E2798 v1 (Draft Final) Environmental Management Plan for Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Investment Project (TAIIP) Tonga Airports Limited/Ministry of Public Enterprises Kingdom of Tonga February 22, 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................1 1 Executive Summary ................................................................................... 2 2 Introduction ................................................................................................ 3 3 Project Description .................................................................................... 4 3.1 Brief Summary of Project Components...................................................................4 4 Biophysical Baseline Data ......................................................................... 6 4.1 Baseline Conditions at the TBU Project Site ...........................................................8 4.2 Baseline Conditions at the HPA Project Site...........................................................8 4.3 Baseline Conditions at the VAV Project Site ...........................................................9 5 Potential Environmental Issues .............................................................. 11 6 Mitigation and Monitoring Plans ............................................................. 12 6.1 Mitigation Plans ....................................................................................................12 6.2 Monitoring Plans...................................................................................................17 6.3 Costs ....................................................................................................................24 7 Environmental Management ..............................................................................25 7.1 Compliance with Government of Tonga and World Bank Safeguards Policies .....25 7.2 Environmental Regulatory Framework ..................................................................25 7.3 Provisions of National Land Laws .........................................................................27 7.4 Institutional Arrangements ....................................................................................28 7.5 Reporting Requirements.......................................................................................28 7.6 EMP Compliance..................................................................................................30 7.7 Public Participation in Monitoring..........................................................................30 Attachment 1: Schedule 1 of the Environmental Assessment Act 2003 ................ 31 Attachment 2: Summary of the Public Consultation............................................. 32 Minutes of the public meetings are presented below: ............................................. 35 Tongatapu (TBU) ......................................................................................................... 35 Ha apai (HPA) ............................................................................................................... 38 Vava'u (VAV) ................................................................................................................ 44 Attachment 3: World Bank/IFC Guidelines for Worker Health and Safety, and Construction and Decommissioning Operations .................................. 49 Acronyms CAD Civil Aviation Division DOE Department of Environment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan GOT Government of Tonga HPA Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai IDA International Development Assistance MECC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change MET Meteorology MOT Ministry of Transport PDO Project Development Objective TAL Tonga Airports Limited TAIIP Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Investment Project TBU Fua amotu International Airport, Tongatapu TSCP Transport Sector Consolidation Project VAV Lupepau u Airport, Vava u WB World Bank Page 1 of 65 1 Executive Summary This Environmental Management Plan has been developed for the activities planned for funding under the Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Improvement Project (TAIIP). The proposed activities will involve civil works in aviation infrastructure at Fua amotu International Airport, Tongatapu (TBU); Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai (HPA); and Lupepau u Airport, Vava u (VAV). Proposed activities will mainly involve construction works on existing infrastructure, replacement of outdated aviation control equipment and installation of water and energy saving measures. The Project is not expected to have any significant and irreversible adverse impacts on human health and/or the natural environment. Modest and temporary negative environmental impacts may be caused during implementation of the civil works and during operation and maintenance of the resulting infrastructure. The main expected impacts during the implementation period include minor clearing of vegetation, securing of gravel, asphalt and other building materials from existing quarries, or materials supply firms, generation of wastes from packaging materials and construction activities, management of waste materials generated from removal of outdated equipment, potential pollution from maintenance and operation energy efficiency equipment, and generation of noise and dust from operation of construction machinery. The social and economic impact of the proposed works is overall positive due to improving compliance with core safety and security obligations, creation of employment, and better and faster access to markets, opportunities for jobs and improved social infrastructure. There will be no land acquisition for any of the project activities. Specific environmental issues, required measures to mitigate any associated potential negative impacts for various project elements, associated monitoring requirements, and institutional arrangements to insure proper actions are taken in a timely fashion are detailed in this EMP. · For the design phase: Design will be undertaken by suitably qualified design consultants. Design and Supervision of the proposed activities will be funded by TAIIP. All design will be compliant with the applicable environmental and social legislation of Tonga and consistent with the relevant guidelines and policies of the World Bank. · For the construction phase: Contractors will be required to follow the mitigation measures included in this EMP. The Contractor will also be required to use quarries, and building materials suppliers that are duly licensed by the GOT. Any waste disposal sites used must be officially designated by the GOT and/or local authorities. · For the operation phase: Ongoing maintenance requirements will be incorporated into operational plans of TAL, and will include mitigating and monitoring activities indicated in this EMP. Page 2 of 65 2 Introduction With its remote location, small size and dispersed island setting, Tonga faces many challenges in developing and maintaining sustainable internal, regional and international transport and communication linkages, all of which are crucial to the economic development and social well-being of its estimated population of approximately100,000. The country is faced with limited capital resources, asset deterioration due to neglect of maintenance, and financial and administrative constraints, that have been exacerbated by both the recent global financial crisis and increasingly rigorous international security requirements. Recognizing the key place of transport in the economic and social fabric of the country, the Government of Tonga (GOT), with WB support, undertook a series of reviews from 2004 through 2006, including a comprehensive analysis of the multi-modal transport sector and options for rationalizing the aviation sector. Many of the recommendations arising from this work were adopted by GOT through the national Strategic Development Plan. In March 2006, the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Marine and Ports were merged under a Ministry of Transport (MOT) with additional responsibilities for some aspects of land transport. In July 2007, the regulator and operator functions in the aviation sector were formally separated the regulatory functions remaining in the Department of Civil Aviation, MOT and the operator being corporatized as Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL). On December 12, 2008, the Tonga Transport Sector Consolidation Project (TSCP) became effective. The development objective of TSCP was: (i) to establish and consolidate the operations of the newly-created MOT as a unified transport sector-policy, planning and regulatory ministry; and, (ii) to improve the level of compliance of the civil aviation and maritime subsector entities with international safety and security standards. Aviation components1 of the TSCP have been highly successful and the GOT has requested the Bank to finance a number of additional high priority safety and security requirements at the three main airports Fua amotu International Airport, Tongatapu (TBU), Lupepau u Airport Vava u (VAV), and Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai (HPA). These investments are required to meet ICAO standards and recommended practices, as well as airline safety standards, ensuring that Tonga s access to international markets and tourism can be maintained. Moreover, the proposed investments will preserve and extend the service life of existing infrastructure assets as well as reduce the energy consumption of the airports. These investments will be implemented under the Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Improvement Project (TAIIP). Addressing climate change by providing carbon-neutral airport facilities are part of this investment program, as are investments in alternative and sustainable energy efficient technologies. This will help ensure that the airports are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. 1 The TSCP investments consisted of: (i) Aviation Sector Strategic Development Plan; (ii) TAL Airports future investment study; (iii) Aviation sector regulatory surveillance and compliance obligations review and support; (iv) TBU PAPI navigational aid, supply installation and commissioning; (v) provision of a TBU fire tender; (vi) TBU hand-baggage screening X-ray machine; (vii) emergency power upgrades at TBU and VAV; (viii) new TBU rescue fire station; (ix) TBU upgrade to passenger screening and transit facility. Page 3 of 65 3 Project Description The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the TAIIP is to provide safe and secure air transport operations and environmentally sustainable and efficient airports. The activities planned under the project for the airports are consistent with this PDO and are presented below. 3.1 Brief Summary of Project Components The following table lists those activities funded under the TAIIP that have potential environmental effects: Table 3.1A Project components that have some environmental issues (TBU) Component Description (TBU) Nature of Activity Rehabilitate runways (2671 meters), taxiways and aprons. Civil works Existing surfaces replaced with asphalt concrete, cement concrete and/or interlocking concrete/stone pavers as appropriate Replace existing lighting and cabling with low power consumption Civil works and LED fixtures, and solar powered illuminated windsock equipment replacement/ installation Improved fencing, access control Civil works Decommission air traffic control tower and construct new air Civil works traffic control tower at a new location Decommission fire station and construct new facilities at a new Civil works location Installation of various electronic air traffic surveillance, weather Equipment replacement/ monitoring, and electronic navigational aids to replace existing installation systems Rain Water Harvesting: provision of water storage tanks, filtration Civil works and and installation into current rainwater collections system for equipment replacement/ International and Domestic Terminal Building to provide all water installation conveyance for sewage. Water Efficiency: replacement of all fixtures with low Equipment replacement/ consumption fixtures and valves installation Fire Fighting Reserves: lined and cover open water reserves for Civil works and fire fighting to ensure sufficient supplies during dry season and equipment replacement/ prevent loss from evaporation. installation Replace existing glazing and door system on airside of building Equipment replacement/ with Low-E double glazed glazing system. installation Increase roof overhang to provide solar shading and increase Civil works roof area for water reclamation Insulate and provide ventilation for roof spaces Civil works Replacement of all lamps in current facilities with high efficiency Equipment replacement/ LED including T8 for lineal fluorescent fixtures and all parking lot installation fixtures with solar powered LED parking lights. Replacement of all high intensity runway and apron lighting with Equipment replacement LED for runway and apron. Replacement of runway and apron cabling Equipment replacement On-site solar PV farm (non-glare) for the provision of Civil works and approximately 250kW power. equipment installation Page 4 of 65 Table 3.1B Project components that have some environmental issues (HPA) Component Description (HPA) Nature of Activity Rehabilitate runways (1200 meters), taxiways and aprons and Civil works car park asphalt landside. Existing surfaces replaced with asphalt concrete, cement concrete and/or interlocking concrete/stone pavers as appropriate Provide independent solar powered low intensity runway edge Civil works and lighting-special bolting to ground and solar powered illuminated equipment installation windsock Installation of various electronic air traffic surveillance, weather Equipment replacement/ monitoring, and electronic navigational aids (precision approach installation path indicator, PAPI) to replace existing systems Rain Water Harvesting: replacement of existing pumps with high Equipment replacement/ energy efficiency pumps installation Water Efficiency: replacement of all fixtures with low Equipment replacement/ consumption fixtures and valves installation Insulate and ventilate Air Traffic Control roof spaces and replace Civil works and materials roof membrane and cladding in the terminal replacement Replace all fixtures and lamps with high efficiency LED fixtures Equipment replacement On-site solar PV farm (non-glare) with a battery bank for the Civil works and provision of approximately 25kW power. equipment installation Table 3.1C Project components that have some environmental issues (VAV) Component Description (VAV) Nature of Activity Rehabilitate runways (1700 meters), taxiways and aprons. Civil works Existing surfaces replaced with asphalt concrete, cement concrete and/or interlocking concrete/stone pavers as appropriate Install solar powered illuminated windsocks Civil works and equipment installation Installation of various electronic air traffic surveillance and Equipment replacement/ weather monitoring, installation Category 5 Fire Vehicle Equipment purchase Hand Carry Baggage Security X-ray Equipment purchase Rain Water Harvesting: replacement of existing pumps with high Equipment replacement/ energy efficiency pumps installation Water Efficiency: replacement of all fixtures with low Equipment replacement/ consumption fixtures and valves installation Replacement of all lamps in arrivals and departure areas and the Equipment replacement/ remainder with high efficiency LED lighting, replace ceiling fans installation with high efficiency models Replacement of all low intensity runway and apron lighting with Equipment replacement LED for runway and apron. On-site solar PV farm (non-glare) for the provision of Civil works and approximately 50kW power. equipment installation As indicated in Tables 3.1A, 3.1B, and 3.1C above, activities are expected to involve issues concerning civil works and replacement and installation of modern, higher efficiency water and energy saving equipment and some building materials replacement. Page 5 of 65 4 Biophysical Baseline Data The Kingdom of Tonga is a small island developing country located in the Central South Pacific between 15° and 23° 30 South and 173° and 177° West. It is an archipelago of 172 named islands (total land area of 747km2), 36 of which are inhabited (land area of 670km2). Tonga s total population is estimated at approximately 100,000. Tonga consists of four main island groups extended over a north-south axis: Tongatapu and Eua southernmost, Ha apai, Vava u and the Niuas (Niuafo ou and Niuatoputapu). Nuku alofa, the capital, is situated in Tongatapu, the largest island. The Kingdom s islands are comprised of both volcanic and uplifted coral islands and reefs. Tongatapu and Eua are limestone capped islands. Ha apai has high volcanic and low limestone islands. The south of the Vava u group is generally composed of high volcanic and elevated limestone islands with reef communities or fringing reefs. The Niuas are high volcanic islands surrounded by fringing and barrier reefs. Population density is high, with the main concentration on Tongatapu (approximately 69% of total population). Vava u is the next largest population centre with16% of the total population, followed by Ha apai (8%), Eua (5%) and the Niuas (2%). Figure 1. Map of the Kingdom of Tonga Climate Tonga s climate is tropical with an average temperature range from 25°C to 26°C in the Hot Wet season (November April) and 21°C to 24°C in the Cool Dry Season (May October). Tonga is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones which occur during the hot wet season. Rainfall The wettest months are January, February and March with an average of 250mm per month, and humidity levels up to 75%. Average rainfall in the dry season is less than 250mm per month with humidity levels of 67%. Mean annual rainfall in the major island groups is shown below: Page 6 of 65 Mean Annual Rainfall (mm) Tongatapu 1753mm Ha apai 1689mm Vava u 2185mm Table 4.1. Mean Annual Rainfall in major island groups (1947-2001) Rainfall is highly variable from year to year and abnormally low or high rainfall persisting for more than three months is extremely rare. Two significant causes of rainfall variation in Tonga are ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) which causes prolonged drought, or Tropical Cyclones which result in unusually wet years. Forestry There are few remaining natural forests in Tonga and those remaining are primarily restricted to steep, remote, inaccessible areas, uninhabited island, coastal areas, swamps and mangroves. There is one national park located on Eua. Coastal Resources Coastal resources are important to Tonga s economy and livelihoods. All sea resources and coastal areas 50 feet above the high tide watermark are Crown property and the rights to all resources (sand, dead coral, marine life) are vested in the Crown. Coastal areas include various ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grasses, beaches and diverse species that inhabit the coastal habitats. Fisheries Reefs and lagoons are the primary fishery for subsistence supplies. A wide range of shellfish and other marine life are also harvested from tidal flats at low tide for consumption. Commercial fishing is also an important part of the economy and is divided into three categories; offshore, bottom fish and inshore resources. Each category varies in magnitude and is subject to different levels of exploitation. Management of this resource is administered through the Ministry of Fisheries. Natural Resources Tonga has limited natural resources and depends almost entirely on imported petroleum products for energy production. Solar photovoltaic technology is used to provide electricity for remote rural communities, primarily on outer islands that do not have a grid power supplier. Solar thermal application for domestic water heating is also well developed on Tongatapu and has expanded in the residential sector and within the tourism industry. Soil and land use Before commencement of civil works, the Contractor will obtain all relevant permissions/agreements from the relevant authorities and appropriate departments of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for use of dump sites and fill areas. Page 7 of 65 4.1 Baseline Conditions at the TBU Project Site TBU is situated in a sparsely populated area on the island of Tongatapu. The airport is surrounded primarily by open fields with some tropical trees and some small farms growing corn, peanuts, cassava, coconuts etc. for local markets. There are both primary and secondary schools situated roughly 2 kilometers from the airport terminal. The secondary school includes a park. Fua amotu village of approximately 2000 people and the Royal Tonga International Hotel is also situated approximately 2 kilometers from the airport terminal building albeit in different directions. There are no official biological protected areas, or any sites or structures of known cultural significance anywhere near the project site. The airport is completely surrounded by a barbed wire fence, with locked gates at various points for easy access to airport worker crews. The only points of entrance and exit are well defined and controlled by the airport staff. No activities within the fenced area are allowed that are not related to the airport operation. The specific issue of current noise levels was raised at the public consultation (see Attachment 2). Participants at the meeting voiced the view that noise levels were not an issue of concern. Current and forecast passenger traffic over the next 5 years is shown in the table below, and as indicated, little change to passenger numbers, aircraft type and airport type are expected as a result of TAIIP. TBU Year 2009/2010 2014/2015 Passengers/Year 195,000 223,975 Flights/Day 20-25 23-29 Hours of Operation 6:00 AM-10:00PM 6:00 AM-10:00PM Aircraft Types International/Domestic International/Domestic Large Commercial Large Commercial Jets Jets Small private/Charter Small private/Charter The project will not involve construction of access roads or worker camps. Potential project-related environmental impacts are primarily associated with construction activities as identified in the mitigation plans in Section 6. These potential impacts are anticipated to be of limited duration, limited spatial context and limited intensity. As such, if the mitigating program described in this EMP is implemented faithfully, no significant impacts are expected in the crops, schools, households, etc. 4.2 Baseline Conditions at the HPA Project Site HPA is situated in a moderately populated area on the island of Ha apai. The airport is right next to a small village of about 200 people with another smaller village of about 100 people about 2 kilometers away. The runway is crossed by a road connecting some scattered residences with the small village. A number of residences are located at or near the airport fence alongside the runway. There are several churches in the villages and a primary school next to the terminal. Other characteristics of the nearby land use include open fields with Page 8 of 65 some shrubs and tropical trees and some small farms growing yam, cassava, banana, sweet potato, coconuts etc. for local markets. Also grown in the area are pandanus whose leaves are woven into mats and haipo which is used to make a paper-like material. There are no official biological protected areas, or any sites or structures of known cultural significance anywhere near the project site. A septic system is used to manage all wastewaters. There is no officially designated disposal site on the island. All wastes are sent to a designated collection area and then shipped to Tongatapu by a New Zealand company. The airport has no storage of airplane fuel and is not equipped to perform refueling operations. The airport is completely surrounded by a barbed wire fence, with locked gates at various points for easy access to airport worker crews. The main road that runs through the main island however intersects the runway but the only points of entrance and exit are well defined and with security gates at both ends that are closed and controlled by airport staff during aircraft operations. No activities within the fenced area are allowed that are not related to the airport operation. Current and forecast passenger traffic over the next 5 years is shown in the table below, and as indicated, little change to passenger numbers, aircraft type and airport type are expected as a result of TAIIP. HPA Year 2009/2010 2014/2015 Passengers/Year 8584 8627 Flights/Day 4 4 Hours of Operation 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Aircraft Types Small private/Charter Small private/Charter The project will not involve construction of access roads or worker camps. Potential project-related environmental impacts are primarily associated with construction activities as identified in the mitigation plans in Section 6. These potential impacts are anticipated to be of limited duration, limited spatial context and limited intensity. As such, if the mitigating program described in this EMP is implemented faithfully, no significant impacts are expected in the crops, schools, households, etc. 4.3 Baseline Conditions at the VAV Project Site VAV is situated in a sparsely populated area on the island of Vava u. The airport is surrounded primarily by plantations with coconut trees and some small farms growing yam, taro, cassava, coconuts, bananas and vanilla. About 2 kilometers to the south is Leimatu a village with a population of about 1000 and about 3 kilometers to the east is Holonga village with a population of about 500. There are about ten churches at or near the villages and a primary school in each village. There are no official biological protected areas, or any sites or structures of known cultural significance anywhere near the project site. Wastewater is directed to a septic system and there is a government approved waste disposal site on the island. The airport is completely surrounded by a barbed wire fence, with locked gates at various points for easy access to airport worker crews. The only points of entrance and exit are well defined and controlled by the airport staff. No activities within the fenced area are allowed Page 9 of 65 that are not related to the airport operation. Current and forecast passenger traffic over the next 5 years is shown in the table below, and as indicated, little change to passenger numbers, aircraft type and airport type are expected as a result of TAIIP. VAV Year 2009/2010 2014/2015 Passengers/Year 28,000 28,140 Flights/Day 8-10 8-10 Hours of Operation 7:00 AM 7:00 PM Aircraft Types Small private/Charter Small private/Charter The project will not involve construction of access roads or worker camps. Potential project-related environmental impacts are primarily associated with construction activities as identified in the mitigation plans in Section 6. These potential impacts are anticipated to be of limited duration, limited spatial context and limited intensity. As such, if the mitigating program described in this EMP is implemented faithfully, no significant impacts are expected in the crops, schools, households, etc. Page 10 of 65 5 Potential Environmental Issues Generally speaking, civil works expected will involve renovation or maintenance of existing infrastructure, some construction of new or extended facilities on existing land within the TBU property boundary and equipment replacement/installation that will not involve any new construction. Therefore many of the issues for the project components identified in Tables 3.1A, 3.1B, and 3.1C are similar and the mitigation and monitoring plans will address them in a collective manner. For some components, the environmental issues are unique, so special considerations are described. For civil works and construction activities, the general issues are: · Materials Supply (Gravel, Concrete, Asphalt, etc.) · Noise · Dust · Chance Find of Cultural Artefacts · Management of Solid Wastes (Non-Hazardous) · Emissions from Construction Equipment · Fuel and Oil Spills From Construction Vehicles · Worker Health and Safety · Management of Oil and Fuel for Construction Equipment · Traffic Management · EU Standards for Key Equipment · Emissions from Construction Equipment For equipment replacement and installation, the chief issues are: · Disposal of Packaging Wastes · Worker Safety During Installation For operation, the primary issues are solid waste and wastewater management at the water harvesting and PV farm and new control tower (TBU) and fire station (TBU) respectively, and noise levels of the new water recycling pumps (HPA and VAV). Page 11 of 65 6 Mitigation and Monitoring Plans 6.1 Mitigation Plans 6.1.1 Mitigation Plan- General Civil Works, Construction and Equipment Replacement All Airports Issue Mitigating Responsibility Start Date End Date Measure 2 Materials Supply (Gravel, Use existing quarries and materials supply companies with valid operating Contractor Construction Materials Concrete, Asphalt, etc.) licenses start supply completed All delivery trucks must be covered or water sprayed to prevent dust generation during transport Delivery trucks that do not close properly and/or are loaded with materials that exceed the limits specified by Tongan regulations which result in spillage en route to the project site will be denied access to the project site Material should be delivered at off-peak hours in accordance with traffic management plan (see below) On-site material storage close to the work area will be identified in due course, It should be covered and/or water sprayed, off-site material should be stored in buildings near the construction site Noise Conduct activities during normal working hours but at times that do not affect Contractor Construction Construction normal airport operation start end If activities must be conducted in the evening and/or weekend, provide local affected groups with at least one week notice of start and completion times Any construction equipment deemed too noisy by TAL shall be replaced Dust Keep construction area and access roads sprinkled with water, particularly Contractor Construction Construction during dry, windy conditions start end 2 Potential quarries/location to be used for the project are as follows: (a) Ahononou (located 2 km south of TBU), (b) Vete/Tofoa, (c) Malapo/Malapo, (d) Anawin/Malapo, (e) Pili/Pili, (f) Tafolo/Pea, and (g) Royco/Kahoua Page 12 of 65 Management of Solid Waste materials (including scrap and packaging) that cannot be recycled or Contractor Construction / Construction / Wastes (Non-Hazardous) reused are to be disposed at sites/locations officially designated by the Replacement Replacement government Program starts Program ends Scrap materials that can be recycled are only to be provided to operators officially licensed to conduct recycling/recovery Components that have remaining useful life are to be stored and/or used at other airport locations as the need arises. Emissions from Any construction equipment deemed by TAL to be discharging emissions that Contractor Construction Construction Construction Equipment have excessive smoke or foul odours shall be replaced starts ends Worker Health and Safety Follow WB/IFC EHS Guidelines Contractor Construction Construction (www.ifc.org/ifcext/sustainability.nsf/content/EHSGuidelines) starts ends Sections 2 (Occupational Health and Safety) and 4.2 As presented in Attachment 3 Traffic Management Traffic Management Plan prepared to minimize disruption to normal airport TAL (based Before any Construction (Equipment, materials traffic patterns, consistent with overall project implementation schedule upon Contractor construction ends deliveries, waste inputs) starts materials removal) Implement Traffic Management Plan Construction ends Contractors Construction start Land preparation for solar Remove any vegetative cover by manual or mechanical means, no pesticide Contractor Construction Construction PV farm use starts ends Dispose of vegetative cover to government approved site or composting farm Any excavated topsoil either utilized on site or stockpiled for future use at government approved sites Page 13 of 65 6.1.2 Mitigation Plan Operations - All Airports Issue Mitigating Responsibility Start Date End Date Measure Wastewater PV farm designed to collect wastewater and connect to existing septic system Contractor: PV farm design PV farm design management from Include in PV approval washing of PV panels Use non phosphorous based, biodegradable cleansing solutions farm design PV farm Ongoing TAL Operations operation starts Manager: Insures proper operation 6.1.3 Mitigation Plan Construction and Equipment Replacement TBU Issue Mitigating Responsibility Start Date End Date Measure Land restoration at Remove all debris and waste materials, replace topsoil and replant/re-vegetate Contractor Demolition Restoration original air traffic consistent with surrounding land condition completed completed control tower site Remove any vegetative cover by manual or mechanical means, no pesticide Land preparation at use new air traffic control Contractor Construction Construction tower site Dispose of vegetative cover to government approved site starts ends Any excavated topsoil either utilized on site or disposed at government approved site Land restoration at Remove all debris and waste materials, replace topsoil and replant/re-vegetate Contractor Demolition Restoration existing fire station consistent with surrounding land condition completed completed site Remove any vegetative cover by manual or mechanical means, no pesticide use Land preparation at Contractor Construction Construction new fire station site Dispose of vegetative cover to government approved site starts ends Any excavated topsoil either utilized on site or disposed at government Page 14 of 65 approved site Chance Find of Cease work immediately. Contractor Construction Construction Cultural Artefacts start ends Fence area to limit access. Contact Ministry of Education, Women s Affairs and Culture. Work is not to proceed until official approvals are provided Management of Oil Fuel and oil stored in bunded area with impervious base, all fuel and oil Contractor Construction Construction and Fuel for transfers from storage to construction vehicles takes place in this area starts ends Construction Equipment Fuel and Oil spills Drainage from bunded area with impervious base directed to oil/water Contractor Construction Construction From Construction separation unit (collected oil recycled by licensed operators or disposed at starts ends Vehicles official government approved disposal sites Major spills or leaks immediately covered with sand or similar absorbent, placed in sealed containers and disposed by licensed operators or taken to official government approved disposal sites 6.1.4 Mitigation Plan Operation TBU Issue Mitigating Responsibility Start Date End Date Measure Wastewater Wastewater outlet to be connected to separate septic system Contractor: Tower design Tower design management at new Include in approval air traffic control control tower tower design TAL: Insures Control tower Ongoing proper operation operation starts Wastewater Wastewater outlet to be connected to existing septic system Contractor: Fire station Fire station management at new Include in fire design design fire station site station design approval TAL: Insures Fire station Ongoing proper operation operation starts Sediment disposal Collect and drain sediment: drainage water returned to holding tank TAL Operations Water Ongoing Page 15 of 65 from water harvesting Manager harvesting system Dispose collected sediment in government approved site system starts 6.1.5 Mitigation Plan- Construction and Equipment Replacement HPA Issue Mitigating Responsibility Start Date End Date Measure Noise Replacement pump noise level to meet EU standards and should be specified TAL Bid preparation Bid approval in bid document 6.1.6 Mitigation Plan- Construction and Equipment Replacement VAV Issue Mitigating Responsibility* Start Date End Date Measure Fire truck exhaust Specify WB/IFC EHS guidelines for Land based mobile sources TAL Bid preparation Bid approval emissions (see Attachment 3) Specify WB/IFC EHS guidelines for radiation Airport worker (see Attachment 3) radiation exposure Noise Replacement pump noise level to meet EU standards and should be TAL Bid preparation Bid approval specified in bid document Page 16 of 65 6.2 Monitoring Plans 6.2.1 Monitoring Plan- General Civil Works, Construction and Equipment Replacement - All Airports Issue What Where How When Responsibility parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter to be monitored be monitored/ type be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Materials Supply Validity of supplier permit or license? Entrance to Visual First delivery Civil works (Gravel, Concrete, construction site supervising Asphalt, etc.) Delivery trucks covered or watered? Each delivery consultant Delivery time in accordance with Traffic Management Plan? Weekly, more if traffic issues develop Materials storage covered or watered? Materials storage Weekly site Delivery trucks seal properly, loaded in accordance with Entrance to Each delivery Tongan regulatory limits? construction site Evidence of truck spillage en route? Along delivery If there are route complaints Noise Activities conducted during normal working hours? Construction site Observation Monthly, random Civil works times supervising consultant Local affected groups notified in advance of any off-hour Local village, Consultation Monthly work? schools, etc. Noisy equipment replaced as instructed by TAL? Construction site Observation Monthly, random times Noise levels Local village, dB meter If there are schools, etc. complaints Page 17 of 65 Dust Construction site and access roads watered? Construction site Observation Mostly during hot, Civil works and access roads dry, windy supervising conditions consultant Management of Solid Unused, non-recyclable wastes sent to government approved Disposal site Observation Monthly Civil works Wastes (Non- disposal site? supervising Hazardous) consultant Recyclable wastes accepted by licensed operators? Waste storage Scheduled waste area transfer Useable components properly stored or sent to other Equipment Monthly airports? storage area Emissions from Equipment with excessive emissions replaced? Construction site Observation Weekly, random Civil works Construction and access roads times. More often supervising Equipment if problem persists consultant Worker Health and World Bank/IFC Guidelines followed? Construction site Observation Weekly, random Civil works Safety times. More often supervising if violations are consultant observed Traffic Management Traffic Management Plan properly implemented? Construction site Observation Monthly, random Civil works (Equipment, materials and access roads times. More often supervising deliveries, waste if violations or consultant materials removal) complaints occur Land preparation for No pesticide use for land clearing? Solar farm site Observation Weekly, during Civil works solar PV farm preparation period supervising Removed vegetation taken to approved disposal site? consultant Topsoil properly managed? Page 18 of 65 6.2.2 Monitoring Plan- Operation All Airports Issue What Where How When Responsibility parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter to be monitored be monitored/ type be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Wastewater Non-phosphorous, biodegradable cleaning solution used? Cleaning solution Check cleaning Delivery of TBU Operations management from storage area solution cleaning solutions Manager washing of PV panels Wastewaters properly managed and directed to septic specifications system? 6.2.3 Monitoring Plan- Construction and Equipment Replacement TBU Issue What Where How When Responsibili parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter to ty be monitored be monitored/ type be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Chance Find of Work stopped? Discovery site Observation Time of discovery, Civil works Cultural Artefacts weekly thereafter supervising Area fenced? consultant Authorities contacted? Approvals received? Land restoration at All debris and construction equipment removed? Original air traffic Observation Weekly, during Civil works original air traffic control tower site restoration period supervising control tower site Site re-graded, re-vegetated consistent with surrounding consultant area? Land preparation at No pesticide use for land clearing? Weekly, during new air traffic control Removed vegetation taken to approved disposal site? New air traffic preparation period tower site control tower site Observation Civil works Topsoil properly managed? supervising consultant Page 19 of 65 Land restoration at All debris and construction equipment removed? Original fire Observation Weekly, during Civil works existing fire station site station site restoration period supervising Site re-graded, re-vegetated consistent with surrounding consultant area? Land preparation at No pesticide use for land clearing? Weekly, during new fire station site Removed vegetation taken to approved disposal site? preparation period New fire station Observation Civil works Topsoil properly managed? site supervising consultant Management of Oil Oil/fuel stored in bunded area with impervious base? Oil/fuel storage Observation Weekly, random Civil works and Fuel for area times. More often supervising Construction All oil/fuel transfers take place in this area? if problem persists consultant Equipment Fuel and Oil spills Oil collected from separator and received by licensed Oil/fuel storage Observation As required Civil works From Construction operator? area supervising Vehicles consultant Major spills treated rapidly in accordance with mitigation plan? When spill occurs 6.2.4 Monitoring Plan- Operation TBU Issue What Where How When Responsibili parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter to ty be monitored be monitored/ type be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Wastewater Leaks in control tower sewage connection to septic system? At control tower Observation Quarterly, more TBU Operations management at new air sewage connector frequently if Manager traffic control tower to septic system problems are observed Wastewater Leaks in new fire station sewage connection to septic At fire station Observation Quarterly, more TBU Operations management at new fire system? sewage connector frequently if Manager station site to septic system problems are observed Sediment disposal from Removed sediment properly drained and deposited to Water storage Observation Sediment TBU Operations water harvesting system government approved site? tanks removal Manager activities begin Page 20 of 65 6.2.5 Monitoring Construction and Equipment Replacement HPA Issue What Where How When Responsibil parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter ity be monitored be monitored/ type to be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Noise Pump noise Water harvesting dB meter Acceptance test Civil works area supervising consultant 6.2.6 Monitoring - Operation HPA Issue What Where How When Responsi parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to is the parameter bility be monitored be monitored/ type to be monitored- of monitoring frequency of equipment measurement or continuous Noise Pump noise Surrounding dB meter Complaints from TAL community local groups Page 21 of 65 6.2.7 Monitoring - Construction and Equipment Replacement VAV Issue What Where How When Responsi parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to be is the parameter bility be monitored monitored/ type of to be monitored- monitoring equipment frequency of measurement or continuous World Bank/IFC World Bank/IFC Guidelines for fire truck and x-ray On-site Fire truck: emission Acceptance Civil works Guidelines for Key equipment included in bid documents? levels Test supervising Equipment (CO, HC, NOx) consultant X-Ray: Acceptance Civil works Radiometer Test supervising consultant Noise Pump noise Water harvesting dB meter Acceptance test Civil works area supervising consultant Page 22 of 65 6.2.8 Monitoring Operation VAV Issue What Where How When Responsi parameter is to be monitored is the parameter to is the parameter to be is the parameter bility be monitored monitored/ type of to be monitored- monitoring equipment frequency of measurement or continuous World Bank/IFC World Bank/IFC Guidelines for fire truck and x-ray equipment On-site Observation: in Every three TAL Guidelines for Key followed? accordance with years Equipment WB/IFC EHS Guidelines (See Attachment 3, AIR EMISSIONS MOBILE Annually TAL SOURCES-Land Based) X-Ray: Radiometer Noise Pump noise Surrounding dB meter Complaints TAL community from local groups Page 23 of 65 6.3 Costs 6.3.1 Mitigation and Monitoring The cost of implementing the proposed mitigation and monitoring plans is small. In most part, the cost of adherence to the good environmental practice and compliance with this EMP3. 6.3.2 Equipment Most monitoring activities involve observational techniques, so there is no affiliated equipment cost. Noise meters have been included in the TSCP project so there is no need for additional noise monitoring equipment. Testing of X-ray equipment will be included in the initial purchase price of the radiometer as part of the acceptance test, and operational monitoring is estimated to be annually at a cost of approximately $1000 USD. 6.3.3 Training Environmental training for Contractors, MOT/MOW/MECC has been provided in the TSCP project. Environmental training to TAL, the implementing agency, is anticipated to be in the general area of environmental awareness. The cost is estimated to be $15000. 3 This EMP will be included in the contract bid document. A prospective contractor will be fully cognizant of his/her environmental management requirements and should reflect this in the bid offer. The awarded contract will also include this EMP, to further insure the requirements are legally binding to the successful bidder. Page 24 of 65 7 Environmental Management 7.1 Compliance with Government of Tonga and World Bank Safeguards Policies In accordance with World Bank policy for Environmental Assessment (OP/BP/GP 4.01), this project has been assigned Category B and TAL has prepared this EMP. The Government of Tonga (GOT) has no formal Environmental Assessment requirements for this project but the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has reviewed this EMP and provided their acceptance (date XXXXX). The EMP will be integrated into the technical design, and included in all bid documents and contracts for all civil works. Public consultations to discuss the draft EMP was conducted on the following dates at the following locations. Consultation Location Date TBU February 4, 2011 HPA February 9, 2011 VAV February 8, 2011 Documentation of the Public Consultations may be found in Attachment 2. In brief, 18 people attended at TBU, 45 people at HPA and 27 people at VAV. Most of their questions at TBU concerned noise, solid waste management, construction traffic, grievance mechanisms, at HPA most questions were related to the project schedule, future airport plans, resettlement and safety issues with pigs having access to the airport runway, and at VAV the questions mostly related to the project schedule and social issues, namely; local employment opportunities, land acquisition and future airport plans. TAL officials explained how each of these issues will be dealt with and how they were addressed in the EMP and how they will be reflected in the design. In accordance with WB policy, the English language EMP was disclosed locally at the following public locations and dates on 28 February 20114 and the English language version was sent to the World Bank Infoshop on 22 February 2011: Disclosure Location Date TBU February 28, 2011 HPA February 28, 2011 VAV February 28, 2011 7.2 Environmental Regulatory Framework Tonga has a well established regulatory framework that provides measures to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation, to manage the environment for sustainable development and to promote environmental awareness. 44 Public announcements were placed in all weekly national newspapers in both English and Tongan on 25 February 2011. Page 25 of 65 Legislation concerning the protection and preservation of the environment is found in a number of Acts and is the responsibility of a number of different Ministries according to their focus. Amongst these, the following are the key legislative acts: · Environmental Impact Assessment Act 2003 (Regulations have been drafted and are awaiting approval) · Marine Pollution Prevention Act 2002 · Parks and Reserves Act 1988 · Fisheries Management Act 2002 · Aquaculture Management Act 2003 · Birds and Fish Preservation Act 1988 · Public Health Act 1992 Copies of these Acts and subsidiary legislation are available online at http://legislation.to The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) is the principal agency responsible for the management of the environment, and in administering the environmentally related legislation in Tonga. It provides environmental assessments, reports and recommendations to the responsible Ministry, as well as being mandated under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 2003 to require environmental impact assessments and impose conditions for development projects within Tonga. Accordingly, activities funded under the TSCP will follow the GOT s established procedures and associated guidelines established under the Environmental Assessment Act 2003, and environmental legislation of the relevant ministry. The Environmental Impact Assessment Act 2003 The Environmental Impact Assessment Act 2003 is specifically concerned with ensuring development projects are managed, conducted and carried out sustainably and appropriately. It requires that all major development projects submit an appropriate environmental impact assessment report that will include a review of all relevant impact as determined by the MECC from time to time. The definition of major development projects is provided in Schedule 1 of this Act, and covers a broad range of major development activities such as tourism facilities, abattoirs, marinas, or mining activity. Schedule 1 is attached herewith as Attachment 1. The MECC is also empowered with imposing appropriate mitigation measures on proposed development projects, in accordance with the outcomes of the environmental impact assessment reports. At this stage, the Regulations under this Act providing fuller procedural, compliance and penalty requirements have not yet been approved. As such, the EIA requires only major development projects as defined in Schedule 1 of the Act (see Attachment 1) , to undergo an environmental impact assessment. Page 26 of 65 In practice, the MECC currently adopts the Regulations as guidelines. It works closely with GOT ministries in assessing development projects and has a process in place for categorising development projects as minor or major according to the likely impact. It also requires the implementing agency to identify any potential environmental risks or impacts, and to propose appropriate mitigation measures. Approval from the MECC is required under these guidelines in order that projects may proceed. The MECC makes its recommendation for approval, deferral, mitigation, or cancellation of projects in relation to the powers of existing legislation (i.e. through the clauses under for example, the Fisheries Management Act 2002, rather than directly through its own DOE legislation). Non-Compliance with Relevant Legislation Provisions for non-compliance with legislation are provided for in all environment-related legislation. Penalties include measures ranging from fines, to imprisonment or both, and are applicable to both individuals and companies. 7.3 Provisions of National Land Laws Tonga has a complex land system, which is administered through the Land Act 1988 and its subsidiary legislation. Land Act 1988 The Land Act 1988 is the key piece of legislation governing land in Tonga. It is a comprehensive Act and provides for, amongst other things, the provision of land to estate holders (nobles), rights of Tongans to be allotted land, ownership, inheritance, lease and resumption of land to the Crown. Land issues are sensitive and are governed by comprehensive legislative processes. Land in Tonga may not be sold, but may be leased or sub-leased. All leases up to 99 years require the consent of Cabinet; longer leases require Privy Council approval. Leases are common in Tonga and may be made between the landholder and individuals, organisations or companies. Where land is required for public purposes, the Minister of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment may reserve Crown Land for this purpose. In cases where the required land is not Crown Land, and a lease or other agreement cannot be arranged, the King, with the consent of Privy Council may resume land compulsorily. Resumption of land, as detailed in the legislation, requires appropriate compensation to the landholder. Whilst it is not often used in Tonga, it is an important clause that provides an avenue for the Crown to reoccupy land when and where it may be needed. There has been Page 27 of 65 some precedent for this in the resumption of land in the Vaini district from the Noble for the construction of Hu atolitoli Prison. 7.4 Institutional Arrangements The purpose of environmental monitoring is to ensure that the designed mitigation measures are implemented properly. During Construction Contractors will be responsible for implementing mitigating actions specified in the EMP. Monitoring of these actions as specified in the monitoring plan will be the responsibility of civil works supervising consultant. During Operation TAL TBU, HPA, and VAV Airport Managers will be responsible for both mitigation and monitoring activities specified in the operational sections of their EMPs. 7.5 Reporting Requirements During Construction The civil works supervising consultant will provide monthly reports to TAL on the status of implementation of each of the three airport EMPs. The report should include an analysis of the monitoring program results, any environmental issues developed, and recommendations (including cost estimates, as necessary) for further actions. TAL in turn will share these reports with the PIU5 and as appropriate discuss and agree upon implementation of any further actions as recommended in the monthly reports An organogram detailing the communication and reporting lines during the Construction period is shown below: Shares Monthly Project Civil Works TAL CEO Reports with Supervisor Implementation Unit (PIU) Through Monthly PIU and Reports on status of discusses each airport s EMP any required implementation. actions Decision on Actions Fig. 7.5.1 Organogram of Communication and Reporting During Construction Period 5 The PIU for this project will be the same as the for the TSCP Page 28 of 65 During Operation TAL TBU, HPA, and VAV Airport Managers will include an environmental management section as part of their normal reporting to TAL Headquarters. These sections should include an analysis of the operational monitoring program results, any environmental issues developed, and recommendations (including cost estimates, as necessary) for further actions. An organogram detailing the communication and reporting lines during the Operational period is shown below: TAL Airport Managers TAL CEO (VAV, HPA, TBU) Include reporting on Environmental Managem ent Section in existing Monthly Reports Decision on Action TAL CEO advises PIU of any environmental issues and actions for inclusion in Quarterly Project Reports to WB Project Implementation Unit (PIU) PIU includes reporting on environmental issues advised by TAL in Quarterly Project Reports to WB World Bank Fig. 7.5.2 Organogram of Communication and Reporting During Operational Period TAL will include an environment section as part of their normal progress report to the World Bank. In this section, TAL will report on: (a) overall compliance with implementation of the EMP, (b) any environmental issues developed during the report period, (c) how the issues were or will be resolved, and (d) the associated schedule for completion. Page 29 of 65 7.6 EMP Compliance During Construction The TAL CEO will review the civil works supervising consultant report and recommendations and in conjunction with the PIU Director determine: (a) what further actions are required, (b) who will be responsible for implementing the actions, (c) a schedule for completion, and (d) any costs associated with implementing the recommendations. During Operation The TAL CEO will review the TBU, HPA, and VAV Airport Managers reports and recommendations and determine: (a) what further actions are required, (b) who will be responsible for implementing the actions, (c) a schedule for completion, and (d) any costs associated with implementing the recommendations. 7.7 Public Participation in Monitoring The project will establish a complaints monitoring system which will facilitate the public's involvement in monitoring compliance with the EMP. At each site, signs will be installed clearly indicating that complaints or concerns can be made via phone, letter, or through the internet (e-mail). These will be received by the Project Management Unit and recorded in a database, along with follow up actions and resolution. The monthly monitoring reports will include data on complaints received and resolution. Page 30 of 65 Attachment 1: Schedule 1 of the Environmental Assessment Act 2003 SCHEDULE MAJOR PROJECTS Any of the following activities shall be deemed to be major projects; (a) abattoirs: (b) brewery works: (c) building, works, or land associated with the landing, take-off, parking or servicing of aircraft or helicopters; (d) canning and bottling works in excess of floor space 2000 square meters; (e) cattle feeding or intensive piggeries with excess of 50 animals; (f) cement works or concrete batching works in which more than 2,000 tonnes per annum are manufacture; (g) ceramic work, being works in which excess of 200 tonnes per annum are produced of brick, tiles, pipes, glass are manufactured in furnaces or kilns; (h) chemical factories, or chemical storage areas in excess of 1,000 square meters (i) electricity generating stations; (j) marinas (comprising pontoons, jetties, pier, dry storage, mooring) for more than 20 vessels primarily for pleasure or recreation; (k) mining, being an activity that disturbs the surface of the land in excess of one hectare; (l) sand and gravel extraction from any beach within 50 meters of the high tide mark; (m) liquid, chemical, oil or petroleum refineries, storage or waste processing works; (n) farms for the propagation of marine, estuaries or freshwater organisms (o) pre-mix bitumen works; (p) rubber on plastic works; (q) the removal of trees (including mangroves) or natural vegetation of any area in excess on half a hectare; (r) construction of road, wharfs, barrages, embankments, or levees which affect the flow of tidal waters; (s) any facility involving the use, storage or dumping of nuclear materials (t) sawmills where more than 2,000 cubic meters per annum of timber is sawn, milled or machined in any way; or (u) tourism or recreational resorts, buildings or facilities, involving a total building floor area of greater than 1,000 square meters or a potential total overnight accommodation level (visitors and staff combined) in excess of 20 persons. Page 31 of 65 Attachment 2: Summary of the Public Consultation On January 31, 2011, the announcement indicated on the following pages, was placed in the following newspapers in both Tongan and English languages: · TONGA CHRONICLE · TAIMI O TONGA · KELE A · TALAKI Photocopies of the actual newspaper announcements are on file with at TAL Headquarters in Nuku alofa. Page 32 of 65 Ngaahi Fealea aki mo e Kakai: Fokotu utu u Ngaue ki hono Pule i o e Ngaahi Ngaue Felave i mo e Atakai Ngaue ki hono Fakalelei i a e ngaahi Fa unga Lalahi ki he Fefolau aki a Tonga (TAIIP) Tonga Airports Limited mo e Potungaue a e Ngaahi Pisinisi a e Pule anga Oku lolotonga fakahoko a e ngaue a e Tonga Airports Limited pea mo e Potungaue a e Ngaahi Pisinisi a e Pule anga ki hono teuteu i a e Ngaue ki hono Fakalelei i a e ngaahi Fa unga Lalahi ki he Fefolau aki a Tonga (TAIIP), pea oku poupou ki ai a e Pangike a Mamani. Ko e Ngaue ni oku lolotonga fokotu utu u pea oku amanaki e tali i Me 2011. Oku amanaki ke kamata a e ngaue TAIIP I Me 2011 pea ke osi ki Tisema 2013. E inivesi a e TAIIP i he ngaahi ngaue ke fakahoko i he Mala evakapuna Fakava apule anga Fua amotu i Tongatapu; Mala evakapuna Lupepau u i Vava u; pea mo e Mala evakapuna Salote Pilolevu i Ha apai. Ko e konga a hono teuteu i o e ngaue TAIIP, ko hono fa u e he Tonga Airports Limited pea mo e Potungaue a e Ngaahi Pisinisi a e Pule anga, ha Fokotu utu u Ngaue ki hono Pule i o e Ngaahi Ngaue Felave i mo e Atakai (EMP), ko e uhi ke ilo i pea mo fakahoko ha ngaue ki he ngaahi uesia e ala hoko ki he atakai i hono fakahoko o e Ngaue ni, pea ke tuku atu foki mo e ngaahi founga oku fe unga ke fakasi isi i aki a ene hoko. Oku i ai a e ngaahi fokotu utu u ke fakahoko ha fealea aki mo e kakai o e fonua fekau aki mo e Ngaue ni (TAIIP) ke talanoa i a e ngaahi fakaukau a e kakai ki he ngaahi tafa aki felave i mo e atakai i hono fakahoko o e Ngaue ni (TAIIP), pea e fakahoko ia i he ngaahi feitu u mo e taimi oku ha atu i heni: Mala evakapuna Fakavaha apule anga Fua amotu, Nuku alofa 11 pongipongi, Falaite 4 Fepueli 2011 Feitu u: Loki Fakataha, Mala evakapuna Fakalotofonua, Fua amotu 5 Mala evakapuna Salote Pilolevu, Ha apai 9.30 pongipongi, Monite 7 Fepueli 2011 Feitu u: Loki Fakahekeheka Folau, Mala evakapuna Mala evakapuna Lupepau u, Vava u5 5 pongipongi, Monite 7 Fepueli 2011 Feitu u: Loki Fakahekeheka Folau, Mala evakapuna Oku fakaafe i atu a e kau memipa o e kolo pe ngaahi kautaha fekau aki mo ha taha pe oku ne faka amu ke fakaha ha a ne vakai pe fakakaukau fekau aki mo e ngaahi tafa aki fekau aki moe atakai i he ene felave i mo e Ngaue ni, ke ne kau mai ki he fakataha fealea aki mo e kakai o e fonua. Ki ha toe ngaahi faka eke eke, kataki o fetu utaki mai kia: Norma Lavemai, Tonga Airports Limited i he telefoni 21 888 pe email nlavemai@tongaairports.com Tonga Airports Limited pea mo e Potungaue a e Ngaahi Pisinisi a e Pule anga Pule anga Tonga Page 33 of 65 Public Consultations: Environmental Management Plan Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Improvement Project (TAIIP) Tonga Airports Limited and Ministry of Public Enterprises Tonga Airports Limited and the Ministry of Public Enterprises are currently preparing the Tonga Aviation Infrastructure Improvement Project (TAIIP), to be supported by the World Bank. The Project is currently under preparation and is expected to be approved in May 2011. TAIIP is expected to commence implementation around May 2011 and terminate in December 2013. TAIIP investments will take place at Fua amotu International Airport, Tongatapu; Lupepau u Airport, Vava u; and Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai. As part of the TAIIP preparation, Tonga Airports Limited and the Ministry of Public Enterprises have developed an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to identify and address the potential environmental risks of the project, and to establish appropriate mitigation measures. Public consultations are now scheduled to obtain community views on the environmental aspects of the TAIIP Project, and will take place at the following place and times: Fua amotu International Airport, Nuku alofa 11am, Friday 4 February 2011 Venue: Domestic Airport Training Room Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai6 9.30am, Monday 7 February 2011 Venue: Airport Departure Lounge 5 Lupepau u Airport, Vava u 5pm, Monday 7 February 2011 Venue: Airport Departure Lounge Members of the community or stakeholders and any persons who have an interest in expressing their views in environmental aspects of this project are invited, to attend and participate in these public consultations. Inquiries may be directed to: Norma Lavemai, Tonga Airports Limited on telephone 21 888 or email nlavemai@tongaairports.com Tonga Airports Limited and the Ministry of Public Enterprises Kingdom of Tonga 6 Note: Flight cancellations to Ha apai due to inclement weather and to Vava u because of aircraft mechanical difficulties necessitated rescheduling of these public consultations. Both public consultations were conducted on February 8, 2011. Page 34 of 65 Minutes of the public meetings are presented below: Tongatapu (TBU) Location: Fua amotu International Airport, Nuku alofa Date and Time: Friday 4 February 2011, 11:00 AM Venue: Domestic Airport Training Room Program Outline: Opening Prayer- Mr. Viliami Maake, Director of Operations, TAL Introduction (Tongan) - Mr. Viliami Maake, Introduction (English) - Mr. Darin Cusack, CEO, TAL Discussion (English/Tongan) - Mr. Bernard Baratz, Consultant/Facilitator PIU -Mr. Viliami Maake -Mr. Darin Cusack Closing Remarks- Mr.Viliami Maake Closing Prayer- Mr. Viliami Maake A list of attendees is provided after the Summary of Discussion, below. Summary of Discussion: Mr. Baratz initiated the discussion by requesting the views of participants regarding existing noise levels from current airport operations. The view offered by Ms. S. Ilolahia (Civil Society Forum of Tonga) and supported by all participants was that the noise was not causing any problems. The community understands that the airport is essential and Tongan people have a coping nature about them. Ms. Leanne Elliott ((Civil Society Forum of Tonga) requested information about the management of solid wastes, in particular disposal of light bulbs, and various electronic equipment that might contain hazardous materials. Mr. Cusack indicated that most equipment and lights that could be used at other airports would be stored and/or provided to other airports as the need arises. Items that outlived their useful life would either be disposed of at GoT approved disposal sites or sold to licensed recycling firms either in Tonga or New Zealand. Mr. Baratz indicated that these issues were incorporated into the EMP. Several participants raised the issues of construction dust, noise, equipment/materials delivery impacts on the local community and the schedule to complete the project. Mr. Baratz indicated that issues of dust and noise were addressed in the EMP, mentioning that construction would normally be done during normal daytime hours and if work would have to be done outside this time period to maintain a schedule, the community would be given advance notice of this activity. Mr. Cusack described the Traffic Management Plan that would be prepared by TAL in coordination with MOT and MOP was also specified in the EMP, and that it would be designed to minimize disruption of normal activities of the nearby communities. It would also be designed to minimize disruption to normal air traffic operations. Mr. Cusack further indicated that the project would take between 2 to 3 years to complete. Mr. Vala Inoke (MPE) expressed concern about materials delivery trucks being overloaded, not properly closing and not covered. Experience has demonstrated this type of behaviour in other Tonga construction projects, and under these conditions, material falls off the trucks onto the roads resulting in hazardous and dangerous driving conditions as well as damaging the roads. A follow-on question was raised about Page 35 of 65 which roads would be used for materials deliveries. Mr. Cusack indicated that certain access or bush roads already exist and would probably be used for the project: no new access roads would be required. Furthermore it was agreed that a condition would be included in the EMP which would address the issue of overloaded, poorly enclosed materials delivery trucks, by denying access to the project site for trucks exhibiting poorly enclosed contents or loads exceeding the legal Tongan limits. Mr. Vala Inoke (MPE) also raised the issue of safety for workers and community during construction. Mr. Cusack first indicated that most of the work force would be hired locally and that there would be no worker camps, so there would be no issue of foreign workers disrupting the social fabric of the local population. All construction activities (other than delivery of materials and waste removal) would take place within the airport boundaries, so it is only worker safety of concern. Mr. Baratz indicated that worker safety requirements are specified in the EMP. Mr. Ringo Fa oliu (MOT) asked if there would be a mechanism for the local public to be able to contact TAL if any issues develop during project implementation. Mr. Baratz indicated that a grievance mechanism was incorporated into the EMP to address this issue: complaints to TAL could made by telephone, email, or written letter. Ms S. Ilolahia (Civil Society Forum of Tonga) raised a concern about noise levels during construction. Mr. Cusack indicated that the noise levels should be localized and experience with other airport construction activities overseas (such as in Christchurch, New Zealand, which has residential areas close to the airport) has shown that it is unlikely to be disruptive even at night. He further indicated that wind direction plays a role in noise levels and that the particular situation at the Fua amotu Airport is such that the wind direction is generally favourable for minimizing the influence of noise on the local population. Ms. S. Ilolahia (Civil Society Forum of Tonga) was interested in learning why there were only three consultations and could TAL canvas the community more directly. Mr. Cusack reiterated that the purpose of this public consultation was to solicit local views about the environmental aspects of the project and follows after advertisements in all major Tongan newspapers and radio announcements inviting the public to the community consultations. Mr. Baratz explained that the public consultations were a World Bank policy requirement and therefore were confined to only those airports supported by this World Bank project, namely Fua amotu, Vava u, and Ha apai. Mr. Baratz further indicated that after all public consultations were completed, the EMP would be finalized and the final document would be disclosed locally in the Tongan language. Interested citizens could review the final EMP document and if they feel that they have further concerns, the grievance mechanism mentioned earlier could be used to express those concerns. Mr. Inoke Vala (MPE) raised queries about the relationship between construction contractors and TAL in terms of compliance with the requirements set forth in the EMP. Messrs. Cusack and Baratz indicated that: (a) implementation of the EMP will be a condition between the Borrower (MOT and TAL) and the World Bank, (b) TAL in turn would include the EMP in any bid documents so that prospective contractors would know what their environmental management requirements would be and would thus include these environmental management activities in their cost estimates when they bid for the job, and (c) the EMP would be included in the contract award so that the construction contractor with the successful bid would be legally obligated to obey requirements set forth in the EMP. Page 36 of 65 Attendance Record of Public Consultations at Tongatapu (TBU) Page 37 of 65 Ha apai (HPA) Location: Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha apai Date and Time: Wednesday 9 February 2011, 9.00 AM Venue: Airport Departure Lounge Program Outline: Opening Prayer- Reverend Takeifanga Introduction (English) - Mr. Darin Cusack, CEO, TAL Project Description -Mr. Viliami Maake, Director of Operations,TAL Question and Answer-Participants and TAL Closing Remarks- Mr.Viliami Maake Closing Prayer- Reverend Takeifanga A list of attendees is provided after the Summary of Discussion, below. Summary of Discussion: Introduction: Mr. Cusack thanked the participants for their attendance and apologized for the one day delay because of the previous days flight cancellations. He apologised on behalf of Mr. Inoke Vala, Secretary for Public Enterprise, who had made arrangements to participate with the original schedule. However, he could not rearrange his own work schedule to attend today. Mr. Cusack mentioned that Mr. Vala asked him to pass on the message that his Ministry supported this TAL project to be funded by the World Bank. Mr. Cusack briefly outlined the project components and the project preparation process necessary to obtain World Bank funding. He briefly discussed the history of TAL, and the plans for the future. He indicated that the priority focus would be on airport safety and security and the need to support the Tongan economy by providing airports which meet international standards. Mr. Cusack stressed how important the local community was to the airport operation and the impression it gave to visitors first visiting the area. He closed by thanking participants once again for joining the meeting and hoped that the discussions would provide everyone with a clear idea of the airports future and nature of the World Bank project. Project Description: Mr. Ma ake described the project and gave a brief history of Salote Pilolevu Airport. He indicated the major safety risks associated with the poor condition of the runway pavement and how these risks were of particular significance because of the airport location near the village, primary school, and village water supply. . The proposed project would primarily involve resurfacing the runway. This is considered essential if the airport is to remain operational. Similar works have been undertaken in the past at this airport. Question and Answer: 1. What is the expected duration of the proposed works? Mr. Ma ake indicated that the overall TAIIP project timeframe will be from about May 2011 to December 2013. The schedule for runway resurfacing works at Ha apai will not be known until the contract is awarded and the successful bidder has provided a work plan. A rough estimate to complete the work, once all the materials and equipment are on site, is 30 days. Further consultations with stakeholders such Page 38 of 65 as the airlines, regulators, contractors, and TAL will take place in order to develop the detailed timeframe. TAL will provide further updates to the community when the actual schedule is known. 2. Are you going to re-route the main road? Mr. Ma ake mentioned that that this was proposed by the Government several years ago because everyone thought it would be more convenient. During the consultation process however, some people from Koulo, particularly those that live on the northern side of the airport, objected to it because of the distance they would have to walk to church, and their children would have to walk to school. Consequently, the project was called off. There is no intention to do this in this World Bank project. The road will remain in its current alignment during the runway resurfacing. 3. It looks as if more land will be required in the future for airport development and we should all work together to facilitate this. In order however to minimise disturbances to the school, can the Government relocate the school to somewhere further away from the airport? Mr. Ma ake indicated that this seemed like a reasonable suggestion. However, it is outside the scope of the project and would perhaps be more appropriate to discuss with the Government through the Ha apai representatives in Parliament. There are limitations such as the width of the runway strip. The minimum width required for Ha apai Airport is 90 meters including 1:5 transitional side surfaces sloping up from the outer edge of the strip. Currently both sides of the runway are infringed by trees and some houses which ideally should be removed for safety reasons. Nonetheless, there are several measures in place to ensure the safety of the community and airport/aircraft operations. There has never been a major safety incident at Ha apai over the years. So there may be land issues and, in due course, these would be addressed in a different project. It is good to know the community views about this issue and that the community is willing to support TAL with this proposal if it is required. 4. You mentioned that for safety purposes the runway strip should be wider and that some houses should be relocated. The question is, will assistance be available to help people affected rebuild their houses at the new locations? Mr. Ma ake responded by indicating that the reference to runway strip and current obstacles was made in the context of the last question which was related to international safety standards being implemented by Tonga through the adoption of the NZCAR. He reiterated that the current aircraft operations at Ha apai are safe and that if there are any safety issues of concern, airport operations would be stopped. With respect to hazardous obstacles, the current legislation allows the CEO to remove any obstacle that poses a hazard to aircraft operations. However, the owner of such an obstacle must be compensated accordingly. At the Government level, there is a similar policy when people are required to be relocated to make way for strategic national development. Appropriate consultations are required to take place before any such action is allowed to proceed. Relocations and rebuilding of houses outside the perimeter fence of the airport are outside the scope of the project that we are here to discuss today. 5. Are you going to send us a Fire Truck? The reason why I ask is because we have a big cement water tank just beside the gate but we need a roof and gutters for water collection. Page 39 of 65 Mr. Ma ake mentioned that at this point in time, TAL is not required by law to provide RFFS at Ha apai. Therefore, TAL will not provide a fire truck. This may eventually be a government requirement in the future, and at that time TAL would act in accordance with the law. (Mr. Maake provided a brief description of TALs financial status with respect to domestic aerodromes) '6. I note that pigs still access the airfield and dig up some areas. The question is, can you provide the workers here with firearms? Mr. Ma ake indicated that this was a good opportunity for TAL to ask the community living near the airport to take control of their pigs so that they do not damage the airport strip. The reason why a smooth runway strip is a safety necessity is to minimise the risk of an aircraft veering off the runway and ending up on the strip. TAL urged the community to control the movement of their pigs. With respect to firearms, TAL can assist with the provision of firearms at Ha apai and the Airport Manager has made this request on several occasions. However, TAL management is very cautious because of the risks that associated with this action. When we provided firearms at Fua amotu we did a risk assessment where we identified several essential actions before we could authorise the use of firearms. It is our view that using firearms at Ha apai in the immediate vicinity of a school, the village, etc. is too risky. So we first need to look at other mitigating activities. At present the answer to your question regarding firearms is therefore no . Mr. Peni Kaufana, unofficial village elder/ spokesperson for the group provided the following remarks in conclusion: I am certain that no one here objects to the proposed project. We are mindful that there may be some noise and dust but most of us had witnessed the runway works here in the past and there has been no real issue with respect to noise or dust. I suggest therefore that the implementation of the project be expedited to fix our runway because air travel is essential to the people of Ha apai. I wish to represent the people of Ha apai in supporting the comments just made and confirm that we have no objection to the projects that are proposed for Ha apai Airport. I would like to, on behalf of the people here, convey to the CEO, yourself, Government, WB and everyone who have worked to make this happen, our most sincere appreciation. Yes, we would like you to go ahead as quickly as possible and fix the problems that you have referred to. Malo Page 40 of 65 Attendance Record of Public Consultations at Ha apai (HPA) (3 pages) Page 41 of 65 Page 42 of 65 Page 43 of 65 Vava u (VAV) Location: Lupepau u Airport, Vava u Date and Time: Tuesday 8 February 2011, 10.45 AM Venue: Airport Departure Room Program Outline: Opening Remarks, Mr. Viliami Maake, Director of Operations,TAL Opening Prayer- Reverend Havili Sefesi Introduction and Project Description (English) - Mr. Darin Cusack, CEO, TAL Introduction and Project Description (Tongan) -Mr. Viliami Maake, Director of Operations,TAL Question and Answer-Participants and TAL Closing Remarks- Mr. Fotu Closing Prayer- Reverend Havili Sefesi A list of attendees is provided after the Summary of Discussion, below Summary of Discussion: Introduction: Mr. Maake thanked the participants for their attendance and apologized for the delay because of the cancellation of the initial flight and briefly introduced the objective of the meeting. Mr. Darin Cusack was introduced as the CEO of TAL. Mr. Cusack apologised on behalf of Mr. Inoke Vala, Secretary for Public Enterprise, who had made arrangements to participate with the original schedule. However, he could not rearrange his own work schedule to attend today. Mr. Cusack mentioned that Mr. Vala asked him to pass on the message that his Ministry supported this TAL project to be funded by the World Bank. Mr. Cusack briefly outlined the project components and the project preparation process necessary to obtain World Bank funding. He briefly discussed the history of TAL, and the plans for the future. He indicated that the priority focus would be on airport safety and security and the need to support the Tongan economy by providing airports which meet international standards. Mr. Cusack stressed how important the local community was to the airport operation and the impression it gave to visitors first visiting the area. He closed by thanking participants once again for joining the meeting and hoped that the discussions would provide everyone with a clear idea of the airports future and nature of the World Bank project. Mr. Maake summarized in Tongan Mr. Cusacks short speech and also summarized in Tongan the English language handout entitled Introduction to the Project . He described the conditions of the airport before TAL was established which highlighted the key infrastructures and assets that were deteriorating because essential maintenance was neglected. TAL s immediate focus after its inception therefore was to analyse in detail the safety and security risks associated with aircraft operations and seek ways to manage these risks with the highest degree of urgency. The subprojects provided under the TAIIP is a continuation of this risk management program considered essential in identifying and mitigating risks, upgrading appropriate infrastructures, and sustaining safe and secure operations. The major subproject to be launched at Vava u will be resurfacing the runway, taxiway, and apron. There will also be subprojects to upgrade air traffic services equipment and weather reporting systems, purchase a new fire truck, and energy efficient enhancements to power supplies, electrical fittings, water supplies and ventilation systems. Page 44 of 65 Question and Answer 1. Are locals going to be employed in the resurfacing works? Mr. Maake mentioned that the World Bank has established procurement procedures for their projects and accordingly there will be an open tender. The scope of the runway overlay works is very complex and some of the required resources for the works have to be shipped in from overseas. So it is expected that a foreign contractor will be chosen. It does not however eliminate the possibility of a locally based company being awarded the contract. Anyway, with respect to the employment of locals, it will be the prerogative of the successful bidder to sub-contract or pick his workers. Overseas based contractors are not expected to ship in labourers and equipment that are available in Vava u. Thus there is a possibility that local people would be employed. However, it will be up to the successful bidder to decide where to secure labor requirements. 2. What is the timeframe for the project? Mr. Maake indicated that the project is expected to begin with the award of the first contract, approximately by May 2011, and be completed by about December 2013. The schedule for each particular element of the project will be known after the contract is awarded and the detailed work schedule is provided by the successful bidder. 3. Will the airport be extended and will there be a requirement for additional land? Mr. Maake stated that most subprojects identified under the TAIIP will not require additional land. One project however involves construction of a on-site solar photovoltaic farm to supply auxiliary power. He indicated that TAL is not certain at this point whether this could be accommodated within the existing airport boundary or whether there would be a need to acquire more land or arrange to put this up on private land. TAL hoped that additional land will not be required. 4. When Royal Tonga Airlines operated there were more flights and the airfares were cheaper, will Government bring in another domestic airline? Mr. Maake mentioned that this question is outside the scope of the consultation and is a good question to raise with the Vava u people s representatives to Parliament. Mr. Maake recalled however, that Government had in the past implemented a two airlines policy on specific sectors and it might be a good idea to do that again. It is Government s privilege to issue such policy. TAL is not aware of the current domestic airlines policy but agrees that it will be good practice to review such policy to determine its relevance to passenger growth in the domestic sectors. 5. We have heard from various sources that Government will build another airport somewhere else for jets operations. Is this true? Mr. Maake indicated that TAL has also heard of this, but stated that TAL is not aware of any official announcement about this from the Government. TAL is also aware that several interesting views both from local sources and from overseas have been expressed on the subject. Proponents seem to have very little rationale and justification of the need for such an airport outside the fact that the current airport cannot be extended due to the land and terrain constraints. On the other hand, opponents do not see a need or justification for such an expensive undertaking since the existing infrastructure and services are sufficient to serve current market demand. TAL also pointed out that utilization of the existing airport is very low and there is still capacity for a significant increase in the number of flights if required. At this point Mr. Maake gave a brief description of financial situation of Vava u and other domestic airports. Page 45 of 65 6. Will there be a requirement to extend the terminal building? The reason for the question is because I think Government and land owners around the airport should plan ahead and ensure that land required for airport expansion are indeed readily available when required. Mr. Maake mentioned that it was previously indicated that under the project there may be a requirement for additional space for the solar farm and that there is no current plan for a terminal expansion. However, for the medium to long term investment plan, TAL is looking beyond this horizon to determine when such extensions maybe required based upon forecasted operation volume. A World Bank funded project has identified that there will come a time when extension to the terminal building will be necessary and several options are under consideration. The current terminal location has a problem with aircraft engine fumes that are blown into the terminal building by the prevailing easterly winds. This is already solid justification to relocate the terminal if air traffic increases to a point where this becomes a major issue. There may also be land required for a RESA. This is yet to be confirmed but it is a possibility and we will be dealing with this when we do the certification process for Vava u. Mr. Maake reiterate the importance of safety. He also indicated that TAL has various programmes established to ensure safety. These include obstacle limitation surfaces, a wildlife management programme, on-going training and competency requirements for licensed staffs, restrictions imposed by the airlines on loadings etc. etc. Closing Remarks Mr. Fotu closed the consultation by stating that on behalf of those present at the consultation the people of Vava u are highly supportive of the proposed projects and will endeavour to assist where ever possible. He expressed his appreciation to the World Bank and TAL for their assistance towards building up Vava u. Page 46 of 65 Attendance Record of Public Consultations at Vava u (VAV) (2 pages) Page 47 of 65 Page 48 of 65 Attachment 3: World Bank/IFC Guidelines for Worker Health and Safety, and Construction and Decommissioning Operations POTABLE WATER Adequate supplies of potable water should be provided from a fountain with an upward jet or with a sanitary means of collecting the water for the purposes of drinking Water supplied to areas of food preparation of for the purpose of personal hygiene (washing of bathing) should meet drinking water quality standards LIGHTING Workplaces should, to the degree feasible, receive natural light and be supplemented with sufficient artificial illumination to promote workers safety and health, and enable safe equipment operation. Supplemental task lighting may be required where specific visual acuity requirements should be met Emergency lighting of adequate intensity should be installed and automatically activated upon failure of the principal artificial light source to ensure safe shutdown, evacuation, etc. LAVATORIES AND SHOWERS Adequate lavatory facilities (toilets and washing areas) should be provided for the number of people expected to work in the facility and allowances made for segregated facilities, or for indicating the toilet facility is In Use or Vacant . Toilet facilities should be supplied with hot and cold running water, soap and hand drying devices Where workers may be exposed to substances poisonous by ingestion and skin contamination, may occur, facilities for showering and changing into and out of street and work clothes should be provided SAFE ACCESS Passageways for pedestrians and vehicles within and outside buildings should be segregated and provide for easy, safe, and appropriate access Equipment and installations requiring servicing, inspection and /or cleaning should have unobstructed, unrestricted and ready access Hand, knee, and foot railings should be installed on stairs, fixed ladders, platforms, permanent and interim floor openings, loading bays, ramps etc. Openings should be sealed by gates or removable chains Covers should, if feasible, be installed to protect against falling items Measures to prevent unauthorized access to dangerous areas should be in place FIRST AID The employer should ensure that qualified first aid can be provided at all times. Appropriately equipped first aid stations should be easily accessible throughout the place of work Page 49 of 65 Eyewash stations and emergency showers should be provided close to all work stations where the immediate flushing with water is the recommended first aid response Where the scale of work or the type of activity so requires, dedicated and appropriately first aid room(s) should be provided. First aid stations and room(s) should be equipped with gloves, gowns, and masks for protection against direct contact with blood and other body fluids Remote sites should have written emergency procedures in place for dealing with cases of trauma or serious illness up to the point at which patient care can be transferred to an appropriate medical facility OHS TRAINING Provisions should be made to provide OHS orientation training to all new employees to ensure they are apprised of the basic site rules of work at/on the site and of personal protection and preventing injury t fellow employees Training should consist of basic hazard awareness, site specific hazards, safe work practices and emergency procedures for fire, evacuation and natural disaster, as appropriate. Any site- specific hazard or colour coding in use should be thoroughly reviewed as part of orientation training VISITOR ORIENTATION If visitors to the site can gain access to areas where hazardous conditions or substances may be present, a visitor orientation and control program should be established to ensure visitors do not enter hazardous areas unescorted NEW TASK EMPLOYEE AND CONTRACTOR TRAINING The employer should ensure that workers and contractors, prior to commencement of new assignments, have received adequate training and information enabling them to understand work hazards and to protect their health from hazardous ambient factors that may be present. The training should cover: · Knowledge of materials, equipment and tools · Known hazards in the operations and how they are controlled · Potential risks to health · Precautions to prevent exposure · Hygiene requirements · Wearing and use of protective equipment and clothing · Appropriate response to operation extremes, incidents and accidents LABELING OF EQUIPMENT All vessels that may contain substances that are hazardous as a result of chemical or toxicological properties, or temperature or pressure, should be labelled as to the contents and hazard, or appropriately colour coded Similarly, piping systems that contain hazardous substances should be labelled with direction of flow and contents of the pipe or colour coded whenever the pipe passing through a wall or floor is interrupted by a valve or junction device Page 50 of 65 BASIC OHS TRAINING A basic occupational training program and specialty courses should be provided, as needed, to ensure that workers are oriented to the specific hazards or individual work assignments. Training should generally be provided to management, supervisors, and occasional visitors to areas of risks and hazards Workers with rescue and first aid duties should receive dedicated training so as not to inadvertently aggravate exposures and health hazards to themselves or their co-workers. Training would include the risks of becoming infected with blood borne pathogens through contact with bodily fluids and tissue Through appropriate contract specifications and monitoring, the employer should ensure that service providers, as well as contracted and subcontracted labour, are trained adequately before assignments begin COMMUNICATE HAZARD CODES Copies of hazard coding system should be posted outside the facility at emergency entrance doors and fire emergency connection systems where they are likely to come to the attention of emergency services personnel Information regarding the types of hazardous materials stored, handled or used at the facility, including typical maximum inventories and storage locations, should be shared proactively with emergency services and security personnel to expedite emergency response when needed Representatives of local emergency and security services should be invited to participate in periodic (annual) orientation tours and site inspections to ensure familiarity with potential hazards present AREA SIGNAGE Hazardous areas (electrical rooms, compressor rooms, etc.) installations, materials, safety measures, and emergency exits etc. should be marked appropriately ROTATING AND MOVING EQUIPMENT Injury or death can occur from being trapped, entangled or struck by machinery parts due to unexpected starting or unobvious movement during operations. Recommended protective measures include: · Designing machines to eliminate trap hazards and ensuring that extremities are kept out of harm s way under normal operating conditions. Examples of proper design considerations include two-hand operated machines to prevent amputations of the availability of emergency stops dedicated to the machine and placed in strategic locations. Where a machine or equipment has an exposed moving part or an exposed pinch point that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or equipment should be equipped with and protect by, a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part of pinch point. Guards should be designed and installed in accordance with appropriate machine safety standards (ISO 11161, 14121-Safety of Machinery) · Turning off, isolating, disconnecting and de-energizing (Locked-Out and Tagged Out)machinery with exposed or guarded moving parts, or in which energy can be stored (e.g. compressed air, electrical components etc.) during servicing or maintenance, in conformance with a standard such as CSA Z 460 Lockout or equivalent ISO or ANSI Standard · Designing and installing equipment, where feasible to enable routine service, such as lubrication, without removal or the guarding devices or mechanisms Page 51 of 65 NOISE Noise limits for different working conditions are presented in the Table below. · No employee should be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 dB[A] for a duration of more than 8 hours per day without hearing protection. In addition, no unprotected ear should be exposed to a peak sound pressure level (instantaneous) of more than 140 dB[C] · The use of hearing protection should be enforced actively when the equivalent sound level over 8 hours reaches 85 dB[A], the peak sound level reaches 140 dB[C] or the average maximum sound level reaches 110 dB[A]. Hearing protective devices provided should be capable of reducing sound levels at the ear to at least 85 dB[A] · Although hearing protection is preferred for any period of noise exposure in excess of 85 dB[A] , an equivalent level of protection can be obtained, but less easily managed, by limiting the duration of noise exposure. For every 3 dB[A] increase in sound level the allowed exposure period or duration should be reduced by 50 per cent · Prior to the issuance of hearing protective devices as the final control mechanism, use of acoustic insulating materials, isolation of the noise source, and other engineering controls should be investigated and implemented, where feasible · Periodic medical hearing checks should be performed on workers exposed to high noise levels NOISE LIMITS FOR VARIOUS WORKING ENVIRONMENTS Location/Activity Equivalent Level LAeq, 8 hr Maximum LAmax, fast Heavy industry (no demand 85 dB[A] 110 dB[A] for oral communication) Light industry (decreasing 50-65 dB[A] 110 dB[A] demand for oral communication) Open offices, control rooms, 45-50 dB[A] service counters or similar Individual offices (no 40-45 dB[A] disturbing noise) Classrooms, lecture halls 30-40 dB[A] Hospitals 30-35 dB[A] 40 dB[A] VIBRATION Exposure to hand-arm vibration from equipment such as hand and power tools, or whole body vibrations from surfaces on which the worker stands or sits, should be controlled through choice of equipment , installation of vibration dampening pads or devices and limiting the duration of exposure. Limits for vibration and action values (i.e. the level of exposure at which remediation should be initiated) are provided by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). Exposure levels should be checked on the basis of daily exposure time and data provided by equipment manufacturers ELECTRICAL Exposed or faulty electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, panels, cables, cords, and hand tools, can pose a serious risk to workers. Overhead wires can be struck by metal devices, such as poles or ladders, and by vehicles with metal booms. Vehicles or grounded metal objects brought into close proximity with overhead wires can result in arcing between the wires and the object, without actual contact. Recommended actions include: · Marking all energized electrical devices and lines with warning signs Page 52 of 65 · Locking out (de-charging and leaving open with a controlled locking device) and tagging- out (warning sign place on the lock)devices during service or maintenance · Checking all electrical cords, cables, and hand power tools for frayed and exposed cords and following manufacturer recommendations for maximum permitted operating voltage of the portable hand tools · Double insulating/grounding all electrical equipment used in environments that are, or may become, wet; using equipment with ground fault interrupter (GFI) protected circuits · Protecting power cords and extension cords against damage from traffic by shielding or suspending above traffic areas · Appropriate labelling of service rooms housing high voltage equipment (electrical hazard) and entry is controlled or prohibited · Establishing No Approach zones around or under high voltage power lines · Rubber tired construction or other vehicles that come in direct contact with, or arcing between, high voltage wires need to be taken out of service for periods of 48 hours and have the tires replaced to prevent catastrophic tire and wheel assembly failure, potentially causing serious injury or death · Conducting detailed identification and marking of all buried electrical wiring prior to any excavation work No Approach Zones for High Voltage Power Lines Nominal phase-to-phase Minimum distance voltage rating 750 or more volts, but no 3 meters more than 150,000 volts More than 150,000 volts 4.5 meters but no more than 250,000 volts More than 250,000 volts 6 meters WELDING AND HOT WORK Welding creates an extremely bright and intense light that may seriously injure a workers eyesight. In extreme cases, blindness may result. Additionally, welding may produce noxious fumes to which prolonged exposure can cause serious chronic diseases. Recommended measures include: · Provision of proper eye protection such as welders goggles and/or a full-face eye shield for all personnel involved in, or assisting, welding operations. Additional methods may include the use of welder barrier screens around the specific work station (a solid piece of light metal, canvas, or plywood designed to block welding light from others). Devices to extract and remove noxious fumes at the source may also be required · Special hot work and fire prevention precautions and Standard Operating procedures (SOPs) should be implemented if welding or hot cutting is undertaken outside established welding work stations, including Hot Work permits, stand-by fire extinguishers, stand-by fire watch, and maintaining the fire watch for up to one hour after welding or hot cutting has terminated. Special procedures are required for hot work on tanks or vessels that have contained flammable materials Page 53 of 65 EYE HAZARDS Solid particles from a wide variety of industrial operations, and/or a liquid chemical spray may strike a worker in the eye causing an eye injury or permanent blindness. Recommended measures include: · Use of machine guards or splash shields and/or face and eye protection devices, such as safety glasses with side shields, goggles and/or a full face shield. Specific Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) may be required for use of sanding and grinding tools and/or when working around liquid chemicals. Frequent checks of these types of equipment prior to use to ensure mechanical integrity is also good practice. Machine and equipment guarding should conform to standards published by organizations such as CSA, ANSI, and ISO · Moving areas where the discharge of solid fragments, liquid or gaseous emission scan reasonably be predicted (e.g. discharge of sparks from a metal cutting station, pressure relief valve discharge) away from places expected to be occupied or transited by workers or visitors. Where machine or work fragments could present a hazard to transient workers or passers-by, extra area guarding or proximity restricting systems should be implemented, or PPE required for transients and visitors · Provisions should be made for persons who have to wear prescription glasses either through the use of over glasses or prescription hardened glasses INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE DRIVING AND SITE TRAFFIC Poorly trained or inexperienced industrial vehicle drivers have increased risks of accidents with other vehicles, pedestrians, and equipment. Industrial vehicles and delivery vehicles, as well as private vehicles on-site, also present potential collision scenarios. Industrial vehicle driving and site traffic safety practices include: · Training and licensing industrial vehicle operators in the safe operation of specialized vehicles such as forklifts including, safe loading/unloading, load limits · Ensuring drivers undergo medical surveillance · Ensuring moving equipment with restricted rear visibility is outfitted with audible back-up alarms · Establishing rights-of-way, speed limits, vehicle inspection requirements, operating rules and procedures (e.g. prohibiting operation of forklifts with forks in down position), and control of traffic patterns or direction · Restricting the circulation of delivery and private vehicles to defined routes and areas, giving preference to one-way circulation, where appropriate CHEMICAL HAZARDS Chemical hazards represent potential for illness or injury due to single acute exposure or chronic repetitive exposure to toxic, corrosive, sensitizing or oxidative substances. They also represent a risk of uncontrolled reaction, including the risk of fire and explosion, if incompatible chemicals are inadvertently mixed. Chemical hazards can most effectively be prevented through a hierarchical approach that includes: · Replacement of the hazardous substance with a less hazardous substitute · Implementation of engineering and administrative control measures to avoid or minimize the release of hazardous substances into the work environment keeping the level of exposure below internationally established or recognized limits · Keeping the number of employees exposed, or likely to become exposed, to a minimum · Communicating chemical hazards to workers through labelling and marking according to national or internationally recognized requirements and standards, including the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC), Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), or Page 54 of 65 equivalent. Any means of written communication should be in an easily understood language and be readily available to exposed workers and first-aid personnel · Training workers in the use of available information (such as MSDSs), safe work practices, and appropriate use of PPEs AIR QUALITY Poor air quality due to release of contaminants in the work place can result in possible respiratory irritation, discomfit, or illness to workers. Employers should take appropriate measures to maintain air quality in the work area. These include; · Maintaining levels of contaminant dusts, vapours and gases in the work environment at concentrations below those recommended by the ACGIH as TWA-TLVs (Time Weighted Average-Threshold Limit Values) concentrations to which most workers can be exposed repeatedly (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week, week after week) without sustaining adverse health effects · Developing and implementing work practices to minimize the release of contaminants into the work environment, including Direct piping of liquid and gaseous materials Minimized handling of dry powdered materials Enclosed operations Local exhaust ventilation at emission/release points Vacuum transfer of dry material rather than mechanical or pneumatic conveyance Indoor secure storage, and sealed containers rather than loose storage CORROSIVE, OXIDIZING AND REACTIVE CHEMICALS Corrosive, oxidizing, and reactive chemicals present similar hazards and require similar control measures as flammable materials. However, the added hazard of these chemicals is that inadvertent mixing or intermixing may cause serious adverse reactions. This can lead to the release of flammable or toxic materials and gases, and may lead directly to fires and explosions. These types of substances have the additional hazard of causing significant personnel injury upon direct contact, regardless of intermixing issues. The following controls should be observed in the work environment: · Corrosive, oxidizing and reactive chemicals should be segregated from flammable materials and from other chemicals of incompatible class (acids vs. bases, oxidizers vs. reducers, water sensitive vs. water based etc.) stored in ventilated areas and containers with appropriate secondary containment to minimize intermixing during spills · Workers who are required to handle corrosive, oxidizing, or reactive chemicals should be provided with specialized training and provided with, and wear, appropriate PPE (gloves, apron, splash suits, face shield or goggles, etc.) · Where corrosive, oxidizing, or reactive chemicals are used, handled or stored, qualified first-aid should be ensured at all times. Appropriately equipped first-aid stations should be easily accessible throughout the place of work, and eye wash stations and/or emergency showers should be provided close to all work stations where the recommended first-aid response is immediate flushing with water RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Radiation exposure can lead to potential discomfort, injury or serious illness to workers. Prevention and control strategies include: · Places of work involving occupational and/or natural exposure to ionizing radiation should be established and operated in accordance with recognized international safety Page 55 of 65 standards (e.g. International Atomic Energy Association) and guidelines. The accepted effective dose limits are presented in the Table below · Exposure to non-ionizing radiation (including static magnetic fields, sub-radio frequency magnetic fields, static electric fields, radio frequency and microwave radiation, light and near-infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation)should be controlled to internationally recommended limits (ACGIH and/or International commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation-ICNIRP) · In the case of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, the preferred method for controlling exposure is shielding and limiting the radiation source. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is supplemental only for emergency use. PPE for near-infrared, visible and near violet range radiation can include appropriate sun block creams with or without appropriate screening clothing Accepted Effective Dose Limits for Workplace Radiological Hazards Exposure Workers Apprentices and (minimum 19 years of Students age) (16-18 years of age) Five consecutive year average- 20 mSv/year effective dose Single year exposure- 50 mSv/year 6 mSv/year Effective dose Equivalent dose to the lens of the 150 mSv/year 50 mSv/year eye Equivalent dose to the extremities 500 mSv/year 150 mSv/year (hands, feet) or the skin PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) provides additional protection to workers exposed to workplace hazards in conjunction with other facility controls and safety systems. PPE is considered to be a last resort that is above and beyond other facility controls and provides the worker with an extra level of personal protection. The Table below provides general examples of occupational hazards and types of PPE available for different purposes. Recommended measures for the use of PPE in the workplace include: · Active use of PPE if alternative technologies, work plans or procedures cannot eliminate , or sufficiently reduce, a hazard or exposure · Identification and provision of appropriate PPE that offers adequate protection to the worker, co-workers and occasional visitors, without incurring unnecessary inconvenience to the individual · Proper maintenance of PPE, including cleaning when dirty and replacement when damaged or worn out. Proper use of PPE should be part of the recurrent training programs for employees · Selection of PPE should be based on the hazard and risk ranking described earlier and selected according to criteria on performance and testing established by recognized organizations (American National Standards Institute/ANSI, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health/NIOSH, Canadian Standards Association/CSA) Page 56 of 65 Summary of Recommend PPE According to Hazard Objective Workplace Hazard Suggested PPE Eye and Face Protection Flying particles, molten Safety glasses with side metals, liquid chemicals, shields, protective shades, gases or vapours, light etc. radiation Head Protection Falling objects, inadequate Plastic helmets with top and height clearance, and side impact protection overhead power cords Hearing Protection Noise, ultra-sound Hearing protectors (ear plugs or ear muffs) Foot Protection Falling or rolling objects, Safety shoes and boots for pointed objects. Corrosive protection against moving or hot liquids and falling objects, liquids and chemicals Hand Protection Hazardous materials, cuts Gloves made of rubber or or lacerations, vibrations, synthetic materials extreme temperatures (Neoprene), leather, steel, insulating materials etc. Respiratory Protection Dust, fogs, fumes, mists, Face mask with appropriate gases, smokes, vapours filters for dust removal and air purification (chemicals, mists, vapours and gases). Single or multiple gas personal monitors, if available Oxygen deficiency Portable or supplied air (fixed lines) On-site rescue equipment Body/Leg Protection Extreme temperatures, Insulating clothing, body hazardous materials, suits, aprons, etc. of biological agents, cutting appropriate materials and laceration MONITORING Occupational health and safety programs should verify the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies. The selected indicators should be representative of the most significant occupational, health and safety hazards, and the implementation of prevention and control strategies. The occupational health and safety monitoring program should include: · Safety inspection testing, and calibration: This should include regular inspection and testing of all safety features and hazard control measures focusing on engineering and personal protective features, work procedures, places of work, installations, equipment, and tools used. The inspection should verify that issued PPE continues to provide adequate protection and is being worn as required. All instruments installed and used for monitoring and recording of working environment parameters should be regularly tested and calibrated, and the respective records maintained Page 57 of 65 · Surveillance of the working environment: Employers should document compliance using an appropriate combination of portable and stationary monitoring instruments. Monitoring and analysis should be conducted according to internationally recognized methods and standards. Monitoring methodologies, locations, frequencies, and parameters should be established individually for each project following a review of the hazards. Generally, monitoring should be performed during commissioning of facilities or equipment and at the end of the defect and liability period, and otherwise repeated according to the monitoring plan · Surveillance of workers health: When extraordinary protective measures are required (for example, against hazardous compounds), workers should be provided appropriate and relevant health surveillance prior to first exposure, and at regular intervals thereafter. The surveillance should, if deemed necessary, be continued after termination of the employment · Training: Training activities for employees and visitors should be adequately monitored and documented (curriculum, duration, and participants). Emergency exercises including fire drills, should be documented adequately. Service providers and contractors should be contractually required to submit to the employer adequate training documentation before start of their assignment ACCIDENT AND DISEASES MONITORING The employer should establish systems and procedures for reporting and recording: · Occupational accidents and diseases · Dangerous occurrences and incidents These systems should enable workers to report immediately to their immediate supervisor any situation they believe presents a serious danger to life and health The systems and the employer should further enable and encourage workers to report to management all: · Occupational injuries and near misses · Suspected cases of occupational disease · Dangerous occurrences and incidents All reported occupational accidents, occupational diseases, dangerous occurrences, and incidents together with near misses should be investigated with the assistance of a person knowledgeable/competent in occupational safety. The investigation should: · Establish what happened · Determine the cause of what happened · Identify measures necessary to prevent a recurrence Occupational accidents and diseases should, at a minimum, be classified according to the Table below. Distinction is made between fatal and non-fatal injuries. The two main categories are divided into three sub-categories according to time of death or duration of the incapacity to work. The total work hours during the specified reporting period should be reported to the appropriate regulatory agency Occupational Accident Reporting Fatalities Non-fatal injuries Total time lost (number) (number) non-fatal injuries (days) Immediate Less than one day Within a month Up to 3 days Up to 3 days Within a year More than 3 days More than 3 days Page 58 of 65 CONSTRUCTION AND DECOMMISSIONING NOISE AND VIBRATION During construction and decommissioning activities, noise and vibration may be caused by the operation of pile drivers, earth moving and excavation equipment, concrete mixers, cranes and the transportation of equipment, men and materials. Some recommended noise reduction and control strategies to consider in areas close to community areas include: · Planning activities in consultation with local communities so that activities with the greatest potential to generate noise are planned during periods of the day that will result in least disturbance · Using noise control devices, such as temporary noise barriers and deflectors for impact and blasting activities, and exhaust muffling devices for combustion engines · Avoiding or minimizing project transportation through community areas SOIL EROSION Soil erosion may be caused by exposure of soil surfaces to rain and wind during site clearing, earth moving and excavation activities. The mobilization and transport of soil particles may, in turn, result in sedimentation in surface drainage networks, which may result in impacts to the quality of natural water systems and ultimately the biological systems that use these waters. Recommended soil erosion and water system management approaches include: · Reducing or preventing erosion by: -Scheduling to avoid heavy rainfall periods (i.e. during the dry season) to the extent practical -Contouring and minimizing length and steepness of slopes -Mulching to stabilize exposed areas -Re-vegetating areas promptly -Designing channels and ditches for post construction flow -Lining steep channels and slopes (e.g. use jute matting) · Reducing of preventing site sediment transport through the use of settlement ponds, silt fences, and water treatment, and modifying or suspending activities during extreme rainfall and high winds to the extent practical CLEAN RUNOFF MANAGEMENT Segregating or diverting clean water runoff to prevent it mixing with water containing a high solids content, to minimize the volume of water to be treated prior to release STRUCTURAL (SLOPE) STABILITY Providing effective measures for short term slope stabilization, sediment control and subsidence control until long term measures for the operational phase can be implemented Providing adequate drainage systems to minimize and control infiltration AIR QUALITY Construction and decommissioning activities may generate emissions of fugitive dust caused by a combination of on-site excavation and movement of earth materials, contact of construction machinery with bare soil and soil piles to wind. A secondary source of emission may include exhaust of diesel engines from earth moving equipment, as well as the burning of solid waste on-site. Techniques to consider for the reduction and control of air emissions from construction and decommissioning sites include: Page 59 of 65 · Minimizing dust from materials handling sources, such as conveyors and bins, by using covers and/or control equipment (water suppression, bag-house of cyclone) · Minimizing dust from open area sources, including storage piles, by using control measures such as installing enclosures and covers , and increasing the moisture content · Dust suppression techniques should be implemented , such as applying water or non- toxic chemicals to minimize dust from vehicle movements · Selectively removing potentially hazardous air pollutants such as asbestos, from existing infrastructure prior to demolition · Managing emission from mobile sources · Avoid open burning of solids SOLID WASTE Non-hazardous solid waste generated at construction and decommissioning sites includes excess fill materials from grading and excavation activities, scrap wood and metals, and small concrete spills. Other non-hazardous waste includes office, kitchen, and dormitory wastes when these types of operations are part of construction project activities. Hazardous solid waste includes contaminated soils, which could potentially be encountered on-site due to previous land use activities, or small amounts of machinery maintenance materials, such as oily rags, used oil filters, and used oil, as well as clean up materials from oil and fuel spills. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Construction and decommissioning activities may pose the potential for release of petroleum based products, such as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or fuels during their storage, transfer or use in equipment. These materials may also be encountered during decommissioning activities in building components or industrial process equipment. Techniques for the prevention, minimization, and control of these impacts include: · Providing adequate secondary containment for fuel storage tanks and for the temporary storage of other fluids such as lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids · Using impervious surfaces for refuelling areas and other fluid transfer operations · Training workers on the correct transfer and handling of fuels and chemicals and the response to spills · Providing portable spill and clean up equipment on-site and training in the equipment deployment · Assessing the contents of hazardous materials and petroleum based products in building systems (e.g. PCB containing electrical equipment, asbestos containing building materials) and process equipment and removing them prior to initiation of decommissioning activities, and properly managing their treatment and disposal · Assessing the presence of hazardous substances in or on building materials (e.g. PCBs, asbestos containing flooring or insulation) and decontaminating or properly managing contaminated building materials WASTEWATER DISCHARGES Construction and decommissioning activities may include the generation of sanitary wastewater discharges in varying quantities depending on the number of workers involved. Adequate portable or permanent sanitation facilities serving all workers should be provided at all construction sites. SLIPS AND FALLS-Same elevation Slips and falls on the same elevation associated with poor housekeeping, such as excessive waste debris, loose construction materials, liquid spills and uncontrolled use of electrical cords and ropes on the ground, are also among the most frequent cause of lost time accidents at Page 60 of 65 construction and decommissioning sites. Recommended methods for the prevention of slips and falls from or on, the same elevation include: · Implementing good housekeeping practices, such as the sorting and placing loose construction materials or demolition debris in established areas away from foot paths · Cleaning excessive waste debris and liquid spills regularly · Locating electrical cords and ropes in common areas and marked corridors · Use of slip retardant footwear SLIPS AND FALLS-Work in Heights Falls from elevation associated with working with ladders, scaffolding, and partially built or demolished structures are among the most common cause of fatal or permanent disabling injury at construction or decommissioning sites. If fall hazards exist, a fall protection plan should be in place which includes one or more of the following aspects, depending on the nature of the fall hazard: · Training in use of temporary fall prevention devices, such as rails or other barriers able to support a weight of 200 pounds, when working at heights equal or greater than two meters or any height if the risk includes falling into, operating machinery, into water or other liquid, into hazardous substances, or through an opening in a work surface · Training in use of personal fall arrest systems, such as full body harnesses and energy absorbing lanyards able to support 5000 pounds as well as fall rescue procedures to deal with workers whose fall has been successfully arrested. The tie in point of the fall arresting system should also be able to support 5000 pounds · Use of control zones and safety monitoring systems to warn workers of their proximity to fall hazard zones, as well as securing, marking, and labelling covers for openings in floors, roofs, or walking surfaces STRUCK BY OBJECTS Construction and demolition activities may pose significant hazards related to the potential fall of materials or tools, as well as ejection of solid particles from abrasive or other types of power tools which can result in injuries to the head, eyes and extremities. Techniques for the prevention and control of these hazards include: · Using a designated and restricted waste drop or discharge zones, and/or a chute for safe movement of wastes from upper to lower levels · Conducting sawing, grinding, sanding, chipping or chiselling with proper guards and anchoring as applicable · Maintaining clear traffic ways to avoid driving of heavy equipment over loose scrap · Use of temporary fall protection measures in scaffolds and out edges of elevated work surfaces, such as hand rails and toe boards to prevent materials from being dislodged · Evacuating work areas during blasting operations, and using blast mats or other means of deflection to minimize fly rock or ejection of demolition debris if work is conducted in proximity to people or structures · Wearing appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses with side shields, hard hats and safety shoes DUST · Dust suppression techniques should be implemented, such as applying water or non- toxic chemicals to minimize dust from vehicle movements · PPE such as dust masks, should be used where dust levels are excessive Page 61 of 65 MOVING MACHINERY Vehicle traffic and use of lifting equipment in the movement of machinery and materials on a construction site may pose temporary hazards, such as physical contact, spills, dust emissions and noise. Heavy equipment operators have limited fields of view close to their equipment and may not see pedestrians close to the vehicle. Centre articulated vehicles create a significant impact or crush hazard zone on the outboard side of a turn while moving. Techniques for the prevention and control of these impacts include: · Planning and segregating the location of vehicle traffic, machine operation, and walking areas, and controlling vehicle traffic through the use of one-way traffic routes, establishment of speed limits, and on-site trained flag-people wearing high-visibility vests or outer clothing covering to direct traffic · Ensuring the visibility of personnel through their use of high visibility vests when working in or walking through heavy equipment operating areas, and training of workers to verify eye contact with equipment operators before approaching the operating vehicle · Ensuring moving equipment is equipped with audible back-up alarms · Using inspected and well-maintained lifting devoices that are appropriate for the load, such as cranes, and securing loads when lifting them to higher job-site elevations CONFINED SPACES AND EXCAVATIONS Examples of confined spaces that may be present in construction or demolition sites include: silos, vats, hoppers, utility vaults, tanks, sewers, pipes and access shafts. Ditches and trenches may also be considered a confined space when access or egress is limited. The occupational hazards associated with confined spaces and excavations in construction and decommissioning sites should be prevented according to the following recommendations: · Controlling site-specific factors which may contribute to excavation slope instability including, for example, the use of excavation dewatering, side-walls support, and slope gradient adjustments that eliminate or minimize the risk of collapse, entrapment, or drowning · Providing safe means of access and egress from excavations, such as graded slopes, graded access route, or stairs and ladders · Avoiding the operation of combustion equipment for prolonged periods inside excavation areas where other workers are required to enter unless the area is actively ventilated COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY General Site Hazards Projects should implement risk management strategies to protect the community from physical, chemical, or other hazards associated with sites under construction and decommissioning. Risks may arise from inadvertent, or intentional trespassing , including potential contact with hazardous materials, contaminated soils and other environmental media, buildings that are vacant or under construction, or excavations and structures which may pose falling and entrapment hazards. Risk management strategies may include: · Restricting access to the site, through a combination of institutional and administrative controls, with a focus on high risk structures or areas depending on site-specific situations, including fencing, signage, and communication of risks to the local community · Removing hazardous conditions on construction sites that cannot be controlled effectively with site access restrictions, such as covering openings to small spaces, ensuring means of escape for larger openings such as trenches or excavations, or locked storage of hazardous materials Page 62 of 65 Traffic Safety Construction activities may result in a significant increase in movement of heavy vehicles for transport of construction materials and equipment increasing the risk of traffic related accidents and injuries to workers and local communities. The incidence of road accidents involving project vehicles during construction should be minimized through a combination of education and awareness-raising. AIR EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES-Land Based Similar to other combustion processes, emissions from vehicles include CO, NOX, SO2, Particulate Matter (PM), and Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC). Emissions form on-road and off- road vehicles should comply with national or regional programs. In the absence of these the following approach should be considered: · Regardless of the size or type of vehicle, fleet owners/operators should implement the manufacturer recommended engine maintenance programs · Drivers should be instructed on the benefits of driving practices that reduce both the risk of accidents and fuel consumption, including measured acceleration and driving within safe speed limits · Operators with fleets of 120 or more units of heavy duty vehicles (trucks and buses), or 540 or more light duty vehicles (cars and light trucks) within an air-shed should consider additional ways to reduce potential impacts including: -Replacing older vehicles with newer, or more fuel efficient alternatives -Converting high use vehicles to cleaner fuels, where feasible -Installing and maintaining emission control devices, such as catalytic converters -Implementing a regular vehicle maintenance and repair program Page 63 of 65