58886 PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA THE WORLD BANK SICHUAN WUDU IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (WIADP) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SICHUAN W UDU W ATER CONSERVANCY & W ATER ELECTRICITY GROUP, LTD CHENGDU INVESTIGATION, DESIGN & RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CHINA HYDROPOWER CONSULTING GROUP NOVEMBER, 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables and Figures ......................................................................................... iii Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ iv 1. Project Background........................................................................................ 1 2. Project Development Objectives ................................................................... 1 3. Environmental Assessment Process and Legal Framework ....................... 2 4. Project Description ......................................................................................... 3 5. Environmental Baseline ................................................................................. 8 5.1 Physical Environment ................................................................................ 8 5.2 Environmental Quality ................................................................................ 9 5.3 Ecological Environment ........................................................................... 10 5.4 Socio-Economic Situation ........................................................................ 11 5.5 Sensitive Sites ......................................................................................... 11 6. Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................................... 12 6.1 With and Without-Project Analysis ........................................................... 12 6.2 Alternative Analyses of Jinfeng Dam Sites ............................................... 12 6.3 Alternative Analyses for Canal Alignments ............................................... 13 6.4 Optimization of Plans for Construction Camps, Borrow Pits and Roads ... 13 7. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...................................... 14 7.1 Impacts during Construction and Mitigation Measures ............................. 14 7.2 Impacts during Operation and Mitigation Measures ................................. 17 7.3 Safety of Dams ........................................................................................ 19 7.4 Pest Management Plan ............................................................................ 19 7.5 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................. 20 7.6 Review of the Environmental Impact of the Wudu Reservoir Project ........ 21 8. Environmental Management Plan................................................................ 23 9. Resettlement Action Plan and Ethnic Minority Development Plan ........... 25 10. Public Consultation and Information Disclosure ....................................... 27 11. Conclusions and Recommendations .......................................................... 29 ii LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Table 3.1: Compliance with World Bank Safeguard Policies .............................. 2 Table 3.2: Compliance with Chinese Laws and Regulations .............................. 3 Table 4.1: Project Components ......................................................................... 4 Table 4.2: Works to be Financed by the World Bank under WIADP ................... 7 Table 5.1: Socio-Economic Situation of the Project Area ................................. 11 Table 6.1: Infield Road Plan Optimization from Feasibility Study (FS) to Preliminary Design Stage. .............................................................. 14 Table 7.1: Relationship of Phase I & II (WIADP) of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme........................................................................... 20 Table 7.2: Water Balance for First Phase and Second Phase for 2030 ............ 21 Table 8.1: Main Mitigation Measures and Responsibility in EMP ..................... 25 Table 9.1: Details of Resettlement Surveyed. .................................................. 26 Table 10.1: Public Consultation ....................................................................... 27 Figure 4.1: Geographic Location and Layout of the Proposed Project ............... 6 Figure 8.1: Environmental Management System for WIADP ............................ 24 iii ABBREVIATIONS CDD Community Driven Development CHCG China Hydropower Consulting Group DI Design Institute DSP Dam Safety Panel CIDRI Chengdu Investigation, Design & Research Institute EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMP Environmental Management Plan EPB Environmental Protection Bureau EPP Emergency Preparedness Plan FS Feasibility Study MEP Ministry of Environmental Protection OMS Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance OP/BP Operational Policy/Bank Procedure PD Preliminary Design PMO Project Management Office PRC The People's Republic of China WB World Bank WIADP Sichuan Wudu Irrigated Agricultural Development Project WUAs Water Users Associations SWWCWEG Sichuan Wudu Water Conservancy & Water Electricity Group, Ltd WWDMB Wudu Water Diversion Management Bureau CURRENCIES & OTHER UNITS Mu Area Unit (1 mu0.0667 hectare) RMB Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) USD United States Dollar Exchange rate 1 US$6.78 RMB CHEMICAL ABBREVIATIONS BOD5 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days) COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CODMn Permanganate Index NH3-N Ammonia Nitrogen TSP Total Suspended Particulates iv 1. Project Background This document summarizes the environmental impact assessment reports of the World Bank financed Sichuan Wudu Irrigated Agricultural Development Project (WIADP), highlighting the main issues and conclusions of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environment management plan (EMP) for WIADP. According to both the Chinese Environmental Assessment laws and the World Bank's Operational Policy 4.01 Environmental Assessment, the proposed project is Category A for environmental assessment purposes, due to the scale and significance of potential environmental and social impacts. Therefore, a full environmental assessment report was required. The project is estimated to cost about 4471 million RMB, of which the World Bank is to finance US$100 million; the rest will be financed by the Borrower's counterpart funds. In accordance with Chinese internal review and approval procedures, an EIA report together with an EMP was prepared for WIADP by the Chengdu Investigation, Design & Research Institute (CIDRI) of China Hydropower Consulting Group (CHCG) in association with Sichuan University. The Chinese EIA report for WIADP has been reviewed by the Ministry of Water Resources, and is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP). This Executive Summary is based on these reports, as well as feasibility studies carried out for the project. The EA reports and EMP were submitted to the World Bank for review and they fully conform to Bank policy guidelines regarding environmental and social issues. All reports mentioned above will be made available in China and in the Public Information Center (Infoshop) of the World Bank. 2. Project Development Objectives The Project Development Objectives are (a) to increase the total area covered by irrigation in order to increase agricultural production in Mianyang Prefecture; (b) to provide a water supply to small rural communities and industries in Mianyang Prefecture; and (c) to introduce a participatory approach for water management in the project areas to ensure the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture. The project is located in an area between Fujiang River in the west and Jialingjiang River in the east, a region characterized by rolling hills in the southwest of China's Sichuan Province. The project area covers eight counties and cities in four municipalities: Jiangyou, Youxian, Santai, Yanting and Zitong counties/cities in Mianyang Municipality, Shehong County in Suining Municipality, Jiange County in Guangyuan Municipality and Nanbu County in Nanchong Municipality. The project will: a) Provide a more reliable irrigation, drinking and industrial water supply through the construction of irrigation infrastructure systems and the construction or rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation works. 1 b) Provide a complementary package of integrated agricultural inputs and support services to help farmers increase their agricultural yields. c) Establish Water User Associations (WUAs) based on a Community Driven Development (CDD) approach to fully cover the irrigated areas of the project. d) Provide intensive training and technical assistance to the farmers responsible for water management and the operation and maintenance of the on-farm irrigation systems, including the lateral, sub-lateral and farm ditches. The key beneficiaries of the project are about 1.35 million poor farmers (397,000 households) who will be able to receive a reliable irrigation water supply and change from mainly dry farming to irrigated agriculture and thus boost their agricultural production. The other key beneficiaries are the about 1.7 million poor people in the rural and small urban communities in Mianyang Prefecture, who, along with the industries in the prefecture, will be provided with a water supply for drinking and industrial purposes. 3. Environmental Assessment Process and Legal Framework A full Environmental Assessment (EA) was carried out in accordance with Chinese EIA Law and relevant regulations and World Bank environmental safeguard policies. The project triggered the following World Bank Policies: Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01); Pest Management (OP4.09); and Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12); and Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37). Compliance with these policies, and the World Bank's disclosure of information policy, is summarized in Table 3.1. The project is also in full compliance with environmental policies and regulations in China, summarized in Table 3.2. Table 3.1: Compliance with World Bank Safeguard Policies Safeguard Policies Actions Environmental Assessment Category A project. Full EIA and EMP have been prepared. (OP/BP 4.01) Pest Management (OP4.09) Pest Management Plan has been prepared. Involuntary Resettlement Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) has been prepared. (OP/BP 4.12) A Dam Safety Panel (DSP) was hired to provide consulting services concerning the safety of the new Jinfeng dam, as well as the existing Heping dam and the dam (the Wudu dam) currently being built. The operational, maintenance Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) and surveillance (OMS) manual and Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for the Wudu dam have been revised. The design of the Jinfeng dam complies with OP/BP 4.37. Opinion surveys and public consultations were held in Public Consultation various forms in the project area during the preparation of the EA and RAP. 2 Table 3.2: Compliance with Chinese Laws and Regulations Chinese Laws and Project Compliance Regulations The EIA is prepared according to relevant laws/regulations and technical guidelines; Mitigation measures are developed in the EMP and incorporated into the project Environmental Protection Law design, to be implemented and supervised during construction. A final acceptance inspection will be carried out before commissioning. A full EIA report is prepared, technically reviewed at the ministerial level and to be approved by the Ministry of Environmental Impact Environmental Protection. A dedicated Water and Soil Assessment Law Conservation Plan is developed and approved by water resources authorities. Notice on Strengthening EIA Management for Construction EIA and EMP are prepared in compliance with World Bank Projects Funded by Loans from OP4.01. International Financial Institutions Spoil disposal sites have been planned and a Water and Solid Waste Pollution Soil Conservation Plan has been developed. The plan is Prevention and Control Law incorporated into the EMP and will be specified in bid documents for contractors to allow for implementation. Water Pollution Prevention and Mitigation measures are built into the EMP. Control Law Potential impact is thoroughly addressed in the EIA, and Wildlife Protection Law necessary mitigation measures are developed in the EMP. A Water and Soil Conservation Plan is developed and Water and Soil Conservation incorporated into the EMP. The plan will be specified in bid Law documents for contractors to allow for implementation. Consultations with local cultural property authorities in the Cultural Property Law project counties and cities were held. Chance finding procedures will be followed. Tentative Method for Public Public consultation was conducted following the tentative Participation in EIA method during the preparation of the EIA. Chinese National Environmental Quality Standards for surface water (GB3838-2002), ground water Environmental Quality (GB/T14848-93), ambient air (GB3095-1996), and acoustic Standards environment (GB3096-2008) were used during the preparation of the EIA. National integrated pollutants discharging/emission standards for wastewater (GB8978-1996), waste gas Pollutants discharging (GB16297-1996) and noise limit at construction site Standards boundary (GB12523-90) were used during the preparation of the EIA. 4. Project Description The Proposed Wudu Irrigated Agricultural Development Project (WIADP) is the second phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme, which is located at the upper and middle streams of the Fujiang River to provide agricultural irrigation, power generation, flood control, and water supplies to industries and urban areas. The first-phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme was already completed in 2002 and 3 has been in full operation. It is serving the Fuzi irrigation district and plays an important role in the economic and social development of the region. WIADP, or the second phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme, is to receive water supplied by the upstream Wudu Reservoir (storage capacity 572 million m 3), which is to be completed by the end of 2010, through intake works at Wudu Reservoir. It would also receive water supplied and regulated by Jinfeng Reservoir (storage capacity 98 million m3), which is to be built by the local government under WIADP. In addition to Jinfeng Reservoir, the project would include the construction of the Xizi main canal for a total length of about 108 km and with a capacity of 28.5 m3/s ­ 12.5 m3/s, 16 branch canals, and one sub-main canal, which together would cover about 1.053 million mu (70,000 ha) of irrigated land--the Xizi irrigation district and the Wudu Reservoir direct irrigation district--and would also provide some water for urban, rural and industrial use. The project would also include construction of the associated on-farm canal systems in Mianyang Prefecture to cover the above areaas well as institutional capacity building and project management. The Bank will finance (a) part of the Xizi main canal (about 23 km), one sub-main canal and 10 branch canals; (b) on-farm demonstration areas based on a Community Driven Development approach; and (c) institutional capacity building and project management. The project components are illustrated in Table 4.1 below. Table 4.1: Project Components WIADP Project Components Item Works to be financed by the World Works to be financed by Government Bank under WIADP investments under WIADP First flow section of Xizi main canal, Second to ninth flow sections of Xizi 3 branch canals in the Wudu direct main canal, Jinfeng regulation irrigation district; 7 branch canals Reservoir, other 6 branch canals, (sections in Mianyang Prefecture) Jinlong sub-main canal (section and 1 sub-main canal in the Xizi outside Mianyang Prefecture) Principal part irrigation district. Total length of Yuanshan branch canal (section canals is designed to be 258.503 km, outside Mianyang Prefecture). Total covering 800,700 mu of irrigation length of canals is designed to be areas. 199.368 km, covering 252,500 Mu of irrigation areas. 3 lateral or sub-lateral canals with a On-farm pilot works total length of 46.767 km covering 21, 790 mu of irrigation area. Out of 14 inverted siphons for river Out of 7 inverted siphons for river crossings, only one inverted siphon crossings, only one inverted siphon Diversion on Zitongjiang River needs water on Maming River needs water works Auxiliary diversion, for which a stone and diversion, for which a stone and works earth cofferdam will be used. earth cofferdam will be used. Number of 537construction areas. 255 construction areas. construction areas 4 Item WIADP Project Components 154.36 km of new roads will be constructed (grade 4, macadam paved, Construction roadbed width of 4.5 m). In addition, 221,1 km of existing roads will be traffic rehabilitated and 550.1 km of existing roads will be used. Spoil 141 spoil disposal sites with a total 140 spoil disposal sites with a total disposal site volume of 5.0821 million m3 volume of 9.1491 m3occupying occupying 137.31 ha of land. 217.9 ha of land. Borrow pit No borrow pit will be arranged for No borrow pit will be arranged for small and medium canal works, small and medium canal works, where spoil will be reused and where spoil will be reused and outsourcing will be considered to outsourcing will be considered to make up for any shortage. A sand make up for any shortage. One gravel borrow pit will be arranged for borrow pit at Xindeba will be the first flow section of the Xizi main arranged for the Xizi main canal and canal at Caiba along Zitongjiang Jinfeng dam. River. Workers in At peak time, camps will At peak time, camps will camps accommodate 305, construction accommodate 145, 3609 and 850 workers for the small and medium construction workers for the small canal works and 1005 workers for and medium canal works, Xizi main the Xizi main canal. canal and Jinfeng dam construction respectively. Land A total of 434.51 ha of land will be A total of 950.07 ha of land will be acquisition used, including 283.02 ha of land to used, including 669.20 ha of land to be permanently acquired and 151.39 be permanently acquired and 281.85 ha of land to be temporarily ha of land to be temporarily borrowed. borrowed. Resettlement A total of 3848 persons will be A total of 7397 persons will be affected: 2858 persons affected by affected: 3874 persons affected by land acquisition and 990 persons land acquisition and 3523 persons by affected by both land acquisition and both land acquisition and house house demolition. No household will demolition. People affected by Land be affected only by house demolition. resettlement will be offered another acquisition People affected by resettlement will place within the village to build a and be offered another place within the house. (These houses won't stand resettlement village to build a house. These together but will be built in different houses won't stand together but will locations.) be built in different locations. Public Impacting 214 telegraph poles, 3960 Impacting 1.75 km of leveled roads, facilities to be m of water canals, 11 bridges, 2385 50.858 km of tractor roads, 106.97 affected m of highways, 1145 m of water stack of power line per km, 50.12 supply pipelines, 14972 m of tractor stack of communication line per km, roads, 15440 m of communication 48.97 stack of radio and TV cables, 9710 m of power cables, broadcasting lines per km, 2 small etc. reservoirs, 1.10 km natural gas pipelines, etc. Mitigation measures to protect water, acoustic, and ambient air environments, domestic Environmental solid waste management, eco-environment protection measures, health protection protection measures, water and soil conservation measures, environmental protection for resettlement works area, environmental monitoring, environment management during operation, etc. 5 Details of works to be financed by the World Bank are shown in Table 4.2 below. Figure 4.1 shows the layout of the proposed project. Works to be financed by the World Bank are shown in red. Figure 4.1: Geographic Location and Layout of the Proposed Project 6 Table 4.2: Works to be Financed by the World Bank under WIADP Design Tunnel Siphon Buried culvert Small aqueduct Structures Length irrigated Total of open area No. of No. of No length canal (10,000 No. of No. of No. of aqueduc structures and . Name of works (km km mu tunnels (m) siphons (m) culverts ( m) ts (m) gates 1 First Section of Xizi Main Canal 2.300 2.300 - - - - 2 Right Branch Canal 8.984 6.246 2.500 3 2,472 1 180.55 1 85 97 3 Yongchong Branch Canal 26.570 17.244 5.750 7 4,478 3 2,080 14 1,743 6 1,025 284 4 Yongdong Branch Canal 34.583 29.800 6.700 10 1,880 2 1,250 8 751 8 902 256 5 Dabao Branch Canal 31.569 24.527 5.460 10 5,386 5 1,506 1 150 183 6 Renbo Branch Canal 31.957 23.732 9.250 11 7,302 4 923 148 7 Yuanshan Branch Canal 6.800 5.977 5.670 1 823 54 8 Shihei Branch Canal 22.290 19.610 3.320 4 2,213 1 331 1 136 171 9 Fucheng Branch Canal 23.334 11.896 5.280 20 10,342 5 230 5 867 102 10 Linma Branch Canal 15.192 6.784 7.050 24 8,227 1 181 107 11 Jinxi Branch Canal 14.093 9.349 5.160 14 3,871 2 729 1 145 96 12 Jinnong Sub-Main Canal 19.940 12.671 23.930 17 5,638 3 536 7 1,095 161 13 Huanglian Sub-lateral Canal 5.000 5.000 0.5 - 14 Shengli Sub-lateral Canal 17.800 17.800 0.48 - 15 Shuiguan Lateral Canal 16.577 16.577 1.03 - 7 5. Environmental Baseline 5.1 Physical Environment Topography and Landscape Located along the side of the Fujiang River in between the Jialingjiang River and Fujiang River, the project area is in a shallow-cutting rolling hill region with an elevation between 410 and 844 meter. It is higher in the north and lower in the south and has many water systems on the dendritic shaped Fujiang River. The area upstream can be classified as a mountainous zone, while the middle and downstream are a hilly and a flat zone. Regional Geology The project area is at the junction of Sichuan's western, middle, and northern structural belts of the Neocathaysian tectonic system. At its northwest corner lies the Mt. Longmen structural belt and at its southwest corner the Mianyang loop structure of a rotational shear structural system. The southeast zone of the project area is a combination of the southeast tectonic belt and hilly loop structure and the northeast zone is the northeast tectonic belt. Groundwater in the project area can be classified as pore water in loose accumulative stratum and bedrock crevice water under quaternary system. River System and Water Resources Many rivers run through Mianyang, with most water systems connected to Fujiang River. In total, Mianyang has 52 rivers, and when counted together with brooks and ditches, the number of water ways is over 3000. Among the rivers running through Mianyang, one river has a catchment area larger than 10,000 km2, eight rivers have catchment areas between 1,000 and 10,000 km2, quite a few have a catchment area between 500 and 1,000 km2, and 43 rivers have a catchment area between 100 km2 and 500 km2. Except for the Qingjiang River and Xihe River, which run directly into Jialingjiang River, other rivers belong to the Fujiang water system. Fujiang River, being the largest tributary on the right bank of Jialingjiang River, is the main river in Mianyang Municipality. The irrigation districts covered by the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme involve many water systems. The Fujiang water system is the most dominant and also the primary tributary on the right bank of the Jialingjiang River. The Fujiang River originates from the east side of Mt. Mingshan and is 675 km long with a catchment area of 36272km2. The natural drop from the north to the south is 2810 m. The average gradient of the river section is 0.29%. It flows from the northwest to the southeast passing through the cities and counties of Pingwu, Jiangyou, Mianyang, Santai, Shegong, Shuining and Tongnan, and flows into Jialingjiang River in Hechuan City. The irrigation return 8 flow from the WIADP-covered area would discharge into Mijiang River, Zitongjiang River, the main course of the Fujiang River, and finally discharge into Fujiang River. Zitongjiang River, the main tributary of Fujiang River, rises in Jiangyou City and is 296km long with a catchment area of 5201 km2. It flows through the WIADP- covered area from northwest to Fujiang River in the southeast. According to the statistics, in a dry year, only the main streams of Fujiang River and Tongkou River will have some flow; other rivers all have recorded non-flow. The variation in dry area and water table is the largest for Fujiang River, with the width of its water surface area varying between 1,000 m in flood season and 100 m in dry season, and the flow between 15,900 m3/s at flood peak and 43 m3/s during the dry season. There is no big reservoir to regulate flow on the upstream parts of the Fujiang water system, and in summer, heavy rainfall leads to flash floods, causing large variations in the water surface area, water table, and flow of Fujiang River. As a result, water resource development and utilization of the Fujiang water system is rather low. Climate The project area is in the western part of China's monsoon region and south of the Qingling mountain chain. Affected by a southeastern and southwestern warm and wet flow of air, the area belongs to the sub-tropical monsoon climate. The area has four distinct seasons and is not severely cold in winter, nor intensely hot in summer, but is rather dry during spring and early summer. Precipitation is concentrated during summer and autumn. According to data from four local meteorological stations, the annual mean temperature is between 15.9 and16.9 ºC with maximum temperatures of 36.7 to 39.5 ºC and minimum temperatures of -5.7 to -7.3 ºC. The duration of annual sunshine is 1245 to1357 hours. Relative humidity is around 76 to83 percent. Annual average wind speed is 1.0~1.8m/s, while the maximum wind speed is 15.7~24.0m/s (NNE). Northern wind is the prevailing wind direction. Precipitation gradually increases from SE to NW while evaporation declines from SE to NW. Average annual precipitation rages from 860.9 to 1089.6 mm and two-thirds of it is concentrated during the months of July to September. Average annual evaporation ranges from 905.4 to 1302.7mm and 37.4 percent falls during April, May and June. 5.2 Environmental Quality Surface Water Monitoring date from regular environmental monitoring stations in the project area indicate that water quality in sections within the project area is in compliance with Class II and Class III of the Chinese National Environmental Quality Standard for Surface Water (GB38382002), except for CODMn and BOD5, which exceeded the standard at two monitoring stations in the wet season due to non-point pollution sources from farmland. 9 Ground Water Monitoring data indicate that ground water in the project area as well as the area that was covered by the first phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme is in compliance with Class III of the Chinese National Environmental Quality Standard for Ground Water (GB/T14848-93) and can be used for centralized drinking water supply, and industrial and agricultural uses. Acoustic Environment Three successive instances of acoustic environment monitoring during June 2009 at six points in the rural areas part of both the first and second phases of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme indicate that the acoustic environment was pretty good, with no point (during day or night) exceeding Class 2 of the Chinese National Environmental Quality Standard for Acoustic Environment (GB3096-2008). Ambient Air The ambient air quality indicator TSP was monitored at two representative rural villages for three successive days during June 2009. Results indicate that air quality was in compliance with Grade 2 of the Chinese National Environmental Quality Standard for Ambient Air (GB3095-1996). 5.3 Ecological Environment Terrestrial Ecology A terrestrial ecological survey conducted for this project in 2009 by the Chengdu Ecological Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggested that the project area is situated in a farming area without any natural reserves. Vegetation is dominated by secondary forest replanted in 1970s, grasses and farmland crops. Some artificially planted rare species, listed in the Chinese Red Book on Botany, can be found as street trees or ornamental plants in rural household yards or as species replanted on farmlands returned to forest. Other findings included 117 vertebrate species (43 families and 19 orders), including 27 species of mammals, 79 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians and 5 species of reptiles. The project area and its surroundings are in a traditional farming region and none of the species are considered endangered, rare or protected. Aquatic Ecology Aquatic flora and fauna communities in the water bodies in the project area include 46 species of algae, dominated by diatoms, and widely distributed vascular macrophytes. Zooplankton density and biomass on average are 6.17 ind/L and 0.0007 mg/L. Six species of benthos invertebrate were sampled. A total of 52 fish species, including 9 endemic species of the Yangtze River, were found mainly in the middle section of Zitongjiang River and its tributaries. None of these species are considered endangered or rare and none are included on any list of protected species. However, 10 two rare and endangered species, protected at the provincial-level, were found in Fujiang River upstream of the Wudu Reservoir. Soil Erosion The land cultivation rate in the project area is over 42%, with farmland accounting for 83% of the cultivated area, with a cropping index of 198%. Because of the high population density, cultivation and extensive cropping, soil erosion is rather serious. The eroded area accounts for 43 percent of the total land area. Of the total eroded area, 42 percent has intensive erosion, 36 percent moderate and 22 percent is characterized by slight erosion. The annual average erosion modulus is 4500 ton/km2·year and the annual erosion quantity is 1.37 million tons. 5.4 Socio-Economic Situation The WIADP project area is located in the hinterland of Sichuan Province, covering 3427km2 in six counties and cities in four municipalities. The works to be financed by the World Bank will irrigate 800,700 mu of farmland in three counties/city of Mianyang Municipality. The socio-economic situation of the project area is summarized in Table 5.1 below. Table 5.1: Socio-Economic Situation of the Project Area Mianyang Suining Guangyuan Nanchong County Municipality Municipality Municipality Municipality Unit total Item Jiangyou Xianyou Zitong Yanting Santai Shehong Jiange Nanbu City District County County County County County County 2 WIADP Coverage km 859 970 1282 1387 940 952 323 245 6958 2 Coverage area km 481 / 661 1231 / 610 323 120 3427 Township/town Nr 40 24 32 36 22 30 57 78 319 Rural village Nr 477 253 330 467 592 549 1053 4 Total population 10 88.3 53.8 38.2 60.2 43.2 102.1 67.5 120.0 573.3 people 4 Rural population 10 63.6 35.2 32.3 51.2 36.8 74.9 60.0 108.8 462.8 people 4 Arable land 10 Mu 58.16 37.78 42.10 54.61 39.82 61.39 78.39 82.13 454.38 Per-capita arable Mu 0.91 1.07 1.30 1.07 1.08 0.82 1.31 0.76 4 Total grain output 10 ton 30.85 23.50 19.86 30.30 23.88 44.59 41.06 52.10 266.14 Per-capita grain kg 485 668 615 591 649 595 684 479 Farmer's per-capita net Yuan 4869 5256 4590 4399 4724 3079 3996 income 8 GDP 10 135.8 71.4 34.2 46.2 39.0 137.9 37.4 106.86 608.76 Yuan 5.5 Sensitive Sites During the Environmental Assessment process, the following main environmentally sensitive sites in the project area were identified and analyzed: (1) Two drinking water 11 protected zones (one in the area with works to be financed by World Bank and one in the area with works to be paid for by local government investments), (2) Some local village residential quarters. No natural habitats, natural plant species, or physical cultural resources were found, although a few rare plant species are artificially cultivated in the project area and some provincial-level protected fish species are found upstream of Wudu Reservoir. 6. Analysis of Alternatives In order to prevent potential adverse environmental impacts, the project has, at the project design stage, been subjected to an intense analysis of alternative options including with- and without-project scenarios and various options for the Jinfeng reservoir site, canal alignments, the arrangement of borrow pits, and the transportation plan for construction. The optimal alternatives were selected based on the avoidance of or possibility to mitigate adverse social and environment impacts, as well as other economic, technical, and financial considerations for the least cost solutions. 6.1 With and Without-Project Analysis The with and without-project analysis is conducted based on socio-economic benefits and potential positive and negative environmental impacts. Under the without-project scenario, the low agricultural water utilization and unsustainable water resources utilization would continue and further deteriorate the local rural ecology. The conflict between water demand and water supply would not be solved. On the other hand, the with-project scenario will generate long-lasting social and economic benefits, while the environmental impacts, mainly during the construction period and thus temporary, can be avoided or mitigated by using well known environmental protection measures. Environmental benefits clearly outweigh the environmental impacts. 6.2 Alternative Analyses of Jinfeng Dam Sites Three dam site options were considered: one located upstream of Mijiang stream, a tributary of the Zitongjiang River, and two at the upper and lower reaches of Wangjiagou stream. An initial comparison was made between the site upstream of Mijiang stream and the sites at Wangjiagou stream. The former one was rejected due to its larger inundation damage, resettlement, investment needs and larger dead storage capacity of the reservoir. Detailed comparative analyses were then made between the two sites at Wangjiagou stream in terms of topography, engineering geology, construction conditions, quantities of earth and stone works, land occupation, inundation damages, people to be affected, impact on rare and endangered species, aquatic biology, other key environmental concerns, and total investments. The dam site at the lower reach was recommended as the optimal site because of its sound topographic, geologic and construction conditions, fewer disturbances of topsoil, and smaller impact on water, air, and the acoustic environment during construction, as well as lower investment costs. 12 6.3 Alternative Analyses for Canal Alignments At the conceptual design stage of the project, the following principles were identified based on a field survey to determine canal alignment: The canals' alignment should be economically sound with reliable safety, convenient operation, and minimal resettlement and environmental impact. The canals' alignment should be arranged to enable maximum irrigation coverage and easily provide irrigation water by gravity and connecting with upper and lower canals. The canals' alignment should be economically viable in the light of specific local topographic conditions and with minimum excavation. The need for canal structures, such as tunnels, aqueducts, and siphons, should be fully justified by lessons learned from the first phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme. Full consideration must be given to the connection between canals and Jinfeng reservoir and other junctions to facilitate local peoples' uses, as well as allow for flood control. In the feasibility study and during the preliminary design stage, alternative alignment designs for some typical canal sections were compared, in terms of section alignments, arrangement of tunnels, siphons, aqueducts and buried culvert, to recommend the most economically, socially, and environmentally sound alignments. The comparisons included two alternatives for the first section of the Xizi main canal, two alternatives for each three sections of the Jinlong sub-main canal, and different alternatives for other branch canals. 6.4 Optimization of Plans for Construction Camps, Borrow Pits and Roads Construction Camps Because of the linearity of the Xizi main canal, 11 new construction camps will be set up according to environmentally sound guidelines. Existing construction camps will continue to be used for Jinfeng reservoir construction to avoid further occupation of arable land, forests, and residential land. Consideration was also given to the location of construction camps for the branch canals to avoid impact on environmental sensitive sites. Borrow Pits Different stone and sand borrow pits are planned for the project construction. Two of the standby borrow pits were rejected because of their location close to an environmentally sensitive scenic tourist spot. All 91 spoil disposal sites for the Xizi main canal construction will be located in barren hills, shrub land, and limited farmland 13 to avoid interference with public facilities, residential quarters and paddy rice field occupation. Construction Roads Access Road: One state highway, two provincial highways and many local highways and roads already provide easy access to the project construction area. One 7.1 km long access road will be constructed for the Jinfeng dam construction. Infield Roads: in the feasibility study stage, more than 250 km of infield construction roads were planned to be built. In the preliminary design stage, the following principles were used for the infield road plan to minimize land occupation, resettlement and environmental impact: , 1) maximize the use of existing roads; 2) align roads as close to the canals as possible; 3) in general, do not plan separate new roads for small branch canals, and only plan temporary roads under special circumstances; 4) minimize land occupation and side slope excavation; 5) design roads with smooth connections and gentle gradients to meet the needs of construction vehicles. As a result, the need for the construction of permanent roads was substantially reduced, leading in turn to reduced social and environmental impact. Table 6.1 below presents an overview. Table 6.1: Infield Road Plan Optimization from Feasibility Study (FS) to Preliminary Design Stage Stage FS Stage PD Stage Comparison Item New roads to be constructed (km) 115 23 In the PD stage, new road Xizi construction was substantially main Road to be rehabilitated (km) 21 69 reduced by maximizing the use canal Use of existing road (km) 13.2 203 of existing roads New road to be constructed (km) 142.58 125.86 In the PD stage, the number of Road to be rehabilitated (km) 155.6 150.5 roads to be constructed and Other rehabilitated is reduced, branch Use of existing road (km) 320 320 resulting in a reduction of earth canals 4 3 Earth & stone works (10 m ) 29.85 27.89 and stone works and disposal Number of disposal sites 12 11 pits. 7. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 7.1 Impacts during Construction and Mitigation Measures Project construction will have a temporary impact on the surrounding environment. Typical short-term construction impacts include those on the river water regime, ecological environment, soil erosion, water temperature and quality, air quality, noise, and solid waste. If properly planned, construction impacts on the natural environment can be minimized to an acceptable level. 14 Water Environment An assessment was made of the impact of the water diversion by the cofferdam--necessary for the construction of siphons and Jinfeng dam--on the hydrological conditions of the rivers and streams. The assessment found that the impact would be slight and recommends scheduling the construction for the water diversion and Jinfeng dam to take place during the dry season to minimize its impact. The impact of waste water from the construction sites, borrow pits, and construction camps on the water quality of the rivers and streams, as well as the impacts of siphon and tunnel construction on ground water were also assessed. It was found that the limited impact on the water environment during construction can be mitigated by several measures, including installing a DH high-efficiency gyre treatment facility at each of the stone and sand borrow pits, applying intermittent sedimentation by adding flocculent at concrete mixing sites, installing small oil-separation tanks at vehicles and equipment maintenance stations, and providing dry latrines at construction camps. Special attention was paid to the impact of siphon construction at Zitongjiang River on the drinking water sources protected zone of Maliuhe in Zitong Countyas well as to the impact of the sand and stone borrow pit at Xindeba on a drinking water source protected zone for the No. 2 Water Supply Plant. The Government of Zitong County has agreed to a proposal to relocate the intake pump of the local water supply treatment plant, which is 50 m downstream of the siphon site to a site 1000 m upstream to avoid potential water quality impacts once the siphon construction starts. To avoid and mitigate the second impact, the environmental assessment recommends locating the borrow pit further upstream and the sand and stone processing plant further away from the river side. In addition, it recommends installing an on-site wastewater recycling facility. Ecological Environment Potential impacts on terrestrial ecology during construction would be mainly on agricultural ecosystems, including increased soil erosion, impacts on crops vegetation and secondary forests, and disturbance of some amphibians and birds. Such impact can be mitigated by the implementation of well planned and budgeted soil conservation measures for all construction sites and the recovery of farming crops and local indigenous vegetations after construction. If the artificially planted rare tree species are affected, protective transplantation is recommended. No natural habitats or rare and endangered plants and animal species are expected to be impacted. Potential construction impacts on aquatic ecology are also not expected to be significant as no aquatic plants or animal species with a high economic value or ecological protection status were identified. Excavation and backfilling activities, however, would disturb some common fish species, especially along the Zitongjiang River and Maming River sections where the inverted siphon will be constructed. In general, the impact of the construction on fish is not expected to be significant because of the high productivity of fish species in the project area and the fact that 15 impacts can be mitigated by reducing the number of explosions, the amount of waste dumped into the river, and the amount of gravel and sand taken from it. Social Environment Social impact during construction will include the impact on local traffic, infrastructure, people's health, scenic spots, and tourism. No physical cultural resources or historical relics were found in the project area. A field survey indentified the public facilities, such as trees, roads, tractor roads, power transformers, broadcasting, TV and communication facilities, small reservoirs, natural gas transmission pipelines, wire poles, open ditches, and bridges, highways, and utility lines that will be impacted by the works to be financed by the World Bank and Government investments and will be compensated for. The construction impact on local traffic will be mitigated by an optimized design for canal alignment to avoid heavy traffic area (such as the Baoji­Chendu Railway crossing), as well as by providing temporary protective fences, placing temporary traffic maps and safety warning signs, assigning traffic management staff, and preparing traffic emergency preparedness plans. To ensure construction workers' and local people's health during construction, the environmental assessment recommends epidemic prevention measures, strengthening food safety management, a public campaign about sanitation, and in general keeping and encouraging sound sanitation and hygiene behavior. The construction of the inverted siphon on Zitongjiang River, which will be financed by the World Bank, and the construction of the Gaojianshan tunnel, paid for by Government investments, will be underground works and not impact the landscape integrity of the Qiqushan scenic spot. Following consultation with the Tourism Bureau of Zitong County, it was agreed that no disposal sites or borrow pits will be placed in this scenic spot, and that ground surface and vegetation will be restored as required. Air Environment During the construction, explosions, excavations, backfilling, sand and stone processing, concrete stirring, the movement of construction vehicles and the handling of materials will all generate air-borne dust. Tail gas emissions from construction machines and vehicles are also predicted. Because normally the impact of the total suspended particulates (TSP) is within 100 m of its source, where most of the local residents will have been resettled, the impact of air-borne dust will be limited to local residents and the construction workers. Dust impacts will also disappear with the completion of construction. Mitigation measures that will be used include the selection of sound explosive technology to control air-borne dust at its sources, regularly watering the construction sites during the dry season, installing a ventilation system during the construction of the tunnels, providing protective devices (such as masks) to construction workers, placing dust removal devices on concrete mixers, and delivering cement by closed vehicles. 16 Acoustic Environment Noise from construction equipment, explosions, sand and stone processing at borrow pits, and vehicle movements will potentially affect nearby residents and sensitive sites (mainly the village communities), especially during the night. Based on a quantitative analysis of noise attenuation with distance, the points of concern within the impacted area and the extent of the impact during day and night was identified and analyzed for appropriate mitigation measures. Impact of Solid Waste Construction spoils and domestic waste will be generated during the construction. A total of 282 disposal sites have been planned for the disposal of construction spoils. Soil conservation measures will be used to control soil erosion at these sites. The disposal of domestic waste, about 60% inorganic and 40% organic matter, will build on experiences from the first phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme and include, among others, the provision of garbage bins at construction sites for sorting and collection and the recycling of organic matter and food waste as food for livestock. Other organic matter in solid waste will be hauled to a local municipal landfill site for final disposal. Inorganic matter will be hauled to construction waste disposal sites. 7.2 Impacts during Operation and Mitigation Measures The operation of irrigation canals and Jinfeng reservoir will have an impact on the environment, mainly through their impact on water balance and flows and aquatic ecology. Water Environment The impact of return flow on the water regime and water quality was analyzed and the total volume of irrigation return and domestic sewage from the towns and rural villages is expected to be 119.1 million m3. While the return flow from the district directly irrigated by the Wudu reservoir will be discharged into Fujiang River, the return flow from the Xizi irrigation district will be discharged into Zitongjiang River and eventually join Fujiang River. Annual precipitation in the project area ranges from 860 to1090 mm and the annual runoff depth is between 201 and435 mm, resulting in a total annual runoff of about 785 million m3 in the Xizi irrigated area and 121 million m3 in the area directly irrigated by the Wudu reservoir. The total return flow accounts for only 13.1 % of the total runoff, which means its impact on water regimes is of limited duration when the paddy rice field is to be dried. Of the total return flow in the project area, 32.50 million m 3 will be additional irrigation return water resulting from improved irrigation conditions. This additional irrigation return flow is predicted to increase pollutant loads from non-point source farming runoff by 999.86 ton/year for COD and 230.19 ton/year for NH3-N, which is a 4.35% and 4.96% increase respectively. The increased flow's impact on river water quality is therefore expected to be slight and will not cause further adverse impact on the quality of drinking water sources. 17 Special attention has been paid to the impact of the operation of the Jinfeng reservoir. A Dillon model was used to predict the eutrophication status of the reservoir. It is predicted that monthly total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the reservoir will range between 0.07 and 0.24mg/l. The reservoir will be oligotrophic most months except for March and April when the reservoir will be oligo- to moderately trophic, or, in worst case, be moderately trophic during the wet season. Mitigation measures for water quality protection in the Jinfeng reservoir and irrigation districts include a recommendation to establish a drinking water source protection zone for Jinfeng Reservoir, controlling fishing and prohibiting caged fish in the reservoir, promoting eco-farming technologies, and increasing vegetation in the reservoir catchment area and irrigation districts. Ecological Environment WIADP, in its operation, will create additional water bodies in the project area and a mini humid environment, which will benefit amphibians, birds, macrophytes, and fish. Fish resources in the project area are limited because the water surface area of Fujiang River and its tributary Zitongjiang River are relatively small. . There are no protected rare and endangered fish species in the sections covered by WIADP. On the other hand, fish resources downstream of the Wudu dam will tend to be reduced as a result of changes in flow speed, river regime and flow distribution in Fujiang River. Agricultural Ecology During project operation, the ratio of paddy rice fields to dry farmland will increase from the current 44: 56 to 46:54. The area with grain plantation will be 70 percent, cash crops 30 percent, and the multiple crop index will be 221 percent. Biological productivity in the irrigation district covered by WIADP will substantially increase due to improved irrigation conditions. The majority of groundwater in the project area is very deep (>8m), which is below the critical depth to accumulate salt. As a result, irrigation will not result in soil salinization. A calculation of water temperature in Jinfeng Reservoir and irrigation indicated that irrigation water will not influence the normal growth of paddy rice and no damage from lower water temperatures is expected. A field survey indicated that many plant diseases and insect pests exist in the project area. During the project's operation, the incidence and intensity of plant diseases and insect pests might change because of the increased paddy rice field area. Based on experiences with the first phase of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme, the incidence of plant diseases and insect pests is expected to increase. A pest management plan (PMP) has been developed to mitigate its impact. Social Environment During project operation, the positive social benefits, such as increased agricultural products values, improved rural water supply safety health conditions, and an increased use of land resources, will be larger than the negative impacts. Special attention was paid to the potential for increased occurrence of epidemic 18 schistosomiasis due to the growth and propagation of oncomelamia along irrigation canals. Strengthening monitoring, prevention, and control of schistosomiasis are highly recommended. Mitigation measures include annihilating oncomelamia by means of landfill membrane covering and spraying chemicals. 7.3 Safety of Dams Three dams are related to WIADP: the Wudu dam currently under construction, the completed Heping dam and the Jinfeng dam, which will be constructed. During the project preparations, the Mianyang project management office (PMO) hired a Dam Safety Panel (DSP) comprising of local experts and the Nanjing Dam Safety Center to review the safety status of the dams: Wudu dam: With the assistance of the dam safety panel, the Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance (OMS) plan and the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) for the Wudu dam were modified and revised based on the World Bank Dam Safety Policy. A revised version was sent to the Bank by September 25, 2010. The Mianyang project management office also held a workshop on the OMS and EPP with participations of the project management office, Mianyang Water Resources Bureau, Wudu Dam Management Agent, and a relevant design institute. Heping dam: Recommended by the World Bank task team, the Mianyang prefecture project management office engaged the local government to (a) improve the access road by May 30, 2011 before the next flood season comes; (b) establish dam safety management systems to improve the operation, maintenance and emergency preparedness of the dam, and (c) provide training on dam-safety monitoring to the technical staff who are in the front line of dam operation and maintenance. Jinfeng dam: Following the DSP's Dam Safety Review Report, which included findings and recommendations on the dam safety status, operation, maintenance and surveillance (OMS) and emergency preparedness plan (EPP) of the three dams, a local design institute is improving the design of Jinfeng Dam to ensure that the Project complies with OP4.37. 7.4 Pest Management Plan The project will improve on-going integrated pest management in the Mianyang Municipality. Specifically, it will extend the application of high efficiency, low toxic, low residual effect chemicals and biological pesticides; prohibit the use of high toxic, high residual effect pesticides; reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers; and promote the use of non-chemical technologies for insect and pest control. A Pest Management Plan (PMP) was prepared for the project, covering major pest issues, methods for pest management, pesticide management organizations and their respective responsibilities in Mianyang Municipality, an environmental, 19 occupational and safety risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation activities, and capacity building. 7.5 Cumulative Impacts Linked Project An overview of the relationship between the first and second phases of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme and the WIADP is presented in Table 7.1. Table 7.1: Relationship of Phase I & II (WIADP) of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme. Works to be financed Phase II Phase 1 Wudu Reservoir by the World Bank (WIADP) under WIADP Water conservation Water conservation Water conservation Nature hydro junction works for irrigation works for irrigation works for irrigation Canal system, Engineering Canal system and Canal system and including open ditches, Works Dam, hydropower station water storage water storage inverted siphon, tunnel, Component aqueducts General main canal diverts water for Store and provide irrigation Regulate and Integral part of phase II, phase I and 2 works water sources for phase I dispatch water and provide on-farm Relationship and provides irrigation and II, concurrently provide resources for irrigation system water to districts water supply for industry and irrigation district demonstration covered by phase I urban uses covered by phase II, works Total storage capacity of 572 Cover irrigation area Cover irrigation area Cover irrigation area of Project Scope million m3 workable capacity of 1.2698 million Mu of1.0532 million Mu 0.8007 million Mu of 352.9 million m3 Between Fujiang and Between Zitongjiang Between Zitongjiang Location Upstream of Fujing River Zitongjiang Rivers and Xijiang Rivers and Xijiang Rivers Completed in 2000, Construction Main works to be completed operated for almost 10 To be constructed To be constructed Duration by the end of 2010 years Impacts on the Dispatching of Water Resources Because the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme involves water diversion within the watershed, it will not result in a reduction of water resources n the watershed, except for some impact on the main stream water flow downstream. A quantitative analysis was made of changes in the mainstream water flow during the different seasons in typical wet (P=20%), mean (P=50%) and dry (P=80%) year scenarios. The analysis indicated that the annual volume of water diverted by the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme from the river accounts for only 8.4 to 14.8% of the Fujiang River discharge. It was calculated that the minimum main stream water flow in Fujing River at the section downstream of Wudu dam would be 48.2m 3/s, including 30.6m3/s of ecological base flow. To keep this minimum main stream water flow, the maximum available water volume would be 1.1 billion m3, which is much greater than the water 20 volume to be diverted. It is therefore concluded that the cumulative impact of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme on water resources of the Fujiang River watershed would be small. Total Water Balance The balance between available water resources (water supply) from Wudu Reservoir and Jinfeng Reservoir and water demand in the whole Wudu Diversion scheme (including both first phase and second phase) was analyzed for 2030 and results are shown in Table 7.2. Deficits in this water balance table will be met by local water resources that are captured by a traditional melons on the vine system, which refers to local small reservoirs that augment water resources when needed. Table 7.2: Water Balance for First Phase and Second Phase for 2030 (Million m3) Irrigation Water Rural Water Urban & Total Supply Supply Industrial Water Supply Phase Phase I Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase II & II II I & II II I & II II I & II Supply (Wudu and 176 370 41 51 133 167 350 588 Jinfeng Reservoirs) Demand 220 498 26 33 86 107 332 638 Deficit/Surplus* -44 -128 15 18 47 60 18 -50 *The deficits are met by a melons on the vine system of local water resources. The surpluses in the rural and urban water supplies account for possible increases in demand. Impact on Water Quality Based on a comprehensive assessment of the impact of wastewater from towns, rural sewage and the irrigation return flow on water quality for phases I and II of the project, it is concluded that the impact of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme on water quality would be small during its operation. . There would be no cumulative change of water quality from phase I, phase II and Wudu reservoir projects. 7.6 Review of the Environmental Impact of the Wudu Reservoir Project The Wudu Dam is located in the upstream of the Fujiang River and has a storage capacity of 572 million m3, which is enough to meet the water demands for irrigation and rural and urban uses in the districts covered by both phase I and phase II. The dam was designed and financed exclusively by the Provincial Government and it's expected to be completed by the end of 2010. During the project preparations, the Wudu Reservoir Project EIA, completed in 2002, was reviewed, with a special focus on the implementation of the EMP. 21 The review findings are as follows: Three synchronizations (i.e. facilities for the prevention and control of pollution that are designed, constructed and put into operation simultaneously) are being well followed. Additional budget was even made available to enhance the treatment of construction wastewater. Old trees to be inundated were transplanted and well protected and maintained by a transfer of ownership to the Baishi Village Committee of Yongsheng Town in Jiangyou City. To protect fish resources and species, a Fishery Development Plan was developed by the project owner, which includes the establishment of a breeding, fry release, and fish refuge station for indigenous, rare fish species protected at national and provincial levels. An exploration following the earthquake of May 122008 found no caves in the area below the inundation line. The geological stability of the reservoir bank is sound enough to not pose any dam safety risk. Reservoir bottom cleaning is on-going on the Jiangyou City side and a little bit delayed on Pingwu County side due to the earthquake. The cleaning is and will strictly follow the Reservoir Bottom Cleaning Regulation issued by the Ministry of Water Resources, as well as the Design Norm on Resettlement from Water Conservancy and Hydropower Construction. To ensure peoples' health during construction, quarantine checks and preventive immunizations were given to 980 and 4880 personnel respectively. Four cultural relic sites to be inundated have been relocated based on state regulations governing the protection and control of cultural relics. Water and soil conservation measures were applied to structure occupied places, construction roads, borrow pits, and camps. Dynamic environmental monitoring, including monitoring of air quality, surface water quality, drinking water quality, wastewater, and noise was conducted and monitoring reports from 2005 to 2010 are available, based on an Environmental Monitoring Contract for Wudu Reservoir Project signed between the project owner and Jiangyou City Environmental Station. Recommendations by WIADP Environmental Assessment After review, the following actions will be taken during the implementation phase of the project: a) A final environmental acceptance inspection will be carried out after completion of the dam and before its operation; b) Fishery protection actions in the Fishery Resources Development Plan are implemented as soon as possible, including the establishment of a rare and indigenous fish species breeding and refuge center to breed and release fish fries. In the mean time, dynamic observation of fish resources at downstream locations should be strengthened and the budget for fish 22 species protection increased; c) Programs for initial water storage and optimal water dispatching will be prepared as early as possible. The programs should give full consideration to the ecological and environmental requirement for fish downstream and be submitted to the Provincial Environmental Planning Bureau (EPB) for recording; d) Groundwater level monitoring should be enhanced to observe possible increase of groundwater level due to reservoir storage; e) A Water source protection plan should be initiated as early as possible to protect water quality in the reservoir. 8. Environmental Management Plan The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was developed based on the environmental impact assessment for WIADP a review of the operating conditions of Phase I of the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme, and the implementation of the EMP for the Wudu Reservoir project, learning lessons from completed and on-going activities in this related project. The EMP has clearly defined environment management responsibilities for both the construction and operation of the WIADP, following an environmental management institutional framework. The EMP addresses all issues identified in the EIA, and includes a detailed description of all activities and the institutional responsibilities for implementation, as well as defines a budget and source of financing for each one of the activities included in the EMP. Main components of the EMP include: Background and description of WIADP. Environmental policies, laws, and regulations governing environmental protection. Environmental management system. The EMP has clearly defined environment management responsibilities for both the construction and operation of the WIADP. Training programs for environmental management are recommended. Key environmental, administrative and monitoring personnel will also receive technical training. Figure 8.1 shows this institutional framework. Management of adverse impacts during construction and operation identified in EIA and mitigation measures. Most prevention and mitigation measures have already been included in the project design and project costs. Table 8.1 presents the main mitigation measures. The implementation of a Soil and Water Conservation Plan. Environmental management guidelines for on-farm irrigation systems. Environmental monitoring and supervision. Comprehensive environmental monitoring programs have been designed for both the construction and operation phases of the project. Monitoring will cover water quality, fish, hydrology, construction dust and noise, erosion of areas disturbed by construction, as well as an epidemic survey. 23 Estimated budget for implementing the EMP and Soil and Water Conservation Plan. EMP reporting and information management. MEP MWR External management Sichuan EPB Sichuan WRB Mianyang EPM Mianyang Water Board Jiangyao City PMO Mianyang PMO WB Zitong County PMO Internal management Yanting County PMO SWWCWEG EA institute DIs EMP Phase II EPM supervision management management agencies bureau center Contractor Contract, management relation Assistance, cooperation relation Figure 8.1: Environmental Management System for WIADP. 24 Table 8.1: Main Mitigation Measures and Responsibility in EMP Impact Mitigation Responsibility A detailed set of environmental specifications including a soil and water conservation plan will Contractor, enforced by Construction be included in all bidding documents and engineering supervision impacts contracts. and water resources Environmental training of all workers. bureau Workers' camp rules. Following the Wudu dam project and linking it Sichuan Wudu Water with WIADP, programs for initial water storage Conservancy & Water in Wudu reservoir and optimal water Electricity Group, Ltd Water dispatching should be prepared as early as (SWWCWEG) and Wudu dispatch possible and meet all ecological and Water Diversion environment requirements for downstream fish. Management Board Programs need to be submitted to Provincial (WWDMB) EPB for recording. Environmental management guidelines were Specified in bid document On-farm developed as part of the EMP for contractor, or local works Water Users Association construction (WUAs), enforced by county/city PMO Following the Wudu dam project and linking it with WIADP, fishery protection actions described in the Fishery Resources Development Plan should be implemented as soon as possible, including the establishment SWWCWEG and Fish resource of a rare and indigenous fish species breeding WWDMB, enforced by and species and refuge center to breed and release fish provincial EPB fries. In the mean time, dynamic observation of fish resources at downstream locations should be strengthened and increase budget for fish species protection be made available. Local Agricultural Pesticide Pest Management Plan Technology Extension and Service Center Relocation of Local Resettlement Resettlement Action Plan Population Bureau 9. Resettlement Action Plan and Ethnic Minority Development Plan To achieve project development objectives, the WIADP includes the construction of right and left branch-canals and tunnels of the Wudu Dam, the Xizi main canal, one sub-main canal from Wudu Reservoir, 17 branch canals, and the associated on-farm canal system in Mianyang Prefecture. The project would cover about 1.053 million mu (70,000 ha) of irrigated land. While bringing benefits to local populations, these project activities would also cause some land acquisition and involuntary resettlement of local communities. While no minority nationality groups are in the project area, several disadvantaged groups were identified, including 22 households receiving the five guarantees (childless and infirm old persons who are guaranteed food, clothing, medical care, housing and burial expenses), 43 handicapped, and 67 poverty households, which respectively accounted for 2%1.3%and 1.3% of the total 25 corresponding groups in the project area. Special attention will be paid to these disadvantaged groups when compensations are to be made. A resettlement field investigation was carried out, and the result is illustrated in Table 9.1 below. Table 9.1: Details of Resettlement Surveyed. Permanent land Temporary land total occupation occupation No Item Unit Works to be Works to be Works to be financed by WIADP financed by WIADP financed by WIADP WB WB WB 1 Rural area 1.1 Land area Mu 7502.88 20768.67 4245.32 14283.27 3257.56 6485.4 1.1.1 Arable land Mu 4128.15 11328.13 2317.81 7673.53 1810.34 3654.6 1.1.2 Garden plot Mu 74.67 251.78 54.30 229.18 20.37 22.6 1.1.3 Woodland Mu 2851.72 7085.96 1553.35 4862.79 1298.37 2223.17 1.1.4 Fish ponds/ponds Mu 60.79 150.78 60.79 135.08 15.7 1.1.5 Dwelling land use Mu 76.37 435.09 76.37 422.91 12.18 Construction land Mu 1.1.6 170.56 390.71 107.55 315.82 63.01 74.89 use 1.1.7 Barren land Mu 31.82 102.71 10.97 64.85 20.85 37.86 1.1.8 Other Mu 99.53 1174.29 64.18 714.49 35.35 459.8 1.2 Population Resettlement for 1.2.1 person 3848 6732 production Resettlement for person 990 4661 4444 69 house demolition 2 1.3 Houses m 55244.551 239252.05 235339 3913.05 1.4 Land attachments 1.4.1 Trees Nr. 107910 387661 107910 328789 58872 1.4.2 Graves seat 1231 1231 2 1.4.3 Concrete courtyard m 2496.79 2496.79 2 1.4.4 Fencing walls m 640.64 640.64 Agricultural auxiliary 1.5 facility 1.5.1 Bio-gas tanks Nr. 36 l 36 Rural water 1.6 conservancy and Nr. 2 2 hydropower facility 1.6.1 Irrigation canals km 3.92 3.92 Water supply 1.6.2 m 1145 1145 pipelines 1.6.3 Water wells Nr. 158 158 2 Public utilities 26 Permanent land Temporary land total occupation occupation No Item Unit Works to be Works to be Works to be financed by WIADP financed by WIADP financed by WIADP WB WB WB 2.1 Road/highways 2.1.1 Leveled roads km 2.385 1.75 2.385 1.75 2.2.2 Tractor roads km 14.972 65.83 14.972 62 3.83 2.1.5 Small bridges seat 11 11 2.2 Power transformers 2.2.1 Power cables km 9.71 106.97 9.71 106.97 2.2.2 telegraph poles Nr. 214 214 Communication 2.3 facility Communication 2.3.1 km 15.44 43.12 15.44 43.12 cable A Resettlement Action Plan for the works to be financed by the World Bank was prepared using the census survey and impact inventory, and after intensive consultation with the affected people and the host local community. Appropriate and practicable measures were planned for compensation and rehabilitation of the affected peoples' livelihoods, as agreed and satisfied by them. 10. Public Consultation and Information Disclosure A combination of professional surveys, questionnaires and network surveys of public opinion, information disclosures on websites, and expert consultation meetings have been used during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment and the Resettlement Action Plan. Each mitigation measure was determined by suggestions from both experts and the public. Most of the concerns have been incorporated either in the project design or in the environmental management plan or resettlement action plan. Table 10.1: Public Consultation No Duration Method Consultation contents Informed time Result Survey Report on Special subject Terrestrial and aquatic 1 2009 Terrestrial and cooperation ecological survey aquatic ecology Informing project component, 2010. 1.5- Advertisement on 2010.1.5- No feedback 2 collecting public opinion on the 2010.1.14 website 2010.1.14 received project 1% feel First round of The project brief, potential indifference99% 3 2010.2 questionnaires environmental impacts and 2010.2.1 feel the project is survey countermeasures very important 4 2010.1.24- Original EA report (for EA report for Phase II of Wudu 2010.1.24 No feedback 27 No Duration Method Consultation contents Informed time Result 2010.2.2 phase II) Water Diversion Scheme received Advertisement on website Review terrestrial and aquatic Biological survey Experts consultation biology report is to be used 5 2010.8 2010.8 and workshop Seek comments and to guide the recommendations from WUAs operation of WUAs Responding with solutions to WIADP Draft EA concerns raised in the first No feedback 6 2010.8 2010.8 report for disclosure round of public consultations received Seek comments from WUAs 90% express satisfaction to the response to the first Second round of Collecting comments from the round of 7 2010.8 questionnaires 2010.8 public on the project consultation, 97% survey hope to implement the project as soon as possible WIADP EA report Planned for Before WB disclosure on local 8 EA report for WIADP early appraisal Mianyang Evening December Newspaper WIADP EA report Planned for Before WB 9 disclosure on local EA report for WIADP early appraisal website December Two rounds of public consultations have been conducted with those affected by the proposed project. The consultations included people from different groups, gender, occupations, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The primary objective of the first round was to survey the public's opinion about the project, while that for the second was to communicate the EA findings, discuss intended mitigation measures, and confirm public acceptance and satisfaction. In addition, there have been several rounds of consultations with government agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders to discuss site location, scope, and potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the proposed project. Information about the project is disclosed through major local newspapers and a website in October through to the end of 2010. The availability of the EA report and RAP and how to receive a copy will, before the appraisal, be announced in the Mianyang Evening, the major local newspaper (The appraisal is currently planned for early December, 2010.) The environmental assessment, environmental management plan, environmental assessment summary, the resettlement action plan, and the pest management plan will also be disclosed through the websites of various government agencies and will also be available at each project management office and from each 28 project owner. The reports will also be disclosed at the website of the Bank's Beijing office and at the Infoshop in Washington, DC. 11. Conclusions and Recommendations The designed irrigation area of WIADP is an important production base for food and oil plants for Mianyang city and Sichuan Province. Because of unbalanced rainfall (in both temporal and spatial dimensions) in the irrigation area, seasonal draughts frequently occur. The long existing conditions of lower than standard water quantity and water resource security have enormously endangered the agricultural production and national economic development in the area, as well as restrained local economic growth. WIADP, therefore, is essential in answering the need for an urban water supply and rural domestic drinking water safety, to secure food safety and social stability of the irrigation area, to build the New Granary for the northwest of Sichuan Province and to accelerate reconstruction after Wenchuan Earthquake. The assessed area is densely populated as a traditional agricultural area with a long cultivation history. The project area is arid and insufficient of water. No nature reserves exist in the area, and vegetation is dominated by weed and agriculture. Man-made landscapes dominate and the eco-environment is fragile. The sufficient labor and dense transportation networks would allow for strong agricultural development in the area. In general, the environment of the assessed area meets the demand of agriculture plantation development in a sustainable and stable way and domestic livelihood. The project implementation will substantially relieve the contradiction between severe water demand and water supply because of the long draughts. The project will in general benefit the environment, economy and society. The adverse impacts on the water environment, eco-environment and soil erosion during the construction phase are slight, and will further be reduced and mitigated to an acceptable level by taking environmental friendly measures. The Environmental Assessment concludes that the WIADP will not affect the environment and the project construction will be environmentally feasible. It is highly recommended that local governments pay great attention to the water quality protection of the Wudu Reservoir as it is the key water source for irrigation supply and drinking water and is of great importance to the whole irrigation districts covered by the Wudu Water Diversion Scheme. In the mean time, lessons should be learnt from the on-going construction of Wudu Reservoir, the key water source of WIADP, to further optimize the environmental management plan to even better protect the entire Wudu Water Diversion Scheme area. 29