E768 August 2002 Jamaica Reform of Secondary Education II Project Environmental Assessment 1. From January 6-9, I visited Jamaica for the pre-appraisal mission of the ROSE II project. My terms of reference were to review the environmental screening procedures for site selection and construction of three new schools, which are to be built under the operation. 2. My counterparts included Mr. Noel Brown, Building Coordinator, and Mr. Laurie Wilson, , of the Ministry of Education. In addition to counterpart discussions, I also met with several members of the National Environmental Planning Agency, of the Ministry of Planning and the Environment, to review environmental legislation governing construction of small civil works, and visited the three selected sites for new schools. 3. The Bank team confirmed that there are screening procedures for environmental impacts in place for site selection and for construction of schools. The environmental screening process is as follows: 4. Site selection. The MoE has selected three sites for new school construction under the project. A separate description of these sites is attached; no significant environmental issues are associated with two of the sites. The third site, located in Discovery Bay, is on coastal property and will likely undergo more intense scrutiny by NEPA during the review process than the other two. 5. - The MoE is required to send proposed school construction plans to NEPA for review, once topographical studies have been completed and architectural models have been drawn. Schools are not projects which require a permit from NEPA; however, any proposed new construction requires review by the Agency, and any project involving effluent waste disposal requires a license. This will be the case for schools constructed under the ROSE II project: a permit will not be required, but certain licenses will. 6. NEPA's screening procedures for site selection involve review by various technical branches, including the coastal zone management unit, water resources, cultural properties, and protected habitats and species. The proposed MoE sites will be reviewed to ensure that appropriate buffer zones to water and other resources are respected; that protected areas and/or habitat for endangered species are not affected, that appropriate water and sewerage systems suitable to the soil and water tables in the area are designed; and that cultural and historical properties in the area are not adversely affected by erecting a new school. Minimum review time by NEPA for this type of construction is eight weeks; however, if additional review is necessary because of issues associated with site selection, the review time may be longer. 7. The standard procedure is for the MoE to submit its site and construction plans to NEPA once completed. However, it was agreed that, though not required, the MoE would FIL COPY _ involve NEPA immediately in the site selection process, with NEPA staff visiting the three sites prior to the MoE submitting design plans to NEPA. The purpose is to avoid delays at the review stage by the possible rejection of the selected sites (the Discovery Bay site is likely to have some environmental, and possibly cultural, issues associated with it), and to improve project design early in the preparation process. 8. The Bank team also confirned that NEPA, upon reviewing and approving proposed projects, provides guidelines to avoid and mitigate negative environmental impacts during the construction phase, to which the MoE is required to adhere. These guidelines are based on the World Bank procedures for the construction of small civil works, and include such standard procedures as keeping dust down through spraying of water during construction, ensuring proper disposal of construction waste, requiring temporary latrines to be constructed for workers, etc. 9. A copy of some of the documentation required by NEPA for review of proposed projects can be found in the Bank's project files. 10. School design: Architectural designs of the new schools have not yet been completed; however, the MoE confirms that materials are locally manufactured (with the exception of some concrete bricks), and that designs are appropriate for the geographical location of the sites. School models will be reviewed to ensure appropriate design by NEPA. The design will also include features to ensure that physically disabled students have access to the schools. 11. Community consultation: The MoE has consulted with local school principals regarding the necessity and location of new secondary schools at all three sites. Though it was assured that the affected communities are aware that the new schools are being built, it is unclear how these communities were informed and how thorough this disclosure has been to date. The MoE should therefore agree on some kind of standard procedure to follow to inform the three communities of the proposed schools. 12. Disclosure. This EA will be submitted to the Bank's InfoShop prior to appraisal. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) will also disclose this document to the public as soon as possible, in a manner to be determined by the MoE. Site visits by Bank mission team, January 7-8, 2001. 1. Visit to Riversdale, St. Catherine Parish. The site is approximately 14 acres, and has been assigned by the National Lands Commission to the MoE. The Rio Cobre and one of its tributary bound the property; however, even during the rainy season the river in that area has not been known to rise more than about 20 feet, well below the proposed school site. The site is cleared in some parts for gardens and livestock; in other areas it is more heavily vegetated. There are seven squatters on the site, who have been there approximately 3-5 years, and each of whom has been informed that the school is being built and some of whom have begun to move in anticipation. These squatters have gardens and livestock on the site, and will receive formal written notice in addition to the verbal communication already received. The MoE will need to construct an access road to get to the site; one option is to obtain an easement from a private road running along the site, and then construct a small access road of about 100 meters to the site; the second option is to construct a short access road (less than 100 meters) that will eventually become a permanent road to the school. The road leading from the surrounding communities to the school is a secondary road maintained by the national government. Architects and engineers have visited the site and proposed the exact spot for the school. The next step will be to undertake a topographical survey, at which point a water and sewage system appropriate for the geography and soils of the area will be proposed. The town has piped water so the proposed school will most likely hook up to the existing water supply system. It was agreed with the MoE that NEPA technical staff will become involved during the topographical surveys. No alternative site has been identified in this community; however, major environmental issues with the site are not anticipated. 2. Discovery Bay, St. Ann's Parish. The proposed site is located on 100 acres of coastal land, approximately 3/4 mile from the ocean and two miles from Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay. The coastline is mostly cliff, not beach. Less than three feet below the soil surface, white and yellow limestone is found. Cultural and historically important sites, including the Green Grotto caves, are in the vicinity. One squatter is living on the site, and the standard written notice will be provided to the family. The area is heavily vegetated with logwood and sea grape, among other plant species. The national government owns 51 percent of the land, while the Kaiser Bauxite company owns the remaining shares. Kaiser proposed the site, and no land acquisition is required by MoE since the government has controlling interest of the land; the Commissioner of Lands must simply turn over the site to the MoE. The site was selected in October 2001, and architects and engineer teams have not yet visited the area. Groundwater is the source of water for the surrounding towns, which have a piped water system that the proposed school would likely connect. This site is likely to undergo more scrutiny by NEPA because of its coastal location and underlying limestone, and the historical properties in the area (namely the Green Grotto caves). In preliminary discussion of the site with NEPA officials, they expressed some concern about water supply issues and solid waste disposal, as well as the effect on the limestone caves located in the area. An alternative site has been identified in the event that the preferred location is rejected by NEPA. The alternative site, located on a hillside where a prep school and community college already exist, is approximately 8 acres. While no major issues are identified with the alternative site, the MoE prefers the coastal location because there is more space and therefore greater possibility to expand in the future. It is also located right off the national highway (which is being expanded by about 250 yards), making it easily accessible. 3. Mile Gully, St. Catherine Parish. The proposed site is located on about 14 acres of government land, on a small elevation above the main section of the town. There are leased lands surrounding the site, which should not be affected by the proposed construction. The town is located at roughly 1700 feet above sea level and no flooding issues are envisioned. The site is heavily vegetated, near a former railroad station and tracks now closed. There is some discussion at the national level about the railroad re-opening here, and the MoE will have to take this possibility into consideration when designing the school. Architects and engineers have visited the site, and no major environmental or cultural issues are identified with the proposed selection; however, no alternative site has been identified. The town's water supply comes from rainwater catchment tanks, and this would be the proposed plan for the new school. There are plans to bring piped water to the town, but until that happens, the school design will likely include the rainwater catchment tanks. Annex 17: Environmental Assessment l. Mle Gully, Manchester Parish. The proposed site is located on about 14 acres of government land, on a small elevation above the main section of the town. There are leased land(s surroundinig the site, which should not be affected by the proposed construction. The town is located at roughly 1700 feet above sea level and no flooding issues are envisioned. The site is heavily vegetated, near a former railroad station and tracks now closed. 'There is some discussion at the national level about the railroad re-opening here, and the MOEYC will have to take this possibility into consideration when designing the school. Architects and engineers have visited the site, and no major environmental or cultural issues are identified with the proposed selection. No alternative site has been identified. The town's water supply comes from rainwater catchment tanks, and this would be the proposed plan for the new school. There are plans to bring piped water to the town, but until that happens, the school design will likely include the rainwater catchment tanks. 2. Discovery Bay. St. Ann's Parish. The proposed site is located on 100 acres of coastal land, approximately 3/4 mile from the ocean and two miles from Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay. The coastline is mostly cliff, not beach. Less than three feet below the soil surface, white and yellow limestone is found. Cultural and historically important sites, including tile Green Grotto caves, are in tile vicinity. One squatter is livinig on the site of the 100 acre coastal land, but the dwelling does not fall within the boundary of the school site. The area is heavily vegetated with logivood and sea grape, among other plant species. The national government owns the land on which the school is proposed to be bluilt. T'he Commissioner of Lands will turn over the site to the MOEYC. The site was selected in October 2001. and architects and engineer teams have visited the area. Groundwater is the source of water for the surrounding towns, which have a piped water system that the proposed school would likely connect. This site is likely to tindergo more scrutiny by NEPA because of its coastal location and underlying limestone, and the historical properties in the area (namely the Green Grotto caves). In preliminary discussion of the site with NEPA officials, they expressed some concern about water supply issues and solid waste disposal, as well as the effect on the liimestone caves located in the area. An alternative site has been identiried in the event that the preferred location is rejected by NEPA. The alternative site, located on a hillside where a prep school and community college already exist, is approximately 8 acres. AVhiie no major issues are identified with the alternative site, the NIOEYC prefers the coastal location because there is morc space and therefore greater possibility to expand in the futtire. It is also locatcd right off the national highway (which is being expanded by about 250 yards), making it easily accessible. 3. Riversdale, St. Cathenne Parish. The site is approximately 14 acres, and has been assigned by the Commission of Lands to the MOEYC. T'he Rio Cobre andi one of its tributary hound the property; however, even during the rainy season the river in that area has not been knowi to rise more than about 20 feet. well b)elow the proposed school site. The site is cleared in some parts for gardens and livestock; in other areas it is more heavily vegetated. There are seven squatter households on the site, who have been there approximately 3-5 years, and each of whom has been informed that the school is being built and some of whom have begun to move in anticipation. These squatters have gardens and livestock on the site, and have received formal written notice, in addition to the verbal communication. The Government of Jamaica has offered a different site to resettle the squatters. However, the squatters prefer to go to various sites of their own choice. The Government will provide compensation and building materials. These squatters are in the process of constructing their new homes in other areas of their choice. The MOEYC will need to construct an access road to get to the site; one option is to obtain an easement from a private road running along the site. and then construct a small access road of about 100 meters to the site; the second option is to construct a short access road (less than 100 meters) that will eventually become a permanenlt road to the school. The road leading from the surrounding commuinities to the school is a secondary road maintained by the national government. Architects and engineers have visited the site and proposed the exact spot for the school. The next step will be to undertake a topographical survey, at which point a water and sewage system appropriate for the geography and soils of the area will be proposed. The towii hias piped water so the proposed school will most likely hook up to the existing water supply system. It was agreed with the MOEYC that NEPA technical staff will become involved during the topographical surveys. No alternative site has been identiried in this community; however, major environmental issues with the site are not anticipated. Annex 18: Abbreviated Resettlement Plan for the Riversdale Site The site for the construction of a High School in Riversdale, St. Catherine have illegal occupants. As a result, a survey was conducted in the beginning of March from which the following information was obtained. Table 1: Status of Settlements Household No. of Number persons in No. of Employment Evaluation of Comments Household Children Status Assets 1 I none unemployed $8,000 Willing to be relocated 2 7 5 Domestic $20,000 Willing to be Helper relocated 3 5 3 Higgler $15,000 Willing to be relocated 4 4 3 unemployed $10,000 Willing to be relocated 5 6 4 Carpenter $15,000 Willing to be relocated 6 4 2 Labourer $20,000 Willing to be relocated The findings of the survey indicate that the dwellings occupied by the settlers are in a state of disrepair arising mainly from the fact that they were not properly constructed in the first place. The dwellings are board structures with no proper utilities in place. Discussions were held with the settlers and they indicated a willingness to be relocated. With this in mind, a location was identified for the households to be relocated. The settlers, however prefer to choose their owvn site. Consequent upon that, they have identified locations in different areas in Riversdale and some have started their construction and are making preparation to relocate. In order to aid in the relocation process, the households will be provided with assistance in terms of building materials. The families have indicated their agreement with the terms offered and have also indicated a willingness to work with the relocation timetable discussed. The Estate Management Division of thc National Land Agency will be responsible for the monitoring and implementati on of these activities. Table 2 Resettlement Schedule Activities Dates Budget Comments Conduct census survey February, 2002 1 household @ $15,000 $15,000 - $25,000 in of persons on site 2 households @ $20,000 kind, per household 3 households @ 25,000 depending on size of Total of $1 30,000 households. This will be in the form of building materials. Identify altemate site(s) February, 2002 Site identified, but settlers prefer to fmd their own sites Serve official notice May, 2002 Will be done by the _____________________ ________________National Land Agency Persons relocated By July 31, 2002 National Land Agency Visit from the Estate August, 2002 Visit will be to confirm Management Division relocation of settlers. of the National Land Agency No later than 12 months after the relocation date, the MOEYC will make reasonable efforts to locate and follow up on the relocated families to determine if they have been able to reestablish their livelihoods and living situation. If this is not the case for any or all of the persons relocated, further assistance will be provided by the relevant Government institution.