SFG3941 V1 REV ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT 33333 ASSESSMENT (ESIA) FOR NATIONAL ROAD 13 NORTH (NR13 NORTH) IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE FINAL REPORT February 2018 Lao People’s Democratic Republic Revision 3.0 MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT REVISION 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) FOR NATIONAL ROAD 13 NORTH (NR13 NORTH) FINAL REPORT MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT Project Proponent Ministry of Public Works and Transport Project National Road 13 North Improvement and Maintenance Title Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for National Road 13 North Improvement and Maintenance REVISION 3.0 REVISION 3.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 20 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT .................................................................................. 20 1.2 IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT AND PROJECT PROPONENT ....................... 20 1.3 THE NATURE, SIZE, LOCATION AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT .............. 20 1.4 ESIA BOUNDARIES ............................................................................................ 21 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY ....................................................................................... 21 1.6 METHODOLOGY APPLIED .................................................................................. 23 1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................. 23 2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ..................................... 25 2.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 25 2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARD RELATED LAWS & LEGISLATION ........................................................................................................... 25 2.2.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 25 2.2.2 Environmental Protection Law (2012).................................................................... 25 2.2.3 Law on Water and Water Resources (2017) ....................................................... 26 2.2.4 Forestry Law (2007).................................................................................................... 26 2.2.5 Wildlife and Aquatic Law (2008) .............................................................................. 27 2.2.6 Land Law (2003)........................................................................................................... 28 2.2.7 Road Law (2016) .......................................................................................................... 28 2.2.8 Regulations on ESIA and IEE (2013) ........................................................................ 28 2.2.9 Labour Law (2013) ...................................................................................................... 30 2.2.10 Decree #84 on Compensation and Resettlement Of People Affected by Development Projects (2016) ................................................................................................ 30 2.2.11 Technical Guidelines on Compensation and Resettlement Of People Affected By Development Project (2005) ........................................................................... 31 2.2.12 Regulation on EIA of Road Project In Lao PDR (2004).................................... 31 2.2.13 Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage (1997) ........................................................................................................................................... 31 2.2.14 Law on Handling of Pitetions (2015) ........................................................................ 31 2.2.15 Public Involvement Guideline (2013) ........................................................................ 32 2.2.16 Guidline on Consultation with Ethnic Groups (2013) ......................................... 32 2.2.17 Environmental and Social Operation Manual ...................................................... 32 2.3 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.............. 35 2.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS....................................................... 37 2.4.1 National Water Quality Standards .......................................................................... 37 2.4.2 National Air Quality Standards ................................................................................ 40 2.4.3 National Noise Standards .......................................................................................... 41 2.4.4 Permits ........................................................................................................................... 41 2.5 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK CONCERNING ETHNIC GROUPS ... 42 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 6 REVISION 3.0 2.5.1 Country's constitution ................................................................................................ 42 2.5.2 Local Administration Law of Lao PDR ................................................................... 43 2.5.3 Ethnic Minority Policy ................................................................................................. 43 2.5.4 Institutional Responsibility ......................................................................................... 43 2.6 WBG ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) GUIDELINES ............... 44 2.6.1 WBG Air Quality Guidelines .................................................................................... 44 2.6.2 WBG Noise Guidelines .............................................................................................. 45 2.6.3 General WBG EHS Guidelines ................................................................................. 45 2.6 INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS ............................................ 45 2.7 WORLD BANK SAFEGUARDS POLICIES APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT ............ 46 2.7.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 46 2.7.2 Environmental Assessment ........................................................................................ 46 2.7.3 Other World Bank Safeguard Policies .................................................................... 47 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION & ALTERNATIVES .......................................................... 49 3.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 49 3.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND .................................................................................... 49 3.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 52 3.4 INDICATIVE IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS .............................................. 53 3.5 PROJECT LOCATION .......................................................................................... 53 3.6 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING................................................................................ 53 3.7 SCOPE OF WORKS ............................................................................................. 66 3.7.1 Design ............................................................................................................................. 66 3.8 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................ 91 3.8.1 The No Action Alternative ....................................................................................... 91 3.8.2 Alternative Bridge Locations ..................................................................................... 92 3.8.3 Alternative Pavement Types ..................................................................................... 96 4. BASELINE DATA .......................................................................................................... 97 4.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................ 97 4.2 OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................... 98 4.3 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 99 4.3.1 Geology & Soils ............................................................................................................ 99 4.3.2 Topography ................................................................................................................... 99 4.3.3 Climate & Climate Change ...................................................................................... 100 4.3.4 Air Quality ................................................................................................................... 103 4.3.5 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 107 4.3.6 Natural Hazards ......................................................................................................... 112 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................. 112 4.4.1 Flora .............................................................................................................................. 112 4.4.2 Fauna ............................................................................................................................. 118 4.4.3 Endemic Species ......................................................................................................... 128 4.4.4 Endangered Species ................................................................................................... 128 4.4.5 Protected Areas & Important Bird Areas (IBA) ................................................. 129 4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESOURCES ....................................................................... 132 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 7 REVISION 3.0 4.5.1 Demographics ............................................................................................................. 132 4.5.2 Ethnic Groups ............................................................................................................. 133 4.5.3 Gender & Children .................................................................................................... 142 4.5.4 Vulnerable People ...................................................................................................... 143 4.5.5 General Economic Conditions ............................................................................... 144 4.5.6 Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 144 4.5.7 Land Use ...................................................................................................................... 148 4.5.8 Waste Management................................................................................................... 152 4.5.9 Health & Safety ........................................................................................................... 154 4.5.10 Education and Educational Facilities ...................................................................... 166 4.5.11 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) ..................................................................... 168 4.5.12 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 171 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 179 5.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 179 5.2 IMPACT PHASES .............................................................................................. 180 5.3 TYPE OF IMPACTS ........................................................................................... 180 5.4 MITIGATION ASPECTS ..................................................................................... 181 5.5 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS.................................................................................... 181 5.6 IMPACTS TO PHYSICAL RESOURCES ............................................................... 181 5.6.1 Topography ................................................................................................................ 181 5.6.1.1 Potential Impacts ................................................................................................... 181 5.6.1.2 Mitigation Measures .............................................................................................. 181 5.6.2 Geology & Soils ......................................................................................................... 184 5.6.2.1 Potential Impacts ................................................................................................... 184 5.6.2.2 Mitigation Measures .............................................................................................. 184 5.6.3 Air Quality & Climate Change............................................................................... 186 5.6.3.1 Potential Air Quality Impacts ............................................................................. 186 5.6.3.2 Potential Climate Change Impacts .................................................................... 188 5.6.3.3 Air Quality Mitigation........................................................................................... 188 5.6.3.4 Climate Change Mitigation ................................................................................ 190 5.6.4 Hydrology ................................................................................................................... 190 5.6.4.1 Potential Hydrological Impacts .......................................................................... 190 5.6.4.2 Hydrological Mitigation ........................................................................................ 192 5.6.5 Natural Hazards ........................................................................................................ 195 5.7 IMPACTS TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................... 195 5.7.1 Flora ............................................................................................................................. 196 5.7.2 Fauna............................................................................................................................ 197 5.7.2.1 Loss of Wildlife Habitat along NR13 North ................................................... 198 5.7.2.2 The Threat from Animal Crossings along NR13 North .............................. 198 5.7.3 Protected Areas ........................................................................................................ 199 5.8 IMPACTS TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESOURCES ................................................. 207 5.8.1 Economic Development.......................................................................................... 207 5.8.1.1 Potential Economic Impacts ................................................................................ 207 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 8 REVISION 3.0 5.8.1.2 Economic Mitigation ............................................................................................. 209 5.8.2 Social Sector .............................................................................................................. 209 5.8.2.1 Potential Social Impacts ....................................................................................... 209 5.8.2.2 Mitigation Measures .............................................................................................. 212 5.8.3 Ethnic Groups ............................................................................................................. 212 5.8.4 Infrastructure & Transportation Facilities............................................................ 215 5.8.5 Land Use ..................................................................................................................... 216 5.8.5.1 Potential Impacts to Land Use ........................................................................... 216 5.8.5.2 Land Use Mitigation Measures ........................................................................... 217 5.8.6 Waste Management ................................................................................................. 217 5.8.6.1 Potential Impacts from Waste ........................................................................... 217 5.8.7 Construction Camps, Concrete Batching and Asphalt Plants ....................... 219 5.8.7.1 Potential Impacts ................................................................................................... 219 5.8.8 Borrow Pits ................................................................................................................ 224 5.8.8.1 Potential Borrow Pit Impacts ............................................................................. 224 5.8.8.2 Borrow Pit Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 225 5.8.9 Community Health and Safety ............................................................................... 226 5.8.10 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workers Rights ....................... 230 5.8.10.1 Potential OHS Impacts ...................................................................................... 230 5.8.10.2 Workers Rights ................................................................................................... 230 5.8.10.3 OHS and Workers Rights Mitigation Measures .......................................... 230 5.8.11 Educational facilities ............................................................................................... 231 5.8.12 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) .................................................................... 232 5.8.13 Noise ......................................................................................................................... 233 5.8.13.1 Noise Mitigation .................................................................................................. 235 5.8.14 Emergency Response Planning ............................................................................ 237 5.9 CUMULATIVE & INDUCED IMPACTS ................................................................. 237 5.9.1 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................................... 237 5.9.2 Induced Impacts.......................................................................................................... 238 5.10 COMPLIANCE IMPACTS .................................................................................. 239 6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................ 241 6.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 241 6.2 MITIGATION AND MONITORING ...................................................................... 241 6.3 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................... 241 6.3.1 Detailed Design Consultant Responsibilities....................................................... 241 6.3.2 Implementation Support and Supervision Consultant (Engineer) Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 284 6.3.3 Contractor Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 287 6.3.4 Project Management Unit (PMU) and Environmental and Social Management Unit (ESMU) Responsibilities ................................................................................................ 287 6.3.5 Site Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (SSESMP).............. 290 6.3.6 Site Induction .............................................................................................................. 290 6.3.7 Reporting ..................................................................................................................... 290 6.3.8 World Bank responsibilities .................................................................................... 294 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 9 REVISION 3.0 6.4 PMU CAPACITY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS.................................................... 294 6.5 ESMP COSTS ................................................................................................... 294 6.6 ESMP IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY ................................................................ 297 7. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND GREIVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM............................................................................. 300 7.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ................................................................................ 300 7.2 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS METHODOLOGY .................................................... 300 7.2.1 Scoping Consultations Methodology ................................................................... 300 7.2.2 Draft ESIA Consultations Methodology .............................................................. 301 7.3 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ................................................................................ 301 7.3.1 Scoping Consultations ............................................................................................. 301 7.3.2 Focus Group Discussion Findings ......................................................................... 302 7.3.3 Draft ESIA Consultations Findings ......................................................................... 302 7.4 PLANNED INFORMATION DISCLOSURE............................................................ 304 8. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................. 310 8.1 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................ 310 8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................... 310 List of Figures Figure 3-1: NR13 North Location Map ............................................................................................................... 54 Figure 3-2: Project Road Location ....................................................................................................................... 55 Figure 3-3: Cross Section – 2 Lane Road (Asphalt) ......................................................................................... 68 Figure 3-4: Cross Section – 2 Lane through Urban Areas (Asphalt) ........................................................... 69 Figure 3-5: Cross Section – 4 Lane Road (Asphalt) ......................................................................................... 70 Figure 3-6: Cross Section – 4 Lane Road (Portland Cement Concrete) .................................................... 71 Figure 3-7: Bridge 1 - Houay Xailoun .................................................................................................................. 75 Figure 3-8: Bridge 2 - Houay Xone ...................................................................................................................... 75 Figure 3-9: Bridge 4 – Nam Souang ...................................................................................................................... 75 Figure 3-10: Bridge 5 – Nam Panai ....................................................................................................................... 75 Figure 3-11: Bridge 6 – Houay Thonh ................................................................................................................. 75 Figure 3-12: Bridge 7: Nam Cheng ....................................................................................................................... 75 Figure 3-13: Identified Borrow Pit Locations ..................................................................................................... 79 Figure 3-15: Proposed Road Re-alignment, Ban NaNga .................................................................................. 92 Figure 3-16: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Houay Xailoun ............................................................. 93 Figure 3-17: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Option 1, Houay Xone .............................................. 94 Figure 3-18: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Option 2, Houay Xone .............................................. 95 Figure 3-19: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Nam Houm................................................................... 96 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 10 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-2: Project Road Elevations ..................................................................................................................... 99 Figure 4-3: Precipitation and Temperature, Wattay International Airport, Vientiane .......................... 101 Figure 4-4: Precipitation and Temperature, Phonhong ................................................................................ 101 Figure 4-5: Vientiane (1951 – 2006) – percentage of wet days on which more than 25 and 50 mm of rain were observed .............................................................................................................................................. 102 Figure 4-6: Unpaved Section of Road – KM3, June 2017 ............................................................................. 103 Figure 4-7: Monitoring Locations ....................................................................................................................... 106 Figure 4-7: Nam Cheng, June 2017.................................................................................................................... 108 Figure 4-8: Location of Phou Khao Khoay and Phou Phanang Protected Areas .................................... 130 Figure 4-9: Land use and forest type Map of Phou Phanang National Protected Area in 2010 ......... 131 Figure 4-11: Population Density in the Project Area .................................................................................... 133 Figure 4-12: Forecasted AADT Over 25 years, NR13 North .................................................................... 145 Figure 4-13: Types of Vehicle, NR13 North ................................................................................................... 147 Figure 4-14: Main Purpose of Travel, NR13 North....................................................................................... 148 Figure 4-15: Land Use within the Project Corridor ...................................................................................... 151 Figure 4-17: US bombing data map used to predict UXO contamination ............................................... 156 Figure 4-18: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 158 Figure 4-19: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 159 Figure 4-20: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 160 Figure 4-21: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 161 Figure 4-22: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 162 Figure 4-23: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 163 Figure 4-24: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 164 Figure 4-25: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ....................................... 165 Figure 4-18: Naxaithong Hospital ...................................................................................................................... 166 Figure 4-19: Phonhong Hospital ......................................................................................................................... 166 Figure 4-20: Naxaithong Secondary School..................................................................................................... 168 Figure 4-21: Nakha Secondary School .............................................................................................................. 168 Figure 4-22: Phonngeun Cemetery .................................................................................................................... 170 Figure 4-23: Vatsoukkhalarm Temple ............................................................................................................... 170 Figure 4-24: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Sikeut, Naxaythong District ............................................... 173 Figure 4-25: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Naxaythong-Tai, Naxaythong District ............................. 174 Figure 4-26: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Karngsan, Naxaythong District ......................................... 175 Figure 4-27: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Lak 52, Phonhong District .................................................. 176 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 11 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-28: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Namlin Village, Phonhong District.................................... 177 Figure 4-29: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Nongsa Village, Phonhong District ................................... 178 Figure 5-7: Buddha Tree, Songeuay-Neua, Naxaithong................................................................................ 232 Figure 7-1: Grievance Resolution Flow Chart ................................................................................................ 309 List of Tables Table 2-1: Summary of Relevant Legislation and Guidelines .......................................................................... 33 Table 2-2: National Drinking Water Quality Standards - Groundwater .................................................... 37 Table 2-3: National Surface Water Quality Standards .................................................................................... 38 Table 2-4: Waste Water Effluent (General Industrial Wastewater Discharge) ........................................ 39 Table 2-5: National Ambient Air Quality Standards ....................................................................................... 41 Table 2-6: Noise Standards for Other Places (Leq 24-hrs) ............................................................................ 41 Table 2-7: Permit Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 42 Table 2-8: WHO Air Quality Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 45 Table 2-9: WBG Noise Level Guidelines, One Hour Laeq (dBA) ................................................................ 45 Table 2-10: Other World Bank Safeguard Policies........................................................................................... 47 Table 3-1: Administrative boundaries of the project impact area ................................................................ 53 Table 3-2: Environmental Setting .......................................................................................................................... 56 Table 3-3: Design Standards ................................................................................................................................... 66 Table 3-4: NR13 North Bridges ............................................................................................................................ 74 Table 3-5: NR13 North Intersections ................................................................................................................. 77 Table 3-6: Key Equipment ...................................................................................................................................... 77 Table 3-14: Identified Borrow Pit Locations ...................................................................................................... 80 Table 3-7: Identified Borrow Pit Quantities and Uses ..................................................................................... 81 Table 4-1: Project Road Elevations....................................................................................................................... 99 Table 4-2: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations ................................................................................. 104 Table 4-3: Ambient CO Results ......................................................................................................................... 104 Table 4-4: Ambient PM10 Results ....................................................................................................................... 105 Table 4-5: Ambient SO2 Results......................................................................................................................... 105 Table 4-6: Ambient NO2 Results ....................................................................................................................... 105 Table 4-7: Ambient TSP Results ......................................................................................................................... 107 Table 4-8: Surface Water Courses in the Project Area ............................................................................... 107 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 12 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-9: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Locations ............................................................................. 109 Table 4-10: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Results ............................................................................... 109 Table 4-11: Road Sections Subjected to Inundation...................................................................................... 110 Table 4-12: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Results ................................................................................. 110 Table 4-13: Trees within the RoW ................................................................................................................... 113 Table 4-14: Fauna Species List (from the June 2015 Feasibility Study of Two Pilot PPP Road Projects in Lao PDR, Chapter 14, Annex 6, Section 1.2.1.) ...................................................................................................... 119 Table 4-15: List of fauna that occur in the general area of NR13 North, including Phou Phanang, according to telephone interviews with local residents conducted during September 2017. ............ 121 Table 4-16: Endemic Species in Lao PDR......................................................................................................... 128 Table 4-17: Conservation Status of Flora and Fauna in Lao PDR .............................................................. 128 Table 4-18: Threatened Species in Lao PDR (by taxonomic group) ......................................................... 128 Table 4-19: Ethnicity and Population in the 44 project villages, Household size and Sex ratios ........ 135 Table 4-20: Hmong Groups in Relation to Safeguard Policies .................................................................... 136 Table 4-21: Business income of ethnic groups ............................................................................................... 138 Table 4-22: Ethnic population living along Road 13 North, by village ....................................................... 139 Table 4-23: Education and Ethnicity: Males ..................................................................................................... 140 Table 4-24: Education and Ethnicity: Females ................................................................................................. 140 Table 4-25: Occupations of Ethnic Groups living along Project Road ...................................................... 141 Table 4-26: Income by ethnicity, per Household and per person (kip).................................................... 141 Table 4-27: Fuel and Water Use ........................................................................................................................ 142 Table 4-28: Vulnerability of Affected Households ......................................................................................... 144 Table 4-29: Willingness to Pay for Road Tolls ............................................................................................... 146 Table 4-30: Population of Villages, Number of Establishments along NR13 North .............................. 148 Table 4-31: Waste Management Facilities in Naxaithong ............................................................................ 152 Table 4-32: Waste Management Facilities in Phonhong ............................................................................... 154 Table 4-33: Total Accidents Recorded during 2004 -2013 ......................................................................... 155 Table 4-34: Variation of Total Accidents Recorded during 2004 -2013 .................................................. 155 Table 4-35: Accidents by Type during 2004 -2013 ........................................................................................ 155 Table 4-36: Health Facilities Identified in the Project Corridor ................................................................. 157 Table 4-37: Educational Facilities Identified within the Project Corridor ................................................ 166 Table 4-38: Religious Temples within the Project Corridor ....................................................................... 168 Table 4-39: Cemeteries Identified within the Project Corridor ................................................................ 170 Table 4-40: Noise Monitoring Locations ......................................................................................................... 171 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 13 REVISION 3.0 Table 5-1: Summary Impact Table ..................................................................................................................... 182 Table 5-2: Voting to Support the Project ........................................................................................................ 212 Table 5-3: Identified Impacts ............................................................................................................................... 213 Table 5-4: Mitigation Measures .......................................................................................................................... 214 Table 5-5: Waste Types and Estimated Volumes........................................................................................... 218 Table 5-6: Construction Equipment Noise Levels ......................................................................................... 233 Table 6-1: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Detailed Design / Pre-construction Phase 242 Table 6-2: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Construction Phase ....................................... 253 Table 6-3: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Operational Phase ......................................... 280 Table 6-4: Construction and Operational Phase Instrumental Monitoring ............................................. 281 Table 6-5: ESMP Mitigation Costs...................................................................................................................... 294 Table 6-6: ESMP Instrumental Monitoring Costs ........................................................................................... 297 Table 6-7 – Operational Monitoring Costs ..................................................................................................... 297 Table 6-8: ESMP Implementation ....................................................................................................................... 297 Table 7-1: Summary of Comments Received in Writing from ESIA Consultations .............................. 304 Table 7-2: Phases of Conflict and Possible Interventions Stage Intervention ........................................ 306 Table 7-3: Village Level Resettlement Tasks and Responsibilities ............................................................ 307 Appendices Appendix A – Defining the ESIA Scope of works Appendix B – Chance find procedure Template Appendix C – Scope of works for ESIA instrumental monitoring Appendix D – International agreements ratified by Lao PDR Appendix E – Un-used Appendix F – Geology & Soils maps Appendix G – Topographical map Appendix H – Wind rose (Wattay International Aiport) Appendix I - Climate change mapping Appendix J – Air quality monitoring results Appendix K – Surface water quality monitoring results Appendix L – Flood locations Appendix M – Groundwater monitoring results Appendix N – Siesmic map ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 14 REVISION 3.0 Appendix O – Cultural heritage sites Appendix P – Educational facilities Appendix Q – Health facilities Appendix R - Noise & vibration monitoring results Appendix S – Vehicle wash bay schematic Appendix T – Environmental monitoring checklist Appendix U – Scoping presentation Appendix V – Scoping minutes of meeting and attendees list Appendix W – ESIA Consultation Presentation Appendix X - ESIA Consultation Minutes of meeting and attendees list Appendix Y – Schedule of culverts Appendix Z – GRM Forms Appendix A1 – List of Preparers Appendix A2 – ROW Mapping and Sensitive Receptors ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 15 REVISION 3.0 ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS AADT Average Annual Daily Traffic ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations BAP Borrow Pit Action Plan BOD Biological Oxygen Demand BOQ Bill of Quantities CITES Convention on International Trade in the Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora CO Carbon Monoxide COD Chemical Oxygen Demand CO2 Carbon Dioxide CR Critical dB(A) Decibels DEQP Department of Environmental Quality Promotion DFRM Department of Forest Resources Management DD Detailed Design DoR Department of Roads DoT Department of Transport DPWT Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport EA Environmental Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment EHS Environmental Health and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ELV Emissions Limits Values ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan EN Endangered EPL Environmental Protection Law ERP Emergency Response Plan ESMMP environmental and social management and mitigation plan ESOM Environmental and Social Operational Manual ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 16 REVISION 3.0 ESD-PTRI Environmental and Social Division of the Public Works and Transport Research Institute Environmental and Social Management Unit ESMU EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FS Feasibility Study GDP Gross Domestic Product GOL Government of Laos g/l Grams per liter GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HC Hydrocarbons IBA Important Bird Area IEE Initial Environmental Examination IFC International Finance Corporation IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources KM Kilometer KM/H Kilometers per Hour LCF Local Consulting Firm LHS Left Hand Side m Meter MAC Maximum Allowable Concentrations MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MOF Ministry of Finance MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment MPI Ministry of Planning and Investment Mg/l Milligrams per liter mg/m3 Milligrams per cubic meter MPWT Ministry of Public Works and Transport MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet M/s Meters per second M3/s Cubic meters per second ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 17 REVISION 3.0 NBCA National Biodiversity Conservation Areas NEC National Environmental Committee NES National Environmental Specialist NGO Non-governmental Organization NO Nitrogen Oxide NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide NSCC National Strategy on Climate Change NR13 North National Road 13 North NR13 South National Road 13 South OHS Occupational Health and Safety OP Operational Policy O&M Operation and Maintenance PCR Physical Cultural Resources PDR Peoples Democratic Republic PMU Project Management Unit PM Particulate Matter PM10 Particulate Matter less than 10 Microns PKK Phou Khao Khoay PONRE Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment PPE Personal Protective Equipment PPM Parts Per Million PPN Phou Phanang PPIAF Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility PPP Public-private Partnership PTRI Public Works and Transport Research Institute RAP/RP Resettlement Action Plan or Resettlement Plan RHS Right Hand Side ROW Right of Way SSESMP Site Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan SO2 Sulphur Dioxide STD Sexually Transmitted Disease ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 18 REVISION 3.0 TMP Traffic Management Plan UN United Nations VU Vulnerable UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USAID United States Agency for International Development USD United States Dollar TMP Traffic Management Plan ToR Terms of Reference TSP Total Suspended Particulate VUDAA Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority WB World Bank WHO World Health Organization WMP Waste Management Plan USAID United States Environmental Protection Agency UXO Unexploded Ordnance μg/m3 Micrograms per cubic meter ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 19 REVISION 3.0 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the report 1. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is part of the process of compliance with the World Bank Safeguard Policies in relation to the Project. 2. The ESIA is prepared by a group of environmental and social specialists engaged by MPWT. The ESIA team lead by an experienced International Environmental Specialist and supported by a team of experts from Lao Consulting Group, Innogreen Engineering Ltd and Lao Social Research Ltd as listed in Appendix A1. The ESIA provides a road map to the environmental measures needed to prevent and/or mitigate negative environmental and social effects associated with the project. More specifically, the ESIA:  Describes the existing socio-environmental conditions within the Project area;  Describes the extent, duration and severity of potential impacts;  Identifies all significant impacts; and  Formulates the mitigation actions and presents it all in the form of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). 1.2 Identification of the Project and Project Proponent 3. The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) has a program to improve National Road 13 North (NR13 North) on an Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPBRC) basis. The Project is designed to improve transport connectivity by rehabilitating and upgrading the road forming the main road network of Lao PDR, thereby improving connectivity and fostering inclusive economic growth. The Project is to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) through its Department of Roads (DoR). 1.3 The Nature, Size, Location and Importance of the Project 4. Being a land-locked country with growing economic development in the region Lao PDR is facing an increasing demand for road transportation. Originally, the GoL wished to increase private participation in the road sector through the instrument of a PPP. With the support from the Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF), the preliminary assessments of PPP pilot projects in roads in Lao PDR was completed, and originally suggested improvement of two sections of national road 13 with PPP mode:  National Road 13 North (NR13 North) – NR13 North starts near Sikeut Junction. at Km.12 and ends at Km. 70 near Phonhong Junction. The total length of the project road is 57.775Kms. The existing carriageway configuration is two lanes with 0.5m shoulders having the width of carriageway varying between 7.5.m and 8.m. The existing pavement condition is generally fair. There are two major bridges, five minor bridges and 112 culverts along the project road.  National Road 13 South (NR13 South) - Project road NR13 South starts near Don Noun at Km.13 and ends at Km 63 near Ban Hai. The total length of the project road is 50.530 Kms. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 20 REVISION 3.0 5. However, the focus has now been turned away from PPP and to an Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPBRC). NR13 South has been removed, for the time being, from the Project. As such, this ESIA focuses only on NR13 North. 1.4 ESIA Boundaries 6. For purposes of establishing the environmental conditions, an overview of regional data is followed by the description at the project level. This ESIA covers the entire length of the Project Road funded by the World Bank (WB) (57.775 km). 7. For purposes of this impact assessment, an envelope of 250 meters wide on each side of the project road over its entire length is identified as the primary impact area (“Project Area� or “Project Corridor�). This distance takes into account the common impacts associated with road works such as noise, dust and emissions which are not anticipated to have significant impacts beyond this distance. For example, noise levels of more than 90 dBA at a construction site would, at 250 meters distance be less than 45 dBA. However, the project impact area and assessment is widened with regard to specific construction sites outside of the right of way (RoW), e.g. borrow pits and quarries, construction camps. The ESIA/ESMP provides guidelines, which will form part of Contractor’s Site-Specific Enviornmental and Social Management Plan (Contractor SSESMP), to mitigate potential impacts from ancillary facilities those sites would be selected during project implementation phase. 8. The road sections where sensitive receptors are present, such as schools, hospitals, temples or other places where people congregate are given particular attention so that ample mitigation is formulated. For road sections that cross-rivers, the impact assessment is expanded to cover the identified continuous extent of any ecologically important habitats / features along the Project Corridor. 1.5 Scope of the study 9. The scope of this ESIA was based upon four aspects: a) The Safeguard policy requirements of the WB and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the ESIA; b) The findings of initial consultations and focus group discussions (FGDs); c) The legal requirements of the Lao PDR, including environmental standards and laws; and d) Other best practice guidelines, e.g. The World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, Environmental and Social Operational Manual (ESOM) of the MPWT. Appendix A provides further details of each of these aspects. 10. Based on the above four aspects the following scope of work for the ESIA was followed: A) Overview of the Legal and Institutional Framework Prepare an overview of the legal and institutional framework. B) Collection of Baseline Data Collect baseline data describing the existing biophysical environment in the area likely to be affected by the proposed project including:  Physical: geology; topography; soils; climate; air quality; noise; surface water; groundwater; seismicity and natural hazards. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 21 REVISION 3.0  Biological: flora and fauna; rare and/or endangered species (Red List species); critical and non- critical habitats and ecosystems; protected areas.  Human: population; communities; demographics; employment and socio-economics; land use; infrastructure (including local access roads); transport; public health; cultural heritage; archaeology; waste management. Environmental and social baseline data presented in the Feasibility Study (FS) of Pilot PPP (NR 13 N and NR 13 S) had been reviewed. Surveys conducted to address important gaps in the existing data and to collect up-to-date information on topics and areas where significant negative impacts are expected, specifically, flora, fauna, noise, air quality and water quality. C). Impacts and Mitigation Internationally accepted best practice will be used throughout the ESIA study, including in the process of identifying impacts and assessing their significance. All of the key issues identified above in by stakeholders in the scoping phase will be assessed in detail. Ensure that the design team is informed in a timely manner of mitigation measures that need to be included in construction contracts. For each identified risk a set of mitigation measures explaining how these impacts will be mitigated or/and avoided will be provided. In the case of legal/institutional weaknesses, recommendations of ways for closing the gaps will be made. D) Analysis of Alternatives The ESIA will include a systematic comparison of the feasible project alternatives including the “no project� scenario. E) Environmental and Social Management Plan The ESIA report will include an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) comprising of an Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan and an Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan. The ESMP will provide the basis for the Contractors Site Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (SSESMP) and will:  Clearly identify what specific potential impacts may various types of works have on the sensitive receptors;  Provide concrete actions prescribed for managing these impacts, including location and timing of these actions;  Specify responsibility for the implementation of each mitigation activity;  Provide selected criteria of monitoring implementation of mitigation measures;  Identify location and timing/frequency of monitoring mitigation measures by the prescribed criteria; and  Specify responsibility for tracking each monitoring criterion. The Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan will:  Specify methods for instrumental monitoring;  Specify parameters, locations and schedule for monitoring;  Indicate responsibilities and costs for the monitoring activities. F). Cost Estimates The ESIA report will include an estimated cost according to the ESMP which should be considered in Bill of Quantities (BOQ). G) Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 22 REVISION 3.0 A section describing the grievance redress framework (both informal and formal channels), setting out the time frame and mechanisms for resolving complaints about environmental and social performance will be provided in accordance with the Law on Handling of Petitions (2015). H) Disclosure, Stakeholder Consultation and Participation Disclosure and stakeholder consultation on the draft ESIA report will be conducted according to national legislation and the WB policies. 1.6 Methodology Applied 11. The methodology is based on the World Bank Safeguard Policies and the joint experience of the International and National environmental consultants involved in the ESIA. Background data and information was obtained from published and unpublished sources, e.g., on: climate, topography, geology and soils, natural resources, flora and fauna, agriculture, and socio-economic data. 12. Several site inspections were conducted by the International Environmental Specialist during 2016 and 2017. The existing roads were driven and areas of potential environmental significance assessed carefully. 13. In addition, several surveys were undertaken to collect additional baseline data by a Local Consulting Firm (Lao Consulating Group, or the “LCF�) specializing in environmental and social studies. They include:  Instrumental Noise Monitoring.  Instrumental Air Quality Monitoring.  Flora and Fauna Surveys (based on existing data).  Instrumental Water Quality Surveys.  Physical and Cultural Resources Surveys.  Socio-economic Surveys. 14. The scope of works for each of these surveys is included as Appendix C. 15. Formal discussions were held with a number of stakeholders (see Section 7) in order to determine their perceptions of the level of impact from road works. Data and information obtained have been included where appropriate in the ESIA Report, and also as Appendices to this report. 1.7 Structure of the Report 16. The report is organized as follows: Section 1: Introduction – The section in hand provides the introductory information. Section 2: Legal, Policy and Administrative Framework - This section presents an overview of the policy/legislative framework as well as the environmental standards of Lao PDR that apply to the proposed project. The section also identifies relevant World Bank safeguard policies that will apply. Section 3: Description of the Project – Section 3 describes the Category of the Project, the Project need and its environmental setting. A limited scope of works is also provided indicating the type of engineering works required. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 23 REVISION 3.0 Section 4: Description of Environmental and Social Conditions – This section of the report discusses the regional and local environmental baseline conditions. This section is divided into subsections relating to physical environment, biological environment and socio-economic conditions. Section 5: Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures – Section 5 outlines the potential environmental impacts and proposes mitigation measures to manage the impacts. Section 6: Environmental and Social Management Plan – This section provides the ESMP for the design, construction and operational phases of the Project. Section 7: Public Consultations – Section 7 provides a summary of all of the stakeholder consultation activities undertaken. Section 8: Conclusions and Recommendations – The final section of the report provides the report conclusions and recommendations. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 24 REVISION 3.0 2. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1 General 17. The Project will conform to the legal and administrative requirements of Lao PDR. The Project will also conform to international treaties to which the Lao PDR is signatory, and to standards and safeguard policies of the World Bank. 18. This chapter presents descriptions of:  National Environmental Laws and Decrees;  Institutional Framework for Environmental Management in Lao PDR;  National Environmental Standards;  World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines;  International Environmental Agreements; and  World Bank Safeguard Policies. 2.2 National Environmental Laws and Social Safeguard Related Laws & Legislation 2.2.1 General 19. In Lao PDR, there are many laws and regulations govern the utilization and management of natural resources management (land, forest, water, aquatic and wildlife, etc.) established in late 1990’s and many have been updated and/or revised. On environment, the Environmental Protection Law (EPL) firstly established in 1999 and then it had been revised in 2012 to cope with a need for socio-economic development. This law was the key law governs environmental protection and management describing the principles, regulations and measures for managing, monitoring, restoring, and protecting the environment especially those related to protection of human health, natural resources and the richness of nature as well as reduction of global warming. 20. The inclusion of environmental considerations in road projects has been mandated since 1999. The Road Law requires road construction to be undertaken in accordance with public safety and environmental protection considerations, while the Environmental Protection Law (EPL-1999, 2012), supported by its Implementing Decree (2002), as the country’s principal environmental legislation. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been required for roads and other development projects under the Environmental Protection Law. 21. The key laws and legislations relevant to environment and social impact assessment and mitigation for NR13 North are described below. 2.2.2 Environmental Protection Law (2012). 22. The Environmental Protection Law (National Law 29/NA) (EPL) dated December 18, 2012. The revised Environmental Protection Law has included 13 parts and 99 article. This Environmental ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 25 REVISION 3.0 Protection law defines principles, regulations and measures related to environmental management, monitoring of protection, control, preservation and rehabilitation, in order to ensure environmental quality, reduction of impacts and pollution created by human activities or by nature, aiming to provide balance between social and natural environment, to sustain and to protect natural resources and public health; and contribution to the national socio-economic development and reduction of global warming. 2.2.3 Law on Water and Water Resources (2017) 23. The Law on Water and Water Resources (No.23/NA) dates May 11, 2017. This Law on Water and Water Resources defines principles, regulations, and measures relating to the protection, administration, exploitation, use and development of water and water resources, protection damage to water or water resources, rehabilitation of the effect areas to assure the quality, quantity of water and sustainable water resources, to respond for the people's living requirements, to promote agriculture and industry, to ensure that natural environment, social environment are protection, to develop the nation sustainable and to the socio-economic development. 2.2.4 Forestry Law (2007) 24. The Amended Forestry Law, No. 06/NA (Dec. 2007) stipulates the basic principles, regulations and measures concerning forest conservation, management, and use. It aims to make the forests and forestland a stable source of livelihood and use for the people, by ensuring sustainable preservation of water sources, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil quality, conserving plant and tree species and wildlife species, preserving the environment, and contributing to national socio- economic development. 
 25. The Amended Forestry Law (2007) confirms that natural forests and forestlands are the property of the national community and that these are centrally managed by the State (GoL). The State can grant individuals or organizations the right to plant and own trees. Forests are classified into three general categories: Protection Forest, Conservation Forest (or National Biodiversity Conservation Areas), and Production Forest. Each category of forest is designated a different and distinct zone and area, within which there can be rich or dense forest, degraded forest, bare forestland and village use forest according to each zoning plan. 26. Conversion of public forestland to another land use type is only possible, when allowed, if it is to bring maximum benefits to the nation and to the wellbeing of people and is included in the national socio-economic development plan. Such conversion is only allowed in designated areas. Entities given approval for forestland conversion are responsible for paying fees for technical service, royalties and conversion fees. For temporary conversion such as mining exploitation and other production activities, the land must be restored and trees must be replanted. If the State converts the forestland, which is allocated to individuals or organizations for agreed upon and determined purposes, the State will compensate according to laws and regulations. For permanent forestland conversion into another land use type for long-term purposes, such as for roads or hydropower construction, the State owns the timber and forest resources that are cut or harvested in those forests or forestlands. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 26 REVISION 3.0 Box 1: Classification of Forest Areas  The Forest Law provides for three classes of forest: Conservation Forest, Protection Forest, and Production Forest. The first two are relevant to biodiversity conservation and watershed protection although individual regeneration forests could presumably, in time, be reclassified as protection or conservation forests. It is estimated that conservation and protection forests cover over 80,000 km2 or about 76 % of forest area.  The conservation forest is defined as: 'forest and forest land classified for the purpose of protecting and conserving animal species, nature and various other things which have historical, cultural, tourism, environmental, educational and scientific research value.' The protection forest is defined as: 'forest and forest land classified for the protection of watershed areas and the prevention of soil erosion. It also includes areas of forest land significant for national security, areas for protection against natural disaster and protection of the environment and other areas.' The conservation forests aim to maintaining biodiversity and natural forest and landscapes, 'for the development of national parks appropriate for tourism and scientific research.' It also provides for zoning into total protection zones, controlled use zones and corridor zones. The former would be closed to entry or harvesting of NTFP—plant or animal.  The protected areas are classified as national (area more than 50,000 ha), provincial (5,000- 50,000 ha), district (up to 5,000 ha). Three zones are: Totally Protected Zones; Controlled Use Zones; and Corridor Zones. 27. The law stipulates which administrative authorities have the right to approve conversion of degraded forestland that cannot naturally regenerate or of barren forestland. While district, municipal, or provincial authorities can approve conversion of smaller areas of forestland, the conversion of between 100 ha and 1,000 ha of degraded forestland per activity, or between 200 ha and 10,000 ha of barren forestland per activity, must be approved by the government, through proposals by the National Land Management Authority and agreement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office. The National Assembly Standing Committee must endorse the conversion of forestland greater than those amounts (1,000 ha of degraded forestland or 10,000 ha of barren forestland). 2.2.5 Wildlife and Aquatic Law (2008) 28. The Wildlife and Aquatic Law restricts and regulates the management, monitoring, conservation, and protection of wildlife and aquatic species in their natural habitats to promote the sustainable regeneration and utilization of wildlife and aquatic life, without any harmful impact on natural resources or habitats and decreasing species and the extinction of wildlife and aquatic life. Wildlife and aquatic species living within the territory of the Lao PDR are considered property of the national community, with the State representing the national community in managing those species throughout the country. If an individual or organization has permission to raise and reproduce any of these species, it is then considered their own property so long as they abide by the laws and regulations. 29. Wildlife includes both terrestrial and aquatic life, and all forms of animal life, whether mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or insects. Wildlife are classified into three categories for protection: 1) prohibition, 2) management, and 3) common or general. Whether any species are classified as prohibition or management depends upon the level of threat to them (endangered, threatened, rare), the condition of their habitat, and the condition of their regeneration and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 27 REVISION 3.0 reproduction. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry recommends to the government for consideration and approval the list of species under the prohibition and management categories. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has authority to include or remove species itself from the list of animals in the common or general category. 2.2.6 Land Law (2003) 30. The Land Law was enacted on October 23, 2003. The law determines the management, protection and use of land to ensure its efficient use and to conform with land-use objectives, with other laws and regulations, to contribute to national socio-economic development, and to contribute to the protection of the environment. 2.2.7 Road Law (2016) 31. The Road Law (2016) states that any national road construction projects either use public or private funds to be implemented when the projects have completed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and such projects have already been included in government’s development plan from the National or Provincial Assembly’s approval. 32. Under the Road Law, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) is the main agency to be responsible for management works of the Road and corporation with other concern sectors and local administrations in order to manage works relation to the roads. 2.2.8 Regulations on ESIA and IEE (2013) 33. This instruction is for implementation and extending the provisions prescribed under Article 21 of the Law on Environmental Protection (Amended) No. 29/NA, dated December 18, 2012. This instruction aims to ensure the uniformity in the conductance of the Initial Environmental Examination by every investment Project and Activities of a public and private both domestic and foreign enterprises which operate business in Lao PDR that cause or are likely to cause environmental and social impacts. Those Investment Projects and Activities will conduct the efficient Initial Environmental Examination Process, contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the country and will mitigate and enhance the global warming adaptation. The ESIA regulation assigns the Department of Environment and Social Impact Assessment (DESIA)1 to be responsible for review of the ESIA regulation including recommendations for the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and undertaking compliance monitoring while the IEE regulation assigns the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment (PoNRE) to be responsible for review, issuance of ECC, and monitoring of project that require an IEE. 1 During the preparation of this ESIA report, DESIA was divided into two Departments namely, Department of Natural Reseources and Environmental Policy and Department of Natural Resources and Environmnetal Inspection with the later manaded to be responsible for review of the ESIA regulation including recommendations for the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and undertaking compliance monitoring. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 28 REVISION 3.0 Box 2: Road Types According to the Road Law  Construction of new roads: entirely new projects proposing the building/construction of a road on a new alignment (including major realignments of existing roads and bypasses). This type of project necessitates major land acquisition (for the corridor and associated work sites) and can also involve the removal of wide tracts of vegetation and habitats, and create a range of impacts on rivers and streams within the project area.  Road upgrading: changing an existing road to either upgrade its classification (under the Road Law) or to improve its alignment and traffic ability, e.g., changing a seasonal road to an all- weather road. This type of project can include alteration of the surface (from gravel to paved), widening the road (e.g., from two lanes to four lanes), widening intersections, minor realignments to improve general alignment or remove hazards (e.g., sharp corners or to improve sight distance). As most of the work or activities will likely take place outside of the existing right-of-way or road platform, land acquisition will be likely and environmental and social impacts will be associated with a narrower corridor of impact than for new roads.  Road improvement: this type of project generally involves improving road specifications with most of the work being done within the existing platform or right- of-way. Works include widening shoulders, adding passing lanes in steep areas, improving curves, and strengthening bridges. Additional land may be required, necessitating some land acquisition, and environmental and social impacts are likely to be limited.  Road rehabilitation: this type of project aims to bring existing but deteriorated roads up to a better standard or to their previous condition. Works include improving drainage, slopes, embankments and/or other structures; strengthening pavements; or resurfacing. As all or most of the work can be done on the existing platform, no additional land will be required (making land acquisition unlikely), and environmental and social impacts are likely to be limited.  Road maintenance: this type of project includes routine or periodic works and emergency road works aiming to maintain a road in working condition and includes patching potholes; clearing drains; and periodic works such as resurfacing, line marking, and bridge maintenance.  Emergency road works: this type of project is carried out after an emergency such as landslide or flooding has cut off the road and posed danger to traffic and aiming to restore the passability and safety of the emergency affected road. The regulations are following below: 1. Ministerial Agreement on the Endorsement and Promulgation of List of Investment Projects and Activities Requiring for Conducting the Initial Environmental Examination or Environmental and Social Impact Assessment – According to this regulation the Project is “Rehabilitation of national, provincial, district, rural and special roads� and as such it is a Group 1 project which only requires an IEE. 2. Ministerial Instruction for: Investment Projects and Activities that are anticipated to cause the significant or major environmental and social impact (Group II); therefore, are required to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Process (ESIA). ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 29 REVISION 3.0 3. Ministerial Instruction on the Process of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Investment Projects and Activities – This instruction follows the same format and general requirements as the IEE, but with the following additions: a. A distinct scoping stage is required. b. More detailed public consultations are required. c. Cumulative impacts should be assessed. d. Transboundary issues and impacts should be accounted for. e. In case of Transference a project should be incorporated condition into contract of new project owners. f. During 6 months prior to the end of the investment period should be monitored and assessed. g. Expand the project should be conducted the ESIA or IEE before. 2.2.9 Labour Law (2013) 34. The Labour Law (National Law 43/NA) dated December 24, 2013. This law defines the principles, regulations and measures on administration, monitoring, labor skills development, recruitment, and labor protection in order to enhance the quality and productivity of work in society, so as to ensure the transformation to modernization and industrialization aimed at safeguarding the rights of employees and employers, as well as the legitimate interests and the continual improvement of their livelihoods, while contributing to the promotion of investment, national socio-economic development, and regional and international links. 35. This decree clarifies the Hours of work and hours of rest for the employee as part of its responsibilities in accordance with the location of labor units and the actual conditions of employment set out in Article 51 of all labor units will not exceed six days per week or one week not exceeding forty-eight hours and rest time for noon to no less than 1 hour per day. 2.2.10 Decree #84 on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development Projects (2016) 36. Decree on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development Projects No.84/gov, dated April 5, 2016. This Decree provides principles, regulations and standards on the management, monitoring of compensation of losses and the management of resettlement activities in order to properly and effectively implement development projects with the aims to ensure that the affected people are compensated, resettled and are assisted with permanent livelihood alternatives leading to improving of living conditions to be better off or to be at the same level as they were before as well as to ensure that the projects can contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation in sustainable manners. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 30 REVISION 3.0 37. This decree requires that in order to protection of the rights, legitimate benefits, compensate for the affected households, have a consultation between the project owner, state agencies and people, who are directly affected from project activities by selecting the right and appropriate options based on prices applied by the state for land, constructed facilities, crop products. 2.2.11 Technical Guidelines on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development Project (2005) 38. Pursuant to Prime Ministerial Decree No. 192/PM, GoL endorsed the Technical Guidelines on Compensation and Resettlement of People Affected by Development Projects, first issued in November 2005. These guidelines adopted under the Decree 192 are currently under review and revision to be in line with the new Decree 84 and expected to be approved in June 2018. In the meantime, the guidelines prepared under the Decree 192 remian applicable. Any descipiancies and gaps identified between the GoL legislation and the World Bank’s policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12), the later will overwrite. This legislation provides procedure for the assessment, planning, and mitigation of environmental as well as social impacts from development projects. 39. These guidelines include detailed procedures for the conduct of public consultation and other participatory processes, to inform affected people of the environmental and social impacts, and to assure their involvement in all aspects of the mitigation and compensation process, from planning to implementation. 2.2.12 Regulation on EIA of Road Project in Lao PDR (2004) 40. This regulation clarifies the principles and methodologies for environmental impact assessment of road projects, including setting out necessary and appropriate mitigation measures to avoid or reduce negative environmental impacts on the natural environment and society resulting from the implementation of road projects in the Lao PDR. 2.2.13 Decree on the Preservation of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage (1997) 41. This decree outlines the regulations and measures for the management, conservation and use of the national heritage, including for upgrading of movable and immovable assets with historical or cultural or natural value into national heritage with the view of raising the spirit of patriotism, people’s democracy, awareness and ownership of the fine national and ethnic cultures. 42. This decree requires that in order to prevent exploitation of relics and antiquities, any person who discovers archaeological relics or a cultural site must inform the provincial and district offices within three days. 2.2.14 Law on Handling of Pitetions (2015) 43. The Law on Handling of Pititions revised and approved in 2015 provides objectives, principles and process of applying and handling different types of grievance, petition and complaints that may be raised PAPs by or those who believe they are PAPs. The Law on Handling of Petitions divides grievances into three categories as follows: 1. Proposals is to be applied to and resolved by concerned authorities. 2. Grievance is to be applied to and resolved by judicial institutions and court 3. Petition is to be applied to and resolved by Provincial and National Assembly ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 31 REVISION 3.0 44. The Law on Handling of Petitions, which has superseded the old version of Law on Grievance dated November 5, 2005 applies and protects rights and interest of all citizens and entities, state organizations, community and individuals with the aim to ensure justice, social security and order. Detailed process of grievance redress mechnasim is provided in Section 7.5. 2.2.15 Public Involvement Guideline (2013) 45. The Public Involvement Guideline approved by Minister of MONRE in 2013 provide principles and process of engaging and consuling with project stakeholders and PAPs in project preparation and design and implementation. The public involvement aims to ensure that the stakeholders and PAPs are adequatedly consulted and provided with opportunity to artiultae their feedback and suggestions on project design and implememttaion to avoid or mitigate potential impacts on their livelihood and environment. 2.2.16 Guidline on Consultation with Ethnic Groups (2013) 46. The guideline on Consultation with Ethnic Group launched by the LFNC in 2013 aims to a) ensure that the implementation of consultation with ethnic groups follows an effective principles and process in line with the relevant national Laws and regulations, b) ensure that the right and lost assets of the ethnic people affected by development projects are fairly compensated by development projects, and c) to prevent or mitigate the potential environmental and social impacts on ethnic groups generated by development project and ensure that the project is properly designed for the sustainability. 2.2.17 Environmental and Social Operation Manual 47. The overall purpose of the Environmental and Social Operations Manual (ESOM) is to present the procedures, instruments, and responsibilities for environmental and social management to be applied by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) throughout the planning and implementation of transport investments. 48. The ESOM provides the basis for compliance with national environmental and social decrees and regulations, as well as with the safeguard requirements of international donors such as World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The main objectives of the ESOM are to:  Present, as context, an overview of the legal and institutional framework related to environmental and social management in the transport sector; and, additionally, present some of the important environmental and social characteristics of Lao PDR;  Establish an environmental and social due diligence process, in order to establish procedures, instruments, and responsibilities for environmental and social management in transport development projects; and  Develop environmental and social guidelines to assure the inclusion of environmental and social considerations at various stages of the project cycle and to comply with relevant environmental/social decrees and regulations as well as the safeguard policies of international donors. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 32 REVISION 3.0 49. The ESOM takes into account the following safeguard policies commonly triggered in road projects: Environmental Assessment; Natural Habitats; Forestry; Indigenous People2; Involuntary Resettlement; and Cultural Property. Table 2-1: Summary of Relevant Legislation and Guidelines Law / Article Relating to Content Decree EPL (2012) 7 Commitment in All are responsible for protection, improving, Environmental rehabilitation, controlling, monitoring and inspecting Protection (revised) 14 Environmental Safeguarding and preventing environment from any Protection natural or manmade events (revised) 22 Environmental Process of addressing an issue in order to anticipate Impact Assessment impacts that may affect the environment, society and (revised) nature, derived from investment project 25 Limitation of Any construction of road which emit pollutants shall Impacts Derived take measures environmental impacts as being stipulated from Construction by NEQS Activities and Others (revised) 41 Environmental The Natural resources and environmental sector shall be Certification the person, who provides environmental certification under its scopes of authority, by referring to impacts from invested construction projects. 48 Public Participation Shall be participation by organization, local authorities (new) and people, who are directly or indirectly affected from project activities. Water and 26 Water and water All are obligation to protected water and water Water resource resources without damaged to water, restores forests Resources protection and land in reservoirs according to management plans Law (2017) for allocation of water sources, forests and soils, especially in areas of water source or surrounding water sources. 38 Permission for use Stipulates that medium and large scale uses require feasibility studies, EIAs, and mitigation plans, before permission is granted for use of the resource 57 Responsible for Conducted the investment project or any constructions rehabilitation water causes damage to water or water resources, should be 2In the context of Lao PDR, “indigenous people� as defined by both World Bank and Asian Development Bank includes ethnic communities, which is the preferred term. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 33 REVISION 3.0 Law / Article Relating to Content Decree and water improvement, rehabilitation, inspecting and monitoring resources (new) by state agencies or line sectors. Forestry Law 5 Policy of forest and The GoL has the policy to preserve, regenerate, and (2007) forest land develop forests and forest land to help preserve the environment, water resources, biodiversity, and people’s livelihoods. 26 Preservation of Stipulates the preservation of water resources in forest water resources in zones for those areas where waterways originate and forest zones flow, including strict management and regulations to control logging, shifting cultivation, and destructive forest uses 70 Conversion of Stipulates that forestland can be converted to other land forest land type if it brings a high level of benefits to the nation and to livelihoods of the people, and is included in the national development plan 71 Types of converted Stipulates that for the timber and forest resources to be forest land harvested in those areas are property of the State Wildlife and 52 Prohibitions Prohibits taking of wildlife, including parts of the animals, aquatic law from their habitats; tormenting wildlife and aquatic (2007) species; illegal catching, hunting, trading and possession; catching aquatic species and hunting in conservation zones, in breeding season, or when pregnant; devastation of habitats and feeding zones. Land Law 6 Protection of land Declares that all individuals and organizations are obliged (2003) and the to protect the land from degradation, environment 14 Changes in land Land use can be changed if it does not cause social or category environmental harm and if prior approval is obtained from the authorities. Road Law 15 Public road Construction of public roads must include protection of (1999) construction the environment Law on Porject related Possible project related feedback and grievances raised handling of grievance by PAPs shall be addressed and incorporated into the Pititiona project design and improved implementation. (2015) Public Stakeholder and Involvement of stakeholders and PAPs in the project Involvement community preparation, design, implementation and monitoring to Guideline engagement enhance transparency and accountavility (2013 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 34 REVISION 3.0 Law / Article Relating to Content Decree Guideline on Ethnic groups Ensure that ethnic groups defiend as IPs under Bank’s ethnic group affected by policy are meaningfully consulted in a free, prior consultation development informed manner and engaged in project preparation, (2013) planning and impelemntation Environmental Lao Road Sector ESOM is regulatory requirement and guideline for all and Social investment projects under the transport sector which Management have potential impact on the environment and people. It Operations is a regulatory tool to be used to classify the impact and Manual level of environmental and social assessment, identify the (ESOM) impact that may be caused to the environment and updated in society, provide measurement to mitigate negative 2015 impacts as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of measures to reduce impacts during the construction, per- operation and after completion of the project. 2.3 Institutional Framework for Environmental Management 50. The National Environmental Committee (NEC) established by the EPL is the highest decision-making body for environmental management. The NEC is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for natural resources and environment and comprises representatives of key agencies as the member and the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP) of MONRE is the secretariat. As of the end of 2013, key institutions related to the Project are highlighted as follows: 51. MoNRE: Since mid 2012, MoNRE is the lead agency responsible for effective management of natural resources and environment including water resources, forest/biodiversity, land, minerals, and environmental quality including EIA process. It is a new ministry and comprises 17 agencies including DNEP, PCD, DEQP, Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) Policy (DNEP), Department of NRE Inspection (DNEI), Department of Water Resources (DWR), Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), Department of Disaster Management and Climate Change (DDMCC), Department of Forest Resources Management (DFRM), Department of Land Management (DoLM), Department of Land (DoL), and Department of Geology and Minerals (DGM). The technical and management capacity of these agencies remains weak due to limited number of qualified staff and budget. Most activities will be carried out with technical assistance and operational supports by international financing and/or donor agencies. The role and responsibilities of MONRE are clearly defined by the Environment Protection Law (revised in 2013). 52. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF): MAF is responsible for ensuring effective management of agriculture, forests, and fisheries/aquaculture and it also went through a major reorganization during 2011-2012. It comprises many departments including the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Forest, the Department of Inspection, the Department of Fisheries, etc. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 35 REVISION 3.0 53. MPWT: Ministry of Public Works and Transport is responsible for management of public works, urban development, and land and water transport including management of domestic water supply and sanitation in urban areas. It is relatively large and stable ministry and key agencies including the Department of Road (DoR), the Department of Waterways Transport, the Department of Urban Development, and the Public Works and Transport Research Institute (PTRI). DoR is responsible for road development and maintenance and technical divisions comprise the Project Management Division, 4 Regional Road Maintenance Projects, and the Technical Division which is also responsible for planning and supervision of safeguards for road related activities. At provincial level, the provincial Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) is responsible for planning and implementation at provincial and local level including road maintenance. The Environment and Social Division of PTRI (ESD/PTRI) is responsible for establishment of safeguard procedures and guideline namely Environmental and Social Operations Manual (ESOM) for the Lao road sector, supervision, and training of safeguard for MPWT. 54. The Provinces: In addition to the central agencies, provincial departments of MoNRE (PoNRE), MEM (PDEM), MAF (PAFO), and MPWT (DPWT) exist in each of the 17 provinces. A Provincial Environmental Committee (PEC) is also established for each province. According to the GoL policy on decentralization as instructed by the National Assembly, the provincial and district authorities have begun to play a key role in planning, decision making, and monitoring of investment activities. For the energy sector, provincial departments are responsible for approval and monitoring of energy generation projects equality or less than 15 megawatts while the central agencies remain responsible for approval and management of large-scale investments. For the mining sector, the provincial departments are responsible for approval and monitoring of investments of less than US$2 million. For natural resources and environment, PoNRE plays a key role in management of water, land, and forest resources as well as on environmental management including conducting review and monitoring of the IEE process and ECC issuance. 55. Provincial Resettlement Committee: The further planning and implementation of the Project will be undertaken through consultation with, and advice from, provincial and district government agencies, through the Resettlement Committee (RC). The main function of the RC is to represent the interest of the APs and stakeholders in dealing with project impacts and mitigation measures. The details of the roles and responsibilities of the RC are provided in Decree 84, Articles 19-20. The RC will appoint a management and an operational unit to be responsible for the overall process of resettlement and compensation. The RC will meet regularly, and will have an inaugural meeting at least one month before the start of the Project and will operate during the construction of the subprojects and for up to two years after completion of construction activities (to monitor impacts and take action where necessary). The minutes of meetings and activities of RC will be incorporated into overall Project internal and external monitoring. The responsibilities of RC will be as follows:  Coordination of relevant Government organizations with ESMU to ensure that RAP is properly implemented;  Review and provide comments on valuation of land and assets (crops, production, market values, etc.) for compensation for APs  Organization of provincial and district level meetings and consultations as required;  Monitoring and auditing funds that are earmarked for RAP implementation; and  Participation in resolution of, and follow through, of claims or complaints lodged via the established grievance redress procedure. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 36 REVISION 3.0 2.4 National Environmental standards 56. National environmental standards have been adopted based on the Environmental Protection Law No.29/NA, dated December 18, 2012 and the Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 and 0832/MONRE. Date 7 Feb. 2017. The following section outlines standards for water quality, noise and air quality. 2.4.1 National Water Quality Standards 57. Table 2-2 to Table 2-4 tabulates the national water standards for:  Drinking water quality (groundwater);  Surface Water Quality; and  Wastewater effluent discharge from industrial activities. Table 2-2: National Drinking Water Quality Standards - Groundwater3 Parameter Symbol Standard Value Unit Color No defined 15 No defined Turbidity No defined 20 NTU Potential of Hydrogen pH 6.5-9.0 No defined Iron Fe 1.0 mg/L Manganese Mn 0.5 mg/L Copper Cu 1.5 mg/L Chromium Hexavalent Cr6+ 0.05 mg/L Zinc Zn 15.0 mg/L Sulphate SO42- 250 mg/L Chloride Cl- 600 mg/L Fluoride F 1.0 mg/L Nitrate NO3- 45 mg/L Total Hardness as CaCO3 500 mg/L Hardness Non-carbonate as CaCO3 250 mg/L Total Suspended Solid TSS 1,200 mg/L Arsenic As 0.01 mg/L Cyanide CN- 0.07 mg/L Lead Pb 0.01 mg/L Mercury Hg 0.001 mg/L Cadmium Cd 0.003 mg/L Selenium Se 0.01 mg/L Bacteria (Standard Plate Count No defined 500 Colonies/cm3 Method) Coliform Bacteria No defined 2.2 MPN/100cm3 E. coli Bacteria No defined No No defined 3 Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 37 REVISION 3.0 Table 2-3: National Surface Water Quality Standards4 Standard value Analysis Parameter Symbol Unit 1 2 3 4 5 Method Color, Order None n n’ n’ n’ None No No defined and Taste defined Temperature t oC n n’ n’ n’ No o C Thermometer defined Potential of pH 6-8 6-8 5-9 5-9 No No Electrometric Hydrogen defined defined Dissolved DO >7.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 <2.0 mg/L Azide Oxygen Modification Electro Ec <500 ≤1000 ≤2000 ≤4000 >4000 �S/cm Ec meter conductivity Chemical COD <5 5-7 7-10 10-12 >12 mg/L Potassium Oxygen Dichromate demand Digestion; Open Reflux or Closed Reflux Total Coliform No defined n 5,000 20,000 No No MPN/ Multiple Tube bacteria defined defined 100ml Fermentation Technique Fecal coliform No defined n 1,000 4,000 No No MPN/ Multiple Tube bacteria defined defined 100ml Fermentation Technique Total TSS <10 ≤25 ≤40 ≤60 >60 mg/L Glass Fiber Filter Suspended Disc Solid Phosphate PO4 <0.1 0.5 1 2 >2 mg/L Ascorbic acid Ammonium ion NH4+ <0.5 ≤1.5 ≤3 ≤4 4 mg/L Kjeldahl Nitrate- NO3-N n 5.0 5.0 5.0 No mg/L Cadmium Nitrogen defined Reduction Ammonia NH3-N n 0.5 0.5 0.5 No mg/L Distillation Nitrogen defined Nesslerization Phenol C6H5OH n 0.005 0.005 0.005 No mg/L Distillation defined Amino antipyrine Copper Cu n 1.5 1.5 1.5 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Nickel Ni n 0.1 0.1 0.1 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Manganese Mn n 1.0 1.0 1.0 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Zinc Zn n 1.0 1.0 1.0 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Cadmium Cd n 0.003 0.03 0.03 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Chromium 6 Cr+6 n 0.05 0.05 0.05 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration Lead Pb n 0.01 0.01 0.01 No mg/L AA-Direct defined Aspiration 4 Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 38 REVISION 3.0 Standard value Analysis Parameter Symbol Unit 1 2 3 4 5 Method Mercury Hg n 0.001 0.001 0.001 No mg/L AA-Cold Vapor defined Technique Arsenic As n 0.01 0.01 0.01 No mg/L AA- Direct defined Aspiration, ICP Cyanide CN- n 0.01 0.01 0.01 No mg/L Pyridine defined Barbituric Acid Radioactive -α n 0.07 0.07 0.07 No Becq. GC -α -β defined urel/L -β Organochlorine n 0.05 0.05 0.05 No mg/L GC pesticide defined Dichlorodiph DDT n 1.0 1.0 1.0 No µg/L GC enyltrichloro defined ethane Alpha Benzene α-BHC n 0.02 0.02 0.02 No µg/L GC hexachloride (C6H6Cl6) defined Dieldrin C12H8Cl6O n 0.02 0.02 0.02 No µg/L GC defined Heptachlor and C10H5Cl7 n 0.2 0.2 0.2 No µg/L GC Heptachlor And defined epoxide C10H5Cl7O Endrin C12H8Cl6O n None None None No µg/L GC defined Remark: Class 01: water sources is from natural, no any production or dilution Class 02: water sources for consumption but need to be disinfected, this water sources aquatic conservation, fishery, water sport and other. Class 03: water sources for consumption but need to be disinfected, this water sources agriculture, livestock and other Class04: water resource for consumption, but need to be disinfected, this water sources for industry, colleting the effluent from urban area or community and other. Class05: water resource for transportation, collecting the effluent from urban area or community and other. n: natural water n’: natural water, but the temperature change is not more than ±3OC Table 2-4: Waste Water Effluent (General Industrial Wastewater Discharge)5 Parameter Symbol Standard Value Unit Analysis Method Potential of Hydrogen pH 6-8.5 No pH Meter defined Total Dissolved Solid TDS <2,500 mg/l mg/L Dry evaporation at depending on temperature 103-105OC, 1 industrial activities hour and water body, but <5,000 mg/l Total Suspended TSS <50 mg/l depending mg/L Glass Fiber Filter Disc on industrial activities 5 Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 39 REVISION 3.0 Parameter Symbol Standard Value Unit Analysis Method and water body, but <150 mg/l O Temperature t <40 C Temperature Meter Color and Odor No No No General defined defined Hydrogen Sulfide H2S <1.0 mg/L Titration Cyanide CN- <0.2 mg/L Distillation and Pyridine Barbituric Acid Fat, Oil and Grease FOG <5.0 mg/l depending mg/L Solvent Extraction by Weight on industrial activities and water body, but <15.0 mg/l Formaldehyde CH2O <1.0 mg/L Spectrophotometry Phenol C6H5OH <1.0 mg/L Distillation and Aminoantipyrine Method 4 Chlorine Cl- <1.0 mg/L Lodometric Method Pesticide - No mg/L GC Biological Oxygen BOD5 <30 mg/l depending mg/L Azide Modification at 20OC, Demand 5 Days on industrial activities 5days and water body, but <60 mg/l Total Nitrogen TKN <100 mg/l depending mg/L Kjeldahl on industrial activities and water body, but <200 mg/l Chemical Oxygen COD <120 mg/l depending mg/L Potassium Dichromate Demand on industrial activities Digestion; Open Reflux or and water body, but Closed Reflux <400 mg/l (Heavy metals) Zinc Zn <5.0 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Chromium Hexavalent Cr+6 <0.25 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Chromium Trivalent Cr+3 <0.75 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Copper Cu <2.0 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Cadmium Cd <0.03 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Barium Ba <1.0 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Lead Pb <0.2 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Nickel Ni <1.0 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Manganese Mn <5.0 mg/L AA/AES; ICP Arsenic As <0.25 mg/L AA-Hydride Generation or ICP Selenium Se <0.02 mg/L AA-Hydride Generation or ICP Mercury Hg <0.005 mg/L AA-Cold Vapour Technique 2.4.2 National Air Quality Standards 58. Table 2-5 tabulates the Lao PDR ambient air quality standards. Note that some of the standards are expressed in parts per million (ppm) and some are expressed in mg/m3. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 40 REVISION 3.0 Table 2-5: National Ambient Air Quality Standards 6 1 hour 8hour 24 hour 1 month 1 year Parameter Symbol (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) (mg/m3) Carbon CO 30 10.26 - - - Monoxide Nitrogen NO2 0.32 - - - - Dioxide Sulphur SO2 0.78 - 0.30 - 0.10 Dioxide Total TSP - - 0.33 - 0.10 Suspended Particulate Particulate PM-10 - - 0.12 - 0.05 Matter less than 10 microns Ozone 03 0.20 - - - - Lead Pb - - - 1.5 - 2.4.3 National Noise Standards 59. Table 2-6 provides the national noise standards for Lao PDR. It can be noted that nighttime noise limits are particularly stringent with regards to sensitive receptors such as hospitals and schools. Table 2-6: Noise Standards for Other Places (Leq 24-hrs) Area dB(A): 06.00 – 18.00 dB(A): 18.00 – 22.00 dB(A): 22.00 – 06.00 Hospitals, libraries, 50 45 40 kindergarten, schools Residential areas 55 55 45 Commercial areas 70 70 50 2.4.4 Permits 60. The following table indicates the permits that are required for various scales of Projects in Lao PDR. 6 Decree on National Environment Standard dated 81/GV, dated 21 Feb. 2017 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 41 REVISION 3.0 Table 2-7: Permit Requirements # Description Scale Permitting Authority 1 Water extraction Small project Natural Resources and Environment Office, District Medium project Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Province Large project Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 2 Borrow Pit Small project Energy and Mines Office, District Medium project Department of Energy and Mines, Province Large project Ministry of Energy and Mines 3 Removal of Trees Development Project Village authority & Agriculture and Forest Office 2.5 Legal and Institutional Framework Concerning Ethnic Groups 2.5.1 Country's constitution 61. The constitution of Lao PDR states that Lao has been a multi-ethnic country since the middle of the 14th century, and since the 1930’s, the multi-ethnic Lao people have fought together for the liberation of the country leading to the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 2 December 1975. The constitution, No. 25/NA, dated 06 May 2013 includes the specific articles relevant to the equality among all ethnic groups in the multi-ethnic state of the Lao PDR: 62. Article 8 states that “The State pursues the policy of promoting unity and equality among all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups have the right to protect, preserve and promote the customs and cultures of their own tribes and of the nation. All acts of creating division and discrimination among ethnic groups are forbidden. The State implements every measure to gradually develop and upgrade the economic and social level of all ethnic groups.� 63. Article 13 states that “The national economy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic relies on a stable multi-sectoral economy which is encouraged [by the government]; such economy shall expand manufacturing capacity, broaden production, businesses and services, transform the natural economy into a trading and manufacturing economy, and modernize; [while] combining with regional and global economies to stabilize and develop the national economy continuously and to improve the material and spiritual living conditions of the multi-ethnic people. All types of enterprises are equal before the laws and operate according to the principle of the market economy, competing and cooperating with each other to expand production and business while regulated by the State in the direction of socialism.� 64. Article 22 states that: “…The State and society attend to developing high quality national education, to create opportunities and [favourable] conditions in education for all people throughout the country, especially people in remote areas, ethnic groups, women and disadvantaged children. …� ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 42 REVISION 3.0 65. Article 23 states that “The State promotes preservation of the national culture which is a representative of the fine tradition of the country and its ethnic people while accepting selected progressive cultures from around the world. …� 66. Article 35 states that “Lao citizens are all equal before the law irrespective of their gender, social status, education, beliefs and ethnic group.� 2.5.2 Local Administration Law of Lao PDR 67. The local administration law states that the role of the local administration is to represent the locality and be responsible to the government to administer political, socio-economic and cultural affairs, human resource management, natural resource and environment management, national and local defence and security; and others as assigned by the government. The 4 articles – 14, 27, 40 and 53 under the administrative law define the specific role and responsibility of the provincial governor, mayor, chief of district and head of the villages that are “To motivate, promote and facilitate the participation of the Lao Front for National Construction, mass organisations, social organisations and all economic entities and ethnic people in the socio-economic development of the village; and to preserve and promote good national traditions and cultures of the multi-ethnic Lao people; to discourage negative occurrences and superstitious beliefs; to promote education within the community; and to educate the community to be responsible for hygiene and sanitation.�
 2.5.3 Ethnic Minority Policy 68. The Hmong Policy adapted in 1981, was the first explicit policy statement on ethnic groups since the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975. The main purpose of the policy was to improve the living conditions of Hmong people, and to increase national security for the country. In 1992, the government revised the policy and developed it into the resolution on Ethnic Affairs in the New Era, applying to all ethnic groups across the country. The ethnic policy was developed to (i) build national sentiment (national identity), (ii) realize equality between ethnic groups, (iii) increase the level of solidarity among ethnic groups as members of the greater Lao family, (iv) resolve problems of inflexible and vengeful thinking, and economic and cultural inequality, (v) improve the living conditions of the ethnic group step-by-step, and (vi) expand the good and beautiful heritage and ethnic identity of each group and their capacity to participate in the affairs of the nation. 2.5.4 Institutional Responsibility 69. In Lao PDR, overall development of ethnic groups lies with the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC). According to the Law on Lao Front for National Construction, No. 01/NA, dated 08 July 2009, the main roles of the LFNC are:  To construct and to improve forces of the entire people and act as an umbrella organization guarding the solidarity of Lao ethnic people.  To educate, train and encourage all Lao ethnic people to participate in the mission to protect and develop the nation.  To enhance the ownership, protect the culture and traditions, rights and legitimate interests of Lao ethnic people and races.  To be a center for public awareness, desires and opinions of Lao ethnic people.  To act as a central coordination body for all parties. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 43 REVISION 3.0 70. In addition, the LFNC also has the responsibility to:  Focus the solidarity of Lao ethnic people both domestic and international.  Propose drafts of laws and legislation in according to its roles and responsibilities.  Advertise, educate, encourage and enhance the ownership of Lao ethnic people in the implementation of guidelines, policies, the constitution and national socio-economic development plans.  Act as a repository for proposals and ideas for the development of Lao ethnic people of all religions, genders, and ages and communicate these to the responsible organisations.  Propose candidates for elections to political organisations, the National Assembly and other organizations according to regulations.  Participate in improvement of the state power of People’s Democratic Regime, monitor and inspect activities of the state administrative apparatus, the National Assembly and other organizations in line with the regulations.  Protect the rights and legitimate interests of the party’s organisations for the Lao ethnic people and participate in mediation of disputes in according to its roles.  Contribute to the protection and enhancement of the traditions of patriotism and culture of the Lao ethnic people.  Convey knowledge, lessons, experience and fine traditions of the Lao ethnic peoples to new generations.  Enhance friendly relations and cooperation between Lao Ethnic People and People of Nations in the region and internationally. 71. The LFNC consists of seven departments and one center, including 1) General Administration, 2) Organisation Department, 3) Inspection Department, 4) Class and Civil Society Department, 5) Ethnic Affairs Department, 6) Obligations of Religion Department, 7) Propaganda Department, and 8) Training Center. It is important to note that the Ethnic Affairs Department (DEA) acts as the secretariat of LFNC central Committee to mobilize, protect and promote the benefits of all ethnic groups, to advertise and disseminate the Party’s policies, regulations and laws, and the national socio- economic development plan to all ethnic groups and to communicate the requirements, frustrations and real desires of all ethnic people to the higher officials, in order to strengthen the solidarity and equality of ethnic people across the country.7 2.6 WBG Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines 72. The WBG has developed a range of environmental, health and safety (EHS) guidelines. Part of these guidelines include specific standards for ambient air quality and noise. All Project activities should be in compliance with these air quality and noise standards, in addition to the national standards. 2.6.1 WBG Air Quality Guidelines 73. The WBG use the ambient air quality guidelines proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Table 2-8 provided these standards. 7 http://www.lfnc.gov.la/lfncs/englishs/gov_ethnic.php ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 44 REVISION 3.0 Table 2-8: WHO Air Quality Guidelines Parameter Averaging Period Guideline Value (μ Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 24 hours 20 10 minutes 500 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 1 year 40 1 hour 200 Particulate Matter PM10 1 year 20 24 hours 50 Particulate Matter PM2.5 1 year 10 24 hours 25 Ozone 8-hour daily maximum 100 2.6.2 WBG Noise Guidelines 74. According to the WBG EHS Guidelines, noise impacts should not exceed the levels presented in Table 2-9, or result in a maximum increase in background levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor location off-site. Table 2-9: WBG Noise Level Guidelines, One Hour Laeq (dBA) Receptor Daytime (07.00 – 22.00) Night-time (22.00 – 07.00) Residential, institutional, 55 45 educational Industrial, commercial 70 70 2.6.3 General WBG EHS Guidelines 75. In addition to the above, the WBG EHS guidelines also provide extensive guidance on a range of other EHS issues, such as occupational health and safety, community health and safety, etc. The mitigation measures that have been adopted for this Project have included all of the relevant WBG EHS guidelines. 2.6 International Environmental Agreements 76. Lao PDR is a signatory to most international agreements and conventions relating to the environment, the most relevant are listed below. Appendix D Provides a list of all international agreements ratified by Lao PDR.  ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1985). Lao PDR as Party to this agreement has agreed on development planning, the sustainable use of species, conservation of genetic diversity, endangered species, forest resources, soil, water, air and address environmental degradation and pollution. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 45 REVISION 3.0  United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD 1996). Under this convention, Lao PDR has agreed to conduct an Environmental Assessment of proposed development projects to minimize harmful effects.  Convention on International Trade in the Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES 2004). Provides an international umbrella for management and control of trade in endangered fauna and flora.  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC 1995). The Government of Lao PDR joined the global community to combat climate change by ratifying this Convention. As a developing country (non-Annex I), there is no requirement for Lao PDR to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The country also ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2003 and thus may be eligible for involvement in carbon trading through a compliance market of the Clean Development Mechanism as well as the international voluntary greenhouse gas emission trading.  Ramsar Convention (1982). The GoL officially joined the Convention in 2010. Two wetlands of international importance have been designed as Ramsar sites as part of the accession process which are the XeChamphone Wetlands in Savannakhet Province, and the BeungKiatNgong Wetlands in Champasak Province. 2.7 World Bank Safeguards Policies Applicable to the Project 2.7.1 General 77. The World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies are regarded as a cornerstone of its support to sustainable poverty reduction. The objective of these policies is to prevent and mitigate undue harm to people and their environment in the development process. These policies provide guidelines for the World Bank and borrowers in the identification, preparation and implementation of programs and projects. The project triggers the following environmental and social safeguard policies: Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01), Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04), and Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11), Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) and Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12). 2.7.2 Environmental Assessment 78. Environmental Assessment is one of the 10 environmental, social, and legal Safeguard Policies of the World Bank. Environmental Assessment is used in the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative environmental impacts associated with Bank lending operations. In World Bank operations, the purpose of Environmental Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have been properly consulted. The World Bank's environmental assessment policy and recommended processing are described in Operational Policy (OP) 4.01: Environmental Assessment. This policy is considered to be the umbrella policy for the Bank's environmental 'safeguard policies'. 79. Initially the Bank undertakes environmental screening of each proposed project to determine the appropriate extent and type of EA. The Bank classifies the proposed project into one of four categories, depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. (a) Category A: A proposed project is classified as Category A if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. EA for a Category A project ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 46 REVISION 3.0 examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the "without project" situation), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance. For a Category A project, the borrower is responsible for preparing a report, normally an EIA. The Project has been classified as a Category A project due to the resettlement of affected peoples, not specifically due to its anticipated impacts on the environment. (b) Category B: A proposed project is classified as Category B if its potential adverse environmental impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas--including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats--are less adverse than those of Category A projects. These impacts are site-specific; few if any of them are irreversible; and in most cases mitigatory measures can be designed more readily than for Category A projects. The scope of EA for a Category B project may vary from project to project, but it is narrower than that of Category A EA. Like Category A EA, it examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental impacts and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental performance. The findings and results of Category B EA are described in the project documentation (Project Appraisal Document and Project Information Document). The Project herewith has been classified as a Category B Project. (c) Category C: A proposed project is classified as Category C if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Beyond screening, no further EA action is required for a Category C project. (d) Category FI: A proposed project is classified as Category FI if it involves investment of Bank funds through a financial intermediary, in subprojects that may result in adverse environmental impacts. 2.7.3 Other World Bank Safeguard Policies 80. Table 2-10 lists other World Bank Safeguard policies and rationales for policies triggering or not triggering by the Project. Table 2-10: Other World Bank Safeguard Policies Safeguard Policies Triggered? Explanation Natural Habitats OP/BP Yes This policy is triggered since landscape of the areas 4.04 along the proposed NR13 N project is typical of a marshy area (with flood plains and riverine forest vegetation along both sides) combined with small hilly zones. The project road improvements activities will involve expansion of three bridges to accommodate 4 lanes and improvements of 4 bridges on the 2 lanes section. Forests OP/BP 4.36 No This policy is not triggered because the project does not pass through national parks or protected areas. It will pass through semi-urbanized areas. It is not anticipated that the project will affect the health and quality of forests or the rights and welfare of people and their level of dependence upon or interaction with forests. Pest Management OP No The project will not lead to purchase or increase use of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 47 REVISION 3.0 4.09 pesticides. Physical Cultural Yes This policy is triggered due to the presence of village Resources OP/BP 4.11 temples and graves observed near the road. Impacts assessment on physical cultural resources and measures, including chance finding procedure, necessary to minimize/mitigate impacts, have been included in the ESIA. Indigenous Peoples Yes This policy is triggered due to the presence of a Hmong OP/BP 4.10 Ethnic Community in the project area that will be impacted by labor influx, dust, noise, gas emission and other forms of pollution from construction, drainage blockage, traffic interruption, removal of vegetation and impacts to temples or graves during construction, increased traffic flow and speed during operation. No household resettlement is anticipated in the ethnic community. Involuntary Yes This policy is triggered as the works to be financed will Resettlement OP/BP result in land acquisition, the disruption of agricultural 4.12 and livelihood activities, and the displacement of residential and commercial structure. This is primarily because the section of NR13 from Vientiane to Ban Dong (km 12 to km 31) will be upgraded from 2 to 4- lanes requiring the acquisition of 1.5m of land on each side. Safety of Dams OP/BP No The project will not finance any activities related to the 4.37 construction of dams nor affect operations of existing dams or affiliated reservoirs. Projects on No The project will not affect international waterways. International Waterways OP/BP 7.50 Projects in Disputed No No activities are planned in any disputed areas. Areas OP/BP 7.60 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 48 REVISION 3.0 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION & ALTERNATIVES 3.1 General 81. This section of the report will describe the proposed project including its location, scope, and activities associated with its design, construction and operation. This section will also consider alternatives associated with the Project. Accordingly, this chapter is arranged as follows:  Project Summary, including category of project and project need and location;  Environmental Setting, providing an overview of the socio-environmental conditions within the Project Corridor; and  Scope of Works, summarizing the works activities to be undertaken as part of the Project.  Assessment of Alternatives, including the ‘no project’ scenario. 3.2 Project Background 82. Country Context - The Lao economy continues its strong expansion and overall poverty has declined. However, poverty levels remain relatively high, with development benefits not equitably shared among the population. With the gross national income per capita reaching US$1,740 in 2015, Lao PDR is a lower-middle income country. The poverty rate – based on the national poverty line – has declined from 33.5 to 23.2 % (around 1.5 million people) between 2003- 2013. Despite these gains, inequality has increased, with the Gini coefficient rising from 32 to 36 during the same period. 83. With a total population of 6.7 million, Lao PDR’s annual economic growth rate averaged 8 % between 2000 and 2015 and is projected to sustain 7 % annual growth over the period 2017-2019, driven by growth in electricity exports and services (i.e., retail, tourism, and transport), construction, and manufacturing, and a favorable regional economic outlook with closer integration under the ASEAN Economic Community. These gains have been supported by significant public investments, and as a result, the fiscal deficit grew to 6 %of GDP during 2015-2016, and public debt increased to 68 %of GDP in 2016. The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) has taken steps to consolidate its fiscal position over the medium term by removing exemptions, expanding the tax base, and strengthening tax administration. However, ambitious public investment plans, including the Lao PDR section of the Kunming – Singapore rail line, are projected to keep deficit and debt levels elevated, which may constrain future investment unless economic growth can keep pace. 84. Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to climate and disaster risks. Historical damage data indicate that annual expected losses from climatic events range between 3 and 4 % of GDP, with the associated average annual fiscal cost close to 2 % of government expenditures. Three of the five costliest natural disasters have taken place since 2009, including two floods in 2013. The 2015-16 El Niño phenomenon was one of the strongest on record and impacted Lao PDR through lower agriculture yields, reduced hydropower production, and infrastructure damages from storms. Climate change projections indicate further increases in temperature and increased intensity and frequency of extreme events, including increased rainfall and flooding risks during the wet season. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 49 REVISION 3.0 These conditions can severely impact economic activity, such as hydropower, transport, and agricultural production, and affect poverty reduction efforts. Vulnerability and losses may rise further if infrastructure planning does not consider disaster risks. 85. Sectoral and Institutinal Context - New opportunities for economic expansion prompted by regional integration will further support the economy but will require improved transport connectivity. Lao PDR’s membership in ASEAN and the WTO has lowered barriers and increased the potential market; however, making the most of this opportunity requires the ability to efficiently move goods and provide services across borders. The Government has invested in the construction and upgrading of new roads and bridges, but this has resulted in growing public debt, including a significant increase in arrears to contractors. The focus on new investment has also led to a comparatively lower budget allocation to maintenance and operations. Therefore, internal connectivity continues to suffer, with a significant part of the network impassable during the rainy season, particularly secondary roads. The growing impacts of natural disasters and climate change on the road network have increased the need for emergency repair, which accounts for approximately 30 % of the overall annual road maintenance budget. 86. Funding for the road sector has been increasing, but higher efficiency is needed to serve the growing road maintenance needs. The road sector is financed through Government budget, overseas development assistance (ODA), and the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF). The RMF, capitalized mainly through a fuel levy, is the key mechanism to ensure predictable and sustained allocations of funds for road maintenance. RMF receipts have been growing by more than 10 % per annum in recent years and received more than US$80 million in 2016, from US$2 million in 2002 (when it became operational). The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) conservative projection is for sustained future growth rates at around 10 % in the medium term. The RMF supports routine, periodic and emergency maintenance, as well as rehabilitation and upgrading of existing roads, with 80 % allocated to national roads. 87. Including national budget and RMF, the road sector received a total allocation of US$107 million for fiscal year 2017, which is a 37 % increase compared to the fiscal year 2014-15 budget. However, a large portion of the allocation has been used to pay outstanding debt for road construction and upgrading, emergency repair, and road maintenance and disaster recovery implemented over the last five years, rather than road maintenance activities implemented during the year. As such, managing the road sector debt and the outstanding liabilities and enhancing the efficiency of the RMF allocation are critical. The IDA-financed Lao Road Sector Project 2 (LRSP2), effective since March 23, 2017, is supporting sector institutional development through the preparation of financing and policy frameworks, the sector strategic plan, improved governance systems, and development of technical capacity to maximize the effectiveness of public expenditure in the sector. The proposed National Road 13 project would complement this work by demonstrating ways to achieve improved efficiency in the use of the RMF through performance- based approaches. 88. National Road 13 (NR13) is the most important corridor in Lao PDR and its upgrade, rehabilitation, and maintenance may result in significant benefits for the country. NR13 is a North- South corridor (1,500 km) and the backbone of the country that connects Lao with China in the north and with Cambodia in the south. The road comprises NR13 South from Vientiane Capital to the Cambodian border (829 km) and NR13 North (671 km) from Vientiane Capital to Boten on the Chinese border. The main sections of the road were completed in 1997 and have not been rehabilitated since, receiving only periodic and emergency maintenance. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 50 REVISION 3.0 89. Strong economic growth and trade expansion have been accompanied by a rapid increase in traffic volume and transit traffic on NR13, particularly in stretches near Vientiane Capital, some of which are expected to reach full capacity in the next 5 years. A detailed feasibility study financed by the World Bank in 2015 identified several critical sections on both NR13 North and NR13 South. The study indicated that improvements in these sections would result in reduced vehicle operating costs and travel time, increased accessibility of enterprises, increased labor productivity, and reduced road fatality rates. MPWT will use a phased approach to the improvement of NR13. To start, MPWT has prioritized the section from km 12 to km 70 on NR13 North, because this stretch serves the highest traffic volume, about 22,100 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) in 2015, and is periodically damaged by severe flooding, including extensively by Typhoon Haima in 2011. The improvement of other critical sections will follow as financing becomes available. 90. For the past three years, Lao PDR has been exploring financing options to rehabilitate and make NR13 climate resilient, including private sector financing. The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) has decided that an output and performance-based approach would be the most appropriate as the application of this option builds on previous experience with performance-based contracts for the road sector in the country and can help to further develop the public-private partnership model going forward. With this option, financing for development is maximized by leveraging the private sector and optimizing the use of scarce public resources, and efficiency gains result from the incentive structure in the contract to ensure high quality road improvement and effective maintenance. 91. Reported road fatalities at the national level more than doubled between 2000 and 2010 (from 358 to 790) and increased to 1,054 in 2014. Nearly three-quarters of these fatalities were motorcyclists. Regionally, the World Health Organization places Lao PDR third behind Thailand and Vietnam – countries with significantly higher motorization rates – in terms of the share of GDP lost (2.7 % in 2010) because of road crash related fatalities. LRSP2 is supporting the Government to operationalize road safety management and safety improvements on local roads, but this remains an important aspect on national corridors as well, including NR13. The feasibility study conducted in 2015 indicates that a “with project� option could help reduce the fatality rate by about 20 % and the serious accident rate by 15 % on NR13 project sections. 92. Truck overloading, from national and international freight, is increasing rapidly and affecting the rate of deterioration of the network. Most of the main roads in Lao PDR, including NR13, were designed and built for 8.2-ton standard axle loads while the current ASEAN standard is 11 tons. MPWT has identified truck overloading as a significant contributor to pavement damage on roads that serve the bulk of transit transport, including NR13. The Government, with assistance from IDA through the LRSP2, the Asian Development (ADB), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is in the process of strengthening the institutional framework in this regard through the re- introduction of overloading controls and regulation. The proposed project will further support this effort through the assignment of appropriate risks and responsibilities between government and the contractor for overloading control under the output and performance-based contract. In addition, the project will install a weigh station on the project road, and rehabilitation will be carried out to ASEAN standard. 93. The road sector is under the overall jurisdiction of MPWT. MPWT is responsible for policy making, financing, strategic planning, oversight, and overall management of the sector. While it has progressively delegated maintenance and operational tasks for local roads to the provincial level, MPWT retains the responsibility for the maintenance and operational tasks for the national road network, including NR13. MPWT would lead and implement the proposed project. The Ministry has ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 51 REVISION 3.0 ample experience implementing IDA projects using country systems, which are considered appropriate and are being further strengthened through LRSP2. 3.3 Project Description 94. The overall focus of the project is the climate resilient upgrade and improvement of 58km on NR13 North from Vientiane to Phonhong, a critical stretch serving high traffic volumes. 95. Component 1: Road Improvement and Maintenance This component would finance: (a) improvement and maintenance, ensuring traffic capacity, quality, climate resilience, road safety aspects for (i) Section Sikeut-Songpeuay Market (km 12 to km 31), which is to be upgraded from 2 to 4-lane, with a 23m wide right-of-way; and (ii) Section Songpeuay Market-Phonhong (km 31 to km 70), to improve the existing 2-lane with a 16m wide right-of-way; and (b) land acquisition as needed for the road improvement. The improvement works and maintenance will be carried out through the implementation of an Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPBRC). The main features of the OPBRC approach for the project include: 1. A share of the improvement cost of the project will be reimbursed to the contractor over the initial 3-year estimated construction period through milestone payments based on completion of nominated proportions of the works, financed by IDA and NDF. 2. The rest of the contractor’s financing of the improvements works and the operations and maintenance (O&M) cost over a 10-year period will be paid through performance-based quarterly payments (adjusted for inflation) based on the contractor’s performance in meeting or exceeding the contracted service levels for the road. The quarterly payments over the 10-year period will come from the RMF. 3. Bidders would be assessed on their technical and financial proposals. The financial offers will include O&M costs and amortization of the capital expenditures (improvement works) that were not covered by the construction payments to the contractor during the initial construction period. 4. The IDA Guarantee will backstop the payment obligations from the Government to the private contractor over the life of the OPBRC contract. This will improve the credit worthiness of MPWT and mitigate the risk of non-payment by MPWT to the private contractor. 96. Component 2: Supervision and Capacity Building This component would finance: (a) supervision of road improvement works over a 3-year construction period, including monitoring implementation of environment and social requirements, followed by supervision and monitoring of the contractor’s performance for the initial two years of the post-construction operational period, including monitoring implementation of environment and social requirements, and capacity building of the MPWT on OPBRC supervision and monitoring; and (b) technical assistance to prepare environmental and social studies, and detailed design for other critical sections of NR13 that will be defined during project implementation . 97. Component 3: Project Management. This component would finance: (a) road safety activities; and (b) project management, including coordination, procurement, financial management (FM), technical and safeguards aspects, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), reporting, training, and incremental operating costs for both the construction period and the initial two years of the operational period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 52 REVISION 3.0 3.4 Indicative Implementation Arrangements 98. The road sector is under the overall jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). MPWT is the Project Implementing Agency. The project will be implemented through Government structures. MPWT’s Department of Roads (DoR) is responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project. DoR has appointed a Project manager for day-to- day implementation. The proposed project will use arrangements that have proved successful for previous and current IDA projects (e.g. LRSP2) implemented by MPWT. As such, MPWT departments will have implementation responsibilities as per their official mandates: (i) the Department of Finance (DoF) will have overall responsibility for financial management including procurement support to project activities; (ii) the Department of Inspection (DoI) will apply internal controls to project activities, procure independent financial auditors, and oversee the project grievance redress mechanism; (iii) the ICT Division of the Cabinet office will oversee activities related to the administration of e-procurement, disclosure of bidding documents, and public information posted in MPWT’s website; and (iv) the Environmental and Social Division of the Public Works and Transport Research Institute (ESD-PTRI) will lead all aspects of safeguards preparation, supervision and reporting. MPWT’s Department of Transport (DoT) will lead the activities related to traffic safety and overloading control. The Department of Planning and Cooperation (DPC) will provide coordination support to departments implementing project activities. 3.5 Project Location 99. Project works are divided into two sub-sections:  Vientiane-Ban Dong (km 12 to km 31) - upgrade from 2 to 4-lane with 23m right-of-way.  Ban Dong-Phonhong (km 31 to km 70) - improve 2-lane with 16m right-of-way. 100. The Project road is located within two provinces. The relevant districts and villages are listed in Table 3-1 below. Table 3-1: Administrative boundaries of the project impact area Province District Villages Vientiane Naxaithong Total of 24 villages affected namely, Xaimoungkhoun, Sikeut, Phanghaeng, Capital Donglouang, Naxaithong-tai, Naxaithong-kang, Naxaithong-nua, Houaxang, Houakhoua, Nongkhankhou, Ilai Tai, Ilai Neua, Songkhouakangsaen, Chaengsavang, Houaynamyen, Songpuay Tai, Songpuay Neua, Phonkham, Nakha, Phonmouang, Nanga, Boua, Nongsa, Nadi Vientiane Phonhong Total of 20 villages affected namely, Sivilai, Mai, Phonxai-tai, Taothan, Nalao, Lak 52, Nongnak, Phonkham-tai, Phonkham-nua, Hongluay, Nabon, Vangmon, Saka, Phonngeun, Phonsavang, Houaython, Namchaeng, Phonsi-tai, Namlin, Phonhong 101. Figure 3-1 provides a location map of the Project road within the context of Lao PDR. A schematic presentation of the road alignments is provided by Figure 3-2. 3.6 Environmental Setting 102. Table 3-2 describes the general environmental and social conditions for both the roads. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 53 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-1: NR13 North Location Map ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 54 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-2: Project Road Location 8 8 KM12 – 30.5 is upgrading 2 to 4 lanes. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 55 REVISION 2.0 Table 3-2: Environmental Setting Km 0.0 - The road starts at Sikeut Junction, in the northern area of Vientiane, approximately four kilometers from Vientiane airport. The junction is busy most times of the day as traffic traverses north and south or eastwards to NR13 South. The junction is surrounded by commercial and light industrial properties which often encroach into the right of way. Low voltage electricity distribution lines crisscross the road, however, most of the utilities seem to be located outside of the right of way. The road to the left of the photo (eastwards to NR13 south) is currently unpaved, and this is leading to dirt and gravel being transported onto the roadway. This is a common effect along most of NR13 North. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 10 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 56 REVISION 2.0 Km 5.5 - The road continues north, through a ribbon of urban development intertwined with commercial businesses and some light industrial activities, such as vehicle workshops. Some rice paddies and agricultural land break up this development ribbon periodically, but often it is hard to determine when one village ends and another starts. The road condition in this area (Naxaithong) is generally good, traffic volumes are still quite high. Roadside vegetation is more evident in these areas as shown by the photo opposite. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 7 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 57 REVISION 2.0 Km 10.0 – The Project road continues northwards through a mix of agricultural land and villages. At around kilometer ten the road crosses bridge 2. The first three bridges in the Project road will need to be widened to accommodate the proposed four lanes. None of the water courses in these locations are particularly wide with bridge lengths generally being simple single span concrete structures of around 20 meters. Given the relatively short lengths of these structures and the low flows within the water courses construction works should be relatively straightforward to manage without significant pollution events occurring. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 7 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 58 REVISION 2.0 Km 14 – There is little change in the road landscape as the Project road continues north. Some areas between kilometer 12 and 14 have been identified in the Project FS as areas liable to flooding (see the light-colored box on the satellite image above as an example of an area identified). The photo above illustrates a typical temple located adjacent to the road. More than 30 temples have been identified along the alignment and these are classified as sensitive receptors requiring special consideration during the design and construction phase. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 7 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 59 REVISION 2.0 Km 30 – After around kilometer 20 villages become less frequent and more vegetation, in terms of agricultural plants and road side trees can be noted. The road condition in this area is still good and speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour are possible. After kilometer 20 the road will be a two-lane construction, and as such no widening of the road will be required in this area and no changes to the alignment. Accordingly, fewer environmental impacts are anticipated in this two-lane portion of the road. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 7 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 60 REVISION 2.0 Km 37 - The Project road continues to pass through some small villages and agricultural land. More roadside trees can be observed, although this section of the Project road will remain a two lane road. No trees will need to be cut in these areas with the possible exception of areas that require small embankments to prevent flooding. No other significant environmental issues are identified in these rural locations. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 5 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 61 REVISION 2.0 Km 40 – The Project road passes through Lak 52 at around kilometer 40. Lak 52 is a small, bustling village with numerous commercial and residential properties very close to the roadside. The Contractor will have to take care to ensure that access is provided to all commercial and residential properties throughout the construction phase. Noise levels in Lak 52 are currently above WBG guidelines for both daytime and nighttime noise. An increase in traffic volumes during the operational phase of the project is only likely to exacerbate this issue. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 8 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 62 REVISION 2.0 Km 50 – After kilometer 48 the Project road enters a rural section with a low population density. Woodland and spots of agricultural land dominate the rolling landscape in this area. Most of the woodland is located more than 10 meters from the edge of the existing road and as such these areas are not expected to be significantly affected by rehabilitation of the existing pavement and structures. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 10 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 63 REVISION 2.0 Km 53 – The road continues through a rolling landscape with few residential areas. A couple of small areas in this area have been noted as flood prone. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is around 4 kilometers west of the Project road, this is as close as the Phou Phanang gets to the Project road. During the public consultation meetings in Phonhong the issue of the Protected Area was raised by the ESIA team. None of the stakeholder’s present believed that the area would be impacted by the Project given its distance from the road. The rehabilitation works in this portion of the road will not increase accessibility to this area as access is readily available via a number of local roads connecting to the NR13 North. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 64 REVISION 2.0 Km 57 – The Project road ends at the town of Phonhong. At this point the Phou Phanang Protected Area is more than 5 kilometers west of the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 65 REVISION 2.0 3.7 Scope of Works 103. The scope of works for the Project road can typically be divided into design, pre- construction, construction and operational and maintenance (O&M) activities. The following section provides a summary of the potential activities that are anticipated to occur during each activity. 3.7.1 Design 104. General - During this phase of the Project detailed designs are prepared. Currently a Detailed Design (DD) Consultant is preparing the detailed engineering design for rehabilitating the road including all the documents necessary for the approval, bidding and construction of the works. These documents include, but are not necessarily limited to, detailed drawings, specifications, bill of quantities (BOQ), and cost estimates. The detailed engineering design will incorporate recommendations to be produced as a result of this ESIA and the BOQ will reflect all the costs associated with the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The DD Consultant will also ensure that all aspects of the design take full account the historical occurrence of severe flooding and the potential for future floods to affect the roads. 105. Design Standards – The Design Consultant will use the design standards outlined in Table 3-3 to guide the detailed design. Table 3-3: Design Standards Highway Class 1 (4 Lane) Class II (2 lane) Classification Terrain Classification Level Level Design Speed km/h 80-110 80-100 Width (m) Right of 23 16 Way Lane 3.50 3.50 Shoulder 2.0 2.5 Min. horizontal curve 220 200 radius (m) Type of Pavement Asphalt / cement concrete Asphalt / cement concrete Max. super elevation (%) Rural: 8 Rural: 10 Urban: 6 Urban: 6 Max. vertical grade (%) 5 6 Min. vertical clearance 4.50 4.50 Structure loading HS20-44 HS20-44 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 66 REVISION 2.0 (minimum) *Design speeds in urban areas will be 40 km/h. 106. Cross-Sections - In road cross-section design, following aspects have been given due consideration.  Center Median width – Though the operational effectiveness increases with increasing median width, there are factors that limit the widths that are selected. The physical constraints due to the roadside development the widths have limits and furthermore the space has to be allocate for the other cross section elements in such circumstances. A median barrier is introduced to ensure separation of opposing traffic (and divert vehicles colliding with the barriers back without having head-on collisions with traffic on the opposing stream) and the median width is reduced down to 2m as a compromise to all these environmental factors.  Carriageway width - Taking into consideration the large sized trucks in the traffic stream and also to increase the capacity, a 3.5 m wide carriageway was adopted. This will also give a wider lateral clearance for the slow moving and vulnerable vehicle classes that will be using the hard shoulder. Besides, a similarly wider clearance is offered to the vehicles on the fast-moving lane by the 3.5m wide carriageway from the median barrier which is place on a comparatively narrower center median only 2 m wide).  2.0 - 2.5m Wide Hard Shoulder - To provide passage for slow moving vehicles, the hard shoulder is made a little wider than the conventional cycle lane but not wide enough for it to be mistaken as another lane. 107. Figure 3-3, 3-4, 3-5 and 3-6 illustrate the proposed cross sections of the road. It appears from these figures that embankments will be required in all instances, however, in reality there will not be many areas where the road will be raised, except in areas identified as being flood prone. Appendix A2 present plan/horizontal alighment of all sections in the project road, including ROW and nearby properties and environmental features. 108. Geometry - The Project road, from the beginning to about km 47, is predominantly flat, and the gradient is less than 2%. The section from km 47 to 70 is more rolling in nature and the gradient varies from 4% to a small section of which the gradient reaches 8%. However, the section where the gradient is high is comparatively shorter, and does not exceed half km in all and it does not affect the overall road capacity significantly. In the vertical profile design, attempts will be made to bring down these steeper gradients down to about 6% which is the specified minimum assumed. 109. Embankments - Roadway fill slopes will be designed as stable slopes of 1 in 1.5 which is suitable for the selected embankment material as well as for limited heights. Embankment heights do not exceed 3m as the road runs mostly on flat terrain. Even in the rolling terrain, no high embankments are involved as the terrain is on the low rolling nature. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 67 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-3: Cross Section – 2 Lane Road (Asphalt) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 68 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-4: Cross Section – 2 Lane through Urban Areas (Asphalt) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 69 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-5: Cross Section – 4 Lane Road (Asphalt) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 70 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-6: Cross Section – 4 Lane Road (Portland Cement Concrete) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 71 REVISION 2.0 110. Road safety - Safety measures that will be taken in the detailed design can be summarized as follows:  Cross Sectional Elements - More vulnerable type of traffic such as pedestrian, cycles, (both pedal cycles as well as motor cycles), farm tractors, etc. are segregated from the main traffic by providing them with a 2.5m wide hard shoulder. This hard shoulder will be demarcated by a 200 mm wide continuous pavement marking so that it can easily be distinguished from the normal 100mm wide marking. - Wider soft shoulders are proposed and these, while performing the function of providing better lateral support to the road pavement, can also offer useful refuge for the large trucks that require maneuvering in case of emergency. - Median barriers such as Double-sided Guard Rails (in rural environment) and New Jersey Barriers (in urban environment) are provided throughout the 4 lane sections of the road. - Median shoulders are provided to give minimum lateral clearance and space for sudden maneuvers for vehicles.  Traffic Signs and Marking - Entire road section is adequately signed with Traffic Signs as per MWPT Standards and advance warning signs are erected at all locations where there are changes in traffic conditions as well as hazardous conditions such as high embankment, narrowing of road etc. - Intersections are adequately marked indicating ghost islands, kerbed islands, transverse markings such as Give Way and STOP lines, - Pedestrian Crossings will be fitted with yellow road studs and be provided with Zig Zag Markings - Where parking needs to be banned, continuous yellow longitudinal markings are provided along the edge off setting them with the normal white pavement edge markings for easy identification and to demarcate these sections.  Other features - Urban sections are adequately illuminated so that the extent of development and side friction, sudden maneuvers of parked vehicles can be detected in advance - Intersections in the rural sections of the road are illuminated so that the fast- moving traffic on the main road can see the intersection as well as vehicles coming on to the roads, from a distance. 111. Sight Distance is maintained as far as possible and adequate signage and pavement marking will be introduced where required sight distance cannot be achieved. 112. The main road safety benefits the project will deliver are the following:  Reduced risk of vehicles leaving their lane to avoid potholes and surface deformations; ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 72 REVISION 2.0  Reduced risk of accidents due to road hazards, e.g. flooding;  Improved sight distances due to improved vegetation control;  Better separation between pedestrians and vehicles; and  Better night driving conditions due to wider carriageway and improved pavement centerline markings. 113. Some of these advantages could be partially offset by the higher speeds, which will be possible after the road improvements. 114. To verify the road safety measures included in the design an independent Road Safety Audit of the design will be carried out. Road safety features requested by Project Affected Peoples (PAPs) in the scope of consultation will be considered by Road Safety Audit Consultant and the contractor for potential inclusion in the final design (e.g. night lighting, road crossing around schools, etc.). In addition, a road safety audit will be undertaken upon completion of construction to determine whether the design has been properly translated and there is no inherent road safety defect has appeared in the works. Particular attention will be paid to design changes that have been made during construction. 115. During the first year of operation (This will coincide with the Defect Liability Period of the Construction Contract), a check will be kept on the number of personal injury accidents that occur, so that any serious problems can be identified and remedial work arranged quickly. 3.7.2 Pre-construction 116. During this phase of the Project typical activities will include:  Site Clearing Works – The following works may occur: - Clearing and grubbing. - Demolition, removal and disposal of existing fences, structures/buildings or parts of structures or buildings. - Removal and disposal of traffic signs, signposts and their foundations. - Demolition, removal and disposal of existing culverts, inlet and outlet structures, headwalls, concrete drains, channel lining, and erosion protection works. - Removal of and any other natural or artificial objects within the ROW. - Backfilling and compacting cavities remaining after the removal of trees, stumps, or any other incidental works. - Removal and disposal of all vegetation and debris within the designated limits of the Right-of-Way. - Any other works incidental to demolition, tree cutting and site clearance.  Removal of Trees. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 73 REVISION 2.0  Relocation of Existing Services - The Works include the relocation of all services affecting the construction of the Project Road within the ROW. The services include the following: - Water mains. - Overhead electric supply lines. - Sewer mains.  Site Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (SSESMP) - During this period the Contractor should prepare his own SSESMP to conform to this ESIA and its ESMP. The SSESMP should ideally be completed with 30 days of the signing of the Contract to ensure that all ESMP measures are included within the Pre-construction phase. 3.7.3 Construction Phase 117. Pavement – The final decision on pavement types has yet to be determined. Two pavement types are proposed, asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete (as shown in Figures 3-3, 3-4, 3-5 and 3-6). 118. Bridges – Seven bridges will be rehabilitated as part of the Project. Table 3-4 provides a list of the bridges, their locations and lengths. Figure 3-7 to Figure 3-12 show the current status of the bridges. Table 3-4: NR13 North Bridges Serial Proposed Flow Name of Bridge & Proposed Chainage No Type Direction Length/Width 1 6+900 1 Span West to East Houay Xailoun 18.7m / 8m 2 9+953 1 Span West to East Houay Xone 25m / 9m 3 19+205 1 Span West to East Nam Houm 23m / 9m 4 24+835 2 Span West to East Nam Souang 49.3m / 9m 5 43+841 1 Span West to East Nam Panai 26.9m / 9m 6 51+472 1 Span West to East Houay Thonh 21m / 9m 7 54+328 3 Span West to East Nam Cheng 72m / 9m ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 74 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-7: Bridge 1 - Houay Xailoun Figure 3-8: Bridge 2 - Houay Xone Figure 3-9: Bridge 4 – Nam Souang Figure 3-10: Bridge 5 – Nam Panai Figure 3-11: Bridge 6 – Houay Thonh Figure 3-12: Bridge 7: Nam Cheng 119. The rehabilitation of the bridges may include the following works:  Foundations.  Substructure including bridge bearings.  Superstructure, including construction of expansion and deformation joints and footpaths.  Deck pavement including hydro isolation, drainage, hand railing, and conduits for services.  Approach slabs.  Slope treatments in front and around abutments.  Construction and maintenance of traffic detours. 120. Bridges will be designed for the life expectancy of 75 years. 121. Culverts - Project works will include design and construction of cross drainage structures (culverts), including inlet and outlet structures and associated works. A schedule of culverts is included in Appendix Y. Cross drainage works may typically include:  Replacement of existing culverts which are old, structurally deficient or undersized; ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 75 REVISION 2.0  Extension of existing culverts which are of adequate design and in good condition;  Construction of new culverts at locations where no cross-drainage structure existed before;  Cleaning of existing culverts which are partially or completely silted;  Miscellaneous repair of the existing culvert joints, headwalls, wing walls, and scour and erosion protection works; and  Construction of new scour protection and channel lining works. 122. Existing culverts and roadside ponds are currently used by the local population for a variety of uses. Prior to starting work at any culvert location, the Contractor shall consult with the village head and landlord/s and take steps to ensure the work has a minimum detrimental impact on the use by the local population. The findings of each consultation shall be reported in writing to the Engineer. 
 The proposed culvert locations/levels as shown in the detailed design are approximate only and may need to be adjusted to best suit the existing topographic conditions on site. 
 At least 4 weeks before the Contractor proposes to commence construction at a culvert location (existing or proposed) he shall conduct a detailed topographical area of the culvert location including the upstream and downstream stream channels. The Contractor shall document the survey as a plan with appropriate cross sections and submit the same to the Engineer who will instruct the exact levels/extents to which the culvert works are to be constructed. 
 123. Other Drainage Structures - Surface runoff from the carriageway and all other pavements, and embankment slopes would be discharged through longitudinal drains designed for adequate cross section, bed slopes, invert levels and the outfalls. The Works will include construction of the longitudinal/side drainage structures (open ditch, RC ditch or pipe) in urban and rural areas. All designs shall ensure that the drains discharge to exisiting drainage ditches of suitable capacity, or to streams without causing erosion of embankments, flooding, or damage to properties. Prior to discharge from the longdituinal drains, the water should pass through an oil / grease interceptor or control valves. 124. Earthworks – Typical earthworks may include the following:  Removal of topsoil.  Construction of embankments.  Construction of subgrade.  Excavation and removal of the existing pavement materials and the existing road embankment.  Removal and replacement of unsuitable materials.  Structural excavation.  Excavation for the construction of side drainage and cross-drainage works.  Excavation for the removal and relocation of the existing utilities.  All backfilling necessary for the construction of bridges, retaining walls or other earth retaining structures, cross drainage structures and associated works, side drains and erosion protection work. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 76 REVISION 2.0  Preparation of beddings and filters for all structural, cross drainage, side drains or pavement works.  Excavation, filling or backfilling necessary for the execution of any other incidental works. 125. Intersections – Ten Intersections will be constructed. Table 3-5 provides details of the intersections and their locations. Table 3-5: NR13 North Intersections # Location Chainage Remark 1 Ban Sikeut 0+058 R Road to Dongdok (National University of Lao) 2 Ban Naxai 5+147 R Road to Nakhoun noy and Thangon 3 Ban Naxai 6+615 R Road to Thangon Bridge road No.10 4 Ban Nongkhankhou 10+950 R Road to Ban Namkiang, Ban Nasab 5 Ban Phonmouang 22+430 R Road to Ban Hong gnoua, Ban Sendin 6 Ban Nongsa 28+710 R Road to Ban Tanpiao 7 Ban Nadi 31+650 R Road to Lingxan 8 Ban Hongliuy 43+105 L Road to Xangthong Distric 9 Ban Naphoneua 48+275 R Road to Pakchang, Nam ngeuam bridge road No.10 10 Ban Namlin 56+685 L Road to Phonhon education office, Ban Huay Poung 126. Embankments - There are no cases where high and steeper slopes have to be cut in widening the road. Even in cases where roadside slopes have to be cut, the cut slopes do not exceed 2 m and even in such cases are encountered in very short reaches only. As a safety measure, crash barriers will be installed in sections where embankment heights are higher. Advance warning signs will be posted to warn drivers of such sections. Fill slopes will also be turfed suitably to control erosion. 127. Removal of Asphalt – The existing pavement will be scarified, and where the material meets the required specification it will be compacted and re-used as sub-base material. 128. Key Construction Equipment - Table 3-6 provides indicative lists of the key equipment required in the construction phase. Table 3-6: Key Equipment Minimum No. Equipment Type and Characteristics Number required 1 Bulldozer (>245HP) 4 2 Excavator (>100HP) 12 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 77 REVISION 2.0 3 Crushing and screening plant – mobile type at least 150 m3/h including 2 rock material washing machinery 4 Concrete Paving Machinery width not less than 9.0 m for 2-layer 2 concrete placing including film-forming machinery 5 Small Concrete Paving Machinery width not more than 5.0 m including 1 film-forming machinery 6 Front Loader (>135HP) 15 7 Concrete batching plant (>150m3/hr) 2 8 Motor grader (>135HP) 10 9 Vibratory roller (> 13T) 8 10 Tipper truck (10T) 30 11 Tipper truck (16T) 30 12 Mobile concrete carriers (>25T) 25 13 Transit mixer (>6m3) 6 129. Permanent Ancillary Features - The exact locations of bus stops have yet to be determined. 130. Quarries & Borrow Pits – Material used for road embankments and pavement layers will be procured from borrow pits. The material can be divided as soils, sands and silts, clay and gravel. Depending on the particular application in road works, the following characteristics of these materials are considered important in obtaining them in their naturally occurring form:  Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution.  Moisture Content.  Consistency Limits.  Compaction.  Strength. 131. The Project DD Consultants have identified a number of borrow pits for NR13 North. Figure 3-13 and Figure 3-14 show the locations of the proposed borrow pits and Table 3-7 provides details of the types of materials and their uses for each borrow pit list of the borrow pits including the type of material available, the borrow pit location, the estimated volume of material available in the borrow pit and the potential uses of the material, e.g. sub base, embankment material, etc. Further assessment of these borrow pits and their suitability is provided within the ESIA. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 78 REVISION 2.0 Figure 3-13: Identified Borrow Pit Locations ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 79 REVISION 2.0 Table 3-14: Identified Borrow Pit Locations ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 80 REVISION 3.0 Table 3-7: Identified Borrow Pit Quantities and Uses # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP01-S1 Clayey Km 1+500; Lt/4,000 m >55,000 A-6(1) GC Embankment gravels and Sub grade. Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Sikeut BP01-S2 Clayey Km 1+500; Lt/4,000 m >55,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Sikeut BP01-S3 Clayey Km 1+500; Lt/4,000 m >55,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Sikeut BP02-S1 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/4,000 >27,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sikeut junction to sub base Phonhong Ban Nayang BP02-S2 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/,4000 >27,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sikeut junction to Sub base Phonhong Ban Nayang BP02-S3 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/4,000 >27,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nayang ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 81 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP03-S1 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/3,000 >31,000 A-2-4(0) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nayang BP03-S2 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/3,280 >31,000 A-2-4(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nayang BP03-S3 Clayey Km 10+300; Lt/3,280 >31,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nayang BP04-S1 Clayey Km 14+050; Lt/4,000 >600,00 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Ilai tai BP04-S2 Clayey Km 14+050; Lt/4,000 >600,000 A-2-6(0) SC Embankment sands m Sub grade and some Sub base Sikeut junction to gravels Phonhong Ban Ilai tai BP04-S3 Clayey Km 14+050; Lt/4,000 >600,000 A-2-4(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Ilai tai ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 82 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP05-S1 Silty Km 17+800; Lt/8,200 >144,000 A-2-4(0) GM Embankment gravels m Sub grade Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonkham BP05-S2 Silty Km 17+800; Lt/8,200 >144,000 A-2-4(0) GM Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonkham BP05-S3 Clayey Km 17+800; Lt/8,200 >144,000 A-2-4(1) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonkham BP06-S1 Silty Km 38+700; Rt/2,000 >67,200 A-2-4(0) GM Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nalao BP06-S2 Silty Km 38+700; Rt/2,000 >67,200 A-1-a(1) GM Embankment gravels m Sub grade ,Sub base and Base Sikeut junction to course Phonhong Ban Nalao BP06-S3 Silty Km 38+700; Rt/2,000 >67,200 A-1-a(0) GM Embankment gravels m Sub grade ,Sub base and Base Sikeut junction to course Phonhong Ban Nalao ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 83 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP07-S1 Clayey Km 45+621; Lt/1,500 >96,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and Sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Vangmon BP07-S2 Clayey Km 45+621; Lt/1,500 >96,000 A-2-6(0) SC Embankment sands m and Sub grade some Sikeut junction to gravels Phonhong Ban Vangmon BP07-S3 Clayey Km 45+621; Lt/1,500 >96,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Vangmon BP08-S1 Clayey Km 49+250; Lt/500 m >105,600 A-2-7(1) GC Embankment gravels and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban PhonNgunh BP08-S2 Clayey Km 49+250; Lt/500 m >105,600 A-2-7(2) GC Embankment gravels and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban PhonNgunh BP08-S3 Clayey Km 49+250; Lt/500 m >105,600 A-7-6(6) GC Embankment gravels Sub grade and Sikeut junction to Sub base Phonhong Ban PhonNgunh ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 84 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP09-S1 Clayey Km 54+800; Rt/2,500 >129,600 A-2-7(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nam cheng BP09-S2 Clayey Km 54+800; Rt/2,500 >129,600 A-7-6(2) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nam cheng BP09-S3 Clayey Km 54+800; Rt/2,500 >129,600 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Nam cheng BP10-S1 Clayey Km 55+508; Lt/1,000 >102,600 A-2-7(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP10-S2 Clayey Km 55+508; Lt/1,000 >102,600 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP10-S3 Clayey Km 55+508; Lt/1,000 >102,600 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 85 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) BP11-S1 Clayey Km 56+200; Lt/100 m >70,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels Sub grade and Sikeut junction to sub base Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP11-S2 Clayey Km 56+200; Lt/100 m >70,000 A-2-4(0) GC Embankment gravels Sub grade and Sikeut junction to sub base Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP11-S3 Clayey Km 56+200; Lt/100 m >70,000 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels Sub grade and Sikeut junction to sub base Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP12-S1 Clayey Km 57+300; Rt /7,000 >100,800 A-2-6(0) GC Embankment gravels m Sub grade and sub base Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP12-S2 Clayey Km 57+300; Rt/7,000 >100,800 A-7-6(4) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai BP12-S3 Clayey Km 57+300; Rt/7,000 >100,800 A-7-6(4) GC Embankment gravels m and Sub grade Sikeut junction to Phonhong Ban Phonsi tai ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 86 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) RG01-S1 Well Km 3+000; Lt/100 m 500 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded course Tadthong to Sangthong gravels District and concrete and gravel Work sands mixture. RG02-S1 Well Km 17+000; Lt/20 m 500 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded course Tadthong to Sangthong gravels District and concrete and gravel Work sands mixture. RG03-S1 Well Km 28+650; Rt/7,000 300 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels (Seno to Pakse) and concrete and gravel Work sands mixture. RG04-S1 Well Km 31+625; Rt/10,000 300 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels Sikeut juntion to and concrete and gravel Phonhong Work sands mixture. Ban Linxan RG05-S1 Well Km 75+000; Rt/9,000 250 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels Phonhong to and concrete and gravel HinHeup Work sands mixture. Ban That RG06-S1 Well Km 57+300; Rt/16,000 300 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels Phonhong to and concrete and gravel Viengkham District Work sands mixture. Ban Nanin ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 87 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) RG07-S1 Well Km 57+300; Rt/24,000 300 m³/day A-1-a(1) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels Phonhong to and concrete and gravel Viengkham District Work sands mixture. Ban Donekuad) RG08-S1 Well Km 57+300; Rt/27,000 300 m³ A-1-a(0) GW Sub base, Base graded m course gravels Phonhong to and concrete and gravel Viengkham district Work sands mixture. Ban Donekuad) RS01-S1 Poorly Km 3+00; Lt/100 m 800 m³/day A-1-b(1) SP Sub base, Base graded course Tad thong to sand and Sangthong District and concrete gravelly Work sands RS02-S1 Poorly Km 11+000; Lt/30 m 800 m³/day A-3(1) SP Sub base, Base graded course Tadthong to Sangthong sand and District(Ban houay and concrete gravelly hom) Work sands RS03-S1 Poorly Km 17+000; Lt/30 m 900 m³/day A-3(1) SP Sub base, Base graded course Tadthong to Sangthong sands District(Ban Ang yai) and concrete trace Work gravels RS04-S1 Poorly Km 28+650; Rt/7,000 200 m³/day A-1-b(1) SP Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Sikeut to Phonhong and concrete gravelly District(Ban Hatsiao) Work sands. RS05-S1 Well Km 31+625; Rt/10,000 200 m³/day A-1-b(1) SW Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Sikeut juntion to and concrete gravelly Phonhong Work sands. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 88 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) Ban Linxan RS06-S1 Poorly Km 75+000; Rt/9,000 200 m³/day A-1-b(1) SP Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Sikeut juntion to and concrete gravelly Phonhong Work sands. Ban That RS07-S1 Poorly Km 57+300; Rt/16,000 200 m³/day A-2-4(1) SP Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Phonhong to and concrete gravelly Work sands. Viengkham District Ban Nanin RS08-S1 Poorly Km 57+300; Rt/24,000 200 m³/day A-2-4(1) SP Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Phonhong to and concrete gravelly Viengkham District Work sands. Ban Donekuad RS9-S1 Poorly Km 57+300; Rt/27,000 200 m³/day A-3(1) SP Sub base, Base graded m course sands and Phonhong to and concrete gravelly Viengkham District Work sands. Ban Donekuad Q01-S1 Crushed Km 41+000; Rt/30 m 500 ton/day - - Sub base, Base Rhyolite course First Nay Company and concrete Tad thong to Work Sangthong District ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 89 REVISION 3.0 # Soil Classification Type of Location Estimated AASHTO United Potential Uses Material Quantity M-145 (m3) Q02-S1 Crushed Km 42+500; Rt/30 m 200 ton/day - - Sub base, Base Rhyolite course Bounmy Company and concrete Tad thong to Work Sangthong District Q03-S1 Crushed Km 42+000; Rt/30 m 200 ton/day - - Sub base, Base Rhyolite course Lao souk Company and concrete Tad thong to Work Sangthong District 132. Asphalt Plants - The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring the asphalt facilities comply with the ESMP and that all necessary permits to operate are obtained from the local authorities. It is assumed that the Contractor will operate his own asphalt plant with his own plant. 133. Water - The locations of the extraction points for non-potable water have yet to be determined, although they should be approved by the Engineer prior to the start of extraction. Potable water will also need to be sourced for construction camps, the requirements of which are discussed as part of the Projects ESMP. 134. Construction Camps - Camp sites will be selected keeping in view the availability of an adequate area for establishing campsites, including parking areas for machinery, stores and workshops, access to communication and local markets, and an appropriate distance from sensitive areas in the vicinity. Final locations will be selected by the Contractor after the approval from the Engineer. Environmental impacts of construction camps and proposed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 5. 135. The area requirement for construction camps will depend upon the workforce deployed and the type and quantity of machinery mobilized. In view of the area required, it will not be possible to locate campsites within the ROW and the contractors will have to acquire land on lease from private landowners. The construction camp will have facilities for site offices, workshop and storage yard, and other related facilities including fuel storage. The Contractor will provide the following basic facilities in the construction camps:  Safe and reliable water supply.  Hygienic sanitary facilities and sewerage system.  Treatment 
 facilities for sewerage of toilet and domestic wastes  Storm water drainage facilities. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 90 REVISION 3.0  Sickbay and first aid facilities. 136. Detailed criteria for siting of construction camps and establishment of facilities are given in the ESMP. 137. Storage Areas - Temporary storage areas will be required for certain activities, such as the storage of sand and gravels and construction equipment. These storage areas may range in size from anything between 50 m2 to more than a hectare. The precise locations of these temporary facilities is not known at this stage, as such mitigation measures will be prepared to ensure that these areas are sited in approved locations. 3.8 Analysis of Alternatives 3.8.1 The No Action Alternative 138. The “No Action� Alternative in this instance is defined as a decision not to undertake the proposed construction of the Project Road. The “No Action� Alternative would result in the continued deterioration of the road, bridges and drainage structures along the ROW, thereby impeding the economic development of the Project Area and the region. All positive benefits would be foregone. The relatively minor, less than significant environmental impacts (such as noise and short-term air quality impacts due to maintenance activities) and inconveniences (such as traffic diversions) would be avoided in the short-run. In the long run, however, the steadily declining state of the roadway would severely hamper economic development in the area. In light of these considerations, the “No Action� Alternative is deemed to be neither prudent nor in the best interest of Lao PDR or those with an interest in, and attempting to assist restoration of, Lao PDR’s well-being. 3.8.2 Alignment / Corridor Alternatives 139. All rehabilitation works will take place within the ROW and according to the Project FS the policy is to adhere to the existing alignment as much as possible. As such no alternative corridors have been proposed for the Project or are assessed in this ESIA. 140. Two bypasses were initially discussed as part of the Project FS, one is on km 52 at Ha Sip Song (4.2 km long) and the other is in Phonhong (2.4 km long). The bypasses were contemplated to avoid impact heavy roadside development. However, no further investigations on these bypasses were conducted as it was beyond the scope of ToR of the FS and as such no further investigation of these alternatives has been undertaken for the ESIA. 141. The detailed design consultant has proposed minor alignment changes during the detailed design (DD) phase, notably the re� adjustment of curve at Ban NaNga (km 25+570). The existing curve is very sharp (see Figure 3-15) and has a poor design with many accidents recorded here. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 91 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-15: Proposed Road Re-alignment, Ban NaNga 3.8.3 Alternative Bridge Locations 142. The DD Consultants, representatives of the DoR and member of ESIA team visited three bridges in August 2017. The purpose of the visit was to review the alternative locations of the bridges by the DD Consultants and to ensure that there were no significant environmental and social issues arising from these alternatives. All three bridges are located in the section of the road that will be widened to four lanes, as such widening of the existing bridges or construction of a new parallel bridge will be required. The following summarizes the findings of the inspections. Name Houay Xaimoun Location Naxaythong Nua village, Km 6+975 Existing Bridge 18m span concrete structure with a pedestrian lane on right side Visual assessment The area is sparsely built up, with empty land on the left side of the bridge with paddy field. No significant environmental issues were noted in this area. Recommendation Because there is a house on the right side of the road past the bridge, it is recommended to expand the bridge on the left side to minimize the impact on the structure and on social (Figure 3.16). A distance of 200m from each end of the bridge will be required to gradually and safely bring the change in alignment at the bridge location back to the existing road alignment. A shorter distance will create a deviation in the road alignment that is too sharp and that would be dangerous to traffic. The land between the existing alignment and the new alignment for 200m from each end of the bridge will have to be acquired by the Project. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 92 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-16: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Houay Xailoun Name Houay Xone Location Houakhua village, Km 9+953 Bridge length 25m span concrete structure with a pedestrian lane on the right side Visual assessment This area has a dense population with many houses built along both sides of the road, but the right side is less dense. No significant environmental issues were noted in this area. Option 1 Keep the center line of the old bridge, and expand the bridge on both sides equally as shown in Figure 3-17. This option would require the construction of a temporary bypass road during bridge construction, because the existing bridge will be totally demolished to make way for the new bridge construction. All the traffic will have to use the bypass road during construction. This option would create more environmental impacts, from temporary bypass road construction and operation in particular, than option 2. This option will affect 28 households located on both sides of the road. This option also cost higher than option 2 due to contruction of bypass road. Option 2 Shift the center line to the right side as shown in Figure 3-18. This option will also affect 28 households located along both sides of the road. , but impacts will be more on the right hand side of the road. Detail ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 93 REVISION 3.0 assement on impacts to resettlement are described in the RAP. This option will not require a bypass road during construction. The existing bridge will be used for road traffic while the right side of the new bridge is under construction; then, when first new bridge section has been completed, the old bridge will be removed and the left side section of the new bridge will be constructed. Land acquisition for a distance of 150m from each end of the new bridge will be required to gradually and safety bring the change in road alignment at the bridge back to the existing road alignment. A shorter distance would create a deviation in the road centerline that is too sharp and dangerous to traffic. The land between the existing and new road alignments extending for 150m from either end of the bridge would have to be acquired by the project. Recommendation Option 2 presents a more economical alternative at a cost of USD 371,680 when compared to Option 1 at a cost of USD 560,272. Option 2 also presents less environmental impacts since it would not require bypass road to be built. Figure 3-17: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Option 1, Houay Xone ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 94 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-18: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Option 2, Houay Xone Name Nam Houm Location Songpuay-Nua village, Km 19+200 Bridge length 25m span concrete structure with a pedestrian lane on right side Visual assessment This section is populated with houses/shops along the road. No significant environmental issues were noted in this area. Recommendation Expansion of the bridge of the left-hand side will has less impacts on social and will be more economical because there are fewer built structures on this side of the road (Figure 3-19), within 200m from south end and 150m for North end of the bridge. These distances will be required to gradually and safely bring the change in alignment at the bridge location back to the existing road alignment. A shorter distance will create a deviation that is too sharp which will be hazardous to traffic. The land between the existing and 350m new alignment will have to be acquired by the project. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 95 REVISION 3.0 Figure 3-19: Proposed Bridge Expansion Location, Nam Houm 3.8.4 Alternative Pavement Types 143. A review of alternative pavement types is still on-going by the DD Consultants. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 96 REVISION 3.0 4. BASELINE DATA 4.1 General 144. This portion of the report will clearly identify the study area, i.e. the project area of influence, including the whole stretch of each road, and within certain radius of the road and ancillary facilities such as borrow pits, disposal sites for construction wastes, access roads; assemble the existing data, evaluate and present baseline data on the relevant environmental characteristics of the study area including the physical, biological, cultural property and socio-economic conditions. 145. Accordingly, this section of the report discusses the existing environmental and social conditions within the Project corridor of the Roads under the following headings:  Physical Resources, including: - Geology - Topography - Soils - Climate & Climate Change - Air Quality - Hydrology - Natural Hazards  Biological Resources, including: - Flora - Fauna - Endemic Species - Endangered Species - Protected Areas and Important Bird Areas  Socio-Economic Resources, including: - Demographics - Vulnerable Persons - Economic Conditions - Infrastructure - Land Use - Waste Management ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 97 REVISION 3.0 - Health and Safety - Education and Educational Facilities - Cultural Resources - Noise 4.2 Overview 146. Lao PDR is one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia and lies in the Indo- Burma Biodiversity hotspot. The country has considerable natural resources in forests, water resources, and minerals and these are significant for cultural development, environment protection, and economic development. Its forests cover about 40% of the country, the highest percentage in Southeast Asia, but the total area of forest has declined dramatically from 70% of the land area of 26.5 million hectares (ha) in 1940, to 49% in 1982, and to only 40% or about 9.5 million ha in 2010. Data on changes in forest cover suggest that during the 1990s the annual loss of forest cover was around 1.4% annually, giving an average annual loss of forest cover of about 134,000ha. Efforts are being made to strengthen effectiveness of forest management including conservation of natural resources. 147. Lao PDR can be divided into three physiographic units with differing Figure 4-1: Physiogeographic Regions of Lao agro-climatic characteristics: The PDR Northern Highlands, the Annamite Range (known as Saiphou Louang in Lao PDR) and the Mekong Plain. These physiographic units are shown in Figure 4-1. 148. The Mekong Plain is the river plain along the Mekong and its larger tributaries. This region has a tropical monsoon climate similar to the Annamite Range but with varying rainfall. The Mekong Plain has flat upper levees with recent alluvial deposits that are acidic and willow. The younger alluvial soils of the floodplain are fertile but are often subject to wet season inundation. The Project road is located in this region of Lao PDR. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 98 REVISION 3.0 4.3 Physical Resources 4.3.1 Geology & Soils 149. The geological structure of the project area is under the Khorat Plateau, which is mainly a Mesozoic group to Paleogene system. NR13 North is based mainly on Vientiane formation consisting gravel, sandy Kaolinite and laterite soil types. The geology map of the project area is attached in Appendix F. The Project Area is generally flat with recent alluvial deposits which are acidic and willow. The younger alluvial soils are fertile but are often subject to wet season inundation. 4.3.2 Topography 150. The topography of the Project road ranges from 170 meters above mean sea level to a maximum of 205 meters above mean sea level. Appendix G provides a topographical map of the Project area. Figure 4-2 indicates the road elevation at specific chainages along the corridor and Table 4-1 indicates the road elevations at specific villages along the Project corridor. Figure 4-2: Project Road Elevations 210 205 200 195 Elevation (msl) 190 185 180 175 170 165 160 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 Chainage Table 4-1: Project Road Elevations Elevation (meters above # Location Chainage sea level) 1 Sikeut Km 0 174 2 Phonmouang Km 22 178 3 Boua Km 28 177 4 Nadi Km 32 175 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 99 REVISION 3.0 Elevation (meters above # Location Chainage sea level) 5 Phonsavang Km 49 193 6 Nam Cheang Km 55 199 7 Phonhong Km 56 179 4.3.3 Climate & Climate Change 151. Regional Climate - The climate in Lao PDR is seasonally tropical, with a pronounced wet and dry season. The lowest levels of mean annual rainfall are about 1,300 mm in the northwest, while the highest levels are well above 4,000 mm in the southern Annamite range. The majority of the lowlands experience between 1,500–2,000 mm of rainfall annually. This amounts to 90.9% of the total rainfall in the rainy season (from May to October) and 9.1% of the rainfall in the dry season (from November to April). 152. The local temperatures in Lao PDR are very different depending on the latitude and the elevation, with warmer temperatures in the south and in the lowlands and cooler temperatures in the north and in the mountains. Especially during the hot season from about March to May each year, the maximum temperatures in the lowlands can sometimes exceed 40°C, and during the cold season from about November to February each year the minimum temperatures in the northern mountains can approach 0°C. 153. Climate in the Project Area – The Project area is in the Vientiane plain, a floodplain area bordering the Mekong River, and it features a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet season and dry seasons. The dry season usually starts late in October or very early in November and runs through the end of March or later. The wet season is characterized by a bi-modal monsoon, with the first monsoon usually starting in April or May and lasting well into June, and the second monsoon starting about mid-July and lasting into October, with several weeks of low rainfall in between. However, some years the first monsoon can be very weak or virtually disappear (possibly affected by a strong El Nino), and the total rainfall during a very wet year can be nearly double the total rainfall during a very dry year. For example, Mekong River Commission records show that Vientiane received only a little more than 1.0 m of rain during a very dry year in 1991 and in excess of 2.1 m during a very wet year in 1999. 154. Laos, including the Project area, is subject to occasional tropical depressions that typically start out as tropical storms or typhoons in the western Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea, and then move westward across the coast of Vietnam and into Laos; and less frequently, tropical depressions moving northeast from the Bay of Bengal also can affect Laos. These storms frequently deliver torrential rains that can last for several days, and can result in flash floods and lead to landslides in mountainous areas. While the rainfall can be very heavy, the winds are rarely at typhoon strength after a storm crosses the Annamite Mountains and enters Laos. During a typical year, about 1-4 of these tropical depressions may reach Vientiane, usually between June and December. 155. The Project area tends to be hot and humid throughout much of the year, with the lowest temperatures generally occurring between November and February and the hottest temperatures between March and May. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 100 REVISION 3.0 156. Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4 show average precipitation levels over the last 30 years for Phonhong and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (approximately 4km south of Sikeut Junction). Mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures are also recorded. Wind roses from Wattay International Airport are provided in Appendix H. The wind rose shows that the predominant winds are from the east / north east. Figure 4-3: Precipitation and Temperature, Wattay International Airport, Vientiane Figure 4-4: Precipitation and Temperature, Phonhong 157. Climate Change – Lao PDR is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change because of high socioeconomic dependence on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and water resources. The southwest monsoon, which is a key determinant of rainfall in South and Southeast Asia, including the Lao PDR, is expected to both intensify and become more variable ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 101 REVISION 3.0 between years. The retreat of Tibetan glaciers and snowfields is expected to have a significant downstream effect on the Mekong River’s flow regime. Recent hydrological modelling prepared by the Mekong River Commission suggests that flow may be reduced to 30% over the next 50 years. If confirmed, this will have significant implications for the transport sector, especially on design standards for new and upgraded roads to cope with changes in rainfall intensity, associated flooding, and slope stability. Urban roads and drainage infrastructure will also be affected.9 158. The Government recognizes the strong link between economic development, sustainability, and the need to mainstream environmental considerations including incorporating action on climate change into its development plans and efforts are being made to raise additional financing both from the public and private sectors. A Climate Change and Disaster Law is currently being developed with expected approval in 2017. The National Strategy on Climate Change (NSCC) was approved in early 2010, and climate change action plans for the period 2013-2020 have been prepared for key sectors, including transport. It is expected that the financial needs for implementing the mitigation and adaptation policies and actions identified in the NSCC would be about US$ 2.4 billion. 159. According to the recent (USAID)-funded Mekong Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change Project, precipitation levels around Vientiane could increase as much as 10%. Figures in Appendix I illustrates this point with projections to 2050. However, data from 1951-2006 prepared by the Mekong River Commission stated that ‘There is no evidence to suggest that the incidence of intense storm days is increasing in line with some of the projected impacts of global warming, as the representative regional plot for the data at Vientiane confirms’ (see Figure 4-5). Figure 4-5: Vientiane (1951 – 2006) – percentage of wet days on which more than 25 and 50 mm of rain were observed 10 9 Lao Peoples Democratic Republic - Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy and Road Map. ADB, 2011 10 Annual Mekong Flood Report. Mekong River Commission, 2010 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 102 REVISION 3.0 160. Another report funded by the World Bank indicated that the mean annual temperatures in Lao PDR are projected to increase by 1.4°C to 4.3°C by 2100, with similar projected rates of warming for all seasons. This report also stated that other studies indicate similar warming is likely to occur across all regions, while others suggest that the country’s southern climatic zone will experience smaller warming than the northern and north central zones. 11 The report also states that there may be an increased incidence of flooding within the Mekong Basin. 4.3.4 Air Quality 161. General - No large industrial facilities were noted within the Project corridor that may be a source of significant air emissions. Numerous light industrial properties line the corridor and may produce low levels of localized emissions, such as vehicle repair works shops. In addition, there large number of road side restaurants within the corridor that use wood and charcoal as cooking fuel, thereby producing an element of air pollution. Dust is currently the most significant air quality pollutant within the corridor, especially during the dry season. The unpaved road shoulders and access roads that feed on to NR13 North are all a source of dust as vehicle move to and from these areas. In addition, two portions of the Project road are also currently unpaved (see Figure 4-6). This is currently resulting in extremely high levels of dust in these areas which are coating residential and commercial properties as well as roadside vegetation. Figure 4-6: Unpaved Section of Road – KM3, June 2017 11 Vulnerability, Risk Reduction, and Adaptation to Climate Change – Lao PDR. World Bank, GFDRR, Climate Investment Fund. 2011. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 103 REVISION 3.0 162. Ambient Air Quality – Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at five different locations during July 2017 to characterize the current air quality within the Project corridor.12 Weather data was collected using a portable weather meter during the duration of particulate matter sampling. A description of sampling locations and the rationale of selection is given in Table 4-2 and Appendix J provides the results in full along with photographs of the monitoring activity and the monitoring dates, times and climatic conditions. Figure 4-7 provides a map indicating the approximate sampling locations. The ambient air quality data was compared against applicable Lao PDR Standards and WHO Ambient Air Quality guidelines or other internationally recognized sources Table 4-2: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations Sample Coordinates Location Rationale for Site Selection ID A1 18° 2'21.53"N Sikeut, Naxaithong District Urban location, including sensitive 102°32'49.48"E receptors. A2 18° 4'22.52"N Naxaithong-Tai, Naxaithong Urban location, including sensitive 102°32'3.12"E District receptors. A3 18° 9'27.26"N Karngsan, Naxaithong District Urban location, including sensitive 102°30'4.00"E receptors. A4 18°21'13.97"N Lak 52, Phonhong District Urban location, including sensitive 102°25'29.16"E receptors. A5 18°29'35.88"N Namlin Village, Phonhong Urban location, including sensitive 102°24'48.13"E District receptors. 163. Carbon Monoxide (CO) – Table 4-3 shows that ambient carbon monoxide is well below Lao and WBG standards. Table 4-3: Ambient CO Results Sample ID Level (ppm) Lao PDR Standard / Time Compliance A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 USEPA Standard (ppm) 14.00 – 15.00 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 15.00 – 16.00 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 16.00 – 17.00 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 17.00 – 18.00 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 18.00 – 19.00 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.7 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 20.00 – 21.00 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.7 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 21.00 – 22.00 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 30.0 / 35.0 Yes 12 The unpaved dusty road section shown in Figure 4-5 was only identified after the monitoring had been completed and as such no results were available from these areas. Needless to say, the current levels of particulate matter in this section are assumed to be much higher than national or international standards. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 104 REVISION 3.0 164. Particulate Matter (PM10) – Table 4-4 shows that ambient PM10 complies with both Lao PDR standards and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. However, sample locations A1 and A4 both have ambient PM10 levels higher than WBG standards. Table 4-4: Ambient PM10 Results Lao PDR Standard / 24-hour Average Result Sample ID 3 USEPA Standard / Compliance (μg/m ) 3 WHO Standard (μg/m ) A1 70 120 / 150 / 50 Yes / Yes / No A2 30 120 / 150 / 50 Yes / Yes / Yes A3 30 120 / 150 / 50 Yes / Yes / Yes A4 120 120 / 150 / 50 Yes / Yes / No A5 10 120 / 150 / 50 Yes / Yes / Yes 165. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) – Table 4-5 shows that ambient SO2 levels are within Lao PDR and European Union (EU) standard limits. Table 4-5: Ambient SO2 Results Lao PDR Standard 1-hour Average Result Sample ID (ppm) / EU Standard Compliance (ppm) (ppm)* A1 0.08 0.13 / 0.13 Yes / Yes A2 0.08 0.13 / 0.13 Yes / Yes A3 0.01 0.13 / 0.13 Yes / Yes A4 0.03 0.13 / 0.13 Yes / Yes A5 0.01 0.13 / 0.13 Yes / Yes EU standard = 350 μg/m3, the equivalent of 0.13 ppm of SO2. 166. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – Table 4-6 shows that ambient levels of NO2 are within the limits set by Lao PDR standards and WHO guidelines. Table 4-6: Ambient NO2 Results Lao PDR Standard 1-hour Average Result Sample ID (ppm) / WHO Compliance (ppm) Guidelines A1 0.007 0.11 / 0.11 Yes / Yes A2 0.021 0.11 / 0.11 Yes / Yes A3 0.003 0.11 / 0.11 Yes / Yes A4 0.007 0.11 / 0.11 Yes / Yes A5 0.020 0.11 / 0.11 Yes / Yes WHO standard = 200 μg/m , the equivalent of 0.11 ppm of NO2. 3 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 105 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-7: Monitoring Locations 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 1 2 1 Key: Noise and Air in Green / Surface and Groundwater in Red. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 106 REVISION 3.0 167. Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) – Table 4-7 shows that ambient levels of TSP are within the limits set by Lao PDR standards. Table 4-7: Ambient TSP Results Sample ID 24-hour Result (mg/m3) Lao Standard (mg/m3) Compliance A1 0.18 0.33 Yes A2 0.07 0.33 Yes A3 0.07 0.33 Yes A4 0.33 0.33 Yes A5 0.05 0.33 Yes 4.3.5 Hydrology 168. Surface Water - The project area of NR13 North is located in the plain of Vientiane which is situated on the lower reaches of the Nam Ngum and Nam Lik Rivers. This area physiographically is part of the Mekong River floodplain that includes the floodplains of its larger tributaries. Existing surface water bodies crossing the Project road are listed in Table 4-8 below. Table 4-8: Surface Water Courses in the Project Area # Chainage Flow Direction Name of River 1 6+900 East to West Houay Xailoun 2 9+953 East to West Houay Xone 3 19+205 East to West Nam Houm 4 24+835 East to West Nam Souang 5 43+841 East to West Nam Panai 6 51+472 East to West Houay Thonh 7 54+328 East to West Nam Cheng ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 107 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-7: Nam Cheng, June 2017 169. Surface Water Quality – According to a recent report by JICA, in general, the water quality of the rivers within Lao PDR and the Mekong is considered good relative to international standards. The oxygen level is high and the nutrient concentration is low. Sediment is the primary pollutant affecting rivers. Sedimentation loads in tributaries vary considerably from 41 tons/km2/year to 345 tons/km2/year. Tributaries and river reaches with high sedimentation are Nam Sebanghieng, Nam Sedone, Nam Ou, and the upper and lower stretches of the Mekong. However, water quality is deteriorating due to the pressures of rapid demographic growth, socio-economic development and urbanization.13 170. To confirm the status of water quality in the Project area monitoring was undertaken in July 2017. A total of five surface water samples were collected and analyzed to determine the baseline water quality levels. Table 4-9 describes the sample locations and rationale for their selection. Appendix K provides the results in full along with photographs of the monitoring activity and the monitoring dates, times and climatic conditions. Figure 4-7 provides a map indicating the approximate sampling locations. 13 Profile on Environmental and Social Considerations in Lao PDR. JICA, 2013. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 108 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-9: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Locations Sample Coordinates Rationale for Site Selection ID SW01 18° 8'36.24"N 102°30'12.98"E Irrigation channel SW02 18°11'13.79"N 102°29'59.99"E Location of Bridge #3 SW03 18°14'5.82"N 102°29'19.86"E Location of Bridge #4 SW04 18°15'30.55"N 102°29'16.11"E Major irrigation channel SW05 18°28'4.78"N 102°24'38.14"E Location of Bridge #7 171. Monitoring results (Table 4-10) indicate that surface water quality in the Project corridor is degraded by high levels of phosphate, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Table 4-10: Surface Water Quality Monitoring Results Parameter Unit SW01 SW02 SW03 SW04 SWO5 Lao Standard Cadmium mg/l ND ND ND ND ND 0.003 Calcium mg/l 1.68 7.45 3.57 5.94 6.14 - Nitrate mg/l 1.30 <0.44 <0.44 ND 4.32 5 as NO3 Phosphate mg/l 1.99 2.67 <0.46 3.82 0.70 0.5 Turbidity NTU 2.47 22.70 3.59 21.90 11.70 - BOD mg/l 4.5 9.30 1.20 21.6 5.7 <1.5 COD mg/l <40 47.2 <40 77.0 <40 5-7 Dissolved mg/l 4.10 2.30 8.50 2.50 4.90 6.0 Oxygen Oil and Grease mg/l <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 2.8 <2.0 - pH - 6.3 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.8 6-8 Total Dissolved mg/l 68 74 30 74 93 - Solids 172. Given the location of the monitoring locations within an area dominated by light industrial / residential and agricultural activities, the high levels of phosphate could be a result of a number of sources. Non-point sources of phosphates include: natural decomposition of rocks and minerals, storm water runoff, agricultural runoff, erosion and sedimentation, atmospheric deposition, and direct input by animals/wildlife; whereas: point sources may include: wastewater treatment plants and permitted industrial discharges. High levels of phosphate can also contribute to high BOD levels as can high levels of organic pollution. 173. Flooding – Several areas were identified by the Project FS that are prone to flooding. The flooding sections identified as of 2010 data, in the project area are summarized in Table 4-11 below and illustrated by Appendix L. As noted in the table, measures to combat flooding include ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 109 REVISION 3.0 increasing culvert capacity size and raising the road elevation by 0.2 – 0.5m. As noted above, climate change may also increase precipitation in Lao PDR over the next 30-50 years, thereby increasing the potential for flood events in the Project area. Table 4-11: Road Sections Subjected to Inundation Approximate Approximate Cause for Proposed Remedial Road Inundation Chainage Range Inundation Measure* Depth 19 600km- 19+ 0.5m Inadequacy of the Raise the inundated segment 900km height of culvert at by 0.5m increase the capacity 7+548km on Bridge of culvert by increasing its Houay Xaimoun height. approaches 22+000km to- 0.2m Low profile on Houay Raise by 0.2m 22+200km Xone bridge approaches 22+275km to 0.5m Raise by 0.5m 22+400km 58+200-58+500 km 0.3m Exceptionally Low road Raise by 0.3m profile * according to Project FS, 2014 174. Groundwater – Lao PDR has abundant groundwater resources, which are used for various purposes, especially in rural areas. Communities in the Vientiane Plain depend heavily on groundwater mainly for domestic uses, drinking and household garden irrigation. Groundwater is accessed through private boreholes and open wells fitted with electric pumps or hand pumps. Groundwater is also the source for industries that produce and trade packaged drinking water for the public. Due to the willow depth of the groundwater on the Plain, activities such as the application of fertilizers or the willow installation of septic tanks can leach through the soil and potentially pollute the groundwater. 14 175. A total of five groundwater samples were collected (in the same locations as the surface water monitoring locations) and analyzed to determine the baseline groundwater quality levels in the Project area. Table 4-12 provides a summary of the results. Appendix M provides the results in full along with photographs of the monitoring activity and the monitoring dates, times and climatic conditions as well as the monitoring locations on a map. Table 4-12: Groundwater Quality Monitoring Results Lao Lao Parameter Unit GW01 GW02 GW03 GW04 GWO5 Standard* Standard** Acidity mg/l as 9.7 38.9 19.5 9.7 19.5 - - 14 Groundwater Quality in the Vientiane Plain. International Water Management Institute (IWMI). May, 2016 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 110 REVISION 3.0 Lao Lao Parameter Unit GW01 GW02 GW03 GW04 GWO5 Standard* Standard** CaCO3 Arsenic mg/l ND <0.002 ND ND ND ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.01 Calcium mg/l as 30.0 40.0 10.0 ND ND - - Hardness CaCO3 Conductivity 10-6 184.8 295 62.4 16.2 184.7 - - S/am Iron mg/l 0.33 ND ND 0.56 0.27 ≤ 1.0 ≤ 1.0 Lead mg/l ND ND <0.01 ND ND ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.01 Magnesium mg/l 1.82 4.65 <1.00 ND 1.87 - - Nitrate mg/l as 29.9 31.5 8.89 ND 10.8 ≤ 45 ≤ 45 NO3 Potassium mg/l 8.13 18.6 1.22 0.54 2.27 - - Sodium mg/l 15.6 22.9 5.29 1.52 11.2 - - Sulfate mg/l as 18.0 28.5 <5.00 ND 9.9 ≤ 250 ≤ 250 SO4 Chloride mg/l as 15.7 30.8 6.4 ND 19.6 ≤ 600 ≤ 600 Cl Dissolved mg/l 3.30 2.80 3.00 2.20 2.90 - - Oxygen Hardness mg/l as 34 54 <20.0 <20.0 70 ≤ 500 ≤ 500 CaCO3 M-Alkalinity mg/l as 10.9 33.9 ND <10.0 43.6 - - CaCO3 pH - 5.2 5.6 4.7 5.2 5.5 7.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 9.0 Temperature °C 29.00 30.10 30.2 29.6 29.8 - - Total mg/l 153.00 223.00 64 <25 168 ≤ 1,200 - Dissolved Solids Total mg/l <2.5 <2.5 <2.5 2.76 <2.5 - ≤ 1,200 Suspended Solids * Drinking water from deep well quality standard, Notification of the Ministry of Industry No. 12, B.E. 2542 (1999) ** Lao Environmental Standards, MONRE, No. 0832, Date 03/03/2017 ND = Not detected. MDL of Arsenic = 0.0005 mg/l, MDL of Lead = 0.005 mg/l, MDL of Calcium Hardness = 0.87 mg/l, MDL of Magnesium = 0.50 mg/l, MDL of Nitrate = 0.09 mg/l, MDL of Sulfate = 1.50 mg/l as SO 4 176. The results show that groundwater quality in the Project area does not exceed any of the Lao PDR standards for drinking water and Lao Environmental Standards. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 111 REVISION 3.0 4.3.6 Natural Hazards 177. According to the Project FS, the most prominent disaster risks associated with the proposed project impact area are earthquake, landslides and floods. 178. Earthquakes - Data from the Laos National Assessment Report (2012) on Disaster Risk Reduction, indicates that Vientiane province where the NR13 North is located is associated with moderate earthquake risk while Vientiane capital is identified as a low risk area. A map indicating earthquakes in the project area is given in Appendix N. 179. Landslides - In general, landslides or slope stability is mainly related to weather conditions. Rainfall is the main cause for landslide occurrences therefore most landslides occur during the wet season. However, factors such as soil condition and land use affect the occurrence of landslides as well. A large part of the country is located in low to medium landslide susceptibility zones. Only around 5% of the country is prone to very high landslide susceptibility. These high susceptibility zones are localized in the southeast and central part of Lao PDR and there is not any significant risk related to landslides in the proposed project impact areas as the area is generally located in a flat terrain. However, soil erosion is a significant issue associated with the area due to the loose silty clay loams with some clay content. 180. Floods - Floods and potential for flooding in the Project area is discussed above under Section 4.3.5 - Hydrology. 4.4 Biological Resources 181. Lao PDR is characterized by a rich biological diversity, with many species’ populations and habitats probably being less depleted compared to other countries of the Southeast Asian region. However, the fact that Lao PDR’s biodiversity remains rich—most notably its wildlife—has less to do with conservation efforts than with the country’s low population density and consequent extensive forest cover. 4.4.1 Flora 182. General - Most flora resources are scattered all over the country and are found in different forests, land use types and agricultural ecosystems. There are an estimated 8,000–11,000 species of flowering plants in the country. However, compared to neighboring countries, there is very little botanical documentation in Lao PDR. This is because very few studies have been conducted on plant taxonomy in the country since 1975. 183. Forests and Trees - According to the FAO (2010), the total forest area in Lao PDR in 2010 was estimated at 15,751,000 hectares (ha), which covers 68% of the total and area. However, the extent of forest areas in Lao PDR has generally been on the decline. Approximately 78,000 ha of forest area were converted to other uses or lost through natural causes every year during the period between 2005 and 2010; the annual deforestation rate in this period was approximately 0.49%. As part of the ESIA an inventory of trees (with a breast height diameter of more than 15cm) within the RoW has been prepared (Table 4-13). The individual trees are listed in the order that they appear when moving from south to north along NR13 North. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 112 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-13: Trees within the RoW Distance LHS/ from RHS Common Height Stem Life No edge of (south Name/ Local Scientific Name Village District (m) Diameter Stage existing to Name roadside north) 1 8 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 74cm 15 Phangheng Naxaithong 2 9 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 6 41cm 12 Phangheng Naxaithong 3 7 RHS Hoo kwarng Terminalia catappa L. 3 47cm 26 Dongluang Naxaithong 4 6 RHS Fang daeng Caesalpinia sappan L. 6 39cm 17 Dongluang Naxaithong 5 8 LSH Vik Eucalyptus camandulensis 2,50 31cm 35 Dongluang Naxaithong 6 5 RSH Mak deua Ficus fistulosa 4,20 38cm 20 Naxay-Nuea Naxaithong 7 11 LSH Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 6 37cm 18 Huaxang Naxaithong 8 7 LSH Phao Cocos nucifera L. 13 30cm 15 Huaxang Naxaithong 9 8 LSH Phao Cocos nucifera L. 13 30cm 15 Huaxang Naxaithong 10 9 LSH War Syzigium & Eugenia wild species 7 38cm 20 Huaxang Naxaithong generally 11 7 LSH War Syzigium & Eugenia wild species 8 31cm 20 Huaxang Naxaithong generally 12 11 LSH Ngien 4 25cm 10 Huakhua Naxaithong 13 10 RHS Ka dao Azadirachta indica A. 5 70cm 30 Huakhua Naxaithong 14 5 LSH Hai Ficus spp.-especially strangling 10 3,18m 40 Nongkhankhou Naxaithong figs 15 6 LSH Ta baeng 15 63cm 20 Nongkhankhou Naxaithong 16 6 LSH Ta baeng 6 50cm 15 Nongkhankhou Naxaithong 17 6 LHS Vik Eucalyptus camandulensis 6 50cm 18 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 18 6 LHS Vik Eucalyptus camandulensis 5 57cm 18 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 113 REVISION 3.0 Distance LHS/ from RHS Common Height Stem Life No edge of (south Name/ Local Scientific Name Village District (m) Diameter Stage existing to Name roadside north) 19 6 LHS Vik Eucalyptus camandulensis 6.5 50cm 18 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 20 5 LHS Yang Dipterocarpus spp. 25 1,11m 30 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 21 10 LHS Sar leng Syzygium cumini L. 3 60cm 20 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 22 5 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 3 28cm 10 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 23 10 LHS Phoh Ficus religiosa L. 10 2,54m 40 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 24 8 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 10 50cm 10 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 25 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 38cm 10 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 26 15 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 63cm 18 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 27 7 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 6 38cm 10 Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 28 8 LHS Kharm Tammarindus indicus L. 6 41cm 10 Kangsaen Naxaithong 29 10 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 7 63cm 30 Kangsaen Naxaithong 30 5 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 47cm 15 Chengsavang Naxaithong 31 5 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 2 63cm 30 Huaynamyen Naxaithong 32 7 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 6 1,84m 40 Songpeuay Naxaithong 33 8 LHS Phoh Ficus religiosa L. 7 3,18m 40 Songpeuay Naxaithong 34 7 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 50cm 16 Songpeuay Naxaithong 35 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 57cm 16 Songpeuay Naxaithong 36 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 44cm 10 Phonkham Naxaithong 37 5 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 38cm 10 Phonkham Naxaithong 38 6 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 4 38cm 10 Nakha Naxaithong 39 7 LHS Phao Cocos nucifera L. 8 19cm 7 Phonmuang Naxaithong 40 7 LHS Phao Cocos nucifera L. 8 19cm 7 Phonmuang Naxaithong 41 7 LHS Phao Cocos nucifera L. 9 19cm 7 Phonmuang Naxaithong ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 114 REVISION 3.0 Distance LHS/ from RHS Common Height Stem Life No edge of (south Name/ Local Scientific Name Village District (m) Diameter Stage existing to Name roadside north) 42 8 LHS Phao Cocos nucifera L. 8 19cm 7 Phonmuang Naxaithong 43 12 LHS Sat Dipterocarpus obtusifolius 8 66cm 16 Phonmuang Naxaithong Teijsm. ex Miq 44 9 LHS Tin pet Alstonia scholaris L. 6 31cm 10 Phonmuang Naxaithong 45 8 LHS Kathin dong Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) 9 63cm 20 Phonmuang Naxaithong de Wit 46 7 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 7 50cm 20 Phonmuang Naxaithong 47 8 LHS Ta baeng 16 38cm Na nga Naxaithong 48 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 7 50cm Na nga Naxaithong 49 9 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 6 50cm Na nga Naxaithong 50 8 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 44cm Na nga Naxaithong 51 8 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 63cm Na nga Naxaithong 52 7 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 3 25cm Bua Naxaithong 53 7 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 2 28cm Bua Naxaithong 54 7 RHS Pang deng 4 31cm Nady Naxaithong 55 7 RHS Pang deng 3 25cm Nady Naxaithong 56 8 RHS Kathin dong Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) 4 31cm Nady Naxaithong de Wit 57 7 RHS Pang deng 5 33cm Nady Naxaithong 58 7 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 4 25cm Nady Naxaithong 59 6 RHS Kathin dong Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) 2 50cm Nady Naxaithong de Wit 60 7 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 3 47cm Nady Naxaithong ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 115 REVISION 3.0 Distance LHS/ from RHS Common Height Stem Life No edge of (south Name/ Local Scientific Name Village District (m) Diameter Stage existing to Name roadside north) 61 7 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 3 38cm Nady Naxaithong 62 7 RHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 4 41cm Nady Naxaithong 63 6 LHS Mak Torng Sandoricum indicum Cav. 3 38cm Phonxay Phonhong 64 6 LHS Sa fang Peltophorum dasyrachis (Miq.) 5 38cm Phonxay Phonhong Kurz 65 6 LHS Sa fang Peltophorum dasyrachis (Miq.) 7 41cm Phonxay Phonhong Kurz 66 7 RHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 47cm Phonxay Phonhong 67 6 LHS Pang deng 6 47cm Taow tharn Phonhong 68 6 RHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 60cm Taow tharn Phonhong 69 6 RHS Kathin dong Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) 6 63cm Taow tharn Phonhong de Wit 70 8 RHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 95cm Nalaow Phonhong 71 8 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 79cm Nalaow Phonhong 72 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 63cm Nalaow Phonhong 73 5 RHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 3 63cm Hongleuay Phonhong 74 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 70cm Hongleuay Phonhong 75 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 5 1,10m Hongleuay Phonhong 76 7 RHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 4 95cm Hongleuay Phonhong 77 6 LHS Sarm sa Samania saman (Jacq.) Merr 2 79cm Hongleuay Phonhong 78 6 LHS Yang Dipterocarpus spp. 15 73cm Nabone Phonhong 79 7 RHS Kang par Securinega virosa (Willdenow) 10 31cm Namcheng Phonhong Pax&Hoffm ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 116 REVISION 3.0 Distance LHS/ from RHS Common Height Stem Life No edge of (south Name/ Local Scientific Name Village District (m) Diameter Stage existing to Name roadside north) 80 6 RHS Sak Tectona grandis L.f. 8 38cm Namcheng Phonhong 81 8 RHS Peuay Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz 8 63cm Namcheng Phonhong 82 8 RHS Sak Tectona grandis L.f. 10 47cm Namcheng Phonhong 83 6 RHS Peuay Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz 8 41cm Namcheng Phonhong 84 7 RHS Peuay Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz 8 63cm Namcheng Phonhong 85 7 RHS Peuay Lagerstroemia calyculata Kurz 10 63cm Namcheng Phonhong 86 6 LHS Mak kharm Tammarindus indicus L. 4 41cm Namcheng Phonhong 87 6 LHS Mak muang Mangifera indica L. 3 38cm Namcheng Phonhong 88 6 LHS Mak Tong Sandoricum indicum Cav. 6 31cm Namcheng Phonhong 89 5 LHS Tin pet Alstonia scholaris L. 10 57cm Namcheng Phonhong 90 8 RHS Phoh Ficus religiosa L. 4 25cm Namlin Phonhong ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 117 REVISION 3.0 4.4.2 Fauna 184. Fauna in Lao PDR is relatively well documented and monitored, thereby making the assessment of its richness more accurate. The population and habitats of many species have been found to be less depleted compared to other countries in the region. Fauna resources in the country include at least 150 to more than 200 reported species of reptiles and amphibians, no less than 700 species of birds, over 90 known species of bats, over 100 species of large mammals, and approximately 500 species of fish. 185. A total of 319 species from among the 1,140-species reviewed by Duckworth et al. (1999) are significant for national or global conservation. These species comprise 67%, 53%, 6%, 14%, 22%, 25%, and 2% of the total populations of large mammals, bats, insectivores, murid rodents, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, respectively. Information on local distribution, habitat uses and population status is most complete for birds and large mammals. Even within these groups, several new species have been discovered within the country in recent years. Bats have also been surveyed extensively since 1995, but coverage remains uneven. Reptiles, insectivores and rodents are still relatively poorly documented on a national scale. 186. There are 178 mammal species in Laos, of which 4 are critically endangered, 8 are endangered, 23 are vulnerable, and 2 are near-threatened. 15 187. A wildlife survey conducted during July and August 2014 as part of the Project FS included direct observations, village interviews, visits to roadside markets and sampling at 15 sites along NR13 North.16 The survey focused on large mammals, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles; and the 15 survey sites included streams, an irrigation canal, flood plains and marshes, agricultural lands, home gardens, planted forests and abandoned lands (note that there are no natural habitat areas to sample within 50 m of the roadway). The survey species list includes 2 mammals, 13 birds, 2 reptiles, 5 amphibians, and 9 fish (see Table 4-14). Of the 31 species, 30 are categorized as Least Concern or in the lowest risk category on the IUCN Red List, and only the falcon is listed as Vulnerable or at high risk of extinction in the wild, but falcons range over wide areas to hunt. 188. A second wildlife survey conducted by telephone during September 2017 asked residents along NR13 North to identify what wildlife they had observed or knew of in the local area, including the NR13 North roadway and nearby areas (see Table 4-15). The survey methodology included: (i) identifying various land use types along NR13 North within 100 m of the road; (ii) putting the villages along NR13 North in groups of 3, and selecting 1 village from each group for the interview; (iii) interviewing 13 village heads by telephone, 8 in Naxaithong District and 5 in Phonhong District, who are located near the selected land use areas; (iv) asking the respondents to name or describe wildlife species that they knew were still present or seasonally migrated through their area; and (v) using the species names and descriptions to generate the species list. 15 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mammals_of_Laos 16 A more detailed description of the survey methodology is provided in the Feasibility Study, Chapter 14, Annex 6, Section 1.2.1. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 118 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-14: Fauna Species List (from the June 2015 Feasibility Study of Two Pilot PPP Road Projects in Lao PDR, Chapter 14, Annex 6, Section 1.2.1.) Recorded Habitat Family Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS A B C D Mammal 1 Pteropodidae Cynopterus sphinx Short-nosed fruit bat BrR LC x 2 Sciuridae Callosciurus erythraeus Pallas’s Squirrel or belly- BrR LC x banded Squirrel Bird 1 Apodidae Aerodramus rogersi Indochinese Swiftlet ນົ��ອ່ນນ້ອ� / Nok el BrR LC x 2 Ardeidae Ardeola bacchus Chinese-pond Heron ນົ�ເຈົ່າ / Nok Chao WV LC x 3 Dicruridae Dicrurus aeneus Bronzed Drongo ນົ��ຊວ / Nok Sel BrR LC x 4 Dicruridae Dicrurus paradiseus Greater Racket-Tailedrongo ນົ��ຊວຫາງ�າວ / Nok Selhang BrR LC x nhao 5 Falconidae Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby �ຫຼວບີ້ / Leo Bi BrR VU x 6 Megalaimidae Megalaima franklinii Golden-Throated Barbet ນົ�ຫົວໂຂ�, ນົ�ຕັງລ� / Nok BrR LC x x Kondok Kangluaeng, Nok Tanglo 7 Muscicapidae Copsychus saularis Oriental Magpie-Robin ນົ��ຕ້ມປູນ / Nok tem poun BrR LC x 8 Nectariniidae Arachnothera longirostra Little SpiderHunter ນົ�ໄ�ສອນ, ນົ��ິນ�ມງໄມ້ / BrR LC x Nok Kaisone, Nok kin meng 9 Passeridae Passer domesticus Common Sparrow ນົ�ຈິບບ້ານ / Nok Jeep Ban BrR LC x 10 Pycnonotidae Hemixos flavala Ashy Bulbul ນົ�ຂວ� ສີຂີ້ເຖົ່າ / Nok BrR LC x x khoaksi khi thao 11 Pycnonotidae Alohoixus pallidus Puff-Throated Bulbul ນົ�ຂວ� ຫົວຈຸ� / Nok houa BrR LC x chook ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 119 REVISION 3.0 Recorded Habitat Family Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS A B C D 12 Sturnidae Lanius collurioides Bumese Shrike ນົ��ຕນ�ວນ / Nok tanvane BrR LC x x 13 Sturnidae Acridotheres tristis Common Myna ນົ�ອ້ຽງນາ/ Nok eak na BrR LC x x Reptile 1 Agamidae Calotes emma Forest Crested Lizard Kaporm BrR LC x x 2 Scincidae Mabuya macularia Bronze grass Skink Chiko BrR LC x x Amphibian 1 Bufonidae Bufo melanostictus Common Asiatic toad Khankhak BrR LC x x 2 Ranidae Rana rugulosa Common lowland Frog Kopna BrR LC x x 3 Ranidae Rana limnocharis Paddy frog Khiat mo BrR LC x x 4 Microhyliidae Kaloula mediolineeata Narrow-mouthed frog Eung BrR LC x x 5 Microhyliidae Microhyla pulchra Narrow-mouthed frog Khiat Khakham BrR LC x x Fish 1 Osphronemidae Trichogaster trichopterus 3-Spot Gourami Pa kadeut BrR LC x 2 Belonidae Xenentodon canciloides Needlefish Pa kathong BrR LC x 3 Cyprinidae Esomus metallicus Striped flying barb Pa xiou BrR LC x 4 Clariidae Clarias batrachus Walking catfish Pa douk BrR LC x 5 Channidae Channa gachua Dwarf snakehead Pa kang BrR LC x 6 Channidae Channa melasoma Black snakehead Pa khor BrR LC x 7 Gobidae Rhinogobius ocellatus Freshwater goby Pa bou BrR LC x 8 Notopteridae Notopterus notopterus Bronze featherback Pa tongna BrR LC x 9 Synbrachidae Monopterus albus Swamp eel or rice eel Ian BrR LC x TS – Taxonomic Status, BrR – Breeding Resident, WV – Winter Visitor, SU – Status Unknown etc. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 120 REVISION 3.0 CS – Conservation Status, species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, set through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. EX = Extinct, no known individuals remaining. EW = Extinct in the wild, known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range. CR = Critically endangered, extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. EN = Endangered, high risk of extinction in the wild. VU = Vulnerable, high risk of endangerment in the wild. NT = Near threatened, likely to become endangered in the near future. LC = Least concern, lowest risk, does not qualify for a more at risk category; widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. DD = Data deficient, not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. NE = Not evaluated, has not yet been evaluated against the criteria. Habitat: A - Forest, B - stream or river, C - rice field, and D - house or building. Table 4-15: List of fauna that occur in the general area of NR13 North, including Phou Phanang, according to telephone interviews with local residents conducted during September 2017. Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D Mammal 1 Primates Nycticebus spp Slow loris ລົງລົມ VU* Lorisidae 2 Primates Hylobates Leucogenys White-cheeked gibbon ທະນີ��້ມຂາວ CR Hylobatidae 3 Primates Hylobates gabriellae Red-cheeked gibbon ທະນີ��້ມ�ດງ EN Hylobatidae 4 Carnivora Cuon alpinus Asiatic wild dog, dhole �າໄນ EN Canidae 5 Carnivora Canis aureus Golden Jackal, Asiatic jackal �າຈອ� LC ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 121 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D Canidae 6 Carnivora Herpestes javanicus Javan mongoose ຈອນຟອນ LC Herpestidae 7 Carnivora Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Common palm civet ເຫງັນ LC Viverridae 8 Rodenta Hystrix brachyura Malayan porcupine LC Hystricidae 9 Rodentia Callosciurus erythraeus Pallas’s squirrel �ະຮອ� LC Sciuridae 10 Rodentia Callosciurus pygerythrus Irrawaddy squirrel �ະເລນ LC Sciuridae 11 Cetartiodactyla Sus scrofa Wild Boar �ູປ່າ LC Suidae 12 Lagomorpha Lepus peguensis Siamese Hare �ະຕ່າ� LC Leporidae 13 Cetartiodactyla Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer, Indian muntjac ຟານ LC Cervidae 14 Scandentia Tupaia belangeri Northern treeshrew �ະ�ຕ LC Tupaiidae Bird 1 Accipitriformes Aquila heliaca Imperial eagle �ຫຼວ VU Accipitridae 2 Anseriformes Tadorna tadorna Common shelduck ນົ�ເປັດ LC Anatidae 3 Columbiformes Columba punicea Pale-capped pigeon ນົ�ເຂົາ VU ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 122 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D Columbidae 4 Columbiformes Streptopelia tranquebarica Red turtle dove ນົ�ເຄົ້າດົງ LC Columbidae 5 Cuculiformes Centropus sinensis Greater coucal ນົ��ົດ LC Cuculidae 6 Galliformes Gallus gallus Red jungle fowl ໄ�່ປ່າ LC Phasianidae 7 Passeriformes Artamus fuscus Ashy woodswallow ນົ��ອ່ນ LC Artamidae 8 Passeriformes Orthotomus sutorius Common tailorbird ນົ��ະຈິບ LC Cisticolidae 9 Passeriformes Corvus macrorhynchos Large-billed crow �າດຳ LC Corvidae 10 Passeriformes Lanius collurioides Burmese shrike ນົນ�ຕນ�ວນ LC Laniidae 11 Passeriformes Pycnonotus Jocosus Red-whiskered bulbul ນົ�ຫົວຈຸ� LC Pycnonotidae 12 Passeriformes Acridotheres tristis Common myna ນົ�ອ້ຽງ LC Sturnidae 13 Pelicaniformes Ardea intermedia Intermediate egret ນົ��າງ LC Ardeidae (Mesophoyx intermedia) 14 Pelicaniformes Botaurus stellaris Common bittern ນົ�ເຈົ່າ LC Ardeidae 15 Psittaciformes Psittacula eupatria Alexandrine parakeet ນົ���້ວ NT Psittacidae ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 123 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D 16 Strigiformes Bubo nipalensis Spot-bellied eagle-owl ນົ�ເຄົ້າ LC Strigidae 17 Gruiformes Amaurornis phoenicurus White breasted waterhen ນົ�ໄ�່ນາ LC Rallidae Reptile 1 Squamata Varanus bengalensis Bengal monitor lizard �ລນ LC Varanidae 2 Squamata Eutropis multifasciata Sun skink ຈິໂ�ະ Scincidae 3 Squamata Psammophis condanarus Sand snake ງູດິນ LC Psammophiidae 4 Squamata Python molurus Burmese or rock python ງູຫຼາມ VU Pythonidae 5 Squamata Python reticulates Reticulated python ງູເຫຼືອມ Pythonidae 6 Squamata Ptyas mucosus Common ratsnake ງູສິງ LC Colubridae 7 Squamata Naja sp. Cobra ງູເຫົ່າ Elapidae 8 Squamata Trimeresurus sp. Green snake ງູຂຽວ LC Viperidae 9 Squamata Ophiophagus hannah King cobra ງູຈົງອາງ VU Elapidae 10 Squamata Elaphe radiata Radiated ratsnake ງູສາ LC Colubridae ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 124 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D 11 Ngou Kan Pong ງູ�້ານປ່ອງ 12 Ngou Sam Than ງູສຳພັນ 13 Ngou Dang Hae ງູດາງ�ຫ 14 Testudines Malayemys subtrijuga Mekong snail eating turtle ເຕົ້າສາມສັນ VU Geoemydidae 15 Testudines Testudo spp. Tortoise ເຕົ່າ Testudinidae 16 Testudines Amyda cartilaginea Asiatic softshell turtle ປາ�າ VU Trionychidae Amphibian 1 Anura Hoplobatrachus rugulosa Common lowland frog �ົບ-ຂຽດ LC Dicroglossidae (Rana rugulosa) Fish 1 Cypriniformes Cyprinus carpio Common carp ປາໄນ VU** Cyprinidae 2 Cypriniformes Barbonymus goniotus Silver barb ປາປາ� LC Cyprinidae 3 Cypriniformes Cirrhinus molitorella Chinese mud carp ປາ��ງ NT Cyprinidae 4 Cypriniformes Hampala dispar Eye-spot barb ປາສູດ LC Cyprinidae 5 Cypriniformes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Silver carp ປາເ�ັດ�ລບ NT** Cyprinidae 6 Cypriniformes Labeo chrysophekadion Black sharkminnow ປາ�່າ LC ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 125 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D Cyprinidae 7 Cypriniformes Labeo sp. Barb ປາຂາວ / Pa Khao Cyprinidae (Morulius sp.) 8 Cypriniformes Osteochilus vittatus Carp variety ປາອີ່ໄທ / Pa Ethai LC Cyprinidae (O. hasselti) 9 Cypriniformes Poropuntius sp. Catfish variety ປາຈາດ / Pa Chat Cyprinidae 10 Cypriniformes Rosbora atridorsalis Rasbora ປາຊິວ LC Cyprinidae 11 Perciformes Parambassis siamensis Glass fish ປາຄາບຂອງ / Pa Khup Khong LC Ambassidae 12 Perciformes Anabas testudinens Climbing Perch ປາເຂັງ LC Anabantidae 13 Perciformes Channa gachua Dwarf snakehead ປາ�ັ້ງ LC Channidae 14 Perciformes Channa striata Striped snakehead ປາຄ�່ LC Channidae 15 Perciformes Oreochromis niloticus Nile tilapia ປານິນ LC Cichlidae 16 Perciformes Oxyeleotris marmorata Marbled goby ປາບູ LC Eleotridae 17 Perciformes Trichogaster trichopterus Three spot gourami ປາ�ະເດີດ LC Osphronemidae 18 Osteoglossiform Chitala ornata Clown featherback ປາຕອງ LC es Notopteridae ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 126 REVISION 3.0 Order and Recorded Habitat Genus and species English Name Local Lao Name TS CS Family A B C D 19 Siluriformes Hemibagrus sp Catfish ປາ�ົດ / Pa Kod Bagridae 20 Siluriformes Mystus nigriceps Twospot catfish ປາຂະ��ງ Bagridae 21 Siluriformes Clarias batrachus Walking catfishes ປາດຸ� LC Clariidae 22 Siluriformes Ompok bimaculatus Butter catfish ປາເຊືອມ / Pa Seuam NT Siluridae 23 Siluriformes Bagarius yarrelli Gooch ປາ�ຂ້ NT Sisoridae * Various species of slow loris have different conservation status ratings from Vulnerable (several species) to Critically Endangered (N. javanicus) ** The common carp and silver carp are not native to Lao PDR; they are introduced species that are commonly cultured in cages and ponds. TS – Taxonomic Status, BrR – Breeding Resident, WV – Winter Visitor, SU – Status Unknown etc. CS – Conservation Status, species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, set through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. EX = Extinct, no known individuals remaining. EW = Extinct in the wild, known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range. CR = Critically endangered, extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. EN = Endangered, high risk of extinction in the wild. VU = Vulnerable, high risk of endangerment in the wild. NT = Near threatened, likely to become endangered in the near future. LC = Least concern, lowest risk, does not qualify for a more at risk category; widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 127 REVISION 3.0 4.4.3 Endemic Species 189. While the diversity of flora and fauna in Lao PDR is relatively high, the total number of species endemic to Lao PDR is extremely low, as shown in Table 4-16. It must be noted that these numbers are very likely to change as a full inventory of species in Lao PDR has yet to be completed, especially for fish. Table 4-16: Endemic Species in Lao PDR17 Family Number Mammals 6 Birds 1 Amphibians 6 Fish Undetermined Fresh Water Crabs 13 Reef-forming Corals 0 Conifers 0 Cycads 0 4.4.4 Endangered Species 190. The world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species has been compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is regularly revised. The latest report published in February 2012 categorizes 165 species of animals and 30 species of plants in Lao PDR as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) or vulnerable (VU). For details of each species, see Table 4-17 and Table 4-18. Table 4-17: Conservation Status of Flora and Fauna in Lao PDR EW CR EN VU Total Animal 0 23 50 91 165 Plant 0 7 9 14 30 Note: EW: Extinct in the Wild; CR: Critically Endangered; EN: Endangered; VU: Vulnerable. Table 4-18: Threatened Species in Lao PDR (by taxonomic group) Mammal Bird Reptile Amphibian Fis Mollus Other Plant Tota 17 IUCN, 2013 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 128 REVISION 3.0 s s s s h c Invert s l s 45 24 16 5 4 16 5 3 195 4.4.5 Protected Areas & Important Bird Areas (IBA) 191. Protected Areas - There has been a substantial improvement in Lao PDR’s protected area system since the Environment Action Plan was established in 1993 (Prime Ministerial Decree No. 164/1993). In the same year, 18 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) were designated as protected areas covering approximately 10% of the land area of the country. Subsequently, five additional new areas were added, raising the total number of NBCAs to 23. These 23 NBCAs cover approximately 36,079 km2, which is over 15% of the country’s land area. It must be noted that NBCAs are the only national-level areas designated for nature conservation. 192. The NBCAs in Lao PDR were established under the 1993 Decree on Establishment of National Conservation Forest. The management of these areas is divided among three tiers of government—central, provincial and district and village. The central government is represented by the Department of Forestry (DoF) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The above decree prohibits the following actions in NCBAs:  Cutting and removal of any timber except for research purposes.  Hunting, fishing or collecting non-timber forest products without specific authorization 
 each time from MAF/DoF.  Mining and construction of reservoirs or roads without the permission of the GoL. 193. In addition to NBCAs, some 276 areas of locally significant conservation or watershed value have been designated as conservation or protection forests at the provincial or district level. These areas have no national legal framework, and are instead governed under the variable provincial frameworks. 194. In 2015, a new Decree on protected areas was established. The Department of Forest Resources Management (DFRM) of MoNRE is the lead agency responsible for ensuring effective management of these areas. 195. In addition to the NBCAs there are two Ramsar sites in Lao PDR, neither of which are located in the Project Provinces. However, two protected areas are however located within the region; Phou Khao Khoay (PKK) and Phou Phanang (PPN) (see Figure 4-8). ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 129 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-8: Location of Phou Khao Khoay and Phou Phanang Protected Areas PHOU KHAO KHOAY PHOU PHANANG N13 NORTH 196. At its closest point of approach to NR13 North, Phou Khao Khouay is more than 20 km to the east, and the Nam Ngum River also lies between NR13 North and PKK. While PKK includes large areas of natural habitat, and a number of IUCN Red List species are considered to occur in the area, it is far enough from NR13 North that the Project is expected to have no discernible impact on the protected area or its flora and fauna. 197. Phou Phanang’s main axis runs generally north-south and is roughly parallel to NR13 North for the entire length of the project area. The closest point of approach from the road to Phou Phanang occurs near the middle of the project area and is nearly 3 km distant. On average the PA is more than 10 kilometers from the road. Land use mapping undertaken in 2010 shows that the forests cover less than 50% of PPN (see Figure 4-18); and a review of the area using Google Earth backed up by visits made along the eastern boundary show that much of eastern portions of Phou Phanang are degraded by human activity, including agricultural developments, various small settlements and several reservoirs. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 130 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-9: Land use and forest type Map of Phou Phanang National Protected Area in 2010 Source: National Geographic Department (NGD), GIS Unit, Lao, PDR. 198. Phou Phanang, established in 1993, is the closest protected area to Vientiane and covers a total area of about 70,000 ha or 700 km2, of which about 52,000 ha is in Vientiane Capital and 18,000 ha is in Vientiane Province. Geologically the area is a single N-S scarp ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 131 REVISION 3.0 system facing to the west and sloping more gently down to the east, with elevations ranging from about 200-698 masl. 199. The habitat is described as mostly degraded forest with a small area of semi- evergreen forest. Various published sources say that the wildlife includes species such as gibbons, civet cats, elephants and possibly gaur, although in an interview on 29 May 2017 the head of the Protection Forest Section of Vientiane Capital said that elephants hadn't been seen in the area for the past 10 years. PPN's eastern margin runs roughly parallel to NR13N and includes various residential and agricultural areas, and there are several reservoirs. There are some public hiking trails, but there is little or no road or trail access to the interior sections where most wildlife are found. 200. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) – IBAs are recognized as globally important habitats, particularly for the conservation of birds. According to BirdLife International, Laos has 699 species of birds, including 597 landbirds and 102 waterbirds, of which 265 are migratory species and 6 are seabirds. In addition, 25 species are globally threatened and one is endemic (found only in Laos). There are 27 IBAs in Laos, and the closest one to NR13 North project area is about 30 km east of the road near PKK’s southwestern boundary. Given its distance from NR13 North, the Project is expected to have no discernable impact on the IBA. 201. The IBA is situated in the foothills of the Phou Khaokhouay massif, close to Ban Nakhay. The topography of the IBA is dominated by gently sloping sandstone shelves, with patches of thin, sandy soil, supporting stunted dry dipterocarp forest and bamboo scrub. Along streams and by pools, there are also patches of mixed deciduous forest. The eastern portion is especially important for wildlife, including species such as gibbons, green pea fowl and elephants. The IBA is the only site in northern Lao PDR confirmed to support a significant population of Green Peafowl Pavo muticus. The IBA differs from most other IBAs in Lao PDR in that it was identified for a single species in a very localized area. 4.5 Socio-Economic Resources 4.5.1 Demographics 202. Naxaithong - The Naxaithong district is one of 9 districts in the Vientiane Capital. It is located in the northern part of the Capital and covers an area of 90,800ha. The district has 54 villages, and a population of 75,228, with a sex ratio of 1.01. The majority of them belong to Lao-Tai ethnic group. The 24 villages that lie along Road 13 North have a total population is 33,766, in 6,665 households. Of these, 2,187 households, businesses, restaurants and blocks of unimproved land lie directly along the road. 203. Phonhong - The Phonhong district is one of the 13 districts of the Vientiane province, and is located to the north of Naxaithong district. It borders with Naxaithong in the south and with Vangvieng district in the north. The district has 59 villages with 12,465 households and a population of 65,181 inhabitants. There are 20 Phonhong villages lying along Road 13 North, with a total population of 32,608 in 5,901 households, and a sex ratio of 0.96. The main ethnic group is the Lao-Tai (64.5%). 204. Figure 4-11 illustrates population density in the Project area. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 132 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-11: Population Density in the Project Area 4.5.2 Ethnic Groups 205. The proposed project is likely to result in a number of adverse socio-economic impacts for the ethnic groups present in the project area, particularly the Hmong at Lak 52 and Phonkham-nua villages. Following the consultation with the relevant stakeholders, the project will trigger the World Bank Indigenous Peoples Policy OP.4.10. Accordingly, an Ethnic Groups Engagement Plan (EGEP) and social assessment has been prepared as part of the Project. The following section summarizes the EGEP and social assessment. 4.5.2.1 Social Assessment Methodology and Process. 206. In order to capture the opinions and voice of the ethnic groups in response to the Project, the following activities have been carried out:  First public consultation meetings to share information and elicit initial feedback - The 1st public consultation meetings were conducted separately in each of the 44 affected villages from the last week of June 2017 to the first week of July 2017. During the first public consultation meetings there were 34 ethnic group members attending including 12 women.  Participatory focus group discussions at the village level - The first formal consultations with ethnic peoples were held alongside the Focus Group Discussions. A total of 63 FGD meetings were held in 42 of the 44 villages (including in all of the villages with multi- ethnic populations.  Data Collection through a household survey - A census was conducted of all potentially affected households and businesses along the road 13 north. A census instrument was created, with a division of questions into four sometimes overlapping questionnaires as follows: households, households that also operate a business from the same premises; businesses whose owners and staff do not ordinarily reside at the business premises, vacant land and empty houses.  Data analysis and findings collected from FGDs, Household survey and detailed measurement survey - Household socio-economic data collected by the social assessment team, impacted household data collected by the detailed measurement survey (DMS) team for ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 133 REVISION 3.0 the purposes of preparing the resettlement plan, and findings from the FGD reports, were reviewed and compared to ensure that the smaller ethnic group members were correctly represented in the report.  The second public consultation meetings – to establish broad community support - Following the analysis of the FGD reports, household survey and detailed measurement survey, the second public consultation meetings were arranged with the ethnic households identified as direct beneficiaries or affected people. The main objectives of the meetings were to present a brief summary of the social impact assessment conducted during June and July 2017, establish broad community support, and to discuss and finalize the Ethnic Group Engagement Plan. 4.5.2.2 Free, prior and informed consultations 207. Following the World Bank’s operational policy, for a project proposed for bank financing, a borrower is required to process a free, prior and informed consultation process leading to broad community support from ethnic groups benefiting from, or affected by, a proposed project at each stage of the project, especially during the project preparation in order to identify and collect their views, concerns and collective support for the project. The consultation process needs to ensure: Requirement Action taken Ethnic groups have full information The 1st public consultation meetings were conducted in all 44 about the scope and impacts of the affected villages from the last week of June 2017 to the first proposed development activities week of July 2017. The first public consultation meeting was not on their lands, resources and well- only for the ethnic group members, but for the communities as being, including (i) the nature, size, a whole. The meeting covered the presentation of (i) the pace and scope of the proposed purpose of the project, (ii) the purpose of the consultation project, (ii) the purpose of the meeting, (iii) affected areas, (iv) relevant policies including project and its duration, (iii) areas World Bank Policies and government decrees, (IV) Steps to be affected areas, (iv) a preliminary taken including informing the community that there would be assessment of the likely economic, different teams to meet with the community separately social, cultural and environmental (including meeting with the ethnic group members for the impact, including potential risks,(v) EGEP). These meetings provided the baseline information that personnel likely to be involved in could be further considered by the ethnic group members that the execution of the project, and could subsequently inform their participation in focus group (vi) procedures the project may meetings, and the 2nd consultation meeting where broad entail. community support was established. Ethnic groups are not coerced, The first and second consultation meeting and FGDs were pressured or intimidated in their conducted by the Public Consultation team of experienced choices of development, ideas, facilitators at the village temples and village meeting rooms, opinions and concerns; where they were supposed to create a friendly environment where it was convenient for everybody to access and attend. In addition, the meetings and FGDs always allowed sufficient time for all participants to express their thoughts and opinion freely including small group work and discussion. Ethnic groups receive sufficient The overall consultation process took place over a period of time to participate in consultation three months, and provided ample opportunity and time for process and are informed of the members of ethnic groups to learn about the project impacts, ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 134 REVISION 3.0 preparation of an EGEP and contribute to the preparation of the EGEP. Engagement opportunities ranged from the first broad community consultation meeting, to more in-depth focus group meetings, and a 2nd consultation meeting with ethnic group members to establish broad community support. Participant were identified with the help of village authorities and through the household socio-economic survey. 4.5.2.3 Social Assessment of Ethnic Groups in the project areas 208. Demography and Definition of Ethnic Group (Hmong Ethnic Group) - Lao PDR has the highest number of recognised ethnic groups among the southeast Asian countries. In 2005, the government census identified 49 ethnic groups with at least 240 sub- groups. According to the Ministry of Information and Culture of Lao PDR, the ethnic groups are classified based on the ethno-linguistic system, and the major ethno-linguistic groups include (i) Lao Tai, (ii) Mon-Khmer, (iii) Chinese Tibetan, and (iv) Hmong Mien. 209. In 2016, the total population in Lao PDR was approximately 6.8 million people, out of which 67% was Lao Tai, 21% was Mon-Khmer, 8% was Hmong – Mien and 3% was Chinese Tibetan. The government has concerns about the concept of “indigenous� and “ethnic minority� because the wordings seem to imply separateness or non-inclusion within the Lao state. Therefore, the National Assembly’s Official Agreement No. 213, dated 24 November 2008, clearly recognized only ONE nationality (all citizens are Lao) while multi ethnic groups as mentioned above are still recognized. 210. Ethnic Groups in the project area - Under the 13th North Road Improvement and Maintenance Project, the total population in 44 affected villages is 65,725 people living in 12,581 households. The total number of Hmong and Khmu ethnic households living along the road numbered 57 including 43 Hmong households (which includes those households selling food and fruits along the road at Lak 52 market) and 14 Khmu households, from a total of 17 villages. Of these, 35 Hmong households/businesses and 6 Khmu households/businesses will be affected by land acquisition. Lak 52 and Phonkham-nua have the greatest number of ethnic group members who will be affected by the project: 13 households from Lak 52 and 16 households from Phonkham-nua. 211. Of the total of 1,496 Hmong households living in the 44 villages affected by the Project, 38 will be compensated for compulsory land acquisition. Of the 224 Khmu households, 6 will receive compensation for compulsory land acquisition. Table 4-19: Ethnicity and Population in the 44 project villages, Household size and Sex ratios Total No. Total Ethnicity Sex ratio HH size HHs Population Laoloum 10,494 52,642 0.98 5.02 Hmong 1,496 10,736 1.01 7.18 Tai Dam 293 901 0.96 3.08 Khmu 224 1,280 1.28 5.71 Tai Daeng 74 166 0.73 2.24 Totals 12,581 65,725 0.99 5.22 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 135 REVISION 3.0 4.5.2.4 The Hmong in the Corridor 212. Background - The Hmong ethnic group in Lao PDR originally migrated from China in the early years of the 19th century, and the historical conflict between Hmong and Han Chinese, population growth, unacceptable burden of taxation and refusal to integrate with Han Chinese are believed to be the causes. In Laos, most migrated Hmong are now found throughout the northern provinces of the country (Mann & Luangkhot, 2008). Traditionally, the Hmong population in Lao PDR has lived on the upper slopes of the mountains in the north of Laos, reliant on shifting agriculture, hunting and collecting NTFPs. 213. The Hmong population in Vientiane Province is mainly Hmong Khao, moving from different provinces such as Louangprabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, with the majority from Xiengkhouang province. The main reasons for this internal migration are:  People started with temporary resettlement, waiting for the approval to go to the third country, in this case, to the USA;  People followed their relatives: some who could not go to the USA and some who already settled in the village; and  People moved in because of the livelihood and business opportunities such as more land for agricultural activities and trade and business opportunities. Table 4-20: Hmong Groups in Relation to Safeguard Policies Collective Ethnic Traditional Attachment to Language Self-identity Group Institutions Land Hmong Collective Formal administrative Hmong language Identify settlement and leadership structure and is still spoken in themselves as concentration of kinship structure are in the community Hmong or Lao Hmong in Lak 52, parallel with Lao political and families. Soung with individual institutions. For Officially, households owning example, the village has people speak private plots of their regular They have very Lao, but when residential and administrative structure, strict marriage they are with commercial land, but they also have the rules, where their Hmong shops, paddy fields, advising body outside the members of the people or in upland gardens and formal structure, same clan cannot their families, grazing areas. providing regular advice marry; for most people to the village authority example, if one is prefer to speak members. The advising under “Lee clan�, their own body includes the head he or she must language of the important clan or not be married to (Hmong). seng, who commands a person from the respect of the “Lee clan�. people present in the village. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 136 REVISION 3.0 214. Socio-economic Status - According to the household survey and FGDs, the main livelihood activities for Hmong living in Lak 52 include engaging in various businesses, such as selling foods, clothes, groceries, construction materials, electrical appliances and phone shops. In addition, some people also rely on the agricultural activities such as rice and cash crop plantation, rubber tree plantation and livestock husbandry. Some are receiving remittances from their parents and cousins abroad. Although Hmong groups are traditionally extensively involved in collecting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), including herbs to use as traditional medicines, this practice has died out because there are no NTFPs for them to collect these days. 215. Belief System and Cultural Heritage - Unlike other ethnic groups in Laos, Hmong do not have any specific spirit of the village or town territory (Phi Muang). They only practice some spiritual activities when they would like to request some protection for certain situations: moving into their new houses, going to war, and traveling to a new place. A Basi or specific ceremony to ask for the blessing and protection from the spirit of their ancestors and/or houses will be organized for these occasions. In the project area, Hmong people still follow this practice, and the size of the event depends on the capacity of the households, ranging from offering chickens to pigs to cows. During the focus group discussions with the affected people, they did not show a great deal of concern about this arrangement. They said that if they receive appropriate compensation for their assets before the actual construction, they will be able to take care of their customary traditional requirements relevant to their resettlement. Nevertheless, they do have an important ceremony that they have to follow annually, that is Hmong New Year (Boun Kin Chieng), which is between December and January of every year for a maximum of 7 days. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the harvest. The main activities arranged during the Hmong new year are as follows:  Day 1: The head of families prepares and conducts the necessary spiritual prayers and offerings to thank the ancestor and spirit of the house. Only chicken is offered on day 1.  Day 2-7: Full celebration: eating and playing some traditional games: (i) spinning MakKhang and (ii) throwing MakKhone (for men and women who are looking for partners). 216. Characteristics of Hmong Culture - Hmong culture differs significantly from the Tai- Lao and Mon-Khmer cultures in terms of social organisation and religious beliefs. The majority of Hmong people maintain a spiritual religion (phii), and ancestor worship of the household, illness, nature and death are integral parts of Hmong religion. In terms of social organisation, the Hmong are divided into clans and loyalty to one’s clan is central and clan solidarity is very important, linking members to villages throughout the country and even abroadd. Hmong people tend to live close to their family members because they feel more secure when they need some help. 217. Gender - Traditionally, Hmong is a male dominated culture. Young women, daughters and wives are expected to be passive followers of their parents, husbands and elders. Men are brought up to assume roles of superiority, and women are encouraged to take the role of caregivers. Currently, Hmong people living in urban areas seem to be changing their perspective toward Hmong women’s roles in a family socio-economic development as well as contribution to the community. However, the traditional arrangements are still strong 218. Language - Hmong ethnic group has its own language that is still widely spoken among the Hmong community. In the project area, although 86% of Hmong households use ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 137 REVISION 3.0 Hmong language at home, most of them, especially men, are able to communicate in the Lao language publicly or when having their conversation with non-Hmong people. 219. Land tenure and Ownership system - Most of Hmong members are settlers from other regions; the land ownership is mainly from purchasing from others, mainly Lao Loum, and most land plots already permanently and legally registered; that is, they already have their permanent land titles. 4.5.2.5 The Khmu in the Corridor 220. The Khmu are an Austroasiatic people of the Mon-Khmer language group constituting 24% of the population of Lao PDR. They live mainly in mid- and highland areas in the North, Central and South; smaller groups (Khmu) live also in the Northern lowlands. They are the most diverse ethnic group and the first one to inhabit large areas of Lao PDR. They mainly follow animistic belief systems and historically worked as shifting cultivators. However, they are now quite well assimilated due to hundreds of years of interaction with Lao/tai peoples. Some small single communities live in isolation as hunter-gatherers. 221. The 14 Khmu households living along road 13N have not settled as an ethnic group, but rather as individual households spread among 7 villages. The household members between them owned and operated 13 businesses: take-away food shops (5); car and bike repair (3), general store (4), and one pharmacy. However, the income (sales less expenditure) they earned was, on average, less than that earned by Lao/tai and Hmong businesses. The businesses were very small, and on average employed only 0.92 of an employee. The table below shows the summarized answers to questions about business costs and profits. Note that only the Khmu businesses data had a neat fit between Profit on the one hand, and Sales Less Cost of Sales, on the other. The distribution of Household income (as opposed to business income, is also included for comparison, as all of the Khmu were running the business out of their house, or in front of their house. Business profit is not included in household income. The average of total business plus personal income would be LAK 12,336,000 (USD 1,486) per month. The average household income for Lao PDR as a whole is just under USD 1,000 per month. Table 4-21: Business income of ethnic groups Ethnic Cost of Gross Mean income per Sales Profit Group sales Margin % HH Khmu 27,600,000 31,200,000 3,700,000 11.9 8,900,000 Lao/Tai 45,700,000 83,400,000 27,300,000 32.7 19,162,000 Hmong 35,900,000 38,400,000 10,500,000 27.3 25,406,000 Total 45,100,000 81,500,000 26,600,000 32.6 222. The Khmu had no vulnerable households, and 11 of the 14 owned the land they were living on, with the other 3 being renters. Of these 11, eight had full land titles, whereas the other 3 had land certifications or other documents that could be regularized as a title. Nine households preferred to speak Khmu at home, but all were also fluent in Lao. 4.5.2.6 Social Survey Findings 223. From the household survey, 57 ethnic group households were found to be living in the project area along Road 13N. Of these, 41 were found to be living in the Right of Way (all of these are Hmong), and would lose some part of their land and/or buildings. The ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 138 REVISION 3.0 remainder would be indirectly affected by project operations – access, dust etc. The survey results below are for the 57 households from 17 villages, (with the majority living in Lak 52 and Phonkham-nua). The full details are as follows: Table 4-22: Ethnic population living along Road 13 North, by village No Name of villages Hmong Khmu Total 1 Boua - 2 2 2 Donglouang 1 - 1 3 Hongluay 1 - 1 4 Houaynamyen - 1 1 5 Lak 52 13 - 13 6 Mai 2 - 2 7 Nakha 1 - 1 8 Nalao 2 1 3 9 Nanga 1 3 4 10 Nongkhankhou 1 - 1 11 Nongnak 4 - 4 12 Phanghaeng - 1 1 13 Phonkham-nua 13 3 16 14 Phonkham-tai 2 - 2 15 Phonmouang 1 - 1 16 Phonngeun - 3 3 17 Taothan 1 - 1 Total 43 14 57 224. From the data collected, it was noted that both Hmong and Khmu are well- established in their residences along 13 North, Khmu households have been living in their current house a little longer than the Hmong: 22 years versus 19 years. Further, 79% of Khmu households own the house they live in and 21% rent their houses, while 72% Hmong households own their houses and 28% rent their houses. This compares to the 94% of Lao tai households who own the houses they live in. 225. Most ethnic households have formal land titles: of the households who own their own land, 83% of Hmong have full title and 73% of Khmu (compared with 78% of Lao/Tai). The mean area owned or occupied is 938 square meters, with the largest plot being 9,888 square meters. On average, Hmong households own approximately 960 square meters and Khmu households own 638 square meters, compared to 1,253 square meters owned by the average Lao tai. 226. In terms of the language spoken at home, 77% of Hmong use Hmong at home and the remainder more often use Lao. For Khmu, 64% of them speak Khmu at home and the remainder normally use Lao. 227. Education level of male and female heads of households - The data shows that both male and female Hmong ethnic group members were better represented at the higher levels of education than their Khmu and Lao tai groups counterparts. Male Hmong and male Lao tai had roughly equivalent educational achievements, while male Khmu generally had a lower level of education (note that the population of Khmu is quite small). The table below shows full details of educational levels of the male heads of households by ethnicity: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 139 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-23: Education and Ethnicity: Males Educational Levels Hmong Khmu Lao/tai No schooling 0 9 2 Primary 13 36 20 Lower Secondary 21 18 19 Upper Secondary 21 27 23 Technical Institute 24 10 16 University 21 - 20 100 100 100 228. Like Khmu males, Khmu females had received less education than Hmong and Lao tai groups. For example, no Khmu females had education at the technical institute and University level, compared to 15% of Hmong females at the technical institute and 7.5% at the University. However, 25% of Hmong and Khmu females had no education at all, compared to only 7% of Lao tai females. The table below shows full details of education level of the female head of households by ethnicity: Table 4-24: Education and Ethnicity: Females Educational Level Hmong (%) Khmu (%) Lao/tai (%) No schooling 25 25 7 Primary 22.5 42 34 Lower Secondary 17.5 25 25 Upper Secondary 12.5 8 20 Technical Institute 15 - 7 University 7.5 - 7 100 100 100 229. The above differences in educational achievement between ethnic men and women already reflects different types of occupation between them. Comparing Hmong and Khmu ethnic groups, a higher percentage of male Hmong and Khmu were farmers, but for the females, a higher percentage were traders. Another important fact is that only a very small percentage is working for the government, only 2.5% of Hmong females and no Khmu females worked as government officers. The table below shows the full details of the different occupations of male and female heads of households by ethnicity: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 140 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-25: Occupations of Ethnic Groups living along Project Road Hmong Khmu Lao/tai Type of Occupation M F M F M F Farmer 26.3 30 55.5 25 14.6 13.1 Government Officer 13.2 2.5 9.1 0 15.2 4.4 Company employee 2.6 0 9.1 8.3 5.8 2.3 Trader 23.7 32.5 18.2 50 30.3 39.2 Daily worker/ labourer 5.3 2.5 0 0 7.8 1.9 Homemaker 0 22.5 0 16.7 0.8 28.0 Migrant worker 0 0 0 0 0.4 0.1 Retired, ill, not working 2.6 0 9.1 0 4.6 2.6 Unemployed 10.5 0 0 0 11.2 0 Business owner 15.8 10 0 0 9.2 8.2 100 100 100 100 100 100 230. Household Incomes - From the data collected, average income of different ethnic groups varied substantially. While the mean household income of Hmong ethnic households was 32.58% lower than Lao/tai households, the median household income was almost 30% higher. This indicates that the income inequality among Hmong households is substantially less than among Lao/tai households. Lao/tai households spent almost 93% of their median household incomes on the basket of items for which data was gathered in the census, compared to only about 36% among Hmong households. Khmu households earned the least, but their expenditure was 79.58% of their median household incomes. Table 4-26: Income by ethnicity, per Household and per person (kip) Median Mean income Mean income per Mean HH income per per HH HH member expenditure HH Hmong 19,162,000 13,000,000 4,671,000 4,671,000 Khmu 8,900,000 3,900,000 1,464,000 3,104,000 Lao/tai 25,406,000 9,500,000 6,074,000 8,817,000 Vietnamese 44,300,000 9,800,000 15,257,000 5,186,000 Chinese 42,038,000 18,114,000 7,519,000 1,137,000 240. Drinking and domestic water sources: All ethnic groups had access to the Nam Papa water supply, and over half of the Hmong used this water for domestic purposes, compared with 21.6% of the majority Lao/tai population. Almost everyone in all groups used bottled water for drinking. The table below provides more details: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 141 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-27: Fuel and Water Use Type Hmong Khmu Lao/tai Domestic Drinking Domestic Drinking Domestic Drinking Water Water Water Water Water Water Nam Papa water supply 51.2 2.3 28.6 21.6 0.4 Piped water (private) 7.3 7.9 Borehole 14.6 28.6 47.0 0.5 Dug well, uncovered 14.2 3.9 Covered dug well 24.4 2.3 28.6 19.2 0.3 Trucked water from vendor 0.1 Bottled water 2.4 95.3 100 0.5 98.7 241. Lighting and fuel used for cooking: Data was collected on the main source of lighting used in the surveyed houses. It was found that 100% of respondents of all ethnicities used mains electricity. Nevertheless, different ethnic groups responded differently in terms of cooking fuel: Khmu respondents used mainly wood and charcoal, Hmong used a mixture of gas, electricity, charcoal and wood, and Lao/tai used mainly charcoal, with a significant minority using gas and wood. From the data below, it is interesting to note that Hmong households had very low % of using firewood and charcoal (44%), compared to Khmu (86%) and Lao/tai (73%), while traditionally a cooking fire is a normal practice among Hmong ethnic group members. In addition, the Khmu ethnic household income was the lowest; therefore, it is not surprising to see the high percentage using firewood for their cooking. 242. Focus Group Discussions were held with all three national ethnic groups living along the road. Separate groups were organized for males and females, business people, and general citizens. In general, there was no difference in the issues brought up by the three ethnic groups – all were concerned with access to their properties during construction, adequate compensation in the case of loss of land or ability to carry out their business, dust and construction noise, and construction delays. However, several Hmong groups brought up the issue of disturbance of their traditional festival, and were concerned that they would not have the “freedom of the road� during their week-long new year festival (Kin Chieng), that happens between December and January every year. 243. Given that there may be some communication difficulties, particularly with some Hmong women, the appointment of a Social Specialist with skills in understanding the needs of particular ethnic groups, particularly poor or elderly people, has been recommended, to work alongside the interpreter. These two positions would work together to ensure that the ethnic group members are not disadvantaged during the construction, and that help is available where needed. 4.5.3 Gender & Children 244. General - Problems that women in rural areas of Lao PDR face include a lack of awareness about maternal health and malnutrition. Gender gaps are also seen in education, and even though these gaps are narrowing, girls are more likely to be left behind and challenges still persist in education completion. Low-quality education and consistent dropout rates among girls in rural areas have ranked Lao PDR as one of the lowest performers in the East Asia Pacific region for girls’ education. Women are also subjected to human trafficking to neighboring countries, often ending up in forced prostitution and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 142 REVISION 3.0 domestic labor. In addition, violence against women is widespread. This has been attributed to weak or absent definitions and distinctions of violence in legislation (for example, the Penal Code only recently addressed domestic violence or marital rape), a culture of silence and impunity, poor access to justice for women in rural ethnic communities, and an absence of data and information on the rate of violence and the availability of services for survivors. 245. Besides women, children are the most vulnerable to poverty. As about 50% of the population is under the age of 18, a significant number of children are likely to experience poverty either directly or indirectly. The child labor issues do not seem to have gained much attention from policy makers, nor is there sufficient understanding of this matter. About 15% of the total population of children 5 to 17 years of age are considered to be employed. Children in Lao PDR are also vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. Although official reports of child abuse are rare, anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem exists. 18 246. Project Area – In Naxaithong and Phonhong it was found that land ownership was usually held jointly by husband and wife. Naxaithong in particular is a relatively wealthy and well-educated district. There are many small businesses along the road in both districts, and a majority of these are effectively controlled by women. 247. In Naxaithong almost all children graduate from both primary school and lower secondary school, as both these levels are compulsory. A large number (66%) of 3-5 age group also attend kindergarten. 4.5.4 Vulnerable People 248. Vulnerable households, as defined by Decree 84 by GoL, dated 05/04/2016 on Compensation and Resettlement Management in Development Project, include those who might suffer disproportionately from the loss of fixed and movable assets, other assets and production base, or face the risk of being marginalized from the effects of resettlement, and specifically include:  Households with persons falling under the generally accepted indicator for poverty as defined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (already discussed above), or the landless;  Divorced or widowed female headed households with dependents and low income;  Households with disabled or invalid persons; and  Elderly households with no means of support. 249. Approximately 23 households (less than 1%) fall below the official poverty line of per capita monthly income of 240,000 Kip. Most of these were women-headed households, as well as farmers and daily labourers. 250. Excluding those already included in the “poor�, 34 of the female headed households are in the 2nd income group (low income with monthly income per capita between 240,000 and 500,000 Kip) and have dependents. 18 Profile on Environmental and Social Considerations in Lao P.D.R. JICA, December 2013. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 143 REVISION 3.0 251. There are 5 households that are headed by the elderly, with monthly income per capita between 240,000 and 500,000 Kip and comprise only one or two persons and therefore have little labor to sell or other means of support. 252. About 10 AHs with monthly income per capita between 240,000 and 500,000 Kip recorded having members with a disability. These households are in the 2nd income quartile and considered vulnerable. 253. In total there are 81households (3%) that are considered vulnerable by virtue of the foregoing definition. Table 4-28 shows the number of households falling into each classification of vulnerability. Table 4-28: Vulnerability of Affected Households Affected Households Male- Female- Category of vulnerability headed headed Households falling below poverty line 14 18 Low income, single female-headed AHs (excluding households below 0 34 poverty line) Per capita income of 500,000 Kip/month or less Households with disabled members (excluding households below 6 4 poverty line) Elderly with no means of support (household head >65 years and 5 0 household size less than 3) Total 25 56 81 Source: Socio-Economic Survey (August 2017) 4.5.5 General Economic Conditions 254. The Lao economy grew 7% in 2016 (WB estimate, Economic Monitor), slightly down from 7.4% the previous year. Investments in hydropower brought installed capacity to over 6,000MW, and agricultural production improved slightly from the year before. The government revenue shortfall deepened during the year, reaching 6.2% of GDP. 255. Naxaithong District – Economic growth in Naxaithong was reported at 9.5% for 2016 . The average income per head was $1,989. The district government has forecasted an 19 increase to $2,100 per head by the end of 2017. 256. Phonhong District - Growth in GDP was reported by the district government at 8,97%, with an average annual income per person of $2,220.20 4.5.6 Infrastructure 257. Lao Road Network – Considerable development of the road network in the Lao PDR has occurred over the last 2 decades. The length of the road network has risen from 19 Naxaythong District Party Congress Report, No 12, Congress No. 6, June 2017 20 Summary Report of Implementation of Social and Economic Development Plan Aug 2017. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 144 REVISION 3.0 14,000 km in 1990 to 20,000 km in 1997 and to 35,600 km in 2008. While the Lao PDR’s road network is extensive, only 14% of the current road network is paved, including 56% of the national roads and 3% of the total of urban, rural, and special roads. Gravel and earth roads account for 34% and 52%, respectively, of the length of the network. Seasonal closures are frequent due to poor pavement and deficient cross-drainage. Nineteen out of 139 district centres and one-third of all villages (3,500 out of 10,500) do not have year- round all-weather road access. 21 258. The main national roads, such as Road 13, 9, 3, 8, 7, and 12, which also serve transit transport, are heavily affected by overloading trucks. After neglecting overload control for some years and with the rapid deterioration of the road condition, the government realizes the need to reinstate and reinforce overloading control and is in the process to reinstall modern permanent weighing stations on national road 3, 9 and 13 and plans to scale it up to other roads later on. Road safety is another challenge and efforts are being made to address the issues sector wide.22 259. Traffic Forecasts - The traffic forecasting for the Project road has been carried out during the FS using forecast growth rates considering different homogeneous sections depending on the traffic levels at present on NR13 North. The base year traffic has been given by vehicle categories based on the comprehensive traffic surveys carried out in 2014 in the FS. Figure 4-12: Forecasted AADT Over 25 years, NR13 North 100000 80000 60000 AADT 40000 20000 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 0 2020 2030 2040 2014 2016 2018 2022 2024 2026 2028 2032 2034 2036 2038 Year Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Sikeut - Ban Naxaithong Ban Naxaithong - (Junc to (Junc to Lingxan) –Phonhong Lingxan) 260. Road Tolls – The Project FS analyzed 1,098 road users surveys to determine the willingness to pay toll fees for both NR13 North and NR13 South. The average willingness to pay for each categories of vehicles were obtained by considering the amount expressed to pay for the tolls and their travel distances for the journey of concerned. The average willingness to pay by all vehicle categories are given in Table 4-29. It is observed that 4 21 Lao PDR - Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy and Road Map. ADB, 2011 22 Draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) - Second Lao Road Sector Project (LRSP-II). MPWT / DOR, 2016 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 145 REVISION 3.0 wheelers were willing to pay on average of 416kips/km. The 2 wheelers were willing to pay 465 kips/km which is the highest among all users. This indicates again that majority of the two wheelers are not in an income group whose income is less than 4-wheel users. The average values observed for willingness to pay from truck users are the lowest and not consistent and not related with their freight income. Table 4-29: Willingness to Pay for Road Tolls Amount Willing Average No Vehicle Type # Respondents to Pay by Type (kips/km) (kips/km) Private Passenger Vehicles 1 Car/ Jeep 114 507 416 2 Van 111 342 3 Pickups 101 424 4 Taxi 38 389 5 M Bike 53 465 374 6 Tuk-Tuk 10 283 Goods Vehicle (Freight Vehicles) 7 Light Truck 113 194 209 8 Medium Truck 63 286 9 Heavy Truck (3&4Axle) 80 241 10 Heavy Truck (5 & More Axle) 32 114 Public Transport 11 Bus (14 Seater Truck Type) 82 359 256 12 Full Body Small Bus 88 159 13 Full Body Large Bus 213 251 Total 1,098 261. FGD participants were also canvassed on their feelings towards making NR13 North a toll road. Some suggested that if the fee is implemented, it should be capped at about 3000 kip per trip. Others suggested that tolls should only be levied on new roads, not upgraded ones like NR13 North. It is understandable that the government needs to raise a lot of funds for a new road, but for an upgrade it should use the currently available budget. Yet some others said that a toll was acceptable, but the government needed to build a separate road alongside it for local traffic, without a toll. An alternative needed to be provided for those who are not going long distances. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 146 REVISION 3.0 262. People who travelled frequently or daily to Vientiane for education or business were most opposed to the idea of a toll, unless local residents were exempt. Residents could be paying the toll fee several times per day. The solution suggested was that all residents should be issued a vehicle pass. 263. Many respondents argued that, as a national road, it should be free of tolls for all. Some suggested that a toll on commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks, would be acceptable, but not on ordinary road users. 264. There was a suggestion from some respondents that if the government needed to increase revenue for construction and maintenance, it should do so via the vehicle registration fees. However most disagreed with this too, saying that they already paid vehicle registration fees. Others suggested an increase in the price of fuel could cover maintenance and construction costs. 265. Types of Vehicles and Trip Purpose – An Origin Destination survey undertaken for the Project in July 2017 assessed the types of vehicle used on the NR13 North and the trip purpose. Figure 4-13 illustrates that the majority of vehicles using the road are cars (50%), followed by 2-axle rigid trucks (20%) and motorcycles (20%). The purpose of travel is illustrated by Figure 4-14. The main purpose of travel was business (32%) followed by going to work (24%) and going home (23%). Less than 2% used the road for travel to school. Figure 4-13: Types of Vehicle, NR13 North ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 147 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-14: Main Purpose of Travel, NR13 North 266. Air transport - In the civil aviation subsector, the Lao PDR operates the Wattay Airport at Vientiane and two regional airports at Louangphrabang and Pakxe. In addition, there are 10 minor airports in the provincial capitals and 39 other airstrips. 267. Inland waterways - The Lao PDR's topography has traditionally facilitated inland waterway transport. However, this form of transport is insufficiently used and lacks integration with the other forms of transport, especially roads. The country has over 2,000 km of rivers, comprising the Mekong and its tributaries. Twenty-one river port facilities, constructed by the government, have typically been employed for domestic trade only. However, recent years have witnessed a growth in cross-border trade with the China, Myanmar, and Thailand. 4.5.7 Land Use 268. Land use within the Project corridor is dominated by a ribbon of residential / commercial / light industrial properties and patches of agricultural land between each village and town. Often it is difficult to determine when one village ends and another starts due to continuous development along the road. As the road continues further north to Phonhong, areas of natural vegetation can be noted (km 49 – 55), although within the ROW most portions are degraded by human activity. Table 4-30 provides an overview of the population of villages along the road and the types of property present and Figure 4-24 provides a land use map of the Project corridor. Table 4-30: Population of Villages, Number of Establishments along NR13 North Total HHs Total Vacant Village Households possibly along Shops Hotels Restaurants Population land impacted 13 N Xaimoungkhoun 830 165 38 3 26 0 3 5 Sikeut 3018 585 61 26 27 0 4 4 Phanghaeng 2335 432 101 43 36 0 11 11 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 148 REVISION 3.0 Total HHs Total Vacant Village Households possibly along Shops Hotels Restaurants Population land impacted 13 N Donglouang 1782 387 68 23 35 4 6 0 Naxaythong-Tai 1274 244 92 31 48 0 10 3 Naxaythong-kang 1095 205 26 7 14 0 2 3 Naxaythong-nua 1342 331 96 52 32 0 4 10 Houaxang 1193 227 114 50 40 0 6 18 Houakhoua 1795 330 165 77 54 0 6 33 Nongkhankhou 713 179 95 32 32 0 2 29 Ilai -Tai 1448 263 103 59 29 0 3 12 Ilai-nua 2036 381 98 49 37 0 3 9 Songkhouakangsa 627 117 70 51 3 0 14 2 en Chaengsavang 466 96 12 4 7 1 0 0 Houaynamyen 2648 477 132 42 49 0 5 36 Songpuay-tai 1313 250 65 23 38 2 2 Songpuay-nua 1159 220 77 44 24 1 6 2 Phonkham 1457 310 85 50 25 2 5 3 Nakha 1025 211 88 59 8 0 0 21 Phonmouang 1495 295 130 33 55 0 7 35 Nanga 1373 359 121 87 3 0 6 25 Boua 793 153 76 47 3 1 4 21 Nongsa 1803 304 181 91 47 6 37 Nadi 746 144 93 41 27 1 24 Sivilay 751 138 99 45 25 1 4 24 Mai 2499 460 178 94 52 2 16 14 Phonxay Tai 1315 300 109 67 26 1 3 12 Taothan 834 161 83 52 19 0 7 15 Nalao 3202 531 140 65 53 1 10 11 Lak 52 2498 404 114 8 102 2 2 0 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 149 REVISION 3.0 Total HHs Total Vacant Village Households possibly along Shops Hotels Restaurants Population land impacted 13 N Nongnak 3276 425 13 0 6 6 0 1 Phonkham-tai 1940 284 41 8 28 1 2 2 Phonkham-nua 2421 282 68 37 21 1 3 6 Hongluay 1362 217 61 27 21 0 3 10 Nabon 1274 235 89 52 24 0 2 11 Vangmon 1359 256 119 72 14 1 4 28 Saka 2229 423 124 62 39 0 5 18 Phonngeun 783 164 66 36 12 0 1 17 Phonsavang 1441 315 121 53 35 2 7 24 Houaython 884 195 94 57 15 0 5 17 Namchaeng 1094 230 138 66 26 0 5 41 Phonsi-tai 714 150 113 76 17 3 3 14 Namlin 1024 202 42 19 18 0 3 2 Phonhong 1657 391 59 22 31 0 3 2 Totals 65,725 12,581 4,058 1942 1283 29 205 618 Source: interviews with village authorities, June-July 2017, data from 2016 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 150 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-15: Land Use within the Project Corridor 269. The Project will require a considerable amount of land take within the Project corridor which will necessitate resettlement and compentation payments. A resettlement action plan (RAP) has been prepared as part of the Project to account for this issue. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 151 REVISION 3.0 4.5.8 Waste Management 270. General - Urban populations in Lao PDR are expanding, and as a result, there are poor waste collection and insufficient disposal facilities. Solid wastes in urban areas degrade the quality of surface and ground water. The improper handling of wastes also results in health risks for people living in the area. The capital city of Vientiane, municipalities and secondary towns have landfill sites, whereas small towns have open and uncontrolled dump sites. Recycling systems for most forms of waste are based on the informal collection and selling of valuable waste to junkshops and dealers. On the other hand, there is no system for dealing with hazardous waste. 23 271. Project Area – Waste generated per capita in Vientiane Capital Province is around 0.65kg per day, generating around 500 tons of waste per day, of which around 300 tons are collected, transported and disposed of at a landfill site located at Km32 of NR13 South (operated by Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority (VUDAA)). All types of waste are sent to this landfill including residential, commercial and industrial waste (assumed to include hazardous waste). According to reports the landfill is uncontrolled meaning that waste is simply dumped without consideration of the types of waste or the potential for pollution of soils and groundwater, or indeed potential health and safety Figure 4-16: Uncontrolled Landfill, Km32, N13 South impacts to those living around the site. However, there is a healthcare waste incinerator at the site (funded by JICA), but its limited capacity (20kg/h) is not sufficient for the requirements of the Province. There are also facilities for collecting and bulking recycled materials at the site. It is estimated that as much as 10% of waste if recycled (metal, plastic, glass, cardboard, etc) at the site and sent to China, Vietnam and Thailand for processing. 24 272. Other waste management facilities and landfills in the Project area are listed in the following tables. Table 4-31: Waste Management Facilities in Naxaithong Km from No Village Landfill Company Price/Month Waste road 13 N 23 Profile on Environmental and Social Considerations in Lao P.D.R. JICA, December 2013. 24 Municipal Solid Waste Management Assessment Report, Vietntiane Capital Province Climate and Clean Air Coalition. 2014 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 152 REVISION 3.0 Km from No Village Landfill Company Price/Month Waste road 13 N 1 Xaymongkhoun 2 Sikeut 3 Phangheng 4 Donglouang 5 Naxaitai 20,000-35,000 Lak 32 VCOMS 32 General 6 Naxaikang kip 7 Naxaineua 8 Houaxang 9 Houakhua 10 Nongkhunkhou 11 Ilai tai 12 Ilai nuea 13 Songkhuakangsaen 14 Chengsavan 15 Huaynamyen Phontong 20,000-35,000 Thilakhoun 4 General 16 Songpeuaytai Village kip 17 Songpeuaynuea 18 Phonkham 19 Nakha 20 Phonmuang 21 Nanga Village’s Area 22 Boua Phontong 20,000-35,000 23 Nongsa Thilakhoun 4 General Village kip 24 Nadi ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 153 REVISION 3.0 Table 4-32: Waste Management Facilities in Phonhong Km from No Village Landfill Company Price/Month Waste road 13 N 1 Sivilay 2 Mai 3 Phonxay tai 4 Taothan 5 Nalao Waste 6 Lak 52 Management Unit 7 Nongnat 8 Phonkham tai 9 Phonkham neua 10 Hongleuay Phontong 20,000-35,000 4 General 11 Nabone Village kip 12 Vangmonkhat 13 Saka/Phonyang 14 Phonngeun 15 Phonsavang 16 Houaythou Thilakhoun 17 Namchaeng 18 Phosi Tai 19 Namlin 20 Phonhong 4.5.9 Health & Safety 273. Regional Health Issues – Common afflictions in Phonhong were reported as Hepatitis A, malaria, dengue fever, diarrheal disease, measles. 95% of the population use piped water, and 92% use a toilet. Only 79 births were reported at hospitals in the first 6 months of 2017. A total of 401 families have joined the community health insurance funds. 274. In Naxaithong common diseases were reported as dengue fever, diarrheal disease, malaria. About 144 mothers gave birth in hospitals, and 442 used hospital provided ante- natal, but most gave birth elsewhere. 95% were connected to a piped water supply, and 98% used a toilet. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 154 REVISION 3.0 275. Road Traffic Accidents – The Project FS tabulated accidents between 2004 and 2013 on the Project road. Table 4-33 shows that nearly all accidents recorded during this period were in Phonhong district. Table 4-34 shows the variation of total recorded accidents over the period 2004 – 2013. It seems somewhat difficult to believe that there were no recorded accidents in Naxaithong between 2004 and 2011, so this data should be ignored. It does appear that there is an upward trend in the number of accidents recorded in Phonhong district perhaps due to increased traffic levels. Table 4-35 shows that around 160 fatalities were recorded on the Project road between 2004 and 2013. Table 4-33: Total Accidents Recorded during 2004 -2013 Number of All Accidents by Road Geometric Locality District Junction Curve Straight Bridge Total Naxaithong 21 0 43 0 64 Phonhong 1,136 927 1,409 26 3,498 Source: Feasibility Study, 2014 Table 4-34: Variation of Total Accidents Recorded during 2004 -2013 Total Number of Accidents 2004 - 2013 District Total 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Naxaithon 18 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 g Phonhong 444 459 523 518 408 242 269 170 357 108 3,498 Source: Feasibility Study, 2014 Table 4-35: Accidents by Type during 2004 -2013 Accident Types Grievous Property District Total Damage Injuries Light Fatal only Naxaithong 7 15 10 32 64 Phonhong 153 661 959 1,725 3,498 Source: Feasibility Study, 2014 276. Unexploded Ordnance - Lao PDR has the unwanted distinction of being per capita the most heavily bombed nation in the world. Between the years 1964 and 1973, the United States flew more than half a million bombing missions, delivering more than two million tons of explosive ordnance, in an attempt to block the flow of North Vietnamese arms and troops through Laotian territory. The ordnance dropped include more than 266 million ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 155 REVISION 3.0 submunitions (known as “bombies� in Laos) released from cluster bombs. Significant land battles, including those during the war for independence during the French colonial era and between the Pathet Lao and the Royal Lao forces, also contributed vast quantities of unexploded heavy bombs, rockets, grenades, artillery munitions, mortars, anti-personnel landmines, and improvised explosive devices. It is estimated that up to 30% of all ordnance did not explode. Such unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to remain in the ground, maiming and killing people, and hindering social-economic development and food security.25 Figure 4-17 illustrates the bombing data used to predict UXO contamination in Lao PDR. Figure 4-17: US bombing data map used to predict UXO contamination Source: National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector Lao PDR (http://www.nra.gov.la/uxomap.html) 277. Although this is considered an incomplete picture and is only used to illustrate where significant quantities of UXO could be found it does indicate that the Project area is not one of the areas of significant contamination. However, it is still possible that UXO could be present within the Project corridor. 278. Health Facilities – A number of health facilities have been identified within the Project corridor that maybe impacted by the Project. Table 4-36 tabulates these health facilities and their distance from the edge of the existing road. Figure 4-18 to Figure 4-25 illustrates their locations. Appendix Q also provides an inventory of the health facilities. 25 Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme. http://www.uxolao.org/index.php/en/the-uxo- problem ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 156 REVISION 3.0 Appendix A2 also provides maps of the facilities in greater detail indicating the extent of the ROW. 279. Note that this is the distance to the boundary of the sites and that the buildings used by patients and staff are set further back than the boundary, in some cases more than 50 meters, for example Phonhong Hospital. Table 4-36: Health Facilities Identified in the Project Corridor Distance from Locations edge of existing # Name Village District (GPS) road to site boundary 1 Naxaythong Donglouang Naxaithong 18° 3'52.76"N 10m Hospital 102°32'15.25"E 2 Ilai Health Ilai-Nua Naxaithong 18° 8'39.00"N 10m Center 102°30'12.11"E 3 Nakha Health Nakha Naxaithong 18°12'36.23"N 15m Center 102°29'54.52"E 4 Lak 52 Health Nalao Phonhong 18°20'42.86"N 10m Center 102°25'37.56"E 5 Phonhong Namlin Phonhong 18°29'20.19"N 5m Hospital 102°24'45.85"E ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 157 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-18: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 158 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-19: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 159 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-20: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 160 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-21: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 161 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-22: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 162 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-23: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 163 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-24: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 164 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-25: Location of Health Facilities, Educational Facilities and Temples ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 165 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-18: Naxaithong Hospital Figure 4-19: Phonhong Hospital 4.5.10 Education and Educational Facilities 280. Education – In Naxaithong almost all children graduate from both primary school and lower secondary school, as both these levels are compulsory. A large number (66%) of 3-5 age group also attend kindergarten. The FGDs revealed that a lot of people travel daily to Vientiane for university or technical education. 281. Educational Facilities in the Project Corridor - A survey of educational facilities within the Project corridor has been undertaken by the National Survey Firm as part of this ESIA. Table 4-37 lists the educational facilities and their locations along with their distances from the edge of the Project road. 282. Figure 4-20 and Figure 4-21 illustrates two typical schools within the Project corridor. As can be seen, often the school buildings are actually set well back (between 30 and 100 meters) from the boundary wall of the facility even though the boundary walls are often very close to the Project road (see Table 4-37 below). Photos of all educational facilities listed have been included as Appendix P. Table 4-37: Educational Facilities Identified within the Project Corridor Distance of School Locations # Name Village District boundary (GPS) from edge of existing road 1 Thipaksone English Phangheng Naxaithong 18° 2'40.64"N 7m centre 102°32'46.34"E 2 Naxaythong Naxaithong-Tai Naxaithong 18° 4'6.38"N 12m Secondary School 102°32'6.63"E 3 Sangpaserd Naxaithong-Tai Naxaithong 18° 4'22.65"N 8m Kindergarten, 102°32'4.11"E Primary, Secondary School 4 Namkieng Houaxang Naxaithong 18° 5'26.49"N 5m Secondary School 102°31'2.88"E ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 166 REVISION 3.0 Distance of School Locations # Name Village District boundary (GPS) from edge of existing road 5 Houakhua Primary Houakhua Naxaithong 18° 6'3.30"N 10m School 102°30'35.95"E 6 Ratana Business Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 18° 8'0.06"N 10m Administration 102°30'16.57"E College 7 Ilai Primary School Ilai-Nuea Naxaithong 18° 8'46.21"N 15m 102°30'9.62"E 8 Ilai Scondary School Ilai-Nuea Naxaithong 18° 8'53.96"N 7m 102°30'8.09"E 9 Ilai High School Ilai-Nuea Naxaithong 18° 9'13.06"N 15m 102°30'5.22"E 10 Houinamyen Houaynamyen Naxaithong 18°10'3.50"N 7m Primary School 102°30'4.19"E 11 Phommasaly Phonkham Naxaithong 18°11'45.19"N 5m Kindergarten School 102°29'54.10"E 12 Phonkham Primary Phonkham Naxaithong 18°11'51.58"N 5m School 102°29'54.10"E 13 Nakha Secondary Nakha Naxaithong 18°12'22.06"N 20m School 102°29'55.06"E 14 Nakha Primary Nakha Naxaithong 18°12'40.28"N 10m School 102°29'53.82"E 15 Phonmuang Primary Phonmouang Naxaithong 18°13'15.48"N 7m School 102°29'50.34"E 16 Ban Boua Primary Boua Naxaithong 18°15'19.09"N 10m School 102°29'13.39"E 17 Nongsa Primary Nongsa Naxaithong 18°15'56.19"N 8m School&Phonthong 102°29'0.67"E Secondary School 18 Nady Primary Nadi Naxaithong 18°17'25.44"N 10m School 102°28'17.83"E 19 Ban Mai Primary Mai Phonhong 18°18'38.38"N 7m School 102°27'37.00"E 20 Nabon Primary Nabon Phonhong 18°23'18.25"N 8m School 102°25'31.47"E 21 Saka Primary, Saka Phonhong 18°24'46.73"N 15m Scondary School 102°25'35.13"E 22 Phonngeun Primary Phonngeun Phonhong 18°26'4.72"N 10m School 102°25'5.54"E 23 AHHA Education Phonhong Phonhong 18°29'36.33"N 10m 102°24'48.58"E ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 167 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-20: Naxaithong Secondary Figure 4-21: Nakha Secondary School School 4.5.11 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) 283. PCR are important as sources of valuable historical and scientific information, as assets for economic and social development, and as integral parts of a people’s cultural identity and practices. PCR can be defined as:  Sites, structures or objects having archaeological, paleontological, historical, religious, or other cultural significance.  Natural environmental features that have cultural significance (e.g. sacred graves, sacred sites). 284. The management of the cultural heritage of Lao PDR is divided into four main levels: the Ministry of Information and Culture at the central level, the Division of the Information and Culture at the provincial level, the District Information and Culture Office at the district level, and the village authorities at the fourth level. 285. A PCR survey was undertaken within the Project corridor by the National Survey Firm as part of this ESIA. A number of religious temples were identified within the corridor along with several cemeteries. Table 4-38 and Table 4-39 lists the temples and cemeteries and their locations Figure 4-18 to Figure 4-25 provide the locations of the temples. Photos of the temples and cemeteries have been included as Appendix O. Appendix A2 also provides maps of the PCR in greater detail indicating the extent of the ROW. Figure 4-22 illustrates a typical cemetery and Figure 4-23 shows one of the more ornate temples within the Project corridor. Table 4-38: Religious Temples within the Project Corridor # Temple Name Village District Locations (GPS) 1 Vatsoukkhalarm Dongluang Naxaithong 18° 3'56.37"N 102°32'12.36"E 2 Vatsysaward Naxaithong-Tai Naxaithong 18° 4'18.30"N 102°32'4.70"E 3 Vatsythammalarm Naxaithong -Nuea Naxaithong 18° 4'46.97"N 102°31'45.32"E ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 168 REVISION 3.0 4 Vatsythammalardvanalarm Houaxang Naxaithong 18° 5'16.40"N 102°31'14.00"E 5 Vatanongkhalarm Houakhua Naxaithong 18° 6'18.94"N 102°30'37.09"E 6 Sethhalarm Nongkhankhou Naxaithong 18° 7'8.32"N1 02°30'26.97"E 7 Vatsysawardxaykhao Ilai-Nuea Naxaithong 18° 8'37.55"N 102°30'11.71"E 8 Vatpaxayyalarm Karngsan Naxaithong 18° 9'16.88"N 102°30'3.95"E 9 Vatmahaoudom amphavan Houaynamyen-Tai Naxaithong 18°10'4.97"N 102°30'3.27"E 10 Vatoudomchalernxayyalarm Houaynamyen Naxaithong 18°10'15.82"N 102°30'4.19"E 11 Vatsongpuayphoxayyalarm Songpuay Naxaithong 18°11'9.65"N 102°30'1.96"E 12 Vatsavangxayyalarmphonkham Phonkham Naxaithong 18°11'56.19"N 102°29'53.88"E 13 Vatphoutthavongsansoukchale Nakha Naxaithong 18°12'26.94"N rn 102°29'54.65"E 14 Vatphabartphonkhong Nakha Naxaithong 18°12'38.47"N 102°29'53.65"E 15 Vatamphavansoukyalarm Phonmouang Naxaithong 18°12'52.87"N 102°29'54.45"E 16 Vatnonsavarngphothilalarm Nanga Naxaithong 18°14'24.25"N 102°28'59.41"E 17 Vatbanbuasavanxayyalarm Boua Naxaithong 18°15'19.43"N 102°29'14.50"E 18 Vatnongsa Nongsa Naxaithong 18°16'12.19"N 102°28'52.98"E 19 Vatsouvanpaditmungkhalalarm Nadi Naxaithong 18°17'15.32"N 102°28'23.05"E 20 Vatmoungkhounxayyalarm Sivilai Phonhong 18°17'50.41"N 102°28'4.89"E 21 Vatsyanontha alarm Mai Phonhong 18°18'47.58"N 102°27'32.47"E 22 Vatnakxaymoungkhounxayyala Phonxay Phonhong 18°19'20.92"N rm 102°27'1.07"E 23 Vatnontha alarm Taothan Phonhong 18°19'45.76"N 102°26'38.16"E 24 Vatsyxomxuenphothixayyalar Nalao Phonhong 18°20'28.03"N m 102°25'56.96"E 25 Vatsymoungkhounxayyalarm Lak 52 Phonhong 18°21'2.92"N 102°25'29.73"E 26 Vatsoukhativiharn Nabon Phonhong 18°23'14.99"N 102°25'31.20"E 27 Vatsoukhativala alarm Vangmon Phonhong 18°24'6.41"N 102°25'32.82"E ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 169 REVISION 3.0 28 Saka Phonhong 18°24'15.95"N Vatbansakasysombounphothila 102°25'33.84"E rd 29 Vatvisoutthibavalalarm Phonngeun Phonhong 18°24'25.30"N 102°25'34.26"E 30 Vatbanhouithon Houaython Phonhong 18°26'42.43"N 102°24'37.77"E 31 Vatsouvannakhilyphonhong Phonhong Phonhong 18°29'40.23"N 102°24'52.12"E Table 4-39: Cemeteries Identified within the Project Corridor Distance Locations from # Cemetery Village District (GPS) road edge 1 Ilai-Tai Cemetery Ilai-Tai Naxaithong 18° 8'2.42"N 15m 102°30'16.30"E 2 Phonngeun Cemetery Phonngeun Phonhong 18°26'5.20"N 5m 102°25'1.62"E Figure 4-22: Phonngeun Cemetery Figure 4-23: Vatsoukkhalarm Temple 286. Ethnic PCR - Unlike other ethnic groups in Laos, Hmong ethnic group do not have any specific spirit of the village or town territory (Phi Muang). They only practice some spiritual activities when they would like to request some protection for certain situation: moving into their new houses, going to the war, traveling to a new place, and etc. With this particular situation, they organise a Basi or specific ceremony to ask for the blessing and protection from the spirit of their ancestors and/or houses. 287. In the project area, Hmong people still follow this practice, and the size of the event depends on the capacity of the households, ranging from offering chicken to pigs or to cows. During the focus group discussions with the affected people, they did not show a great deal of concern about this arrangement. They said that if they receive appropriate compensation for their assets before the actual construction, they will be able to to take care of their customary traditional requirements relevant to their resettlement. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 170 REVISION 3.0 288. Nevertheless, they do have the well-known and important ceremony that they have to follow annually, that is Hmong New Year (Boun Kin Chieng), which is between December and January of every year for a maximum of 7 days. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the harvest. The main activities arranged during the Hmong new year are as follows:  Day 1: The head of families prepares and conducts the necessary spiritual prayers and offerings to thank the ancestor and spirit of the house. Only chicken is offered on day 1.  Day 2-7: Full celebration: eating and playing some traditional games: (i) spinning MakKhang and (ii) throwing MakKhone (for men and women who are looking for partners). 4.5.12 Noise 289. Baseline noise monitoring was undertaken in July 2017 at five locations over a period of 24 hours. Almost all of the monitoring locations were at the facades of existing roadside buildings. Table 4-40 describes the sample locations and rationale for their selection. Appendix R provides the results in full along with photographs of the monitoring activity and the monitoring dates, times and climatic conditions. The results are presented in Figure 4-24 to Figure 4-29. Table 4-40: Noise Monitoring Locations Sample Coordinates Rationale for Site Selection ID N01 18° 2'21.53"N, 102°32'49.48"E Sikeut, Naxaythong District, start point of the Project road and major junction. Monitoring station within 5 meters of the road. N02 18° 4'22.52"N, 102°32'3.12"E Naxaythong-Tai, main urban area. Adjacent to the façade of an existing roadside property. N03 18° 9'27.26"N, 102°30'4.00"E Karngsan village, urban area. Adjacent to the façade of an existing roadside property. N04 18°21'13.97"N, 102°25'29.16"E Lak 52, main urban area. Inside the boundary of an existing roadside property. N05 18°29'28.10"N, 102°24'46.00"E Namlin Village, main urban area. Adjacent to the façade of an existing roadside property. N06 18°15'34.96"N, 102°29'12.01"E Nongsa Village, main urban area. On open land within 5 meters of the road. 290. The results of the noise monitoring undertaken in July 2017, clearly show that noise levels at all of the monitored locations exceeded the WBG daytime and nighttime noise limits for residential, institutional and educational areas in almost all instances, and in some cases by more than 15 dBA. However, all noise levels are below WBG daytime and nighttime noise limits for commercial and industrial areas. Leq 24 hrs in all locations, range from 56.3 dBA – 63.2 dBA, and are classified as “Moderate� noise level according to Laos Noise Standards. 291. Land use mapping shows that the project corridor is dominated by commercial and residential properties (often single properties serve both commercial and residential purposes). Many properties are within 10-20 meters of the Project road. In addition, surveys have identified more than 30 temples, 20 schools and 5 hospitals/health clinics within the ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 171 REVISION 3.0 Project corridor many of which are already exposed to elevated noise levels due to their proximity to the Project road. However, often school/health facility/temple buildings are set further back from the boundary wall of the facility even though the boundary walls are often very close to the Project road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 172 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-24: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Sikeut, Naxaythong District 100 Leq 1-hour 90 Lmax 80 Lmin 70 Leq 24 Hour 60 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Good) 50 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 40 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 173 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-25: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Naxaythong-Tai, Naxaythong District 100 Leq 1-hour 90 Lmax 80 Lmin 70 Leq 24 Hour 60 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard 50 (Good) 40 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 30 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 174 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-26: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Karngsan, Naxaythong District 100 Leq 1-hour 90 Lmax 80 Lmin 70 Leq 24 Hour 60 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Good) 50 40 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 30 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 175 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-27: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Lak 52, Phonhong District 95 Leq 1-hour 85 Lmax 75 Lmin 65 Leq 24 Hour 55 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Good) 45 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 35 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 176 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-28: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Namlin Village, Phonhong District 100 Leq 1-hour 90 Lmax 80 Lmin 70 Leq 24 Hour 60 50 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Good) 40 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 30 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 177 REVISION 3.0 Figure 4-29: 24 Hour Noise Levels (dBA) – Nongsa Village, Phonhong District 100 Leq 1-hour 90 Lmax 80 Lmin 70 60 Leq 24 Hour 50 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Good) 40 Leq 24 Hous Lao Standard (Health Impact) / IFC Standard Limit (Commercial) 30 IFC Standard (Residential) ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 178 REVISION 3.0 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1 General 292. This section of the ESIA details the Projects potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures to limit any negative impacts identified. The first items discuss the types and phases of the impacts. The report then presents the impacts and mitigation in detail for the Project in the subsections as follows:  Physical Resources, including: - Topography - Soils & Geology - Air Quality & Climate Change - Hydrology - Natural Hazards  Biological Resources, including: - Flora - Fauna - Protected Areas and Important Bird Areas  Socio-Economic Resources, including: - Economic Development - Social Sector - Land use - Infrastructure & Transportation Facilities - Waste Management - Construction Camps and Batching Plants - Borrow Pits - Community Health and safety - Occupational Health and Safety - Physical and Cultural Resources - Noise  Cumulative Impacts ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 179 REVISION 3.0  Compliance Impacts 5.2 Impact Phases 293. This impact assessment and mitigating measures cover the entire cycle of the project activities, from design, pre-construction, construction and operation and maintenance. The coverage of each of this sub-project phases is defined as follows:  Design – This is the period of the detailed design.  Pre-construction Phase – this period is the time that the ‘Notice to Proceed’ is given to the Contractor until commencement of construction.  Construction Phase - the period from the completion of the Pre-construction activities time until the issuing of the ‘Certificate of Completion’.  Operation and Maintenance Phase – This final period is the time from completion of works. 294. The key feature of the three Project activities that mitigate the overall adverse impact is the fact that all Projects will be confined within the existing road alignment. 5.3 Type of Impacts 295. Potential impacts from projects such as road improvement projects may be classified as:  Direct Impacts - i.e., those directly due to the project itself such as the conversion of land previously used for agricultural purposes to transport use. Direct impacts also include the impact of construction expenditures in the local economy.  Indirect Impacts – i.e., those resulting from activities prompted by the project, but not directly attributable to it. The use of rock for the improved roadbeds, for example, has an indirect impact of increasing the demand for crushed rock and increased borrow operations.  Cumulative Impacts – i.e., impacts in conjunction with other activities. A single road improvement may not exert a significant environmental impact, but if several roads comprising a network are developed in the same area, or are combined with agricultural reform programs in the same general area, the cumulative or additive effect could be large. 296. Impacts in all three categories may be either:  Short-term – i.e., impacts which occur during road construction and affect land use, air quality and other factors. Many of these impacts, however, will be short- lived and without long-lasting effects. Even the effects of some relatively significant impacts such as borrow pits, for example, may be eventually erased if appropriate mitigation actions are taken. Many potential short-term negative impacts can be avoided or otherwise mitigated through proper engineering designs and by requiring contractors to apply environmentally appropriate construction methods. Or;  Long-term – i.e., road impacts that could, for example, affect regional land use and development patterns and regional hydrology and flooding if roads are poorly designed. Long-term negative impacts can also result from the loss of agricultural land to other land uses; air and water pollution; problems associated with scattered borrow pits; and haphazard growth. 297. Both short-term and long-term impacts may be either beneficial or adverse. Short-term positive impacts will include, for example, the generation of employment opportunities during construction period. Long-term benefits will include enhanced development opportunities, improved transport services, easier access to commercial and service facilities; faster communications and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 180 REVISION 3.0 commodity transport; improved access to markets and growth centers and increased services and commercial facilities. 5.4 Mitigation Aspects 298. Mitigation is recommended through strategic avoidance combined with construction and monitoring. Bid and contract documents will specify that a Site Specific ESMP (SSESMP) will be required. The Contractor will ensure that the SSESMP is submitted to the Engineer for review at least 10 days before taking possession of any work site. No access to the site will be allowed until the SSESMP is reviewed and approved by the Engineer. 5.5 Summary of Impacts 299. Table 5-1 provides a summary of the potential Project impacts that are discussed in detail under Sections 5-4 to 5-7. 5.6 Impacts to Physical Resources 5.6.1 Topography 5.6.1.1 Potential Impacts 300. All Phases - The Project road alignment in this instance has been determined by the existing ROW to be rehabilitated and widened. No significant alteration in realignment is included in the Project with the exception of the minor alterations to curves due to the requirements of safety specifications (and temporary changes in alignment to accommodate bridge works). Due to the relatively flat nature of the Project road no cut and fill activities will occur and no blasting will be required. Accordingly, potential impacts to topography will be limited to borrow pits and quarries, which are discussed in more detail below under Section 5.8.7 – Borrow Pits. 5.6.1.2 Mitigation Measures 301. None warranted. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 181 REVISION 3.0 Table 5-1: Summary Impact Table Biological Physical Characteristic Socio-economic Characteristic Characteristic Climate and Air Quality Waste Management Educational Facilities Protected Areas Socio-economic Health & Safety Infrastructure Topography Hydrology Geology Land Use Fauna Flora Noise Soils PCR Land Acquisition D/L D\L Borrow Pits / Quarries D/L D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/L D/S Asphalt Plants / Batching D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Plants Construction Camp D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Storage / Laydown Areas D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Haul Routes D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Site Clearance D/L D/S D/L D/L D/L D/S D/L D/S D = Direct Impact S = Short-term Impact L= Long term Impact Potential Positive Potential Potential High Impact Low/Medium Impact Impact ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 182 REVISION 3.0 Biological Physical Characteristic Socio-economic Characteristic Characteristic Climate and Air Quality Waste Management Educational Facilities Protected Areas Socio-economic Health & Safety Infrastructure Topography Hydrology Geology Land Use Fauna Flora Noise Soils PCR Pavement construction D/L D/S D/S D/L D/S D/L D/S D/S D/S D/S Bridge construction D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/L D/S D/S D/S Culverts & Side drains D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Earthworks D/L D/L D/S D/S D/L D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S Removal of Trees D/L D/L D/L D/L D/L D/S D/S Relocation of Services D/S D/S D/S Increased traffic D/L D/L D/L D/L D/L Road Maintenance D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D/S D = Direct Impact S = Short-term Impact L= Long term Impact Potential Positive Potential Potential High Impact Low/Medium Impact Impact ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 183 REVISION 3.0 5.6.2 Geology & Soils 5.6.2.1 Potential Impacts 302. The decision to restrict the Project road within the existing ROW, will keep soils related construction impacts to a minimum. Potential impacts to this component may however include:  Loss of Soil for Agricultural Production – As the project involves reconstruction and rehabilitation of an established road, the Project impact on the land acquisition is reduced to a minimum. As part of this ESIA process the DD Consultant and the ESIA team have worked together to prepare the geometric design of the road in such a way that no land acquisition in addition to that included in the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is required in consequence of the design.  Loss of Topsoil - Several impacts to topsoil may occur during the construction phase, including; removal of top soil for construction works outside the ROW (e.g. for borrow pits, construction camps, etc); compaction of topsoil; loss of top soil by wind and 
 water erosion and covering of top soil by project works.  Erosion - It is possible, that without adequate protection measures soil erosion could occur on road embankments and bridge embankments. It is also possible, that stockpiles of soil located close to surface waters could infiltrate the water courses during heavy rainfall and cause siltation of the rivers.  Borrow Pits – Potential impacts relating to borrow pits are discussed under Section 5.8.7 – Borrow Pits.  Induced Changes - Induced changes in the Project Area leading to industrial and commercial development are conceivable, thereby decreasing soil availability for agricultural purposes.  Contamination Due to Spills or Hazardous Materials - Potential soil contamination is a possibility resulting from poorly managed fuels, oils and other hazardous liquids used during the project works. 5.6.2.2 Mitigation Measures 303. Mitigation related to the potential soil-related impacts is recommended as follows: Pre-construction Phase  Loss of Soil for Agricultural Production - The DoR have, as aprt of the Project, prepared a resettlement action plan (RAP). Section 5.8.4 – Land Use, discusses this issue in more detail.  Borrow Pits – Mitigation relating to borrow pits is discussed under Section 5.8.7 – Borrow Pits. 304. Emergency Response Planning - The Contractor will be responsible for preparation of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which will cover containment of hazardous materials, oil spills, and work-site accidents and will be applicable to all phases of the Project. The plan will detail the process for handling, and subsequently reporting, emergencies, and specify the organizational structure (including responsibilities of nominated personnel). The plan will be ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 184 REVISION 3.0 submitted to the Engineer for approval. Implementation of the plan will be monitored by the Engineer. Any emergencies, and how they were handled, will be reported in monthly progress reports by the Contractor to the Engineer and the DoR. 305. Contamination Due to Spills or Hazardous Materials - The Contractor, with oversight from the Engineer, will ensure that: - All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be sited on an impervious base within a bund and secured by fencing. The storage area will be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. The base and bund walls will be impermeable and of sufficient capacity to contain 110% of the volume of tank (or one tank if more than one tank is located in the bund). - The construction camp maintenance yard will be constructed on impervious hardstanding with adequate drainage to collect spills, there will be no vehicle maintenance activities on open ground. - Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures. Drip pans will be placed under all filling and fueling areas. Waste oils will be stored and disposed of in compliance with Lao PDR regulartory requirements, international best practices or by a licensed contractor. - All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use. - The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any soils. - No bitumen drums or containers, full or used, will be stored on open ground. They will only be stored on impervious hardstanding. The measures on Contamination Due to Spills or Hazardous Materials will also be applied for construction phase. Construction Phase 306. Potential adverse impacts will be avoided or otherwise mitigated by ensuring the Contractor complies with the following:  Erosion - During construction, the Contractor will be responsible for ensuing material that is less susceptible to erosion will be selected for placement around bridges and culverts. In addition, he will ensure re-vegetation of exposed areas including; (i) selection of fast growing and grazing resistant species of local grasses and shrubs; (ii) immediate re-vegetation of all slopes and embankments if not covered with gabion baskets; (iii) placement of fiber mats to encourage vegetation growth. The Engineer and the Contractor will both be responsible for ensuring that embankments are monitored continuously during construction for signs of erosion.  Topsoil – To reduce impacts to topsoil the following measures will be employed by the Contractor; locate topsoil stockpiles outside drainage lines and protect stockpiles from erosion; construct diversion channels and silt fences around the topsoil stockpiles to prevent erosion and loss of topsoil; rip ground surface prior to the spreading of topsoil; and remove unwanted materials from topsoil such as roots of trees, rubble and waste etc. Specifically, regarding soil compaction, the Contractor will confine operation of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 185 REVISION 3.0 heavy equipment within the ROW, as much as possible, to avoid soil compaction and damage to privately owned land. If in case private lands are disturbed, the contractor should promptly inform the owner and agree on the ways to remedy the situation.  Borrow Pits – Mitigation relating to borrow pits is discussed under Item 5.8.7 – Borrow Pits.  Conversion of Agricultural Soils Due to Indirect/Induced Impacts - Although the ESMP contains provisions controlling direct impacts of land takings for both the road and ancillary functions (asphalt plants, construction camps, etc.), control of the induced impacts is largely beyond the scope of the Project. .5.6.3 Air Quality & Climate Change 5.6.3.1 Potential Air Quality Impacts 307. The potential impacts of the Project to air quality are described as follows: Design and Pre-construction Phase 308. The road rehabilitation works are generally intermittent and not permanent in a specific site, the works move along the Project road as work progresses and as such air quality impacts will be short term in specific locations. However, fugitive emissions will be emitted on a longer-term basis from stationary sources such as quarries, borrow pits and asphalt plants. These sites can however be selected prior to construction and be placed in an area where it can cause the least impact on human and ecologic receptors. Construction Phase 309. During construction, air quality may be degraded by a range of operational activities including:  Exhaust emissions from the operation of construction machinery (e.g. Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), Sulfur Oxides (SOX) and Carbon Monoxide (CO));  Open burning of waste materials; and  Dust generated from quarries, borrow pits, haul roads, unpaved roads, exposed soils and material stock-piles. The dust may settle on productive crops, and may cause some degree of respiratory stress for nearby residents. 310. Dust is the major air quality problem from construction sites. Dust is a problem for a variety of reasons, as outlined below:  Inconvenience to local people. For example, people may have to re-wash laundry that has been put outdoors to dry, and wash windows, curtains and vehicles. Dust can contaminate meat hanging up in open-air butchers and other food that is exposed to it in homes, shops and open-air restaurants, giving food a gritty texture.  Health and safety problems. Dust may affect health by irritating eyes and worsening the health of people with asthma. Dust can reduce visibility for drivers on roads. It can also be blown for long distances by the wind. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 186 REVISION 3.0  Crop damage. Even low concentrations of dust can affect plant and fruit growth as far away as one kilometer from a construction site. Plant growth is particularly susceptible to dusts that are highly alkaline, for example limestone and cement dust. Dust deposited during light rainfall can cause the soil surface to form a crust increasing run-off.  Impact on ecology. Dust blowing onto watercourses may damage ecology by increasing sedimentation, reducing sunlight and suffocating fish. It may also affect plant growth and change the species of plants growing in an area. Dust may also damage trees and other vegetation planted as part of the construction contract.  Damage to plant and equipment. Within the construction site, dust can cause mechanical or electrical problems in sensitive equipment such as computers. It can also increase abrasion of moving parts in equipment and clogging of air filters. Box 3: Construction Phase Air Quality Issues Identified by Stakeholders  The project should consider paving access roads connecting to the Project road in order to reduce transfer of dust and mud from the access road to the Project road.  Water the road daily. The water should be clean because if using wastewater, the road will smell bad for months.  Provide dust mask to people. Operational Phase 311. The main source of air pollution during the operational phase will be vehicles moving on the highway. The main pollutants are: CO; NOX; hydrocarbons (HC); SO2; carbon dioxide (CO2); and particulate matter (PM). These compounds can damage health and/or the environment. The concentration of pollutants generated by vehicles depends on factors such as the number, type and speed of vehicles. The effect of air pollution on local people depends on the distance between them and the road, wind direction, topography and other factors. The main direct effects are in the area closest to the road as the rapid dispersion and dilution of exhaust gases quickly reduces their concentrations to levels at which risks are minimal. 312. Baseline air quality monitoring in the Project corridor shows that levels of NO 2 and CO are well within national and international standards and that all parameters measured were within the limits set by Lao PDR standards. However, some levels of SO2 and PM10 were noted above USEPA and WBG standards. 313. It is safe to say that as the traffic volumes increase on the Project road, so will the levels of air emissions, such as NO2, CO and CO2. However, given the existing low levels of NO2 and CO in the Project corridor, it is considered unlikely that they will rise above the national standards in the future. It could also be suggested that within the next ten to fifteen years electric cars will start to play a major role in the transport sector and as such this would serve to limit the potential increases in vehicle emissions such as NO2, CO and CO2. 314. The elevated levels of PM10 recorded in the baseline monitoring at locations A1 and A4 (and also higher levels of TSP, although within the Lao PDR limits) are a result of the movement of dust as vehicles travel along the road. As noted in Section 4.2.5 – Air ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 187 REVISION 3.0 Quality, in some sections of the road high levels of dust can be observed, resulting from a number of sources, including:  Transport of mud and dirt from access roads;  Vehicles traveling within the unpaved areas outside of the pavement; and  Unpaved sections of the road. 5.6.3.2 Potential Climate Change Impacts 315. Higher average temperatures could lead to an increased maximum pavement temperature which increases the potential for rutting and shoving, requiring more rut resistant asphalt mixtures (if asphalt is chosen as pavement material). A change in precipitation levels and more extreme rainfall events could lead to a number of potential issues including:  Increased need for surface friction meaning potentially more focus on surface texture and maintaining adequate skid resistance.  Increased need for surface drainage to prevent flooding.  Increased need for functioning sub-drainage.  Need to improve visibility and pavement marking demarcation.  High levels of precipitation may threaten embankment stability.  Reduction in structural capacity of unbound bases and subgrade when pavements are submerged.  Potential damage to roads and drainage systems due to flooding.  Increase in scouring of roads, bridges, and support structures. 26 316. An analysis of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) was undertaken by the World Bank based on fuel consumption rate at different speed under with- and without-project scenarios. Without project, the road’s deteriorated condition limits vehicle speed and leads to higher fuel consumption per vehicle-km compared to the with-project scenario. With project, improved road condition leads to improved speed, and hence lower fuel consumption. The total emission of CO2 under the project scenario over the evaluation period (13 years) is estimated to be 891,742 tCO2e and the estimated GHG reduction is 188,137 tCO2e. The social benefit from GHG reduction is estimated to be US$5.64 million.27 5.6.3.3 Air Quality Mitigation Design and Pre-construction Phase 26 Climate Proofing ADB Investment in the Transport Sector. ADB, 2014. 27 Draft Project Appraisal Document - Report No: PAD2512. World Bank, 2017 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 188 REVISION 3.0 317. Locations for borrow pits, rock crushing facilities, concrete batching yards and asphalt plants will require approval from the Engineer, PONRES and DoR during the Pre- construction phase. Efforts will be made to ensure that these facilities are as near to the Project road as practical to avoid unnecessary journeys and potential dust issues from vehicle movements during construction works on unpaved roads in urban areas. Locating these facilities to the east of NR13N wherever possible also will maximize the distance from and minimize the impacts on the Phou Phanang protected area to the west of the road. Haul routes will be prepared and submitted to the Engineer as part of his Traffic Management Plan (TMP). 318. To prevent impacts arising from asphalt plants, construction camps, batching plants and rock crushing plants, they will be prohibited within 500 meters of any urban area or sensitive receptor (school, hospital, etc) and at least two kilometers from protected areas where possible, to avoid impacts to protected areas. The locations of these facilities will be indicated within the Contractors SSESMP. 319. To adequately manage air quality impacts the Contractor will be responsible for the preparation of an Air Quality Plan, submitted to the Engineer as part of the SSESMP. The plan will detail the actions to be taken to minimize dust generation (e.g. spraying un-surfaced roads with water (including the types of equipment, sources of water, locations for watering and schedule), covering stock-piles, etc) and will identify the type, age and standard of equipment to be used and will also provide details of the air quality monitoring program for baseline and routine monitoring. The Plan will also include contingencies for the accidental release of toxic air pollutants. Construction Phase 320. The Contractor will be responsible, through compliance with this ESMP and his SSESMP, for the following;  Exhaust emissions - No furnaces, boilers or other similar plant or equipment using any fuel that may produce air pollutants will be installed without prior written consent of the Engineer. Construction equipment will be maintained to a good standard and fitted with pollution control devices regularly monitored by the Contractor and Engineer.  Open burning of waste materials - No burning of debris or other materials will occur on the Site.  Dust generated from haul roads, unpaved roads, material stock piles, etc - The Contractor will ensure and that material stockpiles will be located in sheltered areas and be covered with tarpaulins or other such suitable covering to prevent material becoming airborne. All trucks used for transporting materials to and from the site will be covered with canvas tarpaulins, or other acceptable type cover (which will be properly secured) to prevent debris and/or materials from falling from or being blown off the vehicle(s). Hard surfaces will be required in construction areas with regular movements of vehicles. Effective use of water sprays will be implemented (e.g., Carry out watering for dust control at least 3 times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon during dry weather with temperatures of over 25°C, or in windy weather. Avoid overwatering as this may make the surrounding muddy). All water used for controlling dust will be free of odor and pollution. 321. In addition, any new borrow pits, concrete batching plant, rock crushing facility and asphalt mixing plant will be the subject of separate environmental application under the ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 189 REVISION 3.0 responsibility of the Contractor. The Engineer will ensure that no such facility becomes operational without the required permits. 322. The Contractor is also responsible for the preparation of a Health and Safety Plan. The Plan, required as part of the SSESMP, will include contingencies for the accidental release of toxic air pollutants. Operational Phase Mitigation 323. As noted above, the higher levels of PM10 and TSP are largely a result of the deteriorating pavement and the poor quality of access roads. Improvements to the pavement, including widening of the pavement and inclusion of a paved shoulder are likely to reduce the levels of dust generated during the operational phase of the Project. Main access roads will also be linked to intersections that will further reduce the amount of mud and debris being spread onto the road from access roads. Accordingly, no operational phase mitigation is required relating to air quality. 5.6.3.4 Climate Change Mitigation 324. Detailed pavement implications for climate change are scarce but growing in number and include work on the effect of rising average temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increasing freeze-thaw cycling on pavement performance. The focus of these efforts is to integrate climate change into pavement design and predict pavement performance based on future climate scenarios. Most work has offered general advice or predictions but has stopped short of recommending immediate changes in practice. 28 325. Most climate change impacts are projected to occur slowly over a long period of time and as such providing mitigation measure for topics such climate change impacts on pavement design need to be taken over time and cannot be determined in a study like this, nor was this suggested in the ESIA ToR. Notwithstanding the above a number of simple measures can be taken to ensure that in the short term that extreme precipitation events do not result in significant impacts to the Project, they include:  Increase ditch and culvert capacity;  Maintain positive cross slope to facilitate flow of water from surface;  Increase resistance to rutting;  Reduce splashing/spray through porous surface mixtures;  More frequent use of elevated pavement section especially in flood prone areas;  Improve visibility and pavement marking demarcation; and  Ensure that all embankments are seeded to help increase stability. 5.6.4 Hydrology 5.6.4.1 Potential Hydrological Impacts Design Phase Impacts 28 Climate Change Adaptation for Pavements. US Department of Transport, Federal Highways Administration, 2015 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 190 REVISION 3.0 326. The following potential impacts to hydrological conditions exist within the Project corridor:  Drainage & Flooding - Inadequate assessment of the hydrological conditions in the Project Area and poor design could result in the failure of some of the Project structures, including bridges and culverts. This in turn would result in several impacts including cost to rebuild the structures, potential flooding of valuable agricultural lands and impacts to surface water quality. Bridges and culverts should be designed to accommodate the stream and drainage channel flows during heavy rains from a tropical depression that may last several days; tropical depressions typically affect the project area between 2 and 4 times per year during the typhoon season from June to December.  Construction Camps – Improper siting and design of construction camps can have negative impacts to hydrology, both surface (wetlands) and groundwater, through improper disposal of liquid waste and spills of hazardous liquids.  Borrow Pits – It is possible that the Contractor could use river bed materials as identified in Section 3 – Project Description. Hydraulic impacts resulting from extraction of river bed materials may include; channel modifications such as widening or deepening the channel, creation of deep pools, loss of riffles, alteration of bedload, alteration of channel flow, and degraded aesthetics; and  Upstream and downstream erosion, and related impacts to bridges and other infrastructure whose foundations may be undermined by the lowering of the riverbed. Construction Phase Impacts 327. The following potential impacts to hydrological conditions exist:  Bridge Construction - Bridge construction activities may increase silt load in the river during construction at bridge sites and may result in accidental spillage of concrete and liquid waste into the river. This may impact upon the ecology of rivers including fish species.  Construction Camps and Storage Areas – Impacts during the construction phase can result from the discharge of wastes to surface water from construction camps, the poor management of sanitary waste and accidental spills of hazardous liquids.  Drainage and Flooding – Temporary drainage structures may fail, or get clogged with construction debris during the construction phase of the Project. This could lead to flooding of properties adjacent to these areas and construction sites. 
 Operational Phase Impacts 328. Run-off from re-habilitated bridge decks could flow directly to surface water courses if correct drainage is not installed on the bridges. This could be a problem if the bridges have accumulated oils and grease during dry periods and they are suddenly washed out during heavy rainfall. 329. With correct design, the drainage of the road will be improved compared to the existing situation allowing for peak flows to be contained in the storm water drains and allowing for possible higher flows due to more erratic climate patterns. In addition, some embankments will be raised slightly to eliminate flooding of the road. In these areas, suitable cross drainage structures will also be constructed to ensure that the raised embankments do ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 191 REVISION 3.0 not induce flooding of properties. Thus, the hydrological situation will be improved providing benefit to the community. Box 4: Hydrology Issues Identified by Stakeholders  Engineering of the new road should ensure adequate flood/drainage canals and leveling of driveways into the houses so that runoff does not flow into the houses/properties.  Ensure that building material is not left in the drains causing blockages and then flooding.  Large drainage canals during peak flows needed. Some villages suffer from flooding so improving this situation is a high priority for them.  Effluent/drainage from work sites potentially draining to their houses. 5.6.4.2 Hydrological Mitigation 330. Potential adverse impacts in the Project Area will be avoided or otherwise mitigated by ensuring the Contractors comply with the following: Design Phase  Drainage and Flooding - Consideration in the design phase has be given to the issue of drainage and culverts to ensure that drainage patterns are improved from the existing conditions and that increased run-off does not occur or result in flooding of areas previously undisturbed or in those areas identified as flood prone by the Project FS. During design, all drainage works have been designed based on the historical flood data and flood forecasting. A design discharge of 50 years return period is considered for culverts, and 100 years of bridges. If, during the operational phase of the Project, the rehabilitated road does result in increased run-off and flooding, the DoR will be responsible for rectifying this issue.  Construction Camps – no construction camp, permanent or temporary, will be located within 200 meters of any river, or irrigation channel (not including drainage channels) identified in Table 3-5 of this report.  Bridges - All new bridges will be designed for the life expectancy of 75 years. Bridge rehabilitation and strengthening works will be designed for the life expectancy of 50 years. The design loading and design of all structural components must conform to the bridge design standards provided in the Employer’s Special Requirements. Bridge designs will ensure that drainage from bridge decks over 50 meters does not discharge directly to the watercourses beneath the bridges. The bridge run-off waters will lead to an interceptor tank, or filter pond adjacent to the bridge in order to trap oil and grease run-off. The bridge design and layout must also be aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the existing environment. Finally, the Contractor, through his Environmental Manager, will be responsible for consulting with PONRES to establish the fish spawning period in relation to the bridge construction works to ensure that all works are undertaken in periods least likely to affect the fish spawning period. Pre-construction Phase ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 192 REVISION 3.0  Construction Camps – The Contractor will be responsible for the preparation of a Construction Camp Site Plan which will form part of the SSESMP. The Plan will indicate the system proposed and the locations of related facilities in the site, including latrines, holding areas, septic tanks, etc. The Contractor will ensure the following conditions are met within the Plan: - Wastewater arising on the site will be collected, removed from the site via a suitable and properly designed temporary drainage system and disposed of at a location and in a way that will cause neither pollution nor nuisance. - There will be no direct discharge of sanitary or wash water to surface water, including the surface water courses identified in Table 3-5 of this report. Disposal of materials such as, but not limited to, lubricating oil and onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. - Liquid material storage containment areas will not drain directly to surface water (including wetlands). - Lubricating and fuel oil spills will be cleaned up immediately and spill clean-up materials will be maintained (including spill kits) across the Contractors construction camp and ancillary facilities, e.g. asphalt plant. - Construction and work sites will be equipped with sanitary latrines that do not pollute surface waters. - Discharge of sediment-laden construction water directly into surface watercourses or wetlands will be forbidden. Sediment laden construction water will be discharged into settling lagoons or tanks prior to final discharge. - Spill clean-up equipment will be maintained on site. The following conditions to avoid adverse impacts due to improper fuel and chemical storage: - Fueling operations will occur only within containment areas. - All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be sited on an impervious base within a bund and secured by fencing. The storage area will be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. The base and bund walls will be impermeable and of sufficient capacity to contain 110% of the volume of tanks. - Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures and will take place within areas surrounded by bunds to contain spills / leaks of potentially contaminating liquids. - All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use. - The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any drain or watercourses. - Disposal of lubricating oil and other potentially hazardous liquids onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. - Should any accidental spills occur immediate cleanup will be undertaken and all cleanup materials stored in a secure area for disposal. Disposal of such was will be undertaken by a waste management company contracted by the Contractor. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 193 REVISION 3.0 The waste management company must have the required licenses to transport and dispose of hazardous waste before any such waste is removed from the site. The Contractor will keep copies of the company’s licenses and provide waste transfer manifests at his camp site for routine inspection by the Engineer.  Site plans will be devised to ensure that, insofar as possible, all temporary construction facilities are located at least 100 meters away from any surface water course. If determined warranted by the Engineer, the Contractor will provide a wash pit or a wheel washing and/or vehicle cleaning facility at the exits from the Contractors camp sites (see Appendix S for proposed designs). If so requested, the Contractor will ensure that all vehicles are properly cleaned (bodies and tires are free of sand and mud) prior to leaving the site areas. The Contractor will provide necessary cleaning facilities on site and ensure that no water or debris from such cleaning operations is deposited off-site.  Where applicable, obtain all necessary permits from the relevant authorities for the abstraction of water for construction purposes. Construction Phase  Construction Camps and Storage Areas – The Engineer will undertake regular monitoring of the Contractors construction camp and storage areas to ensure compliance with the SSESMP and the Contractors Construction Camp Site Plan.  Water supply – Two sources of potable water exist for the Contractors staff; bottled water or groundwater. If groundwater is to be used for drinking it will be tested to ensure that the water quality meets the Lao PDR drinking water standards specified in Section 2. Approximately 200 m3 of technical water will be needed per day during the construction phase and around 15 m3 of potable water per day. Consultations with the DD Consultant were undertaken to determine where the technical water will be sourced from, but to date the DD Consultant has not been able to confirm exactly where technical water will be sourced from. However, the Contractor shall obtain all necessary abstraction permits for both technical and potable water supplies.  Bridge Construction - Concerning bridge construction works, the Contractor will: - Divert the water flow near the bridge piers. - Provide coffer dams, silt fences, sediment barriers or other devices to prevent migration of silt during construction within streams. - Perform dewatering and cleaning of cofferdams to prevent siltation by pumping from cofferdams to a settling basin or a containment unit. - Carry out bridge construction works without interrupting the traffic on the Project Road with the provision of suitable diversions. - Ensure no waste materials are dumped in the river, including re-enforced concrete debris. - Place generators more than 20 meters from the river. - Ensure that no concrete sludge waste is dumped in the river. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 194 REVISION 3.0 - Carefully collect all polystyrene (from expansion joints) so that it does not litter the local environment. - Ensure that no hazardous liquids are placed within 10 meters of the river. - Provide portable toilets at bridge construction sites to prevent defecation by workers into the river. - Ensure that workers are provided with correct PPE including harnesses (at Nam Cheng). - During piling works ensure that pumped water is filtered through a silt trap before being discharged to the river.  Drainage and Flooding - During the construction phase the Contractor will be required to construct, maintain, remove and reinstate as necessary temporary drainage works and take all other precautions necessary for the avoidance of damage to properties and land by flooding and silt washed down from the works. The Contractor will arrange with the village representatives those works which might interfere with the flow of irrigation waters to be carried out at such times as will cause the least disturbance to irrigation operations. Should any operation being performed by the Contractor interrupt existing irrigation facilities, the Contractors will restore the irrigation appurtenances to their original working conditions within 24 hours of being notified of the interruption. The Contractor will also be responsible for ensuring that no construction materials or construction waste block existing drainage channels within the Project corridor. The Engineer will be responsible for routine monitoring of drainage channels to ensure they remain free of waste and debris. Operation Phase 331. During the operation of the new road, the hydrology is likely to be improved as compared to the old road due to improved designs of storm water drainage. Peak flows will be contained within the storm water drains preventing flood water from flowing to houses and businesses as used to be the case according to accounts provided during Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Likewise, flora and fauna is likely to be better protected from foul polluted storm water flowing to natural areas. Health of populations will thus benefit as will their safety due to increased space from the edge of the road to the houses and businesses. These benefits are contingent on proper design and construction of the road and ultimately on its proper maintenance. 5.6.5 Natural Hazards 332. Apart from the issue of potential flood events (discussed above under Hydrology) and increased precipitation (discussed above under Climate Change), no other impacts to the Project are anticipated as a result of natural hazard events. 5.7 Impacts to Biological Resources 333. In Lao PDR, the standard ROW for a national road such as NR13 North is 25 m, while the standard width of a paved road lane is 3.5 m, that of the shoulder area beside the paved road is 2.0 m, and that of the drainage beside the shoulder is another 1 m. If it is assumed that NR13 North all along the Project area from Sikeut to Phonhong is currently ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 195 REVISION 3.0 standard paved road 2 lanes wide, without a median but with the standard shoulder and drainage areas on each side, then the actual built road width would average about 13 m.  The full NR13 North legal ROW from Sikeut to Phonhong covers an area of 25 m x 58,000 m = 1,450,000 m2 or 145 ha.  The current built road is estimated at 13 m x 58,000 m = 754,000 m2 or 75.4 ha, that covers 52.0% of the legal ROW.  If the 19 km of road from Sikeut to the Songpeuay Market is upgraded to 4 traffic lanes with a median, shoulders and drainage that together are 23 m wide, then the additional built area along that section of the roadway will cover about 10 m x 19,000 m = 190,000 m2 or 19.0 ha, that is an additional 13.1% of the legal ROW.  If the 39 km of road from Songpeuay Market to Phonhong is improved but still comprises 2 standard traffic lanes and the standard shoulders and drainage, then it will add no additional built area to the road and no extension outside of the existing ROW.  In accordance with these assumptions, the NR13 North project would increase the area of the built roadway from about 75.4 ha to 94.4 ha, and that additional 19.0 ha would be permanently removed from providing habitat for flora and fauna. However, this area is still within the legal ROW.  If an additional temporarily cleared area 2 m wide is required on either side of the built roadway to facilitate construction, then another 23.2 ha.his area is still within the legal ROW. 334. The amounts of land that the NR13 North project would permanently and temporarily remove as habitat for flora and fauna along the roadway, about 19 ha and 23 ha respectively, are inconsequential, especially as the areas already are heavily impacted by human development, and only wildlife that has adapted to developed areas normally would be found there. 335. The strips of land up to 50 m on either side of NR13 North (not including the built road) also have been stripped of their original forest cover and heavily impacted by human development, and do not contain any areas of critical wildlife habitat. Each strip covers an area of about 290 ha, so together they cover about 580 ha. 5.7.1 Flora 336. The Project primary impacts on flora during the construction phase stem from the minor loss of land area to widen the road surface, the roadside areas that are cleared to facilitate construction activities, and the clearance of land to establish construction camps, staging areas and borrow pits. The project area extends along NR13 North for approximately 58 km from the Sikeut junction to Phonhong, of which the first 19 km section will be expanded from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with a 23 m wide right of way, and the second 39 km section will be kept at 2 lanes, but improved with a 15 m wide ROW. The total amount of land that will actually be incorporated into the renovated roadway is relatively small as discussed above. The main impacts during the road operation phase are essentially the same as during construction, except that roadside areas, camps, staging areas and borrow pits cleared temporarily to facilitate construction activities should be rehabilitated and/or allowed to naturally re-vegetate. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 196 REVISION 3.0 337. The inventory of trees along the roadway that will need to be removed to allow construction activities is presented in Section 4.3 of this report. The tree removals will include trees in the road alignment where it is being widened from 2 to 4 lanes, and trees in the additional strips of land about 2 m wide on either side of the road that must be cleared to allow construction equipment to operate. Because the locations of the construction camps, staging areas and borrow pits have yet to be determined, it is not yet possible to inventory the trees that may have to be removed there. To minimize the impact on flora to the greatest extent possible, all of the temporary construction facilities should be located on already heavily disturbed ground where secondary forest growth has not yet become well- established. In addition, prior to the start of construction, the Contractor will obtain all necessary permits from the relevant authorities for the cutting of trees. 338. If it is required by Lao law or applicable international guidelines, the Project could support compensatory tree planting activities, for example, in degraded areas of the Phou Phanang protected area. However, such compensatory activities should not cause any new access road or trail suitable for vehicles or motorcycles to be opened inside Phou Phanang, and the activities must be led or coordinated by the Vientiane Capital or Vientiane Province authority that is responsible for the target area inside Phou Phanang. The tree species to be planted must be suited to the planting site, and should include as many as possible of the species that were removed for project construction. 5.7.2 Fauna 339. A wildlife survey conducted during July and August 2014 as part of the FS included direct observations, village interviews, visits to roadside markets and sampling at 15 sites along NR13 North.29 The survey focused on large mammals, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles; and the 15 survey sites included streams, an irrigation canal, flood plains and marshes, agricultural lands, home gardens, planted forests and abandoned lands (note that there are no natural habitat areas to sample within 50 m of the roadway). The survey species list includes 2 mammals, 13 birds, 2 reptiles, 5 amphibians, and 9 fish (see Table 4- 14). Of the 31 species, 30 are categorized as Least Concern or in the lowest risk category on the IUCN Red List, and only the falcon is listed as Vulnerable or at high risk of extinction in the wild, but falcons range over wide areas to hunt and its nesting area likely was far from the road, and possibly inside Phou Phanang. 340. While it is quite likely that additional wildlife surveys of the areas along the roadway would document additional wildlife species, it is considered highly unlikely that any ground- dwelling species with a conservation status of other than least concern would be encountered. In this case, no special mitigation measures are required for wildlife species with a conservation status of near threatened or higher. 341. A second wildlife survey conducted by telephone during September 2017 asked residents along NR13 North to identify what wildlife they had observed or knew of in the local area, including the NR13 North roadway and nearby areas. This survey identified many more species than did the one from the Feasibility Study, including 14 mammals, 17 birds, 16 reptiles, 1 amphibian, and 23 fishes, for a total of 71 species (see Table 4-15). Of those species, 11 appear on the IUCN Red List: 1 mammal is critically endangered; 2 mammals are 29 A more detailed description of the survey methodology is provided in the Feasibility Study, Chapter 14, Annex 6, Section 1.2.1. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 197 REVISION 3.0 endangered; 1 mammal, 1 bird, 3 reptiles and 1 fish are vulnerable; and 1 bird and 1 fish are near threatened. Any of the listed species could be resident in Phou Phanang, except for the two-carp species and the Nile tilapia that would be resident in the reservoirs only if introduced for aquaculture; and it is doubtful that IUCN Red List species such as the slow loris or gibbons would be observed outside of Phou Phanang unless they were poached and either kept as pets or sold into the illegal trade in wildlife. 5.7.2.1 Loss of Wildlife Habitat along NR13 North 342. Project impacts on fauna are expected to be minimal along the roadway, as the loss of habitat due to additional land areas taken to permanently widen the road and to facilitate construction are so small as to be inconsequential (see Section 5.7), and those areas already are heavily impacted by human development. Any species of wildlife commonly found along the roadway will be species with widespread distributions that have generally adapted to living in developed areas. 343. The potential Project impacts on fauna will depend on the locations of various project facilities, including worker camps, equipment staging areas, borrow pits, etc., and on whether or not provisions are made to restore the areas to a natural state once the construction phase has been completed. As previously mentioned, it is recommended that project facilities be located to the east of NR13 North wherever possible, to minimize their potential impacts on the flora and fauna of PPN to the west of the road. This is especially important for the worker camps in order to limit worker access to PPN, and thereby limit the possibilities that the workers would engage in hunting and collecting wildlife inside the protected area. In addition, project facilities should be located on land that already is heavily impacted by human activities, and avoid clearing land where good vegetative ground cover or secondary forest has been established. 5.7.2.2 The Threat from Animal Crossings along NR13 North 344. The threat of being hit by a vehicle while crossing the roadway is a more significant long-term threat to wildlife than the temporary or permanent loss of habitat associated with Project construction. During an interview on 29 May 2017, the head of the Section of Forest Protection of the Vientiane Capital Administration said that they have not received notices of road kills along NR13 North, and they do not consider it a problem. However, the roadway will continue to be a dangerous place for animals (and people), especially as the traffic volume is expected to continually increase over time, vehicle speeds all along the improved road are expected to increase, and the road section widened from 2 to 4 lanes will be more difficult to cross safely, especially with the 2 meter median. 345. The bridges that will be replaced or renovated along NR13 North can be designed with dry paths under the bridge on either side of the streams to facilitate movements of people, livestock and wildlife, the latter primarily at night when people are not around. Culverts under the road also can be designed to serve as safe passageways for wildlife; for example, where there are multiple culverts, the intake for one could be raised somewhat above the intakes of the others to provide a dry passage when water flow rates are low. 346. Because NR13 North passes through extensive agricultural areas, and animal husbandry is one of the main agricultural activities, providing underpasses through which farmers may safely move their livestock, especially cattle and buffalo, from one side of the road to the other should be considered by the DD Consultants. Such underpasses also could provide safe passage for wildlife. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 198 REVISION 3.0 347. In areas where livestock occasionally must be moved from one side of the road to the other, and where underpasses are not provided, warning signs should be posted to alert drivers to the possibility of encountering livestock on the roadway, and lower speed limits also may be posted. 5.7.3 Protected Areas 348. The closest point of approach from NR13 North to PPN is about 3 km, and the closest point of approach to PKK is about 25 km. There is no known wildlife migration route between the two protected areas, largely due to the barrier presented by the Nam Ngum River that flows between them to the east of NR13 North. As discussed below, neither the proposed construction activities nor the normal traffic use along NR13 North after project completion should have any significant impact on either PPN or PPK, largely due to the distances separating the road and the protected areas, and also the even greater distances to their core areas. 349. An issue of concern for NR13 North is the risk that wildlife from the protected areas may regularly migrate or occasionally move across the road, as this potentially would put both the animals and vehicular traffic on the road at risk from a collision. This issue was discussed with the head of the Section of Protection Forest for Vientiane Capital on 29 May 2017.30 First, he stated that there are no known wildlife migration routes between PPN and PKK, largely because the Nam Ngum River presents an obstacle that few wildlife species could cross. Historically, elephants had been found in PPN, but there haven’t been any sightings during the past decade; and other large mammals that might make seasonal migrations (and pose a danger to traffic on the road) such as tigers, kouprey and banteng also are not found there. Wildlife that are found in the protected area include species such as deer, wild boar, and civet cats, but they generally stay in the remote hilly or mountainous section on the western side that is farthest away from the road. 350. When asked if there is a problem with smaller wildlife from PPN crossing the road, he stated that no problems have been reported regarding wild animals on the road. The reasons that wild animals generally are not found on or along the road include: (a) most wild animals stay in the higher elevation core areas of PPN that are on the western side and away from the road and the farming, residential and commercial areas that border the road; (b) there are enough permanent streams and reservoirs inside the protected area that the wildlife residing there do not need to leave to find water during the dry season or a drought; and (c) while hunting and shooting are not allowed inside the protected area, some trapping is done around the farms that are inside PPN along its eastern border. 351. Although there are some agricultural and residential developments inside PPN’s eastern boundary, the core areas of the protected area where the wildlife are concentrated are accessible only on foot. There is some tourism development inside the protected area in the form of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and vistas, but they do not reach into the core areas. 352. The IUCN and WWF offices in Vientiane also were contacted by email regarding the wildlife inside PPN, but they did not respond to the request for interviews. 30 Vientiane Capital manages the southern 52,000 ha of the protected area while Vientiane Province manages the northern 18,000 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 199 REVISION 3.0 353. The following series of six annotated Google Earth images (Figure 5-1 to Figure 5-6) explains why the NR13 North project is expected to have no discernible impact on PPN and PKK, including the Important Bird Area, and the wildlife they contain. The primary reason for the lack of impacts is the distance from the road to the protected areas, and especially to the less disturbed core areas of PPN; and this will be reinforced if the project borrows pits, worker camps and equipment staging areas are located to the east of the road and away from PPN as recommended. PPN stands alone and is not connected to any other national protected area, and there are no known wildlife migration routes that originate in or pass through PPN. Nearly the whole of PPN, with the possible exception of some areas with steep terrain, has been logged over or otherwise degraded at some point in recent decades, and the core areas at higher elevations are so small that they do not provide sufficient habitat to maintain populations of large mammals such as elephants, tigers, gaur, banteng, etc. Therefore, there is minimal danger that wildlife from PPN will pose any danger to traffic along NR13 North. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 200 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-1: This Google Earth image shows the alignment of NR13 North (the yellow lines are major roads) from Sikeut Junction in the south to Phonhong Junction in the north, with the Phou Phanang national protected area to the west, the Phou Khao Khouay national protected area to the northeast, and the Important Bird Area on the margin of Phou Khao Khouay. The Phou Phanang boundary is about 3 km west of NR13 North at its closest point of approach, the Phou Khao Khouay boundary is nearly 25 km east of the northern section of NR13 North, and the Important Bird Area is about 30 km east of NR13 North. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 201 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-2: The dark green area in the upper section of the enlargement is the remaining relatively remote and undisturbed core of Phou Phanag in Vientiane Province, where the mountainous terrain helps to restrict public access. The closest point of approach of the NR13 North project area to the edge this core area is about 3 km west from Phonhong Junction. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 202 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-3: The dark green area in the center of the image is the relatively remote and undisturbed core of Phou Phanang in Vientiane Capital District, where the mountainous terrain helps to restrict public access. The closest point of approach of the NR13 North project area to the edge of this core area is about 5 km west, across the reservoirs. This is the largest relatively undisturbed section of Phou Phanang, yet its extent is less than 20 km north to south, and perhaps 15 km east to west, giving an area of less than 200 km2. This area is not large enough to sustain populations of large wildlife species such as elephants, tigers and gaur, but it is suitable for smaller animals like deer, civet cats, porcupines, squirrels, and many birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 203 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-4: This image of the southern section of the NR13 North project area shows the fairly heavily impacted area between the road and Phou Phanang, as evidence by the light patches of cleared land used for agriculture that are interspersed with lines showing access routes along minor roads and dirt tracks. Note the lack of light patches and lines in the relatively intact forest area at the upper left of the image (see Figure 5-3). ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 204 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-5: This image of the central section of the NR13 North project area shows the heavily impacted area between the road and the two large reservoirs, as evidence by the light patches of cleared land used for agriculture that are interspersed with lines showing access routes along minor roads and dirt tracks. Again, note the lack of light patches and lines in the relatively intact forest area at the lower left of the photo (the same area shown in the upper left of Figure 5- 4). The light blue line winding horizontally across the image is the boundary between Vientiane Capital to the south and Vientiane Province to the north. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 205 REVISION 3.0 Figure 5-6: This image of the northern section of the NR13N project area shows the heavily impacted area extending from the road well into Phou Phanang, limited only by the mountainous terrain at the upper left of the photo, again as evidence by the light patches of cleared land used for agriculture that are interspersed with lines showing access routes along minor roads and dirt tracks. Note the lack of light patches and lines in the relatively intact forest area along the mountain ridges at the upper left of the image. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 206 REVISION 3.0 5.8 Impacts to Socio-Economic Resources 354. In as much as the project is rehabilitation of the existing road only, it does not have the social, economic and community life concerns that are associated with new road construction, this road improvement project is generally aimed at bringing benefits to surrounding communities through lower transport costs and better access to market places, jobs, and services such as health and education. Road construction and rehabilitation projects can lead to changes in the community or social environment around the road, influencing various aspects of lifestyles, travel patterns, social and economic activities. 5.8.1 Economic Development 5.8.1.1 Potential Economic Impacts 355. The Project is expected to have significant beneficial impacts to the economy of the Project area. The key benefits include:  Improved access to markets – The road will improve access to markets for farmers along the entire Project Road alignment;  Reduction in travel times – Journey times from Vientiane and between villages along the road will reduce; there will be less congestion on the road;  The new road is perceived to improve safety for communities alongside the road. There will be more street signs and lightning and formal crossings, better enforcement of vehicle speeds, more space between houses and businesses and traffic and better animal management;  The new road is perceived to improve health. The existing road is dusty with solid waste and mud in wet season, some of which enters houses due to their current proximity to the road and due to the engineering design of the road. Blocked drainage is common in the existing road also. Villagers expect these problems will be resolved with the new road and for this reason they typically welcome the new development.  Reduction of maintenance costs – Increased maintenance of vehicles due to poor road condition drives up the costs of agricultural products;  Increased Reconstruction effort in remote areas - improved access to these areas may also allow a more intense level of reconstruction effort in the remote areas including facilities such as schools and clinics;  Improved access to health and education facilities – Improved road conditions will most likely result in increased traffic on the roads including mini-bus and taxi services, this will enable people to access health care and educational facilities more easily; and  Creation of Jobs - The community along the alignment of sub-project will have opportunities for temporary employment during construction. Albeit, this opportunity is temporary in nature, this will be beneficial.  The communities also perceive on going economic benefits due to additional space between shops and the new road allowing shoppers to park easily, avail of goods and services and move on safely. The existing road was more cramped and busy causing many shoppers to seek goods and services elsewhere. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 207 REVISION 3.0 Box 5: Benefits Perceived by Stakeholders  Travel will be more convenient, less crowded.  Safety will be improved by improved signage, lighting and more space between traffic and houses.  Health will be improved due to lower dust concentration, improved drainage, less incidence of dengue due to improved flow of stormwater.  Business will be improved due to better parking arrangements for shoppers.  Tourism will be improved. 356. Notwithstanding the above, the Project will have some negative impacts on the economy of the Project area, including:  Temporary disruption to house and businesses access exacerbated by possible construction delays;  Dust generated during construction impacting upon commercial areas and households;  Impacts to commercial properties, road vendors and markets;  Impacts to agricultural areas;  Impacts to housing;  Limited space available for roadside commercial activities during constructions;  Inadequate replacement land;  Utilities and supply interruptions;  Possible issues with land titles changes;  Income impacts due to construction and possible delays; and  Possible safety issues during construction, workers management. Box 6: Economic Issues Identified by Stakeholders – not including resettlement and compensation issues.  Income may decline due to access and dust and preventing customers from coming to the shop. If construction is delayed, income losses may be extended.  Driveways to houses maybe cluttered by construction materials and waste.  Delay in construction is a big concern. People want the contractor to follow planned schedule.  Impacts on markets access which may lower trading volumes.  Erratic and unplanned scheduling of construction stages may cause several sections of road to be disturbed simultaneously. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 208 REVISION 3.0 5.8.1.2 Economic Mitigation 357. Employment - The Contractor will employ local labor to benefit local communities and to promote the overall acceptance of the project. A budget will be made available to pay for training of locals and a minimum target for local labor will be set in contracts and enforced. As part of the maintenance of the road the DoR should also look into the possibility of employing the local people for the maintenance of roadside drains upon completion of rehabilitation works. 358. Road Vendors – To avoid disruption to vendors the Contractor, in coordination with the DoR and the Provincial government, shall set aside a specific area for road vendors to continue to operate throughout the construction phase. The area should be located within at least 50 meters of the project road and should be sized to accommodate all road vendors. The site should be clearly signposted for traffic and an all-weather track provided to the site with parking space. 359. Scheduling of civil works – The scheduling of the construction is a key aspect to mitigating disturbances to incomes and impacts on health. It is recommended that the schedule for civil works be divided into sections comprising a number of work sites each with specific arrangements custom designed for the affected community. The works schedule will be a key document in the contracts of the Contractor and advancement of works will need to be very carefully monitored by the Engineer. Contingencies for unaccounted disturbances to scheduling will be included in the works schedule. 360. Accessibility – Access to businesses must be maintained at all times throughout the construction period. This means that the contractor must prepare dedicated temporary pathways to all businesses that might otherwise be cut off from the road during the construction phase. The pathways must be wide enough to allow access to the business and must be kept free of mud and construction debris and should not be liable to flooding. 361. Dust / Mud Mitigation - FGDs revealed that people are quite concerned about dust and mud and how it affects their livelihoods as well as health. Mitigation measures relating to dust and mud are discussed above under Section 5.6.3 – Air Quality. 362. Flooding Management - Engineering of the new road will ensure adequate flood/drainage canals and leveling of driveways into the houses so that runoff does not flow into the houses/properties. This issue us discussed under Section 5.6.4 – Hydrology, above. 363. Public communication - Stakeholders will be able to communicate issues through the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) as and when they occur. The GRM can be found in Section 7.5. In addition, the Contractor will provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities and expected disruptions and access restrictions. This will be achieved by undertaking a rolling program of community meetings along the Project corridor as work progresses. Four weeks prior to the Contractor starting works in any village or town he will be responsible for holding a works orientation meeting within the village / town and will invite members of the public and village officials. The purpose of the meeting is to summaries the scope of works, the schedule and to provide copies of the GRM. The Contractor will also hold monthly community meetings in each village / town where construction works are on-going. 5.8.2 Social Sector 5.8.2.1 Potential Social Impacts 364. Based on accounts collected from FGDs, many households and businesses belong to families headed by single women and many of those belong to single aged women without families. Typically, their shops are rented from land owners and paid for either monthly to local authorities based on ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 209 REVISION 3.0 their takings, or day by day as a fixed daily rate. For example, a stall-holder in Lak 52 reported she paid 60,000 per day to the owner of the land her stall occupied (the local government). These women or their children access local markets, buy goods and resell them at their shops where shoppers can pull over conveniently, purchase quickly and move on. A key aspect of their viability is their location along the road and access for parking, the shop’s access to local markets for goods supply and the ability to pay the land owner on a day by day basis. 365. The FGDs reveal that any disturbance due to road construction to these comparative advantages may cause some businesses to suffer financially and potentially cause their failure. Loss of income for single women headed business/families could exacerbate their already marginal status and inflict hardship. 366. Fortunately, many households along the road recognize the positive impacts the new road can have on their lives in terms of improving business viability. However, the engineering and loss compensation process, amount and timing are critical to ensure a smooth transition to the new road situation. The critical aspects of this transition are also well recognized based on accounts of the FGDs and mostly very reasonable. 367. Communities interviewed during the preparation of the ESIA acknowledge benefits of the new road on travel time, safety, health and business bottom line. These are good positives and tangible views of what a new road can do for communities. Details of these positive impacts have been described in Box 5. With these benefits in mind, people are generally in agreement to “put up with� some disturbances during construction but it is the job of mitigation processes to reduce the disturbances to community expectations and in line with World Bank and GoL standards at a minimum. 368. Communities have highlighted impacts to temples, gates, cemeteries and importantly sacred Buddha trees, which they want moved and not cut down if they are to be affected by Project works. In many cases, villagers will contribute their labor where possible if funds are provided to finance reconstruction and movement of these village assets. 369. Communities have also asked to record possible impacts on village offices, water supply, and schools. 370. Communities worry most about house and businesses demolition and their impacts on day to day living. Timely compensation and in cases such as women-headed and poor households, reconstruction by the company is paramount to successful mitigation. Some villagers have noted bad experiences with previous construction and alleged the Government not paying compensation to re- build houses. Women headed households have requested not cash compensation but land for land and reconstruction of their homes and businesses where they own them. Villagers would like compensation prior to demolishing houses. The compensation should be available at the time expenses will be incurred as reconstruction needs to happen very quickly. The faster this process, the more resilient businesses will be. This is very important as noted earlier, many businesses pay rent on a day to day basis with very small cash flows. Small disturbances due to trading volumes for example caused by lower access to their shops or higher dust levels in the vicinity can translate to loss of incomes and indebtedness and possible bankruptcy. 371. With regards to replacement land, existing larger plots can afford to lose a section to the road, but small plots will often need complete acquisition requiring a replacement block of land somewhere else. Houses and businesses on larger plots will be able to remain in-situ, perhaps with some modifications but houses and businesses on small plots of land will need to be moved ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 210 REVISION 3.0 completely. The extent to which this will occur is detailed in theRAP. Thus, particular attention is required to small plots whose owners and renters are more vulnerable to the transition. 372. FGDs record mostly very good awareness of possible impacts to businesses and homes. In some villages, the groups were less aware. Villagers impacted by the 4 lane sections were more worried about impacts than hose living in the 2 lane sections. 373. The Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and socio-economic survey provided much information on the anticipated loss of income due to small businesses being affected by the road widening project. The consultant interviewed 1,808 businesses, situated along the section of road to be widened/improved. These businesses vary in scale from one-person stalls to medium sized enterprises employing 50 or more staff. Apart from physical impacts resulting from the requirement to pull back from the ROW, many small business owners anticipated negative effects on their income due to restrictions on access during construction, and a median strip preventing access from vehicles on the other side of the road after construction. The contractor will be required to provide access to these businesses during construction. About 65% of the businesses were in Naxaythong District, and 35% in Phonhong District. 374. Villagers were also concerned about delays in construction which extend the period of disturbance to people’s livelihoods due to prolonged impacts. This concern came out of almost all FGDs with villagers requesting the company to advise a clear schedule and stick to it. Small sections of road should be completely upgraded at a time. This approach should be reflected in the construction schedule. 375. Drainage and flooding of the new road was often a concern drawing from their experience with the old road. Proper and adequate drain design was high on the priority list of concerns. This is because flooding of the road often means flooding of houses and businesses also and loss of incomes in the case of shops along the road due to lack of access until the flood waters recede. Floods also bring mud and solid waste in the vicinity of homes and businesses and also smell bad. All these impacts combine to lower business and so impact incomes. 376. Many households were concerned about dust during construction and during operation of the road. They requested adequate watering with clean water and a road finish on arterial roads and driveways similar to that of the main road. This will prevent dust from side streets from being dragged onto the main road transferring it to other parts of the communities along the road. While the main road is a PPP project, side streets could be financed by community work as could driveways. Such complementary projects could ensure long term viability of the main road project. 377. Some concerns were expressed about land titles changes which is an expensive and lengthy process. Some households and businesses have informal titles despite having been on site for 20 years or more. In many villagers’ experience, with previous projects involving surrendering their land, the cost of changes to land titles have been passed on to villagers. 378. Vulnerable People – Only three households (of the total of 1,942), comprising 16 people, were listed as poor by the local governments. All three were women-headed households. If they are identified as affected, special measures will be put into place for their compensation and resettlement (if applicable). Box 7: Social Issues Identified by Stakeholders  Major concerns regarding delays in construction, dust, safety, air pollution, flooding of their ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 211 REVISION 3.0 houses (water, mud). Excavation is often fast then re-construction is slow.  Inform village authorities about workers staying overnight in the villages.  Night workers to be identified to village authorities.  Concerns about lack communication during construction.  PAPs should be able to communicate with project responsible persons any time so need contact details of project in public place in the village like village office.  Construction company to meet with village committee at regular intervals to update on progress of construction. 5.8.2.2 Mitigation Measures 379. Utilities – Impacts to utilities are discussed below under Section 5.8.3 – Infrastructure and Transportation Facilities. 380. Physical Cultural Resources – Impacts to PCR, including cemeteries and Buddha trees are discussed below under Item – Physical Cultural Resources. 381. Workers behavior in villages - The Contractor will be obliged to keep a record of all workers staying overnight in a village, including within construction camps in that village, this information will be relayed to village authorities on a weekly basis. The Contractor will be responsible for the behavior of all his staff. 382. Accessibility - Access to residential properties must be maintained at all times throughout the construction period. This means that the contractor must prepare dedicated temporary pathways to all properties that might otherwise be cut off from the road during the construction phase. The pathways must be wide enough to allow access to the properties and must be kept free of mud and construction debris and should not be liable to flooding. 382. Safety – Health and safety issues are discussed below under Section 5.8.8 – Community Health and Safety. 384. Land Titles – According to the Project RAP the MPWT will settle the costs for issuing any new land titles. The budget is included in the RAP contingency cost for compensation. 5.8.3 Ethnic Groups 5.8.3.1 Impacts 385. The three final consultation meetings held on 26th and 27th September 2017 in Lak 52, Phonkham-nua and Naxaythong provided an opportunity for the interested ethnic group members to express their approval of or opposition to the project. 386. After presentation of the Draft EGEP (in a truncated form), and open discussion, the participants were given blank pieces of paper and asked to write if they approved or did not approve of the project. No-one wrote that they did not approve, but two participants left the meetings before the votes were taken. The table below shows how people voted. Table 5-2: Voting to Support the Project Date Hmong Approve Khmu Approve 26/09/2017 23 21 5 5 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 212 REVISION 3.0 27/09/2017 2 2 4 4 Total 25 23 9 9 387. This indicates that that among those ethnic groups likely to be either directly or indirectly affected by the project, there is strong and broad community support for the investment itself. 388. The consultations also offered the groups to share their thoughts on the adverse and positive impacts of the Project. Table 5-3 summarizes the findings. It should be noted that the impacts identified in the focus group meetings with ethnic groups, were broadly similar to those identified during consultation. Table 5-3: Identified Impacts Adverse Impacts Positive Impacts Communication  Create new development  Unclear communication between the officials opportunity for the country (raised (communication about the project) and affected people in 5 FGDs). or/and village authority could cause confusion and  Add convenience for travellers and frustration (raised in 1 FGD). also for people of the village who use  Foreign construction workers may not follow the rules and the road (raised in 9 FGDs). tradition of the village, and villagers may have difficulty  Boost the national economy by communicating with them or they/ the construction enhancing efficiency for company may not listen to villagers (raised in 2 FGDs). This transporting/exporting goods (raised refers to the Hmong festival where they are allowed to in 5 FGDs). encroach on the road. They are concerned that if the  Help local merchants and businesses construction work is scheduled for that period in Lak 52 along the road to have more village then there could be construction materials on the customers (raised in 5 FGDs). roadside that would hamper the festival activities.  Bring more tourists (raised in 2 FGDs). Issue during the construction  Added convenience for people to  The construction work will damage drainage pipe, fence and access public services such as driveway (raised in 1 FGD). hospitals (raised in 3 FGDs)  Damage of village temple’s fence (raised in 1 FGD).  It will be much better for students  The dust issue is of great concern to the local people (raised who have to travel to Vientiane for in 6 FGDs). their studies (raised in 1 FGD).  Waste from construction: dirty water, chemicals used and  It is hoped that the number of rubbish (raised in 2 FGDs). accidents will be reduced when the  Noise from construction work such as digging or drilling the pavement is smoother and wider ground or vibration (raised in 2 FGDs). (raised in 3 FGDs).  Flooding during the construction work (raised in 3 FGDs).  New road will be cleaner and wider  Access problems from unorganized construction materials and well organized (raised in 3 and messy from the construction (raised in 6 FGDs). FGDs).  Safety concern during the construction including accident  Good quality and wider road will be and social safety (theft) (raised in 9 FGDs). convenient for traveler and traders  Delay of the construction project will impose many for business purposes (raised in 1 difficulties for local business, local people living along the FGD). road and those using the road everyday (raised in 8 FDGs).  The construction work may damage the public utilities causing some cutting off water, electricity and internet (raised in 2 FGDs). Infrastructure and Business  For those who have a limited land in front of their houses, they will be left with no walkway in front of the house, making the house too close to the road, which could leave them vulnerable to accidents (raised in 2 FGDs). ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 213 REVISION 3.0  Households with older people or no male labour will not be able to handle the demolition of their houses (raised in 2 FGDs).  No place to move the shops especially those selling food and fruits in the Lak 52 market (raised in 1 FGD).  Shops/Businesses will be closed or no place to continue running the regular business during the construction (raised in 3 FGDs).  Income will decrease due to closing down businesses (shops and renting business) (raised in 5 FGDs).  Decreased incomes could affect their livelihood and children’s education (raised in 2 FGDs). Issues after completing road construction  A smoother and wider road may cause some drivers to use excessive speed and cause a lot of accidents (raised in 7 FGDs).  A wider road may be difficult for people to cross especially old people and children (raised in 7 FGDs). 5.8.3.2 Mitigation 389. The following table describes the proposed measures outlined in the EGEP to mitigate the above identified impacts (including those already described within this ESIA). Where practical the measures have been added to the ESMP. Table 5-4: Mitigation Measures Description Communication 1. Recruit a Hmong interpreter for communicating with the ethnic group, especially women. 2. Hire necessary translator to facilitate the communication between village authorities or/and affected people and construction workers. 3. Develop 50 posters containing a list of key project contacts (with name and phone numbers) Assistance to 4. Recruit a Social Specialist to work part-time with groups along the road to ethnic groups convey any concerns or complaints to the appropriate authority Information 5. Make 44 copied sets of the final approved technical design to be shared with Sharing each affected village. Demolition of 6. For those temporary residents, especially poor female head household, the affected structures compensation should cover the cost of moving following the World Bank resettlement policy. 7. The GoL should provide a higher rate of compensation and support for those women headed households who need to demolish and re-construct their houses/shops. Business 8. Compensation for income loss during the construction Compensation 9. Compensation for asset loss (land, house and shop structures, drainage and tree) 10. The compensation for issuing a new land title for the affected land title. 11. The compensation for the demolition Issues During the 12. Water the road during the construction. Construction 13. Put warning signs and lights, and barriers at the incomplete construction areas. 14. Pay for any loss/accident cause by the company’s neglects during the construction 15. Conducts the site inspection to avoid damaging the water pipe and electrical cable. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 214 REVISION 3.0 Description 16. Include the driveways in the construction design. 17. Arrange the temporary crossing driveway for AP’s houses if the drainage canal needs to be done or if the construction has to be blocked their houses/shops. Safety issues after 18. Construct sky-bridges or zebra crossings at markets, schools, temple and completing the hospitals. construction 18. Put up speed limit control warning signs and lights at the cross sections, schools, markets, temples and hospitals. 19. Put up warning sign for “Drink, Don’t Drive� 20. Install sufficient street lights and traffic lights at the cross section or T-junction 21. Organize the community awareness raising about the traffic rules and regulations for the villagers and teenagers 22. Assign the patrolling police officers at a particular section to ensure that drivers obey the traffic rules. 390. In addition, as part of the Greivance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Two representatives from the ethnic APs (in the villages were there are ethnic APs) will be included in grievance committees. 5.8.4 Infrastructure & Transportation Facilities 5.8.4.1 Potential Impacts to Infrastructure 391. Drainage Infrastructure - construction activities will include the demolition or rehabilitation of existing drainage structures and construction of new drainage structures (culverts and side drains) along the alignment. Design errors could lead to portions of the drainage network operating below the required standard (e.g. culverts are not long enough, or poorly sized wing walls) and lead to erosion of embankments, road washout, flooding, inadequate flow of water to and from agricultural land and dangerous driving conditions. 392. Roads - During the construction phase, it may be inevitable that disruption of existing traffic and local accessibility are impaired which may cause problems with the local community. Within the Project Corridor the operations of a number of retail shops, mechanic shops and some restaurants, etc., may also be affected during construction in terms of access. 393. Utilities - Medium and low voltage power lines and water pipes are located within the Project corridor. The medium voltage transmission lines are mostly located outside of the ROW. However, it is possible that low voltage distribution lines and below ground water pipes within the ROW maybe impacted during construction, especially in the proposed four lane section of the road (up to Km 19.2). 394. Irrigation – Several irrigation channels cross beneath the Project road. Project works will require temporary diversions of these channels. Box 8: Infrastructure and Transport Issues Raised by Stakeholders  How will utilities, e.g. water supply be affected?  If damage occurs to water pipes and electrical cables, the Contractor must fix it. 5.8.4.2 Infrastructure Mitigation 395. Drainage - As mentioned above under the Item relating to Hydrology (Section 5.6.4) detailed designs will ensure that all drainage structures are sized and located correctly and will ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 215 REVISION 3.0 account for all of the flood prone areas identified in the Project FS, and. During the construction phase the Engineer will ensure that the Contractor follows the detailed design with respect to the required infrastructure facilities. However, the Contractor may propose changes to locations and specifications of the drainage structures to account for any errors in the detailed design. The Engineer will be responsible for reviewing and approving any changes to the design before the Contractor can implement the proposed changes. 396. Roads - To mitigate the potential impacts to existing roads the Contractor will:  Submit a Traffic Management Plan to local traffic authorities and the Engineer prior to mobilization and include the plan as part of his SSESMP;  Provide information to the public about the scope and schedule of construction activities and expected disruptions and access restrictions, as discussed above under Item 5.8.1.2.  Allow for adequate traffic flow around construction areas;  Provide adequate signalization, appropriate lighting, well-designed traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control;  Provide temporary access where accessibility is temporarily restricted due to civil works; and  Ensure that access routes, via diversions, remain open at all times to businesses, residential properties, schools, medical facilities, etc. 397. Prior to the commencement of works a road condition survey will be undertaken by the Engineer to record the condition of access roads to borrow pits, asphalt plants, camps, etc. These access roads will be maintained during the construction phase and repaired to their original state at the end of construction by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the Engineer, local authorities and in compliance with the contract. 398. Utilities - During construction all power lines (transmission and distribution) and water pipes in the Project Corridor will be kept operational, this will include temporary transmission lines while existing poles and lines are moved. If any temporary disruption to water or power supplies is absolutely necessary the Contractor must warn the affected population, and receive approval from the Engineer for the disruption at least 24 hours in advance and no disruption will last longer than 4 hours. 399. Irrigation – Section 5.6.4 - Hydrology outlines the process for temporary disruptions to irrigation systems. A Grievance Mechanism has also been prepared (Section 7.5) in case of any disputes between farmers, landowners and the Contractor regarding this, and other matters. In addition, monthly community meetings will be scheduled by the Contractor in each village / town where construction works are ongoing to ensure that regular information exchange is made between both parties during the construction period. 5.8.5 Land Use 5.8.5.1 Potential Impacts to Land Use Design Phase 400. To ensure land acquisition issues are addressed appropriately a RAP has been prepared by the LCF as part of the Projects detailed design. The RAP for the Project complies with the World Bank’s OP 4.12, Decree 84 of the Lao Government, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s (MONRE) 2013 Ministerial Instruction No. 8030/MONRE on Environmental and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 216 REVISION 3.0 Social Impact Assessment Process of the Investment Projects and Activities. The summary findings of the RAP are as follows:  Altogether the Project will affect 2,625 plots of land covering about 141,672 square meters, of which 95% is in Naxaythong with the 4-lane road section. The most affected land areas are residential land (48%), followed by commercial land (31%), agricultural land (12%), empty land (6.62%) whose owners cannot be identified or reached, and government land (2.96%)  Approximately 211 affected plots of land (8%) will lose more than 10% of their total land area and all but one (210) are located in Naxaythong District. Amongst the more than 10% affected plots of land, 52% are residential land, 39% are commercial land, 7.6% are agricultural land and empty land.  The Project will affect 3,297 structures of 2,161 households and amongst the affected structures 30% are houses, 13% are fences, 32% are cement slabs in front of commercial buildings, and 32% are house entrances.  1,808 business fronting the road, varying from one-person stalls to medium enterprises employing 50 or more staff. Construction Phase 401. Potential impacts to land uses outside of the ROW during the construction stage are limited to the creation of construction camps and other ancillary facilities such as borrow pits, batching plants, etc.; and are discussed under headings relating to those items below. 5.8.5.2 Land Use Mitigation Measures 402. The RAP has included a number of compensation measures in the form of an entitlement matrix which outlines in detail measures to compensate for:  Loss of land or use of land;  Loss of crops and trees;  Loss of structures and fixed assests;  Livelihood impacts;  Allowances, assistance and livelihood restoration; and  Temporary impact during construction. 403. As with this ESIA, the RAP will be reviewed and approved by the DoR and World Bank before it cam be implemented prior to the start of the construction phase. 5.8.6 Waste Management 5.8.6.1 Potential Impacts from Waste 404. Road construction will inevitably generate solid and liquid waste products potentially including:  Inert waste – for example, concrete, metal, wood and plastics.  Hazardous waste – acids and alkaline solutions, waste oils and oily sludge, batteries, and bitumen. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 217 REVISION 3.0 405. In addition, uncontrolled discharges of sewage and ‘grey water’ (e.g. from washrooms and canteens) from construction sites and worker’s camps may also cause odors and pollute local water resources. As well as being a cause of complaints by the local population, this may lead to contravention of local regulations and fines being imposed on the Contractor. 406. The main construction waste produced will waste concrete (solid and sludge) and possible asphalt, depending upon how much can be re-used as sub-base material. Table 5-5 indicates the main types of waste and an estimate of volumes (based on similar road construction projects). Table 5-5: Waste Types and Estimated Volumes # Waste Type Hazardous Estimated Volume 1 Concrete No 200 m3 2 Asphalt No Currently unknown 3 Bituminous Mixtures Yes 1t 4 Wood No 1t 5 Uncontaminated Metal No 5t 6 Uncontaminated Plastic No 1t 7 Contaminated metal (paint tins, etc.) Yes 2t 8 Contaminated plastic (oil containers) Yes 3t 9 Domestic waste (food stuffs) No 5t 10 Domestic Waste (non-foodstuff) No 40 t 11 Sewage Water Yes 150 m3 12 Tyres Yes 150 t 13 Hazardous liquid waste Yes 20 m3 14 Hazardous solid waste Yes 10 t 407. It is noted that the waste management situation in Lao PDR is far from perfect, and that the waste management facilities in Vientiane Capital Province are poor quality and do not comply with international best practice, i.e. controlled landfills for hazardous waste, suitable capacity for medical waste, etc. The waste generated by the Project should not simply be dumped in this exiting landfill (even if it is a licensed facility) if it adds to existing pollution. 5.8.6.2 Waste Mitigation 408. To ensure waste management is adequately controlled, given the constraints mentioned above, the Contractor will be responsible for a range of measures including: 1. Waste Management and Recycling Plan - The Plan will include items relating to the safe handling and management, including storage, collection and disposal of the following wastes on site:  Domestic waste ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 218 REVISION 3.0  Food waste  Recycled Waste (including Asphalt)  Plastic  Metals  Wood  Construction Waste  Hazardous Waste  Liquid Waste 409. Oversight of the implementation of the Plan is the responsibility of the Contractor as outlined in the ESMP. A. Recycling and Reuse - Where possible, surplus materials will be reused or sent for recycling at the landfill at NR13 South – this will include wood, plastic, metal and glass. 
 A plan for the recycling of materials will be included in the Contractors waste management plan. In addition, where practical, the Contractor will explore opportunities to recycle concrete and reuse asphalt especially as base material. B. Storage of Hazardous Wastes - Oils, fuels and chemicals (including bitumen, bridge deck waterproofing agents and concrete) are substances which are hazardous to human health. They need to be stored properly in correctly labeled containers, both within the construction camp and also at construction sites (e.g. bridges, culverts, etc.). Bitumen, oil and fuel will be stored in tanks with lined bunds to contain spillage (the bund will be able to contain at least 110% of the volume of the largest storage tank within the bund). C. Waste Disposal – Collection and Disposal of waste materials shall be properly undertaken inline with national regulatory requirements. The Contractor will keep a record of the waste volumes and types removed from the site. Prior to the start of the works the Contractor will provide copies of the waste management contractors licenses to the Engineer for review. The Engineer shall then perform a due diligence review of the waste management conractors facilities to ensure that they are in compliance with Lao PDR regulatory requirements. D. Concrete - Waste concrete and reinforced concrete will also require disposal. Waste concrete should be crushed and re-used as fill material, or base material where possible. Under no circumstances will concrete mixers be washed out onto open ground at construction sites, such as bridges – this issue is discussed further under Section 5.6.4 - Hydrology. E. Liquid Waste -The issue of liquid waste, including concrete sludge, camp run-off water, vehicle washing water, batching plant wastewater, etc., is discussed above under Section 5.6.4 – Hydrology and Section 5.8.7 - Construction Camps. Under no circumstances will liquid waste be used in water bowsers from water spraying. 5.8.7 Construction Camps, Concrete Batching and Asphalt Plants 5.8.7.1 Potential Impacts 410. Construction camps constitute a temporary land use change and raise issues related to activities such as impacts to air quality; poor sanitation arrangement and improper methods used for disposal of solid wastes and effluent; and transmission of communicable diseases to the local people ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 219 REVISION 3.0 by the construction workers due to inappropriate health monitoring facilities. Specific issues may arise as a result of the following: 411. Design and Siting - Improper siting and design of construction camps can have negative impacts to hydrology through inappropriate disposal of liquid waste and spills of hazardous liquids. Poor management of sanitary waste and accidental spills of hazardous liquids from construction camps can also have negative impacts on ground and surface water. Rock crushing plants and concrete batching plants can also have impacts on sensitive receptors located downwind of the sites if the plants are too close to the urban areas. 412. Concrete Batching Plants - Potential pollutants in batching plant wastewater include cement, sand, aggregates and petroleum products. The main sources of wastewater at batching plants are; contaminated storm water runoff, dust control sprinklers, the agitator washout station, the agitator charging station, the slumping station, and cleaning and washing areas. These substances can adversely affect the environment by:  Increasing water pH.  Increasing the turbidity of waterways (turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of a suspension). 413. Asphalt Plants – Several impacts are associated with asphalt plants:  Emissions – including dust from the transport and handling of aggregates and emissions from the combustion process in the dryer.  Noise - Noise occurs at different places in the process for examples in the conveyor belts, dryer and mixer drum, internal and external traffic. The noise is estimated to be in the range of 90 to 100 dBA (Leq) at a few metres from the equipment.  Storage of Bitumen – Drums of bitumen will be stored safely and securely to prevent accidents and pollution.  Storage and Use of Hazardous Materials – Some materials used during asphalt production, such as Kraton, can be explosive or a fire hazard. These materials need to be stored and managed appropriately.  Health and Safety - Asphalt Plants can be very dangerous, accidents may occur at any time. Hence it is important to have a proper policy for the Health and Safety Issues.  Vehicle Movement – a large number of trucks will be required to transport the hot asphalt from the plant to the work site, this may be a distance of up to 25 kilometers. 5.8.7.2 Mitigation 414. Construction Camps – In the first instance, no construction camp will be permitted within 500 meters of any sensitive receptor or within 2 kilometers of a protected area and at least 200 m from any surface water course. In addition, if possible construction camps should be located on the eastern side of the Project road. This will help reduce noise, water and air quality impacts and impacts to the protected areas. 415. The Engineer will approve the locations of the Contractors camps prior to the establishment of the camp. In addition, the Contractor will be responsible for the preparation of a Construction Camp Site Plan which will form part of the SSESMP. The Plan will indicate the system proposed and the locations of related facilities in the site, including latrines, holding areas, etc. The Contractor will ensure the following conditions are met within the Plan: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 220 REVISION 3.0  Rain-water run-off arising on the site will be collected, removed from the site via a suitable and properly designed temporary drainage system and disposed of at a location and in a manner that will cause neither pollution nor nuisance. The drainage system will be fitted with oil and grease interceptors.  There will be no direct discharge of sanitary or wash water to surface water.  In the absence of functioning sewerage and sewage treatment facilities it is recommended that the Contractor provides his own on-site wastewater treatment facilities. For sites servicing a small number of employees (less than 150), septic tanks may be used. For larger sites, liquid wastes will as a minimum receive primary treatment in anaerobic tank or pond preceded by a bar screen to remove large solid objects (e.g. sticks, rags). Primary treatment (also referred to as clarification, sedimentation or settling) is the process where wastewater is allowed to settle for a period (around 2 hours) in a settling tank. This leads to separation of a liquid effluent which includes oils and grease and a liquid-solid sludge. Primary treatment leads to reduction in suspended solids, biological oxygen demand and removal of floating material (e.g. faeces). There will be no direct discharge of untreated sanitary or oily wastewater to surface water bodies.  Licensed contractors will be required to collect and disposal of liquid waste from the septic tanks on regular basis.  Disposal of materials such as, but not limited to, lubricating oil and onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited.  Liquid material storage containment areas will not drain directly to surface water.  Waste water from vehicle washing bays will be free of pollutants if the wash bay has been constructed correctly. Appendix S provides a schematic of a vehicle washing bay that should be considered by the Contractor.  Lubricating and fuel oil spills will be cleaned up immediately and spill cleanup materials will be maintained at the storage area.  Construction and work sites will be equipped with sanitary latrines that do not pollute surface waters and are connected to septic tanks, or waste water treatment facilities.  Discharge of sediment-laden construction water directly into surface watercourses will be forbidden. Sediment laden construction water will be discharged into settling lagoons or tanks prior to final discharge.  Washing out concrete trucks at construction sites will be prohibited unless specific concrete washout areas are provided for this purpose at the construction site (e.g. a bridge site). The washouts will be impermeable and emptied when 75% full.  Spill cleanup equipment will be maintained on site (including at the site maintenance yard and vehicle fueling areas). The following conditions to avoid adverse impacts due to improper fuel and chemical storage: - Fueling operations will occur only within containment areas. - All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be sited on an impervious base within a bund and secured by fencing. The storage area will be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. The base and bund walls will be impermeable and of sufficient capacity to contain 110% of the volume of tanks. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 221 REVISION 3.0 - Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures and will take place within areas surrounded by bunds to contain spills / leaks of potentially contaminating liquids. - All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use. - The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any drain or watercourses. - Disposal of lubricating oil and other potentially hazardous liquids onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. - Should any accidental spills occur immediate cleanup will be undertaken and all cleanup materials stored in a secure area for disposal to a site authorized to dispose of hazardous waste. 416. If determined warranted by the Engineer, the Contractor will provide a wash pit or a wheel washing and/or vehicle cleaning facility at the exits from the sites. If so requested, the Contractor will ensure that all vehicles are properly cleaned (bodies and tires are free of sand and mud) prior to leaving the site areas. The Contractor will provide necessary cleaning facilities on site and ensure that no water or debris from such cleaning operations is deposited off-site. The Engineer will undertake regular monitoring of the construction camps to ensure compliance with the SSESMP and the Construction Camp Site Plan. 417. The Contractor will also be responsible to maintain and cleanup campsites and respect the rights of local landowners. If located outside the ROW, written agreements with local landowners for temporary use of the property will be required and sites must be restored to a level acceptable to the owner within a predetermined time period. 418. Concrete Batching Plants – The following measures will be followed to limit the potential for pollution from batching plants:  To limit impacts from dust, the following conditions will apply: - Batching plants will be located downwind of urban areas and not within 500 meters of any sensitive receptor, urban area or within 2 kilometers of a protected area and at least 200 m from any surface water course. - The entire batching area traversed by vehicles – including driveways leading into and out of the area – will be paved with a hard, impervious material. - Sand and aggregates will be delivered in a dampened state, using covered trucks. If the materials have dried out during transit they will be re-wetted before being dumped into the storage bunker. - Sand and aggregates will be stored in a hopper or bunker which shields the materials from winds. The bunker should enclose the stockpile on three sides. The walls should extend one metre above the height of the maximum quantity of raw material kept on site, and extend two metres beyond the front of the stockpile. - The hopper or bunker will be fitted with water sprays, which keep the stored material damp at all times. Monitor the water content of the stockpile to ensure it is maintained in a damp condition. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 222 REVISION 3.0 - Overhead storage bins will be totally enclosed. The swivel chute area and transfer point from the conveyor will also be enclosed. - Rubber curtain seals may be needed to protect the opening of the overhead bin from winds. - Conveyor belts which are exposed to the wind and used for raw material transfer will be effectively enclosed, to ensure dust is not blown off the conveyor during transit. Conveyor transfer points and hopper discharge areas will be fully enclosed. - Conveyor belts will be fitted with belt cleaners on the return side of the belt. - Weigh hoppers at front-end loader plants will be roofed and have weigh hoppers shrouded on three sides, to protect the contents from the wind. The raw materials transferred by the front-end loader should be damp, as they are taken from a dampened stockpile. - Store cement in sealed, dust-tight storage silos. All hatches, inspection points and duct work will be dust-tight. - Silos will be equipped with a high-level sensor alarm and an automatic delivery shut- down switch to prevent overfilling. - Cement dust emissions from the silo during filling operations must be minimised. The minimum acceptable performance is obtained using a fabric filter dust collector. - Totally enclose the cement weigh hopper, to ensure that dust cannot escape to the atmosphere. - An inspection of all dust control components will be performed routinely – for example, at least weekly.  All contaminated storm water and process wastewater will be collected and retained on site.  All sources of wastewater will be paved and bunded. The specific areas that will be paved and bunded include; the agitator washout area, the truck washing area, the concrete batching area, and any other area that may generate storm water contaminated with cement dust or residues.  Contaminated storm water and process wastewater will be captured and recycled by a system with the following specifications: - The system’s storage capacity must be sufficient to store the runoff from the bunded areas generated by 20 mm of rain. - Water captured by the bunds will be diverted to a collection pit and then pumped to a storage tank for recycling. - An outlet (overflow drain) in the bund, one metre upstream of the collection pit, will divert excess rainwater from the bunded area when the pit fills due to heavy rain (more than 20 mm of rain over 24 hours). - Collection pits should contain a sloping sludge interceptor, to separate water and sediments. The sloping surface enables easy removal of sludge and sediments. - Wastewater will be pumped from the collection pit to a recycling tank. The pit will have a primary pump triggered by a float switch and a backup pump which automatically activates if the primary fails. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 223 REVISION 3.0 - Wastewater stored in the recycling tank needs to be reused at the earliest possible opportunity. This will restore the system’s storage capacity, ready to deal with wastewater generated by the next rainfall event. Uses for recycling tank water include concrete batching, spraying over stockpiles for dust control and washing out agitators. 419. Asphalt Plants – the following measures will be applied by the Contractor:  Emissions & Noise: - Asphalt plants will be located downwind of urban areas and not within 500 meters of any sensitive receptor, urban area or within 2 kilometers of a protected area and at least 200 m from any surface water course. - Adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to staff working in areas of high noise and emissions.  Storage and Use of Hazardous Materials (including bitumen): - Ensure all hazardous materials are stored (including within suitable sized bunds for liquids), handled and disposed of according to their Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). - Copies of MSDS will be kept on site with all hazardous materials. - The Contractor will keep a log of the type and volume of all hazardous wastes on site. - The Contractor will keep a plan of site indicating where all hazardous materials are stored.  Vehicle Movement: - The Contractor will include the asphalt plant in his Traffic Management Plan, including haul routes from the plant.  Health and Safety: - All transportation, handling and storage of bitumen will be handled safely by experienced personnel. - The dust from the manufacturing process may pose respiratory hazards, hence protective air mask will be provided to the operators for the loading and unloading of aggregates - Ear-muffs will be provided those working on the plant - First Aid kit will be available on site for the workers in case of emergency - The MSDS for each chemical product will be made accessible onsite and displayed. 5.8.8 Borrow Pits 5.8.8.1 Potential Borrow Pit Impacts 420. Opening and operating of borrow pits can result in multiple environmental and social impacts, including degradation of productive soils, elevated levels of noise, degradation of air quality, etc. Borrow pits can also fill with water that can then become a hazard to the local community. 421. The DD Consultant has identified numerous potential borrow pits which can provide the necessary quantity of materials for the Project (see Section 3). All of these borrow pits are located ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 224 REVISION 3.0 outside the protected areas. Distances of the borrow pits from the project NR 13 N road vary from 0.1 km to 8 kms while the closest point of approach from the road to Phou Phanang protected areas occurs near the middle of the project area and is nearly 3 km distant. On average the PA is more than 10 kilometers from the road. The Contractor will make the final decisions on the borrow pits that he wishes to use, however, a borrow pit located within 2 km radius, or within a protected area is not considered good international best practice, and will be prohibited under this Project. In addition, Borrow pits RG01, RG02, RS01, RS02 and RS03 (for river sand and river gravels) should be avoided. . 5.8.8.2 Borrow Pit Mitigation Measures 422. In the first instance, borrow pits that are located within two kilometers of protected areas or within 500 meters of sensitive receptors or urban areas will not be utilized. A due-diligence review will be conducted for all existing borrow pits/quarries proposed for use. 423. A due diligence review will be carried out by the Engineer to confirm that these sites identified for use by the Contractor are indeed operating or operable in an appropriate manner. This will include review of the borrow pits operational license and a site visit to the borrow pits to ensure that sensitive receptors or urban areas are not located within 500 meters of the borrow pits. The Engineer will also consult with PONRES to confirm exact distance of the borrow pits and to ensure that the the borrow pits are not located within two kilometers of a protected area. A copy of the agreement between the operator and the Contractor will also be provided to the Engineer for review. 424. If the Contractor intends to open and operate his own borrow pits, the Contractor will prepare a Borrow Pit Action Plan (BAP) that will be submitted to the Engineer prior to the start of construction. The plan will identify the locations of all proposed borrow pits taking into account the recommendations of this report and will not be located within two kilometers of a protected area. 425. The locations of the borrow pits will be approved by both the Engineer, DoR and PONRE. The plan will ensure that:  Pit restoration will follow the completion of works in full compliance all applicable standards and specifications.  Arrangements for opening and using material borrow pits will contain enforceable provisions.  The excavation and restoration of the borrow areas and their surroundings, in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the Engineer will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of contracts.  Additional borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use. 426. The BAP will also contain the permits and licenses required for the operation of the borrow pits. 427. While operational, the Contractor will ensure that the following conditions are met at his borrow pits:  Loss of top soil - Before the materials extraction the layer of top soil (about 20 cm) will be removed to the side of excavation area and kept until the area works will be finalized. Top soil stockpiles will be located at least 50 meters distance from any watercourses to avoid water ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 225 REVISION 3.0 siltation and obstruction. The height of stockpiles will not exceed three meters to avoid wind erosion and dust emissions.  Fencing – if the Engineer deems the site to be hazardous to the local community (for example a pit could fill with water and people and animals could drown in it) he will request the Contractor to fence the site to prevent access and provide warning signs on the fencing.  Soil compaction and disturbance to local flora and fauna species at access roads - The Contractor will take responsibility to provide an access road to the borrow site and all drivers will be instructed to use only this officially designated road. This will help to avoid additional soil compaction and disturbance to the local fauna species.  Reinstatement - Full site reinstatement will be undertaken by the Contractor to avoid landscape damage and habitat loss. Rehabilitation measures will include: removing of all types of equipment from the site; removing of all types of waste or/and polluted soil and materials if any exist; slops grade reduction with use of unsuitable stockpiles and uncrushed rocks and; slope stabilization measure such as re-covering with top soil, and further seeding, grassing and planting of appropriate bushes or/and trees if reasonable.  Haul Routes - Due to the sensitivity of the borrow pit locations, the Borrow haul routes will follow established transport corridors/rights-of-way, to the extent that is practicable. The routes will be indicated in the Contractors TMP. Haul routes will not pass within protected areas. 5.8.9 Community Health and Safety 5.8.9.1 Potential Health and Safety Impacts 428. Potential impacts due to the proposed construction can be identified as follows: 429. Easier access to health care facilities - Positive health impacts may result due to quicker response time in emergency situations; 430. Air quality - The amount of particulate matter, or dust, generated by vehicle movement may increase slightly during construction works (mitigation for this issue is provided under Section 5.6.3 – Air Quality), but will decrease the operational phase of the Project. This will have positive impacts to the health of the population living and working adjacent to the road. 431. Contamination of local water supplies during construction - Potential impacts to local water supplies include the possibility of temporary labor camps and the water supply and wastewater disposal associated with them during the construction period. 432. Noise levels with health consequences - Potential noise issues are discussed in Section 5.8.13 – Noise below; 433. Public Safety During Construction - Construction activities may result in an increase in the total number of road traffic accidents between vehicles, pedestrians and vehicles and livestock and vehicles. Other accidents could occur if work sites are not appropriately signed and secured, for example borrow pits, excavation for culverts, etc.; 434. Public Safety During Operational Phase – Increases in the number of vehicles using the Project road and their speeds may result in an increase in the number of road accidents suring the operational phase of the Project. It is relatively easy for pedestrians to cross the road in its current two-lane form. However, when the first section of the road is increase to four lanes with a concrete median, crossing will only become possible at dedicated crossing points otherwise accidents will ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 226 REVISION 3.0 occur as people attempt to cross the four lanes and a median which will, over time, see an increase in traffic levels. 435. Vector Borne Disease – Given the location of the Project road it is likely that workers will be at risk of certain vector borne diseases, such as malaria. 436. Labour Influx - Labor influx for construction works can lead to a variety of adverse social and environmental risks and impacts, they include:  Risk of social conflict: Conflicts may arise between the local community and the construction workers, which may be related to religious, cultural or ethnic differences, or based on competition for local resources.  Increased risk of illicit behavior and crime: The influx of workers and service providers into communities may increase the rate of crimes and/or a perception of insecurity by the local community. Such illicit behavior or crimes can include theft, physical assaults, substance abuse, prostitution and human trafficking.  Influx of additional population (“followers�): Especially in projects with large footprints and/or a longer timeframe, people can migrate to the project area in addition to the labor force, thereby exacerbating the problems of labor influx. These can be people who expect to get a job with the project, family members of workers, as well as traders, suppliers and other service providers (including sex workers). However, this issue cannot be mitigated by this ESIA.  Increased burden on and competition for public service provision: The presence of construction workers and service providers (and in some cases family members of either or both) can generate additional demand for the provision of public services, such as water, electricity, medical services, transport, education and social services. However, workers will be housed in construction camps with independent services, so this issue will not be significant.  Increased risk of communicable diseases and burden on local health services: The influx of people may bring communicable diseases to the project area, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or the incoming workers may be exposed to diseases to which they have low resistance. Gender-based violence: Construction workers are predominantly younger males. Those who are away from home on the construction job are typically separated from their family and act outside their normal sphere of social control. This can lead to inappropriate and criminal behavior, such as sexual harassment of women and girls, exploitative sexual relations, and illicit sexual relations with minors from the local community. A large influx of male labor may also lead to an increase in exploitative sexual relationships and human trafficking whereby women and girls are forced into sex work. According to the Lao National Survey on Women’s Health and Life Experiences (2014), 5.1% of women interviewed had experienced physical violence by a non-partner in their lifetime from the age of 15, while the percentage of women who report a variety of types of sexual violence (forced intercourse, attempted forced intercourse, or other unwanted sexual acts) was 5.3%. This is somewhat lower that the global lifetime prevalence of non-partner sexual violence (7.2%) reported by the World Health Organization in 2013.  Child labor and school dropout. Increased opportunities for the host community to sell goods and services to the incoming workers can lead to child labor to produce and deliver these goods and services, which in turn can lead to enhanced school dropout. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 227 REVISION 3.0  Local inflation of prices: A significant increase in demand for goods and services due to labor influx may lead to local price hikes and/or crowding out of community consumers. However, this issue cannot be mitigated by this ESIA.  Increased pressure on accommodations and rents: Depending on project worker income and form of accommodation provided, there may be increased demand for accommodations, which again may lead to price hikes and crowding out of local residents. Contractors staff will be located within camps and as such this issue is unlikely to occur during the construction phase. Given the nature of the project and the context in which it is operating, the marginal risk associated with the labor influx under the project is moderate. This is based on the expected size of the labor influx population against the absorption capacity of the area experiencing influx. The works will be located in a peri-urban area with high absorption capacity. The size of labor influx will be moderate: with around 200 workers, 60% of whom will be recruited locally. . Box 9: Health and Safety Issues Identified by Stakeholders  Concerns about safety of the work sites for pedestrians, drivers, etc.  Manage construction site to ensure safety and continued access for people’s businesses and houses. If damage to property occurs, the Contractor must take responsibility and repair.  If an accident occurs in unsigned areas, Contractor must be responsible.  New road to include street lights and pedestrian path.  Sections for safe crossing (sky bridge or zebra crossing) at schools, temples etc.  Speed control.  Safety signs to be placed at sections not completed to alert drivers of changed conditions.  Construction safety: signs, warnings, construction material to be kept on sites, fenced etc. 5.8.9.2 Health and Safety Mitigation Measures 437. Safe Access - It will be the responsibility of the Contractor to provide safe access at all times through the construction site to people whose residences/shelters and routes are temporarily severed by road construction. 438. Water Supply – Potential impacts resulting from construction works to water supply are discussed above under Section 5.6.4 – Hydrology. 439. Public Safety – The Contractor will be responsible for preparation of a TMP that will outline how he will manage issues relating to transport of materials and staff, road closures, diversions, safety signs, etc. The plan will be reviewed and approved by the Engineer. The Contractor will not be allowed to commence works until the plan has been approved. In addition, the Contractor will be responsible for fencing and sign posting any borrow pits that are identified by the Engineer as a potential hazard to public safety. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 228 REVISION 3.0 440. Public Safety During Operational Phase – On the physical side, the detailed design incorporates findings from a traffic safety audit, International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) inspections, and public feedback provided by residents during project preparation consultations. Physical features include enhanced measures to safeguard pedestrians’ safety, including: pedestrian bridges; traffic calming options; street lighting in populated areas; road furniture; reflectors; improvements in driving vision facilities; motorcycle lanes; and sidewalks. Traffic safety aspects will be embedded in the service levels under the OPBRC. To complement the physical measures, the project will implement a program of public education and communication on road safety, targeting motorists and pedestrians throughout project implementation, as well as innovative solutions such as geospatial data gathering, Safety signs should also be erected warning people not to attempt to cross the four-lane section. With these measures, the project will provide a model for traffic safety on national roads in the country. 441. Labour Influx Management Plan – According to the DoR approximately 100 staff will be employed on both Project Lots, meaning a total of 200 staff for the entire Project. They will be located in Construction camps, unless they live locally and no accommodation is required. Camp sites will be selected keeping in view the availability of an adequate area for establishing campsites, including parking areas for machinery, stores and workshops, access to communication and local markets, and an appropriate distance from sensitive areas in the vicinity. Prior to the start of construction, the Contractor will be responsible for the preparation of a Labour Influx Management Plan as part of his SSESMP. The Labour Influx Management Plan will include a worker orientation program as part of worker induction to discuss religious, cultural or ethnic differences within the Project area and sexual behavior and Gender based violence. As part of the worker orientation program, Contractors staff shall sign a Code of Conduct relating to his personal behavior on site. Violations of the code of conduct may lead to dismissals. As part of the plan the Contractor will also be obliged to keep a record of all workers staying overnight in a village, including within construction camps in that village, this information will be relayed to village authorities on a weekly basis. 442. Worker Orientation Program - The Laboiur Influx Management Plan will include a worker orientation program as part of worker induction to discuss religious, cultural or ethnic differences within the Project area and sexual behavior and Gender based violence. As part of the worker orientation program, Contractors staff shall sign a Code of Conduct relating to his personal behavior on site. Violations of the code of conduct may lead to dismissals. 443. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – It will be a requirement of the Contract that the Contractor sub-contracts with a Service Provider to provide an HIV Awareness Program to the Contractor’s Personnel and the Local Community as soon as practicable after the Contractor’s Personnel arrive at the Site but in any case, within two weeks after the Contractor’s Personnel arrive at Site and to repeat the HIV Awareness Program at intervals not exceeding four months. 444. Child Labour – The Contractor will ensure that no persons under the age of 18 are employed on the Project. 445. Vector Bourne Disease - Workers will also be given awareness training relating to vector born disease and posters will be located around work sites warning workers of the potential health risks. The Contractor will also ensure that medicines for the treatment of vector borne diseases are provided at his camp medical facility. In addition, Water and drainage facilities at construction camps and work sites will be maintained to avoid breeding of mosquitoes. Effective measures will be used to ensure that water stagnant is not present around the camp site. Use of pesticides for vegetation control is prohibited. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 229 REVISION 3.0 446. Educational Facilities – During the construction phase specific attention will be given to the many schools that are located adjacent to the Project road. The Contractor will place warning signs outside of each school to alert construction vehicles of their locations and to be aware of children crossing the road in these areas. In addition, at least two weeks before construction starts within the vicinity of any of the schools listed in Table 4-37, the Contractor will be responsible for informing the School of the works program and schedule so that the school can inform pupils of the impending works and to be vigilant throughout the construction program. If warranted, the Engineer may recommend that the Contractor places protective barriers in-front of school entrances to prevent children rushing out from the school gates into the path of construction vehicles or works. When working in the immediate vicinity of a school, the Contractor will cease works for at least 30 minutes before school starts and after it closes to allow children to leave the area safely and to allow parents safe access to collect their children. 447. Operational Phase - To ensure public safety the DD consultants are preparing a road safety report with recommendations relating to road safety aspects during the operational phase of the Project. 5.8.10 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workers Rights 5.8.10.1 Potential OHS Impacts 448. Worker Health and Safety - Accidents are common during a project of this size and scale. Accidents can occur if workers are not adequately trained or qualified for the job or if they have incorrect safety equipment and clothing. 449. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – See Section 5.8.9 above for impacts and mitigation relating to STDs. 5.8.10.2 Workers Rights 450. Workers’ rights including occupational health and safety need to be considered to avoid accidents and injuries, loss of man-hours, labor abuses and to ensure fair treatment, remuneration and working and living conditions. These issues need to be considered not only for workers who are directly employed by the Project but also sub-contractors. 5.8.10.3 OHS and Workers Rights Mitigation Measures 451. Worker Health and Safety – An OHS Plan will be prepared by the Contractor to manage worker safety. The Plan will include the following items:  Safety Training Program. A Safety Training Program is required and will consist of: - Risk Assessment to enable the safe systems of work to be identified and any PPE requirements ascertained. - Initial Safety Induction Course: All workmen will be required to attend a safety induction course before they are allowed access to the Site. - Periodic Safety Training Courses: Period safety course will be conducted not less than once every six months. All Contractor (and any sub-contractor) employees will be required to participate in relevant training courses appropriate to the nature, scale and duration of the subcontract works. Training courses for all workmen on the Site and at all levels of supervision and management. A list of training participants names and time- ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 230 REVISION 3.0 stamped photographic evidence of the training will be provided by the Contractor to the Engineer for his records. - Safety Meetings. Regular safety meetings will be conducted on a monthly basis. The Engineer will be notified of all safety meetings in advance. The Engineer may attend in person or by representative at his discretion. The minutes of all safety meetings will be taken and sent to the Engineer within seven (7) days of the meeting and will include a list of participants names and time-stamped photographic evidence of the training. - Safety Inspections. The Contractor will regularly inspect, test and maintain all safety equipment (including firefighting equipment), scaffolds, guardrails, working platforms, hoists, ladders and other means of access, lifting, lighting, signing and guarding equipment. Lights and signs will be kept clear of obstructions and legible to read. Equipment, which is damaged, dirty, incorrectly positioned or not in working order, will be repaired or replaced immediately by the Contractor. - PPE – Workers will be provided (before they commence works) with of appropriate PPE suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers.  All construction plant and equipment used on or around the Site will be fitted with appropriate safety devices. These will include but not be limited to: - Effective safety catches for crane hooks and other lifting devices, and - Functioning automatic warning devices and, where applicable, an up-to-date test certificate, for cranes and hoists. 452. In addition, all Project sub-contractors will be supplied with copies of the SSESMP. Provisions will be incorporated into all sub-contracts to ensure the compliance with the SSESMP at all tiers of the sub-contracting. All subcontractors will be required to appoint a safety representative who will be available on the Site throughout the operational period of the respective sub-contract unless the Engineers approval to the contrary is given in writing. In the event of the Engineers approval being given, the Engineer, without prejudice to their other duties and responsibilities, will ensure, as far as is practically possible, that employees of sub-contractors of all tiers are conversant with appropriate parts of the SSESMP. To implement the above items the Contractor will designate a qualified environmental, health and safety personnel. 453. Any gaps and descripiencies in guidelines for environment, health, safety, gender-base violence, child abuse labor influx management will be governed by the World Bank Guidelines for a Code of Conduct and Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children. The guideline provides guidance and procedures to identify, address and mitigate the above decribed issues to be complied by contractors, sub-contractors and concerned agencies. The key provisions of the guideline will be incoporatred into package of bidding docments to be submitted by the bidders. 5.8.11 Educational facilities 454. Impacts to educational facilities relate predominantly to noise and health and safety issues. Both of these topics are discussed under separate sections (5.8.9 – Community Health and Safety and 5.8.13 – Noise). ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 231 REVISION 3.0 5.8.12 Physical Cultural Resources (PCR) 5.8.12.1 Potential Impacts to PCR 455. Land Acquisition - A number of cemeteries and temples have been identified within the Project area (see Tables 5-3). However, according to the MPWT none of these will need to have any portion of their properties removed, e.g. walls, gates, etc. 456. Noise - Most of the temples identified within the Project corridor will be subject to elevated noise levels above national and WBG standards during the operational phase of the Project. In addition, they may be subject to short term elevated noise levels during the construction phase of the Project. The issue of construction and operational noise and its impacts on sensitive receptors, such as temples is discussed below in Section 5.8.13 – Noise. 457. Buddha Trees – A Buddha tree was noted close to the road at a temple in Songeuay-Neua in Naxaithong District. Figure 5-7 illustrates it location and proximity to the Project road. However, the DD Consultants have move the road alignment slightly to the east to prevent the Buddha tree from being cut. Some trimming of the trees branches may however be required. 458. Chance Finds - Given Lao PDRs rich cultural heritage it is possible that chance finds could occur, although this is considered remote due to the fact that the works are confined to the already heavily disturbed right of way. Box 10: Physical Cultural Resource Issues Identified by Stakeholders  If the project will have an impact on cemeteries, it should be treated according to the tradition of ethnic groups.  Buddha trees maybe affected. If the tree is very old it should be moved, not cut down.  If graves are to be removed a spiritual ceremony is needed. Figure 5-7: Buddha Tree, Songeuay-Neua, Naxaithong ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 232 REVISION 3.0 Buddha Tree 5.8.12.2 PCR Mitigation 459. Buddha Trees – Only one Buddha tree has been identified that maybe directly impacted by the Project. Trimming of the trees braches maybe required. This activity will be coordinated between the Contractor and the temple. No cutting of the tree will be allowed without the permission of the Engineer. 460. Any other Buddha trees that are within 10 meters of a construction zone will be clearly marked and fenced prior to the start of construction works in the vicinity of the tree (within 50 meters). Under no circumstances will any Buddha tree be trimmed, or cut without consultation between the Temple, the Engineer and the Contractor. 461. Chance Finds – The Contractor will prepare a chance find procedure. The procedure will incorporate all of the requirements of the GoL regarding chance finds. A template for the chance finds procedure, adapted from the ESOM, is included as Appendix B. 5.8.13 Noise 5.8.13.1 Potential Noise Impacts Construction Phase 462. Noise during the construction phase will mostly come from the operation of construction equipment. Typical noise signatures of the different equipment for different construction activities are enumerated below. Table 5-6: Construction Equipment Noise Levels Site Clearing Excavation and Earth Structure Construction Moving Equipment Noise Level Equipment Noise Level Equipment Noise Level ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 233 REVISION 3.0 Bulldozer 80 Bulldozer 80 Pneumatic drill 81-98 Front end 72-80 Backhoe 72-93 Crane 75-77 loader Dump Truck 83-94 Dump Truck 83-94 Welding 71-82 Machine Grading and compacting Jack Hammer 80-93 Concrete 74-88 Mixer Grader 80-93 Landscaping and Clean Up Concrete 81-84 Pump Roller 73-75 Bulldozer 80 Concrete 76 Vibrator Paving Excavator 72 Air 74-87 Compressor Paver 86-88 Truck 83-94 Bulldozer 80 Truck 83-94 Paver 86-88 Cement and 83-94 Dump trucks Tamper 74-77 463. If we assume three pieces of equipment maybe working at the same time, taking a random sample of equipment, bulldozer, front end loader and dump truck and combining their maximum noise levels a figure of around 94.3 decibels. Considering that many properties within the Project corridor are less than 20 meters from the edge of the existing pavement this would give a figure of around 67 decibels, which is considerably higher than WBG daytime and nighttime standards. This impact would be temporary in nature. Construction activities would be carried out during daytime. Operational Phase 464. Baseline noise monitoring has shown that noise levels in the Project corridor are considered moderate noise level according to national Leq 24 hrs limit (55 -70 dBA). Daytime and nighttime noise is elevated well above national and WBG standards for residential areas and sensitive receptors (but not for commercial / industrial areas). Given the fact the traffic volumes are anticipated to more than double over the next twenty years traffic noise is anticipated to increase further. In general doubling of traffic will lead to a three dB increase in noise levels. 31 If we apply this assumption to the baseline noise levels monitored as part of this ESIA then noise levels would generally increase around by around 4.5 dBA by 2034. This would result in the following approximate Leq-24-hour levels:  Sikeut Junction: 67.7 dBA  Naxaithong Tai: 66.2 dBA  Karngsan: 67.1 dBA 31 Traffic Noise. Vic Roads, 2013. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 234 REVISION 3.0  Lak 52: 61.0 dBA  Namlin Village: 65.5 dBA  Nongsa: 65.4 dBA 465. Stakeholder consultations in Naxaithong and Phonhong (September 2017) included specific questions about the issue of noise impacts. The majority of stakeholders (50% in Naxaithong and 90% in Phonhong) indicated that road noise was not currently a concern for them and they were not concerned about future noise levels. 466. It should be noted that the road can be quite bumpy in some locations and this results in elevated noise levels as trucks and busses jolt over these bumps. Improving the road surface will eliminate these sources of noise which may reduce noise levels by a few decibels in these locations. 5.8.13.2 Noise Mitigation Construction Phase 467. Given the proximity of many properties to the construction site exposure to elevated noise levels will be unavoidable during the construction phase in the daytime. However, number of mitigation and management measures can be provided to reduce noise levels during daytime and nighttime periods: 468. During the construction phase the Contractor will be responsible for ensuring the use of:  Source Controls, i.e., requirements that all exhaust systems will be maintained in good working order; properly designed engine enclosures and intake silencers will be employed; and regular equipment maintenance will be undertaken; and  Site Controls, i.e., requirements that stationary equipment will be placed as far from sensitive land uses as practical; selected to minimize objectionable noise impacts; and provided with shielding mechanisms where possible. No asphalt plants, rock crushing plants or any long-term generators of significant noise will be allowed that are located within two kilometers of protected areas or within 500 meters of sensitive receptors or urban areas;  Time and Activity Constraints, i.e., operations will be scheduled to coincide with periods when people would least likely be affected; work hours and work days will be limited to less noise- sensitive times. Hours-of-work will be approved by the Engineer having due regard for possible noise disturbance to the local residents or other activities. Construction activities will be strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM in the residential areas. When operating close to sensitive areas such as residential areas, medical facilities, educational facilities and religious temples. The Contractor’s hours of working will be limited to 8 AM to 6 PM. During religious holidays the Contractor will not work within 250 meters of any temple. No work shall be undertaken during the 7 day Hmong New Year period at Lak 52.  Community Awareness, i.e., public notification of construction operations, as outlined in Item 5.8.1.2 will incorporate noise considerations. Operational Phase 469. Noise levels in commercial areas are unlikely to increase above WBG and national standards. However, it is difficult to define exactly what areas are commercial and what are residential within the Project corridor as many people both live and work in properties along the road. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 235 REVISION 3.0 470. Consultations with stakeholders indicate that road noise is not a significant issue for them. However, for residential and sensitive receptors a number of mitigation measures could be applied to reduce noise levels, they include:  Reduction of speed from 120kmph to 70kmph - reduces noise levels by approximately 5 dBA.  Reduction of speed from 70kmph to 50kmph - reduces noise levels by approximately 4 dBA.  Noise barriers (3 meter high) - reduces noise levels by as much as 10 dBA 25 meters from the road.  Plantation of shrubs with thick canopy in 1-2 m width (two rows) - reduces noise levels by about 5 dBA.  Noise Reducing Road Surfaces - double course drain asphalt – reduces noise levels at 50 km/h by 3 dBA.  Noise Reducing Surfaces – thin layer surfaces – reduces noise levels at 50 km/h by 1.5 dBA.  Façade Insulation – can reduce noise levels inside by 10 dBA. 471. According to the Project FS, average road speeds are around 40 km/h which are still producing very high noise levels. As such there is no scope to reduce noise through speed limit restrictions. 472. Noise barriers are a potential option. During ESIA consultations more than 400 stakeholders were canvassed on their thoughts about the use of noise barriers. In Naxaithong less than 10% thought noise barriers were a good option to reduce noise levels. In Phonhong that figure dropped to 2%. One of the main impacts of noise barriers would be restriction of access to properties and to movement across the road. In addition, the barriers might be considered unsightly, or block views. 473. Noise reducing road surfaces will only have a small impact on noise levels. These types of surfaces also need to be considered carefully from a financial (they are more expensive than conventional pavements) and technical point of view (e.g. maintenance is more frequent). 474. Plantation of shrubs is considered a viable option if space is available, but it may impede access to properties and movement. 475. Façade insulation is a good option, but will be expensive and only applies to indoor areas. In addition, it only works when windows are shut, which would mean that properties would require air conditioning. However, even façade insulation would be unlikely to reduce noise levels to below WBG standards on their own. 476. Given the above, the following recommendations are made: 1. DoR undertakes a program of consultation with stakeholders within the Project corridor to determine: a. If noise is a significant issue? Does it affect sleep or work? Does it have any health impacts? b. Are stakeholders concerned about an increase in noise levels? c. Would stakeholders like noise to be reduced? d. If so, what measures would they consider? ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 236 REVISION 3.0 2. If stakeholders do not think noise is a significant issue and they are not concerned about increases in noise levels no further actions should be considered during this stage of the Project. However, routine monitoring of noise levels along the road, (at building facades) should be undertaken annually to assess how noise levels are changing year or year. The noise monitoring should also include surveys with stakeholders to continue assessing their thoughts on noise levels. If noise levels rise more than 3 dBA over the next ten years, and if stakeholders become more sensitive to the noise issue the DoR should investigate concrete methods to reduce noise levels through the mitigation measures outlined above. 3. If stakeholders feel that noise is a significant issue and that they are concerned about increases in noise levels the DoR should prepare a noise model to determine the exact nature and extent of any noise levels increase over the next 25 years. The model should be part of a report that recommends precise mitigation measures, or a combination of measures, to reduce noise levels. The model should clearly define what areas of the corridor are commercial and which are residential / sensitive locations so that mitigation measures can be applied accordingly. The DoR would then have to consult with the stakeholders to confirm that they are willing to accept the proposed mitigation measures and then implement the noise mitigation measures. 5.8.14 Emergency Response Planning 5.8.14.1 Emergency Issues 477. Emergency situations may arise during the construction phase, for example, fires and explosions at construction camps (through poor management and storage of fuels and chemicals), or impacts caused by earthquakes. 5.8.13.2 Emergency Measures 478. The Contractor will be responsible for preparation of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) which will include sections relating to:  Containment of hazardous materials;  Oil and fuel spills;  Fire and explosions;  Work-site accidents; and  Earthquake hazards. 479. The plan will detail the process for handling, and subsequently reporting, emergencies, and specify the organizational structure (including responsibilities of nominated personnel). The plan will be submitted to the Engineer for approval. Implementation of the plan will be monitored by the Engineer. Any emergencies, and how they were handled, will be reported in monthly progress reports by the Contractor to the Engineer. The Engineer will also provide periodic monitoring of the Contractors works throughout construction to ensure the ERP is implemented effectively. 5.9 Cumulative & Induced Impacts 5.9.1 Cumulative Impacts 480. A cumulative impact can be described as: “The combination of multiple impacts from existing projects, the proposed project, and anticipated future projects that may result in significant adverse ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 237 REVISION 3.0 and/or beneficial impacts that cannot be expected in the case of a stand-alone project.� Induced impacts can be described as: “Adverse and/or beneficial impacts on areas and communities from unintended but predictable developments caused by a project, which may occur at later or at a different location. 481. No other existing, proposed and anticipated future road projects have been identified that may result in cumulative impacts to the Project area. In addition, construction and operation of the road has not been identified as a key factor for the future development of projects that may have significant environmental and social impacts, e.g. construction of a new industrial park. The project is a rehabilitation project which intends only to upgrade the existing road. 5.9.2 Induced Impacts 5.9.2.1 Impacts 482. It is anticipated that road improvement would result in improving connectivity, communities access to public services and markets, reduced vehicle operating costs and travel time, enhanced accessibility of enterprises, increased labor productivity, and reduced road fatality rates. Improved access to markets, jobs and services along the major transport corridor will benefit a larger share of population and contribute to inclusive growth. As a result of climate resilience measures, there will be positive effects on accessibility to markets and public services during rainy season. Induced positive impacts to the community, including possible increase in land values, and development of more business opportunities and jobs. These support the Eighth National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) 2016-2020, goals of achieving sustained and inclusive economic growth, while reducing the effects of natural shocks as well as the national efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 to build resilient infrastructure and SDG 13 to address the impacts of climate change. 483. However, Potential adverse induced impacts may include:  Conversion of agricultural land to commercial, industrial factory and residential property, this in turn may lead to: - Increased population living within the corridor which may lead to stress on social services, such as schools, hospitals, etc. - Required upgrading or expansion of utilities, such as electricity supply. - Stresses on water availability, specifically groundwater.  Expansion of development towards the Phou Phanang Protected area. 5.9.2.2 Mitigation 484. The ESIA has identified several beneficial and adverse induced impacts that may occur in the future as a result of the road improvement as described earlier. The potential adverse induced impacts may be arised from unplanned development along the road corridor and from potential change of land use including the potential expansion of development (all types) towards the Phou Phanang Protected area. Such impacts may include: i) stress on social services, such as schools, hospitals, etc.; ii) required upgrading or expansion of utilities, such as electricity supply; and iii) stresses on water availability, specifically groundwater, etc. However, the project will have less adverse induced impacts comparing to green field development. 485. In Lao PDR, provincial authorities have mandate to manage relevant measures to address such induce impacts. Typically, such aspects are addressed by relevant legal framework and sector ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 238 REVISION 3.0 strategy including urban planning regulations, Land law, Agriculture law, National Land Policy, etc. Under the agriculture law individual or entities are not allowed to convert agriculture land to other propose unless receive permission from agriculture authorities. The national land policy also has similar requirements in term of protecting protected areas and forestry. These are also included in Five Years Provincial Socio-Economic Development Plan (Provincial SEDP). Under this project, the MPWT will establish the Project Steering committee, chaired by the Minister and consist of relevant provincial authorities and representative from relevant lines ministries. This expect to bring about an improved inter-agency coordination. To address unplanned ribbon development along the project road, the MPWT, through steering committee, should encourage provincial authorities and lines ministries to take into account potential impacts from these induced growths in the next Five years SEDP and respective development plans/strategies. Also, the DoR and DPWTs should strictly implement its policy to control re-encroaching to the road ROW. 5.10 Compliance Impacts 486. In addition to the impacts associated with the construction and operation phases of the Project several compliance impacts have also been identified as follows:  Lack of Environmental Clauses in Contracts -The ESIA is an environmental statement by the DoR. While it is prepared by the ESIA consultant the ESIA defines the commitment by the GoL through the proponent and its contractors and consultants, to implement the mitigation and monitoring actions listed in the ESIA. For the measures proposed in the ESIA’s ESMP to be taken seriously, they must become legally binding through inclusion as environmental clauses in the loan agreement between the GoL and the WB as well as the specifications in the contract-bid documents. This will be achieved by integrating the ESMP into the contract specifications as a clause and using the ESMP to prepare SSESMPs defining specific steps to be taken by the contractors and the government during the project construction phase. References to the ESMP will be made in the loan agreement between the GoL and WB. It will be the Engineers responsibility to review the environmental mitigation and monitoring activities undertaken by the Contractor, with payments made only after verification that each work component has been completed as prescribed.  Lack of Construction Compliance Inspection Services and Environmental Training - While the ESMP and the environmental covenants can be very clear and specific, if there is no one knowledgeable to undertake compliance monitoring, inspection and regular reporting, little of the ESMP will be implemented or completed. The Engineer, through his Environmental Manager or International/Regional Environmental Specialist, will ensure that compliance inspections are undertaken on a regular basis. In addition, the Engineers International/Regional Environmental Specialist will also provide training to the Contractor and his HSE team in the correct implementation of the SSESMPs prior to the commencement of works. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 239 REVISION 3.0 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 240 REVISION 3.0 6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 6.1 General 487. The ESMP provided herewith documents the impacts identified in this ESIA report, the actions required to mitigate those impacts to acceptable levels in accordance with the laws of Lao PDR and the World Banks Operational Policies, and the monitoring activities that are to be undertaken as part of the project to confirm that the mitigation actions have been effective in achieving their objectives or to initiate changes in the actions required. 488. The ESMP also details the institutional arrangements and capacities that currently exist, or that will be put in place as part of the project implementation, to ensure that the environmental due diligence (including the ESMP) has comprehensively considered both Lao PDR and World Bank requirements for environmental protection, has identified all likely environmental impacts and proposed appropriate mitigation measures, and has the systems in place to ensure that effective procedures for environmental monitoring and control of the project impacts and mitigation measures are implemented throughout the life of the project. Finally, this section of the report provides the required implementation schedule and costs for the proposed mitigation and monitoring. 6.2 Mitigation and Monitoring 489. The environmental impacts associated with the Project activities, have been detailed above in the relevant sections of this ESIA. Mitigation measures required to address the impacts identified in the ESIA have been summarized in each of the relevant sections covering the physical, biological and socio-economic environment affected by the project. The impacts identified and the specific mitigation measures proposed to address them have been consolidated into the Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan (ESMP) presented in Tables 6-1 to 6-3, which includes time frames and responsibilities. An Additional Environmental Monitoring Plan is presented in Table 6-4 which outlines the activities and responsibilities associated with instrumental monitoring, i.e. Air Quality and Noise Monitoring. 6.3 Implementation Arrangements and Responsibilities 490. The main institutions that will be involved in implementation of the ESMP are the DD Consultants, the Implementation Support and Work Supervision Consultant (the Engineer), the Contractor (s) and to a lesser extent the DoR / PTRI through their Project Management Unit (PMU)/ESMU. 6.3.1 Detailed Design Consultant Responsibilities 491. The DD Consultant has already started to coordinate with the ESIA Team on issues such as impacts from bridge rehabilitation / construction. Moving forward, the DD Consultant will ensure that he reads and understands all of the identified environmental impacts highlighted by this ESIA. He will also ensure that all recommendations made for the design phase of the ESMP are considered and incorporated in the final detailed designs, or that justifications are made for the exclusion of any recommended mitigation measure. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 241 REVISION 3.0 Table 6-1: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Detailed Design / Pre-construction Phase Monitoring Potential Impact Subject Mitigation Measure Responsibilities Monitoring Responsibility & / Issue Schedule Air Quality Construction  Preparation of an Air Quality Plan (AQP)  Contractor to  N/A  N/A impacts including the location of haul routes and prepare AQP the items specified under Item 5.6.3.3 of  Engineer to review this ESIA. and approve AQP. Air quality  Locations for quarry sites, borrow pits  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A impacts from and concrete batching plants will require sites. stationary approval from the Engineer and PONRES.  Engineer and PONRE sources  No quarry, borrow pit or batching plant to approve sites. will be located within 2 km of protected areas or within 500 meters of sensitive receptors or urban areas . Land Use Road Vendors  The Contractor, in coordination with the  Contractor, DoR and  N/A  N/A DoR and the Provincial government, will Provincial government set aside a specific area for road vendors to select site. to continue to operate throughout the  Contractor to construction phase. implement mitigation.  The area will be located within at least 50 meters of the project road and should be sized to accommodate all road vendors.  The site will be clearly signposted for traffic and an all-weather track provided to the site with parking space. This should inline with measures proposed in the RAP. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 242 REVISION 3.0 Climate Damage to As part of the detailed design, the following  DD Consultants  N/A  N/A Change roads and measures will be considered:  Engineer to review drainage  Increase ditch and culvert capacity; design documents systems due to prior to the start of increased  Maintain positive cross slope to facilitate construction. flooding and flow of water from surface; more intense rainfall.  Increase pavement resistance to rutting;  Reduce splashing/spray through porous surface mixtures;  More frequent use of elevated pavement section;  Improve visibility and pavement marking demarcation; and  Ensure that all embankments are seeded to help increase stability. Borrow Pits Suitability of  No Project borrow pits will be utilized  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A and Quarry’s borrow pits that are located within 2km of protected sites. areas or within 500 m of urban areas and sensitive receptors.  Engineer and PONRE to approve sites.  Use of the following borrow locations listed in Table 3-6 should be avoided: o RG01, RG02, RS01, RS02 and RS03. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 243 REVISION 3.0 New Quarry  Any new quarries must obtain the  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A Sites required permits prior to quarry sites and apply commencement of works at these sites, for approval from this will include approval from PONRE PONRE and any other and the Engineer. regulatory agencies as  No quarry will be located within 500 necessary. meters of any urban area, sensitive  Engineer to review receptor or within 2 kilometers of a quarry locations, protected area. licenses and approvals from PONRES. Existing Borrow  For all existing borrow pits/quarries  Engineer to undertake  N/A  N/A Pits proposed for use by Contractor, a due due diligence review. diligence review including a review of  Results of the due borrow pits/quarry locations, licenses diligence review will and approvals from PONRES and other be presented to PMU regulatory agencies will be carried out by and Contractor the Engineer during project clearly stating the implementation (pre-construction phase) reasons for any to determine their suitability and ensure rejection of the site. that the borrow pits/quarries are not within 2 kms from protected areas; and not within 500 meter from sensitive receptor.  For all existing borrow pits/quarries, the Engineer will consult with PONRES to confirm the exact distance from protected areas and to ensure the borrow pits are not located within 2 kms from protected areas; and not within 500 meters from sensitive receptor.  The due diligence review will be ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 244 REVISION 3.0 undertaken before the Contractor signs any contract with the existing borrow pit owner. New Borrow  Obtain all necessary permits from the  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A Pits regulatory authorities. borrow sites and  Prepare a Borrow Pit Action Plan (BAP) apply for approval according to the requirements of Section from PONRES and 5.8.7.2 of the ESIA. any other regulatory  No borrow pit will be located within 2 agencies as necessary. kilometers of a protected area.  Engineer to review  Arrangements for opening and using borrow locations, material borrow pits will contain licenses and approvals enforceable provisions. from PONRE. Hydrology Bridge  All new bridges will be designed for the  DD Consultants  N/A  N/A Construction life expectancy of 75 years.  Engineer to review design documents  A design discharge of 100 years return prior to the start of period is considered for bridges. construction.  The bridge rehabilitation and strengthening works will be designed for the life expectancy of 50 years.  Bridge designs should ensure that drainage from bridge decks over 50 meters does not discharge directly to the watercourses beneath the bridges.  The bridge design and layout must be aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 245 REVISION 3.0 the existing environment.  Provide dry paths under the bridge on either side of the river to facilitate movements of people, livestock and wildlife. Culverts  A design discharge of 50 years return  DD Consultants  N/A  N/A period is considered for culverts  Engineer to review design documents prior to the start of construction. Siting of facilities  No construction camp, permanent or  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A temporary, will be located within 200 sites. meters of any river, or irrigation channel  Engineer and PONRE (not including drainage channels) to approve sites. identified in Table 3-4 of this report Water Use  The Contractor will be responsible for  Contractor to obtain  N/A  N/A obtaining all necessary permits for the licenses / permits. abstraction of water for technical and  Engineer to review potable uses prior to the start of permits. construction, or abstraction. Flora & Fauna Tree cutting  Tree cutting will be undertaken according  Contractor to  N/A  N/A to the law of the GoL. undertake tree cutting.  Relevant regulatory Authority to monitor tree cutting. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 246 REVISION 3.0 Animal Crossing  Awareness raising program to be  DD Consultant to  N/A  N/A initiated by PTRI/DOR/traffic safety consult with villagers division of DOT. to determine  Provide warning signs and speed appropriate crossing restrictions in locations where cattle locations. frequently cross the road.  DD Consultant include safety signs in design documents. Land clearance  The Contractor will prepare a Clearance,  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Re-vegetation and Restoration prepare and Management
 Plan for prior approval by implement Plan the Engineer. The Clearance Plan will be  Engineer to review followed strictly by the contractor. Areas and approve plan. to be cleared should be minimized as much as possible.  All temporary construction facilities should be located on already heavily disturbed ground where secondary forest growth has not yet become well-established. Impacts to  No construction camp, or construction  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Protected Areas facility, such as a concrete batching plant, implement mitigation. will be constructed within 2 km of a  Engineer to approve Protected Area. final locations. Construction Selection of  Preparation of a Construction Camp Site  Engineer to review &  N/A  N/A Camps Construction Plan. approve Plans. Camp Site  Preparation of a Spills Response Plan.  Engineer and PMU to  Construction camps will not be located approve camp within 500 meters of any sensitive locations. receptors, urban area and at least 200 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 247 REVISION 3.0 meters from any surface water course and not within 2 kilometers of a protected area.  Coordinate all construction camp activities with neighboring land uses. Transportation Damage to  Prior to the commencement of works a  Engineer to complete  N/A  N/A and Utilities roads road condition survey will be undertaken road condition survey. by the Engineer to record the condition of access roads to borrow pits, asphalt plants, camps, etc. Ethnic Groups Communication  Recruit a Hmong interpreter for  PMU  N/A  N/A communicating with the ethnic group, especially women.  Hire necessary translator to facilitate the communication between village authorities or/and affected people and construction workers.  Develop 50 posters containing a list of key project contacts (with name and phone numbers) Information  Make 44 copied sets of the final approved  PMU  N/A  N/A Sharing technical design to be shared with each affected village. Compensation  For those temporary residents, especially  MPWT  N/A  N/A poor female head household, the compensation should cover the cost of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 248 REVISION 3.0 moving following the World Bank resettlement policy.  The GoL should provide a higher rate of compensation and support for those women headed households who need to demolish and re-construct their houses/shops. Occupational Worker Health  Prepare an Occupational Health and  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Health and and Safety Safety Plan (OHS Plan), including the prepare OHS Plan. Safety items specified by Item 5.8.9.3 of this  Contractor to provide ESIA. copies of the SSESMP to sub-contractors  Ensure that sub-contractors are provided prior to their access with copies of the SSESMP. to the site.  Engineer to review and approve OHS Plan. Traffic Safety  Submit a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)  Contractor to  N/A  N/A to PMU and local traffic authorities prior prepare TMP. to mobilization.  Engineer to approve TMP. UXO  Prior to the start of any works the  Contractor to consult  N/A  N/A Contractor will consult with the relevant with relevant regulatory authorities to confirm that the regulatory authorities. construction area is clear of any UXO. If  Sub-contractor to this cannot be confirmed the Contractor survey the site, if (through an approved sub-contractor) required. will be responsible for surveying the  Contractor to provide construction areas (including ancillary the results of the facilities, such as borrow pits and access survey to the ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 249 REVISION 3.0 roads) and confirming that the work sites Engineer. are free of UXO. The Contractor will provide, in writing, the findings of the survey to the Engineer. If any UXO is found on site the Contractor, through his approved sub-contractor, will be responsible for removing any UXO. Community Health and  Traffic safety issues will be accounted for  DD Consultants to  N/A  N/A Health and Safety during the design phase of the Project. prepare designs Safety incorporating traffic  Safety signs will be included in the design safety measures. warning people not to attempt to cross  Engineer to review the four-lane section of the road without design documents using dedicated crossing areas. prior to the start of  Consider additional traffic safety construction. measures close to schools, including reduced speed limits (maximum 50 kilometers per hour) and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.  Construct pedestrian walkways in urban areas, specifically in the four-lane section of the road.  Project sticker with contact information of site supervisor should put on all contractor’s, sub-contractor’s vehicles and equipment and all projects vehicles and equipment. Migrant  Preparation of an Labor Influx  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Management Plan in line with WBG ESHS prepare plan. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 250 REVISION 3.0 Workers standards.  Engineer to review and approve plan  The Labour Influx Management Plan will include a worker orientation program as part of worker induction to discuss religious, cultural or ethnic differences within the Project area and sexual behavior and Gender based violence. As part of the worker orientation program, Contractors staff shall sign a Code of Conduct relating to his personal behavior on site. Violations of the code of conduct may lead to dismissals. Communication  Four weeks prior to the Contractor  Contractor to hold  N/A  N/A s starting works in any village or town he meeting. will be responsible for holding a works  Engineer to be orientation meeting within the village / present at all town and will invite members of the meetings. public and village officials. Emergency Fires,  Preparation of an Emergency Response  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Response explosions, Plan (ERP). Including measures to handle prepare ERP traffic accident, traffic accidents.  Engineer to review earthquakes, and approve ERP. etc. Waste Management of  Preparation of a waste management and  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Management waste materials recycling plan. prepare Plans  Preparation of a construction camp  Engineer to review management plan to manage liquid and approve Plans. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 251 REVISION 3.0 wastes.  Contractor to give  Prior to the start of the works provide copies of the waste copies of the waste management management contractors licenses to the Engineer for contractors licenses review. to the Engineer.  Perform a due diligence review of the  Engineer to undertake waste management conractors facilities due diligence review. to ensure that they are in compliance with Lao PDR regulatory requirements. PCR Chance Finds  The Contractor will prepare a chance  Contractor to  N/A  N/A find procedure in line with the prepare Plans requirements of the GOL and Appendix  Engineer to review B of this report. and approve Plans. Permits and Tree cutting,  Obtain all necessary permits and licenses  Contractor to obtsian  N/A  N/A Licenses borrow pits and to operate these facilities. permits. water  Engineer to review extraction permits. ESMP Preparation of  Prepare SSESMPs including alignment  Contractor to  N/A  N/A Requirement SSESMPs sheets. prepare SSESMPs including alignment sheets.  Engineer to review and approve SSEMPs Incorporation of  A specific environmental and social  RFF to ensure ESMP is  N/A  N/A Items into Bid section will be included within the main included within Bid Documents Bid Documents indicating that the Documents. Contractor will be responsible for conforming with the requirements of the ESMP. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 252 REVISION 3.0 Table 6-2: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Construction Phase Potential Monitoring Subject Mitigation Measure Responsibilities Monitoring Responsibility & Impact / Issue Schedule Air Quality Open burning  No burning of debris or other materials will  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site of waste occur on the at any camp or construction site. implement mitigation. inspections, materials throughout construction period. Fuel Emissions  No furnaces, boilers or other similar plant or  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site equipment using any fuel that may produce air implement mitigation. inspections, pollutants will be installed without prior  Engineer to routinely throughout written consent of the Engineer. monitor Contractors construction activities. period. Rock-crushing  Rock crushing plant equipment will be fitted  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site plant with water sprinklers that will run implement mitigation. inspections, continuously while the plant is operational.  Engineer to routinely throughout monitor Contractors construction activities. period. Exhaust  No furnaces, boilers or other similar plant or  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site emissions equipment using any fuel that may produce air implement mitigation. inspections, from the pollutants will be installed without prior  Engineer to routinely throughout operation of written consent of the Engineer. monitor Contractors construction construction activities. period.  Construction equipment will be maintained to machinery a good standard and fitted with pollution control devices regularly monitored by the Contractor and Engineer. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 253 REVISION 3.0 Fugitive  Conveyor belts (e.g. at batching plants and  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site emissions. rock crushing plants) will be fitted with wind- implement mitigation. inspections, boards, and conveyor transfer points and  Engineer to routinely throughout hopper discharge areas will be enclosed to monitor Contractors construction minimize dust emission. activities. period.  All trucks used for transporting materials to and from the site will be covered with canvas tarpaulins.  Carry out watering for dust control at least 3 times a day: in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon during dry weather with temperatures of over 25C, or in windy weather. Avoid overwatering as this may make the surrounding muddy. Borrow Pits New Quarry  Any new quarries must obtain the required  Contractor to select  N/A  N/A and Sites permits prior to commencement of works at quarry sites and apply Quarry’s these sites, this will include approval from for approval from PONRES and the Engineer. PONRES and any  No quarry will be located within 500 m of any other regulatory urban area or sensitive receptor and not agencies. within two kilometers of a protected area.  Engineer to review quarry locations, licenses and approvals from PONRES. New Borrow  The Contractor will:  Contractor to select  Engineers NES  Monthly Pits borrow sites and  Engineers NES inspections of - Prior to the start of excavation apply for approval and IES to borrow pits. works, ensure that the borrow area, from PONRES and ensure  Final inspection of and its access roads are free of any any other regulatory reinstatement of reinstatement ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 254 REVISION 3.0 UXO. agencies. borrow pits are activities.  Engineer to review completed - Before the materials extraction the borrow locations, satisfactorily. layer of top-soil (about 20 cm) will be licenses and approvals removed to the side of excavation from PONRES. area and kept until the area works  Engineer to determine will be finalized. if the site requires - Top-soil stockpiles will be located at fencing. least 50 meters distance from any watercourses to avoid water siltation and obstruction. The height of stockpiles will not exceed three meters to avoid wind erosion and dust emissions. - Provide an access road to the borrow site. All drivers will be instructed to use only this officially designated road.  If the Engineer deems the site to be hazardous to the local community he will request the Contractor to fence the site to prevent access and provide warning signs on the fencing.  Due to the sensitivity of the borrow pit locations, borrow haul routes will follow established transport corridors/rights-of-way, to the extent that is practicable.  Full site reinstatement will be undertaken by the Contractor to avoid landscape damage and habitat loss. Rehabilitation measures will ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 255 REVISION 3.0 include: - Removing of all types of equipment from the site; - Removing of all types of waste or/and polluted soil and materials if any exist; - Slope stabilization measure such as re-covering with top soil, and further seeding, grassing and planting of appropriate bushes or/and trees if reasonable.  The excavation and restoration of the borrow areas and their surroundings, in an environmentally sound manner to the satisfaction of the Engineer will be required before final acceptance and payment under the terms of contracts.  Additional borrow pits will not be opened without the restoration of those areas no longer in use. Bridge Bridge  Engineers NESS  Daily site Constructio Construction  Contractor to consult inspections,  Divert the water flow near the bridge piers. n with PONRES throughout  Provide coffer dams, silt fences, sediment regarding fish construction barriers or other devices to prevent migration spawning periods. period. of silt during construction within streams.  Contractor to implement mitigation.  Perform dewatering and cleaning of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 256 REVISION 3.0 cofferdams to prevent siltation by pumping from cofferdams to a settling basin or a containment unit.  Carry out bridge construction works without interrupting the traffic on the Project Road with the provision of suitable diversions.  Ensure no waste materials are dumped in the river, including re-enforced concrete debris.  Place generators more than 20 meters from the river.  Ensure that no concrete waste is dumped in the river.  Carefully collect all polystyrene (from expansion joints) so that it does not litter the local environment.  Ensure that no hazardous liquids are placed within 10 meters of the river.  Provide portable toilets at bridge construction sites to prevent defecation by workers into the river.  Ensure that workers are provided with correct PPE including harnesses (at Nam Cheng).  During piling works ensure that pumped water is filtered through a silt trap before being discharged to the river. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 257 REVISION 3.0 Flora and Vegetation  No chemicals will be used to clear vegetation.  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Fauna clearance implement mitigation. inspections, throughout construction period. Soils Contaminatio  All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Erosion and n of Soils sited on an impervious base within a bund and implement mitigation. inspections, Soil secured by fencing. The storage area will be  Engineer to review throughout Contaminat located away from any watercourse or and approve bunding construction ion wetlands. The base and bund walls will be prior to the start of period. impermeable and of sufficient capacity to construction. contain 110% of the volume of tank (or one  Engineer to review tank if more than one tank is located in the and approve vehicle bund). fueling area prior to the start of  The construction camp maintenance yard will construction. be constructed on impervious hardstanding with adequate drainage to collect spills, there will be no vehicle maintenance activities on open ground.  Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures. Drip pans will be placed under all filling and fueling areas. Waste oils will be stored and disposed of by a ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 258 REVISION 3.0 licensed contractor.  All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use.  The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any soils.  No bitumen drums or containers, full or used, will be stored on open ground. They will only be stored on impervious hardstanding.  Areas using bitumen will be constructed on impervious hardstanding to prevent seepage of oils into the soils.  No bitumen drums or containers, full or used, will be stored on open ground. They will only be stored on impervious hard standing.  Areas using bitumen will be constructed on impervious hard standing to prevent seepage of oils into the soils. Loss of topsoil  Locate topsoil stockpiles outside drainage lines  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site and protect stockpiles from erosion. implement mitigation. inspections,  Construct diversion channels and silt fences throughout around the topsoil stockpiles to prevent construction erosion and loss of topsoil. period.  Rip ground surface prior to the spreading of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 259 REVISION 3.0 topsoil.  Remove unwanted materials from topsoil such as roots of trees, rubble and waste etc.  Specifically, regarding soil compaction, the Contractor will confine operation of heavy equipment within the RoW, as much as possible, to avoid soil compaction and damage to privately owned land.  If in case private lands are disturbed, the contractor should promptly inform the owner and agree on the ways to remedy the situation. Soil Erosion  Material that is less susceptible to erosion will  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site be selected for placement around bridges and implement mitigation. inspections, culverts. throughout  Re-vegetation of exposed areas including; (i) construction selection of fast growing and grazing resistant period. species of local flora; (ii) immediate re- vegetation of all slopes and embankments if not covered with gabion baskets; (iii) placement of fiber mats to encourage vegetation growth.  The Engineer and the Contractor will both be responsible for ensuring that embankments are monitored continuously during construction for signs of erosion. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 260 REVISION 3.0 Hydrology Drainage and  During the construction phase the Contractor  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Monitor drainage Flooding will be required to construct, maintain, implement mitigation. channels on a remove and reinstate as necessary temporary weekly basis. drainage works and take all other precautions necessary for the avoidance of damage to properties and land by flooding and silt washed down from the works.  Arrange with the village representatives those works which might interfere with the flow of irrigation waters to be carried out at such times as will cause the least disturbance to irrigation operations.  Should any operation being performed by the Contractor interrupt existing irrigation facilities, the Contractors will restore the irrigation appurtenances to their original working conditions within 24 hours of being notified of the interruption.  The Contractor will also be responsible for ensuring that no construction materials or construction waste block existing drainage channels within the Project corridor.  The Engineer will be responsible for routine monitoring of drainage channels to ensure they remain free of waste and debris. Ground and  Implementation of the specific mitigation  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site surface water measures outlined under Construction implement mitigation. inspections, pollution. Camps, below. throughout  Provide portable toilet facilities for workers at construction road work sites. period. Water Supply  Only legally permitted water resources are  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Weekly used for technical water supply. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 261 REVISION 3.0 implement mitigation. inspections, throughout construction period. Employmen Use of Local  The Contractor will employ local labor to  Contractor to ensure  Engineer to  Monthly. t Labour benefit local communities and to promote the local labor routinely overall acceptance of the project. employment rates are monitor  A budget will be made available to pay for maintained. contracts to training of locals. ensure levels are maintained. Migrant  The Contractor will be obliged to keep a  Contractor  Engineers NESS  Monthly review of workers record of all workers staying overnight in a records. village, including within construction camps in that village, this information will be relayed to village authorities on a weekly basis. The Contractor will be responsible for the behavior of all his staff. Waste and Recycling and  Where possible, surplus materials will be  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Monthly review of Spoil re-use reused or recycled. implement mitigation. waste manifests to  Used oil and grease will be removed from site determine if and sold to an approved used oil recycling wastes are being company. recycled. Spoil  Under no circumstances will the Contractor  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site dump excess materials on private lands. implement mitigation. inspections,  Excess spoil will not be dumped or pushed throughout into any river at any location. construction period. Inert Solid &  Provide refuse containers at each worksite.  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Liquid waste implement mitigation inspections,  Maintain all construction sites in a cleaner, tidy and conduct training. throughout and safe condition.  Engineer to approve construction ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 262 REVISION 3.0  Waste storage containers will be covered, tip- any waste disposal period. proof, weatherproof and scavenger proof. site.  Regular review of Contractors  Train and instruct all personnel in waste training sessions. management practices and procedures.  Collect and transport non-hazardous wastes to all approved disposal sites. Asphalt and  Waste asphalt will be recycled where possible  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Concrete for base material and shoulder material. implement any inspections, recommendations for throughout  Unused or rejected tar or bituminous re-use of asphalt. construction products will be returned to the supplier’s  Contractor to period. production plant. implement mitigation.  Waste concrete will be crushed and re-used as fill material, or base material where possible.  Under no circumstances should concrete mixers be washed out onto open ground at construction sites, such as bridges. Hazardous  Storage of hazardous waste will be in specific  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Waste secure locations as identified by the waste implement mitigation. inspections, management plan.  Engineer to approve throughout any waste disposal construction  Hazardous liquids must be stored within site. period. impermeable bunds.  Engineer to review  Monthly review of  Collect and temporarily store used hazardous waste manifests. waste manifests. waste separately in specialized containers and place in safe and fire-free areas with impermeable floors roofs, at a safe distance from fire sources and according to the ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 263 REVISION 3.0 requirements of their MSDS.  Training and suitable PPE will be provided to all personnel handling hazardous waste.  Disposal of waste materials will be properly undertaken in-line with national regulatory requirements.  Keep records of the types and volumes of waste removed from the site on a weekly basis.  A method statement for the safe handling and disposal of asbestos waste. Constructio Soil and water  Wastewater arising on the site will be  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site n Camps pollution collected, removed from the site via a suitable implement mitigation. inspections, and properly designed temporary drainage throughout system and disposed of at a location and in a construction way that will cause neither pollution nor period. nuisance.  There will be no direct discharge of sanitary or wash water to surface water, including the surface watercourses identified in Table 3-5 of this report. Disposal of materials such as, but not limited to, lubricating oil and onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited.  Liquid material storage containment areas will not drain directly to surface water (including rice paddies).  Lubricating and fuel oil spills will be cleaned up ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 264 REVISION 3.0 immediately and spill cleanup materials will be maintained (including spill kits) across the Contractors construction camp.  Construction and work sites will be equipped with sanitary latrines that do not pollute surface waters.  Discharge of sediment-laden construction water directly into surface watercourses will be forbidden. Sediment laden construction water will be discharged into settling lagoons or tanks prior to final discharge.  Spill clean-up equipment will be maintained on site.  The following conditions to avoid adverse impacts due to improper fuel and chemical storage: - Fueling operations will occur only within containment areas. - All fuel and chemical storage (if any) will be sited on an impervious base within a bund and secured by fencing. The storage area will be located away from any watercourse or wetlands. The base and bund walls will be impermeable and of sufficient capacity to contain 110% of the volume of tanks. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 265 REVISION 3.0 - Filling and refueling will be strictly controlled and subject to formal procedures and will take place within areas surrounded by bunds to contain spills / leaks of potentially contaminating liquids. - All valves and trigger guns will be resistant to unauthorized interference and vandalism and be turned off and securely locked when not in use. - The contents of any tank or drum will be clearly marked. Measures will be taken to ensure that no contaminated discharges enter any drain or watercourses. - Disposal of lubricating oil and other potentially hazardous liquids onto the ground or water bodies will be prohibited. - Should any accidental spills occur immediate cleanup will be undertaken and all cleanup materials stored in a secure area for disposal. Disposal of such was will be undertaken inline with national regulatory requirements.  The Contractor will provide a wash pit or a wheel washing and/or vehicle cleaning facility at the exits from the Contractors camp sites ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 266 REVISION 3.0 (see Appendix S for proposed designs).  The Contractor will ensure that all vehicles are properly cleaned (bodies and tires are free of sand and mud) prior to leaving the site areas.  Maintenance of vehicles will only occur in a covered vehicle maintenance yard with spill containment measures, e.g. bunding or drainage fitted with interceptor tanks.  The Contractor will provide necessary cleaning facilities on site and ensure that no water or debris from such cleaning operations is deposited off-site. Water Supply  Ensure that potable water for construction  Contractor to  Engineers NES  Daily site camps and workers meets the necessary water implement mitigation. inspections, quality standards.  Contractor to sub- throughout  If groundwater is to be used for drinking it will contract water testing construction be tested before being used to ensure that the company and provide period. water quality meets the Lao PDR drinking results to the  Monthly review of water standards specified in Section 2. Engineer water tests, if required. Asphalt Pollution and  Emissions & Noise:  Contractor to  Engineers NES  Daily site Plants Emissions implement mitigation. inspections, - Asphalt plants will be located from Asphalt throughout downwind of urban areas and not Plant construction within 500 m of any urban area or period. sensitive receptor and not within  Monthly review of two kilometers of a protected area. hazardous waste - Adequate PPE will be provided to log. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 267 REVISION 3.0 staff working in areas of high noise and emissions. - Storage and Use of Hazardous Materials (including bitumen): - Ensure all hazardous materials are stored (including within suitable sized bunds for liquids), handled and disposed of according to their Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). - Copies of MSDS will be kept on site with all hazardous materials. - The Contractor will keep a log of the type and volume of all hazardous wastes on site. - The Contractor will keep a plan of site indicating where all hazardous materials are stored.  Vehicle Movement: - The Contractor will include the asphalt plant in his Traffic Management Plan, including haul routes from the plant.  Health and Safety: - All transportation, handling and storage of bitumen will be handled ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 268 REVISION 3.0 safely by experienced personnel. - The dust from the manufacturing process may pose respiratory hazards, hence protective air mask will be provided to the operators for the loading and unloading of aggregates. - Ear-muffs will be provided those working on the plant. - First Aid kit will be available on site for the workers in case of emergency. - The Material and Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical product will be made accessible onsite and displayed. Concrete Pollution and  To limit impacts from dust, the following  Contractor to  Engineers NES  Daily site Batching Emissions conditions will apply: implement mitigation. inspections, Plants from throughout - Batching plants will be located Concrete construction downwind of urban areas. Batching period. Plants - The entire batching area traversed by vehicles – including driveways leading into and out of the area – will be paved with a hard, impervious material. - Sand and aggregates will be delivered in a dampened state, using covered trucks. If the materials have dried out during transit they will be re-wetted ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 269 REVISION 3.0 before being dumped into the storage bunker. - Sand and aggregates will be stored in a hopper or bunker which shields the materials from winds. The bunker should enclose the stockpile on three sides. The walls should extend one metre above the height of the maximum quantity of raw material kept on site, and extend two metres beyond the front of the stockpile. - The hopper or bunker will be fitted with water sprays which keep the stored material damp at all times. Monitor the water content of the stockpile to ensure it is maintained in a damp condition. - Overhead storage bins will be totally enclosed. The swivel chute area and transfer point from the conveyor will also be enclosed. - Rubber curtain seals may be needed to protect the opening of the overhead bin from winds. - Conveyor belts which are exposed to the wind and used for raw material transfer will be effectively enclosed, to ensure dust is not blown off the conveyor during transit. Conveyor ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 270 REVISION 3.0 transfer points and hopper discharge areas will be fully enclosed. - Conveyor belts will be fitted with belt cleaners on the return side of the belt. - Weigh hoppers at front end loader plants will be roofed and have weigh hoppers shrouded on three sides, to protect the contents from the wind. The raw materials transferred by the front-end loader should be damp, as they are taken from a dampened stockpile. - Store cement in sealed, dust-tight storage silos. All hatches, inspection points and duct work will be dust- tight. - Cement dust emissions from the silo during filling operations must be minimised. The minimum acceptable performance is obtained using a fabric filter dust collector. - Totally enclose the cement weigh hopper, to ensure that dust cannot escape to the atmosphere. - An inspection of all dust control components will be performed routinely – for example, at least ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 271 REVISION 3.0 weekly.  All contaminated storm water and process wastewater will be collected and retained on site.  All sources of wastewater will be paved and bunded. The specific areas that will be paved and bunded include; the agitator washout area, the truck washing area, the concrete batching area, and any other area that may generate storm water contaminated with cement dust or residues.  Contaminated storm water and process wastewater will be captured and recycled by a system with the following specifications: - The system’s storage capacity must be sufficient to store the runoff from the bunded areas generated by 20 mm of rain. - Water captured by the bunds will be diverted to a collection pit and then pumped to a storage tank for recycling. - An outlet (overflow drain) in the bund, one metre upstream of the collection pit, will divert excess rainwater from the bunded area when the pit fills due to heavy rain (more than 20 mm of rain over 24 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 272 REVISION 3.0 hours). - Collection pits should contain a sloping sludge interceptor, to separate water and sediments. The sloping surface enables easy removal of sludge and sediments. - Wastewater will be pumped from the collection pit to a recycling tank. The pit will have a primary pump triggered by a float switch and a backup pump which automatically activates if the primary fails. - Wastewater stored in the recycling tank needs to be reused at the earliest possible opportunity. Occupation HIV / AIDS  Subcontract with a Service Provider to  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Annual review of al Health provide an HIV Awareness Program to the implement mitigation. awareness and Safety Contractor’s Personnel and the Local  Service Provider to program activities. Community. implement training.  Engineer to review  Repeat the HIV Awareness Program at program. intervals not exceeding four months Worker  Develop a Safety Training Program including  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Health & training to recognize and respond to implement mitigation. inspections, safety workplace chemical hazards.  Engineer to review throughout and approve training construction  Safety Meetings conducted on a monthly basis. program. period.  Regularly inspect, test and maintain all safety  Periodic attendance of ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 273 REVISION 3.0 equipment. training sessions to determine  Equipment, which is damaged, dirty, quality and incorrectly positioned or not in working numbers in order, will be repaired or replaced attendance. immediately.  All construction plant and equipment used on or around the Site will be fitted with appropriate safety devices.  A fully equipped first aid base will be provided.  Coordinate with local public health officials and will reach a documented understanding with regard to the use of hospitals and other community facilities.  Workers will be provided (before they commence works) with of appropriate PPE suitable for electrical work such as safety boots, helmets, gloves, protective clothes, goggles, and ear protection at no cost to the workers. Sub-  All sub-contractors will be supplied with  Contractor to provide  Engineers NESS  Routinely monitor contractor copies of the SSESMP. SSESMP. sub-contractors H&S  Sub-contractors to activities.  Provisions to be incorporated into all sub- ensure compliance contracts to ensure the compliance with the with SSESMP SSESMP. All sub-contractors will be required to appoint a safety representative who will be available on the Site. Vector borne  Effective measures will be used to ensure that  Contractor to  Engineers NES  Daily site ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 274 REVISION 3.0 disease water stagnant is not present around the implement mitigation. inspections, camp site.  Engineer to review throughout  Use of pesticides for vegetation control is and approve training construction prohibited. program. period.  Engineer to approve  Periodic  Workers will be given awareness training any pesticide use. attendance of relating to vector born disease and posters training sessions will be located around work sites warning to determine workers of the potential health risks. quality and  Medicines for the treatment of vector borne numbers in diseases will be provided at the camp medical attendance. facility.  Monthly inspections of Contractors medical facilities. Noise  Zones with noise level above 80 dBA must be  Contractor to  Engineers NES  Daily site marked with safety signs and appropriate PPE implement mitigation. inspections and must be worn by workers. monitoring (with smartphone technology) throughout construction period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 275 REVISION 3.0 Economic Accessibility  The Contractor must prepare dedicated  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Activity temporary pathways to all businesses that implement mitigation. inspections might otherwise be cut off from the road throughout during the construction phase. The pathways construction must be wide enough to allow access to the period. business and must be kept free of mud and construction debris and should not be liable to flooding. Community Road closures,  Provision of all road diversion signs and ensure  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Health and diversions and that diversion roads do not impact negatively implement mitigation. inspections Safety blocking of upon private lands.  Engineer to review throughout access routes  Any diversions will be agreed upon by the and approve construction Engineer. diversions. period.  All access routes will be kept open during Project works for at least 50% of the day during construction works and 100% of the time after construction works are completed for the day. Access  Provide safe access at all times through the  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site construction site to people whose implement mitigation. inspections residences/shelters and routes are temporarily throughout severed by road construction. construction period. Traffic safety  Provide information to the public about the  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site scope and schedule of construction activities implement mitigation. inspections and expected disruptions and access throughout restrictions. construction  Allow for adequate traffic flow around period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 276 REVISION 3.0 construction areas.  Provide adequate signalization, appropriate lighting, well-designed traffic safety signs, barriers and flag persons for traffic control.  Access roads for borrow pits, batching plants, etc, should be maintained during the construction phase and rehabilitated at the end of construction. Educational  Place warning signs outside of each school to  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Facilities alert construction vehicles of their locations implement mitigation. inspections and to be aware of children crossing the road  Contractor to provide throughout in these areas. letters to schools to construction  At least two weeks before construction starts Engineer to confirm period. within the vicinity of one of the schools listed that the schools have in Table 4-37, the Contractor will be been informed of responsible for informing the School of the impending works. works program and schedule so that the school can inform pupils of the impending works and to be vigilant throughout the construction program.  If warranted, the Engineer may recommend that the Contractor places protective barriers in-front of school entrances to prevent children rushing out from the school gates into the path of construction vehicles or works.  When working in the immediate vicinity of a school, the Contractor will cease works for at least 30 minutes before school starts and after it closes to allow children to leave the area safely and to allow parents safe access to ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 277 REVISION 3.0 collect their children. Child Labour  The Contractor will ensure that no persons  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Routine review of under the age of 18 are employed on the implement mitigation staff contracts to Project. determine age of staff. Construction  All exhaust systems will be maintained in good  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Noise and working order; properly designed engine implement mitigation. inspections Vibration enclosures and intake silencers will be throughout employed; and regular equipment maintenance construction will be undertaken. period.  Stationary equipment will be placed as far from sensitive land uses as practical and provided with shielding mechanisms where possible.  Work near Sensitive Receptors will be limited to short term activities.  Construction activities will be strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM in the residential areas.  When operating close to sensitive areas such as residential, nursery, or medical facilities, the Contractor’s hours of working will be limited to 8 AM to 6 PM.  Public notification of construction operations.  Disposal sites and haul routes will be ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 278 REVISION 3.0 coordinated with local officials. Social Accessibility  The Contractor must prepare dedicated  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Sector temporary pathways to all properties that implement mitigation. inspections might otherwise be cut off from the road throughout during the construction phase. The pathways construction must be wide enough to allow access to the period. properties and must be kept free of mud and construction debris and should not be liable to flooding. Infrastructu Electrical  During construction all power lines  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site re Systems and (transmission and distribution) and water pipes implement mitigation. inspections water pipes in the Project Corridor will be kept throughout operational, this will include temporary construction transmission lines while existing poles and period. lines are moved.  If any temporary disruption to water or power supplies caused by construction activities is absolutely necessary the Contractor must warn the affected population, and receive approval from the Engineer for the disruption at least 24 hours in advance and no disruption will last longer than 4 hours. Physical and Impacts to  In the event of any chance finds during the  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site Cultural Historical and construction works procedures will apply that implement mitigation. inspections Resources archeological are governed by GoL legislation and guidelines throughout areas and as outlined in the Contractors Chance construction Find Procedure. period. Religious  During religious holidays the Contractor will  Contractor to  Engineers NESS  Daily site not work within 250 meters of any temple. implement mitigation. inspections ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 279 REVISION 3.0 Holidays  No work shall be undertaken during the 7 day throughout Hmong New Year period at Lak 52. construction period. Table 6-3: Environmental and Social Management Plan - Operational Phase Potential Subject Mitigation Measure Responsibilities Impact / Issue Employment Use of Local  As part of the maintenance of the road the Contractor should also look into  Contractor Labor the possibility of employing the local people for the maintenance of roadside drains upon completion of rehabilitation works. Hydrology Flooding  If the rehabilitated road does result in increased run-off and flooding the issue  Contractor during defects liability will be rectified during the operational phase. period. DoR after this period. Noise Elevated noise  Consultation with stakeholders.  DoR/ESMU to undertake levels in  Take appropriate mitigation measures as agreed with local communities. consultation with stakeholders. residential areas  DoR/ESMU to implement mitigation measures and necessary. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 280 REVISION 3.0 Table 6-4: Construction and Operational Phase Instrumental Monitoring32 Issue Mitigation Locations Schedule Responsibilities Reporting Air The Engineer will Five construction Monitoring to be The Engineer will The certified Quality establish routine locations undertaken once hire certified laboratory will ambient air determined by every 6 months laboratory to provide the quality the Engineer. during perform the results to the monitoring construction monitoring Engineer within throughout the period (24 activities. one week of construction months), or as the monitoring period. In required in the activity. addition, if event of complaints are complaints. received from stakeholders regarding air quality additional monitoring maybe undertaken. The following parameters will be monitored: Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). Other parameters maybe warranted as determined by the Engineer. Noise The Engineer will Five construction Monitoring to be The Engineer will The certified establish routine locations undertaken once hire certified laboratory will noise monitoring determined by every 6 months laboratory to provide the throughout the the Engineer (at both daytime and perform the results to the construction the façade of the night-time monitoring Engineer within 32 All instrumental monitoring results shall be compared against both the national standards and WBG standards outlined in Sections 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.5.1 and 2.5.2 of this ESIA. Non-compliance shall be measured against both national and and WBG standards. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 281 REVISION 3.0 period. Noise building). The measurements activities. one week of monitoring will sensitive during the monitoring also be receptors may construction activity. conducted once include a sample period and once Before of residential Before construction building, school, construction period. In health facility, period. addition, if temple, etc. complaints are received from stakeholders regarding construction noise additional monitoring maybe undertaken. Parameters to be monitored include: Laeq 1h (dBA), Laeq 24 h (dBA) DoR to 10 villages within Annually during The DoR will N/A undertake noise the Project Operation hire certified monitoring (Laeq corridor, including once laboratory to 24h (dBA). including the five Before perform the locations construction monitoring monitored in this period. activities. ESIA. Noise monitoring locations should be at the facades of selected sensitive receptors which may include residential building, school, health facility, temple, etc. Water The Engineer will 50 meters Monitoring to be The Engineer will The certified Quality undertake water upstream from undertaken twice hire certified laboratory will quality all bridge sites during bridge laboratory to provide the monitoring during during construction perform the results to the the construction construction; 50 works monitoring Engineer within period. In meters activities. seven days of addition, if downstream of the monitoring complaints are the bridge site; ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 282 REVISION 3.0 received from activity. stakeholders regarding water quality additional monitoring maybe undertaken. Parameters to be monitored include: pH; Suspended Solids; BOD5; COD; Coliforms; Nitrate (NO3); Phosphate (PO4); Oil and Grease Other parameters maybe warranted as and when required. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 283 REVISION 3.0 6.3.2 Implementation Support and Supervision Consultant (Engineer) Responsibilities 492. The Engineer is tasked with specific responsibility to ensure safeguard compliance of civil works – with particular emphasis on the monitoring of implementation of ESMP through the Contractors SSESMP and related aspects of the project. The Engineer will ensure the Contractor’s ESHS performance is in accordance with good international industry practice and delivers the Contractor’s ESHS obligations. 493. To achieve this, the Engineer will include a part-time International Environmental and Social Specialist (IESS) (for 3 months during the first year of construction and 2 months per year for the second and the third year) and a full time National Environmental and Social Specialist (NESS) and a full time National Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (NOHSS) to monitor implementation of the ESMP during construction of all Project Components. In addition, an International Team Leader of the Implementation support and supervision consultant will take overall responsibility in ensuring that the Project is implemented consistent with the provisions of the environmental management plan (ESMP). The main responsibilities of the Engineer include, but is not limited to:  review and approve the Contractor’s Site-Specific Environment and Social Management Plan (SSESMP), including all updates and revisions (not less than once every 6 monthly);  review and approve ESHS provisions of method statements plans, proposals, schedules and all relevant Contractor’s documents;  review ESHS risks and impacts of any design change proposals and the implications for compliance with ESIA, ESMP, consent/permits and other relevant project requirements;  undertake audits, supervisions and/or inspections of any sites where the Contractor is undertaking activities related to the Works, to verify the Contractor’s compliance with ESHS requirements, with and without contractor and/or client relevant representatives, as necessary, but not less than once per month. NESS to monitor the Contractor’s implementation of his SSESMP via weekly inspections of the Contractors camps and work sites  undertake audits and inspections of Contractor’s accident logs, community liaison records, monitoring findings and other ESHS related documentation, as necessary, to confirm the Contractor’s compliance with ESHS requirements;  agree remedial action/s and their timeframe for implementation in the event of a noncompliance with the Contractor’s ESHS obligations;  attend meetings including site meetings, progress meetings to discuss and agree appropriate actions to ensure compliance with ESHS obligations;  check that the Contractor’s actual reporting (content and timeliness) is in accordance with the Contractor’s contractual obligations;  review and critique, in a timely manner, the Contractor’s ESHS documentation (including regular reports and incident reports) submitted to the Engineer and to provide advice to ensure the accuracy and efficacy of the documentation  undertake liaison, from time to time and as necessary, with project stakeholders to identify and discuss any actual or potential ESHS issues;  prepare a brief monthly and quartery report that describes the work that the Engineer’s IESS, NESS and NOSHS have undertaken, the issues (including any Contractor’s ESHS ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 284 REVISION 3.0 noncompliance, details of the Contractors activities (such as training programs, community meetings, etc) and compliance with the ESMP and SSESMP), and) identified and the actions taken to address the issues;  conduct a due diligence of the borrow pits proposed for use by contractor to ensure that the borrow pits meet requirements set out in this ESMP;  help the Contractor with the development of the Contractors SSESMPs (at least three months prior to the start of construction);  Engage external service from a certified laboratory for environmental instrumental monitoring of air quality, noise and water quality. 494. In the event that the Engineer identifies any ESMP / SSESMP non-compliance issues by the Contractor, a Non-Compliance Notice will be issued to the contractor if the Engineer requires action to be taken. The Contractor will be required to prepare a corrective action plan which is to be implemented by a date agreed with the Engineer. Non-compliance will be ranked according to the following criteria: 495. Non-Compliance Level l: A situation that is not consistent with requirements of the ESMP/SSESMP, but not believed to represent an immediate or severe social or environmental risk. Repeated Level I concerns may become Level II concerns if left unattended. 496. Non-Compliance Level II: A situation that has not yet resulted in clearly identified damage or irreversible impact, but which demonstrates potential significance. Level II requires expeditious corrective action and site-specific attention to prevent severe effects. Repeated Level II concerns may become Level III concerns if left unattended. 497. Non-Compliance Level III: A critical situation that will result in significant social or environmental damage occurring or a reasonable expectation of very severe impending damage. Intentional disregard of Non-Compliance Notices or specific prohibitions is also classified as a Level III concern. 498. The failure to prepare a corrective action plan or to implement it within the required timeframe will result in the Employer undertaking the work at the Contractor’s expense (as will be specified in the Contract). 499. A term of reference for the Engineers IESS and NESS is provided below. National Environmental and Social Specialist (NESS) 500. Scope of Services: He/she will (i) review all documents and reports regarding the integration of environmental and social including contractor’s environmental and social action plan, (ii) supervise the contractors' compliance to ESMP / SSESMP, (iii) conduct a due diligence of the borrow pits proposed for use by contractor to ensure that the borrow pits meet requirements set out in this ESMP, and (iii) prepare monthly compliance reports. 501. Qualification: Degree in environmental sciences or equivalent. Preferably five (5) years’ experience in conducting environmental and social impact assessments and implementation of environment and social mitigation plans and/or monitoring implementation of environmental and social mitigation measures during implementation of projects including highway projects funded by developing partners. 502. Time Period–The NESS will be a full-time position over the duration of the construction period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 285 REVISION 3.0 International/Regional Environmental and Social Specialist (IESS)  503. Scope of Services: During the supervision stage the IESS will prepare a detailed action plan including environmental and social monitoring checklists to be completed by the NESS to ensure that the Environmental and Social Management System is established, implemented, maintained and will monitor its performance. He/she will also take care of all environmental and social issues during construction works. He/she will also conduct environmental and social training and briefings to provide environmental awareness on World Bank and the government environmental safeguards policies, requirements and standard operating procedures in conformity with the government’s regulations and international practice; ensure baseline monitoring and reporting of Contractor’s compliance with contractual environmental and social mitigation measures during the supervision stage. The IESS will review and advise the relevant person (of the Engineer) on the ESHS risks and impacts of any design change proposals and the implications for compliance with ESIA, ESMP, consent/permits and other relevant project requirements. The IESS will also help the with the development of the Contractors SSESMPs (at least three months prior to the start of construction). The IESS will prepare Quarterly Environmental Reports providing details of the Contractors activities (such as training programs, community meetings, etc) and compliance with the ESMP and SSESMP. The IESS will conduct a due diligence of the borrow pits proposed for use by contractor/provide advice to the NESS and NOHSS in conducting the due diligence to ensure that the borrow pits meet requirements set out in this ESMP. 504. Qualification: Degree or diploma in environmental sciences or equivalent. Preferably twelve (12) years’ experience in conducting environmental and social impact assessments and implementation of environment mitigation plans and/or monitoring implementation of environmental mitigation measures and health and safety plans during implementation of projects including highway projects funded by developing partners, including 8 years’ international experience. Working knowledge in Lao Language and experience in Southeast Asian countries is preferred. 505. Time Period: The IESS will be engaged on a part-time basis for a period of 3 months during the first year of construction and 2 months per year for the second and the third year). National Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (NOHSS) Scope of Services: The NOHSS shall help prepare the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Plan which forms part of the Contractors overarching SSESMP. The NOHSS will also prepare health and safety monitoring checklists to ensure that the OHS Plan is implemented and maintained throughout the contract period. He/she will also take care of all OHS issues during construction works including conducting OHS training and daily toolbox briefings to provide OHS awareness. The NOHSS will review and advise the relevant person (of the Engineer) on the OHS risks and impacts of any design change proposals and the implications for compliance with ESIA, ESMP, consent/permits and other relevant project requirements. The NOHSS will prepare Quarterly OHS Reports providing a summary of the reporting periods monitoring checklists, incident and accident reports, non-compliance reports, training programs, etc. Qualification: A relevant, recognised OHS qualification (such as NEBOSH / IOSH / OSHA or another regionally recognized qualification). Preferably five (5) years’ experience as an OHS practitioner during implementation of large infrastructure projects including highway projects. Working knowledge of English is required. Time Period: The NOHSS will be engaged on a full-time basis over the duration of the construction period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 286 REVISION 3.0 In addition to the above positions: the RAP and EGEP Monitoring Consultants will be hired as part of supervision consulting firm to monitor RAP and EGEP implementation and ensure policy compliance by the project. 6.3.3 Contractor Responsibilities 506. The Contractors (one for each of the two Lots) will appoint one part-time Environmental and Social Manager (ESM) for six months a year, and one full-time Occupational Health and Safety Manager (OHSM) to be a senior member of the construction management team based on site for the duration of the contract. 507. The ESM will have a university degree (preferably at Masters level) in Environmental Science or related discipline and have at least 10 years work experience in environmental management of infrastructure projects. The OHSM will have a university degree and a recognized health and safety certification and at least 10 years work experience in health and safety issues for infrastructure projects. 508. Key responsibilities of the Contractor (through the ESM and OHSM) are as follows:  Preparing the Site Specific Environmental Management Plan (SSESMP) for approval by the Engineer prior to the Contractors taking possession of the construction site (see below).  Ensuring the SSESMP is implemented effectively throughout the construction period.  Coordinating community relations issues through acting as the Contractor’s community relations focal point (proactive community consultation, complaints investigation and grievance resolution).  Establishing and maintaining site records of: - Weekly site inspections using checklists based on the SSESMP; - Environmental and health and safety accidents/incidents including resolution activities; - Non-compliance notifications issued by the Engineer; - Corrective action plans issued to the Engineer in response to non-compliance 
 notices; - Community relations activities including maintaining complaints register;  Preparing monitoring reports (Monthly);  Routine reporting of SSESMP compliance and community liaison activities;  Adhoc reporting to the Engineer of environmental 
 incidents/spillages including actions taken to resolve issues; and  Provide daily toolbox training at the construction camp and also at construction sites. The ESM and OHSM will keep a record of all monthly training and toolbox training undertaken. 6.3.4 Project Management Unit (PMU) Responsibilities 509. A PMU established within the DoR will be responsible for the day to day management of the Project components including implementation of the ESMPs. The Environmental and Social Management Unit (ESMU), which is established under PMU with focal staff assigned from ESD/PTRI will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring implementation of the ESMP, RAPs, EGEP and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 287 REVISION 3.0 gender action plan (GAP). The ESMU will be headed by a manager. The PMU / ESMU responsibilities in respect of implementation of the ESMP will be as follows:  Overseeing full compliance with project safeguard instruments and will conduct monitoring of safeguard policy implementation.  Ensure that all relevant ESMP requirements (including environmental designs and mitigation measures) are duly incorporated into the project bidding documents.  Review necessary permits and/or clearance, as required, from MONRE / PONRE and other relevant government agencies, ensuring that all necessary regulatory clearances are obtained by the Contractor before commencing any civil work on the project.  Liaising with the Department of Environment and Social Impact Assessment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE).  Ensure that the Contractor has access to the ESMP and ESIA report.  Ensure that the Contractor understands his responsibilities to mitigate environmental problems associated with their construction activities and facilitate 
 training of their staff in implementation of the ESMP.  Approve the SSESMP, with support from the engineer, before the Contractor takes possession of construction site.  Undertake regular site visits to assess the Contractors compliance with the ESMP / SSESMP and make recommendations to the Contractor where non-compliance issues are identified.  Keep proper safeguards documentations.  Lead safeguard supervision and reporting at the project level. ESMU will prepare six month and annual safeguard progress report.  Integrating the gender dimension into safeguards documents, and consultation processes;  Track and report on grievances received, addressed, and overall work and implementation of the grievance redress mechanism (GRM).  Regular coordination and meetings with the Engineer to discuss Project progress and any issues. 510. The ESMU, headed by a ESMU Manager, will also be responsible for overall planning and implementation of environmental and social management for the Project, as well facilitating consultation activities, and coordination with local authorities, AHs, NGOs/civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders. The ESMU will monitor and report on the effectiveness of implementation of the ESMPs and RAPs and coordinate activities during construction and post- construction aimed at improving the environmental and social performance of the Project. 511. The ESMU will support the PMU to prepare all documentation and reports concerning the environmental and social aspects of the Project including progress reports to be submitted to PMU and DONRE/PONRE during the implementation period. 512. The team of social and resettlement specialists will undertake their tasks in accordance with TOR and job descriptions and will ensure all plans are updated and complied with. The resettlement specialist will report to the ESMU-Manager. 513. The ESMU will work closely with the Project Resettlement Committee (PRC) to review and address all complaints and grievances arising in the course of implementation of any ESMP and RAP, ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 288 REVISION 3.0 and resolve them as far as it can with the concerned parties. If the complainant is not satisfied, the matter will be resolved through appeal and tracking through the grievance redress procedure. 514. The ESMU Manager will report directly to PMU and work closely with provincial/district authorities. S/he will also work with and provide with support from the World Bank’s safeguard specialists. The role of the ESMU Manager will be to ensure that the environmental and social mitigation and monitoring measures are implemented during the course of Project construction and operation. The ESMU Manager will act on behalf of the PMU in dealing with Government agencies, PRC, or other concerned parties, and will be the MPWT/PMU representative on the PRC. 515. The activities of the Manager-ESMU will include, but not necessarily be limited to:  Maintaining good relations and communication with the local communities affected by or involve in the project;  Coordination, supervision, monitoring and reporting on activities undertaken in compliance with each ESMP, RAP and EGEP;  Liaising between the project manager (PMU), consultants, Government agencies, PRC, and contractors/agencies engaged to implement the ESMPs, EGEP and RAP;  Supervising and monitoring field activities in relation to ESMP and RAP implementation;  Supervising specific routine technical tasks of the ESMU and performance of ESMU staff and consultants; and  Preparing internal progress reports as required and reporting to the head of the PMU. 516. At the district level, project implementation teams (PIT) will be established to oversee the implementation of the project, including environmental and social safeguards, at the project towns. The responsibilities of the PIT are summarized below:  Coordinate the implementation of project activities at the district level;  Ensure the implementation of the approved work plans and program of activities;  Prepare and submit regular quarterly and annual physical and financial progress reports to the PMU;  Oversee and coordinate civil works and construction activities;  Ensure the implementation of social and environmental safeguards and including timely disclosure of safeguards documents;  Ensure the implementation of the Consultation and Participation Plan, Gender Action Plan, and Ethnic Minorities Plan;  Ensure implementation of resettlement plans including adequate measures to mitigate adverse resettlement impacts;  Coordinate implementation of environmental management plan, and submit regular monitoring reports to the PMU;  Coordinate the updating of the resettlement plans and monitor implementation of resettlement activities; and ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 289 REVISION 3.0  Undertake monitoring of project activities and prepare regular reports to the PMU on project achievements. 6.3.5 Site Specific Environmental and Social Management Plan (SSESMP) 517. Following the award of the contract and prior to construction commencing the Contractor will review the ESMP and develop this into his detailed SSESMP. The SSESMP will identify persons who will be responsible for supervising the work within the Contractor’s team. This information will be presented in a series of site plans covering the whole project site showing all environmental management requirements for all activities in the construction phase. The SSESMP will also include the following plans:  Waste Management and Recycling Plan  Clearance, Re-vegetation and Restoration Management
 Plan  Construction Camp Plan  Borrow Pit Plan  Emergency Response Plan  Air Quality Plan  Occupational Health and Safety Plan  Traffic Management Plan  Spill Response Plan  Labour Influx Management Plan  Chance Find Procedure 518. The SSESMP will also include a monitoring plan and a reporting program corresponding to the requirements of the ESMP. The SSESMP, and all of its plans without exception, will be submitted to the Engineer, PMU and World Bank for review and will require approval from the Engineer prior to the Contractor taking possession of any work site. 519. It is recommended that the Engineers’ IESS supports the Contractor’s ESM through on the job training in the preparation of the SSESMP. 6.3.6 Site Induction 520. Following approval of the SSESMP the Contractor will be required to attend a site induction meeting with the Engineers IESS whereby the SSESMP is confirmed with the Contractor to ensure that all compliance conditions are clearly understood. Following confirmation of the SSESMP with the Contractor the Engineers IESS advises the Engineers Team Leader that the Contractor is now cleared to take possession of the Site and may commence moving equipment to the Site. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all sub-contractors abide by the conditions of the SSESMP. 6.3.7 Reporting 521. Contractors Reporting - The Contractor will prepare two levels of environmental reports: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 290 REVISION 3.0 1. Weekly Environmental Checklists – These will be prepared weekly by the Contractors ESM and will be submitted to the Engineer on a weekly basis. A sample Checklist is provided by Appendix T. 2. Monthly Summary Report - in respect of compliance with ESMP / SSESMP requirements that will be submitted to the PMU through the Engineer. The report will contain sections relating to:  environmental incidents or non-compliances with contract requirements, including contamination, pollution or damage to ground or water supplies, temples or cultural heritage site, protected areas, etc;  health and safety incidents, accidents, injuries and all fatalities that require treatment;  interactions with regulators: identify agency, dates, subjects, outcomes (report the negative if none);  status of all permits and agreements: o work permits: number required, number received, actions taken for those not received; o status of permits and consents: - list areas/facilities with permits required (quarries, asphalt & batch plants), dates of application, dates issued (actions to follow up if not issued), dates submitted to the engineer, status of area (waiting for permits, working, abandoned without reclamation, decommissioning plan being implemented, etc.); - list areas with landowner agreements required (borrow and spoil areas, camp sites), dates of agreements, dates submitted to resident engineer (or equivalent); - identify major activities undertaken in each area this month and highlights of environmental and social protection (land clearing, boundary marking, topsoil salvage, traffic management, decommissioning planning, decommissioning implementation);  health and safety supervision: o occupational, health and safety officer: number days worked, number of full inspections & partial inspections, reports to construction/project management; o number of workers, work hours, metric of PPE use, worker violations observed (by type of violation, PPE or otherwise), warnings given, repeat warnings given, follow- up actions taken (if any);  worker accommodations: o number of expats housed in accommodations, number of locals; o date of last inspection, and highlights of inspection including status of accommodations’ compliance with national and local law and good practice, including sanitation, space, etc; o actions taken to recommend/require improved conditions, or to improve conditions. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 291 REVISION 3.0  HIV/AIDS: provider of health services, information and/or training, location of clinic, number of non-safety disease or illness treatments and diagnoses (no names to be provided);  gender (for expats and locals separately): number of female workers, percentage of workforce, gender issues raised and dealt with (cross-reference grievances or other sections as needed);  training: o number of new workers, number receiving induction training, dates of induction training; o number and dates of toolbox talks, number of workers receiving Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental and social training; o number and dates of HIV/AIDS sensitization training, no. workers receiving training (this month and in the past); same questions for gender sensitization, flaglady/flagman training.  environmental and social supervision: o Environmental and social person(s): days worked, areas inspected and numbers of inspections of each (road section, work camp, accommodations, quarries, borrow areas, spoil areas, stream crossings, etc.), highlights of activities/findings (including violations of environmental and/or social best practices, actions taken), reports to environmental and/or social specialist/construction/site management; and o community liaison person(s): days worked (hours community center open), number of people met, highlights of activities (issues raised, etc.), reports to environmental and/or social specialist /construction/site management.  Grievances: list this month’s and unresolved past grievances by date received, complainant, how received, to whom referred to for action, resolution and date (if completed), data resolution reported to complainant, any required follow-up (Cross-reference other sections as needed): o Worker grievances; o Community grievances  Traffic and vehicles/equipment: o traffic accidents involving project vehicles & equipment: provide date, location, damage, cause, follow-up; o accidents involving non-project vehicles or property (also reported under immediate metrics): provide date, location, damage, cause, follow-up; o overall condition of vehicles/equipment (subjective judgment by environmentalist); non-routine repairs and maintenance needed to improve safety and/or environmental performance (to control smoke, etc.).  Environmental mitigations and issues (what has been done): o dust: number of working bowsers, number of waterings/day, number of complaints, warnings given by environmentalist, actions taken to resolve; highlights of quarry ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 292 REVISION 3.0 dust control (covers, sprays, operational status); % of rock/muram/spoil lorries with covers, actions taken for uncovered vehicles; o erosion control: controls implemented by location, status of water crossings, environmentalist inspections and results, actions taken to resolve issues, emergency repairs needed to control erosion/sedimentation; o quarries, borrow areas, spoil areas, batch plants: identify major activities undertaken this month at each, and highlights of environmental and social protection: land clearing, boundary marking, topsoil salvage, traffic management, decommissioning planning, decommissioning implementation; o blasting: number of blasts (and locations), status of implementation of blasting plan (including notices, evacuations, etc.), incidents of off-site damage or complaints (cross-reference other sections as needed); o spill cleanups, if any: material spilled, location, amount, actions taken, material disposal (report all spills that result in water or soil contamination; o waste management: types and quantities generated and managed, including amount taken offsite (and by whom) or reused/recycled/disposed on-site; o details of tree plantings and other mitigations required undertaken this month;  compliance: o compliance status for conditions of all relevant consents/permits, for the Work, including quarries, etc.): statement of compliance or listing of issues and actions taken (or to be taken) to reach compliance; o compliance status of ESMP/SSESMP requirements: statement of compliance or listing of issues and actions taken (or to be taken) to reach compliance, status of all non- conformance identified during audits and inspections that are 
identified by non- compliance notices.  other unresolved issues from previous months related to environmental and social: continued violations, continued failure of equipment, continued lack of vehicle covers, spills not dealt with, continued compensation or blasting issues, etc. Cross-reference other sections as needed. 522. The Contractor will have a duty to immediately and witin 24 hours report to the Engineer if any serious environmental breach has occurred during construction e.g. clearing of sensitive areas, serious oil spills etc. This including serious accident cases and fatality. 523. Engineer Reporting – The Engineer will prepare two levels of environmental reports as follows: 524. Monthly Environmental Report – prepared by the NESS and submitted to the PMU. This monthly report will summarize the Contractors environmental performance based on the Contractors weekly checklists and the weekly site visits by the NESS. 525. Quarterly Environmental Report – prepare by the IESS and submitted to the PMU and World Bank, this report will be more detailed that the monthly monitoring reports and will include findings of the IESS site visits to the Contractors work sites and camps. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 293 REVISION 3.0 The Engineer will have a duty to immediately and witin 24 hours report to the PMU and World Bank if any serious environmental breach has occurred during construction e.g. clearing of sensitive areas, serious oil spills etc. This including serious accident cases and fatality. PMU Reporting – The ESMU/PMU will prepare six month and annual safeguard progress report and submit to the World Bank. 6.3.8 World Bank responsibilities 526. In regard to implementation of environmental and social safeguards requirements for the project include: undertaking periodic monitoring of the ESMP / SSESMP implementation and due diligence as part of an overall project review mission; and if required, provide advice to the PMU in carrying out its responsibilities to implement the ESMP for the project. 6.4 PMU Capacity Building Requirements 527. The PMU/ESMU has experienced Safeguard Specialists with experience of oversight of these types of road rehabilitation projects. However, PMU/ESMU capacity to implement and supervise implementation of mitigation measures amd monitoring program that meet international best practices could be further strengthened. The engineer’s International Environmental and Social Specialist tasks will include strengthening the capacity of DoR/ESMU to implement and monitor environmental and social mitigation measures and monitoring as specified in the project ESIA/ESMP. Study tour to other countries for PMU/ESMU (DOR/PTRI) safeguards specialists is also supported by the on-going LRSP2 project currently undertaking by MPWT under the World Bank and NDF supports. 6.5 ESMP Costs 528. Most costs associated with the environmental recommendations of the ESMP are a normal part of preparing the bid and contract documents and ensuring that proper environmental provisions are incorporated therein. The installation of septic systems at construction camps, for example, is an environmental necessity, but not generally considered an “environmental cost�. Table 6-5 lists the proposed mitigation measures and indicates where they would be “included in the project budget� as part of a bid document and where additional costs are a likely “environmental cost� beyond what would normally be included in a project budget. Table 6-5: ESMP Mitigation Costs Number of Units / Cost estimate / Activity Item Responsibility Unit cost US$ Pre-construction SSESMP SSESMP and Included in Project - Contractor associated plans Budget Approval of Approval Included in Project - PMU / Engineer Camp locations Budget Incorporation of Item in Bid Included in Project - PMU Environmental Document Budget Items into Bid Documents ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 294 REVISION 3.0 Obtain permits Permits Included in Project - Contractor Budget UXO UXO Surveys Included in Project - Contractor Budget Construction Standard site Septic Tanks Included in Project - Contractor management Construction costs Additional Spill Kits 20 / US$200 4,000 Contractor environmental Bunds for fuel and oil Included in Project - Contractor measures storage Construction costs Waste containers Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Waste Storage areas Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Waste collection and Included in Project - Contractor disposal Construction costs Storage areas for Included in Project - Contractor hazardous materials Construction costs Sprinklers for rock Included in Project - Contractor crushing plant Construction costs Drainage (including Included in Project - Contractor oil and grease Construction costs interceptors) Vehicle washing bay Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Fire safety Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs PPE Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Impervious Included in Project - Contractor hardstanding (for Construction costs maintenance yards, bitumen storage, etc) First aid facilities Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Animal Crossings Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Fencing around 8 / $,2000 $16,000 Contractor ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 295 REVISION 3.0 borrow pits Protective barriers at 20 s / $1,000 $1,000 Contractor school entrances Water bowsers Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Water sprinklers Included in Project - Contractor (rock crushing plant) Construction costs Dust control Included in Project - Contractor measures (rock Construction costs crushing and batching plants) Tarpaulins Included in Project - Contractor Construction costs Tree / Vegetation Labour and water Included in Project - Contractor maintenance Construction costs Embankment Vegetation, labour Included in Project - Contractor vegetation and and maintenance Budget soil erosion measures Training & Safety Training Included in Project - Contractor Awareness Budget Programs HIV/AIDS Training 4 / US$1,000 4,000 Independent Contractor Toolbox Training Included in Project - Contractor Budget Construction Included in Project - Contractor orientation meetings Budget Periodic meetings Included in Project - Contractor with stakeholders Budget Clean-up of Labor, waste disposal Included in Project - Contractor construction Budget sites. Environmental ESM 18 / US$ 2,000 x 2 72,000 Contractor Staff contracts 36 / US$ 2,000 x 2 OSHM 144,000 Contractor contracts IESS 7 / US$ 12,000 84,000 Engineer NESS 36 / US$ 1,500 54,000 Engineer ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 296 REVISION 3.0 NOHSS 36 / US$ 1,500 54,000 Engineer Total Cost US$ 433,000 Table 6-6: ESMP Instrumental Monitoring Costs Activity / Unit Cost / Total Cost Source: Source: Frequency Responsibility Item USD / USD WB GoL 1. Air Once every 1,550 per 37,200 Engineer X Quality six months at site Monitoring locations specified by the Engineer (maximum five sites) 2. Noise Once every 800 per site 16,000 Engineer X Monitoring six months at locations specified by the Engineer (maximum five sites) 3, Water Twice during 385 per site 5,390 Engineer X Quality construction Monitoring period at the bridge sites crossing rivers (seven sites).* Total 58,590 Table 6-7 – Operational Monitoring Costs Activity / Unit Cost / Annual Source: Source: Frequency Responsibility Item USD Cost / USD WB GoL 1. Noise Annually at 800 per site 4,000 DoR X Monitoring five locations 6.6 ESMP Implementation summary 529. The following Table (Table 6-8) summarizes the various institutional responsibilities for the implementation of the environmental management plan at various stages of the Project. Table 6-8: ESMP Implementation Responsible Project Stage Responsibilities Institution Detailed Design PMU/ESMU with the  Incorporate ESMP mitigation measures into ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 297 REVISION 3.0 Detailed Design Consultant engineering design. and ESIA Team. PMU/ ESMU  Ensure ESMP is incorporated into the works Contracts. PMU/ ESMU  Review Contractors proposals to ensure that they are aware of the ESMP requirements and that line items for environmental management as per the ESMP are included in the BOQ. Pre-construction Contractor  Prepare SSESMP  Obtain all necessary environmental and social related permits for construction. Engineer, World Bank and  Review and approve SSESMP PMU/ ESMU Contractor and Engineer  Site Induction Construction Contractor (through its  Daily monitoring of environmental and social issues. ESM)  Preparation of weekly environmental and social checklists.  Preparation of Monthly environmental and social reports.  Preparing Corrective action plans. PMU/ ESMU  Routine site visits to monitor Contractors environmental and social performance. Engineer  Weekly monitoring of the Contractors compliance with ESMP / SSESMP by the NESS.  Issuing the Contractor with Non-compliance Notices.  Monthly reporting to PMU/ESMU of Contractors performance based on the review of Contractors weekly checklists and weekly site visits.  Quarterly Environmental and Social Reports prepared by the IESS and submitted to PMU/PTRI and World Bank.  Implement instrumental monitoring per Table 6-6. Operation PMU/ ESMU  Instrumental monitoring of noise and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 298 REVISION 3.0 ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 299 REVISION 3.0 7. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS, INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND GREIVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 7.1 Public Consultations 530. According to OP 4.01 “For all Category A and B projects proposed for IBRD or IDA financing, during the EA process, the borrower consults project-affected groups and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about the project's environmental aspects and takes their views into account. The borrower initiates such consultations as early as possible�. 531. Accordingly, this section of the report provides the results of the consultations undertaken during the preparation of this ESIA report. 7.2 Public Consultations Methodology 532. Consultations with stakeholders have been undertaken in two phases, during the Project scoping and during the draft ESIA phase. In addition, the social survey team undertook a number of FGD’s during the initial phase of the study. 7.2.1 Scoping Consultations Methodology 533. Consultations were undertaken in Naxaithong and Phonhong during June 2017. The meetings were arranged by the DoR/PTRI and involved more than 150 stakeholders. The consultations were undertaken with a range of stakeholders, including local government officials and local residents. PowerPoint presentations were prepared for the meetings (including handouts of the presentations) outlining:  The need for ESIA  Regulatory Requirements  Need for the Project  Project Description  Potential Impacts  Potential Benefits  Scope of Work for ESIA and Schedule 534. The presentations were given in Lao by the International Environmental Specialist, the National Environmental Specialist and the DoR. A copy of the scoping presentation is provided in Appendix U. 535. The stakeholders were then invited to express their opinions on the Project, and to identify any issues that they felt would be potentially significant during the construction and operational phase of the Project. These key issues would then be studied in more detail at the ESIA phase of the Project. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 300 REVISION 3.0 7.2.2 Draft ESIA Consultations Methodology 536. Consultations were undertaken in Naxaithong and Phonhong during September 2017. The meetings were arranged by the DoR and involved more than 400 stakeholders. The consultations were undertaken with a range of stakeholders, including local government officials and local residents. PowerPoint presentations were prepared for the meetings (including handouts of the presentations) outlining:  Project Description.  Description of Alternatives.  Identified Impacts (positive and negative).  Proposed Mitigation Measures.  Grievance Redress Mechanism. 537. The presentations were given in Lao by the International Environmental Specialist and the National Environmental Specialist. A copy of the presentation used in the meeting is provided in Appendix W. 538. The stakeholders were then invited to express their opinions on the impacts and proposed mitigation measures, and to identify any other mitigation measures that they felt would help improve the Project. These mitigation measures, if considered appropriate, would be included within this ESIA and its ESMP. 7.3 Public Consultations 7.3.1 Scoping Consultations 539. The following section provides a summary of the two scoping consultations undertaken in Naxaithong and Phonhong on 21st June 2017. The minutes of meeting can be found in Appendix V along with the list of attendees. Naxaithong:  The Vice Governor asked during the construction phase what project owner will do to solve problems relating to water supply system, power grid and fiber optical wire under the earth that might be affected?  One participant from village in Naxaithong questioned about compensation for the project who will be responsible? He proposed the project to consider providing a pavement extending from a junction that an access road connects to the project’s road about in order to reduce dust and mud from the access road to the project’s road. He also added that the project should not make road shoulders and median too large because it is not effective and wastes space. He also requested that there should be a specific lane for bicycle and motorbike and traffic lights.  Participant from Songpeuaytai village wanted to know why power grid line along the road some area are far from the road but some are close to the road?  The Vice Governor also requested all village authorities to dissemtinate information to their affected villagers in order to have a better understanding and contribution to the project. Phonhong: ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 301 REVISION 3.0  One participant from village in Phonhong asked how the project will solve a problem if it affects land use of temple, school, temple’s fence\gate or school’s gate?  The delegation from Phon Ngeun village said there are two ethnic groups in the village, Khmu and Lao. Traditionally, we either cremate or burry death body. If the project will have an impact on our cemetery, it should be suitable treat according to the tradition of ethnic group.  Representatives from Hongleuay village said a construction company that will carry out the work should pay an attention on environmental issues, complete the construction as planned, watering the road to control dust problem and provide a crosswalk.  Delegation from Natural Resource and Environment Department, Vientiane province said, “the compensation has to refer to Decree no. 84/PM; the impact assessment no.8029 and 8030, etc.�  Delegation from Mai village: said “the water supply of the village may be affected by the project, how to solve this issue?� 7.3.2 Focus Group Discussion Findings 540. Sixty-eight FGDs were undertaken in forty-four locations within the Project corridor. The main findings of the FGDs are discussed throughout Section 5.8 and are presented in full in Appendix E. 7.3.3 Draft ESIA Consultations Findings 541. The following section provides a summary of the two draft ESIA consultations undertaken in Naxaithong and Phonhong on 27th September 2017. The minutes of meeting can be found in Appendix X along with the list of attendees. Naxaithong: 1. Deputy Village Head of Phangheng: How does the project calculate compensation cost for affected people if their structure will be partially affected e.g. 2 m into the structure but they have to demolish the whole structure because it is not safe? - Answer. Provided by resettlement team. 2. Ban Sikeut: - Question. The project should pave the local road to Ban Nalom. - Answer. Paving local roads is not currently part of the Project. 3. Ban Ilai Tai: - Comment. Totally agree with the proposed project but compensation should be carried out before the construction. - Response. Provided by resettlement team. - Question. Noise impact due to poor road condition cause a significant health impact to local people that reside along the road. - Answer. We agree, as the presentation noted noise levels are high, therefore we would like to understand what types of noise reduction levels you would like to see as part of the Project. (after this followed some discussion about types of noise mitigation measures, see Section 5 for full details). 4. Naxaithong retired solder association: - Comment. Strongly support the project. - Comment. The construction should have good quality because previous construction the quality was very poor. This resulted in many accidents and casualties recorded in this area. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 302 REVISION 3.0 - Response. The DD Consultant will incorporate a range of safety measures in the Project. The road will be constructed to international standards. 5. Village Font -Ilai Neua: - Comment. Agree with what proposed by the project. - Question. Regarding to previous survey for 25m ROW that had been measured, what will we do about the impacts areas if the new ROW now is 12m. - Answer. Provided by resettlement team. 6. Ban Chengsavang - Comment. The village used to have a bad experience from the China-Vientiane Railway project as contractor for the project did not rehabilitate/properly clear lands associated with construction wastes. In some case, they invaded the lands or demolished structures without seeking permission from the owners. Hence, the proposed project should avoid such mentioned issues. - Response. A supervision Engineer will monitor the Project works to ensure these issues do not occur. In addition, there will be a grievance redress mechanism to allow locals to make complaints about the Project to the Engineer, PMU and Contractor. 7. Owner of Gas station at Ban Douang - Comment. Designing median for the project should consider providing a crossing point for vehicles on both directions in order to minimize impact for his business. - Response. The DD Consultant is considering the locations for pedestrian crossings. 8. Ban Nanga - Comment. There are 3 dangerous curves along the road in the village boundary therefore the project should improve the curves to have a safety standard. - Response. The DD consultant is changing the alignment of one dangerous curve. All other sections of the road will be constructed to the design specifications to ensure safety. Phonhong: 1. Representative of villagers: - Comment. All villagers agree with the proposed project because they have a chance to use the road soon and reduce time for traveling to the city. - Comment. What the people want to know most is detail of the compensation and they should be fairly compensated by the project. - Response. Provided by resettlement team. 2. Villager: - Comment. Experiences from past projects in this area, dust was a big problem due to structures along a road and existing pavement had been removed to pave way for the construction. However, after the removal of such obstructions the construction had never started. This leaded to a severe dust pollution and health impact on local people in the areas from traffic that used the road. - Response. In construction zones where high dust levels are occurring the roads will be watered three times per day during the dry season. 542. Of the 508 people who attended the ESIA consultations 263 were male and 245 were female. 493 participants were classified their ethnicity as Lao, 7 as Hmong and 8 as Khmu. 543. Upon completion of both ESIA consultation meetings (and the previous days EGDP Consultations (with 46 people)) participants were asked to respond if they supported the Project, or not. 427, out of a total of 554 people supported the Project and 127 people did not reply. No negative responses were received. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 303 REVISION 3.0 544. Participants were also asked to provide any written responses to the presentation findings. Table 7-1 summarizes the comments received. Table 7-1: Summary of Comments Received in Writing from ESIA Consultations Ethnic Total Comment Lao Hmong Khmu Foreigner The construction must be started as 13 0 0 0 13 soon as possible. Street lights are needed. 4 0 0 0 4 Construction must be within the time 7 0 0 0 7 frame to avoid more impacts on the livelihoods along the road. Safety sign board must be put up 2 0 0 0 2 during the construction. Regulations must be developed to 2 0 0 0 2 manage all impacts during the construction. Want to know about the RoW. 1 0 0 0 1 If the 2 meter temporary affected land 2 0 0 0 2 reserved for the construction work can be used after project completion. Need 4 to 8 lane road. 8 0 0 0 8 Concern about the drainage capacity. 4 0 0 0 4 Dust during the construction. 13 0 1 0 14 Good standard road is needed. 10 0 0 0 10 Qualified contractor is needed. 2 0 0 0 2 Noise disturbance during and after the 10 0 0 0 10 construction. Concern about increased incidence of 3 0 0 0 3 accidents with the improved road. Soil, gravels and other construction 1 0 0 0 1 materials must be removed from the affected land when the construction is completed. Sharp curve sections must be fixed. 2 0 0 0 2 Pedestrian bridge must be built in 3 0 0 0 3 critical sections vulnerable to accidents. No Comment. 426 24 12 1 463 Agree with 2 length. 1 0 0 0 1 Less accident after construction. 1 0 0 0 1 Need the concrete road. 1 0 0 0 1 Total 516 24 13 1 554 7.4 Planned Information Disclosure 545. The draft ESIA will be disclosed on the MPWT website and the World Bank website in ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 304 REVISION 3.0 December 2017. Final ESIA reports will be disclosed once finalized. 7.5 Grievance Mechanism 546. Due to differing perceptions, values, objectives and responsibilities among different stakeholders, a range of conflicts may occur among and between affected people, resettled villages, district authorities, central government and others. Avoidance is preferable to resolution, but that is not always possible. While the consultative and participatory nature of the ESIA and RAP are aimed at reducing disagreements and conflicting positions, in instances where disagreements do occur, it is important that they are resolved quickly before positions harden and the conflict escalates. The earlier that discord is recognized and dealt with, the higher the chance of a successful outcome. Grievances related to environmental and social issues from directly or indirectly affected ethnic groups as a result of implementation of the project will be resolved by the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) through the project grievance redress mechanism. 547. Article 23 and 24 of the Compensation and Resettlement Decree (No. 84/GOL, 2016) requires the project to establish an effective mechanism for grievance resolution. The decree requires that the project proponent, MPWT & DoR, are responsible for setting up the grievance redress mechanism and to take actions to resolve issues. 548. Prior to project commencement, village leaders have participated in the survey of directly affected people’s land, assets and livelihoods. Prior to the construction the village leaders together with the PMU will continue to conduct free, prior and informed consultation with affected groups, including businesses and project affected persons (PAP) and project affected households (PAH) to further discuss options in the case of land acquisition and land donation. The whole process will be well documented. All complaints and grievances will be received in writing, or if given verbally then written at the same time and place, from PAP and PAH and duly recorded by each level of the grievance committee (See forms A to F in Appendix Z). PAP and PAH will be exempted from all administrative and legal fees incurred pursuant to the grievance redress procedures. 549. Grievance committees have been set up and approved in August and July 2017 by the Mayor of Vientiane Capital and Governor of Vientiane Province respectively. The committee members in each district composed of the following parties:  Deputy Chief of the District.  Deputy Director of DPWT of both Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province.  Head of District PWTI Office.  Head of District Office for Natural Resources and Environment (PONRE).  Head of District Agriculture and Forestry.  Chairman of District Lao Front for National Development.  Chairman of District Lao Women Union. 550. The role and responsibilities identified in these directions for the establishment of the grievance committees in each district include:  Coordination with MPWT, village authorities and other concerned parties to create awareness of the project purpose and to mobilize for cooperation with the project.  Monitor compensation of the affected lands, structures and crops. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 305 REVISION 3.0  Coordinate with the project officers in monitoring of compensation payment of the affected land, structures and crops approved by the government.  Resolve grievances, problems and settle compensations according to legal frameworks and security.  Report periodically on the compensation implementation to the higher authorities and to seek guidance. 551. Since the provincial authorities in both Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province have already established the grievance committees in their respective provinces it is recommended that village grievance committee should also be established in every affected village that will be composed of the following parties:  Village chief.  Village authority member, who is responsible for the economic/tax collection issues.  Village Lao Women’s Union.  Village Front for National Development.  Two Representatives from the PAPs (one man and one woman).  Two representatives from the ethnic PAPs (in the villages were there are ethnic PAPs). 552. It is also recommended that an independent civil society organization with relevant experience in resettlement issues should be involved in helping filing grievances to the project grievance committee. A hot-line and complaint boxes in each village should also be set up for the AP to raise their grievance. 553. While every effort will be made to resolve conflicts by mutual agreement of the parties involved, in some cases, arbitration and adjudication on disagreements and conflicts by an external mediator will be required and it is under the responsibility of PMU to find the suitable independent agency. If a PAP, PAH or group is not satisfied with, or has a complaint about, an aspect of the environmental impacts, resettlement or compensation package, or if for any reason the compensation does not materialize according to the procedures set out in the RAP and as agreed between the PAP and PMU, the PAPs have the right to make a claim. 554. The various phases or stages of conflict development and appropriate interventions are summarized in Table 7-2. Table 7-2: Phases of Conflict and Possible Interventions Stage Intervention Stage Intervention Conflict avoidance Consultation & participation in planning, decision making Simple disagreements Informal negotiation, discussion and mediation Early conflict development Reference to village leaders and VRC Conflicting positions taken Reference to district/provincial level committees Intractable conflict Refer conflict to Provincial or National Court ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 306 REVISION 3.0 555. To ensure that the basic rights and interests of PAPs are protected, that their concerns are adequately addressed, and that entitlements are delivered in full and in a timely manner, a grievance procedure has been designed for the Project and is outlined below. There are basic steps to resolve grievances, as described below. 556. Step One - the first step is for the PAP or a group of households to approach the VRC which is chaired by the village chief and present the grievance. Various village leaders and members of VRC can be involved in helping resolve grievances at the village level, as shown in Table 7-3. In most cases, issues can be resolved through discussions and mediation at this level. At village level resolving a grievance should take between 1 to 3 days. 557. If the complaint or grievance could not be resolved at village level, or if the claimant was not satisfied with the decision, the next step can be taken, either by the claimant or the VGC on his/her behalf to the district level. Table 7-3: Village Level Resettlement Tasks and Responsibilities Specific Task Responsible person Provide information and other required data to DMS Team Village chiefs Certify PAP and PAH and submit the affected lists to DMS Team Assist the DMS Team in data collection from Deputy village chief (responsible for land tax affected PAP and PAH collection) along with VGC members and the PAPs Assist the DMS Team in identifying and entitlement of PAP and PAH Assist in grievance redresses and identification Represent PAPs and PAHs in grievance resolutions Mobilize assistance to PAPs and PAHs Participate in monitoring and evaluation 558. Step Two - the next step is to present the grievance or complaint at the district level. This will be to the District/Provincial Grievance Committee (D/PGC) which is chaired by the Deputy Chief of the District. At this level the grievance should be addressed within 5 to 15 days. If the D/PGC cannot resolve the matter or the PAP is not satisfied with the proposal of the D/PGC, the PAP may take the case to the next level. 559. Step Three - the third step is access to the court system. In the first instance the case or grievance will be presented to District and Provincial Court. It will be in the interest of the MPWT/DoR/PMU, D/PRC, and affected parties to resolve issues before they are brought to the District and Provincial Court. If the grievance can still not be resolved, or the PAP is not yet satisfied with the findings, the second instance is for the claimant to present the case at National Court. Access to the courts is obviously a last resort. At the district level MPWT/DoR/PMU would be primary witnesses in order to both: (i) respond to the claimant’s grievance in terms of prior ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 307 REVISION 3.0 activities undertaken, etc; and, (ii) ensure that the claim is reviewed within the context of the existing policy, regulations, procedures and entitlement limits, and that the compensation awarded does not go beyond established matter of practice. The findings of the committee will be obligatory. The D/PGC and PMU must maintain a log book showing all complaints and grievances received and the decisions made. These records will be monitored as part of both internal and external monitoring procedures. The PGC cannot award compensation in excess of what is established as a matter of practice, or not within budgets which they are operating. The D/PGC must respond to any complaint or claim between 15 and 30 days. 560. MPWT/DoR/PMU will be responsible for meeting the administrative and legal costs that will be incurred in the resolution of complaints and grievances. If the grievance relates to a dispute over the valuation of an asset to be acquired, then the MPWT/DoR/PMU will acquire of an additional independent assessor to inform the decision of the relevant grievance redress committee. The grievance redress committees will function, for the benefit of PAP and PAH, during the entire life of the project, including the defects liability period. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 308 REVISION 3.0 Figure 7-1: Grievance Resolution Flow Chart Submission of grievances (both social and environmental impacts) Grievance resolution at VGC level (1 to 3 days) Solved End Not solved Grievance resolution at District/Provincial GV level (5 to 15 days) Solved End Not solved Grievance resolution at Court level ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 309 REVISION 3.0 8. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 8.1 Conclusions 561. This ESIA has established that there are no significant environmental issues that cannot be either totally prevented or adequately mitigated to levels acceptable Lao PDR and international standards for all Project activities. 8.2 Recommendations 562. The ESMP, its mitigation and monitoring programs, contained herewith will be included within the Bidding documents for project works for all Project components. The Bid documents state that the Contractor will be responsible for the implementation of the requirements of the ESMP through his own SSESMP which will adopt all of the conditions of the ESMP and add site specific elements that are not currently known, such as the Contractors borrow pit locations. This ensures that all potential bidders are aware of the environmental requirements of the Project and its associated environmental costs. 563. The ESMP and all its requirements will then be added to the Contractors Contract, thereby making implementation of the ESMP a legal requirement according to the Contract. He will then prepare his SSESMP which will be approved and monitored by the Engineer. Should the Engineer note any non-conformance with the SSESMP (and the ESMP) the Contractor can be held liable for breach of the contractual obligations of the ESMP. To ensure compliance with the SSESMP the Contractor should employ an Environmental and Social Manager to monitor and report Project activities throughout the Project Construction phase. ESIA OF NR13 NORTH 310