conservation of species Loss of forest products Selective extraction of timber Distorted stream flow Adopt water conservation measures on cleared lands; Develop adequate drainage capacity to dispose flash floods during rains Loss of water supply to Plan to include water down stream users demands of the down stream users loss or damage to cultural Identify Archaeological site sites & conserve Loss or damage to cultural Identify Archaeological site remains and conserve them Voluntary settlements Develop access roads avoiding the reserves 38 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INVOLVING CONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS TO NONAGRICULTURAL USES Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Construction of flood Delayed discharge of local Retain wide open passages for protection bunds to control rainfall / run off causing & rapid draining out local rainfall river overflow inundation - runoff Requiring heavy runoff Mechanical evaluation Weed infestation of drainage Plan to maintain weed free channels drainage Enrichment of flood plain Difficult to mitigate, design soils is prevented flood protection bunds to allow occasional flooding Reduced productivity o of Enrich soils using agronomic flood plain soils practices Minimizing flood damage No action necessary. down stream Beneficial Impact Construction of concrete Excessive lowering of the Ensure controlled drainage and structures to improve drainage water table maintain ponding to an allowable depth Soil subsidence - Same as above - Acidification Control the water table to prevent oxidation of iron pyrites Salt water intrusions Construct salt water exclusion bunds and regulators Rapid drying of soils Control the drainage to maintain the ground water level above the acidification zone Loss of land productivity Select suitable crops and varieties; adopt suitable cultivation practices; Liming and fertilization: Provide irrigation and adopt a sophisticated water management system 39 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 PROJECTS ON ANIMAL HUSBANDRY Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Protection Measures Resources and Values Land clearing and Loss of crop lands and Difficult to mitigate: Enhance establishment of pastures traditional grazing grounds production in adjacent areas Loss of land used for Cannot be mitigated: may be traditional agriculture strengthen traditional agriculture in other areas Decline in food crop supplies Enhance production in in the area adjoining areas Introduction of new (exotic) No action possible quarantine? plant species Land use conflicts. e.g Plan the project taking all other between animal husbandry demands and interests into and other interests such as account crop production and forestry and wildlife conservation Use of paddocks, shelters Emission of foul smells Difficult to mitigate; Site such & enclosures etc. structures away from human settlements Emission of green house None available gases Concentration of animal dung Collect in impermeable (non- in a limited area leaching) site and dispose as organic fertilizer to neighboring farms Discharge of animal wastes to Construct animal shelters/sheds the natural drainage in such way that animal waste is not discharged directly to water bodies. Arrange to use waste in composting Water related issues Eutrophication of water Same as above bodies Ground water pollution Collect waste in impervious sites and use for composting Change in landscape Plan a construction to in sites so as to maintain the existing visual effects 40 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 PROJECTS ON ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - Continued Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Protection Measures Resources and Values Water related issues Increase demands for water Develop independent source of water: include other demands in assessing total water needs Limiting water to other uses Assess the other demands and in the area include total water requirement at planning stage and develop adequate water supplies Emission of the foul smells Use animal wastes for extracting by products and for other profitable activities such as bio gas production Surface water pollution with Collect the effluent and use for nutrient with effluent making by products like compose Ground water pollution Same as above Increased risk of the spread Improve veterinary services of infectious diseases among animals Increased health hazards to Improve hygiene and health the humans facilities in the area monitor health hazards Eutrophication of down Minimize release of animal stream water bodies waste into water bodies Development of resistant Monitor and take control strains of microbial organisms measures early to limit the that can infect both humans spread of resistant microbial and animals in the area pathogenic strains Water pollution from Difficult to mitigate: limit the insecticides use of insecticide Alterations in social & Implement programmes economic structure in the area involving local people that provide social benefits. Support the small scale animal husbandry activities in the area Possible spread of Infections Improve veterinary services & from wildlife species take preventive actions early. domesticated ones and vice versa Grazing animals Animal migration into Fence the pastures; neighboring crop fields Over grazing Soil erosion Improve pasture management; A4opt conservation measures; 41 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 PROJECTS ON ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - Continued Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Protection Measures Resources and Values Over grazing Desertification Reduce stock numbers to carrying capacity limits the land transfer to other pastures Loss of carrying capacity Reduce stock numbers Increased surface runoff Reduce over grazing: control grazing; pasture improvement with good species and fertilization Reduction in ground water Same as above recharge Siltation of down stream Control soil erosion by water bodies conservation measures recommended above Destruction of plant species Take steps to conserve threatened species elsewhere Damage to crops in adjacent Fencing of the grazing area; areas controlling the herds Loss of grazing areas for Cannot be easily mitigated take local livestock such demands into account at planning stage Introduction of exotic Threat to local species Plan to conserve elsewhere; breeds Improve the local herds Spread off infectious local Monitor continuously improve breeds to wildlife and vice veterinary health services versa Increase use of insecticides Control the use of insecticides and drugs/antibiotics by using other control Increase competition to the Support the local industry by sale of locally produced through fiscal and other animal products measures. Make the local producers and suppliers partners in the enterprise 42 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 AQUACULTURE PROJECTS Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Site selection Conversion of coastal Sites should be selected to wetlands into construction minimize the damage to of aquaculture ponds mangroves and other wildlife areas. Further the siting of the ponds should not impair the existing water flow in the area. Any cleared mangroves should be compensated for by planting in other adjacent areas. Pond design & operations Soil erosion and siltation Land clearing should be noise and dust during done with great care not to construction disturb the entire area unnecessarily. All measures should be taken to prevent soil erosion and pollution of waters with sediments and other debris. Regular monitoring should be done for salinity, nitrate, phosphate levels and microbiological tests on the discharge water. Downstream or coastal A buffer zone not less than water pollution from 10 m should be maintained discharge of pond effluents from the boundary of the with drain water project to the bund of the pond. Pond effluents should be treated prior to discharge. Discharge should be carried out during high tides. Only recommended fertilizers and artificial foods should be used in prescribed quantities. Reduction of water supplies Only water that is necessary for competing uses for the functions of the pond should be used. 43 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 AQUACULTURE PROJECTS - Continued Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Pond design and operations Social problems resulting Consensus should be from conflicts with other reached with other site users site users so that any problem can be sorted out without conflict. Depletion of local Juveniles should not be fish/prawn populations by collected from the wild stocking the wild stocks. fingerlings in ponds Spread of disease and Diseases should be spotted parasites from exotic at the initial stages and cultured species or escape suitable treatment applied. of pond fish to the wild The exits should be guarded well so that the pond fish/prawns would not escape to the wild. Increased public health All measures should be risks due to the increased taken to avoid water incidence or introduction of pollution from the pond waterbome or water related activities diseases Foul smells from The solid wastes should not inappropriate disposal of be standing in bins for a solid wastes long time, but arrangements should be made for constant removal by the local authority. They should not be dumped on land creating smell and fly nuisance in the neighborhood. 44 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 4 RICE MILLS Actions affecting Damages to Environment Recommended Feasible Environmental Resources Protection Measures and Values Waste water effluents Low DO and bad odors due Waste water and other to anaerobic degradation of waste products should be organic substances recovered and reused whenever appropriate. Loss of aesthetic value in surrounding area Waste water should be treated by biological wastewater treatment methods such as pond systems, activated sludge systems and rotating biological contactors. Emanating of particulate Pollution of air by Use filters wherever matter in rice processing particulate matter possible to trap the particulate matter which is being released. Creation of a unhygienic and hazardous work environment Adhere to the CEA Standards for particulate matter 45 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 5 PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Introduction Pest Management is one of the most important aspects of agricultural crop production. Improper management of pest could result in severe economic losses to farmers. The predominant system of pest control in Sri Lanka is the use of synthetic pesticides. But improper handling, inappropriate and indiscriminate use of pesticides could lead to environmental and public health impacts. All World Bank funded projects that have activities that may result in the use of pesticides are expected to prepare Pest Management Plans. The World Bank recommended strategy on management of pests that affect either agriculture or public health, promotes the use of biological or environmental control methods and reduces reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. In the activities likely to be undertaken by village communities in the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project (the Project), the main objective would be to educate the stakeholders in techniques of integrated pest management such as biological control, cultural practices and development and use of crop varieties that are resistant or tolerant of the pest. The use of pesticides may be possible, in the context of an integrated pest management plan. Another major objective of developing a pest management plan is to ensure that health and environmental risks associated with pesticides are minimized. In this context, the use of pesticides in a World Bank financed project is contingent on the assessment of the nature and degree of associated risk, taking into account the proposed use and the associated user. This means that the user must be able to adequately manage risks associated with the use of the product. Agricultural Pest Management in the Project The general EIA conducted for this Project, contains a detailed Pest Management Plan. This annex attempts to highlight some salient features of the Plan that is directly relevant to developing a Pest Management Plan for specific activities in Village Development Plans. The Project proposes to build upon an on going IPM program initiated by the Government of Sri Lanka in the project areas. But this IPM program focuses on pest management pertaining to rice cultivation. The Project proposes to utilize the institutional mechanism (Department of Agriculture, Provincial Department of Agriculture, and Divisional Secretariats ) that currently exists for dissemination of IPM practices for rice cultivation, to expand awareness and training in IPM techniques for other crops typically grown in the project areas. In order to achieve this, it is a pre-requisite to develop training capability among the relevant government agencies and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) so that they in turn will be able to train farmers in the project areas. Since the current curricula focuses on IPM techniques for rice cultivation, there is a need to strengthen the contents of training curricula in IPM techniques by carrying out a series of participatory field studies in the project areas. The project will also support the establishment of farmer networks, farmer to farmer training and farmer group follow up activities to ensure that there is wide dissemination of IPM techniques in the project areas. Details of 46 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 5 implementing these approaches are available in the detailed Pest Management Plan which is contained in the EA. Although the Project may not directly finance the procurement of pesticides in the project areas, it is very likely that with increased water resources that may be provided under the Project, would result in intensive agricultural production. This in turn may result in the possibility of increased pesticide use in the project areas. Regardless to whether the project procured pesticides or not, if project supported activities such as provision of irrigation water resulted in the use of pesticides, the project has an obligation to ensure that the pesticides procured conform to the criteria in the Bank's safeguard policy on Pest Management. Awareness in the form of training will be provided to farmers to ensure that any pesticides procured will be according to the following criteria: (i) They must have negligible adverse human health effects; (ii) They must be shown to be effective against the target species; (iii) They must have minimal effects on non-target species and the natural environment. The methods timing and frequency of pesticide application are aimed to minimize damage to natural enemies; and (iv) Their use must take into account the need to prevent the development of resistance in pests. The Pesticide Management Plan for specific villages will contain training for farmers on proper storage and disposal methods for pesticides. 47 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 6 DAM SAFETY PLAN Introduction Sri Lanka is essentially an agricultural society that relies on the cultivation and consumption of rice as the staple food. Water is one of the important resources required to produce agricultural crops which is most often stored in tanks and reservoirs. The use of these tanks and reservoirs in an unsustainable manner by the communities are likely to cause some negative impacts on the irrigation systems in the villages. Therefore it is important to educate the Communities on the use of the water in a sustainable manner and safeguarding the irrigation system in the long term. The activities likely to be undertaken by the village communities in the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project (the Project) can cause some damage to village tanks, such as erosion and weakening of the bunds and leaks due to borrowing as well as the Project may finance the rehabilitation of existing tanks. The general EIA conducted for the Community Development and Livelihood Improvement Project (the Project) has provided a detailed list of damages likely to be caused to tanks and the mitigatory measures to be adopted by the Communities to minimize the negative impacts caused on the tanks and reservoirs. The structural integrity and safety of dam is of utmost importance due to the serious consequences that may arise if a dam does not function properly or fails. The World Bank safeguard policies pertaining to dam safety is designed to ensure that any new dam constructed under a Bank funded project or any rehabilitation of an existing dam or any adverse impacts on an existing dam due to any other activity funded by the Bank, is structurally stable and safe. A Dam Safety Plan for Relevant Activities Financed Under the Project The Project may include rehabilitation of existing tanks which may contain small dams (less than 15 meters high) as well small scale activities that will have an impact on existing dams. The project will not finance the construction or rehabilitation of a large dam (greater than 15 meters high). According to the World Bank's Dam Safety guidelines, for a small dam, generic dam safety measures designed by qualified engineers is adequate. A detailed evaluation of dam safety issues have been undertaken in the EA prepared for this project. This annex highlights critical aspects that need to be addressed in a dam safety plan for activities financed under the project. With regard to activities likely to be undertaken during implementation of the project, the most critical aspect with regard to dam safety will be during any reconstruction or rehabilitation of existing small dams in the project area. There will be a qualified engineer involved in the design and supervision of any work related to a tank with a dam. This would enable the communities to be technically guided in their reconstruction or rehabilitation work that may be undertaken as part of their village development plans. 48 Environment Assessment and Management Framework ANNEX 6 In addition, the farmer community needs to educated and made aware of the dam safety issues that may arise as a consequence of their work. In order to do that, communities need to be educated on the use of the water in a sustainable manner and safeguarding the irrigation system in the long term. Training should be provided to farmers not to engage in activities that may cause damage to the village tanks, such as erosion and weakening of the bunds and leaks due to borrowing. In addition, proper water management systems should be introduced so that people will not resort to illegal tapping of water. It is very important to introduce a proper maintenance program to be followed on a regular basis, to remove ant hills, roots of dead trees, clear over growth, filling up scours and eroded areas and lubricating and painting steel & iron work. Steps need to be provided for bathing at suitable locations in consultation with the members of the community. A program as identified above should be introduced as a part of the Village development Plan if there are any project activities that would directly or indirectly have an impact on dam safety. 49 I